ISSUE 656 • 12th - 18th October 2018
EST 2005
By Jose Artur WOMEN’S groups in Arboleas, Cantoria, Chirivel and Huercal-Overa have been selected among others across Almeria Province to receive a share of some €50,000 in official funding. The Diputacion de Almeria has decided to fund the 48 groups which form Almeria Province’s Council of Women to help them promote gender equality and combat sexist violence. The money will go towards projects which are set to go ahead to coincide with the International Day Against Violence A g a i n s t Wo m e n o n N o v e m b e r 25. A n g e l E s c o b a r, t h e D i p u t a cion’s equality and social welfare spokesperson, said: “This aid is proof that the Diputacion is committed to ending the scourge of sexism and gender violence in society,” Escobar said. Arboleas’ New Dawn group, the El Valle Women’s Associat i o n i n C a n t o r i a , C h i r i v e l ’s L a
CREDIT: March 8 Feminist Assembly Almeria, via Twitter
Aid for women
EQUALITY PUSH: Women in Almeria Province rallied for gender equality earlier this year. S a b i n a A l v a r e l d e r l y w o m e n ’s group are all set to get a share of the funding. The Santa Mari de Nievar and fibromylagia organisation in Huercal-Overa, which helps women suffering from the debili-
tating long-term health condition is also due to receive a grant. Hundreds of women across Almeria Province have been involved in protests and rallies calling for greater gender equality so far this year.
Nuclear waste call MEMBERS of a leftist political party are due to ask Andalucian officials for an update on Palomares’ radioactive pollution situation in the region’s Parliament today (Thursday). Lucia Ayala, Podemos’ representative for Almeria Province in the Andalucian Parliament, is due to ask if the region’s Junta
is prepared to take action to help clean up the area. Podemos claimed in a statement Palomares had been ‘ignored’ by successive administrations since the mid-air plane crash that led to radioactive waste being spewed over the town in the 1960’s. “Lucia Ayala will ask the Junta
to what extent it is within its powers to protect the people of Palomares, which is one of the areas with the highest levels of nuclear pollution in Europe,” the party said. The representative is also set to call for “coherence and responsibility” in relation to the cleanup.
2 NEWS BITES Orchestra auditions ALMERIA City Mayor Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco visited the almost 200 young musicians who t a k e p a r t i n t h e c i t y ’s C h i l d r e n a n d Yo u t h O r chestra, with auditions for the group set to be held at the Civitas Residence centre.
Exam venue EL E J I DO has b e e n named as the official venue for the Cambridge exam board’s English tests, with 69 students recently earning their certificates from the course and the next round of exams set to be held next year.
Health unit MEMBERS of the Andalucian Society of Neurology (SAN)’s Tropical Medicine unit have met to discuss how to deal with illnesses coming into Almeria Province’s southern Pontiente region and have called on doctors to diagnose them early.
News
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Western festival rolls into town THE Almeria Western Film Festival in Tabernas gains more renown with every year and 2018 sees it take the stage from October 913. Once of the centrepiece calendar events for Almeria, the ‘Land of Cinema,’ the festival has a wide cultural reach. The varied programme is for all ages and every year an influx of actors, street performers, families and tourists descend on the town to enjoy a colourful and vibrant spectacle. It is a celebration of the Western genre of film, which has an iconic status for many film fans across the world. Full-length features will be shown, along with short
WESTERN WOMEN: The streets are lined with colourfully dressed performers.
films and documentaries. Almeria has been steeped in cinema for the last 50 years, and many film crews travel to the region to capture its beautiful landscapes. Indeed the film industry has been an important
source of employment and tourism, helping to boost the local economy. The Almeria Western Film Festival began in 2011 as the only one in Europe dedicated exclusively to the Western movie genre.
It has been fully supported and promoted by Tabernas council, and offers a wide range of screenings for film fans to enjoy. There are also activities for children, including painting and dancing.
Band aid
A CHARITY jewellery sale is set to be held in Bedar on Saturday October 20 in aid of a local group of musicians. The sale is due to be put on at the Castellon de Bedar in the village. It is in aid of the Bedar Village Band. Jewellery will be on offer for €3 at the event, the organisers said. There will also be coffee and cake available at a cost of €1. Castellon de Bedar offers classes on jewellery making and cleaning and polishing such items. Commissions are also available which are all handmade.
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12th - 18th October 2018
News
T H E D a m e s i n Tu r r e g r o u p have planned a Christmas Market on Saturday December 8 to raise funds for local charities. The market is set to be held i n t h e m a i n s q u a r e o f Tu r r e from 10am to 1pm. It is due to feature a Bumper Christmas R a ff l e , a t o m b o l a s t a n d w i t h prizes, bric-a-brac, gift stall as well as mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls, the Dames said. “Dames will be supported by many outside stalls with gifts and goodies suitable for everyone. Do come along and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere, sing-a-long to Christmas music and most importantly spend lots of money on your Christmas shopping. “All money raised will be don a t e d t o c h a r i t y, ” t h e g r o u p said. “ We l o o k f o r w a r d t o s e e i n g you all on the day,” they added. Anyone interested in running their own stall at the event or in donating items to sell can cont a c t S o o Wa l l a c e b y e m a i l a t sillyboo59@yahoo.co.uk.
CREDIT: BBC
Christmas market
RACE NIGHT: Takings will be donated to Children In Need.
Children in Need night A GROUP in La Alfoquia has organised a ‘Race Night’ next month in aid of this year’s Children In Need. The night, set to go ahead on Saturday November 17, may also feature a live link to the BBC’s Children In Need broadcast according to the organisers. The event is due to be held at Bar La Union. The Race Night is set to start at 6.30pm, with tickets priced at €12. Half of the ticket price will be donated to Children In Need. The programme for the evening includes an auction of quality second-hand items, with the organisers having appealed for anyone with goods to donate to do so before the event. “All funds raised at the auction will go to the great cause that is Children In Need,” the organisers said. The ticket price also includes a fully cooked buffet. The race night and auction will be followed by a comedy show and live music perfor-
mances. There could also be a direct live link to the BBC Children In Need show which is being broadcast the same night. The event’s organisers said the chances of making the link depended on the broadcaster’s schedule. Organisers are currently waiting on the BBC to print and send posters set to feature more information on how to donate directly to Children In Need. Anyone who would like more information or to buy a ticket can contact Bar La Union. Children In Need supports around 2,400 projects across Britain aimed at helping disadvantaged children stay safe, happy and get opportunities to achieve their full potential. Fundraisers for the event take place every year along with a star-studded broadcast featuring show mascot Pudsey Bear.
NEWS
Bicycle race CREDIT: Fiñana Council
FIÑANA has played host to an off-road bicycle race which saw riders negotiate the challenging landscape of nearby mountains to vie for the winning podium spot. The sixth annual BTT Sierras de Fiñana race saw 67 racers take part last weekend. It was organised by the local council, with help from volunteers from the Red Cross and the Proteccion Civil. Rafa Montes, the mayor of Fiñana, said the council was looking into ways to help support similar races as the sport becomes more popular. “As the gateway to the Sierra Nevada, Fiñana can offer a whole range of alter-
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RACE DAY: A total of 67 riders took part.
CREDIT: CDA31, via Facebook
Last tango in Mojacar
MOVERS AND SHAKERS: The group performed in Mojacar’s Plaza Nueva. MOJACAR has played host to a French dance group’s annual convention, with almost 500 people taking part. The Club Danse Autrement 31’s (CDA31) convention kicked off in Mojacar on Saturday September 29. The dancers taking part stayed in the town until last Tuesday, according to Mojacar Council. The programme for the stay included dancing and singing courses and workshops, as well as excursions and trips to the surrounding areas of Mojacar and Almeria Province. The group also staged a public performance in the town’s Plaza Nueva as part of celebrations for the Vir-
gen del Rosario Fiesta. The show featured 12 dancers performing difference dances, including the tango, waltz and salsa along with four troupes who staged their own choreographed routines. The show also featured performances from four singers. CDA31’s President, Guy Trouval, as well as directors Jerome Torres and Michelle Royon were among those taking part in the trip. They were joined by 14 teachers and five music DJs. CDA31 was founded in France in 2002 and it has more than 3,000 members from across all age groups and skill levels.
5 native activities,” Montes said. The event saw riders race along a 50-kilometre route which included 1.3-kilometres of uneven terrain. The riders went off-road and also raced through the streets of Fiñana itself. Leopoldo Perez and Maria Esther Garvi were crowned winners of the race, with Montes presenting the awards along with other council officials. Fiñana Council said in a statement it wanted to thank the more than 50 volunteers who helped the race go ahead without issue. The council added it has also organised several packages for people interesting in mountain biking while visiting the town.
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News
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CREDIT: Mojacar Council
Wonder Woman actress goes sightseeing
BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY: The Parador chain is celebrating its 90th anniversary. CREDIT: Gal Gadot, via Twitter
STAR STRUCK: Gadot posed outside the Cathedral.
THE star of the sequel to the reboot of the superhero classic Wonder Woman has taken time out of her shooting schedule to see the sights of Almeria City. Gal Gadot is back in front of the camera to reprise her role as Wonder Woman. The latest instalment of the franchise is titled Wonder Woman 1984. She features alongside a host of Hollywood actors including Pedro Pascal of Narcos and Game of Thrones fame and Chris Pine, who stars in the latest Star Trek franchise. The Wonder Woman 1984 crew began shooting the second instalment of the series at locations across Almeria City including La Alcazaba. Gadot took to social media on Tuesday to give fans a glimpse
of what she has been up to while not donning the Wonder Woman’s signature knee-high boots. The actor posted a selfie standing in front of Almeria City Cathedral which led local @avi margr to comment: “It’s Cathedral of Almería (Spain). I was there two days to see you.” The film is set to take place in the 1980’s with Wonder Woman taking on her new rival, The Cheetah. Wonder Woman 1984 is set to see the superhero take part in the Western World’s face off with the Soviet Union as the Cold War reaches its climax. The cast and crew are set to move on to the Canary Islands of Tenerife and Fuerteventura, once shooting in Almeria wraps up.
Hotel offer M OJACAR’S Parador Hotel has said it will give away vouchers to all children born this October 9 to mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of the hotel chain. The ‘Mum, I invite you to Parador ’s offer marks King A l f o n s o 1 3 t h ’s o p e n i n g o f Spain’s first Parador Hotel in Gredos in Castilla y Leon in 1928. Mojacar Council said in a statement the campaign was an ‘excellent’ way to celebrate the hotel chain’s birthday.
“There is no doubt that Mojacar will welcome new visitors to the hotel with open arms and that everyone, parents and children, can rest and enjoy the excellent facilities of its Parador as well as everything Mojacar has to offer,” the council said. Ta n a B l a z q u e z C u b e r o , the director of Mojacar ’s Parador, visited Inmaculada Hospital in Huercal-Overa l a s t Tu e s d a y, t o d e l i v e r vouchers for bed-andbreakfast stays to the parent’s of babies born that day.
T h e o ff e r i s a v a i l a b l e t o all parents in Almeria Province who had a child last Tuesday, according to Parador. Those who want to collect their voucher can do so by visiting the hotel chain’s website. The Parador hotel chain owns 97 establishments across Spain and Portugal. The hotels are usually situated in historic buildings which have been restored and continue to be maintained. The Mojacar Parador is the only hotel of the chain in Almeria Province.
NEWS NEWS BITES Launch of course THE opening ceremony for students beginning their courses with the National University of Distance Learning in Almeria is due to take place this Tuesday in Almeria City days after undergraduates were welcomed by centre director Jose Jesus Garquez.
12th -18th October 2018 ALMERIA City has become the only contender left in the running to be crowned Spain’s Food Capital next year after judges disqualified its last remaining rival. City council sources said they had not received any communication from the panel that selects the Capital of Gastronomy concerning problems with their application.
Food favourite It comes as its rival, which remains anonymous, was disqualified for submitting an incomplete dossier for its bid. Ramon FernandezPacheco, the mayor of Almeria City, said it had managed to reach the final in the contest
thanks to ‘great work’ from officials. “We are clear that we do meet all the requirements and that we have presented a winning bid,” the mayor said. Fernandez-Pacheco added residents and supports of Almeria
Port works THE Junta de Andalucia’s Development Department has launched works worth around €3.1 million to the port of Garrucha which include repair work to restore parts of the harbour severely damaged following storms earlier this year.
towns who backed the bid, FernandezPacheco added. “I think we would have beaten any city that had presented itself,” the mayor said. Mariano Palacin, head of the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy body which decides the title, said the rival city was disqualified because its application did not comply with the competition’s rules. “The city had not been named, as the body wanted to avoid giving it bad publicity because its application had its merits,” Palacin added.
Dog squad training
Two held NATIONAL POLICE have arrested two youths in connection with the attempted mugging of a 66-year-old woman’s purse in Almeria City’s Almadradillas Park, with the alleged victim later taken to Torrecardenas Hospital with slight injuries including bruises.
City’s bid should remain cautious as the panel could make any decision when it announces the winner on October 17. The mayor said a ‘very broad’ base of people had backed the city’s bid to become Spanish Food Capital next year. The council collected more than 10,000 signatures in the space of a week from locals in the city and surrounding
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QUIETLY CONFIDENT: Fernandez-Pacheco (centre) said Almeria City had presented a winning bid.
SEVERAL police dog units from across Spain took part in canine rescue training in Almeria Province last weekend. Units from Malaga Province and the Valencia Region attend-
ed the training exercise which saw the dogs practise the search and rescue of 17 victims. Squads from overseas, including from Britain, also took part in the training exercises.
News
12th - 18th October 2018
CREDIT: Paws-Patas
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Ed. 656
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NEW LOOK: Volunteers cleared away overhanging trees on Ground Force day.
A
LOCAL animal charity has said it wants to thank everyone who took part in two of their recent events. The Paws-Patas charity said it was grateful to everyone who came to volunteer for its ‘Ground Force’ day. It saw those involved clearing up overgrown plants from the group’s animal shelter. The group also said it was pleased to report that its Kitten Coffee and Cake morning, held in Las Buganvillas, raised €263 for their shelter. Paws-Patas said in a statement the Ground Force day had made a huge difference to their shelter, including improving one of their dog’s view. “Rescue dog Tammy is delighted to see more of the world,” the group said. The Ground Force day saw several volunteers chop away overhanging branches
A big thank you from the trees surrounding the charity’s animal shelter. Bamboo was also cut away with the help of volunteer Malcolm Steven’s industrial chainsaw and strimmer, which Paws-Patas said was put to good use by his assistant David. His wife, Ann, along with Janet Franklin and Anneli Lofstrom served up lunch to the
volunteers. All three are members of the charity’s executive committee. Kris Wessels-Coles, the charity’s treasurer, and Chrissie Cremore, its publicist, helped to carry, rake and sort the cuttings and also helped out with other tasks where needed. The charity said it wanted to extend a special thanks to Denise, John, Sarah and Keith, of Dog Watch UK, who visited from Britain especially for the day. Dog Watch UK helps Paws-Patas to find new homes in Britain for many of its dogs. The success of the Ground Force day comes after the charity’s Kitten Coffee and Cake morning raised €263 and also saw three kittens adopted. The group also said it was seeking volunteers for all areas of the charity. For more info: visit: www.paws-patas.org or email: in fo@paws-patas.org.
Weekender 12th - 18th October 2018
Jos Biggs’ column Page 12
Grow your own Page 19
Property Page 14 - 17
Crumpets with butter Page 21
Cat sitting at Xmas
Food for thought
Page 27
Page 26
Jodie is a hit Page 28
Porsche special edition Page 39
Feature
12th - 18th October 2018
CREDIT: Bowfinger International Pictures
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October 8 Conspiracy By Jos Biggs
CRIME TIME: Ola de Crimenes being screened in Albox.
Film showings A CINEMA in Albox has unveiled the showing times for its latest offering, with the schedule beginning tomorrow (Friday). The Sala Federico Garcia Lorca is screening the Spanish film Ola de Crimenes (Crime Wave) from this Friday to the following Wednesday, with the exception of Tuesday. Tickets cost €5.50 or €4.50 on Wednesdays. Ola de Crimenes is set in Bilbao in the Basque Country and follows a t e e n a g e b o y a n d h i s m o t h e r ’s a t tempts to cover up the murder of their father and ex-husband, respectively.
They have to contend with the dead m a n ’s n e w w i f e a n d h e r l a w y e r a s well as determined police officers, while the cover up unleashes a wave of crimes. The full schedule is as follows: Ola de Crimenes Friday... 12 Oct. at 21.30h Saturday... 13 Oct. at 20.00h and 22.30h S u n d a y. . . 1 4 O c t . a t 1 7 . 0 0 h a n d 19.00h Monday... 15 Oct. at 20.00h We d n e s d a y. . . 1 7 O c t . a t 2 1 . 3 0 h (spectator day €4.50).
IT’S not fair - I have done nothing to deserve such treatment! Since February there has not been one day when everything in the house is working, and if there is then I will not be able to find something I need. There is a serious Mischief Imp loose in my house, and I want to catch it and give it what for! The only thing stopping me from achieving this justifiable homicide is that Mischief Imps are invisible, which makes catching them very difficult. I can’t remember the complete list of things that I haven’t been able to find, but it is longer than an orangutan’s arm, so I will content myself with this moment in time, when I can’t find: A pillow case - just one, how can that happen? Page 2 - of a short story - I’ve got 1 and 3 onwards. Then there’s the list of Things That
Broke: The microwave - replaced. The washing machine - replaced, but needed the technico to come and persuade it to work. The radio - replaced, and working after a trip to Sevilla to be repaired under guarantee. The small telly - needed Gary to come and sort it/me out, and no more said about that! The big telly - is now on its fourth tantrum. The air-con - a sore subject, but eventually Tony from GasFast booted it into action. The automatic weather station - I can live without that! The kitchen clock - awaiting replacement. The bedroom clock - Ha! Thwarted! I put new batteries in, that’ll teach it! What have I done to deserve all this?
josbiggs@hotmail.co.uk
Feature
12th - 18th October 2018
Gymnasts triumph A M E M B E R o f Ve r a ’s C h i l dren’s Gymnastics Club has been selected to represent Andalucia in a national competition for the sport after competing at a regional heat in Malaga Province. Erika Huskinson is one of five people who competed in the Marbella qualifier last weekend to be selected to move on to the Spanish Individual Base Championship. The tournament is set to be held in Murcia next month. Vera Council said in a statement Huskinson had shown good form when competing against some of the best young gymnasts from across Andalucia. She won her place in the Spanish Championship on her first attempt, the council added. Huskinson’s team included the athletes Lucia Ana Exposito Maries and Stefani Huskinson. The team’s success comes as young gymnasts from across Spain prepare to travel to Madrid to compete in the Gym Cup this weekend.
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SAINTLY SHOW: Mojacar’s Virgen del Rosario fiesta took place last weekend.
Mojacar fiesta
CHAMPION: Erika Huskinson is set to compete nationally.
MOJACAR’S festival celebrating one of its Patron Christian figures finished on Monday after a programme of events which saw many locals take part the previous weekend. The fiesta in honour of the Virgen del Rosario (Virgin of the Rosary) began last Saturday with a dance show featuring more than 50 participants in the Plaza Nueva. A Holy Mass was held the following Sunday at
11.30am in the Santa Maria parish church, presided over by priest Miguel Esteban Jerez. A likeness of the Virgin was then paraded through the streets of the town to the tune of the local band, with several council dignitaries in attendance. Sunday afternoon saw the traditional ribbon horseback runs take place, with the event having been put on for centuries, before the fiesta closed on Monday.
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Weekender
Property
12th - 18th October 2018
Fit for a king W HILE most people might come to Spain looking to buy a seafront apartment or perhaps even a rustic finca, there is still a market for the slightly more unique property.
There may not be as many for sale as in France or Italy, but Spain offers its fair share of castles or manor houses for sale. But unless you get very lucky it is going to cost you a quite a lot. This impressive castle comes in at a cool â‚Ź14.5 million but you do get a lot for your money. It comes with an estate of 450 hectares located in Badajoz region, about a 2.5-hour drive from Lisbon and Sevilla and three hours from Madrid. The castle was built in the 13th century and currently belongs to a family whose ancestors bought it in 1906 and undertook a major reform, leaving the castle in perfect condition. It has about 50 living spaces including six large bedrooms, three bathrooms and nine lounges. The rest consist of offices, a small museum, rooms,
MAGNIFICENT: Fantastic castle, but it will set you back â‚Ź14.5 million. bathrooms and reformed stables. Some lounges are used for events such as banquets and weddings although the owners live in the castle. The estate surrounds the cas-
tle and includes pastures and oaks including Holm oaks. The pastures of the estate are well-known for their excellence in the breeding of Iberian pigs. There is also a hunting ground
where you can shoot wood pigeons, turtle doves, thrushes, wild boar and deer. It is the best area of Spain for hunting wood pigeons,
being close to the San Pedro mountains, according to agents Moulin.
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Property
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Heir hunters on the prowl
ON dying in 1973, the owner of a Barceloneta apartment building had no wife or children to inherit the property. His nearest relations declined to take on the legacy but decades later two descendants, presumably contacted by an ‘heir hunting’ company, claimed their inheritance in high-rent Barceloneta. Forty-three years earlier when their landlord died, tenants of the 12 apartments asked the Chamber of Housing and the town hall what to do. The officials were unsure but one recommended that they paid the IBI rates. ‘That way you won’t have problems,’ they were assured. For the next 43 years they did not pay rent but paid all taxes, made repairs and installed natural gas. As registered tenants died or moved out, their apartments were transferred to family or friends without formalising the changeover. The most recent arrivals have been there 10 years.
HIGH RENT: Barceloneta beach. But last year the building, still in the dead owner’s name, was re-registered to two people and a company. The tenants, asked to leave by an intermediary, refused to go. In June this year a new proprietor contacted them, asking to be recognised as the owner with another request to vacate their homes.” For more than 40 years the tenants have acted as owners.
Without us, this would be a ruin,” said Antonia who was born in the building in 1943. Montse Serrano, the lawyer representing the tenants, claimed that this is not an isolated case. Two tenants have started legal proceedings to claim ownership of their apartments as they can prove they lived there for more than 30 years.
A chance to look around IN 1985, the UN introduced Habitat Day, reflecting on the state of the world’s towns and cities. Twelve years later, the International Union of Architects decided to hold World Architecture Day on the same day, underlining the profession’s commitment to society. In Madrid this year, thanks to Open House Madrid and the Madrid College of Architects (COAM), the public could visit more than 100 city buildings which usually restrict admission. These ranged from the austerity of Alejandro de la Sota’s1962 Colegio Maravillas gymnasium in Calle Joaquin Costa to Palacio Longoria, the Spanish-Modernist building now occupied by the Spanish Society of Authors and Publishers. The public were able to see inside the Cuartel General del Ejercito (Air Force) headquarters, constructed between 1943 and 1958, and visit contemporary buildings
including the Ciudad BBVA complex by the Swiss architecture studio Herzog & De Meuron. The car wash designed by Lina Tor, named Behind the scenes, was also on the list, as was the Castellana 77 office block together with the Art Deco Hotel Vincci Capitol and Zarzuela Race Course. “A city’s architecture reflects its history,” said Jose Maria Ezquiaga, who heads COAM. “It is not possible to talk about one style of architecture in Madrid because styles vary so much in terms of the moment,” continued Ezquiaga, whose personal preference is for the neoclassical El Prado by Juan de Villanueva (1739-1811). The Open House initiative originated in London in 1992 to encourage appreciation, understanding and knowledge of contemporary and historic buildings, recognising quality above the age of the constructions.
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Weekender
PINK is definitely ‘having a moment,’ as they say in fashion circles. It started when Pantone named ‘Rose Quartz’ as their Colour of the Year in 2016, but the rise in popularity can be traced back to the release of Wes Anderson’s quirky film ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (2014) and thus, the term ‘Millennial Pink’ was born. Millennial pink isn’t actually a colour in itself, but an umbrella term used to describe the variety of shades of barely-there pink that have exploded onto the high street recently. So how do you include it in your home? One easy way to use pink is via accessories. This ensures the colour doesn’t dominate the room and yet is still obviously present. Think pink rugs, cushions and throws as well as pink accents. Think pink details on
Lifestyle
12th - 18th October 2018
In the pink
PINK: Is staging a come back.
Credit: Melody Maison
pictures, pink flowers in a vase or just a few simple pink colour candle holders dotted around. A hint of pink is all you really need to jump on the trend. But what if you want to go full throttle? Pink furniture has had a huge resurgence thanks to this colour trending. In fact, one of the best and easiest ways to include pink into your interior is through seating. A sofa, chair, pouffe or stool in a fabulous pink shade is an instant statement piece. Interiors shop Melody Maison boast a gorgeous selection of pink seating that will help you Think Pink and get you home gorgeous! If you’re really brave, pink paint or wallpaper are a fabulous way to include pink in your decor theme - be careful with the shade or maybe only do one wall, as pink can overpower a room very easily.
The smarter way SMART TECH: Your mobile phone can control household appliances and heating. ‘LIFE’S too short,’ as they say. And with constant pressures on our time most of us would welcome ways to make the best of it. While over-use of technology gets rather a bad rap, some advances can help make our lives easier and give us back more free time. So if you’re a gadget fan
who always seems to be pushed for time, why not consider one of the many smart devices now available for homes? The kitchen is where we can spend hours each week, preparing meals, restocking supplies and making endless hot drinks. Luckily, advances in technology have
made these processes easier, offering products such as smart fridges. These appliances offer the same advantages as normal fridges but with a built-in tablet on the front door which functions as a communication centre for the rest of the house and even takes photographs of the inside of your fridge to let you know what foods you’re low on. Smart technology can help the hardiest of caffeine addicts, allowing us to cut down on the amount of time spent waiting for the kettle to boil and instead wake up or come home to alreadyprepared coffee. A connected coffee machine, which can be controlled via smartphone, can make the perfect cup every time.
Lifestyle
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Grow your own veggies W
ITH healthy eating on the rise and increasing food costs, there’s never been a better time to have a go at growing your own fruit and vegetables. Spain’s soil can be very fert i l e a n d w i t h a l i t t l e e ff o r t a vegetable patch here could prove very productive. Autumn weather may be cooler but temperatures are still warm enough to grow many crops, so why not try out some of the foods suggested below? Spinach is a great source of iron and can be grown both in a container or in the ground, providing leaves for salads and numerous other dishes once mature. Garlic has also been shown to be beneficial for heart health and also excels in Spanish growing conditions. Plant out using existing bulbs bought for eating and place in the soil root down around four inches apart. Expect growth around spring time.
HEALTHY EATING: A vegetable patch can prove very productive. Carrots are fantastic vegetables for eye health and are a rich source of antioxidants which can reduce the risk of
cancer. They also do well in Spanish climates and can be grown from seed straight in the soil in rows around three
to four inches apart. Plant in soil that is damp but not wet and do not allow the seeds to dry out.
Spring onions provide excellent flavouring to a variety of dishes, particularly oriental food. They also provide good amounts of vitamins A, K, and C. Plant out shop-bought spring onions roots down after first drilling a hole in welldrained soil around 1.5cm deep and at least 15cm away from other crops. Be careful not to over-water. Finally, the humble potato makes up a large part of many dishes, from a plate of chips to mash, roasties, and even hash browns. This staple can easily be grown at home by first buying potatoes with sprouts already growing from them. Cut these sections off and place them in a warm, moderately well-lit area for around five days. Next, plant these sections out 12 inches apart and cut side down. As the plant begins to grow, fill up soil around the sprout when it reaches around eight inches, leaving only around four inches of plant showing before harvesting when the potatoes mature.
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Weekender
Food & Drink
12th - 18th October 2018
Most popular desserts by region THE number one dessert in all of Spain, but particularly in Madrid City, is the immensely traditional ‘Chocolate con Churros.’ Although often eaten for breakfast, many people like it for dessert too.
NATIONWIDE FAVOURITE: Churros con chocolate.
It is a fried batter whose saltiness mixes gloriously with the bitterness of the chocolate which is served thick and hot. In Cantabria they go for the ‘Sobaos Pasiegos’ which is a sort of sponge cake soaked in butter and sugar, sometimes with the addition of lemon rind and rum; this has been made in the area since around 1896. In the region of Madrid, not to be confused with the city, they favour ‘Torrijas’; this is bread, usually stale, which has been soaked in milk or wine then coated in egg and fried in oil - it is normally served with honey or sugar. In Cataluña the ‘Crema Catalana’ rules supreme. This is very much like a crème brulee and consists of eggy cream which has been covered in sugar which is then caramelised. The Balearic Islands have given the cuisine of Spain the ‘Ensaimada’ which is a sweet pastry, of the Danish style, covered in caster sugar this has been served in Mallorca since before records began. The ‘Tarta de Santiago’ is the favourite in Galicia and has been made there since the pilgrimages started. It is an almond sponge cake decorated with the cross of St James. In the hills of Asturias they prefer the ‘Arroz con Leche’ which is not unlike rice pudding and is sometimes flavoured with lemon rind or vanilla. The ‘Horchata’ is a drink made from Tiger nut milk and has been served very cold in Valencia for hundreds of years. Regardless of where in Spain you go there will always be something sweet waiting for you.
The best of Spanish beers SPAIN is better known for its wines but they also produce some excellent beers, here are some of the best of the local amber nectars. Damm Inedit - This beer was created in conjunction with Ferran Adria (of El Bulli fame) and is made with cilantro in the hop mix as well as some orange peel and liquorice. Proof: 4.8º. Alhambra 1925 - This beverage has a distinctive caramel taste followed by a slightly bitter, refreshing aftertaste. Proof: 6.8º. Price: €1 for a 33cl bottle. Mahou cinco estrellas A real classic and especially refreshing; it has a light acidity and a taste of toasted hops. Proof: 5.5º. Cruz Campo Gran Reserva 1904 - This draught is made from 100 per cent best quality malt, it has an intense and balanced taste with a pleasantly bitter aftertaste. Proof: 6.4º. So now you know what to order next time you go to the bar.
Cherries aid sleep DRINKING cherry juice may improve sleep patterns amongst older people who suffer from insomnia. Researchers from Louisiana State University (US) found that drinking tart cherry juice in the morning and evening may help people to sleep better at night. Drinking the juice twice a day for two weeks helped increase sleep time by nearly 90 minutes it was revealed at the annual meeting of the American Society of Nutrition. Insomnia - defined as trouble sleeping on average more than three nights per week - is a common problem among older adults, and can seriously affect their health.
Food & Drink
12th - 18th October 2018
Crumpets
CRUMPETS: Serve with lashings of butter.
I
WAS pondering the other day about some of the things we used to enjoy when were in the UK and crumpets sprang to mind. Being the crazy baker that I am, I was lucky to find everything I needed in the cupboard, so the Olive Tree Farm kitchen was soon in uproar as I got to work. If you haven’t made them before, you might be surprised at how easy they are. Before you start though, you do need metal ring moulds to cook them in which if you haven’t got, you can find in most of the Chinese shops here and cost around one euro per ring. Get at least four if you decide to get some, as this is a big mix and makes quite a lot of crumpets. I used my big frying pan and could easily fit five in at one time. I have tried a few recipes, but this one was a Jamie Oliver recipe and gave the best results (hole wise) that I have managed before. Although he recommended to add a quarter cup of the batter mix to a 10cm ring, I added a third of a cup as I wanted them thicker, rather than pancake like. Ingredients 400 ml of warm milk (just warm to the hand) 100 ml tepid water 1 tablespoon of dried active yeast 1 teaspoon of caster sugar 300g strong bread flour 1 teaspoon salt
OLIVE TREE FARM was set up about four years ago with the intention of achieving a level of self sufficiency. We have poultry for meat and eggs, goats for milk, rabbits and small pigs for meat and harvest our 70 olive trees each year for oil. We also grow a variety of fruits and vegetables. ½ a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda Vegetable oil for greasing Method Warm the milk (I did this in a glass jug in the microwave for about one minute 20 seconds) test it with your hand, you want it just warm to the touch. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in the milk and add the water. Leave this in a warm place for around 15 minutes or until it froths on the top. Sieve the flour, salt and bicarbonate of soda into a deep mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Now slowly add your liquid mixing
from the centre outwards. I used my hand mixer for this with one beater attached, for more control. Keep beating until all the liquid has been added and you have a smooth batter which resembles double cream. This takes around three or four minutes. Cover with a warm damp cloth and leave in a warm place for around 45 minutes, until you can see it has frothed up and the top has small bubbles forming. When you are ready to cook them, heat a greased, flat bottomed pan on a medium - high heat sitting the greased metal rings in the pan, so they also heat up. When hot, add your batter. As I mentioned above, I added a third of a cup to the 10cm rings, I also had 5cm rings and used a quarter cup in those. Leave them for about four to five minutes, you will see the bubbles on the top opening up and popping. When the top looks set, remove them from the rings by running a knife around the edges and if serving immediately, flip the crumpet over gently to brown off the top side of them. Don’t press, or move them so you don’t spoil the holes you have created. Cook them in batches until you have used all your batter. Serve immediately hole side up, with lashings of butter so it melts over them. If you aren’t using them straight away, don’t flip them so you can heat them up in
a toaster later and the tops will brown off then. Once cold, you can also freeze them for another day. If you would like to join my cooking group, search out ‘Cooks In Spain’ on Facebook.
Weekender 21
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Weekender
Health & beauty
12th - 18th October 2018
Are you one of them? MANY adults are turning away from gyms due to back pain. Around two-fifths of adults in the UK said they avoided exercise because of pain in the lower back according to a survey of more than 2,000 adults which was commissioned by the British Chiropractic Association. However they said that the s pine i s n a tu r a l l y st rong and moderate exercise, when done correctly, can help to build and maintain its strength and posture and actually protect you from further pain in the long run. Meanwhile the Association reminds people that changes in lifestyle are also affecting back health, with fashion maybe more a concern than hitting the gym. Current fashions are changing the way women walk and this is having a detrimental impact on their health. Skinny jeans for example, restrict the movement of the knees and hips which puts extra pressure on the back. High heels are also often criticised for the pres-
sure they put on feet and back when walking. Mobile phone use has also recently been highlighted as a cause of back pain with people hunched over looking at their phone screens. Back pain is one of the most common ailments with four in five people expected to suffer at some point in their lifetime. So what can you do to help prevent aches and pains in your back but still want to work out? Be safe. If you exercise at the gym make use of the professional staff they have. When signing up for the first time, everyone should be shown how to use the equipment efficiently and safely by a qualified instructor. D o n ’ t o v e r d o i t . Yo u r b o d y can do a lot and whilst you need to push it at times, remember you are not an Olympic athlete and listen to your body. Take things slowly, particularly when starting out and ask an instructor to advise on a safe way of training to push yourself without going beyond
your body’s limitations. Wa r m u p a n d c o o l down. Most injuries are caused not from the actual exercise itself but from the body’s muscles not being correctly warmed up and cooled down before and after. Tr y y o g a . Yo g a i s n o w being widely recommended by experts to strengthen the back and medical professionals are even ‘prescribing’ it to ease pain rather than handing out painkillers and medication. Good posture. Even if not at the gym, you can practise stronger back health. Try and correct your posture, stand up straight, don’t slump over your desk at work and use a chair that provides firm support for your lower back with knees ideally a little higher than your hips when you sit. BACK PAIN: Try and correct your posture.
Deal WE all know the feeling. Work, family commitments, bills, social functions and travel start to pile up, leaving it easy to feel we have too little time to just relax. That’s why one yoghurt company, Kaiku, is sharing tips on juggling all of one’s life’s responsibilities, freeing up more time to spend on the things we enjoy most. The manufacturer, which has just launched its new lactose-free product, MIX, claims multitasking is the answer for those with too little time on their hands. Kaiku, whose new product comes with an in-built spoon and is designed to be eaten on the go, says we should take advantage of small moments, whether it’s while waiting in traffic or on public transport, to check on our todo lists, planning our week’s shopping or evening meals. The company also suggests planning ahead and taking healthy snacks such as yoghurt with us when we
Health & beauty
Phone reminders AN initiative has launched in Zaragoza to help remind patients to take their medication. A group of nurses has developed the programme aimed at particularly helping diabetic patients and those who suffer from depression. They plan to carry out telephone support interventions as a means of helping patients to better comply with their medical treatment and remind them to take their medication. The scheme will initially run for 18 months as a trial to see how effective it is with patients following their treatment plan. They will receive regular calls to check their progress and remind them of their treatment. The plan has been developed at the University of Zaragoza.
Sing your way to happiness HOBBIES have always been known to boost your mood; partaking in some time out of work and responsibilities to do something you enjoy, and joining a choir now seems to be the latest mood booster. A new study in Australia has found that joining a choir can help fight against sadness and boost emotions. The Australian scientists asked volunteers suffering
from mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety to take part in their study and try different social arts-based activities. Singing was found to boost the immune system with just one hour of singing increasing levels of the immune proteins that help the body to battle illness significantly. Each activity was undertaken once a week over nearly three months and volunteers were asked to describe how they felt at
different points of the day to measure the effects of the activity with singing shown to boost emotions. They found that writing poems in a group also made people happier and the scientists believe their findings could pave the
way for more participation in artsbased groups to beat the blues.
SINGING: The latest mood booster.
ing with burnout travel, preventing the need to stop for a prolonged meal when we’re short of time or making the wrong food choices. Spain’s social scene can also see us dashing from work to an event with little time in between to change. The company suggests a good way to change our look without effort is to invest in versatile clothes which can transition from an office outfit to a nighttime event: a colourful blazer, a printed dress or experimenting with accessories and shoes can transform a look completely. The company explains the most important way to manage our time when we have competing responsibilities is to maintain a positive attitude. Kaiku explains leaving too little time for ourselves can be damaging and that it is important to be aware that there will be days when we are less productive than others.
Weekender 23
12th - 18th October 2018
RELAX: Take a break from a busy schedule.
Finally, it advises, “to maintain a positive attitude, there is nothing like cele-
brating fulfilled goals and taking a break. Attitude is everything.”
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Weekender
Puzzles
12th - 18th October 2018
Wordsearch Metals, Common
Boggled How many English words can you find in the Boggled grid, according to the following rules? The letters must be adjoining in a ‘chain’. They can be adjacent horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Words must contain at least four letters and may include singular and plural or other derived forms. No letter may be used more than once within a single word, unless it appears twice. No vulgarities or proper nouns are permitted.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
TARGET:
LITHIUM
NICKEL
PLATINUM
IRON
TIN
MANGANESE
IRIDIUM
COBALT
TUNGSTEN
MERCURY
GOLD
COPPER
SILVER
CADMIUM
ZINC
MAGNESIUM
LEAD
TITANIUM
• Average: 20
• Very good: 41
• Good: 28
• Excellent: 53
eddo euro droid ordure odder fore ford forerun fodder fiord fibs fiat bidder bias redo rode rued rude rudd rerun rune diode dibs dune durra dire direr dirt sire siren sitar said sari satire erode erred erne enure enured ruder rudder udder airer arid feud fern fruit nerd rent raid tire tare tarn triune vert vent eras
SCORING: • 4 letters: 1 point • 5 letters: 2 points • 6 letters: 3 points • 7 letters: 4 points • 8 or more letters: 11 points
Cryptic
Quick 1
7
2
3
4
8
5
6
9
10
11
13
12
14
15
16
17 18
21
19
22
20
23
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Across 1 Easy and not involved or complicated (6) 3 Lacking intelligence (6) 8 Pieces of a chain (5) 10 Lacking substance or significance (7) 11 Watch attentively (7) 12 Selected (5) 13 Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment (5) 15 Keen (5) 20 Fire-raising (5) 22 Easily broken (7) 24 Extreme greed for material wealth (7) 25 One skilled in caring for young children or the sick (5) 26 Refuses to accept or believe (6) 27 Act on (6)
Down 1 Not often (6) 2 With subtraction of (5) 4 Close-fitting soldier's or police officer's jacket (5) 5 Present for consideration, examination, criticism, etc (7) 6 Force to go away (6) 7 Alloy of iron with small amounts of carbon (5) 9 Small fragment (5) 14 Choose not to consume (7) 16 Of or relating to birds (5) 17 Source of danger (6) 18 Monastery ruled by an abbot (5) 19 Of the immediate past or just previous to the present time (6) 21 Marked by or showing unaffected simplicity and lack of guile or worldly experience (5) 23 Brief and to the point (5)
Across 1 Search thoroughly to find first bit of custard in tart (5) 3 Father secures footwear for royal residences (7) 7 Snub potential fur sale (7) 9 A topless specimen is quite enough (5) 10 Professor or contributor (5) 11 Harmony for a musical performance (7) 13 One trading from a basement, by the sound of it (6) 14 Obstructs city buildings (6) 18 Shoe repairer's dessert (7) 20 Open wide to swallow first of red fruit (5) 21 A different thing at the end of the day (5) 23 Phoney art Cher destroyed (7) 24 Watches The Seekers (7) 25 Many keen to see a Biblical hero (5)
25
Down 1 Steps into one's trousers (7) 2 Earmark book (7) 3 In Napoli, certainly, a force (6) 4 Pick up king, then knight (5) 5 Top Hat (3) 6 We are in a group that is mellifluous (5) 8 A group of supporters went off Flu C ban (3,4) 12 Dancing can then charm (7) 15 Fat around a horse will result in a dawdler (7) 16 Becomes angry when eccentric reseeds (4,3) 17 Quarrel about a scarf (6) 18 Note the measure is a sure bet (5) 19 Turner is delayed outside hospital (5) 22 Machine found in original condition (3)
Puzzles
12th - 18th October 2018
IRREGULAR SUDOKU
Kakuro
1. ‘All children, except one, grow up’ is the opening line of which novel, first published in 1911? 2. Created and named in 1985 by BBC graphic designer Joanna Lane, what is the name of the mascot that fronts the Children in Need appeal? 3. How many children did Queen Victoria have: five, seven or nine? 4. Little Children, written by J Leslie McFarland and Mort Shuman was a 1964 UK number one hit single for which singer? 5. Originally serialised in The London Magazine during 1905 and first published in book form in 1906, who was the author of the famous children’s book The Railway Children? 6. What is the title of the 1981 novel by Salman Rushdie that
deals with India’s transition from British colonialism to independence and the partition of British India? 7. What name is given to the branch of medicine dealing with children and their diseases? 8. Which 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical features the song When the Children Are Asleep, sung by Enoch and Carrie? 9. Which American television live-action sitcom, originally broadcast from April 1987 to June 1997, followed the lives of shoe salesman Al Bundy, his obnoxious wife, Peggy and their children Kelly and Bud? 10. Who is the patron saint of children, sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, brewers, pawnbrokers and students?
Answers
SOLTIMES STAR QUIZ : INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY – (JUNE 1)
1. PETER PAN (or, the Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up) or PETER AND WENDY, 2. PUDSEY BEAR, 3. NINE (Victoria, Edward VII, Alice, Alfred, Helena, Princess Louise, Prince Arthur, Prince Leopold and Beatrice), 4. BILLY J KRAMER (and the Dakotas), 5. E (Edith) NESBIT, 6. MIDNIGHT’S CHILDREN, 7. PAEDIATRICS, 8. CAROUSEL, 9. MARRIED... WITH CHILDREN, 10. SAINT NICHOLAS
SUDOKU
Weekender 25
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.
LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION
CrosswordSolutions from last week Quick
Cryptic
Sudoku
Irregular Sudoku
26
Weekender
by Sandy Shore
I
T is a myth that General Francisco Franco devised the menú del día. The story goes that el Caudillo felt that undernourished workers needed one set meal each day set at an affordable price. The truth is that the self-styled socialists of the previous regime had a need to invent the menú del día but failed to do so; the Spanish dictator was simply better at managing the economy and so had little need to. Admittedly, there was the Los Años del Hambre (Years of Hunger 1939 - 1952). But, during this period all Europe was starving due to the disastrous effects of the Second World War. Franco’s Spain endured the aftermath of the Civil War and international isolation and trade sanctions such as those imposed on prewar Iraq of Saddam Hussein. Most restaurants in Spain, even Michelin starred eateries, offer a menú del día. The term defines a fixed and modestly priced lunch. Traditionally offered Monday to Friday, the course is often available at weekends in some eateries. The three-course choice will
Feature
12th - 18th October 2018
Food for thought
MENU DEL DIA: Introduced to maximise tourist spending. consist of a starter, main meal, desserts with a liquid hallelujah. Because of the success of the menú del día many restaurants have adopted the menú de la noche. It makes life easier for both diners and restaurateur.
The concept of the menú del día was introduced on March 17, 1965. Its purpose was to cater for tourists rather than Spain’s proletariat. Credit for the menú belongs to the Spanish Minister of Information and Tourism, Manuel
Fraga. The legislator introduced a number of novel ideas among which was included the Menú Turístico. The purpose behind the menú del día initiative was to maximise tourist spending through legally
enforceable quality control and consistency for the purpose of enhancing the experience for growing numbers of tourists visiting Spain. The minimum requirements of service were set by government legislation and applied equally to all places where food was consumed. These included railway dining cars, works and university canteens and restaurants, all of which were designated a status based not on stars but on fork icons. The law also dictated restaurant ambience based on the characteristics of the region; furniture, tableware and amenities. To say the legislation left no room for misunderstanding is an understatement. If a restaurant, for instance, offered German or French ambience so too did the dress code of the waiting on staff. Such was the detail required that students feeding into the restaurant trades were bedevilled by such specifics. The law relating to the menú del día was amended in 1971, 1978 and 1980 but not finally removed until 2010.
Behind THE MUSIC
How important is music today? V L James | vljcomms@gmail.com | Facebook: @vljamesinfo
nels that they A FEW weeks subscribe to. ago, I mentioned a conShe never watches TV. versation I had There are no with my 13music proy e a r - o l d grammes like daughter about my vinyl record our generation had. Top of collection. The Pops, The She couldn’t Tube, The Old understand Grey Whistle why I needed GOOD TIMES: Music tastes have changed Test are all to keep them. I long gone. My tried to explain that I earned them, that they represent- daughter could never imagine spending ed where I was at a certain time in my money on a magazine like Smash Hits. With technology, today’s young have life. This week I decided to ask her what the world at their fingertips. My generaplace music has in her and her friend’s tion had to seek out information, we life? The answer was pretty much as I had to buy Sounds or the NME to see what was happening. suspected, not much. With technology her and her friends When you went to school on a Friday have so much more to do. They spend morning people would talk about Thurstheir time watching the YouTube chan- day night’s Top of The Pops!
PETS
12th - 18th October 2018
Weekender 27
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Police get a ‘little’ help
ON DUTY: The lost Chihuahua in the police patrol car. WHENEVER you think of a police dog, you immediately conjure up images of an Alsatian or a German Shepherd. So you can imagine the reaction when the Local Police in Murcia were accompanied on one of their patrols by a... Chihuahua. The patrol car came across the toy dog after it was wandering around lost in the Murcia village of El Puntal. They took pity on him and rather than leave him all alone in the middle of the night, they picked him up and placed him on the back seat of the car where he spent the rest of the patrol looking out of the window. Needless to say, he also attracted the attention of other motorists and pedestrians as they spotted the cute and small dog surveying his manor. However, he didn’t stay lost for long as, thanks to the co-operation of the Zoonoses Centre in Murcia, the Local Police were able to find where the little Chihuahua lived and reunite him with a very grateful family. HOUSESITMATCH: Travel the world and care for cats - could this be you?
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Avenida de Almeria 1 Bis Local 2 Edf La Para,04639 Turre Almeria
CliniVet
28
Weekender
Leisure
12th - 18th October 2018
Credit: BBC
Doctor Who: Jodie Whittaker a hit with fans after first episode
CHANGING TIMES: Jodie Whittaker (centre) is the first female to play the role of Dr Who.
Richard Shanley
Dishing the Dirt OF EUROPA DIGITAL
THE 13th Doctor has landed. Or, rather, crash landed through a train roof, fully introducing Jodie Whittaker as the first female Time Lord. After her first episode, the consensus among fans on social media seemed to be that she is right for the part.
Comments ranged from ‘A breath of fresh air’ to ‘This is everything the show was ever meant to be’ and ‘Jodie has nailed it at the first attempt.’ With Whittaker taking over from Peter Capaldi, the show has moved to Sundays. The West Yorkshire-born
former Broadchurch actress was wearing Capaldi’s outfit for most of the episode, and addressed her status as the first female Doctor early on. When someone told her she was a woman, she replied: “Am I? Does it suit me? Oh yeah, I remember.
“Half an hour ago I was a white-haired Scotsman. There was also a thinlyveiled message to any sceptical fans when her character said at one point: “Don’t be scared.” “All this is new to you and new can be scary.”
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@europa-digital.com. I look forward to your comments and questions. 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 for the latest news and views from the world of satellite television.
30
Weekender
by John Redfern RUDDY NORA! A week has passed, bet you’re frothing at the mouth to read my continuation of skiffle. Did you read my last story of forming a skiffle trio when I was 13 years of age (1962) with my tea chest bass? With washboard and an acoustic guitarist that played three open major chords with the occasional Am and Dm playing at church halls, community centres and we once played in a Victorian bandstand in Leamington Spa. I knew from that gig I had to get serious with music! The Teddy boys (or Teds), a British subculture typified by young men, who copied the clothes of the dandies from the Edwardian period, were now sheets in the wind, The flick knives and knuckle dusters, like skiffle music, had become dinosaurs, things from the past. Folk music started to get very popular in the UK and folk clubs began to pop up in many pubs in the mid-1960’s. Artists like Bob Dylan and Simon and Garfunkel came on the scene. It was an ex-
Feature
12th - 18th October 2018
From skiffle to folk BERT WEEDON: Play in a Day.
Credit: www.bertweedon.com
plosion of a new type of acoustic music. That was poetry in motion, the lyrics became an expression of what young people understood and the amateur folk musician at these clubs started to become very popular. I started my own folk club at the Mercers Arms in Coventry at the age of 17 in 1966, folk music at that time became more popular than jazz.
Jasper Carrott was just starting with a comedy and acoustic guitar combination and I used to pay him a quid for a 15-minute slot. He used to run a folk club in Solihull called the Boggery which attracted all the best folk artists and poets of the time. His good friend was a chap called Jake Thackray, a poet and songwriter, who often played his guitar on a TV programme called Braden Beat between 1962 and 1967.
I decided to learn the guitar and form a folk trio so bought a cheap guitar from a second-hand shop and practised every day for many months, with the help of a book published by Bert Weedon called Play in a Day. I had one good friend at the time who was a brilliant finger picker on the guitar (Ray Barratt) and my great old pal (John Clarke) who played great chords and was a fantastic writer of
lyrics. I was still not good enough to play guitar on stage so chose percussion, African congas, bongos, and the Jew’s harp. Still got my Jew’s harp, but now I have partial dentures! The Jew’s harp has been tossed into room 101. We called ourselves the Galloping Maggots. We played every weekend at various folk clubs in the Midlands and at last started to get paid a fee. A small fee but it covered our travelling expenses and a few pints of brown and mild. Because I didn’t understand music scores, I could only busk (play by ear) but at the end of the show Jasper Carrott used to give me his guitar and show me some chords, then left me to practise while he spent some time at the bar with his mates. Things were about to change. Folk music was going down the tubes. Bob Dylan at Newport Folk Festival played an electric guitar and was booed for moving away from political songwriting and performing with an electric band. I knew then that I had to move on as pop music was on the way.
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CARS WANTED CARS WANTED for Cash. Classic Cars & Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Defenders & Discoveries. Please call: 659 685 133 (253556)
CHARITIES/CHURCHES GIRASOL COMMUNITY CENTRE. Mosaic Classes, Art Classes, Karate, Yoga, Thai Chi, Pilates, Health Screening every 6 weeks. For Hire 5.00€ per hour. Tel 639 089 170
COSTA Almeria and Costa Calida. Mojacar Eucharist Sunday 11am, at San Pascual. Aljambra Chapel, Albox, Eucharist,
second and last Thursday of each month, 11am. Evensong, second Sunday of each month 6pm. Llanos Del Peral, Cucador, Eucharist or morning worship, Sunday 11am. Church Wardens: Pam Carter 667 947 573. Janet Smith 671 451 838. For more information go to their website at www.mojacarchurc h.org
The Spiritualist Centre, Benijofar meets at Hamilton´s Bake House, 62 Calle Vicente, Blasco Ibañez, Benijofar 03178. We hold a Sunday Service at 11.30 a.m., a Tuesday Evening of Mediumship at 7 p.m. Spiritual healing is available every Sunday and Tuesday after the service. Open Circle is every Thursday at 6.30 pm. The Divine Service, with Mediumship on Sunday 14th October with Jackie Kershaw (UK Medium). This is our Harvest Festival when we collect food for rescued animals. If you would like to
ANGLICAN CHURCH SERVICES FOR COSTA ALMERIA & COSTA CALIDA Oct 7 Oct 7 Oct 11 Oct 14 Oct 14 Oct 14 Oct 21 Oct 21 Oct 25
Mojacar Llanos Del Peral Aljambra, Albox Mojacar Llanos Del Peral Aljambra Mojacar Llanos Del Peral Aljambra, Albox
Oct 28 Mojacar Oct 28 Llanos Del Peral
11am 11am 11am 11am 11am 6pm 11am 11am 11am
Eucharist Dedication Festival Eucharist Dedication Festival Eucharist Evensong Eucharist Eucharist Dedication Festival followed by Monthly lunch NO SERVICE 11am Licensing Service
donate dog or cat food or a donation that would be very welcome. The Evening of Mediumship on Tuesday 16th October, will also be taken by Jackie Kershaw. The Divine Service with Mediumship on Sunday, 21st October will also be taken by Jackie Kershaw (UK Medium). welcome. Contact Wendy on 965323028. www.spiritualistcentr e-benijofar.com New email is phoenixchurch23@g mail.com or info@spiritualistcentr e-benijofar.com Identificacion Fiscal G54713789.
ZURGENA branch of the Royal British Legion hold Branch Meetings on the 1st Thursday of the month. Coffee morning 3rd Wednesday of the month. Quiz night with a hot and cold buffet last Friday of the month. We also arrange outings to places of interest and have regular lunches together. (253989)
DRAINAGE
BUILDERS
ELECTRICS ABBOTT ELECTRICS. From a Light Fitting to a Full Rewire. Tel: 950 137 208 / 638 010 691 (278878)
ESTATE AGENT VOSS HOMES are a professional, British family-run Estate Agents with an office in HuercalOvera town. They specialize in selling and renting properties in the Huercal-Overa, La Alfoquia, Zurgena & Taberno area. Andy, Anna, Jess, Adele, Hannah, Amy & Karen look forward to helping you buy, sell or rent your ideal property. Please call 678 002 006 for more information (279615)
HEALTH & BEAUTY GIRASOL HEALTH FOOD SHOP, Calle Malaga, Albox. For all your dietary needs, health foods, organic foods, supplements, super food powders, organic eggs and veggie box scheme. Est 2006. Tel 639 089 170
HOME FURNISHING
INSURANCE ALBOX/MOJACAR INSURANCE, Award winning Agent for ALL your insurance needs. ALBOX OFFICE: 950 121 943. Mojacar office: 634 323 399
MOTOR INSURANCE. For the most competitive quotes in English call Linea Directa on 902 123 309, you could save as much as 30% and you can transfer your existing no claims bonus. Call Linea Directa on 902 123 309 for motor insurance with a human voice in English from Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and save money now! (200726)
Classifieds INSURANCE
12th -18th October 2018
LEGAL SERVICES PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR Debt Collection, evictions, solicitor. Professional & discreet. 697 834 934 (277632)
MOTORING
PETS THE FIVE BONE HOTEL, TURRE. Little dogs 6 euros, medium dogs 6.75 euros, big dogs 7.50 euros, cats from 5.25 euros a day . 630 234 556 / the5boneho telturre@gmail.com New opening hours Mon-Sat 9.30-12.30 and 18.00 – 19.00 Sundays 9.30-10.30 (279669)
PLUMBING
INTERNET GET YOUR business noticed online! Make sure that expats in Spain can find your product, service, restaurant, bar or shop. Contact Spain’s newest and brightest online directory TODAY. Call 951 386 161 or email mark.w@euroweeklyn ews.com for more details.
PERSONAL
WE ARE currently the market leader in our country in the sale of direct car, motorbike, home and company fleet insurance. Since we started out in 1995, our philosophy has always been to offer an excellent service with the best prices in the market. For the most competitive quotes in English, call Linea Directa on 902 123 309. (200726)
KNOWLES PLUMBING. No 1 for plumbing! Central heating, solar hot water and water deposits. Tel: 950 137 197 or 606 807 797 (278824)
REMOVALS/STORAGE
SITUATIONS VACANT
CHARITY
ARE YOU selfmotivated and hard working? We are looking for administration/telesales candidates. Experience not essential as full training is given. Applications by email with full CV should be sent to recruitment@euroweekl ynews.com.
SOLAR ENERGY /POWER SOLAR WIND POWER SOLUTIONS. Over 20 years installation experience. Established 17 years in Spain. Call Phil for competitive prices on 636 261 240 or email info@sunergyalmeria.co m (276001)
TILING
SPANISH LESSONS
FLOOR AND WALL TILING SPECIALIST Not a jack of all trades, just a master of one! Call Steve Holman on 697 678 708 (278887)
TRANSPORT FULLY Insured UK/Spain Removals & Storage, UK Trading Standards Approved www.indalotransport.co m 634 33 64 68 or Freephone UK 0800 999 33 68 (276002)
FULLY Insured UK/Spain Removals & Storage, UK Trading Standards Approved www.indalotransport.co m 634 336 468 or Freephone UK 0800 999 33 68 (279773)
SECOND HAND
REMOVALS/STORAGE
See Your Advert Here!!
Next Week
33
SERVICES
BUILDERS • CARS WANTED • HEALTH & BEAUTY • DRAINAGE • HOME MAINTENANCE • INSURANCE • SITUATIONS VACANT
If you are reading this it is because we get your attention, try it with your business
TELEPHONE ALBOX OFFICE 950 633 217 or MOBILE 642 454 311 or sales@soltimes.com BUILDING SERVICES
CAR VALETING
DRAINAGE
PAINTERS
MECHANICS
SOLAR ENERGY
LEGAL
DEBT COLLECTOR
STORAGE
REMOVALS & STORAGE
Services REMOVALS & STORAGE
12th - 18th October 2018
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36
Sport
12th - 18th October 2018
Aguilon Golf members’ report THE following is a communiqué from the Aguilon Golf Society: The end of September saw the completion of one of our major competitions of the year the ‘Order of Merit’ this takes the aggregate of a player’s best 10 scores over a 12-month period to give our ‘Player of the Year,’ this year we had a tie decided on countback for the first time. 1st
Derek Manning 373 pts on countback 2nd Dave Wilson 373 pts 3rd Phil Miles 372 pts Another competition to conclude was the ‘Summer Eclectic’ where a player ’s best points score on each individual hole over six months was totalled, we had a clear winner but then nine players involved in a countback to determine second and third.
1st Bernie O’Brien 63 pts 2nd Paul Mailly 59 pts on countback 3rd Louis Long 59 pts on countback Wednesday October 3 - Monthly Medal With the weather making golf comfortable more good scoring, to win a medal with 5 under par deserves to take the spoils. 1st Andy Killen 78-12= 66 2nd Dave Simpson 82-14= 68 on a card play off 3rd Peter Death 77-9= 68 Two’s: Phil Miles 3rd, Jim Laing 8th, Andy Killen, Ann Miles, Dave Sharp 12th, Chris Baker, Dave Gray, Roy Lewis, Norman Ridgeway 14th. For further information log on to our website: www.aguilonmembersclub.com
19th Hole match report THE following is a match report from the 19th Hole Golf Society: The 19th held a ‘Dusty Bin’ (3 - 2 - 1) competition on the immaculate Aguilon golf course, and the scoring on the day was a revelation. Not one team finished over par, and indeed six of the eight teams scored points in the 80’s which was a testament to good team work. The eventual winning team of Doug Birrell, Bernard Erreca, Nekane Galindez and Ralph Hunter scored an impressive 87 points, which was only one above the second placed squad consisting of Pat Odwyer, Chris Heed, Mike Donarski and Clive Kershaw. There were three two’s recorded by Chrissie Dow and Nekane Galindez on the 14th, and Mickey Smither on the 17th. A special mention must go to Tommy Seed who managed to reach both greens on the 11th and 16th par 4 holes with his drives. Nearest the pins: 3rd Nekane Galindez. 8th Tony Mackay. 12th Peter Watts. 14th Chrissie Dow. 16th in 2 Tommy Seed. 17th Terry Ayling. The 19th Hole Golf Society play every week on local courses. Contact mikeesposito54@yahoo.com for information.
CREDIT: Aguilon Golf
VICTORIOUS: Andy Killen raised the trophy.
CAA - Two Wood Triples THE following is a match report from the Cabrera Lawn Bowling Club (CAA): The Two Wood Triple Competition was held at Cabrera Lawn Bowling Club between October 2 to 4. This is a very popular competition as it really focuses the mind only having two woods per player. As always there were some very interesting rounds and the two in form teams met in the final. They were Sandra and Peter Marriott with Jean Smallwood against Brian and Pat Marsh with Colin Jones. Peter’s team started the better and after nine ends were leading 12-5. They continued in that vein and won the final 20-8 after only 17 ends. Many congratulations to Peter, Sandra and Jean and commiserations to Brian, Pat and Colin.
CREDIT: CAA
WINNERS: Jean, Peter and Sandra (left to right).
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Motoring
12th - 18th October 2018
Peugeot 508 SW unveils First Edition W
HEREAS the new Peugeot 508 SW will be meeting the public for the first time at the 2 0 1 8 P a r i s C a r S h o w, P e u geot has presented a limited edition called First Edition. Based on the high-end GT finish, the Peugeot 508 SW First Edition limited edition has new exterior attributes: shiny black grille surround, Augusta twin-tone 19” alloy wheels with Grey Dust varnish. It will be available in three colours: Dark Blue, Pearly White and Amazonite Grey. The Peugeot 508 SW First Edition will be available in PureTech 225 S&S EAT8 and B l u e H D i 1 8 0 S & S E AT 8 e n gines, which are approved according to the WLTP certification protocol. The interior of the new Peugeot 508 SW First Edition is adorned with Zebrano essence wood trim and black or red Sellier leather. This limited version of course includes the Peugeot iCockpit consisting of a compact full-grain leather steering wheel, a configurable head-up digital panel and a 10” HD ca-
Photo credit: Peugeot Press Room
HIGH TECH: The Limited Edition is full of the most modern enhancements.
pacitive touch screen. The new Peugeot 508 SW First Edition features the complete arsenal of driving aids featured on the new Peugeot 508 and Peugeot 508 SW. As the only one on the segment, the Night Vision function makes it possible to detect living beings in front of the vehicle at night (up to 200m, beyond main beam). Induction smartphone charging is available, as well as the digital radio and the 10” HD capacitive touch screen. The latter includes connected 3D navigation with voice recognition and access to the TomTom connected services package (real-time traffic, fuel prices, parking, weather, local searches). In order to enhance your journey, the Peugeot 508 SW First Edition is equipped with the Focal high-fidelity sound system. For this limited version, Peugeot has teamed up with Focal to offer an exclusive wireless headset, designed by the Peugeot Design Lab, so that you can continue your Focal audio experience outside the vehicle.
Jaguars on the prowl to Paris A UNIQUE convoy representing the past and present of the Jaguar XJ has journeyed from the Jaguar Castle Bromwich plant in the UK to the Paris Motor Show to celebrate 50 years of the flagship luxury saloon. The line-up features all eight generations of XJ produced since 1968. The special collection was led
by the car that started it all, the Series I, and finished with the most recent XJ50 special edition, which was revealed earlier this year. The convoy will also include significant models such as the Series II Coupé and X350 XJR. Starting at Castle Bromwich, where the luxury saloon is produced,
the 839km (521-mile) drove past a series of important locations, including Jaguar Classic, Bicester Heritage Centre and the Goodwood and Le Mans race circuits, which have played a significant role in the life of Jaguar and the XJ. The Paris Motor Show ends this Sunday, October 14.
Credit: Jaguar
READY TO ROLL: The Jaguars line up awaiting to start their journey.
Motoring
39
12th - 18th October 2018
Porsche 911 Speedster special edition Exactly 1,948 units of the open-top two-seater will be built. The number acknowledges the Porsche 356 ‘Number 1’ that received its operating licence on June 8 back in 1948. In Paris, Porsche presented this year’s second Speedster Concept study. Its Guards Red paintwork is a reference to the 1988 911 Speedster of the G-Model generation. The new crossspoke 21-inch wheels in cross-spoke and the black leather interior create a tasteful and sporty appearance. The future 911 Speedster, based on the 991 range, will be the first car
Photo credit: Porsche Press Room
THE concept study, presented during the 70th birthday of the sports car manufacturer, will be produced as a limited special edition: Porsche has decided to start producing the purist Porsche 911 Speedster in the first half of 2019.
UPGRADED: The number produced, 1,948, will reflect the original year.
to be offered with the new Heritage Design Packages. This exclusive accessory line by Porsche Exclusive allows for an even higher degree of personalisation for the 911. The tinted day-time running lights were also inspired by racing, and matching the study’s paintwork, they are kept in red. The two ‘Talbot’shaped exterior mirrors as well as the fuel tank cap - centrally positioned
on the bonnet - shine in black-chrome and platinum. In contrast to the previously shown ‘Her-
itage’ version, the interior is using partly perforated black leather upgraded with red highlights.
The concept car’s body is based on the 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. The fenders, as well as the
front and rear bonnet are made from lightweight carbon fibre composite while the chassis was taken from the 911 GT3. Furthermore, the GT development department provided the exhaust system with its titanium tailpipes and the drivetrain including the manually operated six-speed gearbox. The same goes for the centrepiece of the limited special edition: The Speedster Concept is powered by a naturally-aspirated flat-six engine developing more than 500 hp and capable of engine speeds up to 9,000 rpm.