ISSUE NO. 1554 // 16 - 22 APRIL 2015
EWN FRONT EXTRA
Gone phishing A 28-YEAR-OLD Almeria resident has received a 21-month sentence for removing €4,000 from another woman’s bank account after fraudulently obtaining her details via ‘phishing’.
Green paths THE national government has declared the Guadix-Almendricos and Lucainena de Las TorresAguamarga ‘camino verde’ routes of public interest.
Franco claim ALMERIA is amongst those provinces accused of retaining Franco era symbols by a human rights lawyer to coincide with the 84th anniversary of the Second Republic.
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Non-emergencies clogging up A&E TORRECARDENAS Hospital treated a daily average of 408 A&E patients last year. The 149,154 total is the equivalent of the combined populations of Nijar, Adra and Roquetas. Nevertheless, this is down on the number of people who sought emergency treatment 10 years ago, the hospital authorities pointed out. When patients arrive, they are assessed according to the Manchester triage system, whose five levels determine the severity of a patient’s condition. Hospital statistics show that 60 per cent of those who arrived at Torrecardenas A&E last year - approximately 90,000 - belonged to the lowest Level 4 and Level 5 categories. To put it another way, they did not need to go to a hospital for emergency treatment at all and
instead required primary care health treatment. Reducing this percentage is one of the provincial hospital’s priorities, said Francisco Anton, overall manager of the Torrecardenas complex.
Possible solutions include a separate area for assessing less pressing cases as well as a separate area for treating low-priority ones. It is also hoped to extend the facilities for Level Two and Level Three patients, Anton said.
‘Ghost’ helicopter probe GUARDIA CIVIL investigators are reportedly close to clearing up the mystery of Nijar’s ‘ghost’ helicopter. As reported earlier in EWN it was discovered abandoned, lying on its side with extensive damage, in Fernan Perez. Sniffer dogs located traces of marihuana. The helicopter’s former owners have now been traced to Helicopters del Mediterrani in Mallorca. But the Guardia Civil are more likely to be concentrating on the foreign buyers who acquired it, reports say.
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VISIT: Antonio Sanz (first right) at Salvamento Maritimo’s co-ordination centre.
Delegate praises rescue service
ANTONIO SANZ, the national government’s delegate in Andalucia, has visited Almeria’s Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre. During the first three months of this year, Almeria’s Salvamento Maritimo service organised 61 emergency operations. These accounted for almost 40 per cent of 154 airsea rescues carried out in Andalucia during the period. Sanz drew attention to the centre’s
“intensely efficient and caring tasks” in assisting 443 of the 757 people rescued between January and April in Andalucia. Only days after Sanz’s visit, Salvamento Maritimo put to sea once more and brought to safety the 26 occupants of an immigrant boat or ‘patera’ after it was spotted almost four kilometres south of Alboran Island off the Morocco coast by the Spanish army unit stationed there.
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Field work VERA schoolchildren were introduced to archaeology at El Palmeral park. After ‘discovering’ a replica of a Roman statue, the director of Vera’s archaeological museum explained an excavation.
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Bargain for towed-away cars IT costs less to retrieve a towedaway car in Almeria than in most Spanish cities. There is some consolation in knowing that what costs a total of €205 in Zaragoza sets a driver back ‘only’ €66 in Almeria City. City halls use the municipal tow-truck to make quick money rather than providing a public service by facilitating traffic flow,
the consumer association OCU claimed. After a study of 54 Spanish cities, OCU calculated an average national ‘grua’ charge of €100 which is 30 per cent more than the cost of a private towtruck. Mo s t expensive after Zaragoza are San Sebastian in the north of Spain and Valen-
cia where it costs a flat €152 with no per-hour charge for the privilege of paying for occupying space in the municipal deposit. Almeria is amongst the cheapest, a category it shares with Huelva, Gijon and Zamora amongst others, all of whose city halls charge less than the €70 cost of a private ‘grua.’ aaltair / Shutterstock.com
Risky habit FIREMAN evacuated a 45year-old woman suffering from smoke inhalation after her El Ejido home caught fire. It was believed to have started in her bedroom and was caused by a cigarette.
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Employment aid FORTY-TWO unemployed Cuevas del Almanzora residents aged 18 to 65 found work through the Junta’s Work Contract programme. Official funding of €48,703 covered their Administration maintenance jobs. Slight rise THE retail price index (IPC) both in Andalucia and nationally climbed 0.6 per cent in March. This increase on February’s figure was due to dearer petrol, the National Statistics Institute revealed. Mere facelift The €507,000 restructuring at Pechina’s Jose Diaz Diaz school promised seven years ago will be substituted with €84,000 ‘improvements.’ The Junta’s plans are a mere facelift, the town hall said. Paseo plan THE Madrid government and Almeria City Hall agreement to complete the Paseo Maritimo could be signed in May. The central government allocated more than €2 million to the project in 2012. Match play THE Guardia Civil meet the gypsies of the Los Galgos team in their annual football match at 5pm this Saturday at Garrucha’s Emilio Moldenhauer stadium. Entrance is free but non-perishable food donations are requested.
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Good food customers
ALMERIA growers sold produce worth €109 million to Mercadona last year, 4.8 per cent more than in 2014. The supermarket chain also donated 70,000 kilos of supplies to Almeria’s food bank.
Nicely full ANDALUCIA’S Easter Week figures were the best for eight years with 1.2 million overnight stays and 68.2 per cent occupancy. Almeria Province had 72.6 occupancy and 113,212 overnight stays.
Not stopping
A MUST-SEE: At least half a day will be needed to visit Park Guell.
Bringing Barcelona to Life BARCELONA is one of the most visited cities in the world. Its selection of must-see places will have you writing a list that resembles your last supermarket till receipt. But the first words you should pen ought to be, Gaudi’s Park Guell. Park Guell is a landmark in Barcelona. Designed by Antonio Gaudi, one discovers the beauty of Gaudi’s vision of the world. The park, containing areas like the Hypostyle Hall, Esplanade or the Salamander, will perfectly illustrate the spirit and beauty of his work. Gaudi was strongly influenced by natural shapes and used them in his pieces, Park Guell was commissioned by Eusebi Guell who simply wanted to create a stylish park for Barcelona aristocracy.
Quote of the Week People that pick on my rap video are more old-fashioned than corduroy,’ said Partido Popular politician Jose Antonio Monago about people who have criticised a video included in his campaign material to attract younger voters.
The park contains amazing stone structures, stunning tiling and fascinating buildings that will stretch your imagination. There is something rather hypnotic and magical about his dragon fountain at the entrance to the park. The ornate dragon is adorned in beautiful coloured tiling and is poised to welcome you. The columns of the Market Hall are world famous, and were once described by Salvador Dali as the precursor of surrealism. There is also a small house in the park which Gaudi lived in at one stage. The house has now been converted into a museum and contains furniture also designed by Gaudí. Due to park Guell’s location and size, you’ll need at least half a day if you want to see it all in one trip.
Number of the week
81,014
is the number of runners that took part in the Cursa El Corte Ingles-Trofeo International Ciutat de Barcelona race in Barcelona last Sunday, taking the record for participants from the Sun Herald City held in Syndney, Australia, in August last year.
A 32-YEAR-OLD woman needed medical treatment after driving her car into the wall of an Aguadulce house. The accident occurred when she lost control of her car, police said afterwards.
Hard lines SELF-EMPLOYED workers dependent on outsourced Telefonica contracts demonstrated outside Movistar in Almeria City. The conditions that the multinational imposed were economically unviable for themselves and their families, they claimed.
Study time THIRTEEN Ecuadorian teachers have now begun doctorates at Almeria University. Their different theses will be based on greenhouse technology, the economy, the environment, education, mathematics, chemistry and psychology.
And finally... TWO good samaritans handed in a bag containing €4,405 at a Madrid police station. The men, aged 77 and 64, said they had found the bag, which turned out to belong to a local restaurant owner, on a pavement on Calle Leganes in Fuenlabrada.
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‘Don’t isolate Almeria’ ALMERIA mayor Luis Rogelio Rodriguez-Comendador has made a formal request to ADIF president Gonzalo Ferre, for adequate rail infrastructure. Rodriguez-Comendador,
who is also a senator in Madrid’s Upper House, has called on Spain’s track operator to avoid isolating Almeria. During work on the AVE high-speed line to Grana-
da, passengers leaving or arriving in Almeria must change trains. This situation will not change once infrastructure is finished owing to the difference between the AVE gauge and that of conventional trains, RodriguezComendador said. The Almeria-Granada line does not yet have a clear-cut route, the mayor said in his letter to Gonzalo Ferre. With completion still ‘in the distant future’ there was time to reconsider straight-through traffic
between the two cities and consequently with the rest of Spain, wrote Rodriguez-Comendador. This could be remedied with change-of-gauge facilities in Granada, the mayor suggested. Not only would this reduce travelling time between Almeria and Granada to 90 minutes, but it would cut the journey to Sevilla from six hours to just under four. All that was required to accomplish this was “true political goodwill,” Rodriguez-Comendador said.
‘Blood Wedding’ cortijo queries THE Junta de Andalucia regional government wants more details of the owners’ plans for renovating the dilapidated Cortijo del Fraile. The listed building near Nijar that supposedly inspired the Federico Garcia Lorca drama ‘Blood Wedding’ is beyond total rehabilitation, claimed Agricola Mar Menor. Instead it intends to carry out work on the frontage and chapel
Our View
Who should be responsible?
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ITH the seemingly large amount of fatal accidents appearing in the media recently, it would appear that the world we live in can be a very dangerous place. It also seems more should be done by somebody to make sure these accidents don’t happen. We agree! Somebody should be responsible. That someone is us! Health and Safety are not just words on the back of some official’s jacket, Health and Safety should be everybody’s responsibility. Common sense is the best weapon in fighting accidental injuries. Common sense is free and we all have it. Just because there isn’t a sign every five
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metres along a cliff edge saying ‘Don’t jump, you’ll die’ doesn’t mean that you will live if you jumped off. Spain is not Britain, the Spanish have for many years learned the dangers of their surroundings. They don’t go into the sea if they cannot swim, they don’t speed around winding mountain roads, and they’ve never needed signs to tell them that. A downside to being British is that for the same amount of years, we have been indoctrinated with ‘signage’. We are used to living with signs that tell us to do everything. If we look at how many signs there are on just one road in the UK, we start to realise how much we expect them to be everywhere we go.
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recommended by the Junta, which has now asked for more details of the company’s plans. The project to be carried out by Rehabitec complies with all legal requirements, insisted Agricola Mar Menor. The suggested plan of action, which has a €44,000 budget was in fact ‘more ambitious’ than what the Junta was calling for, a spokesman said.
Safe, sound and on foot FIFTY pupils from Almeria City’s Colegio La Chanca have mapped out a ‘safe route’ to school. The children aged between six and 12 used coloured strips to indicate the best route to school after consultations with teachers, parents and fellow pupils. This is part of the School Routes project promoted by Almeria City Hall’s Road Education Department to encourage children to get to and from school under their own steam. “We want children to travel as they would have done in the past, on foot or by bicycle, but in a safe fashion,” said Maria Muñiz, who heads the Road Education Department.
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First time ALMERIA-BORN Maria de los Angeles Cayuela Campoy, a 41-year-old lawyer and fishing-boat owner, was named president of Asopesca. She is the first woman to head this association of fishing boat-owners.
Sand barrier A LOW barrier now separates Almerimar’s Paseo de Levante from the beach. The €35,000 construction will keep the Paseo free of sand and debris during storms.
Desert plans GREENHOUSING will be allowed at Tabernas desert, a protected area and national park. Installations will use irrigation water from the desalination plant.
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Impressive show of local cuisine DEGUSTHO ALMERIA, the province’s leading food festival, rounded off a successful second edition in Huercal-Overa. Foodies converged on the event organised by the Tourism department and the town hall to enjoy a programme that included demonstrations by some of Spain’s leading chefs. These featured Michelinstarred David Muñoz, Mario Sandoval, Jose Alvarez, Kilo Moya as well as the popular television chef, Samantha Vallejo- Najera and Almeria’s own culinary expert, Antonio Gazquez. The event offered several workshops and not all were aimed at adults. Some focused on children who had the chance of entering the Mini Chefs competition for budding cooks aged between four and 12.
DEGUSTHO: Antonio Gazquez shows how it’s done. “Degustho is entertainment, knowledge, entrepreneurship and a meeting point for professionals,” said Huercal-Overa’s mayor Domingo Fernandez, as he toured the 50 stalls with local products and specialities from Almeria and neighbouring Murcia. He was accompanied at the inauguration by
Let off the hook SPAIN’S taxman has offered an amnesty to returned Spanish workers living on foreign pensions. In 2013 tax authority Hacienda began probing the income of Spaniards who had worked abroad and now receive a pension from abroad that is paid in this country, explained Angeles Martinez, president of the Almeria Association of Returned Immigrants. Many were unaware that they should have been declaring this to Hacienda. After failing to make tax returns between 2008 and 2012 they were warned that not only must they pay up but in some cases they could face fines of up to €30,000. To their relief, Finance minister Cristobal Montoro has now announced a ‘mini-amnesty’ that will enable the pensioners to regularise their situation without risking fines, sur-
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charges or interest. This is expected to affect approximately 2,000 of the 5,000 who live in Almeria Province after working abroad, said the Asaler
president. She stressed, however, that the concession should not be termed an amnesty since they were initially misinformed by Hacienda.
Tourism councillor Monica Navarro and Diputacion department heads, Oscar Liria and Guillermo Casquet. “This is a showcase for Brand Almeria,” said Monica Navarro, “giving professionals, home cooks and children an opportunity to enjoy master classes from Spain’s greatest chefs.”
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Council not to charge for Caritas recycling ALMERIA City will not charge Caritas for its textile recycling bins. Representatives of the charity emerged from a meeting at city hall with the pledge that the municipality would follow the lead
of Nijar, Viator, Adra, El Ejido and Roquetas and not demand payment. Earlier the council had suggested that Caritas put in a bid for a tender to occupy public property. To ensure that its ‘Ko-
Isleta del Moro awash in pink HIGH winds and heavy seas washed thousands of shrimps and prawns ashore at Isleta del Moro near Nijar. Almeria had been on Orange Alert the previous day owing to levanter storms and early the next morning, sections of the beach looked as though they were carpeted in pink. Despite being comparatively rare it is also normal for shrimps, prawns and similar shellfish to be washed up like this, experts said. “These creatures are able to swim but are powerless to fight against powerful currents,” explained David Giner from the La Isleta diving centre.
opera’ recycled clothing project pays its way, Caritas needs 50 recyling points in the capital. Having to pay for them would defeat the object of the project, the charity said. Opposition parties expressed surprise at city hall’s original handling of the request. “It’s hard to understand wanting to charge an organisation that carries out such a socially-important task at a time as complicated as the present,” said the socialist spokeswoman Carmen Nuñez. Izquierda Unida agreed Caritas should be exempted. “This is not a business out to make a profit,” said Rafael Esteban. “City hall helps start-ups, allocating them space, and here they are trying to hinder an organisation that does such an impressive job.”
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Ferry haul THE Guardia Civil intercepted two cars in separate operations in Melilla as they prepared to board the Almeria ferry. The owners were found to be smuggling hashish.
On the wing A TOTAL of 50,024 passengers used Almeria airport last month, 7 per cent up on March 2014. Domestic flights accounted for 42,814 passengers and foreign routes a further 6,642.
Sail away WIND STAR, a fourmasted motorised sailing ship put into Almeria recently. Passengers went ashore before setting sail for Cartagena.
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New venue for Dames in Turre DAMES IN TURRE hold their next meeting on April 17 at 11am in their new venue, Hostal Rural Turre. As summer is coming and everyone wants to look their best, Alison Bramwell will be coming along to demonstrate easy exercises that can be done at home. So get out those sweat bands and lycra shorts and come along and join in the fun! Come and make new friends, as guests are welcome, and relax in the beautiful surroundings with coffee and tapas. For more information contact secretary Pam Smith on 950 475 418 or president Lesley Barlow on 950 095 980.
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Bill for rescue after walking accident WHEN Gabriel Ramirez broke several bones while hiking in January, the emergency services airlifted him to hospital. Now he is counting the cost of that fall - exactly €776.20 according to the bill he has just received from Almeria City Hall. Gabriel now has until May 20 to settle the bill or face a 20 per cent surcharge. He and two friends were walking in Las Negras in the Cabo de Gata-Nijar National
Park when Gabriel tripped and fell 15 metres, breaking his pelvis, wrist and arm. He landed on a ledge in an inaccessible ravine leading to the sea and his rescue required the intervention of Nijar’s Local Police, the Almeria fire brigade and a Salvamento Maritimo helicopter. “I never imagined that emergency services had to be paid for,” he said. Neither could he understand
why he received a bill for ‘fire extinction and rescue services.’ Or why, if he was supposed to pay the fire brigade, he was not charged for the Local Police’s involvement, too. Charges for emergency services can in theory be made nationwide for any rescue operations that arise from accidents that are avoidable, occur in restricted areas or when bad-weather warnings are ignored.
Speed bumps slow down speeders MOJACAR Town Hall is forcibly reducing speed limits on some streets. Work has begun on installing speed bumps on Calle Jesus de Perceval, Avenida La
Parata, Calle Hermanos Machado, Calle Vista de Los Angeles and Calle La Fuente. The €9,000 project involves embedding several hundred metres of the bumps in
streets which have been deliberately chosen to discourage speeding drivers, particularly in the summer when these areas are so busy. “We are installing
these speed bumps to prevent accidents,” said Agustin Montoya, councillor for Public Works. “Making the town’s streets safer is a priority for us.”
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Jobs all round ANTAS has just over 3,000 registered inhabitants but around 6,000 employees. All work for the 300 local businesses and agricultural combines in the town where unemployment is below the provincial rate.
Sad farewell VIATOR mourned former mayor, Juan Antonio Segura Vizcaino, who died of a heart attack,aged 58. He was Spain’s youngest mayor when first elected in 1979 at the age of 22.
Starting early THE regional government announced an increase in the number of state and stage-aided nursery school places to 9,999 in September. Families with under-threes have until April 30 to apply.
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Slow coach TRAINS in Almeria Province have an average speed of 82.8kph, revealed Amigos del Ferrocarril association. Only those of Badjoz in Extremadura are slower, the Amigos said.
Cool prices ALMERIA growers are receiving an average 49 cents a kilo for cucumbers in April. This almost doubles the 23 cents paid in 2014 announced the Junta’s monitoring service.
Lack of sleep SLEEP disorders are increasing in the province, where Torrecardenas hospital carried out 500 specific tests last year. The majority focused on apnoea.
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Still more soldiers offer to donate their bone marrow ANOTHER 239 soldiers from Viator army base have volunteered to donate bone marrow. Approximately 400 people in Almeria Province do this each year but by
the end of last month 605 soldiers had offered to help Oscar, the 12year-old nephew of a soldier from the Legion Brigade (Brileg) based in Viator.
Oscar urgently needs a bone marrow transplant and another 238 soldiers have volunteered to give bone marrow while another 50 people linked to the Legion went directly
Lucky break for robbed bar-owner in El Ejido AN El Ejido bar-owner reporting a robbery found the stolen articles were already at Guardia Civil headquarters. They were discovered the previous night, after a suspicious El Ejido watchman contacted the Guardia Civil. An empty car with its engine running aroused his suspicions which deepened when two people ran out of the undergrowth near greenhouses on realising they had been spotted. When Guardia Civil officers
to Almeria’s Transfusions Centre. Donors give a blood sample whose results go directly to the international register that is consulted when a bone marrow transplant is needed. If a potential match is found, further blood and stem samples are then taken. The Transfusions Cen-
tre generally avoids mass calls for bone marrow donors on behalf of a specific patient, explained haematologist Arif Laarej. Many back out at the last moment when they realise that their donation will probably go to a stranger but in the Legionnaires’ case were all fully aware of the implications, Laarej said.
searched the area they found items including a sound system, television, bags of coffee, alcoholic drinks, clothes, cigarettes and bagged-up coins as well as a crowbar and a screwdriver. A search of the neighbouring property revealed three people, presumably the culprits of the robbery, who were detained after failing to explain their presence or the source of the recovered items. EDNA: With tutor, David Parra at her gym class birthday celebration.
Gym member celebrates 90th
The Mojácar seniors’ gym group recently held a party to celebrate the 90th birthday of its ‘most senior’ member, Edna Thirlaway.
Edna, who has lived in Mojácar for nearly 12 years with her daughter and sonin-law, Jill and Patrick Bennett, has attended the class regularly since it started eight years ago. During her time living in Mojácar, she has also participated in free language and salsa classes as well as enjoying all of the Club Macenas seniors club regular dinner dances where she has made many friends. The gym class has become increasingly popular since it began, with often 60 or more people attending, thanks to the expert instruction of popular gym tutor, David Parra. David cleverly tailors the sessions to all ages and abilities. If you wish to join the class, it is held at the Centro de Usos Mutiples on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 to 11am and is free to those on the Mojácar Padrón.
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City’s best tapas selected ALMERIA CITY’S eighth Tapas Route finally led to Cafe Bar Plaza Central and Hotel Catedral. These were two establishments whose tapas were pronounced the best by a jury from the ASHAL association of restaurant, bar and cafeowners . The public who were also asked for their opinion, voted via Facebook and leaflets left in participating bars, choosing La Tahona Plaza Vieja and Victor-La Fabriquilla. A total of 63 bars took part in this year’s edition of the Tapas Route which was divided into the Centre, Mirando al Mar, Entre Rambla y Ronda, San-Luis Mediterraneo and Nueva Andalucia.
ASHAL: Isabel, Manuel, Antonio and Juan count the tapas votes. The routes were very successful and well attended and this was
reflected in takings, bar-owners told ASHAL.
Jury trial for alleged killer A 32-YEAR-OLD Romanian, accused of murdering his wife in Almeria, will be tried before a jury. In June 2014 he repeatedly stabbed his wife, the mother of their two children, later fleeing in a taxi to Nijar where he took a car whose keys were still in the ignition. From here he drove to Carboneras where he stole another car, this time at knifepoint.
Police looking for the alleged killer circulated his photograph on Facebook and Twitter, revealing they suspected he would fly from Barcelona to Romania. He was located and arrested in Valencia City where he had broken his journey and has been held in prison since then. As well as murder, the Romanian is also accused of several crimes including car theft and illegal detention.
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Further skirmishes in tomato war CELEBRITY chef Alberto Chicote’s recent criticism of Almeria’s tomato-growing industry still rankles. In his programme ‘El precio de los alimentos’
(the price of food) Chicote slated growers for overproduction and destroying vast quantities of tomatoes when, he said, “so many people go hungry.”
Cleaners protest over ‘dirty deal’ FIFTY former cleaners demonstrated outside Almeria City Hall, demanding their jobs back. Approximately 70 cleaning staff were dismissed by a different concessionary company in March 2014. “We just want our rights. We’re municipal cleaning personnel and we were sacked so that the new company could put in people close to them who had never done the job before,” a spokesman said. The new company would not meet them to discuss the situation and city hall did not respond to requests to examine their claims, the ex-employees complained. There were also scathing of union officials whom they accused of betraying them in exchange for posts in the company.
Tomatoes are dumped for reasons of quality at the end of the season, not price-fixing, declared Francisco Gongora, President of the Hortyfruta growers’ association in a letter to Chicote. At the end of the 2014 campaign Almeria donated almost six million kilos of vegetables and fruit to the Food Bank, which were distributed to half-a-million people by 38 Spanish charities, he said. The programme was the outcome of “incoherent arguments and images,” claimed Gongora. The chef did not present viewers with a balanced picture when comparing tomatogrowing in Almeria and the Netherlands, he lamented. Chicote either lacked knowledge or was “benefitting certain interests,” he claimed.
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Do You Pay More Tax Than Necessary? Will Your Heirs?
Tax planning is a fundamental part of protecting and maximising your wealth. Yet so many people do not review their tax planning often enough, or do not have all the knowledge they need to set up effective tax mitigation. There are two key elements to tax planning. The first is a good understanding of the tax regimes that affect you, so that you are fully aware of your tax obligations and how they impact your income and wealth. If there are two regimes - you live here in Spain but are also still affected by UK taxation - you need to know how they interact, which country you should pay tax in etc. The second part is knowing how to apply the rules to your advantage and use compliant arrangements to lower your tax liabilities wherever possible. If you do not have suitable tax planning in place you are probably paying more tax than necessary, particularly on your invested capital. Taking the UK as an example, the annual Tax Action campaign by unbiased.co.uk looks at how much
By Robert Croizat, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks taxpayers in the UK are wasting each year, just by not taking advantage of tax reliefs. The 2015 research, conducted in partnership with Prudential, found that taxpayers will gift £4.9 billion of unnecessary tax to the taxman this year. This is £200 million more than last year. The most costly mistake is failing to use pension tax relief. Over £1 billion will be wasted by not moving savings and investments into tax efficient individual savings accounts
(ISAs) and many people also pay more capital gains tax than they need have. And then there is inheritance tax. With its particularly complex rules, many people fail to make use of all the available reliefs. In fact, inheritance tax is often described as a ‘voluntary tax’ because there are often steps you can take to reduce or avoid the tax for your heirs. Remember that being resident in Spain does not mean your estate escapes UK inheritance tax. It is based on domicile rather than residence, so most UK nationals remain liable even when living abroad. Seventy five per cent of the people surveyed had not reviewed their tax planning over the previous 12 months. It is important to review it from time to time because
regulations change, new opportunities become available, or a specialist adviser could point out opportunities you were unaware of. It is the same in other countries. In fact, expatriates living in Spain are more likely to get their tax planning wrong, because they are dealing with a new and foreign tax system. To make it worse, the rules can frequently change, so you need to make sure you keep up to date. You cannot presume that tax will be similar to the UK. The rules are quite different, and what was tax efficient in the UK is unlikely to be tax efficient here - you could find yourself paying much more tax than expected. You need to look at the local Spanish regime to determine what works here, and what would be suitable for your personal
circumstances and objectives. Professional advice is very important. With do-it-yourself tax planning there is always the risk that you will miss something important, or not realise where tax mitigation opportunities are available. Expert advice is even more invaluable if you have more complex affairs and cross border interests (resident in Spain with investments elsewhere, heirs in the UK etc.). To ensure you fully understand how the Spanish tax regime affects you, and that you are aware of all the tax planning opportunities available, you need specialist advice. This advice must be personalised for your circumstances and objectives. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com
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Junta drags feet over illegal hunt ENVIRONMENTALISTS still await an investigation into the slaughter of wild boar in the Cabo de Gata-Nija national park. Three months ago Ecologistas en Accion called for the regional government to reopen a probe into the illegal boar-hunt, but there has been no response from the regional government’s environment department. The hunt came to light following reports in the provincial Spanish media of an internet advertise-
ment although no permit had been issued. The Amigos del Parque Natural association demanded to know who was responsible but the Junta shelved its investigation within a month despite discovering the involvement of an environment official. No disciplinary action was taken because this was an isolated incident and the agent did not benefit financially, the Junta said. Undeterred, Ecologistas en Accion de-
manded that the investigation continue last January and supplied a recording of a telephone conversation with the organiser. Three months later it is still waiting for the Junta’s reply. “This association takes particular interest in ensuring that public sector employees in general, and those responsible for defending the environment in particular, respect the law and act with integrity,” Ecologistas said.
Cultural dates in Huercal-Overa HUERCAL-OVERA launched its next series of cultural events with an anthology of Zarzuela (Spanish operetta). Next up is Granada dancer and choreographer Rafael Amargo’s production Alaire on Sunday, April 26, at the Teatro
Villa de Huércal-Overa. Tarasca Teatro puts on the musical Oliver Twist on May 8 and Los Chicos del Hormiguero appear in Tres Calaveras Huecas (Three Empty Skulls) on May 30. Further events take place in June.
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RBL upcoming events A ST GEORGE’S DAY lunch is the next event for the Mojacar branch of the Royal British Legion. It will be held on April 23 at the Bella Vista restaurant and details are available from Eileen Huard at social events.rblmoj3485@gmail.com or on 634 368 349. Coming up on the schedule is the Bikathon on May 3 at Vera Aqua Park. All are welcome to all events.
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New novel from a local author CHRISTIANE GOHL, better known by her pen name Sarah Lark, recently presented her latest book, ‘Indalo.’ There could be no better place for the launch than Mojacar where the story is set in 1489. The Reconquest was practically complete and the Catholic Monarchs, supported by the Inquisition, were preparing to retake Granada, a territory long accustomed to tolerance. The coexistence of religions is one of the basic elements of the story, along with a passionate love affair, political conflict and war. ‘Indalo’ takes readers on a geographical and historical journey of ideas, memories and the love of nature, a recurring theme in all this German author’s literature. The venue was packed with fans of Gohl’s novels who were later invited to put questions to the writer. She did not hesitate to express her feelings about her novels, her love of animals or her affection for Mojacar and how, after a holiday visit, she ended up living here. Christiane Gohl was recently awarded the ‘Indalo de Oro,’ the highest distinction
‘INDALO’: Christiane Gohl signs copies of her latest novel. Mojacar can bestow on entities or persons whose presence, projects, efforts and ideas spread the name of the municipality and enhance its image.
Clean sweep for country roads around El Ejido THE first phase of improving El Ejido’s rural roads which began in November is complete. Clearing 311 kilome-
tres of verges brought a grand total of 9,544 kilos of glass, 8,584 kilos of metal and 137,375 kilos of other rubbish. The comprehensive clear-up comes under the town’s programme for improving the image of agricultural areas. This includes asphalting roads, and tracks, upgrading drainage systems and signposts as well as the removal of all the dumped litter and rubbish. This job has been car-
ried out by two teams of nine workers contracted in collaboration with the regional government’s employment scheme. The facelift will provide a better agricultural and tourist image, said El Ejido’s councillor of Agriculture and Environment, Manuel Gomez. “Competitive agriculture like ours must show the town as a symbol of quality and environmental protection,” Gomez said.
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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Absract art on show in Vera PAINTINGS and sculptures by Jose Luis Gallego Guillen are now on show in Vera. The exhibition which opened earlier this month at the Convento de la Victoria cultural centre ends on April 19. It is entitled ‘El espectador y la obra’ (The spectator and the work) and the paintings and wooden sculptures set out to reflect the curiosity that abstract art still excites, the artist explained. Originally from Jaen, Gallego has lived in Vera for several years. An architect as well as an artist, one of his best-known works both locally and nationally is the Pueblo Indalo in Mojacar, regarded as a definitive expression of Almeria’s Levante zone.
ARTIST: Jose Luis Gallego Guillen.
NEWS Easter far from home TWO HUNDRED Spanish legionnaires are currently stationed in Besmaya (Iraq) training local troops in antiterrorism techniques. Easter was long over when news filtered through that despite the difficulties involved, they carried out the traditional Stations of the Cross. The legionnaires accompanied a replica of the Cristo de la Buena Muerte statue that belongs to the Congregacion de Mena in Malaga where it is taken in procession during Holy Week each year. The legion has been linked since 1921 to this statue which was originally carved in 1660 but destroyed by fire in 1931. The Brotherhood has sent a replica to each legion since 1960.
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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Flamenco star in town NIJAR’S ‘El Palmito’ association began its spring programme with flamenco from dancer Rocio Garrido. The Almeria-born dancer interpreted the full range of traditional flamenco ‘palos’ or categories accompanied by two musicians and two singers. She completed her dance studies in Malaga and has danced professionally since 2009. El Palmito was created last October to combined culture and friendly relations in the Albaricoques neighbourhood of Nijar. The venture has been well-received by local residents and now has
ALMERIA-BORN: Rocio Garrido performed in Nijar. 150 members who take part in weekly activities that include flamenco for children and Latin American bachata for adults. In its short existence, El Palmito has already
organised two craft fairs, fiestas and a cultural outing. Forthcoming initiatives include the traditional crosses made for May 1 and another excursion.
No bids for debt-ridden Playa Macenas golf course THERE were no takers when the Playa Macenas golf course went up for auction. Seized by the Ministry of Employment and Social Security, it had debts of more than €2.66 million and bidding started with a reserve price of €153,089. The 18-hole golf course located in Mojacar between Macenas beach and the
Peñon is part of the Playa Macenas Beach & Golf Resort complex adjoining the Cabo de Gata-Nijar national park. It was inaugurated in 2008 but turnover failed to offset the investment involved and it closed at the end of last year when the owners could not meet the upkeep costs.
NEWS Crowdfunding for tracks AN Almeria association is turning to crowdfunding for funds to save ancient paths in Filabres Orientales. Once mapped and identified as an official route, the tracks will no longer risk falling into disrepair, the Asociacion Accion por Almeria said. The future route between Tahal de Benizalon and Uleila del Campo will be 15.4 kilometres long. Together with the existing GR 244 long distance trail there will eventually be five hiking and mountain walking circuits of varying degrees of difficulty. Two kilometres of an initial 5.4 kilometres have already been recovered, the association said. Members of the association hope to raise €4,500 for signposting the route and covering administrative fees involved in official recognition. Those who chip in €5 to the crowdfunding project will receive a picnic on the day the track is inaugurated. A €10 donation earns a t-shirt and €25 a topographical map. Accion por Almeria is also considering the possibility of seeking a company or public institution willing to sponsor the project in exchange for seeing their logo on the route markers.
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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NEWS
Trees don’t go with bike lane OPINIONS are divided over felling trees in El Ejido to make way for a bicycle lane. “It was very leafy before and if you ask me it looks like a desert without
them. Personally I don’t think they should have been cut down,” said a La Loma de la Mezquita resident. Not everybody agreed with him. A nearby shop
Barefaced (and barefoot) robbery A 45-YEAR-OLD Zurgena man was caught red-handed after taking €300 of town hall money. He was found by Guardia Civil officers who arrived there minutes after the burglar alarm went off at Zurgena Town Hall. They saw that one of the windows had been forced open with a pair of sandals hanging from the grill. Once inside the building they discovered the alleged - and barefoot - thief hiding underneath a desk. After returning his sandals, a search revealed around €75 and a receipt in his pockets as well as an envelope with the town hall logo that contained €234. The case is in now in the hands of the Huercal-Overa court.
owner was happy to see the back of the trees, which she hoped would eliminate the mosquitoes that were a problem in the area. “It’s all right if it’s going to be an improvement. They must know what they’re doing,” said another. “Besides dog-owners won’t bring their pets here any more and the area will be cleaner,” he added. The trees, which will be replaced with low-maintenance jacarandas, had to go because they were not compatible with the project’s plans for the cobbles and bike lane. Their roots were very aggressive, cracking paving stones and interfering with water and drainage pipes, explained Angel Escobar, El Ejido’s councillor for Public Works.
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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NEWS
Judge authorises ETA extradition A BRITISH judge has authorised the extradition of ETA terrorist Antonio Troitiño to Spain to face charges for belonging to the terrorist group. Troitiño was behind a terrorist attack in 1986 on a Guardia Civil bus in Madrid’s Plaza de la Republica Dominicana during which a dozen officers died and more than 50 people were injured. After his release from jail for that crime, Spanish prosecutors believe he rejoined ETA, and have requested his extradition on that basis. Judge Howard Riddle from Westminster Magistrates Court rejected a second charge of which Spain accused Troitiño, that of faking official documents for allegedly holding a false passport
WESTMINSTER JUDGE: Authorised the extradition. when he was first arrested in London in June 2012. Upon giving his decision, the judge said he was rejecting the second charge due to lack of evidence that the crime was committed in Spain. A spokesperson from Troitiño’s defence said
that he intends to appeal to London’s Supreme Court. Defence lawyer Mark Summers stated that the charges against his client had political undertones, which public prosecutor Ben Lloyds, who represented the Spanish authorities, denied.
Man sent to prison for branding partner A MAN has been jailed for three years in Asturias for drugging his girlfriend and branding her back like an animal. The judge found Antonio Ricardo Lema Sanjurjo guilty of deliberately injuring his girlfriend Carmen Alonso
Navarrete at his home in Cees in 2013. The victim explained that after going out for some drinks they returned to Antonio’s home and after being given a glass of orange juice she fell asleep. It was only the following day when her back began to sting in the shower that she discovered a five by three centimetre scar in the shape of a K. Carmen, who is a nurse, told the court that CORREOS, the Spanish postal service, is carrying Antonio, who goes by the out a food raising campaign in 2,400 offices across nickname of Kaito, had Spain, scheduled until April 22. shown her a branding All offices will turn into drop-off points for noniron with the letter K in perishable food including, legumes, oil, pasta, rice, the past and asked her to canned food and baby food. allow him to mark her, All items will be donated to the National Federawhich she had refused. tion of Spanish Food Banks (FESBAL). A medical expert backed up the victim’s Under the slogan ‘Collaborate. Your help matters,’ story that she must have CORREOS is offering offices all around Spain to probeen drugged, saying it mote generosity amongst its staff and citizens. was obvious that anyone To watch the promotional video click on going through such an https://youtu.be/UU1w81DFWAA. For more inforexperience would notice mation call 915 969 213. it if they had not been.
CORREOS in food raising campaign
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NEWS
16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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Let us go faster, please SPEEDY: Spanish drivers want speed limit increased.
A SURVEY has found that 80 per cent of Spanish drivers are in favour of increasing the speed limit on motorways to 130 kilometres per hour. The Royal Automobile Club of Spain, (RACE) surveyed drivers’ views on speed limits and restrictions on
the country’s roads. They found that, as well as being in favour of increasing the motorway limit to 130 kilometres per hour, over half the people questioned believed that the increase would reduce road accidents. Other findings were that over 80
Job satisfaction on the rise SIXTY-EIGHT per cent of workers in Spain are satisfied with their current working conditions, according to a
new international study. The Randstad Workmonitor for the first three months of this year, creat-
ed from more than 15,000 worldwide survey answers, revealed that the level of satisfaction amongst workers in Spain rose for the second time running. Men (70 per cent) are reported to be more satisfied with their jobs than women (66 per cent), but in both cases the level of satisfaction was higher than that revealed in the previous study. Education, health and financial services were the FINED: Correos for scrimping on contracts. sectors that reported the highest satisfaction levels, A saving of just €11 per once multiplied by the hun- while transport, communiday, complained workers dreds of workers affected cations and tourism reunion SiPcte-USOC, but the euros added up. ported the lowest.
PO fined for contract irregularities SPANISH state post office Correos was fined twice last year by employment inspectors. The public company scrimped on contracts for workers standing in to cover holidays by not including non-working days. For example, in August 2013 contracts were ended on the 30th of the month as the 31st was a Saturday.
per cent of those surveyed felt safe, or very safe on toll roads, a number that falls to 65 per cent when asked about main roads and carriageways. However, the figure drops to 8 per cent when asked if they felt secure on town streets and at junctions.
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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NEWS
SPANISH PEOPLE: A study measured their current mood.
Angry at life TWENTY-FIVE per cent of people in Spain are ‘very angry,’ according to a report. Their main gripes are unemployment, the financial crisis and the loss of social life, according to the Index Life Barometer, created by the International Prospective Institute (IPI). It measured the mood of people in Spain as well as the inhabitants’ main concerns. It showed levels of uncertainty about the future
are at 6.97 on a scale of 0 to 10. Worries about the current financial situation rate 7.48 out of 10 but on the other hand confidence in society’s ‘strength to carry on’ ranked at 6.29. The data was collected between January and February 2015 and was presented by Sociologist and head of the IPI, Juan Jose Garcia de la Cruz. “We are observing that society feels strong enough to carry on with their personal projects,” said Mr Garcia.
In addition, the barometer displayed that 25 per cent of the Spanish population is ‘very angry’ with sadness levels scoring 5.58 out of 10.The report also said happiness scored 5.87. Quality of life was rated at 5.80. The Index Life also measured level of trust shown towards different institutions such as the courts of justice (4.42), democratic system (4.73), the UN (5.08) and health care (6.02).
Paternity suit was frivolous
IBUPROFEN: Ministry of Health issued a warning.
Warning of high Ibuprofen doses THE Ministry of Health of Spain has released a document warning about the high cardiovascular risk associated with taking large doses of Ibuprofen and Dexibuprofen. The Medicines and Sanitary Products Agency of Spain (AEMPS) has recommended health care professionals not to prescribe high doses of these medicines to patients with severe cardiovascular pathologies, such as cardiac insufficiency, coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease. Clinical studies have confirmed that the intake of high doses of Ibuprofen (more than 2,400 milligrams per day) and Dexibuprofen (more than 1,200 milligrams per day), are associated with a higher risk of thrombosis. The Ministry of Health explained that it is advisable to take the lowest doses possible during the shortest period of time necessary to control the symptoms.
THE Spanish Supreme Courts rejected a paternity suit against former King Juan Carlos because it was deemed ‘false and frivolous.’ The suit, which was presented to the courts last autumn by Belgian woman Ingrid Sartiau, was rejected in March, but the reasons magistrates gave was not revealed until now. As the story began to turn into a bit of a soap opera, with Sartiau giving contradicting details during interviews of an alleged affair between her mother and the former king, four out of seven magistrates decided to reject the case claiming it was false and frivolous.
NEWS
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Improvements for San Antonio WORK to develop Albox’s San Antonio district started last week. Its main street, Calle San Antonio, has been prioritised and will undergo a comprehensive series of improvements as it had numerous cracks, narrow or nonexistent pavements, as well as unpaved
areas. Plans are to create a more accessible and attractive historical town centre, facilitating transit and eliminating obstacles, levelling streets and providing it with urban furniture sympathetic to its original appearance. “This project has been much requested by residents and we at the council have been working on its development since the beginning of 2014,” said the mayor, Rogelio Mena. He continued: “We A SIXTY-YEAR-OLD Spanish man has been arrested want the San Antonio disfor allegedly throwing his former partner from a trict to stand out on its own, beautifying its fifth-floor balcony. façades and improving loPolice were called to a block of flats in Granollers, cals’ quality of life.” Barcelona, at 5am to investigate a fight. Other work will include Officers found an injured woman on the floor in a the upgrading of sewage central patio who said she had been pushed from systems and placing the fifth floor. After calling an ambulance, officers wires underground. went up to the flat and broke down the door to gain Work is expected to access. take seven weeks and The suspect had a restriction order banning him will have a total cost of from approaching the victim. €182,200.
Woman thrown from balcony
16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂa
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NEWS
British nurse tried to help victims A BRITISH nurse was amongst the first to try and help three Turkish tourists who drowned on a Spanish beach. Two students aged 18 and 19 and
their 30-year-old teacher died on La Venus de Marbella beach on the Costa del Sol after reportedly being caught by strong currents.
Officers rescue kidnapped puppy THREE men have been arrested for kidnapping a puppy and demanding a â‚Ź300 ransom for its return. The lady owner of the Bull Terrier reported the puppy stolen to Granada police. She said she had received a call demanding a ransom after posting pictures of the dog on the internet. Officers from Pinos Puente accompanied the woman when she went to hand over the money to the kidnappers. One pre-
Another 19-year-old student remains in hospital in a stable but serious condition, medical director of the Costa del Sol Hospital Francisco Martos confirmed. Tourists, including the nurse were amongst those who tried to help while waiting for emergency services. The unnamed woman tried to resuscitate the victims, but nothing could be done. Although people sunbathing on the beach at first thought the deceased, who were part of a larger group of students on holiday on the Costa, were playing about as they waved their arms in the air, they soon realised they were in trouble and tried to help. Surfers, tourists and patrolling po-
licemen are believed to have jumped into the sea to try to help, while others attempted to revive them while waiting for ambulances to arrive. Witnesses reported that emergency vehicles took a long time to arrive and complained that no lifeguards were on duty at the time and there was no warning of dangerous conditions on the beach. Marbella Council meanwhile denied that bathing conditions were bad and explained that at this time of year lifeguards are only posted on the beaches at the weekend. A minute of silence was held in the town at noon the following day to honour the deceased, and three days mourning declared.
Speeding under the spotlight BACK HOME: Police managed to rescue the puppy. tended to be the woman’s husband and others followed at a distance. The kidnappers demanded the money be placed on the bonnet of their van, at
which point the policemen came out and managed to grab the dog and the cash while the three men, caught a few days later, escaped in a van.
THE DGT Spanish traffic authorities are running a campaign this week to fight speeding. Speed checks will be run until Sunday, April 19, and will concentrate on secondary and urban roads with officers working to ensure limits are respected. Stretches of minor roads where
speed limits are known to be ignored and accidents caused will be under the spotlight in an aim to reduce speeding and raise awareness of the dangers of not respecting the limits. Almost 20 per cent of accidents with victims on Spanish roads in 2014 were caused by speeding.
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
Jellyfish arrival LA MATA beach has seen the arrival of hundreds of jellyfish on the shore, believed to be washed up from the strong easterly winds.
Zombie attack THE streets of La Manga will come under attack from zombies on May 15 as part of a live-action Zombie Survival game. Registration fees range between €5.50-€60. For more information visit www.c-fem.es.
Forest fire A FIRE in the Sierra del Aguila de La Majada in the municipality of Mazarron has destroyed around 1.2 hectares of scrub land in the area.
Anti-graffiti THE anti-graffiti brigade of the Local Police in Murcia carried out 329 graffiti interventions last year. The group also carries out talks aimed at teenagers to prevent graffiti on the city’s monuments and buildings.
San Vicente THOUSANDS took part in religious processions in towns and villages across the Vega Baja to mark the San Vicente fiesta. Following centuries of traditions, communion was brought to the sick at home.
AXARQUIA
Lifeguard training FORTY young residents of Almuñecar are participating in first aid and lifeguard training courses launched by the council. These courses have been especially designed for youths to boost their chances of finding a job.
Wind causes havoc THE strong winds and rain registered in Almuñecar last week caused great damage on the Velilla, Pozuelo and Marina del Este beaches. Government representatives have requested help from the regional or central governments to restore lost sand.
Man found dead A POLISH tourist who went missing on April 7 in La Torrecilla beach (Nerja) was found dead three days later. He reportedly jumped from a walkway, tripped over a rock and fell from a 5-metre height.
Square improvements THE Plaza de la Constitucion in VelezMalaga will undergo a complete redevelop-
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A day of fun for Make A Smile A SPECTACULAR and colourful procession of hard-working fundraisers in outrageous fancy dress burst into life on Sunday. They were taking part in the Bay Radio three-kilometre Sponsored Fun Run-Walk-Crawl-Stagger or Dance in support of Make A Smile in aid of the EMAUS children’s home at Relleu. The Euro Weekly News (EWN) joined merrymakers on Avenida August as they made their way towards the seafront and the Parador Hotel. Celebrity antiques expert Mark Stacey chauffeured Benidorm’s ‘The Duchess,’ resplendent in sequins, and waving to her admirers from a sleek convertible. Beside her was beautiful Carnival Queen Lauren Denia in her sash and tiara.
NEWS DESK Christian Festival from April 22 to April 24. Revenue earned will go to charity.
Raphael in Benidorm RAPHAEL, a worldwide acclaimed Spanish singer and television, film and television actor will perform a one-off show at Benidorm Palace on Sunday June 14.
Elda mourns ELDA City Council declared three days of mourning and called for a minute’s silence on Friday to mark the passing of Roberto Garcia, who was mayor of Elda for four terms.
No shortage MORE than 5,000 people applied for 100 advertised jobs at the new Terra Natura holiday resort in Benidorm, which is due to open next month.
Easter success JAVEA’S Department of Tourism has confirmed that occupancy over Easter topped 90 per cent, equal to 2014 and 20 points over 2013 figures.
MALLORCA
Deadly meal MERRYMAKERS: A colourful procession.
ment paid for by the town council. The new project has been planned to boost activities around the old town as well as improve accessibility.
Wetlands upgrade THE Suarez wetlands, one of the most important natural monuments in Motril, will receive €140,000 from the government to perform renovation works. Plans are to adapt a total of 13.8 hectares as a park and picnic area.
COSTA DEL SOL
More boats BOAT sales in Malaga Province have increased by 34 per cent with 55 registered in the first three months of this year according to Anen Nautical Association.
Churros at last GLUTEN-free churros invented by an establishment in Churriana are selling like hot-cakes as news of the discovery has spread like wild-fire amongst the estimated 1,600 celiac disease sufferers in Malaga Province.
Rented taxis FOLLOWING months of meetings, Marbella Council has agreed to allow taxi-drivers to work with rented vehicles while their own undergo repairs to ensure sufficient taxis are available to meet demand.
Dutch visit
AN 84-YEAR-OLD man died in the Son Llatzer hospital after choking on a piece of food in a restaurant in Palma. He arrived in the hospital in a critical condition on Thursday (April 9) and died three days later.
Holiday destination THE Balearic Islands are the preferred Easter holiday destination for European residents, according to the data of website Jetcost. Palma de Mallorca was the most chosen destination for German tourists.
Loans decrease
REPRESENTATIVES from Travel Counsellors, a group with 150 travel agents in Holland, have been on a visit to discover the province’s inland areas including Mijas, Alhaurin el Grande and the Sierra de las Nieves.
LOANS granted in the Balearic Islands fell by €1.8 billion in 2014, the lowest amount since 2005. By the end of 2014, banks in the Islands had granted €33.7 billion in loans, reported the Spanish National Bank.
Quality stamp
Heater fire
TWENTY SIX Costa del Sol businesses have been awarded a Sicted tourism quality stamp for the first time, bringing the total number of businesses on the coast bearing the stamp to 279.
A FIRE started last week in a building in Cala Llombards in Palma. Local Police reported the source of the fire was an electric heater. The young couple who lived in the property escaped uninjured.
COSTA BLANCA NORTH
Property sales up
Alcoy castle opens ALCOY castle is to stay open to the public from now throughout the Moors &
THE purchase and sale of properties in the Balearic Islands grew by 21.7 per cent in February if compared with the same month of 2014.
For more local news from our regions see www.euroweeklynews.com … EWN top for all the news from Spain.
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
S CANDINAVIAN P RESS
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Stories making headlines in Europe
GERMAN PRESS Facebook in court
BRITISH PRESS Funny Danes
Illegal fare dodger
DENMARK: A survey of customers taken over the last 18 years by hoteliers in all Scandinavian countries, has resulted in Denmark being nominated as the most humorous nation in Scandinavia.
A BARRISTER has been described as Britain’s biggest ever fare dodger by prosecutors. Peter Barnett is accused of causing Chiltern Railways to lose out on £23,000 over two-and-a half years. He claims the amount is closer to £9,700.
Not pretty DENMARK: The country’s wind powered electricity production is extremely efficient. So efficient that it has an excess it wished to share with its neighbour Germany. However the offer was declined because the Germans don’t want to spoil their countryside.
Veggie balls SWEDEN: IKEA is shaking up the Swedish meatball market by going vegetarian. The company will be introducing a new version called grönsaksbullar which is made only of vegetables and kale.
Viral farmers NORWAY: A song about farming in Norway has become a surprise hit on YouTube. Not only is it about a female choir and a wholesome rural lifestyle, it’s part of a debate online about the future of agriculture in the country.
Sauna test FINLAND: The Sauna World Championships which take place each August are deemed one of the strangest world championship in existence. They test how long competitors can tolerate a humid 110º Celsius.
Testing the limits VIRGIN MEDIA customers in the UK have seen a growing number of unusually high speed tests, which appear to lend additional support to the widely rumoured introduction of a new top 300Mbps download speed tier.
rather than order it retaken. It took just 18 seconds to score the penalty and go through before the final whistle blew.
Scotland invaded NATO warships, aircraft and personnel have arrived in Scotland for what has been described as the biggest ever exercise Joint Warrior. It is held twice a year in April and October.
Domesday for London
Women’s boat race HISTORY was made at Saturday afternoon’s Oxford-Cambridge University boat race as the women’s race took place on the same course as the men and on the same day for the first time.
18 second match THE England women’s Under 19 championship squad had a history making moment in their qualifiers when UEFA officials ordered the last moments of a game against Norway to be replayed. A referee had disallowed a penalty for encroachment
NATO WARSHIP: Taking part in the biggest ever exercise Joint Warrier.
LONDON is to get a 21st Century Domesday Book. George Osborne announced the creation of the London Land Commission which will be tasked with developing a comprehensive database of surplus public land in London.
RUSSIAN PRESS Head transplant breakthrough RUSSIAN doctors seem to be a step closer to transplanting a human head onto another body. A Russian man with a rare genetic muscle-wasting disorder has volunteered to be the first to try the procedure.
Possible cause of crash discovered PROSECUTORS investigating a 2010 plane crash in which the Polish president, his wife, the head of the National Bank, top military
HEAT TEST: How hot can you stand the sauna?
EUROPEAN PRESS
commanders and other high-ranking officials died, have discovered transcripts indicating that there was a ‘third party in the cockpit giving orders.’
Party still leading THE first poll dedicated to Russia’s upcoming 2016 parliamentary elections was topped by the current ruling party, United Russia, but also showed that Communists are leading in mass street events and programme initiatives.
Red Hot Hotline T H E presidential administration received nearly 50,000 calls in the first hours after opening a phone hotline for questions ahead of President Vladimir Putin’s call-in show on April 16, a presidential spokesman said, attributing the growth in demand to the ‘fateful’ events of the past year.
€1m hackers FIVE alleged members of a hacking ring have been detained on suspicion of stealing more than 50 million rubles (about €1 million) from Russian bank accounts. The group used a virus to gain access to the accounts of people who had smartphones that used the Android operating system.
A 27-YEAR-OLD Austrian law student and 25,000 other Facebook users, have taken Facebook to court in Austria citing infringement of European privacy law. Facebook’s lawyers said: “The action cannot be approved.”
Smart exam SIMON SCHRADER, 17, from Munster, Germany, used his initiative and applied the freedom of information law to ask to see Abitur exam (equivalent to A-levels) questions before he sits them. Nevertheless, he is continuing to revise in case his request is denied.
Free flight GERMAN POLICE are investigating claims that a woman posed as a relative of one of the victims of last month’s Germanwings plane crash in order to get free flights to France.
Pension fright A WOMAN got a nasty shock when she received a demand from her pension office in the post for €4,632,124,357,000,001. The sum is more than 1,000 times Germany’s entire GDP for 2014.
Immigration up ILLEGAL immigration into Germany is at its highest since reunification. German police arrested 57,000 illegal immigrants in 2014, an increase of 75 per cent compared to 2013.
More subs THE German body that monitors the export of military goods, the Federal Security Council, has given the green light for the delivery of another submarine to Israel. This will be the fifth of six ordered from ThyssenKrupp.
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
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inance F A EURO WEEKLY NEWS 6 PAGE SPECIAL SECTION // WWW.EWNBUSINESS.COM
16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
business & legal
Iberia delivers on time IBERIA and Iberia Express were the world’s most punctual airlines in February. The principal airline and its low-cost subsidiary Iberia Express operated 92.3 per cent of flights on time in February, found flight-monitoring service Flightstats. Only 55 per cent of flights were on time in 2009 but
Iberia is now consistently ranked amongst the top three airlines for punctuality. Iberia Express heads the list of the budget airlines. Good timekeeping is at the heart of the restructuring that began when Iberia merged with British Airways to form IAG in January 2011, the com-
Renfe fails to balance books SPAIN’S rail operator Renfe was €208.9 million in the red last year, nine times more than 2013’s figure. A record 29.67 million passengers used the AVE high speed network in 2014, bringing a net profit of €9 million. There was an overall 4.7 per cent jump in passenger traffic earnings and goods transport increased by 12.5 per cent. Turnover grew 5.7 per cent to €2.966 billion but overheads increased by 7 per cent to €2.751 billion and pre-tax profits of €214.6 million were down 9.3 per cent. Track operator Adif accounted for more than half of Renfe’s losses with
a 22.2 per cent hike on its levy for using tracks, stations and infrastructure. This cost the company €607.4 million last year, €110 million more than in 2013. Renfe’s involvement in the Mecca-Medina AVE project incurred €21.7 million in bank charges, a sixfold increase on the previous year. Redundancy payouts cost the operator another €29.7 million although the company was able to cut personnel costs by 1.8 per cent. Savings of 8.6 per cent were made on services aboard trains but energy and fuel costs increased by 4 per cent.
pany said. Nevertheless, Madrid-Barajas airport, Iberia’s centre of operations, also contributes to punctuality. The airport is not used to full capacity and Iberia now has fewer routes with few connections to over-stretched airports like Heathrow.
B
usiness extra
Positive result THE Export Price Index for industrial goods last February rose year-onyear by 0.4 per cent, the first positive February figure since 2013. Imports of manufactured goods fell by 5.5 per cent.
Happy work JOB satisfaction amongst Spanish employees rose for the second consecutive three-month period. Seven in every 10 people responding to a Randstad survey were happy in their jobs.
Jobs upswing continues THE 160,000 jobs created in March provided the best figures for this month since 2001 when records began. Almost a third of the new jobs were in hotel and catering, where the sector geared up for a relatively early Easter. Construction was the next-best employer as the building trade gradually starts ticking over once more.
The only sectors where the Social Security system lost contributors last month were coal-mining, energy supply and international organisations, sectors with scant repercussion on the labour market. This repeated the pattern of the last year with only electricity, gas, and coal missing out on the bonanza, together with agriculture, fisheries and the banking sector.
IBERIA: World’s most punctual airline.
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STAT OF WEEK SPAIN sold short-term debt with a negative yield for the first time in its history. The country’s Treasury issued six-month debt worth €725 million with an average yield of 0.002 per cent.
36
E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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C LOSING P RICES A PRIL 13
C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) 3i Group 507.50 Aberdeen Asset Mngmnt 506.25 Admiral Group 1,595.00 Aggreko 1,569.00 Anglo American 1,014.75 Antofagasta 736.00 ARM Holdings 1,153.50 Ashtead Group 1,079.50 Associated British Foods 2,996.50 AstraZeneca 4,770.50 Aviva 565.75 Babcock International 1,001.50 BAE Systems 538.00 Barclays 257.10 Barratt Developments 542.00 BG Group 1,174.75 BHP Billiton 1,448.25 BP 470.48
C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. -2.00 -0.39 -1.25 -0.25 -8.00 -0.50 -2.00 -0.13 -7.25 -0.71 -4.50 -0.61 -16.50 -1.41 3.50 0.33 -20.50 -0.68 17.50 0.37 10.75 1.94 -0.50 -0.05 -1.50 -0.28 0.05 0.02 -16.00 -2.87 6.75 0.58 -15.25 -1.04 -1.77 -0.37
NET VOLUME 4,954.60 6,757.94 4,474.10 4,023.62 14,274.05 7,300.27 16,514.30 5,415.98 23,884.81 60,044.09 16,385.82 5,032.01 17,023.64 42,419.28 5,535.18 39,880.30 30,910.17 86,152.02
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US dollar ................................................................1.05596 Japan yen ..............................................................127.420 Switzerland franc ..............................................1.03848 Denmark kroner.................................................7.47202 Norway kroner ....................................................8.58871
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PRICE(P)
British Amrcn Tobacco British Land Co BT Group Bunzl Burberry Group Capita Group (The) Carnival
3,683.75 867.75 453.35 1,907.50 1,788.00 1,139.50 3,353.00
DOW JONES
NASDAQ
C LOSING P RICES A PRIL 13
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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 167.07 79.59 127.10 154.38 82.60 106.91 28.04 40.88 106.95 72.23 85.56 28.51 195.64 115.24 162.86 31.93 102.06 61.70 97.80 57.25 41.72 99.97 35.44 83.35 107.65 118.46 119.00 49.22 66.34 80.65
+0.28 +0.17% +0.43 +0.54% +0.54 +0.43% +0.96 +0.63% +1.92 +2.38% -0.04 -0.04% +0.415 +1.50% -0.17 -0.41% +0.18 +0.17% +0.30 +0.42% +0.91 +1.08% +2.78 +10.80% +0.75 +0.38% +0.67 +0.58% +0.52 +0.32% +0.69 +2.21% +0.73 +0.72% +0.23 +0.37% +1.25 +1.29% -0.18 -0.31% +0.24 +0.58% -0.75 -0.74% +0.41 +1.17% +0.46 +0.55% +0.35 +0.33% +0.58 +0.49% +0.45 +0.38% +0.21 +0.43% -0.10 -0.15% -0.19 -0.24%
1.5M 3.4M 40.2M 3.2M 6.8M 5.0M 24.6M 8.7M 3.3M 2.3M 13.4M 352.7M 1.8M 3.7M 2.5M 28.1M 6.8M 9.9M 5.9M 15.5M 28.0M 3.0M 24.4M 7.0M 1.7M 2.3M 2.2M 9.2M 4.6M 5.5M
1.38211
0.72352
C H A N G E ( P ) % C H G. -32.25 -2.25 -1.30 -4.50 -18.00 -1.50 -17.00
C O M PA N Y
-0.87 -0.26 -0.29 -0.24 -1.00 -0.13 -0.50
NET VOLUME 69,270.63 8,872.71 38,050.71 6,400.35 8,031.48 7,552.94 7,283.13
PRICE
CHANGE NET / %
$ 5.18 $ 2.03 $ 35 $ 2.26 $ 2.50 $ 10.37 $ 20.53 $ 15.47 $ 29.97 $ 34.87 $ 31.79
0.76 ▲ 17.19% 0.2752 ▲ 15.68% 4.0762 ▲ 13.18% 0.26 ▲ 13.00% 0.21 ▲ 9.17% 0.83 ▲ 8.70% 1.62 ▲ 8.57% 1.21 ▲ 8.49% 2.32 ▲ 8.39% 2.66 ▲ 8.26% 2.40 ▲ 8.17%
$ 2.50 $ 5.06 $ 16.53 $ 3.95 $ 28.44 $ 4.21 $ 34.71 $ 10.93 $ 9.99 $ 26.99 $ 64.41
0.74 ▼ 22.84% 0.55 ▼ 9.80% 1.72 ▼ 9.42% 0.39 ▼ 8.99% 2.35 ▼ 7.63% 0.29 ▼ 6.44% 2.28 ▼ 6.16% 0.71 ▼ 6.10% 0.60 ▼ 5.67% 1.55 ▼ 5.43% 3.69 ▼ 5.42%
Most Advanced PostRock Energy Corporation Gulf Resources, Inc. IRSA Propiedades Comerciales S.A. QC Holdings, Inc. Turtle Beach Corporation Eleven Biotherapeutics, Inc. Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. Proteon Therapeutics, Inc. Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Cellectis S.A. Ovascience Inc.
Most Declined Extreme Networks, Inc. Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. AngioDynamics, Inc. Ignite Restaurant Group, Inc. uniQure N.V. Sky-mobi Limited FRP Holdings, Inc. TechTarget, Inc. Mitel Networks Corporation Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. Multi-Color Corporation
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
C O M PA N Y PRICE(P) CHANGE Centrica 263.60 0.90 Coca-Cola HBC 1,357.50 -2.50 Compass Group 1,214.50 -4.50 CRH 1,803.00 6.00 Diageo 1,935.75 -2.75 Direct Line Insurance 329.20 -1.00 Dixons Carphone 430.25 -2.45 easyJet 1,885.50 -29.50 Experian 1,186.00 -7.00 Fresnillo 722.75 19.25 G4S 306.80 -2.00 GKN 359.95 -1.25 GlaxoSmithKline 1,642.00 0.00 Glencore 290.15 0.50 Hammerson 690.50 -3.00 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,228.00 -1.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals 2,245.50 0.50 HSBC Holdings 618.70 6.60 Imperial Tobacco Group 3,259.00 -23.00 InterContinental Hotels 2,764.00 -4.00 International Consolidtd 612.25 -4.75 Intertek Group 2,626.00 11.00 Intu Properties 364.40 -3.00 ITV 268.25 -2.35 Johnson Matthey 3,530.50 1.50 Kingfisher 363.55 -0.45 Land Securities Group 1,292.00 -7.00 Legal & General Group 285.30 -1.90 Lloyds Banking Group ORD 78.92 -0.38 London Stock Exchange 2,580.00 -5.00 Marks & Spencer Group 570.50 -5.00 Meggitt 574.25 0.75 Merlin Entertainments 456.00 0.90 Mondi 1,408.50 -7.50 Morrison (Wm) Sprmrkts 201.30 -0.90 National Grid 907.30 -0.20 Next 7,045.00 -25.00 Old Mutual 235.55 -1.25 Pearson 1,441.00 -30.00 Persimmon 1,737.00 -20.00 Prudential 1,706.50 -9.50 Randgold Resources 4,925.00 45.00 Reckitt Benckiser Group 6,071.00 -45.00 Reed Elsevier 1,178.50 -0.50 Rio Tinto 2,827.25 -9.75 Rolls-Royce Group 965.75 -9.25 Royal Bank of Scotland 348.30 -0.60 Royal Dutch Shell 2,030.25 3.75 Royal Dutch Shell 2,056.50 8.50 Royal Mail 449.20 -0.80 RSA Insurance Group 438.15 2.55 SABMiller 3,655.00 -15.00 Sage Group (The) 478.00 -6.00 Sainsbury (J) 277.25 -0.15 Schroders 3,394.50 -10.50 Severn Trent 2,175.00 1.00 Shire 5,617.50 -62.50 Sky 1,044.50 -9.50 Smith & Nephew 1,195.50 0.50 Smiths Group 1,129.50 -4.50 Sports Direct Interntnl 648.00 0.50 SSE 1,573.50 12.50 St James's Place 984.75 -9.75 Standard Chartered 1,112.75 3.75 Standard Life 476.15 -1.55 Taylor Wimpey 164.30 -1.80 Tesco 246.85 -4.15 Travis Perkins 2,006.50 -2.50 TUI AG 1,252.50 4.50 Unilever 2,918.50 -16.50 United Utilities Group 978.00 -3.50 Vodafone Group 228.50 -0.80 Weir Group 1,802.00 23.00 Whitbread 5,385.00 -35.00 Wolseley 4,103.00 -3.00 WPP Group 1,602.50 -8.50
% C H G. 0.34 -0.18 -0.37 0.33 -0.14 -0.30 -0.57 -1.54 -0.59 2.74 -0.65 -0.35 0.00 0.17 -0.43 -0.08 0.02 1.08 -0.70 -0.14 -0.77 0.42 -0.82 -0.87 0.04 -0.12 -0.54 -0.66 -0.48 -0.19 -0.87 0.13 0.20 -0.53 -0.45 -0.02 -0.35 -0.53 -2.04 -1.14 -0.55 0.92 -0.74 -0.04 -0.34 -0.95 -0.17 0.19 0.42 -0.18 0.59 -0.41 -1.24 -0.05 -0.31 0.05 -1.10 -0.90 0.04 -0.40 0.08 0.80 -0.98 0.34 -0.32 -1.08 -1.65 -0.12 0.36 -0.56 -0.36 -0.35 1.29 -0.65 -0.07 -0.53
VOLUME 13,053.77 4,955.49 20,280.52 14,661.98 48,736.20 4,953.00 4,982.37 7,606.54 11,782.60 5,184.05 4,791.32 5,948.52 79,880.61 37,880.27 5,439.13 5,829.38 4,459.29 117,642.51 31,411.72 6,535.73 12,580.28 4,219.61 4,838.06 10,910.35 7,231.55 8,524.02 10,269.07 17,066.28 56,599.37 8,968.83 9,478.59 4,561.96 4,613.56 5,200.13 4,721.54 33,928.89 10,808.16 11,664.75 12,066.29 5,385.32 44,065.60 4,530.73 43,820.73 13,288.15 40,336.93 18,033.46 22,217.10 78,923.76 49,979.61 4,500.00 4,424.35 59,298.55 5,213.95 5,311.08 7,696.06 5,191.10 33,526.03 18,118.44 10,702.73 4,476.58 3,875.06 15,501.03 5,173.69 27,422.43 11,486.31 5,404.00 20,388.71 4,998.45 N/A 37,669.53 6,692.74 60,790.42 3,796.05 9,848.20 10,677.76 21,138.33
38
E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
Avoid being a victim of fraud Loose change A look at finance for females
Jane Plunkett jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com
EVERYONE is at threat of a scam. Unfortunately, there are many bad people out there just waiting for an opportunity to take advantage of you. Chances are you have received a few fraudulent emails, ambiguous phone calls, encountered fake online ads, questionable posts on social networking sites or maybe someone has come knocking at your door? Just the other day I met an elderly man who was at the receiving end of a nasty crime. The man was sent a letter in the post, which looked exactly like an official letter from his electricity company. The letter said that in the next few days some ‘employ-
ONLINE SCAMS: You should change your passwords regularly. ees’ of the company would be calling to his house to check the electricity meter. In the following days, two men did call to his house and while he was showing one of them the electricity meter the other crook stole jewellery and cash from under his nose. Nowadays most electricity
meters are out on the street, so these thieves really did their homework, figuring out which of the old buildings in the city still have electricity meters inside the apartment. Crime like this is nothing new, but it is scary because it is so cleverly unexpected. This man in
question, through no fault of his own, opened the door to these criminals and invited them in. It highlights, however, that we need to be extra vigilant about these sorts of things. If you receive an ‘official’ letter saying someone will come to your home, double check with the company, for example, that it is indeed a genuine letter. Identity theft is another huge business. So, to protect yourself, it’s a good idea to invest in a paper shredder. Monitor your bank and credit card statements and never give out personal information over the phone to someone who initiates the contact with you. Also, when was the last time you changed the PIN on your debit card or the password for online banking? Make it a point to give your access information an update this month. Yes, it can be hard to keep track of all those passwords and PINs, but experts recommend changing them twice a year, even if your accounts haven’t been compromised.
BUSINESS EXTRA
Strike a light HOUSEHOLDERS are paying 12.7 per cent more for electricity than in 2014, calculated consumer association FACUA. During the first quarter of this year an average bill increased from €66.33 a month to €74.73, prompting FACUA to call for “decisive” government intervention to ensure that users are not victims of restricted choice.
Half-covered SPAIN has the world’s fasted 4G mobile phone connection with an average 18mbps compared with 17mbps in Denmark, Finland and South Korea, said OpenSignal, a company that maps wireless coverage. In contrast, coverage is low and 4G is available only 52 per cent of the time that users are connected.
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
www.euroweeklynews.com
16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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Is social media really the answer? WHILST conventional media embraced change such as online publishing, the business community was quick to see the potential in social media. An online forum presence certainly has potential due to its immediacy and flexibility of advertising. It should present a challenge to conventional print classifieds and community interplay. Does it? With a few exceptions, forums have failed due to many being managed by hapless moderators or failure to utilise their commercial potential. Many social forums boast thousands of subscribers. In practice, as few as 30 or 40 regular posters keep a forum going as the disillusioned wander off. Little traffic is produced. As a consequence commerce
Talking shop Mike Walsh Mike Walsh was for 20 years Regional Assessment Manager for the Guild of Master Craftsmen, Britain’s biggest quality assurance body for businesses.
www.michaelwalsh.es • 966 786 932
shuns social forums. On the face of it a local online forum should be a perfect free opportunity for any specialist business to keep the community better informed, assist those with queries, and reap customer enquiries that result.
In principle fine, in practice fail. This is where the Achilles heel of social networking collapses. Social Forums lack community credibility due to their lack of accountability. Profanity and abuse disguised as banter proliferates. This is not helped by their determination to actually approve of posters anonymity. Can you imagine a newspaper allowing anonymous correspondence? No wonder newspaper advertising department heads smile as they continue to dominate advertising media. The business world is made up of a pretty mixed bunch. There’s the good, the bad and those so ugly that only a mother could love them.
I ask genuine specialists with an excellent business reputation if they have considered advertising or contributing in social media forums. Without exception they shudder at the suggestion. The problem is two-fold. An armchair forum critic can sabotage a firm’s reputation by a caustic and uninformed riposte to a genuine piece of advice given. All businesses have rivals, some of whom are hostile. Sheltering behind anonymity, such rivals can easily undermine the credibility of a competitor. In conclusion, advantages offered by conventional news media, both hard copy and online, suggests their supremacy will remain unchallenged by social media.
OPINION & COMMENT
16 - 22 April 2015/ Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
EWN
41
MARTIN PODZORNY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
Martyrdom is a ridiculous doctrine LEAPY LEE SAYS IT OTHERS THINK IT
I
MUST confess that I find it extremely difficult to get my head around this ‘martyr’ business. In the wake of the latest slaughter committed by those ‘brave’ followers of the Islamic ‘religion of peace’ against Christian students in Kenya, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, stated that the dead were ‘all martyrs’ and that Christians should ‘always use non-violent resistance against jihads’. He was echoing the Pope’s Easter message, which decreed that Christians did not need to employ violence, and should ‘simply speak and act with the power of truth, beauty and love’. Fine words indeed, spoken from the lofty portals of the
FINE WORDS: Pope Francis’s Easter message would not resonate with everyone. Vatican or Canterbury Cathedral, but frankly standing in a dusty street, surrounded by the rubble and the beheaded bodies of your family, I would find it a bit difficult to turn the other cheek to a baying horde of maniacs bearing down on me with sabres and machetes – martyr or no martyr!
The irony is that jihadist attackers also want to be martyrs. Everyone wants to be a martyr! So what happens when we all inhabit this imaginary, ethereal world of paradise, peace, love and virgins? – the War of the Martyrs? It is of course a ridiculous doctrine. This is, I believe, the fallacy that will finally defeat
the IS fanatics and their supporters. The gift of the creator is not the gift of death, it is the gift of life. An army which fights with the fear of death, is far more dangerous than the army which welcomes it. We must never weakly turn the other cheek. We must do everything in our power to give
the Islamists the martyrdom they so earnestly seek - by whatever violence at our command. It’s all these misguided morons understand. All good-intentioned and peace-loving people must fight with everything they can lay their hands on, even if it is against moral judgment. Only when we defeat the Satan of the East, will we be able to enjoy the true paradise that awaits us. The one we can create on this glorious planet of ours. Not as martyrs, existing in some fairy-tale Shangri-La while our miraculous temples of the soul are rotting in the ground, but as true children of the creator, enjoying the wonders of Earth. Readily available to all human beings that truly seek to enjoy peace, love and harmony with their fellow travellers. Keep the faith Love Leapy Leapylee2002@gmail.com leapylee.co.uk
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂa
Thursday BBC ONE 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm EastEnders 9:00pm BBC Election Debate 2015 10:30pm BBC Election Debate 2015: The Reaction 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:30pm BBC London News 11:45pm Question Time 12:45am This Week
BBC TWO 5:15pm 'Allo, 'Allo! 5:45pm Just Good Friends 6:15pm Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Antiques Roadshow 8:00pm Collectaholics 9:00pm Coast Australia 9:50pm Nature's Weirdest Events 10:00pm Banished 11:00pm Inside No 9 11:30pm Newsnight 12:20am Kill the Christians
ITV 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm Dickinson's Real Deal 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:25pm Party Election Broadcast 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Tonight 9:00pm Emmerdale 9:30pm Double Decker Driving School 10:00pm Ice Rink on the Estate 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm The Agenda 12:25am Newzoids
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 The Supervet 10:00pm The Island with Bear Grylls 11:00pm The Secret Life of the Pub 12:00am Skint 1:00am Raised by Wolves
CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 7:55pm Party Election Broadcast 8:00pm The Classic Car Show 9:00pm The Last Days of... 10:00pm The Hotel Inspector 11:00pm The Mentalist 11:55pm Born to Kill? 12:55am Access 1:00am Super Casino
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 Arrow 10:00pm Forever 11:00pm Wild Things 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles
Friday BBC ONE 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News at Six 7:30pm BBC London News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm A Question of Sport 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm MasterChef 10:00pm Have I Got News for You 10:30pm Mrs. Brown's Boys 11:00pm BBC News at Ten 11:25pm BBC London News 11:35pm The Graham Norton Show 12:25am Would I Lie to You?
BBC TWO 6:40pm Priceless Antiques Roadshow 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Antiques Roadshow 8:00pm Collectaholics 9:00pm An Island Parish 9:30pm Gardeners' World 10:00pm Sex and the Church 11:00pm The Clare Balding Show 11:30pm Newsnight 12:35am Later... with Jools Holland
ITV 6:00pm The Chase 7:00pm ITV News London 7:25pm Party Election Broadcast 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Weekend Escapes with Warwick Davis 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Slow Train Through Africa with Griff Rhys-Jones 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Rambo: First Blood Part II 1:30am Jackpot247
CH4 6:30pm Coach Trip 7:00pm The Simpsons 7:30pm Hollyoaks 8:00pm Channel 4 News 8:30pm Unreported World 8:55pm Party Election Broadcast 9:00pm Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. 10:00pm Gogglebox 11:00pm Alan Carr: Chatty Man 12:05am Virtually Famous
CH5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 7:55pm Party Election Broadcast 8:00pm The Gadget Show 9:00pm Secrets of Great British Castles 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 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons 9:00pm Relatively Clever 10:00pm Trollied 10:30pm Trollied 11:00pm Hawaii Five-0 12:00am Hawaii Five-0
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BBC TWO 3:05pm Snooker 5:30pm Final Score 6:15pm Escape to the Continent 6:45pm Flog It! 7:30pm Gardeners World 8:00pm Snooker 9:00pm Dad's Army 9:30pm Jane Eyre 11:20pm QI XL 12:05am Snooker
ITV 3:40pm Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles 5:30pm Unforgettable 6:00pm Off Their Rockers 6:30pm Local News and Weather 6:45pm ITV News and Weather 7:00pm You've Been Framed! 8:00pm Ninja Warrior UK 9:00pm Britain's Got Talent 10:15pm Play to the Whistle 11:00pm ITV News and Weather 11:15pm Red Heat 1:10am Jackpot 247 4:00am The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 4:40am Nightscreen
CH4 5:10pm Come Dine with Me 5:45pm Come Dine with Me 6:15pm Come Dine with Me 6:50pm Come Dine with Me 7:15pm Come Dine with Me 7:45pm Channel 4 News 8:00pm Walking Through History 9:00pm World's Most Extreme... 10:00pm X-Men: First Class 12:40am In Fear
CH5 3:25pm Police Interceptors 4:25pm Columbo: Make Me a Perfect Murder 6:25pm The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door 7:20pm Britain's Horror Homes 8:10pm Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 9:05pm 5 News 9:10pm NCIS 10:10pm NCIS 11:10pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 12:10am Law and Order: Special Victims Unit
SKY1 3:00pm RSPCA Animal Rescue 3:30pm RSPCA Animal Rescue 4:00pm Modern Family 5:30pm Modern Family 6:00pm Wild Things 7:00pm Modern Family 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 9:00pm Hawaii Five-0 10:00pm Eight Legged Freaks 12:00am Hawaii Five-0
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BBC TWO 5:00pm Snooker 7:00pm Penguins on a Plane: Great Animal Moves 8:00pm Snooker 9:10pm Coast Australia 10:00pm Hunters of the South Seas 11:00pm Bluestone 42 11:30pm Carnage 12:45am Snooker
ITV 3:35pm Britain's Got Talent 4:50pm Darcy Oake: Edge of Reality 5:50pm All Star Family Fortunes 6:50pm Ninja Warrior UK 7:50pm Local News and Weather 8:00pm ITV News and Weather 8:15pm Celebrity Squares 9:00pm Vera 11:00pm ITV News and Weather 11:15pm Perspectives 12:20am Piers Morgan's Life Stories
CH4 3:25pm The Simpsons 3:55pm The Simpsons 4:25pm The Simpsons 4:55pm Location, Location, Location 5:55pm A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 7:00pm Channel 4 News 7:20pm Ice Age: Continental Drift 9:00pm For the Love of Cars 10:00pm Indian Summers 11:30pm Gogglebox 12:30am First Dates
CH5 3:35pm The Land Before Time 4:55pm Alvin and the Chipmunks 6:40pm Pocahontas 8:10pm 5 News 8:15pm Ace Ventura: Pet Detective 10:00pm Stolen 11:55pm Drive Angry 1:50am Jackass
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Monday BBC ONE 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm The Leader Interviews 9:00pm EastEnders 9:30pm Panorama 10:00pm MasterChef 11:00pm BBC News 11:30pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm Have I Got a Bit More News for You 12:25am The Graham Norton Show
BBC TWO 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Antiques Roadshow 8:00pm The Mekong River with Sue Perkins 9:00pm Alex Polizzi Chefs on Trial.
10:00pm Inside Harley Street 11:00pm Jack Dee's Election Helpdesk 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather
ITV 6:00pm The Paul O'Grady Show 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Wild Ireland 9:30pm Coronation Street 10:00pm Safe House 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm The Agenda 12:20am Slow Train Through Africa with Griff Rhys-Jones
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 Marrakech 10:00pm Skint 11:00pm Raised by Wolves 11:35pm 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 12:35am The Island with Bear Grylls
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 11:55pm Lock Up 2:05am Super Casino
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 The Simpsons 10:30pm Futurama 11:00pm Arrow 12:00am Critical 1:00am Hawaii Five-0
Tuesday BBC ONE 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 11:30pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm Del Boys and Dealers 12:45am In the Electric Mist
BBC TWO 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Antiques Roadshow 8:00pm The Mekong River with Sue Perkins 9:00pm Alex Polizzi 10:00pm Back in Time for Dinner 11:00pm Later Live... with Jools Holland 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather
ITV 3:00pm Judge Rinder 4:00pm Dickinson's Real Deal 5:00pm Tipping Point 6:00pm The Paul O'Grady Show 7:00pm Local News and Weather 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm UEFA Champions League 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm UEFA Champions League Highlights 12:40am Benidorm
CH4 3:10pm Countdown 4:00pm Deal or No Deal 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 Plus Sized Wars 10:00pm One Born Every Minute 11:00pm Ballot Monkeys 11:35pm Skint 12:35am The Island with Bear Grylls
CH5 3:15pm NCIS 4:15pm Concrete Canyons 6:00pm 5 News 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News 7:55pm Party Election Broadcast 8:00pm Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead 2 9:00pm Britain's Horror Homes 10:00pm The Devil's Disciple 11:00pm Family Secrets and Lies 12:00am Can't Stop, Won't Stop
SKY1 3:00pm NCIS: Los Angeles 4:00pm The Fanatics 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 Flash 10:00pm Critical 11:00pm Forever 12:00am Hawaii Five-0
Wednesday BBC ONE 5:30pm Flog It! 6:15pm Pointless 7:00pm BBC News 7:30pm Regional News 8:00pm The One Show 8:30pm The Leader Interviews 9:00pm MasterChef 10:00pm Secret Britain 11:00pm BBC News 11:30pm Regional News 11:40pm Weather 11:45pm A Question of Sport 12:15am Drugs in Sport
BBC TWO 3:00pm Daily Politics Election Debate 4:00pm Snooker 7:00pm Eggheads 7:30pm Antiques Roadshow 8:00pm The Mekong River with Sue Perkins 9:00pm Alex Polizzi 10:00pm World's Richest Terror Army 11:00pm QI 11:30pm Newsnight 12:15am Weather
ITV 6:00pm The Paul O'Grady Show 7:00pm Regional News and Weather 7:25pm Party Election Broadcast 7:30pm ITV News and Weather 8:00pm Emmerdale 8:30pm Coronation Street 9:00pm Give a Pet a Home 10:00pm Newzoids 10:30pm The Delivery Man 11:00pm ITV News at Ten and Weather 11:40pm Pop Gold 12:40am Corfu: A Tale of Two Islands
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 10:00pm The Island with Bear Grylls 11:00pm First Dates 12:00am One Born Every Minute
CH5 6:00pm 5 News at 5 6:30pm Neighbours 7:00pm Home and Away 7:30pm 5 News Tonight 7:55pm Party Election Broadcast 8:00pm GPs: Behind Closed Doors 9:00pm The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door 10:00pm Autopsy: The Last Hours of Robin Williams 11:00pm Britain's Favourite StandUp Comedian 1:55am Super Casino
SKY1 4:00pm The Fanatics 5:00pm Futurama 5:30pm Futurama 6:00pm The Simpsons 6:30pm Futurama 7:00pm Futurama 7:30pm The Simpsons 8:30pm The Simpsons :00pm Wild Things 10:00pm Eight Legged Freaks 12:00am NCIS: Los Angeles
OPINION & COMMENT
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16 - 22 April 2015/ Costa de Almería
EWN
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‘Come back home!’ Cameron’s plea to voters, but not to illegal immigrants Nora Johnson
Breaking Views Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist. To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/ columnists/nora-johnson
F
OR you, what are the big issues at the heart of next month’s UK general election? For many, they’re immigration, the economy and the NHS. But what we’ll inevitably see will be politicians talking at voters about their pet issues rather than debating policy amongst themselves, let alone listening to what Joe Public has to say. None of the mainstream parties speak for a majority. None speak from a position of strength because the mainstream’s exhausted and resorts to slogans and sound-bites. They’ll all be on the defensive
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS: The UK can’t continue to be the world’s destination of choice, something has to give. about one issue or other: the Tories about immigration and the NHS, Labour about the economy while the Lib Dems have the ingenious idea of improving any government by blocking the other parties’ policies.
Well, let’s look at one of these issues from Joe Public’s perspective: immigration. Recently we learnt that 40 illegal immigrants are detained every day thanks to the ‘hostile environment’ the Government’s created. What’s meant by ‘hostile environment?’ Immigrants are detained and invariably released, so back to business as usual? Per-
haps they’re detained in an asylum centre with beds, showers, food and leisure facilities too? Some have indeed had a hard life in their native countries. But wouldn’t it be better if they stayed and sought change there? Otherwise those left behind genuinely seeking change have less of a say. Anyway, isn’t this the point of the UK’s foreign aid programme (itself due to outstrip the defence budget within 15 years, the UK already the world’s second largest aid donor)? The UK can’t continue being the world’s destination of choice. As a lifeboat, it’s already beginning to sink under the weight of these arrivals. Something’s got to give otherwise everyone goes down.
We, the voters, can’t offer a handy cut-out-and-keep guide for the next government. Quite reasonably, it’ll view taking advice from Joe Public a bit like taking parenting advice from Britney Spears. But our response to this is simple. If illegal immigrants can’t be deported immediately (it’s their Human Rights, stupid!), then threaten employers with very heavy fines, if necessary close their businesses. At least that would stop them employing illegals and help curb the flow. But the most effective deterrent of all: withholding benefits? Sorry, still a pipe dream... Yes, the parties talk a lot, but are they saying anything? 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.
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
A Russian takeover bid? MIKE WALSH is again taking on the role of appeaser, 1930s’ style. As Goebbels said: “If you lie hard enough, everyone believes it.” Mike asserts that “mainstream media seems to have toned down the anti-Nazi rhetoric.” This is simply not true; the foul history of Nazism has never had more publicity, with hardly a day passing when we are not reminded of what Hitler did. Mike’s only ‘evidence’ of proNazi activity is the commemoration of Latvians who fought alongside the Germans in the Second World War. Has he stopped to think why they did so? Has he forgotten that the USSR invaded the Baltic States in 1940, taking away their independence? No wonder that Balts took advantage of the German invasion of the USSR in 1941 to try to win their freedom back. The Baltic States today have every reason to fear a new attempt to swallow them into Russia. Mike reminds us that Germany was the bad guy in 1939 – fair enough. But if Putin does not want to be compared to Hitler, why does he go on imitating him? His takeover of the Crimea was a shameless copy of Hitler’s takeover of the Czech Sudetenland first, and then the whole of Czechoslovakia. For Sudetenland, read Crimea, and for the whole of Czechoslovakia, read Ukraine and the Baltic States. History is indeed repeating itself; let us just hope that Putin will somehow be put off from carrying his Hitler-imitation through! Bill Campbell (by email)
Helpline tip WITH reference to an article about the ‘Alertcop’ app, I have looked it up and it is for reporting crimes one is witnessing, not for reporting a crime when one is the victim. It does not replace or add to the system for victims reporting a crime on the 902 102 112 number, for instance. With that system, the victim gives information about the crime and
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must then go to any National Police station of their choice within 48 hours to make and sign the crime report. That service is in Spanish, English, German and Italian. Julian Ward (by email)
Car SOS. They showcase Britain’s car history in restoring old classics and the thriving industry of highly-talented companies and individuals with hands-on engineering expertise. This may encourage young people in Britain to take up an engineering apprenticeship instead of going to university to study some obscure subject in the social sciences and waste three years philosophising. Richard Beames, Los Boliches (Malaga)
THAT awed phrase: “I don’t know how they do it!” comes to mind every time I see a palm lopped the oldfashioned way. Linda Gonzalez, Altea (Alicante)
Model state
Enough already!
I WISH that people like Cassandra Nash in her column would try to see the whole picture when reporting on South American politics. In a recent column she castigated Venezuela as a totalitarian system. She must know that the late President Hugo Chavez and present incumbent, Nicolas Maduro, were both elected in democratically-held elections despite US attempts to destabilise them. Even former US President Jimmy Carter said that Venezuela’s election process was the best in the world. It is precisely because some of the old political parties are seen to be tired and corrupt that new movements like Podemos and Syriza are becoming so popular. When it comes to totalitarian systems we shouldn’t criticise too loudly. Which states in the world imprison people without trial, invade other countries and spy on their own citizens? I don’t think we should be too smug, now should we? Les Adams, Orihuela Costa (Alicante)
WHAT’s with all these stupid EHIC letters? The cards aren’t valid if you live here, they’re for tourists. If you’re a pensioner living here you need a Spanish Social Security card, simple. No more of it please! There are enough other issues for expats to deal with. Amazed Steve, Palma Nova (Mallorca) Editor’s note: Foreign residents registered with Social Security need Spain’s version of the EHIC, the Tarjeta Sanitaria Europea (TSE). This provides Spanish residents with emergency medical treatment and care when travelling inside the EU.
Driven crazy CONGRATULATIONS to Leapy Lee on a wonderful article – absolutely spot-on! With reference to Jeremy Clarkson and the BBC Programme, Top Gear, they are dinosaurs that have been
operating the same format for the last 23 years. Every week, two overgrown schoolboys and their verticallychallenged accomplice predictably present the same boring programme content, namely drag-racing two sports cars on an old airfield. They compete against one another in a race from A to B in Europe in a car, train or Shanks’s pony. They get some B-List celebrity to drive a ‘sit-up and beg’ small family saloon around the same old airfield against the clock, with Clarkson’s same inane comment: “Going through the chicane.” They take beaten-up old jalopies, weld on some steel and drive them to destruction in some God-forsaken place in Africa, Russia or South America where the local inhabitants think they are all nuts and should be certified. Same old bloke in a space suit driving around the same old airfield (mind the old 747 Jumbo!). If cars are your bag there is no comparison between Top Gear and two other interesting and educational motoring programmes, Wheeler Dealers and
NOT long ago I treated a dear friend and her family to dinner. The bill for four of us only came to €82 and the standard was so high the waiters merited a good tip. Having sorted out a €50 and two €20 notes to cover the cost I added €5 and some coins to mark my appreciation. As we made our way out the waitress approached me and said I had given them too much money. I told her it was to show how much we all enjoyed the meals and their service. I walked on out to my car and my guest followed but was stopped by the same waitress who showed her what I had paid. I had given her two €50 notes by mistake and she insisted that I took one back. Such refreshing honesty renews one’s faith in human nature in these days where corruption and dishonesty fill hundreds of pages in our newspapers each week. Needless to say, I shall return many times. John Wilkinson, Playa Flamenca (Alicante)
Change of diet FOLLOWERS of Barcelona Football Club will doubtless be pleased by the current form of the club and in particular the form and behaviour of Luis Suarez. Barça seems to have curbed his habit of biting people, or perhaps he’s turned vegetarian! Harvey ‘Hogan’ Appel, Sorbas (Almeria)
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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16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
Time Out EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE
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MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE
Famous quote
This week
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.’ Thomas Edison
‘
in history 1689: William III and Mary II are crowned joint king and queen of England, Scotland and Ireland. 1705: Queen Anne of England knights Isaac Newton at Trinity College, Cambridge. 1746: Prince Charles is defeated at the battle of Culloden, which was the last pitched battle fought in Britain. 1770: Captain Cook sailing in the Endeavour discovers Australia. 1875: The game of snooker is invented by Sir Neville Chamberlain. 1953: The Queen launches the Royal Yacht Britannia at Clydebank shipyard John Brown. 1956: Saw the launch of Premium Savings Bonds in Great Britain. 1964: The Great Train Robbers are sentenced to a total of 300 years, between them receiving some of the longest sentences in British criminal history. 1969: Bernadette Devlin, the youngest woman ever to be elected to Westminster, makes her maiden speech in the House of Commons in regard to Northern Ireland. 1970: Apollo 13, originally scheduled to land on the moon, lands back safely on earth after an accident. 1984: Woman police officer Yvonne Fletcher is killed by shots fired from the Libyan Embassy in London. 1986: British journalist John McCarthy is kidnapped in Beirut. He was held hostage for more than five years. 1995: A truck loaded with explosives parks in front of the federal building in Oklahoma City and explodes, killing 168 people. Timothy McVeigh is later arrested for the bombing.
Women’s wit Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.’ Margaret Thatcher.
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World of English
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Toilet button is on your backside.’ Sign on Chinese lavatory door.
K a k u ro
Costa de Almería weather for next 7 days
VELEZ RUBIO
TOMORROW HUERCAL OVERA
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Alicante TODAY:
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SHOWERS MAX 21C, MIN 14C MAX MIN
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CLOUDY MAX 21C, MIN 15C MAX MIN
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Mon - 21 16 Cl Tues - 21 15 C Wed - 21 16 C
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LOTTERY
ALBOX
Fill all the empty squares using the numbers 1 to 9, so that the sum of each horizontal block equals the ‘clue’ on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
TODAY
ALMERIA
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LA PRIMITIVA
Saturday April 11
Saturday April 11
Saturday April 11
Friday April 10
Saturday April 11
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
CROSSWORDS
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Time Out EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREAK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE
ARIES (March 21 - April 20) A friend of long standing comes up with some bright ideas to get you out of a tricky situation. Don't be surprised. You have for a long time now underestimated their worth. Your friend will be surprised when you show your gratitude in an immediate and physical way, but if there is anything better than finding a new friend it is finding an old friend has hidden talents.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) The company is so interesting that you can hardly tear yourself away and new experiences are arriving every day. You could be forgiven for getting a little over-excited. When travel brings you face to face with a stranger, you find that a bit of information you hear has to be acted upon.
OTHERS
CHASED
RECENT
CLOSER
RUSHED
COURSE
SHOOTS
GHOSTS
SOLEMN (10)
HAREMS
SOUGHT
HATTER
THRONE
LOGGED
WAGONS
GOLDEN OLDIES
METRES
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Cheery, 2 Farmer, 3 Wiggle, 4 Regard, 5 Melons, 6 Bagged, 7 Desire, 8 Jogger, 9 Threat, 10 Injury, 11 Reader, 12 Bleary, 13 Rumour, 14 Quoted, 15 Abroad, 16 Purred, 17 Landed, 18 Tramps, 19 Driven
Visit the stars, for details on our expanded range of services www.fiduciarywealth.eu
17 April. Victoria Beckham, Pop Singer and Fashion Designer. 41. Victoria was a member of the Spice Girls, known as Posh Spice. She married English footballer David Beckham in 1999 and they have four children. She is now a well known fashion designer with her own label. 17 April. Sean Bean, Actor. 56. He is an English actor who found success with the TV series Sharpe. He has since found fame in Films starring in the Game of Thrones series. He has also won an International Emmy for Best Actor. 18 April. Hayley Mills, Movie Actress. 69. The British actress is the daughter of Sir John Mills. She won a BAFTA for her performance in Tiger Bay in 1959. She starred in six Disney
CANCER (June 22 - July 23) Someone close gets a real stroke of luck this week and no doubt the benefits will rub off on you. It seems that some fortune will come your way by the end of the month and lead you to see a situation in quite a different light. Any travel should be left until the beginning of next month if possible because there are likely to be delays and irritations.
putting in recently has left you tired and, at times, quite tetchy. This week you will start to see the rewards of your efforts which will undoubtedly help you to keep up the momentum. There is a lot of both passion and travel this week, which is set to continue.
LEO (July 24 - August 23) Someone you have been holding at arm’s length recently is insisting on getting closer. Charm and tact alone may not save the day, but enlisting the help of a friend could. Travel and career are wellaspected and, if you are expecting a financial windfall, you may have a bit longer to wait.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) This is a highly sociable week, and you could meet some new faces that not only attract but inspire you. You are a social butterfly, and this brings out your Libran flutteriness. You will have to draw on all your powers of concentration to keep ahead of practical matters such as paperwork.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) The hard work you have been
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) You dominate the scene this
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Your Stars
Films and played both twins in The Parent Trap. She has also appeared in the TV series Wild at Heart. 19 April. Maria Sharapova, Tennis Player. 28. Born in Serbia, she became the Wimbledon women’s tennis Champion in 2004 beating Serena Williams. She has been ranked Number One in the World four times. She is reigning singles Champion at the French Open. 20 April. Nicholas Lyndhurst. TV Actor. 54. English actor best known for his performance as Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses. Prior to that he starred in Butterflies alongside Wendy Craig. In the 1990s he played the lead charácter in Goodnight Sweetheart. Latterly he has appeared in the series New Tricks.
week and no one is in any doubt about what you are aiming for. If you want to impress someone new to your circle, however, try a bit of cunning as opposed to brow-beating. SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Communication and self-expression are what it's all about this week. Although you may feel that indulging yourself is in some ways selfish, you should realise that you are entitled to some fun. CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) The call of romance is strong but so is that of your business life. The two will clash to the detriment of each other if you do not plan ahead and pace yourself. Do not be at the beck
1. In which athletics event did Tessa Sanderson win the 1984 Olympic gold medal? 2. In which decade did speculative attacks on the pound force Britain to abandon the gold standard? 3. In which play by William Shakespeare would you find the, often misquoted phrase: ‘All that glisters is not gold?’ 4. In which year did Queen Elizabeth II celebrate her golden jubilee? 5. Named after an 18th century English clockmaker, what name is given to an alloy of copper and zinc resembling gold, which is used in watchmaking and cheap jewellery? 6. Originally known as Pelican, what was the name of the English galleon that is best known for her circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580, captained by Sir Francis Drake? 7. What was the name of the famous king of Phrygia who is popularly remembered in Greek mythology for his ability to turn everything he touched with his hand into gold? 8. Which actress played the part of ‘Bond-girl’ Pussy Galore in the 1964 film version of Ian Fleming’s Goldfinger? 9. Which pop group topped the UK singles chart in 1967 with Silence is Golden? 10. Which republic in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea was formerly known as the Gold Coast? 1. JAVELIN, 2. 1930s (1931), 3. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, 4. 2002, 5. PINCHBECK, 6. GOLDEN HIND (or GOLDEN HINDE), 7. MIDAS, 8. HONOR BLACKMAN, 9. The TREMELOES, 10. Republic of GHANA
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) The urge to get ahead at as fast a pace as possible is apparent this week. Some would say not before time. However, you know the art of choosing the moment and it has not been until now that you have felt the time was right. This is a truly expansive week and one in which your powers of imagination are given full rein. No wonder you are being admired.
NEARBY
BEINGS
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 B) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.
TARGET: Average: 12 Good: 15 16 April. Rafael Benitez. Football Coach. Born in Madrid, he is a football manager and former player. He was well known for guiding Liverpool to victory in the UEFA Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006. On leaving the club he joined Inter Milan and since 2013 has been the manager of Serie A side Napoli.
Very good: 21
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and call of others when you need all your time and energy for yourself. AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Such is your popularity this week that you can be assured of success in many things. Remember that first impressions can be the most accurate and don't be tempted to make too many allowances for others. PISCES (February 20 - March 20) For some time you have been trying to settle a certain matter. Although it is in your nature to get things out of the way quickly, this has not been possible. The chance to make progress this week is welcome but be sure that all is not what it seems.
Excellent: 26
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION aped, awed, dare, darn, dawn, dean, dear, draw, drew, dune, dupe, nard, nerd, nude, pard, pend, rand, read, rend, rude, rued, wade, wand, ward, wend, awned, drape, drawn, drupe, duper, padre, paned, pared, pawed, perdu, prude, raped, under, unwed, upend, upped, wader, waned, wared, append, dapper, napped, pander, pawned, pruned, rapped, unawed, unread, upward, wander, warden, warned, warped, predawn, undrape, wrapped, UNWRAPPED
Word Ladder TEST
FLEW BACK
Move from the start word (TEST) to the end word (FLEW) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.
TEST FEST FEET FEED FLED FEW
After a massive earthquake in the Andes Mountains of darkest Peru, a young bear with a fabulous ability to talk travels to London looking for a new home. This is a lovely retake of a classic story which is told with lots of great jokes that will leave you with a warm feeling, plus a craving for marmalade sandwiches! Directed by: David Heyman and starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters and Jim Broadbent. Run time 1 hr 35 mins. Rated PG-13.
AFRESH
10-Star Quiz
TEST TEAT FEAT FLAT FLAW FLEW or
Paddington
H ex a g r a m
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 (SOLEMN) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.
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Crosswords
16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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Cryptic
Unscramble the name of a kitchen appliance (two words): SO DROOPS FORCE Unscramble the name of a famous sporting trophy (two words): LIAR’S MUD CAP
Play on Words
ISOCKT Eastern seaboard area (5) 3 Alternatively reclines not in fisherman's baskets (6) 4 Roused when a vigil comes to a sorry end (8) 5 Rewriting tag lines is theft (8) 6 Soldiers hidden in farmyard (4) 11 Shell motor at full speed (8) 12 Pioneers such as pay their
bills (8) 13 As quiet as a snake (3) 14 Sounds like a star issue (3) 18 Reluctant to produce a few lines (6) 20 Fruit available in Fontvieille, Monaco (5) 21 Leaves left off the roof (5) 22 Ray's joyful expression? (4)
Code Breaker
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 15 represents J and 18 represents M, so fill in J every time the figure 15 appears and M every time the figure 18 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.
Across 1 Acknowledgments of appreciation (6) 4 Earlier in time (6) 7 Be without (4) 8 Time or space between (8) 9 Imply as a possibility (7) 12 Lacking self-confidence (3) 14 On a ship, train, plane or other vehicle (6) 15 Desert plant (6) 16 Is the owner (3) 18 Arachnids (7) 22 Being within reasonable or average limits (8) 23 Come upon, as if by accident (4) 24 Four-footed animals (6) 25 Last day of the week (6)
Down 1 Apparatus used to communicate at a distance over a wire (9) 2 Forebears (9) 3 Bee wound (5) 4 Mouthfuls (5) 5 Croft (4) 6 Arrive at (5) 10 Young women (5) 11 Mock or make fun of playfully (5) 12 Allayed (9) 13 Day immediately before today (9) 17 Without support (5) 19 Dramas (5) 20 Put on clothes (5) 21 Acquires (4)
English - Spanish The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.
SOS. Answers: Put a sock in it, Emergency stop
Down 1 Turned out, so I be in Idaho (5) 2 Divided country in New York or
Funagram
FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: FOOD PROCESSOR, ADMIRAL’S CUP
Across 3 Can eels somehow purify? (7) 7 A smell from the food, our dinner (5) 8 Leg-up to a degree? Get bread! (5) 9 Really learned about red meats (8) 10 Beautiful French girl sounding alarm (5) 13 Lass finishes with the idiot (3) 15 Supplies arrived in damaged crates (6) 16 Adapted canoes for big seas (6) 17 Greek god of use in the kitchen (3) 19 Transfers art in the Civil Service (5) 23 Produce electricity from green tea (8) 24 Enthusiastic, as found in flea germs (5) 25 A range of potential votes (5) 26 Hawaiian garland, certain relaxation (7)
Quick
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS CRYPTIC Across: 1 Purchase, 5 Elms, 9 Chatter, 10 Plain, 11 Lion, 12 Desires, 15 Assume, 16 Severe, 19 Instead, 21 Bags, 24 Alert, 25 Leading, 26 Easy, 27 Princess. Down: 1 Peculiar, 2 Reasons, 3 Hate, 4 Screen, 6 Leave, 7 Sent, 8 Spoiled, 13 Imitate, 14 Messages, 17 Examine, 18 Sailor, 20 Needs, 22 Bare, 23 Earn. QUICK Across: 1 Dares, 5 Heads, 8 Never, 9 Soldier, 10 Earlier, 11 Cell, 12/18 Big top, 14 Mesh, 15 Inch, 21 Look, 23 Examine, 25 Confirm, 26 Tramp, 27 Sleek, 28 Clear.
Across 1 Height (of object) (6) 3 Weapon (4) 7 Day (3) 9 Arrival (of person, letter etc) (7) 10 Ganar (sueldo) (4) 11 Hueso (4) 14 Gaviota (7) 15 Mar (3) 16 Faja (de tela) (4) 17 Head (of person) (6)
Down 1 Direcciones (9) 2 Rollo (de tela, papel, cuerda fina, cable fino) (4) 4 Razones (7) 5 Housewife (3,2,4) 6 Cama (mueble) (3) 8 Atrasos (7) 12 Pero (uso adversativo) (3) 13 Soul (of a person) (4)
Down: 1 Dancer, 2 Reverse, 3 Straight, 4 Absorb, 5 Half, 6 Alike, 7 Shrill, 13 Gigantic, 16 Climate, 17 Clocks, 19 Permit, 20 Helper, 22 Ounce, 24 Link. ENGLISH-SPANISH Across: 1 Listen, 4 Hips, 8 Shade, 9 Clean, 10 Religioso, 13 Young, 15 Unico, 16 Soap, 17 Castle. Down: 1 Last, 2 Stage, 3 Evenings, 5 Ice, 6 Son, 7 Aceituna, 11 Skirt, 12 Doce, 13 Yes, 14 Uva.
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
WORLD’S TOP 10 GADGETS
CROSSWORDS
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SPONSORED BY For solutions: http://www.euroweeklynews.com/puzzle-answers.html
1. Apple Watch Apple has decided that, not only do you need a computer on your desk and one in your pocket, you now need one on your wrist. The aim, and our apparent future, will be that this wearable computer will allow us to control Apps, photos, thermostats, door locks, TVs and lights. 2. SmartThings Starter Kit From letting you know when the kids are home from school, to brewing your coffee before you wake. The Jetson’s home of the future is here with the system that allows you to interact with inanimate objects from your phone. 3. DJI Phantom Vision+ I spy with my little eye, the best and most stable camera wielding drone in the sky. Well the best in its price bracket of around €1,200. With a 4k video capability and wireless transmission.
One man’s coming of age BOOKS
7. Mophie Space Pack The two main problems for devotees of the iPhone 5 and 5s, is the battery runs out to quickly, and there’s not enough space for photos and music. Mophie solves that with an extra 64gb and eight hours talk time.
books@euroweeklynews.com
Winner of the man booker prize in 2014, The Narrow Road to the Deep North tells the tale of a surgeon Dorrigo Evans who is troubled by memories of a young affair with his uncle’s wife two years earlier, while at the same time facing the horror of the Japanese Prisoner of War camps. Fighting to save the
men under his command as they work on the ThaiBurma Death Railway he receives a letter that changes his life. A devastating and beautiful book about love and war that never goes over the top, it is a book that is very moving throughout. Billed as 'savagely beautiful' its themes are the many
8. Jawbone UP3 In the world of data reliant super fit athletes, or if you are an aspiring running cyborg, the New Jawbone wristband data analysis device will tell you everything you need to know.
forms of good and evil as well as truth, and one man's coming of age.
4. Oculus Rift Development Kit 2 Very shortly will come the virtual reality world. Oculus Rift have just announced the launch of the next step into the future, with the second model of their fully immersive virtual reality headset.
9. iPad Air 2 Apple has continued to amaze by squeezing even more stuff into the thinnest wafer possible. The iPad Air 2 is the thinnest yet while being the most powerful. 10. The Ring Video Doorbell Imagine the perfect front door like a human security guard, it would tell you who was outside and let you talk to them via your phone before letting them in.
APPLE WATCH: As well as on your desk, now a computer on your wrist. 5. iPhone 6 Plus If bigger really is better, The supersized Apple iPhone 6 Plus is the best. The largest phone they have produced so far has an awesome 5.5 inch screen and 8 megapixel camera.
App of the Week GROOVEMAKER 2 Even the most unmusical people can feel they are the world's greatest DJ with this app. By making use of loops and stringing them together new tracks can be created. Great fun to play with, the app is now available on Android as well as iOS. A must for musicians and non-musicians alike.
Just Joking I never wanted to believe that my Dad was stealing from his job as a road worker. But when I got home, all the signs were there. Q: How do you count cows? A: With a cowculator. A man got hit in the head with a can of Coke, but he was alright because it was a soft drink.
Sudoku 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.
6. HERO4 GoPro Feel the need to jump from mountains or see the world from your dog’s point of view? The GoPro is for you. The latest HERO4 has upgraded resolution and audio systems, as well as time lapse and ultra-low light abilities.
TOP GADGET: So you can control apps.
Boggled How many English words can you find in the Boggled grid, according to the following rules? The letters must be adjoining in a ‘chain’. They can be adjacent horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Words must contain at least four letters and may include singular and plural or other derived forms. No letter may be used more than once within a single word, unless it appears twice. No vulgarities or proper nouns are permitted.
TARGET:
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
Average: 40 Good: 52 Very good: 75 Excellent: 92
SCORING: 4 letters: 1 point • 5 letters: 2 points 6 letters: 3 points • 7 letters: 4 points 8 or more letters: 11 points
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION oath, kilo, kill, heat, atoll, attest, oats, iota, ills, thee, toil, toll, tolls, tail, tall, tale, aloe, alms, ales, allot, loath, loathe, loam, loams, lime, limes, lath, lathe, late, less, mill, mills, mile, mess, test, mail, maim, math, matte, mall, malls, male, mate, mates, mats, elate, elms, stall, stale, small, smalls, slat, slate, slats, slam, slams, sell, semi
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015/ Costa de Almería
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OPINION & COMMENT
dierk schaefer Flickr
A quest for heroes 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.
B
ACK in nineteen hundred and freezing cold, when I lived briefly in Pennsylvania, I took myself along to the local movie theatre one night to see a film that was getting lots of rave reviews in the American press. The film was Death Wish. It’s the story of a man in New York City, whose wife is murdered by muggers when they ransack his apartment, leaving his traumatised daughter in a catatonic state. He then embarks on a one-man vigilante killing spree on the streets of the city. What amazed me at the time was that after each mugger was shot, the entire audience in the theatre leapt to their feet and applauded loudly. It emphasised in no uncertain way just how brassed off the American public
CHURCHILL: If ever we needed a man or woman like him, it is now.
were with the problem of violent crime, and the failure of the police to get to grips with it. The main character, Paul Kersey aka Charles Bronson, became an immediate hero and it was understandable. Unfortunately in 2015, we are sadly lacking in heroes. I’m not necessarily talking about blokes who go around bumping off muggers, but genuine role models for those of us who still hold dear traditional values. But the definition of the term hero has degraded into the perverted worship of disgraced politicians; pop stars who make tawdry assignations with strangers in public toilets; chefs who are more renowned for their bad language than the food they prepare, ill behaved overpaid footballers, and so called comedians whose only talent is to ridicule and mock. Worse still, is that we do not have leaders who are prepared to make decisions on what is inherently right, but are diverted by political correctness or the need to buy votes with cheap short term policies.
If ever we needed a man or woman for our time, it is now. With standards degenerating; corruption among the ruling elite and police forces rife, and the world going to hell in a hand cart all around us, a champion of Churchillian proportions was never more needed. Someone who has been hitherto obscure perhaps, but who would rise dramatically to the frightening challenges facing us. It’s hard to see where such a personality could come from. The political landscape with it’s collection of incompetent and self seeking misfits, is as barren as a eunuch’s Y-fronts and with a general election only weeks away, the prospect of such a figure emerging from the dross, looks bleak to say the least. But in the unlikely event that this should happen, just like the audience in that Pennsylvanian theatre all those years ago, I believe the majority of decent people in our country would leap to their feet and applaud loudly.
OPINION & COMMENT
16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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Should the UK stay in the EU? TONY BLAIR, Britain’s former prime minister, has launched a major attack on David Cameron’s plan for an EU referendum in the UK. Do you think that the UK should leave the EU or is it better to stay in Europe? SAMMY AND PAUL, owners of Splash Pools Mijas on Costa del Sol, felt that that the UK had given too much in the past to other countries while barely looking after its own. “The UK should leave the EU and concentrate on improving the National Health System, education and so on. What other country refuses to pay for its own people’s needs such as the NHS and education while at the same time handing out to others? There is something very wrong with that. “The only one we would vote for SAMMY & PAUL: UK should leave EU and concentrate on its own people.
STREET TALK is Nigel Farage of UKIP as we think he does talk sense,” they said. But Betty Herr of La Cala Lions on the Costa del Sol disagreed. She remarked: “I don’t normally agree with Tony Blair but on this occasion I do. The impact of the UK leaving the EU would be dangerous and a lot of the smaller countries would suffer. It would definitely have its repercussions and do a lot of damage, so I think the UK should stay with Europe.” Laszlo Miklosi also believed it would be better
BRIAN: Leaving would be bad for expats. LASZLO: Unity is important. to stay in the EU: “In the end we all have to be one, everyone has to fight for the same future but if we are all in different groups it would be harder.” Originally from Hungary, the owner of La Campana in Quesada, Costa Blanca, said the EU had not necessarily helped Hungary, or people in the UK as it had just opened the doors for people to move there, but he does believe in bringing everyone together.“Unity is important,” he commented.
Brian Dulston of Aloe Vera Forever Living was an exLabour councillor for many years back in the UK. He said: “Well, I don’t believe the UK would be better off coming out of Europe. And for people living on the Costa Blanca, I think it would be bad for British expats, causing turmoil in Spain.”
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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OPINION & COMMENT
Side effects of Gurtel corruption A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene
THE appearance of big names in Valencian politics mired in the Gurtel corruption case was postponed until after the municipal elections. This information produced more yawns than indignation although no tears will be shed if the businessmen and politicians involved go to jail. But this is not the only outcome of Gurtel - the German version of the surname of its prime mover Francisco Correa. The Gurtel investigation amputated some of the corrupt tentacles ensnaring public administrations, public figures and public contracts. But as the Andalucia elections demonstrated, and as pollsters continue to predict, the fallout from Gurtel has changed the face of Spanish politics by breaking the PP-PSOE stranglehold on national politics.
taxpayers within his own party and outside it will be happy to fund this humanitarian gesture.
Leading by example EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT FLICKR
Cassandra Nash
EURO-MP Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar was the man who put his signature to the Anti-Gender Violence law in 2007 when he was minister of Justice. His ex-wife accused him of “physical and verbal ill-treatment,” charges he denied in a Canary Islands court. Guilty until proven innocent, Lopez Aguilar’s party PSOE membership was suspended as a precautionary measure. No doubt Susana Diaz wishes the party would do the same with her predecessors Manuel Chaves and Jose Antonio Griñan. DENIED: Lopez Aguilar protests his innocence.
The right way LIKE the Tories in the UK, the Partido Popular is regarded by many as the Nasty Party.
Wanting to be seen in a more empathetic light, the government announced that illegal immigrants will once again receive health care and not only
emergency treatment. Since illegal immigrants can’t vote, this cannot be dismissed as a vote-catcher. On the contrary, it could cost Rajoy votes. Not all
Cupboard love MARIANO RAJOY won the 2011 elections not because of his political image, but despite it. After losing the 2004 and 2008 general elections he finally triumphed because the electorate blamed former president Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and not the international situation for the economic crisis. They believed that Rajoy could solve their financial problems, returning them to pre-2008 levels of prosperity. Zapatero played it by the Keynesian book and failed. Rajoy played it Brussels’ way and Spain is on an even keel again. That’s what Rajoy will say when campaigning. It’s an approach that might have succeeded if so many who voted for him weren’t worse off now.
OPINION & COMMENT
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16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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Peter Kay sitcom to stream on iPlayer before airing on BBC One “Aidan Turner will return as Ross Poldark and Eleanor Tomlinson as Demelza in a new eight-part series written by Debbie Horsfield that will cover books three and four of Winston Graham’s series.”
Richard Shanley
DISHING THE DIRT OF EUROPA DIGITAL
PETER KAY’S Car Share will stream as an entire series on BBC iPlayer before it is shown on BBC One. The stream of all six episodes will be available for a limited period between April 24 and 28. It will be the first BBC One sitcom for Kay, who stars in and directs all six half-hour episodes. He plays a supermarket worker who is forced to commute with a colleague as part of a company carshare scheme. The pre-broadcast stream is part of a BBC project that will see 40 hours of programming made available on iPlayer before being
CAR SHARE: Peter Kay directs and stars in the show. POLDARK: Aidan Turner will return for Series 2. shown on TV. Kay said: “To be finally working with the BBC on a new comedy is a great opportunity. And the idea of two people car sharing to work each day really appealed to me, as it highlights the comedy in the minutiae of the daily trek and allows the spiralling conversations of life to unwind in all of their glory.” Poldark is to return for a second series on BBC One. The news comes as the chan-
nel celebrates its best start to the year in a decade. From January 1 to March 31, BBC One took its highest share since 2005 in all hours and in peak - with a 23.3 per cent share in all hours and 25.2 per cent in peak. Poldark - which stars Aidan Turner as its dashing title character - has so far achieved a consolidated series average of 8.1m viewers. Charlotte Moore, Controller of BBC One, said: “It’s been
an outstanding start to the year for programme-makers on the channel and their ambition has been in evidence throughout. It’s exciting to see BBC One being recognised today as the most-nominated channel in this year’s BAFTA TV Awards. I can also exclusively announce that Sunday night’s new phenomenon Poldark that has captured the nation’s hearts has been commissioned for a second series.
If you would like me to answer any questions you may have on satellite TV or to expand on anything I have written about please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europa-digital.com. I look forward to your comments and questions. Don’t forget to listen to my radio show every weekday from 10am on Spectrum 96.1 and 106.8FM, now covering almost 3000sq 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.
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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OPINION & COMMENT
When wisdom wasn’t learned from a book—but found in a glass! Tupungato / Shutterstock.com
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.
E
ARLY Spain was long on sunshine, full of wine rivers and nights that rattled on until the moon got tired and went to bed. Then it was coffee all around with brandies until someone fell from the chair, which meant time to go home. Things were discussed, but nothing ever important. Sooner or later the soul got tired and you yearned for something consequential. Pertinent thoughts couldn’t be avoided, no matter how much you drank.
DICHOS: Learned at home or in café encounters. The human in us could never really be lost by a plethora of ‘parties’. Movie-makers started drifting into town and that broke a lot of the monoto-
ny. They might have been stars in Hollywood, but few could carry on with the village locals who could drink anyone under the table and not be
LOOKIN G BACK I N MOJAC AR bothered to know it. Once a tourist person brought a popular book on
holiday and wished to discuss it. It was a tale that spouted wisdom. The Spaniards, who were always a part of the revelries, weren’t too familiar with books but had their own family wisdom in the form of DICHOS, popular sayings from the home fires or café encounters that kept them well versed and competitive in street wisdom. I was taken aback by this simple tool of knowledge so engrained in each and every one of them. Wisdom from the hearth, the fields, Grandma and passing visitors. They served me well in my life growing up here. “If you enter into a lawsuit, you’ve lost already,” has been a helpful refrain. Our town hall should do a short book on the topic and print
much of this local wisdom to give to foreigners when they become official residents. Proverbs from Granny might enlighten their forlorn and confused nights. “La mentira tiene patas cortas” (a lie has short legs and won’t travel far). Or, “La ocasión hace al ladrón” (the occasion makes the thief) in that almost everyone would steal if the situation was open enough and unpunishable. One of the remarkable occurrences I witnessed was made famous to me after living here some 19 years before I witnessed my first drunken Spaniard (at the fair in Sevilla). “Bebe el agua a chorro y el vino a sorbos,” (drink jets of water but wine in only sips). A ‘dicho’ I regretfully haven’t followed as well as I might.
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OPINION & COMMENT
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16 - 22 April 2015/ Costa de Almería
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Mike Walsh Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.
A SEISMIC shift in the global power struggle between the West and the BRICS world has shifted to Central Europe. Russian and NATO military hardware confront each other in what was, until recently, a sea of little interest to the rest of us. We have all heard of the Bermuda Triangle, the mysterious sea where ships and aircraft disappear. Few have heard of the Black Sea Vortex. Could the inexplicable disappearance of a Russian or NATO warship spark a war that would leave Western
Europe and the United States a glass-strewn thermonuclear shellhole? Turkish fishermen were the first to bring to attention what is known as the Black Sea Vortex of Death. The location is Snake Island set in the Danube Delta. For centuries the region has been a hotbed of tension between Ukraine and Romania but now attracts wider significance. Historically, Russian sailors have been wary of the phenomena of disappearing ships since the 13th century. They record a whirl of white water that swallows everything on and over this sea, even flights of birds. Are these flights of fancy or is there something in such tales? Russian and Ukrainian scientists are agreed. The region shows magnetic abnormality. This
information came to light when, during the Soviet era, a Red Army report disclosed that a warship in May 1944 had disappeared without trace. In broad daylight and perfect sea conditions the heavily armed Russian cruiser simply disappeared south of Crimea. The baffling loss was reported by the commander of an accompanying warship. His report told of a ‘black fog and a bolt of lightning that, when it cleared left the horizon clear.’ The Soviet warship had incomprehensibly disappeared. There was no wreckage, no trace, nothing. In December 1945, five Soviet bombers disappeared over the area. They left neither trace nor explanation. The last radio messages recorded a thick fog blanketing their cockpit canopies. Equally odd the disappearance
CREDIT NASA
Mysterious Black Sea triangle DANUBE DELTA: A hotbed for tension between Romania and Ukraine. of 80 oil-drilling platform personnel in 1991. Contact between shore and the rig abruptly ceased. Repeated attempts to contact the rig were futile. Sent to investigate, a military squadron discovered a drifting rig platform upon which there were no people evident and no signs of disturbance. Nothing was found. This incident has its parallel in the Mary Celeste incident in 1872. Inexplicable ship disappear-
ances are still commonplace. I recall the time when, in 1962, moored at a pier in the Red Sea, we sailors remarked on the cruise liner berthed next to us. This vessel set sail the night before our departure. Both liner and its passengers disappeared. We were told the liner was the victim of a rogue electric storm. I heard no more. The sea remains a very mysterious place.
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E W N 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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ealth & beauty H TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EWNLIFESTYLE.COM
HEALTH & BEAUTY
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My short stay is a real relief Erica Russell Watson: My journey – and I’m driving
10th April I HAD the seventh chemo treatment last week. It was the fastest I have ever been seen and so I was only at the hospital until 1.30pm which was a relief since I always arrive at 7.15am making it a long day. I have to say that the side effects kick in about two to three days after the treatment now. I am left feeling listless, very achy and generally a bit wobbly. Nothing that stops me from getting on with normal life, but the pace slows down greatly and I am far more susceptible to coughs and colds. Hence the hacking cough I have now, more antibiotics which I dislike, but at
least my temperature is under the dangerous 38 degrees mark. I am sure the battery in my thermometer is going to run out at any moment as I have to diligently monitor my temperature. If I hit the 38 degree mark then I have to go to hospital for tests as it is a sign of an infection that I might not be in shape to fight on my own. Luckily I have avoided this as it would mean a possible hospital stay and put my treatment back.
I am now preparing for radiotherapy I was told that once I was in the last cycle of chemotherapy I had to ring the radiotherapy team at Carlos Haya to book my scan in preparation for the next stage of my treatment. I called at the beginning of April and efficiently they called me back and I went in
on April 7 for a scan of my torso which then provided them with an idea of how to mark out the area to be radiated. This type of CAT scan is painless as there is no intravenous dye used. You just have to strip down to your waist, in my case because my cancer was in the breast and armpit, and put your arms outstretched over your head, incline your head to the unaffected side and not move an inch. After the scan the nurse came in and explained that they were going to tattoo me to mark out the zone that they would administer the radiotherapy to. The dye is permanent. So four little and quick punctures were filled with dye and I was done. I had a chat with another nurse who explained the importance of moisturising in preparation for radiotherapy. At this stage they couldn’t tell me how many sessions I would need. That would have to be discussed with my doctor. However, a mini-
mum of 15 and up to a maximum of 35 sessions were discussed. I have fair skin so it is likely that my skin will become red and irritated. I was also given instructions on what not to do! No deodorant or perfumes or extreme water temperatures! So that’s the end to my scorching showers then!
I can’t use deodorant or perfume! And a whole host of other things and of course to avoid the sun. I have to say though that I am really pleased with how things have been going although I don’t have any concrete results of how my treatment has gone yet. Finishing chemo will be such a relief. A little like a bored child… I have had enough now! Yesterday was a day to for-
get about cancer and my motorway breakdown! It was time to catch up with friends. Jorge and I had a splendid lunch in Fuengirola. Gosh we all laughed so much and have put a date in the diary to meet again soon. Laughing is the best tonic ever. The children dragged themselves out of bed today and rather like an adult who has to work, they too were pretty happy that it was Friday. Well that makes all of us then. Another week gone and I am not one to wish away my life, but the passing of time for us is all about life and healing. The children have a great loss to come to terms with and I have a physical and mental battle which should be a much shorter ordeal. My cancer is easier to deal with because there is something to be done and a process to go through. Emotional trauma is far more deeply rooted with no road map to navigate your way out of. They are making a progress, little by little and day by day.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
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16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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63
Paper towels are healthiest PAPER towels are the most hygienic way to dry hands after going to the bathroom. A study has found that hand dryers, in comparison, tend to spray bacteria over the room and could infect people standing nearby, and more modern and
BACTERIA SPREADERS: Hand jet dryers.
Now you can view the moment of life NEW technology is allowing parents to view the moment their baby is conceived through IVF. The video and photos available from the moment of conception are thanks to revolutionary technology that allows medics to record fertilisation to the division of cells, right through to the growth of an embryo and help scientists learn more about the IVF process.
EMBRYOSCOPE: Wonderful science.
There are now around 150 couples in the UK who have used the EmbryoScope technology.
Professor Simon Fishel, head of the first clinic in Britain to use the EmbryoScope, said: “To be able to see this is absolutely wonderful science for us.”
Baby brain is all in mind BABY brain has long since been blamed on the forgetfulness of new mothers and pregnant women, but US scientists say in reality baby brain doesn’t exist. While those who are pregnant may believe their memory is worse
than usual, a study has found that they perform just as well as other women in mental tests. Other key skills, including attention span and spatial awareness, were equally unaffected by pregnancy, according to the Young University study.
powerful jet dryers are even worse and can spray liquid and bacteria up to 1.5 metres. Researchers found 27 times more germs in the air around jetair dryers in comparison with the air around paper towel dispensers.
Parents are also advised to keep children away from the air coming out of dryers as the greatest spread of microbes is found between 0.6 to 0.9 metres from the floor around the same face height of a child who might be standing nearby.
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FEATURE
How clever is your dog? Website uses games to find out By Lorna Eade IS your dog playing dumb to get its own way? Have you ever wondered why your pet runs round in circles, or barks at random things? It could be all down to their personality type. The Dognition site, based in North Carolina, uses questionnaires and games to help dog owners determine how empathetic their pet is, how clever it is at solving problems, whether it is choosing to ignore you or genuinely doesn’t know what you’re saying. Dogs, like us humans, have personality types with character traits and these can be compared to other dogs of the same breed, age and size, as well as other breeds. It can be used by owners to learn more about how their dog thinks, train their pet more effectively or help decide which breed of dog to get next. Pet owners begin by filling out a personality questionnaire about their dog, including whether it is
well-behaved, whether it listens to instructions, how it responds to being left alone or told off and so on. Based on the results of this test, the owners are given a series of science-based games, designed to test a dog’s level of empathy, communication, cunning - including whether they are trustworthy and loyal, or wily and devious - memory, and reasoning abilities. Empathy involves reading and responding to the emotions of others. Communication tests how a dog uses information from others to learn about their environment. To test Cunning the games see how dogs use information to avoid being found out when they do something wrong. The Memory game tests how the dogs use past experiences to influence fu-
ture choices, and Reasoning looks into how the dog finds a solution to a new problem. Once the owner plays the games, all the results are fed into the database and Dognition creates a detailed Profile Report that explains how the dog thinks. Each dog is also categorised into one of nine personality types, including Einstein, Expert, Socialite, Stargazer, Charmer, Renaissance, Protodog, Maverick and Ace. For example, the Renaissance Dog is a pet which is ‘good at a little bit of
everything’ and Socialites are outgoing pets that are easily excitable. The report also compares the results to other dogs of the same breed, age and size, as well as dogs from other breeds, to see whether the trait is specific to the breed or the individual. This can help determine how a dog needs to be trained. If a dog doesn’t listen but understands the command they might not be cunning, they might instead need a specific method of communication such as eye contact. “These are science-based games that should be very fun to play with your dog, for both human and dog alike. And while you’re doing it, you can know that you are participating in actual science that can be used to help dogs,” said Dognition founder Dr Brian Hare from Duke
University, who added: “At the same time, it can reveal how your individual dog is thinking.” All the results are anonymously stored so scientists can research dog behaviour and cognition and Dr Hare and his team want to gather the data to analyse why some dogs or breeds communicate more effectively with humans, while others are more sociable. Find out more at the Dognition https://www.dognition.com/ Why dog slobber can boost your mood A study has discovered that getting kisses from a dog can make an owner feel happier. Linda Handlin from the University of Skövde in Sweden found owners who kissed their dogs the most had higher levels of oxytocin than other owners. Oxytocin is known as the ‘hug hormone’ because it is released when someone is touched by a person they love, including a partner or a child. It is also released after eating tasty food. Oxytocin can reduce stress levels and blood pressure.
PERSONALITY: Dogs are categorised into nine different types: Einstein, Expert, Socialite, Stargazer, Charmer, Renaissance, Protodog, Maverick and Ace.
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Are you a bar or restaurant that advertises with EWN? AT EWN we have our clients’ best interests at heart. Getting your news out to the public can sometimes be a struggle, but we here at EWN want to help. Have you changed your menu, recently renovated or won an award? Do you have an upcoming charity event you’d like to publicise? Do you have a new member of staff?
Maybe you’d like to take part in our ‘Restaurant’ experience? Your establishment provides a meal for two which we will review and publish - with pictures - in your local edition. If you have any news of interest that you would like to get out to local readers, then please let us know. We cannot promise to publish everything, but we will do our best.
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At Frankies Bar every nig with the best service, food DENNIS and Simona are forever working hard to give their growing clientele the best service, food and entertainment that you could ever wish for. As Frankies Bar is so popular they are now opening from midday right through until late, and everyone that is familiar with Frankies know that every night is a good night. With excelSaid to lent food on choice, you serve up the the menu certainly will best fish including not go full English hungry! and chips in breakfast, It is said the area home-made that on Fridays, pies, various Frankies Bar mouth watering curserves up the best fish ries, fillet steaks, and a a n d c h i p s i n t h e a r e a . t r u e t r a d i t i o n a l k e b a b This is why Dennis and
S i m o n a strongly advise booking so please call 950 467 541 in advance to avoid disappointment.
Along with the great food there are all major sports showing live games, BBC, SKY Sports,
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DELICIOUS MENU: From full English breakfast to mouth watering curries. BT Sports and more TV programmes. You can pick up your free WIFI if you need to keep up with your internet requirements too. There is a quiz every Thursday at 9pm. On
Sunday April 26 there will be some great live entertainment by The Streeters from 2pm which promises to be a fantastic afternoon, so why not book your table and take advantage of some excep-
tional home cooking while you enjoy the show.
Frankies Bar is at Vera Playa and opening times are: Mon - Sun 12pm until late. The kitchen closes 10pm.
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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
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Muebles Sa MUEBLES SAN GINES is a furniture shop set up in Huercal Overa in the 1960s. Based in Calle Granada 48, it specialises in furnishing, and with a history in home furnishings which can be traced back to the 1800s the company has all the experience you could wish for. Back then, it was Gines Fuentes Garcia, greatgrandfather of the current manager, Ana Isabel Fuentes, who began the journey into the world of furniture. People have the chance to take advantage of a special event to get a great deal. Today and tomorrow (April 16 and 17) Muebles San Gines is giving you the chance to buy a top quality new mattress with a massive 50 per cent discount. For instance a Pikolin mattress priced at €945 will be on sale at just €385 (limited units). That’s right - half price on
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an 1,000 products on sale in the five-floor store. prices on bed bases, couches, pillows and bedspreads. The customer will also be allowed to choose the payment method, including up to 24 interest free monthly instalments. All
customers who attend will be given a glass of bubbly and a small gift. www.mueblessangines.com Tel: 627 522 003
GREAT VARIETY: For pieces of furniture or for changing your decoration.
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Helping animal rights HELPING Animals Almanzora, an association for animal rights, has organised a Spring Gala for Saturday, May 30. The event will take place at the Hostal Meson, Arboleas (Calle Venta Mateo, Nº 5, Arboleas), starting at 5.30pm. There will be a buffet dinner, with hot and cold dish options at 7.30pm. Tickets must be prebooked and have a price of
€7, from HAA Shop Arboleas, Colin the Card in Albox, Inspired Home and Garden Albox, CAT Services, La Alfoquia and Centro Veterianario in Huercal Overa. At 8.30pm, there will be a Grand Auction, offering a great variety of quality items as well as a Raffle, followed by live music performances featuring bands 2 of Us, Danny Ogden, Doggy and Nic Spato.
The night will be completed with other activities such as a tombola, guess the cake weight, name the teddy and a special prize for one numbered dinner ticket, drawn on the night, amongst other games and entertainments. More information can be requested form 634 332 978 (dialling 0034 from the UK) or sending an e-mail to helping.animals.almanzora @gmail.com.
Poet donates books ALBOX-BORN poet Juan Jose Ceba will kindly donate more than 2,000 books from his private collection to the municipal library ‘Poeta Juan Berbel.’ “On behalf of all residents of Albox, as well as the town council, I want to thank Juan Jose Ceba for this altruistic donation and for its infinite generosity,” said Culture councillor, Francisco Carrillo. He continued: “We will treasure these books as we know some of them have
an immeasurable value.” All residents will now be able to enjoy literary pieces, many of them linked to the Almanzora Valley and the history of the town. The delivery, which has been accredited as the biggest donation in the history of the municipal library, will take place on Thursday (April 23), which will be marked by a symbolic event that will start at 12:30pm at the town hall.
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TRAIN TRAVEL: Have you ever heard of a railway station without a ticket office?
When compensation is due, go for it, but just be patient Peter Fieldman London-born journalist and author, Peter spends his time between Paris and Madrid. His novel ‘1066 The Conquest’ available on Amazon or www.1066TheConquest.com
www.pfieldman.blogspot.com
FOR years I had dreamt about a Baltic cruise and those long summer daylight hours in Scandinavia, except my wife, who is not a seafaring British citizen, gets seasick in the boating pond at the Retiro. In any event she had made other plans. So instead of a summer cruise I headed off alone by air to Denmark planning to travel on by train to Stockholm and Oslo. After a few days in Copenhagen I took the train along the coast to Helsingor and Hamlet’s Castle from where a 20minute ferry service across the Oresund links the Swedish city of Helsingborg. Have you ever heard of a railway station without a ticket office? This was it.
I found the tourist office in town but it was too busy. The only way to purchase tickets was either at automatic machines or the station snack bar. So I used my credit card to buy a sandwich and a single ticket to Stockholm on the SJAB, as Swedish Rail is affectionately known. All went according to plan until the local train reached a small town called Hassleholm, where I was supposed to change platforms and take the main line express, due to arrive 10 minutes later. Only it never did. Hassleholm caused me a lot more hassle than holm. Announcements in Swedish were not helpful, but I learnt from other passengers that the train would be late. In fact, it had not even left Malmo! The delay turned out to be over two hours, which meant arriving in the Swedish capital late at night without a hotel reservation.
With time to spare and little to do in Hassleholm, which did have a ticket office, thanks to friendly railway staff, I was able to book a hotel. After a three-hour journey looking out at forests and lakes and then more forests and lakes, as we were finally nearing the Swedish capital, a passenger informed me that the SJAB offered compensation in the form of credit vouchers for late arrivals. She helped me procure a form entitled ‘Restidsgaranti’ to fill in and send off. Sounded good. Why not, I thought. After all I was entitled to it. That was the good news. There was no urgency so I left the form in my case until I returned to Madrid. It made sense to ask for a refund rather than a credit voucher since my next trip on the SJAB could be some time off, if ever.
On the website I found a telephone number. Now for anyone who dislikes listening to options in English, try options in Swedish. After three calls I gave up and copying the tickets and other details, I sent off the form with a polite letter addressed to the SJAB administrative centre located in a town called Krylbo, which sounds like a character from a science fictionvideo. It was August. I waited for a reply,which never materialised, but I had discovered another SJAB address at Ustersund. Presumably to deter personal visits it was close to the Arctic Circle. It was not until September that I sent them a reminder enclosing the original letter to Krylbo. Still with no response forthcoming. Not one to give up easily, in October I wrote to the Swedish Embassy in Madrid, which replied
promptly. Their advice was to contact the Spanish Embassy in Stockholm. This was now turning into a diplomatic incident. However, as a British subject I thought this would hardly be an avenue worth pursuing. By December I decided to enlist the co-operation of the Transport Minister in Stockholm. Surely they would be able to put pressure on the SJAB; still nothing. I then emailed the principal tourist office in Stockholm; after all the country needs tourists. I warned them that I would never shop at IKEA again. They were very friendly and the kind young lady who responded was upset that I was taking it out on IKEA. But they couldn’t help. I finally woke up. Use the power of the press! Give them a scoop - a tourist railroaded by the railways.
So checking the Swedish press on the internet I wrote to the editor of DagensNyheter in Stockholm, which seemed like a cross between the Sun and the Daily Telegraph , just right. Obvious! Use the communications industry. But they didn’t communicate. Christmas and the New Year went by, but before I had time to contemplate my next course of action I was surprised to receive an apologetic email from the SJAB company, regretting the delay in replying and asking for my bank details for a full refund. Whether it was a ticking off from the Transport Minister or a DagensNyheter front page I will never know, but I finally got my money back. I sent an email to the kind young lady at the Swedish Tourist Office informing her that all was resolved and I would be buying a new kitchen from IKEA.
HOMES & GARDENS
16 - 22 April 2015/ Costa de Almería
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Herbs: A baker’s dozen for starters...
Dick Handscombe
Gardening Corner By Spain’s best known expatriate gardening author living in Spain for 25 years.
SINCE living in Spain herbs have featured in the plantings in the garden, experimental terrace gardens, builder’s bucket salad bars, our allotment when we had it, and the naturally occurring herbs left to grow wild on our naturally cultivated olive grove. Knowing that space is a premium a baker’s dozen are described below. Why a baker’s dozen? Well my first Saturday job was to count up piles of 960 farthings and bag them for the bank at my father’s baking business. Every 13th bag was my pocket and birthday money in the same way that in those days a 13th Easter hotcross bun, donut or roll was free. So to an interesting selection of beneficial herbs: • Mint (perennial) – Best planted in a large sunken pot to control the expansive roots. Added to boiling water adds a good touch to your new potatoes. Has culinary and medicinal uses ranging from mint sauce to serve with lamb to a strong infusion the morning after the night before. • Stevia (perennial) – The leaves are very sweet and a great natural re-
placement for sugar. Summer leaves can be dried for the winter months. • Garlic (annual) – The healthiest vegetable/herb of them all with a wide range of culinary uses and a useful insecticide in the garden as an infusion spray or growing in geranium pots or under rose bushes. • Chives (perennial) – A row looks ornamental and a good addition to salads. • Horseradish (perennial)– A couple of plants in the ground or large sunken pot can add zest to trout and meat dishes and grated the root can increase one’s metabolism after a big meal.
VERSATILE: Herbs are great for a wide variety of culinary and medicinal uses.
• Sage common (perennial) – Obviously for sage and onion stuffing. An infusion good for gums. • Purslane ( annual but can self-seed for continuity) – An interesting addition to salads. • Rocket (annual but late growing plants can also seed) – Adds a spicy
taste to salads. • Basil (annual) – Each year we grow a selection of the annual seeds from the interesting and long list offered by Chiltern Seeds. Geat with chopped tomatoes and salads. • Perilla (annual but easily self-seeds for continuity) – Infusions are said
to help hay fever sufferers. Reputed to be useful for panic attacks such as the Sunday morning you find that slugs have eaten all the recently-planted lettuces overnight. • Parsley (generally an annual but some varieties will over-winter) – Great with fish dishes and infusions useful for the wife’s cystitis. • Comfrey (perennial) – A must for ecological vegetable growers, one can harvest several crops a
year to put in a bucket of water for a month to produce a handy ecological fertilizer. • Rosemary (perennial) – An important culinary herb and a perfect partner for many meat dishes. Well that should get you off to a productive start. There are many more listed in our book ‘Living Well from Our Garden Mediterranean Style’ available from Amazon Books. Most annual herbs are best if not grown in full sun all day long as they can soon go to seed. ©Dick Handscombe www.gardeninginspain. com April 2005
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With spring here, careful what you feed the ducks
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 spring here many pools and ponds will attract ducks, and we all love to feed them. But it is important to feed these wild creatures the right thing. Most commonly people throw scraps of bread, crackers, popcorn and similar bread-type products, but unfortunately these are also some of the least nutritious, according to Melissa Mayntz of bird ing.about.com. She says: “Bread has little nutritional value and can harm growth, pollute waterways and attract rodents and other pests.
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FEEDING THE DUCKS: Oats, rice and birdseed better for them than bread. “Similarly, ducks should not be fed any products that are spoiled or mouldy; different types of mould can be fatal to waterfowl.” However, that is not to mean we shouldn’t feed ducks, geese and swans as there are other treats we can feed them as part of a healthy and nutritious diet. “Ducks will eat a great deal of different foods, and
the best foods include: - Oats (uncooked; rolled or quick) - Rice (cooked) - Birdseed (any type) - Peas or corn (defrosted, no need to cook) - Earthworms - Mealworms (fresh or dried) - Chopped lettuce or other greens or salad mixes - Vegetable trimmings or
peels (chopped) - Duck feed pellets can be purchased from farming or agricultural supply stores.” People should stop feeding if the birds appear uninterested or are leaving the food uneaten. Melissa added that people should remember wild birds can be aggressive, such as larger waterfowl like swans and geese.
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NEXO VETERINARY CENTRE NETWORK
Experienced advice on your pet’s health THE clinic began working in 2003, trying to create a different sort of small animal clinic to those usually found in the area. They wanted to open a clinic with a more modern touch and also taking the clients’ needs into account. Since then they have grown year by year and today, they have become part of the Nexo Veterinary Centres group working together to continually improve their services. Nexo is the leading group of comprehensive integrated veterinary centres in Spain and was created in 2005 by a group of vets with a broad range of experience. It is a comprehensive network because the client can always obtain whatever services they require
An excellent sitter choice By Lamia Walker of HouseSitMatch JENNY and Gemma have been living apart for 18 months, ever since Gemma left Brisbane in Australia to study in Paris. Jenny is always looking for affordable ways to travel in order to meet up with her children who are mostly based in Europe. Housesitting is one way she can exchange her 30 years of experience as a home and pet owner for free accommodation. Chris and Letitia now retired in Valencia occasionally need sitters to care for their mature cats. They prefer to have sitters to care for their mature pets, and their gardens. The fact that Jenny is a keen gardener and both mother and daughter love cats made them an excellent choice. Register now for your Free 60 Day Trial and secure your Free Easy Guide to Housesitting. www.HousesitMatch.com
CLINIC: Someone always on hand. within the Nexo group and it is also integrated because the centres are in communication with each other. Their work philosophy is based on prevention of illness to guarantee good health thus allowing owners to enjoy their pets. The quality, effectiveness and homogeneity of their services is their greatest
challenge. It is their goal is to reinforce the link between vets, owners and pets. The Nexo veterinary centre network is also a great advantage as someone is always available to attend to your pet’s problems 24 hours a day, 365
SHOP: For food, toys and more. days a week. A team of specially prepared and trained professionals is always on hand to act in cases where fast, effective decisions are needed to solve unexpected situations. Their sole aim is to ensure that their clients are
entirely satisfied with the service that they receive. Nexo are excellent listeners who will approach problems with knowledgeable and experienced advice on health, treatment and products. Nexo shops include sections dedicated to food, hygiene and beauty, training and education, toys, walks, snacks, and much
IN STORE: Pet products. more. Cat owners will also find a Cats’ Corner where a wide range of feline products can be acquired. It is well worth a visit to browse the extensive pet care products in store. You will find Nexo Vetenary Clinic at Ctra. de la Estación, 17, 04800 Albox, Almería · 9:00 am - 1:30 pm, 5:00 - 8:00 pm or Tel 617 305 784
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A name to trust for all your building needs
THE Andalucian Building Company has been working extensively on the Spanish peninsula since 2002. That sort of longevity and experience means that they know the secret of truly professional and legal building. Customers know that if they have work done by the Andalucian Building Company not only will it be completed to the highest standards but with all paperwork in order. Word of mouth has been PROPERTY SPECIALISTS: Trust in Andalucian Building Company. the key to their success, From a villa but the time is now right to a tile, trust to bring their skills and the building trade. the customers’ satisfaction. in the Andalucian expertise to a wider audiWith so many cowboy So if you are thinking ence. builders around many about improving, moving or Building Originally set up in Engo f w h o m s e e m t o h a v e just simply need advice, Company land in 1972, the company been chefs and mechanics think about the Andalucian has always prided itself on the i n B r i t a i n - i t ’ s n o t e a s y Building Company, they are sure to quality of its workmanship and the choosing a real builder you can be able to help. diversity of work carried out. trust, well now you can! In these times of financial hardship, The Andalucian Building Company They have many satisfied clients they can offer the most competitive offers its clients unparalleled knowl- who use them time and time again a rates around for all sorts of work from edge and over 40 years experience in sure sign that work is completed to n e w b u i l d s , t e r r a c i n g , s w i m m i n g
pools, wet rooms and carpentry to electrics and plumbing. They are also specialists in solar power to keep those electricity bills down. How about a bread oven for the ultimate in outdoor living? It’s not just Jamie Oliver who can cook outdoors. Foundations, retaining walls, pergolas, car ports and painting. If it’s to do with your property, the Andalucian Building Company do it! The Andalucian Building Company also has a small number of exclusive off plan villas for sale at very intere s t i n g prices. Incorporating all the latest technologies which will produce a carbon neutral house with zero utility bills! From a villa to a tile, you can trust in the Andalucian Building Company.
For more details call 966 263 650 or 671 971 686.
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PROPERTY
Some tips on how to increase the value of your property John Graham The property expert
LAST week we talked about damp problems and how dealing with the fundamentals of your property has an immediate effect on increasing the value of your property. Today we will talk about
increasing the value of your villa. Arrange for an independent surveyor to give you professional advice on the most important and cost effective ways to maximise the value of your property. In my experience, one of the most successful ways of increasing the value of your villa is to extend the living space to the maximum allowed and
completely refurbish the villa to modern standards. If your villa is not in a gated community but your street could have a security barrier fitted, talk to your neighbours and share the cost of installing an automatic barrier, this will increase the value of your villa by offering extra security and privacy. Tip of the week. Extra quality living space adds value to your
property. If you have an older villa you could give your villa a total refurbishment, bring your living space up to modern standards. You could also increase living space by having a new extension built. If you have a basement carry out a basement conversion for extra interior living space. Convert small rooms into an open plan room on
Mixing the old with the new CONTRARY to belief, not all modern homes are costeffective. Whether it be living on a double-decker bus parked
in the campo with a solar panel on the roof and a bucket for a loo, having a total running costs of €1.32 per month (including TP).
Or converting a historic watermill in Almeria, with solar electric and thermal panels, rainwater harvesting, wood-burning stoves
and a vegetable garden with running costs of about €25 a month. Or simply changing your light bulbs for eco-friendly ones so you can save €5 per month on the electricity bill and help the environment. The fact remains many of the older properties for sale in Spain can be remodelled with a view to saving money. We shouldn’t think because a modern house has an energy certificate, it’s more energy-efficient.
the ground floor. Have a conservatory built for extra space. Carry out a glass conversion of terraces for extra interior living space. If your garage space is limited add a car port for extra parking. Modernise the kitchen and bathrooms. Maintain the value of your villa. Give your villa a regular fresh coat of paint.
Make the rooms look bigger and declutter . Make sure everything works, give all electrical, air conditioning, plumbing, drainage and gas appliances an annual service. If you have any questions please contact me. John Graham FASI gk.ipad@me.com TWITTER Feedback @JohnGrahamFASI #EuroWeeklyProperty #PropertyAdvice #PropertyNews
House sales up as market recovers
RISING: Sales have risen for six months in a row.
THE number of property sales throughout Spain has now risen for six months in a row. The number of house sales in Spain increased by over 15 per cent in February year on year, the largest rise in recent months. According to data released by the National Statistics Institute (INE) property sales have now increased for six consecutive months as the market gradually begins to recover from the huge crash that hit when Spain’s housing bubble burst at the end of 2007. The rise can be attributed directly to a 50 per cent increase of sales of existing homes where 21,613 of the 29,714 deals were done. In contrast, sales of new homes dropped 28 per cent compared with the same month last year, with just 8,101 sales performed.
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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 16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería 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@euroweek lynews.com for more details.
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MOTORING MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 309, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 309 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)
INTERNET
PROPERTY FOR SALE
PETS PET-COURIERS.COM – If you love your pet try us first – we are the best. Door to door service throughout Europe. Specialised vehicles – bespoke service. Full legal service including documentation if required for further information call or email us: Tel: (0034) 651 033 670 or (0034) 637 066 227. Email: info@pet-couriers.com or www.pet-couriers.com (231443)
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)
REMOVALS/STORAGE
PLUMBING SERVICES WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309. (200726)
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CERTIFIED Pool Cleaner / Handyman / Gardener / House Sitter, cheap rates. Phone Neil 642 764 741, email totalpools@outlook.com (228569)
MOBILE HOMES 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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KNOWLES PLUMBING. No 1 for plumbing! Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 950 137 197or 606 807 797 (230836) 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)
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CLASSIFIEDS UK - SPAIN - Anywhere Europe! Masses of experience. New clean vehicles. Insured with Royal Sun Alliance. Genuinely CARING service. FULL and part moves. ONLINE QUOTES!! www.bmceuropean.com UK 08456 443 784 / ES 634 344 787 FIND US ON FACEBOOK!(220152) SPAIN - UK/UK - SPAIN. Deliveries. Best prices. Best service. Indalo Transport. 634 336 468 / www.indalotrans port.com. Find us on Facebook & Twitter. (226654)
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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)
TRANSLATION SERVICES
16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería TILING FLOOR AND WALL TILING SPECIALIST Not a jack of all trades, just a master of one! Call Steve Holman on 697 678 708 (230178)
TRANSPORT 3 piece suites, mattresses, rugs, mobile homes & cars, call Vicky on 635 977 621 (226612)
TUITION
SOLAR ENERGY LOWEST PRICES IN SPAIN. www.solarmegas tore.es (232103) 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@suner gyalmeria.com (230097)
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Mr Angry, he goes from zero to crazy in under 5 seconds
Why is it that people learn how to drive (almost), but don’t learn how to park? I’m sick and tired of looking for a parking space on a road with 'on street'
parking, and not being able to fit in because one car has parked in the middle of two bays. Or worse; abandoned their shoppingmobile at 45 degrees to everyone else!
Ooohh it makes me so angry!
MOTORING
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otoring M TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM
SPONSORED BY For best rates in motor insurance call: 952 89 33 80
Beetle mania at New York Show VOLKSWAGEN have showcased four new versions of the stalwart Beetle at the New York International Auto Show. VW has revealed four new versions of the legendary Beetle car: two new coupés and two cabriolets. They have brought the bug into 2015 by further extending the Beetle line-up, and are offering a glimpse of the possible versions in the four concept cars. The colour blue sets the stage in the concept car range with the Beetle Cabriolet Denim. The colour scheme is designed to match your old jeans. And that it does! The stonewashed blue metallic paint and soft top in dark blue
BEETLE CONCEPTS: Revealed at New York Auto Show.
with a special fabric texture, will give the impression you’re putting on an old pair of Levi’s. The Beetle R-Line Concept 1, on the other hand, is a
mark above the others. It clearly bends toward automotive sportiness, and is powered by a 2.0 TSI power train that produces 162kW of pulling power that makes sure
it goes as quick as it looks. Also premiering at the show was the new Golf Alltrack, which is aiming to be a genuine trendsetter in the estate car series. The Golf Alltrack is well
equipped with 4MOTION allwheel drive and an offroad driving profile as standard. Powered by a 1.8 TSI engine that produces 125kW, and combined with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed DSG, it looks to make the wannabe 4x4 a worthy contender in the crossover markets.
MOTORING
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The Top 10 reliable family cars in Europe 10. Peugeot 308 Year: 2007Average breakdown rate per year: 16 per cent. (Electrical)
9. Nissan Qashqai Year: 2007Average breakdown rate per year: 16 per cent. (Electrical)
8. Ford Mondeo Year: 2007Average breakdown rate per year: 15 per cent. (Electrical)
7. Ford C-Max Year: 2007Average breakdown rate per year: 14 per cent. (Electrical)
6. Toyota Prius Year: 2003-2009 Average breakdown rate per year: 12 per cent. (Axle and Suspension)
5. Toyota Auris Year: 2007Average breakdown rate per year: 11 per cent. (Cooling and Heating)
4. Mazda3 Year: 2004-2009 Average breakdown rate per year: 10 per cent. (Breaking)
3. Honda Accord Year: 2002-2008 Average breakdown rate per year: 10 per cent. (Engine issues)
2. Honda Civic Year: 2006Average breakdown rate per year: 10 per cent. (Electrical)
1. Toyota Corolla Year: 2001-2007 Average breakdown rate per year: 7 per cent. (Axle and Suspension)
PEOPLE with different types of families and specific requirements for each, will give the car makers different demands every year, the biggest issue after safety is reliability. Making a vehicle to suit everybody is an impossible task, making it reliable even more so, but to help you out in making a decision which car suits your needs the best, Warranty Direct has compiled its Top 10 most reliable family cars. By studying data from about 30,000 of its policies linked to small family, Kin folk and MPV-style cars, Warranty Direct claims to have found the 10 most reliable family cars, just in time to start planning the annual summer holiday. The study analysed cars aged three to five years, and found the 10 models that suffered the fewest breakdowns. It also examined what the most common failure for each was and how much the largest claim cost. Duncan McClure Fisher, Managing Director of Warranty Direct, said: “Most cars will go wrong at some stage but there’s nothing worse than the family’s excitement at setting off on
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
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TOP: Toyota Corolla BOTTOM: Peugeot 308. holiday being destroyed by a morning spent on the hard shoulder. “And, as well as the inconvenience to your holiday, a breakdown can also put a serious dent in your wallet.”
16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
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Faster motorways please! A SURVEY just released has highlighted that 80 per cent of Spanish drivers are in favour of increasing the speed limits on motorways to 130 kilometres per hour. The Royal Automobile Club of Spain, (RACE) held a survey of drivers’ views with regard to speed limits and restrictions on the country’s roads. They found that, as well as being in favour of increasing the motorway limit to 130 kilometres per hour, over half the people questioned believed that the increase would reduce road accidents. Other findings were that more than 80 per cent of those surveyed felt safe, or very safe on toll roads, a number that falls to 65 per cent when asked about main roads and carriageways. However, the figure dramatically drops to 8 per cent when asked if they felt secure on town streets and at junctions.
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UK’s biggest private car collection to go on sale FORMER Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson and Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans are said to be among 2,000 motoring enthusiasts who will be bidding on items at what is described as Britain’s biggest private car collection ever to go on sale. More than 150 cars, 60 motorbikes, a gyrocopter and even a soviet rocket launcher are in the huge private collection of the late greenhouse entrepreneur John Saunders, which currently occupies eight halls at a museum. Amid the army tanks, old buses and more, the collection’s most sought-after item is an Aston Martin Lagonda. Clarkson is expected to go head-to-head with his possible Top Gear replacement Chris Evans, as the two bid on items in the collection. After recently learning he may have a little more time on his hands, Clarkson is said to be among motoring enthusiasts who will bid on items in the collection.
CLASSIC: Packard Super Eight Darrin Convertible could be yours! But he was surprised when he discovered that Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans could also be bidding on the massive collection. While Evans has emphatically ruled out taking over the helm of Top Gear, there may be little love lost between the two presenters. Perforating the rumours that he had been offered the top job on the BBC’s main cash machine, Evans did say he saw no reason
why the popular motoring show should not carry on without Clarkson. There will be no reserve on any of the lots, Auctioneer James Dennison explained; it really is a case of ‘everything must go’. The vehicles will be sold by Brightwells in Leominster, with the motorbike auction being held on April 29, and the car sale on June 10.
Jaguar Club celebrates the ‘Big One’ THE latest meeting of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club (JEC) will go down in history as the big one. The joint adventure combined JEC Spain, JEC France, and the Madrid Jaguar club, in Northern Spain at the spectacular 13th century castle of Parador Siguenza. Seventy-three fabulous Jaguars with 151 Jaguar owners enjoyed two days of prize-
giving, charity auctions, village hopping, and photoshoots. Not only was a great time had by all, but €1,200 was raised for Cancer Research UK. Eric Arnold of JEC Spain said: “Our events director is planning something special for September and we will be ‘cruising’ down to Malaga in November.” www.jec-spain.com
MOTORING
Website N332 hits 10,000 likes THE increasingly popular Guardia Civil Facebook page N332 has just reached the 10,000 likes milestone, and its new linked website is almost as popular. What started out as an idea by a couple of traffic police from Torrevieja to offer help and advice in English on Facebook, has grown into a vital resource for information about driving in Spain. Francisco Morales was the officer who controlled the Facebook page, and aided by other officers would answer many of the followers’ questions when asked. The task grew with the followers, and soon became a monumental effort just to respond to questions that had already been answered. That’s when the independent journalist Mark Nolan started assembling a team to create the website N322.es, so as to alleviate some of the pressure on the traffic officers. The fact that it is difficult to search for direct information on a Facebook page is the beauty of a website. Every piece of information, old or new, up to the minute reports and maps, catalogues of answers are all waiting for your questions. The website is now as popular as the page, and will only grow from this point. You can still interact with Francisco Morales and his Facebook team, but they would appreciate you checking out the website: www.n332.es.
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16 - 22 April 2015 / Costa de Almería
Glory for Spieth, Hamilton, Aspell, Marquez and United! 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 • Over the last 48 hours, the first legs of the Champions League quarter-finals have been played (the return games are next week) while tonight eight teams play in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. • Arsenal-Reading (on Saturday) and Aston VillaLiverpool (Sunday) compete in the FA Cup semifinals and Celtic-Inverness CT and Falkirk-Hibs are the last four in the Scottish Cup. • In the Premiership, Chelsea meet Manchester United, Manchester City take on West Ham and Spurs visit Newcastle. • In the Championship, five promotion contenders are at home - Bournemouth (v Sheffield Wednesday), Brentford (v Bolton), Norwich (v Middlesbrough), Watford (v Birmingham) and Wolves (v Ipswich). • Bristol City, MK Dons and Sheffield United all have home advantage in FL1, likewise Exeter, Luton, Newport and Shrewsbury in FL2. • The F1 cars and drivers are in Sakhir for the Bahrain Grand Prix. • The semi-finals of Rugby Union’s European Cup are Toulon-Leinster and Clermont-Saracens. • The World Snooker Championship continues at The Crucible (to May 4). • And the West Indies play England in the second cricket Test in Grenada: April 21 - 25. ROUND UP • The first major golf
tournament of 2015 - the US Masters - was won by 21 year-old American Jordan Spieth with a joint record low score of 18 under par. Justin Rose tied for second place with Phil Mickelson ahead of Rory McIlroy. • The Grand National went to 25-1 shot Many Clouds, ridden by Leighton Aspell. Saint Are was second and Monbeg Dude third. Aspell is the first jockey since Brian Fletcher on Red Rum in 1973 and 1974, to win the race in successive years and the first to do so on a different horse since Bryan Marshall rode Early Mist and Royal Tan to victory in 1953 and 1954. • The men and women rowers of Oxford won their respective varsity boat races, the men for the third year running. • Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton, with a stellar drive in his Mercedes dream machine, won the Chinese Grand Prix - his 35th F1 race victory. His team-mate Nico Rosberg and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel came second and third. • The MotoGP of the Americas was won by Spain’s superstar Marc Marquez with the Italians Andrea Dovizioso and Valentino Rossi following him home. • Kevin Pietersen scored a century on his cricket return with Surrey. • In football, United (third) won the Manchester
Derby 4-2; Sergio Aguero netted his 99th and 100th goals for City. Elsewhere it was QPR 0 leaders Chelsea 1 (Cesc Fabregas), Burnley 0 second-placed Arsenal 1 (Aaron Ramsey), Spurs 0 improving Aston Villa 1 (Christian Benteke), WBA 2 battling Leicester 3, West Ham 1 Stoke 1, Swansea 1 Everton 1, poor Sunderland 1 Crystal Palace (with Yannick Bolasie’s 11minute hat-trick) and Southampton 2 Hull City 0. Newcastle played Liverpool on Monday. • Championship leaders Bournemouth (2-0 victors at Brighton) are heading for the Premiership for the first time ever. Promotion rivals Middles-
CHARITY QUIZ My next quiz, in aid of PAWS, is at The Irish Rover, Mojacar, on Thursday April 30. It all kicks off at 4pm. Watch this space. brough (2-0 v Rotherham), Watford (2-0 at Millwall), Norwich (2-1 at Bolton) and Ipswich (3-2 v Blackpool) also won; Derby and Brentford drew 1-1 but Wolves lost 2-1 at Birmingham. • Bristol City lead FL1 with Preston (2nd), MK Dons (3rd) and Swindon (4th), Sheffield United (5th) and Chesterfield (6th)
DID YOU KNOW? Charlie George (exArsenal) was sent-off in the first and last League games of the 1976-77 season when playing for Derby County... and brothers Tony and Tommy English of Colchester were both red-carded in the same game v Crewe in 1986. chasing that second automatic promotion spot. In contrast, nine teams are fighting to stay up but Yeovil are down! • In FL2, Burton Albion (1-0 winners at Luton) lead Shrewsbury by a point (8483) with Wycombe, Bury, Southend and Stevenage close behind. • Celtic, Hearts (despite losing the Edinburgh derby 2-0 to Hibs) and either Forfar or Stranraer WILL win their respective Divisions in Scotland.
LEIGHTON ASPELL: Won the Grand National on Many Clouds.
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Want to play cricket? JOHN DYE, a former Northants and Kent County cricketer, and Dave Redpath are attempting to resurrect the sport in Almeria/ Andalucia. They both believe there is potential here in this area to develop cricket and want to form the Almanzora CC. Cricket itself is a recognised sport in Spain under the auspices of CE/ECCL. It is played on a League basis and there are teams in Madrid, Valencia, Benidorm, Alicante and La Manga but as yet there isn’t one in Almeria/Andalucia. John and Dave are seeking new playing members, of any age or ability. Pre-season net practice starts on April 19 at Desert Springs which will be the club’s official home. League fixtures will commence on May 3, so a team of 11 players is required. Call Dave on 950 617 606.
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Sport Costa de Almería’s best guide to local sport
Jordan Spieth The 21-year-old won the 2015 US Masters. See Page 87 TO READ MORE VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM
A windy 19th Hole
Aguilon Golf Society members report
OUR winter Eclectic Competition was completed at the end of March, in which all players record their best points score on all of the 18 holes, the title being taken by one of our newer members. First place was Dave Wilson with 62 points, followed by Stuart Green on 59. Derrick Stephenson came third also with 59 points. The results from Wednesday April 1 were as follows: The Monthly Medal was played on a sunny but blustery April Fools Day and the golf course certainly played tricks on the players, (judging by the way the competitors struggled,) but the medal rounds proved the adage that golf is ‘all in the mind.’ First place went to Les Raufer, with a round of 77 on a card playoff, followed by Bill Gibb in second with 77 also. The third slot went to Peter Ayers with a 78. Wednesday April 8 saw the Individual Stableford witness another windy day to test the skills of the intrepid players. First place was taken by Bill Gibb with 33 points, and Dave Simpson in second with 32. For information contact 636 240 726 or 634 641 199 or log on to the website at aguilonmembersclub.
MOJACAR: Wonderful display of bowling.
Drawn pairs final THE spectators for the final of this competition were treated to a wonderful display of bowling at Mojacar Bowls club, where the team that has since taken the title, the Almeria Millennium Vase, fought for the Pairs Trophy. The finalists were, Tony Millington and Barbara Weeks, bowling against
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Gordon Blakeman and Vic Wray. The game was very tight all the way through, but slowly, Barbara and Tony managed to gain a lead which took them through to the final end, and snatch vic- tory. Di Saunders said, “Well played all of you, and congratulations to Tony and Barbara.”
ON Thursday April 9, Aguilon was host to this Monthly Medal competition. With a wind biting to the very core, and temperatures more like Scandinavia, it was always going to be a difficult day. Not so of course for the winners who seemed to ignore the conditions and play good solid golf. Dave Sharp MBE easily won the Men’s Medal, returning an impressive net 73, second was Terry Caddick with 76. Chrissie Dow had a comfortable win with an even more impressive net 72, to take the Ladies Medal. If you are interested in joining the 19th Hole, give the secretary a ring on 610 340 653.