Tickled Squirrel March 2015

EVERYFRMEOENTH Issue 4 Tickled SquirrelMarch2015 “Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing, but nobody else does.” Britt, S. H., Academic (1907-79). New York Herald Tribune, October 1956. Articles, puzzles, information and advertising from the best local businesses.

Tickled Squirrel Ltd. accepts no responsibility for the services, goods or work which is provided by any advertiser. Although we do our best to ensure the content is correct we accept no liability for errors or omissions. No part of this magazine, in part or whole, may be reproduced without obtaining prior written permission. Inside this month P.4 Urgent Appeal From BARC P.6 Bulbs In The Garden. By Roald Goorman. P.9 Classified Adverts / Charities P.10 Brain Drain Puzzle Pages P.13 Making Changes. By Violet King. Website: P.14 Film Review - Into The Woods. www.tickledsquirrel.com By Megan Parker. Mobile site: www.m.tickledsquirrel.com P.18 Dying In Spain - Will You Rest Telephone: In Peace? 634 327 682 (Office hours are 10.00 - 18.00hrs Mon - Sat P.22 Reflection Of The Son. Emails: By Craig McArthur. [email protected] [email protected] P.24 Living In Laos - The Life Of An Tickled Squirrel Magazine is Ex-Pat. By John Nelson. published each month by P.26 Tickled Squirrel Ltd. Music Ramblings. UK Reg. No. 9244499 By Vince Tracy. P.28 2 Tech Tips. P.30 Market Days / Local Area Telephone Numbers. P.31 Puzzle Solutions.

SNACK ~ A ~ JAX 619 381 722 More than just an English Food Shop Come along and have a browse, then sit at one of our tables for a drink or a snack. You can even enjoy a full English breakfast if you wish before finishing your purchases. We stock a good selection of fresh, chilled and frozen English foods, as well as newspapers and magazines. Agents for TV Choice, RTN and Euroweekly Easypost And Eurodirect Passport Service cards available We have a large selection of cards for all occasions Come along and see us soon. You’ll find us on the “Island” in Bonalba. We’re easy to find, and you can park outside or nearby. We are open Tuesday 9:30 to 5:30 Friday 9:30 to 5:30 Wednesday 9:30 to 5:30 Saturday 9:30 to 4:00 Thursday 9:30 to 5:30 (we are closed Sundays & Mondays) (Kitchen service ends one hour before closing time) Lunchtime Specials - 4.95€ including a drink 3

March 2015 Wow, it’s March already! And we all know what March is, don’t we? Whether we live here on the Costa Blanca or back in the UK the March 1 weather can be a real mix. March is the battle between winter and St. David’s Day spring, and as the old saying goes it’s in like a lion and out like a lamb; and as it nears its end we put the clocks forward one hour. March 15 Mothering Sunday Please read the announcement below from John Mead at BARC. If (UK) anyone is in a position to help, give him a call as soon as you can. Thank you. March 15-19 Las Fallas Fiestas Next month we’ll be bringing you the details of the Bruised But Not Broken Walk for Life which takes place at the beginning of May. March 17th St. Patrick’s Day Not all ex-pats choose to leave the UK shores and come to Spain. Sometimes they go further afield ... much further, and this month March 19 we start a new series on the life of an ex-pat who upped sticks Día de San José and moved to a small country called Laos PDR. Over the coming months John will tell you of his trials, tribulations and successes. He March 29 begins this month with his departure from the UK. Palm Sunday Each month we bring you a short story each. We welcome March 29th submissions from our readers so if you wish to send your story for Clock’s Change consideration please write clearly, in good English and to a word +1hr. count of approximately 1000. Send your short stories by the 10th of each month via email to [email protected]. Unfortunately we are not in a position to be able to pay you but all work used will be fully accredited to its author. There is no guarantee that we will be able to use your work and we may hold it on file until such a time we have the space to print (poems are also welcome). And finally, life in Spain is generally great, but what happens if things go wrong, if someone dies? Will you be prepared? Take a look at the article on page 18. El Campello Christian Community Meetings of this Community will be held on Sunday, 8th March and Sunday 22nd March in the Hall next to Meson Pueblo Español (Pepe´s Bar) at 5 p.m. Everyone welcome! For information email: [email protected] or telephone Sue Bishop on 965699991/693048200 4

Sam’s 965 63 44 45 supermarket Open Monday to Friday 9 to 4:30, Saturdays 9 to 3 All Your Quality English Products In Stock Wide range of Quality Bakeware Available John Smith’s and Guinness Warburton’s Bread Wide Range Of Easter Eggs Available From 20th March Agents for TV Choice Baz Traditional English Butcher Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 3 Quality meats including roasting beef, steaks, home cured gammon, pork with crackling, home made beef and lamb burgers, and much more. Hair & Beauty Spring into fresh Nu Skin! Salon See amazing results with a course of 5 facials over 2 weeks for €180!! Each facial @ €36 saves you 20 euros over the course with results visible after 1st treatment! Appointments 965 63 44 45 Easy to f ind on the N332 between La Font & El Campello 5

Mediterranean Gardens Roald Goorman Bulbs In The Garden (plants and not light bulbs!) Bulbous plants are an extremely interesting and worthwhile addition to any Spanish garden. Especially considering the fact that most bulbous plants have evolved in climates similar to what we experience here at the Costa Blanca. The plant grows when it rains and forms a profusion of flowers and leaves, the leaves then store the energy in the bulb which thickens during the season and with age the plant, accumulating ever more nutrients and water. When the dry season starts, the plant goes dormant, having stored all necessary energy and water in the bulb to survive the dry season. The bulb also gives the plant an advantage when the first rains start again, immediately being able to form new leaves and flowers from the stored energy in the bulb. What we call popularly bulbs might either be true bulbs or corms, bulbs are actually folded leaves that shoot upwards when in season (like tulips and daffodils), corms are thickened stem bases from which a single stalk emerges with leaves and flowers (like onions). As both have similar requirements in cultivation, and for the sake of simplicity in the article we will call them all bulbs. Having lived in South Africa for a year, I have developed a particular love for South African bulbs, as there is such a stunning variety of them, one species even more breathtaking than the other when in bloom! Also, as quite a few of the nicest species come from the Southwest of South Africa, which also experiences a Mediterranean-style climate, these plants are perfectly suited to our gardens. Some other species come from summer rainfall/ winter dry areas, but with a little extra watering in summer, these could also be grown with success. It really depends whether you want a water-wise garden with as little extra watering as possible or if you don’t mind doing a bit extra watering to have a wider selection to choose from! Beware, Mediterranean climate bulbs generally (with a few exceptions) do not mix well with summer rainfall bulbs, as the first would succumb to rot when receiving additional water in summer, so if you would like to grow both, keep them in separate beds with different watering regimes. For all bulbs, excellent drainage is important, if your soil is heavy and clayish, then create raised beds with a mix of loam, compost, coarse sand and composted pine bark or potting soil. For the Mediterranean species do not fertilise. 6

Most South African species belong to the Iridaceae (Iris-family) or the Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis family), with some like the Kniphofia belonging to the small family of the Asphodelaceae, of which the Spanish native Asphodel is also a member. Some interesting genera (each having several tens to hundreds of species!) for the Mediterranean garden are: Winter rainfall: Watsonia, Nerine, Boophane, Moraea, Haemanthus, Bulbinella Summer rainfall: Kniphofia, Scadoxus, Zantedeschia, Ornithogalum, Clivia, Crocosmia, Agapanthus From experience, I know that quite a few of these bulb species are hard to come by. What I usually do is order seeds (most bloom within two years after sowing) or bulbs from African Bulbs, a small nursery in South Africa, run by Rhoda and Cameron McMaster. They are both bulb enthusiasts and very helpful when you want to get information or to order special African bulbs. Take a look at the website www.africanbulbs. com In the next article I will discuss some bulbs native to Spain and the European Mediterranean. Gardens tailor made to suit your needs www.mediterragarden.es Tel: 630 477 295 [email protected] Avenida del Reino 1, 3a - 30130 Beniel (Murcia) 7

CASAS e Royal Carvery CAMPELLO Alkabir www.casascampello.com Traditional Home Made English Food and Breakfasts You have the property for sale and we have the clients to buy. With a Good Choice of Quality Wines Contact us for information on our Menu Del Dia 8.50€ easy marketing process. 3 Courses and a glass of wine, water or a coffee Your local, friendly estate agency who speak English, Español, Nederlands and Deutsch. Sunday Roast 10€ Three Courses www.casascampello.com Friday & Saturday Evening BBQ 8€ tel: 0034 965638221 Please book in advance Calle Montnegre 4, Coveta Fumá, El Campello. We are open Tuesday to Saturday Sunday 10am to 3pm 6pm to late From 1pm Reservations: 96 56 36 890 We’re easy to nd on Alkabir just o the N332 from El Campello We offer a full range of Prices start from only 3€ per m² English & Spanish Legal Services Buying/Selling Property * Remortgages Property Transfers * Rental Contracts & Disputes English & Spanish Inheritance Wills & Probate * Powers of Attorney NIE & Residencias Utility Changes & much much more . . . . . . . . Free First Consultation Tel: 687170241 email: [email protected] www.lbs-spain.com 8

Classifieds Classifieds Classified Adverts Section Classifieds Classifieds Classified adverts are free for items up to 500€ (MAXIMUM 20 WORDS PER ITEM INCLUDING CONTACT NUMBER). Photographs cannot be included. However, don’t forget that you can also place your adverts on our website, including up to four photographs at www.tickledsquirrel.com To include your advert in the printed magazine please send by email to: [email protected] BEFORE the 15th of each month. Only one item per email and a maximum of four items each month per email address. Space may be limited therefore adverts will be placed on a first come first served basis. Tickled Squirrel Magazine Classified Ads section is solely for private individuals to advertise items for sale or wanted. It is not for the use of businesses. Classifieds Classifieds March Ads Charities Nintendo DS Lite, in black. Great condition. C/W three games – Lego Harry Potter (boxed), To include a charity in our listings please Super Mario Bros (boxed), and Grey’s supply a valid registered charity number. Anatomy (not boxed). 25€. Tel: 634336018 APAC Animal Protection Charity in El Campello. Dogs 2 mens & 1 ladies bikes for sale 40€ each. El Campello. Tel: 604164788 of all ages awaiting rehoming. Sterilisation scheme for feral cats. Charity shop at Av. Germanies, 20, El Campello. For information about dogs, call Joy 965699460, and for feral cats call Janice 965638899, or Onny 965940763 (charity no. 3817) Bruised But Not Broken Cancer Support Charity. Our aim is to provide respite breaks. If you or your family need help, or you wish to volunteer, please get in touch. Tel: Lorraine 608524896 (charity no. CV-01- 049781-A) MABS FIREWOOD Cancer Support Group covering Costa Blanca area. Interpreters/Transport/Equipment/Support Free Kindling and nursing available for you and your family in And Chimney Sweep your time of need. Tel: Sue 664266991 (charity no. 7261) 658 626 315 P.E.P.A. 9 Animal Charity is desperately looking for foster carers to help us with the overwhelming amount of abandoned animals. All expenses are paid, all that we ask is that a secure loving temporary home is given. For more information please telephone Pat on 962833325 or the helpline on 650304746 or email p.e.p.a.animalcharity@ gmail.com (Reg. Charity Number: G.97646921)

The Brain Drain Puzzle Pages Across 35. Act of performing (11) 16. View (5) 38. Protected (7) 18. Barrier (5) 1. Smart (7) 39. Government income (7) 19. Leading (9) 4. Hits (7) 20. Speak (3) 8. Lottery (11) Down 21. Small islands (5) 12. Monkeys (4) 26. Snare (4) 13. Relocate (4) 1. Water vapour (5) 27. Memorandum (4) 14. Mix smoothly (5) 2. Rules (4) 28. Shut with force (4) 15. Tell positively (6) 3. Perceive with the eyes (3) 29. Uncommon (4) 17. Dull yellowish brown (5) 5. Light meal (3) 31. Temporary stop (5) 22. Doing nothing (4) 6. Separate article (4) 33. The back of (4) 23. Poles (5) 7. Now and then (9) 34. Land measure (4) 24. Gaming cubes (4) 8. Hardens (4) 36. Enemy (3) 25. Go into (5) 9. Heap (4) 37. Abraham (3) 28. Harsh (6) 10. Melody (4) 30. Water holes (5) 11. Couch (4) 32. Former Russian ruler (4) 14. For grooming hair (5) 34. Extent of space (4) 10

March Madness Quiz Sudoku Easy/Medium/Hard 1. If your birthday is on the fifth of March, 1425 3 what is your zodiac sign? 83 1 a. Libra b. Cancer c. Leo d. Pisces 2. What is your birthstone if you are born in 293 5 1 the month of March? 2 6 5 a. Garnet b. Opal c. Aquamarine 3. If you were born in March, what is your 48 flower? a. Crocus b. Tulip c. Daffodil 9 57 4. The month of March is associated with 5 6 832 which culture's god? 5 24 a. Celtic b. Gaelic c. Norse d. Roman 5. How many days are in the month of March? 4 8 3 9 6 a. 28 b. 30 c. 27 d. 31 795 4 6. The Ides of March is a famous day. What day is it? a. 5th b. 3rd c. 26th d. 15th 319 6 7. Which historical figure was killed on the 3 Ides of March? 675 1 a. Joan of Arc b. Plato c. Julius Caesar 8 6 8. Which sport has a tournament named 2 964 March Madness? a. Hockey b. Soccer c. Basketball d. Baseball 4 9. The holiday of Nowruz is celebrated in 9 725 March. What is this celebration? 6 937 a. Russian Independence b. International Human Rights Day c. New Years Day 10. Which country celebrates Martisor? 56 1 a. Vietnam b. Iceland c. Romania 11. Which of these Saint's days is not in March? 1 298 a. Saint George b. Saint David c. Saint 3 6 Joseph d. Saint Patrick 1 6 12. Prince Kuhio is recognized in March. 94 73 Which culture celebrates this man? 8 5 a. Hawaiian b. Chinese c. Japanese 19 Solutions / answers to the puzzle pages 234 1 are on Page 31. 41 2 11

SUNDRENCHED VILLAS Specialists in Property Sales, Long Term and Holiday Lets Are you are looking to SELL or RENT your property? en come and talk to us. We have a large portfolio of international clients waiting to BUY and RENT in this area. Calle San Bartolomé Nº 55 Commercial B El Campello 03560 (between the lottery shop and the charity shop) Telephone 666 967 469 or 622 658 581 English and Spanish spoken Email: [email protected] Web: www.sundrenchedvillas.com “A superb dining experience at a very reasonable price.” Chef’s Menu Tapas Menu Mon to Fri 11.95€ Every Day 18.00€ Sat & Sun 14.95€ (For Two People) Open 10:30 to 16:00 & 19:30 to 22:30 every day except closed Tuesday eve and Wednesday all day C/San Bartolomé 47 El Campello Tel: 966 209 539 12

Making Changes What Matters in Life? I’m sure many books have been written on the subject and I imagine that you all have your personal views as you saw that question . . . In fact I believe only one thing matters in life, and that is our attitude towards it, and everything concerned with it. Let’s face it, if we could alter things as we go through the years we could have things the way we want, and that is fine. Sadly life is not always as simple as getting things the way we want them. What would we ever learn if it wasn’t for the ups and the downs? Take Relationships: That involves another person, and we can’t control or guarantee how another person will act out their part in our lives. None of us are the same, and that is what causes conflict at the best of times, but we are all special and we need to handle the stress in our lives in a way that is good for us. Take Finance: Do we have what we want? Can we get more? What are the probabilities there? So different for each one of us that’s certain. There are so many different circumstances, but it all boils down to one final result. Take Health: Who knows what tomorrow might bring? All we can be sure of is this moment in time, and if we can’t change it, what can we do? We can do nothing about changing every circumstance is the answer, but we CAN change how we feel and think about everything we are involved in. Attitude is everything. Violet King The past is only a tutor, and there is absolutely no sense in hanging on to it. Learn from it by all means and you can actually benefit from all the Personal things that went wrong. The only thing that we are able to control is the Confidential here and now, and that is the only thing we can change, so make the most Counsellor of it, because having the right attitude today can change our future, and that is what matters in life. I see it working all the time with people who are prepared to make changes to their thinking and move forwards to whatever life has to offer. For information Because having the right attitude is so life changing it appears that what please ring matters most in life is how we view things and how we handle things. The 966928256 or right attitude colours and changes everything. Keep an open mind, don’t 634312179. rule out anything that makes sense, even if it is a new way of looking at things. Alternatively send Remember we all have something in our lives to make us happy and we an email to: all have things in our lives to make us miserable. YOU choose which you vmking303@ are going to concentrate on each day. yahoo.com I was talking to someone the other day who said she has a plan to do Website: SOMETHING different every day, so that she never wastes it . . . what a www. healthy attitude! makechanges. webs.com Look for the best in life, and make each day special. Some of us may not have tomorrow, and many of us did not have today. Till the next time! Violet 13

Film Review A walk in the woods can be peaceful, the same as the originals, apart from the vital undisturbed, and a time of reflection upon alternative of ending up in the woods. nature’s serenity. Step into the woods and you’ll hear the fragile harmonies of the birds’ chirping Being the narrative voice and playing the and the subtle rustling of such wise and gentle character of the baker, James Cordon stars trees. as the protagonist of the film and we see him making his big, theatrical debut. Many other big Well, at least that’s what I thought until I names star alongside Cordon including Emily witnessed the madness of Into the Woods; a Blunt as the bakers wife, Meryl Streep as the melodrama brimming with displays of energetic evil witch, Anna Kendrick as Cinderella, and and far-fetched fantasy. This particular film Johnny Depp as the wolf. stands out through its fantasy genre crossover of many magical Grimm Brother fairy tales. I can see the reasoning behind the title of Into As always, Little Red Riding Hood innocently the woods, because it is sung and spoken more walks through the woodland to return to her times than the world combined have eaten grandmother’s house and while her brief cooked dinners! The singing only adds to the meeting with the wolf is expected, Into the whimsical and lighthearted nature of the film, Woods creates her fortuitous encounter with creating elements of enchanted surprise and the characters of Jack and The Beanstalk, mystical spirit. However, do not be fooled by Cinderella, and Rapunzel. such moments of joy because the ending will give you a shock, and leave you questioning if The story first follows the lives of a baker and things really do end ‘happily ever after’. his wife who are struggling for both money and the wish of having a child. Their neighbour, a Megan Parker spiteful and mysterious witch, promises to lift a curse laid upon them, giving them the chance to start a family. All fortune will be returned at the cost of four items requested by the witch; a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold. And so the baker and his wife eagerly trail ‘into the woods’, unaware of what they will find as they forage further into the darkness. As for Cinderella, Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk, the stories are the pretty much 14

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Campello Alternative Therapy Neuro-Muscular Therapeutic Massage John Goodhew D.M., M.A.S., Th.M., S.W.S.M Member of A.T.M. Practitioners Telephone: 654 254 904 Email: [email protected] www.costablancatherapy.com Simply the best, trained by the best! Make an appointment with me now for a little restorative body work Call me on 654 254 904 Jacqueline Goodhew Reiki Master S.W.S.M I.H.B.C Email: [email protected] Reiki One to One Reiki Level 1 and 2 Teaching Animal Reiki Call 635 734 647 For A Reiki Appointment 16

Christine and Steve welcome you to the Tel: 965 639 174 Bar El Poblet Snacks available - Breakfasts from 10am to noon Kitchen open from 9am to 3pm and 6pm to 10pm Friday Night Saturday Night Is Fun Quiz Night Is Steak Night Come along and join in the fun. Gammon, Rump or Beef Fillet with all the trimmings and a small glass of house free wine 9.95€ Sunday Lunch Beef, Pork or Lamb - each comes with all the trimmings. Main Course on its own is just 6€. Two courses are 8€. Three courses just 10€ We’re easy to find - turn off the N332 to El Poblet take the first right and we’re there True Blue Pools And Gardens Campello Pools Only 75€ per month including chemicals (Based on a standard 8m x 4m pool on an annual contract) Gardens Monthly maintenance contracts Ad hoc work at 12€ per hour. Landscaping - Irrigation Systems - Tree Pruning 0034 677298881 0034 678247491 [email protected] 17

Dying In Spain ~ Will You Rest In Peace? Spanish Funeral System ~ Make sure you understand it. Many British and other foreign nationals are falling foul of the funeral system here in Spain whether on holiday or living here. Why? Spanish system must be completed in a very short time. By law, a death must be registered within 72 hours, and funerals generally take place within 48 hours, with the “norm” being 24hrs. Payment must be made in advance before any funeral can take place, extra days will mean extra mortuary costs. If payment is not forthcoming, then assets and bank accounts can be embargoed meaning very little or even no access to funds. No plan in place leaves the funeral director in control of your finances and service. On the day you or your loved ones will have very little choice other than to sign the body release form and go along with the process from there. Not signing will mean that you are left with the body and signing means a financial obligation. The next or even the same day will find you negotiating prices and service, and this is where costs start to escalate. There are many stories and evidence which demonstrate that costs can escalate way above the national average which is currently around 4,500€. The cost of a funeral has risen historically by approximately 10% a year. Losing a loved one is a very distressful and painful time for all. The last thing we need is to be misunderstood and presented with a large bill and a funeral that does not meet your family’s personal needs. Mostly there is a language barrier too. Asking your friend or interpreter to deal with the arrangements is not necessarily the best choice - all s/he can do is interpret and give you the price. The Spanish also fall into the same trap when there’s nothing is in place! What do the Spanish do? Most Spanish take out funeral insurance but it’s usually taken from childhood. Insurance from birth or a young child can be very expensive . . . imagine a family of four paying for two generations or more . . . here the average person dies at 85. If payments are stopped for whatever reason then all or most of the funds are lost. Quite often insurances ask for more money as the sum assured diminishes over time, or only provide a contribution. Despite popular belief many UK insurance plans do not cover Spain. You or your family may also find yourself dealing with the funeral and reclaiming your costs at a later date. Insurances have clauses so beware! Pre-paid plans can be a brilliant solution. One phone call can be all that is needed, to an English speaking service and one which can guarantee a fixed cost for life, generally under the national average of 4,500€. They will take care of all the required paperwork. Some even cover you in the UK! There is no need for lump sums either with some companies providing interest free options, or up to 10 years with interest. It fixes the cost at today’s price and it’s guaranteed for life. There are no restrictions and everyone is accepted. 18

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Free RESERVATIONS 96 685 28 46 www.maharaja.es MENU OF THE DAY From 10.00€ Served from 12:00 to 3:30 pm EVENING MENU From 12.90€ We are open from 12pm to 3:30 and 6pm to late every day except Tuesdays when we are closed 96 685 28 46 Avda Puerto, 7 Local 6 Bajo Villajoyosa www.maharaja.es Where a Warm Welcome Awaits You On The Sea Front in Villajoyosa Reservations 965 63 43 71 Overlooking the port in El Campello, La Cova offers a delightful place for a relaxing meal. A La Carte or Menu del Dia, both offer superb food at reasonable prices. Open Tuesday To Saturday Lunch Times 13:30 to 16:00 Evenings 19:30 to 23:00 Sunday Lunch Time 13:30 to 16:00 (Closed Monday all day and Sunday evening) Dinner Dance - Last Friday Every Month - 17.50€ Menu of the Day 17.50€ 20

We are here for you! Affordable, Trustworthy and Transparent. DO YOU SPEND MORE THAN 4 WEEKS A YEAR IN SPAIN? DID YOU KNOW THAT MOST FUNERALS TAKE PLACE AND MUST BE PAID FOR WITHIN 24 HOURS? Avalon offers a quality pre-paid funeral plan to bring comfort and reassurance to all of us living here in Spain • Funds are held in Capita Trust Fund, the same as UK Police, Government, NHS and Teachers funds. • Guaranteed to pay whenever the inevitable happens. • Covers UK as well as Spain. • UK and Spanish company with head of�ices in both countries. • Flexible Payment Options . • Just one phone call needed to an English speaking service. • Avalon has been operating for 25 years. • We conform to UK regulations and procedures, bringing that reassurance to Spain. • Funeral costs �ixed cost for life. For further information please call your local representative: Joe Costigan Tel. 688 206 107 Email: [email protected] Find out how the Spanish Funeral System works and how it can affect UK citizens 21

Reflection of the Son Craig McArthur Following the disappearance of his father the day before, and frustrated by the thought of a forty eight hour wait before he would be declared missing, Isaac took it upon himself to go and look for him. Initially checking the work diary in his office, he got the address of where William was supposed to have been working. Isaac pulled his car into the driveway of the property and was immediately astounded by the look of this tired old building. He could see that it once was a rather grand place to live, with Tudor styling on the apex that faced him. The ground floor contained three large wooden bay windows, each having several panes of glass broken. Patches of render had fallen away exposing red bricks now tinged green. Beyond the house lay a vast field, once containing a lawn but now wild with growth. Isaac spotted his father’s empty van. He called out for his dad. There was no response. A sign mounted on the brick work above the rear door to the building read Rookery Farm - the same name as his family name. The door was unlocked. Isaac entered the building and walked along the corridor, his hand brushing the oak dado rail covered in dust. The corridor opened into a large hallway where a grand staircase faced him. An oak-beamed fireplace was to his right. Noticing engraving across the front of the beam, Isaac ran his fingers across the words. It was written in Latin . . . Isaac vultus ad speculum considerantem quia responsum. Quite the coincidence he thought, as he knew Latin from studying it at college. He translated it to English... Isaac look to the mirror’s reflection for the answer, was what it said. Looking around, he spied a mirror leaning against a wall. As he approached it he saw movement in its reflection. Turning quickly Isaac checked behind him. No-one was there. ‘Dad, are you here?’ he shouted. Wiping the dust from the mirror Isaac suddenly realised he had no reflection! Isaac jumped back in shock, and then he saw something else within the mirror. The room appeared to be new, freshly decorated, the fire was alight and somebody stood there watching the flames dance around. As he moved closer, he noticed the person was in fact his father William, only he appeared older. Isaac turned around to see if he was in the room with him, only to find himself surrounded by the damp ruin of the once grand hallway. He shouted ‘William Rookery.’ Turning back to look at the mirror, Isaac saw his father walking toward him. Unsure what to do, and with the urge to run, William spoke through the glass. ‘Isaac wait, it’s me, dad!’ Unable to fathom how this could be happening, Isaac moved toward the mirror, his hand reached out to touch his dad’s elderly reflection, while a tear ran down his cheek.William explained how he’d discovered the entrance to the cellar in the reflection of the mirror. ‘What cellar?’ Isaac said. ‘Precisely.’ William replied. ‘It can only be seen in the mirror’s reflection.’ He went on to say how after he’d lifted floor boards, he’d discovered and gone down the steps of the cellar only to find himself back in time and at the top of the steps again, and that after several attempts to get back to 2015, he’d found himself trapped in 1855, before the house had ever been built. William described his life, of how he’d met and subsequently married the farmer’s daughter Samantha, that they’d had two children Philip and Mary. ‘How am I supposed to believe you when you only went missing eighteen hours ago?’ asked Isaac. ‘It may only be eighteen hours for you, but it’s been eighteen years for Jane and me. We built this house ten years ago and I have waited here every lunch time in the Hallway in the hope of somehow getting a message to you.’ An idea occurred to Isaac, ‘Dad what if I go down the cellar stair myself, with a rope attached this end, maybe I could bring you back. If not, at least we’d be together.’ ‘And my family too?’ William replied. 22

Isaac still not fully accepting this ran to his dad’s van, grabbed the rope out of the back, tied it off and then proceeded to climb through the hole in the floor and down the stairs. Eventually he appeared in front of his aged father and after a lengthy embrace, Isaac had a selfish thought. He turned and fled down the stairs again making sure he took the rope with him, he emerged in the middle of the field where the house would one day stand. Next to him he saw his father sat there. Helping his dad to his feet they then both clung onto the rope and pulled themselves back into what would be a stairwell but in this instance a portal opened. To both of them it felt like a mountain climb, constant forces pushing against them. Both Isaac and William emerged at the top of the stairs to see an elderly William looking horrified as he started to decay in front of them. Back into the stairwell they went again, then again until they emerged back in 2015, home safe. ‘Who was that tortured soul who we left behind?’ asked William, panting and out of breath. ‘Dad, that was you eighteen years into what would have been your own future.’ he replied. ‘Would have been?’ William replied. Isaac went onto explain his own selfish actions so that he could have his father back but in doing so he started to slur and stumble about the room. ‘Isaac are you alright?’ ‘No. I can’t.... breath.’ It occurred to William, that the children, Mary and Philip, might be his Great Great Grandfather and sister, that in Isaac bringing him back to the present, he subsequently destroyed their own existences. William knew what he had to do and so picked Isaac up off the floor, Craig McArthur is a writer but while doing so started to feel himself from Lincolnshire. His works begin to fade, his lungs feeling empty, he are mainly science-fiction threw himself and Isaac down the cellar stairs, based. If you’d like toknow then again and finally battered and bruised more about Craig and one last time. They both awoke to the sight his works please contact of a lady called Samantha looking over them him directly via email to: with concern. [email protected] Man With A Van MJC Van Transport Long Wheel Base High Top Van 965699100 07787745068 and Driver Available 687672081 Ideal for * Regular trips from Spain to UK & back House removals * Buy in the UK. Delivered to your door by Off ice moves Those extra large items us! * Removals - Part loads - Full loads Single Call Ian on 648 835 377 or 627 703 521 Items * Cars & Bikes Transported Phone or Email Colin & Mary for a Quote [email protected] It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade. ~ Charles Dickens, Great Expectations 23

Living In Laos ~ The Life of an Ex-Pat It all began in September of 2012. The John Nelson itchiness on the feet, that is! Do you know the feeling? That itch which no scratch will ever from my employer so I knew this would be a busy help ease. This was the time I began to plan time travelling around and soaking in the delights my escape from the ‘rat race’ that was the UK! that South East Asia would have to offer. At that time I was working in a good job as a project co-ordinator for a major convenience Early in February 2013 I had confirmation of a store company. My job required me to travel plane ticket for one to Bangkok via Amsterdam and work away from my hometown during leaving at the start of May and returning in the week, living in hotels and guest houses. early June. WOW! There were no other plans, It never seemed quite right going home on I hadn’t scheduled in a hotel or guest house in a Friday afternoon because the itch always Bangkok, or anywhere in Thailand come to think got stronger as I drove north to my little home of it! All I knew as the date got closer was that I in the beautiful town of Kelso nestled in the wanted to head into the tiny mysterious country Scottish Borders. of Laos PDR and journey south until I came to the poverty stricken land of Cambodia, and more In the dark winter nights I began to dream importantly the ancient wonder of the world which about adventures in faraway lands with just is known as Angkor Wat. a book, my backpack, and camera in hand. It seemed natural to me to start this journey Planning my route through Thailand I knew I in Asia, a place I’d had a fleeting stop-over wanted to experience something which most en-route to New Zealand in 2005; and so I tourists and travellers miss out on - a real looked for a major destination point. Bangkok hands-on animal conservation experience and I appeared to be the place all aeroplanes found just that with a short voluntary stay at the headed, and therefore after making some Elephant Nature Park, north of Chiang Mai city notes I booked a return ticket to Bangkok. I in the northern reaches of Thailand. From here could only manage a 5-week holiday break it seemed an easy journey to reach mysterious Laos where I planned on joining a Jungle Trek for three days and nights, sleeping in treehouses and ziplining across the jungle canopy seeking out the elusive and critically endangered Black Gibbon. After those two animal experiences I really hadn’t planned much, apart from trying to experience life as close to that of the locals and natives as possible, and making it to Angkor Wat to see what all the fuss was about. ‘What will be will be,’ I thought to myself sitting in the doctor’s surgery awaiting vaccinations against tropical illnesses rampant in the jungles and hill villages of rural Asia, but then, I worried about the illnesses I would take to the indigenous peoples of Laos and Cambodia. In no time at all the date to begin my adventure arrived and one of my good friends transported me to Edinburgh airport for my early morning departure to Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport and my connecting flight into Bangkok. Next month, read about my experiences in the Orient and the basic schoolboy errors of a novice traveller arriving in a new country for the first time ever… 24

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Music Ramblings Vince Tracy Names in Lights or shall I google it?  There’s Originally from Birkenhead, another dilemma. Do I need Vince began work at I got my inspiration for this a capital G or is the verb now a local hospital radio article from the death of Rudy to google. To google or not to station before joining Pompilli, who died on 5th google that was the question! BBC Radio Merseyside. February 1976. As he was a Duane Eddy’s wife has Significantly influenced by non-smoker it’s sad to see he apparently verified that he had Radio Caroline as well as might have died from passive various sax players with such great entertainers such smoking which is similar to names as Jim Horn, Steve as Morecambe & Wise, the fate that befell Roy Castle Douglas and Plas Johnson. Tommy Cooper, The Two in the UK. With Bill Haley and Probably these were great Ronnies and DJs such as his Comets, he had the 1955 careers but not really known to Jimmy Young and Steve UK & US No.1 single with the masses. Wright, Vince has chatted ‘Rock Around The Clock’ and with hundreds of celebrities Pompilli released one solo Sometimes the backing group - musicians/actors/sports album, Rudy’s Rock: The Sax would thrive on their own as stars/politicians. His website That Changed the World. He did The Shadows with and lists many of them. Listen got me thinking about the without Cliff Richard. The to his daily blog/podcasts successful careers of the Tornados managed their hit at http://www.vincetracy. frontmen in showbiz who might without Heinz as a frontman. com/blog9 or to view his have got nowhere without the If you google that one you’ll website go to http://www. aid of these unsung heroes. end up with cans of beans vincetracy.com The sax is a wonderful on your screen remembering instrument and I remember that Beanz Meanz Heinz. charismatic owner of the kiss such strong sax influences Incidentally, Heinz did play curl, Bill Haley. He was named as the hits by Duane Eddy. bass with the Tornados and The Sax Player of the year in He was a great guitarist and I the Tornados had backed Billy 1957 by Down Beat magazine. had no idea who was his sax Fury and John Leyton on a His cousin Al Pompilli had also player. Do I take the easy way tour in 1962 when they did played with the Comets. I’m out and just gloss over this fact not even have their own spot sure you will know many good 26 as they were not well-known guitarists and singers whose before Telstar. names do not trip off the tongue but you will know class I was reading about Heinz when you see it. You probably and was saddened to read he guessed I liked the music of had died in March 2000 after Bill Haley and the Comets! being confined to a wheelchair through Motor Neurone Disease. He was 57 years old and his last performance was given from his wheelchair in a social club in Hampshire. Following the cycle of life I conclude by looking again to Rudy Pompilli. He was loyal to Bill Haley staying with him for 19 years. Within a few months of joining the Comets he became the band’s most visible member after the

Local Translator / Interpreter Live Music With SuperHits Every Saturday from 10pm Personal and business meetings, phone calls, visits, letters, documents . . . Free Salsa Lessons Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm Help with N.I.E. / Residency, Notaries, Schools, Doctors & Hospitals, Property, Followed at 8:30 by a Fun quiz Police and Paperwork. Live Music on Sundays from 1pm with Maddie Douglas Rates from 15€ / hour 7 cents / word French Conversation Group Call Mark on 639 692 985 Saturdays at 4pm Professional Building Services Open every day from 11:30 till close (Closed Mondays) Gary Westmoreland Tel: 965 63 77 04 All building work carried out No job is too small or too big Overlooking The Beach in El Campello Telephone 674 938 935 Bruised But Not Broken Cancer Care Charity Shop & Drop In Centre - NOW OPEN - Donations of all kinds always wanted. Please bring them to the shop or call us on 608 524 896 Drop In For A Cup Of Co ee or Tea and a chat Open Monday to Friday 10 to 5 and Saturday 10 to 2 San Bartolome 55 El Campello Like Us On Facebook Spanish Registered Charity Number CV-01-049781-A 27

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Why Windows 10, not 9? Beauty In A Flash The original reason raised was to allow El Campello Microsoft to distance itself from Windows 8 but a newer explanation has recently appeared. Microdermabrasion and Skin Peels Many programs and internet sites look to see Massage and Reflexology - Electrolysis what operating system is installed on the PC being used. Some of these check only the Laser Hair Removal 28€ per area first digit, so Windows 9 could have been CACI Non-surgical Facelift 35€ confused with Windows 97 or 98 leading to Introducing the new Jowl Lift 25€ some applications possibly refusing to work. So CACI Slimming & Body Toning Windows 10 avoids this. This sounds to me like course of 10 250€ a more reasonable explanation. Wrinkle & Red Vein Treatments Next Month will bring you a more in depth view Facial Hair Removal Specialist and my honest opinion of the operating system Specialist in Rosacea Treatment Using as it is now. Smartlite and Veinwave Technology Google Are You Struggling With Your Weight? Chromecast THE CAMBRIDGE 800 Many ex-pats living here WEIGHT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT in Spain have found out Qualified Nutritionist how they can watch British TV on their laptop BUSOT & CAMPELLO or PC. They do this by either using software to hide their IP address (the address of their Telephone: 677 341 431 computer on the internet) so that the BBC or ITV don’t realise you are not in Britain, allowing YVONNE ROLLINSON I.I.H.H.T. you to watch BBC iPlayer or ITV player, or by www.advancedskincare.biz using a website such as www.filmon.com which lets you watch and (if you pay a subscription) [email protected] record programs and even download them to your PC. but older ones may not so check first) and gets its power either from a spare mains socket But laptops are not ideal for a family to watch through the power unit supplied or from a USB TV on and it would be better if you could watch socket on the TV. Again, many TVs have such the program on your larger TV screen. If you a socket. To use the device you need to set have a Smart TV then you can probably already the ChromeCast up by going online at https:// do this, but if you have a modern, but standard, cast.google.com/chromecast/setup/ . This is TV then you need some other method. If your quite a simple process and once the device is TV and laptop have an HDMI (high definition configured to your WiFi, you can use any of the media interface) socket, you can use a suitable many programs available to send content to lead to connect them together. This works well, your TV. the only downside is that the leads are not normally very long so you need to sit the laptop One of the easiest programs to use for this is near the TV. Google’s Chrome browser. This allows you to add what is called an extension which puts a Alternatively, you could purchase a small device “Cast” button on the screen near the top right called ChromeCast which uses your WiFi to corner. Anything you are watching can then be send images and videos from your PC to your “cast” to the TV. TV. The device plugs into an HDMI socket on the TV (most recent TVs have such a socket What if you have a film on a USB stick or on a hard drive that you want to watch on the TV? Simply open a Chrome browser window and drag the film onto the page and it will start playing and be shown on the TV screen as well. ChromeCast devices cost in the region of 35€ and are available from computer outlets and online. 29

Market Days Wednesday El Campello Friday Alicante Thursday & Saturday Sunday Mutxamel Wednesday San Juan Saturday Villajoyosa Thursday Local Area Telephone Numbers El Campello Villajoyosa Casa de Cultura 965636194/6491 Casa de Cultura 965894250 Hospital San Juan 965938700 Post Office 965891230 Post Office (Correos) 965630318 Library 965891698 Health Centre 965637106/965937480 / Town Hall 966851001 85 Municipal Police 965890050 Ad. Education Centre 965635808 Guardia Civil 965891143 Taxis 965101611/965101029/ Hospital Marina Baixa 966859800 Tourist Info 966851371 965252511 Taxis 965893343/902075073 Town hall 965637200 Railway Station 965262731/900720472 Jijona 965610300 Tourist Information 965634606 965610142 Guardia Civil 965630418/062 Town Hall 965612400 Policía Local 965637099/ 965634444 Guardia Civil 965612031 Suma Office 965292015 Health centre Post Office San Juan 965653245/965653324 Transport 913211000 965942222 902240202 Town Hall 965653232 Alicante Airport 965130700 Local Police 965653368 Renfe 902422242 Guardia Civil 96 593 74 40 Alicante Bus Station 965292034 Alsa (Coaches) Post Office Health Centre 966908240 Other Numbers 1004 Suma Office 965698072 902109356 965699092 Movistar (client attention) 902225235 Busot 965698181/607385522 British Consulate 965989900 Iberdrola (Electricity) Health Centre 965956960 Aguas de Alicante (Water) Casa de Cultura 965952777 Town Hall 965653232 To the best of our knowledge these telephone Police 965953500 numbers are correct but they have been supplied 965953166 to us and have not been verified. If you believe any Mutxamel number to be incorrect please send an email to: Town Hall [email protected] Health Centre Additionally if there are numbers missing from the Guardia Civil list that you feel would be useful please let us know. Local Police Post Office 30

Puzzle Solutions Sudoku Crossword 174926583 685371294 293845671 832769415 756418329 941253768 517694832 369582147 428137956 March Madness Quiz 279564813 431978562 1. Pisces - Pisces is the last sign in the zodiac calendar. 568231947 2. Aquamarine - Aquamarine is a light blue stone. 946753128 3. Daffodil - This flower blooms in the early spring. 853412796 4. Roman - The month is named after the god Mars. 712896435 5. 31 - March is one of seven months that have 31 days. 327145689 6. 15th - The word Ides loosely translates to mean mid- 694387251 dle. 185629374 7. Julius Caesar - Caesar was assassinated on his way to the senate. 895764321 8. Basketball - March Madness refers to a single elimi- 641532987 nation basketball tournament. 732981546 9. New Years - Nowruz is the name of the Persian/Ira- 357149862 nian New Year. It is celebrated on the equinox. 914628753 10. Romania - This holiday is normally held on the first 286375419 of March. 178253694 11. Saint George - Saint George is recognized on the 523496178 23rd of April. 469817235 12. Hawaiian - Prince Kuhio Day is a national holiday in the state of Hawaii. 31

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