5ws magazine - december 2012

November 2012

LIFESTYLE . FOOD . OFFERS . GADGETS . INFORMATION . HOBBIES . GARDENS . FINANCE . ETCLIFESTYLE - FOOD - OFFERS - GADGETS - INFORMATION - HOBBIES - GARDENS - FINANCE

Who? What? Where? Why? When?

December 2012

2 | 5Ws December 2012

Welcome to the Second Edition of 5Ws Magazine.

Thank you for all the encouragement and all the help that you gave us for our first issue.

We have been thrilled with the success of the magazine and are delighted to offer you our

second packed edition.

We have our new logo too, from Richard Peers

Have a Great Christmas and a Happy new Year !

Gaile, Marina Alta Business Clubwww.mabusinessclub.com

Ulpa voloritasin pliquat la vent.Enis non pori qui ducitis alit ut exceatem litium quost

HappyChristmas

08

24

30


The 5Ws of CommunityAli Meehan of Costa Women

The President and the AdministratorManaging Urbanisations

For Vine is the Kingdom...by Sarah Farrell

8

December 2012 CONTENTS

12 Long Term Rental Info

16 Stay Safe WWW

42 VBP Cemetery

46 Madrid

52 Cooking with Nitu

68 Elena Lowenthal

featured

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Published by Marina Alta Business Club SL CIF: B54067996 Tel: 966 461 913

06 Whats On?11 Photo of the Month 14 iTunes App Picks 15 Films & DVDs 22 Currency39 HGOL Next Event 40 IKEA52 Getting Ad Results 57 37 Years...58 1815

regular

62 Etchings72 Serial Part 2 81 Bedtime...86 MABC Links

All the information in the magazine is the copyright and responsibility of the contributors. If you wish to know more about 5Ws please contact the Editor at [email protected] or via the website www.5ws.biz

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page 81

Feria de Artesana de Navidad 2012 - 2013

Una plaza d'artesania

30-11-2012 - 06-01-2013Email: [email protected]

La Asociacin de artesanos (ARTEVAL),

organiza y convoca la XI Edicin de la Feria de Artesania de Navidad en Valencia, de

carcter Nacional.

LUGAR: En la Plaza de la Reina, junto a la Catedral y el Miguelete.

DIAS: Desde el 30 de noviembre de 2012 hasta el 6 de enero de 2013.

HORARIO: De 10:30 a 14:00 horas y de 16:30 a 21:00 horas.Los das 25 de diciembre

y 1 de enero la Feria tambin permanecer abierta con el mismo horario. El da 5

(Reyes), permanecer abierta la Feria hasta las 24:00 horas.

Para ms informacin:ARTEVAL (ASOCIACION DE ARTESA-

NOS VALENCIANOS)C/ CONCHA ESPINA, 12, BAJO- DCHA

46021- VALENCIATlf/fax: 963 290 287 Movil: 619 276 384

Email: [email protected]

Informacin elaborada por:TOURIST INFO VALENCIA - PAZ

Calle Paz,4846003 - VALENCIA

Tel: 963986422Fax: 963986421


The town of San Miguel de Salinas will be all festive from the 21st to the 23rd December 2012.

During these dates the 1st Christmas Market, known in Spanish as the I Feria Navidena will take place.

The stalls will be located in Plaza Jaime I and Plaza Tornavoz beside the Casa de Cultura and all sorts of Christmassy items and gifts will be on offer as well

as activities, games and some surprises!


Concerts Costa Blanca

present in association

with the Palau de les Arts

Reina Sofa (Valencia Opera)

Booking & travel : 55-seater coaches will be booked as follows : -

Moraira : Departing from the other side of the road from the La Senieta

Theatre (in front of the Wok Res-taurant). You should use the large

Moraira car park.Jvea : Departing from Ausias March (opposite the shop called Interiors)

Mas-y-Mas (on N332 north of Gata)Buses will stop here for further

passenger pick-up - Tickets (good stalls) from 80 per person (includ-

ing bus).

To book please email [email protected]

for available dates - please put your surname in CAPITALS into the SUB-

JECT line - Specify the number of tickets required, the event and

print your e-mail address in the body of the reply, include the exact pick up

point required.

Obras de Verdi y Wagner 12 enero 2013 - 20.00h

April 2013

February 2013

January 2013

WWWThe life of an expat has changed much since the days of the tele-graph, airmail letters, faxes and the possible delivery of the weekly newspaper to your foreign land. The Internet has opened up all sorts of possibilities for keeping in touch with family and friends whilst living 1000s of miles apart. Skype, Facebook, Twitter, email or a combination of all - out of ne-cessity Women of a certain age are taking to their iPads and commu-nicating.

The Costa Women community started online only. Now we have groups meeting from East of Malaga, Calahonda, Marbella, Sotogrande to Granada. Over 200

Women congregate monthly, com-municating knowledge, life and stories about their world in Spain, with 100s of others meeting, con-necting and sharing online.

Traditionally, storytelling with problem solving and collaboration were the backbone of communities. Combine that today with new technology and you have living and breath-ing new worlds of communities. Our community, Costa Women (for Women living in Spain) has taken the old and new world order and from an idea has become a thriving and exciting

place to meet and connect. Here are our five Ws of community:-

The Five Ws of Community

http:

//jo

kide

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m/l

ooks

-like

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ryon

es-o

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Ali Meehan


We Expats are a diverse Group and bring our own customs and histories with us. However, we all share one common thread we are in strangers in a foreign land.

We have chosen to get on that boat, board that plane, drive that car and landed somewhere that, to us, isnt just a holiday destination but now a home.

What can WE offer to others?

Much and for Costa Women the diversity of its members brings the chance to share our own cultures and lifestyles, our businesses and our daily challenges.

As a collective Costa Women has formed to become a We that is now 1,250+ members spread across Spain from different countries and continents (as well as Spain itself). The members have lots of stories to tell and share, but for the most part we say Nosotras Costa Women.

WHERE?Moving to a new country or area can be hard without contacts.

Yellow pages is no longer an option; its all down to referrals and recommendations.

What are the local schools like, how can I find a plumber, or who sells Moroccan Oil hair products, is the area we are renting suitable for a family?

These questions and more have in the last few years been answered by the plethora of Forums that provide answers for Wannabee-in-Spain and Newbies.

Costa Women provides such a platform with real Women living in Spain who have experienced, and continue to experience daily life issues, concerns, joys and celebrations.

WOMENMany people (OK lets be honest Men!) ask why Costa Women was created for the Women only. And there are lots of reasons.

Women network differently (whether thats socially or for business). Women are experts at seeing an opportunity. If it doesnt fit with their own goals or future, it might with yours so they share.

Women are relationship experts; we join the dots between family and friends.

Women are natural givers; a fact borne out by a high percentage of not-for-profit organisations being run by Women. Providing a safe, members only platform, Costa Women can share in a mutually supportive and secure environment.

According to research shared

in a local newspaper, Spain has

currently 5.7 million foreign

Residents.

WORKING TOGETHER

Working together to achieve a goal has never been more important than in todays society. The old adage knowledge is power (and very rarely shared), doesnt work any longer.

Networking and social interaction are the way forward. We work to connect with other Womens Groups that at one stage in our development would have been called competitors, but today are friends.

We provide a platform for other Womens Groups in Spain to advertise their events and services. The Group that appeals to one Womens interests and hobbies may not appeal to another; choice is the key.

Whether physically working, or sharing common goals and aims, we are forming a community of Women that opens doors for its members in a positive environment. The power of networking, mixed with encouragement and realism is the foundation that we are building on.

At Costa Women there is something for everyone, whether its getting to know more about our adopted country, making new friendships, asking or offering advice, sharing ideas and interests, writing blogs and stories, connecting on and off line, or general business promotion.

The future is only through collaboration; by effectively working with one another, exchanging ideas and culture and building a way forward for the creation of exciting opportunities.

The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers & cities; but to know someone who thinks & feels with us, & who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden. Johann Wolfgand von Goethe

Join Costa Women for free at http://costawomen.ning.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

CostaWomenTwitter: @costawomen

W for World (Wide and Web),

W for We, W for Working,

W for Women, W for What Next

Put them all together and

Welcome to Costa Women!

Ali Meehan http://about.me/alimeehan

Picture courtesy of Sarah Gabbay


Whether physically working, or sharing common goals and aims, we are forming a community of Women that opens doors for its members in a positive environment. The power of networking, mixed with encouragement and realism is the foundation that we are building on.

At Costa Women there is something for everyone, whether its getting to know more about our adopted country, making new friendships, asking or offering advice, sharing ideas and interests, writing blogs and stories, connecting on and off line, or general business promotion.

The future is only through collaboration; by effectively working with one another, exchanging ideas and culture and building a way forward for the creation of exciting opportunities. Happy Christmas! from www.javeaphotos.com

As one of the predominant Long Term Rental Agents Javea, we at VillaMia are able to provide you with all the information you need when considering taking up a rent-al property. Here is our guide to Long Term Renting a property in Spain: Viewings - Viewings are normally undertaken on a one-on-one basis with the agent. Sometimes, how-ever, it is not possible for potential tenants to visit the area before tak-ing up a long term rental. In these instances, we recommend that the potential renters ask for detailed information about the property, the area, the areas of responsibil-ity (who pays which bills for ex-ample), along with requesting any other information that is particu-larly important to each individual renter. Offers - It is not usual for a land-lord to need to accept offers at a lower monthly rental than the ad-

vertised price, as demand for qual-ity properties for long term rental is quite high - particularly around the Northern Costa Blanca. However, it may be possible to pay slightly less than the advertised price if the property has been empty for a while. Deposit - Rental deposits can vary, but usually two months rent is required as deposit, along with the first months rent and agents commission of half a months rent. Therefore, it is very normal to be required to pay three and a half months rent up front. The two months deposit and agents com-mission is non-refundable if the potential tenant changes his/her mind and pulls out of the rental. Contract - Most long term rental contracts in Spain are for an 11 month period and most contracts will be in both Spanish and Eng-lish. Generally, contracts should detail the rental period, amount of rental, when the rent is due, who

is responsible for paying the bills, and clauses prohibiting subletting, using the property for commercial use and not making any structur-al changes to the property. There should also be a clause referring to the deposit monies paid. Bills - Usually, the utility bills (wa-ter, electric and gas) are paid for by the tenants by changing the direct debits with the utility companies. Bills for utilities are sent out (and taken from the bank account) ev-ery month usually for electricity and every other month for water and gas, so unless this date con-veniently coincides with the rental start or end date, there is often a little sensible apportioning to be done.Usually, telephone and television is at the cost of the tenant.Local taxes and any applicable community fees are generally paid by the landlord, whilst pool and garden maintenance can vary per property.


Upkeep of the Property - During the Rental Period - It is the respon-sibility of the tenants to ensure that the condition of the property and, where applicable, the garden are maintained, and any cost of clean-ing and slight damage should be incurred by the tenants during the rental period.Here in Spain, humidity is high and tenants are responsible for en-suring that properties are well ven-tilated, especially during winter months when heating is in use.Any machinery failure, such as washing machines or boilers, should be checked by a qualified technician via the agent and costs of repair apportioned as per the findings of the technician. Usually, the costs for these repairs will be for the landlord, as both of these failings are due to simple wear and tear, but if damage has been caused by the tenants then they are responsible for paying the repair bill. These situations are usually dealt with quickly and logically by the agent.

Return of the Deposit - The de-posit should be returned in full at the end of the rental period, minus any damage, breakages or unpaid bills. Usually, if the tenants break the contract before the end of the rental agreement, the owner is within his/her rights to retain the deposit money. Pets - Some properties will accept pets, whilst other owners prefer not - if not stated you should check with the agent before committing to a property. Some urbanisations simply do not allow pets, and therefore it is not always the deci-sion of the owner. Furniture & Furnishings - if the property is being rented wholly or part furnished, an inventory should be provided which should be signed by the tenants. This list should be checked by the owner or the agent at the end of the rental pe-riod to ensure that all items are still present in the property (this should be done with the tenant to ensure

agreement). VillaMia now recom-mends video inventories which we can organise from 70 euros. Who to Call during the Rent-al Period - this depends who is managing the rental. Some-times agents are retained to simply source tenants and are not required to participate further in the rental. In this case, the tenants should ad-dress any queries directly to the owner.In other instances the agent pro-vides the first point of contact and then liaises with the owner. In this case, queries should be addressed to the agent.

Long Term Rental information

Villamia - Specialists in Long Term Rentals in Javea and the sur-rounding areas. +34 96 579 4139The Complete Property Service www.villamia.net

Bamboo Paper

Wacoms Bamboo Paper works with or without the optional stylus pen. It is a drawing pad - but one with the abil-ity to be an artists tool, a designers draft or a meeting note-taker.

A free drawing app may not be professional enough for a real artist - but for less than Two Euros you can upgrade to the full programme.

Put into perspective this is a fantastic bargain. A Wacom pad the same size as an Android tablet or an iPad costs almost the same as the Tablet - so to be able to utilise even some of the Wacom software with the tablet is too good an opportunity to miss

Fruit NinjaSwipe to deliciously slash and splat-ter fruit like a true ninja warrior. Be careful of bombs - they are explosive to touch and will put a swift end to your juicy adventure!

iTunes App Picks Films & DVDs

FREE DEMO Versionalso available

Flick Golf

PUBLISHER: Full FatWEB: www.fullfat.com

Using their own blurb - Flick Golf is unique, beautiful and so challenging its hard to put down. The real ques-tion is can you master it?

No clubs. No rules. Just flick, spin and curve your shots to try and sink that perfect hole in one.

Watch out for the usual hazards; bun-kers, water, trees and sand and dont forget the wind! Its not that easy, just madly addictive.

For a free game, it is pretty and easy to learn - it isnt hard to play - but it gets trickier and more difficult as you progress through the courses - and it is free - so a great addition to your app collection on Android and iPhone.


iTunes App Picks Films & DVDsBuy one dvd or rent three?

The eternal dilemma - made worse by being downloadable via iTunes, so rentable at midnight or over Christ-mas when your local Video store is closed. iTunes films have always been as expensive as buying them online - but now that you can rent them, for 3.49 from the UK Apple Store, maybe that will change. To take advan-tage you need a UK account with which to register your Apple iTunes Registration. So apart from this years crop of films what classics could you get to watch again - who can go wrong with Hitchcok?

Alfred Hitchcock selectionRear Window - Photographer Jimmy Stewart is laid up with a broken leg, spying on his fellow New Yorkers in a courtyard surrounded by apartment houses. Seen from his rear window, theyre funny, lonely, lively and possibly deadly, in the case of the mysterious traveling salesman whose sickly, nagging wife suddenly disap-pears. Stewart enlists the help of his gorgeous girlfriend, elegant Grace Kelly as a Park Avenue fashion model/designer, to solve the mystery. A bizarrely original plot, ingenious set and heart-pounding suspense highlight Rear Window, along with a fascinating look at the open windows of New York apartment life

Rope - James Stewart stars in this film, whose classic and gripping story is based on the Leopold-Loeb murder case. Hitchcock constructed the movie from only about 10 long takes, each averaging eight minutes.

Vertigo - Ranking as the second greatest film of all time in Sight & Sounds 2002 Critics Poll, this bleak psychological drama stars James Stewart and Kim Novak. A detective falls madly in love with an icy blonde, but she dies. Later, he meets a shopgirl who reminds him of his dead love. Vertigo is unsettling, but very clever.

Psycho - Based on the Ed Gein murder case, this thriller ranks 18th on AFIs list and 35th in Sight & Sounds Critics Poll. Anthony Perkins portrays the creepy guy who runs the out-of-the-way Bates Motel, and Janet Leigh plays the woman on the lam who checks in there. The shower scene has some of the most terrifying footage in movie history.

This article is the first in a series aimed at helping people to use and under-stand the World Wide Web (WWW) and stay safe whilst using this fantastic resource that is now firmly entrenched in our homes and in our culture.

In this first part, I will be looking in particular at trust, whether a website is safe enough to entrust them with your business and, more importantly, your money.

The company has a web site so they must

be trustworthy, right?

You could be forgiven for think-ing that this statement is true but these days it is very easy to set up a web site with the plethora of free template-based site-builders avail-able that anyone can use to create a basic site.

No doubt you may have heard about the scammers who took hun-dreds of peoples holiday bookings a couple of years ago only for them to arrive in Spain to find that their accommodation was either non-existent or already occupied, often by the owner who had no idea that their property was being offered for rental!

The scammers used a very pro-fessional-looking site to dupe their victims. Some even copy existing sites and make subtle changes to make them look authentic. How-ever, you can usually spot a site that is trying to conceal informa-tion rather than inform.

A company that has nothing to hide (and is therefore keen to do business) will have some or all of the following on their site:

ContentPay attention to the content of the web site. Are there old news items from several months ago, or even older? Generally, serious businesses will keep their web site up to date and make sure that the content is fresh and up-to-date.

STAY SAFE ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB (WWW)Steve Mitchell, Fontana Design


About UsThis page should contain a clear statement about who they are and how long they have been trad-ing. I have read many About Us pages that are full of nonsense, management-speak that doesnt actually communicate anything useful to the read-er. As a minimum, I would expect to see some names and even photographs of the employees/owners as well as a narrative about their business.

Sometimes businesses will include testimoni-als from satisfied customers, but unless these can be verified, they could be false. Another way to find out if a company is trustworthy is to do some research.

Look at review sites on the internet (type the company name followed by reviews into Google and see what comes up).

Company Registration Details

Somewhere on the site, there should be details of the company registration. If the company is an S.L registered in Spain, they should include their CIF (Usually a letter followed by numbers e.g C-45589231) or if a business is run by an Autnomo, their NIF (this looks like the NIE).

Contact DetailsAgain, I have seen web pages that make it deliberately difficult to find any contact information for a company. Whilst sometimes due to the nature of the business it is not possible to provide a physical address, a means of contacting the company concerned should always be provided.

These can either be in the form of an e-mail address available on the site, a contact form that de-livers an e-mail to the company via the web site and a telephone number (even a mobile telephone number is useful here in Spain as all mobiles must be registered and are, therefore, traceable).

Online PaymentResponsible companies will pro-vide alternative payment methods via their web sites. Paypal is se-cure and traceable, credit card pay-ments should be processed using a secure connection (SSL) to the in-ternet (the address bar in your web browser would display https:// at the beginning of the web address in this case) or by redirecting you

to a banks secure payment system (you will get a new page with, for example, Verified by Visa). If not, you could be sending card de-tails over an unencrypted connec-tion that could be open to hijack. Similarly, being asked to provide card details via e-mail is highly insecure.

Responsible companies will

also send you a copy of the invoice and payment/shipping details via e-mail following the transaction although this is after the fact.

PhishingSometimes we receive e-mails or even telephone calls that appear to be from companies that we


Taking a few moments to ensure that you are less open to fraud whilst using the internet can save you a lot of heartache. Just be-cause you are in the comfort of your own home it doesnt mean that you should be less vigilant. Would you wander around a big city with your wallet or purse on display?

know and respect, such as banks, and this is known as Phishing. Phishing is a way of attempting to acquire information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic or telephone communication.

Never click on the links that appear in these e-mails; whilst

they may take you to a web page that looks like your banks log in screen, it is most certainly a spoof designed to capture your login de-tails so that the scammers can ac-cess your accounts. Your bank or any reputable company will NEV-ER ask for these details via e-mail or by telephone.

Bringing Business Together in Spain

966 461 913 & 681 001 300www.mabusinessclub.com [email protected]

January 3rd 2013 - 7:30pmTiffanys Bar, Jvea - along the Jesus Pobre Road

January 8th 2013 - Lunch 12:30pmDenia - Haweli Restaurant Ctra. de las Marinas km 2,69 Denia

January 17th 2013 - 7:30pmDigbys Bar, Jvea Arenal

in Jvea Park

February 8th 2013 - Lunch 12:30pmDenia - Haweli Restaurant Ctra. de las Marinas km 2,69 Denia

Lanzerote Branch launches in January


Community Administration by English Chartered Accountants & Surveyors providing premium quality

services at competitive fee rates to communities across the entire Costa Blanca from Denia to Murcia.

Sevices include- Monthly site meetings with Presidents & community members; monthly accounts,

community website, ,maintenance schedules & estimates , professional advice on all aspects of the

running of communities.

Cabo La Nao, El Pla no135, Buzn: 37, 03730, Jvea, Espana

t: + 34 966 460625 m: + 34 606 0061241e: [email protected]

w: www.jacksonsadministradoressl.es

Jacksons Administradores S.L.CIF: B-54485834

Administradores: David A Mayer FCCA ACA F.A.L. Parkinson


www.fxcapitalgroup.co.uk/takeacloserlook

Is Foreign Exchange Opaque?Understanding your true cost of currency

Issue Briefing / Foreign Exchange Markets

6 7 13

London +44 (0)203 326 8165 (Dealing room)

Spain +34 68 864 0092 (Glenn Tullett)

Email [email protected] www.rabbitfx.com

tereFX Capital Group is a trading name of FX Capital Securities Ltd registered in England and Wales, registration number 6323311 Authorised by the Financial Services Authority (FRN 531019) for the provision of payment services Registered with

HM Revenue & Customs as a Money Services Business MSB (Reg. No. 12272696).

I am often asked to explain the relationship of duty between the Administrator and the President of a Community.

Firstly, both are elected by the Community members and hence both are responsible for their actions directly to the Community.

The Administrator, as a professional person, should consider himself or herself the lead advis-er to the President and ensure that decisions made outside of Community meetings are made with all the correct facts at hand (for the President to consider before he makes such a decision). Con-sequently the level of communication between the President and the Administrator must be very good and be upheld by regular meetings together.

These are best held monthly at the Community so that the other board members (Vice Presidents) also have the ability to contribute and form a re-lationship with the Administrator. In future years they may well become the office holder of Presi-dent of the Community and will have then already formed a working relationship with the Adminis-trator - allowing continuity for the Community if the same Administrator is re-elected.

Outside of the monthly visit both email & telephone are normal communication tools to keep both parties appraised of current events.

A Community website further enhances early communication to Community Members of any matter that needs to be shared.

The many business systems employed by the Administrator to run the Community should be to the satisfaction of the President in that they are

transparent and easy to understand. The President will want to be able to assimilate information quickly when he or she needs to make the right informed decisions and they need to be able to utilise the advice of the Administrator outside of formal Community meetings. If this infor-mation is then published to a Community meet-ing or to the Community website, members will also benefit from transparent and well presented information.

The Administrator should always consider the native language of both the President and the Community members and ensure they are always correctly addressed and provided with informa-tion in their own language as a priority. After all, the President and Board have roles that are as responsible as that of the Administrator so all communication must be in a language in which they are comfortable.

With time, the relationship between the Presi-dent and a good Administrator can become a useful bond for the Community. The President in-spires confidence in his or her decisions because of the sound advice received from the Admin-istrator. The Community benefits in many ways from this sort of successful relationship - from cost-savings and preventive actions to early changes for the betterment of members.

Finally, a President should be aware of the old English expression of watching my back and Administrators would also be wise to make sure they apply this piece of old English wisdom to their advice and interactions with their clients.

by F. A. L. ParkinsonJacksons Administradores de Fincas

THE PRESIDENT AND THE ADMINISTRATOR

KV825 Altea Golf estilo de la vivienda mediterrneo estado de la vivienda buen estado orientacin sureste suelo mrmol trastero terrazas de 100 m terrazas acristaladas

Dormitorios 4 dormitorios dormitorios amplios dormitorio en suite armarios

WC 3 wc 1 baeras 1 duchas 1 aseos

Aparcamiento dispone de aparcamiento aparcamiento cerrado aparcamiento con puerta au-

tomtica

Exterior piscina privada iluminacin exterior prgola jardn rboles riego automtico lavadero barbacoa

Servicios aire acondicionado calefaccin gas propano chimenea ventanas aislantes TV TV satlite / cable DVD puerta blindada alarma despacho

Entorno bien comunicado vistas al mar

The villa was renovated in 2009 and is very comfortable with main living area all on one level. It has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, living and dining room with gas fireplace, American style kitchen, marble floors, air-conditioning and gas central heating plus a guest apartment

with bedroom and bathroom. From the villas living room you access a covered ter-race overlooking the pool and to the sea. The terrace area surrounding the pool has approx. 100m2 and has an outdoor kitchen and bbq. A property that should be seen, sold furnished.

Enchanting villa with panoramic views to the sea, sunny terraces and guest apartment in urbanisation Altea Golf. The plot is flat and the beautiful land-scaped garden is well maintained like a park and has Mediterranean plants and palm trees.


AlteaChalet

Independiente4 Bedroomss156 m Buildon 1.700 m with 3 wc

KV825 Altea Golf (continued)


Solana Casas Info

A perfect house purchase begins with perfect local knowledge, so best to use a local property

broker

When searching for a property (abroad) a lot of time is spent on the internet surfing, contacting

agencies and filtering through all the information. Often with a lot of confusion because of dupli-

cates and different pricing.

On behalf of the client, Solana Casas goes hunting amongst a

close network of estate agents in Costa Blanca northern region for a bespoke selection of relevant prospects which are sent via e-

mail for studying and evaluation at the clients leisure, in peace

and comfort.

Located in Altea, Danish property broker Marianne Klauber cooper-ates with local agencies to find the right home for each client, a tailor made search to suit any

individual/personal requirements.

Solana Casas also works as an intermediary between the client and the local contacts involved in a property purchase to make the property purchase complete, such as lawyers, banks, accoun-tants, and other relevant Spanish authorities. This combined with a personal guide during viewing trips, makes the property search

more focused and successful.

V.I.P services also available through a fixed advance fee,

which is refunded when a property is purchased through

Solana Casas, please enquire for further details.

Marianne Klauber Solana Casas Altea,

Alicante, Spain

Mob: (00 34) 607 899 352


www.solanacasas.euWe look forward to receiving

your enquiry

For Vine Is The KingdomWinter is a good time to turn our backs to the sea and head for the hills. A very pretty route is to drive up to the Jalon Valley to enjoy a typical Spanish town with lots of local character. Its great wine-making country too, so you can stock up on wine and cava for the Christmas and New Year celebra-tions.

Driving along the twisty road leading up to Jalon, you will be surrounded by orchards brimming with olive, orange and lemon trees alongside terraces of vines. This is superb wine country with the bo-degas or wine cellars producing award-winning reds and whites as well as ros, cava and the local mistela, a sweet wine made from the Muscatel grape, which is often served after meals.

Its a region of contrasts with majestic mountains, winding val-leys, dramatic cliffs and lush green trees bursting with fruit. In the tra-ditional shops, you will find local


produce such as almonds, raisins, honeys, oranges and olive oil as well as wines.

As befitting such a fertile area, the cuisine is rich and diverse. Jalons location between the coast and the mountains is reflected in its food with delicious dishes such as espencat (a salad of red pep-per, aubergine and dried salted cod), minxos (little pies filled with meat or vegetables) and putxero (a hearty winter stew with meat, veg-etables and chickpeas).

Jalon s narrow streets are lined with beautiful townhouses, little bars, restaurants and family-run shops such as bakers, butch-ers, honey shops, antique dealers and bodegas. Many streets offer glimpses of the impressive moun-tainous backdrop while others en-joy views of the imposing church, the Iglesia de Santa Maria, with its

blue-tiled dome. Every Tuesday, an open-air market is held in the narrow streets around the church and in the church square where you can buy fresh vegetables, clothes, household goods, pottery, leather goods and other traditional Spanish handicrafts.

On Saturdays, Jalon holds an antiques and secondhand market in the riverbed car park, opposite Bodegas Xalo. This is a fascinat-ing market with stalls filled with antiques, paintings, junk and inter-esting implements, whose purpose remains a mystery.

Despite the natural beauty and charm of Jalon which boasts some of the most stunning scenery in Spain, the main attraction is the wine. The largest wine producer in the region is Bodegas Xalo, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.


Bodegas Xalo was set up as a co-operative by a group of farmers in 1962. Now there are more than 400 partners who cultivate about 400 hectares of land in and around the Jalon Valley. Wine has been produced in the region for many centuries but a plague attacked the vines at the beginning of the 20th century which wiped out the trade. Fifty years ago, vines were re-planted and the roots of the Jalon wine industry bore fruit once more.

Nowadays the wines are high-ly-sought after as they offer great value for money and are brim-ming with flavour. Many have won coveted national and international awards.

The high lands which are di-vided into terraces are ideal for red wines. The nearby Lliber Valleys fertile soil is perfect for producing a dry but fruity ros. The drier and

rockier soils, such as those along the banks of the Jalon river, are su-perb for cultivating the Muscatel grape from which the mistela des-sert wines are made.

Bodegas Xalo produces some of the finest white wines from the Muscatel grape including the Ba-hia de Denia dry white and sweet white wines. Inside the bodega you will be confronted by vast bar-rels along with all the wines and olive oils produced in the Jalon valley area. You can taste the wines before you buy.

Good wines to look out for are the Bahia de Denia white wines at 4.80 per bottle, which have won national and international awards. These are fruity but delicate wines which are ideal to serve with pa-ella, seafood and fish dishes.


The Vall de Xalo red wine is terrific value for money at 2.50 per bottle , which is medium-bodied and fruity. This goes well with rice dishes, chicken and cheese. The Duquesa de la Vall crianza at 4.50 is an aro-matic and fruity red to accompany game, red meat and cheese.

There are several mistela wines on offer but the one to look out for is the Vall de Xalo muscatel wine, which has won the Best Muscatel in the Valencian Community Award for 2012 and the Els Bodeguers blind-tasting competition 2012. It is a sweet, dense wine, priced at just 3.45. It is ideally served with sweet desserts or on its own.

The best-kept secret is the cava, however. Look for the Vall de Xalo Brut Nature at 4.25 a bottle or the Bahia de Denia Brut Nature at 5.80. These are elegant sparkling wines, which will go down a treat at New Years Eve or before Christ-mas lunch. In the car park opposite the Bodegas Xalo, you will see lo-cal traders selling oranges from the back of their vehicles. You can pick up a 5k bag of oranges for just 2 to make your own Bucks Fizz or Aqua de Valencia cocktail of orange juice, cava and orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Torres Gran Orange Liqueur.

Sarah Farrell is a journalist and managing director of the

online travel guide www.mydestination.com/alicante

The Homes Gardens & Living Show...With just under 4,000 people visiting, it is fair to say that the Homes Gardens & Outdoor Living Show that took place in Estepona was a success. High-lights were the wonderful Charlie Dimmock who meeted-and-greeted hundreds of people right until the end (literally she nearly lost her voice!), the art gallery area and of course all the fantastic exhibi-tors and their competitions. But if you were unable to make it or simply want more, do not fret we are heading to Torremolinos to do it all over again with Spring Fair in April 2013

However, this time round there will be some chang-es to the show. Taking place on Saturday and Sun-day, we are excited to announce our celebrity guest star will be the teddy bear of the gardening world Mr Tommy Walsh. Like Charlie, Tommy will be on hand to answer any of your gardening queries or just for some good advice and a friendly chat! Further-more the show will naturally have much more of a Summer feel and will include BBQ and flower dem-onstrations to ensure youre doing the right things to make your springtime garden look great.

www.homesandgardens.es

Torremolinas next...

If that isnt enough to tempt you we have the beautiful vocals of the Scandinavian Childrens School Choir and different artists to entice your creative side. So whether you are a keen gardener, a DIY enthusiast or just looking for a fun filled day out, make sure you get to our show this April. We already have 40 stands that have rebooked from Estepona, and hope to see you all too at the Palacio de Congresos in Torremolinos.

Make sure you keep checking our website and Face-book page where we will provide updated information on the attractions, displays, competitions and events at the show.

Til then, here is some feedback from our lovely ex-hibitors at the Estepona show:

Thank you Gina and Team for making our first show such a success, see you all in Torremolinoswe are also successfully converting the visitors into clients! Sue & Pete Rodgers, Nevada Naturales.

Thank you for a good event especially enjoyed the entertainment, Gareth Elite Glass Curtains

Great show, we are booking for Torremolinos, it makes business sense, Roger Bullivant Construc-tion and Reforms

I enjoyed being Santa for half an hour! I appreciate all the hard work that produced such a good show & it worked for us, Richard Alexander Financial planning

Enjoyed it and would certainly think about doing another one,Jane Culleton The Sail Shade Company

Excellent show, fantastic results, good networking and Lyndon the singer was great! Looking forward to booking in for Torremolinos, Glenn Tullett Rabit FX

Let us know as soon as possible the dates for Torre-molinos, David and Dawn Ratcliffe-Peterson


Everyone was very helpful, in fact the GM Team worked their socks offthank you! Jill Burgess Handmade Soaps and Skincare

Just to let you know, we raised nearly 500! Just fantastic, are thrilled. Really couldnt have done it without you! Thanks so much for letting us be a part of it. Caroline Randerson, Children with CancerSanta will also be at home in his Grotto spreading Christmas cheer.. Well Christmas is just round the corner and what better way to start finding that perfect Christmas gift, and sampling some mulled wine!

Besides all things Homes, Gardens and Lifestyle there are competitions and give-aways galore, try your hand at Green Bowls, sample the fine wines the Bodegas have on offer, along with a superb array of International refreshment areas to quench your thirsts and satisfy your appetite whilst you enjoy the best Show on the Costa del Sol this year!

Visit the website for continued updates www.homesandgardens.es or follow us on Facebook (Homes, Gardens and Outdoor Living).

GM Events are looking forward to welcoming you to this high profile event right here on the Costa de Sol.

If you would like to participate in the Show and see your business bloom please contact GM

Events on the Spanish/ English phones 695 399 841 & 966 761 050

or email [email protected] we will provide you with

further information.

Have you ever been to IKEA? You go to the nearest store, wander round picking up pretty things you dont really need, find the check-outs, pay, figure out how to fit it all in the car, load up then grab your-self a 50c hotdog and then drive it all back home. The next day you open the flatpack box and find a set of cryptic instructions, a bag of

screws and different sized bits of wood with holes in odd places only to find yourself at war with your own sanity. It is tedious at best and tantrum-inducing at worst - which is where we come in, we take the stress away completely! We buy, deliver and assemble IKEA furni-ture on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol.

Pu t t i ng i t a l l together

For more information about easy flatpax visit www.easyflatpax.com or like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/easyflatpax If you want advice about which IKEA products we recommend just get in touch! Get your stylish, af-fordable IKEA furniture delivered straight to your home safely and stress free! We cover the Costa Blanca & Costa Calida. We guarantee to beat any other quote you receive and we are faster than any other shopping service. www.easyflatpax.com. We can also assemble your furniture for you so your dinner chairs dont end up with the legs on the wrong way! Just ask for a quote, our assembly work is guaranteed for 2 years!

Ready-to-assemble (flatpack) furniture was invented by Gillis Lundgren, who was a Swedish draughtsman. He developed the idea when he needed to fit an IKEA table into his car. According to reports, Lundgren broke the legs off his IKEA table so he could fit it in the car then put them back on at home! He then discussed the idea with his em-ployers at IKEA.

The company later built its entire business around the concept, launching its first flat-pack piece in 1956. Most products IKEA produce now are self assembly

The company is the worlds largest furniture retailer.Founded in Sweden in 1943 by 17-year-old Ingvar Kam-prad, who later became one of the richest people in the world, the companys name is an ac-ronym comprising the initials of the founders name (Ingvar Kamprad), the farm where he grew up (Elmtaryd), and his hometown (Agunnaryd, in Smland, South Sweden). The company is known for its modern architectural designs on various types of appliance and furniture, often associated with a simplified eco-friendly interior design.

British Protestant CementeryBritish Protestant Cementery

The Valencia British Protestant

Cemetery

For further information:

Hon. Cemetery Administrator: Trevor Nicholas, Tel. 96 334 4804 or 670 400 622 [email protected] Bonnie Project: Diana Clifton Sewell, Tel 96 382 2382 or 666 447 561www.iwc-valencia.ning.com

While funds from Britain will pay for restoration of the Chapel ceiling and broken fences, the International Womens Club of Valencia has created The Bonnie Project with the idea of at least making some pract ical improvements to the look of the place. Funds will pay for some professional tree loping, and organised groups will attempt a bit of gravestone cleaning, weeding and gardening to make the cemetery a more attractive resting place.

Bonnie Hinzpeter, a much loved member, who lost her short, fierce battle to cancer in Spring 2012, has inspired IWC members to do something in her memory. She was a lovely person, full of altruistic enthusiasm and full of fun. For many years she led the Bilboa IWC in a battle to save a hermitage and cemetery up there. After moving to Valencia she became involved with the IWC here, participating in many coffee mornings, lunches, the book club and generally making local friends.

As time went on she got wind of the British cemetery in need here and wanted to do something about it. sadly her health took an unexpected turn for the worse in such a short time that she couldnt see her ideas through. So the Valencia Club decided it most fitting to work on our cemetery in her name. We hope with this collective effort to keep her memory alive.

The Bonnie Project

Historical site of local interest

CEMENTERIO PROTESTANTE BRITNICOSANTO DOMINGO DE GUZMAN, 546017 VALENCIA

''A multi national, multi denominational Cemetery for the Valencia Region''

Following on from last months issue, about the Valencia British Protestand Cemetery, we thought you might like to see a little of the Cemetery itself.Various projects are in hand to assist the renova-tion and maintenance of the grounds and structures as both a memorial to the past and as an active and vital part of the British Community in Spain. If you are interested in finding out more about the VLP Cemetery and how you can help please con-tact Trevor Nicholas.

British Protestant CementeryBritish Protestant Cementery

The Valencia British Protestant

Cemetery

For further information:

Hon. Cemetery Administrator: Trevor Nicholas, Tel. 96 334 4804 or 670 400 622 [email protected] Bonnie Project: Diana Clifton Sewell, Tel 96 382 2382 or 666 447 561www.iwc-valencia.ning.com

While funds from Britain will pay for restoration of the Chapel ceiling and broken fences, the International Womens Club of Valencia has created The Bonnie Project with the idea of at least making some pract ical improvements to the look of the place. Funds will pay for some professional tree loping, and organised groups will attempt a bit of gravestone cleaning, weeding and gardening to make the cemetery a more attractive resting place.

Bonnie Hinzpeter, a much loved member, who lost her short, fierce battle to cancer in Spring 2012, has inspired IWC members to do something in her memory. She was a lovely person, full of altruistic enthusiasm and full of fun. For many years she led the Bilboa IWC in a battle to save a hermitage and cemetery up there. After moving to Valencia she became involved with the IWC here, participating in many coffee mornings, lunches, the book club and generally making local friends.

As time went on she got wind of the British cemetery in need here and wanted to do something about it. sadly her health took an unexpected turn for the worse in such a short time that she couldnt see her ideas through. So the Valencia Club decided it most fitting to work on our cemetery in her name. We hope with this collective effort to keep her memory alive.

The Bonnie Project

Historical site of local interest

CEMENTERIO PROTESTANTE BRITNICOSANTO DOMINGO DE GUZMAN, 546017 VALENCIA

''A multi national, multi denominational Cemetery for the Valencia Region''


Planning a budget weekend or stopover in Madrid? Here is a Barrio of Madrid that exudes the cosmopolitan flavour of a Quartier de Paris, and with an easy twenty minute stroll, you are in the shop-ping extravaganza of the Gran Via, and the Puerta de Sol.

Barrio Malasana lies just off the Glorieta Bilbao, itself a busy shop-ping and entertainment area. Its a living, work and play barrio ooz-ing with the ambience and charm reminiscent of Paris, with a host of quirky shops, bookshops, an-tiques, bars and restaurants to pass the time in. Just how quirky this area is that it features a hairdresser called Juan Por Dios.

Stay at the Ibis Madrid Central (79 Room). A very comfortable budget hotel which sits right next door to the Teatro Maravillas.

When we were here in September, Shirley Valentine was playing to packed houses!

Across the street lies Casa Mara-villas, a more typical Madrid bar impossible to find, with its special nineteenth century decoration and vibrant local clientele. They also have an excellent Menu del Dia at 10, which on our last visit in-cluded a generous ration of Gam-bas a la Plancha as a starter, but do try the mouth-watering Tortilla de Cameron, a crisp tortillita with shrimps in the batter.

Within a 100meter radius lie a se-lection of bars and restaurants to tempt all tastes and styles, includ-ing Taberna Albur, great value Cri-anza Rioja with a tapa for 2!

Want a bit of action? No problem! Take a walk down Fuencarral from Glorieta Bilbao, past the Tapas

Bars and in a few minutes you see a beautiful Baroque building on the left, the Museo de Patrimonial Nacional .

A tourist tip if you want to visit the museums. The Public Museums of Madrid are free entry on Sundays, and closed on Mondays. Reserve on-line to avoid the queues.

Continue down the street and it soon becomes a pedestrian zone with a host of funky boutiques and budget shops until you reach the Gran Via, one of the most famous and lively shopping streets in Ma-drid. A ten piece Jazz Band just might be in place outside of H&M, to put a swing in your steps.

Go left along Gran Via for Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor, alto-gether an emblematic and impres-sive; stop for a caf, or something stronger.

An Alternative Madrid on a Budget. Barrio Malasana, Madrid

The Constant Traveller:


For the night owls, again a few minutes walk down Fuencarral to Tribune Metro, and left is the most Hip discoteque in Madrid; Pacha, where the celebrity watchers can ogle Real Madrid players, film stars, and their entourages.

More or less to the right of Tribune Metro is the Barrio Chueca, with its alternative, all night long ex-travaganza, street performers, res-taurants, bars and clubbing zone, spectacular, but not for the faint hearted!How to get there: Travelling by bus or train, you whizz in comfort over spectacular viaducts, passing vine-yards, sunflowers, and the colour-ful rolling plains of La Mancha. A treat by itself without the strain of driving.

Following the budget formula: Bus from Valencia: Very comfort-able luxury express (3hrs 45mins) at half the price of train or air fares. Bus station close to the Nuevo Centro shopping centre. : Avanza-bus company:

www.avanzabus.com

Budget not an issue: Train from Valencia: Take the AVE, pricey but sooo comfortable and be in the city centre in 1hr 40mins, or the Intercity Alaris which takes 3hrs 40mins. (Discounts are available for pensioners and advance book-ing.) www.renfe.com

By Air: from Alicante or Valencia with Ryanair; Air Berlin; Iberia etc etc; and then the Metro (3eu-ros) into the centre.

Taking your car? Ibis Madrid Central hotel has a car park, but expensive. Better to park at one of the long stay car parks airport, and take the Metro to Bilbao.

Norman Reeley

Altogether, an

alternative Madrid

worth thinking about.


SEMOLINA PANCAKES

1 cup of semolina (cream of wheat)

1 cup of yoghurt

1 cup or less of water

Salt to taste

l teaspoon each of cumin and nigella seeds

Chopped onions, grated ginger, coriander leaves and green chillies

chopped

A little white flour or gram flour as needed

METHOD:

Mix the semolina with the yogurt, salt, spices and water and leave it for half an hour. Add the chopped vegetables and leave it for another hour. Heat a little oil in a skillet and fry a big spoonful of the batter spreading it like a pancake until done on both sides. Serve with green coriander or coconut

chutney.

EGGBURJI

l onion chopped fine

A little chopped ginger, green chillies and coriander leaves

l tomato chopped

Turmeric powder and red chilli powder to taste

A little tomato paste

Oil as needed

2 eggs

METHOD:

Heat the oil in a pan and add the onions and chopped ginger and saut till the onions start changing colour. Add the spices and the tomato and cook till mushy. Add the green chillies and chopped coriander and then the tomato paste and cook till you can see the oil separating. Add the salt and break the eggs into the mix then cook until the eggs are done and the

mixture is dry.

Welcome to my foodie world...where I share my recipes and love with all of you... simple recipes with

my own flair and flavor...come and savor with me the world of

food...food and more food!

Cooking with Nitu Didi...

Cooking is like making love... you do it well, or dont do it at all...


CAULIFLOWER PULLAO

2 onions chopped fine

3 cloves of garlic chopped

1 inch pc. ginger chopped

Green chillies and coriander leaves chopped

l cup of cauliflower florets

l cup of soaked basmati rice

2 pcs. Each of bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, peppercorns

teaspoon each of coriander powder, garam masala and chilli powder

cup of Tomato puree

Salt to taste

METHOD:

Heat oil in a casserole dish and add the whole spices and then the chopped garlic and let it start turning golden. Add the ginger and then the onions and let the onions brown very well. Once the onions are browned add some water to it and let it cook till mushy. Add the powdered spices and green chillies, then the cauliflower florets and the basmati rice and water and cook till the water is absorbed and The rice is done. Serve immediately.Nitu works from Valencia and is available for teaching both small and large groups

from amateur cooks to restaurants and chefs Cooking With Nitu Didi is on...

www.nitudidi.comhttp://www.youtube.com/cookingwithnituOnline Store: soon in www.nitudidi.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/#!/NITUDIDIwww.facebook.com/Cooking.With.Nitu

[email protected]


Before you advertise

Identify your goals. Focus on achieving them through your advertising campaign. What are the realistic results that you are trying to achieve? You need to discuss them with your chosen advertising agent. Advertising is vitally important for market capture, but you need to be very clear on the objectives from the start. You also need a company logo for all your advertising, and you need to be very clear on how you are going to deal with resulting sales leads to convert them into sales.

Choosing a newspaper. What are their distribution num-bers, and where do they distribute? Do they publish online also? Do they have a media pack and price list to send for potential advertisers to study? How many readers do they have? How long have they been publishing? Are they will-ing to help design and redesign the advert for you, sending new proofs as required at no extra cost, as part of their service?

Designing your advert

Keep it simple! Identify a clients need in your advert. Every product fills a need for something, but you need to identify that need in your advert first, no matter how obvious.

Budget for a campaign minimum of 12 weeks/editions in the press, and take the biggest suitable space you can realistically afford, whether it be a module in classifieds, or a double full page. Your potential customers may not know you, they need to know you are going to be around long term. It is also unlikely that they will respond from the first advert unless it is a one off event being advertised. Be realistic, advertising is an investment that will pay off longer term. An added bonus of longer term advertising is that you can often get a fixed place in a publication, so readers will know where to find you. You can also achieve better discounts in your advertising. If you pay up front for a whole campaign, further discounts are added.

It is a good idea to consider colours that stand out but not too garish or loud. Consider a space that will comfortably house the content and go for a unique look

Try and be in both paper press, and online. Your potential clients could be using both mediums. RTN offers both for our advertisers, for example.

Use satisfied customer recommendations in your publicity. Use case examples, of how your company and product has surpassed clients needs, wants and expecta-tions. Target your audience, and location market.

Use specific area references in your case examples, eg Javea, Moraira, La Marina..

Try and keep the advert simple, do not overfill the space, or confuse the reader. If the advert looks squashed, get a bigger space, or reduce the content. Images are excellent, a before and after image for example. Any message should be clear and concise. Your goal is to get people to contact you as a first step, the sales will follow.

Try and use a slogan that will stick in peoples minds! Re-quest supporting editorials to fully explain your service/product (these are often added free or reduced cost to lon-ger campaigns).

Change your adverts content regularly but always use your logo. Speak with your agent regularly to give feed-back, and look for changes in the advert if you feel response has been poor after several editions

Last but not least: Give a reason why people should contact you sooner rather than later. Make it easy for them, use simple contact details, offer a no obligation quotation, free advice, but try and build up some urgency

fix that leaking roof now, unique offer while stocks last, stop wasting money, live better now.

If you wish to talk in confidence and without obliga-tion, regarding an individually tailored advertising campaign with RTN (Round Town News), please feel free to contact me, [email protected] or call me directly on 0034 627068561.

Colin RichAccount Sales

Round Town Newsgroup SL

mobile: 627068561/ Office: 902 118 999Email: [email protected]

Web: www.roundtownnews.com

Getting results from your advertising:A few simple guidelines

Josie MitchellSales Executive607 744 [email protected]

Colin RichAdvertising Sales607 553 [email protected]

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

member of


37 years and still going strong.

The Javea Players were founded in 1976, back then Javea was primarily a rural community with tourism and building just developing. The donkeys were returning home each evening up the main street and disappearing to their stables at the rear of the houses. There were few cars, and just one or two bars on the sand dunes at the Arenal.

The first play chosen by the group was Murder by Request, and it is a mark of their enthusiasm and dedication that within that first year they managed to perform three plays. The difficulties they faced do not leave much to the imagination. It was only a year after the end of the Franco regime and bureaucracy was still a factor to be taken into account. They managed to get permission to use the old Casa de la Falange, later renamed Casa de Cultura, which has now been pulled down and replaced by a new building also called the Casa de Cultura. The Casa de la Falange was the local headquarters of the followers of Franco and was more suited to political meetings and military salutes etc., from the ancient balconies. But it was a start. There are many stories about that time; for instance, to obtain enough electricity for the minimum required for stage lighting they had to tap into the street light outside! Also, as the Casa de la Falange was situated at the top of the Calle Mayor in the Pueblo, it was not unknown for a band to march past with individual musicians trying to outdo other for decibel prominence! Meantime all action on the stage had to cease until they had marched past. But all good things come to an end and eventually the Ayuntamiento decided that the old building was becoming too dangerous for further use. The Javea Players had to find another home.Panic! With a play well into rehearsals and little notice to find another venue, fortune smiled on the Society in the form of Sr. Cevera Pastor, then Alcalde of Benitachell, who allowed us to use the old cinema. It was dusty and tatty but we had a performance space. Well, beggars couldnt be choosers! Our first production at Benitachell was Oh what a Lovely War our first play with music we went on to perform many other musicals including Toad of Toad Hall at Benitachell. However again the building was declared dangerous and once again the Javea Players were without a theatre!

After a few more temporary locations such as Moli Blanc disco, In 1993 we stopped being strolling players and started using the Union Musical in Gata and still do so today.We stored wardrobe and equipment in rented garages for many years then in 1997 we finally bought our own Studio theatre in Thiviers, Javea. What a relief, we had our own storage and small performance space at last and

37 years and still going strong.

somewhere to build our sets.Recently we have rented storage space in Gata so we have an even nicer Studio theatre.

There have been more than 80 productions over the years, weve taken part in the International Festival, paraded in the Javea Fiestas and produced radio plays for Ondacero amongst the myriad activities of the Society.

The future is bright we have a a growing and talented membership, plans for some very interesting plays, we will continue the very successful dinner theatre in Javea Old Town and are involved with Javea Council plans to turn the old cinema into a 240 seat theatre.

We always welcome new members whether they be potential actors, directors, stage managers, lighting & sound technicians, costume sewers, carpenters, publicity people, admin folks (secretarial & treasury), social event organisers, the list is endless.

Come and check us out at our next social cine night on December 9 (call Penny on 96 647 1455) or have a chat with our Membership Secretary on 96 647 2876. There is lots of info. on our web page www.javeaplayers.com

We hope to hear from you.


1815 from a Ladys Perspective

A few significant events in the first 26 weeks of 1815:

JanuaryBattle of New Orleans

FebruaryWorlds 1st commercial

cheese factory established in Switzerland & Napoleon

escapes from ElbaMarch

US delares war on Algiers & Napoleon enters Paris

April Austria declares war on

NaplesMay

Austria beats NaplesJune

Battle of Waterloo

A young lady growing up as a con-temporary of Jane Austen and able to identify with characters such as Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice would not have been overwhelmed bu magazines aimed at interesting or entertaining her.

There was very little current and news related media aimed at some-ones precious wife, mother or daughter. Women were protected from the coarse and cruel realities of life and war, unless it was to warn them of risks or to appeal to their sense of charity.

Numerous magazines and News-papers catered for the promotion of a Christian and Moral family lifestyle, but few targeted women.

The Ladies Mercury, a spin off of John Duntons The Athenian Mer-cury is generally recognised as the first Ladies magazine although it it didnt describe itself as one and was only printed on two sides of a single sheet of paper. It lasted for four issues in 1693.

Another early womans newspaper was the Female Tatler - a spin off from the worlds longest running magazine The Tatler (published continuously for over 300 years). The Female Tatler was in circula-tion for less than one year (1709-1710), but was the first to encour-age both female authorship and readership and to be entertaining rather than simply educational.

The first Magazine to use the word in its title was aimed at men - The Gentlemans Magazine. Founded 1731, it ran uninterrupted un-til 1922. The term magazine is from the French for storehouse. Samuel Johnsons first regular em-ployment as a writer was with The Gentlemans Magazine.

The Ladys Magazine or Enter-taining Companion for the Fair Sex, Appropriated Solely to Their Use and Amusement, was a British magazine produced every month from 1770 until 1837 at six pence a copy. It was started in August 1770 by London bookseller John Coote and publisher John Wheble.


Regardless of their sex, early magazine readers needed to be blessed with a reasonable level of education and time to read. This effectively limited readership to ladies of leisure.

Advertising was discreet, confined to a few lines of classified text or hidden in aspirational anecdotes.

Articles and jokes were highly moral, keen to encourage young ladies to be circumspect and industrious.

As you can see from the Content of one months issue in June 1815, on page 12, the items outside of fashion were not topical. By the time of the publication of the anecdote on the right Nelson had been dead for ten years.

Wellington receives no mention (nor does the war, aside from a deep fascination with French couture), yet he won the Battle of Waterloo whilst the June issue was still hot from the press,

Fashion, however was treated with a great deal of seriousness, with copious details and hand coloured plates. Entertainment included news and reviews of all the latest plays, actors and scandals. A formula that still continues today in many women-focussed periodicals!

Extracts are all from the first

six months of the

1815 Ladys Magazine

The Five Ws of CommunityTraditionally, storytelling with problem solving and collaboration were the backbone of communities. Combine that today with new technology and you have living and breathing new worlds of communities. Our community, Costa Women (for Women living in Spain) has taken the old and new world order and from an idea has become a thriving and exciting place to meet and connect. Here are our five Ws of community:-

WWW:/The life of an expat has changed much since the days of the telegraph, airmail letters, faxes and the possible delivery of the weekly newspaper to your foreign land. The Internet has opened up all sorts of possibilities for keeping in touch with family and friends whilst living 1000s of miles apart. Skype, Facebook, Twitter, email or a combination of all - out of necessity Women of a certain age

are taking to their iPads and communicating.The Costa Women community started online only. Now we have groups meeting from East of Malaga, Calahonda, Marbella, Sotogrande to Granada. Over 200 Women congregate monthly, communicating knowledge, life and stories about their world in Spain, with 100s of others meeting, connecting and sharing online.WE


WWW:/The life of an expat has changed much since the days of the telegraph, airmail letters, faxes and the possible delivery of the weekly newspaper to your foreign land. The Internet has opened up all sorts of possibilities for keeping in touch with family and friends whilst living 1000s of miles apart. Skype, Facebook, Twitter, email or a combination of all - out of necessity Women of a certain age

We would all like to own an origi-nal painting by an Old Master but not many of us can afford this and it is unlikely we would risk hang-ing it on the lounge wall. We also admire the work of some more modern artists, however unless they are already famous it would be a huge lottery as to whether it could be an investment. If you re-ally want to buy work from a cur-rent artist, study their history and training. For example, a fairly safe bet would be those who have been chosen to exhibit at the Royal Academy in London.

The important thing is if you are gambling for investment you should really like what you buy. The chances are that others will like it in the future.

One can still buy wonderful old paintings, several hundred years old, at auction. The Victorian chocolate box subjects in water-colours or oils are very affordable and still seem to keep their price. The attraction might be that we continue to find security in nos-talgia. A modern painting by an unknown artist bought new today might only fetch about a quarter of the price if you try and sell it to-morrow, so beware !

Consider a good print. Prints are a way for artists to make more than one copy of their work. This also makes their work more afford-able, especially if the artist is well known and the price of an origi-nal work has escalated beyond the reach of ordinary mortals.

An original print is a work conceived and originated by the artist. These are usually limited in the number and called Limited Editions. There is one important point to remember: prints are not to be confused with reproductions, which are usually mass produced copies from a photograph of a work of art. One can find these in gift shops of famous museums and they will almost certainly not in-crease in value ! Photo-mechanical methods have obscured the real issue and both artists and printers are guilty of numbering and sign-ing all sorts of rubbish including photocopies! Even L.S. Lowry confused things by making origi-nal lithographic prints and also signing reproductions !

COME UP AND SEE MY ETCHINGS ! !


Collecting TipsPrintmaking originated in China after paper was invented, about AD 105. Before that the Chinese applied colour to carved seals, which were stamped on to many different materials. Papermaking spread through to Japan and along the trade routes through to the West. Paper was first made in Eu-rope in Spain in 1115 AD.

Over the centuries various artists like Durer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto, Goya and Watteau have added their own individual touch to the various methods employed to make prints. In the 20th centu-ry, printmaking underwent further

changes when artists such as Pi-casso, Matisse, Miro and Chagall, added their own ideas to the pro-cess. You will also be familiar with the iconic screenprint of Marilyn Monroe done by Andy Warhol.

There are four main printing methods, intaglio, relief, lithogra-phy and screen printing.

Etchings intaglio are basi-cally designs or pictures printed from an engraved plate, which is carved, scratched or etched by the artist. The engraved plates can be of stone, metal, wood, lino or anything that can transfer paint or ink from the engraved surface to another surface. In simple terms, paint or ink is applied to the surface of the plate, the excess is wiped away, ink remains in the scratches,

the plate is pressed down hard onto paper and a print is born. This is the intaglio method of printmak-ing.

The relief method is where the design required is a raised area; this proud area is inked and pressed onto paper or other sur-face. Much fabric in India is tra-ditionally printed like this with carved wooden blocks. One for each colour.

Lithography uses the physi-cal antipathy between grease and water. The plate, traditionally of stone, now of metal, has the print-ing area covered with grease. The non-image area is water absorbent. The paint sticks to the grease and is repelled by the wet area. Four to six colours are used, one plate for

each colour. Different density of colour produces all the nuances of modern printing. Yellow overlaid with blue would give a green area. The same blue plate over a red area would print purple and so on.

Screen printing is where fine mesh is stretched over a screen and the ink is pushed through the mesh with a squeegee. Parts of the mesh are covered with stencils to stop the ink going through. These stencils can be made of paper, glue, wax or plastic. There is also a photographic method whereby the mesh is coated with a light sensitive emulsion, a negative is applied and exposed to light. The soft part of the emulsion is then washed away leaving a stencil on the mesh. One screen is made for each colour.

A run of prints is called an edi-tion and they can be numbered. If limited in number, prints can have an investment value.

Limited edition prints have two numbers on them. For example, if you see 4/100, it means that this particular print is the fourth of 100 prints. The smaller the first num-ber, the higher the value, because the early numbers of the edition are usually sharper. This is be-cause the edges of the incisions, cuts, scratches, stencils or outlines become less defined with repeated use. Sometimes one can see the letters AP (artists proof) this is usually the first tryout to see how the print looks. These can also be numbered if the artist tries more than one.

All prints should be signed, traditionally the signature and numbers are in pencil. However beware, modern printing methods can also print the signature and it looks exactly like pencil. A print in a large edition is also cheaper than one from a small edition.

Most investors would not really consider an edition of more than

50 prints worth buying. Ideally the original printing

plate, from which the prints are made for a limited edition, are de-stroyed. This should guarantee the value of these prints, they are usu-ally scored from corner to corner.

The plates themselves are col-lectible in their own right and sometimes come on to the market. Photographic prints should have their negatives destroyed after the prints are made.

All good artists work with good quality paper, that is the paper should be neither too alkaline nor acid, so the work remains stable. On this point, framing should also be archival quality, that is the pa-per, glue, card and wood will have been carefully produced so as not to compromise the print with dam-aging chemicals. We have all seen

yellow marks left by cellotape and brown marks leaching through from glue.

You should not pay a lot of money for something simply be-cause you think that it might ap-preciate in the future. You should enjoy it in your lifetime. You too can own a Rembrandt, he did so many etchings they are still afford-able.

For those of us who collected antiques and collectibles over the years or were lucky enough to in-herit lovely things. The investment in antiques has proved to be really much more secure, valuable and a much better place for your money than a bank.

For those of us who would like to capitalize on our possessions, now is a good time to sell, the mar-ket is buoyant.


Younger folk looking for places to invest and totally disillusioned with banks (in any country) are turning to retro collectibles to se-cure a pension in the future.

So called brown furniture is undergoing a revival, finally ev-eryone has realised that solid wood is a better investment than chip-board. The wealthy Chinese are buying back their antiques from the West as fast as they can. If you are looking to invest, you will al-ready know that gold has always been the safe bet in times of cri-sis, silver is currently on the rise. However dont buy new jewellery for investment, it will take far too long to realise any profit because of the huge initial profit margin in the retail price. Antique and vintage jewellery is the area to concentrate on, very wearable, very portable and nearly always saleable. If you are not going to wear it buy one or two really special pieces and keep them in a vault.

However the same rules apply for whatever you invest in, buy only what you like, research care-fully and compare prices. Watch out for commission and buyers charges. Postage is also usually the buyers responsibility.

Finally, my favourite places to buy are auctions, either physically being there or on-line. I always set myself an absolute final price limit and beyond that ye shall not go. Have fun !

Lorely Griffiths.

Come and visit the Art Centre, (we can fax, E-mail or post

you a map) or for more details please phone Chairwoman

Lorely Griffiths

Javea 966 47 20 49. [email protected]

George Stubbs was born in Liverpool and was studying anatomy even at eight years old. His career launched when he began working for Wedgwood. Unfortunately Stubbs was soon bored with England and he set off for Italy, on the way witnessing a lion attacking a horse. This happy event was later used as a subject for one of his most inspired and celebrated works.

Stubbs was not just a painter, he was also an anatomist, and drew horses repeatedly, creating a remarkable portfolio of drawings entitled The Anatomy of the Horse, in 1766. For six years he worked on his task in a deserted farmhouse in Horkstow, Lincolnshire and kept dead horses in the studio for weeks at a time, some trussed up on pulleys, others in various stages of decay, heads, tails and feet in gruesome piles everywhere, like a slaughterhouse.

He may have been a wonderful horse painter, but he was no animal lover. The horses he dissected were first bled to death, after which he pumped their veins up with a solution that hardened them, to retain their shape. With the skill of a butcher, rather than a painter, Stubbs then had the carcasses hauled up on iron hooks, and dissected them muscle by muscle, a procedure which took up to six weeks per horse.

Stubbs did have one human companion, however, a Miss Mary Spencer, who must have suffered either blind love or blocked nasal passages, because she stayed with him and put up with the decomposing remains of the series of dead horses, which were flayed, and gradually stripped of skin, then muscle, until they were exposed down to the bone. Their charnel remains hung like soiled goods at an end-of-season sale. MG 2004, 2012

George Stubbs 1724-1806


ElenaLowenthal

Three dimensional Jigsaws are a speciality for this amazing woman. Patience is mandatory for a career spent piecing the past together. A love of beauty is essential to be able to see broken pieces of pottery and porcelain in their original glory and then dexterity and dedication are required to put all the bits together in a way that makes them look as they once did - perfect. Elena applies all these skills to her teaching as well. She teaches with great patience and inspires her students with the confidence they need to be able to tackle their own broken shards so they too can learn how to puzzle their broken pieces back in to perfection.

Madrid-born Elena, is one of Spains foremost specialists in the restoration of porcelain and ceramics. Surrounded by beautiful objets dArt since a small child, Elena grew up with an appreciation for both the grace and fragility of fine porcelain. Her mother, a Canadian Antiques Expert imported antique porcelain from China and all over the world for discerning Spanish buyers. Elena gained her first insights into restoration from handling these pieces.

After studyng restoration work at the prestigious West Dean College of Fine Art in Chichester, Elena established her own workshop in a country house near Javea (Alicante). In between working for major galleries and museums, Elena now teaches at the Art Centre Association in Javea. Students are encouraged to bring along their own pieces for restoration. Techniques learned include: dismantling past repairs, cleaning and bonding, disguising, painting and restoring.

Contact Lorely Griffiths at the Art Centre to find out more Javea 966 47 20 49. [email protected]

The photos that follow are from Elenas before and after archive


3. Jenny

Jenny had been gone only minutes there had barely been time to walk upstairs let alone start sorting the laundry when the front bell rang. She must have forgotten something thought Ann indulgently, opening the door but, to her astonishment, a com-plete stranger stood there: young and elegant: returning her instantly frozen smile with narrowed eyes. The woman stepped inside quickly without wait-ing to be invited and closed the door softly behind her.

I saw you had a visitor, she said, so I waited until we could have com-plete privacy.

I dont understand, Ann gasped, stepping back in alarm. Who are you? What do you want?

Therell be plenty of time to talk now, the woman rejoined, walking past Ann into the sitting room and dropping calmly into an easy chair. First, well make ourselves com-fortable and, her eyes flicked to the coffee pot and tray, enjoy a cup of coffee. She removed her soft leather gloves, leaned forward, and touched the pot lightly with the inside of her bare wrist. Not quite drinkable I think. Why not bring out some fresh and then we can settle down to a nice cosy chat?

In abject confusion, Ann took the

tray to the kitchen, replenished the milk jug and actually re-started the percolator before anger took over from her instinctive good manners. Who was this insolent creature? Per-haps she had devised this as a gim-micky way of selling something ex-pensive... and useless! Well, she had wormed her way in now, so she could have her coffee and then go. Anns curiosity was sufficiently aroused to indulge her that far, but she had bet-ter talk fast or out shed go anyway! It was a heavy washday. She had no time to waste on a long sales pitch!

When Ann returned the woman was standing near the window hold-ing a photograph of Cathy and Chris that had been on the sill.

So these are the babes, she said pleasantly, Quite alike, as I had ex-pected: very pretty too.

Putting down the tray, Ann relaxed slightly, then immediately stiffened again, with foreboding. Who was this person to have expected anything, or even known about the children at all? Perhaps research into the background of potential customers was essential in her line of work! She turned to find her unwelcome guest seated again, still holding the treasured picture in a strangely possessive way, which an-noyed Ann intensely. She retrieved the photograph and replaced it in the

window. Sitting again on the settee, she demanded an explanation.

Coffee first, was the girls re-sponse, youll probably need it! Shaking a little, nervously aware of the implied threat, Ann filled the cups with steaming black coffee and no-ticed that a slight soapy scum had ris-en on one; in her understandable haste she must have been careless, rinsing it under the tap. Never mind, it was hers the cup in front of her visitor looked alright and Ann couldnt have felt less like a sociable drink anyway. She sat on the edge of her seat warily.

You had better tell me immediate-ly what business you have here, with me, demanded Ann, or youll have to leave, she added, standing to make her point.

Completely unmoved, the woman settled back and patted her hair with a confident gesture. It was impossible not to notice her well-kept, smooth hands and beautifully manicured nails... Instinctively Ann tried to con-ceal her own. With a disdainful shrug, the beautiful intruder indicated that she should resume her seat and Anns rising anger changed first to incredu-lity, then sick fright as the words she was hearing began to sink in. She col-lapsed and sat numbly as the stranger, with pretended delicacy belied by the malicious gleam in her eyes tore

A Poisonous Shade of Greyby Mai Griffin 1997, 2008, 2012

Part two of our serialised Thriller... see Issue 1 on www.5Ws.biz for the first two chapters

In Deaths dark realm, where none of us may stray,The light glints through a Poisonous Shade of Grey. A Glimmer glimpsed, beyond a hearts endeavour,Where lost souls wander in their dark forever. Anon

her world to shreds.Im Joyce Hamilton your

husbands secretary, she an-nounced. Noting the bemused expression on Anns face, she smirked and continued. No doubt youve heard of me. I

have actually been much more to him than that for several years now, but I assume from your glazed expression that you never guessed... For good-ness sake have a drink, she added urgently, rising to put Anns cup into her shaking hands. Forgetting that it was unclean, Ann lifted it to her lips and was startled out of her daze by the excited dart of triumph in those sud-denly narrowed eyes as the stranger relaxed.

Sipping her own coffee daintily, Joyce observed Anns hesitation and leaned towards her urging her keenly to drink, as it would make her feel bet-ter.

More in control, aware of every nuance, Ann raised the coffee slowly to her mouth. There was no mistak-ing the way the girl was holding her breath... poised in anticipation: but anticipation of what? Why should this husband-stealer want her to feel bet-ter? More likely, she wished her harm. Good God thought Ann has she put something in my drink! Surely not! How? When she replaced the photo-graph in the window; it could have been then. There had probably been at least twenty seconds to do whatever she had done if indeed shed done anything at all. In her confusion and fright, Ann was ready to believe the worst and she forced herself to think clearly.

Assuming she was right, it ex-plained the strange white scum and she was obviously dealing with a maniac intent on harming her. Anns mind shied away from the bizarre possibility that an attempt was being made to murder her: that only hap-pened in books! It must be intended to put her to sleep leaving this mad-woman free to nose about the house. For

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