Costa Cálida Chronicle December 2014

Costa
Clida
Chronicle
The Longest Established

FREE Magazine
in Murcia
www.costacalidachronicle.com
Date:
December 2014
Issue: 1
Volume: XV
SPECIAL PAGES
Christmas
Mar Menor
Mazarrn
Northwest Murcia
Sport
Whats On
Cloud Nine
48
Country Music
86
Keep Smiling
48
Rock n Roll Night
73
Spangles 41
50-55
40-44
26-31
72-75
88-92
79-84
FOOD & DRINK

Food 4 Thought
Ma Millbank
Menu del Dia
Spanish Cuisine
Vegetable of the Month
ADVERTORIAL
Coachtrips 16
Dragontours
86
Fuente Alamo Real Estate 18
Masmovil 24
HEALTH
Fitness
22
Forget Me Not
28
INFORMATION
Advertisers Directory
96/97
Barranda 74
British Consulate
70
British Embassy
8
Business News
6
Classified Ads
94
IFEPA
44
Mazarrn News
30
Mar Menor Musings 43
Northwest Murcia
73
Out & About
34
Preguntas y Mas
29
12
46
70
ENTERTAINMENT
Wellspring Carol Singing 57
In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com
98
64
78
10
64
GROUPS

Camposol C Greenfingers 57
Camposol B Clean 27
Camposol Sector D 27
Darwinian Gardeners
18
Friends & Buddies
26
Ladies Chatterbox
26
Humanists 58
Los Palacios
31
MCC Social Club
26
Model Club 67
Welcome 60
CHARITIES
Age Concern
28
Andreas Charity
7
Cavalli Foundation

46
Cruz Azul
42
Easy Horse Care
38
Ex- Servicemen
71
FAST
29
GOmaD 85
HAH MM 40
HELP MMM
44
JJs
58
Lions
22
MABS Mar Menor
42
MAMAS

10
Noahs ARC

14
PALS
20
Pets in Spain
66
Swap Tears for Smiles
34
CHILDREN
Chatterbox
Mazarrn Leos

EDUCATION
Jane Cronin

Remembrance Day 31
Spanish News
36
Teresas Travels
38
LEISURE

Author Review
56
Gardening News
62
Hiking in Moratalla
72
NEST
16
Never a Dull Moment
76
Poem
63
Puzzle Page
68
Puzzle Solutions

95
TV News

20
WARM
75
PROPERTY
Housing Update
95
RELIGION
Beacon of Light

8
Mass in English

98
Olive Branch
66
Open Door
60
St Nicholas Church
24
Welcome House

75
Wellspring Victory Church 12
SPORT
Camposol Golf

92
Fuente Old Guard
91
Los Amigos Mazarrn
90
Los Nietos Golf
89
SAMM 88
Sporting Camposol 89
Straight Down the Middle 91
Ten Pin Bowling
88
Price List - All Prices are excluding IVA

A - Full Page
Size of advert
19cm wide
26,5 cm high
Full Colour
250,00
B - Half Page
x
19cm wide
13,1cm high
135,00
C - 1/4 Page
x
9,3cm wide
13,1cm high
85,00
D
x
F Card
Business
12,6cm wide x 6,25cm wide x 9,3cm wide

8,7cm high or 8,7cm high
5cm high
6,25 wide x 17,5
cm high
75,00
45,00
35,00
To advertise with us contact Teresa on 619 199 407 or email us on costacalidachronicle@gmail.com
Page 2
Costa Clida Chronicle: Please tell our customers where you saw their advertisement
Sales Contact Teresa 619 199 407 or for the Editor Contact Patti 646 005 017
email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com
Page 3
First and foremost we would like to pass

on our messages of condolence to all the
families in Bullas after the terrible coach
crash that claimed 14 lives and left many
others badly injured.
Once again we welcome our new advertisers
and returning advertisers, especially those
who have sent special Christmas messages
to their customers:
New Advertisers
Autotune (Eddie Burton)
Euro Casa Bodega
Gafas.es
Gestoria Cavajal
Retro (Guitar Vocal Duo)
Our Poppy Appeal in last months

magazine once again raised over 500
for the Royal British Legion and we
would like to thank all those advertisers
who took part in the campaign,
especially during this special centenary
year.
We are delighted that our Customer
Services Manager Martine Shindler is back
with us after being away for a few weeks.
Martine is highly regarded by not just us,
but most of our customers and she runs our
office with immense efficiency and has been
greatly missed by us all. Normality has now
been resumed! Huge thanks must also go
to Terry Pegg and Jane Holmes who have
helped us out whenever they could in her
absence. Welcome back Martine!
Thank you to Kev, from CHM for his help in
the office while Martine was away.
THANK YOU TO OUR

CONTRIBUTORS
Alan Monk TV News
Caroline Jaine Mar Menor
Musings
Christine Lawford - Poem
Clive & Rosie Palmer Exploring
Murcia
Dick Handscombe Gardening
Firo Vazques Spanish Cuisine
George Mitchell Never a Dull
Moment
Ian Field Fitness, Month by
Month
Ken Whettall Housing Update
Jane Cronin Learning Spanish
Liz Edmiston Out and About/
Food 4 Thought
Sara Millbank Ma Millbanks
Kitchen
Think Spain Spanish News
Welcome Back
Beauty Essentials
Best of Spanish
Branded
Bodega Martinez
Please note that the Costa Clida
Camposol Butchers
Chronicle office on Camposol B will be
Condado Club
closed from 23rd December until 2nd
Four Legs Dog Grooming
January.
Galvez Renero
Hair By Carol
Enjoy all the festivities over Christmas and
New Year. From all at the
Jardilar 2003
The Dog Bowl
Tropic Anas
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.
Costa Clida Chronicle
Page 4
Page 5
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.
Bodega Martinez are pleased to announce

that their new Hypermarket/Cash & Carry
is now open in Puerto de Mazarrn. Find
them at Calle Enebro Playasol 1 (just
behind Lidl). There is a fantastic selection
of products on sale from cleaning items to
pet food, all at very reasonable prices, so
do go and see for yourselves.
Tel 968 594 401
Caf Buenavista at El Alamillo are looking

for professional artistes and amateurs
who wish to take part in activities with
local musicians, whether it be Jazz, Blues,
Classical or indeed any music. They are also
looking for people that would like to play
with a band, including those who have not
done so before. They also want comedians
and magicians of all nationalities. Every
weekend they will have live performances.
For the full menu see advert on page 47 or

telephone 968 154 102
Contact buenavista.entertainments@
gmail.com
El Castillo del Pinar are offering a

Spanish Christmas Lunch on Tuesdays
to Sundays until 6th January (closed
Christmas Day). 22 includes a 6
course meal, wines, sparkling wines and
brandies. This is an opportunity not to be
missed. Get your friends and neighbours
together to celebrate in this beautiful
restaurant where you can enjoy something
traditionally Spanish.
Booking is essential on 968 163 138
Throughout
December,
Black
Bull
on Camposol B is offering a Turkey &
Tinsel 4 Course Menu for only 16.95
including a bottle of wine for2 (booking
essential). They are also offering a
beautiful homemade Christmas buffet for
your event this Christmas. Their special
Christmas Raffle includes exciting prizes
such as 50 razor thin TV and British
Hampers. Buy your ticket for 5. Winners
to be announced on 20th December.
Call 634 374 381or call in to see their
special menus.
The staff at Restaurant Gula Gula in

Puerto de Mazarrn have generously
decided that 5 from each Christmas
lunch sold will go to Age Concern. Enjoy a
superb meal whilst supporting one of the
important local charities.
Support your local businesses! When in

Caravaca, call in to Cafeteria Plaza on the
Gran Via. They have a superb selection of
locally made cakes and biscuits to eat in or
take away and they make a great cup of
coffee, and excellent tapas and bocadillos!
Tel 968 705 406/646 924 969
Sooty & Son are now cleaning pellet

stoves. It is vital for these to be cleaned
by a professional chimney sweep due
to their complexity. All types of stoves,
wood burners, AGA ovens and oil fired
central heating (both domestic and
commercial) should be cleaned regularly.
Be warm...Be safe...Be sure...Ring the
professionals.
Camposol Heating and Maintenance

warns that the heating season is now fully
upon us, please we aware that carbon
monoxide poisoning can occur from a
variety of fuels. If using wood burning
stoves, paraffin heaters, gas fires or
gas and oil burners (if placed inside a
property), audio and visual detectors are
now available from the CHM office on
Camposol B.
Tel 968 199 184
Prime Property Murcia estate agency is

pleased to announce the opening of its first
office in the village of Bolnuevo (just after
the farmacia on the right) in December!
Having previously been internet-based
working from home, the companys owner
Sue says, Following a good few years in
challenging times, the business is now
well established and ready to expand in to
new premises. Prime Property Murcia is
looking forward to a bright and successful
future for its business and for all its clients.
Call into the new Bolnuevo office. You are
all welcome!
Tel 646 692 471
Call 660 478 881 for an appointment.
Solhuse Real Estate Agency, the Premier

Property Specialist in Coastal Homes,
would like to wish all their clients, past,
present and future, a Merry Christmas and
prosperous 2015. Their office will be open
throughout December providing a quality
service to both buyers and sellers.
Tel 968 105 333
Page 6
For all your special Christmas treats, Lizs

Caf is taking orders for: hand-made pork
pies, mince pies and rich fruit cake. Take
the stress out of Christmas and let Liz do
the work!
For all your computer sales and repairs, call

Pro-Tech. They cover the whole of the
Costa Clida for a small call-out charge.
Needing ideas for Christmas presents?
Pro-Tech can supply most IT equipment
from Memory Sticks to complete computer
systems.
Call in to the Lizs Caf on Camposol B, or

give her a call on 696 724 123
Tel 968 971 800
Well the festive time will soon be here, and

how quick its come round.
This is the 6th yearwe have held our annual
sherry and mince pies event. On Monday 15th
December11.30am-1.30pm, on the carpark,
Camposol B, By Special Request, 2 of our
resident donkeys will be attending to wish
you all a very Merry Christmas - they love
carrots and apples. We will still be accepting
donations, so please come and have a little
tot of sherry/juice/wine with us and celebrate
Christmas.
We had a very busy October saying goodbye
to 7 of our dogs. When AAR dogs leave
theresALWAYS a home waiting for them that
has been fully home checked. Talia went to
Valencia; April to Pinosos; Teddy, Dobbi, Blanca
and Fifi went to the UK and Freya to USA.
Lotsof luck to all our dogs and their new
families and homes.
We now have 18 donkeys and 5 horses, so

we are always in need of help, whether it be
hands-on with the animals, working in the
shops, or donating items for us to sell. Even
that small bag of change really does add up.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and
a Prosperous New Year and a special thank
you to the committee and volunteers that
have kept the charity running. Thank you
to everyone who has supported AAR over
the last 6 years and of course Patti, Bob and
everyone at the Costa Clida Chronicle. We
look forward to an exciting year, with many
things planned. We hope to see you all in
2015.
Andrea and all at AAR.
Octoberwas
an extremely
busy month
for us.
We
have rescued
2
momma
donkeyswith
their
foals;
one
in
particular was
so thin he
could hardly
stand
up,
suffering from
malnutrition.
The
vet
thought
he
was approx 2
months old!!
Wrong hes7 months old!! Momma and little
Ronnie, sponsored by Christine, are doing
well - fingers crossed he continues to thrive.
They will stay with AAR for the time being.
The other Momma, Lilly and her foal Franklin
were homed straight away to a family near
Mazarrn. Keep up the good work and thank
you so much Tor.
We
also
rescued
a
horse,
now
in livery in
Cartagena;
again she was
in desperate
need of a vet
and
farrier.
Many thanks
to
Caralyn
and Gary for
sponsoring
this beautiful
girl
Cloud.
The situation
for
equines
is dire, as many people just dont have the
money to feed them and we are getting more
and more calls for help.
Another rescue donkey came from San Pedro
del Pinatar. I swear she had given up! We
had to rescue this girl and after a week with
us here at AAR shes skipping around, clicking
her heels and enjoying life!! The difference is
amazing. Many thanks to Jodie and Allan for
sponsoring this beautiful girl Coco.
We will keep you up dated on all our rescues.
Follow us on Face book at Andreas Animal
Rescue!!
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The Beacon
of
Light
m e e t i n g s
are
every
Wednesday
from 7pm with
weekly guest
m e d i u m s
which usually
finish
at
approximately
8.30pm.
As
always
the
evenings ends
Multiple
A s s e t s ,
Multiple
Identities,
Multiple
Frauds
T
h
e
Department
for
Work
and Pensions
(DWP)
has
just released
a
new
campaign
in the UK
targeting
b e n e f i t
thieves
in
their
local
areas
and
reinforcing
an ongoing
effort to get
back
the
millions that
Page 8
with a friendly chat and a cup of tea and

biscuits. All our meetings are funded by
donations given during the evening. Our early
healing sessions start at 6pm.
The Beacon of Light Guest Mediums for
December are:
Wednesday 3rd - Debbie Blevins
Wednesday 10th - Jimmy McArthur (please
bring a flower)
Wednesday 17th - Carol Service with AnnaMarie
and will re-open on January 7th with AnnaMarie

May we wish everyone a Merry Christmas
and much Happiness, Good Health and
Peace in 2015.
For further information please phone 620
877 326 beacon.of.light.murcia@gmail.
com
http://beaconoflightmurcia.webs.com
Facebook Beacon of Light Murcia
The Beacon of Light will close for Christmas
are taken from the tax payer - 82 million

for last year alone for abroad fraud
cases.
bank accounts, allowing her to withdraw

cash from one account and transfer it to an
account he had control over.
There is no one type of benefit thief, but

the one thing they have in common is that
they are all taking advantage and abusing
the system. For example, Peter Fischer
claimed over 85,000.00 in benefits
using multiple identities. Not only was
Mr Fischer claiming benefits whilst living
abroad, he was also working in both the UK
and Spain, where he had tried to operate
a business, without informing the DWP.
He also owned undeclared property in
Spain. In July of this year Mr Fischers case
went to court and he was sentenced to 15
months imprisonment and suspended for 15
months.
In both cases, the benefit thieves had

been claiming Income Support, Pension
Credit, Disability Living Allowance and
Housing Benefits, all of which are not
exportable when living abroad.
In another recent case, 74 year old Dennis

Troubridge, who was living in Murcia whilst
claiming benefits, was sentenced to 16
months in prison, in September of this
year. Mr Troubridge had been living in
Spain from 2009,
and had claimed
over 135,000 in
benefits with the
assistance of his
daughter,
Poppy
Bowling. Ms Bowling
was sentenced to a
Community
Order
for 12 months after
providing her address
in Dagenham as a
benefit claim address
for her father. She
also dealt with benefit
mail at her address
and had control of
one of her fathers
New and improved methods are in place to

target benefit thieves wherever they are
and government departments are working
together to catch anyone abusing the
system. This also includes the traditional
benefit fraud hotline, where DWP receives
allegations from the public. The Spanish
hotline [900 554 440] is free and
confidential, and members of the public
can call to report suspected benefit thieves
in Spain. The line is open from 8am-4pm
Spanish time.
For further information on benefits you
can receive while living abroad please
visit
https://www.gov.uk/living-inspain#state-pension
Page 9
Spanish Cuisine by Firo Vquez of El Olivar

Restaurant, Moratalla
Restaurant El Olivar, in Moratalla, ranked
among the best selected by the Royal
Academy of Gastronomy, Repsol Guide for
restaurants, has been awarded a SOL, in the
Handbook for Foodies in 2011, 2012, 2013
& 2014 and the quality certification label
European Quality Excellence EFQM with
more than 10 years with the Q of Quality
Tourist.
Firo Vquez is a contributor and chef on
Television Chanel 7 in the Region of Murcia.
His latest venture is El Olivar Catering when
the El Olivar Restaurant comes to you. What
better way to entertain!! Let El Olivar do all
the hard work while you can socialize and
entertain your guests. Distance is no problem
to them, so call them and discuss their special
menus. At 300 (including IVA) for 20 people
to include Wine from Rioja and Jumilla/water
and Cava this has got to be a brilliant idea.
A special recipe from Firo Vquez:

Cream Of Cheese Wine With Apricots And
Almonds
Serving Size: 4
Ingredients:
500 gr Wine cheese of Nurcia, (soft goats
cheese)
175 ml Cream
200 ml Red Wine
1 stick Cinnamon
5 Cardamom
4 Dried Apricots
40 gr Marconas almonds
10 ml (AOVE) Aceite de Oliva Virgen Extra
Method:
Cut and heat the cheese, in a covered
saucepan.
Add the cream according to
taste. Meanwhile, in another saucepan heat
to cook the wine with the cinnamon and
cardamom until reduced by half. Add the
reduced wine to the cream cheese and whisk.
The Aim of Our Charity

We endeavour to provide financial aid to
people who kindly rescue sick, injured and
abandoned animals. We also have a policy
of helping with the neutering of feral animals
where there is a danger they may overrun the
local population. We know from experience
how difficult it can be to pay those vets bills.
We can assist you to help lessen the burden
and to make sure that your pets receive the
treatment they need promptly.
How Do We Do This?
We sell the items that you have generously
donated together with any cash contributions.
As with most charities there is never enough
money to do everything we would like, so no
contribution is ever refused.
How You Can Help Us
We need your unwanted items; anything from
a single item up to a house clearance. We
typically take bric-a-brac, electrical goods,
furniture, clothing and bedding. You can
donate at the shop Mon to Sat 10am-2pm.
We moved shop premises recently, but are
still waiting for signs to be fitted. To find
us, the shop is in Puerto de Mazarrn. Go
past the Mercadona/Lidl shopping centre
and just down the hill you will see Consum
supermarket on your left. Turn left onto the
road immediately below Consum, drive up
that road and we are in the third turning on
the left (Calle San Juan) opposite the park on
Page 10
your right.
With our extra space, we now have a good
selection of second hand items at reasonable
prices, so if you are looking for anything,
why not call in to see whats available?
You may save yourself some money and
help our charity at the same time. Check
out our website for furnishings for sale at
mazarronanimalmedi-aid.co.uk
Camposol Drop-Off Point
Every Tuesday we are on Camposol B car
park from 10am-12pm opposite the petrol
station. We can collect items from you there
or arrange collection.
Collection Service
Our large van enables us to collect any size
of item promptly, so if you want to donate to
MAMAS give us a call and we will call round
and collect straight away.
We finish by serving the dessert on a plate

and decorating with pricked apricots and fried
almonds. Add some drops of oil, preferably
Flor de Cuquillo Virgin Extra.
Firo is the author of books La Cocina de El

Olivar (awarded Best first world cookbook,
Gourmand cookbook 2007) and Caminando
Entre Oliveras (Walking with Olives).
Lady
Among the many
animals we have
recently
helped
was
Lady
a
Border
Collie.
She was found
by dog lovers,
abandoned in the
campo. She was
in a very poor
state of health
as can be seen
from the photo
and the first task
was to remove
her infestation of
ticks, which took
about four hours.
Later, when she had improved slightly, she
required further medical aid and MAMAS was
asked to help. We were glad to do this and
she has now made a full recovery.
Please contact us if you need help:
Tel 666 186 037 or call at the shop
Email mazarronanimalmedi-aid@hotmail.
com
Helping You Helping Animals
Email
mazarronanimalmedi-aid@
hotmail.com
Registered Charity No 9537/1a
Page 11
Hi its Shannon here again!

Im going to tell you about my life in Berwick
Academy. Its all going really well, but I
havent quite got used to the weather yet,
or that it gets dark at three oclock in the
afternoon! Also driving is scary, as I think Im
on the wrong side of the road! Am not driving
by the way, just the passenger!
Ive just got used to finding my way around

Berwick, which seems so big compared
to Fuente Alamo. Nothing has changed
since I was last here, donkeys years ago:
Everyone seems to remember me, but I dont
remember them! Ive got lost only once, but
that was in the college halls! I was looking for
a classroom, but I couldnt find it! Thankfully
someone else was late as they were in the
bathroom. She was very kind and led me to
the classroom. The lessons are really good
and the girls are very friendly. Ive been to
the shops in Berwick too and nothing has
changed, apart from the odd new shop. It

was fun to walk around Berwick and find any
changes.
Ive been really well looked after by Mums
friend and by my Grandparents. Ive been
really well fed too! The walk home burns
everything off though, so Ill just have to keep
going back to Grandma and Grandads house
for tea! Although its cold the walk home is
good in another way, it warms me up! The
school is very near to Ruths house so the
walk isnt too long! Ruths house is also very
near to the shops so I can shop really easily.
Its been a very cold, wet few weeks, but I
have definitely enjoyed it so far! Im coming
home near Christmas so youll all see me
soon! Ill have to get my tan back as it has
almost entirely disappeared! I hope I dont
burn too easily! Ive missed the heat and my
pool, but most of all I miss my family. It is
strange without them. Ill see everyone again
soon though!
Okay, Ill leave you all now, but keep your
eyes open because Ill be writing again soon
about college life and Berwick Upon Tweed!
In three short, but busy weeks, it will

be Christmas Day. Where has the past
year gone to? What could I write for this
Christmas article?
My mind drifted back to my childhood years.
Well before December 1stI would have
been searching the house for those hidden
Christmas gifts from my parents. I was such
an impatient child and just could not wait for
the Big Day to arrive. Mum and Dad always
bought early for Christmas and hid the gifts
away where they thought my sister and I
would not be able to find them. By the age
of 13-14 I had pretty much discovered all of
their hiding places in my quest to see what
they had got for me.
Life was quite tough during my formative
years, especially for my parents. My sister

and I never got expensive presents (I can
hear you saying ahh!!) Most years we would
receive one main present and one of my
Mums stockings which was filled with things
like mandarin oranges, nuts and perhaps
a selection box. As kids, we knew that our
parents could not afford much, but they
always came up trumps for us and they
went without so much themselves to send
us on school trips and give to us Christmas
presents and the desires of our hearts.
One year as I started to get into Pop music,
my sister Ruth and I decided to share a gift
together - we so wanted a record player!
Plucking up the courage to ask for something
that was going to be so expensive, we
approached our mother and put forward our
request for the gift of our dreams. Mother
said she would ask Dad and he said he would
see what he could do.
By November we could wait no longer to find
out if they had managed to get us one, so
we started secretly searching the house and
very soon we found it in the top of mothers
wardrobe. It was hard to hide such a big
box!! There it was - a shiny new beige and
red coloured Dansette record player and it
was complete with the very first record to
start our collection - Telstar by the Tornados.
Well, we not only found our Christmas gift,
we played that record so many times, that
by December 25th we knew the tune off by
heart; La la la, la la la la la la - every time
our parents were out, on went that single
and how we never got caught was a miracle.
It is a wonder that our parents never noticed
an increase in the electricity bill prior to that
Christmas!
straight away. This led me back to the real

reason that we celebrate Christmas ,which
was the birth of the greatest gift the world
had ever seen a baby named Jesus, who
would be the Saviour of all who would call
on His name. God sent his precious Son to
give a messed up world a way out of that
mess and to offer eternal life and eternal
hope as an alternative to eternal death and
hopelessness. What a gift, but sadly a gift
that is unwanted by many in our world today.
I am so glad that at an early age I found
the gift of Jesus and took Him out of the
wardrobe of my life and started getting to
know Him through prayer and reading the
Bible. So glad I did not find religion, but
discovered a relationship with someone who
would never leave me, or forsake me.
Can I encourage everyone this Christmastime
to discover the best gift you will ever have
given you receive Him and enjoy all the
benefits He has for you.
We hope to see many of you in the
Camposol area during December as we
hold our Christmas Carol Concerts on
each of the 4 sectors between 15thand
22ndof December. We also invite you to
join with us for our Christmas Eve Carols
atWellspringChurchin Puerto de Mazarrn
on Christmas Eve. Check our website for
details.
www.wellspringvictorychurch.com.
We wish everyone a peaceful and
blessed Christmas and a joyful New
Year.
Every time I remember these early days of

my life, it brings a smile to my face when I
consider the risks I took to not only look at
my Christmas gift, but also to use it before
the official date, but it was worth the risk
to get my hands on the gift and to use it
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With
dark
n i g h t s
and
colder
w e a t h e r
heralding
the onset of
winter,
the
thoughts
of many of
us turn to
the
festive
season. Here
are a couple
of
ideas
which should
add cheer to YOUR festive season.
For good fun and plenty of good company, it is
pretty hard to beat Benidorm at Christmas.
Making this choice even better is not having
to cook any meals; not even Christmas
dinner. No dishes to wash, no beds to make,
and nightly entertainment available for those
who want it. There is always plenty of space
for those who dont. An indoor swimming
pool and gymnasium is available for those
who want towork off the eating excess. There
can be days spent on the hotel terrace, on
your room balcony, on the beach, surfing the
bars and shops or simply people-watching.
similar benefits to the Benidorm excursion,

plus outings to Gibraltar, Mijas, Granada and
Nerja. At only 496 full board, including wine
& water and using a well positioned 3* hotel,
this is also terrific value. Amongst other pick
up points, they normally include: Puerta
Lumbreras, Albox, Arboleas, Alfoquia, Vera,
Mazarron & Totana (a 15 travel supplement
normally applies in these areas).
There is always space to relax, space to

enjoy company and space to have fun. There
is also an optional low cost night out to the
spectacular Benidorm Palace Show which
neednt be expensive.
Davids Coachtrips offers 5 days in a 4*
hotel, full board, including a brilliant Gala
Dinner on Christmas Day with transport from
your area for only 275.
If you fancy an excursion which takes in both

Christmas and New Year, Benalmadena is
a great choice. This 9 day excursion offers
NEST - Nature Espua Trails - wishes you a

Happy Christmas and wonderful New Year
in 2015! Heres a treat for your diaries!
Friday 19th December meet 10.30am
- El Berro car park. Aerial Views over
Alhama
An easy 2hr walk on rubbly path with
truly spectacular aerial views! Followed
by optional meal. This is a pre-Christmas
fundraiser for a new rescue group,
Helping The Perrera Dogs, getting
abandoned dogs out of a pound near
Camposol and to save their lives - so bring
your Christmas spirit, family and friends!
Reservations can be made online at www.

coachtripsonline.com or by calling direct
on (0034) 966 785 910. Whatever you
decide to do, Davids Coachtrips wish you a
fabulous festive season.
dazzling white moonscapes of Gebas for

glorious distant views of the blue lake great for landscape photographers! This
will be a tantalising taste of 30th January
walk when well walk right to the edge of
the beautiful lake (3 hours).
Friday 9th & 30th January - LAKE meet 10.30am - El Berro car park.
The 9th January walk is 2 hours in the
NEST walks are for the friendly social and

health benefits. Were not sporty walkers.
We always walk at a relaxed easy pace,
with stops to chat; usually on rubbly paths
with some slopes, but 30th January walk
is mostly on tarmac. We wait for slower
people in a supportive spirit and dont
race ahead, although you do need to be
fit. Bring water and wear sensible walking
footwear. Not least, bring a smile! We then
have an optional meal in a beautifully
located mountain restaurant where we
might see wild boar. The walk is 5 and the
delicious authentic Spanish meal 9.
Book by texting/calling 679 002 147 or
email natureespunatrails@gmail.com
with names and contact numbers and
await confirmation as places are limited.
I am looking forward to seeing you all! Its

a nice way to make friends, keep fit and
have fun!
Detailed driving directions and more on
www.nestwalks.info
Page 16
Page 17
Two Well-Established Real Estate Brands

offering one Exceptional Service
At the beginning of November, Murcia
Town & Country were delighted to
announce the opening of their new, fully
refurbished showroom in Puerto de Mazarrn.
Now property vendors have a fresh,
comprehensive, multi-marketing option at
their disposal.
Best of Spanish and Fuente Alamo Real

Estate are full members of the Spanish
Real Estate Group, offering levels of
promotion and market exposure todays
serious vendors expect.
associate agents websites around the world.

All new property listings are sent to over
75,000 potential Spanish property buyers and
their responses are managed and processed
using the latest Client Management Software
ensuring no enquiries for your property are
missed.
Estate are totally confident that 2015 will see
another increase in buyers from overseas,
due to the exceptional value Spanish property
currently represents. Now is the best time in
the past 6 years (since the financial crisis) to
put your property on the market and achieve
a sale. In the coming months our group is
increasing our international marketing budget
by 300%, guaranteeing yet more qualified
client enquiries for your Spanish property.
Our associate offices in the Costa Blanca
are experiencing a huge growth in enquiries
from vendors in their area looking to sell
and relocate to the Murcia and Costa Clida
region. These cash buyers will be referred
to our showroom in Puerto de Mazarrn.
The most popular locations are identified
as; Camposol, Mazarrn Country Club, Isla

Plana, La Azohia, Bolnuevo, as well as rural
and village locations in the Cartagena, Fuente
Alamo area. We will also be introducing
an Elite Property division, offering
additional services and marketing to owners
of distinctive, high profile homes in exclusive
locations.
In December we will launch 3 new
property websites and urgently require
more competitively priced properties in
Coastal and Rural locations and on local
urbanisations to satisfy the demand of
our buying clients and referring agent
network.
If you would like to sell your property on a
No Sale No Fee, friendly but professional
basis, then please contact us for an immediate
valuation. See our latest advertisements for
contact details.
Estate
Puerto de Mazarrn
We combine years of experience in both

Coastal and Rural property sales with
state-of-the-art, European-wide marketing
strategies utilising all the knowledge and
financial investment that a large group can
provide. We offer property owners the best
multi-language website exposure, regular
European exhibitions, submission to over
70 high profile property portals such as;
Rightmove, Zoopla, A Place in the Sun, Kyero
and Prime Location, as well as dozens of
Darwinian Gardeners November Meeting

Our November meeting was a visit to Andrew
Browns garden at his home in Campillo de
Abajo, near Fuente Alamo.
variety of unusual plants in his greenhouse.

Like all our gardens in this region his has
suffered from the lack of rain this year, but
despite this he had plenty of plants to show
us.
Andrew is also a prominent member of the
Lions Club and one of their latest ventures is
to collect money to support the vaccination of
all children in the World against measles and
rubella. Andrew had a selection of plants for
Darwinian Club members to take away with
them in exchange for a voluntary contribution
to this fund.
Andrew is a professional horticulturist and

although semi-retired, still cultivates a wide
Page 18
The visit was culminated by lunch at a nearby

restaurant where a raffle was held, also in
support of the Lions charity. In total over
200 was raised for the Vaccination Fund.
You can find further information about the

Darwinian Gardeners on our web page on
www.bolnuevo.com or phone Anne on 669
338 885
Page 19
December! Christmas rapidly approaches.

Where does the time go? The next newsletter
will be 2015!
For regular readers of this initial homely
section, Mum Monk who has lived out here
in Spain for some 5 years, has gone back
to the UK and is settled in a delightful care
home in Plymouth where all her family are
except me! She thoroughly enjoyed her time
in Spain (at 93 years old!), but it was time
to reassess and move back to the UK with
daughter Bobbie.
Rainbows garden has enjoyed the regular
rainfalls and is returning to its winter green
from the scorched brown, with the wells now
full of water. Dogs, Cats, Terrapins and Fish
are all well and enjoying the sunny, but not
hot days.
TV News
More and more television services are using
the internet to get the service and as we all
try to use it more, it is showing how bad
the Spanish Internet infrastructure is. Those
of you using Internet TV services will, I am
sure, say it is not 100%. However, Spain
is rapidly improving these services and
Cartagena centre and Mazarrn Town are
now fibre-optic with the push out into the
campo from those towns slowly but surely
happening. Most Brits live in the Campo or on
outer urbanisations and it will take a while
for stable, fast Internet to get to us, but it will
Now we have all started our diets following

the PALS organised cruise in October, it is
time to reflect upon the fantastic time the
168 friends had on the Grand Celebration.
The response was so good and enthusiastic
that we reserved all the available 60
cabins for the 2015 October Cruise on
Pulmantours Sovereign of the Seas before
we got our coaches back to Mazarron! No
wonder, when we managed to arrange
the forthcoming holiday as all inclusive,
happen. I raise this story because I have had

reports of clients spending a lot of money on
some Internet service they want, only to plug
it into their router and find it does not fully
work. I would suggest you try before you
buy and if you are getting Internet installed,
be sure the supplier knows what you intend
to do with it before you part with any money!
A comment You will get 6mb is not enough
the criteria ping, jitter and consistency
are all important. Having said that, Internet
TV is a reality and is an excellent way to
watch TV if you have good, reliable Internet.
The package from Rainbow includes all the
sports and movies with a movie library of
100s of films constantly changing. Contact
us for full details and a data sheet.
We often get contacts asking us What TV
should we buy? These days I really dont
think there is much in the brands Sony were
once the leaders by far, but not now. If you
can afford the few pounds extra for a brand
it may be worth it if you ever need a repair.
The repair shops cannot get the manuals for
the shop brand models.
We are also asked Should we get a
SmartTV? For most of us in Spain the
answer is no! Great as they are, you will
only get much of the UK English language
content if you have a UK IP address all the
Smart features come down the Internet and
as soon as the site sees a Spanish IP address,
it will block. There are ways around this, ask
including drinks, taxes and tips at prices

starting at just 700. We are maintaining a
cancellation list, but as usual its strictly in a
first come first served order.
To get full information in sufficient
time to book for any of our events we
suggest that you ask us to add your
details to our email listing.
We do have a few places left on our coach
trip to Portugal in May, but the short breaks
to Valencia in November and the 4 day
break in Benidorm are over subscribed;
again the waiting/cancellation list exists.
What is the secret of our success? Well, we
are a charity, but we always try to treat our
supporters with respect in offering value
for money in every fund-raising event. We
believe that we should be available to assist
as required, but not interfere with holiday
breaks. We have the trust and loyalty of
those who give us their patronage, not
only in arranging their holidays, but also in
sharing our other activities such as Dinner
Dances and the annual New Years Day
Swim, safe in the knowledge that all PALS
funds are dedicated to the humanities in
the area with an emphasis on purchasing
medical equipment for the emergency teams
and organisations. We pride ourselves that
our financial accounts are detailed and
available on a week by week basis, in detail;
not just a profit and loss sheet at the end
of the year, thus showing the exact source
and destination of every cent of our income.
We believe in the total transparency of our
charitable activities and have invested over
Page 20
us, but for most viewers it is not going to be

an option.
SKY have been playing silly Bs with SKY
SPORTS 5 - having given it to most sport
pack subscribers, they then took it away with
message on screen to contact them. When
you do, you will get SPORTS 5 back, but only
after a hard sell to take SKY Internet! If you
subscribe to sports and do not have SPORTS
5, my UK SKY agent will get it back for you
at a nominal charge of 30 contact us to
proceed.
We have lots of different SKY viewing packs
available, so why not treat him to sports for
Christmas or her to movies? Sorry that was
sexist, but often the case you sir can treat
her to Sports as well! It need not cost as
much as you may think - contact us for full
details.
Thats it for this month. Rainbow wish you
a very Happy Christmas and may 2015 bring
you all you want it to.
Article sponsored by Rainbow Satellites.
Contact Alan for all your TV needs on (0034)
686 358 475 or email rainbowsats@gmail.
com
The website www.rainbowsats.org has lots
of basic TV viewing information for Spain
especially for the newcomers to this sunny
land!
250,000 in the purchase of much needed

emergency equipment and are constantly
in touch locally with 112 and Cruz Roja to
assist with any shortfall in their material
requirements.
Annual Christmas Dinner Dance at
the Costa Costa Hotel, Mazarrn on 14th
December with the amazing Martin Ross
entertaining us. An 8 course meal and wine
and beer; a fantastic night at 29.50 and
coach transfer for those who dont want to
drive.
New Years Day Fun Swim at the Bahia
Beach with fancy dress and laughter. In the
water at 1pm, so come along and support
those who brave the waves or have a go
yourself. Sponsorship forms available.
Trip to Portugal 14th/20th May with visits
to Oporto, Lisbon, Fatima and a stay over in
Spains very special Salamanca. 510 half
board with coach pick ups from all areas.
We would like to welcome new members
to our charity. There are no freebies,
but there is a dedication to helping locally
from the areas longest established
registered charity. Your time and ideas will
help progress us into a new and exciting
programme of events.
Tickets and information from 626 460
465 or see us at Bistro Ratatouille on
a Wednesday afternoons from 1-3pm or
at Trevi Bar each Saturday from 11am1.30pm
www.pals.sm4.biz
Page 21
The Lions of Mazarrn carried out their

Annual Strides Walk to raise funds to send
children with diabetes to a special camp where
they will be able to learn how to control their
illness. This walk took place on the Paseo de
Mazarron onSaturday 15th November and
was well attended. Also present was Cruz
Roja in case anyone got into difficulties. We
sincerely thank them and also our resident
nurse Dawn Heron ofClida Caring Agency
who tests participants for their blood/sugar
levels.
This is a list [in no particular order]of our

benefactors:
The Vista Bar; Tropic Anas; Cats
Bar; Carols Hairdressing; Trevi Bar; C M
Constructions; T J Electricals (Euronics);
Branded; Amber Pools; Black Bull; Multi
Opticas; Holmes & Pegg; CHM; Just
Fabulous; The Cutting Crew; Villaquest: To
Let To Sell To Buy; Lizs Caf; Miles Better;
Bodegas Martinez; Freedom Health &
Beauty; Luz De Sol; Caadas de Romero;
Quality Indian Restaurant; CostaCaf;
Quik Save; Mercers; English Butcher;The
Steak Out; Tels Bar; Ferreteria; Spice Villa;
and Camposol Bridge Club.
We sincerelythank all the people who took
part and of courses any sponsors.
WOW! WOW! WOW! The Mazarrn Lions are
totally over the moon with the response of
donations from the clubs, pubs & businesses
on Camposol.
In the past years Mazarrn Bahia Lions

have been able to send 10 children to this
camp.
Start The New Year The Right Way

So many of us make a New Years resolution
to get fit, but fail at the first hurdle. We
start off with all good intentions, but a few
weeks in and we are back to our old ways.
A common mistake is to take things too

fast, especially if you havent exercised for
some time. You want to see instant results,
so do too much too quickly. You are then
left feeling exhausted and your muscles
are sore, leaving you de-motivated and
uninspired and you will probably give
up altogether. The best way to stick to
Page 22
We decided to run our Annual Christmas

Draw again this yearand the response from
our benefactors has so overwhelmed us that
we are now able to offer at least 30+ prizes
in this years draw. We thank you all from the
bottom of our hearts.
Our thanks also to Insignia Graphics for

producing our tickets at less than market
price. Allwe ask now is when you see our
people out and about that you help us by
purchasing as many tickets as possible. The
draw will take place on Friday 18th December
at 1.30pm outside Oscars Bar, Camposol B.
If you are interested in joining the Lions,
please contact Nigel Barker on 968 978 810
or by emailing us atwww.lionsmazarron.
org. Alternatively speak to any Lion on our
stall on Fridays outside Oscars Bar.
We sincerely thank each and everyone of you
and wish you a Very Merry Christmas and
Happy New Yeary3 Reyes.
exercise is to do something you enjoy and

do it with like minded individuals. This is
why joining an exercise class is the best
way to get fit, plus you have help and
support around you.
There is also the social aspect of exercising

in a class. You get to meet lots of people,
become friends, support each other, enjoy
a well earned coffee afterwards and most
of all have a laugh and lots of fun!
Why not take up a new exercise regime

from the list of fantastic exercise classes
that CDA Fitness run? There is a big
variety with something to suit everyone Pilates, Bokwa,Spinning,Tai Chi, Pump,
Yoga Fit,Aerobic Body Tone, Kettlebells,
Circuits, Boxercise, Rebound, Legs Bums n
Tums, Vitality and Step n Tone.
Dont settle on one and do it until youre
fed up without even trying the others.
A little exercise goes a long way - you

will be surprised at how quickly you will
reap the health benefits. It is however
important to exercise with a fully qualified
instructor. Thats why CDA Fitness always
carry out a health check before you start
exercising and individualise exercises to
suit you and ensure you get the most out
of each session in a safe environment.
Variety is a great way to avoid boredom

and improve all round fitness, so why not
aim for at least two completely different
classes a week? Youre bound to find at
least one you really enjoy, which will help
sustain your motivation.
Unsure what class is best for you? Visit our

new studio on Camposol, Sector B and have
a chat. Giftvouchers are now available
for 1:2:1 personal training and exercise
classesand make an ideal Christmas gift.
Page 23
Temperatures Drop Below Zero!

MSMV!Ls most popular tariff Plan Zero
is cheaper than ever!!
It was already one of the cheapest plans on
the market and is now beating all competition
on the market. Plan Zero has now dropped
to only 5 incl. IVA! You will not find a cheaper
GB in Spain.
national calls.
MSMV!L is all about transparency;
without small print, fines or permanence
clauses, you can stay as long as you want!
You may even park your SIM card for up to 9
months at a time when going back home, so
you can continue to keep the same Spanish
number when you come back! This, together
with a polite customer service team who
speak no less than 6 languages (English,
German, Spanish, Scandinavian, Russian and
Finnish) and a website in 4 languages, makes
MSMV!L a firm favourite with the expats.
Plan Zero allows MSMV!L clients to talk

for 0 cents per minute for the first 5 minutes
of EVERY phone call. All you need to pay is
a call set-up charge of just 18.15cts, IVA
included! From minute 6 onwards you pay
just 3.63cts/min (IVA incl.)
Plan Zero allows you to use the Internet as
much as you need and now with MSMV!L
you can choose your data and voice
combination from just 5 (IVA incl.) You only
ever pay for what you actually need! Should
you ever exceed your plan limit, then all you
pay is 3.63cts/MB including IVA and you will
Calle Sobrija 2248,

Sector D, Camposol
It appears that many people are already
well prepared for celebrating Christmas.
The first decorations are up on some villas,
whilst the old shopping trolleys are already
groaning under the weight of the bottles
and goodies, which seem to have become
a necessity for many people to enable
them to enjoy Christmas!
I was looking at some Christmas cards
recently, not that I send many, as I think
that the price of a pack or two would be
better spent feeding a needy person, but
what struck me were the stable scenes. You
know the ones; a lovely spacious building,
obviously weather-proofed; a couple of
animals standing around, whilst a lovely
young mother smiles serenely at her newborn son. This child is sleeping contentedly
in either her arms or the manger, which
even continue to enjoy the same speed as

before! For those who only ever talk on the
phone, theres an option without Internet as
well. For only 4/month you get 75min for
is obviously filled with clean straw. Look

closely at the straw which is also on the
floor; it too is spotless. Come on, you card
artists, get real!
Reality is that a very young mother, no
more than 14 years of age, has just given
birth to her first child; no mother, or older
woman to help; miles from her home, no
clean comfortable bed on which to rest, just
a cold, earthen floor covered with straw;
the same straw that has been trampled on
and soiled by the smelly animals confined
in the same cramped, and probably, cold,
leaky building, as this unfortunate family!
They dont depict that, do they? The young
girl, even with her new husband at hand,
would have been in a lot of pain, distressed
and certainly not immaculate in that blue
gown, which she seems to wear on all
cards!
Over 150,000 satisfied customers cant be

wrong! Find out more about the terms and
conditions for Plan Zero by phoning the tollfree number 1473 today for the name of your
nearest MSMV!L agent, or visit
www.masmovil.es/en.
Free shipping is included online!
When people begin to see the truth about

our Lords birth, they will realise that
it was very real, with all that each birth
entails. He came into the world in lowly
circumstances and died in a degrading
and agonising way, but when He returns,
it will be with glorious and wonderful
triumph. That is why the most important
part of Christmas is the first six letters,
CHRIST!
We would love to see you at one of our
services, or all of them, this Christmas and
I wish you all a very Peaceful, Healthy and
Blessed Christmas.
Rev Maureen
Services for December (please note
there are some changes this month only).
7th Holy Communion at 10.30am
14th 9 Lessons & Carols 10.30am
21st Joint Service with English/
German speaking branches Puerto de
Mazarrn by the Tourist Office at 11am
24th Midnight Communion at 11.30pm
28th Morning Prayer at 10.30am
As well as these services, we offer Wedding
Blessings, Holy Baptism, Confirmation
and Funerals. We have a Pastoral Care
Group throughout the year, with people
willing to listen, talk and help anyone who
is sick or in need. This Pastoral Care is
in complete confidence.
For further information, please contact:
Rev
Maureen
Kent
968
670
637/636
099
679
Rev Deacon Bill Could 634 143 260
Rev Eberhard Klute (German Branch) 968
138 764
Page 24
Page 25
The November Ladies Chatterbox meeting

was our Christmas Fashion Show, held
in Marianos, Camposol A. It was very well
attended and gave us the opportunity to see
and try on some lovely Christmas fashions
and jewellery. A big thank you to Diane of
STYLE Fashions for putting together such a
professional show.
The Chatterbox Christmas Lunch will be
on 11th December at the Amapola Restaurant,
Bolnuevo. There is still time to book your
place - just ring Anne or Chris on one of the
numbers below. There will also be a raffle of
Christmas produce.
The Committee is now putting together a
programme for 2015, which we feel sure
you will find has something for everyone
- details to follow. At the January meeting
we are having a Demonstration Of Flower
Arranging. Karen, who masterminded the
beautiful displays for the Flower Festival,
at St Nicholas Church, earlier this year, will
be presenting this demonstration and has
promised to show us how to produce some

attractive table decorations.
Chatterbox Book Club has received a lot of
interest and the first meeting took place in
the Camposol Cultural Centre in November. If
you enjoy reading, and would like to find out
more about the Book Club, then please ring
either Chris or Anne.
Chatterbox Genealogy Group also met in
November and plans to hold regular meetings
in the Camposol Cultural Centre on the 4th
Thursday of each month, starting at 2pm.
This will be a regular slot from January 2015.
Chatterbox SEW and SEW Report. We
had a very good productive month again and
even managed to fit in a fabric shopping trip
to Cartagena and lunch at Death by Pasta, so
we all had a good end to the day.
Every member worked very hard for our
Craft Fair, which was on 22nd November and
we also had a stall at the FAST Christmas
Friends and Buddies held their Bi-Annual

Treasure Hunt at the beginning of November.
This was followed by a superb Sunday lunch
at the Wishing Well near Corvera. The photo
shows the winners who are lucky enough to
now have to plan our Spring Treasure Hunt!
Classic
Concert
at La Cumbre and
a group having
Christmas dinner
at
The
Club
House, so no-one
has to be alone at
Christmas unless
they choose to
be.
We have a number of functions arranged

in the run up to Christmas as a group. We
are going to the Welcome Christmas party,
The Club House Christmas Eve Party, The
We meet in the
room
at
the
back of The Club
House, Camposol
C on a Tuesday
Hi all
As Hazel and Richard are indisposed this
month l have decided to say a few words just
to remind everyone of our future events and
keep you all up to date.
As Richard said last month our Madrid Trip
went well despite a couple of showers, but ha
ho! It was October after all, so we were lucky
and a good time was had by all.
Just to give you a little more information on
the Duo Obsession who are entertaining us
at our Christmas Grand Dinner Dance on
Friday 12th December at the Costa Hotel; Ray
the singer, Base Guitarist, was with Mungo
Gerry in the 70s and co-wrote their hit In
The Summer Time; Chris the other half of the
Page 26
Fair held in Marianos in late November. We

hope you managed to come along and buy
some Christmas presents. Donations from the
Christmas Fair will be added to the monies
collected from the Chatterbox Smartie Tube
donations and given to the Forget-me-Not
charity. Thank you ladies for all your hard
work.
Our weekly meetings are held every Monday,
in Camposol Cultural Centre, Sector B from
2.30pm-4.30pm. We are a very friendly group,
who have lots of different skills between us,
from hand and machine embroidery, lace
making, dress making and many crafts too
numerous to mention. If you are interested,
just ring Sue on the number below.
Chatterbox: Chris Leiper 968 199 441 or
Anne Patrick 618 410 274
Genealogy Group: Jean Dore 968 199 080
SEW and SEW: Sue 605 737 107 or Karen
696 668 084
Book Club: Chris or Anne as above
evening at 8pm when we make plans for

functions, meals, outings, bowling, treasure
hunts etc. We also hold a weekly 1 raffle and
have some activity on the night, so if you are
on your own and fancy some good company
then come along and check us out. There
is no upper age limit; males and females are
both welcome.
There is no need to be lonely come along
and give us a go!
Contact Ann Lambert on 966 260 752 or
628 153 329
duo is a multi-talented instrumentalist and is

a fantastic Saxophonist, so it promises to be
a great evenings entertainment. Tickets are
still available until 3rd December, but they are
selling fast, so anyone please ring us on 968
956 070 or 968 956 278 or email info@
mccsocialclub.com
The Trip to Valencia we have organised for
the Las Fallas on March 18th 2015 for 3 nights
B/B is now fully booked, but we have started
a waiting list for this.
Watch out for more info on future events in
the January 2015 edition of the Costa Clida
Chronicle, or email us on the above address.
Regards David
Green Garden Waste Containers

The green skip provided by the council at the
lower Commercial Centre car park, quickly fills
up; often on the same day that it is emptied.
Some individuals seem to think that it is
acceptable to allow their green garden waste
to spill over around the skip and that it is OK
if B Clean Volunteers or Council Contractors
clear up their rotting fruit and thorny palm
tree cuttings. IT IS NOT. If the Skip is full,
please take your rubbish to the Eco Park - just
a short drive away.

Council Action to Help!
During the summer months we have
had a number of meetings with Council
Representatives who have agreed to address
25th September 2014 is a day many residents

on Camposol Sector D will never forget.
Many homes and gardens were shattered in
a gota fria. Fortunately no-one was hurt,
but the aftermath was horrendous. Residents
had to cope with the loss of cars, swimming
pools, walls, gardens, garden furniture
and pollution in many swimming pools.
Mazarrn Mayor and the police and
fire brigade were on the scene very
quickly and worked endlessly to help
everyone. Our thanks go to them all,
including Ismael (Councillor for Foreign
Residents) for all his help in this disaster.
many of the problems that exist on Camposol

Sector B. Work was due to have started in
October, but the recent severe flooding crisis
on D Sector had obviously to take precedence.
Work has now started on pavements and
curbstones, painting yellow No Parking lines
and signs on the approaches to the Consum
car park, repainting of Zebra Crossings by the
shops, Road Sweeping and increased Police
presence.
Tree Planting
In the coming weeks we intend to plant a
variety of trees along the approach road to the
Commercial Centre and the recently graveled
road at the side of the Rambla. A total of 50
trees - Mimosa, Jacaranda, and Acacia - are
in the process of being ordered. Planting in
other areas, including the road connecting B5
(Cultural Centre) to B15/B22 will follow later
in the season.
Please Adopt a Tree
We are proposing that each tree will be given
a number and we are hoping that residents
will come forward and volunteer to Adopt
a Tree and will take responsibility for the
watering of the tree(s) in their care. Councilor
Gomez has very kindly agreed to provide 4
Watering Points.
Luckily the D spirit quickly took over and

Kaz Moore, Mike Drummond and a team of
helpers, including help from other sectors,
started the clean-up. They have worked very,
very hard to clear up all the debris, so a big, big
thank you to you all - you know who you are.
Following on from the disaster, many
people
have
come
forward
offering
monetary help. It has been decided to set
up a separate committee who will oversee
the distribution of this money, which will
not be given to individuals, but to help
rebuild all Camposol D Sector common
We Still Need Volunteers!

The numbers coming forward to give help
with the planting, weeding, litter clearing,
watering, etc. are few, so please contact us
if you can offer some assistance. We meet
every Tuesday morning for a couple of hours
and each extra pair of hands makes a great
difference. Our monthly meetings are on the
last Tuesday of each month at Trevis 4-5pm.
B Clean Community Group Scheme
We hope that members will continue to
subscribe in the coming year. The scheme
continues to gradually attract more members
and we are grateful to all who have already
joined and to those who so kindly stop
to donate as they drive past our working
volunteers. Please join the scheme and
subscribe just 5 a month to help us keep
Camposol looking great. Please contact
Sandy or Helen for details (see below.) The
more subscribers we have - the better
Camposol will look.
Sandy (Treasurer) 968 986 030
Email sanandstu@gmail.com
Helen (Secretary) 968 199 506
Email helenwhite522@gmail.com
ground, to bring it back to its former glory.

Different functions are being arranged
and these will be advertised accordingly.
On a happier note Camposol D Sector
Christmas Party will be held on 13th
December at The Club House. The cost is 15
for a three course meal with bottle of wine
for two. Entertainment to be advised later.
This is the last event Lin and Les are organising
as they are retiring after five years. Please let
it be a really good bash, so we can go out with
a bang. Ring Lindaon 606 874 193 after 1st
December to reserve your ticket.
Page 27
Now the cooler months are with us we have

resumed our weekly working sessions keeping
Camposol B Sector tidy. The exceptionally hot
dry summer has taken its toll on some of the
Oleanders lining the roads. However, thanks
to the efforts of a few of our members who
carried on with a maintenance programme
throughout the summer, damage has been
limited to some of the less mature plants.
Clearing the enormous amount of litter,
especially from the area surrounding the
commercial centre and car parks, has been
quite a task.
On 1st October our Social Activities

Afternoon welcomed the Carousel Musical
Theatre for a performance of songs from
South Pacific. These were beautifully sung
by the lovely ladies, but it was more than
just singing, it was a full production which
everyone enjoyed. Our numbers were swelled
by many of their friends and we were assisted
by 2 lovely ladies who kindly gave up their
time to make the tea and coffee. Our sincere
thanks go to the Carousel Musical Theatre
and all the hard work that had been put into
their show and really look forward to being
the first to hear their next production.
Christmas Fayre Saturday 6th December
Dont miss Age Concerns Christmas
Fayre, at the usual venue Cafeteria Lagarto
Verde, Via Axial, Puerto de Mazarrn. Open
from 11am to 3pm, there will be lots to do
and see. Plenty of stalls where you can get
your Christmas presents, cards and plenty
of cakes, pies and pastries to fill the freezer!
This year we have the Carousel Choir singing

carols and popular songs. The caf and
bar will be open all day serving breakfasts,
lunches and snacks. Only 1 entrance also
gives you the chance to win a hamper.
Contact 634 336 484 for more details.
Also in December there is the Christmas
Social at the Cultural Centre, Camposol on
Wednesday 3rd and on Tuesday 9th December,
a Trip To Cartagena.
Age Concern has a number of wheelchairs
and other mobility equipment which we lend
to our clients. When not on loan we need to
store them, so we are looking for a generous
donor to allow us to use an underbuild (or
part); ideally on Camposol or nearby.
Please contact 634 310 216
When we were first here in Spain to purchase,

our sales rep said that sometime in November
somebody turns the heating off overnight. I
think it just happened!
Here at Forget Me Not we are looking
forward to the return visit of Carousel, the
ladies singing group, on December 15th, to
perform Christmas carols and songs for our
clients, friends, carers and the general public.
The performance starts at 11am at the
Cultural Centre, Camposol B and as stated all are welcome.
Due to many people; carers, patients and
nurses etc being unavailable in December,
Forget Me Not will only be open on Monday
December 1st and 15th and reopen again in
January.
Forget Me Not was pleased to accept a

cheque from Geoff Balshaw, past Master of
Loggia Sierra Espua for 1000. This money
was raised at various social events throughout
the past year by the members of the lodge.
Thank You on behalf of Forget Me Not. This
money will help us continue our free sessions
which we hold every Monday morning at the
Cultural Centre, Camposol B, giving respite
care to those caring 24/7 for loved ones with
long term illnesses; not only Alzheimers and
Dementia, but also MS, Cancer and those
recovering from Strokes etc.
If you need further information about any of

our activities, please go to our new website
www.forgetmenotmazarron.es, or phone
our help-lines on 660 442 845 or 626 734
922.
Our fund raising team is now compiling events
for 2015 and details will be published as soon
as possible.
Page 28
Colin Aubrey
Thackwell was
presented
with
the
very
first
Preguntas Y
Mas
Special
Award for his
outstanding
community
spirit
on
Camposol,
helping both
h u m a n s
and animals
alike.
He
raises
huge
amounts
of
money
for
charities, he
takes in animals etc and he is always there if

you need help. He is a star!
flood. They all gave their time willing and

freely. All of them are Stars.
The first Preguntas Y Mas Team Award was

presented to Amanda Gorvel and her team
from PMS Saymi Pools who really helped
out after the flood on Camposol at the end
of September. The team worked really hard
clearing mud, water and rubble from the
roads and gardens of those affected by the
Another Preguntas Y Mas Team Award was

presented to Phil Gelling, Kaz Moore and their
team for work as part of the D Disaster Clearup Project. Men and woman alike cleared
rubbish, mud and rubble from roads and
gardens; again another bunch of stars who
volunteered freely. Thank You.
FAST NEWS
Recruiting New Responders
FAST held an Induction Meeting on Tuesday
14th November at Camposol Cultural Centre
in order to recruit more Responders. The
morning proved to be a great success, as
the following week 18 people arrived at
9am, ready and eager to commence training
with Gerry Bradshaw, Head Trainer and his
assistant Sally Bridges. This is great news
for Camposol and the FAST Team! Keep
watching for news updates!
A Message from the Head Trainer
Gerry has expressed his delight with the
response and the enthusiasm displayed by
the new Responders, so much so that he
is expecting to get them all through their
training by mid-December. However, he has
stated that FAST must not sit back on its
laurels, but continue to actively recruit even
more people into the fold, so if there are
individuals looking to learn new skills and at
the same time help in this worthwhile cause
for the Community, please get in touch or
come and see us. We will happily answer any
questions you may have.
situation. They enjoyed the sessions too!

What a delightful group they are, also
deserving praise for the voluntary work and
money raising they carry out, helping so many
people. Additional thanks from Camposol
Sector D for the help given, clearing debris
etc following the flooding. Well done to the
Leos, leaders and parents too!
Visit the FAST Stalls on Camposol B to
obtain information, tickets and books. The
FAST Team will be happy to provide help,
information, answer questions or just chat to
you!
recently undertook First Aid Training and Life
Saving Skills instructed by Gerry Bradshaw,
Head Trainer of FAST and his assistant Sally
Bridges. Aged between 12 and 18, the Leos
now have knowledge to help in an emergency
Paddy Snell
John Snell Photographs
These awards were thought up by Jane Taylor,

the Admin and Originator of Preguntas Y Mas
Murcia, a local Facebook Group, to say thank
you to the special people we have living in
our midst.
FAST apologizes for the event cancelled in

October
at
Trevis
Bar
with
Elvis
and Friends,
regrettably
due
to
r e a s o n s
beyond
our
c o n t r o l .
We
wish
to
convey
our
grateful
thanks
to
Elvis for his
generosity
and support.
Leo
Lions
Club - First
Aid Training
The
Leos
Page 29
Mayor Meets the Residents of Camposol

The Mayor of Mazarrn, Francisco Garcia,
held a meeting with 100 residents of
Camposol.
He was accompanied by
Councillor for Services, Juan Miguel Muoz
Blaya, Councillor for Care Abroad, Ismael
Gomez and Social Policy Councillor Maria
Martinez. He was updated on the demands
and services required by the residents and
has agreed to expedite the process.
Problems of localised lighting, paving and
lighting the streets are now being paid for
and Francisco Garcia, has reiterated its
commitment to keep Sector D free from
strong flood water as happened in late
September.
Rihuete Beach Joins The Distinction of

Castellar Ecoplaya
Both beaches are unique throughout the
region by holding three distinctions: Blue
Flag, Q for Quality and Ecoplaya.
These awards took place in Bilbao at

the Beaches XVI International Congress
attended by Councilman Coastal Services,
Miguel Garca Incarnation. This recognition
is given to those beaches that meet
certain environmental requirements and
environmental friendliness. In the case of
Rihuete, the flag is granted for the footbaths
which have a new drainage system for better
sanitation to prevent the accumulation of
sand and water.
Completed Installation of Municipal

Swimming Pool
Already installed is much of the lining of the
municipal swimming pool in Mazarrn. The
covering of the pool is movable and can be
adapted during the summer months. The
installation cost was 129,000 and 50,000
for the locker rooms. The cooling water
is conducted by using a novel, low-power
electrical system, leaving water temperature
at 25 to 28 degrees, thus meeting the
required health parameters.
Mayor Proposes A Sales Tax Rate
Reduction for Water And Waste
The proposal aims to benefit the poorest
families and includes a property tax rebate

that affects all citizens. By 2015 it is proposed
to lower the interest rate of property tax
from 0.45% to 0.44%. It also aims to halve
the water rate to the less wealthy families.
Households must meet certain conditions
of income. A family with two members
with annual incomes below 11,928 will be
entitled to the reduced rate.
Asociacin Todo Corazn de Murcia serves

children with congenital heart disease and
their families. The psychological support
project is run by Margarita Villanueva. This
work is carried out in the Murcia association
headquarters and Hospital Virgen de la
Arrixaca. There are now many cases of
pregnant women who know that their unborn
child will suffer heart disease.
A reduction in the rate of waste would

benefit, in addition to low-income families,
small businesses, bars, cafes, restaurants
and small supermarkets. For families, three
rates will be established. The reductions
would be applied based on annual income.
Eight Guided Tours

These routes are centred on the attraction of
Puerto de Mazarrn and aimed at the young
and old of Mazarrn, to make them more
knowledgeable about Mazarrns heritage.
The organisers will visit schools, colleges
and day centres to disclose the assets by the
municipality of Mazarrn.
Mayor Attends The Constitution Of

The Association Of Municipalities Of
Marquesado Vlez
Representatives from 16 municipalities of
Murcia and Almeria have signed a Velez
Blanco agreement by the Association of
Municipalities of Old Marquis of Los Vlez.
The Mayor of Mazarrn, Francisco Garcia,
attended with the municipal archivist,
Magdalena Campillo at the Salon de Triomphe
Castle, Almeria -a historic building from the
sixteenth century.
Mazarrn was a benchmark for the
importance of the alum mines, as the mineral
was highly prized in the Middle Ages. Threats
of raids from North Africa led them to build
defensive castles at various points, including
Mazarrn. Velez Blanco was developed to
rescue and recover the past and return the
Almeria castle to her former glory.
The Association of Towns of the Old Marquis of
Los Vlez has been lodged with the signatures
of the representatives from Albanchez, Albox,
Albudeite, Ahamade Murcia, Cuevas de
Almanzora, Librilla, Mary, Mazarrn, Molina
de Segura, Mula, Oria, Taberno, Velez Rubio
and Velez Blanco. These towns, along with
Benitagla, Arboleas, Campos del Ro, and
Partaloa Zurgena were part of the Marquis of
Los Velez, from 1507 until the expiry of the
manors in 1837. Today, the 21 municipalities
of the old Marquis cover 3700sq kms with a
population of over 200,000 inhabitants.
The eight routes contemplate the legacy that

different civilizations have left in Mazarrn
and will focus on the mines and the heritage
of the different churches and the settlements
and various archaeological sites in Puerto de
Mazarrn. There will also be a visit to the
fishing port guided by the fishermen.
EnhancingThe Esteem Among Teens To
Prevent Domestic Violence
The slogan Love yourself and you will want
more and better, is the awareness campaign
against gender violence in secondary schools
in Mazarrn.
This year professionals Speciality Care Centre
for Women Victims of Domestic Violence
(CAVI) will have the support of technicians
and trainers CEPAIM Foundation, which has
been able to expand the number of students
who attend the campaign.
New Signs New Lines For Camposol
Sector B
For some months now the car park area at
Camposol B Commercial Centre has gradually
fallen into a rather sorry state of disrepair.
Originally this was a one way system until
someone knocked down the no entry sign
and then someone else subsequently stole it!
A Hundred Residents Go To The Valley

De Ricote
Residents of the Day Centre for the Elderly
in Mazarrn visited the Valley of Ricote
accompanied by the centres director, Isabel
Mara Martnez and the councillors for Social
Policy and Agriculture, Mara Martnez and
Magdalena Mndez. The visit is part of the
workshop programme. They visited Blanca,
Ulea and Archena among other places,
showing the wonderful scenery of the area
and its gastronomy.
In addition, on October 29thAdicae Consumers
Association gave to a group of 40 people. The
discussion was on the potential for energy
savings, how to interpret the electricity bills,
as well as the rights and duties of the users
of these services.
The Heart Association Murcia Gets
Cheque
Money was raised in the 3rd Veterans
Football Tournament of Mazarrn.
A cheque for 4,800 was presented to the
Asociacin Todo Corazn de Murcia. The
money will be used for counselling within the
association.
Page 30
The original yellow painted no parking areas

had faded so it was not surprising that chaos
ensued over the summer months. Ismael
Gomez, Councillor for Foreign Residents
quickly resolved the problem and a week
later the no entry signs and the yellow
lines were repainted and extended. He also
promised that one of the taxi spaces in the
main car park will also be changed back to an
ordinary space. There is now a clear tow
away sign and illegally parked cars will
be towed away and the fine is a minimum
of 200. Ismael has asked everyone to
please respect this new initiative. He can be
contacted on 681 154 904.
As the last poppy was placed outside the

Tower of London in bright sunshine, the
people of Camposol stood out in the rain
for the annual Remembrance Service
in Parque Los Palacios, here in sunny
Spain. Three hundred and thirty five
people braved the weather to sing hymns,
and observe the two minutes silence.
We are pleased to say that we have

recently gained some new members to
the group. As people see the work that
the Volunteers are doing, it is evident that
things are moving forward. The tonnes of
gravel donated by the Council have to be
spread over membrane by somebody! Im
sure we are all very grateful for all the hard
work of the few who give up their time to
do this.
Thankfully, the new members were just in
time to help prepare the Memorial Park for
the Remembrance Day Service on 11th
November. Much hard work has been put
into this to ensure the Park was at its best
on the day.
Our Race Night on 17th October raised
384 - 200 of which will be donated
to MABS.
moving
contribution from
Derek
Davison
of the Humanist
Association,
proving that the
service really is
intended for all.
The
Ayuntamiento
of Mazarrn was
well represented.
Despite
the
rain, the Mayor
of Mazarrn, Francisco Garcia, was
accompanied by Gines Campillo, Maria
Martinez, Juan Miguel, David Fernandez,
Our next social event is the Christmas

Party
at
Restaurante
Amapola,
Bolnuevo on 13th December. Martin Ross
is providing the entertainment and you
can enjoy a fantastic meal in the usual
Amapola style. Email Joce on events@
lospalacios-gardeners.com for details,
or see our notice board opposite the post
room on the Commercial Centre.
A huge thank you goes to all our sponsors
who continue to support us. For details of
this please see our website. Money raised
at the moment will go towards gravel
and membrane for the communal areas
and tools to carry out the work. At the
last monthly meeting we were gathering
suggestions to improve our Camposol
environment for the future. Watch this
space for details!
Joce Grant
Group Secretary
www.lospalacios-gardeners.com
Magdalena Mendez, Mathilda Vasquez, and

Ismael Gomez. At the end of the service
each of them presented a rose and a
hibiscus (rose of China) before the cross.
All of these and many more will be planted
in the park by the hard working people
of the Los Palacios Garden Volunteers.
More plants and many small crosses

provided by the Ex- Servicemens
Association of Mazarrn were also placed
in the garden. This day will be remembered
by many who expressed a wish to keep the
beautifully presented service sheet kindly
provided by the English Funeral Director,
Tony Smith and those who will return to
the park to see their plant flourishing in
the sunshine.
This year the service was led by St Nicholas

Ecumenical Church and Wellspring Victory
Church, jointly, featuring the wonderful
sound of the combined choirs from both
churches. Reverend Maureen Kent and
Pastor Andrew Fisher reminded all attending
that the service in the Memorial Garden is
dedicated to the memory of all departed
loved ones, as well as honouring those
who died in wartime. This year included a
Page 31
October and November have seen many

improvements to Los Palacios, Camposol
Sector A, with the Council honouring their
promise to invest some funds in Camposol.
Their method of liaising with the people
of Camposol to gain knowledge of what
improvements were needed was to contact
the Gardening Groups.
This is the way
forward; building working relationships
and resulting in repairs to roads, paths and
even the Welcome Wall being built. Our
Councilor for Foreign Residents, Ismael
Gmez Alonso, played a strategic part in
the co-ordination of meetings and liaison
between the Mayor and residents.
The
Council has also provided a portacabin to
extend the Friday Book Cabin. This will
enable most of the books to be kept under
cover just in time for the winter weather.
Pauline and her ladies have been working
hard cleaning and getting the cabin ready
for use. A mural for the front of the cabin
is planned.
Page 32
Page 33
Experencia 43
Many of you will recognise the name Licor43
from the delicious coffee Asitico which
is traditionally drunk in the Cartagena area
and really gives your system a jolt in the
morning! Did you know that you can go on a
guided tour of the Licor43 factory and enjoy
discovering how the famous drink is made?
I was recently looking for new ideas to
entertain visitors and stumbled across the
factory information on a website. I emailed
the tour manager and we got a reply straight
back offering 3 time slots for a tour in English.
The tour is run in 5 different languages,
Spanish, English, French, German and Italian
and lasts about 90 minutes, although leave
plenty of time to look at the products for sale
and buy some Licor43 to take home with you.
The tour costs around 9 per person and is
excellent value.
On arrival, we were given a Spanish coffee

made with Licor43 and cream. Luckily the
staff were happy to provide the no-alcoholic
version for any drivers, as it was a potent
brew! After coffee there was time to take a
mini beer which was actually Licor43 served
in a tiny glass tankard, topped with whipped
cream. Now THAT was delicious.
We then had a brief talk by our guide, and

were taken through to the museum to watch
a short film about the history of the Diego
Zamora Company and the brand. The name
of the drink comes from the 43 ingredients in
the secret recipe, known only to 3 members
of the family (so the myth says).
After the video, we walked around the small
museum, where there is a chance to follow
the development of the product and its
advertising, which gives an interesting insight
into how society has changed since the first
TV ad in 1955.
My favourite part was the factory tour, since I
had a background in food manufacturing many
years ago and we had ample time to watch
the production line, see the process and ask
any questions. Finally we were back to the
museum for a 5 minute presentation in the
Sensation Room which is obviously geared
towards making us buy the product, smelling
as it does of vanilla, herbs and several other
delicious mingling aromas. Although I have to
say we did not need much prompting!
To close, there was a cocktail demonstration
and we were shown how to mix a cocktail with
Licor43 and then given crisps and nibbles to
enjoy whist we savoured the huge goldfish
bowl sized glass with Licor43, ginger ale and
Well, here we are a few

weeks from Christmas;
a time of excess for
most people and a
time of celebration with
family. This is probably
the hardest time of
year for those who live
in poverty in this area,
when every day is a
struggle just to put food
on the table and try and
keep the children warm
and fed. Our food bill
is very high right now
as the numbers of
people we visit has
grown so much. We
do all we can, but we
still need extra food
just to keep going.
Just basic things like
rice, milk and pasta
can make such a
difference to the
hungry. A number
of our families are
without
running
water or electricity,
so the festive season
lime.
We spent time buying gifts at the small display
stand and I could not resist the set of 6 mini
beer tankards with bottle of liqueur for only
15. I also bought some lovely coffee glasses
for making the now famous coffee and dinky
stirring spoons.
All in all a fabulous couple of hours and all very
well organised and professionally presented
by our young tour guide, who spoke excellent
English.
For bookings and information contact the
factory on 968 510 200 ext. 207 or email
on experiencia43@diegozamora.es. It is
located just off the CT32 outside Cartagena
and only 5 mins drive from the retail park.
One final piece of advice - make sure you
have a designated driver prepared to forego
all the alcoholic treats. Next time Im taking
the bus!
Liz Edmiston
OwnersAway
Property
Rentals
Management
Contact Liz on + 34 691 977 107
info@ownersaway.com
www.ownersaway.com
&
means nothing to them. Can you please

help us at this time of year by giving a small
donation or handing some food to the ladies
at our table-top in Camposol each fortnight or
at any of our collection points listed below?
A great big thank you to all who have helped us

this year. We couldnt have managed without
you. May we take this opportunity of wishing
you all a Happy and Blessed Christmas and a
peaceful New Year.
God Bless you all
Marge and Arthur
Drop off Points
The Dog Bowl Fuente Alamo - Marian & Lesley
Fortnightly Table Top Sale - Camposol Sector
B
Golf Shop San Javier - Neil & Nikki Robinson
Campells Irish Restaurant & Bar Roda Mike
Arthur & Marge 659 270 885/689 653 987
Email arthurlaws@hotmail.com
Email swaptearsforsmilesspain@yahoo.
com
www.swaptearsforsmiles.wix.com/
swap-tears-4-smiles
w w w . f a c e b o o k . c o m /
swaptearsforsmiles-spain
Page 34
Page 35
Murcia Presidents Can Only Stand Twice

Murcia regional government has decided to
limit its leaders time in office to a maximum
of two electoral periods. Current president
Alberto Garre has welcomed the move, saying
it is good for society to see fresh faces in office
and prevents regional leaders from becoming
complacent. The two electoral periods do not
have to be consecutive, but it will only apply
from the date the new law comes into effect.
Murcia is now the third of Spains 17
autonomously-governed
regions,
after
Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura, to
apply this rule.
Regional elections are held at the same time
as local elections, every four years, meaning
a president who has served eight years in
office at any time in his or her career from
now onwards will not be able to stand for
elections again.
Alhambra Palace - 30 Years As UNESCO

Site
Granadas
iconic
Alhambra
Palace
is
celebrating its 30th anniversary as a UNESCO
heritage site by opening up parts of the
complex normally off limits to the public and
offering guided tours. This is the most-visited
historic site in Spain, the Moorish palace
- dating back to the Nazar dynasty of the
Middle Ages.
Sites which are usually shut to tourists include
the Torres de la Plvora, or gunpowder
towers; Los Picos (the peaks); Las Infantas
(the princesses), the Gateway of Seven
Floors, the Nazar house, the public baths
in the Mosque and the viewing point from
the south pavilion. They are normally out of
bounds for conservation reasons, to prevent
their becoming damaged by millions of people
traipsing around them all day and every day.
By booking in advance, visitors can also enjoy

guided tours of parts of the massive complex
which are undergoing restoration and the
allotment plots in the Generalife gardens.
Guided tours include trips to parts of
the outskirts of the enormous Medieval
monument, including the Darro valley, the
El Carmen de Rodrguez-Acosta district and
parts of the city which retain vestiges of the
Arab settlers from around 1,000 years ago.
The Albaicn district, with its narrow, cobbled
streets, toy-town Arab-style craft shops and
souks shows a corner of northern Africa in
southern Spain.
Nearly Half Spains Population Suffers

Chronic Medical Problems
A total of 20 million people in Spain suffer
chronic health conditions, medics revealed at
a conference in Logroo (La Rioja), attended
by doctors, nurses and social workers from all
over the country. They said 70% of the over65s have an average of four conditions running
concurrently and explained the importance
of ensuring all levels of patient care were
completely up to date with each persons
clinical history, so that those with chronic
health problems could be treated effectively
by their local GP, hospital department, social
services and any other organisation involved.
They explained the importance of helping
patients to manage their own conditions with
supervision from doctors.
Most expats are full of praise for the medical

care they receive, with British expatriates
in particular remarking on the efficiency of
procedures in Spain. Appointments for most
tests are normally within a week or two,
and GPs will refer patients to specialists or
prescribe necessary medication without a
seconds hesitation in most cases. Spains
health system, even in light of huge funding
cuts, is largely acknowledged to be one of the
most thorough in the world and has long held
2nd position in Europe.
Retirees on a State pension from any country,
or below pension age with an income of less
than 100,000 a year, are entitled to use the
national health system, provided they have
been resident since at least April 2012. Private
healthcare in Spain is also much cheaper than
in most of northern Europe.
British Councillor In Spain Petitions

Europe For Expats Right To Vote
Jacqui Cotterill, from Parcent (inland Alicante
province) is campaigning to change voting
laws.
At present, any British national who has lived
outside the UK for a continuous 15 years is
not entitled to vote in general elections in
their native country. As nobody in the world
is allowed to vote in a country they are not
a citizen of, this effectively means Britons
have no voice at all a situation which is
anti-democratic. Many Brits abroad, in and
out of the EU, still have property, pensions
and savings in the UK, or spend a few months
of the year there, but not enough to be
considered a resident.
Anyone should be able to vote in whichever
EU member State they live and pay their
taxes in, irrespective of their nationality and
even whether or not they hold a European
passport. Mrs Cotterill says that she, as a local
councillor in a mainstream party, is not able
to vote in either regional or general elections,
despite being at the sharp end of the process.
To date, the only way it is possible to vote
outside ones country of birth is to become a
citizen in the nation one has moved to.
Fines For Cruel Ban
On Feral Cat Feeding
And Sterilising
A group of residents in
the Salamanca district
of the capital feed the
cat colony every day
and also engaged in
neutering them and
then releasing them.
The court has found
Madrids ban on feeding
and sterilising feral
cats to be tantamount
to cruelty to animals.
Madrid itself changed
local laws in early
Page 36
2005, before which they would attempt to

control the feral cat population by poisoning.
The residents were each fined 900 under the
city bye-law on regulating care and ownership
of domestic pets, but the court says this byelaw cannot apply as feral cats are not domestic
and are not owned. Madrid has been ordered
to refund the 900 fines and pay legal costs
of 350 to each person sanctioned.
Animal And Reptile Hides Confiscated
Hides and fur from over 8,000 animals said
to be endangered species were seized from
a warehouse near Valencia airport and a
Spaniard arrested for smuggling.
Guardia Civil officers, who found the stripped
animal skins say the 57-year-old did not have
the required export documentation and was
unable to provide proof of where the skin
had come from. They included the hides of
crocodiles, snakes, lizards and other reptiles,
as well as thousands of species of mammals.
A total of 8,300 skins were confiscated which
are believed to have been destined for blackmarket sale to manufacturers of clothing and
accessories.
Infanta Cristina Formally Charged
King Felipe VIs younger sister, the Infanta
Cristina has been absolved of charges of
money-laundering but those of tax evasion
against her have been upheld. They carry
a prison sentence of up to five years. The
fines applicable for tax evasion, at up to six
times the amount defrauded, are higher than
for money-laundering where sanctions are
capped at three times the sum swindled.
The Duke of Palma, the Infantas husband,
could still face up to 20 years behind bars
for his part in a complex system of public
fund embezzlement along with his business
partner, Diego Torres.
They had set up what they claimed to be a
charitable organisation to promote culture and
sports, known as the Nos Institute, and its
non-profit status meant it was able to receive
cash from regional and central governments
to finance its events. By inflating costs,
Torres and Urdangarn were able to make a
very healthy profit which they pocketed for
themselves.
The Duchess and her husband will be tried
for these offences based upon their having
allegedly offset personal outlay against their
income tax as business expenses for Aizoon,
meaning they are said to have illegally
reduced their annual tax bills by several
hundreds of thousands of euros each.
Bus Driver Starts Petition To Ban The
Burqa
A Bus driver in the Basque Country is calling
for a ban on burqa-wearers on public transport
- a campaign to stop anyone with their faces
covered, either with a burqa, balaclava,
motorcycle helmet or similar, from entering
the vehicles. He is also calling for passengers
to sign to ban anyone riding the Vitoria city
buses from speaking other languages besides
Spanish orEuskera, the Basque regional
tongue.
As well as being considered an incitement
to racism and discriminating against the
immigrant population in Vitoria, it could be
off-putting to tourists. The city council says
the issue is very serious and is calling for
disciplinary action against the driver.
Page 37
Neglected
Donkey
The
Easy
Horse
Care
R e s c u e
Centre
is
pushing for the
prosecution of
a man after
his
donkey
was
found
malnourished
and
partially
crippled
with
a
severely
malformed
hoof
caused
by years of
neglect.
The donkey escaped its enclosure last
Thursday and ended up in the garden of a
concerned young woman, who called Sue and
Rod Weeding from the Rojales rescue centre.
Almoradi police who attended the scene
promptly allowed the donkey to be taken to
the Rescue Centre.
Its not a genetic thing, Sue said. The

donkey is about eight or nine years old and
hes clearly had not had his feet trimmed for a
long time, so one of the hooves has curved over
I was pleased to attend the official opening

of the new Blue Sky Caf in Bolnuevo on
Sunday 9th November. Formerly Bar Elena,
this new venue offers a very extensive range
of food, drink and services. There were
plates and plates of delicious samples of their
offerings which included homemade naan
bread and scones, as well as some lovely
dips and canaps. After hearing that their
breakfast hash browns are also homemade
I decided to start my rounds a bit earlier to
ensure I had enough time to sample them
and I was not disappointed. Blue Sky Caf
offer not only English Breakfasts, Menu del
Dia, Sunday roasts and a range of Tapas and
High Tea menus, but they also do traditional
Cream Teas with real clotted cream, so looking
forward to sampling that! Keith, Sandra,
Donna and Alan look forward to meeting you.
I was also pleased to attend the official
opening of the new CDA Fitness Centre
based on Camposol B. Ian Field, the proprietor,
has added a whole range of new classes to
his programme, so there is something for
everyone. Some of the new options include,
Bokwa, Body Pump, Boxercise, Aerobic
Page 38
and gradually
stretched the
front tendons
and retracted
the rear ones
. Hes actually
walking
on
what
would
be
the
equivalent of
our wrist.
The
donkey
has now been
x-rayed and
corrective
surgery can
be done. He
will soon be
taken to the
specialist
Equihealth
Veterinarios
clinic
in
Barcelona
to be cared
for by a team of veterinarians including
Gasper Castelijns, who serves Spains 2012
equestrian Olympic team.
Gasper will have to perform major surgery,
including possibly fusing some bones together
and repairing the tendons to straighten the
Body Tone and Rebound. There is a lovely

seating area on the terrace and refreshments
including some very healthy options such
as fruit smoothies and energy drinks. Ian
is a qualified personal fitness trainer and is
always on hand with advice for everyone.
Dont just think about it, book a class and
give it a try. I am determined to try at least
one new activity this year!
I recently needed to get some professional
business translation done and used the
services of Costa Clida Property Services
on Camposol A. The process is incredibly
simple; I simply emailed over precisely what
I wanted in English and it was returned as a
professional completed document in Spanish
within a day! If you have any need for
professional services including car transfers,
residencia applications, fiscal advice or wills
and inheritance assistance, you need look no
further.
I am rarely at home and as such do not spend
much (or enough time) on domestic chores
such as cleaning, so every now and again I get
Limpiezas Rosy in with her team to totally
leg, but we can help him thats the good

news, Sue said.
Police are in contact with the donkeys former
owner and are believed to be moving ahead
with a prosecution.
This is why we urge people to call the police
if they see an animal in distress, Sue said.
This is the only way we can move animal
welfare forward in Spain; by pushing the
police to act. We have named him Franky and
we will give him the very best care possible.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre
welcomes donations and sponsorships to help
support their work. Every cent donated to
the centre or spent in the eight charity shops
across the Alicante province goes towards
the feeding and care of the centres 83
horses, ponies and donkeys. Please contact
the charity shop hotline on 652 021 980
for information about furniture pick-ups and
volunteering in our shops.
The Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre
opens to the public on the first Sunday on
the month between 1pm and 4pm. The centre
is located just outside Rojales at Partido Lo
Garriga 59. For directions, please visit www.
easyhorsecare.net.
blitz the villa. She can really offer a deep

clean and it can be quite alarming to come
home to find all the windows removed and
in the garden, but that is the depth that they
go to. Rosy charges a reasonable hourly rate
and has a whole team of workers depending
on the requirement. They also have contracts
with some of the local vets which shows
just how good they are. They also do a 1st
occupancy hand-over from builders if needed.
Rosy has been working in this area for over
20 years and is honest, reliable and very hard
working.
I cannot believe that almost another year has
passed and that by the time you read this we
will have been in Spain for 11 years. It has
been an interesting year; not without some
issues, including the decision to have my
dear little rescue horse Sorayas eye removed
as it was badly infected. She has made an
excellent recovery though and I have now
started riding her again although staying
close to home!
Happy Christmas everyone
Teresa x
Page 39
Fantastic
Showtime
For
HAH
Mar Menor
A beautiful
sunny day on
October 21st
welcomed
the
HAH
Craft Fair,
followed by
their Annual
Fashion
Show and
Auction
at
Roda
Civico. Lots
of
people
turned
up
to buy Christmas crafts including cards,
diaries, and calendars, mostly made by
HAH volunteers. There were home-made
cakes, shoes by Shoe Amor and fancy
dress by Jean, along with the ever-popular
everyone a winner tombola.
After
the
Fa s h i o n
Show,
the
d r e s s e s
w e r e
auctioned
by
event
organiser
Pam Prince
with
some
amazing
bargains.
The clothes
w e r e
modelled by
Page 40
HAH volunteers, who all seemed to be

thoroughly enjoying themselves. Pam said
All the clothes had been donated, washed
and ironed and modelled by volunteers, so
this really was a fantastic HAH team effort
as the volunteers had made most of the
Crafts and the Cakes as well. Along with a
cheque for 2,250 from the Luz de Murcia
Masonic Lodge, an amazing 720 was
raised from the afternoon. Paul Eburne,
HAH President said It was a fantastic
afternoon, the atmosphere was as it
should be in Spain; sun, sangria and lots
of happy, smiling people and as usual, the
HAH volunteers enjoying the afternoon of
fun, friends and lots of bargains.
HAH Are Presented With A Cheque For
2,250
The highlight of the afternoon (apart from
the HAH volunteers modelling!) was a
cheque presentation for 2,250.
Last year, the Worshipful Master, of the Luz
de Murcia Masonic Lodge, Mr Barry Dell,
chose HAH to be one of the recipients of
monies raised during his year; the other
being for AFACMUR, helping families of
children with cancer. Pam Prince, HAH
volunteer and secretary said We are
thrilled to bits to be chosen by the Luz
de Murcia and are so grateful for this
fantastic donation. Last month alone, our
volunteers carried out 240 hours of FREE
work in our community, helping people
at home, driving to appointments and
providing care, physiotherapy and much
more for our clients. We also lent out 8
wheelchairs, 5 walkers and 2 commodes
to people struggling to cope. In reply
Barry said We are delighted to be able
to help such worthwhile charities whose

volunteers work so hard to help others
with their problems.
So many people
are grateful for all the hard work they do.
Long may it continue.
If you would like to become part of
our team, offering a little help to those
struggling following illness etc. please
email helpathomespain@gmail.com or
tel Lesley on 968 134 978.
Carers needed.
Spangles Shine In Harrogate

Spangles Ladies Harmony Chorus
left the sunny shores of Los Alczares to
represent SABS (the Spanish Association of
Barbershop Singers) at the LABBS (Ladies
Association of British Barbershop Singers)
Convention, attended by over 2,000
delegates, in Harrogate, Yorkshire.
Its a great honour to be invited to open
the LABBS Chorus Contest remarked
Co-Chorus Manager, Lyn Baines. As a
non-member of LABBS, we were unable
to compete, but we were privileged to
warm up the microphones for the LABBS
competitors.
36 Spangles ladies made the trip to
Harrogate
where
they
enjoyed
the
experience of performing their contest
package on the Harrogate International
Centre stage, cheered on by several
supporters from Spain and the UK. Although
they could not be part of the overall contest,
the judges still provided them with an
unpublished score for their performance.
Were extremely happy with our score and
the very positive feedback from the judges
commented Chorus Director, Gail Grainger.
It demonstrates that we can certainly hold
our own in the British arena and were
extremely grateful to LABBS for giving us
this rare opportunity.
Spangles has released a CD called Pure

Gold, which includes many audience
favourites. Pure Gold is on sale at 5 and
makes an ideal Christmas present. Call 968
574 987 or 968 334 527 to order your
copy.
restaurant. Needless to say, the diners

were entertained in true barbershop style
while they waited for their food. Some of
the chorus managed to have tea at the
famous Bettys Tea Rooms, or enjoyed a
meal at Jamie Olivers restaurant and even
the Yorkshire weather was kind with balmy
temperatures of 19o.
Spangles has won the SABS gold medal
twice; once in 2011 in San Pedro del Pinatar
and again in 2013 in Benalmdena. SABS
rules dictate that a gold medallist cannot
compete in the following year, so Spangles
is now gearing up to go for their third gold
in Benalmdena in April 2015.
All this costs money said Co-Chorus
Manager, Anthea Prentice, but we have an
excellent fundraising team who have put on
events to raise money to help us with travel
and accommodation costs for Harrogate
and now we are fundraising for our new
Spangles welcomes new members so,

if youre looking to make new friends and
enjoy singing, why not visit Spangles when
they rehearse at Las Claras? They meet
every Thursday from 10am-1pm.
Please call Lyn on 968 574 987 or Anthea
on 968 334 527 to book Spangles or to
find out how to join, or visit the website
www.spangleschorus.com
Photographer: event-photos.co.uk
Their trip wasnt all work and barbershop;

it was also Gails 60th birthday, so the
chorus celebrated with her at a local Indian
stage costume and the cost of competing

in Benalmdena. Were extremely grateful
to all our friends, family and followers for
supporting us at the fundraising events.
Page 41
The
7th
a n n u a l
M A B S
Race
for
Life in Los
Alcazares on
Sunday 16th
November
2014 was a
real success.
We decided
on a fancy
dress theme
this
year
and
were
extremely
impressed
by
the
number
of
people who
made
the
effort. The starting post was a sea of pink

wigs with many opting for the traditional
pink wigs & tutu attire. The best fancy
dress has to go to the guys who turned
up as characters from Little Britain - Lou
& Andy - it was a brilliant effort and they
had everyone laughing, especially at the
finish line when Andy was tipped out of the
wheelchair and everyone gasped until he
jumped up waving his arms around.
New Shop for Cruz Azul Murcia in San

Pedro del Pinatar
after opening
their
first
shop in San
Javier.
Val
L a t h a m ,
from
Cake
M a g i c ,
arrived
to
welcome
her
new
neighbours
with
a
fabulous
c a k e ,
decorated
with
the
Cruz
Azul
logo and lots
of pets, expertly crafted in fondant icing.
It was a shame to cut into such a work
of art commented President, Lyn Baines,
but it was fitting to offer a slice and a glass
of Cava to our supporters and customers.
Val also cut the ceremonial ribbon, wishing
Cruz Azul Murcia success in their new
venture and declaring the new shop open.
Cruz Azul volunteer, Emmanuel Vadon,
brought along his vintage Ford Galaxy, to
add to the festivities and it caused quite a
stir with the locals.
Cruz Azul Murcia opened the doors of

their second shop in San Pedro del Pinatar
on Friday 24th October, just eleven months
Huge thanks to all of our volunteers;

without them these events just would not
happen. Thanks of course to everyone
who took part, watched & cheered and
donated. A great day was had by all. In
excess of 2000 was raised on the day
with sponsor money still being collected.
Well done to Marissa Stevenson from Los

Alcazares who came 1st with a time of
Lyn thanked the Cruz Azul team of

volunteers who had pulled out all the stops
to get the new shop open in time.The shop
13 minutes 22 seconds. She was also 1st

Lady.
1st Man - Jose Saez from Lomas del Rame
1st Child - Alex Daniel aged 8
1st Baby - Kyan Leslie with Dad Steven
1st Wheelchair - Ben Sissman & Andy
Walsh as Lou & Andy from Little Britain
1st Man In Fancy Dress - Hugh James as
Just William,
1st Lady In Fancy Dress - Vicki Walsh as
a ballerina
1st Dog - Frodo with Sue Parker
For more information about MABS
forthcoming events and news please
visit our Facebook page https://www.
facebook.com/mabsmurciamarmenor
Cancer doesnt
neither do MABS.
discriminate
is ideally situated on the main avenue

into San Pedro del Pinatar, opposite the
Confiteria Alicia, with ample parking at
the back. The shop is open Monday to
Saturday, from 10am-2pm and volunteers
are looking forward to welcoming new
customers with donations or to browse the
new premises.
The majority of our fundraising is based
upon our retail outlets commented Sue
Thomason, Cruz Azul Vice President. We
always welcome donations of furniture,
clothes, accessories, household items, etc.
and we offer a free collection service for
larger items. Just call 693 017 616 and
we will arrange it for you. The shop is also
conveniently located for those who visit
the San Pedro Monday market, which runs
to the back of the shop.
Cruz Azul is pleased to welcome Shop
Managers Denise Standen and Ian Roberts
to the fold.
Cruz Azul Murcia is a registered charity
(No. 11.720/1a) whose mission is to
provide veterinary care for the sick and
injured pets of people in need and to
promote responsible pet ownership. If you
or someone you know needs help, or you
would like to volunteer or donate, please
call 693 017 616 or visit their website
www.cruzazulmurcia.es
Photographer: Ian Roberts
Page 42
and
Im not without goodwill during this season

and as my family will testify, I am not short
in the provision of thoughtful gifts and
some quality down time with my loved and
cherished ones. Last year I even made my
own Christmas tree out of coat hangers and
tin cans (I am an artist, so I am allowed to do
these things). However, in recent years the
sheer commercialisation of the mid-winter
festival has turned my stomach. Recently I
have been less delighted than I was earlier in
the year, that my television receives British
channels. One after the other adverts tell
me to spoil myself with good food, get that
discounted sofa before the big day, and
b-rate celebrities wave glittering wands over
mediocre childrens toys. Perfect families
grin through soft focus over steaming turkey
dinners that have been surprisingly provided
by a budget supermarket as if it is doing
us a service by acknowledging that some
people in Britain simply cant afford the day
and will run up yet more debts in the name
of Christmas.
This is probably a rant I have been withholding
for months, if not years and I fear this month
my musings are more grumblings. As an
antidote to Christmas, worst perhaps we
should think about Christmas best: the joy a
child gets from giving a present for the first
time (as opposed to receiving it); talking to
family not seen in a while (with the television
off); and the times when people remember
to reach out to others on their own. Despite
what we are told by our television sets, not
everyone has a loving shining family around
them.
Christmas times when I was living in Sri
Lanka were some of the best barely a trace
of fake snow, modest gifts and tables full of
friends. I have never experienced Christmas
in Spain, but I am hoping that a lack of drizzle
and a glimpse of beach might do the trick.
Christmas In Spain
Here is what I can expect from Spain for
Christmas (orNavidadesin Spanish).
Despite the Chinese Bazars being ahead of
the game (probably to please their British
clientele) decorations should not appear
until December and if trees are brought into
the home, they are put up in mid- December.
As well as a tree, some homes may have
miniature nativity scenes called Belnes (in
fact this was much more of a tradition in
Britain when I was growing up in the 1970s
than it is today in the UK). In San Pedro del
Pinatar, where I live, the Mayor has recently
announced a Christmas market between 6th &
9th December on the main road through the
town Avenida Emilio Castelar. I am hoping
for some promised Spanish crafts and less
imported tat fingers crossed. There are

always markets in Cartagena and Murcia for
a more authentic Christmas atmosphere. A
favourite of mine in the past has been the
Christmas markets in Vienna and Bratislava,
complete with hot wine and music (you see I
am not all bah-humbug).
Despite
Christmas
being
clearly
less
commercial in Spain, the festive season
is usually kicked off by a session of money
worship - the biggest lottery draw of the year,
on 22nd December. The numbers take hours
to draw and it is one of the most watched
things on television all year. I dont think I
will be buying a ticket!
Christmas dinner is likely to start with seafood

usually prawns, followed by either roast
lamb or turkey (filled with truffles), with a
dessert of turrn or polvorones both sweets
made from almonds and all washed down
with a glass of Cava. The big family Christmas
meal is likely to be eaten with much extended
family on 24th December known in Spain
as Nochebuena before
the main event, which
is a visit to church
for Midnight Mass.
After
the
service,
which includes carols
accompanied
by
drums,
tambourines
and
guitars,
the
celebrations continue
with a noisy walk
through the streets,
many bringing the
musical
instruments
with them.
The day before sees places all over Spain

celebrate with processions of sweet-throwing
floats. In San Pedro del Pinatar, the kings
arrive by boat in Lo Pagan and catch the
road train to the town centre, showering
treats as they go. In the Sierra Nevada it is
rumoured the kings can be seen skiing down
the mountain. It is believed that 6th January
is the day the kings bought presents to baby
Jesus, so this is when most Spanish children
will open their presents. In recent times,
however, Pap Noel also brings presents on
Christmas Eve. Traditionally on the night of
5th January, Spanish children leave their shoes
on their windowsills or doorsteps overnight
(or more recently under a Christmas tree) in
the hope they will be filled with sweets and
treats by the three Kings. A drop of Cognac
or fruit is sometimes left for the Kings and
even water left for their camels. If the Kings
are displeased with the children they might
leave coal. Whether you get coal or sweets,
you are likely to be enjoying a Roscn de
Reyes(a ring shaped cake) for breakfast.
By the time the Roscn de Reyes is served,
my British Christmas will be well and truly
over and the New Years resolutions probably
already broken. Although I lament the early
appearance of the season, I have to say I
am delighted that I can pack the whole thing
away before the New Year is born. As an
expat, I guess I can pick and choose which
aspects of the celebrations I observe. For
me, I think its probably a glass of Cava and a
handful of family and who knows; I might not
get coal in my shoes!
Its that time of year again. As the shelves

of the Chinese Bazar fill with tinsel and glitz,
I have that familiar sinking feeling that I
hoped I might have escaped when I left
Britain. Call me a bah-humbug, but the sight
of complaining masses struggling with carrier
bags stuffed full of things that are frankly
surplus to requirements, around drizzly city
centres and claustrophobic malls is enough
to send me scurrying to countries that dont
celebrate Christmas. Spain, it turns out, is
not one of those countries. Nevertheless, a
short stroll down to the Mar Menor on a sunny
December day really is enough to ease the
pain. The eye can see miles of water, distant
mountains and La Manga rising like a lost
concrete city from the sea it helps me to
forget the shopping frenzy that is upon us.
On 28th December,
the Spanish celebrate
a kind of April Fools
Day and tricks are
played on one another
to reveal who is the
most inocente.
New Years Eve or
Noche Vieja is a big
celebration all over
Spain. People tend
to stay at home until
midnight, then party in
the street or in hotels
and clubs. Traditionally
the Spanish eat 12
grapes on the 12
strokes of midnight to
bring in good luck for
every month of the
New Year.
As in many European
countries,
Epiphany
or
Fiesta
de
Los
Tres
Reyes
Mages
is celebrated on 6th
January the 12th
night after Christmas.
Page 43
IFEPA Car Show 5th - 8th December

XXIX Salon de la Automocin e Industrias
Afines 2014
an
in
purchasing
vehicle.
Both new and used vehicles are on display

and on sale and purchasers are given the
same guarantees of quality as if buying
directly from the dealership showrooms.
The IFEPA exhibition centre becomes the

biggest car showroom for both new and
used cars in the Region of Murcia from
5th to 8th December. Anyone interested in
purchasing a vehicle has the opportunity
to choose from among the wide range of
models on sale in the XXVII Saln de
la Automocin e Industrias Afines.
This fair has been established for some
time as an obligatory reference point for
all those with an interest in the world of
automobiles and is a means of seeing
the latest innovations in the sector and
affiliated industries first hand. As well as
being a good place to see all the major
car dealerships in one place, with 22,000
interest
All levels of vehicle are on offer, from

top level luxury vehicles, through to
practical family cars and new technology
vehicles, as well as vehicles of all ages and
conditions, enabling potential purchasers
to view a wide range of vehicles at similar
price points from a number of different
manufacturers and dealers.
square metres of exhibition space, the
presence of affiliated industries, including
accessories, lubricants, tyres, workshop
equipment and various parts for vehicles,
make the show relevant for both those
working in the sector and those with
Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-8pm 5 (3 with

voucher)
Tel 968 336 383
www.ifepa.es
WW1 Meets the Proms. Bless them All

The 65 people that attended the HELP Murcia
Mar Menors tribute function, WW1 Meets
the Proms, Bless them All at the Olympia
restaurant had a very enjoyable night.
Singing along with Ron at the keyboards,

the wartime songs and traditional PROMS
favourites echoed round the room. Bernard
Ash, the President, was an excellent MC
who encouraged everyone to singand
several of the guests gave memorable solo
performances during the evening.
The event raised 388 for HELP and Poppy

Appeal tins were on all of the tables for guests
to donate and fill for the benefit of theRoyal
British Legion.
Page 44
Page 45
The Leo Association is made up of

young people from 12 to 18 years old
who want to help their community.
The Mazarrn Bahia Leos Club have had
a busy few weeks and have been given
some basic first aid from Sally and Jerry
from the FAST Response Team. The Leos
really enjoyed their training and would like
to say a big thank you to Sally and Jerry
We have great
news!! You all
remember
Petit, dont
you?
Well
look at him
now!!
For
those
who
dont
remember
him, we went
to
collect
Petit
over
7
months
ago. He had
been a great
Show Jumper
turned
into
a
school
master, but his age (over 20), the hard work
and arthritis made him unable to continue
Page 46
The
Leos
joined
the
Lions Club
and
others
in
the
STRIDES
Walk
on
November
15th to raise
funds again
to
send
diabetic
children
to
the
special
camp
next
year where
they
will
learn
how
to cope with this this terrible illness. The
Leos say a big thank you to everyone
who kindly sponsored them to do the walk.
working. He was then left standing in a stable.

Here he is today looking stunning! Its been
a long time, lots of patience and love, great
companion ponies to be with and a huge
paddock. He has almost reached his ideal
weight, although still not fully rehabilitated,
but starting to exercise and build up muscle.
His total recovery is still far away, but we
are proud of what he has achieved and the
amazing work his carers have done with him
at his foster home.
On 2nd November we celebrated Halloween
with a special camp, where the Cavalli pupils
got to play trick or treat on our neighbours,
design their own fancy costumes and generally
had a great time. To raise donations to help
pay for our horses, we had a Halloween fancy
dress competition, a Gymkhana exhibition by
Cavalli pupils, a BBQ and lots of horrific fun.
The Leos also joined the Lions Club

during Operation Kilo Food at Consum
Camposol on Nov 28th. As usual all the
food collected will go to Mazarrn Cruz
Roja for the many people they support
over Navidad. The Leos would like to join
the Lions Club in thanking everyone at
Camposol for their generosity.
The Lions Club and Camposol where the
Leos club is based are very proud of the
Leos and thank them for their hard work.
The Leos in turn are very grateful to the
many people of Camposol who support
them and they welcome new members.
They meet fortnightly at the Camposol
Cultural Centre from 7pm-9pm. The
next meetings will be held on Friday 5th
December and Friday 19th December.
For more information please call the Leo
Advisor Virginia Barker on 654 874 563.
We are very happy to say that the building

work on the Ranch is to start; finally after
going crazy with bureaucracy! We are now
getting the horses used to living out in
paddocks so they can slowly get acclimatized
to the future outdoor conditions.
Because we are going to be extremely busy
with the building, we really need people
to help out with chores such as feeding,
looking after and exercising horses and
mucking out. We are looking for longterm volunteers that would love to join in
the Cavalli Team. Accommodation can be
provided, so dont hesitate to contact us
at infocavallifoundation@gmail.com or
phone 636 172 198
We
now
have
our
2 0 1 5
Calendars
and Cavalli
Christmas
Cards
in
print,
so
please order
yours
by
contacting
C a v a l l i
Foundation.
E
a
c
h
purchase
helps
us
rescue
and
rehabilitate a
horse.
Page 47
Cloud Nine Dramaproudly presents the

Panto - Aladdin and His Lampon 22nd,
24th, and25th January 2015at 8pm.
The venue isLa Molata Social Centre, just
a few minutes from Camposol.
Come and meet all your favourite
characters, laughandcheerat the antics
of Aladdin, Widow Twankyandtheir
friends. Booat the evil sorcerer. Get your
best singing andcheering voices to join in
the fun!
Last year, tickets sold out very quickly, so
dont be disappointed; email
rumajordan@hotmail.comfor
your
tickets. We will also be selling them on
Camposol B (look out for dates and time
details on Face Book pagePreguntas Y
Mas Murcia andCloud Nine for details
of when we will be on the Commercial
Centre). If you are in Puerto de Mazarrn,
tickets will alsobe on sale at The Teapot
(next to Mercadona).
Tickets 5 adults; 3 children.
As with all our productions, a portion of our
profits are donated to charity! Come and
have a fun night and help a charity at the
same time.
Thank you everyone who came to see

Keep Smiling Through. Our audiences
were fantastic. A donation will be made
to
The
Ex-Servicemens
Association
Mazarrn District in the near future and an
announcement made in the next edition of
the Chronicle.
The competition to find how many Owls

were in the October edition of the magazine
was won by Mandie Tucker of Totana who
won two free tickets to the show.
Page 48
Page 49
Which Gospel tells of the journey of

the Magi?
St Matthew/St Mark/St John
2
Which turkey makes a gobbling

sound?
Male/Female/Both
3
What are male turkeys called?
Cocks/Dogs/Toms
4
Which Brussels Sprouts are grown

for Christmas?
Bedford Fillbasket/Peer Gynt/Widgeon
5
Where would you find a valve

system known as a Christmas Tree?
Car engine/Heart/Oil Well
6
Which was the first country to print

Christmas stamps?
Canada/Madagascar/Uruguay
How many ghosts appear in A
Christmas Carol?
Two/Three/Four
Which great scientist was born on

Christmas Day?
Albert Einstein/Stephen Hawking/Isaac
Newton
14
15 Which of these plants is poisonous?

Christmas
Cactus/Christmas
Pepper/
Christmas Rose
The economy of Christmas Island

was originally based on what?
Coral/Diamond/Phosphate
10
The herb Christmas Bells is native

to which country?
Australia/Israel/Korea
11 Which king was crowned on
Christmas Day?
William the Conqueror/Henry VIII/Edward
VII
12
What spice is used to Flavour the

traditional Christmas drink Eggnog)
Cinnamon/Cloves/Nutmeg
13 Which spacecraft made a live
broadcast on Christmas Eve 1968?
Apollo 8/Vulcan 9/Challenger 10
Christmas Disease is a variation of

which disease?
Haemophilia/Leprosy/Mumps
16
How many reindeer normally pull

Santas sleigh?
Four/Six/Eight
17
Good King Wenceslas was Duke of

where?
Bohemia/Prague/Saxony
18
Which of these comedians did not

die on Christmas Day?
Charlie Chaplin/WC Fields/Tony Hancock
19
Approx how many feathers does a

fully grown turkey have?
1500/2500/3500
20
Where would you find a Christmas

Tree Worm?
Forest/Ground/Sea
Page 50
The best thing about celebrating Christmas

traditions in Australia is that most of the
time, you can do it on the beach! What
may seem out-of-the-ordinary to those
used to snowflakes and frosty noses is
simply one of the many ways the Land of
Oz distinguishes itself from other countries
during the holidays.
Santas
Sleigh:
Reindeer or
Boomers?
Australian
children
believe
in
Santa,
but
theres
a
twist. Since
temperatures can reach nearly 100 in

some parts of Australia, and the eight
reindeer pulling Santas sleigh are used to
the cold, Nordic winds, they need a rest.
The belief is that six boomers, also known
as male kangaroos, take over.
Sport is very popular at Christmas time
and there is always a national cricket match
on TV the day after Christmas, although
many people prefer to get outside and play
the game in parks and on the beach.
Christmas Holidays usually means two
days off work and another for New Years
Many Christmas Traditions in Australia

are similar, but different. Christmas Day
is a Christian holiday so many Australian
citizens attend midnight mass on Christmas
Eve.
Boxing Day, while observed as a charitable
occasion, is also the largest shopping day
of the year.
Letters to Santa are written by many
children, but in some families, the request

can only be for one gift.
Christmas
Trees
are
not common
in
many
households,
although
p l a c i n g
boughs
of
gum
trees
and wreaths
around the
house
is
common.
Decorating
with
the
native plants
Christmas
Bush
or
Christmas Bells is a popular custom, but
many towns and cities have a traditional
Christmas Tree in a public area. One of the
most beautiful public trees is in Sydneys
Queen Victoria Building, with 15,000
Swarovski crystals and 60,000 sparkling
lights.
Page 51
Day. Some other workers may have as

much as two weeks off, returning to work
after the New Year, but children have the
best deal of all: Christmas in Australia
is the start of their summer break from
school!
candle. This multi-city event attracts tens

of thousands of singing citizens to parks,
music halls, and stadiums. Melbourne and
Sydney stage huge performances with top
entertainers.
Once in Royal Davids City reflects

Australias British roots. This poem turned
Christmas Carol tells the story of Baby
Jesus born in Bethlehem, the city of his
ancestor King David.
Christmas
Lullaby
by
Olivia NewtonJohn
and
M a n n h e i m
Steamroller
is a perennial
favourite.
Christmas Meal Traditions in Australia

Because of Australias British heritage,
youll find many familiar dishes piled high
on holiday tables. Turkey, ham, stuffing,
potatoes, gravy, tarts, (both savoury and
sweet), rum balls and mince pies are
always on the menu. Some more Australian
food include:
Plum Pudding - During the gold rush
era, a gold nugget would be hidden in
plum pudding and whoever found it would
have good luck all year. These days, most
people continue the tradition by putting a
little trinket or coin inside.
Pavlova - a meringue cake topped with
fruit
Christmas Damper - a kind of soda bread
A more modern Christmas tradition is

Australia is a huge barbeque with plenty of
grilled seafood, lamb and other meat. Cold
picnics in the park are also common.
Since
1938,
one
of
the
most spectacular Christmas traditions
in Australia is Carols by Candlelight.
Founder Norman Banks walked home one
Christmas Eve and passed by a window lit
only by candlelight. Through the window,
he saw an old women sitting alone, singing
along to Away in a Manger playing on the
radio. He wondered how many others spent
the holidays alone, so in 1938, he organized
a public sing-a-long of Christmas carols at
midnight, with everyone holding a single
that you form into the shape of a star or

wreath and eat with honey or jam.
Page 52
Australian First Day of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me,
A kookaburra in a gum tree.
On the second day of Christmas,
Two snakes on skis,
And a kookaburra in a gum tree.
On the third day of Christmas,
Three wet galahs,
Two snakes on skis,
On the fourth day of Christmas,
Four lyrebirds,
Three wet galahs,
Two snakes on skis,
On the seventh day of Christmas,

Seven emus laying,
Six sharks a-surfing,
Five kangaroos,
Four lyrebirds,
Three wet galahs,
Two snakes on skis,
On the eighth day of Christmas,
Eight dingos dancing,
Seven emus laying,
Five kangaroos,
Four lyrebirds,
Three wet galahs,
Two snakes on skis,
On the ninth day of Christmas,

Nine crocs a-snoozing,
Seven emus laying,
Five kangaroos,
Four lyrebirds,
Three wet galahs,
Two snakes on skis,
On the tenth day of Christmas,
Ten wombats washing,
Seven emus laying,
Five kangaroos,
Four lyrebirds,
Three wet galahs,
Two snakes on skis,
On the eleventh day of Christmas,
Eleven lizards leaping,
On the fifth day of Christmas,

Five kangaroos,
Four lyrebirds,
Three wet galahs,
Two snakes on skis,
On the sixth day of Christmas,

Five kangaroos,
Four lyrebirds,
Three wet galahs,
Two snakes on skis,
Page 53

Seven emus laying,
Five kangaroos,
Four lyrebirds,
Three wet galahs,
Two snakes on skis,
On the twelfth day of Christmas,
Twelve possums playing,
Eleven lizards leaping,
Seven emus laying,
Five kangaroos,
Four lyrebirds,
Three wet galahs,
Two snakes on skis,
Two Happy Meals,

And a Big Bacon Classic with cheese.
On the fourth day of Christmas,
My drive-through gave to me:
Four Egg McMuffins,
Three Biggie Fries,
Two Happy Meals,
On the fifth day of Christmas,
Five Onion Rings,
Four Egg McMuffins,
Three Biggie Fries,
Two Happy Meals,
On the sixth day of Christmas,
Six Chocolate Milkshakes,
Five Onion Rings,
Four Egg McMuffins,
Three Biggie Fries,
Two Happy Meals,
and a Big Bacon Classic with cheese.
On the seventh day of Christmas,
Seven pots of Cole Slaw,
Five Onion Rings,
Four Egg McMuffins,
Three Biggie Fries,
Two Happy Meals,
Twelve Days Of Fast Food

On the first day of Christmas,
A Big Bacon Classic with cheese.
On the second day of Christmas,
Two Happy Meals,
On the eighth day of Christmas,

Eight bowls of Chilli,
Five onion rings,
Four Egg McMuffins,
Three Biggie Fries,
Two Happy Meals,
On the ninth day of Christmas,
Nine Polish Hot Dogs,
Five Onion Rings,
On the tenth day of Christmas,

Ten Baked Potatoes,
Five Onion Rings,
Four Egg McMuffins,
Three Biggie Fries,
Two Happy Meals,
On the eleventh day of Christmas,
Eleven pounds of Blubber,
Ten Baked Potatoes,
Eight bowls Of Chili,
Five Onion Rings,
Four Egg McMuffins,
Three Biggie Fries,
Two Happy Meals,
On the twelfth day of Christmas,
Twelve bags of Pepto,
Eleven pounds of Blubber,
On the third day of Christmas,

My drive through gave to me:
Three Biggie Fries,
Four Egg McMuffins,

Three Biggie Fries,
Two Happy Meals,
Page 54
Ten Baked Potatoes,

Five Onion Rings,
Four Egg McMuffins,
Three Biggie Fries,
Two Happy Meals,
Rusty Chevrolet
(To the tune of Jingle Bells)
I have to drag my swampers just to get the

car to stop.
Chorus
Oh, rust and smoke, the heaters broke, the
door just blew away.
I light a match to see the dash and then I
start to pray-ay.
The frame is bent, the muffler went, the
radios okay.
Oh, what fun it is to drive this rusty
Chevrolet!
Dashing through the snow in my rusty

Chevrolet.
Down the road I go, sliding all the way.
I need new piston rings. I need some new
snow tires.
My car is held together by a piece of chicken
wire!
Chorus
start to pray-ay.
radios okay.
Oh, what fun it is to drive this rusty
Chevrolet!
Answers to the Christmas Quiz:

Answers
1 - St Matthew
2 - Male
3 - Toms
4 - Widgeon
5 - Oil Well
6 - Canada
7 - Four
8 - Isaac Newton
9 - Phosphate
10 - Australia
11 William the Conqueror
12 - Cinnamon
13 Vulcan 9
14 - Haemophilia
15 Christmas Pepper
16 - Eight
17 - Bohemia
18 Tony Hancock
19 - 3500
20 Sea
I went to IKEA to get some Christmas cheer.

I just passed up my left front tire and its
gettin hard to steer.
Speeding down the highway, right past the
county cops.
Bouncing through the snowdrifts in a big,

blue cloud of smoke.
People laugh as I drive by; I wonder whats
the joke!
I have to get to Dia to pick up my supplies,
Cause Santas comin soon in his big, old,
rusty sleigh!
Chorus
start to pray-ay.
radios okay.
Oh, what fun it is to drive this rus-ty Chevro-let!
Page 55
Victoria
Hislop is a
writer
and
journalist
and lives in
Kent
with
her husband
Ian,
Private
Eye
editor
and their two
children. Her
first
novel,
The Island,
held
the
number one
slot in the
Sunday Times
paperback
chart for eight consecutive weeks and has
sold over a million copies. Victoria was named
Newcomer of the Year at the Galaxy British
Book Awards 2007. She has written a number
of short stories and many of her novels are
based in Greece which is a country that she
loves. The family has a second home in Crete.
The Island 2005
This novel tells
the story of
Alexis Fielding,
a 25 year old
on the cusp of
a life-changing
decision. Alexis
knows little or
nothing about
her
familys
past
and
has
always
resented
her
mother
for
refusing
to
discuss
it.
She
knows
only that her
mother, Sofia,
grew up inPlaka, before moving to London.
Making her first visit to Crete to see the
village where her mother was born, Alexis
discovers that the village faces the small,
now deserted island of Spinalonga, which,
she is shocked and surprised to learn was
Page 56
Greecesleper colonyfor much of the 20th

century. It is here that Alexis meets an old
friend of her mothers, Fotini, who is prepared
to tell her for the first time the whole tragic
story of her family. It is the story which Sofia
has spent her life concealing - the story of
Eleni, her grandmother and of a family torn
apart by tragedy, war and passion. Eleni
discovers how intimately she is connected
with the island and with the horror and pity of
theleper colony and learns that the secrets of
the past have the power to change the future.
The Return 2008
Beneath
the
m a j e s t i c
towers of the
Alhambra,
Granadas
cobbled streets
resonate with
music
and
secrets. Sonia
C a m e r o n
knows nothing
of the citys
shocking past;
she is here to
dance, but in
a quiet caf,
a
chance
conversation
and
an
intriguing collection of old photographs draw
her into the extraordinary tale of Spains
devastating civil war.
Seventy years earlier, the caf was home
to the close-knit Ramrez family. In 1936,
an army coup led by Franco shattered the
countrys fragile peace and in the heart of
Granada the family witnessed the worst
atrocities of conflict. Divided by politics and
tragedy, everyone must take a side, fighting
a personal battle as Spain rips itself apart.
The Thread- 2011
Thessaloniki, 1917. As Dimitri Komninos is
born, a devastating fire sweeps through the
thriving Greek city where Christians, Jews
and Muslims live side by side. Five years later,
Katerina Sarafoglous home in Asia Minor is
destroyed by the Turkish army. Losing her

mother in the chaos, she flees across the sea
to an unknown destination in Greece. Soon
her life will become entwined with Dimitris
and with the story of the city itself, as war,
fear and persecution begin to divide its
people.
Thessaloniki, 2007. A young Anglo-Greek
hears his grandparents life story for the first
time and realises he has a decision to make.
For many decades, they have looked after the
memories and treasures of the people who
were forced to leave. Should he become their
next custodian and make this city his home?
The Sunrise 2014
In the summer
of
1972,
Famagusta in
Cyprus is the
most desirable
resort in the
Mediterranean
- a city bathed
in the glow of
good fortune.
An
ambitious
couple
are
about
to
open
the
islands
most
spectacular
hotel,
where
Greek
and
Turkish Cypriots work in harmony. Two
neighbouring families, the Georgious and
the zkans, are among many who moved
to Famagusta to escape the years of unrest
and ethnic violence elsewhere on the island,
but beneath the citys faade of glamour and
success, tension is building.
When a Greek coup plunges the island into
chaos, Cyprus faces a disastrous conflict.
Turkey invades to protect the Turkish Cypriot
minority, and Famagusta is shelled. Forty
thousand people seize their most precious
possessions and flee from the advancing
soldiers. In the deserted city, just two families
remain. This is their story.
Welcome to our lovely days of Winter sunshine

and the cold night-time temperatures! Our
dedicated group of maintenance workers and
volunteers still turn out regularly despite the
cold mornings and we continue our search
for new volunteers. Even if you arent
resident and just holiday here, you are
very welcome to join us. We offer bacon
or sausage butties every Wednesday as an
incentive! If youd like to offer your skills
just get in touch with John, our Chairman. If
youre not able to join our working parties,
but youd like to donate a raffle prize or
plants, wed love to hear from you. No offer
of help is too small! We always have ongoing
projects, but please let us know if you have
any particular task you would like us to
tackle in your area?
This month we have a couple of newly
sponsored areas; a raised bed maintained
by Quickprint and a roundabout supported
by Inside Out (a great way to promote your
business!). Our volunteers spread 22 tons
of chippings, replacing those washed away
in the Gota Fria. 10 tons were donated by
Mazarrn Council, arranged by Councillor
Ishmael Gomez. Many tons of soil were also
moved to fill in holes made by the flood water
and special thanks go to Mark, who repaired
a hole in the pig farm road in his own time.
Wed like to ask any new homeowners

on C to consider joining our community
Maintenance Scheme.
Members pay
just 15 a quarter to improve the whole
area of Lower C, which is great value, as
Greenfingers have made a vast difference
to the look of our streets - neat, gravelled
verges, dustbins off the roads, water butts
installed, landscaped areas with benches,
many new plants and trees now becoming
established and repairs to kerbs and roads
where needed. The Maintenance Scheme and
our volunteers have undertaken these tasks
only until the local council totally take over
responsibility for Camposol C. It is lovely to
look around our sector now, with its pretty
planted areas and features. It is no longer
looking very overgrown and forgotten
even though some of the work has been
backbreaking! If you would like to become a
member and enable the good work to carry
on keeping our streets cleaned, swept and
sprayed regularly and know that you are
giving your support to making C one of the
nicest areas to live, please contact John or
your local representative.
live music from Al Jay, but there may

still be a few available as this goes to
print. Please contact John on 634 325
427. Check chalkboards, Facebook and
website for any more news http://www.
greenfingersgardenandsocialgroup.
com/
There has been a huge demand for tickets

to our Christmas Meal & Dance on
3rd December at The Club House with
There have been few changes to our

committee this month: Were very sorry to
say goodbye to Adrian, our Project Manager
for the volunteers and his wife Jo, our
Treasurer. A huge thank-you to them both
from us all. They have worked tirelessly for

many years they will be sorely missed. Lesley
has taken the role of Treasurer, Coral is our
new Secretary and we welcome Mark and
Ken who share the post of Project Manager
for our volunteers.
Page 57
Wreathlaying
Amid the swirl of umbrellas and atorrential
downpour, 15 members and friends of
the Murcia Humanists attended the
Remembrance Day Service on Camposol
at the Garden of Remembrance.
For us this year was different as the local
churches who organised the day included us in
the service and we welcomed the opportunity
to participate.
Retired RAF Bandmaster Flt. Lt. Deryck
Davison read a poem entitled How long
is a mans life by the Chilean poet Pablo
Neruda who won the International Peace Prize
in 1950 and the Nobel Prize for Literature in
1971 just 2 years before his deathaged 69.
The wreath was laid by Humanist group
secretary Martin Rushtons.
Humanists of Murcia Walking Group

Fifteen intrepid walkers set off on an
exploration of the north, or maybe east. They
took to the AP-7 and drove at least for an
hour and a half from Mazarrn.
Hotel Costa Narejos is in, would you believe
it, Los Narejos next to Los Alczares. They
have this offer on; eat breakfast and evening
meal and stay for free and Humanists being
free thinkers (cheap) go for this sort of thing.
The idea was to walk for four days around the
La Manga area without going to La Manga.
On the way to the hotel, many of the group
stopped off at the mines in La Union; a two
hour trip with guide and train ride for group
discount 10.
The first walk was a killer; starting at Los
Belones, walking to the coast and heading
towards Cabo de Palas via Calblanque. A
beautiful walk with stunning scenery; only
five hours. Round the next corner became
the catch phrase. The narrow path and rope
guide rail and 50m drop nearly did for Joan.

Day two was a swift 3 hours from the marina
in Portman to the Cenizas Battery where two
381mm guns made by Vickers and Armstrong
in 1923 throw a shell 35km. A leisurely
2-hour walk up along with friendly groups of
Spanish and a quick slightly steep slope down
brought the group to the marina bar for a
welcome caa.
The third walk was around the Salinas in San
Pedro del Pinatar, which have been worked
since the Roman Empire. Some walkers took
to the waters after covering themselves in
healthy black mud and the beautiful bodies
and complexions could be seen at dinner.
The last day took the walkers back to
Portman where they followed the track that
the miners took to go to the mines. It was
a great four days and thanks to John and
Rhian for organising it. Also, thanks to the
Green Freelander that guided the group
to their destination, usually by quick and
sometimes scenic routes.
It was sorely
missed on the last day when exits were not
exited and pedestrians had to leap to safety
in Cartagena.
The next walk will be in the San Juan area led
by Crazy Horse on Saturday, 13th December
2014 and there is also a Winter Solstice on
Sunday 21st December.
For more details, go to www.bolnuevo.com
and click on Humanists.
Registered Charity N 8.714/1
staffed by volunteers, where any unwanted

saleable items are gratefully received. Our
next a Table Top Sale for cakes and pastries
will be at the Age Concern Christmas Fayre
held at Lagarto Verde Puerto de Mazarrn on
Saturday 6th December from 11am-2pm.
As a registered charity JJs rescue puppies

abandoned in the Mazarrn area and care
for them in foster homes to be trained and
socialised ready for a loving forever home
locally or abroad. We are also very busy
supporting Helping The Perrera Dogs,
a small group of local animal lovers and
experienced rescuers working with Natural
Planet Residencia Canina at Mazarrn
helping to care for the dogs in the Perrera and
finding new homes for some of the unwanted
and abandoned puppies and dogs.
On 24th October, another 20 rescued puppies
and dogs travelled by road and by air to
Germany under the stringent EU Trace System
for adoption by their new owners. We are
now enjoying the heart-warming photos and
videos of these dogs enjoying life in their new
homes. On 12th December another 10 puppies

and dogs will be travelling to Germany to
their new owners.
Our weekly Helping The Perrera Dogs
Table Top Sale in the Lower Car Park,
Camposol
A
Commercial
Centre
has become a very
popular fund raising
event,
with
the
opportunity to pick up
a bargain, meet Some
of Us and find out
more about the work
we do helping Puppies
& Dogs at the Perrera.
To help us raise the
funds
needed
for
our work, we have
a Charity Shop in
Puerto de Mazarrn
Page 58
The inspiration and satisfaction of our work

does not come from telling the World What
We Have Done; it comes from Actually
Doing What We Do ; rescuing abandoned,
abused and unwanted puppies and dogs and
being able to share in the knowledge of the
unconditional love that they give to their new
caring owners in their new homes.
For More Information or For Collection
Of Donated Items, Give One Of Our
Committee Members A Call
Tony 618 034 921
Christine 603 127 984
Sue 603 217 532
W e D o I t A l l 4T h e P u p p i e s
Page 59
Hi from Bob with all the latest news from

Welcome.
There are some exciting trips coming up next
year, but first to wish you all a very Merry
Christmas from me and Fran and a peaceful
and prosperous New Year.
Our October Dance featured the talents
of Darren Jones supported by the lovely
Christine and as usual the dance floor was full
all night.
Torrevieja market, La Zenia shopping mall

and Iceland for your Christmas goodies.
Tickets 10.
Christmas Party Night on 10th December,
with Ricky Levazza and Sandy Fitzpatrick.
Tickets 12.
New Years Eve Dance features Rob
Sweeney, Dan Davey and our own Christine.
Tickets 20 to include a cold buffet. Bring in
the New Year with all your friends.
Games Night on Wednesday 7th January
with a beetle drive, bingo and quiz. This is
always good fun and a night full of laughs, so
dont miss this chance to wind down after the
festive season. Tickets 3.
We had the Rich Bitch Show on November

5th and did they give us some fireworks! Fun
and laughter all night as expected and yet
another fantastic show from the boys from
Benidorm.
January Dance on Wednesday 28th sees the

return of everybodys favourite, the lovely
Lucinda, supported by Andy Jones. Tickets
8.
2015 Trips
Valentine Trip is fully booked
May 11th 3 Night Trip to the ancient city
of Cordoba for the Patio Of The Flowers
festival. Staying B & B at a 4* hotel, there will
be the opportunity to try out the local cuisine
and of course to see all the patios in the old
part of the city dressed with a variety of
colourful flowers. People come from all over
Spain for this annual event and its surely
one of the most spectacular displays to be
found anywhere. Book your place now as this
is selling fast and will sell out soon. 260 to
include all travel, hotel and a trip to Ubeda.
Forthcoming Events
Ladies Day on Friday 5th December, visiting
On a recent flight to the UK, it struck me

that although the weather in London was a
Cruise
Around
The
May
27th
Mediterranean. Overnight in Valencia,
then on to Barcelona to join Royal Caribbean
Vision Of The Seas for 12 nights. Visit
few degrees warmer than Iceland and the

precipitation was just below 100%, in stark
contrast before we descended, (that is above
the clouds), it was bright sunshine. This got
me thinking that in the Christian life, the
nearer we are to the things of the earth, the
more likely it is that clouds will block out the
light from above.
Jesus is described as the light of all
mankind - John 1v 4. Dont let the clouds
of doubt, anxiety, or fear, block out the
light of Jesus in your life.
On the same trip, I noticed that the sweet
shop server at the airport was wearing a
smart suit complete with tie, yet simply
serving sweets. Also in Gatwick a well-suited
gentleman appeared from behind a door and
proceeded to sweep litter from the immediate
area. Content that this had been done, he
disappeared behind the same door again. Two
thoughts struck me - one was;
I wonder what job their wives think the two
men do all day in the city when they leave
dressed like bank managers?
The second more gracious thought was that
they were a good example of people being
willing and humble enough to do what needs
done despite their place in the scheme of
things.
Page 60
Villefranche, for Nice and Monaco, La Spezia

for Florence and Pisa, Civitavecchia for Rome,
Naples, 2 days in Venice, Ravena, and Kotor,
Montenegro. All outside cabins. Ive already
Googled the ship and it looks fabulous. Call
Rosemary for full details.
September 14th 5 Night Trip To Salamanca.
Following the success of this years trip, were
going back to Salamanca, with more time
to explore this important old city. Well stay
2 nights at Hotel Exe Hall, within walking
distance of the city centre, then 2 nights at
a 4* hotel in Leon. Leon was founded by the
Romans and was the chief city of the Christian
advance across the Cantabrian Mountains.
The cathedral was built in a French style in
the 13th century. On the Thursday we will
have a day trip to Astorga. This is a city on
the Pilgrims Way to Santiago with a famous
cathedral and the bishops palace started by
Gaudi. We then go on to Valladolid to another
4* hotel. All B & B and just 295.
Book/Jigsaw Swap 2nd December, then the
Christmas break until 13th January. Call Jo on
669 457 985 for more details.
Petanca is on Wednesday 3rd December. Call
Les on 968 131 880 for full information.
Monthly Meeting is 6th December where
tickets will be on sale for all events including
February Dance with Diverse Duo and Dan
Davey. Tickets 8.
For more details call Rosemary on 620 105
179
Email rosemarybeak@hotmail.com
www.welcomegroupspain.com
Facebook welcomegroupspain.
As we remember Jesus appearing on the

scene as a baby this Christmas, think for a
moment how He humbled himself by coming
down from the realms of Glory to be born
a carpenters son. Despite His place in the
scheme of things, He did what needed to be
done - for us. He made Himself nothing by
taking the very nature of a servant, being
made in human likeness. - Philippians 2 v 7
You can find us most Sunday evenings
at the Cultural Centre, Camposol B at
5.30pm
Come and join us. We offer something a bit
different. Sit around and chat over a cup of
tea or coffee and learn about God and what
He can do for YOU. We also hold monthly
social events in Los Almagros. Look out for
the posters or go to our website for details.
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 email
opendoorgettogether@gmail.com
Los Almagros, Fuente Alamo, 30320, Murcia.
GPS: 3745 57.77 North. 1 15 56.95 West
Ken 646 705 403
Page 61
Late Autumn Gardening Challenges by

Dick Handscombe, holistic gardener and
author living in Spain for over 25 years.
2014 autumn has been a mixed blessing for

gardeners. Up in Valencia Province we are still
waiting for a decent rainfall, while from what
I read this afternoon in the November edition
of Costa Clida Chronicle, the Mazarrn area
has had more than enough rain, especially
on the Camposol urbanisation. The stories
related reminded me of a day, about 23rd of
November 1996 when we had 63 centimetres
of rain in a day, including 24 centimetres in
an hour. This was said to be the heaviest for
at least 800 years when our local monastery
was built. Luckily on that day we suffered
no damage. Indeed, having landscaped the
early garden so that no rain could flood onto
the plot from the surrounding roads on two
sides, it could run off the plot and could flood
selected low lying areas to raise the water
table for later months. Had we not taken
similar steps, especially those built with dry
river beds buried under parts of the garden
and house and with insecure internal terraces
and garden boundary walls, we would have
suffered rather worse. The power of rain was
highlighted by the fact that a deluge cleared
a twenty metre wide path down our local
mountain for a fall of some three hundred
metres. For a year we had a new route up the
mountain, but then nature soon recovered
and new shrubs and trees filled the gap and
the mountainside became an impenetrable
jungle again.
In
Murcias
case, the various Camposol
gardening groups are to be congratulated on

all the work they have and are still putting
in to recover the efforts of their invaluable
work over several precious years. I was very
impressed by the results of their efforts when
on Campasol to give a gardening talk earlier
this year. When you get round to considering
how best to recover and further develop your
gardens, do consider the diagram below
that summarises our concept of holistic
gardening in Spain and reinforces our belief
that the prime focus of gardening in Spain is
to develop gardens that match your chosen
short, medium and longer term lifestyles.
Those that have the following books will find

that they include the diagram Growing
Healthy Fruit In Spain, Growing Healthy
Vegetables In Spain and Living Well
From Our Garden Mediterranean Style.
Prior to receiving and reading the November
edition of the Costa Clida Chronicle, I took
two photographs of our garden to illustrate
the wonderful autumn colour even after a 15
month drought. It is amazing what just two
very light spring-type showers and heavy
autumn morning dews can stimulate.
(photo)
1 - November view along the garden wide
rockery
the colour-scape can continue through to

Christmas and the New Year. Then however,
colour full it needs to be cut back in January
during the annual winter cutback to stimulate
new buds for spring and early summer
flowers.
Hopefully, many readers started vegetable

growing in the open garden, on raised beds
or in containers and that they survived the
storms. If not, there is still time to grow
some healthy crops of sprouting seeds in
the kitchen, glassed terraces or a utility
room. This is easy and the benefits are
mini-vegetables full of natural vitamins
and minerals for use in salads and making
Chinese-type spring rolls. The vitamins and
minerals were stored by the amazing forces
of nature in the seeds to aid the germination
and growth of the sprouts and if left to grow
on, seedlings and eventually mature plants.
If seeds were allowed to grow to maturity,
they would use up this store of nutrients and
need to replenish them from nutrients taken
in from the soil and air by various botanical
processes. Gastronomically, the eating of
sprouting seeds is more beneficial than eating
the final plant purchased in a plastic bag in
terms of content and in many cases taste,
attractive appearance and texture.
2 - View from the kitchen window the silver

on the right is not a giant spiders web, but an
aviary built into an apricot tree
Not only is autumn a good time for colour,
but with careful pruning and deadheading,
What types of seeds can be germinated?

a. Seeds for growing in single or multi-tiered
perforated sprouting trays or jars or bags:
Actzuki bean, alfalfa, beetroot, broccoli, cress,
fenugreek, lentils, mung bean, mustard,
onion, oriental stir-fry mixed radish, rocket,
wheat.
b. Seeds for growing in trays on damp kitchen
towel paper:
Broccoli, cress, chick pea, mustard, pumpkin,
sunflower.
A good range of seeds are often stocked by
health shops and will be found on the health
food shelves of supermarkets and in seed
catalogues.
With that a Happy Christmas to all our
readers.
Dick Handscombe
www.gardenspain.com
Page 62
Page 63
Leeks; now theres a vegetable worth having

in your rack. Leek and Potato Soup has
always been a favourite of mine and so
easy to make. My father used to make the
macaroni for us as children and below is his
recipe which I have never seen in a recipe
book. Leeks are great added to stews,
casseroles, vegetable soups and in fact any
recipes with vegetables in them. Flavoured
like an onion, but not as strong, Leeks add
another dimension to food such as curry or
fish pie. Why not try adding it to something
unusual and see how it makes the dish taste
different, or just stick to the good old classic
Leek and Potato Bake recipe below?
Buen Apetito
Vichyssoise Leek and Potato Soup
25g butter
2 medium leeks
1 small onion
350g potatoes
600ml chicken stock
150ml single cream
Salt and pepper
Fresh chives or watercress for garnish
Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the leeks
and onion and cook gently without browning.
Add the peeled and chopped potatoes with
the stock and seasoning. Bring to boil and
simmer very gently for 20-30 minutes. Allow
to cool slightly, then sieve or puree mixture in
processor until smooth. Chill completely. To
serve, stir in cream and sprinkle with chives
or watercress.
Mushroom, Leek and Cheese Macaroni
400g whole wheat macaroni
2 large leeks
60g butter or margarine
2tbsp chopped parsley
250g mushrooms
60g grated cheese
150ml milk
1 large tbsp of flour
Cook macaroni according to the instructions

on the packet. Top and tail leeks and remove
The Leek(puerro) is avegetablethat

belongs, along withonionandgarlic, to
thegenusAllium. The edible part of the
leek plant is a bundle of leaf sheaths that is
sometimes erroneously called astemorstalk.
Leeks are easy to grow from seed and usually
reach maturity in the autumn months. They
have few pest or disease problems. Rather
than forming a tightbulblike the onion, the
Leek produces a long cylinder of bundled
leaf sheaths that are generallyblanched by
pushing soil around them (trenching). Once
established, Leeks are quite hardy and many
varieties can be left in the ground during the
winter to be harvested as needed.
outer skin. Boil leeks in water until just

starting to go soft. Slice mushrooms and fry in
fat for 8 mins and then add the parsley. Melt
the butter and stir in flour. Slowly pour in the
milk stirring all the time. Reheat until sauce
thickens (if lumpy stir with whisk). Add more
milk if too thick, then add cheese. Drain the
macaroni and toss in the leeks, mushrooms
and juice. Put in oven-proof dish and cook for
15 to 20 minutes on medium heat. Serve with
grated cheese sprinkled on top.
Roast Vegetables
2 large leeks
2 Spanish onions
2 large red peppers
2 medium aubergines
1 clove of garlic
8 bay leaves
Juice of lemon
Salt and pepper
tsp paprika
tsp ground coriander
6tbsp olive oil
4 tomatoes
Spread out the prepared vegetables and
whole garlic in two large, shallow roasting
tins, placing the aubergines and peppers
skins side down. Add the bay leaves. Whisk
lemon juice with the salt, pepper, paprika and
coriander. When the salt is dissolved, whisk
in the olive oil. Pour over the vegetables and
stir to make sure they are all coated. Leave
to marinate for 30 minutes then roast in an
oven 240 C for 20 minutes. Cut up tomatoes
in half and add to the vegetables after turning
them. Roast for a further 5-10 minutes until
all the vegetables are tender, then remove
the bay leaves and serve.
Cheese, Leek and Potato Bake
700g potatoes
350g leeks
2 onions
175g cheese of your choice
50g butter
300ml milk
Salt and pepper
discarded because it has a tough texture, but

it can be sauted. Leeks are usually chopped
into slices 5-10mm thick and the slices have
a tendency to fall apart, due to the layered
structure of the Leek. They can be boiled,
which turns it soft and mild in taste, or fried,
which leaves it crunchier and preserves the
taste. They can also be eaten raw in salads,
especially as the prime ingredient.
Leeks have a mild onion-like taste and in

its raw state, the vegetable is crunchy and
firm. The edible portions of the Leek are the
white base of the leaves (above the roots
and stem base), the light green parts and to
a lesser extent the dark green parts of the
leaves. Thorough washing is very important
for Leeks, as soil is often trapped between
the many layers of leaves.One of the most
popular uses for Leeks is for adding flavour
to stock. The dark green portion is usually
Page 64
1 bay leaf
Peel the potatoes and prepare leeks cutting
them and the potatoes into slices. Peel
and thinly slice 1 onion. Grate the cheese
and spread the butter over the base of an
oven proof dish. Arrange a layer of potato,
onion and leeks over the base of the dish,
sprinkle with some of the cheese and season.
Continue arranging the slices of leek, and
potato, sprinkling each layer with cheese
and seasoning. Meanwhile, place the second
sliced onion in a pan with the milk and bay
leaf and bring to boil then simmer for 3
minutes. Remove the onion and bay leaf then
pour the milk over the vegetables and top
with remaining cheese. Bake in 180 oven for
30 minutes or until the vegetables are soft
and the top is brown.
Leek and Bacon Quiche
Pie case (bought or made)
250g leeks (sliced)
Diced bacon
2tbs butter
4 eggs
1 cup of cream
1 cup of grated cheese
1tbsp flour
1 tomato for decoration
Salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 450 F (230 C). Melt the
butter in a frying pan over medium heat and
saut the leeks until tender. Spread leeks
evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
Fry bits of bacon or ham in the same frying
pan and spread over leeks. In a bowl, toss
together the cheese and flour. Spread over the
leeks. In a separate bowl, beat together the
eggs and cream. Pour over the cheese layer
in the pie crust. Top with the tomato slices
and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 15
minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce heat
to 325 F (165 C) and continue baking for 30
minutes, until the crust is lightly browned and
a knife inserted in the centre of the quiche
comes out clean.
Leeks are used in many cuisines, including

Turkish cuisine when they are chopped into
thick slices, then boiled and separated into
leaves and finally filled with a filling of rice,
herbs (generally parsley and dill), onion and
black pepper. Olive oil, currants, pine nuts
and cinnamon and meat can also be added to
the mixture. Leeks are an ingredient ofCockA-Leekie Soup, Leek andPotatoSoup,
andVichyssoise, as well as plainLeek Soup.
Because
Leeks
are
the
national
symbol inWalesthey have come to
be used extensively in that countrys
cuisine. According to onelegend,King
CadwaladrofGwyneddordered his soldiers
to identify themselves by wearing Leeks on
their helmets in an ancient battle against
theSaxonsthat took place in a Leek field.
Perhaps the most visible use of the Leek,
however, is as the cap badge of theWelsh
Guards. Elsewhere in Britain, Leeks have
come back into favour over the last 50 years.
The Leek was the favourite vegetable of
EmperorNero, who consumed it in soup or
in oil, believing it beneficial to the quality of
his voice.
Page 65
Christmas Is Upon Us Once Again

All of us I am sure know about the nativity;
the coming of baby Jesus, born in a lowly
stable, visited and adored by the shepherds
and the three Kings, bearing gifts for the
special infant.
Well, He is no longer a baby, but the
Son of God, who reigns in heaven at
the right hand of His Father and it is
good news.
The other part of Christmas of course
is the giving and receiving of presents,
eating too much, probably drinking too
much, spending too much money. I hear
you shout Humbug. I do consider it a time
for children and I love watching nativity
plays, as long as we never forget the true
meaning of Christmas.
The Son of God was born not necessarily
in December. He lived on earth, grew as

a human man, brought the good news of
eternity, healed many people, then was
crucified and died for all our sins, but He
arose from the cross on the third day to
dwell with His Father in heaven. One day
He is coming back for His believers; those
who believed in His sacrifice on the cross
at Calvary.
We would like to take this opportunity
to wish you all a happy and blessed
Christmas.
We meet every Sunday morning at
10.30am at the Cultural Centre on Sector
B Camposol, where we share communion
together each week.
Please contact Pastor Ralph or Margaret
Locke for any information on 968 199 622
or 618 720 181
Timmy and
Tommy are
2 pure white
male kittens
and
were
bottle fed by
one of our
volunteers
from
just
a few days
old. They are
now around 6
weeks old and ready for new homes. They
are good with other cats and dogs.
Call 645 469 253
Pepe
is
around
2
years old and
is a beautiful
brown
and
white Pointer.
Hes a big
softie! Pepe
has had all his
vaccinations
and
he
has
been
neutered. He
is calm when
needed and when it is time he likes to getup-and-go. He loves to play and go on long
walks.
Call 645 469 253
Daisy is a 1
year old Jack
Russell
girl
and she had
her 3 month
old
pup
following her
everywhere
in the house
with
over
300 dogs, so
we rescued them both. Daisy has a lovely
nature, is good with other dogs and weighs
around 6 kilos.
Call 645 469 253
Marina was
found
with
her 2 kittens
and her rump
was
very
inflamed. We
rushed her to
the vet where
she received
treatment
and
tested
her for feline
diseases
which are all
negative. She
is a very shy
10 month old
girl who at
the moment
doesnt want to be picked up, but does like a
stroke and will wrap herself around your feet.
She has been sterilised and vaccinated.
Call 645 469 253
To view more animals for adoption go
towww.petsinspain.com
To advertise an animal for adoption
emailinfo@petsinspain.info
Page 66
The club is open to anyone interested in scale

models or model engineering and it continues
to improve each month with more members
joining recently whose interests include model
ships and transport.
Ferrocarriles de Mazarrn
Last months meeting of the club included a
very pleasant afternoon viewing this garden
layout. It has been built in a dumbbell
configuration which means that there is a
centre section with a return loop added at

each end to allow continuous running of these
large scale models, even in a small garden.
The beautifully detailed locos are mostly live
steam, but because of the scale (16mm to
the foot), they are powered by butane gas
and not coal. They are controlled by radio
handsets (similar to model aeroplanes), which
gives very precise control at all speeds and
being very heavy they are capable of hauling
large loads. The large scale also gives the
opportunity for adding lots of detail and when
this is combined with a suitable selection of
plants, as on this layout, it creates a very good
overall effect.
Some of the features on the layout include a
large girder bridge, mine and station. A couple
of photos give some idea of the layout and
more can be seen on the website.
For more information, take a look at our website

www.camposolanddistrictmodelclub.
webeden.co.uk which shows many of our
members projects and includes a contact
page.
We are in informal group who are always willing
to mix in and help each other, so whether you

are a beginner who is not sure where to start,
or someone who has been modelling for years,
if you are interested in joining just call Richard
on 666 186 037 or Colin on 647 259 914.
Page 67
ACROSS
1 Wood
6 Police officer
9 Lemony
13 __ Saxon
14 Wing
15 Whiter
16 Sashay
17 Gain
18 Hippopotamus
nickname
19 Oak
20 A cheer
22 Fast plane
23 Sup
24 Good day
25 Doing nothing
27 Sacred poem
29 Smooth talker
33 Billion years
34 Free of
35 Eye infection
36 Playfully romantic
39 Thirst quencher
40 Ransomed
41 Input
42 Border
43 Oodles
44 Do without
46 Seeped
49 Gas burner
50 Cocktail drink
51 Peanut
53 Communication Workers
of America (abr.)
56 Annoys, like a bug bite
58 Wise man
59 Compete
61 Charged particle
62 Citrus
63 Held high
64 Ii
65 Around
66 Salamander
67 Congressional vote
68 W. Australian capital
DOWN
1 Moisten the meat

2 Trap
3 Herons
4 Indication
5 Not cold
6 Long boat
7 Tub spread
8 Pats full name
9 Thai
10 Swiss mountains
11 Representatives
12 Clip
15 Animal kingdom division
20 Religious song
21 Attention-Deficit
Hyperactive Disorder
(abbr.)
24 Sop up
26 Imitation
28 Supply oxygen
30 I want my ___
31 Sight organ
32 Crimson
34 Rock group
36 Those who make the
food laws (abbr.)
37 Workplace
38 __ A Small World...
39 Persistence
40 Anon
42 Tip
43 Supermans Ms. Lane
45 Leaning
47 Inflame with love
48 Fortification
50 City
52 After ninth
53 Ocean Sprays drink
starters
54 Guile
55 Declare
57 Elias ___, sewing
machine
58 Compass point
60 Behind
62 Lick
42 WORDS & ONE 9-LETTER WORD

Answers on page 94
Page 68
Page 69
Direct Object Pronoun lo

At the end of the last article I gave you a
short paragraph to translate. I have to admit
the contents are a bit weird, but it does give
us examples of almost all the adjective forms
we were talking about. Here it is again, with
my translation below. Notice there is often
more than one way to translate something, so
Ive given you some alternatives in brackets.
Los dos hijos, el guapo y el feo, van a
visitar a su familia este verano.
Lo
triste es que el guapo es ms popular
que el feo, aunque el feo es mucho ms
simptico y es el ms generoso de toda
la familia.
Lo ms curioso de todo es
que el guapo tiene muchos ms amigos
que el feo, pero el feo es el ms feliz.
The two sons, (or both sons), the handsome

one and the ugly one, are going to visit their
family this summer. The sad thing is that
the handsome one is more popular than the
ugly one, although the ugly one is much nicer
and is the most generous one (or member)
of the whole family. The strangest (or most
curious) thing of all is that the handsome one
has a lot more friends (or many more friends)
than the ugly one, but the ugly one is the
happier (of the two).
and saw that it can mean the. However lo

is really quite a pesky word with all sorts of
meanings depending on how its used. We
are going to look at it and what it means
when its tacked onto the end of a verb.
First of all we have to think back a few
lessons to when we were looking at verbs
in their infinitive forms.
For example, we
had sentences like quiero beber (I want to
drink) or necesito limpiar (I need to clean)
and puedo ver (I can see). We saw that
quiero, necesito and puedo were verbs
in a particular form expressing I, or the first
person, and that beber, limpiar and ver
are what we call infinitive forms of verbs.
We then saw that we can add other words
to these sentences. For example quiero
beber el caf, (I want to drink the coffee);
necesito limpiar el coche, (I need to clean
the car); puedo ver el edificio (I can see
the building).
In grammar terms, the words caf, coche
and edificio used in this way are called
objects because they receive the action of the
verb.
Now for something completely different!

We looked briefly at the word lo last month
Now as you listen and look around you, you

may have come across words from time to
time like this: beberlo, limpiarlo, verlo.
Well, these words are compounds they
consist of verbs in the infinitive form and the
Get Legal Advice And Learn The

Language!
Getting clear legal advice and learning
some basic Spanish were the top tips from
British shoppers in Iceland stores in Spain
when asked by the British Consulate. Other
tips when asked What is your advice for
someone moving to Spain? included Do
your homework and Try renting before
you buy.
A team from the British Consulate and
Overseas Healthcare Team spoke to more

than 100 Brits at three Iceland stores on
the Costa Blanca this month. As well as
asking shoppers questions about their life
in Spain, the team also gave advice on a
range of issues, from access to healthcare
to how to register as a resident. The
Consulate encouraged the Brits they spoke
to, to plan for the future and to follow them
on their Brits living in Spain Facebook
page or @BritsliveSpain Twitter channel
for more useful and up-to-date tips and
word lo, which here means it.

We can now see that quiero beberlo means
I want to drink it; necesito limpiarlo
means I need to clean it and puedo verlo
means I can see it. In other words, lo
is replacing the objects (coffee, car and
building) in receiving the action of the verb.
As I said at the beginning, this is only one
use of lo. There are also occasions similar
to those above where it can mean him. In
grammar terms though, this would still be
referred to as the direct object pronoun.
One last comment about compound words
like beberlo is that you will not find them in
the dictionary! That is why we need to have
some understanding of the way words can be
transformed, so that we can then understand
which basic forms we can find in the dictionary
and which altered forms we cant!
Well, I think Ive run out of space now, so tune
in next month for the next exciting episode.
Jane Cronins Step by Step Spanish
articles are now available as e-books at
www.janecronin.eu where you can also
obtain Janes brand new Step by Step
Internet Spanish course.
advice.
Part of a programme of events held in

branches of the Iceland Supermarket
across the region, it was an opportunity for
customers who might not normally come
into contact with the British Consulate to
share their knowledge and experience of
life in Spain in order to help other British
nationals thinking of making the move.
Vice Consul Liz Bell who attended the

Torrevieja store said: It was great to
meet so many people and hear from them
what helps make life a success in Spain.I
was really encouraged to see that the
top tips were around being properly
registered as residents here in Spain,
getting on the padrn and making sure
healthcare is sorted. Iceland Overseas
Supermarkets have been really supportive
of our programme and our thanks go to
them for enabling us to work within their
stores and hear what their customers have
to say.
Page 70
Page 71
We opened a new chapter in the excursion

programme Discovering Moratalla with
a very special route, walking through the
Valles de las Diosas-Dama. We started
early, meeting first at the Tourist Office and
then driving to La Ermita de San Juan. We
met with many old friends after the summer
break and we also welcomed a number of
newcomers to our group of walkers. A special
mention to our friends Sue and Graham;
although part of the group enjoying the meals
at the end of our walks, this was the first time
they had joined us on a walk.
The summer and autumn we have

experienced this year, at the highest part
of the route, gave us some wonderful hours
of morning freshness. We started our walk,
having left our cars at the farm of Fuentecica,
courtesy of Michael, patriarch of the family
that owns part of the mountains. He loves this
place, spending many years of his life with
his tractor working the fertile soil. Having
received greetings from Michael and noting
where the Griffon vultures usually perch, we
started walking, surrounded by majestic oaks
which were leaning against the laws of gravity
towards the sun.
Our first stop was by some large flat rocks
its ancient inhabitants; just parts of a wall, a

piece of a hand mill and terraces where some
of the houses were located. We descended
the rocky slope to a ledge by which you can
access a line of caves and the remains of a
farm. This was the most spectacular point of
our route.
used to provide the necessary salt for

herds of goats and sheep. We discussed the
importance of salt in the development of
life, through history. We followed the track
into the forest before reaching the top of a
fault stage which is accessed by a gentle
hill covered with grass on Cretaceous soil.
From the grassland below, the intensive
smell of livestock or cattle embraced us and
we found signs of the wild goats that graze
the surrounding areas. We looked across the
valley of Alhrabe, noting the cut of the fault
from millions of years ago and the erosion
caused by the river itself. One of our group
Choni, discovered a stone embedded with
Nummulites, ancient inhabitants of the sea,
captive forever in the limestones.
We left the hill as the day was warming
up. As we moved forward, we were able to
understand why this small promontory was
the place chosen by our ancestors to locate
their homes. The track narrowed into a
ridge on the cliffs which would have greatly
facilitated defences. It also provided visual
control over the two entrances to the valley
and was a contact point between other towns.
There are very few remains in this small
promontory, which indicate the passage of
Our rapid descent led us in single file, avoiding

the enormous detached blocks of the Cenajo,
to the shelter of one of the largest caves,
where we took a break and enjoyed a few
moments to enjoy the fascinating spectacle
in this natural area. The caves are now used
almost exclusively by wild goats. It is evident
in the rock the drought we have recently
suffered, as the lack of rain takes its toll in
the caves and their formations. Plants stop
growing and erosion begins to take its toll and
if the situation continues, then they will be
lost forever.
We resumed our walk and Juan and Luis

discovered the remains of the first very small
Paleodictyon Anmonites which are part of
one of the rock shelves. We walked to the
well hidden Roberto cave. Armed with our
flashlights, the black stone mouth engulfed
us. To access the depths of the cave, we
had to crawl through a small tunnel. After
inspecting the interior of the cave, which
was warm and dry, we crawl back into the
sunlight. Griffon vultures were soaring above
as they search the ground for food. We then
looked for the path to one of the magical
locations throughout the country, the Peter
Cave, where we inspected the millennia
old Damas-Diosas, the two female figures
that someone in a primitive past painted on
the wall. These expressions of rock art are
a personal tribute to our valuable cultural
heritage. Sadly we left this place and returned
to Bar Zan for the excellent food prepared by
Peter and his family.
The next walk is on 14th December.
Page 72
We d n e s d a y
5th November
as
we
all
know is Guy
Fawkes night,
but on this
date
409
years
later,
170
people
set the dance
floor
alight
in La Daya,
Calapsarra
instead of 8
men
trying
to blow up
the Houses of
Parliament!
Soon after another fantastic meal served by

Manolo and his team, DJ Tonys Retro Disco
set the theme for the nights enjoyment.
Playing all the good dancing oldies, Tony
soon had a full floor of Tony Maneros and
Irene Cara wannabees.
I am sure a few
calories were burned off and necessary after
all the food available!
will be presented to MABS.

This is a
combination of money remaining after ticket
sales, entertainment and food payments. A
fantastic effort by Kathy (assisted by Dinah)
to promote Euros for the Guy and the
generosity of the party goers was amazing
a big thank you to you all. The donations
exceeded expectations.
Showaddwaddy Legends were the group for

Rog and Ricks Party this time round and they
certainly did not disappoint. Singing some
great tracks from years gone by as well as the
Showaddywaddy hits, they kept the dancers
happy and seated audience entertained.
We believe most people enjoyed themselves,

with a few sore heads and aching limbs
following the next day, but by the comments
via email, Facebook and verbally, it was a
great night.
Winter can be a beautiful time of year in

Northwest Murcia, with cold nights, but
stunningly bright blue skies during the day.
Christmas time has become much more
commercialised over the last few years and
although many towns no longer have the
fabulous lights to brighten up the main streets,
places like Cehegin still looks amazing during
the Christmas and Three Kings celebrations.
All the towns make a huge effort with their
own Belens which are well worth looking at
and many bars and restaurants have special
menus and events over the holiday period.
bus service is operated to the market place

every20 minutes.
Bar Alandalus, on Valle del Sol, Calasparra

is run by Alfonso and he is making a special
effort this year to cater for everyone. The bar
will be open all over the Christmas period and
they will be celebrating New Years Eve with
all the usual food, drink, fun and music and
of course 12 grapes at midnight. If you want
to see the New Year in with friends, call in to
Bar Alandalus.
Call 968 955 942/602 459 311
A reservation is required at the tourist

information office telephone 968 723 550.
Cehegn Highlights In December

Artisan Fair
On Sunday 28th December, during the
Christmas celebration, you can enjoy
traditional music from the best country groups
(Cuadrillas). This is the first opportunity to
listen to the Cuadrillas El Mesoncico organised
by the Animeros de Cehegin in collaboration
with the Town Hall whilst enjoying typical
Christmas sweets of the area.
Free parking is available at the Marble
Technology Centre situated in Carretera
Murcia, approached from the West. A free
Free Guided Tour

On 20th December you can admire the history
of the Old Quarter of Cehegn visiting the
Archaeological Museum, the Main Street, the
Church of La Concepcin and the Casa Jaspe.
Following the tour there will be a visit to the
school of wine in the Palacio de la Tercia
where you will learn about wine. The tour is
free and will last approximately 2 hours and
comfortable footwear is advised.
Free Nature Walks

The tourist walks are free and start at 9am.
They are between 4 and 9 km, and will take
2 to 3 hours.
On 27th December this route gives us the
opportunity of being in the heart of Sierra de
Burete and to enjoy one of the best ecological
areas of Cehegn. The first part follows the
nature trail PR1. The second part is a circular
walk through the forest with stunning views of
different types of bushes and trees.
Distance - 13km
Time approx - 3.5hrs
Difficulty - Moderate
Any further enquiries please contact the
Cehegin Tourist Office located in front of
the Town Hall on 968 723 550 or visit our
tourist website www.turismocehegin.es
Santiago Leo
Cehegin Tourist Office
Next parties to look out for are MABS

Christmas Party with Woody on 3rd
December and MARA Christmas Lunch 16th
December.
Arco, to the Church of El Salvador, Calle Mayor

and the Church de la Compaa de Jess. We
will ascend to the old town of Caravaca to
reach La Plaza del Hoyo and go down to La
Plaza del Templete where we will end the tour.
Please wear comfortable shoes and in
Winter, coats etc. The tour will take about
four hours and you will be helped by a Tour
Guide. We suggest you visit the Mercado
Artesanal del Peregrino (craft market) and
enjoy discounts at various eating places.
Reservations required Monday to Saturday at
the Tourist Office.
Programme of Walks 3
14th December walk - Mojantes. This
walk is 10km long and will take around 4
hours.
The programme of nine different
walks is to combat idleness and promote the
sport of walking whilst enjoying the natural
environment around Caravaca de la Cruz.
The routes will be of medium difficulty and be
guided by specialized monitors in hiking.
More information, call 968 703 563
www.sporttia.com
La Banda de Music Moratalla
Following with the conclusion of its 160
anniversary, La Banda de Music Moratalla
is holding a Jabberwocky contest for drawing
and writing for schoolchildren in Moratalla.
The deadline is 9th December and the awards
will be handed out at the traditional concert
Christmas de la Banda de Music Moratalla
on Saturday 13th December, in the Teatro
Trieta.
Free Guided Tours

in Caravaca 21st
December
Caravaca de la Cruz
is one of the five Holy
Cities of the world,
along
with
Rome,
Jerusalem, Santiago de
Compostela and Santo
Toribio de Liebana.
We will visit la BaslicaSantuario
de
la
Santsima y Vera Cruz
and continue along the
streets of the Medieval
Town to the Plaza del
Page 73
Bus Crash
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia attended
the group funeral in Bullas for the 14 victims
of the bus crash on the night of Saturday
9th November. They spent a great deal of
time comforting the relatives and friends of
the deceased and could barely contain their
emotions as they spoke to each and every
individual mourner, offering words of comfort.
One of the dead was the parish priest of
Bullas who was aged just 36 and had only
recently moved to the town. The driver has
been charged with negligent homicide as it
was believed he was driving dangerously. The
bus veered off the RM-730 in Cieza on a bend
at around 23.20hrs, falling sideways down a
grass verge. The 55 people on the bus had
been to Madrid for the day on a pilgrimage.
Rog and Rick had always said any money

made would go to a local charity and
they are pleased to announce 250
with these people and in 2008, returned to

them two of their traditional instruments
which he had in the museum, but which
had otherwise completely disappeared
from the tribe. He was able successfully
to reintegrate the instruments into their
native environment and ensure that the
members of the tribe were able to play,
maintain and make them, to keep the
tradition alive into the future. Copies of the
instruments can be seen in the museum.
Up in the highlands in Northwest Murcia is a

small village called Barranda. Historically
isolated, this is an area traditionally of
smallholdings and self-sufficiency. It is
an area of hills and even occasional water
courses such as the Rio Argos, although
these tend normally to be less than
impressive. Today, of course, isolation
has changed to some extent and you can
now quite easily reach Barranda from
Caravaca de la Cruz, with the village being
a few miles south-west of that town and
just off the C330 road.
What then makes this small village, some

840 metres (over 2750 feet) above sea
level and with a population of around
800 people, so distinctive? In a word
music! There are two main aspects to this
the Music Museum and the Cuadrillas.
but exceptionally intriguing mixture of

instruments; all invented by the museums
founder himself. There was a 1980s pipe
organ which he had constructed totally
out of bamboo, but nevertheless sounded
excellent when played.
There was an
anchor chain hanging from the ceiling in
the centre of the room which conducted
drops of water, creating musical notes.
Not surprisingly, the chain looked a little
rusty! Then there was an instrument
directed particularly at children, which
looked a little like a hamster wheel and
which operated pins as it rotated to create
music. Particularly intriguing was a series
of crystalline rocks, which were hit by
pebbles to create music like a xylophone.
A rotating wheel with cups into which water
fell, operated hammers to play a tune.
The construction looked somewhat like a
miniature water wheel, or noria, found
in nearby parts of Murcia. Quite how the
museums founder thought up these ideas
is a wonder in itself!
The remainder of the ground floor
contains a variety of instruments, whether
percussion, string or wind, from around the
world. The display cases with examples of
instruments from the five continents have
interactive screens on which you can touch
a picture to hear the typical sound created.
El Museo de la Msica tnica

It came as something of a surprise to
us to find in such a small place, a large
and modern museum devoted to ethnic
music. It houses a small part of a unique
world renowned collection of around 4,000
instruments which can be displayed at any
one time. The whole thing is the work
of one individual, Carlos Blanco Fadol,
whose expertise in musical instruments
and ethnic music is again known around
the world. When we visited the museum,
(September 2013), entry was 3 (2 for
concessions) and it was open Tuesdays to
Sunday from 10am-2pm and 4pm-6pm
(mid-September to mid-June) or 5pm-8pm
(mid-June to mid-September).
The entrance area to the museum
contained an illuminated display of a
typical local form of musical celebration
by small groups of musicians who have
normally learnt to play by ear The
Cuadrillas. Otherwise, the ground floor of
the museum by the entrance had a strange
Page 74
Further
exhibitions
upstairs
show
instruments related to various cultural
environments around the world. Some
instruments would be quite familiar to
most people the harp, an accordion
from the Czech Republic, bagpipes from
Scotland, various guitars, castanets etc.
Other instruments created out of bone
from Africa appeared rather less familiar,
including one which appeared to be formed
from part of a human skull and the antlers
of some animal or other!
No doubt some of these displays will be
changed from time to time given the
museums richness of instruments, but it
seems likely that whatever is on show, it
will be very interesting.
As you leave the museum, you go through
a display which brings home one of the
practical purposes it serves. You pass a
display of photographs showing a region of
the Amazonian Rain Forest where there has
been considerable clearing and the gradual
disappearance of the native peoples.
Today, only a few thousand of one tribe,
the Yagua, still survive. The museums
founder had spent a considerable time
The Cuadrillas
These local musical groups are normally
composed of between 6 and 15 individuals
who play stringed instruments including
various types of guitar, violins, lutes and
similar. The music played by the groups
is normally dance music (the Spanish
terms for what is played difficult to
translate! include pardicas, manchegas,
seguidillas, malagueas and jotas) as well
as Christmas tunes.
Today, the big event associated with
The Cuadrillas is the fiesta which
takes place in Barranda at the end of
January. It developed as an element
of the celebrations of the Virgen de
la Candelaria (Candlemas), who is
the patron saint of Barranda.
The
fiesta lasts for several days and is aimed
at celebrating traditional music, but The
Cuadrillas are the total focus on the
Sunday. Surprisingly, the fiesta began only
in 1979, but it has gone from strength to
strength and has itself helped to revitalise
the whole Cuadrilla tradition which
was previously declining quite seriously.
Since 1999, the fiesta has had the official
designation of being of Tourist Interest and
there can be over 20,000 people thronging
the small village of Barranda during it! It
is now one of the oldest of the traditional
music festivals which have developed
in Spain over recent years. Around 15
Cuadrillas have recently taken part,
with some even coming from outside the
region of Murcia. On the Sunday morning,
after various welcome ceremonies, they
perform in the streets and squares of the
village with the whole idea being for the
spectators to join in. In the afternoon, in
perhaps the major spectacle of the fiesta,
the groups compete with each other,
coming together in the streets in twos.
In the evening, they play in the local hall
going well into the night!
Article by Clive and Rosie Palmer who have
written several guide books on towns and
regions in Murcia. Their book, Exploring
Murcia, Days Out is available to buy
from the Costa Clida Chronicle office on
Camposol B, Best Wishes (who also stock
other of their books), or phone Patti on 968
433 978. All their books can be viewed
at and obtained from www.lulu.com, or
contact clive.palmer5@btinternet.com.
Turning back towards the east as we made

our way downhill, we looked over the Campo
de Ricote towards the south face of the
Sierra de Oro bathed in sunshine. Turning
Recently I seem to have made a few

different bookmarks to give to folk at
our Sunday gatherings. The purpose
being two fold, the reverse usually gives
our contact details and info about things
we do; the front has a pertinent picture
and a scripture text of encouragement.
As a much younger person I had quite a
collection. On a Saturday it was a treat to
go to the indoor market and upstairs was
a scripture stall with an array of different
bookmarks. There were just so many; how
could I choose; how much pocket money
could I spend? There were such pretty
pictures; I wasnt too bothered about the
words. I was there for quite some time
reading and trying to make a decision. You
off the forestry track and eventually back

into the trees, the path was much less easy
to find and we had to walk single file over
the soft pine needles underfoot, following
carefully placed cairns that marked our
way, occasionally glimpsing almond fields
through the trees. The hunters hut was
unexpected just before we dropped into
the glade of the Fuente de la Facarola,
although the abandoned bathtub provided
the greatest surprise!
Arriving back at the car park, just over

ten kilometres after setting off, the count
know what, the stall holder never came to

tell me off, or try to move me on in the fear
that I might be trying to get something for
nothing. I wonder what was in his mind.
Was it the hope that one day I would accept
the Lord as my own personal saviour?
I had two favourites; one was for God so
loved the world. John 3:16, because
I knew the verse off by heart - a great
achievement for me, as my memory wasnt
even great then. The other one I chose
because of the picture of Jesus standing
at a door - I loved the colours. At the time
the text meant very little to me behold
I stand at the door and knock.
Revelation 3:20.
revealed that all thirty had survived. Luckily

not all were able to join us for lunch at the
bar La Carmen, because those patatas a
lo pobre were just too irresistible to share!
On 30th October, 12 of us enjoyed a morning
walk in the countryside near Moratalla.
Wefollowed a circular walk commencing
at the Roman Bridge. The highlight of the
walk was the climb of approximately 160
metres to the top of themountain Moratalla
Viejo, which many local people consider to
be the original Moratalla, since there is
evidence of early Iberian settlements to be
seen. The panoramic views were certainly
worth the climb. We returned to the Roman
Bridge followinga single track down the
mountain.We all returned to Moratalla in
our cars and completed the morning with
a traditionalploughmansand drinks in a
local watering hole.
If you would like to join us on one of our
varied walks please contact warm2005@
gmail.com for a copy of the current
programme.
Since then I have invited Jesus into my

heart and now we walk together as friends
and companions.
Its an invitation for you also, but dont
leave it too long to reply, or you will miss
the wedding feast and please, remember
the handle is on your side of the door. God
will never force His entry.
Tel 633 447 937
Lynda.spain@hotmail.co.uk
Derek.tycymru@talktalk.co.uk
https://sites.google.com/site/
casawelcome2013
Page 75
On 18th October, 30 people met at the La

Bermeja car park in the Sierra de Ricote
in beautiful sunshine. Temperatures were
perfect for a days walk under the pines.
We climbed slowly uphill for just about an
hour to the highest point on the route and
a nice clearing from which could be seen
views over the plains of Cagitn to the
north.
I
climbed
the
stairs,
my
eyes
intriguingly
on the hatch
above
me,
wondering
how long it
had
been.
Y e a r s ,
s i m p l y
years
I
guessed.
H a v i n g
travelled to
the remote
corners
of
the
world
and back, I
was about to take the ultimate step into
the unknown - the attic in the family home.
I opened the hatch and down slid the
Ramsay Ladder.
Peering up into the
darkness, I slowly climbed seven steps
before feeling around for where I vaguely
remembered the light switch to be. Finding
it, I pulled the string and was instantly
almost blinded by the iconic 100 watt old
fashioned light bulb. Man they dont make
em like that any more! I looked around as
the glaring solitary bulb swayed back and
forth casting eerie shadows on the eves of
the house, making it feel like being inside a
Hitchcock movie.
I climbed the last few steps and I was

eventually into the actual attic. Boxes and
boxes and overflowing containers and - Oh
is this really a good idea? I asked myself.
I tentatively opened the first cardboard
box, pulled out a stack of papers in plastic
bags and sat on the dusty floor. There was
no going back now and in I plunged. Almost
thirty minutes of unbroken concentration
passed until my brain told me it needed
Page 76
its next caffeine hit. It then dawned on

me that I was up there for the long haul,
because once you start to rifle through your
familys history, its like a box of Pringles once you pop you cant stop.
Downstairs I went with a mental list of what
I needed. Ten minutes later I was back up
into the unknown, armed with my little
radio tuned to Classic FM, a gallon of fresh
coffee, pack of Hob Nobs, small heater and
a comfy stool.
Time literally evaporated as I lost myself
in the wonders of past lives; my parents
wedding album and sepia photos of my Nan
from the late 1940s which made her look
like a Hollywood film star; numerous photos
of my own childhood; pictures Id drawn
with purple and yellow crayon in nursery.
I even found a cluster of my report cards
from Primary School which I read with a
smile of pure nostalgia on my face.
There
was
the obscene
amount
of
utter
junk,
b r o k e n
things
t o t a l l y
u s e l e s s
things
like
b r o k e n
blinds,
a
chair
with
only
one
leg, bits of
our old kitchen and broken bedside lamps.
Why, oh why, do we keep this junk?
One of the mysteries of the human psyche
I reckon. I also found four very dead mice,
all in differing states of mummification.
However, it does pay to go through the
actual junk as well, for hidden away out
of sight, wrapped up in cloth and stuffed
in an old motheaten canvas bag, I
found the treasure.
Firstly, a bag of very
old coins; one dating
back as far 1819, but
more
importantly,
the shoe buckles the actual shoe
buckles worn by
HRH King Edward
V11 (18411910).
Heres the story as told to me by my Dad....

The early history we dont know, but the
buckles were given by the Royal Family to
the Balmoral Castle Housekeeper in 1922.
Who specifically had them for the next
thirty odd years, we dont know. In 1953
however, they were given to my Grandfather
who was a postman and used to deliver the
Royal Mail personally to the Royal Family at
Balmoral. Grandad was liked by the royal
staff and always asked in. On one occasion,
whilst sitting in the kitchen having a cup of
tea, he was given these buckles as a gift by
the then housekeeper (a relative of original
housekeeper in 1922? We dont know.)
The buckles then lay hidden in our loft for
decades....until now.
Apart from the obvious toilet stops and
coffee top ups (which had somehow
miraculously turned into red wine by late
afternoon) I finally, at 8.26pm, came down
the Ramsay ladder and back into the 21st
Century.
As I sat in the living room sifting through
a box containing more of my Grandfathers
personal items, my mind was made up.
Id be making this trip again and soon,
because in reality I hadnt even scratched
the surface of this unique place yet. There
was much more exploring to be done.
With no visa, passport, or inoculations
needed,
I
highly
recommend
this
destination to you. It gets you out of the
house and who knows, once up there you
may even have your own Del Boy Moment
(when he finds a 6 million pocket watch in
his garage!).
More importantly though, it connects
you with your own childhood and loved
ones long gone.
For more information on Georges writing,
go to georgermitchell.com
Page 77
Page 78
RED Entertainment
GREEN Charity & non-profit making events
ORANGE Special menus
BLACK Fiestas & important events
PURPLE Market, exhibitions, leisure & meetings
Please refer to the relevant advert or editorial for more details of events
Every Day
Painting Exhibition by Paula Klages @ Sabores del Sur, Camposol A

Painting Exhibition @ Mar Menor Services, San Pedro del Pinatar
9.30am-1pm & 4-7pm (Mon-Fri to 13/12)
Happy Hour @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A 5-7pm
Breakfasts @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A from 3
All Day Breakfasts @ Black Bull, Camposol B from 3 (until 12pm on Sun)
Breakfast Menu @ Blue Sky Caf, Bolnuevo from 4
Full English/American Style Breakfasts @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn (exc Sun)
Breakfast @ La Vida, El Pareton (from 11am exc Sun & Mon)
Breakfast @ Lizs Caf, Camposol B (from 9am)
Fish & Chips @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 7 (exc Sun)
All Day Tapas @ Blue Sky Caf, Bolnuevo 4 x 10
Afternoon Cream Tea @ Blue Sky Caf, Bolnuevo 5 (exc Sunday)
Menu del Noche @ Caf Buenavista. Pto de Mazarrn 7 or 9 (exc Mon)
3 Course Menu del Noche @ Condado Club, Condado de Alhama, 9.95 6-9pm (Mon-Thurs)
Menu del Noche @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 10 (exc Tues & Sun)
3 Course Menu del Noche @ Elliots, Bolnuevo 12 (exc Sun)
3 Course Menu del Noche @ Chez Zoe, Pto de Mazarrn 12 (exc 31st Dec)
Earlybird Menu @ Spice Villa, Camposol A 12.50 inc btl wine for 2 (6-8pm)
3 Course Menu del Noche @ Blue Sky Caf, Bolnuevo 14 inc glass wine/beer
4 Course Turkey & Tinsel Menu (with booking) @ Black Bull, Camposol B
16.95 inc btl wine for 2 (to 23rd)
6 Course Spanish Christmas Menu @ El Castillo del Pinar, Perin 22
incl wine/cava/brandy (exc Mon & 25th)
Every Mon
Chiropody with Phillip Dawe @ Sensol Golf Villa Sales Building, Camposol C
Spanish Conversation Classes @Janes Salon, Bolnuevo
Mazarrn Bay Bridge Club @ Hotel Playa Grande, Pto de Mazarrn 9.30am
Camposol D Community Working Party @ Camposol D
Legs, Bums & Tums 10am/ Bokwa 11am @ CDA Exercise & Dance Studio, Camposol B
Dancercize with Zizi @ The Arches, Los Alczares 12pm
Bingo @ Black Bull, Camposol B 2pm
Ladies Chatterbox Sew & Sew @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 2.30-4.30pm
D Sector Community Group Monthly Meeting @ The Club House, Camposol C
Kettlebells @ CDA Exercise & Dance Studio, Camposol B 6.30pm
Poker Night @ Black Bull, Camposol B 8pm
Hot Chocolate & Cake @ Sabores del Sur, Camposol A 3.50
Christmas Menu del Dia @ Blue Sky Caf, Bolnuevo 15 inc glass wine/beer

Andreas Animal Rescue Collection @ Car Park, Camposol B 11.30am-1.30pm
HELP MMM Bingo @ La Zona Bar, Los Alczares 1/game 2pm
MABS MMM Fun Quiz @ La Rosa Bar, San Cayetano 9pm

Every Tue
Chiropractor @Janes Salon, Bolnuevo
Spanish Lessons @ Caf Buenavista, El Alamillo 9am
Tai Chi Fit 9am/Circuits 10am/Pilates 11am @ CDA Exercise & Dance Studio, Camposol B
Camposol B Clean Working Party Commercial Centre, Camposol B 9am
Fit 4 Life Weight Loss Support Group @ Janes Salon, Bolnuevo 4-5pm
Guitar Group @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 4-7pm
Page 79
Zumba @ The Arches, Los Alczares, 4.30pm

Boxercise @ CDA Exercise & Dance Studio, Camposol B 5pm

Football Training Session (ages 4-17) @ El Pareton 6-7pm

English/Spanish Conversation Group @ Neighbourhood Association Bar, Isla Plana 6pm

Learn to Ballroom Dance with Jacqui @ The Arches, Los Alczares 7pm

Friends & Buddies Meeting @ The Club House, Camposol C 8pm

Pool League @ Black Bull, Camposol B
Continental Breakfast @ Sabores del Sur, Camposol A 3
Pre Christmas Lunch @ Elliots, Bolnuevo
Great British Classic Night @ La Vida, El Pareton

Karaoke with Lynden B @ The Arches, Los Alczares
MABS Mazarrn Coffee Morning @ MABS Centre, Camposol B 10am-1pm

MAMAS Collection/Book Stall @ Camposol B Car Park 10am-12pm
GOmaD available for collections @ Camposol A 11am-1pm
MABS Mazarrn Craft Workshop @ MABS Centre, Camposol B 2.30-4.30pm

Every Wed
Mar Menor Golf Society Competition
Chiropodist @ Janes Salon, Bolnuevo
Yoga Fit 9am/Aerobic Body Tone 10am/Vitality Class 11am @
CDA Exercise & Dance Studio, Camposol B

C Gardening Group Clean Up @ Camposol C (near Sensol Golf Office) 9am

Camposol Bridge Club, Duplicate Bridge @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B 9.30am
Dancercize with Zizi @ The Arches, Los Alczares 11am
Ladies Coffee Afternoon @ Marianos, Camposol A 2.30-4.30pm
Line Dancing with Lyn @ The Arches, Los Alczares 3pm
Body Pump @ CDA Exercise & Dance Studio, Camposol B 5pm
Chi Kung @ Caf Buenavista, El Alamillo 5pm

Mazarrn AA Group @ Meeting Room adjacent to Caada de Gallego Church 5.30pm
Coffee or English Tea & Cake @ Sabores del Sur, Camposol A 3
Steak Night @ La Vida, El Pareton from 9.95 inc glass of wine
3 Course Route 66 Big Bite American Night @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 15

MABS MMM Art Workshop @ Caf Golf, San Javier, 2 10am-12pm

PALS for booking events etc @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 1-3pm

HAH Book & DVD Club @ La Zona Bar, Los Narejos 2.30-4.30pm

Age Concern for purchase of tickets @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 10am-1pm
Every Thu
Camposol Market @ Camposol A

Step & Tone 9am/Kettlebells 10am/Rebound 11am @
Spanish Lessons @ Caf Buenavista, El Alamillo 9am
Mazarrn Bay Gentle Bridge Club @ Hotel Playa Grande, Pto de Mazarrn 9.30am
Mazarrn Ladies Circle @ Hotel Playa Grande, Pto de Mazarrn 1.30pm
Painting Classes @ Caf Buenavista, El Alamillo 2-4pm
Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC Meeting @ The Club House, Camposol C 4pm (exc 25th)
Fun Quiz @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A from 6pm (opt curry/rice/naan 3)
Advance Circuits @ CDA Exercise & Dance Studio, Camposol B 6.30pm
Fun Quiz @ Black Bull, Camposol B 8pm (food avail from 3)
Bingo @ Alandalus, Calasparra from 8pm
Jug of Rebujito/Sangria/Tinto Verano @ Sabores del Sur, Camposol A 5
Pre Christmas Lunch @ Elliots, Bolnuevo
3 Course Pre-Christmas Lunch/Evening Meal @ La Vida, El Pareton 14.95
German Menu del Dia @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn
Great British Classic Night @ La Vida, El Pareton
Age Concern for tickets etc @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 10am-1pm

Andreas Animal Rescue Collection @ Mazarrn Country Club 11.30am-1pm
HAH Book/Card Stall @ La Zona Bar, Los Narejos 2-4.30pm

Every Fri
Semi Permanent Makeup Artist @ Janes Salon, Bolnuevo
Pilates Ball 9am/Legs, Bums & Tums 10am/Bokwa 11am @
Camposol Bridge Club/Duplicate Bridge @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B 9.30am
Friday Art Group @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 9.45am-12.30pm
Camposol A Gardening Book Stall@ Car Park Camposol A 10.30am-12.30pm
10 Pin Bowling/Camposol C Greenfingers Group @ Totana 4pm
Find the Joker @ Black Bull, Camposol B from 6pm
English/Spanish/French Language Exchange @ Caf Buenavista, El Alamillo 6-8pm
Poker @ Alandalus, Calasparra from 8pm

Cocktail Day @ Sabores del Sur, Camposol A (cocktails 3 all day)

Fish & Chips/ Quiz @ La Vida, El Pareton from 5.50 (food from 12pm, quiz from 9pm)
Fish & Chips @ Black Bull, Camposol B 6.50 (11am-4pm)
Page 80
Fish & Chips @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A 6.50 (2-7pm)

Fish & Chips @ Condado Club, Condado de Alhama 7.95
5 Course/5 Wine Evening Menu & dessert/coffee @ El Castillo del Pinar, Perin 18
Fish & Chips @ Viggos, Pto de Mazarrn
German Menu del Dia @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn
Karaoke/Disco with Lisa B @ Black Bull, Camposol B 6.30pm
Noahs ARC Book Sale/Bric-a-Brac @ Camposol B 9.30am-2pm

Lions Mazarrn booking events etc outside Compusurf, Camposol B 11am
GOmaD available for collections @ Camposol B Car Park 11am-1pm

GOmaD Donations @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B/Costa Calida Radio 12.30-2pm

Age Concern booking events etc @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 12.30-2.30pm
Every Sat
Harlequin Rock Choir Meeting @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 2-4pm

Steak Night @ La Vida, El Pareton from 9.95 inc glass of wine
5 Course/5 Wine Evening Menu & dessert/coffee @ El Castillo del Pinar, Perin 18

MABS MMM Book Sale @ The Arches, Los Alczares 10am-1pm

HELP MMM Sale of up-market clothes @ The Arches, Los Alczares 10am-1pm

PALS for booking events @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B 11am-1.30pm
Every Sun
Car Boot Sale @ Caadas del Romero Social Centre 8.30am

Car Boot Sale @ Venta Romero, Cuevas de Reyllo. 9am-2pm
Sunday Roast @ Lizs Caf, Camposol B from 6.50
Sunday Lunch @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A from 6.50 1-4pm
Sunday Lunch @ Black Bull, Camposol B from 6.95 1.30-4pm
Traditional Sunday Lunch @ La Vida, El Pareton from 7.50
Sunday Lunch @ Blue Sky Caf, Bolnuevo from 9.50 inc glass wine/beer
3 Course Sunday Lunch @ Elliots, Bolnuevo 10
3 Course Sunday Roast Lunch/Dinner @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 10
Meat Carvery/Vegetable Buffet @ La Mariposa, Gebas from 10.50
Karaoke @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A from 7pm

HELP MMM Car Boot @ Autocine, Los Narejos 8.30am-12.30pm
Open Day @ Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre, Rojales 1-4pm
DECEMBER
Monday 1
World Aids Day
PALS Monthly Meeting @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 11.15am
HAH Chatters Christmas Lunch for Clients/Friends @ Bacchus Restaurant 10.95 1pm

Forget Me Not Respite Care @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 10.30am-1.30pm
Tuesday 2
Welcome Book Swap @ ICA Medical Centre, Camposol B 10am-12pm

Stamp Collectors Meeting @ Biblioteca, Pto de Mazarrn 6pm
Wednesday 3

HAH Volunteers Meeting @ Centro Civico, Roda 11.15am

Santa Brbara - Archivel, Caravaca de la Cruz (until 8th)
San Francisco Javier, San Javier
International Day for The Disabled
Straight Down The Middle Golf Society Fun Day @ Torre Pacheco
Los Nietos Golf Society Day @ Roda Golf Course 10.30am
Welcome Petanca @ Marianos, Camposol A
Mazarrn Classic & Sports Car Group Meeting @ La Vida, El Pareton 4pm
ESAMD Menu del Noche/Christine @ Caf Buenavista, El Alamillo, Pto de Mazarrn
Camposol C Greenfingers Christmas Dinner/Dance @ The Club House, Camposol C 18
MABS MMM Volunteers Meeting @ Centro Civico, Roda Bar, Roda 11.15am
Age Concern Talking Shop Social @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 1.30-3.30pm
Page 81
MABS NW Christmas Party/Woody @ La Daya, Calasparra 20 7pm for 7.30pm

GOmaD Aid Day
Thursday 4
Santa Brbara, Mazarrn
Friday 5 Welcome Ladies Shopping Day Trip to La Zenia/Torrevieja Market/Iceland 10

Horse Riding by Cavalli Christmas Camp @ La Costera de Alhama (until 8th)
NEST Walk with optional meal. Meet El Berro Car Park, Sierra Espua 5 10.30am
Costa Clida Country Music Club/Red Strokes/Christine @ Marianos, Camposol A 4 7.45pm
IFEPA Car Show (until 8th), Torre Pacheco 10am-8pm 5
The CAS Band @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A
MABS Murcia NW Outdoor Market Stall @ Calle Segura, Calasparra 9am-1pm
Lions Mazarrn/Leos Operation Kilo Food Appeal @ Consum, Camposol B
MABS Mazarrn Jigsaw Bereavement Group @ Cats Bar, Camposol A 12pm
Mazarrn Bahia Leo Club @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 7-9pm
FAST Christmas Party/Barrington/Buffet @ The Club House, Camposol C 15
Saturday 6
Di de Constitucin (Spanish National Holiday)

Fiestas de la Virgen, Yecla
International Volunteer Day
Painting Exhibition @ Mar Menor Services, San Pedro del Pinatar 10am-2pm
ADAPT Meeting @ Pensionista de Hogar, San Pedro 10.30am
Welcome Meeting @ Marianos, Camposol A 2pm
Christmas Market @ San Pedro del Pinatar (until 9th)
Disco & Karaoke with BJ @ La Mariposa, Gebas

Chloe Leigh @ La Proa, Pto de Mazarrn
Age Concern Christmas Fayre @ Lagarto Verde, Pto de Mazarrn 1 11am-3pm
Sunday 7
Artisan Market @ Bullas
Mazarrn FC v Thader Alcantarilla (home)
HAH Christmas Craft Fayre @ Bacchus Restaurant
Monday 8
Immaculada Concepcon (Spanish National Holiday)

La Pursima, Mazarrn
Santa Eulalia, Totana
Easy/Medium Guided Walk/4 Course Lunch inc beer/wine @ La Mariposa, Gebas 12

Tuesday 9
Downhill Cycling/4 Course Lunch @ La Mariposa, Gebas 35 inc bike/guide/safety equip
Age Concern Trip to Cartagena

Wednesday 10 Human Rights Day

Animal Rights Day
Camposol Golf Association Club Competition @ Camposol Golf Club, Camposol C
General Meeting of SAMM @ CAR Infanta Cristina, Los Narejos 11am
Welcome Christmas Party/Ricky Lavazza/Sandy Fitzpatrick @ Marianos, Camposol A 12
Los Amigos Mazarrn FC Turkey & Tinsel Christmas Dinner @
The Club House, Camposol C 15 7pm
MABS Murcia NW Volunteers Meeting @ 5pm
GOmaD Aid Day
Thursday 11
Fuente Old Guards Golf Society Game @ La Peraleja

Ladies Chatterbox Group Christmas Lunch @ Amapola Restaurante, Bolnuevo
Friday 12
MCC Residents Social Club Dinner/Dance/Duo Obsession @ Hotel Costa, Mazarrn

The Streeters @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A
GOmAD Table Top Sale @ Camposol B Commercial Centre 10am2pm
MABS Mazarrn Book Sale @ Camposol B Commercial Centre 9am-1pm
FAST Book Stall @ Camposol B Commercial Centre
Saturday 13
Painting Exhibition @ Mar Menor Services, San Pedro del Pinatar 10am-2pm
Artisan Market @ Paseo de las Comunidades Autnomos, Pto de Mazarrn 10am-2pm
Humanists of Murcia Walk in San Juan

Christmas de la Banda de Music Moratalla @ Teatro Trieta, Moratalla
Los Palacios Christmas Party/Martin Ross @ Restaurante Amapola, Bolnuevo
Camposol Golf Association Dinner/Dance @ Hotel Costa, Mazarrn 23
D Sector Community Group 3 Course Dinner/Dance/Mark Ellis @
The Club House, Camposol C 15 inc btl wine for 2
Page 82
Paco El Cubano @ La Proa, Pto de Mazarrn

Sunday 14
Artisan Market @ Mula

Welcome House/Open Door Christmas Carols @ Campillio y Suertes, Cehegn 11am
Open Door Christmas Carols @ Puerto Lumbreras 11am
Mazarrn FC v CD Alberca (away)

Caravaca 10km Walk Mojantes 3

PALS Dinner/Dance @ Hotel Costa, Mazarrn 29.50 8 course meal & all drinks
Monday 15
Wellspring Victory Church Christmas Carols @ C5 Triangle Roundabout, Camposol 6pm

Forget Me Not Respite Care/Carousel Ladies Choir/Carols @
Cultural Centre, Camposol B 11am
Andreas Animal Rescue Sherry & Mince Pies @ Lower Car Park,
Camposol B 11.30am-1.30pm
Tuesday 16
HELP MMM General Meeting @ Las Claras, Los Narejos 11.30am

MARA Christmas Lunch
Wednesday 17 Wellspring Victory Church Christmas Carols @ Camposol A 6pm

MABS Mazarrn Christmas Concert/Suzy G @ La Vida, El Pareton 1 (food 5 from 7.30pm)
GOmaD Aid Day
Thursday 18
Camposol Golf Association Club Competition @ Camposol Golf Club, Camposol C
Lions Mazarrn Christmas Draw @ Camposol B Commercial Centre 1.30pm

Friday 19
Downhill Cycling/4 Course Lunch @ La Mariposa, Gebas 35 inc bike/guide/safety equip

NEST Walk/optional meal/Proceeds to Helping the Perrera Dogs.
Meet El Berro Car Park, Sierra Espua 5 10.30am
Wellspring Victory Church Christmas Carols @ Dual Carriageway, Camposol D 6pm
MABS Mazarrn Book Sale @ Camposol B Commercial Centre 9am-1pm
MABS Murcia NW Outdoor Market Stall @ Calle Segura, Calasparra 9am-1pm
Saturday 20

2 Hour Tour of Cehegn Old Quarter

Christmas Raffle Draw @ Black Bull, Camposol B
Open Door Carol Singing @ La Vida, El Pareton 7pm
Pitu @ La Proa, Pto de Mazarrn
JJs Table Top Sale at SaraLaras, Pto de Mazarrn 11am-2pm
Sunday 21
Winter Solstice
Artisan Market @ Caravaca

Artisan Market @ Sanctuary de la Esperanza, Calasparra 10am-6pm
Free Guided Tour of Caravaca
Ruta del Ferrocarril (Railway Route) with Aguilas Tourist Information Centre
Humanists of Murcia Winter Solstice
Mazarrn FC v EF Alcazares (home)
Open Door Carol Singing @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 5.30pm
Monday 22
Wellspring Victory Church Christmas Carols @ Camposol B 6pm
Spanish National Lottery Draw
Tuesday 23
Open Door Carol Singing @ The Spaniard, Hacienda del lamo 7.30pm
Wednesday 24 Christmas Eve
Wellspring Victory Church Carol Service @ Puerto de Mazarrn 7pm
3 Course Menu @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 32.50
Page 83
Childrens Party with Santa @ Black Bull, Camposol B from 2pm

Thursday 25
Christmas Day
Special Menu @ Quality Indian, Camposol B 12.50 inc a drink and dessert
3 Course Lunch for Under 12s @ Condado Club, Condado de Alhama 25
5 Course Lunch @ Viggos, Pto de Mazarrn 30 inc cava on arrival
4 Course Lunch @ Blue Sky Caf, Bolnuevo 34 inc cava on arrival/free bar 1.30-3.30pm
4 Course Lunch/Champagne Reception @ La Vida, El Pareton 34.95
3 Course Lunch @ Condado Club, Condado de Alhama 40 inc cava on arrival
6 Course Lunch @ Gula Gula, Pto de Mazarrn 40 inc cava on arrival
3 Course Lunch @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 44.50
inc cava on arrival/btl wine for 2
5 Course French Lunch @ La Bretanita, Pto de Mazarrn 49
Friday 26
Boxing Day
Football Day @ Black Bull, Camposol B
Rod Stewart Tribute @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A from 4pm
GOmaD Table Top Sale @ Camposol B Commercial Centre 10am2pm
HELP MMM Charity Market @ La Zona Bar, Los Alcazres 11am-1pm
Age Concern Table Top Sale @ Camposol B Commercial Centre
Saturday 27
13k Nature Walk with Cehegn Tourist Office

Vanessa @ La Proa, Pto de Mazarrn
Sunday 28
Artisan Market/Music from Cuadrillas @ Plaza del Castillo, Cehegin 10am
Monday 29
Easy/Medium Guided Walk/4 Course Lunch inc beer/wine @ La Mariposa, Gebas 12
Tuesday 30
Monthly B Clean Meeting @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B 4pm
Wednesday 31 New Years Eve

Welcome Dance/Buffet/Rob Sweeney & Dan Davey/Christine @
Marianos, Camposol A 12
Early Gala Dinner@ Elliots, Bolnuevo 7.30-10.30pm

5 Course Dinner @ Blue Sky Caf, Bolnuevo 42 inc cava on arrival/free bar 8.30-11.30pm
2 Course Meal/Bollywood Dancer/Bhangra/Fireworks @ Spice Villa, Camposol A
30 inc all drinks
7 Course Menu/Phil Brady @ Bistro Ratatouille, Pto de Mazarrn 59.95
Party with Lisa B/Free Buffet @ Black Bull, Camposol B

The CAS Band @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A
Fun Night @ Bar Alandalus, Calasparra
GOmaD Table Top Sale @ Camposol B Commercial Centre 10am2pm
JANUARY 2015
Thursday 1
PALS Sponsored Swim @ Bahia Beach, Pto de Mazarrn 1pm
Saturday 3
4 Day Multi Activity Break @ La Mariposa, Gebas 239 inc activities/accomm/meals
ADAPT Meeting @ Pensionista de Hogar, San Pedro 10.30am
Sunday 4
Artisan Market @ Bullas

Mazarrn FC v CD Lumbreras (away)
Monday 5
PALS Monthly Meeting @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 11.15am
Tuesday 6
Da de Reyes (Spanish National Holiday)

Three Kings Day @ La Vida, El Pareton from 10am
Wednesday 7
Romera del 7 de Enero, Totana

Los Nietos Golf Society Day @ Peraleja 11am
Welcome Games Night @ Marianos, Camposol A 3
MABS MMM Volunteers Meeting @ Centro Civico, Roda Bar, Roda 11.15am
Age Concern Talking Shop Social @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 1.30-3.30pm
Page 84
We would like to thank all the ladies who

supported our 3rd seasonal Autumn/
Winter Fashion Show at Marianos
Restaurant on 27th October and to all those
volunteers who gave their time and effort
to help us raise the sum of 1076. Thanks
also to Peter Smith the photographer
and Lisa B the DJ for giving their time to
make it a fun afternoon, together with
our models, dressers and compre Carol
Harvey. Without them all we would not
have had a show to put on.
We will now be busy organising our Spring/

Summer Show to take place sometime in
April. If you have any summer garments
you feel you can donate to us, please bring
them to either of the shops, or on the
Table Top Sales every second and last
Friday in the month, when our van will be
in the large car park on Camposol B. The
van is also in the car park on Camposol
A every Tuesday from 11am-1pm. If you
have large items or a lot of small items you
are unable to carry, please call 634 007
594 or the Mazarrn shop on 634 321
161 and we will arrange collection.
On October 31st we gratefully received a
donation of 1000 from The Sierra Espua
Freemasons Lodge 136. Jeff Balshaw,
the Immediate Past Master of the Lodge,
together with Tony our President and

the indispensable Badr and Mohamed,
purchased oil, tuna and cheese triangles,
enabling us to distribute these extra items
together with our Red Cross food on our
three Aid Days per month. We thank them
for their kind and generous donation and
to Lidl supermarket, who for several years
now, have helped us in our cause to help
the less fortunate in our area.
We appeal again this month for toiletries,

sanitary towels and nappies. For our
Christmas Present Appeal items such as
pencil cases, crayons, chocolate treats and
anything you think suitable for both boys
and girls would be gratefully received.
These will be distributed on our December
Aid Days on 3rd, 10th and 17th December.
If you feel you would like to volunteer your
time to help in the shops or at the Aid
Days, please call either one of the phone
numbers above, email us at
madmazarron@live.com, or visit one of
our shops.
We need more volunteers, both in
the shops and in outreach. If you can
spare a few hours, please come and see
the people we help on a daily basis in our
local area. Thank you for your continued
support. Without your generous donations
towards our cause, a lot of peoples lives
would be much harder to bear.
Christian Humanitarian Aid Charity in

Mazarrn & the surrounding area helping
those in need irrespective of race, creed
or status.
Page 85
Our Big Screen night went well, with

several people asking for another one. We
hope to do it again next April.
We are really looking forward to our next
night on Friday 5th December when we have
the Stetsons And Petticoat Show with
Christine and Red Strokes. This is shaping up
to be the night of the year. We dont normally
reserve tables as Marianos room is so big,
but as a couple of large parties have already
indicated they are coming, their tables have
already been reserved.
Costa Clida Country Music meets on
the 1st Friday of each month at Marianos
Restaurant, Camposol A.
This venue is
heaven for dancers as it is by far the biggest
dance floor in this area. Starting at 7.45pm,
requests are played and a line dance and a
partner dance are normally taught before the
live act comes on at 9pm. Entry is just 4.
We now have a Facebook page where all

details of the club are shown. If you would
like any further information, we can also be
contacted at thw35@yahoo.co.uk or call
610 632 152
What to do in the Long Winter Months.

As December begins, most of us have our
Christmas plans well taken care of, but
then the cold months will soon be with us,
so rather than staying at home wrapped in
a blanket with your feet near the fire (not
a bad plan when you come to think about
it!), why not spend some time thinking
about where to go to escape the cold for
a little while? There are many places to
enjoy the cold and snow to the hilt.
In Spain and of course many other

places like Colorado, Canada, Austria and
Switzerland, the ski season is about to
begin. From the Sierra Nevada, (the closest
ski resort to the Costa Clida), to the Rocky
Mountains, Dragontours can inform you
and reserve not only accommodation,
but also lift tickets, rental equipment and
insurance, together with flights and rental

car if necessary to ensure the best possible
ski holiday ever.
On the other hand, if your idea of paradise
is a lazy sunny beach, why not take a look
at our offers to the Caribbean in January
and February. You may enjoy a cruise
around the Virgin Islands, or a week or
two in the Dominican Republic. Now is the
time to book and make the most of the
perfect winter weather in that part of the
world.
Pop in to Dragontours on Camposol,

Sector A, or email info@dragontours.net
for more information. We look forward to
seeing you very soon.
Tel 968 199 021
Page 86
Page 87
What A Difference A Day Makes

As I sit writing this the wind outside is
blowing at up to 25 knots, but yesterday
when I arrived at Los Alczares for the fifth
race day of the SAMM Autumn Series the
Mar Menor looked like a mirror with not a
breath of wind and you could see every detail
of the bottom in 4 or 5 metres of water.
The race start, for the 10 boats, was delayed
till 12 noon and we were getting a few
whispers by then, but not enough to get the
four bigger boats moving much and not from
a consistent direction. After a lacklustre 3
laps, the Hartley crossed the line in 1hr,
8mins, 42secs, but the last boat needed
2hrs, 32mins, 35secs to finish.
By 3pm the wind had risen to about 6 knots,
again with considerable shifts and the racing
was much tighter. The Hartley only needed
54mins, 3secs to finish the four laps,
followed by the Laser 2000 Shoestring Dos
just 1min, 39secs later. At the back the two
Sailfish 18s Mistral and Sirocco fought the

whole way round with the lead changing four
or five times. On one occasion these two
boats and the Catamaran Hamour rounded
the second mark as a tight knit group with
just inches between them. In this private
tussle, Mistral finally triumphed, finishing in
1hr, 46mins, 50secs (8th overall), just 1min,
27secs ahead of Sirocco (9th overall).
Race results on Corrected Time:
Race 1 - Hartley, Balaton Conny, Shoestring
Quatro.
Race 2 Hartley, Shoestring Dos, Balaton
Conny.
Cooking up a Storm
Curry Queen Nilam Wright is riding high
after triumphing in the Shoestring Groups
first ever pursuit race. Four boats took part
in the 90 minute race in the Mar Menor, from
Los Najeros around Sardine Island and back.
Nilam has notched up a first for the group
by being the first female winner of The
Shoestring
Challenge
Trophy.
The
boats were started at staggered intervals
calculated from their handicaps; slowest
away first, fastest last. First over the finish
line in 1hr 29mins was UNO with Nilam on
the helm and her crew Little John Down and
Kath Roper. A close second, 2mins behind,
were Brian and Andy. Third, 4mins behind
the leaders wereStormin Norman Venner
and Val. Finally, a close fourth, 6mins behind
the winners were Big Jack and Manchester
Lol in Quatro.
The Shoestring Group is a dinghy sailing

group, one of the varied boat share groups
in the Sailing Association Mar Menor.
At Last! Perfick
At 10am on October 19th when the
competitors arrived for the 4th Race Day
in the SAMM Autumn 2014 Series, they
groaned to see yet another flat calm on the
Mar Menor at Los Najeros, but within an
hour the wind had come up to the forecast
NE 8-10 knots.
The first race was delayed when the course
had to be re-set to avoid another course being
set for a jet ski race out of Los Alcazares,
but at 11.45am, 6 SAMM dinghies started,
together with 4 small keel boats from the
Spanish Disabled Group Tambien who had
asked to join in, followed 5 minutes later by
4 SAMM cruisers; the 14 boats providing a
grand spectacle.
A great start by Shoestring Dos Brian
Murray/John Down saw them lead all the
way to finish the four laps in 53mins 23secs,
closely followed by Shoestring Tres Ingo
Wilson/Vernon OByrne in 55mins 54secs
and the Catamaran Hamour George Noden/
Derek English/Graham Lewis in 63mins
47secs. When the handicaps were applied,
Hamour won, with Dos second and Tres
third on corrected time.
The 2nd race started at 2.45pm minus the
Tambien boats and 1 dinghy, so 9 boats in
total. Again a great start by Dos and the
Martin, the latter sailed by our paraplegic
competitor Tony Jones with Neil Coates as
his crew again, followed after 5mins by the
Hamour and the Sailfish 18 Sirocco. Dos
led the whole way and the finishing order
was Dos in 48mins 45secs, Tres in 52mins
43secs and Hamour in 55mins 56secs with
again the corrected time moving Hamour
into first place.
A great days racing in conditions Pa Larkin

would call just Perfick.
For land based ex-sailors and the model
enthusiasts among you, the SAMM IOM
Group build and race International One
Metre Radio Controlled Yachts. Their
members can be found on the jetty at CAR,
Los Alcazares every Wednesday morning
and Friday afternoon, weather and wives
permitting.
For more information go to
www.sailingmarmenor.com
Page 88
17-handicapper Jason Beese picked up his

second winning trophy in three months
with the Los Nietos Golf Society.
Society Captain, Rod Smith was Nearest

The Pin at the 12th and Trevor Beechey hit
the longest drive on hole 14.
Jason followed up his September success

by winning the Henry Wilce Trophy
at Hacienda del Alamo in November.
Nineteen members and guests took part
and Jason came in first on 38 points with
19-handicapper Pat Hurley second on 36
and Iain Furniss (17-handicap) third on 33.
The next monthly events are at Roda

on Wednesday December 3rd (first tee
10.30am, members 40, guests 45)
and at Peraleja on Wednesday January 7
(11am, 30).
New members and guests are always
welcome. For more information email
crazygolfers55@gmail.com or call in at
El Fraile Bar and Restaurant, Los Nietos.
The recent results are acceptable and

Sporting Camposol has gone to number 8
in the league in the Primero Autonomica with
3 wins and 3 losses. Sporting Camposol is
playing good football and now is waiting for
better results. Some matches are very good
and other matches are a little bit less, but
they always have a good idea how to play
football. This year there are many young
players to watch; two young English players
aged 16 have already made their debut in the
first squad.
After that it was messy, with lots of good

will, but also with many wrong choices.
In the second half, Yeclano started to play
better football, but gave too much space
away. The defence of Sporting Camposol
held strong and Yeclano could not create any
opportunities. Sporting Camposol missed a
couple of chances and in the 59th minute the
organisation totally disappeared. The midfield
players where too far away and a lot of space
became available for the defence. Yeclano
finally brought the score to 2-1.
The aim to educate young players in the region

is going very well. Sporting Camposol is the
only football team in the region that have only
players from the Mazarron region in the team.
It was a nervous end to the match, but

Sporting Camposol gained a valuable three
points.
The Coach, Jelco said We have a philosophy

and we stay with educating young players
from the region ourselves. It is ridiculous
that you pay money for players from another
region to come play football here. That stops
the development of our own young players.
That has nothing to do with philosophy. It has
to do with short-term results and we do not
believe in that.
In December the team is going to play a

Futbol Sala Tournament in the Netherlands
on 23rd and 28th December and players
will be seen by various professional clubs.
Last season, two players were chosen for a
traineeship with an professional club from the
Netherlands. This will be a great experience
for these young guys.
Sporting Camposol has four new main

sponsors for this season: Bluemedinvest,
Amber Pools, Diverty Bar Mazarrn and
Furniture Plus.
For anyone that is looking for a good game of

football, keep an eye on Facebook Sporting
Camposol for further news, or buy a season
ticket for only 20.
Everyone is welcome.
Photos: Ted Oddy
Sporting Camposol Wins Against Yeclano

2nd November
Yeclano is a team with a lot of youngsters, but
Sporting Camposol started very well and
Yeclano started very nervously and sloppy.
Right striker David received the ball and gave
a good pass towards Jos, who stayed calm
and scored. Sporting Camposol played
good football while Yeclano stepped back and
waited. Left striker Pirri zigzagged time and
time again through the defense, but had no
luck with his finishes. With half an hour left,
midfielder Dani received the ball and tried a
shot from 25 meters and scored.
Page 89
Jason also won the prize for Nearest

The Pin with his second shot to the third,
while Pat was nearest the flag on hole
12. Congratulations also to long-serving
society member Peter Crook for winning
the Nearest Pin Prizes on holes 5 and 15.
Mazarrn FCs good start to the season

faltered somewhat with only one win and a
draw from four matches which saw them drop
to eighth position in mid-November. However,
at the time of writing, they remain only two
points away from a play-off position and the
return of crowd favourites Cristian and Cecilio
from commitments in France should improve
their chances of pushing hard for a top six
spot.
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 organises
a supporters coach to most away games. Full
details of all games, date and kick off times
and coach departure times, are normally
not announced until the Wednesday before
the weekend on which the game is to be
played and advertised in the local media, on
www.mazarronfc.es, on Los Amigos de
Mazarrn FC Facebook page and on posters
at various points throughout Camposol and
Mazarrn.
Forthcoming fixtures:
Sunday 7th December
Thader Alcantarilla (home)
Sunday 14th December
CD Alberca
(away)
Sunday 21st December
EF Los Alacazares (home)
Sunday 28th December
NO GAME
Sunday 4th January

CD Lumbreras
(away)
Los Amigos Luncheon Club will not be
meeting in December as we are having a
Turkey & Tinsel Christmas Dinner at
The Club House, Camposol on Wednesday
10th December (7pm). The cost of the three
course meal is 15.
For bookings please call at the weekly Los
Amigos Meetings or email
pamada.1130@yahoo.co.uk.
All the rooms we reserved for the Two-Night

Trip To Valencia in January have been
taken, but there is still some availability at
the Expo Hotel if anyone would like to join us.
We leave Camposol by coach at 8.30am on
Saturday 17th January, departing Valencia for
the return journey at around 5pm on Monday
19th January. The cost, including coach travel
and 2 nights hotel accommodation is 87.50
per person sharing a twin/double room. We
require a deposit of 40 per person to secure
the booking with the balance payable by 19th
December.
Please email
losamigosdemazarronfc@hotmail.co.uk
for further details or to make a reservation
for this trip.
Tickets for the 6th Annual Los Amigos de
Mazarrn FC Gala Evening and Dinner,
at the Hotel La Cumbre, Puerto de Mazarrn
on Wednesday 11th March are already selling
very well. Tickets are 40 which includes a
five course meal with beer, wine and soft

drinks included during the serving of dinner
and there are a limited number of VIP tickets
available at 50 which includes preferential
seating and admission to a VIP Reception with
the Celebrity Guests in a private room at the
hotel immediately prior to the dinner.
This years event is jointly sponsored for
the fifth year running by Ibex Insurance,
Puerto de Mazarron and this year, The Club
House, Camposol. Guest speakers are former
Newcastle United and Liverpool legend Alan
Kennedy and former WBC World Welterweight
Boxing Champion John H Stracey. Also
in attendance will the Los Amigos de
Mazarrn FC UK Ambassador Tony Currie,
the former Sheffield United, Leeds and
England International. It will be his fifth visit
to Mazarrn to support the Gala Evening.
We are delighted to announce that Expat
Pensions, the trading style in the EU of the
UK-based Magna Wealth Management Ltd,
will be the flagship sponsor of the Celebrity
Golf Tournament which is part of Los
Amigos de Mazarrn FCs March 2015 Gala
Week events. Alan Kennedy, John H Stracey
and Tony Currie will be joining other celebrity
guests and local golfers in this prestigious
event which will take place on Tuesday 10th
March at the Camposol Club de Golf
Last years event proved really successful with
nine teams competing for the Los Amigos
de Mazarrn Celebrity Golf Trophy. This
year we are inviting even more teams to take
part with a shotgun start at 9.15am. Green
fees are 25, with buggies available at an
additional cost of 10 per person sharing a
buggy. There are also a limited number of
places available at a cost of 45 per person
for three players to make up a team with each
of the Celebrities. Following the golf there will
be a two course carvery meal in The Club
House before presentations of trophies for the
winning team, longest drive and nearest the
pin competitions.
If you wish to take part in the golf competition

please ring 634 338 770 or email
losamigosdemazarronfc@hotmail.co.uk
as soon as possible.
Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC weekly
meetings are held every Thursday at The Club
House, Camposol at 4 pm, with the exception
of the last Thursday of each month which is
reserved for the Members Business Meeting
and open to members only.
If you are interested in football, or just want
to take part in the various social events we
will be organising why not join us for an hour
(or two) on a Thursday afternoon? You will be
most welcome.
Page 90
The Matchplay, in memory of the late

David Jaycock was played on October 16th
Last of the Summer Wine
The
society
played
the
last of their
s u m m e r
tournaments
at Hacienda
del Alamo on
28th October
where a good
turnout
of
members
ensured stiff
competition
for
the
placings.
Unfortunately
there
was
a
medical
emergency
during the early part of the round which
caused concern and put one or two off of their
stroke for a while. All was well however at the
end of the round and the unfortunate player
fully recovered.
at the Hacienda Academy course and in a

hard fought final, Gerry McRobert became
champion, narrowly beating Chris Andrews
into second place.
Our StaplefordCompetition was held
at Mar Menor Golf Resort on October 30th.
With the course in good condition and a fine
day, it was ideal for the golfers. The Overall
Winner and Winner of Division One was Dave
Simpson with an impressive 39 points score
on his card. Close behind in Overall Second
Place and also 2nd in Division One was Chris
Andrews with 38 points. In Division Two,
Teresa Moore won her first winners trophy
with an excellent score of 36 points beating
Lenny Whalen into 2nd place on countback.
Meanwhile in Division Three, Dave Gautier
took top spot with 38 points with Dave May a
close 2nd with 37 points. The Nearest the Pin
Awards were won by Ian Quigley and Chris
Andrews with Chris able to take the Twos Pot
as well.
score of 40
points. After
h a v i n g
r e c e n t l y
returned
from hospital
treatment,
s o m e
members
wondered
whether we
should drugs
test him to
see what he
had left in
his
system.
S e r i o u s l y,
well
done
Ian; a good
effort, but wait until the handicap secretary
sorts you out next month.
Should anyone wish to join FOGGS or just

play as a guest please contact Dave on 868
082 013.Our next game is at La Peraleja on
December 11th.
The Nearest The Pin Winner was Paul

Allsop.
The Christmas Fun Day and trophy
presentations will be at Torre Pacheco on
Wednesday 3rd December.
Geoff Sharp
hatters45@msn.com
October was a busy month for Fuente Old

Guard with our AnnualMatchplay Knockout
Competition and the monthly Stapleford
Match to be played.
The cards were checked and indeed it had

been close, with Geoff Braine, (pictured)
coming out on top with 31 points, followed
in 2nd place by Dave Bennett on 29, and Mike
Harrison 3rd on 28 points.
The Nearest The Pin Winner was Steve
Foster.
We have now started the winter season
tournaments at Camposol on Wednesdays. On
12th November it was a pleasure to welcome
3 new guest players. A lot of praise has to go
to all of the ground staff, as the course is fast
becoming one of the best courses in the area.
We were able to have a split start, which got
us back into the clubhouse a little earlier than
normal, although several players were not
keen on starting with the tougher back nine.
For some time whilst the cards were coming
in Gerry Taylor & Les Bryon, both on 33 were
looking as though we would have a tie, but
then in came Ian Dalley (pictured) with a
Page 91
Club de Golf Competition - 1st Annual

Tournament and Presentation Dinner
This event took place on 24th October. The golf
competition was hotly contested followed by
a meal, after which the presentation of prizes
took place, ably presided over by Norman
Morgan. The winners of the tournament were
as follows:
2nd Des Bunn 34 pts

Mens Category 3 (20-28)
1st Peter Dahlin 34 pts
2nd Ernst Knoller 33 pts
The winners of the 2013/14 Knockout
Competitions were presented with perpetual
trophies which will be replaced with replicas
at the end of their year. Winners were:
1st Gary Allen with 39 pts. Who received the

Stuart Smith Memorial Trophy
2nd Eugene Toye 38 pts on count back
3rd Paul Waugh 38 pts
4th John Layland 37pts on count back
5th Pam Andrew 37 pts
6th Kevin Hanlon 37 pts
7th Dev Dutt 36 pts
The results:
Ladies Category
1st Vron Porter 33 pts
2nd Jennie Hanlon 31 pts

1st Alf Massey 35 pts
2nd Charlie Smillie 35 pts
Mens Singles Eugene Toye Trophy

sponsored by The Club House
Ladies Singles Marilyn Jones Trophy
sponsored by The Club House
Mens Doubles Eugene Toye and Clive Porter
Trophy sponsored by Dev Dutt
Ladies Doubles Vron Porter and Debbie
McLachlan Trophy sponsored by CGA
Mixed Pairs Jo and Eddie Williams Trophy
sponsored by Jim & Mika Blair

1st Brian Purkis 35 pts
The Geckos Band finished off a very enjoyable

day and evening.
Forthcoming Competitions at Club de
Golf
Next Monthly Club Competitions are the very
popular Christmas Competitions on 10th
and 18th December. Everyone welcome with a
genuine handicap.
This years Christmas Dinner Dance will

be at Hotel Costas Celebration Room in
Mazarrn on Saturday 13th December at a
cost of 23. A coach will pick up at various
points on Camposol at a cost of 5pp. Some
members of the Mazarrn Bowling Club will
be joining us, which will help make the event
even more enjoyable.
Ron Moss Trophy
The Mens Wednesday Group held a Golf
Competition on 12th November when the Ron
Moss Trophy was presented to the winner
Harry Peers by Ann Moss, Rons widow. Ron
helped start the CGA and was for some time
the President of the Association and is well
remembered. The runner-up to Harry in the
competition was Dave Collins.
The Costa Calida Ladies League
The results as they stand at the moment in the
Ladies League are: Peraleja 38, Hacienda 25,
La Manga 10, Camposol 18 points. Camposol
and La Manga have played one game less than
the other two teams; hence the big difference.
We all enjoy our Ladies League encounters in
a competitive, but friendly spirit. If you are
group of Lady Golfers who would like to be
part of our group, you are very welcome to
join us. We play at reciprocal golf courses
at reduced green fees. To participate in the
League you only need a group of 6 ladies.
If you are interested in joining us or would
like more information please contact Betty
Roberts at bettylloyd1560@hotmail.com.
Betty Roberts
Page 92
Page 93
FOR SALE
Ladies Petron Boss golf clubs, full set

carbon shaft irons, bag included 30
Tel: 968 260 966 (Camposol D)
Double leaf driveway gates/ornamental
wrought iron. Approx 4m wide x 1.75m
high. Can be seen in situ 250 ovno
Tel 627 236 612 Camposol
Travel cot new unused still in original

packaging 30. Buyer collects.
2 full size gents Holiday Easybike/silver
Dynamo/Derailleur gears/chain guard/rear
carrier/side stand. Only used once 150
each. No offers
Tel 602 536 561 Mula
Orbegozo blue flame portable gas heater.
As new 60
Electric oil filled radiator 40
Electric wall mounted programmable
radiator 25
Tel Richard 649 017 890
Fender Electric Guitar/burgundy/maple
neck 1997/Exc cond.
Fender Amp/Princeton/12 inch speaker.
Both USA/home use only. Can deliver (free
lessons to buyer if required) 340
Tel 618 423 025/agreatmagician@
gmail.com
High
quality
timber
carport/coated
galvanised roofing 5mtr x 3mtr exc cond.
Viewed erected 325 ovno
Cross Trainer exercise machine, as new
45
Mens Ping Eye 2 gold clubs, plus G5
driver, full set of irons, Ping Pal putter, bag
included 50
Page 94
Dart
board
(little
used)
&
new
sets
of
Unicorn
darts
15
Ufesa 2kw oil filled radiator/heat control/2
settings approx 65cm x 47cm 15
Hanging seat/unused unwanted gift/cotton
net/padded cushion. Max 100kg, approx
113 x 63.5cm 15
Tel 600 233 456
Oak Nest of 4 Tables, new condition 75
Rustic Wine Bottle open cupboard with
drawer/holds 16 bottles 75
Silver floor standing uplighter/reading
lamp 35
Tel 968 199 913/646 444 942/669
979 272 Camposol B
2 oatmeal coloured sofas/3 seater & 2
seater. Not even a year old 200
Tel 672 819 781
WANTED
GROUPS
CLASSIFIED ADS ARE AVAILABLE FREE

FOR ITEMS UNDER 500 OR FOR WANTED/
LOST ITEMS. (FOR NON-COMMERCIAL
ENTERPRISES ONLY AND EXCLUDING
PROPERTIES, VEHICLES AND BOATS)
Maximum 20 words and 3 classified
ads per customer.
To Place a Classified Advert:

Please go to our Contact Us page at www.
costacalidachronicle.com
and
put
Classified advert in the Subject line, email
costacalidachronicle@gmail.com
or
call 968 970 680 10-2pm Mon-Fri
Attracting
Buyers
For
Your
Property. (External Presentation Pt. 2)
Boggle Answers:
LIGHTNESS
INSETS
GILTS
GITES
HESTS
HILTS
HINTS
INSET
Last
months
column
covered
Presenting
your
property
internally. This month we will discuss
External Presentation.
The most important photograph an
agent will take is the main external
shot. This will be the image that
holds a potential buyer in the first few
seconds of an internet search, or sends
them on to the next property. We try
to ensure the sun is shining on the
feature aspect of your property, with
blue sky behind. When you think about
it, most potential buyers from northern
Europe will be dreaming of such things
whilst surfing the Internet under grey
skies and damp streets back home, so
photographs matter immensely. Finding
that important shot can sometimes be
illusive, especially if trees and bushes
are a little overgrown, or a car is parked
in the way, obscuring the full view. If
you have an outside dining area, why
not dress the table with a bottle of wine
and some fruit, bread or snacks? If you
have a swimming pool, dont forget
to remove cleaning hoses and other
accessories out of the way before the
agent arrives.
wish you all a very happy Christmas.

Kenneth Whettall
Commercial Director
Fuente Alamo Real Estate/Murcia
Coast & Country
Info@fuentealamorealestate.com
Tel 0034 968 598 173
We would like to take the opportunity

of thanking everyone for their positive
feedback regarding this column and
LINTS
LITHE
SHINS
STING
THING
THINS
GILT
GINS
GITE
GITS
HEST
HILT
HINT
HITS
LING
LINT
NITS
SETS
SHIN
THIN
TING
TINS
ESS
GIN
GIT
HET
HIT
LIT
NIL
NIT
SET
SHE
THE
TIG
TIN
Spanish Property Prices now at

2003 levels!
There have been many up-beat reports
coming
from
respected
Spanish
Property Market analysts in 2014.
One in particular that caught my eye
is the recent Tinsa General IMIE index.
According to this report, property
prices across Spain fell by 4.2% in
October compared to the same period
last year; not very positive if youre a
vendor who purchased at the peak in
2006/7 I admit, but, this puts average
house values back to 2003 levels. Many
observers were predicting a return to
pre-2000 levels just a couple of years
ago and at the end of last year were
told property in Spain was selling at its
2002 price levels. Actual unit sales of
New Build and Resale properties are up
by 13.7% in year-on-year comparisons.
Coastal property is very much in
demand again and New Construction
permits are now being seen as the
key driver of Spains internal economic
recovery. Many Spanish nationals
who have seen their future pension
prospects reduced through government
austerity are viewing coastal property
as a better investment return than
their state or private pension. 2015 is
looking very positive indeed.
Page 95
Accommodation
La Mariposa
968 631 008
Accountants:
Corral & Alcaraz
968 078 754
Silvente 968 332 058
Airpark Parking:
Airpark Murcia
618 806 989
Architect:
Martinez de la Casa
665 810 411
Bars, Cafs & Restaurants:

Alandalus 968
Antipodas 968
Bar/Restaurante La Llana 968
Bistro Ratatouille
968
Black Bull 634
Blue Sky Caf
635
Caf Buenavista
868
Cafeteria Plaza
968
Castillo Del Pinar
968
Chez Zoe
676
El Olivar
968
Elliots Bolnuevo
968
Gula Gula

968
La Bretanita

968
La Mariposa 968
La Pasteleria

629
La Proa
968
La Taberna Juan Chara
968
La Vida
625
Lizs Cafe 696
Quality Indian

968
Sabores del Sur
722
Spice Villa

968
The Arches 653
The Condado Club
868
The Vista Bar
649
Totana Tennis Club
968
Tropic Anas

699
Viggos 968
955
150
103
155
374
220
088
705
163
691
724
158
154
595
631
079
153
152
917
724
199
277
199
081
082
219
421
060
154
942
053
300
887
381
850
140
406
138
324
054
499
102
337
008
523
138
530
425
123
198
867
226
341
058
270
804
472
102
Builders/Building Services
A1 Garden & Ground Serv 628
Brian Jones & Co
646
CM Constructions
659
CRS Building Services
634
Fuente Building Services 696
505
705
159
151
744
733
021
948
916
982
Page 96
JD Roofing & Building

S & D Builders
Tonys Building Services
Woodworks Direct
630
622
647
649
269
691
119
540
994
923
952
016
Carpentry:
Philip Peacock/Joiner
680 443 219
Car Hire:
Bolnuevo Cars

968 150 979
F&C Rent a Car
968 199 156
Cars & Transport:
Specialist Vehicles SL
968 146 158
Chimney Sweeps:
Sooty and Son

Chiropodists:
Clinica Camposol
Phillip Dawe

Cleaning:
KJ Total Care
Limpieza Rosy
660 478 881

968 199 111
968 150 244
688 697 629
619 199 407
Computer Repairs & Sales:

Camposol Computers
968 199 191
Loco Murcia

968 971 893
Protech IT Solutions
968 971 800
Dentists:
Clinica Camposol
Olivier Houdusse
968 199 111

968 153 645
Electricians & Electricals:

AC Services
672 850 963
Louis Harris
619 712 821
T J Electricals
868 181 121
Entertainment:
RETRO

657 596 638
Funeral Plans:
ASSSA
Ibex Insurance
The Funeral Director
968 153 396

958 595 945
650 631 719
Furniture:
A Time 4 A Change
968 136 501
DFS
968 334 194
Furniture Plus

968 153 907
Garden Services:
A1 Garden & Ground Serv 628 505 733
Anchor Landscapes
622 648 038
Garden Centre 2003
669 565 402
Hairdressers & Barbers:
Janes Salon
968
The Beauty Palace
968
The Salon
691
The Salon 2 686
158
971
916
354
Health & Beauty:

Beauty By The Sea
603 381
Beauty Essentials
663 176
Cambridge 800
673 162
Clinical Complimentary Therapies
634 327
Freedom Health & Beauty 638 893
Healthy H20
968 437
Janes Salon
968 158
Natural Health Centre
634 312
The Beauty Palace
968 971
The Fuschia Beauty Clinic 630 439
The Salon 691 916
The Salon 2 686 354
433
828
717
232
093
233
695
241
357
270
433
081
828
480
717
232
Heating and Aircon:

AC Services
672 850 963
Calida Gas & Oil
659 761 771
Camposol Heating & Maintenance (CHM)
968 199 184
Llamas Chimeneas
968 591 030
Louis Harris

619 712 821
Sol Pellet
697 949 519
T J Electricals

868 181 121
Home Furnishings:
Curtain Call

616 240 171
Yorkshire Linen, Pto Maz 968 595 946
Yorkshire Linen, San Javier 968 193 912
Insurance:
ASSSA 968
H R Insurance
669
Ibex
968
Nash Warren

968
Natalia Camara
968
153
046
595
156
070
396
167
945
583
020
Printing & Design:

Entorno Grafico
Mister Print
Kennels, Catteries and Pet Care:

Catatonic 655 141 721
Four Legs Dog Grooming 608 712 599
Pampered Paws
634 302 388
Property Maintenance/Management:
Brian Jones Property Maint 646 705 021
Mar Menor Services
644 300 125
Kitchen Fitters/Suppliers:
German Kitchen Studio
636 306 711
Kitchens Plus 1
968 184 235
Laundrettes:
Los Belones Launderette 968 569 096
Rainbow Laundrette
968 575 626
The Laundry Shop
670 847 305
Legal Services:
Corral & Alcaraz
968
Costa Clida Property Serv 968
Gestora Carvajal
968
J Galvez Ronero
968
Professional & Legal Solutions
968
Silvente Accountant/Lawyer
968
Locksmiths:
ADS Locksmiths
754
251
045
707
595 826
332 058
600 255 250
Mechanics:
Autotunes 602
Colair
626
Decklid Auto Services
626
Euro Tyre Totana
968
Ken Sherwood Mechanic 679
Kwik Fix English Mechanic 968
Mobile Car Mechanic Peter 666
Neumticos El Cea
968
Mobility Products:
Freedom Mobility
078
199
154
153
478
796
678
424
646
972
161
422
793
149
840
605
859
006
129
015
638 893 357
Outdoor Living:
DFS
968 334 194
Furniture Plus
968 482 456
Woodworks Direct
649 540 016
Painting and Decorating:
RJB Dcor Painting
699 044 742
Plumbers:
Apache 24/7 Plumbing
674 788 693
Brian Jones

646 705 021
Calida Gas & Oil
659 761 771
Camposol Heating & Maintenance (CHM)
968 199 184
968 654 007

638 893 357
Property Rentals:
La Manga 4 U
0044 7921 351298
Owners Away
691 977 107
Sensol Golf Villa Rentals 968 970 614
Property Sales:
Best of Spanish
Fuente Alamo Real Estate
Holmes & Pegg
Old Farmhouses
Prime Property Murcia
Solhuse
968
968
968
968
646
968
598
598
199
159
692
105
173
173
290
264
471
333
Removals & Storage:

Advance Moves
968
Costa Clida Transport
660
Daintons
696
Lords Removals & Storage 608
Mar Menor Removals
696
654
359
180
061
621
667
956
634
872
884
Retail Outlets:
A Time 4 A Change
968 136
Bodega Martinez
968 594
Branded

607 050
Eurocasa
968 594
Gafas Opticians
868 300
German Kitchen Studio
636 306
Kitchens Plus 1
968 184
La Pasteleria

629 079
The English Butchers
619 579
T J Electricals
868 181
UK Supplies
662 962

Security:
AC Services
672 850
ADS Locksmiths
600 255
Eriks Metal Works
636 050
SF Security Solutions
666 367
Services:
Compusurf 968 970
Healthy H20
968 437
Martinez Del La Casa (Architects)
665 810
Mas Movil

1473*
SF Security Solutions
666 367
501
145
309
401
400
711
235
523
823
121
003
963
250
008
594
666
270
411
594
Sol Pellet
697 949 519
Solicitors:
Corral & Alcaraz
968 078 754
Professional & Legal Solutions
968 595 826
Silvente Accountant/Lawyer
968 332 058
Spas & Hot Tubs:
Eurospas

650 722 905
Sport & Leisure:

Horse Riding by Cavalli
CDA Fitness

Costa Clida Radio
Espua Adventure
636
634
968
968
172
304
595
631
198
087
862
008
Swimming Pool Construction, Cleaning

& Maintenance:
Alpha Pools 968 971 824
Daisy Pool Covers
660 080 201
Jorge Pools

674 168 000
Khn Pool Service
968 138 638
Watermaid 646 705 088
Translation:
Costa Clida Property Serv 968 199 251
J Galvez Ronero
968 153 707
Mar Menor Services
644 300 125
Travel Agents:
Coachtrips S.L.
966
Dragon Tours
968

TV & Satellite:
Cool Solutions

608
CTV Aerial & Satellite Systems
600
Compusurf 968
ISS
625
Loco Murcia

671
Sky Satellite Systems
689
T J Electricals
868
YPM Satellites
628
Veterinary Clinics:
Clinica Veterinaria Pto Maz 968
Emerg 608
Clinica Veterinaria Sur Este
965
Veterinary Clinic Maskota 968

Emerg 619
785 910
199 021
499 422
218
970
187
682
291
181
234
046
666
149
579
753
121
045
153 931
466 553
352 438
597 929
378 473
Internet Cafs & Technical Services:

Camposol Computers
968 199 191
Compusurf

968 970 666
Solar Power:
Freesol 659 232 507
Solar Directa

659 315 130
Page 97
Please Note:
We do not celebrate our Holy Mass in Pastrana
any more. We are now in St. Josephs Church
(El Saladillo , near Camposol and Mazarrn
Country Club urbanizations (exit 17, RM 3
motorway).
Schedule of Masses:
Every Saturday Mass is at 4:30pm (in English)
Every Sunday Mass according to the
extraordinary form (in Latin) is at 9am
nachmittags, und
Jeden Sonntag vor der Messe.
glise Catholique Romaine:
Messe latine (forme extraordinaire du rite
romain). Le dimanche lglise Saint Joseph
(San Jos, El Saladillo, prs du Camposol,
sortie 17 autoruoute RM3), 9 heures.
Confessions le samedi (de 3 heures 15 4
heures 20) et le dimanche avant la messe.
Schedule of Confessions:
Saturday from 3:15pm to 4:20pm (also on
request)
Fr. Octavio Carpena Mobile 676 219 445
Fr.Carlos Prats Mobile 628 824 555
Rmisch-Katholische Kirche
Traditionelle Lateinische Messe
Jeden Sonntag in des Hlgn. Josephs Kirche (El
Saladillo, in der Nhe der Siedlung Camposol,
Ausfahrt 17, RM 3), um 9 Uhr morgens.
Beichte
Jeden Samstag von 3:15 bis 4:20 Uhr
I was looking for different place to eat out

recently when my Mum came to visit and
after a hard days shopping in the store,
we decided to try the Restaurant in El
Corte Ingles for a quick lunch.
The place was empty at around 1pm, so we

had the pick of the seats by the windows.
The menu has a large selection of starters,
salads and main courses and prices range
from 8 for burgers to 15 for other main
courses.
Service was a little slow, but we were
offered drinks within 10 minutes of sitting
and left with menus. We decided to share
a goats cheese salad for the first course
and that was delicious; plenty of cheese,
Page 98
caramelised onion and blueberries on top

of a selection of fresh salad leaves.
On to the main courses and Mum had
fancied chips, saying that at 75 the
waistline no longer matters, so she went
for chicken burger and fries. I fancied
the meatballs (albondigas) in sauce and
we ordered an extra plate of fries as this
dish came without accompaniments. The
burger was delicious and the hand-cut
skin-on chips went down very quickly.
The only disappointment was the meatball
casserole. Although it was a decent portion
and the meatballs were ok, the veg and
sauce mixture surrounding them was a
little too reminiscent of school dinners for
my taste and I thought it was overpriced
Christmas And Prayer

Every day we need to distance ourselves from
our everyday tasks, at least for a while, in
order to concentrate on listening to the voice
of God in silence:
And He said to them Come away by
yourselves to a lonely place and rest awhile.
For many were coming and going and they
had no leisure even to eat.(Mk 6:31)
Modern man always finds reasons to object
to all this [time for silence]. Theres no time.
Besides, one can turn his life into prayer. But
it always boils down to the same thing: things
are what matter; there is no point in allocating
time exclusively for speaking to God.
Finding time to devote exclusively to prayer

is not a matter of having time to spare (an
intelligent person never has time on his
hands, given that boredom is a privilege of
fools); it is a matter of being convinced that
one must seek out that time. And we do need
to talk to the Lord, to pray, and Christmas is
an ideal time for prayer.
for the quality of the dish at 14.95. The

bill came in at just over 46, including 2
alcoholic drinks and 2 coffees and I would
say that everything was enjoyable apart
from the meatballs and maybe the service
could have been a little more prompt.
Rating: (out of 5)
Quality
:
Service
:
Value for Money :
Location
:
Ambience
:
Page 99
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Costa

The Longest Established

FOOD & DRINK

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

Price List - All Prices are excluding IVA

12,6cm wide x 6,25cm wide x 9,3cm wide

To advertise with us contact Teresa on 619 199 407 or email us on costacalidachronicle@gmail.com

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

First and foremost we would like to pass

Our Poppy Appeal in last months

THANK YOU TO OUR

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

Costa Clida Chronicle

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

Bodega Martinez are pleased to announce

Caf Buenavista at El Alamillo are looking

For the full menu see advert on page 47 or

El Castillo del Pinar are offering a

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

The staff at Restaurant Gula Gula in

Support your local businesses! When in

Sooty & Son are now cleaning pellet

Camposol Heating and Maintenance

Prime Property Murcia estate agency is

Call 660 478 881 for an appointment.

Solhuse Real Estate Agency, the Premier

For all your special Christmas treats, Lizs

For all your computer sales and repairs, call

Call in to the Lizs Caf on Camposol B, or

Tel 968 971 800

Well the festive time will soon be here, and

We now have 18 donkeys and 5 horses, so

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

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

with a friendly chat and a cup of tea and

and will re-open on January 7th with AnnaMarie

The Beacon of Light will close for Christmas

are taken from the tax payer - 82 million

bank accounts, allowing her to withdraw

There is no one type of benefit thief, but

In both cases, the benefit thieves had

In another recent case, 74 year old Dennis

New and improved methods are in place to

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

Spanish Cuisine by Firo Vquez of El Olivar

A special recipe from Firo Vquez:

The Aim of Our Charity

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

We finish by serving the dessert on a plate

Firo is the author of books La Cocina de El

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

Hi its Shannon here again!

Ive just got used to finding my way around

changed, apart from the odd new shop. It

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

In three short, but busy weeks, it will

years, especially for my parents. My sister

straight away. This led me back to the real

Every time I remember these early days of

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

similar benefits to the Benidorm excursion,

There is always space to relax, space to

If you fancy an excursion which takes in both

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

NEST - Nature Espua Trails - wishes you a