COSTA DE ALMERÍA
YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION Cordon Press
ISSUENN . 1555 //18 23 29 APRIL ISSUE O.O1563 - 24- June 20152015
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Take your rubbish home with you! Junta de Andalucia’s summer plan A CAMPAIGN has been launched to try to keep the Cabo de GataNijar Park neat and tidy. ‘You brought it, you take it’ is the message being given to litter-louts. See Page 2
Crossing to Africa Moroccans begin the journey home ALMERIA PORT was ready for Operacion Paso del Estrecho (OPE), which began last
Monday. Emergency services were on alert for the annual exodus. See Page 5
A pink attraction Flamingos prove a big draw for tourists FLAMINGOS have taken up residence at the Punta EntinasSabinar pools and the salt beds at Salinas de Cerrillos and Cabo de Gata, attracting birdwatchers and tourists. See Page 6
Pledge to help immigrants ALMERIA sees 119 per cent rise as boats head for coastline by Steve Walsh With the plight of tens of thousands of illegal immigrants trying to reach Europe – many dying in the process – the Andalucian regional government has pledged to throw its weight behind their welfare. Government delegate to Andalucia Antonio Sanz made clear this week that
the rescue and care of immigrants reaching the Almeria coast was a high priority. He said: “The government supports and recognises organisations and institutions working in the rescue and care of immigrants arriving on the Andalucian coast from Morocco. Their humanitarian work in saving lives is a great example of solidarity.” The Red Cross and other agencies
have saved the lives of hundreds already this year. Sanz said that in the first five months of the year there has been “a significant increase” in boat traffic. According to the Guardia Civil, there has been a 119 per cent increase in the number of immigrants trying to reach the Almeria coast so far this year, compared to 68 per cent across the Spanish Costas as a whole.
Towering challenge ‘Vertical race’ up El Ejido’s Torre Laguna AROUND 200 people will tackle a race up the 28 flights of stairs in El Ejido’s Torre
Laguna in three different events, including one for firemen only. See Page 8
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LOCAL NEWS
No cash needed HALF of Almeria City taxi-drivers now accept payment by credit card. Their number has gradually crept up in response to public d e m a n d , so u rce s said, although at present
allowing this facility depends on each cab-driver. U s in g a c re d it c a rd d o e s not involve an extra charge and neither do drivers require passengers to spend a minimum amount.
Playing unfair IZQUIERDA UNIDA (IU) accused the regional government of not playing fair over the Algarrobico hotel. Although the practically-finished hotel is subject to a demolition order for
infringing the Coastal Law, IU claims that the Junta will deliberately miss the expiry date to lodge an appeal and is likely to be conniving with the hotel developers.
Filming of game show THE sixth series of Game of Thrones will be partly filmed in Almeria as well as Peñiscola (Castellon) and Gerona. Insiders said the production company has approved
several locations in the province after being impressed with the local scenery in Exodus. Little more has been revealed, although auditions for extras will be held in early July.
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NEWS
Summer brings a lot of litter, so take it away CAMPAIGN launched to remind visitors to remove their rubbish By Linda Hall THE Junta de Andalucia again launched its campaign to keep the Cabo de Gata-Nijar Park neat and tidy. ‘You brought it, you take it’ the public is being reminded in a bid to protect the park and its beaches from litter-louts. Although the national park receives visitors year round, the influx of summer visitors brings a series of conservation and maintenance challenges, the regional government said. ‘We all like it to be clean. Don’t leave refuse, take it away with you’ notices throughout the park will urge visitors in the places where rubbish collection services do not operate. Only the beaches are attended to, so it is up to users to take environmental responsibility.
UNTOUCHED: Cabo de Gata-Nijar Park.
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Bigger bars
FEATURED NEWS
Capture of the Beasts: a summer tradition WILD mountain horses are rounded up, trimmed and groomed
Double size CHIRINGUITO bars on Almeria City beaches will be double their initially-envisaged size. Owing to changes in the Coastal laws, these can occupy a 330-square metre area.
Paper chase Thrown away BIN liners full of documents were taken from Cantoria Town Hall before the recent changeover, residents reported. Despite protests that they were personal papers, their return was overseen by the Guardia Civil.
Local winners City triathlon BRAVING bad weather and high winds, 500 people swam, cycled and ran in the 10th Almeria City Triathlon. Almeria residents Juan Salvador Diaz Cuellar and Elia Roda, won the male and female categories.
In memory
Popular king First anniversary
RAW SKILL: Local men use only their body strength to subdue the horses.
By Steve Walsh RAPA DAS BESTAS, or The Capture of the Beasts, is an event held in June to mark the start of a summer tradition in Mougas, North West Spain, where hundreds of wild horses are rounded up, trimmed and groomed. There, and in different villages throughout Galicia, the ritual involves rounding up and catching the wild horses from the mountains, cutting the manes of the animals, who live in a semi-feral state, before delousing them and marking the young.
186 Spanish towns with more than 20,000 inhabitants are now governed by PSOE socialist party mayors. This follows flurries of last-minute pacts and agreements prior to investiture ceremonies held all over the country last Saturday (June 13).
Dating back to the eighth century, the ownership of these horses is split between individuals, villages or parishes. It is their responsibility to catch, clean, mark, (nowadays with a microchip) and return the horses back into the mountains. The direct translation means The Scrape of the Mares. The most famous of the round-ups is in Sabucedo, Pontevedra, where more than 600 horses are corralled and restrained each year for the clipping and marking. The art in this case is that no instruments are used to subdue the animals. The men use their body strength and raw skill to complete the job.
TOMORROW (June 19) marks the first anniversary of the coronation of King Felipe VI. A year on, the monarchy’s popularity seems to have increased among the Spanish people.
Quote of the Week While those that have been stealing and lying for years are still in their posts, Guille Zapata has taken responsibility for his acts. They can’t stop change,” said Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias on Twitter referring to the Madrid Ahora councillor’s decision to stand down.
Promoting school work for a better future EIGHTY-SIX per cent of 15year-old gypsies attend school compared with 98 per cent of the Spanish population. By the time they are 16 this will have fallen to 55 per cent compared with the national av-
erage of 93 per cent, according to regional government statistics. Almost 64 per drop out of school early, compared with 25 per cent for non-gypsies. The Promociona programme which promotes schooling
amongst Almeria Province’s young gypsies, was introduced four years ago to combat these figures. Supported by the Fundacion Secretariado Gitano in collaboration with the Junta de Andalu-
cia, the programme encourages studies to be seen as a tool for the future and an instrument for social change. “Above all the programme tries to ensure the young people obtain their certificate of sec-
ondary education and are motivated to go on to further education,” said Lola Ramon, the Fundacion’s coordinator for Almeria Province. As well as tutoring sessions, they aslo hold family meetings.
Long cycle MANUEL RUIZ from Huercal-Overa cycled 2,500 kilometres between London where he now lives and his home town in 21 days. He dedicated the journey to his father, who died in June of last year.
In the family Children abuse LAST year 132 Almeria Province minors reached court for physically abusing their parents. Those found guilty spend between 18 and 24 months in young offenders’ centres.
Sure thing Better deal EL EJIDO Town Hall saved almost 60 per cent on insurance cover after seeking better deals from the companies between 2012 and 2015. It currently spends an annual €175,000 compared with €413,000.
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INDEX News 1 - 32 Featured News 3 News Desk 34 European Press 36 Russian Press 37 Finance 39 - 44
DISCO: Great to be inside, less so outside especially for nearby residents. Stocks 40 Leapy Lee 45 Ric Polansky 52 Street Talk 52 Daily TV 54 Nora Johnson 55 Our View 56
Shuteye demands made to new adminisration TIME to keep promises, residents remind City Hall By Linda Hall ALMERIA City residents wanting a good night’s sleep have called on the new corporation to take action on noise. Derechoadormir (Right to sleep), a platform of residents’
communities and associations, said all parties pledged to find a solution for noise pollution from discos and pubs. Now it is time to keep their promises, they were reminded. The group cited a Marques de Comillas apartment where
Local Police registered more than 32 decibels from a nearby disco even though the windows were closed. City Hall has yet to clarify whether the business is still licensed to operate as a disco after having changed hands, espe-
cially since the new proprietor of a bar in Calle Guzman had his request for a licence transfer turned down. Yet another pub near the Juegos del Mediterraneo stadium also keeps its neighbours awake, Derechoadormir said.
Colin Bird 56 Mike Walsh 56 Cassandra Nash 57 Letters 58 Time Out 60 - 61 Health & Beauty 64 - 65 Food 66 - 71 Albox 73 - 79 Homes & Gardens 80 - 81 Pets 82 - 83 Property 84 - 86 Classifieds 88 - 90 Motoring 92 - 94 Sport 95 - 96
Arboleas tends to its historic past REPAIRS have begun at Pago del Molino in Arboleas. “This type of work is always complicated,” said the mayor, Cristobal Garcia. “You know when and how to start, but can’t prepare for the unforeseen.”
The project will revive an abandoned and little-known area, Garcia explained. Originally the historic Pago del Molino structure drove subterranean waters to an old water mill, which is now in ruins.
“We have got down to work because this place is not in a good state of preservation,” Mayor Garcia said. He added: “We want to repair and maintain Pago del Molino, which is part of Arboleas’s history.”
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NEWS EXTRA
Help plea AN El Ejido mother with an autistic son of seven has called for more after-school assistance. While happy with his medical care and schooling, extra-curricular activities were a problem, she said.
Sales rise PROPERTY sales increased in all autonomous regions between April 2013 and March 2014. Although Almeria Province was a favourite destination with foreign buyers, overall sales lagged by 1.9 per cent.
No smoking THE regional health delegate visited Vera’s El Palmeral Institute where he presented prizes to the high schools pupils for their contribution to the ‘I’m not smoking’ programme.
Annual strait crossing under way once more THE annual journey sees thousands of workers head home for North Africa By Linda Hall THE Operacion Paso del Estrecho (OPE), which began last Monday, did not take Almeria Port unawares. Red Cross and Civil Protection volunteers were on hand, as well as Guardia Civil, the General Traffic Directorate (DGT) and National Police, to guarantee safety for the travellers and fluidity of movement. A million or so will sail between Almeria and North Africa between now and September 15, when the return operation finishes for another year. The avalanche of immigrant workers returning to their North African homes for the summer holidays will build up steadily in the coming weeks, but at present the number of travellers is still manageable, port sources said. The most sensitive phase of the OPE will be the outward journey as immigrants cross the Strait of Gibraltar, the
READY FOR OPE: The Moroccan Consul and port, police and volunteer group representatives. authorities said. They estimate that the last week of July and the first and the last weeks of August will be the critical periods.
Ramadan begins today Thursday, June 18, and ends on July 17. This will delay many departures, the central government’s Interior department said.
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Not in our backyards BERJA residents are petitioning to close down a ‘Punto Limpio’ recycling site. Located in the Las Cañadas area three kilometres from the town, the recycling centre accepts old furniture, used oil, household appliances and other items not accepted at normal recycling containers. So far 200 Berja residents have signed the petition which they intend to present to the regional government, expressing their “total rejection” of the plant. The document calls for the courts and the administration to close it down as it has no licence and is illegal, claimed Francisco Martin, who organised the petition. He lives near the Punto Limpio and its presence has made him consider moving. “On windy days rubbish from the centre blows into our properties,” said Martin.
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Flamingos in the pink ATTRACT thousands of tourists to the area
STOPOVER: Flamingoes break their journey in Almeria. By Linda Hall THE Indalo man is not the only Costa de Almeria symbol. The pink flamingos that break their journey to France at the Punta Entinas-Sabinar pools or the salt beds at Salinas de Cerrillos and Cabo de Gata are also emblematically
linked to the area. Other favourite temporary resting places are the mouths of the Almanzora, Aguas, Antas and Andarax rivers as well as the former Terreros salt beds in Pulpi and the Cañadas de Las Norias lagoons. They attract birdwatchers and tourists - sometimes one
and the same thing - every year - who gather to admire the thousands of birds that congregate here during the summer months. Hundreds remain here all year round, however, not so very different from the tourists who visit Almeria, fall in love with the area and decide to make it their home.
NEWS
Keeping papers straight THE Almeria Diputacion will help towns with populations of less than 10,000 to keep their archives in order. The project has several specific purposes, explained Dolores Martinez, who heads the Personnel and Interior Regime department. Firstly the Diputacion wants to ensure that documents in these municipalities are protected and will assist municipal offices in their management. Physical space will be found so the documents can be kept safe and digitalised while allowing citizens to access municipal archives. Abrucena, Alcolea, Almocita, Antas, Armuña de Almanzora, Bedar, Cantoria, Enix, Fines, Gergal, Laroya, Los Gallardos, Lubrin, Lucar, Maria, Ohanes, Olula de Castro, Olula del Rio, Oria, Rioja, Seron, Sierro, Sufli, Terque, Tijola, Turre and Urracal are the 28 towns that will be covered by the Diputacion programme.
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NEWS EXTRA
Fishy business ALMERIA Province’s five harbourside fish markets processed 7,738 tons of fish last year but their €25.02 million turnover was only half of Cadiz’s. Huelva performed best in Andalucia, with 17,692 catches earning €51.38 million.
NEWS
Dear oh dear! ALMERIA has some of Spain’s highest prices for petrol
Coast work AFTER years of requests for breakwaters to protect the coast, Adra residents are reconsidering the recently-begun project. They would prefer something less environmentally aggressive, they said.
Busy police THE high season has begun for National Police officers. Fifty have been assigned to the province with duties ranging from fire prevention to illicit gaming.
PETROL: Not all service stations charge the same. By Linda Hall DRIVERS in Almeria Province pay some of Spain’s highest prices for petrol. The least they can hope to pay for 95 octane unleaded
petrol is €1.15 a litre while shopping around will locate petrol stations where prices are pegged at €1.3 a litre. According to Ministry of Industry statistics, the average price for petrol is currently
€1.355 a litre compared with the national average of €1.349. Filling a 55-litre capacity tank in Almeria Province currently costs €75, which is €10 more than in January.
Conference on Spain’s transition to democracy ALMERIA has hosted the International Conference on the Spanish Transition once again. The two-yearly event had to be cancelled in 2013 owing to the economic crisis but was
again held at the UNED (Open University) centre in Almeria City, and ended today, Thursday. This year’s edition focused on public institutions during the period following the death of
Franco in 1975 and the transition to democracy. The conference was attended by 25 universities as well as six other countries including Portugal, Hungary and Italy.
An uphill challenge against the clock AROUND 200 people will converge on El Ejido for the fourth edition of the Carrera Vertical race on June 20. There are three different versions of the race but all require contestants to climb the 28 flights of stairs of Torre Laguna. There will be an againstthe-clock race for firefighters only, another against the clock for all-comers as well as a third version that includes a six-kilometre circuit inside the town.
28
flights to climb in Torre Laguna
“The challenge promotes sport as a leisure and health option and has gained in popularity and contestants each year,” said Sports Councillor Jose Andres Cano. There were already 30 entrants for the firefighters’ against-the-clock race, he confirmed earlier this week. There will be runners from all over Spain and last year’s
winner, Cristian Lopez from Toledo, who climbed the 28 storeys in three minutes and two seconds, has confirmed that he will be participating. The race begins in the Bulevar adjoining the tower block, continues through the hall of the building and up the 28 flights of stairs. A giant screen in the hall will relay the race via cameras positioned on each floor and at the finishing line, giving the time and classification of each runner.
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NEWS EXTRA
Through road RESIDENTS in the Almeria city Loma Cabrera will soon have safer access to the motorway they have requested for years. City hall announced the €278,000 road opens this week.
Hot spot WORKERS at the Carboneras power station contacted the emergency services after a turtle was found there. It is now receiving treatment at the Equinac rescue centre.
Farm plan THE regional government confirmed that young people planning to work in agriculture will receive official help under Andalucia’s 2014-2020 Rural Development Plan. The €20 million budget for 2015 will be extended if necessary.
NEWS
Walkways needed e
STRUGGLE to reach the seashore for people with mobility problem By Linda Hall GOOD beach weather came early to Almeria this year but beach walkways were late arriving. So early in the summer the sand still does not burn and is comfortable to walk on, but the lack of walkways can be a problem for the disabled or beachgoers struggling with pushchairs to the water’s edge. An Almeria teacher involved in an outing for disabled pupils at the beginning of the month expressed surprise at not finding the catwalks. “Almeria city beaches had neither walkways, awnings nor other beach equipment,” the teacher said. “On the other hand, an area had been prepared for a beach-tennis tournament with tiers of seating.” Two of the pupils were in wheelchairs and others had mobility problems but she and oth-
WATER’S EDGE: Easier to reach with a walkway. er adults in the party were determined that the children should still enjoy their day at the beach. The only solution was to car-
ry them and all their belongings including their own belongings, down to the water’s edge. The summer season might not have officially begun at the
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arlier photo (by Roberto Poveda)
ms
time, the teacher pointed out: “But didn’t city hall have enough initiative to look at the magnificent weather and get the beaches ready earlier?”
Monkey puzzle tree triggered residents outcry SHORTLY before leaving office Cuevas del Almanzora’s former mayor refuted media reports surrounding conflictive building taxes. It was not true that Cuevas del Almanzora Town Hall was ordered to return taxes “irregularly” charged for a development that was never begun. This version was “totally incorrect” maintained a town hall statement. The spurious information was particularly serious because it originated in the law office representing the developer, the communiqué continued. The lawsuit centred on the expiry period for reclaiming the Works and Building Tax (ICIO) paid at the time that the building permit was granted, the town hall explained. The court had to decide whether the
four-year period should be calculated from the time that the tax was paid or - as the developer argued - when the project was abandoned. Although there are precedents for both schools of thought the courts ruled in favour of the developer, the Cuevas statement said. The delay in granting the building permit was triggered by an outcry when residents learned that the project entailed cutting down a huge old monkey puzzle tree. The developer and the town hall came to mutual agreement regarding a new site but a subsequent lack of funding, occasioned exclusively by the company’s financial situation, prompted the decision to abandon the project, the statement finished.
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EURO WOMEN PAGE
A true fairy godmother Our Euro Women series is featuring women who have made a success of their lives in Spain. These outstanding ladies have been shattering glass ceilings whether in business, charity work or sports. Jody Kirby, from Benidoleig, is a true Renaissance woman, running a successful business and charity.
THE first impression Jody Kirby gives is of being very attractive and charming. She has that elusive and rare gift of being able to talk to anyone, making them feel at home and welcome. She is certainly attractive but that is the least of Jody’s qualities. She is a master at handling an incredibly busy schedule that involves running the highly successful Continental Wealth Management on an international level and bringing up a family in Spain. Jody is shortly to launch a new and exciting international fashion label. And as if all those things were not enough to occupy this busy Euro Woman, she is also at the helm of Grant a Wish, one of the most active and effective charities in the region. Grant a Wish does simply that – it grants seemingly impossible wishes for people who need a helping hand in some way or another. And that help might be needed in a hundred different ways, for people who are sick, in danger, suffering from loneliness, or homelessness or loss. Jody and her family gather them in, providing solutions for apparently hopeless situations. Grant a Wish, set up three years ago, is completely unique. It helps anyone who needs help – individuals, children’s homes, families in difficulties - with no set criteria to qualify for help. It also lends a hand to other charities when needed. The single most impressive characteristic that Jody displays is her determination to achieve more in everything she undertakes, whether it is on behalf of Continen-
Jody Kirby’s charity Grant a Wish makes dreams come true
FINE BALANCE: On top of her charity work, business and soon-to-launch fashion label, Jody is mum to two boys.
Businesswoman and honorary biker By Jan Gamm
For me it is all about doing better all the time, every day. You can only do that by trying your best, making strides where you can.
tal Wealth Management or for Grant a Wish. She was crowned ‘Queen Biker Babe 2015’ by the Costa Blanca Harley Davidson Group for raising a staggering €3,500 for Make a Smile, the charity that supports Emaus children’s homes. And how did Jody feel about being chosen Queen Biker Babe? “Oooh…! I’d nev-
Fact file Name: Jody Kirby Age: 39 Family : Married to Darren with two sons aged 10 and 13 at school in Spain Hometown: North London Where now: Benidoleig Languages: English and Spanish Pets : Two Newfoundlands, Bella and Betsy, and Beau the rescue dog Book or TV: Book - I don’t watch TV Favourite title: I love books on self-improvement, especially health Strengths:A positive mind, always looking for solutions, turning negatives into positives Weaknesses: Trying to please everyone, which of course is impossible and leads to a process of constant juggling! Greatest success: My boys Greatest failure: I don’t think I have one – I only believe in learning lessons and letting them take you to a better place Irritants: Gossips. People do talk about me and make certain assumptions. It’s something I never do – I always take as I find. Some people just have nothing better to do…
er been on a bike before! But I was proud to be honoured and to have won the sash!” The best time of Jody’s life, she said, is: “Now! This is the best time of my life! I know who I am, I know where I am going and what I want to achieve.” And where does Jody want to be in five years? “For me it is all about doing better all the time, every day. I want the charity to smash through the roof, making thousands for the people who need it. “And I want Continental Wealth Management to go to another level too – I’d love to be able to leave my mark on the world and you can only do that by trying your best, making strides wherever you can.” Grant a Wish is a source of enormous pride for Jody: “I’m so very proud of what we have achieved, so grateful to all those who trust us with their donations and so thrilled to be able to help all the wonderful people who have benefited from our help.” For more information on Grant a Wish, see www.grantawish.es
Do you know a Euro Woman? If you do please drop us a line at eurowomen@euroweeklynews.com giving full contact details and why you feel they deserve to be honoured. As well as being featured in the EWN a book is being produced for Christmas with all profits going to charitable organisations.
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Traffic fines income IF motorists pay up, Almeria City Hall should earn €4.23 million from 2014 traffic fines. The council had anticipated a maximum of €2.5 million from fines, according to last year’s budget. This was normal practice explained city hall’s Finance department as prior estimates are
deliberately lower than expectations. Whether or not city hall sees every last cent of these fines remains to be seen. Approximately €70,000 was written off in cancelled fines but by December 31 last year, city hall had only received €1.5 million of the remainder.
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NEWS
A very sweet fundraiser
VERA BRANCH: Time for tea and cakes for fundraising. By Linda Hall THE Vera branch of the Asociacion Española Contra el Cancer (AECC) recently organised a fundraising teaparty. Vera residents responded so well to the call to donate cakes, biscuits, tarts, chocolate and typical ‘merienda’ fare that €4,500 was raised for the AECC.
“I want to thank my companions for their hard work,” said Carmen Alonso Garcia, president of the Vera AECC. “And thank you for singing Cumpleaños Feliz (Happy Birthday) to the three women celebrating more years of their lives after fighting this disease. Encarna Morales has celebrated three more years, Juana Mari 19 and Carmen Alonso five. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
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NEWS
LA MOJONERA resident 19year-old Mounir Chouat handed in a wallet containing €544 to the Local Police. It contained no identification but the next day it was reunited with its owner, Antonio
photo Roberto Poveda
The best policy Reyes, who asked the police if a wallet containing an identical amount had been handed it. He later thanked Mounir for his honesty and congratulated his parents for bringing him up so well.
CRIME OF NIJAR: The lonely road to Cortijo del Fraile.
Blood wedding revealed THE inside story from the protagonist’s niece By Linda Hall NEWLY-PUBLISHED ‘Amor y traicion en el Cortijo del Fraile’ reveals the story behind the ‘Crime of Nijar’. The Cortijo del Fraile near Nija is currently prominent in the media as the Junta de Andalucia regional government and the present owner negotiate plans to prevent its total collapse. The crime committed at the country property inspired Federico Garcia Lorca to write ‘Bodas de Sangre’. The ‘Blood Wedding’ tragedy was based on the story
of Francisca Cañada, who eloped in July 1928 with her cousin Francisco Montes, shortly before her marriage to Casimiro Perez Pino. She lived with her widowed father and her sisters at the cortijo where he was a tenant-farmer. The lovers fled hours before the wedding ceremony but were intercepted by Francisca’s elder sister Carmen and her husband Jose Perez Pino, Casimiro’s brother. Francisca’s was practically an arranged marriage as Carmen and Jose supposedly wanted the younger sister’s money and property to remain in the fam-
ily. Francisco was shot dead, while Carmen attempted to strangle her sister. Carmen was imprisoned but soon released while Perez Pino was released after serving three years of a seven-year prison sentence. This is the accepted version of the tragedy but in ‘Amor y traicion en el Cortijo del Fraile’ Josefina Gongora Perez, Francisca Cañada’s great niece, reveals the story behind the crime. Not only did she know Francisca, who died in 1987, but she grew up hearing the family’s version, the author said at the book launch.
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How to detect and react THE Instituto Andaluz de la Mujer (IAM) assisted 27 minors subjected to sexist abuse between 2012 and 2014. The region’s Institute for Women recently issued a guide for parents with adolescent daughters who are or have been victims of gender violence. “It is intended to help Andalucia families detect this type of abuse in time and, above all, to know how to react,” said Carme Cuella, the IAM director. The IAM has attended to 202 adolescents in Andalucia since the programme was launched and records show that 71 per cent of the girls had suffered both psychological and physical violence. Eight per cent were subjected to sexual abuse. The handbook also gives contact details; national 016 helpline and 900 200 999.
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Photography exhibition on in Huercal-Overa FOR some it is a profession, but for others it is an absorbing hobby
NEWS
NEWS EXTRA
Sand storm THE A-7 was partially blocked after a lorry loaded with sand overturned on the A-7 near El Ejido. No-one was injured but there were significant tailbacks lasting several hours.
Light show ZEBRA crossings without traffic lights in Almeria City’s Avenida Cabo de Gata have been equipped with LED lighting. This will improve road safety by giving drivers double warning of a pedestrian crossing.
Exam time LINE-UP: Domingo Fernandez, Antonio Lazaro and the Huercal-Overa photographers. By Linda Hall TWELVE local photographers are showing their work until June 29 at the Teatro Villa de Huercal-Overa.
“We are backing talent with an exhibition room where the town’s artists can display their work,” said Culture councillor Antonio Lazaro.
“Today we are starting out with a great line-up of photographers,” he added when the exhibition was opened by Huercal-Overa mayor Domingo Fernandez.
“For some of them photography is a profession, for others it is an absorbing hobby but it is central to all their lives,” Lazaro said.
A TOTAL of 2,875 students are now sitting Almeria University entrance exams over a three-day period that started last Wednesday. There are 3,270 places available for 31 degree courses.
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NEWS EXTRA
Drug pair jailed AN Adra couple, both aged 26, received two-year sentences for dealing drugs from their home. They accepted stolen goods in exchange for the cocaine and heroin they sold, and were also found guilty of receiving.
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Right prescription for computer glitch AN electrical fault at the data processing centre in Malaga blamed
Church date THE Anglican Church at Llanos del Peral (near El Cucador) is hosting Barry’s music, food and fun, on Sunday June 28 at 1pm. Tickets €10 from Janet. Email jansmet@btinternet. com
New park FINES is to have a €200,000 park covering an area of 1,294 square metres. It will include a multi-adventure area for children as well as an section with gym equipment.
CRASH: Health service central computer system failed. By Linda Hall SAS, the region’s health service, was soon back online after its centralised computer system DIRAYA crashed. DIRAYA co-ordinates medical records, appointments and details of
patients’ prescriptions but the entire system came to a halt following a midmorning electrical fault at the data processing centre in Malaga. Of the region’s hospitals, only those in Eastern Andalucia, including Almeria Province, were affected and the system was back
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Firemen to the railings rescue J.A. Garcia Cordero
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online within two hours. The service was gradually restored to health centre computers throughout the day while the appointments’ program was fully restored by 1am the next day. None of the SAS’s nine million files were damaged, the authorities said.
A HEAD stuck between park railings is a childhood rite of passage. And as has happened regularly since railings were invented, a family had to call for help when their threeyear-old’s head became wedged in the railings at Andaraz Park. The Almeria City fire brigade came swiftly to the rescue. However, instead of sawing through the railings as they would have done in the comic strips of the past, they forced them apart with the type of clamp used for separatomg metal in road accidents. The boy, freed within minutes, and was able to go home uninjured.
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NEWS
NEWS EXTRA
Beach buoys EL EJIDO will pay a contractor €15,283 to supply and maintain buoys and markers along 9 kilometres of beaches. This is a 5 per cent saving on 2014, the town hall revealed.
Read this! ZURGENA’S municipal library, which closed several years ago, has reopened after a revamp. Books can be borrowed free on weekdays from 10am to 2pm and from 4 to 8pm.
Fruit & veg UNICA GROUP in La Mojonera has already marketed 200 million kilos of fruit and vegetables during the 2014-2015 season. It hopes to surpass its 230-million kilo target by the campaign’s end.
CLASSICS: Line-up of cars after a recent run.
Changed venue for classic car club MEMBERS cars are classic British and European sports cars from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s By Community Reporter AMIGOS de los Coches Clasicos now meet at Hotel Overa, junction 547 on the E15-A7 near Huercal-Overa. The move from Aguilas will provide a more convenient and central venue
for members within the Almanzora Valley and surrounding area. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 3pm and membership is open to everyone interested in the restoration, preservation and use of classic cars. The club was formed in February
2008 and originally based in Aguilas. Members’ cars are predominantly classic British and European sports cars from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s that are maintained and, in many cases, have been restored by their owners. A full calendar of events includes monthly
drives around the local area, social lunches and shows. A monthly magazine is circulated to members and contains details of events, technical tips and articles on classic car ownership. More information is available at www.a-c-c.es
No solution for Bajo Andarax drainage BOTH options suggested by the regional government for Bajo Andarax wastewater were dismissed as unviable. Almeria City Hall questioned the Junta’s proposal that wastewater be sent either to El Bobar or El Toyo. Neither solution is
practical, said specialists from the Municipal services department. The El Toyo treatment plant has sufficient capacity for Bajo Andarax wastewater but no connection exists, the councillor explained.
At present the Bajo Andarax system cannot be connected to El Bobar because extensions to the plant are incomplete, they claimed. “According to the terms of the contract, once the plant is finished it needs a sixmonth trial before link-ups can
be made,” the department said. Manuel Guzman, acting Public Works and Citizens’ Services councillor, maintained that drainage pipes bringing Bajo Andarax wastewater have not yet been connected. “There is no real way of sending it to
El Bobar,” Guzman said. Wastewater from Baji Andarax towns is now dumped in the River Andarax, intensifying existing problems caused by mosquitoes. “The Junta de Andalucia is to blame,” the city hall said.
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Spectacles gave the game away A MADRID woman staying in Garrucha has been charged with fraud and falsely reporting a crime.
The 64 year-old went to the Guardia Civil to report that her bag had been snatched by a man on a bicycle as she walked alone in Garrucha. As well as her personal documentation the bag had contained €250 in cash and her spectacles. These had cost €600 and she could describe them in detail to the Guardia Civil officers, but not her assailant. They began to doubt her when the glasses she put on to read through the statement closely resembled those supposedly stolen with her bag. They asked her to take them to the spot where she said the mugging had occurred but she began to contradict herself and they noticed glaring inconsistencies in her story. The woman finally admitted that she had fabricated the entire story in a bid to defraud her insurance company.
NEWS
Mosquito matter left unresolved PLAGUES continue to infest residential areas Photo by John Tann, Flickr
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MOSQUITOES: No action has been taken against the biters amongst all the political change. By Eleanor Hawkins POLITICAL changes have left mosquitoes free to continue terrorising residential areas of La Vega, El Puche and El Alquian. Although Almeria’s former health councillor reported on May 21 that a complaint had
been lodged in court blaming the Junta de Andalucia regional government for the plagues, the Partido Popular (PP) council decided to wait until the new councils were formed to continue with the case. Yet the matter has been left hanging and will not continue
until the new socialist council which has taken over City Hall decides what to do. It remains to be seen what stance the new team will take, especially as the Junta has countered by blaming City Hall for obstructing connection of the lower Andaratx to the water treatment plant.
Modern look for old police headquarters THE winner of an international competition to redesign Almeria City’s old Local Police headquarters and turn the 1935 building into a library, provides a ‘modern, European touch’ the judges have revealed.
1935 building will have a ‘modern, European touch’
The Tri Teca project, drawn up by Helena de Sebastian Ochotorena, Rosa Ballester Espigares and Ignacio Espigares Enriquez, aims
to reconfigure the old building, created by Guillermo Langle 80 years ago, and provide light, open spaces. The premises will hold a large library, auditorium and cafeteria, which can be opened and closed individually allowing different uses to be independent, the panel of judges explained. The cafeteria, which in the past was housed on the first floor, will be heading upstairs to make use of the terrace and open up views of the surrounding area, while the inside patio will be brought to life with plants and seating to allow visitors to sit and read.
Viator troops head for Lebanon THE Legion Brigade (Brileg) based in Viator will be returning to Lebanon as UN peacekeepers. The Brileg soldiers are currently undergoing endurance training at Serrania de Ronda (Malaga), headed by their
commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Juan Jesus Martin Cabrero, who has fully participated in the exercises. The Viator troops were first in Lebanon seven years ago and the instruction received
in Malaga focused on the mission that is due to begin after the summer. At present Spain controls a strip of territory in south-east Lebanon, co-ordinated from Miguel de Cervantes base in Marjayoun.
NEWS
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18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂa
EWN
Airline fined over mobility assistance 902 call number INSEC
JUDGE ruled it broke regulations By Eleanor Hawkins AIR EUROPA has been fined â‚Ź4,500 for forcing passengers with mobility problems to pay for calls to request airport assistance. Regulations in Spain, and in Europe, state that airlines must guarantee assistance for their passengers at airports at no extra cost. Yet in October 2014 the State Air Security Agency issued Air Europa with the
fine after discovering it was giving a number starting with 902 to call to request assistance. Although the airline changed the number to a freephone one and appealed, Spanish High Court judge Manuel Ponte has now confirmed the fine. He found that although not a number charged at additional rates, the 902 number was not free for callers and therefore broke regulations.
TWO
RLD
/ SHU
TTER STOC K.CO M
IN THE DOCK: Air Europa for charging disabled passengers to call for assistance.
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NEWS
NEWS EXTRA
Helpers needed PROMAR association is preparing for another summer on board the Blancazul craft, based in Adra, and is looking for adults with language and marine knowledge to volunteer to help out with environmental education activities.
4 times over A RESIDENT of La Mojonera, Almeria, has been arrested on the A-7 for drink-driving. He was four times over the legal alcohol limit.
Five injured FIVE people, one a 14year-old girl, were injured when two vehicles collided on Avenida del Mar in Almeria City. All five were taken to Hospital Torrecardenas for treatment.
COOL: The entertainers had everyone up dancing.
RBL Jazz Night is a sell-out THE event had a black and white theme By Community Reporter MOJACAR branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) hosted a sell-out Black and White Jazz Night. President Mick Coote said: “This event was thoroughly enjoyed by a packed Restaurant
Laguna. Everyone was in the spirit of the evening, dressed smartly in black and white. Good food, excellent entertainment by Dominic Doolittle, Pedro Clemente group, Lady Ellen and Nadine had everyone up dancing.” All profits raised will go to the Poppy Appeal.
Carboneras gears up for its literary festival CARBONERAS ‘Literaria’ festival, one of the latest promising events on the Almeria cultural scene, is gathering speed for this year’s second edition. The event, organised by Playa de Akaba editorial brand, 2012 Premio Planeta winner Lorenzo Silva and poet Noemi Trujillo, is to run over three days from July 24-26. It is sponsored by the local council. Although it began as a discussion on the presence of Carboneras in literature and
films and the idea of literary nomadism, it has been widened to allow more cultural activities. All of them will have free entry and will be held at the public library or the Castillo de San Andres. Meetings and discussions with authors, both local and from further afield, and Peter Beale, son of Barbara Beale - who had a seven-year relationship with David Lean while Lawrence of Arabia was being filmed in Carboneras - is also due to be attending.
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Man jailed for hitting policeman A MAN has been jailed for a year and a half for insulting a Guardia Civil officer and hitting him with his car. The 39-year-old Moroccan man, who is currently doing time at Albolote jail in Granada for another crime, was found guilty and sentenced to 18 months in jail, fines of €12 per day for 12 months and €150 in damages for the victim. Although the policeman was also facing charges for causing injuries, the judge let him off after hearing three witnesses declare the officer had not hurt his attacker, who drove his car straight at him, injuring his right shoulder. The man was also found to have been driving without a licence, leading to a further fine of €12 per day for another 12 months.
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Chicken pox jabs still seem to be some time off VACCINATIONS will not be available from chemists either By Gemma Quinn ALTHOUGH a free chicken pox vaccination for one-yearold’s was announced last week, it seems it will still take a good few months to become a reality. Health Minister Alfonso Alonso, who had announced the new measure, has now explained that he will not be calling a meeting of regional health departments to have vaccination calendars adapted just yet and in the meantime the vaccinations will not be available from chemists either. At the moment, the vaccination is only given free of charge to children who reach the age of 12 without catching the illness, and former Health Minister Ana Mato had them removed from chemists to stop parents buying them over the counter themselves.
NO JABS: Chicken pox vaccination is still not available.
NEWS
Dance festival Sarah G, Flickr
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COSTA Contemporanea dance festival will include 23 artists, 14 dance companies and dozens of students this year at various Nijar and Cabo de Gata Natural Park locations. Although not due to run until September 2-6, the event’s programme has been announced and those wishing to join dance classes offered by Mal Pelo, Guillermo Weickert, Elias Aguirre and La Macana dance companies can now sign up on www.costacontemporanea.es. Jose Bueno and Federico Soria have designed a new image for the event, aimed to reflect its intense nature. Courses will include indoor lessons in the mornings while in the afternoons dancers will head outside to mix with nature. On the first night, an award ceremony is planned for the Contemporary Woman Choreography Competition, while dance on the other evenings will include Nicolas Rambaud, Poliana Lima, Francisco Corova and Alberto Corves.
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NEWS
Expat contestants wanted! YOU and your family’s chance to be on a BBC prime-time show By Steve Walsh THE new National Lottery game show Five Star Family Reunion is seeking British expat families and their UK relatives to audition for the Saturday night prime-time show, with the chance of winning an amazing holiday. The series will see a UK family and their overseas relatives working together, both from the studio and by satellite link, to win a once-in-alifetime reunion in a five-star location. The family overseas must answer questions to win as much time as they possibly can for the family in the studio. That’s because the four in the studio will individually face questions against the show’s high-tension timer in a bid to put money in the bank and bring everyone together. If they can prove themselves
under pressure, then they are in for the reunion of a lifetime. Five Star Family Reunion will premiere on BBC One later this year and will be hosted by Nick Knowles. Alan Tyler, the BBC’s executive editor of entertainment commissioning, said: “We are delighted to be working with 12 Yard and Boom Cymru to bring Five Star Family Reunion to a BBC One audience. The format promises a perfect combination of head and heart, delivering both terrific stories and ‘edge of the seat’ game play.” To find out more email: family@12yard.com or visit www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours /beonashow/5_star_family_ reunion
FAMILY REUNION: Nick Knowles is to present the new BBC One show.
Lifeguard associations call for summer caution A NEW report has revealed that last year 339 people drowned in Spain, leading lifeguard associations to call for caution. The report by the Spanish Association of Lifeguards and Water Rescue Technicians (AETSAS) and the Segovia Lifeguard School showed that 275 men and 64 women drowned in the country in 2014, and that
most of the deaths were registered on beaches in Valencia, Andalucia and the Canaries. Although people of all ages were found to be among the victims, the report gave the over 60s as the largest age group amongst the figures and revealed that a significant number were from abroad, with Germans and British people at the top of the list.
Migrants who drown trying to reach Spain from Africa were not counted for the report. Luis Miguel Pascual Gomez, technical director of Segovia Lifeguard School, stressed that it was vitally important to take particular care with children, as drowning is the most common cause of accidental death in children aged between five and 14.
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NEWS EXTRA
Work begins CONSERVATION work on the AL-3411 in Los Millares, by Gador, has begun and is expected to last three months. Traffic will be reduced to one lane.
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NEWS
New families struggle to find a good work/home balance in Spain STUDY shows many parents are forced to leave their jobs By Maria José Fernandez
Whizz kids PUPILS at the Centre for Immigrant Children have received diplomas for completing a 50-hour computer course in Huercal-Overa.
Top marks STUDENT Rosa Maria Angulo has been awarded ‘Best Final Year Student of Almeria’ by the Official College of Industrial Engineers of Almería.
Clean waters ALMERIA’S coastal waters have been endorsed for maintaining adequate sanitary conditions for bathing.
FORTY per cent of people in Spain who have recently had a child have changed their working conditions or quit altogether since becoming parents. The information was released by the first Caser Study on Family Health: ‘Parents of the 21st century’ which finds that becoming a mother or father continues to impact negatively on professional careers. Specifically, and even though 59.4 per cent of new parents continue working as usual, 25.4 per cent claimed that their working conditions had got worse since they became parents and 14.8 per cent had quit their jobs. It is women who suffer the most in this situation as 34 per cent had seen their working conditions worsen and 20.6 per cent were forced to leave their jobs. The data was obtained after inter-
BECOMING A PARENT: Can impact negatively on professional careers.
14.8 per cent of new parents quit their jobs
viewing 1,800 men and women across Spain with children born from 2012, or women who were pregnant at the time of the study. In addition, 68.4 per cent believed they were not spending enough time with their families due to work commitments.
The report also found that children continue to spend more time with their mothers, 67.5 per cent of the total, than with other members of the family. Children spend an average of 18.3 per cent of their time with fathers, 6.7 per cent with grandparents and 5.6 per cent at nursery school.
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NEWS FROM OUR FIVE OTHER REGIONS
COSTA DEL SOL
Magical night for the Salon Varietes By Maria José Fernandez
OKLAHOMA! A huge cast of 90 performed musical favourites.
COSTA BLANCA SOUTH
MALLORCA
THE magnificent outdoor auditorium of Mijas saw on June 13 a major production put together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Fuengirola’s English-speaking theatre Salon Varietes. Hosted by Johnny G and Alexandra Avery, the show gathered approximately 90 actors on stage, who performed all-time hits from legendary musicals such as Oklahoma, Hairspray and Grease, under the direction of John Gale. Young and old, the group of performers of all ages and backgrounds made sure the audience enjoyed themselves, as they sang along to old time music hall classics, fabulous Broadway numbers and modern hits. The brainchild of Valerie Williams, president of the Friends of the Theatre (FOTA) association, a social group of theatre goers who support the Salon, the show burst all previous box office fundraising records. The final piece, At The End Of The Day from ‘Les Miserables,’ left the audience amazed with passionate performances and the entire cast onstage, to a standing ovation.
AXARQUÍA
Illegal market
Lucky numbers
Quality buyer
A BUSINESSMAN from San Miguel has filed a complaint before the anticorruption prosecutor calling for an investigation into why the El Campico market in Guardamar continues to open without any licences.
A RESIDENT of Son Servera won a staggering €1.75 million on the Loteria Primitiva raffle last Saturday (June 13). The numbers were 24, 37, 40, 46, 41, 43.
ITALY has been announced as the country which imports most food and drink items from Malaga (20.4 per cent of the total). During the first three months of 2015, they acquired more than 15 tonnes of products for €45.7 million.
Charity play
Suspected rape
AN Orihuela theatre group has put on a play to help raise funds for needy families served by the Platform Affected by Mortgage (PAH) Orihuela.
AN EMPLOYEE of a bar in Platja de Palma was arrested by National Police after being accused of sexual assault by a 20-year-old British tourist. The man had an extensive criminal record for similar incidents.
Export prices
Growth rate
THE Entrepreneurs Association of Vega Baja (ASEMVEGA) has requested the removal of tariffs on the export of products such as artichokes, after the crop closed one of the best years in terms of quality and price.
THE Balearics’ growth rate during the first three months of 2015 reached 2.2 per cent. The gross value added rate has gone from 0.2 per cent to 2.1 per cent this year, the highest increase since 2007.
Car show ALMORADI’S annual motor show, saw around 400 cars for sale ranging in price for €2,500 to €40,000 offering something for all car buyers with thousands visiting the two day event.
Quick session ORIHUELA’S last plenary session of the legislature lasted just 30 seconds as the vote was taken to approve the minutes of the last meeting. It was the last meeting before the new mayor is elected.
Three mayors LLUCMAJOR will have three new mayors over the next four years. A pact drawn up by candidates from MES, Proposta per les Illes (PI) and PSOE parties agreed to have MES leader Jaume Tomas invested as mayor on Saturday (June 13).
Water poisoning AS many as 30 pupils at the public school Aina Moll in Palma suffered poisoning, believed to be caused by the canteen’s water.
NEWS
Water works WORKS to improve the capacity of the Albuñol water treatment plant have been awarded to company UTE, with a price of €3.6 million. The facilities will give service to 14,645 residents.
COSTA BLANCA NORTH
Portable command post DENIA City Council has introduced a useful portable command post for the Civil Protection service powered by generator and manned by 60 personnel, transportable by trailer.
Lightning strikes MORE than 7,000 lightning strikes were recorded throughout the Valencia Region during storms on Saturday June 13.
Dance school
Parking Tech
THE registration period at Velez-Malaga’s dance and music school will remain open until June 26. A total of 500 students are trained every year to become professional dancers and musicians.
BENIDORM’S new parking meters are high tech and require your car registration to be typed in. Parking costs only 1€ for two hours.
Dramatic fall A 45-YEAR-OLD man sustained severe injuries after falling head first from a five-metre height at the entrance ramp of Calahonda beach in Nerja. He was taken by helicopter to the hospital.
Carbon testing A SERIES of carbon tests carried out in a London laboratory have revealed that the castle tower at Banyeres is Christian. The tower was rebuilt around 1265 after the Christians recovered the fort.
New mayor
New park
PP candidate Oscar Medina has been invested mayor of Torrox. It is the first time the Partido Popular conservative party has gained control of the town hall. It will do so without a majority.
A NEW park is now open in the centre of Finestrat. The recreational area bears a tribute plaque to the late Don Fernando Martinez, a local healthcare professional for more than 40 years.
For more local news from our five other regions see www.euroweeklynews.com
School evacuated ST ANTHONY’S school in Mijas Costa had to be evacuated after a fire, the second in the Mijas area in two days, broke out nearby. Luckily emergency and firefighting services were quick to get the blaze under control, and nobody was harmed.
Bookworm city MARBELLA is the third city in Andalucia behind Granada and Sevilla for book sales according to a report from Amazon on the numbers of books and electronic books they sell.
Quick trip IN JULY and August, Transmediterranea will run a quick ferry service between Malaga and Melilla on Fridays and Sundays, carrying passengers across the sea in just three and three quarter hours.
Access exams A TOTAL of 7,220 students, 4,228 of whom were female, sat their ‘Selectividad’ university access exams this week (June 16-18) in Malaga Province, with more than 300 teachers supervising exam halls at 17 different locations.
Red shoes MALAGA City’s Plaza de la Constitucion saw more than 500 pairs of red shoes placed in the square and members of the public put notes inside in an event to raise awareness on and protest against gender violence.
Busy fair MORE than 140,000 visitors were registered at Marbella’s San Bernabe fair, which ran for seven days at a new location next to La Cañada shopping centre.
EWN top for all the news from Spain.
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GERMAN
EUROPEAN PRESS SCANDINAVIAN PRESS
Boys questioned SWEDEN: Two teenage boys are being questioned after the body of a 65-year-old pensioner was found on a farm in Varberg, Sweden. The boys had absconded from a foster home.
Dwarf tossing SWEDEN: A Swedish firm that rents out people with dwarfism for events has been condemned for exploitation. The firm says it provides legitimate employment for those who are disadvantaged.
Expensive flats FINLAND: Accommodation in Helsinki is deemed to be too small and expensive to attract business experts to the city. A flat there can cost the same as in London.
Gas plant rocks FINLAND: A FORMER gas production plant will host the 18th annual Tuska Metal Festival. The festival is hugely popular and is noted for its fans wearing all black.
PRESS
Westminster bar flourishes TILLS are ringing in subsidised parliamentary pub MPs either celebrated or consoled themselves after the general election. The Strangers’ bar recorded that £11,000 of tax payers’ money was spent during the first week of the new parliament.
BRITISH PRESS
Demolition call
Uber upstarts
BRANDON LEWIS, UK Housing Minister, has recommended the demolition and redevelopment of old council estates in London to top up the supply of available property.
BLACK-CAB drivers in London have started a poster campaign targeted at their alleged abuses at the hands of app-based taxi service Uber.
tributed to their deaths.
Swansea looks to sea A REVOLUTIONARY tidal lagoon project in Swansea is the start of a new business initiative that could stop the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Bomb discovery
Soldiers tried too hard THREE SAS soldiers who died on a selection exercise were thought to have pushed themselves beyond their limits. It is thought that high temperatures con-
TAXI: Cabs in turf war.
Dutch jazz orchestra celebrates THE largest ensemble of its kind in the word turns 70
No worries GERMANS most want a life free from financial stress, polling company IPSOS has revealed. Owning property was also rated highly in the National Well Being Index.
Wolves return AFTER 135 years since the last wolf was shot in Hunsruck, a scheme to reintroduce the animals has begun. Once the cubs are weaned they will be released.
SWEDEN: A resident of an apartment building in Stockholm has had his lease cancelled after he walked around nude in the public areas of the building. He is 60 years old.
NORWAY: Jo Nesbo’s latest book, Blood on Snow, is number two in the British best seller list.
Car pool drug
BMW has unveiled its 2016 BMW 7 Series. The model is far more technologically advanced than the luxury sedan it replaces.
Naked neighbour
Author excels
A HANOVER homeowner has shot dead an alleged burglar after he discovered him and his accomplices on his property. Realising they were armed, he fired one shot and hit the intruder.
New BMW 7
CINDERFORD in Gloucestershire was partially evacuated after the discovery of 17 WW2 bombs in recent excavations. The bombs are thought to contain explosives and chemical agents.
NORWAY: The government has agreed to accept 8,000 Syrian refugees as part of a Nato plan to assist those fleeing the regime. Financial aid will be given to areas participating.
NORWAY: THE EMCDD has found that waste water in Oslo contains a massive concentration of methamphetamine.
Burglar shot
A WOMAN from Hagen who booked a car share to Vienna was coerced into drug dealing. She was forced to deliver packages throughout the ordeal.
Sanctuary
Hard water
NEWS
Hitler art sale ON SONG: The Metropole.
THE Dutch Metropole Orchestra, having played with such musical greats as Ella Fitzgerald, is the largest jazz and pop orchestra in the world, celebrating its 70th birthday this year.
No Euro Games FINANCE for the 2019 European Games is the reason the Netherlands has rejected hosting them. The costs were said by the government to be excessive and irresponsible.
DUTCH PRESS
The real thing ONE of the greatest paintings in the Mauritshuis museum has finally been authenticated as the work of Rembrandt van Rijn, after decades of speculation.
Tintin image permitted Children see execution DUTCH judiciary has ruled in a court case that a Tintin fan-club can use images of the be-quiffed hero as the rights are not owned exclusively by the Herge Society.
A GANGLAND shooting in Zaadam was witnessed by primary school children. Four men in balaclavas executed Lucas Bloom in broad daylight.
NUREMBURG auctioneers Weidler are selling 14 watercolours signed A Hitler. They are dated between1904 to 1922. Other paintings by Hitler have sold for €130,000.
Sausage bust FOUL smells from a flat in Offenbach led inspectors to a homemade abattoir. They found an illegal sausage factory with bins of intestines and sausage stuffing apparatus.
NEWS
18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
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RUSSIAN P RESS
Italy and Vatican welcome Putin Cordon Press
PRESIDENT met with Pope and senior Italian politicians
THE PAPA AND PUTIN: Pope Francis gave a warm welcome.
VLADIMIR Putin received a warm welcome on his Italian visit, received by Pope Francis and also Italy’s prime minister and president.
Third plane crash THREE Russian military planes have crashed recently leading to rumours that the Kremlin is neglecting safety in favour of showing military strength.
Death rate rises THE first quarter of 2015 saw a 22 per cent rise in the mortality rate of Russians from respiratory illness. Medical experts have yet to attribute the deaths to one specific cause.
World Cup 2018 RUSSIA is preparing for the 2018 World Cup despite bribery allegations, said Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko. FIFA is being investigated for corruption linked to the awarding of the tournament.
Social media GULAG prisoners’ letters are being shared on social media to make sure the effects of Stalin's disastrous economic
Popular show RUSSIAN parents are starting to name their children after figures from TV series Game of Thrones. Most popular name from the show is Arya, youngest daughter of Lord Eddard and Catelyn Stark of Winterfell.
Emigration fears RUSSIAN brides who marry abroad are depleting the country of its future workforce. Most leave Russia after marriage and therefore their children will not contribute to the nation’s economy.
Artist recovered
policies are never forgotten. The letters were discovered in 2005.
ANATOLY ZVEREV has had a museum dedicated to him in Moscow. His art was shunned by the Soviet state until after his death in 1986.
Selfie causes harm
Bad tap water
TWO Russian girls were taken to hospital after being electrocuted while taking a selfie on top of a train in Martsevo. Both girls are expected to recover.
MORE than 400 people in North Ossetia have been hospitalised after drinking yellow water that came from their taps. Most suffered from vomiting and fever.
Museum excites THE Experimentanium science museum in Moscow is thrilling visitors with its interactive exhibits focusing on science, anatomy and mechanics.
Russia ranks 26th THE World Economic Forum has rated Russia 26th in a list of countries that can facilitate human capital for economic use, partly due to its large population. ARYA STARK: Gains namesakes.
EWN
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FINANCE
Costa de Almería
18 - 24 June 2015
STAT OF WEEK
business & legal LONDON - FTSE 100
-0.62%
C LOSING P RICES J UNE 15
A EURO WEEKLY NEWS 6 PAGE SPECIAL SECTION // WWW.EWNBUSINESS.COM
DOW JONES
-0.78%
NASDAQ
-0.77%
C LOSING P RICES J UNE 15
Bankruptcy changes offer second chance for debt-laden Spaniards By Jason Bailey
2003
Christine Lagarde, Managing Director IMF.
IMF demands more economic changes THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised Spain for its economic progress but has focused on areas where it suggests further reforms are needed to ensure recovery continues. It has proposed changes to employment law so that companies are able to dismiss staff without incurring the ‘prohibitive’ costs that are currently in place. This will encourage companies to offer more con-
mitted debtors to reach a deal with creditors but as the majority of cases involved mortgage defaults, agreements were needed with banks and they generally declined, preferring to seize the property. The new changes mean that once an indi-
I GO on expeditions for the same reason an estate agent sells houses – to pay the bills.’ Ranulph Fiennes @IMF.ORG
Quote of the Week
The year changes were made to the law
tracts but it also has the effect of making employment less stable. It could reflect in a negative way on the current rise in spending by those in work, as less security in their positions could encourage more saving than spending, thereby stilting economic growth. The IMF also wants a rise in IVA which theoretically could bring more revenue but have a detrimental effect on spending.
BUSINESS EXTRA
Kids range mars profits GALICIAN clothing chain Adolfo Dominguez has ended the year down 8.2 per cent on last year ’s profits, recording losses of nearly €11 million. This is prompting proposals to close down its children’s clothing line.
Bank growth CAJAMAR achieved a growth in gross revenue of 16.4 per cent in 2014, resulting in a doubling of its profits to almost €98 million.
€22.7m bail INSURERS are to cover €22.7 million bail imposed by the High Court on exBankia President Rodrigo Rato and former executives José Luis Olivas and Francisco Verdú, leaving €11.3 million to be paid by the bank.
A Spanish Eurozone chief? SPAIN’S Economy Minister Luis de Guindos has announced he is running for President of the Eurozone. With Spain leading the economic recovery within the zone by the application of tight fiscal initiatives, it was thought that the minister would be elected without op-
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IN 2014, there were 30.26 million people aged 16-64 years resident in Spain compared with the UK’s 64.5 million.
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THE ‘second opportunity’ legislation passed earlier this year has offered hope to many debt-laden Spaniards. Prior to the changes any debt incurred would follow the debtor until it was paid off in full. There were changes to the law in 2003 which per-
EWN
position as a positive sign of the progress the country has made. PM Mariano Rajoy, who is facing a strong political battle later this year in the looming general election, said he felt the appointment would be justified due to the dramatic progress of the Spanish economy.
vidual has filed for insolvency then mortgage payments are halted for two months. A five-year plan is set up which takes into account the individual’s income and debt amount. If there is evidence that they have done all they can to meet the repayments, after five years all outstanding debt is cancelled.
IBEX 35
-1.18%
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Siesta losing popularity WORK safety organisation Unipresalud has collated some reasons why more Spaniards are opting for the ‘intensive day’ work schedule in the hottest part of the year. Spanish families are beginning to see the benefits of a shorter day, dispensing with the traditional siesta period, choosing instead to finish work or school earlier. Other advantages include lower transportation costs with fewer journeys made to and from work and school and lower costs for child-care.
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E W N 18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
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C LOSING P RICES J UNE 15
PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY 3i Group 539.50 -3.00 Aberdeen Asset Managmnt 415.65 -1.25 Admiral Group 1,447.00 -7.00 Aggreko 1,479.00 -7.00 Anglo American 1,010.25 4.25 Antofagasta 730.50 -1.50 ARM Holdings 1,115.50 -10.50 Ashtead Group 1,120.50 -13.50 Associated British Foods 3,028.50 -22.50 AstraZeneca 4,185.00 -26.00 Aviva 510.00 -4.50 Babcock International Group 1,115.50 -5.50 BAE Systems 487.25 -1.85 Barclays 268.53 -1.17 Barratt Developments 605.00 -6.00 BG Group 1,093.50 5.50 BHP Billiton 1,342.00 1.50 BP 437.63 0.03 British American Tobacco 3,409.75 -7.75 British Land Co 837.75 0.25 BT Group 451.03 -2.47 Bunzl 1,853.00 -15.00 Burberry Group 1,656.50 -3.50 Capita Group (The) 1,208.50 -8.50 Carnival 3,125.00 -21.00 Centrica 263.60 0.30 Coca-Cola HBC 1,401.00 -9.00 Compass Group 1,111.50 -2.50 CRH 1,825.00 -20.00 Diageo 1,888.00 -8.50 Direct Line Insurance Group 339.70 -3.30 Dixons Carphone 461.50 -3.90 easyJet 1,547.00 -39.00 Experian 1,217.50 -11.50 Fresnillo 751.50 14.50 G4S 286.10 -3.00 GKN 361.75 -3.55 GlaxoSmithKline 1,366.25 -6.75 Glencore 282.08 -0.52 Hammerson 651.50 -1.00 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,231.00 -10.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals 1,914.00 -4.00 HSBC Holdings 604.30 -3.40 Imperial Tobacco Group 3,243.00 -25.00 InterContinental Hotels Grp 2,679.50 -19.50 International Consolidated Airls 510.00 -8.00 Intertek Group 2,488.50 -10.50 Intu Properties 322.80 -0.50 ITV 268.80 -0.90 Johnson Matthey 3,083.00 -17.00
% CHG. NET VOL -0.55 5,363.12 -0.30 5,680.67 -0.48 4,114.05 -0.47 3,913.49 0.42 14,123.46 -0.20 7,172.11 -0.93 15,943.46 -1.19 5,808.59 -0.74 24,502.32 -0.62 53,980.08 -0.87 21,016.25 -0.49 5,654.73 -0.38 15,526.36 -0.43 45,007.27 -0.98 6,110.81 0.51 37,837.88 0.11 28,428.49 0.01 81,590.72 -0.23 64,219.44 0.03 8,674.54 -0.54 37,411.90 -0.80 6,298.02 -0.21 7,458.54 -0.70 8,175.01 -0.67 6,854.22 0.11 13,282.00 -0.64 5,203.54 -0.22 18,646.70 -1.08 15,481.51 -0.45 47,989.08 -0.96 5,179.50 -0.84 5,400.35 -2.46 6,260.00 -0.94 12,216.95 1.97 5,423.54 -1.04 4,541.52 -0.97 6,101.10 -0.49 67,494.30 -0.18 36,781.72 -0.15 5,180.38 -0.81 5,971.67 -0.21 3,900.04 -0.56 119,284.28 -0.76 31,268.16 -0.72 6,410.58 -1.54 10,594.34 -0.42 4,084.07 -0.15 4,326.60 -0.33 10,731.74 -0.55 6,557.37
COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) Kingfisher 375.10 -1.60 Land Securities Group 1,275.00 5.00 Legal & General Group 262.30 -1.60 Lloyds Banking Group ORD 86.96 0.01 London Stock Exchange Grp 2,341.50 -34.50 Marks & Spencer Group 550.75 -6.75 Meggitt 488.55 0.85 Merlin Entertainments 442.40 -4.00 Mondi 1,386.00 -14.00 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 177.50 -0.80 National Grid 847.95 -7.35 Next 7,340.00 -55.00 Old Mutual 206.40 -1.50 Pearson 1,270.50 -1.50 Persimmon 1,953.00 -17.00 Prudential 1,590.00 -15.50 Randgold Resources 4,653.50 46.50 Reckitt Benckiser Group 5,632.00 -41.00 Reed Elsevier 1,062.50 -6.50 Rio Tinto 2,832.25 0.75 Rolls-Royce Group 963.50 -6.50 Royal Bank of Scotland Group 355.30 -2.10 Royal Dutch Shell 1,857.50 -0.50 Royal Dutch Shell 1,883.25 -0.75 Royal Mail 504.75 -2.25 RSA Insurance Group 424.10 -2.60 SABMiller 3,322.00 -22.50 Sage Group (The) 550.75 -0.75 Sainsbury (J) 261.85 0.05 Schroders 3,252.00 -7.00 Severn Trent 2,124.00 -12.00 Shire 5,210.00 -60.00 Sky 1,044.00 4.00 Smith & Nephew 1,092.50 -4.50 Smiths Group 1,147.00 -14.00 Sports Direct International 672.50 -8.50 SSE 1,590.50 -2.50 St James's Place 879.00 -5.50 Standard Chartered 1,057.25 -6.75 Standard Life 469.30 -5.00 Taylor Wimpey 187.15 -1.65 Tesco 214.40 0.70 Travis Perkins 2,153.50 -14.50 TUI AG 1,194.50 -10.50 Unilever 2,771.00 -17.00 United Utilities Group 956.75 -5.25 Vodafone Group 233.13 -1.17 Weir Group 1,835.00 -13.00 Whitbread 5,060.00 -20.00 Wolseley 4,121.00 -26.00 WPP Group 1,468.00 -11.00
% CHG. -0.42 0.39 -0.61 0.01 -1.45 -1.21 0.17 -0.90 -1.00 -0.45 -0.86 -0.74 -0.72 -0.12 -0.86 -0.97 1.01 -0.72 -0.61 0.03 -0.67 -0.59 -0.03 -0.04 -0.44 -0.61 -0.67 -0.14 0.02 -0.21 -0.56 -1.14 0.38 -0.41 -1.21 -1.25 -0.16 -0.62 -0.63 -1.05 -0.87 0.33 -0.67 -0.87 -0.61 -0.55 -0.50 -0.70 -0.39 -0.63 -0.74
NET VOL 8,928.84 10,245.44 15,807.29 62,180.80 8,359.04 9,156.10 3,853.77 4,541.58 6,865.73 4,240.53 32,181.93 11,282.07 10,423.75 10,548.91 6,069.53 41,521.42 4,349.16 41,034.04 12,147.60 39,936.99 18,045.80 23,266.34 73,880.28 46,977.90 4,933.00 4,402.56 54,682.17 5,968.78 5,071.24 7,445.18 5,109.22 31,387.13 17,860.59 9,963.52 4,646.53 4,081.53 15,889.06 4,706.01 27,279.93 9,404.83 6,181.58 17,546.37 5,451.91 7,191.76 36,565.76 6,593.86 62,835.10 4,003.03 9,277.78 10,865.18 19,421.89
0.72329
1.38256 Units per €
US dollar......................................................................1.12317 Japan yen.................................................................138.742 Switzerland franc ................................................1.04626 Denmark kroner...................................................7.45963 Norway kroner.....................................................8.75030
currenciesdirect.com/mojacar • Tel: +34 950 478 914
DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES J UNE 15
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 1.9M -1.14% -1.82 158.04 6.3M -0.96% -0.77 79.53 -1.10% 36.9M -1.42 127.17 2.4M -0.11% -0.16 142.80 2.2M -0.36% -0.32 87.85 6.5M -1.24% -1.25 99.87 -1.11% 21.9M -0.32 28.54 -0.35% 15.6M -0.14 39.96 4.0M -0.61% -0.67 109.95 2.7M -0.92% -0.64 69.12 8.3M -1.26% -1.07 84.02 -0.44% 22.2M -0.12 27.39 2.0M -0.41% -0.88 213.06 4.3M -0.62% -0.69 110.60 3.1M -1.06% -1.79 166.99 -1.66% 31.6M -0.53 31.32 8.7M -0.90% -0.89 98.35 -0.39% 11.8M -0.27 68.25 3.7M -0.55% -0.53 95.06 -1.77% 15.8M -1.04 57.87 -1.01% 23.9M -0.47 45.97 2.1M -0.10% -0.10 103.78 -0.73% 21.7M -0.25 34.21 6.5M -0.68% -0.54 78.87 1.4M -0.66% -0.66 99.47 2.3M -0.61% -0.72 117.60 3.1M -1.40% -1.67 117.65 -1.07% 10.6M -0.51 47.25 4.9M -0.45% -0.31 69.33 7.2M -0.70% -0.51 72.43
NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES J UNE 15
COMPANY
PRICE
CHANGE NET / %
Most Advanced Sky-mobi Limited Xunlei Limited Benefitfocus, Inc. Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Origin Agritech Limited Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc Cherokee Inc. Maxwell Technologies, Inc. iDreamSky Technology Limited Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. Escalera Resources Co.
$ 6.37 $ 13.70 $ 44.11 $ 18.10 $ 2.72 $ 19.29 $ 26.10 $ 5.86 $ 14.56 $ 48 $ 2.77
1.01 ▲ 18.84% 1.73 ▲ 14.45% 5.20 ▲ 13.36% 1.87 ▲ 11.52% 0.28 ▲ 11.48% 1.88 ▲ 10.80% 2.51 ▲ 10.64% 0.53 ▲ 9.94% 1.20 ▲ 8.98% 3.85 ▲ 8.72% 0.22 ▲ 8.63%
$ 110.13 $ 3.68 $ 6.67 $ 5.30 $ 32.90 $ 19.20 $ 8.68 $ 54.69 $ 13.11 $ 3.79 $ 74.24
12.46 ▼ 10.16% 0.36 ▼ 8.91% 0.63 ▼ 8.63% 0.47 ▼ 8.15% 2.45 ▼ 6.93% 1.41 ▼ 6.84% 0.6199 ▼ 6.67% 3.81 ▼ 6.51% 0.91 ▼ 6.49% 0.26 ▼ 6.42% 5.05 ▼ 6.37%
Most Declined Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Optical Cable Corporation SteadyMed Ltd. NTELOS Holdings Corp. Foundation Medicine, Inc. Biotie Therapies Corp. Colony Bankcorp, Inc. ZS Pharma, Inc. Willdan Group, Inc. Novatel Wireless, Inc. Esperion Therapeutics, Inc.
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E W N 18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
BUSINESS EXTRA
Spanish stay-cations SIXTY-SIX per cent of reservations by Spaniards are for domestic destinations, according to online travel company Rumbo.
Energy saving AIMPLAS, the Technological Institute of Plastics, is participating in the ‘Jospel’ project, where researchers are developing more efficient cooling systems for electric cars, reducing energy usage by 50 per cent.
Summer staff SPANISH supermarket chain Mercadona has announced that it is hiring 4,000 extra workers for June to September, each on a net salary of €1,100 per month.
Ticket woes AIR FRANCE-KLM could decide to charge for third party ticket sales made outside its own sales channels, said President of the group, Alexandre de Juniac. Spanish travel agencies say this will cause booking complications.
Amazon probe THE European Commission has begun a formal investigation into the activities of US e-commerce giant Amazon, for allegedly manipulating competition in the market for electronic books.
www.euroweeklynews.com
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
No more copy and pasting
A mixed bag for economic growth SOME G20 countries are doing much better than others By Dilip Kuner QUARTERLY Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the G20 area - which includes Spain under the EU umbrella - grew by 0.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2015, slightly down from 0.8 per cent in the previous quarter, according to preliminary estimates. However, the latest figures were a mixed bag with some countries doing much better than others. GDP contracted in Canada (by 0.1 per cent), the US (by 0.2 per cent), and Brazil (by 0.2 per cent), following positive growth of 0.6 per cent, 0.5 per cent and 0.3 per cent respectively in the previous quarter. GDP growth also eased significantly in South Africa, to 0.3 per cent, compared with
OUTPUT: The EU area grew by 0.4 per cent.
1.0 per cent in the previous quarter, and to a lesser extent in Mexico, to 0.4 per cent, compared with 0.7 per cent in the previous quarter. In Germany and the UK, it was 0.3 per cent, down from 0.7 per cent and 0.6 per cent respectively in the previous quarter. In China and Indonesia, GDP growth slowed slightly to 1.3 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively, compared with 1.5 per cent and 1.2 per cent respectively in the previous quarter. The EU area grew 0.4 per cent from the previous quarter, or 1 per cent on the first quarter of 2014. Much of the increase in GDP can be put down to Spain, which has started to emerge from recession.
UNIVERSITIES in Spain are to invest in software that prevents and detects plagiarism in order to clamp down on students who copy material for their course work. A survey by the Francisco de Vitoria University near Madrid revealed that out of 40 students aged 17 to 19, six had directly copied as much as 40 per cent of website text for a set assignment. A further eight students plagiarised up to 20 per cent. A more worrying aspect was that students when confronted with the results of the analysis of their work were for the most part surprised that such behaviour was unacceptable. Professor Zulema Calderón, who conducted the programme, said: “Most of them did this without intention of wrong-doing, not realising that plagiarism is wrong.”
Scrapping the cash for parts
Real thing COCA-COLA is to spend an estimated €50 million relaunching its iconic glass bottle in Spain, coinciding with its centenary.
Appeal lost BARÇA star Lionel Messi has lost his appeal over tax fraud charges. He could face trial over allegations involving an estimated €4.6m.
Costly labour SPAIN is in Europe’s top 10 for the highest labour costs not linked to wages, i.e. costs for social security contributions, severance and unemployment payments, etc, according to a German Institute, IEE.
LUCRATIVE SIDELINE: Cash sales of vehicle spares in the scrapyard sector. SPAIN’S Tax Office is in the process of concluding a major crackdown against tax evasion by vehicle scrapyards dealing in sales of black market parts. The scrapyard sector has always been able to conduct a lucrative sideline in cash sales of vehicle spares to private individuals and also to professional workshops and garages. Operation Crossbow was launched to address the problem of cash changing
€70 million The amount the taxman misses out on from scrapyards.
hands without being declared for tax, focusing on 45 companies across seven regions. The investigation concluded that around half of the sales conducted were concealed from the Treasury, to the value of around €70 million per year. The process of investigation was complicated by the nature of the businesses being scrutinised; it is difficult to assess or evaluate how many useful parts may be saleable in a vehicle for scrap and tra-
ditionally such sales are conducted in cash. More than 250 officials representing the tax authorities are to examine the registration of companies authorised to process scrap vehicles. Other enquiries alongside the operation have prompted tax audits on at least 10 individuals who are shareholders and directors of the companies under investigation.
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
www.euroweeklynews.com
18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
EWN
43
BUSINESS EXTRA
Cash for mums
Girls are doing it for themselves
A BENEFIT for mothers in Spain with two or more children that could boost their allowances by 5-15 per cent between 2016 and 2019, has been given the green light.
Loose change
Family needs
THE entrepreneurial world has long been dictated by men, but according to a study by the University of Cambridge it appears women are gaining ground. Females are also more likely than men to be thinking about expanding their business in the next three years. Women playing a bigger role in small businesses is no longer big news and according to agencies that help launch small businesses, female-run ones are booming, with one agency reporting that their female clientele had jumped from 10 per cent to 25 per cent in the past few years. Even so many women still hold back when it comes to following the dream of starting their own business. Some believe this may have something to do with opinion that has surrounded the idea of women in business in the past. Some female business-owners say people are often surprised that they alone run a business. Others assume
EMPLOYMENT Minister Fatima Báñez has confirmed that 94,000 people with families applied for €426 per month in unemployment benefits this year.
A day off SHIPPING service CLH based in Madrid has rewarded its employees with a full day off in return for a perfect attendance record for the first quarter of the year.
Billing abroad SPANISH firms billing overseas have increased by 40 per cent in five years; 18 per cent of them took their interests abroad in the crisis, said the Spanish Chamber of Commerce.
Jane Plunkett A look at finance for females jane.plunkett@euroweeklynews.com
GOING IT ALONE: Many more women are setting up small businesses. that a female-run business must be some kind of arts and crafts workshop operating out of a garage, instead of a company that posts impressive annual revenues. Women in general don’t have enough role models when it comes to entrepreneurship. There are a lot more famous
male entrepreneurs, and this can have the effect of reinforcing the myth that women just aren’t as entrepreneurial as men. It is often imagined that becoming an entrepreneur means giving up your personal life. This can be daunting, especially if added to the pressure of the role
women may have to play as a mother too. But many female entrepreneurs dispute this and say that leaving the corporate world to work alone actually offers a great opportunity to achieve a better work-life balance. So, girls, if you want to branch out on your own, go for it!
OPINION & COMMENT
www.euroweeklynews.com
18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
EWN
45
Our world is ruled by corruption Ugis Riba / Shutterstock.com
FORGET FIFA, most of us can be bought if the price is right LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT I CAN’T understand why people seemed so shocked at the latest FIFA scandal. The whole of our planet is ruled by corruption. Most of us can be bought if the price is right. It’s a bit like the old chestnut, where the woman is asked if she would go to bed with someone for a tenner. “A measly tenner,” she replies. “What do you think I am?” “We’ve already established what you are,” comes the answer. “We’re just haggling about the price!” The world is run by money. We see examples of it every day of our lives. The murdering Pistorius, who has been let out after just 10 months of his sentence. Do you honestly think he would have been released this early if he’d been a pauper from Soweto? In my opinion, Blair and Bush only entered their murderous liaison because the spoils of their efforts could have been so lucrative. The Saudis, with their infinite riches,
FIFA HEADQUARTERS: Nothing suprising about the corruption scandal. If individuals have so much money they can affect the economy of whole countries and get away with just about anything
are able to instigate infringements of just about every human right imaginable. If individuals have so much money they can affect the economy of whole countries and get away with just about anything. Subsequently, is it not also feasible that if a num-
ber of the mega-rich were to withdraw their deposits from specific banks throughout the world, they could trigger a chain reaction that could make the last recession look like an unexpected run on a kiddie’s piggy bank? Of course they could. These are the people who run our planet. Not the politicians, not the elected governments, not the presidents. It is the faceless, nameless, relatively small number of multitrillionaires, who meet in clandestine locations and move their fortunes from place to place, merely to satisfy their own cravings for power. Individuals that welcome wars and unrest, providing it doesn’t enter their own particular backyard. Ironically, of course, it is the Jews and Arabs that are the biggest investors in the world money markets. Odd, is it not, that enemies who have existed since biblical times, now basically share complete power over the future stability of the planet? Keep the faith, Love Leapy, Leapylee2002@gmail.com www.leapylee.co.uk
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E W N 18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
OPINION & COMMENT
Through England in the fast lane! 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.
ALTHOUGH Spain was in a fierce recession in the 70’s, the UK was a prime place to visit and harvest clients. A country nurtured on endless days of grey clouds and rain. So, selling Spain as their bailout place, very affordable with endless sun, sea and sangria was as easy as knocking back a cold beer on a hot day. My financial methods had already evolved so people could buy land parcels in instalments and houses with finance strung out over an extra year. It went down like tea and crumpets over there and produced lots of building projects here. Consequently, my visits to England incremented. Enough so I decided to buy a car rather than constantly rent, which stepped up the pace of my visits and their longevity driving on the wrong side of the frog and toad. It was a long day, breakfast meeting in London, lunch in Manchester and dinner in Edinburgh,
GOOD FRIENDS: Dr Almeyda and myself. always exciting. The people in England have a thing about cleaning their cars frequently, washing them, shining them and taking special care of ordinary vehicles and I admired them for such. Back home a car was just a mode of transport unless of course you were trying to make an overt penile statement and needed
STREET TALK
to shine the car up with an outrageous colour, lots of glittering chrome and of course fuzzy dice hanging from the rear view mirror. The English were more discreet and proper. I also soon learned that they took an interest in my choice of cars. This perplexed me. A car? But to adjust I started first by buy-
ermess / Shutterstock.com
ing a kit car or two then progressed to a Morgan which bounced the hell out of me, but fit well on those tiny country roads and was easy to fix when it collapsed from all the shak-
ing (wooden framed). I terrorised much of England with it, but got special admiration in Scotland. All of which especially bored me, after all, how could anyone be important just for driving a car? Confusing yes, but fun if you rolled with it. Sometimes my clients talked about cars and I learned lots of extraneous information that would never serve me unless I kept upgrading and before too long my good friend Dr. Almeyda, the famed Harley Street dermatologist, steered me in the direction of getting a Ferrari. It was called a Dino and held chassis number 0004. I read recently where they are going to start remanufacturing that type again. The engineering was pure Italian. Push the cigarette lighter in so I could light my cigars and the radio would switch stations. Lots of personal quirks and nuances which personally I never got used to but the growl of that engine just behind you melted your day into being part of the never ending road. Ah, the eternal rush of a world flying by was fun. A melodious snarl that kept you in harmony and on a constant roll.
YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION
What about OUR voting rights? Calls are growing for voting rights to be extended to ALL British expats living in EU member states to give those most affected by a possible British exit a vote in the referendum. At the moment anyone who has lived abroad for more than 15 years cannot register for a vote. Should long term EU residents have the vote in an EU referendum? ANTHONY CORNWELL, coowner of Screen Masters Almeria said he was settled in Spain and took more interest in life here, he said, “I personally do not take much interest in the UK politics, as I have been in Spain for almost 15 years and my h o me and fa mily is h ere n o w. The o n ly th in g th a t would be of concern to me if th e Shauna Rogers.
UK was not in the EU, is anything to do with the exchange rate, that would affect business here, and as we are now well established here, that would be important to me. My business partner still votes in the UK, but I would be more likely to vote here in Spain.” For Shauna Rogers of IBEX Insurance it is not too much of an issue, “I have been in Spain for 30 years and so have n o t v o ted in the UK. I have ma d e my life here, so I think UK resid en ts s h o u ld Pauline Prior.
have the say rather than expats.” Pauline Prior, president of the AAN charity, belie ve s tha t by moving out of the UK, you give up the right to vote a nd it is more importa nt to vote in the
country you reside in: “I still listen to the UK news and I still like to know what’s going on, b ut I don’t fe e l w e have t he right to vot e as we are residents
Jan Bigsby.
here.” Jan Bigsby from Inn on the Green Bowls Club said: “I strongly believe that they should have a vote regardless of the time they have been living here. A lot of the people who have emigr at ed have pai d vast amounts of money into the British system and theref or e t hey shoul d have a say in whether Britain is i n t he Eur opean Union. People who l i ve her e woul d be massively affected if the vote is for Britain to leave - would they be allowed back i nt o Br i t ai n or woul d t hey need a visa?”
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E W N 18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
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TV LISTING
THURSDAY 18 JUNE
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7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:25pm 11:32pm 11:35pm 12:35am
BBC News at Six BBC London News The One Show EastEnders Watchdog Celebrity MasterChef BBC News at Ten BBC London News BBC Weather Question Time This Week
2:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm
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The Box Flog It! Pointless BBC News at Six BBC London News The One Show Would I Lie to You? EastEnders Celebrity MasterChef BBC News at Ten
8:00pm
11:00pm
SATURDAY 20 JUNE
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MONDAY 22 JUNE
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7:58pm 8:00pm 9:05pm 9:55pm 10:45pm 11:30pm 11:45pm 11:50pm 12:20am 7:55pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:20pm 11:25pm 11:30pm 12:15am
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9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:30pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:35pm 1:00am
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Tennis Eggheads Beat the Brain Alex Polizzi: Chefs on Trial The Hairy Bikers and Lorraine Pascale Stonemouth Mock the Week Newsnight Kate Humble: Living with Nomads
7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm
Alex Polizzi: Chefs on Trial Mary Berry's Absolute Favourites Gardeners' World Kate Humble: Living with Nomads The Clare Balding Show Newsnight Artsnight
7:30pm
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8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:40pm 12:10am
Gardeners World Edwardian Farm Japan: Earth's Enchanted Island Dad's Army La Traviata: Love, Death and Divas Mock the Week Hamlet 2 The Many Faces of Robbie Coltrane
3:40pm 4:35pm 7:00pm
Tennis Flog It! The Sorcerer's Apprentice Dara and Ed's Great Big Adventure BBC at War with Jonathan Dimbleby Blood The Clare Balding Show
8:00pm Weather 8:15pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm
Antiques Roadshow Eggheads Kangaroo Dundee Natural World The £100k House: The Final Fix Japan: Earth's Enchanted Island Episodes Newsnight Weather Antiques Roadshow Eggheads Kangaroo Dundee Alex Polizzi: Chefs on Trial Natural World The Bank: A Matter of Life and Debt Rev Newsnight Weather Antiques Roadshow Eggheads Kangaroo Dundee Alex Polizzi: Chefs on Trial Dara and Ed's Great Big Adventure Napoleon Haslar: Secrets of a War Hospital Newsnight Weather
7:15pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 11:00pm 11:10pm
11:15pm 12:15am
8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 11:40pm 8:00pm 8:30pm
9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm Weather 11:40pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:40pm 12:40am
ITV News and Weather Emmerdale Tonight Emmerdale Big Box Little Box Britain's Busiest Airport - Heathrow ITV News at Ten and Weather The Late Debate Perspectives
1:05pm 1:35pm 2:10pm 2:40pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Royal Ascot The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Dogs: Their Secret Lives The Tribe 17 Kids and Counting Dementiaville
6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm
ITV News and Weather Emmerdale Coronation Street Gino's Italian Escape Coronation Street Doc Martin ITV News at Ten and Weather Vicious The Eiger Sanction
2:10pm 2:40pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm
Come Dine with Me Royal Ascot The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Shipping Wars 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Sarah Millican Home Bird Live Man Down
7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm
1000 Heartbeats The Lost World Local News and Weather ITV News and Weather You've Been Framed! Harry Potter and the ITV News and Weather Raw Deal ITV News and Catchphrase Surprise Surprise Black Work ITV News and Weather Bear Grylls: Mission Survive Piers Morgan's Life Stories
11:00pm 12:05am 2:00pm 2:30pm 7:00pm 7:40pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 12:25am 5:30pm
7:40pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 1:15am
Coronation Street Johnny Kingdom's Wild Exmoor Coronation Street Vicious It's a Funny Old Week ITV News at Ten and Weather Sports Life Stories
7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm
Emmerdale A Great Welsh Adventure with Griff Rhys Jones Love Your Garden Don't Blame the Council ITV News at Ten and
6:00pm
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7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
On Assignment Emmerdale Coronation Street The Cube Long Lost Family ITV News at Ten and Weather The Mafia with Trevor McDonald More Tales From Northumberland with Robson Green
8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:40pm 12:40am
10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
9:00pm 10:00pm 11:30pm 12:30am
Rude(Ish) Tube Royal Ascot Couples Come Dine with Me Channel 4 News Walking Through History Penelope Keith's Hidden Villages Rush Basic Instinct
7:05pm
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief Channel 4 News Kevin Mccloud's Escape to the Wild Amazing Spaces: Shed of the Year Humans I, Robot Rude Tube
3:45pm 5:30pm
8:00pm 8:55pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
7:10pm 8:55pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 1:10am
The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Dispatches Gadget Man Kevin Mccloud's Escape to the Wild Man Down My Tattoo Addiction 24 Hours in A and E
6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm
Couples Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Running the Shop No Offence 999: What's Your Emergency? 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown
6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm
Emmerdale Coronation Street The Cube Long Lost Family ITV News at Ten and Weather The Mafia with Trevor McDonald More Tales From Northumberland with Robson Green
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10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am
5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Trauma Doctors Benefits Britain: Life on the Dole Big Brother Person of Interest Big Brother's Bit on the Side
6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 8:00pm 8:15pm 8:30pm 11:15pm 11:30pm 12:00am
Home and Away 5 News Tonight World War II in Colour Conspiracy: The Royal Family Big Brother: Live Eviction Big Brother's Bit on the Side Big Brother
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Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! Cricket on 5 5 News Weekend Benefits Britain: Life on the Dole Benefits Britain: Life on the Dole Big Brother Autopsy
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Are We Done Yet? The Hunchback of Notre Dame Monster-in-Law 5 News Weekend Pets Make You Laugh Out Loud 2 Big Brother The Other Guys Manchester's Gang Wars: Exposed
5:15pm 8:45pm
5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Police Interceptors Caught on Camera Inside Manchester's Midland Hotel Big Brother Big Brother's Bit on the Side
7:00pm
Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Police Interceptors The Dog Rescuers with Alan Davies 24 Hour Party Pensioners Big Brother Big Brother's Bit on the Side
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5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight GPs: Behind Closed Doors Psycho Pussies Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords Big Brother Big Brother's Bit on the Side
9:45pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 1:10am
7:30pm 8:30pm 10:30pm 11:00pm 12:00am
7:30pm 8:00pm
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Premier League Barclays Premier League World Ringside One2eleven One2eleven Rugby League Super League Gold Barclays Premier League World Ringside One2eleven One2eleven The Fantasy Football Club Premier League 100 Club Rugby League Super League Gold Premier League 100 Club Soccer A.M. Football Gold One2eleven One2eleven Ringside The Premier League Years Rugby League Ringside Ravi Bopara One2eleven
Saturday Fight Night Ravi Bopara Interviewing Sol Campbell Football Gold Premier League Legends Premier League 100 Club Major League Soccer Football Gold Premier League 100 Club Speedway: Life of Tai Elite League Speedway Super League Fulltime Soccer A.M. Elite League Speedway Premier League 100 Club Premier League Live Horse Racing Leicester/Newton Abbott/Ballinrobe Boxing Classic Boxing Classic The Premier League Years Premier League Elite League Speedway Speedway Gold Speedway Gold Premier League 100 Club Premier League 100 Club Elite League Speedway
OPINION & COMMENT
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18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
EWN
55
Fifty shades of grey disasters in the kitchen needn’t be torture 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
SHE might have written several cookbooks, but Gwyneth Paltrow isn’t spared from culinary disasters. She recently described how a dinner party went wrong after her aubergine parmigiana (yes, really) had guests running for the bathroom, everyone throwing up. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? From using the wrong ingredients to, well, fatal attempts of hope over experience. When it comes to jumbling up ingredients, few can equal Esther Rantzen’s recollection of serving mayonnaise with Christmas pudding: “I thought it was brandy butter. My brave mother ate it and said it was delicious, but nobody agreed with her.” Which reminds me of some work colleagues at a function where Christmas pudding was served with gravy instead of custard (presumably in error, rather than as part of some Hestor Blumenthal-type deconstruction exercise).
four sachets of Lemsip to the cream cheese. Inventiveness, though, can go to your head - disastrously. I invited a friend and his newish French girlfriend to supper and thought: I’ll show this très chic mademoiselle the French aren’t the only gastronomic superstars. Hmm. The egg yolk in the ‘soufflé’ curdled to scrambled egg, the bread I made ended up looking like a damp sponge and the soup – ominous shades of grey - tasted nauseatingly burnt. Mademoiselle chewed politely at these delicacies. Not long afterwards, I was invited back and discovered she couldn’t cook either... What are your culinary disasters, I wonder? Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Landscape of Lies’, ‘Retribution’, ‘Soul Stealer’, ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook and iBookstore. Profits to Cudeca The recipe said to cut off the asparagus tips. So I did. And threw them in the bin then served the stalks.
COOKERY HORRORS: Hope doesn’t equal experience. And as for lack of experience, few can match the BBC’s Jeremy Vine’s attempts at a romantic meal: “I’d bought asparagus and the recipe said to cut off the tips. So I did. I cut the tips off and threw them in the bin, then served the stalks.”
Sometimes, inventiveness can pay off. A flatmate of mine back in the day made a lemon cheesecake. It wasn’t bad, the lemon was there but quite subtle. Only afterwards did she let slip she’d forgotten to buy lemon juice, so added
56
E W N 18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
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OPINION & COMMENT
Aliens have landed in La Zenia
OUR VIEW
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.
YIPPEE! We are now eligible to vote in the UK parliamentary and European elections. Last week we received notification from St Edmundsbury and Forest Heath Councils, that our application for postal voting had been ‘allowed.’ Considering that the letter was dated May 20; that our application had been sent in late March, giving adequate time to be processed and sent back, I am finding it difficult to comprehend why the hell they bothered at all. The UK General Election – our primary reason for applying – was held on May 7. The last paragraph urged us not to hesitate in contacting them, should we require further information or assistance. I am thinking that perhaps I should write now to book a place on the council telescope in order to view Halley’s Comet, after all it is due quite soon in 2061. The letter was signed by a lady who apparently is an electoral services assistant (her spelling of this title involved upper case letters at the beginning of
FLIP FLOPS: Not for driving.
Common sense or the law SAFETY FIRST: How these new lanes help cyclists sleep better at night is anyone’s guess. each word, but I cannot justify this). It would seem that the assistant in this case should be given assistants of her own to deal with future applications. It is clearly an onerous task. But let’s face it, all bureaucracies employ their fair share of turnips. People who are taught to keep their eyes straight ahead, looking neither to left or right, and without the wit or common sense to use that thing called discretion.
In short the epitome of jobsworths. And boy, have we got our quota here. We were walking to one of our local bars in La Zenia recently, which involved using the underpass beneath the N332. On emerging we were suddenly confronted with alien markings on the road. It was the asphalt version of crop circles, because there marked out in new pristine paintwork, was a cycle
lane slap bang in the centre of the road. It indicated that cars could pass cyclists on both left and right hand sides. This has been repeated in other parts of the Costa; obviously by way of homage to the God of health and safety – although it still has to be explained to me why this should help the cycling fraternity sleep better at night. Further comment would be superfluous.
Stupid sanctions solve nothing TRADE boycott with Russia is hurting no one, except European Union nations Mike Walsh
The number of Russians holidaying abroad dropped by 40.3 per cent, five million choosing Crimea.
Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.
THE EU is reeling from a cataclysmic €50 billion in lost trade annually as a consequence of US-inspired sanctions. Mainstream media keeps quiet about the disastrous effects on EU businesses. Mediterranean Europe, Spain in particular, welcomed high-spending Russian tourists. Russian investment was encouraged. What happened? The number of Russians holidaying abroad dropped by 40.3 per cent. Many now support their own holiday industry by taking their holidays at home. More than five million this year will visit sundrenched Crimea. Spain, Italy and Greece now suffer a 41, 31 and 29 per cent drop in
LOSING OUT: Spain is missing Russian spending.
tourism. Italy lost €1 billion; there was no impact on the Russian economy. Fed up with fruitless US /EU hostility and sanctions, Russians respond by taking their business elsewhere. Turkey’s meat supplies to Russia increased by 940 per cent. They are now the third largest supplier after Belarus and Brazil. Columbian and Russian trade increased by 1,000 per cent. Pakistan stepped into
NOW that the good weather is here and shorts and flip flops are standard uniform, the police and Guardia Civil will not only be checking your car over at their control points, they’ll be checking out your fashion as well. Although it’s not illegal to drive in flip flops, backless sandals, or high heels come to that, it is strongly suggested that you don’t. The law states that: When you drive with inappropriate footwear, (loose, wet or sandy for example) you are not in full control of the vehicle. If you then have an accident while driving, you will be fined for driving with inappropriate footwear. Although there is no law against flip flops specifically, it is covered by article 3.1 of the RGC which states: You have to drive properly avoiding damage to people and objects. It is forbidden to drive in a negligent or reckless way. With the imminent increase of road traffic coming up in the summer, and the inevitable heated frustrations while driving to and from the beach, the law will probably not stop the fender-benders and scrapes, but common sense might! To throw a pair of trainers in the car for driving only takes 30 seconds, but it could save an hour or so explaining to the Guardia Civil, whose car you just hit up the backside, how your foot slipped off the clutch pedal.
the shoes of EU nations by increasing vegetable trade 18 fold. The difference between EU produce and that of its rivals is a matter of indifference to Russians. Russians now invest in self-sufficiency. They once bought products from the Baltic States to balance the trade books. Now they grow their own. Sanctions allegedly support Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Yet, trade between Ukraine and Russia has increased by 141 per cent (meat); pork 10 times. US and Russian trade increased by six per cent. Territorial integrity? Don't mention countries invaded and occupied by the US and NATO. The EU is now a de facto colony of a country considered Now we the greatest danger to world want to peace. hear your news. The EU has not isolated Russia; the EU has, with YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE dire consequence for the - YOUR OPINION peoples of the EU, isolated www.euroweeklynews.com themselves.
OPINION & COMMENT
www.euroweeklynews.com
18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
Rajoy is not on message Cassandra Nash A weekly look - and not entirely impartial reaction to the Spanish political scene
ONE HUNDRED per cent of participants in a recent Metroscopia public opinion poll recognised the face of Spain’s president, Mariano Rajoy but only 23 per cent rated him. Even Partido Popular voters would prefer to see someone other than Rajoy in the Moncloa Palace. He must be aware that the public rejects him but is neveretheless resisting the efforts of friendly persuaders trying to usher him to the door. The election results were not bad enough to spell out the situation clearly and he is refusing, or is unable, to read between the lines.
Voice of reason MANUELA CARMENA, mayor of Madrid, has no links to any party. She was an independent candidate on the Ahora Madrid ticket and is undeniably leftwing. She is also a judge emeritus who opposes
Match called off PODEMOS threw its rattle out of the pram after Susana Diaz accepted Ciudadanos’s conditions and not theirs for supporting her presidency in Andalucia. “It’s like saying they’re not playing any more, halfway through the game,” fulminated Teresa Rodriguez. That came as news, because to outsiders it looked as though Podemos had never intended to leave the dressing-room.
eviction but concedes that the last word must always go to the law. In contrast Ada Colau, Carmena’s counterpart in Barcelona, baldly declared that her party would disobey laws it believed to be unjust. Carmena’s is the voice of reason, Colau’s a squeal of indignation from a party that knows what its first step will be, but not the second.
Kitchen cabinet COMMUNICATION let Rajoy down with the public, he maintained after the elections. This provided a perfect opportunity for
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LISTENING? A survey found everyone knew who Rajoy was, but only 23 per cent rated him.
malicious tongues to attribute that to the abrasive relations between Dolores del Cospedal, PP secretary general, and Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, vicepresident and government spokeswoman amongst other things. Two women in the same kitchen is seldom a good idea and this could affect the party machinery. Possibly a more fluid relationship will ruffle fewer feathers in the PP hierarchy but it’s not going to affect anyone on the street. matthi / Shutterstock.com
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E W N 18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
LETTERS
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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
Air traffic controllers’ actions could have proved disastrous IN 2010, the Spanish air traffic controllers called in sick by the hundreds as a form of protest against something they objected to. In addition, some of them acted totally illegally and irresponsibly by walking away from their radar control consuls. Thousands of people were flying across Spain at the time. Depending on the juxtaposition of the aircraft flying those airways, many of these people were very, very close to being killed. I would remind everyone that whilst flying over Spain, and any other country for that matter, aircraft are constantly tracked by radar and are in radio contact with controllers. After all, I think you will appreciate that if you are seven miles above the earth, travelling at over 500 miles an hour and with nearly 1,000 aircraft on a good day in Spanish airspace, you don’t have a chance in hell of not having a collision if you don’t have someone controlling you from the ground. Some of these potential ‘manslaughterers’ were ‘disciplined’ and lost a month’s salary. I understand one got fired! At the time, the most highlypaid was a controller who made €800,000 a year due to his excessive voluntary overtime! These people are now causing disruption and chaos to air travel all over Spain and are potentially harming the tourist industry vital to the recovery of the Spanish economy. The reason? They didn’t like the ‘discipline’. Geoff Jones, Independent Aerospace Consultant (By email)
A good service TO put another side to the Telefonica debate (Letters, Issue 1562) my experience of them is quite different. Since I joined them in 2010 any problems have been sorted out quickly and successfully. I have access to English-speaking staff. I have my online bill every month so all items are checkable. We have been given rebates for days without service (due to builders and others damaging underground cables) without needing to ask for them. So all in all, I can only say that in the last five years I have had an excellent service.
Photographs for possible publication should be sent by email with a full caption to: photonews@euroweeklynews.com
On a visit to La Mancha, I stopped off to visit these windmills. It only needed Don Quijote to make the scene complete. Frances Donoghue (By email)
The one tip that customers of Telefonica might find useful is one I read on a forum a few years ago. If you want English-speaking staff, when you dial 1004, you must keep repeating English-speaking over the recorded message. It sounds bizarre but eventually you will get a person who speaks English and any time in the future that same landline calls Telefonica, it will automatically go to an English speaker. John Moran, Guardamar del Segura (Alicante)
Badly treated MANY animals used in sporting events are treated abominably and are just commodities to be used by their owners as they wish. Let us not forget the incident of the individual who beat his trotting horse around the head with an iron bar, causing its death, because it did not win the
race here in Mallorca. Fortunately, he has been charged and will serve a prison sentence but the horrible deed has been done. I was indignant to read in your article on bullfighting (Issue 1562) that the taxpayer forks out €500 million in subsidies each year. I would prefer my tax money to go into education and healthcare. A marvellous phrase comes to mind: ‘Educate the child and it will not be necessary to punish the man.’ (Pythagoras, I believe). Olivia Qualtrough, Calvia (Mallorca)
Unfair pensions DAVID CAMERON starts a new system of pensions from April 2016 which will provide married couples in the UK with £320 per week whereas existing pensioner couples will continue to receive just £189.44. Existing pensioners like my wife
and I had to contribute for 42 years whereas in future just 35 years will suffice; perhaps a vote-winning sop to all people who have emigrated to Britain over the years. As I understand it, pensioners resident in the UK will get their pensions made up to this new higher rate via tax credits and other social security benefits whereas all of us expats will be left out in the cold on the old rate of £189 per couple. To most of us pensioners, it is with a feeling of deep disgust that the UK Government has spent £51 billion of taxpayers’ cash on foreign aid in 2014 alone yet cannot see its way to give all pensioners the same new flat rate of pension in 2016. I wanted to publicise this to as many expats as possible in the hope that somebody could petition the Human Rights people in Brussels to get this injustice overturned. It is no good petitioning the British Government as they just ignore you completely. Mike Butcher (By email)
Clean but gone IT was good to read that the beaches of Estepona (Costa del Sol Issue 1562) make progress and that their quality improves. However, the article misses an important point: The beaches mentioned are public ones but there is nearly no beach left. The sea has washed away the sand and grit and it becomes worse and worse every year. Thus, instead of praising achievements which are important but without any key contribution to the attractiveness of the local hotels, a solution should be found to repair the beaches at the west end of Estepona. There are possibilities to stop the beach erosion but they are expensive. However, it is a simple calculation: either nice beaches with a Blue Flag which attract tourists, or deserted holiday resorts because their beaches are too bad to be offered to anybody. Time flies and the sand runs! Christian Hörig, Estepona (Malaga)
Thanks, angels I WOULD like to say a big thank you to all at Help at Home Spain for the effort they have put in. The voluntary work they do is amazing and they are to be congratulated on their cheerful disposition and desire to be as helpful as possible. The ladies have changed my life and I really do appreciate it, 100 per cent, so much so that I intend to make a donation the charity in my will. I never realised just how much the service they provide is a lifesaver to someone in my position. My message is: You are all angels in disguise. Thank you all. Richard Robinson, Los Narejos (Alicante)
WHEN YOU WRITE All letters, whether by email or post, should carry the writer’s postal address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published. Letters may also be edited. Readers who have missed earlier correspondence can see all letters posted on:
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E W N 18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
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EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREA
Word Ladder WALL
TIME
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MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE
Almería
for next 7 days
weather
Move from the start word (WALL) to the end word (ROCK) in the same number of steps as there are rungs on the Word Ladder. You must only change one letter at a time.
TOMORROW
TODAY VELEZ RUBIO
HUERCAL OVERA
ALBOX
VELEZ RUBIO GARRUCHA
WALL WALK TALK TACK RACK ROCK
ROCK BACK
ALBOX MOJACAR
ALMERIA
HUERCAL OVERA
RETAMAR GARRUCHA
DUNNO! FI,FI,FO,FUM FOR ALL I KNOW THEY CAME IN YESTERDAY!
ADRA
ROQUETAS
MOJACAR
RETAMAR
ALMERIA
ROQUETAS
ADRA
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) At times this week you will feel that a certain relationship is not developing along the right lines. Although it seems that your efforts are often in vain, this is a situation that requires thought and patience on your part. It is perhaps a good time to look to your business matters for a change of scene and to
Average: 6 Good: 7 Very good: 10 Excellent: 13
more
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.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION deer dreg erne nerd reed rend rent retd rete tern tree deter edger egret enter genre greed green greet treed trend degree eterne gender getter needer regent renege rented teeter tender tenter entered greened greeted reneged DETERGENT
TODAY: Fri Sat Sun -
27 20 S 27 21 S 27 20 S
Mon - 27 20 S Tues - 27 21 S Wed - 28 21 S MAX 28C, MIN 21C Mon - 27 21 S Tues - 27 21 S Wed - 28 22 S MAX 28C, MIN 21C MAX MIN
27 22 S 28 22 S 28 22 S
Mon - 28 22 S Tues - 28 22 S Wed - 28 22 S
Benidorm TODAY:
29 21 S 29 22 S 29 21 S
Mon - 30 21 S Tues - 30 21 S Wed - 30 22 S
S Sun,
Cl Clear,
Sh Showers,
10-Star Quiz
Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3X3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. UK THUNDERBALL
IRISH LOTTO
EURO MILLIONS
LA PRIMITIVA
EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA
Saturday June 13
Saturday June 13
Friday June 12
Saturday June 13
Sunday Sunday 14
Saturday June 13
18
23
25
37
39
47
2
1 17
8 21
10
17
20
31
33
38
BONUS BALL
THUNDERBALL
BONUS BALL
17
10
27
5
8 11
10 37
LUCKY STARS
7
9
24
37
40
41
43
46
REINTEGRO
47
3
SUNNY MAX 27C, MIN 19C
TODAY:
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
28 19 S 28 20 S 28 20 S SUNNY
TODAY:
Mon - 28 20 S Tues - 29 19 S Wed - 28 19 S MAX 27C, MIN 18C
MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
28 18 S 29 18 S 31 19 S
Mon - 30 19 S Tues - 31 19 Cl Wed - 29 19 S
5
14 26
21 46
REINTEGRO
6
SUNNY MAX 30C, MIN 19C
TODAY:
MAX MIN
MAX MIN
Sudoku
UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
Mon - 31 19 Cl Tues - 31 18 Cl Wed - 31 19 Cl
Murcia
SUNNY MAX 27C, MIN 20C MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
32 20 S 33 20 S 32 18 Cl
Mallorca
SUNNY MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
Fri Sat Sun -
MAX MIN
30 22 S 31 21 S 28 21 S
Barcelona TODAY:
MAX 29C, MIN 18C
MAX MIN
Malaga
SUNNY MAX MIN
Fri Sat Sun -
SUNNY
TODAY:
MAX MIN
Almeria TODAY:
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) With your mind sharp and energy high, you want to make fast progress and, indeed, you can. You are only too aware of the time that has been wasted waiting for others. Now, most of that may be dealt with. See how others react when you do not. Leaving others to their own devices works better than nagging.
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Feel sympathy for those who lack the gift of insight. Their lack of understanding upsets you, but their horizons are narrow. This is a time of giving to yourself. Look forward to some time away or indulging in something that really relaxes you.
Madrid
SUNNY MAX 24C, MIN 18C MAX MIN
ARIES (March 21 - April 20) Someone who appears to be putting themselves in the way of your progress could simply be trying to help. They may have a valid point to make but just not be good at expressing themselves. Be aware of this because there could be a link to your health and love life.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Your sense of balance in the universe could be upset, but do not let this sour either your thoughts or your character. You are in the eye of the storm so take this time to think.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) A long-term relationship has its wobbly moments this week, but all is not lost. Listen to your heart as it speaks louder than any other voice. You know what you need but that may conflict with what you feel you should want. In an ideal world, these two areas would be in harmony. Give a little happiness to others and your own heart will be lighter.
Alicante
PISCES (February 20 - March 20) This is not a time to drift into things because the planets are urging you to take control and forge ahead. Let others know exactly what you want and expect from them. If you do not, others will make decisions for you that could prove less desirable.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 21) Making firm decisions in your love life may prove difficult. Do not be rushed. This is far from a straightforward week and you need to remember how to relax. You are able to deal with what comes your way but it is upsetting to find that someone has been less than honest.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) You should not feel responsible for the failings of others. Although you may think you could have done more in a certain situation, it is unlikely that any significant difference would have resulted. This is a busy time but also one in which a small persistent voice will be heard: the voice of logic and practicality. Listen to it.
Nonagram
TARGET:
a
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
LEO (July 24 - August 23) You know in your heart that you should take control of your future. This is a time to talk with others and consider their thoughts. At the end of the day, however, you are the one who has the final say.
set your mind on constructive course.
LOTTERY
CANCER (June 22 - July 23) There is a strong feeling of ‘self’ this week, and you realise that you have many things to be thankful for. These thoughts come after a period of uncertainty that saw a lack of progress.
(May 22 - June 21)
Fri Sat Sun -
F Fog, Sn Snow,
MAX MIN
32 20 S 33 21 S 33 20 S
Mon - 33 21 S Tues - 32 21 Cl Wed - 33 21 S
C Cloudy, Th Thunder
DAYS OF THE WEEK 1. Actor Jack Webb played which fictional LAPD detective in the radio and television series Dragnet? 2. Frankie Bridge, Una Healy, Rochelle Humes, Mollie King and Vanessa White are the members of which English/Irish girl group formed in London during the summer of 2007? 3. Hillsborough Stadium has been the home ground of which English football club since opening in 1899? 4. In the nursery rhyme Monday’s Child, which day’s child ‘has far to go’? 5. Monday, Monday was a 1966 UK top three hit single for which American folk rock vocal group? 6. ‘She would never say where she came from. Yesterday don’t matter if it’s gone’ are the first lines of which Rolling Stones’ song that was a 1970 UK Top 10 hit single for Melanie? 7. The first branch of which American restaurant chain focusing on casual dining was opened by Alan Stillman in New York in 1965? 8. What is the stage name of the American actress, born Susan Ker Weld in New York in 1943? 9. What name is given to the Sunday before Easter, on which Christ’s entry into Jerusalem is celebrated in many Christian churches by processions? 10. Which award-winning film 1960 film, based on a novel by Alan Sillitoe, starred Albert Finney as machinist Arthur Seaton, Shirley Anne Field as Doreen, Rachel Roberts as Brenda and Hylda Baker as Aunt Ada? 1. JOE FRIDAY, 2. THE SATURDAYS, 3. SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY, 4. THURSDAY’S, 5. THE MAMAS & THE PAPAS, 6. RUBY TUESDAY, 7. TGI FRIDAY’S, 8. TUESDAY WELD, 9. PALM SUNDAY, 10. SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING
YOUR STARS
Should you be searching for someone special, they may be close.
When you meet opposition try to use persuasion and logic to win the day. Failing that, you may decide that ‘enough is enough’ and forge ahead, anyway. In this positive mood you find yourself attractive to the opposite sex. That does not mean you have a right to be pushy. Just use your charm. Combining business with pleasure could lead to trouble, so try to keep these two areas separate.
GEMINI
OUT
18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
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AK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE
page
Enjoy filling in the following puzzles and check the answers in next week’s edition
Quick
Code Breaker
Across 7 Promote over another (6) 8 Astounded (6) 9 In this place (4) 10 Precise (8) 11 Disperse (7) 13 Common (5) 15 Directed toward (5) 17 Had faith in (7) 20 Area, locality or region (8) 21 Immediately past (4) 23 Forbidden by law (6) 24 Orally expressed (6) Down 1 Completely unclothed (4) 2 Unpretentious (6) 3 Clothed (7) 4 Cooked by dry heat (5) 5 Established customs (6) 6 Exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing (8) 12 Decisive, crucial (8)
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Crossword
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Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 9 represents Z and 10 represents B, so fill in Z every time the figure 9 appears and B every time the figure 10 appears. Now, using your knowledge of the English language, work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you discover the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and the control grid.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS CRYPTIC Across: 1 Ambrosia, 6 Rag, 9 Elite, 10 Estonia, 11 Entreat, 13 Oasis, 14 Tinder, 15 Daring, 19 Tasks, 21 Anthems, 22 Trainee, 23 State, 24 Eve, 25 Easiness.
Down: 2 Moisten, 3 Rye, 4 Sheath, 5 Astronaut, 6 Rungs, 7 Grass, 8 Behest, 12 Ever since, 16 Ice caps, 17 Gasper, 18 Facets, 19 Title, 20 Shake, 23 Sin.
QUICK Across: 7 Trapped, 9 Enemy, 10 Axe, 11 Insurance, 12 Grabs, 14 Inspect, 16 Robbing, 18 Force, 19 Satisfied, 20 Bus, 21 Cooks, 22 Holster. 14 Express or record dissent or objection (7) 16 Act of consuming food (6)
English - Spanish
18 Not often (6) 19 Discovers (5) 22 Look for (4)
1 Stranger, 2 Bare, 3 Splits, 4 Learns, 5 Reindeer, 6 Type, 8 Distinguish, 13 Ambition, 15 Treasure, 17 Insist, 18 Fiddle, 19 Sick, 20 Bets.
The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.
Across 1 Pothole (in road) (5) 3 Deaf (5) 6 See 10 8 Iron (for clothes) (7) 9 Meat (5) 10/6 Bolsa de basura (3,3) 14 Enemy (7) 15 Aunt (3) 16 Suelto (hilo, alambre, tornillos , ladrillo, página) (5) 17 Barcos (de grandes tamaños) (5)
ENGLISH-SPANISH Across:
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
1 Crab, 3 Camas, 8 Therefore, 9 Las, 10 Tal, 11 Cue, 12 Ordenador, 14 Caves, 15 Codo.
Down: 1 Caballos, 2 Antes, 4 Apellido, 5 Ajo, 6 Sentence, 7 Perezoso, 11 Circo, 13 Día.
Down 1 Bebé (4) 2 Caro (9) 3 Jabón (para lavar) (4) 4 Recibo (7) 5 Buttonhole (4) 7 Granary (7) 11 Campana (de iglesia, puerta) (4) 12 Leños (4) 13 Alfombras (pequeñas) (4)
Hexagram
Down:
Cryptic The purpose of the Hexagram puzzle is to place the 19 sixletter words into the 19 cells. The letters at the edges of interlocking cells MUST BE THE SAME. The letters in the words must be written CLOCKWISE. The word in cell 10 (APPEAL) and one letter in four other cells are given as clues.
APPEAL (10)
RACOON
BAREST
REARED
BATTER
REASON
CIRCLE
REPORT
DEACON
SEARED
DECREE
SHREDS
DUTIES
SPEARS
METRES
TOPPED
PRINCE
TREATS
PRINTS
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Jumped 2 Meagre 3 Metres 4 Roared 5 Tramps 6 Robots 7 Reacts 8 Salute 9 Strike 10 Cruise 11 Plates 12 Pitted 13 Chills 14 Wrists 15 Shared 16 Pranks 17 Spears 18 Tackle 19 Charts
Across 1 Softens cousin Henry’s problem (8) 4 Flog a walking-stick (4) 7 Some careless language (5) 9 Characteristically it shows backward art (5) 11 Polish girl hanging around at home (5) 12 Heard that this fellow is frequently in church (5) 13 Small container designed for ash etc. (6) 15 Leading by lots of games in a tennis match dismays (6) 19 Non-fliers share around (5) 21 Jeremy the actor performs pressing work (5) 23 It’s shrewd to reverse street cars (5) 24 Old Sikh leader thanks the French (5) 25 It’s bad news to get stitched up (4) 26 Young animals making vets reel (8) Down 1 Keeps Celts as organisation (7) 2 Photos of fractures? (5) 3 Mug ten builders for spice (6) 5 Avoid the Spanish with due
preparation (5) 6 Shake cocktail and wet (4) 8 Dirt in jug rim edge (5) 10 Switch the business (5) 14 Thinks about cold chops (5) 16 Phosphorus is put on many bits of land (5)
17 Scattered rainfall indicators? (7) 18 There’s not much for John in Sherwood (6) 19 Goes round for some bread (5) 20 James Taylor admitted arrest (4) 22 Financial interest in the post? (5)
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OPINION & COMMENT
Advertising feature
Exchange of information and how it affects living in Spain Automatic exchange of information is almost here. What does it mean for you, as an expatriate living in Spain? This loss of financial privacy affects us all. If we live in one country and have assets in another, our information will be shared between countries. Tax authorities will be able to track our wealth like never before. If you are a Spanish tax resident and have, for example, investments in the Isle of Man, or bank accounts in Switzerland, or pension funds in the UK, the Spanish tax authorities will receive information about these assets. This will include your name, address, tax identification number (where applicable) and the account and income details. Almost a hundred countries have committed to automatic exchange of information so far. They will follow the Common Reporting Standard devel-
By Bill Blevins, Financial Correspondent, Blevins Franks oped by the Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Information will be shared annually between governments, and this will happen automatically, for everyone who owns assets outside their country of residence - so not only where tax evasion is suspected. The information to be exchanged
includes account balances, interest, dividends and sales proceeds from financial assets. This covers entities like trusts as well as individuals. Reporting financial institutions include banks, certain collective investment vehicles, certain insurance companies, custodians and guardians. They will determine your residence, collect data on your assets and income, and forward it to the Spanish tax authorities. The ‘early adopters’ group, which includes Spain along with the rest of the EU, will start sharing information in 2017. However, they start collecting data next year. Other countries will join the following year. The list includes so called ‘tax havens’ like Switzerland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Cayman Islands, Monaco and Singapore. In Europe, the Common Report-
ing Standard will be implemented through the Administrative Cooperation Directive. This provides for automatic exchange of information on interest, dividends, other investment income, sales proceeds from financial assets, income from employment, directors’ fees, life insurance, pensions and property. Once the Spanish tax authorities receive this data, they will be able to compare it to your annual income and wealth tax returns. They can also compare it to your Form 720, to see if you failed to declare any overseas assets. It is essential you understand which assets and income need to be declared in Spain. As a tax resident you are liable to Spanish tax on your worldwide income, gains and wealth. This includes most income which is
also taxed elsewhere (eg UK rental income) and UK private pensions. I often meet British expatriates who believe they can pay UK tax on their private pensions even though they are Spanish residents. This is incorrect. If the Spanish authorities become aware of undeclared pensions it could have serious consequences. Please contact me if you would like clarification. We still have the right to structure our assets in the most tax efficient way, but you have to be careful to only use arrangements which are compliant in Spain. There are arrangements which can be very effective, but take specialist advice to make sure you get it right. To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com
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Trials of parking and radiotherapy
10th June
I WAS to experience the infamous delays that I had heard about Erica Russell Watson: My journey – and I’m driving
SO far so good with the radiotherapy. I started having treatments in the evening but that wasn’t suitable with two children so they kindly made an exception and gave me a morning appointment. The disadvantage of having a morning slot is that it is tremendously difficult to park near Carlos Haya Hospital. So a few days ago I was desperately looking for a parking spot to avoid going into the car park but it was proving tough. Suddenly I spotted an opening and whizzed across the road performing an illegal manoeuvre that did not go unnoticed by the police. My mind went into overdrive and I have to say I was a little bit wicked. I pulled my wig down to one side at a rather jaunty angle and opened my window. The police officer regarded
me for a moment and asked if I was aware of my infraction. I replied that I was terribly sorry and that I was late for my radiotherapy. He looked at me again and waved me on. Thank Goodness! Always look on the bright side.
The machine had broken down. So we sat there for hours while the technician fixed it. Everyone was getting hungry but spirits were high and the Andalucian sense of humour carried us through.
Today, however, was a different matter. Having been used to going in and finishing my treatment relatively quickly, I was to experience the infamous delays that I had heard about. When you arrive for therapy you have to deposit a little card through
a postbox to let the team know you are in the waiting room. I noticed that it seemed unusually busy. People seemed anxious and with good reason. The machine had broken down. It was ‘my’ machine, No. 2! So we sat there for hours while the technician fixed it. Finally it was back in action but just before I was called in, it broke down again. Typical! Everyone was getting hungry but spirits were high and the Andalucian sense of humour carried us through. Eventually the machine was fixed after a second breakdown and I managed to complete my session. I was against the clock as a friend was landing at Malaga airport for a flying visit. As I write this she sits by me. She’s a lifelong friend where no words are necessary. I feel hugely boosted by her presence. I have been in quite a dark place of late and her visit is just what the doctor ordered. As soon as the sun is eclipsed by a cloud and life seems without purpose, a ray of light bursts out keeping your faith in hope and happiness alive.
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.
In the Community Centre Kids Karate, kids Gymnastics Art classes, Pilates, Yoga, Tai-Chi, Salsa-size Spanish lessons and health screening
C/Malaga s/n, Albox, Almeria, Tel: 639 089 170 Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 10am-2pm email: alboxgirasol@hotmail.com
HEALTH BEAUTY
&
Think yourself happy by changing mindset judgement and expressing A ‘HANDBOOK to Happikindness. Get emotionally ness’ has been created by a tough: when things go wrong group of scientists who say it try to focus on what went right is not wealth, health and sucwithin that. cess that make you Connect your happy. mind and body: According to The book altry reading, exera clinic in so advises to cise, music, art, Minnesota, it simplify your meditation, yois a four-step, life, pick your ga and deep 10-week probattles and breathing. g r a m m e lighten up. aimed at changing attitudes and your mindset that can really make you happy. The programme uses a series of exercises that they say helps train people’s minds into choosing happiness, regardless of circumstance. The four steps to happiness include: train your attention: try waking up with gratitude, being in nature, resisting
HEALTH & BEAUTY
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Is your health affected by the month you were born in?
18 - 24 June 2015/ Costa de Almería
EWN
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Confusion over food allergies MANY Britons are ignorant about intolerances By Dilip Kuner
AT LOWEST RISK: Babies born in May. RESEARCHERS say that the month we were born does have an impact on our health. A software program has been created that analysed birth and medical records. The researchers used the algorithm to examine New York City medical databases of 1.7 million patients, against 1,688 diseases and found 55 diseases that correlated with the season of birth. Overall, the study, from
1.7 million medical records were analyses against 1,688 diseases and researchers found 55 diseases that correlated with the season of birth.
Columbia University in the USA, found that people born in May had the lowest disease
risk and those born in October the highest. However, the scientists do say the risk related to birth month is relatively minor when compared to more influential variables like diet and exercise. The study found that asthma risk is greatest for July and October babies. ADHD showed more in November babies and people born in March faced the highest risk of heart disease.
NEW research has revealed that many Britons are ignorant about intolerances despite more than one in five people in the UK thought to have a food allergy or intolerance. The research has revealed that more than one in 10 (11 per cent) have now switched to a gluten-free diet. Indeed 29 per cent of those aged 18-24 have cut gluten out of their diet. Despite this, ignorance of coeliac disease is still widespread. Just 14 per cent of young adults recognise the symptoms of gluten intolerance; with 9 per cent thinking ‘coeliac’ is a famous Italian restaurant! However, as a nation, 91 per cent claim to know what coeliac disease is, but of those, a muddled two-thirds don’t know what the symptoms are. Confusion continues with more than three in 10 Britons believing that gluten is a type of carbohydrate found in potatoes, breads and pasta. Meanwhile, one in 10 do not realise pasta is not suitable for those with coeliac dis-
ease and the same have no idea beer can contain gluten. That is because gluten is a natural protein found in wheat, rye and barley, all ingredients in many food and drinks. Holly Wales, Product Development Director at Udi’s Gluten Free, commented: “Allergies and intolerances are on the rise and as a nation it seems we need to be more aware of such things.” The study also revealed that other conditions which baffle us include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), with one in 20 people thinking that IBS is a Silicon Valley computer company. On average, 50 per cent of the UK population have suffered at least one of the main symptoms of coeliac disease, but 61 per cent of those mistook the symptoms for IBS. One in 10 of us self-diagnose our symptoms, which can lead to serious problems. Even so, only two in 10 sought help from their GP and the same amount didn’t think their symptoms were important enough to waste their GP’s time.
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SOUTHERN Spain is famed for the Berenjas Fritas con Miel de Caña which is aubergines deep fried and served with ‘honey.’ This is a tapa that must be tried at least once when eating out as it is a speciality in Andalucia, and is served up in cities such as Sevilla, Malaga and Granada. If you are of the opinion that aubergines can taste quite bland, then this dish will alter your way of thinking, as the honey adds a lip smacking and deliciously sweet flavour. The dish has a Moroccan influence, the delicate slices of aubergine prepared using a flour coating to draw the moisture out and make the end result crisp, dry and golden brown. The best syrup is miel de caña which is cane honey (molasses) but ordinary honey is an option too. The recipes vary from bar to bar, but these two flavours are meant to be together, so wherever you try them, it is sure to be a sweet treat. If you want to accompany this tapas with something
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FOOD
D R I N K
&
Honey transforms humble aubergine TRADITIONAL Andalucian recipe uses cane sugar
VEGGIE HEAVEN: Fried to crisp perfection the drizzled in ‘miel de caña.’ that makes it even more spectacular, then a salty feta
cheese makes the dish outrageously delicious.
A dish to convert any aubergine unbeliever!
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Martini, THE two main ingredients that make up a Martini are gin and vermouth with a splash of lemon. It was the drink to be seen with during the 1920s and became an accessory for celebrities on the silver screen.
Some say that the original name derived from a cocktail named the Martinez, which was served at a hotel in San Francisco as a nerve calmer before guests boarded a ferry to the nearby town of Martinez.
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FOOD & DRINK
not stirred!
shaken
However the history is set, the Martini has sur vi ved decades of popularity. With a few adapt at i ons t hr own i n, you could almost class the classic Marguerite cocktail as a martini as it is a mix of gin, vermouth and orange bitters. Even t hough the name Martini seems dated, t he var i ed r eci pes st i l l pul l i n t he cr owds i n bar s and
restaurant. Some versions are enjoyed as a long drink over ice. A dr y Mar t i ni i s m ade with dry, white vermouth m i xed wi t h a dr y gi n wi t h but over t he year s a lower ratio of vermouth was bei ng used and t hus becam e a m or e pungent mixture. A dirty Martini is recogni sabl e wi t h t he addi t i on of a gr een ol i ve on a cocktail stick and a splash of olive juice may be used also. The per f ect Mar t i ni i s sof t er and not as dr y as it contains equal amounts of dry and sweet vermouth. If you are a bit of a diva or possess style like James Bond, maybe Martinis are the drink for you. Shaken not stirred!
SERVED CHILLED: With pineapple, rum and coconut milk.
Piña Colada cocktails EARLIEST dates back to when a pirate gave to his crew By Wendy Ann Cowham IF you look back in history to discover who was the first person to conjure up the delicious Piña Colada, it seems many have made claim to this popular cocktail. The earliest story dates back to the 19th century when Robert Cofresi, a Puerto Rican pirate was said to give his crew a mixture of pineapple, white rum and coconut juice to boost their moral. Another bar tender named Ricardo Garcia also claimed that he was responsible for the recipe when he served the cocktail at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan de Puerto Rico. Then you have another bar tender, Ramón ‘Monchito’ Marrero Pérez who insisted that the Piña Colada was his creation
back in 1952 at the Beachcomber bar in San Juan. One thing that is for sure, is that the name Piña Colada means “Strained Pineapple” in English and the coconut ingredient come from the Caribbean. As the story goes regarding Ricardo Garcia, the Piña Colada evolved from an adaptation of the Coco Loco cocktail that was very popular in the Caribbean, a mixture of rum and coconut milk. When served they would use the carved out coconut shell to drink the cocktail from. However in 1954, the coconut cutters went on strike and there was a shortage of coconuts to serve the drinks in, so Garcia used his creativity and served the drink adding pineapple juice and serving it in the pineapple skin.
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FOOD & DRINK
Delicious drinks for summer health HOW superfood smoothies took over the world By Wendy Ann Cowham THE smoothie is now a worldwide fad in all walks of life, from children to health fanatics, and it’s interesting to know how this superfood came to be. It is noted to have begun on the west coast of the United States where a health food store began to sell pureed fruit back in the 1930s. This encouraged a trend and with the addition of liquids, smoothies were being concocted at home and recipes were widely being published in cookbooks. The most popular ingredients at the time were banana and pineapple and by the 1970s ice was an ingredient used that evolved the smoothie into the first ‘slush’ drink that was
1930s When smoothies were first served marketed in California. The world went blender happy back in the 1960s and by the 1990s smoothies were everywhere from cafes to supermarkets. Now you see smoothies on offer in most ice cream parlours which is good news for summertime sippers. Many contain soya milk, yogurt, w he y pow de r, or even cot t age cheese, but the good thing is the nutrients that they contain are phenomenal. To get the most benefit from the nutrie nts , a s m oot hi e shoul d be
DRINK UP: A great way to get fruit.
FOOD & DRINK
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drunk within hours of being prepared as the longer they are stored, the less effective they become. T h e mo s t d e lic io u s and beneficial ingredients of the smoothie inclu d e th e p o tas s iu mpacked banana, and high energy coconut milk. A lmo n d s , w a ln u ts o r cashews are high in protein, strawberries, raspberries or blueberries are packed with vita min C , co co n u t milk o r o il are lo w in ca lo ries b u t are a g re a t source of energy, o r ev en th e g ree n tea smoothie is high in v ita min C a n d helps the immune system to guard off a cold. The smoothie has lots to offer as they say they give a boost to the brain which is probably why they are a perfect choice for breakfast. W h ate v er y o u r flav o u r, why not choose to be smooth this summer, they are easy to find, easy to drink, and make y o u r b o d y b e a u tifu l in th e process!
18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂa
Use lentil power! LENTILS are a fantastic way to put energy, fibre, and disease fighting properties into your body. It is no wonder that vegetarians swear by them as they are not only a meat substitute in many dishes, but are packed with vital properties. Because they provide slow burning carbohydrates, they can increase energy levels in the body and they are also an amazing source of iron. This is why women in pregnancy or growing children are advised to include lentils in their diet in some shape of form. They contain magnesium which is a fantastic aid to the heart, improving the blood flow. Lentils are also good for diabetics as they can greatly help stabilise blood sugar
levels. They prevent digestive disorders as they are high in fibre, so they can aid sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome. For those who are watching their weight it’s good news all round, as they are very low in calories but make you feel that you have eaten substantially. Other good properties of lentils are vitamin B1 (for energy), protein (for energy), phosphorus (for fluid balance), copper (for strong tissue), and folate (good for the nervous system). So with all these plus factors, lentils are another super food that substitutes other dishes. In Spain they are a popular tapas ingredient either with chorizo or with rice, so look out on the tapas counters and give them a try.
EWN
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OPINION & COMMENT
New sky viewing cards on the way for testing purposes Richard Shanley
Dishing the Dirt OF EUROPA DIGITAL
IT was six years ago when Sky last changed their viewing cards but the current white ones will soon be replaced with new red cards. Currently being sent out in limited numbers like a beta format presumably for testing and de-bugging purposes but once th i s i s c o m p l e t e th e y w ill b e ro l l e d o u t t o t he e n tire S k y client base. Make sure your address in the UK knows they are coming. Gary Lineker will remain on the BBC for at least another five years. The former England and Spurs striker has signed a new deal
GARY LINEKER: Will continue to present Match of the Day. with the corporation that will keep him hosting Match of the Day and Sports Personality of th e Ye a r among othe r pro-
grammes until 2020. “I’m thrille d tha t my re la tions hip with the BBC has been renewed and that I will continue to pre-
sent Match of the Day, FA Cup, major football tournaments and Sports Personality of the Year. “I’m already looking forward to getting the 2015-16 season under way,” Lineker said. Philip Bernie, head of TV sport, added: “We are delighted that Gary will continue to front the country’s favourite football programme on the BBC, as well as leading our live football coverage. “He is the outstanding football presenter of his generation, combining great authority from his very distinguished playing career with wonderful broadcasting instincts and sharpness ma king hi m a t r ue st ar per former.” Lineker was recently rumoured to be near to signing a deal with BT Sport to host its C ha mpions League cover age a longs id e hi s BBC com m i t ments. It has yet to be confirmed
whether his new deal with the BBC will allow him to appear on other UK stations. Earlier this year, the BBC announced that its Premier League highlights coverage will continue for at least three more years. If you would like me to answer any quest i ons you m ay have on satellite TV or to expand on anything I have written about please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europadigital.com. I look forward to your comments and questions. Don’t forget to listen to my radio show every weekday from 10am on Spect r um 96.1 & 106.8FM, now covering almost 3000sq kms of Costa Almeria and Cal i da or l i st en onl i ne at costaalmeria.spectrumfm.net for the latest news and views from the world of satellite television.
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
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The ladies of Caritas and gentlemen of Boxers Golf Society.
All for a worthy cause CARITAS was the chosen charity to support this year By Eleanor Hawkins EVERY year, the Captain of the Boxers Golf Society nominates a charity to support, and this year Caritas in Albox was the chosen recipient. On Wednesday, June 10, the group, which in December and January provided 68 large chickens, donated baby food and long life milk to the charity. Captain at the time Adrian Ball wished to thank all members who contributed to the wor-
thy cause, which provides food for families in need. He also thanked his wife Lucy, who he explained had done most of the work but was unable to be at the event due to a recent operation. Those wishing to donate food to Caritas can currently find them just off Plaza Mayor, although the charity is soon to move to new premises on Calle Del Muro. Food donations can also be left at Albox health centre.
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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
It’s all go in Albox ANNUAL Noche en Blanco event is being held at the weekend By Eleanor Hawkins SLEEP is off the agenda in Albox tomorrow, Friday 19, as the town is holding its annual Noche en Blanco event with all-night activities and late shopping for locals and visitors. The following day, activities continue with the Mercadillo de Saldos (Discount Market) which generally draws crowds, running on Avenida Pio XII.
AEPA Albox-Valle del Almanzora Business Association leader Martin Martos Cerdan explained that this year the two activities had been planned to run on the same weekend to allow visitors from the rest of the valley and further afield to take in both attractions at once. Local businesses have been encouraged to get really involved in the Noche en Blanco, and will have great offers in store.
Martos Cerdan said: “This year we’re going to make businesses give their all to make offers really attractive to visitors. I think it’ll be a great weekend leisure-wise for the whole area and good for local businesspeople as Albox will become the focal point. “Avenida Pio XII will be hosting the Discount Market while the activities on offer for the Noche en Blanco will be spread across different areas, streets and businesses.”
Much needed road works ALMERIA Provincial Council will be improving the surface on four kilometres of the AL7101 road running between Albox and the A327 in HuercalOvera. Provincial leader Gabriel Amat has signed a contract to assign the improvement project, which will increase safety on the busy road which gives access to various Albox neighbourhoods, HuercalOvera and Santopetar.
The work will be done using funds from the 2015 Provincial Roads Plan and has a budget of €220,000, the council announced. Work will consist of resurfacing two two kilometre stretches, one between kilometre 6.5 and eight and another between kilometres 11 and 13 and painting road markings. Amat explained that this work is of vital importance to improve safety for drivers.
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
Councillors stand united PLANS include basic matters along with more important ones of water, safety and services By Eleanor Hawkins A CONTROVERSIAL few days have resulted in Rogelio Mena and his faithful councillors taking control of Albox Town Hall. Mena, who was recently sentenced to a two and a half year ban from public office by an Almeria court, left the PSOE socialist party last week along with another eight councillors following pressure from the regional leaders of the party to step down and allow another
Rogelio Mena.
member to take his place. At the investiture session
on Saturday (June 13), Mena was voted back in with nine for and eight against, and during his speech the mayor said it was time to get on with building the future and overcome all obstacles as Albox residents, almost 50 per cent of whom had voted for him on May 24, deserved it. “Our plans include basic matters along with those of greater importance including water, safety and services, and we aim to solve the matter of illegal homes which is the main problem for residents from all over the world and particularly from the UK who have decided to live with us,” Mena said during his speech. The session was not a calm one, as opposition members from PP and Cilus parties were thrown out by the Local Police after ‘misbehaving,’ the council reported. Spokesmen Juan Pedro
Perez Quiles (PP) and Francisco Torrecillas (Cilus) complained that they had not been allowed to speak and that the mayor had removed anyone who dared to protest from the room. Other promises Mena has made for this legislature include getting the Punto Limpio recycling point running, collaboration with AEPA business association to support businesses and entrepreneurs, created an employment scheme for families in need, organising celebrations for the 300th anniversary of the Santuario del Saliente, building a new music conservatory and playground and bringing in mains gas. The mayor, who has expressed his intention to appeal against the ban which he considers unfair, thanked voters for placing their trust in him and promised to stay and fight to defend the interests of the people.
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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
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How to ensure you start off your eco-plot/allotment productively MORE and more town halls are setting aside parcels of land for the provision of allotments Dick Handscombe
First dig over your ground to remove large weeds, rocks and bricks. Then do a first rotovating to obtain a fine tilth. Then add a coating of manure from local stables or shepherds.
Gardening Corner By Spain’s best known expatriate gardening author living in Spain for 25 years.
IT is very encouraging that more and more town halls are setting aside parcels of land for the provision of small allotments or plots for the growing of ecological vegetables, herbs and sometimes fruit. In some cases, applications are sought from anyone but in others they are restricted to pensioners or unemployed people. Mostly plots seem to be free while others require just a token annual fee. The benefits of having an allotment are as follows. 1. Space for growing if you have just a small garden area or apartment terraces and bal-
OUT OF DOORS: The hobby will get you back to nature. conies. 2. A hobby that gets you out of doors throughout the year and back in touch with nature. 3. Daily fresh vegetables,
herbs and perhaps fruit to eat that are untainted by chemical pesticides, insecticides and weedkillers if every allotment holder uses only ecological
products. 4. The chance to grow and eat your seasonal favourites. 5. The chance to just harvest what you need and grow mini
varieties so that waste is minimised after harvesting. 6. The chance to grow original heirloom and heritage varieties from Spain or other
countries. 7. New friends within what will become, in many cases, an international community. 8. A chance to improve your spoken Spanish by chatting with neighbouring allotment holders. 9. The chance to choose to grow the crops which have the greatest number of beneficial vitamins, trace minerals and fibre as a contribution to a healthy diet. The book ‘Living well from our garden – Mediterranean style’ indicates this information for a wide range of possible crops. The book is available from Amazon Books. Note that the cover has been changed recently. Having applied for and obtained an allotment, normally
HOMES & GARDENS on a one- or two-year renewable lease, set out to make your vegetable and fruit gardening as productive as possible. The following guidelines will help you do so. 1. First dig over your ground to remove large weeds, rocks and bricks. Then do a first rotovating to obtain a fine tilth. 2. Then add a coating of manure from local stables or shepherds, or sacks of dried sheep or goat manure that are available inexpensively from agricultural co-operatives and rotovate again. Aim to do this by the end of September to be in the position to make timely autumn sowings and the planting of plantlets for autumn, Christmas and winter vegetable crops. 3. If you plan to grow herbs improve a small area further with a sack of worm compost and fine sand. 4. Before you sow or plant anything decide whether you will water with a hose, sprinkler or piped irrigation system. Since you will be growing crops in rows or blocks a woven irrigation piping may be the best investment. 5. Consider buying a five-kilo plastic box of TerraCottem, the soil improver mentioned a few weeks ago in this column, to mix into seed sowing drills and plantlet planting holes. 6. Weed regularly and set up a composting bin to recycle them annually. 7. Pests are unlikely to be a major problem on small plots with a diverse mix of crops. But do have handy some natural sulphur powder to deter ants and dust the leaves of tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and squash type crops from mildew, a neem oil spray such as that sold by Flowers to use as a general insecticide, and an ecological slug and snail killer. With that best of luck to Spain’s new allotment gardeners. © Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com
18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
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Tips to consider before painting the outside of your house By Debbie Fletcher BEFORE you start this important task, it’s essential to plan carefully and consider these important things: Type of paint Companies offer a wide range of products – it’s just a case of reading the details carefully to ensure it’s suitable for the material you want to paint on and choosing the colour. Condition of the surface Paint will not adhere very well to dirty or rough surfaces, so always prepare the exterior in advance by washing and sanding down. Old, peeling paint can be removed with a paint scraper. Make sure all surfaces are dry before painting.
Amount of paint You really don’t want to run out of paint halfway through a job as this can be extremely inconvenient, so make sure you buy enough in advance to complete your project. If you’re not
sure how much you’ll need, fear not, as there are many tips and calculations online that will help you out – and this usually requires measuring the length and height of the walls you want to decorate.
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Is your dog potentially a lethal weapon? SOME dogs are more dangerous than others, depending on their breed
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
MANY people worry that their dog may be a potentially lethal weapon, especially when a case of a child being seriously hurt or even killed is in the news. That worry is focused onto whether or not there are such things as ‘bad breeds’ which may be more dangerous than others. It is easy to see why people may think this as different breeds have been bred for different reasons. For example some, like German Shepherds or Doberman Pinchers have been originally reared as guard dogs. The thought process is that as these duties may include the necessity of biting people then these breeds are more likely to attack. It is difficult to come up with statistics on dog bites as innocuous nips and minor bites may be treated at home with no more thought about it, and no record kept. Others that require medical attention may be recorded, but not the type of dog involved, making it difficult to identify which breeds are more likely to be involved.
DANGEROUS DOGS: More than half were provoked before an attack. Even when bites are recorded there is often no information on the breed of dog involved. However a US National Centre for Injury Prevention and Control, does give some information based on one class of bite - those resulting in death. Over a period of 19 years in the USA there were 238 dog bite related deaths. In a lot of those cases the animals were mixed breeds so an estimate of their makeup had to be made for the purpose of statistics. The results show there certain breeds that are most likely to cause fatal injuries, with
Pitbulls or Pitbull types, (32 per cent)and Rottweillers (18 per cent). Huskys or Malamute types were responsible for 15 per cent of deaths, with German Shepherds (11 per cent) and Wolf-dog Hybrids (6 per cent.) But while breeds do matter other factors come into play. Males were 6.2 times more likely to be involved in a fatal attack than females, while un-neutered animals were 2.6 times more likely to kill. When it came to the victims more than half were aged 12 or younger. In 53 per cent of dog bite fatalities, there was some suggestion that the dog was provoked.
PETS
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Everyone is getting older… including our beloved pets A FIRST: To bring together people who care.
Conference on animal welfare ANIMAL welfare in Spain is something expatriates are very concerned about, particularly when you live in the countryside or hunting areas. The PAES National Animal Welfare Conference is being held at the Costa Narejos Hotel, Los Alcázares, Murcia October 16 to 18 2015, and is believed to be the first of its kind in Spain. The conference is aimed at those who would like to learn more about running their own Trap, Neuter and Return campaigns, volunteers involved in shelters, sanctuar-
ies, rescue groups and foster pet parents, as well as anyone who wants to get involved. Lyn Baines, Conference Manager said: “Our mission is to bring together as many people as we can who are involved in animal welfare in Spain, to encourage cooperation and exchange of ideas. We will launch the PAES Project at the conference and have some exceptional speakers on various topics.” Register via: www.protec cionanimales.es or by email: conf@proteccionanimales.es.
WHAT’S considered old for a pet? Generally, a dog or cat older than seven years is considered middle-aged because our pets age seven times faster than we do. In other words, an eightyear-old cat would be 56 years old in ‘people years.’ That’s why we might not easily notice our pet is beginning to show the signs of growing older. Unfortunately, our pets can’t tell us if their limbs are aching, their teeth are hurting, or their appetite is waning because they just don’t feel well. That’s why veterinarians strongly recommend that ‘senior ’ pets get twice-a-year checkups to detect any problems before
they become serious. Early detection is the easiest way to treat canine or feline ailments and diseases. In addition to seeing a veterinarian for a twice-annual ‘senior exam,’ there are other ways to ease your aging pet’s lifestyle: • If your pet is arthritic, install a safety gate across stairways to spare aching joints. Also, elevate food and water bowls so your pet doesn’t have to
bend down to eat or drink. • Mop up any spills around feeding bowls so pets won’t slip and fall. • Consider switching to ‘senior’ foods to ensure your pet receives balanced nutrition with-
out extra calories. (If your pet is on a specialty diet, consult your veterinarian before making a switch.) • When brushing and grooming your senior pet, check for lumps, sores, parasites, and ear discharges. • Keep up to date on your pet’s vaccinations, since older pets may be more susceptible to disease. • Provide routine dental care to avoid gingivitis and loss of teeth. SENIOR PETS: Help to ease your aging pet’s lifestyle.
Keeping a dangerous breed of dog POTENTIALLY dangerous dogs must be identified with a microchip. They must be registered in the Town or City Registries. The owner of the dog must have a licence, issued by the municipality, valid for five years. In order to qualify for a licence, the keeper must meet the following re-
quirements: 1. Must be 18 years or older. 2. Must have a clean police record showing no convictions or otherwise having been banned by court order of the right to keep potentially dangerous animals. 3. Must be mentally and physically able to keep and control potentially
dangerous animals. 4. Must have proof of a contract with an insurance policy on the animal(s) with liability coverage of at least €250,000. The owner must report any changes to the information included in the licence to the Town or City Registry within 15 days of the effective date of the change.
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PROPERTY
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V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E W W W . E U R O W E E K LY N E W S . C O M
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Property of the week
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A high quality villa just a short walk from Arboleas
Brought to you by Coles of Andalucia
LOCATED within walking distance to the village and all of its amenities THIS is a very high quality villa located just a very short walk from the centre of Arboleas village. The property is three bed, two bath with a 114m2 build size. The plot is around 645m2 and is fully walled and gated. The property was constructed in 2005 by a well-respected local builder and the quality speaks for itself upon viewing. Externally comes a feature 7m x 4m pool with steps all along the length. This is ideal for children or the slightly less confident swimmer, roof terrace, a large brick built storage room ‘Casita,’ off road parking, extended terracing around the pool courtyard and an abundance of wellestablished fruit and olive trees. The villa is just a five minute walk from Arboleas village centre which has all of the daily amenities needed including a medical centre, school, dentist, shops, supermarkets and tapas bars. The village also has a large market every Saturday morning which has blossomed into quite a weekend event. The main
REF ARB3VJU02
Price 164,950€
FEATURE POOL: Has steps all along the length. town of Albox is 15 minutes away with every amenity needed. Another bonus for this villa’s location is the close proximity of the coast, Mojacar’s beaches can be reached in around 30 to 35 minutes. Internally the villa’s quality again shines through. A very grand set of double wooden doors meet you upon entrance. The kitchen is modern and fully fitted with all appliances. The lounge / dining area is a generous size with an open fireplace and
air-con both hot and cold. A hallway from the lounge area then leads to three ample double bedrooms, the master bedroom has air-con, en suite with full bath and glass shower screen and there is also a separate family shower room. Included come many expensive extras including air-con (these are hot and cold), wooden shutter blinds, the large sat TV dish, BBQ area, extended terracing and a very well landscaped garden with lots of
mature trees of all types. This is a well-constructed property and located ideally to walk into the village. The size and quality of build is in itself impressive but for me the best feature is the location and proximity to the centre. The vil-
lage centre of Arboleas is just a five minute walk with all of its daily amenities. It’s nice to have the idyllic detached villa with a pool but it’s also nice not to be in the middle of nowhere! A great property that must be viewed.
Coles of Andalucia . Spanish Landline: (0034) 950 469 592 - Spanish Mobile: (0034) 697 640 681 or (0034) 659 265 907 - UK Cheap Rate: (0044) 121 288 1010 E-mail: info@colespain.com - Skype: Colespain.com - Web: www.colespain.com
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Q1 sales improve PROPERTY sales in Spain rose by 4.4 per cent over the first quarter of the year, reaching 85,133 transactions, the Ministry of Public Works, Buildings and Transport has reported. The number of sales was the highest in a January to March period since 2010, the ministry revealed. Yet regardless of the increase, the current numbers of transactions per quarter is still 66 per cent lower than the peaks registered in 2006, when during one three-month period they reached 251,600. Compared to the same period in 2014, the 2015 figures were higher in 12 regions of Spain. People from other countries made up 16.9 per cent of all sales, with 3,272 in Alicante, 1,752 in Malaga, 1,167 in Barcelona, 1,068 in Barcelona and 964 in Madrid making up the bulk of the 14,414 transactions.
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Regularising your pool or extension MARTINEZ DE LA CASA will help you to obtain a retrospective licence/antiquity certificate at dramatically reduced prices, just give them a call to arrange an appointment CONDITIONS needed in the Almeria area to obtain retrospective licences/antiquity certificates for extensions or pools are as follows: It needs to be over six years old (except for protected areas) There has been no fine received The property has Title Deeds and the owner an NIE number. Many people in the past have had new pools fitted and extensions built to their homes without the necessary paperwork. That can lead to problems when it comes to sell the property, but it is possible to regularise the situation by applying for a Retrospective Licence/Antiquity Certificate. If you want to have YOUR Retrospective Licence/Antiquity Certificate now and protect against possible future changes in the law, Martinez de la Casa Architects will arrange an appointment and deliver the certificate stamped by the Official College of Architects within seven to 10 days.
EXTENSIONS AND POOLS: Need to have the necessary paperwork. Due to the great escalation in requests for Antiquity Certificates/Retrospective Licences, Martinez de la Casa Architects has been able to dramatically reduce prices; therefore the price of a Pool certificate is now 190€+IVA and for Extensions&Pool it is 270€+IVA. ONLY ONE CERTIFICATE IS NEEDED TO COVER ALL ALTERATIONS DONE TO THE PROPERTY.
They also offer discounts for groups or if you require your property’s EPC or Retrospective Licence done at the same time. Martinez de la Casa Architects is the Number One company in EPC Certificates (121 € inc IVA) and Number One for AFOs (from 550 €+IVA). To arrange an appointment please call 665 810 411 or visit www.martinezdelacasa.com.
PROPERTY
Straw home to be built THE first house in Spain made of industrialised straw panels is being built in Zamudio, Vizcaya and the new material has been presented at Bioterra and BioNavarra ecological fairs. The straw panels, created by EcoPaja, are reported to allow improved insulation and reduce energy consumption by up to 90 per cent. The units are built with a solid wooden structure filled with compacted straw, which can even be used for external walls. Along with the health benefits of using toxin-free natural products, the new material is reported to provide optimal comfort and ease of construction. A 120 square metre home can be created in about four weeks in a workshop and built on site it takes approximately three days with costs of around €1,000 per square metre, EcoPaja manager Jose Veiga explained.
This summer go green and save more money CONSERVING energy is good for the planet and great for your wallet John Graham The property expert
AN energy-efficient home will keep your family comfortable while saving you money. Whether you take simple steps or make larger investments to make your home more efficient, you’ll have lower energy bills. The savings will pay for the cost of improvements and put money back into your pocket. Your home will also be more attractive to buyers if you decide to sell. Your heating and air-conditioning equipment consume the most energy, around 48 per cent of the average home’s energy use, therefore you should focus on measures that reduce your home’s heating and cooling use to get the most saving in terms of energy investments. Start by setting your programmable thermostat as high and as comfortable as possible and raise the setting when you’re sleeping or away from home and don’t forget to clean air conditioning filters once a month.
If your air conditioner is old, consider buying a new, energy-efficient model which is 15 per cent more efficient. Another option would be to use fans which consumes very little energy compared to air conditioning, a fan could provide the comfort you need and is more economical. Your home’s appliances and electronics account for around 20 per cent of your energy bills. Think about buying new appliances which incorporate advanced tech-
COOL DOWN COSTS: Air conditioning and heating consume half a home’s energy.
nologies that use 10-15 per cent less energy and water than standard older models, For example new washing machines use about 40 per cent less energy than older models and you will also reduce water bills and detergent costs. Water heating is also a large energy expense, accounting for about 14-18 per cent of your utility bills. Make sure your water heater is set to no higher than 120 degrees, if your heater is over five years old you could buy a new water heater which is more efficient and has more insulation than older models. For a personal energy survey on how to reduce your energy use, costs, and carbon footprint, contact me direct: gk.ipad@me.com
OPINION & COMMENT
18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
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LEGALLY SPEAKING
Take care where you pass your ITV Ayuntamiento de Valdemoro
AS part of our 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.
ITV TEST: Best to have carried out in the region where you live. A COMMONLY asked question for car drivers in Spain is ‘can I select any ITV station I wish?’ In theory yes, as long as it is legal and authorised. However, there is an exception to the rule, for example, if you live in a Spanish region in which the Law of Noise Pollution 2002 was passed, such as the Valencian Community. This law requires all vehicles to pass a noise emission test. Vehicles with log books legally registered in any municipality of the Valencia Community fall within the scope of this Decree and therefore are required to undergo a verification of noise emission levels. If an ITV inspection is carried out outside the Valencia Region, the owner must take the vehicle for an additional inspection at an
ITV station based in the Valencia Region within a month, to check for noise emissions. If a vehicle is found to exceed the noise limits, it will be immobilised and transferred to agencies authorised for such occasions. The owner, will be able to take the car by a tow truck to a garage for work to be carried out; the ignition must not be started. Regional and Local Police forces are responsible for ensuring the noise policy is fulfilled and police will deliver fines for any breaches in the Spanish Region. So wherever you live in Spain it is advisable to have the test done in your region to make sure any local regulations are complied with.
For more news and articles visit www.n332.es or search N332 on Facebook
Permission to enclose a terrace SOME time ago I read an article by David Searl which declared it was not necessary to seek permission from the Community to enclose your balI never said that. I reported that changes to the Horizontal Law made in 2013 now allow the Community to authorise the enclosure or glassing-in of apartment terraces. Until 2013 the enclosure was illegal unless the C o mmu n i t y v o ted unanimously at the AGM to change the Constitution and Statutes of the Community to register the n e w re a l i t y o f a
cony with windows. I would be grateful if David can confirm. T.T. (Costa del Sol)
David Searl You and the Law in Spain
Even if President of the Committee authorises the enclosure, it must still pass the AGM.
slightly larger enclosed apartment, with the corresponding tiny reductions in the shares of all the other flats. Now, the Community can legally grant permiss ion, by a thre e -fifths majority vote. The new enclosure will not alter the ‘cuotas,’ or participation shares of the flats. If the Pre s ide nt or the Committee authorises the enclosure, it still must pass the AGM.
Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana & Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.
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WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309. (200726)
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MOBILITY KYMCO mobility scooter, will fit in car boot. Excellent condition. €650 or nearest offer. 674 251 212 (239689)
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PET-COURIERS.COM – If you love your pet try us first – we are the best. Door to door service throughout Europe. Specialised vehicles – bespoke service. Full legal service including documentation if required for further information call or email us: Tel: (0034) 651 033 670 or (0034) 637 066 227. Email: info@pet-couriers.com or www.pet-couriers.com (231443)
PLUMBING SERVICES KNOWLES PLUMBING. No 1 for plumbing! Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 950 137 197or 606 807 797 (230210) CARLOS SALIENTE PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES offer machined boiler decals for gas water heaters ROM just 65€ Aguafuerte is not the answer! Call 950 930 900 or 968 969 962. Email carlos.saliente @gmail.com (228425)
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PROPERTY WANTED GENTLEMAN moving to Spain, seeks flat share/house share. Albox and surrounding areas. 0044 7712 454491 / office@excaliburcoaches.com (230857)
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Indalo Transport - Your Best FULLY INSURED Removal Spain/UK. www.indalotrans port.com and on Facebook & Twitter. Call Mick on 634 33 64 68 (226654)
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2ND HAND FURNITURE
SELLING WEBSITE YOUNEEDITIHAVEIT.COM. Check out the new expat website (238797)
SITUATIONS VACANT www.sell4lessspain.com require commission based salespeople to sell our property marketing services. With prices from just €199 we save homeowners €1000’s in agents’ commissions making this an easy sale! Clients pay on signup – we pay you as soon as payment received. If you think you can sell this service email us for more information. You could make €1000’s every week! contact@sell4lessspain.com (238237) www.euroweeklynews.com
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TV, AUDIO ETC REPAIR REPAIR, TV, electronic equipment www.zeta-services.tv / 950 634 477 (230044)
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Motoring shorts
TVR set for comeback CELEBRATED British sports car brand TVR is set to burst back onto our streets under the watchful eye of F1 and McLaren designer Gordon Murray. TVR has developed a product with an allnew Cosworth engine. At least four new models could be brought to market over the next 10 years.
Driving licence changes in UK MOTORING groups have warned that holidaymakers face car-hire confusion as the paper part of the driving licence is abolished as of June 8. The scrapping of the paper counterpart prompted the AA, and others, to highlight potential complications when hiring vehicles in the UK and overseas.
Clarkson Quote of theWeek
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I don’t always rev while downshifting, but when I do, it’s next to a Prius so they can hear me hurt the environment.’ Some might say...
The lure of Le Mans WINNING the 24-hours is ultimate accolade By Steve Walsh SINCE the 1920s, anybody who was anything to do with performance cars wanted their machine to win at Le Mans. Even now, the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race is the ultimate accolade. Throughout history the Circuit de la Sarthe has seen the fastest cars in the world hurling themselves down the Mulsanne straight and around the public roads of Le Mans town. In the early days, is was solely adapted production cars taking part; however,
Tesla steals a march on rivals AT its annual meeting of shareholders Telsa said it would launch the Model X in three or four months. The Model X prototype is planned to hit the streets in 2017, a full year before rivals Audi and BMW are believed to be launching theirs.
MOTORING
FERRARIEATING: The Ford GT40.
it wasn’t long before the likes of Bentley and Bugatti started toying with streamlining body shapes. This continued until 1939, when Hitler’s European tour forced the Le Mans 24-hour race to take a 10-year break. The race resumed in 1949 following the reconstruction of the Le Mans circuit facilities and has remained virtually unchanged since. Apart from
COMPETITOR: Bentley started streamlinging body shapes. the famous Le Mans start being changed to a normal one, the move from open-cockpit roadsters to closedcockpit coupes would be
the only major change in the race format in its history, the latter to enable faster speeds on the Mulsanne. Through the 50s, the prolific Jaguar, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz and others began sending multiple cars in teams. This increased the spectacle, as well as the amount of cars on track. Until in 1955, and after the tragic crash which claimed more
than 80 lives, wideranging safety measures were introduced. By the end of the 1960s, Ford would enter the Le Mans 24-hours with their Ferrari eating GT40s, taking four straight wins before the era of production-based cars would come to a close. For the 1970s, Le Mans 24hours’ competitors moved towards more extreme speeds, and the day of the Porsche began, where the 917, 935 and 936 were dominant throughout the decade that started the habit of bending the rules in every way possible. The rule-bending trend continued throughout the 80s and 90s as more exotic supercars were built in order to bypass the ACO’s rules regarding production based Le Mans race cars. This resulted in Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Nissan, Panoz, and Lotus entering the GT categories. By the 1999 event, these GT cars were competing with the Le Mans Prototypes of BMW, Audi, and Ferrari. From the turn of the century, Audi have kind of made the race their own showroom. Apart from a brief interlude where Bentley, who had returned in 2001, stamped their foot down for a couple of years. Audi have ruled the roost. Until now! When 2014 saw the return to the top flight for Porsche.
MOTORING
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The New BMW 7 series EPITOME of a blend between performance and comfort A TEMPLE to luxury and technology is a statement that could be used to describe the new BMW 7 series now in its sixth reincarnation. The epitome of a blend between performance and comfort would be another. The new model was launched on June 10 in Munich with all the pomp and ceremony you would expect from a world-leading manufacturer ’s flagship blast-off. Well, the German version of excitement anyway, elegantly rolled out under spotlights to the classic sound of a string quartet. The brand’s flagship aims to set a new benchmark in the segment with its lightweight design, driving dynamics, comfort and luxury features, intelligent connectivity and extensive cabin technology. Available in many guises, the range will be graduated in throughout 2016 to include the 740Li 3.0-litre straight 6, and the 750i XDrive 4.4litre V8. The expected big seller in Europe
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730d
BMW 7: In its sixth reincarnation.
model is expected to be the big seller in Europe
INTERIOR: An evolutionary design update.
will be the 730d. With its new B57 engine and the aid of a turbocharger, the redesigned cleaner lump is expected to push out 261bhp and 457lb ft. Sufficient enough to propel this Bismarck sized car from 0-100kmh in under six seconds. The petrol version is a new turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder B58, which can be found lurking under the reshaped bonnet of the 740Li. With 321bhp, it delivers
6bhp more and the same torque as the older N55 unit, bestowing it with a 0-100kmh time of 5.5sec. The twin-turbo charged 4.4-litre V8 petrol unit will appear next year in the 750i Xdrive. The engine will deliver 444bhp through a series of upgrades that include new twinscroll turbochargers and a higher 10.5:1 compression ratio, designed to push the ton-and-a-half sedan to 100kmh in 4.4 seconds, (the same as
a 1999 Ferrari 360 Modena). However, this car is not about the engine. Available in four styling packages: Standard, M Sport, Pure Excellence and Individual, it’s all about the luxury. An entire catalogue of sci-fi-esque gadgets and creature comforts awaits your wallet. The interior benefits from an evolutionary design update, including a redesigned dashboard, hi-tec controls and trims, new digital instrument
graphics that light up in either white, blue or red depending on the driving mode, a redesigned multi-function steering wheel and new front seats with ventilation and massage functions. It starts with the key, with a full colour Android touchscreen allowing control of car functions including parking itself once you have got out, it’s more of a smartphone than a key. And that’s just the beginning! Once you have picked up your jaw after marvelling at the gesture systems that function at the wave of a hand. The list of gadgets, options, and features were released in a 24-page document, so suffice to say this article is only scratching the surface.
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MOTORING
Moto Guzzi still has the California spirit SINCE the 1970s when TV brought the T3-California into
RETRO CRUISER: Eldorado
our dreams, Moto Guzzi have been thumping along the road to this point. Now the new 1400 Teldorado and Audace have come of age. But unlike the 70s the new version of the 90 degree Vtwin Italian superstar now has improved geometry, road manners, and style. Even though they could be mistaken for twins, the Eldorado and Audace 1400, have rad-
ically different personalities. The ultra-plush image of the Eldorado is upheld with retro touches like the 16-inch spoke wheels wearing doughnut-style white sidewall radials. From the wide bullhorn handlebars back to the armchair of a seat, this retro cruiser fits the bill. The Audace, however, has a completely different personality. Its mean and moody appearance makes it more of a muscular power cruiser, with a touch of the underworld being achieved by a simple application of matte-black and carbon fibre wherever possible. Stripping away unnecessary body work and adding drag bars changes the riding position enough to make the look work. Both models are available in Spain in either black or red, and have a recommended entry price of around â‚Ź18,800. There are many optional extras available that can bump up that figure if chrome is your thing.
SPORTS
18 - 24 June 2015 / Costa de Almería
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England’s footballers win again and it’s runs galore in cricket! THE last week has seen various games in the European 2016 qualifiers 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
GARETH BALE: Scored the winning goal to beat Belgium.
FOOTBALL • LAST Friday, Wales beat Belgium 1-0 with a Gareth Bale goal in their European 2016 qualifying game in Cardiff and are now on course to reach their first major tournament since 1958. In other qualifiers, England beat Slovenia 3-2, courtesy of Wayne Rooney’s 48th international goal; Scotland drew 1-1 with the Republic of Ireland in Dublin and Northern Ireland earned a 0-0 draw in Romania. England, top of Group E, are unbeaten in 2014-15 the first time this has happened in a season since 1990-91. • Elsewhere, Poland hammered Georgia 4-0 with a nineminute hat-trick by Robert Lewandowski; Andre Schurrle bagged a treble in Germany’s 7-0 drubbing of
• Boxing became a legal sport in 1901. • More than 100 million people hold hunting licences. • In 1975, Japan’s Junko Tabei became the first woman to climb Mt. Everest. • The Major League Baseball career innings record is held by Cy Young with 7,356. • The MLB teams use 850,000 balls per season. • The first electronic communication in sport took place in 1871 when news of the Derby winner was telegraphed from London to Calcutta in under five minutes. • And the first sporting event to be broadcast on radio was a British yacht race in 1898.
Luxembourg and Cristiano Ronaldo netted three times in Portugal’s 3-2 win over Armenia. This was Ronaldo’s third hat-trick in successive games and I can’t find any other player who has done that!
Cordon Press
Forum Golf Society return to Marina FORUM Golf Society’s latest event, a Team Lone Ranger, saw a return to Marina Golf for the first time in several months. The course saw some good scoring, none better than the 82 points from the winning team of Malcolm Sibbons, Mike Duckham, Byron Sherlock and Danny Brown. In second place, but still with a very respectable 76 points, were Richard Swaine, Kevin Bircher, Joy Blake and John Smith, with Phil Elam, Gary Blake and Peter Tinsley third a further two points adrift. The biggest local golf event of the year is fast approaching, the PLAS-TECH charity chal-
DID YOU KNOW?
lenge at Aguilon on June 19. With a sizeable donation going to AUAN, and over €2,500 in prizes up for grabs thanks to Plas-Tech’s generous sponsorship, the event sold out several months ago, but the full field of 80 of the best local golfers are looking forward to the day. June 19, Plas-Tech challenge Charity Day at Aguilon, June 26, Stableford at La Envia, July 10, Double Par Medal at Aguilon. For further information, contact Phil Elam on 666 847 840 / philjelam@yahoo.co.uk, or see www.forumgolfsociety.webs. com
• In other qualifiers, Denmark beat Serbia 2-0, Spain edged Belarus 1-0, Hungary also won 1-0 in Finland and the Faroe Islands stunned Greece 2-1. • Early games in the Copa de America saw Argentina throw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Paraguay; holders Uruguay squeezed past Jamaica 1-0; hosts Chile defeated Ecuador 2-0, Brazil beat Peru 2-1 and Mexico drew 0-0 with Bolivia. • England’s women lost their opening FIFA World Cup Group game 1-0 to France but won their second, 2-1 v Mexico, Fran Kirby and Karen Carney on target. Other results: Germany 10 Ivory Coast 0, Switzerland 10
Ecuador 1, Norway 4 Thailand 0, Cameroon 6 Ecuador 0, USA 3 Australia 1, Spain 1 Costa Rica 1 and hosts Canada 1 China 0. CRICKET • England won the first ODI against New Zealand in front of 19,445 fans at Edgbaston by 120 runs. But they lost the second at The Oval (via the DL rule) in front of 21,954 spectators while a crowd of 14,923 saw them beaten in the third at Southampton by three wickets. • In the Caribbean, Australia beat the West Indies in the second Test to wrap up the series 2-0. • And for those interested, The Ashes series starts in Cardiff on July 6. GENERAL ROUND UP • It’s the Austrian F1 Grand Prix this weekend from Spielberg. • Spain’s Rafael Nadal won his first grass court tennis title for five years with victory in the Mercedes Cup in the Stuttgart, Germany. Now for Wimbledon which starts at the end of this month.
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19th Hole Golf THE wet and windy visit to the Lorca Golf resort on Thursday June 11, was memorable to say the least. With 32 players ready to play this four-ball Scramble the rain started and to the credit (or lack of common sense) all teed off. The winning score of nett 48.2 went to Nigel Greenwood, Geoff Smith, Gary Grey and Alan Marshall with Chrissie Dow, Mike Palmer, Don Harbron and Mick Craswell in second place on 48.4. The four Ball Scramble saw first place taken by Nigel Greenwood, Geoff Smith, Gary Grey and Alan Marshall with 48.2, followed by Chrissie Dow, Mike Palmer, Don Harbron and Mick Craswell on 48.4. The 19th Hole G/S is now arranging weekly games at various courses in the area, our home course, which we play fortnightly, is Aguilon. If you are interested in joining the 19th Hole, call the secretary on 610 340 653. Email gs19th hole@hotmail.co.uk
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Usain Bolt won the 200m at New York’s Diamond Athletics and GB Olympian Greg Rutherford took the men’s long jump prize.
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Marina Phoenix Golf Society play hardy game TWENTY ONE members were met with a thunderstorm By Steve Walsh MARINA PHOENIX were greeted by a furious thunder storm on Thursday June 11, which delayed the start and reduced the field to 21 hardy souls. Best two to count three-balls was the format and the scoring was impressive in the conditions. The team of Derick Dale, Margaret Budd and John Lally scored 85 points, (13 over par) to win. They were followed in second by Don Atkins, Marcos Caparros and Ali Mahmud with 80 points. While José Urroz, José Nistal and Jim Budd on 78 came third. Next Thursday’s team game
is an away day to La Envia. Marina Phoenix play Mondays (individual) and Thursdays (team game). To join them for a €25 green fee. Ring Jim on 950 162 727 or Rosalie 950 397 117.
WINNERS: Derick Dale, Margaret Budd and John Lally scored 85 points.
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BADGERS: Competed for an array of prizes.
Memorial tournament ON Wednesday, June 10, Badgers Golf Society, Mojacar, held a tournament at Marina Golf in commemoration of Margaret Weston, a long-standing member who sadly passed away one year ago. The event was sponsored by Margaret’s husband Mick, and son Mick Jnr - both Badgers members. The successful day saw 36 players competing for a wide array of awards. Prizes were provided by donations from Badgers’ members which meant the normal prize pot fee from each player was donated to MACS cancer support charity. Marina Golf also contributed prizes from the golf shop and discount green fees. Winning the individual Stableford competition with an impressive 41 points was Tony Rowbottom. The contribution of the players’ prize pot, plus a raffle, enabled the Badgers and the Weston family to donate €300 to MACS. Email: badgersmojacar@gmail.com.