The Buzz 131 by The Buzz Newspaper

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ISSUE 88 (#131) April 24th

Elvis Rocks Benidorm This event has grown into yet another bonus for the hotels and local businesess who have seen record numbers. This years event started on Friday 21st April and the finale was held at Benidorm Palace on Sunday 23rd with over 1300 people present. The Showboat and also The Rock & Roll House, situated directly opposite the Melia Hotel was jam packed every night as well as hosting afternoon sessions as part of the ticketed event. Orgenisers Harriet Raybould and Peter Phillips have confirmed dates and line up for next years event for 20th - 22nd April 2017. Full details and line can be found

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April 24th

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Treasure trove behind the sofa?

By Simon Russell

THE Bank of Spain has reminded people that they have until 2020 to redeem any old peseta currency they may still have, and also that some of the coins may have more than just sentimental value. The five peseta piece from 1949 for example can fetch up to €20,000 at auction after only a handful were produced due to the high nickel content. The five pesetas

coin specially produced for the 1982 World Cup has little value but if you have one of the coins that was wrongly stamped with the year as 1975 then its worth around €400. The one peseta coin of 1947 was the first issued with General Franco’s image on it and would be worth about €1,400 to a collector now. So whether you’re hanging on to the old pesetas for sentimental value or

By Simon Russell

you’ve just discovered some behind the sofa,

it may be worth double checking what you’ve got.

Arrests made after multiple burglaries

By Simon Russell

TWO men have been arrested in Oliva in suspicion of at least fifty villa break-ins dating back to the end of 2016. An investigation began by the Guardia Civil after they noticed that there was a spate of house burglaries in the northern Alicante Province that had similar traits. The break-ins were on urbanisations

Drug wagon

and the method of entry was always similar. The items stolen (electronic goods, mobiles, jewellery and appliances) were similar as well and the authorities believe this is because the thief had a contact to sell on specific goods. The areas affected were Pedreguer, Orba, Benidoleig, Gata de Gorgos

and Pego, all of which have a high concentration of urbanised housing. The two men arrested are a Spaniard of 25, who has been charged with theft and a Bulgarian of 42, who has been accused of receiving and selling stolen goods. Police believe that the final tally of crimes committed by the pair may be much higher.

A stolen Mercedes recovered in Rojales was discovered to have 2 kilos of drugs stowed away inside. Police ran checks on the car after it had been parked up for a few days and reported by neighbours at the Ciudad Quesada urbanisation. The checks confirmed that the car was stolen and an interior search of the vehicle uncovered the haul of hashish and marijuana hidden in compartments in the car. Due to the quantity found they believe that the drugs were for trafficking purposes. It is not known at this stage who stole the car or hid the drugs but it seems likely they are the same person.

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April 24th

Dear Readers Welcome readers; after a slightly cooler week the weather is set to be wall-to-wall sunshine now that my birthday weekend is complete and this seems to be always the case each year; in fact, I am almost guaranteed that the weather around the third week of April is cold and often wet. Having breakfast in the garden is one of my favourite weekend activities while taking advantage of the time to relax and walking to the market in Albir for a mooch around and enjoying the sunshine. It is forecast to be around 25 degrees this afternoon, perfect for some outside cooking. Mixed Paella is one of my favourite summer dishes and when cooked outside, it tastes far better and it certainly gets the taste buds going with the aromas around the garden. For me, the best place to be in the Costa Blanca is the stunning coast line and the place I love most. Taking the opportunity to walk along the beach front is another weekend treat to enjoy the spectacular views. It’s been a busy few days with a full weekend line up of Sport. The FA cup semi-finals; being the highlight played at Wembley. Arsenal see Man City to a 2-1 victory and Chelsea beat Spurs making an all London final on 27th May. Friday 21st was the start of the Elvis fiesta held in Benidorm for the seventh year. Centred around the Melia Hotel with live shows around the poolside as well as outside events including the Rock and Roll House, the Show Boat and with Sunday evening being the “Elvis Extravaganza” at the Benidorm Palace. This annual event has grown in popularity year on year and is being sold out much earlier every year.

If you haven’t visited the Mickey Pearce in Spain Facebook page then please do so and add a like to the page; there has been some amazing numbers on the visitor count and the articles, videos and photos are trending both here in Spain and also back in the UK. In March the story hit page 3 of the Sun Newspaper where Patrick Murray (aka Mickey Pearce from Only Fools and Horses) came to join us here in Spain and work with the Buzz Newspaper, Galaxy and Star Radio. Today the Daily Star on Sunday wrote an article about him meeting with John Challis (aka Boycie) who is currently filming for the ITV sitcom Benidorm. The pair met up in Albir last weekend for lunch and Boycie also went along to meet Mickey at the new Sinatra Premium entertainment venue in the Rincon Benidorm. The show named “The Jolly Boys”is from 8pm Tuesday to Saturday and you can meet Patrick Murray (Mickey Pearce) and The Jolly Boys of Star Radio. The team are also out and about to meet our readers and listeners with the Galaxy Radio road-show during the next few months. You can find out more on the Galaxy Radio Facebook page and also tune in either online or on FM 106.8 & 93.4. The Buzz Newspaper can also be found online at www.buzznews.es where you can find links for the entire Buzz Media network. Contact us anytime at the news desk via email on contact@ buzznews.es or send us a message by mobile on 634 310 665.

Editor - Buzz Spain S.L Managing Director - Marco Baiardo Production Manager - Marco B Jr. Editorial - Simon Russell Head Office & News Desk C/Castellion 5, Benidorm, 03500 Tel - 965 020 250 info@buzzmedia.es www.buzznews.es

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BUZZ MAGAZINE – 169mm x 247mm – Colour

11 April

April 24th

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Relic recovered

By Simon Russell

A spring clean of the area around Deniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous castle came up with an unexpected find, a second century Roman artefact. Workers clearing vegetation around the castle walls came across the large stone slab with a Latin inscription that mentions three people, the best known being Quintus Cratus who was chief of the town in the second century. It is known that the other two

people were Roman citizens but little more than that at this time. Deniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Councillor for Culture, Rafa Carrio, stressed how important the find was. He also said that the slab would remain where it was found as the site had a sacred significance for whoever originally placed it there. The council plan to investigate the site around where the object was found, although some of it is privately owned at the moment.

Dragging heels with Amazon

By Simon Russell

THE Valencian Consell has been accused of putting the brakes on a proposed new logistics centre for Amazon that would create an estimated 1,500 jobs for the region. The criticism has come from the local PP and Ciudadanos parties, saying that the Generalitat seemed to be doing its best to

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slow down or even halt the important new investment. The Consell have said that the delays are coming from Amazon themselves who have not been in touch recently. The proposed new centre is to be built near Valenciaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Manises airport, an ideal location for such a project, primarily due to the transport links.

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April 24th

“Brexit election” results won’t strengthen UK’s hand

By Simon Russell

DUBBED by many as the “Brexit Election”, UK Prime Minister Theresa May has taken nearly everyone by surprise and called a snap general election for this June. If as expected the Conservatives increase their majority in the house, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt has made it clear this will have no impact on negotiations. Calling the election “an irrelevance to Brussels” he said “As with the Brexit referendum, which many European leaders saw as a Tory cat fight that got out of control, I have little

doubt that many on the continent see this election as once again motivated by the internal machinations of the Tory party.” In the same speech he went on to say that the UK’s unrealistic attitude to the

negotiations could soon to start have an impact on, for example, UK citizens right to travel in other EU countries where those rights would be reduced to those of someone “from Moscow or Mumbai”. May has called

Toddler pool tragedy

By SImon Russell

A three year old boy drowned in a swimming pool on an urbanization in Chiva in the Valencian Province last week. It is believed that the accident happened at around 8.30 pm on 21 April after the child’s parents realised they had not heard from him for a while. The little boy was discovered unconscious in

the family pool and after the alarm was raised a neighbour tried to resuscitate him. He was taken to Valencia’s La Fe Hospital as soon as an ambulance arrived but he never regained consciousness and sadly passed away that night. The family are Bolivian and moved to the area recently, according to neighbours.

the election for June 8 and current polling suggests that the Tories can be expected to increase their commons majority by over 50 seats with Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour party being the big loser.

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April 24th

Recycling is more than just plastic & paper By Simon Russell

THE Valencian Generalitat has been running a mobile roadshow to educate people in the region about the importance of disposing properly of old electronic devices such as phones, games consoles etc. A very 21st Century problem, the issue is with the correct disposal of batteries and other parts of the device which often end up in land-fills and can have a serious environmental impact. The team have been travelling around the community on special bicycles and earlier this month they were in Alicante to spread their message. The adapted bikes have been used to collect devices where they will be disposed of properly; around 6,000 items were collected in Alicante alone. The campaign runs through the spring and restarts in September, aiming to visit all towns in the province with a population of more than 20,000.

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World’s favourite destination By Simon Russell

IN a report published each year by the World Economic Forum, Spain has topped the list of the best destination for tourists based on various factors. These include culture, environment, value for money, safety and transport. Spain tops the list of 135 countries ahead of France and Germany with the UK in fourth place. Partly the Spanish tourist industry has benefited from the political troubles in destinations such as Egypt and Tunisia which had threatened the more traditional destinations until recently. However Spain

does continue to have a very healthy tourist infrastructure, although transport and the cost of goods need to be monitored say’s the report.

Unarguably, its natural resources of beaches and mountains plus its wonderful cultural history remain world beaters.

Murder accusation was false

By Simon Russell

A woman has been jailed in Valencia for perjury after falsely accusing her former partner of murder. The accusation came about five years ago after the woman said

that her boyfriend had showed her a video of a man dying in the boot of a car after an attack carried out by him. She told the police her boyfriend and a companion had boasted

of the murder as the man had tried to steal drugs from them. However the case against her partner soon collapsed and the woman said that she had lied under pressure from the police.

The judge found no evidence of police coercion and sentenced the woman to six months in prison while all charges against her former partner have been dropped.

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BUZZ MAGAZINE – 169mm x 247mm – Colour

11 April

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April 24th

Food, exercise and sleep under spotlight

Narco cop

By Simon Russell

A recent survey of Spaniard’s day to day lifestyle habits found that 73% go to bed after 11pm on weekdays, rising to 81% on weekends and fiestas. 7% don’t turn in until after 1am rising to twice that number at weekends. 60% wake up (usually to a mobile phone alarm) between 7am and 9am, 26% earlier than that. Concerning eating habits, most plump for the standard three meals a day and 85% of those sit down to homemade food. Half eat vegetables daily while 70% of all meals are

rice, pasta or bread based. With exercise the survey found that 58% play a regular sport and a third do some form of exercise each day. 30% were

smokers while 44% claimed to be non-smokers – it’s not clear where the remaining 26% fit in, presumably occasional smokers, or so they claim.

By Simon Russell

A man in Elda has been charged with possession of drugs and impersonating a police officer. He was stopped by local police and found to have quantities of cocaine, hash and heroin in his car. In addition to the drugs haul they found a truncheon, a flashing car siren and a yellow high visibility jacket. They believe that these items were used to impersonate police officers, presumably to evade the police themselves, although at this stage he has only been charged with the drugs possession offences.

You wait ages for a cruise ship and then four come along at once By Simon Russell

On 4 May Alicante Port will be welcoming four cruise liners into its harbour, the first time this many have docked in the port on the same day. The city itself could see as many as 12,000 people disembarking from the floating hotels to spend time (and hopefully money) in local bars, KFC PRENSA BENIDORM 247X170.ai shops and restaurants. For-

ty coaches are on call to take them into the city and guided tours will also be on offer. Estimates are that the city could see an increased income of about three quarters of a million euros from the extra trade while this is also an ideal chance for Alicante to showcase it’s attractions to a 1 7/4/17 11:41 large audience.

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April 24th

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Wine producers toasting latest figures By Simon Russell

CONSUMPTION of wine in Spain rose by around 3% in 2016 with just under 10 million hectolitres being consumed. This is the first such rise since the 1970’s, when Spaniards consumed twice as much vino per head as

they do now. Producers are quietly confident that this may be a new trend rather than just a blip caused by factors such as economic stability. There has been a major push to increase sales of Spain’s wines in the country

where it is grown and where around 75% are exported. Advertisers have been targeting a younger audience who appear to have drifted away from wine in recent years, partly fuelled by the rise of youth oriented drinks such as alcopops.

Ferrari theme park speeds into action By Simon Russell

A brand new theme park was opened near Tarragona (Catalonia) just in time for Easter – and includes the tallest rollercoaster in Europe. The “Ferrari Land” Park is themed on a combination of Italy and cars, a winning formula for many, and is financed by Italian motor giant Ferrari and Port Aventura which already has an existing theme park in Catalonia. The centrepiece for thrill seekers

will undoubtedly be the “Red Force” rollercoaster which is 112 metres high and reaches speeds of 180 km/h, the highest and fastest of any European coaster. Depictions of modern and ancient Italy such as La Scala opera house and the Piazza San Marco in Venice adorn the park. As well as the Red Force, rides include a Formula One simulator and a free fall tower, plus there are numerous restaurants and other pit stops.

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April 24th

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Choppers vs. Mosquitoes By Simon Russell

THE annual war against mosquitoes is well underway and this year Alicante has a new weapon on its side – helicopters. This might seem like a case of overkill but the copters are being used to detect areas of standing water that are the ideal breeding ground for the pests. Because of the heavy rains that fell this winter there is more standing water around than usual and the potential for a particularly bad year for mosquitoes is high.

The fly-bys are being conducted by a specialist pesticide company and potential trouble spots are fumigated in the hope of killing the mosquitoes’ larva before it hatches. Tiger mosquitoes have become increasingly prevalent recently and will be a particular focus for the exercise. If you want to avoid being bitten this year check your garden or outside area for anything that could hold water and ensure it is emptied out.

Costas top spot for Northern Irish By Simon Russell

ALICANTE airport has overtaken Mallorca and Malaga to become the top destination for Northern Irish visitors. Belfast International Airport had just over 150,000 passengers fly into Alicante over 2016, a rise of a third over the previous year. The boost follows on from a recent visit by a delegation from Benidorm to Northern Ireland promoting the city’s attractions, which has always been a popular

spot for visitors for the Irish and Northern Irish alike.

No napkins please

By Simon Russell

THE city of Alcoy is to impose fines of up to €750 for anyone throwing some types of confetti at any of the celebrations the town holds over the year. The Mayor says that the main problem is that shredded paper napkins have become popular at these events, usually liberated from local bars and restaurants. These can make the ground unsafe underfoot,

and last year a rider at the Moors and Christians fell off his horse after it slipped on the paper covered road surface. It specifically bans the throwing of paper “more than 15mm in diameter or width.” The new bylaws were introduced in time for the town’s Moors and Christians festival which started on 22 April.

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April 24th

Mt Everest on the Costa Blanca

By Simon Russell

THE “Everesting Challenge” is basically climbing a height equivalent to Mount Everest in the quickest time possible. Marina Alta athlete and climber Raul Oliver completed the challenge over the Easter weekend by scaling the iconic Montgo Mountain in Javea a total of sixteen times. The feat took him 36 hours of non-stop climbing and involved the consumption of well over twenty litres of water in what turned out to be unseasonably hot weather,

reaching thirty degrees near the peak of the Montgo. If you ever feel inclined to do so, the average amount of time to climb Mount Everest itself is around 40 days - and you won’t be able to do it wearing shorts.

Busy end of month

By Simon Russell

APRIL may be drawing to a close but Javea still has plenty of activities if you’re down in that part of the world. On 25 April there’s a poetry recital featuring poems by Miguel Hernandez, which is at the library at 7pm (entrance free). For a complete contrast the running of the bulls (“Bous al Carrer”) starts on 26 April and continues daily until 29 April. Also on the 26th there is a presentation entitled “Javea in Literature” at 7.30pm in the architectural museum. Friday 28 April has something for the kids with

storytelling at 7.30pm in the library, free for all children. There is a choir concert on Saturday 29th at Sant Bertomeu Church from 10pm, featuring the soprano Teresa Albero and the Ars Nova Choir with full musical accompaniment. By Simon Russell Finally to cap the month off, the A 42 year old man died after the popular Artisan’s Craft Market tractor he was driving overturned starts on Sunday 30th and runs on a farm in Belgida near Gandia. throughout May at Javea Port. The reason for the vehicle overturning is unclear at this stage and an investigation will be carried out. The scene of the tragedy was attended but fire crews from Ontinyent, a rescue team from Gandia and the SAMU emergency ambulance service. A study by the University of Navarra said that tractors

Farm tragedy were the principal cause of farm fatalities in Spain with open vehicles being particularly dangerous.

April 24th

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Re-sanding the beaches By Simon Russell

CALPE Town Hall has laid several tons of fresh sand on the town’s beaches to replace what was lost in the winter storms. The material came from a stockpile the town held and which has been specially treated and purified. The stuff is actual beach sand rather than the

quarry sand some towns have to use to replenish their shorelines and there are still another 5,000 tons in storage for a rainy day, so to speak. The works have been carried out overnight to avoid closing the beaches and was completed in time for Easter.

Schools agreement

By Simon Russell

BENITATXELL’S Education Department has reached an agreement with their equivalent in Javea whereby students from Javea can receive vocational training in Benitatxell’s Department of Information. One student has already started the training and she is due to work 380 hours from April until June. The training will

primarily entail a support role for computers and operating systems. The agreement will be of benefit to both the student and the Information Department, said Benitatxell’s Technology Councillor Myra van’t Hoff. The town had a similar agreement in place last year with Gandia and were keen to repeat the exercise this year.

Locals arrested in worldwide porn swoop

By Simon Russell

AN international police operation has resulted in the arrest or charging of 37 people around the globe, including seventeen in Spain and two from the Valencian Community. The accused were involved in using the mobile messaging service WhatsApp to distribute child pornography. It is thought they were part of an online paedophile community who distributed the material for their

own ends rather than for profit. Most of the arrests outside of Spain were in Latin America and the worldwide raids resulted in the confiscation of mobiles, SD cards, flash drives and DVD’s. Spanish authorities said that the males arrested in Spain were unemployed and living with their parents except for two whose work took them into contact with minors, something they will be investigating further.

Winning snaps on display

By Simon Russell

A haunting black and white image entitled Cormorans won first prize in the artistic section of Denia’s XXI Photo Contest. Lines by Rodrigo Ferrandiz won the tourist photograph category and both lucky snappers won €600. The second places pictures, Beach or the Torre Vigia. Ghost by Pilar Benau and Autumn Participants must be aged 16 or over and your story should be sent to the e-mail account fpa@teuladamoraira.org by 21 May. Please include your name, date of birth, DNI, address and contact number. Stories must be no more than 300 words long and written in Castellano or Valenciano and the winner will receive a prize of a €100 book voucher.

Telling tales

By Simon Russell

IF you see yourself as the next JK Rowling or maybe even Jeffrey Archer then you should be interested in an event that Teulada Town Hall is running. It’s the third edition of the town’s Short Story competition, an event which aims to discover hidden talent and stimulate a general interest in literature. You must set your story in one of four local spots – Calle Dalt, Plaza dels Porxes, Ampolla

in Calle Campos by Francisco Viejo were both awarded €300. The winning entrants plus a selection of the best of the rest are on display in Denia’s Casa de la Cultura from 4 to 20 May. This year’s competition attracted 82 entrants equally split between the two categories.

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April 24th

Local towns vying for new Seat brand name

By Simon Russell

SEVEN Valencian towns are in the running to have the new Seat named after them. Carrying on the recent tradition of carmaker Seat naming their vehicles after Spanish towns and cities, the places in the running have all been asked to say why they should be used. Denia, who are seen as marginal favourites, have cited their gastronomy, climate and culture. Alberic says their three syllable name starting with an “A” fits recent Seat brands such as the Altea, Arosa and Ateca. Sagunto quotes its history and location. The others in the running are Villena, Alfafar, Ayora and Ademuz – three of which also have the tri-syllable name and initial A which some think could be what Seat are looking for. The new vehicle is a seven seater people carrier, which is one of the reasons the firm have come up with a shortlist of seven towns.

Drugged and bound

By Simon Russell

A twenty year old Moroccan youth was tied to a tree in a park in Catarroja in the Valencian Province. The Guardia Civil were alerted and when they found the man he had passed out as it appeared that a handkerchief placed over his mouth had been laced with narcotics. Although the youth has refused to speak

to the police about the incident, he had recently denounced a relative and it is believed that the incident may be related to this. The man was unharmed apart from bruising to his wrists, and it is not known if he will be pressing charges although the Guardia are keen to find out the reason for the assault.

Major shortfall Ten years on the run in firefighters By Simon Russell

By Simon Russell

VALENCIA’S Director of the Communities Safety and Emergency Response agency has warned that the region is facing problems if they do not urgently recruit more firefighters. Jose Maria Angel estimates that Valencia as a whole needs about 2,000 new firefighters, primarily to cover gaps left by retirement that have not been filled. It has been recent state policy to reduce numbers by not replacing retirees and the number of front line staff has fallen by around 30% and is still dropping. Mr Angel said that this winter’s storms and floods showed the

importance of the firefighters in situations outside of fires, with them continually being called out to help with road accidents, felled trees, unsafe structures and similar incidents. In the summer, forest fires will always be an issue in the region meaning that the service is stretched all year round, he continued.

A Romanian national who has been wanted by authorities since 2007 saw his luck finally run out when he was apprehended in Valencia this month. The authorities had a tip off he was in the area and traced him but he then managed to escape them once again. After an intensive search he was relocated after

several hours and re-arrested. He is the subject of an international arrest warrant by his home country and is expected to be deported to face trial for charges of violent robbery there in 2007. In the meantime the 34 year old has been transferred to Madrid where a final decision on his fate will be made in the courts.

April 24th

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Brexit forces Easter Fourth time unlucky float onto wheels By Simon Russell

By Simon Russell

IN one of the most striking shows of integration on the Costas, one of the religious floats in Torrevieja’s Easter parade is usually shouldered by an almost exclusively British contingent. However the float needs a minimum of 85 people to carry it for safety reasons and this year there were only 50 sufficiently able bodied souls available. The organisers said that

Brexit has played a major factor in this as many Brits have gone back to their homeland since last year’s vote – although age and poor health are also factors. To ensure the float, which depicts Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Olives, still featured, the decision was made to add wheels. The registered British population in Torrevieja had dropped from 12,000 in 2010 to around 5,000 now.

A man responsible for a series of break-ins at shops in Elda was apprehended by an off duty policeman who caught him in the act. The hapless thief had already broken windows on a pharmacy, restaurant and shoe shop although was unable to fully

break into the establishments. He was more successful with the fourth, a sports shop, when he was apprehended by the off duty officer who was out jogging. The thief tried to make a break for it but was soon tracked down and is now in custody.

WhatsApp for tourists

By Simon Russell

LOCAL Police in Elche stopped two people while they were in the process of breaking into a house in the town. The agents had been notified by a neighbouring resident who had

witnessed the properties gate being forced off. The police were quickly on the scene and found the pair still inside the house and unable to give a good explanation of why they were there

and also why they had bags of household valuable with them. The two were detained and after checking their identifications both were found to have extensive criminal records.

Catwalk stars sought

By Simon Russell

THE search has started for the 40 or so models that will be required for Alicante Fashion Week in October. The event is probably the most important of its kind in the region and highlights local and national fashion ranges. To display clothes you need models and casting started earlier this month at the Habaneras Shopping Centre in Torrevieja for models of both sexes aged 16 to

32. The only other restriction was a minimum height requirement and once the selection panel have made their first choices the remaining candidates will go on to a second selection phase on May 20, when a final decision will be made. Alicante Fashion Week runs from 5 to 8 October this year and the venue is the Centro Cultural las Cigarreras in Alicante City.

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April 24th

Not boxing clever

By Simon Russell

FOUR people have been detained by Guardia Civil in El Campello and Alicante after being accused of stealing 2,500 plastic boxes from a supermarket in Benidorm. The crates had a value of around €10,000 and were stolen from the loading bay of the supermarket in the Levante area of the city. There has been a spate of such thefts recently and the police are looking into whether they are related in any way. As well as the four that have

been arrested the police say that four more people are under suspicion.

Double the help

By Simon Russell

THE amount of schoolchildren in Benidorm with learning difficulties receiving grants has increased from 22 to 56. The grants go to the families of the children to help with private treatment aimed at helping improve their education. Literacy, spoken language skills and

behavioural disorders are all areas covered by the treatments and taken into account before any grant is approved. The first half of the payment has already been made and covers the period until the end of June while the remainder will be paid in the latter half of the year.

Benidorm on YouTube

By Simon Russell

BENIDORM has launched a new YouTube channel highlighting the sometimes overlooked cultural side of the city. Entitled “Benidorm Cultura” it will offer a selection of music, poetry and dance among other things, starting with the

classical music cycle which took place in Benidorm’s Town Hall back in February. A jazz concert from the same month will be next up with more in the cyber pipeline. To access the videos type “Cultura Benidorm” into YouTube or your usual search engine.

Lighting the way

By Simon Russell

LA Nucia has begun the process of updating their street lighting to make it more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run. The town is installing 200 LED lights at a cost of just under €80,000 which will be paid for by CITELUM, the company contracted to run La Nucia’s lighting. The change will see an 80%

reduction in power used with a reduction from 150 watts per light to just 26 watts. The new light will also be bi-directional, which means that it will not penetrate into houses while still lighting the streets as well as usual. The installations are planned to be completed by the end of the spring.

April 24th

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Tower cash approved

By Simon Russell

VALENCIA’S regional government have approved a payment of €350,000 to restore Benidorm’s historic Les Caletes Tower in the Serra Gelada natural park. The government’s representative, Juan Carlos Moragues, visited the tower along

with a delegation from Benidorm including Mayor Toni Perez. The grant will be used to restore masonry, clear debris and stabilize the structure alongside other vital works. The sixteenth century tower, which was constructed initially for defensive purposes, has seen its up keep somewhat neglected in recent years. Benidorm is hopeful that it will become a major tourist attraction as a part of the growing “historic Valencia” tourism sector.

Change of direction

By Simon Russell

CALLE Orts Llorca in Benidorm has now been re-opened to traffic after the recent improvements to drainage and a general remodelling of the street. Traffic flow has also changed, and there is now an exit to Avenida Europa with the aim of relieving congestion on Avenida Mediteranneo and

to eliminate the previous bottlenecks that occurred on Calle Orts Llorca. There are also plans to add a pelican crossing to the new exit at a later date. The council said they were pleased to hit their target of

completing the main phase of the works before Easter.

Regenerating the city

By Simon Russell

THE Urban Regeneration Plan for Alcoy (ARRU) is well on track, the Town Hall has confirmed. The plan has a budget of €3.5 million and as of April 31 building permits had been granted with nine more expected to be agreed shortly and a further ten being looked into. Most

of the work is focusing on the rehabilitation of the old town and Santa Rosa areas where the majority of applications have come from. Where possible the work itself is being carried out by local firms, producing a wider economic benefit for the Alicante city.

Minister comes to town

By Simon Russell

SPAIN’S Minister for the Economy, Rafael Climent, took time out of his schedule to visit Altea this month. This gave the Mayor, Jaume Llinares, an opportunity to air some of the concerns and demands of Altea’s council, in particular regarding financial issues. The installation of environmentally friendly lighting through the town was under discussion as well as

plans for the technology park and the Montahud Cooperative. The importance of developing Altea in a way to please both tourists and residents alike was also stressed by Mr Llinares.

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April 24th

Magic takes to the streets By Simon Russell

THE second Benidorm Festival of Magic is to be held on the weekend of 27 and 28 May and will be split between Benidorm Palace and the streets of the city. Councillor for Culture Ana Pellicer said that passers-by in the Colonia Madrid area as well as Calles Gambo, Escuelas and Armada Espanola will all get the chance to become involved as various noted magicians bring their acts into the town. Ms Pellicer said that the calibre of performers this year is very high with such wellknown acts as Mag Malastruc, Huang Zheng, David Climent and Mago Murphy taking part in an international cast of some of the world’s top performers.

Tackling gender violence

By Simon Russell

THERE is a reported issue of gender violence on average every four days in Villajoyosa, said Equality Councillor Maria Pilar Baigorri. Monitoring of cases has increased by local police from 2015, with 620 risk assessment reports being made. There were 34 arrests made over the year and an estimated one in every 200 households are effected in some way

by the issue. The majority of the victims are women aged between 30 and 50, with the chance of violence occurring growing in relation to the amount of children there are in the household. Ms Baigorri said “The council are working to assist victims and continue raising awareness and eradication of this social scourge.”

Gruesome plier’s attacker on trial

By Simon Russell

The pair lived in Callosa de Segura where the attacks too place and the trial is due to start in Alicante’s High Court on 25 April.



PROSECUTORS have asked for three and a half years’ incarceration for a man accused of habitual abuse of his partner. It is alleged that these included on one occasion ripping out earrings and body piercings with a pair of pliers while he also regularly hit, shoved and verbally assaulted her. On occasions these attacks were serious enough to cause her to lose consciousness, said the prosecution when they were outlining their case.

April 24th

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Rock revival

By Simon Russell

PEOPLE travelled from all over Spain to attend the Mediterranean Coast Festival in Altea over the Easter weekend. An unashamedly nostalgic event, the festival focused mainly on classic rock and pop from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s eras. The headliners were Santiago Campillo, the founder of Spanish rock giants M-Clan, Javier Ojead from Danza Invisible and DJ Fernadisco. Alongside well-known Spanish songs, music from the likes of Bon Jovi, Deep Purple, Guns ‘n Roses and

AC/DC were also enthusiastically covered. A large audience of mainly over 40’s enjoyed the eight hour concert while the weather certainly played its part by remaining sunny and warm for the duration.

Songs and stories

By Simon Russell

AS Benidorm’s summer timetable of events begins to take shape the Town Hall has announced something to keep the younger folks happy. This is the show “Viva mi Planeta!” which will be staged at the Julio Iglesias Auditorium in l’Aiguera Park on 3 June at 8pm. The show will be an interactive mix of songs, stories

and games, many of which will be familiar to parents as well as their children. The event is staged by Cantajuego, which is one of the most popular kids TV shows here in Spain, and will feature themes, costumes and performers from the show. For details about tickets and content see http://voydefestival.com

Painting the road red

By Simon Russell

THE Els Tolls barrio of Benidorm has been celebrating the various improvements made to the area which have now been completed. These include a new cycle path which local children added the finishing touches to by painting the asphalt red to designate the cycle lane. This is all part of the new Parc dels Ametllers development, a new urban green space for Els Tolls. The new bike lane runs between Calle Italia and the Avenida Portugal/ Andalusia area and has been campaigned for vigorously. It

was inaugurated by members of the Union Cycliste of Benidorm whose president said that “this was a great achievement bicycles represent the future of Benidorm”.

Eco-Market in May

By Simon Russell

THE next Mercat de la Terra in La Nucia will be held on 13 May at the Les Nits auditorium. The first edition was held earlier in April and was a great success. The market centres around its sale of fruit and vegetables all of which must be agroecological products. There were also displays of local arts and crafts plus face painting and other attraction for the kids. As well as the fruit and veg you could also purchase cosmetics, sweets, honey,

handicrafts and much more. The market is planned to be held on the second Saturday of each month and aims to boost local small farmers and craftsmen as well as promoting healthy lifestyles through the produce sold.

Sticky protest

By Simon Russell

Carry on camping

By Simon Russell

BENIDORM’S Youth Council has announced plans for a summer camp which will focus on languages with the emphasis on English. The camp is located in Palencia in North West Spain, and is for children aged between eight to sixteen years old. While much of the teaching and activities will be conducted in English, French and Russian as well as Chinese and other key languages will all be touched upon.

In addition to languages, there will be workshops and teaching on the culture and history of other countries. The camp is from 17 to 31 July and will cost €300 for travel, full board accommodation, all activities and sports, plus coach tours to local attractions such as Leon and Palencia itself. There will be meetings organised with any parents or pupils interested but you can currently register an interest in the trip at the Benidorm Youth Centre.

LOCAL residents have denounced people responsible for a poster campaign in the Calle Ample area of Alcoy. The posters have been glued on to various buildings in the area, including some historical ones under protections, but have proved very difficult to remove and are defacing the area, said one of the residents. The poster campaign is by an animal rights group and is aiming at preventing the use of animals in any religious or more secular festivals. An example of the former is the

practice of tying doves to the branches of palm trees which are then paraded through the streets by one of the town’s religious brotherhoods.

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April 24th

Call Now +34 966 26 50 72

Britons buy fewer houses in Spain after Brexit vote

Britons are buying fewer houses in Spain since last year’s vote to leave the European Union, put off by a slump in the pound and uncertainty about Britain’s future relationship with the bloc. A Spanish property association said on Monday that the British, tens of thousands of whom have retired to the sunny Mediterranean coast, are still the biggest foreign buyers of Spanish homes. But, having accounted for more than 21 percent of purchases by foreigners in 2015, they made up just 19 percent of 2016’s total, the Association of Land and Commercial Registrars said. Before the Brexit vote, the relative strength of the

pound versus the euro had contributed to the market share rising every quarter, the association said. “Brexit had the opposite effect on currency performance. Added to the uncertainty the decision produced, this is reducing home buying from our main market.” Britons make up more than 2.5 percent of all home buyers in Spain, well ahead of the second and third-placed French and Germans who each have just over 1 percent. Russia’s share of the market also shrank in 2016, hitting 2.8 percent and continuing a steady slide since 2013, before the EU imposed

sanctions over Moscow’s annexation of Ukraine, when it accounted for 8.6 percent of foreign purchases. British tourism in Spain unexpectedly hit a

record last year, remaining impervious to sterling’s weakness, but some emigrants are worried about losing free access to healthcare.

April 24th

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April 24th

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April 24th

Living

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Home & Garden

Getting Your Pool Ready For Summer Getting your pool up and running for the summer season can be a daunting task however after reading this article we hope that you will be well on the way to becoming a pool expert! The most important thing to remember is that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be a chemist to look after your pool. You just need to acquire a little knowledge of the chemicals you are using so you can use them safely. By following our 3 point guide below you will gather all the information you need for opening your pool.

1. Check all equipment is in working order The first thing you need to do when opening your pool up is to make sure all the equipment is in working order. This involves connecting the pool pump and filter and reconnecting all the hoses and electrical connections. Following this you need to remove any leaves and debris from skimmers, filters, pumps, drains and the pool itself. Then top the pool up with water to ensure that the level is half way up the skimmer opening on the side of the pool. Finally switch on the filter pump and make sure all skimmers, bottom drains and filters are functioning properly.

120ppm. If it needs increasing, add Alkalinity Builder and if it needs reducing you can use pH Reducer. Once the alkalinity level is correct you need to ensure the pH level is between 7.2-7.6. If it is out of this range then it can be adjusted using either pH Increaser or pH Reducer. Following on from this you will need to shock treat your pool by adding a large dose of chlorine to the water. To do this dissolve 750g of Rapid Chlorine Granules (Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate) per 10,000 gallons of pool water in a bucket of warm water then distribute evenly around the pool. If algae is present in the water then you may need to double or even treble this dose in order to remove it. After shock dosing you may need to add a flocuculent to help remove the dead algae.

Dilute 250ml of Sparkle per 10,000 gallons in a bucket and distribute around the pool. Remeber to read instructions and directions before using as pool products may be different.

3. Maintaining your Pool All being well after the shock treatment your pool should look like a pool again so now all you need to do is maintain it. The easiest way to do this is by adding a Multifunctional Disolvable Tablet into each skimmer basket on the pool. This will do most of the work for you so just make sure you replace it once it has dissolved. In addition to this test your pool on a daily basis to ensure all the chemical levels are correct and then relax and ENJOY YOUR POOL! If in any doubt ask pool cleaners can get your pool ready as a one off and even reguarly maintain your pool if you are in any doubt. www.eyeonspain.com

2. Chemical Treatment Following on from this you will need to treat your pool with the necessary chemicals. First of all use your test kit to make sure the alkalinity level is between 80 and

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Living

April 24th

Home & Garden

THE FACTS ABOUT INSTALLING A SOLAR ENERGY GRID-CONNECTED ELECTRICITY SYSTEM What happens to the electricity that is produced but not used? We can install equipment in your property that ensures 100% of your solar energy production is consumed at the property. This maximises the financial return of your solar installation. If you decide you want to export electricity Iberdrola will buy back any solar electricity that is sent back to the grid.

Electricity bills have increased by an average of 20% each year over the past 5 years and the cost is likely to increase by similar amounts over the next few years.

Do I have to pay tax to the Government if I install a system?

Do I need permission from my utility company to install a system in my property? Yes you do. This is very important and must not be overlooked. Permissions need to be obtained before the installation takes place. Every grid-connected electricity system needs authorisation from your electricity supplier and the Spanish Government. Iberdrola is currently issuing fines for unauthorised installations so it is very important that your installation is completed correctly.

What is the life expectancy of a solar grid-connected electricity system? A well designed solar system will easily last for 25-30 years. Both the solar panels and the inverters used by Solar in Spain are guaranteed for 25 years. Only the very best quality

equipment will cope with the harsh environment.

Does solar energy only work on sunny days?

No. Solar panels do not need direct sunlight to work â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they can still generate electricity on cloudy days. However, the stronger the sunshine the more electricity is produced.

In 2013 the government published a draft proposal which proposed a tax on electricity. This draft proposal was against European Union directives and was met with enormous opposition. On 9th October 2015 the Spanish Government updated this draft proposal stating that grid connected solar installations that produce less than 10kW per hour will not be taxed. This is excellent news for home owners as it has removed the threat of any type of solar tax.

April 24th

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WEEKLY WORDSEARCH

CODE CRACKER

Find All The Words - Weather Forecast

breeze calm chilly cold cloud cyclone

drizzle drought flood foggy frost gale

hail hurricane lightning mist rain sleet

smog snow squall sunshine thunder turbulence

SUDOKU (EASY)

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

1 Young lions, etc. (4) 3 Age of majority (8) 9 Large mug-like vessel (7) 10 Distressed (5) 11 Annoyed (5) 12 Scandinavian country (6) 14 Government employees (5,8) 17 For ever (6) 19 Desert plants (5) 22 Angry (5) 23 Bunch of flowers (7) 24 Extend (8) 25 Peruse (4)

DOWN

1 At a reduced rate (3-5) 2 Trite (5) 4 Absolutely necessary (13) 5 Residence (5) 6 Oriental (7) 7 After deductions (4) 8 Wanton destroyer (6) 13 Helped (8) 15 Scoundrel (7) 16 Empty space (6) 18 Representative (5) 20 Unrefined (5) 21 Cash register (4)

warm windy

SUDOKU (MEDIUM)

SUDOKU (HARD)

Find the 9 letter word and as many other words as you can!

SCORE BRILLIANT 80 EXCELLENT 60 GOOD 40 FOR KIDS 25

L A N H I S G BM

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March 28th April 24th

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

THIS WEEKS

HOROSCOPES ARIES

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th) Others understand There’s abetter lot happening this what week,they’re Aries. I taking on in you this week: a person can’t emphasise enough how important it is that youbusiness. take up many invitations who means Now that we’ve as you I get it that and you’d had thecan. Spring Equinox theprobably sun’s in can’t sign, be bothered if work is Come busy etc., your it’s all eyes on you. the but there are lotsaoflover, interesting weekend, you’re not a fipeople ghter. to meet,Look and possibly in thewho strangest of Single? for someone soothes circumstances. your soul.

LIBRA

LIBRA (Sept 24th-Oct 23rd) The might cosmos you inknock old You sensehelps that you’re for a good scenarios thebe head - ascosmos well as week - and on you’d right! The is stir up you passion an old flame is dealing a verywhere strong suit. You’re expert at thinking up perhaps. creative ways of doing things concerned, Whatever your and cutting through flotsam andfeeling jetsam relationship status,any you get the at work, and going your brainwaves put ready others to in that you’re places. Get the impervious stress. lookshade. overYou’re the details of a to contract.

SCORPIO

SCORPIO (Oct 24th-Nov 22nd) Ambition is everything to you. Being the rock that you are, you’llThe stillsky be also illuminates desires, there for them allyour evenstrongest if they don’t quite and now the sun is in Aries, you deserve it that this week. Someone you meet learn to work love. sense You may look might have a at strong of also familiarity at a health regime too. Keep on about them that you won’t be able totrack place in at spiteThink of all the itother that first. about some temptations more and it’ll come areyou. in your way. world ceases to exist as to The outside

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Down Down

Across Across 1 Bright visitors arrive by backstreet (6)

11Bird is able appear on railway (6) Meat it’s a to relief to save (5) 1 Heather devoured by goat in Essex (10) 22Moorland leather? (7) 4 A portion for each person (6) Making a noise playing ludo (4) 7 Tell what happens after close vote (7) 33Health food (5) 8 Wayward Roman girl (5) Get in a mess having a meal (6) 8 Beginner found in empty room (4) 54Demonstrate in favour of cricket match (7) 9 Reasons for sediment (7) I printed new form, being daring (8) 10 Flog a walking-stick (4) 65Weariness produced by an outspoken nuisance (5) 10 Account for indefinite article (7) A bad driver gained recognition (7) 11 Bury a girl in the break (8) 76Endless oriental holiday (6) 11 Some hotel items for the select few (5) Eccentrics damage ceramics (9) 13 Father brought back nothing material (6) 99Tan gloves designed in an American city (9) 12 Her actors become musicians (9) Wheels turning before being seen in 15 Sort the French arouse (6) 13 Game place insect (9) (7) 17 In Bangkok a pig is a wild animal (5) another 17 I’m turning in winding street to find insects (8) 14 tale activity (7) one clergyman (8) 19 Representative getting letters from city pal (7) 12Tell Church containing 18 Composer taking taxi back to hospital (4) 15 may be (6) 21 Transform sauce, perhaps, with kitchen blender (7) 14Toledo Wine given topillaged one performing part (7) 21 Reduced fare when tide turns (4) 16 criticised, as a roofon may beother (6) 22 Exhausted writer found in street (5) 16Severely What’s done by accident the 22 Opera in new setting out of doors (4,3) 18 Foreign side? (6) article includes falsehood (5) 23 Mark is not in river (6) 23 What’s needed for dinner I get cooked? (10) 20 for an a model? (5) his own? (5) 19Puzzle Work for actor on 24 Running in a derby, sounded like an ass (6) 20 Kelly’s make-up unit (4)

Scribble Pad

PUZZLE ANSWERS - See page 51

LEO

VIRGO

Decisions, decisions. Thesomething cosmos sets up isa Getting your teeth into meaty week where must come down onweek, one important to you enjoying a satisfying side of the iffence or the other. The nerves of especially there’s a competitive edge to the people around about you are jangled but it and it involves you climbing the ladder yours areachieving steely. Youanhave a lot of work ahead, towards ambition. and with the sun in Aries, you look over your recent past to help you filter out the negative in your present situation.

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st) Keep your coolin if someone with athere very definite Deep down your heart, could agenda to test your limitsthis this week. week. be sometries emotional stirrings There’sit, possibly Face Gemini, some you’redistance now nobetween longer yourself and your loved one at the moment willing to be left out in the cold - and or maybe you’ll finally close an emotional gap. there’s spring in your stepfind come the Listeninga to what you normally tedious weekend. throws up an interesting nugget or two. CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd) There are lots You form yourof big ownchanges incisive happening conclusions for signabout this week. If I new werethat youyou I’d andyour opinions anybody consult friends and family for guidance meet even if others don’t agree with you. In along the way. skymight alsohave helps a relationship? Your The partner big you onprefer healing, and any strong plansfocus but you something a little more words shouldn’t be taken to low-key,at I’d home say. Single? Watch that you don’t heart. You’re under the spotlight at the paint yourself into a corner at the weekend. weekend. LEO (July 24th-August 23rd) Whether money one or an This week it’s is definitely foropportunity focussing on to better yourself, what motivates you your private life. Single? Then why not make this weekif itisisn’t a healthy sense of selfit happen that much of a stretch to worth. comes the end of imagine Drama yourself with that at person? You like the week (it’s never far you’re away good from at you being in control because it, really, Leo, is it?) buthappily with itlet a chance to but guess what, you’ll somebody shine. understand yourself better else stepYou up to it and do all the organisational than think you do.you sit back. bits atyou the weekend while VIRGO (August 24th-Sept 23rd) IIt have to say thatyour if it’s revenge you’re feels good to put back into something after, you can think that you might have beenagain. puttingYou’ll off. Youtrap also far more that flieslife’s with thancontest you understand not honey a popularity ever with vinegar. Any tension and it will may fall to you to tell someone what that waswant mounting week now they don’t to hear or last mop up somebody starts to dissipate, weekend else’s mess. On the plusand side,asit’sthe a terrific week approaches, you’re allmentally, fired uporbyget a new to snap back into shape back person in your life. to the gym.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

soon as you shut your front door on it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23rd-Dec 21st) You get can an be exciting glimpse of what’s A dispute healed by letting them speak to come this week, especially in your for two minutes uninterrupted followed by career. Things In oforder them affording youare the building. same amount time to vent move though, you must to yourforward, spleen without them chipping learn toalso streamline. Flirtation flies at in. You’re going to presented with a fork you, despite that jolt of reality you in the road, in a manner of speaking, so you’ll experienced with someone recently. have to decide which route to take. Trust your instinct on this one.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22nd-Jan 20th) When emotions fly or tempers You’re seeing things clearly enough to know what you flarebut you’ll look theis still nearest exit. want, remember thatfor Mercury retrograde, so You’re looking for something a wee you’re not operating at 100 per cent. None of us are. bit different, and an unexpected Now’s the timemay for applying that grit invitation hold some the ofkey to you’re this. famed for in order stick to ayou plan look that other people The Aries suntohelps at deep emotions, andin.what do from here are losing interest Beingyou told you that can’t do on in is embrace something or that that sweeping you’ve missedchange. the boat is the best motivation in the world.

AQUARIUS

AQUARIUS (Jan 21st-Feb 19th) The goodwill thing about this week is that you Secrets out, as the sky highlights retain brilliant sense of humour even if what your you’d rather have kept hidden, others don’t. enthusiasma isbad infectious, but this isn’tYour necessarily thing. and flashes of inspiration are going to hit you, This a magnifi passionate as is a is desire to make cently some snap decisions startshock to a others. lovingYou week if you’re in love. that could meet someone If you’re you might have to let with whomsingle, you’ve plenty of sexual chemistry but little else in common. yourvery guard down a bit to encourage love into your life.

PISCES

PISCES (Feb 20th-March 20th) You’re the zone with between this week, Pisces. You caninexpect to seesaw self-doubt and self-belief lot more this week, What’s more,awith whatthan elseusual is happening or to feel a bit like a can being blown skyward, you’re in forgiving mood.down The the But makes not everybody wants to take sun street. in Aries you very aware of advantage of your good nature. The best part is your own true worth. You come up with that, in your quiet, you might hear the whisper of the goods at the weekend despite some a cracking idea or solution to a problem. serious doubts.

April 24th

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April 24th

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April 24th

The Good Burger Serves a Great Burger! If you’re enjoying a day on Benidorm’s Levante beach then you can’t miss the opportunity to try one of the best fast-food burgers I have ever tasted at TGB - The Good Burger.

here in Spain with fantastic Menu del Dias, I tend to avoid the likes of Burger King and Mc Donalds which are always overpriced for what you get, and what you get, you can barely call a burger.

It’s no exaggeration, I am always a little disappointed when it comes to fast-food and with so much choice

Then there’s TGB, wow seriously, new to Benidorm, this is a modernised fast food franchise and they are

doing everything right. The decor is stunning with contemporary colours and modern lighting, seating is available inside and out on their open terrace; which by the way, despite being open, has a load of new electric ceiling fans, perfect for when you have just come off the beach and need a breeze. What I enjoyed most because I am a big kid; once you place your order you get what looks like a coaster, but it’s to let you know when your food is ready so you don’t have to stand up waiting and helps them keep the queue moving, when your foods ready the device sounds the alarm and the flashes, how cool is that! TGB make their own exclusive bread with TGB’s very own flour. The result is a succulent, tasty roll

with a sweet touch. The classic TGB Burger you can get with a decent size beer for 3.50 euros and you seriously won’t be disappointed, the burgers are 100% beef and you can taste it. Once you have tried one of these burgers you will not think to go back to a different fast food burger joint. To accompany the burger they have their own burger sauce along with fresh crisp lettuce and fresh tomato. They have a fantastic selection on their menu with a range of different burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, appetizers salads and desserts, I wish I could have tried it all but I won’t be needing an excuse to go back! As an extra incentive, they have a 2 for 1 Burger offer every Thursday, don’t miss it!

April 24th

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Tapa- Chicken With Lemon and Garlic Sandwich the chicken breast fillets between 2 sheets of clear film (plastic wrap) or baking parchment. Bat out with a rolling pin or meat mallet until the fillets are about 1/4 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken into strips about 1/2 inch wide. Heat the oil in a large, heavy frying pan or wok until it is very hot but not smoking. Add the chicken strips, shallot, garlic, and paprika and stir-fry over a high heat for about 3 minutes, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through. Stir in the lemon juice and parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a warm platter and serve immediately with lemon wedges. Garnish with a stem of flat leaf parsley.

Ingrediants 8 ounces skinless chicken breast fillets 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 shallot 4 garlic cloves 1 teaspoon paprika 1 lemon, juice of 1 lemon, slices of (garnish) salt pepper 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1 sprig flat leaf parsley, stem (garnish)

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April 24th

Tips To Stop Puppy Biting When you take a new puppy home, they will love to gnaw on everything including your feet and hands, yet it’s not ever smart to allow this because it brings about much more biting that will really end up breaking the skin, and it will make it hard to stop puppy biting in case you have recently been permitting this. Really young puppies that have not started biting harder are often looked at as adorable while nibbling on your hands, nevertheless you mustn’t permit it because this may result towards hurtful puppy biting as your dog gets bigger. When you don’t let dog biting on hands or feet from the beginning, this shows your puppy dog

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that human skin is simply not a thing to bite on. While it is true that a few dog breeds do not have the puppy-biting phase, some go through it and take it into maturity, and that is the main reason you don’t ever choose to allow it to commence. When your puppy has begun biting there are some techniques an individual can use to be able to help you end puppy biting from lasting and getting worse. This is also true for those who have young kids at home, since puppy dog teeth are very razor-sharp and painful, so you must stop puppy dog nipping immediately.

Have fun Technique Considering the fact that puppies tend to be sociable, they want to interact with an individual, if you ever stop the play, and won’t play with them, your puppy will most likely stop puppy biting. For example, you’re playing fetch with your puppy dog and he begins to chew hard on the feet or even hands, play yelp, simply turn your back away from your puppy dog and then walk away. It stops the game and sometimes will get rid of puppy dog nipping since the game has ended and so they do not get to enjoy moment with you.

A “No” Command Approach Another technique feel free to use would be to fill up an unfilled can like a soft drinks can with 10 to 15 cents and tape the mouth of this can perfectly so your coins are not able to come out whenever shaking the can. If your puppy starts biting, give the command word “No” and also at the same time give the can one particular excellent shake to gain their attention and frequently stop puppy biting. This reinforces the spoken order, “No” or perhaps you can make the verbal order, “No bite” or anything you want, however stay consistent.

The “No” Hit Technique You should never indulge your puppy in play fighting, tug of war activities, or running after because each of these motivate biting, and once you have permitted it to go on, it helps make it harder stop puppy biting. When puppies play with other puppies, they will chase and motivate biting, but when one gets too rough, one other yelps and therefore the game stops. Thus, one of the best means to train bite inhibition is with another puppy, although this can be a lot more than you want to take on, but it surely helps the puppy quickly learn what’s too difficult of a bite. Do not ever spank, strike, or slap your puppy, they are going to learn to fear a person that may lead towards all sorts of undesirable behaviors as they grow into their adult years, thus, stop puppy biting before it becomes out of control with good training.

What To Do Training puppies not to bite is one of the most important training, and one that will be done immediately. Ideally, your puppy should realize that when it is 10 weeks old, biting isn’t okay. Therefore, you’ll make many years with each other much more pleasurable and avoid problems down the road.

April 24th

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Hospital Veterinario Marina Baixa Technology & kindliness for healthier pets

Hospital Veterinario Marina Baixa: Technology and kindliness for healthier pets. From its beginnings, the Marina Baixa veterinary hospital bets on the training and specialization of its team of veterinarians and nurses, and for the implementation of state-of-the-art high technology. Endoscopy, Ultrasonograpphy, CT

scan and high field (1,5 teslas)MRI are services offered . It is a reference center in traumatology, neurosurgery, cardiology, oncologic surgery and rehabilitation and physiotherapy. The center focuses on the most innovative techniques such as regenerative medicine through the use of platelet-rich plasma (growth factors) and stem cell therapy. It has the HVMB Pet Wellness Center where patients with articular, locomotor, neurological and obesity problems are treated with techniques such as massages, TENS, acupuncture and hydrotherapy through a swimming pool with underwater treadmill. For the wellness of the pets we complete the service with hairdressing. The Hospital veterinario Marina Baixa offers the service of 3D technology. We make copies of patientÂ´s bones from the data obtained with computed tomography (CT),explains Jose Rial, veterinarian and head of the hospital . Once we get the copy of the bone we can make a proper pre-surgical plan and build

customized guide also of plastic material with our 3 D printer. The latest addition has been an device of airplasma for surgery with minimal bleeding. Next month will open a new area with a new operating room with the most advanced anesthesia and monitoring of the patient dedicated to minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy,

torascoscopy, arthroscopy,...) At the Marina Baixa veterinary hospital all kind of pets (cat, dogs and exotic pets) are treated 24 hours a day. 3d printed plastic bone for surgery planning. Hospital Veterinario Marina Biaxa Passeig de la mitja llegua, 17, 03580, Alfaz Del Pi 966 860 669

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April 24th

Caring For Your Baby’s Teeth The prevention of tooth decay starts when your child is still a baby. How well you care for your baby’s teeth (or gums!) will have a lasting effect. Once your baby starts weaning it is best to encourage savoury tastes rather than sweet. Keep away from sweet, fizzy drinks. Water is best but if you do give your baby squash, NEVER give it in a bottle. The teat of the bottle will be sugary and will lie against the baby’s gums or ‘milk’ teeth. This is disastrous for dental health. If fruit juice is given, it should be diluted with 10 parts water and be given in a non-valved free flowing cup. If children are having chocolate or sweets it is better at the end of a meal or the end of the day rather than nibbling throughout the day. Cleaning you toddler’s teeth should be part of his daily routine and should be made into a fun time rather than a chore. Teeth should at least be cleaned first thing in the morning and last thing before bed time. Sit your child on your knee facing a mirror and clean his teeth from behind. Use a small, soft toothbrush with rounded bristles and a smear of fluoride toothpaste. Brush all surfaces in small circular movements. Do not brush side to side as this may hurt and damage his gums. Concentrate on one section of teeth at a time, not forgetting the backs. Persuade, rather than force, your toddler to open his mouth, as he needs to learn to like the idea of brushing. Give him lots of praise and encouragement when he allows you to brush them. Letting him choose his own toothbrush may also make it more fun for him. If he’s reluctant to have them cleaned, let him see

Article Supplied by The Family Medical Centre, Albir See our advert on the Puzzle Pages

you brush your teeth first. With an older toddler you can then let him try to copy you. You need to be persistent. Gradually you can give him more responsibility for the brushing as time goes on. Supervise your child while he brushes his teeth until he is at least seven years old. When do you need to take your child to the dentist and which dentist do you choose? Take your child to the dentist when he’s about a year old. Dentists can help to prevent, as well as cure teeth problems. Don’t wait until you see signs of tooth decay. When you go to the dentist for your own appointment, take your toddler with you. He’ll then get used to the sights, sounds and smells. Don’t assume that you don’t need to take your toddler to the dentist because his first teeth are going to fall out anyway. Most first teeth have 10 years of hard work to do so need looking after. Also, these milk teeth help keep the space open for second permanent teeth to come through. Choose your child’s dentist with care as you want his first experiences to be good ones. A child who is frightened at an early age by a bad dental experience with probably be put off dentists for life! Choose a dental clinic with a warm, friendly, welcoming atmosphere as soon as you walk in the door. This will immediately put your child at ease. The dentist should not only be an excellent clinician but should be friendly, approachable and used to caring for children in his dental practice.

April 24th

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A Trip to Dino Park Algar

Finding the Dino Park in Algar is quite easy. Just follow the signs to the Les Fonts de lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Algar; the famous waterfalls that are situated only 1 km from Dino Park, 17 km from Benidorm and just a short distance from Callosa. You must pass the entrance to the waterfalls and continue along the same narrow road before you are met with a huge real life-like dinosaur at the entrance to the car park. Well, the attraction is that you actually get to see the first life like example before you even get into the park so that sets off the mood and excitement for the kids and is the start of the Dino Park experience. Upon arrival I was met by the park director Lenka. We

had a guided walk through the park and took the time to take in some of the breath-taking views across the valley of Callosa. There are many photo opportunities that include standing with the dinosaurs in the beautiful wellgroomed botanical gardens. The day out is suitable for all ages who appreciate the dinosaurs from a very young age and through to teenagers and adults who continue to be fascinated by the life of these incredible creatures from over 130 million years ago. It really is amazing to be stood by a real life like moving model that is so incredibly realistic. The first model took my little one, Giovanni, who is three and a half, by complete surprise and actually made

him a little scared. This creature looked like a giant lizard and is known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Allosaurus,â&#x20AC;? a Carnivore of 12 meters in length. The movement of the head and tail together with the movement of the breathing body was enough to make even an older child a bit nervous. Lenka told me that most little ones were a little nervous at the beginning of the journey through the park but most got comfortable along the way and towards the end were simply in love with all of the dinosaurs. There is a play area for very young toddlers and a large sand pit for slightly older kids to have some recreational time

on their own. Also, there is an area for tuition about the history and evolution of the Dinosaur world. The botanical gardens are also part of the attraction with a host of amazing Cactus varieties spread across the park that not only makes the park look and feel so real but also to allow the older generation to see some of the most perfect plants. In addition to the many real life dinosaur models there is a 3D Cinema experience with a short film that helps one to imagine the size and sheer brilliance of such creatures. To cool off there is a large paddling pool and a snack bar with hot dogs and other quick snacks and drinks. As well as a number of well-shaded

picnic areas and places to sit down you can take as much time as one would like to enjoy the fabulous park. I have some wonderful photos that give you a taste of the fun to be had by all at the Dino Park Algar. For those who have the time and the energy to visit the waterfalls on the same day it is a great idea as the locations are so close. From my recommendation, the Dino Park is a must for all families and individuals who love to take in some great scenery together with fun for the children who just love dinosaurs. For information and bookings 636 277 466 email algar@dinopark.es Open from 10am to 6pm

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Clubs & Charities Ladies That Lunch on top of the world!

AROUND 50 members of Javea U3A’s Ladies That Lunch Group enjoyed the best views in town at their latest meeting. They met at Attico restaurant, atop the Hotel Javea in the port, where they lapped up a tasty three-course lunch as well as a stunning bird’s-eye view of the bay. The get-together was organised by group leaders Sally Wells and Katrina Frost, who always strive to find somewhere enjoyable and a bit different. And the ladies’ other

halves were not left out completely – 10 of the “abandonados”, as they are affectionately known, met for lunch at the nearby Restaurante Ca Maria. Photo by Ladies That Lunch member Linda Coughlin

April 24th

Grant a Wish B

Fresh Flowers

Printed Clothing

Books / Novels

Celebration Cakes

Children's Books

Greetings Cards

Reconditioned Clothing Photocopying Printing

U3A Marina Baixa, April General Meeting. Last Monday, the U3A Marina Baixa held their Monthly General Meeting at the Casa de Cultura, Alfaz del Pi. There were 161 Members in attendance, including 2 New Members, plus 5 visitors. Following the Meeting, Roy Gough gave us a very interesting and amusing talk entitled “A Trip Down Memory Lane” and had the audience singing the Old songs, which we all remember so well from our youth! Several of the Members then enjoyed a lovely meal at the Hogar del Pensionista, Alfaz del Pi. U3A Marina Baixa holds its general meetings on the fourth Monday of each month in the auditorium at the Casa de Cultura, Alfaz del Pi. The next Meeting is on Monday the 22nd May, the doors open at 10am

and the desks close at 10.50am for a prompt 11.00 am start, please come early to sign in and get your seat! If you have not heard of this Association and would like to join, please visit www.u3amarinabaixa.com or our Facebook page, to find out more information. If you do not have internet access, please contact the secretary, Joan Flint on 96 586 1226 or Mobile 663 637 167.

The Benidorm and district branch of the Royal British Legion are organising a series of short and informative talks on health matters for our members and their friends. The first such talk will be at 12.00hrs on Friday May 5. after the Branch General Meeting. Although the various speakers will be mostly professionals in the health field the talks are not intended as a marketing tool but to advise and inform.

The branch meets at Ciudad Patricia Seniors Resort C/Rumania Benidorm the first Friday of each month at 11.00hrs. There are bar and restaurant facilities available and visitors are welcome. The first talk will be given by Fay Gallagher who will speak of the importance regular medical eye tests and most frequent eye conditions in older people that can be detected in the early stages by such tests.

Legion Branch Series Of Talks

Javea Old Town Market Square 96 500 8816 Come and enjoy fund raising!

U3A Vall Del Pop: Wine Tasting / Corcovo Last Wednesday, 19th April, a full house of 40 members of the U3A Vall del Pop attended a wine tasting, held at Casa Claudia in Jalon, where Franco Valori presented five Corcovo wines from the Bodegas J.A. Megia e Hijos in La Mancha. The presented wines where two white wines, one Rosado and two red. The wines were presented with the usual explanations of how to view the clarity, enjoy the “nose” and finally experience the taste, with fruity flavour comprising of apples, mango, peaches, strawberry and even liquorice being advised as being present depending upon the type of wine. The two whites, the Rosado and the first red where young wines of last year’s crop with the last red, Reserva, a wine in its 5th year after being laid down for 15 months in oak barrels, stored underground to maintain standard temperature and humidity. For me the judgement of a good wine is focused on the flavour in the mouth, others imagined how the wine would be sitting by the pool or after / during

a fine meal. Needless to say, the opinions were many and varied, and seemed to grow louder as the tastings progressed, which in itself is often a good judge of the wines! Throughout the tasting we were served an excellent variety of tapas, by Claudia and her team, which complimented the wines and prepared our palates for the next bottles. Why not join us next month at another wine tasting experience? For further information check our website [http://u3avalldelpop. com]. The U3A is all about enjoyment and learning, and this is particularly evident in the U3A Vall del Pop group, whose members generally meet on the first Thursday of each month at the Centre Polivalent in Murla.

April 24th

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What do Pension Freedoms really mean for Expats living in Spain? In 2006, the UK introduced legislation that allows more flexibility in the way people can access their Private and Company Pensions. The potential benefits of doing this has led to 100,000s of Expats having more control over their pensions, consolidating multiple pensions into a single scheme to reduce costs, benefitting from penalty free, flexible access from as early as 55 and allowing for a substantially increased inheritance for both their spouse and children. The easiest way to explain how Pension Freedoms can benefit those looking to retire in Spain is to give you a typical scenario. Jane, our fictitious client, is 53 and lives in Spain with her husband. Her 2 adult children live in the UK. Jane worked for a UK bank for 12 years and built up benefits in a Final Salary Pension Scheme. Her scheme Normal Retirement Date is 65, and she will be entitled to an annual pension of £8,500 per year on her 65th birthday. If Jane were to pass away, her husband would be entitled to a 50% spouses pension with nothing going to her children. Due to Pension Freedoms, she must have the option to leave her existing scheme and transfer to an HMRC recognised pension. This could be, for example, to a UK SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) or a QROPS (Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) depending on her personal circumstances and future requirements. Her existing pension provider must make a calculation from figures provided by the government to ascertain how much the client will be offered to leave the scheme. This number is called a Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV). In this example, based on figures I have received for clients with similar benefits in the past, the CETV £238,000. Jane now has the option to leave her current scheme and open a private pension with a £238,000 balance. Rather than waiting to 65, or suffering a dramatically reduced pension to access early via her existing scheme, Jane can access this £238,000 flexibly from her 55th birthday. When she passes away she can leave the full pension pot to her beneficiaries rather than her husband getting a 50% reduced annual pension and her children being entitled to nothing. The chart below illustrates how Jane could start drawing £12,000 per year from age 55 from her new pension pot of £238,000 and subject to growth of 4% per year after any fees, Jane would still have a pot of £99,725.14 at her estimated life expectancy of 88, which could be passed onto her spouse or children. This contrasts with her scheme pension of £8,500 per annum, available from 65, which offers only a 50% spouses pension and nothing for her children. Clearly, for a client in the right circumstances, a transfer could offer substantial benefits. An important factor to consider is that transferring a pension from a final salary scheme means sacrificing effectively guaranteed benefits for non-guaranteed benefits and a full review of your circumstances must be undertaking before a recommendation to transfer can be given. Figures given in the example show you what can be achieved, however the level of return cannot be guaranteed; your personal

appetite for risk and the length of time you invest for will affect your potential returns or losses; it is important to remember that the value of your investments can go down as well as up. Chorus Financial offer pension solutions from some of the biggest financial institutions in the World including Old Mutual and The Prudential, with the option to have your pension funds managed in the UK by FCA regulated fund managers. Where this option is taken, members would be entitled to protection under the UK FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme). Expats in Spain can have their UK Private and Company pensions fully analysed free of charge, without obligation, simply by filling out a 2-minute form. This way you can be fully aware of your pension options, and in a better position to plan for your retirement. The pension form can be emailed or posted to you or you can visit our office to complete it. If you would like a copy of the form or more information please either call me direct on 664 398 702 or email s.kelly@chorusfinancial.es. Sam Kelly is a regulated Financial Planner and Financial Commentator based on the Costa Blanca, with over 15 years’ experience of financial markets and portfolio management in both the UK and Spain. Chorus Financial is a trading style of Tourbillon Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Commission (Gibraltar), Licence Number FSC1118B and registered with the UK FCA as an EEA Authorised firm,

Article by Sam Kelly, Managing Partner, Chorus Financial.

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April 24th

Euro holding election gains, pound recovers losses against US dollar What’s been happening? The euro was Monday’s currency winner, recording (and holding) notable gains against the majors thanks to the outcome of Sunday’s first round of voting in the French election. With one of the anti-EU candidates, left-wing Jean-Luc Melenchon, out of the running, the odds of a ‘Frexit’ were reduced, and demand for the common currency surged. Although far-right Marine Le Pen made it through to the second round, recent polls see her commanding just over 30% of the final vote – with centrist Emmanuel Macron taking more than 60%. In a surprising move, Le Pen has temporarily stepped down as leader of the National Front in hopes that campaigning ‘above partisan considerations’ will encourage supporters of the defeated candidates to back her when it’s time to return to the polls.

While the pound fell by over 1% against a rallying euro, the British currency was able to claw back some of its losses against the US dollar as Federal Reserve rate hike expectations remain deflated following President Donald Trump’s recent comments about preferring a low interest rate policy. The only UK data of the day revealed that the postreferendum depreciation in the pound meant that factories experienced the best three month period for exports for more than six years between February and April. Less positively, plans for investment have fallen dramatically in response to continued uncertainty about the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU.

What’s coming up? UK public borrowing figures could have an impact on the pound in the hours ahead, but

other than those numbers the only potentially currencymoving data on the calendar for today is the US consumer confidence report for April. Although sentiment is believed to have fallen, if the gauge comes in at 122.5 (as expected) it will still be above the historical average. The GBP/AUD exchange rate is likely to experience volatility overnight as RBA Governor Philip Lowe delivers a speech and Australia publishes inflation data for the first quarter. If Lowe hints that concerns about the domestic housing and labour market could warrant a change in monetary policy, we could see significant movement from the Australian dollar. The next UK news of note – consumer confidence figures and domestic growth data for the first quarter – isn’t due for release until Friday so in the meantime political developments and external events are likely to be the main cause of GBP fluctuations. We’re here to talk currency whenever you need us, so get in touch if you want to know more about the latest news or how it could impact your currency transfers.

Carretera Moraira A Teulada, 5, Edificio Benidorm 7 (behind the taxi rank on high street), 03724 Moraira, Alicante, Spain Call Now +34 966 26 50 72

Holiday race row

By Simon Russel

One of Spain’s most widely used holiday platforms, Airbnb, has run into a fresh controversy after an Asian guest in the USA was turned away from a property they had booked just minutes before they got there. Korean-American Dyne Suh’s white boyfriend had booked the holiday, but when Dyne contacted the hosts and they realised she was Asian they promptly cancelled the stay. The property owner said “One word say’s it all: Asian. It’s why we voted for Trump.” The whole event was captured by friends and loaded onto YouTube. After Airbnb were informed they immediately removed the offending hosts

from their site calling their actions “abhorrent”. Airbnb users have been accused in the past of using the photo that clients are obliged to send when booking to racially profile potential guests. The site has also been fined recently in Valencia for advertising unregistered properties on their site.

London FTSE 1000 23/04/2017 Name III ADM AAL ANTO AHT ABF AZN AV. BAB BA. BARC BDEV BLT BP. BATS BLND BT.A BNZL BRBY CPI CCL CNA CCH CPG CTEC CRH CRDA DCC DGE DLG DC. EZJ EXPN FRES GKN GSK GLEN HMSO HL. HIK HSBA IMB INF IHG IAG

3i Group Plc Admiral Group Anglo American Antofagasta Holdings Ashtead Group plc Associated British Foods plc AstraZeneca plc Aviva plc Babcock International Group BAE Systems plc Barclays plc Barratt Developments plc BHP Billiton plc BP Plc British American Tobacco plc British Land Co plc BT Group plc Bunzl plc Burberry Group plc Capita plc Carnival plc Centrica plc Coca-Cola HBC AG Compass Group plc ConvaTec Group Plc CRH plc Croda International plc DCC plc Diageo plc Direct Line Insurance Group plc Dixons Carphone plc easyJet plc Experian Plc Fresnillo GKN plc GlaxoSmithKline plc Glencore plc Hammerson Hargreaves Lansdown plc Hikma Pharmaceuticals HSBC Holdings plc Imperial Brands Group Informa plc InterContinental Hotels Group plc International Consolidated Airlines Group SA ITRK Intertek Group plc INTU Intu Properties plc ITV ITV plc JMAT Johnson Matthey Plc KGF Kingfisher LAND Land Securities Group plc LGEN Legal & General Group plc LLOY Lloyds Banking Group plc LSE London Stock Exchange Group plc MKS Marks & Spencer Group plc MDC Mediclinic International plc MERL Merlin Entertainments plc MCRO Micro Focus International plc MNDI Mondi Plc MRW Morrison (Wm) Supermarkets NG. National Grid NXT Next plc OML Old Mutual Plc PPB Paddy Power Betfair plc PSON Pearson plc PSN Persimmon plc PFG Provident Financial plc PRU Prudential plc RRS Randgold Resources RB. Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc REL RELX plc RIO Rio Tinto plc RR. Rolls Royce Holdings Plc RBS Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc RDSA Royal Dutch Shell Plc A Shares RDSB Royal Dutch Shell Plc B Shares RMG Royal Mail PLC RSA RSA Insurance Group SGE Sage Group plc SBRY Sainsbury (J) plc SDR Schroders plc SVT Severn Trent Plc SHP Shire plc SKY Sky plc SN. Smith & Nephew plc SMIN Smiths Group Plc SKG Smurfit Kappa Group Plc SSE SSE plc STJ St James’s Place Plc STAN Standard Chartered plc SL. Standard Life plc TW. Taylor Wimpey plc TSCO Tesco plc TUI TUI AG ULVR Unilever plc UU. United Utilities Group Plc VOD Vodafone Group plc WTB Whitbread plc WOS Wolseley plc WPG Worldpay Group plc WPP WPP plc

Current price (p) 729.5 1,901.00 1,186.50 784.5 1,698.00 2,633.00 4,815.00 543.5 899.5 635 230.2 536 1,275.50 463.5 5,139.00 611 331.6 2,301.00 1,817.00 568 4,541.00 220.9 1,962.00 1,513.00 255.5 2,861.00 3,639.00 7,005.00 2,271.00 347.5 305 984.5 1,638.00 1,436.00 371.4 1,677.50 314.9 583 1,321.00 2,135.00 672.1 3,859.50 647.5 3,850.00 565

Day change

3,875.00 279.9 207.2 2,952.00 336.8 1,044.00 249.4 68.54 3,056.00 337.8 756.5 495.6 2,192.00 1,890.00 233.1 980.6 3,970.00 226.4 8,850.00 672 2,118.00 2,952.00 1,664.50 6,965.00 7,276.00 1,539.00 3,304.50 762 241.3 2,120.50 2,222.00 407.8 591 650.5 269 3,137.00 2,339.00 4,937.00 987.5 1,235.00 1,574.00 2,216.00 1,510.00 1,093.00 742.9 371.5 194.1 191 1,156.00 3,989.50 978 203.35 3,882.00 5,015.00 291.9 1,711.00

20 2.4 -0.5 41 1.3 4 0.6

4.5 -3 46 36.5 20 2 55.5 2.5 5.5 -2

0.62% -0.16% 4.03% 4.88% 1.19% 0.08% 1.17% 0.46% 0.62% -0.31% -0.71% -0.19% 31 2.49% -7.2 -1.53% 31 0.61% -1.5 -0.24% -3.17% -6 -0.26% 13 0.72% 23.5 4.32% -20 -0.44% -1.9 -0.85% 14 0.72% 3 0.20% -0.9 -0.35% -23 -0.80% -4 -0.11% 5 0.07% 2 0.09% 2.5 0.72% 0.2 0.07% 7.5 0.77% 12 0.74% 76 5.59% -0.1 -0.03% 5 0.30% 4.35 1.40% 2 0.34% 2 0.15% -4 -0.19% 5.4 0.81% 12 0.31% 1.5 0.23% 0 0.00% -1.5 -0.26% 0.52% 0.86% -0.24% 1.41% 0.39% 0.38% 0.24% -0.32% -4 -0.13% -0.30% 11.5 1.54% -1.3 -0.26% 17 0.78% 11 0.59% -1.1 -0.47% 1.9 0.19% 4 0.10% 2.6 1.16% 35 0.40% -4.5 -0.67% 10 0.47% -7 -0.24% 21 1.28% 120 1.75% -45 -0.61% 4 0.26% 126 3.96% 7.5 0.99% -3.7 -1.51% 7 0.33% 12.5 0.57% 2.3 0.57% -0.17% 4.5 0.70% 2.6 0.98% 9 0.29% 5 0.21% 46.5 0.95% -5.5 -0.55% -4 -0.32% 42 2.74% 16 0.73% 7 0.47% 10 0.92% 1.6 0.22% -8.5 -2.24% 1.6 0.83% 2.2 1.17% 6 0.52% -46 -1.14% 6 0.62% -0.5 -0.25% -9 -0.23% 21 0.42% 3.4 1.18% 10 0.59%

April 24th

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Audi A5 Sportback The Audi A5 Sportback combines the stylish coupe looks of the A5 with some extra practicality, thanks to its rear doors and more practical hatchback tailgate. The engine range is strong, with punchy performance and good economy, plus build quality is impeccable. A more pragmatic buyer will be better off with an A4, but if you want some extra style it’s hard to fault the A5 Sportback. You do have to pay a few thousand pounds more over an A5 Coupe for those extra doors, but if you have children it’ll all

be worth it. But even more useful is the huge, power-operated hatchback, which makes for easy access to the sizeable 480 litre boot. It’s far easier to get child seats and buggies in and out than in the A5 Coupe or even the A4 saloon. Up front the A5 Sportback is, in typical Audi fashion, almost flawless. The driving position is excellent, material quality is superb and all the minor controls for audio or climate are easy to make sense of. It’s good to drive too, in an unflustered, capable sort of way – but if you’re a keen

driver then a BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe will raise more smiles on a twisting country road. Go for an entry-level 2.0 TDI diesel and you’ll get a manual transmission, but most A5 Sportbacks come with a smooth seven-speed S tronic auto. Engine noise is hushed even in the four-cylinder diesel and CO2 emissions are as low as 106g/ km, which will keep company car tax bills down. Even the 252PS petrol has surprisingly low emissions of 136g/km. There’s also a 354PS S5 if you want serious performance. Standard equipment includes three-zone climate control, Audi Smartphone Interface for connecting Android and Apple phones, Bluetooth, DAB, cruise

control and active safety tech including auto emergency brakes. Going for higher grades adds largely cosmetic equipment, which leaves plenty on the options list including fancy Matrix LED headlights, along with numerous upholstery finishes. You can also get larger diesel and AdBlue tanks at no cost. If you want coupe styling with an added sprinkle of practicality then the Audi A5 Sportback fits the bill perfectly – but the looks do mean rear passenger space is limited in comparison to an A4. The A4 is cheaper and has a broader engine range too, so it’s a smarter buy for a more pragmatic motorist – but if you are willing to pay more for good looks, the A5 Sportback is great.

In Automotive History This week in 1918 the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneuz began near Amiens in northern France during World War 1. This battle is notable because it is recorded as the first conflict in which a tank-versus-tank fight occurred during war. The fight occurred when a group of three German A7V tanks advanced on three British Mark IV tanks. Two of the British tanks were armed only with machine

guns, while one had a 6 pound gun. The lead Mark IV fired on the lead German tank and hit it, disabling it. The British tank continued to fire on the remaining German tanks, which finally withdrew. The Brits continued to advance on the Germans with support of Whippet light tanks, but they were eventually disabled by German artillery fire. Eventually the British, with support of Australian and French

British Mark IV Tank

April 24th

Caught on camera

By Simon Russel

THERE were a total of 51,179 traffic fines issued for speeding in the Alicante Province last year just from the areas twelve busiest fixed speed cameras, an increase of 4% on 2015. However the reliability of the network as a whole is being queried. One camera on the Alicante-Alcoy road for example failed to record a single speeding vehicle although appearing to function normally. Conversely, another on the N-332 near Benidorm went from zero fines in 2015 to over 4,000 last year.

Drivers are also becoming aware of the cameras locations which has resulted in a 50% drop in those caught speeding through the A-70 Sant Joan tunnel for example, which has cameras either end. While part of the reason for speed cameras is to get drivers to slow down the authorities are concerned that drivers with an extensive knowledge of the network could be speeding in-between the cameras. For this reason patrol vehicles and other methods of detection are still important.

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Unsung life savers

By Simon Russel

NOT everyone realises what a major part of their job attending traffic accidents is for firemen across the Valencian Community. Figures for 2016 show that the Valencian bomberos attended 932 traffic accidents last year and 188 of these involved extracting people from wreckage. They were at the scene of the accident in less that fifteen minutes in over 70% of cases and this quick response rate in itself will have saved many lives.

Josep Bort, President of the Valencian Firefighters Consortium said “Helping victims in traffic accidents is one of our main duties and we will continue to invest in the teams to ensure they have the latest equipment and training.” He went on to say that it was an unfortunate fact of life that firefighters had to attend to casualties on an almost daily basis. The busiest day of the week for traffic incident call out’s was Sunday while the busiest month was May.

April 24th

Entertainment

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