Costa Cálida Chronicle May 2014

Costa Clida Chronicle
The Longest Established hed FREE Magazine in Murcia
www.costacalidachronicle.com
Date: May 2014
Issue: 6 Volume: XIII
In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com
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Sales Contact Teresa 619 199 407 or for the Editor Contact Patti 646 005 017
email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com
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On 1st and 2nd April our usual 6,000 magazines arrived and were duly distributed as usual, but by the end of the week they had virtually all been snapped up! Our recycling scheme is gaining momentum and we do get returns from some of our readers, so please check in our ofce inside Holmes & Pegg on Camposol B if you were unable to nd a copy of the current magazine, as we do get some back for redistribution during the month. We are still surprised at how many readers look for older issues, especially holiday home owners who have arrived for the rst time this year, so the recycling scheme is really important. Also, please, if you do take 3 or 4 copies for your neighbours and then nd that they were kind enough to do the same, please put them back for others who may have missed out on a copy. It was good to see so many people about over Easter making the most of the beautiful spring weather. Everywhere seemed to be really buzzing and the bars and restaurants all looked busy. Some of our restaurant advertisers have asked for feedback on their offerings in our ever popular Menu del Dia Guide. If you have any comments on the accuracy of their descriptions or any useful tips to how this could be improved, please let them and us know. It is increasingly important to share good experiences of those who do offer extraordinary service and/or good value for money and there is certainly an incredible choice available.
Once again we would like to welcome: New Advertisers Al Aire Aero Club Clinica Camposol Coach Trips SL CRS Building & Maintenance H R Insurance Mazarrn Bouncy Castles Miles Guttering Welcome Back Mazarrn Mobility Restaurante Casa Del Nono Meson Las Torres The electoral census for the EU Elections on May 25 is available at all local Town Halls, so voters, including EU residents, can check they are able to vote. In total some 1,028.557 Murcian voters, including EU residents, will be able to take part in the elections for the EU Parliament. Contact your local Town Hall to nd out where you can vote. We are all looking forward to a busy few months with visitors arriving to make the most of the beautiful weather and beautiful area that we live in. From all at the
THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTORS Alan Monk TV News Camposol Club de Golf Golf Tips Christine Lawford - Poem Clive & Rosie Palmer Exploring Murcia Dick Handscombe Gardening George Mitchell Never a Dull Moment Ian Field Fitness, Month by Month Jane Ellen Barker Beauty Tips Ken Whettall Housing Update Jane Cronin Learning Spanish Jennifer Rahman Ask Jennifer Liz Edmison Food 4 Thought Liz Edmison Property Matters Paco Vet Animal Matters Sandra Ramsay Natural Health Sara Millbank Ma Millbanks Kitchen Think Spain Spanish News
Costa Clida Chronicle
DISCLAIMER Whilst the CCC are happy to accept monthly reports from the various organizations in the area, the articles printed are not necessarily the opinions of the editor or publisher and the contents should be viewed as a guideline only. Professional advice should be sought to cover any information printed therein. Advertisements and reports are not formally endorsed by the CCC. We cannot accept responsibility for advertisers works, service or goods. The publishers endeavour to ensure the contents are correct, but cannot accept responsibility for the effects of errors or omissions.
SPECIAL PAGES Mar Menor Mazarrn Northwest Murcia Sport Whats On ADVERTORIAL ASSSA Best of Spanish BoraBora Corral & Alcaraz Davids Coach Trips Dragontours Martinez de la Casa TJ Electricals Watermaid CHARITIES ACTIN Age Concern Andreas Charity Cavalli Foundation FAST GOmaD HAH HELP MMM Helping Hands JJs MABS Mar Menor MABS Mazarrn MAMAS Noahs ARC PALS Pets in Spain Swap Tears for Smiles CHILDREN Chatterbox Mazarrn Leos
50-54 68-73 26-29 88-93 79-85 18 40 20 58 7 86 24 14 76 18 71 46 16 71 68 50 53 12 54 52 47 40 66 98 30 69 98 72
EDUCATION Jane Cronin ENTERTAINMENT Cloud Nine Country Music Spangles FOOD & DRINK Food 4 Thought Ma Millbank Menu del Dia Vegetable of the Month GROUPS ADAPT Camposol B Clean Darwinians Humanists Ladies Chatterbox Sector C Greenngers Team Harmony Welcome HEALTH/BEAUTY Beauty Tips Fitness Month by Month Forget Me Not Natural Health INFORMATION Advertisers Directory Animal Matters Ask Jennifer Business News Caravaca de la Cruz Classied Ads Fashion Show IFEPA Car Show Mazarrn News Northwest Murcia
9 44 86 54 56 32 78 34 50 72 44 16 68 73 60 24 74 14 69 52 96/97 74 46 6 27 94 42 54 70 26
Roman Villa of Los Villaricos 28 Smart Meters 64 Spanish News 36 Teresas Travels 76 LEISURE Author Review Gardening News Mazarrn Bridge Club NEST Never a Dull Moment Poem Puzzle Page Puzzle Solutions TV News WARM PROPERTY Housing Update Property Matters RELIGION Beacon of Light Mass in English Olive Branch Open Door St Nicholas Church Welcome House Wellspring Victory Church SPORT Camposol Golf Fuente Old Guard Golf Tips Hole In One Local Sport Los Amigos Mazarrn Sporting Camposol Straight Down the Middle Supermoto Waterpolo 48 22 73 67 10 48 62 94 60 29 94 94 20 67 8 12 56 29 64 91 88 93 93 89 90 92 91 92 92
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If you are an existing customers and you have some Business News that you would like to share with our readers then why not email it to us to be included on our Business News page. Please keep your news to about 50 words and send us an email by 15th of the month, to costacalidachronicle@gmail.com with Business News in the subject box.
Join our Indian Masterchef competition! Be the best and win 250. There will be 4 judges and 1 guest judge. Bring your best Indian chicken dish with rice to Bistro Ratatouille in Puerto de Mazarrn. Starts at 8pm. (basket meals available) 1st round 30th May; 2nd round 6th June; 3rd round 13th June. Semi-nal 20th June with the nal on 27th June. 6 entry fee. Make yourself proud and be the best! Let the curry mania begin. Call Antoine on 968 155 887
Are you going to pick someone up from San Javier Airport or going shopping? Jose and Pilar from Luisines Cake are just 2 minutes away in La Oasis, Los Narejos and are delighted to announce 2 new special offers. Available every day their Special Hamburger, with bacon, cheese, salad, chips only 4. Also available every day 1am-3pm and 7pm-11pm, 6 small beers and 6 tapas only 5. Jose and Pilar offer you a warm welcome. Tel 637 039 400
Garden Centre 2003 by Camposol A has an amazing selection of bedding plants at incredibly low prices: Geraniums 3 for 4. Petunias, Verbena and Pansies are all 2 for 1.50. Call Juani on 669 565 402
We would like to welcome Lisa Reid to Lizs Caf. Lisa had previously worked at a local restaurant, but she is now working full time at Lizs Caf on Camposol B. If it is just a traditional pot of tea and slice of homemade cake or Sunday Lunch, you are sure of a great welcome at this popular eating place. Tel 696 724 123
Now that the nights are starting to get a bit sticky, pop along to A Time 4 A Change in El Algar to buy your sweat-proof pillows. They have a special thermal cover to help repel the heat, so no more waking up with soggy hair! At only 16 a pair, they are a bargain. Call 968 136 501 for more information, or visit their showroom to see the full range of bedding and furniture.
Davids Coachtrips SL is a Torrevieja based travel company, but they do pick up from as far away as Totana. The agency offers affordable excursions to places of interest in Spain, ranging from 3 day city breaks (Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada) to 15 day cruises from Valencia to Venice and back. For full details and availability visit www.coachtripsonline.com
This Months Special Offer From Yorkshire Linen! Create a smart, fresh look for your bath or shower room with this fantastic coordinating set, available in cream, latte, teal or white: Memory foam bath mats only 7.50 Shower curtains only 7.50 PVC non slip shower mats only 5 Tel 968 595 946
The Upstairs Terrace with its new Pizza Wood Oven is now open at Mamma Mia, 6 evenings a week for an authentic Italian dining experience. Enjoy the spectacular views over the sea and harbour whilst choosing from their comprehensive menu. The terrace is also available for private hire and is an ideal venue for parties or celebrations of any kind. Feel free to pop in and ask to see this exciting new chill out area. Reservations on 628 682 303
Following the sudden death of Pat Dunne from ADS Locksmiths, Maura wishes to inform everyone that the Locksmith business will continue to serve the community until such time as a buyer is found. It is for sale as a complete business and would be a fantastic opportunity for somebody to take over, with the added benet of being able to earn money from day one. This is a great opportunity to acquire this long established and well respected business. For more information view my FOR SALE advert on page 37 in this months magazine. Tel Maura on 646 979 455
Congratulations to all staff at Janes Salon for completing another Wella Training Course. Janes Salon is now ofcially a Master Craft Salon for all Wella Premier Services including Illumina and the latest Innosense no-allergy colour. Good luck on your next training event in June girls. Jane x For more information and bookings, please call: Condado de Alhama 666 144 287 Bolnuevo 968 158 433
For all your plumbing and electrical installations and maintenance, call Rafael at Rodi Services. This company covers the whole of the Costa Clida and are experts in Air Conditioning, Water Softeners, Solar Power and all forms of energy assistance. Tel 639 489 202
For a good value Menu del Dia, call at the Alandalus Restaurant on Valle del Sol just outside Calasparra. At only 9pp, this has to be good value and even on weekends and estas, the price is only 12. Call in to see Alfonso and have a chat about the other specialities at the Alandalus. Tel 968 955 942/602 459 311
Sevilla/Cordoba/Ecija The region of Andalucia exudes the very spirit of the Spanish culture. This is where bronze skinned girls with soft brown eyes and long black hair and dressed in colourful Flamenco dresses, sway to the guttural sounds of the Flamenco singers and the insistent strumming of the Spanish guitar; where proud young men wearing wide brimmed hats, and the tightest of trousers and jackets effortlessly steer their magnicent Andalucian horses through the crowds; where bullghters, bravely turn their back on the bewildered bull and strut arrogantly away from it, trailing their red cloak behind them. This is the very heart of traditional Spain. Sevilla is the capital of this fabulous region. This city has one of the largest and wealthiest cathedrals in the world. Allegedly the remains of Christopher Columbus lie here. Horses and carriages wait in the cathedral square to carry you round the sights of the city along the ancient narrow cobbled streets of the Santa Cruz district; the Triana district, traditionally home to the gypsy population; the Alcazar which originated as a Moorish stronghold, later held by the Christians; the beautiful Maria Luisa Park named after the amorous wife of Carlos IV; then down by the banks of the river Guadalquivir. Take a mini cruise down the river, or visit the famous Maenstranza bullring and bullghting museum. Just over an hour away you can visit Cordoba. The highlight of this town is the stupendous cathedral-comem o s q u e , around which the town is built. Known as the Mezquita, you can almost feel the presence of the Calif, the sultans and their concubines amongst the hundreds of horseshoe-shaped arches. Within the same building, you are suddenly amongst the knights and kings of Christian Spain. Out in the daylight hundreds of people stroll across the old Roman Bridge which again straddles the river Guadalquivir. Colourful ower displays add to the charms of the cities many patios. Cordoba also has an Alcazar (a type of fortied palace) with grounds which are reminiscent of the larger gardens in Granadas Alhambra Palaces. Between these two cities sits the much lesser known, but nonetheless just as charming, town of Ecija. Built on the site of one of the largest Roman populations ever found, this city revels in its towers and spires; twenty six in total and almost all displaying Baroque architecture.
These three cities delight all who visit and can be visited at an incredibly good value for money price with Davids Coachtrips SL, using a 3* country hotel on a half board basis and with all three city visits included. This is on offer for only 201. The next date is 4 days, June 9th-12th. Reserve your place today either online at www.coachtripsonline.com or call (0034) 966 785 910 to reserve your places.
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Last month we celebrated Easter; this is a most signicant time of the year for a Christian. In 1 Corinthians 15:3 it says that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. He hung on a cross for us, but, on the third day He arose, meaning that He was resurrected. This is the miracle of a dead person coming back to life. The resurrection of Christ is the corner-
stone of the Christian faith, and the proof that all believers who have died will one day be resurrected as well. The apostle Paul says that if Christ had not been resurrected, Christians would be of all men most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19) Easter is not all about the giving and receiving of Easter eggs. How about receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour? He gave himself as a gift to us by dying for us, to forgive us from all our sins.
He offers eternal life in Paradise when we leave this earthly home, what better gift than that? Come and learn more about Jesus Christ. We meet every Sunday morning at 10.30am at the Cultural Centre on Camposol B. You are assured of a good welcome. Please contact Pastor Ralph and Margaret Locke on 968 199 622 or mobile 618 720 181.
Masculine and Feminine This month I promised wed go on to something new. Were going to spend a bit of time looking at nouns, followed later on by adjectives, before we return to the construction of complete sentences using verbs. Before we do that though, I always think its a good idea to summarise where were up to, so here are the things we have covered in the rst seven lessons of this series: First of all we have learnt some thirty verbs in their innitive, or basic form. That is the form that we translate as to . and which in Spanish ends in either ar, -er or ir. Then we have seen that certain verb forms related to I can go in front of these to make a basic sentence structure. Quiero (I want); Puedo (I can); Necesito (I need); Voy a (Im going to); Me gusta (I like); Preero (I prefer) and Tengo que (I have to). We have also looked at three examples where changing these forms slightly gives us a you sentence; Vas a (you are going to); Quieres (you want); Tienes que (you have to). In addition we have learnt the link words; Pero (but) and Para (in order to), which allow us to extend our sentences to make them more complete and meaningful. Now Nouns. The word noun simply means the name of something, so it refers to people and things like man and table and also ideas and feelings like democracy and happiness. We also have what we call Proper Nouns which are specic names like Mary or England. Proper Nouns always start with a capital
letter in English and Spanish; Mara or Inglaterra. The way the English language is structured, it is not important at all whether a noun refers to a male or a female. We simply have different words (man, woman, stallion, mare etc.) whilst everything else is simply a neutral object (table, car, chair, paper). In Spanish however, every noun is considered to be either masculine or feminine, so just as hombre (man) and mujer (woman) are masculine and feminine, so words for objects are too; mesa (table feminine); coche (car masculine); silla (chair feminine); papel (paper masculine). It is very important for us to realise that the concept of masculine and feminine does not relate to the thing itself, but to the word. In other words we shouldnt be thinking about why a table is considered feminine and a car is considered masculine, we simply need to accept that the word mesa is a feminine word and coche is a masculine word. To illustrate this point, here are some examples: vestido (dress masculine) camisa (shirt feminine) bolsa (bag - feminine) bolso (handbag masculine) Even more interesting: persona (person feminine) vctima (victim feminine) In all these examples and many more, the gender of the word bears no relation to the gender identication of the object or person. Two questions need answering before we continue talking about this matter next month. Firstly, how do we know when a word is masculine or feminine and secondly,
why is it important? In answer to the rst question, is that it is very common for masculine words to end in the letter o and feminine words to end in the letter a, although this is not always the case. There are some exceptions that are the other way round and also many words that end in different letters. However, it is quite a good indicator to start with. Then there are certain characteristic endings. Two of the most common examples are words that end in dad and cin which are always feminine. Now the second question Why is it important? To be honest, at the early stages of language learning, when you only know a few words and are getting simple messages across to people (like how many beers you want), then it really doesnt matter very much at all. However, as you progress with the language you start to discover that this masculine/feminine divide runs right through the language and affects a lot of other words in a sentence. To learn to speak correct Spanish we have to get to grips with the idea. Ill have to give you some homework, although this month its nothing too specic - just start noticing nouns that you come across and working out whether they are masculine or feminine. In dictionaries this is indicated by (m) and (f). Write down as many of the words that you might use every day. Jane Cronins Step by Step Spanish articles are now available as e-books at www.janecronin.eu where you can also obtain Janes brand new Step by Step Internet Spanish course.
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Old East Berlin Eh.....the Stasi building please, I nervously said to the taxi driver who just looked at me with no emotion. I repeated politely The Stasi build.... I heard you rst time, he said in English. Get in. He wasnt overly keen. It may be over twenty years since East Germany escaped from dictatorship, but its still a very, very delicate subject. The Ministry for State Security, or as its most commonly known - The Stasi - The organisation that kept the East German Communists in power and a wall in place that divided its own people until 1989. The Stasi. Even today the name sends shivers down the spines of many. The Stasi. One of the most brutal, controlling and successful secret police agencies the world had ever seen. Evil personied. Fifteen minutes later I was standing inside the actual Stasi headquarters, now a well preserved museum. An unwelcoming grey building tucked away beside a bunch of ugly communist blocks of ats; decidedly eerie inside, battleship grey painted walls and in the corridors a feeling of being in a mental asylum. I pretty much had the place to myself and armed with a bunch of notes telling facts and gures, I spent the next four hours wandering this uncomfortable building. I found numerous conference rooms with
detailed maps and rooms with surveillance equipment. Everything was so well preserved; as if the spy masters had been there just yesterday. Inside the private living quarters of infamous Stasi chief Erich Mielke....I felt very unnerved.
there was at least one person watching you and reporting back to The Stasi. Just try and get your mind round that! So what could get you in trouble with the dreaded Stasi? Simple everyday things like not attending a planned communist march; saying something pro western; making a joke about the leaders; being overheard by your neighbour listening to the BBC World Service on short wave radio. The list was endless. Unmarked vans rounded up and often without trial, imprisoned tens of thousands of people. While torture was rife, the often favoured Stasi practice was detention in sound-proofed dark padded cells and the breaking of the dissident mentally. I spent twenty minutes down in the cells area - that was enough. The Stasi kept les on millions of individuals, but in the dying days of the regime in 1989, they went into overdrive, reportedly managing to shred a billion pieces of paper of incriminating evidence. Since then, the painstaking task of putting back together these shredded documents has been ongoing, but even with the help of computer-assisted data recovery will take decades. Two million plus East Germans have already requested to see their personal les. Many more though have said they will never do so. Reason? I asked a German friend. Fear, he said. Not fear of reading what the le actually says, but fear of nding out who informed on you for years. Can you even begin to imagine what it would be like to discover that the person who secretly informed on you, got you arrested and interrogated, was your best friend? Or worse, your son or mother or father? And believe me, it happened on regular basis. A real life Orwells 1984. Standing in one of the interrogation rooms, I thought of my taxi driver and his reaction to my coming here. Had he himself been imprisoned and abused by the Stasi? Possibly. That thought upset me. But my next thought sent a chill down my spine.....had he actually been a dreaded Stasi ofcer himself? Possibly. For more information on Georges writing, go to georgermitchell.com
I learned of the ingenious ways in which people tried to ee this regime and the astonishing tactics used by The Stasi to keep them suppressed. I may have been travelling in the Eastern bloc for twenty two years, but it never ceases to shock me. The Stasi infiltrated every aspect of every day life and the numbers involved were staggering. It is well documented that by the mid 1980s The Stasi ofcially employed a r o u n d 275,000 people and possibly up two million more to spy on a population of just 16 million. It is also thought that in every single building in East Germany
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CHESS Rocks QUEEN For Helping Hands Saturday 29th March saw QUEEN Tribute Band CHESS back in Lorca for a third concert for charity Helping Hands. This highly talented band once again performed to the delight of the supporters who rocked the night away.
Helping Hands who last year successfully organised and completed a sponsored Fun Run in support of the charity and raised 200. Helping Hands would also like to thank Debbie Cook of Euphoria Esparragal and Spar Supermercardo, Estacion for their kind rafe prize donations.
ever since and it is now believed unlikely that she will ever regain the use of her limbs due to the nerve damage she has suffered. The team of Helping Hands are dedicated to raising funds to help provide the many adaptations and necessities so that Rita can return to her home rather than reside in a Nursing and Care Home. CHESS have now agreed, along with other musicians, to play a major part in the Concert for Rita and plans will be announced shortly. Businesses or Anybody Can you donate any rafe prizes for this and other events to raise money for Rita? If anyone is running a social event maybe one of your rafe collections could be donated to Rita, or just pass the hat round. Every cent is going to count. Furniture Plus are already taking cash donations in their shop at Puerto de Mazarrn. Many of you know that for many years when they deliver new furniture they will take the old furniture away for free and donate it to two charities, GOmad and Helping Hands. Now they are transporting nearly all this furniture to the Helping Hands Charity Shop in Aguilas to raise money for Rita. Further information can be obtained by calling Helping Hands on 968 48 29 48.
Supporting CHESS was the ever popular DJ Byron and during the evening surprise awards were made; rstly to Chris & Roy Jones, of Furniture Plus who are a continual major sponsor of Helping Hands. The second presentation was awarded to members of Junior
Plans are now underway for fundraising and ultimately a huge Beneciary Concert, for Helping Hands Treasurer Rita Lenssons. In July of last year Rita suffered an horric accident whilst assisting another charity in their cat neutering programme. After being airlifted to hospital, Rita has remained there
Lets talk about rubbish, yes rubbish or basura for the initiated. Of course what is rubbish to one person can be useful to someone else. I know this, as I seldom throw anything out until there is no possibility of myself or anyone else re-using it in some way. My Mum was a Milliner ie she made hats for a living while we were growing up and her work-room was always covered in bits and pieces of material, thread and half-nished hats. Like a chip off the old block, my workshop is, I claim, organised chaos with several projects on the go at
any time. Both my Mum and I collect useful labelled boxes and containers for storage of all the different bits required for jobs and leftovers, just in case they are needed in the future - storing rubbish in rubbish really. Containers such as margarine tubs and biscuit boxes, Jacobs Cracker boxes are particularly good, as are Christmas sweets boxes and of course they can be used again and again unlike the original contents which have gone for ever - recycling at its best.
God is good at this - taking something which appears to have little value and making it really useful. Look at the disciples Jesus chose; impulsive and argumentative shermen and dodgy tax collectors, but in the right hands these men turned the world upside down - Acts 17 v 6. The very educated and intellectual Paul argues that God chooses the simple to confound the wisdom of the world 1 Corinthians 1 v 18ff Paul and his fellow Christians were considered as rubbish by the world 1 Corinthians 4 v 13. Beware that what may appear to be rubbish or simply t for discarding may have a signicant purpose in the hands of God. Remember God doesnt make rubbish. You can nd us most Sunday evenings on Camposol B in the Cultural Centre at 5.30pm. Contact Ken on 646 705 403 or check the website to see what we will be doing each week. Come and join us. We offer something a bit different. Sit around and chat over a cup of tea or coffee and learn about God and what He can do for YOU. We also hold monthly social events in Los Almagros. Look out for the posters or go to our website for further details and other planned get-togethers http://open-door.wix.com/open-door If you would like information of our events and be added to our mailing list please email opendoorgettogether@gmail.com Find us at Los Almagros, Fuente Alamo, 30320, Murcia. GPS: 3745 57.77 North. 1 15 56.95 West Ken 646 705 403 Carol 655 141 721
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Another Year For TJ Electricals/Euronics TJ Electricals, or as lots of you know us, Euronics Camposol, are into our fourth year. Its hard to believe that it is more than three years since we put up the Opening Soon banner on the front of the shop, but over three years it is and for us the saying time ies has never felt truer.
We had our doubters when we opened (and, trust us, there have been times when we have been amongst them!), but with our blend of value and unrivalled service we have managed to establish ourselves and gain a reputation that sees customers returning and new customers coming to us through recommendation. People will come into the shop looking to our boys for advice. For them, new technology is second nature. Tracy is pretty handy too and can deal with most things, but sometimes it takes me a little longer to fall in. That puts me on the same level as many of our customers, so between us I think we have it covered and the blend seems to work. Before TJ Electricals opened, we decided that what was missing in the area was a shop where people could get good honest unbiased advice in a no-pressure environment. We knew that, as a Euronics outlet, the choice and pricing was OK, but we wanted to offer more. We cannot have everything in our shop, but our excellent computer system means that we can show the massive range we offer and with three deliveries a week it is only a few days to get your item to you.
Add to that FREE delivery and installation to a massive area and it makes us very competitive. If there is something unusual or less common you need, challenge us. There is not much we cannot nd. Tracy sits in her naughty corner and works extremely hard to locate exactly what is needed. A big part of our business is now done by telephone and email with people who do not live here permanently. It saves them wasting time shopping when they are only here for a limited time. We can liaise with key holders and have items delivered and installed ready for their next visit. We do a lot of discounted electrical packs and air conditioning installations in this way. If you need anything electrical, or any help or advice on something you are not sure of, pop into TJ Electricals on the Commercial Centre, Camposol B. Look forward to seeing you - Jeff, Tracy, Tom and James Tel 868 181 121 Email tjelectricalscamposol@gmail.com
Studies at Newcastle University and the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have found that age is not the key factor to the outcome of surgery, recovery and the length of hospital stay, but instead being physically t is much more important. Their studies revealed the benets of exercise before surgery are very clear - the more you can do for yourself physically before surgery, the better off you will be. Building strong, supple muscles prior to a procedure will help to rebuild those muscles post-surgery meaning you will return
to full health much sooner. If you dont, it could mean you do not recover properly, therefore exposing yourself to the possibility of further pain and reduction in the quality of your life. One of my ladies who has been coming regularly to 2 or 3 classes a week for almost a year now, has recently undergone major surgery and seems to be proof of these studies. She was out of surgery after an 11 hour operation and chatting with friends who visited 4 hours after she was back from recovery, with absolutely no side effects from the anaesthetic. It is not uncommon to experience one or more of the following symptoms sickness, drowsiness, headaches, dizziness and/ or fever. Her progress has continued well and she was discharged earlier than normal. 3 days after return-
ing home she was back walking for half an hour, twice a day and is hoping to return to work within 4 weeks of her surgery. Normally the operation would render her unable to work for between 6 and 8 weeks and her consultants have indeed said that without the tness she had prior to hospital admission, recovery would have been much longer. There are specic exercises that can be done before and after surgery to strengthen your muscles and joints so that they can cope with the stress of surgery. In many cases, especially involving degenerative conditions, a specically designed exercise plan can even prevent the need for immediate surgery. CDA Fitness Tel 634 304 087
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Ides of March 2014 Humanist Walk The 24 walkers started just off the RM-D4 Morata Road where there were no loos or hot coffee (shame)!
mine buildings of Coto Fortuna, which were started by the Romans in 200 BC and lasted into the 1950s (The Romans only lasted until 400 AD; others took over after that). The Romans smelted lead to make coins and later miners extracted alum to add to cosmetics.
There were no gato montes (wild cats) to be seen, but a very colourful caterpillar two foot long did attract attention from Xaviers dog. The walk continued round the site and ended at the San Carlos Shaft, which has been partly renovated by the owner of an adjacent olive plantation who did the work when he retired. Lunch was taken in Restaurante La Siena where a reasonable meal and loads of wine cost only 10. In recognition of his hard work in setting up the Humanist Group, John Blakey and Martin Ruston presented Richard Ward with a certicate and life membership, saving the annual 5 fee. For more information on the Humanists of Murcia go to www.bolnuevo.com and to contact the Humanist Celebrant for marriages, naming ceremonies and funerals call 634 025 711.
A gentle stroll along a smooth wide track where a loose Doberman did not attack the group, the walk wound around and up to the
Cavalli Foundation is striving ahead Helping horses help People, thanks to the hard work of Cavalli volunteers and horses and the recent generous donations. Veronica presented the Cavalli Project at the Equimur Horse Fair with animal rights lawyer Raquel Lpez Teruel. She underlined the need that exists, not only in the Region,
but nationally and internationally, to protect horses, ponies and donkeys, within the limits of the Law and using the Law to get rid of animal cruelty. This month wed like to dedicate a word to Jane, a brave lady who is getting her life back together after suffering two strokes which have left her memory and language area impaired.
RDA Rider, Jane, has just completed her third week of riding with Cavalli Foundation. In Britain Jane had reached walk, trot and canter on a horse simulator and she was told by her RDA Instructor that she was ready to start working with a horse. Jane and her husband have a holiday home close to the Cavalli Centre in La Costera de Alhama. Jane started riding Lily using a bit-less bridle and an adapted saddle. She quickly moved on to Copito to compare gaits and movement, hacking through the lemon groves and doing at work in the arena. She groomed, cleaned hooves and tacked with almost no help. These tasks were good exercise for her response to instructions and they also helped her to memorise routines. She loved being around the horses and Janes last session was special. She worked with our therapy mare, Mollie who had been out of sorts after a fright which upset her a few weeks ago. She had lost condence in the people who were handling her and she had taken on board a lot of negative energy. She didnt want people around her and we had decided to let her rest. Having worked with Jane and seen her happy nature and quiet approach when around the horses, we asked her if she would like to try and regain Mollies condence. It took us an hour and lots of reassurance, but eventually Jane succeeded in helping Mollie to relax and stretch. Shes been a much happier mare since her experience with Jane. We are very happy to say that ex-Show Jumper, Petit Thomas, was rescued at the end of March and is now happily settled in his temporary foster home where he has made great friends with the ponies. Both farrier and vet say that we can hope for 100% recovery. Alma, the greyhound/ podenco cross we picked up from local petrol station just before the Dog Catchers arrived, has made an amazing recovery too. Shes full of energy and as playful as a puppy. Both Petit and Alma are looking for loving owners to adopt them. For more news about Petit and Alma see our blog or Facebook. Email infocavallifoundation@gmail.com Tel 636 17 21 98 Blog fundacioncavallifoundation.blogspot.com
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On the 13th April ACTIN team were very proud of Alison Ferrari and her daughter Emily when they did a sponsored parascending hanglide in the Sierra Espua. They raised close to 700. Thank you also to Mark Langton of La Mariposa for making it possible.
of animals in Spain. We are working with legal advisors and the co-operation of Seprona. Our aims include setting up an animal police team, a wellness/sterilisation centre for animals, transport and national advertising for awareness and education. It may be ambitious, but we are not faint-hearted. Progress is healthy, but we did not allow for the need for rescuing animals from cruel situations. Each of our dogs costs us around 60 a month for residence and more in veterinary costs. We usually care for around 20 to 40 dogs. Adoptions are going well with lots of happy endings. Check out our dedicated adoptions website www.adoptaspanishdog.com. We urgently need fosterers and adopters, especially for George and Teo
ASSSA - Your Private Health Insurer In Spain Invest in your health! The benets of ASSSA Insurance: ASSSA offers a variety of unique, written, contractual guarantees. The age at which you sign your contract is always used as the basis on which to calculate your premiums, i.e. the premium does not increase due to increased age. In addition, ASSSA provides protection against policy cancellation from the rst day of insurance. Contracts with ASSSA are of course, in your native language as transparency is important to us.
Another great ACTIN fundraiser is Angie Marshall, who has raised over 1,500 for us so far, with her car boot sales. Thank you Angie from the ACTIN team. Thank you also to The Dog Bowl, Fuente Alamo, for their support and for collecting ring pulls. You can deliver them to The Dog Bowl to help many local animal charities and rescuers. There are many local people who are saving animals and taking care of them because all of the local rescues are overwhelmed - everyone needs help!! ACTIN have 2 hampers to rafe; one in Happy Pets and one in TJ Electricals both on Camposol B. If you are interested in our work, you can join ACTIN and nd out what happens to your donations and much more. www.actin-spain. com has a members section. There are varied levels of membership, for as little as 2.50 a month. Members are privileged with information such as viewing the accounts and minutes of the committee meetings, plus news of any progress.
Visit ASSSA for a chat and without any obligation, receive a personal premium calculation. Our employees will be pleased to answer all your questions. George and Teo were fosterd by volunteers and now need a new foster home For more information about Animal Care Treatment International Network, please go to the website www.actin-spain.com. We hope soon to have a base where people can come and get help and advice on how to deal with cruelty and concerns about animal neglect that you may be witnessing. We do not have to accept it, or live with it. Please do not close your eyes. We do have laws in Spain and there is never any excuse for cruelty. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:30am-1:30pm Later appointments or home visits by arrangement. Alternatively, why not attend one of our Customer Service Ofce Open Days (10.30am 4.30pm) for drinks and tapas and to benet from our Special Event Promotion : Lifetime discounts on Health, Funeral and Dental + FREE MONTH on joining. The next Open Days dates and venues: Los Alczares 9th May Tel: 968 574 144 Nina Bhner losalcazares@asssa.es Mazarrn 15th May Tel: 968 153 396 Diane Nolan mazarron@asssa.es www.asssa.es info@asssa.es
ACTIN was formed because there is no registered society or foundation for the protection
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The Beacon of Light Centre The Beacon of Light meetings are every We d n e s d a y from 7pm with weekly guest mediums which usually nish at ap-
proximately 8.30pm. As always the evenings ends with a friendly chat and a cup of tea and biscuits. All our meetings are funded by donations given during the evening. Our early healing sessions start at 6pm. On Wednesday May 7th we are pleased to welcome back Oscar Villegas who speaks both English and Spanish. Thursday May 8th Oscar Villegas Fundraising Event at Condado de Alhama. Admission by ticket at 5. 8pm start. Doors close at 7.45pm. Call 620 877 326 to reserve a
ticket. Wednesday May14th Anna-Marie Wednesday May 21st - Robert McLernon Wednesday May 28th - Marilyn Webb For further information please phone 620 877 326 Email beacon.of.light.murcia@gmail.com http://beaconoightmurcia.webs.com Facebook Beacon of Light Murcia
Vince and Kira opened BoraBora, Playa Grande, Puerto de Mazarrn, (just past the Hotel Playa Grande on the opposite side of the road going towards Bolnuevo), in November 2013. They wanted to start a restaurant & bar with live music with a difference, so they opened with a view of what the customer wanted and worked from there.
that the children can play while the adults can relax knowing the children are safe. They also launched a 5 menu, knowing how expensive it can be to take out the whole family, but there is also a full menu available. Throughout the winter they provided daytime entertainment because like most people they liked to snuggle up with the children in front of the re in the evening. This has been a great success and they have had many great afternoons having a boogie! BoraBora are looking to extend the entertainment to night times throughout the summer, (check the Whats On section of the Chronicle each month) as well as
giving their menu a revamp. All the staff at BoraBora are Spanish so you get the feel of real Spain when you visit the bar, but they also speak perfect English. There is a large outside terrace with newly tted shades so that you can enjoy the views and the outside space, but you will also be surprised at the attractive inside space which is ideal for large parties, with special rates for charity events. If you have visited BoraBora, you will know they are a friendly bunch; sometimes a little bonkers, but they will always try and cater for your needs. All the food is freshly cooked to order (yes not frozen!!). Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-late Sunday 12-5pm Why not pop down for the BoraBora famous Sunday lunch @ 6.95 with free dessert, or even a boogie every Saturday @ 2.30pm? They look forward to meeting customers old and new. SEE YOU SOON x Tel 968 153 111 Email boraboramazarron@outlook.com
Kira is a mum of 4 little ones, so she wanted to have a place where grannies and mummies could bring the whole family and feel safe. The Mickey Mouse Play Room has been a massive success as it means
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Garden Features To Add Interest by Dick Handscombe, holistic gardener author broadcaster and speaker. Many of the more interesting gardens we have visited have sweeps of coloured owers and lots that stimulate ones senses positively and many of the gardens are split into a series of linked mini-gardens. Even having four mini gardens on each side of the house, with each one
having a special feature that adds interest, can prompt one to walk the entire garden regularly. Many features dont take long to add and could be in place before the hotter weather in June, or they can be designed during summer sunbathes in order to take action during next winter. The following are popular features: * Fountains, or a Fish Pond with fountains, to add the cooling and relaxing effect of moving water and the graceful movement of sh. You might also be able to save the local population of frogs before the last natural swamp in the area is lled in for building or road widening. An Aviary with part of the ying space covered and sheltered from the
hottest suns and cold winter winds and part in a tree in the sun. * * A Colourful Rockery requiring no watering once plants are established. An Outdoor Covered or Open Cooking Area, perhaps even a complete kitchen. This will allow you to move on beyond barbecue food to use Paella pans, tagine lidded pots, a solar cooker for grilling or stews, cook eastern style in a wok, or cook South American style with a clay oven. (Our book Authentic Valencian Paellas is now in English and Spanish.) A Gazebo for summer shade or living in during the winter months housing a collection of plants in pots. The gazebo could just be for resting in a comfortable chair or lounger, or to cover a sh pond, or eating table and chairs for a dozen people. A Formal Herb Garden with space to sit, preferable in the dapple shade of an adjacent tree. One or two Raised Beds to house plant collections or grow vegetables. A Green House and adjacent potting table for raising new plants from cuttings or seeds. A Hen House with a couple of hens. They make great pets and at many times of the year will produce eggs every day. A Summer House for shade, the outdoor summer ofce and overwintering garden furniture. One or two Evergreen Shrubs trimmed into interesting shapes. Topiary can evolve into an interesting and challenging hobby. A Wild Area using just local wild trees shrubs and perennial plants to stroll around and attract local wildlife. A Jacuzzi as an alternative or supplement to a swimming pool. A Childrens Garden and activity area for your own children or visiting grand-children. An Old Fashioned Telephone Box to be used for taking or making mobile phone calls so as not involve the whole family and neighbours. It could also be the sound proofed hide away to practice the guitar or other instrument.
* *
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That should be enough ideas to add interest to most gardens. Happy creativity sessions in deciding what to do. Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com
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Structural Surveys by Martinez De La Casa Architects Just like people, buildings also suffer pathologies and in all cases the earlier we detect and deal with any symptoms, the less it inates the cost of repair. Not only should we consider how to resolve cracks, moisture etc, more important is to investigate the cause that is producing those effects and stop the cause prior to repair. The most frequently found construction problems are: Cracks where oor and walls meet and horizontal cracks under or on slabs or under-tiles provoked by dilatations added to absence of rendering meshes. Arch-shaped cracks that can represent movement in the foundations. Cross-shaped cracks can be evidence of movement produced by earthquakes or nearby vibrations. Damp: ltering damp, rising damp and condensation, the latter being due to bad air ow or insufcient insulation. Essential before buying a home in Southern Spain is an accurate diagnosis of the state of a property with a Structural Survey. For the nominal cost of 70 + IVA, Martinez de la Casa Architects will come and inspect the property for any visible or potential problems and advise you, onsite, of the most appropriate plan of action, giving yourself peace of mind and avoiding potential hidden costs later. Recommended before buying a home,
Martinez de la Casa Architects (fully insured) also offer full Technical Reports, ofcially stamped by the College of Architects, for 500 plus IVA. If you have your own builders, Martinez de la Casa Architects offer invaluable help to mediate any works, making sure you have the correct licenses, plans or quotes for the works. Martinez de la Casa Architects pride themselves in the care and attention spent on each individual project, tailored to your needs and budget. Martinez de la Casa Architects is fully licensed and has experience of over 2,000 surveys and in over 150 full reports for courts. They have also been involved in the restoration of more than 20 Spanish monumental ancient heritage sites in the region, such as the Aguilas Neomudejar Town Hall, San Jose Church, Tebar Castle and over 20 more highly protected buildings. Martinez de la Casa Architects are the number one certifying company, specialist in Antiquity Certicates and Energy Performance Certicates in Murcia, Almeria and Alicante. For more information please visit their website and take some time to see over 90 testimonials from clients regarding their services. www.martinezdelcasa.com Tel 665 810 411 (English) for any enquiries.
It has been another busy month for Welcome. A quiet Sunday afternoon at Mazarrn Country Club saw 25 cars start off on the annual Welcome Treasure Hunt. The competitors made their way through La Palas, Cuevas de Reyllo, past Fuento Alamo, Tallante, La Manchica and nished at the Social Centre in Perin, answering the questions all the way. Well done to Paul and Jim who organised the route, the staff at the Social Centre and Cheryl for providing us with such a lovely buffet.
ite because of the variety of songs he sings. Another act will be supporting him through the evening, plus of course Steve as our compere. Tickets 8. After having a lovely Christmas in Benidorm last year we are going there again this year. We will stay for ve days, four nights at the lovely Helios Hotel which is very central. This is on a fully inclusive basis, including the fantastic Christmas Gala Lunch with drinks for 240, which includes the coach from the Mazarrn area. If you would like to go, please book early as the hotel will only hold the rooms for so long. Book/Jigsaw Swap dates for May are 13th and 27th, every second Tuesday in the month. For more information, call Jo on 669 457 985. Fun Petanca is on May 28th at the rear of Marianos, Camposol A, starting at 2pm. This is our annual competition for members. If you have not got your tickets members please, contact Les on 968 131 880. The next Welcome Meeting is on Saturday June 7th where tickets will go on sale for our Outside Dance at Marianos on Wednesday August 20th. We will entertained by Cliff Richard and the Shadows and The Beatles. Tickets 8. Proceeds will be for Age Concern. Welcome is open to everyone, there is no membership, just come along and meet friends old and new. For tickets and more information about all events, call Rosemary on 620 105 179 Email rosemarybeak@hotmail.com www.welcomegroupspain.com
We then go off on our Cruise to St Petersburg and The Baltic Capitals. Tickets are on sale for our Ladies Day at The Club House, Camposol C on Wednesday June 11th. We will have a fashion show by Legs and Co, free Bingo, free Rafe, a lovely Buffet and nish the afternoon dancing to Woody. Tickets 10. It was a complete sell out last year so get your ticket early. On June 25th we have our Summer Ball at La Cumbre Hotel, Mazarrn. Champagne reception, a fantastic meal with drink and dancing to Terry J; all for 30. At the time of going to press there are just a few tickets left. Coaches are available for 5. Tickets are also on sale for our July Dance on Wednesday 23rd outside at Marianos, Camposol A. The entertainment will be provided by Paul Christie singing songs from Gene Pitney and Roy Orbision. Paul has been with us twice before and is getting to be a favour-
The Madcaps and The Shires were equal winners and both took home some lovely hampers. Everyone had a great time and as far as we know, there are no divorce cases pending! The most asked question all day though was Where are we going next year! At our Monthly Dance we were entertained by two lovely young girls, called Venus and the return of our favourite male singer Nick Gold. We now look forward to our May Dance on Wednesday 14th when we have a three piece live band called DonenDusted. These play a good selection of old and new and promise to have the dance oor full all night. Tickets 8.
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Cehegn Scene On 25th May, El Mesonico, the artisan market held in the old town of Cehegn, is all about fruits and vegetables from the local area. Fresh produce will be on sale and you will be able to try Zarangollo (a mixture of eggs and courgette), tomatoes in local olive and ham. Coincidentally, this is also when El Mesoncico celebrates the 13th Exhibition of Open Air Painting Casco Antiguo de Cehegn. On Saturday 17th May admire the history of the old quarter of Cehegn, visiting the Archaeological Museum, the Main Street, the Church of La Concepcin and the Casa Jaspe. Following the tour of the town there will be a visit to the school of wine in the Palacio de la Tercia where you will learn about wine. The tour will last approximately 2 hours and comfortable footwear is advised. Car Boot Sale In Cehegn This will be on Sunday 18th May in the square beside the old railway station in the Va Verde, just two minutes from Mercadona. There is plenty of room for parking, but the Town Hall will no longer be able to provide the stalls. The charge remains at 2 per site. Anyone interested in booking a site please contact the Cehegn Tourist Ofce. All are welcome. Begastri The Archaeological Site of Begastri is opened for visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm. You will be able to see a video presentation followed by a guided tour to see the remains of the Iberian culture before the IV century BC.
Free Nature Walks On 24th May we will visit the Minas de Gilico near the district of Arroyo Hurtado with stunnig views to Vega del Quipar. Meet: 9am from Tourist Ofce Distance: 9.5km Level: Moderate Time: Approx 3.5hrs Please be aware that the picking of the herb Rosemary from the hills around the area is restricted. This herb grows wild and is vital for the environment as it reduces erosion and forest res and helps the local wildlife giving it cover. Three people have recently been caught with 1,500kg of illegal Rosemary and they will face prosecution. Any further enquiries please contact the Cehegin Tourist Ofce located in front of the Town Hall on 968 723 550 or visit our tourist website www.turismocehegin.es Santiago Leo Natural Health Having been a sceptic of most natural remedies I was interested in an article in the April edition of the Chronicle. I had had skin trouble for a couple of years and had been treated at Caravaca hospital during that time. There was no conclusive diagnosis and I had probably tried every cream available to sort the problem out, with little success. I therefore thought it would do no harm to try Kinesiology that was being offered by Sandra from Natural Health. I have to admit that without saying anything about my medical history, Sandra picked up on a few issues that have troubled me over the past few years. After a 2 hour session of Kinesiology, I felt a lot more condent that these problems can be sorted out mainly by a Detox, but also with a short course of natural medication. Sandra was extremely professional during the treatment, which I have to admit bafed me somewhat! If you would like to contact Sandra for more information, call her on
968 134 953 or 634 312 081. Boat Race The XXIX Descent of the Almadenes Canyon will take place on July 26th and leaves from the Iron Bridge, Calasparra. Each boat must have a minimum of three and maximum of ve participants at a cost of 65 per person. From the Iron Bridge, the race continues to the River Beach La Presa at the end of the canyon. Contact the tourist information ofce in Calasparra for more details. Snail Invasion Threatens Calasparra Rice Technicians from the Department of Agriculture and Water have met with the farmers who produce Calasparra Rice and representatives of the cooperatives and wholesalers to warn them about a plague of apple snails. This snail is classed as an invader and is a big problem for local agriculture and the environment due to its reproductive capacity (it can lay up to 800 eggs at once) and its double respiratory system and its unique ability to adapt. The plague, which has come from Asia and America, has colonized in the paddy elds in the Ebro Delta. It was rst detected in 2009 and in ve years it has extended over a large area. The Water Board has been asked to help out by taking samples of the rivers in order to detect clusters of the snails deep rose coloured eggs and the farmers have been advised to take preventative measures. Drought Will Ruin Crops The lack of rain in the area is causing great concern to the local farmers, particularly in the Mula area. The almond crops along the Rio Mula seem to be affected the most, but the drought is also affecting the soft fruit trees. Almond trees only have shallow roots, which is why up to 70% of the crops are looking to fail, whereas the roots on the olives and vines can reach further down and possibly nd water. Walks in Moratalla for May May 11th El Villar de Benizar-Castillo de Benizar May 25th Calar de la Santa-Fuentes Grandes All walks leave from the Tourist Ofce in Moratalla at 9am, but it is advised that you arrive at least half an hour prior to departure. The cost of the walks is 10 with an optional meal at 15. Please make sure you wear suitable shoes and clothing and carry a bottle of water.
The beautiful Northwest Murcia town of Caravaca de la Cruz is dominated by the medieval castle of Santa Cruz. In the 15th century the Knights Templar commissioned a castle to be built here and the town grew up around it and there has been a settlement here since the 12th century.
the Eucharist and he could not continue without one. The king exclaimed What is that?, pointing to something at the window. From the heavens, two angels appeared carrying a cross, which they placed on the altar and then disappeared. Many believe that the cross delivered by the angels included a piece of the True Cross. This cross is now located in El Santeria de Vera Cruz. This building, with its pink marble faade, has become one of the most photographed and visited places in Spain. In the Catholic Church, when the bread and wine are consecrated during Mass, they cease to be bread and wine and become instead, the body and blood of Christ. When missionary Don reached the consecration stage, the king saw a beautiful baby instead of the bread.
Caravaca de la Cruz has been declared by the Vatican as the worlds 5th most Holy City, giving Spain 3 of the top 5 of the holiest places, therefore Caravaca is allowed to celebrate the Perpetual Jubilee once every seven years. This was last celebrated in 2010. It is believed that in 1232 a miracle occurred. Caravaca de la Cruz was, at that time, a Moorish kingdom under the rule of Zeyt-Abuzeyt who was from a line of wellestablished monarchs. His duties included the protection of the region from invasion by the Christians. The Christian Reconquesta took various forms; from ghting, to gradual inltration through missionaries. One such Christian missionary was Don Gnes Prez Chirinos de Cuenca. He was captured and taken before the Muslim king who was curious about certain aspects of the Christian faith. In particular, he was interested in the Christian celebration of the Last Supper and asked the missionary to demonstrate the procedure. He reluctantly agreed and the king arranged for the necessary apparatus: an altar draped with a pall cloth, bread and wine and some candles. One important element, however, was missing: the cross. The missionary explained that the presence of a cross was critical to
During the 16th and 17th century, Caravaca enjoyed its period of greatest splendour and was the political centre of vast territories. The many historic buildings in the town proclaim its former importance. On the 2nd of May Caravaca celebrates its very popular esta called Los Caballos del Vino (wine horses). This is in commemoration of a 13th century incident whereby the Christians were held captive in the fortress and managed to break out to search for water. When they failed to nd any, they returned to the fortress with the water skins carried by their horses lled with wine. Lynda Day Northwest Murcia Properties Tel 634 340 131 www.northwestmurciaproperties.com sales@northwestmurciaproperties.com
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In recent years, as we drove along the Murcia to Caravaca de la Cruz motorway, we noticed open green roofed structures erected a little way to the left of the road, a few kilometres before passing the Cierva Lake. These have been erected to protect the excavated remains of a remarkable Roman Villa, within a gated, locked and fenced off area. Subsequently, we contacted the tourist ofce in Mula (968 661 501) who were very willing to arrange to meet us there one morning and show us around the ruins.
where the water channel is clearly visible and is of such a size as to suggest that it may also have served other buildings in the area. The cold pool, which you accessed by four steps, is impressively large. There is also a small bath accessed by steps.
partial abandonment of the villa, it became a place of Christian worship. Perhaps unsurprisingly, therefore, adjacent to it are many tombs and burials. Around 50 burials have so far been discovered, generally simple graves excavated in the ground and covered by slabs of stone within what had previously been the residential area of the villa. Unfortunately, the mosaic oors of parts of the villas residential area were often destroyed to make way for the burials. Some of the graves contained fragments of pottery or tile and they have been dated to between the 5th and 7th Centuries AD. Two other burial sites of earlier dates have also been discovered a little distance from the residential area of the villa. The Industrial Area of the Villa We then continued round a stone/gravel path into the open to a viewing platform from which you could see the wider environment in which the villa was situated. This included the Cerro del Almagra, a hill in which there was a quarry from which came the stone used in the villa and for parts of the tombs.
To reach the site, you need to turn off the autova del noroeste (RM15) coming from Murcia at the turn-off marked Mula/Pliego, go under the motorway and take the minor road going to the Reservoir (Pantano) of La Cierva. The remains are immediately adjacent to the road on the right, half a mile or less up this minor road.
The scheme of the baths at Los Villaricos is typical in that the cold baths (frigidarium) are followed by the warm baths (tepidarium) and the heated area (caldarium), almost in a line. The oven to heat the baths was beside the two warmer areas and in a ventilated cellar space. The heat was channelled through the underoor area of the rooms to be heated before being vented. Two ovens have been identied, the second perhaps used to generate the steam for a sauna-like room which is of octagonal shape. The rooms in the warm part of the baths are raised to allow the creation of the space beneath them (hypocaust) through which the hot air could circulate. The brick pillars and an arch through which this air passed are still clearly visible. The Villas Residential Area As you reach the far corner on your walk around the metal pathway, you come to the residential rooms of the villa. The browner areas are the rooms themselves while there is also a grey, gravelled area which is the site of the patio or peristilio, around which the main rooms of the villa were situated. Under the patio was a remarkable cistern to which rainwater was directed from the roof for domestic use. This cistern is the only one of its type so far discovered in Murcia and the oor above was supported by large stone columns. Its dimensions were around 4.5m by 3m with a height of 1.5m. At one time, all the rooms would have had mosaic oors. Today, the remains of just one mosaic are exposed to view in one of the rooms. The parts of this mosaic which remain are superb with the original colours standing clearly out.
Background to Los Villaricos The Roman conquest of Spain saw the development of a series of rural establishments known as villas. Broadly speaking, these were units of agricultural exploitation with residential as well as working buildings and not just large houses. This is the nature of Los Villaricos which is now regarded as a particularly important example of Roman settlement in the countryside. It dates from the 1st Century AD and continued in use until the 5th Century. Among nds have been ceramics from Africa, some coins and blue glass. The Baths On arrival at the villa site, you will nd a signboard outside which gives details about the remains and their chronology, although this and the other signboards inside, are solely in Spanish. On entering through the gate, there is a constructed and slightly elevated metal pathway around some of the remains which rst passes the area of the villas thermal baths, some of the best conserved in Murcia. The rst part of the baths you see is the warm room, then going round to the cold area
The next viewing platform we came to was in the area where the villas wine and olive oil production took place. This area is known as the torcularium. The rst of the rooms here was used to store the olives before pressing. Elsewhere, you can still see the stone base of presses used to crush the olives. Following the pressing, the oil ran through a hole in the wall to a large collection area. In turn, this linked to three tanks at a lower height into which the oil was decanted. The signboards also tell of another four oil deposit/collection areas in another room with three rectangular basins alongside each other and a smaller squarish one. The warehousing area at one side is surprisingly large (30m by 10m) and you can still see the bases of various columns in it. It is difcult to overestimate the importance of this olive oil processing area. It is said that Los Villaricos may house the second largest Roman olive oil processing plant ever found in Spain. During recent excavations, it is believed that four presses for oil production were identied as well as specic work areas and tools. Article by Clive and Rosie Palmer, who have written several guide books on towns and regions in Murcia. These can be seen at, and obtained from, www.lulu.com, or contact clive.palmer5@btinternet.com. Clive and Rosies book, Exploring Murcia, Days Out is available to buy from the CHM/Costa Clida Chronicle ofce on Camposol B, Best Wishes (who also stock other of their books including the follow-up Exploring Murcia, More Days Out), or phone Patti on 968 433 978.
At the very end of the walkway is an area known as the basilica which was used for celebratory events during the main Roman occupation of the villa. Subsequently, after
We have just two walks to report on this month, with our Easter walk taking place just after this goes to print. The rst, led by Jessica, was on a Saturday in March. The day was perfect neither too hot nor too cold. Thirty three of us met for this walk; seventeen Spanish, eleven English, two Scots, one Italian, one German and one Norwegian, denitely the most racially mixed group for a long time.
the views across the Ricote Valley south to the Sierras of Cajal and to the north, the Sierra de Pila. It was the ideal place to recover, catch breath and have a welcome snack. Continuing downwards past the Casa de Martillo, (and lots of local gossip concerning its recent history!) we meandered our way gently back to the cars at the Casa Forestal de Las Lomas. Leading the group was a very tranquil experience, but unfortunately the peace was disturbed by much raucousness of people behind me enjoying themselves! Another interesting local snippet: towards the summit of Las Coberteras above Ulea lies a hollowed out rock in which - allegedly - the Moors once bathed. Apparently it isnt unusual to nd fragments of pottery from the era. Maybe the highlight for those who tried it, was lunch in the beautifully located Restaurante Encuentra in the Centro Cultural of Ojs, where we were well and truly spoiled by Antonio and his team. The second walk was led by Rob on a Friday evening in the Moratalla area. This walk was approximately 14 kilometres along the Sierra del Cerezo to the north east of Moratalla. We
started with a steady climb via stony tracks and were then rewarded by some good views of Moratalla and the surrounding countryside before descending. We then continued on into the town of Moratalla to meet nonwalking friends for tapas and a glass or two of wine.
From Ojs, we followed alongside the Rambla del Chinte gently uphill to the ridge to admire
There are just a few walks left in the current season. If you are interested in joining us then please contact warm2005@gmail. com for full information.
Do you read a lot? How much of what you read do you remember and I wonder how often you read a book, more than once? How much of the book do you read - every word, or are you like me and just pick out the gist of the story? My memory is extremely bad, but rarely will I read anything more than once, unless of course its a recipe, so that at least we have half a chance of everything going in that should do; yet I keep returning to read my Bible. It is full of fascinating facts, all of which can be trusted and in todays world thats a novelty in itself. There are 66 books, covering
subjects about history, war & peace, relocation, the meaning of life, hope & fullment, counselling, self-help, reality - even sex and it has the greatest love story ever told. Something to interest everyone I would say. The Bible is the worlds most widely read book and is as relevant today as when it was written over 2000 years ago. It seems that each time a passage comes up during my quiet time that I have read many times before and I might think; I know what that says, I dont need to read it again, but when I do, I nd some meaning that I have missed at other times - always something new.
The Bible is Gods way of speaking to us and is to be trusted. 1Kings 8:56 says Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through His servant Moses. Read it as a love letter; take delight in what you read and like Job 23:12 says, I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread. Give Gods word the rightful place in your life.
Tel 633 447 937 Lynda.spain@hotmail.co.uk Derek.tycymru@talktalk.co.uk
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Roxy is a wonderful, happy little Chihuahua cross needing a home. She is around 15 months old, good with other dogs, sterilised, chipped, vaccinated and has her pet passport. She weighs approx 6 kilos and will make a wonderful companion. Call 645 469 253 Bubis owners are returning to Germany and unable to take him with them. He has been in a family environment since he was a puppy. He is house trained, good with children and other dogs. He is up to date with all vaccinations, chipped, rabies and neutered. Call 645 469 253
Pequi and Brian are around 5 months old and are Dachshund x Pointer so have short legs and a long, stocky body. Pequi is a playful girl and Brian is quiet and laid back. Both are good with cats and other dogs. Call 966 725 975
Harry, Vinnie and Becks were thrown in a rubbish bin when just 1 week old. We placed them in a foster home where they are getting bottle fed and are doing great. All 3 are boys and will be small when fully grown. They are ready to be reserved now. Call 645 469 253
To view more animals for adoption go to www.petsinspain.com To advertise an animal for adoption email info@petsinspain.info
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Ma Millbanks Kitchen Tomatoes Following the success of the broccoli and carrot recipes, I thought I would continue with the tomato. Is it a vegetable or a fruit? Well actually, botanically it is a fruit, but for its nutritional value it has been categorized as a vegetable. Tomatoes are available in Spain all year round and feature in many of their recipes. Like all vegetables, tomatoes are good for us and especially benet the heart because they contain Lycopene, one of natures most powerful antioxidants. Scientists have also recognised that tomatoes help to prevent prostate cancer, especially when the tomatoes are cooked. Spain even has a festival celebrated every year in Bunol called La Tomatina centred round an enormous tomato ght. Below are just a few recipes to try and my favourite is the mint tomato with cheese. Buen Apetito
Mint Tomato With Cheese 4 beef tomatoes 4 cloves of garlic 100g stoned black olives 200g goats cheese Salt and pepper 1 tsp lemon juice 6 tbsp olive oil 1 teabag peppermint tea Slice tomatoes and lay slices into a dish. Chop garlic and sprinkle over tomatoes. Cut olives in half and add. Finally crumble goats cheese over tomatoes. Pour over lemon juice, add tea bag leaves to the olive oil and pour over tomatoes. Bake for 30 minutes or until tomatoes are soft. Great dish with BBQs or salads. Pizza I pizza base I onion I clove of garlic
6 tbsp tomato puree 1 can plum tomatoes 300g Mozzarella cheese Oregano and thyme Peel and slice onions and garlic and fry in olive oil until soft. Add tomato puree and canned tomatoes, then oregano and thyme. Simmer for 20 minutes until mixture thickens. Spread mixture over pizza base and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 25 minutes or until crispy. Tomato and Cheese Tart 200g full fat soft cheese 75g butter 2 whole eggs + 1 egg yolk 10ml mustard 225g plain our 450g ripe tomatoes 75ml milk Rosemary Salt and pepper Beat half the cheese with butter egg yolk and mustard. Mix into our and then knead until smooth. Roll out pastry and line a tin. Bake at 200 for 10 to 15 minutes until set. Meanwhile skin tomatoes and cut into wedges. Whisk together the eggs, remaining cheese, milk and rosemary and seasoning. Arrange tomatoes in an case and pour over mixture. Bake on 180 for 30 minutes. Serve hot or cold. Tomatoes with Roquefort 6 beef tomatoes 1 onion Mixed herbs to taste 1 clove garlic 4 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper 50g Roquefort cheese 1 slice of white bread Keep 4 tomatoes to one side and put the rest in a pan and cover with boiling water and leave for 1 minute. Score the skin and remove skins, dice and chop. Peel onion and garlic and chop nely. Heat oil and fry onion and garlic for 2 minutes, add seasoning and mixed herbs. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for a further 3 minutes. Scoop out the seeds from the 4 saved tomatoes. Crumble the cheese and stir into the tomato mix. Remove crusts from bread and crumble into the mix. Spoon mix into the tomato cases and stand in a dish with a small amount of water in the bottom. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the topping is crisp. Tomato Omelette 2 lg eggs 4 tomatoes 1 small onion Seasoning Rosemary Garlic chopped Butter Skin and chop tomatoes and fry in a little oil with onion (optional) and rosemary and garlic until soft. Whisk eggs until broken down but not too uffy. Season with salt and pepper. Place pan on a gentle heat and add butter and when melted add eggs. Stir gently with a fork or wooden spatula bringing the cooked eggs into the centre of the pan. Once cooked, add the tomato mixture into centre of omelette and fold over. Serve immediately.
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Tomato - Tomate Living in Spain, you cannot help but admire the beautiful Tomatoes on sale, especially those on the local markets. The Tomato is so adaptable in that it can be eaten raw, cooked, dried, in salads, soups, drink and in almost any savoury dish, which is surprising when it is actually classied as a fruit. They can be grown outdoors or indoors and belong to the nightshade family, although the plant is not poisonous.
began his attempts to develop the Tomato as a commercial crop, his aim had been to grow Tomatoes smooth, uniform in size and with a better avour. After many attempts, he picked out particular Tomato plants having distinct characteristics and heavy foliage. He saved the seeds carefully and the following spring he set two rows and to his surprise, each plant bore perfect Tomatoes like the parent vine. After ve years, the fruit became eshier and larger. He eventually developed over seventeen different varieties of the Tomato plant. The poor taste and lack of sugar in modern garden and commercial Tomato varieties resulted from developing Tomatoes to ripen uniformly red. Most people grow red Tomatoes, but there are also yellow, orange, pink, purple, green, black, or white fruit are available. Multicoloured varieties and striped fruit can also be quite striking and plum-shaped Tomatoes are grown for canning. China is now the largest producer of Tomatoes, followed by the USA and then India.
round, often sweet and generally eaten whole in salads. * Grape Tomatoes are smaller and oblong; a variation on Plum Tomatoes and used in salads.
The exact date the Tomato was used in cooking is unknown, but it was being cultivated in Southern Mexico by 500 BC. In 1544, an Italian physician, Pietro Mattioli wrote about the Tomato being used in cooking, but it was the Spanish who really introduced the Tomato into Mediterranean cuisine. The Tomatos ability to mutate and create new and different varieties helped contribute to its success and spread throughout Italy, although it was regarded as decorative rather than something to eat. They were not lling like other fruit and it was several hundred years before they were used for cooking and as dried Tomatoes and Tomato sauces in pizzas. They were not grown in the UK until the 1590s when John Gerard brought some back from Spain, although he still thought that they were poisonous. By the mid-18th century, Tomatoes were widely eaten in Britain and they were appearing on markets and used by many cooks. Alexander W. Livingston was the rst person who succeeded in upgrading the wild Tomato, developing different breeds and stabilizing the plants in America. When he
Tomato varieties are roughly divided into several categories, based mostly on shape and size: * Slicing/Globe Tomatoes are the usual Tomatoes of commerce, used for a wide variety of processing and fresh eating. Beefsteak Tomatoes are large Tomatoes often used for sandwiches. Their kidney-bean shape, thinner skin and shorter shelf-life makes commercial use impractical. Oxheart Tomatoes can range in size up to Beefsteaks and are shaped like large strawberries. Plum/Paste Tomatoes are grown with a higher solid content for use in Tomato Sauce/Paste and are usually oblong in shape. Pear Tomatoes are based upon the San Marzano types for a richer gourmet paste. Cherry Tomatoes are small and
Campari Tomatoes are sweet and noted for their juiciness, low acidity, and lack of mealiness. They are bigger than Cherry Tomatoes, but are smaller than Plum Tomatoes.
Tomatoes should be stored at room temperature to keep their avour. Tomatoes contain carotene, one of the most powerful natural antioxidants and cooked Tomatoes have been found to help prevent prostate and breast cancer and carotene has also been shown to improve the skins ability to protect against harmful UV rays. Tomatoes are also rich in Vitamin C. Tomato plants can be toxic to dogs if they eat large amounts of the fruit, or chew plant material.
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Bank Bail-Outs The taxpayer will never again have to fund bailing out struggling banks as they are currently having to do in Spain, thanks to a new EU ruling. A meeting in European Parliament led to the green light being given for a banking self-funding pot. This insurance policy aims to set up a common fund of at least 55 billion Euros to cover the closure of ruined high-street banks, guaranteeing money held on deposit up to 100,000 and all savers have the right to request their bank hands over their entire savings, up to a maximum of 100,000, within seven days. The banks will be obliged to make a set contribution and have eight years to do so. Where EU member States decide to opt out of the common fund, their banks will be required to set up their own buffer zone of 1% of total deposits, within a maximum of 10 years. Taxes levied on banks will cover any future need to bail out nancial institutions which are about to go under, rather than the EU supplying a loan which the nation needs to pay back through raising taxes and reducing public funding, as was the case when Spain applied for a bail-out credit to the sum of 100 million Euros. Shareholders and creditors will be the rst to bear the brunt of any nancial problems affecting banks in the future. The three-pillar banking structure reform, part of which was created in 2013, was rushed through following the bail-out of Cyprus. These drastic measures are also aimed at reducing Spains decit to levels required by the Troika the European Union, the International Monetary Fund (FMI) and the Central European Bank (BCE). Massive Card-Cloning Network National Police say at least 1,600 people have been caught out by credit-card cloners who topped up their bank accounts using the State lottery website, www.loteriasyapuestos.es. The accused parties, who hacked into Wi-Fi connections to avoid being traced, would add funds to their own online lottery ticket accounts with sums ranging from 90-180, then move these to their bank accounts. They are said to have driven three lorries with containers lled with top-of-the-range technology equipment worth 26,000, bought with the proceeds of their online fraud, from Fuenlabrada (Madrid) to Lagos in Nigeria, via Amberes in Belgium. Although the victims are said to be all over the world,
a total of 262 of them are in Spain. Personal data, including passwords for online video games had been acquired by hacking. At least 1,200 fraudulent withdrawals were made, and in total the gang netted up to 1.8 million Euros. Raids on properties led to the conscation of 34 national identity cards, 68 residence permits and 42 passports, 62 Trojan Horse programmes for hacking bank accounts, 38 stolen passwords for private Wi-Fi networks, 1,766 bank card PINs, 43,000 email addresses and four IT security programmes. Pegasus Helicopter Catches Motorists A Speed Camera helicopter ying above Spains roads caught several drivers on lm chatting on WhatsApp or using their Tablets at the wheel over Easter week. The Pegasus helicopters, of which there are six ying at an altitude of 1,000 feet (330 metres) high enough that they cannot be seen by drivers have also caught other motorists committing offences. These include a driver reversing down a motorway hard shoulder after missing his exit, and a car and motorcycle overtaking another bike two abreast. Somali Pirates Somali pirates who hijacked a Spanish Naval vessel after mistaking it for a private civilian boat are facing tougher sentences following a Supreme Court ruling. The six men, who invaded the Patio in the Indian Ocean in 2012, were said to be sufciently armed and to have the intention to take over control of the ship and demand a ransom. Initially, they were facing between 8 and 12 years in jail for an attempted hijack, but a Supreme Court judge in Spain considers that the hijack was in fact achieved even though the fact the ship turned out to belong to the Armed Forces meant the intruders did not get as far as kidnapping the occupants and calling for ransom money. After what was described as an exchange of gunshots lasting about two minutes at most, the pirates ed. The Naval ofcers pursued them and managed to detain them about an hour after they were rst seen. The 6 pirates sentences have been increased by ve years to between 13 and 17 years each. La Zenia Beach Body The body of a man found washed up on the beach in Orihuela Costa is that of a British citizen from Liverpool who was wanted by UK police after a stabbing incident. Francis Brennan, 25, is thought to have ed to the Costa Blanca over Christmas to escape a prison sentence for attempted murder, but it was not until January 24 when his girlfriend and family reported him missing. Spanish police suspect his feet may have been tied to a concrete block to make him sink and the body disappear, but it is not known whether he was already dead when thrown into the sea.
Inferno Sweeps Sierra Espadn A forest re which broke out in the Sierra Espadn inland of Castelln continues to burn at the time of publication. It is thought to have been caused by a latent lightning strike, and is in an area of mountainside scrubland very close to the isolated rural village of Montn, close to the border with Aragn. Six hydroplanes and six re engines rushed out to the scene. It is not known how many residents have needed to be evacuated. Murcia Regional President Valcrcel Resigns Ramn Luis Valcrcel has resigned after 19 years in ofce in order to run for the European elections. Valcrcel (PP) will stand for European Parliament on May 25 and says he is leaving with a very clear conscience and no regrets, although with the problem of unemployment having been the main thorn in his side since he was elected as regional president in 1995. He will be replaced by his second-in-command, Alberto Garre, a 62-year-old law graduate from Torre Pacheco who was regional MP for 13 years until a decade ago, who has been picked for the role by Valcrcel. Internet Cafs And Telephone Exchanges Will Have To Request Customers ID Internet caf owners will be obliged by law to ask customers to show their identication either passports and NIE numbers, national identity cards or DNI cards where they are Spanish in accordance with Spains new and controversial public safety law. Together with unpopular plans to ne protesters up to 60,000 for staging demonstrations without authorisation from the council, the public safety law will require owners, managers or staff in car dealerships, jewellery shops which take items for sale, scrap metal or precious metal dealers, art dealers and now telephone exchanges-cum-internet cafs to request customers ID before they agree to trade with them. Failure to comply with the new legislation will mean nes of between 1,001 and 30,000. Insurance in Spain Three in 10 homes have no buildings cover and 2.4 million cars and motorbikes are uninsured. The number of vehicles without insurance, even compulsory third party cover, has gone up 35% since the start of the nancial crisis in 2008. Even before the crisis, over 7.5 million properties in Spain did not have buildings insurance to cover them for structural damage or total loss in the event of storm, ood, escape of water, subsidence, impact, re or caused by theft or attempted theft. This has now gone up to 8.5 million. An even larger number have no contents insurance, meaning they cannot claim for any of their possessions such as furniture or domestic appliances if they suffer damage, loss or theft by fortuitous incidents. When buying a property, a bank or estate agency valuation normally recommends a total rebuilding cost, which is the gure that should be insured not the market value, which uctuates constantly and in the case of Spanish homes, has fallen by an average of 60% since the start of the crisis.
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MAMAS Furniture Showroom Our new showroom for large items of Furniture is now established with a good selection of items. If you are looking to replace or refurbish your villa ready for the summer, make sure to call in and see us rst as we have some excellent bargains and of course the money received will be going to a good cause. It is just around the corner from our present premises, but as we dont have sufcient staff to run two shops, please ask if you wish to view. The Aim of Our Charity 1 To assist nancially with neutering your pet or any feral animal in your neighbourhood. 2 If funds are available, we can help with medical expenses for operations etc and as a last resort with euthanasia to prevent an animal further suffering. Montys Story Monty was found abandoned at the side of a busy main road at serious risk of injury or death. A kindly couple of pensioners took him in, but they needed assistance with the medical bills in order to keep him. MAMAS was
able to help with this and he has now had all the necessary medication and has also been neutered so that he can mix with the other dogs and live happily in his new home. How Do We Do This? We sell the items that you have generously donated plus any cash contributions in order to raise the money needed, but as with most charities, there is never enough money to do everything we would like, so no contribution is refused. How You Can Help Us? We need your unwanted items - anything from a single item up to a house clearance. We take bric-a-brac, electrical goods, furniture, clothing and bedding. You can donate
at the shop, Mon-Sat 10am-2pm. (Turn left Consum Supermarket, Puerto de Mazarrn.) Check out our website where there is a link to show furnishings for sale. For full details go to mazarronanimalmedi-aid.co.uk Drop-Off Point Every Tuesday on Camposol B car park 10am1pm, opposite the petrol station. We can collect items from you there or arrange collection if needed. Our 50/50 Scheme This applies to larger items only. We can collect the bulky items free of charge, display them in our shop to ensure that you receive the best possible price and then forward your 50% share to you. Tel 666 186 037 or call at the shop Email mazarronanimalmedi-aid@hotmail. com Helping You Helping Animals Registered Charity No 9537/1a
Best Of Spanish Is Moving Into A New Era Let us introduce ourselves now; we are the proud new owners of Best Of Spanish. We are Paul and Antonia Vickers and we are based in Puerto de Mazarrn. Between us we have had over 25 years experience in Property Development, Sales, Legal and Finance, as well as Management of our own successful Property Portfolio
back in the UK and we are now looking to bring this expertise to Spain. We want to build upon an already successful Company and provide a professional but friendly service to all of our Vendors and Clients. Since our take-over, we are now moving Best Of Spanish into a New Era, incorporating it within the Spanish Real Estate Group which benets from 5 Showrooms in the South East of Spain giving us access to over 50 high-prole Property Portals such as Rightmove Overseas, Zoopla, A Place in the Sun and Kyero and increasing to over 80 Property Portals in the coming months. This will ensure our vendors get maximum exposure to property buyers around the world. In the next few months we are opening up a new ofce in
the centre of Puerto de Mazarrn increasing all of our Properties Exposure across 6 Showrooms in the South East of Spain. Our vendors properties will also appear on 8 group websites and many more associate agents websites in 7 languages. We will also be present at many European Property Exhibitions in the coming year. This is an exciting time for us, our Vendors and Best Of Spanish as a whole. Were also changing our Logo to:
We are urgently seeking properties in Puerto de Mazarrn, Isla Plana, La Azohia, El Alamillo, Camposol, Mazarrn Country Club and all surrounding areas, so please give us a call on 634 360 208 or contact us at info@bestofspanish.com for a No Obligation Valuation. We look forward to hearing from you Paul & Antonia
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Fashion Show on Condado de Alhama The rst ever International Fashion Show with Debora Velasquez designs was held on Saturday 19th April at Eden Hair, Al Kasar, Condado de Alhama.
There was free Champagne and nibbles supplied by Big Gs Restaurant and all the superb hair styles and make-up for the Murcia based models was in the capable hands of Eden Hair and Beauty.
Eden Hair and Beauty teamed up with Big Gs to sponsor this extravaganza. The weather was a bit chilly, but that did not deter the crowd that turned up to watch.
ing this 1st International Fashion Show a huge success and displayed Debora Velasquezs superb designs brilliantly. Everyone enjoyed themselves and Big Gs put on a special menu for all who attended. The Fashion Show began with designs by Debora that were suitable for evening wear that truly reected her unique style. The stunning models came out one by one and walked the length of the red carpeted catwalk. The cameras ashed and the crowd clapped and cheered as each new design was shown off. Short or long dresses, skirts or shorts with owing accessories all covered in beautiful lace were paraded in blue, red, cream and burgundy; obviously the colours for this Summer. Then we were dazzled with a truly beautiful array of spectacular wedding dresses. The crowd were wowed as each model appeared in these designs all covered with lace and little red owers. Again, the theme was one of owing trains and imsy materials. A huge amount of effort was put into mak-
I am certain this type of event will be repeated again. Well done Eden Hair and Big Gs Restaurant.
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Hello Theatre-Lover Feel like having a laugh? Fed up with the gloomy soaps on TV? Fancy live theatrical performance in English? Then come along to Cloud Nine Dramas next production of two hilarious comedies: Gosforths Fete and The Fat Lady Sings. Gosforths Fete Little Pendons Village Fte promises to be - and is! - a complete disaster. Hardly anything is ready on time, the weather is awful, the band is late, the Wolf Cubs are behaving disgracefully and the eccentricities of the amplication system lead to some embarrassing private matters reaching the widest possible public. The results are hilarious.
The Fat Lady Sings Gordon, Margaret, Joyce and Bernard are back to tackle yet another threat to their survival. A rival am-dram group has been set up and is determined to upstage them with an award winning musical. The quartet devises an ingenious military-style plan - with predictable results! This could be the end of their society. But its never over... until the fat lady sings. Dates Thursday 22nd May at 20.00hrs Saturday 24th May at 20.00hrs Sunday 25th May at 20.00hrs At La Molata Social Centre, Los Muoces, Nr. Camposol, Mazarrn. Tickets 5 from: Ruma rumajordan@hotmail.com Paul pandsmac@hotmail.com Proceeds to local organisations. We look forward to seeing you there.
www.cloudninedramagroupmurcia.com
The fourth annual Darwinian Gardeners Garden Party took place on Saturday April 12th at Cortijo Raja, Morata. This year the weather was ideal for strolling around the garden and taking part in the various activities. As well as the plant sales stall, plant tombola and cake stall, visitors enjoyed welly wanging, guess the name of the blue bunny and guess how many sweets. A new venture this year was afternoon teas, which proved very popular.
An enjoyable afternoon resulted in a prot of 620 to be donated to the Forget Me Not Community Respite Care initiative. This will be presented at the Forget Me Not St Georges Day fair at Marianos. For further details and future activities see our web pages on www.bolnuevo.com or phone Anne on 669 338 885
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Whilst writing this column, I researched some fun facts about the month of May and was surprised to nd out in the United Kingdom, the month of May is National Smile Month! I am not sure what national or community activities have been organised back home, but surely it cant be bad, especially as the weather is improving and we can all do with some cheer in our lives. Perhaps it is good enough reason to organise activities and raise some money for charity, so if you see a friend or neighbour with a sneer or just plain grumpy, tell them to cheer up and smile! Life is too short to be miserable and there is a lot to be thankful for. Dear Jennifer Doggie Gifts Last year, my husband bought me a lovely Maltese terrier and I love it to bits! The problem is not him, but my friends. Ever since I got him, everyone I know keeps giving me presents with Maltese terriers on them. I am not just talking about cute mugs, but cushions, books, T-shirts, wall hangings, rugs, tea towels, you name it and I have it. I am running out of space for all these well meaning gifts and I dont want to decorate my house with images of Maltese terriers, but here is the dilemma I dont want to seem ungrateful and hurt
my friends. Is there a polite way to tell my friends to lay off the doggy merchandise? Sarah B Dear Sarah There is a way to tell your friends to lay off the doggy merchandise just tell them! They are clearly trying to please you, so tell them gently that your dog has everything he needs at the moment. If they must give you a gift, then politely ask them instead for a gift card towards grooming or make a donation to an animal charity instead. It is also acceptable for you to donate unwanted items to an animal rescue group which I am sure will be greatly appreciated. Dear Jennifer Too Shy To Talk On The Phone I live with my parents and consider myself a condent person. However, recently I noticed that I panic whenever I have to talk to someone on the phone, be it customer services or anyone outside of my family. Being tongue-tied is one thing, but breaking out in sweat and having anxiety panic attacks is confounding me. Whenever I feel anxious mid-conversation, I will slam down the phone and this is ostracising me from my regular group of friends. My mother thinks I am just being a teenager and seeking attention, but I fear there is
something else responsible and I think I am going mad! Can you give me some advice? Becky Dear Becky Firstly, you are not going mad. Secondly, there may be an underlying issue that is triggering your phobic or panic reaction to telephone conversations. Panic attacks can be overwhelming and have been known to be triggered by past or present emotional problems or some other sub-conscious trigger. What you are feeling is symptomatic of something deeper and the key is to ascertain what it is. Professional counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or emotional freedom techniques (EFT) are just some of the array of behavioural therapies around that can assist in pinpointing the cause of your panic attacks. However, my personal advice is to research these techniques and nd one that you are comfortable with and always, always nd a qualied and experienced therapist. If you would like advice on a problem, send an email to jennifer@lifemaxxinternational.com. Condentiality is respected and articles for publication will be edited and pseudonyms used.
Hi everyone! Cant believe its May already! We were told of two donkeys and a horse in the pererra and we immediately set about raising the paperwork to get them out. The two donkeys were released and we named them Leemon and Ana, and the horse, Blanquetta. We had to castrate Leemon before we could introduce him to the other donkeys though. We have 12 of them now! Phew! Blanquetta will be released to an Equine Charity near Alicante.
Twiglet, the little brown donkey that we rescued with a broken leg, has completely recovered and is doing extremely well after his ordeal. He is such a sweetheart. Several of our donkeys are looking to be re-homed if anyone is considering the possibility of adopting one and has the space for one or two? Please feel free to contact me. For those of you for whom this is not possible, theres always sponsorship for a few Euros each month. This might be something you feel you could offer? Every little helps! Whilst at the pererra, we noticed a little dog which had been dumped in a box with a badly infected leg and was left to die. We couldnt leave her as
she deserved a chance of life. Following an operation to amputate her leg, we took her home, where she is recovering well. She is a sweet, affectionate, but timid little thing and will make a fantastic pet for the right person. We were asked for help by a local Spanish family, whose dog had some pups they were unable to keep. We agreed to take the two remaining puppies, on the proviso that they had their bitch spayed to avoid any further unwanted litters. The pups, both boys, are really cute, and will be ready for re-homing in a couple of weeks. It was touch and go for little (Black) Jack one of our rescue pups, who became ill suddenly with suspected parvo. He was rushed to our Vet and placed on a drip for a couple of days. Thankfully he was tested negative for the virus and has returned home to us where he has fully recovered and now awaits his forever home. Other recent rescue dogs awaiting that special someone who will welcome them into their hearts and homes are: Tetley, found living outside the Tea-Pot Caf Toc, an abandoned pup covered in tics Kira, found at the roadside after a hit and run. Have a few spare hours you could consider volunteering in one of our shops, in Mazarrn or Fuente? Donations are always needed and gratefully received at either of the shops or at Camposol B car park on Mondays 11.30am1.30pm. We can arrange to collect your larger items. Thanks for your continued support as always. Love Andrea xxx
What a difference a day makes! Disappointment and frustration gave way to joy and gratitude for MABS Mazarrn following a roller coaster few days. On Good Friday the MABS volunteers arrived at the MABS Information Centre, Camposol with the intention of planting a host of plants and shrubs that had kindly been donated to them in readiness for their Easter Fayre the next day. Imagine their disappointment and fury to nd that all of the plants had been stolen!! With feelings of disbelief and disgust running high MABS decided to post details of the theft on several media sites including Facebook and The CRA forum and their despair soon turned to joy as people from near and far offered to donate plants and shrubs; some even arrived the same day and they are still arriving. It was too late to plant them on the Friday, so the volunteers will be busy planting the donated plants later THANK YOU to everyone who posted messages and donated plants; we are very humbled by your support. Saturday saw perfect weather conditions for the rst outdoor event of the year for MABS Mazarrn and the rst appearance of the MABS Craft Groups creations. The group meet each week and make cards and other craft items to be sold to raise funds for MABS. Their creativity and handiwork proved a roaring success, raising over 110. Other stalls included the MABS Cake Stall, Childrens Treasure Hunt, Tombola, Fashion and Bric-a-Brac items from the Totana MABS Charity Shop, BBQ and Afternoon Teas, Hand-Made Quilts, Decorative Candles, Garden Supplies and much, much more. There was, of course one of our now established and much heralded Grand Rafes with the 1st prize being a days sailing on a luxury yacht.
The day was a resounding success, raising an amazing 1919. We are overwhelmed by the support and generosity of the people who attended this event and would like to say a huge THANK YOU to them all. JUNE Saturday 14th June MABS Shield Open Golf Competition at The Club House, Camposol C. Playing format and entry information to be announced later. Thursday 19th June Ascot Ladies Day at MABS Centre, Camposol B JULY Friday 25th July BBQ at MABS Centre, Camposol B Tel 620 582 418
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Susan Lillian Sue Townsend, was born in Leicester on 2nd April 1946 and died after a stroke on 10th April this year. She was probably best known for creating the character Adrian Mole.
takes the form of the characters diaries. Sue Townsend was extremely poor until well into her thirties and used her experiences of hardship in her work. In her later years she suffered ill health. She developed Diabetes in the mid-80s and in her later years she suffered serious sight and mobility problems. She was eventually registered blind in 2001 and received a kidney from her son Sean after suffering kidney failure in 2009. Sue ended up as a single parent with three children after divorcing her husband Keith until she met and married Colin Broadway. It was Colin who encouraged her writing and she joined a writers group at the Phoenix Theatre in Leicester. Through this she eventually wrote her rst successful play Womberang in 1979 and went on to write several more plays and television successes The Refuge and The Spinney. The success of Adrian Mole began after Sue Townsend wrote a play called The Diary of Nigel Mole, Aged 13 which was broadcast on Radio 4. Sue was then commissioned by Methuen to write the rst Adrian Mole book, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13. This topped the best seller list after only a month and sold a million copies after a year.
Sue Townsend was the eldest of ve girls and left school at 15 having earlier failed her 11-plus exam. After writing in secret from the age of 14, She rst became known for her plays, her signature character rst appearing in a radio drama. She enjoyed great success in the 1980s, with her Adrian Mole books selling more copies than any other work of ction in Britain during the decade. This series, which eventually encompassed nine books,
The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole (1984) was reputedly based on her childrens experiences at Mary Linwood Comprehensive School in Leicester. Several of the teachers who appear in the book, such as Ms Fossington-Gore and Mr Dock, are based on staff who worked at the school in the early 1980s. When the book was televised, it was mostly lmed at a school nearby. The Queen and I (1992) is a novel imagining that the Royal family have been re-housed in a council estate after a Republican revolution, although it turns out to have been merely the monarchs nightmare. This book was later adapted for the stage with songs by Ian Drury and Mickeyn Gallagher.
The wheels of my bus they dont go round Cos theyre just a row of chairs, But I always shout please hold on tight If youre going up the stairs. Teddy was waiting to get on board But didnt pay his fare. He said I have a bus pass now Im a pensioner teddy bear.
Barbie and Ken sat at the back. They were traveling to the park And I told them I would pick them up Before it got too dark. I drove to the Teddy Bears Picnic And Goldilocks was there. Please dont touch the porridge I said! As youll upset baby bear!
Then Bill and Ben the Flower Pot Men Got on with Little Weed. Weve got to go to Trumpton Town To buy some pots we need. So I dropped them off at Trumpton And I knew my job was done. Id no idea that a set of old chairs Could give me so much fun!
I sneezed some mussels out of my nose; Some cockles and a whelk! I said Mum what is happening to me? As she ran to get some help. She came back with our doctor Who didnt know what to do. Ive read about cases like this before And I think hes caught shell sh u.
Has he been to the seaside lately? he asked, As I sneezed out a baby crab. Mum said He went two days ago, On a shing trip with his dad. The doctor said This is all so strange And how does your husband feel? She said Hes a little better now Since he sneezed out a jellied eel.
The doctor said Dont worry young man Tomorrow youll feel better And youve just sneezed out The ingredients for a wonderful paella!
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Carnival San Pedro Del Pinatar 2014 Nurse, The Screens! Skimpy tops, shnet tights, micro miniskirts, impossible high heels and that was just the fellows! Once again, ADAPT members took to the streets of San Pedro del Pinatar, on what, for a change from previous years, was a fairly warm, late afternoon, on Sunday, March 2nd, for the Carnival Parade. This year, equipped with hypodermics, stethoscopes, face-masks, caps and green medical gowns, ADAPT members, for a few hours or so, became surgeons. To
complete the pageant, a patient, bloodied for the occasion (thank you Eric) was placed onto a Red Cross trolley and pushed at a rate of knots, in front of the appreciative onlookers. There were, thanks to surgeon choreographer Janet, dance routines, which, towards the end of the procession, became more exaggerated and lively, much to the amusement of the crowds. Quite why the Green Team missed out at the prize giving is a medical mystery. ADAPT meets on the rst Saturday of every month at El Hogar del Pensionista, San Pedro del Pinatar. www.adaptsanpedro.es
HAH (Mar Menor) Spring Ball A Great Success Over 160 people turned out in all their nery, to enjoy the HAH Dinner and Dance at the Principe de Asturias in Santiago de la Ribera on Saturday 22nd March. A ve course meal was enjoyed along with wine etc and the general consensus of opinion was terric night and great value for money. After the meal, the fantastic Mr Soul, Richie Alexander, entertained and soon most people were up on the dance oor. Celia Ryan, who organised the event for HAH said The atmosphere was brilliant! The ladies looked
so glamorous in their renery and the men didnt look too bad either! This is a new Spanish venue for HAH and we were so impressed with everything that we will be holding another ball here later in the year. In the interval, we ran with our ever popular tombola and at the end of the evening, 963 was raised for HAH. Celia thanked everyone for coming, all the volunteers who helped and the restaurant. A great cheer went up when she announced that there would be another ball in November. There was a round of applause for Celia for the hard work she had put into organising the ball. Very well done Celia! Tickets will be on sale soon for Rocking in Roda on June 8th and The Orbi Playa Big band at the end of July. Both these events are always a sell out, so watch this space for further details. If you would like to nd out more about HAH visit www.helpathome.es.
To become a volunteer helping at these events, or with our clients in their homes, please email helpathomespain@gmail. com or tel 968 134 978. Events Tuesday May 6th Volunteers Meeting @ Bacchus Restaurant, La Oasis Los Narejos. 11.15am for 11.30am start. Optional lunch at 1pm 5 to include wine, beer etc. (partners/friends welcome) Tuesday May 20th Auction of Goods @ La Zona Bar, Los Narejos. View 1-2pm. Tel Norman or Carole on 968 173 842. Wednesday May 21st Chatters Group @ Bacchus Restaurant, La Oasis, Los Narejos. 11.15am to start 11.30am. Different speakers, quiz, chat etc, followed by optional meal with drink for just 5. Disabled access. Tel Mary on 968 171 542. Friday May 30th Table Top Sale @ La Zona Bar, Los Narejos. 10am-1pm, weather and resources permitting. Food available at the bar. Tuesday June 3rd Volunteers Meeting @ Bacchus Restaurant, La Oasis, Los Narejos. 11.15am for 11.30am start. Optional lunch at 1pm 5 to include wine, beer etc. (partners/friends welcome) Sunday June 8th The fantastic ROCKING IN RODA Concert/Barbecue 4pm. Full line up of artists. Tickets only 10. Further details tel Celia on 968 574 576.
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La Rosa Bar Helps MABS Buy Van!! Thanks to La Rosa Bar, San Cayetano, MABS Mar Menor has been able to purchase a much needed van. The Bar raised 2,269 by having a 24hr poolathon and Beverley Buckley who works at the bar doing a triathlon raising 400.
the landlord, played pool around the clock. They were all sponsored very generously by friends in Spain and the UK. The van will be a huge asset to MABS, enabling them to do more deliveries and collections of furniture for their Charity Shop in San Javier and also to deliver equipment such as hospital beds to patients. Having transport 5 days a week also means more drivers will be required and helpers to go with the driver to load and unload. Recently MABS Volunteers went along to present La Rosa Bar with a Certicate of Appreciation and receive the money and they are now able to show off the van to all the customers who had helped raise the money. La Rosa Bar would like to thank Magani Brewery, Serena Golf and Iceland for donating prizes for the poolathon.
contact Sylvia on 634 353 575 and if you have any furniture or bric-a-brac you would like to donate to the MABS Charity Shop, please ring 868 186 514 or 615 016 035. Cancer does not discriminate and neither do MABS, who help anyone of any nationality affected by Cancer. Helpline 693 275 779
The 24 hour poolathon was held in February when 10 customers, including Mark McCluskey
If you would like to volunteer to help, please
Natural Health hopes that you all had a great Easter and did not eat too many chocolate eggs. On that subject, this months editorial will be about Digestion. Good Digestion is something we all take for granted and dont give it a thought that is, until it we start having problems. Problems with the Digestive System can cause heartburn, bloating, excess wind, a tender tummy, skin problems, headaches and much more. Many people take antacids for heartburn, not realising that they may actually be making the problem worse. Heartburn could be lack of hydrochloric acid or enzymes. Antacids help the problem initially, but they conceal the cause and are not a long-term remedy.
signicant impact on our Digestion.
cause - emotional, structural or nutritional problems. All of these problems can be xed. Natural Health also looks into excess toxins and metals accumulating in the body. Mercury and lead are very common heavy metal excesses. We can give advice on de-toxing the liver and kidney naturally and gently. Natural Health works on balancing the energy throughout the body. This can be achieved by either a Kinesiology session or a Hair Analysis. We analyse for food intolerances, nutritional deciencies, toxicity stressors, hormonal imbalances and much more besides.
Many things can cause our Digestive System to be out of balance for example, excess eating or eating foods that can actually create an intolerance. Also, stress and worry have a
Digestion problems can be checked by testing which organs are being affected. The liver, spleen, gall bladder, small and large intestine and stomach meridians will give information relating to this problem. Once pinpointed, these imbalances can be checked for the root
For some further information on Kinesiology and Hair Analysis please, give me a ring. Sandra Ramsay SNHS Dip (Kinesiology) Tel 968 134 953/634 312 081 Sandra.naturalhealth@gmail.com
Three Events Raise 875 for HELP MMM It was Cad Mle Filte in a prequel to St Patricks night when it was celebrated at Paddy Singhs bar in Los Urrutias on Sunday 16th March. 49 people supporting HELP MMM attended and enjoyed a meal and entertainment provided by father and son group called Austin Friar Band who originate from the North of Ireland. They engaged with the very full audience performing many well-known Irish melodies and 100 was raised for the charity. It was also a promotion night for Budweiser with two charming ladies distributing gifts to drinkers.
again it proved to be challenging to the participants and raised a further 190. The HELP MMM Charity Auction attracted many people to La Zona Bar, where Joanne Scott did a marvellous job as a bilingual auctioneer. There was a wide range of items and some really good bargains were picked up. This event raised a total of 585 thanks to the efforts of everyone involved. HELP Friendship Group at Crazy Golf On Friday 28th March the Friendship Group of HELP MMM enjoyed Crazy Golf and then had lunch at Golf Deluxe, on the road to Torre Pacheco. The event was supposed to be a bit of fun, which it was, but inevitably there was rivalry between the teams and the sexes. A cup, kindly presented by Nicky and Neil of Robbos Workshop, was presented to the Overall Winner, Christine Clements. The player with the Highest Score, who else but an ex-teacher, was Elaine Dale. Unfortunately that meant that she was the Overall Loser and was presented with the Wooden Spoon. Table-Top Sale At Luis Lounge The table-top sale held at Luis lounge at Caravan Camping, San Javier, on 5th April raised 339 for HELP MMM. As no assistance from provincial or local government is received by the charity, all time devoted and donations received are greatly ap-
preciated. Doreen Sykes expressed many thanks to members of staff at Luis Lounge and everyone who donated items or assisted at the sale.
The Friendship Group met at Luis Lounge on 11th April when a sh and chip lunch was followed by a UNO Card Game, won by Fred and Claire. The next event for the Friendship Group is lunch at the Asia Restaurant, San Javier on 9th May, meeting at 1pm. Come along and join us! Ring Doreen on 637 920 882 if you would like to attend or just for information.
Elaines Quiz with a Difference was held at Luis Lounge in San Javier. Once
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The Saln del Vehculo de Ocasin 2014 is being held at the IFEPA Exhibition Centre in Torre Pacheco from 23rd25th May. All makes and models of cars will be on show at this popular venue for both buyers and sellers. There will be everything from 4x4s, sporting vehicles, economy and ecologically friend-
ly vehicles to top level luxury vehicles. There will be good discounts available together with attractive nance packages and there will be the opportunity to test drive your favourite car. The current economic climate is creating good opportunities for those thinking of changing their vehicle for a different model and buying sec-
ond hand rather than opting for a new car, acquiring a vehicle which does the same job, but at much more competitive prices. Theres no better place to nd that secondhand car than at the Saln del Vehculo de Ocasin.
Spangles Ramp It Up For Calpe Just when you think they couldnt get any better, Spangles manage to ramp up their performance by another notch. Saturday 22nd March was no exception when they performed their convention package to a rapt audience at Las Claras in Los Alczares.
vention of the Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers (SABS). This is the rst time that SABS has based their event in Calpe. Delegates were based in local hotels, with all shows and contests taking place in the Casa de Cultura. The convention is only open to registered delegates, but SABS put on a special show for the public so that people could have a taste of what barbershop is all about. The show featured the European Champion ladies chorus from the UK, The White Rosettes, and Swedish a cappella group, Vocal Six, alongside Calpes own Phoenix Dance Group. Local charity, Friends of the Children of Emas ran a rafe to raise funds at the event. Town Councillor, Carole Saunders, was on hand to present medals at the national and international contests which were held on Friday and Saturday. The national chorus medal winners both came from Madrid: The Barbees (ladies) won gold and Barberidad (men) won silver. National quartet winners were: Hanfris (Gold/ Barcelona), Fourtunattos (Silver/Madrid) and Metropolitan Union (Bronze/Barcelona). Cleftomania (Portugal) received the highest scoring mixed quartet award and Chardonnay (Murcia) received the highest scoring ladies and seniors quartet award. International chorus winners were: Sound Waves (Gold/Holland), Crystal Chords (Sil-
ver/UK) and Ireland Unlimited (Bronze/Eire). International quartet winners featured Pzazz (Gold/UK), Backbeat (Silver/UK) and Barberlicious (Bronze/UK). Outgoing national champions, Spangles (Murcia), were on hand to mic-warm for the judges in the chorus contest. We have had a ball in Calpe and were very much looking forward to being able to compete again in 2015 remarked Musical Director and SABS President, Gail Grainger. The next SABS annual convention is in Barcelona, Catalua from 16th-19th April 2015 where the national and international contests and shows will be held at the AXA Auditori, in the heart of the citys nancial district, with easy access for sightseeing. If you are interested in attending this event or would like to know more about SABS, you can nd information on the SABS website www.sabs.es or contact by email lyn@sabs.es or gail@ sabs.es Photographer: Liz Yardley Spangles success would not be possible without all the work that goes on behind the scenes and the supporters who help at rehearsals and shows, so special thanks goes to all those unsung heroes. Spangles has released a CD called Pure Gold, which includes their two winning contest songs and many audience favourites. Pure Gold is on sale at 5 and makes an ideal gift. Call 968 432 525 or 968 334 527 to order your copy. Spangles welcomes new members, so if youre looking to make new friends and enjoy singing, why not visit Spangles when they rehearse at Las Claras? They meet every Thursday from 10.30am to 1.00pm. Please call Lyn on 968432525 or Anthea on 968334527 to book Spangles or to nd out how to join, or visit the website www.spangleschorus.com.
Spangles has grown in size since winning the gold medal in 2013 and six new members will be performing at convention for the rst time this year. Three of those members performed for the very rst time; Donna Walsh, Cath Hunter and Linda Theaker, passing their auditions in record time. Theyve done an amazing job and were all delighted to welcome them to the chorus remarked Anthea Prentice.
The audience was treated to a nale with a difference; duo Sandy Bailey (vocals) and Wendy Grant (saxophone) have only been rehearsing together for 2 weeks, but they wowed their audience with their star performance. A Barbershop Treat For Calpe! Mayor of Calpe, Csar Snchez Prez, greeted over 650 barbershop acionados at the opening of their En Armona convention in Calpe, Alicante on Thursday 3rd April. People had travelled from Portugal, Sweden, Holland, Ireland, UK, Latvia, Lanzarote and Spains mainland to take part in the 6th Annual Con-
Registered Charity N 8.714/1 April was a better month for rescuing and re-homing puppies. 4 of our rescued puppies went to Holland and 2 puppies were rehomed locally. We rescue puppies abandoned in the Mazarrn area and care for them in foster homes where they can be trained and socialised whilst we are nding them a loving forever
home locally or abroad. To be successful in our work we are always in need of foster carers. To rescue more abandoned puppies we urgently need more foster homes to care for puppies until they are found permanent homes locally or until they are four months old for their rabies vaccinations to travel abroad for re-homing. We pay for all vaccinations and veterinary costs and give you support whenever you need it. If you feel you can offer a place in your home and your heart for one of our rescued puppies short or long term as a family pet or companion please talk to us about our Foster Charter. To help us raise the funds needed for our work we are dependent on public support and generosity. We have a Charity Shop in Puerto de Mazarrn staffed entirely by volunteers and we really need all the public help we can get. Any unwanted saleable items will be grate-
fully received. We can arrange for donated items to be collected by one of our Association Members. We also need volunteer helpers who can give some of their free time to work in our Charity Shop, so if you would like to help come in and have a chat with the staff. We also have a Table Top Stall selling cakes and pastries to raise funds at SaraLaras Bar, Puerto de Mazarrn on the 3rd Saturday of month, from 11am-2pm. For More Information Or Collection Of Donated Items, Give One Of Our Committee Members A Call Tony 618 034 921 Christine 603 127 984 W e D o I t A l l 4T h e P u p p i e s
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A bit of a different review this month, since Im not really reviewing the food, so much as the restaurant! I was lucky enough to make it to the 1st anniversary event at Bistro Ratatouille in Puerto de Mazarrn recently and it proved to be a really great evening. Although we had not booked, owner Corinne quickly found us a table and we settled in for a very entertaining evening. The bar staff were really lovely and kept both drinks and the seemingly never ending succession of tasty appetizers coming at a cracking pace! The kitchen was not open for meals that night, but many people there had eaten at Bistro Ratatouille before and the Sunday lunch in particular was highly recommended by some of the regulars. The live music was excellent and it wasnt long before the ladies took to the dance oor
and danced the evening away to some really catchy tunes. With the fairy lanterns lighting up the terrace and a party atmosphere, I had a fabulous time and although I had to leave a little earlier, those that stayed on said that it was a great night out. I had a quick look at the menus, and Chef Antoine really does cater for every taste, from simple breakfasts, crpes and sh and chips, to ne dining and international cuisine. Some of the A la Carte dishes made my mouth water just by reading the descriptions! With over 28 years experience all over Europe, there is a really cosmopolitan feel to the dishes, whilst the Menu del Da offers exceptional value for money. Bistro Ratatouille is centrally located in Puerto de Mazarrn, on the road leading from the Medical Centre to Hiper Asia and there
is plenty of parking in front and nearby. Although the location is in the town, the ambience and decor make this a great choice for a special night out and the staff could not have been more attentive or pleasant. Heres to the Second Anniversary of Bistro Ratatouille next year!! Rating : (out of 5) Quality : Menus look great, but I was there for a buffet-only y do! Service Value for Money Location but ambience : : :
Have you noticed that cauliowers are past their best now? Bet you werent expecting a comment like that in a church article, were you? Sometimes you nd things in church that seem strange to some people. On Palm Sunday we had a wonderful congregation of 82 people attending our service and when they were coming into the building the noise level was quite loud! There were folk greeting others who had been away and some they had only seen a few days previously, but the point is that they felt comfortable enough to know that they did not have to creep in silently and not speak! That, I can assure you, NEVER happens at any of our services! The other thing we nd, is that there is always an occasion for laughter somewhere within our worship. If the clergy make a mistake in the hymn number or such-like, you can be sure that someone will be vocal in letting us know! That is great, because all people attending any church should feel that their place within the Christian family is valued and
can have their say. This is a concept that is sometimes forgotten. Worship is to be enjoyed, not endured! God gave us every sense and feeling to use; that includes a sense of humour and laughter. When non-regulars attend and feel this warmth and welcome, we hope they will want to step through the door, not pass by on the other side. It is down to all of us, whatever church we attend, to encourage people to come and meet Jesus in a way they will remember, not want to forget!! The baptism of little Soa Louise Coyle, (youngest granddaughter of our Deacon Bill and his wife Eleanor), daughter of Sarah and Adam, which followed the Palm Sunday service, saw a tear or two amongst our congregation, as she was so lovely and well behaved. Another sentiment which has its place within worship; remember the verse, And Jesus wept? God Bless.
Services for May Sunday 4th Songs of Praise Sunday 11th Holy Communion Sunday 18th Morning Prayer Sunday 25th Holy Communion As well as these services, we offer those of Wedding Blessings, Holy Baptism, Conrmation, and Funerals. We have a Pastoral Care Group throughout the year with people to listen, talk and help anyone who is sick or in need. This Pastoral Care is absolutely condential. For further information please contact: Rev Maureen Kent 968 970 637/636 099 679 Rev Deacon Bill Coyle 634 143 260 Rev Eberhard Klute (German Branch) 968 138 764
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2013 Income Tax Campaign And Recent Announced Cuts In Spanish Taxation The Income Tax Campaign for 2013 started on 1st April 2014, which leaves you only few days left to submit your returns. This year, we will be able to submit your returns from 23rd April with a deadline of 30th June. Spains Experts Committee on Tax Reform, formed by 8 registered accountants (Economists) and one lawyer, pronounced on 13th March 2014 their report of 400 pages report, stating substantial cuts to direct taxes and social contributions, which would be funded through a reduction in tax expenditures and environmental and indirect tax hikes. The Prime Minister Rajoy recently restated the Governments aim of making an income tax (IRPF) simpler and fairer through a reform of taxation. He said the Government
would increase tax incentives for long-term savings & investments and introduce other tax measures aimed at protecting the environment. This programme of Income Tax Reductions will not all be implemented over a single year and the countrys low-income earners will benet most from the tax relief. According to proposals made to the government, Spain must cut individual and corporate tax rates and increase indirect levies on consumer items such as value-added tax (VAT), taxes on tobacco and alcohol. The tax rate on diesel fuel will increase by being brought into line with EU environmental regulations. A much harder anti-fraud policy has been recommended as there is a massive black economy.
Income Tax * There is currently a minimum rate of 24.75%, for income between 0 and 17,707.20, which should be brought down to 20%, and the current maximum rate of 52% for highest incomes should be lowered to 50%. The committee also recommended an increase of personal tax allowances and to reduce the current existing number of personal income tax brackets from seven to a maximum of four, in line with European and worldwide taxation. Current income tax brackets for savings of 21%, 25% and 27%, which affects capital gains and income on bank savings and other investments, should be eliminated and put into a standard 20% rate.
Property Taxes (Transfer Tax, Stamp Duty Tax, Wealth Tax and Council Tax) * The government has been advised to eliminate the stamp duty tax, as well as the transfer tax affecting resale purchases of 8% for the Murcia Region. The recent reintroduced wealth tax, which was abolished in 2008, will denitely be put to bed. Where theres a cut in one tax, there must be an increase in another to collect the same monetary values and new Council Tax (IBI) rate will be introduced with higher taxation, bringing it into line with similar local rates applied in the Eurozone.
IVA (value-added tax) Furthermore, the committee called for some products and services which are subject to the 10% reduced rate of value-added tax (VAT) to be raised towards the standard rate, with the exception of VAT for housing, the tourist sector and public transport services. Corporate Tax * The proposals call for cuts on corporate tax from 30% to around 20% and a reduction in corporate tax shelters, which have allowed most large companies to pay an effective rate of less than 5%, to bring effective corporate tax rates closer in line with statutory rates. The report suggests a cut in social contributions to reduce the cost of labour for employers with the aim of creating more employment opportunities.
Do not hesitate to contact Corral & Alcaraz Law Firm, who are Registered Accountants (economists), Lawyers and Tax advisers in Spain who specialise in the Spanish Taxation system. At Corral & Alcaraz Law Firm we will always be pleased to assess your personal situation and answer any questions you may have. We wish to make your life easier in Spain. Tel 968 078 754
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Well spring has really sprung in Murcia! We had a mini heat wave mid-April with temperatures nearly touching 30! I even noticed some of our holidaying visitors swimming in pools! Brrrrrrr still be July before I get in! We have had so little rain this winter that I wonder how the water supplies are, but have heard no remarks about possible shortages. I think I have had to water the garden every week this winter! Normally I do get nature doing that once in a while! The UK seemed to get our share and more! What we did get had the Sahara Red dust in it and I have still not fully cleared up all the outside from that!!! TV NEWS Keeping on the Red Rain Dust story - the week we got it, it went all the way up in the atmosphere to northern Europe. Brits had red rain and I had lots of calls about bad TV reception, which disappeared after the dust storm went. With our signals so low now, that dust did have an effect on signals and thus reception. The new signals we have from the new satellite are so much weaker than before. Any weather disturbance (that can be turbulence you can not see in the sky) will affect your reception. Have you been ying when the plane hits turbulence without warning that the pilot could not see? Well if that turbulence is between your dish and the satellite you may have a reception issue until it passes over.
I have said this before, but at least we do have some UK satellite TV after the massive changes of a few weeks ago. Further down the coast to the west they have no mainstream UK TV signals at all! Holiday makers; come to Murcia where your favourite soaps are still available! Beware of so-called satellite TV installers coming out of the woodwork with promises of returning your TV to pre-change quality with magic tools and magic boxes. If there is money to be made, the rogues will be there and they will take your money and oddly not answer the phone after that! Use an established TV supply company who have been around a while and will stay around after this all settles. If there are magic boxes and magic tools available, we will all know about them and have them in our armoury of xes! At the end of the day, its all about getting enough signal into a decent digibox tuner to produce a decent 24/7 picture. That now means big satellite dishes and decent quality equipment all the way down the cable to the TV. We at Rainbow Satellites consider that the only correct option is to turn your TV on and watch what you want, on the region you want, whenever you want. That, with the new weak signals we have, is not entirely a 100% option, but we can get very close to it. Swapping regions at various times of the day
or watching on a Plus1 Channel is, for us, not decent TV. Those of you with FREESAT HD boxes will have noted that the BBC have prioritised the HD Channels; ie moving BBC2HD to the 102 slot and BBC2SD relegated to the old HD slot of 109. Fine, but for us generally the HD channels are weaker signals and may have some issues. If you nd that, then search around; all the old stronger signal SD versions are tucked away in the listings somewhere! We still have great value Sports and Movie packs available; just ask for details. Finally, if you have nowhere for that huge dish now required, we have a variety of Internet TV packs - no dish required, but good internet is essential. Again, ask for details. Article sponsored by Rainbow Satellites, the Murcia Company for all your TV needs. Contact Alan or Matt for free friendly advice at rainbowsats@gmail.org or (0034) 686 358 475. We still have not updated our website after the signicant changes, but we will soon. Still has some good basic information at www.rainbowsats.org
Team Harmonys First Spectacular Event Wow! What a night! 5,000 was raised for MACS the cancer support group from Mojacar in one glorious night.
offer of a half price room and breakfast so MACS supporters could relax and enjoy the evening without the concern of driving home. He also provided many surprises during the evening, including pink balloons, beautiful table decorations and even giant letters spelling out Team Harmony. We all felt like we were on holiday at breakfast the next morning.
The rafe had some outstanding prizes including a two night half board stay in the Eco Hotel; a gift from the management. Many restaurants also generously gave meals for two, plus many more prizes. The highlight of the evening was when three brave ladies, Anne Blandford, Deborah Burrows and Delcye Boyce Stubbings had their heads shaved on stage by Euphoria owner Debbie Cooke, compared by the fantastic Tony Justice. Debbie had previously coloured their hair bright pink and we all watched as their bright pink locks tumbled to the oor; a girls nightmare, but all in a good cause. The ladies raised over 2,000 for MACS, so dont stare at their lack of hair if you see them in Mercadona!
More than 200 people wined, dined and were entertained at the Eco Hotel Aguilas when the manager Carlos Gomez and his staff supported the charity, working hard to provide an excellent service and with a spectacular
The entertainment introduced by Ron Leach was superb. A beautiful poem was recited by Christine Lawford, then Suzy G and her entourage sang and danced a razzamatazz of a performance, followed by Dee who got us up on our feet dancing the night away. The CAS band brought on the rock music rounding off a spectacular show with a guest appearance from the ever popular Martin Lawford.
Dont miss out on the next events. Visit www.teamharmonyspain.com and see us on Facebook Team Harmony Spain regularly to keep up-to-date on whats happening next. A big thank you to everyone who came and everyone who was involved in this very successful evening.
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A blonde, a brunette, and a redhead were trying out for a new NASA experiment on sending women to different planets. First, they called the brunette in and asked her a question. If you could go to any planet, what planet would you want to go to and why? After pondering the question she answered, I would like to go to Mars because it seems so interesting with all the recent news about possible extra terrestrial life on the planet.
They said, Well okay, thank you. They told her that they would get back to her. Next, the redhead entered the room and the NASA people asked her the same question. In reply, she said I would like to go to Saturn to see all of its rings. Thank you, we will get back to you. Finally, the blonde entered the room and they asked her the same question they had asked the brunette and the
redhead. She thought for awhile and replied, I would like to go to the sun. The people from NASA replied, Dont you know that if you went to the sun you would burn to death? The blonde smirked and put her hands on her hips. Are you guys dumb? Id go at night!
ACROSS
1 6 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 26 27 30 31 32 33 36 37 38 40 41 43 44 45 46 49 Merits Turquoise Quit Sound Swivel Legal document Greek Z Water basin Lubricates Nothing Decade Hid in a dark place Sandwich sh Fender __ Illustrator Branch of learning Tropical fruit Junk Workplace Heron Internal Revenue Service Stand up Compass point Ms. Winfrey Line of poetry Fees Intellectual False report Restaurant listing
50 51 52 56 57 59 60 61 62 63 64 65
Raids Swear Ram Bed or bath ending Piece Keep free of ice Recess Towards Clothes pressers Usages Eye liquid Painter Richard
25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 39 42 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 53 54 55 58 59
DOWN
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 21 23 Black __ matter Marsh plant Not Resort hotel Aoat (2 wds.) Has 4 identical siblings Vase Foot jewelries Weapon Childs bike Oil tanker Posttraumatic stress disorder Trinitrotoluene Trait causing after-
Answers on page 94
noon shadow National newspaper (2 wds) Cheeky Gets older Carpets Weight of a container Tapestry Jaded Italian currency Association (abbr.) Purple vegetable Silver dissolving solutions Quest Bench Chicken houses Stood Brands Engine German Mrs. Brief autobiographical sketch Revel Inammatory disease What children make Compass point Perish
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Finally, some scientists are speaking out to say smart meters are safe. After years of pseudoscience bombardment by the tin foil hat crowd, we are nally seeing real scientists step up to address the issue of Smart Meter safety according to Jesse Berst, Chief Analyst and founder of Smart Grid News. Some sane people are being sucked into an Anti-Smart Meter movement that is without foundation, according to TheConversation.com, explains Mr Berst. It compares the pseudo-science to astrology, young-earth creationism, alien abduction and pyramid power. In the US, an organization known as Stop Smart Meters claims to be ghting for our health, privacy, and safety. Similar organizations have sprung up in Canada and Australia and interest is spreading
worldwide. In one county in California, county ofcials have criminalized Smart Meters, citing health effects of their usage. An American news channel YouTube video shows a Texas woman pulling a gun to prevent a Smart Meter being tted to her home. The Alliance for Natural Health Europe claims that Smart Meters are a major source of public health concern and documented health problems associated with Smart Meters include; heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, inability to concentrate, memory loss, fainting spells, headaches, nausea, sleeplessness and an increased risk of cancer, caused by what alleged sufferers refer to as electromagnetic hypersensitivity. The real science is that Smart Meters only transmit data for roughly 1.4 seconds per day, at very low wattage. According to BC Hydro, Exposure to radio frequency during a 20 year life span of a Smart Meter is equivalent to the exposure during a single 30 minute cell phone
call. So what are the scientic facts here? ask authors David Bailey and Jonathan Borwein. In short, the health risk to radiation by Smart Meters is hundreds or thousands of times less than that of cell phone usage, which in turn is so small as to be barely measurable. By and large there has been little opposition reported in the Spanish media about Smart Meters being installed by utility companies. The majority of people appear to be ignorant of the controversy and some dont even know what a Smart Meter is. Every home in Spain will have a Smart Meter tted by the end of 2018 as part of binding EU legislation to improve energy efciency and reduce consumption and CO emissions by 20% by the end of the decade. Its known as the 20-20-20. Article by Tony Poole, www.sparksinspain.es
We seem to be a world that is constantly comparing things. Watch any television channel and during the adverts we are constantly encouraged, many times a day, to compare insurance prices and all sorts of other products on comparison websites etc. Dont get me wrong; I truly believe that comparing things like products and services is a good thing and helps keep prices down in the market place. The ability to check out things that are to our advantage has to be a good thing. The danger of comparing lives closer to home, when we take our comparing up to a more personal level; then it can become something that is very unhelpful to living a full and joyful life. We can nd ourselves in a state of constant stress when we are looking over our shoulders at what others are doing, instead of getting on with what we have, or feel called to do ourselves. Comparing what is really close to our hearts
can cause us to feel negatively about ourselves. Disappointment and envy then creep in, and before we know it we are on the downward spiral. When we are focused on what others are doing we start comparing their success to ours, their presumed joy and happiness to ours and if we are not careful we end up looking inwards and not outwards to what we can do, with the truly unique giftings that we have. I recently read these words: As long as youre comparing yourself with others, you will never feel good about yourself. Run your own race. These are very wise words in this performance-based world that we live in. We cannot run in someone elses shoes. They do not t, were not made for us, do not suit us and cause us to stumble and fall. If we persist in trying to wear those ill tting shoes, they will ultimately cripple us. In the Bible, King Saul equipped shepherd-boy David with his own armour when David was
going out to ght the giant Goliath. David knew immediately that this equipment would impede his progress and not help him in the least. Sauls armour was made for Saul and worked for Saul; David had not needed armour to win his battles during his young life and his slingshot was perfectly adequate to dispatch the giant. David just needed to use his skills and win his own battles. We can compare some crazy things and get really wound up about them. For example, how many Facebook friends we have, how many likes on our page, or maybe, how big another organization is compared to ours. Envy can then creep in when we consider that others are doing better than us. When we compare our lives with the lives of others, we tend only to compare where they are currently and we do not check out how they got there. Usually, we will never get to know how much it cost them to get to the place they are at today. God forgives us for comparing and envying other people when we do not know the costs involved. We have not walked in their boots, been where they have been or done what they have done and are usually oblivious to the hurt, pain struggles and grief they have been through to get where they are today. We have been born to live our own lives, take our own opportunities and risks and suffer on occasions, our own failures. This is just part of living. None of us will nd walking in someone elses boots comfortable they were not made for us! In this world of comparing, may I suggest that we be thankful for what we have and for being who we are; we t our own skin and our own shoes t us perfectly. I read once that The grass is always greener when we water it. That is good advice. Lets start watering our own grass and take our gaze off our neighbours lawn. I end with something to make you smile. Here is a recent quote I read, I used to care what people thought about me, until one day, I tried to pay my bills with their opinions. Have a great month.
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Mass according to the Extraordinary form (in Latin) is celebrated every 1st Saturday of the month at the Catholic Chapel at Pastrana, approximately 10km from Mazarrn Schedule of Masses 1st Saturday of the month (in Latin, with readings and homily in English): 4:30pm All other Saturdays Mass 4.30pm in English Schedule of Confession: Saturday from 3:15-4:20pm Also on request Fr. Carlos Prats 628 824 555 Fr. Octavio Carpena 676 219 445 www.pastranaonline.com Holy Family: Jesus And Mary When Jesus was on the Cross and being human in everyway except sin, he managed to take all the sins of the world onto Himself. Jesus cried out from the Cross, My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me? The reality is that God never abandons us; we through our selshness and sin abandon Him. Mary was not in despair at the foot of the Cross, although overwhelmed by grief; she
stood there in humble acceptance and adoration of the Divine presence of God on the Cross, with hope in the promise of salvation because she understood her Son was God, the Word made esh. She is the Mother of God. Marys intimacy with her Son reached its highest expression at Calvary. Embracing His self-giving and self sacrice in her maternal heart, she revealed the true nature of Love and Faith. She showed that there can be no participation in Christ without suffering. Unless a man takes up his Cross daily and follows me, he cannot be my disciple.
St Faustinas spiritual director and confessor, Blessed Fr Michael Sopocko tells us that the best way in which we can show our love and reverence to our Mother is by imitating her virtues, for she is a sublime example of perfection. A Spiritual Journey with Saint Faustina Our Lady to St Faustina: I am not only the Queen of Heaven, but also the Mother of Mercy and your Mother. (diary 330) Saint Faustina: In the evening when I was praying, the Mother of God told me Your lives should be like mine: quiet and hidden, in unceasing union with God, pleading for humanity and preparing the world for the second coming of God (diary 625) Saint Faustina: During Holy Mass today, I was united in a particular way with God and His Immaculate Mother. The humility and love of the Immaculate Virgin penetrated my soul. The more I imitate the Mother of God, the more deeply I get to know God. (diary 843)
NEST Walks Nature ESpua Trails Easy Social Walks. Friday 30th May 10.30am El Berro Car Park (opposite Camping Sierra Espua) Snow Houses Walk in the Cooler Heights of Sierra Espua.
is optional at 9, although most people couldnt be dragged away by then! Please book in advance (full names and a Spanish contact tel no) and await conrmation to know youre booked in. Places are limited, so book early to get a place. Tel or text message 679002147 Email natureespunatrails@gmail.com To see whats happening or get detailed driving directions, go to www.nestwalks. info You can also choose and book your own walk for any date to suit your group; just ask - looking forward to seeing you!
This is an extremely easy, short, 2 hour walk looking at the ancient Snow Houses, including ruined ones and a totally renovated one. Snow Houses were an early form of refrigeration before electricity was invented and this is a chance to see them and hear how they were used. Well be walking along rubbly pine-clad paths with some slopes, so you need solid footwear with good non-slip soles. The walk will be followed by a visit to the Sierra Espua Centro de Visitantes where there is a permanent exhibition and then an optional meal in the mountain restaurant where we can often see wild boar and their young (although being wild this is not guaranteed). We will enjoy breathtaking views from safe viewpoints, chat as we go along, go at a slowish pace and wait for slower people. The focus is the social side - meeting new people and making friends were
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not sporty walkers! The walk itself is 5 and the Menu del Dia meal including salad, starter, main course, dessert, a drink, plus coffee and possible wild boar spotting,
Well we all know what to do with our creepy crawlies in the garden now! Thank you to Ian from the Garden Centre for a very interesting session where he manfully answered all the gardening questions our members could throw at him! The next meeting will be on Thursday May 8th at 2 pm in the Cultural Centre, Camposol B. There is a change from the printed programme as we will be having a social afternoon with a light-hearted quiz and other associated fun! Some newer members have said that a session to be able to mix and get to know people would be great.... This is it!
Dont miss your chance to book a place on a trip on June 12th to visit Murcia looking at its history and culture - nding places not normally visited. Antonio will be our guide. Those who have attended his monthly sessions telling stories about the local history of the area will know that he will make the trip interesting and fun! There will not be too much walking involved; the city is at and we will be stopping for coffee regularly! There will be free time at the end of the stroll for shopping or lunch. This trip will take the place of our nal meeting before the summer. Transport costs will come out of the subs already paid, so the trip is at a low cost of 7 for members!
Ladies Chatterbox meets on Camposol in the Cultural Centre on the 2nd Thursday of each month. If you would like further information, please contact Rosemary Scott on 619 575 463 or Chris Leiper on 968 199 441. Chatterbox SEW and SEW is a group for anyone who would like to meet with other sewing or craft work enthusiasts (not necessarily very experienced!) to work together, chat and enjoy a cuppa! We meet every Monday 2.304.30pm in the Cultural Centre. For more information phone Sue on 605 737 107.
Christian Humanitarian Aid Charity in Mazarrn & the surrounding area Helping those in need irrespective of race, creed or status. Matthew 25 v 35 36 When I was hungry you fed me, when I was thirsty you gave me a drink, when I needed clothes you clothed me, when I was a stranger you invited me in This month our gratitude goes to Cats Bar, Camposol A who have recently made several substantial contributions to our cause. We are also grateful to Jordans Auto Services who came to our rescue when the GOmaD van broke down. A big thank you to the Fat Ladies, whose continued support is a welcome boost to our association and to Tony Smith, The English Funeral Director, for his
kind donations. Furthermore, the most heartfelt appreciation goes to all of our Volunteers who work happily and harmoniously together, in the shops, out in the van, at outreach days, table top sales and social events, making what we do possible. Last month, we distributed around 150 bags of food to families in and around Mazarrn; this is an absolute life-
line for them. We were also lucky enough to be able to give 30 children brand new shoes thanks to the generosity of our longtime s u p p o r t e r, Anne. Its heartwarming to see so many smiles on so many little faces. If you would like to join our team, please call the number below. We always need more volunteers and even one morning a week could really MAKE A DIFFERENCE. As it starts getting warmer, wed like to make an appeal for personal hygiene products. For just 1 on top of your weekly shop, you could buy a family-size shower gel, some sanitary towels, some deodorant or a packet of baby wipes. These everyday essentials to us are luxury items to our clients. Donations of these items can be left in the bins at: The English Butchers, Camposol A Quicksave, Camposol B The Teapot, Puerto de Mazarrn Any of our other drop-off points. Please contact us for details. Por n!!! Our new premises in Puerto de Mazarrn are open on Calle Sierra Carrascoy 31, Baha, Puerto de Mazarrn. Opening hours: Tuesday/Friday/Saturday 10am2pm Tel 634 357 137 Email madmazarron@live.com Registered Address C/Carmen 8, Mazarrn 30870 Murcia CIF NO: G30853790
Swap Tears For Smiles We have had a very busy and rewarding few weeks with donations of food, clothing and household goods coming in. We have also received more requests for help by needy families and we are grateful for the generosity
of everyone who is giving to this worthwhile charity. A special thanks to Marian, Lesley and their wonderful customers at the Dog Bowl in Fuente Alamo who donate so much and who advertise the needs of so many families on our behalf. The table-top sales on Camposol B on Fridays are working well and our volunteers are to be congratulated for their amazing efforts despite some really awful weather in early March. This is a picture of a delivery of a donated washing machine which was really appreciated by the family. Fridges and fridge-freezers are still desperately needed, especially with the warmer weather approaching and of course food items are always appreciated. Whenever possible, we try and give little extras for the children as we now have more than 22 children within the families and more
on the way. Please help if you can by phoning Arthur and Marge on 659270885 or email arthurlaws@hotmail.com
The community Respite Care initiative is now well established and the patients and carers are thoroughly enjoying the time at the Cultural Centre, Camposol B on Monday mornings. Attendance is encouraging, but space is available for more. If you know of anybody who would benet from this new Respite Care, please contact us on 626 460 465 or 602 427 605. Lunch is provided if required and the experienced staff and volunteers look forward to seeing more patients who suffer from long term illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimers so that the carers can have some much needed free time. As you will appreciate, this operation is expensive and to this, on 6th May we are commemorating the rst sub-four minute mile with a Fun Run at Camposol starting at 8pm, with prizes for the best fancy dress and of course for the professional runners. Sponsor forms are available from local bars and committee members. Our next event will be a Fun Day at the Mazarrn Country Club with music, horse racing, a rafe and much more on June 22nd (Summer Solstice). Admission is just 5. You can contact us and obtain further information at our website at www.bolnuevo.com or email us at forgetmenot@bolnuevo.com
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Workshop For Mazarrn Schools by Jos Jerez until 21st May The Department of Education has organized a workshop entitled New Technologies and their proper use by social worker Jos Ruiz. The workshop presentation was made by the Councillor for Education, Maria Celeste Soria who highlighted the importance of youth and adolescents in the municipality learning to use new technologies in a benecial and positive way. Jerez spoke of a group of teenagers sitting on a bench, with their heads down looking at their smartphones without saying a word between them. He realises the need to educate young people and make them see that their lives are hidden behind a screen and they are missing the social interaction and wasting leisure and free time because of all the hours spent on these devices. The workshop starting from 6th grade, focuses on the misuse that children and adolescents face with technology and problems such as physical inactivity, social integration conicts, aggressive and violent behaviour or inattention resulting in poor academic performances. Adventures, Land and People Talks by Juan Carlos Francisco Cerezo This event is organized by the Department of Education and they will visit 11 schools in the area during April and May. The adventurous Juan Francisco Cerezo will teach schoolchildren the most unusual places and the most interesting cultures in the world. The adventurer and teacher explained that these talks really attract young people because they remember the protagonist of the adventure, as it can be explained rst hand. The Prince Of Asturias Arts Competition 23rd to 25th May Fotogenio, the largest gathering of professional and amateur photographers of Spain, reaches its 8th year for the Prince of Asturias Arts award with the head of the cartel, Sebastio Salgado, a Brazilian whose social documentary photography has earned him awards and recognitions. Registration form on the new website www.fotogenio.net Secondary Schools Enjoy The Concert For School Hosted By The String Quintet Eliocroca Nearly 400 students from eleven schools went to the second concert organized by the Department of Education of Mazarrn and Musical Association Maestro Eugenio Caldern in collaboration with the music schools at the Cultural Centre in Mazarrn. It was presented by the Councillor for Education, Maria Celeste Soria and the president of the association, Francisca Urea. The concert was given by the string quintet Eliocroca who originally consisting of two violins, a viola and a cello, but a double bass was added at the request of the organization of the concert and at the express wish of music teachers. The next concert will consist of a classical quintet of woodwind and will take place on Monday May 12th and on Saturday May 17th in the afternoon and the band of the Musical Association Maestro Eugenio Caldern will stage the musical Peter and the Wolf to which all children and their families are invited.
Dive Show Mazarrn attended the 6th Dive Travel Show in Madrid under the slogan Mazarrn, Mar y Mas to publicise active tourism in the Town including the cultural attractions and gastronomic heritage which can be enjoyed all year round. Also during the show the II International Underwater Photography Competition Mazarrn Bahia was announced and the Spanish Championship of Underwater Photography and Video that this year will be held in Mazarrn coast. The XXVI Spanish Championship of Underwater Photography Nafosub 2014 and the XVI Spanish Underwater Diving Video Cevisub 2014 will be held 16th to 21st September, while the II International Underwater Photography Open Mazarrn Bahia will be held between 22nd to 25th September. The top 3 photos will be awarded 6,000, 3,000 and 1,500 with 4 prizes of 1,000 for Best Picture of Fauna, Best Close Up, Best Photo Scene and Top Model . There will be a new prize of 500 for the most imaginative picture and a trophy as well as 1,000 for Best Representative Photo of Mazarrn seabed. 82 Sailing Boats Ply The Waters in the Bay of Mazarrn On 8th and 9th March, the Club de Regatas de Mazarrn hosted the Sailing Federation Trophy Region of Murcia, a competition for youngsters. The competition, organized by the Club de Regatas Mazarrn and the Sailing Federation of the Region of Murcia, was a scoring regatta for the Optimist class Territorial Individual Championships, to nd 8 representatives for the Spanish Championships. The weather conditions included easterly winds with gust of up to 18 knots and on Sunday a eet of 82 ships could be seen in the Bay of Mazarrn from clubs such as the Real Club de Regatas, Cartagena and Santiago de la Ribera; the Club de Regatas, Mar Menor and Mazarrn who hosted the event and the Club Nautico, Villa San Pedro, Mar Menor and Los Nietos. Mazarrn Hosted The Retoques De Luz This exhibition highlighted the work of Miguel Mellado, who wanted to thank the Peoples University and Mazarrn for hosting his work. Miguel has a special affection to Mazarrn where he taught at the Domingo Valdivieso School. During his speech, he said that the characteristics of modern man is his ability to think one thing, say another, feel another and do something else, which he tries to portray in his paintings. The artist closed his speech with his denition of Art. The Master Eugenio Calderon Debut Concert This was performed during the concert of Easter Marches and included work entitled Risen! written by the Valencian musician A Jesus Martinez, now living in Cartagena. The concert, dominated by the image of the Virgen de la Soledad, included eight Easter marches. All works were warmly applauded, especially the newly released piece. The audience included many people representing all Mazarrn guilds. Interesting Talk on Disability and Care at The Day Centre Mazarrn The talk, given by attorney Carmen Men-
dez Garca, a practicing lawyer with over 10 years experience and currently working as a lawyer at the Specialty Care Centre for Women Victims of Domestic Violence (CAVI) in Mazarrn, was attended by more than 60 people, including relatives of the users of the Day Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities, Family Ratings Units for disease and other dementias and social services professionals, CAVI and the Day Centre. She focused on how to carry out the processes of incapacitation of a person exercising custodial fees as well as property management of people with mental illness, intellectual disability and other dementias. Following the speech, attendees were able to answer questions about the topic of the day and also on other legal matters. Saladillo Also Rendered The Honours To San Jos The hamlet of Saladillo celebrated San Jos with Mass in the chapel, ofciated by the priest of the parish of St. Anthony of Padua and St Andrew the Apostle, Julio Romero. The Councillor for Rural Development, Magdalena Mendez and the Mayor Pedneo del Saladilla Jos Andrs Navarro also attended. After the ceremonies and thanks to Restaurante Saladilla, attendees enjoyed a free assortment of paellas and the youngsters had fun with a bouncy castle. Pitu entertained and there was an equestrian/amenco show from the Riding Association of Mazarrn and a rst aid demonstration from FAST. World Theatre Day Mazarrn celebrated World Theatre Day with two plays that took place at the Cultural Centre by the company, The Spell Theatre, organized by the Department of Culture of Mazarrn. A large number of children and parents enjoyed The Magic Window Brothers Grimm. The second play, entitled Submarine Cabaret, was directed at adults and took place in the courtyard of the Cultural Centre. Attendees were treated to a fun show of comic reviews, dances, musical performances and audience interaction. Such has been the success of both works, the council aims to repeat them in the coming weeks. Learning About Mazarrn During the rst quarter of 2014, about 250 students from different schools in Mazarrn participated in educational activities under the project LIFE09 NAT/ES/000516. Students received a brieng at its centre and then made a eld trip where they visited the facilities of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) and a guided tour in the wetlands of mulberry trees. They observed with the telescope different birds and during the tour they saw the project LIFE Malvasia Murcia and other projects carried out in Mazarrn. The International Congress On Felipe II And Almazarrn The Mayor of Mazarrn, Gins Campillo, accompanied by the renowned French historian, Bernard Vincent, professor and coordinator of the international conference and Almazarrn Felipe II (1572), presented the conference to mark the 440 anniversary of the granting of the Privilegio de Villa. A book has been produced showing the commitment of Mazarrn to establish itself as a leader in scientic research. There will be 500 copies printed.
In April our pre-Easter Social activity included an Indoor Picnic, which everyone enjoyed.
Many thanks to all who helped to make it a good day. The next Social will be on Wednesday 7th May. We look forward to seeing you at 1.30pm in the Cultural Centre, Camposol B. We are holding an Open Day on Wednesday 14th May, 11am-1pm. It will be a chance for you to come along and nd out what we do and you may be able to help in some way. We always need volunteers for a range of different roles. For example, we are currently looking for someone to look after our stock of wheelchairs, walkers and crutches etc. (No previous experience necessary!). The next Menu del Dia on 28th May will be at Restaurante Peyma, near the tourist information centre in Puerto de Mazarrn - 10 for 4
courses and drinks. Come and join our growing group see below for tickets. As usual, we will be outside Bar Salud on the last Friday in May for the Tabletop Sale. Donated goods are always welcome. When you go through your summer clothes please put any unwanted items aside for us. Age Concern can be found: Outside Bar Salud, Camposol B - Friday 11am-1pm Camposol Cultural Centre - Wed/Thu 10am1pm Telephone 634 310 215 Other areas 634 336 484
FAST wishes to convey thanks to some of the many people who have made contributions recently, from the gentleman who handed over a small bag of coins in appreciation for the treatment given by FAST on an emergency call out, to all the businesses helping to collect money from the public by displaying the FAST tins. We wish to thank the Camposol Golf Association for organizing a Charity Race Night at The Club House, with the proceeds of 685 being shared between FAST, MABS and Cruz Roja. Thank you to Jim Underdown MBE who recently presented FAST with a cheque for 234; the nal amount following the closure of the Lions Country Club. Thanks also to The Club House for paying half the entertainment costs for Beat The Buzzer night making 70 prot for FAST. Thank you Keavy for donating 540 to FAST from entrance fees to the Artisan Fayre in March.
wine for 25. Coach available at 5. Due to unforeseen circumstances it has been necessary to alter the date of the FAST May Fayre! Now on Saturday 17th May at Marianos, Camposol A. For info, to book or purchase tickets for events and rafes, visit Brenda, Jean and Team on Camposol B on Friday mornings or phone Brenda 680 174 499/Jean 646 737 479. Contributions will also be gratefully received towards a FAST Tombola or the forthcoming Table Top Sale on Saturday 28th June at Avenida de los Covachos, Camposol D8 Neptuno 1512 at 10am. . Visit the FAST Recruitment Stall on Camposol B, where Val Taylor and other FAST members will be happy to chat to you. You can learn more about First Aid, try out your skills and obtain information about becoming a FAST Responder. Full training is given. Visit www.fastcamposol.com
Thanks to Jose Navarro for inviting FAST to carry out a demonstration at the Fiesta de San Jose at El Saladillo and to Gina Barker, and the Leos for the opportunity to be involved with their Sponsored Walk. FAST thanks you all! Dont forget to buy tickets for the May Ball on Friday 16th May at the Amapola Restaurant dancing to Terry Jay - 3 course meal with
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Anyone travelling to the Commercial Centre as they enter Camposol B cant help but notice that the Bienvenido a Camposol wall that we erected on the approach road last year has recently been embellished with the addition of pots, trees, plants and more gravelling of the surrounding area. This is just the beginning of many improvements that we are planning in order to improve the look of our Sector. More trees and shrubs are to be planted in the autumn at the main entrance and other areas These projects are being made possible by funds raised from subscriptions paid by residents who have joined our B Clean Community Group which now is an ofcially registered charity. The scheme is similar to that on C Sector, the success being obvious to anyone who passes through and sees the improvements going on there. Unlike other sectors however, B Sector is regularly used by everyone who lives in Camposol and those who are just visiting and it is our intention to present as pleasing an environment as possible. Any work carried out by B Clean therefore is of benet to all of
Camposol. Sadly, we have to report that in the site has been visited by some form of despicable lowlife vandal. One of the trees has been stolen - complete with its container which had been staked and concreted into the ground (and thus it broke when removed!) However, our spirits are lifted by the overwhelming goodness of those who show support and we are indebted to Teresa and Kevin Hicks who have so kindly donated to have the tree and planter replaced. We must also thank Senor Shifter who regularly gives us a helping hand in removing rubbish or collecting items without charge and Eriks for providing the metal stakes that rendered the stolen planter useless to those referred to above. We hope that many more residents will join the scheme and subscribe just 5 a month to help us keep Camposol looking great. If you are interested and willing to add your name to the growing list of members, please contact Sandy or Helen for details (see below.) The more subscribers we have, the better Cam-
posol will look. We will not allow the inactivity of the Council, the past faults of MASA, or the antisocial behavior of idiots to spoil our efforts to have Camposol looking great. Of course, with all this work going on, we still need willing volunteers to help with the planting, weeding, litter clearing, watering, etc, so please contact us if you can offer some assistance. We meet every Tuesday morning for a couple of hours and each pair of hands makes a great difference. Planning of future projects takes place at our monthly meetings on the last Tuesday of each month at Trevis 4-5pm. Please come and tell us what improvements you would like to see happen. If you are interested in joining this scheme, or can offer any physical help, please let us know. Sandy (Treasurer) 968 986 030 Email sanandstu@gmail.com Helen (Secretary) 968 199 506 Email helencjwhite@yahoo.co.uk
Mazarrn Welcomes Mazarrn Bahia Leo Club The association is made up of young people from 12 to 18 years old who want to help their community. On Friday March 28th friends, relatives and members of Mazarrn Bahia Lions welcomed guests and Mayor of Mazarrn, Gins Campillo; Councillor for Youth, Andres Valera; Mayor of Saladillo and Camposol Jos Andrs Navarro; Carmen Navarro, President of Cruz Roja Mazarrn and the representative of Torrevieja Suomi Lions Club, Anka Peltonen who was accompanied by Martti Timonen to celebrate the granting of the
charter of the rst independent Alpha Leo Club of Spain. Mazarrn Leo Club, based at Camposol and sponsored by Lions Club of Mazarrn Baha held this special evening at Marianos, Camposol with the popular entertainer Barrington.
The Leo Club Motto Leadership, Experience, Opportunity says it all Leadership: Acquire skills as project organizers and motivators of their peers Experience: Discover how teamwork & cooperation can bring about change in their community and the world. Opportunity. Develop positive character traits and receive recognition for their contributions. President of Mazarrn Bahia Lions Club, Sid Worland and Leo Advisor, Virginia Barker, assisted by co-advisor and co-leaders Cressida & Martin Shackleton, presented the Mazarrn Leos, led by Leo President, Brandon Morritt; Vice President, Charlie Cox; Secretary, Macy Harper; Treasurer, Harry Shackleton; Fundraising Director, Shauna Walker-Brennan and Social Director, Roni Toulson & Welfare Director, Shannon Edment. Other members of Mazarrn Leos are: Aaron Cox, Kian Davies, Emily Fearn, Rachel Bell-Hudson, Maddison McGovan, Liam Morritt, Jack Pawson, Holly Ryan, Ryan Yates and Ryan Edment (Leo in waiting) Mazarrn Leos say that volunteering trains them to see the world through someone elses eyes, teaching them compassion and responsibility and are helping to make their community a better place, being grateful for what they have and not take things for granted. After their successful fundraising walk to send diabetic children to a special summer camp, Mazarrn Leos are raising funds for a childrens play area on Camposol. Mazarrn Leos meet fortnightly on a Friday at the Camposol Cultural Centre 7pm-9pm. May 2nd and May 16th. For more information please call Virginia Barker on 654 874 563.
Anka Peltonen said I come on behalf of the District Governor of the Lions, Alfonso Piol, who was unable to attend, to explain that we are very proud that they have launched the rst club Leos of Spain here in Mazarrn. The goal of this partnership is that young people learn the principles under which the Lions develop our work and what it means to be a Lion, helping others. Leo Club members around the world help their local communities daily instilling in them the commitment of helping others. Gins Campillo expressed his satisfaction that Mazarrn was where the rst Leo Club was and we congratulate the Lions of Mazarrn Bahia for being an example to us all.
Our Spring Social Evening held on 11th April was a great success and Karen Noble proved her worth as an excellent singer of pop, easy listening and breath-taking opera. We sold every ticket; the proceeds of which all contribute to the improvement of Lower C. Thanks to everyone who supported us. At the beginning of the evening John read out a list of the items recently stolen: 3 garden chairs from the petanca court, new green netting, a quantity of slate, a decorative lion and three nice plant pots. Dont forget that these items are all donated or paid for by YOU, so let us know if you see any suspicious activity. By the time you read this we will have held our AGM on 23 April, where Chairman, John, will hopefully continue and a new committee elected. We have to say goodbye to Ann, who is retiring as our Social Secretary and would like to offer her our heartfelt thanks
for her immense hard work in organising so many of the lovely occasions we have all enjoyed together. Green Fingers has become a group of like-minded friends, not just gardeners (and labourers!). We receive so many positive comments, making all the efforts worthwhile. Even if you missed the AGM, we always welcome new committee members and new volunteers, offering free breakfast butties on Wednesdays to sweeten the hard labour. Come along and make new friends. Even if youre only here for your hols, youll be beautifying our whole community! Our little windmill has been much improved by the skills of Ron Hacker. His addition of a roof and new canvas sails has given it true Spanish authenticity! Both sleeper features on the large area of the Golf Club corner have been completed and more gravel spread, together with the new tree avenue
on the dual carriageway. If you can donate any plants, pots etc. wed be most grateful. The water butt donated by the pig farmer has been sited and lled, but any time you can spend watering both plants and the volunteers is very much appreciated! Every Euro of each members monthly payment is used to enhance the whole of C, though the general programme of maintenance may only reach your road every few weeks. Even the inner streets and pavements of the empty Monsora houses get the Green Fingers treatment! If youre not a member and see our teams working, please contribute a little to our bucket! Please check chalkboards, Facebook and website for information and our Chairman, John, can be contacted on 634 325 427. More news can be found at http://www. greenfingersgardenandsocialgroup. com/
Mazarrn Bay Bridge Club took revenge over Los Alczares Duplicate Bridge Club in a Team Event at the Rincon de Elias Restaurante in Bolnuevo. Forty boards (rounds) were played in teams of four, which involved the movement of players, cards and tables that would have confused Pythagoras, but was carefully orchestrated by Hans Vos and Ron Ordell. The team from Mazarrn were Anita & Henk Landwehr Johann, Cilla Brooks & Evelyn Bleasdale, Hans Vos & Gerhard, John van Beek & Mike Patrick, Ian Christie & Leen Oudenaarden, Jean Boone & Jon Thompson, Joe Hayes & Trevor Worthy, Lawrie Hunt & Phil Carter.
Round 4: Los Alczares Mazarrn 76 imps
53
imps/
Total: Los Alczares 234 imps/Mazarrn 310 imps A special thanks goes to Jon Thompson for organising the venue & super lunch, Hans Vos for organising the match itself & doing the scoring and John van Beek for captaining the winning team and to all those from both clubs who made it such an enjoyable day. Thanks also to Rincon de Elias for providing regular coffee rells and a lunch to remember. It is hoped that the match will become an annual event. For more information about playing Bridge in Puerto de Mazarrn, visit www.bridgewebs.com/mazarrnbay/
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Results per round: Round 1: Los Alczares 64 imperial points (imps)/Mazarrn 69 imps Round 2: Los Alczares 49 imps/ Mazarrn 88 imps Round 3: Los Alczares 68 imps/ Mazarrn 77 imps
Food Allergies Food Allergy is more and more common among our pets. In fact, it is as prevalent among pet animals as it is among humans. Allergies have increased in developed countries over the past few years. The base for an Allergy is that the organism recognises a molecule (generally proteins) as strange and potentially harmful, against which different defence systems start to ght causing itching, swallowing, bronchial constriction, nasal mucosity, diarrhoea, etc. Indeed, many immunologists consider that there are immune responses to some elements that are not causing any problem for the organisms and as a result of that, different diseases arise when the pressure of infectious agents are decreased in the rst world countries due to the vaccine coverage for the human or animal population as well as life and hygiene habits.
Allergy to common proteins in the animal food such as those contained in chicken, veal, pork, lamb, sh, eggs, different cereals, etc. are very common. Symptoms are varied and we may observe disorders in the skin, with swallowing and itching that usually affects the area of the face, extremities, groins and armpits. There may be intense itching, loss of hair and over-infections associated with bacteria and yeast as well as otitis, diarrhoea and vomiting. For Food Allergies to arise, a previous phenomenon of food sensitivity must happen, so this is uncommon in puppies and usually the range of age of the affected animals varies between two and seven years of age. There are diagnostic methods based on serology (detection of specic antibodies) which have low specicity for Food Allergies, although they are highly sensitive for the environmental kinds. When we suspect a food allergy, we recommend the owner starts with an elimination diet consisting of food that has never been exposed or fodder where proteins have been hydrolyzed in smaller pieces which are not recognised as strange by the organism and they do not generate immune response. The pets owner must bear in mind that the animal must exclusively eat this new diet and water for four months and after that, if symptoms are better, the new diet must be nished and pet given standard food. We may also treat with corticoids depending on the case, since antihistamines have limited effects against itching of the skin and swallowing in our pets. This also applies to antibiotics and specic shampoos used to control other infections associated with skin irritations. If you have a problem with Allergies such as mentioned above, seek the advice of a professional. Clinica Veterinaria Puerto de Mazarrn. Tel 968 153 931 Camposol Sector A Tel 968 199 263
by Jane Ellen Barker from Janes Salons With each year passing we hear about all the new products that the big brands bring out making us look glam, younger and in with the fashions, but there are a few of us that long to try these new styles and colours, but dont dare, due to allergies, sensitivity and fear.
Well look no further and fear not P & G for Wella have just released Innosense. It is exactly that, innocent from all the bad bits we cant pronounce or even understand. It is free of pPD and pTD, but its still a permanent hair colour provided by your professional salon team covering 100% white hair and it can still add lift of 3 shades lighter giving a rich Innosense tone that can be personalised with special mixes to give a natural or even fashion effect, leaving your colour possibilities endless. Innosense is ECARF Quality tested the European Centre For Allergy Research Foundation and it has also ticked all the boxes for the Spanish SEAIC - Sociedad de Alergologa e Inmunologa de Extremadura. It also has that smooth oral fragrance and does not cost the earth unlike the supermarket versions that charge extra to go natural.
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When we realised that Bora Bora in Puerto de Mazarrn were starting to hold live music events on Saturday afternoons, I was immediately interested as it is very difcult sometimes to get him indoors motivated in the evenings to go out at all!. We actually ended up going 2 weeks running. The rst week we saw The Streeters with Austin Slack. If you have not seen this group you simply must. They are very good and young Austin is very talented. The second time was to see the amazing Karen Noble and in my opinion you could never get tired of that voice! On both occasions we had lunch, opting for some very tasty Mexican dishes including fajitas, nachos, and enchiladas. Visiting BoraBora is a great way to see some of the local entertainment, try some excellent food and still be home before dark and is denitely recommended. I have not had a facial or any pampering for ages, so decided it was high time I had
a hour or so of relaxation. This time I chose a non-surgical facelift, professionally carried out by Billi-Michelle at The Salon on Camposol C. This treatment not only is very relaxing and enjoyable, it also includes 15 minutes of dermalift treatment using some magic gloves and the effects are really visible, especially the next morning. It is extremely good value for money at just 18. I attended another ladies lunch at the end of March and this time it was at the Restaurante La Chara in Isla Plana; another fabulous value for money Menu del Dia at just 9 and it really did include everything appetisers, plus 3 courses, coffee, all drinks and complimentary chopitos to nish. There is a very varied menu with a large selection of choices of starters, mains and desserts and if you think this is good, you should just see the choices on their Menu del Noche menu!
If you are going to either San Javier airport or Iceland for a trip out, do go and visit Luisines Cake at La Oasis in Los Narejos. Jos and Pilar are very popular with the local community and they do a full English Breakfast and some nice daily specials including tapas, sh and chips and chilli con carne. They will make you most welcome. I am going to Tabarca Island! Every year, Eileen at Dragon Tours runs a trip to this lovely location and every year I say I cannot go as it is right in the middle of the month. Cant you take just one day off said Eileen? Well, this year I said I will nd a way, so I am going! It is a full day by coach on June 11th and I cannot wait. Why not come with us? Just contact Eileen for full details and hope to see many familiar faces on the day and I will be taking my snorkel! More next month Teresa
Opening Your Pool - Getting Ready for Pool Season Spring is nally here and as the temperatures begin to climb, its time to think about getting the pool area ready for the warm weather. Opening a pool is now easier than ever and with a few simple steps, you can be ready to enjoy your pool in no time! Check your supplies Check sell by dates on all pool chemical containers. Cleaning supplies that are past their sell-by-date should be carefully discarded and replaced with new chemicals. Also remember that if a chemical was not properly sealed before being stored in the off-season, you need to replace that as well. Chlorine being a gas will evaporate out of a container. Removing the pool cover During the winter months your pool cover
accumulates leaves and debris. After removing the cover, take it onto a suitable area for easier cleaning. Thoroughly sweep and hose off the cover and use cleaner or treatment if its recommended by the manufacturer of the cover. Allow to dry completely before returning onto the pool. Fill the pool The water should come to the middle of the skimmers. Remember to give the sides a good brush and when it has all settled, next day give it a vacuum. Also be sure to remove any debris from the leaf basket. Check levels Chlorine 1-2ppm Stabiliser Cyanuric acid Max 75ppm pH 7.2-7.6 Total Alkalinity 120ppm Salt for saltwater pools 6000ppm Ocean
is 35000ppm Remove the top of the lter and check the sand level. Rell it to the indicated level - this might be the best time to consider replacing the sand with new high performance ltration media. Check the piping in your lters for cracks or leaks. In order to get the best start for your pool, it is recommended that it is treated with a Shock Dose of Chlorine to ensure it is bacteria-free. If it is a bit cloudy, give it a treat with a decent occulent. If in Doubt Ask Courtesy of Watermaid Europe SL Tel 646 705 088/636 698 501 Email info@watermaid-europe.com
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RED Entertainment GREEN Charity & non-prot making events ORANGE Special menus BLACK Fiestas & important events PURPLE Market, exhibitions, leisure & meetings Please refer to the relevant advert or editorial for more details of events
Every Day Exhibition by Painter Domingo Vadivieso @ Mazarrn Town Hall (until 9 May) All Day Breakfast @ BoraBora, Pto de Mazarrn from 2.50 Anas No Nonsense Breakfast @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A from 3 (9am-1pm) Full English Breakfast @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A from 3 (exc Sunday) Full English Breakfast (2 of everything) @ Luisines Cake, La Oasis, Los Narejos 4.75 Full English/American Style Breakfasts @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn Breakfast @ The Condado Club, Condado de Alhama (9.30am-1pm) Breakfast @ Big Gs, Condado de Alhama (10am-1pm) Special Hamburger/bacon/cheese/salad/chips @ Luisines Cake, La Oasis, Los Narejos 4 6 small beers & 6 tapas @ Luisine Cake, La Oasis, Los Narejos 5 (11am-3pm & 7-11pm) Lunch Menu @ Spice Villa, Camposol A, from 5.95 Fish/Chips @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 7 (exc Sunday) Any Pizza and a Drink @ Mamma Mia, Pto de Mazarrn 8 (exc Sat & Sun) 12.30-4.30pm Moroccan Grill/salad/potatoes/drink @ Restaurante Alhambra, Pto de Mazarrn 8.50 5 Course Meal/5 Wines @ Castillo del Pinar, Perin 15 (Tues-Sunday, 16 on Sundays) Menu del Noche @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 10 (exc Sun) 3 Course Menu del Noche @ New Royal, Pto de Mazarrn 10 inc btl wine for 2 (Mon-Thurs) 3 Course Menu del Noche @ Elliots, Bolnuevo 12 (exc Sun) 3 Course Menu del Noche @ Chez Zoe, Pto de Mazarrn 12 (exc Sun-Tues) 3 Course Menu del Noche @ The Club House, Camposol C 12.50 Earlybird Menu @ Spice Villa, Camposol A 12.50 inc btl wine per cpl (6-8pm) Menu del Noche @ La Chara, Pto de Mazarrn 15 (Tues-Fri) Every Mon Chiropody with Phillip Dawe @ Sensol Golf Villa Sales Building, Camposol C Algorfa Chiropractor @ SOS Boutique, Rio Nalon, Los Alczares Mazarrn Bay Bridge Club @ Hotel Playa Grande, Pto de Mazarrn 9.30am Legs, Bums & Tums with CDA Fitness @ Camposol 10am & 11am Dancercize with Zizi @ The Arches, Los Alczares 12pm Ladies Chatterbox Sew & Sew @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 2.30pm Kettlebells with CDA Fitness @ Camposol 6.30pm Quiz Night @ The Club House, Camposol C 8pm Bowling League @ Alley Palais, Camposol B Under 12s Eat Free @ Big Gs, Condado de Alhama (with every adult meal purchased) Forget me Not Respite Care @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B Andreas Animal Rescue Collection @ Car Park, Camposol B 11.30am-1.30pm HELP MMM Bingo @ La Zona Bar, Los Alczares 1/game 2pm MABS MMM Fun Quiz @ La Rosa Bar, San Cayetano 9pm Every Tue B Clean Working Party @ Commercial Centre, Camposol B 9am Circuits with CDA Fitness @ Camposol 10am Pilates with CDA Fitness @ Camposol 11am Spanglish Sessions @ Luisines Cake, La Oasis, Los Narejos 11am-1pm Computer Clinic @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A 1-3pm Fit 4 Life Weight Loss Support Group @ Janes Salon, Bolnuevo 4-5pm Zumba @ The Arches, Los Alczares, 4.30pm Language Exchange Class @ Miguel Delibes School, Pto de Mazarrn 6pm FREE Football Training Session (ages 4-17) @ El Pareton 6-7pm Learn to Ballroom Dance with Jacqui @ The Arches, Los Alczares 7pm
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Harlequin Rock Choir Meeting @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 7.30-9pm Poker Night @ Black Bull, Camposol B 8pm Special Menu @ Amapola Restaurante, Bolnuevo 15 inc btl wine for 2 Menu de Noche @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A Karaoke with Lynden B @ The Arches, Los Alczares MABS Mazarrn Coffee Morning @ MABS Centre, Camposol B 10am-1pm MAMAS Collection/Book Stall @ Camposol B Car Park 10am-1pm MABS Mazarrn Craft Workshop @ MABS Centre, Camposol B 2.30-4.30pm Every Wed Camposol C Gardening Group @ Camposol C 9am Camposol Bridge Club, Duplicate Bridge @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B 9.30am Aerobic Body Tone with CDA Fitness @ Camposol 10am (exc 7 May) Dancercize with Zizi @ The Arches, Los Alczares 11am Magenta Harmony Group. 11.30am (Telephone for venue) Ladies Coffee Afternoon @ Marianos, Camposol A 2.30-4.30pm Gents Cut 5/Ladies Wet Cut 7.5/Shellac 7.5 @ The Salon 2, Totana Line Dancing with Lyn @ The Arches, Los Alczares 3pm Mar Menor Golf Society Competition Chiropodist Available @ Janes Salon, Bolnuevo Pool League @ Alley Palais, Camposol B Mazarrn AA Group @ Meeting Room adjacent to Caada de Gallego Church 5.30pm Pizza Day @ Mamma Mia, Pto de Mazarrn 6 for any pizza with purchase of drink/coffee Fish & Chip Day @ The Wishing Well, Valladolises from 5.95 (from 1pm) Happy Wednesday, 2 x 1 @ Amapola Restaurante, Bolnuevo 33 per cpl inc btl wine 3 Course Route 66 Big Bite American Night @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 15 Age Concern booking events etc @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 10am-1pm MABS MMM Art Workshop @ Caf Golf, San Javier, 2 10am-12pm PALS for booking events etc @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 1-3pm HAH Book & DVD Club @ La Zona Bar, Los Narejos 2.30-4.30pm Every Thu Camposol Market @ Camposol A Kettlebells with CDA Fitness @ Camposol 10am Bingo @ The Club House, Camposol C 1-3pm Mazarrn Ladies Circle @ Hotel Playa Grande, Pto de Mazarrn 1.30pm Skin Analysis Machine/Facial @ Janes Salon, Condado de Alhama 4pm Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC Meeting @ The Club House, Camposol C 4pm Fun Quiz @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A from 6pm (opt curry/rice/naan 3) Circuits with CDA Fitness @ Camposol 6.30pm Quiz Night with Eddie B @ Black Bull, Camposol B 8pm (food avail from 3) Bingo @ Alandalus, Calasparra from 8pm Fish & Chips @ Luisines Cake, La Oasis, Los Narejos 4.75 (from midday) 3 Course Mexican Night @ The Condado Club, Condado de Alhma 12 from 6pm 4 Course Surprise Menu @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 25 for 2 3 Course Steak & Rib Night @ Big Gs, Condado de Alhama 15 Special Menu @ Amapola Restaurante, Bolnuevo 15 inc btl wine for 2
Jam Night @ The Club House, Camposol C Age Concern booking events etc @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 10am-1pm Andreas Animal Rescue Collection @ Mazarrn Country Club 11.30am-1pm HAH Book Stall @ La Zona Bar, Los Narejos 2.30-4pm Every Fri Camposol Bridge Club/Duplicate Bridge @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B 9.30am Friday Art Group @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 9.45am-12.30pm Pilates with CDA Fitness @ Caadas del Romero 10am Legs, Bums & Tums with CDA Fitness @ Caadas del Romero 11am Camposol A Gardening Book Stall @ Car Park Camposol A 10.30am-12.30pm Camposol C Greenngers 10 Pin Bowling @ Totana 4pm Find the Joker @ Black Bull, Camposol B 7pm
Poker @ Alandalus, Calasparra from 8pm Fish & Chip Day @ The Wishing Well, Valladolises from 5.95 from 1pm Fish & Chip Night @ New Royal, Pto de Mazarrn 6 Fish & Chips @ AP Grill, Camposol B 6.50 Fish & Chips @ Black Bull, Camposol B 6.50 (11-4 & 6-9) Fish & Chips @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A 6.50 (2-7pm) Fish & Chip Night @ Condado Club, Condado de Alhma 7.95 from 6pm Fish & Chips @ Viggos, Pto de Mazarrn 2 Course Surf/Turf Night @ New Royal, Pto de Mazarrn 10 inc btl wine for 2 Mixed Grill Night @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A 10 Romantic 4 Course Dinner @ Amapola Restaurante, Bolnuevo 24 inc btl wine for 2 Disco & Karaoke with Suzy G @ Alley Palais, Camposol B 9pm-late Lisa B @ Black Bull, Camposol B Noahs ARC Book Sale/Bric-a-Brac @ Camposol B 9.30am-2pm Lions Mazarrn booking events etc outside Compusurf, Camposol B 11am GOmaD Donations @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B/Costa Calida Radio 12.30-2pm Age Concern booking events etc @ Commercial Centre, Camposol B 11am-1pm Every Sat Harlequin Rock Choir Meeting @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 2-4pm Gourmet Dinner @ Amapola Restaurante, Bolnuevo 24 inc btl wine for 2 Mixed Grill Menu @ Condado Club, Condado de Alhma MABS MMM Book Sale @ The Arches Bar, Los Alczares 10am-1pm HELP MMM Sale of up-market clothes @ The Arches Bar, Los Alczares 10am-1pm PALS for booking events @ Trevis, Camposol B 11am-1.30pm Every Sun Car Boot Sale @ Caadas del Romero Social Centre 8.30am Car Boot Sale @ Venta Romero, Cuevas de Reyllo. 9am-2pm Sunday Lunch @ The Wishing Well, Valladolises from 5.95 Sunday Lunch @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A from 6.50 Sunday Roast @ BoraBora, Pto de Mazarrn 6.95 Sunday Roast @ AP Grill, Camposol B, 6.95 Sunday Lunch @ Condado Club, Condado de Alhama from 6.95 Sunday Roast @ New Royal, Pto de Mazarrn 8.50 inc a drink Sunday Carvery @ The Club House Bistro, Camposol C from 9 Sunday Roast @ Lizs Cafe, Camposol B 10 inc a drink 3 Course Sunday Lunch @ Elliots, Bolnuevo 10 3 Course Sunday Roast (am & pm) @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 10 Meat Carvery/Vegetable Buffet @ La Mariposa, Gebas from 10.50 inc glass wine/beer Sunday Special @ Amapola Restaurante, Bolnuevo 16 (1 child free for every 2 adults) inc btl wine for 2 Chilli Night @ Big Gs, Condado de Alhama 7.50 inc a drink HELP MMM Car Boot @ Autocine, Los Narejos 8.30am-12.30 Open Day @ Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, Rojales 1-4pm MAY Thursday 1 May Day Fiestas del Barrio de San Jos Obrero, Alcantarilla Workshop for Mazarron Schools by Jose Jerez (until 21st) Adventures, Land & People Talks by Charlas de Juan Francisco Cerezo (until 30th) HELP MMM Carnival @ La Zona, Los Alczares from 4pm Friday 2 Trip to Wine Horses of Caravaca with Viajes Dragontours Country Music Night @ Marianos, Camposol A 7.45pm Uncle Tom Cobbley @ The Club House, Camposol C
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The CAS Band @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A MABS Murcia NW Outdoor Market Stall @ Calle Segura, Calasparra 9am-1pm MABS Mazarrn Jigsaw Bereavement Group @ Cats Bar, Camposol A 12pm Mazarrn Bahia Leo Club @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 7-9pm (12-18yrs) Saturday 3 Santsima y Vera Cruz, Caravaca de la Cruz Santa Cruz, Abanilla and Ulea Los Mayos, Alhama de Murcia Fiestas de la Santa Cruz en El Estrecho, Fuente lamo ADAPT Meeting @ Pensionista de Hogar, San Pedro 10.30am Welcome Meeting @ Marianos, Camposol A 2pm USA Big Stack Burger Theme Night @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A Danny Ray @ Restaurante Alandalus, Calasparra 8 inc cod/chips Uncle Tom Cobbley, Hollies Tribute @ New Royal, Pto de Mazarrn Gemma @ The Arches, Los Alczares Martin Ross @ The Clover, Condado de Alhama Highway 69 @ Black Bull, Camposol B Woody @ The Club House, Camposol C Sunday 4 Artisan Market @ Bullas Downhill Cycling Day/4 course lunch @ La Mariposa, Gebas 35 inc bike/guide/safety equipment Mazarrn FC v Santiago de la Ribera (away) Team Harmony BBQ/San Animal Santuario @ Cazalla 3 food/1 drinks 2pm A Story of No Signicance English Theatre Performance @ Aledo, 6 inc drink & tapa 7pm Uncle Tom Cobbley @ The Club House, Camposol C Monday 5 Tuesday 6 PALS Monthly Meeting @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 11.15am Stamp Collectors Meeting @ Biblioteca, Pto de Mazarrn 6pm Parkinsons Friendship Group @ Club de Mayores (behind Pepelinos), Isla Plana 10am-12pm HAH Volunteers Meeting @ Bacchus Restaurant, La Oasis, Los Narejos 11.15am MABS Murcia NE Auction @ Bobs Bar, Fortuna 2pm Forget Me Not Fun Run @ Camposol 8pm
Wednesday 7
Beach Boot Camp with CDA Fitness @ Pto de Mazarrn Mazarrn Classic & Sports Car Group Meeting @ Los Galaygos, Pto de Mazarrn 4pm 5 Course Fruits of the Sea Tasting Menu @ The Club House, Camposol C 25 Age Concern Talking Shop Social @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 1.30-3.30pm
Thursday 8
World Red Cross Day Ladies Chatterbox Group @ The Cultural Centre, Camposol B 2pm Beacon of Light Centre Fundraising Event @ Condado de Alhama 5 7.45pm
Friday 9
Europe Day Indoor Market with fashion/bling/DVDs etc @ Alley Palais, Camposol B ASSSA Open Day with drinks and tapas in Los Alcazares 10.30am4.30pm River Rafting/4 course lunch @ La Mariposa, Gebas 65 inc minibus to & from Cieza/snack Mussel Night @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 10 7pm Woody @ Alley Palais, Camposol B
MABS Mazarrn Book Sale @ Commercial Centre, Camposol B 9am-1pm GOmAD Table Top Sale @ Commercial Centre, Camposol B 10am2pm FAST Book Stall @ Commercial Centre, Camposol B HELP MMM Friendship Group @ Asia Restaurant, San Javier 1pm Charity Fun Race Night @ Alandalus, Calasparra 4 Saturday 10 Humanists of Murcia Walk. Departs Oasis Bar, Bolnuevo 10am Mazarrn FC Quiz Night/Social Evening/Disco @ Black Bull, Camposol B 7 inc supper USA Food Night/Steak/Chips/Egg @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A The Wildcats @ BoraBora, Pto de Mazarrn 2.30pm Ken Maybury, Hypnotist @ New Royal, Pto de Mazarrn Suzy G @ The Arches, Los Alczares Chloe Lee @ The Clover, Condado de Alhama Pitu @ The Club House, Camposol C Rod Stewart Tribute @ La Mariposa, Gebas Sunday 11 Artisan Market @ Mula Mazarrn FC v Moratalla AD (home) Walk in Moratalla El Villar de Benizar-Castillo de Benizar 9am Guided Walk/4 course lunch @ La Mariposa, Gebas 12 String Quintet Eliocroca Concert @ Cultural Centre, Mazarrn Tuesday 13 Welcome Book Swap @ ICA Medical Centre, Camposol B 10am-12pm HAH Table Top Sale @ La Zona Bar, Los Alccares 10am-2pm HELP MMM Charity Market @ La Zona Bar, Los Alcazres 11am-1pm Wednesday 14 General Meeting of SAMM @ CAR Infanta Cristina, Los Narejos 11am Welcome Dance feat Done n Dusted @ Marianos, Camposol A 8 2 Course Gourmet Mixed Grill Night @ The Club House, Camposol C 15 (20 option avail) MABS Murcia NE Fortuna Ladies Lunch Club @ Las Palmeras, Baos de Fortuna 1pm MABS Murcia NW Volunteers Meeting @ 5pm Age Concern Open Day @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 11am-1pm Thursday 15 San Isidro @ Yecla, Fortuna and Mula ASSSA Open Day with drinks and tapas in Pto de Mazarrn 10.30am4.30pm Friday 16 2 Course Lobster Night @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 25 7pm FAST May Ball/Terry Jay @ Amapola Restaurante, Bolnuevo 25 (coach 5) MABS Murcia NW Outdoor Stall @ Calle Segura, Calasparra 9am-1pm MABS Mazarrn Book Sale @ Commercial Centre, Camposol B 9am-1pm Mazarrn Bahia Leo Club @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 7-9pm (12-18yrs) Saturday 17 IV Regatta @ Bahia de Mazarrn 2 Hour Tour of Cehegin & School of Wine with Cehegin Tourist Ofce USA Food Night /Sticky Ribs @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A Los Granjues Dog Band @ BoraBora, Pto de Mazarrn 2.30pm Vinny Mac @ The Arches, Los Alczares The CAS Band @ The Clover, Condado de Alhama Lenny Mitchell @ The Club House, Camposol C Martin Ross @ La Mariposa, Gebas Suzy G @ New Royal, Pto de Mazarrn Peter & The Wolf Concert @ Cultural Centre, Mazarrn
Monday 12
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FAST May Fayre @ Marianos, Camposol A 1 11am-3pm Age Concern Open Day @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 11am-1pm Noahs Arc Fundraiser/Entertainment @ Black Bull, Camposol B 5 JJs Table Top Stall @ SaraLaras Bar, Puerto de Mazarrn 11am-2pm Open Door Gospel Music/Slater Family @ Los Almagros 7pm Free entry Sunday 18 Artisan Market @ Caravaca Artisan Market @ Sanctuary de la Esperanza, Calasparra 10am-6pm Car Boot Sale @ Via Verde, Cehegin IV Regatta @ Bahia de Mazarrn Mazarrn FC v Nuestro Abaran CF (away) Ruta del Ferrocarril (Railway Route) with Aguilas Tourist Information Centre HELP MMM General Meeting @ Las Claras, Los Narejos 11.30am HAH Auction @ La Zona Bar, Los Narejos from 1pm Camposol Camera Club @ The Club House, Camposol C 4pm 5 Course Italian Tasting Menu @ The Club House, Camposol C 20 Vannesa @ The Arches, Los Alczares HAH Chatters @ Bacchus Restaurant, La Oasis, Los Narejos 11.15am Thursday 22 Trip to Elche with Viajes Dragontours Downhill Cycling Day/4 course lunch @ La Mariposa, Gebas 35 inc bike/guide/safety equipment Comedy Night with Cloud Nine Drama @ La Molata Social Centre, Los Muoces 5 8pm River Rafting/4 course lunch@ La Mariposa, Gebas 65 inc minibus to & from Cieza/snack Saln del Vehculo de Ocasin @ IFEPA, Torre Pacheco (until 25th) Johnny Sax @ Black Bull, Camposol B Magnetik Surf @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A Saturday 24 Fiestas de Mayo, Alcantarilla 9.5km Nature Walk, Cehegn 9am Comedy Night with Cloud Nine Drama @ La Molata Social Centre, Los Muoces 5 8pm Hispanic American Night @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A Classic Rock Band @ BoraBora, Pto de Mazarrn 2.30pm Robbie James @ The Clover, Condado de Alhama Ed Temple Hypnosis/Comedy Show/3 Course Meal Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 17.50 Time Warp Duo @ Alley Palais, Camposol B John E Wood @ The Club House, Camposol C Elvis Tribute @ La Mariposa, Gebas Los Duques @ New Royal, Pto de Mazarrn Angie McKay @ The Arches, Los Alczares Sunday 25 Corpus Christi y Virgen de la Salud, Archena EU Elections Artisan Market @ Plaza del Castillo, Cehegin 10am with food tasting Mazarrn FC v Beniajan CF (home ) Comedy Night with Cloud Nine Drama @ La Molata Social Centre, Los Muoces 5 8pm Walk in Moratalla Calar de la Santa-Fuentes Grandes 9am Guided Walk/4 course lunch @ La Mariposa, Gebas 12 Welcome Book Swap @ ICA Medical Centre, Camposol B 10am-12pm River Rafting/4 course lunch @ La Mariposa, Gebas 65 inc minibus to & from Cieza/snack Monthly B Clean Meeting @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B 4pm
Tuesday 20
Wednesday 21
Friday 23
Monday 26 Tuesday 27
MABS Mazarrn Volunteer Meeting @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B 11.30am Wednesday 28 Welcome Petanca @ Marianos, Camposol A 2pm Market @ BoraBora, Pto de Mazarrn 11am-3pm 3 Course Steak Night @ The Club House, Camposol C 15 Suzy G @ The Arches, Los Alczares MABS Murcia NE Volunteers Meeting @ La Carcelera, Urb Las Kalendas, Fortuna 11.30am Age Concern Menu del Dia @ Restaurante Peyma, Pto de Mazarrn 10 Friday 30 Indoor Market with fashion/bling/DVDs etc @ Alley Palais, Camposol B NEST Snow Houses Walk 10.30am at El Berro Car Park Indian Masterchef Competition @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 8pm Mr Jinx @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A GOmAD Table Top Sale @ Commercial Centre, Camposol B 10am2pm HAH Table Top Sale @ La Zona Bar, Los Narejos 10am-1pm MARA Lunch @ Las Lomas, Calasparra 2pm 12 FAST Book Stall @ Commercial Centre, Camposol B Age Concern Table Top Sale @ Camposol B Commercial Centre
Saturday 31
Paella Night @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A Scott James @ BoraBora, Pto de Mazarrn 2.30pm Barrington @ La Mariposa, Gebas Angie McKay @ The Club House, Camposol C Stoned Rolling Stones Tribute @ New Royal, Pto de Mazarrn J J Soulman @ The Arches, Los Alczares Live Entertainment (Artiste tbc) @ Black Bull, Camposol B Woody @ The Clover, Condado de Alhama
JUNE Sunday 1 Fiestas Trinitario-Berberiscas, Torre Pacheco Artisan Market @ Bullas Mazarrn FC v AD Soho, Medi (away) Monday 2 Tuesday 3 PALS Monthly Meeting @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 11.15am Stamp Collectors Meeting @ Biblioteca, Pto de Mazarrn 6pm Mazarrn FC End of Season Buffet/Woody @ The Club House, Camposol C 10 HAH Volunteers Meeting @ Bacchus Restaurant, La Oasis, Los Narejos 11.15am MABS Murcia NE Auction @ Bobs Bar, Fortuna 2pm
Wednesday 4
Mazarrn Classic & Sports Car Group Meeting 4pm Age Concern Talking Shop Social @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 1.30-3.30pm
Friday 6
Indian Masterchef Competition @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 8pm MABS Murcia NW Outdoor Market Stall @ Calle Segura, Calasparra 9am-1pm MABS Mazarrn Jigsaw Bereavement Group @ Cats Bar, Camposol A 12pm St Nicholas Church Fte & Flower Festival (until 8th)
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Fiestas In Spring As anyone who has lived any time at all in Spain, you will know that Spaniards love a esta and Spring in Andaluca and Murcia are full of colourful and fascinating estas. The Feria de Abril in Sevilla curiously falls completely in May this year due to the lateness of Easter. The women of Sevilla dress in their nest and most colourful dresses, the men in sombre black and horses are ridden through the town, while at night the fair-grounds, illuminated by thousands of bulbs, open up for dancing, drinking and eating. May begins with Los Mayos throughout Spain, when crosses are set up and decorated with owers; a reminder perhaps of the pre-Christian maypoles, trees decorated with ribbons and owers celebrating the rebirth of nature, with dances and rituals. In Murcia, special mention should be made of
Cieza, Alhama de Murcia and Caravaca de la Cruz, whose church claims a piece of the True Cross which is bathed in wine on May 3rd, as part of their May festivities. Part of these festivities is the Wine Horse Festival on May 2nd; well worth a visit. Come along with Dragontours for this wonderful day, join in the festivities and feel a part of this colourful festival. Later in May you can enjoy Cordoba when many of the interior private patios, full of carefully tended owers, are open to the public. You might want to visit Jerez de la Frontera for its Horse Fair dating back to the 13th century, but now an internationally famous festival, where you can enjoy watching classic and western dressage, amenco dancing and singing. Dragontours can prepare a trip for you to any or all of these wonderful destinations, on
your own or on one of our day trips, providing you with maps and interesting history and background knowledge. Our guides speak English and Spanish, so you are guaranteed qualied assistance if you need help. All our trips include a 1-day travel insurance, so even if something unexpected happens, you can travel with the peace of mind that you deserve. Why not enjoy a visit to the lovely city of Elche and its palm forests and one of the shoe factories, on May 22nd? On June 11th we are planning a boat trip to a lovely island off the coast of Alicante and the rst of many Wednesday market days in Benidorm start on June 18th. Tel 968 199 021 Email info@dragontours.net We look forward to meeting you.
Country Music in Camposol With people coming from Isla Plana, Totana and Alhama as well as Camposol, Marianos is proving popular. The live music on our April night was provided by Interactive Murcia. Their song A Womans Way is on the shortlist for country song of the year on UK Country Radio - were rootin for you Geraldine.
taught Mexican Salsa, a line dance, to a Carleen Carter song. Must have gone down well as it was asked for later in the evening! As normal, we do our best to involve everyone, so Doug, one of Maureen and Simons party handled the rafe. Have never seen a dance being done with someone crawling between your legs - all good clean harmless fun!
Costa Clida area, appearing for the rst time here, Paul Allen will provide the live entertainment - no doubt he will sing his Ryanair song. We meet on the 1st Friday of each month, at Marianos, Camposol A, starting at 7.45pm. From then until 9pm, a line dance and then a partner dance will be taught, intermingled with requests. At 9pm the live music kicks in. If you would like more information please contact thw35@yahoo.co.uk or tel 610 632 152 PS - The phantom poster thief strikes again on Camposol A at Marianos and Alans shop. If you want to collect our posters, (Steve does make a wonderful job of these) just phone and well deliver a few direct to you. It will save you slinking around in the dark, continually looking over your shoulder to ensure no-one sees you!
Normally Ann teaches a line dance, but as she was incapacitated that night, Tom
Our next night will be on Friday 2nd May, at Marianos, Camposol A; a new name to the
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March 27th saw Fuente Old Guard make one of their regular trips to the Altorreal course at Murcia. Always busy, with lots of people about, this course is a favourite for most societies; a combination of quality and reasonable prices. Our day went well; good weather, course in great condition, players raring to go. The Overall Winner and Winner Of Division Three was Jim Kinniburgh with 32 points conrming that there is no substitute for age and experience.
Chris Andrews coming a very close second with 25 points. That left the Runners-Up in Divisions Two and Three, Tony Cook with 29 points and Les Day with 28 points to reect on what might have been. Hard luck guys.
Dave Barrett came a close Second Overall and outright Winner Of Division Two with 31 points. Meanwhile with the big boys in Division One, Gerry McRobert continued his run of form by winning that division with a points total of 26 points with our newest member,
Other successes on the day were the Nearest The Pin Winners Dave Simpson and that man Chris Andrews taking the rest of the prizes. Should anyone wish to join FOGS or just play as a guest, please contact Dave on 868 082 013.
The 12 Month Cyclist MTB Routes The initiative is being organized by the Department of Sports, Mazarrn in collaboration with the Club Ciclista Phoenicians 2.0. Those who participate in at least 8 of the routes can enter the draw for a voucher of 150 contributed by the Department of Tourism to buy sports equipment in the local municipality. The next route takes place on Sunday 25th May at Castillo de Azohia for 33kms. It is low-medium/hard and will start at 9am. To register for the route, please go to the municipal website www.mazarron.es and download the brochure. Once completed, please present it at the sports complex. Minors may participate if your tutor participates in the route and also have the required authorization of your guardian. V Route Of Strengths Mazarrn produced a great performance coming in 119th among 3,259 athletes who completed the test. On Saturday April 5th in Cartagena, the V Path of Strengths, a run of 53kms, was held. This is a competition that is gaining more and more followers with the participation of 3,750 athletes this year. Mazarrn athlete, Seba Mara Noguera Rabal came in 119th place in the senior female runners after completing the test in 5 hours, 35 minutes and 2 seconds.
Mazarrn Hosted V Regional Clay Pigeon Shooting Championship The competition took place in the range of the setting of La Asomaica in Los Rincones with great success and with favourable weather conditions. The event was organized by the Federation of Hunting in the Region of Murcia and the Society of Hunters La Purisima de Mazarrn. For more information about the sport, as well as various regional trials, go to the website www.federacioncaza.com Juan Francisco Lpez Wins A Silver Medal The II Open Table Tennis in Murcia Competition was held in Los Narejos when the Table Tennis Club Mazarrn entered 6 players. The best result achieved in this tournament was Juan Francisco Lopez who won a silver medal in the Alevin category after losing the nal against Antonio Diaz CD Murcia by a tight 3-2. Benito Gonzalez nished 4th in the Benjamin category while Catevilla Christian had to retire injured with a muscle spasm. Antonio Fernandez, competed in the Kids category and Juan Miguel Ortiz and Miguel Navarro, in Youth category. New Sports Challenges The player Juan Francisco Lpez, from DC Table Tennis Mazarrn, has been selected by the Royal Spanish Table Tennis Federation to attend a technical course within the
National Plan of Sports Modernization. Meanwhile, Miguel Ortiz has qualied to compete in the Championship of Spain in the Children category. Miguel will represent Murcia in May in San Javier with a serious chance of ghting for medals when he will team with Javier Soria and Javier Valero. Along with the aforementioned players Miguel was the 2013 champion of the Spanish Alevn team. Regional Final Of Schools Sport Duathlon Esplanade Erosions Bolnuevo had hosted the regional nal Duathlon School Sports programme. 402 students arrived from different parts of the Murcia to participate in this event. Alejandro Navarro Rodrguez from Mazarrn Athletics Club won the bronze medal in Junior category Precisely in this same category and the team Domingo Valdivieso came 3rd. Councillor for Sports, Andrs Valera, wanted to thank the fantastic work once again deployed by members of Civil Protection, Local Police and Mazarrn Red Cross, managed the competition without incident. The full results of all categories are available at http://www.conxip.com/result. php?IdEvento=988
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The appointment of new coach, Javi had a remarkable effect on Mazarrn FCs fortunes. Despite losing his rst game against La Hoya Lorca CF by the narrow margin of 1-0, Mazarrn went on to win three successive games for the rst time this season. In addition to the marked improvement in performances and results, Javi had a positive impact on the poor disciplinary record at the club and only three yellow cards in total were issued to Mazarrn players in those three games. Ten goals were scored and only two conceded, which meant that the defence, which had been leaking goals previously, had been tightened, without detracting from the free-scoring play of the forwards. By mid April, Tolos 22 goals (8 of them with his previous club Soho.Medi) and Jose Rubens 19 goals made them second and third top scorers in the league respectively.
and overhaul the 9th position and 45 points they achieved last season. If they do this, it will be the rst time in the last four years that some improvement has been made and this will, hopefully, persuade the better players in the squad to remain at the club for a realistic attempt at promotion next season. Mazarrons home games are normally played on Sundays with varying kick-off times. Admission is 4 with juveniles free. Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC also organise a supporters coach to each away game at 8 for members and 10 for non-members. Full details of all games, date and kick off times and coach departure times both home and away, are normally not announced until the Wednesday before the weekend on which the game is to be played and advertised in the local media, on www.mazarronfc.es and on posters at various points throughout Camposol and Mazarron. Forthcoming xtures: Sunday 4th May Santiago de la Ribera (away) Sunday 11th May Moratalla AD (home) Sunday 18th May Nuestro Abaran CF (away) Sunday 25th May Beniajan CF (home) Sunday 1st June AD Soho.Medi (away) If you have not been to a home game at Mazarrn before, please come along. Los Amigos members run a supporters bar where you can buy hot and cold drinks, including beer, wine and spirits at knockdown prices and also hot pies and pasties, especially enjoyable at half time. The Mazarrn FC President, Jose Rodriguez and new Coach Javi attended one of the weekly Los Amigos meetings at the end of March to outline their plans for the future of the club and to answer any questions put to them. The Mayor of El Saladillo, Jose Navarro kindly acted as interpreter and all parties agreed that the afternoon had been most benecial. This will now be repeated on a quarterly basis which should further cement the already excellent relationship between the Mazarrn FC and its ex-pat supporters.
Committee met with Jose Rodriguez on 2nd April at the Football Ground to present a cheque for 2,500 from the proceeds of the recent Gala Evening and Dinner. They took the opportunity of discussing a number of issues of concern which had been raised by members and came away most satised with the outcome of the meeting.
Our monthly Luncheon Club continues to go from strength to strength, the third outing being to La Molata on 22nd April where members and friends enjoyed Menu del Dia for 9. Coach for just 5 enabled people to have a few drinks without the problem of having to drive. It is interesting to note that members certainly seem to take advantage of this!! Quiz Night and Social Evening at Black Bull, Camposol B, on Saturday 10th May. In addition to the quiz which has been devised by Los Amigos member Steve Wilson, there will be music and dancing to Dynamic Daves Dazzling Disco. Tickets 7 to including supper. Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC end of season function, incorporating the Player of the Year Awards, will be held at The Club House, Camposol C on Tuesday 3rd June. Players and staff from Mazarrn FC will be in attendance and entertainment will be provided by Woody. Tickets 10 to include a buffet supper. Tickets for the above are on sale at the weekly Los Amigos meetings or email pamada.1130@yahoo.co.uk Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC weekly meetings at The Club House, Camposol C at 4 pm. Social meetings are open to anyone every Thursday with the exception of the last Thursday of each month which is reserved for the Members Business Meeting and open to members only. If you are interested in football or just want to meet new friends in pleasant surroundings please come along and join us.
Hopefully, the improved results will see Mazarrn move further up the league table
Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC Executive
Captains Farewell The last social function of the CGA year, The Captains Farewell took place at La Rata in Totana on 21st March. The food was excellent, the service great and the dance oor never empty thanks to our entertainment Sunower Valley. A very successful rafe was held on the night. the prizes for which were mainly purchased from TJ Electricals, Camposol B, who heavily discounted them when they heard that any prots were going to FAST, MABS and Cruz Roja. Prior to the Dinner Dance there was a Mixed Golf Competition at Camposol Club de Golf. Club De Golf Camposol The weather for the Club de Golf Competition on 28th March was a bit on the dull side and cold. As there were not many people playing in this competition, the eld was split into two halves with half of the players teeing off on the 1st and the remainder played off the 10th which worked perfectly. The course was playing really well and every time we play there is some improvement to be seen on the course thanks to the hard working green staff and all the nance and efforts the Club Directors are putting into the Golf Club. The competition was sponsored by Holmes & Pegg Estate Agents who unfortunately were too busy to attend the prize-giving, therefore Colin stepped in to distribute the prizes. Overall Main Prizes 1st Bill Berrie, 39 points 2nd Mark Henwood 38 3rd Vron Porter 37
Ladies Category 1st Jo Williams 33 pts 2nd Jean Smith 32 pts Gents (0 16) st 1 Clive Porter 36pts nd 2 Eugene Toye 36pts (on count back) Gents (17 28) 1st Tony Lambert 34pts 2nd Fred Moseley 34pts (on count back) All cards that were not in the golf prizes were put into a Lucky Dip draw for 5 further prizes. Many golfers stayed on to socialise and most of the bad shots were quickly forgotten. The report on the Monthly Club Competition is usually written by the Captain of Club de Golf Norman Morgan who could not attend as he has just had an operation on his ankle and we all wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to him joining us again soon, both on the course and in the bar. The Costa Clida Ladies League On 31st March the 5th match in the 6 match series for the Costa Clida Ladies League saw Hacienda del Alamo travelling to Peraleja to play against The Dolly Mixtures and Camposol
travelling to La Manga to play their match. HDA very narrowly lost their match against Peraleja, whilst Camposol narrowly won their match against the La Manga team. It was a lovely day and the matches were all very close and hotly contended. The results as they stand at the moment are Peraleja in the lead with 96 points, HDA with 87 points, La Manga 76 points and Camposol with 93 points. It makes for an exciting nal xture on 28th April and we are all eagerly looking forward to see who will be triumphant this year. Whoever wins has to organise and host a fun game with a meal for the Ladies League Trophy. To participate in the League you only need a group of 6 ladies, so if you are interested or would like more information please contact Betty Roberts on bettylloyd1560@hotmail. com
We will have played our next game at Lorca by the time you read this. Anyone wishing to
Geoff Sharp hatters45@msn.com
On a chilly and very, very windy day the members questioned the committees decision to venture out onto the course, but to a man they did. After several holes though, there were many mutterings about the wind moving the ball from all angles and across the greens, faster than they could run. Still, and despite the grumbles, we all managed to get round to the 19th hole in one piece where cards were checked and the winner announced. Winner with a good score of 37 points, Tom Percy (pictured) came out on top. He was closely followed by Jeff Perry in 2nd Place with 33 points and Roy Clark and John Dowgill coming 3rd with 30 points.
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Mad Dogs & Not ALL Englishmen On Wednesday 26th March the members gathered at Corvera Golf to play the usual monthly game, although a large number had wondered why they had got out of bed.
The Nearest The Pin Winner was also Tom, who declared he wanted a windy day each time the society meet!!
join Straight Down the Middle Golf Society, or come along as a guest, is welcome to contact us for details.
Supermoto Kicks Off In Alicante The rst round of the Spanish Supermoto Championship took place at the Chicharra Karting circuit in Villena, Alicante on Sunday 27th April. With both of the Ford-Dunn brothers from Murcia competing in the open and Master championship classes the action is sure to be fast and exciting. The Chicharra race circuit features a variety of both high and low speed corners before the riders re themselves off one of the faster curves into the off road section with high speed jumps and turns before rejoining the circuit to complete the lap. The racing is always close in the tight and technical circuit.
Mat and Anthony Ford-Dunn have been busy already this season with both brothers taking a double win each, in their respective classes at the rst round of the Catalan Championship held back in March, but their next biggest challenge came over the Easter weekend when the brothers travelled to France for the rst round of the world championships where they take on the worlds best Supermoto racers. The learning curve was steep, but what better way to prepare for the following weekends Spanish championship round at Villena. A full report will hopefully be in next months Chronicle.
New Sponsor For Sporting Camposol Thanks to the sponsorship of @ Home Furniture Mazarrn, Sporting Camposol has another player added to the team. His name is Alejandro, an 18 year old player and thanks to his sponsors he can play matches now. I am very pleased with Alejandro. We now have 25 players who can all train and play matches. Next season we want to expand with a youth team with players from 15/18 years, but without sponsors we can
do nothing. We are very grateful to all the sponsors on behalf of the whole club. says coach Jelco Oosterhof. For anyone that is looking for a good game of football, keep an eye on the Facebook page Sporting Camposol for further news. Everyone is welcome to any of the matches of course. Jelco, Augustin, Pepe & Bennie
More than 40 young waterpolo players aged 12-14 years from 6 clubs in the Valencian region have been battling it out to get a place in the Valencian team since November, having trials to get down to the last 14 players.
The team was nalized in February and English school boy Sammy Lear was amongst them. He started off swimming in Elche Club Natacion in 2011, then in 2012 went on to play waterpolo for his current Club Waterpolo Elche. The 14 year old has achieved so much in the last 18 months, playing waterpolo, travelling most weekends to competitions all over the Valencian region and helping his team to their current position on top of the league for Infantils followed by Turia in second. In the Campeonato de Espana Infantils (effectively the Spanish National Championships) in Madrid they played Galicia in their rst match and won 15-11. The match against Catalua ended with a disappointing 17-1 defeat, but they beat Pais Vasco 8-2 and they narrowly beat Ceunta 8-7 putting them through to the semi nals.
Against Madrid, who took the silver medal last year, they won 9-7 giving them a place in the nal against the current champions of Spain, Catalua. The game started well and with Sammy playing in defence he managed to stop them scoring too many goals, but the match ended with the nal score Catalua 12 Valencia 4. Comunidad Valencia had never before won a medal of any sort in this competition so history was made with them earning second spot in the competition. Sammy and his team mates also had the pleasure of meeting Rafael Aguilar Morillo, the coach of the Mens National Spanish team, who was impressed by the standard of all players. Next to look forward to is BCN Barcelona 2014 in July with Sammys current Club Waterpolo Elche, hoping to be in the top ve clubs.
I had been waiting for an Ace for several years. I had almost given up, as it was not going to happen for me like many of the others, including the golng great, Jack Nicklaus, who remains today as the greatest golfer in history, having won the world record number of major championships all around the globe, but has never scored a Hole-in-One in any competition recorded. This reminder came as a surprise by scoring the Ace wearing a shirt of the famous Jack Nicklaus! My last Hole-in-One, number 13, was on the La Manga South Course hole 5th, recorded and also witnessed by other players waiting on the 6th tee by the side of the 5th green at La Manga Golf, including Professional Manuel Ballesteros who kindly presented me with a cup and a shirt at the dinner for being the rst
I had played my shot from the championship tee at the Camposol Club de Golf with three other players. We were unable to nd my golf ball on the green. Every one said that it had gone past the green at the back in the woods. We kept looking for my golf ball. We found a few other golf balls, but not the one I played off from the tee on the 11th. Finally another player, Charlie, putting on the green shouted Dev you have a Hole-in-One! I thought at rst that he was joking or we had lost the hole to the opposition, but when he gave me my Golf Ball titlist with two green dots, I nally came to appreciate that my Unlucky 13 had got off my back as I had been very close to a Ace for the past several years. player in a competition to score a Hole-in-One at the 5th. Dev Dutt
Sprightly Crew Tip of the Month Steel V Graphite Golf Club Shafts Should you go with steel shafts or graphite shafts? What are the differences between the two? Is one type of shaft better for you than another? These are questions that many newcomers to golf and even many golfers who have played for years have in mind when they go shopping for a new set of clubs. In the old days, the general feeling was that recreational golfers, mid and high handicappers, should use graphite, while the better players, low handicappers, would stick with steel. Thats not necessarily true anymore. If European & PGA Tour golfers are using graphite shafts, that puts the lie to the idea that graphite is only for weaker players. All the way back in 2004, Tiger Woods switched from a steel shaft to a graphite shaft in his driver (most pros made that switch even earlier). As with every type of golf equipment the key is to try out both kinds and determine which type best ts your swing, but there are differences between steel and graphite that could help you choose one over the other Some Key Points Steel shafts are less expensive than graphite. Steel shafts were once considered much more durable than graphite. Thats not so much the case anymore. Quality graphite shafts will last, as long as you do so long as they are not chipped, cracked, or the laminate-seal is not peeling. Steel shafts will last forever so long as they are not bent, rusted or pitted. Graphite shafts transmit fewer vibrations up the shaft to the golfers hands than steel shafts. This might be good or bad, depending on your skill level. You might want that added feedback that steel shafts offer, or you might be tired of your hands stinging so
much on miss-hit shots. The Most Important Point Graphite shafts are lighter than steel shafts. According to club making and equipment guru Tom Wishon, the difference in weight between graphite shafts and steel shafts will translate, for most golfers, into an additional 2-4mph of swing speed with graphite. That could mean an extra 6-12 yards of distance with a graphite shaft, compared to a steel shaft. In the ever-present quest for more yards, more and more golfers prefer graphite shafts. What It All Means You probably want more yards too; therefore you should choose graphite shafts, right? Probably, but not necessarily! As we said, the majority of golfers these days are going to graphite, at least in their woods, but steel shafts maintain a very strong presence in golf, especially among low-handicappers and scratch players. In many cases, those are golfers who dont need the extra boost of swing speed that graphite shafts can pro-
vide. Players who prefer steel shafts often make that choice because their heavier weight provides the golfer with a feeling of more control over the club head during the swing. These are players who can analyze and benet from the added feedback (more vibrations traveling up the shaft) that steel provides. Quote Tom Wishon: If gaining more distance is a primary goal for the golfer, they should denitely be t with the proper graphite shaft design in their woods and irons to match their swing. On the other hand, if distance is not the main focus for the golfer because they already have a high swing speed, if they like the feel of steel and their swing tempo matches a little better to the higher total weight steel shafts bring to the clubs, then steel is the better option. Ill add that anyone who is not physically strong, or has physical problems in their hands, forearms or shoulders that are exacerbated by the bad vibes of a miss-hit shot, should go with graphite.
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Bread maker 35 Rice/pasta maker 35 Tel 650 633 365 NuAir Mobile Compressor 950D 11bar 50ltr. 3 x New unused air line coils/new tyre gauge/ paint spray/dust blower/oil unit. Needs new air lter 100 Leaf blower/vacuum/mulcher Electrolux gd cond 25 Tel 868 127 912 WANTED Wanted second hand caravan Tel 636 172 198 Garden furniture - table/chairs/loungers etc. Dining table & chairs. Reasonable prices please. Tel 650 633 365 Fridge for caravan Call Ken 646 705 403 GROUPS CLASSIFIED ADS ARE AVAILABLE FREE FOR ITEMS UNDER 500 OR FOR WANTED/LOST ITEMS. (FOR NON-COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES ONLY AND EXCLUDING PROPERTIES, VEHICLES AND BOATS) Maximum 20 words and 3 classied ads per customer. Please go to our Contact Us page at www.costacalidachronicle.com and put Classied advert in the Subject line, email costacalidachronicle@gmail.com or call 968 970 680 10-2pm Mon-Fri
A Place in the Sun Property Exhibition Olympia Update Our stand at Olympia was hugely successful during March 28th to 30th. Over 6000 visitors passed through the exhibition according to the organisers; the best attendances since 2007. We ourselves recorded 150+ very interested clients - several of whom have already visited us here in Spain and purchased properties through us. More viewing trips from the show are scheduled during May and June. I was surprised how under-represented the Murcia/ Costa Clida region was, but this was an advantage in so far as we were very much in demand by house-hunters across the 3 days looking to buy in our area. Price and location were obvious key factors, with many visitors looking for bank-reposses-
sions or distressed prices. It was very clear that Bargains was the key word. We have already booked our triple stand for 3rd5th October 2014 at NEC Birmingham and shall be offering free tickets soon, valued at 10 each. As we pass into the 2nd quarter of 2014, all indicators point to a buoyant Spring/ Summer selling season. Enquiries are well up on last year and viewing requests are surging in. Both coastal and country properties are in demand as well as the urbanisations such as Mazarrn Country Club and Camposol. Market Predictions Moran Zhang, a well-respected nance and economics reporter at The International
Business Times, predicts in her recent articles that the Spanish property market can still expect to see falls of between 10% and 15% in 2014, mostly due to the dire employment situation in Spain, along with an excess of 700,000 unsold properties. Overseas buyers in Spain make up a tiny percentage of the market, so even with growing demand from abroad, Spanish buyers are hard to nd and their expectations of price reects their general lack of condence in their home market. Kenneth Whettall Commercial Director Fuente Alamo Real Estate/Murcia Coast & Country Info@fuentealamorealestate.com Tel 0034 968 598 173
Outside Living The weather starts to get much warmer from this month and most of our holiday clients come to Spain with the dream of al fresco living in the sun. Most people pay a lot of attention to designing their indoor living space, but dont forget your terraces and gardens, which offer a natural extension to your home. Shade. Many homes have a concrete pergola attached. Use this to offer some much needed shade, either from a canvas awning or plants. Flowering climbers look attractive, whilst vines offer the chance to enjoy the shade AND the fruits of your labour, although regular watering is needed. Outside Furniture. Invest in good quality outside furniture. It is worth paying more for materials that will withstand the harsh summer sun, which makes some plastics brittle after just one season. Textiline fabrics and the new woven plastics should last 3 to 4 seasons before suffering sun damage, especially if stored carefully through the winter and covered. Check labels carefully to determine how resistant materials might be. Greenery! Plan some low maintenance items, with an irrigation system on a timer if needed and employ someone to keep
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it tidy if you are not here all year round. Dont forget, that for patios and terraces, there are some very realistic plastic plants around now (the sort you have to poke your nger in the pot to check if it IS real!). Several placed around the terrace will give instant impact, but weigh the pots down with a heavy stone inside or the smaller ones are prone to blowing over. Outside Cooking Area. Many people love to cook outdoors in summer and creating an outdoor kitchen is easier than you think and need not cost the earth. Invest in the best BBQ you can afford, as it will get a lot of use! Many of the traditional stone ones have the option of a working surface attached at one side, which will be invaluable. I didnt get one on mine, going for a cheaper model, but have regretted this false economy ever since! I re-cycled an old-fashioned porcelain sink, at minimal plumbing cost and made a washing-up area with a tiled splashback and invested
in a large gas paella pan. This basic outdoor cooking area is in constant use right through the year. Cool Drinks. The real luxury is an outdoor fridge or bar area, although tins or plastic only around the pool; no glass please! The summer heat does make us all lethargic (should that be lazy??) and sometimes walking the 10 yards to the kitchen is sooooo difcult. I found a great solution with a table bath which can be lled with ice and then drinks buried in the ice to keep cool. Given that my pool is up about 20 stairs from the kitchen, you can see why in August it offers a perfect solution. After use, simply open the drain plug in the base and let the water drain onto some plants. Liz Edmiston OwnersAway Property Rentals & Management Tel 691 977 107 info@ownersaway.com www.ownersaway.com
Accomodation La Mariposa Accountants: Corral & Alcaraz Silvente Airport Parking: Airpark Murcia Bars, Cafs & Restaurants: Alley Palais Alandalus Amapola Antipodas Tavern Bar/Restaurante La Llana Big G`s Bistro Ratatouille Black Bull Bora Bora Cafeteria Plaza Casa Del Nono Castillo Del Pinar Chez Zoe Elliots Bolnuevo Gula Gula La Bretanita La Chara La Mariposa La Proa La Taberna Juan Chara Leonardos Lizs Cafe Luisines Cake Mamma Mia Quality Indian Rest. Teteria Alhanbra Spice Villa The Meson Las Torres The Arches The Clover The Clubhouse Bistro The Condado Club The New Royal The Vista Bar Tropic Anas Viggos Builders: C M Constructions Fuente Building Services JML Building Services North West Murcia Const Tonys Building Services Building Services: A1 Garden & Ground Serv
968 631 008 968 078 754 968 332 058 618 806 989
Brian Jones & Co 646 CRS Building & Maintenance 634 JD Roong & Building 630 Martinez Del La Casa (Architects) 665 Miles Guttering 617 Rodi Services 639 Woodworks Direct 649 Carpentry: Philip Carpenter/Joiner
705 021 151 916 269 994 810 142 489 540 411 987 202 016
D & G Garden Furniture DFS Furniture Plus
968 334 773 968 334 194 968 482 456
Garden Centres, & Garden Services A1 Garden & Ground Serv 628 505 733 Garden Centre 2003 669 565 402 Hairdressers & Barbers Eden Hair & Beauty Janes Salon Jane`s Salon CDA The Beauty Palace The Salon The Salon 2 620 968 666 968 691 686 072 158 144 971 916 354 536 433 287 828 717 232
680 443 219 968 150 979 968 199 156 968 146 158 968 595 337 676 217 059 660 478 881 968 150 244 688 697 629 619 199 407
968 968 660 968 968 607 968 634 968 968 968 968 676 968 968 968 968 968 968 968 628 696 637 628 968 968 968 634 653 868 968 868 968 649 699 968 659 696 669 649 647
978 955 328 150 103 920 155 374 153 705 152 163 691 158 154 595 152 631 153 152 682 724 039 682 199 155 199 354 081 082 978 082 595 219 060 154 159 744 054 742 119
869 942 092 053 300 914 887 381 111 406 056 138 324 499 102 337 016 008 138 530 303 123 400 303 198 855 226 491 341 057 855 058 864 270 472 554 948 982 652 555 952
Car Hire: Bolnuevo Cars F & C Rent a Car Cars & Transport: Specialist Vehicles SL Catering La Bretanita The Roving Diner Chimney Sweeps: Sooty & Son Chiropodists: Phillip Dawe Cleaning Services: K J Total Care Limpieza Rosa
Health & Beauty: Algorfa Chiropractor Clinic 618 337 616 Calida Care Agency 634 317 092 Clinical Complimentary Therapies 634 327 241 Eden Hair & Beauty 620 072 536 Freedom Mobility 638 893 357 Helping Hands 965 323 667 Janes Salon 968 158 433 Janes Salon CDA 666 144 287 Natural Health Centre 634 312 081 The Beauty Palace 968 971 828 The Care Agency 0044 1455 559988 The Fuschia Beauty Clinic 630 439 480 The Salon 691 916 717 The Salon 2 686 354 232 Heating and Aircon: Calida Gas & Oil 659 761 771 Camposol Heating & Maintenance (CHM) 968 199 184 ECO Tech 665 350 056 Llamas Chimeneas 968 591 030 Louis Harris 619 712 821 Rodi Services 639 489 202 T J Electricals 868 181 121 Home Furnishings: Curtain Call Yorkshire Linen, Pto Maz Yorkshire Linen, San Javier Insurance: ASSSA H R Insurance Ibex Liberty Seguros Nash Warren
Computer Repairs & Sales: Camposol Computers 968 199 191 Loco Murcia 968 971 893 Dentists Clinica Camposol Olivier Houdusse Electricians & Electricals ECO Tech Louis Harris Rodi Services T J Electricals Entertainment Graham Cooper Funeral Plans: ASSSA Ibex Insurance The Funeral Director 968 199 111 968 153 645 665 619 639 868 350 712 489 181 056 821 202 121
616 240 171 968 595 946 968 193 912 968 669 968 902 968 153 046 595 255 156 396 167 945 258 583
657 596 638 968 153 396 958 595 945 650 631 719
628 505 733
Furniture: (Home & Garden) A Time 4 A Change 968 136 501
Internet Cafs & Technical Services Alley Palais 968 978 869 Camposol Computers 968 199 191 Compusurf 968 971 828 VNBenny.com 650 078 846 Kennels, Catteries and Pet Cartwheel Cattery & Kennel Casa Abril Colina Kennels Delmote Cat Hotel Four Legs Dog Grooming Pampered Paws Kitchen Fitters/Suppliers German Kitchen Studio Kitchens Plus 1 Laundrettes: Los Belones Legal Services: Corral & Alcaraz Costa Calida Property Serv Professional & Legal Solutions Silvente Accountant/Lawyer Mechanics: Colair Decklid Auto Services Euro Tyre Totana Ken Sherwood Mechanic Kwik Fix English Mechanic Mobile Car Mechanic Peter Neumticos El Cea Mobility Products Freedom Mobility Mazarron Mobility Outdoor Living: D & G Garden Furniture DFS Furniture Plus Woodworks Direct Painting and Decorating: RJB Dcor Painting Care 620 582 617 417 968 431 968 168 608 712 634 302 654 189 941 711 599 388
Owners Away 691 977 107 Paramount Resort Villa Rentals 968 970 614 Property Sales: Best of Spanish Fuente Alamo Real Estate Holmes & Pegg N W Murcia Properties Old Farmhouses Prime Property Murcia 634 968 968 634 968 646 360 598 199 340 159 692 208 173 290 130 264 471 667 956 634 872 298 501 711 235 121
Swimming Pool Construction, Cleaning & Maintenance: Alpha Pools 968 971 824 Garden Centre 2003 669 565 402 Jorge Pools 674 168 000 Khn Pool Service 968 138 638 Piscinas Piscimar 965 320 379 Watermaid 646 705 088 Translation: Costa Calida Property Serv Travel Agents Coachtrips Dragon Tours TV & Satellite: CTV Aerial & Satellite Systems Compusurf ISS Loco Murcia Rainbow Satellites T J Electricals YPM Satellites Veterinary Clinics: Clinica Veterinaria Pto Maz Emerg Clinica Veterinaria SurEste Veterinary Clinic Maskota Emerg 600 968 655 968 686 868 628 968 608 965 968 619 218 971 480 971 358 181 234 153 466 352 597 378 046 828 543 893 475 121 045 931 553 438 929 473 968 199 251 966 785 910 968 199 021
636 306 711 968 184 235 968 569 096 968 968 968 968 626 626 968 679 968 666 968 078 199 595 332 796 678 424 646 972 161 422 754 251 826 058 149 840 605 859 006 129 015
Removals & Storage Advance Moves 968 654 Costa Calida Transport 660 359 Daintons Removals & Storage 696 180 Lords Removals & Storage 608 061 Mar Menor Removals 968 564 Retail Outlets: A Time 4 A Change German Kitchen Studio Kitchens Plus 1 T J Electricals Security ADS Locksmiths Eriks Metal Works Protech Surveillance The Forge 968 636 968 868 136 306 184 181
600 255 250 636 050 008 667 196 366 618 963 958 666 270 411 403
638 893 357 603 258 156 968 968 968 649 334 334 482 540 773 194 456 016
Services: Compusurf 968 970 Healthy H20 968 437 Martinez Del La Casa (Architects) 665 810 Mas Movil 1473* Repair it Dont Bin it 646 705 Solar Power: Freesol Solar Directa
659 232 507 659 315 130 078 754 595 826 332 058 722 905 692 978 978 304 595 631 172 266 869 886 087 862 008 198
699 044 742 788 693 705 021 199 184 489 202
Plumbers: Apache 24/7 Plumbing 674 Brian Jones 646 Camposol Heating & Maintenance 968 Rodi Services 639 Printing & Design: Entorno Graco Mister Print Property Maintenance Brian Jones Property Maint Property Rentals: La Manga 4 U
Solicitors: Corral & Alcaraz 968 Professional & Legal Solutions 968 Silvente Accountant/Lawyer 968 Spas & Hottubs: Eurospas 650 Sport & Leisure: Al Aire Aero club Alley Palais Camposol Golf Course CDA Fitness Costa Clida Radio Espua Adventure Horse Riding Cavalli/META 629 968 968 634 968 968 636
968 654 007 638 893 357 646 705 021
0044 7921 351298
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Hello again its me, Connor with more news about the months events for you. As many of you will know, recently we had Mums sister Diane and her husband Peter over here in Spain for a holiday. Peter is a folk singer back in England, so Mum thought it would be a good idea whilst they were here, for Peter to hold a Traditional Folk Concert in our house for people to come along to. The concert was on the Friday night that they were here. They were only here for a week and Friday was their last evening with us.
The concert started at about six oclock in the evening. I had never been to a Folk Concert as far I could remember, so it was very interesting for me to hear all of these old Traditional songs. Peter gave the history of the songs and where they originated from, which also helped us all to relate to the songs. There was also a lot of support from Diane who was singing along to all the songs, but I suppose that is because she had heard them all before. Peter also had a very good sense of humour which kept the audience amused and went well with the general theme. There was a break in the middle so we could have some food and so that Peter could have a drink as his mouth was very dry by that point. I did actually recognize one of the songs Peter sang; it was the theme song from the TV series Sharpe which I have always enjoyed. I never knew it was a Folk Song. As usual, the food was excellent and there was more than enough to go around. The evening was really successful and everyone asked if Peter could come back another time for a repeat performance. I am sure that can be arranged, so look out for the posters next year and come and join us!
The week went by very quickly. We went bowling and had other friends round each evening to make it more like a party atmosphere. Peter and Diane had not been here before, so we took them round places like Puerto de Mazarrn and the Museum in Cartagena, which they found really interesting. It will be the guns next visit! Now that they have returned to UK we have settled back down to our school lessons as we have GCSE exams coming up in May! Gulp!
PALS announce that they now only have a cancellation list for the Cruise in October. 89 cabins are booked, but you never know and with prices from just 690pp all inclusive, including tips and drinks, no wonder they went. It is worth recording that PALS committee members on this and indeed on any other excursion, dance or outing, pay exactly the same as everyone else and put the complimentary places back in the pot to ensure maximum benet for the charity. Our books are always open for inspection to reect that and all our activities.
Run to celebrate the breaking of the 4 minute barrier by Roger Bannister 60 years ago. This is an evening event and runners and walkers and indeed those in wheelchairs, prams, skates, skateboards and the like are all welcome. The serious race will be clear of the fun participants, but please come along to Camposol B to cheer on those taking part or get your friends to support you or get a fun team together. It ends near the bars anyway. Sponsorship forms available from PALS or Black Bull, Camposol B. Sunday 22 June, again for Forget Me Not, PALS have organised the Summer Solstice Evening at Mazarrn Country Club, featurnd
ing the fantastic sounds of Magnetik Surf and Steve Fisher (as Rod Stewart). 5 entrance for a great evening at 8pm. Tickets from PALS or Forget Me Not members. PALS have, over the past 14 years, through their efforts been responsible for the donation of medical emergency equipment to the value of 250,000 and they thank you everyone for your support. For more information about PALS visit www. pals.sm4.biz or call 626 460 465. We are at the Trevi Bar each Saturday morning from 11am-1.30pm or at Bistro Ratatouille on a Wednesday afternoon from1-3pm.
Tuesday 6th May, PALS are supportive of Forget Me Not and there is a sponsored 1 Mile
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Costa Clida Chronicle

The Longest Established hed FREE Magazine in Murcia

Date: May 2014

Issue: 6 Volume: XIII

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