javea jeard - april 2013

Jávea JeardThe Magazine ABOUT and FOR Jávea - that you can hold in your hand April 2013

Jávea shops and businesseswill vanish without your support

What’s in aname?

Residents of a country which pronounces BOUGHand BOW as the same sound - with totally differentmeanings (and BOW can be pronounced in twodifferent ways, depending on context) - have no rightto criticise another’s language or pronunciation.

After recognising the need for a publicationABOUT Jávea, with news of interest to non-Spaniardswho understand English, we needed a name.

We decided against using the Valenciano name ofour town: Javea, because it is pronouned SHABBIERand would no longer be true!

I always tell people that Jávea is pronounced like“Havvyer Heard” - and that’s where the titleoriginated.

If ‘havvyer’ has J as its initial letter, then it’s onlylogical that ‘heard’ will begin with a J, as well.

Jávea JeardMakes sense - dunnit?Avda. del Pla/Calle Pescara, 5 - JAVEA 03730Tel: 96 646 1848 www.overseas.es Store opening hours: Monday - Saturday, 8:30am - 9:00pm

€3,75

€2,37€2.00

€3,29€3,28

Without our/your support forJávea businesses

- there won’t be any left!

FORMER MAYOR RESIGNS

After more than 30 years as apolitical puppeteer, EduardoMonfort has resigned fromJávea Ayuntamiento.

Full story on page 15

Sally and Samantha atFIESTA CRAFTS havelaunched a campaign onFacebook aimed atencouraging localresidents - and Brits inparticular - to supportlocal business, many ofwhom are strugglingwith the ‘crisis’ andfighting to keep theirhead above water.

As soon as JáveaJeard heard of the project,we immediately gave our

Continued on page 12

Offers valid to

April 22, 2013

Offers valid in Jávea and Benissa stores, 23rd April to 20th May, 2013

JaveaJeardMono10April_Layout 1 24/04/2013 11:04

A2Z Directory of Jávea, Address Labels, AddressList Management, Advice. Airport Transfers, BabyEquipment Hire, Babygros, Beniconnect AirportShuttle, Bibs, Binding of e-Books, Birthday Cards,Boat Insurance, Bookmarks, Bubble-wrap,Business Cards, Car Insurance, CaravanInsurance, Cheapa Parcels, Christmas Cards, CivilMarriages for Residents, Clocks, Coasters, ColourPhotocopies, Compliment Slips, CondolenceCards, Courier Delivery to Spain, Crisis BusinessStart-Up Kit, Diaries, DIY Shredding Service,Embroidery, Envelopes, Excursions, Fax Send &Receive, Flyers, Framed Canvas Prints, FridgeMagnets, Funeral (Thanksgiving) Services, Gift

Tags, Golden LeavesFuneral Plans, GreetingCards, Help and Advice,House Insurance, Ink JetComputer Cartridges,Insurance, Invitations,

Jig-saws, Key-rings, Laminating, Legaltranslations, Letterheads, Magazine Printing,Memo Pads, Menus, Mirror Letters, Mouse Mats,MRW Parcel Service, Newsletters, Oasis HelpCentre, Paper A4 for Printers, Parcel collectionService, Passport Photos, Photocopies, PrinterCartridges, Printed cake Toppings, Printing, PublicLiability Insurance, Publishing, QuestionsAnswered, Raffle Tickets, Round-Tuit FuneralPlans, Rubber Stamps, Security Shredding DIYservice, Signature Witnessing, Soft Toys,SpeediPost, Sticky Labels, T-Shirts, Teddy Bears,Translations, TV Choice, TV Costa Choice, UKMagazines in Spain, UK Mail Service, UK PassportCheck, Certification and Submission, Vinyl Signs,Wedding Blessings, Wheelchair Hire, Wide FormatPrinting

C/. Toni Llido 5 (next to La Caixa) - Jávea Port

Tel/Fax: 96 646 [email protected]

What else doyou want us to do?

Jávea Jeard April 2013

Wot is were?21st Birthday of “Happy Clappy’s” 23Advertising rates . 4, 13 & 15Agenda 21 updates . 17-18 & 23Asset Declaration Petition .11Bottle Tops . . . 23Budget cut record for Jávea . 24Buster’s Offer for our youngsters 21Calle Niza drain contract . 22cancer Care “Thank You” . 21Dog’s last Will & Testament . 12Eduardo Monfort Resigns 1 & 15Electricity from the current bun 13Energy Performance Certificates 13Everyone has a story . 19Facebook user criticises Jávea . 24Feeding the Hungry . . 22Green thing back then . 8Healthy drinks . . . 15Humour

Another way of hearing . 7ASDA bans husband and wife 16Florida dating ads . . 16Heard in Church . . 11Husband down . . 7Money . . . 7My travel plans . . 7Peter Cox on Tax . . 7Tell Mother the truth . . 22The Promise . . 20

Jávea Jeard - explained . . 1Jessica ‘La Vision’ . . 18Jose Chulvi Facebook friends 5-6Keeping an Ear to the Ground 19Ley de Costas change . 22Local Business Directory 8 & 10Lyn - we’ll miss you. THANKS . 22Maggie’s final act . . 12New Tax Treaty UK/Spain . 15Oasis Services . . . 2Parador XD Brunch . . 21Putting pets in their place . 12Rastro Closes . . . 23Satellite Fact File . 9-10Scallop’s Vouchers . . 22Serena memorial bench idea 14Straight Talking from Lee . 14 Support Jávea businesses 1 & 12Tax Treaty signed with UK . 15Tosalet roundabout approved . 20UK Mags in Spain . . 19Victory for Cemetery florists . 22Where can I go on a Sunday? . 7Xabia Democratica AGM 3 - 5 Jávea Jeard is published in Jávea byA2Z Publicaciones on behalf of IglesiaGrupo International de Divulgación delEvangelio (CIF: Q0300542H) at OASIS Centre, C/. Toni Llido 5

JaveaJeardMono10April_Layout 1 24/04/2013 11:04 Page 2

It was a surprise to see TonyCabban at the 'top table' - buthopes were dashed when heannounced he had only been askedto 'MC' the meeting, as AmandaDean was scheduled to do so, butwas unwell.The Minutes of the 2012 AGM hadbeen circulated, so were 'taken asread' and approved by a show ofhands.

Pere Sapena- an Architectby profession

and Councillor for 'Urbanismo'(Town Planning) reported on his areaof responsibility, starting first withthe Arenal project, scheduled to befinished by Easter and SemanaSanta. The project has a budget of1,300,000 €uros, and the money isbeing paid directly to the Valenciacontractor by the ValenciaGovernment. A saving of 240,000€uros was achieved on the originalbudgeted figure, and that sum isbeing used to provide low-consumption lighting along thePromenade and a new barrier sea-wall on which pedestrians will beable to sit in good weather.

Next, Pere turned to the BusStation being constructed on thecarpark on Avenida Palmela, that iscosting 115,197 €uros, and wasscheduled to be completed (by alocal Jávea contractor) in 3 monthsfrom the December 2012 start date.There will be 4 coach platforms forinter-city buses and a platform toserve 1 or 2 local buses. There willbe toilets, a kiosk and waiting roomin the 20 square metre facility forpassengers.

Use of kerbside parking byadjacent businesses (restaurants) wascontroversial, but agreement hadbeen reached between represen-tatives of businesses and residents inthe Port, but implementation hadbeen delayed for four months, soproposals in the Old Town andArenal could be agreed.

The Townhall relies oncompromise, as it tries to balance theneeds of tourist and resident drivers,with the desire of restaurants andbars to have somewhere smokers cansit, eat and drink, now that non-smoking regulations affect interiorfacilities. The Townhall receives40€ per square metre in respect ofuse during the season frombusinesses, and 100€ for annual use.There was a suggestion from thefloor that 'Blue Zone' parking bereintroduced, so shoppers could usekerbside space, currently used bycars that were rarely moved.Residents without on-site parkingcould buy a Season Ticket.

500 homes that had been'illegal' have been brought into theIBI (rates) system during the yearand will receive 'Cedulas deHabitabilitation' allowing people tolive in the house and connect towater and electricity. The mainurbanisations affected so far havebeen Piver, Pau del Moro and LasLaderas, which have been fullyadopted. The General (Structure) Plan waslast revised in 1990, and has nowbeen updated on the basis of datacollected in 2007. The new Plan canbe inspected at the MunicipalTechnical Office, and Pere saidEVERY resident not living in theTown should arrange to see if - andhow - they might be affected. TheGeneral Plan consists of 100 pages,and residents and owners are advisedto apply for an appointment with oneof the 5 technicians in the TechnicalOffice. Someone asked "In whatlanguage" but there was no reply -probably because Pere hadn't heardor understood the question!Next Councillor to address themeeting was

Juan LuisCardonaSalvador,a Jáveabusinessman in

the retail sector, with responsibilityfor Sports, Commerce,

Jávea JeardApril 2013

OSCAR’s XD PARTY HOLDS ITS AGM

Continued on page 4

This magazine, and the OASIShelp and advice centre, werebirthed from news that threepeople had taken their own livesin this area, one of them, a 26-year-old whom we’d not met, butwe knew his mother.

Where was the churchwhen we were needed most? Iasked myself. Certainly notwhere we could be found.

The decision by Derek andSue Le Bretton to close theirCopiShop premises in the Port,and make their Grapevine onlyavailable ‘online’ - opened thedoor for the Evangelical Churchin Jávea (the ‘Happy Clappies’ or‘Hallelujahs’) depending on whoyou asked - to return to the Port,where people can (again) find us.

Many people of my age feelthere is a stigma with going toask for ‘Help’ or ‘Advice’, so our190 square metre premises areconstructed to offer greetingcards for 1€, photocopies - andeverything else itemised on page2. We don’t expect to beinundated with people on theverge of ending their life, but aproblem shared is a problemhalved (according to our Mums).

If you would prefer to talk inprivate, just ask whoever ‘serves’you - Peter, Ann or Clive - “Doyou have an area here for arts andcrafts?” and we will take you toan area, in the rear, away fromother customers.

I’m very interested in theanswer to a simple question:Why don’t you go to church? Sunday at 11am doesn’t suit you,so when, where and what time isbetter? Do you regard ‘thechurch’ as irrelevant or out-of-date? What could ‘the church’ door say to get you on side?

This isn’t a rhetoricalquestion - I really need to know.I know why I and others in thecongregation go to church, butwhy - or what - is it that stopsyou from making contact withus? Why not pop your suggestion(answer) into our letter box?


Agriculture and Employment. The30,000€ budget for economicDevelopment had been maintainedand the start-up-tax for newbusinesses - payable to the Townhall- had been abolished. The Townhallwas collaborating with localbusinesses, concerning ShoppingNights, Tapas Routes, a Tapas Fayreand Chocolate Night. Everyone wasencouraged to look at thewww.xabiahistorica.es website, tosee the wide range of productsoffered by local businesses, but thesite needed more business, items andbuyers.Turning to Agriculture, Juan Luisreferred to the TERRAXABIAproject that marketed food producedlocally in the Thursday market.Owners of unused agricultural landwere being encouraged to allowunemployed people to cultivate theland and grow a crop to be soldlocally, on the basis of a share of theprofit. The TERRAXABIA stall atthe Thursday market will be enlargedas more growers have seen theadvantages of local cooperation. The

20,000€ Agriculture budget hadbeen retained. Turning to Sport, Juan Luis - whospoke throughout in veryunderstandable English - referred tothe Paddel courts in the Port, a newSkate Park, as well as Goals andBasketball Baskets in the Park atThiviers. A pergola will be providedat the Mezquida football ground, toprotect spectators from rain and sun. The final Councillor to speak wasParty President and First DeputyMayor,

Óscar AntónIzquierdo,

who has Townhall responsibility forFinance and the ForeignersDepartment, prompting a round ofapplause when he praised Yvonneand Llanos for staffing the HeLPDeSK, which had been visited byforeigners on more than 4,000occasions, since it was created. Staffon the HELP DESK can givelanguage interpretation help to theother Townhall desks in the sameroom, but in practice many people goto the HELP DESK for matters ofhealth and residency, and the like,which are not Townhallresponsibilities (and staff cannot bein two places at the same time).Language courses in English andGerman, provided by volunteerteachers, had been a great boost tothose who were unemployed, manyof whom have since found work,where their newly acquired languageskills were a deciding factor. Oscar,

with the help of the Jávea Notaries,had arranged evening seminars onInheritance, Preparation of Deedsand What Happens after a Deed isSigned. On April 23rd, there will bea seminar arranged with the BritishConsulate in Alicante, looking at theadvantages and limitations of theeuropean Health Insurance Card.Oscar paid tribute to the help theTownhall received from MABS,HELP and the U3A.Property owners in Jávea can nowchoose how and when to pay theirmunicipal taxes (including IBI andvehicle) at The Townhallwww.ajxabia.org website. Ownerscan personalise their response,paying monthly, quarterly orannually, either through the bank orusing a credit or debit card. Therewas a 4% saving if payment wasreceived in January, and a lesserdiscount if paid later in the year.

The decision by the Spanish Court toinvalidate the Catastral valuesintroduced by the previousadministration, had resulted in an8,000,000€ (or 8.93%) reduction inJávea Townhall income. It had beenexpected that the municipality wouldclose 2012 with a 2.9 million €urodeficit, but careful 'housekeeping'had resulted in an 800,000€ surplus.There are 200 Townhall staff andprovision in the original Budget for50 more staff, but haltingrecruitment, and not replacing peoplewho retired or resigned, had saved1.9 million €uros. 37.82% of theBudget is for Personnel, and 3.31%pays interest to the Banks onoutstanding loans. 4.4 million €urosis owed to the Banks, and Óscaraims to reduce that amount by 50%during the 4-year term of the presentcorporation.

Continued at top of next page

is produced at the

in Jávea Port (C/. Toni Llido 5)An announcement for

your businesscan be included for

SUGGeSTeDDOnATIOn

Single column 25€Half column 15€Quarter column 10€We don’t recommend larger

areas as few people read them.All announcements are printednext to editorial, to ensure

maximum impact/readership.Tax deductible receipts given

for all [email protected]: 96 646 3707

Jávea Jeard

Following consultation with rate-payers, various projects were 'ranked'in public importance, resulting in approval of the following: Refurbishment of Central Cinema 87 votes 200,000€Windmill preservation 84 30,000Surco (school) rehabilitation 35 30,000Playgrounds 23 60,000Illumination of Windmills 19 2,000Avenida Augusta improvements 19 60,000Granadella Caste consolidation 18 15,000Pagoda at Mezquida Football Field 18 15,000Old Guardia offices to Public Space 13 15,000Improvement to Port Pavements 12 100,000



Óscar had been part of a delegationfrom Jávea to Madrid, where theyhad been promised - because theCourt decision cut income by 8million €uros - an advance grant of5 million €uros in April, instead ofhaving to wait for the grant (basedon the number of residents on thePardón) to be paid each month. TheTownhall will not have to pay anyinterest to Madrid, although it willsave interest not borrowing from theBanks to run day-to-day operationsof the Townhall. This grant willallow the Townhall to maintainregular payments to its suppliers.

Jose Javier Mata, the XDrepresentative on the Board ofAMJASA, was invited to themicrophone, where he told the XDaudience that 50% of AMJASAwater had been lost in broken pipesand illegal connections. They hadbought a Leak Detector to identifywhere pipework needed to bereplaced. The average life of a watermeter is 8 years, but there are 20,000units in Jávea that need to bereplaced. AMJASA receives waterfrom wells at Pedreguer, and sells itssurplus (from the desalination plant)to Teulada, Gata and Benitachell. 35contracts had been awarded to localbusinesses and 12 more contractswere due to be awarded in the next 6months. Jose Mata received a hugeovation from the XD audience forhaving given his report in English.

The final duty of the members was toelect a Committee for the comingyear. In view of the large number ofqualified volunteers, it had beenagreed to accept all those who hadoffered and whose language skillswould not prove a handicap. LornaAinsworth said that two differentlevels of social function would beorganised, with larger events like aDinner/Dance as well as smallerevents, at which it might be easier toattract new members and meet theCouncillors. A Brunch was plannedat 'El Rancho' on 13th April, andKeith and Sue Hyde had offered theirSeniola home for Dancing andDinner with Classical Guitar on 13thJune.

Jávea Parador meeting hall waspacked and extra chairs broughtin, when Jose Chulvi expressed hispleasure at being Mayor, allowinghim to stand side-by-side withresidents. He apologised for his'poor English' and was aided intranslation by his Secretary 'MiCa'and Councillor Doris Courselles, aswell as George Thomas, thePresident of PSOE in Jávea - and thefirst non-Spanish President of aPSOE local party in Spain.

The Mayor,Jose Chulvi,

said he expected foreign residents tohave an even more pro-active role inthe Jávea community. Sadly, everyreference to our town was asXÀBIA, and Óscar Anton, theDeputy Mayor with responsibilityfor Finance and Citizen Participationwas not present, as he is not aCouncillor for the PSOE Socialistparty.

The first pre-arrangedquestion referred to action needing tobe taken against the drivers ofcampervans on the Arenal(personally I have never understoodwhat harm they do). A lady said thatshe would never have bought here,had she not visited in her campervan.Other towns in Spain (and France)had water, toilets and waste-dumpfacilities, that encouraged campervan

tourism. The second question, about'dog poo' (and specifically betweenthe Parador and the Port) was dealtwith by Doris, the Councillor forServices, who said there wereprominent notices everywhere, andwhilst she realised that dogs couldnot read, it seems their owners chosenot to read either. There wereexisting fines up to 300€. Someonesuggested the Police fine anyoneexercising a dog without a 'poo bag' -but how many bags might you needto have? One would not be enough,

Continued at top of next page


Amanda Dean will be the newGeneral Secretary, with RozWilliams taking responsibility asMembership Secretary from AlenaPeterkoa. Tim Ladd and Walid Ibeidare among others well known to thenon-Spanish population. Thoseretiring, remaining or elected to theXD Committee were presented witha small memento of the occasion.Just 45 minutes after the meeting

began - it ended, but not before itwas pointed out that it was YvonneHenry and Llanos López, on theHELP DESK, who deserved thethanks not only of XD members andCouncillors, but of every foreigner,as well. Clive Read,

[email protected]

Report of Jávea Mayor's meeting on 25thFebruary with his Facebook friends

Av. Jaime 1, Jávea PortJulie and Diego welcome youMenU DeL DÍA - 9,50€7 starters and 8 main coursesinc. drink, dessert, bread, ali oli

More than a dozen ‘one-plate’ meals

More than 50 ‘Tapas’(prepared in-house)

SPECIALITIESPAELLA to order - tel 696 767 349Fried and grilled mixed fish andshell fish (min order 2 people)Mixed Grilled Vegetables

English BreakfastHAMBURGERS

Rolls, sandwiches of your choosingto eat or take to the beach.

Take-Away Service

BAR PICOTEO


Continued from page 5as the owner would be 'bag-less' onthe way back home if they'd pickedup the poo and ‘binned-it’.

The next question was about theneed for more football pitches inJávea and the Mayor said plans werebeing studied for another, close tothe existing pitch in Frechinall. Nextit was a question asking when thePort Library would open and itseems the contractor still has not mettheir obligations but "it will be readyto open in a few weeks." Lack ofswimming facilities were also raised,and the Mayor explained that anAgreement with the Generalitat hadprovided that Jávea would pay for aTrinquette Court in Frechinall, andthat the Generalitat would constructa municipal pool, but the Generalitathad reneged on their part of the deal.Jávea pays 12,000€ a year toBenitachell to allow Jávea residentsto use the Benitachell pool for thesame price as Benitachell residents.

The Central Cinema will berestored into a 300-seater theatre,cine and culture centre, at a cost of600.000€.

The roundabout at the junction ofCamino Cabanes and the Pla road,will be completed by June, at thecost of the developer. The temporaryroundabout at Barclays Bank, isbeing discussed but there are 4landowners involved and each(including the owners in EdificioJavelec) will be expected tocontribute 25% of the cost. TheDiputation in Alicante had agreed to100% fund the roundabout linkingCosta Nova and Tosalet at theSaladar.

There were no current plans for anew sewage pipeline to link housesin Jávea, complicated by thegeographic spread of rural housesand urbanisations.

When the Mayor said construction ofa new Bus Station was in-hand, hewas asked to press for a train station,as well, responding that after 30years there was still no progress onlinking Gandia to Denia. TheGeneralitat is cutting back on grants,and the overnight ambulance inJávea was being withdrawn byValencia for economic reasons, butwas being replaced under the termsof an existing Agreement with theRed Cross.

The Townhall was congratulated onextending public access hours on aThursday, but the lady expressedsurprise that - having opted to payher IBI by monthly instalments - itwas at the cost of visiting the Clotoffice every month for the paymentslip, and she could not understandwhy it could not be sent to her byeMail. The new payment system inJávea had been created 'in-house' andJose said Jávea was the firstmunicipality in Spain to have such afacility. It is far from perfect - butwill be improved.

Criticised for what seemed to be an'unjust' increase in Basura tax, theMayor explained the Basura tax heinherited had to be subsidised from

IBI, and as IBI income had beenreduced by order of the Courts, theonly solution was to cover Basuraoverheads by an increased local tax,but the tax levied for Basura in Jáveawas substantially less than manyother local towns. Jávea hadmaintained the budgets of SocialServices, Health transportation,Education and Developing theeconomy. Cuts were made in Fiestasand no Townhall vacancies had beenre-filled. Lighting, electricity andphone costs were being reduced.

Jávea Townhall income from IBI,Basura and Vehicle tax:

2007 15 million €2008 18 million €2009 21 million €2010 23 million €2011 25 million €2012 17 million €

The cost for transporting JáveaBasura by road to what was referredto as a 'treatment plant' in ElCampello, had increased this yearfrom 40€ a ton to 56€.

Referring to the statement when Josebecame Alcalde that he’d not claim asalary from Jávea, he was asked ifthat was still the case and "What's init for you?" Jose said (but did notstate how much) he received insalary as a Diputado in Alicante andfirmly believed that ONE politicianonly deserved ONE salary. He saidthe Law allowed him to claim1,800€ a month as Mayor of Jávea,and another 900€ a month asPresident of AMJASA: "But it is upto the moral attitude of the person."He said he loves his job. "How couldI take two salaries when there are2,000 unemployed people in Jávea?"

One resident said the Mayor should'clamp down' on non-Spanishregistered cars being driven bypeople who permanently reside inJávea, and said it was a point ofdiscontent with local Spaniards.

The final question requested betterpublicity for inter-languageconversation classes the Townhalland CREAMA organise, but whichare not as well known as they mightbe.

by Clive Read, [email protected]


You shop at ICELAND for COLDfood at COOL prices, but you’llreceive a WARM welcome atJávea Christian CentreC/. Arquitecto Urteaga 25

GPS - N:38.793196 and E:0.165181East of the Old Town, rear of Registry Office

Sunday morning service 11am

On weekdays visit our

C/. Toni Llido 5 (next to La Caixa in the Port)where you will find

1000s of Greetings Cards for 1€Photocopies and Fast Printing

Crisis Start-up PacksAirport Pick-Ups, Phone Top-ups

Post and Parcel ServicePlus a LISTENING EARand UNBIASED ADVICE

We’re ‘on duty’ in the communityevery day of the week - not just on a Sunday

If you need to speak in private, ask to see craft room

Tel: 96 646 3707 or 669 386 702

Centre


Husband DownA husband and wife were shopping intheir local ASDA

The husband picked up a case ofTennants and puts it in their trolley.

'What do you think you're doing?'asks the wife.

'They're on sale, only £10 for 24cans’ he replies.

'Put them back, we can't affordthem' demands the wife, and so theycarry on shopping.

A few aisles further on the womanpicks up a £20 jar of face cream andputs it in the basket.

'What do you think you're doing?'asks the husband.

'It’s my face cream. It makes melook beautiful,' replies the wife.

Her husband retorts: 'So does 24cans of Tennants and it's half theprice.'

He never knew what hit him.

We are grateful to Peter Cox for these thoughts:

At first I thought this was funny....Then I realized the awful truth of it.Be sure to read all the way to the end!

Tax his land, tax his bed,tax the table at which he's fed.

Tax his work, tax his pay,he works for peanuts - Anyway!

Tax his cow, tax his goat,tax his pants, tax his coat.

Tax his tobacco, tax his drink,tax him if he tries to think.

Tax his car, tax his gas,find other ways to tax his ass.

Tax all he has, then let him knowthat you won't be donetill he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers;then tax him some more,tax him till he's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin, tax his grave,tax the sod in which he's laid.

When he's gone, do not relax,it's time to apply the inheritance tax.

MoneyIt can buy you a House

But not a HomeIt can buy you a Bed

But not SleepIt can buy you a Clock

But not TimeIt can buy you a Book

But not KnowledgeIt can buy you a Position

But not RespectIt can buy you Medicine

But not HealthIt can buy you Blood

But not Life

So you see, Money isn't everything.And it often causes pain and suffering.

I tell you all this because I am yourfriend, and as your friend I want totake away your pain and suffering...

So send me all your money, and I willsuffer for you.

A truer Friend you will never find.Received from Thomas S. Ellsworth.

My Travel PlansI have been in many places, but I'venever been in Cahoots. Apparently,you can't go alone. You have to be inCahoots with someone.

I've also never been in Cognito. Ihear no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane.They don't have an airport; you haveto be driven there. I have madeseveral trips there, thanks to mychildren, friends, family and work.

I’d like to go to Conclusions, butyou have to jump, and I'm not toomuch on physical activity anymore.

I have also been in Doubt. Thatis a sad place to go, and I try not tovisit there too often.

I've been in Flexible, but onlywhen it was very important to standfirm.

Sometimes I'm in Capable, and Igo there more often as I'm gettingolder.

One of my favourite places to beis in Suspense! It really gets theadrenalin flowing and pumps up theold heart! At my age I need all thestimuli I can get!

I may have been in Continent,and I don't remember what country Iwas in. It's an age thing. They tell meit is very wet and damp there.

THe OLD ‘UnS AReSTILL THe BeST

I tried to catch some fog, I mist.When chemists die, they barium.

Jokes about German sausage are thewurst.

A soldier who survived mustardgas and pepper spray is now aseasoned veteran.

I know a man who's addicted tobrake fluid. He says he can stop anytime.

How does Moses make tea?Hebrews it.

I stayed up all night to see wherethe sun went. Then it dawned on me.

The girl said she recognised mefrom the vegetarian club, but I nevermet herbivore.

I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. I can't put it down.

Continued on next page

YOU DESERVE A LAUGH


WHERE CAN I GOON A SUNDAY?

There’s lot’s of new friendswaiting to meet you

- and free tea, coffee, cakeor biscuits afterwards

atJávea Christian Centre

C/. Arquitecto Urteaga 25GPS - N:38.793196 and E:0.165181

East of the Old Town, rear of Registry OfficeSunday morning service 11am

If you need transport or directions,phone 669 386 702

We aim to be a caring church,meeting 21st century needs with 1st century Christian compassion

ZAILAND


continued from previous pageThey told me I had type A blood,

but it was a Type O.A dyslexic man walks into a bra.Why were the Indians here first?

They had reservations.Class trip to the Coca-Cola

factory. I hope there's no pop quiz.Energizer Bunny arrested:

Charged with battery.I didn't like my beard at first.

Then it grew on me.What do you call a dinosaur with

an extensive vocabulary? Athesaurus.

When you get a bladderinfection, urine trouble.

What does a clock do when it'shungry? It goes back four seconds.

I wondered why the baseball wasgetting bigger. Then it hit me!

Broken pencils are pointless.

The Green ThingIn the queue at a checkout, thecashier told the older woman thatplastic bags weren't good for theenvironment. The woman apologisedto her and explained, "We didn't havethe green thing back in my day."

That's right, they didn't have thegreen thing in her day. Back then,they returned their milk bottles,Coke bottles, and beer bottles to thestore. The store sent them back to theplant to be washed and sterilized andrefilled, using the same bottles overand over. So they really wererecycled. But they didn't have thegreen thing back in her day.

In her day, they walked up stairs,because they didn't have an escalatorin every store and office building.They walked to the grocery store anddidn't climb into a 300-horsepowermachine every time they had to walka couple of 100 yards. But she'sright: they didn't have the greenthing in her day.

Back then, they washed the baby'snappies because they didn't have thethrow-away kind. They dried clotheson a line, not in an energy-gobblingmachine burning up 220 volts - windand solar power really did dry the

clothes. Kids got hand-me-downclothes from their brothers or sisters,not always brand-new clothing. Butthat old lady is right: they didn't havethe green thing back in her day.

Back then, they had one TV or radioin the house - not a TV in everyroom. And the TV had a small screenthe size of a pizza dish, not a screenthe size of the state of Montana. Inthe kitchen, they blended and stirredby hand because they didn't haveelectric machines to do everythingfor them. When they packaged afragile item to send in the mail, theyused wadded-up newspaper tocushion it, not styrofoam or plasticbubble wrap.

Back then, they didn't fire up anengine and burn gasoline just to cutthe lawn. They used a push mowerthat ran on human power. Theyexercised by working so they didn'tneed to go to a health club to run ontreadmills that operate on electricity.But she's right: they didn't have thegreen thing back then.

They drank from a fountain whenthey were thirsty instead of using acup or a plastic bottle every timethey had a drink of water. Theyrefilled pens with ink instead ofbuying a new pen, and they replacedthe razor blades in a razor instead ofthrowing away the whole razor justbecause the blade got dull. But theydidn't have the green thing backthen.

Back then, people took the bus andkids rode their bikes to school orrode the school bus instead ofturning their mums into a 24-hourtaxi service. They had one electricaloutlet in a room, not an entire bankof sockets to power a dozenappliances. And they didn't need acomputerised gadget to receive asignal beamed from satellites 2,000miles out in space just to find thenearest pizza joint.

But that old lady is right: they didn'thave the green thing back in her day.

Azorin RestaurantC/. Toni Llido Tel: 96 579 4495

Bon Retir elderly care homeC/. Cantallops 31

Tel: 96 579 0242688 883 155

Building and Tiling by [email protected]

Tel: 626 975 244

Butcher’s BlockThe English Butcher in JáveaAv del Pla (North of Yorkshire Linen)

Tel: 96 579 2676Cabo Casse HireTools and MachineryC/. Liverpool 11 (opposite the Moli)

Tel: 96 579 2502

C B InstallationsGlazing, Reforms/Building worksRupert Cooper Tel: 606 662 991

622 872 [email protected]

DELIVER Store & MoreA & M Henry will buy and bringthings to you, or deliver. Nothingtoo much trouble, 633 294 509

Helping Hands (J and J)Personal care, Overnight stays,Ironing, Washing, Light housework,Social occasions, ShoppingTel: 634 735 105 and 660 143 503

Independent Financial AdviceLee Hodges 699 966 [email protected]

L P Catering SupliesEverything for restaurants at anaffordable price

Tel: 96 579 3893Susana: 607 630 221Sergio: 647 540 862

MagicianMorley Budden 606 081 [email protected]

Milar MoraguesThe corner shop with trade pricesAv. del Pla 43 Tel: 96 646 1677

www.milar.es

Motorbike & Scooter RepairsMike Forrester 673 193 600


Let’s Support our localBusinesses

If we don’t we won’t have any


I’m receiving calls from peopleoperating their Sky digital receiverswho find - on occasions - they fail tofunction, displaying a variety of on-screen messages, the most popularbeing ‘No Signals Received’ orwords to that effect.

Usually it’s possible to go into theMenu and locate the ‘De-Fault’setting and overwrite the displayedfrequency of 11,778 with 12,207 andthis kicks off the Microprocessoraction and all is well, until the nexttime! (For anyone not sure of thisprocedure I have a guide that I amtold is most helpful and if you sendme your e-Mail address, I will send acopy on!)The other interesting point I havenoticed is that the level ofcomplaints is much higher whenpeople are living in Apartments,when we have to think of otherpossible causes. There may havebeen a power cut - even a very briefone is sufficient to upset themicroprocessor - or alternatively abreak in the signal path. Of course, ifthis is of an intermittent nature it canbe very difficult to pin point. If weassume that various checks havebeen made including examination ofthe mains input plug, looking for aloose wire as one of the screws has

worked loose on the cable andassuming that the signal path hasbeen cleared of all possible faults, itmay be that in actual fact it’s themains power itself that is the causeof the problem!

Living in Apartments has its ownproblems, for instance it can be quitedifficult in laying cables from theactual Satellite Dish to the SatelliteReceiver and many ingeniousmethods have been used to completethis part of the operation. I’ve seenmany cables on the roof,disappearing into air-vents shafts forWCs.

When everything else has beeneliminated and there is still aproblem, it’s time to consider‘Mucky Mains’! When you havemany people drawing off the samemains supply in close proximity it’squite possible that as others usingtheir various appliances produce‘Spikes’ on the mains, depending onthe types of protection built into theSatellite Receiver’s power supply,travel through the power supply andresult in these same spikes arrivingat very delicate areas of circuitry.The result is various actions get outof synchronisation and the picture islost!

A very sound method of ensuringthat the mains input to your SatelliteReceiver is clear of spikes, is to usean UPS (Uninterruptable PowerSupply), that is simply plugged intoyour mains power supply and itsoutput socket is then used to supplyyour Satellite Receiver with therequired power. So how does an UPSfunction? It takes the mains supplyof some 220/240 Volts and convertsit into a D.C. (Direct Current, whichin turn supplies an internal batteryrated at around 12/14 Volts D.C. Thisthen charges up and supplies a circuitthat then converts the D.C. back intoa 230/240 A.C. supply with a verypure output. All or any spikes arebuffered out through the 12 /14 voltbattery and from then on you arealways assured that the supply isheld within very strict parameters,solving any problems that can occurwith Mucky Mains!!!

I continue to receive requestsrelating to the rash of advertisingduring the past year, in connectionwith the replacement Astra 2ETransponder brought into operationreplacing 2D, resulting in this area ofEastern Spain (and in particularJávea) where there has been a hugeincrease in the signal strength ofU.K. national programmes i.e.

Continued on the next page

by Richard Pollock B.Ed I.Eng. FIEEIEConsultant Electronic EngineerFormerly Lecturer in RTVE at Bradford CollegeTelephone: 670 362 395

(Monday to Friday 10am - 6pm)

Satellite Fact File

Strength readings for different size dishes for UK Channels in Jávea Astra-SES 1N 2.4 metre 1.4 metre 1.0 metreSky News 12207 V 11.6dB 1.0E6* 10.8dB 1.0E6* 5.1dB 6.4E4*BBC W/Mid 10788 V 9.6dB 1.0E6* 4.6dB 4.3E4* 2.5dB 5.2ES*BBC1 H.D. 10847 V 8.9dB 1.5ES* 2.8dB 6.9E3* 0.7dB 1.0E1*ITV Channel Isles 10906 V 7.4dB 1.6E6* 5.5dB 1.1E4* 2.1dB 1.1E4*ITV Central 11053 H 7.4dB 2.0E6* 4.1dB 9.4E4* 1.6dB 1.1E2*Sky Sports 12148 H 3.3dB 9.2E3* 0.3dB 7.3E2*Sky Classic 11836 H 2.6dB 1.7E2*

Astra-SES 2F 2.4 metre 1.4 metre 1.0 metreBBC1 HD 11024 H 6.2dB 1.4E2* 2.8dB 7.0E2* 0.3dB 1.1E1*FOUR 11127 V 4.5dB 1.3E4* 6.7dB 6.7E4* 1.9dB 9.1E3*FIVE 10964 H 6.3dB 1.1E5* 3.6dB 1.7E3* 1.0dB 1.9E2*


Continued from the previous pageBBC1, 2, 3, 4, ITV 1, 2, 3, 4, Fourand Channel 5 etc. As a result, it isnow possible to receive thesestations 24/7 assuming our usualweather pattern with a 1.00 metresatellite dish: in particular thoseoffering a higher gain. This can alterdramatically should one of our veryheavy rain storms occur. Mycolleague, Peter, has also noted thaton the south side of Jávea, headingin the direction of Calpe andBenidorm, problems can arise in thereception of Channel 5. We also needto consider that around July of thisyear many signals will be transferredover to Astra 2F and it is expectedthat these signals will be weaker innature although it’s very hard topredict the exact level at the momentand this means it may be a wiseroption to elect to have a 1.4 metreHigh Gain Satellite Dish.

In view of all the promisedimprovements in signal Strength inthis area I have compiled somefigures on the field tests which Ihope will be helpful in judging theperformance of the various SatelliteDishes. I think, in future, only the‘Techy’ will be interested inpurchasing a 2.4 metre Satellite Dishin view of the great difference incost.

Peter and Geoff have also asked if Iwould mention that satelliteinstallations are undertaken using thebest possible test equipment and allwork completed to a very highstandard along with a comprehensiveguarantee - not often the cheapestbut always the best!

For testing operations using thesetypes of Satellite Dishes all makes ofSatellite Receivers have been usedand generally speaking quite goodresults have been obtained. The Skyrange of products including theH.D.+ versions have been verypopular along with types that have aquite different operating system tothat of the Sky models. Two othermakes tried have been from theFerguson and Iberosat, both provingto be very reliable, with the addedadvantage that they will operate on aSky Card without the need to contactSky and arrange to transfer over thedata.This means anyone who wishesto bring over their Sky card from the

U.K. can simply plug it into one ofthese Satellite Receivers and all thesame programmes are transferredover to the Ferguson or Iberosat Box.Another interesting point with thesetwo Satellite Receivers is, as theyhave a different operating system,they do not suffer from ‘De-FaultDropout’ meaning that if for anyreason your mains is cut off (possiblein a storm!), when the mains isrestored the Satellite Receiver picksup the station it was left on andcarries on, meaning no morespending a couple of hoursattempting to sort things out.

Mention should also be made of theHumax range of ‘Free to View’Satellite Receivers, which can evenoffer types with a record facilitysimilar in operation to the others Ihave mentioned, but intended for theclient who refuses to join the Skyroute, as the costs do keep climbingfor Sky products!!!

Finally a mention of the confusioncaused by advertisers who offer Skypackages along with the U.K.National Programmes. This hascaused much concern as often someof the Sky programmes - inparticular Sky Sports - disappearwithout trace. If you are fortunatethey will return at a later date!!! Ifyou are in any doubt as to thecompany concerned offering SkySports or film products, it’s a simpletask to enquire if you can have sightof the Sky Contract conferring theserights to operate outside of the U.K.to them by name. Many peopleobtain a Sky card from the U.K. anduse it here in Spain. If found out,Sky are obliged by their licencingagreements to terminate the contract,which means they lose a decentmonthly payment. Even someemployed by Sky risk it!!!

For those requiring furtherinformation please check out mywebsite. I always try and reply toyou via eMail, but some of the morecomplex problems cannot beanswered without conducting a‘Field Test’ which involves a homevisit and of course conducting aseries of tests, without which it isimpossible to reach a conclusion.eMail: [email protected]

Web Site www.richardpollock.biz

MPM Property RepairsMaintnance, Management andRepairs Tel: 96 577 0205

681 005 731

NURSE Gail McCaffertyRGN.NMB regd/[email protected] 626 005 487

Painting and DecoratingPinturas Jaime Ortola 609 677 094www.pinturasortola.net

P C HighwayCalle Niza 13 Tel: 96 646 [email protected]

Pick-up and Deliver ServiceCovering Alicante to Gandia - they’lleven pay for an item and fetch it.Andrea and Mark 633 294 509

Rent an OfficiantFor a Funeral, Memorial orThanksgiving occasion:Rev. Clive Read 669 386 [email protected]

Second-hand furniture storeSheila’s Deals 609 827 [email protected]

Septic (toilet) problemsLimpiezas Jávea 608 861 153www.limpiezasjavea.com

Spanish Lessonswww.languagecentremoraira.com

699 216 516

Swiss Cable - and much moreTlf: 96 577 1121

[email protected]

Taxi [email protected] payment OK - Airports - Tours

633 400 044Tanatorio JáveaUndertaking in your language

Tel: 610 204 864







Former British Consul for Alicante(and Bogata, Colombia) RussellThomson is petitioning theeuropean Parliament over Spain’snew law for all overseas assets tobe declared by the end of April,with minimum fines of10.000€uros.

PetitionRequesting Urgent Review of theLegality of Spain’s AssetDeclaration Demands in view ofeuropean Union norms and theSpanish Constitution:

To: The European Parliament’s Petitions CommitteeSubmitted by Concerned European Citizens resident in Spain

European Parliament Petitions Cttee.The Secretariat, Rue Wiertz,B-1047, Brussels

The Petitioners welcome Spain'sefforts to tackle corruption, moneylaundering and tax evasion. Theybelieve, however, that the measuresnow being adopted by theapplication of Decreto Real1558/2012 are too blunt a tool to dothis efficiently: the aim of any fiscalpolicy should be to pluck the tax-paying goose so gently that it willcontinue to lay its golden eggs.

The Petitioners believe that abetter, sharper, tool could be forgedby building on existing measuressuch as the EU Savings Directiveand internationally agreedinformation exchanges to counterthese abuses while respectingindividual rights to property andprivacy as guaranteed by theEuropean Union and the SpanishConstitution.

In the case of EU nationals who haveretired to reside in Spain, their assetsare more often than not theaccumulation of savings from taxedincome built up over a lifetime ofwork in the country of theirnationality and held solely to providefinancial security in their final years.

Their assets heldoutside Spain arenot wealth that hasbeen siphoned outfrom the Spanisheconomy bycorrupt politicians,money launderersor tax evaders;rather the money they have broughtto Spain to buy property and to fundday-to-day living costs has generatedemployment and has brought benefitto the Spanish economy.

The Petitioners believe that thereporting baseline asset value couldbe doubled or even quadrupledwithout adversely affecting thecollection of data and its quality.Indeed reducing the volume of assetreports to be filed would have abeneficial effect by easing pressureon the Agencia Tributaria (andfinancial consulting companies) soallowing them to focus on and tackleany serious abuses.

The Petitioners also believe thatthe reporting format demanded doesnot recognise the various anddiffering ways in which assets can beheld outside Spain, whether in trustfunds, managed accounts, IndividualSavings Accounts, Personal EquityPlans or whatever, and their differingreporting periods.

Similarly earnings derived fromshares can be reported at differenttimes of the year and in a number offormats, so making any historicalcalculation of 'wealth' in the requiredmanner difficult if not impossible,especially within the short time-scaleallowed. (This has been recognisedby the “Your Advice Europe” serviceto be a serious form ofdiscrimination).

The Petitioners believe that thepenalties to be imposed for latefiling, omissions or errors aredisproportionate, and would, inmany circumstances, be greater thanthe asset involved. Deliberate falsefilings should, of course, be dealtwith - but penalties for minor errorsor omissions should be capable ofmodulation to match the nature ofthe failure.

The Petitioners are concernedabout the fine detail they are beingrequired to file through financialservice companies who may notproperly protect their computerdatabases against unauthorisedaccess, and which would thusprovide information of use tointernet fraudsters and scammers.

The Petitioners request thePetitions Committee and theParliament to intervene immediatelywith the Spanish authorities urgingthem to postpone the asset reportingdeadline from April 30 2013, sinedie, pending adequate clarificationand simplification of the reportingprocess. This must includeassurances from the Spanishgovernment that the process is in fullcompliance with relevant EU norms,Directives, etc, as well as theSpanish Constitution itself.

In view of the urgency of thesituation, the established assetreporting deadline being April 30,2013, the Petitioners request thePetitions Committee to admit thispetition without delay and with aview to engaging the EUCommissions as quickly as possible,in the belief that this matter shouldbe addressed as a matter of priorityby the European Court of Justice.

The Petitioners, while drawingattention to the attachments to thispetition, may wish to addsupplemental information in duecourse.Copies of the Petition can be signedat ‘Oasis’ premises in C/. Toni Llido5 (next to La Caixa Bank) in JáveaPort.

Heard in Church"Dear Lord, This has been a toughtwo or three years.You have taken my favourite

actor Patrick Swayze.My favourite musician Michael

Jackson.My favourite Blues Singer Amy

Winehouse.My favourite actress Elizabeth

Taylor.And now my favourite singer

Whitney Houston.I just wanted you to know that

my favourite politicians are EdMiliband, Tony Blair, Nick Clegg,Ed Balls, David Cameron and JohnPrescott."

Former British Consul petitions against Spain’s Asset legislation



Support Local Shops and BusinessesContinued from page 1support and offered every assistancewithin our gift, not because we seeourselves as a business, but as our civicduty.

Sally and Samantha told JáveaJeard “We have seen over the last couplemonths more and more localindependent businesses struggling tomake ends meet or worse closing downand felt that we had to do somethingabout it, not just for our own promotion, but for the sake of the localeconomy and community.

“As the recession bites harder weare finding that people are not buying intheir local shops as they feel that theycan get cheaper alternatives either in theChinese Bazaars, online or at out-of-town shopping centres. We wanted tofind a way to show people that localshops not only offer great value productsbut also great customer service.”

They looked at other initiatives andnoticed that the most successfulcampaigns both in the US and the UKfocus on ‘buy local’ and decided tolaunch the idea in Jávea.

By making the choice to supportlocal businesses readers can make a realdifference to the local community andeconomy. This is because a significantlygreater portion of the money you spendwith local businesses stays in ourcommunity. This means more money forroads, schools, services and jobs. Asmall change in the way you shop canhave a big impact on your community.

Most local businesses don’t havemoney to spend on expensiveadvertising campaigns, so there is nocharge to take part, but businesses areasked to donate a prize during the yearin one of the monthly prize draws - theonly obligation for the general publicr4to enter the draw is to produce 5 receiptsfrom participating companies, and takethem to Fiesta Crafts.

Readers with internet access canaccess the Group at

http://tinyurl.com/SupportJavea

The following was found postedvery low on a refrigerator door: Dear Dogs and Cats:

The dishes with the paw printsare yours and contain your food. Theother dishes are mine and contain myfood. Placing a paw print in themiddle of my plate and food does notstake a claim for it becoming yourfood and dish, nor do I find thataesthetically pleasing in the slightest.

The stairway was not designed byNASCAR and is not a racetrack.Racing me to the bottom is not theobject. Tripping me doesn't helpbecause I fall faster than you canrun.

I cannot buy anything bigger than aking sized bed. I am very sorry aboutthis. Do not think I will continuesleeping on the couch to ensure yourcomfort. Dogs and cats can actuallycurl up in a ball when they sleep. Itis not necessary to sleepperpendicular to each other, stretchedout to the fullest extent possible. Ialso know that sticking tails straightout and having tongues hanging outon the other end to maximise spaceis nothing but sarcasm.

For the last time: there is no secretexit from the bathroom! If, by somemiracle, I beat you there and manageto get the door shut, it is notnecessary to claw, whine, meow, tryto turn the knob or get your pawunder the edge in an attempt to openthe door. I must exit through thesame door I entered. Also, I havebeen using the bathroom for years -canine/feline attendance is notrequired.

The proper order for kissing is: Kissme first, then go smell the other dogor cat's bottom. I cannot stress thisenough.

Finally, in fairness, dear pets, I haveposted the following message on thefront door:

TO ALL nOn-PeT OWneRSWHO VISIT AnD LIKe TO

COMPLAIn ABOUT OUR PeTS (1) They live here. You don't. (2) If you don't want their hair onyour clothes, stay off the furniture.That's why they call it 'fur'-niture. (3) I like my pets a lot better than Ilike most people. (4) To you, they are animals. To me,they are adopted sons/daughters whoare short, hairy, walk on all fours anddon't speak clearly.

Remember, dogs and cats are betterthan kids because they: (1) eat less, (2) don't ask for money all the time, (3) are easier to train, (4) normally come when called, (5) never ask to drive the car, (6) don't smoke or drink, (7) don't want to wear your clothes, (8) don't have to buy the latestfashions, (9) don't need thousands of Euros (orGBP) for college, and (10) if they get pregnant, you cansell their children ....

PUTTING PETS INTHEIR PLACE


Maggies Final ActMargaret Thatcher arrived at the pearlygates. St. Peter apologetically said -"Sorry we are not quite ready for youyet. We are sending you back to your oldjob for a few days."In a puff of smoke she was back in

Westminster.Ten minutes later, Abu Qatada was on

a plane to Jordan!! from Peter Sharp

A Dog’s last Will& Testament

Before humans die, they write their LastWill & Testament, give their home andall they have to those they leave behind.If, with my paws, I could do the same,this is what I’d ask . . .

To a poor and lonely stray I’d givemy happy home, my bowl and cozy bed,soft pillow and all the toys, the lap,which I loved so much; the hand thatstroked my fur; and the sweet voice thatspoke my name.

I’d will to the sad, scared shelter dogthe place I have in my human’s lovingheart, of which there seemed no bounds.

So, when I die, please do not say, “Iwill never have another pet again, for theloss and pain is more than I can stand.”

Instead, go and find an unloved dog,one whose life has held no joy or hope,and give my place to him.

This is the only thing I can give . . .The love I left behind.

Anon rescuepledge.org


energy PerformanceCertificatesFully registered EPC Providerby Patrick Vine

The Spanish government will require allexisting homes in Spain that are for saleor rent to have an "Energy PerformanceCertificate" from the 1st of June 2013.Once the new regulations have comeinto force in Spain all homeowners whowant to sell or lease their property mustmake this "Energy PerformanceCertificate" available to the prospectivebuyer and/or tenant.

The owner of the home, building, orbusiness premises will be responsible forobtaining and paying for the certificate,which they will need in order to sell orlease their home. In addition to thecertificate, each home will also receive aseries of recommendations to improvethe energy performance of the home andenable it to go up at least one level in theenergy efficiency scale.

Patrick Vine at Expat Solutions hasa team of qualified and experienceddomestic and commercial EPCEngineers who will provide a fullyregistered and approved EPC - energyperformance certificate.

What is an energy certificate? It is areport that describes how efficient ahome is in terms of energy consumption.It assigns an energy rating to each homeon a scale which ranges from "A" (themost efficient) to "G" (the leastefficient).

Who can issue an energy efficiencycertificate? Only Qualified Engineersregistered in Colegio of SpanishEngineers.

Will the technician need to visit theproperty? Yes. They have to visit theproperty to take measurements andcollect information about the propertybefore drawing up and certifying thereport.

How much is the ePC certificate?Depending on the size of your propertymost are approximately 300€.

Who needs an ePC certificate?Allproperties that are being sold or rentedout (even holiday rentals).

How long is the energy certificatevalid for? The certificate is valid for 10years. This means owners will not haveto obtain a new certificate during thisperiod unless they renovate or changethe property in any way.

Can I obtain an ePC before the 1st ofJune?Yes, however it will not beobligatory until the 1st of June, if yourhome is on the market to be sold then itis best to have it provided as soon as youcan as to prevent any extra stress at thetime of the sale.

Will I be fined if I do not have anePC? It has been published that thegovernment will fine all properties listedfor sale or rent that do not have an EPC.

Will a low rating affect the sale of myhome? Can I sell it without anyproblems? You are free to sell yourhome. The only way it will affect a saleis how the rating influences the buyer.

If I want to sell my home and it has apoor energy rating, such as D, e or F,am I obliged to make anyimprovements? No, you are not obligedto make any improvements even if yourproperty has a low rating.

If you need further information, pleasedo not hesitate to contact Patrick Vine on617 354 758 who can arrange for he or acolleague to visit.

Get your electric from

the Current BunEveryone knows the Sun is a life givinggift that sustains all life on our planetEarth. Its light travels to Earth inapproximately 8 minutes from93,000,000 miles away, at 186,282 milesper second.

It will burn brightly in our sky foranother 4.6 billion years and its energycan also supply a significant percentageof your personal energy requirements.

New legislation in Spain makes theinstallation of a solar energy system asound financial decision, as you can nowstore any excess energy you producefrom solar power in the national grid anddraw it back, on demand at no cost. (Put‘sun-power’ in the bank during theSummer, and draw it out again duringthe cold of Winter).

The upsurge in global usage of solarpower combined with more efficientproduction techniques has seen the cost

of solar equipment fall. Solar Directsupply world class equipment fromglobally recognized manufacturers thatwill replace a significant percentage ofyour current grid sourced powerconsumption as well as products to heatyour water, centrally heat your house orheat your swimming pool.

Depending on usage, prices for a 3bedroom villa could start as low as 5400€uro with hot water systems availablefrom as little as 2600 €uro. All productscarry manufacturer backed warrantiesbeyond industry standards.

Solar Direct are committed tocomplete customer satisfaction. Bring alittle sunshine in to your life with SolarDirect. Contact them locally on659394455 [email protected]


is produced at the

in Jávea Port (C/. Toni Llido 5)An announcement for

your businesscan be included for

SUGGeSTeDDOnATIOn

Single column 25€Half column 15€Quarter column 10€We don’t recommend larger

areas as few people read them.All announcements are printednext to editorial, to ensure

maximum impact/readership.

Tax deductible receipts given forall donations, and Modelo 182issued to all donors who requestone, to deduct donations to

Iglesia GIDE (Cif: Q0300542H)from their annual Renta return

We rely on your [email protected]: 96 646 3707

Jávea Jeard


Memorial benchsuggested for SerenaJávea artist and photographer, BillieCook, has told us of her belief that -possibly along the banks of the Gorgosriver where it joins the sea - there shouldbe a park bench, dedicated to thememory of ‘Serena’ - and since she diedin July 2009 we can reveal that herpassport name was Beryl Stanyer - but inthe minds of pet-lovers, sponsors anddonors, she will always be ‘Serena’.

She would joke that she had ahusband or gentleman friend for eachday of the week, and many ‘old-timers’will remember her long blonde hair,streaming out behind her, as she drove ababy-blue Ford cabriolet from her homeon the Montgó, into Jávea. Selling theMontgó home, she bought a house inRui Guadalupe, in Adsubia Cansalades,and created ‘Serena’s Animal Sanctuary’which re-homed more than 3,000 dogs,in the years before APASA was founded.

Every Thursday she sat (or herdonation box did - when she went off todo her weekly shopping) at a table inJávea Thursday market, donated by PPAlcalde, Juan Moragues.

When Councillor Salvador Ferrerreceived a tip-off by phone fromValencia that the inspector of municipalfacilities for stray dogs had left his officeto come and do a ‘spot check’ on Jávea,the Councillor phoned Serena andpromised her ‘land for a new animalsanctuary’ if she could move the 35 dogsfrom the tiny ‘dog pound’ - now aweather station - alongside the river bed,to her home, faster than the vet coulddrive from Valencia to Jávea. She did.

The promised land nevermaterialised, but the Town Hall did giveland to APASA. Serena was verygrateful that APASA was created,because she found she was sufferingfrom untreatable cancer, and knew thatdogs in Javea would continue to be insafe hands. No healthy dog was ever‘put to sleep’ by Serena - whose onewish, when diagnosed with cancer, wasthat God would allow her to outlive thedogs who depended on her, and themany sponsors who gave so generously.

When told she had a terminalcondition, she had 28 or 30 dogs in hersanctuary. When she died, there wereonly 3.

Serena made a HUGE impact on thelife of abandoned dogs in Jávea, and apark bench, on the banks of where sherescued so many dogs - would be afitting memorial.

Billie has asked Oscar Anton,Deputy Mayor, to arrange permissionand has asked the ‘Oasis’ centre, next toLa Caixa bank in Jávea Port, if theywould accept public donations. Ofcourse it would. Receipts will be offeredfor all donations. (Photo from BillieCook website - with thanks).

StraightTalkingby Lee Hodges, Independent Financial Adviser

Investment Commissions – a thing of the past?Since 1st January 2013, the so-called‘Retail Distribution Review’ (RDR) hascompletely changed the way in whichfinancial advice is given, and paid for, inthe UK. As an expatriate living inSpain, you may not have heard aboutRDR, but it is something which isextremely important, and could save youliterally thousands of pounds incommissions. I would urge you,therefore, to read on.Before the start of 2013, financialadvisers in the UK were able to earncommissions from investment products,with the exception that if they classifiedthemselves as ‘independent’, they had tooffer a ‘fee’ option. Therefore, anadviser that did not offer a ‘fee’ optioncould not be classified as independent.Since the start of 2013, all advisers,whether independent or not, are nowonly permitted to charge fees, and arenot allowed to take commissions. This‘shake-up’ has occurred due to a reviewof the way in which financial servicesproducts were being sold, as it was feltthat up-front commissions were drivingthe advice, rather than the advice beingdriven by suitability and overallinvestment performance. In addition, itwas also felt that by merely paying byfees, clients would be aware of the ‘real’cost to them for the advice they receive.Consequently, the implementation ofRDR is being seen as a way to reducethe commissions being charged to clientsand to make charges for the servicesoffered totally explicit. In turn, thisshould boost investment performance, asthe overall product charging structureshould be greatly reduced.

As an example of pre-RDR, it wasfeasible and legal for advisers to selectproducts which paid commissionsranging from, say, 5% to 7% upfront.The adviser had the choice to take fullcommission, or enhance the initialallocation rate. This allocation rate, withfull commission being taken, wasinvariably 100%. Consequently, basedon an investment of £100,000, it waspossible for an adviser to receive up-front commissions of at least £5,000. Since RDR, the adviser now has tocategorically state and confirm inwriting the amount of commission onoffer from all sources (this includes up-front initial commission and allunderlying fund commission), and agreewith the investor the fee he/she is goingto pay.Continuing with our £100,000 example,if your adviser told you he/she wasearning £5,000 up-front, and that theunderlying funds offered a further 0.50%annual commission, you would probablywant to negotiate the up-front fee!However, the over-riding factor toconsider is whether or not your adviseris offering you ‘value for money’. Valuefor money is not just about ‘fundperformance’, but takes a variety offorms and guises, such as regularmeetings, regular valuations, productupdates, etc. It is up to you and youradviser to decide on the level of feespayable, and just being told that you willreceive 100% allocation is no longersufficient.I should add that RDR is, currently, notlegally required to be adopted byfinancial advisers in Spain. My view onthis is very simple – as an expatriate, Ibelieve that you should be treated thesame as if you were in the UK. Thismeans full disclosure of all fees andcommissions, including any ongoingcommissions such as trail.In conclusion, do not be afraid to askyour adviser what commissions are onoffer, and do not be afraid to negotiate.Make sure that you get this informationin writing, and not just scribbled on apiece of paper! It is, after all, yourmoney, and even if you end up paying afee, it is very likely to be far lower thanthe commissions potentially on offer.LEE HODGES CERTPFS HAS LIVED ANDWORKED IN SPAIN FOR OVER 16 YEARS.HE IS CURRENTLY SITTING THE DIPLOMA INREGULATED FINANCIAL PLANNING. FORTRULY PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL ADVICE,CALL LEE ON 966 463 876, OR EMAIL HIMAT [email protected]

INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THISARTICLE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ADVICE,AND IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY.THE AUTHOR TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITYFOR ACTION TAKEN AS A RESULT OF THISARTICLE. E&OE.



Resignation of eduardo MonfortContinued from page 1

Eduardo Monfort, prominent JáveaLawyer, has resigned as a councillorafter 26 years service. He served asAlcalde (Mayor) on two occasions, inone of which he and the other groupswith fewer than 7 councillors, decided tounite to form a Government with PSPV,PP and BLOC (11 seats out of the 21),leaving Juan Moragues and PP (whopoled more votes - 7 seats - than anyother single party) in opposition.

Monfort, who was Mayor forBLOC-Centrists in the previousParliament, passed responsibility toAntonio Torres, whom many Brits willknow as the owner of SIMBRA, whowon the ‘Bouquet’ from Javea CivicSociety Bulletin, for outstanding after-sales, more than any other nominee.

Former Mayor Monfort started thisterm as a member of BLOC-Centristas,‘resigned-the-whip’ when his colleagueswanted to become Compromís group.Since then, Monfort has sat with other‘independent’ councillors.

Monfort began his political career asthe People's Alliance candidate in themunicipal elections of 1987.

At the height of the constructionboom in Javea, allegations were madeagainst Juan Moragues and EduardoMonfort, in respect of planningirregularities. Justice in Spain is eithervery slow, or the investigating judgedecided there was no case to answer orinsufficient evidence.

new Tax Treatysigned between

the United Kingdomand Spain

It hasn’t come into force yet, but it isexpected it will, during 2013.

We will inform you very soonabout the changes occurring, amongthem, clarifications on taxation ontrusts, and the reduction in thewithholding rate on interests anddividends.

Annabel Gay informs us:The UK, France, Germany, Italy andSpain have signed an agreement toshare their citizens bank accountdetails! (No, it isn’t 1st April).


How healthy are your drinks?

Autumn Harvest1 medium sweetpotato peeled

1 apple2 medium carrots

1” peeled ginger root

MEAN GREEN1 bundle spinach 2 handfuls kale1 green apple1 cucumber1 pear

ABC JUICE

1 green apple1 beet

2 medium carrots

LEMON GINGERhalf lettuce

1 green apple2 medium carrots

1” peeled ginger root

Did you know that 95% of the vitaminsand enzymes our bodies need are foundin the juice of raw fruits and vegetables?We would need to eat 2 lbs of carrots,10-12 apples, or 8 lbs of spinach to getthe same amount of nutrients you receivein one 16 oz juice!

When you drink juice, highlyconcentrated vitamins, minerals andenzymes rapidly enter the bloodstreamabsorbing all of the nutritional benefitsof the fruits and vegetables and givingyour digestive organs a much-neededrest.

There is lots of research that showsthe healing properties of juicing. Not

only will juicing facilitate weight loss,increased energy levels, strengthenedimmunity, strong bones and a glowingcomplexion, it also reduces the chancesof, and aids in the healing of, heartdisease, cancer and strokes, three of theleading causes of death.

A growing body of research suggeststhat most vitamin supplements don’t helpprevent chronic disease. A syntheticvitamin or mineral is a laboratorysimulation of the real thing. Natural,plant-based vitamins and minerals aremore easily and completely absorbed bythe body.

Sent to us by Joe Molina

WANNA BEA DONOR?

When we published the CivicSociety Bulletin in 1989 it grewto 3,000 copies a month.When we launched Jávea

Grapevine, we did so with3000 copies, including 300sent by post to absent owners.Jávea Jeard will launch

with 2,500 copies - to help theJávea community and economy.

YOUR announcement, ina full column (like this) wouldappear in 2500 copies ofJávea Jeard for a 25€donation, each month, toJEC church funds.At the end of the year we

provide a receipt so you canreduce your Tax liability inSpain, by the amount of yourcharitable donation.YOUR announcement, in ahalf-column (like this) wouldappear in 2500 copies ofJávea Jeard for a 15€donation, each month, toJEC church funds.

No one expects ‘somethingfor nothing’ in a ‘crisis’ - so weare doing what we can to buildcommunity spirit, and informthose who speak English oftheir ‘rights’ and ‘obligations’of living in Jávea.

YOUR announcement, in aquarter-column (like this)would appear in 2500 ofcopies of Jávea Jeard for a10€ donation, each month,to JEC church funds.

At the end of 2013, thosewho need one, will receive aModelo 182: Declaracióninformativa de donativos,donaciones y aportacionesrecibidas y disposicionesrealizadas.


Dating ads for Seniorsfound in a Florida

newspaperYou can say what you want aboutFlorida, but you never hear of anyoneretiring and moving north. These areactual ads seen in ''The Villages'' Floridanewspaper. (Who says seniors don't havea sense of humour?)

FOXY LADY:Sexy, fashion-conscious blue-hairedbeauty, 80's, slim, 5'4' (used to be 5'6'),Searching for sharp-looking, sharp-dressing companion. Matching whiteshoes and belt, a plus.

LOnG-TeRM COMMITMenT:Recent widow who has just buriedfourth husband, looking for someone toround out a six-unit plot. Dizziness,fainting, shortness of breath not aproblem.

SeRenITY nOW:I am into solitude, long walks, sunrises,the ocean, yoga and meditation. If youare the silent type, let's get together, takeour hearing aids out and enjoy quiettimes.

WInnInG SMILe:Active grandmother with original teethseeking a dedicated flosser to share raresteaks, corn on the cob and caramelcandy.

BeATLeS OR STOneS?I still like to rock, still like to cruise inmy Camaro on Saturday nights and stilllike to play the guitar. If you were agroovy chick, or are now a groovy hen,let's get together and listen to my eight-track tapes.

MeMORIeS:I can usually remember Monday throughThursday. If you can remember Friday,Saturday and Sunday, let's put our twoheads Together.

and------------My favouriteMInT COnDITIOn:Male, 1932 model , high mileage, goodcondition, some hair, many new partsincluding hip, knee, cornea, valves.Isn't in running condition, but walkswell.

Sent to us by Henry Lock

After I retired, my wife insisted Iaccompany her on her trips toASDA. Unfortunately, like mostmen, I found shopping boring andpreferred to get in and get out.equally unfortunate, my wife islike most women - she loves tobrowse.

Yesterday my dear wife received thefollowing letter from our localASDA...

Dear Mrs. Harris,Over the past six months, your

husband has caused quite acommotion in our store. We cannottolerate this behaviour and havebeen forced to ban both of you fromthe store. Our complaints againstyour husband, Mr. Harris, are listedbelow and are "documented by ourvideo surveillance cameras":

1. June 15: He took 24 boxes ofcondoms and randomly put them inother people's carts when theyweren't looking.

2. July 2: Set all the alarm clocks inHousewares to go off at 5-minuteintervals.

3. July 7: He made a trail of tomatojuice on the floor leading to thewomen's restroom.

4. July 19: Walked up to a staffmember and told her in an officialvoice, 'Code 3 in Housewares. Geton it right away'. This caused theemployee to leave her assignedstation and receive a reprimand fromher Supervisor that in turn resultedwith a union grievance, causingmanagement to lose time and costingthe company money.

5. August 4: Went to the ServiceDesk and tried to reserve a bag ofMaltesers.

6. August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION -WET FLOOR' sign to a carpetedarea.

7. August 15: Set up a tent in thecamping department and told thechildren shoppers they could come inif they would bring pillows andblankets from the beddingdepartment - to which twentychildren obliged.

8. August 23: When a clerk asked ifthey could help him he began cryingand screamed, 'Why can't you peoplejust leave me alone?' EmergencyMedics were called.

9. September 4: Looked right intothe security camera and used it as amirror while he picked his nose.

10. September 10: While handlingknives in the Sports department, heasked the clerk where theantidepressants were.

11. October 3: Darted around theStore suspiciously while loudlyhumming the ' Mission Impossible'theme.

12. October 6: In the auto-sparesdepartment, he practiced his‘Madonna look’ by using differentsizes of funnels.

13. October 18: Hid in a clothingrack and when people browsedthrough, yelled 'PICK ME! PICKME!'

14. October 22: When anannouncement came over the loudspeaker, he assumed the fetalposition on the floor and screamed'OH NO! IT'S THOSE VOICESAGAIN!

15. also October 22: Took a box ofcondoms to the checkout clerk andasked where the fitting room was.

And last, but not least:

16. October 23: Went into a fittingroom, shut the door, waited awhile,and then yelled very loudly, 'Hey!There's no toilet paper in here.'One of the members of our staffpassed out.

IS IT TIME FORMORE HUMOUR?



Agenda 21Jávea

UpdatesCitizen Advice Centre handled26,902 enquiries in 12 monthsJávea’s Oficina de Atención alCiudadano handled 26,902 enquiries lastyear, 16,038 of which happened after aticketing system was introduced, withdepartmental experts at individual desks.3,972 enquiries related to generalrecords, 3789 to the Padrón, and 2535related to refund of IBI (annual ‘rates’).

The ticketing system revealed asurprising 11,906 requests in Castilian,2080 English, 817 Valenciano, 524German, 194 Dutch and 168 French.

Regional municipalities askMadrid to re-think offshoreasset declaration lawFaced with increasing debts, and moreand more owners relinquishing their‘enpadronado’ status - costing the localTown Hall 200€ annually for eachperson, local politicians are setting asidetheir political differences, and advisingthe Madrid government of the terminalconsequences for Costa Blanca touristhavens.

Jávea Deputy Mayor, andCouncillor for Finance and Foreigners ishoping to persuade his own Mayor - JoseChulvi - as well as others in the region,to set-aside their customary entrenchedpositions, and unite to protect theirtourism-based economies.

School councillor reps asked forideas on dealing with the dogpoo problemMembers of the Children's CitizensParticipation Forum (Consell deXiquets) have met with Mayor Chulvi todiscuss issues they’d been discussingwith other councillors. The Councillor ofServices has also asked for their helpabout encouraging pet-owners to respectpublic spaces and collect their animaldroppings.

"Cocas" Fair in Xàbia RuirauThe focus of this event was to promotethe cooking of Cocas, small pizzascooked in an outside wood burningoven, with the aim of sharing thisancient tradition of families and groupsof friends gathering together to prepareand cook these delicacies.

The tradition captures the essence of“slow life”, spending time preparing and

eating local food, and socialising inpublic spaces. A traditional bread ovenwas specially built for the event whichtook place among the stone arches of theriurau d'Arnauda, the traditional placefor drying grapes to make pasas(raisins), which has been restored in thecentre of Jávea, on ground above theplaza de la Constitución Española.

During the two days many localrestaurants sold tapas, cakes and localwines. Visitors were able to watchexhibitions of traditional local skills – aswell as demonstrations of Coca making.Local lace making organisationsshowed off their expertise.

Underground car parksdemand continued subsidy The 2012 figures for Jávea’s twounderground car parks show a deficit of138,657 €uros. Expenditure was303,921 €uros with income at 165,263€- before taking into account re-paymentsfor the €12million "rescue" package.Annual staff costs were 188,000€ - paidon a monthly basis - and notable becausethe contract was not offered on a tenderbasis. Electricity bills amounted to€50,781, machinery maintenance€18,764 (does that include the ‘lift’ thathas never worked?) and cleaning at13,367€.

AMJASA to explore ways of reducing electricity costsYou might have thought that water andelectricity do not ‘mix’ but Jáveacouncillors have asked the municipalwater provider - and a huge consumer ofelectricity at the desalination plant - tofind a cost-cutting solution.

Jávea Town Hall has an annualelectricity bill that exceeds one millionEuros per year. They have tried to cutconsumption by reducing the brightnessof street lights, and turning off alternateones, but now they are looking for moreradical solutions. Having noted thatprivate companies offer discount dealson electricity, the municipal watercompany AMJASA has been charged tofind out if it, too can enter this market. Asub-committee has been set up to lookinto this possibility, though somescepticism has been expressed byopposition members.

Plans to register Marina Alta asa protected origin (DO) of winesSeveral regional bodies including theInstitute d'Estudis Comarcals, theAssociation of Friends of Teulada,defenders of the moscatel and Teuladawinemaker Joan C. Martin are urging thecreation of a DO for the Marina Alta.

Since ex-Teulada Mayor, José Ciscar isnow head of the regional Department ofAgriculture, they hope their proposalswill find favour. Jávea seems to havefewer vines each year.

The Town Hall of Benitachell haslaunched a programme called“BIOMoscatell al Poble Nou deBenitatxell” to promote Moscatel grapes,raisins and wines. The campaign aims togenerate a product of excellence, topreserve one of the most characteristiclandscapes in the Valencia Region and toinvolve more young farmers in theircultivation. The strategy is focused onthe conversion of the vineyards toorganic production and cooperate withgroups like the Universitat Politècnicade Valencia and Fundación GlobalNature.

Spanish Property newsrecognises Spain’s desire todiscourage property investorsSpanish Property Insight arehighlighting the negative effect the AssetDeclaration Law is having on expatswho were thinking of retiring orinvesting here. Basically, people areconsidering going elsewhere. "There hasalways been talk of Spain becoming the“California of Europe”, attractingmillions of pensioners from NorthernEurope to buy homes in Spain, andspend their savings here, creatingwealth, jobs, and revenues forGovernment coffers. Already underthreat from various scandals involvingcorruption and illegal building inpopular places like Marbella, that modelwill be doomed if Spain becomes a fiscaldanger zone for expats. It stands toreason this new law will discourageexpats from retiring to Spain, or at leastdoing so legally and declaring theirresidency. Everyone knows the Spanishstate is struggling to fund high deficits.How many expats will now move toSpain and put their life’s savings withinthe grasp of the Spanish tax authorities?"

Amjasa will replace ‘hidden’ water metersAbout 2,000 water meters (around 7.5%of the total), are installed on privateland, making it difficult for AMJASA toread meters and manage the watersupply in case of leaks. AMJASA isfinancing the cost of installingreplacement meters in coordination withcommunities of owners’ with the costbeing reclaimed at 5% each month overthe next 18 payments (3 years). For



individual properties, AMJASA willneed to arrange access and repaymentterms with each owner. Where a newconnection to the water mains isrequired, AMJASA will bear the cost.

Iberdrola will also be replacingexisting analogue (rotating disk) metreswith a digital version, which can beinterrogated over the power cable to givean accurate reading for each invoice(whether or not you are at home andwithout sending a meter-reader to yourstreet. The new meter will also functionas a ‘circuit-breaker’ informingIberdrola (or other provider) when youare using more ‘volume’ than yourcontract permits. It is unclear whetherthe meter will interrupt the supply tocustomers exceeding their allowance, orwhether it will just inform the officewho will send you a request to upgradeyour contracted amount (and pay anincreased standing-charge).

David Ferrer opens re-paved Arenal promenade Despite the onset of stormy weather, therenovated Arenal promenade wasofficially inaugurated as the "PasseigTenista David Ferrer" in the presence ofthe locally-born tennis player at thebeginning of April. The long-awaitedrenovation project, financed by the PlanConfianza de la Generalitat, has vastlyimproved the tourist centre of the townwith a new promenade surface,improved lighting and landscaped areasfor shade. Alberto Fabra, president of theGeneralitat Valenciana, made his firstofficial visit to the town along withIsabel Bonig, the regional minister incharge of Infrastructure, to join withMayor José Chulvi and members of thetown council at the opening ceremony.For details and pictures see:www.javeamigos.com/news/050413-01.htm

Scrap metal thieves removefire-hose coversScrap metal thieves have removedprotective covers bolted to the tops offire hydrants, as well as the covers tohose fittings, to give instant connectionfrom the hydrant to the hose.

Because they no longer have their‘protective helmets’ they are being seenas handy waste bins, for cans, bottlesand cigarette butts.

Civil Protection volunteers will nowmake an inventory of the missing coversand check the hydrants are working OK.

easter week judged a tourism successBusinesses in Jávea old town wereboosted by the Artesian fair over Easter.Hotel, hostal and camping occupancyreached 82.7% thanks to last minutebookings with 95% occupancy in largerhotels near the beach. 2,158 groups ofpeople asked for information at tourismoffices.

Information on the degree ofoccupancy of second homes and flatswill not be available until waterconsumption and rubbish collection data(an interesting source?) have beenanalysed, but on the whole, Easter wasbetter than had been feared.


LAVISIOn

Jessica Zimmermann’s mother was bornin Madagascar, and the family came tolive in Javea 20 years ago, but maderegular return holiday visits to maintainfamily and cultural ties.

If, like me, you know little ofMadagascar, it lies off the South-Easterncoast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean, andhad a population in 2011 of 21,315,135.More than 90% of those employed earnan average monthly salary of 20 to 30€uros a month.

Jessica particularly knows the area -and people - around Fort Dauphin (inSouth Madagascar), where life hasbecome harder with the passing of everyyear, in an area where charities havedeparted, due to political unrest.

Out of the need they saw, and thedecision of their family in Spain to do‘what they could’ - they formed ‘LaVision’ as a non-profit, and ensure that100% of donations reach the needyMadagascans.

With the help of family and friends,they have established an orphanage for

50 children (medical visits, medicines,food, mattresses for beds andconstruction of a kitchen), as well as ahome for elderly people who have nofamily members to look after them. Aprimary school, staffed by catholic nunshas 160 students and another projectcares for women who have been rejectedby their families.

In Antananarivo, the capital city ofMadagascar, La Vision helps to fundcare in hospital for babies found on thestreets, or in trash bins, or that have beenleft at the hospital, because parentscannot afford to take care of them. Manyare only a few hours old. Oncestabilised, they are offered to aMalgache family for adoption.

When Jessica’s grandparents passedaway 3 years ago, the Spanish familydecided to use the house and landJessica’s Mum had inherited inMadagascar, to create an eye-clinicwhere needy people can be diagnosed,receive necessary surgery or prescriptionglasses, all without charge. The clinicwill serve an area of 700 squarekilometres, that currently has no accessfor needy people with eyesightdifficulties. There are already 30families waiting for it to open, who haveproblems like cataracts and infection ofthe iris (which can result in completeloss of sight).

The official opening will be in July,when Jessica will be accompanied by Dr.Tomas (a Valencia ophthalmologist) whowill be training the local team on the useof donated equipment.

The newly created clinic will start atReception, where the receptionist willreceive 70€ a month. The salary of theClinical Director has already been paidby a donor.

The Treatment area will explore eyedisorders and vacinate against those thatare preventable, and will be staffed bytwo Doctors, each of whom will receive222,22€ a month - yet to be raised.

Surgeons will function in a 3rd area,assisted by a nurse, who will need to bepaid 120€ a month.

Donated diagnostic equipment,beds, furniture and the first 50Kg ofmedication will sortly be shipped in acontainer to Madagascar, along withclothes and toys.

Un-phased by the enormity of thetask that faces them, Jessica hopes thatreaders will commit to a regulardonation as little as 10 or 20€ a month,that will allow La Vision to treat ‘thepoorest of the poor’.

Donors should do so via DeutscheBank in Denia, who have offeredexceptionally low costs for transferring€uros to Madagascar:0019-0110-59-4010024770IBAN: ES54 0019 0110 59 4010024770COMPTE: 4010024770BIC/SWIFT: DEUTESBB



KeePInG An eARTO THe GROUnD9 months ago I was told that theRoyal Mint in Cardiff, had beenprinting new German Deutchmarknotes 24/7 for 6 months. Guess thatwould be enough for Germany,Finland and Holland to launch the'Strong Euro'.

I was also told that Spain hadn’tdestroyed a single Peseta when thecountry adopted the Euro, and thatall notes and coins are still stored inwarehouses in many parts of Spain.

Around the same time (longbefore the Cyprus fiasco), I said Ithought the Spanish governmentwould 'freeze' all deposit accounts inSpain, for 10 or 15 years, and payDOUBLE the interest the money iscurrently receiving, which wouldstill show a substantial reduction inwhat it costs Spain to borrowinternationally. Everyone wins.Better interest for the investor andlower cost to Spain.

An interesting 'take' on the AssetDeclaration Law. I was told todaythat Spain knows the identity of±750 high profile Spaniards, who

have substantial overseasinvestments, that are NOT declaredin Spain. It has introduced the AssetDeclaration legislation to give those±750 people, the opportunity of'coming clean'. If they don't, by 1stMay, Spain can charge in becausethey have failed to declare. Myinformant says Spain has minisculeinterest in foreigners who have cometo live here, have bought propertyhere, and still have money/assetsoverseas. That’s how propertytourism develops.

eVeRYOne HAS A‘STORY’

Jávea boasts more famous people(and not just in their own egos) thanmany a much larger City.

If you know an interesting personwith a story worth telling (likeJessica Zimmermann in this issueabout whom Veronica Barnes sent usan eMail) we’d like to hear fromyou. You can send an eMail [email protected] or drop by theOASIS Centre, in C/. Toni Llido 5 -next to La Caixa bank - and tell us.

Without your support, thismagazine might cease to exist.

WHYLeARn

SPAnISH?EACH MONTH, MARIA, DIRECTOR OFMORAIRALANGUAGECENTRE HASAGREED TOCONTRIBUTEARTICLESABOUT THEBENEFITS OFLEARNINGLANGUAGES,ANDINTRODUCINGYOU TO SPAIN’S CULTURE ANDCURIOSITIES ALONG THE WAY.

WHY LeARn SPAnISH?According to the Cervantes InstituteSpanish is the second most nativelyspoken language in the world! With20 countries using it as its primary



No need to be without your UK MagWe’ll bring your favourite

UK Magazines, avoiding the exhorbitant postal

surcharges imposed by some UKpublishers

To order YOUR magazine, go to www.ukmagsinspain.netBUT you must enter your name and the delivery address as:

Dorre Bonner UK Mags, 21 Leafield Way, CORSHAM, Wilts, Sn13 9SWIf you have a problem, send details to: [email protected]

Each of YOUR magazines will be broughtto Spain using www.cheapaparcels.com We phone you, so you can collect from

Oasis, (next to La Caixa in the Port)the cost is 1€ for each magazine collected.Message contact point: 669 386 702


Why learn Spanish?Continued from page 19language, it is estimated that thecombined total number of Spanishspeakers worldwide is between 470and 500 million people, with thatnumber growing fast!

This impressive statistic suggeststhat Spanish is a great language tolearn, whether to keep pace withpopular culture or as a businessnecessity, the sheer numbers ofSpanish speakers worldwide make ita powerful and important languageto know.

But there are other benefits tolearning a second language that arenot so commonly known. Recentresearch reports that knowing andusing two languages can actuallyreduce your chances of developingdementia, including Alzheimer’sDisease. Studies have shown thatbilingualism enhances mentalactivity in children and older adultsalike, improving the memory andhelping to slow down age relateddecline in mental acuity.

It will make you smarter andhelp stimulate your creative side! Sonow learning languages has its healthbenefits too!

One important and oftenoverlooked characteristic of theSpanish language is that it is verynearly phonetically perfect, meaningthat you can look at almost any wordand immediately know how topronounce it, making Spanish in factone of the easiest languages to learn!

Knowing Spanish can also be ahuge advantage for those wanting tolearn French and / or Italian too as athird language, since they are alsoderived from latin, and form part ofthe group of the RomanceLanguages, they hold manysimilarities.

With all that aside, learningSpanish can be a lot of fun! Allowingyou to greater appreciate the cultureand completely transform your travelexperiences, for those who live in aSpanish speaking country it canalso greatly improve your daily life.

It will give you the confidenceand freedom to move from the roleof an observer to that of an active

participant within the community!If you are the type of person wholikes to help others, then learningSpanish can put you in a positionwhere you can help both Spanishspeakers who do not speak Englishand English speakers who do notspeak Spanish. A win-win situation!

We leave you with one finalthought, a great quote from anAustrian philosopher LudwigWittgenstein, “the limits of mylanguage are the limits of myuniverse.”

Mistakes to Avoid while Learning Spanish#10 Being afraid

to make mistakes!Mistakes are inevitable withlearning, and the worst mistakewould be to be fearful of using whatyou know.

Remember, no matter how manymistakes you make, wherever you goin the Spanish-speaking world yoursincere attempts to learn thelanguage will almost always beappreciated!

Thanks for reading. Be sure tocatch our article in the next edition.Language Centre Moraira offerslanguage courses in Spanish, Englishand German for all ages, levels andabilities.

We offer professional sworntranslation services for those whomay need important documentsofficially translated, including birth,marriage and death certificates,qualifications and much morebesides.

I’m considering offeringconversational Spanish classes tosmall groups of people in Jávea. Ifyou might be interested pleasecontact me - (+34) 96 649 1962 -so we can arrange times that will suityour existing arrangements.

For more information on ourservices please contact us for a freeno obligation quote, or call at theOASIS premises (next to La Caixabank) in Jávea Port.

[email protected]

TOSALeT/SALADARROUnDABOUT

– FInALLY APPROVeDThe Public Works Plan of theProvince of Alicante for this yearincludes a project very much indemand on the South side of Jávea.

The Tosalet roundabout, to belocated near Saladar Supermarket,will connect the road linking theCarreteras of La Guardia andPortitxol. The project was approvedfor inclusion in the annualprogramme and the ProvincialGovernment was expected to issueits endorsement at the plenarysession, as the road is theresponsibility of the AlicanteDiputación .

The project for the constructionof a roundabout was promised forseveral years, but Jávea Mayor, JoséChulvi ‘ when elected a Deputy inthe provincial government, was ableto lobby repeatedly for the project.This roundabout will benefit manyforeigners who have homes in theaffected area, which year after year,and summer after summer suffersfrom long traffic tailbacks, often ofup to 30 vehicles, apart from beingan accident ‘black-spot’.

To achieve this, Chulvi had toconstantly ask the provincial policymakers, who showed little interest indoing it, just as previous localpoliticians were not interested insupporting any projects whichhistorically were located "south ofthe river Gorgos". He also managedto enlist the help of severalprominent people closely linked tothe PP, who spend their summershere and who also lobbied theDeputy for Infrastructure. Theoutcome of this pressure and thesupport of these people finallypersuaded the provincial governmentto make a positive decision. The costwill be entirely covered by theAlicante government.

The Promise"And God promised men that goodand obedient wives would be foundin all corners of the earth".

Then he made the earth round...and He laughed and laughed andlaughed! from Peter Sharp



PARADOR‘BRUnCH’ report

Almost half the members of XabiaDemocratica were present in theelegant Bahia Room at the ParadorJávea on Saturday 13th April, for thefirst in a series of weekend brunchmeetings

The weather outside was brightand sunny, reflected in the positiveatmosphere indoors, as dinersenjoyed an elegant breakfast,interspersed with updates from XDCouncillors and some members ofthe Committee.

Some elegant eateries in Londonoverlook Regent Street, Picadilly orits Circus, but nothing can matchJávea’s Parador and the splendidview over the Bay of Jávea from theaptly named ‘Bahia’ room.

It was an informal occasion, withmany members taking theopportunity to talk with each other,or to gather around Councillors toask - and listen to the answer - abouta variety of different topics.

Oscar Anton, President of XDand Deputy Mayor, demonstrated anamazing ability to stand and talkwith people, yet circulate around theroom, at the same time. Oscar wouldbe a golden asset to any politicalgroup, and XD is fortunate to havehim at the helm.

On what proved to be awonderful sunny morning, adelicious selection of food wasenjoyed by members new and old inthe company of the XD Councillors.

Event organiser Lorna Ainsworthsaid how pleased she was both by thenumber attending, as well as thequality of the questions asked, andtook the opportunity to single out“the quiet man” - Pere Sapena - whohad worked tirelessly to disentaglered-tape that had enabled more than500 home owners to officiallyregister their homes. “Many of thesepeople have been trying for morethan 7 years to obtain a licensewithout success” said Lorna.

Ever the astute politician, DeputyMayor Oscar Anton has the ability todemonstrate spontaneity, no matterhow often he hears the samequestion. He was full of praise forthe XD membership and theircontinuing support, indicating thatwithout them he’d be nothing,whereas - in reality - it is the otherway round.

Oscar Anton especially welcomedthe new members who were presentand, during a brief public speechhighlighted the excellent work of theHelp Desk with Yvonne Henry,which was Oscar’s ‘Thank You’ tothe voters, funded by one of Oscar’stwo allocated ‘paid and personallyappointed assistants’ (6 in all for thegoverning party, with Jose Chulviallocating three, including hissecretary and the Press Officer).

The ‘Citizen’s Advice Centre’probably wouldn’t have happened -and has been such a huge success forSpaniards even more than foreigners,had Oscar not taken the initiative assoon as the Mayor was chosen, toinstall Elizabeth Collins in a‘Foreign Residents’ office, thatdemonstrated the need for one-placefor information on every aspect ofthe municipality of Jávea, for whichJose Chulvi and the PSOE partyconstantly claim credit.

There were those present at thebrunch who expressed gratitude toJose Chulvi for making Oscar theFirst Deputy Mayor, but otherspointed out that had the XD notsided with Chulvi, Jávea would haveanother PP-lead team, but with Oscarstill being Deputy Mayor.

Oscar was seen as a Deputy -whereas, in reality, he and XD arethe ‘King-Maker’ who havesupported Jose Chulvi because theybelieved he (and XD) could offer thesolutions needed to rescue the townfrom its fatal-looking future.

Oscar referred to the success ofthe series of seminars he (XD) haspromoted that are organised by TheHelp Desk and deal with legal andadministrative issues relating toforeign nationals resident in Jávea.

The next XD event, a Spanishthemed evening that will includeclassical guitar music and flamencodancing with a sit down buffetdinner, is planned for 13th June.

CAnCeR CARe“THAnK YOU”

cancer Care Charity Centre wouldlike to thank Iceland in Jávea forallowing it to raise funds for cancerCare in their store on EasterSaturday. Easter bonnets were wornby enthusiastic volunteers, kindlymade by Eileen and Rosemary and apink rabbit joined the glamorousladies.

Eileen Saville, Vice Presidentbravely dressed as a bunny girl toensure the team didn't go unnoticed,in order to raise as much money aspossible. Customers donated theireuros as volunteers helped packcustomers' shopping and even take itto their cars. The total for this verysuccessful day was 503 euros and afurther 304 euros was raised fromthe Easter raffle. An amazing total of807 euros for cancer Care. Thanks toeveryone involved.

Buster wants tospread his skills

Buster feels highly priviledged, notonly to be married and now to have aone-year-old son, but because he is askilled paddle canoeist and kayakenthusiast.

He recently told us of wanting tointroduce children who lack a senseof self-worth, or low expectation,perhaps with parents who are feelingthe effects of ‘the crisis’ toexperience sports often associatedwith university graduates.

Although his business is based inMoraira, if there is interest fromparents or youngsters in Jávea,Buster is keen to work alongsideJávea Ayuntamiento, who are alreadyrenowed hosts of the Lipton Cup forsailing.

Buster proposes a free day orweekend of kayaking andpaddlesports, not to make money butexplore whether there are hiddentalents in Jávea’s youth that need tobe brought to the surface.

To reserve a FRee place foryour child to explore paddleboard orkayak, phone Buster: 686 809 968.

Lorna Ainsworth and Amanda Dean



THe enD OF AneRA

Saturday 20th April, 2013, markedthe end of an era - Lyn’s 10 yearsassociation as employee and ownerof QUICKSAVE in Jávea Port.

Her shop was a MUST in thedays when Brits brought back baconand corned beef from the UK, butwas always an ‘unequal partner’ inthe battle for customer loyalty whenICELAND stores were opened inBenissa and Jávea. We wish Lyn along and happy retirement on behalfof our readers - her customers - andtrust we’ll all remember the ‘goodtimes’ when we meet in the street.

Our photo of Lyn was from herFacebook page, on a cruise with herlate husband, in 2007.

‘The Street’ won’t be the samewithout you, Lyn.

Contract awarded for storm drains

in Calle nizaWork will start as soon as theContract has been prepared andsigned, to install storm drains inCalle Niza, a street between theArenal and the sea.

Of the 11 local companiesinvited to tender for a projectestimated to be worth 54,500 €uros,it was won by Transportes yExcavaciones Mayte S.L., with theirtender of 39,800 €uros.

Work is estimated to take twomonths with the intention ofpreventing flooding in the street.

never tell an untruth to your Mother

A Mother visited her son, who liveswith a girl roommate, for dinner.

During the course of the meal,his Mother couldn't help but noticehow pretty his roommate was. Shehad long been suspicious of arelationship between the two, andthis had only made her morecurious....

Over the course of the evening,while watching the two interact, shestarted to wonder if there was morebetween her son and his roommatethan met the eye.

Reading his Mother’s thoughts,her son volunteered, “I know whatyou must be thinking, but I assureyou, we are just rooming together.”

About a week later, hisroommate came to him saying,“Ever since your mother came todinner, I've been unable to find thesilver dinner plate. You don'tsuppose she took it, do you?”

He said, ”Well, I doubt it, but I'lleMail her, just to be sure.” He satdown and wrote :

Dear Mother:I'm not saying that you ‘did' take thesilver dinner plate from my house,I'm not saying that you ‘did not' takethe silver plate But the fact remainsthat it has been missing ever sinceyou were here for dinner.

Love, your son.

Several days later, he received aneMail from his Mother which read:

Dear Son:I'm not saying that you ‘do' sleepwith your roommate, and I'm notsaying that you ‘do not' sleep withher, but the fact remains that if shewas sleeping in her OWN bed, shewould have found the silver dinnerplate by now, under her pillow…

Love, Mom.

Shopping ConfusionA wife asked her husband, “Couldyou please go shopping for me? Buyone carton of milk. And, if they haveavocados, get 6.”

A short time later the husbandcomes back with 6 cartons of milk.The wife asks him, “Why did youbuy SIX cartons of milk?”

He replied, “Because they didhave avocados.”

Planning laws nearwaterfront relaxed in Ley de Costas change

The Madrid Government haschanged the infamous Ley de Costas- Coastal law - reducing the area ofhighly-protected land just back fromthe public maritime border from 100metres to 20 metres.

In future, property in the area 20metres back from the border andbeyond will be governed bymunicipal planning laws (if otherconditions are met, such as publicaccess and utility supplies), ratherthan the much stricter Ley de Costasplanning laws.

Victory for helpfulflorists in Granada

THEY were only trying to help thebereaved keep the graves of theirloved ones clean and put up flowers,but three florists found themselvestaken to court for lending stepladders to families at the cemeterywhere they worked in Granada.

A judge has now ruled thatbosses were wrong to denounce themfor helping relatives.

The case was brought by thecompany that runs the San Josecemetery in Granada, insisting thatthe ladders caused a risk of injury aswell as damage to the cemeteryitself.

Since banning the florists’ladders in 2012, Emucesa offered theoption of having “trained ladderoperators” clean headstones andplace fresh flowers for a fee of €6.The judge ruled against the companyand ordered Granada Town Hall topay costs.

Feeding the hungryIf you have Scallops meal vouchers

you cannot use, why not drop theminto the Oasis letterbox at C/. ToniLlido 5, in the Port, next to La Caixabank, and we will distribute them tothe hungry?



Bottle TopsNo sooner had the OASIS HelpCentre opened its doors last month,than people started arriving withplastic bottle tops - tops that are of amore dense plastic, and usually adifferent colour, than the bottle theyseal.From there, they were taken to the

Bodega in Jaime I, where they arecollected and sold - we understand -to provide medical treatment for achild who cannot receive it fromSpain’s regional health service.By the time we publish our May

edition, we hope to have moreinformation on where the bottle topsare recycled, but in the meantime,please keep the bottle tops comingin.We plan to publish around the 15th

of each month. CR

21 roller-coasteryears

19th May will likely see a specialcelebration for the congregation atJávea Evangelical Church, because itis the weekend chosen to celebratethe foundation of the first 24/7Protestant church in Jávea, on 17thMay, 1992.Services began in Apartment 3 of

Edificio Javelec, on the first floorabove the Farmacia, opposite Mas yMas on Ctra. Pla. From there, theymoved to premises then occupied byLady Elizabeth School (at theinvitation of John and VeronicaBarnes) before establishing the‘Oasis Centre’ at the rear of Mas yMas in the Port. At one pointnumbers reached around 60 andthere was talk of the possibility ofusing the Port Ciné on a Sundaymorning, for which Julian PerezPinto, the husband of Spanishlessons teacher, Catherine,negotiated a ‘rent’, but the opening

of Jávea Inernational Baptist Churchby Dr. Alf Cumming, made the moveto larger premises unnecessary.At Easter 2010, Jávea Evangelical

Church relocated to much largerpremises at Nº 25, C/. ArquitectoUrteaga, the strret at the rear of theProperty Registry in Jávea.Last month, aware of the fact that

‘the church’ had lost contact with thecommunity it serves, JáveaEvangelical Church opened theOasis Centre, next to La Caixa Bank,at C/. Toni Llido, 5. A list of someof the principal services they offercan be found on page 2.

Agenda 21 updatesContinued from page 17Many people took the opportunity ofexploring the land above theThursday market square, to watch(and eat) the preparation of localdelicacies It is hoped it will be anannual event and gave everyone theopportunity of a closer look at therestored Riurau d'Arnauda locatedamongst the pine trees of the ParqueMontaner on the edge of the historiccentre.

Jávea chosen as a low cost tourist destinationComparing the costs of a ‘basket’ ofessentials in 20 tourist resorts ofEurope Jávea came third cheapestbehind the Algrave andTorremolinos.

Crack down on home rentals Spain’s Senate is considering lawsthat will prevent owners fromrenting-out properties for shortperiods, to friends or via the internet.Authorities believe around 20,000properties will be affected. The lawis aimed at cracking down on thethousands of people who currentlyrent out their homes independently toholiday makers over the internet.

Marijuana greenhouse unearthed in TosaletTwo Dutchmen and a Russian werearrested after the Guardia Civildismantled a marijuana greenhousein the basement of a rented house inTosalet, Xàbia. Over 600 plants witha street value of 30,000 were beingcultivated using a ‘tampered’electrical supply, to avoid highconsumption from being detected.

Jesús nazareno fiesta Warmer weather heralds the start offestivities focussed on ‘Jesus ofNazareth, the patron saint andprotector of Jávea.

Registration opens for Summer english Youth camp Jávea Town Hall Youth Departmenthas opened registraion for itssummer English Youth Camp to beheld between 15th - 24th July inTeulada. There will be 60 places forstudents aged 12-17 at 186 Euroseach including full board andlodging and English teachers.Language training is for 5 hours aday and during free time studentscan enjoy the pool, fun outdooractivities, games and theme nights. THESE UPDATES ARE BASED ON TEXT RECEIVEDFROM CHRISTINE BETTERTON-JONES, AND THEAGENDA 21 GOOGLE GROUP, THAT HAD BEENGLEANED FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES.

‘Rastro’ closesEven though it had only been heldfor a few weeks. the ‘Rastro’ plannedat the former ‘Drive-in Ciné’ in theroad opposite the Moli Blancnightclub, has been abandoned.

More than 80 stall-holders saidthey would support it, yet more than50% failed to arrive. The 10,000m2plot was planned as a ‘Rastro’ (orcar-boot-sale) on a Tuesday, Fridayand Saturday, by the organiser of anevent in Valencia, that regularlyattracts 10,000 people and 500 stalls.They were not short of ideas, butopened in changeable weatherconditions, promising other themedevents like Classic or Vintage Cars,Bikes, Wedding, Home and Gardensand DIY. They are looking foranother venue, closer to the beachand we wish them well. Jávea needsnew challenges and attractions.

The road sign might say it is C/. Castellon, (on the left up C/. Cantallops, to the North West ofFerrobox, off the Jávea-Gata road), but we could petition Jávea Townhall to change the nameto Abbey Lane - all it needs is some Beatle look-a-like’s.



Jávea succeeds whereother Townhalls failed- Thanks to Oscar

Jávea bucks the trend with thehighest debt reduction of allregional municipalities during2012.

Figures published earlier inApril showed that the average debtowed by municipalities in Spainduring 2012 has increased by 27.8%.In Jávea the debt was reduced by11.3%.

Big cities were particularlyunsuccessful in reducingexpenditure:Valencia 10.1% higherAlicante 12.4% higherGandia 51% higher

no other Townhall (in thefigures quoted in Levante on 18thApril, exceeded those of Jávea,where the Councillor for Finance isOscar Anton, who studied and livedfor many years in the USA - so hadplenty of experience of a country‘living beyond their income’ - andwas determined to prove that“Jávea’s finances are no different tothose of 96% of other local families -you cannot spend more than youearn”. Many reporters laughed whenOscar went on to explain that, intheir home and family, it is his wifewho handles the family budget.

The Levante report saysexpenditure was reduced by“excellent financial management andimplementing tough cost cuttingmeasures, that resulted in Jáveaachieving what other Spanish Townscan only aspire to in producing thehighest debt reduction of anymunicipality in Spain.

“Finance Councillor, OscarAnton, managed to turn an inheriteddebt of 43 million euros into a verystable situation.”

XD Councillor Anton said,“All parties in Jávea have workedalongside me to get things straight.We can build on this foundation,having established a sound financialsound financial base without havingto reduce services by too much. Weare in a strong position to move

forward. The balance sheet stillshows a debt but we have reducedoutstanding debts by over 11 million€uros since I took over the Financedepartment.”

Anton concluded “the aim of thecoalition government of which XD isa part, is to reduce debt by 50% bythe end of our four years and to bringfinancial stability to the Townhall.”

Most towns in Alicante provincestruggle with debt and some oweservice providers hundreds ofthousands of euros. To put theachievement of Jávea council incontext, during the same period thedebt of Altea increased by 298.2%and that of Denia by 37%.

Oscar and his team have shown anew tenacity at the Townhall forliving within its (our) means.

Facebook user givesview about Jávea

A Jávea resident of many years,chose Facebook as the plastform ofhis criticism of living in a town “atthe end of the road”, complaining tothe Ayuntamiento about the highprice of just about everything.

Asking for the support of otherFacebookers in Jávea, he believethat, with enough backing andsupport, the message might just getheard and possibly even addressed...

Who knows what could happen,if myself and the other 30,000 peoplein this town say were fed up withpaying over the top for everythingand being used as milch cows formoney, whilst struggling to even putfood on the table due to ridiculouslylow incomes and increasing chargesfrom Jávea Townhall. A ‘quad’ bikethat cost 11€ in ‘road tax’ in Jalonlast year, cost 29€ in 2013 in Jávea.No wonder they are reducing thetown debt. They are robbing thepeople - a new ‘take’ on Robin Hoodand his Merry Men - to pay theBanks.

Gasoline in Jávea is almost1.50€ a litre. In Bugarra in Valencia(149km from here) it is 1.27€

And what about the rest of thenonsense of this town. The IBI

(annual property rates) nearly 800€per year compared to a similarproperty in Moraira that is less than200 €. People in my street pay125€Garbage tax a year, but I have to takeit 3 streets away myself, to put it in abin. It doesn’t seem too many yearsago that the bin-men called at everyhouse every night, and men pushingwheeled trucks collected basura fromevery house in the town.

We keep listening to figuresabout transport costs to dump ourcollected rubbish in a big holeoutside of El Campello. The Councilreceived a project, to have arecycling plabt constructed onRamblars, with finance from itsGerman manufacturers, but becausethe project was submitted by aresident, and not by a Townhallfunded management consultant, theproject never saw the light ofTownhall day.

Jávea Jeard is published in Jávea byA2Z Publicaciones on behalf of IglesiaGrupo International de Divulgación delEvangelio (CIF: Q0300542H) at OASIS Centre, C/. Toni Llido 5

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