baywatch christmas 2010

LLeetttteerr ffrroomm tthhee EEddiittoorr

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Hello everyone!Welcome to Baywatch´s Christmas andNew Year issue!

You may notice a few changes to thisspecial festive edition as Baywatch isre-launching as a lifestyle magazine,which means in the issues that followyou can expect to find our pagespacked with features, recipes, reviews,culture, travel, fashion, beauty andmore. A little something for all, male orfemale, young or old.

But don't worry about losing the best ofthe old Baywatch - the magazine willcontinue to serve all of its faithful CostaDe La Luz readers with local news, radioshow programme listings, a local busi-ness directory, and updates from localorganisations and community groups.

Please let us know your feedback on thechanges and we hope you continue tosupport Baywatch magazine as it growsfrom strength to strength in 2011.

Meanwhile, all of us here at Baywatchwish you the Happiest of Christmasesand may you have the joy and peace ofhaving your loved ones near or knowingthey are safe and well. All GoodWishes.

Sophie McAdam Editor

BBOOOOSSTT YYOOUURR BBUUSSIINNEESSSSWWIITTHH

BBAAYYWWAATTCCHHFor all advertising enquiries call

Sales on 856 101 803 or 697 552 936

3CCOONNTTEENNTTSS

Baywatch is a free magazinepublished bi-monthly by The Baywatch Group

Advertising & SalesPlease call 856 101 803/697 552

936Email:[email protected]

EditorSophie McAdam

Email: [email protected]

Design & LayoutEmail: [email protected]

Registered address:The Post House

Buzon 72CC Novogallo, Local No.50

Chiclana de la Frontera11130 Cadiz, Spain

Deposito Legal CA-552/06

Copyright The Baywatch GroupAll Rights Reserved

Reproduction of this magazine in wholeor part without the prior permission of

the publisher is stricly prohibitedThe publishers reserve the right to

amend any submissions. The viewsexpressed by the contributors &

advertisers are notnecessarily those of the publishers

Although every effort is made to ensurethe accuracy of the content and adverts

within the magazine, the publisherscannot accept any liability

44 News: Community, Cadiz Province &

Andalucia’s top stories

99 Culture: Our new culture section features bookand website reviews plus a special exclusive onthe Sevilla International Film Festival 2010

1100 Hotel Getaways: Two top local hotel recommendations for relaxing winter breaks or dining in style this Christmas and New Year

1133 Green & Holistic Living: A special feature onthe benefits of Reiki

1144 Christmas Gift Ideas: For him, her and the

little ones in your family

1177 Travel: Exploring other parts of Spain, thisissue we escape to Girona

1199 Health Beauty & Fitness: Boosting yourenergy levels during these dark, cold months

2233 Out & About: Winter skiing fun in Salamanca

2255 Property: For all your buying & selling queries

2266 The Rise of Social Movements: This issue's

coffee break feature

3322 Food & Drink: Whether you fancy luxury

dining this Christmas, are looking for a funseasonal venue for eating and partying, or simplywant to know where to buy a quality turkey, ourfood & drink section will tell you where to go.

4499 Business Directory: A comprehensive guide

to all your local businesses.

3300 Culture: The Sevilla Film Festival 2010

NNeewwss RRoouunndd UUpp CCoommmmuunniittyy && CCaaddiizz PPrroovviinnccee

Annual Chiclana golf challengeraises thousands for children’scancer charity

An annual golfing event in memory of a manwho died from cancer has raised €2,500 forSpanish children also suffering from thedisease. Organiser Stuart Shutes, wholaunched the challenge last year in memoryof his brother David (known as ‘Shutsey’) saidthat a great day was had by all and would liketo thank Sarah & Julian of Browns Bar, ElPuerto & Montecastillo Golf courses, ArcosGardens, and finally Chiclana Golf Society,without whom the ‘Shutsey Golf Challenge’would never have started.

David Shutes was a keen golfer, and he had been enjoying annual golfingweekends in the UK with his brother Stuart and friends for 23 years beforehe was sadly diagnosed with kidney cancer five years ago, and subsequentlylost his battle with the disease. ‘Shutsey got most pleasure from his workwith children, and even when close to death his principal concern were hischildren,’ said Stuart. ‘So this is what he would have wanted.’

‘Plans for next September’s event are already under way,’ Stuart continues,‘and I hope that this can become the biggest charity golf day on the CostaDe La Luz. Next year we plan to get the local lady golfers involved, possiblyin a singles competition to run along side the match play event.’ Anyonethat is interested in helping with the 2011 event or playing in the matchescan contact Stuart on 647 802 892 or register their interest at Browns Barin Chiclana.

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5Ryanair to cut flights to Jerez dela FronteraBy Sandy Robb

AMONG the small expat communitywhere I live, when a few of us gatheraround a table in the bar, there is onetopic of conversation which seems torecur time and time again. Flights,prices, routes, schedules, difficulties,all of these topics float around with thecerveza and olives, and Mr O'Leary'sears ought to be burning as the name'Ryanair' always crops up somewherealong the line.

So, the word that it was planned to cutback the Stansted-Jerez service spreadlike Chinese whispers. Many of usliving in Cadiz province have occasionto use this route. Someone's daughteris coming out with the children.Someone else has a family wedding toattend, or the birth of a newgrandchild, and almost everyone hasfriends keen to visit.

Then there are the less happyoccasions when it may be necessary toget back to the UK quickly because anelderly parent has been taken ill, forexample. And there are others who donot live permanently in Spain butown holiday homes which they useregularly, lend to family and friends, orrent out commercially.

Very often, the availability of a direct,reasonably priced flight to a localairport was part of the reason forbuying a property here in the firstplace. Who would choose to trek upfrom Gibraltar or Malaga when theycould land in Jerez and be home in halfan hour?

Jerez is a wonderful destination. Theold town with its maze of narrowstreets around the Alcazar andCathedral is compact and walkable.

There are good restaurants and barswhere authentic flamencoperformances can be heard, colour-ful ferias and beautiful dancinghorses at the Riding School.

Visitors can tour atmosphericbodegas and sip chilled fino, totallyunlike the stuff granny keeps at theback of the cupboard for aChristmas tipple. Visitors to Jerezcan tap into their inner Hemingwayat the Plaza de Toros or relax andsoak themselves in a genuine Arabhammam.

But to enjoy, they first need toarrive, preferably without too muchexpense and hassle. The last thingthis Andalucian jewel and its hinter-land needs is its hands tied behindits back.

Please - airlines, councils and localgovernment, do your best not tomake it too difficult.

Chiclana illegal home residentslaunch political partyiclana illegal

Property owners in Chiclana whosehomes were built illegally havelaunched their own political party. ThePartido Vecinal Regionalista, a 200-strong group of residents supported by25 Chiclana associations, hopes to gainrepresentation in the Town Hall at theelections in six months time. The Juntade Andalucía has estimated there couldbe as many as 15,000 illegal homes inCadíz province.

Drugs fishing boat intercepted

A Dutch fishing boat with four crew onboard has been intercepted by Spanishcustoms 120 miles off the Cádiz coast.More than 20,000 kilos of hashish wasfound on board.

Investigation begins into plans tobuild hotel in Vejer de la Frontera

The European Commission isinvestigating whether to oppose thescheme to build a twin hotel complexat El Palmar, near Vejer. The planwould see one of Andalucia’s mostunspoilt beaches destroyed.Developers, backed by Vejer town hall,want to build a 500-room complex andgolf course at the stunning naturallocation, but a petition against theplans has collected over 50,000 signa-tures and the investigation by the EU isseen as a crucial step forward bycampaigners. Meanwhile, Juan Munoz,president of development firm ChivalSL, and his brother, Fernando, wereforced to resign after charges ofbribery after the Public Prosecutor’soffice accused them of illegallyobtaining permission to build thecomplex.

British newspaper could beprosecuted for printing photosof Andalucia’s youngest mum.

The Daily Mail has come under firefrom Spanish authorities forprinting pictures of a 10-year oldRomanian mother and the 13 yearold father of her baby, born in Jerezon October 26. María José Segarra,the Chief Prosecutor in Sevilla,made a request to the media tostop printing images of the family’shome and she announced she wasalso taking legal action against anewspaper in Cádiz which had prin-ted the first photos of the child. TheJunta de Andalucía say that nothinghas been ruled out at this stage,and the prosecutor is now waitingfor a report from Social Services inLebrija, the town where the familywere living in shanty accommoda-tion and reportedly surviving by thesale of scrap metal.

Two men arrested after murder in Chiclana

Two men, both aged 20, have beenarrested for the murder of a retirednurse in Chiclana. Mercedes TelloCela, 55, died after being stabbed30 times, although there were nosigns of forced entry and neigh-bours heard no screams.

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NNeewwss RRoouunndd UUpp AAnnddaalluucciiaa

Supreme Court gives go-aheadto plans for hotel inside CaboDe Gata nature reserve

Controversial plans to build a 50-room hotelon 3000 square metres of protected saltflats in the Campillo de Gata, part of thenational nature reserve, have been confir-med after an 11 year battle by greengroups and the Junta.

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Failed tourism initiative is to be extended across SpainPrivilege Spain, a scheme launched in 2008 to promote Jerez, La Rioja andthe Basque region, cost four million euros, but Marina Osborne, of SurwaysExclusive Trip, from Jerez, explained: “For two years we have worked veryhard in promoting the idea. However, the truth is that up to now there havebeen no bookings.”Despite this, the Ministry of Tourism announced it will expand the schemeacross Catalonia, Castilla y Leon, Madrid, Valencia and Galicia.

British pensioner forced to squat in her own homeAnn Bircumshaw, 75, is facing a long winter with no electricity or runningwater after she discovered her home in Pruna, near Olvera, was neitherlegal nor paid for. She had put up 120.000 euros for the property afterselling a home in Fuengirola, and developer Ian Hollis had assured her thather dream home ‘would be finished in months.’ The original property wasnever finished, and the replacement where Mrs Bircumshaw now lives is tobe repossessed due to unpaid debts.

Hashish farm found on Costa Del SolA Briton is among 15 arrested after 900 marijuana plants were discoveredin his luxury seaside villa. The plantation in Benalmádena, harvested fourtimes a year, was being run by a Dutch man.

Animal refuge owners arrested in MalagaThe director and at least two workers of an animal refuge in Torrmolinoshave been arrested on charges of fraud and ill-treatment of animals in theircare. The 'Parque Animal' organisation is being accused of irregularities inthe ways in which they cremate animal remains amongst other things, butreporting restrictions have been put on the case by the environmentalprosecutor.

8Mayor of Estepona in corruptionscandal

The Mayor of Estepona, SocialistDavid Valadez, has been charged withalleged corporate crime and forgeryamid claims laid down against him bythe ex treasurer of the Estepona TownHall, Félix Domínguez Pimienta.Valadez, who was also accused of realestate corruption in December lastyear, will appear in court on Novem-ber 26th.

Illegal immigrants rescued offcoast of Tarifa

13 women and three babies wereamong a group of 40 Sub Saharanrefugees rescued in early Novemberafter their boat set adrift and theycalled for help from the Spanishcoastguards in Tarifa.

Guardia Civil agent killed inGranada Province

A Guardia Civil agent has been killedin a hit and run accident at a controlpoint set up in Baza, Granada. Thevehicle was later found to be contai-ning hashish.

Domestic violence man arrestedin Sevilla

Police have arrested a 37 year oldMoroccan man for the murder ofCarmen RJ, 39, who died after herthroat was cut at her home in Sevilla. Neighbours say the domestic violencehad been going on for a long time andshe had previously been stabbed inthe stomach by her boyfriend,choosing not to press charges.

WORLD NEWS

Aung San Suu Kyi released afteralmost two decades under housearrestBurmese democracy campaignerAung San Suu Kyi , winner of theNobel Peace Prize, is now free afterbeing detained in her home by theBurmese military for 15 of the past21 years. The decision to free the65-year-old comes six days after thepolitical party supported by the mili-tary government won the country'sfirst election in 20 years, but it is notyet clear whether there are condi-tions attached to her freedom.

Angry students take to thestreets in LondonTory plans to cut university fundingand treble tuition fees cause riots inUK. About 50,000 people took partin a march through Westminster toprotest against Cameron’s plans toreform higher education. Demons-trators smashed windows, climbedroofs, threw missiles and burnedplacards and banners. 32 peoplewere arrested and 14 people wereinjured, including two police officers.

Spanish priest in child pornscandalA Catholic priest has been arrestedover the alleged possession ofthousands of images of child sexabuse. Police found 21,000 imageson computers inside the 52-year-old's church in Vilafames, easternSpain. The priest has not beennamed but will appear before ajudge in a fortnight.The Segorbe-Castellon diocese hassuspended the priest but said itwould also offer the priest "thenecessary means for a fair defence".

Recommended Read

Duende: A journey into the heartof flamenco, Jason Webster(****)If you love all things Spanish - aspresumably you do having settled inwhat Hemingway described as‘perhaps the only country’- then youwill love Jason Webster’s wonderfullywritten travelogue about flamenco, lifeon the edge, love, loss, andself-discovery.

Duende, that elusive, magical feeling that occurs when a great performancestirs your soul and makes your hair stand on end with an electricity and aconnection beyond description, is what Webster was searching for when hedecided to learn guitar and abandon his dull life in Oxford for the dusty,orange-scented landscape of Andalucía.

The book details his integration into flamenco culture, firstly in Almería,where he meets a fiery and passionate woman with whom he has an intenseand destructive affair, to the barrios of Madrid, where he falls in with thegypsy subculture and hits rock bottom after a cocaine addiction and a periodof lawlessness which results in a tragic loss. Next, it’s Granada, whereWebster continues to play guitar until his fingers bleed but is no closer todiscovering the elusive Duende.

The book is more a soul journey than anything else, an inspirational andthought-provoking read whose pages are peppered with exotic descriptions,great characters, and a fascinating insight into the hidden world of flamenco.A must-read for any aficionados of flamenco, Spanish culture or even moregenerally, great books.

All things WebThis issue, we aremostly liking the following sites:

http://www.poodwaddle.com/clocks/worldclock/Amazing insight into the lives ofhuman beings, rather terrifying butalways interesting, updated by themilisecond.

http://blog.sarcasmsociety.com/Hilarious quotes, dry opinions on popular news stories, and muchmore to tickle your ribcage.

http://www.passiveaggressiveno-tes.com'painfully polite and hilariously hostile' images of real scrawlings.

Culture9

HHootteell GGeettaawwaayyss

Hotel La Vista de Medina, situatedopposite La Iglesia Mayor in the heartof historic, pueblo blanco MedinaSidonia, enjoys a privileged locationwith magnificent views over apatchwork of undulating tiled roofs &church spires to the rural splendour ofrolling hills fringed by the Atlantic.

Owners Kirsty and Gary Biston, withover 50 years combined experience inthe hospitality trade have spent thepast year loving bringing this magicalold building to life.

After much restoration work, love andconsiderable investment it has beenreborn as a family run hotel, boasting 2swimming pools, pretty gardens, 5tasteful suites, a restaurant with 2dining rooms, 2 terraces, tables onthe plaza and a celebration room whichcan seat up to 120 people.

The stylish self-catering suites offercontemporary accommodation & enjoyenticing views over the flower filledgardens, as you wander through thehotel and grounds the Moroccaninfluences are everywhere, a withNorth African wall coverings and softfurnishings creating a relaxedambience throughout.

The restaurant will be open on NewYears Eve for a celebratory dinner,followed by a party into the smallhours of the morning. Dinner willcost 50€ per person and includes aglass of Cava with Canapés, followedby a 4 course meal with a bottle ofwine per person or draught San Miguelduring dinner, a glass of Cava at mid-night and complimentary entrance tothe 'Cotillion' which starts justmidnight; the music and dancing isexpected to finish around 6am. Thereare a limited number of rooms availa-ble for those who wish to stay the nighteither in La Vista de Medina oradjacent sister hotel Casa de Medina ata cost of 70€ per double room. Breakfast will not be served, guestsare welcome to bring their own favou-rite breakfast items and make gooduse of the kitchens in each suite.To reserve your place call Gary on

646489069 or email [email protected]

The south-west facing terraces offercomfortable seating & a ‘chill-out’ zonewith sun, shade & protection from theinfamous Levante… and with the patioheaters can be enjoyed year round..

The cosy bar is perfect for a coffee &one of Medina’s famous cakes, or aperhaps a glass of Fino & a snack fromthe Tapas menu, while the elegantdining rooms offer an informal friendlyatmosphere, catering for both locals &visitors alike.

The menu offers classic local andMediterranean influenced dishes with amodern twist using only the freshestlocal produce.

Focus on La Vista de MedinaMedina Sidonia

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Green & HolisticLiving

13

TTrraavveell

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HHeeaalltthh aanndd BBeeaauuttyy

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By Negin Ghayouri

OOuutt && AAbboouutt

he Sierra Nevada is Spain’s premier ski resort, but it is expensiveand often very crowded, especially at weekends. So last year,when someone told us about a small resort in central Spain, wedecided to explore. Our destination was La Covatilla in the Sierrade Béjar, between Caceres and Salamanca.

TSSkkiiiinngg iinn SSaallaammaannccaa

byGlynis and Andrew Brown

La Cotavilla’s ski area is small, withreasonably priced ski passes and easy,uncrowded pistes. There are fantasticviews and lots of all-year-round mountainwalks. We stayed just outside Béjar, thevalley at the foot of the mountains, wherethere is a huge choice of hotels andapartments.

It was an easy but spectaculartwenty-five minute drive up the mountainto the ski resort which has restaurants, skihire, a good ski school and free parking.The beginners’ area is excellent and thelifts whisk you up to 2400 metreswhere the views are breath-taking.

We enjoyed fantastic snow and the weather was perfect – sunny days andcold nights.

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Food and drink in the area is verycheap and there are a number of greatplaces to explore close by, such as thebeautiful town of Barco de Avila withits castle and old Roman bridge, thespa town of Baños de Montemayor, andthe old walled town of Ciudad Rodrigo

Salamanca itself is a beautiful city just30 minutes away, and the naturalparks of Las Batuecas-Sierra deFrancia and the Sierra de Gredos arealso close by.

We can’t wait to go again this winter;especially to buy some more wine onthe way back -from the Payva Bodegain Extremadura, and fantastic Iberianham from Monasterio. .Link: www.sierradebejar-lacovatilla.com

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PPrrooppeerrttyyOur regular focus on common issues

surrounding buying or owning a property here in Spain with Cadiz Casa

Q. Is it normal for Plusvalia to bepaid by the seller?

A. Plusvalia is a local (municipal) taxcharged by the town hall on propertieswhen they are sold. It is calculated onthe rateable value of the property andthe number of years that have passedsince the property was last sold.

The idea is to tax the increase in thevalue of the land on which the propertystands.

The base for this tax is the valorcatastral (an administrative value that isusually lower than the market value,sometimes considerably so) of theproperty. The amount due in tax willdepend on how long the seller hasowned the property - the longer theperiod, the higher the amount of tax.

Normally Plusvalia is paid by the seller but make sure it is made clear in thesales agreement who is paying this as you do not want any problems whenyou come to sign at the Notary.Q. Do we have to pay tax in Spain on the money we get from ourrental property even though we do not live in Spain and are notresidents.

A. Short answer is yes. A new law dated 2 March 2010 has introduced achange in the Income Tax Law for Non Residents which changes the waythey pay Income Tax on properties let in Spain.

Up to now, non resident tax payers paid 24% of the gross income on pro-perties let in Spain, they were not allowed to deduct any expenses at all,there were examples when the tax paid could exceed 60% of the actualprofit.

However, The European Union has pressed Spain to change this situation,and with the new Law, you can now deduct all expenses directly connectedwith the letting of the property i.e. electricity, water, community fees, localrates, interest on mortgage etc in exactly the same way as residents do.

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FFooccuuss oonn

It’s 1am and there is a strangerasleep on my sofa, rucksack at hisside, snoring gently.Six hours earlier I’d been standing inthe bus station in Ronda, scanningthe crowd for a face I’d only seen in afew blurred photographs.Until now, Ashley and I hadn’t evenspoken on the phone. All I knew fromour brief and infrequent emails is thathe’s 28 and from Melbourne, he likesanimals and snooker, and the locationof my sofa is rather appealing.

Ashley is a couchsurfer, one of over amillion members worldwide. The ideais simple: rather than jostling forexpensive hotel rooms with othertourists, the couchsurfing movementgives backpackers the opportunity tocrash on sofas for free, with theadded bonus of tasting real culturesand experiencing places othersightseers probably wouldn’t. As forthe hosts, they receive the simplepleasure of helping somebody out.Couchsurfing is just one example ofthe emerging social trends to sweepthe globe in recent years.

With just a click of the mouse, wecan train as ‘clown activists’, join alocal food movement, swap houseswith a family in Peru, or partake insome ‘flash mobbing’- whether it bea mass pillow fight in TrafalgarSquare or heading down to acentral London station to dance insynchronicity, an activity elevatedfrom its subculture status by thepopular UK mobile phonecommercial.

Some, like ‘the slow movement’, aredisgruntled reactions to perceivedproblems in society- in this case,what the founders call ‘timepoverty’, a backlash against the ratrace and living by the clock, againsta society driven by instantgratification.

Others, like ‘bookcrossing’ (leaveyour favourite book somewherepublic with a note inside and tracehow much happiness it has given tothe lucky recipient through theInternet) are simply a way ofsharing with others those thingsthat make you happy.

26The Rise of Social Movements

27Professor Nick Crossley, head ofsociology at the University ofManchester, believes the Internet iscrucial to their existence.

“I’m sure these activities areattractive because they fill gaps inmainstream culture,” Crossleyconcedes. “But technologies facili-tate networks, and I’d be reluctantto interpret these new culturalforms as social and politicalreactions.”.

But some involved with thesemodern trends wouldn’t necessarilyagree.Mark Aguera is founder of SwapRepublic.com, an online swap shopfor everything from skills (I teachyou guitar, you do my gardening inreturn) to houses, cars andpersonal possessions.

Rather than seeing the Internetmerely as a means of connectingwith like-minded individuals, Marksays that SwapRepublic’s philosophyis “to eliminate cash from transac-tions, because cash means the statehas power to tax.” His aim, he says,is to remove power from the stateand give it to the individual.For Reid Mihalko, former relations-hip coach and massage therapist,technology may well have causedthe emergence of movements likethese – but not for the rightreasons.“The Internet has both helped andhindered society,” Mihalko says. “Wefeel more connected by socialnetworking sites and we can easilytrack down others who share ourinterests, but these connectionsnever occur face to face.

Then there are those simple butgenius ideas that spread like wildfire,such as the ‘free hugs campaign’. Thismovement began when founder JuanMann felt lonely upon his arrival at aSydney airport and decided to hold upa sign offering free hugs topassers-by. After 15 minutes of beingignored, a lady tapped him on theshoulder and told Mann her dog haddied that day- the first anniversary ofher only daughter’s death in a caraccident.

“What she needed now, when she feltmost alone in the world, was a hug,”Mann remembers. “I got down on oneknee, we put our arms around eachother and when we parted, she wassmiling.”The free hugs campaign is now aglobal activity, with thousands ofparticipants in hundreds of citiesaround the world. No doubtcyberspace can be credited with thespeedy growth of these movements,but is technology solely responsiblefor their conception, or is it merelythe vehicle for ideas that are almostinevitable in the 21st century?

“We are social animals, andphysical connection feeds us in a waythe Internet can’t. You might have500 facebook friends, but you’re stillgoing home to an empty apartmentevery night.”

Along with partner Marcia Baczynski ,Mihalko launched the ‘cuddle party’ in2003. At the events, strangers dontheir pyjamas and give and receivenon-sexual affection through avariety of hugs with punchy titlessuch as the ‘canoodle casserole’ and‘puppy pile-up’.

In the five years since the first NewYork event, the appeal of embracinga stranger has proved to be adesirable pastime, with cuddleparties springing up all over thewestern world.

Mihalko puts the movement’spopularity down to modern living:moving away from loved ones topursue careers in cities where we feelalone, losing community ties, andcoping with social boundaries thatmean hugging a co-worker could getyou sacked for sexual harassment.

He even claims one infant school inPennsylvania recently slapped a banon pupils cuddling each other, citingthis behaviour as ‘inappropriate’.“We’re living in interesting times.Things are getting weird, and peopleare starting to notice,” Mihalkoconcludes.Some might argue that collectively,these movements seem to signal achange in attitude, a step in the rightdirection towards a morehumanitarian and philanthropicsociety.

Catherine Ryan Hyde is founder ofthe global ‘pay it forward’ move-ment.

The philosophy, made famous bythe 2000 Kevin Spacey/Helen Huntfilm based on Ryan Hyde’s book,advocates the belief we can onlymake the world a better place bydoing good deeds and asking fornothing in return – except that theperson we help comes to the aid ofanother needy cause, thus ‘paying itforward.’

While Ryan Hyde agrees the Inter-net “has the power to tie peopletogether; ideas can spread withoutthe money and power needed tocontrol the media,” she is confidentthese movements are far biggerthan that.

“My opinion is that society tends toswing to the far boundaries of anysocial change before finding themiddle ground,” Ryan Hyde says.“When I was a child, people rodebuses together.

Neighbours sat on their porches andtalked to people walking by. If I hadneeded help while on my own, anadult would have helped me.

“I think the information age initiallyisolated us,” she goes on. “We haveswung to the end of the pendulumof war, violence, dysfunction, suspi-cion, hate. We look at what we’veaccidentally created and know wedon’t want it. Our altruism was never dead, it wasonly sleeping – and when morepeople wake up to the kindness thatis inherent in our nature, it will becontagious.”

28

Her colleague Charley Johnson is just as optimistic, referring to pay it forward as “the foundation this world is missing.”“Making the people around you better starts with yourself,” Johnson argues.“It’s the only thing that will move the six billion people on this earth back inthe right direction.”

The spokesperson for the UK Freegans society, known only as JD, says thatfor him, freeganism is not about rooting through supermarket bins in a bidto save money, but rather a direct protest against an unjust market.

“We are becoming increasingly aware of the devastating impact mankind is having on the environment,” JD argues. “This has largely been caused byunsustainable policies designed to maximize the profits of the few at theexpense of the many. Freeganism attempts to address the imbalancecaused by this.”

As author and social commentator Mal Fletcher states, “A number of these emerging social movements are about rediscovering a sense of our core humanity, both as individuals and within communities.

“In a consumerist society where personal value is associated with what oneowns, and consumption is divorced from any sense of responsibility, many people are awakening to the notion that things which supposedly lead to amore comfortable life do not necessarily contribute to a more meaningfullife.”Links:www.couchsurfing.comwww.slowmovement.comwww.freehugscampaign.orgwww.flashmob.co.ukwww.cuddleparty.comwww.swaprepublic.comwww.payitforwardfoundation.org www.freegan.org.uk

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30Seville Hosts Europe’s Latest and Greatest Cinematic Talents

By Gretelle Daffón

Now in its seventh year, the Sevilla Festival de Cine Europeo is fast becomminga classic to rival the likes of Cannes. This year, between 5-13th of November,Seville unrolled its red carpet to some of the most promising new talent ofEuropean cinema, as well as some of the most respected veterans of theindustry. Amongst them, British director Stephen Frears, who received theInternational Award of Honor for his mastery, originality and social commitmentto always successfully meet the different film genres. Inaugurating the festivalwas his new film Tamara Drewe. In true Frears fashion, it takes on a comedicportrayal of the ironic consequences of the immoral actions taken by thecharacters. Commemorating Frears’ relationship with Andalucía, a re-screeningof his 1984 film The Hit was shown, its musical director having been the legendthat is Paco de Lucía, together with Brit Eric Clapton.

Sticking to the their roots, Flamenco Flamenco was undoubtedly the mostawaited and a favourite among Andalucían movie goers. Sold out within hoursof the box office opening, flamenco fans eagerly waited in line to see the latestfrom director Carlos Saura. The film is indeed an audio and visual feast.Beautiful artworks depicting flamenco share the stage with flamenco masterslike Paco de Lucía and Manolo Sanlúcar as well as fresh talents, among themEstrella Morente, Farruquito and the young show-stealer ‘’El Carpeta’’.

Taking home the Giraldillo de Oro is Son of Babylon, Mohamed Al Daradji’srealistic drama about a young boy travelling across Iraq with his grandmotherafter the fall of Saddam Hussein, in search of his father who was forced to jointhe Iraqi army and has been missing for 12 years. The film communicates withthe viewer well, conveying the deep melancholy of the Iraqis, the chaos aroundthem and the small hope that they carry within.

The festival takes us from the dusty landscape of Iraq to that of Almeria, with ElRegreso (The Return). Sevillian director Nonio Parejo takes back controversialwriter and intellectual Juan Goytisolo, through arid Almeria which he journeyedthrough in his youth, and later became the protagonist in his book Campos deNíjar. Shortly after its publication, this work was banned by the Franco regime,later resulting in Goytisolo’s self-exile to Marrakesh. This film documents the firsttime Goytisolo revisits the land since his exile, accompanied throughout by localpoliticians, journalists, and even school children reading excerpts from his work.

Parejo uses photographs from the book, taken by legendary director VicenteAranda, and the play of black & white cinematography incorporated with color todepict the stark changes this region has undergone, which was once one of thepoorest and most desolate of the country. Truly Seville has found its niche in theworld of film making. Already well-known as the backdrop of many films, it isnow also a centre which promotes the culture of European film making, whichunlike its American counterpart ‘’is real and talks about life,’’ according toStephen Frears.

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Above: Estrella Morente ofFlamenco Flamenco

Left: Carlos Saura andthe Cast of

Flamenco Flamenco

Food & Drink Hidden TreasuresVenta Campano and La Choza de Juan

ow about this for a nightout? A good meal, a fewdrinks and a game of golf!

Did you know that the VentaCampano on the N340 just outsideof El Colorado has a golf simulatorhidden away in a room at the backof the restuarant? Well they haveand it’s open to clients from 7pmeach evening and if you eat thereit is totally free to play! If you justwant to go and practice or enjoy around with friends then it is 5€ perhead for 1 hour.The restaurant is typically Spanish and serves good quality meat, stews, fishand a superb paella. Menu of the Day is 8€ whether you dine at lunchtimeor in the evening. And for Baywatch readers, if you take the coupon below,you will receive a free bottle of wine per two persons dining. The comfy, rather than palatial room at the back can be used for privateparties with areas for music and dancing and having a good time. InDecember you can also use the coupon for a free glass of fresh orange juicewith your breakfast.

A real treat is install for youat the La Coza de JuanBBQ restaurant hiddenaway in

the San Fiacre Garden Centre enroute to El Colorado on the N340.You can either sit in the courtyardarea, in the bar, which has plenty ofseating, or if you have a privateparty there is even a comfortable celebration room near

the bar. BBQ food is the speciality ofthe house and is available every eve-ning, except Mondays. A BBQ meal fortwo is 10€ and during December andJanuary you get a free bottle of wine!Menu del Dia is only 7€ and includes,starter, main, dessert, coffee and adrink PLUS that free bottle of wine.WOW! Give it a try it’s great value formoney.

H

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We were a party of four and weordered a bottle of the house red at8€. It was smooth, full bodied andvery fruity - absolutely delicious.This wine is made especially for theowners by the Bodega El Sanatorioadjoining the premises.

Our grilled food soon arrived inabundance and we stopped talkingand tucked in with relish. Our meatwas cooked medium to well donebut you can ask for your preference,the chef will be only too pleased tooblige. The chicken brochettes wereparticularly good as were the spicysausages but the quantity beat mostof us and a couple of extra sausageswas all we could manage. The mealwas excellent value for money andwe will be going again very soon! Open Sundays and Fiesta Days.Reservations advisable.

Written by Jacqueline Dolby

El Llano de las Maravillas Celebration Rooms

You can dine al fresco in the lovelygrounds or terraced areas at El Llanode las Maravillas Celebration Roomsbut as winter draws on we decided tojoin the other diners and had a table intheir spacious indoor dining room.Decked out with pretty blue and whitechecked table cloths we enjoyed theirfabulous Sunday BBQ lunch.

At your table the waitress will explainthat the price includes grilled Ibericopork, veal, chicken brochettes, spiceysausages, salad, rustic bread, potatoes(cubed and fried) and homemadesauces. The price does not includedrinks, but you can re-order the meatas often as you wish. Within a fewminutes we were presented with alarge bowl of mixed salad, a basket ofdifferent varieties of bread and aselection of delicious sauces.

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A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE, notlikely .... At Christmas the traditional turkey isstill the main choice of Steve Lichfield’sBritish customers. Second on the listmight be a nice piece of top sirloin, butSteve advocates that if you want thatsomething different this year thengammon makes a good alternative toturkey, or for that special Boxing Dayor New Year’s Eve meal.

“I have been asked for goose morethan once, but it is very difficult tosource here in Spain. Our turkeys arefrom my supplier in Moron near Sevi-lle, who are well known for their qua-lity poultry, and are delivered fresh tothe shop a few days before Christmas.As well as crowns and whole turkeys, Ialso bone, roll and stuff turkeys toorder, these make a great moist jointthat’s easy to carve and leaves nowaste” says Steve.

Our gammon is cured in-house by a traditional dry-cure methodusing salt, spices and sugars thaproduces cured pork with lots offlavour. This method, unlike theinjection curing of mass producedgammon, means the meat retainsits moisture throughout thecooking procedure and so you’renot paying for added water youdon’t need. Dry cured gammon isdelicious roasted and is great slicedand cold for Boxing Day.”

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For a taste of dear old Blighty thisChristmas, visit Molly Malone’s inPuerto Santa Maria. It’s got lots tooffer over the festive season and all atreasonable seasonal prices too.Christmas lunches or dinners areavailable throughout December onrequest (booking essential), consistingof traditional English Christmas fayreor choose from their extensivewholesome and tasty menu. There’salways good music and it’s suitable forfamilies, banquets, business lunches,office parties or happy gatherings. CallJuani or Manager Steve, they’re onlytoo happy to help make that lunch ordining out experience just what youwant, whatever the occasion.

New Year’s Eve will be anothergreat occasion at Molly’s. It’sParty time and for €40.00 pp, it’sgreat value for money. It will be alively Hogmanay New Year’s EveDinner & Dance (don’t forget,owner Ian is a Scot .. och ‘aye!).With 2 midnight’s to celebrate, UKand Spanish times and Cava &lucky grapes all included in theprice, Friday 31st December 2010is sure to be a New Year’s Eve toremember at Molly Malone’s.

If it is just a night out for a mealwith friends over the festive, thenyou can’t go wrong with thatconvivial ‘Irish Craic’ at MollyMalone’s Great British Irish Pub andSports Bar.

It’s the place to go for a great nightout and super food, home cookedstyle, healthy and hearty andfreshly cooked, with lots of freshvegetables. Their hamburgers are renowned;they have to be with the AmericanUS Naval base nearby in Rota.Wednesdays are great for Fish nChips and then there’s their specialtheme nights – not to be missed.

Molly’s has an extensive range ofdrinks, German beers, wines andspirits. Cider’s on tap and of courseMurphys and Guinness, which islike drinking velvet and after a pintof their finest Newcastle Brown,you’ll wish you weren’t the dutydriver and/or organised a taxihome so that you can enjoy acouple more plus their Irish coffee! Reservations only New Year´sEve. To check out what´s on orto book, call 956 48 08 34.

Molly Malone’s

El Puerto deSanta MariaChristmas

and New Year

2010

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Abrand new partnershiphas recently been formedand if you are a golferthen you are welladvised to read on.

Still widely known by its old name ofMelia Sancti Petri, the course changedhands in July 2009 and was renamedLa Estancia Golf. The course lies 2.7kms from the beaches of La Barrosa.

It has undergone renovation since itschangeover to make the course morechallenging; further changes andrenovations are planned. The courseextends over 82 hectares of rolling,wholly natural environment.

There are protected areas incorporated intoits design and the streams & lakes are hometo 25 different species of birds.

The par 72 course plays differently dependingon the direction of the wind and presents achallenge to all levels of player. The greensare large and undulating allowing for manydifferent and often tricky pin positions.The course is easy and enjoyable to walk buthas a large fleet of buggies for those whoprefer their golf to be played in comfort.

The Staff are multi-lingual and very friendlyand helpful. The restaurant is comfortableand serves a large variety of dishes along witha good choice of wines & beers. The terraceoverlooks the 18th fairway and green and isone of the focal points of the clubhouse and isgreat for al fresco dining or a relaxing drinkafter your round. The Clubs facilities areavailable for special functions.

The annual membership costs are: €1200 perindividual or €1800 for family, for 7 days aweek unlimited golf, there are no restrictionsor hidden extras and discounts to membersinclude 15% off of everything purchased inthe Pro shop, reduced buggy rental and discounted range balls. Monthly paymentshelp to spread the cost of membership.Green fee players are also very welcome.

La Estancia Golf. Colada de Fuenteamarga.Campano, Chiclana Costa.

EEssttaanncciiaa GGoollff PPGGTT GGoollff TTeecchhnnoollggyy

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builds clubs that fit and in association with La Estancia Golfwe aim to spread the word, a great golf course and greatclubs all in one place. Steve Short explains what his company does and why andhow his partnership with La Estancia Golf will benefit golfersof all abilities.

Well first and foremost Protech Golf makescustom golf clubs, why do we need them? Okwell imagine walking into a shoe shop andonly being sold one size of shoe, doesn’tmatter what size feet you have, the shop onlysells one size, the same with clothes only onesize.

Yet that’s exactly what happens with golfclubs, people walk into a sports shop or adepartment store pick up a set of clubs fromthe shelf and hand over their cash. All theseclubs are standard size, same length shaftssame size grips, the only choice most peopleget is what brand name they buy or shaft flexthey choose.

So how do we change it? How do we showpeople that they really can play great golf andnot pay the earth? Well firstly all they needto do is just come along and see for

themselves, talk to us and show us theirgolf swing. In most case the clubs theyhave can be adjusted at very little cost toget them off on the right foot, after thatwe can try to explain how the physicsof a golf swing works and how they canimprove.

Protech Golf Technology builds clubs thatfit and in association with La Estancia Golfwe aim to spread the word, a great golfcourse and great clubs all in one place.Oh did I mention great tuition and a worldclass repair service too? Come along andmeet us bring your clubs, our freeclub/swing ‘health check’ will get youstarted. Golf should be fun shouldn’t it?And nothing in the golfing world brings ahuge smile to your face more than hittinga shot straight down the middle.Remember, there aren’t good clubs or badclubs only the right club!

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LHD AUTOSHere are a few reasons to take fresh a look at L.H.D

EX-PAT SERVICE CENTRE * CAR SALES * INSURANCE * TRANSLATIONS

Firstly may we wish all our clients a very merry Christmas and happy New Year and thank youfor your continued custom and support as always it is appreciated.

“ I SAVED 285.12€ & INCREASED COVER !!”The renewal premium on my car was 693.04€, I called into theLHD office to get a quote, 407.92€!! this saved me 285.12€ andalso increased the cover on my policy. I now have a local agentand my renewal premiums will be monitored year on yearby Jilly.

The above details are just one of our many money saving achievements during our last 12 monthsof client dealings so why not drop-in for a free no obligation quote, (free gift to all customers &potential customers whilst stocks last).

Here at LHD we are working harder than ever to build our business whilst maintaining our per-sonal service to each and every one of our clients.

Our ex-patriate help/service centre has been used for many things to assist our clients includingordering Nota Simples for properties, helping people with building services, sorting out vehicle im-ports and paperwork problems, getting official certified translations for marriage certificates, orsimply booking flights online etc. Whatever your problem or query we are pleased to helpwherever we can.

Our aim is simple, to grow and improve our business and retain our existing clients, not only bymonitoring renewal premiums to keep them competitive, but by making sure we are here whe-never we are needed and that we offer the best service possible. Easy words to write but it is upto us to ensure the best service possible is offered for all our clients.

LHD clients who have insurance policies with us take advantage of many additional services free of charge such as, free key holding, booking ITV’s, making appointments etcH

We don’t just sell insurance, we offer a customer service package to go with it at no extra cost andthis is our way of thanking you for your custom. We welcome any suggestions on how we canserve you better and improve our services to the benefit of everyone.

We would also remind everyone of our easily located office and free parking facilities which canbe utilised as a drop-off centre for donations to local charities such as Kimba - Happy Ending ,Age Concern.

HOME * MOTOR * LIFE * FUNERAL PLANS * TRAVELSEE OPPOSITE PAGE ADVERT FOR CONTACT DETAILSG

Linda Waker Another happy customer

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46Radio Baywatch Now 24hrs a Day!

Weekly Broadcasting Schedule

WEEKDAYS LIVE BROADCASTING

Monday10:00 - 12:00 Breakfast Show with Colin Wood12:00 - 14:00 Money in the Juke Box with Paul Money14:00 - 16:00 Lee Dean´s Comedy Show16:00 - 18:00 Sports Round Up with Dave Davis

Tuesday10:00 - 12:00 Breakfast Show with Colin Wood12:00 - 14:00 Jugger´s Jazz14:00 - 16:00 Ed´s Cherrey Picks16:00 - 18:00 Bob´s Choice with Bob Hamilton

Wednesday10:00 - 12:00 Breakfast Show with Colin Wood12:00 - 14:00 Elaine Grant´s Mixed Bag14:00 - 16:00 The Christopher Cooke Show16:00 - 18:00 Poppy´s Playtime

Thursday10:00 - 12:00 Breakfast Show with Colin Wood12:00 - 14:00 Ed´s Cherrey Picks14:00 - 16:00 Gossip Girls with Lesley McEwen16:00 - 18:00 Kris Cody Rock and Blues

Friday10:00 - 12:00 Breakfast Show with Colin Wood12:00 - 14:00 Money in the Juke Box with Paul Money14:00 - 16:00 Dave Davis and his Winter Mixture16:00 - 18:00 Brian Lambert´s Good Sport Show

Saturday10:00 - 12:00 The Christopher Cooke Show 12:00 - 14:00 Brian Lambert´s Good Sport Show 14:00 - 16:00 Gossip Girls 16:00 - 18:00 UK Top 4018:00 - 20:00 Brian Moran´s Luz Latino20:00 - 22:00 Easy Listeningl22:00 - 24:00 Smooth Jazz

Sunday10:00 - 12:00 Lee Dean´s Comedy Show 12:00 - 14:00 Elaine Grant´s Mixed Bag 14:00 - 16:00 Poppy´s Playtime 16:00 - 18:00 Classics and Comedy18:00 - 20:00 Bob´s Choice with Bob Hamilton

To listen again to your favouriteweekday shows, the follwing arerepeated:

MondayColin Wood: 6pmPaul Money: 8pmLee Dean: 10pm

TuesdayColin Wood: 6pmJuggers Jazz: 8pmEd Cherrey: 10pm

WednesdayColin Wood: 6pmElaine Grant: 8pmChristopher Cooke: 10pm

ThursdayColin Wood: 6pmEd Cherrey: 8pmGossip Girls: 10pm

FridayColin Wood: 6pmPaul Money 8pmDave Davis: 10pm

All shows subject to changeFor New shows and the latestbroadcast scedule, please seeour website www.baywatchon-line.org

To date we have now completedtransfers for more than 800expatriates, mostly based in the Costadel Sol, Costa de la Luz and the CostaBlanca. Clients now wish to accesstheir funds in cash for a number ofreasons:

Some see little benefit in holding afund which promises to provide little inthe way of additional income inretirement, but could yield a tidy sumnow when it is most needed.

Others have lost enthusiasm for theirfunds as investment returns have beenpoor, charges high, and governmentattacks are diminishing their benefitsevery year.

So if you want to access your entirefund now, what does it involve?

1.You cannot receive all of your fundsin cash unless you have been nonresident for 5 complete andconsecutive tax years i.e. since 5 April2005.

2.You complete a couple of simpleforms giving us authority to obtain fulldetails of your existing fund/s

3.We obtain the information and theappropriate “discharge” forms toenable you to make the transfer.

4.We prepare a report confirmingthe current details of your fund/sand the returns that may be provi-ded if the cash stays in a UK fund,and the penalties that can applywhen you die. We confirm howmuch can be obtained via transfersto a New Zealand QROPS.(All of this will cost you nothing,including 2 face to face meetings,and no fees are payable until thefunds have been transferred to NewZealand.)

The whole process can take up to 3months, but you will be kept infor-med of progress throughout thisperiod.Whilst some advisors will notarrange transfers of less than£100,000 we can arrange transfersfor as little as £20,000.For those who have been non resi-dent for less than 5 years we canarrange a capital payment of up to50% of your fund using an HMRCapproved pension arrangement,called a Pensions ReciprocationPlan. The balance of the fund may thenbe accessed once the 5 year periodhas elapsed.

Want to swop your frozen UK pension fund for cashGHere’s how simple it is:

By Stephen Ward BA (Econ), ACII, APMIManaging Director Premier Pension Solutions SL

Stephen Ward was a member of the UKGovernment’s Pension’s Industry WorkingGroup advising HMRC on the pensions’legislation changes which introducedQualifying Recognised Overseas PensionSchemes in the 2006 Finance Act.

47

DirectoryAdvertise in Baywatch to boost your business now!Call Sales on 856 101 803 / 697 552 936 or EMail: [email protected] Closing Date for IssueFebruary/March 2011 - Friday 14 January Prices from as little as €48 for 2 months

49

CHIFRA NEWSThis year our membership has grownfrom around 100 families to almost500. We have held ChiFRA “Chats” andget-togethers almost every month; im-proved our web page; held two verysuccessful terms of Spanish lessons;supported “Age Concern” and othercharities.

We have also held and are currentlyholding special events that includetrips to see how the local Sherry ismade, the Salt Marshes, the Nativityscenes, the local Museums and theCrypt in the “Plaza Mayor”. We alsotranslated the local news into Englishevery week and have read it “live” onthe Chiclana Radio station at 101.7 FM.None of this could have been possiblewithout your fantastic support and thevolunteer service

and dedication of the ChiFRAManagement Committee to ourCharitable Non-Profit Organisation.It is one thing for people to givemoney, but to give your time soselflessly speaks volumes. - Thankyou all! - I really appreciate thecontribution that everyone hasmade in 2010. We are truly startingto make a difference! Merry Chris-tmas and a Happy New Year toeveryone! Roger Alan Holmes (President)

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If you are looking for fun, entertain-ment, food and a great time duringthis festive season then why not callin at Bar Neros in La Barrosa.

They are situated in the courtyard oppo-site Mailboxes and a mere stones throwfrom the beach.

Here’s what they have on offer:Wed 22 - 8pm Christmas Carols in theCourtyardwith free sherry & mince piesFri 24 - 9pm Christmas Eve PartyNight with complimentary buffetSat 25 - 12noon Christmas Day ChillOut Pre-Dinner Drinks closing at 3pmWed 29 - 8pm Festive Quiz followedby Christmas KaraokeFri 31 - New Years Eve Party Nightwith complimentary buffet and Cava

CLOSED MONDAYS AND NEW YEARS DAYSEASONS GREETINGS TO ALL OURFRIENDS AND CUSTOMERS

Associacion Español Contra el Cancer (AECC)Christmas Concert at the Azahar Costa Celebration Rooms

Sunday 12 December 2010 from 17.30pmEntry €5 Free Raffle with entry

Saturday 19 February 2011 Annual late St. Valentine’s Dinner

Live music, good food and lots of funEntry €25 per person

All proceeds to AECC - Call Carol 630 928 644 for tickets

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Festive Opening HoursOpen as normal except the

following days:Friday 24th Dec 6pm till 1am

Sat 25th Dec closed Sun 26th Dec 12 noon till 4 ishFriday 31st Dec 7pm till 1 ish

Open for BreakfastMon Tue Wed 9am till 12pm

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BBOOOOSSTT YYOOUURR BBUUSSIINNEESSSSWWIITTHH

BBAAYYWWAATTCCHHFor all advertising enquiries call

Sales on 856 101 803 and 697 552 936

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baywatch christmas 2010

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