mar menor focus edition 13 october 2009

THE LITTHE LITTLE MAG TO TLE MAG TO KEEP IN YKEEP IN YOUR BAGOUR BAG

Issue 13Issue 13October 2009October 2009

TTraders Directorraders Directoryyand Index on page 25and Index on page 25

Property Management & Rentalssee our ad on page 5

Tel: (0034) 968 545 204

see our ad on the Back Page

Calasparra, Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Esperanzasee page 2

see our ad on page 23

2 Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS

Calasparra is a town in the northwestregion of Murcia, which dates back to the14th century and covers an area of 193square kilometres. It is crossed by therivers Segura, Quipar, Benamor andArgos, which has enabled the cultivationof rice, for which the town is famous.In the centre of the town, you can find theremains of an Arab castle off Plaza de laConstitucion, an archaeological museum inthe Old Palace House of La Encomienda,and there are a number of old churchessuch as the Iglesia de la Merced, Iglesia deSan Pedro (18th century) and Iglesia deLos Santos (18th century). Calasparraspecialities such as rice, sweets andcheeses can be found in the shops of CalleTeniente Flomesta.The other main attraction of Calasparrais The Santuario de Nuestra Senora de laEsperanza (The Sanctuary of Our Ladyof Hope). On leaving the town centre youcross over the main road following thesigns to the Sanctuary. You follow thenarrow, winding, tree lined minor roadlooking out on some wonderful sceneryuntil you reach the viewpoint (Los Lomasde la Virgen) which gives unparalleledviews over the region, including goodviews of the rice fields and a river. Aftertaking in the spectacular scenery, con-tinue along the road, winding your waydown into the valley where theSanctuary is situated.On arrival at the Sanctuary, there isample parking for cars and coaches.

There is a beautiful short walk from thecar park, along a driveway and througha garden stocked with flowers and palmstypical of the area. Passing through anarch, you can read the words 'SantuarioVirgen de la Esperanza' at the top of thearc, which is of cultural interest for itsage and design.After passing the archway, you enter alarge courtyard area, where you aregreeted with the most fantastic view ofthe facia of the Sanctuary, which is builtin the style of Gaudi. This is a 'cave'Church built into the mountainside.

To the left of the church there is asouvenir shop built in the same style.Even the public conveniences areconstructed in the same way!A sympathetic distance away from thechurch is a modern restaurant, whichserves snacks, a-la carte and 'menu deldia' food, all good value for money andvery tasty too! My wife and I have sam-pled the paella, it is one of the best Ihave ever tasted.Inside the church, the rocky roof isblackened in parts, due to the smokefrom candles which visitors are allowedto light in memory of their loved ones, orjust for their faith. There are ample pewsfor the congregation and the altarpiece isa fine piece of art work. Above the altarwithin a domed area, you can see theimage of The Virgen of Esperanza.

(cont. on page 4)

Calasparra, Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Esperanza

3the Mar Menor FOCUS www.MarMenorFocus.es

email: [email protected]

Elvis’ DinerTex / Mex Menu

BOOKING ADVISED Tel: 630 466 417 For DetailsGALERIAS EL FLAMENCO - behind Zoco, La Manga del Mar Menor

THURSDAY Authentic Indian foodand Belly Dancing with Karaoke

ELVIS ON STAGE EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT

SUNDAY Open from 12 For Sunday AfternoonFootball - Special Footie Menu 4.50€

SKY SPORTS SHOWN

Friday ‘LA MANGAS GOT TALENT’ CompetitionFor all you Budding Superstars

250€ FIRST PRIZE Plus Recording & Broadcasting on Spectrum Radio2nd Prize Apartment for One Week, Loads of other prizes, & prizes through the heats

DAVE VINCENTon your

SPECTRUM RADIO106.6

4.00pm - 6.00pm Monday - Friday

NEW OPENING TIMES - TUES - SAT 7.00pm - 1.00am, SUN 12.00 Mid-day, Closed Mondays

Please tell our customers where you saw their advertisement


Walking around the grounds, there arean abundance of landscaped areas,stocked full of the local flowers and palmtrees. In the courtyard itself, there aremore trees planted close to the manybenches, which are required for shade onhot summer days. From the courtyardand down the steps, there is a riversidewalkway, very peaceful and tranquil. Atvarious points along the walkway, thereare barbecue areas, where you can haveyour own picnic, after first obtainingpermission from staff at the gift shop.There is a further walk on an upperplatform, away from the church, whichtakes you to steps cut into the mountainside, where the more energetic can climbto the top for even more fantastic viewsof the area. Not for the faint hearted!On certain days and specific times, youmay be lucky enough to enter theSanctuary when there is a service underway, even if you do not understand theSpanish language or have specificreligious beliefs, it is a sight to behold.This is a very interesting day out to visitsuch an unusual building. It is not widelyadvertised in tourist brochures, but itshould be a jewel in the crown forCalasparra tourism.The website for the town hall ofCalasparra is: www.calasparra.org -you can click onto a link for an Englishtranslation. On the site there is also alink for the Sanctuary.

Article, photos and front cover picture byDavid Billington

We can use artwork provided by you, or designyour advert using text & images approved by

you.(there is a minimal standard origination charge

of €10 for this service)Prepayments for 3, 6 & 12 months will qualifyfor 5%, 10% and 15% discounts respectively.All prices quoted are subject to IVA @ 16%.

Our deadline for adverts, to ensure insertion inthe next issue is the 20th of the month.Payment, in full, is required prior to the

advertising deadline.Disclaimer: ‘Mar Menor Focus’ does not accept responsibility for the standardof goods or services given by it’s advertisers and does not endorse, unless statedotherwise, any company or individual published in the magazine, or any views or

opinions expressed in any articles. ALL THE ADVERTISEMENTS designed by the Mar Menor Focus magazine

for use in its publication remain the property ofMar Menor Focus and may NOT be reproduced in any other publication

without our prior written consentPublished by Robert McKinley, C/Himilce, Cartagena, Murcia 30385. X5128759N.

DEPOSITO LEGAL MU-2307-2008

Distribution points include:Bars, Restaurants, Golf Clubs, Shops, EstateAgents, Tourist Offices, Post Rooms, Tabacs,Supermarkets and more, throughout the Mar

Menor area, coastal and inland.Advertising Rates

Full page Colour €130 - Mono €80Half page Colour €70 - Mono €45Quarter page Colour €42 - Mono €28

Special Positions (full colour)Front Box or Banner, Back PageInside Back / Inside Front page

Phone or email for prices - Tel: Bob on: 968 145 572 - email:

[email protected]

WWeellccoommee to Issue 13 of MMaarr MMeennoorr FFooccuuss, tthe magazine for the Mar Menor coastal area,

Thank you to our readers for their continuing support and feedback, and our contributors forsharing their knowledge of the area, its historyand culture, allowing us to keep the magazine

informative and interesting for everyone. Our website has everything in the magazine, and

more! Every edition is archived, so you canalways refer back - check it out on

www.marmenorfocus.esWe now offer low cost banner advertising

on our website, also budget web design & hosting.



Pay a visit to Shape & Tone in their new spaciouspremises this autumn and take advantage of thefantastic deals on offer to new clients. You willfind the wellness centre just around the cornerfrom the old premises.What’s on offer at the new Shape & ToneWellness Centre......

Pilates Toning Tables & Power Plates, for the80% + of people who do not want to join a gymthis is a way to get exercise and improve yourlife and your health. If you think that exercisemeans you have to wear Lycra, feel the pain,sweat profusely and plan to put aside a coupleof hours three times a week to accommodatechanging, exercise, showering etc., then thinkagain.... Shape & Tone in Los Alcazares willhelp even the least fit of us to lose inches, tonemuscles, gain energy and feel good! And all thetime keeping your back and neck fully supported.Their clients range from the young, through toseniors in their 90's - it works for anybody whowants to tone up and get back in shape,including those of us that suffer from arthritis,sciatica, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia etc.Anybody 18 or over can join, most of theirclients would not want to visit a traditional gym,but like the opportunity to exercise regularly forhealth and weight reasons. At Shape & Toneyou come as you are! There is no need tochange into special clothing, just wear some-thing comfortable that you can move aroundin. All you need is a pair of socks and a towel. The machines help you do the rest!

At Shape & Tone you can let the state of the artPilates Toning Tables take the strain and helpwork your body smarter rather than harder. Therelaxing exercise routines can be slotted in atany time of the day. After you've exercised yougo shopping, work, or pick up the kids -soeasy- no need to shower or change! We allwant to live younger, longer and there is nobetter way to get the exercise you need to beable to do this. Call them now on 661 002 648to book your FREE TRAIL and experiencethese wonderful machines for yourself. Specialmoving offers available to all new clients untilthe end of October.ChiropractorMichael R Oliff DC MAO, a qualified, Oxfordtrained chiropractor & exercise therapist withover 25 years experience in healthcare, is thefirst practitioner working and living in Spain tobe accepted on the register of the Associationof Osteomyologists, offering healthcare tothose suffering from back, neck and joint painswho may be looking for a gentle, thorough,inexpensive and extremely effective solution tothose problems with a new approach.Michael is the very first UK trained andregistered Osteomyologist to practice in Spain,EVER!MasseurJose Villaescusa has 27 years experience as afully trained physio masseur, whose treatmentsinclude the use of the healing mud from theMar Menor. So whatever aches and pains youmay have you will find a solution that is justright for you at Shape & Tone.

Moving Offers from Shape & Tone

Avenida Mariano Ballister No 5, Los Alcazarez (next door to Mare Nostrum)Telephone: 661 002 648

Impression of the new premises

Power Plates



Largest Buyers & Sellers ofQuality Used Furniture.House Clearances& Removals

Baby Hire: Cots, Safety Gates,Pushchairs, Car SeatsOffice space available,

Secure storage space available

Bob and Caron, 00 34 968 136 50100 34 626 253 569

[email protected] Cabo de Palos Km 1, El Algar

La Manga, Cartagena, 30366

A time4A change

SALE

NOWON



The aim of the sudoku puzzle is to insertnumbers in the boxes so that: each row,column and 3x3 box contain oneeach of the digits 1 through 9.

sudoku

A Codebreaker is a crosswordpuzzle with no clues! Instead,every letter of the alphabet hasbeen replaced by a number,the same number representingthe same letter throughout thepuzzle. All you have to do isdecide which letter is repre-sented by which number! Tostart you off, we reveal thecodes for two or three letters.When these letters have beenentered throughout the puzzle,you should have enough infor-mation to start guessing wordsand discovering other letters.

Codebreaker

A B C D E F G H I J K L MN O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

TIME FOR A BREAK



ASSSA Insurance, one of Spain's oldest HealthInsurance Companies, was established in 1935.In the early 90s the company expanded toCosta Blanca and soon became a leader withinpersonal insurance for Expats. The company isknown for their unparalleled high level ofcustomer service provided by a network ofcustomer service offices along theMediterranean Coast. What makes ASSSAInsurance different is this combination of theexperience of a traditional company and thestrength of a young team, creating the highestlevel of quality and service for the insuredclients.

"It's a thrill, to be part of a successful companythat at the same time has managed to keep tohonest and truthful business principles." saysarea manager Biggy Marshall, who has headedthe development of the market for ASSSAInsurance in The Region of Murcia since2006.

ASSSA Insurance works with an extensive net-work of highly respected and highly qualifiedindependent GPs and specialists working in theaffiliated clinics and hospitals from Barcelonain the North to Almería in the South.

Around the Mar Menor primary care - GPs,Clinical Analysis, Dental Service, andRehabilitation - is available locally, whilemedical specialists are accessible at modernclinics in Cartagena.

The new office will be open Tuesday andWednesday from 10am to 2pm and will provideservice for both new as well as current clients.Says Biggy Marshall: "We are dedicated tosatisfactorily resolving all our clients' queries,issues and concerns - including makingappointments for them if necessary."

Remember, ASSSA Insurance has some fantasticoffers right now giving between 10 and 30%discount off selected products. They actuallyoffer 50% discount for the first premium ontheir dental cover. Also do not forget that thecompany extends two very important writtenguarantees: "The age you join is the age youstay" and "Cover guaranteed for life".

For further information, pop by the office eitherin Los Belones or in Puerto de Mazarrón -telephone 968 153 396.

ASSSA opens a new satellite office in Los BelonesIn continuation of ASSSA Insurance's natural course of development the company has

now opened a new office in Murcia.

Biggy Marshall, Area ManagerPlease tell our customers where you saw their advertisement


Swing busters} Increased powerControl your slice/hookControl topping and hitting fat shots

Grip} The grip is your only connection withthe golf club.

Placing your hands properly on the golf clubhelps you better control the position of theClubface at impact. During the swing your bodyturns to create power. Since the body is rotating,the golf club must rotate at the same rate. Inother words, the body and the club must turntogether as a team.A fundamentally sound grip helps you createpower and feel at the same time. Wrist action isa power source and gripping the club too muchin the palm of your hand reduces wrist action. The fingers are the most sensitive parts of ourhands. Placing the club more in the fingersrather than in the palm increases the amount ofwrist hinge, which results in longer tee shotsand more feel. One of the most common errorsamong golfers is a weak lead-hand (left hand forthe right-handed golfer) grip that is too much inthe palm. This produces a shot that slices andlacks power.To grip the club properly for power and accuracy.AlignmentAt address your body (feet, knees, hips, forearms,shoulders and eyes) should be positioned paral-lel to the target line. When viewed from behind,a right-handed golfer will appear aimed slightlyleft of the target. This optical illusion is createdbecause the ball is on the target line and thebody is not.The easiest way to conceptualize this is theimage of a railroad track. The body is on theinside rail and the ball is on the outside rail. Forright-handers, at 100 yards your body willappear aligned approximately 3 to 5 yards left,at 150 yards approximately 8 to 10 yards leftand at 200 yards 12 to 15 yards left.StanceYour weight should be balanced on the balls ofthe feet, not on the heels or toes. With shortirons, your weight should be 60 percent on the

target side foot (left foot forright-handers). For middleiron shots the weight should be 50/50 or equalon each foot. For your longest clubs, place 60%of your weight on the backside foot (right footfor right-handers). This will help you swing theclub on the correct angle on the back swing.The feet should be shoulder width (outside ofthe shoulders to the inside of the heels) for themiddle irons. The short iron stance will be twoinches narrower and the stance for long ironsand woods should be two inches wider. Thetarget-side foot should be flared toward thetarget from 20 to 40 degrees to allow the bodyto rotate toward the target on the downswing.The back foot should be square (90 degrees to thetarget line) to slightly open to create the properhip turn on the back swing. Your flexibility andbody rotation speed determine the proper footplacement.PostureYour knees should be slightly flexed and directlyover the balls of your feet for balance. The centreof the upper spine (between your shoulderblades), knees and balls of the feet should bestacked when viewed from behind the ball on thetarget line. Also, the back knee should be cockedslightly inward towards the target. This will helpyou brace yourself on this leg during the backswing, thus preventing lower body sway.Your body should bend at the hips, not in thewaist (your buttocks will protrude slightly whenyou are in this correct posture). The spine is theaxis of rotation for the swing, so it should be benttowards the ball from the hips at approximatelya 90-degree angle to the shaft of the club. Thisright angle relationship between the spine andthe shaft will help you swing the club, arms andbody as a team on the correct plane.Your vertebrae should be in a straight line withno bending in the middle of the spine. If yourspine is in a "slouch" posture, every degree ofbend decreases your shoulder turn by 1.5degrees. Your ability to turn the shoulders onthe back swing equals your power potential, so keep your spine in line for longer drives andmore consistent ball striking.

The key to consistencyThe ideal game of golf is one of control and consistency, with increasedflexibility and minimal injury, achieving this is the goal of many golfers.The answer to making this goal a reality is in your hands right now.


Golf ClubsHaving the correctly suited golf equipment tosuit your game is at the utmost importance, suchas the correct loft and shaft flex on your driverand fairway woods, to help with additional clubhead speed and accuracy.Are your clubs suitable for your handicap? Tofind out come into The Golf Superstore (TheGreat Golf Company) in Balsicas and Speak toone of our Professionals.

Good Posture by maintaining a straight spine ataddress, focus on pelvis position to be tilted toallow for a straighter spine angle.

Bad Posture due to poor pelvis position ataddress causing the spine to be rounded acrossthe shoulders which will prevent the correctrotation away from the ball and through the ball.

Article by Carl Smith PGA Qualified Professional.


Jumillanos love fiestas, and definitelyknow how to party: my book launch partystarted in the afternoon and continueduntil well after midnight. The most important fiestas in Jumillaare Semana Santa and the August Feria,however there are so many local fiestasthat life here is one long party. Oneadvantage of living in a Spanish town isyou get to know the locals and moreimportantly they get to know you, tellingyou when and where the next fiesta is beingheld. Fiestas usually include processionswith a religious statue and bands playing,plus plenty to eat and drink. During the procession of San Blas westopped twice for refreshments: once insomebody's garage and once in a streetwhere a table was set up outside. Duringthe second break local police halted trafficso that fireworks could be set off in themiddle of the road! Fireworks are anessential part of most Spanish celebrations,though strangely enough we have neverseen any for sale in the local shops.This year was the first time we hadwitnessed Semana Santa in Spain, whichwas a very moving experience, especiallythe Silent Procession late at night on HolyTuesday. Walking to the Santiago Churchwas rather scary as all the street lightswere switched off, and the onlylight came from bonfires in thestreet. Once the procession hadstarted all I could hear were thechains being dragged behind bare-footed penitents, who wore blackhoods hiding their faces. If I hadbeen a child I would have hadnightmares that night!

In July the barrio of San Fermincelebrated their fiesta, which wasn'tas dangerous as the one inPamplona: the only bulls we saw

were toy ones. We enjoyed watching cutechildren dressed up as matadors, parading inall their finery and playing at bullfighting,although we didn't really approve oftheir parents encouraging this. Howevergenerations of British children havegrown up playing cowboys and Indians orwar games where they pretend to killpeople not animals, so is this any worse? Other activities during the fiesta includedthe "pasacalles", where a brass bandparaded around the streets, stopping out-side various houses to wait for the Reinawho lived there to emerge. One of themkept everybody waiting for ages but nobodyseemed to mind, after all punctuality isn't astrong point here. Local dance groups werescheduled to perform at 10pm but didn'tstart until an hour later. A year ago thiswould have surprised us, but now we takeit for granted.In August Jumilla celebrated nearly threeweeks of fiestas: the Folklore Festival,Moors and Christians, Nuestra Señora dela Asunción (patron of Jumilla) and the

famous Vendimia. Johnand I particularly enjoyedthe traditional Cabalgata,where local pastries, redwine and sangria werehanded out to the hordeslining the streets, howeveryounger people seem toprefer the Gran Cabalgatadel Vino, where everybodygets soaked in wine.Needless to say, we feltthat was a waste of goodwine!

INLAND FOCUSby Sue Walker

Retiring The Olé Way is the intimate, honest and inspiring story of Sue and JohnWalker’s move to their new home in rural Southern Spain.

The book is available at Amazon and from all good bookshops, at a cost of £9.99.


Across1 Undemocratic law6 Weapon swung by a gaucho10 "Shoo!"14 Sweetheart15 Words of support16 Long lunch?17 Inscribed stone slab18 Put-down19 Well fillers20 Acquiesces22 Of the liver24 Dart26 Eye part27 "__ Carrie" (Dreiser title)30 Swinish sounds32 Spiced stew33 "__ See Clearly Now"35 External39 LI doubled

40 University environment42 Reproductive cells43 French soldiers' hats45 Miss Minnelli46 Composer Satie47 Subject49 Livestock51 Accumulated54 Mall component56 Pretend58 Absorb intently62 Biblical kingdom63 Protected65 Gold bar66 Panache67 Kitchen appliance68 Bulgarian seaport69 "Taxi" actor Kaufman70 Not, in dialect71 Poem of lament

Down1 Maxwell or Martinelli2 Pencil-and-papergame3 Folksinger Burl4 Piano relative5 Stupor6 Low voice7 Popeye's Olive8 Daughter of Laban9 "The __ Papers"(Henry James)10 Massage usingacupressure11 Metric prefix12 Adam of "ChicagoHope"13 Puccini opera21 Doughnut-shaped23 Tea type25 Bootlickers27 Wallop28 Tennis starNastase29 Berth place31 Don Juan's mother34 Tranquil

36 Actionable wrong37 Blackhearted38 Yard tool40 Grate expectations?41 Little Richard's home-town44 Birth announcement46 Always existing48 Phonograph inventor50 Greek51 Poisonous snake52 Oak, in a nutshell53 Sober55 Very small57 Broad bean59 Folktale monster60 Vocal composition61 Corset part64 Chemin de __

TIME FOR A BREAKthe big puzzle


Why Use Resort ChoiceEstablished for over 5 yearsFully licensed for management and rentalsFull insuranceMulti-lingual staff and websitesRegistered with Murcia tourist boardOffice based All keys locked away and alarmedAccept all major credit cardsAll work guaranteed and invoicedEach property certificated with Murcia tourist boardState of the art reservation software in many languagesRental contracts with leading reservation agenciesEmergency cover 365 days a year, 24 hours a dayMembers of PNAG rental guarantee programmeHard working and honest

Services IncludeProperty ManagementKey HoldingHoliday RentalsLong Term RentalsLocal Tourist InformationCleaningLinen ServiceProperty InspectionsLegal Airport Transfers24 Hour Guest ServicesGeneral Maintenance and RepairsSecurity GrillsAir ConditioningPlumbingElectrical workPainting and DecoratingSwimming Pool andGarden MaintenanceAlarmsTranslation Services

Property Management. and Rentals

Tel: (0034) 968 545 204 - (0034) 680 650 471UK Freephone: 0800 316 6181 - Fax: (0034) 968 970 212

Email: [email protected] - Website: www.resortchoice.com

Resort Choice (Resort La Manga SL)Avda. Mar Menor, Edif, Geranio Bajo 14, 30384 Mar de Cristal, Cartagena, MurciaCompany Reg No. B30780316 – Registro de Empresas y Actividades Turísticas A.MU.209

Car Hire Holiday Insurance Attraction TicketsProperty Snagging Reports Complete Furniture PacksLegal and Financial ServicesBooking Activities inc.Tennis and Golf



On the main Street in Pilar de la Horadada,where the Southern Costa Blanca meets theCosta Calida, you'll discover our little gemof a shop, that is a 'must visit' for couplesmarrying in Spain.

Valerie's ~ Special Occasion & Bridalwear shopoffers couples a one stop solution to plan theirentire wedding, meet with services and suppliersface-to-face and make a great start on yourwedding plan. If you need advice, this is theideal place to start.

A wedding is one of the most importantceremonies of life so when it's time to walkdown the aisle, do it in style by making yourperfect selection from the gorgeous gowns onoffer at Valerie’s, who are proud to be theexclusive distributor in Spain for AlfredAngelo and Trudy Lee wedding gowns.

Our goal: to help you find the bridal gown ofyour dreams.

We are also here to assist you withaccessories, including the perfectjewelery, as well as our distinctiveoffering of veils and tiaras, whichprovide the finishing touch tomake you the beautiful bride youalways knew you would be.

Our formalwear shop will outfityour groom, the father of the bride,ushers, and ring bearers with tuxedooptions from top designer to classiclooks. When men need to look their best,they come to us.We look forward to welcoming you soon atValerie’s Novias, Or see us at the Health, Beauty & CelebrationExtravaganda at the Castillo de Conesa, SanMiguel de Salinas on Sunday 18th October 2009.Opening hours: Monday - Friday 10 - 2pm & 5 - 8pm.Saturday 10am - 2pm

Tiaras/Veils Tuxedo rental Guest booksProm dresses Shoes/JeweleryFascinators/hatsFlower girl dresses Bridesmaid dressesMother of the bride dresses Bridal gowns by top designers Alfred Angelo,Trudy Lee, Gino Cerrutti & moreAll at fabulous prices.

Also at Valerie’s Novia’s -

CakemagicNo wedding would be complete without that

magical, stylish, stunning or even slightlyeccentric, but utterly required cake!

Here at Cakemagic, we offer a completeservice from initial consultation,design and ultimately to the deliveryand set-up at your chosen venue.

Each specially designed weddingcake is individual and inspired byyour own personality and can co-

ordinate with any theme or colour youmay have chosen for your celebration.

You are only limitedby your imagination.

From a s imple s ingle t ier to amul t i l aye rede x t r a v a g a n z a ,whatever yourp r e f e r e n c e ,cakemagic cangua ran tee ashow stoppingcenterpiece foryour special day.

Valerie's Novia’s - Special Occasion & Bridalwear

Calle Mayor 9, Pilar de la Horadada. Tel: 966 766 689 - www.valeries-novias.com



Mar Menor Focus Business DirectoryYour business here, under the heading you choose

for just 60 euros a year!Call Mar Menor Focus on 968 145 572 or email: [email protected]

STARAIR, Air Conditioning Sales, installation& Service, Tel: 679 573 643 (page 27)

CD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT968 563 598 (Page 27)

BAR APICOCO Playa Honda 968 563 958 (Page 6)

BAR EL SOL Plaza CavannaLa Manga Strip, 968 563 899 (back page)

BRAMBLES BAR Playa Honda610 622 249 (page 14)

DOLLY’S BAR, Plaza Bohemia, La Manga (page 5)

ELVIS’ DINER, Galerias El Flamenco (behind Zoco) 630 466 417 (page 3)

LA HERRADURA Asador ArgentineoCtra de la Palma, Cartagena968 531 887 (page 27)

NOBBY’S CANTINA, Nuevo Puerto BelloLa Manga, 968 564 551 (inside back page)

PADDYWACKS IRISH BARLa Manga Strip 968 563 648 (page17)

PEPE’S BAR Mar de Cristal (page 20)

Clinica Dental ALEMANALa Manga 968 175 300

MARUJA Garden Centre/NurseryCabo de Palos Tel 968563 905 (page 31)

SHAPE & TONE - Toning TablesChiropractor - MasseurLos Alcazares 661 002 648 (page 7)

ASSSA INSURANCE - Los Belones968 153 396 (page 15)

DAVID MASON Insurance Services (page 9)Funeral planning (page 10)Los Belones, 968 137 719 / 659 226 112

LINEA DIRECTA Car Insurance902 123 161 (page 13)

RICHARD HOWARD Insurance Services,Los Belones 968 13 72 59 (Page 3)email:[email protected]

IBERBRIT LEGAL, La Manga Strip968 337 392 (inside back page)

CD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & SALES968 563 598 (Page 20)

RESORT CHOICE (Resort La Manga) Mar de Cristal, 968 545 204 (page 23)

EDEN International Independent Property AgentsLos Carmenes, Gran Via Km 330380 La Manga, Murcia, SpainTel: 0034 968 143 185 Fax: 968 143 755email: [email protected] (page 17)

OLYMPIEZA, apartment cleaningC/La Loma, Torrevieja, 675 021 669

AIR CONDITIONING

BABY EQUIPMENT HIRE

HEALTH & BEAUTY

DENTISTS

GARDEN CENTRES

INSURANCE

BARS & RESTAURANTS

LEGAL & FINANCIAL SERVICES

PROPERTY SALES & SERVICES



A TIME 4 A CHANGE, Quality used furniture,El Algar - 968 136 501 (page 10)

DJ’S MINI MART Los Belones 617 029 321 (page 9)

HONDAMAR SupermercadoPlaya Honda 968 56 43 68 (page 27)

THE FURNITURE STORE Poligono Ind. Los Alcazares. 968 582 546 (page 31)

MISSING LINKS (Cornish Pride) (page 10)Los Belones 620 562 973 / 650 267 650

THE CORNER SHOP English SupermarketLos Belones 650 638 726

THE GREAT GOLF Co. La Manga ClubTel: 968 338 333 (Centre Pages)

696 BOUTIQUE Nuevo Puerto BelloLa Manga 968 564 879 (page 31)

SIGNS & GRAPHICS, La Manga, 667 821 082

MARIA LINARES Spanish Lessons968 133 331 / 678 936 110 (pages 30/31)

AQUA ADICTA968 545 193 / 659 434 811 (page 32)

CHARTER MUFFY - M ar Menor Cruises616 523 800 (page 27)

INTERPRETER Available, call JOSÉ on Tel: 968165565 / 626690873 (page 33)

VALA ESPANIA, Car & Marine Valeting,Tel: 666 817 069 (page 11)

CABO MANGA Ctra Cabo de PalosLa Manga 968 146 364 (page 28)

VALERIE’S NOVIAS, bridal gowns &Accessories, C/Mayor 9, Pilar de Horadada966 766 689 (page 31)

PHOTO VIDEO SPAIN, wedding/eventsKeith Nicol, 609 063 614

SPANISH LESSONS

RETAIL SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

SIGNS & GRAPHICS

TRANSLATION SERVICES

VETERINARY SERVICES

WEDDING SERVICES

VALETING SERVICES

Local MarketLocal MarketssMondaySan Pedro del PinatarSucinaTuesdayLos BelonesLa UnionPilar de la HoradadaLos AlcazeresMil PalmerasWednesdaySantiago de la RiberaSan Javier

San Javier Autocine(car boot sale)ThursdayLos UrrutiasLa palmaTorre Pacheco (Balsicas)San Pedro del Pinatar (Lo Pagan)FridayEl AlgarLlano del BealPilar de la Horadada

SaturdayLos Alcázeres (Los Narejos)Torre Pacheco (Dolores)San Javier Autocine (carboot)SundayCabo de PalosLos NietosSan Javier AutocineTorre Pacheco (Roldán)

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS In the next edition of MAR MENOR FOCUS - Call now on 968 145 572



Clodagh and Dicks books are available from bookshops,Carrefour & internet shops including www.santanabooks.com.Descriptions of each book are available on www.gardeninginspain.com. At the end of each description thereis a clickable link to the order page of the Santana site.

Don't Lose Out to the SnailsBy Clodagh and Dick Handscombe,

Practical gardeners & authors living in Spain for twenty five years.

After the recent rain snails and slugshave woken from their summer survivalslumbers to escape the hot dry weather.They are now round and about lookingfor succulent plants to eat in the flowerand vegetable gardens and greenhouses,from which they plan their seasonalmenus. You may not have seen them, forthey are mainly about early in the morn-ing and late evening. Now is the time totake action and continue to do so throughthe damper cooler months ahead.

Typical actions include collecting them toeat, though this is not to everyone's taste,using slug bait pellets that kill snails andslugs on contact, but can leave the veg-etable plot, flower beds and greenhouse covered with deadsnails and unsightly slimytrails from dying snails. Not a pretty sight! Beer traps made bysinking plastic beakersinto the ground and filling them withbeer and circles of comfrey leaves canalso work but with the same problem ofdead snails to be collected up.But now there is an eco friendly product- except for killing snails and slugs -Ferramol Antilimicos, manufactured by aGerman based company Neudorff anddistributed & marketed by Seipasa inSpain. We met with the product managerrecently and discovered the followingfacts about the product.

1. Eliminates slugs and snails quickly -which it has done when we tried it out.

2. Snails and slugs disappear to die sothere is no unsightly mess.3. Safe for domestic use.4. Not harmful to pets and wildlifeincluding birds and worms.5. Only need to scatter 5 grams persquare metre of soil and not place insmall heaps.6. Reasonably resistant to rain.7. When finally decays mild fertilizereffect due to iron content.8. Can use in flower, vegetable and fruitgardens.9. Naturally occurring ingredients - nomanufactured chemicals.10. Satisfies EU ecological requirements.Seems a great product to us, if you cannotfind it locally you can telephone JuanLuis on 646-725-434 to order by mailorder. He speaks good English.We are often asked for a reliable supplierof fish and weeds for garden ponds. Soafter seeing the amazing new pond of afriend stocked with wonderful shoals offish we searched out and visited AquaMania run by an enthusiastic BelgiumBruno de Peet. Aqua Mania breed importand sell goldfish, tench, sturgeon and Koicarp from sizes for small ponds to giantsfor big ponds which they can design andbuild. They can ship fish anywhere inSpain by an overnight delivery service.They are also looking for garden centresinterested in stocking their fish andplants. In the first instance visit theirwebsite www.aqua-mania.eu and thencontact Bruno on650802892.


Learning Spanish with Maria Linares¿Estas enfermo? Tienes que ir al medico

I hope you find this lesson useful, the next time you have to go to the doctor try to mem-orize some of the sentences. The summer is over now, the days are getting shorter andit is the right time to start up new projects and activities; I hope Spanish is one of them. I am starting to prepare the groups for the next season from October to December.I am also planning to start up a new group for business people adapted to individuals andcompanies that are doing business in Spain.For more information on my Spanish courses: Weekly lessons, Residential Courses andSpanish for Business please go to www.spanishforadults.co.uk, feel free to contactme on: 968 546 859 - 678 936 110, or email me at [email protected]“Just book now to assess your Spanish level free” Maria Linares, Spanish teacher

Useful vocabularyList of commom problemsDolor de cabeza / HeadacheCongestion nasal / Nasal congestionEstreñimiento / ConstipationDolor muscular / Muscle painTos fuerte / Bad coughPicor de ojos / Itchy eyesFalta de fuerzas / No energyInfección de oidos / Ear infectionDiarrea / DiarrhoeaCistitis / Cystitis

Recommended medicinesAntibioticos / AntibioticsPomada / OintmentAspirina / AspirinSpray Nasal / Nasal sprayColirio / Eye-dropsLaxante / LaxativeVitaminas y minerales / Vitamins andmineralsJarabe para la tos / Cough syrup

Useful sentencesDoctor: Dígame, que le pasa?

Tell me what’s the matter?Patient: Me encuentro mal

I don’t feel very well.

Necesito esta receta, por favorI need this prescription please.

Doctor: Que sintomas tiene?What symptoms do you have?

Patient: Tengo tos / dolor de estomagoI have a cough / stomach pains

Doctor: Donde le duele?Where does it hurt?

Patient: Me duele mucho aquí en la tripaI have a terrible pain hereMe mareo / No tengo fuerzasI’m dizzy / I have no energy

Doctor: Hace mucho tiempo que le pasa?How long have you felt like this?

Patient: El dolor empezó ayer por la The pain started yesterday

Doctor: Tienes que tomar estas pastillas. tres veces al día con las comidas

Take these pills 3 times a day. at mealtimes.Patient: Muchas gracias. Cuando tengo. que volver?

When should I come back?Doctor: Vuelva usted dentro de una .. semana

Come back in a week


FOR SALE2003 Peugeot 306 Convertible

1.8i, Electric Hood, Windows & Mirrors, Leather TrimMatching Blue Hood,

Air-Con, Very Low Mileage, Superb Condition

€6750 ovnoTel: 968 564 551



One bird which you can see near the Mar Menor all year round in this area is theWagtail. There are actually three different varieties: Pied, Yellow and Grey. ThePied (or White) Wagtail is the most common and their distinctive black and whitemarkings and long tails make them easy to spot.When they are on the ground they flick their tails upand down and hence have the name Wagtail.

Pied Wagtails normally live near water and theyfeed off insects. They feed on the ground ratherthan in flight, which also makes it easier to spotthem. You will often see them sitting on the groundby the road or in a car park. The female and malehave similar size but the female is grey and whiterather than black and white. The juvenile is sootygrey all over.

The Yellow Wagtail is migratory and therefore we willsee more here during the winter than the summer.During the summer months they travel further northwhere food is more plentiful and the temperature isless hot.

Yellow Wagtails are often found near grazing animalsas they eat insects, which are disturbed by the cattle.Like Pied Wagtails, they tend to feed on the ground.The female is less bright in colouring than the male

and has a grey-green back and wings. The juvenile is grey and white and could bemistaken for a Pied Wagtail.

Grey Wagtails are often confused with YellowWagtails, as they also have yellow markings. GreyWagtails however, have much longer tails and theiryellow markings are only on their underbelly and arebrightest near to their tail.

Grey Wagtails are much more dynamic when feedingand catch airborne insects as well as those on theground. Like Pied Wagtails they are attracted towater. In the winter the chest is whiter with yellowmarkings towards the tail (as in the picture). The Female has less bright yellowmarkings than the male. The juvenile is more grey and buff in colour.Lesley Singleton, Aqua Adicta

Advert ise YourBusiness in the Next Issue of


Crossword

Codebreaker

Puzzle

Solutions

Sudoku

OVERSEAS HOLIDAYDo you want to escape the heat of the Spanish Summer Sun

and enjoy a "cool" holiday in New Zealand?Go-Kiwi Travel UK Limited

offer discounted Self Drive Motorhome and Car Rentals; Hotel / Motel Passes issued by Go-Kiwi, Go-Koala

& Golden Chain also escorted Coach tours from Kirra,Mount Cook Line and AAKings.

For fullll cconttacctt deettaiills plleeasee seeeewww.gokiwipasses.com or www.campermagic.com

Do you have something you want to sell? a car - a job - or property to advertise?

ClassifiedsClassifieds

Phone us on 968 145 572 or email:[email protected] with the details

Line ads €5 per month, (up to 30 words) - box adverts from €8 +IVA

INTERPRETER AVAILABLESpanish national (10 years in England) with fluent English.For hospitals, doctors, police, banks, solicitors, schools, ITV, etc.Translation of documents. Sympathetic and totally reliable.

Cartagena and surrounding areas, Mar Menor, FuenteAlamo, Torre Pacheco. Other areas considered.

From 15 euros per hour.

Landline: 968165565 - Mobile: 626690873 (ask for JOSÉ)

Notice To All Dog OwnersDo you want to go away?

I will take care of your dog, Large or small not a problem,

my home is their home when theystay with me, with all home comforts.

Please NoteThis is a private house in Playa Paraiso, not kennels

Established 4 years, References availableTel Joanne 620 460 557



EMERGENCY NUMBER - 112Useful NumbersUseful Numbers to kto keep by the phoneeep by the phone

AMBULANCE - 061GUARDIA CIVIL - 062La Manga del Mar Menor 968 563 222 La Unión 968 560 011San Javier 968 335 920San Pedro del Pinatar 968 180 610LOCAL POLICE - 092Cabo de Palos 968 337 238Cartagena 968 128 877El Algar 968 135 695La Manga del Mar Menor 968 337 300 La Unión 968 560 051Los Alcázares 968 171 919San Javier 968 570 880San Pedro del Pinatar 968 188 092NATIONAL POLICE – 091Cartagena 968 320 722FIRE BRIGADE - 112Cartagena 968 128 880Los Alcázares 968 171 782MARITIME EMERGENCIES – 900 202 202MEDICAL CENTRESCosta Calida 968 142 060El Algar 968 135 510La Manga del Mar Menor 968 142 125Lo Pagan 968 184 728Los Alcázares 968 575 800Los Belones 968 137 476Portman 968 548 064San Javier 968 191 866San Pedro del Pinatar 968 187 865

HOSPITALSCartagena: Santa Maria del Rosell 968 325 000Naval Hospital 968 327 400Murcia:Virgen de la Arrixaca 968 369 500J.M. Morales Meseguer 968 360 900San Javier:Los Arcos 968 570 050

AIRPORTS (www.aena.es)Alicante 966 919 000San Javier (Murcia) 968 172 000BUS STATIONSCartagena 968 505 656Murcia 968 292 211San Pedro del Pinatar 968 182 942RAILWAYSFEVE www.feve.es 968 501 172RENFE www.renfe.es 902 240 202UTILITY COMPANIESTelefonica 1004www.telefonica.es www.telefonicainenglish.comIberdrola (Electricity) 901 202 020 www.iberdrola.comAquagest (Cartagena) 968 122 600Aquagest (San Javier) 968 572 112LOCAL TRAFFIC OFFICE(Cartagena) 968 500 883PROVINCIAL TRAFFIC OFFICE(Murcia) 968 256 211ITV Cartagena 968 538 219CORREOS (POST OFFICE)www.correos.esGeneral Information 902 197 197La Manga 968 564 981BRITISH CONSULATE 965 216 022SUPPORT GROUPSMABS cancer support 968 432 525email: [email protected] MMM 968 570 059www.helpmarmenor.orgANIMAL RESCUENoah’s Arc 699 352 818www.noahsarcmurcia

APAH Rescue 630 422 563www.apahrescue.com



Iberbrit LegalSolicitors and Chartered Accountants

CONVEYANCINGMADE SIMPLE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL:Phone: +34 968 337 392

Fax: +34 968 563 224email: [email protected] - www.iberbrit.com

Conveyancing.Integral Tax advice for Individuals and Companies.Annual Tax returns for property owners.Social Security advice.Spanish Wills.

Preparation of the NIE-Identification number of foreigners.Spanish Residency.Financial advice “Mortgages”Power of Attorney.

OURSERVICES

Iberbrit Legalare located on La Manga Strip at:Gran Via s/n – Km 1.5, Edificio Monterrey – Iberbrit Legal office, PO BOX No. 163 – 30380 La Manga – Cartagena


mar menor focus edition 13 october 2009

Documents

esperanzasee page

nuestra senora

domed area

town centre youcross

the14th century

virgen of esperanza

alarge courtyard area

rice fields