13 - 19 July 2017
COSTA DE ALMERÍA
YOUR PAPER, YOUR VOICE, YOUR OPINION Guardia Civil
ISSUE NO. 1671
HELD: The suspect allegedly committed hundreds of crimes.
Serial child abuser held
Text horror By Matthew Elliott A furious father from Almeria has helped expose an alleged paedophile who may have abused hundreds of children in the province, as well as in Cadiz and Malaga. Guardia Civil officers arrested the former youth camp monitor at his Cadiz home after acting on intelligence provided by colleagues in Almeria. Officers found more than 5,000 sexually explicit
photos and videos on the 2 6 - y e a r- o l d ’s c o m p u t e r hard drive. An estimated 1,000 involved children. They were tipped off by a man who found highly sexual messages on his c h i l d ’s p h o n e . T h e m e s sages asked for photos of the girl’s private parts and also asked her physical questions about her friends. They came from a man who once worked at a summer camp the girl attended in Malaga. Once investiga-
tors had this link they began an exhaustive search for the suspect, finally identifying their man, whose initials are AJDC. The suspect has worked as a nurse and volunteer at summer camps across southern Spain since 2013. Police estimated that he had been in direct contact with at least 2,000 children during that time. After conducting interviews and searching his phone conversations, officers believe he has contact-
ed roughly 100 children by phone. At least 13 responded, complying with his request for graphic photos. Many of them are likely keeping the conversations secret. The man is believed to have used his position to s t a y i n t h e c h i l d r e n ’s dorms during the popular camps. He befriended many and took their phone numbers, added them on Facebook and asked them not to tell anyone about their relationship.
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Smart beach changes A NEW scheme is set to explore how to make Almeria’s dozens of beaches more accessible to disabled people and those with reduced mobility. The Verdiblanca Association of Persons with Disabilities has asked different councils to establish a working group to explore smart ways of opening beaches to a sizeable proportion of the population. Verdiblanca want an exhaustive survey to be carried out of local beaches this summer to identify problems and solutions to make life easier for Almeria’s disabled residents. Toilets without seats, staggered ramps, railings at impossibly high heights, dodgy benches, and ‘shaded’ areas with no actual shade are among the variety of problems the group has already requested help fixing. Verdiblanca would also like to see pedestrian walkways expanded to create more space, an earlier schedule for lifeguards, and the keys to toilets to be made more easily available.
Suicide rescue squad GUARDIA CIVIL officers rescued a man who slit his wrists and wandered into the campo in an apparent suicide bid. They managed to track him using flashlights to follow a trail of dripping blood leading into a mountainous area near Vicar. They rushed to the scene after receiving a frantic call from
the man’s girlfriend. He had sent her a video showing him ingesting dozens of sleeping pills and cutting his wrists at three o’clock in the morning. When police arrived at his home they discovered the bloody trail leading outside. They found the man lying in some bushes half-conscious but alive.
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NEWS EXTRA
Chelsea grin POLICE seized 23 fake bank cards which were also cheap switchblades designed to avoid metal detectors. The weapons were sold online by an Almeria resident who charged just €5 per card.
New saint A NUN born in 1849 in Vera is on the brink of being canonised by Pope Francis. Paula de Jesus Gil Cano dedicated her life to teaching orphaned children in Murcia.
River fear A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save the Aguas river in Sorbas. Activists set up Facebook and Twitter accounts arguing that the river is the most over-exploited in Andalucia.
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Official State Visit underway
Queens of hearts By Matt Ford QUEEN LETIZIA and Queen Elizabeth have been wowing fans during the official State Visit of the Spanish royals, which ends tomorrow (Friday). The newest consort to a European monarch and the longestserving British sovereign are clearly enjoying the first official trip by the Spanish Royals for over 30 years, which is taking place at the third time of asking after two earlier cancellations. It comes as the glamorous exjournalist and husband King Felipe VI prepare to visit Westminster Abbey accompanied by Prince Harry today, where they will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior before touring the Abbey with the Dean. The king will also be joined by Prince Andrew, Duke of York, at
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a meeting between Spanish and British business leaders, before enjoying dinner with Lord Mayor of the City of London, Andrew Parmley. After tomorrow’s official farewell by Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, Felipe and Letizia will visit researchers at the Francis Crick Institute, a biological research institute, before heading to Oxford University to view Spanish artefacts.
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The population of British citizens resident in Spain in 2016.
The regal couple arrived at Luton airport last Tuesday, where they were greeted by Lord-inWaiting Viscount Brookeborough, before being collected from their hotel by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall yesterday morning. This was followed by a Ceremonial Welcome with the Queen and Prince Phillip at Horse Guards Parade and private lunch at Buckingham Palace before tea at Clarence House, but the main event of the day was the glittering state gala dinner at which both the British and Spanish rulers made speeches. The last State Visit by a Spanish monarch was that of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia in 1986. WOWING FANS: Queen Letizia and Queen Elizabeth.
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Brexit top of agenda BEYOND the glamour of the ceremonial events, King Felipe and Queen Letizia travelled to the UK with specific agendas. In particular, reports in the Spanish media have highlighted the trip as an opportunity to lay the groundwork for bilateral relations between the two countries in the wake of Brexit. There are reportedly three main themes that the royals hope to tackle during the course of the visit, with the futures of expatriates in both countries top of the list, closely followed by business and future relations. It comes after British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley, confirmed prior to the visit that the UK’s approach to talks will focus on education, trade and science.
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Dog thrown from balcony GUARDIA CIVIL officers are investigating a horrifying new case of animal abuse. An 82-year-old Garrucha resident is being charged with allegedly killing a dog by throwing it from a third-floor balcony. Witnesses say the man, who suffers from Alzheimer’s and dementia, tied an old dog in a thick bin bag, took him to a family member’s apartment and casually threw the bag from a great height.
Shadow city A DAMNING new report from Transparency International has declared Almeria City the murkiest of a l l o f S p a i n ’s m a j o r c o u n c i l s . I t came dead bottom of a list of 110 cities across the country compiled by the authoritative global organisation. Indicators ranged from the information available on city websites to the publication of contracts, names, salaries and other expenses.
Major fault DRIVING instructors have gone on strike across Almeria in protest over low wages and a heavy wo r k l o a d . T h e ex amin ers have thrown down their pencils and refused to work on Mondays, Tu e s d a y s o r We d n e s d a y s u n t i l their demands are met. The sector has shrunk economically, with instructors being paid less for more hours.
On track WORK has finally begun on A l m e r i a ’s m u c h - d e r i d e d h i g h speed rail project that is slated for completion in 2023. An army of consultants and engineers have been drafted in to get cracking on the Almeria to Murcia connection.
Tadeo Jones SINGER David Bisbal is touring Spain to promote his new film, released next month. Tadeo Jones 2 is set in Granada and features the
SPANISH FACTS OF LIFE...20
INSIDE VIEW
Spain is the largest olive oil producer in the world, accounting for 44 per cent of the world’s annual supply, and the country’s love affair with the diminutive fruit shows no sign of decline despite new challenges.
News
Liquid gold
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Finance 29
Leapy Lee 35
WITH an estimated 340 million olive trees, Spain produces around 1.2 million tonnes of olive oil per year, enough to fill 400 Olympic swimming pools. About 45 per cent of the country’s olive oil is produced in the Andalucian province of Jaen, where olive plantations occupy 590,000 hectares including 66 million trees. These account for a fifth of the global olive oil supply, with the region producing more than the entire country of Italy, the world’s second-largest manufacturer. Olive trees are said to have been introduced to Spain by the Phoenicians almost 3,000 years ago, but it was the Romans who started large-scale production, with the Moors later introducing improved growing methods.
Fruity facts • There are over 100 varieties of olive grown in Spain, but only 24 are regularly used to make oil. • Olive trees live on average for 3-600 years, with some of the world’s oldest examples found in Spain. One individual in Tarragona is said to be over 2,000 years old. • Despite leading the global production ranking, Spain with 11.3 kilos is runner-up to Greece (12.8 kilos) in terms of per capita consumption. • The Spanish word for oil, aceite, is derived from the Arabic word al-zait, which literally translates as ‘olive juice.’ • There are four types of virgin olive oil, extra virgin, virgin, ordinary virgin and lampante, all of which differ in acidity with extra virgin, the highest grade, having the least.
archaeological adventures of the Spanish Indiana Jones.
Sea games GUARDIA CIVIL officers showed 200 children first-hand how to tie knots and rescue troubled bathers during an exhibition at the Aguadulce nautical club, even allowing them onboard a
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OLIVE OIL: Over 100 varieties.
Time Out 46
Letters 48
Pressing times CLIMATE change and growing global demand are putting the squeeze on the industry, but the main threat to the future of Spanish olives may be microscopic. Dry conditions ravaging the country severely impacted production in 2016, with global supplies down by 11 per cent, and this year’s harvest - which takes place in October and November - is expected to be worse. An even bigger threat may be the destructive bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which has been described as ‘olive ebola’ after devastating around a million trees in Italy and appearing in Mallorca last year. The plague was last month detected in mainland Spain for the first time after it was found to have infected almond trees in Guadalest, Alicante, sparking widespread fears.
coast guard boat.
Tax cheat THE former mayor of El Ejido faces 49 years in prison over tax fraud. Juan Enciso is on trial alongside doz e ns of othe r s e nior offic ia ls charging with hiding millions in revenue.
Prolific crooks captured A PAIR of thieves believed responsible for an incredible spate of thefts across the provinces of both Almeria and Granada were arrested by the Guardia Civil. The two men are career criminals and are charged with 23 robberies of shops, warehouses, homes and cars. Police have been hunting them for months, following a trail of crime leading from El Ejido, up the Andarax river and into Granada. Once they identified their suspects, police placed a tracking device on their car, hoping to catch them com-
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mitting a criminal act. They followed the men to a suspicious looking building in Almerimar and gained a search warrant. Inside they found a vast haul of stolen goods of every description. The men claimed to have bought them from various markets across the provinces but officers matched the items to crime reports and arrested them. The two men are Romanian nationals aged 45 and 27. They have been denied bail. Police are now busy returning the stolen loot to its rightful owners.
Cold blood
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Social 53
Albox 58
Property 62
J U DGES conf i r m ed t he 36- year s e n t ence of a m an convi ct i ng of killing his wife and her boss in cold blood in Nijar and Sorbas when he suspected them of having an affair.
Classifieds 66
Motor
Farm hands AGRICULTURE is the lifeblood of more than 15,000 families in Almeria according to new research. The council is determined to protect the sector from increased global competition.
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Health & Beauty
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Sport 71
The total number of news and features which appeared in Issue 1670 of the Euro Weekly News Costa de Almería edition, including 52 local stories.
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TRIVIA FROM AROUND THE WORLD Shirtless tourists are set to face fines in Marbella.
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With some malls and shops now opening on Sundays to cater for summer visitors and residents, should sevenday shopping be introduced year-round?
LAST WEEK’S POLL: 50 years after the introduction of plastic money, do you prefer it to cash?
Yes = 58% No = 42%
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4 Glasgow holiday jet diverted to Bristol and three-arrested - 1,508 5 Briton held for €17 million timeshare scam in Malaga 1,002
Top Social Media comments Theresa May vows crackdown on Brit holiday fraudsters - Fortunately I am sure that this only represents a small number of Brits and these types have always walked amongst us. It has been going on I am sure for years and it is all of us that pay in the end with higher fees and charges. Ted Milsom Guardia Civil officers save life of terrified Yorkshire terrier - How wonderful! See I told you the Guardia Civil had soft hearts. ❤ Elizabeth Saunders Three men gored at San Fermin Bull Run in Pamplona - I think it’s time this was banned!! Obviously people are going to get hurt. This is one tradition I just don’t understand!! There are so many people, those bulls are being taunted. And they are scared stiff of course they are going to hurt anything that's in their way. It’s very sad!! Dominique Thomas Is it me? -Why on earth do people derive pleasure from this, I just don’t get it, OK it’s tradition here I understand that bit but the cruelty is despicable! Is it very wrong that I am not upset when these humans are injured even if it’s serious. They have a choice, these magnificent animals aren’t out for trouble but boy do they get it, they must be so bewildered. Sick sick people!!! Carol Silverlock
Spanish minister supports three-day weekends - I’m happy to have salary reduced for a threeday weekend. Work to live, not live to work after 40. Krishna de Gruchy Baggage handler caught hurling suitcases in Ibiza - And they wonder why people object to putting laptops and cameras in the checked bags? Denise McNamara Shirtless holidaymakers face fines in Marbella - When will the Spanish make up their minds do they want tourists or not. This subject is one of the most stupid I’ve heard. The British are not used to the heat in Spain so take their tops off to cool down. What is the big deal do you expect tourists to walk about in a shirt and tie? Would some celebrity be arrested if they did it that? Wouldn’t do much for getting the jet setters to keep coming back. They would be better concentrating on cleaning up the town around the Costa del Sol. Bobby-Ruth Johnston Foreign police to patrol the streets of Madrid - Personally enjoy watching the Spanish police dealing with them. British police are far too soft. Not to mention the look of fear on them when they realise they are getting lifted and can’t speak the language! It’s always good for a giggle.
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The Hundred Years’ War between England and France over succession to the French throne, lasted from 1337 to 1453, so more accurately should be called the 116 Years’ War.
The world’s deepest postbox is 10 metres underwater in Susami Bay in Japan.
Did you know?
Lit t le bit s o n t he s id e
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Windsor Castle is the largest royal home in the world. It was built by William the Conqueror around AD 1080.
From 4 - 10 July
1 Shirtless holidaymakers face fines in Marbella - 2,310 2 Spain will have no right of veto on Gibraltar - 2,039 3 Outrage as Costa del Sol toll road raises fees - 1,644
Poll of the week
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The Mayday call for help originates from the French word m’aidez, which means ‘help me,’ - and that is roughly pronounced, ‘mayday.’
Lost in translation
INTERCOURSE DISCOMFORT REPORT CENTRE CORRECTIONS At the EWN, we pride ourselves that reports are accurate and fair. If we do slip up, we promise to set the record straight in a clear, no-nonsense manner. To ask for an inaccuracy to be corrected. Email: editorial@euroweeklynews.com
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Seaside stamp
OUR VIEW
THE seaside town of Garrucha has been granted a special seal of quality designating it as a top Spanish tourist attraction. The SICTED seal of quality is issued by the Spanish tourism ministry and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP). It guaran-
Overloaded cars are so dangerous EVERY summer, without fail, there are huge numbers of foreign registered cars driving from France, Germany and Italy en route to Algeciras and Tarifa to catch Moroccobound ferries. There is nothing wrong with migrants who want to return home to see their families and in fact they do spend money in Spain even if it is just on petrol, tolls and boat fares, but so many of them are dangerously overloaded. Most people will have seen old cars, loaded to the gunnels with bodywork almost scraping against the tyres and everything including the kitchen sink tied awkwardly on top of the car or van. It seems that the police of various forces turn a blind eye to the dangers of these potential death traps and only come out to divert traffic when they have an accident. Only a few days ago, an estate car which was carrying a load almost as tall as the car was blown over due to high winds, blocking most of the A7 at Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro and although there appeared to be no injuries to the occupants, this must have been more by luck than judgement! Whilst it may be a bureaucratic nightmare to stop these cars, something does need to be done, especially as drivers can be very tired after long journeys.
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BULL RUN: At the San Fermin festival.
On the run RESIDENTS and visitors crowd the streets of Pamplona, Navarra, during one of the daily bull runs at the notorious San Fermin festival, which ends tomorrow (Friday).
tees a high level of cleanliness, service and decent public facilities. Mayor Maria Lopez said the hard-won award was the consequence of efforts to establish Garrucha as one of southern Spain’s premier tourist hotspots.
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Black magic THIS morning fashion expert Trinny Woodall is in Ronda, Malaga, for her nephew’s wedding, and the 53-year-old star took to Instagram to post a sizTrinny Woodall. zling video after first slipping into a microscopic black bikini. The mum-of-two sent temperatures soaring as she explained the different ways she could tie her top while flaunting her toned body.
www.euroweeklynews.com Cristiano Ronaldo/Instagr am
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Cris me quick
HE recently became dad to new-born twins conceived by a mystery surrogate mother. But football mega star Cristiano Ronaldo is allegedly set to father another child BABY ON THE WAY? Cristiano and Georgina . before the year is out after rumours emerged that his 23-year-old girlfriend Georgina baby bump as she paraded in a revealing string bikini. Rodriguez is pregnant. The 32-year-old later took to Instagram, posting a And the glamorous pair set chins wagging this week snap including Georgina and one of his new arrivals after stepping aboard a luxury yacht, with the object of apparently taken at his home. Cristiano’s affection appearing to show off a growing
Chynese whispers KEEPING UP WITH THE KARDASHIANS’ producer Ryan Seacrest, 42, is lying low on holiday in the Basque Country and has refused to comment after 30-year-old Rob Kardashian whipped up a social media frenzy by posting a stream of nude photos of his ex-girlfriend Blac Chyna on Instagram while accusing her of having numerous affairs while the pair were together.
Loose woman KATIE PRICE, formerly known as Jordan, sparked chaos at a Mallorca pool party after firing an air gun at men she fancied, made a series of smutty remarks and poured vodka down eager revellers’ throats. The ex-glamour model, 39, who is known for her surgically-enhanced assets, had been drinking all day according to The Sun, with several partygoers describing their Katie Price. shock at her raucous antics.
In the pink! THEY recently tied the knot with a lavish ceremony at Delamere Manor in Cheshire. And Jacqueline Jossa, 24, and Dan Osborne, 25, were all smiles after arriving in Spain for a sun-soaked family break. The Eastenders actress posted a sizzling snap on her Instagram account as she posed by the pool with two-year-old daugh-
INCREDIBLE HUNK: Dan (centre).
NEWLY-WEDDED BLISS: Jacqueline and Ella. ter Ella after donning a neon pink bikini. She captioned the shot: “Me and my little beauty!! Such an amazing trip to my favourite little place!! Back to work, as a married woman. Reading the scripts are getting me excited! Let’s do this! X.” New hubby and former TOWIE star Dan also joined the social media blitz as he shared a series of
photos of the family, including one from his stag do beneath which he wrote: “The boys in Vegas for my stag!!” The couple have been dating since 2013 and went public a year later after previously denying that they were in a relationship. Their luxurious wedding venue was previously owned by Take That heartthrob Gary Barlow, who sold it for €8.1 million in 2006.
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Alves on her mind RUMOURS suggest he is torn between joining Paris St Germain or Manchester City. But Brazilian superstar footballer Dani Alves, 34, showed he has already made the right choice in love after marrying Spanish model Joana Sanz in Ibiza. The defender is currently a free agent after leaving Italian champions Juventus at the end of the season but his personal life appears far more stable, after his 23-yearold wife posted pictures of the intimate ceremony on social media. It comes as Dani recently jetted to Argentina to attend friend and ex-teammate Lionel Messi’s wedding, and after returning from his honeymoon he may be reunited with former coach Pep Guardiola in Manchester.
SUN-SOAKED: The pair were married in Ibiza.
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NEWS EXTRA
Gun slinger NIJAR celebrated its Spaghetti Western past with a series of events held at the local cinema to discuss its role in Hollywood history, during the Sergio Leone era.
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Appetite for destruction
Weed woes TWO men, found with lar ge s uitc as e s fille d with marihuana, were arrested in Los Gallardos after police pulled their vehicle over. They atte mpte d to bac k aw ay from a routine police stop, raising suspicions.
Rural risks
ESPERANZA: Win a trip on Greenpeace’s boat with a destructive idea.
TRAFFIC checks will be r am pe d up ov e r the weekend as police continue their crackdown on speeding and dangerous driving. Rural roads across Almeria will be targeted.
By Matthew Elliott GREENPEACE is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for anyone who has ever dreamt of destroying an entire hotel. The environmental group has launched a campaign inviting creative ideas on how best
to demolish the Azata del Sol hotel on El Agarrobico beach in Carboneras. The hotel, considered one of the great eyesores of the modern era, is already slated for demolition after its construction was declared illegal. But Greenpeace are growing impatient with court delays and worry that, unless a strong protest movement arises, the hotel could stand for another decade while lawyers fill their pockets. The hotel was built less than 20 metres from the shore on a pristine, protected beach within one of Spain’s most famous natural parks. Its audaciously, unnatural positioning made it a symbol for environmental war-
riors across the world, with Greenpeace at one point draping an enormous flag over the abandoned 400-room building. The group has asked followers on social media for the most original and exciting idea on how to destroy the hotel once and for all. Those with a repressed destructive streak can participate on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. The winner with the brightest idea will get to spend a day aboard the group’s Esperanza ship, which is currently moored near Cartagena. Activists also hope to use the campaign to remind the public that the battle to clean up El Algarrobico beach is still far from over.
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No hate in nude beach brawl By Matthew Elliott A FATHER who violently objecte d t o a g a y c o u p le walking naked on an Almeria beach near his children w as se n t e n c e d t o t h re e
mo n th s in p ris o n fo r a s s a u ltin g th e me n . H is fa ther-in-law, the children’s grandfather, is awaiting his sentence for his own role in the attack. The defendant received a
less harsh penalty than that urged by prosecutors, who accused him and his father-inlaw of a violent hate crime. The victims alleged that he called the men ‘faggots’ and ‘pigs’ and made other crude
references to their sexuality. “Fortunately we have had the testimony of third parties outside the two groups that intervened” ruled the judge, deciding that witness accounts that there was no reference to the pair’s sexuality were credible. The incident took place on Torre ga rc ia be a c h in 2014 a nd ha s invoke d a complex set of legal arguments concerning whether it w a s a ha te c rime , or jus t ha ndba gs be tw e e n tw o groups of men at the beach. The gay couple, identified as Luis and Ricardo de Fru-
tos, were strolling naked on the beach. With their young children playing nearby, the two men took offence and accosted them. An argument ensued, during which father punched Luis. A wider fight involving all four men then broke out but t he j udge coul d m ake l i t t l e sense of what exactly happened through the conflicting testimony. There were no serious inj ur i es and t he f at her was singled out as the primary addressor. He has also been ordered to pay Luis €210 in compensation.
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NEWS EXTRA
Car crazy A HOMELESS vandal was arrested after tearing down the Nijar-Campohermoso highway in the dead of night damaging cars. He even assaulted one owner who accosted him before being caught.
Fine show HUNDREDS of people attended a gala held by Vera’s school of dance to celebrate the end of term. Students were dressed in exquisite costumes, putting on a fine show for parents.
Caught out NATIONAL POLICE on duty at Almeria’s busy border post caught a Moroccan fugitive wanted by the Belgian authorities on drug trafficking charges as he arrived on a ship from Nador. TORREGARCIA BEACH: Couple were strolling naked.
Two parks TWO major underground car parks are being planned for Almeria, one under the Plaza Vieja exclusively for residents, and the other near the town hall for council workers only.
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Trigger-happy cameras A LIST of the most fine-friendly speed cameras in Almeria Province has now been made available by the Guardia Civil. There are 11 fixed radar cameras installed in the province with the ability to issue automatic fines. Of the 13,610 speeding fines dished out to drivers last year, 7,681 came from one of the 11 radars, an average of 21 every day. Little wonder that Almeria’s drivers have lost a collective 50,000 points from their licences in the past decade. By far the most active radar in the province is on the A-7 as it passes through El Ejido just after the exit to Balerma. The camera snapped an average of 12 times a day in 2016, racking up 4,608 speeding fines, more than all the other cameras combined. The second most trigger-happy camera is found on a dangerous section of the A-334 road which connects Baza with Huercal-Overa. It fired off 1,123 fines last year. On the same road, but as it passes through Purchena at kilometre 49, the radar slapped fines on more than 400 drivers who exceeded the tight 60 kph limit. Close behind was the radar at kilometre 391, on the A-92, just before the Viator exit. More than
RADARS: Reduced leeway for speeding drivers raises fines. 350 people whizzed past the 120 kph speed limit last year. The fifth snappiest offender is
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installed at kilometre 468.7 of the Autovia Mediterraneo as it passes through Nijar. It can catch drivers travelling in both directions. It is worth noting that, in 2015, the General Traffic Directorate reduced the leeway given to drivers who exceed the limit, helping raise the number of fines. Whether filmed by a fixed radar or a Guardia Civil camera, the law of seven applies. Those travelling under 100 kph must not exceed the limit by more than 7 kph. Those travelling faster than 100 kph have a leeway of seven per cent.
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AN official day of mourning was held across Almeria to pay tribute to the 49 migrants who drowned at sea trying to reach the province. The city council held a minute’s silence as the tragedy provoked a fresh bout of soul searching over what Almeria should do about the humanitarian catastrophe on its
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Tragedy at sea shores. Only three survivors were found floating near the Alboran Sea shipwreck last week when a sudden strong current capsized the ramshackle ves-
sel. The identity of the 49 victims, even their age or gender, is unknown. The disaster has done nothing to stem the tide of new arrivals. Over the weekend al-
most 150 people were rescued in Almeria’s coastal waters. The number of boats arriving from Africa in 2017 is already triple last year’s total. Almeria mayor Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco warned that the coast around the province could not become a ‘landfill’ for dead immigrants. He said the tragedy would only deepen if Europeans become impas-
sive on hearing such news and called for action against the people trafficking mafias. Gines Parra, a director of Almeria human rights group Acoge, called on Spain to open its borders to “people fleeing from misery, wars and injustice.” But Spain’s interior minister, Juan Ignacio Zoido, said human rights groups should
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stop encouraging immigration by launching rescue and aid operations, or the problem will only get worse. Regardless of the moral debate, the boats continue to arrive and the police, coastguard and Red Cross have all warned that they are woefully unprepared to cope with the crisis. More than 2,000 people have arrived in Almeria since January. The National Police Union has admitted it cannot offer an ‘effective response’ to the problem. Photo credit Salvamento Maritimo
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MIGRANTS: More than 2,000 people have arrived in Almeria since January.
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NEWS EXTRA
Smart food A NEW campaign to make greenhouse-grown fruit and vegetables more palatable to consumers has been launched in Almeria. A promotional video from Hortiespaña shows how organic practices are closely followed.
Film feast FILMS are being shown amid the magic surrounds of the Alcazaba castle, as it opens to the public for a summer schedule, for evening activities celebrating the province’s cinema heritage.
Sea safe A DOCTOR from Almeria has brought a new waterproof plaster to Spain from his time at Boston Children's Hospital. Jose Lirola's plaster is seaproof and doesn’t smell.
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Dazed and confused ABIG-HEARTED Guardia Civil officer decided to personally adopt an abandoned Yorkshire Terrier he and his partner found wandering dazed and confused along an Almeria road. They found the young animal dodging traffic in obvious terror on the AL-3106 as they drove from Nijar to the capital. They prevented one d r i v e r, w h o h a d n ’t n o ticed the dog, from runn i n g h i m o v e r. T h e c a r had stopped in traffic without noticing that the exhausted dog was directly underneath his bonnet. O ff i c e r s s w i t c h e d o n their sirens and sped to the car, shouting for him not to start driving. The amount of visits made to friends or 643,000 family in Spain by British citizens in 2016.
Guardia Civil
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They took the Yorkshire Terrier out from the jaws of death and then took him in for a medical check.
The young animal was dodging traffic in terror.
RESCUED: The Yorkshire Terrier heads home with his new best friend.
Ve t s d e w o r m e d , h y drated and fed the dog, which didn’t have a microchip. After a brief search for an owner or missing reports, they decided the dog was abandoned and the officer adopted him on the spot. Thi s sum m er, t he Guardia Civil is running a special campaign urging the public to look out for animal abuse and report it t o t he aut hor i t i es shoul d t hey see any exam pl es of neglect or violence.
NEWS
Genital disaster damages A WOMAN who endured genital injuries, during a gynaecological exam in 2007, has been offered €20,000 damages by the Andalucian High Court of Justice. She suffered burns when concentrated acetic acid was applied during the routine operation at an Almeria hospital. The acid indicated on the label a concentration of five per cent but in reality was much higher. The court criticised the medical centre for not checking the strength but fell short of a harsher judgement. The Andalucian Health Service was declared ultimately responsible for the mishap. The court noted that the victim had tested negative for any allergies and that her injuries were entirely caused by the acid.
NEWS
13 - 19 July 2017 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
NEWS EXTRA
Flesh wound A WOMAN wh o su ffered cuts on her knee after tripping on an uneven sewer lid will be compensated by Almeria Coun c i l . But her €25,000 claim was rejected as excessive by judges.
Bad amigo POL ICE a r re st e d a man believed to have stole n a ba nk c a r d from a f r i e nd a n d withdrawn €1,900 at ATMs in Almeria. He discovered the number by spy i ng o v e r h is friend’s shoulder.
Wearing thin THE actual number of Natio n a l P o l i c e an d Guardia Civil officers across Almeria Province is les s t h a n o n p a p e r. The deficit is 90 and 95 officers respectively and alm o st 2 2 , 0 0 0 a c ro s s Spain.
Night race ALMOST 1,000 runners sped through the historic quarte r o f Al m e r i a to raise funds for the fight against cancer. Athletes came f r o m a c r o ss th e country for the hugely successful night race.
Chef zone THE central market in Almeria is set to be transformed into a culinary hotspot with top chefs sizzling up a storm for people on guided tours of the province’s myriad recipes.
Mini quake AN earthquake measuring 4.3 degrees on the Richte r sc a l e wa s record e d o n S a t u rd a y mor n i n g , f e l t mo s t strongly in the north of the province and one of the larger tremors of the year.
MORE than 70 events are taking place across Almeria over the course of the next week to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the murder of Miguel Angel Blanco. The Popular Party councillor was executed by Basque separatist group ETA on July 12, 1997 in a crime which shocked the nation. Events are scheduled across the
Bloody page of history country. In Almeria various political rallies, manifesto readings, and round table discussions will be organised by the Miguel Angel Blanco Foundation until July 21. On Tuesday a minute’s silence was held by the city council in Almeria,
run by the Popular Party, which works with the Foundation. Documentaries about the killing and what it meant for Spain will be shown in the Teatro Apollo, which will also hold cultural evenings with poetry readings, literary dis-
17
cussions and short films. The killing of Miguel Angel marked a turning point in ETA’s battle against Spain. The youth and popular councillor was just 29 when he was kidnapped and executed when Madrid didn’t meet demands to release ETA prisoners. His murder sparked criticism even among the groups most ardent supporters.
13 - 19 July 2017 / Costa de Almería
NEWS EXTRA
Closed doors
Poor show
A WO MAN a n d h e r tw o young children have been released from hospital after be i n g f o u n d wi t h in juries wandering around El Ejido by police. They were allegedly attacked by her boyfriend.
A NEW Roquetas hotel on the site of the old Zafiro building has opened to a less than successful weekend. Many guests left as s o o n as th e y a rriv ed to find the hotel still in total disrepair.
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NEWS
Miss Grand Spain winner represents the Balearics MARIANA RICO, a 16-year-old born in Venezuela and living in Malaga but competing as Miss Grand Balearics won the Miss Grand Spain 2017 title in Sevilla. Miss Grand Malaga Anastasia Castillo, a model from Torremolinos had hoped to become the fourth representative of Malaga to win the title which has been contested for just the past five years,
but sadly for her, she was not even in the final five. The first runner up was Susana Sanchez from Sevilla, second runner up was Carolina Santos competing on behalf of Andalucia, whilst Paola Morales and Alba Lara representing Granada and Jaen respectively finished fourth and fifth. There was considerable upset
when the contestant from Pontevedra, Jessica Solleiro fell three metres from the stage in the preliminary round, but happily she is recovering without serious injury. Mariana will be 17 when she travels to Vietnam in October to take part in the Miss Grand International finals and appears to have no worries about the long journey or leaving home for the competition.
1 5 4 3
2
1 Miss Balearic 2 Miss Sevilla 3 Miss Andalucía 4 Miss Granada 5 Miss Jaén.
Miss Grand Spain / Facebook
20
NEWS
13 - 19 July 2017 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
BRIGHT new ideas for the city’s future have been presented in Almeria’s latest strategic plan. The proposal was presented by Mayor Pacheco to the regional tourism board for major cities. Among the boldest proposals is the construction of an underwater museum and the transformation of the central market into a huge open air gastronomical paradise. Pacheco said the city is ready to finally embrace the 21st century and identified Malaga as a suitable example for Almeria to follow. The Costa del Sol capital has become a thriving cultural hotspot now even rivalling the surrounding expatriate beach communities in the tourism stakes. The first port of call is to revamp the city’s beaches and coastline to make them cleaner and more appealing to residents and tourists. Pacheco also wants to attract more researchers and top
Ayuntamiento de Almeria
Ambitious future blueprint
VISION: Mayor Pacecho (centre) outlines his vision. scientists to work on innovation and development in the agri-business sphere. To improve the city’s tourist potential, an underwater museum would complement the renovation of the San Telmo lighthouse. A new cinema would be built and more cycle lanes established. Traffic would be dramatically reduced within the city’s
historic quarter, set to be completely pedestrianised. A fleet of electric buses and new parks would see Almeria do its bit to fight climate change. Pacheco also claimed that El Cable Ingles, the famous loading dock would finally be converted into a leisure centre. Though that, and many of the other pledges, have been on the table for decades.
21
COMMUNITY
13 - 19 July 2017 / Costa de Almería
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23
Richard and Oliver Clarke’s long walk for charity THE team at Calida Homes met with the Walk for Life committee and Maz’s Canine Rescue and were able to hand over donations totalling €1,010 to each charity. Richard and his son Oliver are now back in Arboleas after their 420km walk on the Camino Santiago. Richard and Oliver want to thank all clients and friends for their support throughout this very tough challenge and for helping to raise such a huge sum of money for these two fantastic local charities. In addition, Richard added what a privilege it had been to undertake the walk and to help such worthwhile causes. The Walk for Life team is currently working closely with over 100 cancer sufferers locally, providing not only much-needed help to the sufferers of this awful disease, but invaluable assistance to their family members. The committee said the money that everyone helped to raise is incredible
DONATION: Of €1,010 was made to charity.
and will go a long way in helping them to continue with their wonderful work, which they all do on a voluntary basis. Any further donations or offers of help will be much welcomed and you can contact Lynne Sweet on 608 762 748 or email w4lifesweet@btinter net.com. Don’t forget, their annual dinner dance, a wonderful event, will be taking place in October (venue and ticket price to be announced shortly) and their fantastic calendar for 2018 will be on sale later in the year. Richard met up with Maz at her new shop, which opened on Saturday July 8. The Maz’s Canine Rescue Charity shop will be selling a whole host of items, which have been donated more donations of clothes, handbags, shoes etc will be gratefully received! The shop is located in the parade at the back of Mercadona in Albox.
MOJACAR PLAYA: Venue for the fundraiser.
MACS Moonwalk 2017 A SULTRY July evening at Mojacar Playa was the venue for the Mojacar Area Cancer Support Group (MACS) Moonwalk fundraiser. Walkers completed either the 10km or the 5km walks. The 10km walk started at Tito’s Chiringuito, went to Big Fat Momma’s Restaurant and returned to Tito’s. The 5km walkers started at Big Fat Momma’s and finished at Tito’s. The walkers obtained sponsors for their walks and there were collection buckets as well. To date, approximately €3,000 was raised by this special event, with some pledges still to come in. The weather was perfect. Fittingly, there was a full moon and a slight breeze coming off the sea. There were walkers of all ages
and attires. One group of women walkers, headed by Alison Bramwell, was dressed as naughty schoolgirls. Most people wore purple, which is the colour for MACS, to denote that MACS helps those affected by cancer. The success of this event was attributable to the many wonderful volunteers and organisations that gave their time and support. MACS, local cancer charity, has charity shops in Mojacar Playa, Turre, Vera, Albox and Huercal-Overa. If you would like information about the location of those shops, general enquiries or serving as a volunteer, call 634 328 334 weekdays between 11am and 4pm. If you, or a loved one, needs the support of MACS, please call 634 656 555.
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13 - 19 July 2017 / Costa de Almería
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COMMUNITY
MAYA BAMFORD with some of her Holistic Therapists.
Sol Yoga Centre wins prestigious award THE annual ‘A Los Mejores del Almanzora’ awards were held on July 6 at the Centro del Cultural Fidela Campiña in Tijola; sponsored by the Spanish newspaper, Ideal. These awards are held to pay tribute to those people, businesses and organisations who have, with their good work, helped to make the people of the Almanzora Valley increasingly prosperous or have tried to improve the quality of life within the area. The awards covered towns throughout the Almanzora Valley including Arboleas, Tijola and Seron, amongst others. There were five categories. The Social Award was presented to the Sol Yoga Centre and accepted by the centre’s leader, Maya Bamford, for charity work carried out mainly in the Arboleas area, such as contributing to the local food
bank every month of the year, but also for raising money to support young ‘Leo the Lion’ and for raising money for the ‘Knitted Knockers’ campaign. The Economic Award went to Airun Tu Cados of Serón, which manufactures bridal wear and other costumes. The Sports Award was presented to Club Ciclista el Pedal de Macael. This award was accepted by a huge group of cyclists that cycle both on road and off road throughout the Almanzora Valley. The Cultural Award went to the Fundación de Arte Ibañez-Cosentino. This is a museum on the outskirts of Olula del Rio and is a nonprofit institution. It specialises in the work of Andres Garcia Ibañez. The final, Award for Dedication, went to the Asociación Musical Maestro
Lazaro de Tijola. This is an orchestra, based in Tijola that has been performing for 126 years and their musical director, Antonio Jesus Sanchez, accepted the award. Arboleas mayor, Cristobal Garcia Granados, originally nominated the Sol Yoga Centre and it was the first time at this set of awards that a British-run charity had been put forward. This reflects the influence that the British are gradually exerting over the area. After the awards ceremony, there was a fabulous celebration party at a local restaurant for all the speakers, the winners and their guests featuring local wines and tapas. For further information on future Sol Yoga Centre Charity Events, please telephone 686 400 331 or email solyogacentre@hot mail.com.
APSA monthly raffle prize winners, June 2017 KEITH ROBERTS of APSA (Animal Protection Society Albox), would like to announce the following winners of the monthly raffle for June: Almeria Tenpin Bowling - two-course Sunday lunch for two or fish and chips with dessert for two, any day of the week (closed Mondays). Won by Keith and Norma Prime Colin The Card - A €10 voucher Won by Jean and Mac MacDonald Pricebusters - A €10 Voucher
Tom and Christine Cawdron The winning tickets were drawn by Charlotte, from Chapmans Bar. Sellers Jean and Mac Keith collected €88 in total. APSA is grateful to Almeria Ten Pin Bowling, Colin The Card, and Pricebusters for their monthly prizes and to all who purchased raffle tickets. The proceeds will go towards helping the many animals in the care of APSA. Keith would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
13 - 19 July 2017 / Costa de Almería
www.euroweeklynews.com
COMMUNITY
Fight for their rights Photo Credit PSOE Almeria
26
FIGHTER: Ines Plaza. DEMANDS for a new pet law to govern abandoned animals across the province are gaining traction as questions
grow over the fate of thousands of animals at Almeria’s pet sanctuary. Firebrand Socialist council-
lor Ines Plaza has been fighting a one-woman war against the city’s Zoosanitary centre which she accuses of needlessly killing thousands of stray and sick cats and dogs. She has urged the council to abandon the practice and adopt her new proposal for an animal protection law before the National Veterinary Congress is held in Almeria next month. Plaza, a PSOE member, said it would be “an exercise in unbearable cynicism” for the mayor to slap medals around vets at a PR-friendly meeting, while the city routinely kills healthy animals simply because there is no room. Several months ago Euro Weekly News ran a story on Plaza’s expose of the Zoosanitary centre. The councillor’s team exhaustively analysed the centre’s intake of animals and the number of deaths and adoptions. The found a major discrepancy, suggesting that thousands of animals were killed but the deaths not recorded on the books. Many were euthanised but Plaza believes a substantial number were healthy. Photos of the centre’s interior have also shown cats and dogs forced to endure filthy, overcrowded conditions. The facility has come under fire for its lax security, with five dangerous dogs stolen overnight from the premises in the past month. Ms Plaza is also demanding a solution to Almeria’s cat colony problem and has accused the council of organising what are effectively death squads to wipe out wild populations rather than establish safe havens outside the city limits.
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13 - 19 July 2017 / Costa de Almería
RUSSIAN PRESS
www.euroweeklynews.com
Dmitri Maradona
MARADONA: Could be made an honorary citizen. MARADONA may become the latest foreign celebrity to become an honorary Russian citizen. The Argentine icon was in the country for the Confederations Cup and hinted at his desire to become a citizen. A role coaching the national team would then be on the cards, though not before the World Cup.
Metro magic FOURTEEN new stations are planned to open on Moscow’s iconic metro by Christmas. Three have already opened in the capital, each featuring unique architectural designs. The new Shelepikha station will see 13,000 people pass through every hour, while CSKA Moscow’s stadium will also be connected.
Lethal storm AT least two fatalities were recorded in the latest storms to hit Moscow. One of the victims was struck by lightning as meteorologists suggested the storm was the most powerful since 1923. It came just months after 18 people were killed when wild weather in May caused floods and felled trees.
Sitting duck THE Russian army responded to a sly dig from British defence secretary Michael Fallon.
Heart friendly MINISTERS have urged their countrymen to swap vodka and moonshine for w ine . A gric ulture c hief Al exander Tkachyov said the state would provide financial incentives for the local wine industry to help boost the country’s health. Vodka and other strong spirits were devastating populations, he said.
He said Britain’s new aircraft carrier, the €7 billion HMS Queen Elizabeth would be the envy of Moscow. But Major-General Igor Konashenkov retorted that the shiny new vessel was merely a “convenient naval target.”
Presidential pow wow AFTER months of speculation over the Kremlin'’ role in last year’s US presidential election, Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump finally met in person at the G20 summit in Hamburg. Though the countries are on the brink of a new cold war, many believe the leaders share similar goals.
Pilot pardon A RUSSIAN pilot serving 20 years in an American prison has begged Donald Trump to let him return home. Konstantin Yaroshenko was snatched in Liberia six years ago and flown to the US on drug trafficking charges. His lawyers submitted an Independence Day request for a pardon to the White House. VINO: Wine may soon be back in fashion across Russia.
FINANCE
business & legal
Unfair charges questioned THE European Court of Justice has made a ruling which may assist travellers within the EU who are penalised for cancelling flights. In a response to a case brought by the German consumer union it has ruled that all airlines operating within the EU have to comply with general consumer rules for unfair terms and to publish clearly details of any cancellation charges on their internet sites.
A SWISS investment company has invested €450 million in commercial property in Spain and is now turning to residential builds. Stoneweg considers that the Spanish market offers a particularly strong opportunity for investment and moved into the market in 2015. Having raised €1.4 billion from investors around Europe, including Spain as well as the USA, the company believes that their clients are more than comfortable with investment in Spanish real estate. Whilst initially focusing on com-
take several months to negotiate. This is yet another deal, along with the recent finalisation of the EU-Canada free trade arrangement, that the UK is likely to be excluded from after Brexit. Depending on the final terms of the Brexit deal, the EU could find itself having trade relationships with nations half way across the world than with its neighbour and former partner.
By John Smith mercial property, the fund is now expanding its residential portfolio, working in partnership with local builders and has some €300 million which it plans to invest in property hot spots such as Barcelona and Madrid. The problem with those two cities is that land is becoming more and more scarce and therefore more expensive and although they have some €1 million plus individual properties under construction, they
BUSINESS EXTRA
Rental growth CAR rental in Spain could generate €1.6 billion of income during 2017, an increase of 6 per cent over the previous year. The number of companies renting cars and the number of tourists hiring them keep growing according to a report by DBK Informa.
More jobs THE Spanish government will approve the recruitment of more than 20,000 in the public sector with the majority working in the Tax Authority and Social Services. Once this figure is reached there will also be 5,000 promotions which will need replacements.
Green bonds SPAIN has climbed to sixth place in the world for the launch of ‘green’ investment bonds with Iberdrola the energy company being the main issuer. Investors are currently looking to place funds with socially aware companies.
Investors look to buy Spanish bridal boutiques PRONOVIAS the Spanish bridal shop which has prestige branches around the world is likely to be purchased by four international investment funds for €300 million. Founded in 1922 by a Turkish immigrant, the company grew over the years until it offers a wide range of special clothing including wedding dresses through 44
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A EURO WEEKLY NEWS 6 PAGE SPECIAL SECTION // WWW.EWNBUSINESS.COM
It’s the European Central Bank, as the single supervisor, and the SRB that executed all the decisions,” said Spanish Economy Minister Luis de Guindos when questioned about lawsuits over the sale of Banco Popular.
Doors open for deal with Japanese
EWN
is the amount that the State owned Fund for Orderly Bank Restructuring (FROB) paid private companies for advice on the sale of Banco Popular.
Swiss invest €450m in Spain
SHINZO ABE on left opposite Donald Tusk.
THE European Union and Japan have confirmed that they intend to enter into a free trade agreement. EU Council President Donald Tusk and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met the day before the beginning of the recent G20 summit to officially endorse the deal and this action sends a clear message to the increasingly protectionist USA. Whilst it has been agreed in principle it still needs the approval of EU leaders and will
€250,000
STAT OF WEEK
European Union
Quote of the Week
Costa de Almería
13 - 19 July 2017
owned shops and 79 franchises. Latest figures show a profit of €22 million, but the company is owned by recently divorced Alberto Ribera and it was known that he was looking for external investment, perhaps in order to make settlement on his former partner. One attraction to the sale is that company debts will also be taken over.
are now looking at other areas such as Costa Brava and even Malaga and Sevilla. Not every project is high end and Stoneweg is more than happy to consider cheaper builds if there appears to be a market and potential profit for their properties. They have currently committed €150 million on investment and building projects to be completed in 2017 and expect to continue building and selling residential properties and obtaining and leasing commercial properties in 2018.
Tax cuts agreed for low earners THE cost of tax for 3.5 million Spaniards will drop thanks to a deal between the government and Ciudadanos. Those earning less than €14,000 a year will not pay any tax and there will be a cut in the rate for those earning up to €17,500. In addition, but not yet confirmed, there may be a further reduction for those earning up to €20,000. There will also be a payment of €1,200 to families looking after the disabled or very elderly.
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E W N 13 - 19 July 2017 / Costa de Almería
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PRICE(P) CHANGE(P) COMPANY 3i Group PLC 904.50 6.50 Admiral Group PLC 2037.00 6.00 Anglo American PLC 1045.25 -5.50 Antofagasta PLC 811.00 -4.50 Ashtead Group PLC 1544.00 0.00 Associated British Foods PLC 2981.00 11.00 AstraZeneca PLC 5152.50 23.00 Aviva PLC 535.75 1.00 Babcock International Group... 872.50 -1.50 BAE Systems PLC 615.25 -2.00 Barclays PLC 208.38 0.25 Barratt Developments PLC 592.75 3.38 BHP Billiton PLC 1240.00 -2.50 BP PLC 447.07 3.10 British American Tobacco PLC 5179.50 -40.00 British Land Co PLC 610.25 2.50 BT Group PLC 288.45 1.25 Bunzl PLC 2246.00 -11.00 Burberry Group PLC 1621.50 11.00 Carnival PLC 5142.50 -10.00 Centrica PLC 206.90 -0.80 Coca-Cola HBC AG 2211.00 -10.00 Compass Group PLC 1579.50 2.00 ConvaTec Group PLC 300.35 -1.00 CRH PLC 2762.00 -10.00 Croda International PLC 3840.00 -10.00 DCC PLC 6857.50 -35.05 Diageo PLC 2261.25 0.50 Direct Line Insurance Group 364.00 0.80 easyJet PLC 1417.50 -1.00 Experian PLC 1565.50 0.00 Fresnillo PLC 1382.50 -38.00 G4S PLC 325.90 -1.60 GKN PLC 326.50 -0.80 GlaxoSmithKline PLC 1615.25 1.00 Glencore PLC 297.12 -0.15 Hammerson PLC 572.75 2.00 Hargreaves Lansdown PLC 1277.50 0.00 HSBC Holdings PLC 737.50 9.30 Imperial Brands PLC 3440.00 -15.50 Informa PLC 658.25 0.00 InterContinental Hotels Gr 4277.50 16.00 International Consolidated 631.25 3.50 Intertek Group PLC 4190.50 -5.00 ITV PLC 178.00 1.40 Johnson Matthey PLC 2782.00 -2.00 Kingfisher PLC 307.30 2.40 Land Securities Group PLC 1018.50 5.00 Legal & General Group PLC 266.95 -0.10 Lloyds Banking Group PLC 66.11 -0.42
% CHG. 0.72 0.30 -0.52 -0.55 0.00 0.37 0.45 0.19 -0.17 -0.32 0.12 0.57 -0.20 0.70 -0.77 0.41 0.44 -0.49 0.68 -0.19 -0.39 -0.45 0.13 -0.33 -0.36 -0.26 -0.51 0.02 0.22 -0.07 0.00 -2.68 -0.49 -0.24 0.06 -0.05 0.35 0.00 1.28 -0.45 0.00 0.38 0.56 -0.12 0.79 -0.07 0.79 0.49 -0.04 -0.63
NET VOL 40.79 4.87 137.99 58.81 43.43 16.88 55.74 264.87 54.63 690.41 1,980.25 139.46 241.22 1,138.26 145.78 66.60 514.84 27.17 48.20 17.40 1,333.32 54.46 102.40 258.46 24.02 4.95 7.52 244.54 84.22 178.01 115.43 113.10 119.63 193.07 285.72 1,029.40 36.79 67.74 2,273.96 76.76 30.37 5.86 552.15 16.64 421.41 15.44 437.14 83.46 429.74 7,550.70
COMPANY
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London Stock Exchange Grp 3742.00 Marks & Spencer Group PLC 343.05 Mediclinic International PLC 730.00 Merlin Entertainments PLC 472.85 Micro Focus International PLC 2203.00 Mondi PLC 1999.00 Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets 242.65 National Grid PLC 933.30 Next PLC 3759.50 Old Mutual PLC 191.65 Paddy Power Betfair PLC 8062.50 Pearson PLC 689.75 Persimmon PLC 2380.50 Provident Financial PLC 2374.00 Prudential PLC 1786.25 Randgold Resources Ltd 6597.50 Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC 7654.00 RELX PLC 1624.50 Rentokil Initial PLC 273.15 Rio Tinto PLC 3331.75 Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC 931.25 Royal Bank of Scotland Grou... 258.25 Royal Dutch Shell PLC 2073.75 Royal Mail PLC 411.95 RSA Insurance Group PLC 638.75 Sage Group (The) PLC 675.25 Sainsbury (J) PLC 247.95 Schroders PLC 3230.00 Scottish Mortgage Investmen 396.55 Segro PLC 484.20 Severn Trent PLC 2200.50 Shire PLC 4334.75 Sky PLC 993.75 Smith & Nephew PLC 1305.50 Smiths Group PLC 1627.00 Smurfit Kappa Group PLC 2379.50 SSE PLC 1474.50 Standard Chartered PLC 814.70 Standard Life PLC 407.50 St James's Place PLC 1195.00 Taylor Wimpey PLC 179.60 Tesco PLC 170.95 TUI AG 1128.00 Unilever PLC 4191.25 United Utilities Group PLC 869.00 Vodafone Group PLC 218.90 Whitbread PLC 3851.50 Wolseley PLC 4664.00 Worldpay Group PLC 369.90 WPP PLC 1565.50
CHANGE(P) 9.00 -1.40 -1.00 -0.50 1.00 -1.00 1.50 -1.40 -6.00 0.10 -10.00 4.06 14.50 6.00 6.50 -70.00 -14.00 -7.00 1.50 -30.00 -5.00 -0.40 12.58 1.60 3.50 4.00 1.60 73.00 1.26 2.70 -8.00 11.00 4.00 1.00 2.00 0.00 -0.20 11.90 1.80 1.00 1.24 0.47 -1.00 14.00 -1.00 0.05 7.00 -14.00 1.50 -4.00
% CHG.
NET VOL
0.24 -0.41 -0.14 -0.11 0.05 -0.05 0.62 -0.15 -0.16 0.05 -0.12 0.59 0.61 0.25 0.37 -1.05 -0.18 -0.43 0.55 -0.89 -0.53 -0.15 0.61 0.39 0.55 0.60 0.65 2.31 0.32 0.56 -0.36 0.25 0.40 0.08 0.12 0.00 -0.01 1.48 0.44 0.08 0.70 0.28 -0.09 0.34 -0.11 0.02 0.18 -0.30 0.41 -0.25
8.79 247.38 9.83 78.37 9.05 23.98 188.31 168.66 14.56 84.97 1.07 91.98 73.02 4.83 200.55 89.73 38.73 207.69 214.27 172.62 313.86 552.47 223.44 184.81 108.27 38.71 284.22 89.53 156.21 39.93 39.45 126.14 53.14 76.99 72.62 7.98 121.07 432.43 408.40 27.30 638.90 259.95 15.30 204.39 108.63 1,043.99 7.83 18.72 222.38 183.36
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PRICE CHANGE %CHANGE VOLUME(M) 209,590 +0,75% 1,570 125.103 84,3300 +0,70% 0,5900 75.381 144,180 +1,02% 1,450 751.731 202,370 +0,44% 0,890 122.140 106,920 +0,38% 0,410 63.010 103,49 -0,32% -0,33 196.162 30,900 +0,59% 0,180 154.501 44,39 -0,02% -0,01 189.616 82,0300 +0,54% 0,4400 71.122 80,22 +0,12% 0,10 339.828 26,1500 -0,61% -0,1600 226.998 225,28 -0,62% -1,41 88.663 152,2300 +0,12% 0,1800 181.945 152,94 +0,38% 0,58 143.667 33,8800 +0,74% 0,2500 159.540 93,8500 +0,50% 0,4700 333.395 132,5400 +0,02% 0,0200 357.040 156,2700 +2,08% 3,1800 127.387 63,16 +0,10% 0,06 172.80 69,460 +1,30% 0,890 536.266 57,98 +1,43% 0,82 76.608 33,3500 +0,39% 0,1300 199.087 87,650 +0,32% 0,280 224.098 127,17 +0,78% 0,99 35.536 122,61 +0,59% 0,72 98.206 187,96 +0,55% 1,02 181.099 43,48 -0,09% -0,04 177.411 93,92 +0,72% 0,67 173.455 75,3300 -0,19% -0,1400 227.052 103,3200 -0,03% -0,0300 161.620
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$ 5.88 $ 5.35 $ 19.80 $ 12.45 $ 67.30 $ 11.85 $ 2.50 $ 10.25 $ 32.58 $ 25.17 $ 7.50
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FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
Butter shortage forecast
REVENUE FROM ICE CREAM TAKES SOME LICKING
As the sun shines sales rise GLOBAL WARMING is helping to encourage the sale of different types of cold and refreshing desserts around the world. There is evidence of the production of frozen desserts thousands of years ago with the Ancient Greeks and Romans adding flavours to ice brought down from the mountains, although the invention of the modern version is credited to China, with the concept brought to Europe by Marco Polo. Despite the Chinese involvement, the market has until quite recently been led by the West according to a recent Mintel report but this is now changing with the huge populations of China, India and Indonesia seeing a major growth in consumption. China is now the world’s biggest ice cream market, with sales estimated at 4.3 billion litres in 2016, followed by the US (2.7 billion litres) and Japan (756 million litres) but by head, the biggest purchasers of ice cream are in Norway, Australia and Sweden. Despite the fact that there seem to be increasing numbers of ice cream parlours opening across Spain, the Spanish are far less adventurous than many of their European cousins in wanting to try new, ethnic inspired flavours. The production of unusual flavoured ice cream started in the Far East with such exotic flavours as Wasabi, Green Tea, Goat’s Cheese and Avocado but moved rapidly to the USA and then Europe particularly Germany, Italy and Poland. It’s not just ice cream that is seeing a growth in popularity as anything iced or frozen, be it cream, sorbet, yoghurt, semifreddo or even gin and tonic lollies are becoming increasingly more popular in the East whilst the West is importing exotic ideas. Kulfi is coming from India, moochi a frozen rice doughnut filled with ice cream from Japan, rolled ice from Thailand and even booza, a
CHILDREN will always love ice cream.
traditional type of ice cream from Syria and Lebanon which is very slow to melt. Whilst some health conscious consumers are consciously reducing their ice cream intake, others are involved in the launch of Vegan versions which are seeing a considerable growth in sales as they manage to find entry into national outlets. One thing that Spain seems determined to do, regardless of trends, is to keep its deep freezes within restaurants and to offer a whole range of frozen desserts to child and adult diners, with the added bonus that guests can still often take the clay containers home with them.
SPAIN WOULD BE WELL ADVISED TO FOLLOW A DUTCH IDEA
TURNING waste plastic into green money works in Amsterdam and an environmental organisation wants to see Spain follow suit. The Dutch capital has a reputation for being one of the most environmentally friendly and alert capitals in Europe with a huge number of bicycles reducing pollution in the air and much being done to remove waste sensibly. Appropriately named Wasted Lab has produced a series of green coins which it makes from the plastic handed in to it and in turn, it has negotiated with various stores and organisations around the city to accept the green coins in part payment for products, services or meals. Anyone who wants to join in has to register with Wasted and receive special bags in which to place plastic of different types for recycling and the positive result is not only do those collectors bring their own plastic but they also pick up plastic in the streets in bins and by canals, increasing the amount that is recycled. Those companies who accept the green coins are then able to use them to get Wasted to collect their rubbish and dispose of it and in the case of plastic, they will re-
Photo by Wasted Lab
Green coins for a green plan
GREEN COINS made from recycled plastic.
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ceive green coins as well. The plastic collected by the Wasted company is used as the main source of material for their range of products. They specialise in the manufacture of recycled and recyclable building block, furniture, facilities for local market stalls and children’s games. So successful has this project been that the company reports that they continue to expand the number of outlets that accept the coins, have an ever-growing army of plastic collectors and the value of the coins is now common knowledge so that the coins themselves are likely to be digitised
by the end of this year. For countries like Spain who have been lagging behind in the recycling of waste generally and are not on course to comply with European Union directives this could be an ideal way of meeting the requirements at least in the case of plastic and making it worthwhile for individuals to take the trouble to become involved. Collection of waste in Spain is very regular but in a large number of cases, quite indiscriminate with waste of different types simply being dumped together meaning that recycling is a haphazard and somewhat inefficient undertaking.
ONE of the largest producers of dairy products in Britain, Arla has warned that there could be a Europe wide shortage of butter in particular by the end of this year. For a number of years, there was an excess of milk production which when coupled with EU subsidies led to the creation of butter mountains and milk lakes, but with a deliberate sharp reduction in milk yield, the pendulum has started to swing the other way. Many countries are moving away from margarine and back to butter which means that manufacturers are stretched and although Spain tends not to rely on fresh cream, it is suggested that expatriates’ mince pies and Christmas pudding may have to be served with custard rather than cream.
Santander additional share sale IGNORING the fact that disgruntled former Banco Popular shareholders are working together to try to recover lost money, Santander has invited them to invest more. All of those former shareholders are being given preferential treatment by way of a discounted price of 17.75 per cent in this new offering to cover the €7 billion needed to cover the acquired bank’s estimated bad debts. The management of Santander is confident that it will sell all of the new shares, but as is normal, has effectively insured itself against being left with shares at an estimated cost of €70 million. Santander has also indicated that there will be positive trading contribution from Banco Popular of more than €30 million this year.
FINANCE, BUSINESS & LEGAL
13 - 19 July 2017 / Costa de Almería
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THE ROYAL FAMILIES CHAT WHILST BUSINESS CARRIES ON
THE visit of the Spanish King and Queen to the UK was more than just a gesture of friendship between old allies but had economic reasons. Britain is a major home for Spanish investment and travelling with the Royal Party will be a number of heads of Spanish companies who own large parts of British commerce and industry. Those who will be participating include Ana Botín, president of Santander; José María Álvarez-Pallete, president of Telefónica; Ignacio Sánchez Galán, president of Iberdrola: Pablo Isla, president of Inditex; Rafael del Pino, president of Ferrovial and Josep Oliu, president of Sabadell, When one considers that between them they own Santander UK, O2, Heathrow Airport, Zara UK and TSB Bank, their influence in the British economy is significant and they are clearly interested in the future of their investments in the run up to and post Brexit. Whilst the King and Queen will be enjoying the pomp and ceremony of the first Spanish Official Visit in 31 years, the business owners will be discussing
Photo by Casa SM El Ray
Spanish entrepreneurs visit UK
KING FELIPE in the Cortes.
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matters with local executives as well as diplomats and political heavyweights. There was a very exclusive breakfast when the most important of the Spanish industrialists met with Dr Liam Fox, Minister for International Trade who was accompanied by his Spanish opposite number Marisa Poncela García. This ‘closed’ meeting was followed by a larger address at the Mansion House where the ‘great and good’ from both countries had a chance to discuss possible future opportunities and there was a short address from King Felipe.
Whilst Spain and the UK are economically close, there was bound to be some jostling for position, especially as Spain would be happy to take over the role of hosting some of the European Union organisations currently headquartered in London. The position of Gibraltar will almost certainly not be allowed to become a major point of public disagreement although it will be discussed in private as it is does play an important financial role in the economy of the Campo. The British Ambassador in Madrid had already been briefed to discuss the Catalan independence situation and to distance it from comparison with Scotland and it is probable that the British government will repeat this position during the visit. The position of expatriates in both countries will be a major topic of conversation as will movement of money and people across borders following Britain’s eventual resignation from the 28. With British industrialists calling for a delay in leaving the Free Trade Agreement, it is also possible that the Spanish visitors will reinforce this suggestion.
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Wheat price to increase ALREADY the largest importer of wheat in the European Union, it appears that Spain will have to increase imports by 43 per cent this year. The cause of this is the continuing dry weather which means that forecast production in Spain is down by 1.8 million tonnes. Much of this requirement is to satisfy the need to feed Spain’s huge livestock sector according to research organisation AgroInfomarket. It isn’t just wheat however which will affect the balance of payments as significant increases are expected in importation of both barley and corn, the latter now looking as if it will take over first place in the production of animal feed.
Losing mental capacity whilst living abroad by Stone King Charlotte Macdonald Contact me at international@stoneking.co.uk
MANY UK expatriates living in Spain own properties in the UK and have pensions and investments in the UK. They rely on their UK assets to maintain their lifestyles (and those of their families) in Spain. If they can no longer manage their affairs in the UK due to a loss of mental capacity, it can cause many difficulties.
You can choose a person or people, who you trust, to act for you when you are no longer able. The best way to avoid the legal and practical difficulties that can occur with the loss of mental capacity is to plan for it in advance by drawing up a document called a ‘Lasting Power of Attorney’ (‘LPA’).
An LPA must be made while you have full mental capacity.
What is an LPA? An LPA is a legal document that enables you to appoint one or more attor-
neys to act for you when you are no longer able to act for yourself. Your attorney can be a professional,
such as a solicitor or a family member or friend. There are two types of LPA: ‘Health and Welfare’ or ‘Property and Financial Affairs’ An LPA must be made while you have full mental capacity. It is therefore important to make one while you are in good health. Why should you get an LPA? You can choose a person or people, who you trust, to act for you when you are no longer able. If you lose your mental capacity and do not have an LPA, then your family (or the authorities) will have no choice but to make an application to the Court of Protection to appoint a ‘deputy’ to look after your affairs, which can be time consuming and costly. Will my LPA be recognised in Spain? Unfortunately there is no international type of LPA which is guaranteed to work in both the UK and Spain. The advice we give to our clients at Stone King, is that if you have assets in both Spain and the UK, your only safe option is to appoint attorneys in both jurisdictions.
If you would like to discuss LPAs contact Charlotte Macdonald or Dan Harris at Stone King LLP by email international@stoneking.co.uk or by telephone on +44 (0)1225 337599.
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The people deserve a lot more LEAPY LEE SAYS IT
OTHERS THINK IT HIGHLY predictable leftie reaction to the appointment of Sir Martin Moore-Bick as chief investigator of the Grenfell inquiry. ‘He knows nothing about how these residents live their lives,’ ranted one dissenter. Er, just a minute, what on earth has that particular observation got to do with anything? This is an enquiry as to what, or whom was to blame for this tragedy; it has nothing whatsoever to do with how the residents lived. (Unless it transpires the fire was due to a bomb-making factory, as was recently reported on a number of social media sites!) ‘We want an unbiased investigation’ they ranted on. Ok, so what would make them happy one wonders? An ethnic immigrant on welfare, living in council accommodation? Oh yeah, you’re bound to get a completely unbiased result from that particular quarter. Sir Martin is a re-
JEREMY CORBYN: Thinks he knows the winner of Love Island! spected judge of some 20 years, his credentials are as long as your arm and utterly impeccable, including commercial law. I know who I would prefer to investigate my claims and catastrophic losses and with all due respect it wouldn’t be someone whose main criteria was ‘knowing how these people live.’ Let this extremely com-
petent appointee get on with the job he has been assigned to. If, after a respectable time lapse, he and his committee appear to be dragging their feet, by all means kick their backsides into speedier action. Objections to his appointment will only drag the whole thing out even longer. Surely the victims of this tragedy deserve a great deal more than that?
Corbyn continues on his unrelenting quest to show everyone he truly is a man of the people, particularly the gullible young. Not only did he spout off at Glastonbury, he now gives his opinion on who he thinks should win the brain numbing TV series of Love Island! The mind truly does boggle.
As a matter of interest, it has been assessed that his other, ‘catch the young’ ploy ie cancelling student loans, would cost something in the region of 100 billion pounds. Yet another example of his totally irresponsible Christmas present list. Don’t get me wrong, I am seriously disillusioned with the Conservative party at the moment, but frankly the thought of Corbyn, Abbott and the union bullies taking over the country, is a far worse scenario. Personally, I would like to see Farage in number 10. Who knows, in the event of another general election, (heaven forbid!) were he to run, I think he would be in with an extremely serious chance. He certainly talks with more sense than the whole of the rest put together, and at least he’s not running scared, as the majority of our illustrious leaders appear to be! Keep the faith Love Leapy. Leapylee2002@gmail.com
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Watch out! You may be caught wearing only a smile on Google Street View! 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
IN THE BUFF: Your secret is safe with me.
THE recent General Election, with its reports from all over the UK, brought home some memories of old haunts, especially of former, err, homes. So, idly Google-MapsStreet-Viewing, I zoomed in on one home which was sold to a couple with small boys. Oh, look, I moan to myself, they’ve taken down my beautiful shutters (so difficult to fit), painted the front door red (was pristine white) and installed window boxes (definitely out of proportion). Plus some god-ugly goalposts for the kids in the garden... Finally tearing myself away from No 21, I turn my attention to No 23 to check if
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that’s also become a renovation project. New windows, new coat of paint, new driveway I note absentmindedly. About to turn away - already getting a bit bored - when something in No 23’s rear garden catches my eye. What’s that pallid, lumpy mass beside one of the high walls dividing the properties? I zoom in even closer. And all’s revealed. Taking advantage of the unexpectedly bright, sunny day of filming and unknowingly caught in its unforgiving glare are our neighbours, Jill and Johnnie. Lying protected by high walls from neighbours’ prying eyes but not the camera’s - in the buff! Well, JJ, it could have been worse. Pity that poor bloke caught on camera being arrested, another coming out of a sex shop, the yobbo vomiting while his mate’s relieving himself on a hedge and the couple caught …well, you know. Street View maps reveal all
sorts of scenes of ordinary daily life depicting all sorts of people caught in all sorts of places they’re not meant to be - images available to anyone, remember. But don’t worry, JJ, you know your secret’s safe with me. Lucky (for you) it hasn’t gone on Instagram ... yet! Finally, many thanks to all of you who purchased my crime thrillers (all profits, as you know, to Costa del Sol Cudeca cancer charity), following my piece here two weeks ago about why and how people lie - and the impact this has on others – a subject that’s always fascinated me and inspired all my novels. And keep those donations going to Cudeca! Nora Johnson’s psychological/suspense crime thrillers ‘No Way Back,’ ‘Landscape of Lies,’ ‘Retribution,’ ‘Soul Stealer,’ ‘The De Clerambault Code’ (www.nora-johnson.net) available from Amazon in paperback/eBook (€0.99;£0.99) and iBookstore.
THURSDAY THOUGHTS Angus Silvie, Axarquia
Serves to confuse LIVING abroad when you don’t speak the language very well presents plenty of challenges. When I first arrived in Spain I assumed that when they taught you to say ‘hablo poco Espanol’ to indicate you have a poor grasp of Spanish, it meant ‘I have very little Spanish.’ So without checking I took ‘hablo’ to mean ‘I have’ rather than ‘I speak,’ because it sounds more like ‘have’ doesn’t it? So into the shops I went, confidently asking the first shop keeper if she spoke cheese. I got a funny look but she worked out what I wanted so emboldened by my success I continued in this vein for a week or so, no doubt making a complete fool of myself every time, until I checked my translator and the awful truth dawned. But spare a thought for the Spanish, trying to cater for Brits like me and helpfully translating some of their services into English despite on occasions having a similar lack of linguistic education. Their efforts are very welcome but often amusing and not always helpful when the result of their attempts serves only to confuse. Restaurant menus have offered ‘Toasts of Smoked,’ ‘Spaghetti Sailor’s Blouse’ and ‘Fried Spawns,’ and, in case that wasn’t tempting enough, also suggested ‘withered sausage,’ ‘wind of squids,’ ‘in a mess of shrimp’ or ‘weak rice.’ I went to a Spanish zoo which advised ‘Do Not Feed Fingers to the Animals’ with a picture of a stick man about to be devoured by a huge crocodile head. Underneath it warned ‘Forbidden Get the Body Over The Fence!’ The sign was attached to an enclosure full of presumably ferocious flamingos. I considered offering English proof-reading services for a small fee but then thought, no. These mis-translations and grammatical faux-pas offer amusement and entertainment. Let’s keep them as they are! Readers interested in submitting articles for this guest column should send articles of 3-400 words on topics felt to be of interest to the cosmopolitan EWN readership to editorial@euroweeklynews.com.
Advertising feature
Make your new home ‘winter friendly’ with Neater Heater EVERY year thousands of expats realise their dream as they buy their ‘Place in the Sun.’ Living in Spain can be liberating for them as they adapt to the more relaxing, laid back lifestyle. What very few people warn them about, however, is the winter! Most Spanish houses are not built with winter in mind, and most hardy northern Europeans think ‘How bad could it be?’ To which the answer is: ‘Pretty bad!’ A general lack of insulation means that Spanish homes can be like an ice block once the sun goes down at night, and the chattering of teeth from frozen new expats can be heard like
NEATER HEATER DISTRIBUTORS: ALMERIA ANTAS: Lifestyle Enclosures.
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cicadas! However, you need not despair, the solution is at hand, and you do not need to re-invent the wheel.
Over 10 years ago Richard and Tony were in the same situation. Having recently moved to Spain, they were
fruitlessly looking for a decent home heating solution for their two families when, by chance, Tony discovered a
Norwegian convector heater that was unavailable in Spain. Already using electric heaters, Tony was amazed at the efficiency of the Norwegian heaters, joking that it was now costing him less to keep his family warm than it had been costing to keep them cold! Richard and Tony decided to make these heaters available throughout the Costa
Blanca, and set up Neater Heater to achieve this. In fact, they have become so popular that there are outlets selling Neater Heaters from the Costa Blanca all the way down to the Costa del Sol, and now even in Portugal. However, if you have no agent near you, never fear, they can be bought from our internet shop and delivered to your door, often by the next day.
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A new Channel 4 thriller set after the fall of Saddam Hussein by Last Kingdom writer Richard Shanley
Dishing the Dirt OF EUROPA DIGITAL
A NEW six-part crime thriller set in 2003 Baghdad after the fall of Saddam Hussein Baghdad Central - is coming soon to Channel 4. The programme is adapted from a book by Elliott Colla, and is being brought to the screen by Stephen Butchard, the man behind The Last Kingdom. “For me, this is a story of the strength of ordinary men and women who, in the face of incredible trauma and hardship, keep taking on life one step at a time,” says Butchard. Executive producer Kate Harwood added: “We were pleased to find in Elliott Colla’s mesmerising novel, a truly original source for the inspirational Stephen Butchard to build a drama set in Baghdad, when it was the pivot of world history. “Khafaji, the wry, pragmatic cop who is forced to collaborate with the Coalition forces to save his daughter’s life becomes a hero for the modern age in a fresh take on this post conflict world.” Filming for Baghdad Central is
BAGHDAD CENTRAL: A new six-part crime thriller set in 2003 Baghdad. scheduled to get under way later this year, with it due to arrive on our screens in 2018. Anna Friel’s Marcella will return for a second series of dark detective drama, with Keith Allen and Nigel Planer added to its cast. Friel will be back as Detective Sergeant Marcella Backland, accompanied by Ray Panthaki, Nicholas Pinnock, Jamie Bamber and Jack
Doolan. The new run will see Marcella investigate the discovery of a young boy’s body inside a wall, surrounded by toys and a school blazer. The detective works out the body is that of schoolboy Leo Priestley, who was abducted a few years before and was a friend of Marcella’s son Edward. If you would like me to answer any questions
you may have on satellite TV or to expand on anything I have written about please call me on 678 332 815 or email richard@europadigital.com. Don’t forget to listen to my radio show every weekday from 10am on Spectrum 96.1 and 106.8FM, now covering almost 3,000sq kms of Costa Almeria and Calida or listen online at costaalmeria.spectrumfm.net.
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Advertising feature
Next Stop Almeria celebrate 10 years of non-stop property sales IDEALLY located, on the edge of Los Gallardos to the side of the new ‘oblongabout,’ Next Stop Almeria founders Paul and Diana Fullard are celebrating 10 years as the go-to agency for property sales and purchases in and around the area. Having started as an internet-based business 10 years ago and now with an easily accessible roadside office that is open Monday to Friday 10.00 until 14.00 (appointments are available in the afternoons) the team is always on hand to help you in your quest to buy or sell a property in the area. Paul and Diana pride themselves on offering a personal service to vendors and purchasers alike. Many happy customers have become firm friends with the couple. The office and business expansions over the years led to the need for additions to the team. The most recent is
PAUL AND CHANTELLE at the Next Stop Almeria office. Chantelle who grew up in the area and first met Paul when he sold her family’s home some years ago! Being fluent in Spanish and with several years of work experience, Chantelle’s knowledge is extensive and she has proved to be a very valuable asset to the company. Although the agency has a variety of properties throughout the Levante, Next Stop Almeria specialises in the Los Gal-
lardos area with its wide range of property types and prices. Another specialised area for the company is the Vera Playa naturist zone. Next Stop Almeria has a varied selection of properties in the area, rated as one of the top naturist resorts in Europe. For Paul and Diana, the sale of a property does not just stop at the Notary. The couple are on hand to assist
PAUL & DIANA, owners of Next Stop Almeria. purchasers during the settling in period and beyond. Whether it is a handyman, pool cleaner, internet provider or any other property service, clients can rely on recommendation of reliable tradesman, tried and tested by Next Stop Almeria over the years. Channel 4’s show ‘A Place In The Sun’ has been filmed in the area on a
number of occasions showcasing Next Stop Almeria properties and with Paul being chosen to feature as the local expert. So if you are thinking of buying or selling your own ‘Place In The Sun,’ pay a visit to the Next Stop Almeria office on the N340a at km520 in Los Gallardos, visit their website www.nextstopalmeria.com or call 950 617 518.
As part of their 10th anniversary celebrations Paul, Diana and Chantelle would like to invite their friends and clients to join them in a celebratory drink at the Los Gallardos fiesta tomorrow evening (Friday 14) from 9pm at Paco’s Chiringuito in Plaza de Andalucía.
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Posh Pawnbrokers Countdown The Question Jury A Place in the Sun Four in a Bed Come Dine with Me The Simpsons Hollyoaks UEFA Women's Euro 2017 The Windsors Fargo Young, Single and Racist?
Emmerdale Eat, Shop, Save Emmerdale James Martin's French Adventure Killer Women with Piers Morgan ITV News at Ten and Weather ITV News London The Late Debate Fearless
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Eggheads Letterbox Paul Hollywood's Big Continental Road Trip University Challenge Nadiya's British Food Adventure Ripper Street Normal for Norfolk Newsnight Weather
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43
Disneylandia finally arrives Ric Polansky Ric Polansky moved to Mojacar in 1969 as a pioneer developer. He reads extensively and has travelled in South America panning gold and looking for El Dorado.
THANK God, it was the last day of the tour. I had spent two days with a special church friend of my mother’s that had flown over to visit us. A strict Methodist so there was no stopping at bars and doing the usual (hic). But Helen was special and held a few claims to fame. Her youngest son was my best friend growing up, until, somebody claimed he was blind and sent him off to a particular school. I never knew he was blind. It was Helen’s first born son, Bill, that loaded Buddy Holly, Richie Valence and the Big Bopper unto the plane that night ‘the music died.’ Much to the embarrassment of Helen, that same son went on to become the co-pilot on Heffner’s Playboy plane. On a rare visit back home to see my ailing father, years back, my mother insisted I go along to Helen’s slide show presentation of her last year’s trip to Europe. I would have rather kissed snakes but, mothers can be convincing.
MOJACAR: The holiday crowds are all in a festive mood. Well, it was the most astounding trip presentation I had ever witnessed. Helen had been in Europe just four days and had visited, Greece, Rome, Berlin, Paris, Norway, London, and Prague. Her slide show presentation was remarkable. The fotos she had taken best displayed the high cultural monuments of each place.
Not just ordinary pics but of top quality taken from just the right angle. I was flabbergasted! What a photographic talent. Each slide confirmed her prodigious talent. My brain was burning up and I couldn’t wait until the end. I had to learn more. Well, in essence she had flown into those cities using her son’s special airline passes.
In the airport she bought all the photo slides right off the newsstand then, boarded the next flight to the next historical city. Never once leaving the airports to shop or explore. I remained flabbergasted. So, here was the last stop on my penitence tour, back in 1974, in Mojacar’s main plaza drinking coffee at
mid-day. Then, Helen quietly asked me. “Rickey, how much do they pay these people to dress up like that and ride donkeys and carry water all day long?” Unfortunately I was already bug eyed from the gallons of coffee and probably over reacted by leaping from my chair and screaming “Helen, some people live like that, dress that way for real.” She didn’t bat an eye and muttered, “well, it all looks like Disneyland to me.” Yup, flabbergasted again. Now, let’s skip ahead some 43 years and once again I am in the town plaza, just a few days ago in fact. I am astounded by the massive holiday crowds all in a festive mood. Walls of trinkets surround me, key chains, little dolls, tiny ceramic plates. Not having sat in the plaza for quite a few years I am astounded. The spirit is exuberant. Happiness abounds. Any moment one expects Cinderella to appear. Everyone is content with the exception of the girls that are attending us, dis-spirited Romanians who are as dour as squeezed lemon juice. Not good representatives to welcome newcomers to our world of smiles and conviviality.
44
13 - 19 July 2017 / Costa de Almería
The most ridiculous thing Mike Senker
In my opinion Views of a Grumpy Old Man I AM always asked, ‘How can you be so grumpy all the time?’ And the answer is, ‘I’m not.’ I never wake up in a bad mood. I never wake up depressed. But, thanks to so many dumb ass things I’m presented with every day, it’s hard to not get grumpy on a regular basis. It’s little things that set me off like the idiot that has parked on the pavement outside our apartment when there are parking spaces all over the place. Or the car that is double parked in the middle of the road because he can’t be arsed to park a few yards down the road and WALK!! Then of course there are the most ridiculous things that happen. Mrs S is the proud owner of a new phone. So we decided that it needed a new case so to protect it. Simple job right? Just go and buy one. Oh no. We were in Miramar shopping centre near us which must have 10 phone shops in there selling phones and accessories and we went to them all and couldn’t find the type of cover she wanted. Our final stop was Carrefour which, by the way, is one of my favourite shops. Low and behold - there it was - the perfect cover for her phone. All we needed to do was take it out of the box and double check it was
sturdy enough to protect her means of communication which, by the way, cost more than my first car! Not only was the box sealed at both ends, it also had a thick white plastic band, the type you see round boxes sent for worldwide shipping. I took it to the assistant who was tiddling about on his computer and asked him if he could open the box so I could see the case properly. ‘No sorry, we aren’t allowed to open the box.’ ‘Why?’ I asked. ‘Company policy,’ came the reply. ‘Are you nuts? How do I check it’s what I want?’ ‘Well, there is a picture on the front.’ Then came the most incredibly stupid thing I’ve heard in ages. ‘If it’s not right you have 14 days to return it.’ ‘WHAT? I have to buy it, take it home, and open it, then if I don’t like it I bring it back?’ ‘Well, you don’t have to take it home. You can open it on the other side of the till after you have paid then return it.’ So, should I buy scissors or a knife too so I can cut through the security band? By now I’ve lost it and am demanding to see a manager and the assistant then realises how stupid the conversation is and picking up scissors, cuts the band, opens the box, takes out the cover and I look at it and say, ‘Fine, it’s the one we want. Thank you.’ He looks at me. I look at him and he says, ‘I’m sorry, it’s company policy and I know it’s ridiculous.’ At last common sense prevailed and the purchase was completed. So that’s how I become grumpy! What makes you grumpy? email mikesenker@gmail.com
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LEGALLY SPEAKING Don’t be guilty of animal abuse this summer AS part of a new series, we answer some common driving questions, kindly provided by members of the Guardia Civil based in Torrevieja, Costa Blanca, who set up the N332 website and Facebook page to help break down barriers.
ANIMAL ABUSE: You will be fined. A RECENT case has highlighted the dangers of leaving your pet in a vehicle and it could result in the owner being jailed. The Canine Unit of the Local Police in Alicante have denounced a person for an alleged crime of animal abuse for leaving their dog locked in a vehicle in temperatures above 36 degrees for some time. Concerned local residents alerted the police of the presence of the dog in a car in a car park which was showing signs of distress and severe discomfort. Police immediately arrived at the scene and seeing the dog was on the brink of suffocation broke the rear window of the vehicle to gain access and successfully rescued the animal. Legal proceedings have now been opened and a formal complaint filed against the owner who is charged with a crime of ani-
mal abuse. The dog is now safe and well and a campaign has started to find it a foster family to care for it. In addition, the officers who broke into the vehicle discovered it did not have a valid ITV so the car was seized and removed with a tow truck. The owner also faces separate charges for vehicle offences. As the summer heat continues, police remind all pet owners again about the dangers of leaving animals inside cars where temperatures inside can quickly increase putting the animal’s life at risk. In endangering the life of an animal, the offence can carry a prison sentence as well as fines. If anyone sees an animal left inside a vehicle they are urged to call the police and emergency services straight away.
For more news and articles visit www.n332.es or search N332 on Facebook.
Cyclists have alcohol limits Two weeks ago, we responded to a series of questions about riding a bicycle. We said that no alcohol limits applied to riders of bicycles. We have now THE same alcohol limits that apply to drivers of automobiles also apply to riders of bicycles and even to pedestrians. These limits would come into effect if an inebriated cyclist causes an accident which involves motor vehicles, or if a drunken pedestrian wanders into the road
been corrected by a friend who teaches the rules at a Spanish driving school. We express our thanks to her for setting us straight.
David Searl You and the Law in Spain
and causes an accident to happen. It is unlikely that the police would stop and fine a bicycle rider who is weaving a bit in the road or
someone stumbling along the beachfront promenade, but the possibility is there. If a bicycle rider has no automobile licence, he cannot lose any points, but he can be fined. And if it can be shown that he is the direct cause of an accident, other charges can be brought against him.
Send your questions for David Searl through lawyers Ubeda-Retana & Associates in Fuengirola at Ask@lawtaxspain.com, or call 952 667 090.
46
E W N 13 - 19 July 2017 / Costa de Almería
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Quick
Across 1 Force servant to run riot (7) 4 Scale the end of rheumatic arm or leg (5) 7 Jargon used in worker's language (5) 9 Witticism has a point with farm animals (7) 10 Reduce notes on pamphlet (7) 11 Looks after wild Pekes (5) 12 Choose to have River Police in (6) 14 Songbirds start reorganising old rubbish containers (6) 18 Meddle with a bent spoon (5) 20 Triumph, a real VIP in the making (7) 22 Monster devouring head of old mounted soldier (7) 23 Girl having exercises to modify (5) 24 Robert Louis Stevenson demonstrates an equal chance (5) 25 Aroused former spouse gets mentioned (7)
6 Politician boards double-decker for birthday celebration (5) 8 England has no space for an organ (5) 13 Capone is in work producing a hymn (7) 15 Last letter from the Rome Gazette (5)
Code Breaker
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION FACING PAGE
16 Unhappy about player, but honoured (7) 17 Cleaner creating awful smell in area around London (6) 18 Edges around plant (5) 19 Very religious leaders of parish insist on urban services (5) 21 Sailor a foot nearer the stern (5)
Each number in the Code Breaker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. In this week’s puzzle, 2 represents V and 15 represents T, so fill in V every time the figure 2 appears and T every time the figure 15 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.
CROSSWORD PAGE
Cryptic
Down 1 The side in red lived (7) 2 Designed beef, for example, containing nitrogen (5) 3 Steven organised these activities (6) 4 Stylish knight or small bird (5) 5 Salieri composition for Jerusalem resident (7)
TIME
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Across 1 Has concern (5) 4 Desert wind (7) 8 Supreme commander of a fleet (7) 9 Allow (5) 10 Provoking fear or terror (5) 11 Pickled herring (7) 12 Playground device (6) 14 Unstable situation of extreme danger or difficulty (6) 17 Put back (7) 19 Extra benefits (5) 21 Once more (5) 22 Prolonged unfulfilled desire (7) 23 Disperse (7) 24 Defraud (5)
English - Spanish
Across 1 Minutes (of a meeting) (4) 3 Head (6) 8 Trapecio (en gimnasia, circo) (7) 9 Thirst (3) 10 Coliflor (11) 11 Rata (3)
Down 1 Informal conversations (5) 2 Search haphazardly (7) 3 Exclamation indicating an apology (5) 4 Pay (6) 5 Routine (7) 6 Demand or assert as a right (5) 7 Eight-armed cephalopod (7) 12 Distinguish oneself (7) 13 Opposed to (7) 15 Infer from incomplete evidence (7) 16 Basement (6) 18 Public square with room for pedestrians (5) 19 Overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety (5) 20 Vision (5) The clues are mixed, some clues are in Spanish and some are in English.
12 Escaleras de mano (7) 14 Worker (agriculture, industry) (6) 15 Cerveza (4) Down 1 Hormiga (3)
2 Translator (9) 4 Last name (8) 5 En otra parte (9) 6 To burn (5) 7 To legislate (8) 10 Wagon (5) 13 Southern (side, part) (3)
OUT
LOTTERY UK NATIONAL LOTTERY
1
11
18
50
32
27
IRISH LOTTO Saturday July 08
‘ THAT’S NOT OUR ROYALS DEAR - THAT’S FAKE NEWS. ’
Fill all the empty squares using the numbers 1 to 9, so that the sum of each horizontal block equals the ‘clue’ on its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the clue on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once.
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 P) and there must be AT LEAST ONE NINE LETTER WORD. Plurals, vulgarities or proper nouns are not allowed.
31
32
33
38
45
BONUS BALL
37
Tuesday July 04
BONUS BALL
• Very good: 14 • Excellent: 18
22
25
5 8
49
37
Friday July 07
BONUS BALL
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
11
aged ague cage chug dang dung egad gaud gean hang huge hung cadge caged nudge augend change gauche gunned hanged unaged changed dunnage handgun UNCHANGED
35
20
3 6
45
37
LA PRIMITIVA Saturday July 08
BONUS BALL
Sudoku
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
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.
3
16
21
25
26
39
48 3
EL GORDO DE LA PRIMITIVA
29 41
40 46
BONUS BALL
5
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS
CRYPTIC
QUICK
Across:
Across:
Across:
1 Swarm, 4 Lateral, 8 Eclairs, 9 Cried, 10 Sinister, 11 Gene, 13 Anyway, 14 Teases, 17 Past, 19 Majestic, 22 Crime, 23 Tardier, 24 Slender, 25 Eagle.
1 Chips, 4 Rickets, 8 Slander, 9/22 Air bag, 10 Placebo, 11 Mitre, 12 Solemn, 14 Gluten, 17 Chair, 19 Cutlass, 23 Imitate, 24 Termite, 25 Style.
1 Pebble, 3 Ship, 7 Lie, 9 Derecha, 10 Strongest, 13 Pobreza, 14 Who, 15 Noon, 16 Atasco.
Down:
Down:
1 Seems, 2 Aplenty, 3 Mainstay, 4 Listen, 5 Tact, 6 Raise, 7 Ladders, 12 Rehearse, 13 Aspects, 15 Sitting, 16 Rafter, 18 Seize, 20 Curse, 21 Lead.
1 Cheap, 2 Install, 3 Spare, 4 Rodeos, 5 Caramel, 6 Exact, 7 Surgeon, 12 Sackbut, 13 Martini, 15 Tragedy, 16 Active, 18 Anger, 20 Traps, 21 Scope.
CODE BREAKER
ENGLISH-SPANISH
Down:
1 Pull, 2 Ladrones, 4 Hacksaw, 5 Plan, 6 Pregnant, 8 Establo, 11 Open, 12 Pozo.
KAKURO
You are in a romantic mood but something is missing from the picture. It is not that you are feeling the need of having more than one string to your bow, it is more that you are tired of using the same old arrows. So, what is out there to fire your imagination? Something really new will not miss the mark with you.
This is a brilliant week for money and business. Mars is influencing you to be more up-front and practical in your approach. You may feel changes coming on that you would rather deny. Burying your head in the sand is not an option. Take the bull by the horns and you could be surprised at your success.
ARIES (March 21 - April 20) You will see the lighter side of life this week when you discover that someone is holding a torch for you. You are flattered and vaguely interested. Your combination of intelligence and humour make you a delightful companion. Venus smiles on all your close relationships and you seem to be able to do no wrong. .
TAURUS (April 21 - May 21)
Sunday July 09
7
AQUARIUS (January 21 - February 19)
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
EURO MILLIONS
10
TARGET: • Average: 7 • Good: 10
11
YOUR STARS
BONUS BALL
25
Nonagram
47
FOR NEXT 7 DAYS
Saturday July 08
Kakuro
EWN
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13 - 19 July 2017 / Costa de Almería
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There is much to be tackled this week, but you are wary of making full-on decisions. Taking things one step at a time is the best policy because it gives you space to consider the options. There is a restlessness about you that is hard to pinpoint. Perhaps you are feeling positive but have to hold fire because of others. This is frustrating, but try to relax.
GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) Energy levels go up and down and you seek to ration yours by not going all-out physically. It is still possible to be quite dynamic while planning. Indeed, your clear vision impresses a colleague. If you are due for promotion then some good news is likely. Blow your own trumpet rather than wait for others to do it for you.
CANCER (June 22 - July 23) The changes affecting you for the past few weeks continue but you are now getting better at managing their direction.
Someone wanting you to take a logical action should not be allowed to push you forward. When to act will be clear to you.
LEO (July 24 - August 23) Someone who has been unhelpful in the past suddenly steps forward. Could you have been wrong about them? Probably not. Keep a clear mind when with them. Saturn influences you to be more organised before a bout of indecision strikes.
VIRGO (August 24 - September 23) The influence of Venus and Jupiter brings you the influence and status that you deserve. It’s not that you haven’t worked towards it but now you start to see the benefits. There is an urge to improve your appearance and surroundings to fit in with the ‘new you.’
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23) During the past few weeks you may have gained a different perspective on life. Your need for a close attachment and harmony in your life should not be underestimated or denied in the name of practicality.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22) To be truly happy you need to build on your partnerships. Keep these in balance and everything else will fall into place. Life has taught you some rather harsh lessons recently. The upshot of that is you now feel more in control and more secure.
SAGITARIUS (November 23 - December 21) There is an all-consuming need to see some reward for all your efforts. There will be those who will tell you that you need to push harder for success. Perhaps you need to be with more like-minded people. Certainly being with the wrong colleagues can bring your spirits down.
CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 20) When needed you are sure to be positive this week. On a project, ‘striking while the iron is hot’ springs to mind. There is much fun to hand but it must be ‘work first’ at the moment. Some opportunities do not come twice and you need to be aware of them when they present themselves. Spend some quality time with your loved ones.
48
13 - 19 July 2017 / Costa de Almería
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OPINION & COMMENT
YOUR PAPER - YOUR VOICE - YOUR OPINION Letters should be emailed to yoursay@euroweeklynews.com or make your comments on our website: www.euroweeklynews.com
Views expressed and opinions given are not necessarily those of the EWN publishers. No responsibility is accepted for accuracy of information, errors, omissions or statements.
Summer Sunday shopping bonus ‘SIR, It is encouraging to see more shops including some of the leading supermarkets - open on Sundays now that the summer tourist season is in full swing. I noted in a report (EWN Issue 1670) that the Junta de Andalucia has given the green light to scores of shops in Marbella, Mijas, Torremolinos and surrounding areas to open, making life easier for me as a working mother who often finds Sunday the only day time is at hand. Perhaps as Spain adjusts more to what is now normal in many other European countries, the restrictions at one time I presume introduced on religious grounds will eventually with time be totally lifted. While it is nice to dream of family days at home on Sundays, life sadly rarely allows it nowadays. Ruth Binns, Mijas
Dear Leapy
Lazy bin use that stinks! I WONDER if you can help with trying to educate people regarding the rubbish bins. It is becoming increasingly annoying in our area (Los Requenas) Arboleas to find that people are filling the general bins with cardboard and loose garden rubbish. Also they are putting glass bottles in the yellow rubbish bins which is for plastic. Broken gard en fu rn itu re and othe r la rge pieces of unwanted articles are left at the side of the bins when the tip is only a few metres away. People are either ignorant about where to put their rubbish or are becoming lazy. Perhaps if one of your journalists or reporters have some spare time, they could write a piece in
RUBBISH BINS: People are ignorant about where to put things. your newspaper about recycling and basically what goes where. I am sure a lot of people would appre c ia te it a fte r a ll mos t of us from the UK were used to recy-
cling so really there is no excuse not to do it here in Spain. Many thanks for listening to our rant. Name and address withheld
ALWAYS look forward to your col-
HAVE YOUR SAY
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Readers who have missed correspondence can see all letters – which can be edited before publication –posted on: www.euroweeklynews.com
Outrage as Costa del Sol toll road fees rise GREEDY buggers, no wonder nobody uses the bloody thing. Then we end up with gridlock on the coast road every evening and morning. Pure corporate greed, we should launch a people’s investigation into who exactly paid for it and whether the tolls levied in its years of operation have paid back any money borrowed or invested. No doubt they will just keep charging regardless. Naimah Yianni
Passengers and pilots (Nora Johnson) TOO true! Worst ever flight for me was about 15 years ago - I can’t recall the airline. We went through some really heavy washing-machine type turbulence after which the pilot, presumably tongue-in-cheek, informed us over the PA system: “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m pleased to announce that we have finally regained control of the aircraft.” Chris
UK government plans to register EU citizens PM May offered to resolve mutual right to remain last September but Merkel’s creatures in EU Brussels refused her offer, unconscionable! “enormous amounts of paperwork ...” Says who? It doesn’t seem to prevent the very large numbers applying yearly.
Comments from EWN online The ‘process’ is intended to protect British subjects & our way of life & ensure applicants are fit & proper. It’s good enough for applicants from US, RSA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada etc. CJ
Foreign police to patrol the streets of Madrid HEY ho are there really that many foreigners in Madrid that they need to bring in foreign police or is this a step towards a European police force and then a European army? Let’s hope not. Naimah Yianni @Naimah Yianni - Why? what have you got to fear from greater international police co-operation? We have had Interpol for 94 years (Yes, since 1923) with no problems. Alan Bowman
Anti bull fighting protest in Pamplona WELL done, this really needs to end. I don’t think there
is much sympathy any more for morons who get gored while tormenting these poor animals. Naimah Yianni
Prison for man who sexually assaulted baby in Alicante TWO years to reflect on his disgusting behaviour and the shame he’s brought upon his family. I hope the baby grows up with no recollection of this vile event, sadly the baby’s mother won’t forget. W
Three men gored in Pamplona bull run NEVER mind those idiots, they choose to do that. I feel horrified for those poor bulls that first get chased in the streets and after that die in the arena after being tortured for 20 minutes. This is the 21 century, but it sure doesn’t look like it! Shame on all people that attend this cruel ‘fiesta.’ I hope they pay their medical treatment out of their own pockets, otherwise our insurance will be more expensive. Wietse
umn and while I do not necessarily agree with your views you seem to have a balanced outlook. What concerns me is the popularity that Corbyn and co are seeming to receive. It is so obvious that he targets the gullible and then promises them the earth. I personally am most disgusted that these people and some so-called celebrities are using awful events like Grenfell to either gain publicity or use as a platform to lie to us. I cannot understand these despicable people who also seem to blame Theresa May on everything while conveniently forgetting that she was not doing a bad job at getting the UK out of the mess that Blair and Brown caused. I fear that this leftist onslaught will bankrupt the UK unless the normally complacent majority wakes up and starts being, dare I say it, nationalistic. Kenneth Budd Malaga
Dog days contd IN response to Brit Arenander letter in Euro Weekly News issue 1670 regarding a dead dog on the motorway between Los Gallardos and Mojacar, there are now six dogs on various places on this road in various states of decay. They have been either knocked down by cars or thrown out of moving vehicles. Some of these have been there for months. CAN SOMEONE CONTACT SOMEBODY TO REMOVE THEM? NO WONDER THIS STRETCH OF ROAD IS CALLED DEAD DOG RUN. HOW CAN PEOPLE DO THIS??? Trish Foster Los Gallardos
No flamenco THE police in Nerja now take instruments away from people that play without permission, even if they are unaware of local laws. The best part is that when you want to claim your instrument back you need the receipt from when you bought it. Even locals who sit together playing guitar and singing as they always did can be fined up to €500. So when you sit on a bench and practise, your instrument seems to be in danger... where is the spirit of summer? Mathias Hentz Cortijo San Miguel, Nerja
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Are we that phone obsessed we can’t even walk in a straight line now? DO you feel like you are old before your time? Could your mobile be to blame? It may sound a little far-fetched but scientists are claiming that our increased use of mobile phones, particularly as we are out and about walking down the street, is making us walk like pensioners. Taking slower steps, hunched over our phones as we send messages or check emails en route, is beginning to take its toll on the body and could lead to back and neck problems in the long term. Scientists from the Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge carried out a study where they fitted 21 people with eye trackers and motion analysis sensors, while negotiating an obstacle similar in height to a kerb. Over 250 separate scenarios were examined as participants read a message on their phone, wrote a message, spoke on their phone and in which they did not use their phone at all. The researchers found that writing a text was the most demanding activity and led to people looking down at their phone 46 per cent
MOBILE PHONES: Scientists claim they are making us walk like pensioners.
more and they looked down 45 per cent longer when reading a message. They also walked slower whilst reading a message and whilst talking on the phone. It also found that participants using their phone were less able to walk in a straight line leading them to be more at risk from bumping into other pedestrians, lamp posts and other obstacles in the street they would not necessarily notice when looking down on their phones. The researchers said whilst using their devices they were walking like someone in their 80’s and this could affect their lower back and neck by altering their posture over time. Using phones in the street is already changing some country’s policies and in China segregated footpaths have already been introduced in some towns with special lanes for those using their phones. In the Netherlands, traffic lights have been added into the pavements for phone users who are always looking down for increased safety when crossing the road.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
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Advertising feature
Feel fabulous from top to toe with Stush STUSH STUDIO aesthetic clinic has just celebrated its first year of opening, during which time it has improved the appearance and boosted the confidence of hundreds of clients. Owner Kornelia opened the clinic after seven years of experience in Holland and eight years of training. As a fully qualified doctor of aesthetics, she is able to legally and professionally offer a range of aesthetic treatments with some of the most popular being permanent make-up, botox and fillers, non-surgical face lifts and facial threads as well as the usual beauty treatments such as massages, manicures, pedicures and facials, to have you feeling in tip top shape from top to toe. For those looking to tighten the skin or need help getting rid of fatty deposits or cellulite, Kornelia offers mesotherapy; a non-surgical cosmetic procedure where chemical injections are inserted into the skin to target fat areas, reduce cellulite and help with body contouring. Mesotherapy can also help replen-
ish hair loss in both men and women. Whilst effects are not as dramatic as a liposuction surgical procedure, mesotherapy does not require sedation, is relatively painless with no scarring and patients can get up and walk out of the clinic afterwards. Kornelia will advise patients of how many treatments they will need and the sort of results they can expect to receive. Microblading is now a popular treatment for those looking for permanent make-up effects. It is ideal to create the perfect eyebrow shape in a natural way. It can also be used to help cover up unwanted tattoos. Kornelia offers free consultations so whether you are looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles, or treat yourself to a series of fat removal injections, she will dedicate her time and professionalism to making sure you get the right treatment for you, fully explaining the procedure, costs and results. There are currently special offers in the clinic to get you beach ready on summer essentials such as facials,
the clinic. The first is being held on July 11 from 6pm. A training school is also due to open soon offering training for beauty therapists in different treatments which do not need a medical background. Stush Studio also welcomes clinical hypnotherapist Karen. With over 35 years of experience, Karen is available by appointment to help with psychological issues. From gastric band and stop smoking hypnotherapy sessions to dealing with phobias and fears, sadness and grief, alcohol abuse and even trouble with sleeping, an appointment with Karen could be the best thing you ever did. So to get yourself summer ready, book your free consultation at Stush Studio, open Monday to Friday 10am-2pm and 5-9pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm. STUSH STUDIO: Owner Kornelia is ready to make your appointment. fillers, manicures and pedicures and once a month a gentleman’s clinic is available so men can make appoint-
ments for all treatments such as fillers or hair loss, in the comfort of knowing there will only be men in
Stush Studio Paseo Los Limoneros, Urbanisation Puerto Rey, S/N Vera Tel: 602 212 833
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Spain leads assisted reproduction SPAIN is leading assisted reproduction in Europe with almost 110,000 treatments a year. This puts the country ahead of Russia and France, according to the European Society of Human Reproduction a n d E m b r y o lo g y (ESHRE). The institution has compiled d a t a f r o m n a t i o n al records of assisted reproductive treatment cycles in Europe since 1997 and in its lates t r e p o r t , r e l a t i n g to 2014, c o n c l u d e d th a t 109,275 cycles have been perform e d i n Sp a i n . T h is w as fo l l o we d b y R u s s ia w ith 9 4 , 9 8 5 c y c l e s a n d France with 90,434, which was the former leader in the field. The figures related to treatments with in vitro fertilisation (IVF), Intracytoplasmi c Sp e r m I n j e c tio n (ICSI), egg donation and intrauteri n e i n se m i n a tio n (IUI). However, the data did not yet include figures from the UK, but in 2013, the UK performed 61,000 assisted reproduction treatments.
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ASSISTED REPRODUCTION: Includes in vitro fertilisation, egg donation and intrauterine insemination. The ESHRE report confirms that European clinics continue to favour ICSI or IVF treatment in a ratio of two to one and European re-
sults consistently show that the pregnancy rate (by embryo transfer) is higher with IV F (34.6 pe r c e nt) tha n with ICSI (33.1 per cent).
The percentage of double or multiple pregnancies continues to decline in Europe and was found in 2014, to be at approximately 17 per cent.
SPECIALIST: Doctor Luis Perez Belmonte. How can you relieve back pain? Back pain can come about due to many different types of illness, but in the majority of cases rest, avoiding heavy lifting or straining postures, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants or physiotherapy have all proven to be effective in alleviating back pain. In extreme cases surgery may also be a solution but is only used in a small number of cases where back pain is caused by a specific medical condition. When should you seek medical attention? You should always seek medical attention if the pain is severe and/or lasts for a long time. You should see your regular doctor first and afterwards, if necessary, a specialist. Seek medical attention immediately if you feel numbness or tingling around your buttocks or genitals, unexplained weight loss, chest pain as well as back pain
or if there is a swelling or a deformity in your back. These problems could be a sign of something more serious and need to be checked urgently. What causes back pain? There can be many causes of back pain but the most common causes are strains or sprains in the back. Other causes such as a slipped disc or muscle and tendon contractures also have additional symptoms, such as numbness, weakness or a tingling sensation. How can you prevent injuring your back? The best way to prevent it is to have good posture, especially when sitting. Try not to strain your back by lifting heavy loads or by lifting from an awkward position. Exercise which strengthens your back muscles can also help prevent back pain, but consult a physiotherapist on what exercises are most suitable for you.
If you have any questions for Dr Perez Belmonte, please send them to: jefemedico@helicopterossanitarios.com
SCENE
OCIAL
Emerging art hub THERE are just a few days left to catch a terrific collection of paintings from wellregarded Bilbao artist Gonzalo Silvan at the La Fuente art centre in Mojacar. The classically trained artist’s exhibition includes 31 powerful pieces exploring man’s relationships with technology, society and himself. A background in film direction and dramatic art gives Silan’s work a rare and interesting character. His work is shown alongside the ‘Confluencias Mojaqueras’ collection of Mojacarinspired art. When the exhibition ends this Saturday, the Confluencias pieces will be moved to the Castillo gallery where they can be viewed until the end of the month. Both exhibits come amid a redoubled effort to expand Mojacar ’s art profile by maintaining exhibitions year round.
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The area has a thriving naturalist community and apartments geared towards the naked traveller. Nude participants will run 6 . 6 k i l o m e t r e s, a ll within Ve r a b e a c h ’s fa mous naturist zone. It is also possible to run just one lap, halving distance for those still finding their feet on the running scene. The area has a thriving naturalist community and
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Summer song to the sea A PACKED schedule of activities will make Garrucha the centre of the festival universe until Sunday evening. The Almerian town is celebrating its Virgen del Carmen feast, with the week-long party already well underway. The feast honours the patron saint of fishermen and is celebrated by dozens, if not hundreds, of fishing towns and villages along the Spanish coastline. There will be no shortage of food, stalls, live music, sports and children’s activities, parades and small pilgrimages. There will also be emotional tributes to the fishermen of yesteryear and those who perished at sea. With fishing providing a substantial portion of the town’s economy for centuries, almost every Spanish family has at least one member who has dedicated themselves to a life at sea. That connection brings a deeper community vibe to the Virgen del Carmen festival, described by Mayor Maria Lopez as a chance to “understand the true spirit of the Garrucheros.” The biggest celebrations are saved for the weekend. On Saturday after-
Naked run on the beach A NUDIST race is taking place on Saturday July 22 at Ver a b e a c h . No k it whatsoever is required for the run, which is now in its fourth year.
Costa de Almería
ev en a p artme n ts g ea re d especially towards the discerning naked traveller. R eg is tratio n s to take part can be made simply b y s e n d in g an e ma il t o puntonat@gmail.com. The race is jointly organised by the Vera Council. For those worried about sun exposure in sensitive parts, the race is smartly scheduled for the cooler late evening, starting at 8pm. T h o s e lo o k in g to g et some practice miles in before can take part in Vera’s clothed half-marathon this Saturday, also at the beach and from 8pm. There are three options, a full 21kilometre half-marathon, o r s malle r fiv e an d 1 0 kilometre runs. Some form of clothing is, however, mandatory.
GARRUCHA: Celebrating its famous marine heritage this week. noon at 6.30pm there will be a major spectacle at the marina as daredevils race over the waves on jetskis. Later there will be a mass in Pedro Gea square followed by a screening of the film ‘El Maestro’ (The Master) at 9.30pm. At the same time there will be a musical theme at the Posito play-
ground for children. On Sunday, the official feast day of the Virgen del Carmen, the party begins bright and early with a 9am religious parade. At 12pm surviving retired fishermen and veterans still in service will receive a special medal for their contributions over the decades.
Paella tastings will be followed by a solemn procession of the eucharist by the sea with the prish choir and drummers providing background music at 7pm. On Sunday evening, back in Posito, live music, food, drink and dancing will wrap up Garrucha’s biggest celebration of the year.
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SOCIAL SCENE Photo credit Flickr/Junta Andalucia
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MANUEL CARRASCO: Pop sensation plays Almeria at end of July.
Superstar double whammy TWO top Spanish singers are slated for performances in Almeria in the next month. Tickets are still available to catch Manuel Carrasco and Vanessa Martin, two extremely popular stars from southern Spain. The first up is Carrasco, a Huelvan-born singer who became a household name on Spanish popstar reality television. He performs on Friday July 28 at the Recinto Feri-
al de Almeria. The show starts 10pm, with tickets costing between €20 and €100. He will perform highlights from his seventh studio album, having released his first as a youthful 22-year-old in 2003. To Dance to the Wind is a more mature effort after a two year lay-off since his last release. His albums have sold millions of copies and Carrasco has recorded albums in
Buenos Aires and Milan. He is hugely popular in Latin America and came close to representing Spain at the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest. A month later on Thursday August 24, pop-rock starlet Vanessa Martin will perform at the same venue. The 36-year-old hails from Malaga and has been singing live since she was a young teenager.
Close encounters in new exhibition VILLARICOS castle in Cuevas del Almanzora is the site of a new exhibition from acclaimed artist Yolanda Martinez. Her vibrant painting exhibition is entitled Encuentros (Encounters) and is on dis-
play until the end of July. To be found in the castle’s exhibition hall, Encuentros is a collection of 36 small and medium-sized pieces. They are made with mixed techniques, including watercolours and the use of an un-
usual material, epoxy, which creates a mirroring effect. Martinez is a trained social worker and art therapist who is also an accomplished sculptor. She began her training in 2016 and has studied in Chile. Her first solo exhi-
bition came in 2015. Encuentros is described by the artist as a collection of her experiences travelling through life, the friendships she has made, the cities she’s passed through and the sunsets she’s seen.
Full schedule of activities A FULL schedule of activities is planned for the next few weeks in Mojacar as part of the council’s summer cultural programme. Most of the free activities take place at Plaza Nueva, Plaza Fronton, and the Multiple Uses Centre. Tonight live music will be provided at Plaza Nueva by The Fat Lizard Band from 10pm. Tomorrow night Los Kaliquenos will play at the same time. On Sunday the square will hold a magic show from Alex
Navarro. On Wednesday children will be treated to the Disney musical Mulan at 9pm. The full schedule for the next month is available online. Other gigs planned for the coming weeks include live jazz, flamenco dance, and rousing performances from the Mojacar municipal band. All events held in the squares are free, including summer cinema on Tuesday July 25 with a screening of Zootropolis.
SOCIAL SCENE
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Secrets of the orient DON QUIXOTE: Famous Spanish literature discussed at book fair.
Festival of ideas SOME of the most important figures in Spanish and international literature will be discussed and their works available at the Cuevas del Almanzora book fair. The festival, which is celebrating its debut edition, began on Tuesday and will conclude on Saturday night. It takes place each evening at the Parque del Recreo and is bolstered by a strong cultural programme set up by the council. Writers, actors, musicians and literary scholars from across Almeria and Spain will be in attendance, performing and sharing their insights. Among them are local writers Antonio Torres and Manuel Leon. Unlike most public celebrations, the book fair takes place in evening, creating a cooler and classier atmosphere. It runs from 9pm until midnight each evening.
A FULL programme is now available for the Muxacra Oriental Fest which runs from July 28 to 30. The three-day spectacle takes place over a weekend and offers a fun, exciting and musical introduction to exotic oriental themes. It involves live eastern music, various gala events, belly dancing shows and workshops, and even a special bazaar with unusual items up for grabs. The event begins at 9pm on Friday July 28 with an open-air concert, with various stalls opened up for people to explore free of charge. On the Saturday there will workshops held by the eponymous belly dancing expert Nesma, who will be explaining oriental culture and the art of exotic dancing. In the evening there will be a special dinner held for official attendees, with registration online. Those who attend the workshops will also gain insights from Nesma’s musician entourage. They will receive diplomas and walk away with a lifetime knowledge of belly dancing. Workshops take place in Mojacar’s Multiple Uses Centre. The welcome dinner and special talk and conference on the Saturday will be held at Dolce Vita. EXOTIC: Learn the art of belly dancing in Mojacar. More information on the event’s web page.
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By Mamta Bhatt.
Belly of pork rolls and sushi GOOD FOOD, GOOD WINE AND GOOD FRIENDS WITH
GARRY WAITE
幸運は残り物に存在する Translation: “Luck exists in the leftovers” Meaning: “There is luck in the last helping” Japanese Proverb
In the blue and red
I
WILL never cease to be amazed at the amount of dross that is aired on TV in the name of entertainment; Love Island, Big Brother, Kardashians, The Real Housewives of wherever and the like. But a friend of mine commented about a new (to me) show called Naked Attraction. For those of you that have not seen this programme the clue is in the title! Boy seeks girl; six young women stark naked parade for said boy! Who then has to strip off as well. Girl seeks boy; Six stark naked boys get ogled at by girl who then has to strip off too. They also have gays, pan sexuals (something involving bread?) bi-sexual and the list goes on. Now let’s make something clear, I am not a prude and I love the female form and am happy to see it in all its glory, but I’m not sure that having
SOCIAL SCENE
A belly - of pork rolls and sushi. nude bodies in full glare on a dating programme makes for a good base to start a relationship. I always thought that the sexiest part of a relationship was eventually discovering what was beneath the clothes. Which is probably why the Japanese came up with the ‘body table.’ Now this could be a new ‘dating - food pro-
gramme.’ Six girls are laid out and their bodies are covered with Rolls, Dumplings, Sashimi and Sushi and contestants armed with chopsticks start on the belly and have to eat all the food on the rest of the body before they are allowed to take the food from the ultimate erogenous zones! Now that seems the ultimate date - with dinner first!
A place of tranquility - Las Islas Hotel.
An oasis in the proverbial MY sister came over last week for a few days to see her son and grandchildren so I ventured down to Torreblanca to see sister and nephew to have lunch and celebrate young Noah’s birthday. After a pleasant lunch I took Melanie and Richard back to his house, but on the way stopped at the Boutique Hotel that is Las Islas, in that pueblo. It has become one of my sister’s guilty pleasures. I have to admit, it seems very incongruous to find a little hotel in the middle of a sprawling urbanisation, but there it is, complete with
pool, tropical gardens and birds. While we did not eat there - having already had lunch - we did have an after lunch drink and I, of course, had to look at the menu. There is a very heavy Lebanese influence and peculiarly mixed with Spanish dishes and just for fun, theres some Greek, Hungarian and even an Oriental Chicken Salad. The restaurant is open for non residents, but they do not normally serve drinks to non residents or non diners. Obviously my sister has some clout here!
ON THAT NOTE I will bid you farewell until next week and should aspiring restaurateurs need some help or advice, please do not hesitate to contact me. A toast to Good Food, Good Wine and Good Friends.
REGULAR readers may remember me mentioning about a wine that I was given a few weeks ago that was disarmingly coloured blue. I said it had a ‘nose’ like nail polish remover so I didn’t drink it, but I did decide I would cook with it. So a chicken dish in white wine (well blue!) was prepared. And guess what? You’re right; it turned the chicken - blue! I did contact the bodega a couple of times to find out more details of Baltar de Alort but I did not receive a reply. I wonder if it is actually a white wine with colourant? If not what makes it blue. I shall have to ask my maestro friend Pancho Campo I’m sure he will know. While we are talking about wine, I may as well throw my wine corner in and this week I am going to celebrate the Bodega Muga, probably one of the best and most well-known of the Rioja, but on this occasion I am going to talk about their Prado Enea 2009. The interesting thing about this particular wine is that they do not always make it unless it’s particularly good. For instance they didn’t make it in 2007/8 or 2012/13. Robert Parker was suitably impressed awarding it 97 points and commented: “The most classic cuvée was not produced in 2007 or 2008, so we jumped to the phenomenal 2009 Prado Enea. It was produced with grapes from cooler vineyards that enjoyed 20 extra days of slow ripening compared with warmer zones, which provided them with perfect ripeness and deep flavours. This blend of 70 per cent Tempranillo, 20 per cent Garnacha and the remaining 10 per cent between Mazuelo and Graciano had an extended élevage, in this case no less than three years (alternating newer and older barrels). This is still a baby and I know Winemaker Jorge Muga would like to keep it in bottle for longer before selling it, but the commercial pressure is tremendous, as there has been no wine since 2006. The wine has 14.1 per cent alcohol and a surprising 3.34 pH, especially considering 2009 was generally a warm and ripe year. But somehow this cuvée seems to work very well in ripe vintages. The wine feels even younger on the palate, and it still needs to develop some further complexity and the silky texture for which this wine is famous. There is good balance here and all the elements are in place for a nice development in bottle. In fact, it feels like one of the great recent vintages of Prado Enea.” As I said there was no Prado Enea in 2012 or 2013 but it was produced in 2010, 2014 in small quantities and in 2015. At this quality it represents pretty good value. But again it’s not a quaffing wine at 40€ a bottle. A classic rioja - at its best.
The number of bottles of wine 31.4 billion. bought and sold each year.
36
billion. The number of bottles of wine produced annually.
Garry Waite is a foodie and restaurateur as well as an Hospitality Management Consultant. If you are contemplating setting up an operation in Spain, or indeed having problems with an existing project contact him on garryphwaite@gmail.com
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Made in Scotland, from girders! Trudy Stewart May contain traces of nuts. WHEN people ask me where I’m from and I tell them, Scotland, they’re usually always surprised because I ‘don’t sound Scottish.’ I’m often mistaken for anything from Cornish to southern Irish. After 12 years of private school, I was left with a rounded out, non-accent; not quite Scottish and not really definable. A slightly more pronounced accent surfaces when I speak to fellow Scots. I don’t suddenly sound like Rab C Nesbitt though, just roll my r’s a bit more! So, because people don’t usually guess I’m ‘Scotch’ (sorry fellow Scots!), I’m usually spared offensive jokes about ‘Jocks,’ for a little while at least. When I first moved to England, I was surprised how much I was teased for all the things that marked me out as Scottish. I got asked the most absurd questions about Scotland and soon realised how many misconceptions there are about us.
Scottish people don’t wake up, eat porridge washed down with whisky, go haggis-hunting in a kilt, come home, watch Braveheart (with more whisky), then sing ‘Oh Flower Of Scotland’ before bed. We have a rich and varied culture and history, beautiful architecture and amazing examples of engineering at work. It’s not all deep-fried confectionery with a Special Brew palate cleanser, or playing the bagpipes. There’s a lot more to us than our outdated stereotypes would suggest and I think that’s true of every country. Each has its own culture and heritage, making it uniquely different and it’s ok to be proud of where you’re from. It is possible to love your country without hating everyone else (though some politicians seem to struggle with that concept). Patriotism is encouraged when it suits (usually world sporting events), but sneered at when it comes to say, schoolchildren learning Gaelic. In its ugliest form, that devotion for your country mutates into extremism and we find ourselves in the world we live in today. Since the Brexit vote, violence
against foreigners has risen. For some, long-buried resentments for ‘Johnny Foreigner’ are resurfacing. It’s not just the UK either; the Donald used an exaggerated stereotype to justify his wall. By turning nations into nothing more than caricatures, it’s easy to portray them as evil and scary or unlucky and thick. Sweeping, often inaccurate, generalisations can be made. That’s a powerful tool as entire nations are easier to hate than individual people. There’s a great Scottish saying: “We’re all Jock Tamson’s bairns” and for me, that’s true now more than ever. Although I describe myself as Scottish, in the bigger picture, I’m just another global citizen. If we could only learn to live alongside each other despite our differences, maybe we really could start making countries great again. trudystewart75@gmail.com SCOTTISH PEOPLE: Don’t wake up and go haggis-hunting.
690 million The amount of cans of Irn Bru that roll off the canning line in Cumbernauld, Scotland every year.
Speaking in tongues THERE is a rare medical condition known as Foreign Accent Syndrome which impairs the speech muscles leading the sufferer to sound like they’re talking in a foreign accent. It usually arises as a result of brain injury or stroke and there are tales of people waking up from a coma, speaking languages they didn’t know previously. One of the first cases was of a Norwegian woman who was hit by bomb shrapnel resulting in brain injury, during the Second World War. She suddenly had a German accent and was shunned by friends and neighbours who suspected her of being a German spy!
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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
Dodgy mayor sent down for six years THE former mayor of Zurgena has been sentenced to six years and six months in prison after being found guilty of corruption in the notorious Costurero case. Candido Trabalon has also been banned from holding public office for 18 years for the crimes committed during his tenure between 2003 and 2007. A Huercal-Overa court convicted him and former Urban Planning councillor Manuel Tijeras of corruption, bribery, and falsifying public documents. Dozens of other politicians, businessmen and officials are awaiting punishment. The case involved the granting of building licences on land where construction was prohibited. Trabalon knew that building was illegal but dished out licences regardless in exchange for cash and other benefits. Trabalon has been heavily fined and will see five properties owned by him and his extended
BRIBE: Candido Trabalon was convicted of bribery and corruption. family confiscated. They were provided to him as a ‘gift’ by developers as an expression of gratitude for his political help. They were also built on non-
developable land, were valued at a combined €180,000 and were in the names of family members, including his father and brotherin-law.
Trouble over sneaky tactics DEMOCRACY is proving an increasingly difficult exercise in Albox with the council divided over the holding of plenary sessions. Mayor Francisco Torrecillas has been accused of despotism by rival politicians. The Popular Party (PP) recently complained that the mayor hadn’t called a proper council meeting in three months, despite them being legally required at least every two months. But last week Torrecillas quickly called one, giving his ri-
vals less than 40 hours to prepare. The minimum notice required is two days. The PSOE mayor therefore neglected the democratic process by giving the PP very little time to prepare for a productive meeting, said the party’s leadership. The administration is also under fire following revelations that 11 people were hired on circumstances tainted by nepotism. Several of them are in receipt of a €2,600 monthly salary despite having a hazy job description.
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ALBOX & SURROUNDING AREAS
MAYOR: Francisco Torrecillas under fire for sporadic meetings.
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Debt disaster at town hall deepens Photo credit Facebook
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WORKERS: Albox has hired plenty of people but is facing debt crisis. LAST week’s revelations that Albox is the third most indebted municipality in Almeria has sparked a great deal of debate among councillors and critics. The town now owes in excess of €21 million to banks. With roughly 11,000 residents, if the debt was evenly spread out then each would owe roughly €1,800, one of the highest rates in the
province. Popular Party (PP) spokesman Juan Perez savaged the town hall upon hearing the news. Describing the PSOE-led council as the “worst management in the history of the city of Albox” he said the debt had risen by 480 per cent since their watch began in 2007. Worse, the actual debt is far
more than that owed only to the banks. The €21 million figure does not include €8 million owed to finance company, Gestagua, or a million euro property debt related to the school of music. The PP believe the true figure is closer to €45 million and accused the town hall of lying when it spoke of a surplus in the council budget.
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V I S I T O U R W E B S I T E W W W . E U R O W E E K LY N E W S . C O M
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PROPERTY www.euroweeklynews.com
Property of the week
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€395,000€ AMAZING PROPERTY: The cortijo has been reformed to a very high specification offering guests a private rural location with modern installations.
Licensed Bed & Breakfast with 4 letting en suite bedrooms, studio apartment and private living accommodation in Velez Rubio THIS amazing property set on a plot of 45 acres is truly an oasis of calm and tranquillity. The original cortijo built in 1969 has been reformed and extended to a very high specification offering guests a private rural location with modern installations. The main property is built over two floors with the ground floor being split between the owner’s private living accommodation to the left and
the guest reception, lounge and dining room to the right. The first floor, accessed from the reception area, comprises four en suite bedrooms and a self-contained studio apartment with private terrace. Externally there are large terraces and BBQ, a pool area with 12 x 7 metre swimming pool with Jacuzzi and a lounge area with changing room facilities.
Beyond the property, terraces, pool and parking areas you have breathtaking views of the land that surrounds it all. Planted mainly with almond trees but also including olive, the land is tended by a local farmer and the harvests are shared. The business has been operating for approximately 10 years although currently only on a part-time basis due to the current owner’s other com-
Tech advantage in real estate NEW technologies are making the experience of buying, selling or renting a home in Spain radically different. Those who have access to such technologies through their real estate agent, or other company, are at a real advantage when playing the property market. One example is virtual reality. Impressive VR technology uses glasses, a computer and 360 degree vision to offer potential buyers a tour of the home without them having to physically visit. A similar experience can be offered by drones, which can explore roofs and offer aerial views in ways which cannot be rivalled by boots on the ground.
While many might baulk at buying a home without personally investigating every corner, a growing number of wealthier foreign buyers are confident in the technology and charmed by the convenience. A seller who offers virtual reality tours of their home can tap into a vast market of distant buyers who might make only a few physical trips but take hundreds of online tours from the comfort of their living room. A similar phenomenon is virtual ‘home staging.’ This technique uses computer augmentations to apply repairs, upgrades, extensions or redecorations to a property so buyers can visualise
exactly what it will look like once they make the changes. It helps take the guesswork out of imagination, especially for buyers without substantial surveying knowledge. This technology has helped sell properties which were considered almost unsellable in their original state by focusing strongly on their potential.
VIRTUAL REALITY: Offers a tour of the home without a physical visit.
mitments. The sale would include everything for the business to run from day one for the new owners and a handover period would be possible. The town of Vélez Rubio is a 10minute drive or for the more adventurous a 4km walk. In the town you will find a variety of bars and restaurants as well as all day-to-day amenities including a weekly street market. A larger shopping mall is in
Lorca 30 minutes away. A drive to the coastal town of Aguilas takes approximately one hour and Granada and the Sierra Nevada skiing slopes are reachable within two hours. Airport transfers to Almeria and Murcia (San Javier) are 90 minutes with a third option of Alicante just 15 minutes more. Tel: 950 617 518 www.nextstopalmeria.com
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GARDENS
GRAEME TYRRELL ONE of the more popular container plants in warm to temperate climates, and a favourite in the Mediterranean region is the Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina). It is a very strong growing plant but unfortunately it must be kept in a container unless you have a place that can maintain a 30 metre high and up to 40 metres wide tree with roots so strong they can lift up pavements and strangle underground pipes. This strength however is why it is so good in a container. It has the ability to grow in adverse conditions of minimal water and direct sun for long periods without expiring. It does have its limitation though which, when understood, allow it to grow happily on your porch, terrace or balcony providing its bright green dense foliage reminiscent of a tropical jungle environment. Its most basic need is to have
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Weeping Fig - happy or sad? an appropriate soil mixture that permits free drainage of water while having the capacity to retain moisture in the mix. A good potting mixture with an equal part by volume of pine bark mixed with it can be a good blend. Stones can be used instead of pine bark but as they don’t retain moisture the container will need more regular watering. Light is also an important issue. They will tolerate full sun when established but do well in light shade as a house plant. If you move them from a very light position to one of low light they will most likely lose many leaves but generally recover. Loss of leaves indicates a change of environment for the Weeping Fig but usually they reboot once a balanced environment for them is re-established. Watering ideally requires that the container is drenched and
Weeping Fig – Ideal for pots then allowed to become touch dry before rewatering. The plant is tolerant of variations of this but if it becomes too dry it may shed its leaves to reflect the degree of dryness and if too constantly wet it may develop fungal problems in the roots that can cripple the plants vitality. Allowing water to escape from the container when
drenching assists with leaching
out accumulating salts in the soil mix. The Weeping Fig is sensitive to salt build up so tap water with high mineral content can be detrimental therefore rain water is better and chemical based fertilisers with high salt content are detrimental in the long term. It is best to provide organic fertilisers in liquid form to maintain nutrients but not excessively. As they are inclined to be a large tree, minimal fertilising will assist in managing its size. They can be potted up into
larger containers as they grow but when they reach the maximum desired size, it will be time to repot into the same sized container by removing the plant from the container flushing away most of the old soil mixture, prune the roots by about a third and return it to the container with a new soil mix. In this way the plant can last for decades. I have two 1.5 metres tall that are a 15-years-old and as healthy as can be from caring for them in this way. I think my Weeping Figs are happy.
Some simple tips for decluttering your home A CLUTTERED home can lead to a stressful life. There’s nothing worse than an attic or basement brimming with things, some of which you may not have used for years. You don’t have to wait for spring to have a clear out. With these simple tips, you can have a clutter-free home and (as an added bonus) mind. 1. Don’t see it as a chore enjoy it! Do not focus on how difficult it will be to sort through those jigsaws with pieces missing and decades of junk you and the family have acquired/created. Instead, try to enjoy purging your living space. 2. Break it down into manageable chunks. If you have a lot of responsibilities then it’s probably going to be hard for you to tackle it all at once. Instead, break it down into individual rooms or even cupboard by cupboard. 3. Phone a friend! Trying to decide what handmade Christmas decoration to keep or whether to bin your dog’s discarded tooth can be
difficult. That’s where having a friend can help as they can advise without any sentiments. 4. The three-year rule. If you haven’t used something for three years, bin it! We are all guilty of keeping things we’re sure we’ll find a use for but, if you haven’t used something for three years or over, chances are you never will. 5. Allocate three boxes. Label your boxes Keep, Donate and Throw away. Be ruthless and focus on how much good your unwanted items can do when donated to charity. 6. Organise your shoes. Shoes have a way of spilling out of the wardrobe and ending up in almost every room of the house. With some simple shelving, a hanging shoe-holder or shoe-rack, floor space will instantly open up. If all else fails, get rid of some pairs. 7. Embellish and beautify. In any space where clutter tends to pile up, embellish with a favourite framed print or something special. Whenever you’re tempted to re-use as a dumping ground, you will think
twice when you see how good it looks without the clutter. 8. Re-use where possible. If you’ve managed to clear out a chest of drawers or Welsh dresser, repurpose it to clear your other clutter.
PERMACULTURE EDUCATION SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Telephone: 666 33 33 35 info@permamed.org http://permamed.org/
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Dog muzzles David THE Dogman Listen to David on TRE every Saturday 10am to 11am Costa del Sol (Gibraltar/Sotogrande) 98.7fm (San Roque to Calahonda) 91.9fm (Calahonda to Motril) 88.9, Costa Calida 92.7fm Costa Blanca (Torrevieja to Elche) 105.1fm (Elche to Calpe) 88.2fm, (Calpe to Gandia & Ibiza) 104.6fm, (Denia to Valencia) 95.3fm Mallorca 103.9fm
MANY folk have so many d iffere n t o p in io n s o f the muzzle. Of course anyone that sees a dog with a muzzle automatically assumes that the dog is dangerous. There are many types of muzzle, but whatever one y o u ch o o s e mak e ce rta in th a t th e d o g is a b le to breath. The muzzle that I recommen d is th e B as k erv i lle w h ich is mark ete d b y t he emin en t Ro g e r M u g ford.
This is a basket design a nd a llow s ne a r unre stricted mouth opening for panting and drinking. The s e a re a va ila ble a t most good pet shops and many vets stock them. They come in 12 sizes to ensure that a good fit is a va ila ble for mos t breeds of dogs. Available through The Compa ny of A nima ls , PO Box 23 Chersey, Surrey KT16 OPU UK. Google them. I encourage all owne rs to tra in the ir dogs to wear a muzzle, the earlier in the dog’s life the be tte r. M os t young dogs a re de structive; a muzzle will protect your home from being eaten. A muzzle will ensure that your dog is unable to eat any rubbish or poison on the ground tha t a lone is worth training for.
DOG MUZZLES: There are many different types.
If you do not have a muzzle you can always tie the leash around the dog’s mouth to prevent it biting.
When visiting the vet it can also be useful for nervous dogs to wear a muzzle and al so when a dog has been operated on. Wearing a m uzzl e i s anot her way t o prevent him from licking the wound. In the event of an emergency, if you do not
have a muzzle then one can always tie the leash around the dog’s mouth to prevent it biting. I would add that a muzzle does not cure a bad behaviour, but it is useful whilst an eff ect i ve t her apeut i c strategy is developed.
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There is a word to describe this car. It begins with ‘s’, ends with ‘t’ and isn’t ‘soot’.” (On the Vauxhall Vectra VXR)
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Motoring shorts Some might say...
Volvo embraces electric VOLVO has announced that, from 2019 onwards, all of its new cars will be electric or hybrid. It is the beginning of the end for the combustion engine’s dominance, which will be phased out after next year. “Volvo Cars has stated that it plans to have sold a total of one million electrified cars by 2025,” said Chief Executive Hakan Samuelsson. “When we said it we meant it. This is how we are going to do it.” The Swedish manufacturer has five distinct electric models planned for release in the next five years. All other cars built will be hybrids. It’s an ambitious move for a company which has yet to release even one production-ready electric vehicle. Sales of its SUV XC90 hybrid have exceeded expectations, however, boosting confidence that eco-friendly is the future. The model is substantially more ex-
pensive than the diesel equivalent, at roughly €70,000 drivers are forking out an extra €15,000 for superior green credentials. But prices are expected to drop as competition gears up a notch. Toyota, Nissan and BMW are leading the electric revolution, and many analysts expect battery-powered cars to account for the majority of the European
market within a decade. Volvo has another ace up its sleeve. The company is owned by Chinese giant Geely, which can put considerable financial might and electric engine ex-
pertise behind the Volvo revolution. Geely also owns a British factory producing the next generation of electric black taxis set to invade London.
SUV XC90 CROSSOVER: Set to inspire an electric future for Volvo.
Deadly dawdling PARENTS stopping outside s c h o o l s t o d r o p o ff a n d pick up children should have the common courtesy to switch off their engines. That’s the conclusion of a new health report backed b y t h e R A C , B r i t a i n ’s l a rg e s t b r e a k d o w n c o v e r company. The report from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says children and older people are acutely threatened by the unnecessary pollution which can lead to serious health problems. It is believed that car fumes contribute to upwards of 20,000 early deaths in the country. Fines for idling outside schools may be the wakeup calls selfish parents across Europe have long needed.
MOTORING
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ROAD TEST by Nick Fletcher
Subaru BRZ SE Lux SPORTS COUPES are a niche yet important sector of the overall car market, with many models costing north of £40,000, but there are some notable exceptions. At the head of the list is the Subaru BRZ, a sleek head-turning model with plenty of charisma. It is rear-wheel-drive, has a taut chassis and a limitedslip differential which diverts engine power to the rear wheel with most traction, helping provide outstanding handling. But that’s not the best part of the BRZ - what is remarkable is that it costs from just €30,190 (£26,495). It’s hard
to find a more enjoyable and engaging sports coupe at that sort of money. Power comes from a 2.0 litre 197 hp horizontally-opposed Boxer engine delivering - with six-speed manual gearbox - a quick 0-100 kph time of just 7.6 seconds and top speed of 225 kph (140 mph). My test model had an automatic gearbox and its figures are 0-100 kph 8.2 seconds, 209 kph (130 mph) and fuel economy of 14.0 kpl (39.8 mpg). With optional sat-nav this version costs €31,899 (£27,995). The slick and responsive auto gearbox still
Stats panel: Model: Subaru BRZ SE Lux Auto Engine: 2.0 litre petrol Transmission: 6-speed auto Performance: 0-100 kph 8.2 seconds, top speed 209 kph (130 mph) Economy: 14.0 kpl (39.8 mpg) Emissions: 164 g/km
kept plenty of fun in the driving experience, and the driving is what this car is all about. With its ground-hugging stance and improved aerodynamics the car stayed glued to the tarmac and with super-responsive steering, you always feel totally in control. With its potent styling, sports seats, big alloys, twin exhausts, rear diffuser and a boot spoiler, the BRZ looks an all-out sports car but it does have a practical side too. For one thing it has four seats, though while Subaru says it will take four people “at a pinch” I have to quibble anyone aged over 12 will struggle for space in the rear of the car. Boot space is decent at 243 litres and with the rear seats folded you get a sur-
prising 1,270 litres which can accommodate some bulky items. Standard kit on the test model included automatic LED headlights, heated leather and Alcantara seats, power windows, automatic air-conditioning, Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system with 6.2 inch colour touchscreen, voice recognition, satnav and Bluetooth. You also get cruise control, keyless entry, push-button start and multi-adjustable steering wheel. No doubt about it, the BRZ offers a lot for the money but more importantly delivers a driving experience which reminds you of just how much fun motoring used to be.
Model tested was UK specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.
SUBARU BRZ: Plenty of charisma.
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Speeding in his grave
FAST: The 458 Speciale has a top speed of 300kph. WINSTON CHURCHILL’S ancestral home welcomed hundreds of supercars to cruise around the gardens and pose for cameras. Blenheim Palace held its Cars at the Palace festival last week as a prelude to its annual supercar meet in September. Motoring fans got a chance to see some of the supercar world’s finest specimens. A 2003 Porsche Carrera GT turned heads, along with its sidekick, a 911 GT3 RS 4.0, one of just 600 of the acclaimed models in existence. Not one to be outdone, Ferrari brought along an F12 Tour de France. Its 6.3 litre V12 engine can reach 780hp, allowing it to hit 100kph in just 2.9 seconds. It was more than matched by a 458 Speciale which can strike a top speed of 320kph. A Jaguar F-Type Project 7, Lamborghini Huracan Spyder and Aston Martin DB11 made it a top day for the lucky attendees. The palace is one of the UK’s top venues for motoring enthusiasts. On September 2 a special event celebrating 70 years of Ferrari takes place, with tickets now up for grabs.
SPORT
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Pride of the Lions, victory for Root’s England and a Brit for Wimbledon? Tony Matthews International Sports A former player, Tony is now the world’s most prolific author of football books with 150 published since 1975. He has also been a PE teacher and a policeman, and is now a quiz-organiser, fund–raiser, for various charities, and sports correspondent for Spectrum Radio. Costa de Almeria
ONCE again, no-one, even those remotely interested in sport, have been disappointed with the action they’ve seen in various competitions worldwide during the last week… and it will get better! RUGBY UNION Last Saturday, the British and Irish Lions came mighty close to beating the New Zealand All Blacks, and indeed, winning a thrilling series, by drawing 15-15 in Auckland in the final Test down under… courtesy of Owen Farrell’s long-distance penalty kick with just three minutes remaining. The hosts had won 38 games at Eden Park and their last draw was against South Africa over a decade ago. So it’s “Well done the Lions - you did GB proud.” CRICKET Joe Root celebrated his first game as England’s captain in terrific style as his team walloped South Africa
by 211 runs in the opening Test at Lords. England amassed 458 (Root scoring 190) and 233 while the tourists were dismissed for 361 and 119 (‘Man of the Match’ Moeen Ali taking 10 giving him ten wickets overall). This was England’s first win over the Springboks at Lords since 1960, doing so inside four days. The second Test starts tomorrow at Trent Bridge. And England - after four straight wins - are progressing in the Women’s World Cup which continues until July 23. Last Sunday they beat reigning world champions Australia by three runs at Bristol, scoring 259-8 against 256-8. FORMULA ONE Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) won last Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix, ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Danny Ricciardo. Lewis Hamilton, annoyed after his team changed a gear box during practice, was subsequently penalised, but after starting eighth on the grid, he drove well to finish fourth. Vettel leads the driver ’s championship by 20 points from Hamilton (171-151) with Bottas third (136). The next race is the British
Grand Prix at Silverstone on Sunday week. TENNIS At the time of going to press, two Brits - reigning champion Andy Murray and Johanna Konta - had reached the quarter-finals of their singles competitions. But they face strong opposition from Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Gilles Muller who eliminated Rafael Nadal 15-13 in the fifth set, and from Caroline Wozniacki, CoCo Vandeweghe, Spain’s Garbine Muguruza, who k’od 2016 champion Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep, Venus Williams, Jelena Ostapenko and Svetlana Kuznetsova respectively. Also Brits Marcus Willis and Jay Clarke ousted reigning champions from France, Herbert and Mahut in the men’s doubles, while Jamie Murray and Martina Hingis were still in the mixed doubles at the start of the week. TOUR OF FRANCE Halfway through the second week of the 3,600km /2,200-mile race, GB’s threetime winner Chris Froome was the overall leader by 18 seconds from Italy’s Fabio Aru. Unfortu-
nately two other Brits - Mark Cavendish and Geraint Thomas - are both out after they fractured a shoulder and collarbone respectively. Cavendish was bull-dozed off his bike by world champion Peter Sagan who was immediately disqualified! The race ends in Paris on July 23. FOOTBALL Romelu Lukaku has joined Manchester United from Everton for £75m (€80m)… Wayne Rooney is returning to Goodison Park after 13 years at Old Trafford… defender Antonio Rudiger has moved to Chelsea from Roma for £29m… and Arsenal could sell Alexis Sanchez! Alex Neil, ex-Norwich boss, has taken over at Preston. My thoughts and best wishes (and yours, no doubt) go to Ajax midfielder Abdelhak Nouri who collapsed during a friendly last Saturday against Werder Bremen. The Dutchman (20) was said to be ‘comfortable and stable’ in hospital after suffering a heart spasm. Also we wish Wolves’ goalkeeper Carl Ikeme (31) well after he was diagnosed with acute leukaemia.
And the Women’s Euro 2017 championship starts tomorrow and ends on August 6. EVENTS There are several other sporting events coming up, including football’s Gold Cup in USA (until July 26)… the Disability Sports/World Para-athletic championships (July 14-23)… the world
swimming and diving championships (from tomorrow until July 20)… and the Open Golf Championship at Royal Birkdale which starts next Thursday (see my preview).
LIONS: You did GB proud.
My GOLF PREVIEW
VALTTERI BOTTAS: Won last Sunday’s Austrian GP. ROONEY: Move back to Everton.
The players aiming to win the 2017 Open: • Brookes Koepka, the recent US Masters winner. • Hideki Matsuyama will ‘soon’ become Japan’s first Major winner. • Rickie Fowler has been so near to winning a Major. • Thomas Pieters certainly has the temperament to win. • Tyrrell Hatton loves playing on links courses. • After a superb US Masters England’s Tommy Fleetwood is in form. • Spain’s Jon Rahm could well be the surprise package. • Dustin Johnson, a champion who doesn’t lie down for long. • Jordan Spieth can easily finish in the top three. • Masters king Sergio Garcia is also in fine fettle. • Rory McIlroy, might, just might, have a chance, likewise Henrik Stenson, Jason Day, Adam Scott, Bill Haas, Brandt Snedeker, Branden Grace, Charl Schwartzer and Emiliano Grillo. Yet we could easily see a rank outsider beat the stars! Fact: An Englishman has never won on this course!
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MANCHESTER UNITED have signed striker Romelu Lukaku from Everton for an initial £75m on a five-year contract.
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Costa de Almería’s best guide to local sport
Forum Golf Society A BUSY and varied month for members of the Forum Golf Society. Starting on June 9, they held the annual Northerners versus Southerners pairs matchplay. The Southerners have held the upper hand for a number of years and maintained their winning streak this year with a 7-3 victory. The fun - and to one of the pairs, the apparent complexity - of the Traffic light Texas scramble on June 16, was enjoyed by seven teams. A standard scramble format, with a minimum of four drives by each player, coupled with alternating tees BlueYellow-Red saw John Bridgen, Gary Blake and Dave White take the win with a nett score of 56.2. June 30 was back to a standard stableford competition, which saw some good scores, in what
was a blustery day, including a maiden podium position for the newest member, John Kimberley. The result was: 1. Graham Spalding 38 points 2. Joy Blake 35 points 3. John Kimberley 35 points NTP’s Sandra Vincent and Yvonne Mackay NTP in 2 Malcolm Sibbons Longest drive Fran Elam Next events are a Double Par medal at Valle del Este on July 14 and a stableford at Aguilon on July 28. In between, on July 21, is a pairs matchplay against Aguilon members. For information about Forum Golf Society, please contact Richard Price on rfp53@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 850 993 073.
Ladies on top again at Badgers FOLLOWING a bacon sandwich and a bottle of brown sauce at Karen’s Bar, at 10am, 23 Badgers made their way down to the first tee on Wednesday July 5. The Badgers’ ladies are on a roll at the moment as Steph Glynn came out on top, fol-
lowing last week’s victory by Wendy England - a few of the gents were growling in good fun - with everyone having a tickety-boo day. As of late, the weather and the course have come up to all expectations. Full Results
1st Steph Glynn 38 points. 2nd Martyn England 36 points. Two’s Steph Glynn 6th. Steve Casburn. 14th. Badgers also play Saturday morning. For further information, phone Duncan Smart 634 331 059.
SPORT
19th Hole’s Summer Bash LORCA golf course was the venue for 19th Hole’s Summer Bash and what a great day they were treated to. Fifty-six intrepid golfers took part in their Ryder Cup Competition with Mike Esposito’s team prevailing over Bob Tagg’s men and ladies by a score of 9 to 4, with one game halved. They then sat down to a lovely menu del dia with free beer and wine thrown in for good measure. The undoubted highlight of the day was Geoff Smith’s hole in one on the 10th which, was his first hole of the day. The other winners on the day were: Nearest the pins 4th Peter Death. 6th Peter Easthope. 8th Bob Tagg. 10th Geoff Smith with a hole in one. 12th Steve Newberry. 14th in 2 Brian Lowden. There were six two’s recorded - Peter Death, Tommy Seed, Steve Newberry and Mick Craswell all on the 4th. Mike Donarski on the 10th and Karyn Esposito on the 12th.
Valle Del Este Golf Society THE July Monthly Medal took place in quite pleasant, cloudy conditions with the course playing well, except for the usual wind picking up in the afternoon. After a week’s absence, Derek Pearce returned to singles action by recording his very first ever medal win, beating his fellow Yorkshireman, Jim Firth, on countback with the ever consistent, Patrick Vickery, coming third. 1st Derek PearceNett 73 2nd Jim FirthNett 73 3rd Patrick Vickery Nett 74 Nearest the pin: 8th hole Jim Firth. Nearest the pin: 14th hole, Mike Thomas. Longest Drive: 7th hole , Patrick Vickery. Valle Del Este Golf Society is affiliated to the Valle Del Este Golf Resort in Vera. They play every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Singles competitions are played every Thursday including a Monthly Medal. Visitors are welcome (subject to available tee times). Please ring Alan Townsend on 634 379 887.