Costa Cálida Chronicle February 2013

Costa Clida Chronicle
The Longest Established hed FREE Magazine in Murcia
www.costacalidachronicle.com
Date: February 2013
Issue: 3 Volume: XIII
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SPECIAL PAGES Mar Menor Mazarrn Northwest Murcia Sport Whats On ADVERTORIAL Cambridge 800 Corral & Alcaraz Linea Directa X3Int Systems
26-31 52-57 68-73 88-90 82-86 48 24 16 16
FOOD & DRINK Food for Thought Fruit & Veg Herb of the Month Ma Millbank Supermarkets Wine of the Month
14 78 73 58 44 7
Tallante Pea Flower Teresas Travels Vultures LEISURE ACAM Author Review Gardening News Hiking in Moratalla META Riding NEST Puzzle Page Puzzle Solutions TV News WARM PROPERTY Housing Update
47 14 69 46 22 76 71 32 10 66 98 79 72 93
CHARITIES ADAPT 26 Age Concern 56 Andreas Animal Charity 67 Dogs Looking for Homes 69 Easy Horse Care 30 GO maD 40 HELP Mar Menor 31 JJ Puppies 46 John Kemps Dogs 60 Lions 56 MABS Mar Menor 28 MABS Northwe st 73 MAMAS 10 MARA 71 Noahs ARC 36 PALS 50 Pets In Spain 20 CHILDREN Chatterbox 34
GROUPS ADAPT 26 Alecedo 38 Cloud Nine 48 Darwinians 32 Evolutionists 65 Hondon RBL 26 Ladies Chatterbox 57 Orihuela RBL 28 Sector C Greenngers 53 The RBL in Spain 42 Welcome 60 INFORMATION Advertisers Directory Animal Matters Arab Calasparra Ask Jennifer Bee Keeping Business News Chinese New Year Classied Ads CRA Charities etc Dates to Remember Dear Editor Distribution Points Fiesta Camposol Horoscopes Las Fallas Life in Spain Mazarrn News Mula Castle Northwest Murcia PLC Awards Price List etc Spanish News Subscriptions 96/97 16 70 22 6 12 8 92 50 80 30 64 94 53 50 87 40 54/55 72 68 57 98 74 94
RELIGION Beacon of Light 38 Mass in English 7 New Life Church 30 Olive Branch 45 Open Door 14 Puerto Lumbreras 48 St Nicholas Church 20 Welcome House 68 Wellspring Victory Church 60 SPORT Cross Country Run Fuente Old Guard Golf Tips Los Amigos Mazarrn SAMM 88 90 89 90 88
EDUCATION Jane Cronins Spanish 64

ENTERTAINMENT Classic Artistes 81 Costa Clida Music Club 42 Spangles 27
We are pleased to report that is has been another very busy month here at The Costa Clida Chronicle, certainly in comparison to the same time last year. It has also been a real pleasure working here over the last month mainly because of the amazing weather we have been experiencing. It is also very pleasing to see businesses changing hands as well as businesses opening up, so it is not all bad out there, despite what you may hear. In a recent meeting with a prospective customer it was pointed out to us that our Business Directory at the back of the magazine is now the largest of its kind in the area and where everybody looks for phone numbers for businesses and useful numbers. Our What to Do/Where to Go section has also been complimented recently for the same reason as above, as it is the most comprehensive guide to entertainment in the area, so we are pleased that our hard work is appreciated. If you are thinking our going out for St Valentines Night this year, you will be spoilt for choice. Most of our
regular advertisers are offering something special and of course if you want to pamper your loved one, the beauty salons are offering special packages for this special day. Please do spend a little time reviewing what is on offer. We are very lucky to have this much choice and at great value for money! New Advertisers Golden Sun Properties Club Copi Coy Boca Pizza The Country Kitchen Welcome Back Bistro Bulgaria Camposol Corral & Alcaraz Crystal Conservatories Money Corp The Laundry Shop The New Royal Costa Clida Properties Kennellys Bar/Restaurant Kennellys Electrical Services The Village Supermarket (HDA) Bistro Bulgaria (CDA) Tropic Anas Costa Clida Transport We are pleased that we have been working with Murcia Today and
hope that you enjoy these articles this month. Look out for more articles in future editions of The Costa Clida Chronicle. Could contributors please note that because space is of a premium, we do need articles updated each month to keep the magazine looking fresh and if sending in photos or posters, we require original copies of these at 300dpi. We are still able to offer charities, groups and organisations free limited space each month. Please contact the Editor for more information. From all at the
Costa Clida Chronicle
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When we rst got interested in bee keeping, a friend told us that if you ask six bee keepers for the best way to do something, you will get at least six different answers, from each!!! This is our condensed version of that vast array of advice. Honey bees are called benecial insects. They are not friendly, but we benet from their work. Early in 2012, I built a hive, which consists of a oor, roof and three boxes; a large base box called a brood and two smaller top boxes called supers. These boxes each contain ten frames, which are sheets of wax suspended in small wooden supports. The bees arrived early in May from a supplier in Essex. There was a queen, about ten drones and ve thousand workers, all in a box about the size of a le cabinet drawer. The bees are transferred to the hive, and they be-
gin work right away. The workers, who are all female, collect nectar and pollen from owers and store it in the hive. This is their food for the coming year. They also regurgitate nectar to form wax, with which they build the hexagonal cells into which the nectar is stored. The male drones have a pretty good life; they mate with the queen and eat nectar, leaving all the work to the females (sounds familiar). The down side is that they only get one year. In October they are dragged out of the hive and have their wings clipped off leaving them to die. The queen is bigger than all the other bees and after mating with the drones, she lays thousands of eggs into the honey-lled cells in the brood box. She is prevented from getting to the upper boxes by a perforated sheet called a queen excluder. The holes are big
enough to let the workers through, but too small for the queen and her drones. This prevents the top boxes having eggs and enables us to steal the honey. The eggs grow to become workers and they will have a life of about six weeks during which they collect nectar from a series of owers and transfer pollen from plant to plant propagating them. If more drones are needed, the workers feed some eggs with small amounts of Royal Jelly. If a new queen is needed, larger amounts of Royal Jelly are fed to the egg. During the year the population of the hive grows from about 5,000 to over 50,000, then as winter approaches the queen stops laying eggs and the numbers fall back again. The life of the workers is extended during the winter because they dont have to work, giving sufcient numbers to start the work next year. The honey is extracted twice a year; in May and August. A one-way device is put into the hive, which lets the workers go down from the top boxes to the brood, but prevents their return. When the bees are all gone, we quickly open the hive and transfer the frames to a sealed box. If the box is not sealed quickly enough, the bees will attempt to get their honey back. A member of Jennys bee keeping society put his frames in his garage overnight and failed to seal the boxes. By morning all 36 pounds of honey had been taken back by the bees!
The frames have the wax capping removed with a knife and are put into a sort of spin dryer to extract the honey. This is then tripleltered to remove the wax and any impurities. The moisture content is checked using a refractometer, and a reading of 20% or less is required before the honey can be sold. This year, our rst, we got 24 pounds, which is considered excellent for a beginner. There are very strict rules about producing honey. All the containers and equipment must be of good quality, all chemicals must be removed from the extraction room to prevent contamination, and the labels must conform to strict requirements. This has been one of the most rewarding hobbies we have ever tried - the only problem has been nding names for all the bees! Jenny & Geoff Bennett
Mass in English is celebrated every Saturday at the Catholic chapel at Pastrana, approximately 10km from Mazarrn Schedule of Masses: Saturday at 4:30pm Schedule of Confession: Saturday from 3:45-4:25pm also on request Bible Study: 1st and 3rd Sunday at 4:30pm Fr. Carlos Prats 628 824 555 Fr. Octavio Carpena 676 219 445 www.pastranaonline.com The Graces of Intercessory Prayer On the day of the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee, present was the Mother of Jesus along with Jesus and his disciples. They ran out of wine, since the wine provided for the feast had all been used, and the Mother of Jesus said to Him They have no wine and interceding for the wedding host. The Mother said to the servants, Do whatever he tells you.
Wines of the Month chosen by Yoann from Le Gourmet Wine Bar, Puerto de Mazarrn This white wine is the f a m o u s S a n c e r r e . Its a 2011 dry crisp wine with very typical inty avour. It goes ideally with sh, white meat or other light dishes. 100% Sauvignon. Serve slightly chilled at 10C. An excellent quality wine for only 11.95. Selected by the sommelier!
The red wine this month is one of my favourites. Its name is Clara and is a mixture of Syrah and Grenache and is from near Narbonne in France. Its a fruity and strong wine about 14.5%, but you dont notice the strength because of the red fruits you can taste, especially cherry. It is a very nice wine to go with red meats or spiced meals. This month it only costs 8.90 from Le Gourmet. Enjoy these wines and we hope to see you soon in Le Gourmet in Puerto de Mazarrn, on the corner behind the Avenida Restaurant.
There were six stone water jars that the servant lled with water. He said Draw some out and take it to the head of the feast. The head of the feast then said to the bridegroom, You have saved the very best wine for last.
The Cross on Calvary stands as the greatest evidence of the power of sacrice, as intercession. For this intercessory sacrice to the Father was to allow mankind to share in the Divine Life for ever. The Cross from which came the greatest intercessory prayer ever, Father forgive them for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34) In the diary of St Faustina we nd many examples of the ways in which she showed love which was pleasing to God. One of the most exceptional ways in which she showed this love was interceding for others through prayer. Jesus even granted her special graces so that her intercessory prayers would be especially powerful. St Faustina intimately understood the importance of praying for the souls of sinners and we, as devotees of Divine Mercy Devotion, must learn from her example and incorporate into our prayer life a special commitment to praying for souls, especially those souls who might be in conict with God St Faustinas prayer: Jesus, I beg You by the inconceivable power of Your mercy, let all the souls who will die today escape the res of hell even if they have been the greatest sinners ever. Jesus granted her request.
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This year, 2013, Chinese New Year is on 10th February and is a National Holiday in all Oriental countries. It is celebrated for up to 15 days and is also known in China as Spring Festival. This festival is like Christmas and New Year in the Western world.
Legend has it that there was a monster called Nian that attacked Chinese villages every spring, eating and destroying anything from people, animals and plants and even the occasional building that came in its way. To deter the monster, the villagers would hang red paper on their doors and burn bamboo. The bright colours and the crackling of the re frightened the monster and it rapidly ed. This is supposed to be where the word nian, Chinese for year, came from and is why the colour red means so much to the Chinese. At Chinese New Year, red signs and lanterns are used to decorate homes and restaurants and recrackers are set off to create as much noise as possible.
Like all holidays and estas, the Chinese celebrate their New Year in style, with lots of noise and families join together for festive meals. The food is a large part of the celebrations and includes all kinds of meat and sh, much of it very signicant within the Chinese traditions such as the noodles which symbolize long life. Much of the celebrating goes on in the streets with Chinese dragons weaving their way through the crowds and reworks and re crackers going off. Children particularly enjoy the custom of receiving red envelopes which contain gifts of money and are distributed by family elders to young unmarried relatives. 2013 is the Chinese Year of the Snake People born in the Year of the Snake often appear calm. They are not talkative but they are deep thinkers. Snake people never need to concern themselves worrying about money. Money seems to come to them naturally and they are shrewd in their business dealChinese calendar:
ings. Despite this good fortune, they are often miserly in their spending habits and may tend to hoard money. Snake people are also generally quite good looking and along with their physically attractive features they can be rather conceited and vain about their appearance. While many people in the West have snake trouble, those in Chinese culture born in the year of the Snake are very self-reliant and do not trust others easily or take outside advice well. Usually the Snake is correct in his opinion as he usually seems to have excellent judgment. Snakes Likes: Colour: Red Gems and Stones: Topaz, Jasper, Bloodstone Suitable Gifts: Binoculars, Tarot Cards, Oils and Lotions, Stamp Collection Hobbies and Pastimes: Astrology, Painting, Touring, Photography Snakes Dislikes: Being interrupted, being misled personally or professionally, failure. Despite their negative characteristics, Snakes are capable of great sympathy and can be very generous under the right circumstances. Snake people have the greatest compatibility with those born under the signs of the Ox and Rooster.
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Easy, non-sporty, social walks in places of outstanding beauty. Meet new people and make new friends and have fun! Bring cameras and have a complete change of scene and a mini-holiday! Wear sensible walking footwear, bring a smile, water to sip and enjoy a wonderful (optional) meal in good company!
Boar. Meet 10.30am in the village car park in El Berro, opposite the Restaurant Sierra Espua and Camping Sierra Espua. The almond blossom is coming out early this year, so an extra date has been added combining this pretty walk around El Berro with the chance of seeing wild boar in Sierra Espua, by the beautifully tucked away gem of a restaurant amongst the pine trees there. The walk is 5 with the optional, delicious, 4 course menu del dia at 9 including coffee. Wednesday 20th February - Almond Blossom Walk completed with a drive surrounded by elds of almond blossom (blossom willing!) stretching into the horizon, to an authentic Spanish restaurant near Mula for an optional 9 menu del dia. Spectacularly pretty walk with honey-scented almond blossom everywhere . The walk alone is 5. This is a very popular outing and a brilliant buzzy restaurant worth the morning out in itself.
you do need to be in good health). Please book & wait for conrmation giving Spanish contact phone number and full names, either by text/tel to 679 002 147 or email natureespunatrails@gmail.com Register at http://www.nestwalks.info to get more dates for March onwards etc! Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ natureespunatrails Looking forward to seeing you all!
Friday 8th February Early Almond Blossom Walk and Meal at Restaurant in Sierra Espua with chance of seeing Wild
Dogs are welcome on both walks, but not at the indoor Mula restaurant. The slowest people take priority on easy NEST walks and we always wait, so no need to be anxious (but
In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com
Tina and Ella These poor animals were found by a caring neighbour trapped in the derelict pool of an empty property. She had to get into the pool to lift them out, but because they were so frightened they immediately ran away. Luckily they returned a few days later, starving and exhausted and she was able to nurse them back to good health. With help from Mamas they have been
spayed and Tina has already been found a new home, but Ella is still searching for one, so if anyone would be willing to adopt a seven month old Labrador/Husky please get in touch. We Need Your Help Although times are very difcult, we do need your donations to carry out our work, so please dont forget us. Animals cant ask for our help; only the people that care about them
can make sure that they dont suffer. Can we assist you with your pet? Have you provided a home for an animal from a rescue centre or shelter for a stray dog or cat? Dont struggle to pay those vet bills on your own. We can provide nancial assistance towards the cost of spaying or castrating your new pet and those unexpected vet bills, if funds are available. To do this we need your unwanted items. You can donate at the shop, Mon to Sat 10am-2pm. (Take the third left after Barclays Bank on your way into Puerto de Mazarrn). We have a good selection of furniture, household items and clothing, so make us your rst port of call or check out our website mazarronanimalmedi-aid.co.uk Camposol Drop-Off Point Tuesdays on Camposol B Sector car park 10am-1pm opposite the petrol station. We will take any saleable items however large or small, to raise money in order to help other people with the medical expenses for their pets. Fuente Alamo You can leave items at The Dog Bowl, Fuente Alamo Fridays until 12pm. Furniture Pickup Service & House Clearance Try our 50/50 scheme. We can take anything from a single large item up to a full house contents. We will collect larger items free of charge, display them in our shop to ensure that you receive the best possible price for them and then forward your 50% share of the proceeds to you. Tel 666 186 037 or call at the shop Email mazarronanimalmedi-aid@hotmail.com Helping You Helping Animals Registered Charity No 9537/1a
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Phillip Dawe, Chiropodist has moved his clinic on Camposol to new premises at Sensol Golf Villa Rentals half way up the dual carriage way near the hotel on Sector C. The clinic is open every Monday and subject to demand, also on Thursdays. Contact details for an appointment for existing and new clients are unchanged. Tel 968 150 244 or 659 468 092.
As & When Cleaning Services run by Anita is a new branch of Fuente Building Services. Everyone loves to have a cleaner now and then, or has your mobility hindered your shopping or getting your house ready for visitors? This new business could be the answer for you. For an efcient, reliable and friendly service from someone experienced with the elderly, call Anita on 670 552 448.
Stuart, Colin, Katie and Alix would like to welcome all customers, old and new, to The Club House on Camposol. They have recently taken over The Club House and will endeavor to make it a wonderful place to have a drink, eat or hold a fabulous function whilst enjoying magnicent views over the golf course. Stuart has now given up his working abroad to run The Club House. A new food menu will be available day and night. The famous carvery is still available every Sunday 12-4pm for 12 (children under 12 can eat for 8). There is a very busy Quiz Night on a Monday, Open Mic Night on Thursdays and Live Entertainment on every Saturday night. Tel 968 978 855
Bistro Bulgaria on Condado de Alhama are offering 50% discount to over 60s between 6pm and 8pm every day. They are also offering free pick-ups and returns after 7.45pm from outside the Caixa Bank on Camposol and from Mazarrn Country Club! In February they will be putting on a free bus service from Puerto de Mazarrn, Mazarrn Country Club and Camposol on Saturday evenings for the shows with a return trip at 11.30pm. Tel 0034 968 328 084 for more details.
La Vida Bar and Bistro (formerley Scottees) in Los Cantereros Nr. El Pareton is under new management. If you have not visited this venue for a while then you really should. It has been totally refurbished in recent months. La Vida offer a superb range of food and entertainment including traditional Sunday Roasts, Candelit Gourmet Cuisine in the evenings, Fish & Chip and Steak Nights. Jason is still the chef there after nearly 9 years of producing top quality food. What are you waiting for? Call Sheryl on 625 917 425.
Alley Palais on Camposol B are pleased to be celebrating two birthdays this month; yes two! The Alley Palais Entertainments Centre and Diner has now been open for four years and already a year has gone by since the ever-popular Bistro opened. For more information on whats on offer, please telephone 968 978 869.
Visit the new butchers section at the Village Supermarket at Pueblo Espaol on Hacienda del Alamo Resort for all your favourite cuts of meat. They have a large selection in stock or they can order it in specially for you. Their bodega is also worth a visit Tel 608 053 555
Le Gourmet, the popular wine bar in Puerto de Mazarrn has a wonderful selection of chocolate for that extra special Valentine present. You will also nd a good selection of ne pates, wine , champagne and sweets. Call Yoann on 968 15 43 15.
Are you worried about security? Eriks have been working for over 12 years in the Murcia region and are experts in all types of metal work including rejas for your doors and windows and garden gates. They will also make a superb job of renovating by sandblasting and repainting all metal work. Tel 636 050 008
Jim and Margaret, formerly of Sensol Golf Club, are pleased to announce their new venture The Taste of Home, Country Kitchen. They now offer freshly made tasty and nutritious fresh, chilled or frozen meals and desserts delivered directly to your door. They are also available to cater for private dinner parties, birthdays or other celebrations in the comfort of your own home. Tel 603 135 387
Garden Centre 2003 has a new range of cleaning products. Buying in bulk quantities signicantly reduces the cost of these everyday products that we all use. There is everything you could want for household cleaning at very reasonable prices. Why not take a look? You can nd them in the wooden reception ofce at the entrance to Garden Centre 2003 or call Juani on 669 565 402.
New to the Bistro Bulgarian on Camposol 7 nights a week, 3 course + 1 beer/ wine/soft drink Menu del Noche 7-10pm 15. Happy Hour every day 4-6pm, buy 1 get 1 free (except cocktails), or buy 2 drinks and get free tapas and bread. 6 days a week 3 course + coffee Menu del Dia 1-4pm only 8.95. Sunday Lunch 1-5pm from 6.50. Outside heating for your comfort. Tel 968 199 914
Smile White Teeth Whitening is now available at The Salon, on Camposol C. No bleaching or peroxide products used!!! Totally safe and painless treatment. Get your Hollywood Smile for an introductory price of 75. Two fully qualied technicians. Booking essential. Tel 691 916 717
Old Farmhouses SL has an afliated company, Ros Castren SL managing the sale of coastal properties on the Costa Clida. This company is now based in our ofce in Fuente Alamo, C/ Pedro Guerrero 14. If you have a coastal property to sell please contact us. Tel 968 159 631/636 529 085
Are you thinking of making the most of the fantastic weather here in Spain by having your own swimming pool installed? Give Jorges Pools a call. They can show you a selection of pools that they have installed in the area. Tel 966 443 211 or 674 168 000
If you are an existing customers and you have some Business News that you would like to share with our readers then why not email it to us to be included on our Business News page. Please keep your news to about 50 words and send us an email by 15th of the month, to costacalidachronicle@gmail.com with Business News in the subject box.
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The La Cumbre Hotel has long been a well known landmark in Puerto de Mazarrn, and although we had been several times for drinks on the terrace overlooking the sea with family, we had never ventured there for a meal. However, the board advertising the Men del Da for just 10 caught our eye recently and so we decided to give it a try. The dining conservatory had all the windows open with stunning views over Baha, and our visitors were suitably impressed by the setting. The menu offered 2 or 3 choices for starter and main course, and there was a salad plate to share, followed by bean salad or tortilla for the rst course, and a choice
of baked chicken or swordsh for the main course. All came with a side order of vegetables and although drinks are not included, the house wine was reasonably priced, and there was a good selection on the wine list. The homemade tortilla was denitely one of the best we had tasted, and the sh was delicious. As ever, for my dessert-loving family, the choice of puddings was the tricky part. As well as fresh fruit, there was Pan de Calatrava or a homemade cake. Amazingly, my son chose an apple, but Im afraid the rest of us have absolutely no willpower and the cake was the dessert of the day! The staff were chatty and service was good, and we were feeling so relaxed we only made it as far as
the terrace for our coffee. There is also a menu de degustacin for those with more discerning palates than my family, and at 18 to 20 euros a head, Im sure it will be as good as the set lunch. The La Cumbre has gone to the top of our list as a place to take visiting family for a good meal in a lovely setting. Rating : (out of 5) Quality Service Value for Money Location / setting
: : : :
Just lately, on more than one occasion, I have been asked by members of the public how I manage to write my Teresas Travels column without running into conict. I was therefore quite shocked to discover that they had assumed that I accepted free meals, haircuts, beauty treatments or show tickets and then simply wrote nice things about them. Well please let me put the record straight; I do not! I have a very simple policy; I try to spend my money with those that spend money with us wherever possible. We have a large customer base of professional businesses and it is a pleasure to do business with all of them. I have my hair regularly done by The Salon in
Camposol. Yvonne from Beauty Essentials does my nails. For other, irregular beauty treatments I will also use The Beauty Palace, The Fuchsia Clinic or Janes Salon. I regularly have a small breakfast somewhere depending on my schedule at Lizs Caf, Alley Palais, The Steak Out or The Bistro Bulgaria on Camposol, or if I am down on the coast I will opt for Restaurante Marina, or The New Royal in Puerto de Mazarrn or Elliots in Bolnuevo. After a recent trip back to the UK I was staggered at just how much costs have risen over there. My young daughter-in-law (to be) pays over 130 for a head of highlights. I pay under 30 here by comparison, so I consid-
er myself very fortunate to have such a rich and diverse assortment of businesses on our doorstep, all offering superb value for money, which is even more important in this economic climate. Costs also vary greatly throughout this region, but a cup of coffee is still between 1 and 1.50. Have you been into a UK coffee shop lately?!! I would like to express our thanks to Tim from Kwik Fix who quickly came to the rescue when one of The CHM team managed to remove the door of one of the vans by accident! All sorted within the hour; thanks Tim. More next month Teresa
The last cry from Mel Gibson in Braveheart acting as William Wallace was FREEDOM. His whole adult life under the oppression of the English invaders and not to mention several Scottish Lords was focused on setting Scotland free. In the end he and many others gave up their lives in the quest for freedom. Scotland will soon have a vote on political freedom and
many of the principles of the United Nations and governments in the Free world are centred around freedom; Freedom from Hunger, War, Oppression, Slavery and so on. Many of the recent civil wars are simply people trying to be free from the tyranny of leaders who have had the freedom to behave as they like, often resulting in taking freedom away from others. Freedom doesnt always lead to peace as we have seen recently and often comes at a high price. Wars have casualties on both sides, guilty and innocent. One persons freedom may be at some cost to others. The problem with freedom is that it is almost impossible to be free from everything that affects us. Freedom from debt may lead us to worry about spending money in case we lose that freedom. There are a lot of miserable lottery winners! Freedom from work may result in boredom or dissatisfaction. Freedom from relationships may leave us lonely. Freedom from speed limits could result in
injury to others and us. Complicated isnt it! In the end any freedom we enjoy could be replaced by some other bondage we hadnt thought of or considered, so when Jesus says If the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free, John 8v36, it might be worth exploring what He meant by that and how it could affect your life now and forever? Want a FREE Bible? - contact us. http://open-door.wix.com/open-door If you would like to be informed of our events and be added to our mailing list please let us know at opendoorgettogether@gmail. com Find us at Los Almagros, Fuente Alamo, 30320, Murcia. GPS: 3745 57.77 North. 1 15 56.95 West Phone Ken 646 705 403 or Carol 655 141 721
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Our Pets Eyes Our cats and dogs have certain anatomic differences in their eyes. This makes them see the world in a different way from the way we do. The location of the orbit in the head gives the position of the eyes and also the amplitude of the eld of vision. Non-predator species such as horses, sheep, pigs or cows, have their eyes in the side of their head. This gives them very good panoramic vision. The carnivorous animals such as cats and dogs have the ocular globes in the front part of the head, so if they lose panoramic vision, they have a very highly developed binocular vision, formed up by the superposition of the eld of vision of both eyes, and have a visual eld angle of between 200 and 270 degrees.
Depending on the race, this is inferior to herbivores, but noticeably superior to humans, that only reach 100-120 degrees. Photoreceptors are the cells of the retina that make the process of the reception of visual stimulus. There are two kinds; the cones that perceive colours and details, and the sticks that detect movement and are sensitive to lower intensities of light. Dogs and cats have many more sticks than humans do, but many less cones, so their vision in the darkness is quite good and they are better at detecting moving images than xed ones. This fact justies that our dogs see the ball perfectly when we throw it several metres away, but they cant nd it when it is completely static only a few centimetres from them. In the same way, every dog is able to identify their owners by the way in which they move, but they cant see their features with sharpness. Dogs dont see in black and white, but in colour. These animals have bi-chromatic vision and they are able to distinguish blue and yellow colours and the different tones of grey. This means that they cant differentiate yellow and orange, green and red, or green and grey, so guide-dogs do not differentiate the colours in a trafc-light, but the brightness and the position of the light. This, as well as the trafc noise and the ow of the trafc, al-
lows them to know the right moment to cross the road. Finally, cats can only differentiate blue and green colours and probably, red and their eyes are specially adapted for night vision which is estimated at ve times superior to ours. On the other hand, when they are hunting or running after a toy, they are able to concentrate themselves on their prey and take out the rest of the objects inside their visual area. They see their object with sharpness and the other ones with a kind of blurred mass.
Cornelius Jaschko, the owner and mastermind behind X3Int.Systems, became interested in Computers & IT Technology at the age of 15 and saw the potential that it could deliver to the modern world. He worked for one of the largest companies in Germany providing Help Desk Service to their national & international clients. However, he felt the service was limited and decided to build up something gradually that his clients would appreciate. It was at this time that he also discovered the power of Web & Graphic Design and Search Engine Optimisation. As a client of X3Int. Systems you need look no further for anything related to IT Solutions. If you have a business, X3Int.Systems can set up a Complete Design or develop a Solution & Network whether it be a server for 1 or 1,000 clients. X3Int.Systems can help new businesses build up their Web Presence ranking well on the internet within the various Search Engines. X3Int.Systems has websites ranking throughout the Search Engines as number 1 worldwide for Search Terms of your choice.
Most clients underestimate the power of websites and what it means to have one that ranks well in the Search Engine Results. This is where X3Int.Systems can help. When Cornelius arrived in Spain about a year ago, he needed to use Google to search for information on the internet, starting with specic requests such as British Car Mechanic Mazarrn or British Butchers Murcia. It is quite simple - if you are not up there, no-one will know about you! Nowadays, anyone can build a website as there are plenty of free tools around the internet, but if you have got only a home made website you will never be recognised by the search engines as worthy of being ranked at all. Remember - your website reects your business. A homemade website does not look or feel like a professionally built one. X3Int.Systems build professional websites that will rank high in the Search Results and that will really work. They are easy to navigate by all clients no matter what their age or computer literacy. They are built using the newest approved standards of scripts and they are hosting them with the biggest players in the industry, ensuring any work done for their clients is future proof. If you have any business idea, no matter what internet sales
shop, etc, X3Int.Systems can advise you and tell you exactly how everything works. If you want to put your business on the internet, X3Int.Systems initial consulting service is free of charge and they will tell you exactly how everything will operate in an honest step-by-step approach. X3Int.Systems latest introductory offer for new clients: X3Int.Systems install, partition and advise new clients in the comfort of their own home on how to use Windows 7 Ultimate 64 or 32 Bit, including Ofce software anti-virus, Firewall & Skype which can be used for free video calls to family & friends here or abroad all for just 100. X3Int.Systems can support your installation remotely once it is all set up. Did you know that 99% of viruses and malicious software is usually down to the users fault and not some mean hacker getting into your private computer for bit of fun? X3Int.Systems hopes to hear from you soon and look forward to helping you in either English or German language. (No call out charge for the Mazarrn area.) Tel: 691 993 219 Email: info@x3int.net
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St Nicholas Ecumenical Church Calle Sobrija 2248 Sector D20 Camposol By Rev Len Eaton MBE www.stnicholaschurchspain.com The Christmas period at Camposol was very quiet. It seemed that many people had gone away to be with families elsewhere for the festivities and immediately prior to Christmas Eve there were large numbers who went for a Christmas break to Benidorm. Despite this, all of our services during this time were reasonably well attended and it was nice to see those who had been away back in the fold. On 13th February (Ash Wednesday), there will be a service at 10am followed at 10.45am by our Annual General Meeting. The Church is governed in a democratic way by members being elected to the Church Council. Some of the positions become vacant each year and new members are elected to ll those posts.
It is also an important time to review the Churchs progress over the past year and to see where and how we can improve ourselves in the Lords work. The Grub Tub initiative, food for the needy, went down very well over the Christmas and New Year periods, so much so that we intend to keep it going as long as the need exists. The food is distributed to the needy by Rev. Bro. Konrad and helpers and is spread throughout Bolnuevo, Mazarrn and Puerto de Mazarrn as required. There are a number of organizations locally involved in this work and if you wish to contribute, they, as well Call 645 469 253 as us, would be glad to hear from you. Telephone numbers are at the end of this article. At long last we have received permission from the Town Hall to erect a Cross on the Church. This work is now proceeding and will make the Church much more visible, especially for newcomers to the area. We still await the permission to erect direction signs, but we are condent that is will come in due course. Services for February 2013 Sunday 3rd Songs of Praise 10.30am Sunday 10th Holy Communion 10.30am Wednesday 13th Ash Wednesday 10.00am Sunday 17th Morning Prayer 10.30am Sunday 24th Holy Communion 10.30am All services take place at Calle Sobrija 2248, D20 Camposol, where a warm welcome awaits you. Services offered by the Church are Wedding Blessings, Holy Baptism, Conrmation and Funerals. We have a Pastoral Service throughout the year, people who listen, talk and are there to help anyone who is sick or in need. The Pastoral care is absolutely condential.
Macho was brought to us with his sisters when they were just week-old kittens and had to be bottle fed. He is now 11 weeks old, tabby and white colouring, and desperate for a home. Jackson is a handsome 1 year old Podenco. He is vaccinated, chipped and has his pet passport. Jackson is very friendly and gentle, walks well on the lead and loves to be with you.
Call 659 274 573 Hop-along is a special cat. He has 3 normal legs and a 1 stumpy leg. He was born this way and has adapted very well and plays with the other cats and dogs. He has a very sweet and kind nature and loves to get attention.
For any of the Church Services offered, or other information, please call Rev Len Eaton Call 655 027 676 on 968 138 952, Rev Deacon Maureen Kent on 636 099 679, Rev Deacon Bill Coyle 634 Penny, a 12 month old Pointer cross, is in 143 260, or Rev Bro Konrad 679 927 268 lovely condition and she loves to play. She is chipped, vaccinated and is very good with other dogs. Call 655 103 082
To view more animals for adoption go to www.petsinspain.com To advertise an animal for adoption email info@petsinspain.info
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A Year Of Change Time stands still for no man and just as we think we are adjusting to the austerity measures, we are hit by more change either in our personal lives, nancial circumstances, family dynamics or life in general. There are times when all we want is for the World to stop spinning, but unfortunately it just carries on. Many of us have made our New Years resolutions to try and ring in positive change in our lives and to those, I say Dont give up as Hope is always round the corner.
To go on this journey alone can be frightening at times, so now is the time to pick up the courage and get a supportive network of friends and family around you. Whether you want to lose weight, nd employment or sell your home, it always helps when you can share it with friends. After all, it is said, a problem shared, is a problem halved. You may nd that others are trying to make similar changes in their lives, so why not support each other? Jennifer.
much friction in our marriage and something will have to give. We are in our seventies and I am afraid that at our age it is too much of an emotional and nancial rollercoaster. I should be enjoying my hard earned retirement, not making ends meet each week! I am so sad and it is affecting my health. Sue M. Dear Sue, Firstly, you are not alone in your dilemma, as many are faced with making some harsh decisions about their future. Secondly, no-one really knows what future lies ahead for Spain and for us expats. Whatever it is, we will have to face reality and decide whether to ride the storm or return home. Not an easy decision at all! What can make the decision-making easier is a consensus of opinion with your loved ones. If you havent as yet, please discuss your feelings with your husband. It may be the case that you return home rst and he follows later. Decisions that are emotionally-led can have a negative rather than a positive outcome for you both. Now is the time to make a decision that is mutually acceptable and draw up your blue-print for the future. All the best, Jennifer. Dear Jennifer, My husband has told me that I am fat. This hurtful remark was made on New Years Eve and he was drunk at the time, yet it plays on my mind constantly. I have tried to diet before and had no success and as such am reluctant to try again. I dont think I am fat, but agreed that the pounds have slowly crept up over the years. I want to leave him! Mandy B.
Dear Jennifer, I cant face another year in Spain. Our dream for a peaceful retirement has been shattered by the economic downturn in Spain and I just want to return to England. My problem is that my husband wants to stay, but I want to leave! It is causing so
Dear Mandy, To leave your husband over an ill-timed yet hurtful remark is surely not a good reason to walk out on a marriage, unless there are other reasons which you have not mentioned. You need to look at your marriage rstly, and decide if it is worth keeping and secondly, you need to look at what is really making you unhappy and cocooned in low self-esteem. Is it the weight gain or is it something else? If you decide to make some changes in your life, there is a variety of good weight-loss clubs and programmes around, which have high success rates. Joining a weight-loss community can also give you added boost and motivation to follow through with the weight-loss programme. Have a moment to yourself, review your life and make a blueprint for change this year. Only you can make the necessary changes to your life, no one else can do this for you. Jennifer. If you would like Jennifer Rahman to answer your questions, please send your question to jennifer@lifemaxxinternational.com. Jennifer is a qualied Life Coach, NLP and Emotional Wellness Coach in Spain.
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The Spain Hemingway Never Saw It started as a nostalgia trip, but now its become a school textbook. Acclaimed for its humorous bitter-sweet account of the impact of modern ways on a rural c o m m u n i t y, David Bairds book Sunny Side Up - The 21st Century Hits a Spanish village has been honoured by being selected for study at language institutes and secondary schools in southern Spain. This is a real surprise, says David. I started writing it in a nostalgic vein, seeking to re-
ect how dramatically life had changed in my near-medieval village. Born in Oswestry, Shropshire, David worked as a journalist in the UK (Yorkshire Evening News, The Sun, The Times, Daily Express) and in Canada, Australia and Hong Kong before settling in Spain. He has had a number of ction and non-ction books published, but this is the rst time his work has become part of a school curriculum. Sunny Side Up documents - hilariously at times - the drama and the passion played out in a typical Spanish village as it switches from old ways to the more modern of the computer age. All human life is here, in all its varieties, says Baird, who with his Dutch wife found refuge in such a village, seeking the simple life. He admits that they soon found things were anything but simple. While the book may read like ction, its all fact. This is the Spain that Hemingway never saw and never wrote about. Youll nd passion, but also pathos in this sharply observed
dissection of local ways and it includes a wicked glance at expatriate eccentricities when they confront traditional Spanish life styles. Bairds ironic glance back over the past 30 years is recommended reading for anybody who has ever wondered what happened to the real Spain, says the Sunday Times, of London. Bairds other books include Between Two Fires, a highly acclaimed account of a largely unreported guerrilla war in Spain in the 1940s. This superbly written book could not be more timely, says historian Paul Preston. He has also written several travel books and two works of ction (Dont Miss The Fiesta! and Typhoon Season). Sunny Side Up, distributed by Maroma Press (http://maromapress.wordpress. com/), is on sale through English bookshops in Spain and from Amazon and other Internet sellers. A German edition, Leben im Pueblo, is available from the publisher, Verlag Winfried Jenior (www.jenior.de), of Kassel, Germany.
The Spanish Tax Ofce Has Recently Introduced a New Tax Form Concerning Fraud and Money Laundering. This is the tax form no. 720 and it must be completed by all tax residents in Spain. All below mentioned assets held as of the 31.12.2012 with a value of more than 50,000 Euros must be submitted on this form between March and April 2013. 1. 2.
Tax evaders will incur a penalty of 5K for every asset not declared after the deadline with a minimum penalty of 10,000. In addition, non-declared assets might be considered by the Tax Ofce, as capital gains. This means that tax evaders would have to include it on the 2012 Income Tax Return, and it could be taxed up to 56% tax rate depending on the Province, plus an additional penalty up to 150% over the total taxable amount. This is an extraordinary tax return, and it wont have to be completed again unless you subsequently acquire additional assets abroad with a value in excess of 20K.
Although this will apply to Spanish citizens and expats, foreigners are more likely to have offshore assets. Tax returns will only be accepted through online submission. Therefore an electronic certicate issued by the Tax Ofce is required to submit the tax forms. For more information please contact your specialist team at Corral & Alcaraz. It is not worth risking your assets. Tel +34 968 078 754 E-mail info@corralalcaraz.com www.corralalcaraz.com
3.
Accounts in foreign banks: Balance at 31st December 2012 and average balance in the last quarter. Properties and property rights owned in any other country. Shares, rights, life insurances and incomes deposited, handled or obtained abroad.
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More Ex-Forces Personnel in Prison than Serving in Afghanistan At the Hondon Valley British Legion AGM, the Chairman Dave Stewart advised us of some staggering statistics. He stated that there are 20,000 ex-forces personnel in prison or on probation; twice as many as are serving in Afghanistan, an increase of a third in the last 5 years. Many of these Veterans are suffering from undiagnosed Post Trauma Stress. More British Service Personnel who served in the Falklands have committed suicide, than were killed in the conict. Last year, the Royal British Legion took 1,485 calls from homeless ex-service personnel. By law, they should be offered ac-
because of their long waiting lists. Others are denied home ownership because the heightened risk of suicide means they cant get life insurance to guarantee a mortgage. Dave thanked everyone all over Spain, who supported The Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal. He promised that at the Christmas Party on 18th December at the Monte Alto Restaurant, Hondon de las Nieves, he would unveil the nal amount raised by the Hondon Valley branch this year. Legion Members would welcome anyone to join them for their monthly meetings held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at Monte Alto.
commodation as a priority, yet councils fail
Over this holiday many activities to who are struggling economic climate.
period there have been raise money for families to survive in the current The ADAPT Association
be receiving presents from the kings. When the call went out in October to provide shoe boxes covered with Christmas paper and containing presents for boys or girls from 0 to 14 years old, there was a tremendous response not only from ADAPT members, but also many other friends and contacts. As a result there were more than enough boxes, along with hats, gloves, scarves, socks, pyjamas, baby supplies and hygiene products to give to the families normally helped by the El Samaritano Association. Consequently, a large number of presents also went to the local Critas Association for other children in the town in the same circumstances.
of San Pedro del Pinatar has also joined these efforts by providing shoe boxes with gifts for the many children who would otherwise not
This shoe box campaign has been run alongside ADAPTs usual fundraising activities in which members take along bags of food to the monthly meeting to pass on to El Samaritano. As a result of this years ADAPT panto Snow White and the Seven Guiris, 1618 has been raised to buy food and other essential items for needy families over the Christmas period and throughout the coming year. The next ADAPT meeting will be on Saturday 2nd February at 10.30am in the Hogar del Pensionista, Calle Floridablanca, San Pedro del Pinatar. See our website for full information www. adaptsanpedro.eu
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Please tell our customers where you saw their advertisement in the Costa Clida Chronicle Please tell our customers where you saw their advertisement in the Costa Clida Chronicle
Sales Contact Teresa 619 199 407 or for the Editor Contact Patti 646 005 017 Sales Contact Teresa 619 199 407 or for the Editor Contact Patti 646 005 017
www.costacalidachronicle.com www.costacalidachronicle.com
email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com
Fundraiser for Quartets to Represent Spain in Dutch Contest As members of the Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers (SABS), Spangles Ladies Harmony Chorus of Los Alczares organised a series of concerts to raise funds to help two young Spanish barbershop quartets to represent Spain at the European Contest in Holland in March this year.
the entertaining and professional performances of the choruses. Their comments ranged from I didnt realise that barbershop could be so entertaining to The show was unbelievable value for money. SABS President and Spangles Musical Director, Gail Grainger, commented These young guys are great ambassadors for SABS and we are so proud that they have qualied to represent us on the European stage. It will cost approximately 2,400 for each quartet to compete in Holland and Spangles wanted to show their support by helping to raise funds for their trip. Im delighted to say that we raised 1,000 from the series of concerts and were extremely grateful to our wonderful audiences.
Mlaga in April. The Chorus is working hard on two contest songs and will be showcasing them at a show in March this year remarked Gail. Details will be announced in the press and wed love to see all our supporters there. Following on from their gold medal success, Spangles has released a CD called Pure Gold, which includes their two winning contest songs and many audience favourites. Pure Gold is on sale at just 5. Call 968 432 525 or 968 334 527 to order your copy.
Torrevieja quartet, Fourmidables, SABS 2012 Silver medallists and Catalua-based quartet, Hanfris, SABS 2011 Gold medallists, appeared with Spangles (SABS 2011 Gold medallists) and the Torrevieja Harmonisers (SABS 2011 Bronze medallists) at two concerts in Los Alczares and Castalla, and the two quartets also sang to a packed house at Diamantes Restaurant in El Mojn. Audiences, whose vision of barbershop may have been of four men in boaters and stripy waistcoats, were blown away by the stunning voices of the two young mens quartets and
After winning a Gold medal, quartets and choruses cannot compete in the following year, so Spangles and Hanfris will be going for gold again at the SABS Convention in Benalmdena,
Spangles welcome new members, so if youre looking to make new friends and enjoy singing, why not visit Spangles when they rehearse at Las Claras? They meet every Thursday from 10am-1pm. Please call Lyn on 968 432 525 or Anthea on 968 334 527 to book Spangles or to nd out how to join, or visit the website www. spangleschorus.com. Photographers: Vincent de Vries, Carlos Duart, Kristoff. Email: Web: info@spangleschorus.com www.spangleschorus.com
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Christmas Cheer for MABS Murcia The lead-up to Christmas was quite a busy one for MABS Cancer Support Group in Murcia. On 14 December, Iceland Overseas, San Javier provided mulled wine and Christmas nibbles while Spangles Ladies Harmony Chorus sang Christmas songs to their customers. A rafe was organised and Laurence from Murcia Today was on hand to sell plants, donating the proceeds to MABS. The event was a huge success, raising more than 600 to add to the Icelands total for 2012.
twelve prizes were all for Hair & Beauty treatments and the draw took place on 22nd December with some of their regular clients eagerly waiting to see if they had won a prize! The Rafe raised 189. Janet B thanked Jo & Sheena for all their hard work selling tickets and for choosing MABS as their charity. MABS Murcia is a registered charity (No. 7261) offering help and support to local people of all nationalities who have been diagnosed with or are being treated for cancer. If you or someone you know would like some condential help or support call our Helpline 693 275 779 or visit their website www. mabsmurcia.com Photographer: Adrian Chorley. Iceland Overseas Continues to Support Mabs Murcia MABS Cancer Support Group volunteers from Murcia/Mar Menor branch were back at Iceland Overseas in San Javier this week to collect a cheque for 1,635 which was raised throughout 2012. The money was raised with various events through the past year at the Iceland Overseas store and they have conrmed that MABS Murcia is their nominated charity for 2013. Were really looking forward to working with everyone at MABS again. Their volunteers are game for anything and are a great help when theyre packing customers shopping. We love the atmosphere created at Christmas when Spangles come to sing and get our customers in the mood for the festive season. said Sorelle Fox, Supervisor at the store. The MABS Fundraising team is now busy working with Iceland Overseas on new events for this year, so keep checking the press and the MABS website to make sure that you dont miss out on the fun. Photographer:Geoff Bell/Roger Honess MABS Murcia is a registered charity (No. 7261) offering help and support to local people of all nationalities who have been diagnosed with or are being treated for cancer. If you or someone you know would like some condential help or support call our HELPLINE 693 275 779 or visit their website www. mabsmurcia.com
Jo Rea & Sheena Sample of Ascension, Hair, Beauty, & Holistic Centre in Los Alczares contacted MABS back in November to say that they were going to run a Christmas Rafe to raise funds for MABS Murcia. The
The Orihuela Costa Branch of the Royal British Legion was in Christmas mood at the December Branch Meeting attended by almost a hundred members after which they were entertained by the popular TAABS led by Cathy Carson. The Balladeers sang a selection of Christmas carols before launching into some of the most popular Christmas songs of bygone years. Most members joined in the singing which included the traditional song The Twelve Days Of Christmas although some of the responses were thought to be rather suspect! But it was a fun evening despite the rationing of the mince pies. During the earlier business part of the meeting Branch Chairman, Keith Carter, formerly announced the total achieved during the 2012 Poppy Appeal in what has now come to be the traditional way with members and visitors displaying the gure. This year it was yet another record amount of 28,688, far
on the night of 460 from the Costa Clida Chronicle who raised the amount from their advertisers during the poppy appeal. There was also a further presentation made on the night to Mick the Grip who raised over 5,200 during the year by holding sponsored golf competitions in support of the appeal On closing the Chairman, on behalf of the committee, wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The Orihuela Costa and District Branch meet at The Olympia Restaurant Mil Palmeras every 3rd Thursday of the month, 7 for 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend and join. You DO NOT have to be ex-service to do so. For more information visit our website www.orihuelacostarbl.com
surpassing anything achieved to date and only 3,000 below the magical 100,000 gure that Members have now collected since the Branch formation in 2008. The gure was brought even closer with a donation
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School Comes To Horse Around EHCRC We have had an exciting Christmas period at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre with our educational visit from the pupils of The Escuela Europa of Alicante. The pupils who are studying charity work as part of their course work, came to spend a morning with us at our charity shop in Guardamar. They visited the EHCRC in Rojales, to meet some of our rescued residents and get an understanding of what the aims of the Rescue Centre are and all the things that we have to consider when running the Foundation, from raising money for food, water and vet bills, to advertising for volunteers, stafng shops etc.
pleasure to have such well-behaved children at the Rescue Centre; they are a credit to the Escuela Europa. We look forward to seeing them again in the New Year when they will be working with us on their own charity project to help us raise some much needed funds towards a new tractor. We would love to take this opportunity to in-
the centre. We can provide lunch facilities for packed lunches and we also have a snack bar. All that we ask in return is that the children enjoy their day and hopefully take back with them a new love and respect for the animals around them, as we feel that to educate the young on how to behave towards animals at a young age turns them into well rounded individuals in later life. We look forward to hearing for you. To volunteer or to book your school trip, please contact Sue on 652 021 980 or email rescue@easyhorsecare.net More details of the work of the centre can be found at www.easyhorsecare.net EHCRC was also delighted to appear on Guamipi (the fantastic Canal 9 animal show). We wish to thank the lm crew for their wonderful production. If you missed the show you can watch it on http://www.rtvv.es/va/ guamipi/Guamipi-Cap_13_834046589. html We are urgently looking for volunteers to help out at the Rescue Centre to help cleaning feed buckets, help with eld clearing etc. You do not need to be a horsy person or have any horse knowledge. All the help we can get would be great even if it is just 2 hours a week, so if you feel like getting t, toning up and losing some of those Christmas pounds, please give us a call.
The pupils enjoyed meeting Bronson, Dallas, Rocky and little Cruz and saw just how well they are doing since their rescues. Some of the pupils also got to see our vet Dorothea in action and ask her questions. It was real
vite pupils from other schools in the area to come to visit EHCRC in Rojales, Alicante. If your school, class or club wish to visit EHCRC, please contact us as we are currently taking provisional bookings for the forthcoming year. We will be offering Wednesdays afternoon tours, to schools and other organisations. Children will have a tour of the Rescue Centre and have the opportunity to ask Sue, the founder, any questions about our equines or indeed any other animals we home here at
1966 The Soviet probe Luna 9 made the rst controlled landing of a manmade object on the Moon. 1953 A decade of wartime sweet rationing ended in Britain, sparking a scramble for toffee apples and nougat. 1996 The rst genetically modied foods went on sale in the UK; a tomato puree with no rotting gene. 1992 The Maastricht Treaty established the European Union of 12 na-
tions, including the UK. 7 2005 British yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur set the fastest ever time for sailing solo around the world. 1983 Record-breaking Derby winner Shergar was kidnapped by the IRA and ransomed for 2m. He was never seen again. 1975 Margaret Thatcher became the rst woman to head a British political party, leading the Conservatives.
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1990 South African anti-apartheid campaigner Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years. 1971 Decimal currency was launched in Britain, replacing the traditional pounds, shillings and pence. 2005 A law banning the hunting of wild mammals with dogs came into effect in England and Wales. 1997 The rst successful cloning of a mammal, Dolly the sheep, was announced by scientists in Scotland.
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Members Lunch The annual HELP Murcia Mar Menor members lunch was held this year at Diamantes on 13th December, when members, family and friends enjoyed a superb Christmas lunch accompanied by a wonderful afternoon of entertainment with Paul Allen singing ballads (not forgetting the very amusing Ryanair rant). HELP MMMs President, Bernard Ash thanked everyone for attending. In his report to the last General Meeting of the year he had said that in difcult times for the Spanish economy, HELP had had a successful year and everybody should give themselves a pat on the back for the work they had done. HELP MMM had helped at least 500 people in 2012 with the services that they provide in terms of mobility equipment, hospital visiting, and information given from the ofce or over the telephone, talking books and all the other services that HELP provides. They had also been able to make donations to a childrens charity and to CARITAS, and had made progress on integration with the Spanish community. It is estimated that in 2013, around 5 million people will need help with food in Spain, and HELP will endeavour to assist where it can. It is hoped to have a reasonable surplus available at the end of the year so that further donations to good causes can be made. HELP has a great team of volunteers and members and Bernard is sure the good work will carry on in 2013. There are new initiatives which will be put in place in January that respond to needs that have arisen over the last 2-3 years, which will be publicised in the New Year. He thanked all the members for their loyalty during the year. Lady Golfers in Red & Black In December, Hacienda del Alamo Golf Club held their Ladies Annual Christmas Competition. The golfers, all dressed in red and black, wore a Christmas hat and had mince pies and brandy half way round the course. The Golf Competition was supported by 65 ladies and 80 people attended lunch. A charity rafe at the lunch raised 585, which they donated to HELP MMM.
Bernard Ash, the President of HELP MMM, accepted the money raised from Marilynn Pearce at HELPs ofce on Friday 21st December. The donation was much appreciated and will be a welcome addition to HELP MMMs funds.
HELP Murcia Mar Menors car boot at the Autocine, Los Alcazares was busy on 23rd December. HELP MMM continues its aim of loaning out mobility equipment, visiting people in hospital, providing assistance where it is needed and giving to good causes. Please ring our ofce on 968 570 059 for details on how we can help.
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Sponsored Walk Organised by Murcias RDA Association La Asociacin Murciana De Terapias Ecuestres (AMTE) With The Help Of META Riding Centre Twenty three people turned out to participate in the sponsored walk on Sunday 30th December. It was a glorious, sunny day and our sponsored walk was a perfect way to let in the New Year. We had a mixed group of walkers, English, Spanish, German and a dog. They were of all ages and from all walks of life, from everywhere in the Region. We started at the Restaurante Mirador de Gebas where we were served a delicious breakfast of fresh juice, coffee, hot chocolate and home-made Spanish cakes (buuelos and paparajotes) to pep up our energy levels before starting our 5km circuit around the Barrancos de Gebas. When we had nished, to conclude a great
youngsters from a childrens home in Murcia. All thats left is to say a big Thank you to our generous sponsors, Piccadilly Coffee Company, El Mirador de Gebas, Humanymal Consultores, META, our walkers, the friends and family who sponsored them, and to the Costa Clida Chronicle for supporting us as always and printing this article. We are planning a longer Sponsored Walk in the same area; a walk through the almond trees in blossom; pure beauty. Anybody who would like to tag along please get in touch and well send inscription form, Sponsor sheet and dates. Tel: 636 17 21 98/600 871 628 Email meta@meta.nom.es
morning and courtesy of the AMTE, we went back to the Mirador for a few beers and a huge bocadillo. The walk raised enough money to cover our rescue mare Sabbas upkeep and to pay for a day spent at the stables grooming, riding and just enjoying the horses for a group of
On Saturday January 12th 38 members travelled by coach to Viveros Hoya near Torre Pacheco, who specialise in growing plants and trees for dry conditions. During a tour of the tree nursery, our guide gave us lots of information about the various trees, growth habits, suitability for different sites etc and especially useful, an explanation of the correct way to plant a tree so as to ensure success. On returning to the sales area we were treated to refreshments and our next was a tour of the glasshouses, again with a wide variety of drought-resistant garden plants, which members were able to buy at advantageous prices. We then went to a restaurant for an excellent lunch, which whiled away the afternoon until we boarded the coach. Five members won prizes in the rafe and we returned to Camposol around 6pm Our next event at 11am on Saturday February 2nd is a talk on plants for dry gardens by local horticulturist Andrew Brown, at the Casa Colorao Restaurant, Leiva on the D4, and will be followed by lunch there, with a rafe and plant swap stall. For further information and a warm welcome visit our web pages at www.bolnuevo.com or email darwiniangardeners@gmail.com or phone 669 338 885
Please tell our customers where you saw their advertisement in the Costa Clida Chronicle Please tell our customers where you saw their advertisement in the Costa Clida Chronicle Page 32 Page 32
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Hi, its Shannon here again and I am going to tell you about the Christmas Carol services and gatherings we had over Christmas. The rst one was on the 15th December and the last one the 22nd December. They were all brilliant. I was the ofcial Open Door photographer, so I felt quite important. Loads of people turned up and we raised a lot of money for the people on Camposol. I thought the singing was great. There was a service in a pub and after a slow start, everyone joined in with the singing and enjoyed themselves. I took loads of photographs at every event. We were on Camposol and my brother, Ben, played carols on his bagpipes. I thought it was quite funny seeing the look of surprise on everyones faces when he did that. I dont think they knew you could play Christmas Carols on bagpipes. The crowd sang along to
Ben as well. The second time we were on Camposol, Ben had been so popular at the rst that he was asked to play more than the night before, so he played a few Scottish tunes as well as carols. Every-
one there really enjoyed that and clapped along. I think everyone enjoyed themselves. We went up to Cehegin for a Service up there for Derek and Lynda. They had a brilliant crowd with 45 people turning up. They all stayed after the service to mingle and chat and have mince pies. I liked that part. We also had a service in our local casa in Los Almagros. Again it was well attended and people seemed to appreciate the fact that Mum had sorted some Spanish songs for us all to sing as well. I didnt sing very much as I was taking photographs. I hope we do loads more events this year so I can continue taking pictures. It was great to see so many people at all these different events. Thanks for coming and look out for the next ones from Open Door!
Well, hello again, Connor here with more news for you to read. As you may have already guessed, I am going to write about Christmas, and I have chosen to tell you about our Christmas Day. When I went to bed on 24th I didnt sleep at all, well, not until 3am. I was clock watching. Then I was woken up at 5.30am when a door opened and slammed; maybe it was Santa! Eventually everyone else woke up and the day began with us all opening our stockings. It was a laugh. Shannon, Nathan and I got all the usual stuff, deodorant, playing cards, pens, pencils and things to make. Ben, on the other hand, got a load of strange stuff, like oranges, a spinning top, a Christmas bauble and a very strange thing that we were not too sure what to do with! It looked like a spinning blade, but was plastic and really did nothing. It was very funny and Ben just laughed and we had fun opening the
rest of the stuff. A bit later on Arthur and Marge joined us for the rest of the morning. We were all given a ton of chocolate this year, which is good as we all love chocolate! Our main gift from Mum and Dad was a full sized American Pool table.
It was in the room all the time, but we didnt see it as Mum had hidden it under a cloth and it just looked like the normal dining room table! I didnt notice that it was a lot bigger, but I suppose that was because I wasnt looking for that. We have had loads of games already, noone can beat Dad, but the rest of us are evenly matched. After Christmas Dinner we sat down and watched a lm on the television. Matt had brought some over with him and it was good to just relax, eat chocolate and watch a lm together. The Cattery was full over Christmas, so Dad had to pop out to feed and clean them out. It is good to see it full. It was a good Christmas Day and I dont think anyone went to bed with an empty stomach! Now we are getting back to the normal routine of school, but I will tell you about that next month.
Hi Nathan here again. I hope you all had a good New Year. I am going to write about the Christmas Dinner we had at our house for Open Door. On arriving at the house everyone was offered a glass of Champagne, or Orange for the drivers. Brian and Mo were the rst to come and they brought some friends as well. Brian loves his roast potatoes, so in the afternoon I peeled lots of potatoes, making sure I did extra for Bri! Shannon folded all the napkins into wonderful shapes and she and Mum set all the tables. Connor helped me with the carrots, then we carried the chairs in and put cushions on them all. Mum and Dad did everything else. We had to take the settees out of the house to t the tables in! After the Champagne everyone sat down at the tables. Shannon, Connor and I were the waiters for the tables we were sitting at, as we were all on different ones. There were three courses and each course had a choice of three different things, so we
or Apple crumble made by Mum, for the dessert. Brian got loads of extra Roast potatoes, so he was pleased. We all told each other the awful jokes from the crackers, but it wouldnt be Christmas without those would it! Just before the pudding, Santa came and gave us all gifts; of course, Mum missed him again! She always seems to do that. Odd! The evening was nished off with coffee and mince pies and everyone stayed for ages to just chat and enjoy the company. When the house was empty again, we had to clear up and wash the dishes. It was a good evening. were kept very busy, making sure everyone had the right food and the drink containers were topped up. There was a mixture of Pumpkin Soup, Spring Rolls and Roast Vegetable towers with Goats cheese made by Mum for the starter, Turkey or Beef or Vegetarian option for the main meal and Christmas Pudding, Trie
To Sales Contact Teresa 619 199 407 or for the Editoror contact Teresa 619 199 407 place an advertisement with us please see page 5 Contact Patti 646 005 017
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The Alcedo Association is a group of friends who have common interests and objectives such as protection of our environment, the practice of outdoor sports, the interpretation of our natural environment, etc. Environmental education is therefore one of our main goals and to this end we will work primarily with children, as our intention is that future generations,
will be more responsible with the nature around us than we have been.
Though just begun this new and exciting way, we already have a head full of ideas. We will try to carry out projects such on February 16th the Alcedo Association will be helped by the members of The Mazarrn Bahia Lions Club to create an aromatic herb garden with lavender, rosemary, thyme, etc. at Camposol. Other activities planned to help the Alcedos role in their work with children will be an excursion to locate water points and carry out an amphibian census and a trip to the largest solar plant in Europe. We also have planned workshops, lectures and exhibitions. Ultimately our wish is to enjoy and share the activities that we perform in our natural environment whilst learning to respect the environment. Consuelo Murcia 656 443 465 Gina 968 978 810 Email asociacionalcedo@gmail.com The month continued with Debbie Blevins, Morag Bullock and Sammy Fitzsimmons. We were delighted to be able to welcome international Spanish medium Mercedes Garcia who has lived in England for many years. This was Mercedes rst time to return to work in Spain. Mercedes gave an evening of clairvoyance to both a Spanish and English speaking audience. We hope we will be able to persuade Mercedes to return to The Beacon of Light in the future. Februarys guest mediums will be: February 6th Anna Marie February 13th Jimmy McArthur February 20th Sammy Fitzsimmons February 27th Joy & John Sloman
Despite the cold, we were absolutely thrilled to see so many of our loyal supporters at our rst meeting of 2013 on January 2nd. This was taken by our ever popular Marilyn Webb, who once again inspired us with her inspirational words in her philosophy and amazing demonstration of clairvoyance. In April Marian will be starting fortnightly two hour workshops. Places for these are limited and reservations are being taken.
The Beacon of Light Centre continues to grow and to those we have met and those we have yet to meet a warm welcome is assured and hopefully the doors of the Beacon of Light will remain open for many years to come. Our meetings are every Wednesday from 7pm with weekly guest mediums. There is healing available at the end of the meeting which usually nishes at approximately 8.30pm. As always the evenings end with a friendly chat and cup of tea and biscuits. All our meetings are funded by donations given during the evening, Do you seek a special place?, The welcomes warm, a friendly face, Do you need a place to go? When you feel good or you feel low. Do you want to know some more, For when we exit Earth Planes door, Healing you can get from there, Given with lots of loving care. Mediums travel from afar, Some by plane and some by car, Messages of hope to bring, From loved ones as we proudly sing. Life does not end at the grave, Eternal love to you they gave, Theyre never very far from you, So very close in all you do. So why not pop along and see, And join us for a cup of tea, If you would like on a Wednesday night, Come to our Centre - The Beacon of Light For further information please phone 620 877 326 Email beacon.of.light.murcia@gmail.com http://beaconoightmurcia.webs.com or join us on facebook Beacon of Light Murcia
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GO maD would like to publicly thank all those who supported us last year, in so many different ways: All our volunteers, drivers & translators, without whom we could not manage to operate all the areas of GO maD! The numerous donors of everyday items, & kind givers of monetary donations. Various bowls clubs, golf societies, other associations plus YOU the general public. The weekly donations of food & toiletries from The Fat Club, Camposol A who have just donated 10 pairs of childrens shoes. One of the Fat Club Ladies, by accident or was it, stumbled upon a Mazarrn Aid Day,
when she was so touched by a child with poor footwear, that she wanted to Make her own Difference. The story was shared with the group & a decision to purchase shoes was made. The rental/management agents who kindly collate all the left-over food, toiletries & babies nappies from renters & kindly pass onto us. The Dog Bowl, Fuente Alamo who donate unsold bread, which is kindly collected & dropped off to our shop by our Community Star, Colin Thackwell. The Businesss who partner with us in holding food collection bins & to those not mentioned but you know who YOU ARE. The publicity people from the newspa-
pers and magazines who spread the word for us. As we enter the New Year, our work is not easing up. Every week from our Town Hall Ofces we see a queue of applicants of varying nationalities patiently waiting. Everyone has a heart wrenching story! We are working on new projects & trust by the next edition that we can share these with you - maybe they would whet your appetite to partner with us. We are pleased to announce, that our Mazarrn Shop is now open on Fridays 10am2pm. Shop, Mazarron 634 321 161 Outreach/Enquiries 634 357 137 Email madmazarron@live.com Face Book mad mazarron
Legs 11? I might not be the tallest person in the world, measuring in at 164cm, or about 53 in old money, but oddly enough I have, according to my husband very long legs for a short person! It is true, that whilst he is much taller at just under 6 feet tall, he takes a 31 inch inside leg in trousers, whilst I take a 30 inch leg. You would have thought that here in Spain, where I tower over some of the older generation at the local market, I would not have a problem getting trousers to t. Wrong!! For reasons best known to the clothing manufacturers here, trouser legs are made for people the size of giants, and I regularly hold up clothes against me in the shops
to nd an extra 6 inches of fabric trailing on the oor. Shopping with my mother, a mere 25 inch leg and 5 feet tall, becomes a nightmare, as there is enough spare fabric to practically make a new pair of trousers and dont ask me to sew them up, since my version of hemming involves nothing more complicated than a roll of sticky webbing and a hot iron. The solution seems to be to buy from retailers with just a little more sense, who realise that women actually come in different heights and produce trousers in differing lengths, but I was a bit offended to nd that 30 inch leg comes in as short! Ah well, Alex my son had the ideal solution. Last time we were in the changing room together, he offered his wise
fashion advice on the clothes I was trying on. The top makes you look like a clown, but the jeans will be OK if you wear shoes with heels ten metres tall. Gok Wan, your job is safe! Liz Edmiston runs Murcia Property Services & OwnersAway Rentals offering a full range of services to property owners on the Costa Calda. Contact Liz on 691 977 107 or info@ownersaway.com for more information. Visit the websites www.ownersaway.com & www.villasalesmurcia.com to view the full range of properties and services.
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Although it is some time since the November Poppy Appeal, we thought it relevant to include a couple of emails to update everyone on how the appeal went in 2012 and where the money goes. Following various queries as to where the monies raised in Spain goes to for the Poppy Appeal, Ian C Wilson, President, Ex-Servicemens Association of Mazarrn District (ESAMD) sought conrmation from the District Chairman of the R.B.L. Dear Ian, ALL the monies raised in Spain are used here for our beneciaries. At the end of each year, whatever surplus is left in our Welfare Fund, is returned to the UK as it earns much higher interest there. This is the same for ALL Overseas Branches around the world, however, that money is always available for us should we need it. Obviously, it would not make sense to keep building up a huge surplus here. For instance, last year we raised over 134,000 and to date have given out around 80,000, so when this years collection is added in, the surplus from last year is returned to the UK. Although the majority of beneciaries here are elderly, there has been a sprinkling of younger claimants.
Please thank your members for all their hard work and efforts in collecting for the Appeal this year. I will be announcing the Poppy total in January but it already looks like another record breaker. Thank you Chris Wyatt Chairman The Royal British Legion in Spain, District North. The Royal British Legion in Spain recently held their Annual Conference in Alicante. Members attending heard the District Chairman, Chris Wyatt, say I am amazed and truly overwhelmed at the response to the Poppy Appeal for 2012. I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart, all those who have contributed to the fantastic total of 171,376.88. (making an increase of 28% over the money raised in 2011 ) Not just in terms of cash, but all those unsung volunteers who have given so freely of their time to go out to airports, shopping malls, bars etc throughout the year in order that The Royal British Legion in Spain can help our Beneciaries. Robin Hargrave, the District Poppy Appeal Coordinator, said We must remember too, that every centimo we receive is used towards the welfare of serving and ex-service men
and women and their families who nd themselves in great need
As our veterans can now be as young as 18, the Legion is there to support them for the rest of their life. Spending as it did last year, 250,000 every day, shows our total commitment to those who have served their country but may need our help in the future. To nd out more about The Royal British Legion, please go to our website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north or email secretary.rbl.dns@gmail.com
LA MOLATA, LOS MUOCES, ALHAMA
CAADAS DE
the stalwarts who have supported them so well in the past, especially during the recent inclement weather. Unfortunately the artist booked for 15 February has had to cry off for health reasons, leaving the organisers insufcient time to engage a suitable substitute. The club will, therefore, be closed on that night. Now The Good News! Clida Country CMC is to run a coach to this years Costa Blanca Country Music & Line Dancing Festival at ECO Camping Marjal, near Catral on Sunday 10 March. The cost of the coach will be subsidised by Clida Country and tickets are on sale now from Mervyn Booth on a rst come, rst served basis, with preference being given to existing regular Costa Clida CMC patrons. More Good News! The next quarters programme starts with another rst for Clida Country CMC. Friday 15 March heralds their rst ever double bill featuring, all the
First The Bad News! Unhappily, because of the considerable reduction in patrons currently attending First Fridays at La Molata, it was decided at the open forum to hold First Friday CM Discos from Easter to December only. Accordingly, the next First Friday will be on Friday 5 April and thereafter on a monthly basis up to and including 6 December. This reduced period of opening may be extended again at a later date subject to demand. The organisers would like to thank all
way from England, Cactus Jack and Eddy Miller. Both are fantastic artists guaranteeing you a night to remember. Doors open at 8pm & entry is 5pp. Tickets not required. The club is located 10km from Camposol at the Social Club in La Molata, Los Muoces take the exit just north of the Condado de Alhama exit, located off the RM32/MU 603, (signposted Venta Aledo & Los Muoces). This non-member club is a non-prot making organisation. Any excess of income after expenses is currently dedicated to the Community Ambulance Fund Espaa (CAFE). Boasting a large dance oor, this licensed premises sells drinks at Spanish prices and their hosts, Antonio & Cheryl, maintain a superb kitchen. The sh and chips are to die for! Advance bookings for meals call Cheryl on 619 003 022. If you fancy a bit of a boogie on a Friday night, or simply want some line dancing, go along and give it a try! Always remember to... KEEP IT COUNTRY! For further information on whats going on, contact Mervyn Booth on 968 163 082 or visit their Facebook page at: CALIDA COUNTRY Country Music Club
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In these difcult times, we can all take time to save money, but make sure that this is what you are actually doing and that you are not spending money unnecessarily. We all need food, but Supermarkets in particular are experts in getting us to buy the maximum amount of produce whilst spending the maximum amount of money. They spend millions each year researching the ways and means of making us spend more than we actually need.
food, so increasing the supermarkets prot. One tip is to eat before you go shopping so that you are not thinking about food as you walk up and down the aisles. You may think that it is inconvenient having to walk all round the supermarket nding all your normal shopping, but this is a deliberate tactic used by the supermarkets to make you do this. We all know about Ikea making you walk through the whole store even if you only want one item! Supermarkets in the UK were discouraged from selling sweets near the check out as children always wanted sweets they could see while the parents waited in the queue to pay, but here in Spain, Supermarkets have no such qualms. You will notice that the core products like tea, coffee, sugar etc are quite often on the top or bottom shelves and the most protable products are at eye level. Often bargains are put at the entrance to the store, or at the end of aisles and of course there are always the discount or sale signs to look out for. On Offer does not always mean that it is cheaper! Nowadays Supermarkets often produce their own brands and it is worth trying them. Just because a product is more expensive, doesnt always mean that it is better. Sometimes the packaging looks nicer, but that doesnt mean that what is inside it is any better than a basic pack. Often the cheaper product is made at the same factory as the more expensive one. Of course the Supermarkets have to differentiate the products and the known brands often put the words Premium or Finest on the packets to make you think that their product is superior to a similar cheaper one. It is not just food that is worth testing. Many of the known brands of washing powder and other cleaning products are bought purely because of good advertising. We may have been brought up with certain brands and think that these are the best, but nowadays many of the cheaper makes are just as good. Again it is a matter of trying them and seeing if they are as good and of course there are still the old natural methods of using vinegar and lemon!
Do you know the difference between a best before and display until date? If not, the likelihood is youre throwing away a lot of food unnecessarily. Use-by dates mean chuck food away after this date, as otherwise its a health risk. These include dairy, milk, sh and egg products.
Try to make a list of the shopping that you actually need and stick to this list. Dont be tempted by the offers for items that you dont really need. Do you really need to buy an extra item, even if you might be saving a few cents? Will it sit in your cupboard for the next six months? The best way to make your shopping list is to write a meal plan for the week/month so that you can work out what youre going to eat every day, incorporating the ingredients you already have in your cupboards.
Best before dates mean food is usually still OK to eat after this date, so dont waste money by throwing perfectly edible produce away. Best before labels usually have nothing to do with safety; theyre just the manufacturers view of when theyre at optimum quality. This is usually longer lasting foods such as frozen meals, tins, sugar, pasta and cereals. You can eat after the best before, but the food may lose its avour, colour and texture slightly. Not only is it usually safe to eat food beyond best before dates, it is legal to sell them.
Why do you think that supermarkets have freshly baked bread on the premises? How many times have you thought what a lovely smell freshly baked bread is? The smell makes us hungry and this in turn makes us buy more
The display-until and sell-by labels on products are for shop staff only and indicates when the products should be removed from the shelf.
Well, 2012 is another year over; some will say what a great year that was, and others will be pleased that it is over. 2013 has arrived and with it are we expecting or hoping for new beginnings? We in the Olive Branch Christian Fellowship, as scripture tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13 verse 8). In Psalm 18 verse 2 it says The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge. We have a hope and a future and the good news is that if you are a follower of Jesus Christ we know that one day we will spend eternity with Him in heaven. Do you know where you are destined to be when you leave this earth? If not, why not join us in this New Year at the Olive Branch
Christian Fellowship? It is very important to know your nal destination, and we do not want anyone going to a lost eternity. Do not hesitate to come and join us today. You will be assured of a good welcome. We hold communion each Sunday during the service at the Community Centre on Camposol B and we commence at 10.30am. Please contact us Pastor Ralph and Margaret Locke on 968 199 622 or 618 720 18
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2013 is the European Union Commission Year of the Citizen. Consultation has taken place by the EU Commission throughout 2012 on barriers to access for EU Citizens. During the next 12 months it will be a lot easier for citizens to gain access to their rights on mobility throughout Europe, having a voice in the communities where they live and accessing the public facilities and services that are available to them. Everyone has the right to work and play within the place that they live. They also have the right to access public facilities in education, culture and leisure. ACAM and in particular a project working within the legal framework of the charity, Murcia Dance, have exercised this right.
ing in Mazarrn carnivals, estas and events. For Murcia Dance this is valuable part of the programme. It is a celebration of all that the children and young people have achieved in their dance classes and it is something that the members and residents of Camposol can be proud of. Murcia Dance has a very strong community who acknowledge and respect the benets of the projects aims and identify that the young members of the projects are our future citizens. The community is made up of family, friends, charitable associations, businesses and a pro-active Parent Association. ACAMs second AGM will take place on Friday 15th February and tie in with a Family Valentines Dinner and Dance. Anyone can become a member of and attend the event. All you need to do to register is contact one of ACAMs ofcers giving your address and NIE or passport number. ACAM projects serve the community of Murcia and its visitors, so you can live anywhere to become a member. There are many other membership levels. There is participatory membership where you can access the activities of Project Members who deliver the aims and objectives of ACAMs constitution. Membership is also open to organisations and individuals who want to support the development of ACAM whilst delivering its aims. There are many incentives to becoming a Project Member of ACAM. Organisations and individuals will be set up within a legal framework which offers advice on delivering quality Arts & Leisure activities for a community. You will have a scal number, virtual ofce address, ofce space for meetings, public liability insurance and, new for 2013, an accountant. There are terms and conditions in applying for ACAM Project Membership, but
if youre qualied, positive, enthusiastic and pro-active in enriching your community within the realms of the resources available in Murcia, ACAM would be very interested in hearing from you. Two ACAM projects, Murcia Dance and Mazarrn Festival de Baile had a fantastic 2012. Murcia Dance, a community dance project based on Camposol, delivers street and theatre dance, ballet, Zumba and Zumbatomic to children, young people and adults. A programme of dance with enthusiastic members, families and friends has all made a huge impact on developing a community for families through the art form of dance. They perform regularly within Mazarrn Town and village estas and enter competitions throughout the summer months. Murcia Dance has supportive links with the local council and is strengthened further by an active Parents Association. Mazarrn Festival de Baile 2012 saw 450 new visitors to the area. A three day dance festival with aims of celebrating the art form of dance was strengthened by 25 volunteers, 150 dancers from 7 different dance schools and 300 spectators. For 2013, the event for under 21s will take place at the Playa Grande Hotel, Puerto de Mazarrn between 29th June & 1st July. The adult and semi professional categories of the festival will take place during Autumn 2013. For more information on the Arts & Cultural Association of Murcia please visit: http://www.facebook.com/acam.murcia http://acammurcia.tumblr.com/ www.mfdb.net www.murciadance.com or telephone ACAM President Louise Bremner 655 421 120
Following the closure of Murcia Dances base and a restructure in the management of the Camposol Casa Cultura, ACAM Murcia Dance has received a license to use the facilities for the children and young people of Camposol. The Mazarrn Ayuntamiento will sponsor the facilities as is the case with all other charities using the venue. They will also ensure that a consistent programme for the children and young people will take priority. In return, Murcia Dance will continue to integrate into the Spanish culture by perform-
Registered Charity N 8.714/1 JJs Puppy Rescue Association has been a Spanish Registered Charity since March 2007 with a Management Committee, Association Members, Volunteer Helpers and Foster Carers.
carers. We pay for all vaccinations and veterinary costs and give you support whenever you need it. If you feel you can offer a place in your home and your heart for one of our rescued puppies short or long term as a family pet or companion then please talk to us about our Foster Charter. To help us raise the funds needed for our work we are dependent on public support and generosity. We have a Charity Shop in Puerto de Mazarrn located near the Arbol Supermarket. The Charity Shop is staffed entirely by volunteers and we really need all the public help we can get. Any unwanted saleable items that can be sold in our charity shop or table top sales to raise funds will be gratefully received. We can arrange for donated items to be collected by one of our Association Members. We also need volunteer helpers who can give some of their free time to work in our Charity Shop so if you would like to help come in and have a chat with the staff.
We rescue abandoned puppies in the Mazarrn area and care for them in foster homes where they can be trained and socialised whilst we are nding them a loving forever home locally or abroad with the help of rescue organisations in the UK and Holland. To be successful in our work we are always in need of foster
For More Information or Collection of Donated Items Give One of Our Committee Members a Call Tony 618034921 or Mike 634143242 or call into our Charity Shop in Puerto de Mazarrn W e D o I t A l l 4T h e P u p p i e s
This humble plant Tallante Pea Flower faces extinction. The village of Tallante, on the inland road between Cartagena and Puerto de Mazarrn, is hardly famous, but it is home to a very rare species of plant. The Astragalus Nitidiorus was rst documented in 1909 by the botanist Francisco de Paula Jimnez Munuera, and only one specimen was ever found in the area between Cartagena and Mazarrn before it was declared extinct, well before the middle of the 20th century. However, in May 2003, Sergio Martnez, a keen cyclist and amateur botanist, re-discovered an example of the plant in a ditch after almost a hundred years. Local experts then found over 40 plants nearby, but although it appeared to have re-established itself by 2008, when there were 3,000 specimens documented, this year the numbers have once again fallen following the hot dry weather of the last couple of years. Current populations of the plant exist in the areas of Tallante, Cabo Tioso and Roldn. The habitat of the plant is limited to the areas around the volcanic plugs of the area, in particular Cabezo Negro, and it is now known to be poisonous. Rabbits dont touch it, while sheep and goats will tear it out of the ground but never eat it. This is one of the features which enable it to survive. A report has recently been published in Flora, revealing that each plant lives for between three and four years, and produces between 5,000 and 10,000 owers per year. This prolic rate in turn means around 2,000 fruits, each containing between three and ve seeds. However, the survival of the species is far from guaranteed. According to Juan Jos Martnez Snchez, the author of the report, in some years there is 100% mortality rate. The seedling phase is apparently extremely delicate, as new plants nd it hard to become established in the soil, and a re, or a couple of years of extreme drought, could cause its disappearance. Some new plants are being grown in secure conditions at experimental plots run by ANSE in the Sierra de la Muela and Peas Blancas, and seeds are being kept in the Universidad Politcnica and in the local Department of Agriculture. The region of Murcia, in collaboration with the Universidad Politcnica de Cartagena has now launched an initiative to conserve the plant and try to protect it within its native environment. The project Life+ BIO/ES/727 will last for 4 years and will involve a number of initiatives to try and ensure that residents of the area are aware of the importance of this plant and know how to identify it on their own properties and also to create new populations of the plants in areas which are suitable for growth. In addition, seeds will be collected and stored in seed banks. 1.263.033 is being invested into the
scheme, and in addition a sum of 97.404 has been allocated for ensuring land where the plant grows naturally is conserved. The scheme also aims to create a network of voluntary reserves in the area, bringing in those who own land on which the plant currently grows. To this end, a number of special days will be held to introduce the scheme to the residents and farmers of the area. Article by www.murciatoday.com local news and where to go for the Murcia Region http://www.murciatoday.com/ght-to-preserve-the-tallante-pea-ower-garbancillode-tallante_14432-a.html
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Good news stories are hard to come by when we are faced daily with headlines of res sweeping the countryside, landslides due to long awaited rain, not to mention the constant barrage of newspaper and TV reports telling us that there is no money, the world is nancially broken and nobody has jobs. It is humbling to be able to buck this trend and Cambridge 800 has done just that. Setting their sights on a new country-opening in Spain and launching their Head Ofce in Mijas January 2012, Cambridge 800 has gone from strength to strength. Consultants give their customers support and give one-to-one advice on weight loss and long term dietary intake which ensures the weight they have lost does not rebound, followed up by sound advice on increasing exercise to help balance calories input to the energy spent.
Cambridge Consultants are different. Firstly, they are the only people that can provide their customers with Cambridge 800 not available in shops, online or by post. One-to-one - All Consultants receive intensive training and they have to pass an exam. This is why they are so good at supporting their customers. They adhere to strict ethical and medical protocols to ensure their customer is on the right programme. This means they are able to help a wide range of customers, even those with complicated medical conditions including Diabetes. Most Cambridge Consultants are not doctors, but some are, indeed many nurses turn to Cambridge as a career choice.
We are proud that Cambridge 800 is able to offer careers in this drought of opportunities throughout Europe, not just Spain. Losing weight is a very personal issue and each customer has a different story and reason for wanting to lose weight. The clinical benets of a healthy BMI are common knowledge how to achieve that goal is a different story. If you have struggled with your weight, only to gain more with each diet, you are not alone. With the help of your Cambridge 800 Consultant you too can look good, feel great and lose weight for good. For more information call 965 326 082 to speak to Lynda or Lauren or alternatively call 952 586 324 Email simply18es@hotmail.com or info@cambridge800.es www.cambridge800.es www.facebook.com/cambridge800
By the time you are reading this our Panto, Dick Whittington, will be coming to a close but we would like to thank you for your support. Read all about it in next months magazine.
Our next show will be two short comedies to be performed in May watch this space for further details. The Third Annual General Meeting of Cloud Nine Drama will be held on Thursday 28th February at 15.00 hours in La Molata Social Centre. New members are always welcome. For more information contact: Pat Hunt 644 400 123 /patsy.hunt@ gmail.com www.cloudninedramagroupmurcia. com SUPPORTED BY COSTA CLIDA CHRONICLE
Puerto Lumbreras Christian Fellowship now meets every 1st and 3rd Sunday each month at 11.00am in the premises of the Spanish Evangelical Church Puerto Lumbreras Tel 619453283 Paul and Sandra
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The sponsored swim by any criteria was a success; we had over400 people attending and 22 swimmers of all ages and nationalities. The 112 and the Red Cross were there and it really buzzed. The money that was raised is still coming in, but with one team pledging 890 it looks like a great start to the year. We nd it takes about two months for all the pledges to be satised, but we will let you all know, and thank you to everyone who attended and in particular to the entrants, especially those dressed for the occasion; chickens, Tina Turner, cold Scotsman, the works - great fun. As we mentioned last month, this year all the activities of PALS will be devoted to increase the CAF fund which currently stands at 44800. We want to get this ambulance on the road and unless we all make a concentrated effort another year slips by. The money that PALS currently hold is not affected and discussions are underway with the 112, Red Cross and the emergency teams locally to see if we can help them with essen-
tial life saving equipment. So far PALS have donated 177,000 worth of such equipment to the Mazarrn and surrounding areas. We realise that there are other humanities charities around, but our spending is across the board, and our equipment donated used for everyone regardless of race colour or creed. How do we raise money? By nding events and places that you may have thought of going to, or indeed want to revisit. Our tickets sell fast because we believe that we offer value for money and that you are entitled and assured that every cent we get is shown to be spent properly. This year we have: A 3 day trip to Benidorm - SOLD OUT. A cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey, in April - a cancellation list exists. A 3 night trip to Salamanca, Segovia and Avuila in June is similarly placed. By popular demand we are having a trip to Mojacar, Bedar and then to the ICELAND shop in Vera on 17th March one coach only; 25 including lunch at one of our very favour-
ite restaurants. In May we are going back into the Espuas for a lunch and a stop off somewhere you may not have visited. Date and price available by the publication of this article. A special, yes very special, trip with planned excursions included, to Cantabria and Galicia, full board 6th October 285. Tickets are available from Saralaras Wednesdays 1-3pm or at the Trevi Bar Saturdays 11am-1.30pm or call 626 460 465. On a sad note, Graham Moore who was President of PALS for a number of years has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was instrumental in getting the formalities of PALS initiated; no easy task, as we were the rst expat charity to register in Murcia, and created a well founded substantial transparent organisation. We will miss him and send thanks for his assistance and friendship and condolences to his family and friends.
During the years the CRA has represented the views of those who live on Camposol, it has adopted a non-political stance. This meant the Association could and indeed did speak with local parties and their elected Councillors without bias when addressing the issues which faced Camposol and its residents.
problems. During the local elections all parties came to Camposol campaigning for votes and promising urgent action in completing the Urbanisation to the expected standards. It has to be said that most of the promises have largely been reneged upon. After the elections the CRA had great hopes that the situation would improve for Camposol, but this has proven not to be the case. It was this sense of frustration which led the CRA Committee to ask at the AGM for support towards adopting a more overt political stance in relation to solving the problems of Camposol. This move was supported overwhelmingly. As such, the CRA has set up a Political Sub-Committee which will explore ways of achieving the objective of obtaining a direct voice for the people of Camposol on the Council itself after the next local elections. How this will be achieved will emerge over the coming months. The Spanish system is based on Proportional Representation which in basic language means a party achieves its number of seats relative to the number of votes it receives. The CRA has calculated from the last local elections that a party gains a seat for approximately 500 votes. With a membership approaching 3000, providing it was possible to persuade people to register to vote, Camposol itself could gain a number of elected Councillors. To encourage this process, the CRA is attempting to get the Cultural Centre adopted as a Polling Station at future elections. This will make it easier for people to vote on Camposol. As can be appreciated this process will be a complex one, but the Political Sub-Committee does have time to consider all options prior
to the next local elections. As such, it would welcome suggestions and observations from the people of Camposol in relation to this strategy. On the news front After efforts by the Deputy Mayor failed to get Masa to take an active role in removing the embargos placed by the courts on land it has already sold, (but not registered with the land registry), the CRA has taken steps themselves in defence of their members interests. Bob Owen has consulted two rms of lawyers who are both of the opinion that they can approach the courts and prove that the embargos have been put on land not owned by Masa. Although this will not rectify the problem 100%, it will at least stop the plaintiffs attempting to auction the land that members homes are built on. At the time of writing we are still in the planning stage and hope by the next edition to have more positive news. The Mayor has informed us that adoption is imminent and they are hoping to receive the bonds shortly. This will enable the council to start work soon on Camposols problems. The CRA CLC are attempting to arrange a meeting directly with the Confederacion Hidrograca in the hope of convincing them that the storm water drains are working efciently on D Sector. If they can be convinced, it is hoped they will remove their objections to escrituras being issued to those affected. Having now got back into regular monthly meetings with the Mayor we start the New Year on a more positive note. Website: www.cracamposol.com Email: info@cracamposol.com
In the run-up to the last local elections, the CRA met with and sought assurances from the main political parties and were promised denitive action in dealing with Camposols
Our volunteers returned to work in January after their Christmas break, enjoying the free and well deserved bacon butties as usual on their regular Wednesday mornings! We are always looking for new blood to help out there are both light and heavier duties so please come and join us at 9am by the Sensol Villa Ofce (old Masa house) and make a difference to our community, even if you can only offer holiday cover. Making new friends is good and the huge transformation our club has made to C over the past year is incredible! We thank everyone who has joined the scheme and paid a little each month (5) to cover costs, has meant the pavements around our sector have been gravelled and planted, and the block paving maintained and weeded regularly. Membership is really making a difference so please get in touch if you would like to join. Spring is well and truly on the way, with
lovely sunny days and cold nights; the perfect weather for all those pesky weeds to grow even more vigorously and yet also the perfect weather for planting and transplanting! Thanks to anyone who takes the time to maintain and water the plants and verges near their homes and if any of you have a shrub or plant which has outgrown its space or is surplus to requirements, our team will happily come and remove it to a place where it can grow on for all to enjoy. The maintenance team has been continuing the programme of weeding, brushing and spraying all the streets of C. Potholes have been repaired on the temporary Rambla crossing, but this looks as if it will be a long term task as so much trafc uses it! Hopefully the bridge will soon be completed, but please think of Green Fingers when you cross any newly lled potholes, both down in the Rambla and on the tarmac roads on C. A
small donation in our bucket would be very welcome, thanks. We are looking for someone to stand in occasionally on our Monday and Wednesday maintenance team, sometimes at short notice to cover sickness and holiday periods; just contact us if you would like to help. Our Chairman John can be contacted on 634 325 427 or check the chalkboards, Facebook and website for any more news http:// www.greenfingersgardenandsocialgroup.com/
YOUR Camposol Fiesta! The Fun Has Started.. The Camposol Fiesta 2013 is now conrmed as Friday and Saturday 14th & 15th June. Although the ner details are still to be worked out, it is proposed to start the event at 7.30pm on Friday evening with a Music Extravaganza by local acts followed by a fun packed Saturday with events for all the family. We will be holding a Camposols Got Talent Competition on the day which will be open to all with a cash prize for the lucky winner. There will be the usual Paella and Fireworks and a programme of British and Spanish events to entertain young and old. The fun of the Fiesta is not limited to the weekend itself and we have already held events to engage the community and raise funds. We held a Three Kings Childrens
Party which was held in Oscars Bar and Trevi Restaurant supported the Fiesta with a Race Night. It costs around 10,500 to stage the Fiesta and we have to fund this from the Fiesta Funds. Over the next few months we have various entertainment events planned and a number of rafes. All you have to do is purchase tickets.enjoy the events and help us raise funds at the same time! Simples! Here are some of the events we have planned: Wednesday 6 February, The Steakout Camposol B, Its Buzzare TV Game Show, an interactive and visual quiz for all the family. Tickets 10 per team (max 4) or 3pp Saturday 9 February, Alley Palais, Camposol B, Dave Rawson Comedy Hypnotist Show. Dave is a fantastic hypnotist from Ibiza who recently hit the headlines after hypnotising Rylan Clark from the X Factor! Tickets 10pp
March 2013, Race Night in conjunction with Mazarrn Lions. Details tbc Week commencing 25th March Chocolate Factory Coach Trip. Details tbc Saturday 16th March, RocknRoll/ American Dinner Theme Night at Oscars Camposol B. Details tbc Saturday 24th May Spring Ball at The Club House. Details tbc
Tickets are available from Paramount Villa Rentals/Sales, Camposol Sector C. Fiesta phone: 642 795 193, email info@camposolesta.com or message our Camposol Fiesta Facebook page. We will also be present whenever possible at the Thursday & Friday Camposol Markets. Plea for help!! We are desperate for volunteers to help us sell tickets, whether for rafe tickets, event tickets and very soon the tickets for the Grand Car Draw. If you can spare just a couple of hours a week please contact us.
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Replanting of Trees On 13 January, several members of the Merchants Association of Mazarrn and Comarca (Acoma) replanted pines donated by the Town Hall, in front of the Municipal Cemetery of Mazarrn. As explained by the Councillor of Commerce and Environment, David Fernandez, 60 pines were distributed among traders and now they begin a new life for with this reforestation.
Prize Draw La Plaza Toneleros in Puerto de Mazarrn recently hosted the III competition of La Caja Magica the Asociacin de Comerciantes de Mazarrn y Comarca (ACOMA ). The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Mazarrn, Gins Campillo, Councillor of Commerce, David Fernandez and its President, Jos Mara Delgado. In total, over 40 rafe prizes were donated by businesses themselves and there were also three great prizes. The rst, consisting of 2 nights accommodation for 2 people with full board and a spa circuit in the Hotel & Spa Sierra de Cazorla. The winner was Magdalena Aznar Lopez. The second prize, donated by Costa Clida Radio was a 3-day stay for 4 people in the rural apartment Casa Jarillas de Oria (Almeria), which was won by Tania Veintimilla. The Mayor of Mazarrn, Gins Campillo, said during the ceremony It is important that we continue to support trade in our town as you can get good buys at great prices and help the local economy by creating jobs and supporting our neighbours. Belen Awards Sunday 13th January was the 9th awards contest for the belenes which each year is organized by la Asociacin de Amas de Casa, Consumidores y Usuarios Almazarrn. The award ceremony was attended by the Councillor for Culture of the City of Mazarrn, Maria Celeste Soria, and ended with a snack consisting of pastry sweets and hot chocolate.
For infant belenes two rst prizes were awarded. One of them went to Jos Mara Celdrn de Haro and the other to Alfonso Hernandez Campillo. Also two second prizes were awarded; one to Juan Antonio Lpez Snchez and the other to Mara Jose Lpez Garca. For the belenes familiares, two rst prizes were awarded to Maria del Carmen Moreno Zamora and Anita Garcia Snchez. Three second prizes went to Amparo Duran Granados, Maria Jesus Gil Paredes and Maria Dulce Martinez Morcillo. Finally, the rst prize for the schools entries was awarded to college La Caadica, while the second prize went to the institute Domingo Valdivieso. Tourism Course The Mayor of Mazarrn, Gins Campillo, and the President of the San Antonio Catholic University of Murcia, Jos Luis Mendoza, signed an agreement to launch a Diploma Course in Quality Management Audit and Tourism. The course aims to train graduates and tourism professionals who want to guide their professional activity in the eld of tourism quality. This training will allow them to function in tourism consultancy and quality departments of businesses related to tourism and quality managers in the public service. Enrollment is in the Casa de la Cultura in Mazarrn on Mondays from 4pm to 9pm. Part of the course will be conducted in an online mode to facilitate the participation of tourism professionals who own a company or business related to this sector. 30 places are available and the course fee is 300 and will commence on 18 February. Gins Campillo said We hope that this new course will be as successful as the Fotogenio Formacion which was carried out thanks to the initial agreement we signed between the municipality and the UCAM. It is certainly a good opportunity to train and gain knowledge in a sector like tourism. For us it is so important and we want to move towards excellence in tourism.
One of the representatives from ACOMA, Paqui Madrid, thanked the Department of Commerce for the assignment of the pines for Christmas, as well as their campaigns to promote local commerce. Madrid said, We need to be aware that if they give us a pine then we must replant it, and creating new green areas in the municipality. 103rd Birthday On Thursday 10 January, Ana Blaya received a visit from the Mayor, Gins Campillo, and Council Members Maria Martinez and Juan Miguel Muoz when she reached 103 years, making her the oldest person in Mazarrn. This is denitely a record that represents an example of vitality for all Mazarrn. Surrounded by family and friends, Ana excitedly blew out the candles on her birthday cake and received a bouquet of owers from the Mayor and Councillors on behalf of all citizens of the municipality. Gins Campillo said, It is always a joy to celebrate a birthday, not only because its for the oldest woman of Mazarrn, but also because it represents a great familiar gure around which are located several generations.
Writing Competition The XXIX Story Contest Villa de Mazarrn - Antonio Segado del Olmo is announced by Mazarrn Town Council through the Universidad Popular de Mazarrn; a competition which is open to everyone. The works, which must be unpublished stories, should be written in Castilian and should be submitted as originals with a maximum length of 8 pages typed double-spaced on one side and be in triplicate. Signed with a pseudonym, the papers are to be submitted in a sealed envelope with the title of the story and the writers pseudonym on the outside and your personal data inside. Manuscripts should be addressed to Universidad Popular de Mazarrn, Avda de la Constitution 65, Postal Code 30870, Mazarrn (Murcia) The XXIX Story Contest Villa de Mazarrn - Antonio Segado del Olmo. The deadline for receipt is February 28, 2013. The competition sees the delivery of two awards: A rst prize of 3,600 together with a plaque and a second prize of 2,400 and a plaque. The jurys decision will be made public on July 19, 2013 and the awards ceremony will be held, as usual, at a gala to be held on July 26 with attendance from various personalities. For more information you can go to the site www.upmazarron.es Town Hall Agreements Mazarrn Town Council has signed three co-operation agreements aimed at developing projects that improve the lives of people at risk of social exclusion and the elderly in the municipality. They have signed agreements with Caritas in Mazarrn, Caritas in Puerto de Mazarrn and the Association for Seniors in Mazarrn.
This gives the amount of 5,000 to each for the purchase of food and other essential items to be distributed between those who, before the economic crisis, were experiencing difculties. The Mayor of Mazarrn, Gins Campillo, was responsible for signing two agreements together with Priest Julio Romero, President of Caritas in Mazarrn, and Pastor Justo Jose Sanchez, President of Caritas in Puerto de Mazarrn. The intervention of municipal services in food sometimes takes several weeks to become effective, so with these conventions we are able to offer a fast track intervention in situations of urgent need, the Mayor stressed. The excellent work that these organizations are developing in the municipality to help our neighbours, deserve our recognition and support from the Municipality in order to maintain social policies that we believe are so necessary. 2,500 has been given to the Association for Seniors in Mazarrn to develop cultural activities, leisure and exchange with other major centres in the region or beyond. Visit to Tahiti The College of Education and Primary Infanta Leonor of Mazarrn visited Tahiti, between 6 and 14 December, as part of the Comenius project Be healthy, feel happy. The project is working on awareness and promotion of healthy lifestyles and the importance of physical activity in our lives, as well as knowledge and respect for different cultures and ways of life of the other countries participating. Eight schools in different areas and countries took part, such as Portugal, Italy, England, Greece, Belgium, Poland, Spain and French Polynesia. The Centres Director, Antonio Gallego, was the representative of the school during this visit with ten other European Teacher Representatives from the other schools participating in the project.
During this visit there were many places that were visited and many activities. Participants enjoyed the visit to Papeete, capital of Tahiti, where they were received by the authorities and by the Minister of Education of French Polynesia. In addition, they could see their ancient culture with a visit to the Museum of Tahiti and its islands, and the inuence of colonization on their culture. In a visit to Tahaa, the Vanilla Island, they experienced the life marked by the inuence of the Pacic Ocean with stunning coral reefs and ocean wildlife composed of dolphins, whales, sea turtles, sharks and countless tropical sh.
Finally, during the visit to the island of Raiatea, the participants were welcomed by the inhabitants of this island with extraordinary hospitality and friendliness. A visit to two schools in the town of Fetuna, south of Raiatea, demonstrated how much can be achieved with work of vocational teachers. Meals based on natural products and tropical fruits with seafood of the South Seas was one of the great attractions of this extraordinary visit. Diving in coral reefs, canoeing and traditional games showed the real life of the local people and how much they are rooted in their lives and their desire to preserve their language, Tahitian, which has been included in the school curriculum.
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On behalf of the The Lions Club of Mazarrn Bahia we would like to thank everyone for their support in enabling us to be able deliver
a total of 325 presents and bring lots of happiness to the children of Mazarrn. The children, supported by the Cruz Roja of Mazarrn and Social Services were absolutely thrilled and as always we could not have done it without your help. The work of the Lions of Mazarrn continues with our support of the Alcedo Association which was formed recently and on February 16th members of the Lions of Mazarron have been asked to join members of Acedo in their quest to create an aromatic herb garden at Camposol. This Spanish association, formed by a Spanish lady Chelo, wants to educate children to respect and be more responsible for the environment. The environment is a major concern for the International Lion Clubs, so we are always glad to help in
doing whatever we can in our community. We are continuing with our fund raising for the rebuilding of the disabled childrens centre at Lorca, which is now completed, but still needs extra money for specialized equipment. To do this we hold a weekly sale of books etc on Camposol B and that money goes into our Lorca account. Do you have any unwanted items of bric-a-brac or books etc for us to sell in order that we may continue with our work? As always The Lions of Mazarrn Bahia would like to thank everyone for all their support. We could not do it without you. Our grateful thanks to you all HELP US TO HELP YOU
Age Concern was again invited by Rosemary Beak, who runs Welcome, to attend their monthly meeting to receive a donation of 300. This we were delighted to do in order to be able to thank Rosemary and all of Welcomes supporters who made this donation possible, so a big thank you to everyone who attends Welcomes events, which helps to support us and other local charities.
Maybe you have skills or just sound judgement and common sense we could use. We also need volunteers to help in all our areas of work which are as follows: We offer advice and information at the Cultural Centre, Camposol B three days a week, but are hoping to expand this to other areas. This is interesting and requires research and other types of ofce work as well as dealing with peoples problems face to face. Our welfare work with our clients in the community can be very rewarding and it often needs only a couple of hours a week, but it makes a huge difference to peoples lives. We also hire out medical equipment which needs controlling and maintaining. Fundraising is a necessary part of our work as we do not receive funding from anywhere else and therefore can only operate if we have the resources and volunteers. This can be selling tickets, helping set up functions or table top sales, meet and greet and other things that make the functions we hold each year a success. Another part of our organisation is our so-
cial activities called Talking Shop. These are usually held on the 1st Wednesday of the month at the Cultural Centre, Camposol B. This is a chance to come along for a cup of coffee, and a chat, with new friends, which beats sitting at home. If you cannot make your own way there give us a ring and we will try to transport you there and back. On the last Wednesday of the month we have our Menu del Dias at local restaurants, at 10 with some form of entertainment. This is another opportunity to get out and enjoy good food and good company. On 27th February we will be going to Viggos in Puerto de Mazarrn. If you are interested in our Age Concern Organisation and wish to discuss any aspect of our work or the work of our volunteers come along and see us at the Cultural Centre, Camposol B on Wednesday 10-1pm, Thursday 101pm and Fridays 12.30- 3.30pm except the rst Friday, 12.30-2pm. Advice and information 634 310 216 Lifeline (Welfare) 634 325 408 Medical equipment 634 306 927 Fundraising 634 336 484
Age Concern Needs Your Help. There are two committee positions unlled.
January saw nearly fty ladies meeting together again after the New Year celebrations. Annette from Sit 2B t, (who jumped in at extremely short notice to help us out when our booked speaker went down with a nasty dose of the u thank you Annette), talked about fun ways of participating in physical activity even when one might have disabilities, limitations or challenges! We were then able to try out some of the seated activities and we were really surprised to discover how easy it is to raise your heart rate whilst still sitting down! I think some members will be joining Annettes classes after learning how necessary it is to keep moving even when you may have an injury or illness that you might nd limiting. The next meeting is on February 14th at 2 pm. Jenny will be talking to us about Care of Plants, in particular house plants. It is very different in Spain and it will be good to get information from someone as knowledgeable
in dealing with both garden and house plants as Jenny is! She will be bringing examples of plants with her so we may also get to learn the names of those we dont know. Chatterbox Ladies Group meets at Camposol Cultural Centre on the 2nd Thursday of each month. If you would like further information please contact Rosemary Scott on 619 575 463 or Chris Leiper on 968 199 418, or just turn up on February 14th at 2pm in the Cultural Centre on Camposol. Look forward to seeing you! Chatterbox SEW and SEW is a group for anyone who would like to meet with other sewing or craft work enthusiasts (not necessarily very experienced!) to work together, chat and enjoy a cuppa! We meet every 2nd Monday 2.30-4.30pm in the Camposol Cultural Centre. Next meeting 4th February at 2.30pm.
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Winter Warmers Its turned cold and the heat of the sun that we moan about every year seems a long way off! Still, compared to England our winters are shorter and nowhere near as cold, but it does come as a shock when I have to get some logs in for the re and nd some newspaper! The oven seems to be on a lot while we eat comfort food, but it does help to warm the house. Below are some of my favourite recipes to warm the cockles of your heart and keep the cold out. Try my special Chicken Cacciatora which is a hearty chicken casserole and refers to food prepared bounty style. The Tomato and Pesto Potatoes are ideal for vegetarians and my Chicken Soup with dumplings is a just good old fashioned winter warmer and a favourite in our house! Buen Apetito Chicken Cacciatora 4 chicken legs 2 large carrots 1 large onion 2 large celery sticks 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp white wine 400g can tomatoes 50g stoned green olives Salt and pepper 2 rosemary sprigs Roughly chop the carrots, onions and celery. Heat olive oil in a pan and fry the chicken for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and fry onions in the same oil for 5 minutes or until soft. Add the carrots and celery and fry for a further 3 minutes. Stir in the white wine and tomatoes and juice. Season to taste and return the chicken to the pan and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes and add rosemary and olives. Simmer for a further 10 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Sausage and Sultana Casserole 1lb sausage 1 large onion 2oz sultanas 1 sour apple Stock Pinch of herbs Salt Chop up and fry onions, then fry sausage in the same pan. Pour into casserole dish and cover with stock. Add sultanas, apple, herbs and salt and cook slowly in oven for 35 40 minutes. Tomato and Pesto Potatoes 40g butter 1 clove of butter 700g potatoes 225g large tomatoes 1 onion 200g Mozzarella cheese Salt and pepper 140ml single cream 1 tbsp pesto sauce Butter a suitable dish and peel and thinly slice the potatoes, tomatoes and onions. Peel and crush the garlic. Layer the potatoes, tomatoes and onions and season. Top with cheese. Mix the pesto and cream together and then pour over the potatoes. Bake in an oven 180 for 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender. Chicken Soup with Dumplings 1.1kg chicken 1 medium onion 1 litre chicken stock 350g carrots Salt and pepper 100g celery sticks 50g pearl barley Dumplings 40g butter 2 eggs Salt and pepper
Pinch of grated nutmeg 100g semolina Peel and chop onion and carrots, slice chicken and put all three into a saucepan with the stock and pearl barley and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour. Make the dumplings by melting the butter, whisk the eggs and add to butter. Season with salt and pepper and nutmeg. Gradually whisk in the semolina to form a thick paste. Allow to stand for 5 minutes to thicken. Shape the dumplings and drop into soups along with the diced celery. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve. Mince Cobbler 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion 1 clove garlic 2 carrots 450g minced beef 1 tbsp tomato puree 1 tbsp our 300ml beef stock 1 bay leaf 1 tsp Worcester sauce Scones 225g self raising our 1 tsp dried herbs 50g butter 150ml milk 1 egg Chop and fry onions, carrots and garlic in olive oil. Add mince and fry until brown. Stir in our, stock, bay leaf and tomato puree. Add seasoning and Worcester sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes and then remove bay leaf. For the scones, mix our with the herbs and seasoning. Rub in butter and add milk to make soft dough. Roll out on a oured surface and cut into rounds 1cm thick. Put mince into a shallow over proof dish. Arrange scones around the top and glaze scones with egg to help brown. Bake for 15 -20 minutes.
Please tell our customers where you saw their advertisement in the Costa Clida Chronicle Page 58 Page 58
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The New Year is now well under way and soon it will start to get warmer. One of the loveliest things which we look forward to every year about this time is when the almond trees come into full bloom. Wherever we go we see eld after eld of beautiful pink and white blossom and for many of us it is the sign of new life and promise for the year to come. The trees dont seem to mind the cold nights and in January and February the gnarled and leaess trees begin to blossom which will lead to the new leaves forming. Soon the new fruit will be set, but in the meantime the owers provide nectar for the wild bees and they in turn pollinate the owers. Almond trees are mentioned ten times in the Bible, beginning with Book of Genesis 43:11, where it is described as among the best of fruits. The buds and blossoms were depicted in the Tabernacle and Temple furnishings. The candleholder or menorah had this design with three of the cups shaped like almond blossom. Aarons rod was a branch of the almond tree and it miraculously sprouted leaves and blossom at the same time. Tradition has it that the rod blossomed on one side with sweet almonds and the other side with bitter almonds; if the Israelites followed the Lord, the sweet almonds would be ripe and edible, but if they were to forsake the path of the Lord, the bitter almonds would predominate. It was Gods sign that Aarons tribe were set apart to serve the Lord as priests. Many miraculous signs took place with this rod. The almond tree in the Old Testament is a symbol of watchfulness and promise due to its early owering. The Hebrew word for watching sounds like the Hebrew word for Almond Tree. As part of the appointing of Jeremiah as a prophet God showed Jeremiah a branch and asked him what he saw. I see the branch of an almond tree, Jeremiah replied. The Lord replied in Jeremiah chapter 1 You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fullled. As we feast our eyes on the elds of blossom this year, lets remember that the God of Miracles is watching us and His Word to us is promise and blessing when we turn to Him, receiving forgiveness for things weve done in the past and asking Him to come into our lives. Then His word will be fullled. He will rescue you He will shield you He will shelter you Evils will not touch you He will be with you He will satisfy your life with good things A warm welcome awaits you at Wellspring Victory Church. We meet every Sunday at 11am at Call Madrid in Puerto de Mazarrn.
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Hello from Bob with your latest report from Welcome. Havent we been lucky with the weather so far this winter! None of that nasty ice and snow to contend with, just lots of lovely sunshine and warm days to spend outdoors relaxing doing our favourite things. Spring is almost upon us with the promise of more of the same with the almond blossom to remind us that the days are getting longer and that summer will be here again before we know it, but we wont mention the return of the dreaded mozzies! We went to Benidorm at Christmas and stayed at Hotel Helios. Five days of good company, ne weather, excellent food and a Christmas Day Gala Lunch that couldnt be faulted. The restaurant staff were rst-class, with silver service at the table and the whole thing go-
ing on for almost three hours! It was so good that Rosemary has already booked it again for next Christmas, so put your name down soon if you want to go it will sell out fast. New Years Eve saw The Entertainers, with lots of dancing as usual, a rstclass buffet, Steves disco, and the best way on Camposol to see in the New Year. Many thanks to Rosemary and all her helpers for their hard work in preparing the room and during the
night. The Games Night was on 9th January, with a beetle drive, quiz and bingo. We nished the night with Family Fortunes. Some of the questions provoked answers that we cant talk about in a family magazine if you were there, youll know what I mean! If you werent, ask me privately, and Ill tell you, but I wont mention any names, of course!
The Mijas Races Trip in February is now fully booked. 14th February St Valentines Day Dance @ Marianos, Camposol A at just 10, and 5 more for lamb and chips. Entertainment will be by The Jazz Singer, and also Gene Pitney and Matt Christian. Tickets still available. 6th March Ladies Day 3. There will be the usual stalls selling jewellery, cards, etc, and the normal fashion show and bingo. Martin Ross of The Beagles will be providing the entertainment, so this looks like it will be very busy and a great success. Order your ticket now to avoid disappointment. 13th March Welcome Dance with the lovely Sandy Fitz and Kevin Tyler Just 8, and 5 for chicken and chips. Tickets for these events will be on sale at the February meeting on 2nd, as will tickets for the April 10th dance with Angie McKay and Dan Davey 9, and 5 for pork and chips. The Norwegian Cruise on 11th May. Contact Rosemary for full details.
On September 16th, we are going to Sevilla for 4 nights B & B, staying at Hotel Becquer, right in the city centre, near restaurants, bars, etc, and only a short walk to the river where you can take a boat trip, or just have a drink at one of the many cafs. We stop at Granada on the way and included are trips to Huelva and a jamon factory, and a visit to Cordoba on the return journey. At just 350, this will be very popular, so reserve your place now. Book/Jigsaw Swap dates for February are 5th and 19th. Call Jo on 669 457 985 for full details. Petanca is on Wednesday 27th February. Ring Les on 968 131 880 for more information. For full details of all events, and to purchase tickets, call Rosemary on 620 105 179, or email rosemarybeak@hotmail.com, or visit www.welcomegroupspain.com.
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One of the rst things we are taught ght when learning a e new language is telling the time. We might not think that it is that important, but of course our lives revolve e round the time whether it is the actual time during the day, or whether it is the day or month. Qu hora es? What time is it? Es la una Its one oclock Son las dos Its two oclock Son las tres Its three oclock Son las doce Its twelve oclock
Es la una y media Its half past one Son las dos y media Its half past two The word past is translated as y Es la una y cinco Its ve past one Son las cuatro y diez Its ten past four Son las doce y cuarto Its a quarter past twelve Son las ocho y veinte Its twenty past eight Son las once y veinticinco Its twenty ve past eleven Son las cinco menos diez Its ten to ve Son las siete menos veinte Its twenty to seven Son las diez menos cuarto Its a quarter to ten A qu hora? At what time?
To express a time arrangement rather than the time now, we substitute es or son for a (at) A la una At one oclock A las seis y media At half past six Ms o menos More or less (approximately) En punto Exactly Sobre las dos y media About half past two A las 10 de la maana At 10 oclock in the morning A las 7 de la tarde At 7 Oclock In The Evening Quiero hacer una cita I want to make an appointment Qu hora le viene bien? What time would suit you? Jane Cronin, Spanish Classes and Talks. www.janecronin.eu Tel 968 183 258
No Carbon Monoxide Alarm? Read this and think again. After a long day in the garden, followed by a big meal and a couple of glasses of wine, Geoff and I settled down in front of a log re to watch TV. After a while we both felt sleepy and both complained of headaches. We put it down to the hot sun and the nice red wine.
Then the carbon monoxide alarm went off, that woke us up. We quickly opened the doors and windows and shut the re down. The
alarm continued to sound. Thinking the problem had been dealt with; we put the alarm outside to quieten it. (How stupid was that?) Then Geoff went back to watching TV whilst I busied myself in the kitchen. After a couple of minutes I called to Geoff, no response, I called once again, still no response. When I went into the lounge he was virtually comatose. I managed to rouse him and dragged him out into the garden where he quickly recovered. All this time, the doors and windows had remained open.
The following day we had the re checked out and found the chimney partially blocked and the door seal badly tted. The two faults combined culminated in carbon monoxide fumes seeping into the room. All xed now, and Geoff has just put new batteries in the alarm. Log res do produce carbon monoxide, and it can kill. If youve thought about getting a carbon monoxide alarm, but not got round to it. Do it now. It might just save your life. Jenny & Geoff Bennett
Evolutionists Celebrate The Winter Solstice. Seventeen members of the Evolutionists of Almeria and Murcia, gathered on the harbour in Aguilas on Friday 21st December, the day of the Winter Solstice. We took a gentle stroll along the Paseo to the Marina near the Don Juan Hotel and bemoaning the fact that on the rotation of the Earth and its orbit round the sun causes it to be the shortest day of the year leading to a time of growth and renewal, and yet somehow this physical annual event seems to be hijacked by cranky superstitions and weird beliefs. So the world did not end and after an excellent game of mini-golf we all repaired to the Picolo Mundo Restaurant for a superb seasonal meal and general con-
viviality. We were happy to be joined by two humanist guests from Norway, Agnes and Xavier, who had seen the notice of our celebration on our website. Our next event is planned for Saturday 16th February which will be a walk in the Mazarrn area. Everyone is welcome to join us. Richard Ward taperleg@hotmail.com
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Quiz questions on the January 2013 Costa Clida Chronicle

1. 2. What did the Chronicle wish you for 2013? Who offering galvanised T=Bar washing line poles?
3.
Where can you get Aloe-Vera inch loss BodyWraps? Who offered a dinner and dance featuring the showgirls? Where can you nd the Monument? Who is asking you to Sit 2B Fit with Annette?
7. 8.
Whos offering SemiPermanent Make-Up? What was the herb of the month? What does Le Gourmet offer you? Whos offering you to join there biggest loser club?
4.
9. 10.
5. 6.
Answers on page 98
ACROSS 1 Serving dish 5 Totals 9 Bungle 14 Sharpen 15 Juno 16 Remember the __ 17 Whim 18 Cains brother 19 Hazes 20 Literature 22 Modern female mystery writer Christie 24 Spicy 25 Serf 27 Sweet potatoes 31 Cafe 32 Microgram 34 Lick 35 It __ Upon a Midnight Clear... 38 Compass point 40 1997 Madonna movie 42 Aloft 44 Hair stuff 46 Very big striped cat 47 Singing group 48 Card game 50 Aborts 51 Garden tool 52 Tiff 55 Not many (2 wds.)
57 Goofs 59 Simply 61 Hotel 64 Courtyards 66 Jacket part 68 National capital 71 Country in SE Asia 73 One of Columbus ships 74 Shelter under branches 75 Bunsen burner 76 Shred 77 Teensy 78 Record 79 Lazily DOWN 1 Upper leg 2 Cowboy show 3 Concerning 4 Time period 5 Expression of surprise 6 Lowering 7 Coffee residue 8 Genuect 9 Slash 10 Facial soap brand 11 Food and Agriculture Organization (abbr.) 12 Madagascar franc (abbr.) 13 Goddess 21 First woman
23 What a nurse gives 26 Brew 28 Reorient 29 Paired sock 30 Poles 31 Hindu goddess, consort of Siva 33 Gain 35 Hoard 36 Detest 37 Cow 39 Electroencephalograph (abbr.) 41 Scene 43 Stray 45 Affairs 49 Football assoc. 53 Often poetically 54 Wimpered 56 Snake like sh 58 Eating utensil 60 Raccoon-like animal 61 Watched secretely 62 Punitive 63 Wing shaped 65 Weightless 67 Negative (prex) 68 Panama 69 Is 70 North by east 72 Pouch
On Monday 17 December, as promised, we took two of our girls to meet their supporters at Camposol. However we nearly didnt make it as Lola, our more placid girl decided that she was not going into the box. We pulled, we pushed, we bribed, for about three quarters of an hour, then Manuka, who was such a darling, walked straight in and I think that seeing this Lola repented just a little and we managed to get her on board.
We arrived at the car park just 15 minutes late and we were met by some very nice friendly folk. We were there until 2pm. Friends new and old (not in age I may add) came along and gave the donkeys carrots and apples, and there must have been hundreds of photographs taken of the girls. A couple came from the local choir and we had a bit of a sing along, Little Donkey of course was the tune of the day! We had some cash donations as well as the usual items of clothing and bric-a-brac and electrical goods. Thanks to all that donated, not just on that day, but throughout the years. Nine days into the New Year we received our rst call for a rescue. In a eld near to Fuente Alamo, there was a dead dog and huddled up to her was her baby. We went and managed to get the pup. She was very frightened and bit Kevin as we took her away from her mum. She was hungry, dehydrated and full of eas, but luckily no tics - I hate tics! She was sprayed and within a day she was in the house! Her mothers body was taken to the vets for cremation. She had an injury from her lower jaw all down her neck and chest. Dont know how long she had been there, but it was not new. Maya the pup is doing ne; a little weary, but getting lots of food, water and most of all love. She is going to be a cracking girl, so much so that she has now been homed on Camposol. We still have dogs looking for new homes. You can see them on our Facebook site. Have you joined our group yet? Why not? Its free and you can follow what we are doing on a daily basis. Till next time, Take care, Andrea
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Are we heading for a late winter? The weather has been so good, but we all know that we can still get snow into February and March and even April. The almond blossom once again has been stunning - lets hope that late frost do not damage the buds causing problems to the almonds. Looking at photos from Dick Whittington, performed by Cloud Nine, we should be in for a good night at the panto in Bullas on Saturday 2nd February if you have managed to get your Chronicle in time, you should still be able to get tickets for this. Tel Pat on 644 400 123. It is at this time of year when the sun is out and it is lovely and warm during the day that visiting the coast is one of the best things about living in Spain. We had to go to Mazarrn the other day and so we called in to the Piramide Center in Puerto de Mazarrn and visited some of the shop there, such as the Yorkshire Linen Co, Legs & Co and Furniture Plus. They are all above Mercadona and there is plenty of parking right next to these stores. After that we decided to go on to the Paseo and sit at the only English bar on the front in Puerto de Mazarrn. We usually support the Spanish bars, but we just fancied Fish & Chips! It was a really good choice, as every Friday and Saturday at Restaurante Marina, you can have 4 x sh & chips and a bottle of wine for 20! We really enjoyed sitting in the sun looking out over the superb blue waters in the bay of Mazarrn.
CEHEGN SCENE On the last Sunday of every month from October 2012 to May 2013 (excluding March 2013) in the Plaza del Castillo there is a craft market known as El Mesoncico. There you will nd more than 50 craftsmen of the area with stalls displaying such products as cured meats, hams, pottery, cakes, wines, cheeses, etc. Each of the monthly markets has a different theme showing traditional and local crafts. You will be able to taste and enjoy the foods and products most typical to this area. On 24th February we will remember the ancient craft work with demonstrations of wood turning, ceramic, wrought-iron, woven grass and enjoy the art of the spinners. Cehegin council is providing free refreshment such as the typical Rin-ran and other things including good wine. All accompanied by a traditional group of musicians Animeros del Campillo de los Jimnez. Free parking is available at the Marble Technology Centre situated in Carretera Murcia, approached from the West. A free bus service is operated to the market place every 20 minutes. The Carnival of the Northwest will be held from 10th to 16th February with many activities programmed during these days. Sunday 24th is also the start of the 5th Tapas Route in Cehegn. The Archaeological See of Begastri is opened for visitors on Saturdays and Sundays 10am-2pm. You will be able to see a video presentation followed by a guided tour to
see the remains of the Iberian culture before the IV century B.C. Free Nature Walks Cehegin provides a variety of landscapes which include woods, mountains, hills, sloping valleys, scrubland and streams. These natural habitats host ora and fauna of special interest which provide a priceless tourist and educational resource. These walks take place on the last Saturday of each month. The next nature walk will be on 23rd February. The walks are designed for people of all ages who enjoy hiking at fairly easy levels which makes them accesible for the whole family. The tourist walks are free and start at 9.00 am, they are between 4 and 9 km, and will take between 2 to 3 hours. ***THE ECOLOGICAL PARK WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE ** * Any further enquiries please contact the New Cehegin Tourist Ofce located in front of the Town hall at 968 723 550 or visit our tourist website www.turismocehegin.es Santiago Leo Cehegin Tourist Ofce
I wonder what your resolutions are for the New Year! I promised myself I would walk more and get to grips with learning Spanish. So far I have only been for one walk and not even looked at Spanish. We all have good intentions which seem to take a back slide at times. Already its February, the month for valentines when we send cards to express our feelings for someone we love. Some are lighthearted, others incognito and some are desperate for recognition. A good time to make yet another resolution, to reect more on the greatest love story, a very special love and what it means to us. Gods love. John 3:16 tells us For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes on him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Isaac and Rebecca. There are other love stories in the Bible, some with not so happy endings. In Genesis we read about Isaac and Rebecca. Isaacs father Abraham sent his servant to nd a wife for him. When Isaac saw her from a distance
it was love at rst sight. Jacob and Rachel. Jacob was a very patient and determined man. He had to wait for 14 years before he was able to marry Rachel. Then in the book of Ruth we read of her eventual marriage to Boaz after her kindness to her mother-in-law, Naomi. There are others, but what about Joseph and Mary? She gave birth to a son who was called Jesus and although he was not Josephs child, he brought him up as his own. Jesus was the son of God; The Messiah. He came to lay down his life for his friends. No greater love has this than when a man lays down his life for his friends John 15:13 AND His love is forever. The 3rd Febuary is our next event at 11am: a celebration of love, recommitment, meaning and relevance in our lives. Why not join us to receive a valentine and share in a birthday lunch?
Lynda.spain@hotmail.co.uk or Derek.tycymru@talktalk.net
Tel 633 447 937
Layla This lovely natured dog has been looking for a new home since her Mum went back to the UK 18 months ago. She is about 7 years old and has been spayed and has been tested negative for Leishmania. Layla has been fostered by a couple who are only in Spain for holidays and they have said that she is no trouble and loves to go on walks with them
Brandy This little dog was brought in after her Dad died and her Mum said that she could no longer look after her. She has been spayed and is no trouble. Brandy loves her walks and would just like someone to love her and take care of her. Please telephone 620 582 654 for more information on any of the above dogs.
Rosie This Pointer Cross was found hardly able to stand. She has obviously had pups and is about 3 years old. She is due to be spayed shortly and has had her vaccinations and been tested negative for Leishmania. Rosie has now put on weight and is ready to be rehomed. She is good on the lead and loves her walks.
5 Young Vultures Returned to the Wild in Caravaca de la Cruz These vultures have received treatment in the regional wildlife rescue centre at El Valle in Murcia. The regional centre for wildlife rescue and recovery, (Centro de Recuperacin de Fauna Silvestre de El Valle), released ve vultures (Gyps fulvus) which had been recovering in the centres facilities back into the wild recently.
tness. Autumn is the time of year when the centre receives the most calls from concerned members of the public who see the vultures on rooftops and terraces of houses and industrial buildings or on roadsides. In most cases, these birds have only stopped to rest and leave a few hours or days later, but in some cases may require intervention from the Rescue Centre. Its quite common to nd vultures suffering from dehydration and malnutrition, as the birds rely totally on carrion for their feed and in this day of modern living, there are less corpses lying around waiting for vultures to come along and clean them up. As a consequence, young birds often nd it difcult to nd enough food to survive. Vultures are large birds, measuring up to 110cm long, with a wingspan of between 250
and 280 centimetres when wings are fully opened, making it easier for them to maintain height and circle in thermals when searching for food. All the birds were ringed prior to release to make it easier to identify individuals should they turn up again in the future. local Article by www.murciatoday.com news and where to go for the Murcia Region http://www.murciatoday.com/5-young-vultures-returned-to-the-wild-in-caravaca-dela-cruz_14540-a.html
The release of these ve birds, which are a catalogued species of special interest, took place in the Sierra de Mojantes, in Caravaca de la Cruz which is a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) (Zona de Especial Proteccin para las Aves (ZEPA).) The vultures had been found by individuals in the municipalities of Lorca, Molino Derribado (Cartagena), Murcia, Pastrana (Mazarrn) and Somogil (Moratalla), between October and November last year.The most unusual rescue was of one particular vulture which had become entangled in telephone wires on the motorway to Pulpi where it passes through Lorca, whilst another was found on a terrace of a 15 storey building in Avenida de La Libertad in the centre of Murcia. The clinical condition of all ve birds presented a similar picture of malnutrition, dehydration and exhaustion, with the birds being unable to y. This necessitated treatment with vitamins and water in addition to their diet of meat and also rest in a spacious aviary which allowed them to y for short distances until they had recovered their total physical
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Calasparras undoubted star of the Arab period is the village of Villa Vieja. These remains are to be found off a minor road a few kilometres from the centre of Calasparra on the right bank of the Ro Segura. This settlement was occupied from the 11th Century until it was abandoned after the failed Arab uprising of 1264-66, following the Christian takeover of Murcia in 1243. It is thought that those who settled here then, may have been Berbers from the Maghreb in North Africa. It is possible to visit the site by making an appointment through the Calasparra Tourist Ofce (tel 968 723 000). A superb Interpretation Centre has been built within the fenced area which includes much descriptive material and reconstructions of the typical rooms in the houses, the foundations of which you can view around the site. More than 20 houses have been identied of the 60 or so that are thought to have once existed here, giving a population when the village was at its largest of perhaps some 240 people.
Where the house had a single storey only, a curtain would subdivide the main room at night to give a separate sleeping area. There would be very little furniture, although carpets would cover the oor and there would be hangings on the wall. The Interpretation Centre also houses replicas of some of the nds which have since been transferred to the Archaeological Museum. You will also be able to see an excellent photograph of the site of the village from above, to give you a good idea of its layout and situation above the river. A more detailed plan of the whole site shows the full extent of the village as well as the sites of the individual houses.
the Order of St John who were responsible for Calasparra and the surrounding area. Today, little of the castle remains, but there are remains of defensive walls and towers which still dominate the town and are visible from much of the surrounding countryside.
The houses were quite modest and were very similar to others in the interior of Murcia, Valencia and Eastern Andalucia. We were told during our guided tour that the typical house in Villa Vieja had no external windows! The purpose of this was to ensure that neighbours and passers-by could not see in, although it was also a way of keeping women out of sight. The entrance door was directly off the street into a hall area which would often have a stable to one side and a toilet to the other. A patio was the only open area in the house and would, at least in the larger houses, have some vegetation such as an orange or pomegranate tree and Mediterranean herbs to give a pleasant aroma. To one side of the patio was the main room with its principal wall facing north to help keep it cooler in hot times of the year. The kitchens had built-in storage areas and a hole in the middle of the oor where the re would burn. It appears that there was no chimney and the oor would simply be left open in an attempt to disperse any smoke. The houses could have two oors with the bedrooms upstairs.
Another visual aid shows the plans of the different house types identied in Villa Vieja. The most usual form was of a rectangular shape, with rooms off a central patio. Small, poor houses may have had just two ground oor rooms, though they could also have two oors and be built on to the surrounding wall, thereby serving an ancillary defensive purpose. They would also be attacked rst before the grander residences! Some of the houses were expanded as a requirement for more rooms arose. Indeed, one very large house has been identied which had been subdivided at some point in its life into two dwellings, reversing the expansion process, possibly, it was suggested to us, because of some family dispute. Little is known for certain about the origins of Villa Vieja, but it is thought that it was probably founded in the 11th Century. A surrounding wall with towers and a ditch later provided the village with some protection on the other sides of the site away from the river where the land is level. The remains of the base of one tower can be seen just inside the gate as you enter the site. Also, next to the wall by the entrance to the settlement, there has been identied the site of some small closed buildings which fronted a square. This may well have been a market area. As you walk around the site of the village, you can clearly see the foundations and the plan of the various houses, together with the path of the narrow streets. Most of these internal roads just seem to end, with only one apparently continuing through the entire settlement. The main street, which had an east-west orientation, was 2.5 metres wide. It appears fairly certain that Calasparra Castle was built by the Arabs some time after the village of Villa Vieja, perhaps to protect this and any other nearby isolated settlements. The castle remained in use after the Christian Reconquest of the 13th Century for the use of
You can easily, if somewhat steeply, walk up to the remains of the castle from the centre of Calasparra. Between the Iglesia de San Pedro and the Archaeological Museum at the bottom of the Calle Mayor is a sign which directs you up a steep path to the castle (0.4kms distance) and the Iglesia de los Santos (0.6kms). There are also several viewpoints and planted areas beside the paths making the ascent reasonably attractive in its own right. Clearly, the Town Hall has spent money on making this a pleasant area and on one atter portion just below the castle itself, there are seats looking out across to Calasparra.
At the top, under the outcrop of rock on which the castle stands, you can continue on a path behind. Unfortunately, when we were last there (September 2012) restoration work was in progress and the nal few metres of ascent into the castle area itself was out of bounds. In truth, however, there is not a great deal more to see if you were able to go to the very top. It is thought that there was little internal building with the principal aim of the Arab structure being to act as a fortied enclosure for people from the surrounding areas in times of trouble. Article by Clive and Rosie Palmer, who have written several guide books on towns and regions in Murcia. These can be seen at, and obtained from, www.lulu.com, or contact clive.palmer5@btinternet.com. Clive and Rosies most recent book, Exploring Murcia, Days Out is available to buy from the CHM/Costa Clida Chronicle ofce on Camposol B, Best Wishes (who also stock other of their books), or phone Patti on 986 433 978.
MARA is a small non prot animal rescue association based in Mula. We try to held injured and abandoned animals in the best way we can. We have recently under gone extensive refurbishment in our animal compound to try and make the conditions more comfortable for the animals in our care. With only 6 kennels, we are constantly in need of foster carers to help look after the animals until we can get them re-homed. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer you can contact us on one of the numbers listed below. We have a charity shop in Mula where we sell second hand items to raise the money we need. If you have anything at all that you no longer want or need that could be sold in our charity shop; items such as clothing, brica-brac, furniture, kitchenware or toys, then
new premises which are on the same street as the old charity shop, about 20 meters nearer to the Town Hall and on the opposite side of the street. Please call in and visit us. We are open from 10.30am-1pm every day except Sunday. Please help us to help animals and stop animal cruelty. Visit our facebook page on MARA Mula. For more information about our shop or to arrange for a collection of unwanted items ring Marion on 628 811 187 or 968 979 865. For more information about fostering or adopting please ring Keith on 628 811 188. For more information about our association please ring Amalia on 607 461 932.
please contact us and we can arrange to collect your unwanted items. We have moved to
Route No. 6: Ascension THE STONE MORATALLA On 16th December the walk took us in the direction of Caada de La Cruz, the westernmost point in the municipality of Moratalla. This border town owes its name to the meeting of two ancient gorges, the Caada Real del Moral (Camino Real de Granada) and the old road to Zumeta Cell.
the difculties, this beautiful species, which have unique traits. These semi-wild goats graze in very high areas where there is no pollution of any kind. This gives the meat avor and exceptional quality. His nephew, Juan Benito, shows off their animals; a kid and his mother that delights us all. He explains the features and benets of this species, their curious horns and the beautiful coats. Johns eyes light up when he sees the males big, powerful, slender, spiral horns that rise to innity, and so noble that they do not touch the mastiff as he runs between the herd. We said goodbye to John and Benito, grateful for the time we have spent, with an eye on the nal goal of the day.
spectacle. The photography lovers tried to portray the beauty. Tired from the steep ascent, we reached the curiously at top, which allowed us to enjoy unbeatable views of the Sierras de Taibilla and Las Cabras, Revolcadores, the Sagra, the vast plains of Caravaca, Moratalla and Puebla de D. Fadrique. We took some quick photos and began the descent. We went down quickly using the paths of goats and headed to the Camacho Bar, where we enjoyed a meal of albondigas soup, bread and desserts. We thank Paco, Adela and everyone in the bar. The great food put the nishing touches on the last tour of 2012 in Glen Cross. Our sincere thanks to all those who have accompanied us during 2012 and we hope you enjoyed it as much as us. We wish that 2013 will bring us all new experiences for Moratalleros Landscapes.
Despite the rise in temperatures, the morning was fresh and we welcomed the furnace heat of Jos Mara Bakery, which we participated in under our section Moratalla Tasting, which aims to meet local craft products and quality products backed by centuries of tradition. In this case, due to the proximity of Christmas and celebrating the solstice tradition of devotion to wheat, we enjoyed a tasting of Christmas sweets, accompanied by Misteli, coffee and coffee liquor. Theres nothing like tasting shortbread, cordial and orange cakes fresh from the oven while we saw how the bread is kneaded with explanations and details of tricks that make the candy Mari prepares so exquisite. We squeezed orange juice and the meringue worked well with the almonds and walnuts from the area. The whole class enjoyed the produce and nally fell into temptation when a few boxes ew into our cars to be shared with family and friends along with the memory of the excursion. Leaving the sweet hot oven of Jos Mara we moved in search of the second challenge of the day; another example of wisdom and love of work at Cabra Blanca Celtibrica de Juan de Benito, an endangered native breeder lives. This grandson, son and father of livestock have preserved, despite
The climb to the Stone of Moratalla, with its 1968mtr, is considered the second highest summit in the region. The wind gusts were strong and we prepared well before tackling the ascent as we expected the rocky summit to be as difcult as its name. We started the climb at Aguas Blancas and then entered the forest of oak and black pine that protected us from the prevailing wind, which led us along the slope, stripping us out of the outermost layers. A couple of griffon vultures hovered near us, occasionally one caught our attention. Lichens hung from the twisted trunks of oaks and pines and there were curious forms of limestone, traces of ibex and foxes and the landscape, the more we ascended, the more impressive were the displays before our eyes; rough, round, multi-colored steppe like a sea pouring between Moratalla, Caravaca and Puebla de Don Fadrique, with grain elds dotted with oaks and decorated with wisps of clouds and mists from which the sun was making inroads in a jaw-dropping
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The ten year old girl was injured when she fell ten metres from the tower known as Torre del Polvorn into one of the wells within the structure of Mula Castle, in the Northwest Region of Murcia. She suffered minor contusions and possible fractures to her arms and legs and was transferred to the hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, having been rescued by members of the Fire Service, Civil Defence, Police and Guardia Civil. In total more than 24 personnel were involved in the rescue.
into ruin. Although parts of the castle have been boarded over to prevent accidents, vandals continue to break down fencing and enter the structure, leaving behind grafti and rubbish, a situation which the council would like to change. In January 1990, this Castle was registered to the family Beltran de Lis y Pidal, and the owners sought the backing of the Supreme Court and the Castle remains in their hands, in spite of several attempts being made to reach an agreement for it to become the property of the Council. Local business owners are backing the council, recognising the tourism value of the castle, an emblematic symbol of the town, which can be seen clearly from the main motorway, proud on the skyline, arguing that if measures are not taken to protect the structure it could easily deteriorate. Local traders are also keen to see the castle cleaned and restored, preventing accidents such as this from happening and providing a marketable tourist attraction for the town. Disputes between local townspeople and the owners of this castle are nothing new. It was built as a result of the quarrels between the Fajardos (who became the Marqueses de Los Vlez) family and many of Mulas more powerful citizens as a statement of the power and wealth of the Fajardo family during the 16th century. In 1373 Alfonso Yez Fajardo I bought the land and water rights in La Puebla de Mula from the council. He was not in control of the local jurisdiction at the time, but this purchase signaled his rst steps into taking control of the Mula area. His son, Alfonso Yez Fajardo II, received control of Mula on 12th September 1430 from King Juan II, in recognition of his withstanding an attempt by Prince Enrique de Aragn to take control of the title of Marquis of Villena (part of the struggle between Castile and Aragn).
This effectively gave the Fajardos ownership of Mula and caused a great deal of upset amongst the local leading families who never really accepted this royal gift being made, and they continually leveled accusations of unfair treatment against the Marquis de los Vlez and his successors. These accusations are a constant feature in the history of the Marquises de los Vlez, as can be seen in the message written by the Governor General to the Mayor of Mula in 1653: The complaints received by the estate are numerous, particularly from the villa of Mula. The ofcial record books of the house of Vlez make extensive mention of the cases presented by Mula. In one such case a request was made for limits to be set on the powers and jurisdiction of the Mayor. In another, they requested that it should be the council who appointed the sheriff and the town scrivener, in another that the council should appoint town clerks, etc. The Murcian Governor General was forced to admit that the people of Mula were tough nuts to crack. Nearly 400 years later, and the townspeople of Mula are still ghting the owners of its emblematic castle for control! Maybe this will be a turning point. local Article by www.murciatoday.com news and where to go for the Murcia Region http://www.murciatoday.com/girlfalls-down-well-in-mula-castle_14535a.html
It was another twelve year old girl, who had been playing alongside the victim within the structure of the castle, who raised the alarm, calling the Emergency 112. 20 years ago another youngster died after falling into this same well, so although the youngster involved suffered fractures, she was lucky to escape with her life. The council of Mula has been involved in an ongoing attempt to gain control of the castle so that it can be properly cared for, as it is currently privately owned. The castle has passed through various families by inheritance and its current owners have little interest in maintaining the structure, which is being left to fall
A group of old and new members of WARM enjoyed a Christmas walk and lunch in December on a warm and sunny day.
WARM (Walkers Around the Region of Murcia) is a friendly group of people who enjoy walking. We cover the region of Murcia, although at the moment the majority of our members live in the North West of the region (Mula, Bullas, Calasaparra, Cehegn and Moratalla). We have a wide variety of walks and a reasonable degree of tness is required for all of them. The walks can be anything from 3 to 7 hours with lunch being a picnic or a meal in a local restaurant. The walks are arranged by the members and each member takes full responsibility for their walk. In February we have two programmed walks and in March we have three. If you would like to join us please contact warm2005@gmail.com for further information.
We met at Casa de Cristo and walked along some beautiful tracks with amazing views until we reached the Snow House of Moratalla. Whilst it is now in ruins, it is easy to imagine how it was many years ago when the ice was transported from here to the coast. Upon reaching the Snow House we enjoyed a festive picnic of cava, mince pies, chocolates, biscuits and other seasonal goodies. We then retraced our steps to Casa de Cristo, where we enjoyed an excellent lunch in the restaurant.
Oregano is a popular herb used in various styles of cooking. It is native to warm temperate climates, especially in Mediterranean countries. The plants like a dry climate and should be planted in early spring in a dry soil where it can get the maximum sunlight. Oregano can also be grown well in pots or other containers. The plant should be kept well pruned and pinched out at all times during the growing process, keeping it rounded and bushy. This perennial herb grows up to 80cm with purple or pink owers and it is often known as wild marjoram. There are numerous varieties of Oregano, all with different avours from spicy to sweet. Simple Oregano is often a bit bland and therefore is not regarded as the best variety for cooking, but Oregano produced in Greece and Turkey tends to be darker in colour and is considered to be the best all-purpose Oregano for culinary uses.
MABS Murcia Northwest Christmas Party In Murcia Northwest, 120 guests enjoyed a great Christmas Party at The Sanctuary Restaurant in Calasparra, with a delicious menu and excellent service from Paco and his staff. Woody provided the music and everyone was up and dancing to his Buddy Holly Tribute. This event raised a grand total of 700 which will go towards the good work that MABS volunteers are doing in the Northwest Murcia area. MABS Murcia NWs next fundraising event is the St Valentines Dinner Dance at the Bar Cantero in the Gran Via, Calasparra on
16th February, with entertainment from Tony Kelly (Rat Pack tribute). These events are always popular, so please make sure that you book your tickets early by calling Sandra 628 792 687, Lyn 622 751 273, Pat 676 541 146, or Astrid 628 744 906. MABS Murcia is a registered charity (No. 7261) offering help and support to local people of all nationalities who have been diagnosed with or are being treated for cancer. If you or someone you know would like some condential help or support call our HELPLINE 693 275 779 or visit their website www.mabsmurcia.com
The leaves of the Oregano plant are more pungent when dried and they have an aromatic, warm and slightly bitter taste which makes them ideal for various recipes and sauces. Good quality Oregano may even numb the tongue slightly, which is why it is used to spice up recipes. In Italian cuisine, Oregano is used with roasted or fried vegetables, meat and sh and of course on the ever-popular pizzas and tomato based dishes, but it is used extensively throughout the Mediterranean.
Oregano is used in herbal medicine and has been used as a cure for stomach and respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and asthma for centuries. It can be used as a palliative for sore throats and as an antiseptic and it has also been used as an antidote for venomous snake and insect bites. Oregano Oil is used after dilution and topically applied to treat toothache as well as painful joints in patients. Due to the high antioxidant activity in Oregano, it has been used as an antimicrobiotic remedy for bacterial infections such as food poisoning, although like many of these natural remedies, the medical profession dispute these ndings. Oregano is strongly sedative and should not be taken in large doses, though mild teas have a soothing effect and aid restful sleep. Used topically, Oregano is one of the best herbal antiseptics because of its high thymol content.
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Droughts in Spain are Getting Longer and More Severe Experts have studied periods of low or nonexistent rainfall in the country over the 60year period between 1945 and 2005, and say the worst droughts - those which last ve years or more - tend to be in the south and centre of the country. Spains High Council of Scientic Investigation (CSIC) says that of the 187 river basins they studied, the Tajo in the centre of the country, the Jcar near the east coast, the Guadiana, and the Guadalquivir in the Sevilla province are the worst-affected and see some of the longestlasting droughts. Only the river Duero, to the north of the centre and northwest of Spain and the Segura River in southern Alicante and northern Murcia have seen a slight reduction in drought severity. The results of this research will be used to ascertain how the effects of the droughts can be minimised. Rajoy Announces State Law Reforms For This Year Reforms are on the cards for 2013 by Mariano Rajoys government, include greater supervision of town and city councils, removing trade barriers, restricting the abortion law and radically revamping the education system. Public administration procedures and public sector services have not been reformed in 30 years and methods will be modernised. Rajoy also hopes to save 3.5 billion Euros by reducing the number of councilors, standardising salaries in Town Halls and those of mayors, cutting out duplication of work and clarifying roles within local authorities. He says this reform will be worked out with the mayors rather than being imposed upon them. Education Minister Jos Ignacio Werts proposed schools reform, which has met with an unpopular reaction - especially in regions with a co-ofcial language in addition to Spanish - is more or less complete and will be debated and given the seal of approval in Congress this year. Justice minister Alberto Ruiz-Gallardn, former Mayor of Madrid, is expected to have completed the abortion law reform by the end of the rst quarter of 2013. In it, he has decided that the deformation or severe physical or mental handicap of the unborn child will not be legal grounds for terminating a pregnancy, and girls under the age of 18 will once again require their parents permission to have an abortion. A proposed Law of Market Unity aims to remove trade barriers and nationalise Spains
markets, which are currently decentralised and segmented into 17 different ones one for each of the federal, or autonomous, regions. A new Law of Entrepreneurs is being designed to give extra support to small and medium-sized businesses and help create employment. Population Falls as 118,000 Spaniards Leave the Country Around 55,000 Spanish people had left the country for good by the end of the third quarter of 2012, meaning the exodus has increased by over a fth in the past year. With job vacancies being practically nonexistent and career progress unlikely in the current economic climate, more and more qualied young Spaniards are seeking their fortunes abroad. Nine in 10 student nurses interviewed expressed a wish to go overseas to work when they qualied, with the UK, Norway, Germany, Canada, the USA and Latin America being the favoured destinations and Germanys government has been offering jobs they cannot ll in the past year to unemployed Spaniards, with vacancies in engineering and the hotel and catering sector being the most-advertised. Between 5,500 and 7,000 people left Spain for good, or for the long-term, every month last year, according to the Institute of National Statistics (INE). Nearly a million people emigrated in 2012, although all bar around 118,000 were expatriates returning to their home countries. Of these, over half a million were men. Spains population has fallen since last year, partly due to returning foreigners and Spaniards moving abroad and partly due to the ever-falling birth rate. A recent survey showed that 8 in 10 couples or single women who want to have children have chosen not to because they could not afford to bring up a baby. Many of those interviewed fear that by the time the country is back on its feet nancially and they have a stable job enabling them to afford to raise children, they will be past fertile age. School Drop-Out Levels in Spain Twice the EU Average Spains school drop-out rate is as high as three in 10 pupils in several regions and well over a quarter in the country as a whole, according to education authorities. This is a long way from meeting the European Unions maximum levels, which for the year 2020 must be 10% for other EU countries, and 15% for Spain. The gures are taken by counting up the number of 18-24 year olds who do not have their Bachillerato - Spains answer to A-levels - or any other kind of professional qualication. Spains average is currently 26.5%, which has come down from 31.9% three years ago. All 17 regions have managed to cut their numbers of pupils leaving at 16 and ending their education
there, but there is still a long way to go, says Spains ministry of education, culture and sports. The worst record is held by Andaluca, with a 32.5% drop-out rate. Part of the reason for the reduction in abandonment of post-16 education is that with the nancial crisis. Those with few or no qualications are actively seeking to improve their CVs as the job market has become more competitive and drastically reduced. More and more young adults are going back to college to take their Bachillerato, or A-levels, and enrolment gures for vocational and professional qualications have rocketed. Prior to the recession, drop-out numbers were higher because of the huge number of vacancies in the construction industry, many of which required no formal qualications. Thousands of pupils left school as soon as they were old enough in order to earn some money, but the property crash has left them with no chance of nding work unless they qualify in another area. High Court Repeals A&E Overnight ShutDown The High Court of Castilla-La Mancha has suspended overnight closure of A&E at health centres in 21 towns and villages. Mass protests and entire local government parties resigning have been just a part of the outraged reaction to regional president Mara Dolores del Cospedals decision to shut casualty units after 8pm and even after 3pm in some cases because they only deal with two to three patients a night. This bid to save money has been hugely unpopular across the region and central government health authorities warn other parts of Spain may decide to follow suit. Since the shut-down started, the town council of Tembleque (Toledo province) has appealed to the regional High Court of Justice. A judge ordered that night-time closure of A&E departments should be suspended for three days to allow them time to investigate the situation. The regional government of Castilla-La Mancha says it will comply with the decision, but intends to appeal if their shut-down plans are reversed by the court. Regional health authorities say it is unfair that the court should overrule them when other regions have already taken the same stance. These include the closure of overnight emergency surgery in the towns of Ondara, Pedreguer, El Verger and Gata de Gorgos, among others, in the province of Alicante, but this has not been a regional government decision since they fall within the remit of a private company which manages the district health service. Although Cospedals cabinet says it is not worth keeping surgeries open all night for just two to three patients who can get treated in their nearest hospital anyway, it means a total of 63 patients a night, or nearly 23,000 patients a year, who will be affected. In some cases, they will need to travel up to 50 kilometres or wait for an ambulance to get to them at home from the same distance away, which could mean life or death in certain cases, such as for patients who have suffered heart attacks.
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agendas escolares diseo grco catlogo de productos displays folletos publicitarios carteles calendarios libros papelera corporativa
Pol Ind. Marimingo - C/. Campo de Cartagena, 27 - 30180 BULLAS (Murcia) Telf./Fax: 968 654 007 entornograf@entornograf.com www.entornograf.com
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Paths Can Add Interest to Your Garden by Clodagh and Dick Handscombe, Spains best known gardening authors who have lived and gardened in Spain for 25 years. A Dilema Why are so many gardens designed with straight garden paths? Why is the path around so many new houses laid up against the wall of the house allowing no possibility for shrub and perennial beds around the house? Why are all paths in many gardens nished with a single surface rather than using different surfaces in various areas to add contrast and interest? Historically most main paths in gardens were straight in order to set up a washing line alongside and not get ones feet wet if it had recently rained, but that constraint went years ago with the advent of rotary drying frames and washing machines with driers, so why not more creativity for the layout and construction of the network of pathways have a major impact on the quality of a garden? Decide Why You Want Paths The rst thing is to recognise why we have paths in gardens. The following reasons are extracted from our books: To enable persons of all ages to move around the garden easily and safely in any weather. To move things around the garden without fear of tripping or straining. To link the different areas and features in an interesting way; indeed to create a mystery tour which changes season by season and by time of day and weather
conditions. To move rainwater around the garden to areas where most needed. To create interesting and often unexpected internal and external vistas. To make a small garden seem larger by varying the width of paths from near the house to outer areas. A straight path which narrows twenty percent from beginning to end can work wonders as can curving and snaking paths. To link terraces. Together with terraces, a network of paths can reduce the planting areas and extent of garden maintenance. Indeed see terraces as wide paths with a number of connecting paths to other terraces and garden features. To provide a moisture reservoir and shade
imitation grass, bark chippings or compost between rows of vegetables and formal stone cobbles or bricks. Not all paths need to be continuous, for stepping stones laid in grass or in areas of stone chippings can add interest in low use areas. In many gardens edgings to paths are useful to add interest and formality and keep stone chippings from being spread outside the intended path areas and to control the velocity of torrents of rain water running off paths to planted areas. Path edging can range from small rocks to terracotta edgings, wooden slats or small plants and bricks on edge, to narrow concrete edging slabs. This week two persons sent in questions related to problems with fruit trees. When we asked for information, it was not available as the writers indicated that they rarely visit those areas of the garden. Look at your own gardens. Would more features, special plantings and seats with pleasing vistas prompt you to walk your network of paths more often or add new paths? We looked at paths at this time of year as changes are best made during the cooler months. Fast changes can be made by using stone chippings laid between small rock edgings. They can always be covered with stone slabs laid on concrete at a later date. We had that idea in parts of our garden twenty years ago but the mature stone chipping paths laid on solid plastic sheeting, or in one part on overlapping supermarket plastic bags to minimise the cost, still exist and need little maintenance or weeding. If you have terraces upstairs go up there now and look down at the garden. Are there paths that go to all parts of the garden? Are they too formal or two higgledypiggledy? Are there interesting plantings on both sides of most lengths of paths? Would it be worth the effort to make some changes before Easter once the winter cut back is complete?
for the roots of plants lining the paths. To establish a formal, informal or mixed garden style. If you are having a new house constructed, decide on the network of paths around the house while the house is being built and get the builder to lay down what you want for an elegant garden rather than an easy concrete path attached to the house. Beyond designing the network, the next thing is surfaces and edgings. These days the choice for surfaces is enormous, ranging from coloured concrete to natural stone slabs, from stone chippings to sand, from low growing herbs to grass or plastic
Clodagh and Dick Handscombes books include the following: Your Garden in Spain Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style Growing Healthy Vegetables in Spain Growing Healthy Fruit in Spain Living Well from Our Mediterranean Garden Making Waterless Gardens a Practical Reality Worldwide The latter is available as an Amazon Kindle E-book.
More details of each book will be found on www.gardenspain.com (c) Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com January 2013.
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How to Store Fruits And Vegetables and Tips and Tricks to Extend the Life of Your Produce Without Plastic. Many fruit and veg is sold in plastic wrapping or containers. This should be removed as soon as possible and the produce stored appropriately to maximize its usability. Plastic will make most produce sweat and so paper bags are preferable for storage. Many vegetables will freeze easily, but if you want to eat them fresh, good storage is essential.
other day. Vegetables: Always remove any tight bands from your vegetables or at least loosen them to allow them to breathe. Artichokes - place in an airtight container sealed, with light moisture. Asparagus - place it loosely in a glass or bowl upright with water at room temperature. (Will keep for a week outside the fridge) Avocados - place in a paper bag at room temp. To speed up their ripening, place an apple in the bag with them. Arugula - arugula, like lettuce, should not stay wet! Put in cold water and spin or lay at to dry. Place dry in an open container, wrapped with a dry towel to absorb any extra moisture. Aubergine - leave out in a cool room. Dont wash it, as eggplant doesnt like any extra moisture around its leaves. For longer storage, place loose, in the crisper. Basil - is difcult to store well. It does not like the cold, or the wet. The best method is store it in an airtight container/jar loosely packed with a small damp piece of paper inside on a cool counter. Beans, shelling - open container in the fridge, eat ASAP. Recommend freezing them if not going to eat right away Beets - cut the tops off to keep beets rm, (be sure to keep the greens!) Leaving any top on root vegetables draws moisture from the root, making them lose avour and rmness. Beets should be washed and kept in an open container with a wet towel on top. Beet greens - place in an airtight container with a little moisture. Broccoli - place in an open container in the fridge or wrap in a damp towel before placing in the fridge. Broccoli Rabe - left in an open container in the crisper, but best used as soon as possible. Brussels Sprouts - if bought on the stalk leave them on that stalk. Put the stalk in the fridge or leave it on a cold place. If loose, store them in an open container with a damp towel on top. Cabbage - left out on a cool counter is ne up to a week, or in a crisper. Peel off outer leaves if they start to wilt. Cabbage might begin to lose its moisture after a week. Carrots - cut the tops off to keep them fresh longer. Place them in closed container with plenty of moisture, either wrapped in a damp towel or dunk in cold water every couple of days if theyre stored that long. Cauliower - will last a while in a closed container in the fridge, but cauliower has the best avour the day its bought. Celery - does best when simply placed in a cup or bowl of shallow water on the counter. Celery root/Celeriac - wrap the root in a damp towel and place in the crisper. Corn - leave unhusked in an open container, but corn really is best the day its picked. Courgette - does ne for a few days if left out on a cool counter, even after cut. Wrap in a cloth and refrigerate for longer storage. Cucumber - wrap in a moist towel in the fridge. If youre planning on eating it within a day or two, it should be ne left out in a cool room.
Fennel - if used within a couple days, fennel can be left out on the counter, upright in a cup or bowl of water (like celery). If wanting to keep longer than a few days place in the fridge in a closed container with a little water. Garlic - store in a cool, dark, place. Green Garlic - put in an airtight container in the fridge, or leave out for a day or two, but best used before dried out. Greens - remove any bands etc. Most greens must be kept in an air-tight container with a damp cloth to keep them from drying out. Kale, collards, and chard do well in a cup of water on the counter or fridge. Green Beans - like humidity, but not wetness. A damp cloth draped over an open or loosely closed container. Green Tomatoes - store in a cool room away from the sun to keep them green and use quickly or they will begin to colour. Herbs - a closed container in the fridge to keep up to a week. Any longer might encourage mould. Lettuce - keep damp in an airtight container in fridge. Leeks - leave in an open container in the crisper wrapped in a damp cloth or in a shallow cup of water on the counter (so the very bottom of the stem has water). Okra - doesnt like humidity, so a dry towel in an airtight container. Doesnt store that well, so best eaten quickly. Onion - store in a cool, dark and dry, place. Good air circulation is best, so dont stack them. Parsnips in an open container in the crisper, or wrap in a damp cloth in the fridge. Potatoes - store in cool, dark and dry place, such as a box or a paper bag. Radicchio - place in the fridge in an open container with a damp cloth on top. Radishes - remove the greens (store separately) and place them in a open container in the fridge with a wet towel placed on top. Rhubarb - wrap in a damp towel and place in an open container in the refrigerator. Snap Peas - refrigerate in an open container. Spinach - store loose in an open container in the crisper, cool as soon as possible. Spinach loves to stay cold. Spring Onions - Remove any band or tie and place in the crisper. Summer Squash - ne for a few days if left out on a cool counter, even after being cut. Sweet Peppers - only wash them just before you eat them as wetness decreases storage time. Store in a cool room to use in a couple a days. Place in the crisper if longer storage needed. Sweet Potatoes - Store in a cool, dark, wellventilated place. Never refrigerate as sweet potatoes dont like the cold! Tomatoes - never refrigerate. Depending on ripeness, tomatoes can stay for up to two weeks on the counter. To hasten ripeness place in a paper bag with an apple. Turnips - remove the greens (store separately). Store them in an open container with a moist cloth. Winter Squash - store in a cool, dark, well ventilated place. Many growers say winter squashes get sweeter if theyre stored for a week or so before eaten.
Fruit: Apples - store on a cool counter or shelf for up to two weeks. For longer storage keep in a cardboard box in the fridge. Citrus Fruit - store in a cool place, with good airow, never in an air-tight container. Apricots - on a cool counter to room temperature or fridge if fully ripe. Cherries - store in an airtight container. Dont wash cherries until ready to eat as any added moisture encourages mould. Berries - Dont forget, they are very fragile. When storing be careful not to stack too many high; a single layer if possible. A paper bag or basket works well and only wash before you plan on eating them. Dates - dryer dates (like Deglet Noor) are ne stored out on the counter in a bowl or the paper bag they were bought in.
Moist Dates (like Medjool) need a bit of refrigeration if theyre going to be stored over a week, either in cloth or a paper bag as long as its porous to keeping the moisture away from the skin of the dates. Figs - dont like humidity, so, do not use closed containers. A paper bag works to absorb excess moisture, but a plate works best in the fridge up to a week un-stacked. Melons - leave these uncut in a cool dry place, out of the sun for up to a couple weeks. Cut melons should be in the fridge, an open container is ne. Nectarines - store in the fridge if ripe, but best taken out a day or two before you plan on eating them so they soften to room temperature. Peaches (and most stone fruit) - refrigerate only when fully ripe. More rm fruit will ripen on the counter. Pears - will keep for a few weeks on a cool counter, but they are ne in a paper bag. To hasten the ripening, put an apple in with them. Plums etc - store at room temperature. Pomegranates - keep up to a month stored on a cool counter. Strawberries - dont like to be wet. They do best in a paper bag in the fridge for up to a week, but check the bag for moisture every
Regular readers will be pleased to know that all is well at the Rainbow Satellites camp mums are OK and we are all slowly proceeding out of hibernation and into spring! The garden is slowly becoming alive again and there is more movement from the goldsh and terrapins. Nature rolls on year after year and soon, (or when you are reading this) one of the wonders of Spain will be with us the almond blossom will be in full bloom. If you have never seen it, drive out into the countryside in early February to see eld after eld of white and pink snow covered trees. TV NEWS Firstly, not a real TV item, but we went to the IMF Cinema in Torrevieja last week where the lms are shown in dubbed Spanish, but you can get headphones for the original English soundtrack. Well worth the visit and we will be going to see more lms there. (We thought Les Miserables was fantastic!). It is a bit of a trip, but for cinema lovers a great new venue to watch latest movies on the big screen in English. Look at the website and lms with a VO in listing are available in English with the headphones. Use it or lose it!!! Most of the satellite changes have now been made and it has had very little effect on us in Murcia. So much for all that doom and gloom bar talk that we would lose UK TV in its entirety! If you look at our newsletters over the past six months you will
see that our predictions have mostly been right - listen to the real experts, not the ones propping the bar up! For those of you who dont have, or cant have a big dish to receive UK TV, we now can supply a good range of TV via the internet two packs mainstream UK TV and a sports pack. It comes with a small digibox just plug into router and TV and away you go. You do need at least 2MB speed and a good consistent connection, but it works well. There is an annual subscription, but you do not need a UK IP address. Contact us for more details. If you dont have internet for whatever reason, then we now can help you install the TOOWAY system - Satellite internet that is available anywhere. No landlines or sight of an internet operators transmitter required. We did look at TOOWAY in its infancy a few years ago and we did not like the quality of the equipment or the service, but they have certainly overcome those problems. The equipment is vastly improved and the service is excellent. If you want internet and cant have it for whatever reason, this is a solution. Again contact us and we will guide you through the procedures. Do any of you regular readers remember my telling you about the new satellite TV system REAL DIGITAL well over a year ago? Well it seemed to die a death
after numerous false starts, but it has announced it will be relaunching this spring. The advantage of REAL is that it is basic FREESAT, but you can add SKY SPORTS by the month; perhaps ideal for you part time residents, or if you just like, UK cricket or Rugby, you can add it just for the season its on. Watch this space for more info. My thanks to Terry and David for pointing me to DIGIGUIDE:TV. Its a great app for your pads and phones giving full TV listings with a big advantage of having a moving vertical real-time line for showing the current programme so that the one hour difference UK to Spain is eliminated and you dont have to think is that on an hour ago or an hour later! Remember that we still have the very cheap full SKY packs available all your sport and extra programmes for less than 4 a week! Thats it for February. Article sponsored by Rainbow Satellites, the company for all your television needs in the Murcia Region. Contact Alan or Matt for free friendly advice by email rainbowsats@gmail.com or telephone (0034) 686 358 475. Our website www.rainbowsats.org has good basic information on TV in Spain.
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ANIMAL ORGANISATIONS: ACTIN 968 163 529 Andreas Animal Rescue Fuente Alamo 690 906 565 Easy Horse Care Rojales 652 021 980 Galgos del Sol Murcia galgosdelsol@hotmail.com Help Murcia Mar Menor Los Alcazares 968 570 059 JJs Puppy Rescue Organisation Mazarrn 618 034 921 John Kemps Puppies La Pinilla, Fuente Alamo 646 737 230 Pets in Spain San Fulgencio/La Marina info@petsinspain.info MAMASs Mazarrn 666 186 037 MARA Mula 685 311 599 Noahs ARC Mazarrn 699 352 818 968 154 507 (shop) PAPS 966 769 137 Protector de Animales http://protectoraanimalparraga.net/ RAD Animal Association 655 027 676 CHARITIES: Age Concern Mazarrn 634 310 216 Alcoholics Anonymous Mazarrn, Cuevas de Reyllo 646 290 420
Cabo De Palos 968 545 181 Costa Clida Samaritans www.costablancasamaritans.com GO maD Mazarrn 678 598 677 Help Murcia Mar Menor Calle Penlope No 11, Los Alczares, 968 570 059 Helping Hands contact@helpinghands.org.es Lions Club Mazarrn Baha Mazarrn 636 746 959 MABS Mar Menor 693 275 779 MABS Mazarrn 620 422 410 MABS NW Murcia mabsmurcianw@gmail.com PALS (Protection & Life Saving) Mazarrn 968 437 837 CHURCHES: Beacon of Light 620 877 326 Mass in English Pastrana, Mazarrn 628 824 555 New Life Church Los Belones 966 769 300/650 509 606 Olive Branch Christian Fellowship Cultural Centre, Camposol B 618 720 181/968 199 622 Open Door Los Almagros 646 705 403/655 141 721 Pilar Christian Community Church Pilar de la Horidada 966 769 300/650 509 606 Puerto Lumbreras Church 619 945 283 St Nicholas Church Camposol, Mazarrn 968 138 952
Welcome House Cehegin 633 447 937 Wellspring Victory Church El Alamillo, Mazarrn 620 599 270 GROUPS: ADAPT San Pedro 966 189 402 Arts & Cultural Association of Murcia 655 421 120 Camposol Bridge Club 968 130 583 Clida Country Music 968 163 082 Cloud Nine Drama Mula 644 400 123 Darwinian Gardeners darwiniangardeners@gmail.com Evolutionists of Almeria and Murcia www.bolnuevo.com/social/Evolutionists Ex-Servicemens Association Mazarrn 968 965 058 Friends & Buddies Camposol, Mazarrn 968 163 758 HAH Help at Home San Javier 633 673 034 Ladies Chatterbox Camposol 968 199 418/619 575 463 Los Palacios Camposol A Welcome Group Camposol, Mazarrn 620 105 179 If you would like details of your club or organization included on this page, please send an email to costacalidachronicle@gmail.com
Pat Benatar (born Patricia Mae Andrzejewski on January 10, 1953 in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York City.) is an American singer and fourtime Grammy winner. She has had considerable commercial success, particularly in the United States. During the 1980s, Benatar had two RIAA-certied Multi-Platinum albums, ve RIAA-certied Platinum albums, three RIAAcertied Gold albums and 19 Top 40 singles, including the Top 10 hits, Hit Me with Your Best Shot, Love Is a Battleeld, We Belong and Invincible. Benatar was one of the most heavily played artists in the early days of MTV. Her musical training was strictly classical and theatrical and Benatar surprised family, friends and teachers by deciding a classical career was not for her and pursued health education at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. At 19, after one year at Stony Brook, she dropped out to marry her high school sweetheart Dennis Benatar, an army draftee who trained at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and then served with the Army Security Agency at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, before being stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia. Dennis Benatar was stationed there for three years, and Pat worked as a bank teller in Richmond, Virginia. In 1973, Benatar quit her job to pursue a singing career after being inspired by a Liza Minnelli concert she saw in Richmond. She got a job as a singing waitress in a nightclub named The Roaring Twenties and started singing in a lounge band named Coxons Army, who were the regular band at Sam Millers Basement Club. The band garnered enough attention to be the subject of a never-aired TV special, and the bands bassist Roger Capps went on to be the original bass player for the Pat Benatar Band. The period also yielded Benatars rst and only single until her eventual 1979 debut on Chrysalis Records, Day Gig (1974). Her big break came in 1975 at an amateur night at The Comedy Club, Catch a Rising Star in New York. Her rousing rendition of Judy Garlands Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody earned her a call back by club owner Rick Newman, who went on to become her manager.
Following Dennis discharge from the army, the couple moved back to New York and Benatar went on to be a regular member at Catch A Rising Star for close to three years, until signing a record contract. She divorced Dennis Benatar in 1979. Catch A Rising Star was not the only break Benatar got in 1975. She landed the part of Zephyr in Harry Chapins futuristic rock musical, The Zinger. The production, which debuted on March 19, 1976, at the Performing Arts Foundations Playhouse in Huntington Station, Long Island, ran for a month and was a huge success. Benatar noted: I was 22 by the time I started to sing rock, so at rst I was very conscious of technique and I was overly technical. That proved to be inhibiting so it was a disadvantage until I began to sing intuitively. Thats the only way to sing rock from your gut level feelings. Its the instinct that the best singers have. Halloween 1977 proved a pivotal night in Benatars early, spandex-wearing stage persona. Rather than change out of the costume she wore to a Halloween contest at the Cafe Figaro in Greenwich Village that evening, she went onstage at Catch a Rising Star in costume. Benatar said: I was dressed as a character from this ridiculous B movie called Cat-Women of the Moon. Despite performing her usual array of songs, she received a standing ovation. Between appearances at Catch a Rising Star and recording commercial jingles for Pepsi Cola and a number of regional concerns, Benatar headlined New York Citys Tramps nightclub from March 29 - April 1, 1978, where her p performance impressed representatives from several record companies. She was signed to Chrysalis Records by cofounder Terry Ellis. Benatar recorded her rst album, In the Heat of the Night, in June and July 1979. It was a critical and huge commercial success. She won an unprecedented four consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Female Rock Performance from 1980 to 1983 for her second album, Crimes of Passion and the songs Fire and Ice, Shadows of the Night, and Love Is a Battleeld written by Holly Knight and Mike Chapman. Of
the ten Grammy Award ceremonies in the 1980s, Benatar was nominated for Best Female Rock Performance eight times, including for Invincible in 1984 (written by Holly Knight and Simon Climie), Sex as a Weapon in 1986, All Fired Up in 1988 and in 1989 for Lets Stay Together. Benatar also earned Grammy Award nominations in 1984 for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female with We Belong and in 1986 for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Duo or Group as a member of Artists United Against Apartheid for their single, Sun City. Benatar is also the winner of three American Music Awards: Favourite Female Pop/Rock Vocalist of 1981 and 1983, and Favorite Female Pop/ Rock Video Artist of 1985. Although not as commercially successful as her heyday in the 80s, Benatar still made music although preferred to spend more time with her husband and two children. Pat Benatar was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame at the Second Induction Award Ceremony and Fundraising Gala held October 30, 2008. I would like to thank Teresa for requesting this article and I hope I have done one of her favourite artistes justice. You can listen to Mark Davies on Costa Clida Radio on Nite Express on Mon and Wed 7-9pm and on Friday evenings on Clida Rocks 7-9pm.
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RED Entertainment GREEN Charity & non-prot making events ORANGE Special menus BLACK Fiestas & important events PURPLE Market, exhibitions, leisure & meetings Please refer to the relevant advert or editorial for more details of events
Every Mon Art Classes @ Janes Salon, Bolnuevo, 9.30-11.30am Fit4Life Group-exercise/positive thinking workshop @ Janes Salon, Bolnuevo, 4pm Chiropody with Phillip Dawe @ Sensol Golf Villa Sales building, Camposol C Bowling League @ Alley Palais, Camposol B, 7pm Quiz Night @ The Club House, Camposol C Menu del Noche @ Alley Palais Bistro, Camposol B, 9.75 Duplicate Bridge @ La Cumbre Hotel, Pto de Mazarrn, 9.30am 2nd Hand Goods to Buy/Sell with HAH @ Brendas Boutique, Los Urrutias,10-1pm Andreas Animal Rescue, Shop Collection @ Car Park, Camposol B, 11.30-1.30pm Hoy (card) Bingo/HELP MMM @ La Zona Bar, Los Alczares, 2.00pm, 1 per game Every Tue Dance Fitness with Annette @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B, 10-11am Quiz Night @ Restaurant Manchica, La Manchica, optional meal for 5 Football Training Session (ages 4-17) @ El Pareton, 6-7pm 2 Course Candle Light Supper @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A, 7.30pm, 8 inc btl wine for 2 3 Course Menu del Noche @ Don Ricardos, Pto de Mazarrn, 8 10 inc btl wine Treat Menu del Noche @ Elliotts, Bolnuevo, 10 B Clean Weekly Working Party @ Commercial Centre, Camposol B, 9am MAMAS Collection/Book Stall @ Camposol B Car Park, 10-1pm Pick/Try/Choose/Buy/Donate/MABS Murcia NE @ Baos de Fortuna,10.30am Every Wed Mar Menor Golf Society Competition Menu del Noche @ Alley Palais Bistro, Camposol B, 9.75 3 Course Steak Night @ Don Ricardos, Pto de Mazarrn, 15 Happy Dinner (2 for 1) @ Rest Amapola, Bolnuevo, 30 inc btl wine for 2 3 Course Steak Deal @ La Vida Bistro & Bar, El Pareton, 25 for 2 inc wine/cava Karaoke & Disco @ Alley Palais, Camposol B, 9pm-late Gardening Group Clean Up @ Camposol C, 9am Camposol Bridge Club, Duplicate Bridge @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B, 9.30am 2nd Hand Goods to Buy/Sell/HAH @ Brendas Boutique, Los Urrutias,10-1pm Age Concern booking events etc @ Camposol Cultural Centre, 10-1pm The Art Workshop with MABS MMM @ Caf Golf, San Javier, 10-12pm, 2 PALS for booking events etc @ Saralaras, Pto de Mazarron, 1-3.30pm Book & DVD Club with HAH @ La Zona Bar, Los Narejos. 2.30-4.30pm Beacon of Light @ The Old School House, Caadas del Romero, 7-8.30pm Every Thu Camposol Market @ Camposol A Dance Fitness with Annette @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B, 11.30-12.30pm Italian Night @ Alley Palais Bistro, Camposol B Pie Night @ La Vida Bistro & Bar, El Pareton Steak Night @ Restaurant Manchica, La Manchica, 16.95 for 2 inc btl wine
Please tell Please tell our customers where youadvertisement in the Costa Clida Chronicle Chronicle our customers where you saw their saw their advertisement in the Costa Clida Page 82 Sales Contact Teresa 619 199 407 or199 the Editor Contact Patti 646 005 017 005 017 Sales Contact Teresa 619 for 407 or for the Editor Contact Patti 646 Page 82 www.costacalidachronicle.com email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com www.costacalidachronicle.com email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com
Open Mic Night @ The Club House, Camposol C Age Concern booking events etc @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B, 10-1pm Pick/Try/Choose/Buy/Donate/MABS Murcia NE @ Baos de Fortuna, 10.30am PALS for booking events etc @ Tels Bar, Camposol B, 11-1.30pm Andreas Animal Rescue Collection @ Mazarrn Country Club Bar, 11.30-1pm Every Fri Sit 2B Fit with Annette @ Marianos, Camposol A, 10.30-11.30am Fish & Chip Night @ The New Royal, Pto de Mazarrn, 6.50 Fish & Chip Special@ Rest Manchica, La Manchica,11 for 2 (12-3pm/6.30-10pm) Fresh Fish Night, 3 Courses @ Don Ricardos, Pto de Mazarrn, 10 Fish/Chips 4 x cod 20/2 large 19 inc btl wine @ Rest Marina, Pto de Mazarrn Romantic Dinner (2 for 1) @ Rest Amapola, Bolnuevo, 36 inc btl wine for 2 Fish/Chips/Fun Quiz @ La Vida Bistro & Bar, El Pareton Disco @ Alley Palais, Camposol B, 9pm-late Live Music @ Kennellys, Pueblo Espaol, Hacienda del lamo, 9pm Live Music/Dancing/Dinner @ Copi Coy, Playa Grande, Puerto de Mazarrn 20 Camposol Bridge Club, Duplicate Bridge @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B, 9.30am The Friday Art Group @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B, 9.45-12.30pm Book Sale & Bric-a-Brac with Noahs ARC @ Camposol B, 10-2pm 2nd Hand Goods to Buy/Sell/HAH @ Brendas Boutique, Los Urrutias,10-1pm Age Concern booking events @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B, Book Stall, Camposol A Gardening Group @ Car Park Camposol A, 10.30-12.30pm Lions Bahia Mazarrn booking events @ Compusurf, Camposol B, 11am GoMad Available Donations @ Camposol Cultural Centre/Costa Clida Radio 12.30-2pm Age Concern booking events etc @ Camposol Cultural Centre, 12.30-3.30pm 10 pin Bowling, Camposol C Garden Group @ Totana, 4pm Every Sat Paella Lunchtime Special @ Rest Marina,Pto de Mazarrn, 7 inc sm beer Fish & Chip Special @ Rest Manchica, La Manchica, 11 for 2 (12-3pm) 3 course Saturday Special @ Don Ricardos, Pto de Mazarrn, 20 Fish/Chips 4 x cod 20/2 large 19 inc btl wine @ Rest Marina, Pto de Mazarrn Curry Night @ Rest Manchica, La Manchica, 4 courses, 19.95 for 2 3 Course Steak Deal @ La Vida Bistro & Bar, El Pareton, 25 for 2 inc wine/cava Exotic Menu (different wine with every course) @ Rest Amapola, Bolnuevo, 22 inc btl wine for 2 Live Entertainment @ The Club House, Camposol C Live Music/Dancing/Dinner @ Copi Coy, Playa Grande, Puerto de Mazarrn 20 Disco @ Alley Palais, Camposol B, 9pm-late Book Sale with MABS Murcia MM @ Outside The Arches Bar, 10-1pm 2nd Hand Goods to Buy/Sell/HAH @ Brendas Boutique, Los Urrutias,10-1pm PALS for booking events etc @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B, from 11-1.30pm Every Sun Car Boot Sale @ Caadas del Romero Social Centre 8.30am Car Boot Sale @ Venta Romero, Cuevas de Reyllo 9am-2pm Sunday Roast @ Boca Pizza, Pto de Mazarrn, from 6.50 Sunday Lunch @ Bistro Bulgaria, Polaris World, Condado de Alhama, from 6.50 Paella Lunchtime Special @ Rest Marina, Pto de Mazarrn, 7 inc sm beer Sunday Roast @ Restaurant Manchica, La Manchica, from 7.50 Sunday Lunch @ La Vida Bistro & Bar, El Pareton, from 7.50 2 Course Sunday Roast @ Rest Marina, Pto de Mazarrn, 8 inc glass wine/sm beer Sunday Lunch @ Bistro Bulgaria, Camposol B, from 6.50 Sunday Roast @ The New Royal, Pto de Mazarrn, 8.50 3 Course Sunday Roast (lunch/evening) @ Don Ricardos, Pto de Mazarrn, 10 inc btl wine for 2 3 Course Sunday Lunch @ Elliots Bar and Restaurant, Bolnuevo, 10 Lunchtime Carvery @ The Club House, Camposol C, 12 (8 for under 12s)
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3 Course Sunday Roast @ Rest Amapola, Bolnuevo, 16 inc btl wine for 2 HELP MMM Car Boot @ Autocine, Los Narejos FEBRUARY Friday 1 Saturday 2
Outdoor Market Stall/MABS Murcia NW @ Calle Segura, Calasparra, 9-1pm La Candelaria, Beniel Dick Whittington by Cloud Nine Drama @ El Auditorio, Casa de Cultura, Bullas Gallop Exams @ META, La Costera de Alhama Woody @ The Club House, Camposol C The Everly Brothers @ Bistro Bulgaria, Condado de Alhama, 8.30pm ADAPT Meeting @ the Pensionistas de Hogar in San Pedro, 10.30am Darwinian Gardeners Meeting/Presentation/lunch @ Casa Colorao, Leiva, 11am Soccer School Fundraiser/buffet & dancing @ Alley Palais, Camposol B, 8pm, 8 (3 for children)
Sunday 3
Artisan Market @ Bullas Mazarrn FC home game against Corvera CF Valentine & Birthday Lunch with Welcome House, Cehegn, 11am
Monday 4
PALS Monthly Meeting @ Camposol Cultural Centre, 11.15am D Sector Community Group Meeting @ Camposol Cultural Centre, 4pm Sew & Sew with Ladies Chatterbox @ Camposol Cultural Centre, 2.30-4.30pm Cartagena Carnaval 5-11th Book Swap with Welcome @ ICA Medical Centre, Camposol B, 10-12pm Coffee Morning with MABS Mazarrn @ MABS Centre, Camposol B, 11-1pm HAH Volunteer Meeting @ Bacchus Restaurant, The Oasis, Los Narejos, 11.30am Auction with MABS Murcia NE @ Bobs Bar, Fortuna, 2pm
Tuesday 5
Wednesday 6
Volunteers Meeting with MABS MMM @ Las Claras, Los Narejos, 11am Push the Buzzer Games Night/Camposol Fiesta @ The Steak Out, Camposol B Grand Auction with Age Concern @ Marianos, Camposol A, Hammer down 1pm Aguilas Carnaval 8-17th Indoor Market/fashion/bling/DVDs etc @ Alley Palais, Camposol B Walk with NEST/optional meal, Meet El Berro Car Park, Sierra Espua, 10.30am, 5 6 Course St Valentines Dinner @ Rest Amapola, Bolnuevo, 25 inc btl wine for 2 Rock and Roll Bingo @ Bistro Bulgaria, Condado de Alhama
Thursday 7 Friday 8
Book Sale with MABS Mazarron @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B, 9-1pm Party Night with The Beagles for Noahs ARC @ Camposol Golf Club, 5 Saturday 9 Cehegin Carnaval 9-16th Caribbean Night @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A, 2 Courses 8 inc btl wine for 2 Angie McKay @ The Arches, Los Alczares The Bee Gees Tribute @ Bistro Bulgaria, Condado de Alhama, 8.30pm Dave Rawson Hypnotist Show/Camposol Fiesta @ Alley Palais, Camposol B, 8pm, 10 Sunday 10 Chinese New Year Trip to Aguilas Carnaval with Viajes Dragontours, 26
Artisan Market @ Mula Carnaval of Northwest Murcia, Cehegin (to 16th February) Walk in Moratalla/Inazares Los Obispos - Moratalla Tourist Ofce Mazarrn FC away game against Atletico Pulpileno Tuesday 12 Shrove Tuesday Table Top Sale with HAH @ La Zona Bar, Los Alccares, 10-2pm Charity Market with Help MMM @ La Zona Bar, Los Alcazres, 11.30am Wednesday 13 Ash Wednesday St Nicholas Church AGM @ Camposol, after morning service 10.45am General Meeting for SAMM @ CAR Infanta Cristina, Los Narejos, 11am Ladies Lunch Club/MABS Murcia NE @ Las Palmeras, Baos de Fortuna, 1pm Volunteer Meeting with MABS Murcia NW @ Hotel Argos, 5pm Thursday 14 St Valentines Day St Valentines Night @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A, 2 Courses 10 inc btl wine for 2 Special St Valentines Dinner @ Quality Indian, Camposol B, 15 inc rst drink Special St Valentines Dinner @ Kennellys, Pueblo Espaol, Haciende del Alamo 3 Course St Valentines Dinner @ La Vida Bistro & Bar, El Pareton, 16.95 inc glass cava 4 Course Dinner & Dance @ Alley Palais Bistro, Camposol B, 17.50 3 Course St Valentines Dinner @ Elliotts, Bolnuevo, 19.95 inc cava/btl wine for 2/gift 4 Course St Valentines Dinner/Music @ Leonardos, Pto de Mazarrn, 20 inc champagne cocktail & 1st drink 4 Course St Valentines Dinner/Music @ Mamma Mias, Pto de Mazarrn, 20 inc champagne cocktail & 1st drink 4 Course St Valentines Dinner @ Don Ricardos, Pto de Mazarrn, 20 6 Course St Valentines Dinner @ Rest Amapola, Bolnuevo, 25 inc btl wine for 2 Special St Valentines Dinner @ Chez Zoe, Pto de Mazarrn (call in for details) The Bandit Band @ Bistro Bulgaria, Condado de Alhama, 8pm Chatterbox Ladies Group @ Camposol Cultural Centre, 2pm St Valentines Party for JJs @ Oscars, Camposol B 5 7.30pm until late St Valentines Dance with Welcome @ Marianos, Camposol A, 10 (food 5) Friday 15 Carnaval Aguilas/Cartagena/Cehegn St Valentines Night @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A, 2 Courses 10 inc btl wine for 2 4 Course St Valentines Dinner/Music @ Mamma Mias, Pto de Mazarrn, 20 inc champagne cocktail & 1st drink 4 Course St Valentines Dinner/Music @ Leonardos, Pto de Mazarrn, 20 inc champagne cocktail & 1st drink 6 Course St Valentines Dinner/Music @ Rest Amapola, Bolnuevo, 25 inc btl wine for 2 Book Sale with MABS Mazarrn @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B, 9-1pm Outdoor Market Stall/MABS Murcia NW @ Calle Segura, Calasparra, 9-1pm Share & Care Group with MABS MMM @ MABS Cancer Centre, San Javier, 11am Saturday 16 Caribbean Night @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A, 2 Courses for 8 inc btle wine for 2 4 Course St Valentines Dinner/Music @ Leonardos, Pto de Mazarrn, 20 inc champagne cocktail & 1st drink 4 Course St Valentines Dinner/Music @ Mamma Mias, Pto de Mazarrn, 20 inc champagne cocktail & 1st drink Adele Tribute @ Bistro Bulgaria, Condado de Alhama, 8.30pm Walk in Mazarrn with The Evolutionists of Almeria & Murcia Creation of Herb Garden with Lions Mazarrn & Adeo @ Camposol St Valentines Dance/MABS Murcia NW @ Bar Cantero, Calasparra, 20, 7.30pm
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Sunday 17
Artisan Market @ Caravaca Mazarrn FC home game against Nuestro Abaran CF 4 Course St Valentines Dinner/Music @ Mamma Mias, Pto de Mazarrn, 20 inc champagne cocktail & 1st drink 4 Course St Valentines Dinne/Music @ Leonardos, Pto de Mazarrn, 20 inc champagne cocktail & 1st drink Sew & Sew with Ladies Chatterbox @ Camposol Cultural Centre, 2.30-4.30pm Book Swap with Welcome @ ICA Medical Centre, Camposol B, 10-12pm General Meeting with Help MMM @ Las Claras, Los Narejos, 11.30am Ebony/Ivory Ladies Lunch Club/MABS MMM @ Diamantes Rest, El Mojon, 1.30pm, 3 courses 10
Monday 18 Tuesday 19
Wednesday 20 Walk with NEST with optional meal, 5 Chatters with HAH @ Bacchus Restaurant, Oasis, Los Narejos, 11.30am Thursday 21 Trip to La Zenia Shopping Centre with Lions of Mazarrn, 15 Bargain Hunt/Auction with Help MMM @ Paddy Singhs, Los Urrutias, 2pm Indoor Market/fashion/bling/DVDs etc @ Alley Palais, Camposol B Table Top Sale with GO maD @ Camposol B, 102pm Book Sale with MABS Murcia NW @ Trevol Bar, Calasparra, 11-2pm Card Games/Quiz/The Friendship Group/Help MMM @ Caf Golf, San Javier, 12pm Jigsaw Bereavement Group/MABS Mazarrn @ Cats Bar, Camposol A, 2pm Saturday 23 Nature Walk, Cehegn Caribbean Night @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A, 2 Courses 8 inc btl wine for 2 Pablo Bloom @ Bistro Bulgaria, Condado de Alhama, 8.30pm Soul Power (Motown and Soul band) @ The Arches, Los Alczares Sunday 24 Artisan Market @ Plaza del Castillo, Cehegin, 10am Tapas Route starts in Cehegin Walk in Moratalla/Tercia de Ulea-Rio, Moratalla Tourist Ofce Mazarrn FC home game against Alquerias FC Sevillanas Social Meeting @ Asturias Restaurant Tuesday 26 Monthly B Clean Meeting @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B, 4pm
Friday 22
Wednesday 27 Botox and Fillers Clinic @ Janes Salon, Bolnuevo Volunteers Meeting/MABS Murcia NE @ La Carcelera, Urb Las Kalendas, Fortuna, 11.30am Petanca with Welcome @ Marianos Restaurant, Camposol A, 1pm Menu del Dia with Age Concern @ Viggos, Pto de Mazarrn, 10
Thursday 28 MARCH Friday 1 Saturday 2 Sunday 3
Cloud 9 Drama AGM @ La Molata Social Centre, 3pm
Outdoor Market Stall/MABS Murcia NW @ Calle Segura, Calasparra, 9-1pm ADAPT Meeting @ Pensionista de Hogar, San Pedro, 10.30am Artisan Market @ Bullas Mazarrn FC away game against CD Algar PALS Monthly Meeting @ Camposol Cultural Centre, 11.15am
Monday 4
Photos copyright: Eileen Jenkins, Dragontours. The Fallas in Valencia just has to be one of the best, craziest and most Spanish of all the estas in Spain. A celebration of spring, mixed with the Mediterranean passion for re and reworks, the festival coincides with Saint Josephs Day (patron saint of carpenters), and dates way back to medieval times. Spring cleaning made into a macro touristic attraction!
works display which begins at 2pm sharp in front of the Town Hall of Valencia. During the day there are parades throughout the city, especially with the fallera groups dressed in spectacular traditional nery on their way to the ower offering to the Virgen a huge wooden structure which by the end of the day is full of fresh bouquets.
So, come along sign up with Dragontours for this unique esta only 25!
From the night of the 15th of March, when the ninots - huge wooden structures are planted throughout the city, until the night of re nit de foc March 19th - when they are all burnt down, there is a 24 hour a day esta going on.
Dragontours will be running a coach to Valencia on March 18th, a Monday, to enjoy a full day in this lovely city and plenty of time to take a look at the Fallas, these enormous statues built of wood according to extremely detailed plans. They are crafted by neighbourhood organizations grupos falleros and take nearly a year to complete. Most depict well-known persons, be they actors or politicians or television personalities and the themes are invariably critical or satirical.
The trip departs very early in the morning and gives everyone time to admire the many Fallas, and to experience the masclet, a ground-shaking 15 minute re-cracker/re-
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On Tuesday 15 January by the Erosions in Bolnuevo around 600 children and young people from different schools in the municipality participated in La Carrera De Cross De Deporte Escolar that ended with the presentation of trophies to the top three nishers in each category by the Sports City Councilman of Mazarrn, Andres Valera. Benjamin Male 1st was Jaime Escoba, from Colegio Siglo XXI 2nd was Adrian Aparicio, of CEIP Manuela
Romero 3rd was Carlos Navarro, from CEIP Infanta Leonor Benjamin Female 1st Yetteke Philips, of Siglo XXI 2nd Celia Moreno, of CEIP Francisco Caparros 3rd Kaotar Kad, from CEIP Bahia Avelin Male 1st Aziz Zarguit Aziz, from Colegio Bahia 2nd Bilal Kad, from Infanta Leonor 3rd Ruben Jumilla, from Manuela Romero Avelin Female
1st Eva Yepes, of Caparrs Francisco 2nd Hajar Lahlal, from the school Bahia 3rd Nadia Kad, from the school Bahia Male Infant 1st Juan Manuel Navarro, from Antonio Hellin 2nd Jonathan Jumilla, from Antonio Hellin 3rd Isam Ghoumed, from Antonio Hellin Female Infant 1st Juana Maria Calles, of IES Domingo Valdivieso 2nd Dora Fabiana Alcon, from Antonio Hellin 3rd Syomara Diaz, from Siglo XXI Cadet Male 1st German Cervinos, from Siglo XXI 2nd Marcus Herrero, from IES Domingo Valdivieso 3rd Domingo Cabrera, fromAntonio Hellin Cadet Female 1st Mara Sanchez, from Siglo XXI 2nd Cristina Cotes, from Siglo XXI 3rd Mary Parades Grandados, of Domingo Valdivieso Young Men 1st Alejandro Navarro, of Antonio Hellin 2nd Juan Paredes, from Domingo Valdivieso
Change Venue 2013
Of For
The meetings are to be held on the second We d n e s d a y each month at 11am, are now at CAR Infanta Cristina Mar Menor, Avda, Mariano Ballester, 2, Los Narejos. Visitors are always welcome. SAMM is for people interested in sailing on the Mar Menor or in the Mediterranean Sea. For more information see the website www.sailingmarmenor.com
Good fundamentals are the key to consistent golf by David Gay PGA professional
Players should have a relaxed position over the ball with their knees slightly bent and the player bending over slightly at the waist. The player should not be hunched over at the shoulders and their arms should be relaxed yet straight. Finally we come to the grip, which is considered the most important fundamental because it is the only contact a player has with the golf club. Arnold Palmer said that his father showed him how to properly hold the golf club at a young age. Put your hands on the club like this and dont ever change it! The club should be held more towards the ngers than the palm of the hand with delicate pressure. There are different ways to hold the club and it is all a matter of personal preference. The best players in history have all held the club different ways, the overlap grip, the interlock grip or the ten-nger grip, but hand position and pressure is paramount.
Each golfer has a unique swing and there is nothing wrong with that. Even the guys on the PGA Tour have different motions, tempos, setups and quirks, but there is one thing that all good players share; that is good fundamentals. To the beginner/high handicapper the fundamentals are where you should start if you want to get the most out of your golng experience. For the more seasoned player, an error in fundamentals could be the lone problem standing in your way of shooting better scores. The foundation of the swing comes in the fundamentals. I like to teach them from the ground up and not in order of importance. If a student has a glaring weakness in one aspect of the fundamentals, we will focus on that until it is understood. The players stance is what keeps them balanced during the golf swing. The stance should be a shoulders width apart, with the weight toward the front of their feet. At this time another fundamental is covered and that is ball position. The ball should be played in the middle of the stance for short irons and gradually moves toward the front foot with long irons, hybrids, fairway woods and eventually the driver, which is played off the front heel. After players have developed their stance and their ball position, their posture is examined.
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Two of the most successful golf instruction books of all time cover each of the fundamentals. Ben Hogans Five Lessons is widely considered the games greatest instructional book and Harvey Penicks little red book includes a lifetime of instruction that he compiled throughout his career. Regardless of how the player swings the club, the fundamentals are in place for solid, consistent contact. For information on lessons and club repairs you can NOW nd David at Peraleja Golf Resort in Sucina on 670 083 939 Email: david@peralejagolf.com
December 13th proved to be another ne day for the Old Guard to challenge the course at Roda Golf Resort. Although its still a lengthy distance from the car park to the club house and then to the buggy park and back, the players of FOGGS still made the rst tee in good time.
Hole 7 is noted as the players are required to clear 130 metres of water to land on an island just 33 metres in length with a green to hit of just 22 metres wide before the water claims the ball.
Division Two was deservedly won by Roger Olenshaw with 26 points. With the same score of 26 was Gavin Elbourne to take rst place in Division Three. Dave Barrett had a remarkable double by taking the Plonker Trophy with 18 points, but had a fantastic shot on the 7th hole to win Nearest the Pin Prize. Our next outing was at Lorca in January and Altoreal in February so if anyone is interested in joining FOGGS or playing as a guest, please contact Dave May on 677 623 914.
Danny Lewis, in great form, was the Overall Winner and Winner of Division One with a massive score of 38 points.
Mazarron FCs performances continued to improve! Having drawn away to unbeaten league leaders Yeclano Deportivo and hammered CD Cieza 6-0 at home in the last game before the Christmas and New Year break, Mazarrn FC travelled to CAP Ciudad de Murcia for the rst game of 2013 and came away with a hard fought 2-1 victory. This was followed by a 4-1 home victory against CF Molina on 13th January.
and advertised in the local media, on our www.losamigosdemazarron.es website and on posters at various points throughout Camposol and Mazarron. Forthcoming xtures: Sunday 3rd February Corvera CF Sunday 10th February Atletico Pulpileno Sunday 17th February Nuestro Abaran CF Sunday 24th February Alquerias FC Sunday 3rd March C D Algar
returned to the UK, Justin Sane has kindly agreed to step into his shoes and we look forward to his unique brand of comedy. The musical sounds of the Beagles complete the entertainment line-up for the evening and there will be the usual auction of sporting memorabilia which has proved so popular in the past. To book your tickets, please ring Andy on 634 040 990, Dave on 626 465 847, email losamigosdemazarronfc@hotmail.co.uk or call at the Trevi Bar, Camposol B, Thursdays 3-4pm prior to the Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC weekly meetings. On Monday 11th March, there is a Celebrity Golf Day at the Sensol Golf Club in which Steve Daley and Tony Currie will play. There are two packages available for golfers who wish to take part: 6 places are available to play alongside either Steve Daley or Tony Currie; 3 will play in Steves foursome and 3 with Tony. Photographs will be taken with both celebrities. After the golf, lunch is included in the The Club House bar with Steve and Tony. The cost to play 18 holes including lunch is 50. Buggies are available at an additional discounted cost of 10 pp. The remainder of the golfers will play in the same competition and the cost for the 18 holes will be 32.50 (normal price is 40). Buggies are available if required for 10 pp and lunch is available at normal golf club prices. If you would like to join us for this celebrity golf day please ring Andy on 634 040 990 or email losamigosdemazarronfc@hotmail. co.uk. Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC hold weekly meetings each Thursday, 4pm in the Trevi Bar, Camposol B.
(HOME) (Away) (HOME) (HOME) (Away)
Only league leaders Yeclano and second placed Jumilla had a better record over the last nine games as Mazarrn FC moved from the foot of the table into a respectable eighth position, just 7 points away from an automatic promotion spot. Having gained only two points from the rst six games of the season, the turnaround has been quite remarkable. Mazarrn FCs home games are normally played on Sundays with varying kick off times. Admission is just 4 with juveniles free. Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC organise a supporters coach for 7 to most away games leaving from the car park opposite Consum supermarket. Full details of all games, both home and away, are announced on the Tuesday before the weekend on which the game is to be played
The 4th Annual Gala Evening and Dinner organised by Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC is almost a sell-out. A handful of tickets remain on sale at 40 which includes a ve course meal with coffee and local beer, house wine and soft drinks included during dinner. This fabulous event, again sponsored by New Images and Ibex Insurance will be held on Tuesday 12th March at the Hotel la Cumbre, Puerto de Mazarrn with former Manchester City and Wolves midelder Steve Daley as the guest speaker.
As last years NC, comedian Pat Martin has
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FOR SALE
Samsung Fax/telephone /answer machine/copier. Inkjet model SF-360. Instruction Manual/printer software CD. Hardly used. Exc cond. 50. Breville bakers oven, Deluxe model/instructions/recipe book. Exc cond. 50. Food processor/ tools and attachments. Hardly used. Exc cond. Bargain 45 Tel 649 296 658 Camposol Unwanted Christmas Gift. Nilsk Jet washer CllO brought for fty nine pounds never been out of the box. Offers invited Tel 07549115838
GROUPS
Log burner. Complete with stainless steel chimney. Very good condition as little used. Price new 1300. 499 ono. Buyer collects. Fitting can be arranged for 180. Tel 968 131 725/682 151 780 IKEA 2 black tables 120 x 60 20 each, 1 black table 200 x 60 25, 10 black wooden chairs 10 each. White table 120 x 60 10. Immaculate cond! Tel 680 326 337 Aledo, Totana Ladies and Gents bikes (not mountain) both need new inner tubes (supplied) 35 each. Tel 606 446 662 Calasparra Paran heater fan assisted 60. Teka electric oven 75. Portable aircon 50 Tel 637 948 602 Murcia New Petrol chainsaw (unwanted gift) 80. 44 Piece Viners Silver Plated cutlery in presentation box. Exc cond 75 Tel 687 105 994 Camposol 10 ft diameter inatable pool with lter, cover and foot pump. Still in box 60 Tel 636 456 278 Nilox TV digital decoder for Spanish TV as new and boxed 18. HP Deskjet printer 12. Sony wide angle lens VCL 0637H mag power 0.6, 37mm thread 25 Tel 635 885 062 Camposol
WANTED
Alfa sewing machine wanted for the electric motor so can be working or not. Tel 625 797 461 Hostess trolley. Can collect. Call Ken 646 705 403 or Carol 655 141 721 Small Petrol Outboard 325hp required. Any cond. Can collect. Tel 646 705403 Garden furniture, ornaments, sunbeds, cement cast table, chairs/benches, wall plates/wall pots etc. Also freeview digibox, wardrobe. Call 968 130 787
CLASSIFIED ADS ARE AVAILABLE FREE FOR ITEMS UNDER 500 OR FOR WANTED/LOST ITEMS. (FOR NON-COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES ONLY AND EXCLUDING PROPERTIES, VEHICLES AND BOATS) Maximum 20 words and 3 classied ads per customer.
To Place a Classied Advert: Please go to our Contact Us page at www. costacalidachronicle.com and put Classied advert in the Subject line, email costacalidachronicle@gmail.com or call 968 970 680 10-2pm Mon-Fri
Please tell our customers where you saw their advertisement in the Costa Clida Chronicle Please tell our customers where you saw their advertisement in the Costa Clida Chronicle Page 92
Much talk had been about the introduction of SAREB (bad bank), but it is too early to tell if this will have any impact on local prices. I have been researching one of the local banks websites and there is nothing advertised on there now for Mazarrn. When I looked 6 to 9 months ago, there were a fair few bargains to be had on Country Club and Camposol, but thats not the case now. This is an excerpt taken from the property portal keyro.coms newsletter Murcia is touted as one of the most upcoming regions in Spain, and property prices here are almost 50% cheaper per sq. m. than anywhere else. Spain has been one of the top tourist destinations in Europe for many years. The recent press on the market crash in Spain
has also put a dampener on the average person looking to buy, but the biggest downturn has been in the Costa del Sol, leaving the rest of Spain still ripe for investment. In a recent Daily Mail article, Murcia was being touted as the newest hotspot in south-east Spain. This region has been slow to jump onto the tourism bandwagon, but is it making up for lost time? Anyone who has icked through the Real Estate TV channel in recent times will have undoubtedly come across the Next Big Thing Murcia. With 180 miles of coastline, unspoilt villages, and one of the warmest climates in Spain, any investment in Murcia today will reap excellent rewards in the years to come. Interesting reading, as living and working
in the area we sometimes take a different view. Thats it for this month. Jennie Iredale Best of Spanish Email infor@bestofspanish.com Telephone (0034) 635 434 651
Page 93
Albacete
Cieza 3. Calasparra Moratalla
Alicante
26. Fortuna 27. Blanca

Catral
N-332
6. Caravaca De La Cruz
7. Cehegin
Archena
A-7
Molina de Segura 16. Mula 17. Pliego Alcantarilla
Orihuela
RM-15
Murcia
RM-1 RM-19
11. La Torre
Torrevieja
C-3315
El Berro
La Paca
1. Alhama de Murcia Aledo 21. Totana
Pilar De La Horadada 28. San Pedro del Pinatar
RM-2 RM-23
Vlez Rubio
A-91
A-30 AP-7 23. Los Cantereros 33. Cuesta 5. Caadas del Las Palas Blanca 8. El Algar 10. La Manga Romero Lorca 4. Camposol RM-3 13. Los Belones 20. Tallante 24. Cabo de Palos 32. La Union 14. Mazarrn 25. La Manga Club Cartagena 22. Purias AP-7 2. Bolnuevo 18. Puerto de Mazarrn
A-7
RM-3
9. Fuente Alamo
29. Torre Pacheco
19. San Javier 12. Los Alcazares
Vera
31. guilas
All our advertisers have current copies of Costa Clida Chronicle, and other outlets are planned. If you have any problems obtaining a copy, please call Patti on 646 005 017.
If you would like to buy a subscription for the Costa Clida Chronicle to guarantee your monthly copy of the magazine, please ll in the form below and hand it in to the Costa Clida Chronicle ofce on Camposol, or send it to Costa Clida Chronicle SL, 35 Calle Jara, Centro Commercial Sector B, Camposol, 30875, Murcia, or go to the website www.costacalidachronicle.com Name: Address: ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ Email: Telephone: ............................................................ ............................................................ 36 18 POA 1
Price for 6 months to UK: Price for 6 months in Spain: Other countries: Reserved copies (per month) In Costa Clida Ofce, Camposol
Method of Payment Paypal (3 extra) - costacalidachronicle@yahoo.es Bank Transfer: 3058 0206 91 2720017764
Page 95
Accountants: Corral & Alcaraz Silvente
968 078 754 968 332 058
VIP Services Woodworks Direct Butchers: Anros Butchers The Village Supermarket Carpentry: Philip Carpenter/Joiner Car Hire: Bolnuevo Cars F&C Rent a Car Cars & Transport: Puncture Safe Murcia Specialist Vehicles SL Chimney Sweeps: Home from Home Tony Chimney Sweep Chiropodists: Phillip Dawe Cleaning Services: K J Window Cleaning Limpieza Rosa Tony Upholstery Cleaner Clothes Shops: Legs & Co.
650 893 607 649 540 016 968 541 422 608 053 555 680 443 219 968 150 979 968 199 156 968 979 260 968 146 158 660 478 881 646 438 694 968 150 244 688 697 629 619 199 407 646 438 694 660 792 513
Entertainment Angels Instead Nigel Birchill (Elvis) Funeral Plans: ASSSA The Funeral Director Furniture: DFS Furniture Plus Time for a Change Garden Centres: Garden Centre 2003 Hairdressing: Janes Salon The Beauty Palace The Salon Camposol The Salon 2
634 165 296 602 439 313 968 153 396 650 631 719 968 334 194 968 482 456 968 136 501 669 565 402 968 968 691 686 158 971 916 354 433 828 717 232 233 082 357 433 835 828 480 717 232
Airport Parking: Coastline Auto (Alicante) 966 799 326 Seguro Parking 622 062 115 Banking & Finance: Lloyds Bank International 902 024 365 Money Corp 902 887 243 UK Tax Refunds 965 636 938 Bars, Cafs & Restaurants: Alley Palais Diner 968 Amapola Restaurant 660 Bistro Bulgaria (CDA) 968 Bistro Bulgaria Camposol 968 Boca Pizza 618 Cafeteria Plaza 968 Chez Zoe 676 Club Copi Coy 968 Don Ricardos 968 Elliots Bar/Restaurant 968 Kennellys Bar/Restaurant 686 La Vida 625 Le Gourmet 968 Leonardos 628 Lizs Cafe 696 Mamma Mia 628 Quality Indian 968 Restaurant Manchica 672 Restaurant Marina 619 The Bistro (Alley Palais) 968 The Club House 968 The New Royal 968 The Arches 653 Tropic Anas 699 978 328 328 199 440 705 691 154 155 158 341 917 154 682 724 682 199 909 500 978 978 595 081 060 869 092 084 914 592 406 324 119 887 499 749 425 315 303 123 303 198 503 555 869 855 864 341 472
Health & Beauty: Beauty Essentials 663 176 Cambridge 800 965 326 Freedom Mobility 638 893 Janes Salon 968 158 Rosies Toesies 639 171 The Beauty Palace 968 971 The Fuschia Beauty Clinic 630 439 The Salon 691 916 The Salon 2 686 354
Computer Repairs & Sales: Camposol Computers 968 199 191 Consulting IT Services 691 993 219 Informaticasa 634 352 166 Loco Murcia 968 971 893 Dentist: Dental Care Olivier Houdusse 968 199 111 968 153 645
Builders: Fuente Building Services 696 744 982 Kennellys Electrical Serv. 968 341 749 Tonys Building Services 647 119 952 Building Services: Crystal Conservatories Doors And More JD Roong & Building Kennellys Electrical Serv. 680 968 630 968 386 431 269 341 142 190 994 749
Heating and Aircon: Calida Gas & Oil 659 761 771 Camposol Heating & Maintenance (CHM) 968 199 184 Crystal Design 680 386 142 Llamas Chimeneas 968 591 030 Louis Harris 619 712 821 Home Furnishings: Curtain Call 616 240 171 Yorkshire Linen, Pto Maz 968 595 946 Yorkshire Linen, San Javier 968 193 912
Electricians: Amigos 619 025 160 Kennellys Electrical Serv 686 341 749 Louis Harris 619 712 821
Insurance: ASSSA Ibex Liberty Seguros Linea Directa Nash Warren Internet Cafs: Alley Palais Camposol Computers
968 968 902 902 968
153 595 255 123 156
396 945 258 975 583
968 978 869 968 199 191
Painting and Decorating: RJB Dcor Painting 699 044 Trevor Smith 968 163 Plumbers: Apache 24/7 Plumbing 674 788 Calida Gas & Oil 659 761 Camposol Heating & Maintenance 968 199 Printing & Design: Entorno Graco 968 654 Mister Print 638 893
742 298 693 771 184 007 357
Solicitors: Corral & Alcaraz 968 078 754 Professional and Legal Solutions 968 595 826 Silvente 968 332 067 Spas & Hottubs: Eurospas Sport & Leisure: Alley Palais Club Copi Coy Costa Clida Radio Dance Zone Horse Riding META The Club House 650 722 905 968 968 902 649 636 968 978 154 903 647 172 978 869 119 783 467 198 855
Kennels and Catteries: Catatonic 646 705 403 Colina Kennels 639 012 342 El Carro Cattery & Kennels 620 582 654 Laundrettes: The Laundry Shop Rainbow Laundrette 670 847 305 634 309 603 078 754 199 251 199 245 332 058
Property Maintenance: Trevor Smith 968 163 298 Property Rentals: La Manga 4 U 0044 7921 351298 Owners Away 691 977 107 Paramount Resort Villa Rentals 968 970 614 Property Sales: Another World Properties Best of Spanish Fuente Alamo Real Estate Golden Sun Properties Holmes & Pegg Old Farmhouses 968 635 968 968 968 968 592 434 598 152 199 159 679 651 173 515 290 264
Legal Services: Corral & Alcaraz 968 Costa Calida Properties 968 Nicky G Translation Serv 968 Silvente Accountant/Lawyer 968 Locksmiths: ADS Locksmith Mechanics: Colair Decklid Auto Services Eurotyre Ken Sherwood Mechanic Kwik Fix English Mechanic Lopez Milan Mobile Car Mechanic Neumticos El Cea Metalwork & Security: Eriks Mobility Products: Freedom Mobility Medical: Dr Enrique Garcia Outdoor Catering: Country Kitchen The Roving Diner Outdoor Living: Furniture Plus
Swimming Pool Cleaning & Maintenance: Alpha Pools 968 Jorge Pools 674 Khn Pool Service 968 Watermaid 646
971 168 138 705
824 000 638 088
Translation: Costa Calida Property Serv. 968 199 251 Nicky G Translations 968 199 245 Travel Agents Dragontours 968 199 021
600 255 250 626 626 968 679 968 968 666 968 796 678 424 646 972 429 161 422 149 840 605 859 006 216 129 015
Removals: Advance Moves 968 Costa Calida Transport 968 Daintons 696 Lords Removals & Storage 608 Retail Outlets: Just Fabulous Kitchens Plus 1 Legs & Co Le Gourmet The Village Supermarket Time for a Change Services: 4 Legs Dog Grooming Compusurf Healthy H20 House Clearance Petro Alhama Puncture Safe Murcia Solar Power: Freesol Solar Directa 634 968 660 968 608 968 608 968 968 639 626 968
654 667 130 846 180 634 061 872 338 184 792 154 053 136 712 970 437 737 993 979 840 235 513 315 555 501 599 666 270 944 109 260
TV & Satellite: CTV Aerial & Satellite Systems 600 ISS 655 Loco Murcia 968 Rainbow Satellites 686 YPM Satellites 628
218 480 971 358 234
046 543 893 475 045
636 050 008 638 893 357 667 448 109 603 135 387 676 217 059 968 482 456
Veterinary Clinics: Clinica Veterinaria Pto Maz968 153 931 Emerg 608 466 553 Clinica Veterinaria SurEste 965 352 438 Veterinary Clinic Maskota 968 597 929 Emerg 619 378 473 Window Cleaning KJ Window Cleaning 688 697 629
Page 97
659 232 507 659 315 130
Please limit all reports to 300 words. We reserve the right to amend all articles for publication. CLASSIFIEDS ARE AVAILABLE FREE FOR ITEMS UP TO THE VALUE OF 500 OR FOR WANTED/LOST ITEMS, FOR NON-COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES ONLY. CARS AND BOATS ARE NOT INCLUDED FOR FREE. Max 20 words. Max 3 classieds How to Place a Classied Ad Please go to www.costacalidachronicle. com and click on classied, or email costacalidachronicle@gmail.com or phone 968 970 680 between 10-2pm
We will include inserts and yers provided by you at a cost of 10 cents per yer, max size A5. All adverts must be paid for before 15th of the month prior to publication. Please make cheques payable to Costa Calda Chronicle S.L. (Minimum amount for cheques is 50). The closing date for adverts is the 15th of the month prior to publication. If you would like to meet someone to discuss your advert then please contact Teresa on 619 199 407 to arrange an appointment, or visit Teresa in the mornings in CHM / Costa Clida Chronicle Ofce (inside Holmes
and Pegg), Camposol Sector B. If you wish to design your own advert, please send through a hard copy and a copy on disk (please label the disk with your name and telephone number), if possible. Please use Microsoft Word or save advert as JPEG le (300 dpi). Please do NOT send in adverts in Powerpoint as they are not good enough quality for printing.
January 2012 Quiz Answers 1. Who claims to have a slot in A Place in the Sun? Another World Properties. 2. Where will you nd a Chestnut Fool? Ma Millbanks Kitchen 3. Who is Spangles? Ladies Barbershop Harmony Chorus 4. What does A Time 4 A Change offer you?
Buy or sell your second hand furniture 5. What was the herb of the month in December? Mint 6. Who are the new manages of Tels Bar? Leanne & Steve 7. What year did the Indian Ocean that the tsunamis happen? 2004
8. What does Philip Peacock do? Carpenter /Joiner 9. Who was last months Author? Elizabeth Noble 10. Who claims that December is the last time they will pay your extra 3% I.V.A (VAT)? Furniture Plus
DISCLAIMER Whilst the CCC are happy to accept monthly reports from the various organizations in the area, the articles printed are not necessarily the opinions of the editor or publisher and the contents should be viewed as a guideline only. Professional advice should be sought to cover any information printed therein. Advertisements and reports are not formally endorsed by the CCC. We cannot accept responsibility for advertisers works, service or goods. The publishers endeavour to ensure the contents are correct, but cannot accept responsibility for the effects of errors or omissions.
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Costa Cálida Chronicle February 2013

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Costa Clida Chronicle

The Longest Established hed FREE Magazine in Murcia

Date: February 2013

Issue: 3 Volume: XIII

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26-31 52-57 68-73 88-90 82-86 48 24 16 16

EDUCATION Jane Cronins Spanish 64

ENTERTAINMENT Classic Artistes 81 Costa Clida Music Club 42 Spangles 27

Costa Clida Chronicle

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

commodation as a priority, yet councils fail

email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com

email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com

email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com

email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

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and women and their families who nd themselves in great need

LA MOLATA, LOS MUOCES, ALHAMA

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In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

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In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

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In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

Quiz questions on the January 2013 Costa Clida Chronicle

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email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com

email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com

In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com