Issuu

ISSUENN . 1555 //26 23 APRIL 2015 ISSUE O.O1586 Nov- -29 2 Dec 2015

COSTA DE ALMERÍA

YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION

Mojacar joins the fight against gender violence FORTY-EIGHT women have died in Spain so far this year INTERNATIONAL Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was yesterday (Wednesday 25). Although most of Almeria and indeed many Spanish towns and villages have already held events to mark the day, those wishing to join in who were caught unawares can head for Mojacar tomorrow to join the cause. From 5pm onwards Mojacar Town Hall officials and members of the public will be gathering at the Edificio de Usos Multiples for a march against violence under the slogan ‘Against Violence, Zero Tolerance’ due to set off towards La Fuente at 5.20pm. A minute of silence will be followed by the reading of a manifesto against gender violence and various activities will then be held to raise awareness of the need to put an end to the abuse, which has resulted in 48 women dying in Spain at the hands

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Food bank needs help Two-hundred volunteers needed for main food collection event VOLUNTEERS are desperately needed to collect foodstuffs tomorrow (Friday 27) and Saturday 28, by Food Bank (Banco de Alimentos) for its main event of the

year in Albox, Carboneras, Cuevas del Almanzora, Garrucha, Huercal-Overa, Mojacar, Palomares, Pulpi, Turre, and See Page 9 Vera.

Female entrepreneurs Town encourages women to make their ideas a reality MAYOR of Huercal Overa, Domingo Fernandez, took part in an event to mark Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. The event was organised by Almeria’s Businesswomen’s Association who were encouraged to strive to make their ideas reality. See Page 20

Mojacar strikes up Town bands will hold their annual meeting THE eighth annual meeting of the Mojacar’s town bands will be held on Saturday, November 28, and this year includes the renowned Band of the Macael Musical Cultural Association. See Page 26

Urgent action in Albox People needed to fill key roles of chairman and secretary NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH in Zurgena, Albox, is to hold what could be their last annual general meeting on Tuesday,

of their partners or former partners up to November 16 this year.

Albox, meanwhile, took a proactive stance this year, offering local women free self-defence classes at the

Centro de Agua y Salud on Wednesday, which were given by trainers from Fitness Centre Albox.

December 1, unless urgent action is taken to remedy the problem of posts being filled. See Page 70

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LOCAL NEWS

The earth shakes AN earthquake registering 3.7 degrees on the Richter Scale was felt in Adra just after 9am on Monday. The epicentre, according to the National Geographic Institute, was southwest

of Albuñol in Granada at a depth of five kilometres. The emergency services received several calls informing of the tremor and reporting household items had moved.

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NEWS

Day trippers bring €250m to Almeria POPULAR all year, with people visiting friends or relatives

Families benefit FAMILIES in Huercal de Almeria who have three or more children can benefit from a discount of up to 50 per cent on their property tax (IBI) the town hall has informed. The period to request the discount ends on January 11 and the procedure can be carried out online via www.huercalde almeria.es.

Best chef finalist A 24-YEAR-OLD man from Lubrin, Cristobal Muñoz, is amongst the eight finalists of the Best Chef of the Year Competition. He says his passion for cooking began when he saw his

mother and grandmother in the kitchen, and although he hadn’t considered it as a profession, he is now working as a chef. He said his classification against the best in Spain was proof that hard work pays off.

CABO DE GATA: Almeria is Andalucia’s favourite destination for day trips. ALMERIA is one of Andalucia’s favourite destinations for day trips with 17 per cent of the total for Andalucia. In the past three years, it is estimated that the province has gained €250 million thanks to day trippers.

This type of tourism has come about due to the financial crisis, as many people want to travel but cannot afford to pay for an overnight stay and instead come and go on the same day. Day trippers almost always come from within the province (almost 86

per cent) or neighbouring provinces and tend to take at least nine trips per year, 10 times more than trips with overnight stays. It is also a type of travel which is popular all year round for visiting friends and relatives, shopping or visiting leisure centres.

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26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

Featured News 3

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Police crack down on mushroom-picking 57 PEOPLE caught illegally collecting the fungus

News Desk 32

Russian Press 33

Finance 35 - 40

Stocks 36

Leapy Lee 41

Our View 42

Colin Bird 42

Mike Walsh 42

Letters 48

Daily TV 50

Time Out 56 - 57

Health & Beauty 58 - 59

Social Scene 60 - 64

Albox 65 - 72

Homes & Gardens 74 - 75

Pets 76 - 77

Property 78 - 79

Classifieds 81 - 83

Motoring 84 - 85

Sport 86 - 88

DESTINED FOR THE DUMP: 2,000 kilos of red pine mushrooms GUARDIA CIVIL seized more than two tonnes of illegally picked mushrooms over the past few weeks. In 23 separate operations, Guardia Civil from Fiñana and Tabernas, and officers from the Almeria Nature Protection Service, Seprona, seized 2,011 kilos of red

pine mushrooms, which had been picked with no respect for the rules regarding the forests of the province. Many of the operations were carried out within the Almeria part of Sierra Nevada, where the officers identified vehicles and people on forest tracks.

Fifty-seven people were caught collecting the mushrooms in Fiñana, one in Tabernas, and 77 in other areas. As it would take too long to identify all the mushrooms to ensure they were safe for human consumption, they had to be destroyed at Gador rubbish dump.

PSOE party promises to protect property buyers HOMEOWNERS’ campaign group AUAN has welcomed the news that the socialist party PSOE has promised to fin d mo re s o lu tio ns for people who have pur-

chased homes in good faith. As the various political parties finalise their election manifestos in the runup to the Spanish General Elections on December 20,

the PSOE has committed to providing more solutions so that buyers can rely on the accuracy of the information recorded at the Land Registry.

AUAN wants it to be m ade m andat or y f or t he Land Registry to update its records when planning permission for a property has been revoked.

NEWS

26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

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Selling at the market ALMERIA is the Andalucian province where the num b e r o f m a r k e t stalls has risen most in the pa st d e c a d e , wi t h 1,581 more, reaching a total of 7,000. There are around 100 street markets every w eek in t h e p r o v i n c e and although it is a sector which faces considerable obstacles, residents in Almeria are aware that they can get products at the market cheape r t h a n a t m a n y shops and with the financia l c r i si s h i t t i n g many homes, every saving counts so shopping at the m a r k e t f o r a l l sorts of goods is becoming a popular option. Some of the most popular products are in the fo o d , t e x t i l e a n d leather sectors. Almost 12,000 people work on market stalls in the pr o v i n c e a n d a lthough competition has meant they have had to put their prices down and there are no longer so many requests for new stalls, Almeria has the second most market activity in the region, beaten only by Malaga.

EWN

Gypsy culture is celebrated DAY began with a presentation at the Exhibition and Congress Hall in Campohermoso NIJAR Town Hall sponsored the first edition of the Andalucian Gypsy Day, organised by the Bajañi Intercultural Gypsy Association. The day began with a presentation at the Exhibition and Congress Hall in Campohermoso, followed by a flamenco performance with singer Rocio Segura, guitarist Antonio Patrocinio, and Fernando and Alvaro Gamero clapping. The event was rounded off with a paella for everyone. The local councillor for Culture, Yolanda Lozano,

said the council was proud that the association had chosen Nijar to hold the event which she said had been very pleasing to everyone. She went on to say that “interculturality enriches society as we can all learn from each other” and pointed out that Almeria is an area where many different cultures live together. The Andalucian Parliament declared November 22 ‘Andalucian Gypsy Day’ to commemorate the arrival of the first gypsies in the region on that day in 1462.

NIJAR, ALMERIA: An area where many different cultures live together.

Huercal-Overa’s ‘Tree of Life’ tours the world LOCAL photographers judged the competition

TREE OF LIFE: The aim was to promote the town.

Christmas market DAMES IN TURRE are counting down the days for their biggest fundraising event of the year. Their Christmas Market will be held on Saturday, December 5 in Turre Square from 10am-1pm to raise funds for local charities. There will be more than 50 stalls with plenty of ideas for Christmas shopping.

THE ‘Tree of Life’ from Huercal-Overa has travelled half way around the world tha nks to a c ompe tition la unc he d by the loc a l Tourism Council. The aim was to promote the tow n by s how ing the ima ge of the Tre e of Life which was found during restoration works on the local castle and which is one

of just a few documented examples of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula, the councillor, Monica Navarro explained. Local residents have taken part in the competition, called ‘The Tree of Life in my suitcase,’ when on their travels for pleasure or work. They have taken photos of the t-shirt with the sym-

bol on i t by m onum ent s, parks and well-known locations throughout the world, i ncl udi ng Scot l and, New York, Costa Rica and Warsaw. Local phot ogr apher s judged the competition and met to choose the four winners who congratulated the participants on promoting the area.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015/ Costa de Almería

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NEWS EXTRA

Social system THE Ministry of Employment and Social Security announced there are 51,106 foreigners registered on the social security system in Almeria Province. Only 16,312 of them are from EU member states.

NEWS

Sunday mar

SHOPS will open on the same day as will the

3rd Awards ALMERIA Provincial Government was among the winners of the third Menina Andalucia Awards, for its commitment to equality for women, protection of minors and action against gender violence.

Four injured TWO men and two women, aged between 59 and 74, were injured in an accident on the A7 motorway in Huercal-Overa when the vehicles in which they were travelling crashed. They were taken to hospital.

MONTHLY MARKET: There will be art, handicrafts, gastronomy, a

A MARKET will be held on the fourth Sunday of every month in Plaza de la Iglesia and Plaza del Mercado de la Villa in Nijar.

From 10am to 2pm the squares will be filled with art, curiosities and creativity at the ‘Arte Rastrillo.’

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rket to fill streets

e ‘El Portillo’ Museum which will have activities for children

EWN

Cuevas del Almanzora against gender violence TO mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Cuevas del Almanzora hung a banner against gender violence from the town hall balcony. The banner was put in place by representatives of the Municipal Centre for Information for Women. The Council for Social Services launched an active campaign against gender violence, and earlier this week, the manifesto against gender violence

was read by the councillor for Social Services, Melchora Caparros, at an event atended by Mayor Antonio Fernandez. A stand was set up on Wednesday November 25 at the Palomares Market where the Centre for Information handed out white ribbons and provided information. An event was also carried out at the local Jaroso Secondary School by the Andalucian Women’s Institute aimed at youths.

Accused points finger at friend although judge shelved case

antiques, a flea market and much more to attract locals and visitors.

There will be art, handicrafts, gastronomy from the Alpujarra and Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park, ecological and medicinal

products, antiques, a flea market and much more to attract locals and visitors. Shops will open on that Sunday

and so will ‘El Portillo’ Museum, which will have exhibitions, as well as activities and workshops for children and music.

A MAN, 28, accused of killing a 16-month-old baby in Almeria in December 2012, said in court that he is guilty and deserves to go to prison, but that he didn’t intend to kill her. He apologised to the baby’s mother, who was his girlfriend at the time, and the rest of her family, but said that he is “not a murderer.” He admits having kidnapped her and was responsible for her death, but says his friend was the one who wrapped her body in cling film and threw it into an irrigation tank in Abrucena. He also claims his friend, who was arrested although a judge shelved the case against him due to lack of evidence, intended to sell the girl to people traffickers. The accused is facing up to 29 years in prison and may be ordered to pay €300,000 in compensation to the baby’s mother.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015/ Costa de Almería

35 years for cold blooded killer A MAN has been sentenced to almost 35 years in prison for killing his sister in 2013 in Gergal. He was sentenced to 18 years for murdering his sister and 16 years for the attempted murder of three other people, two of whom were injured, when they went to collect some furniture from a warehouse. He has also been sentenced to nine months in prison for illegal weapons possession, but acquitted of another charge of attempted murder and one for crimes against the public administration. He will also have to pay €150,000 in compensation to his brother-in-law and €50,000 each to his two nieces, as well as almost €230,000 to two of the people he attempted to kill.

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Local children learn about flamenco SOMETHING which is part of their culture and their roots By Steve Walsh NIJAR Town Hall took part in the Flamenco Day organised at local schools in an aim to bring Andalucian musical culture closer to youths. The event, in collaboration with El Morato flamenco group, was held at the Andalucia and Juan Sebastian Elcano schools in San Isidro, the Atalaya de la Villa in Nijar, and the Concordia and Libertad schools in Campohermoso. Experts El Niño de las Cuevas and Anabel Castillo explained about flamenco music to the schoolchildren, who were captivated with their talks and actively took part in clapping, singing and even dancing. The local councillor for Culture, Yolanda Lozano, said it is important for children to learn about the art of flamenco, so they can appreciate it correctly and be involved with something which is part of their culture and their roots.

NEWS

NEWS EXTRA

Street names VICAR Town Hall has agreed to eliminate streets which were not built developed but which had already been named from local registers. That way, the names can be used in the future for streets which are ultimately completed.

Stolen crates A MAN, 37, was arrested by Guardia Civil for allegedly stealing around 100 plastic crates worth around €460 from two farms in Puerto Hormiga and Los Olivos areas of Roquetas de Mar.

In talks

FLAMENCO DAY: Bringing musical culture closer to youths.

AROUND 200 surgeons from across Spain met in Almeria to take part in a debate on colorectal surgery organised by Torrecardenas Hospital Complex and the North Almeria Health Area.

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26 November - 2 December 2015/ Costa de Almería

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More cruise ships visiting NUMBER of shipping companies to visit the city was 11 THIS season’s last cruise ship visited Almeria last week, leaving the port with positive results which have improved upon those of the past two years. According to the Port Authorities, since the first ship arrived in mid-April, there have been 29 visits to Almeria Port, bringing almost 20,000

tourists to the city. After a bad year in 2013, things seem to have taken a turn for the better, partially thanks to the efforts of Andalucia Cruise Ship Tourism Plan. The number of shipping companies visiting the city has increased to 11, almost half with Windstar Cruises. Other

companies which have visited more than once are Thomson Cruises, Saga Shipping and Holland America Line. The Port Authorities will continue their efforts to attract more ships to Almeria, strengthening ties with the main shipping companies and improving the offer for tourists.

Volunteers needed to collect food THE Food Bank will be holding its main event of the year to collect food stuffs tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, but still needs 200 more volunteers in Almeria. Every year, the Food Bank (Banco de Alimentos) collects imperishable food stuffs at shops across Spain to stock its warehouses. Around 25 per cent of the total collected

throughout the year is obtained at the event, amounting to around 500,000 kilos of food. In Almeria, 5,000 volunteers take part, but the association has said it needs 200 people to help in Maria, Velez Rubio, Albox, Macael, Olula del Río, Bedar, Carboneras, Cuevas del Almanzora, Garrucha, Huercal-Overa, Mojacar, Palomares, Pulpi, Turre, Vera and Abla.

EWN

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IF poinsettias are here, Christmas can’t be far behind. Florists, garden centres and open-air markets all over Spain are already full of the plants the Spanish call the Christmas flower. Many of them will have come from Almeria because the province is the country’s principal grower, leaving its nearest competitor Cataluña lagging far behind. The Poniente area alone will produce two million poinsettias this year, and one nursery owner Jesus Maldonado has planted 40,000 more this year than in 2014. Cost is the principal drawback for him and other growers because the plants sell at between €1.50 and €1.70, a price that has remained practically unchanged for 20 years. “I’ve been growing poinsettias for 25 years, and the price has always been the same but this can’t continue because it’s

Photo: US dept agricultur.

Poinsettias mostly grown in Almeria

NEWS

Drug sales gang detained POLICE found cocaine, hashish and other paraphernalia FOUR men who allegedly belonged to a criminal gang that sold cocaine and hashish in Almeria have been remanded in prison. A woman was also arrested in the operation and charged with drug-related crimes and belonging to a criminal organisation.

Almost 160 grams of cocaine and 750 grams of hashish were seized, along with precision scales, €4,400 in cash, three knives, four vehicles and eight telephones. The investigation began in August and focused on a group of people living in

Aguadulce who sold drugs. They were available to meet clients in the street or in local premises at any time of day or night. The members of the gang had well-defined roles, including a ringleader, his right-hand man, and someone to deliver the drugs by car.

Classic Car rally attracts tourists FESTIVE: Spain’s Christmas flower. not cost-effective.” Maldonado said. Each cutting costs around 40 cents, to which must be

added outlay on labour, pots and compost . “It’s very hard work for very little reward,” he lamented.

THE 26th Classic Car Route was held in Almeria, and the provincial government considers it a huge tourist attraction. The event began with an exhibition in Calle Navarro Rodrigo, which attracted many people keen on having their photo taken by the cars. There was also a rally which travelled

through Almeria and four local towns. The Vice President of Almeria Provincial Government, Javier Aureliano Garcia, said the city and the towns it visits see increased tourist activity and is interesting for local residents. He said that the provincial government fully supports the organisation of such events.

FINANCE

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26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

EWN

To ‘QROPS or not to QROPS’? You need to carefully consider all your options for your pension funds, and how they affect your income, tax bills and the transfer of the balance to your heirs. British retirees have a wide range of possibilities to choose from today, and expatriates have the further option of Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes. QROPS were introduced in 2006 to enable Britons who have permanently moved abroad to simplify their affairs by taking their pension savings with them. HM Revenue & Customs has since made various revisions to the rules - and where it deems rules have been broken it can apply a 55% tax charge of the transfer amount - and delisted large numbers of QROPS from various jurisdictions. There is now far more complexity in the QROPS market than people realise. QROPS have been widely advertised as the answer for British expatriates. In some cases they are, but QROPS are not a ‘one size fits all’ solution. You need to look at

By Robert Croizat, Senior Partner, Blevins Franks how they work, what the alternatives are, and your personal circumstances and objectives, before establishing what would be the most effective individual solution for you. All QROPS are not the same. Look at the jurisdiction they are based in (legislation, restrictions, investment environment etc), how the product is structured and the provider. It is important to consider the tax implications in the jurisdiction, the UK and in Spain.

Today there is the further important question of whether and when QROPS can apply the new UK pension freedom. To prevent QROPS from paying out all the benefits, HMRC previously made non EU QROPS providers declare that at least 70% of the transferred fund would be used to pay an income for life. It has since confirmed that from 6th April 2015 a QROPS can allow the same degree of flexible access as a UK defined contribution scheme. However, for jurisdictions bound by QROPS rules to offer an income for life, it has yet to agree how they can overrule that provision. So for now those schemes, which include Guernsey, Gibraltar, New Zealand and Isle of Man, must continue with the pre 6th April 2015 regime. EU QROPS have not needed to comply with this 70% rule and are free to offer full flexible access.

Earlier this year, HMRC sent a ‘legal request’ letter to global QROPS providers, requesting they satisfy themselves that their scheme adheres to Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes rules and meets the minimum age test (55). HMRC wants to see the laws of a jurisdiction, or the specific scheme rules, prohibit payment of benefits to members under 55 where UK tax relief was paid on the pension contributions. In July it delisted thousands of schemes. Individuals who transfer to a non-QROPS could face a personal 55% tax charge, so you have to be diligent when transferring pensions into overseas schemes. Under Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules, transfers from defined benefit (final salary) schemes over £30,000 to defined contribution schemes or QROPS require a review by an adviser with a suitable pension transfer qualification and regulated by the FCA.

Expatriates need local advice, particularly tax advice for Spain so ideally use an advisory firm with advisers living locally and a UK regulated pension transfer specialist. Pensions are a specialist area and care must be taken to make the right decision for your circumstances and objectives. It is advisable to have an adviser who is FCA regulated and capable of carrying out the in-depth analysis you need to establish whether to ‘QROPS or to not to QROPS.’ Summarised tax information is based upon our understanding of current laws and practices which may change. Individuals should seek personalised advice.

To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world, check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015/ Costa de Almería

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Currencies Direct opens new office in Camposol TEN offices are now open in Spain CURRENCIES DIRECT opened its first office in Spain in 1999. Since then, the company has grown across the country to become one of its leading foreign exchange providers. To keep pace with the continuing demand for its friendly, expert service and bankbeating exchange rates, on November 23, Currencies Di-

rect officially opened a new office in Camposol. Andrew Brown, Head of Eastern Spain at Currencies Direct, leads the new Camposol office in addition to the five other offices in the region. “Camposol was a sensible choice for us,” said Andrew. “There’s a large number of expats in the area, and they all

have currency needs. But until we opened our office they had no other local currency exchange solution except for the banks, who charge unnecessary fees and offer poor exchange rates. We can offer them more for their money, a straightforward service, and they can deal face-to-face with our friendly staff.” The office in Camposol brings the total number of Currencies Direct offices in Spain to 10. “We’re always looking to open new branches in Spain, because we know that our customers value being able to come and see us in person, even if they’re also using our online service to make their own transfers,” says Peter Loveday, Director of Currencies Direct Southern Europe.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to get great exchange rates and move their money without paying fees, and the new office in Camposol is part of achieving that aim. We’re really looking forward to serving Camposol’s expat community, using the experience we’ve gained over our many years in other parts of Spain.” For more information pop into their local offices, visit www.currenciesdirect.com or call 968 976 383 or you can email camposol@curre nciesdirect.com. CURRENCIES DIRECT: The company opened their first office in Spain in 1999.

NEWS

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EURO WOMEN PAGE

For the love of children 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. Annette English has helped improve the lives of many disadvantaged children. A CHRISTMAS gift campaign over a decade ago saw Annette and her husband Dave make a donation to ‘Make a Child Smile’. Their efforts to give a needy child a happier Christmas were so well received that they were asked if they would do the same the following year and help the children in the Altea home. Visiting the centre, Annette asked what the children needed most, to which came the reply ‘love’. “I came away crying my eyes out,” admitted Annette, and since then it has been a labour of love as she has thrown herself into raising funds to buy essential items for the children, to give them hope for the future and let them know that someone cares. And no one could care more than Annette: “I do love them. When I see them I can’t stop hugging and kissing them and they say they love me, and that means a lot. I’ve seen a lot of the children grow up over the years,” she said. Annette was primarily fundraising for Emaus and when they took over the Elche home, she diverted her efforts there as it was closer to her home in La Marina. However, the two entities then separated and for a few years she was helping both Emaus and Elche Children’s Home until the Elche Children’s Care Home Charity was formally set up. “Elche gets very little funding. The Arcos del Castillo foundation helps to pay staff wages but it is very difficult,” explained Annette, adding that the home was now a very different place to what it once was. They have managed to get a new kitchen installed, brightened the place up, added new furniture and bought TVs and computers.

BUSY ‘RETIREMENT’: Annette has worked hard to ensure that dozens of children have a better quality of life.

Retired bank cashier raises funds for care home When I see the children, I can’t stop hugging and kissing them, and they say they love me, and that means a lot”

Fact file Name: Annette English Age: 64 Married to: David Profession: Retired bank cashier

Their next fundraising target is €6,000 to pay for recreational lighting outside. The home takes in children aged 11-18, who have been removed from their family unit for whatever reason; some have issues and illnesses but Annette said they all need love and support. “The care and love that the people at the home show them is amazing; they go out as different children. We have had a number leave over the last year to return home which is great, but of course they take everything with them, so we have to start all over again. A child may come in with just the clothes on their back so we have to clothe and provide for them,” she said. Annette added: “As a charity we have paid for a boy to go on a mechanics training course and we have two girls studying

Children: One daughter, one grandson and two greatgrandchildren as well as stepchildren Nature or nurture: Nurture Originally from: Belfast Now lives: La Marina, Costa Blanca Pets: None Books or TV: Both Favourite show and book: Good serial dramas and books by David Baldacci and Michael Connelly

hairdressing. These are the real success stories.” But Annette admits she could not have done it all alone, saying: “Dave has

been 100 per cent supportive and my heroes are all the helpers and supporters that give up their time and donate. It makes

such a difference; with the money they give we can arrange trips and days out and that gives the children happy memories that they can treasure forever. I have no idea what we have raised over the years.” Annette had a dream of retiring to Spain, something that was not originally part of her life plan. “We had just brought my ‘forever home’ in Northern Ireland when a girl came into the bank where I worked with photos of the house her parents had just bought in Spain, and I said to Dave, ‘let’s go to Spain’, and we did. I have no regrets. I like the slower way of life and have made some great friends.” Her retirement may not have happened as Annette now works perhaps harder for the charity than she ever did, but she hopes one day to be able to pass on the reins. But whatever she does, she has left a great legacy in helping improve the lives of many children, showing the generous expat community spirit is alive and well. The charity is now running its Christmas campaign and will be issuing lists of gifts the children would like, which donations will help to buy. For more information visit www.elchechildrenscarehome.webs.com

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.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

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NEWS

Injured in motocross accident A MAN was seriously injured in a motocross accident in Berja and airlifted to Torrecardenas Hospital. The accident occurred on the top of a hill in a mountain area which was difficult to access. Local Police, Civil Protection and firemen attended the scene and the Guardia Civil eventually accessed the area in a 4x4 vehicle and took him to a flat piece of land where a helicopter waited.

MOTOCROSS ACCIDENT: Man was seriously injured.

Arrested for attempted fraud A MAN, 51, was arrested by Guardia Civil in Huercal-Overa for attempting to commit fraud against his insurance company. Late last month, the man reported that a warehouse of his had been broken into and that €12,871 worth of machinery, computers and printers had been stolen along with gift items and

souvenirs which were stored there ready for sale. An investigation was launched which revealed contradictions in the man’s statement. The Guardia Civil were also suspicious because the items which the man claimed had been stolen would be difficult to sell on the black market. They spoke to him again and he

admitted having “exaggerated” the amount of stolen items in order to claim from his insurance. He had filed the claim but it had not yet been processed when he was arrested. The investigation remains open to confirm whether or not there was a robbery at the warehouse and further arrests have not been ruled out.

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

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26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

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EWN

Crystal balls gave the game away HIGH MARKS: For health care system, but fell down on ‘tourist offer ‘which includes beaches.

Almeria favourite with tourists ACCORDING to an Andalucian tourism survey ALMERIA came out as favourite in a survey amongst tourists who visited Andalucia in the first three months of the year. In the Andalucia Tourism Situation Survey, tourists gave the province 8.5 marks out of 10. Last year, Almeria was the

destination in Andalucia which tourists considered the safest, with 8.8 out of 10, almost one point more than the average in Andalucia. Almeria also gets high marks for its health care system, although it falls down on the ‘tourist offer’ which includes beaches, landscapes,

natural parks and urban areas, because none of them even reach eight points. Some 950,000 people visited Almeria province between July and September this year. The average stay in the province is 8.7 days with a daily expenditure of €50.6 on average.

A HUERCAL-OVERA man claimed that goods worth €12,871 had been taken from his warehouse. Originally he reported t h e t h e f t o f m a c h i n e r y, computers and printers worth €7,900 to the Guardia Civil. He returned later that day, saying that more items including souvenirs and gift articles valued at €4,971 had disappeared. Officers were sent along to verify the claims b u t w e r e b a ff l e d t o f i n d that that these included a l a rg e n u m b e r o f s o u venirs and crystal balls, which would be of little interest to thieves seeking items they could easily resell. In a further interview with the warehouse owner he admitted that he had ‘padded’ the insurance c l a i m a n d w a s c h a rg e d with fraud. The Guardia Civil are

now investigating whether the first robbery actually occurred, and sources have

revealed that they do not rule out any new arrests and charges.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

Cleaners on strike CLEANERS at Torrecardenas Hospital are holding protests this week outside the premises claiming agreements met in June have been breached by the company. CLECE currently has the contract for cleaning the hospital, but staff complain that although union representatives negotiated conditions with them earlier in the year, there are still not enough people working weekends and holidays. They say this affects the salubriousness of the hospital, makes working conditions worse for healthcare staff and also affects patients and visitors.

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Children allowed to have their say MAYOR answered all their questions

NEWS

NEWS EXTRA

More recycling IT is almost a year since the recycling spot was opened in El Ejido and in the past three months alone, almost 1,800 pieces of furniture and 600 electrical appliances were collected at the facilities in Avenida Infanta Elena in Santa Maria del Aguila.

Flood protection

PLENARY MEETING: Children from the sixth year of primary education attended. A PLENARY meeting for children was held at HuercalOvera Town Hall. Children from the sixth year of primary education from the San Jose de Calasanz, Virgen del Rio, Principe Felipe, Tierno Galvan and Las Estancias took part in the meeting which was presided over by the mayor, Domingo Fernandez. The councillors for Education and Social Services, Belen Martinez and Monica Sanchez, respectively, were also present. Each of the schools had chosen a spokesperson to propose their ideas to the council repre-

sentatives. They had proposals regarding leisure time, education, healthy living, urban development, the refurbishment of the Cuatro Torres building, Easter, and also questions regarding the terrorist attacks in Paris and what measures are being taken. The mayor answered all of their questions and talked to them, explaining how some of their proposals were already going ahead. For example, he told them of the plans for a new athletics track or a healthy eating campaign planned to combat obesity in children.

He noted how hard the children had worked to propose ideas with which they aimed to make their town a better place. Fernandez also thanked the Minors’ Ombudsman, Ines Garcia, and the President of the local Unicef committee, Dolores Aznar, for their collaboration in the event, and congratulated teachers on their work preparing the children for it. Many of the children said afterwards that they had enjoyed themselves and felt that they had been directly involved in the running of the town.

THE Junta de Andalucia has carried out work to protect Turre in case of floods by reforming and strengthening a gauger under the bridge on the Al-150 which was damaged in September by heavy rains.

Beach repairs THE Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment, has decided to provide €150,000 to repair damages caused by storms on the first days of November on the beaches of El Ejido and Adra, including Balerma and Almerimar.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

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Town supports its women entrepreneurs EVENT was organised by Almeria’s Business Women’s association

HUERCAL-OVERA: Mayor Domingo Fernandez took part in the event, encouraging women in business. THE Mayor of Huercal-Overa, Domingo Fernandez, took part in an event with local women to mark Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. The event was organised by Almeria’s Business Women’s Association (ALMUR) and the mayor was accompanied by the Councillor for Business, Maribel

Sanchez, and the Councillor for Equality, Belen Martinez. The mayor encouraged women who attended the event, at which they were given advice on how to be more creative, and to continue working for their businesses. He said that they should strive to make their ideas reality, and called them ‘proof

that hard work and sacrifice lead to success.’ He pointed out that the town has a number of entrepreneurs who have received support from the town hall with grants, tax benefits and elimination of opening taxes, which, he said, made it the ideal place to invest.

NEWS

Locals attend mushroom event AN event was held in Tahal to provide information about how to collect mushrooms. It was attended by the Junta de Andalucia Delegate for the Environment, Antonio Martinez, and the main aim was to teach attendees the rules regarding the collection of mushrooms in forest areas. Good practices were taught to raise awareness on how important it is to avoid the countryside being destroyed every autumn by mushroom pickers who do not respect the area. The talk was given by Lourdes Andujar, who has a degree

in Law. Meanwhile, Veronica Rubio, an agronomist, spoke of the different species of mushrooms, the dangers to be aware of and the virtues of each type. The event was part of an initiative to boost sustainable development in small towns and also included a walk in the countryside with local experts who taught participants how to recognise and collect the mushrooms properly. They were later eaten at the local cultural centre before a guided tour of Tahal Castle was carried out.

Trial for abusing wife A MAN is facing 11 years in prison for abusing his wife constantly for 15 years and sexually abusing her after she reported him to police.

The man, who was sentenced to eight months in prison in 2009 for similar behaviour, will stand trial in December. She reported him twice, but they continued to live together. In June 2014, he intended to have sex with her and she refused, so he attempted to force her, although she resisted and one of their children was asleep in the room so he stopped. However, a week earlier he had allegedly grabbed her by the hair and raped her. If found guilty, he may be issued with a restraining order, or have to pay compensation.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂa

Drugs trial FOUR people aged between 32 and 55 are facing more than five years each in prison for allegedly smuggling 800 kilos of hashish on La Habana beach in Adra. Two of them used a six-metre-long yacht which was detected in May 2014 and traced to the area. A van was waiting on the beach and once the drugs had been loaded onto it, the yacht headed towards El Ejido. When they noticed the presence of the Guardia Civil, they attempted to flee and one man was caught. Another was arrested later. Fourteen packages of hashish were found in the van and another 13 on the beach. They are also facing fines of â‚Ź1.2 million.

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NEWS

Socialists visit university PLEDGE to make higher education accessible to all

CAMPAIGNING: Socialist party candidates at Almeria University. SOCIALIST party candidates for Congress and the Senate paid a visit to Almeria University recently. They explained the measures they would bring in if socialist candidate Pedro Sanchez wins the general elections on December 20. Pamphlets were handed out and the candidates intereacted with many of the students.

Congress candidate Sonia Ferrer told students that the party wants all youths to have equal opportunities to access higher education, offering more grants and making payment plans for university fees more manageable. She added that changes would be made to the education laws to improve services and make it easier to employ more teachers.

Two detained for spate of robberies TW O re s ide nts of Vic a r, aged 29 and 54, have been arrested by Guardia Civil for their alleged involve-

ment in several robberies at hotels and petrol stations. The investigation began in early November when 18

legs of ham, a computer, a till and a cigarette machine were stolen from a hotel in La Mojonera. The officers realised that the thieves knew the area and the establishment well and focused their investigation on three known criminals whose modus operandi matched the crime. They found that the suspects searched the area for i sol at ed pr em i ses whi ch they studied for days and even entered on occasions to get to know the layout.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂa

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NEWS

Failure to provide safety measures SIX people responsible for a construction site in Albox have been sentenced for failing to

provide safety measures for the workers. A court in Almeria has sen-

tenced the promoter, the representative of one of the subcontracted companies, the foreman, the safety coordinator, the architect and work manager to a year each in prison, and the same sentence for the building inspector and the head of execution, who will also have to pay a fine of â‚Ź12 per day for seven months. The project was to build 107 homes, commercial premises and garages in Albox, but no safety measures were put in place despite them being aware of the risks workers faced. A work inspector visited the works in June 2008 and found serious irregularities in safety, health and hygiene. He explained there was no protection against falls in the stairwells or lift shafts, and railings appeared to be more for decoration than for effectiveness. He said many of the workers were hired illegally and fled the scene.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

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NEWS

Eighth meeting of the Mojácar Town Bands CONCERT will be held in honour of its Patron Saint Cecilia THE eighth annual meeting of the Mojácar Town Bands w ill be he ld on Sa turda y November 28, at 8.00pm in the Mojácar Centro de Usos Múltiples. As usual, the Municipal Band will hold a concert in honour of its patron saint, Santa Cecilia, which coincides with the traditional meeting this year. This year it also includes the Band of the Macael Musical Cultural Association. This band, established in the late 19th century, went on to a c hie ve a w e ll-de s e rve d re puta tion in the marble production region

and in the province. The Moj ácar Band was initiated in the year 2000 together with the Municipal School of Music. Two years later it became a reality thanks to the work, enthusiasm and the many rehearsals of its 70 members, mostly children and young people, its director and the uncondi t i onal suppor t of Mojácar Town Council. Fr om t he begi nni ng, i t had a very intense schedule full of concerts each year dur i ng Sant a Ceci l i a, Christmas, Andalucia Day, Easter and its accompanying processions, Moors and

Christians, San Agustín, Virgen del Rosario, as well as auditioning students for t he Moj ácar Muni ci pal School of Music. Every year they have concerts and cultural activities throughout Spain visiting cities such as Benidorm, Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, Benal m ádena, Tar r agona and Mallorca amongst others. They also give their time freely to assist in cultural events, fiestas and charities including concerts to benefit the Red Cross as well as at t endi ng count y and provincial meetings.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

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NEWS

Inmates on the outside increase THE number of users of El Acebuche penitentiary centre who are not actually in prison has increased in the past few years.

835 inmates currently at El Acebuche penitentiary centre While the total number of inmates at the prison has fallen slightly, the number of criminals who use the facilities has risen. This includes people who have suspended sentences or who only have to abide by certain conditions to serve their sentence. To do so, they go to the Alternative Mea-

sures and Sentences Management Services. The prison manager, Miguel Angel de la Cruz, told local Spanish daily Diario de Almeria that the number of gender violence and traffic safety related crimes is on the rise, although he says that this is thanks to changes to the laws in the past years, because increasing the number of criminal offences will lead to a rise in the number of convicted criminals. Many people convicted of traffic related crimes and offences are not required to enter prison and instead go to the Services for treatment. Back in 2009, there were 1,280 inmates of El Acebuche, and now there are 835, including those who are under house arrest or only required to sleep at the prison.

Bikers gather in Mojacar MORE than 800 bikers from across Spain took part in the second ‘Pollos Salvajes’ (Wild Chickens) motorbike rally in Mojacar. The Indalicos Bikers Association was created in 2006 and has more than 80 members and the first rally, held last year, was attended by

500 bikers who took part in a ride from Mojacar to Carboneras which was also carried out this year. Twenty bikers’ associations took part in this year’s event, including one from Alhama de Murcia which brought more than 90 participants.

Almeria’s own love boat now standing on dry land THE Almeraya, a traditional felucca, now stands on dry land in Almeria City. It was built to celebrate

the 2005 Mediterranean Games and is located on a roundabout in front of the Maestro Padilla auditorium

in Plaza Alfredo Kraus. Meanwhile the felucca has become a favourite spot with what were once euphemistically known as courting couples. City hall has removed access to the boat’s interior at least 20 times but this has not deterred lovers determined to board the Almeraya. The felucca even features in a website dedicated to urban love nests, with advice on where to park and how to get onto the boat. Miguel Cazorla, now leader of the Cs party, was councillor for Tourism in 2005 when the Almeraya was built and is responsible for the initiative. He defended the boat as a seafaring legacy and criticised moving it to its present location. “I’m not going to discuss its use by couples, but taking it out of the water, moving it from the Club de Mar and letting it deteriorate is a disgrace,” he said.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

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NEWS

More victims in Almeria ALMERIA is the province where the Andalucian Women’s Institute has helped most victims of sexual violence so far this year. They have provided legal and psychological assistance for 180 women according to the Coordinator for the Province, Francisca Serrano. In the first six months of the year, there were 1,056 reports of gender violence throughout Almeria Province, although 89 of them were later withdrawn because the victim was not willing to go ahead with the procedure. Over the same period, 335 protection orders were issued. Serrano explained that it is very important for the Junta de Andalucia to continue to provide financial support for victims of gender violence, and to promote awareness of public resources such as free legal and psychological assistance.

OFFICIAL CELEBRATION: The first national Thanksgiving Day was proclaimed by George Washington in 1789.

The most American of all celebrations THANKSGIVING is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November By John Smith ALTHOUGH Christopher Columbus is credited with dis-

covering the Americas on behalf of the Spanish crown and is honoured by the USA, he of course never actually touched the land mass that we know as North America, visiting only the Caribbean, Central and South America. The Spanish colonised most of the countries south of ‘America’ as it is now known, but are credited with establishing the first actual colony in North America in Florida. Juan Ponce de León went

ashore in 1513 and claimed the land for Spain, naming it La Florida and by 1521 had established the first settlement there, although the settlers were driven away by local natives and de León was killed. For the next hundred years or so, the Spanish expanded their possessions in the general area of Florida, although during the 18th century, they traded Florida for Cuba with the English. Much is made about the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers

at Plymouth in 1620 and tradition has it that Thanksgiving, the most American of celebrations, is in honour of their arrival and the first celebration meal with the Wampanoag tribe took place in 1621 to thank God for their first harvest. The first official national Thanksgiving Day was proclaimed by George Washington in 1789 and it became a national holiday in 1863 after Abraham Lincoln declared it during the American Civil War.

Turkey could have been the USA’s national bird IT is said that at one time, the turkey and the bald eagle were each considered as the national symbol of America. Benjamin Franklin was one of those who argued passionately on behalf of the turkey. Franklin felt the turkey, although ‘vain and silly’, was a better choice than the bald ea-

gle, which he called ‘a coward’. The bald eagle, a natural predator, triumphed and was declared the national bird in June 1782 because of its long life, great strength, majestic look and finally because it was believed at the time to be only found in North America.

Health service told to pay THE Andalucian High Court of Justice has oredered the Andalucian Health Service to pay €600,000 for wrongly assigning an ambulance service. The contract awarded to company Ambulances Quevedo in 2009 to transport patients to La Inmaculada Hospital in Huercal-Overa has been declared null by the court.

The Andalucian Health Service has been ordered to pay the company which should have got the contract 6 per cent of the industrial benefits of the original budget for its whole duration. The court ruled the contract should not have been awarded to the first company because it was not solvent at the time and should have instead gone to Ambulancias Tursa.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015/ Costa de Almería

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NEWS FROM OUR FIVE OTHER REGIONS

COSTA DEL SOL

Reservoir levels on the rise LEVELS are still low but better than before according to official figures THE Marina Baja’s two reservoirs increased their volume by 2.61 cubic hectometres over the last month. Levels at the dams in Villajoyosa and Guadalest were dangerously low despite the five-cubic-hectometre transfer from the Tajo-Segura pipeline last summer to alleviate the drought. According to the Confederacion Hidrografica del Jucar (CHJ) - the official body that controls water and rivers in the Jucar basin - the Amadorio now contains 3.01 cubic hectometres of water. This is only 19 per cent of its total capacity of 15.83 cubic hectometres. The Guadalest reservoir is now at a quarter of its 12.99cubic-hectometre capacity with current reserves of 3.37 cubic hectometres. These figures could increase in coming days as water continues to arrive in both dams via mountain streams. Further rain has also been promised.

GUADALEST: Reservoir levels have increased in the last month.

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH

MALLORCA

AXARQUÍA

COSTA BLANCA NORTH

Dog handlers

Pioneer decree

Children’s rights

FLA helps out

POLICE dog handlers in Alicante and Murcia have completed a refresher course. Eleven police units took part learning new methods in search of drugs and explosives.

THE town of Porreres adopted a new measure this week to ensure civil baptisms were made available to all who requested them. The town is the first on the island to regulate such a ceremony.

ALMUÑECAR celebrated International Children’s Rights Day on Friday with activities and acts on Plaza de la Constitucion organised by the council in collaboration with local education centres.

THE Valencian Community will receive €1.471 billion from the central government’s regional liquidity fund, FLA. It will go to collectives, suppliers and contractors in the areas of Education, Health and Social Services.

New school

Christmas Fair

Improvement work

ALICANTE mayor Gabriel Echavarri has pledged to build a new public school in the La Cañada district in a bid to remove portacabin classrooms.

THE Waldorf infant school in Binissalem (S’Escoleta Waldorf) will host their annual Christmas fair this Saturday. The fair is from noon to 5pm with lots to do for all the family including workshops for the younger children.

THE dog park and allotments in VelezMalaga will be improved thanks to a €160,327 project under a rural employment scheme, the council has announced. Work is expected to take six months with work for eight people.

Bike ride

Carrying weapon

IN preparation for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women celebrated on November 25, more than 150 Palma residents took to their bicycles last Sunday.

TWO men aged 23 and 31 were arrested on Saturday (November 21) when the Guardia Civil found a gun in their car during a routine check on vehicles on the A7 motorway near Almuñecar.

Friendly fraud

New members

A YOUNG man, aged 24, is in court this week facing charges of fraud of €38 million. He was 20 when he deceived a married couple, friends of the family, into giving him property and money.

NERJA’S Tourism councillor, Patricia Gutierrez, has proposed that AEHCOS (Costa del Sol Hoteliers Association) and the Nerja Cave Foundation be included in the local tourism board.

Space claims THE College of Insurance of Alicante discussed at a training day compensation and insurance claims for extraordinary risk, covering things such as floods and falling space junk.

Five metre fall A WOMAN fell five metres down the Rambla del Castelar in Crevillente. She fell between a concrete wall and a fence and was taken to the Vinalopo Hospital.

Mud fines FINES could be issued to those responsible for the Mar de Cristal and Los Nietos mud floods that have occurred on five occasions in the last two months. Owners of agricultural land near the Mar Menor, if found responsible, will have to pay clean up costs.

NEWS

Health expenditure

Fibre optics

THE Balearic Islands has spent €15.2 million on pharmaceutical products through the National Health System in September, 1.2 per cent more than the same month last year.

MODERN technology is on its way to Velez-Malaga. Following an agreement between the council and Telefonica, almost 70 per cent of residents can expect access to fibre optics within a year.

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

Cold comfort THE predicted cold snap set in last weekend but three days earlier. While coastal temperatures were still benign, inland Villena had its first frost. The minimum night-time temperature registered 1.3 degrees below zero.

Dog’s life PEGO’S animal protection society took in eight dogs last month, including four puppies. Over the last four months they have taken in 30 dogs of whom four have now found homes.

Ballet treat THE Moscow Ballet, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, returns to Teulada-Moraira during this year’s winter tour with a production of Giselle on December 19 and 20.

Second best JUST one star stood between an unnamed resident in Beniali and the €163 million prize. Instead they took the notinconsiderable €355,600 second prize.

Fatal accident A FIFTY-year-old pedestrian was run over and killed by a car on the A-355 road between Ojen and Monda on Friday (November 20), Emergency Services 112 Andalucia reported.

Record figure THE number of self-employed workers registered in Antequera broke records for the town in October and reached a total of 2,500, the State Public Employment Service has reported.

Lucky win A LUCKY winner from Torremolinos will be receiving €2,000 per month for 10 years after winning the ONCE lottery draw on Sunday (November 22). The ticket was sold by Antonia Sanchez on Plaza Costa del Sol.

Christmas lights RONDA will be turning its Christmas lights on on December 4, the council has announced. The contract to put them up has been awarded to local company Iluminaciones Flores e Hijos S.L. for a price of €70,000.

Seafront repairs THE regional roads department has started work to repair damage on La Linea seafront caused by the recent storms. The work, under way at kilometre 6.1 on the N351, is expected to take one month and has a budget of €48,824.

Migrants rescued COASTGUARDS rescued 27 African migrants, 25 men and two women, from a dinghy 45 miles south of the Malaga coast on Thursday night (November 19), emergency services have reported.

EWN top for all the news from Spain.

NEWS

26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

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RUSSIAN P RESS

Nuclear power plant agreement CEREMONY was attended by Egyptian President

DEAL SIGNED: Between Egypt and Russia. EGYPT and Russia sealed a deal to build the first nuclear power plant. Last week both nations signed two agreements for Moscow to build the first nuclear power plant in Egypt in a ceremony attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi.

Fighting for ISIS

VW trouble

OLEG SYROMOLOTOV, the Russian deputy foreign minister, has said that some 160 Russian nationals have been killed while fighting for the ISIS terrorist group Takfiri in Syria. He also stated that a total of 2,719 Russian citizens have been known to fight in the ranks of ISIS.

VW are to recall some 1,906 Beatle, Golf and Jetta cars in Russia. Apparently the recall is not related to the emissions scandal, but concerns an engine component that could fail. This news comes as a further blow to VW in Russia whose sales have fallen by 25 per cent this year.

Preferred partner

dards, EOC President Hickey told delegates.

RUSSIA is still the European Olympic Committee’s preferred partner for hosting the 2019 European Games. That is providing the independent authorities can confirm Russia’s ability to support an anti-doping programme that meets the highest international stan-

VEHICLE RECALL: Engine concerns.

Capital punishment KREMLIN Chief of Staff Sergei Ivanov said, “The reinstatement of the death penalty in Russia would require common sense and not an emotional approach,” in response to calls to reinstate capital punishment for convicted terrorists and their collaborators.

More powers

Navigating space

RUSSIA’S parliament backed a sweeping overhaul of national security, including possibly expanding the powers of the country’s intelligence services, after the Kremlin concluded a bomb downed a Russian passenger plane over Egypt last month.

RUSSIA’S Glonass-M navigation satellite is planned for launch in late December. The Glonass-M will launch from the Plesetsk space centre in north Russia. The satellite will be orbited by a Soyuz-2 carrier rocket and is called, Number 51.

EWN

FINANCE

Costa de Almería

26 November - 2 December 2015

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Spanish debt almost equals GDP FIGURE was higher than the government had forecast IN figures released by the Bank of Spain, it was revealed that public debt within the country had reached 99.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) during September of this year, and was higher

Quote of the Week

€684 is the amount that the firm of Deloitte Spain estimates that the average Spaniard will spend on the Christmas festivities with the bulk being put towards travel and leisure.

than government forecasts. It also revealed that Spain’s public administrations owed in excess of €1 trillion (€1,000,000,000,000) whilst the EU has forecast that the Spanish national debt will remain over 100 per cent of GDP for at least the next three years.

“Jean Claude Juncker spoke well of the Spanish economic evolution. I was happy because those things don't normally occur," Mariano Rajoy on comments made at the G20 summit.

BUSINESS EXTRA

G20 resolutions

BUTANE GAS: Price has dropped by more than five euros.

Cost of Butane gas falls again JUST in time for the onset of winter, the Ministry of Industr y, E n e rg y a n d Tourism h a s a n n o u n c e d that the maximum price of a cylin d e r o f b u t a n e g a s would b e r e d u c e d to €12.68, with effect from November 17. The p r i c e wi l l r e m ain static until a review to be

held on the third Tuesday of January 2016. A cc o rd in g to th e min istry, the price of butane has dropped more than five euros this year. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) however will increase by 0.1 per cent due to a rise in costs of production in US Dollars.

AT their meeting in Turkey, leaders of the G20 Group have admitted that they have not done enough to reactivate growth. However, they have agreed to take action to stop multinational companies evading taxes through current legal loopholes, and will also require that banks establish larger reserves ahead of any future recession.

State drug income THE Spanish government has reported that it has generated €3.9 million by auctioning the assets of convicted drug traffickers. The Ministry of the Interior, through its National Plan on Drugs, will transfer these funds to programmes for the prevention, assistance and rehabilitation of drug addicts.

1,111 Carat Diamond found THE second largest gem diamond ever recorded has been found in Botswana, according to the Lucara Diamond company which owns the Karowe mine north of the capital Gaborone. Measuring 65mm x 56mm x 40mm and weighing 1,111 carats this is the largest dia-

€756 million is the amount that the Thai owner of the Redcar steelworks has said that it lost from the liquidation of the Teesside plant.

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By John Smith

EWN

mond to be found in Botswana, and the largest diamond found within the last 100 years. It is however just one third of the size of the 3,106 carat Cullinan diamond which was uncovered in South Africa in 1905, and was split into nine pieces, many of which are in the British crown jewels.

In the meantime, the Spanish government has confirmed its support of the French, who have indicated that they would not comply with the deficit agreed with the EU, as more money would be spent on security than they had previously anticipated.

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Banks owe less money THE total debt of Spanish banks to the European Central Bank (ECB) rose by 2.4 per cent from September to October, according to provisional data published by the Bank of Spain. The bank reported Spanish banks owed a total of 138.924 billion euros to the ECB in October, which meant a 10.2 per cent fall, 15.864 billion euros less, when compared with the same month a year earlier.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almeria

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C LOSING P RICES N OVEMBER 23

PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY 3i Group 492.00 -6.00 Aberdeen Asset Management 339.65 -5.65 Admiral Group 1,610.00 -15.00 Anglo American 427.30 -19.20 Antofagasta 490.00 -18.00 ARM Holdings 1,073.50 -14.50 Ashtead Group 1,052.00 -8.00 Associated British Foods 3,472.00 -44.00 AstraZeneca 4,484.50 -15.00 Aviva 504.25 -7.25 Babcock International Group 987.00 -2.00 BAE Systems 494.75 2.75 Barclays 219.83 -2.07 Barratt Developments 572.50 -5.00 Berkeley Group Holdings 3,063.50 -16.50 BG Group 993.40 -25.60 BHP Billiton 855.80 -29.70 BP 373.68 -7.62 British American Tobacco 3,824.25 -45.75 British Land Co 836.00 -7.00 BT Group 485.43 -5.77 Bunzl 1,888.50 -5.50 Burberry Group 1,263.50 -17.50 Capita Group (The) 1,243.00 -8.00 Carnival 3,444.50 -34.50 Centrica 211.40 -2.50 Coca-Cola HBC 1,616.00 -13.00 Compass Group 1,065.50 -7.50 CRH 1,883.00 -17.00 Diageo 1,907.00 -21.00 Direct Line Insurance Group 399.45 -2.15 Dixons Carphone 462.10 -2.50 easyJet 1,680.00 -5.00 Experian 1,197.00 -19.00 Fresnillo 686.75 -9.25 G4S 218.05 -0.95 GKN 293.85 -5.55 GlaxoSmithKline 1,344.25 -16.75 Glencore 87.91 -4.42 Hammerson 609.25 -7.25 Hargreaves Lansdown 1,471.00 -11.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals 2,125.50 -4.50 HSBC Holdings 529.55 -1.55 Imperial Tobacco Group 3,560.00 7.00 Inmarsat 1,050.00 -2.00 InterContinental Hotels Grp 2,501.50 -0.50 International Consolidated Air 573.00 -4.00 Intertek Group 2,615.00 -24.00 Intu Properties 322.30 -5.60 ITV 262.10 -1.90

% CHG. NET VOL -1.20 4,842.86 -1.64 4,576.00 -0.92 4,535.51 -4.30 6,259.20 -3.54 5,008.15 -1.33 15,314.71 -0.75 5,335.45 -1.25 27,835.26 -0.33 56,857.55 -1.42 20,694.00 -0.20 4,986.50 0.56 15,566.88 -0.93 37,220.16 -0.87 5,748.74 -0.54 4,209.04 -2.51 34,800.78 -3.35 18,702.40 -2.00 69,720.10 -1.18 72,143.94 -0.83 8,604.35 -1.17 40,954.27 -0.29 6,346.36 -1.37 5,698.31 -0.64 8,307.83 -0.99 7,519.98 -1.17 10,640.53 -0.80 5,935.97 -0.70 17,816.48 -0.89 15,604.70 -1.09 48,479.40 -0.54 6,024.00 -0.54 5,349.69 -0.30 6,692.96 -1.56 12,019.27 -1.33 5,128.78 -0.43 3,397.99 -1.85 4,934.28 -1.23 66,229.09 -4.79 13,467.44 -1.18 4,835.28 -0.74 7,029.40 -0.21 4,236.14 -0.29 103,634.68 0.20 34,005.44 -0.19 4,729.53 -0.02 5,907.65 -0.69 11,766.96 -0.91 4,258.34 -1.71 4,338.51 -0.72 10,627.08

COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) Johnson Matthey 2,681.50 -23.50 Kingfisher 349.00 -2.90 Land Securities Group 1,238.00 -10.00 Legal & General Group 266.80 -2.50 Lloyds Banking Group ORD 71.33 -0.45 London Stock Exchange Grp 2,581.00 -21.00 Marks & Spencer Group 510.75 -3.75 Meggitt 384.35 -3.65 Merlin Entertainments 407.75 -3.85 Mondi 1,503.50 -6.50 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 153.50 -2.90 National Grid 942.70 -7.30 Next 7,757.50 -27.50 Old Mutual 203.50 -3.50 Pearson 812.00 -13.00 Persimmon 1,824.00 -8.00 Prudential 1,515.50 -21.00 Randgold Resources 3,905.50 -70.50 Reckitt Benckiser Group 6,278.50 -54.50 RELX 1,171.50 -7.50 Rio Tinto 2,243.75 -52.25 Rolls-Royce Group 557.00 5.00 Royal Bank of Scotland Group 305.70 -3.80 Royal Dutch Shell 1,613.25 -21.75 Royal Dutch Shell 1,622.50 -26.00 Royal Mail 485.75 -2.85 RSA Insurance Group 435.05 -3.85 SABMiller 4,018.00 -0.50 Sage Group (The) 557.50 -4.00 Sainsbury (J) 250.45 -3.25 Schroders 2,932.50 -31.50 Severn Trent 2,209.00 -19.00 Shire 4,687.00 -20.00 Sky 1,120.50 -3.50 Smith & Nephew 1,113.00 -4.00 Smiths Group 1,003.00 -15.00 Sports Direct International 694.50 -3.50 SSE 1,455.50 -14.50 St James's Place 968.50 -9.50 Standard Chartered 552.70 -41.10 Standard Life 401.50 -4.30 Taylor Wimpey 183.00 -0.60 Tesco 168.75 -2.70 Travis Perkins 1,968.00 -12.00 TUI AG 1,126.00 -1.00 Unilever 2,828.00 -23.00 United Utilities Group 979.25 -7.75 Vodafone Group 222.35 -1.15 Whitbread 4,437.00 -53.00 Wolseley 3,719.00 -31.00 WPP Group 1,504.50 -15.50

% CHG. -0.87 -0.82 -0.80 -0.93 -0.63 -0.81 -0.73 -0.94 -0.94 -0.43 -1.85 -0.77 -0.35 -1.69 -1.58 -0.44 -1.37 -1.77 -0.86 -0.64 -2.28 0.91 -1.23 -1.33 -1.58 -0.58 -0.88 -0.01 -0.71 -1.28 -1.06 -0.85 -0.42 -0.31 -0.36 -1.47 -0.50 -0.99 -0.97 -6.92 -1.06 -0.33 -1.57 -0.61 -0.09 -0.81 -0.79 -0.51 -1.18 -0.83 -1.02

NET VOL 5,543.03 8,203.81 9,865.98 16,003.40 51,232.07 9,036.24 8,480.31 3,055.92 4,172.58 7,331.86 3,652.08 35,541.54 11,901.21 10,197.14 6,767.38 5,615.85 39,503.20 3,702.84 45,233.87 13,248.86 32,298.46 10,149.04 19,919.59 63,676.46 40,230.17 4,886.00 4,462.55 64,954.27 6,049.59 4,873.38 6,699.30 5,299.51 27,849.05 19,321.75 9,990.35 4,018.83 4,177.29 14,598.07 5,111.02 15,117.89 7,990.96 5,973.36 13,950.03 4,926.87 6,611.02 36,591.43 6,730.24 59,255.89 8,160.09 9,752.13 19,839.56

Kleinwort Benson Elite PCC Ltd

0.70124

1.42615 Units per €

US dollar ..................................................................1.06245 Japan yen................................................................130.850 Switzerland franc.................................................1.08232 Denmark kroner...................................................7.46057 Norway kroner ......................................................9.21236

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

DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES N OVEMBER 23

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 158.95 +0.57 +0.36% 1.9M 72.42 -0.32 -0.44% 4.4M 119.30 +0.52 +0.44% 34.3M 149.40 +0.16 +0.11% 3.2M 71.14 +1.12 +1.60% 6.5M 89.01 -1.82 -2.00% 8.6M 27.57 +0.20 +0.73% 26.5M 42.43 -0.68 -1.58% 19.8M 120.07 +1.36 +1.15% 10.8M 66.70 -0.29 -0.43% 4.8M 79.79 -0.51 -0.64% 10.1M 30.66 +0.39 +1.29% 210.8M 191.47 -1.56 -0.81% 2.9M 130.21 +3.35 +2.64% 8.2M 138.50 +1.76 +1.29% 5.2M 34.66 +0.36 +1.05% 41.1M 102.48 -0.01 -0.01% 7.7M 67.54 -0.12 -0.18% 11.2M 113.91 +0.61 +0.54% 6.7M 54.10 -0.18 -0.33% 8.9M 54.19 +0.25 +0.46% 37.1M 132.65 +6.87 +5.46% 9.5M 32.18 -0.11 -0.34% 64.6M 75.82 -0.40 -0.52% 9.5M 115.83 +0.81 +0.70% 1.7M 98.22 -0.08 -0.08% 4.9M 112.97 +2.34 +2.12% 7.1M 45.39 -0.37 -0.81% 12.2M 80.19 +0.04 +0.05% 6.8M 60.07 -0.63 -1.04% 12.4M

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES N OVEMBER 23

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

Most Advanced KaloBios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Hovnanian Enterprises Inc Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. Sportsman's Warehouse Holdings, Inc. Hibbett Sports, Inc. Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. Arcadia Biosciences, Inc. Digimarc Corporation TerraForm Global, Inc. Baozun Inc. Vital Therapies, Inc.

$ 18.25 $ 5.75 $ 33.37 $ 11.42 $ 33.30 $ 16.19 $ 4.40 $ 29.51 $ 5.27 $ 7.60 $ 8.66

7.85 ▲ 75.48% 1.32 ▲ 29.80% 7.30 ▲ 28.00% 2.08 ▲ 22.27% 4.65 ▲ 16.23% 1.68 ▲ 11.58% 0.44 ▲ 11.11% 2.86 ▲ 10.73% 0.51 ▲ 10.71% 0.73 ▲ 10.63% 0.80 ▲ 10.18%

$ 17.85 $ 32.55 $ 4.05 $ 65.11 $ 4.44 $ 3.78 $ 2.66 $ 3.19 $ 7.24 $ 48.23 $ 3.84

9.93 ▼ 35.75% 5.37 ▼ 14.16% 0.56 ▼ 12.15% 7.58 ▼ 10.43% 0.51 ▼ 10.30% 0.41 ▼ 9.79% 0.28 ▼ 9.52% 0.29 ▼ 8.33% 0.65 ▼ 8.24% 4.29 ▼ 8.17% 0.34 ▼ 8.13%

Most Declined Mentor Graphics Corporation America's Car-Mart, Inc. Hercules Offshore, Inc. American Woodmark Corporation Amtech Systems, Inc. Fate Therapeutics, Inc. Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. Legacy Reserves LP Stein Mart, Inc. Synopsys, Inc. Connecture, Inc.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

Business is no place for amateurs Talking shop Mike Walsh Mike Walsh was for 20 years Regional Assessment Manager for the Guild of Master Craftsmen, Britain’s biggest quality assurance body for businesses.

www.michaelwalsh.es • 966 786 932

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON once remarked: “Politics is perhaps the only profession for which no preparation is thought necessary.” Not quite. Many would-be entrepreneurs think only the most basic preparation is necessary when opening up shop. In the workplace, the simplest jobs such as that of supermarket shelf-stackers begin with several days training. Hairdressing takes longer whilst doctors never stop learning. One would be amazed, or not, at the number of business owners who never attended a day’s business course in their life. It would never occur to them to do so. Chambers of Trade and Commerce in the UK offered members support. This was available as training seminars and courses, most free of charge. There was also a supply of supportive literature and hands-on advice. Banks offer the services of business managers. I am not enamoured of them, there is of-

THE so-called discount supermarkets Aldi and Lidl have seen their joint share of the groceries market double to 10 per cent in just three years, according to latest industry figures. Kantar Worldpanel, specialist in retail analysis, revealed that Aldi’s market share in the UK was 5.6 per cent in the 12 weeks up to November 8, while Lidl’s was 4.4 per cent giving them a combined figure of 10 per cent of the market. Tesco is still the UK’s largest supermarket with a 27.9 per cent share, but Sainsbury’s jumped to second place with 16.6 per cent, overtaking Asda with 16.4 per cent. The two German owned discount supermarkets continue to attract a middle class audience and by rapid opening of new stores in the UK and Spain, ensure that footfall increases greatly, thus allowing their market share to grow.

US hotel giants agree to merge

UK coal-fired power stations to close Photo Credit chunking shutterstock

Aldi and Lidl sales up again

ENTREPRENEURS: You have to believe in yourself and what you are selling.

ten a charge or strings attached in the bank’s favour. The interest is in their business, not yours. It was the founder of McDonald’s, then a fast growing profitable enterprise, who said: “Forget all your university degrees, connections, financial advantages. Without enthusiasm your business is destined to fail.” If you don’t believe in your product or service you can’t expect a potential customer to have faith in it. You have to believe in yourself and whatever it is you are selling. Secondly, if you open up a business with the intention of improving your lot you might find it hard going. Try this, it works. Open up your business with but one aim in mind, that is to make life better, more secure and prosperous for your customer. Surprise! Surprise! By applying this principle you will find you improve your life, increase your security and become more prosperous. It is called putting the horse before the cart. Finally, put your ego away somewhere safe. Learn from others who have been there. My book, The Business Booster published on Amazon Books and Kindle is stuffed to the brim with tips. Let’s build your business together. It’ll cost you less than buying me a lunch.

COAL CLOSURE: More gas-fired stations will be built. By John Smith THE UK’s remaining coal-fired power stations will be shut by 2025 with their use restricted by 2023, according to Energy Secretary Amber Rudd. Ms Rudd wants more gas-fired stations to be built since relying on ‘polluting’ coal is ‘perverse,’ and with the general run down of the UK coal industry, Britain has to rely heavily on

increasingly expensive imports which are not eco-friendly. “We need to give a clear signal to people who are in the market for building gas stations that coal will no longer crowd out new gas,” said the Energy Secretary. At the moment, coal provides around one third of the UK’s electricity, but Ms Rudd said: “We are tackling

a legacy of underinvestment and ageing power stations which we need to replace with alternatives that are reliable, good value for money and help to reduce emissions.” This follows the recent agreement with China and France to co-fund the building of a nuclear power station at Hinkley Point in Somerset, which has been criticised in many quarters.

AMERICAN hotel chains Marriott International and Starwood Hotels have agreed a $12.2 billion (€11.4 billion) deal to create the world’s biggest hotel company. The two boards have agreed a takeover, under which Marriott will buy Starwood and the two firms will then have an empire consisting of more than 5,500 hotels with 1.1 million rooms worldwide. Their nearest rival and formally largest chain is Intercontinental Hotels, which has nearly 5,000 hotels. The deal will combine Marriott’s 19 brands, including Ritz-Carlton and Fairfield Inn, with Starwood’s Westin, W and St Regis chains, with Marriott paying the bulk of the price in stock and a small part in cash. It was well known that Starwood was interested in working with another chain and their name was linked to possible deals with Intercontinental and Hyatt Hotels earlier this year.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

EWN

By John Smith PHARMACEUTICAL companies, US-based Pfizer, which manufactures Viagra, and Irelandbased Allergan, which produces Botox, have announced that they wish to merge to become the largest manufacturer of drugs in the world. The only problem for the proposed $160 billion (€150 billion) merger is that it will require regulatory approval from the US and that may not be forthcoming as a number of presidential candidates have been vocal about both price increases in pharmaceuticals and corporations attempting to avoid tax by moving their head offices. The EU has also criticised a number of US corporations including Fiat, Starbucks, Amazon and Google for locating their head offices in countries like Ireland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, and at the latest G20 meeting in Turkey, the leaders of those countries present agreed that they would ensure that these loopholes are closed. Pfizer, which recently tried to take over the British company AstraZeneca, has been critical of US corporation tax legislation and made no secret that one of the attractions of the British company was the tax benefits that it expected to gain. Mergers like Pfizer-Allergan are called tax inversions whereby large American companies buy smaller foreign ones and then in theory switch

Credit Pio3 Shutterstock

Viagra and Botox makers to merge

TAX INVERSION: Pfizer, whose headquarters are in Manhattan, want to merge with Ireland-based Allergan. their headquarters to the location of the smaller one. Whilst the US government will almost certainly object strongly, the Irish government is likely to be in favour of the proposed merger. The US Treasury Department has unveiled new regulations concerning business inversions but

with the forthcoming presidential elections in the US, unless the Democrats end up with a very strong president able to enforce this policy, the regulations may well be ‘toothless’. If the merger does go ahead, it is very unlikely that there will any significant increase in the price

of the drugs produced by either company as history has shown that massive hikes such as that when the cost of Daraprim tablets was increased from $13.50 (€12.70) to $750 (€705) per tablet were due to takeovers from external investment companies rather than established manufacturers.

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

EWN

Would France show such solidarity? HOPEFULLY the nation’s historic disregard for the British would change LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT AS tragic as the Paris attacks were, and utterly sharing the pain and anguish felt by the French nation, I couldn’t help wondering what would have happened had the boot been on the other foot and the attacks happened on British soil. Would we have received the tremendous influx of sympathy and solidarity from a country that quite frankly seizes every opportunity to let us know just how much they actually dislike us? Would they have projected the Union Jack on to their prominent buildings or superimposed our flag over their Facebook profiles? In all honesty can you really envisage the French footballers raising their voices in a lusty rendition of God Save the Queen at the start of their premier division matches? Mmmm! Let’s just hope as this awful event fades a little in their memories, the French think again when they decide to prevent our supplies coming through Calais; try just a little harder to

SEND IN THE ARMY! Let the UK follow Belgium’s example. control the immigrant problem and not be quite so rude when they realise we are English.

And so, as prophesied, the conflict begins. Belgium, the country that Muslims have bragged will be the first Muslim controlled

country in Europe, has finally, in the wake of the French terrorist attacks, decided to do something about it. They are sending troops into the no-go areas these people have been allowed to create; making arrests across the board and generally conveying to these intruders that their alien culture and ideals will not be accepted quite as easily as they have so far envisaged. Good. I now suggest Britain does exactly the same. With the latest study revealing that one in every five Muslims is an ISIS sympathiser, I think the scale of the problem should finally be coming home to even the most complacent of ostriches and do-gooders who have whimpered us into the position where we now find ourselves. Send in the army! Root out the suspects and hope that their fellow conspirators take up arms. Bring the whole thing to a head. ‘Martyr’ as many as possible and let us all get back to the tranquillity of our own culture and peaceful existence. Keep the faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

Perhaps it’s time I dusted off my old fishing rod IN the past angling meant so much more to me than simply catching fish Colin Bird A weekly look Each week, Colin brings his slightly off-thewall view of the world to the pages of EWN in his own irreverent style.

IT has been many years since I last picked up a fishing rod in anger. As a young man, my greatest influence was Bernard Venables, the famous naturalist, angler and author who, through his writings and art, taught me to observe and love the wonderful world of the English countryside. I was fortunate to have the River Kennet on my doorstep and during the summer months, I would often rouse myself early on a Sunday morning, and while the blackbirds were still snoring and having wormy dreams, I made my way ea-

RIVER KENNET: When the sun began to show it revealed the most glorious setting. gerly to the water’s edge. As the mist cleared and the sun began to show its face, it revealed the most glorious setting and was my favourite part of the day. With one eye on my stationary float, waiting for that telltale rise and dip be-

fore sliding away as the bait was taken, my other attentive eye would be scanning the far bank for signs of water voles. These comical little rodents are an endangered species today, but back then were a common sight as they

busily patrolled their territory scavenging for food. Then as the sun climbed higher in the sky, the surrounding trees and meadows would burst into life, birds found their voices and competed in the avian equivalent of The X Factor.

Legions of insects droned and buzzed into activity, and as if a gigantic artist’s brush had swept across the landscape, the countryside exploded into vibrant colour. I was lucky to have all of this in my backyard, but sometimes I could be found fishing from a boat on the achingly beautiful Blenheim Palace Lake or studying the waters of the Hampshire Avon or Dorset Stour, searching for signs of the elusive Barbel. But angling meant much more to me than simply catching fish and as the greatest of all anglers, Izaac Walton, once described the river bank, ‘the quietest and fittest place for contemplation.’ How true. Perhaps I should dust off my tackle, but I doubt it would be quite the same now.

The miner who ousted a dictator NICOLAE CEAUSESCU and his henchmen thought they were untouchable Mike Walsh Mike, based in Mediterranean Spain, is an international journalist, author and professional writer.

IN casual conversation it was remarked that the Euro was as secure as gold and the European Union the new 1,000 Year Reich. I was reminded of a demonstration that occurred on December 17, 1989 in Communist Romania. Thousands of unpaid coalminers stood silent. Platitudes from the Communist leadership grouped on a government building balcony droned over the stone-faced miners. General Secretary of the Romanian Communist Party, Nicolae Ceausescu, was conceited as he urged patience. Dissent in Stalinist Romania was met by lengthy terms in forced labour camps. He and his henchmen thought themselves untouchable. The police and armed forces were enmeshed in their crooked system

FUTILE SITUATION: Dictators’ smirks were replaced by a deathly pallor. and the Red Army just hours away. The group’s cockiness was misplaced. Just one miner, driven to despair, punched the air. Disregarding the likely consequences of his actions he screamed, “out!” A shocked silence fell on the assembled miners. Moments later a

miracle occurred. A dozen miners joined him, and then 100, 1,000 and soon 10,000 miners were punching the air as they chanted for the government to step down. The dictators’ smirks were replaced by a deathly pallor now etched on their faces. The miners in

OUR VIEW Galifardeu Wikimedia

FLAG: Spain v Catalonia.

Another civil war? WITH the terrible events of the last two weeks, public attention has drifted away from the Catalan parliament’s bid to declare independence from Spain, but are there potentially real similarities between the situation in Catalonia and the situation with ISIS? At the end of the day, what is going to happen over the next 18 months? Looking forward, could there be a compromise between whichever party is elected to run Spain, whereby there is greater self-government for the area, will there be a referendum, will there be a granting of independence or more likely will the Spanish government simply refuse to allow it to happen? It will by then be just over 80 years since the start of the Spanish Civil War. The logical conclusion to the meeting of an irresistible force and an immovable object is frightening as the only way to stop the independence movement. Depending upon the view of the person naming them, those who resist are either terrorists or freedom fighters, and those they are resisting are either invaders or legitimate forces of authority. In the previous century, the West saw some very brutal regimes which massacred millions, but the one difference between our governments today and the jihadists is that by and large, we have learned from the mistakes of the past whilst ISIS just doesn’t care and seems set on slaughtering for the sake of it. The ISIS threat needs to be contained but 18 months is a short time and some resolution to the situation with Catalonia will have to be reached sooner rather than later.

their thousands began to edge towards the government building. TV cameras focused on the country’s doomed leadership. President Ceausescu tried to calm the miners. It was futile, his speech was drowned out. Security forces were ordered to fire into the protesting crowds but few obeyed the command. Ceausescu, a lifelong Communist, several times jailed for street thuggery, was courted by England’s royal family and various US and Western leaders. He and his henchmen fled. The family that had denied their countrymen a voice were prevented from escaping by the country’s armed forces. When the fugitives were arrested it was just eight days from the moment that this solitary miner punched the air and screamed at the top of his lungs, ‘out!’ Now we Tried and found guilty, Ceausescu want to and Co were riddled with automatic hear your views. rifle fire. I have earlier predicted the EU would evaporate in YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE the same way as did the Soviet - YOUR OPINION Bloc. Soon I might rest my www.euroweeklynews.com case.

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

EWN

An unwinnable war against terror, or a wake-up call to the West? EXPERTS warn disaffected Muslims, Europe’s open borders and the migrant crisis are all creating the perfect storm 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

THE terrorists came, they saw, they murdered. Europe welcomed refugees with open arms (at the invitation of the German Chancellor. Thanks, Mrs Merkel!), and some have done what they came to do. It’s doubtful the Paris attacks will be the final atrocity. Disaffected Muslims, Europe’s open borders and the migrant crisis are all creating the perfect storm, terror experts warn. And here’s the evidence: Open borders undoubtedly prompt the most enterprising people from the poorest, least secure nations to emigrate in droves to the wealthiest, safest countries (at least two of the Paris attack-

PARIS ATTACKS: It’s doubtful they will be the final atrocity. ers arrived in the EU posing as ‘refugees’). Slovenia has begun erecting razor wire on its Croatian border. Sweden, arguably the world’s most progressive nation, imposed ‘tempo-

rary’ border checks while the Paris massacre, causing over 100 deaths, led to calls for the EU to close its borders to all asylum seekers. But none of this will be enough.

Because what it will take to defeat ISIS, and win, is most likely to be boots on the ground, armoured brigades together with targeted aerial bombardment. And at the end of this long, bloody and expensive campaign, the installation of a regime strong enough to contain and rebuild what remains of Syria. And does the West have the collective stomach for future foreign wars? I doubt it because of past mistakes. Will diplomacy, negotiation or sanctions succeed in eradicating ISIS? Hardly. The battle-hardened ISIS attackers were able to plan multiple, simultaneous attacks. So the question is: If this isn’t a game changer after the tragedies in Tunisia, Ankara, Sharm el-Sheikh, etc, what is? Even more deadly, coordinated attacks against a major European city with an even greater loss of life. Meanwhile, what’s to be done? I’ve

written before about the need to stabilise fragile states like Syria, Iraq, etc. As for the UK, we all know that more border control staff, a tighter immigration policy, refusing the re-entry of radicalised fighters (450, reportedly) returning from Syria, introducing ID cards for everyone, increasing police numbers and reversing the cuts imposed on Britain’s armed forces would be a good place to start. The establishment should pull their collective finger out, pass the Government’s Snooper’s Charter now, or London will be next.

Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘Landscape of Lies’, ‘Retribution’, ‘Soul Stealer’, ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.89;£0.79) and iBookstore. All profits to Cudeca charity.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 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

As Leapy Lee said... What on earth are they thinking? I WAS in Benidorm for the festival and worked there for many years in the music business until 2011. I read your articles regularly and, although you proved to be right on many occasions, I was always amazed by the do-gooders who fervently disagreed with you. After your article this week I wonder what they will say now after the atrocities in Paris. I’ve been espousing the same theories about the ‘refugees’ but being a Londoner living in Ireland not much notice was taken of me. Now it’s been proven that at least two of these terrorists came through Lesbos; well, as you say, what on earth are they thinking? I fear though Leapy we’re fighting a losing battle. ISIS are already here thanks to the do-gooders. They have the audacity to call us racist and, I fear, a lot of the do-gooders are in the media. They should share the blame for the bloodbath in Paris. Keep the faith Hayden M (via email)

Naive talk CREDIT where credit is due, I was poised to do the unthinkable and that was to agree with Leapy Lee on his article about Loose Women, until I saw Mike’s letter on bad service in the Letters page last week. His final sentence, and I quote: “That’s what you get when you give workers too many rights,” made me laugh out loud. What an antiquated opinion! I know, let’s get Correos to go back to deliveries on donkeys. Tie those workers with too many rights to the gun carriage wheels and flog them to within an inch of their lives, if any mistakes are made. Without even knowing the incident he’s prattling on about, his crass assessment of the workers in this day and age is a testament to the writer’s lack of management skills to even talk like that, and is naive, to say the least. Philip, San Fulgencio (via email)

Brexit fear I WOULD like to comment on Gibraltarian Minister Fabian Picardo’s

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

A history of helping READERS comment frequently on the subject of immigrants from both Europe, ‘EU’ and elsewhere, often taking an ‘anti’ stance. Is geography and history no longer taught in our schools? Firstly, those from the war-torn Middle East. How can caring and humanitarian individuals not want to give refuge from the horrors of the dreadful wars in Syria and Afghanistan? For sure, there will be an element we can do without; however, the majority genuinely need the help offered within Britain and the other EU countries. Comments from the ‘against brigade’ are many and varied such as: ‘Charity begins at home’, ‘many homeless and hungry’, ‘unemployment’, etc. I honestly feel that these shallow excuses reflect the rantings of the extreme right, or just plain ignorance. Britain has a long history of assisting those in need, particularly from Eastern Europe and indeed worldwide. Let us not forget the many people from our Commonwealth of Nations who laid down their lives to maintain our way of life and culture. Do those who are against our help to those in need, recall the days of our involvement in creating the map of the Middle East? Do they ever consider how it came about that circa half the world speaks English as their first language? Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Pacific Islands, South America (Guyana), Central America (Belize), all of North America/Canada, India, etc! What a rich cultural heritage immigrants from all over the world have given to Britain. Find a place in your hearts for those who genuinely need our help. Remember, we imposed our religion, our language, and our culture on a worldwide basis. We have the capacity to absorb a little bit of others. Kebabs or curry tonight? John, a citizen of the world

fear that Brexit would mean the loss of trade and jobs. But why should that be so? We are surely not seeking to rescind the common market membership, as it applies to trade, only the political union aspects of membership. The public generally has no desire to go in deeper and

wishes to be free of being run by unelected civil servants controlled by Germany and France, both of whom have a history of attempted colonisation of the continent. There is surely no risk of the EU imposing tariffs on UK imports. Trade is two-way and neither Germany nor

France can wish to see retaliation tariffs in the UK on, for instance, cars, where the UK is a very major market for companies like Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen and Renault. Peter W, Gibraltar (via email)

Ticket waste Re: Caminito del Rey FRIENDS of mine visited the walk last week with prior reservations and were surprised to find it practically deserted, yet would-be walkers were being turned away as they had no prebooked times. Despite the demand it seems the lack of availability is entirely due to the tickets having been allocated to the local restaurants, who are failing to pass them on to the public. What a disgrace! I have managed to get four tickets for late November, the limit for any one booking, but was not able to get any for November 6 when I had visitors keen to do this walk. It is showing fully booked, but I now wonder if there really will be any takers or if the tickets will be sitting in a restaurant somewhere wasted. I really think this is an issue that should be investigated and shown up for what it is. One has to wonder if the restaurants are paying for their monopoly of what is an essentially free attraction. Janet, Malaga Province (via email)

France help? Re: France and the Falklands INTERESTING that France is requesting help from the EU in this matter. How did France help the UK in the ‘conflict’ over the Falklands? If memory serves me right, France assisted the Argentinians by selling them Exocet missiles (used to sink our warships) via a third party. ISIS must be rooted out and destroyed, but surely France could make the gesture of apologising to the families of the British servicemen killed by Exocets in the Falklands? Harry Paine (via website)

WHEN YOU WRITE All letters, whether by email or post, should carry the writer’s postal address, NIE and contact number though only the name and town will be published. Letters may also be edited. Readers who have missed earlier correspondence can see all letters posted on:

www.euroweeklynews.com

The views expressed and opinions given in Letters are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. They accept no responsibility for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements, and reject claims arising out of any action that a company or individual may take on the basis of information contained therein.

E W N 26 November - 2 December / Costa de AlmerĂa

www.euroweeklynews.com

TV LISTING

THURSDAY 26 NOVEMBER

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:25pm 11:35pm 12:35am

FRIDAY 27 NOVEMBER

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SATURDAY 28 NOVEMBER

SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER

MONDAY 30 NOVEMBER

TUESDAY 01 DECEMBER

BBC News at Six BBC London News The One Show Watchdog EastEnders Doctor in the House BBC News at Ten BBC London News Question Time This Week A Question of Sport EastEnders Citizen Khan Have I Got News for You Peter Kay's Car Share BBC News at Ten BBC London News The Graham Norton Show Josh

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Pointless Strictly Come Dancing Doctor Who Casualty The National Lottery Live BBC News Match of the Day The Apprentice Weather for the Week

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BBC News BBC London News Countryfile Strictly Come

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The One Show Fake Britain EastEnders British Bribery Exposed Tomorrow's Food BBC News at Ten BBC London News Have I Got a Bit More News for You Doctor in the House

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BBC News at Six BBC London News The One Show EastEnders Holby City Capital BBC News at Ten BBC London News Imagine... Possession

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Antiques Roadshow The Hunt BBC News BBC London News Match of the Day 2 Citizen Khan

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WEDNESDAY 02 DECEMBER

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Flog It! Pointless BBC News at Six BBC London News The One Show Cuffs The Apprentice BBC News at Ten BBC London News Live at the Apollo Film 2015 The Road

7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:15am 1:05am

Celebrity Antiques Road Trip MasterChef: The Professionals The Last Kingdom Russell Howard's Good News Newsnight Dominic Sandbrook: Let Us Entertain You Celebrity Antiques Road Trip Mastermind An Island Parish: Falklands Great Continental Railway Journeys QI Newsnight Artsnight Moon The Great Pottery Throw Down Great Continental Railway Journeys Japan: Earth's Enchanted Island Dad's Army QI XL Papadopoulos and Sons Snooker Robert Peston Goes Shopping Ireland with Simon Reeve Monty Don's Secret History of the British Garden U2: Innocence and Experience Live in Paris Snooker Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two Grand Tours of the Scottish Islands Only Connect University Challenge Simply Nigella London Spy Live at the Apollo Newsnight Snooker Celebrity Antiques Road Trip MasterChef: The Professionals The Great Pottery Throw Down Mock the Week Newsnight Race to Super Bowl 50 Snooker Strictly Come Dancing: It Take Two Celebrity Antiques Road Trip MasterChef: The Professionals This is Tottenham The Apprentice: You're Fired! Newsnight Snooker Snooker

9:00pm 9:30pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:40pm 1:00am 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm

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Coronation Street Paul O'Grady: For The Love of Dogs I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! ITV News at Ten and Weather UEFA Europa League Highlights Birds of a Feather

7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:05am 1:10am

ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street Gino's Italian Escape: Islands in the Sun Coronation Street I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! ITV News Raw Deal

6:00pm

Catchphrase The Chase: Celebrity Special The X Factor I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! The Jonathan Ross Show ITV News and Weather

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ITV News and Weather Jekyll and Hyde The X Factor Results Show I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! ITV News and Weather Off Their Rockers Rugby Highlights

3:20pm

ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street The Martin Lewis Money Show I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! ITV News at Ten and Weather Travel Guides Murder, She Wrote

8:35am

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Emmerdale Countrywise You've Been Framed! I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! ITV News at Ten and Weather The Jonathan Ross Show Benidorm

7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

The Chase ITV News London ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! ITV News at Ten and Weather Sports Life Stories River Monsters Jackpot247

7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm

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Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Secret Life of 5 Year Olds The World's Most Expensive Food First Dates Gogglebox Isis: The British Women Supporters Unveiled

7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am

Couples Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Unreported World TFI Friday Gogglebox Alan Carr: Chatty Man First Dates

6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm

Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Come Dine with Me Channel 4 News The World's Weirdest Weather Grand Designs 2 Guns TFI Friday Easy A

6:10pm 8:00pm 8:05pm

Emergency Animal Hospital Parental Guidance Sister Act Channel 4 News Guy Martin: Last Flight of the Vulcan Bomber Homeland Gogglebox Bullet to the Head

2:55pm

9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 11:55pm 12:55am

9:00pm 10:00pm 11:20pm 2:05am

4:35pm 6:15pm 7:55pm 8:05pm 9:05pm 9:30pm 9:55pm 10:00pm 12:25am

Everybody Loves Raymond Frasier Frasier Frasier Undercover Boss USA Come Dine with Me Channel 4 News Summary Come Dine with Me

4:15pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm

Hollyoaks Channel 4 News Kirstie's Handmade Christmas The Murder Detectives Catastrophe Tattoo Fixers Revenge Porn Pokerstars.Com Shark Cage

7:30pm 8:00pm

The Simpsons Hollyoaks Channel 4 News The Supervet The Murder Detectives 11:00pm Peep Show 11:30pm Toast of London 12:05am 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

10:00pm 12:00am

9:00pm 10:00pm

11:00pm 11:55pm 1:25am 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 11:00pm 12:00am

5 News Tonight Ultimate Police Interceptors Alex Polizzi's Italian Islands Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild UK A and E: When Patients Attack Police Interceptors Under Attack

12:45pm 1:45pm 2:45pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 6:00pm

5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight The UK's Strongest Man 2015 Police Interceptors NCIS: New Orleans NCIS NCIS: Los Angeles Access

6:00pm 6:30pm

Christmas in Conway 5 News Weekend Police Interceptors Under Attack Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! Football League Tonight 50 Greatest Magic Tricks The Gadget Show The Heart of Christmas The Little Mermaid Deck the Halls 5 News Weekend Police Interceptors Impractical Jokers USA Impractical Jokers USA 5 News Weekend Gran Torino Justice

10:15pm 2:00am

7:30pm 8:00pm 11:15pm 11:45pm 12:15am 1:00pm 3:45pm 6:00pm 9:00pm 11:00pm 12:30am 2:00am 3:30am 12:00pm 2:00pm 5:00pm 8:00pm 9:00pm 10:00pm 10:30pm 10:45pm 11:00pm 1:05am

A Christmas Visitor 5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight The Gadget Show Ultimate Police Interceptors Dino Autopsy Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away!

7:00pm 7:15pm 7:30pm

5 News Tonight Ultimate Police Interceptors Loch Lomond: A Year in the Wild Eamonn and Ruth: How the Other Half Lives CSI: Cyber Capital One Cup Law and Order

6:30pm 7:00pm

5 News at 5 Neighbours Home and Away 5 News Tonight Secrets of Rome's Colosseum GPs: Behind Closed Doors Can't Pay? We'll Take it Away! Suspects Capital One Cup

8:30pm 11:00pm 11:15pm 11:30pm 12:30am

8:00pm 8:30pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am 2:00am 5:30pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 11:00pm 11:30pm 12:00am

NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL NFL: Philadelphia @ Detroit NFL: Carolina @ Dallas NFL: Chicago @ Green Bay Game Changers The Fantasy Football Club Klitschko/Fury: The Countdown Football Klitschko/Fury: The Countdown Barclays Premier League Review Football Gold Football Pro 12 Rugby Union Ford Saturday Night Football SNF: Game of the Day SNF: Match Choice SNF: Match Choice SNF: Match Choice Football Gold Goals on Sunday Ford Super Sunday Ford Super Sunday Football League Goals Goals on Sunday Pl100 Club Football Football Major League Soccer Football Gold MLS Highlights MLS Highlights Barclays Premier League Review Football MLS Highlights MLS Highlights Football League Goals Barclays Premier League Review MLS Round Up Show Barclays Premier League Review Fantasy Football Club Highlights Football La Liga World 2015 MLS Round Up Show The Premier League Years Football Fantasy Football Club Highlights Capital One Cup Premier League 100 Club Boxing Football Boxing Premier League 100 Club Premier League 100 Club

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

Cañete a poacher turned gamekeeper sionists. This coincided with the downgrading of Cataluña’s public debt to junk bond status by ratings agency Fitch. Had the Fitch announcement arrived before the poll that would probably have been a two-point lead. The Catalans, shrewd and thrifty businesspeople, tend to let their heads rule their hearts.

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

SPAIN was promised some EU goodies following the 2014 Euro elections and the sugarplum went to Miguel Arias Cañete. The former Environment minister was not an obvious choice for Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy commissioner, not with his former oil industry links. The job description requires him to condemn fossil fuels and greenhouse gases but he is doing so with unexpected gusto. “Converts to causes become their biggest defenders,” Arias Cañete explained. There’s much to be said about poachers-turned-gamekeepers too.

Their heads rule their hearts A POLL carried out in Cataluña gave the ‘no’ vote a one-point lead over the seces-

Yllanes not to judge Infanta

MIGUEL ARIAS CAÑETE: Condemning fossil fuels and greenhouse gases.

PODEMOS is aiming high and possibly punching above its weight. First the newly-hatched party enlisted four-star general and former Chief of Defence Staff Julio Rodriguez to head its list of general election candidates in Zaragoza. Now Podemos has another notch on its gun with Juan Pedro Yllanes, a Baleares judge known for relentless pursuit of corruption. He was due to head the tribunal of judges who will decide whether the Infanta Cristina knew about her husband’s financial shenanigans. No longer, naturally, as Yllanes has

There is no easy way out BASQUE Regional President, Iñigo Urkullu, suggested to his Catalan counterpart Artur Mas in May 2014 that they should seek legal ways of reforming the makeup of the Spanish state. The offer came to nothing. Mas has always wanted to do things his way, which is the hard way.

since requested unpaid leave. Spain’s Constitution bars judges from participating in politics or being a paidup member of any political party, which works better in theory than practice. Does anyone believe that not paying a monthly quota to the PP or PSOE guarantees impartiality? Opinions and prejudices are a mindset, not a standing order at the bank.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

Special assistance not so special for some Mike Senker

In my opinion Views of a Grumpy Old Man I HAVE a very rare neurological disorder called Primary Orthostatic Tremor (Google it). This means that when I travel I have to use a wheelchair. Some airports are fantastic with the way that they handle people that need special assistance, Malaga being one of the best I’ve ever used. The two worst that I’ve encountered are Heathrow and Madrid. On Saturday I was flying home from London. I get to the airport two and a half hours before the flight, at their request and check in. That’s ok, it gives me time to have a cuppa. So I check in (I’m travelling alone) and they tell me to sit in an area where there is another passenger. I go over and say hi. People in wheelchairs do that, it’s like a club. She looks miffed so I ask what’s the matter and she tells me she has been waiting for 20 minutes and is on the same flight as me. I ask the BA lady if they have called special assis-

tance to which she says yes. I ask where the desk is and am informed it’s on the second floor which is crazy as it makes it impossible to go direct to the special assistance desk . BA were very good. They kept calling but nothing. What happens is that you get put on a list and as long as they get you there before the gate closes they don’t care. Job done! It’s bad enough you are dependent on someone else, but to be treated like cargo is degrading. In Madrid they put all the wheelchair punters in a room like cattle. Just lots of people in wheelchairs looking at each other. To be fair at Heathrow BA were embarrassed and kept calling and when we did get moved they sent us to the BA lounge and gave us brekkie, with only five minutes to spare. Here’s how it should work. Put special assistance on the ground floor so we can go straight there and get help to check cases in as it’s very hard to wheel yourself in a chair with two cases. At Heathrow it costs £20 (€28) to get from a cab to the desk with a porter. Then they should get you through security so you can do what ‘normal’ people do, have a cuppa and look round the shopping centre that used to be an airport, or don’t ask me to be there two to three hours before flight closes!

www.euroweeklynews.com

OPINION & COMMENT

LEGALLY SPEAKING

Vehicle transfers following a death AS part of a new 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.

TRANSFER: There is a standard administrative procedure to follow. IN the event of a vehicle owner passing away, there is a standard procedure for having the vehicle ownership transferred. Immediately after a death, the vehicle can be transferred to a new owner who may not be the long-term benefactor, but who may seek ownership on a temporary basis. In this event, the temporary custodian of the vehicle has 90 days in which they must notify the traffic department of this temporary custody and their legal address. The person registering the vehicle must produce documents to the traffic department including payment for transfer (prices in 2015 are €52.80 for most vehicles, €26.40 for mopeds), identity documents, death certificate of the original owner or marriage certificate stating the death, document proving possession of the vehicle, driving licence and ITV card. The intended permanent vehicle owner

must apply for the final transfer of the vehicle within a 90-day period. The intended permanent owner must submit the same documents but with two additions: certificate of liquidation or exemption from inheritance tax and declaration of heirs, or will, accompanied by a certificate of wills, or document stating the award of the vehicle. You must request a printed official form that will facilitate the transfer of the vehicle by the traffic department on behalf of the state. You have to pay fees for the transfer. If the applicant is foreign, there are other processes. The official identity of the country of origin must also be presented. You may also have to produce the original document attesting to your home in Spain if you do not have foreign identity documents. The process is a standard administrative procedure and so your advisor or lawyer will be able to advise you further.

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

Spanish tax allowances My wife and I are UK pensioners officially resident in Spain. I have sent the Spain-Individual tax form to HMRC with the ‘Residencia Fiscal en España’ form to transfer my tax residence from the UK to Spain. I have read on the internet that the

First, let’s clear up the €22,000 issue. If you are employed in Spain, your employer withholds your income tax from your pay, just as in the UK. If your income is less than €22,000, you are not

tax-free allowance in Spain is somet hi ng l i ke €5,600 per per son, or €8,500 for a couple. But I have also heard that for pensioners, there is no tax to pay on incomes under €22,000. Is this a myth, or is it fact? N.F. (Costa del Sol)

David Searl You and the Law in Spain

required to declare tax. This does not apply to income re-

ceived from outside Spain, which must be declared. If you are both UK pensioners, this is two incomes. You file two declarations, with two sets of deductions. For persons over 65, the minimum is €6,700.

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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E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

EURO WEEKLY’S SPACE FOR YOU TO TAKE A BREA

Almería

for next 7 days

weather

Move from the start word (WORD) to the end word (GAME) 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

WORD WORE WOVE WAVE GAVE GAME or

YOUR STARS

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Your mind is positively buzzing with ideas. There has been so much progress in your personal life during the past year that it is hard to believe. However, you are capable of being very dynamic and single-minded.

Average: 21 Good: 27 Very good: 39 Excellent: 48

Alicante TODAY:

VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) Does someone in the family need your attention? Don't begrudge time spent with them, even if you are busy. Consider what you would want others to do if you were in the same position. After all, you love a challenge so see this as a bit of a juggling act.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) The chance to travel seems exciting but can be made even more so by including a few people who are on your wavelength. So busy have you been on the more mundane aspects of life that the ‘big picture’ may have faded into the background.

ROQUETAS

Madrid

SUNNY

MAX 22C, MIN 9C

Fri Sat Sun -

18 9 S 19 10 S 19 10 Cl

Mon - 19 9 S Tues - 19 10 S Wed - 20 11 S

Almeria TODAY:

MAX 21C, MIN 10C Mon - 20 11 S Tues - 20 11 S Wed - 21 11 S MAX 16C, MIN 7C

Fri Sat Sun -

LEO (July 24 - August 23) Keeping up the activity level physically is really in your best

15 7 S 16 7 S 16 8 S

17 11 S 18 12 S 18 12 S

S Sun,

Cl Clear,

Sh Showers,

10-Star Quiz

IRISH LOTTO

EURO MILLIONS

LA PRIMITIVA

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

Saturday November 21

Friday November 20

Saturday November 21

Sunday November 22

BONUS BALL

THUNDERBALL

BONUS BALL

30 46

34 49

LUCKY STARS

REINTEGRO

CLOUDY MAX 17C, MIN 7C MAX MIN

16 7 Cl 18 9 Cl 18 8 Cl

Mon - 18 8 S Tues - 19 9 S Wed - 19 9 Cl

21 39

38 48

REINTEGRO

SUNNY MAX 21C, MIN 10C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

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

UK THUNDERBALL

Fri Sat Sun -

MAX MIN

UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

MAX MIN

Mon - 19 11 Cl Tues - 19 11 S Wed - 21 11 S

Murcia

SUNNY MAX 20C, MIN 11C

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.

SUNNY MAX 22C, MIN 11C 20 11 S 19 11 S 20 12 S

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 8 S Tues - 18 9 S Wed - 18 9 S

Sudoku

Fri Sat Sun TODAY:

MAX MIN

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) This week will see more progress on a health issue. Maybe you have recently given up something or taken to the gym. Recent weeks may have conspired to upset your best efforts. It is never too late to make a fresh start, though, especially right now. Someone who gives your confidence a boost also leads you to believe that anything is possible.

Mon - 15 1 S Tues - 16 2 S Wed - 15 3 S

Mallorca

SUNNY

Benidorm TODAY:

MAX MIN

16 2 S 16 2 S 14 1 S

MAX MIN

19 11 S 19 11 S 20 11 S

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Fri Sat Sun TODAY:

Barcelona TODAY:

MAX 15C, MIN 4C

MAX MIN

Malaga

SUNNY MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

SUNNY

TODAY:

MAX MIN

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) With your enthusiasm socially at a peak, now is the time to get involved with anything that takes your fancy. A project involving music or painting will give you the chance to make new friends.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) An authority figure may also be seen as a possible romantic attachment. Your talents and charm serve you well when approaching this person. Opportunities need approaching with eyes wide open, however, because they could be time-consuming and disruptive.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) Bring more zip to your life by putting the spotlight on your health. Getting out and about lifts the spirits, while perking up the diet with new foods brightens the system. As energy levels come up this week, be aware of what is happening around you.

ache acre arch cape care carp cere chap char chip each epic pace pica race rice rich caper carpi ceria chair cheap cheep cheer chirp crape creep crepe erica icier pacer parch peace peach perch piece price reach recap achier apiece cipher pierce preach recipe cheaper cheapie peachier HAIRPIECE

RETAMAR

ALMERIA

interests this week. It is a pivotal point where your resolutions in this area could fail. With life very busy, it is still important to retain your priorities.

(November 23 - December 21)

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) There are moments of boundless energy which really urge you to ‘get up and go’. Make use of this at work, where most progress is to be made this week. Be you a politician, pensioner or anyone in between, the opportunities are there to be had. Slow progress on the love front should not see you fretting.

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

MOJACAR

ADRA

Avoid like the plague people who would dampen your spirit. It may not be deliberate but, if you are near repressed or depressed people, it may rub off. Find positive, active people to be near. If you have not started a form of exercise, then now is as good a time as any. Make it group activity if you want more social contacts.

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

ROQUETAS

‘ NO MORE WINDMILLS, SANCHO - WE MUST LOOK TO THE BEACHES! ’

SAGITTARIUS

Nonagram

TARGET:

GARRUCHA

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) Don't chance your plans being disrupted by ill health. Get any problems sorted out now even if you think they are ‘nothing’. When you are feeling good it is easy to take that for granted. .

HUERCAL OVERA

RETAMAR

ADRA

LOTTERY

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Romance will find you this week if only you are in the right frame of mind. You may be inclined to refuse festive social gatherings that hold no prospects for you, but don't close the door on anything. The right kind of companions are sometimes found in the strangest places.

ALMERIA

Fri Sat Sun -

20 8 S 21 8 S 20 8 S

F Fog, Sn Snow,

MAX MIN

Mon - 21 8 S Tues - 21 8 S Wed - 22 9 S C Cloudy,

Th Thunder

BEAR WITH ME 1. According to Johnny Preston’s 1960 UK number one hit single, what was the name of the ‘lovely Indian maid’ who Running Bear loved with a ‘love as big as the sky’? 2. After which US president is the iconic children’s toy the teddy bear named? 3. Bob ‘The Bear Hite’ was the lead singer of which American blues/boogie rock band whose UK hit singles include: On The Road Again, Going Up Country and Let’s Work Together? 4. Designed by children’s books illustrator Victor Chizhikov, a bear named Misha (also known as Mishka) was the mascot of which Summer Olympic Games? 5. In stock market terminology, what is a ‘bear market’? 6. Living mainly in islands in the south west of Alaska, which is the largest subspecies of brown bear and one of the two largest bears, the other being the polar bear? 7. Soldier Field is the home stadium of which professional American football team (NFL)? 8. The native range of the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) lies largely where? 9. Which English author is best known for his Paddington Bear series of books? 10. Who, in July 2009, was appointed the youngestever Chief Scout in the UK at age 35? Not a lot of people know that… Lord Byron kept a pet bear in his rooms while a student at Cambridge, because they wouldn’t allow dogs 1. LITTLE WHITE DOVE, 2. THEODORE ROOSEVELT, 3. CANNED HEAT, 4. MOSCOW (1980) (XXII Summer Olympics), 5. MARKET IN WHICH SHARE PRICES ARE FALLING, ENCOURAGING SELLING, 6. KODIAK BEAR (Ursus arctos middendorffi), also known as the KODIAK BROWN BEAR or the ALASKAN GRIZZLY BEAR, 7. CHICAGO BEARS, 8. ARCTIC CIRCLE (accept NORTH POLE), 9. MICHAEL BOND, 10. BEAR GRYLLS

WORD WARD CARD CARE CAME GAME

GAME BACK

ALBOX MOJACAR

OUT

AK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

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page

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

Quick

Code Breaker

Across 1 Yearns (5) 4 Short fall of rain (6) 9 Renovate (7) 10 Minor mistakes (5) 11 Expresses in words (4) 12 Eight-armed cephalopod (7) 13/18 Formal neckwear (3,3) 14 Archaic form of you (4) 16 Revolve (4) 18 See 13 20 Become fully aware of something as a fact (7) 21 Angler’s lure (4) 24 Act punishable by law (5) 25 Highly seasoned minced meat stuffed in casing (7) 26 Pressure (6) 27 Dispatches (5) Down 1 Expression (6) 2 Disgustingly foul (5) 3 Footwear (4) 5 Pause or hold back in uncertainty (8) 6 Speak softly (7)

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Crossword

EWN

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 22 represents D and 23 represents T, so fill in D every time the figure 22 appears and T every time the figure 23 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 Artery, 4 Pedals, 9 Scent, 10 America, 11 Reserved, 12 Case, 14 Assent, 16 Renege, 19 Star, 20 Lacerate, 23 Astride, 24 Agile, 25 Screen, 26 Defect.

Down: 1 Austria, 2 Trees, 3 Retiring, 5 Ewes, 6 Animate, 7 State, 8 Cadet, 13 Beverage, 15 Shatter, 17 Element, 18 Races, 19 Snaps, 21 Abide, 22 Fife.

QUICK Across:

7 Strive against, oppose (6) 8 In or to a place that is lower (5) 13 Employment (8) 15 More weighty (7)

English - Spanish

17 Splits (6) 18 Stretched tight (5) 19 Alternates (6) 22 Once more (5) 23 Purchases (4)

Down: 1 Harms, 2 Lessons, 4 Urgent, 5 Raise, 6 Delayed, 7 Wilderness, 9 Surprising, 12 Decides, 14 Dealing, 15 States, 17 Roots, 19 Fancy.

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

Across 1 Pintura (5) 4 Cisnes (aves) (5) 7 There (near you) (3) 8 Tile (floor) (7) 9 Pastores (9) 13 Creamy (f) (7) 15 Mar (3) 16 Works (musical, theatre, literature) (5) 17 Swedish (f) (5)

ENGLISH-SPANISH Across:

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

1 Umbrellas, 8 Agree, 9 Adore, 11 Duda, 12 Atom, 14 Race, 16 Isla, 19 Sello, 21 Coast, 22 Escalator.

Down: 2 Mirlo, 3 Reed, 4 Lead, 5 Ajo, 6 Paraiso, 7 Seventh, 10 Dar, 13 Mil, 15 Abajo, 17 Sopa, 18 Acta, 20 Las.

Down 1 Orar (4) 2 Irlandés (5) 3 Cucharillas (9) 4 Cacerolas (9) 5 Edad (de persona, animal, árbol) (3) 6 Lento (ritmo, movimiento, caída) (4) 10 From (5) 11 Eight (4) 12 Berry (4) 14 Oreja (3)

Hexagram

1 Halt, 3 Muttered, 8 Rushing, 9 Spill, 10 Sword, 11 Nursery, 12 Desire, 13 Traded, 16 Correct, 18 Staff, 20 Drops, 21 Tension, 22 Suspense, 23 Ugly.

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

AUNTIE

ILLUME

BUREAU

MAGNET

CLOUDY

RAMBLE

COLEUS

RUCKUS

DIESEL

SCREAM

DIRECT

SHERRY

FALLOW

SHRUNK

FATHER

SPRITE

FLUFFY

TURNIP

HURLEY (10)

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Penmen 2 Desire 3 Tangle 4 German 5 Matins 6 Psyche 7 Vermin 8 Thirst 9 Thwart 10 Visage 11 Rustic 12 Teensy 13 Garter 14 Entity 15 Gazing 16 Bodies 17 Resize 18 Lariat 19 Nozzle

Across 1 Discover star, zany jungle character (6) 4 Explosive sausage? (6) 8 Builder nears trap (5) 9 In Bangkok a pig is a wild animal (5) 11 Weird eastern lake (5) 12 Perhaps Lister has a note about antiseptic (7) 13 Observe dog being kept safe (6) 15 Females sailed off (6) 19 Bird going to main Welsh port (7) 21 Remained sober, so we hear (5) 23 Leader of Cub Scouts from Lakeland (5) 24 Standing up before court (5) 25 Bleats about learning how to multiply at school (6) 26 Thirteen cards for 11 players in Edinburgh? (6) Down 1 Offers made for ship’s boats? (7) 2 Part of stair is erect (5) 3 Unpaid, a foreign RU team (7)

5 Make amends by altering a note (5) 6 Erect or demolish, we hear (5) 7 Thick, of French North/South divide, lastly (5) 10 Before I arranged bail, this might serve as an excuse (5) 14 The case presented by Socrates? (5)

16 Simple good man after gold before (7) 17 Builder Les adds loads (7) 18 Trainee given many a wrong date (5) 19 Tin found in street is barely sufficient (5) 20 Fish on ice? (5) 22 Change later (5)

E W N Costa de Almeria

26 November - 2 December 2015

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HEALTH BEAUTY

Effort determines your fitness results FitFoxy

Looking Good, Staying Trim

AS a trainer is it often an interesting experience being able to identify the areas that are essentially preventing clients from reaching their goals. Of course I hope that everyone has a personal goal to reach, if not how would we ever turn up for training on a Monday morning or find the motivation to push through on the ‘not so upbeat days?’ The majority of my fitness clients have similar goals such as weight loss or maintenance, some are actually slender to the eye, but desire tone and muscular definition. Sometimes due to their profession, they have body imbalances that need strengthening or correcting. After years of working with both men

and women I can pinpoint the requirements most of them have, and I am able to combine programmes to suit their abilities and help them achieve their goals. I never fail to notice in my group classes, the clients that give 110 per cent effort and the clients that give 65. They have the same goals and desires, however some are willing to put in the full effort required to achieve great results. So who do you think is getting the results at the end of the month when we do weigh in and measurements? Of course it is the 110 per cent effort clients that have pushed themselves that bit further. The reason I brought up this topic is, whether you train in a gym or on your own, there comes a time when you need to raise your own effort bar. If weight loss and shape changing is important to you… GO FOR IT!!

PERFORM BETTER: Have a quality breakfast.

Students who ate a good breakfast did twice as well at school

EFFORT: Brings results.

EATING breakfast can help pupils perform better in school. A study by Cardiff University found that eating cereal, bread, dairy or fruit in the morning helped students with performance and they were twice as likely to do well in tests. A breakfast of snacks such as crisps or sweets in the morning was no better than eating nothing at all the study concluded. Researchers questioned 5,000 pupils aged nine to 11 from more than 100 primary schools and found youngsters who carried on eating fruit and vegetables at other times of the day performed better. Researchers said this study indicated the ‘strongest evidence yet’ of students eating breakfast and the quality of the breakfast.

New hopes for detection of ovarian cancer A SIMPLE blood test could be used to accurately detect ovarian cancer. Scientists compared cells of patients known to have early stage ovarian cancer to samples taken from healthy women and in nine out of 10 cases they were able to detect the early stages of cancer by looking for signs of the disease in blood serum compounds. The test results are much higher than current methods used to monitor women with an inherited risk of ovarian cancer, including a blood marker test that has a reliability rate as low as 50 per cent for early stage disease. Known as the ‘silent killer ’ because women are often diagnosed too late, it is hoped the new blood test could offer a better screening programme in detecting ovarian cancer.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almeria E W N

Tips to help you lose Fibromyalgia some weight Ask The Doctor

Brought to you by Helicopteros Sanitarios.

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

SPECIALIST: Doctor Luis Perez Belmonte. I’VE heard about fibromyalgia and wondered if that could be my problem, but my doctor says it doesn’t exist. Does it? Fibromyalgia is a controversial condition, and for many years it wasn’t considered to be a real illness. Today there is quite a lot of evidence that it does exist. Therefore as a specialist in internal medicine, I recognise its existence although many of my colleagues remain unsure. If it exists, what is it? It is a disorder characterised by joint and muscular pain, accompanied by extreme tiredness. Its causes are unknown although there are probably a series of conditions behind it including genetics. What are the symptoms? Along with joint and muscle pain and tiredness, symptoms include difficulty sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, painful menstruation, tingling or numb feeling in hands and feet, forgetfulness and trouble concentrating. How can it be treated? Fibromyalgia can be difficult to treat. It is important to find a doctor who is familiar with the condition and its treatment.

Sometimes teamwork is needed. This includes your doctor, a physiotherapist and possibly other health providers as well. Medication includes pain relief and anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxers, antidepressants etc, although moderate daily physical exercise is just as important and activities such as swimming and dancing are advised. Psychological therapy can also help channel emotions. So will exercise help rather than making pains worse? Moderate, daily exercise will really help improve fibromyalgia symptoms. What about diet? Although nothing has been proven, my opinion is that diet is very important. A balanced diet with plenty of fruit and veg helps maintain a balance between mind and body which helps sufferers. Is there a cure or is it forever? Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition which does not have a cure. The best thing to do is find a treatment that works as well as possible and combine it with diet adjustments and daily exercise to keep symptoms under control.

The Coast’s Home GP service - wherever you are - at home - in the office - in the car - on the golf course your GP will get to see you any time, anywhere. A priceless service at an affordable price.

SIMPLE THINGS: Follow the tips and reduce your intake gradually to make it easier and more long lasting. IT is never too late to embark on a healthier eating plan and try and lose a bit of weight. Keep a food diary Keep a diary to work out your daily calorie intake as many people are in denial about how much they actually eat. Make small changes By implementing a few small changes you can see big differences, without feeling like you are missing out. Cook from scratch Avoiding pre-packaged foods and ready-made sauces can cut calories. Grill meat and fish and fill up on vegetables, salad and carbohydrates such as brown rice or sweet potato. Watch the alcohol Many people forget alcohol but the average glass of wine (175ml) contains 130 calories and a pint of beer around 215. Avoid skipping meals Many people think by cutting out meals it cuts calories, but it will lead to low sugar levels and cravings. Ditch sugar and white carbohydrates Foods high in sugar can cause spikes in insulin levels and blood sugar crashes that may encourage cravings.

E W N Costa de Almería

26 November - 2 December 2015

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OCIAL CENE

Sporting events for several good causes THE Tabernas Trail and BTT is a night-time race which can be done on foot or on bikes through the desert

HELPING CHILDREN: Living in the mountains of Nepal.

FROM 5pm on Saturday until 5pm on Sunday, a 24-hour ‘spinning’ event will be held for charity at La Fragua in Viator. The funds w ill be us e d to re build Sa hra w i re fuge e c a mps which were destroyed by torrential rain in October. The event has been organised by the Amigos del Sahara Association a nd the loc a l tow n ha ll a nd for every hour of ‘spinning’ on an exercise bike, €1 will be donated to the cause. If you prefer not to break into a sweat, donations can also be made to the bank account number ES96 2103 5990 66 0030000669. O n Sa turda y from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, a sporting event with a

Funds from the charity event will be used to rebuild Sahrawi refugee camps which were destroyed by torrential rain in October. diffe re nce wi l l be hel d i n t he Tabernas Desert. The Tabernas Trail and BTT is a night-time race which can be done on foot ( €18) or on bi kes

( €20) on a ci r cui t t hr ough t he desert with a total of 43.05 kilometres. Participants will leave at 7pm and t he r out e shoul d t ake up to three hours, rising to a maximum height of 7,122 metres. I t i s consi der ed t o be of m oder at e di ff i cul t y and t her e wi l l be suppor t t eam s i n pl ace t o pr ovi de any ser vi ces and pr ovi si ons whi ch m ay be r equired. From each registration €1 will go to the sports project ‘Una cima, una sonrisa’ (One peak, one smile) which is a project to help children l i vi ng i n t he m ount ai ns of Nepal, especially towards their education.

SOCIAL SCENE

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26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

Albox Royal British Legion what’s coming up GASTRONOMIC EVENT: Focusing on varieties of pork.

Events on in the Almeria Province THE second Sunday of each month sees the Gastro-Art market held in the Mercado Central in Almeria with local food and craft products on sale. The event also includes other attractions for all tastes and ages. Tomorrow (Friday) is the start of the fourth Vicar Short Film Festival at the Ciudad de Vicar Auditorium at 9.30pm. Entrance is free and there will be €100 for the winner. On Saturday and Sunday a gastronomic event focusing on pork in all of its varieties will be held at Los Yesares Visitors’ Centre in Sorbas. In collaboration with the Cuevas Restaurant, meats derived from pork will be made and tasted and there will be traditional singing, dancing and other actitivities, including a visit to the Karst Natural Landscape. There will also be workshops, traditional games, and a performance by local group La Cuadrilla. Participants must pay €10 to take part and this includes meals and all workshops and activities. On Sunday, an event for the whole family will be held in El Ejido. With talks, games and all sorts of activities, Expofamily 2015 will be open from 11am to 8pm and is free for children under 13. The price at the box office is €3.

TICKETS now available for Christmas Dinner Dance THE final of the Albox Branch Royal British Legion Quiz night will be at Bar Lepanto on December 2, starting 8.30pm prompt. There are good prizes to be won; the actual value depends on the number of players. A proportion of the income goes to the Poppy Appeal. There is a points adjustment for the size of team. The cost is €2 per person. The Albox Branch Royal British Legion Christmas Bazaar on December 6. There will be many and various stalls, including the Poppy Stall, at the event. If you wish to run one of these stalls for €5 please contact the Social Secretary Bob Cowan on 608 049 490 or email him at rcowan25@gmail.com.

The Tombola stall welcomes donations from members and non-members alike, new goods only, as the decision has been made not to approach local businesses this year. Please bring your donations on the day or contact any member of the committee beforehand who will gratefully take them from you. New items only, homemade produce welcomed. All profits go to the Poppy Appeal. The Albox Branch of the Royal British Legion is holding a Christmas Dinner Dance on December 14 at La Parrilla. This year’s theme is ‘Black & White’ with music by J&J Music, it starts at 7pm with food served at 7.30pm comprising a three-course meal with some drinks (select on booking)

Tickets cost €20 for members and €22 for non-members and may be collected at any of the Branch meetings or from Bob Cowan on 608 049 490 or email him at rcowan25@gmail.com. If you want more details on these or any other social functions or want to become a member (you don’t need to be ex-forces to join) go along to one of the meetings on the first and third Thursday of each month at La Parrilla Hotel & Restaurant in the Main Square in Albox. Or contact the Chairman Peter Phillips on 693 483 392 email: peatpee@sky.com or visit the web site at www.britishlegion.org.uk/ branches/albox.

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E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

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SOCIAL SCENE

Find yourself in the mood for some tapas? THE two events help to attract tourists to the city out of season FORTY local businesses are taking part in the Tapas Festival in Almeria from today (Thursday) until December 8. The third ‘Tapas de Pelicula’ (Film Tapas) Festival organised by the Provincial Catering Business Association of Almeria (ASHAL) to coincide with the International Short Film Festival will see each of the participating establishments create a special tapa with the name of a film, most of them made in Almeria. Visitors will be able to vote for the one they like the most and enter the draw for a trip to Rome, tickets to the film festival or spa sessions. The three winning restaurants will obtain diplomas. The association encouraged locals and visitors to come and enjoy both the tapas and the films. The two events help to attract tourists to the city out of season and have been well promoted. The association has been assisted by the Provincial Government and Almeria City Hall. The ‘Destapa Los Velez’ tapas route continues until Sunday, this time in Maria. Thirty-four establishment have taken

TAPAS ROUTE: Visitors can vote for the one they like the most. part in the fifth edition of the event organised by Adesovelez, the local Business Association, with the aim of promoting business and tourism in its four towns, Chirivel, Velez Rubio, Velez

Blanco and Maria. Visitors can vote for their favourites and take part in a raffle for various prizes. The First Tapas Route in Nijar is also being held until December 6.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂa

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SOCIAL SCENE

December events on in Mojacar THE Mojacar Branch of the Royal British Legion is holding several events in December. On December 3, the Branch will hold its regular meeting at the Artisan Centre at 11.30am. On December 4, there will be a Fish & Chip

meal at the Oasis Bar in Palomares. On December 11, there will be a Fish & Chip meal at the Beachcomber with a grand Christmas raffle. On December 17, there will be a lunch at the

Delphin Dorado with Kay Francis. For events involving transport, hotels, meals, etc, deposits will be required at the time of booking. Payments for meals must be made in full at the meeting prior to the event.

Unless otherwise advised, coach trips will start from the Playa, at the parking spaces in front of new building near new roundabout by Neptunos. The Branch Contact Number is 682 405 858.

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

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MUSIC SCHOOL: Lessons will be available at all levels of difficulty.

New instruments for modern music LEARN to play the electric, classical or acoustic guitar By Eleanor Hawkins THE Municipal Music School has added new instruments and lessons to its curriculum and launched its Modern Music School. Now, local residents of all ages will be able to learn to play the electric, classical and acoustic guitar, bass and even drums thanks to the new project which is run by multi-talented,

experienced teachers. Lessons will be available at all levels of difficulty from beginners to advanced in an aim to reinforce the musical training provided at the centre and broaden horizons by tackling music from a more modern direction. Those interested in signing up for classes can call 950 633 232 for more information, Education councillor Aurora Cerdan announced.

26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂa

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E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

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Albox is best for chess this fans from all over the coun TOURNAMENT will be paying out more than €3,000 in prizes and there will be tro By Eleanor Hawkins CHESS fans from all over the country will once again be paying attention to Albox at the weekend as it is hosting the Vicente Bonil International Chess Open on Sunday 29.

150

players will be able to play in the tournament This will be the 38th edition of the tournament, which hopes to keep its place as the most important one in Andalucia and a traditional date on the international chess calendar with great masters from all over the world taking part.

The tournament will once again bring fans and players together for the best ‘fast’ chess in the world. Over recent editions masters including Vadmin Miloy, Christian Bauer, Alexey Dreev, Arthur Kogan and even Victor Mikhalevski have graced the tables in Albox with their presence. Local veteran player Jose Maldonado will once again be directing the tournament and Albox Mayor Rogelio Mena has stressed how hard the director and organisers work to ensure the competition runs smoothly each year. “Holding this type of tournament in Albox places our town on the regional and national map. Many fans and players come to visit thanks to the great

CHESS OPEN: This will be the 38th edition of the tournamen

work they do,” Mena said. Sports councillor Mario Tor-

regrosa explained that the council is committed to continuing to

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

s weekend as ntry gather

phies for the winners in three categories

nt.

support the tournament and make it even more important. “Few

events of this type are able to run 38 times in a row, especially in this day and age when noble activities like chess are less popular,” he said. The tournament will run under the Swiss sytem with eight rounds at a Fischer system game rhythm of 20 minutes with an addition of five seconds per player at the Cardenal Cisneros secondary school from 10am onwards. The tournament will be paying out more than €3,000 in prizes and there will be trophies for the winners in each of three categories: General, Almeria and Local. Those interested in taking part can sign up by emailing jmaldofer@hotmail.com or calling 950 639 901 although the event is limited to 150 players.

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E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de AlmerĂa

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Parents running out of patience CHILDREN are still in their temporary home four years later By Eleanor Hawkins PARENTS from Francisco Fenoy school in Albox have decided that they will have to up their protests to get renovation work done or a new school built. In 2012, one of the earthquakes that make the town tremble every now and then was the final straw for the parents, who had for a year been complaining about the state of the old building. They decided to refuse to let their children inside the building as they believed it could be dangerous. The solution found by the authorities was to send all the children to another school, Virgen del Saliente, where space had to be made for

Members of the parents’ association have said they are tired of feeling cheated by the department. them to cramp in. Four years later the children are still having to traipse to their temporary home, nothing has been done about Francisco Fenoy and the Junta de Andalucia’s Educational Department still hasn’t announced any works. Members of the parents’ association have said they are tired of feeling cheated by the department and complained that they have had many verbal promises from the gov-

ernment but nothing has been put on paper. Although they were hopeful when a new delegate, Francisca Fernandez, was appointed she has so far failed to respond to repeated requests for a meeting, the parents said. Now, at the association’s AGM, the parents have decided they will have to start protesting either outside the department headquarters or outside the school. In a statement, the association said: “We’ve always been very well-spoken and polite as we believe that is how things should be done, but if they refuse to talk to us then we will have to protest and do whatever is needed to make them listen.

26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

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A challenging session for the local mayor CHILDREN took part in a junior plenary session DOZENS of six and seven-year-olds visited Albox Town Hall on Monday (November 23) to take part in a junior plenary session to mark International Children’s Day. The children, first and second year pupils at Velazquez primary school, had the chance to ask local Mayor Rogelio Mena all sorts of questions as he sat with them at the table usually occupied by the council members. The youngsters also had the chance to attend a municipal plenary session to choose members of the electoral posts for the December 20 general elections and discovered how the sessions run during which votes are made on the most important aspects of the town’s future. Later about 100 pupils took it in turns to sit at the councillors’ chairs and ask the mayor their questions. “When will the park open?” was one of the

most frequent questions Mena faced although other youngsters grilled him on his work at the town hall, his political career and even threw in some personal questions. The mayor explained that the children’s park would open soon and answered some questions on future projects stressing that a new old peoples’ home, bus station and public library have priority on the list. Mena later said: “It was a very extraordinary plenary session which Albox Council held to honour Children’s Day and teach local youngsters how the council runs and how decisions that influence their daily lives are made.” “Your questions are even tougher than some from the opposition!” the mayor joked with the children, who he later said had surprised him with their knowledge and interest in local matters.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Urgent action needed for Zurgena NHW scheme MAIN roles which require to be filled are of chairman and secretary By Steve Walsh THE Neighbourhood Watch in Zurgena is to hold what could be their last Annual General Meeting on Tuesday December 1, at La Vida Restaurant at 5.00pm, unless posts can be filled. This is going to be a very important meeting because, after nearly 10 years the scheme has been running, it

looks like it may well have to discontinue. Over these years they have had to rely on a few community minded people to form the committee and manage the affairs. However as the last two AGMs had fewer than 15 people attending which - given that the membership is in excess of 200 - is a very poor turnout, and reinforces the belief in the few remaining committee members of the lack of support for the scheme. It will be put to the AGM that in the event of another poor turnout or lack of volunteers to man the committee that the scheme be scrapped, and a decision made as to what to do with the remaining funds.

Jim Simpson of the NHW said, “This being the outcome, it would be a great pity and deprive the community of a supportive and helpful crime prevention tool. It comes also at a time when we have an ongoing series of house burglaries. In addition to that; the town hall of Zurgena is in the early stages of developing an emergency plan and it was hoped to use the framework of NHW to establish points of communication for such a plan. This obviously will need a rethought should the meeting conclude that NHW should fold. This is a plea for everyone in the community of Zurgena to show support for the scheme and attend the meeting, and for there to be suffi-

cient volunteers to man the committee. The main roles which require filling are the chairman and secretary, although there are also some areas where the coordinators wish to stand down. “The other roles are filled by people who will be willing to continue, even though some of them have been doing it for a long time. These two roles are critical for the scheme but require very little work. Estimate less than 10 hours in the year!” If you are interested in maintaining NHW in Zurgena then please show your support by attending the AGM. It will last less than an hour. Or call Jim Simpson on: 610 194 260 for more information.

E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almería

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Zurgena is getting greener by the day WORK is nearing completion on three new public gardens By Eleanor Hawkins ZURGENA is going greener as the council has announced work is nearing completion on three new public gardens. The council has started work to create three new green areas which will help improve the image of the entrance to the village, the De la Cruz district and surroundings of the shrine to the Virgen del Calvario.

Municipal workers and social exclusion and rural job scheme employees have been carrying out tasks on the sites for a couple of weeks now and are expected to be finished within days at the village entrance and in De la Cruz, while the shrine area will take a couple more weeks. Zurgena Works and Services councillor Noelia Garcia explained that the work, although modest, will help give strategic points in the village a nicer look to attract visitors.

Home help service contract awarded - 150 will benefit A JOINT enterprise formed by El Saliente association for the disabled and FAAM, Almeria’s disabled association federation, has won the contract to provide a home help service in Albox. About 150 people in need in the town will benefit from the service, which the joint group (FAAM-El Saliente) will be managing, and the income from it

given back to society in the form of social initiatives focusing on the disabled and creating jobs. FAAM-El Saliente beat the competition hands down as one of the conditions demanded by the town hall for the service was that at least 2 per cent of the provider’s workforce be disabled and in the case the percentage of disabled workers is 77.44.

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Some timely Christmas stocking fillers for the active gardeners A FEW ideas below range from gardening gloves to a new set of secateurs Dick Handscombe

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

WITH Christmas creeping up on us fast here are a few ideas for main Christmas gifts and stocking fillers for the active gardeners within the fa m i l y a n d c i r c le o f friends. 1. If your gardening contacts are anything like me gardening gloves get left out in t h e r a i n o r t h e le ft ones are lost from time to time, so a new pair are welcome a t a n y t i m e o f th e year but especially just before the start of the winter cut back. 2. Why not fund a garden kitchen plus an inexpensive book e x p l a i n i n g h o w to cook e x c e l l e n t p a e llas , rather better than those served up in many tourist restaurants. The book Authentic Valencian Paellas available from The Book Depository

VETIVER PLANTS: Just planted on an eroded slope. and Amazon Books etc., has been recently updated and a mo re a ttra c tiv e c ove r added. 3 . With fres h h e n eggs now again recognised as being a healthy source of beneficial nutrients and energy how about a flat pack chicken house and run and a couple of hens. Not only will

they soon lay but they soon become one of the most affectionate pets. 4. Following the article about Vetiver plants several readers have indicated an e nthus ia s tic inte re s t but wanted to see more about how they looked when first planted and a few months ahead.

The same plants just five months on. A bunc h of a doz e n or two plantlets/slips would be gladly welcomed by most gardeners with a steep bank in the garden. As a reminder the plants can be obtained inexpensively from www.vetiver spain.com. 5. Nowadays reasonably priced plastic compost heap

covers are on sale. Buy one to replace an unsightly cube of wire or pallets. 6. With the new 2016 EU laws on the sale of insectici des and f ungi ci des buy bottles of eco-friendly neem and propolis, a useful insecticide and fungicide respectively, from info@trabe.es. 7. A collection of spring

summer lily plants which are now appearing in garden centres and general stores. Not only will they brighten up the garden in 2016 but also for many years ahead. 8. More and more readers are becoming conscious of the benefits of eating a carefully selected mix of vegetables, herbs, fruits, and edible herbs and leaves. This has led to increased sal es of t he handy book ‘Living Well From Our Garden Mediterranean Style’ avai l abl e f r om The Book Depository, Amazon Books etc., as stocking fillers. 9. With the days or weeks of t he annual wi nt er cut back descending on us imm edi at el y af t er t he New Year how about a new set of secat eur s and ext ended pruners. The ergonom i c Fi skar s products are my favourite ones. © Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com November 2015

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auremar, Shutterstock

Some decorating tips for creative renters

EASY-ON: Removable wallpaper is great for renters who want to decorate their home. JUST because you are renting doesn’t mean you aren’t in a position to put your mark on your home, and with these temporary decorating ideas you can easily breathe new life into your space.

Did you know that you can design your own wallpaper? If you are renting, removable wallpaper is a great idea and if your creative notions don’t go so far as designing your own, you can just choose your favourite type of

easy-on wallpaper from the scores of choices on offer. Tile tattoos are also ideal for the creative renter. The stickers can make your tile design different in minutes and you can find ideas on the internet.

Easy stepping stones MAKING a new path in your garden can take as little or as much imagination and DIY as you prefer but whatever stepping stone ideas you choose follow these tips to create the best looking walkway. Your stepping stone path doesn’t have to be exactly in line. The most important thing is that the stones are not too far away from one another. The stones are best laid with the wider side facing the beginning of the path. Whatever kind of stepping stone path suits your garden, straight or curved, make sure the narrow side faces away from you. When laying the stones it really can be as simple as just

putting them straight down on top of the soil. If you want to put a little more into it, dig a shallow space for each of the stones. The holes should be more or less the same shape as the stones going into them. Depth wise, keep it to about

half of the thickness of the stone itself. Simply add a little sand to each hole and then lay the stones into place. The stones look just as good jutting up a little as they do level.

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Strawberry Fields Forever IN 1966, John Lennon and his wife Cynthia spent six weeks in Almeria whilst he was involved in the filming of ‘How I Won the War.’ Dur i ng t hat t i m e, he wandered into the garden of a l arge house, at t hat time known as Casa Santa Isabel and it was here that he was inspired to record his first version of Strawberry Fields Forever. I n f act he went on t o record seven different versions which were originally released as part of a bootleg album where the seven versions were named the ‘Santa Isabel demos.’ The bui l di ng and

grounds were allowed to fall into disrepair, but following lobbying by journalist Adolfo Iglesias and the association ‘John Lennon Almeria Forever.’ It was restored by the Almeria Town Council and is now a film museum, known as Casa de Ci ne. Almeria has been the centre of a number of major m ovi es i ncl udi ng t he Good, the Bad and the Ugly as well as Lawrence of Arabia. The gardens themselves have been restored and are well worth a visit, even if t hey ar e not as wi l d as they were when the former Beatle was there many years ago.

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PETSITTING: A win-win situation.

Bragi meets Rocky, Tiger and Campy in Spain… To find a pet-sitter go to www.HousesitMatch.com or call Lamia on +44 (0)1865 521508 TIRED of the cold and ice in winter at home near Reykjavik, Bragi decided that this cold season he would head to the sun. He decided that even though he likes his job as a security guard, he really needed a break from the cold. Surfing the web for ideas he happened upon ‘housesitting’ as an idea. Having spent summers helping out on a local farm as a shepherd, he was very used to caring for animals of all shapes and sizes. When he registered on HouseSitMatch.com he found a lovely housesit with three pets in Marbella, Spain. One month later, Bragi is

happily looking after two cats, Campy and Tiger, and Rocky, an aging Yorkshire terrier. They will spend this winter in Marbella while their owners visit friends and relatives in the US. For Bragi this is ideal. He can enjoy the sun in Spain while living rent free, in exchange for petsitting and keeping guard of the property. For Rocky, Campy and Tiger having Bragi care for them at home really is best, they don’t like too many routine changes. It’s a win-win for both parties, free house and petsitting and the sitters get free accommodation!

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How to integrate a dog into your family home 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

INTEGRATING a dog into the family is a wonderful experience. However, a few rules need to be set. Dogs are not living toys, especially when bringing a puppy into a family where children already live. Firstly, don’t allow children (or anyone else) to feed your dog from the table, suitable leftovers can be mixed into his meal afterwards. It is particularly important to ‘clear up’ after your dog in the garden when your child becomes old enough to play there. Keep your dog out of the way when your children have friends round or are playing energetic games. It’s fun for your child to fuss and play with your dog, but teach games where you keep control, and always supervise. Older children should help feed, groom and train your pet so that they learn about the responsibilities as well

PET INTEGRATION: When settling into the family home, dogs need rules to follow.

as the fun of pets. Make sure your child always washes their hands afterwards. Children love to hold the lead, but don’t allow them to walk your dog alone. They may be able to manage your well behaved pet, but how would they cope if he was attacked by a large stray?

Show children the correct way to befriend other people’s dogs, ask the owner first, then offer a hand for the dog to sniff from below his nose before you pat him. Not all dogs are friendly. Your child should not approach strays and must never go with strangers to see ‘the puppies at home’!

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Small furry friends THIS week in our Small Furries series, we take a look at ferrets. Ferrets are full of fun and inquisitive, and, as pets, they have an amazing capacity for learning so give them plenty of things to climb on, play with and explore. Give your ferret cardboard rolls and boxes and suitable small pets toys, such as ramps and cloth tunnels. Drainpipes are ideal for playing in. Contrary to old wives tales, ferrets are actually quite intelligent animals, and with patience, can be trained to do quite a few tricks and tasks. Persistence, affection, praise and treats are required from your end and in no time you will have your little friend performing all kinds of neat tricks! Using different toys and reconstructing their play area and tubes on a regular basis, helps keep life interesting for them and also gives you a chance to clean their habitat. Being very energetic crea-

PETS: They have an amazing capacity for learning.

tures, there comes a time when they need a lie down and they like nothing better than a hammock. These hammocks are available from pet shops. There is nothing they like more than to hunt their food. Create a fun food treasure hunt by scattering some feed around the cage and hide some in tubes so that they can... erm... ferret it out!

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Belgian quality making a difference Bd CONSTRUCT is bringing young blood to the building and construction industry. Owned and run by Bruno Denyfd, the company has been transforming people’s homes, carrying out building work, repairs and renovations for the last three months. Whilst Bruno may just be 22 years of age, he has a much older head on his shoulders and has been building since the age of 14 or 15. B r o u g h t u p i n B elg iu m, h e studied the industry for three years, working in construction for a few days a week and then studying the theory and technical

Photo by Theen Moy, Flickr.

Bd CONSTRUCT is the company to call for quality workmanship in the building industry

CONCRETING: One of the many skills of Bd Construct. side the rest of the week. This sort of formal qualification

has stood him in good stead now moving to Spain where he was

shocked to find that not all builders undergo the same sort of training. “Studying in Belgium is essential,” said Bruno, “so the quality is very good but it is very expensive to set up and run your own company in Belgium so I was very pleased to be able to come here and set up Bd Construct.” Bruno said he was a little shocked at the lack of qualifications locally with some working for years without really knowing what they are doing, so he is already in high demand for those looking for quality workmanship. Bd Construct also stay on site until

the job is done so will not be leaving you with a half finished project to go and work elsewhere. His work covers Almeria and Murcia and he has even carried out jobs as far north as Los Montesinos, Costa Blanca. So if you are looking for any form of tiling, concreting, roofing, small demolition works or wall building, contact Bd Construct. For a free quotation, please call now. Bd Construct Tel: 605 221 617 Email: constructbd@gmail.com

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which has a roof terrace with stunning country views and a separate store room to the rear. An expansive open terrace leads out to the 8 x 4m swimming pool with feature stone walls and landscaped gardens bordering the tiled area. Stone steps lead to a further ‘secret’ garden area which is just above the private orchard with olive, fig and almond trees. The villa itself is an ‘L’ shape with one arm of the ‘L’ comprising the living space, and the other arm the bedrooms and bathrooms. There are three feature arches across the front of the villa with custom glass slid-

ing windows. These can be opened in the summer to provide a shaded area with a welcome breeze or closed in the winter to create a warm and bright second living area or sun room. This really is an immaculate and unique property with many stand out features; in particular the large plot and orchard, double garage, private pool, build quality, fly screens throughout, fitted wardrobes, the sun room and those fantastic open views which will be hard to beat. www.colespain.com Tel: 950 469 592

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FEATURE

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Be open from the start and you will save yourself money in the future David Deverson GLOBELINK INTERNATIONAL Insurance correspondent david@globelink.co.uk

EUROPE’S economic woes haven’t dented our appetite for travel. If anything, we’re intent on getting the most out of our much-needed getaways even as we are on the lookout for bargains. There are certainly some excellent deals to be had, as operators and destinations compete for the business. Meanwhile, more people are turning to short breaks as a way of getting a travel ‘fix’ while maximising the budget. If you’re one of them, taking out an Annual Multi Trip policy with Globelink Travel Insurance makes obvious savings sense. The one area you shouldn’t be economical in is your medical history when you speak to your insurer. Every year, a significant number of Brits head abroad with a travel policy that’s invalid before they even reach the check-in desk. They’re the people who, naively or not, don’t come clean about pre-existing health facts that

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Being coy about material medical details could end. may affect the terms of their insurance. Each and every year, some of them find themselves without sufficient travel cover, as the condition they didn’t disclose suddenly needs medical attention. The insurance claims investigators are well used to finding out the whole story so you’re advised to give a com-

plete account in the first place. If your holiday needs to end early and a condition warrants your flying home with a medical escort, you could see an average bill of around £4,000 (€4,700) in Europe, and that’s flying economy class. Repatriation by air ambulance from the US

or Australia can cost tens of thousands, which is surely not part of anyone’s holiday budget. A new UK consumer law, introduced in April, should make it harder for travellers to invalidate their travel insurance by failing to disclose important facts relating to their health. That can only be a good thing, since it should help to cut down claims disputes. However, the law does expect you to fill out the online form honestly and accurately when applying for or renewing your travel insurance. What you perceive as a ‘little white lie’ could leave you without proper cover at the time you need it most. Non-disclosure makes even less sense when your condition might actually be eligible for automatic coverage. At Globelink Travel Insurance, our policies embrace a large number of pre-existing conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure, provided you have no related complications. If in doubt contact us, we’re here to help. For an instant quote and to arrange secure cover online visit www.globelink.co.uk, the leading travel insurer for people living in EU countries. Or you can telephone Globelink on 0044 1353 699 082 or their Spanish links line on 966 265 000 or 951 242 434.

In remembrance of Dr Carrillo, legendary godfather of the village! 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.

HIS name today is still whispered. A personage that commanded absolute respect and admiration. Everyone that ever lived in the village has at least two or three stories about him: Diego Carrillo, village doctor; ‘padrino’. Under his watch you were safe from any malady or illness lurking. Long before the Osborne toro stood vigilant on the hills overlooking the narrow roads of passage was Don Diego, creating a halo over the entire village and all was safe, guarded. Mojacar ‘pueblo’ was his home and you quickly learned to be thankful for it. He was the reason all mothers slept well at night with a sick child or acts of total oblivion could be carried out recklessly without thought. ‘Diego’ would put it right again…forever. In theory you were supposed to pay for

DIEGO CARRILLO: Everyone that ever lived in the village has at least two or three stories about him. his aid and knowledge, but few did. Few could. They just returned with chickens and produce as offerings. His waiting room was full of just such paraphernalia scattered about in the very chairs where the patient sat weeks ago when attended. But, you’d sit and wait and wait for that magic door to swing open and your name shouted. ‘Palankey’, he loved saying as if he could read and speak English. After you had your fix in his smoke-filled office you’d always stop for a drink in the square and let others know why you were visiting the doctor. It was a village protocol to be shared with everyone so as to give them something authentic to chat about. And, if you talked with the other bystanders they informed you of many miraculous cures that had been dispensed.

Having benefited from many gracious years of his servitude I again went up to his office and waited. When he finally called me I stood in the doorway and did not enter. I just wanted to know if he and his wife would have lunch with me. He stood for the longest time perplexed and dazed. Finally he said he would like to see Cortijo Grande, so I suggested lunch in the bar Almazara. His wife barely spoke but nevertheless carried the day. At the end of the difficult outing I enquired what he desired for ‘postre’. He surprised me by ordering a large onion which he peeled off the husked outer layer and then ate like an apple. I j abber ed on l i ke a m onkey at a f i r st communion to ease his strain and finally felt good when we neared the end and I could present him with an elegant gold cross pen I had saved to buy him. He cracked an abbreviated smile and all but rushed to the door to return home to his village full of annoyances and m edi cal pr obl em s whi ch he seemed to relish. His ghost truly lives on in the hands of our very capable local medical centres. Sleep well tonight!

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Motoring shorts

EV charge spots for summit THE Renault-Nissan Alliance is installing 90 new charge spots for electric vehicles in and around Paris for the COP21 global summit on climate change, further emphasising their push toward electric powered cars in Europe. The installation is being done in partnership with French energy provider EDF, Schneider Electric, and SNCF, France’s national rail company. The EV shuttle service is expected to log at least 400,000 kilometres over the two weeks.

Clarkson Quote of theWeek

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We all know that economical cars are good for us. But so is cod liver oil and jogging. I want to drive around in a Terminator, not the heroine in an E. M. Forster novel.

Some might say...

Energica goes public with the ‘Tesla of motorcycles’ THEY hope to raise more capital to expand and grow its business By Steve Walsh BEING hailed by its Italian owners as, ‘The Tesla of motorcycles,’ European bike maker Energica have launched their production version of its Eva street bike last week at the EICMA 2015 show.

Volvo on the stand VOLVO’S new rival to the BMW 5-Series will be revealed at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show in January. Expanding their already bright future, Volvo with the new XC90 is going from strength to strength and impressing with further models on the horizon. The next chapter of the Swedish firm’s transformation is the new S90. It’s the Swede’s all-new challenger for the Mercedes EClass and Jaguar XF, replacing the old S80 in the range.

MOTORING

ENERGICA EGO: Will set you back €23,000.

The zero-emissions solution to powerful Japanese crotch rockets is allegedly due to go on sale within a year. While you still can’t quite buy a €23,000 Energica Ego, the company has grown its line-up to include a ‘naked’ version

called the Eva. The 2015 Energica Eva is a streetfighter version of the Ego and uses the same 136 horsepower electric motor and 11.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which should allow this lightning powered superbike to travel around 95 miles per charge. As if that wasn’t big enough news for the small start-up, the bigger news is Energica’s aim is to go public, eventually offering its company shares on the London Stock Market. Swiss global financial services have been hired to help Energica get things prepared as they begin to look for private investment to raise the necessary free capital in order to be listed on the Stock Exchange’s AIM Italia submarket. They hope to raise more capital to expand and grow its business by selling approximately €20 million worth of stock if and when it finally

lands on AIM. With other electric motorcycle firms getting absorbed into large manufacturing companies or going to the wind

in recent months, it’s good to see a company like Energica make it this far.

ENERGICA EVA: A streetfighter version.

MOTORING

26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almeria

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The Fiat 124 Spider is reborn WITH more of its DNA from Mazda than Fiat, the 124 Spider was reborn without its ancestral family rusting defects, meaning the sexy little Spider is now the car it always wanted to be. The new 124 Spider is being built alongside the Mazda MX5 in Japan and shares most of its basic architecture. But the petite two-seat, rear-drive roadster that revives one of the marque’s most iconic nameplates gets unique exterior styling and a subtly different interior to the loveable Mazda sports car. In addition, under the bonnet the Fiat gets its own 1.4-litre four cylinder turbo engine, producing 119kW of power… 1kW more than the maximum

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output of the car it’s based on. Fiat also says there will likely be a more powerful Abarth version that will squeeze more power out of the 1.4-litre turbocharged lump. Fiat America boss Olivier Francois said, “The characteristics of the car are similar to the

original 124 Spider. Half of the car is an engine produced in Italy making it a super fun-todrive car.” Even with the turbo and intercooler adding weight to the fiat, it will still perform better than the most powerful 2.0-litre powered MX-5.

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E W N 26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almeria

SPORT

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Take a bow Buttler, Vardy, McIlroy and Djokovic but not Real Madrid!

BACK FROM INJURY: Lionel Messi.

AND Rugby Union says goodbye to a great Tony Matthews International Sports A former player and now the world’s most prolific author of football books with almost 150 published since 1975, Tony is also the sports correspondent for Spectrum Radio and lives on La Pilica in the Sierra Cabrera Mountains overlooking Turre. Costa de Almeria

FOOTBALL – Last Saturday, Jamie Vardy equalled Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record of scoring in 10 successive PL games when he netted in top-of-thetable Leicester’s 3-0 win at Newcastle. Blackpool’s Stan Mortensen holds the all-time top flight record by scoring in 11 successive matches in 1950-51. Elsewhere in the PL, Liverpool battered Manchester City 4-1 at the Etihad… Arsenal lost 2-1 at WBA (only their second defeat at The Hawthorns in 42 years)… Manchester United won 2-1 at Watford… Chelsea squeezed past Norwich 1-0… Stoke won 1-0 at Southampton… Everton crushed hapless Aston Villa 40 and Spurs ‘hammered’ West Ham 4-1.

By scoring twice for Everton, Romelu Lukaku became only the fifth player to reach the milestone of 50 PL goals before the age of 23. The others are Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. The top two in the Championship, Burnley and Brighton, drew 1-1; Coventry beat Gillingham 4-1 to go top of FL1; FL2 leaders Plymouth lost 2-1 to Exeter in the Devon derby and in Scotland, Tony Dingwall scored for Ross County against Motherwell in Dingwall! Here in Spain, Barcelona hammered Real Madrid 4-0 in the 171st El Clasico. This was Barca’s biggest victory over Real for five years, their biggest at the Bernabeu since winning 6-2 in 2009, and they are now six points clear in La Liga. In the Champions League on Tuesday, it was ArsenalZagreb, Barcelona-Roma and Maccabi Tel Aviv-Chelsea, and last night, we saw Juventus-Manchester City, Manchester United-PSV Eindhoven and Shakhtar Donetsk-Real Madrid. This evening it’s CelticAjax, LiverpoolBordeaux and Qarabag-Spurs in the Europa League. This weekend, the top PL games are Leicester-Manchester United, Manchester City-

Southampton, NorwichArsenal and the London derby, Spurs-Chelsea… Brighton-Birmingham and Hull-Derby meet in the Championship while Coventry-Doncaster and Dagenham-Plymouth play in Leagues One and Two respectively. FORMULA ONE - The final race of the season takes place in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. Last year’s race was won by Lewis Hamilton, ahead of Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas. CRICKET - England (3555) beat Pakistan (271) by 84 runs in the fourth and final ODI in the UAE to clinch the series 3-1. Star of the show in the third win was Jos Buttler, who scored a century in only 46 balls – the fastest ever by an Englishman and the fifth quickest of all-time. Jason Roy also hit a ton. Next up are three T20 matches, starting today, then tomorrow with the last on Monday. Batsman Ian Bell has been dropped from England’s Test squad to visit South Africa next month. And Namibia wicketkeeper Raymond van Schoor (25) has died after suffering a stroke when playing in a South African Free State game earlier this month.

STAR OF SHOW: Jos Buttler scored a century in only 46 balls.

TENNIS – Top man Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in the final of the ATP Tour championship at London’s O2 arena. After losing to Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka in his group, Andy Murray and his team-mates will now concentrate on winning the Davis Cup in Belgium this weekend. GB last won the 115-year-old trophy in 1936. GOLF – Rory McIlroy finished 2015 as European number one by winning in Dubai last weekend as Kiwi Lydia Ko (18) retained her one-million dollar CME Globe title. And Tiger Woods has asked to become vicecaptain of the USA Ryder Cup team next year. RUGBY UNION – England have appointed their first-ever overseas coach – naming Aussie Eddie Jones as Stuart Lancaster’s replacement. And New Zealand star Richie McCaw has retired with caps under his belt. And belated condolences to the family and millions of friends of another star Kiwi, Jonah Lomu, who died last week, aged 40. ATHLETICS – Russian athletes Kristina Ugarova (1500m) and Tatyana Myazina (800m) have been banned for drug abuse while Spain’s Marta Dominguez has been stripped of her 2009 World Steeplechase gold medal by the Anti-Doping Board. BOXING – On Saturday, Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko fights Britain’s Tyson Fury in Dusseldorf for the WBA/IBF/ WBO heavyweight titles. GOODBYE… Peter Dimmock, the first presenter of BBC’s Sportsview, has died, aged 94.

The incredible cost of running a Formula One team Salaries: Team Drivers Directors Research & Development: Wind-tunnel testing Other testing Track testing Production: Customer engine supply Manufacturing Key car components Operations: Logistics Entertainment Freight IT: Factory & utilities Professional services Fuel TOTAL:

£42m £26m £13m £3m £41m £16m £15m £10m £39m £20m £13m £6m £28m £13m £10m £5m £5m £2m £2m £1m £155m

Tony Matthews (tony_matthews@live.co.uk)

DID YOU KNOW? Seve Ballesteros was disqualified from the 1980 US Open after arriving late on the first tee. And before becoming a snooker champion, Cliff Thorburn worked as a dishwasher on a shuttle boat in Seattle.

QUIZ A week today (December 3) I have a pre-Christmas charity quiz (2.30pm) at Bar La Montano near Bedar. There’s a special menu available for €12.

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26 November - 2 December 2015 / Costa de Almeria

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Scoring and incidents far exceed expectations THURSDAY November 19 saw 42 members of the 19th Hole Golf Society descend on the beautifully maintained Aguilon Golf Course to play a Two Division Stableford competition. With perfect conditions it was no surprise that the scoring and incidents far exceeded the expectations of most. Sean Curtis was uncatchable in Division One, his score of 43 points which included 10 pars and four birdies was more than enough to take first place eclipsing the ever improving Brian (Dee) Lowden, with 38 points. In the same division, Nigel Greenwood’s whoops and screams could be heard in most corners of Aguilon following his Birdie, holing in from some 30 metres from the green on the notorious fifth hole. In Division Two, Tony Lea was pushed very hard by Jerry Edwards and Geoff Smith holding on to first place with 37 points. But all this fades into insignificance with the Eagle on the third Par 3 (Hole in One) by Mike Esposito; even the green-keeper attending a greenside bunker let out a cheer and did a lap of honour of the bunker. In keeping with his quiet unassuming demeanour, Mike didn’t want any fuss over the achievement, or was it the natural characteristic of this canny Scotsman coming into play? He did stand a round back at La Vida for all who attended. Well done, Mike!

Results Division 1: 1st Sean Curtis, 43 points (9) 2nd Brian (Dee) Lowden, 37 points (21) 3rd Mike Esposito, 34 points (13)

The Turre Open Mixed Rinks

Division 2: 1st Tony Lea, 37 points (28) 2nd Jerry Edwards, 36 points (28) 3rd Geoff Smith, 33 points (28) Nearest The Pins: No 3, Mike Esposito – Hole in One No 8, Nick Pogson No 12, Brian Hunt No 14, Tommy Seed No 16, (in Two) Mike Esposito N017, Syd Walker Twos: 4th Geoff Smith 12th Sean Curtis The 19th Hole G/S arranges weekly games at various courses in the area. Their home course, which we play fortnightly, is Aguilon. If you are interested in joining the 19th Hole give the secretary a ring on 610 340 653, or email: gs19thhole@hotmail.co.uk

Challenge for all THE sun shone in a cloudless sky and with the Marina course looking much, much better, providing a challenge for all handicap levels, the results were as follows: Overall winner with 37 points (on countback) John Beart Runner-up with 37 points, Tony Stubbs Third place, Jose Alonso Division 1 1st, Frank Button 2nd, John Geaves 3rd, Bert Ford-Enfield

EWN

Division 2 1st, Jose Urroz 2nd, Bob Winter 3rd, Martin Oliver Division 3 1st, Lynda Hine 2nd, John Noel-Smith 3rd, Sylvia Bradfield Nearest the Pin winner was Lynda Hine who collected a trophy and bottle of bubbly, and longest drives were achieved by Ali Mamood and Sylvia Bradfield who also won prizes. Best score on the Par 3s was a total of 14 strokes carded by

Forum’s ladies win Two Man event MORE than 40 players once again competed in a Forum Golf Society event, this time, the very popular (although slightly complicated) Pairs 2 Man No Scotch, which ironically saw a convincing win for the ladies’ pairing of Joy Blake and Myra Dickson, with a stunning 11 under Par score of net 60. This was four shots clear of second-placed Adrian Lawrence and Ron Wileman, whose score of 64 was equalled by third-placed John Smith and Andy Birch. One short further back with a net 65, were Richard Price and Dave White, edging Dave and Wendy Greaves into fifth on countback. Forum’s upcoming fixtures are: November 27, Match v Aguilon members at Aguilon. December 4, Stableford at Marina. December 18, Team Prize Scramble at Aguilon. For further information, contact Phil Elam on 666 847 840/ philjelam@yahoo.co.uk, or see www.forumgolfsociety.webs.com

both Christine Venables and John Beart, who shared a dozen golf balls. Following the prize-giving Geoff Venables thanked the captain on behalf of those present for hosting a wonderful day, and the committee for their ongoing hard work to ensure that CG Marina continues to succeed.

FROM LEFT: Trevor Young, Margaret Schofield, Sue and David Jenkins. CABRERA Lawn Bowling Club hosted the Turre Open Mixed Rinks on Sunday November 1. As the name suggests it is open to any club to enter a team. We had a very good response probably due to the fact that the Cabrera Avalon Invitation was being held two weeks later so teams that were entered in that competition used this one to see how they performed. It was a cold, blustery day but at least the wind kept the rain away. Fourteen teams entered and all clubs in the area were represented. The

competition is played on a rinks round robin format over 7 ends and the teams split into two groups, the winners of Group A playing the winners of Group B in the final. Group A winners were Brian and Pat Marsh with John and Sue Sephton, against Group B winners David and Sue Jenkins with Trevor Young and Margaret Schofield; Margaret stepping in at the last minute to replace a member of the team who was taken ill. The conditions for the final were not ideal as the light was fading fast but that

did not deter spectators staying behind to watch. Trevor’s team got off to a good start but John’s team fought back and after 4 ends were drawing 2-2. Trevor’s team then went ahead and on the very last end Trevor’s last bowl was a gem putting his team 6-2 ahead. Sadly for John, who had the last bowl of the final, he could not do anything about it and Trevor’s team won the final. It has to be said that it was great to see two Cabrera teams in the final as last year we did not have any. Well done!

E W N Costa de Almería

26 November - 2 December 2015

THE world of Rugby Union lost one of its greats as the death of New Zealander Jonah Lomu was announced last week. He was 40 years old.

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Marina Phoenix Golf Society INDIVIDUAL and team games THE Individual Stableford at Marina Phoenix last week saw Isobel Jones return the best score of the day with 38 points to win the first prize voucher. Dennis Bond returned 36 points to win the men’s division, and there were Two’s prizes for Alf Taylor (fifth), Malcolm Taylor (17th) and José Urroz (14th). Thursday’s Team Game saw eight teams of four compete in a Waltz competition. The scoring in the top teams was close, with first prize going to Linda King, Steve

Entwhistle, Dennis Bond and Jim Budd on 87 points. Second place went to Rosalie Fardon, José Urroz, Marcos Caparros and Terry Oliver (86), followed in third by Malcolm Aitch, Don Atkins, Alf Taylor and Ali Mahmud. There were nearest the pin prizes for José Nistal (fifth) and Ali Mahmud (17th). Marina Phoenix play Mondays (Individual) and Thursdays (Team Game). To join them for a €25 green fee. Ring Jim on 950 162 727 / 600 353 670 or Rosalie 950 397 117/ 697 512 882.

WINNING LINE-UP: Thursday’s victors in the Waltz competition.

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