Costa Cálida Chronicle's Monthly Magazine December 2016

Costa Clida Chronicle - December 2016
The Longest Established

hed
FREE Magazine
in Murcia
Costa
Clida
Chronicle
www.costacalidachronicle.com
December 2016
Issue: 1
Volume: XVII
In association with Costa Clida International Radio and www.angloINFO.com
Date:
Costa Clida Chronicle Sales 619 199 407
DEAR READERS
First of all we would like to thank

everyone who donated to our 2017
Poppy Appeal.
What a fabulous
response we had, raising over 900! This
will be handed to the Ex-Servicemens
Association in Mazarrn as soon as we
have all the donations handed in.
We hope that you enjoy reading this
special Christmas edition of the Costa
Clida Chronicle. What a brilliant time
we have all had contacting customers
old and new with many advertisers and
groups sending special Christmas and
New Year greeting to their friends and
customers.
Welcome
Arquired
Bar Retro
Bodegas Martinez
Branded
Garden Centre 2003
KP
Computers
&
Electrodomesticos
La Muelle de la Bahia
La Tasca
La Vuelta
Mercers
Mountain View Kennels
MultiOpticas
Quicksave
Window Blind Repairs
Welcome Back
CM Constructions
Choc O Latte
The Solar Light Centre
Yogamayga
Photos and Logos on Adverts
When looking for images to be included
on adverts or in articles please
remember that many photos and logos
on the internet are copyrighted and we
are not able to use them. If an image
has a company name or copyright logo
over the image then it is copyrighted to
that company and you can only use it if
you pay for the image.
last months magazine. Thank you to

everyone who entered the competition
in Septembers magazine and also
thanks to Legs and Co who donated the
prize. The winner was Jane Freeman.
Congratulations to Fiona Killick & Robert
Stoppard whose photos were chosen to
appear on our 2017 calendar. The 2017
Costa Clida Chronicle Calendar is
now available. These will be distributed
to businesses throughout the Costa
Clida and all advertisers will have
them available for their customers. If
you would like a free calendar, please
call into our office on Camposol B or Los
Belones Laundrette.
All that remains is for all of us at the
Costa Clida Chronicle to wish all our
readers a very Happy Christmas and
Prosperous New Year.
Ibaez
Competition
We apologise for not announcing the
winner of tickets to Terra Natura in
THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS
Alan Monk TV News
Ken Whettall Housing Update
Clive & Rosie Palmer Exploring

Murcia
Jane Cronin Learning Spanish
Think Spain Spain in the EU/

Spanish News
The Salon Beauty Tips
N332 Driving Information
George Mitchell Never a Dull

Moment
costacalidachronicle@gmail.com

Mazarrn District
Humanists in Spain
Ladies Chatterbox Group
Los Palacios
Mazarrn Country Club Residents
Social Club
Welcome Group
CONTENTS PAGE
Special Pages
Christmas Section
Northwest Murcia Section
South East Murcia Section
South Murcia Section
Sports Section
Whats On
4248
6467
7679
3037
9296
8388
31
58
Health and Beauty
Aditorial
Corral & Alcaraz
Dragontours
LG Dental
Beauty Tips
102
90
79
Age Concern
Andreas Animal Rescue
Cavalli Foundation
Cruz Azul
FAST2016
Forget me Not
Helping Hands
Help Murcia Mar Menor
JJs Puppy Rescue
Lions Club of Mazarrn Baha
Little Starfish Dog Rescue
MABS Mazarrn
Making a Difference
MAMAS
Noahs ARC
Pets in Spain
San Animal Santuario
Swap Tears for Smiles
Advertisers Directory
A Short History of Totana
British Consulate
Business News
Camposol Fiesta
Classifieds
Contact Us
Contributors
Dear Editor
Dear Readers
Price List
Puzzle Answers
36
62
80
77
35
74
58
76
102
10
10
34
30
8
26
16
18
72
100101
6061
40
6
36
98
4
2
68
2
4
98
Camposol Bridge Club

DRamblers
Hiking in Moratalla
Never a Dull Moment
Puzzle Page
TV News
WARM
30
37
70
22
56
8
64
News
Mazarrn Bahia Alpha Leos
18
N332
Northwest Murcia News
South Est Murcia News
South Murcia News
Spanish News
Christmas
Christmas Meals
Christmas Quiz
Christmas Songs
48
42
4347
28
66
78
32
24
Property
Education
Housing Update
Property Matters
Jane Cronins Step by Step Spanish

12
Mass in English
Olive Branch Christian Fellowship
Open Door
Reign in Life
Rios de Vida
St Nicholas Ecumenical Church
Welcome House
Wellspring Victory Church
Cloud Nine
14
Costa Clida Country Music Club 90
Harlequin Rock Choir
50
Of One Accord Choir Tour
65
Spangles
68
Food and Drink

Food for Thought
Ma Millbanks Kitchen
Walnuts
99
54
Religion
Entertainment
20
38
40
54
72
26
62
14
52
67
20
Sports
Camposol Golf Association
Fuente Old Guard Golf Society
Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC
Los Nietos Golf Society
Los Reyes Golf Society
Mazarrn Bowls Club
SAMM
Straight Down the Middle
Groups
B Clean Gardening Group
36
Camposol D Community Group
37
Camposol Reading Group
33
C-Sector Freen Fingers Gardening
Group
34
Darwinian Gardeners
7
Ex-Servicemens Association
Camposol Office
- 968 970 680
Sales & Marketing
- 619 199 407
Patti Benn - Editor
- 646 005 017
Jo Wrench - Graphic Design

- jo@costacalidachronicle.com
Martine Shindler - Office Manager
& Customer Services - 968 970 680
Leisure
Children
CONTACT
US
74
Information
Charity
69
50
31
33
93
92
94
92
95
93
96
96
www.costacalidachronicle.
blogspot.com.es/
Our office address is:
Calle Jara Local 32,
Camposol Commercial Centre B3,
Camposol,
Mazarrn,
Murcia 30875
If you would like to place an

advertisement or write an article to be
included in the
Costa Clida Chronicle, then please send
it to us costacalidachronicle@gmail.
com
To our advertisers.
If you have sent an email to the CCC and
NOT received any acknowledgement
then you can assume that we have not
received it.
In line with our customer service policy
we always reply to every email even if it
is just a short note to say got it.
Costa Calida Chronicle
Price List - All Prices are excluding IVA

Full Page
Half Page
Size of advert
19cm wide
26,5 cm high
x 19cm wide
13,1cm high
Full Colour
250,00
135,00
Quarter Page
x 9,3cm wide
13,1cm high
85,00
Medium
Small
Business Card
x 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 Sales on 619 199 407 or email us on costacalidachronicle@gmail.com

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.
If you are an existing customer 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.
Christmas and New Year Holidays
Please note that December 6th and
8th are National Holidays and many
businesses will be closed
The Costa Clida Chronicle office
on Camposol B will be closed 6th, 7th &
8th December and from Thursday 23rd
December until Tuesday 3rd January. For
any enquiries please call 619 199 407
ANRA will be closed for the week
commencing 5th December and will reopen on Monday 12th December
Tropic Anas, Camposol A are closed
from 26th December - 23rd January 2017.
Tel 699 060 472
La Tasca in Calasparra (next to the Tourist
Office) has 4 special Christmas menus
available for December from 20 pp to
include drinks (excl coffee/chupitos/cava).
Come and celebrate Christmas with one of
the friendliest bar/restaurants in the area.
For reservations please call 968 745
236/639 625 334
Old Farmhouses Murcia SL would like to

welcome on board Susana Rodriguez and
Ian Woodward who have joined the team
as the property market starts to grow once
more. If you are thinking of moving or
need some guidance on a sale or purchase
please do not hesitate to contact us for a
no obligation chat.
Tel 968 154 631

Email farmhouses@oldfarmhouses.es
Anchor Landscapes are pleased to
announce they are the sole distributor for
Louvre Roof in the area. If you are looking
for an outdoor roof for any external space
such as terraces, decks, patios, alfresco
dining areas, beer gardens, bbq areas, hot
tubs, or outdoor kitchens please contact
Martin for further information on 622 648
038
The Nail Bar at Beauty By The Golf
is now open so book your Christmas
appointments now as there are only a
few dates available remaining. Corinne
now offers overlays, acrylics, gels and
fibre glass as well as gel polishes. During
December, clients will have the chance
to win over 50 of vouchers for future
treatments.
Tel 602 584 714
Ken Sherwood will be closed from 22nd
December-3rd January.
Tel 679 646 859
Clinica Dental is closed on Saturday

mornings during December and from
December 24th January 8th.
Tel 968 153 645
Elliots Restaurant, Bolnuevo will be

closed after lunch on Christmas Day and
will re-open for normal service on January
2nd.
Tel 968 158 499
Blues House, Bolnuevo will have live

entertainment on Sunday December 11th
and 18th from 3pm and will have their
popular Curryoke night December 22nd.
They will be closed until December 10th.
Tel 968 150 967
Richard and Hazel Dawson set up the

original Camposol Kids web group.
Richard follows Mazarrn FC and golf with
Straight Down the Middle, but Richard
the Blind Man is the man to call when
your Spanish window blinds (persianas) go
wrong. He has been repairing blinds since
2008, so has many satisfied customers
recommending his reliable and affordable
repair service.
Tel: 968 956 026/684 316 585
If you are looking for electrical goods, TJ

Electricals/Euronics, Camposol B are
giving 5% of their Saturday takings to
a different charity each month until the
end of the year. Last month Mazarrn
Leos benefitted from their generous offer.
December sees Forget Me Not the worthy
receipient.
TJ
Electricals/Euronics
now offer extended warranties on all
appliances.
Tel 868 181 121
Come and visit The Beauty Palace,

Camposol B for offers in December
including discounts on eyebrow tint and
shape, eyelash extensions and wash
& blow dries. Spa packages are also
available to make someones Christmas
extra special.
Tel 968 971 828
Mamma Mia in Puerto de Mazarrn

would like to offer a VOUCHER for a free
glass of wine, beer or soft drink with any
meal off the main menu (not MDD). Take
this voucher to the restaurant during
December (excluding 25th and 31st) and
exchange it for the drink of your choice.
Tel 968 153 049
Dont miss any of your favourite UK TV

programmes over Christmas or New
Year. Cool Solutions offer a TV package
(including Sky & BT), 14 days catch up and
1000s of movies and box sets to watch for
only 100 (including box and set up). No
dish is needed and no signal issues and
monthly fee options depend on package.
Call now for a free demonstration on 608
499 422
Another World Properties are pleased

to confirm that the new Puerto de
Mazarrn office is now open in Avenida
Tierno Galvan 33C next to the large toy
shop. Their son Matt Walker will manage
this office with support from the Camposol
Office. They are seeking properties for
sale and rental around the coastal areas.
Competitive rates.
Tel 968 972 400
Email sales@anotherworld-properties.
com
Save 20% Off All Bathrobes!

The mornings and nights are getting
chillier now,
So wrap up and keep warm with a soft and
snuggly bathrobe.
Choose from five colours. Quote snuggly
bathrobe to save 20%.
Offer only available at Yorkshire Linen,
Puerto De Mazarrn until 10th December.
Tel 968 595 946
KP
Computers
&
Ibaez
Electrodomesticos
are
pleased
to
announce the opening of their new shop
on Camposol B Commercial Centre.
Specialising in sales, repair and servicing
of computers and white goods, they
look forward to seeing past and present
customers and welcoming new ones to
their new premises.
Tel 693 231 955
Garden Centre 2003 on the road
between Camposol and Mazarrn is now
under New Management for everything for
your garden plants, trees, shrubs and
wall decorations. Poinsettias and other
Christmas plants are also now available
as well as some great Christmas gifts.
Logs now also available free delivery to
Camposol & Mazarrn area.
Tel 626 957 599
Saturday November 5th

The November event of the gardening club
was a coach trip to Elche, which, because
of the concentration of between two and
three hundred thousand palm trees, is a
Unesco World heritage site. It is believed
that the presence of so many palms dates
back to Phoenician times, 2,500-3,000
years ago.
The
main
focus of our
visit
was
the
Huerto
del
Cura,
a
13,000
s q u a r e
m e t r e
g a r d e n
w h i c h
includes
more
than
a thousand
palm
trees
and
many
varieties of
other plants,
all beautifully landscaped, with pools,
fountains and delightful shady walks and
seats. The garden is well over a hundred
years old and was developed by a local
priest, Jose Castao Sanchez, who owned
it until 1918, hence the name, which
translates as garden of the priest.
of a traditional Arabic setting. There are

hedges creating tiny courtyards; some with
pools or water features and many pleasant
seating areas where visitors can be served
drinks and snacks. An aviary and Arabic
style music complete the exotic ambience.
Altogether a most enjoyable day.
The Darwinian Gardeners are an initiative
of the Humanists of Murcia. Other
activities organised by the Humanists
include two monthly walks; one easier and
one harder, a monthly games evening, a
philosophy group and a discussion group.
Most of our activities culminate in lunch or
dinner.
If you would like to sample any of these

activities, see our website
www.humanistsofmurcia.com
for
the programme of activities and contact
details.
If you think you might be a humanist,
also on the website is a light hearted
questionnaire, to help you clarify your
ideas. You are very welcome to join us.
Across the road from this garden is the

Museum of Palms, which includes among
its displays much information about and
examples of, the traditional intricate palm
leaf craftwork which is a speciality of the
city and is made from bleached palm
leaves. The leaves are covered by black
fabric or plastic hoods which prevent them
from turning green. The museum also has
a garden which demonstrates traditional
irrigation methods.
After a leisurely lunch we returned to

the coach and eventually arrived at the
Carmen del Campillo, near Catral. This
garden has been developed along with the
house and all the buildings during the last
36 years by its owner who started with
an empty field. Totally enclosed from the
surrounding countryside by tall trees and
walls, this garden has very much the feel
Volunteers
This month we are having a real push
to see if we can recruit some volunteers
to work in our superstore in the Puerto
de Mazarrn. Have you got four hours
to spare? We really could do with some
extra hands in the shop, both for sales and
security. Please come into the shop and
have a chat.
Have you rescued a dog or cat?
After you have put your request in we
will do our utmost to give you at least
half towards your vets bill, depending on
how many requests we had that month.
We particularly welcome requests for
neutering and spaying.
Our special Dog of the month - Nelly
This stunner turned up on the doorstep of
an unsuspecting couples step one morning.
She was very frightened, starving and
about to give birth. Poor lamb was in labour
for days and only one pup was saved. After
all this she did not want to look after her
new helpless baby as she was feeling so
Following on from last months newsletter

we went to see Swan Lake Ballet performed
by The Moscow Company at the El Batel
theatre in Cartagena. It was my first Ballet
and I have to say I was spellbound
another soon! Should I now try an Opera?
Gregory Porter, Madeleine Peyroux, The
Black Heritage Choir sings Aretha Franklin,
Remember Queen and the film (in English)
The Girl on the Train are all booked
before Christmas busy culture time for
Rainbow!
Talking of Christmas we at Rainbow
Satellites would like to take the
opportunity to wish you all a very happy
festive season and hope that 2017 will
bring you all you wish for.
For all the regular readers - Rainbow
Garden, Rainbow Pets and Rainbow House
are all doing well Molly the foster dog
goes to Germany on 9th December so that
depressed.
All
ended
well and the
puppy has a
new home,
but
Nelly
proved hard
to
rehome
possibly due
to
being
50kilos! No
homes were
suitable for
her so she
has
struck
lucky and is
staying with
her rescuers!
MAMAS helped towards the cost of getting
Nelly spayed and she is now a happy big
girl with no more worries of unwanted
babies!
items, so anything no longer needed we

would welcome. We can sell all your items,
big or small, and can take a single item
to a house clearance; clothes, bric-a-brac
and working electrical items, so dont
throw anything away, please drop it off at
the shop or Richard is on Camposol B car
park on Tuesdays 10am-12pm. For larger
items, email us or call 666 186 037 and
we can arrange to collect from you.
Location
Our shop is in Puerto de Mazarrn. Go
past the Mercadona/Lidl shopping centre
towards the port. Just down the hill you
will see Consum supermarket. Turn left
immediately below Consum and drive up
that road. The shop is on Calle San Juan
the third turning on the left.
This is why we need your help!
Please contact us if you need help

Tel 666 186 037 or call at the shop
Email mazarronanimalmedi_aid@zoho.
com
We raise money by selling your unwanted
We Are Here To Help
will be an emotional day. We have had her

some 5 months and naughty pup as she is,
we will miss her.
easy-to-use digiboxes, giving TV just like

you are used to getting it from satellite or
terrestrial sources - sit down, select ITV
and watch it! Just check and ask for a
demonstration before you buy this is not
a system to be purchased from the bloke
in the pub or the man on the market stall.
TV News
Just a few words about IPTV (internet TV
systems) nearly all these TV systems
are run by fairly small companies with,
at the most, a few thousand subscribers.
We are not SKY with some 15 million plus
subscribers and the money that goes with
that. I think most IPTV suppliers do a really
good job, but there will be the odd issue.
It is difficult to monitor a few hundred TV
channels, box sets and films, so if you are
a subscriber, tell us of any issue you find
and we will correct it as soon as possible.
For the best possible TV we all need to
work together remember you are not
paying anything like the rates that those
millions of SKY subscribers do!
There are many ways to watch TV over
the internet, but please look at what you
intend to buy before
you buy it. Android
boxes, fire sticks
and
chromecasts
are all very well
if you are really
computer-literate
and
dont
mind
playing with screens
and keyboards and
are happy to spend
minutes
changing
from one channel to
another. Real IPTV is
NOT like that, with
Viewers receiving TV signals from a

satellite-based system will have seen a
slight improvement in signal strengths
with the cooler weather attenuating
signals a little less and the resulting more
stable viewing and possibly some channels
returning that were lost in the late spring
as the air warmed up. However, be aware
that next May/June the situation will again
go back to the weaker signals - the only
answer is a bigger dish or internet TV.
Have you picked up this article on a visit
down to southern Spain to look for a
property? Before you do finally buy, use a
reputable TV installer to check that UK TV
will be available in your new purchase. Its
too late once you own it and find that for
various reasons UK TV is not possible. So
many times I have heard it said We are
not coming for TV!, but Spanish winters
are long, chilly and have dark evenings! It
is not all Sun, Sea and Sangria!
Article sponsored by Rainbow Satellites
the Murcian company for all your TV needs.
Contact us for free friendly advice at
rainbowsats@gmail.com
Tel (0034) 686 358 475
Website www.rainbowsats.org
Eye Glass Collection

We are recommended to change our
spectacles every 2-3 years. What do
you do with your old specs? Many are
consigned to drawers in case we need
them again and in truth there can be good
reason to do this. However if you do not
need them, why not donate them to The
Lions Appeal?
Spectacles can be left at our stall on Fridays
at Camposol B and we will parcel them and
send to The Melvyn Jones recycling centre
in Elche; just one of more than 10 centres
in developed countries. There they are
checked for the prescription, cleaned and
graded before being sent to developing
countries where Local Lions supervise
professional qualified and trained optician
volunteers to dispense them to people with
sight problems.
In the past year alone 10,500 pairs were
sent to the Congo and 3,500 pairs to
Cameroon, from the Elche facility; also
deliveries to Ecuador and Columbia were
made.
It has been calculated by The World Health

Organisation (WHO) that 298 million
people in developing countries have sightrelated issues and data shows 80%+ can
be helped to live a fuller life with spectacles.
Malika - this
baby
has
been
hand
reared
by
Sue
Jones
since
she
was 4 days
old.
She
is a small
girl and will
not be big
when
fully
grown. She
is
housetrained,
walks on a
lead, good in
the car. She is now being fostered with
3 other dogs and not phased at all. She
is around 5
months old
and
fully
vaccinated.
10
Chica - a
m e d i u m
sized
girl
who is currently
in
foster,
but
would dearly
love a forever home of
Food Collection
Mazarrn Lions are grateful to Consum
Supermarket for agreeing to the collection
of food in their foyer in the weeks up to
Christmas each year.
This food goes directly to Cruz Roja for
distribution to people they know are in
need. This year the collection will be
joined by food from a collection we hope
to receive ahead of the Harlequin Rock
Choir Concert at Marianos on December
8th. We are grateful to the choir for their
help in this. Please come and enjoy the
performance and help those in need.
Bric-a-Brac
Every Friday we hold a stall for sales of
unwanted items on Camposol B Commercial
Centre,
including
books,
glassware,
crockery etc; in fact anything including a
bicycle. If you have items please call 634
324 562 or bring them along on a Friday
morning.
Working to Help Young People
Each year a sponsored walk is undertaken
on the Paseo in Puerto de Mazarrn to
collect funds to support various groups and
individual young people. Principal amongst
these are local young diabetes sufferers.
The funds are used to send them on a
weeks summer camp to learn about how
best to live with their condition.
This year we have also organised

collections for:
1. MABS Hospice Appeal - did
you buy a brick to help fund the
extension of their palliative care
facilities? They are still available at
our stall on Fridays.
2. Childrens
Measles
Appeal
- Lions worldwide are raising
US$400
million
to
vaccinate
children in developing countries.
The combination of Measles and
Rubella causes 50% of childhood
sight-related problems across these
countries. Just 1.50 can immunise
2 children, or the same as one cup
of a coffee.
A Christmas thank you to everyone
who has supported Lions in some way
in the past year. You have helped many
who are unable to help themselves, not
just in Mazarrn, but through fundraising
events being supported, we are able in our
small way to add to the 1,400,000 other
Lions and make a big difference for people
affected by Earthquakes, Hurricanes and
Typhoons around the world. A BIG LION
THANK YOU. Special thanks must go to
the Costa Clida Chronicle for the space
offered for our Lion articles.
her own. Chica is approx 18 months old,

fully vaccinated and spayed. She is with
lots of dogs at Rainbow Lodge so very sociable.
month old that needs plenty of exercise so

a young family would be ideal. She is good
with other dogs, walks on a lead and travels well in a car.
Hugo
and
Ebony
these
two
beauties
are approximately
12
weeks
old.
They
were
r e s c u e d
from the local Perrera,
have
had
their second
vaccinations
and will have their Rabies and chip on 6th
December They have all had such a rough
start
bless
them and now
they are looking for loving
homes. Hugo
and
Ebony
will be medium
in size.
Deedee - is
a
friendly
girl,
walks
well on a
lead.
She
may be a
little
nervous to start,
has no idea
how to play
and runs and
hides if you
throw a toy.
All she needs is love and affection, fresh
water and food and some lovely walks in
the woods and countryside to smell. Could
you be the one to offer this beautiful girl
a forever sofa? Deedee will be ready to
travel very soon after being spayed. She
is only about 12/18 months if that.
Sandy - is a
real bundle of
fun; a lively 11
All adoptions are subject to a home check.

Great result at the Artisan Fayre! We
raised 1,609.25! Thank you to everyone
who worked so hard to make it happen and
attended. A thank you also for donations
from John, Barbara and Kathy.
11
Translation and Closed Questions

In the firm belief that at least a half a dozen
people have attempted to translate my
little text last month, here is my version
in English. I say my version because
translating is never quite as hard and fast
as people think and there can often be
alternative ways of expressing the same
idea.
Hello.
How are you? What have you done since
last week? I have rested a little, at last!
I went to the city of Almeria for two days,
including New Years Eve. It is a small,
quiet city but it has some (its) interesting
things. It has an enormous castle called
La Alcazaba which dominates the city. It
also has a subterranean refuge from the
civil war which is unique in Spain. As I like
history a lot I found it very interesting (it
was very interesting for me).
My daughters have rested as well. One
has been (went) with a group of friends to
a village near Albacete. She says it is a
very pretty area.
My other daughter has visited her friends in
Asturias. She has travelled from Alicante
to Gijn by train and has seen (saw) a lot
of snow along the way.
My cat has rested a lot as well. Now we are
all at home again to start what the Spanish
call the uphill struggle of January.
A closed question is one that leads to

a yes or no answer. For example,
if I asked you: Are you English? or
Do you like cheese?, you could make
several comments in reply, but the most
immediate and obvious response is simply
yes or no.
This is in contrast with an open question
which requires us to give information; for
example Where are you from? or What
food do you like?
It is meaningless to
answer these questions with a yes or
a no. To make sense, we have to give
some information as a response such as:
Ireland or spaghetti bolognese.
In Spanish these two kinds of
questions are formed very differently.
The easiest type to construct is the closed
or yes/no question. To do this all we
have to do is make a statement sound like
a question by the change of tone in our
voice.
For example: Tienes hijos.
means You have children. To make this
into a closed, question all we have to do
is change our intonation and when writing
we place question marks on either side:
Tienes hijos? You have children? or
in correct English: Do you have children?
The initial answer to this is yes or no,
which we would say before we go on to
give any more information.
For those of us who are native English
speakers, it is worth sparing a thought
here for the difficulty foreigners have when
learning such constructions in English as

we add extra words and we change our
word order.
First of all the word do appears out of
nowhere for no apparent reason Do you
have any children? not to mention the
word any why is that there?
Even worse is that we can ask exactly the
same question in a completely different
way: Have you got any children? instead
of Do you have Whats all that about?
Basically when we start questions with Do,
Can, Will, Would, Have, Does, Did,
Has and so on in English, we are forming
closed questions. In Spanish, when we
see something that looks like an ordinary
sentence with the upside down question
mark in front and, without a question
word such as Dnde or Cundo we
are looking at a closed question.
Ive run out of space to write about open
questions and they are rather more
complicated, so they will have to wait until
next month. In the meantime, have a
practice at turning statements into closed
questions and see how you get on.
Est bien? - S
Has entendido todo? - S
Vas a olvidarlo? - No!
Hasta la mes que viene!
Jane Cronins Step by Step Spanish
articles are available as e-books at www.
janecronin.eu where you can also obtain
Janes Step by Step Internet Spanish
course.
Time for a change of subject

I promised a look at closed and open
questions, so here it comes:
There are basically two different kinds of

questions in a language and in Spanish
we have to deal with them in two different
ways.
12
13
Bi-Lingual
Evangelical
Church
in
Fuente Alamo
What a blessing it is to begin by announcing
that we are moving to new premises on the
other side of Fuente Alamo. For a while
now, our current building has often been
full to capacity on Sunday mornings (a
great problem to have!) and after much
prayer, the Lord has led Pastor Gins to this
ideally situated, larger building. We thank
Him and praise Him for His provision.
At the beginning of November we had
a great time of fun and fellowship as we
started working together to prepare the
rooms and at the time of writing this article
there is still more work to be done, but by
the time you read this, we believe that we
will be fully installed in our new building.
The new address is at the end of this

article, but at the time of writing we
have not set a date for the move, so
please contact Pastor Gins or Rachel
for more information.
As I have written in previous articles, the
church is not a building; the church is the
people; people who know and love the
Lord, but it is vital that His people have a
place where they can gather to worship and
fellowship together.
If we truly seek to draw close to God, we
must physically remove ourselves from
anything that stimulates our desire to do
wrong. Instead we should choose to spend
time in His word, approach Him in prayer
and fellowship with like-minded believers;
His church.
This is a great step of faith in the life of our
church, but what about you?
Are you ready for new beginnings?
Its Panto Time Again! Oh Yes It Is!

Tickets will be on sale very shortly for this
spectacular event. However dont miss
out, reserve your tickets now!!
Performances will be on Friday 13th January
2017 and Saturday 14th January 2017 at
8pm and a special Sunday show at 6.30pm
on 15th January 2017.
Tickets - Adults 5 and Children 3.
Get ready to join our motley crew and

WALK THE PLANK, meet some of your
favourite characters, Captain Hook, Peter
14
Are you ready to take that step of faith?

This is a great opportunity for you to come
and join us; a great opportunity for you to
fill that hole in your life that only God can
fill.
Forget what others may think. No one
else matters. Only you can make that
decision. Only you can take that step. This
is personal; between you and God. Come
and join us on Sunday morning. You will be
made very welcome. You may be amazed
at the love and joy to be found in this place.
It may change your life for ever.
Our Sunday morning services start at
11.30am at Calle Espinar 13, Fuente Alamo.
For more information telephone:
Rachel (English) on 618 963 976
Pastors Gins and Toi (Spanish) on 629
283 080
Pan and Wendy. Delight in some new

and colourful characters like Tonkerbelle,
a fairy with a lot of ATTITUDE!! Gasp as
the pirates swagger onto the scene. HOWL
with laughter as you meet DAME Dottie
Darling. Whats this Redskins and Rats?
.......well its PANTO .....anything goes!!!
As usual we will be performing at La
Molata Social Centre (Los Muoces turn off
the RM3) 15 mins drive from Camposol,
Alhama and Totana!
Bring Your Friends And Family For A
Fabulous Fun Filled Evening.
15
We are struggling to home Tino and Jack

so we are showing them again this month.
We hope we get someone for them this
time. From last months edition Timmy and
Harry have been adopted.
Tino is a small
20 month old
Lancashire Heeler
breed.
He is
small and quite
stocky weighing
9 kilos and is
negative for all
Mediterranean
d i s e a s e s ,
n e u t e r e d ,
chipped
and
vaccinated. Tino
is great with other
dogs and really is
a wonderful little
boy.
Jack is around 5
months old and
was thrown over
a fence of a finca.
Thankfully
the
guard dog at the
property
didnt
touch him and
he is now safe in
one of our foster
homes. He looks
like a German
Shepherd cross
and
will
be
medium
size
when fully grown.
Sunny
is
a
7
month
old
pup and looks
a little like a
Beagle
cross.
She
is
happy
and
content
to be near all
people including
children. Sunny
has been used
to living outside in a farmhouse courtyard
with another dog, but will very soon adapt to
sleeping at night in a house with a new owner.
She is vaccinated and with microchip.
16
Tinkerbell
is a 6 year
old Siamese
ready
for
adoption. She
is
sterilised
and
very
loving,
but
not keen on
other animals
so really needs to be an only cat. She needs
lots of love and to be spoilt as she has had
a hard time, found wondering the streets
traumatised and starving.
For any of the above pets, please call 645
469 253
To advertise an animal for adoption please
email info@petsinspain.com
To view more animals for adoption go to
www.petsinspain.com
17
Alaska is almost 3 years old. She is a

friendly girl who loves to mother the
little ones! She weighs almost 40 kilos.
Alaska
and
Timo
have
recently
been let down, through no fault of
their own - they were all set to go
to their forever home in Germany.
Brie and Pickle are currently in foster brothers, 6 years old. They are extremely
loving, enjoy a good run and play well
together. They were also recently let down,
through no fault of their own.
Timo
is
10
months
old.
Timo
and his 6
siblings were
abandoned
at 4 weeks
old without
their mother.
2 of the girls
are also still
looking
for
their forever
h o m e s .
The Mazarrn Bahia Alpha Leos have

been very busy; helping out at the MABS
Race for Life at the end of October;
collecting donations for Strides around
Camposol at Halloween; celebrating round
a campfire on Bonfire Night; Committee
Members meeting with the Lions Regional
President & all whilst making items for
fundraising & preparing for their next
Strides Walk!
Leo Club Members have been making
gift boxes from recycled greeting cards filled with tissue paper they are ideal to
pop a small gift in or can just be added to
a Christmas tree as decorations, so please
look out for them on sale during December.
November saw the Leos joining with their

sponsoring Lions Club for their biannual
Strides Walk the autumn walk took
18
San Animal Christmas Party is on 16th

December in El Jardin de Pepa in San
Juan de los Terreros. Please keep an eye
on our facebook page or email admin@
sananimal.org for more information.
Fosterers
We desperately need people who are
able to foster kittens or puppies in their
homes, often at short notice. We also
need fosterers able to take in adult
dogs who arent coping well in kennels.
Volunteers
We are always looking for volunteers to
help out with the animals - for dog walking,
feeding and/or playing and grooming.
Please contact Lorna by email at
lorna@sananimal.org
or
whatsapp
676 276 199 or Sandra on 655 807
080 or email sparkert2@gmail.com
Lets see if we can find these adorable

dogs the homes that they deserve in
time for Christmas!!
place along the Paseo Martimo in Puerto

de Mazarrn & we were delighted to be
supported by our friends from the Cruz
Roja. Funds raised go to local children
suffering from diabetes to enable them
to attend a special Summer Camp. Our
collections for this walk started with
donations made at Halloween by the Leos
own Community on Camposol. The Club
then received the wonderful news that
IBEX Insurance were sponsoring 175
for one Leo to walk (the cost for one child
to attend Camp) & unbelievably, a few days
later we were contacted by Los Reyes
Golf Society who advised that they would
sponsor 700 for four Leos to walk (the
cost for four children to attend Camp)!
A generous donation was then received
from Diane Shorthouse Brew & yet
another place at Camp was secured. We
have been overwhelmed by the support &
generosity of Berni Campbell & the team
from IBEX Insurance, Los Reyes Golf
Society, Diane Shorthouse Brew & our
local Community - the Leos send a huge
#leoroar of thanks to you all!
You can keep up to date with all San

Animal news and events by checking in on
our facebook page San Animal Santuario
or if you have a Twitter account, you can
follow us at @san_animal
deserved evening out. IBEX Insurance

has kindly pledged 500 to sponsor
next years 2017 Christmas Dinner a
most welcome donation which secures a
much enjoyed evening out - once again
a #leoroar of thanks goes out to Berni
Campbell & the IBEX Insurance team.
A very merry Christmas & a happy New
Year from all the members of the Mazarrn
Bahia Alpha Leos & thank you for all your
support over the past year.
The Mazarrn Bahia Alpha Leos hold
official meetings at 7pm on the 1st & 3rd
Fridays of the month in the Camposol
Cultural Centre - the Club is open to
children aged 12-18 years.
For more information contact Gina
Barker (Lions/Leo Club Advisor) at
virginiabarker1@gmail.com
On Friday 1st December, Leo Club Members

will be decorating the Compusurf/
Beauty Palace community Christmas tree
on Camposol B & the following evening
brings their annual Christmas Dinner
Party in Puerto de Mazarrn - a chance for
Leo Club Members to take a break from
their fundraising & duties & enjoy a well
19
I love visiting Archena Spa and when my

kids were away for the weekend recently I
decided to make a one night flying visit for
a couple of days of relaxation.
As it was a fiesta weekend, I almost fell off
my chair when a well-known hotel booking
site quoted me 900 for a 1 night stay
on the actual Spa complex (which is an
amazing place, but is normally about 7080 a night!!)
Luckily, a hotel within 10 minute walk of the
Spa came in at a more reasonable 65, so
off we went. I had total control over day 1,
Saturday, so this was the day we arrived in
the hotel and explored the town.
We found the most amazing tapas bar just

off the main road called La Taberna de Laso,
which had an intriguing menu. Most of the
tapas came in small portions, presented
very artistically, so we also plumped for a
plate of their speciality fried potatoes with
ham and quails eggs just to stave off the
hunger!! Prices were very reasonable, with
each dish around the 2-3 mark.
Bah Humbug.
I am sure we probably all remember those
now famous words from Ebenezer Scrooge
in one of my favourite Christmas films,
the classic A Christmas Carol by Charles
Dickens. I personally like the production
with Albert Finney as Scrooge. I am sure we
all remember the visitations he had in the
film about his life, past, present and future
and how he was given the opportunity to
change from a miserable skinflint into a
very generous benefactor to the poor. Up to
that point charitable deeds to him fell under
20
The morcilla came with caramelised apple,

followed by a platter of mini tostadas. We
chose melted goats cheese, blue cheese and
apple, salmon and cream cheese - the food
kept on coming and seemingly disappearing
straight off the platters. Finally we had a
cold glass of wine and a shared pot of white
chocolate pudding with Oreo topping heavenly, but by now I was getting a little
more nervous about my appearance in the
Spa in my swimsuit!
For the last part of MY day, I had chosen to
buy 2 evening passes to the pool at the spa
complex and for 12 per person we could
access the thermal baths for the last few
hours until 10pm, watching the sunset and
the stars come out whilst lounging in the
heated waters. If you have never been to
Archena Spa, the Balnearios, then you are
missing the experience of a lifetime.
In the end we spent so much time in the
water we emerged like 2 prunes, but we
walked in the gardens and then headed off
to the old Casino building caf for a couple
the general category of Bah Humbug.

Christmas and New Year can evoke many
different emotions for people regardless
of their race or religion and December
can be a very difficult month for some
people. For many it will be time to take a
rest from work and perhaps spend more
time with the family; a time of giving and
receiving presents and sharing traditional
meals together like turkey and stuffing
with cranberry sauce. Doesnt that sound
yummy!
For many of us it will be all of the above,
but it will also be a time to celebrate the
traditional birthdate of our saviour Jesus,
without whose birth of course there could be
no atoning death 33 years later and without
that of course no salvation and forgiveness
of our sins, so for Christians December 25th
is a very important spiritual date.
To some, this date is meaningless; just
another day with no special significance
whatsoever.
To some this is a sad time as they remember
lost loved ones and special times spent
around the Christmas tree.
For some of course its just more of the
same as they struggle to simply survive
another day.
New Years Eve also can mean different
things to people as they look back on the
past year. Some will be happy with the way
things went and look forward to more of the
same in 2017, while others will be glad its
over and are hoping; better still praying,
that things will improve for them and their
loved ones in all areas, health, wealth and
happiness being the top three usually.
of beers, where there was live music and a

great atmosphere - a very relaxing Saturday
and I was certain that I would need the rest.
Sunday was Davids day to set the agenda,
so I knew that I had to hike at least 10km
in the mountains before I earned my lunch!
Contact details:
La Taberna de Laso
Calle Maestro Pepe, 2
Archena
Rating: (out of 5) for the Tapas. The Spa is
a 5 for me every time!
Quality:
Service:
Value for Money:
Location:
OwnersAway
Property
Rentals
Management
Contact Liz on + 34 691 977 107
info@ownersaway.com
www.ownersaway.com
&
Like Christmas, some will feel the loss of

friends and family more than usual at this
time. Many people make resolutions on
New Years Eve to either stop bad habits,
(smoking and drinking are the top two), or
to lead a healthier life style like exercise
etc. Sounds a good plan, but in truth most
resolutions dont last very long at all.
What can we learn, if anything, from our
erstwhile friend Mr Scrooge? A much
wiser man than I once said Yesterday is
history, tomorrow a mystery, but today is
a gift; thats why they call it the present.
Ebenezer could do nothing about his past.
The girl who had loved him had moved
on, but he was fortunate in that having
had a glimpse of his future, something we
probably wont get, he had the chance to
start afresh from today and ensure all his
tomorrows could be filled with good works
and charitable deeds. (Acts 9 v 36 The story
of Dorcas.)
The best present that has ever been
bestowed upon anyone, anytime and
anywhere was the gift from God of his only
begotten son so that whomsoever believes
in Him shall not die, but have eternal life.
(John 3 v 16.) That promise alone should
help us rid the term Bah Humbug from
our vocabulary forever and encourage us,
like Dorcas, to show kindness to some less
fortunate. Even a mince pie to an elderly
neighbour pleases Gods heart.
From all at Wellspring Victory Church
we wish you and all your loved ones a very
happy Christmas.
21
Items You Shouldnt Carry In Your

Luggage
I was crossing a land border on foot, in a
former Soviet Republic; lots of corruption
in these parts, so I expected to get my
bags opened and possibly turned over.
He rummaged around, found nothing
of importance and he looked rather
disappointed, until he pulled out the white
bag you see in my photo. His eyes lit up.
Hed just busted a foreigner for having
cocaine. He thought all his Christmases
had come at once as he waved the bag at
me with a smile on his face.
After another two border guards were also

satisfied it was salt, I was asked why on
earth I would carry that around with me. I
explained. They just shook their heads in
disgust and let me go.
A question often asked at land borders,
by border guards on trains and even on
arrival in some airports is Do you have
any drugs?
What a stupid question! What on earth do
they expect you to say other than No!
I mean really! Through exasperation Im
sometimes tempted to say, No, but Im
hoping to get some later.
Or how about Why yes officer, shall I be
a helpful chap and fish them out of my bag
for you?
Or, and this is my favourite Sure I do.
You wanna buy some?
Im joking. Of course I would never say
any of these and always give the standard
slightly annoyed, No, of course not.
Drugs! he spat at me.

What? I said, but have to admit, this
didnt look good. No, no, its salt. Just
plain salt.
Putin and Hitler

This is an actual poster that I saw just
inside the Ukrainian border with Russia.
If I was to be stopped by Russian border
guards on my way back into Russia and
they saw this on my laptop; well lets just
say it wouldnt be fun.
Im prone to sinus infections, so I do a

nasal rinse with warm water and salt.
Granted, its not sexy, but it works. Put a
tea spoon of quality salt in first, then fill
the little bottle with warm water. Finally,
tilt your head, stick the tube up your nose,
skoosh the salty liquid up and then let it
and all the gunk run out your other nostril.
Its fun to watch in the mirror. Repeat and
youre done!
22
The
Holy
Quran
is
one item to
also be very
careful with.
Ive
had
problems
with
that
in Christian
Armenianb a c k e d
Nagorno
Karabakh.
Being white
and
from
the UK with
a Quran in your bag, is also, believe me,
more than enough to get you interrogated
at an Israeli border.
On the other hand, having anything on you
that indicates youve just been in Israel,
can also be problematic - a book, Israeli
money, or even a souvenir with the Israeli
flag on it. I agree, its ridiculous, but thats
how it is. Worst thing you can do is have
an Israeli stamp in your passport, for many
countries make it clear they will deny you
entry. If you visit Israel, make sure the
border guard stamps your separate visa
paper and not your passport.
Another question that makes me shake my
head in disbelief is at the check-in desk at
airports the world over. Now think about
this one; its a totally pointless question.
He didnt understand.
I tried to explain by pointing at the salt

and snorting with my nose. Oh dear, that
was not one of my brighter ideas as he
was now convinced it was cocaine! I asked
him to open it and taste it. He did and of
course it was salt. His little face crumbled.
terrorism. At the very least, youd get a slap

if found with these items. Also, carrying
anything pro-Russian into Ukraine, would
not be wise either.
Did you pack your own bag sir?

Again, what on earth do they expect you
to say? Eh no, my mam did it. Give me
strength!
I remember the last time I was in Kiev,

I saw a stall selling everything anti-Putin.
The two items that stood out to me were
a doormat with Putins face on it and a
toilet roll with Putins face on every single
sheet. I think you get the picture. If youre
heading
anywhere
near Russia, these
items most definitely
fall under the things
you should never
carry list. Nothing
illegal about them
of course.
Hmm,
having said that,
knowing Russia as I
do, they could come
up with some charge
about insulting the
President,
or
the
Motherland, or even
If youre visiting a democratic country

with free speech, youve nothing to worry
about when carrying legal items in your
luggage, but, if youre thinking of heading
off further afield, be mindful of what you
have in your case. What might seem to you
to be a totally innocent and legal, may not
be to a border guard.
Its also worth noting that some legal
prescription drugs we get in the UK cannot
be brought into other countries. Do your
homework first and remember, ignorance
of the law is no defence.
As for illegal drugs, theres only one rule.
Never ever under any circumstances,
even if offered wads of cash, (it
happens), carry any illegal drug
through any border into any country.
Even small amounts of soft drugs can see
you get a lengthy sentence, whilst in some
countries, they will execute you.
23
Spain Escapes Loss Of EU Funding

Brussels has decided not to withhold funds
from Spain as a sanction for the countrys
failure to meet its debt targets just four
months after the EU let it off a fine totalling
0.2% of the GDP for the same reason.
Although the fine, which would have been
around 2 billion, was waived, Brussels was
still intending to keep back 50% of EU funds
from Spain until its national debt was reduced
in accordance with European rules. This would
have deprived Spain of around 1.2bn in
essential grants, but the European Parliament
urged Brussels not to retain the money,
stressing that the Spanish government had
taken sufficient measures to try to repair the
deficit.
Brussels has agreed, but warns that in the
absence of major changes in economic policy,
Spain is at risk of failing to comply with debt
targets in 2017. The national debt 5% of
the GDP and the highest it has been for over
a century is well above the target of 4.2%
imposed by the EU.
Spain looks on target to meet the 4.6% agreed
for 2016, but does not expect to be able to
bring the debt down below 3.8% next year.
Income tax and value-added tax (IVA) will not
go up next year.
Barcelona and Santa Coloma To Introduce

Own Local Currency
Barcelona will have its own virtual currency
by next year, despite the Bank of Spain
warning the move is ill-advised.
From January 1, 2017, Santa Coloma de
Gramenet will accept its own local currency
in 108 shops, restaurants and other business
premises and the so-called social currency
will be in operation in the Nou Barris, Sant
Andreu and Sant Mart neighbourhoods. By
the year 2019, the whole of the metropolitan
area will accept the local money. Physical coins
and notes will not be minted, since payment
is entirely electronic via mobile phones and
tablets and Barcelona will be one of 4,000
cities worldwide to use its own currency.
Bristol in the UK, was the flagship city for
Europe.
The community currency is aimed at promoting
local business and is part of a wider fair trade
or social economy plan set up in Barcelona
with a budget of 24 million.
Salamanca
Scientists
Find
Genetic
Predictor Of Stroke Patient Recovery
The protein p53-Prolina, when present, means
patients who suffer a haemorrhagic stroke,
24
where a blood vessel breaks in the brain,

have a better prognosis of functional recovery,
since this chemical has a greater ability to
repair vascular damage. By contrast, the
protein p53-Arginina is associated with a very
poor outlook and speeds up death of neurons
following a stroke.
A haemorrhagic stroke is the type which
carries the highest mortality rate. 50% of
patients do not survive beyond a month after
suffering one and those who do live for any
length of time afterwards face a very high
risk of permanent damage. 20% of those who
survive are entirely dependent upon carers
within six months. Recovery in patients of
this type of stroke is determined by their
genotype.
Spain Needs To Spend Half A Billion On
Global Warming
According to Oxfam, Spain has spent less than
1% of the sum it promised to invest in battling
the effects of climate change between 2015
and 2018.
The Spanish government needs to put an end
to its current negligent attitude in terms of the
fight against global warming and commit itself
to work harder on reducing emissions and
making a fair contribution, slammed Oxfam
during the Climate Change Summit (COP22)
in Marrakech. Spain accounted for the thirdhighest emissions increases in Europe between
1990 and 2014, not counting the 3.5% rise in
2015. Greenpeace has also criticised Spain
for failing to reduce greenhouse gases.
The poorest 50% of the worlds inhabitants
around 3.6 billion people generate around
10% of the planets greenhouse gases and
yet they live in communities which are most
vulnerable to the dangerous effects of climate
change.
Between 2008 and 2014, a total of 22.5 million
people were forced out of their homes every
year as a consequence of natural disasters
caused by global warming, or an average of
62,000 people a day. The El Nio phenomenon
this year has been particularly pronounced
and, combined with climate change, means
around 60 million people on the planet are at
risk of famine.
Village Offers Residents 300 To Have Or
Adopt A Child
A tiny village in the Castilla y Len province of
vila is offering its residents a one-off baby
cheque of 300 to have a child or adopt one.
With just 250 inhabitants, Aldeaseca, whose
name translates as dry
hamlet, is suffering
serious
population
decline and fears it will
be wiped out altogether
in a generation. Grants
will be backdated for
parents who have had
a child at any time in
2016, or adopted one
who was aged five and
under at the time.
Castelln
Airport
Takes Off
Business is booming at
Castelln airport with
over 110,000 passengers having travelled

to and from the terminal since the airport
opened in December 2014. Ryanair was the
first carrier to operate from it and flights
taking off from Castelln have been 80% full
on average, even in low season.
Four routes operate from Castelln to
London, Sofia (Bulgaria) and Bucharest
(Romania) and Bristol for part of the year.
These will restart in March 2017.
Calls To Cut IVA On Gluten-Free Groceries
Antonio Hurtado, MP in Crdoba, is calling
for Spains PP government to drop IVA on
groceries for coeliacs to 4%, the bottom rate
which applies to basic staples like milk, bread
and eggs, instead of the current 21%. This
affects an estimated 1% of Spains population,
but as at least 75% of patients are thought to
be undiagnosed, the figure is thought to be
higher still.
56 Paedophiles Arrested
Officers from the National Police have arrested
56 paedophiles for distributing, via the
Internet, images of extremely serious sexual
abuse of young children. All those arrested
were male, the majority between the ages of
40 and 60. Some had been arrested before for
identical crimes.
They are accused of sharing child pornographic
material via the Peer to Peer network, one of
the most commonly used networks for this
kind of content.
Wild Boar Cause Destruction
Wild boar coming down from the mountains
and invading town centres are becoming a
serious problem nationwide. In the latest
incident, 15 children had to be evacuated from
their after-school club in Amposta (Tarragona
Province) when one of these creatures ran
amok in the playground.
Wild boar destroy farm crops and if they
wander onto roads they can put drivers lives
at risk. They have been known to attack
humans, so dont feed them, as this will get
them used to humans, but doesnt actually
tame them.
Catalunya is putting together a catch, neuter,
return programme for both male and female
wild boar in order to diminish the population.
Meningitis-Causing Giant African Snails
Huge numbers of African giant snails, an
invasive species which causes damage to
native flora and fauna and carries parasites
which can be harmful to humans have been
found in Castilla-La Mancha and Andalucia.
The Achatinafulica is normally found in the
Americas, SE Asia, Australia, Japan and the
Pacific Islands. Police seized several hundred
and warned that dealing in exotic, forbidden
species is illegal.
They cause mass destruction to crops and
other wildlife and can even bring on brain
infections in humans. The snails house a type
of worm which can be passed onto people
either through eating the snails, handling
them, or eating vegetables grown where they
have been, as well as through consuming meat
from animals which have become infected.
25
Firstly, a huge thank you on behalf of

all the dogs in need of help to everyone
that has donated, sponsored, fostered,
adopted, given up their time to work in
our shops, walked the dogs or nearly killed
themselves humping furniture to raise
money. It really is appreciated.
The last couple of months have been busy
for our rescue and rehoming volunteers.
In October we rescued 8 dogs, including
2 pups. Six of these are now in foster
homes, one has been homed and one
placed, for the time being, in kennels. A
further 3 dogs found their forever homes in
Spain. At the time of writing in November
we have homed another 6 dogs, 4 in the
UK and rescued a further 8, including Guy:
Guy was found in a very poor state, halfstarved on Percheles Beach. We think he
might be the dog reported to us at the end
of summer begging for food and drinking
sea water that we couldnt find at the time.
Having been checked out by the vets we
are told he is about eight years old. He
spent 24 hours on a drip, but he is now in
foster care in a loving comfortable home
and is still very poorly. We hope he will
pull through.
Details of our dogs can be found on our

website. If you would like to offer a foster
home or wish to adopt please get in touch.
Donations can also be made through our
website
www.noahsarcmurcia.com,
Facebook page at NoahsArc Mazarron
or in either of our shops in Camposol
and Puerto de Mazarrn. These are open
10am-2pm. Monday to Saturday.
Our van runs Monday, Wednesday and
Friday for the collection of any unwanted
furniture, bric-a-brac, books etc. and to
deliver items purchased in our shops. We
can also arrange Ecoparque runs for a
donation. Just pop into our Camposol shop
or phone to arrange an appointment.
Finally, a very Merry Christmas from

all our dogs and volunteers.
When I was studying at University many

moons ago, I managed to get a mark of
102% in a Mathematics exam. Now this
would seem impossible, but the simple
explanation is that the lecturer decided
to award an extra 4% to everyone who
completed a particular question. As I had
managed to get 98% and also completed
the tricky question, my mark was made-up
26
We currently have 72 dogs in kennels

and our refuge, all longing for their
forever homes. This is obviously costly;
our vets and kennel fees alone came to
some 7,200 in October. Without your
generosity in donating cash or items for
us to sell we couldnt continue, so, once
again, thank you.
Rescue phone 699 352 818

Camposol shop 634 332 335
Puerto de Mazarrn shop 634 354 553
to 102%! The first and only time I assure

you! My Father taught Mathematics for
many years and still loves the subject, so I
had a distinct advantage.
the beginning God Genesis 1 v 1

and the problem is solved.
Many solutions in Mathematics are

complex, but others are simple. Take for
example 2 x 2 which we know equals 4.
Now you can either accept this answer
or spend a lifetime trying to find another
solution. It might seem like a waste of time
looking for another solution as the answer
has been known for ages. As a Christian I
believe this is exactly what people do with
the problems of life.
Where do we come from?
What are we doing here?
Where did the world we know come from?
What about the planets and the vastness of
space? The body, the mind and the spirit?
Is there life after death? Unique DNA and
fingerprints? And so on and so on.
You can find us on Condado de Alhama in

the Al Kasar Centre. 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.
Opening Times for the Christian Centre are
on the website.
Further details and other planned gettogethers please go to
http://open-door.wix.com/open-door
If you would like to be informed of our events
and be added to our mailing list please
let us know at opendoorgettogether@
gmail.com
Christian Centre 615 543 106
Ken 646 705 403
Carol 655 141 721
Clearly I believe all of the above problems

can be answered by acknowledging God
and His hand in creation and our lives just
like 2 x 2 = 4, but no it is far better to
ignore this obvious answer and spend our
lives looking for an alternative solution or
perhaps ignoring the problem all together
and hoping it will go away as some people
do with Maths.
The Bible starts with these four words..In
27
How to Lose Points

Lose Six Points
1. Driving with a rate of alcohol greater
than 0.50 mg per litre of exhaled air.
If professional and novice drivers
(qualified less than two years), the
limit is reduced to 0.30mg/1.
2. Driving under the influence of drugs,
psychotropics, stimulants and other
substances with similar effects.
3. Refusing to submit to a breathalyser
test or drug screening.
4. Driving in a reckless manner
(endangering other drivers), driving
in the opposite direction or engaging
in unauthorised races.
5. Exceeding the speed limit by more
than 50% the maximum authorised
limit and by at least 30km/hr.
6. Using mechanisms or instruments
that inhibit traffic monitoring or
radar detection systems.
7. Exceeding driving time by more
than 50% or reducing rest times by
more than 50% of those laid down in
legislation on land transport.
Lose Four Points
8. Driving with a blood alcohol level
between 0.25 and 0.50mg/ltr of
exhaled air. For professional and
novice drivers, the limit is between
0.15 and 0.30mg/ltr.
9. Throwing objects on or nearby the
road that could cause fires, accidents
or impede other road users.
10. Driving on motorways or dual

carriageways with vehicles that are
expressly prohibited.
28
11. Driving a vehicle with an occupation

that increases by 50% or more the
number of authorised seats.
12. Driving a vehicle without a licence
for that vehicle.
13. Driving with a suspended licence or
having been banned for driving that
vehicle.
14. Driving negligently and putting other
road users at risk.
15. Failure to comply with the legal
provisions on the priorities and the
obligation to stop at the stop sign
and traffic lights.
16. Failure
to
comply
with
the
legal provisions on overtaking,
endangering or hindering those
moving in the opposite direction and
overtaking in places or circumstances
of reduced visibility.
17. Overtaking,
endangering
hindering cyclists.
speed
or
20. Failure to observe the signs and

signals of agents that regulate
movement.
21. Failure to maintain a safe distance
from the vehicle ahead.
Lose Three Points
22. Making the change of direction in
breach of the provisions in road
safety laws.
23. Driving using a mobile phone,
programming the browser, using
headphones or other devices that
reduce the attention.
24. Not using seat belts, child restraints,
helmets
and
other
protective
equipment.
Snow Preparations
If there is a risk that you will be driving in
snow, you need to consider purchasing
snow chains for your vehicle. Carrying snow
chains is not a mandatory requirement,
but in some areas, where snow packs the
road, it becomes compulsory to use them.
The Guardia Civil, police or other authorities
responsible for the road can impose a
restriction without warning, placing signs
on the roads indicating that the use of snow
chains is compulsory. If you dont have
them with you, you have to wait until the
road has been cleared by a snowplough or
until the restriction, cadenas obligatorias,
is lifted, or you risk a fine.
It is wise to take additional equipment with
you, such as warm blankets, emergency
food and drink and always advise somebody
of your journey and route, as mobile phone
signals are not always reliable.
Five Simple Maintenance Tasks
Proper maintenance of your vehicle is crucial
to its safe and economic operation. Modern
cars have become so complex and although
it is vital that major work is carried out by
a qualified engineer, there are some simple
tasks that we should all know how to do and
check them on a regular basis.
Check the engine oil level
Oil keeps the mechanical parts of the
engine lubricated. It is recommended to
periodically check the oil levels, especially
if your car is old or used frequently. Often
regular maintenance is not enough as even
the smallest leak can cause a significant
loss of oil over time. It should always be
done before a long journey and at least
once per month, or if you see any signs of
oil deposits on the road or driveway. The oil
levels should be checked when the engine is
cold and the vehicle parked on a level place.
or
18. Performing a reversing manoeuvre

on motorways.
19. Increasing
manoeuvres that prevent or hinder

overtaking by the driver of another
vehicle.
performing
The dipstick is one of the engine parts which

is normally clearly visible and often labelled.
It may look like a circle or ring, or have a
small handle for you to grip. To check the
levels, pull the dipstick from its holder,
carefully, then wipe the end. Reinsert it,

again carefully and take it out again. You
should now see a small deposit of oil on
the end of the dipstick which should fall
somewhere between markers indicating
the maximum and minimum levels in the
engine. If no oil is shown, try again. If this
is still the case, or if the oil level looks too
high, you may wish to seek assistance from
a mechanic.
Check tyre pressure
Maintaining proper tyre pressure is crucial
for maintaining the maximum life and
performance of the tyres, as well as avoiding
serious problems that can jeopardise the
safety and security of the vehicle, such as
the loss of stability, an increase in braking
distance, and even a high risk blowout.
Tyre pressure can be checked at most fuel
filling stations, often for free, where they
have calibrated equipment that can tell you
the exact pressure in each of the tyres.
Checking the pressure of tyres should be
done when the tyres are cold and when
the vehicle is unloaded. Check the vehicles
manual for the correct tyre pressure,
although more modern cars have a plate
fitted to the vehicle which tells you this.
Changing a wheel
A recent survey revealed that only 25%
of drivers know how to change a wheel.
Although your breakdown service may cover
this, knowing you to change the wheel can
significantly reduce waiting times in the
event of failure.
Not all cars carry fully specific road-ready
spare wheels. Some have modern kits to
temporarily repair damage, others have
emergency wheels which can be used at a
reduced speed until your vehicle reaches a
place of safety where the proper tyre can be
repaired. It is important to know what type
of spare your vehicle carries and how to use
the tools which accompany it.
If you do need to change your wheel,
make sure you are safe, protected by your
emergency triangles and high visibility
clothing.
Change the wiper blades
It is easy to identify wiper blades that are
in poor condition as they leave an irregular
pattern on the window, or they might
squeak when in use. You should never let
your wiper blades get to this state as they
can cause damage to the windscreen.
Different vehicles require different blades
and they are not always changed in the
same way. Generally, the blades connect to
the arm via a simple clip.
Changing a light bulb
It is no longer mandatory to carry spare
bulbs as changing them can be almost
impossible, but checking them is vital and
should be part of your standard and regular
checking process.
29
What is Bridge?
Bridge is a way of getting over obstacles.
Bridge is a way of connecting two opposite
sides.
Bridge is to fill the gap between objects or
people.
Bridge is a card game embracing all of the
above.
We are the Camposol Bridge Club.
Welcome to the Camposol Bridge
Club, meeting every Wednesday and
Friday morning, throughout the year
from 9.30am-12.30pm at the Trevi Bar
This month is our busiest as not only do

we give the usual aid to our families, but
through your generous donations of festive
articles we are also able to distribute these
to our grateful clients. We therefore take
this opportunity to thank the following
people in this community who think of
others less fortunate:
The Ladies Circle who have collected a
large donation of much needed toiletries
and also to the wonderful Antonio at the
Cultural Centre and all those who have
donated toiletries, chocolate and toys.
Ladies Chatterbox for collecting toys
and other essentials for us to distribute to
the families we help.
Our dear friends at TJ Electricals and
30
Camposol B, above the Costa Clida

Chronicle office.
Camposol Bridge Club is the oldest
bridge club in the area and was started
some 12 years ago with in excess of 90
members of seven different nationalities,
some who return whilst on holiday. Our
policy is to welcome everybody whatever
standard you are at.
Come and join us at the Trevi, make new

friends and get your BRAIN working with a
new challenge.
For more information call in and see us or
visit our website camposolbridgeclub.
com
There is also a social side to our club.

Twice a year we try to go away to a hotel
for a 3 day break in May and October and
Barry Wilson 609 925 497

barrynwilson@gmail.com
Martin at Freesol for helping keep our

clients food cold and water hot!
at 7.30pm with a 4-course Christmas

Dinner plus entertainment with DJ Daniel
Wheatley for 20. Please, put your dancing
shoes on and come and enjoy this festive
fundraising event. Call Marje on 634
356 860 for details. Tickets can also be
purchased at the shops and at the Table
Top Stall.
Alison Ferrari who is helping our children.

Jane Taylor and Erica Smith who were
the inspiration for the Advent Calendar
Christmas boxes and obviously to all those
generous people who are participating and
who will make a difference to so many
people this Christmas (please visit our
Facebook page for more details.)
We have many Spanish supporters including
Maria from the Gines Garcia Primary School
in Mazarrn, who is collecting donations of
winter garments from the parents of the
children who attend this local school, so a
great big thank you to her for these much
needed items and to the English volunteers
who help with English classes there.
On a very windy 9th November we gratefully
received a generous donation of 1,000
from the Los Reyes Golf Society. We
are arranging for a representative to come
with us to purchase much needed items for
our children and babies with this donation.
Our Christmas Dinner Dance at The
Club House, Camposol is on 10th December
between 30/40 members, friends and

family attend. We play bridge for four
sessions for the Away Days Trophy.
We would like to thank all of those

people who have donated items and the
local businesses who have supported us
throughout the year, without which we
would not be able to raise the much needed
funds to continue making a difference in
our community. We thank all our amazing
volunteers who give up their time selflessly
to make this possible.
We are in need of more volunteers
for both the Mazarrn and Puerto de
Mazarrn shops, so if you can spare
even a few hours a week or to man the
Table Top Stall once a month please
contact us.
Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New
Year to you all!
Every 2nd Thursday of the month at 2pm,

you will find us at the Cultural Centre, B
Sector Camposol. Come and join us. You
will be made very welcome.
We were overwhelmed by the generosity

of our Ladies, who donated huge quantities
of underwear and socks, which will be
distributed by MAD in December.
At last months meeting a representative

from the charity Making a Difference
talked to us about the valuable work they
do in supporting needy families locally.
Our Christmas Lunch on 8th December

is now fully booked, so there will be no
meeting on this date.
Looking ahead to the New Year
Our first meeting is on 12th January, when
we are holding a Table Top Sale. Members
are invited to bring along any items they
would like to sell; cakes or home produce,
handicrafts, unwanted books or games,
clothes, shoes, or bric-a-brac. There is no
charge for a table and whatever you make
is your own.
The meeting is open to all wishing to browse
Hi everyone
Christmas Party 2nd December

Our Christmas Party will be held at the
Hotel Costa, Mazarrn and as usual with
their fantastic banquet style meal and
drinks throughout the meal. We mustnt
forget our Grand Christmas Raffle which
includes a Samsung Galaxy Tablet and a
Garmin Sat Nav which are just a couple of
our fantastic prizes. Entertainment by the
fantastic Terry Jay. Tickets now available;
members 25 and non-members 27. Free
coach from Mazarrn Country Club top
roundabout 7.20pm, admin block 7.30pm
and a second coach will be at Marianos,
Camposol at 7.25pm. Please be prompt as
this is just a bus service and you will not be
counted onto the bus as you would be on a
day trip or tour.
Future Events In 2017
Liquor 43 With Lunch - 12th January; 10
members only.
Our Ladies Lunches are always chatty,

sociable occasions, so come with us on
Wednesday 18th January to the Montemar
Restaurant in Isla Plana. The Menu del Dia
is 10 which includes starter, main course,
dessert and drink. Bookings will be taken at
the January meeting.
News of the rest of the New Years activities
will be in the January issue.
We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas.
Chris Leiper 968 199 441/602 409 742
the Tuesday Market at the Taberna on MCC

or email mccsocialclub@yahoo.co.uk
Mojacar Moors And Christians - June,

date tbc but leaving in the afternoon and
returning 12.30am from Mojacar.
4 Days in Benalmadena 25th April
Itinerary
1st day leaving MCC and Camposol (times to
be confirmed) calling into Frigiliana (voted
the prettiest village in Spain, arriving at our
hotel mid-afternoon).
2nd Day
Free day with lots to see in Benalmadena
or visit Malaga or anywhere along the coast
(very easy on the train).
Our website has lots of information and

photos of previous events. If you wish to
make any comments you can do so on the
blog. www.mazarronccrsocialclub.com
3rd Day
Trip to Nerja. The caves in nerja are famous
and consist of huge caverns. Unfortunately
we cannot include the caves as the coach
cannot get there.
4th Day
Depart hotel in the morning for a visit to
Mijas and onto Rio Frio for lunch (included).
170 pp in a twin/double bedded room,
(single room supplement) non-members
185 pp. Deposits are now due at 50
per person, non-refundable except in
extenuating circumstances
Pick-up times - MCC top roundabout

9.40am, admin block 9.45am and Marianos
9.50am. Please be punctual as we are
booked into Liquor 43 at a set time. This
has now sold out, but if you wish to go on
the reserve list then please contact us.
La Union Mines With Lunch - This has
now been cancelled due to lack of interest.
Tarragona - 21st September

A 4 day trip in a 4 star Hotel B & B for
the Santa Tecla Fiesta and calling into
Cambrils on the way home - another
fantastic trip, cost tbc. If you would like
to add your names to the provisional list
please call or email us. Deposits wont be
taken until early next year.
For tickets and info please ring Sue on 968
956 155 or Shirley on 968 956 070 also at
December already with us; how the year

has flown.
Mystery Day Trip With Lunch - 17th May.

Cost TBC
or buy, so bring your friends and neighbours.

Have an early spring-clean and clear your
cupboards of disused and unwanted items,
even if you only have one item to sell. To
book a table/space, call Sally on 692 545
987 before 16th December.
31
Green Igloo Award

6 municipalities of the Region participating
in the campaign and San Javier, San Pedro
del Pinatar, Cartagena, Los Alcazares,
Aguilas and Mazarrn, have achieved the
award for having exceeded the goal by
recycling 1,604,000 kilograms of glass
during July and August, 20% more than
in the same period of the previous year .
English of Alhama Old Town 11am

from Tourist Office - 1 hrs (pre-book)
Saturday 10th December - 3 Guided
Visit to Alhama Castle 11am from
Archaeological Museum Los Baos 1
hrs (pre-arrange for English speaking)
Sunday 18th December 90 min Free
Theatrical Visit In Spanish 11am from
Archaeological Museum Los Baos. 11am
from Tourist Office.
Sunday 18th December Artisan Market
in La Feria Street.
Lorca
www.lorcaturismo.es
Tel 968 441 914 - Thurs Market
Aguilas
www.aguilas.org
Tel 968 493 285 Sat Market
Sunday 4th December - Free Dramatized
Tour Of guilas in Spanish from Tourist
Office
Saturday 10th & 24th December - Free
Guided Tour of The Historic Centre in
English 11am from Tourist Office. Prebooking essential.
Sunday 11th December Free Railway

Route
10am
from
Monumento
al
Ferrocarril. Pre-book at Tourist Office.
3 Different Guided Tours Of The

Historic City Most weekdays during
December. Contact Tourist Office for full
details
Mazarrns Green Road

The 14-kilometre stretch from Mazarrn
to La Pinilla will allow the development of
cycling and other sporting activities. It is
along a disused railway track. There will be
greenway signposting, protective railings
and about 2,000 trees planted. It will be
operational in early 2017 at a cost of about
300,000.
December
Free
Saturday
10th
Dramatized Tour - A mystery plot and
two quirky characters guide us through
the old town of Lorca seeing some of its
monuments and its history.
Depart from Tourist Office 11.30am. Prebook before 6pm on 3rd Dec.
Saturday 3rd & 17th December - Free
Guided Tour to see Lorca Monument
11.30am from Tourist Office
Mazarrn
www.mazarron.es
Tel 968 594 426 Sat Market
Mazarrn Town & Sun Market Puerto
de Mazarrn
Work will start in December on a
roundabout at the entrance to the new
Sports Stadium in Puerto de Mazarrn,
improving the access.
Free Guided Tours in Mazarrn area.

Visit the Tourist Office or www.
visitamazarron.es for full details of all
tours.
Saturday 3rd December Walk to Peas
Blancas
Saturday 10th December Walk to Mines
of Mazarrn
Sunday 11th December One Night

in Vegas Tribute @ Hotel Puerto Juan
Montiel Helping Hands
Sunday 18th December Christmas Race
up to Aguilas Castle 10am (4 register
before 15th Dec 2 for children) Tel 968
412 023
Alhama de Murcia
www.turismo.alhamademurcia.es/
Tel 968 633 512 Tues Market
Saturday 3rd December 45 min Free
Guided Tour in Spanish explaining the
history of the thermal complex in Alhama
de Murcia that is linked to its hot springs.
11am. Pre-booking at Museum essential.
Sunday 4th December Guided Visit in
32
Saturday 10th December Discover the

Misterios of Bolnuevo
Copa del Rey (Kings Cup) for
Watersport
This Spanish Championship was held on
29th/30th October at Playa de la Isla.
Kevin Moreno was proclaimed champion
of Spain in the Jet Ski category. On the
Saturday there were 24 races in various
categories with more on the Sunday.
Saturday 17th December Artisan Market

on Paseo, Puerto de Mazarrn 10am-2pm
Totana
www.totana.es
Tel 968 423 902 Wed Market
Fridays & Saturdays in December Tours
of Bastida in Totana 3 (special rate 2)
10am and 12pm. For more information,
contact the Tourist Office.
Our Remembrance Day Service was

once again very well attended.
A reading club does not need to be a bonedry academic debate and deep analyses of
a book and its characters, nor does it need
to be about psychological self-analyses in
answering a so-called book club question
like: How often are we truly ourselves?
This year our Mayor, Alicia, laid a wreath

on behalf of the Ayuntamiento which was
appreciated by all.
collections and our library on a Friday.

Without this help we could not continue,
so thank you to everyone.
The gardens looked lovely, thanks to

our hardworking volunteers. They have
worked so hard this year, considering we
are very thin on the ground. They have
done tremendous work making Los Palacios
a lovely place to live. We are working
together with the Ayuntamiento on various
projects to improve our beautiful area,
so look out in near future for even more
improvements.
We hope to put together some fund raising

events in the New Year, when we hope
once again we can all get together and
have a fun time.
Anyone with an hour or two to spare once

a week would be made very welcome in
our group. We are grateful for all your
donations every week, both in the bucket
We would like to wish a Merry

Christmas and a Healthy Happy New
Year to everyone.
believable plot and well defined characters.

Some in the group felt unsettled when
reading the book due to the horrific subject
and a certain amount of violence in the
story, but in spite of that they, like the rest
of the group, were drawn in by the story
and felt it was a true page-turner.
one of the members as a delicious piece

of chocolate. The rest of the group agreed
whole heartedly, but it is not a wishywashy book. It is very well written and
flows beautifully; a really feel-good book!
Ellen Berry The Bookshop on Rosemary

Lane. Mark and Della have been tied
together for around 20 years in a marriage
that should not have lasted that long.
Then everything happens at once: Dellas
mother dies; she decides to open a cook
book shop; her only child, Sophie, leaves
home for college; her marriage is on rocky
ground; and surprising news emerges
from her mothers past.
If you have enjoyed a book, isnt it enough
simply to have someone to talk to about it?
When you have read all the books your
favourite authors have published, where
do you go to discovering new authors?
What is the best method of keeping track
of which books you already have read, so
you do not go out and buy duplicates?
On the other side of the spectrum from the

previous book, this book was described by
We would like to give a very big thank you

to Luz del Sol. Lee and his staff open and
close our post room all year long. Thank
you again Lee; we really appreciate all
your help.
Camposol Reading Group is open for

anybody who likes to read everybody is
welcome. We meet the first Thursday in
the month at the Cultural Centre Camposol
B from 2pm to 4pm. Next meeting is 1st
December and we have again chosen
two books for the meeting: Ottessa
Moshfeghs Eileen and Vaseem Khans
The Unexpected Inheritance Of Inspector
Chopra.
For further information, feel free to contact
Chris Leiper on 968 199 441 or email
chrisleiper1944@gmail.com
The above is exactly what Camposol

Reading Group is all about. Our
discussions are lively and yeah, sometimes
we find ourselves on a side-track brought
on from an issue in the book. It was no
different at our last meeting 3rd November.
We had read two books for this meeting
and we could not have chosen two more
different books.
Angela Marsons Lost Girls.
Two small girls are abducted and the
abductors put the two families up against
each other in an auction for who of the two
will be released and who will die. Will Kim
and her team beat all odds and bring the
girls home? You will have to read the book
to find out.
This is a psychological thriller and we
agreed that it was well written with a
Once again we are nearing the end of the

year. Where does the time go?
33
This month our Maintenance Scheme has

continued cleaning, weeding and spraying
the streets of Camposol C Sector North
in strict rotation. The scheme has been
operating for quite a few years and its
difficult for new homeowners to appreciate
what Camposol C would look like without
us. There were waist high weeds at the
edges of the roads, huge pot holes, no
planted and gravelled areas and lots
of rubbish everywhere. It looked like a
forgotten and abandoned area. No-one
likes living or spending their holidays in
such a place, so if you dont already belong
to the scheme, please think about joining?
It only costs a small donation of 5 per
house each month and is used to enhance
the whole area, improving it beyond
recognition, thanks to an awful lot of hard
work. We are totally dependent upon your
help, so thanks to those who spare time to
take care of any plants near their homes,
those who have offered us refreshments
and those who contribute to our buckets!
One day, when we are fully adopted by the
Ayuntamiento, the road sweeper will visit
us a little more often and Green Fingers
Maintenance Scheme will no longer be
needed, but until then we ask you to think
about joining us, even if your house is only
used as a holiday home unfortunately
the weeds dont have holidays and your
RACE for LIFE raises over 5,000 for

MABS Mazarrn
The MABS Race for Life saw more than

80 runners take part this year. The partic-
34
street still needs clearing all year round!
On a happier note, it was a pleasure to

turn out to help the local Brownies with
the construction of their new garden by the
Cultural Centre!
The volunteers have been weeding,

pruning, watering and planting and 2 more
brick planters have been constructed and
planted along the dual carriageway central
reservation. The new border has now been
completed along Calle Ibiscum with many
donated plants and cacti and the gravel
and sleepers have been reinstated along
the Rambla road after Aqualia completed
repairs to the burst water main.
We have also had to re-site and
concrete in a bench which had been
lifted out of its position by vandals
and clear yet more waste dumped by
the green waste skips.
ipants made
the most of
the beautiful
blue skies as
they walked
or ran the
4Km course.
This
year
saw our first
ever Mobility Scooter
entries and
the
three
ladies
led
off the race
under
the
watchful
eyes of the
local police
and Cruz Roja.
For the second year
running they were
joined by Alicia Jimenez our Lady Mayoress and a team from
Mazarrn Town Hall.
Special Thanks to:*
I
B
Insurance
being
the
Sponsor.
Please, we will lose this facility if

builders and contractors waste is
dumped there and could we appeal to
ALL not to leave their green waste in
plastic bags, but empty them out and
take their bags home - thank you.
We meet at the Welcome Wall at 9am

every Wednesday. Butties for breakfast
are free and dont worry if you cant do
heavy work, there are light tasks including
weeding, planting and watering! Even if
youre only here on holiday youll be
improving your whole community!
Our Christmas Meal and Dance on 9th
December is at the Golf Club with live music
from Cassi Kennedy! A last few tickets may
still be available at 20 from Paddy 968
970 633 or John 634 325 427.
Please check chalkboards, Facebook and
website for any more news. http:/www.
greenfingersgardenandsocialgroup.
com/
Mercers for stationary and office

support.
The Mazarrn Leos - for helping on

the day.
The Policia Local and Guardia Civil

for keeping everyone safe along
the route.
Cruz Roja for being there in case

we needed you.
Mazarrn Ayuntamiento for your

help and support.
Layla Hickson - for supplying extra

water.
The MABS volunteers - who

helped before, during and after the
race
The Race participants - whether

you ran, walked skipped or rode
around Camposol, you have helped
raise in the region of 5,200 for
MABS Mazarrn
THANK YOU ALL and SEE YOU NEXT

YEAR!!!!!
E
X
for
event
One of the high points in the year is

the FAST2016 Christmas Fayre
Probably the best Christmas Fayre in

Murcia.
On Saturday 29th October FAST2016
held their famous Christmas Fayre at
Marianos, Camposol A. The fayre opened
at 11am, but the FAST2016 team were
in action on Friday evening and early
Saturday morning preparing. This fayre
is a great opportunity for FAST2016 to
raise much needed funds to allow us to
provide this service to the great people of
Camposol. Again the cakes and savouries
were a great attraction with at least 3
traders selling them. A total of more than
40 traders attended the fayre and more
than 400 people came through the door
to shop, browse and eat the cakes and
sausage rolls. Stalls ranged from jewellery
to cards and glass engraving to eyebrow

designs.
The Tombola table was a great attraction
to the visitors where they had a chance
to win bottles of wine etc. for 1. More
than 400 prizes were up for grabs. This
will be the last tombola run by Rosemary
of the Welcome Group as she is returning
to the UK. Rosemary was presented with
a bouquet of flowers by the FAST2016
President Christine Christophers.
The FAST2016 team is a very friendly

group of individuals who give their time
freely to help the residents and visitors
to Camposol. Training for all Responders
takes place Tuesday mornings at Camposol
Cultural Centre. Training is always a
mixture of instruction and practical with
the aim of keeping Responders up to date
with any new techniques. If you would like
to join this team come along and see what
we do.
The famous FAST2016 nurses have been
making Camposol smile while collecting
on the main road on Camposol. Give them
a wave and any change you have. It all
helps.
The grand draw was held at 2.30pm with

over 2,500 tickets sold. First prize was a
450 travel voucher donated by Mercers,
second prize was a 200 voucher to spend
in TJ Electricals and third prize was a
hamper donated by Currencies Direct.
Music and announcements were supplied
by the big Welshman, Carl Thomas.
Next years Spring Fayre has already been
booked at Marianos.
The FAST2016 team met for a social
evening on 10th November at Camposol Golf
Club. It is nice to meet other responders in
a social atmosphere as we often meet in
the middle of the night when there is an
emergency call.
Trips
The Trip to Benidorm on 16th November
was fully booked.
13th December - 3 Shopping Trip to Licor
43, La Zenia Boulavard and Iceland in San
Javier will cost 20.
A trip to the Carnival in Aguilas next
year is being planned.
For information about trips call 634 344
803 during the day. Mandy will get back
to you.
If you have a medical emergency on
Camposol call 112 then FAST2016 on
968 970 626
FAST2016 have had a very busy time

over the last few weeks, responding to
emergency calls on Camposol 24 hours
a day. We are still looking for more
Responders to help with this great
organisation. Our theme tune could be
the Bee Gees classic Staying Alive. This
song can be heard at the training sessions
on Tuesday mornings at Camposol Cultural
Centre as we practice CPR.
35
We would like to wish all our clients,

volunteers and donors a very Happy
Christmas.
Please note that our office at the
Cultural Centre on Camposol B will
be closed from 1pm on Thursday
December
22nd
until
10am
on
Wednesday January 4th.
During this time we can be contacted on
these phone numbers.
Advice and information 634 344 589
10am-4pm
CAMPOSOL FIESTA NEWS!!

Well folks we now have the dates for the
2017 Fiesta, they are 25th 26th and 27th
August 2017.
Please put the dates in your diary now and
tell your friends and neighbours. We also
now have a Fiesta Logo which shows the
International Theme that we are planning.
The Fiesta can now really happen, but we
need to fundraise and by the time you
read this, we will already have had our Art
of Wine Event (sold out) to choose the
Camposol Fiesta wine.
Our next event is an early evening trip

to Torrevieja on 8th December, to see the
Recent work carried out by B Clean

Gardening Group has included tidying up
and laying membrane, gravel and edging
stones on the approach roads leading to
and from the rambla roundabout. Some
planting has also been carried out and more
is underway. However, thieves armed with
sharp teeth and sporting fluffy tails have
been a problem! We have also carried out
some repairs and replaced many of the
missing curbstones where necessary. A
huge and ugly pile of immovable concrete
blocks on the roundabout corner of the
road leading to B8 and B9 has been broken
up and covered with top soil to make a
rockery. Anyone who has suitable plants
and/or stones to donate for this, please
contact us, or feel free to make your own
mark and plant them yourself at will.
Watering the roadside plants during the
hot weather has been a labour of love
carried out by a very small number of the
group who, thanks to them, have managed
to prevent any losses. We have placed a
water container alongside the rambla road
36
Lifeline, Camposol and surrounding areas

634 312 516 10am-4pm
Lifeline, Puerto de Mazarrn area 634 325
408 10am-4pm
FORTHCOMING
EVENTS
Monday
December
5th
Christmas Party
Pagan Restaurant
Fully booked
Friday
December
9th
Table Top Sale

Camposol B Commercial
Centre
large Belen, the Giant & Big Head Parade

and visit the market. This trip sold out
within 48 hours.
The next event is on 17th December, which
is a Decades Night 60s to 70s Music,
Fancy Dress and Buffet, with free
transport for 13, at the new Retro Bar
in El Pareton.
More exciting trips and events are planned
for next year, so keep your eyes open
for further news. One such event is The
Fiesta Masked Summer Ball on Saturday
24th June at the Amapola, Bolnuevo, to
include a 3 course meal, drinks during the
meal, free coach and entertainment. More
information on this will be available soon.
and will have this filled next season as

necessary.
Already it will soon be time once again
to start the dreaded annual pruning
of the palm trees along the main dual
carriageway. This will start in the New
Year, although we are hoping to co-opt
some assistance from the Council through
the negotiations of Antonio in the Cultural
Centre.
Wednesday
January
25th
Menu del Dia

Bar Med, El Alamillo
Age Concern are at the Cultural Centre,

Camposol B on Wednesday & Thursday
10am-1pm
Tel 634 344 589 (10am-4pm Mon to Fri)
Events 634 336 484 (10am-4pm Mon to
Fri)
Tickets can be reserved now, so please

email
camposolfiesta2017@gmail.
com or via the Camposol Fiesta 2017
Facebook Page.
Our Fiesta Stall will be at the Friday
Market on Camposol B, where you will be
able to purchase tickets, learn about our
events and trips and as the Fiesta gets
nearer, all the Fiesta information. Just look
for the new Fiesta Banner.
If you would like to help with the fiesta,
contact
camposolfiesta2017@gmail.
com. This is a Fiesta for all, so please
support us.
Thats all for now thanks!
us keep Camposol looking great. If you

would like to add your name to the list of
members, please contact Colin or Helen for
details (see below.) The more subscribers
we have - the better Camposol will look.
All donations, whether in the form
of money dropped into our collection
buckets or unwanted plants, are very
welcome and we thank all those who
continue to assist us in this way.
We need more willing volunteers!

The numbers coming forward to give help
with the planting, weeding, litter clearing,
watering, etc. are few. Please contact us
if you can offer some assistance.
Come to our monthly meetings on the

last Tuesday of each month at Trevis Bar
4-5pm and tell us what improvements you
would like to see happen on or near your
poligono.
Please join our B Clean Community

Group Scheme.
Members subscribe regularly to a fund
which pays for the ongoing costs of our
sectors upkeep. Without these funds B
Clean would not be able to function. We
need more residents to join the scheme
and subscribe just 5 a month to help
For Information please contact:

Colin (Treasurer) 727 770 944
Email BartonCC@aol.com
Helen (Secretary) 968 199 506
Email helenwhite522@gmail.com
Finally, we send out our best wishes
and the Seasons Greetings to all!
The DRamblers are a group of likeminded

walkers from Camposol and the local area
that enjoy walking around the local scenic
areas; we have a varied number of walks
all around the Murcia area.
restaurants. This makes it a nice social

day out for our group of walkers.
Our recce team checks out numerous
areas locally for new walks that comprise
of easy to moderate walks.
All the walks take place on a Friday and

are within a radius of 55 minutes from
Camposol. They take from 2 hours or
more to complete (depending on which
walk you do) and after the walk we go for
a Menu Del Dia at one of the many local
were extremely grateful for the additional

volunteers that came to assist with this
project (nicknamed Petes Project as it
was conceived by Pete Bradbury). As if this
wasnt enough, we also planted around all
the green bins on D Sector.
Having planted all these young plants, we

then have to ensure that they are given
the best start in life by watering them, so
instead of our usual gardening work on
Wednesday, a team of seven volunteers
set off to water all of the newly planted
oleanders and once again we were
extremely grateful for the extra help from
Andy & May and Tony our new volunteers.

There are many photos and a video of the
work on the groups Facebook pages; well
worth a look, with special thanks to Janet
for being our stand-in photographer.
On Monday 7th October, we held our AGM
and had an election for President due to the
resignation of Ken DAngelo after two years
in the post. I could most likely write a book
covering the achievements of the group
under Kens leadership. He will certainly
be a very hard act to follow. We had two
candidates for the position of President;
Patrick Steer (Secretary) and Gordon
Cockburn (Vice President). After the
ballot papers were counted, Gordon was
elected as our new president. He thanked
the members for their vote of confidence
and he also thanked Ken for agreeing to
accept the post of Contracts Manager. The
next election will be for the post of Vice
President vacated by Gordon and the date
for this will be announced shortly.
Gordon Cockburn (D Vice Chair)
After a rather hectic downtime, the

gardening group restarted their activities
by embarking on a very large project. We
had 850 oleanders to plant in a number of
areas around our sector. We started at D7
(Calle Hayas) where we dug out holes to
plant 220 oleanders on day one, followed
by digging more holes on D11 (Avenida
de los Covachos) to plant a further 343
oleanders on day two. Finally a further
100 holes were dug at the petanque courts
at Calle Abedules and even more along
Calle Ajedreas D25 on day three. Having
completed the preparation, we then had to
collect the oleanders and plant them. We
More information is available on the group

website http://dramblers.com We also
have a number of free walk maps that can
be downloaded so you can find some walks
that you may not know about.
37
So we are into December and no-one can

say its too soon to talk about Christmas!
Its my favourite time of year when
everyone makes the effort to see family
and friends and it involves food and drink!
I have shared many Christmas recipes over
the years in the Costa Clida Chronicle,
but this year we are focusing on nuts. Its
been said before, but nuts are very good
for a gluten-free, low-sodium or lowcarbohydrate diets and also if you are
vegetarian. With Christmas in mind I have
included a recipe for creating your own
mixed nuts. They are great for making
packets up for a little homemade gift or
impressing your guests with something
different. I have also included my recipe
for Christmas Cake (which includes nuts)
which several people have asked me to
repeat.
Buen Apetito
Spicy Mixed Nuts

2 large egg whites
2/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp mixed spice
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp chilli powder
tsp cayenne pepper
tsp salt
6 cups mixed unsalted raw nuts (such as
walnuts, pecans, cashews, and pistachios)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan (about 1
oz)
Heat oven to 300 F. Using an electric
mixer, beat the egg whites until foamy.
Gradually add the sugar, beating until a
loose meringue forms. Beat in the mixed
spice, chilli powder, Worcestershire sauce,
cayenne and salt. Mix in the nuts and butter,
then mix in the Parmesan. Divide the nuts
between 2 parchment-lined rimmed baking
sheets, spreading them in a single layer.
Bake, switching the baking sheets halfway
38
through, until golden brown, 30 to 40

minutes. Let cool and store in an airtight
container at room temperature for up to 1
week.
Pecan Marzipan
200g/7oz finely ground pecans/half walnuts
and half pecans
100g/3oz icing sugar
125g4oz soft brown sugar
3 egg yolks
2 tsp liquid glucose
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp glycerine
1-2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp vanilla extract
Mix nuts and sugar. Add egg yolks and rest
of ingredients and mix well. Knead until
firm. When ready, roll the mixture out and
cover the cake.
Luxury Christmas Cake

80g/2oz golden syrup
80g/2oz black treacle
50g/1oz honey
250g/9oz dark brown sugar
200ml/7fl oz double cream
15g/oz (about 2 tbsp) mixed spice
250g/9oz unsalted butter
1 tsp orange extract
1 tsp lemon extract
6 medium eggs
350g/12oz currants
350g/12oz raisins
350g/12oz chopped pitted prunes
350g/12oz glac cherries or more dried
fruit
350g mixed chopped nuts
Halved walnuts optional
500g/1lb 2oz strong white flour
tsp bicarbonate of soda
Brandy/dark rum/whisky/orange juice, for
feeding the cake
2 tbsp apricot jam, boiled and sieved
Place all the dried fruits into a large mixing
bowl or pot and pour in brandy/dark rum/
whiskey/orange juice. Cover with a clean
cloth and leave to stand for at least 24
hours, stirring every few hours so the fruit
plumps up. Mix together the zest, flour and
spices in a bowl. In a separate bowl, cream
the butter, sugar, honey, golden syrup and
treacle until light. Beat in the eggs one at
a time, adding a little flour with each, then
add all nuts. Finally, gently fold in the dry
ingredients. Tip the creamed mixture into
the fruit and mix making sure the fruit is
evenly distributed. Prepare a 23-25cm (910) cake tin: double-line the inside of the
tin with baking parchment, greasing it first.
Pour the mixture into the lined tin. Even
the top and make a slight indentation in the
centre with the back of a spoon. Put into
the middle of a preheated oven (150C/Gas
mark 2) Bake for 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Place on a rack and allow to cool in the tin
(overnight). The longer the cake is left, the
better it tastes. Regularly spoon over the
brandy etc. Two weeks before required,
spread with apricot jam and cover with
marzipan. Allow to dry for 5 days. Ice with
fondant, royal icing or frosting and decorate
as desired.
Brandy Butter Frosting

300g/10oz icing sugar
50g/1oz butter
25ml/1fl oz double cream
25ml/1fl oz brandy
Mix all ingredients together to make an
alternative frosting to the more usual
fondant icing for the top of the cake.
Spicy Peanut Chicken Wings
60ml sesame oil
60ml white wine vinegar
45ml crunchy peanut butter
45ml clear honey
30ml chilli sauce
900g chicken wings/drum sticks if preferred
Whisk ingredients together to make
marinade. Place chicken wings in a large
container and pour over marinade. Cover
and refrigerate for as long as possible
(preferably overnight). Bake chicken wings
in an oven 220 C for 35-45 minutes
turning and basting frequently.
Date and Walnut Cake
300g Wholemeal SR flour
1tsp mixed spices
150g chopped dates (fresh is best)
50g chopped walnuts
60ml olive oil
115g Fructose sugar
300ml skimmed milk
Walnut halves to decorate
Mix the dates and walnuts with the flour
and spices. In a separate bowl mix the
oil, sugar and milk then mix into the dry
ingredients. Spoon into a prepared tin and
arrange the halves of walnuts on the top.
Bake in 180 oven for 45/50 minutes or
cooked.
Chestnut Fool
225g unsweetened chestnut pure
150g low-fat plain yoghurt
25g fructose
25g sugar free chocolate chopped
In a bowl, beat together the chestnut pure,
fructose and yoghurt until smooth. Transfer
to four small serving dishes and sprinkle
with chocolate. Serve straight away or chill.
39
Walnut trees tolerate most soils, but prefer

well-drained, fertile, moisture-retentive,
alkaline loam (a soil that is not very clayey
or sandy). Avoid frost pockets and exposed
sites. Strong winds and spring frosts can
damage foliage and flowers.
After planting, the Walnut tree takes
approximately four years until it produces
its first major crop. During each season,
Walnuts can be ready for harvest by
August, when their thick green hull (thincover) begins to crack open to expose a
light brown, hard-shelled Walnut inside.
Walnuts are edible kernels which have
been revered since ancient times as the
symbol of intellectuality since their bilobed kernels inside the hard shell feature a
convoluted surface resembling the human
brain! Technically a Walnut is the seed of
a drupe or drupaceous nut, and thus not a
true botanical nut.
Usually it is better to dry Walnuts before
eating them, which also means they keep
well. Dry the nuts as follows:
Break open a couple of nuts to start with
to ensure there is a fully formed kernel
inside.
If the nuts are good, remove all traces of

the fibrous casing with a wire brush before
storage to prevent mould developing.
(Gloves should be worn when removing
the casings as Walnuts stain the skin.)
Dry the Walnuts in a cool oven at no more
than 40C (104F).
Once fully dry, store them in a cool dry
place.
Harvest Walnuts daily as they are very
vulnerable to birds and squirrels.
Health Benefits Of Walnuts
Walnuts are a rich source of energy and
hold several health benefiting nutrients,
minerals, antioxidants and vitamins that are
essential for optimum health and wellness.
They are a rich source of monounsaturated
fatty acids and an excellent source of all
important omega-3 essential fatty acids.
Regular consumption of Walnuts therefore,
may help in lowering bad cholesterol and
increases good cholesterol levels in the
blood. Research studies suggest that a
Mediterranean diet which is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, and omega-3
fatty acids may help cut down the risk of
coronary artery disease and strokes.
Walnuts are a rich source of many phytochemical substances that are known to
have potential health effects against cancer,
aging, inflammation and neurological
diseases. Eating as few as six to seven
walnuts a day should give you enough of
recommended levels of minerals, vitamins,
and protein.
Walnut oil has a flavoursome nutty
aroma and exhibits excellent astringent
properties. When applied locally it helps
keep skin well protected from dryness.
It can also be used in cooking and as a
carrier or base oil in traditional medicines,
in massage therapy, aromatherapy and
pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.
Eating just a handful of Walnuts every day
Red Cross and English speaking

charities encourage Brits to volunteer
the Red Cross offers this service in English

and that it isnt just a case of pressing the
emergency button volunteers will also
carry out regular welfare checks so the
user doesnt become isolated.
One year after signing an agreement with

the British Embassy, the Red Cross has
taken fresh steps to get English-speaking
charities to work more closely with their
local groups and to encourage more
English speakers to volunteer.
40
can provide about 90% of the recommended

daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids which
may help lower blood pressure, cut-down
coronary artery disease and stroke risk
and offer protection from breast, colon and
prostate cancers.
The British Consulate, along with Pedro

Dominguez, newly hired by the Red Cross
as European Residents Coordinator, held
meetings in Calpe and Torrevieja to allow
the Red Cross local groups to get to know
their English speaking counterparts.
They were keen to collaborate and were
unanimous in what their main need was
more volunteers.
The different groups also discussed how
to get more vulnerable British nationals
to use teleasistencia, the Red Cross panic
alarm service which allows at risk people
to continue living independently as they
can call for help whenever needed.
Following the meeting, British Vice Consul

in Alicante, Sara Munsterhjelm said A year
from signing the agreement to work more
closely with the Red Cross, it is fantastic
that they have now employed a full time
English-speaking member of staff to work
with European residents. The benefits to
the Red Cross and the English speaking
charities from working together are clear
the charities can benefit from the Red
Cross knowledge and infrastructure and
the English-speaking charities can help the
Red Cross reach vulnerable British nationals
and give support with fundraising.
Pedro took note of all the ideas that came
up in the meeting, especially the cry for
more volunteers. He said Im excited
about this new role and cant wait to get
on the road to work with all the different
associations. I would encourage anyone
who is thinking about volunteering to get
in touch with the Red Cross or any one of
the English speaking charities. Its a great
way to get involved and to integrate into
the local community.
Many British nationals dont realise that
41
1.
How many gifts would you

receive if you received all
of the gifts in the song The
Twelve Days of Christmas?
2.
What
did
Frosty
The
Snowman have for a nose?
3.
Who was kissing Santa

Claus under the mistletoe
last night?
4.
5.
Which Christmas tradition

did the very busy Sir Henry
Cole introduce in 1843?
Which Christmas gift of the
very highest quality, also
known as Oil of Lebanon,
comes from Oman?
6.
What
does
the
word
Bethlehem mean in Arabic?
7.
What is the most common

gift
received
from
a
Christmas cracker?
8.
Which fictional land never

has a Christmas but its
always winter?
9.
What was the last UK

Christmas number one of
the 20th century?
11. The
character
Jack
Skellington appears in which
1993 Tim Burton film?
12. In which modern country is
St Nicholass birthplace and
hometown?
13. Who wrote How the Grinch
Stole Christmas?
14. From which country does the
poinsettia plant originate?
15. How many points does a
snowflake have?
16. What is the chemical formula
of snow
17. Brandy
is
made
distilling what?
from
18. Which
famous
comedy
double-act partner made the
first ever UK mobile phone
call, New Years Day, 1985?
19. White Christmas, a cake
made of coconut, crisped rice
and dried fruit, is popular in
which country?
21. Pine needles are said to

be a good source of which
vitamin?
22. What is the birth sign
of people born on 25
December?
23. Christmas Crackers was the
first Christmas edition of
which popular UK comedy
series?
24. Which hugely popular actor
was born on Christmas day
1899?
25. What was Queens 1984
Christmas single called?
26. What Christmas-time song
did James Pierpont compose
in 1857?
27. Which actress singer who
charted with Santa Baby and
starred as Catwoman died
on Christmas day 2008?
28. Which US President banned
Christmas trees from the
White House?
20. What was the cyclone named

that hit Darwin, Australia, in
Christmas 1974?
10. In which year of the 1960s

did the UK Post office
first introduce Christmas
stamps?
42
Blue Christmas Elvis Presley

Ill have a blue Christmas without you
Ill be so blue thinking about you
Decorations of red
On a green Christmas tree
Wont be the same
If youre not here with me
Ill have a blue Christmas, thats certain

And when that blue heartache starts
hurting
Youll be doing all right
With your Christmas of white
But Ill have a blue, blue Christmas
And when those blue snowflakes start

falling
And when those blue memories start
falling
Youll be doing all right with your
Christmas of white
But Ill have a blue, blue, blue, blue
Christmas
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
On Christmas Day - Dido

And the last words I heard him say
Where I shall return,
For you,
My love,
On Christmas Day
And the night will come,
But I wont sleep,
As I watch the stars that lead him,
I cannot place where he is,
But still my heart goes with him,
Im saving all my Sunday clothes
For the day that Ill be leaving,
Father knows,
And the last words

I heard him say,
Where I shall return,
For you,
My love,
On Christmas Day
I shall return,
For you,
My love,
On Christmas Day
(On Christmas Day)
(I shall return for you my love)
And the last words I heard him say
Were the last words I ever
Decorations of red
On a green Christmas tree
Oh, wont be the same
If youre not here with me
Mmmm
My sister knows,
And my friends,
Theyre happy for me,
And the priest he says,
You should thank God,
For the blessing,
Of such beauty
43

Heard him say
I shall return,
For you, my love
On Christmas Day
I swear, I will return,
On Christmas Day,
And yes, I shall return,
On Christmas Day,
I shall return, For you,
On Christmas Day
My love, I will return,
On Christmas Day
I shall return, My love
On Christmas Day
On Christmas Day.
Christmas Time Backstreet Boys
There is something special
About this time of year
The Christmas feelings everywhere
CHORUS:
Christmas time
Time to share our love
Come and join
The tidings to the world
Christmas time
The best time of the year
Yes its Christmas time
You and me together
A sleigh ride in the park
Loving is straight from the heart
(Straight from my heart)
Snowflakes falling gently
A smell of chestnuts in the air
And Christmas lights they gleam across
the sky
CHORUS
Do you remember
Everything felt so right
When I held you close to me?
Do you remember
Those cold Christmas nights
Where we saw the world in harmony?
Christmas time
Time to share our love
Come and join
The tidings to the world
Christmas time
Always the best time
CHORUS
Jesus Born on This Day Mariah
Carey and Walter Afanasieff
Today a child is born on earth
Today the glory of God
Shines everywhere
For all of the world
Chorus:
Oh Jesus born on this day
He is our light and salvation
Oh Jesus born on this day
He is the King of all nations
Behold the Lamb of God has come
Behold the Lamb of God has come
Behold the Saviour is born
Sing of His love
I just got home

To join you
Ive been away too long
But now Im back to share my love

Friends are reunited
One big family
Filled with love to last
Throughout the year
44

To everyone
I keep my distance
But you still catch my eye.
Tell me baby
Do you recognize me?
Well
Its been a year
It doesnt surprise me
I wrapped it up and sent it
With a note saying I love you.
I meant it.
Now I know what a fool Ive been
But if you kissed me now
I know youd fool me again.
Chorus
Today our hearts rejoice in Him
Today our hearts rejoice in Him
Today the light of His birth
Fills us with hope
And brings peace on earth
Chorus
CHORUS
He is light, He is love, He is grace
Born on Christmas day
Born on Christmas Day
Born on Christmas Day.
Once bitten and twice shy
CHORUS x 2
Merry Christmas Darling - Carpenters

Greeting cards have all been sent
The Christmas rush is through
But I still have one wish to make
A special one for you
Merry Christmas darling
Were apart thats true
But I can dream and in my dreams
Im Christmas-ing with you.
Holidays are joyful
Theres always something new
But every days a holiday
When Im near to you.
The lights on my tree
I wish you could see
I wish it every day
Logs on the fire
Fill me with desire
To see you and to say
That I wish you Merry Christmas
Happy New Year, too.
Ive just one wish
Last Christmas - Wham

Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away.
This year
To save me from tears
Ill give it to someone special.
A crowded room
Friends with tired eyes
Im hiding from you
And your soul of ice.
My god I thought you were
Someone to rely on.
Me?
I guess I was a shoulder to cry on
A face on a lover with a fire in his heart
A man under cover but you tore me
apart
Now Ive found a real love youll never
fool me again
A face on a lover with a fire in his heart

A man under cover but you tore him
apart
Maybe next year Ill give it to someone
Ill give it to someone special.
45

On this Christmas Eve
I wish I were with you.
Instrumental Interlude
Logs on the fire
Fill me with desire
To see you and to say
That I wish you Merry Christmas
Happy New Year, too
Ive just one wish
On this Christmas Eve
I wish I were with you
I wish I were with you.
(Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas - Darling)
Where Are You Christmas Faith Hill
Where are you Christmas?
Why cant I find you?
Why have you gone away?
Where is the laughter
You used to bring me?
Why cant I hear music play?
My world is changing
Im rearranging
Does that mean Christmas changes too
Simply having a wonderful

Christmastime
Christmastime
Christmas is here
Everywhere, oh
Christmas is here
If you care, oh
The partys on
The feelins here
That only comes
This time of year
If there is love in your heart and your

mind
You will feel like Christmas all the time

Christmastime
Christmastime
I feel you Christmas

I know Ive found you
You never fade away
The joy of Christmas
Stays here inside us
Fills each and every heart with love.
The choir of children sing their song

Ding dong, ding dong
Ding dong, ding Ohhhh
Ohhhhhhh

Fill your heart with love.

Christmastime
Christmastime
Wonderful Christmas Time Paul

McCartney
The moon is right
The spirits up
Were here tonight
And thats enough.
The word is out

About the town
To lift a glass
Ahhh dont look down

Do you remember
The one you used to know?

Im not the same one
See what the times done
Is that why you have let me go?
46

Christmastime
Christmastime

Christmastime
What will your daddy do when he sees

Your mama kissin Santa Claus
Ah ah?
Merry Christmas Everybody - Slade

The choir of children sing their song
They practiced all year long
The partys on
The spirits up
Were here tonight
And thats enough
Christmastime
Christmastime
The moon is right
The spirits up
Were here tonight
And thats enough
Are you hanging up a stocking on your

wall?
Its the time that every Santa has a
ball.
Does he ride a red nosed reindeer?
Does a ton-up on his sleigh?
Do the fairies keep him sober for a day?
Are you hanging up a stocking on your

wall?
Are you hoping that the snow will start
to fall?
Do you ride on down the hillside
In a buggy you have made?
When you land upon your head
Then you been slayed.
So here it is Merry Christmas

Everybodys having fun
Look to the future now,
Its only just begun.

Everybodys having fun.
Look to the future now
Are you waiting for the family to arrive?

Are you sure you got the room to spare
inside?
Does your granny always tell ya
That the old songs are the best?
Then shes up and rock and rollin with
the rest.


Everybodys having fun

Christmastime
Christmastime
Christmastime

47

Quiz Answers:
1. 364
2.
A button
3.
Mommy
4.
The sending of Christmas

wishes on mass-produced
Christmas cards.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Frankincense
House of Meat
A hat
Cologne
9.
I Have A Dream Westlife
10. 1966
20. Tracy
11. The
Nightmare
Christmas
12. Turkey
13. Dr Seuss
14. Mexico
15. Six
16. H2O
17. Wine
19. Australia
before
21. Vitamin C
22. Capricorn
23. Only Fools and Horses
24. Humphrey Bogart
25. Thank God its Christmas
26. Jingle Bells
27. Eartha Kitt
28. Theodore Roosevelt
18. Ernie Wise
Pre-Christmas Meals
Calle Delicias, Mazarrn - Christmas themed meals every evening during December
Choc O Latte, Alhama de Murcia Christmas lunches 4th, 11th & 18th December. Christmas Teas
during December
Elliots, Bolnuevo Christmas lunches every Tuesday & Thursday in December
La Mariposa, Gebas- Christmas Menu del Dia
13 for a 4 course menu (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat) - 5th-20th December
La Tasca, Calasparra
4 different menus available throughout the whole of December 20/25/30/35 (booking essential
for Christmas Day/New Years Eve)
Lizs Caf, Camposol B - 18th December
Tropic Anas, Camposol A - 10th & 17th December
Christmas Day
Calle Delicias, Mazarrn - Lunchtime 50

La Chara, Isla Plana - 32 +IVA
La Tasca, Calasparra (booking essential)
Los Balcones, Caadas del Romero - Lunchtime 35
Mamma Mia, Puerto de Mazarrn - Lunchtime 30
Piccolo, Camposol B -Lunchtime and Evening - 30 , 3 courses including bottle of wine for 2,
Entertainment in the Evening
Quality Indian, Camposol B - Lunchtime Only 12.50, 3 courses including bottle of wine for 2
New Years Eve
Calle Delicias, Mazarrn 50

La Tasca, Calasparra (booking essential)
Los Balcones, Caadas del Romero
Piccolo, Camposol B - Evening - 40, 2 courses including bottle of cava per couple, Fireworks/DJ/
Karaoke
Spice Villa, Camposol B - Evening - 35, 2 courses including unlimited wine, gin, vodka, brandy,
soft drinks, beer, Bollywood Dancers/DJ/Fireworks
Quality Indian, Camposol B - Evening - 15.95, 2 courses including bottle of wine for 2
48
49
Humanists
Remember
T
h
e
Humanists
of
Murcia
gathered at
the Gardens
de
Miguel
Angel Blanco
in Mazarrn
on
11th
November
for a short
Memorial
Ceremony of
Easy Walking
The euro was at 1.16 to the pound, the sun
was shining brightly and not a cloud in the
sky. 32 intrepid walkers including 2 visitors
from Los Alcazares as well as 5 dogs left
the car park at La Colora restaurant for
a 2 hour ( plus ) walk into the campo of
Mazarron.
After the Ceremony, everyone gathered for

coffee at caf Calle Delicias in Mazarrn.
What a busy month October was for the

Harlequin Rock Choir. We appeared at
three events; all for charity of course,
which resulted in the choir helping to raise
much needed funds and food.
First down the asphalt road past the Club

Hipico where a horse was going through its
dressage routine but no sight of a carriage.
Next past the desalination pumping station
where water from the Bolnuevo works is
distributed around the local area. Then out
into the campo and walking tracks. Down
performance was to help raise funds for the

Perrera Dogs charity; one we have not
been involved in before. We were part of
the entertainment, along with Barrington,
at a fantastic party where we made new
fans. The total funds raised was 1329
A few days later, on 13th October we were
overjoyed to repeat the success of last
years event in aid of the Help the Poor
charity with the help of John and Joy
Sloman. Peoples generosity amazed us
as we collected 610 and approximately
1,800 worth of food.
On October 8th we ventured out to Isla

Plana and sang under the stars with the
sea breeze caressing our faces. This
50
Down again into the rambla where we had

a stopping point under the trees for Rhian
to give us an update from a BHA bulletin
on the murders in Bangladesh of bloggers
who were free thinkers, humanists or any
one who blogged against the majority view.
We did a quick plug for the next Discussion
group on 3rd Dec at El Puente in La Majada
where Martine will lead a discussion on a
book entitled : The Possibility of an Island.
A final plug for the solstice meal and quiz
on 21st December, then we went then
back into the campo on the return leg of
the walk.
Remembrance, in recognition of all those

who lost their lives in previous and current
conflicts.
The Ceremony lasted for about 30
minutes and included readings conducted
by various members and the laying of a
wreath and other mementos at the base of
a cherry tree planted the previous year by
the Humanists of Murcia.
past the herd of domesticated miniature

wild boar or is that perhaps an oxymoron.
They soon scuttled away from us to the
shade and sanctuary of some trees in the
distance.
Just over a week later, on 21st October,

we set out on another first. Twice a year
the Camposol Golf Association hold a
quiz for charity. This time they thought it
would make a pleasant change to combine
the quiz with a
performance
from
the choir. We were
very happy to help
them raise funds for
MABS and FAST,
totalling over 500.
Some of the choir
members even took
part in the quiz. It
was very satisfying
to find out that those
in the audience that
evening who hadnt
seen
us
before
looked forward to
The final point of interest was hectares and

hectares of newly grafted mandarin trees
and finally past the established apricot
trees. 29 walkers and non walkers enjoyed
a menu at Casa Colora.
Next Easy walk on 10th Dec in the area of
Campillo de Adentro
seeing us again.
All in all, in just one month we helped raise
a total of over 2,400 as well as some
much needed food for the poor.
With no performances in November, we
are using the month to prepare for our
next performance on the 8th December at
Marianos, Camposol A at 7.30pm, hosted
by the Lions Club Mazarrn Bahia. Entry
is free with donations of non-perishable
food which the Cruz Roja will distribute
to the needy. Come along and end the
year with a joyful serving from the
choir that rocks!
If you would like to find out more about
the Harlequin Rock Choir, go to our
website harlequinrockchoir.com or our
Facebook site.
Are you holding an event for charity
and would like us to perform? Contact
me on details below. Please be aware that
we would need a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks
notice to make sure we are well-prepared
for a performance.
Ida Halton
Events and Publicity Co-ordinator
Tel 654 411 974
ihalton@yahoo.com
51
A child was asked to write a book report on

the entire Bible.
I wonder how often we take for granted
that children understand what we are
teaching???
Through the eyes of a child:
The Childrens Bible in a Nutshell
In the beginning, which occurred near the
start, there was nothing but God, darkness
and some gas.
The Bible says, The Lord thy God is one,
but I think He must be a lot older than
that. Anyway, God said, Give me a light!
and someone did.
Then God made the world.
He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam
and Eve were naked, but they werent
embarrassed because mirrors hadnt been
invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed
God by eating one bad apple, so they were
driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure
what they were driven in though, because
they didnt have cars. Adam and Eve had
a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long
as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off,

except for Methuselah, who lived to be like
a million or something. One of the next
important people was Noah, who was a
good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a
Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his
family and some animals on it. He asked
some other people to join him, but they
said they would have to take a rain check.
After Noah came Abraham, Isaac and
Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his
brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his
birthmark in exchange for some pot roast.
Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a
really loud sports coat.
52
Another important Bible guy is Moses,

whose real name was Charlton Heston.
Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt
and away from the evil Pharaoh after God
sent ten plagues on Pharaohs people.
These plagues included frogs, mice, lice,
bowels and no cable. God fed the Israel
Lights every day with manicotti. Then he
gave them His Top Ten Commandments.
These include: dont lie, cheat, smoke,
dance, or covet your neighbours stuff. Oh,
yeah, I just thought of one more: Humour
thy father and thy mother.
One of Moses best helpers was Joshua
who was the first Bible guy to use spies.
Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the
fence fell over on the town.
After Joshua came David. He got to be
king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He
had a son named Solomon who had about
300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher
says he was wise, but that doesnt sound
very wise to me.
After Solomon there were a bunch of major
league prophets. One of these was Jonah,
who was swallowed by a big whale and
then barfed up on the shore. There were
also some minor league prophets, but I
guess we dont have to worry about them.
After the Old Testament came the New
Testament. Jesus is the star of The New.
He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I
wish I had been born in a barn too, because
my mom is always saying to me, Close the
door! Were you born in a barn? It would
be nice to say, As a matter of fact, I was.)
During His life, Jesus had many arguments
with sinners like the Pharisees and the
Democrats.
Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst

one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so
evil that they named a terrible vegetable
after him.
Jesus was a great man. He healed many
leopards and even preached to some
Germans on the Mount, but the Democrats
and all those guys put Jesus on trial before
Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didnt stick up for
Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.
Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, and then
came back to life again. He went up to
Heaven, but will be back at the end of the
Aluminium. His return is foretold in the
book of Revolution.
If you havent been to church in a long
time and you are thinking of taking that
first step again, then please come and join
us you never know - you might like it. A
warm welcome waits.
December Services on Sundays @ 10.30am
Calle Sobrija 2248, Sector D, Camposol.
Please note changes in Services this
month
4th Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
10.30am
11th Holy Communion 10.30am
18th No Service
Carol Service in Puerto de Mazarrn
11am
24th Holy Communion - 11.30am
25th No Service
Anyone wishing to contact the church
please call us on:
English Branch 665 302 019
German Branch 968 978 961
53
Roman Catholic Church

We are in St Josephs Church (El Saladillo),
near Camposol and Mazarrn Country Club
urbanizations (exit 17, RM 3 motorway).
How The Lord Appeared To St Francis

And To His Brethren As He Was
Speaking With Them
In the beginning of the Order, St Francis,
having assembled his companions to speak
to them of Christ, in a moment of great
The brother,
doing as he
was ordered,
spoke most
wonderfully
of God.
Then
St
F r a n c i s
bade
him
to be silent
and ordered
a n o t h e r
brother
to
speak in the
same
way,
which having
done
with
much penetration, St Francis ordered him
likewise to be silent and commanded a
third brother to do the same.
Here at Ownersaway we have been

moving forward with our project to register
our rental units with the Tourist board and
have now had the first inspections!
is NOT in the category Apartamentos

Turisticos
which
covers
apartment
complexes, normally with a reception area
and other on-site services.
There seems to be a lot of confusion still,

with some of my clients telling me that
they have been told that they dont need to
bother to register by their representatives
here in Spain.
As an agent, I have to provide proof of

my public liability insurance and provide
details to the Tourist Board of all the units
we want to register. I can add or delete
units from the register at any time, so all
new rental homes I market will be included
in the process.
Schedule of Masses:
Every Saturday: Mass is at 4.30pm (in
English)
Every Sunday: Mass according to the
extraordinary form (in Latin) is at 4.30pm
Schedule of Confessions:
Saturday from 3.15-4.20pm
request).
(also
on
(from The Little Flowers of St Francis

of Assisi):
fervour of spirit commanded one of them,

in the name of God, to open his mouth and
speak as the Holy Spirit should inspire him.
However, if you are renting out your

property for short-term holiday lets, then
you DO need to register. Remember it is
classed as a Vivienda Vacacional and
54
Following this, we may get a request for

an inspection and listed below are some of
This one began to speak so deeply of

the things of God, that St Francis was
convinced that both he and his companion
had spoken through the Holy Spirit. Of
which also he received a manifest proof; for
whilst they were thus speaking together,
our Blessed Lord appeared in the midst of
them, under the form of a beautiful young
man, and blessed them all and they, being
ravished out of themselves, fell to the
ground as if they had been dead and were
all unconscious of things external.
When they recovered from their trance,
St Francis said to them My beloved
brothers, let us thank God, who has
deigned to reveal to the world, through his
humble servants, the treasures of divine
wisdom. For the Lord it is who opened the
mouth of the dumb, and made the tongues
of the simple to speak wisdom.
the things that the inspectors have been

looking at when I accompany them:
* Unit occupancy
*
Condition of mattresses
Heating/cooling systems
Emergency exit/access
Condition of homewares, pots and

pans
Overall condition of rental unit
Overall condition of furniture
Cleanliness
of
pool
surroundings, if private pool
and
We then receive a report with photos of

any corrective actions. So far the first time
pass rate is rumoured to be around 60%,
rising once minor corrective actions are
completed.
The law applies even if you dont rent
via an agent. Rentals advertised by the
property owners and private individuals on
direct marketing websites also need to be
listed.
If you would like us to register your property
for you and arrange the inspection, then
please get in touch on info@ownersaway.
com for an information pack and price list.
OwnersAway
Property
Rentals
&
Management
Contact Liz on + 34 691 977 107
info@ownersaway.com
www.ownersaway.com
55
36 words of 3 letters or more.
BELT
BOOTS
BRA
BROOCH
CARDIGAN
56
CUFF LINKS
DRESS
DRESSING GOWN
EARRING
GLOVES
HAT
NECKLACE
PENDANT
PYJAMAS
RING
SANDALS
SCARF
SHIRT
SHOES
SKIRT
SLIPPERS
SOCKS
TIE
TIGHTS
TROUSERS
Answers on page 90
57
Hi Shirley here
Welcome has had a very busy month
starting with the October Dance when we
were entertained by Vice Verse Her. Marie
OHara and Dan Davy did a set each and
then finished with duets. It was a very
entertaining evening and good fun. We
also had the most birthday celebrations
we have ever had at a dance. Luckily
Rosemary had enough bottles of Cava to
go round.
We had our
A n n u a l
P e t a n c a
Competition
when
the
weather was
very
good
and not too
hot. Marianos
served us a
light
meal
afterwards
before
the
prize presentation. First prize went to
Mr and Mrs Drummond who received a
hamper and the Welcome Shield, second
to Mr and Mrs Spong and Third to Mr
and Mrs Bunn. Many thanks to Les for
arranging it all. Rosemary then presented
Les with a hamper and card as a thank you
for running the Petanca. Les is now retiring
and Mike and Marilyn Guild take over from
January.
58
Next was the Trip to Benalmadena.

Thanks go to Jean, Bill and helpers on the
2nd coach and to Julie on Rosemarys. The
weather was good and Ricky Lavazzas
show was up to its usual high standard
and everyone was able to stock up for
Christmas with the shopping in Gibraltar.
31st December New Years Eve Dance

with Rob Sweeney, Christine and Terry
J. Includes buffet and champagne at
midnight. Only a few tickets left at 20.
Coach available at 7.
Lastly we had the Day Trip to Benidorm

for more shopping and The Rich Bitch
Show. As it was an early start the weather
was quite chilly, but by the time we got
to the market the sun was out and it
had warmed up. Again there were full
shopping bags. The Rich Bitch Show was
very good with some different songs from
last time and there was plenty of audience
participation. Everyone came home tired
and happy. Thanks to Christine for looking
after the second coach.
25th January Dance with Gary George,

comedian and Martin Ross. Tickets 10
(Chicken and Chips 5)
Book Swap there is only one book swap

in December on Tuesday 13th at 11am.This
is then closed until January 10th. It is held
at the old ICI medical centre on the dual
carriageway on Camposol B, opposite the
MABS office.
The first Welcome Meeting of 2017 will

be on Saturday 7th January at 2pm.
Petanca Mike and Marilyn are taking

over the Petanca in the New Year and the
first game of 2017 is on 4th January 2017.
Call Steve for more details.
Next Welcome Monthly Meeting is
on Saturday 3rd December at 2pm at
Marianos when tickets will be on sale for:
February Dance Wednesday 22nd
featuring Meatloaf, The Commitments and
Sian- Tickets 10 (Chicken and Chips 5)
11th January Games Night. Tickets 3.
Trips in 2017
17th-20th February 4 days/3 nights Trip
to Granada staying in the central Monjas
del Carmen Hotel - ideal for exploring
the city. Hop on the tourist bus, visit La
Alhambra Palace and the Jewish quarter.
Stopping at Guadix on the way back to see
the cave houses. Half board 215 pp.
All dances are held inside at Marianos,

Camposol A unless otherwise stated.
For further information on December
events, please contact Rosemary on 620
105 179 or come to the next meeting.
Email
welcomegroupspain@hotmail.
com
Facebook welcomegroupspain
www.welcomegroupspain.com
Events and trips for 2017 please contact
Steve (The Snip) on 697 960 590 or Wass
691 908 324.
Email welcomegroupspain@yahoo.com
Previously advertised events 7th December Christmas Party Night

with Timewarp and Ricky Lavazza. Tickets
12 (Chicken and Chips 5).
Helping Hands
59
Totana is a delightful small town in the

south of Murcia Province at the foot of the
superb Sierra Espua Park. Today it has
a population slightly in excess of 30,000,
compared to not many over 18,000 in
1981. Putting to one side the attractions of
the present day town and the magnificent
surrounding landscape, Totanas human
history goes back many thousands of
years.
As Totanas Tourist Council
explains on its internet site, remains from
the Old Stone Age, (the Palaeolithic Era
ending 10,000 or so years ago), have been
found in various places in the Totana
Municipality, including the Cueva de la
Moneda and Rincon de Santa Leocadia.
The Neolithic Age, beginning around 3000
BC has similarly bequeathed identified
remains, including an axe, since placed in
Almeria Museum and a burial chamber at
Los Blanquizares.
To
us,
h o w e v e r,
the
most
significant,
indeed quite
astounding,
prehistoric
r e m a i n s
come
from
the so-called
A r g a r i c
Peoples.
This is the
time when,
in the Bronze
Age, metal
began
to
replace stone for tools and weapons. The
centre of this particular culture was located
at El Argar (hence the name), near Almeria
and it subsequently spread to the north
and west in the second millennium BC.
Many historians regard the Argaric people
as the first Iberians. Believe it or not, the
60
Totana area provides one of the Argaric

peoples major settlements, the remains
of which are still very visible today at a
location called La Bastida. The site now
has a purpose built interpretation centre
built nearby and the Town Hall frequently
offer guided tours to the remarkable
remains which you should take advantage
of if at all possible. Beyond this, it is
worth mentioning that the Archaeological
Museums in Lorca and Murcia contain other
Bronze and Iron Age remains discovered in
the area.
Passing
on
to
Roman
times,
as
you
might
e x p e c t ,
when
four
Emperors
were
of
S p a n i s h
o r i g i n
( Tra j a n ,
H a d r i a n
the
of
wall
fame,
Antonius
Pius
and
M a r c u s
Aurelius),
m u c h
evidence of
Roman activity has also been uncovered in
Totana, although you will be hard pressed
to find any remains to view in-situ today.
Finds have been catalogued of pots,
mosaics, amphorae, coins, walls and much
more, including the remains of a Roman
building in Calle General Varela (across
the rambla de la Santa from the Parque
Municipal). Another author talks of Roman
baths formed by rectangular basins, which
were identified at the beginning of the 20th
Century in Totana, a Roman wall in Calle
Torreones (a little to the south of the main

town square) and evidence of Roman lead
smelting in Calle Don Luis (in the northwest
of the town).
From the late 4th or early 5th Century AD,

when Romes power waned, we have what
is as close as we are likely to reach to
Britains Dark Ages, when relatively little
is known. There are some suggestions
that Totana did feature in the very early
years of the Moorish invasion of Spain
at the beginning of the 8th Century, but
hard evidence seems in short supply.
Although three almost complete pots, now
in Lorcas Archaeological Museum, found
in Totana, have been dated to the 11th
and 12th Centuries, and there is reference
to Tawtana in an Arab text of the 11th
Century, the focus of attention in the area
at this time in history, was undoubtedly
on the fortified settlement of Aledo higher
up in the Sierra Espua. Hereabouts was
a frontier zone in the increasing conflict
between the Christians and Moors as the
Reconquista began to develop. It was
only slowly, and with encouragement from
the religious-military Order of Santiago
(which was, for many years, the effective
local government in the area) through
land grants to new Christian settlers, who

rebels against Charles in August 1520,
taking over the castle in Aledo where the
inhabitants were loyal to the King. The
day of reckoning, however, was not too far
away and the rebellion was eventually put
down. Nevertheless, it cannot have been
conducive to Totanas early development.
H o w e v e r,
with
the
a d d e d
security
which came
from
the
end
of
Moorish rule
throughout
the Iberian
Peninsula
with the fall
of Granada
in 1492 to
the Catholic
Monarchs
Ferdinand
a
n
d
Isabel,
the
population of Totana began to grow
150 in 1526, 600 in 1606 (mainly in the
present barrio de Sevilla on the western
side of the rambla de la Santa which
bisects the town, and with the Barrio de
Triana on the eastern side developing
thereafter), over 1000 at the beginning
of the 18th Century and considerably more
than 2000 by mid-18th Century according
to one source. Certainly, the general view
appears to be that it was from the second
half of the 16th Century that the present
form of the central areas of Totana
began to take shape. Even so, it was not
all plain sailing. Thus, after Ferdinand
and Isabel, the Spanish throne went to
Charles (or Carlos) I. Charles was French
educated and, as Emperor Charles V, had
wider European responsibilities. In fact,
it is said that he only spent 16 of his 40
years on the Spanish throne actually in the
country. It is perhaps not surprising that
one of the first things he had to contend
with in Spain was a Civil War. Over 200
Totaneros are reputed to have joined the
The early 19th Century similarly saw

checks to the towns progress. There was
an epidemic of Yellow Fever in 1810 and
then the War of Independence between
1808 and 1813. Totanas population
fell from 10,020 in 1810 to 5,222 in
1813. The War of Independence arose
when a certain Napoleon Bonaparte placed
his brother Joseph on the Spanish throne.
Whilst the French troops never seem to
have reached Totana (although they
occupied Caravaca de la Cruz), the threat
was sufficiently close and real for trenches
to be dug around the town and for the town
council, women, children and the elderly
to take refuge in the castle at Aledo. For
much of the remainder of the 19th Century,
Totana seems mainly to have experienced
growth, especially in agriculture and it was
at this time that the huertos (or orchards)
began to be developed to the north of the
town on the lower slopes of the Sierra
Espua, together with some interesting
large houses there.
Spanish Civil War (1936-39). Thereafter,

in the 1950s, many people left the area
to seek work elsewhere, with Germany
and France particularly favoured and it
was only subsequently that the town
began again to move quickly forward with
new areas of construction resulting in the
Totana which we see today. Let us hope
that the present prosperity continues but
without destroying the rich heritage which
still remains of several thousand years of
history.
Part taken from Exploring Murcia A
Guide to Totana, Alhama de Murcia,
Aledo, Pliego and the Sierra Espua,
by Clive and Rosie Palmer which is
available from www.lulu.com, or contact
clive.palmer5@btinternet.com
The 20th Century likewise seems to have

started off reasonably well, with Totana
being granted the title of ciudad (town
or city) by King Alfonso XIII in 1918, but
then, of course, came the horrors of the
promised to remain for at least ten years,

that the focus of population began to
shift from Aledo and down into the valley
below. Even so, until the beginning of the
16th Century, it was possible to describe
Totana as no more than a stopping point
for travellers, with its hostelry and toll!
61
If You Find
Christmas
Yourself
Alone
this
When everyone is surrounded by family and

youre not, you can feel so alone.
When everyone is filled with Christmas
cheer, laughter and expectation and youre
not, it can be a really lonely place.
I want to bring you some hope this
Christmas.
I want to fill you with laughter and
expectation.
I want you to feel loved and accepted and to
feel comforting arms wrapped around you.
At Christmas time, we remember the

fulfilment of the prophecy:
Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and
bear a Son, and they shall call His name
Immanuel, which is translated, God with
us (Matthew 1:23).
Well it is not
long now and
all the residents here at
AAR are getting very excited!! Some
of them are
going to be
making
a
Christmas
a p p e a ra n c e
on
Monday
19th December in my
usual
spot
on
Camposol
from
11.30am and
we would all
like to invite
you to share
a glass of
mulled wine
and
mince
pie with us
as a thank you for your continued support
throughout the past year.
We remember the day when God came to

earth in human form.
Why did He do this? Because He wants to
be with you.
He loves you with a passion; even to death,
death on a cross.
He came to die for you, to lawfully claim
you back from the clutches of the enemy;
the devil.
He has forgiven your sins and removed
them as far as the east is from the west.
There is no barrier between you and God
now.
You are free to run into His arms.
You are free to stand boldly before your
heavenly Father and make your requests
known to Him.
You are free to receive His love for you.
You are never alone. Jesus is right there
with you, just waiting for you to turn to Him,
looking
for
homes
for
our 2 puppies
who are now
10
weeks
old and the
mother
of
some of our
puppies from
earlier
on
in the year
Rubi,
who
is a fabulous
little
girl.
She is about
4/5
years
old and has
had a hard
life, but was
a
fantastic
mother
to
her puppies
who have all been rehomed. It is now her
time to shine and she loves nothing more
than to have a cuddle and sit on your knee.
She has come on in leaps and bounds since
we first rescued her. Take a look at our FB
page to catch up on her very heart-warming
story. This girl deserves a chance.
The hard work continues and we are still
62
The other massive

news of the moment
is our involvement
with the rehoming of
several of our donkeys and ponies to
France. It breaks my
heart when I have to
turn down requests
to help donkeys because there is no
room at the Inn. We
are primarily an
equine charity and
are working in conjunction with some of
to believe in Him. He has promised never to

leave you. He has not turned His back on
you. No matter what you have thought, said
or done He values you and longs for your
company. Instead of you both sitting there,
longing for love and recognition, why dont
you just speak out His name. JESUS.
Why dont you ask Him to show Himself to
you?
Why dont you ask Him to wrap His arms of
love around you?
He will, I promise! Dont be embarrassed
no-one else is around to hear you. You will
no longer be lonely. Joy and peace will flood
your heart. This will be the best Christmas
you have ever had. Why not give Jesus one
last chance?
This is why Jesus became man 2000 years
ago so that you could be with Him, and He
could be with you.. forever.
Immanuel, God with us.
our supporters in France,

but this does
come at a
cost; mainly
for the transportation.
For the past
month
we
have
been
running
an
auction
to
help raise the
funds
and
have
done
so with great
success, but
still
havent reached
our target for the first lot of transportation. Please take a look at our auction site
and make a bid www.facebook.com/
groups/287913331335748/. There are
some fabulous things to be won. I also want
to give a massive THANK YOU, in particular
Jane Durrant, who has worked tirelessly to
bring all this together; also to our friends
in France who are getting ready to receive
some of our donkeys. I know it is going to
be dreadful seeing them go and I will cry
buckets!!!
A quick update on Toby. This little chap is
a real fighter. He has made great progress
in the past 6-8 weeks, gaining weight and
growing hair!! He is developing into a very
cheeky, friendly little character. He is not
out of the woods yet, but the signs are encouraging. He is one very special little boy.
I will be on Camposol B Car Park every Monday 11.30am-1.30pm to receive your donations, or you can call in at either of our
shops in Roldan or Mazarrn from 10.30am1.30pm and drop off there.
Andrea x
63
October/November has been a very active

time and weve been able to enjoy a
number of lovely Saturday walks. On 22nd
November Ana Maria took us up to the
ruins of the Castillo de la Asomada whose
distinctive rectangular profile can be seen
guarding Murcia from above the Puerto
de la Cadena. As usual we all forced
ourselves to indulge afterwards at a new
eatery in El Palmar at Confitera Victor next
to an old distillery.
Closing the month Juan Miguel introduced

us to a beautiful tranquil route up to La
Casa de La Barquilla above Caravaca de la
64
Cruz, treating us in the process to snippets

of interesting facts about the area and its
flora and fauna. I didnt know that the fire
control helicopter is stationed up there all
through the summer.
Starting November on 5th, Juan Antonio
took us on an 11km cultural tour of Coy
The Cradle of Civilization and its environs.
After the gentle route and interesting
itinerary (Museo Casa Grande) we decided
not to sacrifice him on the traditional
bonfire! He even managed to persuade the
owner of a local jarapa factory to allow
us in for a peep and of course we couldnt
resist buying some beautiful fabrics. The
delicious offerings afterwards at Los
Gemelos (first time eating scallops in Spain)
were exceptional. Then on the 12th, despite
having to surmount a number of many
adversities in the reconnoitering, Nigel and
Donna forged constantly changing new
paths for us between Bullas, the Via Verde
and Cehegns forest of El Burete; a lovely
walk that ended in the (specially opened)
Bullas restaurant of Borrego beers
outside in the sun followed by tasty food
and a wonderful warm welcome within.
Were very grateful to all our 4 new walk
leaders who have been brave enough to
introduce us to the
beautiful
secret
corners of lovely,
varied,
historic
Murcia.
The
high
quality of all walks
that have been led
by first-timers is a bit
embarrassing - we
old timers are really
going to have to up
our game.
The final
November
walk
on Saturday 26th when Judy and Tony

repeated their popular route to Bolvonegro
(the 3 rivers walk) near Moratalla.
To round off the year we will be having

2 Saturday walks in December: on 3rd
December Jill and Allan will be showing
us a route near to Ricote and on 17th after
the success of their October ascent, Carla
and Douwe intend to reveal Almorchns
bottom!
Full details will be sent automatically
to those who are already on the WARM
mailing list, normally a fortnight ahead.
As always, if there is anyone who would
like their email address to be added to
the mailing list then please contact me
(Jessica) at Warm2005@gmail.com.
For those on the mailing list more photos
can be seen on the WARM Facebook page.
in
was
After a long period of organisation for

the choir tour, the group finally arrived
late on Saturday night at Alicante airport,
to begin their weeks tour in Northwest
Murcia. Many of them, (22 choristers plus
groupies), had never been to Spain
before and had visions of the Costas in
mind, but also knew it would probably be
a little bit different visiting inland Spain.
Staying at Hotel Hyltor in Archena, they
were up and about fairly early next day to
catch the coach to Moratalla for practice
with the town band and choir. They
were instantly impressed by the warm
welcome they received from their Spanish
hosts; something that would be repeated
everywhere they went. I think they were
also impressed by the pleasant couple of
hours of tapas and wine sitting outside
La Farola enjoying the sunshine. There
were certainly many comments about the
quality and cheap prices (even with the
current exchange rate!)
On Monday the tour kicked off with a full
house in the theatre Victoria, Blanca.
The schools concert in conjunction with
Blancas town band was conducted by
Vctor Cano. The enthusiasm and noise
generated by the kids was contagious,
although a little bit different from their
normal UK concerts! The joint performance
of El hijo de la Luna by Mecano made the
hairs of my arm stand on end!
A vist to Caravaca de la Cruz on Tuesday

combined culture and history in fascinating
free tours laid on by the Town Hall. The
lunch time special menu at La Bodega
in the Plaza de Arco is thoroughly
recommended for visitors to the city. The
evening performance was in the closed
church of San Jos, better known locally
as El Convento de Las Carmelitas. The
acoustics in this very beautiful setting were
amazing and enhanced a performance that
the choir enjoyed very much.
Wednesday brought a change of town with
a full day visit to Cehegn. They started
with some free time enjoying a visit to
the local market. This was followed by a
fascinating guided tour of the old town
with Magdalena (can be organised via the
tourist office), plus a very nice welcome
from the very young looking Alcalde. The

lunch at La Almazara on the outskirts of
the town was Murcian gastronomy at
its best, in a restaurant with old-style
charm. Afterwards, we just had time
for Magdalena to escort us around the
ruined city of Begastr before going to the
church of Maria Magdalena for the evening
concert; a beautiful setting and a very good
audience for a performance that overcame
a very dodgy sounding piano. I loved the
rendition of The Lord is My Shepherd,
especially the solo by Alison Stevens the
Director of the choir.
The choir finally returned to their hotel at

2am after a very convivial reception with
a few beers, glasses of wine and informal
sing-a-longs in both Spanish and English.
For the members of the choir it was a fitting
end to an amazing week. They enjoyed
learning about the culture of Northwest
Murcia and they returned to the UK with so
many great memories of the people they
met and the warm welcome they received
everywhere they went.
Many thanks to the multitude of people
in the region who helped with organising
venues, performances, publicity and in so
many other ways.
After such a busy schedule, a free day

in Cartagena to enjoy the sights and the
shopping on Thursday was a welcome
break, but by the evening they were back
again in Blanca to perform at the Pedro
Cano Foundation. The choir was introduced
by the great man himself, Pedro Cano, who
charmed everybody with his enthusiasm
for art and music. The encore rendition
of The Lion Sleeps Tonight with Alison
conducting both the choir and the audience
was a memory that will stay with me for a
while. For anybody who has never been,
I would thoroughly recommend a visit to
the Foundation to see the work of this
internationally renowned artist.
Finally, we arrived at the last day of the
tour with the finale in Moratalla, but not
before a bodega visit in Bullas where
the choir was forced to sing for their
free wine tasting! Many thanks to the
Bodega del Rosario. A formal welcome
from the Consejal del Turismo on arriving
in Moratalla was well received. We then
enjoyed a fantastic guided tour with Piedad
visiting the old town, castle and church. An
impromptu and spontaneous concert in the
parish church with the newly appointed
parish priest was something special and
the performance of Amazing Grace was
well received by the congregation waiting
patiently for mass.
The evening performance in the theatre
Trieta, which is celebrating its centenary
year, played to a full house and the
audience enjoyed performances from
Of One Accord and the towns newly
formed choir, before finishing with a joint
performance with both choirs and the
band. The rendition of El Hijo de La Luna
with the beautiful solo performance was
beautiful and very well received.
Of One Accord Choir Tour 22nd -29th

October 2016
65
Hark! Its December and where have you

been and what have you done this year? If
you wish to finish 2016 on a high, read on
to discover the delights which NW Murcia
has wrapped and waiting for you to reveal.
All thats required is your presence! Check
out the tourist offices regularly for the
latest information using the contact details
as shown.
BULLAS
www.bullas.es T: 968 652 244
Sunday 4th December - the traditional local
Artisan Market El Zacatn will be held in
the streets of Plazas Vieja and Del Castillo,
between 9am and 2pm. Expect to indulge
in sweet treats typical of the season,
choose gifts from quality craft goods and
buy wine direct from local bodegas or the
wine museum shop.
In tandem with the market, why not take
advantage of a Free Guided Tour taking
in the history and architecture of Bullas,
including the Casa-Museo Don Pepe
Marsilla and Torre del Reloj. Tickets from
the Tourist Information point set up in
the market place 15 minutes before each
departure: 11am/12pm/1pm. Confirm
times with the tourist office (tours are in
Spanish but the guide may speak some
English).
CALASPARRA
www.turismocalasparra.es
T: 968 745 325
Wednesday 7th December MARA
Christmas Lunch @ The Sanctuary
Esperanza Restaurant. Tickets 15 from
Clare 620 566 027 or Jan 693 447 614.
Entertainment by Terry Jay.
CARAVACA
www.turismocaravaca.org
T: 968 702 424
Saturday 10th December Solidarity
Paper Lanterns 7pm at Plaza de Templete.
Money goes to disadvantaged families in
Caravaca.
Tourist Office. Wear comfy shoes for the

15-minute walk up to the castle to start
the tour.
CEHEGN
www.turismocehegin.es
T: 968 723 550
Sunday 18th December - hunt for a bargain
at the Car Boot Sale in the park Gins
de Paco at the bottom of Gran Via. The
town hall no longer provides stalls 1 per
metre to book a site, contact the Tourist
Office.
The Archaeological See of Begastri
is opened for tours on Saturdays and
Sundays at 10.10am/11.15am/12.20pm.
2 pp. The tour begins with a video
presentation followed by a guided tour
to see the remains of the Iberian culture
before the IV century B.C. The guided tour
in English will be on demand.
The Eco Park (Tourism Activity Park)
Coto de las Maravillas is action-packed for
all the family with a choice of paintballing,
horse riding, an assault course, a Quidditch
pitch as well as many others activities for
all ages. There is also a campsite within
the park and refreshments are available in
the bar. The park is open throughout each
weekend. For entry at other time please
telephone 691 200 353
www.cotodelasmaravillas.com
Sunday 25th December a Free Family
Nature Walk takes you to Los Ceperos.
The 5km walk is designed for all ages
and takes 3 hours. The meeting point is
Explanada Centro Tecnolgico del Mrmol
close to the motorway west exit at 9am.
From there, you will drive in your own car to
the start of the walk. Maximum 2 children
under 14 years of age accompanied per
adult. Bring own drinks and snacks; the
tour is in Spanish.
JUMILLA
www.jumilla.org T: 968 782 020
MORATALLA
www.ayuntamientomoratalla.net
T: 968 730 208
Saturday 3rd December Guided Tour of
Castle 2 12.30pm 45mins
Sunday 18th December a Free 1.5 Hour

Tour of this Holy City starting in front of
the Castle and Basilica at 11.15am (in
Spanish). The route winds down through
the medieval quarter, accompanied with
leaflets in English and info boards in
Spanish and English. Pre-book at The
66
MULA
www.mula.es T: 968 661 501
Sunday 11th December combine a visit
to the monthly Artisan Market, the
Mercadillo de los 4 Plazas, with a Free
Guided Tour of the old quarter (Casco
Antiguo) of Mula. The tour is in Spanish but
leaflets in English are available from the
tourist office. Start 11.30am From Tourist
Office in the Convento de San Francisco.
MURCIA
www.turismodemurcia.es
T: 968 358 749
Thursday 1st December - an enticing
Music-Fest in the city:
8pm the Auditorio Vctor Villegas in Murcia
heralds the Region of Murcia Symphony
Orchestra (OSRM) and the Camerata
de Murcia, conducted by Dirk Vermeulen
as they perform Tchaikovskys 5th
Symphony and pieces by Richard Strauss
and Martinu. Tickets 12/16/20.
8.30pm at the Cathedral of Murcia sees the
last of 5 Free Organ Recitals featuring
a performance of Mozarts Coronation
Mass by the Coral Discantus Choir,
accompanied on the organ by Carlos
Rafael Prez. Pay special attention to
the magnificent Merklin-Schtze first
symphonic organ in Spain, which was first
heard in the Cathedral in July 1857 and
restored between 2005 and 2008.
9pm at the Teatro Circo comes alive with
a blast when Ariel Rot take to the stage,
fronted by the rock and pop musician, Ariel
Rotenburg Gutkin, showcasing the latest
album, La Manada. Tickets 15/18/20.
Saturday 10th Enjoy a Free Guided
Tour of the historical centre of the city 10.30am from Tourist Information point in
Plaza de Belluga. The tour is in Spanish but
maps are provided and some leaflets are
in English. Its a great way to take in the
sights for future exploration and includes
the Cathedral, the Palacio Episcopal, the
Casino, Museums, colourful Plazas and
lively streets.
Saturday 10th December the Moon Bike
season continues from Glorieta de Espaa
(in front of Murcia Town Hall) by the River
Segura in the centre of Murcia. 7pm start
and is between 10km and 15km and no
steep climbs! Those without a bicycle can
arrange to use one of the municipal bikes
by calling 968 200 293 two days before
the event.
Thursday 22nd December at 8.30pm the
Espacio Molinos del Ro which houses the
Murcia watermill museum, hosts a free
concert River Sounds by Garaje Florida,
the latest project by Antonio Mellado,
Maestro Gado and Luiggi Garcaque who
presents Ser de Plutn.
YECLA
www.turismo.yecla.es T: 968 754 104
Saturday 4th December Free 2 hour
route - El Barroco Yeclano when you can
taste local dishes and visit la Baslica de la
Pursima and learn of the history of Yecla 10am from Tourist Office.
Christian Fellowship
WELCOME HOUSE
A different way of doing church
https://sites.google.com/site/
casawelcome2013
Retaliation has its appeal, but Jesus
has a better idea.
Jesus and His followers gathered in the
Upper Room for Passover.
Jesus knew that the Father had given Him
authority over everything and that He had
come from God and would return to God
(John 13:3 NLT).
Who was He? Gods Son.
Why was He on earth? To serve the Father.
Jesus knew His identity and authority, So
He got up from the table, took off His robe,
wrapped a towel around His waist and
poured water into a basin. Then He began
to wash the disciples feet and wipe them
with the towel He had around Him. (John
13:45 NLT).
Jesus - king of the world, sovereign of the
seas - washed feet.
Even Judas. The lying, conniving, greedy
rat who sold Jesus for a pocket of cash.
Jesus wont wash His feet, will He?
Sure hope not. If He washes the feet of His
Judas, I will have to wash the feet of my
Judas. My betrayer. That good-for-nothing
villain.
Jesus Judas walked away with thirty
pieces of silver. My Judas walked away with
You expect me to wash His feet and
let Him go?
Most people dont want to. Most people

keep a pot of anger on low boil, but Im not
most people. Grace happened to me. Look
at my feet. Theyre wet, grace soaked.
Jesus washed the grimiest parts of my life.
He didnt bypass me.
Cant I share my grace with others?
Since I, the Lord and Teacher, have
washed your feet, you ought to wash each
others. Do as I have done to you. (John
13:1415 NLT).
To accept grace is to accept the vow
to give it.
Taken from Bible gateway.
I pray if youre not a Christian, tHis
Christmas your eyes may be opened.
If you would like to contact us regarding
anything we have publicised or may be
planning in the future, or just for a chat
our contact details are:
lynda.spain@hotmail.co.uk
derek.tycymru@talktalk.net
Tel 633 447 937
Welcome House can be found at 3A
Campillio y Suertes, Cehegin.
67
Send in a letter to the Editor telling our

readers of your good experiences with one
of our advertisers and we will give them a
free web advert for a month.
Dear Editor
I would like to say how much I enjoy your
magazine. There is always something of
interest to read and last month it was lovely
to see all the poppies on adverts to support
such a worthwhile cause. How good it was
Christmas Is Coming!
Its been a very busy year for Spangles
Ladies Harmony Chorus and its about
to get even busier in the lead up to the
Christmas festivities with invitations to
sing at various venues in Los Alczares,
Balsicas, Cabo de Palos, Sucina and
Torrevieja.
to see so many advertisers contributing to

your Poppy Appeal. Unfortunately there
will always be wars and there will always be
casualties with service personnel needing
ongoing help and support. The RNBL is one
charity that I have always supported so
thank you for your input once again this
year.
Christmas Fair at the Bulevar Oasis, Los

Alczares
Ladies Lunch at the Restaurante Mario,

Sucina
Friday 9th December - 7.30pm - Christmas

with Spangles Concert at the Saln de
Plenos, Los Alczares (Tickets available at
just 5 each)
Tickets for the concerts on 9th or 10th

December are still available, so please call
968 574 987 or 968 334 527 or email
info@spangleschorus.com to secure
yours.
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
Friday 2nd December 4pm - Christmas

Fair at the Palm Lounge, Cabo de Palos
Saturday 10th December 5pm Joint

Concert with Crescendo for Age
Concern at the Christian Fellowship
Church, Torrevieja (Tickets available at
just 5 each)
Sunday 4th December 11am - Cruz Azul
Wednesday
68
Mags McCormack
D34 Camposol
Fiona
Mazarrn
We love this time of year said Spangles

Musical Director, Wendy Grant and weve
been dusting off our Christmas repertoire
since September. Its our chance to give
something back to the community by
supporting local charities.
If you would like to see this champion
chorus perform and support some worthy
causes, here is the list of where they will
be singing:
Thursday 1st December 8pm - Christmas
Lights Turning on Ceremony at the
Spanglish Bar, Balsicas
Dear Editor
I would like to thank Lizs Cafe for
introducing
Gluten-Free
Products
to
their menu. It is hard for people like
me to sit down and enjoy a coffee and
not to have to bring my own biscuit!
14th
December
2pm
Ex-Servicemens Association
Mazarrn District
(Founded 1 May 2006)
EVENTS 2016
Wednesday 14th Dec (Christmas Draw)
SIENNA, Mazarrn TOWN
7pm for 8.30pm
Membership and enquiries esamd.
espana@gmail.com
Ex-Servicemens Association of
Mazarrn District [ESAMD]
Registered in the Community of

Murcia with the number 8.694-1a
69
Autumn in Campo de San Juan

We set off in the first hours of Sunday 25th
October from Carreos Puntal and descended
in search of the River Alhrabe through the
dense forest of Rodenos pines. We were
greeted by piquituertos and totovas who
were perhaps surprised by our presence.
We were also surprised by the Mistletoe

which are like plant lamps that hang from the
branches of the pines, with their fruit ready
to be consumed during the cold season by
the inhabitants of the forest. The green balls
are like small marbles of opaque glass, under
which we kiss at Christmas.
Our path lead us to a small ravine that runs
up the slope, vertical, humid and dark. This
section of the road would not be the best
place to spend the night and it is not only the
vegetation that told us.
The sun was already high, filtered through the

yellow cups of the poplars, creating games
of light and we went crazy taking pictures, in

an attempt to emulate Velzquez or Sorolla
with our modern cameras. We walked on
meandering along the river where we followed
a path that every night a badger walks with
his family, seeing latrines and footprints.
The oaks with acorns, lead us to the road
that took us to the farmhouse of Capel. We
saw what was once the mill of Capel where
the grandmother of Juan was born and lived.
He told us in person the experiences of his
grandmother in his early years.
We walked back to the river and saw a griffon

vulture that ended up flying over our group as
a greeting. Under his watchful eye, we visited
the garden of Los Tormos Mill, which, chaotic
and decadent, treasures the image of a fairy
tale in its little jungle.
What better than to finish off a morning of
nature and intense emotions, than with a good
dish of migas accompanied by other delicacies
at La Pava - a corner of the world full of magic
in Moratalla.
We approached the village of La Risca, where

we discovered that the climate changes at
a rapid pace. We had left our cars only an
hour previously and we walked downhill
and on arriving at the river, where the cold

should have been a little more intense, the
heat began to overwhelm us. We stopped
to get rid of our jackets and to observe the
consequences that these high temperatures
have on the vegetation. Someone from
the group, with sharp eyesight, detected
the presence of griffon vultures tracing the
thermals in the surroundings of the Lanchar. It
was not just the lack of mushrooms and fungi,
but derangement of the poplars, probably
linked to the lack of water, has caused a huge
loss of leaves. Only two weeks ago we saw
the change of colour from green to yellow.
The leaves were now dry and blown away. A
few years ago, the leaves would still be on
the trees for at least another four weeks. Our
environment is changing at the same time as
the climate and some species will disappear
from our landscapes while others will colonize
from lands that are hotter and drier than ours.
With those thoughts in our heads, we
crossed a non-existent river to reach another
endangered element. In this case it is a trade
of the miller and we reached the gates of
the Risca Mill, probably the last mill that was
active in Moratalla. Its owners, Juan and Pepa,
proudly showed the effort of a lifetime and of
several generations. The grain is turned into
flour, which is what basically fed us. Along
the short section of three kilometres of river
that we travelled, three more mills were built
together with the one at La Risca.
70
71
Its Christmas again and it seems like the

year has flown by.
This time of year is a happy time, with
people busy arranging decorations and
usually a Christmas tree.
A large Christmas dinner will be cooked,
normally a turkey for Christmas Day, with
plenty of turkey left over for several more
dinners.
There will be lots of presents given and
received.
Have you ever thought about maybe
inviting someone to share Christmas dinner
with you? I am aware that many people
on Camposol live alone and I also know
people that are invited to a neighbours or
friends; just a thought.
The long summer is over, but we are

still blessed with warm sunshine and
reasonable temperatures. As the seasons
change, so do the needs of the poor and
needy. Thankfully, we have more than
enough clothing and bedding, so we are
asking only for food donations; packet
soups, rice, tinned tomatoes, tuna and
sardines mainly tinned and dried goods
which can be stored.
Although we are not going out doing a full

food run, we are still providing food for
Father Carlos and his many needy families.
Sometimes, we are his only source of food
72
When Jesus was born in a smelly stable

because there was no room anywhere else,
He did have some visitors. Shepherds
from the fields came to worship Him and
the Three Kings travelled many miles to
bring Him gifts.
It is not stated in the Bible the time of
year that Jesus was actually born, but
many people mention the name of Jesus
at Christmas, but His name should be
lifted up because He was the Saviour of
the world!!
Seriously, please think about the sacrifice

of the Lord Jesus Christ who willingly gave
up His life for ours. Jesus loves each one
of you.
God bless you all and may you have a very
happy Christmas.
Dont forget a welcome awaits you at the
Olive Branch Christian Fellowship.
We meet each Sunday at 10.30am at the
Cultural Centre on Camposol B where we
serve communion every week.
Jesus Christ came and He lived amongst

us. Then He was crucified on a cruel cross
and He took on the sins of the world; our
sins, so could we not mention Him more
than once a year?
We are registered with the Free Methodist

Organisation and we have charity status.
for the poor. Thank you all for all your

support and help at our Table Top Sales.
Our ladies continue working really hard for
us.
Drop off Points

Fortnightly Table Top Sale - Camposol
Sector B
Robbos Golf Shop, San Javier - Neil &
Nikki Robinson
Time Out, San Javier - Gary & Sue
Arthur has had his scan and is waiting to

see the specialist. We will update you in
due course. God bless all who support us.
We couldnt do it without you.
For more information please contact Pastor

Ralph and Margaret Locke on 968 199
622 or mobile 618 720 181
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
We would like to take this opportunity to

wish all the ladies who work on the Table
Top Sales and all who have donated to
our charity, a very Happy Christmas and a
blessed New Year.
73
Thanks to all our carers, volunteers,

nurses and well-wishers, Forget Me Not
continues to thrive.
As a small charity we are very grateful
for all the donations that we receive.
They enable us to continue the work of
looking after those suffering from longterm illnesses and offering support to their
carers.
In October we received 250 from the Art
and Craft Club. Our thanks go to Paula
Klages and her associates. The cheque
was presented during our Halloween
celebrations. Everyone entered into the
spirit of the occasion and many weird folk

put in an appearance. Witches, zombies,
ghosts, a mad butcher and even the
devil himself were amongst our guests.
An excellent buffet, music and dancing
enhanced the party atmosphere.
Sadly, we had to say goodbye to our
Publicity Officer Linda Hobbs. Linda
returned to the UK with her husband Cliff.
We will sorely miss her enthusiasm and
indomitable spirit.
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Forget Me Not meets at the Cultural

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74
Dorothy Kay Memorial Run

Time to dust off your running shoes and
get some training in for next years run.
More details later.
A Date For Your Diary

Old Fashioned Jumble Sale at the
Cultural Centre, Camposol B.
Skin Dynamics - see & feel the difference

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Monday 5th December from 11am-1pm.

Items for sale include clothes, bric-a-brac,
books, Christmas gifts and decorations.
Refreshments will also be available.
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75
HELP Outlet Relaunch

Saturday 22nd October saw the re-launch
of HELP Murcia Mar Menors enlarged
outlet at the Oasis Centre, Los Alcazares.
The outlet, which has been open a year,
urgently needed more space as due to
the generosity of the general public the
staff were having to carry large items of
furniture in and out of the outlet every day
and display them under the canopy to allow
space inside for trading. As luck would
have it the property behind the original
outlet became available and with a lot of
hard work and a few minor alterations,
HELPs outlet is now four times the size
it was.
The re-opening was carried out by Robin

Bayliss, HELPs long-time Treasurer who
will soon be retiring after many years
service to the Charity, meaning that it
urgently needs someone to take over the
Treasurers position. Most of the committee
along with many HELP members attended
the re-opening and it is hoped that the
enlarged premises will make shopping at
the outlet more pleasurable for the general
public. The committee would like to thank
everyone who donated their time and
energy into getting the outlet ready for
todays opening.
They would also like to thank the general
76
p u b l i c
for
their
donations
a
n
d
continued
support
of
the Charity.
Your
help
allows us to
help others
who need it
in the Murcia
region.
For
more
information
about HELP
MMM please
visit
our
office at Calle
Penelope,
Los Narejos
or contact us on 968 570 059 or inquire
at the outlet in the Oasis Centre Tuesday to
Saturday 10am-2pm.
All are welcome.
excuse for 72 members and their friends

to enjoy a good lunch and listen to some
great live music from Red Stokes, aka
Terry. After the meal many danced the
afternoon away and let their hair down
shedding the years. This will probably be
the last chance before Christmas for those
attending to get together as soon many
will have returned to families in the UK or
headed off for holiday destinations around
the world.
It was also a chance for the members of
HELP to say goodbye to Phil and Vera
Farmer who are returning to England
permanently having spent many years
living in Spain and being active members
of the HELP charity from its conception.
Both Phil and Vera were active at the
Charitys car boot sale held on Sunday
mornings at the Auto Cine, San Javier, also
Phil gave his time decorating HELPs first
office in Santiago de la Ribera, the pueblo
where the couple lived for many years.
HELP wishes them well in their new lives
in the UK.
This of course means that HELP has lost
two valuable member, so if you have a few
hours to spare that you would like to put to
good use in the Murcia region please visit
the Charity at our office in Calle Penlope,
by the Arches in Los Alcazares or call us on
968 570 059.
We would love to hear from you.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 10am-1.30pm
HELP Friendship Group Fun Afternoon
On Friday 11th November HELP Murcia
Mar Menors Friendship Group held a
fun lunch at the Puerto 3 restaurant in Los
Alcazares. This get together was a good
Cruz Azul - Helping To Keep Cat

Colonies Under Control
Animal welfare charity, Cruz Azul, is
continuing its work to maintain control
over cat colonies in the Murcia region.
poisoned. That is just barbaric and as TNR

is proven the world over, we are happy to
promote and support it.
Cruz Azul Murcia is happy to help local

communities control their cat colonies. Cooperation between neighbours is the key
to a successful campaign, raising funds
for the operations and co-ordinating the
Trap-Neuter-Return campaign, following
the guidelines that Cruz Azul Murcia
provides.
Following successful campaigns in Sucina

village and El Valle Golf, they are working
with animal lover, Lorraine Oram, in the
San Pedro campo. Lorraine first came to
Cruz Azul for help when she found a little
dog who had been stabbed and left to
die. The charity paid for his sterilisation,
microchip and vaccinations and he was
adopted by the lady who cared for him
following his life-saving surgery.
Recently, Lorraine discovered a large cat
colony near her home and paid to have
three of them neutered. She did not have
funds to sterilise all thirteen cats, but knew
Cruz Azul supports Trap-Neuter-Return
(TNR) campaigns and asked for their help.
Cruz Azul has initially pledged 300 to
sterilise as many as can be caught and
will continue to support Lorraine until the
whole colony has been neutered.
Trap-Neuter-Return means the cats are

humanely trapped in their colony, taken
to a local vet to be sterilised, ear-clipped
and vaccinated under anaesthetic, then
returned to their colony site. Ear-clipping
is to indicate the cat has been sterilised.
Cats are normally returned to their colony
on the same day with good antibiotic
protection.
When it comes to reproduction, cats are
prolific breeders. One female kitty can
produce an average of 12 kittens each
year if not spayed. Once a kitten reaches
puberty, typically between 5 and 9 months
of age, she will be able to reproduce. Some
kitties mature as young as 3 months old,
Cruz Azul is supported by the World

Veterinary Service, who have provided
traps for this purpose. These are available
on loan from the Cruz Azul Centre in San
Javier and volunteers are happy to take
everyone through the correct procedure.
If you would like to know more, please give
Sue Thomason a call on 693 017 616.
Cruz Azul Murcia is a registered charity
(No. 11.720/1a) and exists 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
TNR is the most humane way of dealing

with cat colonies said charity VP, Sue.
Cruz Azul are committed to helping
people who want to do this rather than let
cats suffering horrible deaths from being
usually after they reach around 2 kilos in

weight. In warm climates such as ours, the
females can remain in heat all year-round.
77
Alcantarilla
www.alcantarilla.es Tel 968 898
519
Balsilvestre: The Balsicas Commission
Run
The popular annual Balsicas Run Day
in aid of the Balsicas 2017 Fiesta will
take place on Sunday 18th December at
10.30am. This is a Fun Run for all the
public with prizes for the most original
fancy dress and lots of other surprises. To
register visit www.lineadesalida.net.
Entry fee 4 for the 200m or 2km run and
8 for the 5km run.
Cartagena
www.cartagena.es
Tel 968 128 800 Market Mon
Sunday 4th December Free Guided
Tour of Modernist Cartagena 10.30am
from Tourist Office.
Saturday 17th December - La Reina De

Las Nieves- Frozen, The Musical
This production is a Christmas musical
version of the movie, Frozen and is being
staged at the Nuevo Teatro Circo in
Cartagena. Tickets can only be purchased
at the venue. For more information check
the www.regmurcia.com website or the
Cartagena tourist information office.
El Algar
Vaya Santa ClausY La Fbrica De
Juguete
Saturday 17th December - The Animagic
Team bring this special Christmas
childrens musical production to El Algar.
This pantomime will put the whole family
in the mood for the festive season and
provides lessons on how to live in the true
spirit of Christmas, explaining how the toy
factory really makes the toys for all the
children; a good way to brush up on your
Spanish! This musical lasts 90 minutes
and costs 10/12. Perfomances are at
5.30pm and 7.30pm in Teatro Circo Apolo
de El Algar.
Further information on www.regmurcia.
com
If you are more interested in going to
a classic pantomime where you may
be more familiar with the storyline and
78
songs you could go to El Gato Con Botas,

El Miaauuu-Sical: Puss In Boots, The
Miauuu-Sical (Musical).
This is also being hosted in the Teatro
Circo Apolo de El Algar but on Friday 29th
December at 6pm or a second seating at
8pm. The price is 10 or 12.
Further information also on the www.
regmurcia.com
La Union
www.ayto-launion.com Tel 868 049 941/692 925 970 Market
Tues
Saturday 10th December - Discover
the old underground mining industry
of the 19th & 20th centuries, from ore
extraction to washing and concentration
and the subsequent acquisition of metal.
Encounter the unforgettable experience
of traveling along more than 4,000 m2
of galleries and perceive how the miners
lived. 10am from Mining Park 7
Saturday 10th November - Free Guided
Tour to Condado De Roche De La Unin.
Enjoy discovering the history of La Union;
their
songs,
traditions,
emblematic
buildings, museums and mining remains,
highlighting the landscape of the Sierra
Minera and its valuable industrial heritage.
Depart 10am from Ethnographic MuseumRoche.
Saturday 17th December Free Guided
Tour of La Union visiting the Archaelogical
Museum, la Casa del To Lobo (exterior),
El Lavadero Roberto and the Antique area
of Puerto. 10am from the Museum.
San Pedro del Pinatar
www.sanpedroturismo.com
Tel 968 182 301 Market Thurs
6th 11th December Christmas Fair
10am-2pm and 4pm-9pm in Avenida
Emilio Castelar. Various activities such
as gymnastics and Zumba with artistes
performing. More information from Tourist
Office.
Saturday 17th December
Market at Lo Pagan 10am-2pm
Artisan
San Javier
www.murciaturistica.es/sanjavier
Tel 968 172 041 Market Thurs
San Javier Fiestas Patronales to 11th
December
San Javiers three week intense annual
fiesta is a great way to ease oneself into
the festive season activities. There will be
parades, activities for children, concerts,
etc. Some notable events are:
Saturday 3rd December - Procession
followed by fireworks - 7pm
Monday 6th December - World Record
Attempt to make the largest egg flan in
the world.
Thursday 8th December - Midnight
Fireworks
For a full programme of events look up the
website www.sanjavier.es
San Javier Christmas Crib (Belen)
San Javier always hosts a spectacular
Nativity Scene Belen in the Plaza de
Espaa. This year it is set to be more
impressive than ever covering an area of
approx. 500 square metres and including
various activities such as music and
workshops.
Sunday 11th December - Free Guided
Tour of Santiago de La Ribera in 1000
Steps, Tour in Spanish and English. 11am
from Tourist Office in Santiago de la
Ribera. Booking essential.
Saturday 17th December- Free Guided
Boat Trip from La Manga del Mar Menor
in English. Discover La Manga del Mar
Menor and its surroundings, history and
peculiarities on a guided boat trip from
Toms Maestre Marina in La Manga del
Mar Menor to Santiago de la Ribera and
back. 12.15pm. Essential to book at
Tourist Office by 14th Dec.
Saturday 17th December Christmas
Night Race along Paseo Carrion 5.30pm
for children and 6pm for adults. 8 (2 for
children). Tel 968 582 436 for registration
and more information.
Torre Pacheco
www.torrepacheco.es Tel 968 579 937
Saturday 3rd December Comedy Show
@ CAES Torre Pacheco 9.30pm 12
A Death Sentence For Your Teeth

Many people fail to recognise the serious
implications of impairment of or loss of
teeth. The worst case scenario is a failure
to understand why it is important to avail
of treatment promptly to ensure the best
possible outcome.
long term pain. The appearance of

the face will alter and there will be
some negative impact on the jaw
and jaw bone.
All the above consequences can be avoided
by restoring and treating the teeth as soon
as possible after damage or loss. This
will add years to the quality of life of your
teeth. If you are facing this predicament
please do not wait. Be wise and consult
LG Dental for advice The Dentist You
Can Trust.
Tel 968 186 660
The Molars (back teeth) are located deep

inside the back of our mouths and are
primarily used for grinding food, therefore
they do not have a direct aesthetic
component when you smile you believe
no-one will realise you have missing
molars or back teeth. However, aesthetics
are only one part of the story. Missing
back teeth also bring about big changes in
morphology (shape and form of the mouth
and face) and can impact on overall health.
The Teeth - If you cannot see them

why care about them?
There are several reasons why you should
take care of all teeth, not just those that
can be seen.
1. Grinding and chewing (mastication)
when eating food is very important
and vital in the first stage of the
digestion process. Your back teeth
primarily function as grinding
mechanisms which aid in the
release of saliva enzymes which in
turn assist the work going on in the
intestines.
2. If you are chewing without the use
of the back teeth the existing teeth
become overloaded as they are not
designed to do all this extra work.
The result is premature wear and
tear including possible fractures or
migration that could lead to open
spaces between the teeth thus
compromising the aesthetic smile.
3. Over time the lack of back teeth
causes changes in the shape and
form (morphology) of the mouth
and go hand in hand with a marked
loss of bone which can also cause
79
We have some fabulous horses, ponies, a

donkey and a beautiful little girl Pointer,
Luna, waiting for that special person to
come along and give them a loving forever
home.
Just take a look at this gorgeous boy,
Cookie! How can you not want to take
him home with you?
Our lovely Pointer, Luna, was dumped at

the petrol station just outside Librilla. She
came with a cough, described by our vet
as the Dog Pound Cough and was put on
antibiotics. Before the week was out all
our girls were coughing so weve had huge
vet bills to sort out the problem.
Skippy is the happiest kitten in the world

in spite of her paralysed back legs. She
can certainly skip up and down the steps in
and out of the house as fast as lightning.
She just has to grow a wee bit and we
can fit her with some wheels so that her
tummy isnt dragging along the floor. She
has had an infection for that very reason;
all part of her condition according to the
vet and costly to keep under control.
80
As usual, the Cavalli piggy bank is

empty and could do with some Christmas
donations to fill it up again!
Cavalli Halloween Camp was brilliant.
Halloween is the kids favourite celebration
made special because we had such a
great bunch; boys and girls, able bodied
and disabled, English, Spanish, Dutch
- a wonderful mix. The kids, apart from
having great fun, learned to take care of all
the animals. They took part in the feeding
and the grooming, exercising ponies and
dogs and just enjoyed being with them.
Were all very happy with Hopes

progress. She can now come out into her
new paddock and enjoy the sunshine. We
made her paddock with bales of hay so
that she doesnt hurt herself if she bangs
into the walls. She can also nibble on them
which keeps her happy and calm. Alma is
always around to keep an eye on her and
make sure she has some company!
To help keep our animals fed and well,

we have organised some new activities.
One that is having huge success is our
Cowboy School of Values every Sunday
from 11am-2pm. Its all about play and
learning to love and respect animals and
nature.
Our Pony Club is going strong every
Saturday from 10am-2pm and we have
some amazing young riders coming on.
The kids from Pony Club and from
Cowboy School will be helping us to
organise a super give-away Table Top
Sale on 17th and 18th December from
11am-2pm.
Our activities will be running throughout
Christmas and we wish you all a Very Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year from us
all at Cavalli Foundation.
META Riding Centre
Crtra El Palmar/Mazarrn
Los Ventorrillos
La Costera de Alhama
Tel 00 34 636 172 198
Email
infocavallifoundation@gmail.
com
Read all about us on Cavalli Foundation
Facebook
81
Name
Location
Price
Courses
Starters
Main
Dessert
Drink
Coffee
Available
Bar Yan
Calasparra
6,50
14
yes
1 drink
or dessert
Mon-Fri
B
a
r
/
Restaurante La
Llana
Puerto
De From
San Pedro
10
salad + 3 4
yes
1 drink
yes
Mon-Fri
Cafe Buenavista
El Alamillo
10,00
salad + 3 4
yes
1 drink
yes
Tues-Sat
El Muelle de la
Puerto
Bahia
12,00
yes
1 drink
yes
Tues-Sun
Elliots
Bolnuevo
9,50
yes
no
yes
Mon-Sat
La Chara
Isla Plana
9,50
yes
1 drink
or dessert
Tue-Sat
La
Mariposa
Gebas
Christmas Menu
13,00
yes
no
yes
exc Weds
Sun
La Taberna De
Juan Chara
Isla Plana
10,70
yes
1 drink
yes
Mon-Sat
La Tasca
Calasparra
10,00
salad + 4 5
yes
yes
yes
Tues-Fri
Los Balcones
Caadas Del
10,00
Romero
salad + 3 3
yes
1 drink
yes
Fri-Sun
Mamma Mia
Pto
de
10,50
Mazarrn
yes
1 drink
yes
Mon-Sat
Piccolo
Camposol B
9,95
salad +2
no
1 drink
no
Everyday
Quality Indian
Camposol B
9,95
any main no
no
no
Everyday
Spice Villa
Camposol B
From
5,95
chicken/
lamb
no
yes
no
Everyday
Totana
Club
Totana
9,00
salad + 3 4
yes
1 drink
yes
Mon-Fri
Tropic Anas
Camposol A
6,00
10
opt
1 drink
no
(every
day
exc 26-31st)
Viggos
Pto
de
10,00
Mazarrn
yes
1 drink
or dessert
Mon-Sat
Tennis
82
&
Every Day
Kleeneze Available @ Tels Bar, Camposol A

Guided Tour Of The Historic City of Lorca 3 12.30pm (Mon-Fri)
Breakfasts @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A from 3.50 9am-12pm (closed 26th-31st)
Breakfasts @ Lizs Caf, Camposol B (from 9am)
Breakfasts @ The Condado Club, Condado de Alhama 10am-12.30pm
Breakfasts @ Skye Bar and Pizzeria, Condado de Alhama 10am-12pm
4 Course Christmas Menu @ La Mariposa, Gebas 13 (exc Weds & Sun)
Afternoon Teas @ Skye Bar and Pizzeria, Condado de Alhama 2-6pm
Coffee & Home Made Dessert @ Mamma Mia, Pto de Mazarrn 4.50 4-6pm
Menu del Noche @ Caf Buenavista, Pto de Mazarrn from 7 inc a drink (Tues-Sat)
Earlybird Menu @ Spice Villa, Camposol B 12.50 inc btl wine for 2 6-8pm
Earlybird Menu @ Quality Indian, Camposol B 12.95 6-8pm
3 Course Menu del Noche @ Elliots, Bolnuevo (exc Sun) 16
Every Mon
Overnight Accommodation/Breakfast/Steak Meal @ La Mariposa, Gebas 49

Mazarrn Bay Bridge Club @ Pto de Mazarrn 9.30am
Los Palacios Garden & Community Group Working Party @ Camposol A 10am
Gentle Yoga with Mari Carmen @ Yogamayga Bolnuevo 10am
Yoga with Lisa @ Yoga Shala Studio, Isla Plana 10.30am
Jellybeans Mother & Toddler Group @ The Condado Club, Condado de Alhama 11am
Ladies Chatterbox Sew and Sew @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 2.15pm
Zumba @ The Arches, Los Alcazares 5pm
Kids Fun on the Terrace @ The Condado Club, Condado de Alhama from 8pm
Yoga with Lisa in Spanish @ Yoga Shala Studio, Isla Plana 8.30pm
Entertainment Quiz @ Tels Bar, Camposol A 8.30pm
Platos Combinados Night @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A 6-8.30pm
Every Tue

Camposol B Clean Working Party @ Commercial Centre, Camposol B 8.30-10.30am
Camposol D Sector Community Group Working Party @ Camposol D
Mazarrn Bowls Club Roll Up Day 10am
Gentle Yoga with Mari Carmen @ Yogamayga Bolnuevo 10am
Computer Clinic @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A 1-3pm (exc 27th)
Petanque @ The Condado Club, Condado de Ahama 3pm
Reiki Tasters @ Yoga Shala Studio, Isla Plana 3.30pm
Guitar Group Cultural Centre, Camposol B 4-7pm
Reiki Share @ Yoga Shala Studio, Isla Plana 5pm
Market @ The Condado Club, Condado de Alhama 5.30-9pm
English/Spanish Language Exchange @ Isla Plana Social Centre 6-9pm
General Knowledge Quiz @ Tels Bar, Camposol A 8.30pm
Menu del Noche @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A
Open Mic Night @ The Condado Club, Condado de Alhama from 8pm
Cavalli Foundation Pony Club @ Meta Riding Centre 10am-2pm
MAMAS Collection/Book Stall @ Camposol B Car Park 10am-12pm
FAST Available for New Volunteers @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 11am
Making a Difference Available for Collections @ Camposol A 11am-1pm
Every Wed
Mar Menor Golf Society Competition

Camposol C Gardening Group Clean Up @ Camposol C 9am
Forget me Not Respite Care @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 10.30am-1.30pm

Andreas Animal Rescue Collection @ Car Park, Camposol B 11.30am-1.30pm
Cavalli Foundation Lessons/Hacks @ Meta Riding Centre
83

Spanish Lessons for Beginners @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 10am
SAMM International One Metre Club 11am
Spanish Lessons - Intermediate @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 11am
Masquerade Musicals Rehearsal @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 4pm
Mazarrn AA Group @ Meeting Room adjacent to Caada de Gallego Church 5.30pm
Chi Kung @ Caf Buenavista, Pto de Mazarrn 6pm
Line Dancing for Beginners @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 7pm
Beacon of Light Meeetings @ Caadas del Romera 7pm
Age Concern @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 10am-1pm (exc 28th)
MABS Mazarrn Craft Group @ MABS Centre, Camposol B 11.30am
HAH Mar Menor Book & DVD Club 2.30-4.30pm
Every Thu

Camposol Market @ Camposol A
Mazarrn Bay Bridge Club @ Pto de Mazarrn 9.30am
Mazarrn Bowls Club Roll Up Day 10am
Avon Lady @ Tels Bar, Camposol A 10.30am-12.30pm
Spanish Lessons @ The Condado Club, Condado de Alhama 11am
Folk & Blues Club @ Camposol 1pm
Buddhist Meditation @ Yoga Shala Studio, Isla Plana 3.30pm
Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC Meeting @ Camposol 4pm
Yoga in Spanish with Lisa @ Yoga Shala Studio, Isla Plana 8.30pm
Quiz @ Tels Bar, Camposol A 8.30pm
Line Dancing for Intermediate onwards @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B
Little Starfish Dog Rescue Table Top Sale @ Lower Car Park, Camposol A from 10am
Age Concern Available @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 10am-1pm (exc 29th)
JJs Puppy Rescue Table Top Sale @ Lower Car Park, Camposol A 11am-1pm
Andreas Animal Rescue Collection @ Mazarrn Country Club 11.30am-1pm
HAH Mar Menor Book/Card Stall @ Los Narejos 2-4pm
Every Fri
Friday Art Group @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 9.45am-12.30pm

The Solar Light Centre @ Camposol B
Spanish Lessons for Beginners @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 10am
Los Palacios Gardening/Community Group Book Stall @ Camposol A 10.30am-12.30pm
SAMM International One Metre Club
Spanish Lessons - Intermediate @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 11am
10 Pin Bowling/Camposol C Greenfingers Garden Group @ Totana 4pm
English/Spanish/French/German Language Exchange @ Caf Buenavista, Pto de Mazarrn 6-8pm
Fish & Chips @ Viggos, Pto de Mazarrn

Fish & Chips/Paella/BBQ @ Los Balcones, Caadas del Romero
Fish & Chips @ Skye Bar and Pizzeria, Condado de Alhama 7.95 (from 12pm)
Mixed Grill Night @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A 10
Fish & Chips @ The Condado Club, Condado de Alhama 22 for 2 inc btl wine
Karaoke @ Tels Bar, Camposol A 8.30pm
Live Entertainment @ The Condado Club, Condado de Alhama
FAST @ Camposol B
MABS Mazarrn booking events etc outside Compusurf, Camposol B 11am
Every Sat
84
The Archaeological See of Begastri Tours @ Cehegn 10.10am/11.15am/12.20am 2

Yoga in Spanish with Lisa @ Yoga Shala Studio, Isla Plana 10.30am
Tourism Activity Park Coto de las Maravillas Open, Cehegn
Harlequin Rock Choir @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 1.15pm
JokerJackpot @ The Clover, Condado de Alhama
Paella/BBQ @ Los Balcones, Caadas del Romero

HELP MMM Sale of up-market clothes @ Los Alczares 10am-1pm
JJs Puppy Rescue Table Top Sale @ Pto de Mazarrn
Every Sun
The Solar Light Centre @ El Zoco Market, Junction 745 of AP7

Antique Market @ Aguilas 10am-1pm
The Archaeological See of Begastri Open @ Cehegn 10.10am/11.15am/12.20am 2
Tourism Activity Park Coto de las Maravillas Open, Cehegn
Quiz @ The Condado Club, Condado de Alhama
Drink & Tapa @ Mamma Mia, Pto de Mazarrn 3.50 (daytime)
Sunday Lunch @ Tels Bar, Camposol A from 5
2 Course Sunday Lunch @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A 6 inc a drink
3 Course Sunday Lunch @ Lizs Cafe, Camposol B 10 inc a drink
Sunday Roast Lunch @ La Mariposa, Gebas from 10.50
3 Course Sunday Lunch @ Elliots, Bolnuevo 11
Paella Day @ Caf Buenavista, Pto de Mazarrn
Special Menu inc Paella/BBQ/Oven Roasted Meats @ Los Balcones, Caadas del Romero
Live Entertainment @ Blues House, Bolnuevo from 3pm (exc 4th & 25th)
San Animal Santuario Dog Walking @ Aguilas
Cavalli Cowboy School of Values for 6-12 year olds 11am-2pm
Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre Open Day @ Rojales 1-4pm
DECEMBER
Thursday 1
San Javier Fiestas Patronales Celebrations (until 11th)

Camposol Reading Group @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 2-4pm
Spangles Turn on Christmas Lights in Balsicas
Music-Fest in Auditorio Victor Villegas, Murcia 8pm 12/16/20
Pets in Spain Christmas Fayre @ La Marina 12-3pm
ACTIN Christmas Sale @ Camposol A 10.30am
Friday 2
2 Night Stay/3 activities/Meals @ La Mariposa, Gebas 159

Spangles Christmas Fair @ Cabo de Palos 4pm
MCC Residents Social Club Christmas Party/Terry Jay @ Mazarrn
25 (non-members 27.50)
Costa Calida Country Music Club/Johnny Scott @ Camposol A 7.45pm
Tapa & Belgium Beer during Mazarrn Gastro Week @ Calle Delicias,
Mazarrn 8pm (until 11th)
MABS Murcia NW Outdoor Market Stall @ Calle Segura, Calasparra 9am-1pm
Mazarrn Bahia Leo Club @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 7-9pm
Santa Barbra Archivel - Caravaca de la Cruz (until 8th)
San Francisco Javier San Javier
ADAPT Meeting @ Pensionista Centre, Lo Pagan 10.30am
Free Guided Tour to see Lorca Monument 11.30am
Free Guided Nature Walk to Peas Blancas with Mazarrn Ayuntamiento
Walk with WARM at Ricote
Humanists Discussion Group Meeting
Free Guided Tour of Archeological Museum Los Baos, Alhama (In Spanish) 11am
Welcome Meeting @ Camposol A 2pm
San Javier Fiestas Patronales Procession/Fireworks 7pm
Comedy Show @ CAES Torre Pacheco 9.30pm 12
Rack of Lamb Night (alternative available) @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A
MABS Mazarrn Christmas Fayre @ Camposol B 11am-3pm
Cavalli Course in Care & Welfare of Therapy & Para-Equestrian Horses
JJs Puppy Rescue Table Top Sale @ Pto de Mazarrn
HAH Dinner/Dance/Done and Dusted @ Los Alcazares 17.50 7pm
Saturday 3
85

Sunday 4
Santa Barbra - Mazarrn

Artisan Market and Free Guided Tour @ Bullas
Downhill Cycling/4 Course Lunch @ La Mariposa, Gebas 35 inc bike/guide/safety equip
Free Dramatized Tour Of guilas in Spanish
Free Tour of Yecla 10am
Free Guided Tour of Modernist Cartagena 10.30am
Free Guided Tour of Alhama (in English) 11am
Spangles @ Cruz Azul Christmas Fair at Los Alczares
Mazarrn FC v Jumilla CD (home)
Monday 5
Forget Me Not Old Fashioned Jumble Sale @ Cultural Centre, Camposol 11am-1pm
Mazarrn Bahia Lions @ Camposol A 5pm
Tuesday 6
Da de la Constitucin National Holiday

Fiestas de la Virgen Yecla
Christmas Fair in San Pedro 10am-2pm and 4pm-9pm (until 11th)
World Record Attempt to make the largest egg flan in the world @ San Javier Fiestas
Wednesday 7
Straight Down The Middle Golf Competition

Los Nietos Golf Society Competition
Welcome Party Night/Time Warp/Ricky Lavazza @ Camposol A 12
MARA Christmas Lunch @ Calasparra 15
Thursday 8
Immaculada Conceptin National Holiday

La Purisima - Mazarrn
Mazarrn Bowls Club Christmas Party @ Pto de Mazarrn
Harlequin Rock Choir Music Performance/Charity Event @ Camposol A 7.30pm
Midnight Fireworks @ San Javier Fiestas
Angie 4 ACTIN Music Quiz @ Camposol B 8pm 2
Friday 9
Murder Mystery Night @ La Mariposa, Gebas

Camposol Golf Association 8 Course Dinner Dance @ Mazarrn 25
Christmas with Spangles Concert @ Los Alczares 7.30pm 5
Northern Soul with DJ Andy McCombe @ Bar Retro, El Pareton
Making a Difference Table Top Sale @ Camposol B 1am2pm
FAST Book Stall @ Camposol B
Forget Me Not Table Top Sale @ Camposol B
Saturday 10
Humanist Walk Campillo de Adentro

Guided Tour of Alhama Castle (in Spanish) 3 11am
Free Dramatized Tour of Lorca 11.30am
Discover The Old Underground Mining Industry of La Union 10am 7
Free Guided Tour of Mazarrn Mines with Mazarrn Ayuntamiento (in Spanish)
Free Guided Tour Mysteries of Bolnuevo with Mazarrn Ayuntamiento (English & Spanish)
Free Guided Tour to Condado De Roche De La Unin 10am
Free Guided Tour of Historic Aguilas Centre in English 11am
Spangles Joint Concert with Crescendo for Age Concern @ Torrevieja 5pm 5
Pre-Christmas Dinner @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A
Flute & Accordian Player Music from the Movies @ Calle Delicias, Mazarrn 8pm
Making a Difference 4 Course Christmas Dinner/Dance @ Camposol C 20 7.30pm
Sunday 11
86
Artisan Market @ Mula

Free Guided Tour of Santiago de La Ribera in 1000 Steps 11am
Mazarrn FC v CD Plus Ultra (away)
GNT @ Blues House, Bolnuevo from 3pm

Helping Hands One Night in Vegas @ Aguilas 15 8.30pm
Monday 12
Guided Walk followed by 4 Course Lunch inc beer/wine @ La Mariposa, Gebas 12
Tuesday 13
Welcome Book Swap @ ICA Medical Centre, Camposol B 10am-12pm

Camposol Golf Association Ladies Competition/Lunch @ Camposol A
Christmas Carols & Reading with Wellspring Victory Church @ Camposol A 6pm
Stamp Collectors Meeting @ Biblioteca, Pto de Mazarrn 6pm
Wednesday 14
Camposol Golf Association Mens Competition/Lunch @ Camposol C

General Meeting of SAMM @ Los Narejos 11am
Spangles @ Ladies Lunch at Sucina 2pm
MABS Murcia NW Volunteers Meeting @ 5pm
ESAMD Dinner @ Mazarrn 7pm
Friday 16
2 Night Stay/3 activities/Meals @ La Mariposa, Gebas 159

Christmas Carols & Reading with Wellspring Victory Church @ Camposol C 6pm
Welcome House Card Crafting Class @ Cehegn 11am
Camposol Golf Association Captains Drive In
Country Music @ Bar Retro, El Pareton
MABS Murcia NW Outdoor Market Stall @ Calle Segura, Calasparra 9am-1pm
MABS Mazarrn Book Sale @ Camposol B 9am-1pm
MABS MMM Share & Care Group @ San Javier 11am-1pm
Forget Me Not Table Top Sale @ Camposol B
Mazarrn Bahia Leo Cl NW Outdoor Market Stall @ Calle
San Animal Santuario Christmas Party @ San Juan de los Terreros
Saturday 17
Artisan Market @ Paseo de las Comunidades Autnomos, Pto de Mazarrn 10am-2pm

Artisan Market @ Lo Pagan 10am-2pm
Free Guided Tour of La Union 10am
Free Guided Tour to see Lorca Monument 11.30am
Free Guided Boat Trip from La Manga del Mar Menor in English 12.15pm
Walk with WARM
Christmas Night Race @ Paseo Carrion, San Javier 5.30pm for children 2/6pm for adults 6
La Reina De Las Nieves- Frozen, The Musical @ Nuevo Teatro Circo in Cartagena
Vaya Santa ClausY La Fbrica De Juguete at Teatro Circo Apolo, El Algar
5.30pm & 7.30pm 10/12
Solidarity Paper Lanterns @ Plaza de Templete, Caravaca
Pre-Christmas Dinner @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A 7pm
Sunday 18

Artisan Market in La Feria Street, Alhama
Artisan Market @ Caravaca
Car Boot Sale @ Cehegn
Ruta del Ferrocarril (Railway Route) with Aguilas Tourist Information Centre
Artisan Market @ Sanctuary de la Esperanza, Calasparra 10am-6pm
Balsicas Run Day 10.30am 4/8
Welcome House Carol Service @ Calasparra 11am
Free Theatrical Guided Tour of Alhama (in Spanish) 11am
Free Tour of Caravaca 11.15am
Mazarrn FC v Cartagena FC UCAM (home)
4 Course Pre-Christmas Lunch @ Lizs Cafe, Camposol B 15 inc a drink
Jokers Inc @ Blues House, Bolnuevo from 3pm
Jazz & Dinner/Mai @ Calle Delicias, Mazarrn 8pm
Camposol Fiesta Decades Night/Buffet/Fancy Dress @ Bar Retro, El Pareton 13
Cavalli Foundation Table Top Sale @ Meta Riding Centre 11am-2pm
Cavalli Foundation Table Top Sale @ Meta Riding Centre 11am-2pm
87

Monday 19
Andreas Animal Rescue Christmas Appearance @ Camposol B Car Park from 11.30am
Tuesday 20
Christmas Carols & Reading with Wellspring Victory Church @ Camposol B 6pm
HELP MMM General Meeting @ Las Claras, Los Narejos 11.30am
Wednesday 21
Humanist Solstice Meal and Quiz
Thursday 22
Christmas Carols & Reading with Wellspring Victory Church @ Camposol A 6pm
Curryoke Night (Curry & Karaoke) @ Blues House, Bolnuevo from 8pm
Saturday 24
Free Guided Tour of Historic Aguilas Centre in English 11am

Christmas Carols & Reading @ Wellspring Victory Church, Pto de Mazarron 7pm
Christmas Eve Buffet @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A
Sunday 25
Christmas Day National Holiday (see Page 48 for details of restaurants special menus)
5km Nature Walk to Los Ceperos, Cehegn 9am
8 Course Lunch @ Mamma Mia, Pto de Mazarrn 30 inc Cocktail on arrival & glass of wine
Christmas Dinner @ Tropic Anas, Camposol A
Tuesday 27
Monthly B Clean Meeting @ Camposol B

MABS Mazarrn Volunteer Meeting @ Camposol B 11.30am
Thursday 29
Guided Walk followed by 4 Course Lunch inc beer/wine @ La Mariposa, Gebas 12

Puss In Boots, The Miauuu-Sical at Teatro Circo Apolo, El Algar 6pm & 8pm 10/12
Friday 30

Making a Difference Table Top Sale @ Camposol B 10am2pm
HELP MMM Charity Market @ Los Alcazres 11am-1pm
FAST Book Stall @ Camposol B
Age Concern Table Top Sale @ Camposol B
Saturday 31
New Years Eve (see Page 48 for details of restaurants special menus)
Casino Night @ Tels Bar, Camposol A 5
Welcome Party/Rob Sweeney, Christine & Terry J/Buffet @ Camposol A 20
JANUARY 2017
Sunday 1
New Years Day National Holiday
Karaoke with Bernie Mac @ Tels Bar, Camposol A from 1.30pm

Monday 2
Mazarrn Bahia Lions @ Camposol A 5pm
Tuesday 3
Stamp Collectors Meeting @ Biblioteca, Pto de Mazarrn 6pm

HAH Volunteers Meeting @ Las Claras, Los Narejos 10.30am
Wednesday 4
Welcome Petanca @ Camposol A

MABS MMM Volunteers Meeting @ Centro Civico, Roda Bar, Roda 11.15am
Age Concern Talking Shop Social @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 1.30-3.30pm
Thursday 5
Camposol Reading Group @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B 2-4pm
Friday 6
Da de Los Tres Reyos (Three Kings Day) National Holiday
88
HAH Volunteers Meeting @ Las Claras, Los Narejos 10.30am
89
In October the Pistoleros (a Western reenactment group based in Torrevieja)

held their first all-day country music event
in Guardamar. A few of us went for the
day, despite the 1 hour drive (except
for someone who got lost en-route for 3
hours!). The event went so well that it will
likely become an annual event.
Our dance in November was a big screen/

projector night. Initially we did these nights
for financial reasons, but thats no longer
the reason for continuing with the projector
nights. However, people still want these
nights to continue periodically as they are
aware of the music but dont know the
faces behind the songs, so the videos we
show ensure they become familiar with the
singers/bands etc.
We have the return of Johnny Scott on Friday
2nd December. We are looking forward to
this as he gave us a memorable night on his
first visit earlier this year.
We (normally) have a dance on the 1st Friday
of each month at Marianos Camposol A,
starting at 7.45pm with the live act coming
on at 9pm. Entry is only 4. If you are
interested in coming along, have a look at
our Facebook page for further information.
Perfect Portugal
As a lead up to Christmas, I would like to
share with you my experiences in Portugal;
such a close country to visit and what a
lovely place it is!
Spain and Portugal share the Iberian
Peninsula and centuries of common, often
but not always belligerent, history. Perhaps
because it is so close, those of us living in
Spain often say we can go there anytime
and fly off to the Caribbean, or South
America, but Portugal is a jewel to discover,
especially the northern part which is a
gift for the senses. Densely wooded areas
protect the rolling hills and myriad rivers
flow from the centre of the peninsula down
90
to the Atlantic Ocean.

I began my trip in Zamora a beautiful
although often forgotten city on the Duero
River and part of the St James Way,
indicated by the scallop-shell signs on
the cobble-stoned streets of the old city.
Then we wandered through the Arribes del
Duero Park; high hills looking down on the
sparkling river. Many dams are in the area
with large reservoirs which offer boat trips
to admire the many birds of prey flying
above the hills. Then we went to Miranda del
Duoro; first stop over the border, which has
the same amazing views over the reservoirs
of the river.
Guimaraes is an unforgettable world
heritage city.
They have a policy of
making the historical centre as livable as
possible for locals, so that people actually
live in the centre. Businesses, both during
the day and in the evening, thrive as hosts
of tourists wander the medieval streets.
Please note that our dance in January will

be on the 2nd Friday, January 13th, when
Martin Ross will put on his country hat and
entertain us.
Ann and Roys line dance classes continue in
Camposol Culture Centre each Wednesday
and Thursday. Their contact number is 968
974 951
blocks - completely covered with morning

glory, with the odd cat managing to forage
in what was once an apartment with terrace.
The most touristic area is down by the river,
packed with restaurants on the waters
edge; a wonderful way to spend evenings
watching boats go up and down the river,
small fishing boats on their way to the sea,
larger tourist boats and even larger cruise
ships offering anything from a 10 minute
crossing from one side of the river to the
other, to a week or so cruise up the Duero,
relishing the view of grapes growing on the
banks, whilst enjoying a delightful glass of
Duoro red wine (excellent), or Green wine,
great with fish, or a glass of Port with your
dessert. Gastronomy is indeed one of the
greatest pleasures of a trip to this country.
Dragontours would be happy to advise you

the best way to go to Portugal and make
reservations at hotels or Pousadas, the
lovely old-style Portuguese boutique hotels.
The star of my trip was Oporto. My

first impression was of absolute chaos, as
if a giant had thrown his giant Monopoly
houses helter-skelter down the steep banks
of the town towards the smooth Duero
water; multi-coloured, some pristine and
newly renovated, some in serious need
of renovation and a huge chunk - several
Santy and Eileen both wish you all a

wonderful Holiday Season, good luck,
health and happiness in the New Year and
many happy holidays with Dragontours.
See you soon!
info@dragontours.net
Tel 968 199 021
Camposol A Commercial Centre
91
over 30!!
Los Nietos Golf Society played at La Torre

on Wednesday 2nd November for the Henry
Wilce Memorial Trophy.
The winner of the front 9 was Mick McGovern

with 20 points and winner of the back 9 was
Kevin Shackleton, also with a score of 20
points.
The day was a celebration of Henrys

memory. He is a former well-loved member
of the society. The trophy is played for each
year and his wife Janet and two children,
Nick and Katie, joined us in the evening for
dinner at El Fraile, in the village.
The Overall Winner for the Trophy this

year was Ian Price, with a great score of
40 points.
Congratulations to all the winners and
our next sojourn will be at La Roda on 7th
December.
The competition was an individual Stableford

with the following prizes and winners:
Nearest the Pin on hole 5 was won by Alan
McNicol, and hole 15 was won by Pat Hurley.
Pats name just keeps popping up as he also
won the Longest Drive on hole 7, 2nd shot
Nearest the Pin on hole 14 and he was
also Runner-Up with a magnificent score

of 39 points. The Handicap Secretary will
be busy as the scores reflected the ideal
conditions with 10 of the 23 players scoring
In Division Two Jeff Brain took the top spot

with 32 points and Karen Jones was a close
second with 28 points.
October was a busy month for Fuente Old

Guard with our annual singles matchplay
knockout at Hacienda Del Alamo on
October 13th and our monthly Stapleford
competition at Aguilon Golf Resort on
October 25th.
Anyone wishing to learn more about Los

Nietos Golf Society can contact Iain on
casabromley@hotmail.com in the first
instance.
Meanwhile in division three John Downie

was ahead of the rest with 37 points with
Dave May in second place with 33 points.
Nearest the Pin winners were Kevin, Neil,
Andy Paul, Allen Evans and Peter Court
with Kevin and Neil sharing the Twos Pot
of 61.
The matchplay competition was won by

Richard Dixon who overcame Peter Court
in a close fought final.
The Stapleford competition at Aguilon was
92
played in almost perfect conditions on

an equally near-perfect golf course. The
Overall Winner on the day was Kevin Jones
with 41 points off a handicap of 18 with
Neil MacFarlane a close second with 39
points off a handicap of 5. Not surprisingly
these scores gave Kevin and Neil the first
and second place in Division One.
Our next game is at Altorreal on
December 15th and if anyone wishes
to join FOGGS or just play as a guest
please contact us by email at info@
fuenteoldguardgolfsociety.com
Christmas is a coming....!!
The days may be getting shorter, but
that is not stopping the intrepid bowlers
from Mazarrn Bowls Club driving up
the coast twice a week to compete in the
Alicante Leagues. Often its dark when
they leave or, if its an afternoon game,
when they are driving home.
3 people in a team with one person playing

the singles element of the game for 6
ends, then the other two play pairs for six
ends and finally all three members of the
team play triples for 8 ends. The winning
team for each segment gets a bonus of 3
points. At the time this article was written
the game had not been played.
MBC play in two winter Leagues: Division

A in the LLB Southern League and the
Voyager Division of the South Alicante
League. Competition is extremely stiff
in both these Leagues, but especially in
the LLB League where Mazarrn Miners
are competing against players from the
Spanish National Squad. However, its a
very different story in the South Alicante
League where the Mazarrn Mariners
are currently 2nd in the results table and
only 1 point behind the leaders.
MBC will finish of their successful year of

bowls with a Christmas Party at Bar Med
on 8th December.
Charity Quiz
At Marianos on 21st October we had a
Charity Quiz when the Harlequin Rock
Choir sang their hearts out. It was a
great evening and we had John playing
the guitar whilst we enjoyed our meal.
The Quiz was run by Phil Halton who was
ably assisted by Ida his wife. Ida read the
questions out nearly making herself hoarse
and then she went on to sing in the choir
she was everywhere! The winners of the
Quiz for the second year running were The
Crash Test Dummies comprising of Clive &
Vron Porter, Tony & Ann Doyle and Bryon
& Geraldine Wilde, who also won the half
hour fun quiz at the end. As my school
reports always said must try harder!
We had the usual raffle with people being
extremely generous and at the end of the
evening the CGA raised 554 which will
help to boost our charity funds for MABS
and FAST.
We will probably have another Charity
Quiz in March.
On 20th November an in house match was

played in a 3 2 1 format. This comprises
Jean presented a trophy to the club for this

annual event. As his last task the retiring
Club Captain, Steve Dixon presented the
prizes. His very capable Vice Captain, Des
Bunn will now taking on the role of the new
Captain.
Please come and support Des on 16th
December when he will be having his
Captains Drive In. There will lots of
prizes in this Club Competition so get your
name down on the sign-up sheet in the Pro
Shop. It is usually a good day with a good
atmosphere in the Club House afterwards,
helped along by a few glasses of mulled
wine.
Overall Winner & Winner of Cup - Steve

Dixon 39 pts.
Runner-Up - Pete Coulstock 36 pts.
MBC look forward to welcoming any new

people that wish to try the game of bowls
or established players wishing to take up
the game in Spain. All are welcome at
Thursday roll-up days, 10am for a 10.30am
start. Further details can be obtained from
our website mazarronbowlsclub.webs.
com or from the Secretary, Sue Hattrell at
mazarronbc@live.co.uk
Ladies Placings
1st - Olly Hill 35 pts.
2nd - Pam Andrew 34 pts.
Turkey Trot Competitions
The Ladies Stableford Turkey Trot
Competition is taking place on 13th
December with a Ladies Christmas
Lunch afterwards at Cats Bar with the
Mens Turkey Trot and Christmas
Lunch the day after on 14th December at
The Club House. The CGA has presented
50 to the men and 30 to the ladies to be
used to buy meat vouchers for the Turkey
Trot prizes. The difference in the amounts
is due to pro rota men to lady golfers.
Christmas Dinner Dance
The Hotel Costas Celebration Rooms,
Mazarrn is the venue for our Christmas
Dinner Dance on 9th December. The signup sheet is still in the Gents Changing
Room at the Club House if you would like
to go, or you can email me with your main
meal choice of Chicken, Hake or Pork.
Tickets 25 for an 8 course meal, coffee,
liquors, wine, beer, water AND soft drinks
whilst eating your meal. There will be an
optional bus stopping at all the usual stops
on Camposol and Mazarrn Country Club
for 5 a head return.
Betty Roberts bettylloyd1560@hotmail.
com
October Club de Golf Competition and

Annual End of Year Dinner
The competition was for the Stuart Smith
Memorial Trophy Stuart was the CGA
President for some years and his wife
Hacienda Riquelme Golfing Away Day

On Friday 27th January the CGA are
organising a golfing away day at Hacienda
Riquelme.
The first tee time will be
10.42am. The price should be 37 with a
buggy, but the CGA are sponsoring their
members by 7, making the price 30
with a buggy. Other golfers are welcome,
but they will not get sponsorship. On our
return to Camposol we will have a 3 course
meal at Trevi Bar with a glass of wine for
12 when non-playing golfing partners are
more than welcome.
The Autumn Triples League Competition

is progressing well and the Club
Championships have begun in earnest with
all the first rounds completed. There have
been some surprising upsets this year with
the new members that only started in the
summer doing extremely well.
93
After the dreadful start to the season

with only point gained after four games,
Mazarrn FCs season started to improve
and by mid-November the team had climbed
into a mid-table position. However, despite
having an uncompromising defence, goal
scoring continued to be a major problem
with only 12 goals scored in the first 12
games.
An injury to Javi Torrano in the away game at

Cartagena severely restricted the attacking
options and he missed the next six games
through injury. Jimmy was signed from
Aguilas as a replacement and he settled in
promisingly before being injured himself in
the away game at Alcantarilla. The squad
was further strengthened with the signing
of Marcos from La Hoya Lorca and with
youngsters such as Andreo, Steven, Pedro
and David making the smooth transition
from the juvenile squad the future looked

a lot brighter with two thirds of the season
still remaining.
The home local derby game against league
leaders Bala Azul in November saw a
huge crowd at the Estadio Municipal, the
biggest since the 2006/07 season when
the Club won promotion to Segunda B. A
late goal from former Mazarrn favourite
Jose Da gave Bala the three points, but it
was an excellent game played in a fantastic
atmosphere.
Mazarrn FCs home games are normally
played on Sundays with varying kick off
times. Admission for this season has been
reduced to 3 with juveniles under 16 free.
Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC organise a
supporters coach to most away games at
8 for members and 10 for non-members.
Full details of all games, dates and kick off
times are advertised in the local media, on
www.mazarronfc.es, on Los Amigos
de Mazarrn FC Facebook, fb.me/
mazarron2016 and on posters at various
points throughout Camposol and Mazarron.
Forthcoming league fixtures:
Sunday 4th December Jumilla CD home
Sunday 11th December CD Plus Ultra away
Sunday 18th December Cartagena FC
UCAM home
Sunday 8th January Montecasillas FC home
The Los Amigos Luncheon Club outing on

Tuesday 22nd November was to the Meson
Los Ortegas in Totana. Once again members
and friends enjoyed a delightful Menu Del
Dia with the usual copious amount of drinks
included. There will be no Luncheon
Club outing in December. For details
of future events please email Maggie at
hairinspain@gmail.com
94
The Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC 10th

Birthday Party held at The Club House,
Camposol C on Friday 4th November was a
tremendous success with superb musical
entertainment from the Geckos. President
Dave Perks welcomed everyone and
thanked all members who had supported
Los Amigos over their 10 years existence.
Tickets are already selling really well for

the 8th Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC Gala
Evening and Dinner to be held on Tuesday
21st March at Hotel la Cumbre, Puerto de
Mazarrn. Tickets are 40 with limited VIP
places available at 50. Guest Speaker is
Alvin Martin,
former West
Ham United
and England
c e n t r a l
d e f e n d e r.
Alvin
spent
20
years
with
West
Ham
and
gained
17
international
caps
with
England.
Only
four
West
Ham
p l a y e r s
have
made
more
first
team appearances than Alvin who made
596 scoring 34 goals. Alvin has hosted
a radio show on Talk Sport and is also an
accomplished After Dinner Speaker.
Comedian Gary Marshall who did such an
excellent job as MC last year will be doing
a 30 minute comedy act in addition to his
MC duties. Gary has made numerous TV
appearances including Opportunity Knocks,
Laugh A Minute, Big Night Out and Stand
and Deliver. He has also appeared at the
European Champions League Final Dinner,
The PGA Luncheon at the Grosvenor House
in London, Andrew Flintoffs Testimonial
Dinner and at FA Cup Final Corporate
Hospitality events.
Musical entertainment will be provided by
Woody and the event is again sponsored
by
Ibex
Insurance
and
Mazarrn
Entertainments Group.
Tickets for the Gala Dinner are on sale at
the weekly Los Amigos meetings or you can
ring Barbara on 627 012 646, Dave on
634 369 639, Gerard on 624 320 567 or
email pamada.1130@yahoo.co.uk
The Celebrity Golf Tournament at
Camposol Club de Golf will be on Monday
20th March. The event, in the Texas
Scramble format, is being sponsored by
Expat Pensions and we would again like to
thank them for their continued support for
this popular event. Green fees are just 25
with buggies available at a shared cost of
20 (10 per person). Both Alvin Martin
and Gary Marshall will be taking part along
with Los Amigos UK Ambassador Tony
Currie who will again be flying in for Gala
Week with his wife Elizabeth. Please email
losamigosdemazarronfc@hotmail.
co.uk for full details or to enter the
competition.
Los Amigos de Mazarrn FC weekly
meetings are held every Thursday at The
Club House 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. Los Amigos
membership costs just 10 which includes
reduced coach travel and reduced prices to
most of our social events.
The Kids in Need Golf Society, are

absolutely delighted to inform all donors
to their 2016 charity fund that one of the
first benefactors this year is the Making
a Difference group. The MAD group do
an amazing job for the underprivileged
children in the Mazarrn area.
Bottle Tops
Have you ever wondered what actually
happens to all those plastic bottle tops
that you see being collected in the most
unlikely places, from corner shops to
hospital waiting rooms?
For those of you in Northwest Murcia,

please contact Patti on 646 005 017
Wonder no more! Los Reyes Golf Society

were invited along to a rather special event
taking place on the outskirts of Lorca, but
first a little background information.
Every Bottle Top counts!
We presented the cheque to MAD at

Leonardos Restaurant, where Leonardo
had invited over 50 disabled children and
their carers along to a Pizza and Pop Party
as part of our Los Reyes fund raising. A
great time was had by all and on behalf
of all the children we would like to thank
Leonardo for this incredibly generous
gesture. It never ceases to amaze us how
many caring people there are out there.
One such person, and we shall call her
only by her name Anne, as she shuns the
limelight, goes about her work with MAD
and the needy kids in her own special
way. She knows when the children in her
local area have a birthday and, out of her
own money, buys birthday presents for
them. We have decided that she is another
conduit for Kids in Need Golf Society and
have donated 500 towards The Birthday
Present Ladys work.
A little girl, Eva, was diagnosed to be

suffering from a very debilitating disease.
It was soon realised that there was no
treatment available here in Spain to
combat the disease. Her parents discovered
that the one place she could receive the
necessary treatment was in the USA, but
at a very high cost; so began the Bottle
Top story.
It came to light that the hard plastic
from which Bottle Tops are made could
be recycled. The word spread and the
mammoth logistical task of collecting
began.
At 0.15 per kilo, it is clear you need an
awful lot of tops to get sufficient money to
send a little girl to USA. You can see from
the photographs that an awful lot of tops
are collected, so dont throw them in the
bin, look for a collection point:
Multiopticas on Camposol B and the
Lions stall on Fridays on Camposol B.
Once again a huge thank you to all our

sponsors.
To find out more about our society, find us
on Facebook, or contact:
Barry on barrymartin.spain@gmail.com
Dave on lorzenhof.dp@gmail.com
Terry on d11toddy@yahoo.co.uk
We will be presenting more donations over

the coming weeks and promise to keep
everyone informed. Our thanks go out
once again to the generous donors.
We are delighted to donate 1000 towards

their efforts and as Janet their President
and Secretary Anne told us, it will go a
long way to helping the very young babies
in our area. The intention is to purchase
nappies and other sanitary products which
are urgently needed.
The members of Los Reyes began their

association with this particular fund-raising
effort a number of years back and this
year were delighted to be in a position to
continue to support the parents of Eva and
donated 1000 towards the necessary cost
of Evas treatment for the coming year.
95
A u t u m n
Sunshine
On
a
beautiful
autumn day,
with
clear
skies and the
sun shining,
28 members
and
one
g u e s t
gathered on
the first tee
at Camposol
Club de Golf for the monthly Stapleford
competition.
The greens were in good condition, with the
grass a tad long which meant that some
effort was required for the longer putts.
There was also unfortunately a somewhat
unpleasant aroma by the lake on hole 1, as
the staff were cleaning it out at the time.
We soon moved on however and continued
Pleasant But Not Exciting Racing

So many members of the Balaton Group
arrived for the SAMM Race Day on Sunday
30th October that two of the founder
members had to stand down so three new
members could experience racing for the
first time in the groups three day boats.
They were joined by four Shoestring
Group dinghies and one independent boat.
The morning race was delayed by lack of
wind, but at 12 noon it had come in at
4 knots and the Balaton boats started.
Sirocco made a poor start and crossed the
line with the dinghies at 12.05pm, but made
up her deficit and was the first day boat to
finish.
until we got
to the 10th
tee
where
we caught up
with another
s o c i e t y
and
things
slowed down
from there.
We reached
the
19th
w i t h o u t
further ado
and checked
out
the
cards,
to
find that our guest Cameron Dickie on a 13
handicap had returned a score of 35 points,
which placed him in joint second place with
Jim Booth.
The winner with a score of 37 points was
Brian McAllister and in third place was David
Griffith on 33 points.
As the clocks had gone back and it would

get dark earlier, the second race was kept at
three laps and started at 3pm. The wind had
increased to 6 knots and again Don was in
the lead by the end of the first lap and held
it to the finish.
O
u
r
December
meeting is on
We d n e s d a y
7th at Camposol.
Please let the Secretary know if you intend
to come to the Presentation Evening on
February 4th 2017.
Geoff Sharp
hatters45@msn.com
The wind had increased to 5 knots when the

second race started, still making for a slow
pace, but making two laps possible with
boats finishing in between 41 minutes and
11/4 hours.
There was some close racing at times,

especially when a dinghy overhauled a day
boat and the results were.
Penultimate SAMM Race Day

Remembrance Sunday was the date of the
penultimate race day of the SAMM Autumn
2016 season and those attending observed
a minutes silence to honour all those who
made the ultimate sacrifice so we could
enjoy our current life style.
96
Pictured
is
Dave Thomas
with
his
consolation
prize.
Mistral had sailed badly in the first race

coming in last and it was apparent from the
Committee boat during the second race that
something was amiss as she was crabbing
sideways on the beat. Her rig and keel need
urgent investigation to locate the problem.
First race: Hartley, Shoestring Dos,

Shoestring Uno.
Second race: Hartley, Shoestring Cuatro,
Shoestring Dos
The conditions suited Don Clark in his

Hartley. He soon led the fleet and finished
the first lap in a slow 29 minutes; Sirocco
took 52 minutes. This slow pace forced the
Race Officer to shorten the race to 3 laps
which all the dinghies finished by 2.45pm.
The Balaton boats needed a stronger wind
to sail their best so took around 45 minutes
longer.
The Nearest
The
Pin
w i n n e r s
were Richard
Dawson and
Paul Allsop.
Seven boats entered, but the start was

delayed to 12.15pm when the support boat
engine would not start and the old rib had
to be forced into service. The resulting
disruption saw only one boat make the start
on time as the wind had died away as the
morning progressed to less than 3 knots.
The slow pace forced the Race Officer to
shorten the race to just one lap which took
between 1 and 11/2 hours for all boats to
complete.
Unless he made a drastic tactical error, the

low wind speed foretold another two wins
for Don Clark in his Hartley 12.2 and this
proved the case as he won with a margin
of over 300 seconds in both races. There
were some close battles and finishing time
differences between many of the other
boats.
As on the previous race day, Mistral was
still not sailing well and still need checking
for rigging or other problems.
Final results:
Race 1 1st Hartley 12.2, 2nd Shoestring
Cuatro, 3rd RS Quba.
Race 2 1st Hartley 12.2, 2nd RS Quba, 3rd
Shoestring Cuatro
Interested in sailing? Have a look at our
website www.sailingmarmenor.com to
check out the various options and contact
us for more information.
97
CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE
To Place a Boxed Advert:
Payment can either be made in the office

on Camposol B 10am-2pm Tues/Wed/
Thurs, or by arrangement.
To Place a Classified Advert on the
website:
Please
email
costacalidachronicle@
gmail.com putting free classified advert
in the subject box or click on Classifieds
on the menu bar on our website www.
costacalidachronicle.com
GROUPS
Please email costacalidachronicle@gmail.

com putting boxed classified advert in the
subject box or
Call 968 970 680 10am-2pm Tues/Wed/
Thurs
Boggle Answers:
9 LETTER WORD
IS SHEPHERDS
SPHERED
SHREDS
SPEEDS
SPHERE
98
HEEDS
SEEDS
DEER
REED
ERE
SEEPS
HEED
SEED
HER
SHEDS
HERE
SEEP
PEE
SHEEP
PEED
SEER
PER
SHEER
PEER
SEES
RED
SHRED
PEES
SERE
SEE
SPEED
PERE
SHED
SHE
DEEP
REDE
SPED
We began 2016 with high expectations

after 3 or 4 years of steady growth and
stable prices. The UK pound was growing
in strength against the Euro, encouraging
people to buy their bargain Spanish
property and fulfil the dreams many had
put on hold for several years. Those on
fixed UK incomes here in Spain saw their
standard of living improve and coupled
with the improvement in the Spanish
economy we witnessed empty shops and
bars re-opening, offering choice and hope
of a return to those heady, booming days
of the early 2000s.
As sterling headed to the dizzy heights of
1.43 to 1 UK pound (not witnessed since
2007) it was beginning to look like we were
on the road to a full recovery.
Our sales - like most other agents - were
off the scale; well, at least the scale we
had come to accept since the crash. Sold
boards were appearing all over Spain and
in our local area of Murcia we saw some
of the largest increases in sales volumes
throughout the country. Buyers from other
Eurozone member nations were just as
enthusiastic as the British to acquire their
place in the sun!
Then came the 23rd June referendum
and by 3am of the next morning it was
clear everything was now in a state of flux
for UK nationals living all over Europe and
of course for other Europeans residing and
working in the UK!
Much has been said, predicted and

dismissed in the time since Brexit occurred
and still we dont really have much to go
on or prepare for. The markets are jittery,
the public are seeking assurances and
the media play their silly games to boost
readership and revenue. Then came the
crashing pound event of a few months
ago followed by the US election result!
Just as divisive as Brexit yet still leaving
people unsure of where things will go next.
Was it good?
Was it bad?
Will things carry on as normal?
Will things change forever?
Well, heres my take on things for what its
worth!
Next year I will still be living and working
in Spain.
I will still be selling homes to people
looking to live a new life in Spain.
My TV will still be pumping out the same
old drivel, speculation and disinformation.
My living standard will have either have
gotten worse, better or remained the
same!
In that case, not different from the past 17
years then!
Have a great Christmas everyone and
more importantly, a Happy, Healthy and
Prosperous New Year.
Kenneth Whettall
Commercial Director
Fuente Alamo Real Estate/Murcia
Coast & Country
Info@fuentealamorealestate.com
Tel 0034 968 598 173
What a year weve all come through!

With the obvious exception of the world
banking and property crisis of 2008 an
event that still impacts on us all, even
today I cant remember at time in my 17
years as a Spanish property agent when
so many events influenced our profession
quite so controversially!
99

Advertisers Directory
Accountants:
Corral & Alcaraz (102)
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968 078 754

968 199 237
968 536 151

Fiat Cartagena (73)
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968 858 582
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Specialist Vehicles SL (99)
968 146 158
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Vehicle Storage (97)
602 643 436
Airport Parking:
Airpark Murcia (25)
618 806 989
Catering:
Lizs Caf (35)
Page numbers are in black

Accommodation:
La Mariposa (2) 968 631 008
Architects:
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629 423 999
Martinez de la Casa (17)
665 810 411
Bars, Cafs & Restaurants:

Bar/Rest La Llana (76) 968 103 300
634 060 232
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666 999 518
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968 150 967
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868 088 140
968 705 406
Cafeteria Plaza (67)
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667 238 778
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619 003 022
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692 883 716
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968 158 499
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968 152 016
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696 724 123
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968 002 002
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968 153 049
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968 199 238
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634 143 088
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695 534 455
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868 082 106
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699 060 472
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968 154 544
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646 705 021
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602 435 722
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968 153 347
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634 347 899
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630 269 994
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650 662 579
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622 691 923
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647 119 952
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684 316 585
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968 150 979

661 086 403
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634 317 092
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635 951 031
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100
633 810 666

607 848 332
696 724 123
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660 478 881
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666 917 695
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680 588 377
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635 750 752
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968 970 666
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693 231 955
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968 971 893
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968 153 645
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968 707 428
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968 077 396
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968 596 306
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968 186 660
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(97)
634 347
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619 712
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642 172
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868 181
899
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628 149 840

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638 893 357
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968
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153
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354
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727
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669
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907
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626 957 599
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665 951 600
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610 949 595
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628 234 045
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968 158 433
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968 971 828
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691 916 717
Health & Beauty:
Beauty by the Golf (23) 602 584 714
Calida Caring Agency (97)
634 317 092
Casa Community Care (81)
635 951 031
Copper Heelers (70)
628 274 048
Clinica Camposol Dental Clinic (25)
968 199 111
Clinica Camposol Medical Practitioner
(33)
675 054 782
Freedom Health & Beauty (52)
638 893 357
Health Treatments by Lisa (14)
626 960 354
Healthy H20 (37)
968 437 270
Janes Salon (21)
968 158 433
Medicallink (51)
968 212 050
The Beauty Palace (103)
968 971 828
The Fuschia Beauty Clinic (41)
602 956 526
The Salon (75)
691 916 717
Heating & Aircon:
Camposol Firewood (16)626 957 599
Camposol Heating & Maintenance (91)
968 199 184
Llamas Chimeneas (15) 968 591 030
Louis Harris (23)
619 712 821
697 949 519
Sol Pellet (29)
TJ Electricals (13)
868 181 121
Home Furnishings:
Branded (43)
607 050
616 240
Curtain Call (69)
Yorkshire Linen, Pto de Maz (9)
968 595
Yorkshire Linen, San Javier (9)
968 193
Insurance:
ANRA Consulting (39)
ASSSA (41)
H R Insurance (69)
Ibex (61)
Nash Warren (91)
Natalia Filbee (46)
968
968
669
968
968
968
979
153
046
595
156
070
309
171
946
912
851
396
167
945
583
020
Internet/ Internet Cafs:

Compusurf (103)
968 970 666
693 231 955
Nevada Networks (59) 968 006 160
Kennels/Catteries/Pet Care:
Cat-a-Tonic Cattery (72) 646 705 403
Mountain View Kennels (16)
679 394 431
Kitchen Fitters/Suppliers:
German Kuchen Studio (75)
636 306 711
Kchennova (San Javier) (11)
968 064 521
Kchennova (Cartagena) (11)
968 501 304
Launderettes:
Los Belones Launderette (79)
968 569 096
Legal Services:
ANRA Consulting (39)
Corral & Alcaraz (43)
968 979 851

968 078 754
Locksmiths:
ADS Locksmiths (81)
600 255 250
Alan Eustace Locksmith (95)
609 265 899
Mechanics/Gruas:
AutoTrans 88 (42)
633 810
Decklid Auto Services (14)
626 678
Ken Sherwood Mechanic (45)
679 646
Kwik Fix English Mechanic (29)
968 972
Mobile Car Mechanic Peter (69)
666 161
Talleres Norberto (63) 968 591
Mobility Products:
Freedom Mobility (52)
666
Outdoor Living:
CRS Builders (23)
DFS (77)
Furniture Plus (104)
Kruger Canopies (40)
Leroy Merlin, Cartagena
859
006
129
221
638 893 357
968 199 361
968 153
968 334
968 482
968 590
(19)
968 149
The Solar Light Centre (16)
968 551
Woodworks Direct (60) 649 540
Removals & Storage:

Advance Moves (57)
968 654 667
696 10 634
Hardy Removals (91)
Lords Removals & Storage (101)
608 061 872
Man & Van Hire Mikey (99)
640 079 161
Man & Van Services - Ian (12)
634 338 121
Vehicle Storage (97)
602 643 436
Repairs
693 231 955
840
Motorhomes:
UK Motorhomes Wanted (50)
0044 797 66 2395
Opticians:
MultiOpticas (46)
Another World Properties (Pto de

968 972 400
Mazarrn) (89)
ANRA Consulting (39) 968 979 851
968 598 173
Best Of Spanish (89)
Fuente Alamo Real Estate (57)
968 598 173
Holmes & Pegg (29)
968 199 290
Jackie Galvez (45)
968 153 707
Mercers (46)
968 199 188
Old Farmhouses (75)
968 159 631
Prime Property Murcia (47)
646 692 471
347
194
456
258
800
464
016
Painting and Decorating:

Pinturas Acosta (60)
626 960 354
RJB Dcor Painting (81) 699 044 742
S & D Builders (67)
622 691 923
Retail Outlets:
Bodegas Martinez (43)
Branded (43)
Calle Delicias (55)
Copper Heelers (70)
Costa Pool (16)
Forever Flowers (45)
German Kuchen Studio
968 199
607 050
667 238
628 274
626 957
634 333
(75)
636 306
IPhone Repairs (49)
617 646
693 231
Leroy Merlin, Cartagena (19)
968 149
MultiOpticas (46)
968 199
968 199
Quicksave (47)
TJ Electricals (13)
868 181
Yorkshire Linen, Pto de Maz (9)
968 595
Yorkshire Linen, San Javier (9)
968 193
126
309
778
048
599
201
711
147
955
800
361
860
121
659 315 130
Spas & Hot Tubs:

Eurospas (5)
650 722 905
Sport & Leisure:

Anglo Info (97)
Cavalli (80)
Costa Clida Radio (53)
Espua Adventure (2)
Los Balcones (73)
Yoga with Lisa (14)
Yogamayga (86)
617
636
968
968
968
626
968
213
172
595
631
002
960
150
969
198
862
008
002
354
755
Swimming Pool Construction, Cleaning

& Maintenance:
Costa Pool (16)
626 957 599
Khn Pool Service (12) 968 138 638
Mazarrn Property Management (31)
662 531 572
Watermaid (21)
646 705 088
Telephone/Mobile Providers/Repairs:
Compusurf (103)
968 970 666
IPhone Repairs (49)
617 646 147
Translation:
Costa Clida Property Serv (81)
968 199 251
Jackie Galvez (45)
968 153 707
Travel Agents:
Dragon Tours (44)
968 199 021
TV & Satellite:
Cool Solutions (71)
608 499 422
CTV Aerial & Satellite Systems (91)
600 218 046
ISS (7)
625 187 149
Loco Murcia (97)
671 682 579
Rainbow Satellites (8) 686 358 475
YPM (23)
628 234 045
Upholstery Cleaning:
Winders Upholstering Cleaning (22)
636 193 256
946
912
Security:
ADS Locksmiths (81)
600 255 250
Alan Eustace Locksmith (95)
609 265 899
Eriks Metal Works (29) 636 050 008
Solar Power:
Freesol (25)
Sol Pellet (29)
Solar Directa (67)
Veterinary Clinics:
Clinica Veterinaria Pto Maz (23)
968 153
Emerg 608 466
Clinica Veterinaria Sur Este (78)
965 352
Veterinary Clinic Maskota (69)
968 597
Emerg 619 378
931
553
438
929
473
659 232 507

697 949 519
Plumbers:
Apache 24/7 Plumbing (61)
674 788 693
Brian Jones & Co (58) 646 705 021
Camposol Heating & Maintenance (91)
968 199 184
Paul the Plumber (47) 634 326 804
Printing & Design:
Entorno Grafico (27)
Mister Print (52)
968 654 007

638 893 357
Property Maintenance:
Brian Jones & Co (58) 646 705 021
Window Blind Repairs (38)
684 316 585
Property Rentals/Management:
La Manga 4 U (79) 0044 7921 351298
Mazarrn Property Management (31)
662 531 572
OwnersAway (54)
691 977 107
Property Sales:
Another World Properties (Camposol)
(89)
968 592 679
Costa Clida Property Serv (81)

968 199 251
Ferrandez (Cartagena) (59)
968 521 008
Ferrandez (Pto de Maz) (59)
968 154521
Gestoria Carvajal (61) 968 154 045
Legal View (68)
968 199 237
LS Solicitors (Mar Menor) (79)
968 041 788
LS Solicitors (Los Narejos) (79)
868 106 641
LS Solicitors (Roldan) (79)
968 032 424
Professional & Legal Solutions (7)
968 595 826
Spanish Number Plates (62)
966 753 375
101
At time of going to print this month we

had 6 dogs confirmed and home checks for
another 5 dogs taking place, these are due
to go to Germany on the 9th December. We
also have 2 dogs going to new homes in the
UK on 1st December under the EU Traces
System from the Animal Hotel to their new
owners. We thank their organisers for this
new avenue of rescue for the dogs in our
care. We also have one dog going to a new
home in Holland during this month.
We would like to thank all our volunteers
and shop staff doing everything possible
to help the Perrera Dogs. Without them
giving their time and effort this worthwhile
quest would not be possible. The work we
do and the care of our Rescued Dogs takes
money as well as considerable effort on
the part of all those involved and we would

like to thank all our supporters who have
made donations for us to sell in our shop
in Puerto de Mazarrn and also at the Table
Top Stall run by the marvellous volunteers
of Helping The Perrera Dogs Group
held on Camposol A every two weeks on
Thursday Market Day.
We must not forget our JJ Puppy Rescue
Association Volunteers who hold a Table
Top Stall of cakes and pastries in Nico &
Sonias Bar in Puerto de Mazarrn on the
first Saturday in the month.
Please come and support these venues and
grab yourself a bargain as well as helping
raise the funds we need to help these
unfortunate animals.
Some Questions About Domicile and

Residence
What concepts determine tax liability in
your jurisdiction (for example, domicile and
residence)?
(presence
test).
Temporary
absences are considered time
residing in Spain unless a residence
certificate
issued
by
another
jurisdiction is provided.
*
In what context are they relevant and how

do they impact on a taxpayer?
Residence
In general terms, tax liability in Spain is
determined by the concept of permanent
residence, whereas citizenship is irrelevant.
An individual is considered a permanent
resident in Spain in any of the following
circumstances:
* An individual that spends over 183
days in a calendar year in Spain
is deemed to be a tax resident
102
When the individuals main centre

of business activities or interests
is directly or indirectly located in
Spanish territory.
If the spouse and underage children
reside
permanently
in
Spain,
residence is presumed unless
sufficient proof is provided to the
contrary.
These criteria of residency apply for personal

income tax, wealth tax, inheritance tax and
gift tax.
We thank you all for your support

throughout this year and hope we can
look forward to your continued support for
2017. Our shop in Puerto de Mazarrn is
open Monday to Saturday 10.30am-2pm.
It is situated just past the Dia Supermarket
(formerly Arbol). Our shop will be open
normal hours over the Christmas/New Year
period.
If you think you could spare a few hours
a week in our Charity Shop to help raise
much needed funds please call Cathy on
639 604 628.
We wish a very Merry Christmas and a
prosperous New Year to you all!!
Other
If there is no permanent residence in Spain,
tax liability can still exist when income is
obtained in Spain or when assets or rights
are located in Spain.
Temporary residents
Does your jurisdiction have any
particular tax rules affecting temporary
residents?
Individuals that acquire Spanish residency
for employment reasons can choose to
be taxed for the first five years as NonResidents if specific requirements are met.
This regime is not applicable to professional
athletes or company directors that have a
stake of at least 25% in a company.
The regime mainly implies that income
obtained directly in Spain and any
employment income obtained worldwide
is subject to taxation. In general terms,
gross income is taxed at 24% for the first
600,000 and at 45% for any amount above
that. Dividends, interests and capital gains
are taxed separately at between 19% and
23%, depending on the income obtained.
Wealth Tax is only imposed on assets
located in Spain.
Always seek professional advice and for
your peace of mind it is advisable to
consider appointing a fiscal representative.
This fiscal representative will assume
the responsibility of receiving all formal
communication from the Tax Office and will
act accordingly on your behalf within the
given timescales.
Prevention is always better than cure.
Corral & Alcaraz Law Firm
Lawyers, Barristers & Accountants
Tel 968 078 754
103
104

Costa Cálida Chronicle's Monthly Magazine December 2016

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Costa Cálida Chronicle's Monthly Magazine December 2016

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Costa Clida Chronicle - December 2016

The Longest Established

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

Costa Clida Chronicle Sales 619 199 407

Costa Clida Chronicle - December 2016

First of all we would like to thank

last months magazine. Thank you to

THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Alan Monk TV News

Ken Whettall Housing Update

Clive & Rosie Palmer Exploring

Jane Cronin Learning Spanish

Think Spain Spain in the EU/

N332 Driving Information

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

George Mitchell Never a Dull

Costa Clida Chronicle Sales 619 199 407

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

Costa Clida Chronicle - December 2016

Costa Clida Chronicle Sales 619 199 407

Costa Clida Chronicle - December 2016

Health and Beauty

Camposol Bridge Club

Mazarrn Bahia Alpha Leos

Jane Cronins Step by Step Spanish

Food and Drink

- 968 970 680

Sales & Marketing

- 619 199 407

Patti Benn - Editor

- 646 005 017

Jo Wrench - Graphic Design

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

If you would like to place an

Costa Calida Chronicle

Price List - All Prices are excluding IVA

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

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

Costa Clida Chronicle Sales 619 199 407

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

Costa Clida Chronicle - December 2016

Costa Clida Chronicle Sales 619 199 407

Costa Clida Chronicle - December 2016

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

Old Farmhouses Murcia SL would like to

Tel 968 154 631

Clinica Dental is closed on Saturday

Elliots Restaurant, Bolnuevo will be

Blues House, Bolnuevo will have live

Richard and Hazel Dawson set up the

If you are looking for electrical goods, TJ

Come and visit The Beauty Palace,

Mamma Mia in Puerto de Mazarrn

Dont miss any of your favourite UK TV

Another World Properties are pleased

Save 20% Off All Bathrobes!

Costa Clida Chronicle Sales 619 199 407

Costa Clida Chronicle - December 2016

Saturday November 5th

of a traditional Arabic setting. There are

If you would like to sample any of these

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

Across the road from this garden is the

After a leisurely lunch we returned to

Costa Clida Chronicle Sales 619 199 407

Costa Clida Chronicle - December 2016