the inland magazine july 2010 edition

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Welcome to the 68th edition of TIM.

Well another mixed bag of unseasonably strange weather for us who live in here in Spain for June, and hopefully this unseasoned weather is now behind us and the summer will really start.

As from August, the heading of The Inland Magazine will be dropped from the magazine and the front cover title feature will just be TIM, this move is due to the fact that for some time now, we have not only been delivering to the inland areas where others fail to reach, but we also deliver to many coastal towns as well. The magazine will not change in its content and overall look, but we will be tweaking parts as we expand even further. All of our normal contact details will stay the same for the time being and indeed the new header will allow us to tie in closer to our web site which many of you all ready know to be www.timspain.com

Last month’s competition winners were Ian Snowdon of Sax who won the mixed case of wine from Bodegas Cerda. Mrs Christine Doherty of Hondon de las Nieves whop won the signed copy of A Covert War by Michael Parker, and the winner of last month’s spot the bull competition was Mrs J Oliver of Dolores, congratulations to all of our winners.

Don’t forget you can place your small ads/ classifieds FREE of charge on our web site at www.classifiedsspain.eu or if you have a property that you want to rent, you can also place this FREE of charge including your contact details, photos, descriptions and with booking calendar at www.europeanpropertyrentals.eu or visit either of these sites through our main web page at www.timspain.com Read on and enjoy

Regards Nickie

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What’s Inside

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Following Crazy Don The Herb Garden MotoringBibliomaniac PagePopular MusicCartagenaPhotographySpain Going GreenGoing OutFun In The SunGolf Society PagesBargain Adverts

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JULY COVER PHOTOThis month’s cover photo was taken by

Chris Thompson. The accompanying article can read on page 16!!

The Inland Magazine™

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by Derek Workman


For the last few kilometres of arrow-straight road from Toledo to Seguera that cuts like a straight black gash through the flat plains of La Mancha, you become aware of a small block on a distant hill, shimmering through the dust clouds raised by the hooves of the great herds of goats that wander these plains, source of the milk that makes the queso de cabra, the strong Manchegan cheese, and the legs that become paletillas, roast kid’s leg. Climbing the hill to the block is a series of stumps, looking like a row of rotting teeth. As you get closer you begin to see the outstretched sails that the loco hidalgo, Don Quijote, Cervantes’ mad knight with his colander helmet, mistook for the swirling arms of fearsome giants.

A region bigger than Wales, Castilla-La Mancha reflects the diverse landscape of Spain itself. To the north, in the provinces of Cuenca and Gudalajara, great fields of golden corn and the vibrant yellow faces of equally large plantations of sunflowers brighten the green of vast pine-forested hillsides. The Cuiudad Encantada (the Enchanted City), to the north of Cuenca, is an eerie forest of humanistic and animal forms carved in stone over millennia by water, wind and ice. To the south, seemingly endless vistas of cornfields, vineyards and olive groves, bare of anything other than small two-storey villages that look as if they are keeping their head tucked down against the Manchegan winds, bake under the brilliant blue sky.

The restored molinos of Seguera, each with its own name, uphold the myth of La Mancha but its hilltop cities present a wide contrast and represent a major part of the history of Spain. Albacete has the rare distinction of being recognised as the most boring city in the country but the regional, and once national capital, Toledo, counters this by being said to be one of the most beautiful and historically interesting.

Toledo saw its greatest period of artistic development at a time when its political power was on the wane. Just after the mid-16th century, a few years before El Greco arrived from Italy, Felipe II moved his court north to Madrid. By the time it clicked with the city fathers that Toledo was no longer the seat of national power many of the artists, the architects, the rich and the powerful had decamped, leaving the city to become nothing more than an architectural and artistic bywater.

Fortunately for today’s visitors most of the later development took place outside the city walls and their feet can still tread the same cobbles that El Greco trod as he paid court to his illustrious clientele – and charged them whacking great fees for doing so. Unfortunately for the artist his scandalous prices outraged many of the citizenry of Toledo and by the time he died in 1614 he was almost penniless, with his paintings scattered throughout the city. Fortunately for art lovers they remain there still.

If you walk the tiny alleyways at the breakfast hour, waiting for the sun to show itself over the high spires of the Cathedral, you feel as if you are in a labyrinth of grey chasms where neighbours can shake hands with each other across the way from the oriole windows above your head. Early-bird shopkeepers begin to set out their stands, much of it of the touristy armament kind, as Toledo was known worldwide for the quality of its sword making. For some reason there seem to be almost as many shops selling marzipan as there are selling metalwork, strange when you consider that there is barely an almond tree to be seen in the area. To sample the sweet paste and help the poor at the same time you can buy some from the Convento de Ursula on Calle Santa Ursula where, for reasons unknown, the marzipan is called Santa Rita. You can even pick up a rosary if you feel so inclined.

Following Crazy Don

Costa Blanca

E-mail: [email protected] • Web site: www.timspain.com 3

Once the most important cities in Muslim Spain, after the Reconquista, the overthrowing of Moorish rule by Christians in the 11th Century, the Vatican confirmed Toledo as the centre of the Catholic Church in Spain. The architecture of the city shows is heritage, and grand plazas with Modernista (art nouveau) facades, such as the Zocodover which, from 1465 until 1960 was home to El Martes, the city’s Tuesday market and originally the Arab souq ad-dawab, a livestock market from which the square took its name, are fed by the narrow twisting streets typical of the Moorish style. Nearby is the distinctive Alcázar, once a grand royal residence, now a museum.

It’s worth getting lost in Toledo because you won’t go far. That way you’ll find some of the rickety streets that are more emblematic of the city than those tarted up for the tourist routes. It’s here you’ll find tiny alementaciones, dimly lit grocers shops presided over by matronly ladies in perms and white pinnies. Wander down Calle Pozo de Amargo (the Street of the Bitter Well), just off the Plaza de Ayuntamiento, and you will come across the battered ornate metalwork of the Pozo Amargo who’s waters are said to have been fouled by the bitter tears of a young Jewish girl who’s Christian lover was murdered by her father.

To the east, the ancient walled town of Cuenca rises even more steeply above its modern city than Toledo does, a long narrow spur rising between two deep gorges. It is this sheer drop that gave rise to a peculiar form of house extension, created during the middle Ages. They are the Casas Colgadas, the Hanging Houses that dangle over the Huécar River. If you aren’t content with a postcard and will only be happy with your own photograph, the best place to take it is on the Puente de San Pablo – but beware, this spindly bridge than spans the gorge is not for those who suffer from vertigo as its handrail is barely waist high and it’s a long drop!

The image of Castilla-La Mancha as a vast plain over which a lanky mad knight trudged on a weary old nag still holds sway in the south, but the region is far more than that; great forests, lakes, an abundance of historical and archaeological sites and a hardy cuisine based on stout country food. And there are still the white giants with the waving arms waiting for the old Don to charge at them.

Following Crazy Don

4 E-mail: [email protected] • Web site: www.timspain.com


This will be the last piece from me on herbs and I finish with 2 plants that are favourites of mine.

We begin with Bay, also known as Laurel and sold in Spain as Laurel. Bay is an evergreen with luscious dark green aromatic glossy leaves and a shiny grey bark. Left to its own devices in mild climates it can grow to be a tree up to 20 feet tall but generally it is container grown to keep it small and it will then maintain around a modest 4 feet in height.

Bay is a perennial and it is extremely hardy, ours lives very happily outside and even survived the recent cold winter without so much as a blemish. It will be fine in full or part sun. As Bay trees thrive in containers, it makes them ideal for the patio or to stand in the herb garden as a centre piece.

Giving an annual trim in the autumn and a liquid feed throughout the summer will keep it healthy. The size of the pot controls the size of your Bay tree - a 12in diameter pot will produce a reasonable size tree of about 4ft to 5ft.

When planting, place some old crocs in the base of the pot to help with drainage and use good compost and because Bay likes to be pot bound you can leave it to grow unchecked for several years.

A standard Bay is particularly attractive. To create a standard, you need to buy a young plant with a fairly straight trunk and then religiously take off the lower side shoots as they appear. Once it has reached the desired height, pinch out the topmost shoots and let it thicken up. Keep removing those side shoots and in the autumn give it a prune to maintain its shape but this is a very slow process so alternatively, just buy a standard!

Bay leaves are commonly used to flavour stews, casseroles, soups and sauces, and traditionally form part of a bouquet garni.

Finally, we move on to Chamomile, known in Spain as Manzanilla. This delicate little plant is best known for its use in tea and is reportedly good for a soothing bedtime drink to help sleep.

Chamomile teabags are readily available here

under the name Manzanilla but you can make your own by infusing 25g of fresh chamomile in a half litre of boiling water and allow to stand for 5 minutes before straining and drinking.

You may be familiar with ‘The Chamomile Lawn’, a novel by Mary Wesley which was a successful TV mini series starring Felicity Kendal and the late Paul Eddington. The title of the book refers to a fragrant chamomile lawn stretching down to the Cornish cliffs from the garden of the house featured in the story.

There are many varieties but “Chamomile nobilis

roman” is the one used to create a lawn or simply to provide some ground cover. This small perennial herb has tiny leaves, pretty daisy like flowers and a sweet aroma making it an excellent choice to add a different dimension to the herb garden.

Chamomile is easy to grow but you need to look after it. Preferring average to rich soil, a regular application of liquid feed will help this plant to grow and preform well, giving you lots of flowers. Happy to be in sun or light shade, it doesn’t want to dry out too much so water sufficiently to keep the soil moist

Herbs really are the ultimate in versatility, they give flavour to our foods, provide perfumes to use in our homes, give scent to lotions and potions for our bodies, we can use them medicinally and of course they produce pleasant aromatic foliage and flowers as well.

If you thought herbs were just for cooking then hopefully your thoughts have changed.

T h e H e r b G a r d e n

By Barbara BartonPart 3

Costa Blanca

5E-mail: [email protected] • Web site: www.timspain.com

FITNESS &H EALTH

The Inland Magazine™The Inland Magazine™

E-mail: [email protected] • Web site: www.timspain.com6

by Chris Haney

H a t h a Y o g aYoga is believed to have originated in India over 6,000 years ago. Yoga has lasted thousands of years because it works. Hatha yoga takes the physical body as its starting point and is a form of exercise which consists of purposefully directed bodily exercises combined with the guidance of the life force (prana) into all parts of the body, each muscle, joint, gland and nerve fibre, making the body into a conscious and obedient instrument. By controlling the breath and holding the body in steady poses (asanas), yoga practice will eliminate poisons and toxins and will vitalize the body, strengthening the whole nervous system. You will begin to feel energetic yet relaxed. Regular practice will help you attain the yogic goal of a calm and mature mind in a healthy and youthful body, because it also works at a mental and spiritual level. Hatha yoga is capable of delivering a remarkable range of benefits.

The five key elements of yoga practice are -

• Proper breathing • Proper exercise • Proper relaxation • Proper diet • Positive thinking and meditation

Proper breathing focuses on nasal breathing techniques to unlock energy and vitality. Breathing exercises (pranayama) concentrate on exhalation to cleanse the lungs of stale air and to eliminate toxins from your body. The breath and mind are closely connected. When controlling the breath, circulation improves in a way that brings more blood, oxygen and fuel to the muscles as well as enhancing concentration. While concentrating on the breath you free your mind from distracting thoughts.

The exercises (asanas) are designed to ease tense muscles, tone up the internal organs and to improve the flexibility of the body´s joints and ligaments. The practice of yoga will improve suppleness, strength and endurance, as well as your sense of balance. The deep stretching strengthens the muscles without increasing bulk. As your strength and stamina increases so too does your determination and concentration. Each posture is performed slowly in fluid movements, making each group of muscles work equally on both sides of the body to achieve equilibrium. The range of asanas practised at each session always include some standing, some sitting and some lying prone and supine.

Lessons are constructed so that each one combines physical exercises (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama) and various relaxation methods with practical concentration and meditation exercises. The lessons are suitable for both men and women of mixed abilities.

Classes are held at Esport gym in Hondon de los Frailes with instructor Sue Gow on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m.


Costa Blanca

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MO

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RIN

GWelcome to the July edition of motoring. Now that the decent weather is here we may see some nice old classics on the roads and keep your eyes open for the motor shows around as they are a great day out for all the family.

Classic cars do not necessarily have to be old. The decade of the 1980’s saw some wonderful innovations and development in sports vehicles. Manufacturers such as VW, Ford and Peugeot all wanted a piece of the action and from Peugeot came the 205 GTI. It was lightweight with a 1.6cc engine and performance that thrilled us. Ford brought us the Sierra RS Cosworth using the same 2 door body and chassis as the Cosworth 1.6 but with upgrades to suspension and gear box. They followed this with the RS 500 and as the name suggests, they only ever made 500 of them. This model was faster than the others due to two sets of injectors fitted instead of one and a slight adjustment to the engine control unit giving a much higher B.H.P.

Now a slight warning to those of you who drive British right-hand drive cars.

As of now you can no longer take your car for an I.T.V test with beam deflectors on your head lamps as the car will fail. You will need to swap to left hand lamps and also don’t forget that you also need a rear fog light to the left of the vehicle.

This is also the time of year when we all like to go on long journeys so it is timely to remind you to check your timing belt! Check with the manufacturers recommendations regarding mileage and time for a change as to the cost of repair can be prohibitive and damage to the engine severe if not fatal. Generally you get no warning when it fails so prevention is better than cure.

The Canadian F1 was very good for Louis Hamilton 1st, and Jenson Button 4th. Let’s hope they keep it up for the Valencia race next month. Meanwhile, happy and safe motoring to you all.

by Julian Ashington


Lewis Hamilton | McLaren-Mercedes

Costa Blanca


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The Nation’s Borrowing Habits

All registered authors benefit financially from readers borrowing their book from UK libraries via the UKs Public Lending Right (PLR) scheme. The maximum possible payout is 6,600 pounds p.a. and it is only paid to living authors. The latest PLR statistics reveal that James Patterson was the most borrowed author and his

book ‘Sail’ was his most popular. Amongst the most borrowed classics were Daphne du Maurier, Enid Blyton, Agatha Christie, PG Wodehouse, Charles Dickens and CS Lewis. Perhaps literary taste is not dead after all.

E-Book BenefitsI hear that sales of E-books are on the increase. One of the reasons given is that whilst everybody can see what you are reading with a traditional book cover with an electronic reader nobody is any the wiser. So if you want to read Mills and Boon or something naughty on the 7.50 into Victoria none of your fellow commuters will ever know.

Spanish Book ReviewCrisis in Catral by Linda

Palfreeman

A break from the classics this month to review a new book written by a local author. Linda Palfreeman was inspired by her own unfortunate experiences of having unwittingly become embroiled in the illegally built houses fiasco to write this her second book. However, this is not an Expat ranting and raving

about Spain’s building regulations, or lack there of. But a delightfully amusing book recounting her and her mother’s trials and tribulations integrating with the Catral (a village near Elche) locals, including the mayor, and dealing with some regrettable mishaps. Being a fluent Spanish speaker she has become heavily involved with the local CACAU group formed to co-ordinate efforts to legalise the houses and doubtless the book will also help keep the focus on their predicament. This book will entertain (I laughed out loud) and inform both existing and prospective Expats. My personal favourite was her anecdote concerning capers, you might even say - quite a caper! Available from http://www.crisisincatral.com or Pandora’s Box Catral or Amazon Books

Did you Know?That you may be able to visit your local Spanish library and borrow books in English or one of several other languages. You

have to be on the padron to join your local library then you have access to all of its services which in Torrevieja includes a vast CD and DVD section - all for free.Win a FREE book

Buying Books OnlineWhilst it is always worth having a look around your local bookshop for a bargain most Expats probably do

not have easy access to a vast selection of British books. So buying online can be a great option for an Expat bibliomaniac. Whilst Amazon probably has the best choice, but some of their sellers will not ship to Spain, http://www.play.com is a good option because their prices include post and packaging to Spain, usually at amazingly low prices. Note - their clever system knows you are online in Spain and so displays the prices in €uros and that is the currency in which you have to pay. For even greater bargains check out their 2nd hand books as well.

A Cracking Good Read

Back in May guest reviewer Gerry Wright submitted a review of ‘The Shadow of the Wind’ by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. I have just read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it so have now moved onto another of his ‘The Angel’s Game’ which is another great read.

Update on the UK High St Book War

As written in April the book war is on in the UK High Streets and Waterstones are fighting back by rebranding their stores with a flexible logo and the tagline ‘feel every word.’ All part of their bid to reclaim the high street as ‘Booklover’s paradise and a champion of great writing.’ Interestingly it does not appear to be just cosmetic. Because they have also changed their buying structure, with stores being given greater autonomy over the books they can buy. Hopefully meaning that their local customers can influence what they stock. Sounds like common sense to me and beneficial for the reading and buying public.

Oxfam, who sell 1 million books a month from their 700 shops including 130 specialist book shops, are holding ‘book events’ including signings, auctions, competitions and quizzes to help maintain their market share during the first 2 weeks in July.

Bibliomaniac: Excessive fondness for acquiring and possessing books.

I hope you find it interesting and you are welcome to comment (either way!) on The Inland Magazine forum – http://www.timspain.com Thanks for reading.

Win a free copy of The World According to Clarkson Vol 2 See Page 21

Bibliomaniac PageBy David John


Costa Blanca

I resisted the temptation of writing an article about World Cup songs. Instead I have chosen to focus on some of the Spanish popular music that I have come to enjoy over the last six years. I knew nothing about the Spanish popular music scene when I arrived in 2004 but now, having listened to Spanish radio, watched Spanish TV music programmes and spoken with my Spanish friends about music I have come to enjoy many of the more popular singers and groups that frequent the charts here in Spain.

The Spanish are both interested and passionate about live music and most of them know the great songs from the UK and the USA. Whenever I have performed live or provided a disco for Spanish audiences they have shown great enthusiasm for the music played and it has pushed me into learning more Spanish songs to add to the repertoire!

So where to begin? One of the first groups I discovered was Revolver. Their lead singer and writer is Carlos Goñi. They have been around for a long time and his music reflects a lot of what Spain has been through in the last few decades. His album, ‘Basico 3’ is a ‘biggest hits’ album and comes with a DVD of a live performance. I never like to recommend music to anyone, it is a bit like recommending a restaurant, because personal taste is impossible to predict. However I would recommend this CD as a good one.

One of the fascinating aspects to listening to Spanish pop music is the natural rhythm of the lyrics. On ‘Basico 3’ there are a number of really good songs. ‘Sara’ is a song about love gone wrong; the melody line is compulsive and the chorus eminently sing able. ‘Es major caminar’ is a haunting and beautifully crafted song about life and as the lyrics suggest, it is better to walk or journey than to merely sit down and do nothing through fear. One final song is ‘Faro de Lisboa’, the ‘Lisbon Lighthouse’. Once again an original melody combines with lyrics which are well worth the trouble to try and understand but even without translation the song is quite powerful.

Another good purchase is the ‘Los número uno’ from ’40 principales’ the national radio station that plays the top 40. The song ‘Peter Pan’ by El Canto de Loco is a superb example of modern Spanish pop and is accompanied on TV by a very clever video. One more hit to try is by Carlos Baute and Marta Sánchez entitled ‘Colgando en tus manos’, strong vocals. One final artist to mention is Amaia Montero, a solo singer and guitarist with a soft yet strong voice. Her own song, ‘Quiero ver’, is one of the best songs I have heard, remarkably simple yet memorable.

Well, if you fancy dipping a toe into the Spanish music scene, enjoy! Till next month when I shall return to who knows, maybe some recollections of great summer classics.

By John Currie

POPULAR MUSIC




Costa Blanca

Hello, this month I am going to explain how a communal satellite system is con-figured.

The amount of properties or feeds that can be connected is almost unlimited and is governed by what type of cabling is used and the distance from property to dish. (I’m not touching on fibre-optic cabling this month). First of all, the dish needs ideally to be centrally sited, sturdy, and with clear line of site to the satellites. The

lnb is not the usual type, it is a 4-output Quattro, which splits the satellite signals received into the 4 polarities, Horizontal High, Horizontal Low, Vertical High, Vertical Low frequencies. These 4 cables connect to a unit called a multiswitcher, which is where the end users’ connection from their property connects onto the system.

The multiswitchers are normally sited in electrical risers, ducting access panels, or

anywhere convenient so that the cabling can be easily connected but away from the elements. Multiswitchers can come with 8,10,12,16, or 24 outputs, and can be linked together throughout the instal-lation, to enable a whole community to be connected to one dish.

Launch amplifiers and in-line amplifiers can also be used at various stages to boost weak signals. These systems are very re-liable, providing they are installed cor-

rectly, and are not that expensive once the cost is split between all the households. For smaller 1-4 connection systems, a simple Quad, or 4 output lnb is used to feed the signal from the dish directly to each property.

As always please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Regards, Lee


Only 2 games to report but what great games they were! The first was the final match of the League against a very tough Galera Sport, a team that had secured promotion by clinching 3rd position the week before. Galera had beaten Chaplin’s twice this Season but on both occasions Chaplin’s had their chances to win the match themselves. This encounter gave Chaplin’s the opportunity to get one over on Galera and they did that emphatically by thumping them 6-3 in a superb game in which Chaplin’s could have scored into double-figures! Still, a hat-trick by Sergio Gutierrez, a goal each for Carlos Parkin, Nick Stevens and Dan Stevens and man-of-the-match performance by goalkeeper Adam Melling gave Chaplin’s a credible 39 points for the Season. This put them in 5th position in Division 2, their best finish ever and with Sergio Gutierrez finishing as the 9th best goal-scorer in the entire League with 22 goals it’s easy to see why Chaplin’s have improved so much.

With their strong League finish under their belt Chaplin’s went into the preliminary round of the Cup against a very difficult Cines IMF, a team that finished 6th in Division 1 and who had 2 of the top 5 goal-scorers in the League playing for them. Chaplin’s unfortunately got off to a slow start and found themselves 3-1 down at half-time but they started much better in the second half and got back to 3-2 but despite their spirited efforts they eventually ran out as 5-3 losers. Chaplin’s gave a good account of themselves in this match and next Season promises to be a great one for them with promotion to the top flight a real possibility. If you would like to keep an eye on FC Chaplin’s please visit their website at www.fcchaplins.com

www.fcchaplins.com



Costa Blanca



I live in Cartagena. As often as not when I mention this to acquaintances in Alicante the driver of the family says “We went there once, we couldn’t find the centre, and it all seemed a bit scruffy.” In fact, once you know where to go, Cartagena is a lively, interesting and multi faceted city.

The name of the city is linked to Carthage, the North African home of Hannibal, the elephants across the Alps man. Cartagena has had its ups and downs from the splendour of the Roman occupation through to the reduction of the town to little more than a village in mediaeval times. The last big up was when the money poured in from lead and tin mines out at La Unión. The money built impressive Modernist houses, the style we call Art Nouveau, at the turn of the Twentieth Century. The buildings are all over the place; just look up a little from street level to see the intricate facades. The crash in the 1920s meant that by the time poor immigrants started to arrive in Cartagena nobody cared much that they squatted the once magnificent buildings or rented them cheaply. They’re still there but modern money means that the halal butchers and scruffy locutorios rub shoulders with up market bric-a-brac shops only tens of metres from the strolling cruise ship passengers in the commercial heart of the town. It’s among those Moroccan barbers that so many of our acquaintances have become lost and disillusioned with the city.

A good place to start is the non commercial port. Set the Sat Nav Alfonso XII and follow your nose. There are 28 ships in the Spanish Navy, easy to spot because they are painted grey. It’s not unusual to find half the fleet tied up here. Cartagena has a proud naval history, a bit like Portsmouth or Chatham. It’s the base for the submarine fleet, all four of them, because Cartagena is where the modern submarine was invented. For a closer look board the tourist boat which takes you around the bay to a 19th century fort as well as giving you a glimpse of the super tanker terminal at Escombreras.

Just up from the port, heading towards Calle Mayor, is the old Town Hall, Modernist in style. Pop into the tourist office on the corner of the building first to get yourself a map then ask in the Town Hall about the free tours. An interesting half an hour.

You could just turn left out of the Town Hall and wander up Calle Mayor to stare into the chain shop windows and keep going through Puertas de Murcia and Calle del Carmen till you get to the roundabout at the Plaza de España or you could turn left off Calle Mayor somewhere past the Casino through the Plaza del Rey where the entrance to the Naval Dockyards are. Turn right instead for the scruffier parts. When you stop for lunch michirones (a brown broad bean stew), pelotas en cocido (meatballs in broth) and paella are the typical local fare.

More or less opposite the Town Hall is the entrance to the Roman Museum and Theatre. The building, all white marble and glass, leads you under streets and up escalators to pass beneath the old Cathedral and out into the impressive Roman Theatre. Nobody knew it was there until 1984 because it had been buried under newer buildings. It has the big advantage of staying open through the traditional lunch period. Say hello to the straight backed security guard. He enjoys a few words in English and he’ll tell you how to get out because, in true Spanish style, the exit isn’t marked!

I’m only allowed so many words in these articles so I’m running out of space. There are lots more interesting places including Concepción Castle on the hill behind the theatre, the Civil War Air Raid shelters in Calle Gisbert, and the Underwater Archaelogical Museum on Alfonso XII through to the dusty and haphazard Artillery (Plaza General Lopez Pinto) and Naval Museums. (Calle Menéndez Pelayo) or the gleaming Modern Art Gallery built alongside the Aguirre Palace in Plaza de la Merced. Bars and restaurants everywhere, plenty of festivals and events. Cartagena is definitely worth a visit..

Costa Blanca


Cartagena A Lively and

Interesting City by Chris Thompson



I’ve got you a present; it’s arriving today but needs Tender Loving Care!

Brad’s not renown for being sensitive but senses when I’m feeling low, flying objects are a give away! The heat’s getting to me, I’m exhausted, bad hair days are every day, I’m missing my Mum, my family, my bestest chum, M&S food, cosy Kentish pub & decent white wine spritzer and the 18th of the month when I used to get paid, just for starters!

I am renown for being excitable, Birthdays start the day before as Birthday Eve and Christmas starts on the 1st December as I’m hanging the baubles with Bing Crosby much to humbug Brads’ annoyance! So when a present is due I start thinking priorities.....

1) Perfume, because I’m fed up smelling of insect repellent 2) Box of Thornton’s Finest Chocs, impractical in this heat, but he’s arranged the import & I’ll eat them so fast I won’t have breath to display any signs of melted ungratefulness or 3) Lovers mini-break weekend, Yes I could do with a little TLC. However, although intrigued by the pending gift arrival I’m a tad worried seeing as the previous shopping excursion wasn’t quite what I’d hoped for.

Brad had started that day saying, we need to get you some shoes, as if the 4 boxes of unnecessary never to be worn footwear I’d lugged over from England weren’t enough, but I daren’t protest, a girl can never have enough shoes! I’d spotted a lovely sparkly pair of sling backs to add to the unpractical wearing collection but concern set in as we entered the Brico store! Boots, steel caps, size 3 he asked the bemused chico at the counter and a bemused me came home with a size 4 pair of these monsters, plenty of room for Winter soakage but struggling to actually lift my feet let alone walk because of their weight! I thought I was doing fine in my pink go faster striped trainers from Next, overdressed on-site but comfortable nevertheless, but Brad was concerned for the safety of my pinkies, said I’d break my foot if I dropped a concrete block, actually it was him who broke a bone in my foot later on but that’s another story!

The project was hard going and being Brads’ lackie even more so, ever sensitive to my needs he promoted me to ‘rubble tranferance technician’ which sounded nicer than slave and meant I was barrowing all the debree around our ‘bad day in Beirut’ looking garden because he’d recently had a back operation thus leaving him unavailable for heavy duties.

The day & present arrived, I could hardly contain my excitement when a UK licensed van pulled up, Wow I thought, a gift from the ‘Homeland’, it must be big to need that van, he’s such a great guy my Brad. From the rear of the vehicle was wheeled a cement mixer, ‘there’s been a mistake’ tell them Brad, we’re Brits but they must have the wrong delivery address. No mistake he calmly replied, here’s your present, familiarize yourself ‘cos for the next few years you’ll be working very closely together, you keep moaning you’re missing your best friend so I got you a new one!

‘You’re never too old to learn new skills’ (shame he doesn’t adopt that motto in the kitchen) adds Brad trying to exploit his rehearsed summary advantageously whilst my jaw hit the ground,. He pushed his ‘enthusiastic encouragement’ theory to the limit that day, I’m never speechless, it was a first!

Now Ladies, you think a cement mixer plugs in to the extension lead hence electric powered & fairly quietly rotates its’ drum in the corner of your plot once Hubbie has hit the on/off button, WRONG.My mixer is pre-war, brand name ‘Winget’ a lister petrol engine, single cylinder and we’ve changed the spark plugs more times than manana gets used by the Spanish!

You have to oil the chain or else it jumps off mid-mix, the whole machine shakes and the noise is deafening, no wonder no-one liked living next door to us, if you wanna get rid of your neighbours, get a ‘Winget’! Oh, I forgot, there’s no on/off button, it has to be cranked up by a pull cord, manual of course which virtually rips your arm off in the process, other than that ‘she’ works like a dream!

Training was simple, loading measures of sand & cement, I was away. Over time counting became automatic, I ad-libbed the amounts and even smiled on the job, I hadn’t worked in a bank all those years for nothing!

I’m a genius at work on the mixer, the tonnage of materials we’ve consumed is frightening and I introduced ‘topless mixing’ to boost the tan & boost Brads’ moral!

The old mixer did well, now retired & swallows nest in the engine casing, gaining access via the exhaust vent, Brad has since bought me a modern mixer. Other kind gifts I’ve received from Brad...Trowel, Tool-Box, Goggles, Spade... Diamond Ring on order!

It’s been emotional!I’ve

bee

n R

efo

rmed

- M

ixin

g M

adn

ess!

by M

iche

lle M

ix

Costa Blanca


DOGS TO RE-HOMEMax little brown boy, 4years, loves a bone and ball, castrated + vac’s up to date pre English owned.

Jack a smaller brown boy 4 and half years,

loves cuddles castrated pre English owned

Ben Rottie, big lovely soppy boy 3 years, full passport, came August (bt) pre English owned

Mystique black and white boarder

collie x , not good with cats or small dogs, passport but no (bt) pre English owned

Please call Sonja for viewing of any of these dogs on 677 343 653 plus

lots of puppies at Barneys.



Sometime ago I wrote an article about evening and night photography. One of the great things about living in Spain, particularly at this time of year, is the wonderful light that you get around sunset. I don’t find the summer months good for landscape photography as there is very often a haze around, very different from the clarity you get in the winter and spring. So summer is a great time to head for the towns and cities.

The best time to take photos of town at cities at night isn’t actually at night at all. It’s about 30 minutes after sunset when the ambient, or ‘real’ light and the artificial lighting in a scene are at about the same level. This is known as ‘cross-over’ lighting. At about this time the clouds turn bright orange, or deep red, or purple and sometimes a combination of all three. Wait another 5-10 minutes longer and the sky will turn a vibrant, deep blue. This is just before it turns black and only lasts about 10 minutes or so. This type of lighting can really make your shots stand out.

Just be careful though, it’s also about the same time as people transform into werewolves and that vampires begin to stir.

The other great thing about early evening and night photography is the beautiful golden light that you get at sunset, particularly when the sun is just sitting on the horizon and casting long shadows. Exposure is easier because you don’t have areas of excessive brightness or darkness. At sunset don’t get too obsessed with actually photographing the sunset itself. Look behind you and see how the wonderful light is, transforming an otherwise dull building or church, as in this photograph of Santa Maria church in Ontinyent.

Later on at night always look behind you; you never know what bloodsucker may be lurking in the corners. By the way, I’ve just finished the ‘Twilight Saga’, hasn’t influenced me at all!

by Roger Holden

PHOTOGRAPHY “Nightmares”

Rodger Holden LRPS

www.photographyspain.com

email:[email protected]

Images copyright of Rodger Holden and cannot be used without prior permission


Costa Blanca

BOOK COMPETITION

To enter cut out this coupon and send it along with your full name, address & daytime telephone number to:

T.I.M. Apartado de Correos 285 • 03630 SAX (Alicante)

Simply answer the following question...

Name the author of this month’s Spanish book review (see page 10)

Answer..................................................................................Name.....................................................................................Email Address.........................................................................Address.................................................................................................................................................................Your Contact Tel number..........................................................

Closing Date for entries is the 19th July 2010 - TIM’s decision is final

Win a free copy of The World According to Clarkson Vol 2

Hands up if you thought electric car technology was still at the stage of charging it for days, then driving it for minutes at a speed which an aged tortoise with a gammy leg could overtake. Because I have got news for you. The world of electric cars has moved on – think not of Sinclair C5 (sorry youngsters - do some research) think more Porsche look a like.

If I said to you 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds you would think I had been in the bodega all day but I promise you this is reality. Top speed 125 mph (OK a Porsche goes faster) and a range of around 230 miles. Now are you interested? I thought you might be. Don’t ask me how it does it. Because torque and power output and all that stuff is another language to me and Julian Ashington, TIMs Motoring page man, is far better qualified to talk it than I am.

But I will quote this:“Resin-bonded and riveted extruded aluminium monocoque. Four-wheel independent suspension featuring upper and lower unequal length wishbones and co-axial coil spring telescopic dampers” Which I can translate as “Wow, what a looker”

Because it is. It does not look like some Geeky mad professors pathetic attempt at car design it looks like the professional designers have been involved, and they have. I visited the Tesla web site and their cars look unbelievably good and a serious contender in the executive luxury electric car market.

Now those of you that never miss an episode of Top Gear may all ready be latching onto what I am writing about because JC (Jeremy Clarkson not the other one) did review the car a while ago. Unfortunately it had a hiccup during the programme causing it to lose some of its impact. The car is a Tesla manufactured by Tesla Motors (America) who produce two base models: Model S and the Roadster, both available in variations.

The Roadster qualifies for a national rebate of at least 10,000€ and a provincial rebate of 5,000€ or more. Spanish owners get 75 percent off the yearly car tax. Roadsters also get free metered parking and free use of the high-occupancy vehicle and bus lanes – a priceless advantage in the dense traffic of Madrid and Barcelona. Spain’s 8 million euro “Project Movele” will also fund installation of charge stations in Seville, Barcelona and Madrid. The government aims to

have 1 million electric vehicles in Spain by 2014. Corte Ingles have started to install recharge points in their car parks.

But there is a bigger picture - the race is now on amongst all the big players many of whom are announcing electric cars during 2010. Nissan are launching the Leaf model to be built in the UK, Toyota are offering the Prius PHV, previously this was a hybrid part engine/part electric, General Motors have the Chevvy Volt, Ford plan to be selling 3 electric cars by the end of 2011. Renault has announced the Fluence and Kangoo with ZE models (Zero Emissions) to go on sale in 2011. Apart from Tesla there are some other new names on the block; one backed by Warren Buffett (American multi millionare) so there will be plenty of competition after your money.

Following years of failed promises, and the conspiracy theories about the amazing designs bought out and ‘lost’ by the petrol companies, it now looks like the public will shortly be able to buy and drive viable affordable electric car technology.

So this all adds up to some very big business. Not only in the actual cars but the all important batteries. The technology uses another of the earth’s mineral resources – lithium. And this is where Bolivia takes world centre stage. Why? Because it has nearly half of the currently known world reserves of this soft silver white metal which is surely going to become the new valuable resource displacing oil. Other large reserves are also located in South America.

So will the pendulum of power swing away from the Arabs and OPEC - well possibly. If the public take to electric cars in the numbers predicted, which is in the millions, then demand for oil must surely fall. Initially sales will be impacted by the high purchase cost but as mass production commences unit prices will drop making the technology more affordable and attractive.

The first Tesla car in Spain has been delivered to a Dutch gentleman in Granada involved with the solar energy business. So the revolution has started and what an interesting one it promises to be with the Spanish government playing its part. Last word (for now) to Tesla:

“The Roadster highlights Spain’s 21st century energy technology like no other car,” said Cristiano Carlutti, VP European Sales and Operations for Tesla. “But ultimately, when you come to a stop light next to an idling Porsche or Audi, you will discover the Roadster’s killer appeal: You will leave other supercars in the dust—without a shred of guilt.”

For more: http://www.teslamotors.com

Spain Going Greenby Rob Innis

Part 2 The Electric Car – Finally a Reality?




Costa Blanca


The Royal British Legion - Pinoso Branch Visit to Villena’s Hidden Treasure!

The latest social event for the RBL Pinoso Branch saw thirty-nine members and guests visit the town of Villena. The attraction was the famous collection of ancient gold relics held at the town’s archaeological museum. The collection consists of sixty pieces including bowls, a tiara, bracelets, rings, earrings, and pendants. Discovered in 1963, the gold dates back over 3000 years.

The group also took the opportunity to visit the nearby ‘Festivals’ museum which houses a collection of costumes and other paraphernalia used over the years in the Moors and Christians festivals.

Afterwards an excellent lunch was enjoyed at the restaurant Circulo Agricola Mercantil.

Support Expats 4 Afghan Heroes in Spain

Since September 2009, when Afghan Heroes was set up in the UK, Jackie Lawson has been raising money for the Charity. Denise Harris and 7 other mothers all lost their sons on 2 horrific day of fighting in July 2009 and found that there was no support for the forces or their families.

As an expat whose husband works for NATO in Afghanistan, Jackie was deeply moved by the plight of the fallen heroes, and has this year set up her own fundraising website www.expats4afghanheroes.com. The web-site lists all her fundraising events and currently has a fabulous competi-tion running, where you can win 2 nights at The Rosamar Hotel in Beni-dorm for 2 people, plus entertainment and 50 Euros spending money. All you have to do is guess how much Expats 4 Afghan Heroes will have raised by 15th September this year. This date is Afghan Heroes first anni-versary, and many celebratory events will be held during September. The entrance is only 1 Euros a guess. Clue – From February to the end of May over €11,000 had been raised. Full details are on Jackie’s website.

Helping PeopleAfghan Heroes is a charity that supports people, and is not linked to any other charity. As Regional Coordinator for Spain Jackie feels that her role is to not only raise money for our True Heroes, but to also raise awareness of the conditions and the plight of these courageous young men and women.

• Afghan Heroes have already sent 10,000 gift boxes• Supplied a professional pool table to Headley Court• Donated to both Selley Oak Hospital and 3rd Rifles• Bought 1 holiday home

Some of the upcoming projects that Afghan Heroes are raising money for are:-• Supply 13 DVD Players for the hospital in Camp Bastion• Nationwide drop in centres• 8 further holiday homes for use of by the families of the fallen.• To supply bereaved families with travel expenses so they can attend memorials and funerals of their loved ones.

All services for Expats 4 Afghan Heroes and Afghan Heroes are given free of charge, so ALL the monies donated goes to helping our forces in Afghanistan.

How You Can Help

• Attend any of Expats 4 Afghan Heroes Events• Volunteer to be a coordinator in your area• Have a fundraiser in your local club, bar etc (let Jackie know as she will advertise it for you)• Donate a raffle prize or sponsor an event• Buy Afghan Heroes merchandise, wristbands, t-shirts etc

Upcoming Events

July 8th – Hot Stuff 4 Afghan Heroes – from 7.30pmQuesada Country Club

Starring Tony Lincoln, Suzanne James, Nick Barker, The Iceni Dancers and Q4

Tickets €15 Euros with BBQ or €6 show onlyTickets available from Quesada Country Club and by calling Jackie on

697501992August 18th – Swing, Rattle and Roll 4 Afghan Heroes

Casa Limon, Guardamar – from 7.30pmStarring Patti Ross, Andy Jones, Tony Kelly and more!

Tickets €5. Food availableTickets available from Casa Limon or Jackie

Many events are planned for the year and they are all listed on www.expats4afghanheroes.com

Jackie is always pleased to hear from anyone who wants to help and attends all Expats 4 Afghan Heroes events. Call today on 697501992


The Grapevine situated within Beckies, La Romana officially opens its doors for business on Thursday 8th

July.Becki, Jason, Mick & Caroline would like to thank all our customers for their support and all our friends that helped out during the renovations (you know who you

are!). We would especially like to thank Simon of Taylamade Construction 686 896 894 for all of his hard work and

creative ideas, he comes highly recommended.The grapevine has been created to give you a feeling of being inside a Valencian style courtyard; complete with

rustic pine beams and original stonewalls.

So why not call in, pick up all your shopping, stock up on Deli delights and then relax over a premium doorstep

sandwich and steaming hot cup of coffee.We look forward to welcoming you there!


Costa Blanca

Association of Locksmiths in Spain

Window & Shutter Locks Supplied & Fitted24/7 Emergency Service

All locksmith services carried out by fully trainedmembers of the Association of Locksmiths in Spain.

Also Locksmith training coursesTel: 635 146 181

or visit www.locksmiths-in-spain.com

LOCKSMITHS

WWW.EUROPEANPROPERTYRENTALS.EU

PLACE YOUR PROPERTY RENTAL FREE FOR 1 YEAR!



During March 2010, I saw an advertisement on the website of my local town of Pinoso, asking for ‘Extras’ (Figurantes) to take part in the making of a film which was to be shot in the area surrounding Pinoso. I attended the casting day, where I completed an application form, had my photo taken and a few weeks later received a call to say that I had been chosen for a specific role.

The working title of the film is ‘Orson West’. It will be the first major film by a Director called, Fran Ruvira, who was born in Pinoso, but now lives and works from Barcelona. The film is part fact and part fiction. It is said that in the sixties, Orson Wells travelled to Spain and in particular the area around the Sierra del Carche between Alicante and Murcia looking for a location to shoot a Western. However, the film was never made. This film is the Director’s version of events of a modern day film crew, filming a pretend film crew making a Western.

My role was that of the pretend American Director of Photography. I had 6 days of filming in remote mountainous locations near to Raspay and Canada Del Trigo. Most of the days, I was on set for 12 hours, I now understand a little of how the feature films are made and that there must be a lot of waiting around for Actors, crew and Extras in between takes and setting up of equipment.

It was very interesting to see how the real Director of Photography set up all of the equipment to shoot particular scenes and moved the camera on numerous occasions to get different angles of one scene. This is the time when the ‘Extras’ are standing around for a long time waiting for their turn to be filmed.

It is also interesting to see how many people are involved in the making of a relatively low budget film. Obviously, there is the Director and his many assistants. The Director of Photography has about 3 or 4 assistants. The sound crew, the Labourers moving equipment here, there and everywhere. On locations where we were near a public road, crew members were on the road with ‘Stop’ & ‘Go’ paddles doing traffic duty. When there is a ‘Take’ they have to have absolute silence. There are the wardrobe and make up girls, outside caterers who deliver food and set up at specific times, it is a very big operation and an experience that I found very exciting and interesting.

The main Actors that were filming in this location were Sonia Almarcha, Frank Feys and Jorge Yaman; I have carried out searches on the internet and discovered that some have been in feature films and some also in various TV soaps in Spain.

I have been told that the film should be fully completed and ready for release by the end of 2010 and maybe go to DVD in 2011. Obviously for myself, I am keen to see how many scenes I am in and can’t wait to see the finished film.

Because of the vast area and ruggedness of Spain, there are many locations that are used by the film industry, and just by looking at adverts or doing internet searches, there are opportunities for people to be ‘Extras’ if you fancy doing something different.

If you do an internet search on ‘Orson West’, you can find samples of information about this film.

FILM

SET

EX

TR

A by David Billington

Costa Blanca



B

Bar

Restaurante TaperiaMenu del dia 8 € - Menu del noche 12 €

Fantastic range of tapas

Best breakfasts in the Hondons

Full English & Spanish menus always available Try our fillet or sirloin steaks, lamb shanks, home made steak pie or spicey meatballs

Starting July Bingo every Wednesday at

8.00 pm with special tea-time menu for 6 €

Amazing weekend menu available all day Saturday & Sunday 12 €

Traditional Sunday lunches & Friday fish ‘n’

chip evenings coming soon

Bookings now being taken for our special menus

to celebrate the August Hondon fiestasGabriel & Helen look forward to welcoming you

Open 7 days 9.30 am ‘til late

Jaime 1, 15, Hondon de las Frailes (opposite Chemist)

Tlf 645 578 518



For the June meeting of The Epicureans we had lunch at Restaurant Al Medina in the square behind the Town Hall in Alicante, unfortunately, the experience was not favourable and I cannot recommend this establishment, hence I am not reporting on this particular restaurant experience. However during our visit to Alicante we spotted a number of posters advertising a Sunset Cruise on a Catamaran from Alicante harbour. It seemed like a good idea so my wife and I, plus some of the other members of the club thought we would give it a go. A couple of phone calls later and reservations were made for Saturday 12th June.

The Sunset Cruise Catamaran is located next to the Café Bar Noray close to the Tabarca Island ferries; roughly centre of the main road in front of the harbour. We arranged to meet our friends in the Noray Bar at 8:00 pm. One important point, I strongly advise you not to purchase anything from the Bar Noray, it has to be one of the most expensive bars in Alicante, example, 1 off Jonnie Walker Whiskey and tonic and 1 off Larios Gin and tonic, total 17.30 Euros, double what similar drinks in other Alicante bars would cost. These prices were challenged, but the bar does display their prices (in very small writing), please do not drink here and get “ripped off” like we did. So

not a good start to the evening, but it did get better, much better.

We boarded the Sunset Cruise Cat at around 08:30pm to the sound of loud “dance music” along with about 80, mostly 20 top 30 “something’s”, we were definitely outside our normal age grouping, but what the hell, we can still “move it” with the best of them, especially after a few drinks. Immediately on boarding guests had a choice of a glass of cava or pink lumbrusco, the first glass quickly topped up by the incredibly friendly staff, then topped up again and again. A good range of snacks were also on a “help yourself” basis, pastries, pasties, olives, pizza, sausage rolls, fresh fruit etc. We settled ourselves down enjoying the snacks and the free booze.

About 9:00pm this sleek vessel left the port to start our cruise along the Alicante coast towards St. Juan. I do not know if it was the intoxication or the hypnotising beat of the music but we were really getting into this trip, one of our party could not stop dancing, ever seen two ferrets fighting in a bag, I shall say no more. After the cava etc, your next drink at the bar is also free, and they do not skimp on the measures. After that, drinks at the bar are charged at very reasonable rates.

The “heady beat” of the music continued, and I could not help myself enjoying it, as was everybody else on the trip judging by the way they were dancing and obviously having fun. The cruise continued along the coast for the next 1 hour and twenty minutes on an almost still sea, then it was time to head back, the music racked up a notch, and the boat staff insisted on slipping us “chopitos” of whisky. The boat was turned around and we headed back to Alicante, the lights of the Alicante coast are beautiful at night. We arrived back in the port at about 11:45pm after what I must say was an enlightening experience. I must take this opportunity to compliment the staff on this vessel for their care and service. They certainly helped make the trip really enjoyable.

All in all a great night, and great value for money. However I would say, this trip is aimed at the “younger” of us or at least the young at heart purely because of the type of music played during the trip, but do not let that put you off, we really enjoyed it. So now down to the money, 35.00 Euro’s a head including the drinks and snacks. Phone Stefan on 639 705 751 for reservations. The Sunset Cruise goes every Saturday night during the summer months.

We disembarked, said goodbye to our friends, they were driving home, we headed back to our hotel in the centre of Alicante. By now it was about 12.30am and Alicante was “buzzing”, some kind of fiesta taking place, what, I could not tell you. We had a terrible “pang” for egg and chips, we sat in a lovely street café, had our fill and just watched the world go by. We got into our hotel room just as the fireworks started; we had an amazing view of the display from our hotel window, a perfect end to a great night.

Costa Blanca


Showing all WORLD CUP matches Multi screen English & Spanish TV

WIFI available. Pool table & darts – JOIN US FOR THE FINAL

Sinatra’sHondon de las Frailes

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Saturday 31st July – the fabulous YANKEE BLUES BROTHERS

Wines by the bottle from 3.20 € Every day Completely refurbished, rear sun terrace with

barbeque. Available for private hire

Come & chill out in the friendly and relaxed

atmosphere that is Sinatra’s and do it our way



PARTY TIME!

Celebrate your special occasion with the knowledge your catering needs will be organised and provided by a professional service delivered to your door or designated venue. Buffet, barbeque or Hog roast. We look after the food whilst you party. Call in and see us at the Tea Rooms for a no obligation chat.

Please contact TINA or DAVE – 690 289 044

YOU PARTY – LEAVE THE WORK & PLANNING TO US!

Re-opening Monday 5th July

Wide range of greetings cards for all occasions

Internet Café

Take away service available

Speciality oven baked jacket potatoes with a range of fillings

Traditional cream teas

We look forward to seeing friends, old and new

Open Monday – Friday 10.00 am to 2.00 pm

Tel: 965 482 120 Located Main street, Hondon de las

Frailes, near CAM Bank.

Lorraine & Steve have lived in Spain for about 12 years and having worked in the family’s country pubs in the UK it comes as no surprise to find them running their own bar here in Spain.

Living in the campo between Torremendo and Hurchillo they took one look at bar Fuente de Don Juan and knew immediately that it was the place for them. In only 6 months they have transformed it into a bar renowned for its warm welcome and home cooked food whilst at the same time retaining its traditional Spanish influence by offering tapas etc. alongside their English cuisine which includes lamb shanks and big rack of ribs or for those with a larger appetite, you must try one of their superb 16oz steaks-amazing value at under 15€-and, of course, traditional Sunday Lunch with homemade starters and desserts. Nestling amongst the mountains of Orihuela, with its spectacular views, the restaurant has an ambiance about it that makes a visit essential.

Fuente de Don Juan is situated in the heart of the Alicante countryside, yet only a 10 minute drive from Orihuela or San Miguel. It is easily found via the CV925 from Hurchillo or Torremendo and then

taking the sign posted turn at km6.5. The bar even has its own Swimming Pool that they hope to have operational before the really warm weather arrives!

Steve and Lorraine are always trying to find quality entertainment acts and they recently hosted a spectacular Abba/Rod Stewart tribute night that proved so popular they have rebooked it for 29th August. On 3rd July there will be a BBQ and a Flamenco Dance Show and in August Glenn, former member of 70’s band Sweet, will be playing there on 1st & 18th. Just a taster of what they can offer you over the next couple of months to tempt you to pay them a visit.

During July and August the bar will be open 7 days a week. So the next time you want to take a lovely drive out in the Alicante countryside and receive a really warm welcome, why not pay them a visit. You won’t be disappointed.

One of the few disadvantages of being situated in the mountains is that Telefónica have not yet installed them a landline, so for further details text Lorraine on 680 755 943 and she will return your call, or simply call in for a coffee or a beer.

33

Costa Blanca


PARTY TIME!

Celebrate your special occasion with the knowledge your catering needs will be organised and provided by a professional service delivered to your door or designated venue. Buffet, barbeque or Hog roast. We look after the food whilst you party. Call in and see us at the Tea Rooms for a no obligation chat.

Please contact TINA or DAVE – 690 289 044

YOU PARTY – LEAVE THE WORK & PLANNING TO US!

Re-opening Monday 5th July

Wide range of greetings cards for all occasions

Internet Café

Take away service available

Speciality oven baked jacket potatoes with a range of fillings

Traditional cream teas

We look forward to seeing friends, old and new

Open Monday – Friday 10.00 am to 2.00 pm

Tel: 965 482 120 Located Main street, Hondon de las

Frailes, near CAM Bank.



ITCHENE U R O P E A NK

* 1 egg, beaten

* 3/4 lb of pork loin, thinly sliced

* 1/2 tsp bittersweet smoked Pimentón

(spanish paprika)

* 3 tbsp olive oil

* 2 tbsp chopped garlic

* 1/2 tsp oregano

* 1/2 cup piquillo pimentos, sliced

* 3 onions chopped

* 3 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped

* 2 tbsp chopped parsley

* Salt and pepper

* 1 lb of yeast pastry or bread dough

* 1 large red pepper, chopped

* 2 hard boiled eggs

ING

RE

DIE

NT

S

PREPERATION

Empanadas, bread pies stuffed with shellfish, fish or meats, are iconic of Galician cuisine. The crusts and fillings vary from place to place, and nearly every Galician family, restaurant, and tavern claims to have the secret formula for making the best version. Of the many empanadas I have tasted in this beautiful northwestern region, these ones are my favorites - their crust is consistently delicate and delicious.

This robust filling is typically made with pork loin or tenderloin, but chicken and beef are fine substitutes.

* Servings: 6

Put the sliced pork in a dish with paprika, 1 tbsp of the chopped garlic, oregano, salt and pepper, and let sit for 30 minutes. Heat the olive oil in a pan and fry the pork very quickly, removing slices as they are browned. In the same oil, sauté the chopped peppers, onions and remaining garlic until softened. Add the prepared tomatoes, parsley, salt and pepper and cook until the tomatoes are reduced and the sauce is very thick.

Divide the dough in half. On a floured board, roll out to a thickness of 1/4 - 1/2 inch. Line a cake tin with dough. Spread this with half the prepared sauce. Arrange the slices of pork loin on top and add a layer of piquillo pimentos above that. Slice the boiled eggs and layer above other ingredients. Spoon on the remaining sauce.

Roll out the rest of the dough and cover the pie. Crimp the edges together and trim the excess. Make a hole in the center for a steam vent. Put in a medium hot oven for 30 minutes. Brush the top with beaten egg and bake another 15-20 minutes.

The crust should be golden and crispy. Can be served hot or cool.

Empanadas


Costa Blanca



An article by Malcolm Thompson BEd (Hons)

Last month I wrote an article about two art galleries in Murcia. This month the focus is on a brilliant little art gallery in Alicante. (Not strictly speaking ‘inland’ I know). The Museo Bellas Artes Gravina, aka MUBAG, is near the old Ayuntamiento in Alicante on the Calle Gravina. It is housed in a charming and expertly converted 18thC merchant’s house. Recently, myself and some members and wags of the Las Chumberas Art Group took ourselves off to have a look. The permanent collection is housed on the first floor and above that is a mezzanine floor where temporary exhibitions are held. On this occasion we were going to give the permanent collection the once over.

In all fairness, Spanish provincial collections can be loaded with deeply conservative, heavy catholic art. And who can blame them; it is a fundamental element of Spanish culture. However, in this particular collection there are lots and lots of truly stunning works by little known modern Spanish artists. There are several works in particular that stand out as spectacular. So in we go! To mention every painting would be tedious and time consuming and impair your enjoyment as you see them for the first time but there are a few gems here. Almost every genre is represented here in this jewel like art gallery. It requires and deserves that you take your time and savour the atmosphere. It also has to be said that MUBAG is one of the most sympathetically lit galleries comparable to some of the bigger establishments like the Prado in Madrid or the National Gallery in London. Inside this gallery you will find a snapshot of Spanish life before, during and after the Franco period. Dictatorships are notorious for disliking modern art but here in MUBAG you will find one or two good examples of impressionism and expressionism along with more conservative, traditional art.

The MUBAG is also noted for one other feature. They regularly hold classical music recitals inside the main foyer on weekday evenings.Performed by ‘La Diputacion con el Conservatorio Superior de Musica Oscar Espala de Alicante’. Essentially, students from University of Alicante Department of Music. We have been to some outstanding recitals recently. One of the most memorable was in March this year by the ‘Departmento de Piano’ where we listened to some very beautiful Rachmaninoff and Chopin. The acoustics are good and the students are truly marvellous. MUBAG is an excellent local resource well worth visiting either for the art or the music. Entrance is free, but check the web for times and dates. Like most museums in Spain they are closed on Monday and they do siesta. There are toilets and the counter staff will guard your bag and coat. There is a small shop and the museum sells beautiful prints of some of the major works at very reasonable prices indeed. The staff are helpful and cheerful but their

English is very limited. There is a lift to all floors with wheelchair access. There is no printed information in English except on the website.

If you would like to visit MUBAG you can get more information in English at:www.mubag.com (select the English tag at the bottom right).

Or visit them at Calle Gravina 13-15, Alicante 03002, or telephone them on 965146780, (Spanish speakers only) If you would like to join one of my watercolour painting art groups then email me: [email protected]

Or check out my website at: www.watercolourholidays.com

Or you can phone me on: 616 052 079

If you would like me to guide an art appreciation group around one of the galleries mentioned in ‘The Inland Magazine’ give me a call.

MUBAGA r t a n d C l a s s i c a l M u s i c i n A l i c a n t e


Costa Blanca

For re-registration of cars, motorbikes and motor homes – Contact

Graham Shelton

who after re-registering over 500 vehicles will put YOU on the right side of the road

605 319 889 or 966 753 375

www.spanish-number-plates.com [email protected]

SPANISH NUMBER PLATES

A CLASSIC AFTERNOON

On Sunday 20th June visitors from as far afield as Torrevieja & Orihuela Costa travelled to the Classic Car Event held at La Casita and were treated to a really super afternoon.

There was a plethora of classic sports & saloon cars for all to admire and drool over. Many of the cars being owned by Freewheelers, a group of like–minded people out to enjoy themselves while at the same time proudly displaying their own bit of motoring history.

The event was officially opened by Ramon Cerda, teniente de alcalde of Pinoso, who welcomed and thanked everyone for attending, in typically fine style duly recorded for TV. He congratulated our hosts, Dave and Caroline, for staging the event and wished a successful and enjoyable afternoon to all.

Throughout the day we were entertained to live music by rock band Gio and Freddy and all enjoyed an extensive BBQ. The event was so successful that plans are already under way to stage another.

Thanks are extended to Eno Licor, SolarSky, local artist Caron O’Rourke, and in particular to Paul Thomas of Homeclean & Property Services Management and, of course, TIM.



FUN

IN

TH

E S

UN

!

TIM and La Finca’s Fun in the Sun Day did exactly what it said on the tin! The large crowd enjoyed a fun packed afternoon under the baking hot sun. The Hog Roast sold out and was washed down by the liquid refreshments supplied by the busy bar. The swimming pool was popular whilst others enjoyed dancing to Duo Zodiac who kept everyone entertained. Bargains were available from the many stalls (I returned home with a large hand painted botijo). If you were not there you missed a great afternoon – maybe next time.

Enjoy the photos more here http://picasaweb.google.com/Robi1305/FUNINTHESUN#

Costa Blanca


www.classifiedsspain.eu


ACROSS

1 Look after (4,3) 8 River flowing from Venezuela to the Atlantic (7) 9 Annual publication giving dates of astronomical and other events (7) 10 Start the ball rolling? (4,3) 11 Alarming, maybe paranormal (5) 13 Exterior of a plane figure (9) 15 Person one works or spends time with (9) 18 Cultural origins (5) 21 Publication on single sheet (7) 22 Portable light (7) 23 Rubbish (7) 24 Small ungulate (3,4)

DOWN

1 Very stupid (5)2 Cuban dance (5)3 Odd rather than amusing (5,8)4 Corker (anag) (6)5 Exterior of circle (13)6 Quit a computer system (3,3)7 Talk together (6)12 Domestic pets (4)14 Leave the stage (4)15 Assert without proof (6)16 Interior means of ascent (6)17 Horn maybe of 24 (6)19 Excessively fat (5)20 System for locating underwater objects (5)

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

FUN PAGE FUNNY

Log on - Adding a log to your wood stoveLog off - Don’t add a log to your wood stoveMonitor - Keep an eye on the wood stoveMegahertz - When a big log drops on your bare foot in the morningFloppy disk - What you get from piling too much wood into your wood stoveRam - The hydraulic machine that makes the woodsplitter workDrive - Getting home during most of the winter to your wood stoveHard drive - Trying to get home during a heavy snow stormPrompt - What you wish the mail was during the snow seasonEnter - Come on inWindows - What you must shut when the temperature hits 10 belowScreen - What is a must during black fly seasonChip - What you munch during a football gamesMicrochip - What’s left in the bag when the normal chips are goneModem - What you did to your fields last JulyDot Matrix - Eino Matrix’s wifeLaptop - Where the grandkids sitKeyboard - Where you’re supposed to put the keys so the wife can find themSoftware - Plastic picnic utensilsMouse - What leaves those little turds in the cupboardMainframe - The part of the house that holds up the roof

COMPUTER JARGON!

40


41

Costa Blanca




The Spanish DGT, Direccion General de Traffico, the government de-partment responsible for the countries driving laws, has recently mailed a letter to every driver in Spain.

The letter explains, in Spanish, the recent revisions to driving laws, paying any fines and loss of points incurred when the laws are broken. It states the reason for these changes is to help their objective of making the roads safer and reducing accidents.

In case your copy did not arrive or you found it confusing here is a summary of the 3 main pages which contain both good and bad news for drivers.

Sencilla (Simplified)

Now the fines are standard across Spain. Before you might have paid a different amount in Madrid to Alicante for the same offence. It is now also the same amount whether it is the Guardia Civil or Policia local charging you with an offence.

There are 3 categories of offence:• Minor (Infracciones leves) the fine is up to 100€ • More serious (Infracciones graves) = 200€• Very serious (Infracciones muy graves) = 500€

There is a table which determines the speeding fine based on your ac-tual speed vs. the speed limit.

Unsurprisingly the higher the speed the more the points loss and fine. Up to a maximum of 6 from your original 12 points (or 14 if you have gained 2 by previously being law abiding)

If you decide to pay your fine within 20 days (including weekends) you will get 50% discount BUT you lose the right of appeal (i.e. you accept the fine and you pay)

You can pay in 4 ways:• The law enforcement officer with either cash or credit or debit card• At any Post Office• At any Banco Santander (only)• Or through internet via the DGT site http://www.dgt.es• Look for - apartado Trámites y multas: jefatura virtual

Facil (Easier)

Now you can register your email and mobile phone number with DGT to receive information from them i.e. any fines from speeding cameras, or licence expiry notifications etc rather than receive a letter.If they can’t contact you – your fine is published in the TESTRA – the official DGT bulletin, available online on their website.Justa (Better justice)

Now there are only 20 (reduced from 27) offences for which you can lose points – but you will still be fined.

You can recover up to 6 lost points by taking a special driving course.You are now only banned when all of your points are lost. So if you get stopped for a very serious offence which costs you say 6 points and you have 14 you are permitted to continue driving.

If you don’t pay your fines: after the 4th one - your car will be electroni-cally impounded by DGT who will not permit another driver to become the registered owner. So you could neither legally sell it on nor scrap your car to lose the fines.

So that is the gist of the letter. But as always take professional advice as required or refer to http://www.dgt.es for more information.

Ref

orm

a Le

y de

Tra

fico

The

Rev

ised

Spa

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Dri

ving

Law

s

by Rob Innis


Costa Blanca

Quad on popular urbanisation2 beds, 1 bath

Roof terrace, garden & drivewayConservatory

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Castalla - Ref: ff0508

Finca close to town3 beds, 2 baths

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Renovated country finca3 beds, 2 baths

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Country house with annexe5 beds, 2 bathsSwimming pool

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Large townhouse for renovation 5 beds, 1 bath

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Salinas - Ref: ff0250

Country house for renovation6000m2 land. Paddock and

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FAB properties • FAB prices • FAB service

Cancers are cute. They pretend to be tough but

it’s all an act. They have great memories and

lots of them are good at history. They love

anything old, like museums, antiques and

your grandmother. They are fairly secretive

and hide things - food in their drawers and

cupboards for instance. They stay pretty

close to home, are extremely psychic,

have a great sense of humour and are

the world’s best cooks. They collect things.

Other people call this garbage but to them it’s gold.

You’d never find a Cancerian throwing a garage sale.

By Philip Garcia - www.philipgarcia.com

Dwelling on morbid thoughts will drive luck from your door. You need to have a more positive attitude, especially when talking with others. If you’ve grown tired of your current living situation, look for a better one. Living near a bustling city centre will suit you well. A sociable person like you needs the companionship of others. Taking a trip overseas will clear your head and give you a new lease on life. The locals will find you a charming, witty conversationalist.

Aries

You’re tired of having to live on a budget all of the time. Fortunately, your days of jam sandwiches are limited. Until then, do your best to stay out of debt. If you owe money to a friend, do your best to pay it back as soon as possible. Just because a loved one has been understanding about your lack of payments doesn’t mean you should take advantage of their generosity. The sooner you fulfil this obligation, the happier you both will be.

You’re not getting very clear instructions from your boss, which makes your job practically impossible. Don’t keep going until you get some coherent directives. Your ultimatum will cause trouble, but it also wins the respect of your peers. Everybody has been struggling with similar problems. Unfortunately, you’re the only one brave enough to stand up to authority. Taking a short trip for pleasure will help release all of the tension that’s been building.

You have to update your ideas if you’re going to be a hot commodity on the job market. Going back to the classroom and getting a certificate in a cutting edge technology will prove helpful. Stop telling yourself it’s too late to realise a dream. The more flexible you are, the more chances you will have to achieve success. Working for a glamorous industry like film, fashion or music could be in the cards for you. Investigate what you need to do to get your foot in the door.

Your job position is changing, and there’s not much you can do about it. If you insist on maintaining the status quo, you could be fired. You’re not the only one who is being asked to change. Everybody else has had to make sacrifices, too. Once you become more flexible, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Your new duties will draw on your creativity and help you help the community in an important way. There’s a big silver lining to the cloud over your head.

Dwelling too much on health problems will only make them worse. Stop reading medical journals and online articles about the latest trend in vitamins and vaccines. You’ll feel much better when you take simple measures to promote a strong body. Eating nutritious foods, getting plenty of sleep, and taking regular exercise are all that’s necessary to feel better. Refrain from discussing the details of your new regime with others. Nothing is more boring than hearing about somebody else’s daily routine.

Stop listening to people who keep telling you to take the safe road. You’re an adventurous person who needs lots of freedom. Treading the straight and narrow will just dull your creative edge. If you’ve ever wanted to write a book, now is the time to get started. You probably prefer fantasy to reality. When you’re mired in the business of day to day life, an imaginary universe proves liberating. Plus, you won’t have to worry doing research; you make up the rules as you go along.

You’re a little fearful of the competition, which is understandable as your rivals have had a lot more experience and education. Still, you have a lot of natural talent. Keep this in mind when you are comparing your performance to theirs. Take your cues from a youngster who is totally unselfconscious. If you make a mistake, don’t panic. Just continue as if nothing happened. The powers that be will be impressed by your poise and may give you a plum job assignment as a result.

It’s hard to attract romance when you’re always brooding about the future. Make more time for leisure activities, even if it means cutting back your hours at work or neglecting some household responsibilities. You have tremendous creative potential and can’t let it go to waste. Writing stories, songs, and poems will keep depression from setting in. It doesn’t matter if you have had any experience in these areas or not. Just jot down whatever comes into your head; you can always edit later.

You may lack the skills to advance in your desired career. At times like these, you need to formulate an alternate plan. Making more time for pleasurable pursuits like handicrafts can be very therapeutic. Get your hands dirty in the garden or kitchen. Slowly, your professional problems will seem insignificant and you’ll be filled with profound peace. Your newfound happiness will attract romance like a flower draws bees. Look out for someone sophisticated with a dry sense of humour.

Beware of complaining aloud, or you could be branded a troublemaker. Your peers have had to endure much more difficult times. Respect their experience by remaining silent in the face of pressure. Roll up your sleeves and tackle an unpleasant job everybody else has been avoiding. That way, no one can accuse you of being an egotist. Your family will be proud of your progress, and may throw a party for you. Let them pamper and spoil you. You will have earned it!

Just because your family didn’t promote healthy relationships to you doesn’t mean you are doomed to be alone. You can have a loving romance, so long as you find a partner who is worthy of your attention. In the past, you gravitated to rebellious types who took advantage of your generosity. This time around, you must find someone who will treat you well. In return, you need to treat your beloved with kindness and respect. Sounds like the recipe for a boring life, but it will prove quite fulfilling.

Taurus Gemini Cancer

Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio

Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces



BBUUYY DDIIRREECCTT

IINNEELLBBEE GGRROOUUPP

Inurbe fincas

c/ San Rafael, 11 03318 La Murada Alicante,

[email protected] Contact: José Ramon Office/fax: 966 779 788 679 951 140 (Español) 699 457 387 (English)

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ABANILLA – MURCIA

Beautiful detached villa with 2 beds, bath, fitted kitchen, utility, lounge/diner, fitted kitchen. Separate apartment with 2 beds, bath, fitted kitchen, lounge/diner. Pool, BBQ, landscaped gardens. Build: 180 m2 Plot: 2,500 m2 € 300,000

Ref 01788 OFFER ABANILLA - MURCIA

Pretty detached country hosue on enclosed plot with auto entry system. 2 beds, bath, lounge/diner with fireplace, fitted kitchen, stairs to roof terrace. Above ground pool, wooden chalet. Build: 75 m2 Plot: 6,000 m2 € 131,700

Ref 01773 OFFER LA MURADA - ALICANTE

Two storey town house with garage. Within walking distance of town. 3 beds, 2 baths, lounge/diner, fitted kitchen. Storage. Spacious patio with BBQ, terrace. Air conditioning. 10 minutes from Orihuela. Build: 150 m2

Plot: 200 m2 € 125,000

Ref 01923 OFFER PINOSO - ALICANTE

Detached country villa. 3 beds, 2 baths, lounge/diner with fireplace. Garage, pool, storage. Large porch, BBQ. Beautiful views. Stables for 5 horses. Enclosed gardens. 10 minutes from town. Build: 135 m2 Plot: 2,800 m2 € 129,500

Ref 01878 OFFER ALBATERA - ALICANTE

Detached country house & land. 2 beds, bath, lounge, kitchen. Scope for extension. Some renovation required. Land has 2 water reservoirs and is currently in fruit production. Auto irrigation system. Peaceful area Build: 160 m2 Plot: 13,000 m2 € 130,000

Ref 01498 REDUCED BENFERRI – ALICANTE

Fully furnished detached house within walking distance of town. 2 beds, 2 baths, lounge/diner, fitted kitchen. AC/CH. Solarium with storage. Underbuild has been converted to bedroom/en suite, utility room. Gardens. Build: 175 m2 Plot: 202 m2 € 139,690

Ref: 01700 OFFER PINOSO - ALICANTE

New villa on enclosed plot with plans and 10 year guarantee. 3 beds (with fitted wardrobes), fitted kitchen with appliances, lounge/diner with fireplace. Solarium. Porch. Build: 120 m2 Plot: 500 m2 €150,000

Ref 01511 REDUCED ORIHUELA - ALICANTE

Reduced from 168,000 €. Country house with pool, 3 beds, 2 baths, lounge/diner with fireplace, sun room, fitted kitchen including appliances. Solar power for water heater. Oil CH. Within walking distance of the town. Build: 168 m2 Plot: 500 m2 € 148,000

Ref 01321 OFFER ABANILLA - MURCIA

1 month to completion. Full plans & 10 yr guarantee. 3 beds, 2 baths, dressing room, kitchen with appliances, lounge/diner. Grills, flyscreens. Enclosed plot with auto entry system. Build: 133 m2

Plot: 1,500 m2 € 163,000

Ref 01754 Cañada del Trigo - MURCIA

Detached country house with 3 beds, 2 baths, lounge/diner, quality fitted kitchen including appliances. Garage with studio. Porch. Enclosed gardens with auto entry system. Lovely location. Build: 220 m2 Plot: 9,000 m2 € 198,000

Ref 01574 OFFER PINOSO - ALICANTE

New villa constructed using high quality materials with plans & 10 yr guarantee. 3 beds, 2 baths, fitted kitchen, lounge/diner with fireplace. Optional pool & garage. Only 3 km from the town. Build: 135 m2 Plot: 10,000 m2 € 164,500

Ref 01579 OFFER LA MATANZA - ALICANTE

Modernised semi detached country house. 2 beds, bath, lounge/diner, fitted kitchen. Spacious patio, porch. AC/CH. Security grills. Established gardens. Could be extended. Build: 160 m2 Plot 400 m2 € 122,000

Inelbe Electricas s.l.

Individually designed detached villa. Full architect’s plans and 10 year builder’s guarantee, habitation certicate etc. 1,500 m2 legal building plot. Ready for occupation in one month.

SPECIAL OFFER: 163,000 €


Costa Blanca



www.pcresolver.es

[email protected] Sax, AlicanteSTEVE: 966 967 439 or 650 354 629

Web Site DesignOn-Site Repairs

Maintenance / Sales

20 € (+iva)per hour

Individual Websites: Sell Your House / Promote Your BusinessComputers Repaired and Upgraded; Sales; Training

Costa Blanca


Hondon Valley Golf SocietyKEITH, BERNARD AND ROY TAKE THE HONOURS AT ALENDA

Keith Williams continued his good form winning the Gold Section with 33 points. Bernard Cox carded 32 points to win Silver as Roy White had an excellent afternoon scoring 37 Points to win the Competition and Bronze.

A fine, sunny Alenda was the location for the HVGS June meeting as 34 members and guests enjoyed playing a course in fine condition and greened up by more than the usual amount of heavy rain for the time of year. A gentle breeze in the morning steadily increased as the day wore on and the mercury rose to around 32 degrees, by far the warmest day of the year. Plenty of water was the order of the day, a lack of which presented one member, Clever Trevor, with a problem. He telephoned for water to be brought out to him on the course having already abandoned his plan to walk the course and having been given a buggy by the Handicap Secretary as he finished his round. Moral of the story is to make sure you have sufficient water on board as the Spanish summer takes hold!

Nine groups contested the ‘Best Two Scores’ Fun Game where the two best scores in each fourball counted. There were also prizes on offer for the Best Front Nine and the Best Back Nine. Team 9 scored 81 points to win Best Team and Dave Pill and Captain Bob scored 17 points to win the wine.

For information on how to join HVGS contact the Secretary, Trevor Batchelor, on 687987229 or email [email protected] . To reserve your place on the list for the Society Golf Days contact the Captain, Bob Watson, on 663316366 or e-mail [email protected].



Member Category Points Prize Keith WILLIAMS Gold Winner 33 pts Malt Whisky Bernard COX Silver Winner 32 pts Malt Whisky Roy WHITE Bronze Winner 37 pts Malt Whisky Keith WILLIAMS Nearest the Pin 4th (2ndshot) RiojaPaul RICHARDS Nearest the Pin 13th RiojaPaul RICHARDS Nearest the Pin 16th Rioja Martin TAYLOR Best Team (Team 9) 81 pts WineMal NICHOLLS WinePeter HUBERT WineRoy WHITE Wine Dave PILL Best front nine 17 pts WineBob WATSON Best back nine 17 pts Wine

Dave BRATLEY GF Refund €40 cashGeorge BROMLEY Scratch Card Newcastle €20 cash

Winners HVGS June StablefordAlenda Golf - Tuesday 8th June 2010

Forthcoming HVGS Golf Days and Other Events

Tuesday 13th JulyAlicante

Meet 09.15 am in Clubhouse

Thursday 12th AugustEl Plantio


Wednesday 8th SeptemberFont Del Llop


Tuesday 12th OctoberAlenda


Tuesday 9th NovemberEl Plantio



Costa Blanca

For the first time in their history, a match took place between the Hondon Valley and the Campo Golf Societies at the Vistabella Golf Club. A good day’s golf was had by all and both captains were successful in winning their society’s first prize. The Campo was successful overall, winning by 31 and 11. This match will now become an annual event - perhaps for the Hondon Valley Cup!

Campo had their monthly meeting at El Plantio in May which was, as usual, a great success. The course was well maintained and manicured for the 28 golfers. John Harrison had a superb day winning the gold section, the new 2’s competition and two of the N/P’s. Well done, John.

The committee advised that some members had not turned up and had not let anyone know that they would not be attending. This practise incurred extra costs to the society to pay for buggies for those left on their own. Therefore, in future, if members do not let a committee member know on Tuesday prior to the Friday meeting, a fine of €10 would be levied and that member would be excluded from play until that fine is discharged. A list of telephone numbers will be provided to members with their membership cards when these are issued.

RESULTS

GOLD WINNER JOHN HARRISON - 36PTSGOLD 2ND RICHARD WALLACE - 32PTSSILVER WINNER ALBERT BAGGELEY - 28PTSSILVER 2ND BOB NASH - 26PTSN/P 7TH HOLE JOHN HARRISONN/P 9TH HOLE TERRY HOPPERN/P 18TH HOLE JOHN HARRISON

FUTURE DATES

23rd July 2010 - Alenda - first tee 9.36am20th August 2010 - Alenda - first tee 10.00am (please note change of date)24th September 2010 - Alicante - first tee 10.00am 22nd October 2010 - Alenda - first tee 10.00am19th November 2010 - Alenda - first tee 10.00am17th December 2010 - Alenda - first tee 10.00am

FOR SALE

TAYLORMADE Driver - 10.5° - 8 months old - New €240 - Special Price €90POWER CADDY trolley and charger needs a new battery - €95ANY MAKE OF GOLF CLUBS, BALLS OR SUPPLIES AVAILABLE AT REDUCED PRICES.

CONTACT BRIAN JOHNSON ON 966677852 OR 618834774 FOR FURTHER DETAILS

CAMPO GOLF

SOCIETY



P.A.P.A.s

Pinoso Association for the Protection of AnimalsRegistered Association Number: CV-01-043309-A

Tel: 680 170 298www.pinosopapas.org

Brownie is a gentle and loving little girl about 3 years old. She is great with people, cats and other dogs and has great personality.

She is fully inoculated and spayed, but slightly overweight.

Can you please give her a loving home?

Loli is only about 5-6 weeks old. She was found wandering the street without her mum. She is in desperate need of a home to give her the security

she needs.Can you please give her a loving home?

CameCame is a gentle and loving

little girl about 9 months old. She is great with people, cats and other dogs. She is fully

inoculated.Can you please give her a

loving home?

Pinoso Association for the Protection of Animals


Costa Blanca

BOXED TRADE ADVERTS



B. J. TOOL HIREMacisvenda

You need it? We’ve got it!From Acrows to Wacker Plates

Collection/Delivery available

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Chain Saws re-sharpened.

650 763 177 or 636 286 841

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AT

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Costa Blanca

Available for Private Functions.Bars, Hotels, etc...

For Details or Demo CdTel: 630 681 408

SingerEntertainer

MINI-BREAKSFancy a change of scenery? Try our Guest House in the

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CARE OF THE ELDERLY

Long term or respite care in family home in quiet

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NEW WHITE SKY CARDS

€55 Selling in Costa Blanca from €70 to €199

ITV & CHANNEL 4 ON A 1.2m DISH €250 (SKY BOX & VALID FTA CARD REQUIRED)

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54


GENERAL

FOR SALE, 900 Individually wrapped Birthday Cards, Ideal For Shop or Bar, If sold at 1 euro each a profit in excess of 700 Euro will be made.Only 180 Euros the lot. Tel 615722717 (Salinas)

DVD Collection for sale. 270 Titles. Buy the whole collection or just individual titles. Prices start at 1.00 Euro each. Email [email protected] for full list of titles and prices or telephone 609931647.

BOUNCY CASTLE for hire. Tel 606 717 159 for details

Bertolini rotorvator, 14 hp lombardini single cylinder diesel. One meter wide cut, multiple gears, diff lock. In excellent working order 1,250 euros Please call 965 474 419 evenings near Sax

Armchair , converts to single bed, chrome plated metal frame, with matteress cushions 40 euros ono Tel 638 424968 Ayora

2 pine UK single beds and Pine Master fully sprung mattresses hardly used €100. Tel: 965 978874/669 61 51 85 (Pinoso).

Small fibreglass dinghy and outboard 250 euros. Fortuna Tel 676557193/ 638706369

PA system - Peavey 800 watts 6 channel amp, 2 speakers with 2 x 12s plus Tweeters, Stands/Leads. 325€ no offers. Beneixama Area - 965 979 368/ 654 774 025.

Snooker / pool table ,not slate, 6x3 excellent condition,both

sets of balls + cues 150 euros Tel 660969529 Hondon

Two twin identical single beds, wooden legs, fabric base, firm mattresses, hardly used. V.G C. E150 the pair.Tel 96-626-2669…mobile 619721833….Albatera

54 GLASS BLOCKS FOR BUILDING SHOWER SCREEN OR PARTITION + 9 CORNERS + 9 ROUND EDGES FOR ENDS + 9 HALF SIZE BLOCKSONLY 100 EUROS FOR THE LOT ONIL/CASTALLA AREA TEL 965 528 170

Hewlett Packard 1510 Printer. Printer Scanner and Copier, excellent condition, complete with all software. 30€ Tel; 618045703 Abanilla area

New Honda Generator Gx160 H1 4 stroke overhead valve max output 4KW at 3600rpm 2outlet sockets cost over 500euros sell for 400euros ovno Sax Phone 965474288 mobile 637023914

2 year old commercial bar coffee machine and grinder, 100 euros, Pinoso area.608571145.

Daelim moped silver low mileage 3614kms owner returning uk 400euros ono also gas fire and orange bottle 40euros Villena 656733073

FENDER Passport (small PA), 2 x 250 watts inc. microphone and stand €400. Good condition. 965562743 (Castalla)

Oven type BarBQ,free standing with wheels, complete with winter cover and 3kg bag BarB coal 25 euros + Wrought iron bookcase with cane woven shelving 16 euros

both items in excellent condition. Tel: 965617316 / 67665013 (Tibi area

For Sale 30 dinning chairs 25 euros each, industrial coffee machine 200 euros ono, also coffee grinder 30 euros larger mirror 35 euros Tel 679 937063

Computer desk 800X450 very good condition 20 euros buyer collects call 664610675

Powacaddy golf trolley+charger and battery. Perfect working order.175 euros OVNO. Contact 677472189. Castalla area.

Disney baby bouncer 20 euros, car seat 0/9 months 40 euros, exercise bike 65 euros, juicer 20 euros all in good condition, tel Jen on 693 803390 nr Pinoso

Mountain bike to suit 10 to 14 year old, 18 speed, sprung forks, As new. €60 Pinoso area. Tel: 966195502

Terracotta double sofa bed little used 125 euros, bige darlon two seater sofa with removable covers for cleaning 75 euros Sax 658 066227

50cc quad for off road use 70 euros. Fortuna Tel 676557193/ 638706369

For Sale DAXARA 147 Indispension Trailer. Has ladder rack, tipper facility, spare wheel. Good condition. E275 o.n. o Telephone 648670052. Hondon Area.

Portable electric sewing machine, old but in good working order, can be seen working, 30euros o.n.o Pinoso area Raspay call 609 220725 or [email protected]

Ornamental beaten copper finish chimney 140cm highx 90cm wide with wrought iron frame electric fire, incorporates display and fan heater 40 euros, also telephone table 85x43 cm height 56cm, dark oak finish 40 euros Tel 965 975607 Finca terol

Baby’s wooded rocking crib with mattress excellent condition 50 euros.Child’s wooded cot with mattress 40 euros. Gents black ski boots new size 10 20 euros. Pinoso area. Tel: 965477383

Sky free to view dish 1.9 with box and recently purchased card. 500 Euro phone 618567335.

MAKITA router, with accessories. As new. € 80 (Hondon area) 965 480 078

Small chest freezer 60cm x60cm hardly used 65 euro. 685287472 Aspe

Matched set lynx black cat golf clubs with taylor made metal clubs, ping putter, pro bag with pull trolley 80 euros also, 100 music cd’s pop favourites, jazz, classics all originals and all in cases 90 euros, metadec metal detector with headphones 80 euros Pinoso 680 150490

Skill saw. model FERM FKS180. Good condition. €40 (Hondon area) 965 480 078

DYNACORD Echocord S65 (tape delay / early sixties) incl. one Echocord for parts €300, Rare! 965562743 (Castalla)

New never used Flymo Garden Vac blows,vacs,shreds. only 50 euros Hondon area Tel 966194719

[email protected]

Sell your unwanted items for FREE Fast! Upload your unwanted items to www.classifiedsspain.eu or email to [email protected] Free adverts: Miscellaneous sales only, for example one off sales of second hand items up to the value of 500 euros are FREE. Maximum twenty words per advert/item with a maximum of three adverts per household. We do not take small ads over the phone and please make sure you include the area that you live in when sending your advert.

Free adverts will be placed in the

following edition , space allowing or in the following subsequent edition there after. Text your items to 680 976 823.

Property Rentals/ Sales or any type of other service, business opportunities etc, are classed as commercial adverts.

Commercial adverts and Bargainads over 500 euros, Minimum advert size 15 words are 30 cents per word plus 16% iva. If sending a Commercial advert, please make sure you also send your full name, nie or passport number.

Email [email protected] or post to T.i.m Apartado de Correos 285 Sax 03630

Closing date for all small ads in the Classifieds section is the 18th of the

month.

Send your small ads to [email protected]

www.classifiedsspain.eu



Costa Blanca

Qualcast 380 Hedgemaster electric hedge trimmer. Good condition. € 45 (Hondon area) 965 480 078

2x pine UK single beds and Pine Master fully sprung mattresses hardly used €100. Tel: 965 978874/669 61 51 85 (Pinoso).

Chest Freezers for sale, various sizes, household or commercial call 633 2 633 61 or mail [email protected]

SERVICES

Chain Link Fencing, Rigid Fencing and Perimeter walls. For a free no-obligation quote, log on at www.Billericky.com or call Keith 962 389 622 or 628 613 350

Prs removals, long wheel base van leaving for the Uk 22nd June returning 6th July, space available both ways, ring Paul on 634 030 636

Satellite TV problems? Free assessment by fully trained SKY technician. Telephone Brian on 680 783 221

Man & Strimmer available for strimming and general gardening work. Hondon de las Nieves and surrounding areas. Phone 622 250 852 or 966 669 254.

Large van leaving for the UK mid July returning too Spain end of July, space available both ways very reliable Call 966 500 121 or 690 818 090

VEHICLES

Spanish reg l.h.d Astra estate, 1.6, year 1995, new itv, 2 new tyres, new cam belt v.g.c 1,350 euros inc transfer. Tel 966 669 226 or movil 628 850 614

Renault Express Combi Van,some 14 years old, petrol. Recently had new battery, new starter motor,new rear wheel bearings, carburetor replaced. A good little runner. Open to sensible offers 649229 353.

Kia Turismo 7 seater , reg may 2001, engine 1997cc , 33-35 mpg, first class condition, regular maintainence 147,000 km, new ITV supplied, only 3,250 euros Call 638 424 968

Chrysler Voyager, 7 seater, 1998, auto, petrol, leather interior, 6 cd auto changer, fully legal Spanish car, itv till Sept, very good condition, new car forces sale, 2,500 euros Call 664 452236

Vauxhall / Opel Right Hand Drive HEADLIGHTS for sale to fit Astra 100 euros or near offer tel: 965625510 Monforte del cid area.

Hyundai Coupe SX 2L, 99, VGC, Spanish reg. Silver grey, new ITV, 100,000 kms. 2,950 euros. Pinoso area, tel Carol 620095421

HOLIDAYS

Driving to the UK? English B&B in France close to the Spanish

border. Peaceful location, ideal for your stopovers. Ring for details 0033 562 331 962 or visit our web site www.millefleursbb.co.uk

PROPERTY SALES

11,000 sq mtr plot in Caudete, all olive trees, beautiful view, water & electric close by. Only 30,000 euros Tel 634 030 636

Flat for sale, large flat in Onil centre,3bedrooms,lounge,kitchen,bathroom,balcony 60,000e tel.659772176

Private sale. Onil - Fully renovated town house. 3 Double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, new fitted kitchen. Light, bright and spacious. Close to all amenities. Absolute bargain. 79,000 euros. Tel: 636 167 650. No agents please.

PROPERTY RENTALS

Salinas 3 Bedroom house to let short and long term lets available located within the village close to all amenities Mob. 07791869717

BUSINESSOPPORTUNITIES

Can You Sell?? Tim is now looking to recruit people who can sell advertising space, you will need to be honest, be well presented, friendly and enjoy meeting people, have access to internet and phone. Tim requires sales people in all areas from Torrevieja to Benidorm. This is a commission only position, and would suit someone looking fot part time work, although the more you put in the more you get out. Email in the first instance [email protected] PLASTERING

All aspects of plastering undertaken.

Large variation of finishes available including:

> Skimming (Smooth walls)> Rendering (Sand & Cement)

> Monocapa/Raspado (All Colours)

> Stone Cladding> Tiling

All work guaranteed. All areas covered

Call now 868 000 039Mobile 636 573 791

Very nice man with a big white van, Removals, deliveries, pick up service, all jobs considered. Call now on 669 547 068

CASH CASH

CASHWe pay INSTANT CASH same day for cars, vans, bikes, quads,

Caravans, trailers.Absolutely anything

From 1€ - €10.000Same day collection

Ring Phil Now 607 848 332Lee 663 673 143

FORTUNADON’T DRINK & DRIVE!

For a reliable airport run or just a night out. Well maintained

modern Vehicle seats 6 passengers.

Jake 650 758 472 (La Matanza)

www.timspain.com

Restaurant San Francisco

Well here we are now three years in business, and although we have been for sale for 6 months of that it seems entrepreneurs are thin on the ground. The Bar and restaurant continue to do well and even a year into the “crisis” is still profitable!! plus when this economy does turn around will double it (profit). If you are a family or a couple with some experience in the restaurant bar business come and talk to me. This is a very solid investment opportunity. For sale way below the cost of building it. at only 6 months x gross takings.

All books for three years, income and net very clear. Owner will work alongside to train and advise.

662 048 747 steve.

ENTERTAINMENT

Auction every Wednesday at bar central in Barbaroja starts 2pm, good food/ great atmosphere Call for info 636 456 139

PETS

Beautiful Rottweiler Puppies ,Dogs and Bitches available. English bred with full pedigree .Both parents can be seen. Ready now Tel No: 691260502

We have 5 beautiful kittens that are looking for homes. 3 are cream, 1 tortoise shell, and 1 black, they are very friendly,

and mum is a Siamese, they are about 5 weeks old, and are now weaned off of mum. If anyone is interested and can help in re homing these kittens, then please call me on 966 318 044

For sale. baby blue gold macaw, hand reared cuddly tame. for more info please phone, Ibi 965528203.

For Sale Geese 10weeks old 10 Euros each.Tel 965565051 or 679787553

Yorkshire Terrier Puppies for sale. Fully inoculated, microchip, LOE (Spanish KC registration) ready now for their summer homes!! Murcia area. Call 650 757 622 for more info.

Assorted koi carp 12 inch long and gold fish, good egg laying chickens, home breed budgies assorted colours, offers considered Tel 620 027 552 Castalla area.

Claire Crofts, mobile dog grooming 649280204

WANTED

WANTED Fridge to fit under a counter. Readers Digest Condensed Books, La Romana area. Tel: 965696213

Indian Chef required, must be able to produce authentic Indian food, experience necessary Telephone 966 314 155 or Movil 615 266 374

Is there any qualified person interested in running a Psychic circle in the Sax/Salinas area, Tel 654 491 884

Wanted barbers, therapists, hairdressers, salon space available to rent at Ambiente

beauty in Pinoso established client base Tel 620 241 713

Wanted, someone to rotavate a small plot approx 4 times a year. Sax 666 820 450

Wanted exercise bicycles 685287472 (Aspe)

Wanted exercise bike 676 400821 Pinoso

Wanted: 2 wheel small trailer for rotovater, 608571145

Animal Rescue need your unwanted paperbacks,books,records,CDs,DVDs,Video’s,Bric-a-Brac,curtains,TVs,DVD & video players, small items of furniture,audio etc for fund raising at our charity stalls. Can collect within 10 miles of Villa Martin. 693 937 769.Thanks.

Wanted wooden table +chairs tel keith sandra,662036231

Wanted pop up gazebo & lightweight folding table as sold at Aldi & Lidl. Repairs not a problem but must be cheap or donated. could collect within 10 miles of Villa Martin. 693 037 769.Animal Rescue.

Wanted Diesel combi or small estate car. age or light repairs not a problem, but must have some ITV & be cheap for cash or will swop for 2003 Ford KA. VGC, Very low mlg. Taxed & new 2 year ITV. full air cond.1 former keeper,FSH. 693 937 769.Animal Rescue.

Wanted extending ladder or scaffold tower 6’ x 4’ or similar.Villa Martin area. 693 937 769. also small trailer cheap.Animal Rescue.

I buy fridges / washing machines / furniture /electricals / tools/ bikes, ! Anything! Get cash call Sue on 636 456 139

Wanted all types of household items, electrical/ power tools/ladders and almost anything WHY! Call 671 251332 don’t delay get cash today.

JOB VACANCIES

Becki’s La Romana are seeking a dynamic individual to work in their Shop/Deli/Eatery. You should have previous experience working within the catering/hospitality industry sector and be fluent in Spanish. To apply provide Becki’s with your current C.V and a recent photo along with a covering letter.All applications will be considered although only those successful for an interview will be contacted. Email [email protected]

EVENTS

Rocky Horror Evening. Thursday 8th July, 8pm start €5 includes supper get out your basques, undies, water pistols and confetti and come on down to Casa 10-11 for a fun Rocky Horror Film Show Evening


Absolute beginnersSpanish classes every Monday at Bar Pepin, Hondon de los

Frailes at 11.30 am.. Only 3.50 € per hour. Reserve your place on

667 858 434.

TONY MAVAILABLE FOR ALL

OCCASIONS

PARTIES, BBQ’S etc

LIVE MUSICDISCO

KARAOKE (ENGLISH/SPANISH)

968 689 392/681 317 450tonymentertainment@

hotmail.co.uk

Annie KKaraoke

Kabaret & Race Nights.

Bar, Private Function or Celebration.Call me now to discuss your requirements.

689 077 551Fortuna & Inland Areas Covered

DJ MagiK Professional DJ

Available for your event

Quality sound system with Spectacular Disco lights & smoke machines All the frills for a great

party night!

Playing your choice of Music!

Weddings. Engagements.,BirthdaysPool Parties & BBQ’s etc.

We discuss your personal requirements.

For a free consultation tel Leigh868 000 039 or 636 573 791


www.timspain

.com

The gocycle is indeed enormous fun, this two-wheeler is great when you just can’t be bothered to pedal – but it defiantly isn’t for the lazy!

The all new gocycle is one of the growing breed of electric assisted bikes, although this electric assisted bike stands out above most of its competition by still retaining some half decent looks.

The gocycle sales patter sells this particular electric assisted ride as “a revolutionary, lightweight electric two-wheeler designed to shake up the urban cycling industry with its sleek design and pioneering technology.”

Indeed, the bike its self works just like an ordinary bike, that is other than when you can’t be bothered to pedal, or when you just feel like showing off a little, you simply press and hold in the little red button which is sited on the left hand side of the handlebars, and after the slightest of delays, you stop pedalling if you wish and glide gently off up the road at the same speed as you were pedalling prior to pushing the button although the motor assist is not supposed to take you any faster than 15 mph.

Unlike other electric assisted bikes, the gocycle does not have a dynamo on the back wheel enabling the bike to self charge from pedal power, I thought this to be a little strange, as it would enable the bike to travel that much further under the battery power than the manufacturer’s claim of up to 20 miles on one full charge. The gocycle did become more sluggish as its battery life slowly died

down, but the gocycle still acts and functions like a normal everyday bike without the electric assist.

To recharge the bike, you simply attach it to the battery pack and plug into the mains taking approx 3 to 4 hours to fully recharge.

Drawbacks to the gocycle are that it is a little on the heavy side when it comes to trying to pick it up or carry it, but the pro’s in my eyes outweigh the cons by some margin.

I didn’t actually purchase this bike myself, I rented it for 4 hours, and it’s a good job that I didn’t want to purchase it, as when questioning the bike rental company about the purchase price, they informed me that to purchase a gocycle, that it would cost me around 1,189 pounds, but they also informed me that Karbon Kinetics who manufacture the gocycle had set up a government approved tax free cycle to work scheme which lowers the price to around 549/599 pounds if you can get your employer to sign the necessary paper work.

by Terry Marshall


The

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ike

GOCYCLE

GADGETSPAGE

Costa Blanca

the inland magazine july 2010 edition

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