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Issue 613

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Council jobs face axe by Jack Troughton COUNCIL WORKERS face redundancy as a debt-ridden town hall attempts to slash its wage bill and stave off the threat of bankruptcy. Calpe is €54 million in the red and Mayor Cesar Sanchez is desperate to install an austerity plan to cut spending – including the 23 million euros paid out annually in salaries. And part of his “tough measures” will be to cut the workforce of 600 serving a town with an official population of 30,000 residents. At his weekly press conference, Mr Sanchez said the situation was “untenable” and added that seven out of every 10 euros entering town hall coffers was spent on council staff. It is understood many town halls in the region spend about 40% of income on wages and the mayor said Calpe was further burdened with a “very high level” of sick leave. Mr Sanchez admitted “steps must be taken that are not popular but necessary” but said spending on social services would not be cut. He said Calpe’s financial plight was made worse by the need to repay capital repayments on a €15 million loan taken out by a previous administration in 2006 – and spent over the last four years. Mayor Cesar Sanchez

AUDIT The mayor, who has already

commissioned an audit to investigate how the cash was spent, underlined: “Today’s situation is dramatic and if during the past four years the previous administration has a cushion of €15 million which has now been spent, we now have to meet repayments of both the interest and the capital amount. “It is important the townspeople know that we are in an extreme situation, that revenues have fallen greatly and we have an overall debt of €54 million. This last administration has been irresponsible and dramatic, and the new government team has begun to take steps to cut costs – austerity measures that will affect all departments except social services.” The situation in Calpe is further complicated by outstanding bills with mayor contractors. The town hall is investigating a series of large debts – for example the rubbish collection company Acciona was said to be owed €4 million. As a result of the precarious financial situation, the town hall has had to put a series of projects on hold. As an illustration, the mayor said there was a shortage of spaces in the municipal cemetery and it also required a 100,000€ of urgent repairs but there were no funds available.

15 - 21 JulY 2011

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AGENTS NORTH Round Town Travel 1, Avenida Dr Severo Ochoa, 1, Urb. El Admiral, Local 1 Lisa 966 811 123 Round Town Travel 2, Calle Gerona, 39 (Next to Hotel Ambassador) Kerry/Gemma 966 813 261 Round Town Trips, Calle Narcisco Yepes, 4, Local 8, Albir, 03581, Alicante.Lee/Jackie 966 867 294 ProminenT, Teulada Industrial Est. Calle Llanterner, 2 alto, 03725, Teulada, Alicante. Marja 965 793 229 Quicksave, Partida Murtar 2/2, Pedreguer, Alicante. Andrew Thomas 966 456 157 Millie Munro Insurance, Avenida Lepanto, 6. Millie 966 493 082 • millie@milliemunro.com EasyBuy, Avenida del Portet 24, Moraira. 03724 Alicante 965 745 969 ICUK Foods sl, C/Gulliem de Casto, 8 Bajo, Oliva 46780 962 839 830 • icukfoodssl@hotmail.com

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Bargain Books, Plaza Juan Carlos 1, Nº 2, San Miguel de Salinas, 03193, Alicante. (Opp. Tourist Info) Gaynor/Lee 688 667 389 leeshaw.evans@gmail.com Johnsons El Limonar, JCP Commercial Center, Local 31, Los Altos Del Limonar, Torrevieja, 966 785 600 Johnsons Quesada, Ava. Las Naciononies 1a -17, Quesada, 966 717 848 Johnsons Algorfa, Local 30, Commercial Center La Finca Golf, Algorfa, 966 729 647 The Post Room, Centro Comercial 5, Via Park III, Calle Panticosa Nº 2, Los Altos, Orihuela Costa, Alicante. Aoife/Chris 965 319 665 aoifesweeney@hotmail.com Pennys Supermarket, Flamenca Beach Comercial Centre, Unit 123, Playa Flamenca, 03189, Peter/Sarah 966 733 257 • bulldogstores@live.com Print Solutions, Avenida Londres 136, La Marina Urb, San Fulgencio, 03177, Alicante. Jim/Trish 966 790 520 • jim@printsolutionsspain.com Best Wishes, Local 30, Comercial Centre Hispania, Avda de la Union 72, San Javier, 30730, Murcia. Kathy 968 192 235 kaffywalker@hotmail.com Ononix Mar SL, Calle Mayor 30, bajo derecha, Guardamar, 03140, Alicante. Ron/Alicia 965 728 178 aliciamuddle@ononix.com

SAN MIGUEL TORREVIEJA QUESADA ALGORFA ORIHUELA ORIHUELA SAN FULGENCIO MURCIA GUARDAMAR

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Road plan shelved

by Jack Troughton PLANS TO improve a “dangerous and congested” road link to a poplar Marina Alta resort have been shelved because of a lack of funds. The busy CV-734, a single lane highway linking Javea and the coast with the arterial N332 at Gata de Gorgos was to have been widened and become dual carriageway. The Regional Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport drew up plans in 2009 after impact studies – the road runs through pro-

tected land of the Montgo natural park – but has put the project on hold because of “budgetary constraints”. The body admits there has been a “remarkable increase in traffic” in recent years, especially in summer months, as people heading for the tourist destination. And it wanted to increase the capacity of the CV-734 and ease the dangers of stationary traffic caused by drivers halting to access smaller roads off the main carriageway.

The busy CV-734

Bull run victim critical

A 53-year-old man remains in a critical condition in intensive care after being gored by a bull on Monday during celebrations in Pedregeur. The streets of the Marina Alta town were packed with bull running fans when the victim, from Els Poblets, was struck in the groin by a 600kg animal – and repeatedly flung against metal safety barriers. He was taken to Denia Hospital and underwent hours of surgery to repair complicated injuries to his groin and head. And a 29-year-old man from Oliva who bravely attempted to rescue the stricken victim as he lay unconscious on the ground also needed hospital treatment for a leg injury after being hit by the bull.

Benidorm continues to trade above summer expectations

TOURISM IN Benidorm and the surrounding region as taken another big step toward recovery in the tourism industry as apartment and caravan rentals show the best figures since the ‘crisis’ reared its ugly head three years ago. The present improvement is still being attributed largely to unrest in the Middle East, said to be contributing at least 10% - 15% over expected booking levels, with family groups particularly preferring a safer holiday environment. However, landlords care little for the theories behind the boost in trade and are happy to enjoy the long hot summer, hoping for another next year. Meanwhile, the campsite occupancy forecast for July is 63.9€.

Moraira killer jailed by Jack Troughton A GARDENER who murdered an elderly German couple during a violent robbery at their Costa Blanca home was jailed for a total of 31 years on Wednesday. A former employee of the pensioners, he armed himself with a 25cm long knife and went to their luxury apartment in central Moraira to demand money. The couple – the husband was aged 85 and his wife 75 – had recently sold their Marina Alta home to move into the village. And on 26th June 2008, the defendant, known only as Eugeni T, confronted the couple to demand valuables. When they refused, the man was stabbed a total of 20 times and his wife eight – but while she still lived she was also forced to

reveal the location of the safe, jewellery, credit cards and PIN numbers. The defendant fled the area after moving the couple’s car to make it appear the pair had gone on a trip. He was later arrested in Madrid after his suspicious wife went to police. The alarm had been raised two days after the killings when worried friends – who would usually speak daily with the pensioners - contacted police and shortly afterwards the car was discovered abandoned in another part of Moraira. Officers entered the penthouse to find the bodies. It was claimed the defendant, who deeply regretted his actions, did not intend to murder his victims but went to their home to steal valuables.

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Property buyers looking for seismic assurances in the Vega Baja RISK The Vega Baja region is now being seen as an area at risk, especially since the devastation of Lorca in May, and speculative buyers are now requesting certification from builders for homes post-dating 2000 when the earthquake building standards were introduced for new projects, pushing up the cost of construction. STRENGTH

by julie Day PROPERTY BUYERS in the Vega Baja area are beginning to demand assurances that potential homes meet ‘antiterremotos’ (anti earthquake) standards. In the distressed real estate market buyers are taking the opportunity to make more demands, becoming choosier as the property crisis deepens.

One of the items checked in order to gain approval is the strength and durability of structures that depend on ground conditions considered to be at seismic risk. Reinforcements deemed necessary are also subject to approval. There is also a control over materials, which should also feature anti-seismic characteristics as standard. It is unclear whether these measures would be sufficient to withstand the seismic movement experienced at Lorca, even supposing they were rigidly and consistently adhered to. It is clear, however, that thousands of re-sales in the area were built prior to the seismic checks being acknowledged as ‘useful’, and before building regulations observed a need for seismic protection. These properties must therefore be sold ‘as seen’ in an already shaky market, where the seismic building standards, or lack therein, will serve to influence prices that are already in danger of collapse.

Angry farmers slam the CHJ

FOLLOWING THE recent announcement that irrigation for 18,000 hectares of agricultural land in Alicante province is to be withdrawn, angry farmers are launching a series of large scale objections, beginning by demanding an emergency conference with all new municipal mayors, fearing the loss of a further 100 square hectares of water. The farmers, at a conference early this week supported by the President of the Society of Irrigators, Angel Urbina, slammed the “shameful attitude” of the Confederation Júcar (CHJ) and are preparing a document to be presented to the Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, the Water Board and the CHJ, outlining farmers’ rights and demanding a review.

Step back in time by Jack Troughton AUTHOR MIKE Rendell has used hoarded papers and an ancestor’s detailed diaries to take readers back to 18th Century London and the Georgian era. The resulting book ‘The Journal of a Georgian Gentleman’ takes readers back in time and allows them to walk the streets of a city fast becoming the hub of the world. Mike, a retired lawyer living in the Jalon Valley, has opened a window to the key age of enlightenment and through the book – sub-titled ‘The Life and Times of Richard Hall, 17291801’ – brings history to life. And this intriguing factual book is also the grounding for Mike’s second work, this time a fictional ‘bodice ripper’ packed with gratuitous sex and violence. He has already completed the historical research by setting the diaries of his great-great-great-great grandfather into a wider context. He told RTN the Georgian period was a “fascinating world” and through Twitter and his Blog he was already aware of thousands of fans who loved the romantic, safer world. “I come from a family of hoarders. There are shopping lists going back 200 years, copies of newspapers – if you want a copy of a newspaper reporting the Great fire of London, well here I am,” he said. LETTERS “There are my father’s letters from Burma in the Second World War, my grandfather’s letters from the trenches, stacks of family papers… “We had tea chests full and my wife said we must go through

15 - 21 JulY 2011 them and use them or lose them! Most of the papers related to Richard Hall and although there are diaries dating back to 1650, his are the most complete diaries and complete story.” Richard’s own family were landed gentry ruined by the South Sea Bubble and so his father travelled to London to learn a trade and became a stocking maker. Richard, born in Red Lion Street, Southwark, dreamed of crossing London Bridge to live in the Square Mile as a respectable gentleman. And he achieved his target. He married an heiress and moved into a house built in the 1770s with the rather grand sounding address: No 1, London Bridge. Mike said: “Ironically the house was demolished when the new London Bridge was built – and also the house where he was born, on the south side of the bridge.” He said Richard was successful in business, expanding into general haberdashery, and his son and business partner rose to be a Master of the Worshipful Guild of Haberdashers. However, his relation fell out with his children after his first wife died and he married a woman close to his offspring’s age – Richard moving out of the City to farm in the Cotswolds. FAMILY “They could see their inheritance going out of the window. She was of child-bearing age and had children,” said Mike. “The family split up. “Looking at life, nothing changes. People had the same worries about education, children growing up, getting a job, paying taxes, and illness.” Mike admits he is “immersed in the 18th Century” and spends his time writing Blogs – 74 to date – and giving talks as well as showing off Richard’s crested cutlery and fossil and shell collection, and the fascinating detailed ‘paper cuts’, scenes literally cut out of paper by Richard’s daughters. “My kids are chuffed I have written a book,” he said. “I

Mike Rendell

have a web page and Blog and Twitter. It is enormous fun and keeps the brain cells going. “The book will never make a fortune because it is a very specialist thing – but it is only recently I have stopped thinking of myself as a retired solicitor but as an author. It is a huge fillip to realise you can actually do more than one thing in your life.” The Journal of a Georgian Gentleman is available at Bookworld or online and Mike can be contacted via www.mikerendell.com and his daily blog is at www.georgiangentleman.posterous.com

Council Cliff Distressed Guadalest lowers rates to revive tourism Cleanup

IN A bid to smarten up the town for the summer, Benidorm City Council has detailed a ‘clean up’ programme. 160 kilos of garbage has been cleared from the Benidorm castle cliff, a favourite spot for visiting tourists and one that offers wonderful views of the old town at sunset.

THE CITY Council of Guadalest, one of Spain’s most popular tourist haunts, has been forced to lower parking charges after losing 35% of its visitor trade. The rate changes are part of an initiative to step up interest and create a ‘new brand’. Parking has been reduced by 50% from 4€ to 2€ in municipal parking areas; buses paying 12€ under previous parking regulations will now be allowed to park without any charge as an incentive to bring large groups of tourists into the town. Parking charges raised from 1.70€ to 4€ is thought to have prompted a drop in trade over recent years. The council is also in touch with Hosbec with proposals to promote local hotels and to utilise a programme of 50,000 customer discount vouchers for car rental companies based in Murcia, Alicante and Valencia. Also the price of entry to the local museum is to be reduced.

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Police on the hunt for Codex thief criticise security measures by Jan Gamm THE NATIONAL Police are investigating the disappearance of the 225-page Codex Calixtinus, a priceless 12th Century manuscript used as an ancient ‘guide’ for those attempting the pilgrimage to the tomb of the apostle St James in Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. The manuscript is considered to be an irretrievable loss to Spain’s cultural and religious heritage. A special brigade of nine agents specialising in the investigation of historical artefacts arrived in Santiago this week and began several lines of enquiry that included viewing images captured on security cameras and the exercising of vehicle controls within Santiago and at strategic points elsewhere in the country. ABROAD Cathedral Dean and Archivist José Maria Diaz has come under severe criticism over the inadequate security measures surrounding one of Spain’s most priceless artefacts, its disappearance abroad now considered to be highly likely. Galicia’s Chief Prosecutor, Carlos Varela, has indicated that the thief responsible for taking the Codex will face a mini-

mum of five years imprisonment - if caught. Secretary General of the Unified Police Union, Xosé Freire, agreed that security measures were “minimal” and “inadequate,” based on a simple ‘shared key’ system. SLOPPY

In fact, any Neighbourhood Watch patrol would have little difficulty pointing out the huge gaps in the Cathedral’s appallingly sloppy safekeeping of an irreplaceable national treasure. Out of the five security cameras placed in the area, not one targeted the cabinet where the manuscript was stored. It is thought the manuscript may have ‘gone missing’ in an elaborate and stealthy theft under cover of darkness last Sunday but was not ‘missed’ until Tuesday - and even then Cathedral staff wasted more precious hours hunting for the Codex before finally notifying police of the theft! Should the incomparable Codex be offered at ‘private auction’ (public sale would be impossible due to the manuscript’s high profile) it is estimated that it could achieve a price of €100 million. Another possibility too chilling for historians to contemplate is that the book could be cut up and sold, page by priceless page… The Codex was not insured.

A page from the Codex Calixtinus

Hunger-striking prisoner in hospital SPAIN’S LONGEST-SERVING prisoner for non-violent crime, Miguel Montes Neiro, is gravely ill as a result of complications caused by his persistent hunger strike. 61-year-old Montes Neiro has served more than 35 years sentenced for a variety of offences and has now been transferred to hospital in a severe state of dehydration. He is also thought to be suffering with Hepatitis. His family, in fear for his life, are appealing to Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba to allow the release of Neiro on probation with an electronic tag. Neiro served most of his sentence in Huelva prison but was transferred recently to be near his family in Granada.

Cinema in the Cove opens its summer season at Finestrat THIS WEEK a summer programme featuring outdoor cinema was launched in Finestrat, entitled ‘Cinema at the Cove’ under the auspices of the Department of Tourism. The summer programme kicked off with an open air screening of ‘Star Wars: the Clone Wars’. Movie favourites will continue until September, with ‘Aliens in the Attic’, ‘Toy Story 3’ and ‘Oceans 13’ all to be shown at 10pm.

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Rubalcaba picks up the flag from Zapatero by Jan Gamm LAST SATURDAY the PSOE Federal Committee confirmed the presidential candidacy of present Deputy Prime Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, with a mammoth challenge ahead to conquer the polls that lost his party all their territorial power in the May elections. Rubalcaba has four major goals for Spain: jobs; a healthy economy; improved equality and political change for democracy. He proposes the extension of the part-time contract to encourage employers to create jobs; flexibility for employers and security for An workers and improvements for the pension system. emotional Rubalcaba expounds that the creation of jobs for Rubalcaba Spaniards is a project that “cannot wait” for ecohugs Zapatero nomic recovery and he is also becoming Spanish

banks’ worst nightmare, criticising the banks for irresponsible lending, especially in the mortgage sector. He says he intends to call on wealthier citizens to help the country out of recession: “Those who have not experienced the crisis will have to invest more to get out of it,” he hinted darkly… Rubalacaba’s views on tax havens are that they are “going to end,” with the cooperation of the EU. Part of Rubalcaba’s political reform proposals include the overhaul of the electoral system (a nod to 15-M) with a new format modelled on that of Germany’s. Asked to comment on the PSOE’s electoral challenge Rubalcaba said, “Nothing is written…nothing is decided beforehand, absolutely nothing,” pledging to work “to the limit” and to give “everything” to the task in hand.

Makeup artist recommends using skin as an art canvas

ALL LADIES (and many men) like to change their image from time to time by introducing a new technique in eye shadow or a lipstick colour. World Champion Makeup Artist Cathy Bayle, visiting Petrer this week, takes cosmetic art to a higher level and paints fantastic images on her subjects from head to toe if they wish, changing images and boosting self-esteem wherever she lays her brush. Using brushes and sponges Cathy specialises in body paint and uses human skin as a canvas: “You can be anybody you want to be,” said Cathy, “…let your imagination run wild!”

Swordfish torpedoes boat THE CREW of the fishing boat Roque del Aguila from Tenerife managed to escape with their lives in a life raft this week when the hull of their vessel was rammed by a swordfish that left the boat foundering and taking in water through a 20 centimetre hole. Despite the crews’ efforts water rushed into the boat faster than the auxiliary pumps could handle. The skipper thought the swordfish was attracted by the boat’s catch of tuna. The crew was rescued unharmed by another fishing vessel eight miles away.

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Thanks for your support

AGE CONCERN Costa Blanca would like thank the Rascals for the wonderful ‘Rags to Riches’ show at the Virgen Del Carmen Theatre. The selection of music was most enjoyable and the sum of 1,000€ was raised for which we are very grateful. Thank you to all those who supported these wonderful people who obviously enjoy what they do in raising money for so many charities.

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Email letters to rtnmail@roundtownnews.com with your full name and address

Email: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

Should have read the small print... AS A voter in Orihuela Costa I feel very let down. I voted for CLR-Claro in the elections believing they would do the best for those of us from the UK who live here. I am disturbed to find out that they have chosen to join forces with the PSOE who have ruined Spain and with the three tree huggers who would have us give up transport and walk around in biodegradable sandals. To top it off, the chap from Claro it seems has fallen out with CLR and accepted a post in the Town Hall leaving his partners out in the cold - he did the decent thing for himself by voting in favour of his wages, but the CLR put the block on it by voting against. So where are we now? Nowhere! Our councillor cannot get anything approved for our benefit - I suppose eventually he’ll get paid, so at least that’s something. I would never have given them my vote if I’d known the CLR-Claro coalition wasn’t going to last two weeks and my vote meant that I would be governed by a bunch of eco warriors and communists: silly me I should have read the small print I suppose…

Excellent Work

FOLLOWING THE excellent Cliff Roberts articles recently published relating to the environment around the Torreta area of Torrevieja.I write from the UK. I have been a property owner in the Torreta for 11 years. During this period I have witnessed the tremendous improvements throughout other parts of Torrevieja, particularly around the Marina and when we visit with family and friends, we are proud that they can enjoy these facilities. Together with numerous other residents, we endeavour to make our properties very presentable. However, unfortunately we are embarrassed by areas of abandoned land and buildings and graffiti. Obviously the biggest eyesore is the ‘Slug’ (as it is affectionately known…) Are the residents expected to have their views of the Salt Lake obscured by this monstrosity indefinitely? If only we could obtain some information on the plan of what is intended for this area. Torrevieja is a wonderful town but the people of the Torretas do feel ignored and any campaign that you could contribute to would certainly increase interest in your weekly paper. FJR

Alerting you to another scam I WOULD like to alert readers to yet another scam, on the streets of Denia this time. A young man calls to offer you a bunch of flowers as a ‘regalo’ (gift) as the indoor market is shut. Of course he then offers another bunch at 1€. Well, the two bunches for 1€ was quite okay, so I said yes. He then counts 5 x 1€ coins into my hand and asks me to change them for a note. I said I didn’t have a 5€ note, so he held out more coins and asked for change which I declined, but as I had my purse in my hand, was giving him the coins back and watching him choose the flowers, he expertly and rapidly took the 50€ note I had just drawn from the ATM. I didn’t find out until I went to do my shopping and had only the 20 euro note that I left home with. I did alert the police, but of course he was by then nowhere to be seen. He is of medium height, slim, olive skin, in his thirties I would say, clean shaven, quite ‘guapo’ (attractive) and friendly. Well, that´s the last time I will be buying from a street vendor, and I hope this warning saves someone else from feeling as stupid as I do! Regards, Margaret Hairsine

Old but certainly not finished I SUSPECT that you are going to be inundated with mail regarding the letter from Lloyd Lupin (if that is actually his name) that you printed on page 12 of this week’s RTN (That’s What I Think). First of all, shame on you RTN for publishing an article that is so blatantly ageist - (would you have published it, I wonder if it had been racist or sexist?) And secondly, does anyone want to read the opinion of someone who is obviously both ignorant and insensitive? I have just celebrated my 70th birthday - I had

to delay the party because on the actual date, I was too busy campaigning, as I was standing in the local elections. During my sixties I had two novels published, wrote a third which is soon to be published, edited five full length manuscripts, had articles published, was second in the Good Housekeeping short story competition and taught Business English to professionals. I still do all these things and also lead a full and active social life. My husband, who is also a septuagenarian and I get up at 7am every day and walk our dogs for

at least an hour before breakfast. Am I unusual? I don’t think so! So this is my advice to you Lloyd Lupin! - Don’t judge all over 60s as being doddery and braindead and I won’t judge all young (sic) men as being as ignorant and insensitive as you are. I was brought up - as were my children - to respect older people. And remember the only alternative to getting old is death! Old, but certainly far from finished! Jill Morrison

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HOLA! I have had a business in Torre de la Horadada for a few years and it never ceases to amaze me how many people have never heard of the place! I live near Torrevieja so commute to work. The beaches are splendid in La Torre and there are two lovely squares with both Spanish and English bars and restaurants. Most of my Spanish friends have only just discovered the splendour of Torre de la Horadada - it is also a very pleasant place to live. Unfortunately travel agents don’t seem to bring people to Torre. Please visit Torre de la Horadada - you will be pleasantly surprised! Robert Cook

15 - 21 JulY 2011

AQUALANDIA IS a Water Party and in Benidorm’s Water Park everyone can enjoy the day in a different way. Visitors have many attractions to choose from such as slides, a children’s area, several swimming-pools and relaxation zones. Aqualandia is the best water park in Europe and the biggest, where visitors can experience a number of sensations: the ‘Black Hole’ is one of the newest attractions in the park, especially created for those who love ‘life on the edge’. The Black Hole is formed with two dark slides. If visitors prefer a fresher feeling, the ‘Geiser’ is the place: a perpetual waterfall of freshness, vegetation and relaxing rain surrounded by caves to welcome you at the entrance of the park. ‘Rapidos’ is a ride that will appeal to all tastes; a cooling descent on the current…! Children are very important to Aqualandia and for that reason there is a new children’s area to wear out those never-ending energies. Other attractions like ‘Big Bang’, ‘Soft slides’, ‘Zig-zag’ or ‘Kamikaze’ complete the fun in Aqualandia.

www.aqualandia.net www.mundomar.es

96 586 9101

A natural paradise, Mundomar is the most popular animal park in Spain and also in Europe; a universe of harmony where visitors can feel at one with the animals (more than 80 species). Mundomar is a unique landscape with spectacular tropic gardens, recreating the animals’ natural environment and habitat, at the same time welcoming visitors. Parrots, sea lions, seals, lemurs, penguins and dolphins are the star attractions in Mundomar.

96 586 0100

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Miracle Man does it again by Jan Gamm THE WORLD’S first successful transplant of two legs was carried out on Monday by Spain’s ‘miracle man’, eminent surgeon Pedro Cavadas and his medical team at the new La Fe Hospital in Valencia, on a man in his twenties. The ground-breaking operation began at around 3am and ended at 8pm, the Hospital cautiously announced “…with apparent success.” Dr Cavadas said the operation “went well” but said “it is too early to know…” in response to enquiries regarding the patient’s prognosis. The long term success of such an operation represents hope for millions confined to wheelchairs all over the world. DIFFICULTY The Transplant Commission and the Department of Health approved Cavadas’ application to attempt the world’s first double leg transplant in May, having had some success in transplanting hands and forearms in 2006 and in 2009 Spain’s first face transplant. The patient is an accident victim, a bilateral ‘above knee’ amputee unable to tolerate prosthetics due to the absence of sufficient muscle to

support artificial limbs. Speaking of the difficulty of such an operation Cavadas said: “There has never been a transplant of this kind; it will be the first in the world. No amputee has been transplanted. There is no reference data available and so you cannot rely on previous work. “The patient has been awake since yesterday afternoon and is as happy as can be: he started to cry when he saw his legs. I imagine he will be able to walk with crutches and in the long term even be able to leave the crutches but that depends on how his rehabilitation goes…if everything goes as we hope, we could realistically think that in six or seven months he could be walking.” CONGRATULATIONS Spanish Health Minister Leire Pajin telephoned Cavadas after the operation on Monday to congratulate him on his achievement that “… brings hope to other amputees.” She also commended the “generosity and compassion” of the donors’ family. Spain is a World leader in organ transplant with an efficient network of transplant coordinators working in hospitals across the country. No details are available as yet on the identity of the patient or the donor.

Dr Pedro Cavadas

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LEBARA IS AVAILABLE AT The Phone Shop: Cabo Roig - 688 228 888

THE POST BOX

Dona Pepa, Quesada - 966 731 928 www.thepostboxquesada.com

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Best friends seek man

Sandy (left) and Oscar

by Jack Troughton INSEPARABLE CANINE chums Oscar and Sandy are desperate to find a loving family that can offer them a permanent home together. The pair, along with Oscar’s sister (Orphan) Annie, were running wild in the Marina Alta until being rescued by animal lovers. And the rehabilitation of all three dogs – Annie is already with a new owner – is a success story for the community of Senija, where teamwork caught the strays and the odd coffee morning and rattling a tin around bars has raised the cash to pay vets bills and feed the animals. Vivien West, who currently cares for Oscar and Sandy despite the jealousy of her own dog Buster, explained: “The three of them were running around the village and everyone was saying ‘we must do something’ but it was nothing definite. “Everyone was feeding them but not on a regular basis – they might get fed twice on one day and then nothing. “Sadly, in the end the little girl, Annie, got too poorly to keep up with the other two and so eventually we just had to do something

and five of us went out on Easter Monday and caught her.” Vivien said Annie was in a terrible state but they managed to find a vet open to treat the dog. “At first he thought there was not a lot of hope – and he must have been faced with a real spectacle of five women crying in his surgery.” She said Annie was first fostered and then moved to a new home in outside Benissa. “She now looks incredible and the change has been wonderful to see.” Vivien said the challenge was now to find a home for Oscar and Sandy –both friendly characters, who walk well on the lead and are apparently housetrained – neither soils their underbuild bedroom – as well as having inoculations up to date and being castrated. “We are looking for someone to take them both if possible because they really are the best of friends and have had such a terrible start to life, the least we can do is try and keep them together,” she said. “They really are inseparable. If I take one for a bath, the other starts howling. They are two small dogs with very big hearts.” If anyone can offer Oscar and Sandy a home they can call Vivien on 96 573 3103 or 693 027 241.

The Philharmonic perform Pasadoble in Altea THE SYMPHONIC Orchestra of the Philharmonic Society will hold its traditional Alteanense Summer Concert on Friday 15th July at 9pm in the Paseo Sant Pere, a musical treat sponsored by the city and also by FSMCV Caixaltea. Admission to the performance is free. Pasadoble music features strong echoes of Flamenco, bullfighting and other Mediterranean influences.

Club comes up trumps

Bridge club at play By Jack Troughton MEMBERS OF the Valley Bridge Club presented Jalon Valley HELP with a donation of 510€ after its annual tournament. After an afternoon round the card tables in Benimeli, club President Peter Thompson made the presentation and complimented the charity on its workin the community and wished HELP well for the future.

Accepting the money, the charity’s VicePresident Elaine Horton thanked the bridge club for raising such a “terrific” amount of money which would be used to aid the most vulnerable. And she said in the coming months, Jalon Valley HELP was looking to encourage new community initiatives and “the support from the local population will be fundamental to the success” of new projects.

Shakin’s all over

John as the King

by Jack Troughton SINGER JOHN Curtis is hanging up his blue suede shoes and gracefully retiring his popular and enigmatic Elvis Tribute Show. After two final performances, Elvis will truly leave the building and John’s colourful costumes – the blue ‘owl suit’ and white ‘eagle suit’ – will be packed away. John, who presents bay Radio’s Ready Steady Sunday show every week between 3pm and 7pm, said the King of Rock n Roll died “horribly young” in August 1977, aged just 42 after being in rapidly declining physical and mental health. “I was actually a few years older than this when I started portraying Elvis, but unlike the great man himself, have had the benefit of good health and fitness,” he told RTN. “I have always tried to capture the energy and style of his shows between 1969 and 1973, culminating in the Aloha from Hawaii Special.” John said it was his favourite period when Elvis had found his true niche as a singer and performer and hit his peak. BRIEF “It proved to be a brief flowering and the final years of his life were actually very sad as piece by piece he lost control of himself and, before dying so young, became the sad parody of Elvis his critics are only too quick to remind us of.” John said he intended to keep singing – and would keep Elvis numbers in the act. “In my own case, although still not in too bad shape – albeit a little plumper in middle age - I do feel it is right to call time on the tribute,” he added. “By and large my audiences have always been kind and appreciative of my efforts and I would prefer to stand down now before the applause and cheers start turning to laughter and derision. However, I stress that as ‘little old me’ I intend to sing on for a long while yet.” The ultimate Elvis shows are being staged at the Terrace Bar, Jalon – where John has never before performed the tribute – on Friday 29th July and Friday 5th August at 9pm. Reservations – including those wishing to eat dinner – can be made by calling 96 648 2514 or at jandjcurtis@hotmail.com.

Concert for charity

By Jack Troughton SPANISH CLASSICAL guitarist Jose Armando Borrero will perform a concert in Moraira on 29th July with part of the proceeds supporting Samaritans in Spain. Tickets for the 8pm performance in Moraira Church are 5€ and are available by calling 606 806 577 (Moraira) or 662 033 671

(Calpe). Samaritans in Spain – formerly the Costa Blanca Samaritans – run a seven days a week helpline on 902 883 535 from 8pm until midnight. And people wishing to talk about their problems face to face can also go to the Drop-in Café every Monday between 10am and noon at Laura’s at Westbeach, Gabriel de Miro, Calpe.

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Home time…

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

IT’S NICE here on the Costa Blanca, innit? I’ve had two (far too quick) weeks to remind me of how great it was living here. Now it’s time to pack my bag and head back to Blighty; ho hum. There have been a lot of changes out here and it’s sad to reflect upon all the empty locales and homes and bars, not too mention all the folks that have gone home, but life does go on and some things still appear unchanged. For example: last week I was starting to resemble a Vietnam veteran (I could hardly see for the long hair getting in my eyes) so, I thought, a hair cut may be in order; also I was going to Lynn’s (ex-RTN goddess) birthday party and ’er indoors doesn’t like me looking a slob at social events. It made me wonder if my old barber (sorry, hair stylist) was still snipping away. Low and behold as I strolled down Alfaz high street I was delighted to see that Salon. com was still well and truly in business. I spent a happy half hour in there with Paul Heaps. Paul (yet another one) is a no-nonsense Lancashire lad who is

a master with the scissors. He always manages, in my case, to make very little go a long way. Sitting there being made to look at least semi-human again I realised that it had been five years since I was one of Paul’s regulars. Yup, I’m just celebrating (hmmm, not sure that’s the right word) my fifth anniversary of returning to Britain. Flippin’‘eck! I can’t believe it’s been five years since I was the roving (some say raving – as in, mad) reporter out there on the mean streets of Benidorm. Boy, I miss it on a daily basis… Now, the original remit for this column was to reflect upon life back home in the slim hope of convincing folk to stay in Spain. And recently, I feel I’ve had a result. Here’s the case: Young Danny who worked on RTN for many years returned to the UK last year. Now I don’t know if it was reading this column that changed his mind (of course it was) but last month Danny and his partner Louise came back to the Costa Blanca. Don’t believe me? Look, there’s his photo on page 2 of this week’s

edition. I’m claiming it as a Watts in Britain victory. Keep reading folks - stay in Spain! Well, time now to put my fleecy back on and get me ‘wellies’ ready. For me and the management it’s time to head for the cold north. Please indulge me folks while I make some personal notes. I’d like to thank Lynn for the re-union at hers and the chance to meet RTN faces old and new; thanks too to the Joanne James quartet for a great concert the Sunday before last and thanks always to exneighbours Sheenagh and Dave for their un-ending support. I must mention here that Dave and I exceeded our previous pit-pat record of 145. Last week on the beach at Cala Benidorm, just across from Vimi’s, we scored a massive two hundred and seventy-seven! Not bad for a couple of old blokes, eh? Three hundred next time, Dave… Okay folks, I’m outta here – keep reading your fabulous Friday RTN, the best weekly newspaper on the Costa Blanca - by far! Watts in Britain, so you don’t have to be…

Mass grave in remains of 59

by Jan Gamm VOLUNTEERS FROM the local Historical Memory Association continued this week to exhume a mass grave in Burgos in Northern Spain. 59 skeletons thought to be victims of the Spanish Civil War were found in the grave, including two teenagers: all

Summer science in Alcoy THE POPULAR Summer Science series of lectures at the Polytechnic University of Alcoy started this week with around 400 enthusiastic participants: it is scheduled to run until 27th July. The university opened its doors on Monday to begin a series of lectures related to economics, chemistry, nutrition and the environment, starting with a lecture on ‘The Universe’ by Rodrigo Gil. The Summer University initiative is funded by the International Campus of Excellence Program. This year the courses are expected to attract between 300 and 400 people, many of whom are retired. Lecturers admit that teaching a class of such varied ages and levels of development is “challenging” with 48 lecturers from the universities of Alicante, Baleares, Barcelona, Malaga, Elche, Castilla-La Mancha, Salamanca, Santiago de Compostela, Cantabria and the National University of Distance Education (UNED) to take part in the summer programme. The Polytechnic University of Alcoy may be contacted by ringing 689 963 217 or visit www.epsa.upv.es

If the shoe fits… by Jan Gamm The President of the Community of Madrid, Esperanza Aguirre, was presented this week with a gift of 28 pairs of shoes, two pairs from the summer collection of each of the fourteen companies collaborating in the awards for ‘Best Calzada 2010’, a shoe convention in Madrid featuring shoes designed and manufactured in Elda. The event was also attended by the Mayor of Elda, Adela Pedrosa, the Councillor for Industry, David Navarro and representatives of business groups such as footwear companies Eldense Fici Foundation, the Museum of Footwear, Inescop and the Circle of Entrepreneurs. An acknowledged ‘shoe fanatic’,

Doña Esperanza Aguirre was delighted to spend a happy hour in true Imelda Marcos style, trying on her new shoes: “Elda footwear is a product I have known and loved for many years,” she said, “I was delighted to find on buying a new pair in New York that they were made in Elda.” Adela Pedrosa, who signed the guest book of the Community of Madrid, said that: “It is important to take every opportunity presented to us as a municipality to promote and advertise our shoes,” welcoming the cooperation and support of Esperanza Aguirre. A handful of Elda shoe manufacturers Esperanza declined to attend, disapproving of the Aguirre show being held in Madrid “…at extra in Shoe Heaven cost to the city.”

Burgos reveals Civil War dead

the skeletons are male. Spokesman José María Rojas said that the grave was designed to hold more bodies than were found and part of it was never used. Several personal items were found, such as a crucifix and a glass eye. DNA testing is to be used to help identify the remains.

Sailing collision damages luxury yacht THE LUXURY yacht Fortuna that participated in the 1989 Round the World Race, now a luxury charter boat collided with a Javea fishing vessel, the Verge de Loreto at around 5pm Tuesday, sustaining substantial damage to the hull. The collision occurred about five miles from Cap Sant Antoni as both vessels were turning for home. The boat sustained a four metre tear along the starboard side but managed to remain afloat and return to port. None of the three crew or 12 tourists aboard were injured. A Civil Guard patrol boat visited the ports of Javea and Denia to collect statements from the crew of both boats. Clearly the yacht collided with the fishing vessel, although maritime regulations indicate that engine should give way to sail in a collision course. The young skipper of the Verge of Loreto declined to comment.

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Heavy duty theft in Teulada

OFFICERS OF the Guardia Civil arrested two men in Teulada this week for stealing 80 tons of iron. They were in the process of dismantling iron arches each weighing 30 tons using a stolen crane, at a farm in the municipality. It emerged that the iron was earmarked for a metal sale, with a false ‘scrap declaration’ already prepared to enable them to be sold as salvage. Another man was arrested later for forgery and being an accessory to theft. All the men are Spanish.

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Las Aventuras de Sid en España

Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

A weekly ‘cut out and keep’ feature helping you to learn basic Spanish for everyday needs

part 6

For those Spanish learners who find the language in these texts rather difficult, here is a suggestion. Try reading the Spanish first to get the gist and then going to the English, comparing the text slowly. When you read the Spanish again on its own you will obviously understand much more. However, just take in the small number of new words or phrases that interest you, and allow the rest to go over your head. ¡No pasa nada! Also, remember that a good translation is usually not literal. For example, a phrase like “a continental frame of mind” just doesn’t exist in Spanish, as its full meaning only makes sense in the British Isles, so it has to be interpreted with the phrase: “Hacerse más europeo” (to make himself, or become, more European). Obviously there is a layer of irony there which doesn’t translate either, although the humour of Sid’s efforts to be more “continental” is not lost in the Spanish text as a whole. Don’t forget you can buy Sid’s Adventures as a paperback or e-book from my website: www.janecronin.eu These versions also include pictures! An hour later, Sid emerged from the hotel equipped for his

day’s adventure. He was wearing a large straw hat to protect his head from the sun and had of course taken the extra precaution of covering his face with high factor sun cream. Hanging round his neck was his camera and a pair of binoculars, whilst his money pouch was fixed firmly around his waist. Although he thought that reports of dishonesty in the area were probably greatly exaggerated, it was always better to be safe rather than sorry. He had briefly toyed with the idea of not wearing a vest but decided this might be a little too rash, so kept it on under his white polyester shirt with fine vertical stripes. Una hora más tarde Sid salió del hotel preparado para la aventura del día. Llevaba puesto un gran sombrero de paja para proteger su cabeza del sol y por supuesto había tomado la precaución de cubrirse la cara de crema solar de alto factor. Colgado de su cuello llevaba su cámara de fotos y unos prismáticos, mientras colocaba su riñonera bien sujeta en su cintura. Aunque pensó que los informes sobre la deshonestidad en la zona eran probablemente muy exagerados, siempre valía más prevenir que curar. Había considerado la

posibilidad de no llevar camiseta interior pero decidió que eso era posiblemente un poco atrevido, así que se quedó con ella puesta debajo de su camisa de poliéster con rayas finas en vertical. To get himself into a continental frame of mind Sid had rolled up his sleeves to the elbow and had opted to wear his only pair of light khaki Bermuda shorts, bought in case he won a holiday competition to Benidorm in 1972. The outfit was completed by socks reaching just below the knee and brown leather lace up shoes. As Sid looked down at his feet he had a feeling that these were not entirely appropriate so he resolved to acquire a pair of sandals as soon as possible. Para hacerse más europeo Sid había remangado su camisa hasta los codos y había elegido ponerse su único par de bermudas, compradas por si acaso ganaba un concurso para unas vacaciones en Benidorm en 1972. El conjunto estaba completado con unos calcetines que le llegaban justo debajo de las rodillas y unos zapatos con cordones de cuero marrón. Cuando Sid se miró a los pies tuvo la sensación de que no eran totalmente apropiados así que se decidió comprar

Razzma with all

by Jack Troughton JAVEA HITS the high notes this summer when the town gets into the swing of the Xabia Jazz Festival and hosts a series of exhibitions as well as live music. A wealth of talent will be playing live in the Plaza de la Constitucion and two exhibitions, ArtJazz and FotoJazz, are being staged to complement the music. ArtJazz is a display of 29 artists, both Spanish and international, and is based around the common theme of the world of Jazz and its music. The exhibition, organised by cultural association El Generador Cultural and the Javea Department of Culture, is being staged in the exhibition centre Ca Lambert, Calle Major 9, Javea Old Town, and runs from Tuesday 26th July until 28th August. And FotoJazz is an initiative between Generador Cultural’s President Reyes Martinez and the Xabia Old Town Business Association’s President Sisco Valles and involves a tour of the historic centre and spotting huge pictures, again with jazz as the theme.

Sticky cash scam at A NEW ATM scam is proving a challenge for local police. A simple ‘cash grabbing’ exercise involves thieves pillaging bank customers’ cash at an ATM by installing an extremely adhesive false plate to the existing slot where money is expected to appear. The cash sticks, the unsuspecting customer disappears into the bank for assistance and the thief quickly grabs the plate and the cash before making a hasty getaway…

Prostitutes targeted by police under new law by Jan Gamm A PROSTITUTE in Denia, on becoming the first to be charged under a controversial law designed to control begging and prostitution in the province of Alicante, is to appeal against a ‘Certificate of Withdrawal’ issued this week for ‘prostitution in public places’ when she was caught conducting business with a client in a parked car. Her appeal is on the grounds that she was not involved in any act of public indecency at the time as she was in a private and enclosed vehicle with her customer. Police issued a number of warnings to prostitutes in recent months since the law came into effect but this is the The first notice served. The ombudsman has noted that the prostitute “ordinance in question targets particularly vulnerable with her groups: beggars and prostitutes,” and requests that the ‘Notice of City of Alicante considers a review of the matter. Withdrawal’

tazz that jazz

Co-ordinated by Xabia Photographers Association, there are around 24 pictures, the work of 15 photographers. Measuring 70cm by 100cm they are being displayed in 24 shop windows and can be seen from 15th July to 15th August. Javea Town Hall is supporting these ‘parallel activities’ alongside the festival itself and has produced a leaflet with details of the artists involved in ArtJazz and a map showing the locations of FotoJazz. The eleventh festival itself runs from 4th August to 7th August and to underline its growing importance in the calendar, there will also be a series of concerts by students of the Music Conservatory. In addition there will also be a display of the publicity images and posters used throughout the event’s history and these are on show in the Archaeological Museum in Calle Mayor. The jazz concerts in Plaza de la Constitucion start at 10.30pm and will also feature the Xabiajazz Dixieland Band. The Colina Serrano Project plays on 4th August; Bob Sands Big Band on 5th August; Amos Hoffman is on 6th August; and Deborah J Carter signs off on 7th August.

ATMs This week no less than six such operations proved successful in the Alicante area. The two arrests were the result of police being alerted by an emergency call and the thieves were apprehended with 370€ in cash alleged to have been stolen from ATMs. Two other arrests took place in Gandia several days earlier. Police believe the suspects to be part of the same gang. When attending an ATM that sticks, RTN readers are advised to call the police.

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money

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Transfer your UK Pension scheme? by

Paul Clarke

AES International

ARE YOU a British expatriate tired of all of the UK government regulations that are holding your pension funds out of your reach? Do you wish there was a way for you to access your money more easily, without requiring you to pay any/ high taxes? Do you wish you could release capital from your pension fund/s TODAY to help with today’s living expenses? Because you are a British citizen who is currently living overseas, you have options that most UK citizens do not have. You can invest your money in a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme, otherwise known as a QROPS. QROPS funds are foreign investment funds that meet strict rules and approval with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). According to British law, expatriates who are Non UK resident can move their money from UK pension plans to a QROPS. Indeed, during the first five years of being non UK resident the receiving QROPS has to report any withdrawals to Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). However, and this is the good part, after five years this requirement ceases and you can access your funds. To clarify this important point, you can transfer your UK pensions at any time and any age to a QROPS but you must have been non UK resident for five complete tax years to access the funds. However, if you are aged over 55 you can now take up to 30% of your fund immediately regardless. This can be a complex area and you should always seek professional advice in writing before proceeding. This money can then be accessed with no further liability to tax, allowing expatriates to use their retirement funds without the expenses they would

have by leaving them in UK pensions. Not only is the money tax-free, but the money in a QROPS can also be withdrawn in the currency of your choice, typically Euros in Spain. If you are considering using a QROPS for your retirement funds, you should know the many benefits to this investment structure. Most expatriates choose a QROPS for the tax benefits. Most of the QROPS funds you will consider can be used without paying income tax on the money when you withdraw it. Additionally, the money you leave to your children or other beneficiaries in a QROPS is often free from inheritance tax. This means you can leave more of your wealth to those you love when you die. In contrast, money that is in a UK pension plan is heavily taxed, both when you withdraw it and when your beneficiaries inherit it. In many instances UK pension plans require their owners to purchase annuities, which offer particularly poor value for money at this time as Interest rates are low. A QROPS does not have this requirement. With all of these benefits, are there any reasons not to put your money into a QROPS if you are allowed to do so? In some cases there are potential drawbacks to moving your money from your British pension plan to a QROPS. Any good QROPS adviser should run through these with you in writing if applicable. Also, any and all costs should be disclosed before deciding to transfer. This is usually a small percentage of the total in your account. These costs, however, are usually outweighed by the tax savings, greater flexibility and benefits you will receive by placing your investments in a QROPS. You will also need to realise that there are many different QROPS available for you to invest in, and costs do vary. You will need to work with your financial adviser to

determine which QROPS best fits your current Personal and Investment goals. Before you decide to invest with a QROPS, take some time to compare the benefits to the potential risks to ensure that it is the best option for your retirement income....and always seek professional advice from a regulated and qualified independent financial adviser. For many pension funds there is also a method to release the whole fund (minus costs) directly to you without the requirement for re-investment (subject to the five tax year rule mentioned earlier). So to summarise: Greater Flexibility and Investment Choices Full access to your funds after being non UK resident for 5 complete tax years Potentially Inheritance tax free to your Dependents/ Beneficiaries Very Low tax if income taken as a Spanish Annuity Lump Sum available immediately Currency Payment Choices Most pensions can be fully encashed to provide money today. More information can be found at www.aesinternational.com/paulclarke or call Paul on 96 505 8488 (office) or 691 219 354 (mobile) or email Paul at paul.clarke@aesfinance.com Paul also advertises on Spectrum FM Radio. AES International is a trading style of AES Financial Services Ltd registered with the Spanish Comision Nacional del Mercado del Valores (CNMV) and the Spanish Direccion General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones (DCS) and is authorised to give investment advice under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFiD) in all EU Countries. Please see advert on page 32.

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legal by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

YOU MAY recall in previous articles we advised about the reviews currently being carried out by the Tax Office on properties sold / purchased within the last four years. The Tax Office is seeking to raise money by asking for a complimentary (i.e. additional) 7% tax liquidation charge in those cases where they believe the declared value for the property on the Deed to be below the market value as against the valuation made by the Tax Office. As you might also remember we have written about two of the ways that a Tax Office decision could be appealed: one by means of a Reinstatement appeal (Recurso de Reposición) and the other by means of an Economic-Administrative Claim (Reclamación Económico- Administrativa), both of which need to be presented in front of the tax administration. In general we can say that quite often in the past the decisions of the Tax Authorities were not properly justified by the Tax Office due to lack of legal foundation, and thus the chances of successfully contesting these kinds of decisions were quite high. In fact, the Central National Administrative Court (Audiencia Nacional) within its Order issued on 31-03-1998 states that when the Tax Office is reviewing the value of an asset it is not enough to use a standard, general or stereotypical explanation, but it must explain the specific criteria used by the Taxman to set the value in each specific case. And it must also specify the qualifications of the person that grants the report upon which the decision is based. It also states that every person has the right to

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Appealing against property revaluations by the Tax Office know the criteria used by the taxman because if the criteria are unknown there is no way to contest, accept or even understand their decisions; and this could be considered abusive. It is also a fact that some Courts, such as the Highest Court of the Valencian Community (TSJ Comunidad Valenciana) in its Order granted on 16-03-1994 states that it is necessary for the Taxman (or the surveyors appointed by them) to carry out a personal and direct survey and inspection of the property. In the past, in the majority of cases, the Taxman reviewed the value and issued the new value without a site visit to the property, using general rules or coefficients and just copypasting the precedent on which their decision was based. Therefore it was quite common for the tax authorities to review the value of an asset without complying with the above mentioned Court’s criteria and hence be in breach of the legal principles. This arguably left the persons facing the proceedings unable to defend themselves in front of the taxman, thus opening the possibility of having the penalty declared void and giving the persons many chances to challenge with success. However, and possibly due to the current economic difficulties, these revisions have become increasingly accepted. Little by little the Tax Office is becoming more efficient and making small changes in order to be able to justify their revisions and decisions, by including more information and explanations of the valuation system used by them. Even so, we are of the opinion that these changes are not enough to justify the decisions, as in the majority of cases the persons facing the proceedings are still unable to properly understand the

basis of the proceedings, and thus are considered defenceless. Also the Tax Office is not complying with the above mentioned Court Order of 16-03-1994 about having the surveyor personally inspecting the property which we believe is essential to determine a property’s proper true value. We now have to wait and see what the Regional Economic Administrative Court (TEAR - Tribunal Economico Administrativo Regional) has to say on the matter. On one side TEAR could be of the opinion that the revisions which are now being properly documented and the new changes on the reports from the Taxman are enough, or alternatively TEAR could consider that the changes are not enough and maintain their previous stance about the criteria, and thus continue to declare the penalties void. Even if the TEAR decision it is not favourable, we would always be able (depending on the amount of the claim) to appeal again in front of the Highest Court of the Valencian Community (TSJ Comunidad Valenciana). Each case needs to be considered individually, however we still believe it is always worth attempting an appeal, along the lines described above. The information provided on this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. We kindly invite you to visit and comment about this article in our blog at http://www.white-baos.com/blog/ - your comments in this respect will be greatly appreciated. This article is available in English and Spanish at our Web site: www.white-baos.com

Marc White LL.B. & Carlos Baos (English & Spanish Solicitors) © White & Baos Abogados 2011 - All rights reserved. C/Diana 19, 2º-D, 03700 Dénia (located 1 minute away from the La Via underground car park). Tel: 966 426 185. Send your questions to spanishlawyer@roundtownnews.com or info@white-baos.com

money

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Complimentary tax – an old story by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

TWO WEEKS ago I was almost tempted to buy the Costa Blanca News with its exciting headline, ‘Expats Hit Hard by Property Tax Probe’. As an expat myself and working at a tax and legal firm I have a particular interest on two levels: both personal and professional. What new tax was this that was being targeted on our community? Perhaps it would provide more material for an article in the RTN? Reading a few lines into the article from the safety of the street (as yet not persuaded to buy) I was disappointed. The headline was misleading for two reasons: 1. The tax isn’t aimed at expats 2. It’s an old story So, let’s put the record straight. This tax - let’s call it the ‘complimentary tax’ - (the full title is thirteen words long in Spanish!) is neither reserved exclusively for expats nor is it anything that should come as a surprise. In some respects it is very unfortunate that it is receiving the attention that it is in this way. It has become a magnet for every uncomplimentary comment that the disgruntled can throw at Spain. And that does no one any good. It originated because many years ago in the hay-day of property build and purchase in Spain it became common practice to declare a lower sale price than was actually agreed. This meant that both vendor and buyer had less capital gains and transfer tax to pay at a time when house prices were increasing rapidly; a mutually agreeable arrangement for them to the detriment of the tax man. The Spanish tax man fought back with ‘complimentary tax’. A demand for this additional transfer tax can be issued anything up to four years after the property has been purchased. It is the difference between the amount of transfer tax

paid on the purchase of the property according to the value declared by the purchaser and what the tax man believes the true value to be. The official value is calculated by the floor size and a formula is applied that varies according to where the property is located and when the formula has been revised. So, for example:

Declared value Transfer tax of property at already paid time of sale

Actual value of the property according to the tax man

Transfer tax on full value

Amount owed (complimantary tax)

150,000€

200,000€

14,000€

3,500€

10,500€

Our advice is: if you are buying a property at a substantially reduced cost, find out through your solicitor what the complimentary tax will be and set this amount aside for payment later. Just as you would any other tax. However, you do have another option if you find yourself faced with a large complimentary bill. You can actually appeal and Ábaco have been successful in contesting cases where complimentary tax has been levied. You only have a month in which you can do this, so need to take action fast if a letter arrives. There. Hopefully you’re a little bit wiser and not ready to throw your lot in with Spain. There is a reason behind the tax, it’s not new or designed with expats in mind - just be prepared. If you receive a tax demand for complimentary tax we can help you appeal. Please call us FREE for a no obligation tax consultation on ÁbacoConnect Helpline 96 670 3748.

If you would like a FREE, no obligation tax consultation and help with completing your annual tax declaration contact one of Ábaco’s friendly team on ÁbacoConnect Help-line 966 703 748 | www.abacoconnect.com

money

I HAVE read several UK press articles lately concerned with exporting from the UK, most expounding the theory that now is the time that SMEs (small and medium enterprises) should be looking at export markets in order to trade their way out of recession.

by From the website of UK Trade & Investment:

Fiona Hulme

Agencia de Cobros Directos

www.ukti.gov.uk: “Exports have always been a cornerstone of British trading success and that is as true today as it ever was: exports are equivalent to nearly 30% of UK GDP” - Susan Haird: UKTI (UK Trade Invest). The UK is the 2nd largest foreign investor in Spain, and Spain is the UK’s 7th largest export market. But the negatives of dealing with a new country can disconcert potential exporters, worried about the types of problems below: What if the exchange rate goes against us after we have agreed the price? How do we know that our new customer is credit worthy?

What if we have a problem with the order, or the delivery, and language problems get in the way? Export Agents can be used to solve these problems, but they have to be paid a fee for their services, which will eat into the profit margin. At Cobros Directos, we are now focused on helping smaller EU based companies doing business in Spain. For the most part, deals progress with no problems, but if a Spanish customer defaults on payment, we step in to chase up the debtor. We have access to various company databases which allows us to trace the company owner and registered business address: these details will often be different from those given at the time of the order. Also we can find out if there are already any bad debts or embargoes against the company here, enabling us to determine our collections plan. For example, if the Spanish company is in Concurso (Administration/ the first steps to bankruptcy) then we would ensure that our client’s debt is formally recorded. If the company is still trading but just experiencing cash flow problems, we maintain dialogue

15 - 21 JulY 2011

until the overdue payment is made. As a step before that, if a UK company wants to do business with a new Spanish customer, we can do a ‘credit worthiness check’ prior to signing an order. The results will determine if a part payment should be demanded up front. Examples of UK exporting companies that we have done work for in Spain are a greetings card wholesaler, a car parts distributor, and a geophysical equipment manufacturer. In the wider world, we also act for a Danish translation agency who was not paid by a Spanish bureau; several Polish and Scandinavian logistics firms, and an international book distribution company. In reality it makes no difference what the debt is for; if the debtor company is in Spain then we can find them, investigate them and pursue the debt using native speakers. By making our services available to exporters and giving them the confidence to try the Spanish market, in some small way we hope that even a Debt Collections firm is helping to get our economies moving.

Contact us on 966 888 987, or email us at info@cobrosdirectos.com and we will be pleased to discuss any aspect of our service. See our website www.cobrosdirectos.com for further information on our services. Tel: 96 558 7633 M obile 61820473 1

•QROPS Pension Transfers •Inheritance Tax Planning •Retirement Planning •Life Assurance

•Mortgages •Currency Exchange •Funeral Plans

Baskerville Advisers S.L. CIF B-63/137.020; Correduria de Seguros; No. de registro RDGS J2306; Seguro responsabilidad civil AIG Europe No. 0131900503.1330; Registro Mercantil de Barcelona, Tomo 35489, Folio 170, Seccion 8, Hoja B-269534

money

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Mark Roach

Company Director and Spanish Tax Consultant

Wincham Consultants reply: Inheritance Tax complaint I HAVE tried repeatedly to send the following complaint to Wincham Consultants but without success: I note in your advert in RTN that you are spreading alarm and despondency amongst relatives of the potentially deceased, for no good reason. Of course a Tanatoria concerned will arrange with your bank for any necessary funds to be released, in the same way that the banks will not see your survivors starve, and will allow essential bills to be paid. Just like Blevins Franks, who also like to indulge in this type of hyperbole and prey on the gullible, you are writing b******* and it should not be allowed by the likes of RTN. John Easton. Dear Mr Easton, Thank you for your email in relation to our June RTN article where we discussed the potential problems of property owners in Spain having their personal bank accounts frozen when there has been a death so that the beneficiaries are unable to have access to the funds until the Spanish Inheritance Tax has been paid.

Please note that our article was a ‘follow-on’ from another Lawyer’s article, where their client had heard that this happens and was concerned of the consequences when his wife passes away. You made the suggestion in your communication that this problem would not take place if the Tanatoria (funeral home) liaised with the bank of the deceased to arrange the release of funds before probate. It is important to be aware that this may happen in very few cases but this is not the law in Spain. We have many examples where this is not the case and funds have been frozen. Wincham Consultants has received almost 4,000 enquiries via our Tax planning website www.winchamiht.com in the last three and a half years from property owners in Spain and their beneficiaries who are worried about Spanish Inheritance Tax and requested our free illustration that demonstrates the Tax liabilities in Spain which they incur on death. As Tax consultants of Wincham have spoken directly to around 95% of the people who have made the enquiries, many of them RTN readers, before preparing the illustration, I am confident to say that

about a quarter of them were aware of what the banks may do on death or had heard of someone who had the problems themselves, so I think on this basis our article and content is true and accurate. Not only as UK and Spanish Tax consultants do we offer a tried and tested solution of UK Company ownership for Spanish properties to avoid Taxes in Spain but also within the Wincham Group we have Spanish lawyers who handle our clients probate in Spain, so unfortunately we see the many problems that arise for owners and their beneficiaries on death, the bank accounts in Spain being only one. This information has been supplied by Mark Roach, Company Director & Spanish Tax Consultant.

Wincham Consultants Limited, Wincham House, Greenfield Farm Trading Estate, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4TR, England. (Wincham Consultants also have offices located on the Costa Blanca) UK Tel: +44 (0)1260 299 700 | Spain Tel: +34 965 830 991 | Email: iht.info@wincham.com | Web: www.winchamiht.com

Lower investment on Entrepreneurs encouraged to borrow modular homes to in Santa Pola crack the property market GRUPO EL CID, a Monforte company, is to build prefabricated houses in a joint project with Gil Garrido Works and Projects. 23 ‘modular’ homes consisting of 130 square metres will be built Sant Joan de Moro in a bid to generate movement in the housing crisis. The theory is that the low cost of the houses (85,000€) will make them easier to sell in the current market where conventional housing is paralyzed by the difficulties of obtaining credit. Prefabricated construction ‘sidesteps’ many of the restrictions builders face on large projects that require 50 or 100 homes to be built on land released for development, allowing houses to be built ‘on demand’ with lower risk.

ENTREPRENEURS IN Santa Pola are to have access to microcredit (money loaned at low interest) of a maximum of 25,000€ from MicroBank (owned by La Caixa) under the terms of an agreement with the council to encourage the growth of business within the town. Autonomous and entrepreneurial individuals are encouraged to apply to the Local Development Agency (ADL) of Santa Pola for microcredit against presentation of a suitable business plan. The council signed the first cooperation agreement with the bank this week, attended by the mayor, Miguel Zaragoza; Councillor for Employment Jorge Perelló; Local Development Agency Manager Jose Mazon and Santa Pola technical Emprende Córcoles Llanos. The Mayor MicroBank Commercial Director Ramon Gatell, and and the the Area Director of Elche Business, Angel Carrasco representative were also present. of Microbank

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Home Garden

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Would you like the moon on a stick as well? NOT SO very long ago it seemed that when buying a property in Spain there were only winners. What you bought today you could sell tomorrow for a profit and those profits just kept coming as the market soared into the economic stratosphere. Buyers, sellers and

agents just couldn’t lose. Then the crisis came and we found out very quickly and ever so painfully that in a sharp economic downturn there still may be winners but there are a lot more losers… In a property market where supply has outstripped demand, where prices are falling and finance in the shape of mortgages is in short supply it is the buyer who calls the tune. However, sometimes it is very difficult to play along. Everyone wants a bargain. Recently an agent was given this brief: to find a 3 bedroom villa with a pool, going for a bargain. When he asked the buyer what they meant by ‘a bargain’ they replied, “Something going cheap.” However, something that is expensive for one person may be cheap to someone else. A house priced at €800k may be a bargain if its intrinsic value is over €1 million. In this instance it is the agent’s responsibility to ascertain exactly what the buyer wants and how much they can afford and to present them with properties that match their criteria. But even more important I believe it is the agent’s responsibility to manage the buyer’s expectations.

By Guest Writer Michael Rushe of Javea Estates

Too many times agents take buyers to view inappropriate properties because they are in the buyer’s price range. If the buyer wants a sea-view then it is useless to take them to a property that has not got one. Perhaps it would be better to tell the buyer that they can’t afford a sea-view and take it from there. However, giving honest and professional advice does not always work. One buyer wants a large house that can be extended on a large plot with a pool, a garage, a separate apartment would be nice and a private garden in an urban area but who has a budget at least €200k below the going rate. Even though he has been advised of this he will not compromise on the budget and is undeterred even after two years searching. Now he suggests that we find a recently bereaved widow or widower looking to down size or desperate to go back to the UK. Perhaps it’s not an agent they want but an undertaker… In today’s market it is the agent’s professional responsibility to manage the perspective buyer’s expectations. There can be genuine bargains to be had but you can’t have the moon on a stick!

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Watch those plants, they may need more water by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

WE ARE now in mid-July, normally the beginning of the hottest four weeks of the year. Everyone will experience over 30ºC in the shade; some over 40º; and it’s possible that readers living in inland hotspots such as Xativa could experience over 50º for a few hours. Resident readers will find it hot and even more so visitors from the UK. But that’s nothing to what many of your precious plants will need to endure if they are in sunny versus dappled or shaded positions. The temperatures above are ‘in the shade’ temperatures. In the sun temperatures can be considerably higher – put the thermometer you have in a shady porch or covered terrace in the midday sun for an hour and it will immediately go sky high and could in fact break a delicate glass thermometer. So do take action now to minimize summer losses: 1. If you have not adjusted your irrigation system for summer conditions, immediately double the amount of water per day for the next two months. If you find that some plants are still drooping water less frequently but for longer

to ensure moisture is getting to the roots. To pay for the extra water check that you are not watering unnecessarily long established shrubs and trees which by now will have deep tap roots. Fairly frequently we find that long-planted fig and olive trees are still being watered daily and likewise oleander and gandula hedges. 2. Except for truly draught-resistant plants such as cacti and succulents, move potted plants into places where they will be in dappled or semishade for much of the day. 3. On apartment terraces and balconies use awnings and blinds to shade plants during the hottest hours of the day. Most importantly, recognize that plant containers can become very hot and therefore the growing medium in the containers will heat up, increasing moisture losses by evaporation from the surface. With poor compost mixes containers can dry out in 24 hours or less. As illustrated in the table on page 119 of our book, ‘Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style’, typical watering requirements for drought resistant and thirsty plants under summer and winter conditions in containers may require six times the watering in mid-summer to during the cool winter months, even in semi shaded situations. 4. Both in the garden and in terrace pots mixing a little Terra-Cottem gel into the soil and composts at the bottom of planting holes has saved many a plant that was not watered for a few days during the holiday season. It can be

use awnings and blinds to shade plants on balconies and terraces

purchased via www.terraverde.com. You can still use terracottem for established plants by digging a whole down the side of containers and pouring a half tea spoon of Terra-Cottem into the bottom of the hole or digging a hole or a trench around plants in the garden and doing likewise but naturally increasing the amount of Terra-Cottem according to the size of the plant. The above website gives good indications of how much to use. 5. If you planted new flowering or fruiting trees last autumn or in the spring digging holes around plants or trees to slide in empty water bottles or lengths of 5cm diameter water pipe down to the root ball level enable you to give extra watering down to the developing roots. Many trees die each summer as they are only watered on a drip

Clodagh and Dick’s practical gardening books will be found to be useful for both experienced and new gardeners coming to Spain. The useful quartet of books can be obtained from bookshops or by email from the websites of Amazon, Santana Books, Bookworld and The Royal Horticultural Society. © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardeninginspain.com

Home & Garden

irrigation system to the same extent as smaller more shallow rooted plants. Don’t assume that damp surface soil means that roots six, twelve or twenty four centimeters below the soil are damp and not drying out. If in doubt dig a hole alongside a number of shrubs and trees to check how deep the soil becomes dry. So take care this year that plants as well as the family don’t get too sunburnt! Clodagh and Dick Handscombe’s books include instructions for caring for plants during each month of the year. The books can be purchased from bookshops and via internet mail order sites such as Santana Books. At present they have a special summer offer for ‘Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style’. It will save your garden as well as being a great present.

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Interruptor Control Potencia (ICP) ICP: NO it’s not the latest heavy weight boxing title – however, it does involve a couple of heavyweights in the shape of Iberdrola & Endesa. If you have a property that was built before April 2005 you may be one of the 320,000 homeowners that require an ICP. SO WHAT IS AN ICP? Interruptor Control Potencia is a device that makes sure that the amount of electricity that you use does not exceed what you subscribe to. This can also act as a safety feature if the power supply has been upgraded and the supplying cables are of an insufficient size. HOW DOES IT WORK? When the user has several electrical appliances running at the same time and exceeds the amount of power that is contracted, it ‘trips’. To restore service, switch off some of the appliances first, in order to lower the connected power below the subscribed level and reset the circuit breaker. WHY DO I NEED AN ICP? Well basically it’s the law, Article 10 of Royal Decree 1454/2005 stipulates that all supplies to consumers must include power control elements according to the installation plans established by the distribution companies and submitted to the regional authorities. WHERE IS IT INSTALLED? It is housed in a sealed box placed on a wall near the door of the house or premises; the electricity company seals the box. HOW WILL I KNOW IF IT APPLIES TO ME? You will receive two notifications from your electricity supplier; normally they are delivered as registered post.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? • 1. Do nothing: if you decide not to act, your electricity supplier has the right to charge you at the highest tariff rating, until you resolve the situation. For example if your previous supply was 5.5KW they will charge you at a tariff of 20KW (about €30/month extra) • 2. Pay the electricity supplier to install the ICP: this will incur an installation fee and you will be required to rent the equipment from them for the remainder of your contract. • 3. Ask an authorised electrician to install the ICP for a one-off fee: the benefits of this are that you will not be affected by fluctuating rental fees and should you terminate/change your contract you will not be required to return the equipment (which may also incur a fee). Unlike the UK, Spanish electricians are regulated: an ‘authorised’ electrician is the holder of the ‘Carné de Instalador’ and is regulated by the local authority. In the Alicante region the controlling authority is Generalitat Valenciana. Due to the fact that the Spanish national grid is not really up to the job of modern day living, these types of measures are required until improvements can be made. Electricity is an essential part of modern day life and ensuring it is installed safely is part of my job. Don’t get caught out with a ‘low blow’ to your wallet!

‘Cash for trash’ project causes row in waste management A NEW act approved in Senate to be published shortly introduces a recycling system where householders may claim a ‘payback’ on packaging disposed of within the country’s recycling regulations. The programme allows the implementation of Deposit and Return (SDDR) with a value allocated to each container returned by consumers for recycling (for certain types of packaging only, at least initially, e.g. bottles). In Germany a similar system pays 25c on returned drinks containers and since the programme was introduced discarded bottles on the streets and in landfills have disappeared with a 98.5% success rate on returned packages controlled by the programme. Environmentalists are delighted with the news but waste management experts have hit the roof, claiming the system will be “unworkable.”

By Daniel Smith, Adept Electrical SL, see his advert in the classified section

Home & Garden

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

15 - 21 JulY 2011

You’re having a laugh AS I write this I am driving past Valencia on my way back from Germany. To be totally accurate I am in the passenger seat at the moment on the iPad while my mate drives. We have been to Germany and back in 48 hours to deliver 36 rescued and re-homed abandoned and stray cats to new owners in Germany; all very rewarding, but somewhat tiring. By right I should be catching up on some sleep, but I can’t stop laughing! I have just been scrolling through the RSS feeds for this week’s column and have read that a ‘surprising’ result of a recent survey has found that Spanish drivers are the best in Europe at - parking! The thing is though, when you read the actual report you can see why the research of 6,500 drivers in UK; Spain, Italy, Russia and France came to this conclusion. “They found that one in three people on average say they rarely manage to get into a parking space on the first try, and need more than one attempts to do so when the other cars are in line – compared to just 30 per cent of Spanish people.” I have yet to meet a Spanish person that can’t get into a parking space in one attempt. Granted it might not be the ‘right’ parking space, indeed technically it may not even be a designated parking space at all, but it is where they have decided to park, and they got in with absolutely no problem, so ask them how many attempts it took them and of course they are going to say “just the one.” Not so funny are the daily injuries being reported from the annual Running of the Bulls in Pamplona: five hurt on the first day, four injured on the second day, a gored leg on Friday, a further ten injured over the weekend, but “only the one” injury on Monday, and

a further two on Tuesday when I submitted this column. Thankfully these are all humans that have been hurt and so far no reports of injuries to the bulls. Seriously if you are mad enough to jump in front of a bull and start running you deserve everything that you get. Oh and in case you are wondering, I smile in pleasure when I read about a bull hurting someone at a bullfight! Now for all those cynics that don’t believe the Spanish are prepared to learn from ‘us’ expats living in Spain here is evidence to prove you wrong. Binge drinking among students is on the rise in Spain, and ‘could’ be causing problems in the classroom, which I assume meant with attendance or learning and not that they were actually drinking in the classrooms, although it wouldn’t be a surprise as the Spanish seem to be able to drink pretty much everywhere else! Being serious for a moment though, a million of Spain’s unemployed youngsters are ‘not in a condition’ to find a job - or even to start vocational or professional training, according to Secretary of State for Employment, Mari Luz Rodriguez. It seems a tough time to be a youngster in Spain these days: the ‘lost generation’ don’t seem to have much going for them at the moment, or many prospects, and there is evidence that they aren’t having as much fun either as a year after Spain brought in a controversial reform of its abortion laws, statistics show a decline in the number of terminations, putting paid to fears from opponents that rates would rocket, and probably suggesting a distinct lack of ‘action’ to keep their minds of their other troubles! Two ‘old chestnuts’ caught the eye as well: Spain, Europe’s second-

most visited country after France, aims to welcome one million Chinese tourists in 2020 and the British spend less time and money on holiday than Europeans; both further evidence of what I have been saying about the changing face of tourism here in Spain. A 29-year-old woman in Barcelona became the third domestic violence fatality in Spain within a twenty-four hour period over the weekend but on a more positive note the Criminal Court Number One in Motril has ordered the expulsion from Spain for a period of ten years a Moroccan national who was convicted of violent abuse against his wife. Finally story-wise, another survey that I don’t believe: a study reveals that men value cuddling and women are more sexually satisfied in long term relationships. Along with other forms of physical attention such as hugging and kissing, snuggling was tied to a man’s sense of fulfilment in the relationship. Researchers looked at 1,009 committed couples from the US, Brazil, Germany, Japan and Spain. Right… If you are interested in the cat re-homing please check out www. alstrays.com, and if you can help in any way please get in touch. And thanks to Brian Bell who got in touch after last week’s column to point out that his regular Doncaster to Alicante flights are frequently disrupted due to ‘industrial action’ by the Spanish. Chris runs an expat blog about life in Spain (www.almerimarlife. com) and is a regular contributor to a number of publications and radio stations in Spain, as well as writing a monthly column for the Telegraph Expat site and is a Telegraph Expat guest blogger. He lives in Almerimar with his wife Sands, four cats, two Harleys and more often than not a glass of red.

Views from a balcony is sponsored by Central Contracts (www.centralcontracts.com) a leading car leasing company supplying cars and vans to business users and private individuals. See also www.almerimarlife.com/expat-technology-blog Email: chris@almermarlife.com Social Networks: Twitter - Facebook - Facebook Group

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Computing with aunty virus

Check disk function Arnold via email asks: DEAR AUNTY, I am a real fan of your page in RTN. Please keep on with the excellent work. Now I need some help. When starting Windows XP Pro it unfailingly starts check disk for hard disk K: Chkdsk finds no faults on K: and I also tested all my disks for errors. Everything works fine. How can I shut the check disk function off? I hope you can help me. Aunty Says: The immediate problem here Arnold is that you may have a failing hard disk which could mean the total loss of all your data. Before you do any thing else, make sure you have a backup of all your personal stuff. Is K: drive an external USB hard disk or memory stick as they will sometimes cause this kind of problem? If so maybe unplug them before Windows starts and see if the problem goes away. You may need to run a disk check manually so let me know how you get on.

No access to website Tony Green from Roldan asks: CAN YOU please help? I am a complete novice. Three months ago I booked flights with Ryanair using my laptop via Internet Explorer 8 with no problem. I am now trying to book some more but when I enter the flight details and hit ‘search’ the next page says “you do not have permission to access this website if you are using an automated program.” I have contacted Ryanair and they told me to try Firefox but still no go. What can I do? I can access all other sites. Please can you help? Aunty Says: Not seen this before Tony but it looks a bit worrying. It’s possible the Ryanair website is picking up something on your laptop that it regards as a security risk and therefore

refusing you access. This could be some spyware or a virus running on your laptop or your IP address has been flagged as potentially dangerous and blocked or blacklisted by Ryanair. Try using the same Ryanair search from your laptop in a bar or café that has WiFi as that will use a different IP address. If it doesn’t work there then you need to check your computer with AVG, Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware, if it does work okay in the café then you will need to contact me for further advice.

Keyboard doesn’t work Lou from Mazarron asks: DEAR AUNTY, I have an Emachines laptop running windows 7 home premium. It is only six months old and a few weeks ago I started having start up problems. It would either not start at all or start up and run the inbuilt diagnosis software over and over, which I had to cancel to get my desk top. As it is still under warranty I phoned the manufacturers for advice and apart from sending it back to the UK they advised me to restore the factory settings. This I did and it cured all start up problems but it left the keyboard totally useless. Some keys don’t work at all and others type multiple letters and/or numbers and the function keys don’t work in the

Same error appears Alan from Los Altos asks: YESTERDAY I tried to connect to my broadband using my laptop which runs XP but an error message came up and stated “couldn´t connect, run diagnostic check” which I did. I was asked to reboot the router which was strange as the PC I’m using with Windows Vista as well as our Internet TV are both working. I rebooted but still the same error appears. The router is showing an excellent signal and connects to the laptop. I have tried to connect my English pay as you go USB dongle to my laptop which works fine. Can you help please? Aunty Says: If you’re getting a good WiFi signal strength and your ADSL router is working with other computers then this is probably spyware/virus or a Windows Update problem. Try running ‘System Restore’ from ‘start’ ‘all programs’ ‘accessories’ ‘system tools’ and set your computer back to a date when it was last okay. If you do then get an internet connection then scan your laptop with your antivirus and spyware software. Let me know if this works.

Internet access without landline

Isobel via email asks: I WONDER if you can help me with some advice: (I am a ‘silver surfer’ with limited IT knowledge!) At the moment I have a landline with Telefonica WIFI connection. Within the next couple of weeks we are moving into temporary rented accommodation which currently does not have a landline. I have seen various companies in the ex-pat press advertising internet access without landline. In your experience, are any of these any good? I just want to access the internet to look up info, send emails, etc. not to download music, films, etc. Aunty Says: Hi Isobel. I have been with Europa Wireless for over 6 years and they have been fantastic. As with anything these days it’s worth shopping around for the best deal, but although cost is certainly a very important factor, reliability and support are equally important. correct manner. I am using the virtual keyboard instead. Hope you can help - its driving me nuts. Aunty Says: Did the keyboard show exactly the same problems before the restore Lou? Maybe try the factory restore again incase there was a glitch during the process. If some of the keys still don’t work after a fresh restore then it sounds like you have a fault with the keyboard somewhere…

That’s all for this week, email me on auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com and I will do my best to sort you out

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GADGET INSPECTOR

Gadget Inspector investigates the case of: The Piaggio MP3 Yourban Scooter THIS WEEK the Inspector performs a quick getaway with the Piaggio MP3 Yourban Scooter. Strictly speaking the three-wheeled Piaggio MP3 is a trike, not a conventional two-wheeled scooter – but let’s not pick holes: the extra wheel is added at the front, and combined with a novel quadrilateral front suspension system allows the wheels to lean into a turn – giving increased grip and stability, particularly on greasy surfaces. Road tests have shown that even on patchy asphalt, cobbled streets and tram tracks the Piaggio remained safe and steady at all times. Those of you who have ever ridden a Lambretta will remember those heart-stopping moments when the front wheel started to slide in a corner… Thankfully, stopping is also reassuringly swift thanks to disc brakes on all the wheels operated by a combined foot pedal. A novel feature you won’t find on any other scooter is the self-levelling mode: when coming to a stop this allows the scooter to remain upright without having to put your feet on the ground. However, if you are on a camber, the bike will lock in the position in which you are leaning, so when pulling away again care must be taken not to lean over too much. The scooter also has a safety feature that will not allow you to pull away whilst your feet are on the ground, so if you accidentally twist the throttle whilst sitting in traffic you won’t be catapulted into the car in front! Power is provided by a water cooled 300cc petrol

engine with electronic fuel injection providing 22.4 horsepower at 7500 rpm. This provides rapid acceleration via the automatic gears, and a respectable 70 mph (112 kmh) top speed. Fuel economy is good at just 37kml (or 87mpg in old money). Seat space and comfort is excellent with plenty of room for a pillion rider. The seat lifts to provide enough space for two full-size crash helmets, or a couple of bags of shopping. There is also a handy compartment at the rear, like a car boot, for additional storage. You won´t need to struggle with a centre-stand when parking either - a handy electro-hydraulic suspension locking system is incorporated. This system will even work on an incline, though you’d be a brave person to trust this on some of the steep Spanish roads. The Inspector’s Verdict: Hopefully the Piaggio MP3 Yourban Scooter’s name doesn’t imply what may befall you if an Alan Sugar-esque policeman decides “You’re banned!” Costing just €5,990, what the Piaggio does provide is an interesting alternative to those who currently use a conventional two wheeled scooter. Relatively inexpensive, economical, zippy, compact, manoeuvrable and with that all-important stability, perhaps more people will turn to using this form of transport in the future. Perhaps the Piaggio may even bring Del Boy out of retirement to take to the roads of Peckham once more…

health

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Introducing Mark Phoenix Murphy, Hypnotherapist ALLOW ME to reintroduce myself: I’m Mark Phoenix Murphy, Adv. Dhp MIAPH MNRAH, a registered consultant Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist, Pure HypnoAnalyst and the HypnoBand Practitioner on the Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Costa Almeria. I am also a regular columnist in newspapers, magazines and radio and on TV. We are all currently trying to survive the toughest recession on record, making spending cuts and budgets a regular way of life. If you are trying to deal with the harsh realities of the credit crunch on top of suffering with anxiety issues, phobias, depression, pain and weight control issues, then you´ll find that my therapies not only help, but are the most modern, successful, rapid, thorough and empowering of any therapy available in the world today. Visiting my clinics means you have a very good chance of reducing your anxiety or other issues within a few sessions; no other form of therapy can offer you these assurances.

With over twenty years’ experience, I am one of the leading, permanently-based Hypnotherapists in the Costa Blanca, Costa Calida and Costa Almeria. Initially I was employed by the British government in 1990 before earning my Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy around six years later. In October 1996, I was elected to be a member of the International Association of Pure HypnoAnalysts, Europe´s largest professional association of Analytical Hypnotherapists. Eight years later I was placed on the National Register of Advanced Hypnotherapists. I am registered with the leading Spanish governing body for natural therapies and registered within the Spanish Autonomo system. You can also feel secure in that knowledge that I also hold Responsabilidad Civil Profesional (which is a legal requirement). I am the only licensed HypnoBand™ practitioner on The Costa Blanca, Calida and Almeria. I specialise in helping clients with Pure HypnoAnalysis and Suggestion Hypnotherapy. Suggestion Therapy allows me to help change your life within a few sessions. It is ideal for

stopping smoking, exam nerves, flying phobias etc. HypnoAnalysis, on the other hand, is no quick fix. You´ll see amazing results within eight to twelve sessions, which aim to totally resolve anxiety, depression, in-bred phobias and fears, weight issues, sexual problems, IBS, obsessions and much more. The HypnoAnalyst governing body is the IAPH. To be a member, one has to maintain ‘Continual Professional Development’; these updates keep me fresh in regard to the latest research and training. No matter how many clients I treat successfully, the IAPH do not allow me to rest on my laurels. Putting it simply, I cannot just keep going Mark (on about doing this for over 20 years the right) successfully: it is important to with Peter, maintain training and standards... it one of his clients is good to keep things fresh. include IAPH Surviving Sexual Some of my advanced courses Abuse; Stress Management Course; include the following: Stop Smoking Pain Relief Course and the Road to Easily in 30 minutes (2003) - these Health; Cancer Care Programme; methods are tried and tested and Relaxed Eating Programme; the Rob Kelly method that I use has Advanced Suggestion and the been proven to be 95% successful Changing Limited Beliefs. (based on 5,000 clients). The If you really would like to make HypnoBand is a non-invasive, nonsome changes in your life today, surgical Gastric Band, which leaves pick up the phone. For a free initial you feeling fuller for longer and on smaller portions. My other courses consultation at any of my clinics in

Spain, call me directly on freephone 900 808 559 (from a landline) or 654 202 996. You can even Skype me at HypnoSpain or visit my website at www.HypnoSpain.com Please be advised due to my busy diary, the chances are you may be put through to my answering machine, this is so you can rest assured your call will be 100% confidential.

15 - 21 JulY 2011

DEAR DAWN: Three years ago I had an ectopic pregnancy. Please could you tell me if this puts me at greater risk for future pregnancies?

Ask the Specialist by

Dawn Blythe S.R.N. R.M.

Unfortunately the fact that you have had a previous ectopic pregnancy does increase your risk of this occurring again. I am unable to give you a specific percentage risk factor as it depends on the details of your first ectopic pregnancy – gestation, location of implantation, management etc. The word ‘ectopic’ means ‘misplaced’ so an ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs anywhere outside of the uterus (womb). Most occur in the fallopian tubes when a fertilised egg attaches to the inside lining of the tube. More rarely an ectopic pregnancy may occur in the ovary or even the abdominal cavity. A tubal pregnancy never survives. In about half of cases the pregnancy will die within a few days and the woman may complain of a ‘heavy period’ with or without pain. Usually no further treatment is required. If the pregnancy continues to grow it will stretch the fallopian tube, causing symptoms that include pain on one side of the lower abdomen; possible vaginal bleeding; diarrhoea and a classic shoulder tip pain. The patient often feels faint and generally ill. Diagnosis is confirmed by ultra-sound scan and planned medical treatment (in the form of injections) is preferred rather than wait for the need of emergency surgery should the fallopian tube rupture. Because of the inconsistency of symptoms (some

women don’t even realize they are pregnant), ectopic pregnancy may not be diagnosed until the tube ruptures. This is then a medical emergency. Some women are more at risk of an ectopic pregnancy: those who have had a previous ectopic; anyone who has had pelvic inflammatory disease;

anyone with previous surgery to the fallopian tubes, including sterilization (obviously failed!); and sufferers of endometriosis. Those, including yourself, at a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy should book with a midwife as soon as pregnancy is suspected.

This article has been written by Dawn Blythe SRN, RM. Dawn is a British trained midwife who has spent over 20 years caring for mothers and babies in expatriate communities. She now offers midwifery care (excluding delivery) to the patients of ‘The English Medical Clinic’, Albir, telephone 966 868 013 To chat to Dawn, pop into her free ‘drop in’ clinic on Wednesday mornings. Email englishmedicalclinic@gmail.com

Benidorm’s Hospital La Vila advises on how to beat the heat THE DISTRICT hospital of La Vila in Benidorm has begun a campaign to inform people on how to prevent heat stroke during high summer temperatures. The campaign encompasses health centres throughout the region and manuals will be made available to patients designed by the Department of Health containing useful tips to beat the heat. Such measures are carried out every summer yet people still lose their lives after suffering heat stroke through failing to observe simple precautions, according to a hospital spokesperson: avoid direct sun exposure; drink lots of water; avoid alcohol or fluids containing caffeine; eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and wear light clothing.

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Viking farm On my last trip to Norway I was invited to hold a Séance on a Viking Farm far from the City of Bergen on one of the many beautiful islands in the Bergen Fiords. The journey itself was breathtaking. Here in Norway there are so many shades of green, tall pine trees and nestling green ferns, and steep sweeping little roads which allow you to gaze down at large expanses of mirror like waters below. As we approached the Viking Farm I heard the flow of a beautiful waterfall and saw that the steep and dramatic plains around were blanketing and protecting the beauty that had been created on this sacred spot. This was land that had been needed to provide a living over thousands of years. As the grass was being cut and rolled by a tractor so it was being lovingly raked and rolled into winter fodder for the inhabiting Highland Cattle, way up high beyond the Viking burial mound. I immediately felt at home with the sheer Spiritual energies that were abounding in this very special place, and couldn’t help but to wonder who would come through in such a special service held in such a wonderful and inspiring location. The old barn had been updated to allow the guests to gather comfortably around a table believed to have been made in the 13th century. Before anyone entered I spent some time alone sensing the energies, feeling the shift and asking permission all across the ages, so that natural contact would be made with permission of all gathering Spirits on this very special occasion. I started to feel the energies and the heady waft of new mown hay punctuated the warm sweet mountain air. Cattle passed outside nearby with bells ringing and then there was only the calm forceful energy of the waterfall to help me connect with this ancient site. I was expecting twelve people, but the agent had booked twenty six, and seats had to be found and they were. There was a salutation to the four winds that cover the Earth and the Séance began. The energies were there for us almost immediately, and the air became charged

postbag Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com Kenny, how does absent healing work? I asked for healing for my Mother and you sent her healing. She wasn’t told about it, but she did seem to turn things around and is so much better. I think that your healing helped her, but how can you help people that you can’t see? Rachel C. Hi Rachel. I remember your email. Your Mother had hip and knee problems. This is often the result of not wanting to move on, and I am delighted to hear that she is doing so well. I have healed and helped to heal many people who need spiritual love and care, and there are so many people out there who know what I can do, but who have never met me, and maybe never will. I have worked with clients all over the World, and I get the very best results because I have the good intention, have no fear, and do not like to hear of those who are suffering when I can help them lose that pain. Spirit back each and every healing I do, without them I would be lost!

electrically, as it must. Each and every sitter had to be individually tuned into their energies, their history and their beliefs tested to the limits. People began to come through, lead by a man called Johannes who had lived on the Farm many years ago. He was related to three of the sitters and they stood to feel his energies and his need to communicate. A man came through to deliver a specific message to a young girl in the words of a song that he wrote. There were whisperings in Norwegian, and then came a cry that I will never forget. A story unfolded that greatly affected all present. I saw a figure of a woman carrying a bundle that was revealed to be her dead son. Since her Viking husband was off on a mission she was left alone to dig the frozen snow and the iced earth below in order to bury her lifeless son. Her grief stricken cry caught everyone’s attention as she battled with the elements to do the right thing for her lifeless boy. It was at this time that the current owner of the farm stood up. He told us all that the dead Viking boy was him, that he had lived before, and that he died in his mother’s arms. He felt that he was buried, and then his soul taken to show his father as he battled the elements to bring food back home, on a Viking Ship. It was hard for this man to hold back his tears at this public revelation, but he did so and thanked all concerned for helping to make it possible. I have never seen such dedicated sitters at any Séance I have run. Even those who had no experience blended into the energies. They had all witnessed an apparition of a crying woman walk through a wall, and it gave them the evidence that they all wanted, that Spirit is alive and well, and doing a very good job. I have already been invited to return to the Viking Farm. It was quite an experience, and amongst the timeless swaying pines up there I wonder how many more stories are there still to tell?

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Kenny’s diary Readings at Bistro Maya: Monday 18th July and Wednesday 20th July from 16.30 onwards. For information and advanced bookings for mini readings please contact Els and her team on: 966 868 213. August Dates to be Announced shortly: Readings at La Fustera, between Calpe and Benissa from 10.00. Call Penny Smith on: 965 749 182 or 687 926 021 for information and advanced booking. Readings in your area: Please make contact if you want to organise readings in your locality, or organise a psychic summer event for your favourite charity. Some dates available June/July/August. Autumn Workshops: Listing shortly.

contact kenny Appointments: 96 587 8424 Mobile: 686 361 594 Web: www.kennycorris.net Forum: www.kennycorris.net/forum Email: kennycorris@hotmail.com Please contact me for inclusion in my healing list!

horoscopes by Kenny Corris Something just isn’t right this week and it will be very hard to put your finger on it. With many changes to schedule and a busy week there are many chances for you to project yourself and your adaptability. Whatever you do be true to your innermost feelings and gut reactions as far as you can, whilst keeping a watchful eye on all that you must to have the peace of mind you deserve. Lucky Jupiter brings things to a logical conclusion, and you can rest assured that you have played a very big part in the current plan of things. With planetary influences bringing clearance to many things that have been on your mind lately there is a time to challenge something you have a hunch about and to follow it to a logical and beneficial conclusion for all concerned who have your interests at heart. There has already been a significant delay, and you are needing to move on, on all levels. Look at this as being your chance to get things straight once and for all. Stick to your guns and above all do not lose your temper even though those around you are somehow making things more difficult for you. Keep calm and the inevitable will become reality with what you deserve right now. Venus is resident and due to take on Saturn in Libra at the start of the week. Wisdom, balance and Love can come together as a package, but you have your suspicions right now, and they are founded. For your own sake don’t make mountains out of molehills, but too know that sometimes the truth hurts those who do not accept without question something that they may regret in the future. The Sun enters midweek exalting your sign and bringing Love and Light into dark situations not solely of your creation. With all the will in the World you have to make proper connections with your emotional life instead of playing the field. Be good at what you do do and people will love you for it, and give you the thumbs up on just what you want right now, whatever it takes! Conflicting energies are being sent by way of instincts sent from your Planetary leader Mercury. It is hardly a solution to try and get away with what you are currently attempting. Others have forced you into a situation whereby you are going against your conscious and it does you no favours whatsoever. With a new script and specific needs a success could be there on your hands much sooner. Led by Saturn, Planet of Wisdom and Learning, you are experiencing new levels and can see yourself more clearly. There is much to achieve and it will be self preserving to see just what can happen if you let it be, and eliminate the stubborn pride of your sister planet, Taurus. Be precise, and know that we all need a helping hand sometime to see us safely through to where we should rightly be. That famous temper may mean that your sting is loaded and that you are ready to fire it at the next person who crosses the line with you. You are not loving yourself just lately and can only see that others are opposing you, when you are making it really difficult for anyone to get close and to even offer you the shoulder that you need to cry on right now to make it all so much better in your mind. With an absent Jupiter and with connections with Libra and Saturn midweek you are poised to offer help that you well know will be rejected. You alone can see the difference you could make, but your wisdom will be received like water off a duck’s back, so why waste your energy, when you yourself have other pressing calls and someone special and closer, who needs your tender love and care. Pluto slows down the responses that allow you to keep your cool right now. You are tightly wired and cross with yourself because you didn’t have the perfect chance to say what you wanted to. The time may well come when you can do what you have to, but please do not let this timely delay cloud your judgement or change your intentions, it is others who have to do just that, not you. Take time for you, it is high time and you need a break, preferably a change in scenery too, to recharge those batteries. You have turned your back on those who love you in the current hectic scheme of things under pressure of work. Career minded you are, but slave you will never ever be, even though it has taken this long to realise that you have to switch off to switch on sometimes. Inspiring Chiron is still waiting your instructions as one by one you examine just what it is that you want to do right now. The pathway to achievement beckons, but you will need all the help you can get from all concerned who have high hopes of what you really want for yourself, as they tune to your own set of priorities, and in so doing open doors for you that were shut and closed before.

If it’s your birthday this week... Challenging and inspiring you are closer to loving yourself than you have ever been. It is allowing you to see things in a different way which is just what this forthcoming astrological year is all about!

8-14 JANUARY 15 - 21 JulY2010 2011

Word Ladders The key rule is that you must only change one letter at a time as you move from one rung to another, and the word you make must be a proper word! Therefore you may move from BATH --> BATS but not from BATH --> CASH because that changes two letters in one go which is not allowed.

Cryptic Crossword

Sudoku ACROSS 4. Leave while an orchestra is performing (7) 8. Time for a sailor-boy? (6) 9. Does he fix the price of a horse? (7) 10. Outcome of Ulster riot (6) 11. Idler who needs bread to eat? (6) 12. Finished about six to return from capital (8) 18. Girl to run away with writer (8) 20. Resign because of one’s self-image? (6) 21. Perhaps he used swords to keep people out (6) 22. It’s clear the old boy has five debts (7) 23. Savage versifier, censorious in part (6) 24. The lengths associations will go to? (7)

DOWN 1. It’s dear with legs apart (7) 2. Entry ticket I have acted upon (7) 3. Worked, having been lubricated to a T (6) 5. Had gone round cargo store, and was indebted (8) 6. He could be French like William (6) 7. Writer in over-poetic beginning (6) 13. Unmasking in dark room? (8) 14. Anxiety for the firm (7) 15. Steps by which letters are obtained (7) 16. Bother going topless - currency needed (6) 17. Needlework is displayed in the south-east part of the building (6) 19. Look at the cover - the pupil’s cover (6)

ACROSS

DOWN

4. Deprived of contents

1. Whim (7)

(7)

2. Irony (7)

8. Female warrior (6)

3. Spanish dance (6)

9. Meantime (7)

5. Orange (8)

10. Affluence (6)

6. Stand unsteadily (6)

11. Means (6)

7. Show (6)

12. Client (8)

13. Abuse (8)

18. Droop (8)

14. Reservoir (7)

20. Ability (6)

15. Apparition (7)

21. Decayed (6)

16. Regulate (6)

22. Favoured (7)

17. Writing instrument

23. Carry too far (6)

(6)

24. Exhaust (7)

19. Rut (6)

Wordwheel

Quick Crossword

You can play these wordwheels by whatever rules you like. But there is at least one nine letter word hidden in each wordwheel (and thus using every letter in the wordwheel). For many players the fun element and biggest challenge of the wordwheel is to find a nine letter word. Other than that, the rules are up to you - but generally you should restrict yourself to only finding words that contain the central letter, as otherwise you will find huge numbers of words in many puzzles!

Euromillions Draw Friday 8th july

Answers & Winners

12 13 23 40 49

Last week’s Crossword and

No ticket won the 185,000,000 Euros (£164,761,000) jackpot prize

Suduko answers found on page 53/54. Winner for 612: Pam Rossiter, La Marina

15 - 21 JulY 2011

music scene

Don Dimo - Guitarist Extraordinaire

D Compiled by

Eric Taylor Presenter Heat Gold 94.1FM

ON DIMO has it all, he is a brilliant guitarist whose act ranges from breathtaking Spanish guitar to Dire Straits, Jimmy Hendrix, Gary Moore, Pink Floyd, BB King and many others. Don is also a great entertainer who interacts well with his audience. For bookings: 627 657 073: Website: www.dondimo.com GIGS FOR JULY Friday 15th, Western Saloon, Benidorm 4pm (Every Friday) Saturday 16th, Western Saloon, Benidorm 4pm Saturday 16th, Magnum’s Bar, Oliva

Spirit of the Bee Gees

Sunday 17th, Western Saloon, Benidorm 4pm (Every Sunday) Sunday 17th, Parques Casa Blanca, La Fustera (Every Sunday) Monday 18th, Bar Ambiente, Moravit, Moraira (Every Monday) Tuesday 19th, Western Saloon, Benidorm 11.30pm (Every Tuesday) Thursday 21st, Pool Bar de La Pas, Cumbre del Sol (Every Thursday) Saturday 23rd, Western Saloon, Benidorm 4pm Saturday 23rd, An Shebeen Irish Bar, Javea Saturday 30th, Western Saloon, Benidorm 4pm and 8.30pm

SPIRIT OF the Bee Gees is a truly dedicated tribute show to the Bee Gees. Pete Oliver (formally of top 70s pop band Sweet Chariot) and Argentinian Charlie Joss actually look like two of the brothers they portray (Maurice and Andy). The guys have been storming the Costa Blanca and their monthly residency in Los Belgas, Gran Alicant is always sold out. They perform five decades of Bee Gees music from ballads to disco in a one hour show and if needed another hour of individual shows, for Pete a multi-tribute and Charlie a Queen Tribute. If you are interested in booking this show please ring Laverne on 678 380 296, or email peteoliver@btopenworld.com

Freddie Kool – Singer/Entertainer

FREDDIE KOOL is a versatile singer/entertainer recently ar-

rived in the Costa Blanca area. He was a semi-pro singer with several bands until three years ago when he decided to embark on a solo singing career in the North of England. Now established in Gandia, Freddie is available for all types of functions performing songs from the 60s to present day. On Saturday 16th July, he is performing in the Tropicana Bar, Paichi Centre, Moraira. For more information phone: 96 286 8954.

Chill Factor – Vocal Duo

CHILL FACTOR are Pam and John Pearson, a highly professional musical duo with a difference as their repertoire focuses on classic pop/rock songs performed in their own style. This duo is a delight to listen to as they perform two sets – acoustic and electric. Their acoustic set combines the unique sound of John’s ten string acoustic guitar with Pam’s edgy and soulful vocals, giving a performance of flair and originality followed by an electric set which is...electric!. Together with Jack Hazebroek (drums) and Tommy Duffy (bass) they are ‘Rio’, (a new melodic rock band). For more details phone John or Pam on 696 731 290 or check out their web site: www.pamandjohn.net JULY GIGS: Friday15th, Melodia Bar/Rte, Sanet y Negral Saturday 16th, The Fox, Tarbena Sunday 17th, Coll de Rates Rte, Parcent 1.30pm Friday 22nd, An Shebeen Irish Pub, Javea (RIO) Saturday 23rd, Arthur’s Bar, Els Poblets (RIO) Sunday 24th, Coll de Rates Rte, Parcent 1.30pm Sunday 24th, Aleluya Bar, Jalon 7pm (RIO) Friday 29th, Melodia Bar/Rte, Sanet y Negral Sunday 31st, Coll de Rates Rte, Parcent, 1.30pm

Juan Saez – Spanish Guitar/Vocals JUAN SAEZ has been singing and playing his guitar for over 15 years on the Costa Blanca. His easy listening Spanish and English interpretation of classic tunes has become hugely popular in elegant restaurants along the coast. A combination of Gipsy Kings, Julio Iglesias, The Eagles, Elton John, Elvis and Eric Clapton are among many of his tunes that make for a relaxing musical evening. To see Juan live make a reservation at one the

following restaurants. For more info: 645 390 994 or visit his website: http://www.juansaezlafuente.com GIgS IN JULY Friday 15th, Café del Mar, Moraira (Every Friday) Saturday 16th, Rte. Da Vinci Moravit, Moraira Saturday 23rd, Rte. Da Vinci Moravit, Moraira Wednesday 27th, Rte. Latitude,

Denia Marina Thursday 28th, Rte. Plaza No. 6, Javea Port

ET’s Golden Oldies Disco Tel: 965 748 199 or 659 921 875 or email: etinspain@hotmail.com. If there are any music venues or acts that wish to be featured in this column,please contact Eric directly.

Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi come to BayRadio! THIS SUMMER the Costa Blanca airwaves will be buzzing with some of the world’s best dance music as BayRadio brings you three new dance shows from both the ‘Ministry of Sound’ and ‘Hed Kandi’ the two British companies that lead the world’s dance music industry! The three new shows will broadcast on Friday and Saturday nights every weekend and consist of a blend of Dance and chill-out music not heard before on the Costa Blanca! • ‘Clubbers Guide’ - From the Ministry of Sound, the world’s most famous club brings you the biggest upfront club hits. This weekly show takes you on a journey from the hottest cuts around right up to brand new mixes of all time classics and exclusives. You need to turn up the volume and prepare yourself for

the ultimate guide to the ultimate dance tunes! • ‘Hed Kandi’ - If you want glamour Hed Kandi is here. The show is a lavish weekly mix of the very best that Hed Kandi has to offer in beautiful, sexy house music. This is all about style and an internationally cool radio show that brings you a flavour of the Hed Kandi experience. The first hour is the pool party soundtrack with a couple of Kandi Classics fitted into the mix and the second hour takes you to the centre of the club dance floor with the best from the Hed Kandi DJ boxes! • ‘Chilled’ from the Ministry of Sound is a smooth blend of mixed music that offers the very best in chill-out and relaxing groves to help you wind down after a long night on the dance floor:

the essential classics and new releases should not be missed! When RTN asked bayradio how the three companies had come to work together John Stewart, BayRadio Sales and Marketing consultant said: “It was the perfect fit really; Ministry of sound already have radio shows on the internet and smart phone devices, but could not offer content to the terrestrial radio listeners in Spain. BayRadio has given Ministry the opportunity to reach a bigger audience! “It will be great for BayRadios younger listeners as it offers unrivalled dance programming across the whole Costa Blanca and beyond from Valencia to Almeria. It is the perfect collaboration of the brands, and it’s just the start as we build toward BayRadio and Ministry of Sound events in the near Future!” If you are into dance music the new shows start on BayRadio this Saturday 15th July from 10pm. See www.BayRadio.fm for full details!

Parcent 5 course fine dining including ½ bottle wine pp bread, ali-oli and dips - Only 12.95€ Live Music & Dinner Friday July 15th - Rob Sweeney Saturday July 23rd - John the Fiddler

Lunchtimes- Basket meals from only 5€ ( except Sunday)

New Childrens Menu In AID OF MABS

Open for Sunday Lunch & Dinner - Closed Monday Tel 96 640 5398 For reservations

15 - 21 JulY 2011

Fiddler on Torre roof by Jack Troughton FOOTLIGHTS THEATRE Group is heading south with its latest show ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ to make its debut in Torrevieja in aid of the Royal British Legion. Over the last 10 years, the Calpe-based group has become well established and known for its lavish and colourful productions of blockbuster stage musicals. Fiddler on the Roof is performed in Alfaz del Pi on 11th and 12th November, Calpe on 16th and 17th November – and at the new Teatro Municipal, Torrevieja on 23rd November. Trevor Harder, Footlight’s secretary, told RTN the cast of 30, plus scenery and props, would head south for its first ever show in Torrevieja in support of the Legion’s Spain District North.

APPEAL “We are delighted to be supporting the Legion’s wonderful work and raising funds for the 90th Anniversary Poppy Appeal,” he said. All performances will start at 8pm and tickets – priced at 12€ for adults and 8€ for children under 14 – will go on sale on 5th September. Meanwhile, as the group takes a break from rehearsals until 1st September, Footlights is looking for men to join the ‘Papas’ in fiddler and a younger male for the non-singing part of Mendel. Anyone interested in joining the cast or Footlights should call Trevor on 96 587 0198 or Director sue Burgess on 96 558 1543.

MAGNETS Children’s Holiday Club

FOR THE eighth year running, Steve and Irene-Maria Campbell will be leading Magnets, a Holiday Club for children from four years and over at La Siesta Church, Calle Granados, opposite the Aquapark Flamingo in La Siesta Urbanisation. Started in 2004 with only three sisters in attendance, the Club has grown over the years with well over 150 children having participated. Beginning at 10.30am on Thurs-

day 28th July and continuing every Thursday until the end of August, the two hour programme sees the children take part in activities which reflects the name: Memory verses; Arts and crafts; Games; New people to meet; Eats; Talk on a Bible story; and Singing. The theme this year is Daniel: Dares, Dreams and Dungeons which follows our intrepid hero and his friends as they stand up against the evil king and his rulers. Children return year after year and all are welcome: Steve and Irene-Maria always love to see new faces along with the familiar ones. The Club is free and prizes are given out to each child. Steve and Irene-Maria may be contacted by phoning 96 670 2980 or 680 257 344.

Habaneras on the beach

By Julie Day THE 19TH edition of the popular Habaneras on the Beach takes place this Friday 15th July. Traditionally, friends gather on the Playa del Cura to listen to and sing some of the most popular Habaneras songs from Torrevieja. This year a large 120m² stage will be set up on the beach with 50,000 watts of lighting and 60,000 watts of sound. The Habaneras have their roots in Cuban music brought over by the fishermen who came looking for work before the turn of the twentieth century, are performed on the beach by various amateur groups, choirs and duos to an audience of hundreds or more who all take to the beach for the evening. Five local groups will perform in this year’s event including the children’s section of the Francisco Vallejos Choir; a group from the Manuel Barberá Choir and another from the José Hódar Choir; the Cecilio Gallego Choir; the Housewives Association and the group Brea y Sal. The Habaneras on the Beach takes place from 10.30pm until 1.30am.

15 - 21 JulY 2011

First Anniversary and free Spanish classes THE GALLERY and WI Shop celebrated its 1st Anniversary on 5th July, a happy event thanks to Casa del Vino, Javea for their wine tasting promo and the friends of the WI for preparing delicious snacks. The WI Market, every Saturday from 10am, sells a variety of homemade cakes and savories, chutneys, jams and marmalades, plus art and crafty items: new stall holders are welcome to get in touch. And if you are missing your Spanish classes we have a free coffee morning every Friday at 11am, with Spanish/English crosswords and word play. The WI ladies and gallery friends meet every month: the next free social evening is Tuesday 19th July from 6pm – all are welcome for cake, coffee, Cava and a chat. For more information on the gallery or the WI call 636 929 326 or email: tanya.lacey@gmail.com Urbanisation Cumbre del Sol, The Adelfas Centre (nr Pepe la Sal) Benitachell (Close to Javea and Moraira

Loose bikes and fast women So, not only am I a dedicated meat eater who likes his steak rare but to top it all, I’m a biker too, although it has to be said, not a dedicated mechanic, which is why probably I have suffered my share of breakdowns. Moto GP, Isle of Man TT or Superbikes on TV is still good to watch but picture it ‘live’, especially in nearby Valencia; it’s a must for any real bike enthusiast. Thousands of motorbikes, loads of noise together with thousands of leather-clad bikers all in the one place, at the same time and all drinking beer - get the picture? Well probably not really as most, if not all, the beer I saw consumed was alcohol free. Why do customers have such a problem with ordering alcohol free? We all like to see people happy, but no-one, including licensees, likes to see, serve or deal with drunks. For us too there are more alcohol-free benefits - there is more profit in a pint of orange juice and lemonade than a pint of beer but still you have a problem ordering it. Mention to some drivers, friends or relatives that they’ve “had enough” and it can be the start of a whole bunch of trouble. Never much a fan of office, birthday or even New Years Eve parties where we were always working

and not drinking, the definite no, no, was wedding parties. A melee of ‘unknown to each other’, as well as ‘unknown to the venue’, people who are just here for the beer. Some of whom feel they ought to attend only because they were invited whether they actually wanted to be there or not. We were often requested to limit the alcohol consumption of one person or another. One trick you can try at home is to dip the rim of an upturned glass into a single measure of Gin, then add tonic, ice and lemon to the still empty glass, although the first taste to the recipient is still strongly gin-flavoured there is very little alcohol involved. Expect to get up to 20 drinks per measure. On a recent trip to the UK my request for an alcohol free beer in a bar was met with some surprise from both my companions as well as the staff - a somewhat frantic search later and I was presented with a single, dusty, warm, as well as two-years-out-of-date, bottle of alcohol-free lager. So how can two countries attitude to alcohol free drinks be so different? Well after some drink inspired research we think we have discovered the answer: it’s how you order it. In the UK your order starts with the ALCOHOL FREE part. This is what gets you noticed and invites everybody’s sarcastic

comments even before asking what exactly it is you want to be alcohol free. In Spain you order the product, i.e. a beer first, the same as everyone else is having so no-one takes any undue notice, no pint of orange juice and lemonade for this guy, but then you can, as if just an afterthought say that mine’s actually alcohol free.

Edwin Cheeseman is a practical food consultant. If you have a question about food email cheeseman@roundtownnews.com

tv Friday

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15 -- 21 14 20JulY may2011 2010

24:05 T in the Park 2011

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Ten Mile Menu 16:00 Secret Dealers 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Dinner Date 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Love Your Garden 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Live Celebrity Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?: School’s Out 23:15 ITV News at Ten 23:40 Granada News 23:50 The Chronicles of Riddick

08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:25 According to Jim 09:55 Friends 10:55 Country House Rescue 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Relocation: Phil Down Under 14:00 River Cottage Bites 14:10 Science Scams 14:20 Day of the Evil Gun 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Quiz Trippers 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:25 4thought.tv 20:30 Double Lesson 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 8 Out of 10 Cats 22:30 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 23:30 Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night

07:00 Childrens TV 09:40 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Ice Road Truckers 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 Too Late to Say Goodbye 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Fifth Gear 21:00 Danger: Diggers at Work 22:00 Castle 23:00 The Mentalist 23:55 CSI: Miami 24:55 Inside Hollywood

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Trade Your Way to the USA 10:30 Fee Fi Fo Yum 11:00 Mission: 2110 11:30 League of Super Evil 11:40 Wolverine and the X-Men 12:00 OOglies 12:15 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 12:40 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 Antiques Road Trip 14:30 Great British Railway Journeys 15:00 Jack 16:45 Evelyn 18:15 Live Golf 20:00 Flog It! 20:30 Dad’s Army 21:00 The Impressionists - Painting and Revolution 22:00 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 22:45 Secrets of the Pop Song 23:45 Big Hits: TOTP 1964 to 1975

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 09:25 Ten Mile Menu 10:25 Coronation Street 12:45 This Morning: Saturday 13:45 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 14:15 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 14:45 ITV News 14:55 The Mirror Crack’d 17:00 Granada News 17:15 ITV News 17:30 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone 20:15 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 - Behind the Magic 21:15 Odd One In 22:00 Penn & Teller: Fool Us 23:00 The Marriage Ref 24:00 ITV News 24:15 Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Film Show 08:00 FIM Superbike World Championship 08:30 British GT Championship 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Friends 10:25 Hollyoaks Music Show 11:00 Smallville 11:55 Friends 12:30 Pop Up Pop Quiz 13:20 Dirty Sexy Things 14:20 The TV Book Club 14:50 Channel 4 Presents 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 17:00 Channel 4 Presents 17:05 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 18:05 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 19:10 Channel 4 News 19:40 4thought.tv 19:45 Marley & Me 22:00 Camelot 23:00 The Others

07:00 Childrens TV 09:25 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 09:40 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Milkshake! Show 11:00 Animal Rescue Squad 11:20 How Do They Do It? 11:50 Police Interceptors 12:50 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 13:50 Rosamunde Pilcher’s Winter 15:40 Shoot-Out at Medicine Bend 17:30 El Dorado 20:00 5 News Weekend 20:05 NCIS 21:00 Law & Order 21:55 CSI: NY 22:50 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 23:50 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 24:45 Inside Hollywood

07:00 Wibbly Pig 07:10 Dip Dap 07:15 Pinky Dinky Doo 07:30 Tinga Tinga Tales 07:45 Octonauts 08:00 Deadly 60 08:30 Junior MasterChef 09:00 Me and My Monsters 09:25 Friday Download 10:30 Something for the Weekend 12:00 Live Golf 13:35 Live MotoGP 15:05 EastEnders 17:00 Great British Railway Journeys 17:30 Flog It! Travels Around Britain 17:45 Songs of Praise 18:20 Creation 20:00 Murray Walker: Life in the Fast Lane 21:00 Top Gear 22:00 Coast 23:00 Julia Bradbury’s Iceland Walk 24:00 Mock the Week

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 09:25 May the Best House Win 10:25 Dickinson’s Real Deal 11:25 60 Minute Makeover 12:30 This Morning: Sunday 13:30 Dinner Date 14:25 ITV News 14:35 Survival: Tales from the Wild 15:30 Inspector Morse 17:30 Midsomer Murders 19:30 Granada News 19:45 ITV News 20:00 The Royal 21:00 Born to Shine 22:00 Law & Order: UK 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:15 Full Metal Jacket

07:15 Treacle People 07:25 The Hoobs 07:50 The Grid 08:20 Canary Wharf Triathlon 08:45 IPC Swimming European Championships 09:40 Hollyoaks 12:10 T4 Premiere Special 12:40 T4 on the Beach Sessions 13:40 The Simpsons 14:15 The Simpsons 14:45 Channel 4 Presents 14:50 Coach Trip 15:50 Coach Trip 16:50 Coach Trip 17:20 Deal or No Deal 18:20 Help! My House Is Falling Down 19:20 Channel 4 News 19:50 4thought.tv 19:55 The Political Slot 20:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 21:00 Australia 24:10 Charlotte Gray

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Little Princess 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 09:40 Rupert Bear 09:55 Olivia 10:10 Mr Men Show 10:30 Milkshake! Show 11:00 Mexican Food Made Simple 11:30 Cowboy Builders 12:30 Restaurant Inspector 13:30 Rosamunde Pilcher’s Spring 15:20 Captain Ron 17:15 Finding Nemo 19:25 5 News Weekend 19:30 Lost in Space 22:00 In the Line of Fire 24:40 Storm Catcher

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Food Fighters 12:45 Saints and Scroungers 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Copycats 16:35 Scoop 17:00 Escape from Scorpion Island 17:30 Fee Fi Fo Yum 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show: Best of Britain 20:30 The Good Cook 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 A Question of Sport 22:00 My Family 22:30 Miranda 23:00 BBC News 23:35 The Apprentice

07:00 Wibbly Pig

07:00 Breakfast

07:10 Dip Dap 07:15 Pinky Dinky Doo 07:30 Tinga Tinga Tales 07:45 Octonauts 08:00 Roar 08:25 Dennis & Gnasher 08:35 Scooby-Doo Show 09:00 Paradise Cafe 09:25 Small Potatoes 09:30 Chuggington 09:40 Gigglebiz 10:00 Live Golf 21:00 BBC Proms 2011 22:45 The Kennedys 23:30 Newsnight

tv Saturday

11:00 Live Golf 13:00 BBC News; Regional News 13:10 Live Golf 18:15 BBC News; Regional News 18:40 Walk on the Wild Side 19:10 Total Wipeout 20:10 Tonight’s the Night 21:10 National Lottery: In It to Win It 22:00 Casualty 22:50 Lee Mack’s All Star Cast 23:30 BBC News 23:50 John Bishop Live: Elvis Has Left the

tv Sunday

Building

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Sunday Morning Live 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 BBC News 13:05 Escape to the Country 13:35 Live Golf 20:00 BBC News; Regional News 20:15 Antiques Roadshow 21:00 Countryfile 22:00 The Apprentice 24:00 BBC News; Regional News 24:25 Rory: Major Breakthrough

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Emmerdale 08:20 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 All Star Mr & Mrs 21:00 Penn & Teller: Fool Us 22:00 America’s Got Talent 23:00 iTunes Festival 2011 24:00 Peter Andre: Here 2 Help

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Desperate Housewives 08:35 Being Erica 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Desperate Housewives 12:15 Being Erica 13:10 Heartland 14:10 Smallville 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:30 Glee 17:30 Friends 18:30 Friends 19:00 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 Friends 21:30 Friends 22:00 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow 23:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 24:00 Dirty Sexy Things

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:30 African Queen 13:30 Channel 4 Presents 13:35 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Four Rooms 23:00 Rendition

Live Celebrity Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? School’s Out ITV1, 22.00

07:00 Emmerdale 09:35 The Biggest Loser 10:35 The Only Way Is Essex 11:15 The Only Way Is Essex 12:00 Twister 14:15 America’s Got Talent 16:05 America’s Got Talent 17:00 America’s Got Talent 18:50 America’s Got Talent 19:45 Back to the Future 22:00 The Nutty Professor 24:00 Terminator 2: Judgment Day

07:00 Young, Sexy and Rich 07:50 Supernanny USA 09:30 How to Look Good Naked 10:30 How to Look Good Naked 11:35 Supernanny USA 13:15 Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance 14:20 Great British Hairdresser 15:25 Hollyoaks 18:00 Friends 18:35 Friends 19:00 One Tree Hill 20:00 Big Bang Theory 20:30 Big Bang Theory 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 22:00 Friends 23:00 50 Greatest Plastic Surgery Shockers

10:00 A Place in

07:00 Young, Sexy and Spoiled 07:45 Supernanny USA 08:35 Supernanny USA 09:25 How to Look Good Naked 10:25 How to Look Good Naked 11:30 Supersize vs Superskinny 12:35 Great British Hairdresser 13:40 Supernanny USA 14:35 Supernanny USA 15:35 Supersize vs Superskinny 16:40 Star Trek: Generations 19:00 Friends 20:00 Smallville 21:00 Friends 22:00 Top Gun 24:05 Big Bang Theory

10:00 Scrapheap Challenge 12:05 Scrapheap Challenge 14:15 Coach Trip 15:25 Coach Trip 16:30 Coach Trip 17:05 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 17:40 Come Dine with Me 18:15 Come Dine with Me 18:50 Come Dine with Me 19:25 Come Dine with Me 19:55 Come Dine with Me 20:30 The TV Book Club 21:00 River Cottage Every Day 22:00 Grand Designs Australia 23:00 Emergency in the Womb 24:05 Spaced 24:40 Black Books

the Sun 10:35 Time Team 11:35 Time Team 12:35 Time Team 13:40 Time Team 14:40 Time Team 15:45 African Queen 17:45 Grand Designs 18:50 Grand Designs 19:50 Grand Designs 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Grand Designs 23:00 Capitalism: a Love Story

Camelot Channel 4, 22.00

07:00 Coronation Street 09:05 Emmerdale 12:00 Coronation Street 14:30 America’s Got Talent 16:25 America’s Got Talent 17:25 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 18:00 Animals Do the Funniest Things 19:00 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 - Behind the Magic 20:00 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 - Behind the Magic 21:00 Superhuman 22:00 Peter Andre: Here 2 Help 23:00 Along Came Polly 24:50 Baby Mama

Peter Andre: Here 2 Help ITV 2, 22.00

15 - 21 JulY 2011

tv Monday

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15 - 21 20114 2010 Feb 26JulY - March

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Saints and Scroungers 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Copycats 16:35 Me and My Monsters 17:00 Escape from Scorpion Island 17:30 Horrible Histories 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show: Best of Britain 20:30 Fake Britain 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 New Tricks 23:00 BBC News

07:00 Childrens TV 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Hotel Reserve 14:00 Diving 15:00 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 Animal 24:7 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 Antiques Road Trip 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Escape to the Country 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Truth About Wildlife 20:30 Julia Bradbury’s Canal Walks 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Antiques Master 22:00 Life of Muhammad 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Torchwood: Miracle Day

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Ten Mile Menu 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Wild at Heart 18:00 Dinner Date 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Countrywise Kitchen 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Show Me the Funny - Stand-Up Showdown 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Smokin’ Aces

08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:25 According to Jim 09:55 Friends 10:55 Country House Rescue 12:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Relocation: Phil Down Under 14:05 Secret Supper Club 14:35 Saddle the Wind 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Dispatches 22:00 Embarrassing Bodies 23:00 Sirens 24:05 Coming Up

07:00 Childrens TV 09:35 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Ice Road Truckers 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 Flower Girl 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 Police Interceptors 22:00 Bad Boys 24:30 National Security

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Saints and Scroungers 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Copycats 16:35 Me and My Monsters 17:00 Escape from Scorpion Island 17:30 Blue Peter Special 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show: Best of Britain 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Richard Hammond’s Journey to the Centre of the Planet 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Imagine... 24:50 Travellers

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Little Charley Bear 10:25 Small Potatoes 10:30 Chuggington 10:45 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 11:00 Gigglebiz 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Animal Park 13:05 Hungry Hill 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Animal 24:7 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 Antiques Road Trip 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Escape to the Country 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Coast 21:00 Restoration Home 22:00 The Hour 23:00 Twenty Twelve 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Made In Britain

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Ten Mile Menu 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Wild at Heart 18:00 Dinner Date 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Wildlife Patrol 21:00 Cops with Cameras 22:00 Homes from Hell 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Celebrity Juice 24:20 iTunes Festival Highlights 2011

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:25 According to Jim 09:55 Friends 10:50 Country House Rescue 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Relocation: Phil Down Under 14:05 River Cottage Bites 14:25 Carry On Dick 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Sex Education Show 22:00 Undercover Boss 23:00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 24:00 Channel 4 Presents 24:05 Alan Carr: Chatty Man

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Ice Road Truckers 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 Mystery Woman 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Mexican Food Made Simple 21:00 Monster Moves 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 24:50 Crimes That Shook the World

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:20 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:45 Take Me Out 21:00 Peter Andre: Here 2 Help 22:00 America’s Got Talent 24:00 Eyes Wide Shut

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Saints and Scroungers 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Copycats 16:35 Me and My Monsters 17:00 Escape from Scorpion Island 17:30 Little Howard’s Big Question 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show: Best of Britain 20:30 Great British Weather 21:30 Sherlock 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Not Going Out 24:15 Him & Her

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Little Charley Bear 10:25 Small Potatoes 10:30 Chuggington 10:45 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 11:00 Gigglebiz 11:20 Zingzillas 11:40 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Animal Park 13:05 Whistle down the Wind 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Animal 24:7 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 Antiques Road Trip 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Escape to the Country 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Rick Stein’s Spain 21:00 Top Gear 22:00 Botham: The Legend of ‘81 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Made In Britain

07:00 Daybreak

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:25 According to Jim 09:55 Friends 10:50 Country House Rescue 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Relocation: Phil Down Under 14:10 River Cottage Bites 14:25 Murder She Said 16:05 Channel 4 Presents 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 8 Out of 10 Cats Uncut 23:50 Channel 4 Presents 23:55 The Killing 24:50 Live from Abbey Road

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Roary the Racing Car 09:35 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Ice Road Truckers 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 The Wish List 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Garden ER 21:00 The Removal Men: Pickfords 22:00 NCIS 23:00 The Man Who Sued God

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:20 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 The Marriage Ref 21:00 America’s Got Talent 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 Along Came Polly 24:50 Alexander

tv Tuesday

tv Wednesday 09:30 Lorraine

10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Ten Mile Menu 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Wild at Heart 18:00 Dinner Date 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 The Corrie Years 21:00 Lewis 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Nature’s Fury 24:35 Homes from Hell

07:00 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:20 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 Born to Shine 21:00 The Xtra Factor 22:00 Baby Mama 24:00 Nutty Professor

08:35 Being Erica 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Desperate Housewives 12:15 Being Erica 13:10 Heartland 14:10 Smallville 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:30 Samantha Who? 17:00 Glee 18:00 Friends 19:00 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Friends 22:00 One Tree Hill 23:00 Dirty Sexy Things

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:30 Jesse James 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 The Hotel 23:00 Country House Rescue 24:05 Daily Show Global Edition

Watch New Season TV for Free with the RTN Network 966 463 170

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:50 Desperate Housewives 08:35 Being Erica 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:25 Desperate Housewives 12:20 Being Erica 13:15 Heartland 14:10 Smallville 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:40 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Samantha Who? 17:00 Glee 18:00 Friends 19:00 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Friends 22:00 Smallville 23:00 Cleveland Show 23:30 Cleveland Show

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:30 Doctor in Distress 13:35 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Come Dine with Me 23:00 True Stories 24:25 Come Dine with Me

Richard Hammond’s Journey Emergency with to the Centre of the Planet Angela Griffin BBC1, 22.00 Sky1 21.00

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Desperate Housewives 08:35 Being Erica 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Desperate Housewives 12:10 Being Erica 13:05 Heartland 14:05 Smallville 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:30 Gilmore Girls 16:30 Samantha Who? 17:00 Glee 18:00 Friends 18:30 Friends 19:00 My Name Is Earl 19:25 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Friends 21:30 Friends 22:00 Rude Tube 23:00 Franklin & Bash 24:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man

Emergency with Botham: The Angela LegendGriffin of ‘81 Sky1 BBC2,21.00 22.00

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:35 Carry On Sergeant 13:15 3 Minute Wonder 13:20 3 Minute Wonder 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Time Team 23:00 A Time Team Special 24:40 Time Team

tv Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Saints and Scroungers 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:40 Doctors 15:10 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Copycats 16:35 Me and My Monsters 17:00 Escape from Scorpion Island 17:30 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show: Best of Britain 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Traffic Cops 22:00 Torchwood: Miracle Day 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Gypsy Eviction 24:20 Richard Hammond’s Journey to the Centre of the Planet

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Little Charley Bear 10:25 Small Potatoes 10:30 Chuggington 10:45 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 11:00 Gigglebiz 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Coast 12:45 Windom’s Way 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Animal 24:7 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 Antiques Road Trip 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Escape to the Country 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Animal Magic Zoo 20:30 RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2011 21:00 Rick Stein’s Spain 22:00 History Cold Case 23:00 Have I Got News for You 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Made In Britain

15 -2011 21 JulY 2011 8 - 14 JulY

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Ten Mile Menu 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Wild at Heart 18:00 Dinner Date 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Single-Handed 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 When Piers Met Lord Sugar 24:50 Odd One In

07:00 Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:25 According to Jim 09:55 Friends 10:25 Friends 10:55 Restoration Man 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Relocation: Phil Down Under 14:05 Channel 4 Presents 14:10 River Cottage Bites 14:25 Murder Most Foul 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Help! My House Is Falling Down 22:00 The Killing 23:00 Coppers 24:05 John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show

07:00 Childrens TV 09:35 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Ice Road Truckers 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:10 Deadly Visions 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 19:55 5 News at 7 20:00 Cricket 21:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 22:00 Cowboy Builders 23:00 Candy Bar Girls 24:00 Police Interceptors

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS 612

QUICK SOLUTIONS

Across: 7 Inane; 8 Rookery; 9 Husband; 10 Elder; 12 Never again; 15

Across: 7 Roach; 8 Element; 9 Adverse; 10 Earns; 12 Protection; 15

Auctioneer; 18 Towed; 19 Cutlass; 21 Oneness; 22 Sieve.

Songstress; 18 Sound; 19 Topical; 21 Mariner; 22 Adieu.

Down: 1 Light heart; 2 Pansy; 3 Beta; 4 Bridge; 5 Coverage; 6

Down: 1 Broadcasts; 2 Halve; 3 Char; 4 Detect; 5 Defences; 6 Terrain;

Headway; 11 Ring-master; 13 Evildoer; 14 Scowled; 16 Nicest; 17

11 Santa Claus; 13 Resident; 14 Inquire; 16 Retire; 17 Acrid; 20 Pear.

Males; 20 Tass.

WORDWHEEL 613: NIGHTFALL

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:20 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 America’s Got Talent 22:00 Peter Andre: Here 2 Help 23:00 iTunes Festival 2011 24:00 The Only Way Is Essex 24:45 The Only Way Is Essex

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:50 Desperate Housewives 08:35 Being Erica 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:25 Desperate Housewives 12:20 Being Erica 13:20 Heartland 14:15 Smallville 15:10 Hollyoaks 15:40 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Samantha Who? 17:05 Glee 18:00 Friends 18:35 Friends 19:00 My Name Is Earl 19:30 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Friends 21:30 Friends 22:00 Big Bang Theory 22:30 How I Met Your Mother 23:00 The Inbetweeners 23:30 The Inbetweeners 24:10 Top Gun

53 53

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:35 The Desert Fox 13:20 3 Minute Wonder 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:30 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun 18:10 A Place in the Sun 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 One Born Every Minute USA 23:00 Shameless US 24:00 The Closer 24:55 One Born Every Minute USA

Watch New Season TV for Free with the RTN Network 966 463 170

Your UK TV questions answered by

Bill Pole

ConeXionS TV Solutions Tel; 660 638 975

WELCOME BACK to RTN’s regular features about the world of British TV here on the Costa Blanca. If YOU have a question about British TV you’d like answered, please feel free to contact us! Thanks for all your emails and calls; we’re glad to be able to help! I’ve been working on other work projects recently, and haven’t written my usual popular RTN articles for the last couple of months – apologies to those who’ve missed my regular scribbles! During an electrical storm earlier in the year, I lost 3 Sky digiboxes, the oven, 2 flat-screen TVs, and a laptop PC. I’ve been in the UK until recently, but when I tried to replace my digiboxes, my local satellite firm said that the standard Sky box is no longer available, and that they need to sell me Sky+HD boxes which cost a fair bit more. I don’t pay for the HD pack, or indeed ANY package. I just watch the free channels. They argue that as the house insurance will pick up the tab, it’s in my interest. Are they having me on?

Complicated one, this. It’s true, standard Sky boxes are no longer made. Nor, indeed, are Sky+ boxes. It’s HD all the way from here with Sky – however, there ARE options: Sky now make a non-recordable HD box which is their new standard box. They are extremely hard to get hold of right now as demand is very high, but they should cost some 50€ - 60€ less than the Sky+HD (recordable) box, depending on your supplier. There are also non-Sky options available too – I’m selling a lot

of Ferguson Arriva boxes, which will read all Sky cards, and give an HD signal where possible. They also have a USB port to allow you to record direct to a USB data stick (sold separately) and use the box as a Personal Video Recorder (PVR). They do NOT conform to the usual Sky menu system, and frequency updates need to be reprogrammed or scanned for manually on a regular basis. In short, they’re cheaper, but more hassle unless you’re technically savvy. There are also boxes by Manhattan available but although they are also cheaper, they won’t read the white Sky cards and need updating regularly. They’re fine for the basic free channels (except Five, Five USA and Five*) though. Whatever you do, be sure to add a surge protector to your equipment where possible, this time! Unfortunately you’ve discovered the joys of Spain’s electrics during a storm, the hard way. You can legitimately inform your insurance company that like-for-like, Sky boxes are no longer available, and that the nearest thing in price and performance would be an upgrade to the new STANDARD Sky HD box, if and when it becomes available.

The other day a scruffy chap turned up at my door, offering to fix my Sky problem. I told him I didn’t have a problem, but he told me that he had spotted an issue with my dish. I left him at the doorstep and turned on the TV in the lounge and sure enough, I had a ‘no signal’ message. He refused to tell me what was wrong unless

I paid him 20 euros to fix it but I didn’t like his attitude, and threatened to call the police. He left quickly at this point, on foot. I’m elderly and I live alone and rely on my TV, but now I don’t know who to trust. Can you help me at all? Unfortunately you’re not the first person to meet this nasty guy – I’ve heard of him from at least 3 other sat TV clients in the Denia area. It seems that he either clips or disconnects the satellite cable at easily accessible dishes, thereby cutting off your TV. He then knocks on your door, demanding money to undo whatever he’s just done! You were totally right to feel suspicious, and to threaten him with the police. This guy is a crook, and should not be let into your home under any circumstances! As a matter of principle, I will personally come to your home and reconnect your Sky dish for FREE. I don’t even need to come inside, if you don’t want me to. This kind of criminal behaviour is not on, and I will not tolerate trust in my business being undermined by anyone. By the time this feature is published, you should have been contacted by me and reconnected to your Sky TV for free. Unfortunately I can’t do this for everyone of course, but I can say this: if this man comes to your door, don’t let him in, don’t give him any money, do call the police, and do check your dish connection if possible before calling out a reputable satellite technician. it’s often just a case of screwing the connector back into the LNB... Until next time!

Bill Pole owns and runs the successful business, ‘ConeXionS Digital Satellite Solutions’ (based in Javea). established in 1988, we are one of the longest-running satellite TV names on the northern Costa Blanca, surviving through honesty, customer loyalty and recommendation. Find out for yourself why clients rate them #1 for installation, service, after-sales and pricing! Phone us on (+34) 660 638 975 or visit www.conexions-javea.com or join us on Facebook!

54 44

15 - 21 20114 2010 Feb 26JulY - March

Jack’s back

The TV Round Up by

Alex Trelinski

Broadcaster and freelance journalist

great series

CAN’T believe that it’s exactly two years since we last had ‘Torchwood’ on BBC1, and it returned with a gigantic bang last night, helped by lots of lovely American money. I was worried that the State side backers would call the shots, and that Russell T Davies’ show would lose all of the flavour that I’ve enjoyed over the years. The great news is that based on the opener, my fears have been totally unfounded as Davies and his team have kept original fans like me happy. The main plot is about people on Earth that stop dying and the Torchwood duo of Captain Jack and Gwen being reunited after what seemed to be a sad farewell back in 2009. John Barrowman and Eve Myles are terrific in a high octane mixture of the serious and not-so serious. Such a fun glitzy show on the BBC at peak time is a rare bird these days, with satellite channels pinching all the good stuff from the States. So enjoy the next nine weeks, and give the show credit for perhaps being the first ever successful direct British to American TV transfer. Loads have tried before and all have failed!

Viewers are not stupid For most of the time, viewers are not stupid, and they’re at last deserting ITV1’s ‘Loose Women’ in their droves. I find it hilarious that old repeats of ‘Bargain Hunt’ are beating this drivel in the ratings. I’d sooner listen to the whining of a bunch of cats on heat rather than this bunch of free-loaders being paid a lot of money to spout their sexist claptrap on a week day lunchtime. There’s panic at ITV, so they’re having a clear-out, including Kate Thornton, who’s been told that she’s been fired. She was equally charisma-free on ‘The X Factor’ and other TV projects, so perhaps the penny will drop and she’ll decide not to blight our screens again.

My favourite new action series of the season ended its first run on Sky 1 during the week. I’m talking of ‘Hawaii Five-0, which is also on Fox and Cuatro in Spain. Do catch it on those channels as its brilliant entertainment and has some great twists in it, especially in a finale which has you wanting the second series to start as soon as possible.

lack lustre and uninspiring

Channel 5’s evening schedules must be some of the most lack lustre and uninspiring since John Logie Baird invented a machine that could transmit moving pictures. It’s a mixture of US Cop show repeats (Where is the new season of CSI:Miami by the way?) and movies. What is even more frightening is that we have the resuscitated corpse of

‘Big Brother’ looming around the corner, ready to inflict the equivalent pain of a nightly burst boil on one of your buttocks. And then the channel owner has the nerve to use his newspapers like the Express and the Star to slag off the BBC at every opportunity. Pull another one!

What a shock! Best in the What a shock! Joe McElderry ended up winning ‘Popstar to Operastar’ on ITV1 last Sunday, as I predicted weeks ago, without hearing a single note. The very game Cheryl Baker might as well not have bothered turning up for the final. But the big surprise was that Joe proved himself to be a singer with some serious classical talent. It’s all good publicity for him, and guess what? There’s impending news of a new album on the way, having been dropped by Simon Cowell. The 20-year-old has quickly learned the ways of using media exposure and good luck to him. He’ll be around a lot longer than the actual programme itself which bombed in the ratings, not helped by the overstretched format and the viewers knowing who would win from the first note.

world

The BBC are the best in the world at documentaries, and they’ve come up with another cracker: this time about Islam, called ’The Life of Muhammad’, presented by journalist Rageh Omaar. What I knew beforehand could have been written on the back of a stamp, and this was educational and informative TV of a very high standard. And there wasn’t a Danish cartoon in sight.

A Late Dinner – Discovering the Food of Spain THIS IS a truly delightful book of a ramble around Spain, told Book with all the verve of a sharp-eyed Review by humorist who enjoys a good meal. Richardson certainly achieves that latter aim, munching on copy@dannyjpcollins.com fried cazón in a smoky converted fisherman’s shack in Andalucía or enjoying the quintessential paella of Valencia in Buñol. I once shared the delight of watching a Spanish grandee prepare authentic paella for a group of exiled Valencia compatriots in Madrid in the ‘70s. He almost hit me with a ladle when I suggested adding the cockles already used as a base for the stock. ‘Lifeless and tasteless!’ he howled at me, waving the ladle under my retreating nose. Never argue with a Spanish gourmet, okay? The reason I mention that encounter in passing is because Richardson’s description of his new pal Enrique’s cooking of the Buñol paella follows the traditional remedy exactly – in fact this book should be recommended to the proprietors of many beachside restaurants who wouldn’t know a genuine Valencia paella if one of their phoney additions leapt out and bit them on the bum. But Paul Richardson has many more treats in store. In ‘A Late Dinner’ he depicts the dramatic changes that have gripped Spanish life over the last century, exploring

Danny Collins

the extremes of culture and food from the rustic to the avant-garde. His intriguing expedition takes him from typical Spanish coastal cuisine to the shepherd cooking of the mountains, via the vibrant cities where creativity and innovation are now setting the trend for modern cuisine around the globe. And he makes us laugh while he’s at it. I wish I’d been with him, especially in Cataluña when Rosa Valls cooked that dish of beef with mushrooms, roasted in wine with a sofregit of green pepper, tomato, onion, leek, and garlic. What a feast that must have been. And what a book. Author: Paul Richardson Publisher: Bloomsbury (hardback) Price: €11.20 ISBN: 978 0 7475 8803 0

Suduko Answer

motoring

Brian Deller

Author of Motoring in Spain

Dear Mr Deller, I received your book this morning and can’t wait to get into the meat of it. I’ve been flipping through it in the odd moment here at work, and want to get started on studying the weak points revealed by the DGT’s online exams. Just a few points: The DGT no longer offers its forms on its revised website. Although my Spanish isn’t world class, I did a survey of the site this morning and searched using the web site search box: searching on ‘modelos e impresos’ reveals a link to a dead page. Also, typing the URL you printed in the book leads to the same dead page link. I was not able to find any other link to the forms. This is a true loss, as I would have liked to fill out the form and have my Spanish friends look it over before submitting it to the authorities. The second point is that, while I know the primary audience of your book is British expats, with those from the rest of Europe following, I would appreciate a bit more information on how someone from North America goes about this process. We do not have the option of registering or exchanging our licenses, and the process as outlined in your book seems a bit murky at points. Steve Johnson

Sadly, there is no agreement between the USA and Spain for a straight exchange of Driving Licences. The recommended way is to take a Spanish Driving Test and pass it and then the new licence covers the driver for all of Europe and the other countries that have an exchange system with Europe as on page 120. My book is intended to cover the law for those driving here and also more information that affects them, especially new residents. Page 120 has a list of such countries and it is a bit ridiculous as some African countries have allowed the buying (through fraud) of one of their licences which allows the holder to exchange it for a UK one, but Trafico will not allow that type of British licence to be exchanged for a Spanish one - only where the test was taken in the UK. They know what goes on, as I do, having lived in South Africa for 24 years and it happened there with the black South Africans. One black clerk a few years ago (under the new government) was jailed for selling a reported 19,000 licences, some to people who could hardly see. I am not a racist and merely mention ‘black’ because it never happened under the old government. Such is Africa. Japan is in the list and they drive on the left as in Britain.

15 - 21 JulY 2011

So I suggest that you obtain a US International driving Licence (Permit) from Triple A in the USA (about US$10 (?) and use that while you take a driving lesson course, i.e, you may drive but tell your insurance broker so there can be no problems if you have an accident. The driving school will organise the test after you have passed the theory and many schools now give instruction in English. Many are battling for business so you can negotiate a cost. I have known schools here in Malaga that offer courses lasting one week of intensive training ready for the immediate test. IN ANSWER TO SEVERAL QUERIES: The Trafico web-site page for the application forms downloads, as noted in my book on page 141, is changed far too often but at least the website is kept up to date. The forms for the various administration procedures, applications known as TASAS (rates) can be downloaded now from: http://www.dgt.es/portal/es/ oficina_virtual/vehiculos/modelos_impresos/ Sorry for the long address but that is how it is. Book owners, I suggest you write this in on the page or in your diary just in case. Select the Castellano language unless you live in the North East (Catalan). Keep safe out there.

There is much more detailed information on all motoring subjects in my book. Brian Juan (John) Deller, Malaga, author, ‘Motoring in Spain’ www.spainvia.com. Tel: 666 888 870 Brian Deller, author, book Motoring in Spain, ISBN No 978 84 611 9278 6. Shops’ addresses in my web site at: www.spainvia.com/bookshopslist.htm

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FIAT DUCATO CAMPERVAN Coachbuilt campervan on Fiat Ducato, 1996 LHD Spanish plate, ITV Nov, Sleeps 4, H/C water, central heating, 3 way fridge, shower and toilet, 3 ring cooker, €10,000 inc transfers. 647686567 Moraira TWO LARGE MOBILE HOME/ CARAVAN PLOTS have come available on Camping Castillejo Park in Fortuna, the campsite is fully legal and has a private swimming pool, bar and restaurant. For more information please call (0034) 619003258 TRAILER TENT holiday 240 duo, compact 2 berth trailer tent with 4 x 3 awning plus extras, hardly used, excellent condition 900€ Tlf: 966699882 MOBILE/PARK HOMES from 17.000€, Fully furnished ready to move into, A/C, Tel, Eng TV, on permanent site, Bar/Res, Pool, Tennis, Gym, Shop, walking distance to San Javier, 5 mins to beach, Airport, Hospital by car. (also bungalows for rent and caravan plots short term or permanent stays) Tlf Carol 968-192-425 mob 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com BURSTNER VENTANA 480 TL Description: Sleeps 4,2 single & 1 large double bed. Fridge, kitchen, toilet, cottage foretent,etc. Spanish plates €6500.00 ono. Denia Tel.965747395

BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home. Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606127-424 PC SOLUTIONS 4U Description: For all your PC needs. Reliable,friendly service. Call Fred_

24 HOUR HOMECARE SERVICES LTD Wanted companions, carers to work in England as live-in carers. 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off. If you are caring, a good listener and cook contact Karen Jones on (0044) 01929 472 810 or mobile (0044) 07500 836688 email: 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com or download application form from www.24hourh omecareservices.com WAITER/WAITRESS REQUIRED for 5 star restaurant, must be experienced and must be able to speak English and Spanish. Call: 672 860 001 CARERS WANTED To work in England 3 weeks on 3 weeks off email CV to 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com WORKING HOLIDAYS FOR EXPATS Join our team of selfemployed live-in cares in the U.K. We require live-in cares to provide housekeeping and personal care for our elderly clients in their own homes particularly during the autumn and winter months. Flexible bookings of 2-4 weeks to suit your personal situation. Experienced nurses or carers welcome, also

those with no previous experience, our in-house training is available. British/EU passport/references/ drivers/good spoken English essential. This progressive friendly company was established in 1962 and is a market leader in U.K. live-in care for the elderly, CONSULTUS CARE AND NURSING LTD. Call our local consultant Sandra Field on 658 965 204 or email s.field@ consultuscare.com or visit our website www.consultuscare.com.

15 - 21 JulY 2011 2 X MATCHING SOFA TABLES Circular, Diameter 60cm, Height 55cm, 3 legged pedestal base, Light oak finish. VCG. Altea area, Buyer collects. 50€ the pair. 691-202-307 PINE SHOP SALE Double Robe 180€ Tlf:-628-499-448 PINE SHOP SALE CD stand 75€ 628 499 448 PINE SHOP SALE single Bed 135€ 628 499 448 PINE SHOP SALE 5+2 Chest 135€ Tlf:-628-499-448 PINE SHOP SALE Double Robe 180€ Tlf:-628-499-448 PINE SHOP SALE King size bed. 285€.Tel:-628-499-448. PINE SHOP SALE Double Bed. 270€ Tlf:-628-499-448 WHEELCHAIR Light, Foldable, hardly used! 150€. Electric Mobility Scooter, SUNRISE MEDICAL 40km range 499€. Both like new! Tlf:-627-019-403 PERGOLA 5MX3M Never erected. High quality solid timber, Treated. Ideal for Garden or Carport. €385 Will Delivery Free. 622-791-907 or si.whitworth@gmail.com

TEETH WHITENING. Safe Professional Cosmetic Treatments and DIY Kits from 29€. Javea, Denia, Calpe, Benidorm areas. Tel:966-473-166 or 680-501-404. See www.nulookteeth.com

AT MICHAEL’S you can get part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. See photos (updates every 5-6 days): www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Beautiful high quality bedroom set consisting of King size bed, 2 chest of drawers, mirrors and bedsides, all in lovely carved honey pine. 600 photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Small cane suite, 2-seater sofa and two armchairs. Castilian bunk beds. Two large comfortable wicker armchairs with matching table.See 600 photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S you can get part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. See photos (updates every 5-6 days): www.michaels-javea.com MICHAEL’S 28 YEARS IN JAVEA ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! We sell high quality pre owned furniture, many from show apartments etc. Look at: www. michaels-javea.com Tlf:965-791-328.

WANTED INSTANT CASH PAID Antique and modern jewellery, vintage watches bought sold part exchanged, insurance valuations. Jewellery & watch repairs. Alexanders, Javea Port seafron near Bar Esquina. Established since 2003. Tel:965-792-595

S.O.S. INSURANCE Car-HomeHealth-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787123/622-275-561/686-116-297

MODERN BED SETTEE , spring action lemon and green check, down filled. Cost 1000€ will accept 450€ 968371025 2 MOUNTAIN BIKES 5 months old 50€ each. Villamartin area 615 344 862

G.S PARTY HIRE Planning a party. Do you need tables,chairs,crockery ,glasses. Outside catering and bar for all occasions. Then contact me for more information on.635-109375/693-371-654/966-194-984 GOLF SHARE FOR SALE Golf membership of AltoReal Golf Club in Murcia. Reluctantly selling to realistic offer. Call 628608133 CRAZY FIT MASSAGE VIBRATING machine, 150€ tel 966717877

WEIGHT WATCHERS Call our Free English call centre now to find your nearest meeting. 900-818-794

BALLROOM/LATIN/SEQUENCE DANCING La Rustika (Los Arcos) Restaurant, Avenida Baleares,Torrevieja, Saturday Social dance 7.30pm - 10pm, Tuesday IMPROVERS LESSON 7.30pm - 8.30pm plus SOCIAL DANCE 8.30pm - 10.30pm (not second Tuesday of the month) Monday NEW BEGGINERS CLASS 10.30am - 12.30pm. Casa Ventura, San Luis, Torrevieja. Thursday NEW BEGGINERS CLASS 7.30pm 9.30pm. Tlf Andrea and Brian 616-478-157

NEW RAC 1300W PRESSURE WASHER / patio cleaner un-opened 80.00€. UK Skybox & Card 50.00€ call John 603 212 421 MOBILE KABAROKE for all occasions, BBQ pool party, professional equip and lights, rates to suit, call Alan or Kris 966896588 PINE SHOP SALE computer desk 50€ 628 499 448 PINE SHOP SALE Bookcase 57€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE SHOP SALE 2 door - 2 drawer sideboard 155€ 628499488 PINE SHOP SALE Bedside Chest. 20€.Tel:-628-499-448. POOL, SNOOKER TABLES Also Table Tennis and Darts. Will beat any price!. Tlf:-666-933-726. www.spainpool.com KARAOKE MEDIA PLAYER Special Offer 500GB. 80,000songs, software, songbooks, bar/home use. 195euros Tlf:-657-766-341 SINGERS, DJ\’S, KJ\’S 1TB media drive inc:-110k up to date karaoke tracks, 1k + M/F/duet backing tracks, 500+music videos. 400+ music albums. Karaoke & DJ software etc etc. 225euros. CC accepted via paypal. call Paul . 659-511-951

ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET 500CC 1700Kms only. Many Extras, Spanish Registered, Insured, Fully Legal, One Owner. Half New price 2000€ Tlf:-606-075-644/ 966-786-858

MG SPORTS CAR silver, 1997, 51,000 miles, RHD, soft top, VG condition, Villamartin area call 965323446 for evening viewing. €1800ono BMW 318 COMPACT 3 door, automatic, LHD, 200km, 2002, black with black trim, new tyres, 12 months ITV, 12 months TAX, 4950€ono Tlf: 00447885111333 or 660271549 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT T200 , 2005, 1.8 TDCI diesel, white, Spanish LHD, only one owner/driver, very well maintained 4495€ www. venuscars.com 965 368 274 SEAT CORDOBA, 2000, 1.9 LTR Diesel, Spanish LHD, Metallic blue, 4 door saloon, electric windows, climate control, good reliable budget car. 3495€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 FORD FOCUS ESTATE,2004 Ambiente, 1.6 Ltr petrol, Silver, Spanish LHD, FSH, CD Player, Elec Windows, Air Con, Roof Bars, Excellent condition throughout. 5495€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 OPEL VECTRA SPORT, 2000, 2Ltr Petrol, Silver, Spanish LHD, saloon, air con, elec Windows, alloys 3495€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF, 2002, 1.4 Ltr petrol, 5 door hatch, Spanish LHD, silver, CD player/MP3 player, all round electric windows, climate control, electric mirrors and alloys 4995€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 Toyota Landcruiser, Colorado 3 Ltr D4D Auto, 4X4, 7 Seater, Spanish registered, RHD, 5 doors, FSH, air con, tow bar and all the usual Toyota refinements. 6995€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 CITROEN ZX 1997, 1.9 diesel, Spanish LHD, New Cam Belt, Very

good condition, very economical runner, 1200€ONO ITV AND TAXED Tlf: 693592230 HEADLIGHTS4U.COM Left hand drive headlights supplied and fitted. All makes. Also air conditioning rechargeTel:-966-877-145 or 618-592-396 BUMPERS, WINGS AND MIRRORS All body panels for all cars supplied. Tel:-966-877-145 or 618-592-396 SEAT IBIZA 1.9SDI diesel, LHD, Spanish plates, new tyres, brakes and disks, 12 months ITV. 2300€ tlf: 675-878-601 WANTED Scrap cars, vans, lorries, plant and caravans. Turn your scrap into cash. From Valencia to Alicante. Free collection. Tel: 689-929-395 FORD FIESTA A.4 TDCI, 2005 75,000km. Four door, white, reliable, economical and nippy. Excellent condition and two year ITV, 4,450€. Phone 661-403-016. ANY GOOD CONDITION cars wanted for cash. From year 2000, must have Air Con. Tlf:605-369-921. 9am - 9pm WANTED I buy any car, van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600-781873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com

SEEKING SOUL MATE Ladies, are you like me, lonely and seeking a soul mate? I am a mature man living near Denia. Phone or text me on 660953536 LADIES: enjoy a Friendly and Erotic Spanking in your own home, NO FEES, 666 613 468, headmaster@live.co.uk GENERIC VIAGRA safe and effective, live a full love life again, call Ron 966-499-204 FELLAS! Do you have a problem getting up in the morning, or at any other time? If so you need THE DIAMOND SHAPED BLUE PILL, Quesada and surrounding area. ring Derek 685-207-378 MAY-EROTIC FROM INDONESIA 38 petite attractive full service, will spoil you with a sensual relaxing massage. No withheld numbers. Call:-698-896-034. GAY/BI BANK MANAGER To handle your sperm deposits, withdraws. Call the Sperm Bank on Tlf:-660-409-206 ENGLISH BLONDE 34, size 14, offers service in discreet villa San Miguel area, call Mel 633806664 DAVID TORREVIEJA 24 years old, gym body, very sexy and hot, come see for yourself! for men and couples, call me 678179616

LOOKING FOR A CAR?

We have a nice selection of LHD and RHD Vehicles for sale or exchange from only 1500€, Automatics, Saloons, MPV´s, 4x4´s, Sports, Cabriolets, and Commercials. New and used Vehicles Sourced. We also have have a nice selection of automatics and over 20 Cabriollets in stock. Tel Frank your friendly English car sales on the Costa Blanca. Tel 600-726-221/965687-976 or simply view our easy to use website www.fwreurocars.com

ACE AUTOS

British & Spanish used car sales VILLA MARTIN TORREVEIJA 03 SUZUKI WAGON R 5 DOOR A/C P/S E/W CLEAN 94 SAAB 900 CONVERTIBLE P/ROOF ALLOYS AUTO 99 SEAT AROSA P/S E/W CLEAN CAR RUNS WELL RHD 99 HYUNDAI ACCENT 1.3 LOW KMS A/C V/CLEAN 00 HYUNDAI ATOS RED 5 DOOR A/C E/W P/S 99 OPEL TIGRA A/C NEW PAINT ALLOYS LOW KMS 98 SUZUKI VITARA AUTOMATIC SOFT/TOP 97 AUDI A4 A/C E/W P/S ALLOYS MET B.R.G. 01 SEAT IBIZA DIESEL 3 DOOR LOW KMS A/C 03 DEAWOO MATIZ 5 DOOR A/C P/S E/W V/CLEAN 00 OPEL CORSA DIESEL 5 DOOR V.LOW KMS 96 SEAT CORDOBA 1.9 DIESEL 4 DOOR A/C P/S 98 FORD MONDEO 1,8 GHIA A/C P/S E/W V/CLEAN 01 HYUNDAI ACCENT 1,3 5 DOOR P/S CLEAN CAR

3,500€ 1,950€ 950€ 1,750€ 2,450€ 2,750€ 2,750€ 1,750€ 2,750€ 3,500€ 2,950€ 1,950€ 1,950€ 1,950€

MANY MORE CARS IN STOCK ALL WITH NEW ITV/MOT´S P/X ON MOST CARS. Tel: 620 738 023 10am to 5pm

FIND US NEAR NEW MERCADONA. PUEBLO PRINCIPE, VILLA MARTIN

Cars wanted for cash LHD/RHD

15 - 21 JulY 2011

NAKED HANDYMAN Description: have your odd jobs carried out with a difference,hourly rate or daily rate tlf: 634327301 SPANISH LADY PLAYA FLAMENCA near new Carrefour before La Florida. 35 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking. Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, economical prices from 40€. Full discretion. Call Ana 680-735-412 TORREVIEJA TRANS CLAUDIA stunning blonde, huge breasts, sculptural body, specialty erotic massage, very femanine and sexy call me 671424456. ARE YOU MALE, FEMALE OR A COUPLE? Need some Sexy FUN? Contact me soonest. 63 year old Dom/Sub switch. Available for fun with Males, Dom and Sub and Cross Dressers, Females Dominatrix and Submissive. Couples including Same Sex Couples. “Anything Goes” Can sometimes accomodate. Home Visits no extra Charge/Low Fees. Call me now on 655-058-554 NEW PLACE! TORREVIEJA Sexy girls from South America. Come and enjoy, economical prices from 40?. NEW ADDRESS Zone Los Locos beach. 682-776-068 CASA ANGELA TORREVIEJA Luxury Private Chalet, parking. Drinks invitation. Feeling alone? Just want some company? Exotic girls from South America. Call us, come

and enjoy! Also Escort Service. Full discretion. Street: Avenida Asociacion Vistimas del Terrorismo. 609-573-468 or 639-832-118 GORGEOUS ENGLISH BLOND 45 years, Massage, 1 hour or over night, 15 mins Alicante airport.Tel:Karen 662-049-021

WOODWORM, BORING BEETLE or Termite problems? Call Woodtech now on 675-107-252. COCKROACHES, RATS, MICE, WASPS or Hornet problems? Call Pestkill now on 625-160-325

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired. Professional, consciencious service to the highest standards. Refurbishments and upgrades undertaken. Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems, ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed. All work guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 15 years experience. 8 years served on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966774-199 or 678-080-500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743-048 www.pooltechspain.com

Tel 965 743 186 FOR SALE 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Detached villa on a corner plot, close to amenities. €199,500 Tel 965 743 186 For Sale NEW TO MARKET – A 6 bedroom 6 bathroom Country Property beautifully restored in Jalon with fantastic country views only, €500,000 Call now Tel 965 743 186 For Sale NEW TO MARKET –A 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment in Toscamar, easy reach of the Arenal in Javea only, €155,000 Call now Tel 965 743 186 For Sale – 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Apartment close to all amenites and beaches, with secured parking and storage. Denia, €155,000 Call now Tel 965 743 186 For Sale – 4 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Detached Villa with guest suite and mountain views. Pego €485,000 Call now Tel 965 743 186 LA NUCIA, 2 BED terr. Bungalow, sea views, a/c, furnished, garage, spec. offer 90000E need to return to England. Tel: 600368160 CALPE LARGE VILLA 9 bedrooms 4 bathrooms. pool garage close to beach price negotiable 628 499 448

2 BEDROOM, 1 BATHROOM ground floor apartment in excellent La Florida location, overlooks communal pool. Only €74,995 Contact Jamie 647 451 946 Los Altos, Lovely 2 bedroom 1st floor apartment with solarium, close to amenities, sold furnished. Only €79,995 Contact Jamie 647 451 946 Stunning 2 bedroom top floor apartment with solarium and rear garden in Villamartin, excellent condition Only €94,995 Contact Jamie 647 451 946 Fantastic large 3 bedroom apartment with stunning views of golf course and the coast Only €129,995 Contact Jamie 647 451 946 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom ground floor apartment with garden and garage only 50 metres from the sea in Cabo Roig. Sold fully furnished. 105,000 EUR. Call Jamie on 647451946. Fantastic 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom ground floor apartment with large garden and private swimming pool in Campoamor. Open fireplace and air conditioning. Sold fully furnished. 100,000 EUR. Call Jamie on 647451946 Large quality built 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom first floor corner apartment over looking the pool in Villamartin. Sold fully furnished for only 105,000 EUR. Call Jamie on 647451946. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom corner townhouse only a couple of minutes walk to Cala Capitan beach in Cabo Roig. Sold fully furnished and only 139,000 EUR. Call Jamie on 647451946.

MOBILE/PARK HOMES on Camping Pueblo in San Javier from 15.000€ Tlf Carol 968-192425 mob 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com LOOKING TO RELOCATE We have new and pre-owned luxury park homes for sale throughout the UK 12 month occupancy part exchange considered on your Spanish or UK home for more information call 0044-151633-2321 or email :alan.aitken@hotmail.co.uk

LARGE COUNTRY HOUSE in secluded location. 5 beds 4 Baths heated pool.Close to all amenities Long term rental, price negotiable. Tel 966896588 2 FULLY FURNISHED 1 bed garden apartments in La Nucia, sleeps 4, private pool, BBQ, Sky. Tel: Dave 634328679 FOR RENT Fully Equipped Restaurant in Los Montesinos. 300 FOR SALE - AN IMMACULATE 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom upper level apartment in a complex with two infinity pools, a bar and a restaurant. Fabulous mountain and valley views. Benitachell €117,000 Call now Tel 965 743 186 For Sale – A deceptively spacious 2 bedroom villa on a sought after development with a communal pool.,Moraira €160,000 Call now Tel 965 743 186 FOR SALE 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Detached Villa with private pool and great potential. €260,000

sqm, Large kitchen & Easy Parking Call 669038586 (spanish owner) or 665617135 (english) A LOVELY CONCHITA VILLA for long term rent Rojales Hills. three double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, air con, own pool, fully furninshed to a high standard, 650€ per month phone 666052912 TO RENT LARGE UNIT IN LA ZENIA Rent or For sale. Up to 216m2, 1 or 2 units. First line in La Zenia to N332, close to beach. 657964702 1 BED PART FURNISHED bungalows on Camping Pueblo in San Javier with lots of ameneties Tlf Carol 968-192-425 mobile 626-055-622 LONG TERM APARTMENT FOR RENT in Canals, fully furnished, 2 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, use of swimming pool, car parking and Sky TV, 500€ per month plus 1 months deposit. TLF: 962 242 422 FORMENTERA 2 BEDROOM 2 bathroom apartment to let, fully furnished, 250€ per month plus bills for more information call 652-021-980 BRAND NEW TWO BED FLAT In Algorfa, partly furnished, town centre, communal pool.350euro inclusive . No bills to pay. Ring:0044-7949-589-539

MAN & LWB SPRINTER VAN going to UK- Spain twice a month. Tel: 610-846-260 or 0044-7519-186-355 email:-van.man@hotmail.co.uk

TRANSLATOR/INTERPRATOR Benidorm bi-lingual Spanish/English Translation decuments, letters, visits-medical, townhall, tax, MOT. Economical rates. petergeorge123@ gmail.com Tlf:-698-278-589 TRANSLATOR Spanish and English speaking. Available for medical visits etc. Benidorm and surrounding areas. Tel Dawn: 626-337-258.

COMPUTER TUTOR Software training, ebusiness education, website publishing, photography, videography and more DIY tips and tricks for all of your business and personal needs. Karla Darocas - certified instructor since 1990. Tel: 96 597 3234 info@KarlaDarocas. com Referrences www.KarlaDarocas.com

EUROMOVE4U Full & Part Loads. Spain to UK/UK to Spain on a regular monthly basis. Cars & Motorcycles transported Next run to UK-End of July Returning Early August. Space Available. Call Grant or Jan Office 0034-965-300-959 Mobile 0034-648-102-529 UK Mob 0044-7803-893-719. Email info@ euromove4u.eu LARGE EMPTY VAN experienced owner driver UK regulary/local, Playa Flamenca, call Mel on 966848-607 mobile: 603-192-957 or email melvyynleo@yahoo.com MICK WITH HIS VAN Removals Collections Deliveries. For a reliable effective service. Hourly rate or quote. Call Mick anytime 600-247-535

CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV for all your digital and TV requirements. No Annual Fees on Sky Cards. Steve:660-186-505/Ros:-965-584-097. www.ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com

TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Household Goods and Bric-a-brac into Cash. Anything! Anywhere! 965-319220/618-165-877 WANTED 3M X 3M (or bigger!) Metal Market Stall Frame. Altea (North Benidorm) Tlf:-691-202-307 GOLD WANTED!! English Jeweller, will buy for cash, broken or unwanted gold jewellery and coins. Tlf:Peter-664-890-990

15 - 21 JulY 2011

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15 - 21 JulY 2011

The final whistle With Andy Kay

RTN Golf Club update

www.andykayevents.com

RFU clowns JUST WHEN you thought the situation at the Rugby Football Union couldn’t get any worse, the staggeringly out of touch group that runs the sport in England proved that rock bottom is still some way away. The goings-on at Twickenham this week would not have made it in to the cheapest, digital TV soap-opera. The script writers would have dismissed the plot line as way too unbelievable. But, as we have seen in the past and now again in recent days, the RFU hierarchy don’t do realism. To summarise, following the John Steele debacle, the RFU asked the union’s chief disciplinary officer, Jeff Blackett, to head up a five-man team and report to the RFU council last Sunday. Now, you would have thought that, having asked him to undertake such an important task, the RFU big-wigs would have taken notice of his 52-page report - but not our friends at rugby HQ. Instead, they informed Blackett that he would be sued if the report became public. Martyn Thomas, who has resigned as chairman but still seems to wield all the power nonetheless, then said that one of the reasons for blocking a public release of the report was that, “We only received the report at 5pm on Friday. It was more than 50 pages. We had the Middlesex Sevens on Saturday and then the President’s Dinner. The council meeting started at 8am on Sunday and it was a big ask to get members to read it through, take it all in and deal with issues raised in it.” Ah, that’s okay then. Sitting in the VIP seats watching an event and then large-ing it up at a poncy dinner is more important than getting to grips with one of the biggest scandals the sport of rugby has ever endured. Still, I’m sure that an organisation, in World Cup year, that doesn’t have a chief executive, finance director, head of human resources or director of performance knows what it’s doing. Don’t you? McLAREN SHOCKER

Dennis Jordan NORTH REGION

Mike Probert SOUTH REGION

I MUST say that the courses here on the Costa Blanca are in great condition considering the heat. Some good offers have at last come through (see price list), with lots of courses giving Golf Course RTN Price Comments free buggies with the 2 x 1 offers that will certainly help in this 2x1 offer 12pm – 4pm inc Buggy Alenda €89 weather. Make sure you take plenty of water or liquids out there with Alicante Golf 2x1offer 12pm – 4pm inc Buggy €69 you on the course: we have had a lot of players out last week Bonalba €59 All Day: 2x1 offer inc Buggy and you would be surprised at the number of golfers that don’t €43 Single Green fee go out stocked up with enough liquids. Players in, say, Amer- Don Cayo ica and other countries that are totally geared up with drinks El Plantio €45 Single Green fee inc Buggy machines and Buggy Bars around the courses think it is going Font del Llop €74 All Day: 2x1 offer inc Buggy to be the same here, but alas not – don’t under estimate the Villaitana Par 62 €29 Single Green fee inc Buggy power of the heat guys and of course it can affect your game! Villa Aitana Par 72 €69 Single Green fee inc Buggy Slap on the sun lotion and take a hat and drinks. If you would like to book any of the great 2x 1 offers email us For more information email Dennis at at rtngolfnorth@gmail.com or call 630 714 373. dennis@roundtownnews.com or direct to Enjoy your games… www.benidormgolf.com on 630 714 373.

I TOOK the opportunity to play the excellent course at La Finca last week which is in superb condition and excellent value at only €164 for 4 players and 2 buggies. Last week I gave you advanced notice of an unsurpassed deal at La Manga and this will be formally announced next week but will be approximately €52 each (including a FREE buggy for every two players) - unheard of at this exclusive resort. The deal of the week is from Vistabella where if you book any golf deal you can receive a second deal at a 50% discount when booked at the same time. The superb deal at Altorreal of only €55 for 2 players and buggy is now available any day until 15th September 2011.

Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

Vistabella

€56

2 PL and 1 Buggy (weekend pm)

Hacienda del Alamo

€86

2 PL and 1 Buggy

La Serena

€75

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Polaris World Courses

€92

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Roda

€78

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Las Colinas

€82

2 PL and Buggy (from3pm)

La Peraleja

€76

2 PL and 1 Buggy

La Tercia

€65

2 PL and 1 Buggy

For more information contact Mike at mike@roundtownnews.com or direct at Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931.

Murcia Golf Hound Murcia Region

THIS WEEK I was treated to something special: the chance to walk where many heroes of our great game have walked before – La Manga Club South Course. Having hosted the Spanish Open throughout the 70s and becoming known as Seves spiritual home, the South Course at La Manga Club has always been a big attraction! Standing on the 1sttee, with its stunning view of Lion Head Mountainand the knowledge that golfing greatsGary Player (the first director of golf), Arnold Palmer and Severiano Ballesteros once stood there, I must admit to some slight nerves; however, these soon left me as I began my journey around one of Spain’s most historic golf courses! It quickly became apparent as to why the South Course, steeped in all its history, is quite often the main attraction for golfers from across the world to come and play golf in our great golfing region. The layout challenges the best, with its very own version of Amen Corner through 11, 12 and 13 which, completed in par is a great achievement in itself! Finally, walking the 18th with thoughts of Palmer’s eagle to win the 1975 Spanish Open running through my mind, I finished with a respectable par 5 and left this special course with memories I shall never forget – One of the few courses

Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

La Envia

€33

Single Green fee

Alborán

€35

Single Green fee

Cortijo Grande

€29

Single Green fee

Almerimar

€42

Single Green fee

Aguilon

€40

Single Green fee

Desert Springs

€60

Single Green fee

Valle del Este

€90

2 Single Green fee+ buggy

La Manga Club

€52

1 Green Fee (Twilight)

La Manga Club

€104

2 Green Fees+Buggy

For more information contact the Hound on Facebook, twitter: murciagolf@roundtownnews.com or 651 045 700.

in our region that, to date, can give you this kind of footstep-following experience! Whilst the price may have kept a number of you away before, MurciaGolf.co is pleased to bring you this historic golf course at the exclusive price of €52 per player including a buggy!There really is no better time to play at La Manga Club!

It must be pretty tough being Jenson Button or Lewis Hamilton these days. Before the last Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone, the McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh effectively said they had “no chance of winning”; hardly the best way to incentivise your drivers I’d suggest. But not to worry, McLaren did far worse over the next couple of days. First they mucked up Hamilton’s chances of pole position by sending him out on the wrong tires in qualifying, then they failed to attach a wheel to Button’s car with 12 laps to go, and to complete a miserable weekend, they didn’t give Hamilton enough petrol to compete ‘balls-out’ for the entirety of the race. Perhaps they all ought to pop down to Javea Karting sometime soon and watch my 6 and 8-yearolds bombing round the track: they always have four wheels, never run out of juice and always talk a good game.

ANYONE FOR FOOTBALL? Aged between 20 to 40 ? Torrevieja area Call Doug on 628 789 335

Is it wrong? Noel’s world of golf By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Campo de Golf El Plantio 639 730 891

AN RTN reader recently wrote to me regarding an issue that he felt was cheating. He felt that some golfers, such as Tiger Woods, were cheating because he believed they were ‘hypnotised’ during a round of golf. Practically all golfers will at some time or another admit that they felt “in the zone” when they were playing well. Many of the very best in the World can enter this mental state when it suits them. Examples are when they are trying to win one of the four major championships in the sport. Many golfers of all abilities have gone to specialists in sports psychology and been hypnotized in an attempt to perform to optimum level on the golf course. The benefits are that they can stay relaxed when under pressure. The big question I suppose is: is this cheating? I do not believe it is. The governing bodies of world golf have not ruled against it and until they do we cannot accuse any player of cheating because they pursue such matters. This in turn leads me to another question; is it morally correct to be hypnotised to perform to your best abilities? In a sport where rules and etiquette is held in extremely high regard and the rules of golf are upheld by practically all who play the sport many will say this activity should be classed as cheating. I personally would not take this stance. I know many of the games top players would agree with me. Many feel it is like the ‘long handled putter’ - if it’s legal why not use it? They feel the sport is incredibly difficult to play and in a highly competitive environment you have to have as much going for you as possible if you are to win. Over the years we have all heard of sad cases of golfers who have cheated and have felt let

15 - 21 JulY 2011

down by them. Until the time comes, if indeed it ever does, we will have to live with this situation as well as others that some of us feel may be placing a stain on the game we all love. Winning is everything now to top golfers and they will push the rules to the limit in their efforts to win. Many of us will consider this ‘a competitive edge’ - myself included - and see no wrong in it. I am sure many more will disagree with me. I am sure this debate could go on for several years before we see a final conclusion. WIN A ROUND OF GOLF FOR 2 INCLUDING BUGGY AT THE BEAUTIFUL EL PLANTIO RESORT IN ALICANTE To enter this competition, simply answer the question below correctly. Every correct answer will be entered into a draw at the end of the month and the winner of this fantastic prize worth over 180€ will be picked at random at the end of each month. Send your entries by email to golf@ roundtownnews.com. The decision of the editor of RTN will be final in making the winning selection. QUESTION FOR 15TH JULY 2011 Which golfer is known as The Golden Bear? A. Jack Nicklaus B. Gary Player C. Lee Trevino All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 30th July 2011 to be entered into July’s draw, to be made on 31st July. The winner will be announced in RTN on 5th August 2011. JUNE’S WINNER Jim Gaw from Quesada NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY AT EL PLANTIO For the very best in golf coaching, contact Noel on 639 730 891.

Any questions you have for Noel should be sent to golf@roundtownnews.com

RTN Golf School Start & Go Course Duration of the course will be 8 hours over 2, 3 or 4 days according to the students requirements. We may be able to take the course over a period of 2 or 3 weeks. Aimed at beginners and those who want to come back to golf this course is aimed at getting people to fully understand the basics required to play golf on a full size golf course. Minimum number of participants: 3 Maximum number of peopl: 8 Cost 225€ per person Advanced Course Duration of the course will be over 3 or 4 days according to the students requirements. Aimed at those who have some experience of golf and want to improve. The participants will have a handicap. All aspects of the game will be covered including a playing lesson over 9 holes.

Minimum number of participants: 3 Maximum number of people: 6 Cost 280 Euros per person Licence Course Duration of the course will be 5 hours over 2 days Aimed at people who do not have an official handicap or Real Federacion Espaniola de Golf licence. The course will cover the basic technical aspects of the game and etiquette. Includes 9 holes of golf on the championship course at El Plantio under The Rules of Golf. Minimum number of people: 2 Maximum number of people: 4 Cost 200€ per person All courses include unlimited range balls for the duration of the course. Call 639 730 891 or email golf@roundtownnews.com

Fishing Maggots End by

David Hoare

968 199 279

For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk THIS WEEK’S competition was the 8th in the Summer Championship series; 9 matches with the best 6 results to count. The venue was the Rio Segura at Murcia. The river is still high and the flow is still pushing through. During the match the river rose some 6-9 inches, making it nearly impossible to walk under the road bridge. Whether it is the flow or the increased depth, the big fish are not showing at present, so it is hard work to keep the smaller fish continually feeding. The river has been flowing at this rate for the last 4 + months and it appears all the water is being flowed into the sea: it seems such a waste of this precious resource. TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st Doug (The Welsh Goldminer), fishing the pole using corn with 21.86 kilos 2nd Bill (The Master) Reade, fishing the pole using paste with 20.34 kilos 3rd Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare, fishing the pole using pellet with 15.62 kilos ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied by Terry Screen The 2nd match of the Summer Series on 5th July was fished at the Beniarres Reservoir. We still await the grand opening of the new tunnel on the motorway which will cut our travelling time down by 10 to 15 minutes. Now that the hot weather has arrived, the reservoir levels have begun to recede, making it now possible to fish off the shingle. The match weights are also beginning to improve with the wind changing from the East to the South, making fishing easier using the pole with the wind on your back. 1st Stan (The Man) Roberts, with 40.000kg on the pole and corn 2nd Lenny (Ex Cultural Attache) Bolton, with 38.640kg on pole

and paste 3rd Bill (The Master) Reade, with 26.500kg on pole paste and feeder I have been informed that the notification of forthcoming matches at Argos which is required by the Murcian Federation to be posted a week before a match is due, are being torn down at the venue and being discarded by - whoever? All details etc are available from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368 Anglers Together Members recently had a fishing trip to Murcia on the River Segura enjoyed by all: Winner David Hoare; Second Alan Roscoe; Third John Theaker: another friendly match is planned for the autumn. Anglers Together was formed to introduce and encourage anglers of all abilities to meet up and get together to fish, either sea or freshwater. Firm friendships have been formed during the time the group has been active and information on fishing venues and licenses required are available at the meetings or by regular emailed newsletters. Meetings are held in two locations on the second Friday and Saturday of each month. Anyone with an interest in fishing (sea or freshwater) is welcome to come along. The next meeting at Mary’s Bar, Campoverde (near Pilar de la Horadada) will be held on Friday 9th September at 12pm. On Saturday 10th September at 12pm the meeting will be held at The New Royal Bar and Restaurant at El Alamillo, opposite the sea-front between Isla Plana and the Port. Refreshments and lunch are available at each location. No meetings are held in August For further details ring Alan Roscoe 96 857 0876 or email: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk (NEW EMAIL ADDRESS)

Junior Strikers raise 1,200€ for the Butterfly Children and Adam Stewart JUNIOR STRIKERS annual Charity Football Match took place on Saturday 9th July at the Estadio Ikomar in Pilar. A good crowd cheered on the children who gave their all in a very entertaining game. Spain lifted this year’s Charity Cup after an impressive performance which saw them win the game 8-3. Spain’s number 9, Dani, was in inspirational form and a major factor behind his team’s victory. Great Britain’s goalkeeper Daniel Brayshaw had a fantastic game, denying Spain on numerous occasions with some top class saves. Jamie Hirst was Great Britain’s best player on the day, his non-stop running paying off in the second half when he latched onto a through ball and neatly slotted the ball past the advancing Spanish keeper Rodri to give Britain a glimmer of hope. Great

Britain’s other goals were scored by Brad Fox and Captain Joshua Homer from the penalty spot. This game was organised to raise funds for two great charities: the Butterfly Children (Debra Espana) and Adam Stewart, both present on the night. Ann, representing the Butterfly Children’s charity shop in Quesada and Adam Stewart both enjoyed the evening, delighted and grateful to learn how much money was raised; each charity to receive an equal split from the proceeds. Event organiser Junior said, “This year’s match exceeded all expectations: to raise 1,200€ in the current climate is a fantastic achievement! I would like to sincerely thank the children and parents for all their hard work and our main sponsor Nicola Tait from Costamed Consulting for her very generous

The winning team

donation for this year’s event. Nicola has also confirmed that Costamed Consulting will continue to sponsor the event for the foreseeable future.” Dance Xtreme provided pre match and half time entertainment for the second year in a row, now a ‘permanent fixture’. Junior would like to thank all of the local

newspapers and radio stations that helped to promote this year’s match along with all of the companies that kindly advertised in the match programme, U.D. Horadada for allowing the game to take place at the Estadio Ikomar free of charge and last but not least, Spain’s coach Trino for organising the Spanish team who all contributed to the fund raising.