Issuu

ISSUE NO. 1638

24 - 30 November 2016

Stop Press

COSTA DE ALMERÍA

YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION

DON’T MISS OUR PROPERTY SPECIAL INSIDE! (PULL OUT) PAGES 37 - 44

Off the rails

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Missing student THE authorities have yet to find a student who attacked a teacher at Almeria City’s Galileo secondary school in Pescaderia district last week before disappearing. Members of the school community reported that the second year student punched his French teacher in the face after inSee page 4 sulting and trying to embarrass her.

To the rescue GUARDIA CIVIL officers came to the rescue last week when a 62-year-old man who was paragliding lost control, plunged into the sea and was unable to get

out. Upon approaching the officers realised the elderly man was unable to extract himself from his equipment as the ropes had got tangled round his feet. See page 8

Fowl character A MAN from Pulpi has been given a two-year jail sentence and a fine for stealing 158 birds from farms in the area between April 18 and May 8 this year. Almeria’s number five criminal court found the defendant guilty of theft of chickens, hens, pigeons, turkeys, peacocks and other birds along with three goats and a dog, all of which he took to his own See page 14 private farm in the town. By Eleanor Hawkins & Matt Ford More than 600 people staged a demonstration in protest at the continuing paralysis over Almeria’s multi-million euro deal to build a high speed AVE train connection. The rally was the culmination of a tumultuous week for the ill-fated project during which Sacyr, the engineering firm tasked with constructing the 12.5km stretch of line, announced its intention to pull out of the deal. It has had to contend with delays to the project including the revelation that stretches of the land previously earmarked for construction between Cuevas de Almanzora and Pulpi have not yet been officially appropriated. It is understood the railway

infrastructure company ADIF has not stipulated whether the plans should include a single or double line track. The protesters have been calling for the line to be built in the hope of increasing economic activity in the region and boosting employment. The mayor of Pulpi was among the protesters on Tuesday November 22, calling for an end to the delays in a project which at one stage was halted when construction work was thought to be threatening the habitat

Aid for animals of an endangered species of reptile. It turns out the habitat of the spur-thighed tortoise extends much further than the Pulpi and Cuevas areas. The tortoises are also present in many areas of the Cabreras hills and southeastern Murcia. ADIF has been keen not to be seen as the cause of the new delays, promising that paperwork sanctioning expropriation

of the land has been completed. Despite its pledges, the issue seems set to drag on beyond the four-year target set by the newly-incumbent national government. Such promises have also failed to pacify the protesters who claim the Public Works Ministry must “stop their excuses” and get on with the job in hand.

THE Socialist group within Almeria Provincial Council has proposed an extension of the provincial budget for abandoned animals to allow villages with be-

tween 2,000 and 5,000 inhabitants to be included. All municipalities with more than 2,000 residents are currently obliged to See page 64 cover their costs.

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LOCAL NEWS

Best of friends A MAN has been arrested by Almeria Police on suspicion of stealing €200 and a mobile phone at knife-point from a n a c q u a i n t a n c e h e had been drinking with.

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Street fighting hoods Photo by Wikimedia/Facebook

After having a few drinks together, he offered to give the other man a lift h o me in h is ca r, b efo r e threatening him and stealing his belongings.

Roaring success of website story THE Euro Weekly News website recently achieved a whopping 146,132 page views in a little over 24 hours on its article about the Spanish government attempting to ban memes! Internet surfers from all over the world were directed to the article through many mediums including a very well-known online news portal and link-sharing site.

VIOLENT SCENES: Avenida Federico Garcia Lorca and Plaza Marques de Heredia. By Name Editor

Wanted teen arrested A TEENAGE girl wanted for alleged domestic violence has been arrested by Almeria City’s Local Police after officers on patrol spotted her father chasing her down the street. Knowing that the juvenile courts had issued an arrest order in her name, he explained, he had taken chase when he spotted his daughter.

VIOLENCE engulfed the city centre of Almeria over the weekend with four arrests, five assaults and one stabbing. The mayhem unfolded during the early hours of Saturday morning November 19 in two separate stanzas, the first in the Marques de Heredia square and the second on Avenida Federico Garcia Lorca.

In the first incident a group of four youngsters began heckling a flower s e lle r a t 4.30a m. When t wo ot her youths intervened they were subjected to a vic ious a ttack wi t h one bei ng glassed on the head and rushed to hospital. A few hours later police were called a ga in, this time t o t he second si t e where they found three people lying in

the street injured, the most serious with a knife wound in his right leg. Police then threw a surveillance net over the city to catch the assailants, successfully capturing two in one location and the other pair further down the road. One was aged under 18 and shipped of to the Children’s Office, while the other three will feel the full brunt of the law.

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Featured News 3

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Student still missing after attacking teacher By Eleanor Hawkins

Our View 6

European News 26

Finance 29 - 34

Stocks 30

Leapy Lee 35

Prop Special 37 - 44

THE authorities have yet to find a student who attacked a teacher at Almeria City’s Galileo secondary school in Pescaderia district last week before disappearing. Members of the school community reported that the second year student punched his French teacher in the face after insulting and trying to embarrass her when she told him off for his behaviour. The victim, who has lodged a report with the National Police providing medical reports as evidence, returned to her post two days after the incident and was warmly received by her fellow teachers. Meanwhile the whereabouts of the youngster remain unknown and his 29day expulsion, the longest allowed by the educational authority, has yet to be acknowledged by the family. Although the teacher has refused to speak of the incident in an attempt to

NO SHOW: The second year student has not been found. return to normality and avoid the situation worsening, her colleagues have spoken out on their concern at the violence and bad behaviour at the centre and are calling for more security and

stricter measures. The attack came just weeks after a student at Rio Andarax secondary school, also in the city, was stabbed by a younger teenager.

Daily TV 46

Time Out 50 - 51

Letters 52

Health & Beauty 54 - 56

Social Scene 57 - 59

Albox 60 - 65

Homes & Gardens 69

Pets 70

Classifieds 72 - 73

Motoring 74 - 76

Sport 78 - 80

A WOMAN employed as a carer and two men who collaborated with her have been found guilty of stealing three cheques from a dependent woman in 2010 and cashing them in for about €4,000. The three agreed how to proceed after the woman was called to cover for the victim’s usual carer, who was on sick leave, the court heard.

Uncaring carer stole from client After sneaking three cheques from the home, one of the woman’s collaborators filled them in and faked the owner’s signature. Two of the cheques, for

€2,000 each, were cashed in at different bank branches in January and February of that year, however the authorities caught up with the thieves when they tried to cash in the

third, made out for €2,500, after the victim reported that they had been stolen. The three defendants have been handed two-year suspended jail sentences and an €840 fine and ordered to return the money in instalments. Sadly, the victim died before the case reached court and the money will go to her heir.

NEWS

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Brexit role for courts deepens BREXIT PAGE By Matthew Elliott and Simon Firth

THE Scottish and Welsh governments will be allowed to dispatch lawyers to put forward their cases during the legal battle over who has the right to invoke Article 50 and formally begin Brexit negotiations. The UK government is appealing against the high court ruling that parliament must be given a vote on the matter, with the case due to go before the supreme court next month. Now the 11 supreme court justices have decided an already complex case will also involve the chief legal officers from the devolved governments. Prime Minister Theresa May’s executive protested against the idea and the influence of the Scottish government will it seems be limited to any areas of Scots law not already encompassed by the case. The Welsh input

SUPREME COURT: Will next month hear the UK government’s appeal. will be a mere formality, it is said. But in an effort apparently designed to sidestep the need for the Supreme Court to adjudicate, Sir Oliver Letwin, former Solicitor General Sir Edward Garnier and former Attorney General Dominic Grieve favour bringing a bill before Parliament now.

This would allow the government to trigger Article 50 when it wished and avoid the court “deciding to accord the devolved administrations some rights or even some veto powers” when it comes to Article 50, Sir Oliver said. A new challenge to Brexit has also unfold-

ed in Northern Ireland where the high court decided in favour of allowing a campaigner against the country leaving the EU to present his case to the Supreme Court. The veteran victims’ rights campaigner Raymond McCord, whose son was murdered by the UVF, successfully argued that Northern Ireland could not be removed from the EU against the will of its people, 56 per cent of whom voted to remain in the EU. Meanwhile 60 Tory MPs have called on the government to quit the single market and customs union when it does finally leave the EU. The customs union allows members to trade without tariffs but stipulates common duties on goods coming into the union from non-member states. MP Suella Fernandes, who represents Farnham in Surrey, told the Daily Telegraph the referendum result had been “an instruction to untie ourselves from EU shackles and freely embrace the rest of the world.” In her most recent statements, Theresa May told business leaders she was aware “a cliff edge” approach to negotiations and their aftermath would be bad for British trade. Confederation of British Industry president Paul Dreschler said his members did not want a hard or soft Brexit, but a “smooth Brexit.”

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Men sentenced for theft By Eleanor Hawkins TWO men have been issued with one-year jail sentences by an Al m e r i a c r i min al court for robbing a man from wh o m t h e y h ad

arranged to buy smuggled cigarettes. The defendants, JLYA and RFF, both of whom had previous police records, arranged to meet their victim on a city street at 3am

on November 28, 2013 to do the deal, the court heard. Ye t w he n he a rrive d, JLYA climbed into his car under the pretext of buying the tobacco while RFF remained in another vehicle

The judge decided the men had planned the attack to obtain funds illicitly and ordered them to return the €1,500 to their victim.”

keeping watch. After failing to agree a price, the defendant attacked the other man and stole €1,500 from him before fleeing. The judge in charge of the city’s number three criminal court decided the men had planned the attack to obtain funds illicitly and ordered them to return the €1,500 to their victim. In the case of JLYA, the year’s jail sentence was swapped for a year of community work, while in the case of RFF it has been suspended provided he commits no further crimes over the next two years.

NEWS

OUR VIEW

Painful Christmas IT’S a month until Christmas and whilst for many it’s a time to relax and enjoy the festivities, we shouldn’t overlook the problems some people face. One obvious problem for many expats in Spain is loneliness which is amplified at a time that perhaps used to be enjoyed with a partner and children. Often, people feel particularly sad at this time and find it difficult to summon up the courage to carry on. Loneliness is a scourge, especially for the elderly. There are charities that cater for senior citizens and can put individuals in touch with each other to make life a little easier. Companionship often makes a difference. Without wishing to preach, if any of our readers

have an elderly neighbour, a Christmas card or mince pie could help cheer them up. Another problem is alcoholism as booze is cheap here in Spain. As we get older we become less able to cope with alcohol which can turn the most pleasant person violent even though they regret it afterwards. What happens behind closed doors shouldn’t be ignored. Anyone being abused by an alcoholic or fears they are becoming one should seek help from organisations, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, which exist throughout Spain. In the lead up to Christmas we’ll run articles which will give advice on how to cope. If you have any questions or suggestions, do contact us.

Now we want to hear your views. YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION www.euroweeklynews.com

Double killer confesses PROSECUTORS are demanding almost 38 years in prison for a man who has confessed to murdering his wife and her boss in cold blood after suspecting the

pair of conducting an affair. The 51-year-old executed each of t hem separ at el y with hunting rifles borrowed from his mother ’s finca on May 3, 2015. That day the Almeria man left his Campohermoso home with the firm intention of finding and killing his wife he admitted to police. He found her at an isolated farmhouse looking after her mother who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Positioning himself behind her he fired two shots, the second of which was fateful. The defendant then

got in his car and drove, as planned, to Nijar where he had conducted surveillance on his wife’s boss’s daily routine. Finding his quarry he shot t he def encel ess man, also twice, killing him quickly. Af t er com m i t t i ng t he murders the man voluntarily surrendered to the Guardia Civil. Lawyers are demanding a 19 year sentence for the murder of his wife, and 17 years for that of her boss. They are also looking to add 20 months for two unrelated cases of violence against women.

More lights THE regional public works and housing department is improving safety on the A-347 road in Berja by installing better lighting on two roundabouts giving access to the town. An estimated 2,420 vehicles pass through the area per day.

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NEWS EXTRA

Bad ex AN Almeria woman has been given a one-year suspended jail sentence and a two-year restraining order for having tried to persuade a man to beat up her exboyfriend early in 2014.

Glass galore ADRA has won a prize for the amount of glass it recycled over the summer. Altogether 62,335 kilos of glass were recycled in July and August, 24 per cent more than during this period in 2015.

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Officers save the day By Eleanor Hawkins GUARDIA CIVIL officers came to the rescue last week when a 62-year-old man who was paragliding lost control, plunged into the sea and was unable to get out. The officers, from the provincial maritime service, were carrying out mainten a n ce ta s k s at 5.15pm on Thursday November 17 when th e y n o tice d a g ro u p of paragliders and saw that one of them had become sepa-

rated from the re s t a nd a ppeared unable to control his apparatus. As they watched, the policemen reported that the man fell to the sea about 30 metres from their position. Upon approaching the officers realised the elderly man was unable to extract himself from his equipment

PARAGLIDER: Became entangled in his equipment.

as the ropes had got tangled round his feet and saw he was sinking.

One of the officers qui ckl y r em oved hi s uniform and jumped int o t he wat er t o hel p, while his colleagues threw hi m a l i f ebel t . Seei ng he was unable to pull the man to safety due to the weight of the equipment, the other officers also entered the water and between them managed t o get hi m t o t he docks, extract him from the equipment and get him out of the water unharmed.

NEWS

Architects miss out THE restoration works on Huercal-Overa’s Nasrid Tower, known to locals simply as ‘the castle’ just missed out on an award at the International Aga Khan Architectural Awards held earlier this month in Abu Dhabi. Almeria architects Luis Castillo and Menchu Miras, from Estudio Castillo Miras which carried out the project, travelled to the emirate to attend the award ceremony and have spoken of their pride at the nomination. The Tower, initially believed to be a watch tower but later found to have been part of a larger, walled complex, was one of 19 projects short-listed from 348 put forward. A panel of judges including experts and independent collaborators of the Aga Khan Foundation gave the Almeria construction seventh place. First place went to the Cebo Ur Rouf Mosque in Bangladesh. The restoration work on the Huercal-Overa tower, which dates back to the 14th century, was carried out at the request of the Junta de Andalucia regional government in 2010 and allowed the site to be opened up to the public.

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By Eleanor Hawkins ALMERIAâ€™S Public Prosecutor has requested jail sentences for three owners of agricultural companies in the province accused of a crime against industrial property for copying tomatoes. Inspections of the defendantsâ€™ greenhouses and premises in Nijar in

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Much ado about tomatoes August 2012 revealed that five different types of tomato for which other companies, some from abroad, held the reproduction and commercialisation rights, were being grown. Police officers found many plants

in different states of conditions for producing seeds which corresponded to varieties of tomato for which the owners did not hold the respective licences, the prosecution claims. The Public Prosecutor has stated

that the defendants were fully aware that the tomatoes in question were legally protected varieties but aimed to sell them. Therefore, the initial report requests one-year jail sentences for

each of the three plus fines under the Criminal Code. If found guilty, the defendants will also have to pay damages to the society which manages licensing for agricultural matters.

Alleged victim changes statement WHILE her partner remains in preventive prison at El Acebuche, a young woman who suffered severe burns to 70 per cent of her body in Vega de Aca back in April has changed her version and once again laid the blame on her other half.

The victim, ASB, told the judge last month when she was finally well enough to attend court that she had started the blaze herself while lighting a cigarette near a gas bottle. Although the judge in charge of the specialist court for violence against women asked

whether she was scared of her partner, the victim claimed to have laughed when she was told that he had set her on fire. This however contrasted with witnesses and police officers who saw the woman crawl from the flames and heard her say that her partner Catalin had burned her, plus the man had fled the scene and was later caught seeking medical assistance under a false name. Now, the victim has returned voluntarily to the court to change her story. She told the judge that the pair had been having a violent argument and said that her partner had grabbed a gas bottle and hurled it to the floor, where it exploded and caught fire. ASB also admitted that she had suffered threats and claimed to be scared of her partner and his family. The defence has however pointed out that the alleged victim appears to change her story too often and questioned whether a gas bottle would really explode and burst into flames simply through being thrown to the floor.

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Moving against violence HUERCAL-OVERA is honouring November 25, International Day Against Violence Against Women, with a week of activities for locals of all ages.

E v e n t s k i c k e d o ff o n Monday at local secondary schools, where three days of activities were held to raise awareness and educate youngsters in an aim to

eliminating violence in future generations. Equality councillor Belen Martinez said: “We want to teach our youths the importance of eliminating gender

violence and sexist attitudes in relationships.

Three days of activities were held in local secondary schools to raise awareness and educate youngsters. “Our children and youngsters are vital to halt this type of violence, education is fundamental and we at the council want to ensure they are involved in the activities.”

ACTIVITIES: Include planting of the anti-violence tree.

Further activities include a Self-Confidence workshop today, Thursday No-

vember 24, at 10am at the Wo m e n ’s C e n t r e a n d a Vi d e o C o n f e r e n c e a t 5.30pm, also at the centre, arranged by the local fibromialigia association. To m o r r o w, F r i d a y 2 5 , Huercal-Overa will be moving against violence with a self-defence class at the Women’s Centre at 11am, a Zumba Kids session on the Plaza de Abastos at 5pm and a spinning master class at the same place at 7.30pm. F o r S a t u r d a y 2 6 a Wa l k Against Gender Violence sets off from the Via Verde at 10am and will include breakfast and planting of the anti-violence tree. F i n a l l y, o n Tu e s d a y 2 9 t h e r e w i l l b e a n o ff i c i a l event at 1pm on Plaza de la Constitucion during which a manifesto against violence will be read out.

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Poultry-rustler is defeathered By Eleanor Hawkins A MAN from Pulpi has been given a two-year jail sentence and a fine for stealing 158 birds from farms in the area between April 18 and May 8 this year.

edia Wikim Credit Photo

Almeriaâ€™s number five criminal court found the def endant gui l t y of t hef t of chi ckens, hens, pi geons,

turkeys, peacocks and other birds along with three goats and a dog, all of which he took to his own private farm in the town. The bird thief cut through fences and broke down doors at night to steal the ani m al s and on one ni ght alone managed to take 96 birds from a single farm. Along with the jail sentence, the man has also been handed a fine for resisting arrest and injuring three police officers after he ref used t o go wi t hout a squawk.

JAIL BIRD: The fowl individual helped himself to peacocks, pigeons, turkeys and geese, among other animals.

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Suspect identified and arrested A SUSPECTED thief has been arrested in Almeria City after being identified by the National Police. Investigations began in July, when police were in-

formed that the premises of a transport company on Carretera del Mami had been broken into. The company reported that a burglar had cut through the perimeter fence

and made off with two 225 amp batteries and 200 litres of diesel fuel. Inspections and extensive samples collected from the scene of the crime proved vi-

tal for the investigation allowing the Scientific Police to identify a suspect. An operation was launched and the alleged thief was arrested on November 14.

Alleged murderer faces long sentence By Eleanor Hawkins THE Public Prosecutor is requesting a 37-year and eight-month jail sentence for a Nijar man who is to be tried by a jury accused of murdering his wife and her boss in 2015. The defendant, Diego GG, was convinced that his wife Francisca Herrera and her boss of 15 years Manuel TB were involved in a relationship and set out on purpose to end the lives of both, the prosecutor stated in his report. The couple had an argument in April, witnessed by their two adult children, during which Diego GG allegedly slapped his wife’s face, and on May 1 one of the children caught him forceful-

ly holding her down on their bed, the prosecutor claimed. This abuse led Herrera to inform her husband that she wished to separate, yet he refused to accept the situation. The report stated that this led to the defendant seeking his wife out at her mother’s isolated country property in Sorbas on the morning of May 3 and shooting her in the shoulder and head, killing her instantly. After that, he allegedly drove to the Campohermoso garden centre where his wife had worked and also shot her boss twice from a close distance. The defendant handed himself in to the Guardia Civil barracks in Nijar and a court ordered him to be remanded in custody.

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Seven undertake Caminito del Rey walk for Mojacar Area Cancer Support (MACS) LAST Tuesday, seven people left Los Gallardos at mid-day and arrived in Ardales, Malaga late afternoon. After an

evening of rest, they were ready to tackle the arduous Caminito del Rey walk the next morning. They started

at 10am on a cold crisp morning under a clear blue sky. They entered at the North Entrance and donned protective helmets (compulsory). The first section was an elevated boardwalk from where the views of the gorge were amazing. It is clearly not a walk for the fainthearted or those who have vertigo. The middle section was an elevated natural pathway alongside a valley with the river running below. There they saw several Griffin vultures flying above. Then they went onto the second boardwalk. From there the rock formations of the gorge were quite spectacular. The final ascent down to El Chorro was along the reservoir where they ate their packed lunch. The trip took approximately three hours to complete. These knowledge-

CAMINITO DEL REY: Not for the fainthearted. able adventurers thought that they had experienced some of the most spectacular scenery in Spain. Chris Lowe - Proprietor of the Ramo de Limon - more popularly referred to as the ‘Jolly Lemon’ Bar Restaurant on Mojacar Playa, along with Maggi Lake instigated the trip and agreed to raise

much-needed funds for the Mojacar Area Cancer Support charity (MACS). Rachel Casanove also walked to raise money for MACS. The other members of the group were: Andy Perry, Paula Anthony, Tim Boyd and Julia James. Amazingly Chris has a fear of heights and at times during the walk

Your Belgian estate agent at the coast!

struggled to keep going. Nevertheless, since there was no turning back, he completed the walk and deserves great credit for doing so. With the help of their sponsors, Chris, Maggi and Rachel have raised more than a €1,000 to date. The final amount will amount will be on the MACS website (https://www.face book.com/groups/461375126 33/) as soon as it is all collected and banked. Additional donations will be gratefully accepted. MACS has charity shops in Mojacar, Turre, Albox and Huercal Overa. For information on the location of these shops, general enquiries or serving as a volunteer, please call 634 328 334 weekdays between 11 am and 4 pm. If you or a loved one needs the support of MACS, please call 634 655 555.

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Anglican churches of Costa Almeria ON Friday November 25 the autumn fayre will take place in Levanteâ€™s car park, Mojacar, commencing at 10am. There will be many stalls and all proceeds go to church funds, so head along and find a bargain (Church stall holders only).

Festive tidings THERE is to be a candlelit carol service followed by mulled wine and mince pies a t the Turre Eva nge lic a l Church on Friday December 9 at 7.30pm. All welcome. For more information see the w e bs ite w w w.tur rechurch.com.

NEWS

The Mojaca Mojacar R British Leg ON Remembrance Sunday November 13, 100 people attended the service at the St Pascual Anglican Church of Mojacar, at which the locum priest, Father Keith, officiated. Before the service David Weir entertained with music on the bagpipes at his final appearance, as he is returning to the UK. The branch standard was paraded by Mick Coote and a wreath was laid by the chairman, Andrew Richardson. After the service 64 people joined together for lunch at Sensations restaurant.

DAVID WEIR: Pla Remembrance S

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ar Royal oyal gion

ayed the bagpipes for the last time at the Service before he returns to the UK.

Dames in Turre events DAMES IN TURRE November meeting will be held at 11am on Monday 28 at The Hostel Rural Turre, where our speaker will be Beth Underhill from Etticut Hair Salon in Turre. Beth has 29 years experience in the business and will be giving us tips on hair care and how to make that hair appointment last longer over the holiday period. She will also welcome any questions you may have. On Saturday December 3 the group is holding its biggest fundraising event of the year, the fabulous Christmas Market which will be held in Turre Square from 10am. Come along and do your Christmas shopping from the many stalls, have a go on the tombola or try your luck on the huge raffle. The Dames are sure you will not be disappointed, and look forward to seeing you there. There is still time if you would like to run your own stall; if so contact Sue Wallace by email on sillyboo59@yahoo.co.uk. Dames in Turre are a friendship group raising money for local charities. They always welcome newcomers and guests, so why not come along, see for yourself and make new friends. For more information please contact the secretary, Pam Smith, on 677 543 031 or the president Lesley Barlow on 950 095 980.

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PRIZED TAPAS: Best traditional tapa was awarded to Pizzeria Restaurante La Artesa.

Tapas triumphant By Eleanor Hawkins HUERCAL-OVERA’S sixth tapas route, which came to an end last week following 10 days of intense activities at 31 local bars and restaurants, has been pronounced a great success by the local council. Mayor Domingo Fernandez and commerce councillor Monica Navarro presented winners with their prizes at a ceremony at Labios Restaurante which was well attended by represen-

tatives of participating establishments and the public. This year bars and restaurants were divided into four different coloured zones. Visitors were encouraged to visit all places taking part and for prize draw entry had to obtain at least 10 stamps on their tapas-passports with at least two from each colour zone. The prize for the best traditional tapa went to Pizzeria Restaurante La Artesa, best innovative tapa to Los Sabores de

Miguel and best service to Nuevo El Mirador Terraza and Los Sabores de Miguel. The mention for the best gluten-free tapa was for El Capricho. The first prize holiday worth €400 went to Daniel Sanchez Illescas. Second prize, a year’s H2O membership and Cruzcampo hamper went to Rafael Berguillos. Third and fourth prizes of products from Almazara Oleo Jarico and Bodegas Palomillo went to Gabriela Dicheva and Rocio Garcia.

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EUROPEAN PRESS

DENMARK

GERMANY

Losing the climate battle

Teacher abuse rises

DENMARK is slipping in its fight against climate change. It has topped the Climate Change Performance Index in the last four years but the new edition lists the country at number 13 and criticises the government’s apparent turnaround in climate policy.

CLIMATE CHANGE: A tournaround in policy.

Trump call PM Lars Løkke Rasmussen has said he has had a short but constructive chat with new US President-elect Donald Trump in which they mainly spoke about defence and security.

Second place

tive of cosiness, creating a warm atmosphere and appreciating the little things in life.

DANISH word Hygge has missed out on being named word of the year by Oxford Dictionaries, with ‘post-truth’ topping the poll. Hygge is representa-

Noise complaints C O P E N H A G EN is looking a t

pla ns to re duc e dis turba nc e to re s ide nts from the c ity’s night life. They are looking at halting the approval of new permits after midnight, doing more cleaning and expanding noise monitoring.

In memory

Presidency announcement FORMER Minister for Economy,

Emmanuel Macron, has announced he is standing for President. The 38-year-old quit as Minister with Francois Hollande’s government and set up his own political movement called ‘En Marche.’

Refugee shelter A SHELTER for refugees and migrants has opened in northern Paris as part of the process of re-

moving the ‘jungle’ in Calais. The s he lte r ha s be ds for 400 s ingle men.

False alarm A SUSPECT package was found on a P&O ferry in Calais. No passengers were on board at the time the bomb s qua d w e re called and later deemed it was not dangerous.

GERMANY has been named the ninth best country in the world for non-native English speakers. Levels of English are best in the north west of the country, with Hamburg having the highest level of proficiency.

THE Cologne Bonn airport is testing faster airport security. The ‘Easy Security’ system is reported as promising an ‘easier, more efficient and more pleasant’ experience during the security check process.

BELGIUM

Exports increase

Hospitality fall THE hospitality and retail sectors in Belgium report they have seen their turnover fall by some €180 million. It is believed the three suicide bombs in March is behind the fall as the country fights to recover from the terror threat.

NORWAY

HOLLAND

Workers strike

Child killing

Get the jab

A FOUR-DAY strike was held by the Swedish Dockworkers Union after talks failed between workers and the port unions over disputed working conditions.

A JOURNALIST has claimed in a book that Norwegian Islamist Bastian Vasquez, who was fighting in Syria, killed the two-year-old son of a rival. He was then executed by Daesh for the crime.

Old ice

Moral responsibility

SWEDISH experts have joined a team of European scientists searching for the oldest ice on earth. The team is heading to Antarctica in a bid to get a better understanding of the climate system.

NORWAY’S Prime Minister said they have a “moral responsibility” to help the international community to stop the IS terror group.

Sibling rivalry OLDER children are around 20 per cent more likely to become managers or CEOs than their siblings. The study by Statistics Sweden found that younger sisters often had more creative jobs.

IMMIGRANTS wanting asylum in Norway are required to attend classes on female rights. The move follows a series of rapes, of which it is reported, 75 per cent were committed by immigrants.

FOREIGN Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier from the Social Democrats (SPD) party has been presented as the presidential candidate by the German coalition government.

Easy security

SWEDEN

Women’s lessons

Next president?

Language skills

BELGIAN exports increased 7 per cent in September compared to last year, valued at €21.4 billion. During the period from January to August this year, exports rose 2.9 per cent to €161.2 billion.

FRANCE STING headlined a concert marking the reopening of the Bataclan concert hall in Paris, a year after the terrorist attacks which killed 130 people. A minute’s silence was observed as he opened the show.

A STUDY by the German teacher’s union has shown that physical aggression against teachers by students is increasing. The ‘Violence against teachers’ study found that six out of 100 teachers had experienced physical violence by students.

AROUND €2 m i l l i on i s planned on being spent on a public health campaign to encourage more parents to have their children vaccinated. There are concerns that vaccination rates are falling.

Bird flu THE Netherlands has reported more cases of birds dying from the highly infectious avian flu variant H5N8. All poultry farmers have been ordered to keep their birds indoors to help contain the disease.

Monarchy rejection A SURVERY carried out for the Institute of Political and Social Opinion, has reported that six out of 10 Flemish people are not impressed with the present monarchy and 59 per cent wanted reform.

Business goals MORE Belgians have a positive attitude to entrepreneurship and are more inclined to set up their own business now, compared to last year.

Fake fines FI NES wer e i ssued t o f i ve people last year claiming to be dentists but who did not have the cor r ect paper wor k and t hr ee were fined for claiming to be doctors.

Flying fossil THE fossil of a 66-millionyear-old Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur flew from Chicago, USA, to Amsterdam. It will reside at Naturalis in the ‘T.rex in town’ exhibition until June 2017.

FINANCE

Costa de Almería

24 - 30 November 2016

STAT OF WEEK

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Google is to support Britain By John Smith IN a piece of apparently good postBrexit news where no hidden incentives appear to have been offered, Sundar Pichai, the chief executive of Google has announced that it will be almost doubling its workforce in the UK from 4,000 to possibly 7,000 as the company sees the UK as still being a very attractive base for its European operations.

Quote of the Week

£1 billion (€1.15 billion) is the estimated amount that Google will invest in the UK by increasing its work force and building new premises.

BUSINESS EXTRA

Photo Credit: © European Union Lukasz Kobus

Black Friday warning

PRESS CONFERENCE: European Commission reps. IN a press conference on Wednesday November 16, representatives from the European Commission announced that Spain and Portugal will not be sanctioned, nor will they have EU funds suspended, following highly-publicised budgetary transgressions. The Commission has also argued in favour of a more relaxed fiscal stance across the continent. The European Commission has the authority to fine eurozone member countries that exceed annual deficit limits of

In order to cope with this increased staffing, it intends to build a new operating centre in King’s Cross which will more than double its office space but it does consider it important that there is plenty of opportunity for movement of staff between Europe and the ‘new’ Britain. According to Mr Pichai, the UK has been a great market for the company and is able to offer some

A tariff like that would be imposed on the entire auto sector that could have a major impact on the US economy,” Ford CEO Mark Fields on the threat issued by Donald Trump to impose a 35 per cent tax on cars imported into America.

Funds will not be suspended

above 3 per cent of their GDP, particularly if the countries have made no effort to correct the issue. Both Spain and Portugal were found to have breached said fiscal regulations last year. However, Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis indicated it would not be necessary to impose fines upon the two nations, as they have corrected the imbalances. The Commission has now put forth a proposal to relax fiscal policy next year.

CONSUMER group Which in the UK has announced it found that 49 per cent of last year’s Black Friday offers it followed were not necessarily the cheapest around and indeed some of the products were cheaper before or after the ‘special offer.’ Naturally, those companies who are accused of not offering the best deal disagree with the findings but it is important that consumers are aware of the possibility of some ‘creative’ pricing and if purchasing online they should check a number of sites.

Oil futures DESPITE or perhaps because of the current glut of oil on the market, the amount of money being invested in finding and developing new assets has dropped remarkably and unless this trend is reversed, the International Energy Agency fears that there will a significant shortage in supply by 2020.

Bank note chaos in India THE chaos in India following the overnight withdrawal of high value bank notes continues and appears to have been far more extensive than anticipated by the Indian government particularly as so few Indians have bank accounts but rely on cash.

€220 million is the amount that Japanese company Rakuten has agreed to pay Barcelona Football Club to sponsor the club’s shirts, replacing previous sponsors Qatar Airways.

DOW JONES

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Huge queues have been encountered in banks around the country with individuals having to wait for hours to either have relatively small amounts of cash exchanged for small notes or for money to be deposited into newly created accounts.

of the best technological talent which is why the company is set fast on expanding its London presence. Thomas Heatherwick, the man responsible for designing the Thames garden bridge has been commissioned to undertake the work on the new building as the original plans submitted were considered too staid and he will work with architects, the Bjarke Ingels Group from Denmark.

IBEX 35

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Spanish pensions DURING a press conference to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Spanish trade union CCOO, its secretary general Ignacio Fernandez Toxo drew attention to the situation with regards to state pensions which are sustainable only if the government takes action to protect them. For years it has been using funds from the ‘pension pot’ to assist the economy and now needs to take urgent measures to increase the funding by €40 billion in the years leading up to 2040, otherwise future pensions will be negligible.

E W N 24 - 30 November 2016 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

LONDON - FTSE 100

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

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PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY 3i Group PLC 647.50 1.50 Admiral Group PLC 1893.00 -23.00 Anglo American PLC 1122.75 33.00 Antofagasta PLC 681.25 15.50 Ashtead Group PLC 1422.00 13.00 Associated British Foods PLC 2577.00 25.00 AstraZeneca PLC 4327.00 2.00 Aviva PLC 449.30 -4.70 Babcock International Group... 995.25 11.50 BAE Systems PLC 597.00 4.00 Barclays PLC 210.75 -1.65 Barratt Developments PLC 481.00 -9.30 BHP Billiton PLC 1271.75 8.00 BP PLC 456.03 8.60 British American Tobacco PLC 4356.75 -2.00 British Land Co PLC 594.75 -8.50 BT Group PLC 361.12 -1.35 Bunzl PLC 2006.50 18.00 Burberry Group PLC 1414.00 14.00 Capita PLC 572.50 -5.00 Carnival PLC 4029.00 -54.00 Centrica PLC 195.30 -4.40 Coca-Cola HBC AG 1690.00 13.00 Compass Group PLC 1390.50 10.00 CRH PLC 2712.50 -21.00 Croda International PLC 3196.00 57.00 DCC PLC 6235.00 60.00 Diageo PLC 2006.75 -24.00 Direct Line Insurance Group... 346.45 -8.80 Dixons Carphone PLC 333.70 -6.20 easyJet PLC 1067.00 -4.00 Experian PLC 1450.00 19.00 Fresnillo PLC 1329.50 41.00 GKN PLC 309.00 4.80 GlaxoSmithKline PLC 1515.25 -7.00 Glencore PLC 268.20 6.25 Hammerson PLC 546.50 -8.00 Hargreaves Lansdown PLC 1214.50 -9.00 Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC 1672.00 9.00 HSBC Holdings PLC 632.20 -1.90 Imperial Brands PLC 3462.50 1.50 Informa PLC 641.25 -4.00 InterContinental Hotels Gro... 3216.00 -33.00 International Consolidated ... 444.00 -2.70 Intertek Group PLC 3242.00 16.00 Intu Properties PLC 268.50 0.70 ITV PLC 165.60 -4.40 Johnson Matthey PLC 3213.50 -32.00 Kingfisher PLC 369.45 1.60 Land Securities Group PLC 982.50 -14.50

% CHG. 0.23 -1.20 3.03 2.33 0.92 0.98 0.05 -1.04 1.17 0.67 -0.78 -1.90 0.63 1.92 -0.05 -1.41 -0.37 0.90 1.00 -0.87 -1.32 -2.20 0.78 0.72 -0.77 1.81 0.97 -1.18 -2.48 -1.82 -0.37 1.33 3.18 1.58 -0.46 2.39 -1.44 -0.74 0.54 -0.30 0.04 -0.62 -1.02 -0.61 0.50 0.26 -2.59 -0.99 0.43 -1.46

NET VOL 3,410.29 503.84 6,730.32 2,388.48 2,259.48 983.93 1,599.64 8,168.63 1,087.29 5,976.46 29,449.59 5,265.34 9,123.97 33,601.76 3,831.17 3,601.55 18,658.90 818.48 1,176.17 2,949.93 628.54 23,754.54 547.79 3,314.65 1,869.87 528.89 297.83 6,984.64 4,002.06 2,664.04 2,265.31 3,345.67 981.14 6,443.62 6,560.27 42,335.93 2,565.49 1,665.27 642.78 22,418.85 2,341.32 1,257.74 388.58 4,206.86 438.34 2,934.39 15,465.62 792.78 10,471.07 2,057.40

COMPANY PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) Legal & General Group PLC 229.75 -2.80 Lloyds Banking Group PLC 59.07 -0.33 London Stock Exchange Grp 2834.50 -46.00 Marks & Spencer Group PLC 333.85 -2.50 Mediclinic International PLC 746.50 -7.50 Merlin Entertainments PLC 431.65 -5.80 Micro Focus International PLC 2070.50 11.00 Mondi PLC 1587.50 20.00 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 218.10 -0.20 National Grid PLC 933.55 4.90 Next PLC 5022.50 -80.00 Old Mutual PLC 186.50 -2.40 Paddy Power Betfair PLC 8640.00 -165.00 Pearson PLC 784.00 19.00 Persimmon PLC 1748.50 -26.00 Polymetal International PLC 781.75 19.50 Provident Financial PLC 2898.50 -50.00 Prudential PLC 1512.25 -2.50 Randgold Resources Ltd 6000.00 215.00 Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC 6876.50 -50.00 RELX PLC 1356.50 3.00 Rio Tinto PLC 2968.00 35.50 Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC 657.75 -0.50 Royal Bank of Scotland Grp 203.80 -1.50 Royal Dutch Shell PLC 2099.00 30.50 Royal Mail PLC 462.70 -8.00 RSA Insurance Group PLC 523.75 3.00 Sage Group (The) PLC 686.25 1.50 Sainsbury (J) PLC 236.20 -2.70 Schroders PLC 2818.00 -54.00 Severn Trent PLC 2221.00 -2.00 Shire PLC 4710.25 -87.00 Sky PLC 750.25 -16.50 Smith & Nephew PLC 1095.50 -12.00 Smiths Group PLC 1371.00 0.00 SSE PLC 1437.50 -5.00 Standard Chartered PLC 634.20 9.80 Standard Life PLC 342.65 0.00 St James's Place PLC 934.25 -19.50 Taylor Wimpey PLC 150.15 -2.60 Tesco PLC 213.35 0.80 Travis Perkins PLC 1414.50 0.00 TUI AG 1043.50 8.00 Unilever PLC 3106.25 -13.00 United Utilities Group PLC 893.25 -0.50 Vodafone Group PLC 202.15 -2.75 Whitbread PLC 3512.50 -93.00 Wolseley PLC 4572.00 18.00 Worldpay Group PLC 274.15 -1.80 WPP PLC 1696.00 -3.00

% CHG. NET VOL -1.20 11,682.67 -0.56 139,455.60 -1.60 433.55 -0.74 8,788.72 -0.99 1,449.96 -1.33 1,534.57 0.53 422.89 1.28 1,692.86 -0.09 5,635.14 0.53 6,994.76 -1.57 579.13 -1.27 6,788.10 -1.88 104.64 2.48 3,540.55 -1.47 668.79 2.56 1,780.62 -1.70 322.94 -0.17 5,023.05 3.71 748.86 -0.72 1,240.17 0.22 3,057.36 1.21 3,425.07 -0.08 13,570.45 -0.73 12,498.88 1.47 4,455.62 -1.70 4,290.65 0.58 2,494.86 0.22 1,806.16 -1.13 7,598.75 -1.88 266.83 -0.09 698.85 -1.81 1,817.82 -2.15 6,905.40 -1.08 4,031.64 0.00 958.06 -0.35 2,711.68 1.57 7,447.98 0.00 4,120.77 -2.05 737.56 -1.70 12,988.04 0.38 11,296.27 0.00 908.43 0.77 818.64 -0.42 2,626.65 -0.06 1,644.84 -1.34 55,544.38 -2.58 712.10 0.40 416.33 -0.65 4,128.06 -0.18 3,321.03

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US dollar..................................................................1.06050 Japan yen...................................................................117.722 Switzerland franc..................................................1.07193 Denmark kroner ..................................................7.44023 Norway kroner .....................................................9.07485 currenciesdirect.com/moraira • Tel: +34 966 265 072

DOW JONES C LOSING P RICES N OVEMBER 21

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 171.33 -1.66 -0.96% 71.16 +0.15 +0.21% 111.51 +1.48 +1.35% 147.14 +0.78 +0.53% 93.10 +0.77 +0.83% 110.42 +1.21 +1.11% 30.14 -0.02 -0.07% 41.15 +0.23 +0.55% 97.77 -0.49 -0.50% 69.34 +0.49 +0.71% 86.19 +0.91 +1.07% 30.77 +0.09 +0.29% 209.83 -0.51 -0.24% 128.22 -0.13 -0.10% 162.17 +1.81 +1.13% 34.97 +0.02 +0.06% 115.00 -0.36 -0.31% 77.92 +0.21 +0.27% 119.19 -0.81 -0.68% 62.00 +0.13 +0.21% 60.64 +0.285 +0.47% 51.22 +0.12 +0.23% 31.54 +0.06 +0.19% 82.41 +0.41 +0.50% 111.32 -0.50 -0.45% 106.61 +0.11 +0.10% 150.02 +0.57 +0.38% 48.24 +0.17 +0.35% 81.38 +0.56 +0.69% 69.05 +0.51 +0.74%

VOLUME 28.5K 132.4K 1.0M 78.8K 102.9K 142.7K 872.6K 428.2K 219.8K 45.2K 339.2K 384.3K 69.5K 89.7K 128.7K 463.9K 219.8K 461.3K 101.0K 146.5K 640.5K 142.3K 565.6K 291.3K 26.3K 53.4K 75.3K 307.3K 219.4K 343.0K

NASDAQ C LOSING P RICES N OVEMBER 21

COMPANY

PRICE

CHANGE NET / %

Most Advanced Vanguard Natural Resources LLC Vanguard Natural Resources LLC Aeglea BioTherapeutics, Inc. Mitcham Industries, Inc. Applied Micro Circuits Corporation Vanguard Natural Resources LLC Glu Mobile Inc. Intellia Therapeutics, Inc. AgroFresh Solutions, Inc. Health Insurance Innovations, Inc. Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.

$3 $ 2.70 $ 6.65 $ 3.83 $ 8.10 $ 3.30 $ 2.3936 $ 18.1001 $ 2.635 $ 10.50 $ 2.775

0.52 ▲ 20.97% 0.40 ▲ 17.39% 0.82 ▲ 14.07% 0.43 ▲ 12.65% 0.85 ▲ 11.72% 0.30 ▲ 10% 0.1936 ▲ 8.80% 1.3601 ▲ 8.12% 0.185 ▲ 7.55% 0.70 ▲ 7.14% 0.175 ▲ 6.73%

$ 2.95 $ 3.35 $ 6.65 $ 10.7624 $ 10.12 $ 4.6999 $ 2.56 $ 4.1963 $ 6.76 $ 20 $ 2.011

0.60 ▼ 16.90% 0.40 ▼ 10.67% 0.60 ▼ 8.28% 0.9376 ▼ 8.01% 0.79 ▼ 7.24% 0.3499 ▼ 6.93% 0.19 ▼ 6.91% 0.2837 ▼ 6.33% 0.45 ▼ 6.24% 1.30 ▼ 6.10% 0.129 ▼ 6.03%

Most Declined Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc. aTyr Pharma, Inc. Cempra, Inc. Canadian Solar Inc. Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. Aixtron SE Fate Therapeutics, Inc. Catabasis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. HTG Molecular Diagnostics, Inc.

E W N 24 - 30 November 2016 / Costa de Almería

www.euroweeklynews.com

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

Whiplash under the microscope ONE of the least attractive imports into the UK from America has been the incredible growth of ‘ambulance chasing lawyers’ and unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of slight accidents (or even stage them) in order to claim compensation for whiplash! Although the number of accidents in the UK has dropped in the past few years, claims for whiplash have increased more than 50 per cent and the amount of money paid out to claimants is believed to be one of the main reasons for car insurance costs to be as high as they are. Now the British government is looking into ways of policing these claims and is also considering putting an upper limit on the value of any payment that can be made. Since the average payment is currently just under £2,000 (€2,300) there could be considerable savings to the insurance companies, which they have undertaken to pass on to

Photo Credit: Tommaso79 Shutterstock

By John Smith

WHIPLASH CLAIM: A slight ‘fender bender.’ consumers, and, if and when legislation is put into place, then drivers could see a reduction of up to £40 (€46) per annum on their annual premiums. It does seem to be one

promise that the government intends to keep and the only matter for discussion appears to be whether whiplash ceases to be a recognised injury for which any compensation is payable or if

there is to be a cap to allow a modest payment to be made to those who have sustained genuine, if transient, injury. There is no suggestion at this stage that this will be the thin

end of the wedge, with compensation for other more serious injury being reduced, but there may well be a table produced with suggested tariffs dependent upon the injury sus-

tained. It seems that apart from possibly a few lawyers, there is overall support for such a law which would be introduced by Justice Secretary Liz Truss. One additional option may be to increase, from £1,000 (€1,150) to £5,000 (€5,750), the amount that can be lodged in the small claims court for personal injury, thus speeding up the process as well as reducing overall costs. Another matter to be considered is the banning of cold calls and text messages from firms of lawyers and paralegals touting for accident business in the hope that it will also discourage what has been described as ‘crash for cash.’ These accidents often take place at roundabouts and are organised by gangs who cause the accidents with drivers of second cars acting as witnesses. The RAC supports the proposals in principle but warns that genuine claimants should not be disadvantaged by any changes.

PROSPECTS continue to look fairly black for the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) which is 73 per cent owned by the British government which is desperate to divest itself of its shareholding in order to raise funds for the economy. At the time, it paid a staggering £45 billion (€52 billion) to rescue billion to rescue the bank the ailing bank at and only £1.2 billion back the equivalent of from the bank in return. £5.02 (€5.77) per share and ever since it has been looking to bail out but the continued poor performance of the bank has stymied its plans. In 2015, the government sold part of its holding but only raised £2.1 billion (€2.4 billion) and shares sold for a disappointing £3.30 (€3.80) each, although that was a great figure compared to the current share price of a fraction over £2 (€2.30). Apart from the fact that it has been unable to comply with an EU directive to sell its Williams and Glyn branches (after a potential

Photo Credit: Lucian Milasan Shutterstock

RBS remains a millstone around the neck of the UK government £45

RBS: Carved in stone. sale to Spanish bank Santander fell through), it is also expecting a very heavy fine for misselling toxic mortgage packages in the USA. This was confirmed by James Leigh-Pemberton, the executive chairman of UK Finan-

cial Investments, the organisation that manages the public’s stake in RBS when he appeared before a committee of MPs and explained that there was likely to be a fine, but it could range anywhere from $5 billion

(€4.7 billion) to $12 billion (€11.25 billion) because of the huge and unexpected fine levied on Deutsche Bank which operated in a similar manner. Clearly no sane investor would want to put any significant amount of money into RBS until it is known what the fine is likely to be and because of the proximity of the appointment of the new US President and his subsequent appointment of a new Attorney General, nothing is going to happen in the immediate future. Whilst it is clear that the government at the time had to take action to support this and other banks, it does seem that the current government not only has its hands tied but potentially, when it can eventually offer the shares for sale, there will be a very significant loss when compared to the original investment. This uncertainty won’t help the Chancellor Philip Hammond with his forward financial planning and so far the government has received just £1.2 billion (€1.38 billion) back from the Bank in return for its investment as dividends are not yet being paid.

FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL

www.euroweeklynews.com

Photo Credit: Alexander Raths Shutterstock

Barometer for Global Corruption

GLOBAL CORRUPTION: Accepting an ‘encouragement’.

By John Smith AN organisation called Transparency International, which supposedly has affiliates in 100 different countries, exists to promote transparency and to fight corruption in business and government. It is unofficial and can theoretically do nothing other than act as a conduit for whistleblowers and publicise critical information when it comes to hand thus alerting governments and the media. It does however compile regular surveys when people in different countries are asked for their opinion on the level of corruption and backhanders received in business and government in their country and these are published under the title Global Corruption Barometer. Whilst the results are often illuminating, it must be stressed that these opinion polls are based solely on opinion from around 1,000 people in each of the countries surveyed but they do make for interesting reading. The latest Barometer looks at most of Europe (although there are a number of countries in Scandinavia and even

The Spanish consider corruption was mainly in the hands of politicians and big businesses and there was very little corruption reported with the police .” Ireland missing where perhaps no-one is seen to be corrupt) and the states of the former Soviet Union, so the results are certainly relevant to those who live in Spain or are regular visitors from other EU member states. One of the questions covered was whether respondents considered that corruption was one of the three biggest problems in their country. Germany is perceived as being the country with the least problem with corruption with just a 2 per cent vote and the relatively tiny Republic of Moldova (Moldavia) is seen as the most corrupt country with a response of 67 per cent. Alarmingly, Spain came a very close second with a ‘vote’ of 66 per cent and when one considers the spate

of prosecutions of former politicians perhaps it isn’t that surprising that people should feel that way about Spanish corruption in particular. With the exception of Portugal at 51 per cent, the bulk of EU members came very low in the list and even Greece was only considered marginally more corrupt than France with Italy slightly higher and the UK near the bottom. In a slightly different question which asked for views of corruption by members of parliament, Spain dropped right down the list and was beaten hands down by Greece and Italy, but bounced back when Spaniards were asked how well the country was fighting corruption with 80 per cent believing that it was doing very badly. The best bit of news was that the Spanish considered that corruption was mainly in the hands of politicians and big businesses and there was very little corruption reported with the police and local government, although others whose opinions were not canvassed may have different views.

24 - 30 November 2016 / Costa de Almería

EWN

OPINION & COMMENT

www.euroweeklynews.com

24 - 30 November 2016 / Costa de Almería

EWN

My column rants are restricted OTHERS THINK IT ONE o f m y p r o b l ems o f late , stems from the fact that because PC a n d i m m i g r a n t is s u e s are now being discussed far more openly, it tends to somewhat restrict my column rants. Well, don’t worry, rest assured the ol’ boy will still manage to dra g so m e t h i n g u p ! I a m o f course delighted with this new, far more intelligent approach to our social issues. As far as I’m concerned, as long as it isn’t deliberately derogatory or insulting, we should be able to publicly discuss and even lampoon any subject we choose. In t h i s r e sp e c t all mu s t b e equ a l a n d wi t h o u t e x ce p tio n : particularly in cases of religion. Once again radical Islam comes to mind. Why should the Muslim religion be regarded as a special case? Who are they to threaten our d e m o c r a c y a n d co n s id er

SADIQ KHAN: Just who does he think he is?

Today, White Billy and Black Billy would have to be known as Anglo African Billy and Anglo Saxon Billy - for crying out loud! Copyright Frederic Legrand – COMEO/Shutterstock.com

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

themselves superior to our alternative beliefs and faiths? Even London’s mayor (surprise surprise) issued a barely disguised threat to Donald Tru mp , w he n he s tate d th at his (Tru mp ’s ) a ttitude would bring more terrorist attacks to America . J u s t w h o d oe s this jumped up little pipsqueak actually think he is? A n d w h ile we ’re a bout it, when did all the acting fraternity become men!? What happened to actresses? Or have you all you girls beco me as h ame d of your genre?

And what about Ms and Mrs? We are now obliged to address the ladies as the married/unmarried Ms So and So. What sor t of a m out hf ul i s that? Ah the, generally unmarried Ms’s cry; but there’s no equivalent for married or unmarried men. No there isn’t, and more’s the pity, because Mr has to always be followed by added information, ie, he’s a Batchelor/Married etc. Would that we could have the luxury of a one word description of our marital status. And finally, I once had two friends White Billy and Black Billy. Today I suppose we’d have to call them Anglo African Billy and Anglo Saxon Billy! For crying out loud why don’t all you jobsworth luvvies grow up and give us all a break? Keep the Faith Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

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Costa de Almería

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MADDOCKS’ VIEW ON LIFE

TODAY: Fri Sat Sun -

Fri Sat Sun -

‘HE’S EVEN GOT LIBERTY PLAYING HIS TRUMP CARD!’

Fri Sat Sun it worthwhile by trying to hold on to as much of it as possible. Someone who is charming and plausible may try to get you involved in a fast-track money making scheme. VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) By showing confidence in your own way of doing things, you inspire others. This is chiefly because you are at last finding a balance between work and home life. In the past you may have felt stressed and equated that with working - not so now.

to help. That is great, but do ask yourself if you would be prepared to give anything in return. GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Some exciting suggestions make you think twice about a current business matter. However, it may not be necessary to change anything but to consider the new suggestion as a sort of ‘add on’ to a current project.

ARIES (March 21 - April 20) An exciting project is bubbling away in your mind but may need financial backing. Take advice from a professional or someone with successful experience in these matters. Remember that any idea has to grow, so consider what you need to see happen in five years’ time. There is little time for romance and you may decide to put that on hold because of complications.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) Because you are intent on pleasing others, you may be cramping your own style. This is something that you have in abundance and it should be used. You may be feeling that a business idea does not stand a chance and, in any case, you don’t want to risk any money.

CANCER (June 22 - July 23) The moment that you have been waiting for has arrived. A colleague has made a decision that is long overdue. Perhaps you are a little shocked and speechless because there has been such a time lag, but this will pass. It may not be over-convenient but the phrase 'striking while the iron is hot' springs to mind.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 21) During your social encounters this week you meet someone who offers

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) A juicy bit of gossip comes your way this week and it is hard to keep it quiet. You must do so, however, because there is a lot riding on it. When people trust you, they are saying much about the relationship. In this particular case, the person may well be able to progress you socially at some time in the future.

LEO (July 24 - August 23) You work hard for your money. Make

UK NATIONAL LOTTERY

IRISH LOTTO

Saturday November 19

BONUS BALL

EURO MILLIONS Tuesday November 15

Friday November 18

15 42

36 48

LUCKY STARS

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

12 32

27 47

LUCKY STARS

LA PRIMITIVA

EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA

Saturday November 19

Sunday November 20

REINTEGRO

22 41

36 51

REINTEGRO

MAX MIN

13 11 Sh 14 9 Sh 15 9 Sh

Mon - 16 8 Sh Tues - 17 8 Cl Wed - 17 8 S

Mallorca

THUNDER MAX 33C, MIN 24C

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 33 25 Th Tues - 33 25 Th Wed - 33 24 Th

33 24 Th 32 24 Th 32 24 Th

SHOWERS MAX 16C, MIN 9C

TODAY:

MAX MIN

20 11 Cl 19 11 C 20 11 C

Mon - 21 12 S Tues - 21 12 Cl Wed - 19 12 Sh

Murcia

CLEAR MAX 17C, MIN 9C

S Sun,

MAX 17C, MIN 5C

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

Mon - 32 25 Th Tues - 32 25 Th Wed - 33 24 Th

33 24 Th 32 24 Th 32 24 Th

CLEAR

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Cl Clear,

Sh Showers,

F Fog, Sn Snow,

MAX MIN

16 8 C 16 8 Sh 17 8 C

Mon - 17 7 C Tues - 17 7 C Wed - 17 8 S

C Cloudy, Th Thunder

Nonagram

How many English words of four letters or more can you make from the nine letters in our Nonagram puzzle? Each letter may be used only once (unless the letter appears twice). Each word MUST CONTAIN THE CENTRE LETTER (in this case L) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed. TARGET: • Average: 19 • Good: 26 • Very good: 38 • Excellent: 49

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION emir emit item mien mine mint mire mite mont mope more morn mort mote norm omen omit perm poem pome prim prom rime romp temp term time tome trim merit metro miner minor miter mitre moire monte moper prime primo proem remit tempi tempo timer tromp emptor import mentor merino minter mopier permit pitmen trompe mention pimento orpiment PROMINENT

Sudoku

Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3X3 box contains the digits 1-9. There’s no maths involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic.

LOTTERY

Mon - 11 2 C Tues - 12 1 C Wed - 11 1 C

SHOWERS MAX 15C, MIN 8C

TODAY:

14 10 Sh Mon - 16 10 C 15 10 Sh Tues - 17 10 Cl 16 10 C Wed - 17 10 S

MAX MIN

the rescue when your situation changes. Well, they will, won't they? Have Plan B ready just in case. In continuing to think in the short term you do yourself no favours. Think now of a ‘10-year plan’ and be determined to reach your goal. Bit by bit and day by day you will progress. You don’t have to rush ahead and get stressed.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20) Someone will most certainly come to

MAX 16C, MIN 9C

Benidorm TODAY:

MAX MIN

8 3 Sh 10 3 Sh 11 2 Sh

Malaga

CLEAR

MAX MIN

The rather more serious side of your nature needs to take over this week. Someone in a higher position is keeping an eye on you. This maybe because they are considering you for promotion, so be on your best behaviour. It is important at the moment to stick to any rules and regulations or your reputation (and pocket) could be hit.

AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19) A chance remark alluding to your past brings a flashback. This helps you to see a current situation more clearly. We all make mistakes and follow the same old patterns, but this time you are being forewarned. It is in your experience and power to make a different choice of action this time. In doing so, much confusion and upset can be avoided.

Fri Sat Sun -

Barcelona TODAY:

MAX 16C, MIN 4C

MAX MIN

Mon - 17 10 Sh Tues - 17 10 C Wed - 17 10 C

16 11 C 16 11 Sh 17 10 Sh

CLEAR

TODAY:

MAX MIN

Fri Sat Sun -

SAGITTARIUS ( November 23 - December 21)

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) Letting life get too tame will eventually irritate you no end. Your social life needs a boost which, in turn, helps romance blossom. It is easy to be a bit lazy when things are going smoothly but we all need constant stretching. With an active mind such as yours, the important thing is to keep making progress. This may be in a physical way or in some kind of business. A brisk attitude to your whole life is needed.

MAX 17C, MIN 9C

Almeria TODAY:

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION

YOUR STARS

for next 7 days Madrid

CLEAR MAX MIN

Solution WITH WISH WASH CASH (BASH) CASE (BASE) EASE

EASE BACK

Weather Alicante

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

WITH

TIME

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OUT

24 - 30 November 2016 / Costa de Almería

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AK, BE INFORMED AND ENJOY A CHALLENGE

page

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

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS CRYPTIC

Code Breaker

Quick Across 1 Fraudulent (5) 3 Apartments (5) 6 See 18 8 Excessively affected by emotion (7) 9 Tired of the world (5) 10 Leave out (4) 13 Highest point (4) 14 Select group (5) 17 Mexican liquor (7) 18/6 Military identification label (3,3) 19 Take illegally (5) 20 Emit light (5) Down 1 Computer memory unit (4) 2 Basic unit of money in Israel (6) 3 Actuality (4) 4 Tried (9) 5 Anaesthetise (6)

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Crossword

EWN

Across:

Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 4 represents L and 8 represents Z, so fill in L every time the figure 4 appears and Z every time the figure 8 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.

1 Sashes, 4 Mortar, 9 Theatre, 10 Terms, 11 Scene, 12 Portend, 13 Scared, 15 Scythe, 18 Reserve, 20 Angle, 23 Abase, 24 Edifice, 25 Tinder, 26 Relent. Down: 1 Sites, 2 Siege, 3 Extreme, 5 Outer, 6 Torrent, 7 Residue, 8 Tempo, 13 Servant, 14 Abstain, 16 Cyanide, 17 Rebel, 19 Reeve, 21 Guide, 22 Exert.

QUICK Across:

7 Ludicrously odd (9) 11 Spiny plant (6) 12 At any time (6)

English - Spanish

1 Beach, 4 Popular, 8 Cartography, 9 Spacious, 10 Flee, 12 Casual, 13 Knocks, 16 Turn, 18 Clarinet, 21 Clairvoyant, 22 Surreal, 23 Scary.

15 Beak (4) 16 Cruel wicked and inhuman person (4)

Down:

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

1 Backs, 2 Arrears, 3 Hooligan, 4 Pursue, 5 Pups, 6 Loyal, 7 Redress, 11 Enormous, 12 Cutlass, 14 Cantata, 15 Floral, 17 Recur, 19 Tatty, 20 Cage.

Across 1 Líder (6) 4/11 Portamaletas (4,4) 7 Corteza (de pan) (5) 8 Ceiling (5) 10 Twenty-one (9) 13 Arriba (indicando situación) (5) 14 Only (5) 15 Strike with the foot (4) 16 Jealous (husband, wife, lover) (6)

ENGLISH-SPANISH

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION Down 1 Cerradura (4) 2 Tile (floor) (7) 3 Then (at that time) (8) 5 Rana (4) 6 Actitud (comportamiento, disposición) (8) 9 With you (7) 11 See 4 Across 12 Mole (animal) (4)

Hexagram

Across: 2 Racha, 6 Tabu, 7 Pray, 8 Cheap, 9 Back, 10 Leon, 11 Smile, 12 Ceja, 13 Tail, 14 Citar, 15 Yolk, 16 Edad, 17 Style. Down: 1 Pasajeros, 2 Rucksacks, 3 Chemistry, 4 Apple-tree, 5 Palomitas.

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

ASYLUM BEFELL BODIES COUGAR EMBODY ENTITY FLOURY FROLIC GINKGO INDICT

KILLED MICRON MINGLE (10) PRIORY PROPEL PULLEY RIBALD SHAKEN URBANE

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION 1 Teeter 2 Sparse 3 Potent 4 Strain 5 Senior 6 Rustle 7 Slater 8 Series 9 Rabbet 10 Sortie 11 Census 12 Treble 13 Hasten 14 Gibbet 15 Gratis 16 Hither 17 Strafe 18 Legate 19 Frenzy

Across 1 Two hundred sails made for masterpiece (7) 5 Stingy? Close! (5) 8 Poles feel unwell after escargot (5) 9 Mix cider to make explosive (7) 10 The elderly are found in a garbage dump (4) 11 Wed a real eccentric in US state (8) 13 Ragged sort of weapon (6) 15 Is DERV designed for frogmen? (6) 18 Instrument of the French liberal's awful crime (8) 19 Moral people use renewable energy to begin with (4) 22 Two requirements for tennis or another sport (7) 23 Constellation seen from Mediterranean or Ionian Sea (5) 24 A lightweight feline (5) 25 A male offspring, you say? A big smile, Ray! (7) Down 1 Something chewed, filled with brilliant yellow sauce (7) 2 Sailor consumed sink (5) 3 Storage tower is back in the Coliseum (4) 12 It goes with her age and that’s the lot (8) 4 In court, yearn for prestige (6) 14 Protein discovered in Cambridge Latin 5 Ground harbours soft marine creature (8) Quarter (7) 6 Pained expression of a dour expert (7) 16 Small seabird's hesitation for a bone (7) 7 Could be three in that place (5) 17 Kingdoms about to receive charitable

handouts (6) 18 Wild dog doing tricks (5) 20 Join Manchester football club without a director (5) 21 Swallow bird feathers (4)

E W N 24 - 30 November 2016 / 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

Removed rights and citizenship BREXITEERS seem to be very fond of using statistics to prove their argument. In the referendum 72.2 per cent of the electorate voted so 27.8 per cent of the electorate were too apathetic or were happy with the current status quo to bother to vote. If you include their number in those who voted to retain their European citizenship with all of its rights they would come to 29,056,683 Europeans, even if we extrapolate that figure of the referendum result into this figure it still comes to a large amount of people (22,482,712 people). Never in the history of human civilisation have so many people had their citizenship removed without their government being defeated in a military action. Should 22.5 million people have their rights and citizenship removed against their wishes what message will that be giving to the rest of the world? Gerard

Hola amigo HOW does (Mike Senker) the Grumpy Old Git (sorry, Brit!) react to being greeted as ‘amigo’ by the friendly waiter whom he has never met before? And is he one of those expat Brits (sorry, gits!) who insists on addressing waiters by their Christian names? David, Nerja

Computer says no IN reply to your correspondence with regard to UK pensions being frozen as a result of Brexit, I am in the unfortunate position of having already suffered this for some years now. My only crime is that I spent half my working life in the UK and half here in Spain, having paid full contributions in both countries. Unfortunately, in Spain they will only make up my pension to the minimum state rate with no increases whatsoever. As a result, every time there is a rise in my UK pension rate, they decrease my Spanish one. Not only this if there is a rise in the value of the pound, they take this away from me at the same time.

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

I, like many others, have suffered from the drop in value of the pound but as on previous occasions the money men (our old friends the *ankers - you fill the missing letter) are flexing their financial muscle. As your agenda is to remain in the EU I would be most interested as to your reasons because saying you know where you are with the status quo is as unreasonable as saying the uncertainty of coming out as, unless you have a crystal ball, nobody knows what your friends in the EU commission will get up in the future i.e. an EU army. R J Casali PS A reply to put me right would be most appreciated

Karma police

Pension payments SOME of your readers are expressing fear that their pensions paid in Spain may be affected by the UK leaving the EU. All UK pensions are payable anywhere in the world. However only future increases are paid to expats living in countries with which the UK has entered into a Reciprocal Agreement on Social Security (RA). The UK had RAs since the 1950s with all Western European countries, but not with the Eastern European ones (they were at the time in the Soviet Bloc). When the UK joined the EEC in 1973 the RAs were superceded by the EEC rules. At that time Spain was not in the EEC, so the Reciprocal Agreement on Social Security with Spain continued in operation. When Spain joined the EEC in 1986 that RA lapsed and EEC rules took over. When Article 50 is invoked, the UK will use the two year period before leaving to enter into RAs with those countries remaining which wish to enter

Also, since June, as we all know, the pound has hit an all-time low and, therefore, logically, I am due a large refund. I visited the Social Security office to enquire about this and the young lady explained with a wry smile that the computer says no! This is how a person is treated here, even if they obey the rules and pay their contributions. When

into such agreements. Spain with the highest UK expat population will surely wish to enter into such an agreement. Spain will also wish to accommodate its citizens living and working in the UK. To sum up, all UK pensions will continue to be paid and once a RA has been concluded with Spain all future increases will be paid. However, the winter fuel payments are a different matter. There is a strong possibility that they will be discontinued. The original intention was that they were only to be paid to pensioners living in the UK. Under pressure from the ECJ the UK agreed to continue to pay this payment to recipients who were awarded them in the UK and then went to another EU country. At present the UK has tightened the conditions for receipt of the winter fuel payment. Please do not worry. Your pensions will continue to be paid in Spain, and in all probability so will future increases. Alan, Puerto Pollensa

Brexit finally kicks in, I look forward to meeting you at the food bank! Frank, La Nucia

Money men YOUR biased article by the plumber bleating about his loss of skilled foreign labour and the accompanying letters on the side of

the article is typical of the agenda that a lot of people that think they know better than all the ‘stupid ignorant ill-informed know-nothing uneducated mob’ that oppose their ‘enlightened views.’ Mr Mullins is only worried about not employing cheaper labour thus making incursion upon his privileged lifestyle. I would like to think his concern was for the country but I very much doubt it.

I HAVE only just read the article in Issue 1635 ‘Do you indicate?’ and yes I do. As do the many other expat and foreign drivers as they let other road users know when they are turning or changing lanes. But we all know that the use of indicators in Spain by our fellow Spanish drivers, is mainly to let others know that I am obstructing a carriageway so that is why I am using my hazard warning lights As to the mention of a €200 fine by the police for not using them, it then beggars belief that the policeman fining you is working on the principle ‘do as I as I say and not do as I do.’ For in all the years of driving in Spain to actually see a police patrol vehicle using their indicators to warn other drivers of their intentions is a rarity. So if the Guardia Civil, National Police and Local Police drivers all indicated to let other road users know their intentions, they could then fine drivers knowing that they were leading from the front and until that happens other drivers will say well the police don’t do it so why should I? Dave, Fuengirola

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

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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 Costa de Almería

24 - 30 November 2016 /

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HEALTH BEAUTY

Advertising feature

Behind the scenes: volunteers are the bedrock of MACS MACS cancer support charity has been established for a number of years now and its public face is very visible, with a chain of shops, social media pages and the recently acquired MACS vehicle. What people don’t see is the hard work which goes on behind the scenes, with our ‘invisible volunteers.’ These dedicated individuals give up their time to help patients and families through difficult and upsetting times. The ‘invisible volunteer’ work comes in many forms and gives invaluable assistance to MACS and its growing number of patients. Here is

an introduction to just a few of these hidden gems: Carole from Los Gallardos - buddy and careline phone-holder: “I joined MACS a couple of years ago and I find it very satisfying to be able to help patients and their families. I always try my best to do what I can to support them.” Sonya from Turre - careline phone-holder: “I became a phone-holder five years ago because I like to think if I ever needed help and support there would be somebody at the end of a phone, at what would probably be the worst time of my life.”

HIDDEN GEMS: The volunteers provide invaluable help. Steve from Albox - driver: “Having retired to Spain from a demanding job I thought it was time I gave back to the community. Through volunteering for MACS I have close contact with people who need

help, my time is well used and makes a great difference to the individuals. I feel valued and hope I have helped others via MACS supportive network.” Dave from Cañada de la Piedra - driver, general en-

quiry line holder, buddy and equipment organiser: “I have been with MACS from the beginning as a volunteer and feel the best rewards come from helping cancer sufferers and their families directly. This is priceless to me.” Sue from Mojacar - buddy: “One of my reasons for joining MACS was the loss of my own brother from oesophagael cancer in August last year. I was unable to help him at the time, but now feel a sense of satisfaction in helping other patients and families, just by being their ‘buddy.’ Without these people, MACS would simply not be

able to provide the support and services it is proud to offer to patients and families. Thanks to every individual who works quietly and tirelessly, making the lives of cancer sufferers and their families more bearable. Of course these are not the only volunteers in the MACS family. Shop volunteers, fundraisers and other helpers do invaluable work for the charity and we will introduce you to them in a future article. Please continue to support MACS and look out for our news items and events on our Facebook page ‘Mojacar area cancer support.’

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Ask The Doctor

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24 - 30 November 2016 / Costa de Almería

Brought to you by

Metamizole - is it safe to take?

CHOCOLATE BAR: That will help ease menstrual cramps.

Swiss chocolate bar helps to ease period cramps SPECIALIST: Doctor Luis Perez Belmonte. M ETAMI Z OL E , c o mmon l y m a r k e t e d as N olo t i l , i s a n a n t i-in flammatory pain reliever prescribed regularly in Spain. It is prohibited in 30 countries, however, includ i n g t h e Un ite d S tat e s, Au st r a l i a , an d France, so what benefits and disadvantages can this drug bring when it is used to treat inflammations? Metamizole is a cons ider a b l y p o t e n t d ru g with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic functions and very few side effects, as well as bein g f a i r l y c h e a p to produce. Despite its benefits, in a large number of co u n t r i e s i t s u s e is forbidden. It i s sa i d i n c e r tain medical publications that the Anglo-Saxon population should not take this drug a s d u e t o g e n etic reaso n s i t c a n b e v ery dangerous. Do these allegations have any foundation? If so, what dangers can arise when this drug is prescribed? It i s t r u e t h a t a mo n g the Anglo-Saxon population t h i s d r u g i s m o re

dangerous, because this certain group of people have a genetic mutation th at ma k es ta k in g th e drug cause a severe dec re a s e in w h ite b lo o d c e lls in ch arg e o f th e b o d y ’s d e fe n ce s , a n d sometimes can also affe c t re d b lo o d c e lls , causing anaemia. A lth o u g h th e s e ad v ers e effec ts are rare , their consequences can b e s e rio u s a s th ey ca n develop into infections that can become very serious, therefore, AngloS a x o n p a tie n ts s h o u ld avoid their use. Could you recommend another drug as a substitute for Metamizole? There are a lot of medicines that can be used as substitutes for metamizole. T h e mo s t u s e d in Spain are aspirin, parace ta mo l, ib u p ro fe n o r d ex k e to p ro fen . A ll o f them are relatively safe b u t lik e an y med icin e can have adverse effects. Patients should always consult with their physician or specialist before taking any medication so as to avoidany undesired side-effects.

If you have any questions for Dr Perez Belmonte, please send them to: jefemedico@helicopterossanitarios.com

A SWISS chocolatier has claimed to have created a chocolate bar that will help to relieve and ease women’s menstrual cramps. The ‘Frauenmond’ bar, meaning ‘women’s moon’ was developed by the Chocolate with Love company. They said the chocolate contains 60 per cent cocoa and 17 specially selected herbs from the Swiss mountains that can produce a calming effect and can soothe the aches and pains suffered monthly by many women. Included in the ingredients is magnesium, but experts claim the magnesium content of any dark chocolate could help ease cramps. If, for some reason, treating yourself to a little bit of chocolate isn’t your favourite pastime, there are other ways to ease period pains. Exercise may be the last thing you fancy, but even a brisk walk can release enough endorphins to counteract the prostaglandins which are the

Good work WORKING mums may find comfort in the results of a study that suggests children whose parents go out to work develop faster than stay-at-home mums. Scientists at Oxford University and the London School of Economics analysed children against four measures of development and found children whose mothers stayed at home with them had lower capabilities.

hormone-like substances in pain and inflammation. Try applying heat as it helps relax the muscles and drink chamomile tea as studies have found it to contain pain-relieving properties. Ginger is also believed to help ease menstrual cramps by lowering the levels of prostaglandins. It can also help fight fatigue often associated with premenstrual syndrome.

EWN

E W N 24 - 30 November 2016 / Costa de Almería

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

More women are missing smear tests than before THE number of women going for a smear test is at an all time low. In the UK, since the 1980’s women aged between 25 and 65 are invited to a smear test every three to five years, but new figures show that particularly younger women are missing their screening. Figures from NHS Digital for this year showed that 31 per cent of women aged be-

tween 25 and 49 had missed their test, a rise from the 24 per cent in 2011. Their data also reported that almost a quarter of women had not had a test in the past five years which is the worst rate since records began in 1997. Smear tests are vital to detecting cervical cancer, which is often known as the ‘silent killer’ as there are so few symptoms. As the number of those going for tests

falls, the number of diagnoses is increasing with around 3,200 new cases a year being reported in the UK and more than half occur in women under the age of 45. The fall comes after years of highlighted awareness of the disease, particularly following the death of TV reality star Jade Goody. The celebrity, who rose to fame following her appearance on Big Brother, made her diagnosis public in August 2008 and in February 2009 her diagnosis was terminal. Her openness in talking about cervical cancer brought it to the forefront of the minds of many young women and between 20082009, it is believed that more than 400,000 women in England went and got tested. Known as the ‘Jade Goody

SMEAR TEST: Is vital in detecting cervical cancer. Effect’ it lasted some years but women are now ignoring their appointments and not going for screening. Many are calling on doctors to make the smear tests more accessible for women with many reluctant to take time off work or book a day’s holiday as appointments only fall within working hours.

Women in Spain are advised to contact their medical centre if they have not had a smear test for a number of years. The smear test is very quick and involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix which will be examined for any changes, allowing them to be detected before they become cancer cells.

Tips for a winter workout WINTER is here and whilst for many it is the perfect excuse to stay wrapped up indoors and not participate in any sport, there are numerous benefits to winter activities. Sport can boost your natural defences and immune system helping fight against colds and flu. Exercise releases endorphins, giving the feel good factor, boosting a sense of well-being and fighting against depression. It could also be of great benefit for those who suffer the winter blues. By training in cooler climates or in adverse conditions, it can make your usual training harder and tougher. This will, in time, increase your fitness levels, cardiac output, lung capacity and also help burn more calories. For us on the Costas, winter here is never like a winter in the UK so it is rare that a friendly tennis match or jog along the beach would be called off due to rain or snow, so there is no reason not to get out there. However, when it does turn cold, experts say you should take extra care when exercising. Jogging is a favourite pastime for many and it is often tempting to venture out in little clothing believing your body will warm up, but hypothermia is still a risk during outdoor exercise. Look out for symptoms such as dizziness, lack of coordination or trouble speaking. Wear synthetic clothing, but two layers should be ok. Avoid cotton as it absorbs moisture easily and the soaked in sweat will leave you feeling cold. Drink plenty of water as you would in summer to stay hydrated. If you are new to exercising, beginners are often advised to start out in the comfort of an indoor gym.

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OCIAL

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ALMERIA producer Kiko Medina was presented with an honorary award from the Andalucian Film Festival Association at Teatro Cervantes theatre on Thursday November 17 during the Almeria International Film Festival. Medina has worked on many different aspects of the audiovisual sector and produced short films including El Ingenio by Charo F Yubero and Postales desde la Luna by Juan Francisco Viruega and this year

launched his first long film, Todo saldrá bien by Jesus Ponce. Actress Mercedes Hoyos presented Medina and sang his praises, stressing his firm defence of Almeria as the best place to make movies and his love of his homeland. Culture delegate Antonio Rodriguez presented Medina with his award and was thanked by the producer for Almeria Provincial C o u n c i l ’s work to support

and encourage the film sector. Medina also had words of encouragement for the shortfilm directors and producers present at the ceremony. “Although it’s sometimes tough and we receive less thanks than we would like, never lose hope and always follow your dreams,” the producer told the audience. Following presentation of the award six short films competing in the international festival were screened, including three directed by women: Shituation by Olga Alaman, Rainbow Party by Eva Sigurdardottir from Iceland and e-Life by Vibha DM and Mario Carbajosa.

KIKO MEDINA: Has produced short films

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Award presented to Almeria producer By Eleanor Hawkins

EWN

HEALTHY DIET: Will be the focus in tandem with an active sporting lifestyle.

A food lovers’ paradise including workshops AGRICULTURE is one of the building bloc ks of Almeria Province. It should therefore come as no surprise that many are waiting w ith ba te d bre a th for the second edition of the Almeria Gourmet Agricultural Workshops, which are set to touc h dow n in El Ejido’s A uditorium on Thurs da y November 24. The festivities will commence with several foodorie nte d w orks hops , a nd w ill kic k off a t 7pm. The chat will be entitled Fruits, Ve ge ta ble s , a nd Sports : G ua ra nte e s for G ood

The gourmet programme will include everything from show cooking by Michelin chefs to wine tastings. Health, and will have a particular focus on the benefits of a healthy diet in tandem wi t h an act i ve spor t i ng lifestyle. Participants on the roundtable will include professionals from the agricultural sector and nutrition

and fitness experts. The next workshop will focus on Almeria’s evolving role in the agricultural sect or, as gl obal i sat i on becom es m or e pr onounced and international markets become more lucrative. The rest of the Almeria Gourmet programme will play out over the weekend, from November 25 to November 27, and will include everything from show cooking by Michelin chefs, wine t ast i ngs, and a m i ni - chef contest for children. These events will also take place in El Ejido’s Auditorium.

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Music video recorded UP-AND-COMING Italian rap artist Salmo (Maurizio Pisciottu) has launched a new music video which he recently spent two days filming in Tabernas. The video, which is already available for viewing on YouTube, was recorded to accompany Don Medellin, a single the rapper intends to release in time for Christmas which has a Western setting and speaks of a Columbian drug lord. Si ng e r Ro se Vi llia n a ls o to o k p a r t in th e recording, along with various specialists from Oasy s M i ni - H o l l y w o o d w h e re film in g w a s based. The artist said: “I’m really pleased to have filmed in Mini-Hollywood, which was popularised so much by my fellow Italian Sergio Leone. When we decided to film it we knew straight away we had to come here.” Salmo was born in Sardinia in 1984 and now lives and works in Milan. After moving into the rap scene, he formed part of a band called Skasico which produced three albums and toured Europe before starting to work alone in 2011. He has quickly become one of the most popular artists in the Italian rap scene.

SALMO: Was recently filming in Tabernas.

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SOCIAL SCENE

New project for local director YOUNG Macael-born director Gaspar Lopez has announced his new project La Niña, a short film which aims to present the harsh realities of the post-Spanish Civil War times in Andalucia. Filming of the 20 to 25-minute film is expected to begin in December or January and locations are currently being sought in the Jaen area as the backdrop will be of cold, wintery typical Andalucian surroundings. The storyline, Lopez said, will pull on heartstrings and feel familiar to many who lived through the early 1940s and hi st or y exper t s and anonymous people have contributed to the script, which has just about been completed. “We’ve taken great care with the details and the dialogues to ensure they fit in with the times,” the director explained.

SOCIAL SCENE

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UNICEF: Students from secondary schools took part in a charity race in order to raise funds.

For racing and raising ONE THOUSAND students from Huercal-Overaâ€™s secondary schools took part in a charity race on Friday (November 18) to raise funds for Unicef. The event was organised at the local fairground by Albujaira secondary school and the council with collaboration from Cura Valera school and all inscription fees were donated to the charity. This was the third edition of the race for Unicef, which was thought up as a way of helping them with their work with children in Africa. Youth councillor Belen Martinez and Social Welfare councillor Monica Sanchez, who were there on the day, praised the youngsters for their participation and stressed that the council works to help hold this type of event to encourage generosity and sports.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

TOWN HALL: A reception at the town hall was held to welcome the lucky trainees.

Training starts for local unemployed By Eleanor Hawkins EIGHTY youngsters from all over the Almanzora Valley have been picked from amongst more than 200 applicants to take part in a new training and employment project launched by the Almanzora Commonwealth of Municipalities. The Millennials Project, funded by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism, begins with

two months of classes in Fines and Olula del Rio and will then continue with six-month work contracts at local businesses. The training will cover four separate topics which businesses in the area have requested: logistics, internationalisation, agro-alimentation and tourism. Once the two-month training period is complete, the young adults will spend six months gaining work experience and will

receive the minimum salary for their efforts, just 10 per cent of which will have to be paid by the companies with the authorities providing the rest. Almanzora Commonwealth President Antonio Ramon Salas welcomed the lucky trainees to a reception at Olula Town Hall and encouraged them to make the most of the experience. Altogether the project has a â‚Ź600,000 budget.

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WILD MUSHROOMS: The event included talks, music and workshops.

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MORE than 60 people from all over Almeria Province and further afield gathered in Sierro at the weekend to attend the 13th Wild Mushroom Days. The event, the oldest in the Almanzora area, included talks on mushrooms, music, work-

shops, a tapas route featuring mushrooms and, of course, trips into the woods to collect wild mushrooms. The event was officially opened at the village’s new Espacio Escenico on Saturday (November 19) by local mayor Juan Rubio and the first talk was given by Jose Fajardo, a professor at the University of Albacete who regularly attends the annual mushroom days.

BAR COYOTE

lado

By Eleanor Hawkins

IBEX INS.

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MORE than 1,500 signatures have been collected against bullying in the Almanzora Valley following the case of Alejandro, an Olula del Rio schoolboy whose case is under study by the courts. On Sunday November 20 members of Izquierda Unida political group visited the market in Fines to encourage support for their cause. “We want justice to be done, we all need to support this family and ask the government and the Ministry of Justice to help Alejandro and put an end to his hellish experience. We need bullying to end,” they said. A citizen’s protest has been planned for 5pm tomorrow, Friday 25, at Parque San Pablo in Olula.

Keeping mushroom tradition alive

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Support sought for victim of bullying

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SOLYMAR

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

Back to the wild By Eleanor Hawkins AFTER two months recovering at Las Almohadas Endangered Species Recovery Centre in Velez Blanco, an eagle owl and a kestrel were released back into the wild in the Sierra de los Filabres countryside on Thursday (November 17). The Junta de Andalucia regional governmentâ€™s Environmental and Land Planning department reported

that the two birds were found by members of the public in September and were collected and taken to the centre to recover. These are just two of the 107 birds which have spent time being treated at the centre, the most important of its kind in the province. Altogether 930 animals have been cared for at Las Almohadas, which on average manages to release two thirds of its patients back into the wild after treating them. Environmental Delegate Antonio Martinez, who was present when the birds were set free, took the chance to remind the public that anyone who finds an injured or ill wild animal or bird should contact 112 Emergency Services, the Guardia Civil or Environmental officers.

EAGLE OWL: Was released back into the wild.

ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

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Men and their guns take to the hills By Eleanor Hawkins THE game hunting season started in Andalucia on October 15 and is due to last until February 12, with up to 5,000 hunters expected to take to the hills of Almeria with their dogs and guns. There are 750 game preserves in the province, housing deer, wild boar and some mountain goats. The Sierra de Filabres is the most popular preserve for hunters in Almeria, and indeed one of the most popular in all of Andalucia, explained Environmental Delegate Antonio Martinez. So far 55 requests for hunts have been put in, although if statistics for previous years are anything to go buy the number is likely to reach 80 before the season ends. Among these, 21 were requests to hunt both boar and deer while the other 34 were solely for boars, Martinez added.

HUNTING SEASON: Is due to last until February 2017.

Providing technology for those in need THE local branch of AECC, the Spanish Association Against Cancer, has gratefully received a donation of a recycled computer, printer and desk from Albox Computer Club and the council. The club, also known as PiRdA, is a non-profit association which collects and recycles old and broken computers and computer equipment to donate to those in need. International Relations and Tourism councillor Maura Hillen explained that the council does all it can to support Albox Computer Club and praised its work. “It’s an excellent initiative because it

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produces a great benefit both to the environment and the people who are part of the causes which they have helped through their excellent work,” the councillor said. Any association or group which wishes to request the assistance of the club can do so free of charge by emailing the president, David Shera, on davidjshear@gmail.com or phoning 950 064 311 or they can visit Mrs Hillen at the town hall. The work done by Albox Computer Club is completely professional, free of charge and, whenever possible, members collect unwanted com-

puters and items for recycling from donators’ homes. The councillor has encouraged everyone able to to collaborate with the club by donating their old or broken computers to allow them to be put to good use by those in need. Groups to have benefited from the work of the club so far include the Red Cross in Vera and Pulpi, APSA, Puppy Rescue, Bedar school and many families and individuals all over the Almanzora Valley. In 2012, the club also contributed various computers, monitors and accessories to a Spanish group working with refugees in northern Africa.

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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS

NEWS EXTRA

New life for old market

Speed chess ALBOX will fight its way into position as the national capital of speed chess on Sunday, November 27, as it hosts the 39th International Open Vicente Bonil, which is expected to attract around 100 players including several Grand Masters.

Out of sight FOLLOWING years of negotiations, Cuevas del Almanzora Council and Endesa have removed a 500-metre long overhead cable from the town centre and placed it underground.

Road closed THE provincial traffic headquarters has announced that overdue roadworks will be carried out on the AL-6106 road, which links Chercos and Cobdar. The stretch will be ‘intermittently closed’ until Friday, November 25.

ABANDONED ANIMALS: Municipalities are obliged to cover the costs of collecting abandoned or lost animals.

Broader service wanted By Eleanor Hawkins THE Socialist group within Almeria Provincial Council has proposed an extension of the provincial budget for abandoned animal collection to allow villages with between 2,000 and 5,000 inhabitants to be included. All municipalities with more than 2,000 residents are currently obliged to cover the costs of collecting abandoned or lost animals themselves, yet in many cases do not

have the means to do so, socialist delegate Rafaela Ortega has explained. The provincial council has a contract with Montaña del Sol Animal Service for the company to provide the service for smaller villages for an amount of €60,000. However, the PSOE delegate explained, if villages with up to 5,000 inhabitants were included this would mean 80 per cent of villages in the province would be covered. “These villages are still small and do not

have the funds or means to be able to cover this service themselves. The provincial council was created to support and assist small municipalities on matters like this,” Ortega stressed. Villages which would benefit from the proposed change would include Arboleas, Cantoria, Fines, Fiñana, Gador, Los Gallardos, Oria, Pechina, Seron, Sorbas, Tabernas, Tijola, Turre, Velez Blanco and Zurgena among others.

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SEVEN new business and a cafeteria are preparing to open at the newly renovated Plaza de Abastos market square in Macael. The local council has been working on the project for some time and hopes that the premises will all be open to make the most of the Christmas shopping period, explained Mayor Raul Martinez. The contract winners to rent out the premises at symbolic prices of €30 or €60 per month depending on the size have been given the keys to allow them to begin preparations. “We want everything to be ready to open by the beginning of December,” the mayor said. Macael Council has spent €250,000 on renovations at the shopping centre, which had been closed for years. The 700m2 centre has been split into shops, new bathrooms fitted, new floors and walls tiled and disabled accesses built.

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OPINION & COMMENT

No ‘blind-date Brexit’ for Britain 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 UK government is going through exceptionally tough times. Only a third of UK voters support Brexit unconditionally, according to an ICM poll that suggests a widespread desire for the government to release details of the deal sought with the EU BEFORE triggering Ar t i c l e 5 0 . Or, in o th e r words, two-thirds of voters oppose a ‘blind-date Brexit’. Plus, according to the latest Ipsos Mori poll, almost half of voters think the government is handling Brexit badly. Then, after being 10th in line to speak to president-elect Trump, Mrs May was obliged to witness Nigel Farage’s triumphantly smug grin beamed across the Atlantic direct from the golden portal of Trumpland. Next, there was the disputed, leaked B r e x i t m e m o fro m D eloitte, claiming that government

t hat she want s m or e gr am m ar schools (a view not shared by her backbenchers). Added to that, there are crises in the NHS, housing and the prison service due to lack of funding and/or policies. The UK’s on a disintegrating life raft, adrift in r ough seas. We need a gener al el ect i on som et i m e soon – f or the same reasons I gave here recently. Theresa May needs all the help she can get, so maybe she shouldn’t so readily dismiss Farage? After all, his self-styled credentials as ‘Mr Brexit’ are endorsed by the next occupant of the most powerful office in the world. And, incidentally, that image of Farage standing next to Trump in front of those glittering golden gates: Brexit at Tiffany’s, anyone?

departments are overstretched and there is no overall strategy and, crucially, criticising the Prime Minister ’s leadership style (that she holds her cards too close to her chest).

I am not telling you” very often means “I have no idea”. Theresa May has been criticised for her leadership style of holding her cards too close to her chest. Now, it’s all well and good to h o ld y o u r c a rd s c los e to your chest. However, that can’t change the quality of the cards you hold. “I’m not telling you” very often means “I have no idea”. This government has no mandate and is led by an unelected PM who vaguely supported remaining in the EU. It has no clear-cut plan for the economic future of the country. The o n ly d efin ite announc e me nt Theresa May has made as PM is

Nigel Farage.

FOTO

Nora Johnson’s thrillers ‘No Way Back’, ‘Landscape of Lies’, ‘Retribution’, ‘Soul Stealer’, ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.com) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.99;£0.99) and iBookstore. All profits to Costa del Sol COPYRIGHT Twocoms/Shutterstock.com Cudeca cancer charity.

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HOMES

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Fresh daylilies

Pruning pointers for great geraniums

By Graeme Tyrrell WITH winter approaching fast it is time to get busy in the Mediterranean garden. It is time to plant out bulbs and other spring flowering plants and trees if you havenâ€™t already. Bulbs are a wonderful way to have strong healthy flowers with minimum effort and dependable results. All you need to do is enrich the soil and maintain moisture without saturating the soil. I prefer bulbs or bulb-like structures such as corms, rhizomes and tubers when planting perennial beds, borders or containers, as they can be left for a few years to bloom and divide giving the result of even more plants and flowers to expand the garden, fill gaps or share with friends. The sight of clumps of daffodils, jonquils, hyacinth, freesias, dahlias, anemones and lilies with their heavenly scents is enough to want to add them to any garden however large or small. Begonias and cyclamens are always an attractive choice for containers. Clevis in earthenware pots are a traditional Spanish favourite. Most bulbs, however, will do well in a good sized container with a good soil mix. One of my favourites is the Daylily or botanically Hemero-

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TO keep geraniums healthy and guarantee they will fill your garden with colour in the spring and summer months, plants need an annual prune on top of their general care. The time of year the pruning will be done depends mostly on geography. While the usual time to prune is in the autumn, after plants finish flowering, those who live in colder areas where frosts are common in the winter may prefer to wait until early spring. Before you start hacking, consider what shape you want your plant to be. Geraniums need a brutal prune to rejuvenate them and stop them getting unruly. Start with weak or unhealthy branches, cutting at floor level, before moving on to the sides. This will allow for stronger central branches which will give more flowers come the summer.

DAY BEAUTY: The Daylily in flower. callis which means in Latin day beauty. The flowers only open for a day but the next day, on healthy plants, a new flower will open along the stem to give a constant display of fresh flowers. The large flowers have a multitude of colours and forms to enhance and blend with many different garden designs. The flower is not only a sight to see and smell, it can also be an intriguing addition to salads as they are edible. The taste is slightly scented and it has a crunchy texture. They are best grown in Spain with some shade with the pastel and lighter colours requiring more sun and the darker red and purple ones needing more shade. I use them as a border on the eastern side of my rose garden

to benefit from the afternoon shade and add more flowers around the base of the garden bed. It is best to lift the rhizomes every three years when the plants die back and replant 10cm deep with a spacing of 30cm between plants having removed the smaller weaker ones. Growing the seeds is interesting as they cross easily with other varieties of Daylilies

to give new colours and forms. There are over 20,000 registered cultivars to choose from. Slugs and snails love Daylilies too, so it is good to ensure their protection by hunting them at night with a torch or spreading ground coffee from the pot around them to deter them after you have made your morning cafe con leche or cortado.

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Let mothers do their jobs

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MOTHER: A cat’s milk provides all nutrients needed. fer from stunted growth and frequent illness. A cat’s milk provides all the nutrients and antibodies they will need. Mothers play a vital role i n d e v e l o p i n g t h e i r o ff s p r i n g ’s c h a r a c t e r s a n d teaching correct behaviour. A kitten taken from its mother and litter mates too soon maybe aggressive and quick to bite or scratch. They may also find it hard to learn basic things like grooming themselves.

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HouseSitMatch funny pet photo competition runners-up Berron Marca

IF your cat has had kittens and you’ve been lucky enough to find homes for them, it may be very tempting to get them to their new home as soon as possible. Vets recommend that newborn kittens are allowed to

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CAUGHT IN THE ACT: Runners-up of our 2016 pet photo competition.

THE 2016 Euro Weekly News and HouseSitMatch funny pet photo competition runnersup are featured here. Thank you to all who sent in their photos, we really enjoyed viewing them and so did all our members, says Lamia Walker. Taking a good picture of your pet who can be moving or not realise the importance of the camera pointing at them, is never easy. The standard of entries was very high and

proves a lot of pet owners are a dab hand with a camera. There will be another pet photo competition next year and again we will feature the very best. Need to get ready for the holidays? To find a house or pet-sitter go to www.Housesit Match.com Use coupon code SPECIAL50 to get 50 per cent off any registration for 2016!

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MOTORING www.euroweeklynews.com

Telling people at a dinner party you drive a Nissan Almera is like telling them you’ve got the ebola virus and are about to sneeze.” Some might say...

Road test: Audi A4 Avant by Nick Fletcher THE popularity of MPVs and SUVs has dampened demand for traditional estate cars, but a strong core market still remains for fast, refined and well-built estate models such as the Audi A4 Avant. It has formidable rivals from Mercedes C Class and BMW 3 Series among others, but in my view the Audi has a distinct sporting edge and cooler street image. Avant models come with petrol or diesel engines, manual or auto gearboxes, and some with all wheel drive so there is plenty of choice, with prices starting at £27,880 (€31,387). However, many Audi owners like to tailor their cars with additional kit and my test model, a 3.0 litre diesel in an already highly-equipped S Line trim and priced at £39,535 (€44,537) had so many extras, the final price was £52,895 (€59,547). Added equipment included head-up display, advanced parking assist, adaptive sports

suspension, panoramic glass roof, 19 inch alloys, and Technology, Comfort and Sound and Light and Vision packs. The 3.0 litre 270 hp diesel engine was mated to a Tiptronic gearbox and had allwheel drive, with sensational results: 060 mph in just 5.4 seconds, top speed 155 mph and fuel economy of 53.3 mpg combined. Underway, the car produced effortless performance, a smooth ride and outstanding grip and composure, aided by adaptive dampers which allow the driver to adjust the set up depending whether you want firm, sporty or supple comfort. And in city use this model is equally at home, with light precise steering and agile responses. Visually, the A4 Avant is an eye-catcher, with elegant chiselled styling and a look of restrained potency which appeals to younger, more dis-

cerning buyers seeking a cool classic persona. The interior is beautifully styled, using premium materials well fitted and finished. The dashboard is logically designed, dominated by a large central infotainment screen, and a cascading central console which runs down between the front seats. There is plenty of space for five adults and the A4 Avant boasts one of the biggest boots in the class, 505 litres with the rear seats occupied, a massive 1,510 with them fold-

ed. The powered tailgate and low loading lip give good access too. I found the A4 Avant hard to fault – I felt I could drive across Europe in it without getting at all jaded, and it gets top marks for refinement, comfort and day to day practicality. EYECATCHER: The A4 Avant with elegant chiselled styling.

Motoring shorts

Return of Alfa Romeo ALFA ROMEO has come out of the woodwork as the Italian brand’s protracted comeback continues. And where else to make a splash than the luxurious SUV market which is thriving in the States and growing steadily in Europe? The 2018 Stelvio is named after the Stelvio Pass in the Alps, reportedly one of the world’s most gorgeous roads to drive down, and couples Alfa’s distinct design heritage with a modern powerhouse. With more than 500hp it can reach 60mph from a standstill in 3.9 seconds with a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine and up to 20-inch wheels. A revamped infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and a semi-intelligent cruise control system that screams warnings at any impending doom on the roads.

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Green machine reborn JAGUAR made a splash at the LA Motor Show by debuting a newly built edition of its legendary XKSS. Only nine of the new versions have been produced and they’ve already been sold to wealthy collectors at more than €1 million a pop. Originally produced in the mid-50’s the XKSS was a roadlegal double to the Le Manswinning sports car. With a nod to the race’s 24-hour timeline, 24 cars were built but a fire at Jaguars’ Midlands factory destroyed nine. The remaining 16 were scat-

tered around the earth, with one going to Bullitt star Steve McQueen, who had a fondness for fantastic cars. His now rests at the Petersen Automotive Muse-

€1 million for each of the nine produced and already sold to wealthy collectors.

um in Los Angeles and Jaguar have waited 60 years to rebuild the nine lost in that fateful fire.

Engineers furnished a complete digital image of the original so as to keep their ‘new’ design completely faithful to the ‘old’ XKSS. Right from the steering wheel wood to the dashboard knobs, the features are precisely the same. The famous swooping design is rocketed by a 3.4 litre, six-cylinder engine with 262hp, with just a few hardware changes to comply with 21st century ‘health and safety.’

JAGUAR: New design faithful to ‘old’ XKSS.

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MOTORING

Jeremy Clarkson and crew back with the Grand Tour by Matthew Elliott THE former Top Gear trio left shellshocked BBC executives in their dust with the hugely successful and critically acclaimed launch of the Grand Tour, their new motoring show broadcast on Amazon Prime. Burning as much cash and they did petrol, Clarkson, May and Hammond reunited in style with a three-way supercar head-to-head between a Ferrari LaFerrari, Porsche 918 and McLaren P1. Far from the comfort of the BBC studios, this volatile affair was conducted in front of a bemused American audience in the Mad-Max style environment of the California desert. The banter, gags and chemistry of old were all there, a welcome reprieve for older Top Gear fans forced

GRAND TOUR: The budget has been descried as ‘very, very, very expensive.’

to endure the teeth-grinding enthusiasm of Chris Evans and co earlier in the year. As expected the debut episode was lauded by fans of the three musketeers and loudly condemned by the eternally outraged brigade who lambasted the show’s non-pc wrestling with the environment. The show began on November 17 in the UK on the internet channel Amazon Prime and will be broadcast across the world from December with 36 episodes over three years. The budget has been described to Clarkson’s delight as ‘very, very, very expensive.’ Next episode will take place in South Africa, with Whitby, Rotterdam, Lapland, Stuttgart, Nashville, Loch Ness and Dubai all pencilled in for appearances.

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SPORT

Andy Murray’s on top of the world and Chelsea tops the Premiership 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: • RECENT PL matches ended: Crystal Palace 1 Manchester City 2, Everton 1 Swansea 1, Manchester United 1 Arsenal 1, Middlesbrough 0 against top of the table Chelsea 1 (Diego Costa on target), Southampton 0 Liverpool 0, Spurs 3 West Ham 2, Stoke 0 Bournemouth 1, Sunderland 3 Hull 0 and Watford 2 Leicester 1. WBA played Burnley on Monday. • In the Championship, it was Brighton 1 Aston Villa 1, Cardiff 3 Huddersfield 2, Ipswich 0 Nottingham Forest 2, Leeds 0 Newcastle 2, PNE 0 Wolves 0 and a winning return for manager Ian Holloway as QPR beat Norwich 2-1. • Bolton beat

Millwall and Scunthorpe defeated Oldham in FL1, while Exeter’s 780-mile round trip to Carlisle ended in a 2-1 loss and Plymouth’s 14-match unbeaten run in FL2 was ended by Grimsby who won 3-0 at Home Park. • Here in La Liga, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 39th career hat-trick in Real Madrid’s 3-0 derby win over Atletico Madrid. Barcelona drew 0-0 with Malaga and are now four points behind Real in the table. • In the Milan derby in the San Siro, AC Milan defeated Inter 2-1 in Serie ‘A.’ • On Tuesday, it was Leicester-Brugge, MonacoSpurs, Sevilla-Juventus and Sporting Lisbon-Real Madrid in the Champions League, followed last night by ArsenalPSG, Atletico Madrid-PSV and Celtic-Barcelona. • This evening it’s Dundalk-Alkmaar, Man-

chester United-Feyenoord, Sparta Prague-Southampton and Zurich v Villarreal in the Europa League. • This weekend’s top PL games feature ArsenalBournemouth, Burnley-Manchester City, Chelsea-Spurs, Leicester-Middlesbrough, Liverpool-Sunderland and Manchester United-West Ham. • North of the Border we have Celtic against Aberdeen in the Betfair Scottish LC final. • Gareth Southgate could officially be England’s head coach as you read this line. • Steven Gerrard has had talks with MK Dons about the vacant manager’s job while Bury have sacked boss Dave Flitcroft. • Real Madrid would like Aaron Ramsey from Arsenal

for £25m. And Manchester City want Brazilian Gabriel Jesus. TENNIS: • Andy Murray is champion of the world after beating Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the final of the APT Championships at London’s O2 arena. CRICKET: • In the second Test, India (455 and 204) beat England (255 and 158) by 246 runs. • The third Test is in Mohali: November 26-30. • South African captain Faf Du Plessis has been charged with ‘ball tampering’ during his

country’s recent second Test victory over Australia in Hobart. • England’s women claimed a 4-0 ODI series win over Sri Lanka. RUGBY UNION: • Last weekend’s internationals finished England 58 Fiji 15, Ireland 9 New Zealand 21, Scotland 19 Argentina 16 and Wales 33 Japan 20. • Saturday’s friendlies are England-Argentina, IrelandAustralia, Scotland-Georgia and Wales-South Africa. FORMULA ONE: • Effect i v e l y L e w i s Hamilton has to win

ANDY MURRAY: The world number one beat Djokovic in straight sets.

the final Grand Prix of 2016 in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and hope that current championship leader, by 12 points, Nico Rosberg, doesn’t make the podium. If that happens, the Brit will retain his world driver ’s crown. If Rosberg wins he will emulate his father, Keke, who won the world title in 1962. It will be interesting! ROUND-UP: • The UK Snooker championships are underway at the York Barbican (until December 4). • The Four Nations Rugby League final at Anfield last Saturday, saw Australia thrash New Zealand 34-8. • Scottish schoolgirl golfer Porscha Wilson (aged 14) from Fife is taking part in this week’s DM Classic here in Spain. Meanwhile, England’s Charley Hull has won her first LGPA gold title in the CME Group 4.

CRISTIANO RONALDO: Scored his 39th hat-trick.

DIEGO COSTA: Scored the only goal for Chelsea against Middlesbrough.

DID YOU KNOW? THE dearest PL season ticket is at Arsenal: £2,013; Hull City have the cheapest at £252. The Gunners also sell the dearest single match ticket at £97 while Hull and Liverpool have the cheapest at £9. The cheapest Barcelona season ticket is £13.93 (€132) and it’s just £8.63 (€10) to watch Valencia.

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24 - 30 November 2016 / Costa de Almería

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The Two Wood Triples 19th Hole Golf Society ON Thursday November 17, in beautiful weather conditions, the 19th Hole Golf Society played its Monthly Medal at Aguilon Golf Resort. Bob Tagg, who always walks the course, found a very unusual method of lightening the weight of his bag by tossing his Lob Wedge into the water on the 3rd hole. Luckily there are only five holes on the Aguilon course where water is in play or Bob might have come back with just a driver and a putter. Bob’s day was retrieved by scoring two Nearest the Pins and converting one of them into a Two. In the Men’s Medal Mike Palmer had a dream of a round hitting the little round thing 97 times leaving him the clear winner with a nett 69, Dav e De n y e r ’s n e tt 7 3 w a s g o o d enough to get second place with Pat O Dwyer in third with a nett 74. In the Ladies Medal only Karyn Esposito conquered the course with a nett 76. Results: Men’s Medal 1st Mike Palmer 2nd Dave Denyer 3rd Pat O Dwyer

Nett 69 (28) Nett 73 (28) Nett 74 (25)

Ladies Medal 1st Karyn Esposito

Nett 76 (33)

Nearest the Pins 3rd Gary Grey 8th Doug Birrell 12th Bob Tagg 14th Doug Birrell 15th (in Two) Steve Lawrie 17th Bob Tagg Twos 8th Doug Birrell and Pat O Dwyer 12th Pete Dow 14th Doug Birrell 17th Bob Tagg Th e 1 9 t h Ho l e G o lf S o c ie ty arranges weekly games around the area playing Aguilon every other week. For more information call 610 340 653 or email gs19thhole@hot mail.co.uk.

THE Two Wood Triple Competition was held at Cabrera Lawn Bowling Club between November 1 and 6, 2016. This is a very popular competition as it really focuses the mind only having two woods per player. As always there were some very interesting rounds leading to the final between John Beaumont, Peter Sands and Vic Holloway verses Brian Firth, Ian Jackson and Janet Jackson. Brian’s team started off the stronger and after seven ends was leading 8-4 but then John’s team found their line and length and staged a comeback and won the next seven ends to take a 13-8 lead. Brian’s team picked up a three on the next end but sadly it was not enough and John, Peter and Vic were the eventual and deserved winners 18-11. A great final with John bowling particularly well to give his team victory. Many congratulations to John, Peter and Vic and commiserations to Brian, Ian and Janet.

DESERVING WINNERS: Good bowling led the team to victory in a great final.

Another win for Max FORUM GOLF SOCIETY played an individual stableford competition at Valle del Este on November 18, and on an absolutely perfect day for golf, with a course in excellent condition, only Max Gonzalez managed to play to his handicap, winning his second event in recent weeks with 36 points. Peter Tinsley (35 points) was second, Bob Cowan (34 points) third and Malcolm Sibbons (33 points) fourth, with Fran Elam (fifth), John Bridgen (sixth) and Myra Dickson (seventh) separated on countback after all scoring 31 points Malcolm Sibbons, Dave Vickers and Dave White took the nearest the pin prizes, with Kevin Bircher hitting the day’s longest drive on the tough 15th hole. The event was also the 9th qualifier for the 2016/17 Campbell Lamont Golf Leagues, and with three to go the top five are currently: Gill Vine 151pts Max Gonzalez 145pts Myra Dickson 144pts John Smith 142pts Phil Elam 142pts Forum’s upcoming fixtures are: December 2 stableford at Aguilon, December 16 team prize scramble at Aguilon and January 6 pairs betterball stableford at Aguilon. For further information contact Phil Elam on 666 847 840, philjelam@yahoo.co.uk or see www.forumgolfsociety.webs.com.

ON THE BALL: Winner Max was the only player who managed to play to his handicap.

E W N Costa de Almería

24 - 30 November 2016

JORDAN HENDERSON and Adam Lallana escaped sanction after being caught at a Strip Club in a wild November for the England Team.

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Turre Open Mixed Rinks CABRERA LAWN BOWLING CLUB hosted the Turre Open Mixed Rinks on Sunday October 30, 2016. As the name suggests it is open to any club to enter a team. There was 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. Sixteen teams entered and the majority of clubs in the area were represented which was excellent. The competition is played on a rinks round robin format over seven 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 Vic and Joan Parsons with Peter Burton and Jim Pike all from Almeria BC against Group B winners Leighton and Julie John from Cabrera LBC with John and Linda Burgess also from Almeria BC. The Group A finalists had three members who are octogenarians so a great achievement to

MIXED RINK: The winning team after a closely fought final match. reach the final. After the first six ends the score was 4-4 so everything depended on the final end. Leighton’s team were holding

one and then picked up another to hold two so John who was skip did not need to bowl his last wood with the final score being 6-4.

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Many congratulations to John, Linda, Leighton and Julie and commiserations to Vic, Joan, Peter and Jim who put up a gallant fight.

Badgers Golf Society report WEDNESDAY November 16 at Valle de Este was the venue for Badgers players to compete for the prizes on their mid-week stableford competition. Most players found it very difficult to score apart from Steve Argent who came in with an unprecedented 43 points to win comfortably by 10 points. When Derick Dale the handicap secretary puts the score into the computer one hopes the machine doesn’t get too excited. Well done Steve. Full Results: 1st Steve Argent 43 points 2nd Jim Gevaux 33 points 3rd Jock Glynn 33 points NTP’s 5th Jock Glynn 6th Steve Argent 12th Lynn Sefton 14th Jim Gevaux Two’s 2nd Kevin Riley 6th Steve Argent 12th Keith Bradley 12th Jan Page 14th Colin Commander Badgers also play Saturday morning at Marina Del Torre. For further information contact Duncan Smart on 634 331 059.