The currency blog

In what are difficult times for a great many beleaguered homeowners, news that the government has initiated a series of rulings that step up protection of mortgage holders will be eagerly received. Since they affect so many people, Spanish nationals, foreign residents and second homeowners alike, it is important to keep up to date with changes in the laws, and how they affect us.

On Friday July 1^st Deputy Prime Minister, Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba approved several measures aimed at improving the financial situation of mortgage holders. Under the new regulations, the personal income allowable to those involved in embargoes due to foreclosure proceedings increases from 700€ per month to 961€, plus an additional 192€ for each additional member of the household without income, thus creating a small but much-needed extra safety cushion.

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On a beautiful calm sunny evening the last event of the British Chamber of Commerce in Andalucia took place in the stunning surroundings of the Guey Restaurant on June 16th.

Kindly sponsored and supported by Currencies Direct, the event was not just the chance to invite other organisations and Clubs to participate but also to present Sarah Rogers from ACASA with a cheque for the charity.

Jennie Thompson Vice President for the BCC Andalucia said” This event is a fun event and a chance to get out the Ascot hats or the Henley boaters before we close down for the summer. We thank Currencies Direct for sponsoring the event and we also appreciate Sarah being here to receive the cheque for funds raised during our Golf Event.”

The BCC supports not just business here in Spain but also charities and the Raffle which took place during the evening was in aid of L.I.V.E. a charity which supports local children’s causes.

“We are very grateful to the British Chamber of commerce in Andalucia for continuing to support us with their fundraising events” says Keith Spitalnick, Chairman of L.I.V.E and Regional Sales Manager for Currencies Direct. “The children we support have so very little of their own that when the ex pat community contributes something it sends a strong signal to these young boys and girls that despite the difficult financial times we find ourselves in, someone still cares about them”.

Guests were able to network whilst enjoying drinks and a beautiful array of canapés. The BCC events commence again in September with speakers , seminars and also the Christmas cocktail party all on the menu to benefit memebsr and business in Andalucia.

For more information on the Chamber and the benefits of membership please visit the website www.britishchamberspain.com

Thursday the 2nd June saw the Marbella Branch of Currencies Direct, a leading provider of foreign exchange services, hold its second annual charity golf day. The event was held at Antequera Golf, set high in the mountains of inland Malaga and the venue for the 2010 World University Open championship.

36 players took part in a 4-ball Texas Scamble competition, with prizes for Ist & 2nd teams, together with Longest Drive (9th hole) and Nearest the Pin (18th hole) .

Paul Ellis of Currencies Direct opened proceedings by explaining the rules of the competition and order of play, before emphasising that the event was organised for the purpose of raising funds for L.I.V.E. ( Los Internacionales que Viven en España” - ex-pats living in Spain) a nationally registered, Spanish Associacion that supports a range of local children’s charities.

Play started in sunny, but breezy conditions, notwithstanding this however, net birdies were soon to be the order of the day. The eventual winning team came home with an impressive net 61. To give some indication of the quality of play, 2nd place scored a net 62 & third place net 63. All in all, of the 9 four-ball teams, seven came in below net par. Special mention should go to a local club member, John Smith-Jones, who managed to win nearest the pin on the tricky (and over the water) par 3 18th, by being the only player to finish on the green!

The day was concluded with presentations of the prizes and a charity raffle which was very generously supported by all those present.

This summer will see the introduction of The Millionaires’ White Summer Party to Marbella, in conjunction with exclusive jewellers Chopard. This dusk ‘til dawn event will bring the glamour and music of Las Vegas to Marbella and is sure to become an important annual fixture on Marbella’s social calendar.

This glamorous event will take place in the exquisite, jasmine scented gardens of the privately owned Finca la Concepción, just off The Golden Mile, on Saturday 30th July 2011. If tickets are purchased before the end of May, guests will be entered into a
fabulous prize draw. Read the rest of this entry »

We Are The Champions!

After a fantastic season of solid wins, the team finished top of the league with a  5 point strong  lead. The CD team not only beat the the banks on FX but also in football;  Deutshche Bank lost almost every game against the Currencies Direct boys so let’s hope next season is just as glorious.

All dues to the following players:

Dan Cronin, Matt Watson, Alistair Cotton, Chris Partridge, Harry Cosgrave, Aldrino Rodriques, Phil Mchugh, Tim Lewis, Reece Merrick, Lee Chappell,

Player of the season went to Dan Cronin after scoring 10 goals alone in the season, Matt Watson was joint top scorer of the season.

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Karl Sieha

Season 2 First Match - Deutsche Bank

Season 2 of Top Corner Old Street league saw Currencies Direct enter the newly formed premier league as champions and favourites for the title.

First opponents were previously conquered Deutsche Bank. Buzzing at the start, the kraut bankers were seeking to score one for the euro but there was only going to be one winner.

The line up consisted of Cat Partridge in goal, with Weasel Chappell, Dino-Tim, Fabio Cotton and Webbed Swanson.

The game started with the German money men kicking off and moving the ball around with plenty of verve but as soon as we gained possession a tirade of orange and black hit their goal. The post was rattled twice and their keeper was in great form to prevent CD taking the lead.

The deadline was then broken with Chappell finding Tim Lewis who finished with aplomb. Like the battle of the Bulge, this signalled the beginning of the end for the Germans. Chappell again provider found Cotton, tireless in his endeavours, finished strongly to double the score line.

The their striker produced a moment of inspiration and stunned proceedings by picking out the top bins to leave Partridge sprawled across the goal and pull a goal back. This rest bite wouldn’t last long.

Thanks to great pressure from Cotton, pouncing on a loose ball, Chappell swooped like a spitfire in the middle of a dogfight to destroy his target and add a third.  Half time 3-1.

The second half was as one sided as the first with CD dominating in all areas of the pitch and the sauerkraut eaters were struggling to get out of their half. Great work by all created several chances but it was left to goatman Watson to strike probably the best ball I’ve seen at this place and hit the upper echelons of the side panel from 10 yards out to make it 4.

T-rex Lewis, following assists from Swanners and Partridge, completed the scoring and settle the match, 6-1 to CD.

One game in and top of the Prem, get in.

Report By Chris Partridge

Maria Petrak, founder of “The Best of Marbella” and “The Best of Vienna” weblogs, is passionate about the quality of life. Maria has lived and worked in many different countries, learning seven languages and experiencing the myriad benefits of multicultural living. Her weblogs allow the readers to share her exploration of the world. A single parent, Maria discovers the special benefits of each city for herself and her child, then uses that knowledge to serve the community of readers. She answers the need of both visitors and residents for recommended and trusted businesses and services, shares opportunities for cultural exchange, and promotes worthy local businesses and charities, online and offline. Making the world a better place is one of her main goals in life. Read the rest of this entry »