Mar Menor Focus Edition 6 March 2009

THE LITTHE LITTLE MAG TO TLE MAG TO KEEP IN YKEEP IN YOUR BAGOUR BAG

Issue 6Issue 6MarMarch 2009ch 2009

Portman Guns by Jim Finnegan - see page 11

Traders Directoryand Index on page 27

Property Management and Rentals

see our ad onpages 6/7

Tel: (0034) 968 545 204

see our adon page 39Tel: 966 766 689

Dia y Noche Restaurant & Bar- La Manga Strip

see our adon page 5

Telephone: 968 145 572 the Mar Menor FOCUS2

Please mention Mar Menor Focus when contacting any of our advertisers

Calle Mayor 53, Los Belones, 30385 Cartagena, [email protected] www.majesticaircon.com

Tel: 968 137 835 Fax: 968 137 839

Majestic Aircon S.L.Air Conditioning Specialists

Domestic Commercial ServicingSpanish and English staff

Excellent References

Quality Air Conditioning Units

Fully qualified engineers

Competitive quotations

3the Mar Menor FOCUS www.MarMenorFocus.es

SUPER-SALE ExtendedFOR THE WHOLE OF MARCH

EVERYTHING, YES EEVVEERRYYTTHHIINNGG !! WILL BE EITHER

€5 or €10all your favourite clothes, M&S, BHS, Wallis, Evans

and many more

In store is a huge selection ofLingerie with over 1,000 bra’s, so,

ladies - come along, we are bound to have one for you!

We also have a great selection ofswimwear -

one piece & two piece.

Senior citizensAn extra 20% discount just for you on every Tuesday during march

YES EVERY TUESDAY DURING MARCH

OPEN10am - 2pm Monday - Saturday

Tel: 660 284 970 - or email: [email protected]

€5€5 €10€10

€10€10 €5€5

20% 20%


We can use artwork provided by you, or design your advert using text & images approved by you.(there is a minimal standard origination charge of €10 for this service)

Prepayments for 3, 6 & 12 months will qualify for 5%, 10% and 15% discounts respectively.All prices quoted are subject to IVA @ 16%.

Our deadline for adverts, to ensure insertion in the next issue is the 20th of the month.Payment, in full, is required prior to the advertising deadline.

Disclaimer: ‘Mar Menor Focus’ does not accept responsibility for the standard of goods or services given by it’s advertisers and does not endorse, unless stated otherwise,any company or individual published in the magazine, or any views or opinions expressed in any articles.

ALL THE ADVERTISEMENTS designed by the Mar Menor Focus magazine for use in its publication remain the property ofMar Menor Focus and may NOT be reproduced in any other publication without our prior written consent

Published by Robert McKinley, C/Himilce, Cartagena, Murcia 30385. X5128759N.

DEPOSITO LEGAL MU-2307-2008

Advertise your Businessin the next edition ofMMar Mar Menor Fenor FocusocusThe place to be seen

AAffffordableordableaadvdverer titi singsing

thathat really wt really worksorks

Full colourFull colouradvertisementadvertisements froms from

only €38only €38Full Page Full ColourFull Page Full Colour

only €120 (+IVonly €120 (+IVA)A)discounts for 3, 6 or 12

months advertisingCall Now on

TTel: 968 145 572 -el: 968 145 572 -mobile: 667 821 082mobile: 667 821 082

or email: [email protected]

see our online magazineat

www.marmenorfocus.es

Distribution points include:Bars, Restaurants, Golf Clubs, Shops,

Estate Agents, Tourist Offices, PostRooms, Tabacs, Supermarkets and more,

throughout the Mar Menor area, coastal and inland.

Advertising RatesFull page Colour €120 - Mono €70Half page Colour €65 - Mono €40Quarter page Colour €38 - Mono €25

Special Positions (full colour)Front Box or Banner, Back PageInside Back / Inside Front page

Phone or email for prices - Tel: Bob on: 968 145 572 - email:

[email protected]

WWeellccoommee from MMaarr MMeennoorr FFooccuuss, tthe magazine for the Mar Menor coastal area,

We thank our readers for their suggestions andcontributions - with your help we can continueto make the magazine informative and interestingfor everyone. Our website has everything in the magazine, andmore! Every edition is archived, so you canalways refer back - check it out on

www.marmenorfocus.esWe now offer low cost banner advertising

on our website, also budget webdesign & hosting.


Full A La Carte menu available Tues - Sat from 7pm, serving Lamb,Pork, Steaks, Chicken, Fish, Pizza, Pastas & Burgers, PLUS LOTS MORE

FREE Wi-Fi HOT SPOTFor more details go to www.diaynoche.co.uk

RReessttaauurraanntt && BBaarr

Nuevo Puerto Bello Blq 11, La Manga - Tel: 968 146 [email protected] - www.diaynoche.co.uk

Dia y NocheLa Manga’s Best Kept Secret

‘The Best Roast on the Coast’

Winter opening timesTues - Thurs 10am - 2pm

Fri/Sat 10am - 2pm & 7pm - 9pmSunday 10am - 4pm & 7pm - 9pm

Full English Breakfast €3 served from 10.00 - 12.004 course Menu del Dia €8 - served Tues - Sat 12 - 2

Sunday CarverySunday Carvery‘All You Can Eat’ served 1 - 4pm & 7 - 9.30pm

choice of 3 meats, Yorkshire Puddings, large selection of fresh vegetables - only €9 - children only €4.95

Come & Celebrate in true Irish style

St Patricks Day, on Tuesday 17th March

Traditional Irish Food Available ALL DAY - Irish Music,Singalongs, Karaoke, Games and much more

Mothers DayMothers Day,, 22nd MarchFree Gift For all Mums

Bookings now being taken - Lunch & Evening sittings available


About Resort ChoiceResort Choice is a trading name of Resort La Manga SL, the company was establishedin 2004 in La Manga and now we manage and rent properties throughout the Murciaregion. Our head office is based in Mar de Cristal and we have staff on hand for mostlocations of Murcia. Our reservation and customer service staff have many years expe-rience in property management and tourism, we have well trained staff includingEnglish, Spanish, French and German speaking. Resort La Manga has partnershipsfor rentals with many leading holiday companies like Expedia, Bookings.com, andPriceline.com who supply over 60,000 branded and private label partners and affiliatesglobally. Resort La Manga booked over 16,000 nights and 1,200 families for ourowners in 2008.

Why Use Resort ChoiceEstablished for over 5 yearsFully licensed for management and rentalsFull insuranceMulti-lingual staff and websitesRegistered with Murcia tourist boardOffice based Each property certificated with Murcia tourist boardState of the art reservation software in many languagesAll keys locked away and alarmedAccept all major credit cardsAll work guaranteed and invoicedRental contracts with leading reservation agenciesEmergency cover 365 days a year, 24 hours a dayMembers of PNAG rental guarantee programmeHard working and honest

Property Ma


Services IncludeProperty ManagementKey HoldingHoliday RentalsLong Term RentalsLocal Tourist InformationCleaningLinen ServiceProperty InspectionsLegal Airport Transfers24 Hour Guest ServicesGeneral Maintenance andRepairsSecurity GrillsAir ConditioningPlumbingElectrical workPainting and DecoratingSwimming Pool and Garden MaintenanceAlarmsTranslation Services

Car HireHoliday InsuranceAttraction TicketsBooking Activities inc. Tennis and GolfProperty Snagging ReportsComplete Furniture PacksLegal and Financial Services

nagement and Rentals


TRANQUILITY

Galerias el Flamenco, 26 Gran Via,Exit 40, La Manga, (behind Zocos)

Holistic Therapies & NailEnhancement Centre

Julie would like to welcome her new partner to Tranquility - June Archer.

June will be giving various offers to welcome & introduce herself to new & old clients

Full set of nail enhancements only €30

Tel: Julie 697 363 469June: 638 300 656

Open Tues - Fri 10 - 4, Sat 10 - 2

New to Tranquility - The next generation in nail

art from the US - MINX NAIL ARMOUR

from €20



Calle Mayor 53, Los Belones, 30385 Cartagena, [email protected] www.majesticaircon.com

Tel: 968 137 835 Fax: 968 137 839

Majestic Aircon S.L.Air Conditioning Specialists

Domestic - Commercial - ServicingMajestic Aircon S.L. has a new office,opposite the Bodega “La Cueva” on themain street of Los Belones. This is agood location to enable the company toservice it’s clients and ensure futuregrowth.

Mark and his brother came to Spain 5years ago with their families. As theyhad been working with air conditioningin the UK, the natural thing was tomake this the focus of their business inSpain. At first whilst building up aclient base and getting their nameknown in the area, they did everythingfrom repairing walls, painting fencesand electrical work. Aircon installa-tions started slowly, but as the integri-ty of their work and name becameknown the aircon work took over. To beable to offer a better service with com-petitive prices they agreed to concen-trate on air conditioning, electricalwork and shower screens, and sochanged the name from MajesticMaintenance to Majestic Aircon. Theyemployed a secretary to assist with theadmin, which left them free to concen-trate on the clients needs and ensurequality installation work. Experiencedlabour is used when the demand ismore than they can cope with.

A year ago Mark’s brother returned tothe UK and brother in law Danny, a

fully qualified electrician and experi-enced in aircon, came into the business,therefore it remains a family run busi-ness.

Until recently the client base has beenEnglish, but over the last year manySpanish customers have found the com-pany, having heard about the goodservice and competitive prices.

With all the new construction in Spain,and in particular in the Mar Menorarea, many customers are seeking areputable company who can supply air-con installation, lighting and bathroomfittings. Majestic Aircon S.L. is thatcompany.

The policy at Majestic Aircon S.L. is toprovide quality work and an excellentafter sales service. They consider theafter sales sales service an importantpart of the contract, and many of theirnew clients come to them on recommen-dation of satisfied customers. They onlywork with other reputable serviceproviders and any recommendationsthey make can be trusted.

If you are looking to install air condi-tioning, need repairs or have your unitsserviced annually, call us on 968 137835 or email: [email protected] quotes are free of charge


Constructed in the 1930's, over a previ-ous 18th century fortification, thisartillery and anti aircraft battery waspart of a line of military defence fortifica-tions that stretched from Cabo de Palosto Mazarron to protect the approach to,and harbour in, Cartagena as well as thevaluable mining operations in the area.

The Bateria de Cenizas lies at the end ofa pine covered foot/bike GR92 path, iden-tified by red and white bars painted onrocks and fence posts, leading from thehill top sign on the MU312 (La MangaClub to Portman road). As parking is ata premium at the gate please returndown the hill towards La Manga Cluband take the road to Llano del Beal, thefirst road to the left, where there is gen-erally plenty of parking.

The views of Mar Menor, the PuebloPortman, Faro de Portman (light house),the remains of the La Chapa ArtilleryBattery, La Manga Club and CalblanquePark along the approximately 40 minutewalk are stunning.

The battery'sentrance isframed by ani m p r e s s i v efront gate, thes e r p e n t i n edesign ofwhich is saidto be inspiredby the MayanTemple of theW h i t eSoldiers inthe ruins ofChichen-Itzá,located onM e x i c o ' s

Yucatan peninsula. Once through thegate there are two choices: continue upthe hill to the summit and the location ofthe two land guns; or, take the road tothe right and visit the battery's opera-tions centre and anti-aircraft batterycomplex.

The veryimpressiveland guns,built inBritain byVickers in1923, (inthe style ofNavarone)have a boreof 38.1 cen-

timetres and a tube length of 18.6meters. Their range is approximately 35km and they weigh more than 88,000kilogram's each. It is of note that afterall that effort it is said that they werenever fired in anger.

At one time the artillery operations werecarried out underground, the guns beingcontrolled through an electric/hydraulicinterface. However, most of the internalaccess to the big guns has since beensealed. That doesn't mean to say thatthere aren't places to explore and thereare several, so bring your torch (flash-light) and be careful. In addition, manyvisitors make a feature of the journey bybringing snacks and libations to con-sume while gazing at the views. Don'tforget your camera and especially a con-tainer for items you wish to discard!Good walking!See www.BahiadePortman.com for moreinformation.Author: Jim Finnegan

Monte de las Cenizas (Mount of Ashes) is a 312 meter(1024 foot) promontory located near the western end ofthe Calblanque Regional Park, forming part of themountainous bowl that surrounds the Pueblo and Bayof Portman. The mountain boasts one of the fewmature pine forests in the area. Perched on the summitof Cenizas are the remains of the Bateria de Cenizas.

Portman Guns


Largest Buyers & Sellers ofQuality Used Furniture.

House Clearances& Removals

Baby Hire: Cots, Safety Gates,Pushchairs, Car SeatsOffice space available,

Secure storage space available

Bob and Caron, 00 34 968 136 50100 34 626 253 569

[email protected] Cabo de Palos Km 1, El Algar

La Manga, Cartagena, 30366

A time4A change

“After a week of Immersion Spanishwith Maria, my level of understandingand speaking the language has improvedremarkably. I have had many lessonspreviously but I must say that hermethod of explaining the structure ofSpanish grammar is unique and to me itwas illuminating. In addition to theexcellent one-to-one and group sessions Ihave spoken with several native Spanishspeakers. I now feel more confident toengage freely in conversations.”

If you are a total beginner, these will bethe four main objectives for a week longprogramme, focused on grammar andvocabulary

1. You will be able to read and pronounceSpanish properly from day one2. How to make simple sentences - 6powerful verbs + 100 most common verbs 3. How the Spanish Verbs work - presenttenses and past perfect4. Vocabulary - your first 400 words

If you are at intermediate level, the mainobjective will be to improve your under-standing, focused on listening

This is a common comment after a weekof an immersion programme for an inter-mediate student: "I made more progressin a week immersion course than I didover the course of a year studying atschool". However this positive resultwould not be possible without that yearlearning at school previously. You willfeel that at last "the penny drops", as theimmersion programme is a great oppor-tunity to start to think in Spanish.

Intermediate learners will be able tothink in Spanish, avoiding what I havecalled the double translation. You hearsomething in Spanish, and then auto-matically your brain translates it intoEnglish. You think in English what youare going to reply and then you translateit again back into Spanish. That is the

reason why you are unable to replyquickly enough to maintain a fluid con-versation.

If you are an advanced learner, the mainaim will be to improve your speakingability

The more advanced you are the moreadvantage you will gain from an immer-sion course. Memory is not an obstacle asyou already understand at least 60%.Here you have a comment of anadvanced student after an immersioncourse of two weeks: "I made much moreprogress in just two weeks than I madein 2 years in school". As I said earlier,that wouldn't be possible without those 2years learning before joining the immer-sion course.

Your main aim is to be able to think allthe time in Spanish and give up the dou-ble translation into English. That onlyhappens when you create more Spanishconnections to the right side of yourbrain where listening and speaking isdone.

I will be your Spanish coach, telling youeverything you have to do to take advan-tage of your strengths and improve yourweaknesses. Most people are better atreading and writing than listening andspeaking. That is why the main aim ofan immersion course is to improve yourlistening and speaking skills.

The traditional languages courses arefocused on the theory (grammar andvocabulary). The immersion is just thetime to put into practice all this knowl-edge.

For more information: www.spanishforadults.es/immersion.html

By Maria Linares Spanish teacher678 936 110 / 968 546 [email protected]


Intensive One-to-one Spanish Residential CourseSome comments from my first immersion student


Give yourself a ‘Spring Clean’It happens every spring. You fling open the windows, shedyour winter coat, and suddenly get the urge to clean yourhouse. But do you ever think about "spring cleaning" yourbody? We are often told to eat better, but what does thatmean? The fact is, there are many foods that you can eatthat will have an excellent effect on you, so make sure thatyou stock up the next time that you are at the grocery store!

1.Broccoli Broccoli has some very powerful antioxi-dants in it. Many people balk from eatingthis vegetable, but try it again as an adult,even if you hated it as a little kid; this issurprisingly tasty when steamed and isused in many a body detox recipe.2.LemonsLemons provide you with a good dose ofVitamin C, mix up some fresh-squeezedlemonade and make sure that you drink itdown; lemons contain some powerfulantioxidants in a form that is very easy toabsorb into your system.3.Leafy greensIn a word, salads! Leafy green vegetablescan be integrated into any detox plan andyou'll find that the chlorophyll in them helpsyou sweep out toxins that include heavymetals and pesticides. Leafy greens areexcellent for the liver. Make sure that youchoose the heftier types of lettuces,though; iceberg lettuce doesn't have verymuch when it comes to nutrients, butromaine and spinach are excellent.

4.GarlicLets hope you like Asian or Italian food,because one of the best detox foods foryou out there is garlic. When you are sick,the sulphur in garlic can help kill of thegerms, and you'll find that it is quite power-ful when it comes to helping protect yourheart and your liver. Eating garlic is one ofthe healthiest things that you can do.5.FishFish for the most part is significantly betterfor you than any sort of red meats. Not onlywill you get a good complement of thegood kind of oils, you will also see that eat-ing salmon and halibut can help your bodycleanse itself of cravings for heaviermeats.6.Just about any kind of fruitFruits are great because they can help youbeat a craving for refined sugars. Manynutritionists say that red fruits are best, sopile on the cranberries and strawberries.Fruit can be a great way to kill hungerpangs and makes a tasty treat at any pointin the day.



The Cartagena region has been known for its mineralwealth since well before its con-quest by the Romans. Portmánhas been a major part ofCartagena's 3000 year historyproviding Lead, silver and tinsmelted in the ovens of Vulcan.This example of a PortmánPiedra, locally known as aGatcha, is an artistically intriguingand uniquely individual product ofthe smelting oven extraction

process. Created from what was once molten ore,there are No two alike and with their diminishing avail-ability these historical icons will soon be lost forever.Portmán Piedras are Mounted in hand formed terracot-ta, framed in wood, serialized and supplied with a cer-tificate of authenticity. A selection of Gatchas is avail-able for purchase through the website below. They aredelivered worldwide with a brass easel for your per-sonal orientation and viewing pleasure.

GatchART is a selection of high quality objects d' artrepresentative of the history and mineral wealth of

Portmán, Spain. Visit GatchART ™ at

www.bahiadeportman.com\Gatchart.htm

PortmÁn Gatchas

Some afficionados assert that a Gin Sling shouldbe made with Plymouth not London Gin as it hasan aromatic tast.Ingredients

7 - 10 ice cubes 1/2 Lemon juice25ml Cherry Brandy 75 ml GinSoda Water - top up Stemmed Cherries

(optional)MethodPut ice in cubes into a cocktail shaker, pour theLemon juice, Cherry Brandy and Gin over the iceand shake until a frost forms.Pour without straining into a hurricane glass andtop up with soda water. Decorate with the cherries and serve with straws.

CCoocckkttaaiillCCoocckkttaaiillCCoorrnneerrCCoorrnneerrRecipe courtesy of Q-bar, La Manga Club, Tel: 968 175 317

Gin Sling

Football atFootball atLa MangaLa Manga

ClubClubMarch 2009

During the football training season at La Manga Club - from January to April each year,guests on resort can attend the weekly friendly matches between top league teams.

09/03/2009 Scotland Ladies U19 - Denmark Ladies U19 12.00 hrs Netherlands Ladies U19 - England Ladies U19 13.00 hrs France Ladies U19 - Sweden Ladies U19 14.30 hrs Norway Ladies U19 - USA Ladies U19 15.30 hrs Germany Ladies U19 - Italy Ladies U19 17.00 hrs

11/03/2009 USA Ladies U19 - France Ladies U19 12.00 hrs Denmark Ladies U19 - Italy Ladies U19 13.00 hrs Sweden Ladies U19 - Netherlands Ladies U19 14.30 hrs Germany Ladies U19 - England Ladies U19 15.30 hrs Norway Ladies U19 - Scotland Ladies U19 17.00 hrs

13/03/2009 Italy Ladies U19 - Norway Ladies U19 12.00 hrs Scotland Ladies U19 - Sweden Ladies U19 13.00 hrs France Ladies U19 - Netherlands Ladies U19 15.30 hrs England Ladies U19 - Denmark Ladies U19 17.00 hrs



The aim of the sudoku puzzle is to insert num-bers in the boxes so that: each row, columnand 3x3 box contain one each of thedigits 1 through 9.

sudoku

A Codebreaker is a crosswordpuzzle with no clues! Instead,every letter of the alphabet hasbeen replaced by a number,the same number representingthe same letter throughout thepuzzle. All you have to do isdecide which letter is repre-sented by which number! Tostart you off, we reveal thecodes for two or three letters.When these letters have beenentered throughout the puzzle,you should have enough infor-mation to start guessing wordsand discovering other letters.

Codebreaker

A B C D E F G H I J K L MN O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

TIME FOR A BREAK





Your needs: LifestyleDogs, like small children, need time andattention. They like to be loved, and leavingthem alone for long periods of time can bevery upsetting. If you work long hours full-time, then a dog is probably not the pet foryou at this stage in your career. If you havejust had a new baby, or have very smallchildren, again consider carefully aboutwhether this is a good time to have anothernew family member.Facilities available: Have you a largehouse and garden that would suit a boister-ous, energetic type of dog? Are you thesedentary type who lives in a small flat,where maybe a small lapdog would beideal? Dogs can vary from the chipperChihuahua to the stately St Bernard, and inenergy levels from the sprightly SpringerSpaniel to a placid Pekingese. Rememberthe needs of a crossbred may be more dif-

ficult to predict.There are plenty of books about differentdog breeds, so it is worthwhile getting aselection to read about various dogs beforeyou make up your mind.A dog needs: Time: A dog will need a certain amount of yourtime and undivided attention. That wouldinclude routine 'maintenance' such asgrooming, dental care and feeding, as wellas excercise and play.Money: Dogs will cost you money as wellas time. Not only are there the 'one-off'items, such as buying the dog, beds, leadsand collars, but there are the regularexpenses such as food. Again, the amounteaten depends on the breed and the activi-ty. For example, a working dog will need ahigh energy diet, and a puppy will need adiet specific to its growing needs.

IS A DOG THE RIGHT PET FOR YOU?Look carefully at what you would want from a dog, and what you could give.This applies equally whether you are thinking about getting a tiny toy Poodle ora large adult Bull Mastiff. Remember, a tiny puppy can grow into a very big dog!


La Manga - Santiago de la Ribera Ferry winter timetableLa Manga Santiago deTomas maestre la Ribera

10.3012.3014.3016.30

11.3013.3015.3017.30

Local MarketLocal MarketssMondaySan Pedro del PinatarSucinaTuesdayLos BelonesLa UnionPilar de la HoradadaLos AlcazeresMil PalmerasWednesdaySantiago de la RiberaSan Javier

San Javier Autocine(car boot sale)ThursdayLos UrrutiasLa palmaTorre Pacheco (Balsicas)San Pedro del Pinatar (Lo Pagan)FridayEl AlgarLlano del BealPilar de la Horadada

SaturdayLos Alcázeres (Los Narejos)Torre Pacheco (Dolores)San Javier Autocine (carboot)SundayCabo de PalosLos NietosSan Javier AutocineTorre Pacheco (Roldán)

Monday to Saturday

Elvis’ DinerTex / Mex Menu

GRAND OPENING 7th MarchFree Finger Buffet

KARAOKEDrinks Promo

from 12th March - KARAOKE every Thursday13th March and every Friday Night Dinner Cabaret

ROCK & ROLL SHOW14th March and every Saturday Night Dinner Cabaret

ELVIS LIVEGreat Fun Nights Out - Book your Table NOW!

15th March and every Sunday Trivia and Music Quiz 9.00pm

Every Sunday - The Great American Turkey or Texan Beef RoastThree Course Dinner Only 9.95 Under 12's 6.95 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Mothering Sunday Roast 22nd March - Book NowMothering Sunday evening Tex / Mex Menu - ELVIS LIVE

Tel: 630466417 For DetailsSEE GALERIAS MAP on PAGE 3 for directions


A Chef’s Eye ViewBy Andy Taylor Chef/Proprietor at Dia y Noche Restaurant, La Manga.

With St Patricks Day looming on the 17th March, Ithought that this month we could look at making atraditional Irish dish, this supper dish of sausages,bacon, onions and potatoes dates back at least asfar as the early eighteenth century. In Dublin itself,coddle retains its reputation as a dish that can beprepared ahead of time and left in a very slow oven- making it an excellent dish for very busy people!This recipe would also work very well if cooked in acrock-pot, reduce the liquid by about half if cookingthe coddle this way. Serve with Guinness and Irishsoda bread. TRADITONAL IRISH CODDLEIngredients:

* 2 pounds Irish pork sausage* 1 pound bacon, with fat left on* Four large potatoes, peeled and sliced* Two large onions, peeled and thickly sliced* Three carrots, peeled and thickly sliced* 3 cups vegetable or beef stock or water* 4 tablespoons chopped parsley, separated* Salt and pepper

Directions:1. In a large pot, bring liquid to the boil and add

sausages and bacon. Boil for five minutes.2. Remove meat from liquid and reserve stock. Cut

sausage and bacon into large chunks.3. In the bottom of a saucepan or a casserole dish,

layer one third of the potatoes, followed by one third of the onions, and a third of the carrots.

4. Next add about half the bacon and sausage, topwith two tablespoons parsley, and continue layering until all the ingredients have been used.

5. Pour in enough stock until layers are just covered.Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

6. Cover with a tight lid and coddle (simmer gently)for about an hour or until vegetables are soft.

7. Sprinkle with remaining parsley and serve with soda bread or a rustic roll

Although this is an easy to prepare one pot meal, itssimplicity belies its amazing taste and flavour - com-fort food at its best! Sláinte.

If you cant be bothered to try this for yourselves,come on down to Dia y Noche on 17th March for ourtraditional "Paddy's Day Party" a whole day of tradi-tional Irish food, music and much much more, seeour website for mor details, www.diaynoche.co.ukAs usual we'll finish with a bit of humour and ofcourse, being topical they have to be Irish (I apolo-gise now to all my Irish friends, especially Elaine, mypartner of 8 years (IRISH) and of course Bob, theowner and publisher of this magazine.Lost in the desertLegionnaire Molloy had become detached from theregiment and wandered aimlessly across the burn-ing desert sand. Hour after hour, day after day, hetrudged on, water all gone, almost totally dehydrat-ed. At almost his last breath he rounded a sanddune and there stood an immaculately dressed Arabwith a tray around his neck.'Water, water, for God's sake give me water,'screamed Molloy.'Do you want to buy a tie?' asked the Arab.'Indeed I don't,' said Molloy, and stumbled on.Two miles later he came across a second Arab,again immaculately dressed, a tray around the neck.'Water, water - you must give me water!' mumbledMolloy.'No water, effendi. But do you want to buy a tie?'said the Arab.'I don't, I don't,' bellowed Molloy and on he stum-bled.Two miles later he couldn't believe his eyes.Mirage? No! It was for real - a beautiful hotel set inan oasis, swimming pool, golf course, tennis courts.Up the steps shuffled Molloy, calling: 'Thank God I'msaved. Water, please, water!'Out stepped a smartly dressed doorman who said:'I'm sorry sir, but you can't come in if you're notwearing a tie!*********Sign in a London pub: 'Happy hour - all you candrink for £1.'Murphy went up to the bar and said I’ll have twoquids' worth please.Take care till next time Andy


Iberbrit LegalLegal and Financial Services

CONVEYANCINGMADE SIMPLE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL:Phone: +34 968 337 392

Fax: +34 968 563 224email: [email protected] - www.iberbrit.com

Conveyancing.Integral Tax advice for Individuals and Companies.Annual Tax returns for property owners.Social Security advice.Spanish Wills.

Preparation of the NIE-Identification number of foreigners.Spanish Residency.Financial advice “Mortgages”Power of Attorney.

OURSERVICES

Iberbrit Legalare located on La Manga Strip at:Gran Via s/n – Km 1.5, Edificio Monterrey – Iberbrit Legal office, PO BOX No. 163 – 30380 La Manga – Cartagena


Sometimes the best surprises are hiddenin plain sight. Case in point is the fabu-lous Museo de Carruajes Zamar thatmembers from Club Torrevieja had thefortune to visit last week. Located in El Algar, 30-minutes south ofTorrevieja and 20-minutes from LaManga, this purpose built museum hous-es the largest collection of restored horsedriven carriages in Spain along with animpressive display of classic motorcyclesand local faming tools. This hidden gemboasts a display area of morethan 4,000 square meters butbecause there are few exteri-or visual clues as to what onewill see inside, it's very mucha case of if you don't know it'sthere, you would never juststumble upon it. Once inside one can't help but beimpressed by the quality and variety ofthe exhibition. There are over 400exhibits that have been painstakinglyrestored to museum quality conditionthat would not look out of place in any ofthe world's finest collections. One cannotput a price on such a collection as thismuseum is more a labour of love ratherthan a profit-seeking venture. Theyrange in age from the 17th Centurythrough the 20th.Put into perspective, each carriagerestoration took four to eight months tocomplete; as much of the original vehiclewas kept and these are not reproduc-tions that are on show. From simple farmcarts, through sporting, regal and luxu-rious carriages, you'll be transportedback to an age that most of us can onlyimagine from watching old black andwhite movies from yesteryear. A nicetouch for visitors is the explanation

plaque that accompanies each carriagethat is in Spanish, English and German. For the motorcycle fans out there, youare in for a treat. There are over 75cycles on display covering a century ofmotoring; from bicycles with an engineattached to a wheel to some lovinglyrestored Scooters, Mopeds and Side-carcombinations, there are also a few bikesfor the purists, such as the Ducati 450,ubiquitous BSA and even a RoyalEnfield, which for those pub quizzers out

there, is still being manu-factured in India today.The collection is continual-ly being expanded andeach bike is completelycleaned, stripped downand brought back to 'asnew' condition.

Club Torrevieja put on their own displayof classic cars outside the museum,which also attracted attention from bothlocals and passing motorists. The clubhopes to forge further ties with theMuseum as a crew from Costa Blanca TVand Channel 4 shall be shooting a shortdocumentary about the museum and theClub when the warmer weather arrivesin the spring.During the winter the museum is openTuesday to Saturday, 11.00 am until 2.00pm, Monday's during fiestas and for pri-vate tours and groups by arrangement.They also have their own souvenir shopplus bar and restaurant facilities areadjacent.

You can visit the museum's website atwww.Museodecarruajeszamar.com. Moreinformation on Club Torrevieja is atwww.ClubTorrevieja.com or from DavidHudson on 96 571 6360.

Museo de Carruajes Zamarwith Club TorreviejaBy Keith Nicol, www.costablancatv.com

Mar Menor Focus Business DirectoryYour business here, under the heading you choose

for just 60 euros a year!Call Mar Menor Focus on 968 145 572 or email: [email protected]

MAJESTIC AIRCON S.L.AIR CONDITIONING Specialists. 968 137 835 (page 2)

BAR APICOCO Playa Honda 968 563 958 (Pages 21)

BAR EL SOL Plaza CavannaLa Manga Strip, 968 563 899 (page 19)

BAR LA TAPA Galerias El Flamenco (behind Zoco) 626 937 084

BRAMBLES BAR Playa Honda610 622 249 (page 15)

DIA y NOCHE Urb Nuevo Puerto Bello 11968 146 400 (page 5)

ELVIS’ BAR Galerias El Flamenco (behind Zoco) 630 466 417 (page 23)

LA LOUNGE Opp. Mercadona, Los Alcazeres

JAN’S LOUNGE Los belones, 968 137 256

PADDYWACKS IRISH BARLa Manga Strip 968 563 648

PEPE’S BAR Mar de Cristal (page 25)

PUERTO AZUL pizzaria, Los Belones699 205 328 (page 17)

Restaurante JULIETTA Playa Honda968 564 552 Restaurante MARC’O POLOGalerias El Flamenco, 968 102 169

Restaurante Novo Carthago, Urb Estrella deMar, Los Urrutias, 968 134 777 (page 30)

SINATRAS Tapas Bar Pto Thomas Maestre616 110 678 (page 29)

Q-BAR La Manga Club968 175 317 (back page)

Restaurante SAN REMO Plaza Bohemia, La Manga 968 140 813

TRANQUILITY Galerias El Flamenco (behindZoco) 697 363 469 (page 8)

REVIVE Health & BeautyLos Alcazares 618 111 398 (page 9)

SHAPE & TONELos Alcazares 661 002 648 (page 14)

Specialist Vehicles (GB) Ltd968 146 158

Confay Motors Ltd, 968 539 070

IBERCAR La Manga 607 900 655 (page 8)

SUNNY PC Los Belones 968 569 191 (Page 12)

CHRIS COMPUTER SERVICES968 564 416 or 639 262 531 (page 9)

Clinica Dental ALEMANA La Manga968 175 300

JUDY’S GIFT SHOP, C/Mayor, Los Belones968 569 235 (Page 19)

DAVID MASON Insurance Services, (page 8)Los Belones, 968 137 719 / 659 226 112

RICHARD HOWARD Insurance Services,Los Belones 968 13 72 59 (Page 9)email:[email protected]

AIR CONDITIONING

BARS & RESTAURANTS

CAR DEALERS

FITNESS, BEAUTY & NAILS

CAR & VAN HIRE

COMPUTING

DENTISTS

GIFTS & HOBBIES


INSURANCE

SUNNY’S LAUNDRY Galerias El Flamenco(behind Zoco) 686 750 190

IBERBRIT LEGAL, La Manga Strip968 337 392 (page 25)

PHOTO VIDEO SPAIN, weddings/eventsKeith Nicol, 609 063 614

CD Property Management968 563 598 (Page 20)

Resort Choice (Resort La Manga) Mar de Cristal, 968 545 204 (pages 6/7)

CD Property Sales968 563 598 (Page 20)

Murcia Villas S.L. C/Mayor, Los Belones968 137 372 Mobile: 619 415 561www.murciavillaslamanga.com

VECOS, Rentals & SalesGalerias El Flamenco (behind Zoco) 968 140 957

EDEN International Independent Property AgentsLos Carmenes, Gran Via Km 330380 La Manga, Murcia, SpainTel: 0034 968 143 185 Fax: 968 143 755email: [email protected]

OLYMPIEZA, apartment cleaningC/La Loma, Torrevieja, 675 021 669 (page 2)

A TIME 4 A CHANGE, Quality used furniture,El Algar - 968 136 501 (page 12)

CHARNEYCHLO, Hardware store, El Carmoli,near Los Alcazares, 619 910 859 (page 33)

DJ’S MINI MART Los Belones617 029 321

GUD AZ NEW, New & used furnitureGalerias el Flamenco 697 545 693HONDAMAR SupermercadoPlaya Honda 968 56 43 68 (page 8)

LEGS & CO, Galerias el Flamenco660 79 25 13 (Page 3)

MISSING LINKS (Cornish Pride)Los Belones (page 12)620 562 973 / 650 267 650

THE CORNER SHOP English SupermarketLos Belones 650 638 726 (page 35)

TRENDS Boutique, Cabo de Palos

e.g. ESSENTIAL SERVICES La Manga, 679 979 962 / 608 836 392 (page 19)

PA & CHU La Manga, 617 468 090

MARIA LINARES Spanish Lessons968 133 331 / 678 936 110 (page 12/13)

CABO MANGA Ctra Cabo de PalosLa Manga 968 146 364 (page 22)

Aqua Adicta968 545 193 / 659 434 811 (page 34)

Mar Menor Sea School968 143 718 / 695 326 184

Workman International Marine SchoolPuerto Tomas Maestre968 142 423 / 654 771 708 (page 29)

VALERIE’S NOVIAS, bridal gowns &Accessories, C/Mayor 9, Pilar de Horadada966 766 689 (page 39)

SPANISH LESSONS

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

PROPERTY SALES

RETAIL

LEGAL & FINANCIAL SERVICES

WATER SPORTS

LAUNDRY SERVICES


PROPERTY SERVICES

SIGNS & GRAPHICS

SECURITY

VETERINARY SERVICES

PHOTOGRAPHERS

WEDDING SHOPS




Across1 Acclaim5 Assemble9 Run through13 Lacking determination16 High water alternative17 Tropical American wader18 "Cogito ___ sum"19 Cuckoo20 Bygone bird22 Floor covering23 Narcissist's love25 Brit's cops27 Wins at chess30 Spanish or Portuguese32 Emulated33 ___ mode34 Family cars37 Term of respect

38 Boils40 Also41 Professional progress43 Fooled44 Collapsed45 Type of division47 Sound medium48 Attribute50 Book before Amos52 ___ Speedwagon53 "The King and I" country55 Actress Donohoe59 Solemn ceremony61 Categorized63 "Nay!" sayer64 Like some circumstances65 Connery or Penn66 Cowboy affirmatives67 Track circuits

Down1 Actress Virna2 ___ for one's money3 Coffee dispensers4 Cheapened5 Roadside stopover6 Keyboard key7 Taken to court8 Discotheque effect9 Haggard heroine10 Ended11 Pond organisms12 Blemishes14 Math functions15 Approved21 Theatrical awards24 Manicure implement26 Immoral27 Fem.'s opp.28 Samoan seaport29 Brownish orange31 Soak in the tub33 Fonda's forte35 ___ me tangere

36 Fly without a co-pilot38 Highway haulers39 Pilgrimage to Mecca

42 Be mistaken44 Pita filler46 Lots of land47 Send money48 Elaborate tapestry49 Paris divider51 Watering hole54 Stallion's mate56 Columbus craft57 Low in pitch58 Tacks on60 "Ich bin ___ Berliner"62 Gullible person

TIME FOR A BREAK

The Big Puzzle

Do you have something you want to sell? a car - a job - or property to advertise?


FOR SALECHILDS POLO SHIRTSAll brand new, top qualityRed polo shirts, age 11/12years, €5 each - Adults Red sweatshirts,Large €10 each or wouldsuit car booter as job lot - total of 35 items €120 onoTel: 968 145 572La Manga Area.

*Beko FRIDGE FREEZER*Edesa FRIDGE FREEZER*Alaska WASHING MACHINE€150 each*Digital security camerasystem, 12/16 internal/externalcameras,digital hardrive& 2 monitors. Can be viewed from any-where via internet.All nearly brand new andcan be seen working.For more details or toview Tel: 968 146 400

BOOKS, 30 Englishpaperbacks - best sellers -Jill Mansel, JennyColgan, Marian Keyes etc.€1.50 each or €25 the lotTel: 667 821 082Playa Paraiso, La Manga.

ClassifiedsClassifieds

EMPLOYMENT WANTEDDynamic Office Administrator

with Excellent CustomerService skills, looking for

employment (full or part time /contract or self employed)

Vast experience in all aspectsof Administration / Accounts

and Retail managementAvailable to travel between

Alicante / Cartagena / Murcia & Lorca areas

Contact Sue on 968 137 320or 671 265 213

Email:[email protected]

Phone us on 968 145 572 or email: [email protected] with the detailsLine ads just €5 per month, (up to 30 words) - box adverts from just €8 + IVA

FurnitureBought & SoldNew and used,

from single Items to a full house.

Call now:Dave 868 750 190Ray 697 545 693 La Manga Cricket Club

is seeking new playersMALE - FEMALE -JUNIORSof all abilities to join friend-ly sociable club based atLa Manga Golf Resort, For more informationplease call club secretaryBen on: 667 335 707

CAR SHARE WANTED - fromLos Belones to Shape &Tone/Revive, MercadonaSquare, Los Alcazares.anyone interested pleasecall Judy at Sirena deMar, Tel: 968 569 235

AAddvveerrttiissee yyoouurr bbuussiinneessss iinn tthhee nneexxtt eeddiittiioonn ooff MMaarr MMeennoorr FFooccuuss,, pphhoonnee nnooww oonn 996688 114455 557722 - mmoobbiillee:: 666677 882211 008822

oorr eemmaaiill:: iinnffoo@@mmaarrmmeennoorrffooccuuss..ccoomm

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (MABS) Murcia/Mar Menor RegionEVENTS/MEETINGS 2009

28 March 18.30-22.00 Dinner Dance Las Claras, Los AlcázaresFor tickets Call 968 192 768

1 April 11.00 Volunteers' Meeting Las Claras, Los Alcázares17 April 20:00 Abba Elite Extravaganza CISSMU, Los Narejos

with Spangles Chorus for details Call: 968 432 525SPACE IS LIMITED SO BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!!!



I have chosen this week, to write about two of the most flamboyant and less commonbirds that can be seen around the Mar Menor: the Hoopoe and the Bee-eater. Bothbirds have very striking features and neither is normally seen in the UK.

These are not water birds; however both are seen in the area of the Mar Menor andfurther inland. I recently spotted a Hoopoe in Mar de Cristal and Bee-eaters haveoften been seen in Playa Paraiso.

Hoopoes are resident in both N. Africa and S. Spain. They are very hard to spot whenthey are on the ground, as they blend with the colour ofthe earth, however, when they fly, they can easily be seenas they have a vivid black & white markings on theirwings.

The preferred habitat for Hoopoe is open cultivatedground, with short grass or bare earth. They foragearound on the ground for insects, grubs and worms. Theyare rather slow in flight and somewhat erratic in theirmovement, which is why they are quite easy to spot.

The Hoopoe's crest is normally down and is only raised (asin the photo) when a bird is trying to draw attention toitself. They normally nest in a hole in a tree or wall. Theirnests smell strongly of faeces to keep away predators!

Bee-eaters have the most fantastic colouring, though untilthe sunlight hits them you could mistake one for a starling.They are often seen in large flocks sitting on telephonewires and prefer open countryside. They feed on insects,which they catch while flying and as you would expect fromtheir name, they eat bees. They remove the sting from thebee by repeatedly hitting it against a rock or stone and canget through 250 bees a day.

Bee-eaters nest in sandy banks specifically by rivers andmake a tunnel in which they lay their eggs.

I hope you manage to get out and see these birds. Keepyour eyes open, especially when you are out in the country-side and you may be lucky. Some good places to try wouldbe the Calblanque National Park and the open countrysidesurrounding El Carmoli.Lesley Singleton, Aqua Adicta



Sorry space has run out to say more but the bookis there to tell you all you need to know. You willfind 'Growing Healthy Fruit in Spain' in local bookshops and it can also be obtained from www.santan-abooks.com or 952-48-58-38 from 10.15 until 14.00.

If you have a topic you would like us to cover justsend an email to: [email protected] Mar Menor Focus Magazine.

Fruit trees flourish in Spain if!!By Clodagh and Dick Handscombe

Spain is a fantastic place to grow yourown fruit. The climate allows a widerange of fruit and it is possible by carefulselection, to harvest one or more fruitsevery day of the year - even from apart-ment terraces. Indeed some of the easi-est fruits to grow can be grown in vari-ous types of containers. For instancestrawberries in a strawberry barrel orwindow box, a grape vine in a tub, trail-ing along a balustrade or supported onan end wall and a perpetualflowering/fruiting Lunar lemon or earlyseason white fleshed peach tree in largepots. With the latter not only do you getthe benefit of picking perfectly ripe,tasty juicy peaches for immediate eatingbut also the beauty of the early blossom.Our tree in a tub started to flower in themiddle of January while the almondblossom in the garden below was still outand the blossom has survived the recentgales.

With a garden one can obviously expandand plant fruit trees in containers on ter-races, trained on walls or as spring flow-ering/summer or autumn fruiting treesanywhere in the flower beds. Naturally ifyou have a large property one can devel-op a dedicated orchard. So much is possi-ble but there are a number of importantsuccess factors. Firstly do plant fruitsthat you like, over seventy are described

in the book, including tropical/subtropi-cal fruits for the frost free coastal plainand temperate types that need inlandfrosts to fruit well. The former includecitrus fruits, mangoes and avocados andthe latter cherry and pear trees.

Secondly choose strong plants and iforanges or mandarins check out whenthey will be ready to harvest. In bothcases there are early, mid season andlate season varieties to choose from -some ripening in October and others aslate as early June. We list some of themost popular varieties in the book.

Thirdly prepare the ground and plantingholes in advance, ensure that the youngroot ball is spread out when planting, ifnot strangled roots can develop thatresult in stunted poorly fruiting trees.

Fourthly spray with ecological insecti-cides and fungicides to ensure that thereare no residual chemicals on or in theskins and also that the garden is safeeven when spraying, for the family, petsand wildlife. Luckily one of the best sup-pliers of eco products including theNeem insecticide and Propolis fungicideis located close to St Javier airport. Lookup www.trabe.net on the internet andclick the English language tab for fullinformation on their product range.

The Big Puzzle

Codebreaker

Puzzle

Solutions

Sudoku The FThe Fun Spotun Spot37the Mar Menor FOCUS www.MarMenorFocus.es

* What's the capital ofIceland? - About £3.50

* How do you define opti-mism? A banker whoirons five shirts on aSunday

* Why have estate agentsstopped looking out of thewindow in the morning?Because otherwise they'dhave nothing to do in theafternoon

*What's the differencebetween an investmentbanker and a large pizza?The pizza can still feed afamily of four.

*As a surprise, a chiefexec's wife pops by hisoffice. She finds him in anunorthodox position, withhis secretary sitting inhis lap. Without hesita-tion, he starts dictating: .. . and in conclusion, gen-tlemen, credit crunch orno credit crunch, I cannotcontinue to operate thisoffice with just one chair.

Q What's the differencebetween a merchant bankand Katie Price?A: Both are institutionswhose reputation is builton assets that, on closerinspection, turn out to beentirely artificial, vastly!over-inflated and in dan-ger of going through thefloor at any moment. Butat least Katie Price is stillworth something.

What's the differencebetween an investment

banker and a pigeon?The pigeon is still capableof leaving a deposit on anew Ferrari.

*The Credit crunch hashelped me get back on myfeet. The car's been repos-sessed.

*Latest news: The Isle ofDogs bank has collapsed.They've called in theretrievers.

What do you say to ahedge fund manager whocan't sell anything?A Quarter-pounder withfries, please.

Bradford & Bingleyemployees are concernedthey were given no noticeof the takeover bySantander Bank. AGovernment spokesmansaid: 'No one expected theSpanish acquisition.'

YYou know it'ss a crreditcrrunch when...• The cashpoint asks ifyou can spare anychange.• There's a 'buy one, getone free' offer - on banks.• The Inland Revenue isoffering a 25 per cent dis-count for cash-payers.• Your builder asks to bepaid in Zimbabwean dol-lars rather than sterling.• Highgrove has beenrepossessed.• Victoria Beckham ispictured shopping inPrimark.

The Credit Crunch

EMERGENCY NUMBER - 112Useful NumbersUseful Numbers to kto keep by the phoneeep by the phone

AMBULANCE - 061GUARDIA CIVIL - 062La Manga del Mar Menor 968 563 222 La Unión 968 560 011San Javier 968 335 920San Pedro del Pinatar 968 180 610LOCAL POLICE - 092Cabo de Palos 968 337 238Cartagena 968 128 877El Algar 968 135 695La Manga del Mar Menor 968 337 300 La Unión 968 560 051Los Alcázares 968 171 919San Javier 968 570 880San Pedro del Pinatar 968 188 092NATIONAL POLICE – 091Cartagena 968 320 722FIRE BRIGADE - 112Cartagena 968 128 880Los Alcázares 968 171 782MARITIME EMERGENCIES – 900 202 202MEDICAL CENTRESCosta Calida 968 142 060El Algar 968 135 510La Manga del Mar Menor 968 142 125Lo Pagan 968 184 728Los Alcázares 968 575 800Los Belones 968 137 476Portman 968 548 064San Javier 968 191 866San Pedro del Pinatar 968 187 865

HOSPITALSCartagena: Santa Maria del Rosell 968 325 000Naval Hospital 968 327 400Murcia:Virgen de la Arrixaca 968 369 500J.M. Morales Meseguer 968 360 900San Javier:Los Arcos 968 570 050

AIRPORTS (www.aena.es)Alicante 966 919 000San Javier (Murcia) 968 172 000BUS STATIONSCartagena 968 505 656Murcia 968 292 211San Pedro del Pinatar 968 182 942RAILWAYSFEVE www.feve.es 968 501 172RENFE www.renfe.es 902 240 202UTILITY COMPANIESTelefonica 1004www.telefonica.es www.telefonicainenglish.comIberdrola (Electricity) 901 202 020 www.iberdrola.comAquagest (Cartagena) 968 122 600Aquagest (San Javier) 968 572 112LOCAL TRAFFIC OFFICE(Cartagena) 968 500 883PROVINCIAL TRAFFIC OFFICE(Murcia) 968 256 211ITV Cartagena 968 538 219CORREOS (POST OFFICE)www.correos.esGeneral Information 902 197 197La Manga 968 564 981BRITISH CONSULATE 965 216 022SUPPORT GROUPSMABS cancer support 968 432 525email: [email protected] MMM 968 570 059www.helpmarmenor.orgANIMAL RESCUENoah’s Arc 699 352 818www.noahsarcmurcia

APAH Rescue 630 422 563www.apahrescue.com



Documents

Mar Menor Focus Edition 6 March 2009