31 December 2019 - 6 January 2020

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31ST DECEMBER 2019 - 6TH JANUARY 2020 - EDITION 819

Your Essential Weekly Read

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New Year Honours List includes two beloved locals Two dearly beloved local expats here on the Southern Costa Blanca are among nine UK nationals in Spain named in the New Year Honours List.

Continued on page 3

See Main Adverts on pages 32 & 33

Stevie

Maureen

Your next edition Please note that due to printer closures next week, your next edition of the Costa Blanca People will be delivered on Wednesday 8th January. Happy New Year to all of our readers and advertisers!

SEE PAGE 18

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News

CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

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A new type of resolution for 2020 Since there is no specific European directive aimed at the recycling of clothing (such legislation will be introduced in 2024 when we will be required to recycle old clothing, shoes and other so called domestic textiles), it is no surprise that the figures for clothing recycling in Spain are not great. In fact, they are abysmal.

Currently, 96% of old textiles in Spain end up in landfill because they are thrown out alongside household waste.

A study entitled Municipal Textile Waste: The Unknown Reality, calculated that the average person in the Valencian Community generates 48 kilos of textile waste per year. Only 1.96% of a person’s textile waste is repurposed – the rest goes to landfill.

Old clothes and shoes account for around 10% of all urban waste in the Alicante province, a by-product of the recent trend for fast fashion.

An influential 2017 study by the Ellen McArthur Foundation argues that the number of times we wear a garment since we bought it until we get rid of it has dropped 36% worldwide.

That rapid rejection forces an equally rapid replenishment, so

that in that same period the production of new clothes increased across the globe. The industry, it is estimated, went from introducing 50,000 million garments in 2000 to 100,000 million in 2015 – double in just five years. There are many reasons to be concerned about this level of growth, but there is one terrifying fact that trumps them all: the greenhouse gas emissions of the textile industry are higher than all air and sea traffic combined.

The trend towards fast fashion sees consumers buying greater quantities of worse quality clothing. In fact, researchers point out that low-cost fashion makes it difficult to sell clothing secondhand in other countries. Clothes are an everyday necessity, and for many an important expression of individuality. Yet the industry’s

current take-make-dispose model is the root cause of many environmental impacts and substantial economic value loss.

Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is landfilled or burned. An estimated USD 500 billion value is lost every year due to clothing that’s barely worn and rarely recycled. If nothing changes, by 2050 the fashion industry will use up a quarter of the world’s carbon budget. As well as being wasteful, the industry is polluting: clothes release half a million tonnes of microfibres into the ocean every year, equivalent to more than 50 billion plastic bottles.

Microfibres are likely impossible to clean up and can enter food chains.

With most of our clothing and shoes here in Spain ending up in landfill, consumers are being encouraged to make a new sort of resolution for 2020 – to be mindful of textile waste. There is a huge array of charity shops and dress agencies here on the southern Costa Blanca where you could find yourself a unique, vintage gem of an outfit – after all, we are about to enter the 20s once more!

BITE SIZE NEWS: January Blood Drive

On Saturday 4th January, Torrevieja will hold its 15th blood drive in the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre. The event is being held by the town hall in collaboration with the Blood Transfusion Centre of the Valencian Community and will take place from 9.30am to 1.30pm and again from 5pm to 8.30pm.

Officials hope to attract as many as 150 donors to the event.

Councillor for Health, Diana Box, revealed that the blood drive has been taking place in Torrevieja since 2004 and that Torrevieja residents are among the most generous when it comes do donating blood – in fact, there are 1716 registered donors in Torrevieja which is much more than many other towns of a similar population. In 2019 alone, 1400 donations of blood were made in Torrevieja.

The Alicante province needs 250 donations per day to cover the needs to patients including those undergoing oncology treatment, surgery, childbirth and at the scenes of accidents.

Donors must be aged between 18 and 65, be in good health, and weigh more than 50kg. There are restrictions on donors from the UK so to find out more, go to http://centrotransfusión.san.gva.es - the website also has information about donation points around the Valencian Community.

PP youth members gather food The young members of the PP party held a solidarity event on Christmas Eve which resulted in the collection of over 300 kilos of food and €124 in donations for the charity Alimentos Solidarios.

The group started a ‘solidarity line’ which encouraged members of the public to add non perishable food items to a line of donations which wound its way down Calle Concepción.

Skaters Day This Saturday, January 4th, Torrevieja’s Councillor for Youth is hosting ‘Skaters and Rollers Day’, a skating event set to take place on Paseo Vistalegre. The event is being held in conjunction with a number of skating groups from the town including Torrevieja Patina, Torrevieja Skating Club and the Halcones hockey team.

A series of ramps and obstacles will be erected along the paseo to allow participants to practice skateboarding, rollerblading and scootering.

In addition, a full programme of activities is being offered for free from 11am including customising skateboards, tyedie tshirts and more. At 12 noon, professional skating and scootering demos will be held and at 1pm, a skateboarding masterclass will be offered for all attendees.

The event will draw to a close with skateboarding and freestyle scooter games at 4.30pm.

Diana Box, councillor for youth, Continued on page 5

News

CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

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Continued from page 1 Maureen Payne and Stevie Spit are well known locally for their charity work and locals are delighted that both have been honoured by the Queen.

When not working in Spain as one of the Costa Blanca’s top female impersonators, Stevie dedicates much of his time to fundraising and has personally assisted scores of charities.

Among those he has helped are the Elche Children’s Care Home, he almost singlehandedly raised enough money to send Natasha Lynch to the USA for lifesaving medical treatment and, at great risk to himself, he took his drag act to Kabul, where he raised thousands of dollars for local causes.

HMA Hugh Elliott said, “Stevie (as most people know him) is a truly inspirational fundraiser.

His enthusiasm is such that whenever he organises one of his many impromptu charity fundraisers it is almost a guaranteed success, such is his support from the local Costa Blanca community.”

Stevie said: “In the years when I was flitting in and out of Afghanistan, under the radar of the Taliban in order to raise desperately needed funds for war-torn children, I never dreamed in a million years it would lead to me being awarded a BEM. I'm feeling very honoured to be recognised in this way.

“I would like to thank everyone who supports my fundraising – it wouldn’t be possible without their help. Also, thank you to everyone who wrote a letter to support my nomination for this award – in particular Tasha Lynch, who despite going through an incredibly tough time with her own health, took time to write a really heartfelt letter to the honours committee. I’m hoping to arrange some much needed help for Tasha very soon and will announce details about that in the coming week or so.”

Maureen Payne, President of Age Concern, Costa Blanca Sur, was also awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to British Nationals Overseas in the New Year Honours List.

Maureen has been a volunteer for Age Concern for 15 years, nine of those as president. She works tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the organisation and is a wonderful ambassador. Since Maureen became the president of Age Concern she has helped triple the number of volunteers

and has been instrumental in the expansion of the services it offers. One of the things she has personally driven forward is an initiative to work closely with the local doctor’s surgery to discuss support for the elderly in the area.

HMA Hugh Elliott said, “It is extraordinary to see nine British nationals awarded at the same time – a real testament to the depth and diversity of the UK-Spain relationship and to the contribution that so many British nationals make to their communities across Spain. Many of our expat communities have a large elderly population and for them organisations like Age Concern are a real lifeline. The dedication of people like Maureen is remarkable and this honour is very well deserved.”

Maureen Payne said: “I am truly honoured to have been awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of my years with Age Concern; work that has given me enormous pleasure.”

The nine UK nationals named in the New Year Honours List are: ❧ An MBE to Mr Mark Petrie, Honorary Consul, Denia, Spain. “For services to British Nationals Overseas.” ❧ An MBE to Dr Charles Betty, Charity and Community Worker in Spain; retired. “For services to British Nationals Overseas.” ❧ An MBE to Mr Christopher Mark Dottie, President, British Chamber of Commerce, Spain. “For services to British business in Spain.” ❧ A British Empire Medal (BEM) to Mrs Christine (Krista) Ann Hyer, President, Cancer support Group, Mallorca. “For services to the British Nationals Overseas.” ❧ A BEM to Mr Brian Thomas McLeod (Stevie Spit), Entertainer, Spain. “For services to charity.” ❧ A BEM to Mrs Betty Burgess, volunteer, Las Palmas, Spain. “For services to British Nationals Overseas.” ❧ A BEM to Mrs Maureen Payne, President, Age Concern, Costa Blanca Sur, Alicante, Spain. “For services to British Nationals Overseas.” ❧ A BEM to Mrs Sheila Stuart, Chairperson, British Ladies Association, Madrid, Spain. “For services to British Nationals Overseas.” ❧ A BEM to Mrs Veronica Wheeler, President, British Benevolent Association of Girona, Spain. “For services to British Nationals Overseas.”

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Pantomime Treasure Island CANCELLED The Rojales Pantomime Group is extremely sad to advise that, due to circumstances totally beyond its control, the pantomime they have been rehearsing for the past four months has had to be CANCELLED. This production was due to be performed at The Cardenal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio on January 30/31st and February 1st.

Anyone who has purchased tickets can get a FULL REFUND by returning the tickets to where they were bought.

For any further information please

contact Christine on 678 212 034 or email shimserv@gmail.com The group is very sad that they cannot perform this very funny pantomime for you at this time, and that various charities will not benefit from the money they would have donated. The group told the Costa Blanca People, “The show must always go on and we hope to be able to perform this panto at a later date…oh yes we will!”

The Rojales Pantomime Group wish a Happy New Year to you all.

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CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

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Record year for Alicante­Elche Airport Alicante Airport has processed over 15 million passengers this year, 8% more than in 2018, a figure which places the airport among the busiest in Europe.

Airport management firm AENA estimates that over the Christmas period – between December 20th and January 7th – the airport will deal with over 700,000 passengers which will be a record for the popular airport.

So far over the Christmas period, Saturday 21st was the busiest day at the airport with a

total of 48,262 passengers passing through. The quietest day over the festive season was Christmas day itself with only 13,062 people travelling.

With these new figures, Alicante-Elche airport moves up a category and joins Europe’s busiest airports including Barajas, Palma, El Prat and Malaga in Spain and London, Athens and Milan in Europe – all of which deal with between 15 and 25 million passengers annually.

Winter sunseekers are key to

the airport’s success with residential tourism a huge factor in the impressive figures.

The United Kingdom continues to be the main passenger ‘issuer’ to Alicante-Elche airport with a total of 1.9 million passengers, representing an increase of 4.4% a figure which confirms that, for the moment, Brexit has not yet had a negative effect the tourism sector the Costa Blanca.

Ryanair is once again the airline with the most scheduled flights to and from Alicante-Elche.

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CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

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BITE SIZE Classic Car Club goes from strength to strength NEWS: Continued from page 3

revealed that the town hall wants to find new ways to promote skating and is studying a number of options including the creation of new skating lanes and skate parks.

Another donation for AFA Fundraisers David and Lorraine Whitney were very happy to present the AFA Alzheimer’s Association of Torrevieja with a further donation of 473 euro which was the total raised at the recent Marina Bar event "Mingle Bells" on Fri 13th December. Together with Rita and Dave Monaghan of the bar the event, previous years, was another triumph for the team.

A rest now before new unique events in 2020 which are already in the planning stages.

Carols in Rojales Every Friday a faithful group of the Age Concern Residential Home Volunteer Team visit the Care Home in Rojales to take many British and International residents of the home out for a stroll around the town. They stop for coffee but, more importantly, converse in their own language to volunteers. On Friday 13th December, as in every year for the past 15 years, and in conjunction with the Care Home, Christmas Carols and songs were sung in English and Spanish by the very community spirited Rascals Choir. Many of the residents joined in the singing, clapped and danced. Highlight of the afternoon was a visit from Papa Noel distributing gifts of chocolates to everyone, followed by the trolley laden with beverages (not tea or coffee!) and cakes. Irene, manager of the visiting team, has spent over 10 years in this role along with many volunteers and she couldn't imagine doing anything else on a Friday. This is a truly win, win situation where residents and volunteers alike thoroughly enjoy their strolls, coffee and chats as it's such a worthwhile, rewarding and satisfying afternoon. If you think you could spare one or two Friday afternoons a month taking these residents out for their weekly stroll, please don't hesitate to contact Age Concern by phoning 966 786 887. Visit the website and get further information about Age Concern on www.ageconcerncostablancasur.org You'll be amazed at what you read.

Club Torrevieja Classics & Specialists Cars is going from strength to strength under the leadership of the President Gaynor Hall.

The club now has 28 members with cars and 17 associate members.

The club meets on the first Wednesday

of the month at Restaurant El Nacional, Punta Prima at 7.30pm. (Except January which will be a week later than usual).

Once a month an event is held which consists of either a drive to a particular place of interest, a visit to somewhere, a treasure hunt or driving skills tests,

ending up at a restaurant for a meal.

Some of the events this year have been: Almond Blossom Run, St Patrick's Day Parade, Cartegena Track Day, El Fondo National Park, El Faro Lighthouse, BBQ at El Rancho, Run to Hondon through the mountains, Curry Lunch at Punjabi Palace, Treasure Hunt around the San Miguel area and lakes, Cars on display at the first San Miguel Classic Car show and a visit to

a car museum at Roldan.

They also have an Anniversary Dinner in October where trophies are presented and a Christmas Party, which this year was held at The Rendezvous Restaurant.

And to end the year on Dia de los Inocentes, they hold a driving skills test followed by team mini golf and lunch.

The club has a mixture of English, German, Dutch and Scandinavian members.

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CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

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San Fulgencio to improve flood defence The Mayor of San Fulgencio José Sampere Ballester welcomed the General Director of Water for the Generalitat Valenciana, Manuel Aldeguer who visited the town this week in order to discuss new flood defence projects. The pair talked about ways in which the town could avoid flooding and it was agreed that San Fulgencio will serve as a model within the Defence against Floods in the Vega Baja plan, which is being developed by the

Valencian Government.

Manuel Aldeguer explanined that the project will have two criteria – one will be to ensure the rapid drainage of floodwaters and the other to protect populated areas.

San Fulgencio is being chosen as a model for this project because as the director general points out, it is emblematic: “It was flooded in 1987 and again this year.”

The proposals include a pumping system in order that rainwater drainage can be sped up. “This,” explained the Mayor, “will prevent the worst from happening as after DANA, San Fulgencio had floodwater for more than twenty days.” It is hope that the same solutions can be applied to other towns so that the projects undertaken in San Fulgencio can be extrapolated to other places around the Vega Baja.

A grand donation for Age Concern It was with grateful thanks that Maureen Payne, President of Age Concern, received a donation of 1000 euros from the prolific fundraising team Charity4Charities at El Unica Bar in Rojales. Age Concern was amongst 14 other very worthwhile recipients of donations most of whom were present at this prestigious event.

Charity4Charities spend every week of the year holding auctions where all the proceeds go direct to their chosen charities.

This hardworking team made up by President Sandra Knott, Dave Smith Vice President and Rachel Tennant Treasurer and committee members

enthusiastically and passionately give their time and effort to raising an extortionate amount of funds all in the name of charity and are to be highly commended for their valiant efforts. In Age Concerns case the donation will immediately go to maintaining all the services available to vulnerable people to ensure they live their lives happily and securely in their golden years as Age Concern is renowned for. For more information on all of the services, events and activities Age Concern offer can be seen on the website www.ageconcerncostablancasur.org.

Bumper year for Spangles Spangles Ladies’ Harmony Chorus is always busy in the lead up to Christmas each year, but 2019 has been a bumper year for festive events. Starting in November, they sang at 12 Christmas events, ending with a standing ovation at the U3A Christmas meeting in Torrevieja on 16 December.

Spangles also supported fundraising events for local charities MABS San Javier, Cruz Azul Murcia and Finca La Castellana in San Miguel de Salinas. “It’s been a very busy year for the chorus, but Christmas is our favourite time” said Chorus Manager, Lyn. “We get great pleasure in giving something back to the community and we certainly do that with our support of local charities throughout the year, and singing at Los Arcos Hospital and the Residencia Lozar in Pozo Aledo).”

The highlight of 2019 was being invited to take part in a global project, backed by WWF and Universal Studios, to raise awareness of climate change, a subject close to all the Spangles’ hearts. They were up for the challenge and submitted their version of the song, which was written by some of the world’s top

songwriters. “We’re proud to be a part of this worldwide project and we had great fun producing our own version of this beautiful song. We’ve experienced our own climate change problems here in Los Alcázares and it’s something we are passionate about” commented Musical Director, Wendy. You can find Spangles’ version of the Resolution Song on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k74PtGKvR4U Countries around the world are singing the Resolution Song in a

global show of solidarity with our planet. They're calling out to say: we will all make a change in 2020 to fight back against the climate and environmental crisis. Perhaps you’ve already started thinking about your New Year’s resolutions? Why not make it a resolution for the planet?

Your #planetresolution could be about what you eat, what you buy, how you travel, what you wear, what you grow, what you throw away and how you use your voice. Whatever it is, it will

count. Share your resolution on social media with the hashtags #Resolution2020#VoiceForThePla net and let’s spread the word.

The coming year promises to be just as busy for Spangles, with 15 activities already planned and more to come. Their fundraising Burns Night on 25 January was a sell-out within 24 hours of tickets going on sale and other fundraising events are in the pipeline to help them cover the costs of representing Spain in Mechelen, Belgium in April, at the ‘Battle of the Choirs’ A Cappella Festival.

“It’s something a bit different for Spangles to take part in and we get to meet choirs from other countries.

We’re looking forward to some special time together as a chorus.” Said Lyn. Spangles is a ladies’ a cappella chorus, singing in four part harmony. They rehearse every Thursday, from 10.15 am to 1.15 pm at Centro Municipal Las Claras, Calle Helena, Los Narejos, Los Alcázares and visitors are always welcome. If you’d like to book the chorus for an event or you are thinking about joining them, you can find out more on their website: www.spangleschorus.com or email info@spangleschorus.com

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CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

Local Soprano Verity Hall secures her place at The Royal Academy Of Music in London Popular singer and actress Verity made her name locally while playing principal lead roles such as Laurey in Oklahoma! and Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof for the local Musical Theatre Amateur Dramatics Company, Studio 32. From there she went on to join two prestigious choir groups, Melody Makers International and the In Harmony Chamber Choir under the baton of vocal coach Nigel Hopkins.

Verity has sung in many Concerts all over the Costa Blanca as lead soprano soloist and went on to do several concerts of her own where she was always accompanied by well known pianist Philip Mitchell.

With Verity’s beautiful voice growing, she found her main passion was for singing Opera. After a trip back to the Royal Opera House in London for a consultation with the world renowned vocal teacher Jack Livigni, she was offered a place at the MOSF (Mediterranean Opera Studio and Festival) in Sicily. The intensive six week course proved a great success, with Verity

making her Opera debut as Zerlina in the fully orchestrated Opera Don Giovanni

by Mozart.

On her return from Sicily she was advised by vocal coach and professional pianist Marek Ruszczynski to apply for The Royal Academy of Music in London.

She headed back in early December for a gruelling audition having to sing three arias in three different languages!

With the audition complete, she flew back to Spain to begin the nervous wait.

A week later she received the wonderful news that she would be offered a place at the Academy to study for the BMusHons Degree in Music.

Verity’s career has been closely followed by a warm and appreciative audience and although we will lose her from Concerts here in Spain for a while, I am sure we all wish her the very best of luck in her training at the Academy and hope that her future as a professional opera singer will grow for audiences to appreciate all over the world!

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Alicante medical team brings sight to Mauritania Over the course of a week, the Jorge Alió Foundation ‘Nouadhibou Vision Project’ treated a total of 830 patients and performed 130 surgeries during a medical expedition to Mauritania from Alicante.

A team of 16 ophthalmology and health science professionals undertook a humanitarian trip to Mauritania to improve the visual health of the population of Nouadhibou.

A total of 830 patients were treated free of charge over the course seven days.

130 of the patients treated by the team required surgery. Patients with very complex cases were treated at Nouadhibou Hospital, the largest ophthalmological center in Mauritania and Saharan Africa.

Five ophthalmic surgeons, five nurses, three optician-optometrists, one maintenance technician, a logistics volunteer and a person responsible for the general organisation travelled to Africa for a week to work as volunteers and treat patients, serving some of the most disadvantaged communities in Mauritania.

The delegation, led by María López Iglesias, president of the Jorge Alió Foundation, and Mr. Salah Edine Bechir, manager of the Nouadhibou Vision’ center also donated new medical and hospital equipment valued at €145,000.

The ‘Nouadhibou Vision Project’ for International Cooperation was created in 2007 with the mission of building the first ophthalmological hospital in Mauritania.

Verity playing the role of Zerlina in Don Giovanni at the MOSF in Sicily

It is an initiative of the Jorge Alió Foundation, chaired by María López Iglesias, and whose honorary president is Doctor Jorge Alió, Professor of Ophthalmology at the Miguel Hernández University (UMH) in Elche. Both of these respected medical professionals work tirelessly to promote the initiative which is a direct response to the lack of medical services – particularly specialized medicine such as ophthalmology, in the area.

To learn more about the ‘Nouadhibou Vision’ Project’ for International Cooperation in Mauritania, please visit http://fundacionalio.com/cooperacion.p hp

Alicante population on the rise Almost three quarters of the municipalities in the province of Alicante have seen an increase in the local population during 2019. Nearly 74% of towns in the Alicante province saw a population increase in 2019 making this the fastest growing province in the Valencian Community according to figures published by the Municipal Register. 104 of 141 towns in the province saw an increase in population over the last 12 months, in

comparison to 2018.

Almost all of the province’s coastal towns saw an increase in numbers and many saw a population gain for the first time since a continuous fall in numbers since 2013.

Guardamar, Santa Pola, El Campello, Altea, Calpe, Torrevieja and Orihuela all draw 2019 to a close with more inhabitants on the books than last year.

The two major cities, Alicante and Elche, have also seen resident numbers

increase to 334,877 and 323,517 people, respectively, according to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE).

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CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

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Alicante linked to cash counterfeiting ring Europol and the national police have arrested 11 people involved in a huge multi-national fake money scam operating across Europe. Five of the arrests were in Spain, with some in Alicante, where officers seized thousands of forged 50 and 20 euro notes.

Printing presses were first discovered in Portugal while fake 50 euro notes were found for sale on the internet. Officers

tracked down the buyers in a simultaneous operation throughout Portugal, Austria, Germany, France, Ireland, Greece, Luxembourg and Spain.

Europol said ‘Operation Deep Money’ has dismantled the secret printing press and the entire criminal organisation behind it. Investigators beleive it was one of the biggest operating counterfeiting groups in Europe.

Policeman saves choking four­year­old's life A National Police officer has saved a four-year-old boy's life after he began to choke on a piece of food and stopped breathing. The child's panicked mother carried him to the police station in Lorca as it was the nearest port of call, and every second was vital.

One of the officers on the desk, seeing the tot was not breathing, performed the Heimlich manoeuvre on him, causing him to spit out the obstruction and recover instantly.

The mother and child were then attended to and calmed down by the officer’s colleagues.

The mother had not known how to do the Heimlich manoeuvre, which involves encircling the person with both arms from behind and applying sharp pressure to the entrance to the stomach. This is a basic lifesaving technique and one that medical professionals encourage all

parents to learn. Schools in many regions across Spain now have anti-choking masks for children which are easy to apply.

National Police learn first aid from the very beginning of their training and constantly take refresher course.

Whenever an ambulance or the fire brigade are called out in Spain, Local Police will automatically be summoned to the scene, too, since they are normally the first to be able to arrive and can start first aid or rescue operations whilst awaiting the main emergency services.

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Orihuela installs seven new electric car charging points Orihuela is at the forefront of towns across the Vega Baja in having the highest number of charging points for electric vehicles. The new charging points will take the total to 13 installed across the municipality now that the seven new points have been recently installed.

The City Council of Orihuela, together with the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE) which has subsidised the seven state-of-the-art electric charging points, has installed them in Orihuela, on Oriheula Costa and five of them in the districts of La Murada, Torremendo, San Bartolomé, The Aparecida and Desparados.

The recharging points were announced by the Councillor for the Environment, Dámaso Aparicio and the commercial manager of Iberdrola in Alicante and Murcia, Juan Carlos Brotons.

The seven new charging stations installed are added to the five that were already opened in 2018 and the one on the Industrial Estate in Orihuela.

Councillor Aparicio also announced the that it is planned to install another “very fast loading in the Ociopía Shopping Centre and one that will be located in Zenia Boulevard”.

Orihuela currently has more than 20 percent of registered vehicles which are either hybrid or electric, being able to position itself as leading the province in this type of car registration with environmental responsibility uppermost in mind. The new charging points have a

pole that allows the simultaneous charging of two electric vehicles, unlike the five that were previously installed last year and that only allowed a low power load. The new points, in fact, triple the reload speed in comparison to the old ones. They have two shots of 22Kw per installation, so, for example in about sixty

minutes you can get up to 100 kilometres of autonomy.

With these facilities, CO2 emissions are exponentially reduced. The work contract for these seven electric vehicle charging posts is valued at 48,158 euros, 80 percent subsidised by the IVACE and the rest by the City Council.

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CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

www.costablancapeople.com

Thirty detained and several drug houses dismantled in Vega Baja The Civil Guard has arrested thirty alleged members of two gangs linked to each other and dedicated to drug trafficking, which acted in the Alicante region of Vega Baja and the Region of Murcia, and had 'narcopisos', which were houses illegally occupied by suspects to sell the drug.

Those arrested seventeen men and thirteen women, of Belgian, Moroccan, Spanish and Brazilian nationalities - are accused of the crimes of belonging to a criminal organisation, against public health. All of them have been ordered to enter provisional detention, although some of the detainees have already been released provisionally, awaiting trial, after paying the bail amount imposed by the judicial authority.

In total, thirteen premises have been seized (nine homes in Torrevieja, two industrial warehouses and two addresses in Los Garres, Murcia). In addition, four high-end vehicles, 15,000 euros in cash and 31 mobile phones have also been confiscated along with a kilo of cocaine, 300 grams of substance used to cut cocaine and 250 grams of marijuana, in addition to

San Fulgencio launches ‘Police in your home’ The tourist office of San Fulgencio, which is located in the Urbanisation La Marina, has launched the project 'Police in your home'. An initiative that aims to monitor those homes left uninhabite during holiday periods.

The service will be free and will list properties where the owners will be away for a minimum of 15 days and maximum 3 months. The objective is to keep an eye on these properties and will provide a pioneering service in the Vega Baja.

The head of the Local Police, Cristobal Rodríguez, explained that with that database the police will be able to work more effectively to keep vulnerable homes safer.

"It is a work tool that is fundamental for us, since it allows us to have a global vision of the municipality's housing situation and better control those that are uninhabited," said the officer.

People who wish to can register their property at the tourist office of the municipality, and from there a computer program will collect all the data that the Local Police will use to develop the project. Once the home owners return they must let the Tourist Office know so that the change is

recorded and the list updated.

Office Rodriguez explained that "these checks that we are going to carry out from the police department do not replace the usual police surveillance, the homes will be monitored but this does not guarentee that something may not happen."

The project will be overseen by a coordinator in charge of administrative procedures and ensuring that everything is done correctly. This person will be a police officer and will coordinate with all other partners and parties.

The Mayor of San Fulgencio said: "We have a very diverse municipality, which has one of the largest foreign populations in Spain, and we want to take care of it and for people to feel calm and secure."

The Mayor added that "for the town it is a privilege to have more than fifty nationalities, people who live here and who can now go a little more peacefully to visit their relatives".

The project is open to all home owners and those renting a property in the municipality and anyone who wishes to do so can register and be added to the database.

heroin and equipment useful for handling and weighing the drug.

The operation was carried out in two phases, the first of which, last August, resulted in the dismantling of a gang, a total of fifteen arrests and the seizure of several 'narcopisos'.

These homes had been illegally occupied by the criminal gang and used as a point of distribution and the consumption of marijuana, cocaine and heroin. To try to go unnoticed, the gang didn't spend more than two or three weeks in the same house, moving regularly to new bases.

The investigators then identified the "upper echelons" of the network, which was connected, in turn, with other national groups. These inquiries

gave rise to the second phase of the operation, carried out at the beginning December, in which another fifteen people have been arrested.

This second phase has proved "especially difficult" to the investigators because of the suspects extreme security measures. They used encrypted media and encrypted messaging applications to communicate with each other, frequently changing mobile phones.

The confiscated cocaine, which was found to be of great purity, came from Valencia and Murcia, and was transferred to the Vega Baja. One of the leaders employed his elderly relatives to transport the drug and so did not raise suspicions. It is estimated that the network has, over recent months, distributed at least twenty kilos of cocaine.

In addition, investigators have discovered that some of the "clients" of those arrested procured stolen mobile phones as a means of payment for the drugs and at least a dozen of these terminals have already been returned to their owners.

Winter will be drier and warmer than usual Although winter's officially here luckily for us it is set to be the 11th warmest in Spain since 1965. That doesn't mean you'll be able to spend it on the beach topping up your tan (although here on the south of the Mediterranean we often experience freak warm days where they can do just that), but it does mean the average temperature will be 0.7ºC higher than the norm for the season.

Although the meteorological seasons do not necessarily follow the ex-tropic solstices – the UK considers 'winter' to start in November, whilst in Australia, the first day of summer is 1st December Spain does not differentiate between the two, meaning 'winter' officially begins at the end of the shortest night.

This means that Sunday 22nd December at 05.19 in the morning on the mainland is when the season officially changed and this winter in Spain will be very dry, the eighth-warmest of this century, with very little rainfall.

In Catalunya and the province of Teruel – the latter being typically one of the coldest in the country where nights of 12ºC are not unusual – the temperature will be around 1ºC higher than normal, according to the State meteorological agency, AEMET. Variations in the mercury will be less noticeable the farther south you head – very little change is expected in the Canary Islands which, geographically, are based on the African continent, around 100 kilometres west of the central Moroccan coast.

AEMET's spokesman Rubén del Campo says the south and Mediterranean in particular, but the country as a whole, will see much lower rainfall than normal, and no extreme weather phenomena such as torrential downpours, storms or gale-force winds are forecast.

Winters in inland and northern Spain tend to be dry, bracing, very cold and with overnight frosts being a frequent feature, although homes in these areas are designed for this and most have central heating, either gas, oil, or hot water.

They are, however, much milder on the 'Costas' and islands, where homes are designed more to keep out the heat than the cold – in fact, many joke that a Mediterranean winter lasts two months outdoors and five months indoors.

In most of the country but especially in the warmer-winter areas, bright sunshine is guaranteed most days, even when it feels bitterly cold – and it is rare that a Mediterranean or southern winter

is too cold to sit in a pavement café with plenty of layers on.

Thermals, except at night, are not often needed, and gloves are an accessory eastern and southern residents carry 'just in case'. But those who head north and inland to seek out the snow scapes in the depths of winter – January and February is the best time to catch these – may discover that even a lifetime in the UK or Ireland has not prepared them for the deep freeze they encounter.

This, however, is welcome, because it means up to five months of skiing and sledging in these parts, and staying in hotels and houses which are cosy and warm.

Winter 2019-2020 will not be one of those where residents are wrapped in quilts and unable to take their coats off indoors – in fact, since 2011, every single winter has had an average temperature higher than the 'norm' for the season.

The 21st century in Spain is starting to see a 'new normal' winter temperature arise, AEMET says.

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CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS! At this time of year, those who struggle with alcohol can find it tough to stay in control – especially because culturally, we have been surrounded by alcohol for much of the month of December and early January. Throughout January and beyond the AA is available for support.

Many people turn to the AA in January – whether to find out more, or to attend their first meeting in the hope of taking the first step on the road to recovery.

What is AA? Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

There are no dues or fees for AA membership, we are self supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution, does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

From January 2020, each month, we are going to print a real life story from real people about what it is like to suffer from Alcoholism, what they did to overcome their addiction with alcoholic, and how they lead their lives today on their road of recovery.

Do you have a problem with Alcohol?

Is Alcohol costing you more than money?

If you can answer yes to one or both

of these questions, for help contact the AA on: Costa Blanca North: 0034 648 169 045 Costa Blanca South: 0034 625 912 078 www.aa-costablancasouth.com A member’s story When I found my 41-year-old wife dead in bed early one December morning it was the horrific culmination of weeks and weeks of alcoholic drinking. For months leading up to her tragic death we had been drinking to oblivion every day, both of us drunkenly incapable of working in our respective careers. We were using our savings to buy alcohol every day. We rarely left the house; other than to buy booze. On average, we would drink anything between six to eight bottles of wine a day. Why did we behave in such a destructive way when we had both enjoyed successful and lucrative careers? Simple. We were alcoholics.

Addicted to alcohol. Incapable of going a day without drinking. At the time of my beautiful wife’s death, she had been drinking for only 13 years, having hardly touched booze before her late 20s. On her death certificate it said the cause of death was excess fat on her liver. It’s a polite medical term that means she drank herself to death. For my part, I had been guzzling the hard stuff for the best part of 20 years when she died. For a long time, I managed to get away with it. My profession was notorious for hard drinking. It was common for people to turn up for work smelling of drink, unsteady on their feet But when my

alcoholism took over every aspect of my life, I stopped turning up for work, I was drink-driving most days, I had no regard for my responsibilities towards my family, friends and work colleagues. In other words, totally selfish and insensitive. I used alcohol to escape reality. Yet my life would have been the envy of many - fantastic wife, lovely house, good job with a handsome salary. Every luxury within our grasp.

And what did we want? To drink ourselves to oblivion every day. The consequences were fatal for my wife and disastrous for me. I don’t complain because they resulted from my own behaviour. And my downfall, leading to the sack at work, charged with drink-

driving, spending a night in a police cell, I stumbled into Alcoholics Anonymous 13 years ago. People at the AA meetings - from teens to octogenarians - said they had been just like me, which was hard to believe at first as they were freshfaced and happy. I was told that if I didn’t believe what I heard then I should believe what I saw. And what I saw were men and women - 50/50 in most cases enjoying life to the full. Without drink.

So how does it work. The golden rule is stay away from the first drink. Keep sober company. Go plenty of meetings.

Learn how to stay sober. There is a 12step programme, which in essence is a guide to decent living. I stopped drinking in January 2006. Today I have a

terrific life, and I have problems, just like everyone else in this world. But I don’t need to drink anymore to make the problems go away (for a few hours at least). The way of life offered by living the AA programme is beyond words.

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935. Today it is bigger than ever, saving lives bringing peace to the spouses and partners of the families. Two closing thoughts: if AA did not work it would now be long defunct. And if you have problem with your drinking, why not give AA a try. If it doesn’t work for you, feel free to pick up your misery on the way out the door. Thanks to AA from a very grateful alcoholic.

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El Nino Spain’s huge festive lottery El Gordo – the fat one - which is always drawn on 22nd December is one of the most eagerlyawaited dates of the year. However, with that now a distant memory, thoughts and fantasies turn to winning El Nino.

This smaller draw, hence its name, is made on 6th January and so you still have plenty of time to get yourself a ticket and be in with a chance. It costs €20 for a tenth of a ticket or décimo – few individuals buy a full ticket for €200 although sometime syndicates of friends or family do so.

El Nino is steeped in tradition and has much higher prizes and a better prize breakdown. It some remarkable characteristics: • Gives the 70 % of the emission in prizes. This is the highest percentage of the world. This way the prizes to each ticket (décimo) are very big, and aproximately 35 of every 100 tickets has some kind of prize.

• The philosophy of the game is based in share the maximum number of prizes between the players, so each player has lots of opportunities for, at least, get a small prize, and with a bit of luck, go for a big prize.

• National Lottery prizes are totally guaranteed, because draws are done by the Spanish Government.

• The prizes are paid immediately, in an unique payment.

• The benefits obtained by the Spanish government are used for social tasks.

GBP / EUR UPDATE Two Week Review The delivery of a majority Conservative government in the General Election was largely anticipated by the market. An opinion poll predicting the result pushed sterling to a three-year high against the euro and almost a two-year high against the US dollar.

The victory for the PM was largely priced into the pound ahead of the result, but the pound still jumped after the exit polls were released. However, the gains were short-lived as the investors considered the longer term.

From being the top performer the week of the election, sterling began the following week as the weakest. The fact that a no-deal Brexit has not been entirely ruled out, together with some disappointing ecostats left the pound struggling after the brief burst of optimism. Andrew Bailey was announced as the successor to Mark Carney as the Governor of the Bank of England; analysts will be watching closely in March when he assumes the role for any signs of a change in approach that may impact sterling.

In Europe, recently appointed European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde suggested that while new monetary stimulus had not been ruled out she was “neither a dove or a hawk” but an owl, “often associated with a little bit of wisdom.” This may be needed; pan-European manufacturing PMI was dragged down to 45.9 due in part to a poor German number at 43.4. There was some good news towards the end of the week

when an IFO survey showed a noticeable improvement in German business confidence. This is a positive sign for the euro which may see a less-challenging landscape in the coming year, although the issue of Brexit is likely to also impact the central currency which means the euro may still have some bumps in the road ahead.

The announcement of a trade deal between the US and China did little to help or hinder the greenback. The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged and there is an expectation of maintaining steady rates in 2020. There was no reaction from the US dollar when Congress voted to impeach the US President – the move had been anticipated and the expectation is that the trial in the Republican-held Senate in the New Year will deliver an acquittal.

The trade deal was also good news for the commodity-based Australian dollar, but the currency is still struggling to get a foothold with business and consumer sentiment remaining weak. There was one bright spot; the Aussie made gains after better than expected employment figures, with 40k new jobs and unemployment down to 5.2%.

The New Zealand dollar followed a similar path to its Australian cousin in making gains from the trade deal, but the picture from the ecostats was slightly rosier. Business NZ's PMI came in better than expected and there was a brief spike for the Kiwi after news that GDP expanded by 0.7% in Q3, a little more than expected.

2020 wellness trends that'll be everywhere The global wellness industry is worth hundreds of billions and growing annually, a large part of which is funded by millennials. From boutique fitness classes, to supplements, to selfquantifying technology like Fitbits, Millennials are investing in holistic practices and trendy products to subvert the symptoms that come with being the ‘most stressed generation in history’, according to Psychological Association statistics. Fuelled by a dangerous cocktail of pressures at work and constant connection through technology, millennials, who make up 75 percent of the workforce, are burning out quickly.

So while a meditation studio or sleep app might seem like remedies for soaring depression rates and high blood pressure, the reality is that millennials are reportedly sceptical of institutionalised healthcare and burdened by time constraints and appointment queues, meaning they're frequenting their general care practitioners less and less.

Unsurprisingly, when wellness experts were asked to share the asked landscape in 2020, western medicine certainly wasn't top choice; the idea of taking wellness into one's own hands is still largely popular as we enter the next decade. There's certainly nothing wrong with group fitness and meditating these practices support our mental wellbeing as well as our physical makeup (and above all, spark happiness). But perhaps along with these trending selfcare practices as we enter the new year, we can take control of our health through self-exams and routine checkups and screenings.

Active Recovery After years of pushing ourselves to the max in workouts, it looks like we're finally getting on board with fitness recovery.

This doesn’t mean we’re dropping intense workout sessions altogether, but we're working harder to add a bit of much-needed TLC into the mix. Its is predicted that people will shift attention and our off-days to recovery options like cryotherapy, stretching, IV therapy, and acupuncture.

Personal trainers believe we’ll see more technology pop up in 2020 that helps us recover after intense workouts - much-needed relief for overworked muscles and joints. Recovery studios will be popular too, with lots of options to help us relieve tightness and tension, repair our bodies, and perform at our peak. Let this be the year you lean into foam rolling, stretching, massage, and more.

Alcohol-Free Drinks and Bars There’s been a noticeable shift in millennials cutting back on drinking in the past year, and if the amount of nonalcoholic beverages on the market is any indication, this is going to continue into 2020. There has been some research and polls indicating that young people are becoming more and more interested in non-alcoholic social events. With this being known by beverage companies, it is anticipated that more non-alcoholic products will come to market and be offered in restaurants and bars.

Don't be surprised if you see more completely alcohol-free bars, as well as restaurants and bars that are ramping up their non-alcoholic drink options. You’ll have plenty of choices on store shelves, too, like the mocktails, non-alcoholic

spirits and drinks.

At-Home Workouts One thing we’re seriously thankful for these days is that squeezing in a solid workout doesn’t even require leaving the house. People cycled 2019 away with Peloton and streamed endless classes online, and it looks like 2020 will be no different. There’s no denying that Mirror (a literal mirror hung in your home that streams workout videos) and other on-demand technologies are infusing a heavy dose of convenience into the workout game.

Thanks to technology, people are no longer tied to a set schedule or location to meet with a trainer. Now they are able to easily access workout videos, reference guides, and receive 1:1 coaching and motivation right from their phone, laptop or tablet.

Fitness experts believe that we’ll see a lot more options in 2020 as fitness influencers and studios launch their own content platforms. Many companies are taking a nod from Peloton and investing real funds (multi-millions) into their athome digital offerings.

HIIT HIIT training will have you seriously sweating as Apps and YouTube videos split your time between strength training and running on custom treadmills, packing a serious workout into 45-minutes. Local studios across the Southern Costa Blanca and personal trainers also deliver on the intensity front if you're curious to join the masses and give this kind of workout a shot in the New Year.

International Wellness Retreats Holidaying simply to relax or explore a new destination is almost never a bad idea, but many travellers are all about

infusing their vacation with a bit - or maybe a lot - of wellness these days. In 2020, wellness travellers will continue to be drawn toward trips that combine fitness and mindfulness, like Yoga For Bad People’s yoga retreats to stunning locations in Uruguay, Tanzania, and Cuba; Aro Ha’s wellness adventure retreats in dreamy Queenstown, New Zealand; and Mountain Trek’s wellness retreats designed to help you reset and avoid burnout in beautiful British Columbia.

Plant-Based Eating You may have heard enough about the Impossible Burger or Beyond Meat by now, but plant-based foods are here to stay. We’ll see more plant-based options at restaurants and fast-food chains, more meat-alternatives in supermarkets and more meals cooked with whole, plant-based foods as interest in plant-based eating continues to rise in 2020.

There is so much compelling research demonstrating the importance of having plants be a significant part of everyone’s meals, from reduced risk of developing chronic illnesses to improved management of diet-related chronic illness.

Conscious Consuming People will continue to take a stronger interest in the environmental impact of the food they put on their plates in 2020, which could mean learning more about where our food comes from, how it’s produced, and how it impacts the environment and other people. Within the next year, we can expect to see companies put more of an emphasis on sustainable products that use less resources, have minimal impact on the environment, and produce less

packaging and waste.

This trend will grow as people see how their food choices affect the environment and seek out ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Eating more plants and purchasing animal products from more responsible and sustainable sources is something we can all do.

More CBD Everything If it feels like you heard about CBD constantly in 2019, you're not alone. But this trend isn't going anywhere according to Yelp trend experts, CBD products and treatments will continue to be popular in 2020. CBD pervades so many areas of the wellness industry, from food to skincare to body work and beyond. In 2020 we'll continue to see an interest in CBD skincare products like body oils and salves, CBD massage treatments, CBD-infused food and drink products, ingestible CBD oil and CBD bath bombs… the list goes on.

Soul Nurturing As we saw with active recovery, treating our bodies with kindness will be a popular practice in 2020; another way of achieving this is through mindfulness.

According to 2020 predicted fitness trends, "soul nurturing" is in next year.

From guided sound bath meditations to breathing classes, workouts are no longer limited to physical activity. As people look for tools to manage stress and anxiety, they’ll increasingly prioritise spiritual wellbeing through classes devoted to meditation, breathing, and stretching.

Beyond popular yoga and mindfulness classes in-studio, people will also take their practices home with headspace, Insight Timer, and other apps available at our fingertips.

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Spanish boy, aged 3, is youngest ‘Got Talent’ winner Baby Hugo is now not just famous for being Spain's Got Talent's youngest contestant – he has become its tiniest-ever winner.

And even the Pope wants to meet him.

The little chap left judges stunned when he appeared on the show, then aged two – he is now three – by his musical prowess.

In preparation for the toddler's overwhelming experience of walking onto a stage in front of a live audience, presenter Santi Millán told everyone not to clap or cheer when he appeared in case they scared him – and his dad, Manuel Jesús, was also apprehensive in case his son 'went all shy' and did not perform.

But although judges were expecting a heart-warming performance, they did not imagine they would witness a flawless grasp of beat or playing ability that would have impressed them in a much older child, or even an adult.

And, forgetting his own advice, Millán was among the judges who burst into spontaneous applause, whoops and cheers afterwards – causing Manuel Jesús, overcome by the moment,

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to burst into tears.

All five judges – even 'bad guy' Risto Mejide, who is notoriously hard to impress – gave Hugo an unqualified 'yes' to continuing in the show.

Between then and now, the little fellow has celebrated his third birthday, but is still the youngest-ever contestant to win the Got Talent competition in any country in the world where it is shown.

This time, in the final, Hugo played the beats for a Christmas carol sung by a choir – and, for the first time, entirely from memory.

He did not hesitate once or hit a single bad note, confirming the judges' view that his talent is innate.

In fact, Mejide said a gift of Hugo's magnitude is something

that 'you've never seen before and will never see again', and told the tot he had 'made history' – although the mini-musician is too young to understand what that means as yet.

Percussion bands and drummers worldwide – including Scott Johnson and Kevin O - have sent in messages congratulating Hugo on his amazing playing, but the message which caused Hugo's mum and dad to burst into tears came from the Secretary-General of Spain's Episcopal Conference, Cardinal Luis Argüello, who said Pope Francisco had watched the toddler's performance and was so impressed he wanted to meet him, offering the family the chance of a personal 'audience with'.

Costa del Sol crime wave killings A 60-year-old French man was dining at the Da Bruno restaurant in the city of Marbella. Like always, the place was full. While he was eating, two hitmen parked a rented Renault Megane outside the door to the restaurant. They waited patiently and a little after 8pm the Frenchman came out, and was shot six times in cold blood as he walked to his car.

The day of the murder was chosen intentionally: Tuesday is when the security guard at the parking lot has the day off. The hitmen wore masks and fled to the AP-7 highway, breaking the entry barriers as they passed.

They then torched the car on a remote road and disappeared.

Since September, six people have been shot in the areas surrounding Marbella, four in the last month. None of the cases have been solved. It is almost taboo for police to talk about the issue. Authorities have made few public statements about the violent deaths – which include one victim who was riddled with 14 bullets – except to say that there is no relationship between them.

The widow of the Frenchman is calling for answers and the authorities have responded that

the man’s death is connected with the growing number of drug-trafficking gangs.

The central government’s delegate in Andalusia, Lucrecio Fernández, called the murder a “settling of scores.”

Police pressure is also taking a toll on many of the gangs. This had led to more drugs being stolen between the criminal groups, which creates a vicious circle of payback and score settling. The use of explosives and military weapons such as Kalashnikov assault rifles is no longer the exception. Nor is torture or murder in broad daylight.

The mayor of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz from the conservative Popular Party (PP), has promised to “address” the crime rate in the area as a “state issue,” and asked for police reinforcements.

Drug-trafficking organisations have everything they need on the Costa del Sol. The gang leaders have settled comfortably in the housing developments scattered across the mountains and the city, where they can enjoy their fortune in anonymity.

Everything is close at hand: a country that produces hashish, Morocco, somewhere to bring in

the cocaine, Algeciras Bay, and a place to launder the money, Gibraltar, the British Overseas Territory in the south of Spain. It is also home to professionals who handle all stages of the trafficking business – workers to offload the drug shipments, guards to watch over the storage houses and gangs that can distribute the product across Europe. “They act like a logistics business,” says the Civil Guard’s Organised Crime and Narcotics Team.

In the Riviera del Sol housing development, between Mijas and Marbella, there are still bloodstains from the British man who was shot dead at the end of November. He had driven home in his Audi around midday, and was shot five times from another car before he could get out.

A few days ago, the spokesperson for Marbella City Hall, Féliz Romero from the PP, said that the feeling in the city is of “maximum security,” claiming the murders had gained “more visibility” because it is a popular tourist destination.

Killing each other is one thing but local residents are getting increasingly concerned that the next victim will be an innocent bystander.

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CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

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Homes & Garden

CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

Biggest Interior trends for the new year At the moment, you're probably feeling emotionally drained by the election, and slightly overwhelmed by the festive treadmill of Christmas parties, family get-togethers and turkey dinners. But as 2020 is practically upon us, you might find yourself in more of a nesting mood, especially if you decide to do Dry January or ended up spending a little too much money in December.

This is where these home decor predictions for 2020 come in. Every trend in the top ten – which range from garden rooms to home coffee stations – makes the list because it's been getting a growing number of Pinterest searches over the last six months. In all honesty, some of them are a little unrealistic for some of us, but all of them are lots of fun to look at. Enjoy!

Garden rooms Searches for "garden room" are up 104 percent – well, can you ever have too many indoor plants? And it’s not just conservatories you can make room an indoor garden room but this works really well here in Spain with room that open out on to your terrace or patio.

Microgreens It might sound scientific, but this trend is actually just about growing your own herbs and salad ingredients in your

kitchen. Searches are up 223 percent, so expect to see more home-grown mint and parsley in 2020. These often grow better indoors in Spain than out as the sun and heat are so intense for the delicate leaves.

Work-from-home wear Searches for "work-fromhome outfit" are up 82 percent, suggesting that a growing number of freelancers aren't too keen on spending the whole day in PJs but do want comfort. Or maybe you just want to look smarter this winter if the neighbours call in for a tipple.

Granny pods If you are lucky enough to have a home with a selfcontained studio at the back of the garden – which is fairly common here - be would you want an older family member living there? Some people clearly do, because searches for "granny pod or sleep out" are up 159 percent!

Audio rooms Searches for audio rooms are up a massive 803 percent, suggesting music fans or really want somewhere relaxing to listen to their ACDC or Fleetwood Mac vinyls.

Home-brewing This one's up 411 percent. The 1970s crazy could be retuning in

force, this time with the emphasis of craft beers. If we start now, will the beer be ready by the end of Dry January?

Indoor water fountains Searches for these calming features are up a huge 917 percent. The jury is still out, though: are they tranquil and relaxing, or just likely to make you want to dash to the loo?

Home cinemas Does watching Netflix on your MacBook count as a "home cinema"? Either way, searches for these are up 368 percent.

Might be a more popular use for your garden room or Granny flat.

Coffee stations If you're a coffee connoisseur, then creating your own "highend altar to caffeine" could be just the thing to brighten up your kitchen. Searches for these are up 751 percent and we thought we had hit the spot with a new office coffee machine, now we need a whole area dedicated to coffee. However, on second thoughts what a fabulous idea.

Home-made baby food Searches are up 379 percent, suggesting that today's new parents are really weighing up the pros and cons of making their own fresh, organic, nonprocessed baby food.

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CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

Welcome to Cannes

Cannes is a city located on the French Riviera. It is a commune located in the Alpes-Maritimes department, and host city of the annual Cannes Film Festival, Midem, and Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The city is known for its association with the rich and famous, its luxury hotels and restaurants, and for several conferences.

Basking in the sun of the French Riviera, Cannes sparkles with glamour and exclusivity.

This legendary seaside resort has all the glitz and allure of the Côte d'Azur: private beaches, marinas filled with luxury yachts, stylish boulevards, elegant Belle Epoque hotels, and fashionable restaurants. In an enchanting setting on Golfe de la Napoule bay, Cannes is blessed with a balmy Mediterranean climate. The weather is mild year-round and perfect for sunbathing by the beach from May through October. Leafy palm trees grace the streets of Cannes, and subtropical flowers flourish throughout the city, giving visitors the impression of being in paradise. The prestigious Film Festival of Cannes has been an important event since it began in 1946. Drawing famous movie stars from around the world, this annual red-carpet gala has earned an international reputation for promoting the art of filmmaking.

One of the most fashionable streets on the French Riviera, this palm-lined boulevard is the center of tourist activity in Cannes. The Boulevard de la Croisette is lined by Belle Epoque hotels, such as the historic InterContinental Carlton Cannes, a marvelous example of grand French Art Nouveau architecture, designed by Charles Dalmas. Visitors can also admire the opulent villas and upscale boutiques. The

boulevard extends from the new Palais des Festivals to the lovely "La Roseraie" park at the Square du 8 Mai 1945, with splendid private beaches on the sandy shoreline.

Along this stretch, the beachfront promenade is a great place for strolling and peoplewatching. The promenade is appreciated for its magnificent views of the gulf and the Lérins Islands in the distance of the Mediterranean Sea. Beyond La Roseraie park is the idyllic Port Pierre Canto, with its rows of luxury yachts docked at the harbor. Also within walking distance is another harbor, the Port de la Pointe Croisette, the departure point for regattas organized by the Yacht Club of Cannes. The yacht club also has a sailing school. Another spot for water sports enthusiasts and sunbathers is the nearby Port Palm Beach, a quiet public beach on the western side of Pointe Croisette with a snack bar and restroom facilities.

Perched on the slopes of Mont Chevalier above the bay, the Le Suquet district represents the original fishing village. In a picturesque hillside setting, this area offers exceptional views as well as Old World charm. Le Suquet has retained some of the ambience of centuries ago. Tourists are delighted by the traffic-free quarter with its narrow old staircases, pleasant courtyards, and interesting historic remnants, such as the city's ancient walls. At the heart of Le Suquet, the old church, Eglise du Suquet, and the 11th-century Tour du Mont Chevalier watchtower dominate the skyline. From the top of the watchtower, there is a wonderful panoramic outlook onto the beach and the bay all the way out to the Lérins Islands.

Another joy of visiting Le Suquet is wandering the quaint old streets. One of the old town's main shopping streets is the Rue Meynadier. This bustling pedestrian street is

renowned for its specialty gourmet boutiques. Another important commercial street a few blocks away at the edge of Le Suquet is the Rue d'Antibes. A shopping destination for French Riviera fashions, the street is lined with designer prêt-à-porter clothing boutiques.

Of all the things to do on the French Riviera, the Festival de Cannes is the most exciting. With all the glitter of celebrity, this red-carpet event is a top tourist attraction and is definitely one of the biggest moments of the year in Cannes. The festival draws movie stars and filmmakers from all over the world, as well as crowds of fans and journalists. Originally this film festival was established to rival the Venice Film Festival.

The Festival de Cannes has earned an international reputation for discovering, supporting, and promoting excellent films.

Cannes is famous for its fine sandy beaches, with gorgeous views and calm Mediterranean waters ideal for bathing.

Including the nearby îles de Lérin and Estérel coastline, there are seven kilometers of beach property in Cannes. With so many options, there is something for every visitor.

While many of the beaches in Cannes are private property owned by hotels, there are several beaches open to the public. These include the Macé Beach and the Zamenhof Beach, located off the Boulevard de la Croisette. These beaches charge a small fee for use of the lounge chairs and parasols.

Also available for public use (and free of charge) are the Plage de la Casino along the Boulevard de la Croisette; La Bocca Beach, a quiet beach with gorgeous views and golden sand; the Plages du Midi, a long sandy beach near the center of Cannes; and Mouré Rouge Beach near the fishing ports. The lesser-known Les Rochers beach is the best choice for snorkeling.

Travel

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News

CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

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Office Casanova

New Year's Resolutions

There's a guy at work that I have always had a crush on and at the Christmas party we ended up under the mistletoe. I spent the whole of the holidays thinking we were going to get together. Now that Christmas is over he’s gone all cold on me. The other girls in my office warned me that he is a ‘love them and leave them’ type, but he said that we would definitely go out on a date in the new year, and I can’t stop thinking about him. It’s affecting my work.

I always make a list of new year’s resolutions with well meant intentions of sticking to them, but I find that I give up very quickly. Any suggestions?

A new year can make us all feel like turning over a new leaf. Here are some tips for sticking to your resolutions. Ask yourself what resolutions would give you the most happiness in your life. Make very specific, concrete plans to carry out the changes. Start with small achievable goals. By aiming too high you will soon become discouraged. If you want to get fit, start with a 20 minute walk everyday for a month, then move on to a bigger goal. Tell as many people as you possibly can about your resolutions. This is how you will hold yourself accountable for achieving your goals - nothing is as effective as peer pressure. Lastly, accept that you might not achieve results straight away, don‘t allow yourself to give up. Just chalk up a bad day as a blip, and resolve to start again the next day.

I think maybe you should listen to the other girls at work and forget about any kind of relationship with this guy, especially if he has a reputation. You were swept along with the festivities of Christmas and the romance of it all, but if he is ignoring you I would take the hint from that. It’s disappointing, but it’s time to look elsewhere for a nicer guy.

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New Year Movies Tuesday 31 December Spectre ITV, 9.00 pm

Wednesday 31 December Bridget Jones's Diary Channel 5,10.00pm

James Bond receives an obscure message from M about a sinister organisation, 'SPECTRE'. With the help of Madeleine, he uncovers the conspiracy, only to face an ugly truth.

Bridget, a single woman, writes a diary which focuses on the things she wishes to happen in her life. However, her life changes when two men vie for her affection.

Mamma Mia Channel 5, 3.50 pm Buddy was a baby in an orphanage who stowed away in Santa's sack and ended up at the North Pole. Later, as an adult human who happened to be raised by elves, Santa allows him to go to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs. Hobbs, on Santa's naughty list for being a heartless jerk, had no idea that Buddy was even born. Buddy, meanwhile, experiences the delights of New York City (and human culture) as only an elf can. When Walter's relationship with Buddy interferes with his job, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities.

Billy Elliot BBC 2, 10.00 pm The life of 11-year-old Billy Elliot, a coal miner's son in Northern England, is forever changed one day when he stumbles upon a ballet class during his weekly boxing lesson. Before long, he finds himself in dance, demonstrating the kind of raw talent seldom seen by the class' exacting instructor, Mrs. Wilkinson.

With a tart tongue and a never-ending stream of cigarettes in her hand, Mrs. Wilkinson's zest for teaching is revived when she sees Billy's potential.

Lion King Channel 4, 7.00 pm Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny on the plains of Africa. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub's arrival. Scar, Mufasa's brother - and former heir to the throne - has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is soon ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba's exile. Now, with help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba must figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

The Sound of Music BBC 1, 3.30 pm Maria, an aspiring nun, is sent as a governess to take care of seven motherless children. Soon her jovial and loving nature tames their hearts and the children become fond of her.

costablancapeople.com | 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

22 Your FREE Weekly TV Guide

BBC one

BBC two

ITV

Channel 4

Channel 5

ITV2

ITV3

Tuesday 31st December 00:35 Iron Man 3 02:35 Weather for the Week Ahead 02:40 BBC News 03:00 BBC News 03:30 Click 04:00 BBC News 04:30 The Travel Show 05:00 BBC News 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 BBC News 06:30 My Very Extended Family 07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Revolting Rhymes 10:30 Chicken Run 11:50 The Farmer's Llamas 12:20 The Railway Children 14:05 BBC News at One 14:20 BBC London News 14:30 Paddington 2 16:10 Shrek the Third 17:35 Gangsta Granny 18:45 Pointless 19:30 BBC News at Six 19:50 BBC London News 20:00 Celebrity Mastermind 20:30 EastEnders 21:05 Holby City 22:05 Dame Edna Rules the Waves 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:15 BBC Weather 23:20 The Graham Norton Show

01:15 Charlie Brooker's 2016 Wipe 02:20 The Apprentice 03:20 Countryfile 04:15 The Baby Has Landed 05:15 This Is BBC TWO 06:55 MasterChef: The Professionals 07:55 This Farming Life 08:55 The Great British Sewing Bee 09:55 The Great British Sewing Bee 10:55 Wild Tales from the Village 11:55 Talking Pictures 12:30 The Big Country 15:10 Talking Pictures 15:55 The Heroes of Telemark 18:00 Australia: Earth's Magical Kingdom 19:00 Natural World 20:00 Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing 20:30 Christmas University Challenge 21:00 A Life on Screen 22:00 Billy Elliot 23:45 Mock the Week

01:35 Christmas with Ideal World 04:00 Flying Scotsman with Robson Green 04:50 ITV Nightscreen 06:05 Ainsley's Caribbean Kitchen 07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Judge Rinder 11:25 Midsomer Murders 13:25 ITV Lunchtime News 13:35 ITV News London 13:45 The Queen 15:45 Tenable 16:50 Tipping Point: Lucky Stars 17:55 The Chase: Celebrity Special 19:00 In For a Penny 19:25 ITV Evening News 19:40 ITV News London 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Spectre 23:45 ITV News

04:05 Access 04:15 Autopsy 02:35 Sleepless 05:45 House Doctor 06:10 House Doctor 04:15 Come Dine with Me 06:35 House Doctor 04:40 Come Dine with Me 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:20 Ben & Holly's Little 05:10 Come Dine with Me Kingdom 07:35 Noddy: Toyland 05:40 Come Dine with Me Detective 06:05 Come Dine with Me 07:45 Fireman Sam 06:35 Kirstie's Vintage Gems 08:10 Shane the Chef 08:20 Peppa Pig 06:40 Extreme Cake Makers 08:30 Peppa Pig 08:45 Top Wing 07:05 The Four Musketeers 08:55 PAW Patrol 09:00 Swiss Family Robinson 09:10 PAW Patrol 09:25 Floogals 11:25 Anna and the King 09:40 Little Princess 09:55 Nella the Princess 14:20 Ever After: A Cinderella Knight 10:05 Peppa Pig Story 10:10 Access 16:40 Supershoppers 10:25 Friends 10:55 Friends 17:45 Channel 4 News 11:25 Pan 17:55 Robots 13:40 Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit 19:30 Hollyoaks 15:50 Mamma Mia! 18:00 Calendar Girls 20:00 George Clarke's 20:00 The World's Strongest Amazing Spaces Man 21:00 Escape to the Chateau 21:00 Jane McDonald & Friends 22:00 New Year's Eve 22:00 The Last Leg 00:55 East Is East

00:15 Family Guy 00:45 Family Guy 01:10 American Dad! 01:35 American Dad! 02:05 Plebs 02:35 Plebs 03:05 The Five-Year Engagement 05:15 Britain's Got Talent 06:05 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 06:30 The Planet's Funniest Animals 06:55 ITV2 Nightscreen 07:00 I'm a Celebrity...

Legends of the Jungle 07:50 The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer 08:45 Emmerdale 09:15 Coronation Street 09:45 Coronation Street 10:15 Catchphrase 10:55 I'm a Celebrity... Jungle Fever 11:55 Take Me Out 12:55 Emmerdale 13:30 Coronation Street 13:55 Coronation Street 14:30 Catchphrase 15:30 You've Been Framed!

15:55 The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas 17:45 Space Jam 19:25 Jurassic Park 22:00 Bridesmaids

01:00 A Touch of Frost 02:55 Inspector Morse 04:45 Inspector Morse 06:35 ITV3 Nightscreen 07:00 The Royal 08:00 Carry on Girls 09:45 Holiday on the Buses 11:25 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 13:25 Carry on Again, Doctor 15:05 Carry on Up the Jungle 16:50 Agatha Christie's Marple 18:55 Agatha Christie's Poirot 21:00 Vera 23:00 Vera

Wednesday 1st January 03:00 Point Break 00:15 Jools' Annual 05:20 ITV Nightscreen 00:05 Big Fat Quiz of the Year 05:40 Autopsy 01:00 A Touch of Frost 00:35 Family Guy 06:30 Access 07:00 Dino Dana 01:00 Family Guy 2019 05:00 Weather for the Week Hootenanny 06:35 House Doctor 07:25 Super 4 02:55 Inspector Morse 01:30 American Dad! 02:15 Glastonbury 02:00 Dodgeball: A True Ahead 07:00 Peppa Pig 07:40 Super 4 01:55 American Dad! 04:20 This Is BBC TWO Underdog Story 05:05 BBC News 07:20 Ben & Holly's Little 07:55 Dare Master 04:55 Inspector Morse 02:20 Celebrity Juice 07:15 See Hear 03:35 Ramsay's Kitchen 05:30 HARDtalk Kingdom 08:00 The Powerpuff Girls 03:20 Trainwreck 07:45 Fake Britain Nightmares USA 06:00 BBC News 07:35 Noddy: Toyland 08:10 The Powerpuff Girls 06:45 ITV3 Nightscreen 05:30 Britain's Got Talent 08:15 This Farming Life Detective 04:25 Come Dine with Me 06:30 Newsbeat 08:25 Teen Titans Go! 06:20 The Planet's Funniest 07:45 Fireman Sam 09:15 The Great British 04:50 Come Dine with Me 08:40 Teen Titans Go! Documentaries 07:00 The Royal 07:55 Thomas & Friends: Big Animals Sewing Bee 08:55 Hotel Transylvania 05:20 Come Dine with Me 07:00 Breakfast 06:45 ITV2 Nightscreen World!

Big Adventures!

10:15 The Great British Sewing 09:05 Hotel Transylvania 08:00 George and Mildred 05:45 Come Dine with Me 10:00 Revolting Rhymes 08:20 Thomas & Friends: Big 07:00 Totally Bonkers 09:20 The Rubbish World of 06:15 Come Dine with Me 10:30 Shaun the Sheep Movie Bee World! Big Adventures!

Guinness World Records 08:35 George and Mildred 11:15 New Year's Day Concert Dave Spud 11:50 Inner Workings 07:10 I'm a Celebrity... Jungle 09:35 The Rubbish World of 06:40 Extreme Cake Makers 08:50 PAW Patrol Live from Vienna 2020 09:20 Little Princess 07:10 Carry on Cleo 12:00 Pete's Dragon Fever Dave Spud 09:10 The Secret Garden 13:45 The Thomas Crown 09:35 Ben & Holly's Little 08:45 The Parent Trap 13:35 BBC News at One 08:00 The Boxer and the 09:55 Mr. Magoo Affair Kingdom 11:15 Child Genius 10:05 Mr. Magoo 13:50 BBC London News 11:15 The Wizard of Oz Ballroom Dancer 09:50 Peppa Pig 15:25 The Magnificent Seven 10:15 Mr. Magoo 09:05 Emmerdale 12:20 The Simpsons 14:00 The Archbishop of 09:55 Peppa Pig 17:30 The Archbishop of 10:25 Britain's Favourite 13:15 Goodbye, Mr. Chips 09:40 Coronation Street 12:50 The Simpsons Canterbury's New Year 10:05 Access Canterbury's New Year Walks: Top 100 10:10 You've Been Framed!

10:10 Friends 13:20 The Simpsons Message Message 13:00 Countrywise 10:40 Looney Tunes: Back in 15:20 Carry on Matron 10:40 Friends 13:50 The Simpsons 14:05 Seven Worlds, One 13:45 ITV Lunchtime News 17:35 Final Score 11:15 Oliver!

Action 14:20 The Simpsons Planet 13:55 Live: ITV Racing Live 17:05 Agatha Christie's Marple 18:30 Romeo and Juliet: 14:10 Neighbours 12:30 Emmerdale 14:50 Shark Tale 15:05 The Snail and the Whale Beyond Words 16:30 You've Been Framed!

14:40 Cool Runnings 13:00 Coronation Street 16:40 Back to the Future Part 16:45 Jumanji 17:00 Tipping Point 19:00 The Royal Variety 15:30 The Sound of Music 20:00 MasterChef: The 13:30 Happy Feet Two 18:00 The Chase II 18:20 BBC News at Six 18:55 Neighbours Professionals 15:35 Hotel Transylvania 19:00 Catchphrase Performance 2019 19:20 The Unseen: The Two 18:50 Channel 4 News 18:35 BBC London News 21:00 Only Connect 17:20 Minion Madness 19:40 ITV Evening News Ronnies 19:00 The Lion King 18:45 Miranda 21:30 Christmas University 17:30 Minion Madness 20:00 Emmerdale 21:40 Elton John: The Nation's 20:40 The Great British Bake 20:30 The World's Strongest 17:35 Minion Madness 19:55 Doctor Who Challenge 21:00 Coronation Street Man Off 21:00 EastEnders 22:00 Earth's Tropical Islands 22:00 Bancroft 17:45 Minions Favourite Song 22:00 Bridget Jones's Diary 22:00 Mission: Impossible -- 23:55 Most Shocking Celebrity 19:35 Jurassic World 22:00 Dracula 23:00 Dara O'Briain: Voice of 23:20 ITV News Fallout 23:35 The Hangover 23:20 Vera 22:00 Fast & Furious 8 Reason Moments Ever 23:30 Mrs Brown's Boys The listings for the Costa Blanca People’s TV pages are supplied by an external company – we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of the Costa Blanca People

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costablancapeople.com | 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

24 Your FREE Weekly TV Guide

BBC one

BBC two

ITV

Channel 4

Channel 5

ITV2

ITV3

Thursday 2nd January 02:40 Weather for the Week Ahead 02:45 Sport Today 03:00 BBC News 03:30 100 Women Extra 04:00 BBC News 04:30 Click 05:00 BBC News 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 The Briefing 06:30 Business Briefing 06:45 The Briefing 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Animal Park 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wanted Down Under 12:45 The Customer is Always Right 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at One 14:30 BBC London News 14:45 Escape to the Country 15:45 Money for Nothing 16:30 Garden Rescue 17:30 The Repair Shop 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Six 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 Celebrity Mastermind 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Best Home Cook 22:00 Dracula 23:30 BBC News at Ten 23:50 BBC London News

00:00 A Year in the Life of a Year 00:30 Frankie Boyle's New World Order 01:15 Frankie Boyle's New World Order 02:00 Frankie Boyle's New World Order 02:45 See Hear 03:15 The Limehouse Golem 05:05 This Is BBC TWO 07:10 The Next Step 07:35 The Next Step 08:00 This Farming Life 09:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 10:00 BBC News at Nine 11:00 BBC Newsroom Live 12:35 The 39 Steps 14:00 Talking Pictures 14:40 Talking Pictures 15:25 The Fall of the Roman Empire 18:15 Flog It! 19:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 20:00 Snow Cats and Me 21:00 Only Connect 21:30 Christmas University Challenge 22:00 Earth's Tropical Islands 23:00 I Love the 1990s 23:30 Suits You Sir! The Inside Leg of the Fast Show

01:35 Christmas with Ideal World 04:00 Through the Keyhole 04:50 ITV Nightscreen 06:05 Judge Rinder 07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Judge Rinder 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 14:55 ITV News London 15:00 Catchphrase 16:00 Tenable 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News London 19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Gino's Italian Express 22:00 Bancroft 23:20 ITV News 23:50 ITV News London

05:05 Come Dine with Me 05:30 Come Dine with Me 06:00 Kirstie's Celebrity Craft Masters 06:55 Kirstie's Vintage Gems 07:05 Cheers 07:35 Cheers 08:00 Cheers 08:25 The King of Queens 08:50 The King of Queens 09:15 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:40 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:10 Frasier 10:40 Frasier 11:05 The Simpsons 11:35 The Simpsons 12:05 Undercover Boss USA 13:05 To Be Announced 13:10 Romancing the Stone 15:10 Countdown 16:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 17:00 A New Life in the Sun: Where Are They Now? 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Last Minute Holiday Secrets Unpacked 22:00 Big Fat Quiz of the Decade

07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Peppa Pig 07:10 Peppa Pig 07:15 Peppa Pig 07:20 Ben & Holly's Little Kingdom 07:35 Fireman Sam 07:55 Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures!

08:20 Peppa Pig 08:30 Peppa Pig 08:45 PAW Patrol 09:05 Floogals 09:20 Becca's Bunch 09:40 Little Princess 09:55 Shimmer and Shine 10:05 Peppa Pig 10:15 Jeremy Vine 12:15 Police Interceptors 13:10 5 News at Lunchtime 13:15 The World's Strongest Man 14:35 Neighbours 15:10 What Women Want 17:35 Friends 18:05 Friends 18:30 5 News at 5 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Building The Ice Hotel 21:00 Grime & Punishment: Dirty Britain 22:00 More Big Fat Lies About Diet And Exercise

00:40 Family Guy 01:15 A Touch of Frost 01:10 Family Guy 03:30 On the Buses 01:35 American Dad! 04:00 ITV3 Nightscreen 02:05 American Dad! 02:35 Celebrity Juice 04:30 Teleshopping 03:30 Hell's Kitchen USA 07:00 The Royal 04:20 ITV2 Nightscreen 04:30 Teleshopping 07:55 George and Mildred 08:00 Totally Bonkers 08:25 Carry on Loving Guinness World Records 10:10 Carry on Behind 08:15 You've Been Framed!

08:45 Emmerdale 12:00 Holiday on the Buses 09:50 Coronation Street 10:50 Spy Kids 2: The Island of 13:40 Heartbeat Lost Dreams 14:45 Emmerdale 12:55 Emmerdale 15:15 Emmerdale 13:55 Coronation Street 15:00 The Ellen DeGeneres 15:50 Coronation Street Show 16:20 Coronation Street 15:50 I'm a Celebrity: Surviving 16:55 Agatha Christie's Marple the Jungle 16:50 I'm a Celebrity...

18:50 Heartbeat Legends of the Jungle 19:55 Harry and Meghan: An 17:50 Take Me Out 18:55 You've Been Framed!

African Journey 19:25 The Lost World: Jurassic 21:00 Midsomer Murders Park 23:00 Vera 22:00 The Hangover Part II

Friday 3rd January 07:55 Thomas & Friends: Big 00:05 Family Guy 03:00 BBC News 00:15 The Fast Show 00:05 Piers Morgan's Life 05:30 Come Dine with Me 01:00 A Touch of Frost World! Big Adventures!

05:55 Come Dine with Me 03:30 Unmasked: Make-Up's 00:55 NFL This Week 00:35 Family Guy Stories 03:00 Agatha Christie's Poirot 08:05 Thomas & Friends: Big 06:25 Come Dine with Me Big Secret 01:05 American Dad! 01:05 Christmas with Ideal 01:45 Operation Avalanche World! Big Adventures!

06:50 Kirstie's Handmade 04:00 BBC News 01:35 American Dad! 04:10 ITV3 Nightscreen World 03:15 The Case of Sally 08:20 Peppa Pig Treasures 04:30 The Travel Show 02:00 Celebrity Juice 04:00 Tonight Challen 04:30 Teleshopping 08:35 Peppa Pig 07:05 Cheers 05:00 BBC News 03:00 The Keith Lemon 04:45 Home Is Where the Art 04:25 ITV Nightscreen 08:45 PAW Patrol 07:35 Cheers 05:30 HARDtalk Sketch Show 07:00 Coronation Street 09:05 Floogals 08:00 Cheers 06:05 Judge Rinder Is 06:00 The Briefing 03:30 Hell's Kitchen USA 09:20 Becca's Bunch 07:25 Coronation Street 07:00 Good Morning Britain 08:25 The King of Queens 05:30 This Is BBC TWO 06:30 Business Briefing 04:20 ITV2 Nightscreen 09:40 Little Princess 08:50 The King of Queens 06:45 The Briefing 09:30 Lorraine 07:15 Wanted Down Under 04:30 Teleshopping 07:50 Emmerdale 09:55 Pirata & Capitano 09:15 Everybody Loves 07:00 Breakfast 10:25 Judge Rinder 08:00 This Farming Life 08:00 Totally Bonkers 10:05 Peppa Pig Raymond 10:15 Animal Park 08:20 Emmerdale Guinness World Records 11:30 This Morning 09:00 MasterChef: The 10:15 Jeremy Vine 09:40 Everybody Loves 11:00 Homes Under the 08:15 You've Been Framed!

13:30 Loose Women Professionals 12:15 Police Interceptors 08:55 Heartbeat Raymond Hammer 08:45 Emmerdale 13:10 5 News at Lunchtime 10:10 Frasier 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 10:00 BBC News at Nine 12:00 Wanted Down Under 09:55 Carry On Don't Lose 09:20 Emmerdale 13:15 Most Expensive 10:40 Frasier 14:55 ITV News London 12:45 The Customer is Always 11:00 BBC Newsroom Live 09:45 Catchphrase Christmas Cruise Ship 11:10 The Simpsons Your Head 15:00 Catchphrase 12:20 Rio Conchos Right 14:10 GPs: Behind Closed 11:35 The Simpsons 10:25 You've Been Framed!

13:15 Bargain Hunt 16:00 Tenable 14:05 Talking Pictures 12:05 Undercover Boss USA Doors 11:30 Spy Kids 3: Game Over 11:40 Rising Damp 14:00 BBC News at One 17:00 Tipping Point 14:50 South Pacific 13:05 To Be Announced 14:35 Access 13:10 Emmerdale 13:40 Heartbeat 14:30 BBC London News 17:15 Snow Chick: A Penguin's 18:00 The Chase 13:10 The Jewel of the Nile 14:40 Neighbours 13:40 Emmerdale 14:45 Escape to the Country 15:10 Countdown 15:10 Babe: Pig in the City 14:45 Emmerdale 19:00 ITV News London Tale 14:10 The Big Soap Quiz: 15:45 Money for Nothing 16:00 A Place in the Sun: 17:00 Friends 19:30 ITV Evening News 18:15 Flog It! Coronation Street v 16:30 Garden Rescue 15:15 Emmerdale Home or Away 17:25 Friends Emmerdale 19:00 Celebrity Antiques Road 20:00 Emmerdale 17:30 The Repair Shop 17:00 A New Life in the Sun: 18:00 Friends 15:50 Coronation Street 15:10 The Ellen DeGeneres 20:30 Coronation Street Trip 18:15 Pointless Where Are They Now? 18:30 5 News at 5 Show 21:00 Best Walks with a View 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 BBC News at Six 20:00 Snow Cats and Me 16:20 Coronation Street 19:00 Neighbours 16:00 I'm a Celebrity... Jungle 19:30 BBC London News with Julia Bradbury 19:00 The Simpsons 21:00 Only Connect 19:30 5 News Tonight 16:55 Agatha Christie's Marple Fever 20:00 Celebrity Mastermind 21:30 Christmas University 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Britain's Greatest 21:30 Coronation Street 17:00 I'm a Celebrity... Get Me 18:55 Heartbeat 20:30 A Question of Sport 20:00 Channel 4 News Bridges 22:00 Bancroft Challenge Out of Here!

21:00 EastEnders 21:00 Jamie and Jimmy's 21:00 Secret Scotland 23:00 ITV News at Ten 19:55 Agatha Christie's Poirot 18:00 Take Me Out 21:30 The Goes Wrong Show 22:00 Earth's Tropical Islands Friday Night Feast 22:00 Jane McDonald & 23:30 ITV News London 23:00 QI 19:05 You've Been Framed!

22:00 Gogglebox 22:00 Dracula Friends 21:00 Midsomer Murders 23:45 Sherlock Holmes: A 23:35 In Search of Dracula 23:30 Richard Osman's World 23:00 Peter Kay Comedy 20:10 Jurassic Park III 23:35 BBC News at Ten Game of Shadows Cup of the Decade 23:00 Vera 23:50 BBC London News 22:00 Pitch Perfect Genius: In His Own Words with Mark Gatiss The listings for the Costa Blanca People’s TV pages are supplied by an external company – we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of the Costa Blanca People

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CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

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www.vincent­realestate.com

costablancapeople.com | 31st December 2019 - 6th January 2020

26 Your FREE Weekly TV Guide

BBC one

BBC two

ITV

Channel 4

Channel 5

ITV2

ITV3

Saturday 4th January 00:00 The Graham Norton Show 00:50 Fleabag 01:20 Miranda 02:30 Weather for the Week Ahead 02:35 BBC News 03:00 BBC News 03:30 Witness History 04:00 BBC News 04:30 Click 04:45 Newswatch 05:00 BBC News 05:30 Our World 06:00 BBC News 06:30 The Travel Show 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Homes Under the Hammer 13:00 Football Focus 14:00 BBC Weekend News 14:15 Bargain Hunt 15:00 Money for Nothing 16:00 Best Home Cook 17:00 Final Score 18:10 BBC Weekend News 18:20 BBC London News 18:30 The Mallorca Files 19:15 Pointless Celebrities 20:00 The Greatest Dancer 21:15 First and Last 22:05 Casualty 22:55 BBC Weekend News 23:15 Match of the Day

00:35 What We Do in the Shadows 01:55 True Story 03:30 Meat: A Threat to Our Planet?

04:30 Seven Worlds, One Planet 05:30 Doctor Who 06:30 This Is BBC TWO 07:30 Wild & Weird 07:45 Top Class 08:15 The Dog Ate My Homework 08:45 Blue Peter 09:15 Deadly 60 on a Mission 09:45 Supersized Earth 10:45 Robot Wars 11:45 Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day 13:00 Monty Don's Japanese Gardens 14:00 Best House in Town 15:30 McFarland, USA 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Equator from the Air 19:15 Dad's Army 20:15 Earth's Tropical Islands 21:15 Clive James 22:05 Clive James 22:55 Front Row Late 23:25 QI XL

04:00 Who's Doing the 04:25 Come Dine with Me Dishes?

04:50 Come Dine with Me 04:50 ITV Nightscreen 05:20 Come Dine with Me 05:50 Kirstie's Celebrity Craft 07:00 Dino Dana Masters 07:10 Super 4 06:45 Kirstie's Handmade 07:25 Super 4 Treasures 07:35 Thunderbirds Are Go 07:00 Mike & Molly 08:00 Dare Master 07:25 Mike & Molly 08:05 Robozuna 07:50 Cheers 08:30 Scrambled!

08:15 Cheers 08:35 Mr. Magoo 08:45 Frasier 08:50 Mr Bean 09:10 Frasier 09:10 The Rubbish World of 09:35 The Simpsons Dave Spud 10:05 The Simpsons 09:30 Thunderbirds Are Go 10:35 The Simpsons 10:05 Craig of the Creek 11:00 The Simpsons 10:25 ITV News 10:30 James Martin's Saturday 11:30 The Simpsons 12:00 The Simpsons Morning 12:30 The Simpsons 12:40 John and Lisa's 13:00 The Simpsons Weekend Kitchen 13:30 The Great British Bake 13:40 ITV Lunchtime News Off 13:45 Nadia's Family Feasts 14:50 Four in a Bed 14:45 Beautiful Baking with 15:20 Four in a Bed Juliet Sear 15:50 Four in a Bed 15:45 Despicable Me 2 16:20 Four in a Bed 17:35 ITV Evening News 16:50 Four in a Bed 17:50 ITV News London 17:20 A Place in the Sun: 18:00 The Chase: Celebrity Home or Away Special 18:20 Location, Location, 19:00 Catchphrase Location 20:00 The Masked Singer 19:20 Channel 4 News 21:30 The Voice UK 19:45 Independence Day: 23:05 Who Wants to Be a Resurgence 22:00 Atomic Blonde Millionaire?

07:55 Fireman Sam 00:15 Family Guy 08:05 Noddy: Toyland 00:40 Family Guy Detective 01:10 American Dad! 08:20 Shane the Chef 01:40 American Dad! 08:40 Ben & Holly's Little 02:05 Celebrity Juice Kingdom 03:05 Release the Hounds 08:55 Peppa Pig 09:00 Peppa Pig 04:05 Totally Bonkers 09:10 Butterbean's Café Guinness World Records 09:25 PAW Patrol 04:15 ITV2 Nightscreen 09:45 Nella the Princess 04:30 Teleshopping Knight 08:00 Totally Bonkers 10:10 Pirata & Capitano Guinness World Records 10:25 Floogals 10:35 Digby Dragon 08:15 The Ellen DeGeneres 10:45 Shimmer and Shine Show 11:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 09:05 The Ellen DeGeneres 11:15 The Loud House Show 11:25 Cruising with Jane 09:55 Dress to Impress McDonald 10:55 Dress to Impress 11:40 Friends 12:10 Friends 11:55 Dress to Impress 12:40 Friends 12:55 The Boxer and the 13:10 Friends Ballroom Dancer 13:45 Jesse Stone: Stone Cold 13:55 The Boxer and the 15:25 The King and I Ballroom Dancer 18:10 World's Most Scenic 15:00 The Boxer and the Railway: Minute By Minute 20:00 5 News Weekend Ballroom Dancer 20:05 Digging Up Britain's 16:00 You've Been Framed!

Past 16:30 Spy Kids 3: Game Over 21:00 Tony Robinson's History 18:15 Cats & Dogs: The Of Britain 22:00 How the Victorians Built Revenge of Kitty Galore 19:55 Yes Man Britain 23:00 Bridget Jones's Diary 22:00 The Hangover Part III

01:05 A Touch of Frost 03:05 Tutankhamun 04:05 ITV3 Nightscreen 04:30 Teleshopping 07:00 Mutiny on the Buses 08:30 Agatha Christie's Marple 10:30 Coronation Street Omnibus 13:50 Agatha Christie's Marple 15:55 Agatha Christie's Marple 17:50 Agatha Christie's Poirot 19:55 Endeavour 22:00 Vera

Sunday 5th January 08:30 Ben & Holly's Little 02:50 BBC News 00:10 For a Few Dollars More 08:05 The Tom and Jerry 00:20 Prometheus 00:00 Agatha Christie's Poirot 00:05 Family Guy Kingdom Show 02:35 Ramsay's Kitchen 03:00 BBC News 02:20 Our Little Sister 00:35 Family Guy 01:05 The Good Karma 08:40 Peppa Pig 08:15 The Tom and Jerry Nightmares USA 03:30 Dateline London 04:20 This Is BBC TWO 08:50 Peppa Pig Show 03:25 Hollyoaks Omnibus 04:00 BBC News 01:05 American Dad! Hospital 08:25 The Tom and Jerry 05:30 Kirstie's Celebrity Craft 08:55 Butterbean's Café 04:30 Our World 07:10 The Instant Gardener 01:30 American Dad! 09:10 PAW Patrol Show Masters 05:00 BBC News 07:55 The Robe 02:10 The Good Karma 09:30 Nella the Princess 08:30 Scrambled!

06:20 Extreme Chocolate 05:30 Click 02:00 Celebrity Juice Knight 08:35 Mr. Magoo Makers 10:05 Countryfile 06:00 BBC News Hospital 03:00 Release the Hounds 08:50 Mr Bean 06:50 Kirstie's Fill Your House 09:40 Wissper 06:30 Dissenting Opinion - An 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Best 09:50 Pirata & Capitano 09:10 The Rubbish World of for Free Interview with Ruth Bader 04:00 Totally Bonkers 03:05 Long Lost Family Bites 10:05 Digby Dragon Dave Spud 07:00 The King of Queens Ginsburg Guinness World Records 10:20 Floogals 09:30 Kung Fu Panda: The 07:25 The King of Queens 07:00 Breakfast 12:30 Mary Berry's Country 04:00 George and Mildred 10:30 Shimmer and Shine Paws of Destiny 07:50 Everybody Loves 08:30 Match of the Day 04:25 ITV2 Nightscreen House Secrets 10:45 SpongeBob 10:05 Craig of the Creek Raymond 04:25 ITV3 Nightscreen 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 04:30 Teleshopping SquarePants 10:25 ITV News 08:15 Everybody Loves 13:30 Wild Tales from the 11:00 BBC Weekend News 10:55 The Loud House 10:30 Beautiful Baking with Raymond 04:30 Teleshopping 11:30 Homes Under the 08:00 You've Been Framed!

Village 11:10 Access Juliet Sear 08:40 Frasier Hammer 11:15 Friends 14:30 Monty Don's Japanese 11:30 John and Lisa's Weekend 09:00 Frasier 07:00 George and Mildred 09:00 Dress to Impress 12:30 Wanted Down Under Kitchen 09:30 The Big Bang Theory 11:40 Friends Gardens 13:15 Bargain Hunt 10:00 Dress to Impress 07:25 Coronation Street 12:30 Nadia's Family Feasts 10:00 The Big Bang Theory 12:10 Friends 14:00 BBC Weekend News 15:30 Flog It! 13:30 ITV Lunchtime News 10:30 Sunday Brunch 12:40 Friends 11:00 Dress to Impress 14:15 Songs of Praise Omnibus 13:40 The Voice UK 13:30 The Simpsons 13:10 Friends 14:50 Escape to the Country 16:15 Holiday of My Lifetime 12:05 The Masked Singer 15:10 The Masked Singer 13:55 The Simpsons 13:50 World's Most Vicious 15:30 Blue Planet II with Len Goodman 10:40 Emmerdale Omnibus 16:40 Tipping Point 14:25 The Simpsons Beasts 13:35 You've Been Framed!

16:30 Live: FA Cup Football 17:40 ITV Evening News 14:55 Jamie and Jimmy's 14:50 Jumanji 17:00 Tomorrowland 19:05 BBC Weekend News 17:50 ITV News London Friday Night Feast 16:55 The Angry Birds Movie 14:35 Spy Kids: All the Time in 14:00 Lewis 19:00 Ski Sunday 19:15 BBC London News 18:00 The Chase: Celebrity 15:55 Back to the Future Part 18:55 5 News Weekend the World in 4D 15:55 Agatha Christie's Poirot 19:25 Countryfile 19:45 Top Gear Special III 19:00 Secrets Of The Kellogg's 20:00 Doctor Who 16:25 Hotel Transylvania 2 19:00 Dancing on Ice 18:10 Channel 4 News Factory 21:00 Dragons' Den 17:05 Midsomer Murders 21:00 Call the Midwife 21:00 The Masked Singer 18:40 Mrs Doubtfire 20:00 Britain's Favourite 18:15 Pirates of the Caribbean: 22:00 Geraint Thomas: The 22:00 The Trial of Christine 22:30 Who Wants to Be a 21:00 George Clarke's Old Cereal: From Coco Pops To 19:00 Endeavour Keeler The Curse of the Black Pearl Millionaire?

House, New Home Weetabix Road Will Decide 23:35 ITV News 22:00 SAS: Who Dares Wins 22:00 The Wonderful World of 23:00 BBC Weekend News 21:00 Midsomer Murders 21:00 Skyfall 23:00 The Misadventures of 23:50 The Hobbit: The 23:00 Big Fat Quiz of the 23:20 BBC London News Chocolate Desolation of Smaug Decade 23:50 Family Guy 23:30 Match of the Day Romesh Ranganathan 23:00 Midsomer Murders 23:00 Inferno The listings for the Costa Blanca People’s TV pages are supplied by an external company – we regret that any changes or errors are not the responsibility of the Costa Blanca People

www.costablancapeople.com

CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

Spain highest unemployment and house price inflation in Europe in 2020 Spain will be a European leader in both house-price inflation and unemployment next year, according to a forecast by the international ratings agency Moody’s. And although it seems contradictory that the country has both high unemployment and high house-price inflation, it already seems to be the case.

Though Spanish unemployment has come down from mind-boggling high of 26 percent in 2013 to 14.2 percent today after some good years of economic growth, it’s still one of the highest levels in Europe, second only to Greece (at 16.7 percent). Moody’s forecast it will fall to 13.4 percent next year as the Spanish economy continues to expand, albeit at a slower rate than before. In contrast the

unemployment rate in Germany is 3.1 percent, and in the UK 3.8 percent.

What happens to house prices in a country with such high unemployment? They go up more than in countries with much lower levels of unemployment, according to Moody’s, who forecast Spanish house prices will rise by 5.5 percent on average next year, the highest level of annual house price inflation of all the eight European countries included in the forecast.

In comparison, prices are forecast to rise 4.5 percent in Ireland and Holland, 4 percnet in Germany and Portugal, 2.5 percent in France, 0.7% in the UK, and no change in Italy.

In terms of economic growth, Spain is forecast to lose the number one spot to Ireland on 3.2 percent, with Spain in second place with 2 percent.

Moody’s also forecast tighter mortgage lending conditions for Spain next year but consider the market risks lower, thanks to more prudent lending, the popularity of fixed-rate mortgages, and the effort Spanish households have made to deleverage over the last decade.

Nonetheless, the agency sees imbalances which it describes as “early warning signs of risks that emerge when house prices rise,” for example higher LTVs on new mortgages and falling rates of household savings.

News

27

costablancapeople.com | 31st December 2019 - 6th January 2020

28 Your FREE Weekly TV Guide

BBC one

BBC two

ITV

Channel 4

Channel 5

ITV2

ITV3

Monday 6th January 02:00 Newsday 02:30 Asia Business Report 02:45 Sport Today 03:00 BBC News 03:30 My Very Extended Family 04:00 BBC News 04:30 Dateline London 05:00 BBC News 05:30 HARDtalk 06:00 The Briefing 06:30 Business Briefing 06:45 The Briefing 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain: Holidays 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wanted Down Under 12:45 Caught Red Handed 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at One 14:30 BBC London News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Father Brown 16:00 I Escaped to the Country 16:45 The Farmers' Country Showdown 17:30 Antiques Road Trip 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Six 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Live: FA Cup Football 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:25 BBC London News 23:35 Ladhood

00:00 Dara O'Briain: Voice of Reason 01:00 Mustang 02:30 Snow Animals 03:30 Best House in Town 04:15 Holby City 05:15 This Is BBC TWO 07:30 Wanted Down Under 08:15 Flog It! 09:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 10:00 BBC News at Nine 11:00 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC Newsroom Live 13:15 Politics Live 14:00 Coast 15:00 Get Away for Winter 15:45 The Best Dishes Ever 16:15 Who Do You Think You Are? 17:15 Alaska: Earth's Frozen Kingdom 18:15 Flog It! 19:00 Richard Osman's House of Games 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 The Twinstitute 20:30 Mastermind 21:00 Only Connect 21:30 University Challenge 22:00 The Choir: Aylesbury Prison 23:00 I Love the 1990s 23:30 Newsnight

07:50 Shane the Chef 04:45 Come Dine with Me 05:40 Kirstie's Celebrity Craft 08:00 Thomas & Friends: Big 04:00 Teach My Pet to Do That Masters World! Big Adventures!

06:35 Kirstie's Vintage Gems 08:15 Milkshake Monkey 04:25 ITV Nightscreen 08:20 Peppa Pig 06:50 Countdown 08:35 Peppa Pig 07:30 Cheers 06:05 Judge Rinder 08:45 Top Wing 07:55 Cheers 07:00 Good Morning Britain 08:20 The King of Queens 08:55 PAW Patrol 09:10 Floogals 08:45 The King of Queens 10:00 Lorraine 09:30 Becca's Bunch 09:10 Everybody Loves 09:45 Little Princess Raymond 11:00 This Morning 09:55 Ben & Holly's Little 09:40 Everybody Loves 13:30 Loose Women Kingdom Raymond 10:05 Sunny Bunnies 10:10 Frasier 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 10:15 Jeremy Vine 10:40 Frasier 12:15 The Dog Rescuers 11:10 Undercover Boss USA 14:55 ITV News London 13:10 5 News at Lunchtime 12:05 Ramsay's Kitchen 13:15 Police Interceptors 15:00 Dickinson's Real Deal Nightmares USA 14:10 Access 13:00 Channel 4 News 16:00 Tenable 14:15 Home and Away 13:05 Sun, Sea and Selling 14:45 Neighbours Houses 17:00 Tipping Point 14:05 Escape to the Chateau: 15:20 A Bundle of Trouble: An Aurora Teagarden Mystery DIY 18:00 The Chase 17:00 Friends 15:10 Countdown 19:00 ITV News London 17:30 Friends 16:00 A Place in the Sun: 18:00 5 News at 5 Home or Away 19:30 ITV Evening News 18:30 Neighbours 17:00 A New Life in the Sun 19:00 Home and Away 18:00 Come Dine with Me 20:00 Emmerdale 19:30 5 News Tonight 19:00 The Simpsons 20:30 Coronation Street 20:00 Premiership Rugby 19:30 Hollyoaks 21:00 Inside Asda: Bigger, 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:30 Midsomer Murders 21:00 How to Lose Weight Well Better, Cheaper 22:00 Britain's Loudest 22:00 24 Hours in Police 23:25 ITV News Snorers Custody 23:55 ITV News London 23:30 New Year's Eve 23:00 Gogglebox 02:30 Ideal World

01:15 American Dad! 01:45 The Cleveland Show 02:15 The Cleveland Show 02:40 Release the Hounds 03:45 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 04:10 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 04:20 ITV2 Nightscreen 04:30 Teleshopping 08:00 Dinner Date 09:00 Emmerdale 09:30 Coronation Street 10:00 Coronation Street 10:30 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:30 Superstore 11:55 Superstore 12:20 Dress to Impress 13:15 Emmerdale 13:45 Coronation Street 14:15 Coronation Street 14:50 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:45 Supermarket Sweep 16:50 Dinner Date 17:50 Dress to Impress 18:55 Take Me Out 20:00 You've Been Framed!

20:30 You've Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Family Guy 22:30 Family Guy 23:00 Family Guy 23:30 Family Guy

01:05 Endeavour 03:10 Barging Round Britain With John Sergeant 03:35 Judge Judy 04:00 Emmerdale Omnibus 06:45 ITV3 Nightscreen 07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Emmerdale 08:25 Emmerdale 08:55 Heartbeat 09:55 George and Mildred 10:30 George and Mildred 11:00 Man About the House 11:35 A Touch of Frost 13:40 Heartbeat 14:45 Emmerdale 15:15 Emmerdale 15:50 Coronation Street 16:20 Coronation Street 16:50 The Durrells 17:50 Heartbeat 18:55 Foyle's War 21:00 Judi Dench's Wild Borneo Adventure 22:00 Judi Dench's Wild Borneo Adventure 23:00 Grantchester

Charlize Theron opens up about Mom killing Dad Charlize Theron has opened up about the night her mother killed her father in self-defence.

The Bombshell actress, 44, spoke about her father Charles Theron drunkenly threatening her and her mother, Gerda, on a night in June 1991 when the star was 15.

“My father was so drunk that he shouldn’t have been able to walk when he came into the house with a gun,” Charlize said. “My mom and I were in my

bedroom leaning against the door because he was trying to push through it.”

She continued, “So both of us were leaning against the door from the inside to have him not be able to push through. He took a step back and just shot through the door three times.”

“None of the bullets ever hit us, which is just a miracle,” Charlize added.

To save her daughter and herself, Gerda shot her husband. “But in self-

defence, she ended the threat,” the actress said, that is why no charges were brought against Gerda.

The moment left an impact on the Oscar-winner who said, “This family violence, this kind of violence that happens within the family, is something that I share with a lot of people.”

“I’m not ashamed to talk about it, because I do think that the more we talk about these things, the more we realise we are not alone in any of it,” she

added. “I think, for me, it’s just always been that this story is about growing up with addicts and what that does to a person.”

Charlize described her father as a “very sick man,” saying he “was an alcoholic all my life.”

“I only knew him one way, and that was as an alcoholic,” she said. “It was a pretty hopeless situation. Our family was just kind of stuck in it. And the dayto-day unpredictability of living with

an addict is the thing that you sit with and have kind of embedded in your body for the rest of your life, more than just this one event of what happened one night.”

“I think our family was an incredibly unhealthy one. And all of it, I think, scarred us in a way,” the actress said. “Of course, I wish what happened that night would have never happened. It’s unfortunately what happens when you don’t get to the root of these issues.”

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29

CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

Ring in the changes 3. Drop chest to ground and perform a push-up.

4. Jump feet forward into squat position.

5. Jump up, reaching hands over head, and repeat sequence for 30 seconds. Rest and do two more sets.

Make it easier: Step back instead of jumping and do push-up on knees.

We've got some important advice for you: this year rather than making huge and scary resolutions, fill your list with achievable, more simple, good-for-you goals. Try one of these simple lifestyle tweaks each day, and you'll not only jumpstart a healthier body and mind / you'll feel fantastic and so psyched to make 2020 your best year ever.

Share your resolutions one-on-one Some research shows that telling others your goal makes you feel like you've already achieved it. But other studies indicate that sharing progress can help you keep going. So maybe the ideal compromise is to confide in one friend, then share achievements with others when you're on the road to success.

Instead, organise your activities into chunks of time, such as kid time and cooking time, and then commit to being focused in those allotted minutes and see what happens.

Become a plant owner Swing by the garden centre after brunch this weekend. Just the presence of indoor plants can lower human stress levels, research shows, and one study found that actively caring for plants calmed the autonomic nervous system and lowered blood pressure. And when people work near plants, they report greater concentration, satisfaction, and perceived air quality.

Start doing yoga with your partner A morning couples' class could make afternoons much more fun. Experts believe partner yoga helps couples get more comfortable with each other's bodies, a boon for better sex.

Take the stairs.

Take 10 minutes to run up the stairs in your office or home. A study in the journal Physiology & Behavior found that tired women who climbed stairs for 10 minutes got a bigger energy boost than those who had the caffeine equivalent of a can of soda or half a cup of coffee (and burned calories too!).

Do one thing at a time Multitasking doesn't make you more efficient, but it does stress you out, believe mindfulness experts. If your focus is fragmented, you'll likely find yourself getting anxious as new items come up when old ones are still incomplete.

Plan a vacation.

Women who holiday at least twice a year have a lower heart attack risk than those do so rarely. And researchers have found that even thinking about an upcoming trip can boost happiness for weeks.

Volunteer, volunteer, volunteer There are so many charities and good cause right on your doorstep here in Spain so it’s always a great time to volunteer to clean up a park, work in a charity shop or help at an animal shelter.

And research shows that pitching in regularly can lead to less stress and lower blood pressure. So use the new year to jumpstart a longer-term personal commitment.

Do one new exercise move.

Plyometric exercises - like burpee push-ups - get you fast results: 1. Squat and place hands on floor.

2. Jump feet into plank.

Delegate more chores.

Money can't buy happiness / but it can buy time, which is the next best thing. A large study found that people who spent money on time-saving services obtained greater life satisfaction and happiness than those who shelled out for material goods. If money is tight, take on the least favourite chore of a friend and have her do the same for you.

Explore new hobbies.

Another sleepy Sunday? The new year is the time to try Lebanese food, have a singing lesson, or take a painting class / whatever feels fun. When researchers followed 7,500 people for 25 years, they found that those who complained of major boredom were roughly twice as likely to die from heart disease.

Play upbeat music.

Blasting any happy-making tune can work multiple mind-body wonders including reducing pain during exercise, elevating mood, and lowering stress, research shows. So make a playlist - any songs that oat your spirit will do the job.

Take back your lunch break.

If you scoff your sarnie at your desk

while skimming the web, you're in good company: Only one in five of s actually takes a lunch break, according to a survey, even though doing so has been linked to increased productivity.

Spend less time glued to your phone.

In a survey, 83 percent of readers told us they lost track of how long they spent on their devices. But short of deleting all social apps, it can be hard to trade screen time for more productive pastimes like walking the dog and coffee with friends.

Whether you’re Team iPhone or Team Android, download the latest software to access built-in tools that help you track your personal app usage.

Learn a new skill.

Physical exercise keeps your body healthy, and mental exercise is key to keeping your mind sharp. Trying something new can boost memory skills and more. Turn to the (celeb) pros! Visit MasterClass’s site to take lessons from writer David Sedaris or dancer Misty Copeland. You’ll get instruction videos, assignments and extras.

Meditate every day.

The benefits are endless (think better sleep, less stress and more focus), but it can be hard to switch off your mind at first. Turn to devices and apps to get a jump-start. In Wellness Lab tests, consumers said Muse: The Brain Sensing Headband (Amazon.com) helped lower their stress levels. You wear the headband, and it guides you through sessions with instant feedback.

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Eating spicy food 'cuts your risk of early death by a quarter' It might sound like an old wives' tale up there with eating ginger for an upset stomach, or chewing on a clove for a toothache, but eating chilli peppers has been linked to a lower risk of a fatal heart attack.

Regular consumption of the spice - more than four times a week - is associated with a reduction of death risk for cardiac and cerebrovascular causes.

According to the study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, people who often eat chilli peppers have a mortality risk for every cause reduced by 23 percent, compared to those who do not.

The research examined 22,811 citizens of Molise region, in Italy, participating in the Moli-sani study.

Over a follow-up period of an average of about eight years, scientists found that in people eating the sweat-inducing fruit, the risk of dying of a heart attack was reduced by 40 percent.

Marialaura Bonaccio, epidemiologist at Neuromed in Pozzilli, Italy, said: "An interesting fact is that protection from mortality risk was independent of the type of diet people followed.

"In other words, someone can follow the healthy Mediterranean diet, someone else can eat less healthily, but for all of them chilli pepper has a protective effect."

Licia Iacoviello is director of the department of epidemiology and prevention at the IRCCS Neuromed and professor of hygiene

and public health at the Universita dell'Insubria of Varese.

She said: "Chilli pepper is a fundamental component of our food culture. We see it hanging on Italian balconies, and even depicted in jewels. Over the centuries, beneficial properties of all kinds have been associated with its consumption, mostly on the basis of anecdotes or traditions, if not magic.

"It is important now that research deals with it in a serious way, providing rigour and scientific evidence.

"And now, as already observed in China and in the United States, we know that the various plants of the capsicum species, although consumed in different ways throughout the world, can exert a protective action towards our health."

Researchers say that for all mortality outcomes, they failed to find a clear stepwise dose-response relation with chilli pepper.

They say that this indicates the actual advantage in terms of survival improvement is likely attributable

t o the fact of consuming chillies rather than not consuming them.

Dr Duane Mellor, registered dietician and senior teaching fellow, Aston Medical School, Aston University, said: "This is an interesting paper exploring potential associations between chilli consumption and risk of heart disease and stroke.

"It does not show a causal link, and hints that those who were following a more traditional Mediterranean diet seemed to benefit less than those not following this type of diet.

"This could suggest it is how chillies are used as part of an overall dietary pattern and lifestyle.

"It is plausible people who use chillies, as the data suggests also used more herbs and spices, and as such likely to be eating more fresh foods including vegetables.

"So, although chillies can be a tasty addition to our recipes and meals, any direct effect is likely to be small and it is more likely that it makes eating other healthy foods more pleasurable."

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Top Googled diets of 2019 Google has issued its annual ‘Year in Search’ report, which includes the top trending diet searches of the year. You’ve probably heard of most of them, if not tried a few yourself. Some are actually sound, nutritionists say, while others don't necessarily have much scientific backing...and a few are a little off the wall.

Here's the entire list of the top trending diets of 2019, starting from the top.

Intermittent fasting diet The intermittent fasting diet caught everyone’s attention recently when Jennifer Aniston revealed that she does it.

There are different versions of this diet, which involves periods of going without solid food—Aniston favours the 16:8 version, which means she eats within an 8-hour window then fasts for 16 hours.

But does it actually work? It can.

It’s suspected that the reason it helps people lose weight is that eating within an 8-hour window simply limits the total amount of calories consumed in a day.

1200 calories diet Just as the name of this diet implies, it's an eating plan that limits dieters to 1200 calories daily. Many variations exist, and the diet doesn't restrict any one food group or type of food. While sticking to 1200 calories a day might sound feasible for the short-term, keep in mind that dietary guidelines for adults advises that moderately active women between ages 26 and 50 should take in about 2,000 calories daily to maintain a healthy weight. Cutting back to 1200 might be too restrictive to sustain.

Keto ultra diet The high-fat, low-carb keto diet was at the

top of last year's top trending diets list from Google. Quick refresher: the goal of the diet is to get your body to a state of ketosis, where you burn fat for energy rather than carbs, which leads to weight loss. This variation of the super popular keto diet is basically keto with supplements, which claim to put your body in a state of ketosis or increase fat burning while you're in ketosis already.

Dubrow diet Created by Heather Dubrow of Real Housewives of Orange County and husband Terry Dubrow, MD, one of the stars on Botched, the Dubrow diet is an intermittent fasting plan with three phases that focuses on whole foods and restricting calories. The diet features sample meal plans and it doesn't eliminate carbs. But all the phases and fasting windows could make it a bit complicated to follow.

Sirtfood diet The Sirtfood diet can be filed under “Is this

too good to be true?” It claims to be the only eating plan which actively encourages red wine and dark chocolate, which are both high in sirtuin activators.

(Sirtuins are a type of protein that protects the body’s cells from dying and from inflammation, and research suggests they can help regulate metabolism, increase muscle, and burn fat.) This diet has actually been making headlines for a while due to (unsubstantiated) claims that singer Adele followed it to lose weight.

No carbs no sugar diet This plan appears to come from Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez, who announced on Instagram back in January that they would be attempting a 10-day no carb, no sugar challenge. Apparently J. Lo discovered that cutting out an entire macronutrient was not easy and reported this on social media: "So it turns out, when you don't have sugar and you don't have carbs, you're really really hungry all the time. So we're trying to figure out a lot of good snacks."

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Reasons you feel cold all the time comfortable, then a circulation problem that keeps blood from flowing to your extremities might be to blame. Cardiovascular disease can be one cause; it's a sign that your heart is not pumping blood effectively, or a blockage of the arteries prevents blood from getting to your fingers and toes. Smoking can also bring on circulation issues, since lighting up constricts blood vessels.

Feeling chilly when you're outside in the cold is one thing. But if you're always shivering, or your hands and feet feel like blocks of ice while everyone else nearby says the temperature feels toasty, then it's time to investigate.

You're too thin Low body weight - defined as a BMI hovering around 18.5 or under - can chill you out for a couple of reasons.

First, when you're underweight, you lack an adequate level of body fat to insulate you from cold temperatures.

The other thing is, to maintain that low BMI, you have to reduce your food intake so you likely aren't eating very much at all. Skimping on calories puts the brakes on your metabolism, and you don't create enough body heat.

Consider putting on a few pounds by loading up on whole, healthy foods that contain lots of protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates.

Your thyroid is out of whack Add cold intolerance to the long list

of health issues you can blame on the butterfly-shaped gland in your neck.

Always being cold is a telltale sign of hypothyroidism, which means your thyroid doesn't secrete enough thyroid hormone. Without the right level of this hormone, your metabolism slows, preventing your body's engine from producing adequate heat.

You don't consume enough vitamin B12 This nutrient found only in animal products plays big role in preventing big chills. The body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen through your system. Not having enough can lead to B12 deficiency anaemia, or a low red blood cell count, resulting in chronic coldness. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by a poor diet, so aim to get more lean meat, fish, and dairy into your meals.

You don't get enough iron Low iron levels are one of the most common reasons for chronic coldness.

Here's why: Iron is a key mineral that helps your red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body, bringing heat and other nutrients to every cell in your system. Without enough iron, red blood cells can't effectively do their job, and you shiver.

The best way to boost your iron intake is through healthy food: meat, eggs, leafy greens like spinach, and seafood are the best options.

You’re a woman Find yourself in a constant battle with male team members for control of the thermostat? Turns out that feeling cold really is a gendered condition. In general, women are better at conserving heat than men. In order to do this, women's bodies are programmed to maintain blood flow to vital organs such as the brain and heart. This directs blood flow toward these organs and away from less vital organs like hands and feet, which leaves these body parts chronically cold.

You have poor circulation If your hands and feet are always like ice but the rest of your body feels

You don't get enough sleep Sleep deprivation can wreak havoc

on your nervous system, throwing off regulatory mechanisms in the brain that affect body temperature. It's not clear why this happens; studies suggest that in response to the stress of not getting quality snooze time, there's a reduction in activity in the hypothalamus, the control panel of the brain where body temperature is regulated. A small study from the

European Journal of Applied Physiology appears to back this up: researchers documented a drop in body temperature in 20 sleepdeprived young adults. Metabolism may be a culprit here as well, as when you're fatigued from a restless night, your metabolism works at a more sluggish pace producing less heat and slower circulation.

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39 CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

Scooters Explained

We recently provided the full and detailed explanation of the guidelines which precede the new laws aimed at regulating electric scooters, but as they have appeared on many a list to Santa and the Three Kings, we thought it prudent to explain a few of he key points in brief.

The devices are being classified as three different groups. The first are toys, the second group is personal mobility vehicles (VMP), and the third are mopeds.

Primarily, we are discussing personal mobility vehicles, and the key point of that phrase is “personal�, that is to say that only one person is permitted to use them at any one time, you are not allowed to carry passengers.

We have detailed how the power of these devices is important. If they are more than 1,000 w, then they need to be registers as scooters. The maximum capable speed is also important, if they can only go up to 6 kilometres per hour then they are classed as toys, if they can go in excess of 25 kilometres per hour then they a classed in the same group as mopeds.

Toys can only be used in designated areas such as parks and private land.

Mopeds require an initial ITV inspection, which can only be carried out if they have EU conformity, and then need to be registered. They must then display a number plate and the

rider must have a driving licence which is valid for riding a moped.

Insurance is also mandatory, as is the wearing of an approved motorcycle helmet. All other laws relating to traffic apply as these devices can only be used on the roads.

If the vehicle falls within the restrictions to classify it as a VMP, then it too can only be used on the roads, but only within town limits. A licence and insurance is not mandatory, and the local town halls can dictate whether a helmet is compulsory or not, so you must check with your local

codes on the vehicles which will give law enforcement officers access to the information about the vehicle so they can check for modifications.

Modifying the vehicle is not exclusively about the power however, only VMP vehicles with self-balancing capabilities (Segways for example) can have a seat installed.

At night and in poor visibility, the vehicles must have a white light at the front and a red light at the rear. No other colour illumination is permitted.

When on the roads the rider is not only expected to respect all the traffic laws, including stopping at red lights, not riding the wrong way down a road, and everything else we have

authority, although we strongly recommend the use of a helmet and protection at all times.

When on the road, the VMP is still classed as a vehicle, and so all traffic laws apply as they do for mopeds and other vehicles, and so the use of alcohol and drugs is strictly controlled, the use of headphones, mobile phones and communication devices is prohibited, etc.

There are also restrictions on modifications. You must not alter the speed and power capabilities of the device. In the future, manufacturers are likely to be required to display QR

mentioned, for example, but are also required to respect other road users by riding in a way which doesn’t prevent the free movement of traffic.

The same of course applies to all road users, we must all exercise mutual respect.

If Santa has delivered one of these units, or if you are hoping the Three Kings bring one, then make sure that it complies with the recommendations as the legislation is already being enforced by the police and Guardia Civil in order to protect these potentially vulnerable road users.

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AIRPORTRUNS”R”US For Alicante Airport ­ Pick up & Delivery ­ Various aircon vehicles up to 7 Passengers ­ meet and greet ­Punctual & Reliable Service We can accommodate pets, bikes, golf clubs on request along with baby/booster seats Alicante Airport to Torrevieja starting from

55€ Other areas or destinations on request.

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Minerva, 21 month old Chinese Crested (Powder Puff) crossbreed. She weighs 5 ½ kgs and has been blood tested, is fully vaccinated, micro chipped and sterilised.

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Sport

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TALES FROM THE TOP FLIGHT ■ CHRIS DARWEN chris@costablancapeople.com

Forget the John Lewis advert. Forget the fact that this might be your Nan’s last Christmas. Forget the fact you didn’t get up early enough to get in the Boxing Day Sales queue at your favourite outlet. Forget all that. The single most tear-jerking moment of my Christmas was when Jim Rosenthal asked Jose Mourinho how his Christmas Day had been and Jose told him his beloved dog had passed away.

I tell you this for nothing, Amazon are killing it this season - getting Poch sacked, getting Spurs to appoint Mourinho and then Jose’s dog passing away on Christmas Day? If they didn’t get that on camera then someone is going to get fired.

All cynicism aside for one moment though, if you did not feel for Mou in

that moment then did you even deserve Christmas in your house?

Briefly, the pantomime villain mask slipped and we saw the real Jose and you know what? He’s only human and loves dogs. For that alone, I was delighted when Dele Alli cleverly scored the winner after Brighton had led and I like Graham Potter, I wish him well. But the thought of Jose going home, Leya not greeting him at the door not caring less whether he’d got three points or not and not actually having three points brought a tear to my eye.

Harry Kane scored as well, naturally.

It’s a Boxing Day tradition for Kane to find the back of the net, he’s done it for the last five years. Kane reckons it’s a proper Christmas Dinner that helps him score the next day. If that’s the case, why didn’t Micky Quinn score more often?

Liverpool won, Trent AlexanderArnold got an assist (and a goal, actually) and Bobby Firmino has

Trent Alexander-Arnold

woken from his goalscoring slumber.

Sounds like a standard matchday for Jurgen Klopp’s men as they took their nearest rivals for four at the King Power.

It’s safe to say all talk of Leicester City being the side that could catch Liverpool can be put to rest as the league leaders outclassed Brentan’s men from the first whistle. “Very, very hard to stop” said Rodgers after the game - referring to Liverpool winning the league and not his own team’s rabbit-in-the-headlights performance.

Jurgeylad is well aware that no team has ever had such a big lead and not won the title - but surely having thrown away a ten-pointer last season there is no chance it could happen again?

Frank Lampard’s Chelsea are now nearer the relegation zone than they are Liverpool in the league table after getting done 2-0 at home to Southampton. Literally since the moment CAS said Chelsea can make transfers again, the wheels have come off the team at Stamford Bridge where they have lost three-in-a-row now. Even Frank himself could see the performance was almost identical to the Bournemouth defeat, offering the press boys the exact same press conference.

History looked like it was repeating itself for Matty Longstaff as he fired Newcastle ahead at Old Trafford and, albeit briefly, Steve Bruce was dreaming of finally beating Manchester United at his old home.

The Saturday Club Golf Society The Saturday Clubs last game at Vistabella before the Christmas break. We had 38 players turn out on a cool but sunny morning.

The competition was in two parts,our 8 lowest handicaps played a medal round off the white tees. The results were not as high as expected from such low handicaps with two NR´s.

The other ranks played the normal stableford with a shotgun start.

Before the game the restaurant at Vistabella put on a breakfast for all players, our thanks to Robin, Jeannette and Sonya for looking after us so well.

were as follows -

The winner of the Medal competition was Sean Norris with a net score of 76.

Thanks to the Vistabella staff for once again making our visit so enjoyable.

We had 5 categories today for the Stablefordcompetiton and the winners

They have arranged to play on Tuesdays with a kick off time at 4.30 from January 7th 2020 until further notice.

The club has also lowered their entry

Oh, and Pogba looked really good strolling around the pitch against a team just looking to limit the damage, didn’t he?

Mikel Arteta made his managerial debut against Bournemouth and claimed to be pleasantly surprised at the fact they didn’t completely throw the towel in having gone 1-0 down.

That’s the level Arsenal are now at their new gaffer is delighted to see the basic character traits of not giving up after going a goal behind. Yo-Pierre equalised meaning Arteta has an Arsenal point on the board straight away - and they have Chelsea next and who knows what might happen in that one.

Are you sure Carlo Ancelotti has taken over at Everton? I just saw the goal back and it looks like a cross slung into the box and Dominic Calvert-Lewin heading home. I thought they’d moved Duncan Ferguson aside? It was the kind of goal that Burnley would recognise as well, obviously, and it was enough to beat them.

The oldest swingers in town got together at Selhurst Park and it was Uncle Roy Hodgson who saw off Manuel Pellegrini thanks to a lovely little goal by Jordan Ayew. The son of Pele (no, not that one) weaved through West Ham’s ‘defence’ and scored one of the better goals of the festive period, dragging West Ham into a bit of a relegation battle. I’m pretty sure Hodgson danced a little too. Well, it is Christmas.

Villa needed all six points against Norwich in their cliched relegation clash and they got them. Norwich might well have been the better side, but it was Dean Smith’s men who nicked the win thanks to sub Conor Hourihane.

If Watford do stay up, Nigel Pearson has to get manager of the year regardless of what else Klopp achieves this season. They are off the bottom thanks to Ben Foster and the point gained against Sheffield United. Foster pulled off a worldy save to deny John Fleck and it’s that kind of thing that could change a season.

Imanyo Golf Society Anne Goldsmith Remembrance Rose Bowl

Cat 1 - Pete Ryder 34pts Cat 2 - Dave Roberts 35pts Cat 3 - Alan Lawrence 37pts Cat 4 - Ian Kenyon 35pts Cat 5 - Jim Murray 33pts NTP - Hole 2 Chris Butler, Hole 7 Derek Beckett, Hole 11 Ray FerryHole 15 Jacqui Norris As usual we nearly always have a full house of members and more on the reserve list waiting to play.

Phil Brigham Captain

The best Christmas present The Pride of Spain award winning Playa Flamenca Walking Football team were Given the very best Christmas Present, when they were granted acceptance to play their home games back at the C.D.M. Sports ground where they used to play, before the ground was closed.

Yeah, that didn’t last long - although Newcastle were good value for that lead for about ten minutes they felt compelled to gift the game to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side. If I’d said there was a goalkeeping howler at OT on Boxing Day, you’d have presumed it was David de Gea falling further from grace, but no. Martin Dubravka got chocolate wrists from Santa and put them to full use in letting Anthony Martial’s passback go past him.

Commentators raved about Mason Greenwood’s wondergoal having gone so far down the path they could not make a u-turn once the massive deflection became obvious and then Sean Longstaff showed that United were on the right track wanting to sign him by beautifully assisting Martial’s second.

age to over 50's.

So if you are interested to play or watch come along,or contact the club secretary vickyhillspain@gmail.com The club also offers a superb social section for wife's and wags.

This is a very good opportunity to get fit for the New Year, as no experience or skill needed.

This was the third year we have played for this trophy, Anne sadly passed away suddenly three years ago and is missed by all, many thanks to her husband Harry, son and daughter, David and Nicola, for sponsoring the day in her name, David actually flew over Tuesday and returned to the UK on Thursday to play in this remembrance competition for his Mum. We had a good turnout for the visit to El Plantio; the weather was a cold start but as soon as the sun got to work the day was perfect for golf at a pleasant 70o. We played Singles full handicap Stableford split into two groups.

Winner of the Anne Goldsmith Remembrance Rose Bowl was won on count back between group A winner Peter List and group B winner Donald Main, both had 38 points but Peter managed to win it on the back nine 20 points to 18, runner up of group A on

count back was Chris Houghton with 34 points beating Steve Ayre, runner up of group B was Alan Freelove 27 points. All of the nearest the pins were won, hole 3 Chris Houghton, hole 7 “Lady Champion 2019” Mo Chaplin, holes 9 and 18 “Lonely Trucker” Andy Godfrey, hole 14 Peter List and hole 16 “The wine Collector” Brian Court.

Two football cards were won, Steve Day with Hull City and Peter List with Manchester City both winning €40 and raising €80 for our charities of 2020.

We would like to say thank you to Imanyo’s Bar for their hospitality and of course great food.

Photo shows Harry and David Goldsmith presenting the Rose Bowl to Peter List. www.imanyogolfsociety.com imanyogolfsociety@gmail.com

www.costablancapeople.com

Bronze Category: 5 th Mick Seymour (30 on CB), 4 th Neil Oliver (32), 3 rd Alan Hill

(33 on CB), 2nd Mike Jordan (33 on CB) and 1st Mike Kaylor, also with 33 points Silver Category: 5 th Phil de Lacy (32), 4 th Chris Wren (34), 3rd Ian Merga (36), 2nd Hugh Reilly (37) and first Mike Greatorex (as he did almost a year ago at the same course during SMGS’s penultimate visit to Villamartin when winning his category), scoring excellently, and this time with the day’s best return of 40 points Gold Category: 5 th Theo Boelhouwer (30), 4th Norman Cahill (31), 3rd Eva Pettersen (33), 2nd Colin Smith (38 on CB) and 1st Darren Hancock, also with 38 points Nearest the pins (sponsored by Property Shop): Hole 6 Darren Hancock, Hole 9

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Elche CF finish 2019 with Away Win

SMGS at Villamartin Another good turnout in the run-up to Christmas, with 41 members and 4 guests making their way to Villamartin following a 6 month absence from the course. Once a monthly regular this was only SMGS’s third visit in 2019, a combination of factors involved in that decision. Those that came found a course in very good condition, especially the greens which were excellent.

Always testing, although often leaving a feeling that one really should have done better, Villamartin deceives in its difficulty. So congratulations to Mike Greatorex (the day’s best round of 40 points), Darren Hancock, Colin Smith and Hugh Reilly for bettering their handicaps.

Darren also had a run of nearest the pins on the par threes, at one point claiming at least three of them, but eventually having to settle for one.

Bronze category was the tightest, with Mike Kaylor (33) winning on countback from Mike Jordan and Alan Hill, and Neil Oliver only one point behind. The Abacus, greeted with a loud cheer, went to Mick Roscoe following actual winner Ralph Tilbrook giving up his claim to the coveted prize of an excellent bottle of Valencian red.

Prize giving was held at the Ale House in Villamartin Plaza, where the hosts kindly provided Chilli con Carne and rice for the starving souls awaiting the in-itto-win-it draw and day’s results, which were the following:

Sport

CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

Dennis Freeman, Hole 13 Eva Pettersen, Hole 17 Adrian Roberts Abacus: Won by Ralph Tilbrook, but the bottle of wine graciously given to runnerup Mick Roscoe Best Guest Winners: Dave Rowe (28) beat Andy Crowe (27) in to 2nd place Our thanks go to all Villamartin staff for their contribution to a very enjoyable day.

Next week we will be at Vistabella for a Christmas to-be-confirmed format competition, then at Roda on January 2nd for the society’s first 2020 event.

Keep up todate with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Captain Phil de Lacy a call on 652553362.

Elche CF v Albacete, Sunday 21st December, kick off 16:00, attendance 7,645 Elche fans made the relatively short trip to the Carlos Belmonte Stadium, the home of Albacete CF for their last league game of 2019. The team are always well supported at this local derby match, and this fixture was no different. The Green and White army gave the Elche players a great welcome in front of a half full stadium with a crowd of almost 8,000.

The game was immensely important to the club following on from their 2-3 loss at home to Las Palmas the previous week, having been 2-0 up at half time.

The squad was depleted as not only Nino #7 in attack but also Juan Cruz #23 in defence were unavailable. Then a last minute change was necessary as the goal keeper, Edgar #13 was injured, so San Roman #1 stepped up for the first time and made his league debut. Despite the situation, Pacheta set out his starting 11 well and Elche CF seemed to dominate the first half. The forward Josan #17 and central fielder Sanchez #10 worked well together. The whole team pressed Albacete whom through frustration conceded 2 yellow cards.

After half time Pacheta, often criticised for his lack of formation changes at key times, made a great decision to substitute Josan #17 with Pere Milla #11.

This proved pivotal. Albacete’s 30 year old Ukrainian, Zozulia shot was saved by Benidorm born goalie San Roman #1. He then cleared to Milla #11, who threaded the ball to playmaker Ivan Sanchez #10, who put a super assist through to Yacine Qasmi #9, who found the back of the net!

All in front of the away fans. This left a nervy 15 minutes of play with a further 5 minutes of extra time. Elche were able to hold onto their lead and took a well deserved 3 points home for Christmas.

They finished 2019 in 8th position and just 1 point off the play offs. 2020 looks promising, especially with the new South American Football agent owner.

Book to join the EuroTourGuide Coach Tour for the next home match at the Martinez Valero against Huesca on Saturday 4th January 2020. It is 20€ per adult for return travel and match ticket in the Fondo Sur Cubierta, picking up from the Orihuela Costa, Torrevieja Carrefour, Quesada, Rojales and La Marina. https://eurotourguide.com/en/coachtour/Sporting-Events

El Plantio 2 Golf Society The Celts Club de Golf A Christmas exodus back to the U.K. left only seven members competing in El Plantio 2's Tuesday members day - so no team games were possible.

The chosen game was an individual joker and the family O'Brien were the winners of the competition, with Janice carrying on recent excellent form by pipping husband Paddy by one point.

Nearest the pins – Hole 4, Mike Davies, Hole 9, David Swann.

Second place, Handicap 11, Paddy O'Brien – 38 points.

First place, Handicap 13, Janice O'Brien – 39 points.

Photograph from L to R. David Swann, Paddy O'Brien, Janice O'Brien, Mike Davies.

If anyone would like to join our Society, we play at El Plantio Golf Club every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. We use both courses - the Par 3 9 hole course and the main 18 hole course, so we cater for all abilities.

The membership rates are very

competitive, so call for more details. Anyone who wishes to play in the Society as a guest or join as a new member, contact David Swann on 865 779 983 or 648 476 752.

Darts for charity Darts players in and around San Miguel were well on target recently when they held a special fund-raising competition to help flood victims in September’s storms.

They held a darts competition, charged an entrance fee and organised a raffle and raised 950 euros which they donated to the charity Help at Home Costa Blanca.

The charity even sported its own darts team and came a very respectable second.

Charity president Carmen approached the local Red Cross which negotiated a good price for the purchase of radiators and microwaves to give to flood victims, which have been recently delivered.

Carmen commented: “The darts community cannot be praised enough for choosing us to receive this money and we have spent the cash on the people who really need it.”

What a fine way to start the Christmas Holidays with a round of 18 holes amongst our golfing friends. We had a field of 64 players all primed and ready for the off with our 9am shot-gun start. The format for the day as always a pairs Texas scramble. The course is in fine condition with fast greens, with tricky pin positions and combined with the high winds it was a real challenge.

There are a number of people who need to be thanked for their contribution, to Jean, Jose and Karolina in the golf shop muchos garcias. The green staff under the guidance of our new head green keeper Miguel Moreno congratulations on the presentation of the course. To Marijose Vanessa, Gloria and all the kitchen staff, thank you very much for a beautiful Christmas Dinner. Our entertainment on the night was provided by our very own Jackie Whyte. Jackie had the Junta Directiva up performing to YMCA, a site for sore eyes but great fun none the less, go raibh mile maith agut. Many players forget that behind the scenes there is a team working so that you can roll up tee off and enjoy the game. This team includes Camillus Fitzpatrick, Philip Mountford our new Captain and Terry Fitzgerald, our competitions committee.

Thank you gentlemen for all your work, not just yesterday but throughout

the year. Denis McCormack keeps a fantastic check on our finances and he is another of the unsung heroes, thank you Denis.

Our new Captain Philip made the presentation of prizes and his first duty was to present the annual Golfer of the Year trophy to Terry Fitzgerald. We are very grateful to Pat Baker for the sponsorship of the trophy. The results of our Christmas Hamper were as follows, NTP’s as it was a pairs competition we awarded a prize to each pair. Bill Currie, Stuart Bulling, Camillus Fitzpatrick, Philip Mountford, Billy and Holly Thomson, John O’Brien and Denis McCormack, Dave

Marriott and Tony Burns and Terry Jones and Mary Kehoe. On hole 7 we had two eagles for the nearest the pin, hotshots or what! 6th prize went to Tommy Warren and Catherine Bennett 70.2, 5ht to Alan and Rose Walker also 70.2, 4th prize to Andy Currie and Tony Woodward 68.8, 3rd to Terry Fitzgerald and Tony Davis 67.2.

Runners-up with 65.8 Denis McCormack and John O’Brien and the worthy winners with 65.4 Tony Burns and Dave Marriott.

Well done to one and all and it only leaves me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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CostaBlancaPeople 31st December 2019 - 6th Jaunary 2020

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