Revista

Revista
July/August 2013
Review of all
Cancer Awareness
Events
1
City + Guilds Joiner 25 yrs experience
Doors, Windows, Persianas,
Kitchen, Timber Flooring, Pools
Painting etc.
For free estimate Tel: 618515753
972250318
Email: [email protected]
“All aspects of building work undertaken”
2
Dear Members,
July and August are here again. It is nice to
see the Costa Brava filling up gradually with
tourists.
We have had a fantastic result with our
Cancer Awareness campaign. This issue of
The Revista has numerous articles describing the various events. I would like to say a
special thank you to everybody who helped
organise the events and to John for pulling
everything together.
Don and I enjoyed putting on the wine and
cheese tasting for the Queens Birthday. It was good to see everybody enjoying themselves and all the hard work was rewarded with us collecting over
900 Euros.
After 9 years of service Andrea and Roy Speakman have decided to resign
from the BSCE Committee. I would just like to thank them both for their time
and commitment over those years. If anybody out there would like to join us
in organising future events do please contact me you will be very welcome.
The Costa Brava is broadly a very safe place to live and relax. But, it is at
this time of year a timely reminder regarding your security is in order.
•
Don’t leave valuable items such as cameras and phones lying around
when you are out, when in your car or when in your house/villa
•
Don’t carry too much cash with you and keep your cash in a secure
place on your person. Zipped pockets and bags are best
•
Be aware that people who want to help you with your car in the supermarket car-park may not have your best interests at heart.
•
Finally just take that extra 5 seconds to check your cash is safely put
away at the supermarket/restaurant, that you have not left any valuables on show in your car or that valuable items are in a safe place at
home.
BUT MOST OF ALL enjoy your summer
Yours, Mary
3
Editorial
This issue of The Revista is dedicated to the various events that took
place in May/June to raise money for Cancer Awareness. There are lots
of articles describing the various events and detailing how much was
raised. I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank all the organisers attendees and sponsors for helping to make Cancer Awareness such a successful fund raising event.
Due to the number of articles we have dropped some of our regular contributors. We have published the recipes from the cookery demonstration at the MARAM so we gave Jacqy Harding a rest from The Revista
Recipe but she will be back in September with more herby recipes. You
can view more pictures of all the event at:
http://www.bsce.ch/cancer/slides
We also had no room for Garden notes. So here are a few lines. My
square foot vegetable plot is now full to overflowing. We have had lots of
peas, french beans, beans and courgettes. The chilly May did cause
some problems germinating seeds especially my cucumbers. But the
warmer weather has now bought everything on. My tomatoes seem to
be hell-bent on taking over the whole plot. The only issue now is keeping an eye on the courgettes so that they don’t turn into marrows also
there is the daily watering grind. Whilst I hate to say it, it is probably time
to start thinking about what to grow in the autumn. No doubt at the next
committee meeting we will start planning the Christmas Dinner/Dance
Brrrrrrr!
We as a committee and I am sure you as members have had enough
fund raising for now. On July 10th we will be going to Els Angels for a
picnic or you can have a meal at the restaurant. We promise that there
will be no fundraising just the opportunity for some good company and
enjoyment of the fabulous views. We will be meeting at the Carrefour
car-park in L’Escala at 11:00. Mary Clark is co-ordinating this event.
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and cameras.
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 servicios anunciados
4
lo hace por su cuenta y riesgo.
5
FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Some months ago John contacted me
and asked if we would like to organize
some activity to raise money for the
Cancer Awareness.
After a meeting with the teachers, we
decided to offer what we are good at, language lessons. The experience has been very rewarding, although we thought more people
would be interested in spending some time having a chat with some
friends or making new ones. We ate scacciata siciliana in the Italian
lessons and allioli and tortilla de patata in the Spanish lessons. We had
English conversation lessons in a bar by the beach.
The Catalan Class—Seated, Gail, Wendy and Gerry
6
Our Catalan Tutor — Helena
The feedback has been really positive and we all want to repeat
the experience next year, promoting more our conversation lessons amongst the people of L’Escala, trying to make them part of
your good cause.
Congratulations and thank you, BSCE, for having invited us to be
part of it!
Nuria Heras
YES Language School
http://yesidiomes.blogspot.com.es/
7
Victor—A Russian who attended the advanced Spanish Course
Nuria Heras taking the Spanish Beginners Group
8
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:
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
Sammy Thomas S.L.U
Plaza Marqués de Camps 9-10 Entlo 1ª, 17001 Girona Spain
Fax: 972-204038
Email: [email protected]
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 d’assegurances i reassegurances
9
The Spanish Beginners Class sampling some Aioli and
Tortilla, The wine was very good as well!
Nuria presenting the monies raised to John Sienczak
10
The Spanish Beginners Class
Nuria organising the Spanish Advanced Class with Margaret Blakey
looking on11
12
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: [email protected]
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 d’assegurances i reassegurances
13
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,
14
15
A rundown of all the Cancer
Awareness Events and how
much we raised
This is a summary of the presentation I made at The Summer Ball
In May we started with the golf tournament at Playa de Pals golf course sponsored by Spectrum IFA, This even was organised by Phil and Tina Hodgson. Not
being a golfer myself I was truly bowled over by the beautiful surroundings. We
were ably supported by Maite the golf courses commercial manager. She did a
magnificent job of getting loads of donated golf fees from various golf clubs in
Catalunya. These formed part of the prizes and some were auctioned off. We
raised a magnificent 1460 Euros.
We then had The Costa Brava Ladies Clothes sale at Roberts restaurant in
L’Estartit organised by Mary Hepworth. Again we had a beautiful day raised 535
Euros.
What a magnificent start. And we had not got to June yet!
Nuria Heras from the YES language school really got behind the Cancer Awareness Programme and organised Catalan, Spanish and Italian classes, a cookery
demonstration at the MARAM centre in L’Escala (This was truly excellent. Mary
Clark and I agreed that we should seriously hold another event here next year)
and some Qigong classes. All together these activities raised 430 Euros.
The restaurant La Clota in
L’Escala, along with Andrea
Speakman, organises regular ladies lunches. On the
5th June they decided to
hold a Ladies and Gentlemans lunch. This was very
well attended and we had
lots of donated raffle prizes
and we managed to raise
400 Euros.
16
On the 9th of June
Mary Clarke and Don
Flett organised a
wine and cheese
tasting party to coincide with The Queens
Birthday. I have to
say Mary was concerned about the
weather. The day before we had loads of
rain and the forecast
did not look good.
Mary started talking
about moving the furniture out of the house! Well the gods must have been smiling we had a
lovely sunny afternoon with a tremendous atmosphere. Loads of silly games
and a tombola. The event was scheduled to end about 4pm and right on cue
the rain started at about 4:10. We raised 932 Euros.
Organised by Elaine Kilvington, The Tuesday club organised a lunch in Play
D’Aro. They donated all their raffle prize money raising 253 Euros.
Our second golf tournament held on 13th June at Mas Pages. Again this
event was sponsored by Spectrum IFA. Unfortunately I was unable to attend
this event. I understand it was a very successful day despite the fact that our
British Catalunya Society President Mary Clarke won the event!!! And we
managed to raise 930 Euros
Unfortunately we had little or no interest in the bicycle maintenance and the
Yoga classes. But many thanks to Kevin Benson and Marta Callol for volunteering to organise these 2 events.
The Summer Ball...…… Before I announce this result I just wanted to say
how touched I have been by the enormous generosity of numerous people
who came up to me or the organisers of specific events and just donated
money. These donations varied from somebody who raised 225 Euros at her
birthday party to envelopes with 10, 20 and 50 Euro notes. Many of these
people just wanted to stay anonymous so I would like us to just put our hands
together just to say thank you to all the donors the event organisers and participants THANK YOU.
John Sienczak
17
The Summer Ball
The 21st June arrived. The last
event in The Cancer Awareness Programme. The week
leading up to the ball was probably the most stressful since I retired from
business. On the preceding Friday my car was broken into at Figueres
hospital. This meant spending a couple of hours at Figueres police station
while they looked for fingerprints and took a statement. I have to say I was
quite impressed with their efficiency and the manner we were dealt with.
Then I was producing all the table seating cards and plans for the ball.
Right on cue my computer started playing up and what should have taken
an hour or so ended up taking most of a day Grrrrrrrrrrr. Then our freezer
packed up and to top it all off I broke a tooth.
For some unknown reason I decided that I would do a bit of comedy as
part of my presentation at the ball. What possessed me I don’t know but I
wrote a script and had a practise session with Geoff Martin on the morning
of the 21st. Probably not as much preparation as we needed. Geoff came
up with some snatches of music and we were allegedly prepared
Our taxi arrived and all 8 of us headed to Lo Mirador. Thank goodness the
weather, whilst a bit chilly, did stay dry whilst we had drinks outside. Eventually all 134 of us were seated and we were off. The comedy bit was delivered and yes, I do not have a future as a comedian. The meal was
served and just prior to dessert I had to do another presentation detailing
all the activities associated with Cancer Awareness. As each event was
described and the amount raised was announced there was spontaneous
applause from the attendees.
Mary Clark then presented our donations to Nuria Marti & Merce Mercada
from AECC and Dr Carol Hopkins & Dr Josep Vila from ICO.
The raffle was run by June Joyce and Liz Arndell. Gail and I managed to
win a case of beer. Once coffee was over the dancing began. The dance
floor was soon heaving to all the old favourite tunes and all too soon midnight came and it was time to take the taxi home. Overall it was an excellent night. There were some issues regarding the hotel and some of the
service we received but they tried to make amends by donating two bottles of Cava per table.
Nevertheless a good night to finish off the Cancer Awareness campaign.
18
19
GARAGING & STORAGE
INSPECTION PIT FOR HIRE
HOURLY, DAILY & LONG TERM RATES
Office hours: 10.00hrs to 18.00hrs
TEL: 972488749 & 972772746
MOB: 627014357 & 617918523
[email protected]
20
21
Oops I almost forgot …………………………………..
We managed to raise 1521 Euros at the Summer Ball exceeding all our expectations. This means that we raised 6475.98 in total. The BSCE then
topped up the amount to 7,200 and we gave 3,600 each to AECC and ICO.
Many thanks to June Joyce and Barbara Hanson who worked so hard in getting the event together.
22
Cookery Demonstration
at The MARAM Centre
L’Escala
Seventeen of us arrived at the port in L’Escala to attend The Cookery Demonstration. None of us had any idea what a wonderful resource The MARAM Centre is. There is a very large beautiful
kitchen demonstration area. Two chefs from The Mas Concas Restaurant showed us how to :
•
prepare fresh anchovies
•
marinade and effectively cook fresh salmon
•
make delicious Chocolate Coulant
23
Barbara Hanson wrote whe following article and documented the recipes
Cookery Demonstration at the Maram Centre
As part of the Cancer Awareness month, a cookery demonstration was arranged
by the YES Language School at the Maram Centre in L’Escala on 6th June 2013.
The Chefs doing the demonstration were Francoise and Ben from Mas Concas at
Cinc Claus.
We were shown how to make marinated fresh anchovies, marinated salmon, foie
de canard and chocolate coulant. Best of all was that we also got to taste everything.
There were 17 people attending the demonstration raising another 170 Euros for
cancer awareness
It was an enjoyable morning and some of us agreed that it may be worthwhile repeating.
We decided that we would share some of the recipes for those who were unable to
attend.
Marinated Fresh Anchovies
Ingredients
Fresh anchovies
Wine vinegar – (sherry or apple vinegar can also be used)
Sunflower oil
Olive oil
Salt
Clean the anchovies in water, removing the heads and intestines
Cover with the vinegar and
place in the fridge for 2-3
hours
Remove the spine of the
anchovy leaving only the
fillets.
Place the fillets in a dish
and cover with a mixture of
sunflower and olive oil.
(approximately 50% of
each oil)
Sprinkle with a little salt
and serve
24
Marinated Salmon
Ingredients
Salmon Fillets
Lemon Juice (1.5 lemons to
each 500 grams of salmon)
Olive Oil or sunflower oil
(equal quantity to the amount
of lemon juice used)
Salt
Chopped fresh parsley
Slice the salmon fillets
and cover with the oil.
Sprinkle with salt
(approximately 2-3
grams). Add the lemon
juice and parsley and
leave for 30 seconds.
The salmon can now be
served. If the salmon is left for half an hour, it will be fully cooked
Foie de Canard
Ingredients
Duck liver
Salt and Pepper
Cut the liver in half and remove the membrane/nerve. Sprinkle with salt
and pepper. Wrap each half separately in several layers of aluminium
foil. They should be rolled tightly into a sausage shape to prevent water
entering and movement. Place into hot water at a temperature of 90c for
15 minutes. Remove and plunge into cold water to stop the cooking
process. Place in the fridge for 4-5 hours.
Other ingredients can be added to the livers before the cooking process,
such as truffles, mushrooms, gambas and dried fruits. However any ingredients that are added must be cooked first.
Continued Page 27
25
26
Foie de Canard
Pictures
Chocolate Coulant
( makes 10)
Ingredients
160g butter
160g chocolate
(normally 70% but no
less than 54%)
5 eggs
125g sugar
90g flour
Put the chocolate and
butter in a microwaveable container. Heat in
the microwave until
melted. Mix the eggs,
sugar and flour in a
bowl. Add the chocolate and butter to the
mixture. Mix well then
place the mixture into
moulds. Place in a preheated oven 160c for
10 minutes.
Mary saying
27 thank you for a most informative and
interesting demonstration
Ladies and Gents Lunch at La Clota
Lynne Stanbury
On Wednesday June 5th my self and Husband John arrived at La Clota for
the Ladies and gentlemen’s lunch. It was a beautiful sunny day which always bodes well and we were welcomed very warmly by Kathy and son
John.
All the tables were beautifully arranged outside with name places and menu
choices very well designed by John Sienczak. We had a lovely 3 course
lunch. I had a very nice leek quiche followed by salmon and finished with assorted fruit kebabs. The wine flowed and so did the conversation at our table. In fact by the time we had finished coffee and downed a glass of cava
the lunch had extended into the late afternoon. We had a raffle with donated
prizes and I even won one myself. The event managed to raise €400 toward
Cancer Awareness.
Thank you Andrea for making the lunch very successful.
28
29
The Beginning Of The End For Tax Havens
By Brett Hanson, Partner, Blevins Franks
Spurred on by the financial crisis, governments have become
even more determined to attack offshore tax havens and evasion - and this is now escalating again.
Hundreds of bilateral Tax Information Exchange Agreements
have been signed over recent years. Now there is a shift towards multilateral agreements which will see several countries all sharing
information with each other. In due course, there is no reason to believe that
this approach will not take place on a global basis.
Recent G5 multilateral pilot agreement
The British, French, Spanish, German and Italian governments signed an
automatic information exchange agreement, to operate on a multinational
basis, in a bid to crack down on tax evasion. A wide range of financial information will be automatically exchanged between the five countries.
The G5 pilot is based on the model agreements they negotiated with the US
to comply with its Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). It provides
that the information to be exchanged is:
Name and address of account holder.
Account number.
Name of financial institution.
Account balance.
In the case of portfolio accounts:
Total gross interest, dividends and other income paid or credited to the account; and
Total gross proceeds from the sale or redemption of property paid or credited to the account.
In the case of depository accounts, total gross amount of interest paid or
credited.
30
Intention that the scheme is expanded to include more countries
In a letter to the EU Commissioner for Taxation, the G5 countries outlined their wish that other EU Member States also commit to joining the
pilot scheme, with a view to promoting a global system of automatic information exchange.
They urged for progress on the implementation of article 8 of the Administrative Cooperation and Mutual Assistance Directive of 2011 which
provides that:
‘’Each Member State shall, by automatic exchange, communicate to the
competent authority of any other Member State, information regarding
taxable periods as from 1st January 2014 on the following: income from
employment; director’s fees; life insurance products not covered by
other exchange of information or similar measures; pensions and ownership of and income from immovable property”.
From January 2017 the list above is to be expanded to include dividends, capital gains and royalties.
The reporting requirements under both these schemes will leave little
room for tax evasion or concealed offshore funds going forward.
More countries join the G5 scheme
The UK’s offshore territories have agreed to join the pilot scheme, bilaterally with the UK and on a multilateral basis with the G5 countries.
It seems that tax havens the world over are voluntarily joining up to
these type of schemes, presumably to avoid blacklisting by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.
There are legitimate tax planning arrangements available in Spain which
can significantly lower your tax liabilities – there is no need to risk trying
to hide assets offshore. Speak to a specialist firm like Blevins Franks
for personalised advice on how to structure your affairs to pay the least
amount of tax possible.
To keep in touch with the latest developments in the offshore world,
check out the latest news on our website www.blevinsfranks.com
31
Sweet Pea Group
Roger Arndell
Last year John Sienczak proposed a
sweet pea growing competition, three of
us have done our best to grow magnificent blooms, John himself, John Sturgeon and Roger Arndell.
It took a long time to get them to germinate with the cool windy weather. I protected my young plants with 6 litre water
bottles cut vertically, placed around the
growing container and held in place by
garden twine. This certainly protected
the young tender plants.
They were well watered and fed with Tomorite. We have had about ten or twelve
vases of sweet peas over the last eight
weeks, they certainly waft a beautiful
sweet aroma around the house. They
needed to be tied to the canes regularly,
all tendrils removed and any side shoots
pinched off. To keep the plants flowering
any seed pods produced must be removed. The last flowers were picked
about the 20th June.
They are now finished
and will be removed from
the container soon. I
have decided not to save
any seed for next year
but to buy new seed.
32
Chris Harvey
sent us these
photos of these
magnificent
sweet peas.
These plants are
12 years old and
get bigger each
year!!
Editors Note:
My sweet peas
were a bit of a disaster this year. But there is always next year.
I think I will have to pop round to Chris Harvey and find out how it should
be done!! Well done Chris. I am glad we did not have a formal competition
as Chris would have won hands down.
33
Golf Day
June Joyce
The Estartit Sands Golf Club held an event for the “Cancer Awareness” on Thursday 13th June at Mas Pagés. The event was a huge
success, over 60 golfers from various societies taking part. The overall winner of the event was the Lady Captain of the Sands, Mary
Clark and her partner June Fisher. We raised 1115€ which was absolutely fantastic. Our thanks go to our sponsor Spectrum IFA and to all
our members and friends who kindly donated prizes for both the winners of the golf and the raffle.
A big thank you to everyone who supported the day and helped in any
way and especially congratulations to the Lady Captain Mary Clark
who organised the whole event.
34
35
SKY, FREEVIEW OR SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGE:
INCLUDES 95CM-1 METER DISH RECEIVER BRACKETS
AND INSTALLATION FROM 450.00€
NOW IN STOCK THE NEW GI MULTI SATELLITE
RECEIVER FOR BOTH SKY & FREEVIEW WORKS WITH
NEW WHITE SKY CARD AND VIEW ALL CHANNELS
INCLUDING SPORTS & MOVIES WITH YOUR UK CARD.
RECIEVE ALL SKY CHANNELS WITH THE ABOVE
RECEIVER INCLUDING ESPN SPORTS &THE ADULT
CHANNELS FOR JUST 140€ A YEAR INTERNET
SKY PLUS HD WITH 500GBS HARD DISC OF
MEMORY, ALL THE BONUSES AS SKY+, BUT IN
HIGH-DEFINITION CALL FOR FURTHER INFO
FREESAT HD NO SUBSCRIPTION WITH HARD
DRIVE
AND ALL RECORDING FACILITIES
WE ALSO HAVE FLAT SCREEN HD TV’S AT VERY
COMPETATIVE PRICES
CALL US FOR A QUOTE
FOR A QUICK RELIABLE AND FRIENDLY SERVICE
TELEPHONE 616 757 336 0R 972 30 42 82
Or
Email: [email protected]
www.skycostabrava.com
36
37
38
39
Through the Lens
I want in this article to consider some of the file types available to
you in the digital photography world.
The most common is the file with the suffix .jpg. This stands for
‘Joint Picture Experts Group’. This is a body that decided how the
file would be structured. The jpg file is a picture that has had quite
a lot of processing in-camera. This processing may or may not
give you the result you want or expect as the camera produces an
average picture. This will very often be acceptable if it is a picture
of Uncle Fred at the seaside but if it’s a picture of a glorious sunset you may not be too impressed with the result. The camera
again tries for an average and so the bright vibrant colours that
you saw have been muted and appear bland.
An alternative is to shoot RAW if your camera gives you the option. Raw files are just what they say they are. The file consists of
the data that was captured by the camera and it is unprocessed
inside the camera. The camera will produce a quick jpg file for you
to be able to view the picture that you have taken. You must then
do post shot processing on the file. Your camera manufacturer
may have provided you with software to be able to do that and if
not then Adobe Elements or Photoshop are two examples of commercially available software for you to spend vast amounts of
money on. There are other alternatives of course, from Serif and
Corel to name two more.
The format and suffix of your raw file will depend on your camera
manufacturer and each has its own suffix and format. For example
Nikon use NRW or NEF and Canon have used CR2 or CRW depending on the camera model.
If you cannot see the files without using conversion and processing software what is the point of raw files? They simply give you
far greater creative control and better colour depth than the
equivalent jpg file. There is also no destructive compression of the
file as there is in jpg. One disadvantage is that the file may be 2-8
times larger but with the comparative cheapness of memory cards
that should not be too much of a problem.
(Continued on page 41)
40
(Continued from page 40)
The above is a screen shot of Adobe Camera Raw from Photoshop CS5. Many adjustments can be made from this program before sending it to Photoshop and there it can be converted to a jpg file and other post processing carried out.
Another file format is DNG which has been produced by
Adobe to try to lay down a standard for raw files. Most raw
files can be converted from the camera native format to .dng
by means of a free to download converter from Adobe
(www.adobe.com).. If you have a comparatively old camera
more up-to-date software may not recognise your file format
or indeed the reverse may be true. Then all you need do is to
convert to .dng and all should be ok.
According to Adobe dng stands for ‘Digital NeGative’ and this
is really what a raw file is...the equivalent of the film negative.
If you have software available and can shoot in raw give it a
go. Your camera will probably give you the option to create
raw and jpg files at the same time so you don’t have much to
lose.
David Brown
41
YET ANOTHER SCAM
Hole under DoorlLock
The following article was sent in by Judy Sherriff. Whilst it is
based on an American incident I don't' suppose it will be long
before it happens here.
Wednesday, I approached my car from the passenger side to
place my computer bag in the front passenger seat. As I
reached to open the door I noticed there was a hole right under
my door handle. My first thought was, "someone has shot the
car !" I began to think about it and inspect it a little closer and
the "light" slowly began to dawn. I phoned a friend who owns a
body shop and asked if he had any vehicles with damage to
the doors that looked like a bullet hole. "Yes, I see it all the
time. Thieves have a punch and place it right under the door
handle, knock a hole through, reach in and unlock it, just as if
they have a key. No alarms, broken glass, or anything." I then
placed a call to my insurance agent and explained it to him. I
was puzzled that they left my GPS and all other belongings.
Here is where it gets scary ! "Oh no, he said, they want the
break-in to be so subtle that you don't even realise it. They look
at your GPS to see where "home" is. Or check your address
from Insurance and Registration documents in your glove box.
Now they know what you drive, go to your home, and if your
vehicle isn't there they assume you aren't, and break into your
home." He said they will even leave a purse or wallet and only
take one or two credit cards. By the time you realise there has
been a theft, they may have already had a couple of days or
more to use them. (I didn't realize my situation for two full
days!) They even give you the courtesy of re-locking your
doors for you.
Periodically, walk around your car, especially after you park in
a shopping centre or other large parking area. Report thefts immediately, your bank with any missing check numbers, your
credit card agencies, police, and insurance companies, etc.
42
Below is picture of what the hole looks like.
Hole Under Door Lock
One would have to look pretty darn close to notice a hole like
that. If the hole was on the passenger side I would never
see.
43
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.
We also insure:
Home, Business, Life, Civil & Public Liability, Accidents, Boat, Investment
plans, Community blocs, English & Spanish Cars, Motor 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: [email protected]
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 d’assegurances i reassegurances
44
[email protected]
www.villaservice.info
Tel. (+34) 972 77 02 62
Fax (+34) 972 77 26 51
NIF: B-17343609
B.P. 40
Av. Montgo,10
17139 L’ESCALA
(Girona) Spain
V.S CAR HIRE S.L.
EMPRESSA DE SERVEIS IMMOBILIARIS
Established in L’Escala since 1986
Holiday rentals of quality Villas & Apartments with full back up
from experienced staff
Supply of sheets, towels, cot, high chairs and anything required for a successful holiday.
Car rentals, modern air conditioned Fords, Pick up at airport,
L’Escala, bus and train stations.
Villa & Apartment Sales
Villa & Apartment management for owners, regular security
checks on your properties.
45
The Queens Birthday
Wine and Cheese Tasting
It was the 8th of June the
weather had been awful lots of
rain and wind. I got an email
from Mary. “We need to borrow
your tables bring them around about 11AM and we will decide
whether to hold the event inside the house”.
The morning of the 9th arrived. We had sunshine but the forecast
was bad. I arrived with the tables to be met with a hive of activity.
The marquee was up ready to have the tables the tombola stand
was well under way as was the “bounce the tennis ball game” .
The White Elephant stall was soon put together..
As treasurer I manned the gate and collected the 8.50 per person
entrance money. Good job I bought some change. Many people
had the right money but quite a few needed change from 50 Euros! Eventually everybody was counted in and I could enjoy the
party.
What a wonderful range of cheeses and some differing wines to
taste. The “golf ball in the bucket” was well underway and quite a
few people were having a go at the tennis ball game. A steady
stream of people were going to the Tombola stand and Yvonne
Wray was doing a wonderful job going round the attendees with
items for sale. All afternoon there was a great atmosphere and
buzz.
That morning Don Flett and I had a conversation about the event
and the weather and Don said he was looking forward to 4PM
when the event was due to finish. Right on cue the rain started at
4:15. People left and it was left to the hardy few to put away the
tables, chairs and marquee.
Again another successful Cancer Awareness Event and we raised
932 Euros. Many thanks to everybody who helped out and who
contributed to the day and a special thank you to Mary and Don
for organising things and the use of their house and garden
46
47
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
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
Passeig del Mar 19
Telephone 972 77 35 97 or 666 760 227
48
Your Committee
Chairperson
Mary Clark
972 77 05 17
[email protected]
Vice chairperson
& Event Organiser
Pat Sturgeon
972 77 23 24
[email protected]
Treasurer
John Sienczak
972 77 46 26
[email protected]
Secretary
Roger Arndell
972 77 01 30
[email protected]
Membership Secretary
Barbara Hanson
972 77 16 79
[email protected]
Revista Layout/production and ad- John Sienczak
972 77 46 26
[email protected]
vertising
Event Organiser
Alice Debbage
972 77 33 72
[email protected]
Event Organiser
June Joyce
972 77 25 85
[email protected]
Event Organiser
Lynn Taylor
972 77 68 89
[email protected]
BSCE Web Site
Des Sherriff
972 62 35 25
[email protected]
Cancer Awareness
Organiser
Maggie Watson
[email protected]
Welfare Organiser
Norma Trueman
972 77 49 03
Thanks to all our contributors
Thanks also to DIGITAL Copisteria, Torroella, who take great care to ensure that
your copy of The Revista is crisp and clear
49
British Society of Catalunya Empordà Branch
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 Revista delivered to UK or Spain
please tick the box.
50
Nik is a skilled tree surgeon College trained in England. Being a tree
specialist, his work consists of pruning, dismantling and giving advice on
trees. The pruning of the trees is done always respecting the biology
and architecture of the tree. He has a “Stump grinder” that is the only
one in Catalunya and there is only another one like it in the whole of
Spain. It has the advantage that can take stumps out of the most difficult
places where other bigger machinery cannot get to. If you want to
contact Nik call 616 400 184 or 616 400 173.
51
52