First name(s)

British Society of Catalunya Empordà Branch
Dear Members,
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM to December 2013
Name
----------------------------------------
First name(s)
NIE/NIF/Passport No.
---------------------------------------—————————————--
Name of spouse/partner ---------------------------------------Address:
Street
----------------------------------------
Town
Province/County
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Postcode
----------------------------------------
Telephone/Fax
----------------------------------------
E-Mail
---------------------------------------Any other relevant details -------------------------------------(Next of kin in case of
----------------------------------------
Emergencies?)
----------------------------------------
Currently membership always runs from 1st January—31st December
Cheques, in Euros, drawn on a Spanish bank please, payable to British
Society of Catalunya or transfer the money from your bank directly to
Bank Sabadell l’Escala account British Society of Catalunya
ES74 0081 0237 6800 0111 2415
The cost of membership with The Revista delivered electronically is €15.
The cost of membership with The Revista delivered by post to either UK
or Spain is €20.
If you would like a printed copy of The
46 Revista delivered to UK or Spain
please tick the box.
It’s that time of year again. The busy season is over and the Costa Brava is gradually getting quieter. As far as the BSC is
concerned this is a different year. Normally at this time of year we are getting
ready for our AGM. Due to the legislation
regarding societies like ours we have
changed our financial year to JanuaryDecember. The AGM will now be held on
the 24th January and will followed by lunch
at The Sotavent in L’Escala.
We have organised some events for the rest of the year:
•
We have organised a visit to the Can Solivera Olive Farm
near Bisbal. This will be followed by a Menu del Dia lunch
nearby. We will be meeting at the Aldi car park at 10am on
24th September. It should be noted that numbers are restricted to 40 people and we already have a large number
of bookings. Contact Alice Debbage 972 77 3372. See our
advert on page 38
•
On October 3rd we will be holding our annual treasure hunt.
We will meet at 10am in Carrefour car park. See our advert
on page 41
•
In November we are in the process of organising the Bowling Event. Further details will be given later
•
On 14th December we will be holding our Christmas Dinner
and Dance
Remember all the money we raise with our events goes to local charities and organisations. We have designated June as “Cancer Awareness Month” . Money raised from our Queens Birthday and Summer
Ball events will be donated to local Cancer Charities/Organisations.
We will also be encouraging other organisations to hold events to
raise funds in June.
I do look forward to meeting you at a future event
Best Wishes, Mary
3
Your Officers and Committee
Editorial
John Sienczak
I can’t believe it’s September already. The Costa Brava is
gradually quietening down and we can start going to our
favourite restaurants again.
I recently saw an episode of Horizon on BBC2 that looked
at the benefits of fasting. I found the program fascinating.
So much so that I have started “The Alternate Day Fasting
Diet”. This involves fasting one day and then eating more or
less anything you like the next. There are some variations
which allow a very restricted diet, about 500 calories, on
Fasting Days. The Horizon program is available on youtube
at:
Chairperson
Mary Clark
972 77 05 17
e-mail marylescala@yahoo.co.uk
Vice chairperson
& Event Organiserr
Pat Sturgeon
972 77 23 24
e-mail traveller16444@telefonica.net
Treasurer
John Sienczak
972 77 46 26
e-mail john@virtual-friday.com
Secretary
Roger Arndell
972 77 01 30
E-mail rogerdenromi@yahoo.co.uk
Membership Secretary
Des Sherriff
972 62 35 25
e-mail janddsherriff@gmail.com
Revista layout
and production
Advertising
John Sienczak
E-mail john@virtual-Friday.com
The Revista Distribution
Barbara Hanson
972 77 16 79
barbaraandroger@talktalk.net
Event organisers
Andrea & Roy Speakman 972 77 42 63
e-mailandreaandroy@telefonica.net
Event Organiser
Allice Debbage
972 77 33 72
e-mail mdebbage@google-mail.com
Event Organiser
June Joyce
972 77 25 85
e-mail gerryandjune100@hotmail.co.uk
Event Organiser
Lynn Taylor
972 77 68 89
E-mail casalollipop@hotmail.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfna7nV7WaM
There are a number of other sites just put “alternate day
fasting “ into your search engine. What I particularly like is
that you are not constantly worrying about calories. On
Fasting Days I just have lots of water with a couple cups of
tea and in the evening I have a small salad. On normal
days I just eat normally, usually 3 meals. I have just started
and so far so good. I have lost a little weight but not enough
to notice yet. I will include an article on my progress in the
next issue. PLEASE NOTE—I am not a Doctor or medical practitioner of any kind. If you have any chronic illnesses DO TAKE MEDICAL ADVICE BEFORE EMBARKING ON ANY DIET PLAN.
Jacqy Harding has documented a really interesting coach
trip to Tuscany. We also have our regular Revista Recipe.
Roger Arndell has some charming pictures of Sardinian
Warblers that were in his garden recently.
Steve Brown has sent in an article relating to the “The Girona Grapevine Group”.. If you are in Girona on a Wednesday do pop in to La Farinera Café and meet up with Steve.
4
Thanks to all our contributors
Thanks also to DIGITAL copisteria, Torroella, who took great care to ensure that
your copy of The Revista is crisp and clear
45
Your professionals for the purchase and sale of
property
−We speak your language
−We have been in l’Escala for 14 years
−We have more than 100 properties for sale
We have experience with everything concerning
your property
−Purchase and sale at the best price
−Free valuation when you use our services
−Planning and control of your renovation or
your
new construction
The January/February of The Revista will be the last one under
your current membership. You need to let us know whether you
want the Electronic Version for 15 Euros per annum or the printed
version for 20 Euros per annum. About one third of the membership have already indicated their preferences. If you do not let us
know your preference then we will assume that you want the
Electronic Version. We also need to have your NIF/NIE or Passport number recorded. You can email me (revista@bsce.ch) with
you details or complete the form on Page 46. You can give the
form to any committee member or take it in to Villa Service in
L’Escala (Thank you Melanie)
A number of people have said nice things about the articles relating to a month (see pages 20,21). I forgot to name the sources of
the information. There are 2 sites that I mainly use:
http://www.projectbritain.com and http://www.wikipedia.org
We have co-opted Maggie Watson on the committee to set up
our “Cancer Awareness” month in June. Maggie will use her experience as a cancer professional to help us to organise the
month. We will act as a focal point for other organisations to run
money raising events in June. You will be hearing more about this
initiative over the coming months
Do please contact me regarding anything concerning the magazine at:- revista@bsce.ch.
We are an agent of one of the largest banks
We can offer you
−New mortgages or re-mortgages
−Property insurance etc.
Visit us in our office
44
John Sienczak
DISCLAIMER
The British Society of Catalunya can not be held responsible for the legality,
accuracy or quality of the services offered by the advertisers in the publicity of
The Revista . Whoever engages any of the advertised services does so at
their own cost and risk.
British Society of Catalunya no se hace responsable de la legalidad,
exactitud o cualidad de los servicios ofrecidos por los anunciantes en
la publicidad de la Revista. Quienquiera que contrate alguno de los
5 cuenta y riesgo.
servicios anunciados lo hace por su
TUSCANY BY COACH
Jacqui Harding
When I had the offer to travel by coach to Tuscany in Italy I really could
not refuse, especially as we would be having a guide accompanying us all
the time, albeit in Catalan and Castellano!!
We were to visit many places of interest, including FLORENCE, PISA,
LUCCA, SIENA and AREZZO just to name a few.
Yippee!! I couldn’t wait!
AND SO TO GO!!
At the early hour of 5.45am we were collected by taxi to meet up at the
Coach station in Figueres for our journey to MONTECATINI TERME in
northern Tuscany. The coach was full with over 50 of us. My friend and I
were the only English. The rest were Catalans. The long drive took us
along the scenic coastal road in France – stopping for a view of the
breathtaking Monaco – and into Tuscany, taking just a mere 13 hours!!
Our arrival at Le Fonti (described as a boutique hotel) was a little daunting to say the least. One advantage was that it was very near the woods
and the thermal area. With all 50 people trying to get into a small lift was
all too much because the lift broke down leaving us all stranded, anxious,
tired and a little angry!!! Needless to say we were eventually accommodated, watered, fed and bedded down after a very long day.
MONTECATINI TERME is a beautiful town built around its mineral water
springs. The spring water is considered helpful to people with stomach or
liver problems.
I enjoyed taking a short walk from the hotel into the woods, seeing Tettuccio Terme, the most famous spa built in the late 18th century by the Grand
Duke of Tuscany, Leopold of Hapsburg. The first 3 spas that were built
were Tettuccio, Regina and Leopoldine making Montecatini Terme famous all over Europe and a favourite place for the rich and the royalty.
I also enjoyed taking the Funicular to MONTECATINI ALTO, about 200
meters above Montecatini Terme which is a well preserved medieval town
with ancient buildings, remains of a castle, a few palazzos and churches.
The main square is very pretty with its café s and restaurants and shops.
From the square the narrow cobbled streets are evocative of an age long
ago .Here there are spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Enough said about that because of the many places we were to see in
the next few days.
The following day we were taken to a town to the west of Montecatini
6
called LUCCA the only town in Italy entirely
surrounded by thick 16th
century walls. It is a wealthy and colourful town well worth visiting with its
Valencia Health Authority—http://www.san.gva.es
CatSalut—http://www10.gencat.cat/catsalut/eng/asseg_quies.htm
for further information.
Prescriptions
A co-payment system of contributing towards the cost of prescriptions will be introduced before the summer. Most people, including
UK pensioners, will be required to pay a percentage of the cost of
their prescription medication. Co-payment will be handled by each
autonomous community, so processes may differ slightly between
regions.
The amount each person pays will depend on annual income and
individual situation. The table below provides a basic overview of
what residents will be expected to contribute. Details have not yet
been released about how income will be assessed or how payments
will be capped.
Various treatments are now no longer available by prescription in
Spain, meaning these will now have to be paid for in full. Speak with
your pharmacist for further information and to discuss all options
available to you.
This table is a guide only and more detailed information can be
found on the
Ministry for Healthcare, Social Services and Equality’s website.
http://www.msc.es/en/gabinete/notasPrensa.do?metodo=detalle&id=2416
Annual income
Less than
€18,000
Social situation
Working Age
% of conCapped at:
tribution
40%
No capping
State Pensioner 10%
Between
Working Age
€18,000 and
State Pensioner
€100,000
Working Age
Over
€100,000
State Pensioner
€8/month
50%
No capping
10%
€18/month
60%
No capping
60%
€60/month
The British Embassy does not have any more detailed information
than that contained in this page. If you need any further clarification,
please call your local health service
43 provider.
Healthcare Reform in Spain
Article sent in by Judy Sherriff
In April the Spanish government announced reforms to the state
healthcare system which affect everyone living in Spain. The
changes that apply to Spanish nationals will also apply to British
nationals. We are in touch with the authorities for further clarification and the advice on our website will be updated with relevant
changes when available. More information in Spanish can be found
on the official
http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2012/04/24/pdfs/BOE-A-2012-5403.pdf
UK State Pensioners
Under EU regulations, the UK pays Spain an average annual cost
to provide healthcare for its pensioners. Healthcare is provided to
UK state pensioners resident in Spain and registered with an S1
form on the same basis as healthcare given to Spanish pensioners.
Therefore, healthcare changes that are applicable to Spanish state
pensioners are equally applied to all UK state pensioners. This includes co-payment for medicines (see the section on Prescriptions
below).
Proof of Healthcare
If you are applying for your residence certificate, you may be asked
to show proof that you are covered for healthcare in Spain when
making your application. If you are a UK state pensioner for example, you may be able to use your S1 form to meet this requirement.
A full list of requirements should be obtained from your local Oficina de Extranjeros or designated police station. More details can
be found on the
Spanish Ministry of the Interior website:
http://www.mir.es/
information is in Spanish and follow the links for extranjería.
“Convenio Especial” / Special Agreement
The Spanish government has announced a state-run ‘Convenio
Especial’ (Special Agreement) for those without access to state
health cover. Details of this scheme, including when it is expected
to come into force, have not yet been published.
The autonomous communities of Valencia and Cataluña are no
longer taking new applications for locally run health schemes, e.g.
the Valencia Monthly Quota Scheme. If you are already registered
with the Valencia Monthly Quota
42Scheme or in Catalonia and have
questions, contact :-
medieval and renaissance architecture,and colourful markets.
PISTOIA, was our port of call in the afternoon. a beautiful medieval
town surrounded by trees at the foot of the Pistoia’s mountains. A walk
through this town was really worth a visit with its numerous museums
and the cathedral from the 12th century.
FLORENCE - an all day visit, to the southwest of Montecatini, located in
the valley of the Arno river which flows under it’s magnificent bridges
and recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I am not
surprised with all it’s wonderful architecture, sculptures and paintings. A
day was certainly not long enough and my advice to you is if you really
want to see “David” by Michelangelo in the Fine Arts Museum then try
to book your visit on the internet. I could write a lengthy article on the
beauty of Florence but a “must to see “is the cathedral of Florence
called Santa Maria del Fiore and the monumental complex in Piazza
Duomo.
PISA was our next visit – only about 10 kms from theTyrrhenian sea
and at the mouth of the Arno river., renowned for it’s “leaning tower” the
bell tower of the city’s cathedral. A visit worthwhile but the town has
many many more churches if you so wish.
As we are close to the sea our afternoon excursion was to see a resort
called VIAREGGIO, a port and the main centre of the Tuscan Riviera,
home of the famous carnival and it’s paper – mache floats which parade
along the prom. in the weeks preceding Easter.
Our next visit was to SIENA, south east of Montecatini. This was my
favourite place to visit. This historic centre has been declared by
UNESCO as a world heritage site with quaint cobbled streets, magnificent cathedral with works by Michelangelo, Donatelli, Bernini, Pinturicchio and the incredible marble intarsia floor. Inside the baptistery the
font with works depicting the Sienese Renaissance. Then to climb up to
the wonderful terrace of the Facciatone on the Duomo Nuovo, where
the finest panoramic views of the city and the Tuscan countryside can
be seen.
Siena is renowned for it’s cuisine, art, museums and medieval attractions and the Palio horserace held twice a year at the Piazza del Camp
which houses many architectural treasures, including the Palazzo Pubblico and the tower Torre del Mangia. There are a variety of cafes and
restaurants here where one can sip a glass of sustenance and watch
the world to go by. What a wonderful experience visiting this beautiful
7
city – nothing can match this!!
Our next outing was to PESCIA and COLLIDI, not too far away. PESCIA is renowned for it’s flower market which is the biggest in Tuscany,
also special paper and the printing of bank notes.
COLLIDI, well known for the Parc di Pinocchio – Pinocchio Park, writer
of this famous story 19th century Carlos Lorenzini who changed his
name to the town where he had spent his youth. COLLIDI is a small
town nestling in the hills with a fast flowing river through. In the centre
is an ancient church of medieval origin but most prominent of all is the
mammoth figure of Pinocchio dominating the town. Our excursion was
nearly thwarted because on returning to our coach there were problems
to our brand new Volvo coach. Oh deary me! What a parlava!
With all 50 of us waiting to get going it was quite hilarious – it was now
very hot indeed so we had to find a refuge to sit and wait it all out. By
1.30pm the coach had been repaired and off we went back to the Le
Fonti for a well deserved lunch.
We are nearing the end to our very interesting trip to Tuscany but before we take our leave a trip to VINCI is a must. Vinci owes it’s fame to
Leonardo of Vinci who in 1452 was born in the nearby Anchiano where
his house can still be seen. The town of Vinci is on the slopes of Monte
Albano where today the Museum is devoted to the great genius. The
museum contains his drawings and writings as well as prototypes of the
machines he studied. On April 15th every year celebrations are held in
the honour of such a great man.
And now to our last visit of the excursion AREZZO which is a 2 hour
coach ride away, 80 kms from Florence and south west of Montecatini.
It was a beautiful drive perusing the open countryside. There are many
garden nurseries with trees and shrubs set in pristine alignment with the
mountains in the background.
AREZZO is set on a steep hill rising from the floodplain of the river
Arno. .In the upper part of the town is the cathedral, town hall and the
Medici Fortress from which the main street branches off towards the
lower parts as far as the gates. The upper part of the town is of medieval appearance although there are newer structures. It was a real bonus
for us to arrive and witness a beautiful wedding ceremony in the Cathedral. .Afterwards they drove around the town in their open top Mercedes
car to show to all their ceremonial marriage. By this time we had explored the town and were having our well deserved sustenance in the
Piazza Grande when we saw this activity going on. Well! What a wonderful trip – I really enjoyed every minute of it.
8
PS Our trip was organized by TOURIST
CLUB 65 . Carrer Nou 147-149
BAIXOS, 17600 Figueres. Tel. 972676563
VILLA SERVICE PACSA S.L.
N.I.F B-17343609 API 455
Spanish OFFICE
U.K. OFFICE
P.P. Box 40
18, Firwood Park
Avda. Montgo 10
Chadderton
17130 l’Escala
Oldham
Girona
OL9 9SE
Tel. 972 77 02 62
Tel. 0161 652 0263
Fax 972 77 26 51
Fax 0161 284 0672
===============================
E-mail info@ villaservice.info
www.villaservice.info
www.villaservice.co.uk
Established in l’Escala for more than 20 yearsoliday rentals,
quality villas & apartments with full back up from experienced
staff.
We supply sheets, towels, cots, high chairs and anything required
for successful holidays.
Car rentals, modern air-conditioned Fords, Pick up at airport, our
office or bus and train stations.
Villa & apartment sales
Villa and apartment management for owners, regular security
checks on your properties and renting to approved clients if required.ONTACTS
Mary
in l’Escala
Melanie
in l’Escala and U.K.
Marissa
in l’Escala
41
Jean Francois for all questions or queries regarding
sales.
Health Insurance policies in ENGLISH
HEALTH insurance is probably the most important policy a family can
have. You may have money & belongings, but if you don’t have a good
health what use are they to us.
Get your health policy from as little as
35,41€ per month.
We’ll find you the best healthcare plan that adapts to you from a wide
range of insurance companies we work with.
So get insured with Sammy Thomas S.L.U Insurance Brokers. Sammy is
originally from Doncaster, England based in Girona since 1990 and has a
Master in General Insurance & Administration of Business.
Looking for insurance for your English or Spanish
Car?
! Don’t look any further! Apart form insuring your Spanish vehicles,
we can also insure cars from England, Holland & Denmark with their
original number plates. We maintain your no claims bonus up to 65%
with a certificate from your old insurance company. Policy’s can be
printed out in English, so you have no problems understanding the
small print.
We look for the best price & cover within a big range of insurance company’s we work with.
Tired of not being able to communicate with your actual insurance agent, broker, or company?
So get insured with Sammy Thomas S.L.U Insurance Brokers. Sammy
is originally from Doncaster, England based in Girona since 1990 and
has a Master in General Insurance & Administration of Business.
We also insure:
We also insure:
Home, Business, Life, Civil & Public Liability, Accidents, Boat, Investment plans, Community blocs, English & Spanish Cars, Motor
Bikes etc…
Businesses, Home, Life, Civil & Public Liability, Health, Accidents, Boat, Savings policies, Community blocs, Cars, Bikes
etc…
CALL US ON 972-221639 AND ASK FOR SAMMY THOMAS
CALL US ON 972-221639 AND ASK FOR SAMMY THOMAS
Sammy Thomas S.L.U
Plaza Marqués de Camps 9-10 Entlo 1ª, 17001 Girona Spain
Fax: 972-204038 / Email: sammy@sammythomas.com
Sammy Thomas S.L.U
Plaza Marqués de Camps 9-10 Entlo 1ª, 17001 Girona Spain
Fax: 972-204038
Email: sammy@sammythomas.com
Sammy Thomas SLU Núm. registre DGPFA J387GC Col·legiat Núm. 68554
Concertada Pòlissa RC Professional segons l’article 27.1 e) i acreditada la
capacitat financera segons l’article 27.1 f) (Llei 26/2006, de 17 de juliol, de mediació
40
d’assegurances i reassegurances
Sammy Thomas SLU Núm. registre DGPFA J387GC Col·legiat Núm. 68554
Concertada Pòlissa RC Professional segons l’article 27.1 e) i acreditada la
capacitat financera segons l’article 27.19f) (Llei 26/2006, de 17 de juliol, de
mediació d’assegurances i reassegurances
From our Sutton Coldfield Correspondent
Richard Bosdet
As usual we have spent about half of the summer in Sutton Coldfield and we have made 4 trips to the Costa Brava to spend the
other half in our little house in Calonge Sant Antoni. What a difference! It really did rain on almost every day we spent in the UK
since Easter, while in Catalunya we found ourselves hiding inside
on some days to get away from the heat! Is it just the contrast or
has it really been a beautiful summer here in Catalunya? We
have had several visitors over the summer months and I don’t
think any of them have suffered a day of their holiday lost to the
weather. I suspect that 2013 will see lots of Brits heading over
here after this year’s washout summer at home. We usually try to
stay away from the Costa Brava during August, mainly because of
the crowds but this year our daughter and her husband wanted to
spend some time with us here during August.
So we found ourselves driving across France at temperatures in
excess of 40C; the dogs thought they were climbing into an oven
every time we stopped for them and I have never seen them so
keen to climb back into the car. We had seen the start of the forest fires just as we were leaving at the end of July and we had
read about the record temperatures in Catalunya so we were a bit
apprehensive about how our 10-week old grand-daughter would
cope with the heat. So far after 4 days she seems to be thriving
on it; she has been daily dipped in the pool and she seems to
love the warmth. We invested in some turbine-strength fans so
even the nights have not been a problem. Major relief all round I
can assure you and we hope she will be a regular visitor in the
years to come.
Every morning at dawn I take the dogs for a long walk in the hills
before it gets too warm. So early in the morning one meets many
interesting creatures still going about their nocturnal activities and
this year I have had 2 new encounters.
10
39
The first was with an unusual looking cat which ran out of the
bushes onto our path right in front of us and after it had retreated
about 10 metres it turned round again and we stood looking at
one another for several seconds, long enough for me to get a
really good look. As soon as I got back to the house I identified it
from a Spanish wildlife website as an Iberian wildcat. Apparently
they are quite a few of them about but they are very shy and seldom seen. The very next morning we were walking on a track
along the side of an old quarry when a wild boar came crashing
through the bushes down the almost vertical bank above us. He
finally landed on the track about 10 feet in from of us and was as
startled to see us as we were to see him! After he pulled himself
together he charged off along the track for several yards before
plunging off down the bank again. This was the first time I have
actually seen a wild boar, though I have seen the occasional
road-kill, and I was very surprised at how big he was.
This week it has been getting light at about 6:30 and it is dark
again by 9pm so the summer is almost at an end. The swifts
and swallows are gathering for their long flights south and overhead we are starting to see flocks of other migrating birds also
heading for Africa. Our neighbours are preparing their dogs and
guns for their annual attempt to assassinate all the local wildlife
so soon it will not be safe to walk in the hills, a sure sign that autumn is with us. In a couple of weeks we will also migrate for the
winter, in our case north back to Sutton Coldfield, and for us that
will be that for another year as far as the Costa Brava is concerned. Can’t wait for 2013 though!
___________________________________________
An English professor wrote the words, "a woman without her
man is nothing" on the blackboard and directed the students to
punctuate it correctly.
The men wrote: "A woman, without her man, is nothing."
The women wrote: "A woman: without her, man is nothing."
Punctuation is everything!!
38
11
From the Catalan News Agency
Ryanair, the low cost Irish airline, announced the closure of
four flights from Barcelona due to the rising costs approved by
the Spanish government and imposed by the AENA, the institution responsible for Spanish airports and aerial navigation. Ryanair has also cancelled eleven flights in Madrid, including a
service from Girona. Michael O’Leary, the Chief Executive of
Ryanair, announced that the services will stop from November.
Barcelona Airport will lose connections to the East Midlands,
Leeds Bradford, Hamburg and Trieste.
In the first half of 2012, more than 37,000 inhabitants have left
Catalonia taking into account the balance between immigration
and emigration. This figure represents half the state total, having lost 74,000 residents. These figures demonstrate that Catalonia is experiencing the highest emigration rate in Spain,
which can be attributed to a number of factors including the
growing tendency for graduates to seek employment abroad.
Albert Iglesias
Sale and repair of
personal computers
ADSL, Virus, Upgrades
We speak English
Call 600 66 10 67 (l’Escala) or
www.ALBERTIGLESIAS.com
C/ MORENETA, 4
17130 L'ESCALA,
12
37
KENNA DIVING S.L.
Home Insurance policies in English
Home insurance is the type of policy one sometimes takes granted
for, but your home is where you have placed all of your personal belongings and money over the years. Here in Spain everybody sells insurance!
But does your house have the policy you deserve or really want o
need?
Our aim is to find for you the policy to cover every important detail possible. From Robbery, water damage, electrical induct, etc..
We guarantee to look for the best price & cover within a big range of
insurance company’s we work with.
Tired of not being able to communicate with your actual insurance agent, broker or company?
Trust in us you won’t be disappointed. Sammy is from Doncaster, England based in Girona since 1990 and has a Master in Life & General
Insurance.
We also insure:
Business, Life, Civil & Public Liability, Health Care, Accidents,
Boat, Investment plans, Community blocs, Cars, Bikes etc…
CALL US ON 972-221639 AND ASK FOR SAMMY THOMAS
Sammy Thomas S.L.U
Plaza Marqués de Camps 9-10 Entlo 1ª, 17001 Girona Spain
Fax: 972-204038
Email: sammy@sammythomas.com
36
Sammy Thomas SLU Núm. registre DGPFA J387GC Col·legiat Núm. 68554
Concertada Pòlissa RC Professional segons l’article 27.1 e) i acreditada la
capacitat financera segons l’article 27.1 f) (Llei 26/2006, de 17 de juliol, de
13
mediació d’assegurances i reassegurances
Each factor is subject to its own specific criteria and can be complex. The
scales are now as follows:
Leavers
Number of days
that make you UK
resident
16-45
Connecting factors
4 factors
46-90
3 factors
91-120
2 factors
121-182
1 factor
183 or more
Always resident
Arrivers
Number of days
that make you UK
resident
46-90
Connecting factors
4 or more factors
91-120
3 factors
121-182
2 factors
183 or more
Always resident
The government believes the draft legislation is close to being the final
version. Another consultation period on the new proposals is running until
mid-September 2012.
While the statutory residence test will provide much more certainty for expatriates and is a welcome improvement on the current situation, the fine
detail in the legislation could trip many people up, so for peace of mind
you should take advice from an international tax and wealth management
firm like Blevins Franks.
The tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning
taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and
practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual must take personalised advice.
To keep in touch with latest developments check out our web-site
14
http://www.blevinsfranks.com
35
News On The UK Statutory Residence Test
By David Franks, Blevins Franks Financial Correspondent
We finally have some more information on the new UK statutory
residence test, following the consultation period which ended last
September. The test is due to start on 6th April 2013 and will determine whether or not an individual is liable for UK income and
capital gains tax, wherever they arise.
The Treasury has released draft legislation that builds on the responses received. It remains committed to the original structure,
though there have been some small changes
The distinction between “leavers” (individuals who were UK resident in one or more of the previous three tax years) and
“arrivers” (not resident in all of the previous three tax years) remains, and there are different rules for each category.
The test breaks down into three parts.
Part A lays out a conclusive position whereby an individual will
always be non-UK resident, while Part B lists the circumstances
under which you would always be considered UK tax resident.
f you are a leaver and spend less than 16 days a tax year in the
UK (previously 10 days), or you are an arriver and spend fewer
than 46 days, then you are not UK resident. If however your only
home/s is in the UK, or you spend 183 days or more there a year,
you are UK resident.
If neither test is conclusive, Part C will determine whether or not
you are UK resident for tax purposes. The test outlines five connecting factors which are combined with day counting into a
“scale” to determine your residence status.
Connecting factors:
Family in the UK - spouse/civil partner and/or minor children.
Available accommodation in the UK.
Substantive employment in the UK.
UK presence in previous years – if you have been UK resident for
more than 90 days in either of the previous two UK tax years.
34tax year than any other single
More time spent in the UK in the
country
15
********
THESE RECEIVERS ARE NOW IN STOCK!!
AMSTRAD 500Gb NEW SKY HD third more
recording
HUMAX HD FREESAT 350Gb HD (like Sky Plus) no
card needed 50 hours recording time
NEW WHITE FREEVIEW CARDS IN STOCK.
SKY SUBSCRIPTION CARDS now AVAILABLE
WITHOUT UK ADDRESS!!!
HOUSE ALARMS & surveillance systems
Professionally installed. Get a free quotation.
All equipment covered by one year or
manufacturer’s guarantee
Free delivery on all items purchased from us
Free quotations on request
Prompt after-sales service
For prompt callouts technical advice with a
fast & reliable friendly service Telephone 616
757 336 or
972 30 42 82 (also fax & answering service)
16
33
“MULTI-FIX ”
A Handyman and building repair service with over 30 years experience, is
now available to give expert advice
and attention to your home and premisses.
Sound & VISION
SKY SYSTEMS INSTALLED with freeview
Or Subscription Cards with 80 cm dish, cables
& mounting brackets etc.
SKY+HD (high definition) Digibox with
Activated subscription card.
SKY PLUS 160Gb receiver and recorder
With no extra charge with your current SKY
Subscription.
HD TVs— latest models, all sizes at best
Prices. PHONE IN for SPECIAL OFFERS !!
SATELLITE SYSTEMS for English, Dutch,
French, German and Spanish TV & free to
View professionally installed.
SPANISH DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL
Conversions now being installed. (Phone
For quote)
All work is guaranteed and completed to a highly professional and
safe standard.
Work Undertaken
Carpentry : Plumbing : Painting : Double Glazing :
Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Fitting :
All types of Locks & Security Bars supplied & fitted :
Roofing : Rip outs + Disposal : Making Good :
I charge 15 Euro's per Hour (Min two Hrs) . There is
no “ Call out ” fee, and all materials used are charged
“ at cost ” with original receipts supplied . Also, as I
am NOT registered for V.A.T , I do not charge it !
Also Available
Small Van + Driver for hire @ 22 Euro's per hour
+ fuel (Min two Hrs). Includes help with loading etc.
So, if your home needs professional attention, from a
conscientious, trustworthy, and reliable tradesman,
call me !
Geoff : 691 983 523 (Garriguella)
PLEASE BE ADVISED
32
I cannot and do not accept
17 any Gas or Electrical
work as I am NOT “ Trade Certified ” in Spain.
Garden Notes
The herb garden has been a great success. Lots of herby meals.
I have successfully sown some Lemon Grass. They need 2
years to come to fruition so I now have the task of protecting
them over the winter. I will probably try and make some cloches
out of old plastic 8 litre mineral water containers. I did have one
disaster. The beautiful Bay Tree in the centre died. All the books
and articles I read said that Bay Trees do not need a lot of water.
I did give it some water to compensate for “Spanish Summers",
but it still died. On the plus side I moved it back to its original pot
and gave it some water, lo and behold some shoots have sprung
from the roots
Only Roger Arndell responded to my invitation to a “Sweet Pea
Growing Competition”, so I will just document and write up our
progress with growing Sweet Peas over the next few months. I
am still in the thinking/planning phase of extending the herb garden to include a small vegetable plot. The real issue is trying to
organise trips away whilst still maintaining the garden.
We are planning the new rockery and work should start in October when it is a bit cooler. I have purchased a number of dwarf
daffodils and tulips and I lots of packets of seed especially for
rockeries. I will probably have to sow them next year.
I have had a real up and down year with geraniums. I have several containers with geraniums. Early on in the year they were
fantastic. Gorgeous blooms and really healthy plants. I kept to
my normal watering/feeding regime and sprayed them with specialist insecticide at regular intervals. I also religiously deadheaded them. After about 6 weeks of success they all started to
show problems with dying leaves and very small blooms. I took
some drastic action and cut them back hard This had the desired effect and we had beautiful blooms again for a couple of
months but they have now gone back to being very bedraggled
again. I think I will cut them back again and re-pot them in fresh
compost. I suppose sometimes we ask too much from our plants
expecting them to flower continuously all summer.
18
1 tablespoon chilli powder
1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and dry oregano leaves
1 large can of tomatoes
1 large can of red kidney beans
4 sprigs of coriander
Salt to taste
This is what you do:
Crumble beef in a frying pan over a medium heat until the meat loses its colour. Drain any fat and set aside. In a deep oven proof dish sauté onion, garlic and peppers until the vegetables are soft. Add the set aside beef, the chilli
powder, cumin, oregano and tomatoes. Bring to the boil and then add the
beans. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes stirring
to break up the tomatoes. Season with salt if desired and add the chopped
coriander before serving.
NB The ground beef can be bought in the local market. I choose the beef ,
then ask the assistant to “picada dos veces “ – mince twice.
Cumin seeds are best roasted and then ground in a pestle and mortar.
Serve with Guacamole, grated cheddar cheese, chopped spring onions and
sour cream or Greek yoghurt
GUACAMOLE
Both a dip and a sauce – guacamole literally means “avocado concoction”.
Whatever its use it should be prepared with ripe buttery avocados and a
touch of heat from chillies
You will need:
2 large ripe avocados
2-3 tablespoons of lemon or lime juice
1 clove of garlic
1-2 tablespoons of chopped coriander
Spoonful of dried red chilies
1 jalapeno chilli - chopped
Salt to taste – optional
This is what you do:
After peeling the avocados and tomato blitz all the ingredients together and
check for seasoning.
Can be served to accompany the chilli con carne or served as a dip with tortilla crisps
Well, that is all for this series. I look forward to the next time.
Adios31
amigos
Jacqy Harding
The Revista Recipe
Hello everyone. I hope that you have enjoyed the long hot
summer. Welcome now to the cooler season.
I have been asked to provide you with a series of articles
using herbs. So over the next few months I will be concentrating on recipes using herbs. Herbs are a very important part of our recipes today.
The “soft” herbs such as parsley, coriander, chervil, dill, basil, chive and
mint can be frozen. My tip is that they can be bought either from the supermarket or market and chopped whilst fresh and stored in plastic containers in the freezer. This way you will always have the correct herb to
hand. The “woody” herbs such as thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, marjoram and bay do not freeze. They are best dried. The other herb not
already mentioned is tarragon which is wonderful with chicken. This can
be either dried or frozen.
Mrs S has always been very keen on hot spicy foods. I always
grow some chilli peppers in pots and this year has been quite
successful as the following pictures show. What is good about
chillies (also all peppers) is that they freeze very well and will
keep their heat for up to 12 months. I just pick the chillies, wash
them and thoroughly dry. I then lay them in plastic boxes with
kitchen paper between each layer and pop them in the freezer.
To use them in cooking just take them out and use them as you
would fresh. They will be a bit soft but they are delicious.
So now to provide you with a few tips.
Bouquet garni is an essential part of cooking especially when making
stocks and soups. Traditionally this contains a bunch of parsley, thyme
and bay leaves. These are tied together and put into the pot but discarded at the end of cooking. A stick of celery and leek can be added too
A bouquet garni can also be a mixture of dried herbs tied up in muslin.
To the basic bouquet add orange peel, a clove of garlic, a few celery
leaves, a couple of sprigs of fennel or whatever herbs you choose to go
with the dish you are preparing.
My favorite herb is coriander so I am going to start the series off by using
coriander. Coriander is the most widely used herb in the world, also in
Mexican cooking. Add at the last minute to chilli con carne, fresh salsas
and many other dishes such as a black bean dish called Frijoles refritos
– refried beans.
CHILLI CON CARNE
Serves 4
You will need:
½ kilo ground beef
1 onion - chopped
2 cloves of garlic – smashed and chopped
1 green bell pepper – chopped into chunks
1 red pepper – chopped into chunks30
Editors Note: You can see a lot more chillies on the Electronic
Version in colour!
19
John Sienczak
September,
“He who eats goose on Michaelmas day
Shan’t money lack or debts to pay”
Gemstone: Saphire
Flower: Aster
The name September comes from the old Roman word 'septem',
which means seven, because in the Roman calendar it was the seventh month. The Anglo-Saxons called it Gerst monath (Barley month),
because it was their time when they harvested barley to be made into
their favourite drink - barley brew. They also called it Haefest monath,
or Harvest month.
The Romans believed that the month of September was looked after
by the god, Vulcan. As the god of the fire and forge they therefore
expected September to be associated with fires, volcanic eruptions
and earthquakes.
Traditionally 24th September was the day on which harvesting began
in medieval England.
A corn dolly was supposed to have been the spirit of the corn goddess and dates back hundreds of years. People believed that the
corn goddess lived in the corn and would die when the corn was harvested unless some of it was saved. So to make sure the corn goddess stayed alive until next spring sowing, a corn dolly was made
from the last sheaf of corn for the corn goddess to rest in until the
next.
Michaelmas Day is the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, celebrated on 29 September. St. Michael is the patron saint of the sea
and maritime lands, of ships and boatmen, of horses and horsemen.
He was the Angel who hurled Lucifer (the devil) down from Heaven
for his treachery.
Michaelmas Day is traditionally the last day of the harvest season.
The harvest season used to begin on 1 August and was called Lammas. Farmers made loaves of bread from the new wheat crop and
gave them to their local church. The custom ended when Henry VIII
broke away from the Catholic Church, and nowadays we have harvest festivals at the end of the season near Michaelmas Day.
Curfew: Michaelmas used to be a popular day for the winter night
curfew to begin - the first hint that winter was on the way. Curfew took
the form of a tolling of the church 20
bell, usually one strike for each of
the days of the month that had passed in the current year and generally rung at 9pm.
What this meant in essence was that one film was faster or slower
than another and so was more suitable for a variety of lighting conditions. So if you had a fast film in your camera then in situations
with less light you were able to use a shorter exposure time or a
smaller aperture. This speed was classified by numbers approved
of by ASA or ISO and were of the order of 100, 200 400 etc.
As with most things in life there was a penalty for the advantage of
faster film in that the picture may start to look ‘grainy’ and if that
was not what you wanted the shot may be disappointing. The difficulty for film photographers was that they could not change the
speed until the film was finished.
As digital photographers we have the advantage that the speed
can be adjusted from image to image. Have a look for ISO in your
camera menu settings or you may have a short cut button to be
able to change quickly from one speed to the other. Again there is
a downside in that noise (apparent as speckles) may start to appear in the picture as the speed is increased and some cameras
can cope better than others.
Imagine you are listening to the radio and tune to a feint station. To
hear better you turn up the volume but of course you also turn up
the background noise so it may not be much of an improvement.
This is what happens with your camera. What you are doing is adjusting the sensitivity of the sensor and although you increase the
size of the signal you want you also increase the background noise
and as stated earlier some camera sensors can cope better than
others.
Of course it may be that a little noise can add to the mood of your
image but it is your choice so again experiment with the various
settings. After all each image is not costing anything except a little
of you time.
Next time I would like to think about composition and some guidelines of things to look out for when composing your picture. Don’t
have a drainpipe appearing to come out of Uncle Fred’s head for
instance.
29
David Brown
Through the Lens
Light is something that comes in a variety of colours and
your camera has to be able to cope with these changes.
For instance fluorescent lighting is certainly different to
bright sunshine. Have you ever been disappointed at how
the colours in your pictures were not as you remembered
them when you first took the picture?
As photographers we are painters with light so accurate
colour representation should be important to us. Your digital camera will do its best to reproduce the colours as accurately as it can but it does not always get it right and a glorious sunset may be a somewhat colourless image with the
reds de-saturated as the camera tries to cope with a preponderance of one colour or another.
Your camera may allow you to set the white balance manually. The setting ‘Auto White Balance’ will be ok for a lot of
the time but try using any presets you may have available.
These settings may range from ‘sunny’, ‘shade’,
‘fluorescent’, or ‘tungsten’ depending on the particular
model of camera.
Colour is measured in degrees Kelvin with reds being cool
and blues being hot. Maybe you would expect it the other
way around but it derives from heating metal which of
course will first glow red and eventually turn blue.
If the colours are incorrect and you are fortunate enough to
be able to use a variety of post processing programs such
as Photoshop you can change the colour cast of the image
then but it is always better to get it right in the beginning if
you can.
So think about the quality and type of light and experiment
with your digital camera and your photography will improve
and you will not be deleting images so often because you
are unhappy with them.
In the days of film cameras the film came in a variety of
speeds.
28
October,
“Rain in October means wind in December”
Gemstone Opal
Flower: Calendula
In the old Roman calendars, October was the eighth month of the year
and got its name from the word 'Octo' meaning eight.
The Saxons called it Wyn Monath because it was the season of wine
making.
After the calendar reform of 1752, some activities traditionally associated with Michaelmas Day (29 September) moved forward eleven days
to 10 October, which is sometimes called 'Old Michaelmas Day'. Mop
Fairs or Hiring Fairs took place on and around Michaelmas Day.
Mop Fairs (Hiring Fairs)
Michaelmas used to be the time for 'Mop' or Hiring Fairs. Servants and
farm labourers would work from October to October and then go to the
centre of the village or town to hire themselves out again for the next
year. People looking for work would dress in their best clothes, and to
let people know what work they wanted, they used to wear or carry
some sign of their work. Maids, looking for work, would carry a small
mop (that's where we get the name Mop Fairs from), a shepherd had
wool, a gardener had flowers and so on.
The new masters and mistresses would walk around the fair and talk to
the people. When they had come to an agreement, they gave the servant a small token - maybe something like 5p. The servant would then
remove the sign of his job and replace it with a bunch of brightly coloured ribbons to let everyone else know that he had been hired.
The custom remains today in some towns and villages around the country. Several towns in Warwickshire enjoy the spectacle and the fun from
the holding of the annual mop fair.
In Stratford, which is home to one of the country's biggest fairs, the mop
became a funfair after World War I. On the first morning of the fair,
which is almost always on or near 12 October, children of the town go
on the rides of the funfair free of charge.
St Luke's Day (18th) Traditionally a day when girls could have some
insight into their future marriage prospects. Before going to bed they
must put on their faces a mixture of spices, honey and vinegar, and
once in bed they must say the following rhyme:
St Luke, St Luke, be kind to me,
21
In dreams let me my true love see.
“Close
up and Personal”
Roger Arndell
SARDINIAN WARBLER.
I was very lucky to capture theses photographs of a family of
Sardinian Warblers feeding outside our kitchen window. These
attractive birds are resident in the garden throughout the year.
Submitted by Phil Hodgson
It wouldn't be funny if it weren't so true... Julie Andrews turned 69
and to commemorate her 69th birthday on October 1, actress/
vocalist Julie Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan's
Radio City Music Hall for the benefit of the AARP. One of the musical numbers she performed was "My Favourite Things" from the
legendary movie "The Sound Of Music."
Here are the actual lyrics she used:
Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favourite things.
Cadillac's and cataracts, and hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favourite things..
When the pipes leak, When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favourite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.
Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favourite things.
The male has a characteristic jet-black hood, a
white throat and a distinctive red eye-ring. The female is browner with a
cap much the same shade
as the back.
Back pains, confused brains, and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short, shrunken frames,
When we remember our favourite things.
When the joints ache, When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.
22
27
26
23
About Girona Grapevine
Thanks to Elaine Kilvington for this
During my physical examination, my doctor asked me about my
physical activity level.
.
I described a typical day this way:
"Well, yesterday afternoon, I took a five hour walk, about 7km,
through some pretty rough terrain.
I waded along the edge of a lake.
I pushed my way through brambles.
I got sand in my shoes and my eyes.
I avoided standing on a snake.
I climbed several rocky hills.
I took a few 'leaks' behind some big trees.
The mental stress of it all left me shattered.
At the end of it all I drank eight beers".
Inspired by the story, the doctor said, "You must be one hell of an
outdoors man!"
No," I replied, "I'm just a rubbish golfer".
GARAGING & STORAGE
INSPECTION PIT FOR HIRE
HOURLY, DAILY & LONG TERM RATES
Office hours: 10.00hrs to 18.00hrs
TEL: 972488749 & 972772746
MOB: 627014357 & 617918523
ray@kennaecodiving.net
24
Girona Grapevine differs from most groups in the
Costa Brava in that there is no formal committee; it
has just evolved over the past eight years as a
group of friends who meet once a week for coffee
at La Farinera Café in Girona. Sometimes we organise events such as a Christmas Fair which, in
the past, has raised money for charity but, for most
of the time, we depend on the website and emailing list to keep in touch.
Even the word "membership" doesn't have very
much meaning as anyone can join, the only requisite being that you have to be part of the mailing
list... and be able to speak English! Previously, new
members were charged 10 Euros as a joining fee and given a user-name
and password for the website but this is now offered to all members for no
charge. This opens up many possibilities!
Three or four advertisers help pay for running the website but, actually, the
only cost is the registration of the name; the web hosting is very kindly provided by Guy Staniforth who is closely associated with the BSC in Roses.
Recently, I took over running Girona Grapevine from Debra Foremski who,
in turn had taken it over from Sue and Ross who have now moved to
France. Sue is a very keen writer and she used to run a writers' group as
part of Girona Grapevine. This is something we are trying to revive this autumn. We have fairly close ties with Catalonia Today and they frequently
organise writing competitions (Sue has won a prize twice!) Ross is a train
enthusiast and we used to have outings, for example to see wheelchanging at Cerbère. Wonderfully nerdish (.....I went).
So the website is a vital focal point as members are scattered far and wide
and not very many can make it to coffee. I've recently updated it to make it
more attractive and lively. Members who have a user-name can publish
posts on the blog, enter events in the calendar and even start up a thread in
the forum. There's also a subscription for the blog so that new posts arrive
automatically by e-mail. As you read this, we've just published by e-mail the
first newsletter for quite some time and the plan is to publish one every
three months.
It goes without saying that, if you are in Girona on a Wednesday, do pop in
and say "hello"!
25
Steve Brown
http://www.gironagrapevine.co.uk