Euro Weekly News - Costa de Almeria 28 May - 3 June 2015 Issue 1560

ISSUENN . 1555 28 // May 23 - -29 APRIL 2015 2015 ISSUE O.O1560 3 June

COSTA DE ALMERÍA

YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION

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Calls for strays service

Changed face of Almeria politics

‘Red Pawprint’ challenge council over conditions THE Huella Roja (Red Pawprint) animal protection charity is campaigning for improvements at the Zoosanitario centre for abandoned animals. The group says the Almeria City pound is understaffed and under-resourced. See Page 2

Stop the chop! El Ejido locals are fighting for their ficus trees

Cordon Press

HARD bargaining expected after local election results

SINCE trees were cut down to make way for a cycle lane in April, residents in Paseo de las Lomas have been up in arms

over the leafy lovelies that line the street, and point to objections from environmental experts. See Page 3

Lost gem returns Patio de Honor in Velez-Blanco will be restored THE beautiful and architecturally important patio, which was dismantled piece by piece and sold off to interior decorators in the early 20th century, is to be rebuilt as a stunning showcase for local Macael marble. See Page 4

Ssh! It’s noise police Scheme employs young people to monitor complaints about noise pollution

By Linda Hall THERE were election predictions for every taste before Sunday’s ballot. Expected by some but not others, the Partido Popular (PP) took the most votes - 41.34 per cent - in Almeria’s municipal ballots. The PSOE socialists lagged behind on 33.9 per cent but won 440 council seats to the PP’s 432. More votes did not automatically spell

victory, not even for Almeria City Mayor Luis Rogelio Rodriguez-Comendador, one councillor short of an overall majority. “I am ready to talk to anyone,” he said after the votes were counted last Sunday night. New parties like Ciudadanos and Podemos, which ran under the aegis of other groups, will in many cases dictate whether a town council is PP blue or PSOE red.

Between now and the June 13 deadline, local parties in many Almeria municipalities must kiss and make up in order to constitute a council. Exceptions are Mojacar (PP), Vicar (PSOE), El Ejido (PP), Albox (PSOE), Berja (PP) and Huercal-Overa (PP), which lost councillors but retained their majorities. Another mayor not having to make way for a successor is 91-year-old Turn to Page 2

OUT-of-work young people will form a task force for Almeria City tackling noise pollution from bars and clubs.

They’ll be keeping an ear on areas where numerous complaints have been made, to ensure locals get a restful night. See Page 10

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LOCAL NEWS

Homes needed THE Red Cross is looking for 20 families willing to foster children in Almeria Province on an emergency, ordinary or specialised care basis. “We need them right away for children

who are now in care and cannot be looked after by their own families,” said the organisation’s Maria del Carmen Gonzalez responsible for organising placements.

Elections force hard bargaining From Front Page

Jose Antonio Torres, mayor of Chercos (population 280). He has occupied the post for almost 20 years and stood for re-election because Chercos residents asked him to, he explained before the elections. Come Sunday night and in the count-up neither he nor the local PP was disappointed and he returned with an overall majority. With a turnout of almost 87

per cent, Torres obtained 41.78 per cent of the vote although this was significantly lower than 2011’s 60 per cent. Mayors less fortunate than Torres in Roquetas, Adra, Nijar, Vera, Carboneras, La Mojonera, Dalias, Huercal de Almería, Vélez Rubio and Chirivel no longer have overall majorities and anticipate some hard bargaining - and possibly unexpected bedfellows before June 13.

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NEWS

Call to reinstate strays weekend collection ANIMAL protection society appeals to Almeria City Hall By Linda Hall TH E H ue lla R oja a nima l protection society has called for better conditions at the Zoos a nita rio c e ntre in Almeria City. The centre needs more resources and staff, said Huella Roja (Red Pawprint) in a formal letter to Almeria Council. The a s s oc ia tion is a ls o withholding judgement over C ity H a ll’s promis e tha t a ba ndone d a nima ls w ill once again be collected at weekends. This service was s us pe nde d on M a y 1 a nd Huella Roja said it intends to wait and see whether or not this is a hollow election campaign promise. Not only Huella Roja but a ls o the U PLB A union which represents the Local

STRAYS: A place in the Almeria sun.

Police and firefighters complained about the suspension. City Hall is now committed to restoring the previous Zoosanitario 8am to 10pm,

Monday to Fr i day t i m et abl e. Nonet hel ess, even these opening hours are insufficient, Huella Roja claimed. The association also asked City Hall to modi-

fy the municipal bylaw barring potentially dangerous ani m al s f r om t he cent r e. Thi s i nevi t abl y l eads t o m or e ani m al s bei ng put down, a spokesperson said.

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FEATURED NEWS

Buildings inspection

The Virgin of El Rocio Cordon Press

THE festival is considered one of the most important religious events of the year

ALMERIA City’s Planning department ordered repeat checks on buildings inspected by Industrial Technical engineers and not architects. These obligatory assessments should not be limited to any one profession, the engineers claimed.

Going Dutch Pepper growing HOLLAND began large scale pepper-growing in 2009 and 2012, but is losing out to Almeria. It costs €1.5 a kilo to produce Dutch peppers, compared to Almeria’s 60 cents.

Swingtime Popular race

Fast ballot Record-breaking vote

EL PUCHE is organising a popular race this coming Sunday to raise money to install children’s swings on an empty plot of land. Runners will each pay a €2 entry fee.

Riverdance Answers wanted

PROCESSION: Devotees carry the statue of the virgin through the streets of Almonte in Huelva.

By Steve Walsh EVERY spring hundreds of thousands of devotees converge at a shrine in Huelva to pay homage to the Virgin del Rocio, which for many people is Andalucia’s most famous pilgrimage of the year. On May 25, the beautiful town of Almonte in Huelva saw the Virgin of El Rocio carried through the streets by pilgrims during a procession that encompasses the values, memory, and the shrine of El Rocio. Children are held aloft and carried by the crowds so that they may touch the idol as it passes. La Blanca Paloma (The White Dove), as the effigy is affectionately known, will give pro-

€50,000 is the amount Spain’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest Edurne’s wardrobe is estimated to have been worth, with the dress she wore valued at €15,000. Luckily the dress was donated by the designer so taxpayers didn’t have to fork out for it.

tection to those infants who touch it. At least 700 pilgrims set off from Malaga City at the weekend, and were gradually followed by many brotherhoods from along the coast in their journey and date with the Virgin del Rocio. Tourists witnessed sights such as horses, oxen and people dressed in flamenco costumes parading the streets and clambering onto floats pulled by tractors to set off on their trips. The event is actually considered by Catholic Spaniards from all over the region (and further afield) who attend to pay their respects to the virgin, as one of the most important religious events of the year

VILLARROYA in La Rioja beat its own record to get the local elections out of the way as they were over after just two minutes. The mayor said the nine residents eligible to vote do their best to be the first in Spain to close the urns, and while four years ago they managed to do so at 9.07am, this year it was 9.02am.

THE town hall wants to know who will channel the River Adra. As the national and regional governments continue batting the issue between them, the town hall wants the Andalucia ombudsman to intervene.

On top Quote of the Week I’m grateful for the trust six million people placed in us, but the results are obviously not as good as we would have liked them to be,” said PM and PP leader Mariano Rajoy after the May 24 local elections, when the party did well but lost the majorities it held four years ago.

Husband replaced PURIFICACION SANCHEZ replaced her husband as the PSOE’s mayoral candidate in Cantoria after he was accused of possessing drugs. She obtained an overall majority and accused political rivals of plotting to remove her husband.

Vera fiestas

Ficus tree fuss continues in El Ejido RESIDENTS in El Ejido’s Paseo de Las Lomas won’t let their trees go without a fight. The first were cut down in April to make way for a cycle lane and since then they have twice asked the town hall to

halt the project. They have also approached the Andalucia ombudsman. “This was a boulevard with trees that were 25 years old along the central section. To the surprise and disappointment of

residents, these were lopped and dug up by the roots,” explained the document sent to the ombudsman. The town hall has provided the cycle lane plans but experts analysing the paperwork found

no mention of eliminating the trees. Neither was there a budget for felling and disposing of the ficus trees or funding the promised alternative of replanting them at the fair site. Paseo de las Lomas residents

also pointed out that following a formal complaint from the Mediterraneo ecology group the regional government’s Environment department recommended the town hall reached an agreement with them.

Nightly dancing VERA presented the programme for its annual town fiestas between June 5 and 11. There will be dancing each night and Moors and Christians parades at 7pm on June 6 and 8.

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INDEX News 1 - 35 Featured News 3 News Desk 34 European Press 36 Russian Press 37 Finance 39 - 45 Stocks 40 Leapy Lee 52 Daily TV 54 Nora Johnson 55 Cassandra Nash 56 Ric Polansky 57 Letters 58 Time Out 59 - 62 Mike Walsh 64 Our View 64 Colin Bird 64 Street Talk 65 Health & Beauty 66 - 67 Food 68 - 72 Albox 74 - 78 Homes & Gardens 80 - 81 Pets 82 - 83 Property 84 - 87 Classifieds 88 - 90 Motoring 91 - 94 Sport 95 - 96

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Bringing back a treasure LOST architectural gem to be recreated in Velez-Blanco By Linda Hall THE Patio de Honor at VelezBlanco Castle is to be rebuilt. The castle was constructed in the early 16th century on the site of a Moorish citadel and was gradually stripped by its owner of its most valuable features at the beginning of the 20th century. The patio, which was dismantled piece by piece in 1904 and sold to a French interior decorator, was later bought by the banker George Blumenthal. President of the Metropolitan Museum in New York from 1934 until 1941, he shipped the patio’s components to New York where they were reassembled in his Park Avenue home. On his death in 1941, he bequeathed it to the museum where it can now be seen. The regional government, Velez-Blanco Town Hall and association of marble industrialists, CTAP, have signed an agreement to invite tenders to reproduce the Patio de Honor.

PATIO: A Slice of Velez-Blanco in New York. Recreating the marble structure will also give prominence to the Macael brand, said the Culture Department’s head, Jose Sanchez Maldonado. Andalucia’s 941 natural stone industries are a strategic sector in

the region, providing work for 4,000 people, said Maldonado. The project will also revitalise the castle as a tourist attraction while providing an exceptional showcase for the area’s marble, he added.

His department will be allocating €1.13 million to recreating the patio with its two storeys of colonnades of carved Macael marble, which will be supplied by local quarries.

Almeria setting for German film SHOOTING has begun on German film Der General in Almeria City. The film, directed by Stephan Wagner and starring Ulrich Noethen, is set in the 1950s and centres on Fritz Bauer, the German judge and prosecutor who

was behind the Auschwitz Trials after the Second World War. Filming commenced on the rooftop terrace of a building in the city centre and the entrance to the Escuela de Arte. This temporarily became an Israeli ho-

tel before shooting moved Cabo de Gata and back to the city’s Paseo Maritimo. Later the film crew will move on to the German cities of Baden-Baden, Karlsruhe and locations in Bavaria.

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Madrid government is ready to challenge El Algarrobico ruling MINISTERS are weighing up whether an appeal would be legally viable

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By Linda Hall ISABEL GARCIA TEJERINA, who recently visited Infoagro Exhibition 2015, is Minister of the Environment as well as Agriculture. While here in Almeria the minister was inevitably asked about the El Algarrobico hotel in Carboneras. A demolition order hangs over the practically finished beachfront hotel which occupies part of the 100-metre exclusion zone measured from the high-water mark. The Supreme Court recently ruled that the hotel’s building permit is valid, throwing into disarray the regional government’s existing demolition order. The central government is also committed to finding a

metre coastal exclusion zone has been encroached upon by hotel

ALMERIA VISIT: Environment Minister Tejerina (in red coat). solution, Tejerina declared. The Environment Ministry could appeal to the Tribunal Constitucional, Spain’s high-

est court, to challenge the latest verdict, she revealed. “We are weighing up whether this is legally viable and like-

ly to prosper.” Despite the government’s determination to resolve the ongoing situation, the El

Agarrobico issue falls within the remit of another administration, Tejerina pointed out in allusion to the Junta de Andalucia regional government. “What the government can do is provide a solution in future cases,” she said: “Thanks to the Coastal Law, the Algarrobico situation will not be repeated. “If an operation like this goes ahead without administrative authorisation, the government can intervene to prevent this kind of environmental disaster,” the minister explained.

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Sport in the sun ALMERIA dermatologists and Union Deportiva Almeria players joined forces in an anti-cancer campaign. All the footballers recently consulted a dermatologist in the Juegos Mediterraneos stadium to clear up their doubts about skincare and protection from the sun. “Because of their profession these elite sportsmen are more exposed to sun radiation so protection from the harmful effects of sun damage is fundamental,” said Dr Jose Luis Martinez Amo. For the third consecutive year, Dr Martinez is heading the Euromelanoma campaign in Almeria Province. The initiative particularly wants to reach the 13 to 25 age group who are habitually less inclined to use sunscreen, he said.

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State of riverbed muddies waters MUTUAL blame game waged locally and regionally By Eleanor Hawkins ALMERIA CITY is tired of having to cope with everyone else’s waste. So said Carlos Sanchez, Health Councillor at City Hall, although the word he used was much stronger. Sewage from Bajo Andarax towns is reaching the river, maintained Sanchez, who plans to lodge a formal complaint with the courts. The situation is the responsibility of Andalucia’s regional government, the councillor claimed, and has been a source of dispute since 2008. Recent complaints about the state of the riverbed, its foul smell and plagues of mosquitoes have accentuated an ongoing problem, he said. This has intensified following a report from City Hall’s environment officers which revealed that children in El Puche had been seen playing

in Andarax recently. The water where they were playing had a “faint smell,” according to the report but the stench was “more penetrating” and “practically insupportable” upstream. El Puche is a multicultural neighbourhood, the report continued, where many residents would be unaware that further upstream, the river received waste at three points from Viator. Goats and sheep seen drinking there could also be affected by the quality of the water, officers pointed out. The Junta de Andalucia regional government brushed off claims that it was responsible for the state of the river, stating that the Bajo Andarax area would now be connected to the waste treatment plant had City Hall agreed. This was “totally false” Carlos Sanchez said, especially as City Hall technicians confirmed that work on the plant was still three months off completion.

Homes legal 50 years on Andalucia, Antonio Sanz, during a recent visit TWENTY-TWO blocks of decades-old social to Almeria. A technical inspection of the El housing apartments in Almeria can finally be Tagarete apartment blocks was carried out last legalised. December by a Hacienda (tax ofThe 384 homes in Almeria fice) architect and will be the City’s El Tagarete district were starting point for compliance with built in the 1960s by the now exHorizontal Division requiretinct Patronato de Viviendas ments. Primero de Abril. homes without deeds As the Patronato de Viviendas The homes were rented with Primero de Abril no longer exists, the option to buy but tenants have state lawyers have now confirmed that Hacienspent years trying to untangle the red tape necda is competent to draw up the purchase conessary to obtain deeds to their homes. tracts of El Tagarete residents who satisfy the Their problems should soon be at an end, relegal requirements. vealed the central government’s delegate to

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NEWS EXTRA

False papers AN Adra businessman has been accused of selling work contracts to three African immigrants hoping to legalise their situation. They paid him €2,300 before police investigations revealed that the company did not exist.

Very pricey EACH space in underground car parks promoted by municipallyrun Emisa in Almeria City costs €5,035 more than the Spanish average. Geological conditions did not justify this, critics have claimed.

Medic boost FORTY-EIGHT doctors have begun specialist residencies at Torrecardenas Hospital in Almeria City. Depending on their chosen field they will spend up to five years at the hospital complex.

School work THE Junta de Andalucia regional government has allocated the contract for improvements at the 13pupil rural school in Alfaix (Los Gallardos). The renovations are expected to take 10 weeks.

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Bridging the gap TWO new roundabouts as well as the bridge are planned By Linda Hall THE Ministry of Public Works has approved plans for the San Isidro bridge in Huerca-Overa. Following a thumbs-up from the General Directorate of Roads there will be two new roundabouts as well as the new bridge. The existing bridge will now be used by pedestrians and cyclists. “The amount of the traffic here, which is the easiest way to reach the hospital and the La Atalaya urbanisation as well as sportsgrounds, shows how important this project is,” said

THUMBS-UP: All smiles at Public Works Ministry. Huerca-Overa’s Mayor, Domingo Fernandez. The new bridge will eliminate a notorious traffic black-

spot responsible for frequent accidents, he added: “The town has been asking for this for over 40 years.”

Church robbery proves too risky A 20-STRONG gang recently arrested for 35 burglaries planned to rob Almeria City’s Santiago Apostol church. The Almeria-based gang usually focused on homes, warehouses and industrial units in Almeria, Granada and Murcia but an unidentified collector placed an ‘order’ with the gang to take valuable objects from the church. These included the jewels, crowns, haloes and

embroidered capes used to adorn the church’s statues as well as altarpieces and relics. The gang prepared to strike but called off the robbery owing to the church’s central position as well as access and transport complications. There were Spaniards, Moroccans, Bulgarians and Romanians amongst the 20 detainees, of whom 13 lived in Almeria Province where 11 of the robberies were carried out.

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Bullying condemned COLEGA, Almeria Province’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual association, condemned homophobic insults recently aimed at Antonio Lazaro. Huercal-Overa Councillor Lazaro, who belongs to the PP, was allegedly threatened by a local businessman close to another political party because of his sexual orientation, Colega claimed. “Lamentably this is not the first time this year that we have had complaints about bullying arising from someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Antonio Ferre, President of Colega Almeria. The association expressed satisfaction at the number of openly homosexual candidates in last Sunday’s municipal elections. “This continues to help in putting homosexuality and transsexuality on a normal footing,” Ferre said.

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Quiet please: we’re working! YOUNG PEOPLE working for the Junta’s emergency employment scheme will soon be listening hard in Almeria City. They will walk the streets, mapping noise pollution where most complaints originate. This news will be music quiet music - to the ears of

500 full time workers for the project

members of Almeria’s ‘Derecho a dormir’ (Right to sleep) lobby at the mercy of pubs and discos not always meticulous about soundproofing. Like all cities Almeria has neighbourhoods where the concentration of discos, pubs and bars cause constant friction between business-owners and anyone wanting a good night’s

sleep. The anti-smoking ban is responsible for much bad feeling, bars maintain, because clients smoke outside, creating still more noise. City hall will compile a register of all establishments where music is played and which by law should be limited to 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night. Almeria city hall has requested a €4,238,400 subsidy from the Junta which will be sufficient to employ approximately 500 people full time when the project begins in October. The town Planning department has called for two Law graduates, 10 administrative assistants, two senior computer experts, two architects, two draughtsmen and two industrial engineers. They and other participants supervised by city hall technicians will compile a register similar to city hall’s ‘Visual decontamination plan.’

NEWS

Dames in Sp hold garden

MAYOR of Mojacar opened the fun day e By Community Reporter THE DAMES IN SPAIN association recently held their Garden Party at the home of Ann Gregory. Mayor of Mojacar Rosmari Cano opened the event which was a fun day with games and lunch attended by more

than 100 people. A highlight of the Garden Party was a presentation by the chairperson Irene Benson of a €1,000 cheque to Rosa Vicente, president of the Mojacar Red Cross and €500 to Fanny Davies of Stepping Stones. There was a grand raffle, with first prize of a

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pain n party

event coffee machine won by Ann Watson. The second prize of an electric grill was won by Sandra Moorhouse while third prize, a deluxe hamper, went to Keith White. DAMES DONATE: Cheques for the Red Cross and Stepping Stones and (r) Mojacar Mayor Rosmari Cano.

Football match ends in chaos THE Guardia Civil arrived after a Cuevas CF versus PD Garrucha football match had to be suspended. With the scoreboard showing 3-2 in Cuevas’ favour the referee halted the game “fearing for my physical safety,” he wrote in his post-match report. Three Garrucha players were sent off during the Andalucia Juniors Second Division encounter. One had repeatedly told him that he was “silly, very silly, and a silly ***** ” and a second Garrucha player was sent off after spitting at a spectator and attempting to strike the referee, threatening to kill him when the game finished.

A third Garrucha player got a red card after kicking a supporter and again insulting the ref. The referee’s notes also drew attention to the comments of Cuevas’ supporters, who kicked one of the players, while insulting himself and the Garrucha team. “We can only be surprised that this should be Andalucia yet again, as news of deplorable acts like these happen all the time,” said the referees’ union, the Sindicato de Arbitros, afterwards. The union called both teams to account while also commenting that the behaviour of the Cuevas’ supporters “leaves much to be desired.”

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EURO WOMEN PAGE

Women who make their mark

Jacquelyne Phillips, MBE, President of MABS

Esther Dierkes, owner of The Ritz Albir

Do you know a Euro Woman? THE world is changing, and for the better. A new breed of inspirational women has been making its mark in a huge variety of fields, whether in business or the voluntary sector. Not only are these women having a huge impact on the communities they live in, but they are proving to be the trail-blazers for the next generation of women. They are pushing the boundaries forward and smashing the glass ceilings that still exist in too many fields. Over the coming months the Euro Weekly News (EWN) will be featuring interviews with extraordinary and inspirational women of all nationalities who have adopted Spain as their new home. All of these women have achieved something outstanding in their lives. It could be as a businesswoman, or maybe by inspiring and being behind a charitable organisation, as many have done. Some are well known, others are relatively low profile, preferring to keep out of the limelight, but they all have one thing in common. They have all risen to a challenge, usually more than one, and made a significant contribution to the community. To build up a thriving business is a challenge, but to arrive in a foreign country, learn a new language and still succeed in your field is twice as hard and is something to appreciate and to celebrate. Can women have it all? That is the question we are

asking those who have made their dream a reality. We are not just concentrating on women who have succeeded in business but also on those who have excelled at anything they have put their mind to. These are women who have overcome challenges. Women who have the EWN’s mantra of ‘WE WILL!’. In this series, these women will be featured throughout the EWN's six editions but that is just a

The series is designed to recognise women from any walk of life who have made a mark taster. It is our intention to bring out a book at Christmas to showcase these inspirational stories. It will go on sale and all the proceeds will go to a charity nominated by the ladies. The list of possible causes is endless - breast cancer support, women’s refuges, assistance for mental health issues - so long as it is a bona fida charity then our aim will have been achieved. This is not something simply for the rich and famous, it is a series designed to recognise women from any walk of life who have made a mark. So if you know of a woman that deserves recognition, someone

who has fought against the odds to triumph in their chosen field then drop us a line at eurowomen@euroweeklynews.com. Please give full contact details and tell us why you feel they should be featured. Some of the names which have already agreed to take part in this exciting project are: Maria Isabel Fernandez Utges Manley - wife of Simon Manley, the British Ambassador in Madrid - who features in this issue. Pamela Dawson Tasker, awarded the British Empire Medal for services to charitable work to the British community in Spain in last year’s Birthday Honours List; Christine Climent, owner of Benidorm Palace; Esther Dierkes, owner of The Ritz Albir; Jan McDowell-Edmondson, CEO of Telitec Communications SL; Amanda Collins and Dawn Blyth, Direcctors of the Family Medical Centre; Lucy Grande of the Make A Smile charity that helps support the children of EMAUS; Eva Naranjo, Martial Arts triple world champion, and MABS President, Jacquelyne Phillips, MBE, All of these ladies are strong, successful achievers who have set the benchmark in their chosen careers and motivated others in a compelling and exceptional way.

Jan McDowell-Edmondson, Telitec CEO

The Euro Weekly News feels privileged to meet them - we know you will, too.

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EURO WOMEN PAGE

There’s something about Maria Isabel A SWISS education, British professional career and a healthy splash of Spanish passion combine to make Maria Isabel Fernandez Utges Manley (known as Maria Isabel Manley) perhaps the definition of the modern Euro Woman. Born in Catalonia, educated in Lausanne and the US, partner in a top London law firm, mother to three beautiful girls, she is also wife to the UK’s Ambassador to Spain and Andorra – a full-on job in itself. She is a remarkable and dynamic woman whose passion for life - her children, her husband and her career - has seen her reach the heights. When speaking to her not only does that passion shine through, but so does her self-confidence and real desire to help people. She said: “I truly believe that women can have it all. The question is how do you get the ‘all’ and what the ‘all’ means. Women have to make some difficult decisions but to have a family and an exciting job you love is possible. I have done it. I know many people who have done it. You just have to believe in what you want and be passionate about it.” Maria Isabel has worked hard to get where she is. No easy task to be a mother and wife as well as hold down a career. In her calm, collected way, she smiled and said: “The most important thing is I am a mum of three lovely girls. I am a full-time lawyer, have a fascinating job and am the wife of Simon Manley, the UK Ambassador to Spain and Andorra, so yes it is a threeway job. “I never thought it would a problem to be a mum and have a professional career, it was something to aim for, so that was not too hard for me. I was particularly lucky to have a husband like Simon who supported me all the way through, from the first day I had to drop off my daughter in tears at the crèche. He took over and was the one taking and picking up the children because I couldn’t cope with the idea!” As if it wasn’t hard enough having her dual role as a working mother, a third was thrust upon her when Simon took up his first post as Head of Mission, as the new UK Ambassador to Spain and Andorra. But Maria Isabel had no ob-

TRIPLE ROLE: Partner in a top London law firm, mother to three girls and wife of UK Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley.

The definition of a true Euro Woman By Michel Euesden Managing Director EWN jections. “It was something he really wanted. I thought it was now my turn and my role to support him. I do not regret it and I love it.” She is in a slightly odd position for a woman who is the de facto head of the expat female population in Spain, as in many ways she is coming home. She said:

Her message is simple: whatever your goal, the only thing stopping you - is you “Spain is my place of birth, it is where my roots are the strongest. My husband used to say I have a Spanish temper, which means I am passionate. I think it is a good quality to have.” And passion is something she feels women need if they want to have a family and a career. Speaking with conviction, she said: “Women need to believe in their capacity, whether they want to become a lawyer, hairdresser or a nurse. If it is something someone is really passionate about then

Fact file Name: Maria Isabel Fernandez Utges Manley Profession: Partner Bristows LLP legal firm. Wife of British Ambassador to Spain and Andorra Family: Three daughters From: Barcelona Now living: London/Madrid via Lausanne Book or TV? No time! Strength: Passion Irritants: Unfairness and injustice Role model: “My mother. She was an amazing mum. She was a working mum who loved her job. She gave me all the strength to pursue what I wanted to be, and encouraged and supported me.”

they will find a way to make it work for them and their family.” Maria Isabel believed that for this to happen there needs to be some support available, whether from a husband and family or from the government, and added: “There has to be some support around you to reassure you that your children are in good hands whilst you are working, so affordable childcare is a necessity. “It is important to have scholarships, apprenticeships and state support; there are many things that can happen to help women have it all. But without the hunger for success they are not going to get you anywhere, you need the passion within yourself. If women have that then we, meaning society, need to give them the chance and the opportunity to pursue a professional life.” Maria Isabel leaves you with a feeling that anything and everything is achievable if you want it enough. You have to make sacrifices, but to achieve your goals and ambitions they are worth it, and Maria Isabel is living proof of this. Her determination oozes out of every pore, making you feel that you are the most important person in her life. She is truly amazing and will make an impact upon anyone she ever meets.

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NEWS EXTRA

Fiestas figures A ‘ROSQUILERO’ and ‘carreterillo’ sculpted in marble are depicted on the new roundabout at the entrance to Olula del Rio. The traditional fiestas personages were created by artist Andres Garcia Ibañez.

Stay awake ALMERIA CITY is preparing for its fourth ‘Noche en blanco’ on June 5 with 70 cultural activities including music as well as dramatised conducted tours.

Dance on ADRA Town Hall ceded the Fabriquilla del Vinagre to the Arte Danza association for the next four years. In exchange the group will promote dance in Adra.

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Killer to be Not all the gym bunnies are spring chickens tried by jury ALREADY had a prison record for fraud By Linda Hall JONATHAN MOYA GONZALEZ, accused of kidnapping and murdering Miriam, a baby aged 16 months, faces a High Court jury trial. Moya, remanded since December 2012, met Miriam’s mother Gema Cuerda online and later visited her Palma del Condado (Huelva) home. The relationship failed to thrive, principally because Moya, then aged 25, could not accept Gema’s past and she broke it off. Moya persisted and after returning to Almeria, persuaded Gema to visit him, insisting that she brought Miriam. Initially reluctant, Gema’s mother encouraged her to go and Moya met her and the baby in Guadix (Granada) on December 19. They drove all night before stopping in Nacimiento but the following

day Moya tricked Gema into leaving the car when they were near Fiñana. He drove off with Miriam, taking her to his family’s property, Cortijo Torre Marfil. Here, according to the Prosecution department, he looked after Miriam for three or four days. He killed her between December 24 and 25, fearing he would be discovered as she kept crying. After repeatedly hitting her, he wrapped the baby in cling film while she was still breathing and threw her weighted body into a nearby water deposit. She was found on December 27 after Moya was arrested by officers from the Guardia Civil’s crack GEA unit. He admitted Miriam was dead and had thrown her body in the water deposit. Moya, previously imprisoned for fraud, now faces a 26-year sentence for murder and illegal detention.

MORE than 400 of HuercalOvera’s older residents recently took part in the 12th Encuentro de Mayores. The gathering, which focused on exercise and health for the over-60s, was organised by the town hall’s Sports

and Social Welfare department and rounded off activities carried out over the last year. The event began in the Villa de Huercal-Overa theatre where participating associations received commemora-

tive plaques from the mayor Domingo Fernandez and the Sports councillor, Alonso Mena. This was followed by a talk on sport for the Third Age and a gym display in the Plaza de la Constitucion.

GYM CLASS: Domingo Fernandez joins in with the over-60s.

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NEWS

Mojacar RBL’s events for June THE Royal British Legion announces its diary for the month By Community Reporter THE Mojacar branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) meets on the first and third Thursday of the month. Meetings are held at 11.15am in the Artesan Centre below Mojacar ’s old town. It is not necessary to have served in the armed forces to be a member. Diary for June June 4: Branch meeting with guest speaker Adele. June 5: Fish and Chips Quiz at Beachcomber Restaurant, Mojacar at 7.30pm. Fish and chips €5 per person, Quiz (€2 per person) starts at 8.30pm. Profits go to the RBL Poppy Appeal.

June 9-11: Coach trip to Cabo de Gata and Mini Hollywood. June 13: Black and White Jazz Night at Laguna Restaurant. Three-course meal, music by Pedro Clemente Quartet, Dominic Doolittle with guest singers Nadine and Lady Ellen

€29.50. Transport from and to Parque Mojacar €7. June 18: Coach trip to the army base at Viator or shopping in Almeria, €11. For more details contact Eileen at socialevents. rblmoj.3485@ gmail.com or telephone 619 372 474.

Tickets to ride IN a comparison of 38 Spanish cities, Almeria City bus tickets were pronounced the fourth-cheapest. The FACUA consumers’ association found that Almeria’s €1.05 single ticket went up just five cents since 2011. Only Jaen, Logroño, Lugo and Linares were cheaper. Castellon, Cuenca, Murcia and Salamanca charge the same as Almeria while Barcelona’s €2.15 single ticket make its buses the most expensive in Spain. In Madrid, the €1.50 charge rose by 50 cents in the last four years.

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NEWS

Turre Dames visit capital THE ladies had a five-day trip which included Madrid

MINI-BREAK: The Turre Dames outside their hotel. By Community Reporter DAMES in Turre recently returned from a five-day visit to Madrid, Toledo, Avila and Segovia. “Without Lesley Barlow and Sylvia Baker, who organised the trip, it would never have taken place,” the Dames said. “We would like to thank them both for all their hard work and also our driver Marco, who never lets us down.”

Marble promotes tourism MARBLE, an increasingly important tourist attraction, is already included in the Costa de Almeria tourism offer. Its potential in this sector prompted representatives from Macael and the Almanzora Valley municipalities to attend the recent Extra-Expo Project meeting in Toledo.

The gathering centred on understanding how Spain and other countries can use and exploit their existing heritage by regenerating industrial areas for tourist purposes. This, it is hoped, can offset the decline in industry, job losses, depopulation and other social consequences in Spain,

Italy, Greece, Portugal and Belgium. These five countries are already linked by their historic and important marble industries. Now the scheme will create and promote international tourist routes that are based on a shared industrial background of marble quarrying.

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NEWS EXTRA

Biggest fall THERE was a 68.1 per cent year-on-year reduction in redundancies and suspended or renegotiated contracts in Andalucia between January and April. Castilla-La Mancha registered the greatest fall with 80.5 per cent.

Bad move

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Bird is probable cause HELICOPTER PILOT praised for his skill in making emergency landing By Linda Hall A LERIDA-BOUND helicopter that took off from Almeria crashed off the Valencia coast. The aircraft came down when flying over the sea near the beach in Pinedo although its pilots escaped with only minor injuries. Haritz Galarraga (42), a Basque from San Sebastian and Catalan Marcel

Selmauno (34) work for Helitrans Pyrenees, a company that specialises in transporting construction materials. The two pilots had delivered an antenna to Huercal de Almeria and took off for the return journey to Lerida at around 12.30pm. By the time they reached Murcia a violent storm prompted the experienced pilots to fly over the sea where weather condi-

A NIJAR man was arrested in an A-7 service area after manoeuvring sharply to avoid Guardia Civil officers. After damaging four vehicles and injuring a pedestrian, they found he was driving without a licence.

Movistar promises an unsaturated summer

Loyal fans VALENCIA football club subsidised both journey and tickets for supporters who queued all night hoping to see the Almeria match. It was a reward for their loyalty and effort.

tions were better. As they flew over the Pinedo beach at around 1.30pm the aircraft began to lose height, possibly due to a seabird caught in the rotors. Hartiz, well-known amongst his fellowpilots for his skill, managed an emergency landing on the sea from which both men escaped with only minor injuries although both were initially hospitalised and kept under observation.

SMARTPHONES: Better connections this summer.

MOVISTAR is boosting its 4G network in different Almeria towns along the coast. A s the high s e a s on a pproaches the populations of Adra, Carboneras, Garrucha, Mojacar, Nijar and Vera will triple. Smartphone and tablet traffic doubles in volume which in the past has resulted in overloaded lines and frustratingly

slow internet connections. Movistar plans to increase network capacity to guarantee 4G voice and data coverage for more than 90 per cent of residents in these towns while improving the existing network. Once the summer is over this increased service will not be withdrawn but remain in place, Movistar announced.

NEWS

Shipping lines in talks with Port Authority THE Almeria Port Authority (APA) expects more shipping companies to open a base in the city. Talks are advanced in an APA bid for more competition and improved services on passenger and cargo l i nes, sai d i t s pr esi dent Trinidad Cabeo. She declined to name the companies that are likely to join Acciona Transmediterr anea, whi ch al eady offers regular crossings between Almeria and Melilla, Nador, Ghazaouet and Oran. Cabeo did acknowledge, however, t hat t her e have been “i m por t ant di scussions” with Armas and Balearia as well as the Italian shipping lines, Grimaldi and GNV.

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NEWS EXTRA

Drama time BERJA’S annual theatre season began earlier this week. It continues until June 11 with 13 productions by local schools as well as a parents association and Third Age group.

New station CANJAYAR Town Hall received €60,000 from the Diputacion to cover the cost of drafting plans for a local fire station. It will be located in the municipally-owned building known as La Alcoholera.

Arcos move THE open-air market held on Fridays in Almeria City’s Araceli neighbourhood moves this week to the Arcos area. This will boost the adjoining Los Angeles market, city hall said.

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A day at the races Maria and CHARITY and fundraising stalls were present at the event By Community Reporter SIX teams entered the Wacky Races that were recently held in Villaricos. Representing Bar La Plaza, Bar Genesis, Mojacar Insurance, The Irish Rover, Calida Homes and Pampered, they first completed a time trial and then the race proper. Overall winners were Calida Homes, with Bar Genesis in second place and Mojacar Insurance coming in third. Charity and fundraising stalls were present at the event that was compered by Ian from the Irish Rover and rounded off with live music from “Short Fuse.” The names of the raffle prize winners are displayed in Bar La Plaza and Bar Genesis. Monies raised are to be split between Villaricos school and church. “We should like to thank

WACKY RACES: Waiting for the chequered flag. all the sponsors, participants and supporters for making the event a success, with a special message of thanks to

the team from Bar La Plaza who raised more than €700 in sponsorship,” the organisers said.

Antonio rule in Almeria WHAT’s in a name? There’s certainly very little in the way of variety in Almeria where the most usual names are still Antonio and Maria, according to Spain’s national statistics office INE. There are 15,795 Almeria males called Antonio while 12,479 females answer to Maria. This hardly differs throughout Andalucia where Antonio is also the most popular name for a man and Maria del Carmen for a woman. Maria is popular throughout the province although Carmen is prevalent in inland Tabernas, Fiñana and Fondon but not, surprisingly, in the coastal areas despite the Virgen del Carmen’s associations with the sea.

Antonios are evenly spread throughout Almeria’s towns and villages although there are many Franciscos in the Poniente and Levante areas while Rafael is the most common name in Tabernas. Although Maria appears in all age groups Lucia, Paula, Marta and Laura are more popular amongst the under18s. Likewise Alejandro, Pablo, Daniel and Alvaro and Javier have displaced traditional names for boys born since the late 90s, relegating Antonio to sixth place. The Spanish are registered at birth with the father’s and mother’s surname and Garcia is the most frequent for both. The next most common surnames are - in that order Lopez, Martinez, Fernandez and Sanchez.

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Carer held for theft A WOMAN has been arrested for stealing more than €7,000 worth of jewellery from an 81-year-old woman she was employed to look after. Police began to investigate when a relative informed them that a number of gold items had gone missing from her aunt’s home and she suspected one of her carers. After tracking down the missing necklace, watch, brooch and two gold and pearl rings at a shop in Huercal de Almeria which buys and sells gold, officers found that the woman who had sold them for €1,110 was the daughter of one of the elderly woman’s carers. Upon being arrested, 68year-old IFP admitted she had stolen the jewellery, worth a total of €7,410, but insisted that her daughter, whom she had asked to sell it, had no idea it was stolen.

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Unlicensed driver causes injury and destruction THE 27-year-old left a trail of damage in his attempts to evade the police By Maria Jose Fernandez A 27-YEAR-OLD man from Nijar was arrested by Guardia Civil officers after attempting to escape in a vehicle he was driving without a licence. During the attempted escape, the man reportedly ran over a pedestrian, who suf-

fered injuries as a result. Suspicions were aroused after the man, who was driving along the A-7 motorway, carried out a manoeuvre to change direction after noticing the police vehicle, according to the statement released by the authorities. Instead of stopping, as the police had

ordered him, the suspect sped up, almost running over an officer in the process, according to the police report. During his attempt to flee, the man allegedly entered a roundabout in the opposite direction and several cars had to swerve to avoid crashing into him. In the end, he hit four other cars which were parked and tried to flee the scene on foot, but was caught shortly afterwards. The man has been taken into custody accused of offences against road safety and disobeying police commands.

Officers jailed for station punch-up BURNT OUT: Electrical systems had been tampered with.

Drugs up in smoke A SQUATTER has been arrested in Almeria after police officers and firefighters were called to put out a fire in the home where he was living, and found a marihuana plantation inside. The 35-year-old Spanish man admitted he had been growing the drug inside the property after being tracked down by police investigators. A call had alerted emergency services of a fire inside a home on Calle

Roquetas, in Almeria City, and after putting out the blaze the officers discovered a fully-equipped marihuana plantation set up in three rooms of the house. Equipment, 250 marihuana plants and a pellet gun were confiscated, and investigators confirmed that the fire had been caused by electrical systems that had been tampered with to provide supply to the plantation.

THE Superior Court has sentenced a Guardia Civil officer and a corporal who got involved in a fight inside the police station in Garrucha. The corporal has been sentenced to eight months in jail for a crime of mistreatment of a subordinate, while the officer will have to spend seven months in jail for having attacked a superior. The incident took place in June of 2012, when the corporal saw the officer enter the headquarters inside his private vehicle, according to the sentence’s text, which details that several insults were followed by physical, mutual aggression. The officer will also have to pay a sum of €448 in compensation to his superior, while the latter will have to pay a €384 to the officer.

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Traffic flow improves AN extra lane on Calle Fray Juan de Portocarrero and a new roundabout where it meets Calle Madre Maria Aznar between Villablanca and Torrecardenas has opened to traffic in Almeria City, Councillor Pablo Venzal has announced.

Fatal crash TWO men aged 60 and 35 died on Saturday, May 23, when a bicycle and a van collided on the Grajo road in La Mojonera, emergency services reported.

Shark shock A YOUNG man paddle surfing off Aguadulce beach in Almeria was surprised to find a shark just 10 metres away, which quickly attracted a crowd of people who rushed to take pictures.

A7 smash A MAN aged 43 was taken to Torrecardenas Hospital after being injured in a head-on collision between two vehicles on the A7 motorway near Aguadulce.

FINANCE

28 May - 3 June 2015 / Costa de Almería

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The New UK Pension Regime The new UK ‘pension freedom’ came into effect on 6th April, providing new opportunities for retirees, depending on the type of pension. This is a significant change, and all very new, and many expatriates may not realise how they are affected. First of all, the new freedom is not for all pensions - it does not apply to defined benefit (final salary) schemes, public sector pensions, state pensions or annuities. Most options only apply to defined contribution schemes, i.e. money purchase schemes such as personal or stakeholder pensions, self-invested personal pensions (SIPPS), executive pension plans etc. The government is looking at ways to allow greater flexibility in the way annuities are offered. You can transfer out of a defined benefit scheme, to a defined contribution scheme or QROPS, but may lose valuable benefits so need to consider it carefully. You can only transfer if you have taken advice

By Gary Cardwell, Partner, Blevins Franks from a pension transfer specialist regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. You cannot transfer out of public sector or unfunded schemes. Secondly, even if you have a defined contribution scheme, you do not have to do anything. You can leave your pension as it is, and continue to receive regular income through income drawdown. Indeed, not all such schemes will offer the new flexibility; there is

no regulatory force to make them. You would have to transfer to a plan that offers the new flexibility. In turn that could involve a loss of guarantees or other valuable options. Not all providers accept non UK residents, so the choices are limited. If you do want to act now, explore all your options, and the tax and long-term consequences, before taking a decision. What does ‘pension freedom’ mean? You can do almost whatever you like with your funds. Besides taking income drawdown, you could take the whole lot as cash in one go (with no restrictions on how you use the money); you could make withdrawals as and when you want, or take a lump sum now and start income at a later date. You could also buy an annuity. If you do choose to take all or much of your fund as cash, first ensure you have a reliable plan for

your long-term financial security. It is important to think about the tax implications, especially for larger funds. UK taxpayers receive 25% tax free, but other income/ withdrawals are taxed at their marginal rate of income tax. Spanish residents will pay Spanish tax according to the local rules. Most pension income is taxed at the scale rates of income tax, up to 47%. Lump sums are not tax free and the taxable amount is charged at the savings tax rates of 20%-24%. Cash withdrawn from a pension fund also loses protection from UK inheritance tax. Specialist tax advice is therefore essential. Many QROPS cannot yet provide full flexibility on withdrawals. The rule where 70% of the transfer value made to a QROPS must provide an income for life currently remains in place for non-EU QROPS. The 55% death tax has been

abolished, but if you die over age 75 your beneficiaries will still pay tax, at their marginal rate on income or currently at 45% on lump sums. This also applies to annuities, but not final salary schemes. This is just a brief, generalised summary. It is important to seek personalised, expert advice. Getting it wrong could be very costly. Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com.

E W N 28 May - 3 June 2015 / Costa de Almería

Marihuana plantation NOT all intensively-raised crops are legitimate. Local Police officers checking greenhouses in Balerma spotted marihuana and plants hung up to dry. They also saw five people advancing in a hostile manner, telling them that their presence was unwanted. Local Police patrols and the Guardia Civil appeared on the scene following calls for backup and identified the group as the owners. They were uncooperative and refused to offer any assistance as officers searched the property. They discovered a shed used to dry the marihuana where two women and a 14-year-old girl were processing the plants for consumption. One of the women resisted arrest and had to be restrained. The operation netted 300 plants, 7 kilos of dried plants and more than 3.5 kilos of marihuana buds.

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Seeking recognition for the patron saint of Berja

Bike paths

FIRST step is already complete and the next is to get support of the parishioners By Eleanor Hawkins IN JUST one week, more than 1,000 parishioners have signed a petition for Canonical coronation of the Virgin of Gador, patron saint of Berja. “We still have work to do brothers, but we’ll give everything for the Virgin,” said Antonio Campos, representative of the brotherhood of the Virgin of Gador upon announcing the project.

WORK in Almeria City to create 27.5 kilometres of bike paths is progressing well and they should all be complete by September, the two companies carrying out the work have announced.

Cooks work THIRTY women in Fondon are taking part in a professional cookery course hoping to increase their chances of finding work as the tourism sector in the Alpujarra area is on the up.

1,000

School class

signatures were collected within a week of the announcement The first step in the process, achieving the support of the Bishopric of Almeria, is already complete and the next is to get enough support from the parishioners. The brotherhood is seeking support in Berja and surrounding areas, and has said that local born people living further afield are even

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Credit: Ilfirin.

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CHAPEL to the Virgin of Gador, who parishioners wish to see crowned. contacting them online to sign. Campos explained that the process is 90 per cent complete, meaning hopefully within a month the final documents should be ready

to send to Rome, where Pope Francisco will have to ratify the decision. Once papal approval is obtained, the coronation could be held next year.

Breakwater building begins off the coast WORK has started to build breakwaters off the coasts of Adra to protect coastal neighbourhoods from the ever-advancing sea.

Yet local residents, who had been demanding protection for their homes in El Lance de la Virgen, Guainos and La Caracola, are not entirely happy with the fact that they have been given no details on the project. Locals said they had not been informed of the exact location or size of the breakwaters, how long the work would take or other details, and some expressed worry that no environmental studies appeared to have been done. Meanwhile the government explained that nine breakwaters of no more than 50 metres in length will be created off the shore, would cost more than €1.5 million and should be ready before the end of this year. At the same time, the coastal authorities are repairing damage to Adra beaches caused by storms in January and are also due to protect La Vega de Adra, repair jetties and tidy up damaged seafronts. To regenerate the beaches, sand is being brought in from Adra port.

ROQUETAS de Mar Council has rented out part of the Castillo de Santa Ana to Factor Deporte to hold a summer school for children with activities including sports, English lessons and cultural activities planned.

Dodgy votes FOUR parties in Mojacar lodged complaints with the electoral board after postal votes in the town were found to be considerably higher than the national average, leading them to suspect tampering.

City restore ALMERIA Council has received proposals from 12 companies for work planned to restore buildings in the historical centre of the city, which has a €500,000 budget.

Third best TIJOLA’ S municipal football school team reached semi finals in the novice category at a tournament held in Cordoba between the 12 best teams of Andalucia. The teams were split into four groups of three, and Tijola beat both Velez-Rubio and Motril to go forward to the semi finals. Unfortunately the team lost 3-1 to Utrera, and ended behind Arahal and Utrera (both from Sevilla) as the third best team in the region.

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28 May - 3 June 2015 / Costa de Almería

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Centre seeks partners FACILITIES out to tender By Steve Walsh FOUR properties located at the Health and Water Centre have been put out to public tender by Albox Council. These properties are expected to complement the variety of services offered by one of the biggest and best equipped sports centres in Almeria. “We are taking a step further in the construction of a sports centre of excellent quality and

the best facilities ever offered to Albox residents,” said Sports councillor, Francisco Carrillo. “This is a great opportunity for professionals, business owners and local families, as the properties are located in a sports centre used by hundreds every day,” commented the town mayor, Rogelio Mena. Those interested in the management of these facilities can request information at the town hall or call 950 120 908.

The music must go on AS in previous years, the council has signed a collaboration agreement with the Albox Cultural Musical Association. The aim is for the Albox municipal band to take part in social and cultural events during the year. “The municipal band has always been there when we’ve needed them and has come on in leaps and bounds,” Culture councillor Francisco Carrillo said.

2 DAYS

4th - 5th June Thursday - Friday

ONLY

10am - 2pm 5pm - 8.30pm

50 up to

Calle Granada, 48 · Huercal Overa ·

Murcia Pabellon Municipal

C/ Granada

· 627 522 003

C/ Iglesia

C/Arco

Iglesia Parroquial

Ctra. Na. 340

Avda G. Reyna

Estacion Autobuses

C/ Ancha

Ctra. Estacion

GUARANTEE

Almeria

553

off

WE CANNOT BE BEATEN ON OUR LOW PRICE

EXIT

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WE SPEAK ENGLISH

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NEWS

Increase in foreign workers in system ROMANIA was the country with the highest amount of workers

FOREIGN WORKERS: Numbers paying into social security system increased in April. By Eleanor Hawkins THE number of foreign workers paying into the Spanish social security system increased by 44,540 in April, the Employment and Social Security Ministry has

announced. The total of non-Spanish workers registered by the system at the end of last month was just over 1.6 million, a new report from the ministry revealed on Thursday (May 21).

The countries of origin of the largest groups working legally and paying into the system in Spain at the end of April were Romania with 288,277, Morocco with 120,159, China with 91,669 and Ecuador with 70,666.

Man accused of strangling found guilty THE 38-YEAR-OLD man accused of having strangled his ex wife while she slept in a property in Nijar (Almeria) has been found guilty by a public jury. The verdict, reached unanimously, indicates that the accused Khaihil E. murdered his 27-year-old ex partner with a

rope while she slept. The prosecutor’s office has requested 18 years in prison with a mitigating circumstance of having confessed at the Guardia Civil police station three months after the crime and leading them to the place where he had buried the body.

The incident took place in 2013 when the victim arrived at the property they both shared in Campohermoso with another man. The man alleged that he felt jealous and decided to end her life. After the murder he claimed she was on a trip in France.

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Boogieman (and his cat) Almeria parents rebel against exams CHILDREN aged 7 were due to sit the evaluation exams

TOO YOUNG: Many parents consider their children too young to sit ESCALA exams. By Eleanor Hawkins A GROUP of parents from Mar Mediterraneo primary school have boycotted the ESCALA external evaluation exams their second year children were due to sit this week. Seven-year-old children all

over Spain, 8,230 in Almeria, were due to sit the exams, which an outside entity creates to evaluate and compare their knowledge, on Tuesday and Wednesday (May 26-27). Yet many parents are against the exams as they consider the children far too young to be

made to sit them and say the money (at least €2.5 million in Andalucia alone) would be better spent on the schools themselves. The boycott by the Almeria City parents was also followed by a group from Clara Campoamor school in Huercal de Almeria.

JIM Mackie is a Scottish piano man who came to Almeria a few years ago to say “YES!” to every opportunity to make music. ‘Stuff happens’ to the boogieman, and he has put all his hilarious musical adventures into a new book, ‘Boogieman (and his cat) in Andalucia.’ Jim is utterly hopeless at DIY, so this is definitely not your typical ‘new life abroad’ book where the author rebuilds a ruin with his bare hands. In this book, Jim describes his hands as only useful for playing the piano and “the odd bit of sensual massage”....

HILARIOUS: Unlike any other book about Spain.

He tries to make sense of the Andalucian way of life, where something as seemingly simple as a gent’s haircut can turn into a tea-party. But the real hero of this book is Jim’s deranged rescue cat Sammy, who has turned his house in beautiful Bédar village into a Tom & Jerry film. Things become even more entertaining when a cat-hater happens to enter Sammy’s domain, with hilarious results. This really is unlike any other book you've ever read about Spain, music, cats and spatulas.

New life for fountains of Albox A NEW project to recover Albox’s public fountains has finally got going, the council has announced. After a long wait, the Junta de Andalucia regional government finally declared tap water in Albox safe to drink last summer, allowing the project to bring public fountains back to life to go ahead.

Work is already under way on the fountain on Plaza Mayor, and the rest will follow, Mayor Rogelio Mena said, explaining that the project had been waiting for years for the water to be declared safe to avoid health risks. Soon, the almost forgotten image of children using fountains to quench their thirst will once again be possible.

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NEWS FROM OUR FIVE OTHER REGIONS

COSTA DEL SOL

Estepona boasting healthy tourism results in last year ORCHID and Botanical Gardens have been visited by more than 100,000 people

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

MALLORCA

MORE than 100,000 people have visited Estepona’s Orchid and Botanical Gardens since they were inaugurated back in March. The council had predicted that this number of visitors would be reached a year after the park was opened, which goes to show the great results produced by the facilities in barely two months. The park has 200 square metres of vertical gardens, 8,000 different species of plants and had a total cost of €2.3 million. Meanwhile, the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI, has also attracted 10,000 attendees to different plays and shows. The facilities have a budget of €5.7 million. Estepona is currently establishing a positive trend in terms of tourism and hotel occupancy, with great figures last year as the town registered the best September in the past decade with 70 per cent occupancy.

AXARQUÍA

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

Female footy

Marihuana seized

Underage vandals

Night visit

LA NUCIA Sports Centre is to host the 4th Female Football Alexandra Fernandez Campus from June 29 to July 3, accepting players from age six upward. Places may be reserved via www.campusruby23.com.

TWO men were arrested in Palma for allegedly changing an abandoned restaurant into a marihuana greenhouse. Fifty plants were seized and the men have been charged with a crime against public health.

THREE minors, aged 15 and 16 years old, were caught by Local Police in Velez-Malaga after reportedly breaking the rear-view mirrors of up to 30 vehicles, which ware parked in the town centre on Thursday (May 21).

MURCIA’S Cathedral museum is opening the tower to visitors at night every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the summer. Entry costs €6.

Road accident

Safer road

THREE people sustained injuries after being involved in an accident between a bike and a motorbike on the main Escorca road. Two of them are a 55-year-old woman and a 49-year-old man from Germany.

ALMUÑECAR Council has improved several dangerous stretches around the Rio Seco road. Plans included the widening of roads and fitting a more efficient sewage system.

THE death of a 61-year-old woman killed last month after being hit by a van in Mazarron has been attributed to the same Moroccan man being held in prison in connection with the death of a woman in Totana.

Servants’ tribute

Crime students

THE Council of Motril honoured 14 civil servants who are about to retire on the occasion of the Saint Rita festivities. The event took place at the Casa Condesa de Torre Isabel with the delivery of commemorative plaques.

A DOZEN students from the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Texas San Antonio (USA) visited the Commissioner of the National Police in Elche as part of an agreement with the University Miguel Hernandez.

Benidorm WiFi LEVANTE Beach in Benidorm is launching its ‘SmartWiFi’ project this summer, a pilot project providing free WiFi in exchange for user information useful to the city’s tourism industry.

Coach dies

New supermarkets

TONI HERREROS, Gandia’s much-loved athletics coach, has passed away at the age of 58. An evening funeral Mass was held in the church of Sant Josep de Gandia.

GERMAN supermarket chain Aldi last week opened six new stores in Palmanova, Magaluf, Marratxi and Palma. The business now has a total of 7,000 square-metres of commercial surface in Mallorca.

Sol Park robbery

Rain havoc

THE same house in Sol Park, Moraira, has been burgled twice in one week. The Guardia Civil is monitoring the area and urges anyone to contact them if they see anything suspicious.

Cocaine in cocoa NATIONAL Police and the tax authorities seized 160 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a shipment of cocoa in the port of Valencia on Saturday May 23.

Victim tribute

Serial killer

Mountain biking

THE rain registered in Palma last week caused long tailbacks in the area of Inca and Llevant motorways, which reached the new access of El Molinar.

FORMER Head of Nerja’s Museum, Ana Maria Marquez, who was murdered by her partner in 2014, was remembered during an event last week with a book dedication on the occasion of International Museum Day.

A MOUNTAIN biking tour across the Sierra Espuña takes place on June 9 and 16 and July 2. For details contact La Mariposa Hotel on 968 631 008.

Active tourism

Pretty town

Cycle path

MALLORCA has been chosen by online site Trivago amongst the 10 best places in Spain to practise active tourism. Factors considered included the variety of activities offered as well as the quality of accommodation.

FRIGILIANA now boasts the official sign of inclusion in the select group of the ‘Most Beautiful Towns in Spain,’ bestowed by the association of the same name. The post was placed at the entrance roundabout to the town.

SANTA POLA’S bicycle lane of Avenida Santiago Bernabeu to Varadero has been completed in compliance with all security measures. Mile markers have also been added for runners.

For more local news from our five other regions see www.euroweeklynews.com

Double vote A MAN in Nueva Andalucia, Marbella, caused havoc at Sunday’s local elections by voting twice as he thought general elections were also being held at the same time. Eventually the poling agents agreed to destroy a random envelope.

Lions help out

By Maria José Fernandez

BOTANIC GARDENS: With 8,000 different species of plants.

NEWS

THE La Cala de Mijas Lions have donated €3,000 to Lions International Fund to help the cause in Nepal, where Lions of Nepal are working to help out after the recent earthquakes.

Surprise guests DORIENNE CARMEL, a British woman with a holiday home in Riviera del Sol, Mijas Costa, is looking after four baby kestrels which have hatched in a flowerpot on her terrace.

Films for all ALBENIZ Cinema in Malaga is the first in the city to have adapted its installations for the disabled. Screenings are prepared for blind and deaf people by adding audio descriptions and subtitles.

Hell and back I’VE Been to Hell and Back, an exhibition of more than 100 pieces by Louise Bourgeois, will be running at the Museo Picasso Malaga from June 10 to September 27.

Fly away AS OF June 29, daily flights will be run between Malaga-Costa del Sol airport and New York through a joint venture by Delta, Air France KLM and Alitalia.

Shootout arrests A JOINT operation between the Guardia Civil and Mijas Local Police saw three people arrested after a shootout on a street in Riviera del Sol between four people.

EWN top for all the news from Spain.

NEWS

www.euroweeklynews.com

Cabinet approves new law project WILL focus mainly on cyber, marine and financial security By Eleanor Hawkins THE new controversial National Security law project aimed to improve the Spanish State’s response to risks and threats has been approved by the cabinet of ministers. The project was the main subject at a meeting of the cabinet at Moncloa Palace, which all the cabinet members attended except Foreign Secretary Jose Manuel Garcia Margallo, who was on an official visit to Lithuania. The controversial law will regulate alarm levels and special situations and aims to fight risks

and threats without, deputy PM Soraya Saenz de Santamaria explained, taking measures that would suspend fundamental rights or public freedom. The new law will focus mainly on cyber, marine and financial security along with environment, energy, transport and telecommunications. Main points on the project are that the State will be able to mobilise both public and private resources to face crisis situations that put national security at risk and local and regional police forces can be placed under the orders of the Spanish government after a state of crisis is declared.

Virgins get ready for show THE Luvvies Almanzora Valley amateur theatre group is preparing for their production of Dinner Ladies, due to arrive on stage at the end of June. While the stage army is busy set building to create a canteen kitchen, the big secret is the poster for the show, which is due to be

revealed around the end of this month. Meanwhile three stage virgins are gearing up for their debuts in the show. If you fancy becoming a virgin too, contact The Luvvies on their website, by email: info@theluvvies.com or phone 634 346 309

28 May - 3 June 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂ­a

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GERMAN

EUROPEAN PRESS SCANDINAVIAN PRESS

Knocked out FINLAND: Punk band PKN, the first Eurovision act with learning difficulties, has been knocked out in the semi finals. The rockers vowed that this setback would not stop them following their dreams.

Passport scam SWEDEN: A Malmo court has jailed a former Migration Board worker and his accomplice for three years for accepting bribes in exchange for resident permits and passports for asylum seekers.

Helsinki losses FINLAND: Helsinki estimates it loses €60 million a year due to the shadow economy. The Tax Administration detected unusual movements in over 20 per cent of the business audits it completed.

Benefit fighters DENMARK: Jihadists are claiming unemployment benefits whilst fighting in Syria. The Danish Security and Intelligence Service said there had been 32 instances amounting to around €51,000 in payments.

PRESS

Hatton arrests in London A SUBSTANTIAL amount of valuables have been recovered NINE people, including three pensioners have been arrested in London and Kent over the multimillion pound heist at a Hatton Garden safe deposit company. Police have recovered a substantial amount of valuable property including diamonds.

Trinity closures TRINITY Leeds, the popular shopping centre, has seen many retail outlets close due to financial difficulties. Land Securities, the owners, said it offered lower rents to assist those in trouble.

Vegas footballers BOURNEMOUTH footballers who won the championship have been enjoying a well deserved break in Las Vegas. Owner Max Denim gave the players £300,000 to reward them for their outstanding season.

NEWS

BRITISH PRESS Pick a face for £20 The British public will for the first time be able to help decide which historic figure - in this case a creative one - appears on the next version of the country’s £20 note, according to Bank of England Governor Mark Carney.

Residents reported hearing five gunshots in quick succession. Police suspect a gangland connection.

Brave mum A GLASGOW mother has given birth a year after she was diagnosed with an aneurysm. Jade Cameron gave birth in the same hospital, a year to the day after her life saving operation.

Vicious attack A LIVERPOOL teenager needed 27 stitches after being slashed in the face. The 18-yearold was walking with his girlfriend when he suffered the unprovoked attack by seven teenagers.

BANK OF ENGLAND: Governor Mark Carney.

Manchester murder A MURDER enquiry has been launched after a man’s body was found beside his car in Urmston Manchester.

24-hour music in Amsterdam CLUBS must be in areas where the noise will not affect residents

Safety force DARTH VADER is being used in a campaign to alert people to wear cycle helmets. Dorothee Bar, junior transport minister said: “Wearing a helmet is part of safe cycling,” at the launch in Berlin.

Fourth cup FRANKFURT women’s football team has won their fourth champions league cup. The team had already won the championship four times before. Their striker, Celia Sasic was the top scorer.

Welcome news A MAN who left €44,000 at a Hamburg train station was overjoyed when police traced him and returned his money. It was returned to him on his 92nd birthday.

Royal tour PRINCESS MARY of Denmark has begun a tour of Germany dressed in a 70s jumpsuit. She and Prince Frederik are promoting Danish Living to strengthen trade between Germany and Denmark.

Biker fight

Oil objection

TWO biker gangs started a fight at the Holy Ghost hospital in Longreich after visiting members at the hospital. Around 40 people were involved and police arrested three gang members.

NORWAY: Norwegian author, Karl Ove Knausgaard, has condemned Norway for its plans to open up the Arctic for oil exploration. Campaigners are suing the government saying it will worsen climate change.

Cash free

All day music.

DENMARK: The country could be one of the first to abolish cash transactions. It is aimed at protecting the banks from collapse if a run on the currency starts capital flight.

AMSTERDAM music clubs will be allowed to open 24 hours a day after Mayor Eberhard van der Laan approved new legislation. Permitted clubs must be in areas where noise pollution will not affect residents.

Abel Prize

Under age

NORWAY: The Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters has awarded the Abel Prize for 2015 to American mathematicians John F Nash and Louis Nirenberg. HM King Harald gave the award.

MORE than 29 men are being prosecuted for having sex with a 16year-old prostitute in Valkenburg, Limburg. Two suspects have committed suicide and the Public Prosecutor said the investigation was still ongoing.

DUTCH PRESS Four year scam A ROTTERDAM court sentenced a man accused of running a welfare benefits scam to four years. The scheme involved Bulgarian men in the Netherlands who claimed benefits they were not permitted to receive.

No deal AFC AJAX is not allowing their goalkeeper, Jasper Cillessen to be sold to Manchester United. Ajax Director Marc Overmars said he was not for sale, not even for €25 million.

Narcotics chemicals POLICE seized 50,000 litres of chemicals and tens of thousands of Euros at locations in Roosendaal and Oudenbosch. They said the chemicals would have been used in the synthesis of narcotics.

Sweet theft A ROBBER in Dortmund entered a sweet shop armed with a gun and demanded money. When faced with the owner wielding lollipops he fled. He was later arrested.

Hesse shooting A PENSIONER was shot by police in Hesse when he refused to be admitted to a secure unit. After threatening the police with a firearm he was fatally shot outside his home.

NEWS

28 May - 3 June 2015 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

RUSSIAN P RESS

Linking Russia Aleksander Kaasik

BRIDGE is expected to completed by 2018

KERCH STRAIT: Work on bridge has started. A BRIDGE that will link Crimea to Krasnodar through the Kerch strait is under construction. It is expected to be finished in 2018.

Chechen fugitive A CHECHEN law enforcement officer, Ruslan Geremeyev, who was implicated in the murder of Boris Nemtsov has fled the country. Moscow prosecutors suspect he is in Turkey or Dubai.

Network fines RUSSIA’S media watchdog has threatened Google, Twitter and Facebook with fines unless the companies ban media deemed to be extremist. Alexander Zharov, head of Roskomnadzor, accused the companies of lawless actions.

Plant discovery AN INQUEST has revealed that a rare Chinese plant was found in the stomach of wealthy Russian businessman Alexander Perepilichny who died suddenly in London three years ago.

Free coffee A COFFEE shop in Murmansk has defied all expectations and is thriving. New York Coffee offers free drinks and a welcoming ambience. Customers pay only for the time they stay there.

World cup THE WORLD CUP 2018 stadiums in Nizhniy Novgorod and Kaliningrad will be ready ahead of schedule, a Russian minister claimed. Following the World Cup the stadiums will be transformed into multicultural centres.

Mountain opera A RUSSIAN conductor is shunning the limelight and recording Mozart operas in Perm in the Ural mountains. Teodor Currentzis has been known to perform for over 14 hours at a time.

Gas line GAZPROM, the Russian energy company intends to lay over 50km of gas pipes in Siberia over the next two years. It is part of the Siberian-China gas pipeline.

Total production FRENCH company Total has started gas production at its Termokarstovoye plant in Siberia. It is part of Total’s collaboration with Russian company Novatek. It is the fourth project for the companies. COFFEE: Offered free.

EWN

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FINANCE

STAT OF WEEK

business & legal LONDON - FTSE 100 C LOSING P RICES

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A EURO WEEKLY NEWS 7 PAGE SPECIAL SECTION // WWW.EWNBUSINESS.COM

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Pay is less than minimum wage By Jason Bailey THE MINIMUM wage in Spain is €9,034 per year, or €646 per month. However, it is clear that many workers are receiving far less than the legal minimum. Security staff who look after the Pompidou Centre in Malaga only earn €3.95 an hour which translates to €467 per month. The average wage in Malaga has dropped by 6 per cent be-

Quote of the Week

€646 is the minimum wage per month in Spain tween 2008 and 2013 and it is in part due to contracts offered to new employees.

Traditionally new contracts would offer the potential employee a better pay grade than those already employed, thereby attracting them to the position with better remuneration. In the harsh days of economic uncertainty, coupled with the Spanish social security system, which pays out pro rata to contributions paid in, new em-

IT would be wonderful to enjoy success without seeing envy in the eyes of those around you. Marilyn Monroe

BUSINESS EXTRA

Jobs at IKEA in Alfafar IKEA management has reported that it has opened the selection process to recruit 120 people to join the work force at its Alfafar store in Valencia. SELF EMPLOYED: The Spanish system is complicated.

Is it right for you? SELF EMPLOYMENT in Spain is a most taxing affair. The Spanish system is complicated and has tiers of taxation depending on the period of time you are autonomo. The irony is that dealing with Spanish self employment bureaucracy is sometimes the only way for workers in Spain to make a living wage. Unlike Britain, where the self employed can deliver their tax returns online it is highly advisable to employ a gestor to finalise your yearly accounts.

The incremental rise in payments towards the social security costs, €50 for the first six months and then an increase in payments every six months, along with standard income tax and IVA (VAT), where applicable, seems to be a system designed to deter people from entering the system. With Spain on the brink of a financial recovery maybe it is time that they adjusted the system to encourage rather than discourage people to pay into the system.

Heavy fines SIX people who took part in a peaceful demonstration against a new gagging law within the ‘Public Safety Act’ on February 19 have each been fined between €300 and €6,000.

Payback time SPAIN is to pay back €2.5 billion in bailout loans which it received from the European Union in 2012 to prop up the country’s banks. The money will be handed back to the Europe an U nion in J uly ac cording to the Economy Ministry.

Property bargains to be had BANKIA is selling off its entire portfolio of residential and commercial properties. Many of these were acquired through foreclosures, others were purchased when the property market was considered to be worth speculation. Bankia wishes to sell as one complete package, but on the advice of Credit Suisse

39

Ten per cent of disadvantaged Spaniards lost 13 per cent of their annual income between 2007 and 2011.

DOW JONES

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EWN

will probably have to divide the portfolio into manageable units. Either way it will mean that there should be a glut of properties on the market, with many priced for a quick sale. This will strengthen the Spanish property market which grew from €4.9 billion in 2013 to €17.8 billion in 2014.

ployees can find themselves being paid 30 per cent less than those already in the same positions. The situation has been made worse by the different types of contracts offered. Short term positions, self-employed contracts with no security and employment offered by companies who subcontract the jobs from main companies do create employment but at what cost?

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Spanish rich getting richer IN a report entitled ‘Why less inequality benefits everyone,’ the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation Development) states: “The gap between the rich and the poor in Spain is at its widest since data collation began 30 years ago.” For Spain, the broad contrasts in well-being between rich and poor were exacerbated by the economic crisis due to tax adjustments and welfare cuts. The hardest years of the crisis are acknowledged as 2007 -2011.

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LONDON - FTSE 100

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY WITH US See our advert on opposite page

C LOSING P RICES M AY 25

PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY 3i Group 559.50 -0.50 Aberdeen Asset Management 448.50 0.00 Admiral Group 1,478.00 -3.00 Aggreko 1,595.00 -16.00 Anglo American 1,062.50 3.50 Antofagasta 774.00 -11.00 ARM Holdings 1,123.00 3.00 Ashtead Group 1,191.00 2.00 Associated British Foods 2,933.50 14.50 AstraZeneca 4,473.50 48.50 Aviva 538.00 -4.00 Babcock International Group 1,120.00 8.00 BAE Systems 515.50 2.50 Barclays 270.15 -0.90 Barratt Developments 595.50 1.50 BG Group 1,156.00 -10.50 BHP Billiton 1,408.50 4.00 BP 457.75 -0.25 British American Tobacco 3,621.00 -12.00 British Land Co 869.00 0.50 BT Group 451.05 -8.10 Bunzl 1,882.00 -3.00 Burberry Group 1,709.00 9.00 Capita Group (The) 1,276.00 -4.00 Carnival 3,142.00 1.00 Centrica 280.50 -0.50 Coca-Cola HBC 1,466.00 -4.00 Compass Group 1,148.00 -0.10 CRH 1,833.00 -7.00 Diageo 1,813.75 13.25 Direct Line Insurance Group 330.25 1.75 Dixons Carphone 468.00 6.50 easyJet 1,591.00 -19.00 Experian 1,247.00 3.00 Fresnillo 763.00 2.00 G4S 298.50 3.00 GKN 369.20 2.30 GlaxoSmithKline 1,464.50 14.00 Glencore 292.40 -1.10 Hammerson 678.00 -0.50 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,274.00 -3.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals 2,142.00 -7.00 HSBC Holdings 620.60 6.10 Imperial Tobacco Group 3,298.00 8.00 InterContinental Hotels 2,758.00 -6.00 International Consldtd Airlines 542.50 -11.50 Intertek Group 2,627.00 23.00 Intu Properties 341.00 -2.30 ITV 267.55 -0.35 Johnson Matthey 3,475.00 19.00

% CHG. NET VOL -0.09 5,445.78 0.00 5,972.29 -0.20 4,133.59 -0.99 4,126.07 0.33 14,845.41 -1.40 7,738.98 0.27 15,816.37 0.17 5,984.76 0.50 23,108.97 1.10 55,913.36 -0.74 21,926.48 0.72 5,584.43 0.49 16,231.96 -0.33 45,392.44 0.25 5,892.56 -0.90 39,835.64 0.28 29,664.05 -0.05 83,635.96 -0.33 67,724.01 0.06 8,863.34 -1.76 38,441.70 -0.16 6,311.41 0.53 7,560.83 -0.31 8,500.42 0.03 6,789.38 -0.18 13,978.44 -0.27 5,356.58 -0.01 19,061.81 -0.38 15,111.92 0.74 45,273.43 0.53 4,927.50 1.41 5,313.99 -1.18 6,395.05 0.24 12,296.03 0.26 5,607.76 1.02 4,584.96 0.63 6,046.71 0.97 70,584.34 -0.37 38,383.77 -0.07 5,321.55 -0.23 6,057.05 -0.33 4,273.93 0.99 119,908.70 0.24 31,488.29 -0.22 6,526.28 -2.08 11,297.91 0.88 4,201.86 -0.67 4,542.27 -0.13 10,784.07 0.55 7,081.96

COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) Kingfisher 365.30 -1.20 Land Securities Group 1,320.00 -4.00 Legal & General Group 269.30 -0.20 Lloyds Banking Group ORD 87.98 0.14 London Stock Exchange 2,459.00 24.00 Marks & Spencer Group 594.00 0.50 Meggitt 512.00 -2.00 Merlin Entertainments 461.20 -3.80 Mondi 1,515.00 6.00 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 180.70 0.40 National Grid 918.30 9.20 Next 7,450.00 23.61 Old Mutual 235.40 1.20 Pearson 1,339.00 -3.00 Persimmon 1,936.00 11.00 Prudential 1,654.00 -3.50 Randgold Resources 4,779.00 66.00 Reckitt Benckiser Group 5,870.00 24.00 Reed Elsevier 1,104.00 -2.00 Rio Tinto 2,902.50 29.00 Rolls-Royce Group 1,019.00 8.00 Royal Bank of Scotland Group 355.10 0.10 Royal Dutch Shell 1,971.00 -14.00 Royal Dutch Shell 2,000.50 -20.50 Royal Mail 503.50 3.50 RSA Insurance Group 435.80 -3.00 SABMiller 3,633.50 18.00 Sage Group (The) 572.00 -2.50 Sainsbury (J) 261.30 0.60 Schroders 3,423.00 16.00 Severn Trent 2,174.00 -8.00 Shire 5,540.00 35.00 Sky 1,079.00 -8.00 Smith & Nephew 1,134.00 -6.00 Smiths Group 1,201.00 11.00 Sports Direct International 653.00 -1.00 SSE 1,666.00 10.00 St James's Place 932.50 0.50 Standard Chartered 1,059.50 2.50 Standard Life 499.90 2.80 Taylor Wimpey 184.40 0.40 Tesco 219.48 -1.22 Travis Perkins 2,208.00 32.00 TUI AG 1,180.00 -24.00 Unilever 2,880.50 6.50 United Utilities Group 1,002.00 -4.00 Vodafone Group 253.75 11.25 Weir Group 1,937.50 21.50 Whitbread 5,210.00 -50.00 Wolseley 4,060.00 16.00 WPP Group 1,560.00 -6.00

% CHG. -0.33 -0.30 -0.07 0.16 0.99 0.08 -0.39 -0.82 0.40 0.22 1.01 0.32 0.51 -0.22 0.57 -0.21 1.40 0.41 -0.18 1.01 0.79 0.03 -0.71 -1.01 0.70 -0.68 0.50 -0.44 0.23 0.47 -0.37 0.64 -0.74 -0.53 0.92 -0.15 0.60 0.05 0.24 0.56 0.22 -0.55 1.47 -1.99 0.23 -0.40 4.64 1.12 -0.95 0.40 -0.38

NET VOL 8,544.18 10,466.80 16,015.28 62,694.69 8,456.28 9,782.44 4,048.31 4,713.92 7,327.01 4,210.17 34,011.38 11,389.08 11,537.06 11,008.27 5,900.93 42,614.09 4,389.21 41,755.44 12,428.53 40,422.31 18,588.19 22,848.00 77,307.51 49,320.70 5,000.00 4,461.53 58,440.25 6,189.65 5,007.85 7,700.58 5,190.09 32,570.43 18,685.72 10,196.06 4,697.85 3,913.96 16,445.17 4,870.63 26,910.77 9,788.82 5,986.37 17,957.26 5,414.58 7,062.70 36,886.62 6,859.80 64,293.30 4,088.38 9,559.48 10,516.70 20,439.97

1.40951

0.70946

Units per €

US dollar ..................................................................1.09798 Japan yen ................................................................133.538 Switzerland franc..................................................1.03491 Denmark kroner...................................................7.45534 Norway kroner ......................................................8.39761

currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914

DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES M AY 25

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 VOLUME 1.8M -0.67% -1.08 160.98 3.4M +0.61% 81.25 +0.49 +0.88% 45.6M 132.54 +1.15 3.9M -1.72% -2.54 144.81 3.5M -0.78% -0.70 88.63 4.7M -0.57% -0.60 104.89 -0.58% 20.1M -0.17 29.26 -0.05% 11.9M -0.02 41.21 4.3M -0.12% -0.13 110.26 2.6M -0.27% -0.19 70.79 7.6M -0.79% -0.69 86.52 -0.14% 23.3M -0.04 27.68 3.0M +1.39% 207.80 +2.85 3.7M +0.13% 112.16 +0.15 2.8M -0.65% -1.12 172.22 -0.30% 20.8M -0.10 33.45 6.2M -1.04% -1.07 101.35 9.3M -0.27% -0.18 66.47 4.6M -0.29% -0.29 98.99 9.0M -1.20% -0.72 59.38 -1.10% 25.7M -0.52 46.90 2.8M +0.03% 104.43 +0.03 -0.23% 13.0M -0.08 34.28 6.0M -0.57% -0.46 79.95 1.6M -0.35% -0.36 102.73 2.4M -0.42% -0.50 118.62 2.9M -0.72% -0.87 119.59 -0.58% 12.3M -0.29 49.61 4.5M +0.36% 69.62 +0.25 6.8M -0.33% -0.25 75.86

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES M AY 25

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

Most Advanced $ 13.35 $ 3.01 $ 84.63 $ 6.81 $ 35.64 $ 2.74 $ 2.32 $ 34 $ 5.20 $ 22.44 $ 22.59

2.29 ▲ 20.71% 0.50 ▲ 19.92% 12.64 ▲ 17.56% 0.89 ▲ 15.03% 4.51 ▲ 14.49% 0.29 ▲ 11.84% 0.22 ▲ 10.48% 3.20 ▲ 10.39% 0.45 ▲ 9.47% 1.79 ▲ 8.67% 1.80 ▲ 8.66%

China Information Technology, Inc. $ 3.80 Otonomy, Inc. $ 24.86 Auris Medical Holding AG $ 4.92 China Gerui Advanced Materials Group Limited $ 2.45 Zions Bancorporation $ 4.01 Marvell Technology Group Ltd. $ 13.14 Calithera Biosciences, Inc. $ 11 ChinaCache International Holdings Ltd. $ 13.72 The Habit Restaurants, Inc. $ 36.18 Unilife Corporation $ 2.47 Tokai Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $ 10.95

1.10 ▼ 22.45% 6.19 ▼ 19.94% 0.51 ▼ 9.39% 0.2499 ▼ 9.26% 0.39 ▼ 8.86% 1.23 ▼ 8.56% 1.02 ▼ 8.49% 1.27 ▼ 8.47% 3.18 ▼ 8.08% 0.21 ▼ 7.84% 0.91 ▼ 7.67%

ReWalk Robotics Ltd Oncothyreon Inc. Ctrip.com International, Ltd. Achaogen, Inc. Cellular Biomedicine Group, Inc. Eagle Rock Energy Partners, L.P. Lincoln Educational Services Corporation Cellectis S.A. ATA Inc. eLong, Inc. United-Guardian, Inc.

Most Declined

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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

Advertising feature

Sterling on the bounce again STERLING appears to have entered a somewhat bumpy trading range against the Euro and currently offers 14 per cent more purchasing power than a year ago, this gain increasing to 23 per cent compared to two summers ago. With this extra purchasing power and as Spain starts to see green recovery shoots, the numbers of British retirees choosing Spain is likely to increase. When making the big move buying a property is often the priority, while tax and financial planning considerations often take a back seat. While in some cases this may not matter, in the vast majority of cases tax and financial planning before leaving the UK can add significantly to your long-term financial security. Failure to plan, on the other hand, may well reduce your long-term standard of living. Even when financial planning is prioritised, the conundrum many face is finding an adviser in the UK who is well versed in identifying tax planning opportunities before the move and is able to integrate them into a plan which will minimise tax on arrival in Spain. The second aspect is identifying a firm who will continue to provide ongoing advice and support in Spain to

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UK standards. The Fry Group have been providing specialist tax driven financial planning solutions to UK and other nationals leaving and arriving in the

UK since 1898, and through our growing international office network in Europe and the Far East we are uniquely qualified to assist. The Fry Group have been providing local

support to clients in Spain for many years and having opened an office on the Costa del Sol now provide an enhanced capacity in Spain. When seeking financial planning advice, ideally before you move, it is important to understand that most advisers in Spain operate to a very different standard compared to UK advisers. In the UK advisers are required to be fully transparent in all dealings and commission is no longer taken when arranging financial products. In Spain commission paid by insurance companies for products sold is still the primary source of financial adviser remuneration, with investor protection and disclosure rights being generally weaker. No specialist financial advisers active in Spain have advised expatriates for as long as The Fry Group. Our long history of providing quality advice continues with our guarantee of UK advisory and disclosure standards being applied to all clients dealing in Spain. Why not find out what makes us refreshingly different? 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 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

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Can you live on less to save more? Loose change

Dare yourself to spend money only on the essentials. This is where steely willpower comes in.

Jane Plunkett A look at finance for females jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com

FORGET ‘Operation Bikini’, how about going on a spending diet this summer? Aren’t you just envious of those people that manage to save money every month? They tuck some money away and sit back and watch it build up into a nice little nest egg. What a nice and secure feeling that must be to have a financial cushion to fall onto if times get hard. Saving is a challenging task, but it is something that everyone should be aiming to do. Half-hearted efforts are never enough and we always fail to save anything. So in order to

SAVING: A challenging task.

get saving - it is time to get brutal! How about putting away half your income? Living on half your salary is not impossible, but yes, it is a daunting thought. But it can be accomplished with a lot of willpower, determination and some major sacrifices. Apart from anything else, it’s just plain smart to save half of your income. Even if you can’t save half, you should aim to get as close to it as possible. A rainy day due to un-

employment, illness, car problems or legal issues, could be just around the corner. And living on half your income prepares you to live on less while saving more for that rainy day. To get started, think of the next 30 days as a study of your spending patterns. Take note of necessary purchases and bills and any flippant or impulsive buys. This will give you insight into exactly where your money goes. Then the challenge! Dare yourself to spend money only on the essentials. This is where steely willpower comes in. Can you limit yourself to only the essentials? Or will daily treats, lunches out or pretty clothes get the better of your intentions? Think of it like a challenge. It’ll be extremely tough at first, but if you manage to stick with it, then your bank account will thank you.

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A clear vision from

‘The Way Insurance Should Be’ is the motto at Abbeygate and their high standards of customer care forms the basis of a great business. The company has a clear vision on what is required to maintain its clients’ expectations and continue to grow. But more importantly every member of the Abbeygate team understands that the customer comes first. Abbeygate offer the expat community in Spain top quality service, not only in their preferred language but in a fashion that they are used to. Abbeygate clients have said “that being able to arrange their Insurance policies in English is fantastic. What we really liked is that we are speaking to expats who fully understand our needs and concerns.” It is easy to see why that is well received. Managing Director Peter Sheppard said: “Our unique selling points are, our exclusive products, but in truth the real difference we offer is our staff, who not only understand the needs of the expat, but also care to give a friendly professional service. All members of our staff are expatriates themselves, they know the problems people have and understand our customers, whatever the circumstances may be.” He went on to say: “My greatest asset is our staff.” In dealing with Abbeygate you can be sure that you are dealing with a professional company that has, for a long time, taken its responsibilities to customers very seriously. Even before the days of compulsory regulation to protect general insurance customers, Abbeygate signed up to the customer protection standards that were offered through being voluntary members of both the General Insurance Standards Council (GISC) and the Insurance Brokers Registration Council (IBRC). Abbeygate are not only famous for their friendly efficient service but also renowned for being very competitive. On average they save their clients a massive 120 Euros compared to the standard rate of competitors. Moreover at your renewal date you can expect a similarly competitive quote. Abbeygate clients say “my last insurer quoted me a lot then kept calling me reducing their price. In the end I agreed, but was horrified at renewal when I was quoted really high again, almost double. But at Abbeygate I know I don’t need to shop around every year, they always get me a great deal first time of asking. I feel much happier with Abbeygate.”

Christina & Nathalie

Claire

Adam

SPECIAL FEATURE

The Abbeygate team The Abbeygate team has been carefully assembled to give the best possible service. All of the staff take part in a registered training programme which can lead to professional qualifications. Training is an integral part of our general business practice, with continual professional

development programmes and group training on product or industry developments. Abbeygate is committed to high standards of friendly advice. Managing Director Peter Sheppard said: “The people we employ genuinely care about our clients. They want to help people in what can be stressful times.”

Originally set up in Herefordshire in 1982 Abbeygate has grown steadily through the years and now has a presence throughout Europe. The company opened in Spain security, but small enough to react in 2003 with an office in to outside forces like the Sotogrande. Since then, economy.” it has continued An Using the same expanding, until it opportunity to business model and now has 55,000 philosophy, customers in this grow rather Abbeygate opened an country. than an office in Cyprus in Abbeygate is the excuse to fail 2006 and Portugal in leading, and biggest, 2010. independent insurance Then in 2013 the company brokers for expats in Spain. opened its flagship European Managing Director Peter headquarters in Estepona, Sheppard said: “We are big Malaga. enough to offer a top service and

A success story...

Charlie

Hayley

Denny

Gerrard

Holly

From left: Andrew, Rob, Amanda and Peter.

Now Abbeygate is looking to expand in the Costa Blanca area. Peter said: “We want to repeat on the Costa Blanca what we have achieved in Portugal and Cyprus. We are looking for bigger and more highly visible premises.” Their Iberian Head Office near Estepona, occupying their own building of some 1,100 square metres, is the centre of excellence where expert staff ensure their clients get the best service. He added: “Through the recession we have employed more people each year. Everyone at Abbeygate has tried harder in the tougher times, seeing it as an opportunity to grow rather than an excuse to fail.”

Matthew

Jo

Abbeygate is a trading name of Wydean Insurance Service Ltd. Authorised and regulated by the FCA (305487)

James

What Abbeygate offer has a proven track record in being able to offer savings on the following products: Motor Insurance Commercial Insurance Home Insurance Marine Insurance Travel Insurance Pet Insurance Health Insurance Golf Insurance For more details visit:

www.abbeygateinsure.com or call 951 277 455 Members of the expert team of advisors are waiting to ensure you get the right cover.

Lauren

Maxine

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OPINION & COMMENT

Irish get it right on gay marriage Cordon Press

THE majority have accepted their gay community as complete equals in every respect LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT I FOR one was delighted by the Irish vote to sanction gay marriage. Having married two Irish ladies, I have been deeply involved with Irish traditions since falling in love with the colleen, who later became my first wife, when I was just 15. My first visit to the ‘auld country’ was back in 1955. At that time, any suggestion of gay marriage would have resulted in deportation or an escort to the local lunatic asylum. Catholicism ruled the country in a grip of steel. No one missed Mass on a Sunday morning or, in some areas, on any other morning. The priests were all powerful and virtually untouchable. Of course, we now know that the fact that they were unable to marry didn’t disturb many of them at all. The priesthood attracted gay men in droves. Unfortunately, it also attracted paedophiles and we all know the later scandals and revelations that emerged with the widespread child abuse practices,

RESOUNDING VICTORY: 62.06 per cent voted in favour. In 1955 any suggestion of gay marriage would have resulted in deportation or an escort to the local lunatic asylum

which ultimately brought an apology from the Pope himself. The local populace were shaken to the core and indeed disbelieving, when all this scandal came to light, but in true Irish tradition have soldiered on and, despite of (or perhaps be-

cause of) their deep religious beliefs, have now accepted their gay community as complete equals in every respect. Well, all power to ye and may your minds continue to be as broad as your very capable shoulders. Despite all this, however, I must confess I still find myself a little uncomfortable with same-sex couples having children. I know, I know, what sort of hypocrisy is that? It’s just that I have experienced a number of gay friends who have brought up children. Irrespective of the love they have undoubtedly felt for their offspring, because of the sheer nature of the situation, many of the children have become confused, attempted suicide or turned to drugs. I’m just not sure same-sex parents give children the strongest of starts in life. I’d be interested in your views, but please don’t hit me with the children of gay millionaires, I’m talking about the ordinary family who live down the street. Those who don’t have the opportunity to substitute Mum and Dad with a life of privilege. I await the slings and arrows. Keep the faith, Love Leapy, Leapylee2002@gmail.com www.leapylee.co.uk

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Petits Detectius

EU plan for migrant quotas hits rocks: another doomed quick fix? Nora Johnson

Breaking Views Nora is the author of popular psychological suspense and crime thrillers and a freelance journalist. To comment on any of the issues raised in her column, go to www.euroweeklynews.com/3.0.15/nora-johnson

WITH net migration to the UK at its highest level in a decade, an EU plan to spread migrants throughout the continent using a quota system for their resettlement appears near to collapse with its rejection by numerous EU countries. And my response to this latest doomed quick fix dreamed up by the EU? Well, it’s a word that rhymes with “bucket”! Love her or loathe her, British Home Secretary Theresa May rightly opposed the scheme. Everything should be done, she said, to rescue those at risk at sea, but taking them to a European port, thereby creating a ‘pull-factor,’ would certainly encourage many more to attempt the trip, thereby benefiting those who ruthlessly exploit them for financial gain. I find myself split between compas-

RISK AT SEA: Migration at highest level in a decade.

The only lasting solution is to bring stability to those countries through economic development and conflict resolution.

sion for these individuals and the conclusion that a combination of rumour, internet and the media about the EU’s ready largesse, open borders and helpful rescue crews are fuelling this escalating migration to Europe and making it irresistibly attractive to thousands of people. If the message being sent back was that migrants paying to enter Europe

illegally are wasting their time and money, both the demand and the business of the people-smugglers meeting it would evaporate. We need to separate those truly escaping from danger from those escaping poverty. The only lasting solution is to bring stability to these countries through economic development and conflict resolution but, in the late great Buddy

Holly’s immortal words, ‘That’ll be the day.’ People in overcrowded, poorly-maintained boats simply don’t have time to wait for things to be fixed. The future is free for us to imagine and invent. The problem which is facing us today is how to find work for the unemployed, reduce state deficits, pay for benefits and, in the UK, get the NHS off life support. Otherwise, the future is bright. Or is it? What about the killings in Iraq, Libya, Syria and so on seemingly without end? What about Iran, ISIS and Russia? What about all these unskilled refugees seeking a new life in Europe? How are we supposed to cope with all these challenges when youth unemployment in Europe - 50.7 per cent here in Spain, second only to Greece at 51.2 per cent - is already at breaking point? The future could be bright but at the moment it is not. Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.89; £0.79) and iBookstore. Profits to Cudeca.

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OPINION & COMMENT

Thwarted godfather charade Cassandra Nash A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene

MARIANO RAJOY must disappoint Jose Maria Aznar. The former president, emulating American presidents, declined to stand for a third term in 2004. Contenders to succeed him included vilified former vice-president and Economy minister, Rodrigo Rato, recently drummed out of the PP ranks for moneylaundering and dodgy accounting. Rato was overlooked and Mariano Rajoy anointed but he upset Aznar’s plans by losing the March 2004 elections. Every political pie would have had godfather Aznar’s finger in it had he won then, but once Rajoy finally closed the Moncloa door behind him in 2011 he was his own man, not Aznar’s.

Contando Estrelas flickr

Summing it all up MADRID City Hall spent around €500,000 digging up the crypt where Don Quijote’s creator Miguel de Cervantes is almost certainly buried, hoping to find identifiable remains.

Jose Maria Aznar.

Yet the Association for the Recuperation of Historic Memory which hopes to locate bodies tossed into unmarked roadside graves during the Civil War has to rely on a $100,000 US award to keep going. Something in this situation doesn’t add up - and it’s not the arithmetic.

Spain is so parsimonious with handouts that immigrants will soon move on to where the grass is greener. To keep hardcore PP voters happy Aznar was administered in measured doses during the recent election campaign but contact was scant between both men. No doubt Rajoy will

be able to savour some Aznar-less months until the November general election when the entire charade must start again.

Second thoughts UKIP only fell apart after a General Election because even anti-everything Britons thought twice before decamping to the waste land of populism. And next November that could happen here with UKIP’s mirror-image, anti-matter counterpart, Podemos.

Just passing through SPAIN has been asked to accept thousands of the asylum seekers who cross the Mediterranean to find better lives. The government has pointed out that although the Spanish economy is improving, the country, services and labour market are in no fit state to accept so many. Probably this is not the problem it seems: Spain is so parsimonious with handouts that the immigrants will soon move on to where the grass is greener and benefits more plentiful.

FEATURE

28 May - 3 June 2015 / Costa de Almería

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david muscroft / Shutterstock.com

Conquering and remapping England! 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.

I NEEDED no more convincing after that single first trip to England (read the UK) that it was indeed an exceptional place populated by people of high intelligence and understanding. This was made most manifest by one primary fact alone, if you wanted to go anywhere else from where you were, directions were given from pub to pub. Naturally all directions are started from The Red Lion (the most popular name and derived from James I when he required his red lion to be displayed on all public places), “drive down the hill then back up for erh, about two miles on your left is The Black Swan, (all swans are owned by the Queen and protected by law), “turn left and go for about six miles to The Drunken Duck and I live three doors down on the right.” I never once got lost, and if I did I was distracted by the quaint name of another pub I encountered

THE RED LION: All directions were given from pub to pub if you wanted to go anywhere. along the way. The Quiet Woman (a woman carrying her severed head in a bucket), The Winking Frog and a must visit, the oldest continuous pub: Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, in Nottingham. Here I was in a distant country,

w he re pe ople c ould ge t outra ge ous ly drunk a nd ne ve r onc e speak to the person or table next to them! I was getting “culturefie d” a nd e duc a te d a t the s a me time as enjoying myself crisscrossing the country driving on

the wrong side of the road. Whoopee! I just might not leave. That place called England is just not “quaint” but ranks high on any list of the uncommon, eccentric, charming and whimsical - unless of course you’re knocking

back a few at the Pig and Whistle and it’s full of Aussies or some other nation of the Commonwealth that want their voices roared and r em em ber ed on t hat her al ded mother soil. (Still, you can’t talk to the people at the next table, unless of course the carpet moves and your Mick Jagger imitation falls flat). Proper politeness is conveyed by a nod, a “sorry” and important stiff acting that the incident never happened. If I ever mustered enough courage to mutter even the slightest syllables of a word, the surr oundi ng i ndi genous habi t ant s screamed “American, he’s an American” even before I could finish apologising. That pronouncement just didn’t label one, you were painted with the psychological hues and dramas of each person therein surrounding you and under English Rules you were now fair game. Therefore, being linguistically i m pai r ed and obvi ousl y out of place demanded each and all to file past you and leave a quip or short storied vignette concerning their understanding of Yanks. Not all of it was bad, and most memorable, I think.

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“In the end we had no choice but to give up and go home.” It goes without saying, but all insurers expect you to take ‘reasonable care’ of your valuables. Leaving your passport around the hotel room is asking for trouble (and we don’t recommend tucking it under the mattress either!) If you don’t have access to a safety deposit box, keep your passport discreet and close, preferably in a waist belt. And do resist the temptation to go for a splash in the briny with an eye half-cocked on your valuables. We advise people to keep a copy of the photo page of your passport when travelling. No one is immune to passport stings, but if you do get stung, it could help speed up the process of replacing your passport. Stay safe, and enjoy your travels. For an instant quote and to arrange cover securely online, enabling you to print your policy documents immediately, by visiting www.globelink..co.uk - the leading Travel Insurer for people living in EU countries. Or you can telephone Globelink on 00 44 1353 699082 or their Spanish links line on 966 265 000 or 951 242 434.

58

E W N 28 May - 3 June 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

Telefonica woes are enough to try anyone’s patience HAVING returned from an extended winter vacation, we regrettably found that our excellent telecoms provider, of seven years, had been taken over by Spain’s second-worst provider, even though they are the cheapest, and instantly contacted them to cancel our contract. After various emails demanding extortionate cancellation fees, which were later withdrawn, it was agreed to terminate at the end of the month. In fact, we lost the internet before the month-end. Still no internet after three weeks, our new provider could do nothing as they were waiting for Telefonica to switch the connection; what age do we live in? It will come as no surprise that unlike any other European country which can configure your telephone connection remotely, Spain still has to send out Pedro and his donkey to flick a switch in your local exchange. Now the rub: at the end of three weeks we received a bill from Telefonica for €64 for line rental, which will be repeated again in July. Telefonica have changed the rules again. If you switch between telecom suppliers, you MUST use Telefonica’s more expensive line rental for six months, before they will release it to the new supplier. Surely this is in violation of EU rules, and free choice? At least part of Telefonica works; it took only 48 hours to grab the illicit line rental charges from my bank account, and in the end nearly four weeks to reconnect me. Beware, Spanish companies don’t like competition, and will frustrate anyone else who offers better service, instead of improving their own customer service. Name supplied, Els Poblets (Alicante)

Animal lovers? I WAS delighted to read on the EWN website that Mallorca is working towards becoming a bullfighting-free area, with cross-party support for a ban, excepting the PP.

Photographs for possible publication should be sent by email with a full caption to: photonews@euroweeklynews.com

over, and for all those expats who voted, congratulations, whether your favoured candidate got in or not. If you didn’t vote, well you have no right to complain at whatever the council gets up to. If you take the time to vote the politicians might take the time to listen. Democracy has been a hard-won right in many countries. We should all exercise our right to vote so the sacrifices of many of our forbears were not in vain. Joan Evans, Mijas (Malaga)

Ugly roundabout

RONDA is a beautiful town to visit, but sometimes it is worth taking a walk round it to see sights like this. Andy Steele, Marbella (Malaga)

I hope other parts of Spain can follow their example. Tourists and expats have their part to play too; I’m embarrassed by the British people who claim to come from a land of animal lovers but queue up to see the slaughter in the bullring, just because it’s a ‘tradition’. It’s time to boycott this cruel practice. But then again, with foxhunting back on the political agenda at home, maybe we have no right to criticise. Anne Marie McKenna (Malaga)

Bleeding hearts I REALLY don’t see the problem with bullfights. These animals live a pampered existence and certainly would not be bred other than for fighting. When it comes down to it the only people to make a decision on whether bullfighting is allowed in Spain should be the Spanish, not

bleeding-hearted expatriates with nothing better to do than run down their adopted country. Anthony Cronin (by email)

Over the top? I DON’T often pay much attention to Leapy Lee’s contributions but his ‘sour grapes’ attack (Issue 1559) on those who protested at the election result could not go without comment. Firstly, I have to ask: on what basis did he conclude that the only people to be angry about the outcome were ‘lefties’? Given that the Tories managed to scrape in on a mere 37 per cent vote and, taking into account those who did not vote, 75 per cent of the country did not want the Tory style of government, should he be surprised that there was anger at our broken, useless system of so-called democracy? A mere 900 votes in marginal

seats determined the election outcome and, had they been cast against the Tories, they would have lost. So there is understandable anger, and the 25 per cent of turkeys who voted for Christmas are, in my opinion, completely stupid, because now they must also bite the bullet of another five years of the most disgusting reptiles ever to have slithered across the British political landscape. Finally, yes, the world is run by capitalists, and the inhumanity of the market and madness of consumer economics is driving us to extinction. So to suggest that capitalism and, by inference Tory dogma, is somehow virtuous is to raise stupidity to an art form. David Britten, La Alfoquia (Almeria)

Don’t complain THE Spanish local elections are

I AM writing to you in hope that something can be done about the ugliest roundabout in the whole of the Costa del Sol. The roundabout in question is the one that was constructed above the ‘disco tunnel’ that passes through San Pedro, Alcantara. Considering that the Costa has some of the most beautifully-decorated roundabouts, this one is an absolute eyesore and a very bad image for the surrounding area. All the local businesses and residents hate it! The tunnel underneath is no more than an off-putting (and dangerous, I may add) stroboscope of light when drivers go through. Please may we have a lovely entrance to our otherwise lovely San Pedro! Anita Lloyd, San Pedro de Alcantara (Malaga) Editor’s note: Spain does indeed have some ‘interesting’ roundabouts. Do you have a favourite, or an especially despised one?

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.

TIME OUT

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Famous quote

This week

MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

‘

Social media has taken over in America to such an extreme that to get my own kids to look back a week in their history is a miracle, let alone 100 years. Steven Spielberg

in history 1907: The first Isle of Man TT race is held. 1913: The opening performance of Stravinsky’s modernist Rite of Spring ballet, now considered highly influential, was too much for its Paris audience which booed and jeered until the premiere was abandoned. 1927: The Model T Ford ceases production, the last one completed on the assembly line being number 15,007,003. 1941: A German air force raid on Dublin, despite Ireland’s neutrality in the Second World War, kills 38 people. 1953: Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay conquer Everest, becoming the first people to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain. 1953: Queen Elizabeth II takes her coronation oath and is crowned at Westminster Abbey. The BBC cover the event live on TV. 1957: Playwrite Arthur Miller, husband of Marilyn Monroe, is convicted of contempt for refusing to reveal names of alleged ‘communist’ writers to an American congress committee. 1959: Two monkeys, Able and Baker, become the first creatures to survive a space flight, having been strapped into the nose-cone of a rocket fired 300 miles into the sky. 1961: Amnesty International is born when the Observer newspaper publishes ‘The Forgotten Prisoners’ by lawyer Peter Benenson on its front page. 1974: The Heimlich manoeuvre, the emergency response for someone choking on an object, is first published in the journal Emergency Response. 1979: Rhodesia officially ends its 90-year-old apartheid system of white-only government, and changes its name to ZimbabweRhodesia.

Women’s wit

‘

David Shankbone Wikimedia

I dropped out of college my junior year to do Saturday night live, and I didn’t even consult my parents. They were very supportive because they had no choice. Julia Louis-Dreyfus

World of English

‘

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? And if a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?

‘WE’VE PICKED THE WRONG DAY - THIS BANK HAS JUST BEEN HEAVILY FINED FOR MARKET FIXING!’

Kakuro

for next 7 days

Costa de Almería

weather

Fill all the empty squares using the numbers 1 to 9, so that the sum of each horizontal block equals the ‘clue’ on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once.

TODAY VELEZ RUBIO

TOMORROW HUERCAL OVERA

ALBOX

VELEZ RUBIO GARRUCHA ALBOX MOJACAR

ALMERIA

HUERCAL OVERA

RETAMAR GARRUCHA ROQUETAS

MOJACAR

ROQUETAS

ADRA

Alicante TODAY:

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Benidorm

SUNNY MAX 23C, MIN 17C 25 18 C 25 18 S 26 19 S

MAX MIN

Mon - 25 18 Cl Tues - 24 18 C Wed - 24 18 S

CLEAR MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

25 19 C 26 19 S 26 19 S

MAX 27C, MIN 19C Mon - 25 19 Cl Tues - 25 19 S Wed - 25 19 S

CLEAR MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

22 15 S 22 16 S 23 17 S S Sun,

MAX MIN

Mon - 20 12 Sh Tues - 21 13 C Wed - 24 14 C

21 12 Cl 22 12 Cl 23 13 S

Madrid MAX 20C, MIN 14C MAX MIN

Mon - 24 17 S Tues - 24 18 S Wed - 24 17 S Cl Clear,

TODAY: Fri Sat Sun Fog,

25 19 Sh 27 19 S 27 19 S

TODAY:

SUNNY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

25 15 C 26 14 S 27 16 S

MAX 24C, MIN 14C MAX MIN

Mon - 28 16 C Tues - 25 15 C Wed - 26 16 C

Murcia

SUNNY

MAX 31C, MIN 16C

MAX MIN

MAX MIN

30 17 Cl 31 17 S 32 17 S C Cloudy,

Mon - 29 14 C Tues - 29 14 C Wed - 31 16 S Sh Showers,

TODAY:

SUNNY MAX 28C, MIN 16C MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

28 18 C 31 18 S 31 19 S

Sn Snow,

UK THUNDERBALL

IRISH LOTTO

Saturday May 23

Saturday May 23

EURO MILLIONS

LA PRIMITIVA

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

MAX MIN

Mon - 27 21 S Tues - 26 19 S Wed - 25 19 C

Mallorca SUNNY MAX 24C, MIN 12C

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

CLOUDY MAX 26C, MIN 18C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Mon - 24 18 C Tues - 23 17 Sh Wed - 24 18 C

23 17 Cl 23 17 C 24 17 S

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Barcelona TODAY:

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Bilbao

Almeria TODAY:

Malaga

SUNNY MAX 23C, MIN 16C

TODAY:

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

RETAMAR

ALMERIA

MAX MIN

Mon - 31 19 C Tues - 28 19 Cl Wed - 28 18 C Th Thunder

LOTTERY

ADRA

59

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

EWN

Saturday May 23

1

8

2

6

21

Friday May 22

18

15 22

30

16

34

40

37

Saturday May 23

Sunday May 24

2

4

4

6

31

28

39

42

49

24 23

28

35

30

32

45

31

11

44

BONUS BALL

THUNDERBALL

BONUS BALL

25

4

39

LUCKY STARS

5

11

45

REINTEGRO

33

7

REINTEGRO

6

60

E W N 28 May - 3 June 2015 / Costa de Almería

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Big Hero 6 Directed by Don Hall and Chris Williams, with voices by Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, Daniel Henney, Damon Wayans Jnr, Genesis Rodriguez. Baymax is perhaps Disney’s most adorable character ever, a chunky, inflatable robot whose only purpose is humans’ medical care, in a nearfuture city called San Fransokyo. A tragedy means child prodigy Hiro turns to Baymax and a group of technology whizz kids for help on his quest to uncover the truth.

Funagram

Just Joking

Unscramble the name of a famous Roman author, naturalist and natural philosopher (three words): I HELP TENDERLY

John and Tony were in the bar, pondering over Tony’s problems. “Andrea and I want to get married,” said Tony, “but we can’t find anywhere to live.” “Why don’t you live with Andrea’s parents?” suggested John. “We can’t do that,” said Tony, “they’re living with their parents!”

Unscramble the name of a famous American singer, songwriter, record producer and occasional actress: A CREAMY HAIR

Hexagram

The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 six-letter words into the 19 cells. The letters at the edges of interlocking cells MUST BE THE SAME. The letters in the words must be written CLOCKWISE. The word in cell 10 (THRONE) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.

BRIDLE

LETTER

BRUISE

LISTEN

CLOAKS

LUNGED

CLOCKS

REARED

DEDUCT

SHEETS

DESIRE

STICKS

GATHER

STRIDE

HANDLE

TESTED

HERDED

THRONE (10)

JACKET

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Reduce, 2 Guests, 3 Feared, 4 Treaty, 5 Rested, 6 Regard, 7 Starry, 8 Seared, 9 Treats, 10 Assert, 11 Wanted, 12 Tender, 13 Tilted, 14 Ladies, 15 Titter, 16 Dinner, 17 Prints, 18 Detail, 19 Stacks 31 May, Pablo Alboran, Singer

10-Star Quiz THE RUSSIANS HAVE A WORD FOR IT 1. In Russia and some other republics in the former USSR, what is/was the Duma? 2. In Russia, what name is given to the traditional, highly decorated urn used to boil water for tea? 3. Meaning ‘grandmother’ in Russian, what name is given to a headscarf folded diagonally and tied under the chin? 4. The name of which Russian daily newspaper, founded in 1912 and, from 1918 to 1991, the official organ of the Soviet Communist party, means ‘truth’? 5. What is the more usual name for the large greyhound-type dog sometimes called the Russian wolfhound? 6. What is the principal root-vegetable ingredient of the Russian soup called borsch? 7. What name is given to the large areas of flat unforested grasslands of Siberia? 8. What Russian name, meaning ‘set of three’, is given to a vehicle drawn by three horses abreast? 9. Which city in south-western Russia on the delta of the Volga River, has given its name to a type of fine lambskin? 10. Which Russian musical instrument of the lute family has a triangular body and three strings? 1. LOWER HOUSE OF THE FEDERAL ASSEMBLY/National PARLIAMENT, 2. SAMOVAR, 3. BABUSHKA, 4. PRAVDA, 5. BORZOI, 6. BEETROOT, 7. STEPPES, 8. TROIKA, 9. ASTRAKHAN, 10. BALALAIKA

Spanish Grammy Awardnominated singer of ‘El Beso,’ ‘Perdóname,’ and ‘Solamente Tú.’ Learned classical and flamenco guitar at a young age, he began playing at local restaurants where he was nicknamed El Blanco Moreno, The White Moreno. His debut single, ‘Solamente Tú,’ hit No: 1 on the Spanish charts its very first week of release.

26

28 May, Kylie Minogue, Singer, 47 Grammy Award-winning pop star and actress who released the biggest Australian hit of the decade, ‘The Loco-Motion.’ She had a comeback in the 2000s with the No:1 single ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head.’ She acted in several Australian soap operas as a child and gained recognition from her role in Neighbours. 29 May, LaToya Jackson, Singer, 59 Born Yvonne Jackson, the famous sister of Michael Jackson, rose to fame in the 1980s and returned in 2004 with the hits ‘Just Wanna Dance’ and ‘Free the World.” She wanted to become a lawyer and focus on business law, but pursued a career in show business like her siblings. 30 May, Steven Gerrard, Footballer, 35 Midfielder who became captain of the Liverpool Premier League club leading the team to multiple FA Cups, League Cups, Community Shields and Super Cups; named captain of the English national team in 2012. He was recruited by the Liverpool youth system as a nine-year-old, and signed with Liverpool on November 5, 1997. 1 June, Morgan Freeman, Actor, 78 Actor, director, and narrator who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the Clint Eastwood film Million Dollar Baby in 2005. He has also appeared in such films as The Shawshank Redemption, Glory, Bruce Almighty, The Dark Knight Trilogy, The Sum of All Fears and Dolphin Tale. 2 June, Stacy Keach, Actor, 74 Actor who starred in multiple television and film productions including the roles of Ben on the series Titus and Warden Henry Pope on FOX’s Prison Break. He is perhaps best known as Mike Hammer across multiple shows featuring the character such as Mike Hammer: Private Eye. 3 June, Suzi Quatro, Singer, 65 Leather-clad hard rock singer and bass guitarist who played with The Pleasure Seekers and Cradle. Her single ‘Stumblin’ In’ charted at No: 4 on U.S. charts. She was inspired by Elvis after his third and final performance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

TIME

EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREA

FUNAGRAM SOLUTION: PLINY THE ELDER, MARIAH CAREY

NEW ON DVD

SPONSORED BY

Nonagram

YOUR STARS CANCER (June 22 - July 23) The changes affecting you for the past few weeks continue but you are now getting better at managing their direction. Someone wanting you to take a logical action should not be allowed to push you forward. When to act will be clear to you. LEO (July 24 - August 23) Someone who has been unhelpful in the past suddenly steps forward. Could you have been wrong about them? Probably not. Keep a clear mind when with them. Saturn influences you to be more organised before a bout of indecision strikes. VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) The influence of Venus and Jupiter brings you the influence and status that you deserve. It's not that you haven't worked towards it but now you start to see the benefits. There is an urge to improve your appearance and surroundings to fit in with the 'new you'. LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) During the past few weeks you may have gained a different perspective on life. Your need for a close attachment and harmony in your life should not be underestimated or denied in the name of practicality. SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) To be truly happy you need to build on your

GEMINI

(May 22 - June 21)

Energy levels go up and down and you seek to ration yours by not going all-out physically. It is still possible to be quite dynamic while planning. Indeed, your clear vision impresses a colleague. If you are due for promotion then some good news is likely. Blow your own trumpet rather than wait for others to do it for you. partnerships. Keep these in balance and everything else will fall into place. Life has taught you some rather harsh lessons recently. The upshot of that is you now feel more in control and more secure. SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) There is an all-consuming need to see some reward for all your efforts. There will be those who will tell you that you need to push harder for success. Perhaps you need to be with more like-minded people. Certainly being with the wrong colleagues can bring your spirits down. CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) When needed you are sure to be positive this week. On a project, 'striking while the iron is hot' springs to mind. There is much fun to hand but it must be 'work first' at the moment. Some opportunities do not come twice and you need to be aware of them when they present themselves. Spend some quality time with your loved ones.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) You are in a romantic mood but something is missing from the picture. Its not that you’re feeling the need to have more than one string to your bow, it is more that you are tired of using the same old arrows. So, what is out there to fire your imagination? Something really new will not miss the mark with you. PISCES (February 20 - March 20) This is a brilliant week for money and business. Mars is influencing you to be more up-front and practical in your approach. You may feel changes coming on that you would rather deny. Burying your head in the sand is not an option. Take the bull by the horns and you could be surprised at your success. ARIES (March 21 - April 20) You will see the lighter side of life this week when you discover that someone is holding a torch for you. You are flattered and vaguely interested. Your combination of intelligence and humour make you a delightful companion. TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) There is much to be tackled this week, but you are wary of making full-on decisions. Taking things one step at a time is the best policy because it gives you space to consider the options. There is a restlessness about you that is hard to pinpoint. Perhaps you are feeling positive but have to hold fire because of others.

How many English words of four letters or more can you make from the nine letters in our Nonagram puzzle? Each letter may be used only once (unless the letter appears twice). Each word MUST CONTAIN THE CENTRE LETTER (in this case B) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.

TARGET: Average: 10 Good: 13 Very good: 18 Excellent: 22

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION agar alga gait gala gall gaol gill gilt girl giro girt goal goat grit grot raga toga trig agora algal argal argot gator gloat goral grail grill griot groat largo logia taiga argali latigo gorilla otalgia ALLIGATOR

SOUND OF THE WEEK The Pitch Perfect 2 soundtrack Artist: Various Released: May, 15. By Universal Music The Pitch Perfect 2 soundtrack sings out at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, as the set debuts atop the list. The album, which was released on May 12 through Universal Music Enterprises, moved 107,000 units in the week ending May 17, according to Nielsen Music.

OUT

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page

AK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

Enjoy filling in the following puzzles and check the answers in next week’s edition

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS

CRYPTIC

Quick

Cryptic

Across: 1 Saturate, 5 Cart, 9 Air base, 10 Earls, 11 Exams, 12 Emulate, 13 Sweets, 15 Depths, 18 Resorts, 20 Scent, 22 Adage, 23 Traders, 24 Sees, 25 Realists.

Across 1 Miss the French boat (4) 3 Sleet cut from icebergs, for example (8) 9 Yes, sort out levels (7) 10 Romanian without Ron causes hysteria (5) 11 Additional non-speaking role (5) 12 One who has to sample various treats (6) 14 Endless oriental holiday in spring (6) 16 Cancel permit to be in the Scottish river (6) 19 Mark makes beer, I hear (6) 21 Runner defeated in close race (5) 24 A poem about baby's first home (5) 25 Bo backed part of a play that's indecent (7) 26 Designing a dress, it is a catastrophe (8) 27 Reportedly spent thoughtlessly, feeling gloomy (4) Down 1 Paid attention to the dense lit characters (8) 2 Look for Tonto's Mount (5) 4 Some adders at zoo are phoney (6) 5 Clocks what ‘X’ stands for (5)

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Crossword

EWN

Down: 1 Stare, 2 Terrace, 3 Rears, 4 Themes, 6 Aorta, 7 Testers, 8 Refuse, 13 Surpass, 14 Turret, 16 Theseus, 17 Tsetse, 19 Stage, 20 Snail, 21 Tasks.

QUICK Across:

6 Some academic once denied a grant (7) 7 Hit friend's back (4) 8 To threaten people takes an expert (6) 13 Dog with no tail - get back! (8) 15 Dangerous boat incorporating Her

Code Breaker

Majesty's unpaid debt (7) 17 Silent builders sign up (6) 18 Far-off sort of meteor (6) 20 Thoughts about Sadie (5) 22 A short period of enchantment (5) 23 Ring for the musicians (4)

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 7 represents L and 11 represents Z, so fill in L every time the figure 7 appears and Z every time the figure 11 appears. Now, using your knowledge of the English language, work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you discover the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and the control grid.

Across 1 Consecrated (6) 3 Most up-to-date (6) 8 Extreme greed for material wealth (7) 10 Soiled or discoloured appearance (5) 11 Expenses (5) 12 Daybreak (7) 13 Building occupied by a community of monks or nuns (5) 15 Military trainee (5) 20 White ant (7) 22 Shin bone (5) 24 Visual representation (5) 25 Odd (7) 26 Unattached (6) 27 Not being in a specified place (6)

Down 1 By no means plentiful (6) 2 Coarse, boorish (5) 4 Malicious burning to destroy property (5) 5 Deliberately vague or ambiguous (7) 6 Soft, delicate, fragile (6) 7 Dirty and disorderly (5) 9 Important topic or problem for debate or discussion (5) 14 Advantageous purchase (7) 16 Make different (5) 17 Philosophical study of moral values and rules (6) 18 Thick, closely-spaced, compact (5) 19 Express grief verbally (6) 21 Nonpareil (5) 23 Any act of immoderate indulgence (5)

English - Spanish The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.

1 Hasty, 4 Happy, 9 Private, 10 Arena, 11 Teeth, 12 Utensil, 14 Easy, 16 Squab, 18 Puppy, 21 Leek, 24 Chamber, 26 Upset, 28 Petal, 29 Steward, 30 Brief, 31 Defer. Down: 2 Arise, 3 Trachea, 5 Aware, 6 Press-up, 7 Venus, 8 Eagle, 9 Pity, 13 Type, 15 Able, 17 Quarter, 19 Ukulele, 20 Scope, 22 Erase, 23 Stud. 25 Bulge, 27 Stale.

ENGLISHSPANISH Across: 1 South-east, 7 Isles, 9 Agria, 10 Edad, 11 Noveno, 13 Suave, 14 Aisle, 15 Corazones. Down: 2 Test, 3 Enamorado, 4 Streets, 5 Disease, 6 Cajones, 8 Llamado, 12 Ceja.

CODE BREAKER

Across 1 To feel (touch) (5) 4 Arches (5) 7/5 Huevera (3,3) 8 Always (7) 9 To pray (say prayers) (4) 10 Bandeja (para servir, en nevera) (4) 14 Capitán (7) 16 Wave (in sea, lake) (3) 17 Opaque (5) 18 Pala (para cavar) (5)

Down 1 Dedos del pie (4) 2 Puro (5) 3 Cold (infection) (9) 4 Olives (9) 5 See 7 Across 6 Semilla (4) 11 Now (at this time, immediately) (5) 12 Eight (4) 13 Coffee (4) 15 Guisante (3)

E W N 28 May - 3 June 2015 / Costa de Almería

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The most downloaded Eurovision winning songs ever

TOP 10

Federer and Me: A Story of Obsession

“Tennis becomes a channel for complex emotions, and fandom tips into fixation, as a writer pursues his sporting idol.” Julian Barnes, the Guardian. Skidelsky first watched Federer at Wimbledon in 2003, but wasn’t immediately smitten. So his attention was simply absent as the rest of us wallowed in those now-distant years of 20042006, when Federer could and did beat anyone, when he became world number one, a title he then held for 237 consecutive weeks. Skidelsky’s attachment to the player has been much more sporadic, intense and alarming than that of most other fans, like those hosts of cheerful red-capped and red-backpacked women who follow their hero from tournament to tournament. books@euroweeklynews.com

Sixty-two songs have won the Eurovision Song Contest since its debut in 1956. See your favourites below. 1. Euphoria The most downloaded Eurovision winner is: Loreen, Sweden’s 2012 entry. The song performed by Swedish recording artist and songwriter Loreen, was released as the third single from her debut studio album Heal (2012). The song was written by Thomas G, Peter Boström, and produced by SeventyEight. The song won the competition with a total of 372 points, and stayed on the number one spot in the Swedish charts for six weeks, being certified nine times Platinum, and selling 360,000 copies. 2. Waterloo Written and performed by ABBA in 1974, the winning entry went to Sweden. The single became their first No. 1 hit in several countries, and reached the US Top 10, went on to sell nearly six million copies making it one of the best-selling singles of all time. "Waterloo’ is the quintessential Eurovision song, according to Dr Harry Witchel, music expert at the University of Bristol. At the 50th anniversary celebration of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2005, it was chosen as the best song in the competition’s history. 3. Fairytale In 2009, Alexander Rybak took Norway’s entry to the winner’s podium. The song was written and composed by the Norwegian violinist/singer Alexander Rybak, and was the first single from Rybak’s debut album Fairytales. Performed in Moscow, Russia, Alex’s song won with 387 points. 4. Satellite Sung by Lena, the German entry won the 2010 contest held in Norway. The song written by Julie Frost, was chosen via televoting during the national Eurovision pre-selection show, becoming Germany’s fastest selling digital

Sudoku

release ever. It debuted at number one in the German singles chart and has since been certified double platinum. 5. Making Your Mind Up Bucks Fizz performed the UK’s winning entry in 1981. The famous skirt-ripping UK Number-one single was released in March 1981, and was Bucks Fizz’s debut single, (The group having been formed just two months earlier.) From 2004 to 2007 the BBC used the name Making Your Mind Up for their Eurovision selection show in honour of the song. 6. Only Teardrops Emmelie de Forest had a winning performance for Denmark in 2013 with Only Teardrops. The song was written by Lise Cabble, Julia Fabrin Jakobsen and Thomas Stengaard. Held in Malmo, Sweden, and after just qualifying for a spot, The song competed in the final against 25 other songs, and finished in first place with 281 points. 7. Hard Rock Hallelujah. Performed by Lordi, it was the 2006 winning entry from Finland. The song by the Finnish hard rock band Lordi, ‘Hard

Rock Hallelujah’ was released as a single in 2006, reaching the number one spot in Finland and also peaking in the UK Top 40 at number 25. It won the contest with 292 points, and was voted as the most popular Finnish Eurovision entry in the 40 years. 8. Hold Me Now Johnny Logan wrote, sang, and won with Ireland’s 1987 entry, Hold Me Now. The song composed and performed by himself became the winner of the Song Contest he previously won with ‘What’s Another Year?’ in 1980, and would go on to write the winner of the 1992 Contest ‘Why Me?’ for Linda Martin. 9. Puppet on a String. Performed by Sandie Shaw, it was also a UK entry but in 1967. It was her 13th UK single release, where the song was a UK Singles Chart number one hit on April 27 1967, staying at the top for a total of three weeks. 10. Save All Your Kisses For Me Sung by The Brotherhood of Man, it was the UK entry in 1976. The lyrics and music were written by Tony Hiller, Lee Sheriden, and Martin Lee, the latter two being members of the band. The song became a worldwide hit, reaching No.1 in many countries, including the UK, where it became the biggest-selling song of the year.

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

App of the Week Enter Office Lens, an app for the iPhone, Android and Windows Phone. It turns a smartphone into a scanner that connects to Microsoft’s Office suite of productivity tools. The app leverages the phone’s camera, and offers three modes: Photo, Document and Whiteboard. The Photo mode just takes an image, but the app’s real magic is inside the other two options.

Play on Words GRAVITY SPIBRED

Boggled How many English words can you find in the Boggled grid, according to the following rules? The letters must be adjoining in a ‘chain’. They can be adjacent horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Words must contain at least four letters and may include singular and plural or other derived forms. No letter may be used more than once within a single word, unless it appears twice. No vulgarities or proper nouns are permitted.

TARGET: Average: 32 Good: 41 Very good: 59 Excellent: 72

SCORING: 4 letters: 1 point • 5 letters: 2 points 6 letters: 3 points • 7 letters: 4 points 8 or more letters: 11 points

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

LOREEN: Sang Euphoria in 2012.

that thee theta thud east state sate sheet shut spud hasp hate heat heats hector teat teats teas tote tort torte toad tool cite cute coup coups cord coal coda cool croup teeth tout trot troth trout trod pain octet ordain odor rote rout route road root jute judo jihad auto duct dual dote door drool dais input halo laps laud lain loot lord dodo

Word Ladder

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

TOOL

CASE BACK

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

TOOL TOOT COOT COST CAST CASE

BOOKS

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.

SPONSORED BY

TIME OUT

Answers: Centre of gravity, Be inspired

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OPINION & COMMENT

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Working up nostalgic steam 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.

AS summer begins to unfold, it triggers a memory of those wonderful boyhood holidays many years ago. There’s something about a steam train journey that sparks the imagination and, if you are over 50 like me yes, I know it’s hard to believe - the very thought brings childhood memories flooding back. With modern high-speed trains, the romance has largely gone from this mode of transport but even so, travelling through countryside that would normally remain hidden to the motorist, is still a pleasant experience. It’s even more pleasant in Spain if you happen to be of a certain age, and qualified to purchase a railway Gold Card which entitles the holder to a substantial discount on all rail travel. For €6 a year, the holder can enjoy unlimited rail travel at 40 per cent discount midweek and 25 per cent at weekends. Our first such trip, was to Madrid and Toledo a few years ago when we purchased two first class tickets and such was the experience, we resolved that any travel involving more than

STEAM TRAIN: A journey that sparks the imagination.

three hours in the car, would thereafter be made by train. Low cost, great comfort and meals and drinks included you can’t wack it. And on a subsequent trip to Barcelona, two of us had to be poured off the train at Alicante station. I mean, how can you say no to a friendly steward who constantly asks if the señors would care for more brandy? It would be extremely rude - and silly, as it was all included in the price. But it’s a funny thing about the days of steam. Trains were noisy iron monsters wreathed in swirling smoke and steam, accompanied by the acrid smell of scorched grease that permeated the air at railway stations. And yet the fascination with steam locomotives is something that leaves us reminiscing about curly edged buffet sandwiches and station hoardings advertising Andrews Liver Salts and Pears Soap. Then there were those photographs on the walls of carriages, depicting exotic locations like Whitby and the Isle of Man - names that we southern kids had only glimpsed in story books. It was the dream of many a schoolboy to be a train driver one day. Devon was our annual holiday destination, and I was always disappointed if my father elected to book bus tickets. It’s a pity, but nostalgia seems increasingly to be a thing of the past.

Information will win the wars IMPORTANT the public understands the difference and chooses their news sources accordingly Thinglass / Shutterstock.com

Mike Walsh Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.

USING online media I get 9/10 for identifying an American by his take on global affairs. He thinks he has an opinion. No, he echoes the opinions of his mainstream media. The US with 1,000 bases worldwide and currently involved in several conflicts is considered peaceful; Russia said to be the threat to world peace. My acquaintance watches only BBC and ITV. Americans are influenced by 2,600 newspapers and magazines, 10,500 radio and television broadcasters and 2,400 publishers; all owned by just six corporations compromised and connected to the Washington DC political elite. Recently, 10,000 news articles and 2.5 million social me-

DAILY PAPERS: Are losing their readers. dia messages bull-horned the same word pro-Obama narrative: There was no journalist source; it was merely an opinion of Mark Arabo, an Obama intimate. Polls reveal that 77 per cent of Americans no longer trust corporate news. Fox News was found to be telling the

Polls reveal that 77 per cent of Americans no longer trust corporate news.

truth only 18 per cent of the time. Corporate EU media is linked to its US counterparts. Western mainstream media has lost its relevance. Uniquely, the EWN increases readership by publishing politically incorrect opinion. Corporate media has forfeited readership trust. Germany’s

OUR VIEW

PEOPLE: Want change.

A new future IN the aftermath of the elections on Sunday, Spain’s two major parties are coming to terms with the fact that people want change. The huge amount of local power that the conservative Popular Party won at the previous elections was seriously eroded at Sunday’s regional and municipal elections, however the socialist PSOE was unable to take advantage due to the immense support for Ciudadanos and Podemos. Therefore, over the coming weeks we are going to see pacts and coalitions being formed, deals and handshakes being done between old adversaries that have been thrust together in order to stay in power. Or at least that’s how it will seem to them. In reality, and as they will come to learn, this point in history saw the turning! Progress is a journey not a destination, where change will take time and patience. But change from a political culture that has seen four decades of the old guard’s refusal to give any ground on government policies, to one of transparent cooperation and integration of parties and their young ideas, will not happen overnight. However, it can only mean that the country will shortly be moving forward to a brighter, more transparent, integrated future.

flagship Der Spiegel now has 15 per cent fewer readers. The Daily Mail lost 25 per cent of its readership since 2010 whilst other mastheads declined by as much as 50 per cent. The emergence of foreign more relevant and trusted media is likely to aggravate mainstream media losses further. Thomas Sowell, American economist and political philosopher: “If people in the media cannot decide whether they are in the business of reporting news or manufacturing propaganda, it is all the more important that the public understand the difference and choose their news sources accordingly.” Is there a solution to a worrying phenomena that turns people against people and naNow we tion against nation? Yes, study want to both sides of everything, read hear your news. foreign media no matter how uncomfortable it makes YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE you. Winning weapons in - YOUR OPINION the next war will be inforwww.euroweeklynews.com mation and education.

OPINION & COMMENT

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STREET TALK

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YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION

Life’s a beach - do you enjoy a visit? IT’S that time of year when the blue flag beach quality awards are handed out. Does Spain do enough to keep its beaches in tip top condition? Which is your favourite beach and why? WHEN it comes to beaches Mojacar is a good place to be, said Matthew Shatford, owner of Weekend Sport. He said: “The beaches in Mojacar are some of the most beautiful that I have seen. I have lived here for over 25 years and I love it, the beaches are clean, and I love to go when I am not too busy working. There is a beach called Tito’s beach which is lovely, and the long stretches of sand are just amazing. One of my favourite beaches is Samoa Surf because it has lots of activities and boat hire, so I can enjoy the boats while my wife relaxes in the sun. There are sunbeds and places to eat, and it’s great for my daughter too. It is clean and respected by the local bars, it is just perfect.

Gary Myatt director of Albox Online likes the beaches too; “I like to go to the beach with my kids, they are clean and mostly safe apart from the odd jelly fish. “The water is clear and the upkeep is good, they look very clean, so I would say the authorities do a

good job. “I have not got a particular favourite though there are lots of pretty coves as well as large stretches of beach. Even in the sum-

jacar are well maintained.”

Torrevieja is my favourite beach mer when the tourists are here, there is plenty of room, and parking access, though that is being reviewed at the moment. I would say the beaches of Mo-

MATTHEW: Enjoys the boats while his wife relaxes in the sun.

GARY: Likes to go to the beach with his children.

And Ginny Rodgers from Venus Cars said blue flags are important although she admits she doesn’t necessarily look for them when going to a beach: “I know we have them and I think the beaches here are great and are pretty clean; people have become more respectful about cleaning up after themselves as well and I think the town halls do a lot to keep them clean. “Torrevieja is my favourite beach.” For Nigel Venus, he loves seeing blue flags flying, joking: “For me any blue flag is good as I’m a Chelsea supporter.” He added: “I don’t know where town halls spend their money and would suggest it’s not in the right areas.”

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Good news as I get the all clear

20th May

HEALTH BEAUTY

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Bullying victims are more likely to be obese OBESITY measured in two ways

I BELIEVE that everything happens for a reason Erica Russell Watson: My journey – and I’m driving IN August of last year I was diagnosed with breast cancer which had spread to the lymphatic system. My life changed and things went into over drive. For the last nine months or so I have had two operations, chemotherapy and countless scans and tests. It is a journey that you have to take step by step but towards the end your body starts to tell you enough is enough. You hope it has all been worthwhile. Well two days ago I sat in front of my oncologist and awaited the latest verdict on my health after all the treatment. The news was good. I have been given the all clear as my blood test results were very good and the scan revealed that there is no cancer in my breast. So far so good. There is a little cause for caution though. I have three nodules in my lungs. They are not sure exactly what these are but seem to

think they are insignificant. We will have to keep an eye on them though. Breast cancer has a tendency to spread to the lungs, brain, bones and liver. I left the hospital having being booked in for a mammogram in August, can’t forget about the health of my other breast! I have started a

I have to stay out of the sun, but I intend to swim in the evenings when the sun isn’t so fierce, as I have to be sensible.

five year course of hormone tablets called Tamoxifeno and I am booked in for another CAT scan and blood tests in six months, ahead of my next check-up. I have also just had confirmation that I will start radiotherapy at the beginning of June so everything seems to be moving in the right direction. Providing everything goes well with

the radiotherapy I will then meet with my surgeon to book a date for breast reconstruction which will involve two more operations. As I keep saying, step by step. The one thing I know for sure is that there will come a day when this all ends. This summer will be a little difficult as I have to stay out of the sun! A bit complicated in Spain but I certainly won’t be requiring any more radiation so I will have to be sensible. I still intend to swim but in the evenings when the sun isn’t so fierce. I bought a normal swimming costume and had a little pocket inserted into it to accommodate my aqua breast! The mastectomy swimwear is extremely expensive so I thought it was a better option. All in all I am feeling brighter. It is hard to keep your energy levels up and a permanent smile on your face but you just have to accept that you are human and that you will have better days than others. I believe everything happens for a reason in life and as I come out the other side of this maelstrom I think that something interesting, challenging and exciting is waiting for me. Hope springs eternal.

Health Food Shop & Community Centre Are you looking for inspiration? You’ll be surprised at the range of natural & organic products available to inspire you.

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CHILDREN: At greater risk of obesity in later life. CHILDREN who get bullied are at greater risk of obesity, strokes and heart attacks later on in life. Researchers say that if bullying among the young was eliminated it could reduce the number of overweight men and women by around 12 per cent. They made the claim following their study at King’s College London, where they analysed 7,102 cases of children born in 1958 whose parents were asked whether they had been bullied between the ages of seven and 11. Women were found more likely to put on weight after childhood bullying than men. Some 26 per cent of women

who had been bullied in childhood were obese at the age of 45, compared to 19 per cent of those who had never been picked on at school. Some 25 per cent of male bullying victims were obese, compared to 23.6 per cent who were not. Obesity was measured in two ways, by body mass index and by hip to waist ratio. Researchers also measured two ‘bio-markers’ of heart disease and found 20 per cent of those who had been bullied showed a greater risk of disease. Around one in five children are thought to suffer bullying at school.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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5 things you didn’t know about hand dryers, so read below and learn IN 1993 the first jet hand dryers were introduced, pushing water off the hands instead of evaporating it By Debbie Fletcher LET’S face it, you probably haven’t sat down and thought long and hard about a hand dryer. That said, you’ll encounter these devices in many places you visit such as public toilets and leisure centres, so it’s wellworth knowing one or two facts about these appliances. With this in mind, here are five facts to consider: Hand dryers can spread germs If you thought popping your hands under a dryer for a few seconds was more hygienic than wiping them on a paper towel or using one of those awkward cloth towel dispensers think again. In a recent study, 27 times more germs were found in the air around jet-air dryers than around paper towel dispensers meaning that you could be coming into contact with all kinds of nasty bugs, so it’s well worth keeping a hand sanitizer from the likes of Brosch Direct nearby. Professor Mark Wilcox, of University of Leeds’ School of Medicine led the study, said: “Next time you dry your hands in a public toilet using an electric dryer, you may be spreading bacteria without knowing it. You may also be splattered with bugs from other people’s hands. These findings are important for understanding the ways in which bacteria spread, with the potential to transmit illness and disease.” Jet air dryers blast out more bacteria Jet air dryers are hard to miss. They’re incredibly noisy and promise to dry your hands in seconds making them seem like a practical and easy handdrying solution. The only problem is, a study of hand dryer hygiene also revealed that five times more bacteria were found around jet-air dryers than warm air dryers. The bacteria also

HAND DRYERS: Not so hygienic.

So there you have it, five facts to help you feel more enlightened about the world of hand hygiene and dryers!

Dyson hand dryers have global accreditations. Dyson Airblade hand dryers are the only models certified hygienic by the independent public health specialists NSF. It uses a HEPA filter to eliminate 99.97 per cent of all bacteria in the air making the air blown onto the hands cleaner than any air in the rest of the room. It’s also the only hand dryer approved for food environments by HACCP. This is because they have a fast dry time, HEPA filter and an lingers around these devices for a long time, with germs still detected in the air up to 15 minutes after washing their hands. Hand dryers have become more eco-friendly Conventional hand dryers used to have insufficient motors and insufficient energy-heating elements which meant they took a long time to dry hands

and used a lot of energy. Thankfully, many of the dryers today are more powerful and energyefficient thanks to high speed motors producing high velocity air flow. This saves energy by up to 80 per cent and reduces drying time to eight-10 seconds. Dyson have global accreditations

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antibacterial additive. Hand dryers were invented in 20th century The earliest hand dryer was patented in 1921 by R.B. Hibbard, D. J. Watrous and J.G. Bassett for the Airdry Corporation of Groton New York, but was popularised in 1948 by George Clemens, a talented inventor from Chicago. It wasn’t until 1993 the first jet hand dryers were introduced, pushing water off the hands instead of evaporating it.

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FOOD D R I N K

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A great way to control Los Conteros win aw your appetite and health Advertising feature

THE restaurant and terrace have an authentic Spanish feel througho

THE avocado was originally a native of Mexico THE avocado tree is firstly native to Mexico although the Mediterranean climate is perfect for avocado growing in the summer months. Commercially valuable, they ripen quickly after harvesting and the trees are partially selfpollinating. The avocado is actually classed as a large berry bearing a seed. They are high in fibre, which is essential in a good diet, and it’s also great for controlling your appetite - so if you are watching your weight, head for the avocado dishes, they will keep you full for longer! The fat content in an avocado is good for you too, as they contain good fats as opposed to saturated fats. Avocado fats are monounsaturated, and this type of fat is good for anyone who suffers from a high cholesterol level as monounsaturated fat helps to

AVOCADO: Is classed as a large berry bearing a seed. lower it. Vitamins that you can find in an avocado are B vitamins along with vitamin K and vitamin E. B vitamins help your body’s metabolism and its maintenance of a healthy skin tone, while vitamin K plays a

fundamental role in making sure that your bones grow properly. This delicious fruit is easily available to enjoy in many dishes, so why not include them in your top 10 goodness foods this summer.

By Wendy Ann Cowham

IN 2013 Chris and Lenka opened the doors of their restaurant Los Conteros in Villaricos. Since then there have been many changes in order to cater for the popularity that they have created within their thriving business. Now boasting a beautiful new refit to the terrace and a refurbishment indoors, Chris and Lenka are ready for the busy summer months ahead. The shade of the terrace is as welcoming as the ice cold Amstel beers on draught, and the attractively priced menu makes it easy on anybody’s pocket to eat out regularly. The restaurant and terrace have an authentic Spanish feel throughout and inside is fully air conditioned for comfortable dining. There is a

menu del dia at only €11.50, a select menu at €16.00 and specials of the house include their signature dish of slow roasted shoulder of lamb. Two people can enjoy the lamb for only €25.00. Fridays are traditionally fish dish days and Los Conteros really know how to push the boat out every week by serving up a delicious array of fish dishes including cod or plaice fillet cooked in homemade beer batter. On Sunday Chris strongly advises diners to book for Sunday lunch due to demand for their multi meat choice of roast beef, lamb or pork priced at €13.00. Other specials include Argentinian fillet steak and whole fresh sea bass, there is a good range of home-made desserts and plenty for the children to choose from.

OUTSIDE TERRACE: Has just und The team work well to provide a quick and efficient service as Mandy has just joined

FOOD D R I N K

&

ward for a fifth year

out and inside is air conditioned

sor Certificate of Excellence for the fifth year running, one of only a few to achieve the honour every year since its inception. The bar is open from 10.00am for coffee and bacon rolls and menu food is served from 12.30pm to 4pm and then from 7pm onwards. Sundays open 10am to 4pm and closed on Mondays.

dergone a beautiful new refit, so sit back and enjoy. Ina, Sebita and Caroline to help keep the regulars happy and well fed and watered.

28 May - 3 June 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂ­a

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At the time of going to press Los Conteros has just been awarded the TripAdvi-

Full menu details can be seen on the website www.los conterosvillaricos.com or Tel 950 618 629

Choose your Cruz CRUZCAMPO is the biggest-selling beer in Spain, and one of the topselling brands in Europe. The name comes from the place where the first factory was built which was on a cross in a field, hence La Cruz del Campo, and which is still there today next to the brewery in Sevilla. Cruzcampo was founded in 1904 by two brothers who were from the Osborne family famed for their sherry production. The beer is now brewed everywhere in Spain and in other countries, and the logo is of the figure of Gambrinus (a Flemish beer brewing Duke) who is a legendary creator of beer. Cruzcampo makes several different types of beer: Pilsner lager (4.8 per cent), Light (2.4), Shandy (0.9), Cruzcampo Gran Reserva (6.4) and Sin (0.9). The malty Gran Reserva is a new addition gaining in popularity.

EWN

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FOOD & DRINK

Who started the first restaurant trade? HOW eating out became a worldwide trend FINEST FINOS: At their very best as they are Protected Designation of Origin.

What is Fino? FINO should be drunk basically By Wendy Ann Cowham

FINO is a Spanish word which in English means refined. It is also the name of the driest and palest traditional varieties of Sherry. What is particularly special about Fino is the strain of yeast used which is known as Flor. This Flor floats on the top of the wine acting as a protective blanket and thus shields it from excessive oxidation. It was a mystery to wine makers for many years, just what this yellowy foam was that sat on the top, and then around the 19th century it became apparent that it aided the wines to develop much lighter and fresher. There was more headroom in the barrels but the exposure to air was compressed with the Flor. The hotter summers cause Fino from Jerez to develop a thinner layer of Flor which produces a stronger flavour through more exposure to air. The cooler climate that you get in El Puerto de Santa Maria which is nearer the sea results in a thicker layer of Flor which causes a more acidic and delicate flavour than those from

Jerez. F i n o should be drunk basically, the sweeter the sooner, as when the bottle is opened exposure to the air can cause them to lose their flavour within hours. The driest and palest variety of Fino is Montilla-Moriles fortified wine which is best drunk relatively young. The grapes used in Jerez are from the Palimino variety as opposed to other varieties used which are the Pedro Ximenez grapes. The Palimino grape produces white table wines such as Manzanilla besides the heavier Finos, and the Pedro Ximenez or Moscatel grapes are sometimes blended with Paloma based sherries. Sweetened Fino is called Pale Cream Sherry. In Andalucia you can sample some of the finest Finos at their very best as they are Protected Designation of Origin, which means they have to comply to all regulations and standards in the making.

SINCE ancient times, street vendors or guesthouses selling food have been an established trade. But not one that was always done well. Records from the Middle Ages show that the food served in the abbeys by monks reached a much higher standard than any food cooked up in the inns at the time. Various households that had to prepare food for 100 people or more needed to put in place sufficient food service to cope with it. The French revolution launched the first modern type of restaurant industry. All rights to control food sold to the poor were relaxed, which were laws that had been issued by the King previously. The word ‘restaurant’ originates from the French word ‘restaurer,’ which means to restore, and was used specifically for a rich soup that would restore one’s strength. Hence the first dish usually being soup to start with. Then came the second course or those that follow between (entre) evolved so that food was served in stages.

RESTAURANT: The word came about in 16th century. The word ‘restaurant’ came about during the 16th Century and was used more by the rich for whom eating out was becoming a trend, whose popularity spread. As we race through the ages to the 1940s references have noted the first American Bistro was opened. In the 1960s an ‘Early bird’ menu was advertised in the Los Angeles newspapers, and later Sunset Dining was introduced. The Early Bird menu was mocked in later years, although good value was the key factor, 6.00pm was too early to eat. Wall Street workers who never ate before 8.00pm preferred to enjoy a more

relaxed way of dining. Alternatively fast food became an option to those on the go. Different timescale menus from around the globe are now common place to suit diners from all walks of life. The world is our oyster with a wealth of food which makes it possible to go about our daily, or nightly duties and still enjoy quality cuisine just with a snap of a finger. As this fashion grew, so did the manner in which food was served in various courses with this format now displayed on the menu. This became a trend worldwide and restaurants became the in place to eat.

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FOOD & DRINK

Asparagus is a culinary delicacy to enjoy GET in the mood with asparagus which contains a stimulating blend of nutrients so is fantastic food for your health manganese and selenium,” said San Diego-based nutritionist Laura Flores. Aspar agus al so cont ai ns t he amino acid asparagine, as well as chromium, a trace mineral that helps insulin do its job transporting glucose. It’s also especially rich in glutathione, a detoxifying compound that can help destroy carcinogens. For this reason, asparagus may help fight or protect against certain cancers, including bone, breast, lung and colon cancers. Next time you are out for tapas or dinner look out for asparagus it’s a healthy veg you may be in the mood for!

By Wendy Ann Cowham

ASPARAGUS (espárrago in Spanish) is native to the Mediterranean area, h a s b e e n c u l t i v a te d h ere since ancient times and is considered a culinary delicacy. In ancient times, asparagus was renowned as an aphrodisiac. Regardless of its powers to put you in the m o o d , t h i s s u cc u len t, savoury vegetable contains a stimulating blend of nutrients, making this member of the lily family a fantastic food for your health. Although it is available yearround in many parts of the world, the pea k m o n t h s t o p u rch as e it here in Spain are March to May. Restaurants offer many asparagus dishes as the Spanish love to eat it as a delicacy grilled with salt or used in many different kinds of dishes i n c l u d i n g sa l a d s , s o u p , omelettes and other egg dishes. It is a p e r f e c t a p p e t i ze r w h e n w rappe d i n Se r r a n o h am o r in variations of tapas with alioli, or as a side dish. It is beneficial to eat in summer as it is high in vitamin K and folate, and well-balanced to provide

ASPARAGUS: The Spanish love to eat it as a delicacy grilled with salt. lots of antioxidant nutrients which makes it great for the skin.

“When eating asparagus you are taking in vitamin C, beta-carotene,

vitamin E, and the mine ra ls zi nc,

OPINION & COMMENT

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LEGALLY SPEAKING

Classic cars on Spanish roads IN this series, we answer some common driving questions, kindly provided by members of the Guardia Civil based in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, who set up the N332 website and Facebook page to help break down barriers. THERE are numerous classic car owners and associations in Spain and many regularly ask about the laws that refer specifically to this type of vehicle and what provisions drivers must make when on Spanish roads. The Royal Decree 1247/1995 deals with the rules for historic vehicles or classic cars, under article 10. First and foremost, unless rules are specifically in place for this type of vehicle, then classic cars are governed by the same laws and rules as normal vehicles, including the requirement of liability insurance.

Those vehicles that, on account of their age or constructive characteristics, do not have lights or indicators, are not allowed to travel between sunset and sunrise or in circumstances requiring their use. Classic and historic cars that are not able to exceed a speed of 40km per hour, should drive on the hard shoulder if practical and sufficient, or as close as possible to the right outside edge of the road. Cars that are not able to reach at least 60km per hour are not permitted to go on the motorway.

For more news and articles visit www.n332.es or search N332 on Facebook

Do we have to read Article 28? I read in your recent article on the new double taxation agreement between Spain and the UK that the new requirement to declare civil service and military pensions is not applicable until next year. However, my tax advisor assures me Have your tax advisor read Article 28. 1. II, and at the very end of the new UK-Spain tax t re a t y, h e w i l l fin d that it says that various parts of the treaty will be applied to the ‘fiscal periods’ following the enactment of the treaty. Th e Ta x Tre a t y w a s signed in 2013, and was published in the Spanish Official State Bulletin on May, 2014, to go directly into effect. So now the Treaty is in effect. However, when we ap-

that, for the first time, I must declare my military pension in this year’s return, and that the agreement is in force immediately. Your comment would be welcome as I am now confused. B.M. (email)

David Searl You and the Law in Spain

The Spanish tax year is the natural year, which means the Treaty is applied from January 1, 2015 to taxpayers resident in Spain.

ply the next ‘fiscal period’ for U K c om panie s and residents, this means Apr il of 2015 be c aus e the U K tax y e ar r uns from April to April. The Spanish tax year, however, is the natural y e ar, w hic h m e ans the Tre aty is applie d from January 1, 2015, to taxpayers resident in Spain. This in turn means that the Treaty is applied to the tax de c lar ation made in May-June 2016, for the tax year 2015. I hope this makes it clear.

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Albox road works almost completed MOTORWAY expected to become operational by end of June By Maria José Fernandez TARMAC is currently being laid on the Albox’ entrance in the Almanzora motorway, as the road improvement works get closer to completion. The motorway is expected to become operational by the end of June, once the traffic signs and other finishing touches are completed. However, the date may vary as the tarmac material cannot be laid under bad weather circumstances. With the completion of this stretch, which had a budget of €46.3 million, the Junta de Andalucia regional government will have spent more than €100 million in total on this motorway. European Funds have also been allocated for this project which had been interrupted for more than two years due to

ROAD WORKS: Tarmac is currently being laid.

budget problems. It is expected that this infrastructure will contribute to the growth and development of the region, as several municipalities and industrial sites are located in the area and have a high social and economic ac-

tivity which is hoped to be boosted with a better connection. Works on the fourth stretch of the motorway, between El Cucador and La Concepcion, have already been awarded and are expected to begin shortly.

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Works almost finished AVENIDA LEPANTO has undergone a series of improvements By Maria José Fernandez THE comprehensive series of improvements performed on Albox’ Avenida Lepanto are almost finished.

This important street has undergone during the past weeks, a major intervention including the improvement of accessibility and traffic circulation. Several new plants have been

placed in the area, and the overall project has been aimed at providing the street with its own personality, according to the town government. The Avenida Lepanto has gained a better visibility, and consequently, an increased safety. “It was greatly necessary to carry out these works not only to enhance the road’s appearance but also its global condition,” said mayor of the town, Rogelio mena.

New life for play park AS PART of a project to improve life for local youngsters and their parents, renovation work has been announced for the playground at the crossroads between La Rambla and Avenida del Pueblo. Lighting, benches, litter bins, fences, signs and safety elements to meet regulations are all to be added to the park.

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Create the garden of your dreams with Rowlands ROWLANDS is the leading name in the manufacturing and distribution of paving and natural stone. Established for over 20 years, Rowlands is dedicated to producing paving, flooring and natural stone to the highest possible quality and design, to transform your garden, business or community area. Run and owned by husband and wife team Steven Morgan and Carmen Martinez, the couple saw a niche in the market and from their showroom and factory in San Gines, Murcia, have supplied, designed and installed thousands of products to happy customers. “Garden centres are our main customer as well as private individuals, but we have also provided materials for the Roda Golf Urbanisation and the gardens around Cartagena University as well as a

ROWLANDS: The leading name for paving and natural stone.

monument in Elche,” they said. The company are manufacturers of local natural materials from Murcia as well as importers of the finest materials, and

supply natural sandstones, travertines, reconstructed paving sleepers, screening materials and fencing. A full design and fitting service is available and trade enquiries are welcome. Some products can also be used on the exterior

of homes. A range of styles and colours are available to create a warm, comfortable and harmonious environment in your garden, applicable to both modern and rustic designs. There is a wide sales network and distribution in specialised gardening throughout Spain. Their showroom is open for customers to meet the team and discuss their requirements directly, and a free quote can be provided. So whether you are looking for some fancy edging tiles to tidy up a pathway or a complete garden redesign, contact Rowlands and speak with the experts. The showroom is open in San Gines from 9am-6pm Monday to Friday and Saturdays 10am-2pm. Rowlands, Calle Pedro Perez 147 San Gines, Murcia Tel: 968 881 965 or 619 444 491 Visit: www.rowlands.es

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Patio gardens provide many with an outdoor living space SOME ingredients for successful patio gardens are collections of flowering plants in containers Dick Handscombe

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

• The long tradition FOR more than two millennia patio gardens have been popular in Spain and other Mediterranean countries. For many people living in the historic centres of towns and villages, patio gardens are the only outdoor living space they have. True patios are roofless inner living spaces in the centre of traditional style houses. However, although not everyone will have the real thing the design ideas that follow can be used to create patio style terraces and courtyards in any size and location of property. Some ingredients for successful patio gardens: • A clear vision and purpose My choice is to develop patios as an intimate centre of family life. • Shade - Natural shade being better than canvas sails or awnings. Trees are typically planted in the centre or corners. Popular trees include palms, cordylines, rubber trees, figs, olives, jacaranda, citrus, judas and trained galan de noche. Climbers over wires and beams are also used including roses, grapevines, bignonias and passion flowers. However, if your

patio becomes an oven in July or August a motorised awning may be essential to provide shade. • Colourful and perfumed walls – Using a combination of trailing plants such as petunias and geraniums in window boxes and climbers like jasmine, passion flower, honeysuckle, clematis, plumbago, roses and bougainvillaeas in containers or planted directly in the ground. Plants can be supplemented by displaying plates, plaques and memorabilia. • Cool evergreen plants – In shady corners not reached even by the high midday sun beaming down into deep patios. Plants are often ferns, aspidistras, spider plants, pothos, mother-in-law’s tongue, bread plants, spathiphyllum, succulents, bamboos and bonsais of various types. • Collections of flowering plants in containers – Bulbs such as clivias, cyclamens, amaryllis, freesias, irises, lilies, talbagias and agapanthas. • Containers for growing a small collection of herbs, fruit and vegetables – Provided there is sufficient light. See Growing Healthy Vegetables in Spain and Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style. • Soft music – Music of your choice for relaxing. The sound of water, for instance fountains in the centre of ponds, or stand alone. These days there are also

OUTSIDE WALLS: A combination of trailing plants. numerous types of small water features available. • Small pets - Small birds, fish and terrapins are possible. • Comfortable and stylish furniture – Chosen to match the style of the overall patio design. Iron, wood, wicker, bamboo, plastic are all possible. Perhaps swing seats and sky chairs. Screens and large plants can create private corners. • Interesting artifacts - My first choice would be a collection of ceramic pots or agricultural implements. • Subtle lighting - Perhaps a mix of spots, wall lights and standard lamps for external use. Hope these ideas help readers design and construct somewhere special for family and friends. (c) Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com May 2015

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Training classes lead to better behaviour DOGS learn by association of ideas, they do not reason but simply react

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

TRAINING classes undoubtedly contribute to better-behaved dogs. One great advantage of classes is that they accustom the puppy or young dog to meeting other dogs, and owners get an opportunity to meet people with a common interests and sometimes common problems. Many people are regarded as experts (even dog trainers) when they have trained a dog of one breed to a very high standard. Faced with a difficult dog they would not know where to start. Training methods vary just as much as dogs and their owners do. There are, however, many accepted exercises which form a useful basis for most dogs and most owners. Many people fully realise their responsibilities and try very hard to comply and still end up with a dog that will bite, causes a road accident, etc. WHY? People must not regard dogs as ‘almost human’; this is an insult to our ca-

TRAINING MATTERS: Few dog owners understand canine instincts. nine friend. Dog has become man’s best friend, not because he is almost human but because he can do many things that we cannot do, and in this day and age what with satellite, we still don’t know how he does some of those things, such as detecting mines and drugs. INTELLIGENCE is not an important factor in a dog’s make up. Fact: Nearly all problem dogs are very intelligent. Fact: Few dog owners understand canine instincts and their importance in the man/dog relationship.

Dogs and indeed all animals learn by association of ideas; animals do not reason at all, they simply react to what is happening and do not think about what has happened or is about to happen. It is believed that they do sometimes work out a problem for themselves. All training should be based on the assumption that the dog does not reason and that he learns by association of ideas. If you do not have time to exercise your dog, then you should not keep a dog.

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Advertising feature

Animal Hotel is a truly delightful place THE kennels and cattery have both indoor (heated in the winter) and outdoor runs with a unique layout ANIMAL HOTEL is a truly delightful place, with five star accommodation for both your cat and dog. Run by Bo and his wife Antoinette for the last seven years in a perfect location set in acres of National Park. The couple built everything from scratch. The kennels and cattery have

both indoor (heated in the winter) and outdoor runs, with a unique layout, the outside pens all face outwards, with the indoor pens allowing the dogs only to see the next door dogs (to avoid unnecessary barking!) Bo is really passionate about his business, you can tell when

walking around with him, as he knows all the dogs and they seem genuinely happy to see him (lots of wagging tails!). Previously working in the agriculture business (growing spinach!) Bo quickly realised that to build a life/business here in Spain this wasn’t the field to be in.

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NOW OPEN: A bright future ahead.

THANKS GO TO: Puppy Rescue shop fitting, Alan Price and David Simpson. Painting, Dave Machin. Party Food Sponsors, Lilli and Justine Scumptious, Albox and David and Jackie Simpson. Raffles donated. April and Jacqui, Sol Supermercado, Albox Rachel, Inspire, Albox Jolyne, Muebles de Roble, Zurgena. Anna, Turquesa, Albox. Michaela Talbot, Albanchez. Prizes also donated from customers and volunteers.

Puppy rescue’s new charity shop PUPPY RESCUE Charity Shop had its Official Opening on Monday May 25 from 10am till 5pm. Everyone was welcomed with drinks and nibbles being served and plus a 20 per cent discount on all summer clothing stock purchases. There was also a raffle with prizes donated from some local businesses, volunteers and customers. Puppy Rescue has been an established small charity for approximately eight years, with constant, continuing, success in rehoming the many puppies that they rescue.

The charity has two main foster carers, and a small network of volunteer foster care homes. The shop is their main source of income, where they offer a good standard of items to customers. Organisers said: “We would like to give our sincere thanks to our volunteers and everyone involved in getting the shop ready for the opening day. “We are looking forward to the continuing support from you all, for the bright new future of our new shop. Thank you from all your friends at Puppy Rescue.”

The couple worked for many years volunteering for PAWS and fostered over 150 dogs, this is how they decided to build a business from what was originally just a hobby. They also run dog training classes, (individual and group) which are different from others, as they not only teach the dog, but its owner what to do or what not to do, and not just in the class environment, but to utilise what you learn at home. All training is based on positive reinforcement, avoiding punishment at all cost, so that it is enjoyable both for the dog and owner. They can also organise all export papers for your animals, and actually have one of the state inspectors for this organisation bring his own dog to board at the kennels. They have a very informative website, with a map and simple directions www.animalhotel.es, or call

AFEMAC: A weekly programme helps them to integrate.

639 722 197, with prices and special prices for long term boarders. Opening hours have just changed 10am - 1pm and 5pm - 7pm. They also run a weekly program for AFEMAC, which is for people with mental illness, helping them integrate into society, with different subjects that they teach, for example

how to transport animals, how to treat animals, hoping to increase their chances of finding work. During winter they work in the greenhouse, planting vegetable and plants, in summer there is a large vegetable plot. A visit to this wonderful place with a really fantastic feel to it, is a must if you care about where your dog stays whilst you are away.

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Maximising interior living space with glass systems INCREASING your internal living area will increase the value of your property John Graham The property expert IN previous articles, I have talked to you about upgrading your windows to increase the value of your home, reduce energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. This week we continue with this theme and talk about increasing the value of your home by maximising your interior living space with glass systems. As I have mentioned in my previous articles, the value of your home’s interior square metre space is more valuable than your exterior square metres such as balconies and terraces. By converting your balcony and terraces into interior living space you will immediately increase the value of your home. In addition, you will also save on your energy bills, reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy the comfort of the extra interior living space all year round.

LET IN THE LIGHT: Glass systems increase interior value.

Glazed-in balconies have been around for many years but most of the modern glass systems available today are superior in quality and design. I arrange many installations for my clients and there are several

glass systems and types of glass you can choose from, including frameless glass screens and partition styles, sound-proofing glass, self-cleaning glass and heat resistant glass, etc. You should ask for a written guarantee on the system

and on the installation. You could also upgrade your balcony and terrace balustrades by replacing traditional metal or concrete balustrades with a modern glass balustrade system. This will increase the amount of natural

light coming into your room, improve the views from your room and give your home a modern look. If your terrace or balcony does not have a roof you can also fit a retractable or fixed glass roof. Before carrying out any installation of glass systems to your apartment or town house, apply for written permission from the community president/administrator. Also check that your design conforms to the community’s standard design and only start work after you have received permission in writing. If you have followed my tip, you can sit back and enjoy your extra interior space knowing you have increased the value of your home and also reduced your carbon footprint. For further information regarding glass systems which I approve, please contact me for advice. John Graham FGIS 020 32 900 983/+34 657 337 477 gk.ipad@me.com

Construction company back in the black SPANISH construction firm Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas (FCC) has posted a profit for the first three months of 2015, its first quarter in the black for two years. The company, which has projects in building, cement production, water and waste management all over the world, recorded a total consolidated revenue of €1.48 billion in quarter one of 2015, not much greater than the €1.44 billion for the same period in 2014.

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Survey finds brighter outlook amongst agents ALMERIA had some of the most bullish estate agents By Jo Harvie THERE’S a growing optimism amongst property agents in Spain, finds a new survey by portal, Kyero. Their Spanish Property Market Confidence Index for the first quarter of 2015 found 71 per cent of agents reporting they felt more confident about the sector than they did a year ago. The survey did, however, pick up a divide

in outlook between English-speaking and Spanish agents, with the English speakers more likely to feel more confident. They were also much more likely than the Spanish speakers to report increasing property prices. Thirty per cent of the English-speaking estate agents gave stronger sterling as the main reason for their brighter outlook, while 26 per cent of the native agents put their increased confidence down to their own hard-

GROWING OPTIMISM: Property agents in Spain more confident than a year ago.

er marketing work. The four provinces where Kyero found

the most bullish estate agents were Almeria, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Murcia.

Spain still on top SPAIN is still the most popular property destination in the world, according to TheMoveChannel.com’s latest Top of the Props report. Spanish property accounted for one in 10 (9.72 per cent) of all enquiries on the overseas portal in April 2015, making it the number one country for the third month in a row.

Learning from past mistakes FLAT RATE: Second-hand apartments are driving the increase in sales.

Sales rise but prices fall in March THE Spanish property market continues along its bumpy recovery route, as new figures from the General Council of Notaries say home sales leapt an encouraging 12.3 per cent in March, compared to the numbers for March 2014. But at the same time, house prices dropped by 7.5 per cent. The increase in the number of sales is driven by the second-hand home market. The number of flats sold increased by 11.3 per cent in overall this March, but broken down the figures show a 19.8 per cent rise in sales of second-hand flats, while the rate of sales of newly-built flats

crashed by 32.6 per cent. Prices fell across the board, in both resale and new-build sectors, and for both flats and houses. The average sale price per square metre for flats dropped 6.1 per cent, a 3.7 per cent fall for second-hand flats and a 14.6 per cent drop for new flats. The average cost per square metre of a house decreased by just over 10 per cent. The number of transactions involving other types of property, more than a third of which is accounted for by plots of land, rose by 6.4 per cent year-on-year, and also saw a substantial increase in prices, of 24.4 per cent.

Overall, the notaries said the mixed bag of figures indicated “a stabilisation of the Spanish real estate market.” The notaries’ figures for the number of sales appear more optimistic than the 2.1 per cent increase in March sales recently reported by Spain’s national statistics body (INE). But the two bodies draw their figures from different sources – the notaries recording the number of sales signed that month, while the INE counts the sales registered, which can often occur months after a sale is agreed and notarised.

SPAIN and its property sector are paying dearly for the mistakes made during the last boom. Lorenzo Castilla, Sales Director of ANIDA, the property division of BBVA – one of Spain’s biggest banks – claims the sector

now operates along more rational lines, but suggests we m ust n’t f orget t he lessons learnt as a new cycle begins. The priority is to build to satisfy demand, and avoid oversupplying the market.

2015 set to see rise in demand for prime properties THE international financial markets are expected to be a key driver in the uptake of Spanish prime residential property during 2015, according to a new analysis. The latest market reports from Lucas Fox International Properties, suggest there has been an increase in demand from the UK, US and Swiss buyers thanks to the rise of the dollar, pound and Swiss franc against the euro. Conversely, the number of Russian investors is expected to dwindle as the rouble goes further into free fall as 2015 progresses.

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

TILING FLOOR AND WALL TILING SPECIALIST Not a jack of all trades, just a master of one! Call Steve Holman on 697 678 708 (230178)

TV, AUDIO ETC, REPAIR REPAIR, TV, electronic equipment www.zeta-ser vices.tv / 950 634 477 (230044)

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Motoring shorts

New Galaxy people mover FORD has revealed the allnew Ford Galaxy, with extra technology added to the luxurious people-mover. The new Galaxy offers seven full-size seats, enabling families to switch between seating or load space, with a new feature that raises third-row seats at the push of a button. It also offers a smoother, quieter ride.

Countdown to cleaner cars THE motoring industry is preparing for changes to its emission requirements with the strictest ever European vehicle emissions regulation Euro-6. From 1 September 2015, all new car models sold in the EU must meet this low emissions standard.

Costa de Almería

SPONSORED BY Clarkson Quote of theWeek

28 May - 3 June 2015

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FOR BEST RATES IN MOTOR INSURANCE CALL: 952 89 33 80

I don't understand bus lanes. Why do poor people have to get to places quicker than I do?

Lotus Evora 400 confirmed in the UK at £72,000 (€100, 000) NEW MODEL is the fastest and most powerful Lotus yet By Steve Walsh LOTUS has confirmed pricing for the new Evora 400. The heavily revised 2015 Evora will start from £72,000 (€100,000) in the UK, confirming a move upmarket for the flagship Lotus model. It’s a sizeable jump compared with the outgoing Evora, which until recently started from around £55k, (€77,000) and the supercharged Evora S from £62k, (€87,000). The new Evora 400 replaces all other Evora models, both supercharged and non-supercharged.

It’s the fastest and most powerful Lotus production model yet, with 400bhp and 302lb ft from its 3.5-litre supercharged V6.

400 the new Evora replaces all other Evora models, supercharged and non-supercharged.

The jump in power over the old Evora S comes partly from a new supercharger and the addition of an intercooler, along with a new ECU.

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

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The best price for your vehicle VENUS CARS are buyers and sellers of quality second-hand vehicles ESTABLISHED for 16 years in Torremendo, Venus Cars are the leading providers of used cars and motor homes. This family-owned business is run by Nigel Venus, who worked in the car industry in the UK before moving to Spain. Seeing a niche in the market, particularly for those wanting to bring their UK car and part exchange it for a Spanish vehicle, Venus Cars was set up and has since bought and sold thousands of vehicles. Over the past four years the company has expanded and increased its fleet of motor homes and camper vans, which have proved ever popular with expat populations of all nationalities who have seen the advantage of living life on the road to see more of Spain and even to travel back to their home countries and have on site accommodation with them; perfect for keeping travelling costs down and visiting friends and family without imposing on them. Motor homes of all shapes and sizes are in stock and in most cases, as with any car, you can be on the road in your new vehicle within

BUY AND SELL: A wide range of vehicles including motor homes is available at Venus Cars, established for 16 years on the Costa Blanca. 24 hours, safe in the knowledge that all the paperwork has been completed and the vehicle serviced and cleaned. Venus Cars offer an individual warranty on all vehicles, which is either based on a period of time or mileage; ideal for those buying a vehicle that will only be used for part of the year. Part exchange is offered on right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles but if you are looking to get rid of your car or motor home, Venus

Cars can buy it from you. “We are always looking at buying new vehicles,” said Nigel, “and particularly genuine, one-owner vehicles.” They will also buy English registered vehicles and give the owner back the necessary yellow slip for them to post back in the UK to show the vehicle is no longer theirs. All paperwork is carried out for Spanish vehicles, with Venus Cars transferring the vehicle immediately into their name, so you can rest assured it is

no longer in your name and there will be no future Suma bills to pay. They are also able to travel to you to collect the vehicle and will also work with the customer as best they can to deliver that vehicle to wherever they may need it. Finance is not available but they can point you in the right direction and also help in getting insurance quotes. Venus Cars, Torremendo Tel: 965 368 274 Visit www.venuscars.com Email: info@venuscars.com

MOTORING

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28 May - 3 June 2015 / Costa de Almería

Introduction of new Tesla Model S 70D ALL-WHEEL drive electric car By Steve Walsh THIS month, Europe saw the introduction of the latest addition to the Tesla stable, the Model S 70D. While all eyes are on Tesla’s SUV waiting in the wings for launch this summer, the electric car wizards in Palo Alto are keeping up our interest with a new entry-level addition to the Model S range. The all-wheel drive electric car with a 0-100km/h time of 5.2 seconds and a 390 kilometre range at 110km/h, is the cheapest EV yet from the Silicon Valley start-up, and has a starting price tag of around €80,000. The Model S 70D offers a broad and compelling set of features. Moreover, when one factors in the cost advantages over an internal combustion en-

ALL ELECTRIC: The Model S 70D. gine vehicle, including fuel savings and incentives, the actual cost of owning Model S 70D comes to about €49,000 over five years (the average length of new car ownership). In addition to having independently operational front and rear motors, the price includes supercharging points to enable free long-distance travel, au-

topilot hardware, navigation, blind spot detection and many other features. As with every Model S, the 70D will receive free over-theair updates that improve the driving experience. You can even have any colour you like, as long as it’s Ocean Blue, Obsidian Black or Warm Silver.

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Time for Top Trumps MIND-BOGGLING speeds and price tags to match By Steve Walsh SO the time has come for you to buy a new family car? Well before you do, come back to the real world and have a little game of Top Trumps first! The crazy powerful and very rare Aston Martin One-77. The price, which is, get ready for

CRAZY POWERFUL: The very rare Aston Martin One-77.

this, €1.3 million. If you are lucky enough to have this amount of money then we congratulate you and hate you at the same time. Power comes from a 7.3-litre V12, delivering over 700bhp, which will take this gentleman from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds, a n d o n to a top s pe e d of 220mph, (350km/h.)

HYPERCAR: The Venom GT has a reputation for being the world’s maddest supercar.

Power comes from a 7.3-litre V12, delivering over 700bhp, which will take the One-77 from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 220mph.

The Venom GT has a reput at i on f or bei ng t he world’s maddest supercar. Or really, we should say ‘hypercar’ because this ballistic missile for the road that is a little cheaper at a m er e €1 m i l l i on, has stormed from 0-100km/h

in a m i nd- boggl i ng 2.4-seconds. Yep… 2.4 seconds! This seven litre V8 monster producing 1,244bhp, wi l l hur l i t sel f t o a t op speed of 278mph, that’s a mind-boggling 450 kilometres per hour.

Dawn of new era at Rolls-Royce ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars announced the name of its forthcoming new car this week. The new model, an exciting and sensuous drophead, will be known as Rolls-Royce Dawn. The car was unveiled to representatives of the marque’s 130-strong global

dealer network at the 2015 Rolls-Royce World Dealer Conference in Los Angeles. “Our new Rolls-Royce Dawn promises a striking, seductive encounter like no other Rolls-Royce to date,” said Torsten MuellerOetvoes, Chief Executive Officer.

Ageing drivers concern A MOTORING group in the UK has called for action to address a surge in elderly motorists, with the number of drivers aged 70 or older now rising by 10,000 a month. Figures reveal that there are now more than 4.34 million licence holders over 70 on the roads, compared to 3.9 million in 2012, including Britain’s oldest holder of a driving licence, aged 107.

SPORTS

28 May - 3 June 2015 / Costa de Almería

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Lewis robbed, Tigers down, record for Ben, and champ DeGale 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

FOR YOUR DIARY On Sat u r d a y, t h e h o l d e rs Arsenal meet Aston Villa in the FA Cup final at Wembley (6.30pm kick-off Spanish time). Between them the Gunners (18) and the Villans (10) have appeared in 28 previous finals and the last tim e t h e y m e t i n th e compe t i t i o n wa s i n 2 0 1 2 when Arsenal won 3-2. The two clubs have never opposed each other in a major Cup final before, and the last time Villa won the trophy was in 1957. Also on Saturday, Falkirk play Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Cup

fin a l a n d th e 111 th C o pa Del Rey final will see treble-chasing Barcelona take on Athletic Bilbao. This weekend, Messrs Rossi, Lorenzo and Marquez ride in the Italian Moto G P in M u g ello . . . t he French Open Grand Slam tennis tournament continues at Roland Garos...the second England-New Zealand cricket Test starts at Leeds and Pakistan play Zimbabwe in a ODI tomorrow... there are eight games in the NatWest T20 Blast competition on Saturday... ... the FIFA U /2 0 Wo rld C u p ge ts under way, as do the World Triath lo n an d E u ro p ea n Rowing championships... on S atu rd a y, Ba th , w ho thrashed Leicester 47-10 in their semi-final, play Saracens (29-24 victors over N o rth a mp to n ) in R u gby Union’s Aviva Premiership final and Munster take on Glasgow (Ireland v Scot-

DID YOU KNOW?

SPORT IN GENERAL

With the Copa Del Rey and Champions League finals still to come, Lionel Messi has scored 466 goals in 609 appearances for Barcelona and Argentina (286 in 315 La Liga matches). In contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo has netted 488 goals in 742 matches for club and country, (225 in 200 La Liga fixtures). That’s 954 goals in 1,351 football matches for the two superstars. Amazing.

MOTOR RACING - A grave error by the Mercedes pit team denied Lewis Hamilton victory in last Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix! Hamilton was called in behind the safety car. Why, oh why? It was a big mistake which handed the race to Nick Rosberg with Sebastian Vettel second, ahead of a distraught Hamilton who still leads the driver’s championship by 10 points (it should have been 30). Next up, Montreal on June 7. MEANWHILE Juan Pablo Montoya was the surprise winner of the 99th Indianapolis 500. BOXING - James DeGale is the first GB Olympic gold medallist to win a professional world title fight. He did the business in Boston, USA, beating André Dirrell on points to become the IBF super-middleweight champion. Another GB Olympian - heavyweight Anthony Joshua meets Kevin Johnson at London’s 02 Arena on Saturday. CRICKET - Last Sunday afternoon, Ben Stokes scored the fastest-ever Test Match century at Lords (off 85 balls) as England (389 and 478) went on to register a 124-run victory over New Zealand (523 and 220).

land) in the Guinness Pro12 final... and then on Sunday afternoon, England play the Barbarians at Twickenham. There’s plenty to please everyone here! FOOTBALL ROUND-UP La s t Sunda y, H ull C ity (Tigers) (0-0 v Manchester United) were relegated from the Premiership; Newcastle (2-0 winners v West Ham) stayed up. There were last day wins also for Arsenal (4-1 v WBA); Chelsea (3-1 v Sunderland), Manchester City (2-0 v Southampton), Stoke (6-1 v LiverJAMES DEGALE: The first GB Olympic gold medallist to win a professional world title fight. pool), Crystal Palace (1-0 v game for Liverpool. Stoke’s Peter Crouch Swansea), Leicester (5-1 v West Ham sacked managscored his 47th PL headed QPR), Spurs (1-0 at Everer Sam Allardyce (after losgoal (a record) and Steven ton), a nd B urnle y (1-0 a t ing at St James’ Park). Gerrard scored in his last Villa Park).

My FOOTBALL QUIZ at the LOFT BAR Mojacar Playa on Saturday (FA Cup final day) will start at 5pm. Entry is €2 per person and the prizes include framed authentic signatures with pictures of former and current England players and a signed copy of my 2015 Steven Gerrard book.

For the ardent ASTON VILLA fan... I have for sale at €250 a limited edition, authentically signed 28” x 20” coloured print of Villa’s 1981 League Championship winning team in caricature style. Tel. 634 391 414 or email: tony_matthews@live.co.uk.

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Cristiano Ronaldo scored his eighth hat-trick of the season for Real to finish with a total of 61 goals - three more than Lionel Messi.

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Costa de Almería’s best guide to local sport

Marina Phoenix Golf Society Texas Scramble DAVE EASTON won with an impressive 41 points on the Monday game By Steve Walsh MONDAY May 18, at Marina Phoenix saw Dave Easton win with an impressive 41 points and earn himself a four shot handicap cut. John Lally (40) followed one point behind in second, and Bob Craig (39) came third. Ann Kavanagh kept up the high scoring to win the ladies division with 38 points from Penny Craig on 32 in second, and Isobel Jones with 30 in third. Thursday’s team game was a Texas Scramble. The clear winners were Penny Craig, Jim Budd, John Lally and Marcos Caparros with 58.3. Second place with 61.3 went to Ali Mahmud, Isobel Jones, Hylton Smith and Dave Easton, followed by Rhoda Elwick, Ken Stafford, Pat O’Brien and Gerry Byrne with 61.8. Marina Phoenix play Mondays (individual) and Thursdays (team game). For more info, call: 950 162 727.

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The 19th Hole Golf Society at Cucador THURSDAY May 21, at Aguilon saw the 19th Hole Golf Society play a Team Waltz and Individual Stableford. Whereupon, Sharon Stevens and Gary Grey overcame the conditions in quite spectacular fashion, as Sharon recorded a nett 49 (a new record for the 19th Hole GS) playing off 22, and Gary 44 playing off 25, to win the Individual first prize in their category.

In the Team Waltz Nigel Greenwood, Mike Esposito, Geoff Smith and Gary Grey recorded the highest score ever recorded for a Team Waltz in the history of the 19th Hole Golf Society with 98 points, and easily took first place. The Mens Individual Stableford was won by Gary Grey with a nett 44. The Ladies Individual title was taken by Sharon Stevens with a nett 49.

Albatross at Aguilon Golf

MEMBERS: After playing the Texas Scramble on Thursday.

WEDNESDAY May 13, saw the individual Stableford at Agiulon Golf, where a net albatross on hole 13 gathered the winner enough points to keep the rest of the field trailing behind him. In first place was Chris Mardon, with 36 points, followed by Dave Simpson, on 34. Third place was taken by Roy Lewis, with 33 points.

The individual Stableford on May 22, witnessed: Keith Leonard winning with 33 points, and Brian Everitt, on 32 coming second. Third place went to Glyn Ombler, also with 32 points on a card play-off. For information contact Derrick 636 240 726 or Les 634 641 199 or visit the website at www.aguilonmembersclub.com