December 2012 - Costa Calida Chronicle

Costa 

The Longest Established 

FREE Magazine 

in Murcia 

Cálida 

Chronicle 

www.costacalidachronicle.com 

Date: December 2012 Issue: 1 Volume: XIII 

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

Please tell our customers where you saw their advertisement in the Costa Cálida Chronicle 

Sales Contact Teresa 619 199 407 or for the Editor Contact Patti 646 005 017 

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

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





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SPECIAL PAGES 

Christmas Pages 58-63 

Mar Menor 30-36 

Mazarrón 84-94 

Northwest Murcia 70-73 

Sport 102-106 

What’s On 96-100 

ADVERTORIAL 

Another World Properties 7 

Liberty Seguros 28 

Linea Directa 12 

Lloyds Bank 16 

Mark Phoenix 26 

Zooko 32 

CHARITIES 

4 Patas 50 

ACTIN 54 

Age Concern 88 

Andrea’s Animal Charity80 

Easy Horse Care 40 

GO maD 94 

HELP Mar Menor 31 

Helping Hands 48 

JJ Puppies 42 

John Kemp 24 

Lions 85 

MABS Mar Menor 34 

MABS Mazarrón 92 

MABS Northwest 72 

MAMAS 8 

MARA 71 

Noah’s ARC 6 

PALS 0 

Palm House Orphanage 46 

Pets In Spain 65 

CHILDREN 

Chatterbox 20 

EDUCATION 

Jane Cronin’s Spanish 54 

ENTERTAINMENT 

Classic Artistes 101 

Cloud Nine 72 

FOOD & DRINK 

Food for Thought 16 

Herb of the Month 38 

Ma Millbank 10 

Wine of the Month 57 

GROUPS 

Cálida Country Music 82 

Camposol B Clean 93 

Camposol D Group 89 

Darwinian Gardeners 24 

Evolutionists 56 

Fiestas Camposol 93 

HAH Help at Home 36 

Hondon Valley RBL 34 

Ladies’ Chatterbox 91 

Los Palacios 94 

Mazarrón Photo Group 84 

SABS 46 

Spangles 30 

Welcome 79 

HEALTH & BEAUTY 

Camposol Farmacia 89 

FAST 88 

INFORMATION 

Advertiser’s Directory 112/113 

Animal Matters 28 

Ask Jennifer 6 

British Consulate 26 

Business News 22 

Camposolers 84 

Christmas Traditions 61 

Classified Ads 108 

CRA 91 

Cruise 90 

Dates to Remember 42 

Distribution Points 110 

Gas Heaters 52 

Horoscopes 68 

IFEPA 32 

Life in Spain 7 

Mazarrón News 86/87 

Northwest Murcia 73 

Postal System 14 

Price List etc 114 

Spanish News 64 

Subscriptions 110 

Teresa’s Travels 44 

Watchtowers of Mazarrón 

66/67 

LEISURE 

Author Review 82 

Gardening News 50 

Hiking in Moratalla 70 

NEST 48 

Puzzle Page 78 

Puzzle Solutions 114 

Short Story 61 

TV News 44 

WARM 72 

PROPERTY 

Housing Update 109 

RELIGION 

Beacon of Light 38 

Mass in English 8 

Olive Branch 80 

Open Door 40 

Puerto Lumbreras 6 

St Nicholas Church 16 

Welcome House 71 

Wellspring Victory Church 

74 

SPORT 

Cycling in Mazarrón 103 

Fuente Old Guard 102 

Golf Tips 105 

Los Amigos Mazarrón 103 

Mazarrón Bowls 102 

SAMM 106 

Trevi Golf 104 

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email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com

As we finish this edition of the Costa Cálida 

Chronicle, it is amazing to think that we 

are coming into our fourteenth year and it 

still remains the largest FREE advertising 

magazine in the Costa Cálida. We must thank 

all of you, our readers and more importantly 

our regular advertisers and contributors. 

Without you, we would not be able to produce 

such a comprehensive magazine on such 

a regular basis. We have a brilliant printer, 

Entorno Grafico, in Bullas, who go out of 

their way to help us deliver the Chronicle on 

time each and every month. 

We are now able to confirm that our customer 

retention rate is around 90% and the reason 

our customers repeatedly re-advertise month 

after month is because they genuinely get 

good responses. Our sales and marketing team 

work tirelessly month after month, regularly 

advising on advert content and market 

changes as they occur, ensuring that all our 

advertisers get to maximize their business 

potential. Our online business directory, 

which is free to advertisers, is now so popular 

that the website receives literally thousands 

of hits per month, and our revamped website 

and free web pages, links your business to 

ours. Our Google rankings are now even 

higher; just type in an advertiser’s business 

name and see for yourself. 

There are so many good retail outlets in the 

area now, so save money and time travelling 

and support your local businesses this 

Christmas. You do not have to go into the 

large towns to get your Christmas presents 

and bargains and eating out locally has 

never been as good. Don’t forget the Costa 

Cálida Chronicle Essential Guide to the 

Costa Cálida – an ideal stocking filler at only 

5€, which can be bought from various local 

outlets throughout the Costa Cálida. 

We would like to welcome the following: 

New Advertisers 

Puncture Safe Murcia 

Classic Rock Band 

Clinica Dental Alcazar 

At Home 

Welcome Back to 

The Bistro (Alley Palais) 

Avon Cosmetics /Jan Dillin 

House Clearance 

UK Supplies Direct 

Monroes Bar, Bolnuevo 

Mountain View Kennels 

Tel´s Bar, Camposol 

Hair By Carol 

Branded Fashions 

The English Butcher, Camposol 

This year we only chose one photo, which was 

sent in by Bruce Furness, for the Costa Cálida 

Chronicle 2013 Calendar, as we increased 

the size of the adverts on the calendar to 

give more exposure for the advertisers. The 

calendars are given out free to as many 

businesses in the area as possible and it is a 

brilliant way to advertise your business for a 

whole year. 

Errors and Omissions 

Please note that the advert for The Steak- 

Out on Camposol in the November issue 

for Boxing Day should have read “free bar 

nibbles” not free “bar & nibbles”. 

From all at the 

Costa Cálida Chronicle 





email: costacalidachronicle@gmail.com 

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In the previous issue, I discussed the issue 

about setting boundaries in a relationship. 

This theme is continued in this issue as I feel it 

is an important matter. By setting boundaries 

in any relationship, it does not mean that 

there is less love or respect, merely a matter 

of stating clearly what appropriate behaviour 

is and what is not. By making this clear to 

the other party, it avoids misunderstandings, 

family fall-outs and arguments and with the 

Festive Season looming, there is enough 

stress in our lives without having to deal with 

interfering behaviour. 

Wishing all my readers, a Merry 

Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Dear Jennifer, 

Every year, my sisters and I take turns 

to host Christmas dinner and each 

year, after a few Sherries my mother 

will pick an argument with relatives. 

We have spoken to her privately about 

her behaviour, but her excuse is that 

Christmas is once a year and she is 

entitled to let her hair down, so to speak. 

I am dreading it this year as it is my 

turn. I have just got married and want 

to invite my new in-laws to our home, 

but don’t want to be embarrassed by 

Mum’s behaviour. What am I to do? 

Sara 

Dear Sara, 

Unfortunately, like you, many dread the 

Festive Season for this very reason! It can be 

the cause of family tension that is unabated 

for months or even years and nobody likes 

being in the midst or the cause of such 

unpleasantness. Christmas is a time for the 

family to get together and where necessary, 

to heal old wounds. I assume that not 

inviting Mum is not an option, so the choices 

left to you are: either speak with your Mum 

again and lay down some ground-rules OR 

only serve alcohol-free drinks or alcohol-free 

cocktails on the day, as alcohol seems to be 

the catalyst to unruly behaviour. In this way, 

the festivities can continue without fear of 

embarrassment. 

Enjoy the day for all it has to offer. 

Jennifer 

Dear Jennifer, 

There will be an empty seat at our 

Christmas table as my lovely, devoted 

wife passed away in March this year. 

She loved Christmas and took joy 

preparing the turkey and shopping for 

the grandkids. How will I cope without 

breaking down in tears? I am lost 

without her and Christmas will never 

be the same without her. My daughter 

and her family know how I feel and are 

visiting me from the UK as they don’t 

want me to sit in a cold and lonely villa 

by myself. I appreciate their gesture 

but it will not be the same without my 

Norma. 

Jim 

Dear Jim, 

Christmas is especially hard when there is a 

loved one absent. Emotions run high and it 

is natural to feel the way you do, but ask 

yourself this – Would Norma want you to feel 

lonely, or would she want you to carry on 

with Christmas the way she would have? It 

is going to be a challenge, I will be honest, 

but being surrounded by loving friends and 

family does help. 


Instead of concentrating on Norma’s absence, 

why not turn it into a celebration of her life 

and remember Christmas the way she would 

have wanted you to. With your daughter’s 

help, why not re-create her favourite recipes 

and raise a toast to her memory. There will 

be time for you to mourn your loss privately 

and to shed a few tears, but try to smile for 

your daughter and the grandkids’ sake. They 

miss her too. 

If you find it too traumatic, don’t be afraid to 

ask for help from family counsellors or even 

The Samaritans. Help is always at hand, if 

you need it. 

Jennifer 

If you would like Jennifer to help you with 

a problem, just email her at: jennifer@ 

lifemaxxinternational.com. Jennifer is an 

Emotional Wellness Coach, Life Coach and 

Holistic Therapist. Confidentiality is respected 

and all letters will be anonymised. 

Puerto Lumbreras Christian Fellowship 

now meets every 1st and 3rd Sunday each 

month at 11.00am in the premises of the 

Spanish Evangelical Church Puerto Lumbreras 

Tel 619453283 Paul and Sandra 

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Spaniel Sense 

Our rescued Breton Spaniel, Sam, is more 

renowned in the family for his gorgeous toffee 

coloured eyes and good looks than his common 

sense, and frequently causes chaos with his 

habit of following us around at close quarters, 

then yelping as we change direction and step 

on his toes. 

With a lovely nature, Sam is one of the few 

dogs I have met that actually comes for “hugs” 

by wrapping his front legs around me as I 

sit, burying his head deep in my wobbly bits 

and giving a contented sigh! But somewhere 

in Sam’s brain, there is indeed a spark of 

intelligence. As he has leishmaniasis and 

suffers from painful joints, Sam’s exercise has 

to be limited. If he runs free like the puppy 

he once was, he gets very sore and hobbles 

around for a few days, so most walks are on 

the lead. However, with the recent addition of 

remotely controlled electric gates to our villa, 

Sam has discovered a means of escape into 

the small rambla opposite and has used his 

“Spaniel Sense” to figure out how to escape. 

No one is denying that times are hard for 

everyone at present, but now and again 

that beam of light shines down. For Another 

World Properties in the Business 

Centre on Camposol A, that light was an 

email from Channel 4, A Place in the Sun, 

giving them the opportunity to submit 

three properties for their Home or Away 

series. 

After deliberating their choices, Another 

World Properties forwarded the details 

and received word that the production 

team were ready to preview ahead of filming 

to decide which properties from various 

agents would be used for the programme. 

Their anticipation was like awaiting exam 

results. Finally Another World Properties 

had word from the team that two of 

their properties would be on the show. 

They were elated. Vinny Walker, Sales 

Manager for Another World Properties 

accompanied Jasmine Harman around the 

two homes. It was a long day filming, but 

very rewarding. 

Not only is this kind of exposure good for 

Another World Properties and their 

vendors, but it is equally good for the Costa 

Cálida and the Murcia region. A Place in 

the Sun is a popular programme, viewed 

by millions of prospective buyers and holiday 

makers. The programme is to be aired 

at the end of November, early December. 

Details will appear on the Channel 4 website. 

As the gate closes, the sensor detects any 

obstructions as a safety measure and reopens 

the gates completely. After sitting in 

the drive watching carefully for a few weeks, 

Sam discovered that after the car came in and 

the gates were almost closed, he could run in 

between the sensors and trigger the safety 

mechanism to re-open the gates - and he was 

off! 

His other favourite trick is to wait for delivery 

men, who now need to be no more than 

6 inches wide to be allowed in, and as they 

struggle through the gap, he pounces and 

makes a break for freedom. 

So much for my fancy electric gates! I think 

I preferred version one of automatic opening 

- booting one of the kids out the car to do it 

for me! 

Liz Edmiston, Owners Away Property Rentals & 

Management 

Tel 691 977 107 

info@ownersaway.com 

www.ownersaway.com 





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Helping You Helping Animals 

Registered Charity No 9537/1a 

A Busy Month 

November was a busy month for us, mainly 

because like many people in the area, we 

were affected by the bridge closure on 

Camposol, which considerably increased our 

travel times and petrol costs. In spite of this, 

we managed to collect all of your donations 

and we had an excellent month as regards 

paying out awards to all our applicants. 

One example was a little dog called Nelli, 

who having just been to the vets for spaying, 

had to return a few days later for surgery 

after being savaged by a hunting dog in the 

campo and sustaining cuts and bites to her 

legs and body. 

We also made a donation to La Fortaleza 

by paying an amount off their vet’s bills. 

La Fortaleza is a relatively new rescue 

organisation based near San Javier which 

takes animals from all over the region. They 

recently rescued twenty galgos, which were 

due to be destroyed, from a local farmhouse 

and have now managed to re-home most 

of them in Germany. As with most rescue 

organisations they are desperately short of 

money and resources; for example kennels 

and fencing, so if you live nearby and can 

help in any way please contact Tina on 661 

741 336 

Can We Help You and Your Pet 

Have you provided a home for an animal 

from a rescue centre or shelter for a stray 

dog or cat? Don’t struggle to pay those vet 

bills on your own; get in touch with us. We 

are here to help you. We can provide financial 

assistance towards the cost of neutering your 

new pet and also with those unexpected vet 

bills, if funds are available. 

Please contact us if you need help:- 

Tel 666 186 037 or call at the shop 

Email mazarronanimalmedi-aid@hotmail. 

com 

To do this we need your donations and would 

be grateful for any items such as clothes, brica-brac, 

cd’s/dvd’s and electrical goods. You 

can donate at the MAMAS shop, Mon to Sat 

10am-2pm. (Take the third left after Barclays 

Bank on your way into Puerto de Mazarrón.) 

Please call in to see what we have. We are 

always willing to be flexible on the prices of 

larger items. Check out our website where 

there is a link to show furnishings for sale. 

mazarronanimalmedi-aid.co.uk 

Camposol Drop-Off Point 

Every Tuesday we are on Camposol B Sector 

car park 10am-1pm opposite the petrol 

station. We will take any saleable items; you 

might not need it, but we can sell it to raise 

money to help other people with the medical 

expenses for their cats and dogs. 

Fuente Alamo 

You can leave items at The Dog Bowl, Fuente 

Alamo every Friday up to 12pm 

Furniture Pickup Service & House 

Clearance 

If you want to get rid of some clutter, try 

our 50/50 scheme. We take anything from a 

single large item to full house contents. We 

collect the larger items free of charge, display 

them in our shop to ensure that you receive 

the best possible price for them and forward 

your 50% share of the proceeds. 


Mass in English is celebrated every 

Saturday at the Catholic chapel at Pastrana, 

approximately 10km from Mazarrón 

Schedule of Masses: 

Saturday at 4:30pm 

Schedule of Confession: 

Saturday from 3:45-4:25pm also on 

request 

Bible Study: 

1 st and 3 rd Sunday at 4:30pm 

Fr. Carlos Prats 628 824 555 

Fr. Octavio Carpena 676 219 445 

www.pastranaonline.com 

CHRISTMAS - a time to love and a time 

to share 

Why did the Redeemer remain nine months 

in His mother’s womb? Why was he born an 

infant and not a perfect man like Adam in 

Paradise? The Incarnate Son of God willed 

to be conceived and born to Mary, the only 

woman ever to be conceived without sin. 

The conception of Jesus had to take place 

sometime in May, the month of Mary. When 

it came near to the birth of Jesus, an Angel 

told Joseph that he should set out at once 

with Mary for Bethlehem, as it was there 

that Jesus was to be born. He was told also 

that besides the ass, upon which Mary was 

to ride, he was to take with him a little sheass 

and they were to let she-ass run free, 

and they were to follow her on the path she 

would take them.* 

The trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was 

a very difficult and a wintery trip as it was 

now December and the weather was very 

cold, and the Holy Family, Mary and Joseph 

had to make many stops. The stops they 

made were in search of lodging which 

were many and difficult as the proprietors 

refused them lodging. 

Joseph then went straight into the custom 

house, for all newcomers had to present 

themselves there and obtain a ticket for 

entrance at the city gate. Afterwards, 

Mary and Joseph were able to find a cave 

suitable to deliver Jesus the following night, 

the place where the she-ass led them to. 

Many of the local shepherds, roused by the 

wonders of this wonderful night, brought 

many gifts to Mary and the Child Jesus for 

their use. The Holy Family gave many of 

these gifts to the poor in the village. Both 

the shepherds and Angels sang praises to 

Jesus and the Holy Mother, expressing their 

Love and Sharing their Joy in the Birth of 

our Saviour. 

*taken from the book of the visions of 

Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich “The 

Life of Jesus Christ” 

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Where did all that heat go? Suddenly, we are 

back to winter warmers and soups instead 

of salads. The pool has been covered; the 

logs have been delivered and out came 

the quilt for the bed. I can’t believe how 

quickly the time goes and here we are 

thinking about Christmas again! Below you 

will find a few recipes that can be used 

anytime, but especially over the Christmas 

period and all really easy to do. I perfected 

the Sugar-Free Mincemeat recipe several 

years ago as my husband is diabetic, but 

it’s well worth a repeat. The Chicken and 

Vegetable Pie is a real winter warmer and 

a great way of using up the leftover turkey 

and vegetables as is the soup. Finally, I’ve 

added a dessert that couldn’t be easier, but 

will impress your guests. 

Buen Apetito y Feliz Navidad 

Sugar-Free Spiced Mincemeat 

225g cooked apple 

225g currants 

225g sultanas 

225g raisins 

115g dried figs 

1 grated carrot 

100ml apple juice 

Rind and juice of 1 lemon 

Rind and juice of 1 orange 

200ml brandy 

½ tsp cinnamon 

½ tsp nutmeg 

½ tsp ground mixed spices 

125g shelled walnuts chopped 

125g almonds 

125g mixed peel (optional) 

Place all the ingredients except the nuts 

into a large bowl and soak for a minimum 

12 hours or overnight. Place mixture into 

a saucepan and bring to the boil. Leave all 

to cool and then stir in the nuts if using. 

Use in cooking, or spoon into containers or 

jars. Mixture will keep in the refrigerator 

for up to three weeks, but does not freeze 

well. 

Sugar-free Christmas Puddings 

115g wholemeal flour 

1 tsp baking powder 

50g breadcrumbs 

50g margarine 

3 eggs 

550g sugar-free mince meat 

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl 

and beat well until evenly mixed. Lightly 

grease pudding bowl to be used. Put 

mixture in bowl and cover bowl with foil. 

Steam for 2 hours. Alternatively, if you 

don’t have a steamer then place in large 

saucepan with water up to halfway of the 

bowl. Steam for 2 hours, checking the 

water level occasionally and topping up 

when necessary. 

Chicken Soup with Dumplings 

1.1kg chicken 

1 medium onion 

1 litre chicken stock 

350g carrots 

Salt and pepper 

100g celery sticks (diced) 

50g pearl barley 

Dumplings 

40g butter 

2 eggs 

Salt and pepper 

Pinch of grated nutmeg 

100g semolina 

Peel and chop onion and carrots, slice 

chicken and put all three into a saucepan 

with the stock with the pearl barley and 

bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer 

for 1 hour. Make the dumplings by melting 

the butter, whisk the eggs and add to 

butter. Season with salt and pepper and 

nutmeg. Gradually whisk in the semolina 

to form a thick paste. Allow to stand for 5 

minutes to thicken. Shape the dumplings 

and drop into soup along with the diced 

celery. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve. 

Chicken and Vegetable Pie 

250g puff pastry 

1 egg 

2 cloves garlic 

1 onion 

60g butter 

2tbsp plain flour 

284 ml milk 

350g cooked chicken 

Selection of cooked veg 

Seasoning 

Preheat the oven to 200º. Melt the butter 

in a saucepan and gently fry the chopped 

onion and crushed garlic. Add the chicken 

pieces and cook for a further 5 minutes. 

Add seasoning and flour and stir until all 

flour absorbed. Add the milk and stir until 

smooth and add any cooked vegetables 

and stir in. Remove from heat. Roll out 

the pastry and place in dish, add chicken 

mixture and cover with pastry lid and coat 

with egg. Cook in oven for 35 minutes or 

until golden brown. 

Chestnut Fool 

225g unsweetened chestnut puree 

150g low-fat plain yogurt 

25g fructose 

25g sugar-free chocolate chopped 

In a bowl, beat together the chestnut 

puree, fructose and yoghurt until smooth. 

Transfer to four small serving dishes and 

sprinkle with chocolate. Serve straight 

away or chill. 

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How to Write Spanish Addresses 

Correos advises that addresses (dirección) 

in Spain should be formatted as follows: 

• Top line: Full name of the 

recipient, or company name 

• 2 nd line: Type of street, name of street, building 

number, flat number, entrance number. 

• 3 rd line: Post code and town name 

• 4 th line: Name of province 

Eg: 

Sra Ana Jimenez 

Mimbreras 4 

03201 

ELCHE (Alicante) 

If the address is for an apartment the first 

line will look like this: 

C/Pescadoro, 22, 3°, 1A izda 

C is an abbreviation for Calle (street) 

Calle Pescadoro (Pescadoro Street) 

22 is the street number of the building 

22 Calle Pescadoro (22 Pescadoro Street) 

3° indicates that it is the third floor 

1A indicates that it is apartment number 1A 

izda is for izquierda (left), dcha for derecha 

(right) and cto for centro (centre). This 

informs the location of the apartment in the 

building. 

Mail Redirection and Change of Address 

The Spanish postal system offers a mail 

forwarding service for a period of one, two 

or six months. Correos must be notified in 

person at least five working days prior to the 

move. There is a fee for the service. 

Correos also offers a change-of-address 

service called Domiciliate which notifies 

businesses and individuals of a customer’s 

move. An electronic postcard is sent to 

notify selected recipients. There is no charge 

for the service. Registration for the service is 

available online, however users must visit a 

post office or submit an electronic signature 

(obtainable at a Correos office with valid ID) 

in order to confirm their identification. 

Mailing a Standard Letter or Parcel in 

Spain 

Regular mail (carta ordinaria) sent within 

Spain takes approximately three working 

days. Mail sent to European destinations 

takes two to four working days. 

Stamps (sellos) may be purchased at 

post offices and tobacconists (estancos). 

Stamped mail can be posted at a post office 

or a yellow public post box. 

A variety of pre-paid envelopes and boxes 

are available from post offices. For standard 

delivery, these may be placed in a local mail 

box for mailing. In order to send a pre-paid 

envelope or box via registered mail, it is 

necessary to mail the item from a post office 

after it has been affixed with the required 

documentation. 

Registered Mail 

If proof of delivery is required for a parcel 

or envelope, it should be mailed as a carta 

certificada. If the recipient is not home 

at the time of delivery, a note will be left 

notifying them they must collect the item 

at a specified Correos. It is also possible to 

track a registered envelope or package, for 

an additional fee, by requesting a tracking 

code (código de envío). 

Domestic parcels 

There are two different methods of sending 

parcels in Spain: 

Urgent delivery (paquetería urgent/ 

postal exprés) 

This can be used for sending packages 

(up to 20kg) within Spain for guaranteed 

delivery in mainland Spain within 48 hours. 

Additional options are available including 

delivery to a post office rather than a 

residence, insurance, cash-on-delivery and 

receipt of delivery. Parcels sent using this 

method must be signed for by the recipient. 

National Delivery (paquetería nacional/ 

paquete azul) 

This can be used for domestic parcels up 

to 20kg. Additional options include delivery 

confirmation, cash-on-delivery service and 

insurance. 

Mailing an International Standard 

Letter or Parcel 

Mail sent to an international destination 

should be marked clearly with the recipient’s 

address including country. The envelope or 

parcel should be marked with the words 

“Prioritario/Priority”. 

Parcels sent to an international destination 

from Spain can be sent using different 

methods of international delivery (paquetería 

internacional). 

A customs declaration (Form CP72) must 

be affixed to parcels sent outside of Spain 

(though some EU destinations are excluded). 

EMS Postal Exprés 

This service is available for parcels sent 

to Europe, the USA, Asia, Africa (some 

countries) and Oceania (some countries). 

Parcels may not exceed 30kg. 

Optional insurance is available. 

Delivery times vary from country to country. 

International Economy Delivery 

This is available for parcels up to 30kg (some 

recipient countries may have lower weight 

restrictions). 

Delivery times vary from country to country, 

though the average delivery time for parcels 

sent within Europe is 8 to 10 working days. 

Optional insurance is available as is a 

cash-on-delivery service (in participating 

countries) and a delivery confirmation 

receipt. 

For more information contact www. 

correos.es 

Tel: 902 197 197 

Information supplied by Angloinfo 

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St Nicholas Ecumenical Church 

Calle Sobrija 2248 

Sector D20 Camposol 

By Rev Len Eaton MBE 

www.stnicholaschurchspain.com 

The Memorial Service at the Memorial 

Garden, Sector A, on 11 th November was this 

year on a Sunday which clashed with our 

normal Remembrance Sunday Service 

in the Church. True to form an alternative 

Minister was found and undertook to conduct 

the Memorial Service. The traditional 

service for the Ex-Services, which normally 

takes place in the Church on Remembrance 

Sunday, took place with the Memorial 

Service because of difficulty in getting to 

the Church via the broken bridge. It was not 

the best Remembrance Sunday we have ever 

had and I hope by next year the bridge will 

be fixed and also that it will be a few years 

before Armistice Day falls on the same day 

as Remembrance Sunday again. Normal 

services will take place next November as 

usual, all being well. 

On a more cheerful note, on Sunday 25 th 

November, Bill Coyle was ordained a Deacon 

for service in St Nicholas Ecumenical 

Church. The service was conducted by Rev 

Len Eaton and Rev Bro Konrad, assisted by 

Rev Deacon Maureen Kent and Rev Eberhard 

Klute. It is the tradition at the Church to 

ordain our own Ministers and Deacons, 

following our understanding of the early 

Christian communities and the edicts of the 

Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.) over the three 

divisions of the Ministry: Bishop, Priest and 

Deacon. Since St Nicholas has no Bishop, 

the Minister in Charge has authority to Ordain 

people for service in this Church. The service 

was followed by light refreshments and a 

good experience was had by all. 

Christmas seems to start earlier than ever 

as each year passes, but Advent Sunday on 

2 nd December, is the very beginning of the 

Christian year. Advent means “coming”, so we 

think about Christ coming into the world at 

Christmas, coming into our lives every day, 

and coming to us at our death. Advent is 

a time of preparation, prayer and thought 

going right through to Christmas Eve and the 

glorious arrival of the baby Jesus, so I would 

wish you all a wonderful time with family and 

friends at Christmas and I look forward to 

welcoming you into the Church should you be 

available for any of the services listed below. 

Services for December 

(Advent Sunday) 

Sunday 2 nd 

Songs of Praise 

Sunday 9 th 

Holy Communion 

Sunday 16 th 

Carol Service 

Sunday 23 rd 

Morning Prayer 

Monday 24 th 

Midnight Mass 

Sunday 30 th 

Family Service 

10.30am 

10.30am 

6.30pm 

10.30am 

11.30pm 

10.30am 

All services take place at Calle Sobrija 2248, 

D20 Camposol, where a warm welcome 

awaits you. Services offered by the Church 

are Wedding Blessings, Holy Baptism, 

Confirmation and Funerals. We have a 

Pastoral Service throughout the year, people 

who listen, talk and are there to help anyone 

who is sick or in need. The Pastoral care is 

absolutely confidential. 

For any of the Church Services offered, or 

other information, please call Rev Len Eaton 

on 968 138 952, Rev Deacon Maureen Kent 

on 636 099 679, or Rev Bro Konrad on 679 

927 268. 


Tucked away under the chapel at Bolnuevo 

lies the Torre de Piedra Restaurant. With a 

few tables set up outside, reservations are 

recommended in the warmer months if you 

like eating “al fresco”. However, the inside 

of the restaurant is modern and stylish, 

making it ideal for any occasion. 

The menu del día is good value at 10-12€, 

although the selection for each course 

can be a little limited. Portion sizes are 

adequate, and service is prompt and 

friendly. 

The starters on the set menu vary from 

Crema de Calabacin, a delicious and 

very creamy courgette soup, to seafood 

salad. Being Scottish, my husband´s only 

complaint was that the soup was not warm 

enough, but as he is used to broth served 

at 100 deg to keep him warm, getting used 

to the cold / lukewarm Spanish soups has 

been tricky! 

Main courses are simple and typically 

Spanish in that they are a “meat and no 

veg” platter, so chicken fillets, fish or lamb 

with French fries and a little garnish are the 

norm. For the children the waitress offered 

us the chance to change for burgers, 

although the boys opted for lamb instead. 

The best part of the menu for those with 

a sweet tooth would be the desserts, and 

there was a selection of several homemade 

puddings on offer. 

With a drink and coffee included, the menu 

del dia offers a good value lunchtime meal. 

Torre de Piedra opens at 1pm for lunch and 

again in the evening at 7.30pm and can be 

found at Calle de la Luz, Bolnuevo. 

Tlf 968 150 729 

Rating : (out of 5) 

Quality : 

Service : 

Value for Money : 

Location : 

Page 16 









Page 17

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN OPEN STER- 

LING ACCOUNTS WITH LLOYDS BANK 

INTERNATIONAL S.A.U. IN SPAIN? 

offers easy access to your money. It lets 

you save and make transactions in Sterling, 

(it can also be used for U.S. Dollars 

and Swiss Francs), and it can help to protect 

you against exchange rate fluctuations. 

This account is available to both residents 

and non-residents, and there are no management 

or administrative fees, plus if you 

have a Lloyds Banking Group* account in 

the UK you can make free transfers between 

accounts under the same name. You get a 

free chequebook and free access to their 

telephone and internet banking services. 

A monthly statement will be sent to you to 

help you keep and eye on your transactions. 

that you will receive your capital plus a fixed 

amount of interest at a specific date in the 

future. 

You can choose a term from 1, 2, 3, 6, 11 

or 12 months, and also 100 or 200 days. 

These deposits are offering competitive 

rates in today’s market. 


Lloyds TSB Spain and Banco Halifax Hispania 

joined in 2010 to become Lloyds 

Bank International S.A.U. which is part of 

the Lloyds Banking Group, the largest retail 

bank in the United Kingdom with more than 

300 years of banking experience and serving 

more than 30 million customers worldwide. 

Lloyds Bank International S.A.U. wants its 

strength to be your peace of mind. 

With 28 branches throughout Spain, including 

7 on the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida 

with one in Puerto de Mazarrón, Lloyds Bank 

International S.A.U. understands the expat 

community and prides itself on its excellent 

customer service and comprehensive range 

of products. 

They offer a range of accounts in Euro, 

Sterling and US Dollar, however, in this article 

we will focus on the Sterling offering 

as this is something many of you might be 

interested in. 

MULTICURRENCY ACCOUNT 

As an expat in Spain, Lloyds Bank International 

S.A.U. Multicurrency account could be 

just what you need. It’s simple to run and 

It gives you the freedom of having your 

funds easily available to take advantage 

when exchange rates are favourable, and 

should you need funds in a hurry it means 

you don’t have to wait until you get them 

transferred from the UK. 

This account is available to all customers 

who have a Premier current account with 

Lloyds Bank International S.A.U. in Spain. 

FIXED TERM DEPOSITS** 

In addition, Lloyds Bank International 

S.A.U. also offers fixed term deposits in 

Sterling (on top of their offering in Euros 

and US Dollars), whereby your money can 

work for you by earning a fixed rate of interest 

over a fixed term from 1 month up to 12 

months. So you can relax in the knowledge 

Fixed term deposits are available to both 

residents and non-residents, and for both 

personal and business customers. 

If you would like to know more about their 

Sterling offering go to the experts - go 

to Lloyds Bank International S.A.U. For 

more information on products, services and 

branches call Shirley Adams on (0034) 620 

308 804 or send an email to shirley.adams@lloydsbankinternational.es 

You can 

also visit their excellent website at www. 

lloydsbankinternational.es 

*Lloyds TSB, Halifax, Bank of Scotland 

**The Deposit Holder should be aware of 

the possible risk arising from fluctuations 

in foreign exchange rates between the acquisition 

date and the subsequent sale or 

maturity date of the Deposit 

Lloyds Bank International, S.A.U., with registered 

offices at Serrano 90, 5ª planta, 

28006, Madrid, Spain, Trade Registry of Madrid, 

T. 6799, Book 0, Folio. 108, Sec. 8, 

Page M-110714, 1st Entry, N.I.F. (Tax Identification 

Number) A-80481765. 

Page 18 








Page 19

Hi it´s Shannon here again and I´m going 

to tell you about my art class on Friday. 

I spend a lot of time drawing so Mum 

suggested that I went to an art class as a 

sort of break from school and to give me 

more experience. The class is on Friday 

mornings from 10am to about 12.30pm. 

I was very nervous at first, but then I 

discovered that there were only five of us, 

including me. Everyone was much older 

than me and much better painters. I 

started my lesson by looking at all sorts of 

different books on painting and drawing 

and I chose one about drawing and painting 

angels in water colour. As I couldn’t paint 

very well, I just drew and shaded in an 

angel. I had bought a new sketchpad on 

the way to the art class so I had plenty of 

paper to practise with! The others in the 

class were 

drawing 

flowers and 

landscapes, 

but I wasn’t 

very good 

at those, so 

I stuck to 

people and 

animals. 

Every so 

often we 

would grab 

a cup of 

tea and 

a biscuit. 

I am not 

really a tea kind of person, so I had the 

biscuits! We spent a lot of time talking 

about what we liked to draw best. It was 

interesting to hear everyone’s point of 

view and to swap ideas. I got tips and 

a lot of help from everyone so I could 

improve my work. Lesley, the leader of 

the group, was drawing a complicated 

landscape that wasn’t finished at the end 

of the lesson. I hope I see it next week. 

I took the Angels in Watercolour book 

home with me so I can practise during 

the week. It was a great experience and 

I am looking forward to going next week. 

I hope my friend can come with me next 

time as I am certain she would really love 

it. Have a wonderful Christmas everyone. 


Hi there, it’s me Connor here with more 

news of what we all get up to each month. 

This time I am going to tell about Mum’s 

friend Ruth coming over. Ruth and Mum 

have been friends for thirty years and 

when we moved to Spain Ruth said she 

would have to come over to visit us. She 

comes every year now, but this is the first 

time she has been here in October. The 

weather was not as good as it usually is 

when Ruth is with us, so we couldn’t do as 

much. When Ruth arrived at the airport, 

she said that she had brought Shortbread 

biscuits and sweets with her - they didn’t 

last very long! During the daytimes when 

we had school work to do, Ruth sat outside 

and read a book and tried to get a tan 

from the sun. On the occasions it rained 

she had to sit in the house. Ruth said she 

didn’t mind not going anywhere as she 

Hi, Nathan here and this month I am 

going to tell you about my day out with 

Bri and Mo. As you may remember, every 

Friday one if one of us has a day off school 

and spends it with Bri and Mo and this last 

Friday was my turn. Shannon had her art 

class in the Cultural Centre on Camposol, 

so it was handy for Dad to take me to 

Brian’s instead of their coming here to 

collect me. When we arrived at Brian’s, 

Brian and Dad had a good long chat about 

‘men’ things while I went in search of 

Maureen. The plan for the day was to go 

to El Pareton to search for pig food for 

Simon our pig and fruit and vegetables 

for Brian and Maureen. We were going 

out for lunch at Scottie’s as well. Bacon 

butties all round, always good for eating! 

A dog that belonged to some other folk 

from Scotland came and sat under our 

table, but when it didn’t get any food to 

eat, it left and joined its owners again! 

had come for a rest. We went down to 

our local casa for a drink and a game of 

darts. Ruth had never played darts before 

so she was not very good. That was good 

for me because it meant that she came 

last and not me! We took her bowling 

After lunch we went back to Brian’s house 

and he showed me a very funny film on 

the computer and a film on the television 

of Brian and a friend flying in a small 

plane. It was very interesting. We went 

to wash the car in the car wash as well. 

That is the good thing about Brian, he 

as well. She had not been bowling since 

the last time she was here, so again, she 

came last. All good stuff for me I say! 

Mum took her to Puerto de Mazarrón for a 

day and they had lunch out together, but 

not before we had been set school work 

to do for the day! We wanted to go up 

to El Faro to look at the awesome views 

up there, but it was closed for the Winter. 

When it was time for Ruth to go back to 

a snowy, rainy, wet and cold Scotland 

she had a case full of gifts for everyone 

back home. It is always good when Ruth 

comes, but I think she should come in the 

better weather next time as she loves to 

swim in the pool and we didn’t do any of 

that! Have a Good Christmas. 

always keeps us busy doing the little jobs 

about the place. I like the chats we have 

with each other and with Maureen. It is 

always great fun going there. When Brian 

took me back home, Dad showed him our 

solar panels and asked Brian if he could 

have a look at his Mercedes manual as 

ours is all in German and Dad needed to 

see how something worked. All problems 

solved and a cup of coffee drunk and 

Brian and Maureen returned home until 

next time one of us goes there for the 

day. I love those days. Well, that is my 

tale for this month. I hope you all have a 

great Christmas. 

Page 20 


To Sales place Contact an advertisement Teresa 619 with 199 us 407 please or for see the page Editor 5 or Contact contact Patti Teresa 64619 005199 017407 







Page 21

Please note that the offices of the Costa 

Cálida Chronicle and Camposol 

Heating & Maintenance will be 

closed for holidays from 21 st December 

and will re-open on 2 nd January. 

Emergency calls for CHM please call 

646 965 082. 

Please note that the offices of Holmes & 

Pegg will be closed for Christmas holidays 

from 21 st December and will re open on 7 th 

January. 

Terry & Jane would like to wish everyone a 

very Happy Christmas and New Year. 

For properties for sale on Camposol and 

surrounding area tel 968 199 290 

Aqua Pura are pleased to announce they 

are now trading as KJ Window Cleaning 

Services and want to re-assure their 

customers old and new that this will not 

affect their high standard of customer 

service and reliability. 

Please call 688 697 629 for a quote 

Legs & Co has just received a pallet of warm 

clothing with thousands of winter warmers. 

Visit either their shop at the Piramide Centre 

in Puerto de Mazarrón, or the shop at Rio 

Nalon in Los Alcazares for the latest arrivals 

of cardis, jumpers and tights. 

Tel 660 792 513 

Don’t miss out on these bargain Christmas 

cards! A Time 4 A Change, El Algar has 

a wide range of individual cards at only 

€1.50 each and boxes of cards only €2.50. 

Also available are diaries, calendars and 

Christmas wrapping paper. 

For more details call 968 136 501. 

Visit The Arches Café Bar at the Oasis in 

Los Alcazares for the best entertainment 

around. Call in for a drink and snack or a 

full meal in their Bar/Restaurant. See the 

What’s On pages in this month’s Costa 

Cálida Chronicle for full details. 

Tel 653 081 341 

Due to an increase in sales over the last 

few months, Old Farmhouses specialising 

in rural properties, need more reasonably 

priced properties in all areas, especially 

within ½ hour of the coast. 

Tel Fuente Alamo 968 159 264 / 646 358 

222 

Fancy a change from the traditional Christmas 

dinner? The Quality Indian Restaurant 

on Camposol B will be open on Christmas 

Day offering a special menu for only €15 per 

head including 1 drink. Their New Year’s Eve 

special menu includes all drinks until 11pm 

for a fixed price of only €35. 

Booking essential. Tel 968 199 198 

If you are organising an office party or 

perhaps just looking for somewhere to 

celebrate with a group of friends, then 

both Leonardo’s and Mamma Mia’s 

Restaurant are taking bookings for private 

Christmas and New Year Parties. 

Call 628 682 303. 

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

Tel’s Bar – New Management But Old 

Faces! 

Leanne who has served behind the bar at 

Tel’s for more than 8 years is pleased to 

announce that she and her partner Steve 

are the new managers for Tel’s Bar. 

Regulars will be pleased to know that they 

will still be welcomed by the friendly staff 

that Tel’s Bar is known for – as well as 

Leanne and Steve, there is barman John, 

Ella and Cathy who create tasty daytime 

meals and snacks and helping out generally 

is Leanne’s Mum Fran. Come and enjoy 

the Karaoke, Quizzes, Bingo, Happy Hour, 

Saturday Mystery Games and of course our 

popular Sunday Lunch. 

Tel: 634 143 088 

Due to recent rumours and reports 

regarding changes to new UK TV Satellites, 

CTV Aerial and Satellite Systems 

confirm that all up-to- date information 

can be found at www.robssatellitetv. 

webs.com by clicking on the “astra 2” link. 

Alternatively, call CTV Aerial and Satellite 

Systems on 600 218 046 

Order your Christmas turkey, pork and beef 

from Anros Food in La Union and get a 

free bottle of wine with purchases over 25€. 

This English Butchers is open to the public 

and will deliver free to local areas. They 

also have a good range of fish, including cod 

fillets at 5.75€ a kilo and haddock fillets at 

4.25€ a kilo. 

Tel 968 541 422 

The Yorkshire Linen store based at Puerto 

de Mazarrón has now been extended into 

the unit next door creating a bigger, better 

and brighter shopping environment. There 

is now even more choice of products with 

new ranges such as dried flowers and vases, 

ornaments, pictures and lampshades. You 

will also find the best selection of duvets, 

pillows, bedding, curtains and towels in the 

area with the emphasis firmly on value. 

Tel 968 595 946 

Best of Spanish spent an interesting 

morning with the researchers of A Place 

in the Sun Home or Away last month. 

The clients came from our home town of 

Southampton and had to decide between 

Devon or Costa Cálida. It rained three 

days, non-stop while they were filming in 

Devon! We visited four local properties, with 

the property at Campillo de Adentro being 

picked for filming and will be aired before 

the end of the year. 

Tel: 635 434 651 

Win a gift box valued at €35! Throughout 

December there is a fun competition at 

Le Gourmet, the Wine Cellar in Puerto de 

Mazarrón. All you have to do is pay 50 cents 

and guess the quantity of French nougat 

in the box. This is fun and you could win 

an excellent prize. It is worth a visit to Le 

Gourmet, for some wonderful Christmas 

gift ideas with a difference. 

Tel 968 154 315 

If you are an existing customers and you have some Business News that you would like to 

share with our readers then why not email it to us to be included on our Business News page. 

Please keep your news to about 50 words and send us an email by 15th of the month, 

to costacalidachronicle@gmail.com with Business News in the subject box. 

Page 22 









Page 23

The first meeting of the winter season took 

place on Thursday Nov 8 th . Thirty two members 

met at the Deitano Semilleros in Totana, where 

we were taken on a tour of the premises. The 

main business is industrial scale propagation 

of vegetables and herbs which are sold to 

agriculturalists to be grown on in fields and 

greenhouses. Seeds are grown literally by the 

million, and we were amazed to be told that 

every tomato seedling consists of a hybrid 

variety manually grafted onto a vigorous root 

stock, and that an experienced operator can 

graft up to four thousand plants per day. There 

is also a retail shop with a large variety of 

garden plants which we were able to buy. 


Page 24 

The second part of the visit was to the nearby 

Coato which is a growers’ co-operative of some 

three thousand members from the Murcia 

region and other provinces which border 

Murcia. Here they process almonds, peppers, 

olives, honey and vegetables. Our guide 

showed us the almond plant, with all the stages 

from shelling to final products, including finely 

ground almonds, and chopped almonds of 

various grades for use in cakes, ice cream and 

turron, as well as the product of the ground 

up shells which is used in animal feed. Next 

was the peppers department where we saw the 

processes involved in milling the locally grown 

peppers to produce pimentón or paprika. After 

an excellent lunch in the on-site restaurant 

we visited the factory shop and were also 

presented with complimentary packs of honey, 

oil, vinegar and paprika. 

Altogether a fascinating insight into local 

industry. 

The next 

meeting 

o n 

Saturday 

Dec 1 st is 

a visit to 

an olive 

pressing 

p l a n t 

near El 

Pareton, followed by the bedding plant nursery 

at La Majada and lunch at Bar Puente, also at 

La Majada. 

For further information and a warm welcome 

email darwiniangardeners@gmail.com 

or phone 669 338 885 or see our web 

page at www.bolnuevo.com/social/ 

darwiniangardeners 









Page 25

Firstly I would like to take this opportunity 

to thank all my clients, past and future for 

making the Phoenix Hypnotherapy clinics 

the LEADING permanently based clinics on 

the Costas Blanca, Cálida and Almeria and to 

wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a 

prosperous New Year for 2013. 

Recent research shows that while 52% 

of participants in a resolution study were 

confident of success with their goals, only 12% 

actually achieved their goals. Most people’s 

New Year Resolutions are to lose weight, kick 

the habit of smoking or change their lives 

for the better, either through finances, or by 

becoming more positive. Maybe they would 

like to rid themselves of a phobia or take 

control of negative thoughts and feelings. 

That is where Phoenix Hypnotherapy can 

help. Mark can help you stop smoking easily 

in only one 30 minute session by using a 

technique called the Rob Kelly Method. He 

has been using the same method since 2003 

- it has a success rate of 92.5%*. It has 

such a high success rate simply because 

Mark does not take every prospective client 

on; they may not be truly ready, so every 

single client has a completely FREE 30 

minute consultation immediately prior to the 

hypnotherapy session. This is to assess your 

suitability. 

Until the end of January, Mark will give you 

an incentive to stop smoking by offering you 

the chance to become a non-smoker using 

this method for only 100€ (usually 140€) 

and together he can help you become a nonsmoker. 

Maybe you would like to lose weight and 

then control it once you have reached your 

target. The HypnoBand has featured on 

many programmes, such as Channel 4’s 

‘Embarrassing Bodies’. It has also featured 

in countless news articles worldwide. 

Phoenix Hypnotherapy pioneered The 

Hypnoband programme in Spain in 2009, 

and most readers are intelligent enough 

to realize that this type of treatment, the 

leading Virtual Gastric Band, is not just a 

simple one-off session, but a Programme of 

4 carefully designed sessions spread out over 

a period of time and again until the end of 

January, Mark will offer this unique treatment 

for 275€ for the whole treatment. 

Please do not be confused with any other 

treatment. Mark is the only registered 

HypnoBand practitioner on the Costa 

Blanca, Cálida and Almeria Maybe you only 

need to lose a small amount of weight and 

just want that extra boost, well Phoenix 

Hypnotherapy still continues to offer a oneoff 

Weight Control Session at a special 

price of 75€ (normally 85€). 

Gift Certificates are available. 

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer 

from Depression, Phobias, Anxiety, Sexual 

Problems, Panic Attacks or any other negative 

obstacles in your mind, why not book a free 

consultation to discuss your problems in a 

confidential and safe environment? Mark only 

works from registered clinics and for your 

piece of mind he is registered in Spain with a 

Spanish Governing Body. 

Phoenix Hypnotherapy can even help with 

your blood pressure problems using the new 

HypnoTension programme. 

Make that resolution to yourself today - to 

change for the better. Pick up the phone and 

call Mark on 654 202 996 or visit www. 

HypnoSpain.com 

* See website for details 


Key Message from Social Services and 

Charities during Conexiones Event 

How do social services work in the Valencia 

region? 

What help is really out there for British 

nationals? 

These are two of the questions that 

Spanish social workers and English 

speaking associations tried to answer in the 

“ConeXiones Social” event that was held in 

Alicante. 

Page 26 

During the event, the social services teams 

spoke about the services on offer, including 

home help, meals on wheels and panic alarms 

for vulnerable people who live on their own. 

They stressed how important it is that people 

keep their documentation up to date. Having 

a padrón, “residencia” passport and proof of 

income is essential for accessing almost all 

social services support. 

They also explained the importance of 

planning ahead, as there is often a waiting 

list before people can access social services 

support. They said that having the funds to 

be able to cover that gap privately can be 

essential. 

The English speaking welfare associations 

who attended also had the opportunity to 

find out about these services and how to 

access them as well as explaining to the 

social services what they can do. The English 

speaking associations illustrated how much 

help they can offer, ranging from hospital 

visits to equipment loan and nursing care. 

The British Consul, Paul Rodwell, attended the 

event and opened by explaining briefly what 

the Consulate’s role is in supporting British 

nationals and highlighting the importance of 

knowing what help is out there from local 

town halls and charities. 

After the event he said “I would like to 

extend my sincere thanks to all the social 

services departments and English speaking 

associations who attended and took the 

time to present their services. As always, 

I was impressed by how much support is 

available, but realise that this may not always 

be enough. As such, I urge British nationals 

to think about any possible care needs they 

may have in the future and make plans. It’s 

also really important for people to make sure 

they are properly registered with the Spanish 

authorities and are familiar with the services 

their town hall can offer”. 

Charities who attended the event were 

ACASA, RBL, Age Concern, MABS, HELP 

Marina Alta, HELP Vega Baja, HELP Benidorm, 

RAFA Costa Blanca, RAFA Costa Blanca North, 

Help at Home Costa Blanca and Samaritans 

in Spain. 









Page 27

Liberty Seguros Life Policy 

Feel Secure and At Ease Knowing that 

You and Your Family are Protected! 

One of the best ways to tell your loved ones 

that you love them is by taking out a life 

insurance policy from Liberty Seguros, the 

No. 1 choice insurer for expats living in Spain. 

For very little money you can protect them 

from the financial consequences of a death, 

disability or serious illness, all of which can 

cause great financial setbacks. 

What if you died tomorrow and were no 

longer around to provide for your family? 

Losing a loved one is distressing enough 

at the best of times, but Liberty Life from 

Liberty Seguros offers you peace of mind 

knowing that your family can maintain the 

lifestyle they are accustomed to and that your 

dependents will get the financial support they 

need. 

They can provide a replacement for income 

that would have been earned by the deceased 

to provide 

for the 

family’s 

b a s i c 

needs, 

f i x e d 

costs, 

children’s 

education 

and to 

k e e p 

future 

plans on 

track. 

The main 

insurance 

cover is 

the 

payment for the sum insured in the case of 

death, but many additional covers such as 

disability or serious illness may be added for 

a little more. 

Liberty Life eases the worry about funeral 

expenses too, as they will advance some of 

the money up front towards the initial burial 

costs! 

Depending on your family situation as well as 

other factors, the experienced staff at Liberty 

Seguros will determine which cover suits you 

best. They can give you expert advice in your 

own language and are happy to answer any 

questions you may have. 

There is no better company to put your trust 

in when it comes to important matters such 

as Life Insurance. Liberty Mutual Group 

is one of the largest insurance and financial 

groups in the world! They have been insuring 

the present and future of millions of people 

across 5 continents for nearly a century! 

Call 902 255 258 or go to www. 

libertyexpatriates.es and ask to be called 

back in your own language, or find out where 

your nearest broker or Liberty Seguros 

office is located. 


Old Dogs 

There is a biologic 

clock that 

measures the 

life of different 

species. 

This clock goes 

faster as dogs 

are concerned, 

so we can estimate 

that the 

average life is 

12-14 years in small sized dogs and 10-11 in 

big and giant sized dogs. Of course, there are 

many aspects that determine the time of life 

for an animal including the genetic code, the 

kind of food and care given by the owners and 

of course the lifestyle, etc. 

It is true that everyday, we find animals with 

diseases typical during old age that may be 

in terminal states or completely unbalanced, 

that could have been detected before (cataracts, 

diabetes, arthritis, heart, hepatic or renal 

disorders). 

There are some metabolic and physiopathologic 

effects associated to ageing: 

• Decrease of the metabolic rate with less 

activity and a decrease of 30% or 40% of 

the caloric needs. 

• Immunodeficiency, in spite of the normal 

number of lymphocytes. 

• Presentation of self-immune diseases. 

• Increase of the muscular, bone and joint 

mass with the development of arthritis. 

• Hyper-pigmentation, increase and lost of 

elasticity of the skin. 

• Tartar, periodontitis, gum or hyperplasy 

atrophy or lost of teeth. 

• Atrophy and fibrosis of the gastric mucus. 

• Development of hepatic fibrosis. 

• Decrease of the secretion of pancreatic 

enzymes. 

• Decrease of the respiratory capacity. 

• Atrophy of the renal area. 

• Development of urinary incontinency. 

• In males, increase of the prostate, testicular 

atrophy and pendulous foreskin. 

• In females, increase of the ovaries, fibro 

cysts, and mammary tumours. 

• Decrease of the cardiac effort and development 

of valve fibrosis. 

• Accumulation of fat and hypoplasia of 

bone marrow and development of nonregenerative 

anaemia. 

• Decrease of the number of cells of the 

nerves system and lost of training. 

As we can see, all 

the organic systems 

get affected with the 

passing of time and 

the only thing we can 

do against this is to 

adopt measures based 

on nutrition, hygiene, 

medicines or surgical 

treatments that help 

the animal to have a 

good quality of life. 

It is a fundamental 

aspect that is often 

forgotten and it is often 

preventative veterinary 

medicine that is required. This is why 

we recommend all the small sized dogs older 

than 8, and big sized ones older than 6 have 

geriatric checkups at least once a year. 

These checkups will include an exhaustive 

analysis about diet, life habits, previous diseases, 

etc, a complete physical exploration 

of the skin, eyes, ears, mouth, muscles, and 

bones, neurological examinations, auscultation, 

electrocardiogram, analysis of the cells 

of the blood and biochemistry, analysis of 

urine and thorax x-rays. These tests could be 

extended to hormones tests, heart and abdomen 

ecographies, serologies and biopsies 

of any tissue depending on the history of the 

dog. All these tests could help us to make an 

early diagnosis of some of the diseases that 

caught in time and properly treated, can give 

a good quality of life to our pet. 

Let’s imagine a 9-year-old Alsatian is brought 

into the consulting room because it can hardly 

walk, drinks a lot and has loss of urine. 

After doing some tests, we could see that it 

had very serious arthritis in the hips and the 

last lumbar vertebras. The dog is obese, has 

a hyper-adronocorticism and a handball-ballsized 

prostate tumour. It will be expensive for 

the owner to treat the animal, and the prediction 

and the hope of a good quality of life for 

the animal is dark. Possibly, if it had had a 

geriatric check up some time before, the vet 

would have recommended a diet and some 

medicines to control the hormonal diseases 

and arthritis, and if the tumour had been detected, 

it could have been operated on. 

Cases like this are common and it is just one 

of so many that makes us think carefully 

about the need to have geriatric checkups 

more often. 

Article written and supplied by Paco, 

Clinica Veterinaria, Puerto de Mazarrón. 

Page 28 








Page 29

SPANGLES GO FOR GOLD 

After winning gold in the annual chorus 

contest of the Spanish Association of 

Barbershop Singers (SABS) in San 

Pedro del Pinatar in 2011, Spangles Ladies’ 

Harmony Chorus are flexing their vocal 

cords once more, in readiness for the 2013 

contest in Benalmádena, Málaga. As part of 

their preparation, they received coaching 

from Stuart Sides, who has a lifetime of 

barbershop/a cappella singing, having grown 

up in a very talented family of barbershop 

singers. 

“We are very fortunate to have Stuart’s 

advice and expertise” commented Gail 

Grainger, Spangles’ Musical Director. “He 

has listened to our two contest songs and 

helped us with the interpretation and vocal 

quality. We were delighted to be the first 

barbershop champions of Spain, Portugal and 

the Canaries in 2011 and we want to bring the 

trophy back to Los Alcázares again next year, 

so we are all working really hard to hone the 

techniques that Stuart has taught us.” 

In addition to their contest work, Spangles is 

also preparing for a busy Christmas season, 

with the following planned concerts: 

6 December – 21:00 – Diamante’s Restaurant, 

El Mojon (call 965 352 947 to book dinner) 

13 December – 19.30 – Pilar Church, Pilar de 

la Horadada 

14 December – 13.00 – Iceland Overseas, 

San Javier 

15 December – 11.30 – Centro Comercial Dos 

Mares – Songs around the Christmas tree 

15 December – 16.00 – Paddy Singh’s, Los 

Urrutias 

Spangles will be appearing in two shows; 

Friday 11 th January ‘Noche A Capella’, at 

21.00 in the Town Hall Theatre, Avenida 13 

Octubre, Los Alcázares. Tickets are 6€ each 

and are available by calling 968 432 525 or 

868 186 020. 

Sunday, 13 th January ‘Bella A Capella’, at 

11.30 at the Auditorio de Castalla in Castalla. 

Please call 677 647 518for ticket information 

Both shows will feature Spangles, Torrevieja 

Harmonisers and two very talented SABS 

medal-winning quartets: Hanfris from 

Barcelona and FourMidables from Torrevieja. 

The concerts are being held to raise funds to 

enable both quartets to represent Spain at 

the prestigious European Contest in Holland 

in April 2013. 

Following on from their gold medal success, 

Spangles has released a CD called ‘Pure 

Gold’, which includes their two winning 

contest songs and many audience favourites. 

‘Pure Gold’ is on sale at just 5€ and makes an 

ideal Christmas present. Call 968 432 525 or 

968 334 527 to order your copy. 

Spangles welcomes new members, so if 

you’re looking to make new friends and enjoy 

singing, why not visit Spangles when they 

rehearse at Las Claras? They meet every 

Thursday from 10am to 1pm. 

Please call Lyn on 968 432 525 or Anthea on 

968 334 527 to book Spangles or to find 

out how to join, or visit the website www. 

spangleschorus.com. 

Photographers: Mike Phillips and Vincent de 

Vries 


Page 30 





Quiz with a Difference 

The famous 

Quiz with a 

Difference 

was held 

on 7 th 

November at 

the Olympia 

Restaurant, 

Mil Palmeras. 

€479 was 

raised for 

HELP MMM 

and the evening was enjoyed by about 

100 participants. The contest was keenly 

fought with some teams demanding a 

recount, not the least of which was my 

team because we wanted to win the 

“Booby” prize, but we only came second 

to last! 

Suzie & Clive, won the “Booby” prize, a 

very comely cake. The questions were 

very hard and many went home with a 

headache. 

A 2 nd Night at The Proms 

On 13 th October at the Lo Monte Hotel, Pilar 

de la Horadada, HELP MMM arranged an 

entertaining evening with a large screen 

showing the Last Night of The Proms, 

accompanied by lively dancing from The 

Crazy Ladies, who certainly did ‘razzle 

dazzle’ us. Jim Devlin also entertained us 

with his guitar music and singing. We all 

sang rousing songs, starting off with ‘You’ll 

Never Walk Alone’ (Man U supporters had 

to put their ear plugs in) and finishing up 

with ‘God Save the Queen’, accompanied by 

much flag waving. We had a good laugh at 

the soprano on the screen screeching like 

a banshee and made comments such as 

‘Don’t mention the war!’ when the German 

conductor came on. HELP MMM raised 

over €500 from the evening. 

Season’s Swan Song by The Swingtet 

It was the last performance of the season 

at the Los Narejos Hotel by Gill Monks and 

his Big Band Swingtet. 

For the first time, Irish singer, Paul Allen, 

from Dublin provided the vocals to the songs 

that got people dancing, especially hits by 

Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. With his 

rich, powerful and melodic voice, Paul was 

loudly applauded for his performance and 

added greatly to the usual high standard 

of these Swingtet evenings. There is 

something about live music that just gets 

dancers “In The Mood”. 

The raffle raised €171 for HELP MMM. 

Photo by Eddie Sammons 






Page 31

At Zooko, we believe you should be able to 

find everything you need for your pet in one 

great place. 

The qualified staff at Zooko are passionate 

about helping you keep your pet in the 

best of health. Open 6 days a week, 

Zooko offers a complete range of services 

including grooming, pet shop, home visits, 

a rural shop and veterinary services from 

general consultations, vaccinations and 

microchipping, to full surgery and pathology. 

Zooko is here to help and ensure your pet 

is as healthy as possible, in a friendly and 

professional manner. Their highly qualified 

team, with years of experience in veterinary 

medicine and animal feed sector ensures your 

pet is in safe and experienced hands. 

Zooko is situated in a very convenient and 

central location in Torre Pacheco, with easy 

parking right outside the door. 

In the Zooko Pet Shop you can find birds, 

reptiles, fish, dogs, cats and rodents, 

accessories & food. They cater for all types 

of domestic pets, including also rabbits, 

hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas and many 

types of birds, fish and reptiles. Home delivery 

is available for large products. 

Grooming 

The salon is spacious and well equipped with 

modern facilities. Whilst in our care, your 

pet will receive personal attention and the 

grooming is carried out with patience and 

understanding. Our services include full clips 

or trims, washing & drying, flea treatment, 

coat conditioning and deodorising, nail 

clipping. Our policy is to provide the best 

care for your dog and provide an enjoyable 

grooming session which will not cause stress 

to your pet. 

Veterinary Services 

This includes basic health checks, vaccinations 

& blood tests, parasite control, special care 

programmes for older pets, microchips, 

pet passports and all travel documents, 

dental care, nutritional advice, diagnosis and 

treatment for medical problems for all ages, 

home visits when required, neutering surgery 

and small animal surgeries. 

Call us for an appointment on 968 577 

072/672 304 669 

Monday to Friday 9am-2pm & 4.30pm- 

8.30pm 

Saturday 9am-2pm 

We look forward to seeing you and your pet! 


Photos copyright: www.ifepaweb.es 

December 6 th – 9 th 

XXVIII HALL OF AUTOMOTIVE and Related 

Industries 

2012 

The Trade 

Fairs and 

Exhibitions 

in Torre 

Pacheco, 

I F E P A , 

becomes the 

largest mall 

of new and used cars in the Region of Murcia. 

Those interested in purchasing a vehicle have 

the opportunity to choose between the models 

offered for sale in the Hall of Automotive and 

Allied Industries. 

This show has long been a point of reference 

for all fans of the automotive world to see 

first hand the latest developments in the 

sector and its ancillary industry. It gives 

dealers and the general public a unique 

opportunity to purchase a vehicle. The lounge 

offers those who visit an extraordinary 

opportunity to renew or purchase a car with 

the best value and the highest quality. This 

is a unique opportunity to discover the most 

comprehensive range of new or used vehicles. 

The main dealers display their best models of 

new and used cars of all makes and ranges. 

In the Hall are also employee’s vehicles with 

zero kilometers, and other types of vehicles 

such as ATVs without a license. 

Besides cars, the Automotive Hall and Allied 

Industries pays great importance to the 

auxiliary industry through stands devoted 

to machinery and tools for workshops, cars, 

spare parts, among others. Being able to 

choose from a wide variety of vehicles etc 

under one roof generates satisfaction among 

buyers and sellers. The Automotive Hall 

held in IFEPA has become the event’s most 

important automotive sector in the Region of 

Murcia, mainly due to the quality of cars and 

accessories, ensuring that dealers can offer 

great deals on vehicles sold at the fair. 

Page 32 










Page 33

11 th November at 11am 

Over 100 people upheld the two minute silence 

at the beautiful cultural centre in Hondon de 

las Nieves on Sunday 11 th November at 11am. 

The standard bearers Steve Suffield, John 

Hodson and Neil Parvitt, lowered the flags, and 

the two minute silence was deafening, as everyone 

remembered the fallen service personnel 

of two World Wars and all the other battles 

our troops have precipitated in. So many of our 

young men and woman have died and many 

have also been left with profound injuries. 

Rev’d Canon Terence Sampson led us through 

the poignant service of remembrance. 

The Mayor of Nieves Victoriano Sanchez Botella 

and his Foreign Resident Councillor Alexis 

Rubira Rilo were part of the official Spanish 

party and everyone appreciated their participation, 

especially 

when the 

Mayor joined 

the Chairman 

Dave Stewart 

and President 

Peter Broadbent 

of the 

Hondón Valley 

branch, in laying 

the wreaths 

of poppies. 

The lunch at Monte Alto afterwards was well 

attended and everyone thanked Wendy and 

Tony Dengate for their hard work in organising 

the day. 


5 th MABS Race for Life Success 

MABS Cancer Support Group held its 5 th 

Annual Race For Life in Los Alcázares on 

11 th November, but a cloudy start to the day, 

with the temptation of a Sunday lie-in under 

the duvet, didn’t deter the participants, who 

had travelled from far and wide to take part. 

A minute’s silence was observed at 11am 

to honour Remembrance Sunday and all 

those who have died for their country, before 

almost 200 people went on their way to 

walk, run or stroll along the picturesque 3km 

promenade route. 

People arrived 

from all around the 

Murcia and Valencia 

regions, with some 

making it a family 

outing and bringing 

the dog along too. 

Many arrived in pink 

attire or fancy dress 

and several teams 

took part, including 

Running Wild from 

La Zenia, Lynn 

Preston’s Zumba 

from Los Alcázares, 

DFS Furniture from San Javier and Spangles 

Ladies’ Harmony Chorus from Los Alcázares 

First man over the finish line was Cesár 

Palazón; first lady was Christine Birkett; first 

teenager 

a n d 

overall 

winner 

was 14 

year old 

L i a m 

Holmes; 

first boy 

was Craig 

Holmes 

(Liam’s 

brother); first fancy dress runner was Tom 

Wiswould (a MABS volunteer) and first girl 

was Blossom Storey. There was a tie for the 

first doggie over the line between Jake and 

Bonny. Overseas FM and various stallholders 

helped to give the race finish area a festive 

feel and many stayed on to enjoy a social 

drink and a chat. 

“This is a key, annual fundraising event for 

MABS Murcia” said MABS Director, Lyn 

Baines “and we’re so grateful to all who have 

turned out to support us today, despite the 

inclement weather. Everyone has made such 

an effort to arrive on a Sunday morning, 

create a great atmosphere and collect 

sponsorship money for us. Thanks must also 

go to all the MABS volunteers who have been 

here since the crack of dawn to organise such 

a great event and to the Policia Local, the 

ambulance service and the Ayuntamiento of 

Los Alcázares.” 

Sponsorship money will be coming in over 

the next 2-3 months, but MABS is expecting 

to achieve its fundraising target of 4,000€ 

from the day. They would also like to thank 

the sponsors of the event: Iceland Overseas, 

DFS Furniture and Time Out Sports Bar in San 

Javier. 

MABS Murcia is a registered charity (No 

7261) offering help and support to local 

people of all nationalities who have been 

diagnosed with, or are being treated for 

cancer. If you or someone you know would 

like some confidential help or support call our 

HELPLINE 693 275 779 or visit their website: 

www.mabsmurcia.com 

Photographer: Sue Thomason 

Page 34 










Page 35 Page 35

Christmas Comes Early For Hah, Mar 

Menor 

On Friday, October 26 th , the 2 nd HAH Nearly 

New Fashion Show was held at La Vereda 

Restaurant, Sucina. Some beautiful clothes, 

which had all been donated, were modelled by 

the ever popular ZIGI and her girls. All the 

clothes were then auctioned, and were there 

some bargains to be had! 

so much time knitting, sewing and making the 

gifts, jams, cakes, table decorations etc. They 

have then come along today and collectively 

raised a staggering 1172€ for HAH. Apart 

from this, they also help out where needed 

with our clients. Every one of them deserves 

a medal!” 

Judith Heath (HAH volunteer) added, “ 

We have thoroughly enjoyed making and 

selling our products, as we know that all the 

money raised helps so many people who are 

struggling with ill health. We have a brilliant 

team, and are all extremely proud to be part 

of HAH” 

Fayre, Fun and Furniture 

These were the ingredients that made up the 

2 nd HAH Christmas Fayre which was held at 

DFS Furniture, San Javier on Friday November 

2 nd . 

The HAH volunteers also held their 1 st 

Christmas Fayre, with nearly all the crafts, 

gifts, cards, cakes and jams made by the 

volunteers, along with the giant Tombola, 

where everyone who bought a ticket won 

a gift. Lesley Eburne, HAH founder said, “ 

The work the team has put into this event is 

unbelievable, not only collecting, washing and 

ironing the clothes, but they have also spent 

The HAH volunteers turned out in force 

with their home made crafts, cakes, jams, 

mulled wine and Christmas cards, along with 

Spectrum Radio, BMW and Lawrence from 

Murcia Today, Jill with her beautiful hand-made 

glass mosaics, Danny from Time 4 a Change, 

and Brenda with her range of Christmas ‘bling’ 

jewellery. In total, the fantastic sum of 825€ 

was raised. 


Paul Airey, Sales Director, DFS Furniture 

said ‘What a great day! The sun shone, 

the atmosphere was great, and we were so 

impressed with the amount of work that these 

volunteers do, not only with their fundraising, 

but also with the amount of people that they 

help. As a HAH sponsor, we were delighted 

to be able to help on the day, and hope to 

make this an annual event. 

For further information visit our website 

www.helpathome.es. Maybe you would 

like to volunteer a little time to help others. A 

couple of hours to suit you could make such a 

difference to someone who is struggling. 

Contact Lesley helpathomespain@gmail. 

com or tel: 968 134 978 

Page 36 









Page 37

November 

has been 

another busy 

month for 

the Beacon 

of Light 

Centre. 

Despite the 

fact that the 

bridge at 

Camposol 

being closed 

has stopped 

many of our 

loyal supporters being able to drive easily 

to our Wednesday evening meetings, our 

meetings have remained well supported. 

Everybody has rallied around picking up 

others from Sectors C and D section on the B 

side of the bridge, or they have battled along 

the other way out. Despite all this and some 

awful weather, our loyal supporters have been 

there. We would like thank them as always. 

On the 7 th we had a wonderful evening with 

Marilyn Webb. We were thrilled to welcome 

back Barbara Almond who thrilled everybody 

with her amazing evidence of survival in an 

evening of clairvoyance on Tuesday November 

13 th at Condado de Alhama. There was much 

laughter, but also many tears as loved ones 

and even many pets with descriptions and 

names were given. Unfortunately the evening 

had to end, but it was an evening that people 

will remember for a long time. We would like 

to extend our thanks again to Rachel and Paul 

for allowing us to use the Function Room and 

to Jill for the marvellous help with organising 

this event. 

On Wednesday 14 th Barbara took our weekly 

meeting with again wonderful evidence. On 

Thursday the 15 th many of us were able to 

once again attend her development workshop. 

This was a day nobody wanted to end and we 

will look forward to continuing on her return 

visit in April. The month continued with two 

wonderful evenings with a return of our 

local mediums Anna- Marie and Joy Sloman 

supported by her husband John. 

The Beacon of Light will have another 

Christmas Carol service at 7pm on Wednesday 

19 th December and we would like to extend 

a warm welcome to everyone to join us for 

this and a glass of mulled wine and mince pie. 

Our meetings are every Wednesday from 7pm 

with weekly guest mediums. There is healing 

available at the end of the meeting which 

usually finishes at approximately 8.30pm. As 

always the evenings ends with a friendly chat 

and cup of tea and biscuits. All our meetings 

are funded by donations given during the 

evening. 

For further information please phone 620 

877 326 

Email beacon.of.light.murcia@gmail.com 

http://beaconoflightmurcia.webs.com 

or join us on facebook Beacon of Light 

Murcia 


Mint is probably one of the most familiar 

herbs that is used in cooking and medicines 

throughout the world. There are many different 

species of mint and it grows prolifically 

throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and 

North America. Mint is a very aromatic herb, 

the leaves of which can come in various colours 

from dark green and purple to pale yellow. 

The leaves tend to have a slightly furred 

feel to them. Mint likes moist, shaded soil 

although the plants can grow in full sun. It 

can become very invasive to other plants and 

it is advisable to grow it in a pot, or in a bottomless 

container, sunk in the ground. The 

flowers of the Mint plant are white to purple 

which usually develop four seeds contained in 

a dry capsule. 

The most common and popular Mint is peppermint 

or spearmint, both of which have numerous 

uses and are good for repelling pest 

insects such as wasps, ants and cockroaches, 

but the Mint plant is susceptible to whitefly 

and aphids. 

It is the leaves of the Mint that have the 

aroma and flavour and harvesting of Mint 

leaves can be done at any time. They should 

be used immediately, or stored in an airtight 

container for up to a couple of days in a refrigerator, 

or frozen in ice cube trays. The leaf, 

fresh or dried, is the culinary source of Mint 

and fresh Mint is usually preferred over dried 

Mint as the leaves have a warm, fresh, aromatic, 

sweet flavour with a cool aftertaste. 

Mint leaves can be used in teas, beverages, 

jellies, syrups, candies, and ice creams. Mint 

tea is very popular and can be used as a diuretic. 

One of the most popular uses in British 

cuisine is Mint sauce or jelly as an accompaniment 

to roast lamb. Mint is used a lot in 

Middle Eastern cuisine and is used extensively 

throughout the world in mouth washes, toothpaste, 

shampoo and chewing gum as well as 

numerous varieties of sweets. It is also used 

in cigarettes as it blocks the bitter taste of the 

tobacco whilst soothing the throat. 

Mint was used as a room deodoriser many 

centuries ago with layers of Mint being put on 

the floors, but more recently it has been used 

by the medical profession to treat stomach 

and chest pains. It is also used to flavour 

various medicines and menthol, developed 

from Mint essential oil, is an ingredient of 

many cosmetics and perfumes. The essential 

oils are also used in aromatherapy, giving a 

calming and cooling affect. 

Page 38 









Page 39

The Great Escape 

Two years ago, Rojales resident, Dave Walsh, 

looked out of his window to see two pigs on 

the loose. The only people he could think 

of to call were Easy Horse Care Rescue 

Centre, who managed to catch one of them 

and named her Penelope and successfully rehomed 

her. Imagine Dave’s surprise when 

two years later he looked out of his window 

overlooking the Three Crosses in Rojales and 

saw a lone pony at the top of the hill. Once 

again he turned to Easy Horse Care Rescue 

Centre for help. 

Co-Founder Sue Weeding and volunteer 

Miranda immediately responded, taking with 

them one horse halter, ready to secure the 

pony and assess the situation. Upon their 

arrival, Dave was anxiously waiting at the 

bottom of the hill and informed them that now 

there were two. Sue and Miranda climbed to 

the top of the hill, managed to catch the first 

pony. The second more miniature pony, upon 

seeing the capture of his friend, came out 

from under the bush where he was hiding and 

climbed over a small wall, desperate to stay 

with his friend. Luckily Miranda was wearing 

a scarf which she utilised as a horse halter. 

It was established that there was nobody 

responsible for the two ponies and the local 

police were consulted and gave full permission 

for the ponies to be taken to the centre as 

neither of them was micro-chipped. Both 

were extremely malnourished. The smaller 

of the two, since named Cruz, had been 

blinded in one eye with a sharp implement. 

He had a head collar made of bail twine that 

had cut deep grooves into his face. Due to 

his malnutrition, he is slightly deformed 

and was so full of worms that he was 

struggling to breathe as they were pressing 

on his small lungs. The larger pony has been 

named Rocky, due to Sylvester Stallone’s 

performance in the Rocky films running up 

the steps, similar to the step in Rojales where 

he led his little friend to freedom. We must 

assume that they had escaped from a terrible 

place. 

They are now receiving all the medical care, 

attention and love that they need to aid their 

recovery. You are all welcome to come and 

visit them on one of our Open Days which 

are every Sunday 1-4pm. Sunday roasts are 

now available with many other tasty homemade 

treats including vegetarian options and 

of course the very popular Horse Tour where 

you can meet all our rescues and hear their 

stories. 

More details of the work of the centre can 

be found at www.easyhorsecare.net 

To contact the centre, call Sue on 652 021 

980 

Email info@easyhorsecare.net 


November was a busy month for us. Not 

only the inevitable birthdays when you come 

from a large family, but also our added 25 th 

wedding anniversary. When Carol and I got 

married it was a grey wet day in Scotland 

and we celebrated our 25 th on a grey wet day 

in Spain. Wonderful! Both days were good 

though for their own reasons. 

When you commit to someone or something, 

at the time you are sure nothing will deflect 

you from that commitment. We are human 

unfortunately and we do change and life can 

sometimes knock us about a bit. Peter told 

Jesus he was willing to die with Him if he was 

threatened, but within hours denied three 

times that he knew Him. 

How many of us have failed when our commitment 

was tested? Perhaps we forgot what 

we committed to? Perhaps remembering is 

not our strong point. ..seamless link to. 

We also had Remembrance Day during November, 

remembering the men and women 

whose commitment often puts their lives in 

danger. This is good to remember because 

giving up your life for someone else really is 

the ultimate sacrifice. 

Paul struggled with this when he wrote to the 

Christians in Rome. He said “Now, no one is 

likely to die for a good person, though someone 

might be willing to die for a person who 

is especially good, but God showed His great 

love for us by sending Christ to die for us 

while we were yet sinners.” Romans 5v7,8. 

God’s commitment to us began, not with 

Jesus being born as a baby, but way back 

before we were even created, because He 

knew we would need to be saved and that to 

do this Jesus would have to die. Now that is 

commitment and worth remembering! 

Remember! Carol Service at Derek and 

Lynda’s, Cehegin, Sunday December 16 th , 

4pm. Mince pies to follow. 

For directions or queries contact Open Door. 

If you would like to be informed of our events 

and added to our mailing list please let us 

know opendoorgettogether@gmail.com 

Find us in Los Almagros, Fuente Alamo, 

30320, Murcia. GPS:37”45’ 57.77’ North. 

1” 15’ 56.95’ West 

Phone Ken 646 705 403 or Carol 655 141 

721 

Page 40 









Page 41

1 st 1919: Nancy Astor became the 

first female MP to take her seat in 

parliament. 

3 rd 1967: South African surgeon Christian 

Barnard performed the first successful 

human heart transplant. 

4 th 1961: The female oral contraceptive, 

or ‘pill’, became available on the 

National Health Service. 

5 th 2005: The Civil Partnership Act came 

into force in Britain, giving same-sex 

couples legal recognition. 

10 th 1936: Edward VIII signed his 

abdication, freeing him to marry the 

American divorcee Wallis Simpson. 

13 th 2003: Former Iraqi leader Saddam 

Hussein was captured by US forces 

near Tikrit in Iraq. 

14 th 1972: Apollo 17, the last manned 

space mission to the Moon, returned 

to Earth, ending US lunar exploration. 

15 th 1982: Spain opened its border with 

the British territory of Gibraltar after a 

13-year blockade. 

17 th 1967: Australian Prime Minister 

Harold Holt vanished in mysterious 

circumstances while swimming near 

Melbourne. 

19 th 1997: The film ‘Titanic’ was premiered 

and went on to become the highestgrossing 

film of all time. 

20 th 1973: Spanish Prime Minister Admiral 

Luis Carrero Blanco was killed by a 

Basque terrorist car bomb in Madrid. 

21 st 1988: A Libyan bomb exploded 

on a Pan Am passenger plane over 

Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 270 

people. 

26 th 2004: More than 280,000 people died 

after an Indian Ocean earthquake 

triggered a series of tsunamis. 

30 th 2006: Former Iraqi leader Saddam 

Hussein was hanged in Baghdad for 

crimes against humanity. 


Registered Charity Nº 8.714/1ª 

JJ’s Puppy Rescue Association has been a 

Spanish Registered Charity since March 2007 

with a Management Committee, Association 

Members, Volunteer Helpers and Foster Carers. 

Last month we rescued 4 abandoned puppies 

and found new homes for 4 puppies. We also 

relocated 8 dogs that have been in our foster 

kennels for over 3 years to Holland for rehoming 

of which 3 have already been homed 

and 2 are reserved for new owners. We still 

have 25 puppies and dogs in our care which 

all need a loving home and some of them 

have been in our foster kennels over three 

years with very little chance of being homed 

locally. To give these dogs the chance they 

deserve we are continuing our concerted effort 

to find homes for them abroad with the 

help of Rescue Organisations in the UK and 

Holland. The 1500€ cost of Neutering, Blood 

Tests, Vaccinations, Micro-chips and Passports 

in preparation for these dogs to go to 

their new homes has put a huge strain on our 

available funds. To help us raise the funds for 

this additional cost we are dependent on public 

support and generosity. 

Our Charity Shop in Puerto de Mazarrón is 

located near the El Arbol Supermarket. The 

Shop is staffed entirely by volunteers and we 

really need all the public help we can get. Any 

unwanted saleable items that can be sold in 

our charity shop or table top sales to raise 

funds will be gratefully received. We can arrange 

for donated items to be collected. We 

also need volunteer helpers who can give 

some of their free time to work in our Charity 

Shop, so if you would like to help, come in 

and have a chat with the staff. 

For More Information or Collection of 

Donated Items Give One of Our Committee 

Members a Call 

Tony 618 034 921 or Mike 634 143 242 

Or call into our Charity Shop in Puerto de 

Mazarrón 

WeDoItAll4ThePuppies. 

Page 42 









Page 43

Being a Camposol resident on the “other side” 

of the bridge and having a mid-week birthday 

this year we decide to “stay local” so chose 

The Alley Palais Bistro for an evening meal 

and were not disappointed. Antoine, their top 

chef has added some extremely tasty dishes 

to a new menu including Morrocan Lamb 

with Apricots, and profiteroles with chocolate 

sauce & Baileys, (naughty but nice!) Our 

waitress for the night, Kathy, was very attentive 

and they even decorated the table for 

me, which was a nice touch. The Alley Palais 

Bistro is also now offering a Wednesday 

night special set menu for only €9.95, representing 

excellent value for money. 

After several months of indecision, we finally 

decided to have an additional internal 

door fitted in the lounge of our Neptuno 

style villa. There was an arch leading from 

the lounge to the downstairs bedrooms and 

bathrooms which has now been blocked off 

with a solid wooden door. Suddenly the room 

feels much cosier. Finding a good carpenter 

these days can be difficult so I was delighted 

when Philip Peacock came round to have a 

look. He has an impressive portfolio and intimate 

knowledge of the various villa styles. 

He took all the measurements, made the door 

and returned to fit it and it looks excellent; a 

very professional job. I will be contacting him 

again in the not too distant future to provide 

some more cupboard space in the upstairs 

wardrobes. 

Did you know that if you ever need anything 

shipped back from the UK you only need get 

it delivered to a warehouse in Essex? We have 

had a few shipments lately courtesy of Danny 

at Daintons, who is constantly back and 

forth from the UK. He only needs a bit of notice 

and delivers right to your door. 

When Gina asked me if I would take part in 

the Strides Lions walk for Diabetes Awareness, 

I said yes, especially when she said I 

could bring the dog. It was on Saturday 10 th 

November along the Paseo in Puerto De Mazarron. 

The sun was shining and the walk was 

well attended by Spanish, British and other 

nationalities. On the way home we also made 

sure we visited the FAST Christmas Fayre 

to stock up on some cakes and sausage rolls 

and did a bit of early Christmas shopping. 

What a pleasant day! 

More next month Teresa 


December! Are you all prepared for the 

festive season? We are getting there! Matt 

and I are going to UK to take mum Jones 

away for Christmas – first time ever either 

of us been in a hotel for the festivities. 

Found a nice looking hotel in Gloucester at 

reasonable cost so mum Jones won’t have far 

to travel. Mum Monk is staying here in Spain 

and Sister Bobbie is Mum, house and animal 

sitting! Thanks. It will be the first year I 

have not been with family for ages, but then 

I do see them almost every day, so it’s mum 

Jones’ turn to see us and be pampered! All 

is well at the base, but we have still not fully 

cleared up from the Gota Fria mess. Every 

time we plan a final clear up it rains again – 

good excuse to light the fire and watch some 

rubbish film on TV! It will get done! Followers 

may like to know we have Terrapin five now, 

given to us by Jean @ Noah’s ARC (thanks!) 

A different breed from others and we thought 

was a tortoise, but tried it in shallow water 

and it swims and now in the big tank with 

the others. Seems to be fine, but they are all 

“sleepy” in the colder water. 

TV NEWS 

Not many new items for you - the big talking 

point is “What will happen when the “F” 

satellite comes into service?” We still have 

no definitive answers for UK TV viewers in 

southern Spain. It was successfully launched 

on September 28 th (a week late!) and as 

we speak is being tested ready to take all 

the UK TV/Radio transmissions. Will they 

be available down here? I expect so and 

there will be no change, but I can’t be sure. 

Some of the smaller dishes may have to be 

upgraded to receive signal. We don’t know 

what or when, so we cannot plan for any 

eventuality that may occur. 

We are investigating Internet TV which is 

reasonably successful with a good Internet 

connection and we have two companies 

looking at specifications for Internet TV 

boxes so that you will not have to use your 

computer linked to your TV. Things are all 

so unknown that no-one wants to invest too 

much money in research, but the returns 

would be high if the worst case happened and 

there was no UK TV in Southern Europe by 

satellite. Watch this space for information as 

it slowly reveals itself. 

The Spanish TV terrestrial system is rapidly 

changing to HD (high definition) transmissions 

and seems to be pushing the SD (standard 

definition) options to weaker signals. If you 

watch Spanish TV and have been losing some 

channels, or are getting picture break-up, 

then you may need to change to HD viewing. 

Changing TV with HD built in is expensive, but 

you can get an external HD digibox to receive 

the channels. Much cheaper option, so ask us. 

I know a few Scandinavian residents read 

this newsletter. Sorry, but your satellite 

transmissions have recently gone to a satellite 

with a tighter footprint on Scandinavia and 

you have lost your reception. No solution at 

present. We have tried to receive the signals 

on a 1.80m dish, but with no luck and the 

investment to try a 2.40m dish is just too 

high for the possible returns. Looks like you 

must go the internet route. 

FREETIME TV where you can look back over 

the past 7 days and watch anything you have 

missed has been launched and by all accounts 

works well. Not managed to get a box yet to 

test it down here. 

We have just taken delivery of a Credit Card 

machine so we can take all payments by 

card if you wish – handy for paying the SKY 

subscription renewals as we notify you of the 

due dates. 

That’s all for this month. Next issue will be 

in 2013! Rainbow Satellites wish everyone 

a joyful happy season with a wonderful New 

Year. 

Article sponsored by Rainbow Satellites the 

company for all your TV needs in the Murcia 

Region of Spain. Contact Alan or Matt for 

free friendly advice by email rainbowsats@ 

gmail.com or by telephone (0034) 686 358 

475, but please remember that when you call 

we may just be on a roof installing a dish! 

Leave a message and we will always get back 

to you. Our website www.rainbowsats. 

org has some good basic TV information 

especially for newcomers to Spain. 

Page 44 









Page 45

Cabaret Update 

The fundraising Cabaret Night on 8 th 

November at the Hotel Playa Grande, 

Puerto de Mazarron was a very successful 

event with over 160 people having a great 

time dancing to the sounds of the fabulous 

duo The Beagles, and the supporting 

act Clifford Jay & Julia. This event was 

organised to raise much needed funds 

for the Palm House Orphanage in 

Cambodia. 

We are thankful for the continued support 

of many generous friends and local 

businesses who donated prizes for the 

raffle and auction. We would also like 

to thank all those that attended on the 

evening. An amazing 1,700€ was raised 

for the Palm House Orphanage who give 

refuge and a home and safety for children, 

away from paedophilia, prostitution and 

poverty. It also gives them a chance to 

grow up with an education which they 

would not normally have had, which gives 

them a better chance in life. 

Every euro that is raised goes to help run 

the home, so we thank every generous 

person who supported the charity and in 

return had a great night of entertainment. 

We want to thank the Beagles for their time 

and talent, also all the selfless people who 

helped on the night, some at short notice, 

(they know who they are). We would also 

like to thank the staff of the Hotel Playa 

Grande who were so obliging when the 

dividers of the Sala Azul had to be opened 

up to accommodate the extra people that 

turned up that we weren’t expecting! 

What a wonderful problem to have!! 

Thank you and God bless you all. 

Cliff & Julia. 

Learn to Sing Harmony in a Day! 

Ever wanted to sing but not known where 

to start? 

Did you sing at school and have now lost 

confidence? 

Do you want a change from Karaoke but are 

not sure how to go about it? 

Help is at hand, because The Spanish 

Association of Barbershop Singers (SABS) 

is offering a Learn to Sing Harmony in a 

Day course on Saturday, 19 January 2013 

at Mariano’s Restaurant, Camposol Sector A. 

You will benefit from the invaluable 

experience of Musical Director and SABS 

President, Gail Grainger, backed up by 

members of two local a cappella harmony 

quartets: Viva and Chardonnay. 

You will learn various techniques during the 

day which will help you to improve your 

singing. 

lower voices are particularly welcome as, in 

our experience, they have often been told 

in the past that they can’t sing, which is 

usually far from the truth. Throughout the 

day we will learn a new song together and in 

the evening we will perform live in front of 

friends and family. This method of learning 

has proved to be very popular in the UK and 

we are expecting an enthusiastic response.” 

There are only 50 places available, so make 

sure that you contact SABS soon to secure 

your place. 

Call 868 186 020 or 644 299 468 now. 


“This is a great opportunity for anyone who 

wants to improve the quality of their singing 

voice and to learn about singing four part 

harmony”, comments Gail. “Those with 

The Spanish Association of Barbershop 

Singers (SABS) was formed in October 2008 

with the aim of encouraging the people 

of Spain to enjoy this unique form of a 

cappella, four-part harmony singing. SABS 

currently has over 200 members throughout 

Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands. If 

you would like to find out more, please visit 

their website: www.sabs.es 

Photographer: Vincent de Vries 

Page 46 









Page 47

Due to Christmas commitments for most 

people, there will be no NEST walks during 

December, but we will have an extra one at 

the beginning of January. 

Thursday 3 rd January – Fossilized Dinosaur’s 

Footprint – Meet El Berro car park 

10.30am 

Friendly, easy, non-sporty, short walk to see 

a fossilized dinosaur’s footprint in the Sierra 

Espuña. Includes a very easy short rope 

bridge with a wooden base. Bring cameras 

and get your friends to think you’ve been 

very adventurous, although anyone can do 

it - NEST walks are particularly easy and we 

always cater to the slower people in the group 

and wait without rushing ahead, but please 

wear proper walking footwear for rubbly rural 

paths and you do need to be healthy. Bring 

water to sip and a smile for a lovely morning 

out! An optional meal in an authentic Spanish 

mountain restaurant where we might see wild 

boar! The walk is 5€ and the optional, delicious 

meal; salad, starter, main course, dessert 

and a drink plus coffee is 9€. 

18 th January NEST Photography Group 

Outing in Cartagena for photography enthusiasts. 

If you love photography, beginner or pro, join 

us! Get in touch. 

Thursday 31 st January La Santa Monastery 

10.30 at La Santa Monastery car 

park, between Totana and Aledo. 

Easy 3 hour circular walk via Aledo with its 

spectacular views, before (optional) eating at 

La Santa which has a wonderful atmosphere. 

Driving directions are on the NEST website. It 

costs about 10€ plus drinks, but the decor is 

worth it! See slide show here http://www. 

monasteriosantaeulalia.com/en/show/ 

photos/Outside-the-hotel 

Book & wait for confirmation. Give Spanish 

contact phone number and full names, either 

by text/tel 679 002 147 

Email natureespunatrails@gmail.com 

Register at http://www.nestwalks.info 

for new dates and get first pick! Book early to 

avoid disappointment. 

Friend up on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/natureespunatrails 

Looking 

forward to seeing you all! 


October and November have been a hugely 

busy period for Helping Hands. Early in 

October a FLOOD DISASTER APPEAL was 

launched and the team have been collecting 

and distributing donated items to those who 

are desperately in need, particularly in the 

Lorca and Puerto Lumbreras region. 

One amazing offer of help came from Jessica 

and Ana Marie, proprietors of the El Paniajo 

Bar & Restaurant in El Marchal, a small village 

located between Bedar and Lubrin in Almeria. 

Jessica and Ann Marie, after reading of the 

Appeal, collected a total of 6 cubic meters of 

donated items from their customers, friends 

and neighbours. Our thanks go to all involved. 

Two additional ventures, the funding of 

regular Transportation of Food Parcels to 

those in need in Aguilas and Pony Riding for 

the Handicapped are also underway. 

For our four legged friends, the Helping 

Hands is also pleased to announce that they 

will now permanently sponsor the Desert 

Hearts Rescue and Rehoming Centre 

currently run entirely by Marina Lennertson 

and Susanna Flierl. 

Desert Hearts is always full to the brim 

with unwanted dogs and newborn pups, all 

of whom receive wonderful care and eventual 

re-homing. The daily running of the centre 

is very often carried out by Marina, with the 

help of a kind-hearted colleague, Jacqui, who 

assists whenever she can. Susanna works 

continually in order to earn the funds to 

help cover the huge costs involved and over 

the years the girls have become experts at 

building kennels and all things necessary for 

such a huge commitment. 

We hope that Helping Hands can make a 

difference for these wonderful, dedicated 

people and, ultimately, the dogs. 

Finally, the decision to move the Helping 

Hands Charity Shop in Aguilas to another 

considerably larger was also taken and new 

premises sourced less than 100 mtrs from 

the existing shop in the same road, Clle 

Fuensanta, off of Avenida Juan Carlos. 

The old shop ceased trading on Friday 23 

November and it is planned for the new one to 

be launched on Saturday 8 th December with a 

special inauguration Fiesta at 12noon. All are 

invited of course. 

One week prior to this the Helping Hands 

had another of their hugely successful 

events featuring the Liverpool Band at the 

magnificent Hotel Puerto Juan Montiel, 

beachside at Aguilas. 

It is hoped that maybe then there may 

be a little time for resting over the Festive 

Season!!! 

THE TEAM 

OF HELPING 

H A N D S 

WOULD LIKE 

TO WISH ALL 

AT Costa 

C á l i d a 

Chronicle 

AND THEIR WONDERFUL SUPPORTERS 

A VERY VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A 

HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL NEW 

YEAR! 

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Page 49


T h i n k - 

ing About 

Gardening 

Christmas 

Presents? 

By Clodagh 

and Dick 

Handscombe, 

practical holistic 

gardeners 

and authors living and writing in Spain 

for 25 years 

If so here are some practical ideas for the 

gardening members of the family or friends: 

1. A new pair of sharp easy to use pruners 

are always welcome, ready for 

the winter cutback in the New Year. 

For our money Fiskars are worth the 

extra price. 

2. Wearing out old shoes or walking 

boots is not really the best thing for 

one’s feet, ankles and knees, so how 

about a pair of comfortable shoes or 

boots with reinforced toes? 

3. Thinking about knees, how about a 

new pair of knee pads for all those 

kneeling jobs? 

4. Gardening gloves are welcome, especially 

waterproof ones at this time of 

year. 

5. In some households, gardening is not 

a shared activity, so a promise to 

help out next year, especially in getting 

a vegetable plot going, may go 

down well. 

6. How about a miniature gardening kit 

for young children to get them involved 

young? Perhaps give them a 

few square metres of soil or a collection 

of containers for their own garden. 

7. Sorry for including them, but our six 

gardening books are good Christmas 

presents, especially as they are 

designed 

to be used 

throughout 

the year and 

not just a few 

hours read in 

front of the 

Boxing Day 

log fire. As a 

reminder, the 

large ones 

are: ‘Your 

G a r d e n 

In Spain 

– From 

Planning 

to Planting 

and Maintenance’, ‘Growing 

Healthy Vegetables in Spain’ and 

‘Apartment Gardening Mediterranean 

Style’. We had a great early 

Christmas present the other day. We 

walked past a five storey apartment 

building where only one apartment 

terrace had plants. Today, all ten had 

fantastic gardens in the sky which together 

now created an attractive vertical 

garden. 

8. We have two smaller books, or booklets 

that make good stocking fillers. 

They are: ‘Living Well From Our 

Mediterranean 

Garden’ 

which 

is most easily 

available 

from www. 

gardeninginspain. 

com and 

a new one 

‘Making 

Waterless 

Gardens 

a Practical 

Reality 

World 

Wide’ which 

is available from the website and is 

also published on an Amazon Kindle 

ebook. 

9. If the intended recipient is new to gardening 

on Spanish soils, how about a 

set of three sizes of mattocks that are 

easier to use than a British fork and 

spade? 

10. Every ten years a new wheel barrow 

might be an idea, but do buy one with 

a wide bouncy solid or blow up tyre. 

11. Winter days are often sunny, but they 

can be windy and cold, so a snug 

gardener’s green sweater or padded 

waistcoat could be appreciated. 

12. It not too late to plant deciduous fruit 

trees and bushes, so add to the existing 

collection of fruits for healthy 

living. 

13. To ensure a chemical-free garden 

next year, a present of bottles of 

neem oil insecticide and propolis fungicide. 

If you can’t find them, order 

from www.trabe.net 

14. Cutting hedges gets no easier as one 

grows older, so perhaps arrange for 

someone to come and cut the hedges 

and prune tall trees in January. 

15. A small grape press could help the 

family press next year’s grape harvest 

rather than using the bath and feet! 

16. If the garage is getting cluttered with 

garden tools and products, how about 

a garden shed? 

17. If you enjoy, or would like to try growing 

sprouting seeds, buy yourself an 

automatic sprouting machine. 

18. Several times during the year we 

have mentioned drying fruit, herbs 

and seeds on our tray drier. They 

are very handy. We use ours several 

times a week. We are currently using 

it for drying slices of tangerines for 

dipping in chocolate to eat after dinner, 

or when needing a boost on winter 

walks. Raisins and sultanas were 

dried for the Christmas cake! 

19. Gardening socks wear out every few 

years. Perhaps this is the year for a 

couple of new pairs. 

20. If you see a stylish straw hat in the 

local agricultural cooperative, buy one 

ready for the first hot sunny days next 

year. 

21. To attract wild birds, how about bird 

boxes, feeders and a bird bath. We 

notice that the Wiggly Wigglers catalogue 

includes a bird box with a builtin 

internal video camera to connect 

at the end of a 30 metre lead to the 

television. 

22. What about a good bottle of Spanish 

brandy to warm up after a long cold 

winter day in the garden? 

Happy Christmas Shopping! 

Clodagh and Dick Handscombe 

www.gardeninginspain.com 

Page 50 









Page 51

Animal Rights Week 10-16 December 2012 in 

Jumilla 

Monday, December 10 International Day 

for the Rights of Animals. 

8pm Reading and Screening of the film “Always 

At Your Side” in the Centro Sociocultural 

Roque Baños. 

Tuesday December 11 Information about 

Asociación 4 Patas, Jumilla 

10am An information table giving support at 

the Mercado de Abastos. 

Wednesday December 12 Creative 

Workshop 

5-7.30pm Workshop creation, storytelling, 

Chinese shadows, crafts, etc. Focused on 

children being dynamic and having fun with 

animals but knowing their rights. A children’s 

library. Registration is 3€ for the workshop 

material (can be collected from: Mi Mascota, 

Peluquería Wapos and Centrofauna). Deadline 

for registration is December 10. Limited 

seating. Intended for children and young 

people between 4 and 14 years. 

Thursday December 13 Coloquio 

“Animales, SOS” 

8pm at the Centro Sociocultural Roque Baños. 

4 PATAS, STIPA. 

Friday December 14 Charity Dinner 

9.30pm at Salones Duque de Lerma. To 

attend the dinner, you must pay 24€ into 

the CAM Bank - 2090 0004 01 0200152353, 

giving the name of the dinner and your 

name. Deadline is Monday December 10. For 

confirmation and queries, call 650 609 832. 

Fila 0: CAM - 2090 0004 01 0200152353. 

Sunday December 16 “Run with your 

Dog” and Charity Flea Market. 

10am-12pm “Run with your Dog” at 

Avenida de la Libertad. 

9.30am Collection of papers next to Explanada 

de la Piscina Cubierta. 

Rules and regulations for the Albergue 

Municipal de Animales Abandonados are 

available for 5€ from Mi Mascota, Peluquería 

Wapos and Centrofauna. 

Categories: 

Small and large dogs – 3km 

All participants and their dogs will have a 

prize for taking part. 

There will also be three special prizes for the 

first three finishers in each category: small 

dogs, big dogs and any other sizes. 

We will have a veterinarian available during 

the event that will be responsible for reviewing 

the fitness of dogs and of possible incidents. 

12-2pm Awards ceremony of the Canicross 

and Charity Flea Market (crafts, books etc). 

Bar and music at Explanada de la Piscina 

Cubierta. 

These events are organised by 4 Patas 

Jumilla. 


People Have Been Killed or Injured in 

Their Homes Using Gas and Paraffin Portable 

Heaters. 

Many of the houses here in Spain are not built 

for the cold weather and for ease and money, 

portable gas fires seem to be the answer, but 

there are various things that you must be 

aware of if you are using these appliances. 

Accidents most frequently occur as a result of 

gas leaking when people are assembling appliances 

or changing cylinders or cartridges. 

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is butane or 

propane stored as a liquid under pressure. 

A small leak can produce a large volume of 

highly flammable gas. The gas is heavier than 

air so that it collects near the floor or ground 

and can be ignited at a considerable distance 

from the source of the leak. If escaping gas is 

ignited in a room or other space there may be 

a fire and an explosion. 

It is advised that if you live in a home that is 

more than two storeys high, do not use calor 

gas or paraffin heaters. 

Every year over 100 people die and nearly 

1000 are injured in their homes as a result of 

fires caused by heating appliances. Many of 

these fires involve portable heaters. Any type 

of portable heater can start a fire if it is misused. 

Make sure you read and understand the 

manufacturer’s instructions before using one. 

if you use any type of log burner or gas fire 

you must have an audible carbon monoxide 

detector. They are not expensive and save 

lives. 

Basic rules: 

• Always follow the manufacturer’s operating 

and maintenance instructions. 

• Keep the heater clean and well maintained. 

• Ventilate the room in which the 

heater is being used. This is extremely 

important as the fumes 

emitted from the fire can kill. 

• Make sure that a permanent safety 

guard is fitted. 

• If a heater is to be used in one place 

for a long time, fix it securely to a 

floor or wall. 

• Whatever type of heater you use, do 

not 

• move a heater while it is alight 

or switched on; 

• stand or sit too close, your 

clothing may ignite; 

• place a heater too close to furniture, 

bedding or curtains; 

• air or dry clothes over a heater; 

• place heaters where they are 

likely to be knocked over; 

• leave a portable heater on if 

young children or animals are 

left unattended; 

• use flammable adhesives, 

cleaning fluids or aerosol 

sprays near a heater; 

• Turn off portable heaters before going 

to bed. 

Portable Gas Heaters 

There are now many forms of powerful domestic 

heaters available which are fuelled by 

cylinders of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). 

• Ensure that the appliance is serviced 

regularly. 

• Change the cylinder in open air. If this 

is not possible, open windows and 

doors to increase ventilation. 

• Never change a cylinder on a stairway 

or other escape route. 

• Extinguish all sources of ignition, including 

cigarettes and pilot lights, and 

turn off other heaters and electrical 

appliances before changing the cylinder 

if it has to be done indoors. 

• Check that the valve on the empty 

cylinder is closed before disconnecting 

the heater. Do not turn on the valve 

of the new cylinder until the heater is 

securely connected. 

• Search for any suspected gas leak by 

brushing soapy water onto the flexible 

hose and fittings. If a leak is found, 

take the heater and cylinder into open 

air and do not use them until the 

faulty part has been replaced. 

• Store spare cylinders outside where 

possible. Never store them in basements, 

near drains, under the stairs 

or in a cupboard containing electric 

meters or equipment. Spare cylinder 

must be stored upright. 

Page 52 









Page 53

Animal Care Treatment International 

Network is not a rescue association, but a 

media platform, to let the world know about 

the difficulties in Spain for animal welfare in 

general. ACTIN also aims to work on improving 

laws and legislation and implementing 

those to prevent these problems. We aim 

to eventually abolish crimes against animals 

that are commonplace and considered part of 

the culture here. 

We hear many of you say it is impossible, 

but we believe we must try and we 

know we have a huge task ahead of us, 

so please support us and have faith. 

High on the agenda is the lack of neutering 

pet animals, which creates so much abandonment 

here. We are also aware of how important 

it is to tackle the problem of treatment 

of the hunting dogs. We are researching ways 

to make a difference and need your support. 

Please see our website ww.actin-spain.com 

where you will find typical stories of problems 

experienced for the animals and rescuers here 

in Murcia. Murcia is one of the worst regions 

for lack of animal care and cruelty. We use 

stories with positive outcomes so that people 

will not turn away, but we have to remember 

that in the majority of cases it is NOT a positive 

outcome. 

To rescue and home so many dogs, all of the 

rescue associations and refuges not only work 

very hard, but are full to bursting and in need 

of financial help. Please remember these 

charities this Christmas. If you are reading 

this you are likely to live in this region 

where it is an all-consuming problem for animal 

lovers, rescuers and carers. We consider 

the problem bad enough with so many abandoned 

dogs in the streets and animals dead 

on the roads, but imagine how it would be, if 

we didn’t have these associations! 

Some people are forfeiting Christmas 

presents this year in favour of donating 

to their favourite charity. 

On 5 th January we are holding our second 

event. It will be a grand party day for children 

and adults. There will be entertainment 

for children, promoting kindness to animals, 

crafts, food and refreshments and a chance to 

enter our lottery and we will also be finalising 

our skills auction. The proceeds for the day 

will go towards our campaigns and rescued 

dogs. 

Please share our stories on the website and 

our aims, with your friends outside Spain. 

We need the world to know that Spain has to 

move into modern times, as far as the treatment 

of animals is concerned. 

Viv Wharton, 

ACTIN Spain 


If you think about 

the letter Y in English, 

it actually has a 

dual function. Sometimes 

it is a vowel, as 

in the word “pretty”, 

and sometimes it is a 

consonant, as in the 

word “yellow”. If you 

think about it even 

more and listen carefully 

to how your mouth forms the sounds, 

you may even notice that the Y vowel and 

consonant in English are actually very similar. 

For example, if you were to say “iellow” instead 

of “yellow”, the sound would come out 

the same. A very similar relationship exists 

between the two uses of Y in Spanish. It can 

be a consonant, in which case it sounds like 

the English consonant Y, as in the word “ya” 

(now) or “yo” (I). In other instances the Y 

acts like a vowel, substituting the letter “I” 

as in the word for ‘and’, which consists of the 

single letter Y. 

The consonant Y sound is the same as the 

LL in Spanish, such as in the word “llave” 

meaning ‘key’. The exact sound ranges 

from being almost identical to the English Y 

through to an effect produced by light friction 

between the tongue and the roof of the 

mouth about half way towards an English J 

sound. In South American Spanish the sound 

can be like a full J, especially in Argentina 

and Uruguay where “yo” sounds like “jo” 

and “llave” sounds like “jave”. Many English 

speakers find these variations in consonant 

sounds disconcerting as they strive to 

work out which sound is ‘correct’. However, a 

range of light to hard in many Spanish consonants 

is quite admissible within the language. 

Conversely, the Spanish vowels have to be 

much more consistent than in English as they 

form the basis of the correct sound of each 

word. 

There is a fair variety of words in Spanish 

that begin with the letter Y, although there 

are very few which have related words in 

the English language. Here are some that 

just about qualify: “yate”, (yacht); “yip” 

(jeep); “yodo” (iodine); “yogur” (yoghurt). 

The letter Y is quite common at the ends of 

words, usually following other vowels, for example: 

“hay” (there is, there are); “buey” 

(ox); “soy” (I am). 

Going back to our two most common Y words 

“yo” and “ya”, I thought it would be useful 

to look at some frequent uses of these words 

in phrases. 

“Ya” means “now” or “already”, so we have: 

“¡Ya está!” (That’s it now!); “¡Ya entiendo!” 

(Now I understand!); 

“¡Basta 

ya!” (That’s enough 

now!); “Ya voy” (I’m 

going now, I’m on my 

way). 

“Yo” means “I”, 

and here are some 

good ways to use it: 

“¿Yo qué sé?” (How 

should I know?); “Yo 

también” (Me too); 

“Porque lo digo yo” 

(Because I say so); 

“Soy yo” (It’s me!). 

The letter Y plays its part in the formation 

of verbs, as again it can substitute the letter 

“I” in certain circumstances. This occurs 

for example with the verb “oír” (to hear). It 

changes to “oyes” (you hear); “oye” (he or 

she hears) and “oyen” (they hear). “Oye” 

is also the form used when we are telling 

someone to hear, or to listen. We might say 

“Oye, ¿sabes qué?” which in English would 

be “Hey, do you know what?” at the outset of 

some interesting piece of gossip. 

A similar thing happens in one of the forms 

of the verb “ir” (to go) namely the gerund 

(going) which is “yendo”. A word of warning 

here though about “yendo” as it is not used 

with anything like the frequency of the word 

“going” in English. 

The same substitution process works the 

other way where “y” can become “i”. This 

happens for example when numbers containing 

the word “y” get joined together so that 

“diez y ocho” becomes “dieciocho”. 

Here is an assortment of some other more 

common Y words and their meanings: “Yedra” 

means “ivy” as in the plant, but I have 

never heard it used as a name. “Yema” 

means “yoke” and reminds me more than 

anything of that rich yellow variety of sweet 

“turrón” eaten by the Spanish at Christmas 

time. The pad or tip of one’s finger is also 

referred to as the “yema”. 

There is a family word beginning with Y 

namely “son-in-law” which is “yerno”. A curious 

Y word is “ye-yé” which comes from 

the Beatles “yeah, yeah” of the 60’s. There 

is an old Spanish pop song called “La Chica 

Ye-Yé” which means the trendy girl, or perhaps 

the “with-it” girl, based on the Spanish 

view of fashions in the 60’s when Spain itself 

was living a very different reality from Britain. 

Jane Cronin, Spanish Classes and Talks. 

www.janecronin.eu 

Tel 968183258 

Page 54 









Page 55

The first walk of the season for the 

Evolutionists took place on 27 th October. This 

had been delayed because of the rain the 

previous week, in the Tallente area. We were 

accompanied by 4 dogs from a neighbour of 

our hosts who seemed to enjoy the 3 hour 

walk as much as the walkers themselves. We 

walked up to a 400m peak and then down the 

Rambla del Esparrillar ending at the home of 

our hosts Margaret and Deryck who provided 

a very welcome BBQ to the 18 strong group 

including a good representation from our 

Almeria friends. 

The next walk was held on Sat 17th Nov in 

the Almeria area. This will be reported in the 

January edition of the Chronicle. 

The AGM of the group will be held on Sat 

8th December at El Puente Restaurant in La 

Majada at 11.30am followed by a presentation 

and explanation of the Higgs Boson Theory. 

Please see the website www.bolnuevo. 

com for more information. 


Page 56 





Wines of the Month chosen by Yoann 

from Le Gourmet Wine Bar, Puerto de 

Mazarrón. 

This month to 

celebrate Christmas, 

the first wine chosen 

by Yoann is a French 

Sparkling Wine “JP 

Chenet Brut” which 

is an excellent price 

for the quality of the 

wine. This wine for 

only 5€ is a nice dry 

sparkling wine to 

share with family and 

friends as an aperitif, 

with a dessert or at 

any time of the day. 

The second wine is 

a Sweet Red Wine 

from the red Syrah 

grape Cartagena. 

Darimus at 15º is 

a very nice wine to 

take as an aperitif 

or with something 

sweet like 

chocolate cake. 

It is an ideal wine 

to offer to friends 

and family and is 

available in a small 

or normal sized 

bottle. The prices 

are: 20cl bottle is 4.95€ & 50cl bottle is 

10.90€. 





Page 57

This year, we thought it would be a nice idea to involve all the Churches 

in the area in our Christmas Pages. We asked them all to send in a 

couple of their favourite hymns or carols, so we have a good selection 

that you might like to read or sing over the Christmas period. 

We would also like to thank Paul Jauregui for his contribution The 

Story of Albert Elfstein. If you have written a short story or poem, 

perhaps you would like it published in the Chronicle. Send it to 

costacalidachronicle@gmail.com for our consideration. 

Christmas is a time for giving, but also a time for reflection and having 

thoughts of others who, particularly in these difficult times, may not 

be celebrating, either because they cannot afford it, or because they 

have lost loved ones during the past year. 

Hark The Herald Angels Sing 

Hark the herald angels sing 

“Glory to the newborn King! 

Peace on earth and mercy mild 

God and sinners reconciled” 

Joyful, all ye nations rise 

Join the triumph of the skies 

With the angelic host proclaim: 

“Christ is born in Bethlehem” 

Hark! The herald angels sing 

“Glory to the newborn King!” 

Christ by highest heav’n adored 

Christ the everlasting Lord! 

Late in time behold Him come 

Offspring of a Virgin’s womb 

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see 

Hail the incarnate Deity 

Pleased as man with man to dwell 

Jesus, our Emmanuel 



Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! 

Hail the Son of Righteousness! 

Light and life to all He brings 

Ris’n with healing in His wings 

Mild He lays His glory by 

Born that man no more may die 

Born to raise the sons of earth 

Born to give them second birth 



This popular carol has been chosen by the Beacon of Light Centre, wishing all 

their friends a wonderful Christmas and New Year. 


A Baby for Christmas 

A baby in a stable, 

Who wanted to be fed! 

Was born to us on Christmas day. 

As a star shone overhead! 

He was born to be our saviour, 

And was visited by Kings! 

And shepherds working in the fields. 

All heard the Angels sing! 

How wonderful it is for us! 

To celebrate his birth. 

And to know that Jesus Christ our Lord! 

Came to be with us on earth! 

So now we have this special time! 

That is filled with peace and joy! 

And the gifts of love that we receive. 

Are because of this baby boy! 

Glad tidings we bring, to you and your King! 

We wish you a merry Christmas, and a happy New Year! 

Open Door wish all their friends a Happy Christmas 

and New Year. 

Page 58 





In The Bleak Mid-Winter 

Frosty wind made moan, 

Earth stood hard as iron, 

Water like a stone; 

Snow had fallen, snow on snow, 

Snow on snow, 

In the bleak mid-winter 

Long ago. 

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him 

Nor earth sustain; 

Heaven and earth shall flee away 

When He comes to reign: 

In the bleak mid-winter 

A stable-place sufficed 

The Lord God Almighty, 

Jesus Christ. 

Enough for Him, whom cherubim 

Worship night and day, 

A breastful of milk 

And a mangerful of hay; 

Enough for Him, whom angels 

Fall down before, 

The ox and ass and camel 

Which adore. 

It Was On a Starry Night 

It was on a starry night, 

When the hills were bright, 

Earth lay sleeping, sleeping calm and still 

Then in a cattle shed 

In a manger bed, 

A boy was born King of all the world. 

Chorus 

And all the angels sang for Him, 

The bells of heaven rang for Him, 

For a boy was born King of all the world. 

And all the angels sang for Him, 

The bells of heaven rang for Him 

For a boy was born King of all the world. 

XSXme that way 

Where the baby lay, 

And were kneeling, kneeling by His side, 

And their hearts believed again 

For the peace of men, 

For a boy was born King of all the world 

Chorus 

And all the angels sang for Him..................... 

These Hymns were chosen by Rev Deacon Maureen Kent, hymn selector for 

St Nicholas Ecumenical Church. We wish everyone a Peaceful and Happy 

Christmas and New Year. 

Angels and archangels 

May have gathered there, 

Cherubim and seraphim 

Thronged the air, 

But only His mother 

In her maiden bliss, 

Worshipped the Beloved 

With a kiss. 


What can I give Him, 

Poor as I am? 

If I were a shepherd 

I would bring a lamb, 

If I were a wise man 

I would do my part, 

Yet what I can I give Him, 

Give my heart. 

This carol was chosen by the Olive Branch Christian Fellowship. 

They wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. 

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Page 59 Sales Contact Sales Teresa Contact 619 Teresa 199 407 619 or 199 for the 407 Editor for Contact the Editor Patti Contact 646 005 Patti 017 646 005 017 Page 59 



email:

My God loves me 

My God loves me 

His love will never end. 

He rests within my heart, 

For my God loves me. 

His gentle hand 

He stretches over me. 

Though the storm - clouds, threaten the day 

He will set me free. 

He comes to me 

In sharing bread and wine. 

He brings me life that will reach 

Past the end of time. 

My God loves me, 

His faithful love endures, 

And I will live like a child 

Held in love secure. 

The joys of love 

As offerings now we bring. 

The pains of love will be lost 

In the praises we sing. 

This Carol was chosen by Mass in English who wish all their friends a very 

Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year. 

O Come All Ye Faithful 

O Come All Ye Faithful 

Joyful and triumphant, 

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. 

Come and behold Him, 

Born the King of Angels; 

O come, let us adore Him, 



Christ the Lord. 


God of God, Light of Light, 

Lo! He abhors not the Virgin’s womb; 

Very God, Begotten, not created: 




Christ the Lord! 

Sing, choirs of angels, 

Sing in exultation, 

Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above. 

Glory to God in the highest; 





Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, 

Born this happy morning, 

Jesu, to Thee be glory given; 

Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; 





This carol was chosen by Wellspring Victory Church who wish everyone a 

Peaceful Christmas and New Year. 

Page 60 






December 8 th - The Christmas season begins 

with a weeklong observance of the Feast of 

the Immaculate Conception. Spanish families 

often travel to the south of the country where 

the weather is warmer and there may even 

be flowers in bloom. In many paces such as 

Seville the Spanish have their own way of celebrating 

Christmas. In Seville’s great cathedral, 

they watch ten costumed boys perform 

an ancient dance called Los Seises to honour 

the Virgin Mary. In northern Spain, families 

decorate their balconies with colourful carpets, 

flags, and flowers and they burn candles 

all night in the windows. 

December 22 nd - The Spanish Christmas lottery, 

El Gordo or ‘The Fat One’, is the biggest 

lottery in the world and also one of the oldest, 

having started in 1812. While the first prize in 

2005 was ‘only’ 3€ million, El Gordo has the 

biggest prize pool of any lottery in the world, 

totalling over two billion Euros! 

El Gordo works differently from most lotteries 

in the world. Tickets are very expensive, 

but you don’t have to buy the entire ticket. 

However, if you don’t buy the whole thing, 

you can’t get the whole winnings! The whole 

El Gordo draw process takes in excess of 

three hours so you will often see people sitting 

by their radios or watching the television 

for much of the day, waiting for the results. 

Different Ways of Participating in El Gordo 

Billete - 200€ each - An entire ticket of one 

number which consists of 10 “décimos” 

Décimo - 20€ each - One tenth of a full ticket 

(Billete). Most people purchase Décimos. 

Serie - Each Billete, or number, is printed 

up many times as a different series. 

Number - A unique 5 digit Number is 

printed for each Billete and on the subsequent 

series of that Billete. Eg: the Billete 

with the number “00001” is printed 

195 times under different series numbers. 

Participations - Many organizations buy 

Décimos and divide them up and sell them as 

Participations to their customers or employees. 

Usually they will copy the original ticket, 

write the amount of the Participation, and 

sign it as proof of participation. If the ticket 

is a winner, anyone holding a Participation 

will be entitled to the corresponding amount, 

depending on the amount they paid. 

There are many Outdoor Markets held 

during December and you can buy anything 

from traditional crafts to local wines. Many of 

the churches are decorated with evergreens 

and any flowers that are available and many 

Spanish will attend services every day up until 

Christmas. Like any other fiesta, the Spanish 

love to celebrate by making lots of noise 

with tambourines, gourd rattles, castanets, 

and miniature guitars which are offered for 

sale to enliven the singing and dancing in 

the streets. Children go from house to house 

reciting verses or singing carols for sweets, 

toys, or small instruments. 

Life-size nativity scenes called nacimientos 

or Belens are set up in public places. Many 

of the townsfolk spend hours making these 

elaborate scenes. Some of them are very impressive 

and can cover massive areas. Some 

are animated and illuminated and draw huge 

crowds. Almost every family has a small 

nacimiento in the best room in the house and 

in some villages families send their sons to 

bring in a Yule log. As the boys pull the log 

home, they stop at homes along the way for 

chocolates and nuts. 

December 24 th - Christmas Eve or La Noche 

Buena, the Blessed Night is when the first 

star shines in the evening sky and people 

light bonfires, called luminarias, in public 

squares and outside churches. Traditional 

plays are enacted called Las Pastores depicting 

the shepherds’ adoration of the Christ 

Child in Bethlehem. 

In the Spanish homes, many families place 

a burning candle above the door and light 

candles around the nacimiento. People often 

fast all day and then go as a family to midnight 

mass known as “La Misa Del Gallo”. After 

returning home they might enjoy a feast 

of almond soup, roast meat, baked red cabbage, 

and sweet potato or pumpkin. As usual 

in Spain, shellfish is very popular. 

December 25 th - Although Christmas Day is 

not the main day for the Spanish, this is now 

set aside for family reunions, when relatives 

get together for more feasting. The children 

may sing and dance around the nacimiento 

and family members exchange gifts. Some 

families add to the fun with the traditional 

Urn of Fate. Names are written on cards and 

placed in a bowl. Then two names are drawn 

at a time. It is expected that those two people 

will be friendly to each other throughout the 

coming year. 

December 28 th - Día de los Santos Inocentes 

(Innocent Saints’ Day). The Spanish 

commemorate the Biblical Herod’s slaughter 

of the innocents. On this day, all kinds of 

hoaxes and jokes (called inocentadas) are 

committed on friends and relatives. In this 

sense, it is the equivalent of the April Fools’ 

Day. 

December 31 st - New Year’s Eve is celebrated 

in Spain with street parties and fireworks. 

It is traditional to wear red underwear, 

but this must have been bought for you 

by someone else. It is a time for the families 

again as they gather to celebrate the New 

Year. Most of the Spanish restaurants will be 

closed and the streets deserted until midnight 

when many will go out celebrating. Another 

tradition is of course the eating of 12 grapes. 

These grapes represent the 12 strikes at midnight, 

bringing good luck for the New Year. 

Most of the grapes sold especially for New 

Year are from Vinalopo near Alicante. 

January 5 th - Children believe that at the 

beginning of Epiphany, the Three Kings or 

‘Los Reyes Magos’ travelled through Spain 

on their way to Bethlehem. 

‘Los Reyes Magos’ are: 

Gaspar has brown hair and a brown beard 

and wears a green cloak and a gold crown 

with green jewels on it. He is the King of 

Sheba. Gaspar represents the Frankincense 

brought to Jesus. 

Melchior has long white hair and a white 

beard and wears a gold cloak. He is the 

King of Arabia. Melchior represents the Gold 

brought to Jesus. 

Balthazar has black skin and a black beard 

and wears a purple cloak. He is the King of 

Tarse and Egypt. Balthazar represents the gift 

of Myrrh that was brought to Jesus. Myrrh is 

a perfume that is put on dead bodies to make 

them smell nice. 

‘Los Reyes Magos’ take the place of Father 

Christmas in Spain, although many children 

now like to see Father Christmas as well! Children 

set out their shoes filled with straw for 

the Three Kings’ camels before they go to 

bed on the eve of January 5 th . The straw is 

removed and it is replaced with a gift. 

January 6 th - There will be more celebrating 

and eating including a special nougat candy 

called turron and marzipan. Children carry 

special cakes for ‘Los Reyes Magos’ and 

other foods for their servants and camels. 

They are hoping to meet the Three Kings 

on their way to the Holy Land. Always disappointed 

in their hopes, the children eat the 

good things they have brought with them! 

They then go to the local church where they 

find the Three Kings presenting gifts to Jesus 

in a manger. 

A special cake is made for ‘Los Reyes Magos’ 

and sold all over Spain. Roca de Reyes 

is a ring shaped pastry (tasting similar to hot 

cross buns). It is covered with sugar and fruit 

flavoured jellies. Beware as the cake will contain 

plastic toys and presents. Anyone lucky 

enough to find one of the little gifts will be 

blessed with good luck all year. 

The Christmas season ends at Epiphany with 

the “Cavalcade of the Kings,” a wonderful parade 

of the Three Kings and live animals. 

Useful Festive Spanish Words 

Nochebuena - Christmas Eve 

Navidad - Christmas. 

Feliz Navidad - Merry Christmas. 

Papá Noel – Father Christmas or Santa Claus. 

Año Nuevo - New Year 

Nochevieja - New Year’s Eve 

Celebrar - To Celebrate 

Desear - To Wish 

La Paz – Peace 

El Amor – Love 

Vacaciones - Holiday 

Campana – Bell 

Regalo – Present 

Tarjeta de Navidad – Christmas Card 

Dios – God 

El Angel – Angel 

La Cruz – Cross 

Estrella – Star 

Pastor – Shepherd 

Cantar – Sing 

Villancico – Carol 

Tocar – To Play an instrument 

Pandereta – Tambourine 

Adornar – To Decorate 

El Pesebre – Crib 

El Arbol de Navidad – Christmas Tree 

Oveja – Sheep 

Camello – Camel 

Aldeano – Villager 





email:

y Paul Jauregui 

It may come as a surprise to those who 

have visited Santa’s grotto or the workshop 

with his elves in the Arctic Circle in 

North Finland, but the workshop is mainly 

for show; a tourist attraction if you like. 

The main work goes on below and behind 

the workshop, in caves within the mountain. 

Here, thousands of elves work in teams to 

make sure all the toys are ready by Christmas 

Eve for delivery by sleigh. This is 

their winter work of course, and most of 

the year they make clothes for large UK retail 

chains and mobile phones, computers, 

and portable music devices, for a certain 

large popular American consumer brand. 

Santa has promoted their quality work and 

has managed to undercut the Taiwanese 

and Indian sweat-shops, though of course 

the elves have no say in any of this, and 

receive no benefits. The elves are not very 

bright, and don’t have much ambition. 

All that is, except for one – the oldest and 

cleverest of all the elves – Albert Elfstein. 

Albert had long sought a career with greater 

responsibility and challenge, but Santa 

had always brushed his requests aside, 

saying that all he needed was someone to 

make good quality toys that would bring a 

smile to a child’s face and a decent profit 

for Santa’s bank balance. 

One year, after the Christmas rush was 

over, and before the elves were put back 

into their sweat-shop roles, Santa, reindeer 

and elves were all enjoying their annual 

one-day holiday. Albert went to see 

Santa one final time. He explained that 

unless he was given greater responsibility, 

and all the elves had improved working 

conditions, he would leave, taking with 

him many of the best elf workers. 

Now Santa was not deliberately cruel, but 

he was from an old Tory family and believed 

people should appreciate things 

instead of simply having them given to 

them for no good reason, such as human 

or elfan rights. He offered Albert a deal. 

He would set three problems, and if Albert 

could solve them all, he would have his 

wish granted. Knowing that the elves were 

not intellectual giants, Santa thought he 

would win easily, but he had not bargained 

for the brain-power of Albert Elfstein. 

Challenge one: Reindeer Bridge 

Everyone who knows Christmas, knows 

Santa has eight main reindeer: Dasher, 

Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner 

und Blitzen, but there are four back-up 

reindeer, some you may not have heard 

of. There’s Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, 

who found fame in the popular song. 

There’s Olive, the nasty, sarcastic reindeer 

from the same song, also known as ‘the 

other reindeer’ – ‘Olive the other reindeer, 

used to laugh and call him names.’ Then 

there’s Bernard the brown-nosed reindeer, 

who can fly as fast as the others, but just 

can’t stop so quickly and finally there’s Tarquin, 

the somewhat ambivalent reindeer, 

who likes to polish and colour his hooves, 

and to put tinsel on his antlers and glitter 

in his tail. 

Santa explained the challenge: 

Within the mountain there is a rickety 

bridge, across which the four back-up 

reindeer need to be 

taken. Each reindeer 

travels at a different 

speed – Rudolph 

would take 

one minute to cross 

the bridge; Bernard 

would take two minutes; 

Olive would 

take four minutes as 

she wastes a lot of 

time hurling abuse 

at Rudolph and the 

others; and Tarquin 

would take the longest 

at eight minutes, as he constantly 

stops to re-arrange his tinsel. 

Albert may not cross the bridge alone, but 

must always be with at least one reindeer. 

The reindeer can only be taken across the 

bridge singularly or two at a time, and they 

cannot cross it without Albert. If Albert 

crosses with two reindeer, they all cross at 

the speed of the slower reindeer. 

Albert must start at one side of the bridge 

with four reindeer, and end up on the other 

side of the bridge with the same four reindeer. 

What is the shortest time it will take 

to complete the crossings? Don’t forget 

that reindeer can only fly when attached 

to Santa’s magic sleigh. (The sleigh is not 

available for this exercise.) 

Albert thought for a minute, and then 

laughed out loud. “That’s too easy.” He 

gave the correct answer, and the two possible 

solutions that could achieve this. 

Challenge two: Elves on parade. 

Santa was a little miffed to say the least, 

with his first challenge having been dealt 

with so quickly, so he smiled at Albert, and 

explained the next challenge. 

Because of Elf and Safety rules, the elves 

all wear helmets in the factory, but when 

they meet tourists or go off-duty, they put 

on blue or green conical felt hats (Only 

Santa is allowed to wear a red hat). These 

are all thrown into a large basket in the 

underground passageway when they go to 

work, and when they go off-duty they pick 

one out, not being able to tell whether they 

have chosen green or blue until they exit 

the tunnels into the daylight. Even then, 

they cannot see what they themselves are 

wearing, though they can tell what the 

other elves are wearing. 

The challenge for Albert was to arrange a 

parade of the elves in a single line in the 

field outside the caves. The elves are to 

leave via the passageway as usual, each 

selecting a felt hat in the dark. The elves 

may not speak to each other as they file 

out, neither could they make any signals 

to anyone, and no-one else may give them 

any information, instructions, or advice. 

In the field they will form a single line facing 

Santa, and all the blue-hatted elves 




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must be on the left, all the green-hatted 

elves on the right. 

Again, Albert thought for a few minutes, 

knowing that any instructions he gave the 

elves before the test started would need 

to be very simple indeed. Then suddenly 

he pointed a finger upwards and shouted 

“Aha!” And he gave Santa the answer. 

Challenge Three: Blue Hats and Green 

Hats again. 

Now Santa was livid. He never expected 

an elf to be so clever. Maybe Albert was 

after his job, but then with his weird leftie 

ideas about time off, health cover, and 

safety in the workplace, there was no way 

the grotto could compete with the major 

competition. There would be a recession 

in the North Pole and utter chaos. Maybe 

Santa and Mrs Claus should take early retirement 

and move to Spain? No. He had 

to beat Albert, and he thought for a long 

time about the third challenge. Then he 

smiled, as the devious plan formed in his 

mind. 

This challenge would be similar to challenge 

two, but far harder. This time, there 

would be only three elves who would walk 

through the dark tunnel; Albert and his two 

smartest helpers – Boozy and Dozy (their 

nicknames were earned following a previous 

post-Christmas party). Santa would 

be holding five hats – two green and three 

blue – and would place three of them in the 

bin. When the elves exited the cave into 

the sunlight, each one would be able to see 

the colour of the other two elves’ hats, but 

not their own. The elves could not speak 

or signal to each other, and any attempt 

to pass information between them, would 

disqualify them and Santa would win. 

To win this challenge any one of the elves 

would need to correctly identify the colour 

of his own hat. 

When Albert and the other two elves exited 

into the sunlight, Albert blinked for a 

few moments. He then saw his two companions 

were wearing blue hats, and both 

were looking at Albert and their other companion, 

with puzzled expressions. Albert 

screwed up his face and thought hard for 

a while, and then shouted excitedly, correctly 

declaring the colour of his hat. 

Santa pulled off his bright red hat, through 

it to the ground and trampled it into the 

snow and mud. Albert Elfstein had beaten 

him on all three challenges, and the elves 

would now get paid for their work, and 

have better working conditions. 

What were Albert’s answers and how did 

he resolve the challenges? 

Challenge one: Reindeer Bridge. 

The reindeer must cross the bridge with 

Albert, singly or in pairs, and when in 

pairs they travel at the speed of the slower 

reindeer. Albert may not cross the bridge 

without any reindeer. 

Crossing 1: Albert crosses to the far side 

with Rudolph and Bernard. This takes two 

minutes. 

Crossing 2: Albert returns to the starting 

point with Rudolph. This takes one minute. 

Crossing 3: Albert leaves Rudolph at the 

starting point and crosses to the far side 

with Olive and Tarquin. This takes eight 

minutes. 

Crossing 4: Albert leaves Olive and Tarquin 

on the far side, and returns to the 

starting point with Bernard. This takes two 

minutes. 

Crossing 5: Albert now takes Rudolph 

and Bernard across to the far side once 

more. This takes two minutes. 

The whole transfer takes 15 minutes. The 

alternative procedure would be for Albert 

to return to the starting point with Bernard 

for crossing 2, taking two minutes; and to 

return with Rudolph for crossing 4, taking 

one minute. This procedure also takes 15 

minutes. 

Challenge two: Elves on parade. 

Albert instructs the elves to follow some 

simple instructions. 

The first elf out of the cave stands in the 

centre of the field 

facing Santa. 

The second elf looks 

to see what colour 

the first elf’s hat is. If 

it is blue, the second 

elf stands to the left 

of the first elf. If it is 

green, the second elf 

stands to the right of 

the first elf. The first 

elf steps to the side, 

so that the second 

elf now stands in the 

centre of the field. 

The third elf looks at the hats of the first 

two. If they are both green or blue, then 

elf three follows the same instruction as elf 

two; standing to the left or right of them, 

and they then both step sideways to allow 

elf three to occupy the centre position. If 

they have one green and one blue hat, elf 

three stands in between them, and occupies 

the centre. 

All the other elves follow the same instructions 

as elf three, and when the last elf has 

taken up position in the centre of the field, 

one side of the line will have blue hats and 

the other side will have green hats. 

Challenge 3: Blue hats and green hats 

again. 

This was the hardest test, and required Albert 

to imagine what the other elves could 

see and were thinking. He knew that the 

simplest solution was for one elf to see that 

the other two were wearing green hats. In 

this scenario, the third elf would instantly 

know he must be wearing a blue hat, as 

there are only two green hats available. 

If elf A saw a single green hat on elf B and 

a blue hat on elf C, but the blue hatted elf 

C did not instantly know that he was wearing 

a blue hat, then he must clearly not be 

seeing two green hats on elves A and B. 

This means elf A must be wearing a blue 

hat, and he can declare this to Santa. 

If elf A sees two blue hats on B and C, but 

neither of them is able to declare that they 

are wearing a blue hat (following the logic 

from the previous paragraph) then neither 

B nor C can be seeing a green hat. Elf A 

can confidently declare that he is wearing 

a blue hat. 






Page 63


Cash Payments of 2,500€ or More Now 

Illegal 

This is part of a move to cut down on money 

laundering, and is already in force in other 

EU countries, including France and Italy. It 

is the only initiative of the new anti-fraud 

law which has been published in the State 

Official Bulletin (BOE), dated October 30, but 

has only just come into force in order to give 

people time to adjust to it. 

Large quantities of cash, particularly the use 

of high-denomination notes such as those 

of 500€, is often associated with money 

laundering and other types of fraud. This 

year alone, the Agencia Tributaria – the 

tax collection office – has ‘legalised’ around 

1,600 million euros via investigations into 

transactions involving high amounts of cash. 

These sometimes take the form of settling an 

invoice which is either false or does not reflect 

the actual activity involved in the payment. 

The new regulation only applies when one or 

both parties are companies or self-employed 

persons, and does not affect transactions 

between private individuals. For example, 

it would not apply to parents giving their 

children a few thousand euros in cash to help 

them out. 

Where cases of business transactions in cash 

of 2,500€ or more are detected, a fine of 25% 

of the amount in question will be payable, per 

transaction, not per party. The sum of money 

will also be liable for IVA. 

A person who reports having received, or 

been ordered to pay, amounts of 2,500€ or 

more in cash will be exempt from any fine. 

Such reports can be made via the Agencia 

Tributaria’s website, www.aeat.es. 

Ryanair Abandons Alicante Airport After 

Dispute 

Ryanair has transferred thousands of 

passengers from Alicante airport to San 

Javier following an ongoing dispute with the 

airport authorities in Alicante over passengers 

disembarking on foot from its aircraft. The 

authorities had wanted Ryanair to pay for the 

portable steps to allow their passengers to 

disembark, but Ryanair had refused. 

Ryanair had pulled out of San Javier Airport 

some months ago and this affected tourism 

in the area quite badly. The regional Head of 

Culture and Tourism, Pedro Alberto Cruz, has 

Page 64 

Please tell our customers million where euros you in saw the first their nine advertisement months of 2012, 

window. the Costa Cálida Chronicle 

Sales Contact Teresa having 619 made 199 407 a profit or of for 338 the million Editor during 

Contact Patti 646 005 017 

the same period the previous year, owing, 



been quick to take advantage of the situation 

saying that they would be only too pleased 

to have Ryanair back at San Javier and they 

are also preparing for the airport at Corvera 

to open in the spring of 2013. It is hoped 

that the two airports will work alongside 

each other during the transitional period until 

Corvera is working at full capacity. 

Gibraltar Stalemate for UK and Spain 

British and Spanish authorities have reached 

a deadlock over so-called ‘intrusions’ of 

fishermen from Spain entering the waters of 

Gibraltar. 

Spain’s minister of foreign affairs, José Manuel 

García Margallo, had arranged to meet with 

British ambassador Giles Paxman at the same 

time as David Cameron made contact with 

the Spanish ambassador in London, Federico 

Trillo. 

The UK authorities wanted to protest over the 

fact that ships from the Spanish Navy had 

been seen entering the waters off Gibraltar, 

which are British-owned, but Spain insists 

the area formed part of the Bay of Algeciras 

(Cádiz) and is therefore Spanish territory. 

According to the UK Foreign Office, two 

‘serious’ incidents of offshore trespass were 

recorded on Tuesday, November 13; one 

by a Spanish Naval ship and the other by 

a customs look-out craft. They claim these 

Spanish crafts attempted to capture a boat 

carrying private individuals native of Gibraltar 

in the Bay of Algeciras, forcing the Gibraltar 

police force to intervene ‘to ensure the safety 

of’ the four passengers and crew. 

British Secretary of State for Europe, David 

Lidington, has asked the Spanish government 

to make sure this ‘does not happen again’, 

claiming it is ‘in the interests of Spain, Gibraltar 

and the UK’ to prevent ‘any incident’ that 

could ‘damage the perspective’ of ‘developing 

a harmonious relationship’ between the three 

territories. 

Spain’s authorities, in turn, simply reiterated 

the ‘right’ of fishermen from the province of 

Cádiz to work in the waters surrounding the 

Rock, saying they are Spanish-owned. 

Iberia to Cut 4,500 Jobs 

Iberia has announced that it will be cutting 

4,500 job, almost a quarter of its 20,000 

strong workforce, as part of a restructuring 

plan, which includes permanent structural 

changes in all areas of the business, with the 

aim of shaking off its losses and returning to 

profitability. 

The plan was announced 

after IAG launched 

its 113.4 million euro 

takeover bid for Vueling, 

in an attempt to get the 

remaining 54.5% of the 

capital of the company 

led by Josep Piqué that is 

not already controlled by 

Iberia. 

International Airlines 

Group (IAG), formed by 

the merger of Iberia and 

British Airways (BA), 

announced that it lost 39 

amongst other things, to Iberia’s weakened 

position. 

IAG’s Chief Executive Officer, Willie Walsh, 

emphasised that although the group’s results 

had regressed to 2011 levels, “There is still 

a considerable difference between British 

Airways’ results and those of Iberia”. 

Law on Homosexual Marriage 

The Constitutional Court pronounced 

judgement on the law on Homosexual 

Marriage, declaring it to be wholly 

constitutional and thus rejecting the appeal 

presented by the PP seven years ago against 

this law, claiming that it violated article 32 of 

the Spanish Constitution. 

The plenary session deciding the future of 

gay marriage was made up of 11 magistrates, 

after Francisco Hernando Santiago’s request 

to abstain was accepted in July. With eight 

votes in favour and three against, the law 

that allows marriage between people of the 

same sex was pronounced constitutional. 

Since the Civil Code was amended in July 

2005 and up to and including last year, a total 

of 22,124 same-sex marriages have taken 

place in Spain, of which 897 have ended in 

divorce or separation, according to data from 

the National Institute of Statistics (INE). The 

number of gay marriages has remained more 

or less constant, with between 3,000 and 

4,000 per year being celebrated. 

Strike 

Pharmacies in Valencia, Alicante and 

rotation, until the debt is settled. 

Pharmacists argue that the regional authorities 

have brought the strike upon themselves, by 

leaving pharmacies in a “dramatic situation 

which has forced them to close indefinitely”. 

The regional government of the Comunidad 

Valenciana owes pharmacies five and a half 

months worth of prescription payments. They 

settled half of their April debt and half of 

their May debt using funds from the Regional 

Liquidity Fund (FLA). 

“This move leaves us back where we were, 

since we’ll be continually adding another 

month’s worth to the ongoing debt”, 

complained the pharmacists. 

Brit Charged After Throwing Prostitute 

Out Of Window in Barcelona 

A British man has been arrested for reportedly 

throwing a Nigerian prostitute out of a 

window in Barcelona. Joseph Stephen H., 41, 

who lives in the city, is said to be ‘violent and 

dangerous’ with an existing criminal record 

and an extradition warrant against him issued 

by the Italian authorities. 

The accused and the victim had been arguing 

about their sexual practices, and the man 

became aggressive and hurled her out of a

Gracie is 5 

years old and 

is a very loving 

little dog 

with a gentle 

personality. 

She has 

Leishmaniosis 

and now 

needs just a 

pill each day 

to maintain 

her good 

condition. 

Call: 645 469 

253 

Bobbins is 1 

of 2 kittens 

that survived 

b e i n g 

poisoned. 

He is approx 

8 weeks 

old, very 

affectionate 

and in good 

health. Call: 

966 725 975 

Kiara’s owner 

is returning to 

Colombia and 

unfortunately 

can’t take 

Kiara with 

her. She is 

3.5 years 

old and good 

with other 

dogs. She is 

a Dalmatian 

cross. Call: 

645 469 253 

Cinders is 

approx 6 

weeks old 

and was 

brought into 

us this week 

by a friend 

who saw her 

thrown from 

a car. She has 

had a full vet 

check and is 

ready for a lap 

to snuggle up 

on. Call: 966 

725 975 

To view more animals for adoption go to 

www.petsinspain.com 

To advertise an animal for adoption email: 

info@petsinspain.info 





Page 65

Although the final stronghold of the Moors, 

Granada, fell in 1492, Spain was not safe from 

hostile threats from North Africa. Indeed, 

in the next century, raids on the Murcian 

coastline by Berber pirates seeking goods, 

animals and slaves, became a constant 

threat and trouble. One countermeasure 

taken was the building of watchtowers along 

the coast to give advance warning of the 

pirates’ approach. Today, some of these 

towers still remain. There are four within a 

very short distance around Mazarrón which 

are well worth going to see. 

Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1490. For 

that reason, it is also known as the Tower 

of the Catholic Monarchs. It is superbly 

situated despite being a short distance 

inland, and there is a magnificent view of 

the surrounding area from it. It would, 

therefore, have been an excellent vantage 

point despite its restricted size, occupying a 

marvelous defensive position even if it could 

not house many people. The Castle of los 

Vélez, however, is prominent a very short 

distance to the north-west across a small 

depression. 

circular tower are two domed vaults and 

on its top, there are incomplete and rather 

flimsy looking railings. There is an arched 

window half way up the tower on one side, 

and a similar window rather higher up above 

the entrance door. The entrance to the 

tower itself is, however, closed by an iron 

grille, but inside, is a further staircase going 

up and round to give access to a higher 

level. The walls are perhaps 1.5 to 2 metres 

in thickness. 

In association ation 

with hC 

Costa Cálida International ti 

Radio and www.angloINFO.com 

ww.an 

om 

T h e 

Molinete is 

in the heart 

of Mazarrón 

and easily 

visible as 

a circular 

watchtower 

on a 

prominent 

hillock. There 

has been 

considerable 

r e c e n t 

restoration 

w o r k , 

aimed also 

at making 

the area a 

pleasant 

green space 

in the urban environment. It is now a fenced 

urban park with a gated access. The way 

up is on well made paths and just below the 

tower there is a viewing area with excellent 

views of the surrounding area. Although 

small, the tower is an impressive structure, 

built on a base of rock several feet high. The 

tower itself is a stone structure, now only 

several metres high, open to the air, and of 

quite a restricted diameter. Clearly, at one 

time, it would have had two or more floors. 

The Molinete was commissioned by King 

Saint Isabel 

Tower (Torre 

Santa Isabel) 

stands on a 

promontory 

a n d 

overlooks 

the indoor 

market in 

Puerto de 

Mazarrón 

and can be 

quite easily 

accessed 

from the 

surrounding 

area. It 

is very 

much more 

complete 

than its counterpart in Mazarrón. The 

reason for which it was built in the 16 th 

Century, however, was identical – to keep 

watch and warn local farmers and fishermen 

of the possible arrival of Berber pirates. Its 

construction began in 1576. 

Today, the buildings below in Puerto de 

Mazarrón have obscured the tower’s vantage 

point which, once, would have given good 

views out to sea. The monument also has 

other names – the Tower of the Summit 

(Torre de la Cumbre) and the Old Tower of 

the Port (Torre Vieja del Puerto). Inside the 

Torre de los Caballos is to be found at 

the side of the Iglesia de la Purísima in 

Bolnuevo, which is of mid-20 th Century 

construction, and which was built over some 

earlier ruins. It dates from the 16 th Century 

and appears remarkably complete with 

external decorations and a castellated top. 

It has small windows in the walls which are 

mainly blocked up and a door half way up 

with an iron railing across it. It was built on 

a small hill from which Bolnuevo Beach and 

part of the Cope Cove were easily visible. 

Its square shape housed three stages in its 

interior, which were linked originally with a 

solid building annexed to it as a fort. The 

tower is documented in Mazarrón’s municipal 

archives from 1577. However, by 1798, 

there was reference to the tower having 

been abandoned for over a century and, by 

1801, it was simply described as “ruined”. 

Page 66 

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t in the Costa Cálida Chronicle 

Sales Contact t Teresa 619 199 407 or for the Editor Contact Patti 646 005 017 


w.co 

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achr 

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icle 

.com 


alid 

achr 

onic 

icle 

il.c 

om

The tower has undergone recent restoration 

and repair and is open to visitors, but 

it is as well to check days and times with 

the Mazarrón Tourist Office or Town Hall. 

When we last visited it (one Saturday 

morning in November 2011), the entrance 

area had a display about the 1585 Miracle, 

when it is said that the appearance of the 

Virgin caused Berber pirates to abandon a 

raid on Mazarrón. In addition, there were 

papers from the town’s archives, including 

one from 1660, giving permission to the 

local fishermen to use the tower to house 

and repair their fishing tackle. Access to 

the tower’s first floor is by way of a spiral 

staircase and there we found another display, 

this time about the coastal watchtowers 

themselves. Several had once possessed 

artillery pieces. The Bolnuevo tower ground 

floor originally had a water deposit, while the 

first floor was used for accommodation and 

storage. Unfortunately, when we were last 

there, access to the top terrace of the tower 

was temporarily impossible. If you are lucky 

enough to be 

able to get 

on to the top, 

the views of 

the Bay of 

Mazarrón are 

said to be 

spectacular! 

Torre Santa 

Elena is 

perhaps 

the most 

prominent 

of the 

landmarks in 

and around 

the coastal village of La Azohía near Mazarrón. 

In 2009/10, substantial restoration work 

took place on the approaches and the tower 

which now prevent unauthorized vehicular 

access. It is a good but enjoyable walk of 

perhaps a kilometre from La Azohia to reach 

the tower. However, by way of consolation, 

the views are excellent down into Mazarrón 

Bay and to the small harbour in La Azohía. 

In addition, before you reach the tower 

itself, there is a sign indicating a “mirador” 

(viewpoint) down a footpath and some 

steps, which you descend to reach a fenced, 

semi-circular area looking out over the Bay 

of Mazarrón with the sea immediately below. 

The tower forms part of the defensive 

system which the Emperor Charles I wished 

to establish along the Mediterranean coast. 

According to one notice, it was constructed 

between 1556 and 1598 and furnished 

with armaments. It would warn the local 

inhabitants of impending danger by smoke 

during the day and fire at night. It remained 

in active service until the start of the 19 th 

Century when it began to lose its military 

value. A 

metal spiral 

staircase 

leads to the 

entrance into 

the building, 

which is 

some four or 

five metres 

above the 

actual tower 

base, where 

the walls are 

very thick 

(perhaps 

t h r e e 

metres). 

Following 

restoration, the tower was shut to 

visitors when we last visited it, with iron 

grilles covering the entry. No doubt the 

Ayuntamiento or Tourist Office in Cartagena 

will be able to advise of when it may be 

open to visitors. Nevertheless, it is well 

worth visiting the tower even if you cannot 

go inside. If you go when it is open and 

are able to ascend the spiral staircases to 

the roof, you will see why a watchtower was 

built here. The whole of the Bay of Mazarrón 

unfolds before you. 

In 

association ati 

on 

with hC 

Costa Cálida International ti 

Radio and www.angloINFO.com 

. 

om 


Please tell Please our customers tell l our customers where you where saw etheir you advertisement saw their advertisement in the ement Costa in Cálida the 

Costa Chronicle 

Cálida Chronicle 

Page 67 Sales Contact Sales Teresa Contact 619 Teresa 199 407 619 

or 199 

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Editor for Contact the Editor Patti Contact 646 005 Patti 017 

646 005 017 

Page 67 


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Page 68 








Page 69


Salmerón - Volcán de Salmerón - Hornos 

de Azufre 

On Sunday October 28 th at 8am, the beginning 

of winter began with a drop in temperature. 

The day began with 4°C while we met at the 

Tourist Office before starting a new route to 

Salmerón. 

We visited a group of old kilns still containing 

the mineral sulphur and we crossed a road 

in the middle of an area burned by a fire last 

summer. We arrived at the strange buildings 

that look like ghosts of the past and that 

have lived hidden and forgotten in the midst 

of reforestation. Much of this area was 

subjected to deforestation to supply fuel for 

the furnaces of the local areas and miners. 

The ovens are perfect domes; some well 

preserved and they aroused many questions 

about their operation. Some retain the 

mineral inside; others have cracks that run up 

and down tunnels of unknown function. There 

is no doubt of the harsh working conditions 

endured by workers in the mining of sulphur. 

We also observed the effects of the fire during 

reforestation; first the scorched earth and 

then we saw many plants that had bloomed 

through the damaged earth. 

We returned to the cars to go to the village 

where we had lunch sitting at a manor 

house, testament to a glorious past in which 

cultivation of mulberry trees to feed silkworms 

and mining, turned into a flourishing empire 

of Salmerón with enormous economic activity. 

A female hawk evolved before our eyes, 

causing a stampede of collared doves and 

pigeons. The temperature rose as we began 

the ascent of Cerro del Monegrillo which was 

actually a volcano of 57 million years ago, 

when this area was 

a large saline lake, 

remnants of the former 

Norbético Strait, 

one of the jewels of 

Murcian geology, 

which was of interest 

globally, due to the 

rarity of ultrapotassic 

rocks or lamproíticas. 

During the ascent, we 

found curious flints 

formed during volcanic 

activity. We also 

noted the influence 

of the River Segura 

on the micro-climate 

that is generated on 

these volcanic slopes, 

which are strangely 

wet, despite the lack 

of rain. 

At last we reached 

the edge that showed 

many vestiges of the 

ancient inhabitants of 

the area, who chose 

this esplanade to 

live. Entones Juan 

Mazon saw a bird that 

moved through the 

rock wall and through 

binoculars we saw that 

this was an Acentor, an 

alpine high mountain 

bird which visits in 

winter. We faced the 

dividing the summit, 

the “Grieta de Santa 

Marca”, while Lola 

told us the legend of love that surrounds this 

place. 

We rounded the 

volcanic outcrop 

to the west side 

and climbed up to 

the summit where 

there was evidence 

of the ancient 

inhabitants. At 

the top there were 

stunning views 

over the Vega del 

Segura, the Sierra 

del Carche, Espuña 

Pajares and Cerro 

Lomas Altas. When 

we left the ravine, we again discovered flint, 

but instead of white it was a very dark brown. 

We walked back through the reforested area 

near to the Barrio de Triana, a rocky outcrop 

and again found an excellent viewpoint over 

the rice plains of Segura with groves of 

poplars and yellow leaves, reminding us that 

it is autumn. We got off the viewpoint that it 

is actually a strange formation of limestone 

formed by the remains of bivalve shells and 

plants which have made carbonated whimsical 

shapes in the rock. We also found a pen for a 

javelin and a pair of breeding boars. 

After the tour, we drove up to the village of 

La Minas Albacete to have chips and peppers, 

and chorizo sausage. Another day over 

where our landscapes, we have shown their 

“secrets”. 

16 th December at 8am, leaving from the 

Tourist Office in Moratalla, or 9pm from 

Cañada de la Cruz 

Before beginning the walk, we pass through 

the bakery in Cañada where we will taste 

some typical Christmas sweets traditional to 

the area. Then we will drive to the outskirts of 

el Cortijo de Aguas Blancas leaving Cerro de 

la Bastida. We will see a breed of goats called 

Blanca Celtibérica which are untamed and 

very small. This is one of the few areas that 

has this important herd of Spain. The owner, 

heir to an ancient lineage of shepherds, 

follows a very definite line to promote a 

certain type of antler. 

We will then proceed to start the ascent of 

la Peña or Piedra de Moratalla, as they call it 

here, the second highest peak of the Region 

of Murcia at 1968 metres. The hillside is 

populated with pine trees where you can 

find the parasite mistletoe and twisted oak 

trees that remind us of a not-too-distant 

past when this area was a major producer of 

coal. From the summit we will have superb 

views of some sierras of Albacete, La Sagra 

and the mountains of Lorca beyond the hills 

of Caravaca. 

Page 70 





MARA Christmas Market 

You will find us in front of the Bar 

Bogart in Mula on 1 st December from 

9.30am where you can buy a ticket 

for our Christmas Raffle, have a mince 

pie, or just come along to support us. 

We are having our MARA Fun Day 

in Fortuna on the 8 th December. Call 

Marion on 628 811 188 for more 

details, or if you would like to book a 

stall. We will be having a raffle, tombola, 

fun for the kids and much more. 

If you are interested in supporting us by 

meeting once a month for menu del dia for 

just 10€ per person, then please call Marion 

on 628 811 188. This is a social event 

held the 2 nd Friday of each month. We also 

hold a small raffle sponsored by one of our 

members. 

Our special 

feature 

this month 

is Raya 

and this is 

her story. 

My name is 

Raya. When 

the nice 

people who 

volunteer for MARA found me I was very 

sick. They did not think I would live, as I 

had leishmania and my liver and kidneys 

were not working very well. One of the 

volunteers took me home and looked after 

me and gave me my medicine. He wrapped 

me up in blankets to keep me warm and he 

made special 

food for me. 

That was 6 

months ago 

and now I 

am a happy 

healthy little 

girl living 

with my 

foster mum. 

I only need 

one tablet a day now and a blood test once 

a year. I love to play and I love going for a 

walk. Most of all I love a cuddle. I am now 

ready for my forever home and if you think 

that you could adopt me please telephone 

Keith on 628 811 188 or 968 979 865 

and he will arrange for you to meet me. I 

hope you like my picture. 

As a Christian couple we arrived to live in 

Cehegin just 18 months ago to discover 

there seemed to be no English speaking 

Christian Fellowship to be found anywhere 

in the area, so we have taken it upon 

ourselves to open up our home and 

welcome folk to join us in sharing the good 

news of Jesus. 

Matthew 18 v 20 tells us: “For where two 

or three are gathered in my name, there 

am I among them.” 

We started by holding a coffee morning 

which led to our garden concert when 

“Rhythm & Joy” with Dave Scott Morgan, 

formally from Electric Light Orchestra, his 

wife Mandy and Alan on the key board 

entertained us with their music which 

expressed where they are now in their 

Christian walk. There was a barbecue 

enjoyed by all and the evening ended 

with some rock music catering for all 

tastes. Our most recent event was on 

Remembrance Day when we paid tribute 

to those who gave their lives, followed by 

a shared lunch. 

We are aiming at holding an informal gettogether 

each month primarily focusing on 

Christian Fellowship and our next event is 

to be a “Candle Lit Carol Service” with 

mince pies and mulled wine to warm you 

up on 16 th December starting at 4pm. Look 

out for the posters with details and a map 

of how to find us. 

Tuesday mornings from 11:30am find us 

sharing God’s word for an hour or so over 

coffee and Welsh cakes, so why not join us 

for some Fellowship? You would be warmly 

welcomed. 

If you would like to contact us regarding 

anything we have publicised, or may be 

planning in the future, or you would just 

like a chat, please email lynda.spain@ 

hotmail.co.uk or derek.tycymru@ 

talktalk.net 

Tel 633 447 937 

“Welcome House” 3A Campillio y 

Suertes, Cehegin 






Page 71

January 2013 – Pantomime - “Dick 

Whittington” 

Rehearsals 

are now in 

full swing for 

our Panto. 

Our pleas 

for younger 

members 

have been 

answered 

and we are 

delighted 

to welcome 

two beautiful 

y o u n g 

ladies, Olivia 

and Cati, to 

our midst. 

We are also very privileged to be joined 

by Clifford and Julia whose musical flair 

and expertise will enormously enhance 

our musical numbers. These include 

popular songs such as ““I’m on the Top 

of the World”, Shoop Shoop Song”, 

“Wouldn’t It Be Luverly?”, “Zip-a-deedoo-dah” 

and “The Lambeth Walk”, so 

plenty of songs for you to sing along to 

with us. 

You all know the story of Dick Whittington 

and his Cat, but our version has a few 

surprises. During Dick’s journey to London 

to seek his fortune, he meets some wellknown 

characters such as Little Red Riding 

Hood, Cinderella, Goldilocks and Snow 

White. Surprise! Surprise! Well, that’s what 

Panto is all about isn’t it? (Oh yes it is!). 

The venues and dates of the performances 

are: 

26th and 27th January 2013 - La Molata 

Social Centre, nr. Los Muñoces (near 

Camposol) 

1st February 2013 - El Auditorio, Casa 

de Cultura, Bullas 

For more information contact: 

Pat Hunt 644 400 123 

patsy.hunt@gmail.com 

www.cloudninedramagroupmurcia. 

com 

Supported By COSTA CÁLIDA 

CHRONICLE 


On Saturday 3 rd November we finally completed 

a beautiful walk in Moratalla. This 

walk had been planned for the last 2 years, 

but had to be cancelled due to bad weather. 

It was due on the 27 th October, but again it 

rained. However, we eventually managed to 

walk on the 3 rd November. Andrea was determined 

to lead this walk despite Rob skiving 

at home with “Shingles”! 9 of us met at 

10am at the La Puerta Campsite car park. We 

then car-shared for 10 minutes to the start 

of the walk. We set off with Chrissie kindly 

bringing up the rear. The first 7kms were a 

steady uphill climb on rough and sometimes 

very loose stones. It followed the valley of the 

River Alharabe and the stream Hondares on 

the lower part of the Sierra de la Muela. We 

passed Somogil pool, a secluded bathing site, 

heading towards the 500 year old Holm Oak 

tree to have refreshments. We then continued 

upwards to the waterfall and turtle pool which 

we passed over and continued onwards to 

an open plateau and El Cortigo de Hondares. 

Despite showery weather and sunshine at 

times, we all enjoyed the wonderful views. After 

looping around we rejoined the path from 

the waterfall for our descent. Total time was 

about 5 hours. Many thanks to all who took 

part in this arduous but worth while walk and 

many thanks to Andrea for leading this walk 

- at last! Let’s hope that by the time he is 

reading this, Rob will be feeling much better. 

WARM (Walkers Around the Region of Murcia) 

is a friendly group of people who enjoy 

walking. We cover the region of Murcia, although 

at the moment the majority of our 

members live in the Northwest of the region 

(Mula, Bullas, Calasaparra, Cehegín and Moratalla). 

We have a wide variety of walks for 

the coming year and a reasonable degree of 

fitness is required for all of them. The walks 

can be anything from 3 to 7 hours with lunch 

being a picnic or a meal in a local restaurant. 

The walks are arranged by the members 

and each member takes full responsibility 

for their walk. Full details of each walk are 

normally issued around a week in advance. If 

you would like to join us then please contact 

warm2005@gmail.com for further information 

and a copy of this season’s programme. 

Page 72 





Everywhere is so wet after all the rain, but it 

does have its good side. We have not had to 

water the garden or fill the pool up and the 

ducks love it! There are wild mushrooms 

growing everywhere and you can see cars 

parked up at the side of the road while people 

go off into the woods and fields looking 

for these Spanish delicacies. There are van 

loads of them being sold outside bars and 

restaurants and of course the local markets. 

We prefer the traditional mushrooms and 

these can also be found in the fields at this 

time of the year. Just make sure that you 

know what you are eating! 

Is the River Segura Clean Enough To 

Drink? 

Since the discovery of an otter trapped in 

the dam at Cieza the local politicians and 

farmers have been told by the experts that 

the River Segura is clean, healthy and can 

be adapted for drinking water. Previously 

there was no evidence of otters, which live 

in colonies, living in this area, but there now 

appears that otters are using this area to 

breed and are living in the river between Calasparra 

and Moratalla. 

The authorities are now in the process of investigating 

a project to treat the river water 

for human consumption. If this is successful, 

it will mean that this area will not be so 

reliant on water being piped in from other 

areas. 

V Child Drawing Contest 

The Address Environmental Walking Activities 

and the Via Verde Foundation of Spanish 

Railways announces the 5 th Children’s 

Drawing Contest: The Via Verde and 

Christmas. 

Participants may be all children from 1st to 

6th grade and must complete the drawing 

that will be free and you only need the Via 

Verde to relate to some aspect of Christmas. 

The deadline for receipt of drawings will be 

Tuesday December 11 th . 

Three categories have been established according 

to the elementary school: 

A) of 1st and 2nd 

B) 3 and 4 

C) 5 and 6 

For each category there will be three winners, 

who will receive promotional products 

of the Via Verde. Of these nine winning pictures 

one will be the final winner, who will 

get the most votes in a poll on line conducted 

through the website www.viasverdes. 

com. The winning picture will be used on 

the Christmas card this year for the management 

of environmental activities of the 

Via Verde and the FFE. 

The competition aims to encourage parents 

and teachers to teach the little ones what 

the Via Verde is and thus instil a new culture 

of leisure that is healthy with sustainable 

mobility and outdoor sports through greenways. 

Encourage your little ones to enter the 

contest! And pass it to everyone you 

know. 

Cehegín Scene 

On the last Sunday of every month in the 

“Plaza del Castillo” the highest point in the 

Casco Antiguo there is a craft market known 

as “El Mesoncico”. There you will find more 

than 50 craftsmen of the area with stalls 

displaying such products as cured meats, 

hams, pottery, cakes, wines, cheeses, etc. 

Each of the monthly markets has a different 

theme showing traditional and local crafts. 

You will be able to taste and enjoy the foods 

and products most typical to this area. 

On Sunday 23 rd December you will be able 

to see how to make the traditional ‘turrón’ 

and taste the product. Furthermore, you 

can enjoy the taste of other typical Christmas 

sweets and listen to traditional music 

performed by “Cuadrilla de Animeros” from 

Campillo de los Jiménez. 

Free parking is available at the Marble 

Technology Centre situated in Carretera 

Murcia, approached from the West. A free 

bus service is operated to the market place 

every 20 minutes. 

The Archaeological See of Begastri is 

opened for visitors on Saturdays and Sundays 

from 10am-2pm. You will be able to 

see a video presentation followed by a guided 

tour to see the remains of the Iberian 

culture before the IV century B.C. 

Free Nature Walks 

Cehegin provides a variety of landscapes 

which include woods, mountains, hills, sloping 

valleys, scrubland and streams. These 

natural habitats host flora and fauna of special 

interest which provide a priceless tourist 

and educational resource. 

These walks take place on the last Saturday 

of each month. They are designed for 

people of all ages who enjoy hiking at fairly 

easy levels which makes them accessible for 

the whole family.The tourist walks are free 

and start at 9am and are between 4 and 

9km, and will take 2-3 hours. 

On the 29 th of December we will visit the 

Valle del Aceniche. This is a spectacular 

valley with vineyards, surrounded by beautiful 

mountains, where activities like farming 

and wine-producing are combined with hiking. 

The walk is about 7km and is graded as 

an easy walk. It should take approximately 

2.5hrs. 

*The Ecological Park Will Be Closed Until 

Further Notice* 

Any further enquiries please contact the 

New Cehegin Tourist Office located in 

front of the Town Hall on 968 723 550 or 

visit our tourist website www.turismocehegin.es 

Santiago Leo 

Cehegin Tourist Office 






Page 73

Extra, extra, read all about it! 

It was no ordinary night on an ordinary Judean 

hillside near an ordinary Judean town. 

These were no ordinary shepherds tending 

their sheep and in the town of Bethlehem it 

was no ordinary couple who were searching 

for somewhere to shelter for the night and 

give birth to their first child. Also, this child 

about to be born in the coming few hours was 

no ordinary child. 

In fact, there was nothing ordinary about the 

event that was taking place just over two 

thousand years ago in Israel; what was about 

to happen would change the history of the 

world… forever. 

God was about to do something that was extraordinary. 

The word means, surprising, 

remarkable, outside the normal way, and not 

part of the regular pattern. Father God could 

have deposited His Son Jesus miraculously 

on our earth if He had wanted to, but no, He 

chose to use people who were willing to let 

Him use them to bring about His glorious plan 

for His precious creation; and it all happened 

in a most remarkable moment. God became 

a Man. 

Max Lucado describes it like this. ‘God became 

a man. Divinity arrived. Heaven opened herself 

and placed her most precious one in a 

human womb’. 

No more would God be ‘somewhere up there’… 

He, Jesus, was here, amongst His creation, 

and those not so ordinary shepherds were 

beating a trail into Bethlehem to find him… 

and find Him they did. 

What a night it had been for them. One minute 

half dozing round the campfire, just doing 

ordinary things they had maybe done for 

many years before; same old hillsides, same 

old sheep, same old routine and the same old 

starry skies. Then, in an instant, everything 

changed for them and for the whole world. 


Something unbelievable, something extraordinary 

happened and the black night sky lit 

up in an instant with the most glorious light 

that these men had ever seen in their lives. 

That night these ordinary men had an extraordinary 

encounter with God. The angel 

standing before them said ‘Do not be afraid; 

for behold, I bring you good news of a great 

joy which will come to all the people. For to 

you is born this day in the town of David, a 

Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord! And this will 

be a sign for you [by which you will recognize 

Him]; you will find [after searching] a Baby 

wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a 

manger.’ Then suddenly there appeared with 

the angel an army of the troops of heaven, 

praising God and saying ‘Glory to God in the 

highest, and on earth peace among men with 

whom He is well pleased’. 

You can imagine them saying to each other 

‘Well I did not expect that’, and they 

set off at speed to see for themselves if it was 

true what the angel had said to them… and it 

was. The Bible goes on to say that after they 

had found Jesus, they returned to their sheep 

‘glorifying and praising God for everything 

they had heard and seen. 

When God touches our lives he turns ordinary 

people into extraordinary people. This 

Christmastime there is good news of great joy 

for you and for all people. God loves you so 

much and wants you to have an encounter 

with Him. The Bible tells us that if we seek 

Him we will find Him. It may not be like the 

shepherds’ experience and may seem to be 

very low key in comparison; maybe you will 

not see a ‘heavenly host of angels’ surrounding 

you… but you will know in your heart 

that something extraordinary has happened. 

Life never needs to be routine and 

ordinary again. 

Have a blessed Christmas and New Year from 

all at Wellspring Church. 

Page 74 









Page 75


Page 76 




XXI 

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folletos publicitarios • carteles • calendarios • libros • papelería corporativa 

Pol Ind. Marimingo - C/. Campo de Cartagena, 27 - 30180 BULLAS (Murcia) Telf./Fax: 968 654 007 

entornograf@entornograf.com • www.entornograf.com 





Page 77

Quiz questions on the 

November 2012 Costa 

Cálida Chronicle 

1. Who has a new office 

on Camposol? 

2. Who wrote “Crossfire”? 

3. What can Home from 

Home offer you? 

4. Where might you find 

your favourite curry? 

5. What was the herb of 

the month in November? 

6. Who is offering traditional 

Italian cooking 

with a Italian chef and 

Italian pizza maker? 

7. Who offers Salglaze 

secondary glazing? 

8. What was special about 

November 14 th ? 

9. What is META riding 

centre offering on December 

9 th ? 

10. Who is offering to keep 

you warm and cosy this 

winter? 


Answers on page 114 

ACROSS 

1 Meat 

5 Louver 

9 Essential 

14 Voiced 

15 Technical 

16 Run away and marry 

17 Italian currency 

18 Relieve 

19 Silly person 

20 Germany neighbor 

22 Stroll 

24 European sea eagle 

25 Teen skin ailment 

26 Musical “slow” 

28 However 

29 Farm credit 

administration (abbr.) 

32 Winding tool 

33 Move forward 

35 Drag 

36 Green skinned pear 

37 Flightless bird 

38 Deer-like animal 

40 MGM’s Lion 

41 Plays 

43 Unruly children 

44 Sample 

45 Defray 

46 Southern dish 

47 City in Yemen 

49 Positive vote 

50 Keep someone in office 

53 Tans 

57 Small bunch of flowers 

58 Computer picture button 

60 Bass horn 

61 Vice __ 

62 Quote 

63 Soon 

64 Unwanted insects 

65 France & Germany 

river 

66 Waiting place 

DOWN 

1 Brazen 

2 Canal 

3 Make 

4 Spanish dancer 

5 Fire starter 

6 Disclose 

7 American Cancer 

Society (abbr.) 

8 Synonym selector 

9 Started 

10 Isolated 

11 Chimney dirt 

12 Niche 

13 Look 

21 Ancient English king 

23 Acting (abbr.) 

26 Ship 

27 Savor 

28 Lumpy 

29 Avoid sinking 

30 Broken bone coverings 

31 Gets older 

32 Mr. Disney 

33 Language meanings 

34 Fetus 

39 Asian 

42 Organization of 

Petroleum Exporting 

Countries 

46 Collect 

47 List of highly desired 

guests 

48 Ballerina painter 

50 Invitation abbreviaton 

51 Fencing sword 

52 Goofs 

53 Wine bottle 

54 Member of an Arizona 

Indian tribe 

55 Black 

56 Rational 

59 Central Intelligence 

Agency 

Page 78 





Hello again from Bob with your latest 

Welcome update. Haven’t we had some 

awful weather? Several days of rain, and after 

that, even more! Good for the garden and 

the wild flowers on the campo, but not much 

good when you want to get out and about. 

Still, we don’t get the frost and fog we all left 

behind, so not too much to complain about. 

We went to Benidorm in October and stayed 

at the Helios Hotel. The weather there was 

glorious, and Fran and I went on the boat trip 

out to the island in the bay, and then onto the 

glass-bottomed boat to see the marine life. 

There were literally thousands of fish, some 

big some small, and if you’ve never been on 

it, you must put it on your list – you won’t be 

disappointed. The show at Benidorm Palace 

was as usual fantastic, excellent hotel, good 

company, and another Welcome hit. 

The October 

Dance saw 

the return of 

the popular 

Ricky Levazza 

and also 

the lovely 

Karen Noble. 

Karen sang 

a selection 

of classical 

songs to 

a silent 

audience; 

except when 

it came to 

the applause, 

of course. 

Well done 

Karen - it was 

fantastic. Ricky soon had everyone dancing, 

and the feeling was that this was one of the 

best ever Welcome nights. Come back soon. 

December Events: 

5 th Ladies’ Day with coach to the new 

shopping mall in La Zenia, on to Torrevieja 

with time to explore before we go to the 

Lounge Bar for an evening of first-class 

entertainment. Just €12. 

12 th Christmas Party Dance with the return 

of Rob Sweeney from Benidorm, and new to 

this area, the fabulous voice of Rhionne. €11 

(€5 for chicken and chips). 

31 st New Year’s Eve Dance. There are a few 

tickets left when we will see the “Entertainers 

Show” featuring Nick Gold and Dan Davey and 

Steve’s disco. There will be a served buffet, 

and tickets are just €19. This is a good way 

to bring in the New Year with your friends. A 

coach is also available for 7€ so the drivers 

can have a night off. 

January 9 th Games Night at just €3, with 

Beetle Drive, Bingo and Quiz. Always good 

fun. 

January 23 rd Welcome Dance when we have 

Buddy Holly, The Everlys, Roy Orbison, Barry 

Manilow and a few more for just 8€. 

Tickets are on sale for the St Valentine’s 

Day Spectacular Show featuring the Jazz 

Singer, Gene Pitney and Matt Christian. 

We’re going to the Mijas Races again in 

February, leaving here on 16 th , for two nights 

at the Hotel Triton in Benalmadena. We go to 

the races the following day for another day of 

fun, and on the return journey home on 18 th 

we go to the historic town of Ronda. Sitting 

on two sides of a ravine, Ronda has fantastic 

views across the countryside, and is a sight 

not to be missed. €150 for a long weekend of 

fun and laughs. 

NEWS FLASH! 

We are going to Seville on 

September 16 th for 4 nights, 5 days 

staying at the luxury 4 star Hotel Becquer. 

For more details call Rosemary 620 105 179 

B o o k / 

J i g s a w 

Swap date 

for December 

is 4 th only. Call 

Jo on 669 

457 985 for 

more details. 

Crib Night 

is also 4 th 

December at 

just €1 entry 

fee. 

There is no Petanca in December because of 

Christmas and New Year holidays. 

Welcome is open to everyone; there is no 

membership, just come along and meet 

friends old and new. All dances are nonsmoking, 

and delicious tapas are available at 

the bar. 

For full details of all events and ticket sales, 

call Rosemary on 620 105 179, or email 

rosemarybeak@hotmail.com, or visit 

www.welcomegroupspain.com. 





Page 79

It’s the season to be jolly and hasn’t it 

come round quickly! Our Christmas Lunch 

is to be held at Trevi Bar, Camposol 2pm on 

Wednesday 5 December, at a cost of 15€ a 

person. Starter, main and sweet. Sorry if 

you’ve missed it. 

Mondays as you will know is the day that I 

stand on the carpark on B sector collecting 

your unwanted goods, so why not come down 

on the 17 December? We will be having 

mince pies and sherry and as a speciality I am 

bringing two of our donkeys. SORRY, they’re 

not giving rides; they are there to show what 

work we do, besides taking in dogs. We would 

love to bring the other animals in our care, 

but time, space and transportation has to be 

considered. We do hope that you will be able 

to come and see them. 

Homed these past few weeks are, Pippa 

who was homed on Camposol; Rory is in 

Elche; Biscuit is now a UK resident and 

Carla is learning German as she travels on 

8 December. Her travelling companion will be 

Linford. He was being chased by a pack of 

dogs and he fell off a small bridge into the 

rambler. He was a little shaken and allowed 

his rescuers to put him into a travel box to 

be brought to us. What’s so good about that? 

Linford is a black pot bellied piglet. He has 

tried to get himself a couple of surrogate 

mothers, namely Babe and Truffle, but 

they just don’t want to know. His story was 

reported on our facebook page and Jasmine 

who lives on a farm in Germany has said that 

she would love him (as a pet of course), so 

his travel has been booked. 

Problem is that when dogs find new homes 

there are always ones out there waiting to be 

rescued and this month Poppet was thrown 

over our wall about 1.30am. Luckily Kevin 

was still awake and went outside to see what 

the dogs were creating over, to find Poppet 

cowering in a corner. She has got over her 

ordeal now and is a lively girl about 18 months 

old and a small mixed breed very much like 

a Jack Russell. 

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone 

a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous 

New Year and a special thank you to all at 

the Costa Cálida Chronicle for the wonderful 

publicity they have given us over the past 

year. 

Andrea 


Sometimes in our lives we meet special 

people, and on October 21st at the Olive 

Branch Christian Fellowship, we met such 

a person. Pastor Gordon Burgess came to 

give a word at the Church. He is a pioneer 

to Spain; he arrived 51 years ago(!) 

in the days of Franco, so not an easy time 

to bring a message of hope to those who 

did not know Jesus Christ. 

Gordon is 84 years young and so passionate 

about his faith; he shared some of his 

experiences about the early days in the 

sixties, and brought a chapter in Ezekiel. 

He had the congregation listening intently, 

and he has a good sense of humour so 

there was plenty of laughter. A Holy man 

still well sought after by many Churches 

and organisations to bring a message. 

We celebrated our annual harvest festival 

on November 4th, so many thanks to all 

the members of the OBCF for their generous 

contributions - a special thank you 

to Peter Mockridge for his excellent sheaf 

of bread. All donations of food went to GomaD. 

We are coming up to Christmas once again, 

the time when as Christians we celebrate 

the birth of Jesus Christ; a time when children 

remember a baby born in a stable, 

but, Jesus grew into a man and went to a 

cruel cross for all of us. He bore our burdens 

and sins and died, but He rose on the 

third day to sit at the right hand of His Father 

in heaven. 

Do you know Him? 

Come along and find out more. You will be 

assured of a warm welcome. 

We take this opportunity to wish everyone 

a very happy and blessed Christmas. 

For more information contact Pastors Ralph 

and Margaret Locke on 968 199 622 or 

618 720 181 

Our Sunday morning service at the 

Community Centre on Camposol ‘B’ 

starts at 10.30am each week. 

Page 80 









Page 81

Elizabeth 

Noble was 

born in Buckinghamshire, 

but she lived 

in Toronto for 

several years. 

She now lives 

in New York 

and Surrey 

with her husband 

and two 

daughters. 

She studied 

English at 

Oxford University 

and 

after graduating embarked on a career in 

publishing before taking up writing full time. 

Elizabeth worked for several large publishing 

houses before having the children and when 

they were at nursery school, she began her 

career in writing, starting with her first novel 

The Reading Group. She is the author of 

numerous novels and researches her novels 

by activities such as abseiling 100 foot off of 

a viaduct, learning how to gamble, and she 

even danced on stage in a Las Vegas show. 

The Girl Next Door - 2010 

It turns out that the kind and generous Nancy 

may have made a few enemies, starting with 

her boss at the diner where she was a parttime 

waitress, and even the publisher of the 

Eagle-Examiner. Carter’s investigation of this 

seemingly simple story soon has him in big 

trouble with his full-time editor and sometime 

girlfriend, Tina Thompson, not to mention the 

rest of his bosses at the paper, but he can’t let 

it go. The story is just too good, and it keeps 

getting better, but will his nose for trouble finally 

take him too far? 

The Way We Were - 2010 

Susannah and Rob were childhood sweethearts, 

but as with most early love affairs, 

they broke up, moved on and then found 

themselves in very different places and not 

entirely happy – but then, who is? A chance 

meeting between them sends shockwaves 

through their lives. What happens when your 

first love makes a surprise appearance? Is 

fate telling you it’s time for a second chance 

or should you simply walk away and let the 

past become ancient history? Susannah and 

Rob just aren’t able to forget the way they 

were and the world is about to realise the 

consequences of their reunion. 

The Girl Next Door - 2009 

For Eve Gallagher, home is miles away in 

England since she and her husband relocated 

to an apartment building on New York’s 

Upper East Side. Life isn’t remotely coming 

up roses. Violet has lived in the building 

for decades, but she’s always kept herself 

apart, until Eve’s loneliness touches her 

heart and friendship blossoms. Jason Kramer 

in Apartment 6A is no longer sure he loves 

his wife, but he’s head-over-heels for Rachael 

Schulman in 6B. Meeting Emily Mikanowski 

from 3A turns Trip Grayling’s world 

upside down. It’s love at first sight, but he 

needs help from Charlotte, the shy romance 

addict in 2A, if he’s going to win the girl. 

Dreams come true, hearts are broken and noone 

is left unchanged when the secrets and 

desires hidden behind closed doors are finally 

brought into the light. 

The Friendship Test – 2006 

They say the friends you make at college 

are with you for life, and for Tamsin, Reagan, 

Sarah and Freddie that certainly seems 

to be the case. With student life stretching 

ahead of them, they bonded years ago over 

too many bottles of wine and great gossip; 

ill-fated love affairs and essay deadlines were 

the only clouds on their horizon. Although the 

four women have little in common, this seems 

to make them greater friends, and they swear 

they’ll always be there for one another, but 

twenty years is a long time to keep a promise. 

When tragedy plays a hand, their friendship 

is put to the ultimate test. Can they put their 

troubles and differences aside and remember 

the simple joy of their younger selves? 

After all, friends should always come first, 

shouldn’t they? 


La Molata, Los Muñoces, Cañadas De Alhama 

DON’T FORGET – Club Is Closed on Friday 

7 th December! (Disco Night) 

Sadly the hall will not be available for use on 

this night as their hosts, Antonio & Cheryl, 

are to enjoy a well-earned pre-Christmas 

break. Calida Country re-opens on Friday 21 st 

December. 

21 st December 

Heralding the 

welcome return 

of the 

fantastic Red 

Strokes, 

Cálida Country’s 

answer 

to the world 

renowned 

Garth Brooks, 

playing a mix 

of traditional 

and modern 

country and 

line dancing music guaranteed to get your 

toes tapping. Also in attendance will be 

‘Cody’s Country’ C&W western wear stall! 

A fantastic night’s entertainment for all! Make 

sure you don’t miss it! Entry €5 per person. 

4 th January 

A short OPEN FORUM, designed to allow suggestions 

for the possible continued improvement 

of Cálida Country CMC is to be held at 

the club from 8pm. Following this ‘open forum’, 

‘Crooning Country’ CM Disco will be 

playing CM dance music for the rest of the 

evening. Entry €5 per couple or €3 for ‘singles’. 

Put a note in your diary now! 

18 th January 

Another 

night’s fabulous 

country 

music entertainment; 

this time in 

the company 

of fabulous 

local 

songstress, 

Christine 

King. Always 

a firm favourite at Cálida Country, this 

little lady is equally ‘at home’ with any style 

of music, but when she puts her Stetson on, 

it’s a case of ‘look out girls – you’ve got competition!’ 

Singing a mix of many CM Divas 

such as Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, Billie Jo 

Spears and many more, this will be a night to 

remember. Entry €5 per couple. 

The club is located at the Social Club, La Molata, 

Los Muñoces – take the exit just north of 

the Condado de Alhama (Polaris World) exit, 

located just off the RM32/MU 603, (signposted 

Venta Aledo & Los Muñoces), about 10km 

from Camposol. It is a non-member club, and 

is a non-profit making organisation. A small 

entrance fee is charged to cover costs, and 

any excess is dedicated to the Community 

Ambulance Fund España (CAFE). 

The club normally meets twice monthly – on 

the 1 st and 3 rd Fridays – from 8pm. The entrance 

fee on ‘live artist’ or ‘cabaret’ nights 

(normally 3 rd Fridays) is €5 per person and 

just €5 per couple (€3 per single) on Country 

Disco nights (normally 1 st Fridays) 

Boasting a large dance floor, the venue is 

also a licensed premises, with drinks at Spanish 

prices and their hosts, Antonio & Cheryl, 

maintain a superb kitchen. The ‘fish and 

chips’ are, reportedly, ‘to die for!’ Advance 

bookings for meals are recommended and 

should be made direct to Cheryl on 619 003 

022. If you fancy a ‘bit of a boogie’ on a Friday 

night – or simply want to put into practice 

what you’ve been learning at your line 

dance classes –go along and give it a try! 

Just remember to Keep It Country! 

For further information on what’s going on, 

contact Mervyn Booth on 968 163 082 

or visit their Facebook page at: ‘Cálida 

Country Country Music Club’ 

Page 82 









Page 83

Camposolers Community Group Website 

Camposolers Yahoo is a “private” website 

and membership is restricted to Home 

Owners on the Camposol Urbanisation. 

Camposolers is a genuine community 

site that has been serving Camposol Home 

Owners continuously for nearly 10 years 

and has a knowledgeable and generous 

membership. Providers of group sites dictate 

policy and Camposolers has responded to 

any detrimental change in policy by seeking 

a new provider of Group Discussion sites. On 

the 25 th April 2012 Camposolers moved to 

Yahoo, the 2 nd move in 10 years. 

Camposolers Yahoo Home Page displays a 

list of the most recent message topic titles 

and the first line or two of the message. 

Clicking a title of any topic takes you to the 

whole message. You are offered a Rich Text 

Compose box and Message Search facility. 

Currently 20 Photo Albums are in use. Useful 

information is available in over 80 separate 

Folders. There is a facility to advertise your 

Local Business. Used items for sale can be 

advertised. You can also select an option 

to keep in touch by email. Members are 

encouraged to debate, seek and provide 

information or just socialise. 

Membership of Camposolers includes a 

simple click of the mouse for membership 

of its sister site Camposolers 2003 which 

provides access to the Camposol Council 

Office. The site caters for Mazarrón Council 

information and help, local politics, Camposol 

committees and Camposol issues. It is 

supported with Photo Albums and a number 

of folders with relevant information. 

If you are a home owner on Camposol and 

wish to be a part of Camposol’s Community 

Group, please email reg_rogers@hotmail. 

com for an application to join Camposolers. 

I am pleased to have this opportunity to wish 

all readers of the Costa Cálida Chronicle a 

very Merry Christmas and all you wish for in 

the year 2013. 

Owner of Camposolers 

and Camposolers 2003 


Mazarrón is a town with many people having 

photography as a hobby, but until now there 

was no group to unite those interested in this 

topic. A group moved by this passion, have 

formed “Photographic F20-Association of 

Mazarrón “. This association was founded in 

order to promote, encourage and make both 

cultural and recreational activities relating to 

photography and all its variants. 

To achieve this, “Photographic F20-Association 

of Mazarrón” will promote and organize 

various activities, such as courses, contests, 

lectures, exhibitions, photographic outputs, 

etc... Some activities, such as two nights out 

to photograph the Milky Way, by workshop on 

“macro with a reversed lens photography”, 

given by Murcian photographer Juan Aragón 

have already been made and on November 

10, the famed photographer of fashion Platty 

García gave a workshop on ‘Portrait with hand 

and retouching flash’ at the Hotel La Cumbre 

in Mazarrón. Scheduled workshops have 

been free, and addressed to all interested 

members interested. 

Future scheduled activities include a workshop 

of still life, with El Colmado; a landscape 

with use of filters photography workshop; a 

night out to photograph the Gemínidas; an 

introductory course to digital photography, 

among other activities. Anyone interested can 

apply for discharge or follow the activities on 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ 

groups/265499260217038 and http:// 

www.f20.es. For more information please 

email asociacionf20@gmail.com 

Page 84 





FREEVIEW? (Well almost!) 

The Lions Club of Mazarrón Bahía recently 

announced the results of their latest 

‘limited’ raffle. The draw took place outside 

the Namaste bar/restaurant on Camposol 

Sector B on Friday 28 September 

and the winning ticket – number 51 -was 

pulled out of the pot by Mrs Kath Owen of 

Camposol Sector B. The lucky winner was 

Mrs Pat Morgan of Sector A. Pat says she 

can’t believe it as she was already considering 

buying a new television for her husband 

for his birthday! The raffle organiser, 

Lion Diane Little, says that she hopes that 

their next ‘limited raffle’ will be for a laptop 

computer! Watch this space! 

Benidorm Palace Dinner Show – 20 th 

December 

Inviting you to ‘push the boat out’ for a 

very special Christmas treat, Mazarrón Lions 

are offering a night out at the superb 

Benidorm Palace Dinner Show on Thursday 

20 th December! 

Coach leaves Camposol at around 5.30pm 

and returns home after the show. Priced at 

just €75 each, tickets include travel, ‘top 

price’ menu & drinks, and the best show 

available in SE Spain. 

Reserve your ticket - now before they’re all 

gone. A €20 deposit per person secures 

your place provided full balance is paid by 

the first week in December. 

On any Friday 11am-1pm on Camposol 

Sector B Commercial Centre, you can 

‘check out’ what Lions are doing locally, or 

by visiting their Facebook page at 

‘Mazarrón Bahía Lions’ or by calling 618 

958 816 

Sponsored 

Walk 

On behalf of 

the Lion’s 

Club of Mazarrón 

Bahia we would like to thank everyone 

who helped make our ‘Strides Diabetes 

Awareness’ Sponsored Walk on 

Saturday 10 th November such a wonderful 

success. 

All the money raised will go towards 

sending more children with diabetes 

to a special summer camp especially 

for children with diabetes in 2013. We 

were thrilled to announce that we plan 

to send ten children next summer. On 

behalf of all these children we thank 

you as always for your continued help 

and support. 

The day 

was lovely 

and sunny, 

which was 

a great relief 

to everyone 

after 

all the rain. 

Our special 

thanks go 

out to the 

many walkers, 

including 

a little 

Spanish girl 

of six who 

ended up 

walking 9km. Several dogs, some wearing 

the Strides T-Shirts, accompanied their 

owners which brought a smile to everyone. 

Thank you also to their many sponsors, 

who gave both financial support and encouragement 

throughout the day. 

Many thanks to Sue and Paul from Healthy 

H 2 O for providing all our walkers with 

bottles of water, for Dawn Heron and the 

Calida Caring Agency for their support 

during the day to test blood glucose levels, 

as well as giving samples of various diabetic 

cakes. What a lovely treat for all the 

walkers. We were also supported by Cruz 

Roja en Mazarrón for the day and several 

of the volunteers of the association also 

joined in to walk. 

Our grateful thanks to you all 

The work of the Lions of Mazarrón continues 

with our Carrier of Happiness 

when we help brighten the lives of several 

hundred “less fortunate” children in our local 

area by marking their festive season 

with a special gift for each of them. We will 

also be starting Operational Kilo at Consum 

Supermarket, Camposol B where you 

can give an item of non- perishable food to 

us. All the food donated will be passed on 

Cruz Roja en Mazarrón to help in their support 

of the families in the Mazarrón area. 

Do you have any unwanted items of 

bric-a-brac or books etc for us to sell 

at our weekly stall held every Friday 

at Camposol B in order that we may 

continue with our work? 

As always the Lions of Mazarrón Bahia 

would like to thank everyone for all their 

support. We could not do it without you. 

“HELP US TO HELP OTHERS” 






Page 85


Adam Gallego 

Mazarrón paid a warm tribute to Adrian 

Adame Gallego on 13 November, in the garden 

dedicated to his memory, where a year 

ago he was shot and died three days later. 

The Mayor of Mazarrón, Ginés Campillo, 

with Adrian’s parents, Maximo Adame and 

Toni Gallego, placed a plaque with his name 

in front of dozens of family, friends and a 

large number of members of the Municipal 

Corporation during this event full of restrained 

emotion. They also discovered a 

second plaque carrying a letter written to 

the friends of Adrian. The Mayor thanked the 

large number of neighbours and friends who 

came to the garden and thanked the parents 

and relatives of Adrian. Among them were a 

large number of young people who, many of 

whom could not hold back the tears at such 

an emotional time. A book has been presented 

to the Casa de la Cultura that includes 

thoughts, letters and testimonies of family 

and friends, titled “Always in our Hearts”. 

Jobs for the Disabled 

The Department of Employment, Training 

and Local Development of Mazarrón 

Town Council, and the Local Employment 

Centre, offered jobs for people with 

disabilities. During the month of October 

three positions in agriculture have 

been filled for people with disabilities. 

Councillor Matilde Blázquez, explained “The 

City Council is working on the integration of 

all people with disabilities in the workplace. 

These can be accessed by the Local Employment 

Centre, located on the second floor of 

City Hall, from Monday to Friday from 8am- 

12:30pm.” You can also request more information 

about this via phone on 968 339 323 

or by email carrillocampos@mazarron.es. 

The council will continue to promote training 

policies and business development to 

citizens who have to face the complicated 

economic situation in which we live. 

Cap Recycling 

The Department of Trade of the City of Mazarrón 

has launched with the Asociación de 

Comerciantes de Mazarrón and Comarca 

(ACOMA) a campaign to collect plastic caps 

to help Eva Giménez Reinaldos , a Lorcan girl 

of 5 years, suffering from a congenital brain 

injury since birth The initiative was presented 

by the Area Councillor, David Fernandez, 

and the girl’s cousin, Ismael Giménez. 

A poster has been designed that will appear 

in shop windows associated with ACOMA 

where anyone can deliver plastic caps, and 

the City will collect these and deliver them to 

La Tercia in Lorca, where they will be stored 

until being forwarded for further processing 

in Palencia. There are over 50 different types 

of caps suitable for this type of recycling; the 

bigger the cap the better, because a ton can 

raise 200-300€. Not only are valid conventional 

bottle caps wanted, but also those from 

the packaging of dishwasher detergents, 

glass and furniture cleaners, pens, creams, 

shampoos, bath gels , hair gels, among many 

others. This initiative is open to schools, 

companies and any type of establishment 

by contacting the Department of Commerce. 

Ismael Gimenez said his cousin Eva travels 

twice a year to the Institute for the Achievement 

of Human Potential to see Dr. Doman 

located in Philadelphia and, thanks to recycled 

plastic caps, her parents are able to 

meet the cost of treatment and travel to the 

United States. Ismael thanked the Consistory 

and ACOMA for supporting this cause 

and said progress can be followed through 

the website evarecicla.blogspot.com 

Dogs in Mazarrón 

The Local Police of Mazarrón are campaigning 

to control the attitudes of citizens and 

dog owners whose antisocial or careless behaviour 

causes the discomfort of neighbours 

and the civil society of Mazarrón. The Councilman 

for Local Police, Isidro Coy, declared 

“Plain clothes agents will be looking out for 

dangerous dogs without muzzles, and fining 

the owners that do not comply with this 

regulation. Our agents will also be looking at 

those people that take their dogs for a stroll 

and do not collect their droppings. We are 

willing to fine them if we need to. We want to 

see Mazarrón clean, but it appears that some 

people do not seem to understand this.” 

Beach Cleaning and Planting 

During the first week of November, volunteers 

from the Asociación Columbares spent 

time cleaning the beaches of Las Covaticas 

and Cabezo de la Pelea with the help of 

volunteers from the College “Antonio Nebrija” 

de Murcia, the Club de Senderismo 

“Amigos de la Naturaleza” of Mazarrón. 46 

people dedicated their time to this event. 

Within the section on cleaning, volunteers 

removed half a ton of garbage from the 

beaches and also planted nearly 300 plants. 

The Asociación Columbares will continue 

with various activities in the town over the 

coming weeks, including a talk at the Universidad 

de Popular of Mazarrón (UPM) on the 

importance of preserving biodiversity, with 

particular emphasis on the wealth of flora 

and fauna that exists in our town. 

A conference will be held by the Bahía de 

Mazarrón to photograph landscapes, terrain 

and cliff areas. The best photos taken will be 

selected for the creation of an ‘online’ exhibition 

on the Asociación Columbares website. 

Page 86 





The goal, like that of the project, is to involve 

local people and tourists on environmental 

conservation and restoration of degraded 

areas, in order to preserve and protect the 

environment and natural heritage of all citizens. 

Walks Around Mazarrón 

The first of the three routes that make up the 

“Travesías del Privilegio” organized by the 

Department of Culture of the Council took 

place on 21 October. Some thirty walkers 

braved the unstable climate that prevailed 

during the day but didn’t intimidate participants 

which began in Mojon Beach, at the 

boundary between Cartagena and Mazarrón, 

and ended in Parazuelos after nearly seven 

hours of intense walking. The participants, 

who came from various geographical locations 

including Lorca, Murcia and La Manga, 

were fascinated by the beauty of the coast of 

Mazarrón and, above all, in the area by the 

coves at the foot of the Sierra de Las Moreras. 

Due to the rain, mud hampered progress, 

but it created excitement and laughter. Finally, 

the last two hours of walking was in a 

pleasant autumn sun that served “to dry our 

clothes and bones” admitted Calventus. 25 

miles was covered and hikers reached their 

destination at 2.30pm, half an hour ahead of 

schedule and with an average of 4.5 km / h. 

The second of these routes was held on Sunday 

4 November and travelled west for about 

4 hours, covering 12 kilometres. 

The third walk will be held on December 2 

and has been called “Limite de Levante”. This 

time the route is about 27 miles, running between 

Campo Nubla and Mojon beach, with 

an estimated walk of eight hours, rising to 

the highest peak of the town of El Algarrobo, 

where you can enjoy stunning views. 

Toy Donation 

The Mayor of Mazarrón, Ginés Campillo, accompanied 

by the Councilmen of Sports of 

the City Hall of Mazarrón , Andrés Valera and 

Councillor Luciano Herrero and the President 

of the Association “Tercio Viejo Murciano” 

Enrique V. Gómez recently delivered a great 

number of toys to the “Virgin de la Arrixaca 

Hospital”. These toys were donated by the 

players of the Ist Torneo Internacional 

de Fútbol de Veterano. Along with other 

members of sports associations, they were 

welcomed by the Deputy Director of Nursing 

of the Maternal Child Nursing, Conception 

Martínez, and her team of doctors. They 

chatted with the children who were excited 

with this donation. 

The Mayor of Mazarrón, Ginés Campillo said 

“This is a small gesture, but one where we 

hope the boys and girls of the Hospital will 

enjoy playing with the toys and educational 

games”. He congratulated those responsible 

for the class by their important and vital 

work that they carry out so that the children 

recover as soon as possible and their stay in 

the hospital is more tolerable. 

Leiva Theatre 

On 27 October Leiva Social Hall seemed 

very small in relation to the large number 

of people who enjoyed the theatrical group 

“El Talayón” which staged the play “Los 

Amores de un Conejo con una Mariposa Llorona”. 

The play was an adaptation of Miguel 

Morales Mateo, who also took to the stage 

to portray a character with his fellow actors 

who played their roles to perfection. 

Over a hundred residents and citizens gathered. 

Among them was the Councillor for 

Social Policy, Equality, Health, Heritage and 

Museums, Maria Martinez. The actors delighted 

the audience with this great comedy 

that brought many laughs from the audience 

and a standing ovation. It was a fun and 

free night of theatre enjoyed by all present. 

The biggest cheers of the night were for 

Mariquita Lorente and José Gallego “El 

Yegüero” who preceded the play reciting various 

poems. Pepe “El Yegüero” recited “El 

Ama”, a beloved and famous poem by Gabriel 

y Galán, and Mariquita Lorente did the 

same with the poem “El banquillo”. 

To finish, all present shared a small meal 

prepared by the Neighborhood Association 

«Virgen del Carmen». 

Pastrana Social Centre 

The Mayor of Mazarrón, Ginés Campillo, 

presided over the re-opening of the Social 

Centre of Pastrana on 25 th October. Also attending 

were the Councillor for Rural Development, 

Magdalena Mendez, Councillor for 

Citizen Participation, David Fernandez and 

Mayor of Pastrana, Maria Sanchez. 

Maria Sanchez was pleased that “We again 

have a meeting point for locals, where we 

can carry out various activities or simply 

go for a drink with friends thanks to Pedro 

and Flori”. She also thanked the City Council 

for their support in re-launching the centre. 

Ginés Campillo said “This re-opening is another 

example of the many already undertaken, 

to give value to our parishes.” Ginés 

Campillo recalled works already undertaken 

including the improvement of various 

roads and more works in La Majada, Ganuelas, 

Atalaya, Los Rincones and Balsicas. 

Library Day 

On Wednesday 24 th October, the Department 

of Culture of the City of Mazarrón celebrated 

Library Day (Dia de la Biblioteca), and did 

so with an activity aimed at the youngest in 

the municipality. In the Library “Gomez Jornada” 

in Mazarrón and in the Library of Puerto 

de Mazarrón, children enjoyed story telling. 

Accompanied by their parents, the young 

actively participated alongside Julia Albaladejo 

and Mayte Reyero by learning 

and having fun through stories, 

which were read by the two storytellers. 

The celebration of Library Day is an initiative 

that came from the Spanish Association 

of Friends of Children’s Book in 1997. It was 

introduced to promote the existence of a 

public service to facilitate access to knowledge 

for all citizens. 






Page 87

Age Concern at Christmas & the New 

Year 

The Christmas Fair is to be held at Lagarto 

Verde, Puerto de Mazarrón on Saturday 

1 st December starting at 11.30am and 

finishing at 3.30pm. The venue is on the 

Via Axial about half way round, next to the 

Cine Bahia. There is a 1€ entrance which 

includes a Christmas draw ticket. The draw 

has a meat voucher, hamper, cake and 

much more. The fair is expected to attract 

over 35 stalls, with tombola, cakes, plants, 

sweets, pies, ceramics, clothes, bags, bling, 

cards, jewellery, spices, curry mixes and 

more! There will be a special Harlequin Choir 

performance at 1pm and Santa Claus himself 

will appear. If you are interested in running 

a stall, please phone 634 336 484. The bar 

and café will be open for drinks and food all 

day. Last year hundreds came through the 

doors and the whole day was a festive event, 

enjoyed by all. 

53 enjoyed the Menu del Dia at Don Ricardo’s 

on October 31 st . The afternoon was well worth 

the 10€, with good food capped by a “Living In 

Spain” quiz which everyone enjoyed. The next 

one was on the 28 th November at La Barraca 

in Puerto de Mazarrón with Johnny Sparrow 

entertaining. These events are always 10€ 

and are held on the last Wednesday in the 

month. The next will be at the end of January. 

There are plans afoot for 2013: 

The two monthly socials; the free one at the 

start of the month in the Cultural Centre on 

Camposol and the 10€ Menu del Dia on the 

last Wednesday. 

Three Age Concern Auctions will also 

be held with the first in February - forward 

warning! Get your items sorted and get ready 

to register them for 5€. 

There will be the annual Black and White 

Ball and other fund raising events. 

Age Concern is keen to promote the Spanish 

government scheme for cheap holidays for 

pensioners. Our volunteers expect to stay 

busy with home visits, although these depend 

on demand. 

Advice/information/tickets will be available 

at the Cultural Centre, Camposol on 

Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am-1pm and 

Fridays 12.30-3.30pm. Tickets also available 

Friday mornings 10am-1pm outside Bar 

Salud, Camposol B with bric-a-brac on sale 

on the last Friday of the month. 

For advice, information, and tickets in Puerto 

de Mazarrón please ring 634 336 484 or 

Camposol 634 310 215 


FAST Fundraiser 

FAST Camposol held their Christmas 

Fayre on Saturday, 10 th November which 

proved to be a great success. The day 

started with 30+ stallholders busily setting 

up displays and decking out their stalls with 

a spectacular array of goods on offer when 

the doors opened at 11am. The expectation 

of a fun filled day packed with happy 

shoppers during this lead up to Christmas 

started to buzz around Mariano’s, adding a 

really festive feel and helping this unique 

charity fulfil its goal in raising funds to keep 

operating for the residents and visitors to 

Camposol. 

The doors opened and the people poured in 

to show their support and soon Mariano’s 

was full to bursting point and would have 

been the envy of any high street store as 

shoppers jostled and dodged each other to 

see what was on offer at each and every 

stall. The atmosphere and festivities were 

further enhanced by the sounds of clicking 

bottles from the FAST Tombola Stand 

and Christmas Carols and festive music 

supplied by the Wellspring Choir. 

One of the main events of the day was 

the FAST Grand Prize Draw which was a 

complete sell-out. It took place at 2pm with 

prizes of a 42” Plasma TV, a Digital Camera 

and a Halogen Oven, plus a further 50 prizes 

donated by businesses and individuals. 

In addition, the FAST Cake Stall manned 

by FAST Support Volunteers and Fund 

Raisers proved to be a rip-roaring success 

displaying a huge variety of delicious cakes 

and pastries baked by some of our own 

volunteers and supporters. 

There was also a FAST Volunteer 

Recruiting Stand displaying some of the 

training and trauma equipment in use by 

the FAST Responders. This was manned 

by Responders and Support Volunteers 

who were on hand to answer questions 

and it is a great pleasure to say that they 

recruited a further nine volunteers. 

AN AMAZING 4600€ WAS MADE ON THE 

DAY. 

FAST is always looking to recruit volunteers, 

so if you would like to learn a very useful skill, 

have a caring nature, willing to help people 

in need of emergency medical assistance 

and are physically capable of carrying out 

the requirements of a FAST Responder 

then please contact the FAST Coordinator 

on 677 288 003. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank 

all FAST Volunteers for their dedication 

and work ethics over the past year, the FAST 

Support Volunteers and Fund Raisers 

for their ideas and their dedication, not 

forgetting the husbands, wives and families 

for their support and helping hands to make 

the FAST Christmas Fayre the superb day 

that it turned out to be. My thanks also 

go out to all the stall holders for supporting 

FAST and look forward to seeing you all 

again at future events. Finally, my thanks 

and that of FAST go to all the businesses and 

individuals who donated wonderful prizes for 

the raffle: a list of all who donated will be 

published in a follow-up to this article, and 

most of all to the residents of Camposol and 

surrounding area for their support in making 

the Christmas Fayre a day to remember. 

FAST – Making Camposol Safer For All 

FAST – Camposol (First Aid Support Team 

Registered M3035763 (2) 

FAST - Registered Charity Number 

G30863658 

Page 88 





During October our Friday morning sessions 

did continue, but with a much reduced number 

of volunteers. On two Fridays we managed a 

grand total of 6 weeders and on one Friday 

we had 9 volunteers cleaning up the mud and 

silt around a number of known problem areas. 

We had decided to continue our work with four 

main projects of creating garden/sitting areas, 

but with the lack of volunteers and despite 

numerous and exhaustive attempts to recruit 

new volunteers we are finding it difficult to 

commence these projects. 500 newsletters 

distributed on the dual carriage, appeals on our 

website and reps canvassing produced a single 

phone call from a resident on D11 who wished 

us to fund a garden area with local neighbours 

carrying out the work. This was agreed and a 

garden was created but unfortunately part of 

it was at the top of the D11 dual carriageway 

where the first temporary road was built by 

the council. No problems said the residents; 

we will wait until everything settles down and 

sort it out. 

Monday 19 th November saw the opening of 

the new farmacia in the Camposol Business 

Centre on Sector A Camposol. This is long 

awaited, and has taken three years to 

secure. Originally the CRA contacted the 

Farmacia Asociacion to request a farmacia 

on Camposol. They and the Murcia Health 

Authority both agreed that Camposol met 

the criteria, and the proposal was put out 

to tender. A new farmacia will be a real 

asset to Camposol. 

The farmacia is planned to open Monday 

to Friday, 9.30am-2pm and 4.30-6.30pm. 

It is also planned to open Saturdays. It is 

housed on the ground floor of the Business 

Centre and has its own entrance and is 

literally two minutes walk from the medical 

Centre. 

Luis Canovas, proprietor of the Business 

Centre said, “It will be so useful to the 

people of the area who will be able to get 

their medicine locally rather than travel.” 

Bob Owen of the Camposol Residents’ 

Association said “It’s great to get some 

good news! More local facilities are always 

welcome, but when’s the sun going to 

shine again?” 

This volunteer situation is serious as the 

residents of D continue with their generosity at 

the “buckets” which are now situated at exits 

of D. Thanks to all the “bucketeers” who have 

continued with their much appreciated help. 

On a very positive note, the effects of the 

closed bridge has brought out the very best 

in a large number of our residents. I have 

met and made many new friends through such 

activities as giving lifts, helping neighbours 

with shopping, keeping an eye on our elderly 

etc. It has also meant that many people 

have experienced first hand the art of walking 

further than their front door. We now have 

a community bursting with anewed energy 

and my purchase of electric bikes has proved 

invaluable. 

Our website was one of the many informative 

media that contained photographs of the Gota 

Fria and many photographs of the bridge and 

rambla road, thanks to Steve and our other 

David Baileys. The change to the second 

temporary road generated a great many 

comments on numerous different sites but our 

committee’s only involvement was to produce 

a couple of signs for the roads requesting that 

residents didn’t steal the produce and drove 

slowly. 

Socially, we had a very successful Halloween 

Fun Quiz. Many thanks to our Quizmasters 

Les and Linda Crook. We had 80+ quizzers 

and congratulations go to The Hagan Team. 

Our re-arranged Christmas Dinner Dance 

at the Amapola Hotel is a complete sell out 

with all the rooms in the hotel (21) booked 

for overnight stays. The price of 20€ includes 

a magnificent 3 course dinner with Barrington 

entertaining us for the night. A 50 seat bus 

will get our guests from D & C safely there 

and back. 

Our next meeting, (Novembers was cancelled 

due to logistics), will be our Yearly Meeting 

to be Held at The Cultural Centre on 

Monday 3 rd Dec @ 1600hrs. 

Mick Drummond – Chairman 

Bob Owen – Treasurer 

Les and Linda Crook – Secretary and Social 






Page 89

The PALS Mediterranean Cruise went 

really well. Everyone enjoyed the food, the 

drink, the crew, entertainment and the places 

we visited; Malta, Sicily, Naples, Sardinia and 

Palma de Mallorca. We were the first local 

organisation to undertake these big trips and 

my how popular they have become! 

Our forthcoming Trip to the Greek Isles 

and Turkey in April is now at the cancellation 

list stage, unless you want to meet us in 

Madrid then we can handle a few more. 

We are investigating a repeat of this trip in 

October2013 for those who cannot get away 

in April and to accommodate those who 

really want to come with PALS. If it’s your 

first cruise; PALS organises everything, but 

stay in the background, allowing you to enjoy 

yourselves with the comfortable knowledge 

that we are there if you want us. More on this 

next month. 

We are now heading for Christmas and the 

New Year, so we wish everybody a happy 

healthy future and hope that you will come 

along to one or more of our events. We have 

some surprises coming up, but of course the 

Annual Christmas Ball at the Costa Costa 

Hotel, Mazarrón on December 9 th remains 

incredible value at 27.50€ for all that food 

and drink. With music by the John Lindo Trio 

we know you will be up dancing. 

The New Year’s Day 

Sponsored Swim 

at 1pm on the Bahia 

Beach is always fun 

and we have lots 

of entries this year. 

Come along if you 

want to swim, but 

if not, come and 

support the brave 

swimmers. 

This year for the first 

time we are having 

a traditional Burns’ 

Night celebration at 

the Playa Grande, 

Puerto de Mazarrón 

on 25 th January. 

Haggis, neaps and a proper piper at 25€, with 

special rates at the hotel if you want to stay 

over. 

Get yr sporron on mon. 

18/21 st March Trip to Benidorm with full 

board and coach to Hotel Helios; 3 nights, 4 

days; only a few places left. 

Advance notice. Leaving June 24 th A Very 

Special Trip to Salamanca, Avila, Segovia 

and Toledo; 3 nights B & B 210€. One coach 

only, so book early. Deposit 40€pp. 

If you want tickets or information, see us at 

Saralara’s Wednesdays 1-3pm, or at Trevi Bar 

Saturdays 11am-1.30pm. 

If you have problems getting there, or you 

have any questions, call 626 460 465. 

PALS DO IT 4U 

Merry Christmas Everyone and A Happy New 

Year 


At the end of October I went with Granny 

and Granddad on a cruise around the 

Mediterranean with PALS. I had a great time 

and met lots of new people. We got on the 

coach at Mazarrón Country Club. Alfonso did 

a great job driving to Valencia in the rain. 

When we got there, I saw the ship. It was 

MASSIVE! Before I got on I was given a credit 

card, but they punched a hole in it. I couldn’t 

buy anything with it, but I could open the 

cabin door and get on and off the ship. 

The first day was at sea. I went round the 

ship exploring. I went up on deck and I saw 

dolphins, sea turtles and lots and lots of 

jellyfish. There was a huge selection of lovely 

food on board. I had fish every day which was 

very nice and the chefs were amazing. 

The second day we went on deck and watched 

the pilot take us in to Valletta harbour in 

Malta. We went around the Island on a crazy 

open top bus which was fun. I loved it, but 

Granny found it a little bit scary! 

When we woke up the next day we were in 

Messina in Sicily. We went on an excursion to 

Taormina and saw Mount Etna in the distance. 

There were 28 tunnels on the way because 

Page 90 

there are lots of mountains. Taormina was 

a lovely town with a very interesting Roman 

theatre with wonderful views of the bay. Our 

guide spoke perfect English and was very 

informative. 

Next stop-Naples. There were lots of cruise 

ships in the harbour. We visited Pompeii. I 

had a great time. It was so interesting seeing 

how the Romans lived about 2000 years 

ago. Pompeii is so big. They even had their 

own fast food restaurant. They had central 

heating, spas and swimming pools and 

cobbled streets with pavements and speed 

bumps to slow down the chariots. They had 

hot and cold water piped into the houses of 

the rich. Unfortunately the pipes were made 

of lead, so they died early before the poor 

people who collected their water from the 

well. WE HAVEN’T INVENTED ANYTHING 

NEW! 

The following day we docked in Cagliari 

Sardinia and we walked up a very steep 

hill to visit the Cathedral which was small 

but very beautiful. The old town had very 

narrow streets, but it didn’t stop the cars 

from travelling at high speed. There were 

spectacular views of the city and the harbour. 

We also found the Archaeological museum 

which had a huge number of items on display 

including mini figures carved from bone which 

were very old. Granny said they were the 

original Lego figures. We were impressed that 

the entrance was free 

Finally on the last day we visited Palma de 

Mallorca. We walked a very long way around 

the harbour to the cathedral which was huge 

and very impressive. We ate delicious ICE 

CREAMS before making our way back to the 

ship in a thunderstorm. 

There weren’t many children on the boat, but 

I played with John who was on our table for 

dinner. We both had magic 12€ watches which 

we bought on the ship. We also enjoyed the 

shows every night, particularly the clowns and 

taking part in the activities in the Rendezvous 

lounge. All the ship’s staff were very friendly 

and I was presented with the Chef’s hat on 

the last night. 

Thank you very much to PALS for allowing me 

to go on the cruise. I enjoyed every minute 

of it and would love to do something similar 

again, perhaps when I’m a bit older. 

KIAN DAVIES AGED 10. 





As a necessary requirement in the process 

of executing the Masa guarantees, the 

council stated at a meeting with the CRA 

on November 14 th that they have arrived at 

valuation of approximately nine million euros 

as the cost of completing Sectors B, C & D. 

This figure excludes any expense that might 

be involved in reaching agreement with the 

Confederación Hidrográfica over the D Sector 

rambla situation. 

A question as to Aqualia’s progress in issuing 

water bills was made. We were told that the 

Town Hall has twice requested that the water 

company start both this process and also 

the necessary remedial work. This has met 

with Aqualia insisting that the required works 

are agreed first. It was left with the matter 

being described as ‘ongoing’. The council did 

confirm that when the bills do finally emerge, 

there will be a provision in place that will allow 

payment of the current bi-monthly bill one 

month and a proportion equal to two months 

of the outstanding amount the next month. 

Two issues of concern regarding the RE3 

Motorway were raised by the CRA. The Mayor 

was presented with photographs illustrating 

dangerous situations of electrical cabling 

trailing across roads, bodged up joints and 

live terminals exposed both to the elements 

and to any person, child or animal that might 

be unfortunate enough to come in contact 

with them. It was requested that the matter 

be given some urgent attention. 

The second issue was that of resolving the 

matter of legalising properties. It was stated 

that the necessary documentation has been 

compiled and was awaiting Masa’s action. 

If this is not forthcoming, the council will 

undertake the task and the five thousand euro 

cost would be paid from remaining Sector A 

guarantees. 

Regrettably there was no good news for 

those owners on D32 living with significant 

concerns from having embargos placed on 

their properties by the courts. The council 

has stated that a solution to this situation 

is beyond their control and rests fully with 

developer Masa who are refusing to cooperate. 

A long debate followed after an enquiry was 

made as to why, when considering Masa’s 

uncompromising attitude, are the council still 

choosing to continue dealing with them? It 

was further pointed out that there seemed to 

be inconsistent statements between what was 

being said by the council about the current 

position at this meeting and what had been 

reported as said from a recent unconnected 

meeting. The conclusion appears to be that 

the council are now instigating legal action 

against the developer while at the same time 

hoping to come to an agreement with Masa 

that will result in the completion of the estate. 

Hopefully a resolution has been found to a 

situation which saw CRA Chairman Bob Owen 

being made the scapegoat for complying 

with the instructions of Councillor José 

Gómez (Pepe) in denying fee-charging groups 

access to the Cultural Centre. After explaining 

the aggressive attitude displayed towards him 

by supporters of one particular group, the 

council have made the undertaking to set up 

a system that would allow access to approved 

organizations of this type. 

Bob Owen has since described the event as a 

“difficult meeting” 

Website: www.cracamposol.com 

Email: info@cracamposol.com 


Chatterbox members and friends visited 

Archena Spa on a grey November day! 

However the water was 34 degrees and 

everyone thoroughly enjoyed a warm 

soak in the thermal pools. Much fun was 

had in the “lazy river” and the bubbling 

spa waters and then there was hot coffee 

and for some, a restorative brandy to 

keep the cold out! Lunch was taken at the 

International Restaurant in the town of 

Archena. 

The next Chatterbox Meeting will be our 

Christmas Party on Thursday December 

13 th at the Cultural Centre, Camposol @ 

2pm – new members and friends welcome. 

Come and join us for an afternoon of fun! 

(This is a change of plan from our expected 

trip to see the lights and Christmas sights 

of Cartagena, but we discovered we were 

too early for that!) 

Several members expressed a wish to 

get together to sew. This Group has been 

meeting on alternating Monday afternoons 

and the numbers keep growing! If you 

would like to meet with a group of ladies 

to sew – either with a guided project, to 

get encouragement with something you 

already do, or just to gain inspiration to 

take up a craft, you will find us at the 

Cultural Centre, 

Camposol on Monday 

10 th December 

(2.30-4.30pm) and 

alternate Mondays. 

You would be very 

welcome to visit this 

friendly group for a 

chat and a coffee to 

see if it is for you. 

Ladies’ Chatterbox 

group is a relatively 

new group which 

meets on Camposol 

in the Cultural 

Centre on the 2 nd Thursday of each month. 

If you would like further information please 

contact Rosemary on 619 575 463 or 

Chris on 968 199 418 or just turn up 

on December 13 th at 2pm in the Cultural 

Centre, Camposol. 

Look forward to seeing you at our 

Christmas party!! 






email:

New MABS Mazarrón Information Centre 

Opens 

It is fourteen months since MABS Cancer 

Support Group opened its Information Centre 

on Camposol and it has gone from strength 

to strength, providing help and information 

to people affected by cancer in the Mazarrón 

area. MABS soon realised that it would not 

be large enough for all their needs and, after 

weeks of searching, they were lucky to find a 

Neptuno house on Camposol for a favourable 

rent and their thanks go to the owner for his 

generosity which has enabled them to have 

all their services, including their comprehensive 

equipment store, under one roof. 

they are supporting 86 people in the Mazarrón 

area. The new Information Centre 

is open Monday to Friday, from 10am-2pm. 

Appointments can be made outside of these 

hours by calling the MABS Mazarrón Enquiry 

Line on 620 582 418. 

Zue Burgess commented “I’d like to thank all 

the volunteers who are here today for their 

continuing hard work and our supporters for 

their generosity in baking cakes and making 

preserves to raise money for us. Thank you to 

the MABS Totana Shop and all people who 

donate items to be sold there, without which 

we would not have this facility today. Thank 

you to the MABS Mazarrón key members 

who have kept the team afloat over some 

very difficult times. Last, but by no means 

least, I’d like to thank everyone here today 

for supporting us and showing your commitment 

to MABS Mazarrón.” 

Photographer: Stan Laird 

MABS 

Mazarrón 

Co-ordinator, 

Zue Burgess, 

is delighted: 

“We are really 

pleased 

that so many 

turned out 

on a Sunday 

morning to 

help us raise 

funds for the 

local community” 

she 

said. “We are 

currently supporting 

86 

people and 

their families, 

who are affected 

by cancer, in the Mazarrón area, so 

every centimo raised ensures that we can 

continue supporting those people. We are 

very grateful to the people of Camposol and 

Mazarrón”. 

Birthday Donation for MABS Mazarrón 

MABS Cancer Support Group Mazarrón 

had something to celebrate on Sunday, 21 

October: not only was it Janette Bull’s 65 th 

birthday, but she didn’t want cards or presents 

and asked for a donation to MABS Mazarrón 

instead. 

The house had not been lived in for over 12 

months, so the MABS volunteer team worked 

tirelessly for several weeks to give it a fresh 

and welcoming look. MABS Mazarrón’s Coordinator, 

Zue Burgess, thanked everyone 

who gave their time freely, including local 

businesses: RJB Decorators, Freedom Mobility 

and Insignia Graphics, with a special thank 

you to the anonymous donor who paid for a 

pathway to be built. 

MABS Mazarrón Race for Life is a Huge 

Success 

Blue skies and a fresh breeze greeted the 

participants in the MABS Cancer Support 

Group’s 8th annual Race for Life in Mazarrón. 

People were able to walk or run a 

4Km or 8Km course and some took their dogs 

along. 

Forty friends and family sat down to a delicious 

3 course meal at The Trevi Bar, Camposol 

B and Janette, who is a keen supporter 

and friend of MABS, raised a splendid total 

of 360€ for them. Diane Choularton, MABS 

Fundraising Co-ordinator, was delighted, 

thanking Janette and her party guests for 

their generously. “This is a great way to fundraise,” 

she said “and we had good food, good 

company and good fun doing it.” 


The Grand Opening was combined with 

a Winter Fair, offering a large variety of 

stalls, from pottery to the latest fashions, and 

MABS is grateful for the continuing support of 

the stallholders. MABS President, Jacquelyne 

Phillips MBE, was on hand to cut the ribbon to 

officially open the Information Centre which 

is situated on the Avenida de los Covachos, 

Sector B4, Camposol. 

MABS volunteers Sue Jacob, Jenny Creighton, 

Doreen Burrows and Julie Venables modelled 

some fabulous outfits from the MABS 

Shop in Totana. The clothes were quickly 

snapped up by discerning ladies in the audience, 

helping towards the total funds raised 

on the day of 2300€ 

MABS Mazarrón supports people affected by 

cancer from Cartagena in the north to Puerto 

Lumbreras in the south and at the moment 

Almost 100 people took part and MABS Mazarrón 

has pledges of 5655€ which, combined 

with funds received on the day, should mean 

that MABS will reach its 2012 Race for Life 

target of 

6000€. 

MABS Mazarrón is a registered charity 

(No. 7261) offering help and support to local 

people of all nationalities who have been 

diagnosed with or are being treated for cancer. 

If you or someone you know would like 

some confidential help or support call our 

HELPLINE 620 422 410 or visit their website: 

www.mabsmurcia.com 

Cancer Doesn’t Discriminate and Neither Do 

We. 

MABS Helps All Those Affected By Cancer, 

Whatever Their Nationality 

Photographer: Paul Choularton 

Apologies for the quality of photos, which 

were taken with a smart phone. 

Page 92 





Working together to keep Camposol 

looking great! 

An Urgent Plea! Now that the heat of the 

summer months has passed, once again we 

return to face the challenge of keeping our 

community areas looking great. Unfortunately 

our numbers have depleted over the past 

year, despite our appeals for more help. 

The sad truth is that there are so few of 

us and we are concerned that very soon 

we will no longer be able to continue as an 

organised group and B Clean will disband. 

Our survival as a group is not up to us. 

If you live on B Sector it is up to you! In 

order to continue we need support! The 

work that we have already carried out needs 

ongoing maintenance and there are more 

projects that we would like to start. 

Whilst we know many people keep the areas 

around their own poligonos tidy, there are 

some areas which are common to all of 

Camposol and this is particularly true on B 

Sector. It will not be long before the weeds 

start taking control of the road edges and 

footpaths and invading those areas that we 

have worked so hard on to improve. We 

will need to start pruning and spraying the 

Palm Trees. It is good to see that most of 

the Oleander shrubs have survived the hot 

summer and the recent rain seems to have 

given them a sudden spurt in growth. What 

we need now is a sudden spurt of growth in 

enthusiastic helpers! 

Please – if you are able to help out in any 

way by giving up a bit of time, we would love 

to hear from you. 

Legal Registration 

We have engaged the services of a Spanish 

Solicitor to proceed with the arrangements 

necessary for B Clean to become a Legally 

Registered Community Group. Details of 

the advantages of this arrangement will be 

circulated to all B Sector residents by an 

information sheet. 

Petanca Garden 

The great work carried out over the past 

few months by a couple of our residents 

has created a wonderful Petanca Garden 

on the corner ground opposite to B22 and 

B15. This project has been privately funded, 

but is available for use by anyone living 

on B Sector. There is still work to be done 

before it is finally completed and B Clean 

have agreed to provide shrubs and plants to 

make this an even more enjoyable facility. 

Enquiries regarding use of this area should be 

made to Maurice on 968 199 552 or email 

mauricepat@hotmail.com 

Friday 11 th January New Year Fun Night 

An evening of food and fun at the Golf Club. 

Music provided by Woody. Details will be 

available shortly. Tickets 5€ (food available 

from the menu) All proceeds to B Clean. 

Monthly Meetings 

Last Tuesday of each month 4-5pm @ Trevi’s 

Bar Function Room. Please show up and give 

your support. Join in and discuss how we can 

continue to improve B Sector. 

Weekly Working Party 

Each Tuesday 9am-10/11ish. Usually in front 

of the commercial centre unless otherwise 

arranged. Please just turn up and help. 

Further information please contact 

Sandy 968 986 030 

Helen/Glyn 968 199 506 

Roger 968 199 502 

Camposol Fiesta Committee Gets Off The 

Ground 

The Camposol Fiesta 2013 will go ahead! 

There is now a committee with Michelle Moston 

as the first Lady Chair. Speaking after 

the first Committee Meeting at the Camposol 

Cultural Centre on Wednesday 14 th November, 

Michelle said: “There is a standing committee 

of six which includes a Children’s Representative. 

We also have a number of volunteers 

who have pledged their support, including a 

Spanish Camposol resident who will act as 

external advisor and an official translator. We 

aim to involve as many nationalities as possible 

and make next year’s Fiesta the best yet”. 

The next step is for the committee to work 

with the Town Hall on planning, especially the 

date. It is proposed for the event to start 

on the evening of Friday 14 th June and finish 

at midnight on Saturday 15 th June with the 

usual fireworks finale. However, the Council 

have the final say on this matter as we have 

to concur with other events happening in the 

region. Although the Council do not provide 

money for the Fiesta, they provide excellent 

support in terms of policing, staging and other 

practical help. 

At the first Committee Meeting, a decision 

was made regarding the location of next 

year’s Fiesta. The possibility of moving the 

Fiesta to Sector A had previously been considered 

due to the fencing around the rough 

land on Sector B. This area was previously a 

key area for daytime events. It had mainly 

been used for the stalls, but one year it was 

used for a horse show and every year, for the 

paella. Concern had been raised about putting 

the stalls behind the usual stage area, 

behind Trevi Bar, as it was considered it could 

hinder the flow of human traffic; result in the 

loss of some space as the main parking area, 

and present difficulties for the firework finale. 

After lengthy discussions and taking on board 

the consensus of views expressed at the public 

meeting on 5 th November; it was agreed 

that the event would be held on Sector B as 

before and the Council’s approval would be 

sought on that basis. 

The committee will soon be very busy fund 

raising! At least 10000€ is needed to stage 

the Fiesta so please support events or buy a 

raffle ticket at the Thursday market! The committee 

has agreed that the main fundraiser 

will be the Citroën car raffle which has proved 

to be very successful in previous years. 

Michelle Moston said “We are very grateful to 

last year’s committee for giving the new team 

the benefit of their experience and a surplus 

in funding to get us started. They will be a 

hard act to follow” 

Anyone wishing to volunteer to help or provide 

suggestions can email info@camposolfiestas.com 

or come and see us on the Camposol 

Thursday Market. 






Page 93

True Brits 

Despite the weather, more than 300 people 

turned out to attend the open air Remembrance 

Service held in Parque Los Palacios 

on November 11. The event would have had 

to be cancelled had it not been for the tent 

- our thanks to Dickie Davis and the Camposol 

Fiesta Committee for providing this. 

Fortunately the heavy rain eased off for the 

duration of the service. Several hymns were 

presented by the singers of Wellspring Victory 

Church, leading up to “We Will Remember 

Them”, read by Mike Cotes, Exservicemen’s 

Association, and “The Last 

Post”, being played live on the trumpet by 

Pastor Andrew himself to start the period 

of two minutes silence at noon, local time. 

Mazarrón Town Council were represented 

by David Fernandez Sanchez, Councillor for 

Commerce and the environment, and Maria 

Martinez Sanchez, councillor for Health 

and Heritage, who gifted a plant for the 

park. The Mayor was required to attend the 

event in Bolnuevo, so sent his apologies, 

and our local councillor, Pepe Gomez, is in 

hospital. We wish him a speedy recovery. 

Several plants were presented at the end of 

the service and all will be found a permanent 

home in the park when it stops raining. 

Please visit the park in the sunshine to enjoy 

the wonderful colours displayed at their best 

in this beautiful garden. 

What a perfect way for Los Palacios Garden 

Volunteers to wish everyone a Happy Christmas 

and a Peaceful New Year. Why not make 

a resolution to join us in 2013? 

Christian Humanitarian Aid Charity in 

the Mazarron (Murcia) & Surrounding 

area 

This is the prompting that Started our 

MAD Journey …. Matthew 25 v 35-36 

“When I was Hungry you fed me, when 

I was Thirsty you gave me a drink, 

when I needed Clothes you clothed me, 

when I was a Stranger you invited me 

in, when I ……….……” God fills in the 

missing gaps. 

Life can certainly seem like a roller coaster 

ride & GOmaD knows this to be true. Moments 

of immense highs to extreme lows! 

Lidl still continues to bless us with fruit/veg/ 

food items. We collect on Tuesdays, Thursdays 

& Saturdays. Come & join us in the 

preparation & the distribution to clients who 

turn up. A great atmosphere the other week, 

as Spanish, English, Ecuadorian, Moroccan all 

worked in unity together, reminding GOmaD 

that ALL are equal in HIS eyes: John 3v16 

“For GOD so loved the world He sent his one 

& only son..” He is not concerned about the 

colour of your skin or the language of your 

tongue & neither is GOmaD. 


Our highs: 

On Oct 13 at Mazarrón Country Club, Barrington, 

Lea & Team organised a fundraising 

event which raised an amazing 1826€. 

An anonymous donation of 1000€. 

A further 250€ from Los Amigos (Golf Society). 

All for our School Book Project. Unfortunately 

not all our children were helped as there is 

such need out there! 

Shirley Ann Fisher passed on a house clearance 

of quality items. 

Many thanks to you all for enabling us to continue 

Making A Difference. 

The lows: 

We have recently visited homes in Puerto de 

Mazarrón, where tears & prayers were shared 

as people struggle with everyday life. A young 

man who lived in a car, with a mountain of 

problems, became so desolate he tried to 

take his own life. Single mothers balancing 

severe health & financial worries, one saying 

she would “rather steal than lose her home”. 

Others have resorted to extreme measures 

to earn money e.g. prostitution. There is so 

much work for GOmaD. 

Every Tuesday a GOmaD van will be parked 

in the Lower Car Park, Camposol A 11am- 

1pm. Please take this opportunity to drop-off 

any items you may have. For larger items; 

furniture, house clearances or multiple bags/ 

boxes call 634 357 137 to arrange collection. 

GOmaD has five Food Collection Bins, where 

Tins/Packets/Jars of Dried Food or Personal 

Hygiene Products can be dropped off: Quick 

Save, Camposol B; English Butchers, Camposol 

A; Tea Pot Café, Pto de Mazarrón; Euro 

Spar (Upper), Pto de Mazarrón; Upper Supermarket, 

Mazarrón Square. 

For more information on our Work in the 

Community: Call 634 357 137 

Facebook Page madmazarron 

Email madmazarron@live.com 

Page 94 










Page 95

RED – Entertainment 

ORANGE – Special menus 

GREEN – Charity & non-profit making events 

PURPLE –Market, exhibitions, leisure & meetings 

BLACK – Fiestas & important events 

Please refer to the relevant advert or editorial for more details of events 

Every Mon 

Yoga with Mari Carmen @ Bolnuevo, 10am 

Fit4Life Group/exercise/positive thinking workshop @ Jane’s Salon, Bolnuevo, 4pm 

Fun Quiz @ Sensol Golf Club, Camposol C, 8.30pm 

Entertainment Quiz/Play Your Cards Right @ Tel´s Bar, Camposol A, 9pm 

2nd Hand Goods to Buy/Sell with HAH @ Brenda’s Boutique, Los Urrutias,10-1pm 

Andrea’s Animal Rescue, Shop Collection @ Car Park, Camposol B 11.30-1.30pm 

Hoy (card) Bingo with HELP MMM @ La Zona Bar, Los Alcázares 2pm, 1€ per game 

Camposol Bridge Club (for beginners/improvers) @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B 3.15pm 

Every Tue 

Dance Fitness with Annette @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B 10-11am 

Quiz Night @ Restaurant Manchica, La Manchica, optional meal for 5€ 

Quiz with Paul @ Tel’s Bar, Camposol A, 9pm 

Lunch Time Special @ Rest Amapola, Bolnuevo, 2 x 1 @ 21€/4 x 2 @ 36€ inc btl wine 

Cocktail Night @ The Spaniard, Hacienda del Álamo, all cocktails 5€ 

3 Course Turkey & Tinsel Menu @ Don Ricardo’s,Pto de Mazarrón,10€ (12€ inc btl wine) 

B Clean Weekly Working Party @ Commercial Centre, Camposol B 9am 

MAMAS Collection /Book Stall @ Camposol B Car Park, 10-1pm 

Pick/Try/Choose/Buy/Donate with MABS Murcia NE @ Baños de Fortuna 10.30am 

Every Wed 

Gentle Yoga with Mari Carmen @ Bolnuevo, 10am 

Crib @ Tel’s Bar, Camposol A, ask in bar for details 

Mar Menor Golf Society Competition 

Pie Day @ The Market Tavern, Pto de Mazarrón 10€ 

3 Course Steak Night @ Don Ricardo’s, Pto de Mazarrón 15€ 

Happy Dinner (2 for 1) @ Rest Amapola, Bolnuevo 25€ inc btl wine 

3 Course Steak Deal @ La Vida Bistro & Bar, El Pareton 25€ for 2 inc wine/cava 

Set menu for 9.95€ at Alley Palais Bistro, Camposol B 

Karaoke & Disco @ Alley Palais, Camposol B, 9pm-late 


Every Thu 

Gardening Group Clean Up @ Camposol C, 9am 

Camposol Bridge Club, Duplicate Bridge @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B, 9.30am 


Age Concern booking events etc @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B, 10-1pm 

The Art Workshop with MABS MMM @ Café Golf, San Javier, 10-12pm, 2€ 

PALS for booking events etc @ Saralara’s, Pto de Mazarron, 1-3pm 

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

Beacon of Light @ The Old School House, Cañadas del Romero, 7-8.30pm 

Camposol Market @ Camposol A 

Circle of Potential with Sacred Hearts @ Mazarrón Country Club, 11-1pm 

Dance Fitness with Annette @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B, 11.30-12.30pm 

Bingo @ Lagarto Verde, Pto de Mazarrón, 8pm 

Quiz with TJ @ Tel’s Bar, Camposol A, 9pm 

Market Day Special @ Tel’s Bar, Camposol A, 2€ 




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

Pie Night @ La Vida Bistro & Bar, El Pareton 

Curry Day @ The Market Tavern, Pto de Mazarrón 10€ inc free pudding 

3 Course Turkey & Tinsel Menu @ Don Ricardo’s, Pto de Mazarrón,10€ (12€ inc btl wine) 

Steak Night @ Restaurant Manchica, La Manchica, 16.95€ for 2 inc btl wine 

Lunch Time Special @ Rest Amapola, Bolnuevo, 2 for 1 @ 21€/4 for 2 @ 36€ inc btl wine 

Live Music & Jam Night/Optional Themed Dinner @ Sensol Golf Club, Camposol C, 8pm 

Age Concern booking events etc @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B, 10-1pm 

Pick/Try/Choose/Buy/Donate/MABS Murcia NE @ Baños de Fortuna,10.30am 

PALS for booking events etc @ Tel’s Bar, Camposol B, 11am-1.30pm 

Andrea’s Animal Rescue Collection @ Mazarrón Country Club, 11.30-1pm 

Every Fri 

Sit 2B Fit with Annette @ Mariano’s, Camposol A, 10.30-11.30am 

Mark Phoenix Hypnotheraphy @ Dental Care, Camposol B 

Fish & Chip Lunch @ The Spaniard, Hacienda del Álamo, 6€ 

Fish & Chip Special @ Restaurant Manchica, La Manchica,11€ for 2 (12-3pm/6.30-10pm) 

Fresh Fish Night, 3 Courses @ Don Ricardo’s, Pto de Mazarrón, 10€ 

Fish/Chips 4 x ½ cod 20€/2 large 19€ inc btl wine @ Rest Marina, Pto de Mazarrón 

Steak Night @ The Spaniard, Hacienda del Álamo, 19.95€ for 2 inc btl wine 

Romantic Dinner (2 for 1) @ Rest Amapola,Bolnuevo, 35€ inc btl wine 

Fish/Chips/Fun Quiz @ La Vida Bistro & Bar, El Pareton 

Karaoke @ Tel’s Bar, Camposol A, 9pm 

Disco @ Alley Palais, Camposol B, 9pm-late 

Live Music @ Kennelly’s, Pueblo Español, Hacienda del Álamo, 9pm 

Dinner & Dance with Mateus & Yeni @ Lagarto Verde, Pto de Mazarrón, 9.30pm 

Camposol Bridge Club, Duplicate Bridge @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B, 9.30am 

The Friday Art Group @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B, 9.45-12.30pm 

Book Sale & Bric-a-Brac/Noah’s ARC @ Camposol B, 10-2pm 


Book Stall, Camposol A Gardening Group @ Car Park Camposol A. 10.30-12.30pm 

Lions Bahia Mazarrón booking events etc @ Outside Kennelly’s, Camposol B, 11am 

GoMad Donations @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B/Costa Cálida Radio (Pto), 12.30-2pm 

Age Concern booking events etc @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B, 12.30-3.30pm 

10 pin Bowling, Camposol C Garden Group @ Totana, 4pm 

Every Sat 

Bingo @ Tel’s Bar, Camposol A, 1.45pm 

Play your Cards Right @ Tel’s Bar, Camposol A, 6pm 

Fish & Chip Special @ Restaurant Manchica, La Manchica,11€ for 2 (12-3pm) 

3 course Saturday Special @ Don Ricardo’s, Pto de Mazarrón, 20€ 

Fish/Chips 4 x ½ cod 20€/2 large 19€ inc btl wine @ Rest Marina, Pto de Mazarrón 

Curry Night @ Restaurant Manchica, La Manchica, 4 courses 19.95€ for 2 

3 Course Steak Deal @ La Vida Bistro & Bar, El Pareton, 25€ for 2 inc wine/cava 

Saturday Travellers @ Rest Amapola, Bolnuevo 

Every Sun 

Disco @ Alley Palais, Camposol B, 9pm-late 

Dinner & Dance with Bitacora @ Lagarto Verde, Pto de Mazarrón, 10pm 

Book Sale with MABS Murcia MM @ Outside The Arches Bar, 10-1pm 


PALS for booking events etc @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B, 11-1.30pm 

Car Boot Sale @ Cañadas del Romero Social Centre 8.30am 

Car Boot Sale @ Venta Romero, Cuevas de Reyllo 9am-2pm 

Bingo @ Tel’s Bar, Camposol A, 7.30pm 

Traditional Sunday Lunch @ Tel’s Bar, Camposol A, from 4.50€ 

Sunday Roast @ The Market Tavern, Pto de Mazarrón, from 6€ 

Sunday Lunch @ The Spaniard, Hacienda del Álamo from 6.95€ 

Sunday Roast @ Restaurant Manchica, La Manchica, from 7.50€ 






Page 97

Sunday Lunch @ La Vida Bistro & Bar, El Pareton, from 7.50€ 

2 Course Sunday Roast @ Rest Marina, Pto de Mazarrón, 8€ inc. glass wine/small beer 

Sunday Lunch @ Bistro Bulgaria, Polaris World, Condada de Alhama, from 8€ 

Sunday Lunch @ Bistro Bulgaria, Camposol B, from 8€ 

3 Course Sunday Roast (lunch/evening) @ Don Ricardo’s, Pto de Mazarrón, 10€ inc 3 

Course Sunday Lunch @ Elliot’s Bar and Restaurant, Bolnuevo, 10€ 

Christmas Carvery @ Sensol Golf Club, Camposol C, 15€ 

Meat Carvery & Vegetable Buffet @ Hotel Mariposa, Gebas, 15€ 

Sunday Roast @ Kennelly’s, El Pueblo, Hacienda del Álamo 

Sunday Roast @ Rest Amapola,Bolnuevo 

DECEMBER 

Saturday 1 

HELP MMM Car Boot @ Autocine, Los Narejos 

Open Days @ Easy Horse Care, Rojales 1-4pm 

Shirelle @ The Arches, Los Alcázares 

Christmas Market with MARA @ Bar Bogart, Mula, 9.30am 

ADAPT Meeting @ Pensionista de Hogar, San Pedro, 10.30am 

Welcome Meeting @ Mariano’s, Camposol A, 2pm 

Age Concern Christmas Fayre @ Lagarto Verde, Pto de Mazarrón, 11.30-3.30pm, 1€ 

Visit to Olive Pressing Plant/Bedding Plant Nursery/Lunch/Darwinian Gardeners 

Sunday 2 

27km Hike by Mazarrón Town Hall – email casasconsistorialesmazarron.es 

Artisan Market @ Bullas 

Mazarrón FC Home Game against Olimpico de Totana B 

Christmas Craft Fair with HAH @ Bacchus Restaurant, Los Narejos, 12.30pm 

Concert/Spangles Ladies Harmony @ Bacchus Christmas Fayre, Los Narejos, 1.30pm 

Monday 3 

Santa Bárbara – Archivel, Caravaca de la Cruz (until 8th) 

San Francisco Javier – San Javier 

Annual Meeting of D Sector Gardening Group @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B, 4pm 

Tuesday 4 

Santa Bárbara - Mazarrón 

Pre-Christmas Lunch @ Elliot’s, Bolnuevo 

Book Swap with Welcome @ ICA Medical Centre, Camposol B, 10-12pm 

Auction with MABS NE @ Bob’s Bar, Fortuna, 2pm 

Friendly Game of Crib/Welcome @ Mariano’s Restaurant, Camposol A, 7.30pm,1€ 

Wednesday 5 

Tony Lincoln @ The Arches, Los Alcázares 


Thursday 6 

Friday 7 

Saturday 8 

Sunday 9 

Ladies’ Day/Welcome - visit shopping centre in La Zenia, & Torrevieja 12€ 

Men’s Golf Day with Welcome in Lorca 40€ 

Ladies’ Christmas Golf Competition @ Hacienda del Álamo, 9.30am start, 45€ 

Volunteers Meeting with MABS MMM @ Las Claras, Los Alcázares, 11am 

Christmas Lunch/Andrea’s Animal Rescue @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B, 15€, 2pm 

Christmas Carvery/Entertainment/Disco/Camposol C Greenfingers @ 

Sensol Golf Club, Camposol C, 18€ 

Dia de Constitucíon 

Fiestas de la Virgen – Yecla 

XXVIII Hall of Automotive & Related Industries @ IFEP, Torre Pacheco (until 9 th ) 

Mountain Bike Day @ Hotel Mariposa, Gebas, 35€ 

Pre-Christmas Lunch @ Elliot’s, Bolnuevo 

Concert by Spangles Ladies Harmony @ Diamantes, El Mojon, 9pm 

Rock ‘n Roll Christmas Party @ The Arches, Los Alcázares 

Outdoor Market Stall/MABS Murcia NW @ Calle Segura, Calasparra, 9-1pm 

Immaculada Concepcíon 

La Purísima – Mazarrón 

Santa Eulalia – Totana 

Ken Wynne @ The Arches, Los Alcázares 

AGM with Evolutionists @ El Puente Restaurante, La Majada 11.30am 

Opening of new Charity Shop/Helping Hands @ C/Fuensanta, Aguilas, 12pm 

MARA Christmas Fête @ Fortuna Gym, Fortuna 

Fashion Show with HELP MMM @ The Arches, Los Narejos, 2.30pm 

Artisan Market @ Mula 

Christmas Extravaganza/ BBQ/Show/Pony Rides/Stalls @ META , 10.30am 

Page 98 





Wine Tasting with appetizers @ Mamma Mia, Pto de Mazarrón, 6-8pm 

Mazarrón FC Away Game against Yeclano Deportivo 

Christmas Ball/PALS @ Hotel Costa Costa, Mazarrón, 27.50€ inc 

Monday 10 

Animal Rights Week Commences 

Guided Walk & 4 course lunch @ Hotel Mariposa, Gebas, 12€ 

Chatterbox Ladies’ Sewing Group @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B, 2.30-4.30pm 

Screening of “Siempre a tu Lado”/4 Patas Jumilla @ 

Social Centre, Roque Baños, Jumilla, 8pm 

Tuesday 11 

Charity Market with HELP MMM @ La Zona Bar, Los Alcázares, 10-1pm 

Table Top Sale with HAH @ La Zona Bar, Los Alázares, 10-2pm 

Information Desk/4 Patas Jumilla @ Mercado de Abastos, Jumilla, 10am 

Christmas Lunch/MABS Mazarrón @ Sensol Golf Club, Camposol C, 2pm, 15€ 

Wednesday 12 Spiritual Murcia 12-12-12 @ Beachfront by Chez Zoe, Pto de Mazarrón, 12.12pm 

Lorna Michelle @ The Arches, Los Alcázares 

Ladies’ Lunch Club/MABS NE @ Las Palmeras, Baños de Fortuna, 1pm 

Volunteer Meeting with MABS NW @ Hotel Argos, 5pm 

Christmas Party/Dance with Welcome @ Mariano’s, Camposol A, 11€ 

Creative Workshop/4 Patas @ Children’s Library, Jumilla, (4-14 years), 5-7.30pm 

Christmas Party/Woody/MABS NW @ The Sanctuary, Calasparra, 7.30pm, 25€ 

Thursday 13 

Friday 14 

Chatterbox Ladies’ Christmas Party @ Cultural Centre, Camposol B, 2pm 

Concert by Spangles Ladies’ Harmony @ Pilar de la Horadada Church, 7.30pm 

Indoor Christmas Market @ Alley Palais, Camposol B 

Book Sale with MABS Mazarrón @ Trevi Bar, Camposol B, 9-1pm 

Christmas with MABS MMM @ Iceland, San Javier, from 11am, mulled wine/raffle etc 

Concert by Spangles Ladies’ Harmony Chorus @ Iceland, San Javier, 1pm 

Charity Dinner/4 Patas @ Duque de Lerma Salones, 24€, 9.30pm 

Saturday 15 Steak Night Christmas Special & 60’s/70’s Music @ 

La Vida Bistro & Bar, El Pareton 

JJ Soulman @ The Arches, Los Alcázares 

Carol Concert/Spangles Ladies Harmony @ Centro Comercial Dos Mares, 11.30am 

Carol Singing with Ron/HELP MMM @ The Arches, Los Narejos, 2.30pm 

Concert by Spangles Ladies Harmony @ Paddy Singh’s, Los Urrutias, 4pm 

Sunday 16 

Artisan Market @ Caravaca 

Walk to Ascensíon a la Piedra @ Moratalla 8am Tourist Office 

Mazarrón FC Home Game against CD Cieza 

Monday 17 

Tuesday 18 

Christmas Lunch @ Restaurant Manchica, La Manchica, 1.30pm, 18.95€ 

Fun Day with MARA @ Fortuna 

Run with your Dog/Flea Market/4 Patas @ Avda de la Libertad, Jumilla 10-12pm 

Award Ceremony/Market/Bar/Music /4 Patas by Indoor Pool, Jumilla, 12-2pm 

Euro Navidad with HELP MMM @ Las Claras, Los Alcázares, 3pm 

Candle-lit Carol Service with Welcome House @ Campillo y Suertes, Cehegin, 4pm 

Suzy G & Dancers Christmas Show @ The Arches, Los Alcázares 

Mince pies/Sherry with Andrea’s Animal Rescue @ Car Park, Camposol B,11.30-1.30pm 

Woody & The Peckers @ Sensol Golf Club, Camposol C, 6€ (21€ including Carvery) 






Page 99

Wednesday 19 Chatters with HAH @ Bacchus Restaurant, Oasis, Los Narejos, 11.30am 

General Meeting with Help MMM @ Las Claras, Los Narejos, 11.30am 

Carol Service with Beacon of Light @ The Old School House, Cañadas del Romero, 7pm 

Thursday 20 Benidorm Palace Dinner/Show with Mazarrón Lions, 75€ 

Friday 21 

Indoor Christmas Market @ Alley Palais, Camposol B 

Spiritual Murcia Coffee Morning with a Difference @ El Nido, Cartagena, 11-1pm 

Greg Bannis @ The Arches, Los Alcázares 

Classic Rock Band @ The Vista Bar, Camposol A. 9.30pm - late. 

Book Sale with MABS Mazarrón @Trevi Bar, Camposol B, 9-1pm 

Outdoor Market Stall/MABS Murcia NW @ Calle Segura, Calasparra, 9-1pm 

Share & Care Group/MABS MMM @ MABS Cancer Centre, San Javier, 11am 

Calida Country Music Club (CAFE)/Red Strokes @ La Molata,Cañada de Alhama, 8pm 

Saturday 22 

Sunday 23 

Lyndon B Christmas Show @ The Arches, Los Alcázares 

Artisan Market @ Plaza del Castillo, Cehegin, Christmas sweets/traditional music, 10am 

5 Course Pre Christmas Lunch/coffee/mince pies @ Liz’s Café, Camposol B, 15€ 

Monday 24 

3 Course Lunch @ Don Ricardo’s, Pto de Mazarrón, 12.50€ inc btl wine/beer 

3 Course Dinner @ Don Ricardo’s, Pto de Mazarrón, 25€ 

Disco/Karaoke & Free Buffet @ Tel’s Bar, Camposol A 

Christmas Party/Music/Karaoke & Free Finger Buffet @ Alley Palais, Camposol B 

Live Music & Mince Pies @ Sensol Golf Club, Camposol C 

Carols/Readings/Poems/Wellspring Church @ C/Madrid, Pto de Mazarrón, 7.30pm 

Tuesday 25 

Tel’s Bar open for drinks and nibbles @ Camposol A 

Special Menu @ Quality Indian, Camposol B, 15€ inc 1 st drink 

4 Course Christmas Lunch @ La Vida Bistro & Bar, El Pareton, 28.50€ 

4 Course Lunch @ Chez Zoe, Pto de Mazarrón, 38€ 

All Day Chrismas Party/4 Course Dinner/Entertainment from 1pm & free buffet/ disco 

@ Bistro Bulgaria, Condado de Alhama, 45€ from 6pm 

Wednesday 26 3 Course Boxing Day Lunch @ Don Ricardo’s, Pto de Mazarrón, 

12.50€ inc btl wine/beer 

The Beagles @ Sensol Golf Club, Camposol C, inc hot/cold buffet 

Volunteers Meeting/MABS NE @ La Carcelera, Urb Las Kalendas, Fortuna, 11.30am 

Friday 28 Guided Walk & 4 course lunch @ Hotel Mariposa, Gebas, 12€ 


Saturday 29 

Sunday 30 

Table Top Sale with GO maD @ Camposol B, 10–2pm 

Book Sale with MABS NW, Outside Trevol Bar, Calasparra, 11-2pm 

Jigsaw Bereavement Group/MABS Mazarron @ Bar, Camposol A, 2pm 

7km Nature Walk to Valle del Aceniche, Cehegín 9am 

Sevillanas Social Meeting @ Asturias Restaurant 

Monday 31 Casino Royale Night @ La Vida Bistro & Bar, El Pareton, Fancy Dress Optional, 5€ 

New Year’s Eve Special Menu @ Chez Zoe, Pto de Mazarrón, 28€ 

4 Course Menu @ Don Ricardo’s, Pto de Mazarrón, 30€ 

Special Dinner @ Quality Indian, Camposol B, 30€ inc all drinks until 11.30pm 

7 Course Dinner inc wine @ Rest Amapola, Bolnuevo, 69€ 

Party Night/Free Buffet/Fancy Dress Optional @ The Arches, Los Alcázares 

4 Course Dinner/Dance with the CAS Band @ Alley Palais, Camposol B, 27.50€ 

Music & Free Buffet @ Tel’s Bar, Camposol A 

New Year’s Eve Party/Welcome @ Mariano’s, Camposol A, 19€ inc buffet 

JANUARY 

Tuesday 1 New Year’s Day Special Menu @ Chez Zoe, Pto de Mazarrón, 38€ 

Sponsored Swim with PALS @ Bahia Beach, Pto de Mazarrón 

Thursday 3 Walk with NEST/optional meal, El Berro Car Park, Sierra Espuña, 10.30am, 5€ 

Friday 4 

Saturday 5 

Cálida Country Music Club (CAFE) @ La Molata,Cañada de Alhama, 8pm 

Grand Party for ACTIN @ La Magdalena, Near Cartagena. 11am until 4pm. 

Page 100 





Eric Patrick 

Clapton 

CBE, was 

born on the 

30 March 

1945 in 

R i p l e y , 

S u r r e y . 

Clapton 

is the only 

three-time 

inductee to 

the Rock 

and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo 

artist, and separately as a member of The 

Yardbirds and 60’s supergroup Cream. 

Clapton has been referred to as one of the 

most important and influential guitarists 

of all time, and is also known as the 

“Guitarists Guitarist.” Clapton ranked 

second in Rolling Stone magazine’s list 

of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All 

Time” and fourth in Gibson’s Top 50 

Guitarists of All Time. 

In the mid 1960’s, Clapton departed from 

the Yardbirds to play blues with John 

Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. Clapton’s 

nickname is “Slowhand”. It was during 

this time period that Clapton’s Yardbird’s 

rhythm guitarist, Chris Dreja, recalled 

that whenever Clapton broke a guitar 

string during a concert, he would stay on 

stage and replace it. The English audiences 

would wait out the delay by doing what is 

called a “slow handclap”. Clapton told his 

official biographer, Ray Coleman, that, “My 

nickname of Slowhand came from Giorgio 

Gomelsky. He coined it as a good pun. 

He kept saying I was a fast player, so he 

put together the slow handclap phrase into 

Slowhand as a play on words”. 

Immediately after leaving Mayall, Clapton 

formed Cream, a power trio with drummer 

Ginger Baker and bassist Jack Bruce 

in which Clapton played sustained blues 

improvisations and “arty, blues-based 

psychedelic pop.” For most of the 1970’s, 

Clapton’s output bore the influence of the 

mellow style of J.J. Cale and the reggae 

of Bob Marley. His version of Marley’s “I 

Shot the Sheriff” taken from the “461 

Ocean Boulevard” album helped reggae 

reach a mass market. Two of his most 

popular recordings were “Layla”, recorded 

by Derek and the Dominos, another 

band he formed and blues singer Robert 

Johnson’s “Crossroads”, recorded by 

Cream. 

A recipient of seventeen Grammy Awards, 

in 2004 Clapton was awarded a CBE at 

Buckingham Palace for services to music. 

Clapton, a recovering alcoholic and drug 

addict, founded the Crossroads Centre on 

the Island of Antigua, a medical facility for 

recovering substance abusers. 

Clapton truly is a legend in all meanings 

of the word and one of my all time heroes 

of music. I have grown up listening to him 

through all the transitions and his music has 

played a large part in my musical life. The 

man is, as one person famously painted on 

a wall at Islington Train Station, a ‘Musical 

God’. 

In a change from my usual format, I am now 

going to concentrate on what personally is 

one of my top ten albums of all time. It is my 

favourite of all the albums Eric Clapton has 

put out over the years and I think it merits 

a small piece of its own. “Eric Clapton 

Unplugged” was a live album released in 

1992. It was recorded live in England for 

the MTV Unplugged series and includes 

both the hit single “Tears in Heaven” 

and a heavily reworked acoustic version 

of “Layla”. Clapton performed the show 

in front of a small audience at Bray Film 

Studios in Windsor. In addition to the final 

album tracks, the performance included 

early versions of “My Father’s Eyes” and 

“Circus Left Town” along with “Worried 

Life Blues” and an impromptu version 

of “Rollin’ and Tumblin’”. My favourite 

track is “Old Love” which features an 

amazing piano solo by Chuck Leavell. 

Clapton played a Martin acoustic guitar 

for much of this performance, and in 2004, 

the guitar sold for £434,400 in auction. 

Clapton earned six Grammy Awards for 

the album, Record of the Year, Album 

of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Male 

Pop Vocal Performance, Best Rock 

Male Vocal Performance and Best Rock 

Song. “Tears in Heaven” earned three of 

the six awards. The album reached number 

one on the Billboard 200, and has been 

certified Diamond by the RIAA for shipping 

over 10 million copies in the United States. 

In 2000 Q Magazine placed “Unplugged” 

at number 71 in its list of the 100 Greatest 

British Albums. In October 2011, the 

album was ranked number nine on Guitar 

World magazine’s top ten list of guitar 

albums of 1992. Truly a superb album I 

recommend if you have never heard it, get 

a copy and listen to a master at work. 

I would like to wish all readers a Merry 

Christmas and a great New Year and I hope 

you have enjoyed the articles over the past 

year. 

You can listen to Mark Davies on Costa 

Cálida Radio on Nite Express on Mon and 

Wed 7-9pm and on Friday evenings on 

Cálida Rocks 7-9pm. 






Page 101

Friday 9th Nov Mazarrón Miners played 

at home against La Siesta Golds in the 

CBBA League. It had been a week of very 

unpredictable weather and certainly not 

one desirable for playing outdoor bowls. It 

came as a great relief that by the Friday 

conditions had improved slightly and the 

match commenced. 

Although Mazarrón Miners had come 

away bruised and battered from their away 

match the previous week, it certainly didn’t 

seem to leave them with too many scars going 

into this weeks match. There were some hardfought 

games and no easy pushovers by any 

means, but overall the Miners proved to be 

just that much stronger on the day and won 

by 5 games to 1 and 125 shots to 87. This 

win has elevated Mazarrón Miners into 4th 

place on the league table, but with still a few 

months to go who knows what might happen. 

The next match was on Friday 16th Nov away 

to San Luis Tigers. 

Mazarrón Miners are now into week 7 of 

their Inter Club Winter Triples League and 

once again they have a change with team 

“JEB” now sitting there precariously at the 

top. There is still no room for complacency 

as team “The Jedi” and “Tripodes” are just 

that bit too close for comfort. We are all well 

aware it won’t be over until the rather large 

lady sings. 

If you feel you would like to come along 

and join us, check out our webpage 

mazarronbowlsclub.webs.com or 

call Club Secretary 968 131 619 or 

Club Captain 637 461 038. 

Report by Wendy Reynolds 

October is a busy month for Fuente Old 

Guard with our annual match play knockout 

competition and the monthly Stapleford match 

to be played. The match play, in memory of 

the late David Jaycock, was played on October 

11 th at the Hacienda Academy Course and 

in a hard fought final, Dave Barrett became 

champion narrowly beating Barry Martin. 

Dave was presented with the Rose Bowl and 

Green Fee prizes and is looking forward to 

defending his title next year. 

Nearest the Pin was won by our guest Frank 

Squires who was also the Winning Guest and 

took a share of the Two’s Money. The rest of 

the cash was shared by Ian Murphy and Dave 

Simpson. 

The Plonker Award was won for the second 

time this year by Ray Greenham with 16 

points. Hard luck Ray! 


Our Stapleford competition was held at El 

Valle on October 25 th . This impressive course 

is in the Jack Nicklaus mode. 

The Overall Winner and Winner of Division 

One was big Dave Simpson with a massive 37 

points total. 

Close behind with 34 points was Gerry 

McRobert taking Second Place in Division 

One. Division Two was won by our captain 

Barry Martin with 33 points. 

Dave Barrett was Runner Up with 29 points. 

Division Three, this month, was won by 

Dave May with 34 points. 

Paul Weston was a very close second with 32 

points. 

Should anyone wish to join the Fuente Old 

Guard, or play as a guest, please contact 

Barry Martin on 968 138 533. 

Page 102 





The results and performances of Mazarrón 

FC have improved considerably in recent 

weeks. Following three successive defeats at 

the start of the season, the next five games 

resulted in two wins, two draws and only one 

defeat and the team had moved up to 12 th 

position in the league by mid-November. 

The signing of striker Cecilio from Soho-Medi 

was a significant factor in these improved 

performances and he found the net three 

times in his first three games. He is a robust 

old-fashioned type of striker and is proving 

to be a perfect strike partner for Jose Ruben 

who previously had little support up front. 

The defence, again marshalled superbly by 

captain Diego, continued to look very solid 

and only eight goals were conceded in the 

first eight games this season. 

absolute bargain at just €15 each and can 

be purchased from the Trevi Bar, Centro 

Commercial B Camposol. Woollen Scarves 

€10, baseball hats, sun hats and woolly hats 

at €5 can be ordered at the Trevi Bar and 

collected at the Los Amigos weekly meetings 

every Thursday at 4 pm. 

Although the event is still four months away, 

well over 100 tickets have already been sold 

for the 4 th Annual Gala Evening and Dinner 

to be held on Tuesday 12 th March 2013 at the 

Hotel la Cumbre, Puerto de Mazarrón. This 

night is one of the most prestigious events on 

the Costa Cálida social calendar and caters for 

every taste. You do not have to be interested 

in football to enjoy the occasion. In addition 

to the celebrity guest speaker, ex-Wolves and 

Manchester City star Steve Daley, there will 

be comedy with Pat Martin and music and 

dancing with the Beagles. It is also one of 

the few opportunities that the ladies have to 

dress up for a very special occasion. 

enjoy a superb buffet prior to the game, 

complimentary tea and coffee and the use of 

the “Honesty Bar”. The Man of the Match is 

invited into the lounge after the game along 

with other Mazarrón FC Players. 

Various sponsorship opportunties are now 

available to local businesses and individuals 

at very affordable prices ranging from just 

€30 for a match ball sponsorship to €100 for 

a ground advertising board, which includes 

artwork and installation. For full details please 

contact Martin Vale on 634 342 294 or email 

losamigosdemazarronfc@hotmail.co.uk 

The style of play and the improved results 

has also boosted attendances at the Estadio 

Municipal, but new supporters are always 

welcome and much needed. Mazarrón’s home 

games are normally played on Sundays with 

varying kick off times. Admission is just €4 

with juveniles free. Full details of all games, 

both home and away, are announced on 

the Tuesday before the weekend on which 

the game is to be played and advertised 

in the local media, on our website www. 

losamigosdemazarron.es and on posters 

at various points throughout Camposol and 

Mazarrón. 

Forthcoming Fixtures: 

Sunday 2 nd December 

Olimpico De Totana B 

Sunday 9 th December 

Yeclano Deportivo 

Sunday 16 th December 

CD Cieza 

Sunday 6 th January 

CAP Ciudad de Murcia 

Sunday 13 th January 

CF Molina 

(HOME) 

(Away) 

(HOME) 

(Away) 

(HOME) 

Off the field, Los Amigos de Mazarrón FC 

supporters club continues to be very active. 

A coach load of excited female shoppers 

accompanied by a few reluctant husbands 

and partners visited both Playa Flamenca 

Saturday Market and the marvellous new 

shopping complex Zenia Boulevard for a 

Christmas shopping extravaganza. 

If you are short of ideas for Christmas 

presents for the family and friends, look no 

further. Los Amigos de Mazarrón FC has an 

excellent range of Mazarrón FC merchandise 

including the new replica shirts in all sizes 

from children 4-6 years old to XXL in red and 

blue in an attractive polo style. They are an 

The event is again jointly sponsored by 

New Images, Sector B Camposol and Ibex 

Insurance, Puerto de Mazarrón. All VIP tickets 

have now been sold but ordinary tickets are 

still available at €40 which includes a five 

course meal with coffee, beer, house wine and 

soft drinks served during dinner. 

To reserve your tickets, please ring Andy 

on 634 040 990, Dave on 626 465 847, 

email losamigosdemazarronfc@hotmail. 

co.uk or call at the Trevi Bar, Camposol B any 

Thursday 3-4pm prior to the Los Amigos de 

Mazarrón FC weekly meetings. 

Jose Rodriguez, President of Mazarrón 

Football Club, performed the official 

opening of the new VIP lounge beneath the 

main stand at the Estadio Municipal prior to 

the home game against CD Algar on Sunday 

21 st October. The VIP lounge is available to 

sponsors and other guests before, during 

and after the game and the match sponsors 

Membership of Los Amigos de Mazarrón FC 

costs just €10 per year and social meetings 

(open to all) are held at the Trevi Bar each 

Thursday at 4pm with a Members Business 

Meeting (members only) on the last Thursday 

each month. We run coaches to away games 

and have social events throughout the year 

so, if you are interested in football, or just 

wish to have a good time socially, please join 

us. 

Los Amigos de Mazarrón FC extends best 

wishes for the festive season to all sponsors, 

members and supporters of Mazarrón FC. 






Page 103 Page 103

More than 250 cyclists took to the street 

in Puerto de Mazarrón on 4 November to 

participate in the XVII Marcha Mountain 

Bike “Bahía de Mazarrón” that this year 

was more interesting and attractive for the 

participants but also harder than in recent 

years. 

In Master 50, the podium was composed of 

Andrés Martínez Garcia, José Erades Garcia 

and Francisco Gómez Oliver. 

In the two remaining categories, Veterans 

and Women, there were just 2 participants, 

Ernest Knaller and Fernánde Lidia Martínez. 

The absolute champion this year, organized by 

Club Ciclista “9 y ½” with help from the City 

Hall of Mazarrón, was Tomás Ortega Bustos 

who was accompanied in the podium by José 

Arcas Navarro and Fernando Piñero Gallego, 

with second and third place respectively. 

The trophies were presented by the Mayor of 

Mazarrón, Ginés Campillo, the Councilman of 

Sports, Andrés Valera, the Councilwoman of 

Tourism, María Celeste Soria, the Councilman 

of Festivals, Isidro Coy, and the President of 

the Club organizer, José de la Cruz. Trophies 

were also given to the youngest participant, 

Miguel Ureña Puche, the veteran cyclist Ernest 

Knaller, and for the top ranked local athlete 

José Pérez Sánchez. They also awarded a 

ham donated by Carnicerias Carrañaca, as a 

special recognition to the clubs with the most 

participants, these being “Las 9” of Totana 

and “BTT Aerobike” Cartagena. 

Senior champion was Samuel Monreal 

González 

2 nd and 3 rd were Juan José Rubira Ortiz and 

Pedro Antonio Cánovas Valenzuela. 

In Master 30, the three first classified were 

José Arcas Navarro, Andrés Plazas López and 

Ginés Salmerón Ruiz. 

In Master 40, the champion was also the 

overall champion Tomás Ortega Bustos. 

2 nd and 3 rd were Fernando Piñero Gallego and 

Antonio Cegarra Navarro. 

The race fruits were distributed by “Frutas 

Arias Mazarrón”. 

The day progressed without incidents thanks 

to the good work of Civil Protection, Local 

Police and Red Cross of Mazarrón. 

Club Ciclista “9 y ½” thanked the sponsors 

and collaborating businesses that with their 

support made this event possible in these 

economically difficult times. 


Well it finally arrived; 

the trip 

everyone had 

waited for The 

Benidorm Jolly 

Boys Outing. 

It started at the 

Trevi Bar with a 

lovely full breakfast 

on the house 

supplied by Pauline 

and Sue. 

Thanks girls for 

everything. 

We then went off 

to play golf at Altoreal. We were split into 

seven groups of three playing Texas Scramble. 

Tee off time was 11.10am, although due 

to a group in front using the course as a pitch 

and putt, 

the round 

took over 5 

hours, but 

we could all 

see the funny 

side especially 

after a 

pint or four! 

Then we all 

hit the road 

for Benidorm 

and the impressive 

hotel. 

Let’s just 

say Faulty 

Towers isn’t 

a patch on 

it, but at 13€ a head it was adequate. The 

presentation took place in the nearest pub 

Churchill’s where the 

beer was buy-1 get-1 

free!! Happy days! 

The winners Sean, 

Glenda and Jim won 

the top money and 

second went to Marcus. 

Billy and Charlie 

shared second prize. 

Nearest The Pin was 

won with the last shot 

on the par three by 

Steve Dixon winning 

a box of golf balls provided 

by Altoreal Golf 

and a cap and 

100 business 

cards provided 

kindly by Insignia 

Grapics who 

also provide all 

our golf shirts. 

Most of the winnings 

went into 

the beer pot, 

although some 

was held back, 

(you know who 

you are!) and 

the proceeds 

from the year’s 

golf was used to 

whet our whistles which went down very well. 

I would like to take this opportunity to 

thank Steve Dixon, Jimmy Baird and Nigel 

Bowditch for all their efforts in organizing 

this trip and look forward to the next 

one. As for the rest of the night in Benidorm, 

a great time was had by all and I’ve just 

about recovered. Thanks to all that came that 

didn’t play meeting up with us and making it 

a night to remember. 

If you are interested in joining (which is free) 

just contact: 

Trevi Bar 669 026 544 

Chairman Steve Dixon 634 127 221 

Page 104 





What to Expect 

When 

You Sign Up 

for Golf Lessons 

by David 

Gay PGA 

Professional 

Each instructor 

has his 

own format 

for a lesson. 

While there 

may be some 

variation 

from coach to 

coach, I use 

the following 

steps - taking approximately the first 10 minutes 

of the session - with new students. 

Introduction 

Students are often intimidated by PGA pros, 

so I try setting the student at ease and developing 

a rapport prior to the session. This leads 

to more effective communication between me 

and my student. 

Background Information 

This information includes: previous golf and 

sports history; previous injury history; simple 

movement screens to detect physical limitations; 

occupation; previous instruction history; 

goals for golf. 

specifically would you like to accomplish?” 

At this stage of a golf lesson I know who I am 

dealing with and I help the student set a realistic 

solution to their specific problem. 

I next analyze the student’s technique. I 

watch the student hit shots with various clubs 

so that I can see them perform the swing or 

stroke. I will typically video the student so 

that I can more clearly see movements and 

detect swing flaws. 

Explanation, 

error 

correction 

and wrap-up 

make up the 

last portion 

of the session. 

In this 

phase, I explain 

what the 

student needs 

to change to 

accomplish 

their desired 

correction. I 

have the student 

make 

practice swings to feel the change, then we 

transition into actual ball striking. At the end 

of the session, I summarize the information, 

re-film the student and email the video analysis 

of the session. 


Specific Golf Information 

This includes: examination of the golfer’s 

equipment; ball flight characteristics; determining 

how far the golfer hits each club; 

strengths and weaknesses in the various aspects 

of golf; practice habits; motivation for 

playing golf (i.e., competition vs. hobby vs. 

spouse activity, etc.); motivation for taking 

golf lessons. 

Set An Objective For The Session 

At this point, I help the student formulate a 

stated goal by asking them to answer the following 

question: “Over the next hour, what 

More advanced, experienced golfers generally 

want error correction and this can usually 

be accomplished in one to three lessons over 

several weeks. For those who desire a complete 

game makeover, I suggest several series 

of five or six lessons with a custom curriculum 

over the course of a few months. I develop a 

practice plan and communicate with the student 

on a regular basis to monitor progress. 

For more information on lessons and 

club repairs you can find David at Roda 

Golf Academy or contact on 670 083 939 

email:davidgaypga@mac.com 








5 th Race Day of Autumn Series 2012 

The 5 th day of the Series was held on Sunday 

4 th November. The race took place from the 

CAR Sailing Centre at Los Narejos on the Mar 

Menor. It was a blustery morning with a very 

strong south westerly wind. Seven boats 

started on the course of three laps. However, 

there were several casualties of the strong 

winds. 

The first was 

the third 

buoy which 

was dragged 

by the strong 

winds off 

its anchor 

which was 

lost. Then, 

because 

this buoy 

had drifted 

towards the 

shore, Julian Pering and Carl Vogt in Conny 

misjudged the distance and were blown onto 

the reef. Unfortunately, because they needed 

help from the committee boat, they were 

disqualified. At the same time Shoestring 

Tres was also misled into going too close 

to the reef and was caught, but Vernon and 

John managed to free it without help and they 

finished in 4 th place. Meanwhile Mick Burgess 

in Sea Hopper suffered a broken rudder and 

was blown ashore further up the beach. As 

the wind speed was increasing it was judged 

unsafe to continue, so the race was reduced 

to one lap. The time between 1 st and 2 nd 

was very close and the results of the four 

boats which finished were as follows (on the 

corrected times):- 

First race: 

1 st Weta 14 Brian Murray, Neil Coats 

2 nd Sailfish Sorocco 

Robert Hudson, Janice Penning 

3 rd Catamaran Hamoor 

John Parker, B Blackburn, B Blinkhorn, T 

Blakeley 

4 th Shoestring Tres 

Vernon O’Byrne, John Down 

DNF Sea Hopper Mick Burgess 

Sailfish Mistral 

R. Cheshire, Val Preston 

Balaton Conny 

Julian Pering, Carl Vogt 

6 th RACE DAY OF AUTUMN SERIES 

The 6 th day of the Series was held on Sunday 

November 11 th . The races took place from 

the CAR Sailing Centre at Los Narejos on the 

Mar Menor. It was a damp morning with a 2-3 

force North West to North wind. 

First race: 

Seven boats competed and the results on the 

corrected times were, very close with nine 

seconds between 1 st and 2 nd and thirteen 

seconds between 2 nd and 3 rd , as follows:- 

1 st Sailfish Sorocco 

Terry Chapman, Janice Penning 

2 nd Sailfish Mistral 

Robert Hudson, Ingo Wilson 

3 rd Catamaran Hamoor 

Bob Blinkhorn, Brian Blackburn, John Clarke 

4 th Sea Hopper Mick Burgess 

5 th Shoestring Uno 

Chris Silcock, J Down, A Silcock, V O’Byrne 

6 th Balaton Conny 


7 th Deltania Dos Chris Rooke, Anne-Marie 

Tasney 

Second race: 

Congratulations to Mick Burgess in Sea 

Hopper who was only 1 minute 13 seconds 

behind Sailfish Sorocco. This was a 

remarkable achievement in the adverse 

conditions. There was a 3-4 force Northerly 

wind with a little light rain at the start of this 

race for four boats, but by the finish it was 

raining very hard. The results on corrected 

times were: 

1 st Sailfish Sorocco 

Terry Chapman, Janice Penning 

2 nd Sea Hopper Mick Burgess 

3 rd Sailfish Mistral 

Robert Hudson, Vernon O’Byrne 

4 th Balaton Conny 


For more information see 

www.sailingmarmenor.com 

or email sammracing@yahoo.co.uk. 

Page 106 









Page 107

FOR SALE 

18 speed mountain bike (Unisex) 

New condition, ideal gift bargain only 

€95.00 

Tel 699 261 663 

Rotovator 120€. Electric Fly Killer 10€. 

Salt water generator for a swimming pool, 

brand new still in box 60€. 

Tel 617 987 032 Lorca 

WANTED 

WANTED FOR HIRE. Lightweight 

wheelchair. 1 week in February 2013. 

Tel 626 880 697 

Dishwasher in good working order. 50€. 

Call 646 705 403 

PETS 

20 month old female dog. Chipped, 

spayed & passport. Well behaved. 30kg. 

Had all injections. 

Sold house & moving back to flat in UK. 

Tel: 696 160 359 

BUSINESS 

Large hand mincer, used once 40€. 

Woodworking router with 2 boxes of 

cutters. 55€ 

Tel 617 987 032 Lorca 

Belle 230v electric cement mixer with 

stand. Hardly used. €140. Buyer collects. 

Tel 968 956 040 Mazarrón Country Club. 

GROUPS 

Petrol Generator 3kw very good condition 

300€. Can deliver. 

Tel 676 282 305 Moratalla area 

Studiomaster Walkabout PA 300W with 

digital effects & heavy duty speaker 

stands. Price 450€. Mics also available 

Tel 634 377 547 


2 pine headboards (single) €15 each or 2 

for €25 

Calor gas heater excellent condition €60 

Tel 968 150 987 

CLASSIFIED ADS ARE AVAILABLE FREE 

FOR ITEMS UNDER 500€ OR FOR WANTED/ 

LOST ITEMS. (FOR NON-COMMERCIAL EN- 

TERPRISES ONLY AND EXCLUDING PROP- 

ERTIES, VEHICLES AND BOATS) Maximum 

20 words and 3 classified ads per 

customer. 

To Place a Classified Advert: 

Please go to our Contact Us page at www. 

costacalidachronicle.com and put Classified 

advert in the Subject line, email 

costacalidachronicle@gmail.com or call 

968 970 680 10-2pm Mon-Fri 

Page 108 





Well, Christmas is nearly upon us and haven’t 

we had some rain this autumn………..at least we 

don’t suffer hose pipe bans! 

Last month, I mentioned the “bad bank” set 

up and this is being launched on 2 nd December. 

Who knows how this will affect the property 

market. 

November has seen a number of bargains 

around. 

Polaris World offered 12 apartments for sale, 

in the Penthouses, at under half price on 

the condition completion took place within 

one month – great if you want a long term 

investment. 

Secondly, there has been a massive reduction 

in some properties on Mazarrón Country Club. 

Here you can buy a 2 bed detached property 

for only 119,000€ and there is a 90% mortgage 

option! 

Both offers are available through Best of 

Spanish. 

The Spanish Prime Minster is reported to have 

said he thinks the Spanish economy will start 

to rise slowly in 2014. This is good news for all 

of us so let’s hope the housing market follows 

this trend. 

The last quarter of the year has been busy for 

most agents, but generally December is a quiet 

time in the real estate business as people get 

ready for Christmas. Every year is different so 

who knows? Some agents take a well-earned 

rest at this time of the year and close for the 2 

weeks around Christmas. Others, like myself, 

don’t have to worry about opening an office, so 

it makes life so much easier to manage at this 

time of year. 

As I write, I am still waiting for the dates 

that A Place in the Sun will be shown which 

will present a lovely property in Campillo de 

Adentro. We just have to watch out for it in 

December (or so I was told??). As soon as this 

deadline closes, as sure as eggs are eggs, I will 

be given the date for the show. 

Dave and I would like to wish all our working 

colleagues and friends, a great Christmas (not 

too much turkey) and a Happy & Prosperous 

New Year. 

Jennie Iredale 

Best of Spanish 

info@bestofspanish.com 

(0034) 635 434 651 






Page 109 Page 109

Albacete 

Alicante 

6. Caravaca De 

La Cruz 

La Paca 

Vélez Rubio 

A-91 

Moratalla 

3. Calasparra 

El Berro 

Cieza 

Archena 

7. Cehegin 

RM-15 

Molina de 

Segura 

16. Mula 

17. Pliego 

Alcantarilla 

C-3315 

1. Alhama 

de Murcia 

Aledo 

RM-2 

21. Totana 

RM-3 

A-7 

RM-23 

23. Los Cantereros 

5. Cañadas del 

Lorca Romero RM-3 

4. Camposol 

22. Purias 

AP-7 

27. Blanca 

A-7 

Las Palas 

14. Mazarrón 

2. Bolnuevo 18. Puerto de 

Mazarrón 

26. Fortuna 

9. Fuente 

Alamo 

Murcia 

20. Tallante 

Cartagena 

Orihuela 

RM-1 

Catral 

N-332 

Torrevieja 

RM-19 

Pilar De La Horadada 

11. La Torre 28. San Pedro del Pinatar 

29. Torre 19. San Javier 

Pacheco 

12. Los Alcazares 

A-30 AP-7 

8. El Algar 10. La Manga 

13. Los Belones 

24. Cabo de Palos 

25. La Manga Club 

Vera 

31. Águilas 

All our advertisers have current copies of Costa Cálida Chronicle, 

and other outlets are planned. 

If you have any problems obtaining a copy, please call Patti on 646 005 017. 


If you would like to buy a subscription for the Costa Cálida Chronicle 

to guarantee your monthly copy of the magazine, please fill in 

the form below and hand it in to the Costa Cálida Chronicle office 

on Camposol, or send it to Costa Cálida Chronicle SL, 35 Calle 

Jara, Centro Commercial Sector B, Camposol, 30875, Murcia, or go 

to the website www.costacalidachronicle.com 

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Bank Transfer: 3058 0206 91 2720017764 

Page 110 









Page 111


Accommodation: 

Hotel La Mariposa 968 631 008 

Accountants: 

Corral & Alcaraz 968 078 754 

Silvente 968 332 058 

Airport Parking: 

Coastline Auto (Alicante) 966 799 326 

Seguro Parking 622 062 115 

Banking & Finance: 

Debt Relief Solutions 646 705 403 

Lloyds Bank International 902 024 365 

UK Tax Refunds 965 636 938 

Bars, Cafés & Restaurants: 

Alley Palais Diner 968 978 869 

Amapola Restaurant 660 328 092 

Bistro Bulgaria (CDA) 968 328 084 

Bistro Bulgaria Camposol 968 199 914 

Cafeteria Plaza 968 705 406 

Chez Zoe 676 691 324 

Don Ricardo’s 968 155 887 

Elliot’s Bar/Restaurant 968 158 499 


Kennelly’s 686 341 749 

Largarto Verde 968 594 543 

La Vida Bistro & Bar 625 917 425 

Le Gourmet 968 154 315 

Leonardo’s 628 682 303 

Liz’s Cafe 696 724 123 

Lucky´s Bar 600 336 391 

Mamma Mia 628 682 303 

Monroes 968 156 537 

Quality Indian 968 199 198 

Restaurant Manchica 672 909 503 

Restaurant Marina 619 500 555 

Sensol Golf Club Rest 603 135 387 

Tel´s Bar 634 143 088 

The Bistro 968 978 869 

The Arches 653 081 341 

The Market Tavern 968 154 588 

The Spaniard Inn 608 963 052 

Builders: 

CM Constructions 659 159 948 

Fuente Building Services 696 744 982 

Kennelly Electrical and Construction 

686 341 749 

Tony’s Building Services 647 119 952 

Building Services: 

Doors And More 968 431 190 

JD Roofing & Building 630 269 994 

Salglaze 634 342 294 

VIP Services 650 893 607 

Woodworks Direct 649 540 016 

Butchers: 

Anros Butchers 968 541 422 

English Butchers Camposol 

619 579 823 

Carpentry: 

Philip Carpenter/Joiner 680 443 219 

Car Hire: 

Bolnuevo Cars 968 150 979 

F&C Rent a Car 968 199 156 

Cars & Transport: 

Puncture Safe Murcia 968 979 260 

Specialist Vehicles SL 968 146 158 

Chimney Sweeps: 

Home from Home 660 478 881 

Tony Chimney Sweep 646 438 694 

Chiropodists: 

Philip Dawe 968 150 244 

Cleaning Services: 

K J Window Cleaning 688 697 629 

Limpieza Rosa 619 199 407 

Tony Upholstery Cleaner 646 438 694 

Clothes Shops: 

Branded 607 050 309 

Legs & Co. 660 792 513 

Computer Repairs & Sales: 

Camposol Computers 968 199 191 

Consulting IT Services 691 993 219 

Informaticasa 634 352 166 

Loco Murcia 968 971 893 

Dentist: 

Clinica Dental Alcazar 968 477 412 

Dental Care 968 199 111 

Olivier Houdusse 968 153 645 

Electricians: 

Amigos 619 025 160 

Kennelly Electrical and Construction 

686 341 749 

Louis Harris 619 712 821 

Entertainment 

Classic Rock Band 630 443 273 

Funeral Plans: 

ASSSA 968 153 396 

The Funeral Director 650 631 719 

Furniture: 

At Home 868 088 118 

DFS 968 334 194 

Furniture Plus 968 482 456 

Time for a Change 968 136 501 

Garden Centres: 

Garden Centre 2003 669 565 402 

Hairdressing: 

ADF Peluqueros 968 152 082 

Hair By Carol 968 974 989 

Jane’s Salon 968 158 433 

The Beauty Palace 968 971 828 

The Salon Camposol 691 916 717 

The Salon 2 686 354 232 

Health & Beauty: 

Avon by Jan Dillin 672 880 353 

Freedom Mobility 638 893 357 

Jane’s Salon 968 158 433 

Mark Phoenix 654 202 996 

Nadine (text for appt) 696 886 694 

Rosies Toesies 639 171 835 

Sacred Hearts 650 796 579 

The Beauty Palace 968 971 828 

The Fuschia Beauty Clinic 630 439 480 

The Salon 691 916 717 

The Salon 2 686 354 232 

Heating and Aircon: 

Calida Gas & Oil 659 761 771 

Camposol Heating & Maintenance (CHM) 

968 199 184 

Llamas Chimeneas 968 591 030 

Louis Harris 619 712 821 

Home Furnishings: 

Curtain Call 616 240 171 

Yorkshire Linen, Pto Maz 968 595 946 

Yorkshire Linen, San Javier 968 193 912 

Insurance: 

ASSSA 968 153 396 

Ibex 968 595 945 

Liberty Seguros 902 255 258 

Linea Directa 902 123 975 

Nash Warren 968 156 583 

Internet Cafés: 

Alley Palais 968 978 869 

Camposol Computers 968 199 191 

Page 112 





Kennels and Catteries: 

Catatonic 646 705 403 

Colina Kennels 639 012 342 

Delmonte Cattery 968 168 711 

El Carro Cattery & Kennels 620 582 654 

Mountain View Kennels 676 394 431 

Laundrettes: 

Rainbow Laundrette 634 309 603 

Legal Services: 

Nicky G Translation Services 

968 199 245 

P&P Services 659 732 962 

Silvente Accountant/Lawyer 

968 332 058 

Locksmiths: 

ADS Locksmith 600 255 250 

Mechanics: 

Colair 626 796 149 

Decklid Auto Services 626 678 840 

Eurotyre 968 424 605 

Ken Sherwood Mechanic 679 646 859 

Kwik Fix English Mechanic 968 972 006 

Lopez Milan 968 429 216 

Mobile Car Mechanic 666 161 129 

Neumáticos El Ceña 968 422 015 

Metalwork & Security: 

Eriks 636 050 008 

Mobility Products: 

Freedom Mobility 638 893 357 

Medical: 

Dr Enrique Garcia 667 448 109 

Outdoor Catering: 

The Roving Diner 676 217 059 

Outdoor Living: 

Furniture Plus 968 482 456 

Painting and Decorating: 

RJB Décor Painting 699 044 742 

Trevor Smith 968 163 298 

Pet Shops 

Zookco 968 577 072 

Plumbers: 

Apache 24/7 Plumbing 674 788 693 

Calida Gas & Oil 659 761 771 

Camposol Heating & Maintenance 

968 199 184 

Printing & Design: 

Entorno Grafico 968 654 007 

Mister Print 638 893 357 

Property Maintenance: 

Trevor Smith 968 163 298 

Property Rentals: 

La Manga 4 U 0044 7921 351298 

Owners Away 691 977 107 

Paramount Resort Villa Rentals 

608 631 700 

Property Sales: 

Another World Properties 968 592 679 

Best of Spanish 635 434 651 

Fuente Alamo Real Estate 968 598 173 

Holmes & Pegg 968 199 290 

Old Farmhouses 968 159 264 

Prime Property Murcia 646 692 471 

Removals: 

Advance Moves 968 654 667 

Dainton’s 696 180 634 

Lord’s Removals & Storage 608 061 872 

Mar Menor Removals 696 621 884 

Retail Outlets: 

Branded 607 050 309 

Just Fabulous Camposol 634 338 840 

Kitchens Plus 1 968 184 235 

Legs & Co 660 792 513 

Le Gourmet 968 154 315 

T J Electricals 868 181 121 

Time for a Change 968 136 501 

UK Supplies Direct 661 173 269 

Services: 

4 Legs Dog Grooming 608 712 599 

Compusurf 968 970 666 

Healthy H20 968 437 270 

House Clearance 639 737 944 

Puncture Safe Murcia 968 979 260 

Solar Power: 

Freesol 659 232 507 

Solar Directa 659 315 130 

Solicitors: 

Professional and Legal Solutions 

968 595 826 

Corral & Alcaraz 968 078 754 

Spas & Hottubs: 

Eurospas 650 722 905 

Sport & Leisure: 

Alley Palais 968 978 869 

Costa Cálida Radio 902 903 783 

Dance Zone 649 647 467 

Horse Riding META 636 172 198 


Finca Fuentes 630 169 394 

Shape & Tone 661 002 648 

Yogamayga 968 150 755 

Swimming Pool Cleaning & 

Maintenance: 

Alpha Pools 968 971 824 

Jorge Pools 674 168 000 

Köhn Pool Service 968 138 638 

Watermaid 646 705 088 

Translation: 

Nicky G Translations 968 199 245 

P&P Services 659 732 962 

Travel Agents 

Viajes Mazamar 968 594 630 

TV & Satellite: 

Cool Solutions 600 418 220 

CTV Aerial & Satellite Systems 

600 218 046 

ISS 655 480 543 

Loco Murcia 968 971 893 

Rainbow Satellites 686 358 475 

T J Electricals 868 181 121 

YPM Satellites 628 234 045 

Veterinary Clinics: 

Clinica Veterinaria Pto Maz 968 153 931 

Emerg 608 466 553 

Clinica Veterinaria SurEste 965 352 438 

Veterinary Clinic Maskota 968 597 929 

Emerg 619 378 473 

Clinica Veterinaria Zooko 968 577 072 

672 304 669 






Page 113

Please limit all reports to 300 words. 

We reserve the right to amend all articles 

for publication. 

CLASSIFIEDS ARE AVAILABLE 

FREE FOR ITEMS UP TO THE VALUE 

OF 500€ OR FOR WANTED/LOST 

ITEMS, FOR NON-COMMERCIAL 

ENTERPRISES ONLY. CARS AND 

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Max 20 words. Max 3 classifieds 

How to Place a Classified Ad 

Please go to www.costacalidachronicle. 

com and click on classified, or email 

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phone 968 970 680 between 10-2pm 

We will include inserts and flyers 

provided by you at a cost of 10 cents 

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All adverts must be paid for before 15th 

of the month prior to publication. Please 

make cheques payable to Costa Calída 

Chronicle S.L. (Minimum amount for 

cheques is 50€). The closing date for 

adverts is the 15th of the month prior 

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someone to discuss your advert then 

please contact Teresa on 619 199 407 

to arrange an appointment, or visit 

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Costa Cálida Chronicle Office (inside 

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If you wish to design your own advert, 

please send through a hard copy and a 

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November 2012 Quiz Answers 

1. What happened on 13 th October 

2012? 

World Sight Day 

2. What was the Herb of the Month? 

Horseradish 

3. Who offers protection with style: 

efficient, discreet, secure? 

Arivic 

4. What can you find behind the 

brown wooden door! 

The Steak Out dining room 

5. Who offers fine international meats 

supplying all cuts of English meat? 

Anros Food 

6. Who claims it makes a difference! 

Kitchen Plus 1 

7. Who claims October 1 st is the sport 

of pudding season? 

Ma Millbank’s Kitchen 

8. Where would you find the Village 

Supermarket? 

Hacienda del Alamo 

9. Who is offering discounts for longterm 

bookings? 

El Carro 

10. Who is offering a 50€ cash back? 

Liberty Seguras 

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. 

Page 114 









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December 2012 - Costa Calida Chronicle

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