Sunset at Playa Torrenueva.......

 September 27

Ten minutes from 'Cortijo Azahar' on the 'Costa Tropical' of Spain.

Olive oil costs soar due to drought in Spain!

 SHOPPERS are being hit with soaring olive oil costs after drought in Spain badly affected the olive harvest.

Wholesale prices have increased by 30% since June, with experts warning the costs will have to be passed on to consumers.

Spain produces an average crop of 1.2 million tonnes annually, but this year’s harvest is expected to be 40% down on last year, dropping from 1.6 million tonnes to less than a million.

“After 18 months at rock bottom, olive oil wholesale prices are soaring and suppliers are warning of inevitable price hikes in-store,” said Filippo Berio UK managing director Walter Zanre.

“There was some hope prices would settle down again in September but this has not happened – prices are still rising.
“It also means it is almost impossible to buy, because everyone who has stock is sitting on it hoping the price will go up even further.”
He continued: “The price rises are such that they will have to be passed on.”

What IVA/VAT rates are charged in Spain ?

 The Spanish Government has announced IVA/VAT rate changes from September 1 2012. Some items move to the top rate.

The 4% rate – to be kept at 4%
This is applied to items considered to be of basic need. It includes basic bread, frozen dough, eggs, cheese, milk, beans and fruit and vegetables.
Books, magazines and newspapers.
School material with the exception of electronic items.
Medicines for human use.
Vehicles for the disabled, wheel chairs and collective transport for the disabled.
Prosthesis and implants.
Official protection housing.

The 8% rate – to increase to 10%
Foodstuffs in general, with the exception of those in the 4% band, soft drinks.
Animals destined for human consumption or breeding.
Items used in agricultural, farming and forestry activities, such as seeds and fertilisers.
Contact lenses and glasses.
Disabled lifts and items for the diagnosis of illnesses.
Health assistance services, social services, and dental work.
Imported artworks and antiques.
Hairdressing.
The handing over of housing, including garages and annexes.
House construction (between promoter and contractor).
The special type of IVA charged on house sales now goes to 10%.
Services supplied by artists and technicians.
Sports, cultural and recreational services, exhibitions and fairs.
Hotel and restaurants, cleaning of streets and public gardens.
Rubbish collection.
Transport of passengers and motorway tolls.

The General Rate – now 18% is to rise to 21%
All other products, including alcoholic drinks, tobacco, animals used in bullfighting, agricultural machinery.
CD’s.
Devices for the diagnosis and monitoring of pregnancy.
Television and radio services.

Some items are changing rates, glasses and contact lenses, cinema, hairdresser, discotheques, theatre, health products, funeral and cleaning services will move from 8% to 21%.

The Things We Take For Granted.........

After a while, living in Almuñécar,  a few miles to the west of Motril,  you can become ‘immune’ to its archaeological treasure and it is only when visitors come and express admiration for the sheer quantity of historical monuments, ranging from those left behind by the Phoenicians and up to the Moors, that you sort of ‘snap out of it.’
 
A recent group of visitors from the UK, including a curator at the British Museum, Mr Jonathan N. Tubb, was shown around the Cueva de Siete Palacios and the archaeological remains of the fish-salting factory which dates back 200 years before Christ.


















It is sad indeed that some of these monuments have been neglected, such as the Puente de Noy necropolis, which has been ignored since the late 70′s, and not to mention the recent scandal of mountains of archaeological finds, dating back over 2,000 years in some cases, being left in plastic fruit crates in a damp, unguarded cellar… but at least this kind of visitor will help to put Almuñécar ‘on the map.’


The Seaside Gazette, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)

Easternising the world ........

ATTITUDE TO WOMEN: They expect us all to admit they are in the right.

WELL, that’s it. Without doubt this week’s events in the Middle East have convinced me that enough is finally enough.

Our brave troops have been murdered by the very people they are supposed to be fighting for. Diplomats have been killed, in what were considered to be the safe havens of their embassies and, as usual, a ludicrous reaction to a short piece of film has, I sincerely hope, finally convinced the West that our efforts in the Middle East are an utter waste of time.

The majority of its countries will never share our values, sense of decency, or indeed give any support to civilized western societies. When will our leaders realise the Mid East doesn’t want us as allies. They don’t want to join us in a unified quest for peace and development - it frightens them.

They’re not ready. They still live in the 14th century. What they truly want is for us all to become Easternised. They want us to all categorically admit they are in the right. Force us to adopt their religious views, their attitudes toward women, and their warped sense of justice, their barbaric punishments and their complete disregard for human life.

They want us all to return to the dark ages; partaking lives of complete misery and hardship, because it’s going to be great when we’re all dead!
 Well thanks, but no thanks. We need to withdraw all our troops. Stop monetary aid and close our embassies. Let ‘em all get on with it.

When they’ve killed most of their own citizens and reduced all their countries to rubble, we’ll think about doing our deals with whatever rises from the ashes. In the meantime we have to re-negotiate the price of oil with the few Mid East countries that still are our allies.

Liaise with the Americans and do a great deal more drilling in Alaska and the North Sea. Let em stick their oil and their problems where the sun don’t shine. If Iran truly appears to want to annihilate Israel we must deal with them accordingly and tell China and Russia to mind their own business (what they gonna do, nuke us?).

If you want proof of how far we are down the road to appeasement, you only have to see the treatment of the author of this aforementioned film - which apparently mocks Mohamed.

With hands cuffed behind his back, large sunglasses, his head swathed in towels and roughly bundled into the back of a police car, he appeared like a captured serial killer or highly dangerous rapist.

Can you imagine the director of ‘The Life of Brian’, or the author of ‘The Producers’ being treated in this fashion!?
It’s a joke. For heaven’s sake get a grip all you so called leaders. The pussy footing simply has to stop or heaven help us all.


 Euro Weekly Online
Keep the Faith, Love Leapy leapylee2002@gmail.com

Granadinos Spending Their Savings......

Los Granadinos withdrew a stunning 400 million euros from their savings accounts in just three months – whether it was because they needed the money to live or because they didn’t trust the state of the euro is not clear, but it is probably a case of the former rather than the latter.

This drop in savings was from the 1st of January to the 31st of March, so we can assume a similar amount was lost at the end of each quarter since then.

Perhaps even more telling is the state of time deposits, which by their very nature deal with more money that normal savings accounts. The amounts held in this type of account dropped from 7,037 million to 6,779, despite high penalties being paid by taking out the money before the time deposit matures.

So, the drop between March 2011 and March 2012 was 685 million, of which, virtually two thirds disappeared in the first quarter of this year.
 Now, if as suggested the crisis will accompany us for the rest of 2012 and most of 2013, just how long is the money still held in savings accounts going to last, judging by first three months of this year?

Seaside Gazette - Sunday, September 16, 2012

Well......   I have it from the horses mouth, so to speak,  although the 'horse' in this case is a very respectable, elderly Spanish Lady from Seville who advised a person very close to me that she would be far better off if she and her husband withdrew their money from the 'Bank' and put it in a safe place. 
Under the bed perhaps?

It is well known that the  elderly Spanish have never, and still do not trust Spanish Banks and now, well...who can blame them?

ATB

 Located on the COSTA TROPICAL on the Southern coastline of Spain, at the Eastern end of the famous COSTA DEL SOL you will find two very special Holiday Homes,

Cortijo Azahar & Villa Tranquila. 

The Pool & Poolhouse at Cortijo Azahar

Villa Tranquila

The Costa Tropical probably enjoys the best climate in Mainland Europe and because of this, the area offers not just Summertime getaways , but is ideal for Winter breaks too.

Both Cortijo Azahar and Villa Tranquila are  available for  Winter 'Lets',  November to March, at extremely low rates, the best winter prices on the coast for 3 bedroomed Villas.
There are also Spring Discounts available in March/April/May for couples/3people.  Please do enquire.

This has proved to be an extremely popular option for writers, painters, retired people, house hunters and generally those who do not wish to endure the grim Winters of Northern Europe.

Cortijo Azahar

Winter  on the Costa Tropical of Granada is a refreshingly different experience with golden sunny days, usually pleasant enough to breakfast and lunch in the gardens, followed by cooler evenings. Curl up in cosy surroundings with a glass of Rioja, free Wi-Fi and satellite television. For what more could you ask?

                                                                                                                 

Villa Tranquila

 Villa Tranquila   is situated just above the timeless white painted village of La Garnatilla, some 7 kms inland from the coast, in the foothills of the Sierra de Lujar.  Tranquil, peaceful as it's name suggests, it is but ten minutes from the busy bustling town of Motril  and the nearest beach is just a few  minutes further.
 See more from  Villa Tranquila here:   Villa Tranquila


Cortijo Azahar   is situated just over 2 km to the east of Motril in the fertile agricultural valley.
It is a large, corner detached house on two levels with beautiful sub-tropical gardens and a luxury sized pool with two shallow ends.
See more from Cortijo Azahar here:      Cortijo Azahar


This Costa Tropical stretch of coastline gets its name because of  a special sub-tropical micro climate only found in this area;  sheltered from the cold northerly winds by the mighty Sierra Nevada and and close to the north coast of Africa, it allows for the cultivation of exotic fruits and crops.
An average temperature of 23ºc and more than 320 days sunshine a year means that
avocados, mangos, loquats, pomegranates, bananas and sugar cane grow in abundance and terraces, a little further inland, support citrus fruits, olives, sweet chestnuts and almonds.

Agriculture and Fishing are still more important than tourism to the friendly local people.

The local area does not have the frantic appeal of nearby Fuengirola and Torremolinos or the wealth and glamour of Marbella or Puerto Banus, but, if you are after a holiday with plenty of activities and a taste of Traditional Andalucian life, then you could find nowhere better to spend some time.

Instead of crowded beaches, British pubs and mass tourism, this lovely Tropical Coast is made up of cliffs, small unspoiled coves, old watchtowers, fortresses and numerous tapas bars where the tradition of a free tapa with a glass of wine or drink is still upheld.

Yes, it is the truth; it is perfectly possible to spend the mornings from November to March, skiing in the Sierra Nevada and the afternoons relaxing in the sunshine on a local beach.

Don’t hesitate, discover a different Spain.  Take advantage of lower Winter prices and Fly into MALAGA, ALMERIA or GRANADA airports which are all convenient for the Costa Tropical.

 It is really easy to get to Southern Spain and here a few useful links to help you plan your journey....

By Air…
RyanAir 
Monarch
EasyJet

By Road…
Alsa - coaches to Motril

By Rail…
Renfe - trains to Malaga/Almeria/Granada

By Sea…
Brittany Ferries  -  sail from UK or many of the French ports to Bilbao or Santander - useful  for                                        bringing Pets who are always welcome at Villa Tranquila and Cortijo Azahar.

La Herradura, near Motril, Makes The National Lottery.....

The First Councillor for La Herradura, Juan José Ruiz Joya, has announced that the National Lottery Organisation has agreed to use an image of La Herradura Bay on its lottery ticket on the 18th of October, to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the shipwreck of the Spanish Fleet in the village’s bay.

According to Sr. Ruiz Joya, this is just one of the many details included in the anniversary programme to commemorate this tragic event that occurred on the 19th of October, 1562, which was during the reign of Philip II, who, you might remember, planned to ‘visit’ England in 1588, bless his cotton socks, but he had a spot of bother with a HM Customs launch.

The Town Hall is going all out over this event and is pushing it all over Spain. They’re particularly happy with the National Lottery achievement because it is nationwide publicity at zero costs.

Even if you are not a regular lottery-ticket purchaser, it would be a shame to miss buying one on Thursday the 18th of October, wouldn’t it?  Go on, buy one – apart from a keepsake, you might even win something.

The Town Hall and the La Herradura in general is to be congratulated on the time and effort that is being put into the event – enhorabuena.


 The Seaside Gazette -  Monday, September 17, 2012

Save our Seas........

What is  even worse..... the dredge fishing.. and all that nylon netting causing so much death & destruction.
Commercial Fishermen believe they have the "natural " right to take ( any way they can) from the ocean... some because their families before them, did; others because they can.

We ask the lumber industry to replenish the forests if they cut down. They don't completely comply but there is pressure. And green movement became popular.

Somehow fishing industry didn't get the memo.

And like a pendulum .. the green movement is lessening.

 People love their lux'z.

 How to motivate the fishing industry to change. Shall we all gather by the river.

 article written by an fb acquaintance......Angel Blue

Costa Tropical Bananas........

 ........Planted on the edge of the car park, next to the garage, at the 'Centro Commercial'  Motril.

 and yes...... they are edible......someone will be enjoying them before too long......

Renovation plan for 'Caminito del Rey' now to go ahead......

It is one of those dream tourist projects that would put the region firmly on the map.

Now the plan to renovate the daredevil walkway Caminito del Rey, in El Chorro, is apparently back on track.

The narrow 3km path pinned to the side of a vertical gorge – 100m above ground – is set to be repaired, after claims last month that the scheme had been scrapped.

An agreement between the Junta and Malaga county council will see both bodies putting money aside to create the key tourist attraction.

Dubbed ‘the most dangerous walkway in the world’, the path – built between 1901 and 1905, to transport workers building a dam on the Guadalhorce river – needs major work.

 It is missing handrails for most of its length and many sections have completely caved in.
Despite this, every year hundreds of walkers risk their lives to walk along it, with one or two falling along the way.

The exact funding arrangements are yet to be finalised but officials confirmed that they expect the work to begin next year.

“This is an emblematic project and will bring a huge economic boost to the area,” said a spokesman for the Junta.


By Mason Jones - The Olive Press

The amount of traffic through Motril Port grew by nearly 80% in the first six months of this year, compared to the same period in 2011, which is pretty amazing.

Without a doubt the opening up of the ferry terminal has been crucial to the future of the installations, but container traffic has also contributed to this positive outcome.
Container traffic, which is measured in the capacity term of teus, increased from last year’s 2,035 teus to 3,651, with each figure corresponding to the first half of each year, giving the increase of 79.31%.

Back to ferry traffic.  If you ask around Motril you will find that most businesses have noticed the appearance of ferry-passenger customers in their premises but it’s not only Motril that has noticed their presence as Salobreña and inland areas have also been the destinations of this kind of tourist.

Take the 180 metre-long cruise ship, Azamara Journey, which was probably the biggest visitor of this kind.   Built in the year 2000 it has eleven decks and 42 suites, swimming pools, restaurants and golf simulators included in its 30,277 tonnes of weight, so, when its 500 passengers hit town, you kind of notice it.

 the Seaside Gazette

Gibraltar chief derides "fascist" Spain’s protected waters zone.....

Fabian Picardo goads the Spanish government to dare to clamp down on the practice of “bunkering”

 Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo attacked the Spanish government on Monday over plans to create a special conservation area around the colony's disputed waters and end refueling at sea (bunkering).

 Picardo challenged Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to act accordingly.

"Let them try," he said, "because there are bunkering stations throughout the bay and that will be a serious international confrontation.

" Spain said it is planning to create a special conservation area of about 26,600 hectares around Gibraltar that will include waters in dispute between both governments.

"However much they say that they will tighten the screws on Gibraltar, we have to say that this has been tried already.

That is the policy of the past, the failed and sterile attempts by Franco's fascist government," Picardo said.

El País  - Cándido Romaguera   Algeciras 11 SEP 2012 - 14:17 CET

Gibraltar......The theme of National Day: 'Not an inch to Spain' .....

Even before National Day had got going yesterday, and without knowing what would be said or not said, the Spanish Government was again on the attack, threatening to create a special area of conservation of over 26,000 hectares around Gibraltar including our British territorial waters - to prohibit what they termed as environmentally dangerous practices like bunkering, which happens to be a major business for Gibraltar's port.

No need to ask the Governor what he thinks, because The Convent is engulfed in Foreign Office policies of appeasement, asking Gibraltar to show restraint as the Spanish continue increasing the tempo of their hostile and aggressive policies against Gibraltar and its people.

As the rally got going, there were seven empty chairs on the stage, representing the boycott by the GSD opposition.

 SDGG chairman Denis Matthews said National Day should be a day of unity, while chief minister Fabian Picardo said thet the GSD decision was a matter for them, 'the people of Gibraltar are all here, united.'

 SNP member Angus MacNeil said the banner proclaiming the right to self-determination was 'fantastic,'

 Lord Reagan from the Ulster Unionist Party said it was a 'marvellous occasion', and pledged their support.  He said there was great affinity between Northern Ireland and the Gibraltarian people. Long live Gibraltar, he added, and the crowd roared in applause.

Loud cheers and applause punctuated all the speeches.

 DUP member Ian Paisley had fraternal greetings from the people of Ulster.
Celebrating National Day on Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee - what an honour and privilege to be here.
He spoke of the family of British people that embrace you and love you - we share our common bond. God bless Gibraltar - and never surrender.

Liberal Democrat's Lord Chidgey took the line that the people of Gibraltar should have the right to determine their own future. The UK government had no right to attempt to make deals of sovereignty with Spain or anyone else behind our backs.
Our promise to you as Parliamentarians, he added, is that the UK government will not be allowed to forget their pledge to Gibraltar. The sovereignty of Gibraltar extends from the frontier to Europa Point, and the seas around your shores remain with the people of Gibraltar.

Conservative Andrew Rosindell said that the British people stood four square behind the people of Gibraltar. "We come with a clear message to the government in Madrid: Gibraltar is British and remains so forever." Any government in London that ever tried to betray the people of Gibraltar deserves to be thrown out of office.
"And I say to the British government: the next time a Spanish vessel enters Gibraltar waters that vessel should be apprehended and the crew arrested," he said. "We must never give Spain an inch for they will take a mile."

 For the chairman of the all-party Gibraltar group in Parliament Jim Dobbin, Britain is important to Gibraltar and Gibraltar is important to Britain.
What a great day this is, he added, saying that there were a number of issues they needed to discuss wih the British government.

For chief minister Fabian Picardo ' this is our land, our home, our Rock.' He added: We are here to assert that we have the right to self-determination. No 300 year old treaty or threats will ever intimidate us.

"We will never concede one grain of sand, one breath of air or one drop of our waters," he reiterated. "Gibraltar will never be Spanish." He then hailed Joe Bossano as having declared the first National Day 20 years ago - and the two men embraced each other emotionally on stage.

The mayor Tony Lima was about to release the 30,000 balloons, amid the fireworks and the confetti. It was a great, memorable occasion.

11-09-12

Spain to create conservation area encompassing Gibraltar waters......

Madrid says there is no cause for offense in application of EU environmental protection statute.

A maritime view of the Rock of Gibraltar. / RICARDO GUTIÉRREZ

Spain is planning to create a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of 26,641.82 hectares around Gibraltar that will include waters in dispute between both governments.

 This zone will prohibit environmentally dangerous practices like bunkering (ship refueling at floating gas pumps), which is a major economic activity for Gibraltar.

Spain denied any connection between this decision and an ongoing spat with Gibraltar over fishing rights in part of the bay.

“It can’t bother anyone to see EU legislation applied to protect the environment,” said a Spanish government source. But this is not likely to be Gibraltar’s reaction.

After reaching a deal with Spanish fishermen to let them work near The Rock until year’s end, the government of Fabian Picardo announced on August 16 that net fishing would be forbidden, based on an expert report warning about overfishing.

 Since then, incidents between Gibraltar police and Spanish fishermen, who are protected by the Civil Guard, have been routine.

Spain ‘will regulate waters around Rock’ says Margallo......

Spain’s Foreign Minister issued a clear threat to Gibraltar yesterday in the latest salvo of words in the fishing dispute.

Jose Manuel García-Margallo said Gibraltar’s stance in the row would lead to repercussions in other areas affecting the Rock.

And in a serious development, he made clear that Spain would step up its efforts to regulate fishing, bunkering and other activities in its EU-approved nature site inside Gibraltar waters.

The Foreign Minister’s intervention followed persistent Spanish media reports that the Royal Gibraltar Police was ‘harassing’ Spanish fishermen at sea.


Speaking on Onda Cero radio during a wide-ranging half-hour long interview, Sr Garcia-Margallo was asked about delays at the border and responded by linking them directly to the fishing dispute.

“This is a two way street,” he said.

“The approach we take on other issues will depend on the treatment that the Government of Gibraltar gives to our fishermen.”

Sr Margallo added that Spain would ensure that Spanish fishermen were “protected” by the Guardia Civil and able to continue to fish close to the Rock.

He said Spain wanted a negotiated solution but would “not be given the run-around” by Gibraltar.

The tough talk drew a sharp response from the Gibraltar Government, which said it would not be swayed from ensuring that the rule of law was maintained in Gibraltar waters.

“It is regrettable that official circles in Madrid have still not learnt the lesson that a policy of hostility and antagonism towards Gibraltar simply does not work,” said No.6 Convent Place in a statement.

“The latest threats from Spain are totally unacceptable between democratic partners in the European Union.”

“It is shameful that the government of a large and powerful country like Spain should continue to bully a small country like Gibraltar in this way.”

It added: “It is regrettable that official circles in Madrid have still not learnt the lesson that a policy of hostility and antagonism towards Gibraltar simply does not work.”

The Spanish minister’s comments coincided with the British Government once again restating its position on Gibraltar waters, this time in a written response to a question in the House of Commons.

David Lidington, Britain’s Minister for Europe and NATO, told the Commons that the British Government was “deeply concerned” by Guardia Civil incursions into Gibraltar waters.

“Spanish agencies do not have any jurisdiction in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters [BGTW],” Mr Lidington said.

“We are confident of UK sovereignty over BGTW and are committed to upholding UK sovereignty.”

“We make this clear to the Spanish Government whenever appropriate.”



SPANISH NATURE SITE
The Spanish Foreign Minister said Spain would soon seek to regulate certain activities inside its EU-approved nature protection site in Gibraltar waters.

The site is the subject of a legal challenge in Europe, but that has not deterred Spain from pushing ahead with plans to increase its role there.

Sr Margallo said Spain would upgrade the site to the category of Special Area of Conservation [SAC], which under EU law will require Madrid to implement an environmental management plan.

He said Spain would seek to regulate certain activities in these waters including fishing, oil spills, bunkering and reclamation, as well as “some other things”.

The move will further heighten tension in Gibraltar waters.

Britain and the Gibraltar Government have already designated their nature site as an SAC and have a management plan in place.

London and Gibraltar are adamant that Spain has no jurisdiction in Gibraltar waters and are challenging Europe’s decision to approve the Spanish nature site. But that view was rejected yesterday by the Spanish Foreign Minister.

Sr Margallo said Spain could not intervene on what happened on land in Gibraltar. Under the treaty of Utrecht, “…that is something we cannot get into,” he said.

“But we can get into the issue of the waters because we consider them to be Spanish,” the Spanish minister added.

“If the Commission has said that Spain is responsible for preserving the environment in these waters, then that is what we are going to do.”

“We are not going to remain impassive.”

Sr García-Margallo also repeated his oft-stated position that Spain wants a return to bilateral talks over Gibraltar.

He said the tripartite forum was over and said that Gibraltar must not have a veto on any bilateral talks.

Sr García-Margallo spoke about Spain’s latest challenge to Gibraltar’s new tax regime, which he said was damaging Spanish companies.

The Spanish Foreign Minister displayed a very close knowledge of Gibraltar affairs during the interview.

Questioned on Gibraltar’s challenge to Spain to resolve the dispute over the waters in an international court, he did not shy away.

He said the Treaty of Utrecht clearly defined which waters had been ceded – only those in the interior harbour – and that this overrode any territorial rights set out in the later UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.


by  Brian Reyes  Gibraltar Chronicle  8 September 2012

Gibraltar Flag to fly at Foreign Office in London today, Gibraltar's National Day.......

The Gibraltar Flag is to fly at the Foreign Office building in London to mark Gibraltar's National Day. "It is fitting that Gibraltar‟s flag should be flown annually in London to mark this occasion," said Foreign Office minister.

FCO Foreign Office Ministers David Lidington and Mark Simmonds, respectively the Ministers for Europe and the Overseas Territories, will welcome the raising of the Gibraltar Flag over the FCO in Whitehall on Monday 10 September, to mark Gibraltar Day.

Indeed, from now on, the flags of each UK Overseas Territory will be flown over the FCO one day every year, to mark a significant day in each of their respective histories.

Mr Simmonds said: "I am pleased that the FCO will be celebrating this new era of positive engagement between the UK and the Territories by flying their flags over our building in London. The Government is determined to show our commitment to this relationship in a year which has seen a number of important landmarks, including the publication of the White Paper‟.

Mr Lidington said: “I send my greetings and best wishes to all Gibraltarians ahead of Gibraltar National Day. It is a day to celebrate the people of Gibraltar, their community and identity. It is fitting that Gibraltar‟s flag should be flown annually in London to mark this occasion.”

On 14 June, the flag of the Falkland Islands was flown over the FCO, 10 Downing Street and the Department for Communities and Local Government to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the islands' liberation.

The flags of all Territories were flown as part of the Diamond Jubilee pageant, and will be featured in future ceremonies of State.

Said the Foreign Office: The UK and the 14 Territories share a special and unique bond, with shared historical links that go back more than four centuries.



Panorama Gibraltar  06.09.2012

Lifeguards in Stereo....

Motril beaches are witnessing the bizarre situation of having both Cruz Roja and Protección Civil staffing the beaches thanks to the hasty actions of the Town Hall.

With only a week left to go of the beach season; i.e., high season when the beaches have lifeguards on duty, we have the surreal situation that if you get stung by a jelly fish (less numerous than lifeguards at the moment) you can literally chose if you want to be treated by the Cruz Roja or Protección Civil… almost.

After a meeting at the Town Hall, it was agreed to share out the beach posts between the two volunteer organisations so that the first three posts on Playa Poniente are staffed by P.C. and the next three (two of which are on Playa Granada) are staffed by C.R.

In the meantime, the Town Hall has made it plain that it considers that the Cruz Roja has overall command, which does appear as yet another stab in the back for the Protección Civil, who, by the way, have no problem with their Cruz Roja opposite numbers.

The PSOE opposition party has made its position plain and considers that the governing party has shown itself incapable of solving problems but good at creating them. The governing party (PP) on the other hand believes that the PSOE is just making it plain that they have no idea what the ‘realities’ of the municipality are. They consider that they have handled the situation well.

The question is, what will the Town Hall do without the Protección Civil throughout the rest of the year, as they work closely with the emergency services in accident scenarios, as well as staffing public gatherings?



Seaside Gazette   Thursday, September 6, 2012  

Andalucia dubbed a birdwatcher’s paradise.......

ANDALUCIA is promoting itself as a birdwatcher’s paradise after tourism chiefs travelled to the UK to highlight what the region has to offer.

The delegation attended the British Birdwatching Fair in Rutland, the largest of its kind in the world and often described as the birdwatchers’ Glastonbury.

Representatives from the Junta joined birdwatching companies at the fair to highlight Andalucia’s main areas for twitching and the key species visitors can expect to see.

Andalucia boasts around 150 natural protected areas totalling 3.3 million acres, more than 60 Special Protection Areas for birds which together are home to over 300 species of birds.