HELP Benidorm volunteers receive official accreditation

The British Consul, hospital staff and local councillors attended an event yesterday (Tuesday) at Villa Joyosa Hospital, where the HELP Benidorm hospital visitors were handed their official accreditation badges.

HELP President Jan (centre) with British Consul Paul Rodwell standing behind.

HELP International Benidorm is a registered charitable organisation with no political or religious affiliations, run by volunteers to provide help to residents and visitors in emergencies and times of need. The first meeting was held back in January 1995 and since that time the group has grown and developed giving aid, assistance and advice to hundreds of people in their homes and in hospital.
A group of about 20 volunteers from HELP Benidorm have been carrying out hospital visits for the last 9 months, visiting vulnerable patients twice a week, under the supervision of the hospital social coordinator Silvia. The agreement was finally signed in November and now the hospital visiting programme is officially recognised by the Valencian Regional Government.
The director of the hospital opened the event thanking the volunteers for their hard work and dedication. This was followed by words of thanks from Silvia and the British Consul Paul Rodwell.
Mr Rodwell said "This programme is an excellent example of intergration and the benefits of Brits working closely with the local Spanish community. We are extremely grateful to the hard work that the volunteers carry out, which is a support to the Consulate and to English speakers who find themselves in this hospital".
Silvia, the social worker added "Today is about giving the volunteers the recognition they deserve. Now they are fully accredited they can feel part of the hospital team. The assistance they provide supporting and visiting English  speaking patients in this hospital is a great help to us, and today, from the wholehospital, we want to take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work and dedication".
Jan, the president of HELP Benidorm attended the event with 20 other volunteers and said "This volunteer programme has been really worthwhile and from the positive feedback we have received I can see that this service was really needed"
The group are always looking for volunteers and translators to help, so get in touch with them if you can be of service.... you never know one day you may be in need yourself. You can contact Jan the President for urgent or general calls on 607 387 040 or Chris the Vice President on 607 386 964.

Alfaz cricket club play Barcelona visitors

SACC 1st X1 played against City Lions - a visiting side all the way from Barcelona last Saturday, batting off at 12.30. SACC were first to bat and got off to an awful start with Munoz falling for 0 and Spencer following shortly after for 11. Pennick and Compton steadied the innings reaching 63 before Compton was bowled out for 23. Fletcher joined Pennick and set about the second rebuild of the day. At 139, Pennick (40) was well caught in the deep. Howe went about business with the air of a true batsman before falling LBW! Laundon followed in the same way as the umpires decided to even things up alittle. 205 for 6 and only the tail left. Fletcher who had batted for 25 overs and reached his century went about the last few overs with a sadistic smile, sending missiles to all corners and with the help of two home grown youngsters took the score to a par 248. Brown (4) bowled and a not out Ashraf (6). Ben Fletcher ending unbeaten on 122.
Home team bowlers got to grips quickly and gave the City Lion batsmen a bit of a going over, taking wickets regularly and with an attacking field set the ball was either a 0 or a 4 with a flurry of 6's from Naveed.

Spectators enjoying the afternoon sun and game

As usual SACC fielders played a massive part in the demise of City Lions as 8 players fell to catches with an equal amount missed. Ben Fletcher rounded off an excellent day with 2 good catches infront of a home crowd and Chris Munoz also taking a brace. Brown, on debut behind the stumps, also claimed 2. Compton was the pick of the bowlers taking 3 for 37 from eight fizzing overs. Pennick and Laundon both helped themselves to a pair.
Sporting Alfaz would like to thank City Lions for coming down from Barcelona and also welcome back spectators who returned in good numbers for the opener at the Woodbridge Oval in Albir.
There are more games on next weekend, both on Saturday and Sunday so please pop down for a drink at our newly refurbished club house.

Budget cuts to tourist sector will hit Benidorm

One of many beach bars along the Levante reliant on tourism

It has been reported in "El Dario Oficial de la Cominidad Valenciana" (DOCV) that the Regional Government is cutting nearly one million euros in aid to the tourism sector. The "bite" of 909,000 euros is in addition to another cut made late last year amounting to 78,000 euros bringing the total to 987,000 euros. This will affect various groups in the region such as the Confederation of Tourism, Association of Hotels including Hosbec and the Association of Tourist apartments. Budget cuts have been occurring in all sectors as the Government has no funds ... schools have been left with no electricity, maintenance work has been left unfinished, hospital funding drastically cut.
The cuts are are major concern as tourism is the most important industry in the region and many other businesses rely on it. Bars, restaurants, clubs, shops - without tourists many of them would fold. As it is, many clubs and bars are shut over the quiet Winter season as overheads to keep the places open outweigh the income. Go to the English quarter now and many of the bars are shut until Easter when the first influx of holiday makers arrive.
Even the Terra Mitica theme park does not open until the very end of March and then only at the weekends with the exception of the 2 weeks over Easter when it will be open everyday. It then reverts back to Friday, Saturday, Sunday opening gradually increasing to 4 days and it is not until week commencing 18th June that the park is fully open every day! Then after 9th September it reverts back to 3 day openings again.... how come Disney World in Florida manages to stay open all year round? OK they probably do have better weather but Euro Disney in Paris stays open all year round despite the weather not being as good as it is here, so why not Terra Mitica. It's hardly suprising therefore that they have such staffing problems - how is someone meant to survive with a job that has different working hours almost every month!

Rising petrol prices in Benidorm

Villa Joyosa's new supplier

At the beginning of last week, Cepsa refused to supply Villa Joyosa's municipal fleet of cars with any more fuel until they paid an outstanding bill of 70,000 euro's! The Town Hall proposed partial payment to the supplier but they refused to continue supply until the entire debt had been cleared and so the council had to look for an alternative gas station. They managed to sign an agreement with Zarcar - located just behind Carrefour in Benidorm and so prevented a situation whereby police cars would be parked up with empty fuel tanks!

The municipal unions - CCOO  and CSIF both expressed concern that the lack of fuel in police vehicles could have prevented them from patrolling the streets of the town and attending emergency call outs.

We have all certainly felt the impact of the rise in fuel prices ... not only here but across the entire country. Ten years ago the price of fuel in Spain was about half of that in the UK - now its just the difference in the exchange rate, which is currently 18%. In the UK petrol is cheaper than diesel but in Spain its the other way round.

The bottom line is that regardless of what fuel you're using, it has become very costly to fill up your car. Im not sure people are really bothered whether diesel or petrol are more expensive - they just mind the fact that both are expensive!  

Get an extra 8% off petrol prices - every little helps

If you have a Carrefour club card you can get 8% off the pump price which at todays prices equals 12 cents, making the price per litre 1.34. The card is free to get BUT you don't actually get the reduced price at the pump. Up until 2 years ago that was the case but now you accumulate the savings and then they send you a voucher to redeem in store twice a year.

For holiday makers looking to hire a car make sure that you ask before signing the contract what the fuel policy is.When you collect the car the tank will be full of fuel, but the companies vary on how you return it back. This is where it can make a huge difference. The best deal is full/full meaning you top the car up before bringing it back - there is a petrol station directly opposite the airport in Alicante. If you do not plan on doing much driving - predominantly just to get to and from the airport and therefore only using about a third of a tank this is what you should look out for. Some companies charge you for a full tank regardless of how much has been used meaning it can add an extra 70-100€ to the price of the car hire.

The No 10 bus in Benidorm is great for getting around and only costs 1.30€ - it goes from Benidorm then onto Alfaz, Albir and stops in Altea. Its a great way for getting around and you don't have to worry about parking and risk getting a ticket if you are late back, having been side tracked at the market or enjoying a boozy lunch on the seafront. 

Benidorm series 5 on tonight

100's of eager Extra's auditioning at the Melia hotel

Well the long awaited fifth series is finally on tonight, ITV 9pm UK time / 10pm Spanish time. Auditions for all the extra's started in August and was well attended by hundreds of locals hoping to be chosen for the new series. Filming started back in September and wrapped at the end of November - it was like a hurricane hitting Benidorm. Trucks parked everywhere, police tape cordoning off streets for filming around the town, star spotter craning their necks - and then they were gone!

You could go out in the evening and bump into many of the cast - they were always extremely accommodating when asked for photos and autographs. It's great for local businesses and puts Benidorm firmly back in every ones minds. It is a known fact that holiday bookings soar as soon as the series is aired ... in fact, get onto the internet now and book your flights before the prices start creeping up!

What would eventually become the Solana reception

Director Sandy Johnson checking what's been recrded

Its all change at the Solana hotel as Chrissy Rock (Janey York) isn't in this new series - she was busy in the jungle down under! She was in charge of the run down Solana hotel to date but the new series starts with the hotel having been taken over by new bosses.

Tonight's episode kicks off with Tim Healy's character, cross dresser Les being in charge of the chaos until the new manager, Joyce Temple Savage sweeps in (Sherrie Hewson of Loose Women, or if you're of a certain age the dizzy Maureen from Coronation Street). All the regulars return with their sharp witted lines and innuendos - as is the case with Jacqueline and Donald who makes a ghostly return ... remember he supposedly drowned at the end of the last series! Rest assured he's alive and well and delivering some jaw dropping one-liners.

Filming in The Square ... lots of hanging around

Hot and sexy Jake Canuso

Setting up shot at pool bar - Pelicanos Hotel

I remember when the first series went out all those years ago .... back then hardly anyone had heard of Jake (plays Mateo) - most people recognized him from the Cobra Beer commercial raising his eyebrow in that sexy way - now he's a household name and good on him.  Five actors have cameo roles throughout this latest series. Probably the most "famous" is Kate O'Mara who played Joan Collin's scheming sister in Dynasty in the 90's... or maybe you remember her from Howards Way, The Brothers or Ab Fab.

Also appearing are Matthew Kelley; Michael Fenton Stevens - boss of the dental corporation in the comedy My Family;Scottish actress Siobhan Redmond who has been in Between the Lines, Holby City, Taggart and The Bill - redhead (ginger) who you will all recognise and Ted Robbins who played Den Perry, the man who burned down the Phoenix club in Phoenix Nights and also had roles in Little Britain, Two Pints of Lager and was the voice over announcing Catchphrase!
Enjoy the series and then come and see where it all happened ... and lets hope that rumours of  Benidorm The Movie become more than just rumours!

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Countdown to the opening of "Showboat" in Benidorm

With only a week left till the grand opening of "Showboat" - Benidorm's newest venue and the place to be seen, I decided to pop by and check on progress.
 I was greeted by a posse of workmen who were all going about their various jobs - painting, electrical installations, tiling - everywhere I looked someone was banging or screwing (no pun intended there). Wayne kissed me hello and goodbye as he was en-route to the paint shop but told me to browse and he'd be back quickly. The transformation is amazing and everything is falling into place nicely. Walls have been painted ... remember to bring your sunglasses, Wayne doesn't do subtle - why bother if you're just going to blend in!  Considering its nearly there I was shocked to discover that Wayne had only officially signed for the premises today - brave man I say. The satellite company were busy installing connections for the 3 wide screen televisions hung on the walls and testing the sound system ... it definitely works I can verify!
Two burly delivery men arrived with the new kitchen which included a massive 6 ring range cooker - there's going to be some serious cooking going on in there.... remember its all fresh not frozen!

I hope he didn't drip any of that blue paint on the new floor!

The stage has been constructed for the amazing evening show that will be performed by Miss Levi and the Dream Girls & Boys. In fact, they came in for a rehearsal whilst I was there so I took the opportunity to have a quick chat with them. They have all been specially recruited and hand picked from the UK by Wayne. The team comprise of April from Ayr in Scotland; Alison from Blackpool; Scott from Birmingham and Colin from Brighton.
The two girls are professional dancers that up to now have been performing at the big cabaret clubs in Blackpool and can't believe that they are lucky enough to be here in Benidorm. The 4 certainly make a striking team and have some fantastic routines and glitzy costumes - but I won't spoil it for you.
Opening night is next Thursday 1st March, doors open at 8pm and everyone is welcome to come and help celebrate the inauguration of her maiden voyage and all who sail in her!

Wayne with his Dream Girls & Boys

There are no secrets to success - it is the result of preparation and hard work. As Thomas Edison said "There is no substitute for hard work" .... I think that Wayne lives by that motto looking at what he has managed to achieve. I am sure everyone will share my good luck wishes to him for next week.

British Vice Consul to visit Benidorm

British Vice Consul Lloyd Milen

The British Consulate is coming to Benidorm on Wednesday 7th March to hold a special evening road show for British nationals who want to find out about consular services as well as information about pensions, benefits and healthcare.
The event is aimed at those who live and work in Benidorm and the surrounding area, as well as those who go there regularly on holiday or have come to retire.
The British Vice Consul, Lloyd Milen, will attend from the Consulate to explain how the consulate can help if anything goes wrong whilst living or on holiday here. The pension, benefit and healthcare team will then give a presentation on how to access healthcare in Spain, when you can use your EHIC card and also some general information on benefits and pension entitlements in Spain. The event is jointly organised by the Town Hall in Benidorm, who have provided the venue.
British Vice Consul Lloyd Milen said "Benidorm is one of the most important tourist destinations for Brits in Spain, with approximately 1 million choosing to come here each year to spend their holidays. In addition, there are over 5,500 Brits registered on the padron who live or work here so I think its really important that they all have a chance to find out how we can help and what their entitlements are here in Spain.

Pension, Benefit & Healthcare team on roadshow

The meeting will be held at the Salon de Actos in Benidorm Town Hall on Wednesday 7th March starting at 6pm - doors will open at 5.30pm.
Anyone wishing to attend needs to pre-book a place, which can be done either online at www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk and clicking on "Open Days" or calling 902 109 356.

Hospitalised, robbed, arrested - new TV series on Brits in distress

Screenchannel Television, an independant London based production company specialising in factual programmes such as Fake Britain, Inside Crime and Luton Airport are due to air a new documentary on Channel 4 next month on the role of the British Consulate and its staff.

The TV series, filmed last summer, reveals how consular staff come to the rescue of British nationals who find themselves in trouble. The incidents range from helping victims of crime to advising Brits arrested by the police, holidaymakers who end up in hospital and meeting expat residents to hear their property concerns. 

The three part series entitled "Our Man in.... " provides unprecedented access to the work of the British consular staff. The episodes will be screened on Thursday 1st, 8th and 15th March at 10pm GMT/ 11pm Spanish time - the first episode features Mallorca & Ibiza; the second follows the team in Alicante and the third covers Tenerife & Barcelona. 

British consul Paul Rodwell talks to airport director & police

The series reveals the consequences of failing to prepare for a holiday properly - even if staying with friends and family, the consequences of travelling without insurance could cost you many thousands of pounds if you are injured abroad. Without your EHIC card, which is FREE to obtain, you will find it hard to get medical care. The problems caused if you loose or have your passport stolen ... by taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid a dream holiday turning into a nightmare.

The programme on the 8th March features the Alicante consular staff, showing the pro-active face of the consulate. The staff are seen helping Brits caught up in a forest fire, organising outreach events to hear residents property concerns and working with local police to manage the invasion of Scottish football fans for a big game against Spain.

A good turnout for fundraiser in Albir

Keira with mother Debbie, father Ramon and brother Rylee

The weather was glorious as was the turnout on Saturday afternoon at the SACC - Sporting Alfaz Cricket Club in Albir. A friendly match was played between two evenly matched SACC teams but nobody could have guessed that the result would be a tie. The youngsters attending the event, some of which had never witnessed cricket before played a game of quick cricket in the break - under the guidance of some of the veterans.  But the day really belonged to Keira who had a faboulous day and quite rightly was the centre of attention. Ian & Debbie, aka Cheeky Monkey Entertainments (663 55 66 43) provided a bouncy castle and did some balloon magic free of charge to help keep the scores children ammused.

Crowds enjoying the glorious weather

Raffles, tombolas, book stall, home-made cake bake stand - all donated by friends and local businesses helped raise an incredible 2500€. Keira's mother Debbie was overwelmed with the turnout and support and said "Thank you so much to all involved in Kieras fundraiser today, it truely was an amazing day for everyone. We are so grateful to everyone for their kind donations and help".

Keira having her face painted

The money raised will go towards the 15,000€ needed in order for Keira to go to Florida this September for some intensive therapy at a specialist centre. This treatment is not funded by the authorities here and so events such as today's help make this possible.
Details of the work they do can be viewed on their website www.innovativechildrenstherapy.com

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The streets were lined with spectators eagerly awaiting the start of the procession - which was more or less on time. The music coming out of the sound system along the route was SO loud you could feel the pavement vibrating - unsuprisingly the only empty spaces along the route was right next to these speakers!
There were 41 penyas taking part in the fancy dress procession but I must say I was somewhat dissapointed this year. You could tell that there is a recession on .... last year you could see alot of money had been spent on the extravagant costumes. The opening last year had an entourage of semi clad girls with amazing glittering peacock fans and head gear - this year, due to lack of funds the two girls were costumeless... gyratting naked with just some body paint to cover their dignity! This was an indication of what was to follow... one penya had been very creative by making their costumes out of  newspaper. Others included American football team; Butterflies; Cowboys; Doctors; Smurfs; Simpsons; Basketball team to name some. The crowds enjoyed themselves boping to the beat of the music and cheered all the participants along.

The procession was all over by 11pm and on the way home I passed by "The Square" on Calle Gerona -  it was almost deserted except for some smokers outside having a quick fag. Alot of the nightspots are still closed such as Broadway and waiting for the season to begin... roll on Easter.

New site for La Nucia Sunday market

As from Sunday 4th March, the location of the popular Sunday rastro in La Nucia will have a new home. Currently it is located on the road where the Centro de Salud is and extremely difficult to find a parking space nearby. The new location will be on the La Alberca industrial estate which is just off roundabout No 1 - the one where Lidl, Aldi and the Poly Deportivo sports centre are and there will be plenty of parking off all the streets on this huge estate. You will find an assortment household bits, collectables, books, bric-a-brac amongst the items on sale.There is no charge for a pitch so you can just turn up and sell your wears. It seems to me that one of the reasons that La Nucia may be moving is due to the popularity of the nearby Polop rastro - which will now be only 100 metres down the road. So if you are an avid car boot fanatic then this is certainly somewhere to spend your Sunday morning. Sellers are pitching up from about 7am so get there early to pick up a bargain.In the UK it was reported during the week that charity and pound shops are the fastest emerging business on the High Street - in one Northern town the local High Street comprised of 6 charity shops and 7 pound stretcher shops. Here in the Benidorm area its the emergence of rastros/flea markets that are the fastest growing business - certainly a reflection of the state of the economy. The Friday market in Benidorm, which was located in the ravine has also been moved further up near the "Melissa Club" - as you leave Carrefour and head towards La Cala there is a maze of freshly tarmaced roads and roundabouts that go know where... this is where they have moved following  the tragic deaths of 2 Brits who drowned after flash floods. Benidorm council were heavily critised for allowing a market to be staged on a dry river bed and hence the move.

Keira's fundraiser in Albir

Keira hard at work receiving innovative therapy

On Saturday 18th February a fund raising event will be held at the Sporting Alfaz Cricket & Golf Club (SACC) in Albir  for a very special local girl called Keira - who has just turned 4.
Unfortunately due to medical complications Keira was born with severe brain damage, cerebral palsy and epilepsy. From the age of 6 months she has been having  intensive physiotheraphy and in 2010 started intensive therrasuit therapy - the first course was in Florida where they have a specialist centre that take under 3's. This is a special type of theraphy that stimulates the brain and her mother Deborah said that she came on leaps and bounds after the session. Since then she has been able to sit unaided and can crawl - quite an achievement considering her disabilities. However, all this treatment is not funded by the authorities and it only through tireless fundraising that Deborah is able to take her. Her parents are now trying to help raise funds for Keira's 3rd intensive therapy in Florida this September following such positive results. They are planning on doing a 40 dive session of Hyperbanic Oxygen therapy and a 3 week session of intensive therapy at www.innovativechildrenstherapy.com

In Florida ...

So please try and pop down to the Woodbridge Oval this Saturday between 1pm - 6pm for a great fundraising afternoon. Events will kick off with a cricket match organised by Kevin Laundon, Chairman and 1st team captain of SACC. There will be plenty to keep the little ones amused such as face painting and a bouncy castle plus raffles, an auction and cake stall - all donated by individuals and local businesses. Some of the amazing things on offer include an overnight stay for 2 at the Hotel Gran Bali with meal, 2 nights at the Levante Club apartments 007 suite and even a golf lesson with pro Miguel Torres! There is the club house where an assortment of food and drink can be purchased at very reasonable prices so you really have no excuse not to come. Her mother Debbie, father Ramon, baby brother Rylee and most of all Kiera will appreciate all your support - lets hope there's a great turnout and that its a beautiful sunny day.

Investors needed for the "Atrium Hotel" in Benidorm

Shell of deluxe Atrium complex

The group responsible for the huge concrete skeleton which has stood abandoned on La Cala beach for the past nine years is looking for investors! Javier Garcia, managing director of The Magic Costa Blanca group of hotels said he recognised that the financial market its not at its best at this particular time (somewhat of an understatement I would say) but they are looking at re-launching the project.

Work was halted back in 2003 after the Town Hall put a stop to further construction as they were in breach of the license - adding on several extra floors. They came to an agreement and paid a 4.5 million fine to legalise the sale of several surrounding plots and partially demolish some of the excess construction that paralyzed the project. According to Garcia they are looking for another 200 million to complete the project which includes furnishing the complex. He accepted that at this time it may not be easy to find an investor of this magnitude and so are "studying the feasibility of redesigning the project to reduce investment". 90 million euros have already been invested in the project with a further 50 million euro loss since the project was stopped in 2003.

The chain presented its revised project last April to convert the former Atrium Hotel into a luxury resort with over 1300 rooms - consisting of 1000 four star and 300 five star, a wide range of leisure facilities including a 20,000 sq mt lake pool, restaurants, shopping malls, spa, theatre and conference/banqueting rooms.

La Cala beach

Apparently they have received a number of enquiries from International Investments Funds but all have been rejected as the offers stipulated "demands" - who can blame them! I think that Mr Garcia is kidding himself if he expects someone to invest 200 million  euros and not have any say.

La Cala is a very popular beach - the smallest and quieter of the 3 which adorn Benidorm (Levante and Poniente being the other two). It is set in a sandy cove and always a firm favorite with families. Last year it was the scene of the flash floods which tragically took the lives of 2 British pensioners who were at the Friday market - since then it has been relocated further up the road and away from the path of the dry river bed.

 Last year British tourism increased by 9% and this years forecast is for 13% - if it carries on at this rate then there will be a bed shortage in the town by 2014 when the project is due to be finished. Lets hope they find some investors that don't ask a lot of questions - perhaps the Chinese may decide to diversify from the usual shops and restaurants! Or if you happen to have a few million sloshing around in your current account then get in touch and I'll pass on your details to Mr Garcia.

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Benidorm Carnival 2012

One of last years participants - she must have been chilly!

The annual Benidorm Carnival kicks off this weekend starting on Saturday 18th until Tuesday 21st February. The famous fancy dress parade takes place on the first day of the festivities and is always held on the Saturday that precedes Ash Wednesday. The children's parade begins at 11am starting on the Calle Gambo (the pedestrianised street where Spec Savers is), heads up the Calle Puente (under the newly constructed bridge) and ends up in front on the Town Hall square where there will be lots of children's activities including a a bouncy castle.
The main adult parade begins at 9.30pm and starts on the Calle Marte, down the Calle Ruzafa and along the Calle Herrenias and finishes at the Town Hall Square. The parade last year lasted over 2 hours and spectators start arriving in the early evening to bag the best view points along the route. A fabulous firework display follows the parade - probably starting around Midnight but certainly worth waiting for.
The Carnival finishes on Tuesday 21st with a ceremonial "Burial of the Sardine" which signals the beginning of Lent ... when you are suppose to give up something you enjoy for 40 days!
If you do decide to go along to the parade remember to wrap up warm and leave any unnecessary valuables at home - if not then check out the blog on Sunday with fabulous photos of this years parade.

Spanish peseta makes a come back

Old Spanish currency ... or is it?

Although not happening in Benidorm, one Spanish village has reintroduced the peseta in a desperate bid to kick start its ailing local economy. The unemployment rate in the village is 33% - above the national average which is 23% however across the country for the under 25's it is a stagerring 48 per cent!

30 businesses in Villamayor de Santiago, a village located 80 miles south east of Madrid started accepting the old currency at the beginning of this year and has taken 6000 euro's worth of pesetas to date. Many people kept hold of their pesetas when the euro was introduced in January 2002 and it is believed that up to 1.7 billion euros worth of pesetas is still lying around. Unlike other eurozone countries, pesetas can still be exchanged for euros at the Bank of Spain in Madrid because a deadline was never set for exchanging the currency.

 Take a look at the price tickets on shelves even now you will still see the peseta equivalent - that is definitely the case in Mercadona. Up until last year Mercadona even printed the peseta price at the bottom of the till receipt. Do they perhaps know something we don't! I think I'll look in all my drawers for any left over pesetas just in case. However, I doubt that a cup of coffee would still cost 100 pasetas like it did just before the euro was introduced - it suddenly went to 1 euro.

Current Mercadona milk price with paseta price underneath!

In a bid to tackle the huge unemployment issues in Spain, the new PP (Conservative) government is implementing drastic labour market reforms. The plan is designed to encourage companies to hire more young people by offering tax breaks and cutting government severence packages. Long viewed as among the most generous of many countries, pay will be cut from 45 days severence pay (redundancy) per year worked to 33 days.

A clause will also be introduced that will cut the amount of time companies can have workers on temporary contracts with few benefits ... this is a particular problem in Benidorm where the majority of peole are on temporary contracts enabling the employer to fire them with no redundancy. As of January 1st 2013, workers must be moved onto permanent contracts after 24 months - under the last labour goverment companies could run on temporary contracts indefinately giving the workers no job security.

But with the introduction of help to long term unemployed the new government is also helping businesses by making it easier for companies to lay off workers cheaply when times get tough. A new rule will mean that a company has to show its revenue is down for 3 straight quarters inorder to lay people off, with redundancy pay of just 20 days per year worked.

These and many other reforms have to be voted on but with a PP majority there should be no reason for it not to be voted in. However, the unions are already calling for national strikes in protest at the cuts to redundancy and pension packages ... they should be wake up and smell the coffee - where do they think the money will come from! Already most local councils are so in debt that they can't even keep the lighting and heating on in the schools, the local health services are having to implement huge cost cutting exercises yet the unions want their full pension package!

Benidorm prepares for more Chinese business

Common sight of Chinese shop with its wears on display

With the influx of Chinese businesses in the town, local business leaders are trying to embrace rather than view them as a threat.
The Confederation of Employers of the Province (COEPA) have been running a course this month to teach the language and culture to some of its employees in the hope of viewing the Chinese not only as business partners but also as a potential source of tourism.

The average age of the "students" on the course  is 40 and they have requested that the course is extended for another month - the class was scheduled for 50 hours teaching.
One of those on the course is an employee of the El Altet airport in Alicante and there to learn basic language skills which will enable announcements in Chinese over the tanoy system. Travel agencies have seen an increase in Chinese visitors and deem it important to be able to at least greet the clients in their native language. In 2011 the Department of Commerce for Benidorm had more than 160 Chinese businesses registered in the locality.

Menus starting at 4.50€ including wine!

Almost everywhere you turn you will see a "Chinese Shop" or restaurant/WOK - it is probably the only growing economy in the area. However, not everyone is happy and many have complained to their local Town Halls about yet another one opening.
I spoke to an employee at the Town Hall to ask their take on the matter. Basically there is nothing the authorities can do - if all the paperwork is in order and they pay all the relevant taxes  they have no grounds to refuse an application.
 Just as they can't stop yet another bar, estate agent or bank opening they cannot discriminate against the Chinese. They have to adhere to the same laws as all other shop and restaurant owners.

But it does amaze me how cheaply they can sell some of the products - you can literally buy anything there. From electrical fittings, DIY tools, stationary, kitchen ware, toiletries - its an Aladins cave and I bet everyone has at least one product purchased from one. Quality may not always be the best but then for the price you pay for the product you hardly expect it to be.

Hugely popular WOK restaurant in Albir

Most streets in Benidorm have a Chinese restaurant offering a 3 course menu for under 5€, which includes half a bottle of wine. These prices have enabled many families to be able to holiday in Benidorm on a self catering basis. Also popular are WOK restaurants - they charge 9.95€ (drinks are extra) but you can eat as much as you like. You choose the meat or fish which includes steak, chicken, lamb chops, prawns, monk fish, sole and watch it being cooked by the chef and  have your vegetables stir fried with a sauce of your choice. They also offer ready made dishes such as sweet & sour, ribs, spring rolls, soup and offer dessert too. All the food is fresh and regularly topped up - its incredible value and always busy. The Chinese do tend to have an incredible work ethic - maybe thats why they are flourishing?

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Mobility scooter racing in Benidorm

Proposed site of track

Twin seater scooters

On the back of the "Madge-Mania" craze following the filming of ITV's hit series "Benidorm" plans are afoot for a mobility scooter racing track in the town. The site being proposed for this venture is the Wednesday/Sunday market area. The site would be adapted with with various obstacle courses, zig zag lanes and inclines to make the track more interesting.

Scooters for sale - ripe for customising!

There will be a single and double seater races; males; females ... ideal for stag and hen parties! "Amigo's 24" the mobility scooter shop is opposite, which will be handy if any servicing is required and you can even buy them there. Im sure we will be witnessing a competition on the best customised scooter before long... perhaps there will be sponsorship by local bars, restaurants and businesses similar to the Formula 1 format. Scooters could be embezelled with promotional logo's and T-Shirts printed for team events.

Although betting is illegal, as are the potato men el al, I am sure that a book will be running on the races. Whereas in horse racing a photo finish is judged by a horses head, in these races it could be decided on "by a basket!"

Already practising ...

At present they are deemed abit of a nusiance around the town as people are racing on the pavements and up and down the promenade on the Levante sea front. This will be an ideal solution and hopefully keep everyone happy. It looks like race days will be on Friday's because the site is occupied on Saturday's as stall holders start setting up for the following day. Winners will be awarded vouchers from local establisments and there will be an end of season cup for the overal winners.
For further information or to sponsor the event email info@benidormallyearround.com

"Annie" the stage musical comes to La Nucia

Streetwise Productions brings an adaptation of the Broadway musical "Annie" to the stage of the Auditori Mediterraneo in La Nucia on Friday 24th & Saturday 25th February.

For those unfamiliar with the story line it is based in the depths of the 1930's where Annie, a fiery young orphan lives a miserable life in an orphanage run by the tyrannical Miss Hannigan. Her seemingly hopeless situtaion changes when she is selected to spend a short time at the residence of the wealthy industrialist, Oliver Warbucks.
Quickly she charms the hearts of the household and even the cold hearted Warbucks - who cannot help but learn to love this wonderful girl. He decides to help Annie find her long lost parents by offering a reward if they could prove their identity.
But Miss Hannigan, her evil brother Rooser and a female acomplice plan to impersonate those people to get the reward ... putting Annie in great danger.

Directed and Choreographed by Pascalle Breuens, she puts her own stamp on the show with imaginative dance, singing and acting. An International selection of children from six years upwards make up the cast which have been in rehearsals every Saturday for the last 3 months at the Streetwise Studios in Albir.

As well as having a fantastic evening you will be helping support "The Dolphin Charity" in association with Mundomar. Streetwise Productions supports this special charity which helps children with disabilities - the theraphy is free and paid for by Aqualandia-Mundomar and charitable donations.

The show starts at 8pm and tickets, costing 10€ are available from either the box office or at the Streetwise Studios in Albir - 100 metres past Mendoza supermarket/Albir Gardens hotel complex.

There are a range of classes available at the studios for both children and adults including Pilates, Ladies self defense, yoga and a new Gospel choir. The facilities, which are on the No 10 bus route are also available to hire out for private use and boast a soundproof studio. For further information contact Pascalle on 677 070 890 or email streetwiseproductions@hotmail.com