What a mess – and we don’t just mean the streets; the whole situation is a mess! This rubbish-collection strike involves two separate unions, the local company Mirlo, the big-boy companies in Granada, who have their eye on lucrative Almuñécar, the Mayor, and the workers themselves, who have split into two factions.

As this magazine goes to print, the workers’ strike committee has been on hunger strike for a week. Some of the workers support them; others do not. Accusations of intimidation abound and scuffles have broken out when the workers, who want to work, take the lorries round to collect up the town’s puzzled rubbish. Subsequently, the Guardia Civil is providing escorts.

No, the rubbish collection strike in Almuñécar is not dead, despite the disappearance of accumulating rubbish from the town’s streets. The latest news (29th October) is that 30 policemen will accompany the dustbin men on their rounds tonight, as they have done on the two previous nights.

Right in the middle of it, we have the private cleaning company, Mirlo, who recently landed themselves a juicy, long-term contract for the municipal rubbish collection and street cleaning etc. Although a connection between the owner of Mirlo and the Mayor has been rumoured by the strikers, nothing has been demonstrated, and mere speculation is not grounds for accusation, at least in print.

Mirlo recently signed the provincial general wages agreement, which means that they have to come into line with salaries, not only standard minimum wages, but such bonuses as ‘nocturnidad’ (nightshift work) and ‘toxidad’ (bonus for working with potentially hazardous material). This is where interpretation comes into play. There is an adaptation period for signatories to the ‘convenio’ (general wage agreement), which expires in 2008. However, the agreement was signed in June and the period of grace is supposed to be used to produce a gradual increase in wages, culminating in an agreed sum by that date. What it does not mean is that the company can sit round until then paying below minimum wages and omitting to pay nocturnidad and toxidad allowances.

The workers are represented by two different unions: the UGT (Union General de Trabajadores) and the CCOO (Comisiones Obreras). The CCOO backs the continuance of the strike and the workers on hunger strike, while the UGT considers that the strike should have finished. So, you have the bizarre situation where on the 27th a dozen or so workers turn up in the Town Hall square bearing UGT posters and shouting, “We want to work!” and then the next day, a demonstration by around 50 people, bearing CCOO banners, screaming insults under the Mayor’s window, as they consider him to be in cahoots with the owner of Mirlo.

Behind it all, you have the general opinion that the large companies that deal in this sector and have most of the municipal contracts under their arms… barring Almuñécar’s, are moving in to push Mirlo out – supported by underhandedly and allegedly, the CCOO.

Finally, one of the many insults at the Mayor’s office window was, “Who’s going to vote for you now – your whoring mother?” Although the insults that were proffered with generosity during the demonstration were ‘out of place’ and detracted from the strikers cause, this particular comment does raise an interesting point, as the Mayor’s voting base has traditionally come from this segment of the population. Just about all the employees of Mirlo were originally employed by the Town Hall under Benny and were transferred to Mirlo when they farmed out the contract to the company.

The new underground parking facility for Avenida Don Juan Carlos I has received the green light. The parking project will be built and financed by the same company that built and owns Hotel Bahía (Taramay) and will have room for 100 vehicles. As soon as work begins on this project (within the next few days) this main artery will be cut to road traffic for around five months. The Mayor assured the member of the press gathered that the underground car park would most definitely be finished before the onslaught of summer. The car-parking project will be situated next to the hotel that is under construction in the same street, which also has the name of Hotel Bahía! Both the hotel and the parking facility will be finish – if all goes according to plan – by the end of spring, 2006.

The Town Hall has received a grant of 33,000 euros from the Junta de Andalucía for the installation of lifts (elevators) in two of the town’s public buildings: El Centro Socio-Cultura del Palacio de las Siete Cuevas and the Town Hall, itself, whose existing lifts will be replaced.

You may have noticed that they have begun digging up one side of the entire length of the Avenida del Costa del Sol, which is the one that leads up to the Guardia Civil post from the top of town. The reason behind this work is the laying down of rain drainage, the modification of the lateral parking bays and the resurfacing of the road. The company that is carrying out the work is expected to take up to six months. Well, there you have it, Ladies and Gentlemen, this coming Semana Santa will be a joy for us all, with both this main entrance into town, and the main artery connecting the bus station to the beach (and prime access street to the Altillo underground car park), either closed to traffic, in the case of Juan Carlos I, or drastically restricted, in the case of Costa del Sol. I’m so impressed that I could just ‘pass wind.’

The Torrecuevas fiestas were neatly divided up between the PP and PA, both offering free grub and entertainment. I checked out the PP one and Anne Eastwood checked out the PA one. I got the day that it rained, so both the PP, with the migas y chorizo and the PA with a different culinary delight, were both outdone by Mother Nature, who handed out what everybody really needed – a spot of H2O of the vertical delivery variety. The work on the aqueduct, by the way, has been concluded, but the Romans can be smug in the safe assumption that they made a better job of it. Having said that, the preservation of our historical heritage is always welcome and it speaks well of our different municipal administration that they take steps to achieve this.

Well, despite all the doom and gloom, the hostelry trade – the hotels, at least – aren’t doing too badly, according to recently released figures. The occupation figures were up by 1.2% on last summer. Proof of this has been the November Bank Holiday, with the hotels reporting top occupancy. How much of this ‘wealth’ is filtered down, is perhaps a different matter. How many of the hotel clients at the Playacalida hotel near the Cabria Beach actually come into town to spend their lolly, for example?

And so closes a chapter in Almuñécar’s history – the Hiper is in the process of closing down. When Supermercado Olivares joined forces with Carnecería Chacón back in the middle 80’s to form Almuñécar’s first-ever supermarket, was a day that many will remember. The very small foreign community could buy foreign products without having to go to Nerja, or further. Almuñécar, though, has had a curious manner of denominating their establishments: Supermercado Olivares, could hardly be described as a ‘supermarket;’ it was more along the lines of a large, self-service shop, which, although novel for Almuñécar, was not a supermarket. So when these two well-respected families joined forces to produce the town’s first true ‘supermarket,’ it was baptised with a similar generous interpretation of shopping terminology as El Hiper (Hypermarket). There is not doubt about the fact that El Híper sold the best meat in town at its butcher department. Furthermore, it continued to be the paradise of foreign brands, long after El Día, Mercadona, El Consum and Lidel had established themselves. Let this article stand as tribute to the lasting contribution to Almuñécar’s recent heritage that these two families made: Olivares & Chacón

I received a small letter from the Alzheimer’s Association that I would have liked to include as a boxed article, but as you can see this month, two thirds of the Almuñécar section is already taken up with features. So here it is: Alzheimer’s disease is an cognitive deterioration illness that is affecting more and more people in Spain. Unfortunately, at present it is a disease that has no cure, yet it is also true that if the illness is detected at an early stage and diagnosed by a neurologist the inroad of the disease can be slowed down considerably, thus improving the life of the patient, as well as the lives of those that care for him. Altaamid (the association of families of Alzheimer’s sufferers) is trying to help, as much as its resources permit, for those that suffer from this problem in Almuñécar. Bearing this in mind, on the 24th of November at 17.00h in the Centro de Servicios Sociales, the association has organised a group-help programme with the association’s psychologist. Altaamid has also organised chats for the ESO3 students in their classrooms, concerning this illness, to help youngsters understand what is happening in a domestic environment where one of the family is a victim of Alzheimer’s. Finally, the Alzheimer’s Association in Almuñécar has an office in the Centro de Servicios Sociales (behind the gasoline station) where they attend to both the patients and their families every Thursday from 18.00h to 20.00h. Tel: 615 423 495. If you have any language difficulties, don’t hesitate to contact me (Ed.) for assistance in this field.

There will be an interesting painting exhibition in Almuñécar’s prettiest pub – El Convento, which, as its name suggests, was the old convent. On display will be the works of Judith Reason and will continue on view until the end of December.

There is a good chance that the new medical centre could be operating by the end of December (Whoosh! Oink, snuffle! Flap, flap, flap!), according to the Mayor. The Town Council intends to accelerate the administrative process, basically because the acquisition of hospital equipment has been declared as ‘urgent,’ effectively putting it into the fast lane. The Town Hall has put up 75% of the costs of the new medical centre, which equates to around two million euros. Just in case, I am looking for a nutritive and palatable hat!

The Regional High Court (Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Andalucia) has decided to back the court’s finding that forces Almuñécar to hand back the 174,000 euros that it received from the National Employment Agency, Inem. This sum of money was granted to Almuñécar during the PSOE legislature, 1991-1995, under the socialist mayor, Juan Rodríguez. The money was supposed to be used for the restoration of the castle, using the municipal trade courses for the unemployed. According to court investigations, the funds were diverted to building work on the socialist party office and private jobs, and even the financing of a ‘good-will gift,’ in the form of a fountain, to the socialist-controlled village of Molvízar. Well, so there you have it, Folks, you might justifiably be able to blame a lot of the crap that happens around here on Benny – but not this one. In case you’re wondering, basing my calculations on the aforementioned population figures, this will cost us, individually, 725 euros each!

The Seaside Gazette published an article a while back about the placing of a huge construction crane on part of the Roman aqueduct, allegedly causing part of it to subside. The affair was brought to our attention by the Ecologists in Action, who provided the accusations. We went round and photographed it and noted, effectively, that the crane was mounted on a concrete platform, perilously close to the monument’s structure, and that there was evidence of damage to the aqueduct. However, it now turns out that the Junta de Andalucía, who has no love for Benny, confirms that the damage was caused, not by the crane, but by building work that was carried out in 1970 – during the last years of pre-democracy in Franco’s Spain. Part of the monument was deliberately destroyed by builders to make way for a new municipal water cistern for the town. As for the present-day crane, archaeologists consider that the necessary machinery and subsequent vibration produced by the removal of the crane’s concrete platform would only serve to damage the debilitated aqueduct further. Accordingly, we publish and make public this exoneration of both the building company and the Town Hall in the affair.

More hate mail – justified or not – from the Provincial Delegate for the Environment, Gerardo Sánchez, who claims that the situation on the Costa Tropical is being respected, environmentally wise, except in Almuñécar. He pointed out at a socialist convention that the situation of Almuñécar has been degraded by uncontrolled transformation. He added that Almuñécar’s development is far from being sustainable development – a much used vogue word, at the moment. He cited by comparison the urban development of Motril (also under a socialist administration). Benavides countered with an accusation of selective partiality, pointing out that Motril has over 3,000 illegal constructions on its vega. The Mayor of Almuñécar found it evident that the socialists have two sets of standards, when it came to denouncing irresponsible urban-development control. On a personal note, although Granada’s keen interest for the legality of urban development plans in Almuñécar are heartily welcomed, thus providing some sort of extra-municipal control over the Town Hall, this socialist delegate’s proverbial ‘turning-a-blind-eye,’ (concerning the building horrors belonging to the towns under the control of his own party), can easily be considered ‘partisan’ rather than ‘impartial.’

The defection of Andrés Palacios – ex-leader for many years - from the Partido Popular has caused many political waves in the township. His disaccord over where the present leader, Juan Luis Gonzalez Montoro, has been leading the party is well known. Benny, of course, is over the moon with joy, because Sr. Palacios’ transfer to the independent group, El Grupo Mixto, has effectively broken the mortal – yet never exercised – grip on his governing council. Without Andrés Palacios’ vote, the combined votes of the PP and PSOE no longer outnumber the ruling PA. Due to the peculiarities of the Spanish electoral system, you vote for the person; not for the party, which means that if the person that you voted for decides to change allegiances midterm, then he takes your vote with him. This is called, ‘transfugismo,’ which is the bane of political parties.

The Rescateños are a happy bunch, since the track up to the village from La Herradura via El Cerval was asphalted (tarmacked). The Town Council spent 120,000 euros (in other words, 20m ‘disguised’ pesetas) on surfacing the main track to this little hamlet, snuggled in its inland valley. A fiesta was held on the 8th October to celebrate the event in the old village school. It’s a nice round trip, by the way, if you take this road. You can continue past Rescate and climb up to the Torrecuevas/Peña Escrita road.

At last! It wasn’t too much to ask, after all, was it – the dismantling of the burnt hut-like structure at the end of the pier? It has only taken since May 2004! All this time the entrance onto the pier has been cordoned off, denying visitors and residents access and the possibility of enjoying this out-of-place wooden structure… and it will continue to stay like that, unfortunately, although God knows why! The delay in the repair work is perhaps owing to the possibility that the pier will be dismantled when the new PGOU comes into being, bringing with it a new seafront promenade (paseo marítimo).

The Asociación Solidaria Amigos de Baracoa has announced that it will be taking two minibuses, five vehicles and a dozen mopeds to Cuba in January, as part of their annual charity drive to raise funds for the Caribbean town. The minibuses were donated by a businessman from Alcalá la Real (Jaén), Miguel Contreras. The mopeds, on the other hand, came from Motos Francisco Estévez, who provided them at a special price for the campaign. Our Joaquín from Chambao Joaquín (he needs no presentation, really) was in Cuba recently, to sign a co-operation agreement with the Cuban Ministry of Culture, under which school material and computer, office equipment would be provided for the town of Baracoa. At the same time he took 75ks of much-appreciated medicine with him. Joaquín calculates that this year a total of 18,000 euros in material will be delivered. In the seven years that this charity has existed, headed by tireless and camera-shy Joaquín, a total of 150,000 euros of needed material has been collected and delivered.

The Partido Popular have denounced the dilapidated state of the pensioners’ club in the village, which is situated in the basement of the Mercado Municipal, describing it as ‘inhumane.’ Steady on, troops! The PP communiqué points out that there have been leaks in the ceiling, damp patches and pieces falling off, for several months. The PP claims that they brought this matter to the Mayor several weeks ago, but to no effect. They also claimed that highly inflammable liquids are kept in the same room as pumps and other electrical motors; not to mention the main fuse board.

So where is all the money coming from… or going to? It seems that new banks (or at least their shop fronts) are all the rage this season in La Herradura. Not only are La Caixa, CAM and Santander already sorting out space in prominent if not beach front locations, but we’ve heard rumours of Solbank following suit before long as well. Why is it that all these financial institutions have decided to vie for position right now? What do they know that we don’t? Or could it be simply that money follows money - or at least the scent and suggestion thereof? Some local businesses believe that it is simply the case that with the dual-carriageway nearing completion, these organisations are just anticipating a considerable and even sudden impetus to growth, and therefore the ensuing need for financial services. I wonder if it’s going to be all it’s cracked up to be. We should know by this time next year, but by now I expect none of us will be waiting with bated breath.

In a bid (or so the spiel goes) to ensure the maximum effectiveness of our local governing bodies, there have been some adjustments to the responsibilities of La Herradura’s people in charge. Maria Victoria Ruiz will now combine her role overseeing services in La Herradura with looking after the commercial sector. The other council member who has focused on La Herradura, namely Emilio González Pavesio, will now be responsible for tourism and town planning in the area. According to the Mayor’s office, these changes are consistent with the best interests of the government in fulfilling their two priorities: namely stimulating economic activity and working together with local businesses to ensure that our commercial sector can compete with other commercial centres such as Motril or Velez Málaga. I can’t deny that we certainly need to encourage people to spend more locally and in turn, this will only happen if we as consumers are satisfied with the level of service, back up and choice that is available locally. Let’s hope for all our sakes that these are more than just words!

Wednesday 19th October included a conference delivered by the celebrated Granadino historian, Gabriel Sierra, at our local Jate Cultural Centre to mark the 443rd anniversary of the shipwreck of a Spanish battle fleet in La Herradura. Amongst the audience were children of Years 5 and 6 from the local primary school, Las Gaviotas. Sr. Sierra was able to explain to the students how such a significant event has helped to put La Herradura on the map, to the extent that it even receives a mention in the work of Miguel de Cervantes. The event was capped off with the children congregating around - and even at one point, hanging off - the Monument to the Men of the Sea by Miguel Moreno (located just beside the pier). A passage was read from the work of Maria Carmen Calero Palacios, which actually consisted of the words of one of the survivors of this shipwreck, one Fernando Moyano. These words were read out by three of the children, as well Maria Victoria and our very own Dori, who runs the local tourist information centre, all under the auspices of another great academic, Jesús Serrano. Speaking with the organisers, as well as the Headmistress of our local primary school, it was later agreed that this event should enjoy a much higher profile next year.

Well it certainly looks pretty imposing! This second phase of our local Civic Centre is estimated to cost 631,220 euros and this part is due for completion well in time to house the next performance of the Andrés Segovia competition. This phase will include: the completion of the basement, bottom, mezzanine and first floors. These areas are planned to house a new theatre, auditorium, dance studio, tourist information centre and the local police. As well as an exhibition room, the local pensioners’ club, a base for the local choir and a multi-purpose meeting room, facilities such as toilets, stages and changing rooms will be in place for all sorts of performances. And with a final floor space of over 3,700 square metres, set over six floors, the Civic Centre (when it finally is finished) certainly smacks of just how important and popular this former, simple fishing village has become.

Las Gaviotas junior school is still requesting adequate protection from the N324. The authorities at our local primary school and parents of the children who attend here, are still awaiting a commitment from the Department of Education to provide sufficient barriers on the main road above the school playground. Only one third of what was requested has been provided, affording limited protection to children against flying debris. There is also still no border wall in place between the school and the Viveros (the plant nursery next door). Will they ever really listen?

There has been a final push to open the local car park under the Plaza de Independencia. Yes, it’s been over15 years since this project was first discussed. Could it be that there will be some space (not enormous, mind you) available to the public, pending the finalisation of works by the company awarded the project? Once this minor detail is dealt with, and a licence has been granted for the opening and use of residents, then we’ll be up and running before the summer onslaught!

Coastal authorities won’t remove the paseo. It seems that after torturous discussions, the coastal authorities have now deemed - despite protests that the remaining deteriorating railway sleepers, with their exposed nails and bolts are proving a health risk to young and old – that the remnants of the wooden paseo are better left in place, in order to prevent cars from driving onto the beach. The arguing and Teflon-shoulder approach to life and issues continues, I’m afraid!

Poltergeist revisited! So what’s this about moving the local cemetery to accommodate more construction? Residents were up in arms, protesting against the proposal to move the existing cemetery to the area of La Guerra. On Sunday 16th October, a number of locals gathered to show their disapproval and outrage at the possibility of such a prospect. In a country that still has strong Catholic convictions, it’s not surprising that there has been such a reaction. Especially if you take into account the strong recollections of the desecration and sloppiness when the Almuñécar cemetery was moved down from the castle during the eighties - locals continued to find remains scattered around years later! Why do we keep ignoring history – not mention damn good horror movie warnings, for that matter?

Nerja Theatre Workshop. This highly successful theatre and dance school based in Nerja and run by Tara Tye and Robert Fenton now boasts approximately 100 youngsters attending the workshop for Drama, Dance and Singing classes. Some of these include the brilliant performers from the Día de Europa fame, who also attend the International School in Almuñécar. The company has had a very busy week filming ‘Emmerdale,’ which now has over taken ‘Eastenders’ in the ratings and attracts over 16 million viewers each episode. They supplied: actors, supporting artists and extras for the hour-long special. The episode, filmed in Spain, will be screened on Wednesday 23rd November. So, if you want to join some of the already now internationally famous Herradureños and Almuñequeros who are enjoying themselves enormously (but, granted, working hard to do so), why not contact Robert directly on 645 305 950?

Greg Sanderson’s exhibition at the Hotel Almijara a real hit! Greg impressed us yet again with his individual work on the weekend of the 7th - 9th October. With just over 30 paintings on show, the now famous exhibition venue seemed jam packed at various points over the three days. More than just a brilliant setting for works to be exhibited, this area of the Almijara offers an elegant retreat from the bustling village. Such was the success of this event that Greg was able to sell over 60% of his works on show.

Mike and Mary take over the Hideaway. We bid farewell to Ken and welcome the new proprietors (both teachers) who have decided to try their hand at something completely different.. Well maybe there are some parallels between dealing with children and dealing with adults out for some recreation! Clearly Mary and Mike want to offer us more than just a pub environment and have got some new ideas already, including a Ladies’ Night on 10th November (come and pick your jewellery, girls!) and Quiz Nights the last Thursday of every month (the next one coming up on 24th November). Why not come and take a look?

The local firemen have received new and necessary toys: fireproof clothing, helmets, breathing apparatuses and a fire engine (truck). The vehicle in question has a carrying capacity of 3,000 litres of water. Perhaps you didn’t realise it but Salobreña has four volunteers, dedicated to putting out fires around the village. Rather than a fire station, the village’s arrangement are classified as, un Retén Anti-Incendios, or a fire-fighting detachment. “We consider that it is a total priority to equip the volunteer detachment with all the tools necessary, so that they can act in the case of emergency,” said the Councillor for Safety, Gustavo Aybar. It’s a 24-hour service that is ready to go in and tackle any situation until reinforcements arrive – a sort of pyro-first aid, if you like. The volunteers have received courses from everything from fire-fighting to the handling of toxic chemicals; from first aid to how to order a round of beers and the proper procurement of a decent tapa… They are armed and ready, Folks.

Salobreña recently opened a help centre for those that suffer from Down’s Syndrome. The centre, which is called, Granada Down, offers specialised help for the families as well, and covers the whole of Costa Tropical. Granada Down offers school support, logopaedics, adult education and social insertion, as well as a weekly trip up to the main provincial centre in Granada. Later on the centre also hopes to provide ‘early attention’ and physiotherapy. All told, the centre has 25 members with Down’s Syndrome from nearby Almuñécar, Motril, Molvízar and La Rábita, as well as from Salobreña itself. The Councillor for Education, Isabel Correa, emphasised the help given by various families in the village to make this project possible. “The Town Hall, with the inestimable help from families and friends, has managed to adapt three classrooms, which will provide space for independent and quality service to all those that require it,” she said. Well done, Salobreña – a first on the coast.

The IU – the Spanish equivalent to the Looney Left in British politics – has offered some heavy criticism of the village’s PGOU (general urban development plan), saying, amongst other things, that it does not take good advantage of Salobreña’s resources. “It neither takes into account efficiency and utilisation of natural resources, nor real sustainable development,” said Ángel Coello, the spokesman for the political group. He accuses the Mayor of adopting a biased stance, in the interest of golf courses and residential estates. Referring specifically to proposed golf courses in the municipality, he said that they should be built completely independent of residential estates (and not as a combined package). In other words, proposed golf courses should not serve merely as justification for hotels and residential estates. On a personal note and outside observation to this situation in Salobreña, I would add that the Costa del Sol is littered with residential estates that were built as part of a golf-course project, knowing full well that the golf course would never happen. The result is an undeveloped centre to the residential estate bearing a faded notice proclaiming coming what would have been an 18-hole wonder.

The Motril legal courts handed down a year’s prison sentence to a man from Salobreña for VAT fraud. This company administrator was found guilty of under-declaring some 230.627 euros, after the magistrate found that F.H.H ‘mendaciously’ eluded just payment for the 1998/1999 tax years. Furthermore, he has to pay a fine of 120,558 euros. His company will also lose all rights to government grants and allowances during the next five years. Who’s a popular lad, then?

Some 70 volunteers, belonging to 11 different conservation groups, participated in a weekend conference on environmental preservation. The gathering ended with a trek around the local coastline (El Caletón de Salobreña) to check on the area’s most endangered flora specimens. The group set off from Hotel Salobreña at 10.00h for their six-kilometre route… and were never heard of again. Legend has it that they were consumed by a herd of famished Triffids

Butano Gas Heaters: Summer is now officially over and winter is not too far away. As we move towards the end of the year, the temperature will start to drop and we will begin to use more butano gas heaters in our homes. Every year a number of people are killed in Spain, due to the inhalation of butane gas fumes, from leaking and dangerous appliances in their homes. You might not be aware, but the regulations state that it is compulsory to have gas appliances checked every five years. If you have not had yours checked recently, then please have any heaters, etc. serviced by a properly authorised technician, as soon as possible and enjoy a safe winter. There should be a date stamp on your heater, saying when it was last serviced.

The Ayuntamiento hopes that foreigners do feel welcome in Salobreña! The Mayor of the village, Jesus Avelino Menéndez Fernández, has always tried to make foreigners feel welcome here. He actively encourages them to become and feel ‘part of the community’. In recent times, he has hosted meetings in English, German and French, as well as Spanish, of course, to explain what is going to happen in the Salobreña area in the future, with regard to building developments and new recreational facilities. There has been an increase in the number of foreigners living in the area and we now represent some 10% of the people living in Salobreña, Lobres and Molvízar. Thankfully, this is still a very ‘Spanish’ area and learning the language is a necessity, to be able to integrate fully and communicate with the Spanish people. We should all learn to speak more Spanish, including myself, as we are guests in their country. However, we can and do have problems understanding the laws, customs and bureaucracy here, which can sometimes be like walking through a minefield. Remember that the Spanish person you are speaking to, if they are speaking English, is not using their ‘first language’ and might not understand everything you are saying, so calm down, speak more slowly, try to use some Spanish yourself and be patient. If you do have difficulties communicating, then consider paying someone, who is fluent in both languages, to represent you. Please let The Seaside Gazette know of any dealings you have had with any ‘officials’ here, via the Letters Page.

The Radio Salobreña English programme has changed its day and time of broadcasting. The new ‘community based’ show, called ‘The Supper Show,’ can be heard on Thursday evening from 20:00h to 21:00h. It will still be hosted by Dominique Levack, who hosted the original Saturday show and will play a variety of good, easy listening music. The new show will also highlight events and topics that are of interest to members of the foreign community, as well as have live interviews with guests, who have information of interest to others or an axe to grind. You can hear the broadcast, by tuning in to 107.1. Phone lines to the studio will be open during the show and Dominique would be delighted to talk to anyone on air, about any aspect of local life that affects you or other comments you want to make. So give her a call on 958 828 649.

On The Rocks are expanding their menu, to include and promote more of the speciality dishes, which are unique to South Africa and the Cape Malay area in particular. They will be the only place in Spain, let alone Salobreña - which we all know is the centre of the universe - that can provide these specialised dishes. They will still serve the traditional English breakfast, Cod and chips, Burgers, sandwiches, etc. and this menu is available from 12:00h to 15:00h. The evening menu, served from 15:00h onwards, will have the new dishes, including Cape Malay Curry, Bobotie, which is a dish unique to Cape Town, Sosaties, a traditional and spicy Cape Malay recipe and Boerewors, a traditional South African sausage. The children’s menu will still be available all day. Don’t forget that on Sundays there is the very special and popular Sunday Roast, which is served from 14:00h; however, you will need to book, by calling one of the numbers shown in their advertisement in this issue of the Gazette. Go along and try one of the new dishes, or one of their popular established ones. Louise and Brian will always make you welcome at On The Rocks.

Monroes Bar. This is a recently opened bar in Salobreña village and situated on the Fabrica Nueva road. The bar is owned and run by Jeanette, a lovely lady from Birmingham and can easily be found by going down the Avenida Federica Garcia Lorca as far as the Municipal Market and then turning right. Follow this oneway system into Fabrica Nueva for about three hundred metres and you will find Monroes baron the right. It is open every night from 20:00h until late and Jeanette is going to start a regular Balti curry night, once a month on a Saturday, with the first one being held on 19th November. You will have to book for this service. It has a large bar and seating area, as well as a ramp access for the disabled. They serve all kinds of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, with tapas. Why it is called ‘Monroes Bar’, is due to an act of fate that concerns Jeanette. Some years ago, she was given a book about the life and acting career of the legendary Marilyn Monroe and, as she read it, Jeanette was fascinated. When she decided to open a bar in Salobreña, Jeanette had no hesitation in dedicating her new venture, to her screen idol. So Monroes Bar was born and inside there are many of the famous and not so famous pictures of Marilyn Monroe on the walls. The bar also boasts Premiership football on T.V. Call in any night; Jeanette would love to see you.

A café/ice cream parlour is another recent addition to the amenities in the village. This is situated near the last roundabout, going down to the beach on the ‘Avenida Mediterraneo, and on the corner of the urbanisation ‘Mare Nostrum’. It’s open every day from 08:00h to 22:00h and you can sit inside or out. The owners are a well-known, local ‘La Caleta’ baker called ‘Panaderia Pereira’. They sell a variety of ice creams, but also the most wonderful cream cakes and other cakes and pastries, you would not want to tell ‘Weight Watchers’ about! They also sell bread, etc. All their products are made at their bakery and, they inform me, that they do not use preservatives in any of their cakes, etc. So go on, spoil yourself for once!

The Salobreña Golf Course and Riding Centre: these two new facilities, along with a natural park area, will be sited on the north side of the current coast road, N340, in an area bordered by the Rio Gaudalfeo, the current Coast Road and the proposed connection from the old coast road to the new one. The golf course will be built to a very high standard. It is hoped that in the future, major golf competitions will be held there and the course will consist of eighteen holes from the outset. The Mayor of Salobreña has made it clear that, unlike the course ‘over the water’; there are no plans to surround it with houses or flats. The riding centre will consist of stables, corals, etc. and will support all kinds of riding activities, including giving lessons to all levels and trekking trips into the local area. Plans are available, showing the positioning of these new amenities, in relationship to the roads and river, but currently, no date when work will begin.

A new fishing club is meeting, on various Sundays, down on Salobreña beach. However this club, when it meets, is not being well received by local Spanish people, due to the club’s attitude to other beach users. The fishing club set up their rods and lines along the beach and have adopted the attitude that the length of the beach they are using is now theirs! Locals have been at pain to point out to them that the beach is a public facility and everyone has a right to use it. Things got a little heated recently, when some people went along cutting the fishing lines and threats were exchanged. However, it is hoped that things can be settled amicably and that everyone who wishes to, can enjoy their Sunday relaxation on the beach!

The fire near El Peñon on the evening of 5th October, which destroyed some of the ‘weekend huts’, is thought, by the police, to have been started deliberately. The fire attracted quite a number of people to the beach area, but the police kept the watchers away from the source of the blaze, as a number of butano gas-cylinders, stored in the ‘huts’, exploded. No one was hurt in the incident and the police are continuing their investigations. Five houses, belonging to the local council, have been vacated and the occupants re-housed in the village. These houses are being refurbished and will then be used to house others, whilst their homes are modernised, in a bid to improve some of the old housing stock. When the work is completed, the five houses will be homes to some of the poorer families in the area, at a low rental cost.

Four Salobreña Emergency Services workers recently attended a course for safety and first aid. They all passed the course and have now received their certificates. Lobres is to get a municipal gymnasium, which is to be funded through the Ayuntamiento in Salobreña.

A meeting at the auditorium, on Friday 4th November at 20:00h, which is just for women, is organised by the ‘Association of Women’ and entrance is free. Two weeks later at the same venue, on Friday 18th at 19:00h, there will be a performance of ‘La Aldea Encantada’ by the Municipal Ballet school of Motril. The cost of entry to see this performance is only two euros and all are welcome to attend.

The new swimming pool in Salobreña is now well under construction, at an estimated cost of some 2.4 million euros. It is being built behind the village sports hall, on the landside of the coast road and had a projected time of completion of 18 months from the starting date. Therefore, it should be completed by the middle of next year. Although the work is progressing well, certificates of safety, etc. will be required, from the regional authorities, when the pool is filled and before it is opened to the public. The pool will be open all year and will be available for use by the general public, as well by local schools. The new facility provides a ground level car park, with the entrance to the centre, pool access, changing rooms, etc. being on the first floor. We will let you know in The Seaside Gazette, when the pool is to be opened to the public.

From over the river comes the news that the Four-masted sailing ship, belonging to the Kellogg family heiress and on a Mediterranean cruise, is due to stop at Motril. The vessel will be docking in the harbour on 7th November and, if you can get to see it, will be well worth the effort, as there are not many of her type of ship still in commission.

The Motril Golf Club is still selling its ‘Thirty-game, green fee’ ticket for 450 euros. This represents a considerable saving on the normal price. The cost of a single person’s green fee is currently 27 euros and the cost of a husband and wife ticket is 40 euros for the two. With the special ticket, which lasts for a year, the cost of a game for you or anyone you play golf with, is only 15 euros each. It’s definitely worth considering, despite the initial outlay, as it represents a great saving, on the normal cost of a game!

Playa Granada will have 2,000 flats/houses built in the area, plus an inland pleasure port. If you’re not sure where Playa Granada is, it is where the golf course is, more or less. Playa Granada then will have the 18-hole golf course, several hotels and 2,000 dwellings – like as not. The Town Hall is happy with the future plans because it will receive 18m euros in building permits and taxes alone. Twenty building developers and the Town Hall got together to draw up the urban expansion on to what was arable land. PLA-1 and PLA-2 (development sectors within the PGOU) will see an investment of a staggering 700m euros for the construction of hotels, golf facilities and residential complexes. Before the end of the year, the Compensation Board will be set up. The hotels will be built where Playa Granada joins Playa Poniente, providing around 1,000 hotel beds. Right in front of these hotels will be the spot chosen for the ‘star’ of the PGOU – an inland pleasure port, or ‘dry marina.’ A double breakwater or groin will be built that will have two functions: to help regenerate the beaches and to channel sea water into a small marina, covering approximately one hectare, which will suffice for small craft and the municipal sailing school. Behind this will be the residential area and behind that, another 18-hole-golf course. The golf course will have a residential complex in the middle, as well as a hotel specifically for a ‘golfing-fraternity’ clientele. Although the residential complex will have a variety of house/flat designs, none will be over two-storeys high, plus penthouse.