ISSUENN . 1555 // - 29 APRIL 2015 2015 ISSUE O.O1556 30 23 April - 6 May
COSTA DE ALMERÍA
YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION
€70 million at stake as hotel row rumbles on
WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM
New water plant almost ready Taps should be turned on before summer A new desalination plant that will meet the water needs of 300,000 Almeria residents and irrigate 8,000 hectares of intensive agriculture is in the fiTurn to Page 2 nal phase of work, says Acuamed.
Whitewash policy There’s only one house colour tolerated in Almeria An increasing number of towns are introducing bylaws that insist houses be painted white. In some cases the cost of
Environmentalists want to sit in on El Algarrobico case
Flight forced to divert to Malaga A RYANAIR flight from London had to divert to Malaga owing to “minor problems.” The airline revealed nothing more, although El Alquian sources said the pilot opted for Malaga because its airport possessed the necessary repair facilities.
New hope By Linda Hall AN amendment to a Draft Bill modifor ‘illegal’ fying mortgage and cadastral property acts could solve home buyers’ future problems. homes The Bill has reached Spain’s Upper
DRAFT BILL House and the amendment will be put amendment could forward by the PSOE socialist group the proposal originated with solve home buyers although Almeria support group AUAM and future problems its sister association in Malaga, SO-
Full story on Page 4 HA. Both represent home buyers who purchased in good faith and have seen – or risk seeing – their homes demolished. Gerardo Vazquez, legal adviser to both groups, said the amendment will be debated on May 12 and 13 and he feels that political parties are now more conscious of the problems. “We should all pull in the same direction to provide the Spanish property market with legal security,” he remarked.
meeting requirements is borne by the town hall, but in others it falls on the home-owners’ shoulTurn to Page 3 ders.
Beaches protected Vehicle access to San Jose beaches restricted Like last summer, the number of cars allowed to drive up to the beaches in the Cabo de Gata national park will be limited to 450 a day, to help preserve the important ecology of the area. Turn to Page 14
Clean-up call Time for ‘definitive decontamination’ in Palomares Forty-four years after President Joe Biden a nuclear accident inpromised definitive volving an American action, sources are bomber left Palomares demanding a lasting contaminated, and five solution. years after US Vice Turn to Page 12
2
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015/ Costa de Almería
LOCAL NEWS
El Ejido climber is safe after earthquake AN El Ejido mountaineer reassured family and friends via Facebook that he had escaped the Nepal earthquake. Eduardo Ibero (52) was ascending 8,643-metre Makalu
when the 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit and killed thousands. “We felt the first big earthquake and several aftershocks but here in the advanced base camp we are all okay,” he said.
More midwives are needed in province UNLIKE other Andalucia provinces, few Almeria health centres have a resident midwife. Unemployed Andalucia midwives complained to the regional ombudsman that their services were needed not only during pregnancy and childbirth but throughout a woman’s reproductive cycle. There are 98,000 women in Almeria Province, but only four midwives in its health centres, they pointed out.
Park safely, don’t ride THE regional government told 900 Environmental Rangers to rein in use of official vehicles. A circular informed them that for security
reasons these vehicles should be parked on Environment department property “during periods of inactivity and not outside their homes.”
www.euroweeklynews.com
NEWS
Desalinated water will be on tap this summer ONLY finishing touches needed as desalination plant enters its final phase. By Linda Hall TESTING at the Campo de Dalias desalination plant is entering its final phase. It should produce water by the summer, confirmed Acuamed, which is depende nt on the M inis try of Agriculture, Food and the Environment.
300,000 Almeria residents will benefit from the water supply. This will go to Vicar, El Ejido and Roquetas de Mar w hos e tow n ha lls ha ve signed up for the water, as well as Usuarios del Poniente Almeriense. “Only minor finishing touches are now needed,” a n A c ua me d s poke s ma n said. The central government’s
READY TO GO: Inspecting the Campo de Dalias plant. delegate to Andalucia, Andres Garcia Lorca, paid a re c e nt vis it to the pla nt which is now almost ready to begin operations. Once up a nd running it is de signed to produce an annual
30 cubic hectometres of wat er a year, al t hough t hi s could be increased to an annual 40 cubic hectometres. Const r uct i ng t he pl ant and pipelines has cost €130 million and was part-funded
by the European Union. It will supply the domestic needs of 300,000 Almer i a r esi dent s and hel p t o irrigate 8,000 hectares of intensive, industrial agriculture.
NEWS
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
EWN
3
Ready to go
BREAKING NEWS
Busy care centre
An incredible display of colourful fantasy
THE intensive care ambulance at Almeria City’s Bola Azul primary care centre answered an average 12 callouts each day last year. Respiratory problems were the most frequent emergency.
In the swim Lifesavers course
Alex Stoen. www.alexstoen.com
HORSES OF WINE held in the beautiful medieval town of Caravaca de la Cruz in Murcia treats 200,000 visitors to the historic spectacle unrivalled in the world.
THIRTY young people began a 100-hour weekend course for lifesavers in Huercal-Overa. Instruction includes instruction on preventing work-related accidents, psychology and first aid as well as swimming.
Off and on Illegal water supply
Stuck solid AGAINST THE CLOCK: The men run beside the horses instead of riding them. By Steve Walsh SOMEWHERE in the mists of time between legend and history was born the fiesta of Los Caballos del Vino, or ‘Horses of wine.’ In the beautiful medieval town of Caravaca de la Cruz, Murcia, an incredible display of fantasy and symbolism takes place every year, where some 200,000 visitors are treated to an historic spectacle unrivalled in the world. According to popular tradition, around the year 1250, the Templar fortress of Caravaca was under siege by the Moors of Granada. Water and wine were desperately needed, so a group of brave Templar knights secretly broke through the lines to retrieve supplies for the townsfolk.
10.7 BILLION is the number of Euros spent in Spain by tourists from abroad during the first three months of this year. British tourists are reported to have increased their spending by 14.8 per cent, reaching a total of €1.8 billion.
Having been discovered by the Moors, they had to make a dash back to the castle with their laden horses. Hence the race. The fiesta begins before dawn, when only the most privileged can witness the highly secretive washing and decorating of the horses in embroidered robes of silk and gold. From over 40 different locations in the city the teams then assemble to race their horses. In a timed sprint against the clock, the brightly decorated Cuesta del Castillo surprisingly witnesses the men not riding the horses, but running beside them instead. The spectacular ‘not to be missed’ fiesta takes place on the morning of May 2, and is the day before the Feast of the Cross.
TEN families had their water cut off in Almeria City’s La Chanca neighbourhood after Aqualia detected illegal hook-ups. The supply was reconnected but they must regularise the illicit supply, they were told.
Rescuer rescued
Race is on
POLICE officers in Vigo, Galicia had to rescue a 57-year-old woman who got stuck in a four metre deep drain while trying to get her dog out. An officer was lowered into the drain on a rope, and dragged the woman out by her feet.
Candidates for mayor
Quote of the Week There’s nothing left, no city, no heritage, just rubble and bodies’ said Jonathan Herranz, a 27year-old man who was one of the first group of Spaniards evacuated from Katmandu after an earthquake in Nepal.
CANDIDATES from 15 political parties are running for mayor in Almeria. Outside the capital, only national parties PP and PSOE are presenting candidates in each of Almeria Province’s 102 municipalities.
New role University rector THE Madrid government approved the appointment of Carmelo Rodriguez Torreblanca as Almeria University’s new rector. Until now he has headed the university’s department of Stastistics and Applied Mathematics.
Blue mood
It’s all right if it’s all white! WHITE is increasingly the colour - or the non-colour - of choice for Almeria towns. Councils including those of Uleila del Campo, Las Tres Villas, Fiñana and Alcudia de Monteagud now have by-laws
stipulating that house exteriors in their town centres should be painted white. In some cases this cost has to be borne by the owners, although in others this is met by the town hall.
The preference for uniform white is growing and Seron is the latest municipality to insist on white, revealed by a by-law that appeared in the Almeria Province official bulletin (BOPA).
The town hall hopes that this will encourage residents to improve the municipality with a uniformity that over a period of time has been broken with the introduction of grey and brown tones.
These are spoiling the overall effect of the Old Town, sources said. Seron residents who live in this district were advised to apply at the town hall for more information.
Washed up jellyfish HUNDREDS of blue velella jellyfish, popularly known as by-the-windsailors, were washed up on Monsul beach in San Jose. They are inoffensive and pose no danger to beachgoers or swimmers, biologists said.
4
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
INDEX News 1 - 28 Breaking News 3 News Desk 30
El Algarrobico case drags on as €70 million at stake ENVIRONMENTALISTS determined to participate in court case. By Linda Hall
European Press 32 Russian Press 33 Finance 35 - 40 Stocks 36 Leapy 41 Peter Fieldman 48 Daily TV 50 Nora Johnson 51 Travel Club 52 Cassandra Nash 55
www.euroweeklynews.com
ECOLOGISTAS EN ACCION are determined to defend their interests in the El Algarrobico lawsuit.
The Carboneras hotel was built within Spain’s 100-metre maritime exclusion zone. It is now due for demolition but was 94 per cent finished when work was forcibly halted in 2005.
This is the third time the environmentalist group has requested the High Court’s permission to participate in the court case that will decide whether the hotel’s promoters,
Ministry’s efforts pay off THE Spanish Government has earned praise for the Cabo de Gata and Alboran marine reserves. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Environment has made a significant effort to protect the reserves and improve the areas protected by fishing vetoes, said the international body, Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (ZEPIM in Spanish). Fishing is banned in 1,665 hectares of the area covered by the Cabo de Gata-Nijar reserve and 695 hectares in Alboran. The ministry allocated more than €1.2 million to both areas over the last year, equipping surveillance boats with night-vision apparatus
PATROL BOAT: On the lookout for poachers. and ROV robot submarines for deep-sea filming. The Alboran Island lighthouse also controls and tracks possible poaching inside its area.
Time Out 56 - 57 Letters 58 Street Talk 59 Our View 60 Colin Bird 60 Mike Walsh 61 Health & Beauty 62 - 63 Food 65 - 67 Albox 68 - 71 Pets 74 - 75 Homes & Gardens 76 Property special 77 - 80 Classifieds 81 - 83 Motoring 84 - 86 Sport 87 - 88
Azata, can claim €70 million compensation. Azata always maintained that El Algarrobico was built on land earmarked for building and was outside the exclusion zone. Ecologistas en Accion argue that the hotel breaks the Coastal Law and was built on protected land “as the company knew when building began.” Azata wants the central government, Andalucia’s regional government, the Junta and Carboneras Town Hall to hand over a joint €70 million. This, the company claims, is compensation for the damages sustained after being ordered to halt the project. Spain’s Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that Azata will not be entitled to compensation from the Administration if El Algarrobico is finally demolished, as it was legally obliged to comply with the Coastal Law before construction started.
15,000 foreign residents can vote EXACTLY 15,064 of Almeria Province’s foreign residents will be able to vote on May 24. Malaga Province, where 40,676 foreign residents are registered on the electoral rolls, has the great number of potential
voters. Jaen, with just 960, has the fewest. Andalucia’s eight provinces have a total of 84,350 foreign residents from EU member countries or Latin American countries where a reciprocal voting agreement exists with the Spanish Gov-
ernment. All are entitled to cast their votes in the municipal but not the regional elections. Britons outnumber all other nationalities, followed by Romanians, Germans, Italians, French, Dutch and Belgians.
NEWS
NEWS
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
NEWS EXTRA
ALMERIA has a new Abogado del Estado (state lawyer or counsel) Guillermo Leiva Escudero. He recently had a formal meeting with Andrés Garcia Lorca, the central govern-
EIGHTY US marines currently stationed in Sicily carried out joint military exercises with the Legion’s Sixth Company at the Viator base. Live fire training centred on daytime and nocturnal combat.
FILMING ‘Der General’ starts in Almeria next month. The German political drama is set in the 50s and based on the life of Fritz Bauer, the judge behind the Auschwitz trials in Frankfurt.
Lies all lies SPANISH insurance companies with a 35 per cent share of the market detected 35,000 false claims in Andalucia last year. Of these, 2,800 were made in Almeria Province.
Beach bars THE regional government has received applications for 40 chiringuitos including eight not yet built. Once processed the Almeria coast will have 78 of these beach bars.
3D video PULPI’S giant geode cannot be visited in the Pilar de Jaravia mine but can be seen in a 3D video at the town hall.
5
New state lawyer starts
US marines
50s drama
EWN
JUDOKAS: Enjoying Sports Day in Cuevas.
Keeping fit Everything from football to zumba By Linda Hall CUEVAS DEL ALMANZORA recently held its second Sports Day. Hundreds of sports enthusiasts gathered at the Marques de Los Velez castle as the day got off to a start with simultaneous sessions of all branches of sports from football to judo. There were mammoth classes for the zumba and spinning
fans together with a massively-attended urban walk and a very popular cycling route. Pupils from the municipal sports schools demonstrated their specialities and took part in competitions programmed for the day. “We are very satisfied because Cuevas residents once again responded to this initiative and had an enjoyable, healthy day,” said Sports councillor Mariela Poveda.
Man dies in accident A 57-YEAR-OLD man died after falling from a ladder while installing a blind in Mojacar. He was the Spanish owner of the firm carrying out the work, revealed sources close to the case who said initial investigations suggest that he hit his head after falling 3.7 metres. One of the dead man’s employees rang the emergency services immediately after the accident but medics could do nothing to save his life. Guardia Civil and Local Police officers together with Health and Safety inspectors also visited the scene and it later emerged that the dead man wore neither safety helmet nor safety line.
ment’s representative in Almeria. He was accompanied by Maria Cristina Lopez-Herrera who has been acting State Lawyer in recent months.
Leiva Escudero, who is from Madrid and has a degree in Law and Economics, came first out of all the candidates who entered the nationwide selection process for state lawyers.
8
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
NEWS
Some concerns over home for the elderly ‘We could step in’ warns the council By Linda Hall HUERCAL-OVERA Council threatened to rescind the contract of the Angeles Parra concessionary . All political parties agreed unanimously to take steps over the town’s home for the elderly. Unpaid employees have staged protests to draw attention to their situation and complained constantly of in-
10
days for concessionary toclean up act
adequate organisation. As well as serious labour and contractual problems the staff-residents ratio was also inadequate, all councillors agreed. They also recognised that stoppages by workers still owed several months’ wages from previous years affect
the smooth running of the home and the living conditions of its residents. The concessionary has been given 10 days to remedy all aspects of the unsatisfactory situation. “It is a difficult situation,” said Huercal mayor Domingo Fernandez, “We have always tried to help the concessionary but are also aware of the needs of the centre’s workers and residents.”
Vera pupils get to know their town PUPILS at Vera schools have recently done the rounds of the town’s municipal buildings and institutions. These institutional tours aim to introduce Vera’s young residents to the town’s different installations while explaining their present or past use. The Cuatro Caños school was a recent par-
ticipant in this town hall initiative and was followed some days later by the Alyanub Instituto. The secondary school pupils and one of their teachers were accompanied by 31 pupils and two teachers from the Kurt-Schumacher Schule from Karben (Frankfurt) who are in Vera on an exchange visit.
NEWS
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
NEWS EXTRA
Film debut A SHORT partly filmed on location in the Tabernas desert was premiered at the recent Malaga Film Festival. Entitled ‘Stomach,’ it was directed by Madrileño Javier Kuhn.
School run THE Padre Mendez underground car park in Almeria City should introduce a special tariff for parents taking children to school, the IU party suggested.
Paseo plans THE central government invited tenders to extend the Paseo Maritimo in San Jose (Nijar) to the port. This second phase has a €677,414 budget.
Ugly bugs COCHINEAL and scale insects are infesting prickly pears in the area around the Alcazaba in Almeria City. Bar-owners complained the insects affect trade.
Big plans for big shopping centre NEW CENTRE is to be opened in Torrecardenas. By Linda Hall BOGARIS plans to open a huge commercial centre in Torrecardenas and has now applied for a building permit. The Sevilla-based hypermarket group first announced this Almeria City project 10 years ago and now intends to start building this summer. It
will invest an estimated €125 million in the first phase of the development, exclusive of the cost of preparing the site. The new plans differ substantially from the original project, sources said. The twostorey shopping centre will have a built area of 176,454 square metres with 140 stores and parking for 3,850 cars.
Stores are expected to include C&A, Media Markt, Sprinta and Mercadona, although food retailers will occupy only 5.17 per cent of the total area. The installation will include Andalucia’s first food court as well as a multi-adventure zone for children and a ‘rocodromo’ or climbing wall.
Dames in Spain help orphans FIVE committee members from the Dames in Turre association recently donated €5,000 to the Vera Orphanage. Lesley Barlow, Pam Smith, Sylvia Baker, Soo Wallace and Anne Anstey proudly handed over the cheque to Sister Antonia. This will assist in rebuilding the children’s toilet and shower block.
DAMES: Members with Sister Antonia (second right).
EWN
11
12
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
NEWS
Palomares is still waiting 44 years on ‘DEFINITIVE decontamination’ call By Linda Hall WHEN visiting Spain in 2010, US Vice-president Joe Biden promised definitive decontamination for Palomares. Biden’s pledge came 44 years after a US B-52G bomber collided in midair with a KC-135 tanker. Seven airmen died in the accident and three of the B-52’s four hydrogen bombs fell in Palomares, near Cuevas del Almanzora. Non-nuclear explosives in two bombs detonated on impact, contaminating an area of
7
died 44 years ago.
two square kilometres with plutonium. A third bomb was found relatively undamaged in a riverbed and a fourth was recovered intact from the sea 10 weeks later. Until 2009, when the bilateral agreement between Spain and the US ended, the American government paid $403,000 (€314,000) annually to cover plutonium monitoring and regular blood tests for Palo-
mares’1,500 residents. During Biden’s visit, he promised to set up a working committee to study Spain’s demands for thorough decontamination. Five years on nothing more has been heard, sources told the provincial Spanish media, although technical data was updated in 2011 to assist the US government’s deliberations. The task is a complex one, the same sources said, owing to the different departments and federal agencies involved, but contacts are ongoing.
Garden party date with Dames DAMES IN SPAIN hold their Charity Garden Party in Turre on May 19 at Casa Gregory with good food, good company, great raffle prizes and games with prizes. All proceeds go to charity and the €12 en-
trance fee includes lunch with a choice of paella, fideua or curry and a drink. Places are limited and tickets are available at Connexions (Turre), The Oasis (Mojacar) and Forget Me Not.
FINANCE
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
We are now in the new age of UK pensions, where you have complete freedom to do whatever you wish with your funds… depending on what type of pension you have. While the new pension regime is generally welcome, it is more complex than many realise, with various myths about what you can and cannot do, and you need to understand the tax implications in Spain. There is a concern that people will make the wrong decision, because they have not weighed up all their options or were encouraged to transfer into an unsuitable scheme. The new pension freedom only applies to defined contribution schemes. This is the industry term for money purchase schemes, such as personal or stakeholder pensions, Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs), Executive Pension Plans etc. It does not apply to defined benefit schemes - i.e. final salary - though you could potentially transfer to a defined contribution scheme. Regulated advice The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) confirmed that all transfers from defined benefit schemes can only take place if the
EWN
13
Update On UK Pensions By Bill Blevins, Financial Correspondent, Blevins Franks member has received advice from a pension transfer specialist who is regulated by the FCA. Defined benefit schemes pose particular issues and those considering moving to other arrangements must be aware of the potential benefits they are giving up. Transferring may not be in their best interests. The rule also applies to non-UK residents. If you live in Spain, you still need to take advice from a UK
regulated pension transfer specialist. Overseas advisers who are not FCA regulated and transfer pensions into Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) will need to pass cases onto UK firms to provide the advice. The UK adviser becomes responsible for the advice even though they may never meet or speak to the client. Indeed, the best advice is to carry the FCA’s rule on taking regulated advice forward to all your pension decisions. This is a highly complex area; getting it wrong could have serious consequences. Scam proof your pensions The Pension Regulator launched a campaign warning people not to get stung by pension scams, which are on the increase following the new freedom. The FCA also stepped up consumer warnings and launched a
“ScamSmart” campaign amid growing fears that retirees will fall victim to fraudsters or make poorly informed decisions. Pension savers face new risks with new complex and difficult to compare products. Those who have not taken proper advice could lose out from providers shielding them from the full range of options. QROPS In December HM Revenue & Customs issued a draft statutory instrument which proposed removing the “70 per cent rule” on QROPS (where 70 per cent of the funds should provide an income for life) from April. However, in mid-March HMRC confirmed that the rule will remain in place for now, which means many QROPS cannot provide full flexibility on withdrawals. This is temporary, but there was no indication of a time scale. This 70 per cent rule does not
apply to EU schemes; QROPS in, for example, Malta, can offer the new flexibilities. Annuities From April 2016, pension freedom will be extended to people who have already bought an annuity. Retirees will be able to sell the income from their annuity and use the capital as they wish they could take it as a lump sum or place it in drawdown. You need to be extremely careful about what you do with your pension fund, and take regulated professional advice for peace of mind. Just because pension freedom exists, does not mean you have to use it. Take your time to research all your options and take professional advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com.
14
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
QUIZ NIGHT: For FACE.
Do you know your dragons? THE ladies of FACE (Fundraising in Arboleas, Caring for Everyone) organised a fabulous quiz night using St George as the theme. The quiz was held at the Bar Kubatin underneath the Hostel Meson in Arboleas. Quizmaster David Cundy devised 50 questions almost all of which related to St George, and included questions on sport, geography, general knowledge and literature. Eighteen teams of between four and six people entered the event. The Wooden Spoon was won by a team representing Albox Insurance, led by Glen and Jayne Urwin, while the Partaloa Players won the event and €50. In addition to the quiz there was
also a raffle for prizes that had been donated by some of FACE’s supporters and sponsors Anne Morton, Zoe West, Lorraine Cundy and Albox Insurance. The charity would like to thank sponsors Smooth FM Radio, Angels Nursing Group, Sol Yoga Centre and Avalon Europe, who all sponsored one of the quiz rounds. The main aim of the event was to raise funds for the various charities FACE supports on an ongoing basis, and a whopping €500 was collected. For further information about FACE, please ring Adele Wrigglesworth on 667 255 094 or take a look at Face Charity on Facebook or www.face-charity.com.
www.euroweeklynews.com
Limited summer access to San Jose beaches RESTRICTIONS will apply to the number of cars allowed. By Linda Hall VEHICLE access to San Jose (Nijar) beaches will again be limited this summer. Only a certain number of cars will be allowed at these beaches inside the Cabo de Gata national park between June 20 and September 20. Last year they were restricted to 450 a day. The measure has been adopted to preserve the “high ecological value and scenery
Helping to branch out A DOZEN Albox entrepreneurs have been to an informative day aimed to help them branch out and start exporting their products and increase their exports. Technicians from Andalucia Emprende Foundation and Extenda-Andalucian Agency for Outside Promotion, both part of the provincial Economu, Innovation, Science and Employment department, attended the event to provide information on all the schemes out there to help local businesses break into the international market. Twelve local businessmen and women took part in the information day and three expressed an immediate interest in branching out with the help of the schemes the provincial government offers, which are spread over six areas: information, consultation, promotion, training, grants and funding.
of one of the most privileged enclaves on the Mediterranean coast,” the Junta de Andalucia regional government said. There are also practical considerations to be taken into account, the Junta pointed out. “The beaches lack the basic health and safety services necessary for such a huge gathering of people and vehicles,” continued the announcement in the regional government’s official bulletin,
BOJA. Congestion on the access roads leading to the beaches could hinder the work of the emergency services in the case of forest fire or any other type of emergency, the Junta warned. Nijar Town Hall has also been informed of the restrictions and as in previous years will organise public transport to the beaches in collaboration with the regional government.
Masons help the Butterfly children THE Mojacar and Almeria ma s ons ha ve dona te d €12,500 to the D EB R A charity. M ore tha n 70 pe ople were present at the Hostal Rural in Turre when the Provincial Grandmaster of Andalucia Giles Crawford received their cheques. G ile s c hos e to la unc h his first Provincial Grand Charity in aid of Butterfly children. Born with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), their skin is as thin as a butterfly’s wings and even a mother’s caress can cause a painful blister. DEBRA is based in Malaga but attends to the needs of fami-
300 families need DEBRA help. lies all over Spain with a team of dedicated professionals. It is totally funded by charitable donations and Giles has committed the freemasons’ lodges of Andalucia to raising €50,000 over the next three years. The Mojacar andAlmeria lodges presented respect i ve cheques f or €7,500 and €5,000 t ogether with cheques for €450 raised by a raffle at Bar El Pi nar and €420 from another raffle held on the day.
NEWS
NEWS EXTRA
Rock festival ADRA plans to hold its second The Juerga’s Rock Festival between July 30 and August 1. International, national and local groups will perform at the new venue of Pago del Lugar.
Home help GADOR hopes to reopen the home for the elderly in the town centre which closed in 2010. The mayor has now asked for co-operation from the national and regional governments.
Fine state GUARDIA CIVIL officers have complained that they are obliged to impose 50 traffic fines a month to earn a productivity bonus. They are being turned into cash registers, their union said.
Night owls EL EJIDO will hold a Noche en Blanco (Awake all night) on May 15. Shops, bars and restaurants central streets and squares will remain open from 7pm until 2am.
Tunnel work WORK on the ‘false tunnel’ for lorries bound for Garrucha Port should be finished by July. The €12.7-million project will not affect residents or summer tourists, the Public Works Department has pledged.
Google gives the game away AN Almeria City shop-owner must pay a €3,700 fine, thanks to Google Street View Street View, which has in the past been fined for infringing privacy, has now been used by Almeria’s Local Police as proof of a licensing irregularity.
A May 2012 view of Calle Real revealed air-conditioning units on the front of the shop which is licensed for public telephone booths and a bazaar but does not have permission for an air-conditioning installation, according to the Local Police report.
The units cannot be legalised and the shop-owner will be €4,500 out of pocket for the now-useless air-conditioning units. He must also pay to have the units removed and cannot appeal against the fine as the fortnight’s grace has now expired.
16
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
NEWS
www.euroweeklynews.com
Singers donate to PAWS CONCERT raises money for animal charity
NEWS EXTRA
A cool business
By Linda Hall THE Andalucia Ports Authority has renewed the Adra fishing guild’s concession to run the harbour ice factory for 10 more years. The guild will spend €23,000 on improvements.
RUTH WOOD, of the Rose Singers, presents a €150 cheque to a representative from the PAW S a nima l charity.
€150
Coffee time
for PAWS cat-neutering The money was raised at one of the c hoir ’s re c e nt concerts and was donated to the PAW S c a t ne ute ring programme. “Many thanks to our au-
DONATION: A helping hand for PAWS. die nc e for ma king the s e charitable donations possi-
bl e,” sai d t he Rose Singers’s Lyn Ferris.
Modern fresco for an old church MOJACAR’S Santa Maria church was built in the late 16th century, probably on the site of a mosque. Like many churches on the Mediterranean coast, it was also a fortress where the population sheltered during pirate or Berber raids. Despite the church’s age, its altarpiece is much more recent and was painted by the German artist, Michael Sucker, between 1981 and 1982. Although the town hall began the project and chose Sucker ’s sketch from several that were submitted by local artists, he was paid only after Mojacar residents organised a collection to pay for his time and materials. It has been said Sucker suspected that the town hall’s budget of 15,000 pesetas (€90) found its way to the football club instead. Consequently he painted the local mayor’s mother with a football at her feet and although the original was sold to the American actor Charles Baxter, a copy of the portrait still hangs on a back wall of the church.
PLAZA DE PAVIA shopkeepers invited Almeria City’s mayor to have coffee with them. They want to show him their alternative to criticised plans for eliminating a bridge in the Pescaderia-La Chanca area.
Bin it FORTY new bins were installed in central Nijar to encourage the public not to throw litter. This is another phase of the town hall’s ongoing initiative to tidy up the town’s streets.
En garde! FENCING teams from Spain, Japan and Kazakhstan spent 10 days training at Almerica City’s El Toyo centre. They were undertaking preparations for the World Cup heats in Paris on May 1.
Reprieve for ficus trees FICUS removed from Paseo de Las Lomas in El Ejido will be transferred to the fair precinct.
6
cycle lanes will ring El Ejido. They will be replaced with deciduous jacarandas which will not block the sun in winter and will provide shade in the summer. Residents were indignant when the ficus were felled to make way for a cycle lane, one of six which will eventually ring the town. The council has since announced that the ficus will be treated and replanted. “We shall try to save as many as possible,” said El Ejido’s mayor.
18
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
Brothels broken up
NEWS EXTRA
Orange alert
VOODOO used to intimidate young African women By Linda Hall FOUR people have been arrested for alleged sexual exploitation of women in an operation which was triggered by two
€50,000 charge for sea-crossing young Nigerian girls who went to the police in Granada.
They related how they were recruited in Nigeria and then taken to Morocco. After crossing in a clandestine boat they were put ashore in Almeria where they were forced to work as prostitutes to pay off a debt of around €50,000 to the traffickers. Investigators found that they and other victims were distributed amongst brothels in country properties in Roquetas del Mar. Here, the two girls said they were controlled by a ‘madame’ and threatened with voodoo curses if they did not co-operate.
NEWS
REPAVING: Nijar’s mayor visits the Eras neighbourhood.
Revamp for Nijar streets ROADS inside Nijar are currently being repaired, both in the centre of town and outlying areas. San Isidro, Campohermoso, Los Nietos and Atochares are covered by various investment programmes although work in the Eras district is a town hall project. One of the town’s most emblematic neighbourhoods, this is divided into the Calle Nueva commercial zone, the Old Town and the historic potters’ quarter. The narrow, twisting roads in this section have needed repaving for some time, residents have said, and this was included in improvements to the area that have involved installing new electricity cables for private homes as well as streetlights.
A FOOT passenger on the Melilla-Almeria ferry was arrested after the security scanner revealed ‘irregularities’ in his hand luggage. A search revealed six hollowed-out oranges containing almost two kilos of hashish pellets.
Tax break THE central government announced a €37 million tax rebate for Almeria Province’s fruit and vegetable growers. All producers and all agricultural products will be eligible for the lower taxes.
Loaded up VANDALS broke into La Molineta electricity substation outside Almeria City. They took all they could carry, including motors, police said afterwards.
20
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
NEWS
Plum contract for vegetable growers YEAR-ROUND produce for supermarket chain By Linda Hall AGROMEDITERRANEA HORTOFRUTICOLA has be e n s igne d up a s a M e rcadona supplier. Last year Mercadona bought fresh agrifoods and fish worth €109 million in Almeria Province and this is now expected to increase, thanks to the Agromediterranea contract. A lthough ba s e d in D olores de Pacheco (Murcia), the agro-industrial firm which grows, processes and distributes vegetables, also
€109 million in sales to Mercadona last year. has centres in Almeria. These will now be provi di ng t he super m ar ket chain with radishes, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and various varieties of lettuce that are produced both i n t he open and i n gr eenhouses. The com pany’s 240hectare centre in Maria is suppl yi ng sum m er cr ops
while Los Vergeles in the Carboneras area will concentrate on the winter produce that is due to be sown at the end of September. Unlike autumn and winter crops, much of which are destined for export, Almeria’s summer produce goes almost exclusively to the domestic market. Outside Murcia the company also has production cent r es i n Al bacet e and Granada and provides employment for 1,200 people, principally in Murcia.
Annual General Meeting Fitness addicts for Anglican Church THE Anglican Church of Costa Almeria and Costa Calida held its AGM on April 19. Members from the Mojacar, Aljambra and Llanos del Peral churches attended. Pam Carter and Ann Marshall were elected as Church Wardens for Mojacar. Represenatatives for Aljambra and Llanos del Peral were also elected, as well as members of the Church Council.
AGM: Vicar and church officials. Thanks went to Alan Smith, Audrey Hathaway and Ron Makin who were retiring from the council.
ADDICTION to exercise has reached Almeria. “Spain has at least 70,000 vigorexics,” said Dr Presentacion Ataz, a psychiatrist at Torrecardenas Hospital. The principal ‘fixes’ of vigorexics – those obsessed with exercise – are running and gym workouts. “There are clear indicators that addiction to exercise is on the increase,” the psychiatrist said as she addressed the Neurosurgery and Sport conference in Almeria City. There are as yet no figures for individual provinces.
22
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
NEWS
Out of the race before it started CANTORIA PSOE seeks another candidate By Linda Hall UNTIL very recently Antonio Cerrillo headed the list of PSOE candidates for Cantoria’s municipal elections. Cerrillo dropped out of the race after political rivals claimed that he was discovered last February with cocaine during a routine check
by the Guardia Civil outside a local brothel. Because he was found in possession of drugs he was obliged to hand over his firearms and hunting licence, it was alleged. Undeterred, the PSOE’s Secretary for Institutional and Municipal Policies Adela Segura declared that
the party will now nominate a woman candidate for mayor. “Antonio Cerillo decided to step aside so that he could defend his honour and because he felt that these untrue accusations could harm a candidature that is going to win the municipal elections,” Segura added.
Free MOTs for bikes
RBL lunch
ALMERIA City made available free inspections for bicycles. Unlike the compulsory ITV vehicle inspection, the service, which was carried out at different points throughout the city for five days, was free. And unlike ITV testing, it was up to owners to decide whether or not to go ahead with repairs. The tests come under city hall’s Almeria Pedalea (Almeria Pedals) programme and were carried out with specialist bicycle stores. “Almeria Pedalea aims to introduce the city’s residents to two-wheeled transport,” explained Councillor Maria Muñiz. “Its primary object is to encourage the use of bicycles.”
MEMBERS and guests of the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) Mojacar branch attended a St George’s Day lunch on April 23 at the Bella Vista restaurant with music by Brian Dee. The next branch meeting will be held in the Artisan Centre on Thursday, May 7. Guest speaker will be Kelly Nield, formerly a cruise-ship dancer.
24
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
Advertising feature
FEATURE
Advertisers’
Get a free El Corte Ingles Corner voucher or 50€ cashback Courtesy of Liberty Seguros I
F there is something you value, LIBERTY SEGUROS will protect it for you. Whether it is your car or your home, with a wide range of products to suit all your insurance needs, you will always be in safe hands. Trust in an expert for the things you care about most, and when you take out your new fully comprehensive car insurance (*) between the 1st of March and the 31st of May, LIBERTY SEGUROS will give you a free 20€ fuel voucher. Or, even better, if you pay by Direct Debit instead, they will refund 50€ Cashback directly to your bank account to spend however you like! When you take out new Home Insurance (*), LIBERTY SEGUROS
will reward you with a free El Corte Inglés voucher worth 20€. Alternatively, they will give you 50€ Cashback straight into your bank account if you decide to pay by Direct Debit instead. LIBERTY SEGUROS Car In-
surance is tailor-made with you in mind and really has no competition when it comes to insuring Expats in Spain. It offers total coverage to both the driver and passengers in case of an accident, as well as roadside assistance from kilometre zero.
You can select a vehicle repair shop of your choice should you ever need one, and good drivers may be rewarded with no-claims discounts of up to 65 per cent. The LIBERTY SEGUROS Home Insurance makes sure that the biggest investment you are likely to ever make is properly protected. Home contents will be insured on a ‘value as new’ basis, there is a 24 hour home assistance service and it even includes family legal defence, IT assistance and legal defence for internet commerce! There are three easy sign-up options to adjust the product to your exact needs: Basic; Plus and Premium, with additional covers available too. Now also, if you take out life in-
surance and pay by Direct Debit you will get 30€ Cashback refunded directly to your bank account. Go to www.libertyexpatriates.es now for the name of your nearest LIBERTY SEGUROS broker, who can give you expert advice on which cover best suits your family’s needs in a friendly face-to-face environment and speak in your own language. (*) Only for insurance taken out and commencing between 1st March and 31st May 2015. Premiums must exceed 425€ for Fully Comprehensive Car insurance and 225€ for Home Insurance. Life insurance premium must be over 150€.
NEWS
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
NEWS EXTRA
On show PREPARATIONS are advancing in El Ejido at the Teatro Auditorio where the town’s archaeological collection will be displayed. The rooms will be ready by early May.
Sand saved FOUR breakwaters will be built at Berja’s Balanegra beach, the provincial Coastal Authority confirmed. Work should begin in June, in order to prevent further erosion.
Well-shod CAIXABANK is continuing its €125,000 campaign to provide footwear for children from needy Almeria Province families. Sixteen children in Tijola recently received shoe vouchers.
More tourists THERE were 10 per cent more visitors, the majority Spanish, to Cuevas del Almanzora at Easter, compared with last year.
Parents mollified by caretaker’s transfer CONFLICTIVE family removed from school premises. By Linda Hall THE school caretaker whose family were involved in a shooting incident will move to another centre. He offered to vacate the home that goes with his job at Almeria City’s San Indalecio school and will move to a new post at another centre. This time neither he nor his family will live on the school premises but will be found accommodation elsewhere.
700
children at San Indalecio school The caretaker’s 15-year-old granddaughter suffered slight injuries in the shooting which occurred outside the school gates at San Indalecio school in Almeria City. Her 23-yearold alleged aggressor is now remanded on charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms.
Parents, incensed by the incident and worried about the effects of the shooting on pupils, staged a demonstration last week and called on the city authorities to take action. They were tired of the unsafe atmosphere at the school following this latest episode said the San Urbano parents’ association. “It’s not normal for police to be called all the time to a school with 700 pupils,” said a member of the San Urbano association.
Franco campaign by lawyer HUMAN rights lawyer Eduardo Ranz has carried out his threat to refer Almeria’s mayor to the Supreme Court. He has lodged a formal complaint against Luis Rogelio Rodriguez Comendador for maintaining symbols and street names that refer to the Franco era. As reported in the Euro Weekly News the former dictator’s eagle emblem was recently re-
moved from the entrance to the city’s Celia Viñas school. Nevertheless, others remain in Plaza de San Roque, in the Chanca neighbourhood and at the Escuela de Artes school. “Public administrations should exercise their powers by removing commemorative elements that singly or collectively praise the military uprising, the Civil War and the dictatorship,” the lawyer declared.
EWN
25
Careful shoppers THE Spanish economy is improving but Almeria households retain spending habits acquired during the crisis. Families in Spain, and Almeria in particular, still have a “war mentality” according to consumer associations. A study carried out by the
Andalucia Consumers’ Union (UCA) and a leading supermarket chain found that clients are now “more selective and intelligent.” They also noticed a growing tendency to move away from own-label products as manufacturers of branded goods lowered their prices.
26
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
NEWS
Fuel oil reaches coastline VENEGUERA BEACH on Gran Canaria showed the first signs of a serious problem. By Steve Walsh IT is reported that fuel oil, possibly from a fishing vessel that sank off the Canary Islands in mid-April, has reached the west coast of Gran Canaria. Veneguera beach saw the first signs that oil from the Russian trawler, Oleg Naydenov, could cause a serious problem. Traces also turned up in a cove located within the Gran Canaria Biosphere Reserve. The Spanish government say they have raised the emergency level in acknowledg-
ment of the damage risk to the coastline. Several aides to Public Works Minister Ana Pastor and representatives of the Canaries government met on Thursday morning to discuss upcoming action. The trawler, which was carrying 1,400 tons of fuel, was dragged out to sea last week because of a fire, then sank off Gran Canaria two days later and has been losing fuel from its tanks ever since. The maritime rescue agency are working to keep any slicks from reaching land, while Jesús Cisneros from the University of
Las Palmas said: “Let’s not forget that this ship caught fire inside the port. The fact that [the government] don’t know if the fuel is coming from the sunken ship or from some random boat that was passing that way is really too much. They’ve got two airplanes, a helicopter, four ships and satellite images, and they’re not sure what happened?” Antonio Juan González Ramos, of the Robotics and Oceanography division at the same university, said that satellites have been monitoring the spill since the moment the trawler sank.
Left paralysed A 21-YEAR-OLD British gymnast has been left paralysed from the neck down after falling 50 feet from a hotel balcony in Salou, Costa Dorada. Dina Amos-Larkin, a law student who represents Great Britain on the trampoline, was talking to her mother on the phone when the accident occurred on April 3. She was put into a medically-induced coma
for two weeks while her injuries were treated. Dina refuted claims the fall was a suicide bid. Her ordeal, however, continues. The student from Poole, Dorset, claimed she was now stranded as she was waiting for her insurer to review her case. A GoFundMe page has since been set up in an attempt to raise £20,000 to get her home.
CIUDAD REAL: Built in 2009 for more than €1 billion.
Airports from €1 DO you have any spare change in your pocket? If so, you could be the owner of your own €1 billion airport for as little as €1. Ciudad Real Airport, which was built in 2009 at a cost in excess of €1 billion, was closed three years later due to financial problems. At the time, the administrators ruled that it should be sold off for €100 million. Since then, as nobody has stepped forward to buy, the price has slowly fallen, to €70 million, then to €40 million, before being scrapped altogether. Now, the white elephant is up for auction with no reserve. There is a drawback, however - you will have to pay off the few hundred million euros of debt that your prize new car park has accrued.
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
NEWS
Victims remembered MEMORIAL for those who died in Alps crash By Steve Walsh QUEEN Letizia comforted grieving relatives as the Spanish royals attended a memorial service for victims of the Germanwings plane crash in the French Alps last month, In a poignant service in Barcelona on Tuesday, the Queen along with her husband King Felipe met with the relatives of some of the Spaniards who died. Letizia shook hands with and embraced the families of the victims. She also met those who had hosted the 16 German students who had been visiting Spain and were travelling back to Dusseldorf on the flight.
Photo by Cordonpress
28
MEMORIAL: The royals attend a service in Barcelona. In a service at Barcelona’s landmark Sagrada Familia basilica, mass was led by Cardinal Lluís Martínez Sistach.
Around 1,000 people gathered outside while Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy also joined the congregation.
Spain’s foreign population falls THE number of foreigners living in Spain fell last year, the third year in a row to see a drop in the number of migrants in the country. According to the National Statistics Institute figures released this week, there were just over 4.7 million foreign nationals registered as liv-
ing in Spain on January 1, 2015, a drop of 6.1 per cent over the year. The number of Brits officially resident in Spain was 282,120, a drop of 6 per cent. The most substantial percentage fall in foreign population was amongst Latin Americans.
30
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015/ Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
NEWS FROM OUR FIVE OTHER REGIONS
COSTA DEL SOL
1st Mallorca gay chorus festival set to take place
MGMC: Performing in Mallorca’s first gay chorus festival.
COSTA BLANCA NORTH
MALLORCA
MALLORCA’S first ever Gay Chorus Festival takes place in Andratx, Palma de Mallorca, next week. On from May 7-9, and organised by the City Council d’Andratx and The Mallorca Gay Men’s Chorus (MGMC), this international vocal extravaganza is planned to take place in various locations. Joining the MGMC will be The Pink singers from London, The Rainbow singers from Barcelona, and Equivox from Paris. The MGMC is a self-starting group of 40 friends from the choral world, who decided in 2012 to create a group to sing a wide repertoire of songs with varied origin and theme from pop to classic rock. The events will start with the MGMC at the Castell de Son Mas de Andratx, on May 7, at 8.30pm, with all four groups on stage. Then on May 8 Alcudia will host Equivox, and the Barcelona Rainbow Singers, while Sa Maniga, will see the MGM Chorus and the Pink Singers. The festival winds up on May 9 at the Trui Teatre de Palma.
AXARQUÍA
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
Women’s parade
Book day
Kitchen training
Windsurfer rescued
FOR the first time an all-woman ‘fila’ has taken part in the Moors & Christians celebration parade in the historic city of Alcoy. The ladies were dressed as a contingency of Moors.
PALMA’S streets were lined with books as World Book Day and Sant Jordi, patron of the community, was celebrated last week.
A FOUR-month training course organised by the council will boost the chances for 17 jobless people from Almuñecar, who will learn the tasks required of kitchen assistants at Horno de Candida catering school.
A MAN was rescued by the Marine Unit of Santa Pola Local Police after being adrift on a windsurfing board for over three hours.
Book exchange
Long journey
OVER 500 books were exchanged at the La Nucia book exchange fair last Saturday, an event aimed to promote and encourage reading experiences, especially among younger readers.
MALLORCAN Ricardo Basabe has embarked on a year-long journey on a motorbike around 25 European countries. He left the Port of Palma for Barcelona joined by owners of classic bikes and Vespas.
Run to the cross
Foreign office
THIS Sunday the fourth Benidorm run takes place, a 10,000 metre route starting at 9am for walkers and 10am for runners from the town hall square.
A NEW state office to serve foreign tourists has been approved for S’Arenal at a recent meeting of the Minister of Public Administration and the Local Safety Board of Llucmajor.
Gandia son GANDIA Council has awarded 62year-old writer and journalist Ignacio Mora with the accolade ‘Son of the City of Gandia.’ Mora was born in the town and has enjoyed a long literary career.
Pan fire A FIRE broke out in a villa in Son Vida after the owner left a pan in the oven and forgot about it. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames. No one was hurt in the incident.
Food donation
Drunk driver
150 KILOS of non-perishable food, collected at the dog walk on Sunday April 5 was handed over to the La Nucia food bank.
A DRUNK driver crashed into a building in Alfons the Magnanim in Palma. The driver was arrested after crashing into several cars and into the side of a building.
NEWS
Cruise visit MOTRIL port received 238 passengers from the Hamburg cruise ship, which stopped off on its way from Cartagena to Gibraltar, allowing tourists to visit the Alhambra, Motril, Nerja and Frigiliana.
Miniature Einsteins ALMOST 1,000 robotics students from all over Spain have been at a Science Meet in Bezmiliana secondary school in Rincon de la Victoria sharing ideas and showing off their work.
Traffic control RETRACTABLE bollards are to be installed on central Nerja streets to regulate traffic and improve safety, the council has announced.
Cross day THIS Sunday, May 3, is Cross Day, a traditional celebration in Frigiliana. Musicians and dancers provide entertainment to a backdrop of floral crosses across town.
For more local news from our five other regions see www.euroweeklynews.com
Winning wines NINE new wines have received the ‘gold medal’ at the annual contest organised by the Wine Guild Kingdom of Monastrell. Seven of them belong to the Designation of Origin (DO) Jumilla and two to the DO Alicante.
Coffee thieves THIEVES are believed to have climbed up Lorca’s Town Hall to gain entry into the building before robbing money from a coffee vending machine.
Kite surfing A KITE surfing festival takes place over the weekend at Playa Isla del Ciervo in La Manga. The event, running until Sunday, includes the first cable-ski facility in Murcia.
Car crash A LATE night crash in the centre of Torrevieja caused damage to five vehicles and left a pedestrian injured. The driver of a car skipped a light and hit a vehicle which in turn hit and shunted three parked cars.
More cruise passengers CRUISE passengers visiting Malaga were up by 32.2 per cent for January and February this year with a total of 39,554 visitors registered.
No more fires MIJAS Council has announced that bonfires are strictly forbidden from today, April 30, until October 31 (unless specifically authorised by the Junta de Andalucia regional government) due to extreme risk of forest fires.
Seedy theft from port THREE people have been arrested for allegedly stealing 25,000 kilos of sunflower seeds worth €10,000 from a storehouse in Malaga port.
Flight fright EMERGENCY protocols had to be activated at Malaga airport on Monday, April 27, when a Ryanair pilot arriving from Stansted reported faulty brakes. Luckily the plane landed safely with no complications.
Big spenders from abroad TOURISTS from abroad spent more than €1,500 million in Andalucia in the first three months of this year, the Touristic Studies Institute has reported. The highest spenders were found to be from the UK and France.
English TV CANAL 43 TV in Manilva and Estepona has launched a programme in English for Costa del Sol expatriates. Manilva Life Style was screened for the first time on Sunday, April 26, and included interviews of Karen Rutter and Paola Cremonesi.
EWN top for all the news from Spain.
32
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
GERMAN
EUROPEAN PRESS SCANDINAVIAN PRESS
Refugee aid NORWAY: Prime Minister Erna Solberg has confirmed to the EU that Norway will fast track procedures to provide a civilian aid vessel to refugees in the Mediterranean.
Rights judge FINLAND: Pauline Koskelo, president of the Supreme Court of Finland, has taken an appointment as judge for the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
Wolf hunters NORWAY: Five men have received jail sentences in a landmark case, for carrying out illegal wolf hunts. The sentences range from six months to one year and eight months.
Bestiality ban DENMARK: Courts will issue fines and prison sentences for bestiality after lawmakers recently approved a new law. Some 17 per cent of Danish vets suspected their patients had been abused.
White goods SWEDEN: According to Electrolux, the demand for Swedish white goods in Western Europe has grown by 4 per cent in the first quarter of 2015.
Subway heroes SWEDEN: Four Swedish policemen on vacation in New York have foiled an assault on a subway train. They held down the attacker until the NYPD could take over.
CEO replaced SWEDEN: THE Volvo Group in Gothenberg has confirmed that CEO and President Olof Persson is to be replaced with immediate effect by Martin Lundstedt, former boss of rival truckmaker Scania.
PRESS
UK in the dark on deficit EXPERTS have criticised political parties over lack of debt plans THE Institute for Fiscal Studies has said that the four major contenders in the UK General Election “have not provided anything like full details” on plans to cut the deficit.
Festival boost ACCORDING to the Association of Independent Festivals, such events contributed £296 million to the UK economy in 2014.
Luckie lady GEORGE KIRBY, at 103, has become the UK’s oldest bridegroom after proposing to 91-year-old Doreen Luckie.
Move mooted SHARES in HSBC have gone up 3 per cent on the news that the bank is considering moving its HQ out of the UK with Hong Kong tipped as favourite.
BRITISH PRESS
ticket prices increased from £350 to £1,000.
Train slammed
Director leaving CHRIS DERCON is to leave his role as a director of the Tate Modern. He is the second director to leave in the last two months. CHRIS DERCON: Leaving his role.
LONDON Transport Commissioner Sir Peter Hendy has heavily criticised the city’s commuter train service, particularly the Southeastern line that carries 600,000 passengers every working day.
Uni walk out AROUND 700 staff members of the University of Salford went on strike after two colleagues were sacked.
Season ticket fury
Dutch small businesses on the up THERE’S encouraging start-up news for the Dutch economy.
Unhappy Holland THE Netherlands is no longer in the top five of the world’s happiest countries, having dropped three places. In 2013 it was in fourth place.
DUTCH PRESS Smokey schools PLANS are in place to ban smoking in school playgrounds in the Netherlands. Currently only half of the country’s schools apply a stringent no smoking policy according to Junior Health Minister Martin van Rijn.
Tourism surge TOURISTS and business travellers to the Netherlands have increased by 40 per cent, the Dutch Tourism Board NBTC said on Thursday April 23.
Greek aid package GREEK Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is urging German Chancellor Angela Merkel to exert her influence and fast track negotiations over a new aid package for Greece by the end of April.
Baby favourites GERMANY’S top favourite baby names for 2014 are Sophie and Maximilian, chosen from a list that collated more than 59,000 choices.
Film boycott DISNEY’S new ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ that opened in Germany on April 23 was boycotted in 193 small towns. The movie’s rental fee went up from 47.7 to 53 per cent of ticket sales.
Beer fountain
A GROUP of disabled Manchester City fans are furious after their season
STATISTICS Netherland has reported that just over 65,000 new small businesses were registered in the Netherlands in 2014.
NEWS
NO SMOKING: Playgrounds to put ban in place. Wrangler shutterstock_109977626
Expert fired A DUTCH expert, George Maat, who helped identify victims from the MH-17 air crash in Ukraine has been sacked after showing photographs of the fatalities at a public lecture in Holland in early April.
Teenage sentence THE court in The Hague has sentenced a 16-year-old boy to 20 months in youth detention and psychiatric care for stabbing his 15-year-old classmate to death in October 2014.
Toddler hurt A LITTLE boy was seriously injured on Friday April 24 in Papendrecht, Holland, when a massage table fell on top of the three-year-old in a Health Centre.
King’s Day KING Willem-Alexander celebrated his birthday in Dordrecht on Monday, while hundreds of thousands of people were expected to attend celebrations.
NATIONAL Beer Day was celebrated on April 23 in the Bavarian capital Munich with a free beer fountain that served around 1,000 litres of free beer to happy recipients.
Drug driving EU CITIZENS caught driving in Germany under the influence of cannabis can be banned from driving regardless of regulations in their home country, warned Luxembourg on Thursday April 23.
New terminal FRANKFURT Airport (FRA) has announced its decision to start construction of a new Terminal 3 this year with an investment of €2.5 billion.
Asylum rules GERMAN Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for a new system for distribution of asylum seekers throughout Europe as current regulations “are no longer workable.
NEWS
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
RUSSIAN P RESS
Not bothered VICTORY DAY viewed as an internal national holiday.
VICTORY PARADE: Russians celebrate the holiday. RUSSIANS view the upcoming Victory Day as an internal national holiday and won’t be particularly bothered if it isn’t attended by Western leaders such as US President Obama, says the latest research by the public opinion centre.
Russian economy THE Russian economy has contracted by 2 per cent in the first quarter, admitted Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. He said: “Russia is facing an array of challenges.”
Foreign students RUSSIA’S Education, Science and Foreign Affairs ministries have requested a 30 per cent increase in foreign students to facilitate ‘pro-Russian national elites,’ promoting Moscow abroad.
Baggage scam THREE ex-baggage handlers employed at Domodedovo Airport in Moscow have been arrested, suspected of stealing US$3.3 million in cash from a Novosibirsk flight and substituting it with waste paper.
Pilot on trial
Tulip ban THE import of Dutch tulips into Russia could soon be banned according to Russia’s Deputy Head of the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, along with flowers from other countries via Dutch auctions. The group had planned a ride through Poland to mark the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in WW2.
Border concern THE US State Department jas voiced concerns that Russia recently sent arms and drone aircraft into eastern Ukraine, amassing troops along the border.
FORMER Ukrainian pilot Nadezhda Savchenko accused of being involved in the deaths of two Russian journalists in east Ukraine last year is to request a jury trial, her lawyer has confirmed.
Gas supply THE Russian Duma has ratified an agreement on natural gas supplies via the Western route to China.
Tennis rights PRESIDENT Francesco Ricci Bitti of the International Tennis Federation has said that, “Crimea is part of Russia,” therefore should have the right to play on the Russian national team.
Arms invite
Foreigners parade IT is confirmed by Russian Ground Forces that more than 700 foreign military servicemen will take part in the Moscow parade marking the 70th anniversary of the Allied Victory in World War II.
COLOMBIA has invited Russian defence sector companies to participate in the national arms exhibition Exspodefensa-2015, to take place in Bogota from November 30 to December 2.
No to bikers POLISH authorities refused entry to a Russian biker gang with Kremlin backing.
Frederic Legand - COMEO shutterstock_186564146
DUTCH TULIPS: Could be banned.
EWN
33
FINANCE
Costa de Almería
30 April - 6 May 2015
STAT OF WEEK
business & legal LONDON - FTSE 100 C LOSING P RICES A PRIL 27
A EURO WEEKLY NEWS 6 PAGE SPECIAL SECTION // WWW.EWNBUSINESS.COM
+0.12%
C LOSING P RICES A PRIL 27
NASDAQ
+1.33%
C LOSING P RICES A PRIL 27
Take care over financial advice By Jason Bailey UNREGULATED financial advisors are offering high returns to expatriates after the recent change in British legislation. This allows people over 55 to release their pension equity and speculate in the open market. Money invested in pension schemes in Britain is generally overseen by one of two regulatory bodies. These are the Financial Conduct
Quote of the Week
75% of these offers result in losses
Authority (FCA) and Financial Services Commission (FSC). In Spain, the regulators are Direccion General de Seguros (DGS) and Comisión Nacional del Mercado
de Valores (CNMV). Rogue advisors offer investment opportunities in a wide range of areas: shares in car parks; carbon credits; fine wines; property investments… these are just some of the suggestions put to retirees, sold with a promise of guaranteed yields or high payments designed to attract interest from pensioners striving to boost their income.
Nobody can understand the things,’ J M Marin Quemada, president of a watchdog commission, at a conference on electricity bills.
BUSINESS EXTRA
Good figures THE Spanish PM, Mariano Rajoy, said: “They are good figures, we should celebrate,” after data released on April 23 showed the country’s recovering economy had created close to half a million jobs over the past year.
WASTE MANAGEMENT: Attractive to investors.
Piles of money to be had from rubbish! WASTE management is becoming big business in Spain, and an attractive option for investors on the hunt for opportunities. Spain generates more than 150 million tonnes of waste per year, or 6 per cent of the total for the EU, according to management consultancy Norgestion. Waste management accounts for 40 per cent of all environmental sector-related activity, chalking up revenues
of over €7.8 billion and employing 140,000 people. About 50 per cent of the market is controlled by a handful of big companies, such as Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas, and most of these offer an integrated service which incorporates the whole production chain. But there are more than 10,000 companies operating in Spain’s waste management sector, so it could be ripe for consolidation.
State of affairs THE Eurozone’s economic crisis is driving Spaniards who can’t afford expensive divorces to have affairs outside marriage, according to an extramarital dating website.
Equity sale BP is to sell its equity in the Central Area Transmission System (Cats) business to Antin Infrastructure Partners, who already own a majority interest in the operation. BP said the agreement involves a payment on completion of £302 million.
IMF predicts Spanish growth THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has adjusted its forecast for Spanish growth to 2.5 per cent for 2015. This represents the fastest growth rate in the euro-zone. It stated that domestic demand would be strong enough to assist the recovery. For the first time since the property bubble burst, construction is contributing to GDP. The
35
CELLNEX Television claims €143 million from the government after it closed down the DTT channels. The company, which handled the signal transmission, said the cessation of nine DTT channels resulted in severe losses.
DOW JONES
+0.24%
EWN
external conditions of lower oil prices, euro depreciation and assistance from the European Central Bank (ECB) are all providing the conditions for sustained growth. This is the seventh positive revision of Spain’s economic status. The IMF predicts that if the present conditions continue, it would take over eight years for Spain to get back to its pre-crisis position.
The FCA stated that 75 per cent of these offers result in losses. Many of the salesmen operate under subcontractor status for larger financial firms, meaning liability for any loss would be hard to prove. People should always check when taking professional financial advice that the adviser is regulated by the DGS or CNMV or has transferred their FSA and/or FSC authorisation from the UK/Gibraltar.
IBEX 35
-0.70%
C LOSING P RICES A PRIL 27
More working for themselves SPAIN has 19,040 more self-employed foreign workers than last year, according to data from the OPA (federation of organisations of professionals, self-employed and entrepreneurs). In February there were 242,733 foreign professionals registered in Spain. This is an increase of 7.85 per cent. OPA President Camilo Abietar viewed this increase as a positive development but he stated that sufficient financing needed to be directed to this sector to maintain and support it.
36
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US
LONDON - FTSE 100
See our advert on opposite page
C LOSING P RICES A PRIL 27
PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY 3i Group 494.50 -14.00 Aberdeen Asset Management 482.50 8.90 Admiral Group 750.00 -1,581.00 Aggreko 1,690.50 18.50 Anglo American 1,073.50 -8.50 Antofagasta 792.25 -1.25 ARM Holdings 1,202.00 16.00 Ashtead Group 1,170.00 4.00 Associated British Foods 2,880.00 109.00 AstraZeneca 4,767.50 18.00 Aviva 532.50 1.50 Babcock International Group 1,007.50 -6.50 BAE Systems 518.50 3.50 Barclays 258.05 -3.70 Barratt Developments 538.50 -2.50 BG Group 1,170.00 2.50 BHP Billiton 1,539.50 -24.50 BP 481.20 2.80 British American Tobacco 3,740.00 -6.50 British Land Co 893.00 55.00 BT Group 469.00 1.40 Bunzl 1,854.50 -1.50 Burberry Group 1,805.00 9.00 Capita Group (The) 600.00 -1,134.00 Carnival 3,150.00 2.00 Centrica 259.50 -5.00 Coca-Cola HBC 1,290.50 -72.50 Compass Group 1,182.00 13.00 CRH 1,900.00 45.00 Diageo 1,875.00 4.50 Direct Line Insurance Group 348.00 21.90 Dixons Carphone 438.50 5.70 easyJet 1,840.00 0.00 Experian 1,196.50 6.50 Fresnillo 728.00 4.50 G4S 286.80 -16.80 GKN 363.00 0.00 GlaxoSmithKline 1,530.50 -4.00 Glencore 306.90 -4.30 Hammerson 630.00 -44.50 Hargreaves Lansdown 568.00 -1,181.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals 1,189.00 -2,150.00 HSBC Holdings 626.50 -3.20 Imperial Tobacco Group 3,292.50 -12.50 InterContinental Hotels 2,798.00 -31.00 International Consolidated Air 575.25 3.25 Intertek Group 2,602.50 -81.50 Intu Properties 357.00 7.00 ITV 270.00 0.40 Johnson Matthey 3,435.00 23.00
% CHG. NET VOL -2.75 4,898.74 1.88 6,472.31 -100.00 4,451.78 1.11 4,243.88 -0.79 14,740.25 -0.16 7,672.43 1.35 16,803.65 0.34 5,841.31 3.93 21,917.50 0.38 61,109.26 0.28 21,734.11 -0.64 5,064.65 0.68 15,889.88 -1.41 43,126.05 -0.46 5,230.26 0.21 40,199.89 -1.57 32,187.97 0.59 88,221.52 -0.17 69,755.82 6.56 8,620.86 0.30 38,770.06 -0.08 6,218.93 0.50 8,012.06 -100.00 7,506.58 0.06 6,806.71 -1.89 13,078.03 -5.32 4,964.60 1.11 19,627.17 2.43 15,099.39 0.24 46,798.30 6.72 4,857.75 1.32 5,016.34 0.00 7,282.81 0.55 11,864.04 0.62 5,322.21 -5.53 4,688.92 0.00 5,974.04 -0.26 74,242.57 -1.38 39,416.93 -6.60 5,284.29 -100.00 5,679.97 -100.00 4,226.20 -0.51 118,083.64 -0.38 31,416.51 -1.10 6,666.77 0.57 11,780.18 -3.04 4,318.85 2.00 4,617.58 0.15 10,813.58 0.67 6,971.30
COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) Kingfisher 351.50 -3.70 Land Securities Group 1,294.00 25.00 Legal & General Group 269.50 6.10 Lloyds Banking Group ORD 78.65 -0.45 London Stock Exchange 2,405.00 -150.00 Marks & Spencer Group 545.00 -9.50 Meggitt 539.50 -5.00 Merlin Entertainments 447.50 -6.40 Mondi 1,367.00 13.00 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 187.85 -6.25 National Grid 894.00 -12.10 Next 7,395.00 220.00 Old Mutual 231.60 0.60 Pearson 1,392.50 32.50 Persimmon 1,759.50 0.50 Prudential 1,631.00 -1.00 Randgold Resources 5,025.50 75.50 Reckitt Benckiser Group 6,025.00 34.00 Reed Elsevier 1,155.00 39.00 Rio Tinto 2,945.00 -58.50 Rolls-Royce Group 1,039.00 -11.00 Royal Bank of Scotland Group 351.50 -2.40 Royal Dutch Shell 2,090.00 24.00 Royal Dutch Shell 2,107.50 15.50 Royal Mail 442.50 1.60 RSA Insurance Group 422.75 0.45 SABMiller 3,617.50 63.50 Sage Group (The) 479.70 -5.00 Sainsbury (J) 273.90 5.80 Schroders 1,640.00 -3,306.00 Severn Trent 2,171.00 -27.00 Shire 5,450.00 -165.00 Sky 1,094.00 -6.00 Smith & Nephew 1,159.00 -25.00 Smiths Group 1,132.50 -2.50 Sports Direct International 657.50 44.50 SSE 1,565.00 -40.00 St James's Place 498.00 -896.50 Standard Chartered 1,075.00 5.00 Standard Life 475.00 5.10 Taylor Wimpey 83.85 -169.20 Tesco 226.50 1.70 Travis Perkins 990.00 -2,060.00 TUI AG 1,214.50 -2.50 Unilever 2,985.00 11.00 United Utilities Group 993.50 -9.50 Vodafone Group 230.50 -1.75 Weir Group 1,890.00 135.00 Whitbread 2,362.50 -5,335.00 Wolseley 3,938.00 -46.00 WPP Group 1,587.50 13.50
% CHG. -1.04 1.97 2.32 -0.57 -5.87 -1.71 -0.92 -1.41 0.96 -3.22 -1.34 3.07 0.26 2.39 0.03 -0.06 1.53 0.57 3.49 -1.95 -1.05 -0.68 1.16 0.74 0.36 0.11 1.79 -1.03 2.16 -100.00 -1.23 -2.94 -0.55 -2.11 -0.22 7.26 -2.49 -100.00 0.47 1.09 -100.00 0.76 -100.00 -0.21 0.37 -0.95 -0.75 7.69 -100.00 -1.15 0.86
NET VOL 8,191.67 10,059.59 15,798.06 56,199.68 8,832.40 9,157.73 4,336.79 4,587.71 6,404.45 4,507.89 33,129.03 10,949.57 11,344.68 11,463.50 5,350.66 41,875.06 4,677.01 42,695.36 12,645.57 41,663.63 19,058.05 22,537.42 81,427.98 51,683.02 4,422.00 4,315.62 57,589.43 5,223.98 5,129.55 7,431.62 5,164.37 33,344.97 18,677.12 10,522.41 4,500.46 3,691.03 15,714.99 4,731.81 26,249.00 9,232.07 5,366.59 18,279.18 5,104.57 7,092.03 38,099.49 6,716.60 60,964.43 3,789.65 9,672.51 10,641.03 20,542.40
1.39524
0.716718
Units per €
US dollar ...................................................................1.08727 Japan yen.................................................................129.427 Switzerland franc.................................................1.03734 Denmark kroner ..................................................7.460511 Norway kroner.....................................................8.44953
currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914
DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES A PRIL 27
COMPANY 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 +0.08% 159.11 +0.12 -0.72% -0.56 77.43 +1.79% 132.61 +2.33 -0.36% -0.54 147.86 +0.23% 84.80 +0.20 +0.48% 110.40 +0.53 -0.28% -0.08 28.74 -0.03% -0.01 40.88 +1.32% 110.97 +1.45 +0.48% 71.86 +0.34 +0.43% 87.34 +0.37 +0.22% 26.86 +0.06 +0.39% 198.77 +0.78 -0.25% -0.28 113.42 +0.41% 170.47 +0.69 +0.69% 32.30 +0.22 +0.24% 101.32 +0.24 +0.58% 62.96 +0.36 -0.28% -0.28 98.46 +0.47% 57.87 +0.27 -0.58% -0.28 47.59 +0.55% 101.51 +0.56 +0.23% 35.35 +0.08 -0.19% -0.15 80.85 +0.81% 104.79 +0.84 +0.15% 116.34 +0.18 +0.20% 118.93 +0.24 +0.22% 50.14 +0.11 +0.27% 67.66 +0.18 -0.40% -0.32 79.52
VOLUME 3.0M 3.4M 44.5M 4.9M 5.8M 5.0M 27.1M 11.6M 6.4M 3.8M 8.4M 27.7M 1.4M 2.9M 3.9M 1.6M 283.0K 529.0K 274.8K 411.6K 5.0M 145.0K 1.3M 486.9K 125.8K 116.9K 93.2K 597.2K 491.8K 298.7K
NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES A PRIL 27
COMPANY
PRICE
CHANGE NET / %
Most Advanced Affimed N.V. Hong Kong Television Network Limited Inotek Pharmaceuticals Corporation eHealth, Inc. Innocoll AG Amazon.com, Inc. Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. China Information Technology, Inc. Acacia Research Corporation CEPHEID Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.
$ 11.72 $ 9.11 $ 5.61 $ 13.50 $ 9.90 $ 445.10 $ 4.875 $ 5.21 $ 11.10 $ 58.97 $ 6.26
3.47 ▲ 42.06% 1.44 ▲ 18.77% 0.86 ▲ 18.11% 2.06 ▲ 18.01% 1.28 ▲ 14.85% 55.11 ▲ 14.13% 0.545 ▲ 12.59% 0.55 ▲ 11.80% 1.08 ▲ 10.78% 5.67 ▲ 10.64% 0.60 ▲ 10.60%
$ 12.87 $ 6.88 $ 26.52 $ 2.11 $ 22.94 $ 3.66 $ 27.18 $ 30 $ 6.33 $ 4.31 $ 17.61
22.52 ▼ 63.63% 3.12 ▼ 31.20% 8.18 ▼ 23.57% 0.46 ▼ 17.90% 4.50 ▼ 16.40% 0.69 ▼ 15.86% 4.99 ▼ 15.51% 4.17 ▼ 12.20% 0.85 ▼ 11.84% 0.51 ▼ 10.58% 1.89 ▼ 9.69%
Most Declined Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc. American Superconductor Corporation The Spectranetics Corporation Durect Corporation XBiotech Inc. SORL Auto Parts, Inc. HomeAway, Inc. NETGEAR, Inc. Maxwell Technologies, Inc. TetraLogic Pharmaceuticals Corporation Healthways, Inc.
38
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
Advertising feature
New exchange of financial tax information AS residents of Spain are aware, in addition to implementation of the European Savings Directive, Spain has introduced the Modelo 720 declaration requiring all assets held outside of Spain over €50,000 by value in various asset categories to be disclosed. While these measures now give the tax authorities a good picture of assets held outside the country by residents of Spain, the USA, OECD, EU and many other countries will be moving to a new higher transparency standard of cross-border financial disclosure starting in 2017. The Common Reporting Standards (CRS) as drafted by the OECD are now agreed and there is a group of early adopter countries including Spain, UK (Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Malta) which will be implementing this enhanced disclosure starting as early as September 2017. The financial information to be reported with respect to reportable accounts includes all types of investment income (including interest,
FULLY TRANSPARENT: Financial assets wherever they are held. dividends, income from certain insurance contracts and other similar types of income) but also account balances and sales proceeds from financial assets. The financial institutions that are required to report under the CRS do not only include banks and custodians but also other financial institutions such as brokers, certain collective investment vehicles and certain insurance companies.
Reportable accounts include accounts held by individuals and entities (which include trusts and foundations) and the standard includes a requirement to look through passive entities to report on the individuals that ultimately control these entities. In practical terms almost all financial assets wherever and however held, which can be attributable to an individual will become fully transparent. Trusts, Swiss foundations and off-
shore companies will have assets fully reported. Many issues will need to be resolved and are likely to be dealt with by national laws as they are enacted. As this happens differences between common law countries including UK and civil code countries including Spain may result in unwanted outcomes for British expats here. As one possible example, tax laws already enacted in France (another civil code country) if adopted in Spain, would give Spanish settlors and potential beneficiaries of trusts cause for concern. The financial institutions will identify country of tax residence, and where dual residency is possible, report to both countries. The detail required includes name, address, date of birth, account number, balance/value, income and redemption proceeds if sales have been made. Your tax identification number will also be disclosed. In Spain the Modelo 720 declaration requirement already covers many of the disclosure requirements but
when implemented trustees and directors of offshore companies and financial institutions will automatically disclose the value of trust, foundation and company assets, insurance policy investments, dividends, interest and the value of non-interest earning cash deposits. The CRS agreement will plug obvious gaps in the existing EUSD provisions and it is hoped will much decrease tax evasion. For those coming to and living in Spain, taking professional planning advice has just become more important than ever. Recognised tax planning structures will remain and with a 117-year tax-led financial planning pedigree The Fry Group will be helping clients to make key financial planning decisions, legitimately mitigating tax and ensuring their personal long term financial security. If you would like further information contact Mark Davies mark.davies@thefrygroup.co.uk or telephone 952 768 450.
The Fry Group of companies comprises of Wilfred T. Fry Ltd – Taxation Consultants, Wilfred T. Fry (Executor and Trustee) Ltd, The Fry Group (H.K.) Ltd, The Fry Group (Belgium) SA, and Wilfred T. Fry (Personal Financial Planning) Ltd. The last company is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority is also passported under EU regulations and is authorised to act as a financial adviser by the Monetary Authority of Singapore-license number FA095023. The Fry Group (H.K.) Ltd is authorised to conduct investment business by the Securities & Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong and are members of the Hong Kong Confederation of Insurance Brokers. The Fry Group (Belgium) SA is regulated in Belgium by the FSMA (Reg. No. 23345 A-B) and is also passported under IMD EU regulations.
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
www.euroweeklynews.com
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
EWN
39
JOBS WOZNIAK CORDON PRESS PRINT
Friendship is good for business Loose change Jane Plunkett A look at finance for females jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com
SOME might say it’s not a good idea to mix friendship and business. This however might not be entirely true according to numerous entrepreneurs, who have set up successful companies with their best friends. The two Steves, Jobs and Wozniak, became friends at a summer job in 1970 and went on to set up Apple. University pals Larry Page and Sergey Brin set up Google. Studies show that those with best friends at work tend to be more focused, loyal and passionate. They also get sick less often and are not
SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP: Friends Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. as likely to leave their jobs. A study by two US universities put this ‘friendship is good for business’ theory to the test. They set up projects be-
tween close friends and then people who didn’t know each other and found that those in groups with friends outperformed the groups who were
teamed up with acquaintances. The study revealed that friends showed better communication and were encouraging toward each other. If you’re thinking of getting into business with a friend, it’s important to ask some vital questions before you both sign on the dotted line. 1. How well do you know your friend? You’re far more likely to do your homework when it comes to people you don’t know, asking around about them and checking their references. You may assume you know all about your friend, but they may be entirely different under high-pressure situations. 2. How much do you trust her? When your friend says she’ll do something, are you 100 per cent certain it will happen? 3. Does she have a key skill that you don’t? Your partner should have a compelling value proposition that you lack.
OPINION & COMMENT
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
EWN
41
All a bit too rich for ITV! A discussion programme I recorded some time ago has been shelved. Could it have been something I said? LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT SOMEWHAT disappointed to discover that ITV has decided to shelve ‘On Assignment’, the discussion programme I recorded some time ago with fellow guests Michel and Steven Euesden, proprietors of our EWN. No reason has been given, but I suspect the content may have been a little too rich for the programmers’ ‘blood’! Ah well, I suppose my stating there was no such thing as a moderate Muslim didn’t help. By that observation, I didn’t of course mean that all followers of the Muslim faith were potential bombers or terrorists, merely that no one is a Muslim in ‘moderation’. The followers of Islam are all or nothing. It’s the nature of the religion. No place or room in their belief for any other opinion. It’s the rather sad attitude that totally prevents any progress whatsoever. To learn anything from this physical jour-
ney of ours you simply have to retain a fairly open mind. Even if you don’t agree with the attitudes or beliefs of others, it is imperative to be receptive to different ideas, even if you ultimately reject them. The Muslims are not the only religion with this biased attitude, I may add, but let’s not get into all that. Immigration also took up a large bulk of the ‘On Assignment’ interview. The host kept insisting that we were also immigrants, many of whom also hadn’t integrated with the
Spanish locals quite as well as we should have. Consequently, what right had we to criticise others? I had to somewhat reluctantly agree with this observation, but insisted that, although we could do better, we didn’t congregate in the streets decrying the Spanish customs and army.
BRITS ABROAD: Not always as integrated as we should be.
The host kept insisting that we were also immigrants, many of whom hadn’t integrated with the Spanish locals quite as well as we should have. Consequently, what right had we to criticise others?
We also didn’t behead their citizens in the street, blow up their buildings or preach messages of hate while burning the Spanish flag. The interviewer went a bit quiet after that; it appears that you can’t tell the truth in the British media. Ah well, let ’em all stew in their own juice, I say. Shame about that, but I’ve no doubt we will soon get over it. Interesting chat with a colleague today. He runs a very successful company on Mallorca and was recently informed by the council that his employees were obliged to attend newly-organised health and safety classes, which he had to pay for. He agreed to comply, but couldn’t help remarking on the council dustcart employees, still standing on small platforms at the back of their vehicles, clinging on for dear life, with no protection whatsoever as they career down the street collecting the bins. Gooses and ganders come to mind! Keep the faith, Love Leapy leapylee200@gmail.com leapylee.co.uk
Make May your best month yet MAY is the fifth month of the year and the influence of this number is helping you to reach out and ask for help where you need it. Sally Trotman
HOW can you make May your best month yet? With the sun now moving through earthy Taurus, this is the best time to be practical, grounded and strategic in your approach to life. Whether you want to get fit and healthy, meet new people or take your career to the next level, you will need a plan! Your greatest success will come through listening to your instinct and taking action to bring these ideas to fruition. Taurus wants you to build firm foundations to support you comfortably through the years ahead. May is the fifth month of the year and the influence of this number is helping you to reach out and ask for help where you need it. This is also the perfect time to take up a new hobby and meet more like minded people. If you don’t always feel confident in new social situations, repeat this simple affirmation with move-
TAURUS: Build firm foundations to support you through the years ahead. ment first thing in the morning. Stand tall and stretch your arms straight out wide whilst repeating the following statement out loud: ‘I welcome new people into my life and know that I deserve to be happy.’ Now rest your hands on your heart
and breath deeply knowing that you have taken the first step towards developing new relationships. The full moon in Scorpio on May 4 will help you further to release fears, so be aware of your dreams, hunches and intuitive insights
around this time. Scorpio will help you to get in touch with your passions, to live your truth and to release the past. Often we hold onto people, places and situations which we have outgrown for fear of change. Now is the time to release
anything which no longer serves you. The influence of the Hierophant Archetype which is the fifth card in the major arcana tarot deck, reminds you to listen to your own wisdom this month. The answers you seek to the most important questions lie within your own heart, so take time to meditate quietly when you can, so that you can hear the whispers of your heart. The Taurus new moon on May 18 will help you to put these ideas into practice. So make the most of the mixture of heavenly and earthly energies this month, to help you become aware of what you need and how you can create the firm foundations required to sustain your dreams. To find out more about how the astrological influences of this month affect you personally based on your date of birth, contact Sally to book in for an individual session via telephone or Skype. Sally also produces written couple compatibility charts. Please email at sally.trotman@bt internet.com or visit her website for more information : www.sallytrotman.com.
48
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
OPINION & COMMENT
The future of Cuba THE embargo or ‘El bloqueo’ has only resulted in austerity for the Cuban people. Peter Fieldman International Sports 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
V
ISITING Cuba before the demise of the current political regime was a longstanding dream of mine and it seems I made it in time since President Obama has started negotiations to end the 50-year isolation of the island. I chose a 15-day circuit tour to learn as much as possible about the country and the people, flying with Cubana Aviacion as it operates a service from Madrid to Santiago de Cuba, the starting point of my tour. Santiago is Cuba’s second city with a swashbuckling history. Philip II of Spain built a fortress to protect the port and with the Spanish and British constantly at war it became a haven for corsairs and buccaneers including Francis Drake, Henry Morgan and Alexander Selkirk. Cuba’s history dates back to Christopher Columbus with the Spanish, British, French and Americans all claiming its territory at some point. Not surprisingly, the people are a mix of Spanish and African descent cohabiting together today in what appears to be perfect harmony. From Santiago the plan was to drive across the country to La Habana with stops in Bayamo, Camaguay, Ciego de Avila, Sancti Spiritus, Trinidad, Cienfuegos and Verdadero. While most towns had pedestrian shopping streets, the stores lacked lighting and their stock was limited. Nevertheless, there were markets, cafés and restaurants bustling with people and especially,
CLASSICS: What will happen to the American cars and trucks from the 40s and 50s?
STREET IN OLD HAVANA: Much of the city centre needs refurbishing or rebuilding. musicians. With all the old automobiles, horse-driven buggies and revolutionary signs, mostly with Che Guevara peering from them, propped up by the roadside or on facades, it seemed as if time had stood still for half a century. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the small, beautiful colonial town of Trinidad, a world heritage site with cobbled streets, brightly-coloured cottages, churches and squares. Our driver made a detour to the infamous Bay of Pigs before crossing the island to Varadero, Cuba’s answer to Miami Beach with its beach-front hotel and leisure complexes, which have sprung up during the past few years. After an overnight stay in La Habana, the next few days were spent in the west of the island. We visited Las Terrazas ecological park with its
While most towns had pedestrian shopping streets, the stores lacked lighting and their stock was limited. Neverless, there were markets, cafés and restaurants bustling with people.
rice terraces, forests, rivers and farming villages before heading to the coast, where we boarded a ferry for the half-hour crossing to Cayo Levisa, one of Cuba’s unspoilt tropical islands with miles of white, sandy beaches. What was not in the script was a sudden tropical storm, which meant spending most of the morning in the bars set back among the mangroves. Then after lunch the storm passed and the sun came out signalling a rush to the sea for a swim before returning to the mainland to pick up
the bus to Vinales to visit a tobacco plantation and then back to La Habana to spend the final two days in the capital on my own. Only my hotel had no water. I was offered alternative accommodation in the Plaza des Armes in the old town but as the taxi driver extracted my case a very nice, smiling black gentleman, impeccably dressed with white shirt and black trousers welcomed me, took my case and accompanied me, chatting away. It was only when the porter came out of the hotel entrance did I realise that he had nothing to do with the hotel. However he was so friendly I had to tip him too. It did not take long to locate Hemingway’s haunts - the hotel Ambos Mundos and Floridita bar - packed with tourists, in the main pedestrian street, Calle Obispo. Much of the city centre needs refurbishing or rebuilding and given its long sea-front, real estate prices are sure to rocket during the next few years. What will happen to the classic American cars and trucks from the 40s and 50s, which I had come to photograph? There are an estimated 35,000 of them on Cuba’s roads. The embargo or ‘El bloqueo’, has only resulted in austerity for the Cuban people, who pose no threat or malice to their powerful northern neighbour. Despite being poor, lacking consumer products and perhaps freedom of expression, everyone benefits from free education and health, and Cuban doctors are considered to
be among the best in the world. I saw no homeless on the streets, less begging than in Europe’s cities, home ownership is allowed, with little or no debt, and privately owned family-run restaurants - Paladares - serve excellent Cuban food. Perhaps the country and its people can now look forward to a more prosperous future so long as there is not a return to the rampant capitalism and corruption, which prevailed under the Batista regime. The Museo de la Revolucion, located inside Batista’s old palace, provides a vivid account of the revolution, the rise to power of Castro and Che Guevara and the subsequent conflicts with the USA. I hope the museum will be preserved for future generations long after the Castro regime has gone. My final thought was that a nation whose national hero, Jose Marti, was a poet, a people with music in their soul and who ask for pens, deserves a better deal.
OPINION & COMMENT
www.euroweeklynews.com
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
EWN
49
Charlie Brooker’s Election Wipe gets air date ELECTION WIPE will air a few hours before the polls open on Wednesday May 6 and Brooker will present his irreverent look at the election campaign delving into the big stories and weirdest moments. Richard Shanley
Dishing the Dirt OF EUROPA DIGITAL
BBC TWO has confirmed the transmission date for Charlie Brooker’s Election Wipe. The comic writer’s unique take on the General Election will air on Wednesday, May 6 at 10pm (CET), on the eve of the big day. Airing a few hours before the polls open, Brooker will present his irreverent look at the election campaign, delving into the big stories and the weirdest moments from the big parties. Regulars Philomena Cunk and Barry S**tpeas will return for the 60-minute special along with other guests. Brooker said: “At a time of great political uncertainty it’ll be an honour to bring some much-needed confusion to the national debate. Since our show transmits in the run-up to the election, it will have to adhere to strict impartiality rules - which means it will, by law, be equally disparaging to all parts of the political spectrum.” E4 is going on strike - to try to encourage
CHARLIE BROOKER: Watch his unique take on the General Election. young people to vote in the general election. The channel will be turned off when the polls open at 7am on May 7, the hope being that its
youth audience will rush out to vote when there’s nothing on the telly. Well, on E4, anyway. To prove it’s really happening, E4 has
even introduced us to Darren - the guy who makes sure E4 is on, and who will turn it off when it’s time to head to the ballot box. If you try to watch E4 on May 7, all you’ll get is Darren manning the control room - and there won’t even be any adverts. (Admittedly, the idea of watching Darren all day might appeal to some people - but we probably don’t want them voting anyway.) “Less than half of under 25’s voted at the last election, so we’ve engaged the most powerful weapon that we have at our disposal to try and boost that number - switching off their favourite TV channel for the day!” said Channel 4’s Dan Brooke. Bad luck if you’re under 18 and a massive fan of The Big Bang Theory. 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 & 106.8FM, now covering almost 3,000sq kms of Costa Almeria and Calida or listen online at costaalmeria.spectrumfm.net for the latest news and views.
50
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂa
www.euroweeklynews.com
TV LISTING
THURSDAY 30 APRIL
4:45pm 5:30pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 11:30pm
FRIDAY 01 MAY
8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:35pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:40pm 12:25am
SATURDAY 02 MAY
SUNDAY 03 MAY
MONDAY 04 MAY
6:10pm 7:40pm 7:50pm 7:53pm 7:55pm 8:45pm 9:30pm
05 MAY
WEDNESDAY 06 MAY
The One Show A Question of Sport EastEnders Wallace and Gromit: A Grand Day Out Have I Got News for You Mrs. Brown's Boys BBC News at Ten BBC London News The Graham Norton Show Peter Kay's Car Share
2:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:20am 1:10am 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am 12:35am 1:40am 2:30am 3:30am 4:30am 3:00pm
10:20pm 11:10pm 11:28pm 11:30pm 12:55am 5:30pm 6:15pm 7:05pm 7:20pm 7:25pm 7:30pm 8:30pm 9:30pm 11:00pm 11:20pm 11:25pm 11:30pm 12:35am
Songs of Praise Pointless BBC News Regional News Weather Countryfile Antiques Roadshow The C-Word BBC News Regional News Weather Match of the Day 2 The Football League Show
10:00am 11:10am
6:40pm 7:25pm 7:45pm
Pointless BBC News Regional News All the latest local news. Weather The One Show Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers EastEnders V.E. Day: Remembering Victory BBC News Regional News
12:00pm 12:30pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 2:30pm 3:00pm 7:00pm
5:45pm 6:15pm 6:55pm
8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 11:50pm 12:50am
BBC News Regional News Party Election Broadcast by the Conservative Party The One Show EastEnders Holby City 24 Hours in the Past BBC News Regional News Weather Del Boys and Dealers Texas Rangers
4:45pm 5:30pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 11:50pm 12:20am
Escape to the Country Flog It! Pointless BBC News Regional News The One Show Inspector George Gently Peter Kay's Car Share BBC News Regional News Weather A Question of Sport A Few Best Men
7:55pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm
7:00pm 7:30pm 7:55pm
World Championship Snooker Eggheads World Championship Snooker Alex Polizzi: Chefs on Trial The Game W1A Newsnight World Championship Snooker Highlights Who Will Win the Election?
7:25pm
Natural World The Clare Balding Show Newsnight Election Late Show Later... with Jools Holland World Championship Snooker Highlights Secret Britain Strangeways This is BBC Two
7:30pm
7:30pm
3:20pm 4:10pm 5:00pm 5:30pm 6:30pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 10:30pm 12:00am 12:50am
12:40pm 1:40pm 2:40pm 3:00pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 12:00am 12:30am
James Martin's Food Map of Britain Timewatch Timewatch World's Most Photographed Snooker Natural World Dad's Army Snooker Quartet QI XL Perfume The Football League Show Saturday Kitchen Best Bites Back in Time for Dinner Alex Polizzi: Chefs on Trial James Martin's Food Map of Britain Snooker Flog It! Snooker W1A The Accidental Husband
8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm
6:30pm 6:45pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:15pm 11:00pm 11:15pm 7:50pm 8:00pm 8:15pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:05pm 11:20pm
7:05pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 12:00am 1:00am
7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:50pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 5:10pm 5:45pm 6:15pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:50pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:15am
BBC News World News The Daily Politics How We Won the War How We Won the War Snooker Party Election Broadcast by the Labour Party Antiques Roadshow Eggheads Snooker Wastemen Back in Time for Dinner Just Good Friends Antiques Roadshow Party Election Broadcast by the Conservative Party Eggheads Escape to the Continent Coast Australia Nature's Weirdest Events Inside the Factory Wastemen Later Live... with Jools Holland Newsnight 'Allo, 'Allo! Just Good Friends Antiques Roadshow Eggheads Escape to the Continent Coast Australia Nature's Weirdest Events Inside the Factory Charlie Brooker Election Wipe QI Newsnight Weather
Party Election Broadcast by the UK Independence Party ITV News and Weather Emmerdale Tonight Emmerdale Double Decker
8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm Driving School 10:00pm Fraud Squad
11:40pm
WALL-E BBC News Regional News Weather Pointless Atlantis The National Lottery: In It to Win It Casualty BBC News Weather Match of the Day The Football League Show
11:00pm 11:25pm
TUESDAY
Escape to the Country Flog It! Pointless BBC News at Six BBC London News The One Show EastEnders Question Time Election Leaders Special Peter Kay's Car Share BBC News at Ten BBC London News
7:25pm 7:45pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm Weather 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 11:00pm Weather 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm
ITV News and Weather Emmerdale Coronation Street Weekend Escapes with Warwick Davis Coronation Street Slow Train Through ITV News at Ten and Weather Senna Local News and Weather ITV News and Weather You've Been Framed! Ninja Warrior UK Britain's Got Talent Play to the Whistle ITV News and Weather Cliffhanger Local News and Weather ITV News and Weather Celebrity Squares Sunday Night at the Palladium Home Fires ITV News and Weather Perspectives Local News and Weather ITV News and Weather Emmerdale Coronation Street Wild Ireland Coronation Street Safe House ITV News at Ten and The Paul O'Grady Show Local News and Weather ITV News and Weather Emmerdale UEFA Champions League ITV News at Ten and
4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:55pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 8:55pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am 1:30pm 2:30pm 5:15pm 5:50pm 6:20pm 6:50pm 7:20pm 7:45pm 8:15pm 9:15pm 11:00pm 12:55am 2:30pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 6:20pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:05pm 11:35pm 12:40am 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:25pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:35am 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:55pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:35am
The Paul O'Grady Show Local News and Weather ITV News and Weather Emmerdale Coronation Street Give a Pet a Home Newzoids The Delivery Man ITV News at Ten and Weather
2:00pm 3:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm
Deal or No Deal Three in a Bed Couples Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Party Election Broadcast The Supervet The Island with Bear Grylls The Last Leg First Dates
7:00pm 7:30pm 7:55pm
8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:50am
Three in a Bed Couples Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Unreported World Party Election Broadcast Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Gogglebox Alan Carr Virtually Famous
7:00pm 7:30pm 7:55pm
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Channel 4 Racing Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Channel 4 News For the Love of Cars Men in Black II Dredd Stephen Merchant
3:00pm 4:55pm 6:35pm
Channel 4 Racing A Place in the Sun: Home or Away Channel 4 News The Karate Kid For the Love of Cars 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown An Immigrant's Guide to Britain Gogglebox Bill Bailey Qualmpeddler The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Party Election Broadcast How the Other Half Eat Food Unwrapped The Stranger on the Bridge Ballot Monkeys Jimmy Carr: Making People Laugh The Island with Bear Grylls
8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:55pm 12:50am
7:30pm 8:20pm 9:15pm 9:20pm 10:10pm 11:10pm 12:05am 12:30pm 1:25pm 2:25pm 4:05pm 6:00pm 8:05pm 8:10pm 10:00pm 12:05am 2:30pm 3:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:55pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:55pm
Home and Away 5 News Tonight Party Election Broadcast on Behalf of the Uk Independence Party The Classic Car Show The Body in the Freezer: Countdown to Murder The Hotel Inspector The Mentalist True Crimes Home and Away 5 News Tonight Party Election Broadcast on Behalf of the Liberal Democrats The Gadget Show Secrets of Great British Castles NCIS: New Orleans NCIS Law and Order: Special Victims Unit True Crimes Columbo: Undercover Secret Liaison The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door Britain's Horror Homes Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! 5 News Weekend NCIS NCIS CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Law and Order
7:30pm 8:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
3:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 5:15pm 5:30pm 6:30pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:30am 3:30pm 4:00pm 4:15pm 5:15pm 5:45pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:30am 11:30am 1:30pm 4:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:30am
Neighbours The Other Wife Neighbours The Gadget Show Party Election Broadcast on Behalf of the Labour Party World's Busiest Hotel Police Interceptors Gotham Person of Interest Lord of War
8:30am 10:00am 11:00am
7:30am 8:00am 9:00am 11:30am
6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 7:55pm
12:00am
5 News at 5 Neighbours Car Crash TV 5 News Tonight Party Election Broadcast on Behalf of the Conservative Party Police Interceptors Britain's Horror Homes 20 Moments That Rocked Britain Far and Away
A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun Channel 4 Racing Posh Pawnbrokers Couples Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Restoration Man The Island with Bear Grylls Ballot Monkeys Bugsplat!
1:45pm 2:45pm 3:15pm 4:10pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:55pm 12:50am
The Hotel Inspector Neighbours NCIS: New Orleans Deadly Honeymoon 5 News at 5 Neighbours Car Crash TV 5 News Tonight GPs: Behind Closed Doors The Nightmare Autopsy CSI: Trilogy CSI: Trilogy CSI: Trilogy
10:00pm
7:15pm
Cowboy Builders and Bodge Jobs Ultimate Police Interceptors Blue Streak Zathura: A Space Adventure Holes 5 News Weekend Legally Blonde Resident Evil: Afterlife Gamer
Couples Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Party Election Broadcast Kirstie and Phil's Love it or List it No Offence Ballot Monkeys 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown The Island with Bear Grylls
8:00pm 9:00pm
5:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm
1:00am 2:30am 3:30am
12:00pm 4:15pm 4:30pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 12:00am
12:30pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 1:30am 2:30pm 3:00pm 4:00pm 4:30pm 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm
Ringside Special Boxing Sky Sports Boxing Gold 2013 Sky Sports Boxing Gold 2013 Boxing Premier League Darts 2015 Boxing Sky Sports Boxing Gold 2013 Boxing Sky Sports Originals Sky Sports Boxing Gold 2013 Sky Sports Boxing Gold 2013 Boxing The Fantasy Football Club Boxing European Rugby Final Boxing The Fantasy Football Club Boxing Boxing Sky Sports Boxing Gold 2013 Boxing Boxing Ford Saturday Night Football The Gloves are Off Boxing Boxing The Gloves are Off Boxing Goals on Sunday Ford Super Sunday Ford Super Sunday Sky Sports Originals Goals on Sunday Sky Sports Originals Ford Football Special Premier League 100 Club Sunday Supplement Goals on Sunday Football Ford Football Special Goals on Sunday Soccer A.M. - The Best Bits Indian Premier League Football Gold Goals on Sunday Fantasy Football Club Highlights FL72 Review Ford Monday Night Football Sky Sports Originals SPFL Round-Up WWE SmackDown! MNF Highlights Soccer A.M. - The Best Bits MNF Highlights Barclays Premier League Review Indian Premier League Cricket's Greatest Indian Premier League Soccer A.M. - The Best Bits Fantasy Football Club Highlights Sky Sports Originals Premier League Legends Game Changers Premier League 100 Club Premier League Legends Premier League 100 Club Boots 'n' All Football Sky Sports Originals Premier League Legends
OPINION & COMMENT
www.euroweeklynews.com
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
EWN
51
Nora Johnson
Breaking Views Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a free-lance journalist. To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/columnists/nora-johnson
“OF course, the Spanish are backward. Why, before the Brits arrived you couldn’t order a fry-up in the noonday sun!” The recent BBC documentary, Costa del Sol: Last Brits Standing, which followed Bronte the barmaid, 66-year-old jive-dance instructor Colin and Big Dave (who ought to go on a whisky diet; he’d soon lose three days, no sweat), was meant to paint a picture of expat life on the Costa del Sol. Instead it spouted the same old sensationalist clichés. At any moment you expected someone to come out with the above quip. In fact, the BBC missed a trick by not having Jeremy Clarkson on hand. He could have upped the offensiveness factor single-handedly.
The film’s portrayal of both the Spanish and the British was a gross exaggeration. Such a one-sided ‘documentary’ simply misrepresented the lives and opinions of the majority of Brits who get on well with the Spanish. But then, ‘colourful’ stereotypes make good TV. Focusing on ordinary people successfully integrated in the community who’ve learned Spanish would fly in the face of the show’s spotlight on a few who are plainly struggling. Basically, anyone who gets on screen will be a ‘character’, so ‘boring’, hard-working individuals won’t get a look in. In some ways, Spain is a country at the crossroads. The uncertainty of the past few years has taken its toll in many ways, including a rise in the number of house repossessions, bankruptcies and expats forced to return to the UK. But with GDP slightly up and unemployment figures slightly down, it’s maybe finally turning the corner. And corruption scandals, so long
landmarkmedia / Shutterstock.com
Have we got news for you: Clarkson couldn’t have made things worse!
MISSING: BBC documentary could have used Jeremy Clarkson.
the plague of Spanish life, now seem finally under the control of the judicial system. In fact, they’re now so numerous that Spanish TV news lumps them together in one swift round-up, ranging from King Felipe’s sister’s indictment for tax fraud plus her husband’s alleged embezzlement, to the alleged slush fund operated by Spain’s governing conservative party. Yes, there are good and bad bits about living anywhere but this programme was totally unrepresentative. The vast majority of industrious expats who are doing well personally and professionally after migrating here weren’t featured. Ordinariness and a sense of balance, after all, make for dull TV. Not so much a documentary then, more a bigoted rant. 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.
52
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
OPINION & COMMENT
Elaborately kitsch and selfconsciously unconventional Kevin Pilley Pilley’s Planet Kevin is an exprofessional cricketer and the former chief staff writer of PUNCH. He is the UK's most published travel writer. His work appears worldwide. He once went to Vienna and dressed up as Mozart.
T
HE rooms have been described as a cross between a bordello and an explosion in a tartan factory. The Witchery is also said to be haunted by a lady who was burned at the stake for witchcraft 500 years ago. I didn’t see or smell her. And the fire alarm and smoke detectors certainly didn’t go off if she was padding about during the night. ‘The Witchery by the Castle’ in Edinburgh was opened by chef and restaurateur James Thompson who, fearing he had been born into the wrong time and class, gave an eccentric, incredibly OTT and very self-indulgent makeover. Scottish baronial baroque and flamboyantly creepy but gentrified Gothic style. With more than a little of camp thrown in for good measure. It’s all very Pugin, deliberately decadent, elaborately kitsch and selfconsciously unconventional. And great fun. The Witchery is not a typical hotel. Reached via a narrow passage called Boswell’s Court and up a turnpike stone stairway, the tenement building right beside Edinburgh Castle dates back to 1595. It offers seven premium-priced suites. You aren’t asked whether you prefer smoking or non-smoking. Instead, you choose whether you want an organ pipe headboard. Or not. Or whether you want gilded Empire furniture. Or velvet or tartan or paisley-lined walls. Or would rather your walls leather panelled. You can have either three windows or seven looking out onto the Old Town rooftops, Princes Street and the Firth of Forth. You can sleep the night in the ‘Guardroom’ or the ‘Armoury’ as
BARONIAL BAROQUE: The Witchery by the Castle in Edinburgh.
The unique hotel has an award-winning restaurant under its heraldic painted ceiling. You have breakfast by candlelight and can also bathe in a chapel.
well as the library which singer Dannii Minogue described as “a lust den”. The unique hotel, a 16th century merchant’s house, has an awardwinning restaurant serving, under its heraldic painted ceiling and surrounded by A-listed stonework, Scrabster monkfish, Isle of Mull cheddar scones and scallops, Oban oysters, Arran beets, Scotch border beef and lots of Scottish salmon. This year is ‘Scottish Year of Food and Drink’. At the Witchery you have breakfast by candlelight. You can also bathe in a chapel. The room is cluttered with tasselled damask curtains and bric-a-
brac. Military uniforms are casually draped over chairs. The Witchery is the only hotel where you can go to bed if you wish in a Buzby which gives an entirely new meaning to ‘the night-cap’. The Witchery, a former Satanists’ meeting place you are told tongue-in-cheek, also organises tours exploring the supernatural, grisly and sadist side of the burgh, following in the footsteps of cadies, grave-robbers and stranglers. Your escort is the Chief-InSpectre. The Witchery’s sister hotel is five-star boutique baronial 1687
Prestonfield House, which is equally decadent in décor although equipped with concessions to modernity like Wi-Fi and mood-adjusting lighting. The trouser presses are a bit outré. And straight. But the rooms are still much like boudoirs and overlook Arthur’s Seat and Royal Holyrood Park. And like The Witchery are a defiant challenge to the bland uniformity of most hotels. There is a suite named after Benjamin Franklin who stayed there. But probably did not laze and lather away in the huge silver
leaf sleigh bath. (“Neatness and sweetness all around/ These we at Prestonfield House found,” 1759.) The opulent hotel boasts the ‘Rhubarb’ restaurant which celebrates one of Scotland’s most unsung dicks. Sir Alexander Dick who introduced rhubarb to Scotland in the 18th century.
For further information contact The Witchery by the Castle, Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1NE. Tel: 031 225 5613 / www.thewitchery.com
54
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
OPINION & COMMENT
Miguel Garcia Saavedra/Shutterstock
Unique experience: When Muses of a long, noisy afternoon’s lunch arrive! 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.
IT can’t happen every day. It’s impossible. Those unique special afternoon lunches can only come if you’ve got something else planned, but nothing too important. It starts when you run into someone you know well and haven’t seen for a long while. Protocol demands you spend some authentic time. True friendship has returned and walked in. My encounter was in a friendly, old-time place like Meson Egea along the front. Owner Antonio noticed immediately what had happened and without exchanging words tapas started arriving, a few bottles of wine that he wanted us to try. One of the ‘understood laws’ of Spain for any outrageous and noisy party being created is to make sure your own chairs are opened so that
JAMON DE PATA NEGRA: Perfect fuel for an afternoon party. others can join in. My new, reunited friend sells jamon of the black-foot variety. Naturally he brought some in from his car and offered it to those most near us too. It worked magic, they pulled their chairs in and placed their tapas on our table. No true Spaniard is going to miss sharing someone else’s banter and frivolity. Unlike the English, the Spanish
never want to be left out of a party that they could be part of, even if accompanied by a dying aunt or sick child. (Remember Rule 1A, when you enter any public place you must greet all there. Acknowledge their presence.) Soon, introductions are made in a light, haphazard way so as to not suggest your name or profession has more importance than the occasion; a
good trick to learn for the newlyarrived English. The situational circumstance of the reunion is more important than scoring individual style points. Within moments the deepest philosophies can be discussed or maybe a film. Poems may be spoken or suggestions pronounced about what to eat and drink in their magical corner of Spain.
During our special occasion a little, round lady just taller than the table decided to sing. She had an angelic voice and stunned the entire restaurant, which erupted in spontaneous applause. Others from the bar left their perches and dropped down to our level. Even if they couldn’t sing they might chant the 26 verses of their favourite song. More wine appears and more people stroll in from the street having heard the racket. No one person talks while the others listen; it could be presumed to be a political yawning. Everyone speaks at the same time wishing to share his knowledge on the topic formerly being discussed. The conviviality becomes a sacred moment in time valued for itself alone. It’s a true happening not to be tangled or confused with the ordinary. The sharing with unknowns is of course part of the magic. The Muses of all that is good in the world have descended, danced at your table and you share the bewitched moment. Leaving? To where? How could life get any better than this?
OPINION & COMMENT
www.euroweeklynews.com
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
EWN
55
Cassandra Nash A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene
FINANCE minister Cristobal Montoro did not mince his words when he said, apropos of Rodrigo Rato’s arrest, “I’m here to apply the law, not express sentiments.” Nice one, Montoro, particularly when too many politicians spend more time expressing sentiments than observing the laws they legislate. Montoro then spoiled the effect with his mealy-mouthed description of the Rato case as “a personal matter.” Rato’s finances are indisputably personal, but the taxes he allegedly evaded were public, as was the humiliation of RODRIGO RATO: Serving up his head on a platter was a small sacrifice for the government.
Official Bankia portrait via wikipedia.org
In a manner of plain speaking Pre-election scapegoat IT probably seemed a good idea at the time. Rodrigo Rato ex-vice president of the Spanish government, exfinance minister, ex-managing director of the International Monetary Fund, ex-Lazards executive, expresident of Caja Madrid and ex-president of Bankia - was already on the skids. He was expelled from the Partido Popular for cooking the
Bankia books prior to its dodgy flotation in 2012 and for living the life of Riley on opaque Caja Madrid and Bankia credit cards. Already facing two trials, Rato could easily be bundled into a police car with a lawman’s hand on his head as Spain looked on. Rato’s alleged misdeeds sounded convincing: money-laundering, plus concealing assets to ring-fence them from potential Bankia and ‘black’ credit card convictions. His seven hours in custody as police searched his home and office allowed the government to intone that the law is the same for all Spaniards, just in time for the local and regional elections. Serving up Rato’s head on a platter was a small sacrifice for a government needing to demonstrate that it abhors corruption. But one scapegoat cannot win an election, not when voters want blood or sackcloth and ashes at the very least.
his very ostentatious arrest. You can’t have it both ways, Montoro, not if plain-speaking is limited to issues with easy and ready answers.
Not in the mating season A LARGE slice of the centre-right Partido Popular would be happy with a post-election alliance with centre-right Ciudadanos. The reverse is not true as Ciudadanos voters have chosen Albert Rivera’s party precisely because it is not the PP. While criticising Ciudadanos in public, Mariano Rajoy is supposedly already putting out feelers in private but if he wants to be anything other than a nineday wonder and a one-trick political show pony, Rivera should ignore this mating call.
Fair shares ALL of the candidates representing Podemos in the regional elections were democratic ally-chosen by party members. Yet there are only two women amongst them. Could gender equality be less important in politics than political leaders believe?
56
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM
SPONSORED BY
EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREA
Word Ladder TOAD
TIME
www.euroweeklynews.com
MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE
for next 7 days
Costa de Almería
weather
Move from the start word (TOAD) to the end word (LILY) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.
TODAY TOMORROW
VELEZ RUBIO
HUERCAL OVERA
ALBOX
VELEZ RUBIO GARRUCHA ALBOX
TOAD WOAD WOLD WILD WILY LILY
LILY BACK
MOJACAR
ALMERIA
HUERCAL OVERA
RETAMAR GARRUCHA
ADRA
‘POLITICIANS - YOU CAN NEVER TELL IF THEY ARE CELEBRATING THE DAY - OR JUST PANICKING!
ROQUETAS
MOJACAR
RETAMAR
ALMERIA
ROQUETAS
ADRA
Visit the stars, for details on our expanded range of services
Good: 14 Very good: 20 Excellent: 24
Mon - 26 19 C Tues - 26 19 Cl Wed - 26 18 Cl
(April 21 - May 21)
bigger picture, you realise that it is not so daunting after all. If one person can do it, then so can another. It is a matter of how you approach it.
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 R) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION dent, diet, dine, dint, dire, dirt, doer, done, dote, edit, nerd, node, redo, rend, ride, rind, rode, tend, tide, tied, toed, trod, diner, doter, droit, drone, idiot, indie, indri, noted, tined, tired, toned, trend, tried, dentin, dinero, dinner, dotier, editor, indent, indite, intend, iodine, ironed, rioted, rodent, tendon, tidier, tinder, tinned, triode, diorite, edition, intoned, nitride, RENDITION
22 17 C 23 17 Cl 24 18 C
Mon - 24 18 Sh Tues - 24 18 Cl Wed - 23 18 C
26 18 Cl 26 18 S 26 19 C
Mon - 27 19 C Tues - 26 19 Cl Wed - 26 18 Cl Cl Clear,
Sh Showers,
6-Star Quiz
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. UK THUNDERBALL
IRISH LOTTO
EURO MILLIONS
LA PRIMITIVA
EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA
Saturday April 25
Saturday April 25
Friday April 24
Saturday April 25
Sunday April 26
Saturday April 25
4
11
27
28
30
49
5
11 20
13 33
3
17
18
29
35
37
BONUS BALL
THUNDERBALL
BONUS BALL
47
7
13
5
19 31
29 40
LUCKY STARS
3
10
3
29
33
43
47
48
REINTEGRO
38
5
CLOUDY
TODAY:
MAX 26C, MIN 19C
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
26 19 C 27 18 S 28 20 C
Mon - 26 18 C Tues - 26 18 C Wed - 25 17 Cl
CLOUDY MAX 22C, MIN 13C
TODAY:
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
24 14 C 26 15 S 27 16 C
Mon - 26 17 C Tues - 26 16 Cl Wed - 26 14 Cl
19
20 42
22 50
REINTEGRO
3
CLEAR MAX 29C, MIN 17C
TODAY:
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Sudoku
UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
Mon - 23 14 Sh Tues - 22 13 Sh Wed - 23 13 C
Murcia
CLOUDY MAX 24C, MIN 17C
S Sun,
ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Although things are going pretty well, there are some things that could be just a little better organised. It's the ongoing positive attitude that counts.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Look at the long-term picture when considering money matters. What seems like a good deal now may not be so a few
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) Although things seem fine, this is not a time
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
25 14 C 27 16 Cl 26 16 C
Mallorca
CLOUDY MAX 22C, MIN 16C
Benidorm TODAY:
PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Keep things simple. Getting involved in other people's problems is not for you at the moment. It may be necessary to delay a decision to give yourself time to think.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) This is not a particularly lucky week for you, so I would certainly advise caution. Gambling is not recommended. Being clever with money is as much about not spending it as about how you spend it. .
Mon - 26 19 C Tues - 24 19 Cl Wed - 25 18 Cl
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
24 19 C 26 19 Cl 26 20 C
Barcelona TODAY:
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) This is a time to consider finances and keep your options open. Someone who tries to get a fast decision out of you by pushing you into a corner is doing you no favours.
to overstretch your finances. Spending a lot this week without thought is problematic later. This is a week of shifting and changing and that certainly means your finances.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) This should be a great time for your finances. Any glitch is likely to be because you have overspent. Even if things still need close attention, you can win if you concentrate. A bit of plotting and planning can work wonders at the moment.
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
Malaga
CLOUDY MAX 22C, MIN 17C MAX MIN
years down the line. Someone who appears to be telling a lie may simply have either misunderstood or have the wrong information.
It is better if you don't get involved in any high profile, high risk business deals. Success is definitely not assured. This is a time for financial consolidation. Count your pennies and see the pounds collecting in the future.
TAURUS
Nonagram
TARGET: Average: 11
26 18 Cl 25 18 S 26 19 C
CLOUDY MAX 22C, MIN 12C
TODAY:
MAX MIN
Almeria
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Aim a bit higher than usual and you may be surprised at your success. When seeing the
Fri Sat Sun TODAY:
LOTTERY
LEO (July 24 - August 23) Money is good and this can make you overconfident. Beware bank managers offering loans in large amounts. Nothing is for free and you need to look carefully at interest rates right now.
Madrid
CLOUDY MAX 23C, MIN 17C MAX MIN
www.fiduciarywealth.eu
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Partnerships see you leap ahead on something that was a bit stuck in the mud. A leap in your bank balance follows. Some quick decisions may be called for so it is better to share responsibilities, whatever the outcome. CANCER (June 22 - July 23) After a hectic start to the week, things seem to have slowed down. Look carefully at what has happened, but remember that there is no point in worrying over something that you cannot change.
Alicante TODAY:
Fri Sat Sun -
F Fog, Sn Snow,
MAX MIN
31 19 Cl 32 18 S 32 20 Cl
Mon - 32 20 Sh Tues - 31 19 Cl Wed - 30 18 C
C Cloudy, Th Thunder
KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES 1. By what title is Anthony ArmstrongJones, the former husband of Princess Margaret, also known? 2. In the television comedy series Dad’s Army, what was the peacetime occupation of Lance-Corporal Jones, played by actor Clive Dunn? 3. In which 1970s BBC television series did actress Gemma Jones star as Louisa Leyton/Trotter, who works her way up from servant to renowned cook to proprietress of the upper-class Bentinck Hotel in London? 4. Paul Jones was the lead singer of which pop band from 1962 to 1966? Their hits include: Do Wah Diddy Diddy and Pretty Flamingo. 5. Released in 1981 and starring Harrison Ford as the fictional architect, what was the title of the first of the Indiana Jones series of films? 6. Named after two American economists whose company compiled the first average of US stock prices in 1884, what is the US equivalent of the Financial Times Index? 1. EARL OF SNOWDON - in 1999 he was created BARON ARMSTRONG-JONES, OF NYMANS IN THE COUNTY OF WEST SUSSEX, 2. Town BUTCHER, 3. THE DUCHESS OF DUKE STREET, 4. MANFRED MANN, 5. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, 6. DOW JONES INDEX
YOUR STARS
OUT
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
page
AK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE
Enjoy filling in the following puzzles and check the answers in next week’s edition
Quick Across 1 Snares (5) 4 Gap (6) 9 Provide commentary for a film (7) 10 Care for (5) 11 Flat (4) 12 Lean back (7) 13/18 Exhaust (3,3) 14 Feel physical pain (4) 16 Offensively curious or inquisitive (4) 18 See 13 20 Male ruler of an empire (7) 21 Grotto (4) 24 Male duck (5) 25 Very old (7) 26 Courtly dance (6) 27 Engine (5) Down 1 Delicate (6) 2 Concur with (5) 3 Examine minutely (4) 5 Free from evil or guilt (8) 6 Root vegetables (7) 7 Scandinavian kingdom (6) 8 Gain knowledge (5) 13 Get back (8)
Code Breaker 1
2
57
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM
SPONSORED BY
Crossword
EWN
3
4
5
6
7
8 9
10
Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 11 represents C and 24 represents J, so fill in C every time the figure 11 appears and J every time the figure 24 appears. Now, using your knowledge of the English language, work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you discover the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and the control grid.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS CRYPTIC Across: 1 Assets, 4 Scales, 7 Shah, 8 Academic, 9 Resents, 12 Set, 14 Leader, 15 Racist, 16 Ace, 18 Rafters, 22 Managers, 23 Bore, 24 Desert, 25 Stolid.
Down: 11
12
1 Australia, 2 Staircase, 3 State, 4 Start, 5 Abel, 6 Elite, 10 Smear, 11 Slate, 12 Swiss roll, 13 Title deed, 17 Chase, 19 Adept, 20 Tasks, 21 Dame.
13 14
15
16
17
18
19 21
20
22
QUICK
23 24
Across:
25
26
1 Swap, 4 Vile, 9 Chatter, 10 Sigma, 11 Irate, 12 Shamble, 13 Parish, 15 Duress, 19 Decline, 21 Infer, 23 Raise, 24 Trounce, 25/26 Well done.
27
15 Commander of a ship (7)
19 Court clown (6)
17 Not often (6)
22 Watchful and ready (5)
18 Keyboard instrument (5)
23 Fraudulent business scheme (4)
English - Spanish
2 Witness, 3 Peruse, 4 Vista, 5 Legible, 6 Scrimp, 7 Saga, 8 Face, 14 Receive, 16 Unicorn, 17 Series, 18 Heated, 19 Dare, 20 Ideal, 22 Fine.
The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.
ENGLISH-SPANISH
Across 1 Ribbon (5) 4 Tables (furniture) (5) 7/16 Pajarita (corbata) (3,3) 8 Mensaje (7) 9 Arco (4) 10 To gnaw (4) 14 File (document) (7) 16 See 7 17 Yemas (de huevos) (5) 18 Principio (comienzo) (5) Down 1 Bucket (pail) (4) 2 Más nuevo (5) 3 Sillones (9) 4 Champiñones (9) 5 Mar (3) 6 Semilla (4) 11 De más (5) 12 Bebé (4) 13 Cinturón (4) 15 Cabbage (3)
Hexagram
Down:
Across: 1 Scots, 3 Sheet, 5 Use, 7 Aburrir, 9 Eggs, 10 Male, 13 Answers, 14 Ant, 15 Ships, 16 Adios.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
Down: 1 Saucepans, 2 Soap, 3 Soul, 4 Tormentas, 6 Edges, 8 Riada, 11 Keys, 12 Isla.
Cryptic The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 sixletter 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 (RELIEF) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.
ADVISE
REASON
ARENAS
RELIEF (10)
AWAKEN
REMAIN
BEASTS
RETAIN
CHOSEN
ROARED
CINDER
SERVER
DESIRE
SHELLS
DETAIL
SINGER
FRINGE
TWEEDS
HEADER
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Arenas, 2 Steeds, 3 Dining, 4 Reduce, 5 Retain, 6 Seized, 7 Deeper, 8 Dinner, 9 Buried, 10 Prints, 11 Cheers, 12 Series, 13 Detain, 14 Waters, 15 Stiles, 16 Kitten, 17 Noises, 18 Relate, 19 Needed
Across 7 Fix bent rapier (6) 8 Contracted in meagre education (6) 9 Surprising name for locks (4) 10 Example of epic men’s makeup (8) 11 Calls for more or scene change (7) 13 Had the courage to confront an awful dread (5) 15 Cheese, fine if crisp (5) 17 Depression is beginning to threaten professional practitioner (7) 20 Additional pay for a sincere sort (8) 21 Loot concealed in Volkswagen (4) 22 Stan’s partner goes after leader of Conservative’s dog (6) 23 Shore bird at cove flying around (6) Down 1 Get back, for example, in rain (6) 2 Many dined and departed (4) 3 Fit to take in skinhead and
succeed (7) 4 Greek god from ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ (5) 5 To start with I read revelation in Times’ article naming the menace (8) 6 Go back to sow again, by the sound of it (6)
12 Annul finished law (8) 14 Old soldier never at sea (7) 16 Pay-off from Iran somehow (6) 18 Traps laid for tin god (6) 19 Skip sports class in the car (5) 21 Female accepting love for footwear! (4)
58
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
LETTERS
www.euroweeklynews.com
OPINION & COMMENT
YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION
Letters for Your Say should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments straight on our website: www.euroweeklynews.com
Last Brits standing a nasty depiction of Costa del Sol THE TV SHOW Last Brits Standing was yet another nasty depiction of the Costa del Sol and its British residents. I am surprised that the BBC should lower itself in this type of documentary. The Spanish press is right to be indignant. After 10 happy years here we do not recognise the people in the film. Where are the Brits of the U3A with a myriad of classes? Where are those in DFAS going to their fine art lectures? Those who prop up the various charities? There is also the great interaction with other foreigners who live here. My club in Mijas Pueblo can boast of at least 10 different nationalities. I wonder if their countries mount the same vitriolic attacks as the UK on the Costa del Sol? There were also the inaccuracies which appeared. The Spanish thinking that the Brits were a drain on their health services. The UK pays for the British here. We love living on the Costa. We admire the artistry of the Spanish. Where in the UK will you find such beautifully kept roundabouts with their sculptures? The Spanish welcome foreigners but it must be a quid pro quo. Here s another film idea: ‘From Surrey to Sol: another view of the Brits on the Costa.’ Any film maker brave enough to present this alternative documentary should contact me. Catherine Cohen (By email)
NHS is paid for SAMMY and Paul (Street Talk) ask “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?” This is a typical UKIP statement, which may sound fine but is in fact absolute nonsense. Britain does not ‘refuse to pay for the NHS and Education.’ One may argue that we do not spend enough on them, but the amount we do spend on them is enormously greater than what we give in development aid or contributions to the EU, so that it is wrong to suggest that we would make much more money available if we stopped aid and EU membership.
Photographs for possible publication should be sent by email with a full caption to: photonews@euroweeklynews.com
the earth who can say! The leaves also make a wonderful substitute for shamrock on St. Patrick’s Day. Carole V. Poole, Manilva (Malaga)
Wrong report FIRSTLY, a thank you for the EWN. Now may I have a little gripe! Page three ‘Quote of the Week’ mentions a “13-year-old student”. There are no students aged 13. Children attending a SCHOOL are PUPILS. Students go to College. Undergraduates and Postgraduates go to University. Hal Perkins (By email).
I was in Fuengirola when hundreds of Harley riders turned up. They made it a special day for many of us bike lovers, and I managed to get this shot. Adrian Bowman, Fuengirola (Malaga)
UKIP’s thesis is that we should abandon our most important markets in Europe, and hope that we could make up the loss by trading with the Commonwealth. They do not seem to have noticed that whereas Britain is one of the largest countries in the EU, it is dwarfed by Commonwealth nations such as India, Pakistan and Nigeria (with which we can trade perfectly well now from within the EU). The tragedy is, that we seem afraid to aim to lead the EU, and prefer to run away from it. David Cameron’s proposed referendum is unnecessary and damaging to Britain’s interests, as our European partners puzzle over why on earth we are taking such a negative and defeatist attitude. Bill Campbell (by email)
Japan’s blunder THANKS to Mike Walsh for his article ‘Inconvenient History’ (Euro Weekly News some editions, issue 1555). Hitler controlled Norway. Why did he not, as part of Barbarossa, seize Murmansk which was only 80 miles from the Norwegian frontier? Even if the Nazis had been unable to hold
Murmansk they could have destroyed its port facility. The biggest strategic blunder (probably in all history) was Japan attacking the US instead of the Soviet Union. They would have had all the Siberian resources and the Germans would surely have defeated European Russia. The added bonus to the Axis would have been the continued isolationism of the US. Roger Page, Mojacar Playa (Almeria)
Not so free A FEW months ago a friend’s Venezuelan born wife passed away. Her family were unable to attend the funeral as in order to fly out of Venezuela one can only buy a ticket in dollars. These can only be obtained from the government. This takes at least one month and usually more. Yes Mr Les Adams (Letters, issue 1554) Venezuela is obviously a wonderfully free and liberal country. I somehow think that living there would not be so much to your liking as your letter may have implied. Jon Allso (Valencia)
Thanks angels DUE to the debilitating illness my husband suffers from, which has caused him to fall over on several occasions, I had to call the 112 emergency service. My goodness was I impressed - they arrived within 10 minutes, picked my husband up and were so kind telling us to call whenever help was needed. Thank you, you were like guardian angels. Carol McCormack, Caleta de Velez (Malaga)
Not a weed IN answer to the letter (Letters issue 1555) re: the yellow wild flower Oxalyis (let’s not call it a weed) is a wonderful, colourful, ground cover during March and April. It is easily suppressable as it does eventually die down, even the leaves, and can be pulled up quite easily as the ground is usually still quite moist. My chickens would soon clear your garden of it, they love it. I have noticed when dogs of mine need to eat grass, they seem to prefer grass growing through Oxalyis, so whether it has properties to purify
What cover? I ALMOST fell of my stool laughing at the comments regarding the EU health card (EHIC). On holiday in Gayanes I was unfortunate to dislocate my right hip, I attempted to pop it back in as I have managed to do before to no avail. So it was off to Alcoy Hospital where after a lot of consultation over my EHIC card (I am a pensioner) they decided to look at the problem and attempt to pop it back in. That’s when it was discovered the Prosthesis had come loose in the femur and I needed surgery, a full hip replacement. Then I was told, we cannot operate, as ‘you do not have proper insurance cover.’ They told me to discharge myself from the hospital with the paper work. I reorganised the ferry and my wife drove to the UK and Sheffield Northern Hospital where I had a hip replacement. The card seems to work for emergency treatment only (cut finger). Is Spain part of the EU ? Mr David Goulding (By email)
WHEN YOU WRITE All letters, whether by email or post, should carry the writer’s postal address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published. Letters may also be edited. Readers who have missed earlier correspondence can see all letters posted on:
www.euroweeklynews.com
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.
OPINION & COMMENT
www.euroweeklynews.com
STREET TALK
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
EWN
59
YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION
ID red card: Have banks messed up? Some people face having their bank accounts frozen from May 1 unless they can prove who they are. An anti-money laundering law was passed in 2010 which means banks must hold digital ID for all their clients. Were you aware of this law, and do you think the action is fair to long-standing clients who opened their accounts before that year? FLORENCE NAVARRO, owner of Agua Flo Spas in Los Montesinos, admits she received notice from her bank several months ago about updating her information to follow new procedures but questions why it is necessary. She said “I must admit I don’t understand why it is needed, if
you are a regular user of your bank account it shouldn’t be needed. I could maybe understand it if an account had remained inactive for a while.” She added: “They shouldn’t be cancelling or freezing the accounts without telling people first as they will lose too much business.” On the Costa del Sol, Rob Jeacocke of Robsat IPTV and Satellite Solutions, said he wasn’t aware of the impending change, but wasn’t perturbed by it. “I have a couple of long-standing accounts where the staff would know me after 15 years or so. Everything is going digital now anyway, so it is a good idea to
FLORENCE: Banks should inform customers first if they are going to freeze accounts.
safeguard your account; after all, it should not worry anyone unless they have something to hide or they are dodgy in any way. Maybe it is a good thing,” he remarked. From Nueva Andalucia-based Andalucia Glass & Steel, Rudi Kaiser said he had known about the new law since ‘way before Easter’, as his business is in contact with the bank on a daily basis. His company has fulfilled the requirements, but he still feels like he has been left in the dark by the bank. “We asked them what we had to do and what they needed from us, and we put that in place straight away, but up until now we have had no update. We have heard nothing more,” he said. “To be quite honest,” Rudi added, “I just think it is a new game they are playing which will probably involve fees of some kind. As for money laundering, I think to
stop that is almost impossible.” However, Emma Higginson, owner of Villas-Plots.com in Javea, had no concerns. She said: “Yes, I have heard of the law and certainly not having the required documents in place when the bank demands them can cause a lot of delay. So we always try to keep abreast of changes in banking and property laws.”
EMMA: Keeps abreast of changes. RUDI: No doubt fees will be involved.
60
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
OPINION & COMMENT
Credit Shutterstock/Kim M Smith
‘Spanish onions if you may, not the foreign stuff’ went one conversation Colin Bird A weekly look Each week, Colin brings his slightly off-the-wall view of the world to the pages of EWN in his own irreverent style.
A
COUPLE of weeks ago I wrote about the diminishing number of real characters in our society. When I was a boy every neighbourhood seemed to have its own quirky, off the wall characters; men or women whose mannerisms or appearance set them apart from the rest of us. Eccentricity has always been a very English trait. They often had strange little ways that were a source of entertainment. They might be heard having conversations with themselves as they pottered around their gardens, or perhaps be seen in the local shop still dressed in a pyjama top over a pair of tatty corduroys, buying fish paste and peppermints. There is perhaps a fine line between this sort of unconventionality and stark, staring nuttiness, but it is that very hair’s breadth of difference that made them what they were.
ECCENTRICS: An endangered species who could be entertaining.
They often had strange little ways that were a source of entertainment. They might be heard having conversations with themselves as they pottered around their gardens, or perhaps be seen in the local shop still dressed in a pyjama top over a pair of tatty corduroys, buying fish paste and peppermints.
These were people who did not give a fig about what others thought or what society dictated. They were nonconformists who lived by their own set of rules and standards, but broke no laws and bothered no one. But they were respected in a strange kind of way and invariably listened to whenever they made pronouncements, because most of them shared a common thread - a certain brand of worldly wisdom. Now these characters have all but disappeared, which came home to me last year when I returned to Suffolk and learned that another one of the old timers - probably the last of the great
village characters - had passed on. In the mid 70s when we arrived fresh-faced in that Suffolk community, there was a plethora of these wonderful people and the pub was a good location for some eavesdropping. ‘They would’n let moi dawg in the shop, soo oi took him out and chained him up with a bit’a string. Oi only went in for some o’them Spanish onions, not they foreign beggers,’ went the way of one conversation. When a new doctor arrived in the village, one old boy was heard to say to another, ‘Hev yoo met the noo doctor yet? His woif’s the best lookin’ bloke in Suffolk.’ When a colleague on the Parish Council said he had to rush off after one meeting because of his wife’s birthday, we asked him what he had bought her. ‘Nuth’n,’ he told us. ‘She haint used last year’s present yet.’ What was that then we enquired. ‘A plot in the cemetree,’ came the expressionless reply. Don’t be so mean, you can’t take it with you, one lady councillor admonished. ‘Well then, I haint goin,’ was his answer. Life is drabber without these larger than life characters.
Advertising feature
Travel Insurance for people living in Spain unique personal service, cover and security David Deverson GLOBELINK INTERNATIONAL Insurance correspondent david@globelink.co.uk
GLOBELINK have been providing specialist Travel Insurance policies for many years and offer a unique combination of personal service, sensible cover and security including a 24 hour multilingual emergency service. This enables you to relax and enjoy your holiday with the comfort of knowing that you will be looked after by experts if things go wrong. Travel Insurance cover used to be a problem for Brits living in Spain. Most UK insurers will only offer cover if you live in UK, and Spanish insurers provide very restricted cover at an enormous premium. That’s all changed. Globelink International is a UK based Travel Insurance specialist Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority and Ap-
proved by EU Regulators. Globelink have become the leading provider of Annual Multi Trip policies and also Single Trip cover for people living in all EU countries. The policy is written in English and the premiums are the same irrespective of which country you live. It is not necessary for you to have formal residential documents. In view of recent events, we believe that our clients should be insured for Emergency Medical Expenses and Repatri-
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Make sure you are adequately covered. ation should they be injured as a result of a terrorist attack and our underwriters have agreed to include this cover. In practice this means that we will provide the necessary medical assistance required in the event that an insured person is inadver-
tently injured as a result of a terrorist action. Cover for many pre-existing medical conditions are included, others may require you to make a quick telephone call to ensure that you will be insured in the event of a reoccurrence, or in case it causes you to cancel a pre-booked holiday. If you have a preexisting medical condition you can either accept that the policy will not cover you for claims related to that particular condition, or you can speak to Globelink’s Medical Screening Service who may or may not agree to include additional cover for an extra premium depending upon their assessment of the additional risk. Most hazardous activities are covered as standard and higher risk activities can often be included for an extra charge. A full list of activities is given on our website www.globelink.co.uk. Globelink Annual Multi Trip policies give cover for an un-
OUR VIEW
MAYPOLE: For dancing.
Mayday, not only a distress call WITH all the natural and maritime disasters dominating our TVs and newspapers of late, the word Mayday automatically sums up images of the international distress call. But since the beginning in the late 19th century, May Day, Labour Day, or International Workers’ Day, has been a European spring holiday, as well as a celebration of labourers and the working classes. Whether you prefer to watch people dancing around the Maypole with brightly coloured ribbons while listening to Morris dancers jingle their way to a hard earned pub lunch, or sing Union songs while gazing up at a socialist flag, make plans to enjoy Mayday. Being a traditional European spring celebration, May Day is a national public holiday in many countries, however in a few, it is celebrated as a Labour Day only. In the UK, it probably originated as a Roman festival honouring the beginning of the spring season (in the northern hemisphere). But only recently has it been noted as a day to campaign and celebrate worker’s rights. No matter what your take on Maydays is, enjoy the spring festival and have the day off work.
limited number of trips with a choice of cover for Worldwide or Europe only. You can select from policies giving a maximum individual trip duration of 17, 31, 45, 60, 90 or 120 days. This is reduced to a maximum of 60 days for people aged 66 to 71 and 31 days if you are aged between 71 and 74. Policies for single trips are available for periods from one day to 15 months, but only up to six months for people aged from 66 to 84. Remember, if you live in Spain your Travel Insurance might be invalid if it does not cover the entire duration of your return trip from the date you leave Spain until the date you arrive back in Spain. For an instant quote and to arrange cover securely online, Now we enabling you to print your want to policy documents immehear your news. diately, visit www.globelink. co.uk or telephone YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE Globelink on 00 44 1353 - YOUR OPINION 699082 or their Spanish link www.euroweeklynews.com line on 966 265 000.
OPINION & COMMENT
www.euroweeklynews.com
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
EWN
61
Mike Walsh Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.
LIBYA, until 2011, was Africa's richest and most successful nation. Forget the propaganda of mainstream media. A few facts about President Gaddafi’s Libya. Through a system of tribal councils the Libyan nation was more representative than is the West’s flawed political process. Under the colonel’s benign rule Libyans benefited from free electricity, interest-free loans, and the fruits of massive infrastructure investment despite sanctions imposed at the bequest of Western bankers. Newlyweds received $50,000 with which to purchase their marital home, mothers received $5,000 for each child born. The country’s city transport infrastructure, in many respects, put ours to shame. What changed? The NATO West changed everything: If you want to discover a slug’s lair follow the slime trail. If Western politicians are your prey the slime trail is coated with corporate banknotes. Corruption, not national interest, underpins the West’s entire foreign policy.
When compared to many African nations, the descent into lawlessness and poverty suffered by once rich Libya, has transformed it into Africa’s most dangerous and unpleasant regime. During the disastrous Libyan conflict, mainstream media, like a bunch of American football cheerleaders, whooped the Westminster line. Again, a sovereign nation’s head of state was demonised and set-up for the killer blow. “The enemy aggressor is always pursuing a course of larceny, murder, rapine and barbarism. We are always moving forward with high mission, a destiny imposed by the Deity to regenerate our victims while incidentally capturing their markets, to civilise savage and senile and paranoid peoples while blundering accidentally into their oil wells.” ~ John Flynn, 1944. How much longer can the hapless EU endure? European Union sanctions backfired, EU foreign policy is non-existent. Russian President, Vladimir Putin, in as many words, observes “Protocol suggests that I confer with EU Foreign Ministers. In truth, I may as well go direct to Washington DC.” Western European defence is entirely dependent upon US funded
Slavko Sereda / Shutterstock.com
Reaping Westminster’s foul wind sidering the perilous crossing. Today, the murdered Gaddafi prophecy is coming true. He warned the then Italian President Silvio Berlusconi of the likely consequences of the NATO West removing him. “Europe might no longer be European, it would be black as millions of Africans pour into Europe.”
When compared to many African nations, the descent into lawlessness and poverty suffered by once rich Libya, has transformed it into Africa’s most dangerous and unpleasant regime.
PRESIDENT GADAFFI: Today his prophecy is coming true. NATO. Today, Russian media smirks as the European Union reels from an influx of African immigrants it cannot hope to stem. Let us cast our minds back to before NATO overthrew the Gaddafi governance. Amnesty International,
along with many others, places the blame on the EU ending of the Mare Nostrum initiative. This was a mutual arrangement of coastal defence administered by Gaddafi’s Libya and Italy. It was so successful there was little point in African immigrants con-
Wherever the smiling colonel is he certainly wiped the smile off our smug faces. Once again, ordinary Europeans suffer the ghastly consequences of Brussels and Westminster’s incompetence and corruption. These are the only people I want to see on a rickety vessel attempting to cross the Mediterranean - on a course set for Africa.
62
E W N Costa de Almería
30 April - 6 May 2015
VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.EWNLIFESTYLE.COM
23rd April
TO READ MORE
HEALTH BEAUTY
&
The magical date has arrived APRIL 22 As usual I attended the hospital early, keen to have my last chemotherapy session.
Erica Russell Watson: My journey – and I’m driving THE magical date of April 22 finally arrived and I sprang out of bed and made my way to the Materno Hospital in Malaga for my eighth and final chemotherapy session. As per usual I arrived early to ensure I had my blood test done quickly to be able to send it off for analysis and hopefully be seen as quickly as possible by my oncologist. After having breakfast I went to the eighth floor and sat in the waiting room. Time flew by as I got chatting to two lovely ladies, Sally and Beryl, or the Nerja girls as I shall call them! We exchanged views on the differences in the British and Spanish medical systems as Beryl had first-
hand experience owing to 42 years in the nursing profession. Sally made off with one of the armbands they use to make your veins pop up when giving blood! Amazingly enough the nurse remembered that it was Sally and came to look for her. The band was returned as Sally had kept it safely but was unsure of who to hand it in to! I thought my luck was in as my number was called out earlier than usual and off I went to see the oncologist. Things were about to take a turn for the worse. They had lost half of my blood analysis so I had to do another test! I was not impressed, but being more focused on making sure I had my last chemo treatment I raced down to have the test. The waiting room was heaving but I just thought that today I was going to have to adopt the Spanish modus operandi and got straight to the front of the queue and demanded they repeat the test because my oncologist
was awaiting the results to be able to give me my treatment. To be fair to them they pushed me up the list, as it had been their error, and I was in and out in five minutes. Had I waited pa-
I think I have done quite enough for one day, so I will sign off now feeling tired but very happy. One phase down and now for radiotherapy and then reconstruction. tiently as we all have in Spain, I might never have received my last chemo. Back in the waiting room with the Nerja girls for another two hours! Finally I was called and it turned out all my levels were good so I could pro-
ceed. The oncologist told me I had to book a CAT scan to see how everything had gone and I needed extensive blood tests to check my tumour markers and hormone levels, etc. I would be back to see her within a month to see what hormone treatment they would give me and to see how the breast area was and if the shadows on my lungs had gone. Jorge came to the rescue and booked my CAT scan because I would not have had time to go down to the bowels of the hospital and book it myself as they shut at 2pm and I ended up finishing at 4pm. I took my place next to the sweetest lady who turned out to be the mother of a client of the notary’s where I used to work. Malaga is a small place! We had a lovely chat, which was just as well because they took one hour to come to put my line in and then had six attempts at it. A new nurse wanted to practise! Grrr. I repeatedly said that Jesús was
the only one who knew how to deal with my difficult veins and after the fifth attempt the newby yielded. Jesús came and popped the line in, no problem. I would have preferred to have avoided that amount of jabbing but the most important thing was I was about to cross my chemo finishing line! I actually fell asleep in the middle of it, unheard of for me. The relief when they finally unhooked me was fabulous. I scurried off to recover at Jorge’s mother’s house and then made my way back home. Today has been a whirlwind of activity between visits to the bank, post office, doctor, hospital orthopaedics, translating for a friend, shopping, collecting children and then trying to sell my car. I think I have done quite enough for one day so I will sign off now feeling tired but very happy. One phase down and now for radiotherapy and then reconstruction. Poco a poco, as the Spanish say!
Mozzies could be drawn by body odour genes WHETHER we’re bitten often or rarely by mosquitoes could be down to the same genes that decide our body
odour. Researchers studying why some of us are ignored by mosquitoes while others are eaten alive carried out
tests with identical and nonidentical twins. The twins put their hands into special tunnels where their scent was channelled towards swarms of the insects, which found the mozzies showed no preference between identical twins. But with non-identical twins, who share fewer genes, the insects were more likely to tend towards one hand or the other. The scientists believe this could show mosquitoes are attracted by scents produced by particular genes, and are now looking to pinpoint which genes. Dr James Logan, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: “If we understand the genetic basis for variation between individuals it could be possible to develop bespoke ways to control mosquitoes better, and develop new ways to repel them.”
HEALTH & BEAUTY By Gemma Quinn THE term ‘superfoods’ is always being banded around for their powerful effect on our health and wellbeing, so what are the latest foods we should be buying to get added nutritional value? Sour cherries They contain high levels of antioxidants and as a result are anti-inflammatory, they can help boost sleep and improve sports recovery. Avocados They are a great source of healthy, monounsaturated fats which have been known to help lower bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. A recent study has suggested that combining a moderatefat diet with one avocado a day could actually lower your levels of bad cholesterol by more than a low-fat or moderate-fat diet without avocados. Cranberries The fruit has been used for years as an aid against urinary tract infections, but studies suggest they could have a wider range of other benefits from improving the health of our hearts, helping to prevent certain cancers, boost our oral health and help reduce infections. They also contain polyphenols which possess antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, cranberry juice is not as beneficial as eating the berries.
30 April - 6 May 2015/ Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
Just what ‘superfoods’ should we be eating? Superfoods are known to have an effect on our health and wellbeing, so find out what cranberries, pumpkin seeds and avocados can do for you.
BLUEBERRIES: Have been linked to all kinds of health benefits. Blueberries Containing high levels of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, blueberries have been linked to all kinds of health benefits, including
heart health, cancer prevention, enhanced brain function and improved eyesight. It is also suggested that they could help delay the ageing process.
Pumpkin seeds Hold high levels of protein, fibre, magnesium, and phosphorous, and are a rich source of zinc, making them known as the ‘super seed’.
EWN
63
Surprise discovery for MS COMMON creams used to treat athlete’s foot and eczema could reverse the damage of multiple sclerosis (MS). Scientists say the surprise discovery could pave the way to ground-breaking new therapies for MS sufferers. The condition affects around 2.5 million people worldwide. Scientists found that the treatments restored movement to mice paralysed by a rodent version of MS. Researchers are warning against running out and buying the creams as although both drugs are widely used, a way must be found to use them safely as internal human treatments before clinical trials can be considered. MS is a condition of the central nervous system which results in a range of symptoms and of varying degrees for sufferers including fatigue, vision problems and difficulties with walking.
Check moles for a safe summer MOLES: It is important to have them checked regularly.
SUMMER is on its way and as we begin to bare more skin, doctors and dermatologists are reminding us to be cautious in the sun. Dr Manuel Asin from the Aesthetic Dermatology Centre said now is the right time to assess any moles on the skin to be able to note change, as new awareness campaigns
are launched in Spain. If you notice any of the following signs, you should get them checked out immediately: irregular edges; rapid growth; bleeding or a diameter greater than six millimetres. Dr Asin said: “I never refer to the sun negatively: it is an essential part of life, pro-
motes the synthesis of vitamin D and, surely, is the best natural antidepressant. The problem is not the sun, but reckless exposure to it.” Statistics show that in recent years cases of melanoma have grown exponentially related to excessive and inadequate sun exposure.
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
OPINION & COMMENT
Mighty Real Madrid THE football giants are by far the most successful club in Spain ever. Tony Matthews
PHOTOS: CORDON PRESS
64
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
A
S you read this story, Real Madrid may be trailing arch-rivals Barcelona, but they have been continuing to set the benchmark for world football. On May 24 last year the Spanish club won their 10th Champions League title and as recently as December 20 they lifted the Club World Cup in Morocco. Manager Carlo Ancelotti’s team also lifted the Copa del Rey during his first season in charge at the Bernabéu and, at the beginning of his second campaign, Real carried off the European Super Cup. Before that, during the first few years of the 21st century, the Whites claimed three titles under head coach José Mourinho before the Portuguese ‘Special One’ returned to Chelsea in 2013. In 2011-12 Real won the La Liga title with 121 goals and a record 100 points, the highest tally achieved in the competition’s history. They also beat Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final and Supercopa de España. In June 2013, Ancelotti, the former Italian national team boss, fulfilled his dream when he became Real Madrid’s chief, arriving CARLO ANCELOTTI: Fulfilling a dream as manager of Real Madrid.
CHALLENGING: Gareth Bale, the world’s most expensive footballer, in the white of Real Madrid, takes on Jordi Alba of archrivals Barcelona. at the club with a résumé that included 13 titles in 20 seasons as a top-line manager with Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea and PSG among his previous employers. He’s already won four prizes with Real and in his first bid for a title, he saw the club clinch its 19th Copa, beating Barcelona in the final 1-2, with goals by Angel di María and Gareth Bale. On May 24, 2014, Real won the European Cup again
(for the 10th time) with a terrific 4-1 victory over rivals Atlético Madrid in Lisbon; Sergio Ramos, Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo the goal-getters. And just as Ancelotti achieved an unprecedented double in the history of the club in his first season, his second season has also started pretty well as Real have already won two trophies. Founded in 1902, as Madrid Football Club, the team has traditionally worn an all-white home kit. The word ‘real’ is Spanish for ‘royal’ and was bestowed to the club by King Alfonso XIII in 1920, and he also gave permission for the royal crown to be used in the club’s badge/emblem. Real has played its home matches in the now 81,044-capacity Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in downtown Madrid since 1947. And, unlike most of their European counterparts, indeed even those
Real, one of the most widely supported teams in the world, were founder members of the Primera Division and have never been reletated from the top flight of Spanish football. worldwide, Real has owned and operated the club since its inception. Right now Real Madrid is the world’s richest football club in terms of revenue, with an annual turnover of €604 million (£474.3 million) and the world’s most valuable sports team, worth €2.5 billion (£1.97 billion). Real, one of the most widely supported teams in the world, were founder members of the Primera División and have never been relegated from the top flight of Spanish
football, neither have their archrivals Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona against whom they have achieved great results. In fact, Real are, by far the most successful club in Spain ever, in terms of overall official La Liga titles won (79) and the joint most successful club in European competitions, in terms of victories in official European finals (17). As most soccer lovers know, Real Madrid established itself as a major force in both Spanish and European football during the 1950s. Domestically, Real Madrid has so far won a record 32 La Liga titles (against Barceona’s 22), 19 Copa del Rey triumphs, nine Supercopa de España victories, one Copa Eva Duarte and one Copa de la Liga. Internationally the club has now won a record 10 European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles and a joint record three Intercontinental Cups, as well as two UEFA Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup. CF Real Madrid was recognised as the FIFA Club of the 20th Century just before Christmas 2000, was named Best European Club of the 20th Century by the IFFHS in May 2010, and received the FIFA Order of Merit award in 2004. Players of the club are allowed to wear a multiple-winner badge on their shirts during UEFA Champions League matches, having won the trophy more than five times. Several star players have appeared for Real Madrid over the years and here are my top 20 (in AZ order): Amancio (471 games and 155 goals: 1962-76), the world’s most expensive footballer, Gareth Bale, goalkeeper Iker Casillas (630 appearances/152 Spanish caps), inside-forward Luis del Sol, 1950s winger Francisco Gento, centreforward Nandor Hideghuti, Portugal’s Luis Figo, Miguel Muňoz (1948-58), Hungarian Ferenc Puskas, current defender Sergio Ramos, ex-Brazilian striker Ronaldo, today’s hero Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul Gonzalez (record appearancemaker, 741, and record goal-scorer, 323), striker Hugo Sanchez, Manuel Sanchis (711 games), 1950s centre-half José Santamaria, Santillana (1971-88), Alfredo di Stefano, 1930s goalie Ricardo Zamora and French midfield magician Zinedine Zidane.
FOOD D R I N K
&
30 April - 6 May 2015
TO READ MORE
Costa de Almería
EWN
65
VISIT WWW.EUROWEEKLYNEWS.COM/FEATURES/RESTAURANTS
Tikar Wine Shop for lots of tours and tastings HOTEL TIKAR have been organising day trips for a couple of years for people interested in wines without being connoisseurs. By Wendy Ann Cowham
A WALK among the vineyards. Wine tasting in a local bodega. Watching traditional ceramics appear before your eyes. A tour of an olive oil factory or Spanish ham - jamon serrano - curing house. These are some of the day trips Sean from the Hotel Tikar has been organising over the past couple of years with their wine shop. The aim has been to create wine oriented tastings and tours for people interested in wines, but not neccesarily connoisseurs. A typical itinerary starts in an olive oil mill or ceramics factory with a visit and samples. Followed by a stop at a local winery, often in the Alpujarras. In the bodega the winemaker hosts a tour explaining the wine making process and a tasting of several of their different wines. After the bodega, a traditional lunch is enjoyed in a nearby meson. The excursions are all inclusive with coach transportation, tours, tastings and lunch included. “These trips are lots of fun. It is a great way to see parts of Almeria that perhaps you have not seen, try some good local wines and have a fantastic day out. Many of the people who have gone with us repeat several times because of the good nature of these journeys. For years now we have been trying to support Almeria’s small family run businesses, not unlike ourselves.” The Tikar also holds wine tastings in their garden. These are hosted by bodegas that often come from the north of Spain: Rioja, Rueda, Ribera del Duero, etc. They send a representative that will discuss the winery and re-
HOTEL TIKAR: Visit their wine shop and also try some wine tasting.
gions as they cater for a tasting of their wines. These are
light-hearted, fun, social events to expand wine knowl-
edge especially for the casual drinker. “We have been very fortunate with many high quality well known bodegas coming here to share their wines with us. “It is a wonderful way to learn about Spanish wines and wine making techniques.” Upcoming wine tour dates include May 11, 18 and 25 and June 8 and 22. Wine tastings and tours are announced on w w w. h o t e l t i k a r. c o m and Hotel Tikar ’s Facebook page. To receive priority invitations sign up for the Tikar email list. Please contact us on
hoteltikar@hoteltikar.com or call 950 61 71 31 for further information.
Reservations are required for both the trips and the tastings.
66
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
FOOD & DRINK
Do you advertise 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, then please let us know. Please send your news and photos to whatson@euroweeklynews.com
68
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
Emotional even WORLD Book Day was an extra special event in Albox this year thanks to the presence and generous donation of local-born poet and writer, Juan Jose Ceba. A ceremony was held at the town hall and attended by hundreds of local secondary school students, who
were mesmerized by Albox-born Ceba’s words as he spoke of his early days in the village and also offered a talk on Don Quijote de la Mancha, delving into the work of Miguel de Cervantes and bringing it alive for his listeners. The writer has donated 2,000
Local mayor to face trial THE current mayor of Albox, Rogelio Mena, will be put on trial in June after an appeal lodged with the provincial courts for the case to be shelved was rejected. The court has endorsed a decision made by a Huercal-Overa court in September 2014 for the case to be heard, after the PP opposition party reported Mayor Mena for obstruct-
ing access to the accounts. At a hearing in Almeria, Mena will be facing a petition for two-anda-half years ban from public office or employment by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which accuses him of an alleged crime against civil rights considering that he knowingly refused to allow the opposition party access to the accounts.
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
nt for writer books from his personal collection to Poeta Juan Berbel public library, a generous gesture which Mayor Rogelio Mena and Culture Councillor Francisco Carrillo repeatedly thanked him for. Mena said that Juan Jose Ceba “is not just a great poet, writer and
professor, but also an excellent person who does as much as he can for our village, which he constantly praises.” Ceba thanked the students and their teachers for attending the event and encouraged them to read and write as much as possible.
New HQ for volunteers THE local council has provided premises for Albox Civil Protection volunteer group to set up its headquarters. The new facilities on Plaza de Abastos will allow the more than 20 volunteers who work with the group to better organise themselves and keep their materials safe. Albox Mayor Rogelio Mena said: “Without the members of this necessary group we wouldn’t be able to hold a lot of our events. The Civil Protection volunteers’ work is admirable. We’ve given them these premises so they can organise themselves as well as possible.”
www.euroweeklynews.com
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
EWN
69
70
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂa
www.euroweeklynews.com
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
Youths h plan ska LOCAL youths held a meeting with the Albox sports councillor to share their ideas for a new skate park. The young skaters got in touch with the council and offered to collaborate on the project to provide a space for skaters and bicycle stunt-riders. A draft plan for the future park, which will be part of stage two of work on the Centro de Agua y Salud municipal sports facilities, was drawn up by the youths and handed over to the council to serve as a base for the project. The next stage of work and extension of the sports centre, one of the best in
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
help to ate park the province, will also include extra tennis courts, a leisure area, a petanque court and a health park for senior citizens. Sports Councillor Francisco Carrillo said: “Fans of a particular sport are the people that can give us the best tips. This meeting with the skaters was very interesting and helped plan the park Albox Council aims to create.” In general regarding the Centro de Agua y Salud, Carrillo said: “What really matters is not the number of courts or facilities we have given Albox, but the fact that they allow everyone here access to a healthier lifestyle.”
Disabled gather EL SALIENTE disabled people’s association’s annual assembly was attended by almost 300 members. The management and financial reports for 2014 were presented at the meeting and approved by the members.
www.euroweeklynews.com
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
EWN
71
72
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
OPINION & COMMENT
1. The aircraft, a Boeing 777, disappeared from Secondary Radar at 01.20 on March 8 whilst on route to Peking. 2. At the time it was only the third total hull loss of this type of aircraft. 3. At the time the only previous fatal accident was at San Francisco when an Asiana aircraft hit the sea wall on final approach because the Korean pilot could not fly the aircraft manually. 4. The pilot, Captain Ahmad Shah who was a check and training Captain and First Officer Abdul Hamid did not request to fly together and was selected for the flight by a computerised rostering system. Their private lives could not be linked in any way thus dispelling any conspiracy between them.
AHMAD FAIZAL YAHYA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
FACTS
What happened to Malaysian Airlines flight MH370?
Aviation in and out of the box Independent Aerospace Consultant appollo@consultant.com. Now living in the Costa del Sol, Geoff spent mor than 40 years working in the aviation industry.
SCENARIOS Possibility 1. Captain Shah was extremely upset that his close friend Anwar bin Ibrahim, leader of the opposition, had recently been jailed for five years for sodomony and wished to correct, what he saw, as gross injustice. He decided to take the plane over to do some dastardly deed with it, and to return to Malaysian airspace, after turning off the Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System, (ACARS), the Transponder, the Cockpit Voice Recorder, and the Digital Flight Data Recorder. He chose his moment, just prior to calling Ho Chi Min Flight Information Region (HCM FIR) having been told by Lumpur Flight Information Region that his flight had been handed over. For seconds and often minutes you are in ‘no man’s land’ at this point. When the aircraft turned back, it was tracked by Malaysian Armed Forces primary radar. At this point, Captain Shah attempted to negotiate the release of his friend and gave the authorities five hours to comply before crashing the aircraft into the Indian Ocean. No Malaysian military aircraft was scrambled and it was not until five hours later that Fl. MH370 was reported missing. Deal breaker for this scenario. 1. The First Officer would not have left his seat at this point of the Sector. The work load can be quite high when establishing contact and entering a new FIR. The Captain would have to incapacitate the FO. 2. The Captain would never be sure just what the Malaysian Armed Forces
FLIGHT MH370: There have been many theories over what happened to the disappearance of this aircraft. would do to prevent his ‘hi-jacking.’ 3. If I had been the Captain with fanatical political thoughts (and a Muslim of course) and negotiations failed I would not monotonously track over the Indian Ocean whilst passengers are trying to kick the cockpit door down; I would have put the aircraft into that magnificent unique ornate railway station in Kuala Lumpur! This scenario has just too many holes in it. Possibility 2 This possibility has been banded about by conspiracy theorists and those who know nothing about the operation of large commercial aircraft. The aircraft turned back towards KL (undisputed) then turned north west towards the ‘‘stans’ and landed in one of the airfields up there. Deal breaker for this Scenario. 1. It takes about $250,000 worth of ground handling equip-ment to ensure a wide body aircraft can be ‘re-
launched.’ An aircraft tug and tow bar cost me nearly $100,000 nearly 30 years ago! Fifty Taliban pushing on the landing gear just wouldn’t work. 2. Where’s the passengers? This is a non-starter. Possibility 3 Prior to take off a fire started in the MEC located under the cockpit floor. This is home to to all communication equip-ment and the wire looms for the ‘black boxes.’ Unfortunately the crew emergency oxygen bottle is also located there. There have been over 20 cases of fire in this area on this type of aircraft always starting on engine start up but usually detected before take off; none have been fatal but all caused extensive damage. MH370 took off with a fire under the cockpit floor and was not detected by the crew. Thirty minutes after take off the aircraft reached its cruise altitude (FL350), the fire was now serious and they probably began to smell it. The
structure was weakened and with a pressure of 8.3 pounds per square inch on it, an explosive decompression occurred. This took out many avionic boxes including communications and destroyed the Crew Emergency Oxygen bottle. Aircraft can still fly with a relatively small hole blown in the side and ironically on depletion of cabin pressure there is a total depletion of oxygen thus immediately extinguishing the fire. Now there is no oxygen to the crew (the passengers would have had eight12 minutes with their emergency supply), the temperature inside the aircraft is minus 53 Centigrade, and the crew instinctively go through their ‘total loss of cabin pressure’ well rehearsed routine. Before being totally overcome by hypoxia they were able to give the Flight Management System a few commands that would have turned the aircraft back to Kuala Lumpur automatically. These commands were neither
totally correct or complete. Sadly the crew were soon brain dead; the aircraft never reached the lower life sustaining altitude and the cabin occupants sadly succumbed to the same fate. The aircraft then flew for approximately eight hours as a ghost flight over the Indian Ocean. Deal breakers on this scenario There aren’t any! The exact cause of the aircraft demise we know not. The lack of the whereabouts of the aircraft is due to the lack of action by the Malaysian Armed Forces on the night that an unidentified aircraft showed up on their Primary Radar screen. A pair of interceptor fighters should have been immediately launched to investigate the ‘intruder.’ By viewing the aircraft a lot can be established and if it was a ‘ghost’ flight, then arrangements could be made to ‘hand over’ the visual surveillance to other countries viz. Indonesia, Singapore and Australia until MH370 run out of fuel and ditched.
74
E W N Costa de Almería
SPONSORED BY
Eva gets help of new pet-sitters By Lamia Walker of HouseSitMatch visit friends and relatives. EVA had spent many a winShe met the sitters online ter night in Sweden thinking through the HouseSitMatch about a new life in Spain, network online. Anne and planning where to live, how Jeff are a retired Canadian she would travel there with couple who pet-sit to enable her family and deciding their travels around the whether to rent or buy for the world. They love it! first year. So much to decide They use their own years before setting off on this new of experience as dog owners adventure. And at the end of and home owners, moreover every thought process was it gives them an affordable the question - how will we and sustainable way to travel settle the dogs..? to new countries, lighter on Gretha and Per are funthe planet and fun to live in a loving Collie-cross dogs home from home with pet used to cool climates, so a dogs to play with. What large garden to play in somecould be more fun and rewhere in the mountains warding? would be ideal. Once she Whether you are a homefound a place to rent for an owner or house-sitter register initial settling in period her now for your Free 60 Day vision took shape... and once Trial and secure your Free she had found pet-sitters to Easy Guide to Housesitcare for the dogs in her ting. absence she knew To find a pet-sitshe could relax ter go to and enjoy the jourwww.Housesitney. Match.com or Finding expericall Lamia on +44 enced dog sitters al(0)1865 521508. lowed her to make firm plans. By February she had even DOG SIT: What could be planned a long more fun and rewarding? Christmas holiday to
PETS
30 April - 6 May 2015
www.euroweeklynews.com
Important to clean dog’s ears and teeth CONSULT your vet for specific advice and treatment.
David THE Dogman Listen to David on TRE every Saturday 10am to 11am 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
WHILE often overlooked, the teeth and ears are areas of pet care which are essential for the health and well-being of your dog. Indeed, they need regular dental care, as a build up of tartar can cause inflamed, swollen gums and secondary infection that can lead to serious health problems. Dogs, one to three years old, should have their teeth brushed once a week. Dogs over three years old should have their teeth brushed three times a week. Use a toothbrush that is made especially for dogs. They have long handles which allow you to brush the dog’s back teeth. And never use human toothpaste - instead use an enzyme toothpaste specifically made for dogs. Additionally, there are specially treated dental cleaning pads which can be wiped over the surface of the dog’s teeth. The enzymes in the pad do the cleaning.
DENTAL CARE: Use a toothbrush especially made for dogs.
Another important but overlooked area is that of ear care. Dirt and debris in the ear canal can lead to inflammation and infection. Routine ear care, using products which cleanse the ear of debris, help to dry the ear canal and assist in preventing otitis, a chronic inflammation and infection of the external ear canal. Ear mites are small parasites which can invade your dog’s ears. These mites typically cause a dry, dark brown debris to form in the ears of dogs. Ear mite treatments kill only the adult mites, not the
nymphs, (pre-adults). Effective ear mite treatment includes an initial series of treatments to kill the adult mites followed 10 to 14 days later by a second series of treatments to kill the newly matured adults. Of course, always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or treatment of your own pet or animal. Whilst on the subject of teeth, a friend of mine ‘Bente’ left his teeth at the side of his bed. When he woke up he found his six- month-old Rottweiller chewing them!
PETS
30 April - 6 May 2015/ Costa de AlmerĂa
www.euroweeklynews.com
Expat finds dog homes AN expatriate in Alhaurin de la Torre saves hundreds of abandoned greyhounds, often finding them new homes and lives as far as 6,000 kilometres away. Used to catch hares, for clandestine races or breeding, once they reach the age of four, some are handed in to refuges but others are just dumped by the side of a road. Vera Thorenaar, a Dutch woman who has lived in Malaga Province for 30 years, opened a refuge in Alhaurin de la Torre in 2010 to take in greyhounds and find them
homes in Spain and abroad. Although the refuge has space for just 30 dogs at a time, collaboration with international groups allowed the refuge to arrange 190 adoptions last year. About 20 of these travelled all the way to the US thanks to the Galgo Rescue International association. US regulations only allow dogs to travel in March, April, May, October and November to avoid extreme temperatures. First the greyhounds are driven to Madrid, where they spend the night at
a hotel near the airport before flying to New York. A Spanish or American volunteer accompanies the dogs on their flights, and they usually relax in their carriers and do not need tranquilising, Thorenaar explained. Once an animal leaves Spain it is placed under the custody of the foreign association, and if it does not fit in with the adopted family, something that very rarely happens, another home is found in the same country. Most dogs sent abroad go to Holland and Belgium,
tha nks to c olla bora tions w ith G re yhound R e s c ue H olla nd a nd G re yhounds Rescue Belgium, and also to A us tria , Finla nd, Fra nc e and the UK.
EWN
75
76
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPONSOR GO TO WWW.LINEADIRECTA.COM
www.euroweeklynews.com
SPONSORED BY
HOMES GARDEN
&
Gardens in the countryside
COUNTRY GARDENS can be a more interesting choice and will give you the chance to be self-sufficient. However, you need to be aware of the different climate with winter and early spring frosts to put up with. without the addition of animal fertilisers. Unless you are very lucky, improve the soil before you plant anything, whether flowering plants, aromatic herbs, fruit trees or vegetables.
Dick Handscombe
Gardening Corner By Spain’s best known expatriate gardening author living in Spain for 25 years.
I
N general deciding to buy and develop a country garden implies that you prefer a larger and more interesting plot and the chance to do up an old historic building or build something unique. The surrounding views of the countryside and mountains, peace, and perhaps the chance to be self-sufficient, mean you are willing to put up with winter and early spring frosts. So with that introduction let’s look at some of the issues involved.
Microclimates Once out of the urbanisations gardens are often more exposed unless walled, which defeats
Flowering plants In developing your plant lists do study the descriptions of the 350 garden plants and trees described in our book ‘Your garden in Spain’ and focus mainly on those that are both drought and frost resistant. Do make the best of the hardy aromatic herbs such as rosemary, lavenders, sage and thyme.
COUNTRY GARDENS: Can provide a larger and more interesting plot to develop. one of the reasons for living in the wild, or thick boundary and internal hedges are planted to create less harsh microclimates.
A greenhouse or small polytunnel will be useful for protecting plants in pots over the winter.
Soils In country areas the soils inherited will vary from very rich, because mules used to be teth-
ered to the trees, to dead soil denuded of natural humus and nutrients by the growing of fruit trees and vines for decades
Fruit trees Re fruit trees, check on what fruit is or was grown commercially in the area. Recognise that citrus trees do not like being continuously exposed to strong winds and that attempts to grow subtropical fruits should only be attempted in the most sheltered of sunny south facing spots. The book ‘Growing healthy fruit in Spain’ describes over 70 fruits that are suitable for country areas. Growing vegetables One of the joys of growing one’s own vegetables is that you know they are fresh and free of residual chemicals when you eat them. ‘Growing healthy vegetables in Spain’ includes details of some 100 vegetables that we have raised in Spain. Large pests Being isolated you will probably get fewer problems with small insects. However there is the chance that you will need to protect the garden from rabbits, wild boar and deer. For more ideas there are special chapters in the book ‘Your garden in Spain.’
PROPERTY S P E C I A L
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
EWN
Look no further for a home. 4-page special starts here...
SPONSORED BY
© EWN MEDIA GROUP
Advertising feature
Two bedroom apartment close to beaches of Mojacar
Property of the week Brought to you by Spanish Property Choice
AN exceptionally well maintained complex with a communal pool and well kept gardens. A LOVELY fully refurbished two bedroom one bathroom apartment for sale in Mojacar, Almería. This apartment is within 50 metres of the beach and the community is located directly on the lovely sandy beaches of Mojacar Playa. This exceptionally well maintained complex has a fantastic guitar shaped communal pool and well kept surrounding gardens. This apartment is located on the first floor and is accessed by a private set of stairs and the property also comes with its own private allocated parking space which is immediately adjacent to the apartment. There is a large lounge / diner with an archway into the newly fitted kitchen which features granite work surfaces, a gas hob with built in extractor hood, an eye level built in oven and there is also a washing machine and fridge freezer. Finally from the kitchen there is a door leading out to a rear terrace which has ideal additional storage space. The lounge area is spacious and comes well appointed with the additional benefit of having space for a separate full dining room suite and from here there is access to the front terrace. There are two sets of patio doors leading out onto an outside terrace which has a built in brick barbecue and a roll out sun shade and from here you overlook the unique communal pool and gardens. You also get lovely views of the crystal blue Mediterranean Sea. There are two good sized double bedrooms which both come with air conditioning and fitted wardrobes. There is a family bathroom which is fitted with a full size bath tub. This apart-
77
Ref: B692 Mojacar Playa (Beach location)
REDUCED now to only 109,995€
BEACH SIDE: A stone’s throw away.
Distance from our local airports: Almeria Airport - 45 minute drive Murcia Airport - 90 minute drive Alicante Airport - 2 hour drive Malaga Airport - 3 hour drive Energy Performance Consumption: Grade G - 258kw Emissions: Grade G - 65kg
ment has new double glazing fitted throughout complete with netting. The community is located close to a bus stop which has a route that runs the length of Mojacar beach front and there are many bars and restaurants which are all within walking distance of the apartment and the beach is less than a stone’s throw away. Community fees are 60€ per month making this an ideal holiday home for either investment or personal and family use. Call 950 615 388 or 653 722 290.
• Communal fees: €60.00 per month • Furniture Negotiable • 2 bedrooms • 1 bathroom • Mains Water • Mains Electric • Telephone Possible • Internet Possible • Air Conditioning • Communal Pool • Private Terrace • Off road parking • Close to a Golf Course • Penthouse • 1 minute to the beach • 3 minutes to the shops • No pets allowed
78 E W N
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
Market looks to foreign buyers MEETING the cost of buying a new home remains out of reach for most Spanish families, so the market is looking to foreign buyers. Analysts point to the continuing high disparity between average income and house prices as a significant hurdle for recovery in
50% of homes buyers did not use a mortgage the property sector. The Ministry of Development has released figures confirming several other studies showing more than a sixth of property purchases last year were made by foreign buyers. Moreover, more than 50 per cent of home buyers did not use a mortgage, pointing to the majority of residential property purchases being made by people with significant capital, investing in property at the point where it was believed prices had bottomed out. Banco de España say the average cost of a home is 6.3 times the average annual household disposable income. Another study by valuers Sociedad de Tasción (ST) puts the ratio at 7.8 times average income, although some analysts say the extreme differences in property prices from region to region in Spain have thrown out ST’s results. In the cheapest areas to buy a home, which include Valencia and Murcia, the average price is six times average income. In the Balearics, houses are 15 times the average income.
www.euroweeklynews.com
PROPERTY SPECIAL
‘Living roofs’ make homes warmer and cities cooler VEGETATION covered houses are increasingly being seen in eco projects. By Jo Harvie IT may give a home a distinctly Hobbity look, but vegetation-covered houses are increasingly being seen in futuristic eco developments with ‘living roofs.’ A living roof involves covering the building with a waterproof membrane, into which plants are set, usually species that require little maintenance (they are on a roof, after all) such as mosses. It’s a centuries-old tradition in some parts of the world, sod roofs having always been common in Scandinavia, for example, which has been adapted with modern materials in response to 21st century problems. In Germany, about 10 per cent of roofs have been turned into gardens, and the idea is spreading. The environmental benefits are numerous. Living roofs provide excellent insulation, and can significantly reduce carbon footprint and the costs of heating the building, as well as extending the lifespan of the roof by up to 200 per cent. And for the wider commu-
URBAN WHEATFIELD: The living roof on the Canadian War Museum,Ottawa.
nity, they promote biodiversity, providing urban habitats for birds and insects, help filter pollutants and store rainwater, easing pressure on drainage systems in heavy rain. There’s even evidence that living roofs can make cities cooler in summer. Traditional building materials soak up radiation from the sun then release it as heat, which can see urban temperatures as much as
four degrees Celsius higher than surrounding areas. After Chicago’s City Hall was given a green roof, temperatures on summer days were found to be between 1.4 and 4.4 degrees Celsius cooler than on other buildings. If that wasn’t enough reason to get roof planting, they could also make people happier and healthier. When the roof of a
Stuttgart post office was ‘greened,’ a survey found the number of staff sick days fell. Spain hasn’t been as quick on the uptake of this environmental advance as Germany or other front-runners, but living roofs have been installed here since the 1990s. One of the biggest living roof projects tops Banco Santander’s HQ in the outskirts of Madrid, with more than 100,000sqm2 of roof garden.
And in 2013, the city of Girona tried the idea out on a bus, where the mobile roof garden cheered up passers-by, and cooled the bus enough to switch off the air conditioning. Although initial outlay in installing a living roof is higher than building a boring old normal roof, the benefits seem so significant this is surely a feature of modern property that is going to grow and grow.
Alternative materials for building homes WHEN you picture your ideal Spanish property, is it made of bricks and mortar? Or is it made from timber? For many the answer is, ‘neither.’ Certain things seem obvious to us. When we think of a building we think of only a small range of materials that they should be built from. Bricks and mortar, wood and stone seem the logical choic-
es for most buildings. Since uniformity is dull we are lucky that there are those who think outside the box when it comes to building With the ever increasing market of alternative living options now becoming popular in Spain, you can find people living happily in all sorts of homes made from unconventional materials.
From a converted London bus, to a treehouse, from a metal storage container to a boat-house, you will be surprised what some people call home. But even more so at the quality and luxury that can be reached with a little imagination. Shipping containers are flood and fire proof, making them a great home-building material. Ranging in length from four to 10 metres, shipping containers are typically only used for 10 to 15 years, but they can last much longer. It is estimated that there are 24 million empty shipping containers in the world that will not be used for cargo again. If a life on the water suits you more, Spain has always been a very popular destination for live aboard cruisers. It has a magnificently long
BUILDING MATERIALS: A wider range of materials is now being used by people who want alternative living. coastline, beautiful islands, and welcoming people. As it sounds, a houseboat is a boat that has been designed or modified to be used primarily as a home. From that point on whatever your imagination comes up with is your only limitation, that and the fact it has to float of course. Large vehicles are also be-
coming a favourite. What may immediately spring to mind is a broken down double decker bus, or old coach left in a field being exploited to the fullest extent of its life by the more hippy side of society. But you only have to look at some of the world’s most luxurious limousines to see what is possible.
PROPERTY SPECIAL
www.euroweeklynews.com
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
EWN
79
80 E W N
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
PROPERTY SPECIAL
CLASSIFIEDS www.euroweeklynews.com
AIR CONDITIONING
Costa de Almería
30 April - 6 May 2015
81
SPONSORED BY
BUILDERS
COMPUTERS
ANDALUCIAN BUILDING COMPANY, see our advert on page 16. (230231)
ALARMS
FOR SALE
MOTORING
2 BICYCLES in good order, gears, suspension. Unused 170€. Call 634 372 107 after 1pm and evenings. (231010)
BUILDING SERVICES
HAIR DRESSERS
DRAINS
BUSINESS OPP.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
WANTED – Franchisee for marketing and installing long life paint products, established in Spain 20 years, franchises in Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol & Algarve, investment required, good earning potential, full training, please email contact@noneedtopaint.com for more details. See www.noneedtopaint.com or Freephone 0044 800 5088102 (233747)
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 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.
SELLING businesses in Spain for 15 years. Free valuation. info@businessbrokerspain.com . Tel: 902 906 016 (231182)
BOATS
EWN
HEATING CARLOS SALIENTE PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES. If it involves water we can help! www.carlossaliente.com Tel.950 930 900 or 968 969 962 (228425)
CAR VALETING
MOBILE HOMES
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) 1.9 FORD TRANSIT, UK 2001 plated, STD wheel base, high top, 1,500€, 634 356 864 / 634 352 519 (230239) PEUGEOT 206 1.9 HDI diesel, 2001, 5 door hatch, good condition in & out, e/windows, c/locking, ITV 2016, road tax 2016, 1,500€. 693 818 069 (236114)
PAINTER/DECORATOR
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)
INSURANCE
For daily news visit www.euroweeklynews.com
ELECTRICAL CARPENTERS
INSURANCE
www.euroweeklynews.com www.euroweeklynews.com
82
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
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 e-mail us: Tel: (0034) 651 033 670 or (0034) 637 066 227. Email: info@pet-couriers.com or www.pet-couriers.com (231443)
PLUMBING SERVICES
www.euroweeklynews.com
POOLS
2ND HAND FURNITURE
CLASSIFIEDS
REMOVALS/STORAGE
CERTIFIED Pool Cleaner/Handyman/Gardener/House Sitter, cheap rates. Phone Neil 642 764 741, email totalpools@outlook.com (228569)
PROPERTY TO LET LUXURY Triplex, Mojacar, fully furnished, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, garage, communal pool, 700€ pcm + bills. Tel 671 883 963 (230229)
REMOVALS/STORAGE
KNOWLES PLUMBING. No 1 for plumbing! Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 950 137 197or 606 807 797 (230210) 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)
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)
For daily news visit www.euroweeklynews.com
w w w . e u r o w e e k l y n e w s . c o m
LAWYERS
SIGNS
PERSONAL
PLUMBERS
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) 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)
PROPERTY
w w w . e u r o w e e k l y n e w s . c o m
CLASSIFIEDS SWIMMING POOLS GENECO Pool construction. Tel 950 478 086 for no obligation quote (93401)
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
TILING
TRANSLATION SERVICES
FLOOR AND WALL TILING SPECIALIST Not a jack of all trades, just a master of one! Call Steve Holman on 697 678 708 (230178)
w w w . e u r o w e e k l y n e w s . c o m
TV & SATELLITE
TV, AUDIO ETC REPAIR REPAIR, TV, electronic equipment www.zeta-services.tv / 950 634 477 (230044)
UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
SITUATIONS VACANT
3 piece suites, mattresses, rugs, mobile homes & cars, call Vicky on 635 977 621
VOLUNTEER
XXX RELAXATION ¨Readers of a sensitive disposition may find some of the advertisements in this section offensive.¨ CLUB near Benidorm requires experienced girls. 655 389 611 / 652 193 521 (231006)
SITUATIONS VACANT
SITUATIONS VACANT
EWN
83
84
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015
Costa de Almería
FOR BEST RATES IN MOTOR INSURANCE CALL: 952 89 33 80
Motoring shorts
BMW USA recalls Minis BMW of North America is expanding an airbag-sensor recall for the third time to include older Mini Cooper models that may disable the passenger-side frontal airbag. Findings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, meant BMW recalled 91,800 cars, specifically the 2005–2006 Cooper and Cooper S hardtops, and 2005-2008 convertibles. BMW has recalled more than 276,000 cars for this problem both in 2008 and in 2013. It also extended the warranty to 10 years and unlimited miles on certain affected vehicles. These recalls do not affect cars sold in Europe.
Best quarter since 2007 SEAT closed the first quarter of 2015 with its best sales results since 2007. For the first time in eight years, worldwide customer deliveries exceeded 100,000 units between January and March, reaching a total of 102,700 vehicles, 10 per cent more than during the same period in 2014. The Leon is again the model with the highest growth being up 15 per cent.
SPONSORED BY
MOTORING www.euroweeklynews.com
Be afraid, be very afraid of the shape of the future CHEVROLET introduces new concept car at the Shanghai Motor Show which even Batman would be jealous of, it’s a self-driving electric mobility capsule. By Steve Walsh IF The Terminator ordered a new car from Chevrolet to take him back to the future, this is it! Chevrolet has revealed a new concept car at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show called the ‘FNR’, and you should be afraid, it’s the shape of thing to come. Developed in Shanghai by GM’s Asia tech hub, we are talking about a laser head- lighted, car networking, gesture controlled, fully autonomous, radar guided, Hot Wheels car from The Matrix. This is a car that would make even Batman dribble like Homer Simpson. It’s perfect, except for one tiny thing: It’s autonomous. Sigh! It’s essentially a self-driving electric mobility capsule. The wheels have magnetic hub-less electric motors embedded inside, it features a wireless charging system, crystal laser headand tail-lights, ‘dragonfly’ upwardsopening doors and a sharp, angular and downright excellent body shape stolen straight out of a comic book. So far, so very cool. Step inside, however, and everything suddenly turns all ‘Star Trek’. You’ll have an iris recognition start system, and a roof-mounted radar that, for now at least, maps out the environment to enable it to self-pilot.
THE FNR: The shape of things to come. OK, the Mercedes Benz S-Class does that today, but then again, the Mercedes Benz doesn’t look like a sports car that’s escaped from Blade Runner. Speaking of the future, Chevy says the FNR concept can also serve as a “personal assistant” to map out a preferred route. There’s gesture control, swivel seats and more sensors than the Millennium Falcon. “The Chevrolet FNR is loaded with a full range of intelligent tech-
nologies, usually seen only in science fiction movies,” says Chevy. Yeah, we’ve seen enough science fiction movies with autonomous robots involved to know the meaning of fear.
Thankfully, and to every petrolheads delight, the autonomous feature can be turned off, returning full control back to the driver. Which will of course enable it to be driven as it should, and it needs to be driven like you stole it!
MOTORING
www.euroweeklynews.com
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
DESIGN AMBITION: A pinnacle luxury, high performance two-seater sports car.
The new Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept “THE future of Bentley’s design ambition. Today.” Is exactly what we would expect to hear from Bentley as the marketing team whet our whistles with the latest vision of motoring supremacy. You can almost picture the nostrils of the well-healed city gent flare in admiration, as he stands outside his country estate and watches the latest Bentley EXP 10 whistle by. With hand on heart and a shiver of pride, you can smell him say: “Wow!” The boys at Bentley go on to say: “This is a first look at our British interpretation of a pinnacle luxury, high performance two-seater sports car. A bold statement, and one which reflects Bentley’s progressive ideology in the use of ultra-modern automotive design, highly skilled handcrafting, the finest materials and advanced performance technology.”
Top five most reliable: • 1. Honda • 2. Suzuki • 3. Toyota • 4. Chevrolet • 5. Mazda Top five least reliable: • 1. Bentley • 2. Porsche • 3. Jeep • 4. Audi • 5. Chrysler And, of course, it is a statement only Bentley could make. However, is it true? A recent survey on the reliability of secondhand cars in general, has not shone a good light on the heavyweight superstar. Bentleys and Porsches might be at the top of every working-man’s wish list, but a new survey shows they are the least reliable cars in the country. The annual index, which
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
Alan 662 249 159 www.replatematecostablanca.com
studies used cars to determine reliability, revealed that despite being two of the most luxurious and popular car brands in the world, these expensive motors tend to be less trustworthy than their cheaper counterparts. The list was compiled from 50,000 cars aged between three and eight years old, with the survey ranking manufacturers by taking into account each vehicle’s failure rate, age, mileage and cost of repair.
EWN
85
86
E W N 30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
MOTORING
‘Some say, half man, half oaf’ IF you are an oil-drinking petrolhead whose spine arches at the thought of a sideways-taken bend, and whose lower regions tingle with the sound of a V8 being ripped through the gears, read on... The unceremonious departure of Jeremy Clarkson from our TV screens earlier this year, along with his ‘normalist’ attitudes on our beloved big boys’ toys, may find you needing a little ‘fix’. To that end, we have put together a few of our Lord JC’s choicest comments, and best quotes: Bentley Continental GT’s suspension adjusta-
bility: “It really is about as useful as having a snooze button on a smoke alarm.” BMW Z3: “And if you are clinically insane, by which I mean you wake up in the morning and think you are an onion, here’s your car.” Buick LeSabre: “It was rubbish when it was new, it was CHOICE COMMENTS: Jeremy Clarkson has many.
Nissan Almera: “ Telling people at a dinner party you drive a Nissan Almera is like telling them you’ve got the Ebola virus and you’re about to sneeze.” Renault Clio V6 handling bends: “In typical French fashion, it just gives up! A bit like the French did with the Germans.” Renault Espace: “This is the Renault Espace, probably the best of the people carriers. Not that that’s much to shout about. That’s like saying ‘Ooh good, I’ve got syphilis, the BEST of the sexually transmitted diseases’.” Porsche Cayenne: “I've seen better looking gangrenous wounds than this.” BMW X5 M: “There’s a gallon of fuel gone there, and another there... and yet another there. As a matter of fact, the only way this car could be wear them for driving. less annoying to Eco-mentalHowever, the Guardia Civil website ists is if its engine ran on N332.es doesn’t mention personal ID or sliced dolphin.” a driving licence in their list. But they Koenigsegg CCX: do advise you carry an accident form “Koenigsegg are saying that from your insurance company, and a the CCX is more comfortable. spare wheel or means of emergency More comfortable than what… tyre repair. BEING STABBED?” The long and short of it is, rather than Suzuki Wagon R: “You do run the risk of upsetting the man leannot just avoid the Suzuki ing into your window, if you have every Wagon R. You avoid it like single piece of paperwork relating to you would avoid unprotected your car and yourself in the glove-box, sex with an Ethiopian transvesa spare tyre, yellow jackets, triangles, tite.” and bulbs, you can’t go far wrong.
built by idiots, and it’s rubbish now.” Ferrari F430: “Now we get a few complaints that we don’t feature enough affordable cars on the show, so we’re kicking off with the cheapest Ferrari of them all.” Chevrolet Corvette ZO6: “In many ways then this car is like herpes. Great fun catching it, but not so much fun to live with every day.”
Better safe than sorry with paperwork A LONG-running question for motorists using Spain’s roads has always been: “What documents and items do I need to carry in my car?” Well the definitive answer seems to be, there is no definitive answer. Because the traffic laws change on what seems to be a monthly basis in Spain, the items you may be asked for at a police check point, or an incident, vary depending on many factors. Because not all policemen across the three forces are constantly abreast of current regulations, the Guardia Civil officer that stops you may ask for all
documents, while another will say it is not necessary to have ITV documents if you have a sticker. Some accept photocopies if they are stamped by a notary, some will not. The National Police may have a different set of guidelines this month, and the law may change next month. The Local Police will typically only ever ask you for your ID. The Citizens Advice Bureau Spain states that the National Police advise the following (last updated June 2014): 1) Personal ID (Passport or NIE). 2) Driving Licence. 3) Vehicle Registration Document
(Permiso de Circulacion). 4) ITV Card (Ficha Tecnica) with ITV reports. 5) Current ITV Sticker. Just one in the bottom righthand corner of the screen. 6) Car Insurance Certificate, plus proof of premium payment. 7) Two warning triangles. 8) One yellow reflective jacket (reachable from inside the car). In addition they recommend you carry the most recent receipt for your council car tax payment, a spare set of bulbs and a spare set of glasses if you
SPORTS
30 April - 6 May 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
PHOTOS: CORDON PRESS
Congratulations to Bournemouth, Watford and England (at last) 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
DID YOU KNOW? F1 driver Lewis Hamilton is now Britain’s richest sportsman, earning £88m a year; Wayne Rooney is second, with an annual salary of £72m.
QUIZ THIS AFTERNOON
SPORTS IN BRIEF
DIARY - This weekend - if midweek results have gone their way - Chelsea will win the PL title if they beat Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. Other topflight games coming up include HullArsenal, Leicester-Newcastle, Liverpool-QPR, Manchester United-WBA, Spurs-Manchester City and West HamBurnley. On Saturday five of the six teams chasing a play-off spot in the Championship are at home: Brentford (v Wigan), Derby (v Reading), Middlesbrough (v Brighton), Norwich (v Fulham) and Wolves (v Millwall) while Ipswich visit Blackburn. Preston (2nd) play Colchester and MK Dons (3rd) meet relegated Yeovil in FL1. The long-awaited world welterweight boxing clash between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao takes place in Las Vegas on Saturday with a record £162 million already in the pot. And there are two big European Rugby Union finals on TV: Edinburgh against Gloucester in the Challenge Cup tomorrow and Clermont versus Toulon in the Champions Cup on Saturday. FOOTBALL - Last weekend, Chelsea drew 0-0 at Arsenal and Everton beat Manchester United 3-0 (the Merseysiders
Come along to the Irish Rover for today’s PAWS Charity Quiz, 5pm start... food available.
CONTENDER: Floyd Mayweather will fight Manny Pacquiao.
ADORATION: Bournemouth fans mob Harry Arter.
CRICKET - England won the second Test in style against the West Indies.... thanks to Jimmy Anderson’s bowling (six wickets) and fielding (two catches and a run out). Set 143 to win, Alastair Cook and Gary Ballance knocked off the runs to earn a nine-wicket victory. Joe Root scored a majestic 185 not out in England’s first innings. The third Test starts in Barbados tomorrow. HORSE RACING - Last Saturday, Tony McCoy, OBE the greatest jump jockey of all-time - retired after taking part in his final race in front of a capacity 15,800 crowd at Sandown Park. The 20-time NH champion, ‘AP’ hangs up his silks after riding 4,357 winners (nine on the flat) in 17,034 races, a record 289 coming in 2001-02. SNOOKER - The second week of the World Championships at The Crucible is now well under way albeit without reigning champion Mark Selby. But five-time winner Ronnie ‘The Rocket’ O’Sullivan was going well, along with Neil Robertson, Ding Junhui, Stuart Bingham and Barry Hawkins. LONDON MARATHON - Last Sunday, over 38,500 athletes completed in the annual race. The gold medal winners were Eliud Kipchoge (men), Tigist Tufa (women) and wheelchair star Joshua George (ahead of David Weir). And for former champion Paula Radcliffe it was her last ever marathon. TRIATHLON - GB champion Alastair Brownlee has won his first world series event of the year.
biggest over the Reds since 1992). At the foot of the Premiership there were vital wins for Leicester (1-0 at Burnley) - the first time the Foxes have won four on the bounce in the top flight since 1966 - and Hull (2-0 at Crystal Palace) while QPR and Sunderland each gained a point. However, Newcastle (beaten 3-2 at home by
Swansea - their seventh defeat in a row and FA Cup finalists Aston Villa, who lost to an 89th minute goal at Manchester City (2-3) are still in trouble. * Hearty congratulations to Watford and Bournemouth who will both be playing Premiership football next season, the latter for the first time ever. The Hornets won 2-0 at Brighton and the Cherries beat Bolton 3-0 on Monday night to secure promotion and so bank an awful lot of money! * One of six other clubs will join them in the top flight - Ipswich, Brentford and Wolves all won, Derby and Norwich drew and Middlesbrough lost. * Bristol City, with a record 13 away wins, and Burton Albion have been officially declared League One and Two Champions respectively with Shrewsbury also climbing out of FL2 but Cheltenham and Tranmere, for the first time ever, drop into the Conference. And Celtic (3-0 winners at Dundee United) are closing in on their 46th League title. * The Champions League semi-finals will feature Barcelona v Bayern Munich.
EWN
87
19th Hole Golf Society at Aguilon ON Thursday April 23 it was back to Aguilon to play this Individual Stableford Competition. Peter Easthope playing his last game with us before returning home to the Isle of Man won the day with nett 36 from Alan Chippingdale on 34. Pete Dow playing his first game for six months and still nursing a sore back was fourth with 32 points just behind Dave Sharp MBE with 33 points. Ellen Lea playing her last game before returning to the UK collected two Twos and a Nearest the Pin to make her day financially worthwhile. Don Harbon maintained his eye for accuracy claimed a Nearest the Pin on the 12th and converted it to a Two. Good days golf on a great course with beautiful weather. Then back to La Vida for a barbecue and refreshments to round off a lovely day.
88
EWN
Costa de Almería
30 April - 6 May 2015
Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko won his 18th Last Saturday, at Fulham, Middlessuccessive fight beating Bryant Jennings brough defender George Friend was to retain his world heavyweight title. sent off by referee Kevin Friend.
Costa de Almería’s best guide to local sport
SPORTS IN BRIEF
EGO club THE EGO Sports centre Avda. de Cabo de Gata have released their programme for May with a diary for women and children including: Mother’s day, junior padel club, and mindfulness workshops.
Hard words ALMERIA football club has slammed local journalists who criticised Eibar boss for speaking in Basque. Gaizka Garitano stormed out of a press conference at the Juegos Mediterráneos stadium. “The Almería press office regrets what happened in Garitano’s press conference, but would like to make it very clear that the attitude of a couple of reporters mustn’t tarnish the rest of the profession in Almería,” the club posted on Twitter.
TO READ MORE
The Indalo Bowling Club, Mixed Pairs FRIENDLY game played with good spirit By Steve Walsh THE start of the Indalo Bowling Clubs 2015 competition was held on Thursday April 16 and Friday April 17 with 29 teams entered. Over the three days there were some excitingly close matches played, culminating on Sunday with the semi-finals and finals. The finals were played by Ferah Mehmet and Julie Preddy against Doreen Hall and John Henworth. A close game to start with and scores were neck and neck until Doreen and John scored five, which gave them a lead Ferah and Julie could not match. Doreen and John won out in a friendly game, played with good spirit.
SPORT www.euroweeklynews.com
Los Pastores Open Mixed Triples Round Robin THE Mixed Triples Competition was held at Cabrera Lawn Bowling Club last week, where the well supported open competition was in two groups, with the winners of each group playing in the final on the Sunday. There were some very tight games which went down to the last match in the round robin deciding who would be in the final and playoffs. The winners of Group A were Brian Thompson, Rachel Thompson and Brian Hughes who played the winners of Group B, Christina Fitzgerald, John Fitzgerald and Chris Ewer. Congratulations to Brian, Rachel and Brian.
Aguilon Golf Society members report
IN FINALS: Ferah, Julie, Doreen and John.
WEDNESDAY April 15 and the course was full. Unfortunately the rain which soaked everybody in 10 minutes, forced the competition off. Friday April 17, however, saw the replay on a lovely day. The individual Stableford results were as follows: First was Brian Everitt with 36 points, followed by Glyn Ombler in second on 34. Third place was Derrick Stephenson with 33.
Wednesday April 22 saw another Stableford on a glorious day on which our low handicap players made their class tell, with single figure handicap players filling the first four places and all finishing with the same number of points. First, Glyn Ombler with 35points, second Terry Moore, and third, Dave Sharp on a card play-off. Contact 636 240 726.