Coin Life

Coin Life

MAJOR UK DIET COMPANY ARRIVES IN SPAIN

One of the UK’s most successful weight loss programmes – Cambridge Weight Plan (CWP) sets up in Spain under the Cambridge 800 brand.

 

The Company will host a Reception for the Spanish market at Gran Meliá Don Pepe Hotel, in Marbella, on 31 January at 18:00h.

 

According to data released from the EU in December 2011, the levels of obesity in Spain have doubled since 1987 with now more than 15% of both men and woman classed as obese.

The company’s manager in Spain, Sarah Hawes said: “Rising levels of overweight and obesity have created a ticking time bomb, affecting the quality of people’s lives and increasing the burden on public health services to the detriment of all. Since Cambridge began in 1984, more than 30 million people have successfully used our products all around the world”.

Cambridge Nutritional Foods SL, based in Mijas, offers four flexible weight loss programmes ranging from 800kcal – 1500kcal per day as well as a long-term weight management programme. Cambridge programmes have been available in more than 20 countries around the world since 1984. In Spain, through the Cambridge 800 brand, a range of low calorie diet products such as soups, shakes and bars will be available. Customers can only purchase these products from accredited independent Cambridge Consultants, who also offer one-to-one advice, support and encouragement.

Sarah Hawes said: “Cambridge has been operating for over 27 years around the world, so we are very excited about our arrival in Spain. We have a long history of weight loss success based on our unique model of one-to-one support and this is exactly what we will be using in Spain. We already have a number of trained Consultants working with customers and we are hoping that as more people discover Cambridge, they too will be interested in working with us.”

Initially the company will be operating along the Costa del Sol but plan to expand into other parts of the country, Costa Blanca being a key location, as word spreads about how effective Cambridge 800 is at helping people to lose weight and to keep it off long term.

To celebrate the arrival of Cambridge in Spain, the company is hosting a reception at the Gran Melia Don Pepe Hotel in Marbella on 31 January 2012. In attendance will be Joe Cooper, Director of UK Trade&Investment for Andalusia, and representatives of the company’s UK parent.

 

For more information about Cambridge 800 in Spain and for invites to the opening launch, please contact:

Sarah Hawes

Cambridge Nutritional Foods S.L.

Centro Idea, Local B29, Carretera de Mijas, Km 3,6,

29650 Mijas, Malaga

t (34) 952 586 324

f (34) 952 586 324

email: admin@cambridge800.es

 

 

 

ACASA launches Christmas appeal for money to help Brits in need

ACASA – The National Casework Service of Age Concern España – has launched a campaign to ask expats in Spain to give what they can this Christmas to help Britons who have hit hard times. The charity is hoping to raise at least 50,000 euros to support its work, helping the less fortunate in the British community.

The charity has two client bases – people over the age of 50, and those of any age who serve or used to serve in the British Armed Forces, and their families, as ACASA does the work of SSAFA Forces Help in Spain. It helps people overcome problems of poverty, isolation and illness, and assists them with better mixing into the Spanish way of life. It also helps them access benefits and support, and works to identify charitable grants.

Kim Stollard of ACASA said “One of the best presents anyone can give is help for people less fortunate than themselves. We welcome gifts of any size, whatever people feel they can afford, to help people who need advice and help on living in Spain, or about returning to the UK. Our seventy plus volunteers receive four or five new cases of hardship every week, and hundreds of enquiries a year, and Christmas donations will help us keep up the good work in the New Year.”

Recently the charity helped a lady with mobility issues source funds to purchase a mobility scooter. She told us the that the scooter she has named ‘Nellie’ has changed her life because she can now go out with her dog or go shopping on her own.

We could never have done it without the generous help of the British community. A Christmas donation, whatever its size, will help someone else who is in distress. It´s easy to donate just go to our website www.acespana.org and press the ‘donate’ button or contact us at 902 00 38 38 or CCM@acespana.org.

ACASA - Official Partner of The British Embassy in Spain, AGE UK, and SSAFA Forces Help

Regards

Kim Stollard

Country Manager

ACASA - The National Casework Service of Age Concern in Spain

ACASA - official Partner of The British Embassy in Spain, AGE UK, and SSAFA Forces Help

Age Concern Acción Social y Asistencial (ACASA), British Consulate-General Madrid, Torre Espacio, Paseo de la Castellana 259D, 28046 Madrid.

tel: 00 34 917 14 6439

email: CCM@ageconcern-espana.org

http://www.acespana.org/

14/12/11

 

Río Seco crossing fund - where the money is going...

I met with the mayor of coin this week for an interview and asked him about the Rio SEco account..... This is what was said.
 

Residents living in the area north of the Río Seco in Coín have been encouraged to contribute 50 euros towards the cost of a new crossing over the river. Who is administering this money?

"The council has requested funding for a new river crossing from the provincial government but it is unlikely to fund the complete project so local residents who have to cross the river have been asked to contribute to an account held at a local bank. The town hall cannot hold this money as whatever is not used for the project will ultimately be returned to the contributors. For this reason the money is being held outside of the council's own accounts and is being administered by three local residents on behalf of the community."

What he said was, if the council gets 100% of the funding from the Diputación de Malaga, all of the money will be returned to the neighbours from the account, if the Diputación only comes up with 80% of the funding, the balance will come from the account and any remainder will be returned to the residents that paid in. The money will not be used for any other project. The account is in the name of three local residents who offered to hold the money as the council cannot give back money it has received if funding is found elsewhere.

Ricky 14/12/11

Residents asked to join fight against tobacco smugglers and tax dodgers -Cash rewards for information about tax evaders

British residents in Spain are being asked to join the fight against tobacco smugglers and tax fraudsters. HM Revenue & Customs has launched a new campaign asking people who have information to call a Customs Hotline.

The freephone Spanish number is 900 988 922. The message to expats: You don’t need to give personal details, and you may get a cash reward for useful tip-offs.

The call for help in the fight against illegal imports of cigarettes to Spain, which are often en route to the UK, comes as smugglers try to make huge profits by evading tax or by selling low-quality, counterfeit cigarettes, tobacco and other goods.

Some 225 million cigarettes and several tonnes of tobacco that were destined for the UK market have been seized in Spain over the last year. Cigarettes may look genuine, but they very often bear no relation to the brands which they pretend to represent. Smuggled alcohol is similarly very likely to be fake.

Cards asking people to phone the Customs Hotline are now included with all passport renewals and visa applications in Spain. People with information can also email customs.hotline@hmrc.gov.uk or, if in the UK, can calI 0800 595 000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 0800 595 000 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Customs officers continue to catch up with fugitive smugglers in Spain. Malcolm McGowan, convicted in 2001 of smuggling 56 million cigarettes worth more than 8 million pounds, was last month arrested in Valencia and will now serve his four year sentence.

Information is particularly sought about the smuggling of cigarettes, tobacco and alcohol, as well as other items such as drugs, firearms, obscene material and endangered species. Other tax frauds that HM Revenue & Customs want to hear about include betting and gaming, money laundering and the ‘carousel’ VAT scam in Europe.

“We hope the public will help us come down hard on the smugglers and fraudsters who cheat the rest of us by not making their full contribution to the cost of public services”, said an HMRC spokesman. “These people are criminals who we want to catch.”

Spain attracts smugglers because of the large numbers of British residents, and also because it is a staging post for smuggled and counterfeit goods en route to the UK. HM Revenue & Customs rely on information to fight smuggling and fraud, and to make sure that all citizens pay their fair contribution to the costs of society. The cheats mean that the rest of society has to pay more to deliver the same level of public services.

5/12/11

 

John Lewis - In Spain! - THE UK’S FAVOURITE RETAILER LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY IN SPAIN
John Lewis, the UK department store retailer, has launched its online shopping website (www.johnlewis.com) in Spain. Customers abroad are now able to order a wide range of fashion and home products online for home delivery within two to four days.

This move is in response to increasingly strong demand from outside the UK with international customer visits to johnlewis.com now accounting for 5% of total online traffic. Furthermore, John Lewis's flagship shop on London’s Oxford Street receives a significant number of direct export enquiries every week.  

The launch has already proved successful with over 500 orders being shipped to Spain already - 55% of orders being home products and 45% fashion items.  In terms of number of items ordered, average order value and revenue, Spain is currently one of our top five performing countries.  The average order value is around £100 and our own brand products are already proving particularly popular with customers.

Aside from our own brand products, customers in Spain are now able to access many brands and products not readily accessible locally as well as products exclusive to John Lewis including;

· Ghost

· Damsel in a Dress

· Terry de Havilland shoes

· Aspinal handbags

The website is in English with a Sterling payment function and competitive delivery charges of £7.50. The majority of John Lewis's product range is available for international delivery except those requiring a 'two-man' delivery, goods that are subject to local customs restrictions, brand exclusions or electrical compatibility.

Jonathon Brown, Head of Online Selling, John Lewis comments: "Our international expansion has been driven by the significant and growing demand for John Lewis products all over the world and I'm really pleased that we have launched in Spain. This initiative builds on the phenomenal success of our UK online offer which saw growth of 38% last year.  We look forward to being able to offer customers not only John Lewis own-brand products but also brands that they are unable to get in their home market."

The John Lewis Partnership operates 35 John Lewis shops across the UK, johnlewis.com and 267 Waitrose supermarkets. The business has an annual turnover of over £7.4 billion.  It is the UK's largest example of worker co-ownership where all 76,500 staff are Partners in the business. John Lewis, recently voted Britain’s Favourite Retailer and consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK, stocks over 350,000 separate lines in its department stores and 170,000 via the website, offering customers the best of fashion, beauty, home and giftware and electrical items.

In addition to Spain, John Lewis has rolled out its online delivery service to 32 other countries across the globe - for full list please visit www.johnlewis.com.

Starting November 7, Johnlewis.com will be running a competition on the site where international customers will be able to put together a Christmas shopping list of their choice and then get the chance to win every item on the list.  

22/10/11

 

 

A new directory of activities for children

RoundaboutSpain.com is a new online directory which provides a complete guide to what’s on and where along the Costa del Sol and inland areas for children and families.

The online resource directory is designed totally and specifically for families with young and teenage children and includes a comprehensive listing of ‘things to do’ and ‘places to go’ for those living or visiting the region. It also lists eco friendly and organic retail outlets, holistic services for pregnancy onwards and UK and Spanish help lines.

 

The directory is split into eight categories: Indoor Fun, Outdoor Fun, Education, Parties and Entertainment, Family Services, Courses and Activities, Dining Out and Retail. These are then split into sub-categories so activities or services can be easily located.  There are currently 500 entries which were included to launch the site and new entries are now being added daily.

 

There is no charge to list a business although featured ads are just €35 a year. Suzanne Nixey said: “It’s a free directory and the aim is for volume and to provide the most comprehensive directory for kids and families. We have also kept advertising costs at a minimum to encourage small businesses to promote themselves.”

 

25/9/11

 

 

Minister for Europe meets petitioners to discuss property issues in Spain
David Lidington, Minister for Europe, has met several British citizens to discuss property issues in Spain. The meeting was an opportunity for the Minister to hear first-hand about the problems affecting some British purchasers. The Minister heard about the difficulties purchasers are having recovering their deposits both with and without a bank guarantee and the stress this is causing.

The Minister emphasised that the British Government is concerned about the impact that these problems are having on our citizens, and that both Ministers and the Ambassador will continue to raise these issues with the Spanish Government.

He stressed, however, that the best advice the British government could give to prospective property purchasers continued to be that they should do their research, and seek appropriate legal advice.

The one-off meeting on 8th September followed a petition submitted by Ruth Genda, highlighting the failure of many developers to issue legally required bank guarantees on off-plan purchases.

The Minister went on to explain that the British Government cannot prevent the Spanish Government from encouraging foreign investment in their property market. It is a matter for prospective purchasers to decide whether or not they wish to buy in Spain. Whilst there are a significant number of people experiencing problems, who the Government is doing all it can to help, the vast majority of people live in Spain happily.

The Minister said: “I advise anyone considering buying a property abroad to do your research, learn about what documentation you must have in hand, and make sure that you seek independent legal advice from a lawyer who is experienced in property law.”

In addition, there is a wealth of information on buying in Spain available on the UK in Spain website, both for those who are thinking of buying, and for those who are unfortunately facing problems. It can be found at the following useful links:

Advice on buying a property on the UK in Spain website

Advice on the UK in Spain website for those who have encountered problems with their properties

The Spanish Government’s guide to buying a property in Spain

 

25/9/11

 

 

A chance still to join some interesting courses locally...

The U3A Marbella and Inland held its enrolment for 2011/12 last week in Alhaurin el Grande. Several of the courses are fully subscribed, but there are some available places on the following :

" Reading and Poetry Group" contact Pam 664 459 053
" Card Making Workshop" " Jayne 952 499 223
" Oil painting Class" " Julia 952 411 404
" Writing Group" " Liz 622 531 444
" Art Group " " Rog 635 580 536
" Modern Spanish History " Muriel 952 452 538

For full details of the above courses see www.u3a.es or phone: Sue 951 491 608; Jackie 952 596 552; Carmella 952 596 070
 

25/9/11

 

 

Singing in Harmony - Harmony Magic

Singing group Harmony Magic is being stated up again - with more emphasis on Barbershop singing. It won't all be Barbershop, but a larger percentage of it will be. I would really like to set up a new Chorus which could compete at Barbershop Conventions which are held annually. Obviously this won't happen in the short term, but that is my longer term aim. If we had enough support I would like to set up both a male and a separate female chorus. In the short term I guess it might have to be a mixed chorus.

We now have a new rehearsal venue - the Centro Cultural at La Trocha - and we will be rehearsing every Tuesday afternoon there. I have a 3 hour slot from 2.00 - 5.00 and would like to rehearse beginners, then later rehearse those with some experience. It all depends on how much support I get.

Anyway, the first rehearsal date is Tuesday 4th October and for this Tuesday only, I am holding a free vocal coaching session which anyone can attend - without obligation to Harmony Magic. So anyone can come along - with friends hopefully - to receive a bit of free voice training and to try out some simple harmony. This is specifically geared at those who are nervous or lacking confidence in their voice or are just simply curious about 4 part harmony.

Why don't you come along? The more the merrier.

 

Maggie Parker

 

23/9/11

 

 

 

 

Need a translator in hospital?

Just so you know, the Junta de Andalucia provides a service for patients who are in hospital and need an interpreter to and from Spanish? The number is 953 011 080.

 

 

British Sign Language - any groups locally?

I've recently started doing an on line sign language course with the British sign Language for deaf people. Does anyone know of any deaf/partial hearing or even sign language groups in the area?

Jo Skinner
T:655 745 892

 

 

Do you have a spare fridge to give away?

A recent appeal has been made for a fridge for a 64 year old man living in Coín who is nearly blind and in financial difficulties.  He is unable to keep food fresh as his old fridge has broken. Anyone that has a spare fridge and would like to donate it or is willing to sell it for a small fee, can make contact Ricky through Coinlife at mail@coinlife.info

 

Campo home sought for under €100,000...

We currently have clients looking to buy a small house in the campo for around €100,000.  If you are selling one or know someone that is selling one, please let me know.

Ricky

 

Time Bank in Coin
This is an exchange of services among people who freely and voluntarily give up their time to help others. Registration: Social Services (asking for Marina or Paco). C / Urbano Pineda. Telef.: 952 45 59 08  E-mail: bancodeltiempocoin@gmail.com   Blog: http://bancodeltiempocoin.blogspot.com

 

 

Confused about the padrón? Advice from the Coín Foreigner’s Department

There has been some confusion over renewal of empadron lately, fuelled by inaccurate stories in the press.
You do NOT have to renew empadron every two years if you are an EEC citizen. However, you do have to renew your empadron if your circumstances change - i.e. you move house etc. or if you are in a rented property, when your rental contract is renewed.

 

 

Palm Beetle Alert in Coín

Just thought you should know that I found 2 red beetles in the last week (July) in the Coin area, very large and healthy looking, so beware all palm tree owners

Russell Wood.
Managing Director

Golf Services.

russell@travelservicesspain.com

 

 

New Spanish Conversation courses starting at La Trocha now and throughout July...

Courses are run by Valerie Mitchell, the author of the popular book ‘Shortcuts to Spanish’ who also runs the Centro Idiomas Language School in Coin town centre.  You need to ring Valerie for more information and to book your place - 952 450 747 or email vjeffrey1@fastmail.fm

 

 

GREAT NEWS... Restaurante El Fogón de Antonio has re-opened!

Caty & Raquel will initially be open for dinner service only, Monday to Saturday and there will be a new Cinema Night Menu (once we can get our hands on a film!).

For reservations, please call 952 452 724 or email elfogondeantonio@hotmail.com

 

 

A Good News Insurance story??? Yes indeed!With money being tight as always, the decision to sort out our house and contents insurance was a lengthy one this year but in the end we opted for a very extensive policy through José Ballesteros in the Mapfre office opposite the Ayuntamiento building in Coin (tel 952 455 005)

 

A recent fire left us wondering how our claim would be dealt with but within one day of reporting the incident we had an electrician on site and he offered to come back and replace the burnt out consumer unit on the same day. In the end we asked him to return the next day which he did, at the time he said he would. The assessor also came over and was extremely helpful and generous and we cannot fault the service offered to us after a traumatic experience.

José Ballesteros speaks quite a bit of English and knows his product inside out. If you are ever in need of professional advice on your buildings, contents or motor insurance, he comes highly recommended by me!

Ricky

 

 

Do you have issues relating to property licensing in Andalucia???

I am Accredited Parliamentary Assistant to Marta Andreasen MEP. I am currently updating our database on Spanish property issues. If you would like to be kepty up to date on issues relating to Spanish property, please reply to me with the following information:

(Feel free not to supply any or all of it as you see fit)

1) Name(s)

2) Postal address

3) Contact telephone number

4) Nationality

5) Position in relation to campaign

(e.g. homeowner/victim; activist; supporter; journalist; lawyer; other-please specify)

6) Location of property involved, if any (town/village and province)

7) Nature of problem

(e.g. Ley de Costas/demolition; bankrupt builder; corruption in local/central government; fraud; other-please specify)

8) Dates/timescale (approximate if necessary)

9) Are you aware of any involvement of European Union funding in any of your difficulties. If so please give details.

Thank you for your assistance

With best regards,

Andrew Kinsman

00 32 2 284 7726

 

 

Man seeks Donkey...

My friend Manolo from Pizarra has asked me to put a notice on the website to say he is looking for a donkey. If you know of one going spare, let me know. Ricky

 

 

Short Film Competition "Youth for Equality "
Participation in the contest for young people aged between 14 and 35 years. The deadline for delivery of work began on 15 March and ends on 15 May 2010. The work should be addressed to: Coin TV Canal, Plaza de la Villa, Building Alfares 1. 29100 Coin (Malaga). For more information: Department of Youth. Tel: 952 45 33 77 and Canal Coín TV. Tel: 95245 35 77.

 

 

Lago El Dorado Fishing lake in Coin - CLOSING DAYS

NOTICE: - FROM 15TH MAY, OUR CLOSING DAYS WILL BE: SUNDAY AND MONDAY (SUNDAY AND MONDAY, CLUB MATCHES AND PRIVATE GROUPS, MIN. 10 ANGLERS)P

PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK SEASONAL TIMETABLE CHANGES (9am to 7,30pm until 30th May).

For more information on the Fishing lake, the facilities and how to book, contact: www.lagoeldorado.com / 951 264005 / 653 967 607 / info@lagoeldorado.com

 

 

Thursday market changes at La Trocha

The Thursday market at La Trocha has changed from mornings to a new afternoon slot from 4pm to 8pm. For more details contact Hazel at spanbox@gmail.com for more details

 

 

A good job on my satellite installation...

I recently had to have someone around to re-align a satellite dish and to sort out my various old decoders to try and get some English TV to my mobile home for my guests. The dish I have got is not really big enough for a good signal and I didn’t want to pay out for a new one but Gary Biggs from ‘Helping Hand’ was able to work his magic and within a short time he had Coronation Street up and running. This is the second or third time I have used Gary and he has never failed me yet. He is based in Guaro, covers the whole area and is normally able to respond quickly and at very reasonable prices. He can get all your Spanish TDT Channels working too if you’ve recently lost them in the switchover to digital on your TV aerial and he’s also available for painting & decorating work . To contact Gary call 666 241 053 or check out his website www.helping-handonline.com for more details.

Ricky

 

Animal hell in Cartama...

If you would like to know more about the gruesome discoveries at a finca in Cartama earlier this year and the work that has gone on to rescue and re-house some of the animals that survived the neglect, check the link below to local animal charity AID.  

http://www.animals-in-distress.eu/newsletter.html

 

 

A new political party is being formed in Coin, with branches in Alhaurin El Grande, Alhaurin de la Torre, Cartama, Torremolinos, Alora & Nerja.

Provisionally called the "Partido Extranjeros Unidos", the party is politically neutral and is being formed to give foreign residents a voice & representation on local town councils and, eventually, the Junta de Andalucia. The party will stand at the next local elections and residents need to register to vote before the end of May to be eligible. Registration forms for voting are available from all townhalls and from the Coin Foreign Residents dept (Fridays 10am to 1pm).

The more people that vote for the new party, the more seats it will have on the council and the more influence it will have over matters that affect the foreign residents in the area.

 

 

Brilliant email received Wednesday 17th February....

 

Dear Ricky,

 

I went to see Avatar At La Trocha on the opening night with my family. I was surprised at how few people made the first showing. It was the most breathtaking film I think I have ever seen. No wonder it took 11 years to make! You are absolutely right, this film is definitely not the usual 2D we normal see. I would recommend it to all ages and tastes. My 10 year old daughter thought it was brilliant.

 

I would like to thank you and the cinema staff for the effort you put into bringing English soundtrack films to La Trocha. Although we should all make an effort to learn Spanish, it is great to be lazy and chill out to films like Avatar.

 

Regards,

Kim

 

 

Did you know... It is a requirement to have your dog tethered in the rear of your car, regardless of size?

Alternatively, you should have a barrier between the front & rear seats, i.e.  bars, a grill or a net. A €60 on the spot fine can be issued by the police if you fail to comply!

Mickey’s pet supplies and accessories, located in the CHAIN Charity Shop, La Trocha, Coin now stocks car safety harnesses in four sizes, one size safety leads and car safety nets with prices starting from €6. They also have a wide range of products for your pets including  a full size range of beds, collars, leads, recreational toys and treats such as chew sticks, ham bones and pigs ears!

Scalibor collars, Frontline and wormers are also available at very reasonable prices so next time you are in La Trocha, why not call in and have a look? If they do not have what you want you can leave your details and they will call you with a price for the items you need and a date when they will be available for collection.

Finally, for every purchase you make, a donation will be made to CHAIN

For more information call 634 624 234 or email mickeyspetsupplies@hotmail.com

 

 

Protest Against Urban Abuses in Andalucia

Thousands of Foreigners and Spaniards who bought or built their houses in good faith now face the frightening prospect of the demolition of their homes.

 

Save Our Homes Axarquia (www.soha.es) protests against the actions of the Junta de Andalucia, and with support from homeowners in Cartama, Almeria, Mijas and other towns and provinces of Andalucia

 

We ask three things of the Junta:

 

1. That no new demolitions be ordered.

2. That where houses must be demolished reasonable compensation must be paid in advance.

3. That the Junta begin the process of regularisation.

 

We also believe that the Junta, by its actions, has a policy of punishing the innocent victims of unscrupulous developers, politicians, lawyers and notaries.  

 

For more details contact Philip Smalley;  philipsmalley@hotmail.com  or Tel, 618041813

 

 

The New Alternative Therapies Centre opens in Coin, February 2010.

Saturday 20th February saw the inauguration party of the new centre that boasts beautiful, brand new treatment rooms, knowledgeable and fully trained staff and an ideal location with parking right outside the door. Services offered include all kinds of physiotherapy, massage, shiatzu, lymphatic drainage, diet & nutritional advice, reflexology and anti-stress treatments and more.  You can have one-off sessions or arrange a series of treatments.  Call 952 45 33 78 for more details and to make appointments.  

Maria and her team have been providing me with massages for the past 5 months and I can thoroughly recommend it! - Ricky

 

Hosts sought for student vets on neutering programme

(neutering stray dogs, not student vets!)

CHAIN is working with Tania at SOS to set up the work placements for the UK student vets. Last year's students were a great success and there was very positive feedback from everyone involved (One of last year’s students, Will, is pictured on the right)

CHAIN are looking for "hosts" to help bring over as many students as possible. Hosts would provide accommodation and meals for the students for a minimum of 2 weeks. Hosts would be able to limit the duration to whatever suits their circumstances.

Anyone interested in hosting a student or 2 should contact Wendy at:

 

chaininspain@hotmail.com

CHAIN - CHarity for Animals In Need

Happy New Year to All of our Friends and Supporters

Visit the CHAIN CHARITY SHOP in La Trocha, Coin for our New Year Sale.

http://www.chaininspain.com

 

 

Local Course Fishing venue now has equipment for hire...

Lago El Dorado at the Ciudad Del Cine near Coin now has full fishing equipment available to hire by the day so there is no need to have good tackle of your own! Prices from 15€ per day. After 5 days fishing, 6th day is free, so it works out at 12€ per day. Also you get a voucher for a free coffee, tea, beer or wine at the hotel bar. The lake is stocked with hundreds of fish and tuition can be arranged.

Competitions are being organised for the Spring but you can start practising now!  Contact Mike or Zulema at info@lagoeldorado.com or call 653 967 607 or 951 264 005.

 

 

Beware of a potential €2 coin fraud...

Coinlife has recently been warned of a potential scam involving €2 coins and the 1 Yeni Turk Lirasi (New Turkish Lira) coin from Turkey.

 

The coins look very similar and you could easily accept one in your change but beware, the 1 Lira is only worth about 40 cents!

 

 

 

HEART FM  HAVE MOVED FREQUENCY TO 95.7

Due to the Spanish Law not allowing Broadcasting Licenses to foreign Language radio stations, Legal Spanish Stations can claim any frequency they choose. Unfortunately, ES RADIO is a National Station and has decided to broadcast on 88.3 and bled onto 88.2, making it impossible for Heart to maintain their presence on their old frequency. They have now employed the services of a Legal Spanish Broadcasting Organisation and are happy to inform you, that their new home is 95.7 reaching a wider audience covering Monda, Alora, Pizarra, Cartama Estacion, Alhaurin de la Torre and down to the outskirts of Malaga.

 

Heart FM would like to thank everybody for their patience and support during this transmission, and would like to reassure everyone, that Heart Fm will continue beating in the campo for the foreseeable future on 95.7 – Happy Listening.  Check their website for new News, Event and Programmes and to listen live online.

 

www.heartfmspain.com or call 610774408

 

 

Shortcuts to Spanish - Imminent release of second edition of the useful book by local Spanish teacher & author Valerie Jeffery.

Valerie from the Centro de Idiomas in Coin has written a second book called ‘Shortcuts to Spanish’ and it will be available withhin the next few days.  Contact Valerie for more details at vjeffrey1@fastmail.fm

 

 

Living outside of Coin but need help with information about Council services?

The Foreigners’ Department of the Ayuntamiento de Coin has been running successfully for a while now and Terry and Yasmin have helped dozens of people with enquiries about rubbish collection, health service provision, street lighting and all kinds of other questions.  The y also will help peope that do not live within the ‘borough’ of Coin.  So if you live in Alhaurin and need to find out about your rights to health care, or you live in Alora and want to know about your right to vote, get in touch with Terry & Yasmin at the Tourist Office in Coin every Friday from 10am to 2pm.  Click here for more details about the service offered by Terry & Yasmin.

 

 

Free Dental Care from the state for Diabetes sufferers.

The Foreigners’ Department of Coin has issued the following advice....

All patients suffering from Diabetes will now receive free dental care.  Pregnant women and children between the ages of six and 15 can already benefit from free dental care, other patients may have to wait longer but the aim is for diabetic patients with dental problems to be seen within 48 hours.

Obviously, people will have to be fully legal to qualify for this - nie or residencia (residencia is preferable) & empadron etc.  Contact the  Foreigners’ department for more details at coinforeigners@yahoo.es

 

 

Please read if you are driving an English plated car in Spain

A warning has been issued by the Foreigners’ Department of Coin Town Hall to say that local townhalls & Guardia Civil are about to have a purge on foreign registered car that have been here for more than 6 months, Cars will be impounded and large fines levied - townhalls are trying to raise money any way that they can! Cars that aren't legal in their home country (i.e. taxed & MOT) aren't legal here and any insurance cover that they have is invalid!!!!

 

 

Dead Palm Trees - the nightmare with the red palm beetle attacking your trees might only be the first problem you encounter as removing unsightly dead trees can be difficult and expensive.  The Ayuntamiento de Coin will remove trees FOR FREE but there is a waiting list and it could take anything up to 12 months for them to take the tree away.  For more information please contact Terry or Yasmin at Coin Foreigners’ Department more...

 

 

English language news reports on Canal Coin TV

Following the huge success of the English programming on Canal Coin Radio (Monday to Friday 9am to 11am), Canal Coin Television has decided to start some English language broadcasting.

Initially, local news reports at the weekends will be in English with Spanish Subtitles and in Spanish with English subtitles so that anyone studying either language can use this as a learning tool.

English language broadcasts start on October 10th and the news reports will be at 1pm and 7.30pm on Saturdays & Sundays

 

 

 

New Footsteps Guide to Malaga - explore the streets of the old town with this great new guidebook...

“FOOTSTEPS THROUGH THE CITY OF MALAGA - This new colourful guide is unique in focusing exclusively on the city of Malaga. It takes readers on a circular stroll around the city, taking in all the main sights and attractions, and also tells the story of the city: General Torrijos, the wreck of the Gneissenau, the British founder of the Hospital Noble, and the English Cemetery.

 

Available at 5 Euros from The News and from Centro de Idiomas in Coin, from Book World Espana Bookshops, and from many bookshops along the coast, including Woody’s Bookshop in Los Boliches, Ann’s Bookshop in Benalmadana, and David’s Bookshop at Arroyo/Benalmadena. Also available online from www.foostepsguides.co.uk. “

 

 

From the British Embassy website.......  “While many British expatriates may not be aware of this, officially, all residents in Spain are required by law to register on the ‘padrón’.  The British embassy suspects that many people are reluctant to do so because they view it as a means of vigilance by the state. However, in reality, it is simply a way for local town halls to know how many people live in their area without entering into investigations as to a person’s official residence status or financial affairs.    

 

Residents do not have to own their own home to register on the census, they just have to have an address where they usually live.  With regard to the actual registration process, this is straightforward and merely involves filling out a form.  All information provided is confidential and protected by data protection laws. Citizens must take along identification such as a passport, NIE or residence card, and a recent utility bill in their name as well as the deeds to their house or a copy of their rental contract.

 

One of the advantages of registering on the local population census (Empadron) is that Central Government allocates money to the different municipalities according to how many people are on the ‘padrón’.   Therefore, an area with more inhabitants is likely to have better public services with more money for the provision of health centres, police officers, fire fighters and schools.

 

Similarly, residents on the register are able to take advantage of certain income-related benefits and other aspects of social care available through town hall social services.

 

Administrative tasks such as registering for health care, enrolling children at a school or registering a car with Spanish number plates is also much easier for people who are on the register.                                                                                                                                 Also, depending on the town hall, registering on the ‘padrón’ could mean up to 50 per cent off Property Tax as well as reductions in certain community charges and inheritance tax.                                                                                                                                                There are also discounts available on some courses and leisure and cultural activities organised by some town halls. Registering on the census also enables residents to vote in both local and European elections.”

 

For more details on Empadronamiento in Coin, click here

 

 

Canal Coin Radio have started an English language programme

From 9am to 11am Monday to Friday - on their frequency 107.3fm.   Programmes will be aimed at over 40s - so no rap music etc!  You can also listen online at www.canalcoinradiotv.listen2mymusic.com

Programmes will be a mix of music, news & current affairs and will be presented by

ex OCI presenter Terry Clear.

 

 

 

Empadron renewal - information from the Coin Foreigner’s Department

 

The subject of empadron has been raised a lot lately. If you are an EEC citizen, then your empadron does not need to be renewed    unless your circumstances change. However, if you need a certificate of empadron for buying a car etc., then these certificates only last for 3 months. Hopefully, this clears up the confusion.

 

 

 

Moneycorp offer some of the most competitive currency exchange rates on the market.  If you are transferring regular sums of money to or from the UK, you could save significant amounts by using Moneycorp’s fast and efficient service and if you are planning a large transfer of funds (buying or selling a house for example), the savings could be even bigger.

 

Because Moneycorp use local bank accounts at each end of the transaction, you are not normally charged fees by your own banks for the transfer and the exchange rates are normally much better than you would get from your own bank in the UK, Gibraltar or Spain. And setting up a facility with them could not be easier.

 

If you would like to speak to someone about how Moneycorp could save you some money, click on the logo above or ask for a call back by emailing moneycorp@coinlife.info  Alternatively, call Ricky on 66 50 70 100 for more details.

 

 

 

GAS INSPECTIONS - VERY IMPORTANT

A couple from Coin went to the foreigners department recently to ask about Cepsa gas inspections. They had two Cepsa technicians come to the door and announce that they were there to check the boiler. They were in Cepsa uniforms and had all the right documentation (they were, in fact, genuine).  They inspected the boiler, changed a few items and asked for 277 Euros. The couple paid and were given an official receipt but afterwards wondered whether this was legal.

 

Under current laws, all gas equipment has to be inspected every 5 years and out of date parts must be replaced (mainly the orange rubber tubing).  There are reports of technicians saying that if they are not given access that they will return with a warrant to disconnect your boiler.  If granted access, they may replace parts that don't really need replacing, and then charge over the odds for the work carried out.

 

However, the inspection DOESN'T have to be done by Cepsa or any other gas company. It can be legally carried out by any registered gas fitting company, and the cost is usually in the region of between 30 and 70 Euros (unless there are problems/parts to be replaced).

 

You are advised to get your own inspection done, get a certificate from the gas fitter and keep it by the boiler as a reminder to get it done again in five years time. If anyone calls at your door without you asking them to do so, refuse them entry and tell them that the inspection has been done.

 

One local company that Coinlife recently spoke to (a registered agent for Repsol) advises that they charge €60 for an inspection, to include the replacement of the orange coloured tube (assuming it is normal length and not connected to industrial sized bottles).  They are Gas Y Fontaneria in Calle Buenavista in Coin.  Tel 952 45 13 27 or  619 23 05 71. Ask for Javier who speaks English.  Please mention Coinlife when calling.

 

 

La Trocha asks for your help...

The management team at La Trocha Shopping Centre organise a number of events, exhibitions and shows every year that are based both inside and outside the shopping centre.  They have asked if anyone has any ideas for future activities that they could run at La Trocha.  If you have any suggestions for events that you would like to see take place at La Trocha, or if you organising an event and would like to consider using La Trocha as a venue, please contact the secretary to the management team at La Trocha, María González on 952 452 350 or email Ricky at mail@coinlife.info