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Issue 711

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Expats honour murdered soldier

Oil poured on energy woes New energy legislation comes into force tomorrow (Saturday 1st June) – a deadline imposed just months after the European Union sponsored laws were enacted p4

Safety net for crime victims

Officially launched this week in Benidorm, the police service SATE is aimed at reducing the impact of crime p3

by Jack Troughton

Is it time to move your pension?

Transferring a pension is complex so obtaining expert advice is essential as the expert can help you fully understand your options and help you avoid the pitfalls p33

My sciatica isn’t getting better!

Sciatica is a series of symptoms that can be caused by a series of different things p60

Photo

by Dan Davison

Student snaps fire drama A 16-YEAR-OLD keen photographer was returning to his home in Alfaz del Pi from school last week with his mother and sister when he captured the images of a blazing car on camera as firemen arrived to tackle the flames.

Read the full story on page 7.

BRITS IN Benidorm will take to the streets next week in a “peaceful parade” to honour murdered soldier Lee Rigby and the men and women of the Armed Forces.

Expats have planned a march along the Levante Beach promenade and will observe a minute’s silence in the memory of the 26year-old drummer with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

It is hoped everyone will wear red, white and blue “with pride” and British bars in the resort will be asked to sell raffle tickets to help raise money for Help for Heroes.

Benidorm Town Hall has already given its blessing to Wednesday’s “parade” – exactly two weeks after the serviceman was brutally killed in Woolwich and Madrid has also give the green light.

Lee, from Langley, Greater Manchester, died of “multiple incised wounds” on 22nd May after being attacked wearing a Help

for Heroes shirt near Woolwich Barracks in front of horrified passersby. Two suspects were shot by police and taken to separate hospitals where they remained under guard.

Michael Adebowale, 22, from Greenwich, has since been charged with murder, while his alleged accomplice Michael Adebolajo, 28, remains in hospital.

Both are said to be radicalised Muslims. In total 10 arrests have been made so far in an ongoing and complex inquiry.

The attack has led to heightened racial tensions throughout the UK with appeals being made for calm. However, at war memorials in England people have been laying tributes in a “protest of flowers”.

This Wednesday a minute’s silence was held at the spot the soldier died, already a shrine covered in flowers, cards, and photographs, while on the Costa Blanca the Benidorm tribute was being planned.

Continued on page 6

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31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

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Safety net for crime victims

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

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Two subtle burglars in Denia TWO BURGLARS were caught red-handed in Denia as they made their escape on a motorcycle with the pillion passenger clutching an enormous plasma TV. Two National Police officers spotted the bungling burglars as they fled the scene of a robbery in the Les Marines area of the town. As the agents checked the identification presented, the two hapless thieves tried to make a getaway on foot but were later traced through their identification documents. A later search of the thieves’ homes revealed three further stolen plasma televisions; two printers; several laptops; DVD players and a digital camera.

And the motorcycle was also stolen! A 22-year-old and a 23year-old have appeared in court on charges of theft.

Minute of respect

by Jack Troughton TOURISTS FALLING victim to crime in Benidorm are being offered personalised support in their own language in a new ‘hands on’ initiative.

Officially launched this week in Spain’s most famous resort, the police service SATE – Servicio de Atencion al Turista Extranjero – is aimed at reducing the impact of crime.

British Consul Paul Rodwell visited the SATE Office which is manned by National Police officers and personnel from the tourist information office and said he was “delighted” there was an improved safety net for holidaymakers.

The service is dedicated to reducing the distress caused by falling victim to

criminals and will help visitors make a police report – essential for any insurance claim – as well as other practical steps such as the use of a phone and internet to cancel credit cards or contact friends and family. The SATE office will also be able to offer visitors standard tourist information about Benidorm and help people report lost property.

INITIATIVE Mr Rodwell said: “We have been working closely with Benidorm Town Hall on this initiative and I am delighted that British tourists who visit Benidorm will now have better support from the Spanish authorities if they are a victim of crime.

“The fact that the victims can receive

By Jack Troughton ROTARIANS STAGED a minute of silence in remembrance of murdered soldier Lee Rigby on Friday – two days after the off-duty drummer was killed in Woolwich.

Consul Paul The memorial was suggested by Juan Crisostomo, a guest Rodwell at the Rotary International Fellowship Costa Blanca lunch (fourth from right) at Los Leones Restaurant, Moraira, and a former Spanish with police Army captain. officers at Juan was invited to the lunch as director of the Javeathe SATE based Amigos Europeos de Javea to receive a portable offices ‘vital signs’ monitor for use in one of the association’s support in English is an important step ambulances.

The state of the art machine is capable of running on forward and we shall continue to work closely with the National Police to en- batteries, allowing an emergency ambulance crew to take it sure that the assistance British victims into a home to assess a patient’s condition.

And the 700€ machine was presented to Juan by Rotary receive is appropriate to their needs President Jim Pacey watched by the club’s committee and situation.”

People who need to make use of this members. new service can visit the main offices in Centro Municipal, Plaza de Canalejas, 1, Benidorm. Telephone 96 681 2334 or 96 680 9870 or email Benidorm.sate@policia.es . The SATE office is open Monday to Friday 9am until 9pm and at weekends between 10am and 2pm. Victims of crime who need support and help from the British Consulate can find up to date contact details on www.gov.uk/world/spain or by calling 965 21 60 22.

31 may - 6 June 2013

Oil poured on energy woes OWNERS AND landlords have expressed their frustrations over the imposition of a new law requiring all property to have an Energy Efficiency Certificate.

by Jack Troughton The legislation comes into force tomorrow (Saturday 1st June) – a deadline imposed just months after the European Union sponsored laws were enacted.

And with the holiday season just starting on the Costa Blanca angry landlords and rental companies say there is no time to get specialists to certify properties, while owners looking to sell believe it will further depress a troubled market.

At a public meeting in Javea organised by Deputy Mayor Oscar Anton, who is also President of political party Xabia Democratica, introduced specialist engineers and the Arenal Notary Juan Luis Millet who attempted to ease concerns.

He said it was another meeting to help people with important changes in Spanish law.

“We think this energy certificate is an important matter because if you want to rent or sell property you have to get it from 1st June.”

Like modern domestic appliances, the certificates give an A to G rating depending on an individual property’s energy efficiency.

It is part of an EU drive to achieve a 20% cut in energy use and 20% drop in CO2 emissions by 2020 as part of the battle against climate change.

And the energy efficiency certificate is not just a requirement for new builds but older properties and Brussels believes people will want to make their property more efficient – just as they look for the best rated appliances.

Notary Mr Millet, also described as an expert on EU law, said he understood the pres-

sures of obtaining a certificate from a certified engineer before the deadline but said the law was not as demanding as claimed.

“This certificate will be necessary at the moment of selling or renting from 1st June. It is true that in the advertising and publicity you will have to put a note about the certificate but it is not mandatory – that is just at the moment of sale or renting,” he said.

“Most rentals here are just for the summer and less than four months and therefore it will not be necessary to do this.”

The meeting was told it was impossible to estimate the cost of a certificate because it depended on the size of an individual property being inspected but only certified engineers and architects were allowed to issue the paperwork.

Mr Miller said that only rentals of over four months that required a certificate. “It is only when the tenant uses the house for more than four months in a year it is needed – one or two weeks at a time is exempt.”

But engineer Pere Vives said landlords should respect “the spirit of the law” and if homes were let for more than four months in total in a year a certificate should be obtained – as short lets tended to use more energy.

Mr Miller agreed seller and buyer could agree not to ask for a certificate. “You have the right to ask for a certificate and the right not to ask for a certificate.

“From 1st June notaries must check whether there is a certificate or there is not a certificate – if there is not, the notary will ask what the buyer wants to do about buying the property – or even if he is refusing to buy it.”

Wanted: exorcist DUE TO popular demand the Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid, Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, is examining the possibilities of appointing priests to be trained in the performing of the ancient ritual of exorcism after it was revealed that out of the 69 Spanish diocese only 26% offer official exorcism.

According to the ‘Rituale Romanum’ of exorcism, a person possessed by Satanare will ‘speak unknown languages, display a physical strength that does not correspond to the reality of age or health status of the subject as well as show a vehement aversion to God, the Virgin, the Saints, the Cross and the sacred images’.

The ritual begins with the sprinkling of holy water, followed by prayer and the proclamation of the Gospel before the exorcist lays hands on the possessed, invoking the power of the Holy Spirit to drive the devil out of the body. The priest will then renew baptismal promises and invoke God to release evil.

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Movie maker Poison alert YOUNG director Dan Davison scooped first prize in a film competition and watched his five minute short on the big screen at Alicante’s City of Light studios.

by Jack Troughton YOUNG director Dan Davison scooped first prize in a film competition and watched his five minute short on the big screen at Alicante’s City of Light studios.

It was second time lucky in the contest ‘Mi Primer Corto!’ for the 16-year-old from Alfaz del Pi – last year he entered and received a special mention for the special effects he used. “So I decided to enter again to win it!”

Dan, who moved to the Costa Blanca with his

family five years ago, studies at the Lope de Vega school in Benidorm and is in the first year of Bachillerato, said he had developed an interest in film-making and visual effects over the past few years.

He said the contest was open to students in Valencia and last Friday he attended an award ceremony at the Ciudad de la Luz and watched his film ‘Like a Man’ projected on to the giant screen with other finalists and enjoyed a tour of the studios.

STUDY “I won first prize, which included a trophy and a 1,000€ scholarship to study there during 2013-14,” he said. “I do hope to study visual effects or media production back in England when I finish my Bachillerato – so hopefully that will all go well.”

The film, which is in Spanish with English subtitles, can be viewed at www.tinyurl.com/comounhombre - although Dan said there were a couple of tweaks before the later final version.

The dark short features a psychopath taking a violent revenge on a normal family man, but the closing credits do include some lighter moments.

Dan said: “Two friends of mine, Vicente Jorro and Javier Saiz, acted in it and I edited, directed, filmed and wrote it, based on a short story of the same name,” added Dan.

on mountain

5

by Jack Troughton DOG WALKERS are again being warned of the dangers of poisoned bait being left at a Costa Blanca beauty spot after six pets have died and others needed urgent veterinary care.

Posters have been erected on the Olta Mountain – part of Calpe and Benissa – and officers from SEPRONA, the environmental and animal welfare wing of the Guardia Civil are investigating. Hunters are believed to be responsible, putting down poison to control the fox population – however, the illegal practice is indiscriminate.

One pet owner said: “Please warn dog owners not to take their dogs anywhere near Olta. We must try and put pressure on town halls to try and stop this diabolical and illegal practice of poisoning the landscape for no good reason. After all we are inundated with rabbits in the campo.”

It is understood when a similar problem struck the Bernia mountainside the outcry forced police to warn hunters that if poisoning continued, previous hunting licences would be revoked.

The poison is usually inside black balls of meat or sausage. Anyone finding bait is asked to immediately contact the Guardia and not remove it so it can be examined at the scene.

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31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

School gets lakeside home “

THERE ARE a lot of Calpe children already attending international schools outside the town and a new school will provide employment for around 100 people and can only benefit the community

CALPE’S NEW international school will be built on protected land close to the historic salt wetlands of Las Salinas.

The site earmarked for the private school is one of two pieces of land within the nature reserve that can be used for sports, medical or educational facilities.

Environmentalists believe the building is far enough away from nesting areas used by wildfowl at the lake.

Valencia will now seek permission from the Department of the Environment in Madrid before inviting tenders for the construction.

Calpe Town Hall had agreed to give up land near Calpe Tennis Club for the project but this will now be reserved for a state school as projections show the town will need a new junior school within the next 10 years.

The area chosen at Las Salinas is opposite the Lidl Supermarket and surrounded on two sides by road.

Although it does not border the lake itself, it is hoped a school will take the opportunity to teach students about the environment.

Councillor Carole Saunders told RTN: “There are a lot of Calpe children already attending international schools outside the town and a new school will provide employment for around 100 people and can only benefit the community.”

A keen environmentalist herself, she added: “My personal opinion is that the site is close to Las Salinas but not so terribly close to the nesting areas and the most protected birds, including the black-winged stilt.

“These birds appear not to be faxed by being close to the main roads that border the lake.”

“

by Jack Troughton

And Valencia’s proposal to make the wetlands a nature reserve along with the huge rock Penon de Ifach means the green belt will be extended in the area.

Continued from front page ORGANISERS MICHAEL Burgess, Chris Cooke, and Tricia DevesaRhodes decided to stage an event after a social networking site came alive with calls to have a show of solidarity.

Benidorm has a proud record of fund raising for Help for Heroes and has already raised thousands of Euros with the annual ‘High Heeled Hike’.

Michael told RTN he believed everyone on the Costa Blanca wanted to stage a peaceful march to honour Lee and servicemen and women.

His post on Sell Your Stuff Spain – now used as a communication tool – set the ball rolling. It read: “It’s our duty as Brits to stand up and show our solidarity for our brave soldiers.”

He added: “And since then there has been an awful lot of interest.

Sell your Stuff Spain has almost become a social networking site and people from all over the world are looking at it.”

Tricia said: “It is a peaceful protest to pay our respects to Lee, show our solidarity with our troops, and try and raise some money for Help for Heroes.

“This terrible murder happened in the UK but we want them to know that although we don’t live there anymore, we

still think about them.”

And she said there would not be “anything racist” allowed to be part of the walk. “I am a member of the British Legion here and we raise money during the Poppy Appeal and this will raise money to help our troops.

“We were all posting things up on the network and Mike said ‘I think we should get together and have a parade’. Certainly I think we should get together and show some solidarity and respect for Lee and all our soldiers.

“This started two or three days ago – everyone just jumped in and said let’s just do it!”

People wishing to take part in the parade on Wednesday 5th June are asked to meet near McDonalds Restaurant at the Rincon end of Levante Beach at 1pm for a 1.30pm start.

The walk will proceed along to the Old Town and a minute’s silence will be observed at the end of the beach near the large Tourist Office. The parade will retrace its steps back to the Rincon.

Organisers have also appealed for donations of raffle prizes and cash for Help for Heroes – buckets will also collect money during the march. These can be left with Chris at the Queen Vic and Mike at Villamar Camping clubhouse, or by calling Tricia on 695 834 444.

Student snaps fire drama

TEENAGER DAN Davison captured the images of a blazing car on camera as firemen arrived to tackle the flames.

by Jack Troughton THE 16-YEAR-OLD – a keen photographer - was returning to his home in Alfaz del Pi from school last week with his mother and sister when they spotted the smoke and the afternoon took a dramatic turn.

“We went up Calle Luxemburgo

and saw the car on fire and people were starting to leave their houses to have a look. I went back to get my camera, photography being a big hobby of mine,” he said.

“A neighbour who lived in the same road told me the car had burst into flames but there was no sign of why or how it happened.”

Dan said the fire brigade arrived quickly – he was told in around four minutes – and moved another vehicle parked close to the stricken car, while police blocked off the road. “The fire-fighters got it cleaned up quickly and there was no other damage apart from the car itself.”

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

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25 miles in wrong direction on A-33 by drunk driver IN MURCIA on Tuesday the Guardia Civil was alerted when a motorist narrowly avoided a collision with a car leaving an exit on the A-33 (near Jumilla) before proceeding for 25 miles in the wrong direction. The vehicle eventually careered off the road at the roundabout at the end of the carriageway and the driver ran off. He was later arrested and breathtested, yielding results of 0.69milligrams of alcohol per litre of exhaled air, considerably higher than the legal limit. Miraculously, nobody was injured in the incident. The 40-year-old driver is Equadorian and a resident of Jumilla. He is charged with endangering life and safety while driving a motor vehicle and also drunk driving.

Success for Stolen Babies SOS THE STOLEN Babies SOS has resulted in 44-year-old Ana Isabel Azagra in locating her biological family thanks to DNA testing. Ana has not only discovered her birth mother, she has also learned that she has a brother and three sisters! The analysis was performed in the Neodiagnóstica Laboratory in Valencia and revealed that Ana’s mother, despite being told that her ‘son’ had died at birth on 18th February 1969, had actually had a girl, later given away to a couple in Valencia. President of the organisation SOS Stolen

Babies, Enrique Vila, explained that Ana’s adoptive parents were led to believe the baby had been abandoned. Ana is delighted and looking forward to meeting her birth mother.

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31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Ander Mendia and Gerardo Herrero, win first prize of “Audiovisual Torrevieja 2013”

AVE technical problems with Madrid-Alicante link

by Keith Nicol TORREVIEJA AUDIOVISUAL just grows and grows and if the almost capacity audience that attended all three nights of the event is anything to go by, then this certainly is a festival that will grow in stature year by year. This year’s amusing and comic winning entry was all about a little bug that loved to drink beer, and as you know, the more the drink you you have to go, but in his case, he produced a by product that became a bio-fuel, and made them both rich! And in true Hollywood style, they all lived happily ever after after as the sun set on the horizon.

The third edition of the National Short Film Competition “Audiovisual Torrevieja’s three day event took place in the Auditorium of the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre of Torrevieja.

The final evening was attended by the mayor, Eduardo Dolon and the Councillor for Culture, Luis Maria Pizana .

Both were delighted with the choices of the previous nights films, selected from more than 500 entered. The evening, was presided over by Lidiana Rodriguez who presented the jury of Abdellatif Hiwidar, Chuck Torres and Edou Hydallgo, all of whom were

RENFE IS reportedly still experiencing technical problems only one month before the new line from Madrid to Alicante is due to open for service. The majority of the difficulties are said to lie within the adaptation of the trains and adapting signalling software to meet super-speed standards.

The award winners with the Jury and Council Representatives

greeted with enthusiastic applause.

The shorts who have been awarded this year’s prestigious “Boat of Salt” have been: Award for Best Animated Short Ander Mendia by “Beerburg”. This film was screened on the first day and was the talking point of the festival, due it’s perfect animation and humour, that transcended language, as it was all just visual and effects. The animation was meticulous to the smallest detail, while the central character a candid and charming “bug”, addicted to beer,

captivated the audience.

The award for Best Short Fiction , was for The Acrobat, by Gerardo Herrero. The success of the third edition bodes well for other festivals in the City of Salt, placing Torrevieja firmly on the map as city of culture to be reckoned with throughout Valencia.

Cyclist dies after being run over by police car IN MADRID a National Police patrol car allegedly hit and killed a cyclist at the entrance to the underground tunnel at Puerta de Toledo on Monday night. The 54-year-old Italian victim was not wearing a protective helmet, nor was he using lights or reflectors. He suffered multiple injuries and went into cardiac arrest. One of the police officers began resuscitation until Samur arrived to continue with cardiopulmonary resuscitation but ultimately death was announced at the scene.

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31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

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

letter of the week

Another rip off

WELL WELL, let’s all be ripped off yet again! What am I talking about? The Energy Certificate Legislation in Spain!

Let’s face facts: none of the properties here on the Costa Blanca will gain an A, B or C rating.

The properties do not have cavity wall insulation or even loft insulation: do you know of anybody with a loft? I have been told that changing my windows for double glazed units could be a step forward for a better rating. I asked the cost of this exercise and was quoted for five windows between 3,000€ and 5,000€: I have ten windows!

I then asked for the cost of the energy certificate. As I have three bedrooms it would be in the region of 302.50€, including IVA. This is the average cost for a three bed property I am told. And I am sure that if you do not comply you will be fined zillions and zilloins of Euros!

The UK has had this legislation since 2007 and the average cost for the certificate (EPC) on a three-bedroomed house is between £35 and £55: that is why I am calling the Spanish quote a RIP OFF - or should I say another tax! Martyn, La Marina Urb

Gun Control in Australia and Spanish Knives THE WRITERS of The Second Amendment certainly did not have in mind a semi-automatic rifle capable of firing 60 rounds per minute in the definition of ‘arms’.

It might be useful for the US to consider what Australian conservatives decided to do after the 1996 mass shooting in Tasmania.

Within six months, Prime Minister John Howard’s government enacted a law enabling a ‘gun-buyback program’. In the decade before 1996, there were 11 mass shootings in Australia.

There were none in the following decade.

Although my adopted Spain is presently an economic ‘basket case’ with its 26% jobless rate, its citizens are grateful that most of our local ‘wacko’ murders are limited to knife-wielders.

How many innocent people can one kill with a knife before being disarmed?

Two…maybe three…?

Richard M.McBride

How do I stop the fees AFTER READING the letter in your paper from Graham Robinson concerning the statement from Councillor for the Coast Martina Scheurer, that garden waste will not be collected from the streets in Orihuela Costa on a weekly rota basis, does that then mean that the 17.50€ I pay in my Aquagest Levante Factura each quarter for Podas will not apply anymore? Somehow I think not.

Incidentally I do not have any garden waste as my garden is fully tiled and any little waste from there is deposited in the Basura for which I also pay 17.50€. I have been paying this podas fee for many years now and have complained many times about this as I in no way contribute to the garden waste and other rubbish which is regularly deposited not just in but also at the side of the basura outside of my home, taking up valuable parking space.

Now this rubbish will be left indefinitely to smell and contaminate the foot paths and roads. Also, can anyone advise me as to how I can have this fee from the Ayuntamiento de Orihuela removed from my Aquagest Factura?

A Topping, La Florida

A banana republic HANSARD, PARLIAMENT’S record of events, states: 11 July 2007: column 1453: ‘Doctors, clinicians and nurses complain that they are fed up with too many ‘top-down’ instructions’.

David Cameron went on to blame Tony Blair for ‘top-down instructions’ for the past decade.

2010 Tory Manifesto: ‘No top-down’ etc. Today: The NHS has been effectively privatised by Cameron’s top-down changes, all opposed by doctors, clinicians and nurses’ groups. This has been effected by a corrupt Parliament with over 200 MPs and Lords debating and voting for NHS privatisation while having declared a financial interest in private health.

Britain is now as corrupt as a banana republic.

Jack Johnson, La Cala

Check before you book RE RYANAIR: Over the weekend of 19th – 23rd April I will be paying a ‘flying’ visit to the UK involving four flights with four different airlines.

As I am getting a bit long in the tooth I decided to book airport assistance.

I phoned Monarch, no problem, assistance booked. Flybe and Easy Jet also complied without problem. But when I contacted the Ryanair ‘Help’ Desk I was told that no assistance was available for the flight from Alicante to Birmingham on 19th April and that no-one was available to help me up the steps of the aircraft.

Unless I was prepared to change my flight the only thing they could suggest was that I contact Alicante Airport to see if they could help.

Fortunately a direct appeal to Alicante airport was successful So check before you book with Ryanair. Sylvia Pearson, Valencia

Thank you to everyone MY HUSBAND and I arrived in Spain for a five week holiday in the middle of October.

At 5.30am on 31st October my husband had a stroke, losing his power of speech, the movement of his right arm and the sight in his right eye. We phoned for an ambulance which took him to Alicante General Hospital.

I would like to say a big thank you to all the staff, especially Dr Silvia Martinez Marti. My husband who is 83-years-old, had two operations and was in an induced coma in intensive care. His treatment was exceptional and I was shown the greatest respect during this time. Unable to speak the language and feeling very alone and afraid during this traumatic time, I was very grateful for the understanding of the staff. I would also like to thank the angels of Alkabir Playa for the encouragement, friendship, lifts and support shown to us

during the five months we eventually had to stay in Spain, without whom I know I would not have coped. People from so many different nationalities all pulling together - it was quite overwhelming.

When my husband came out of hospital he was unable to walk - two people I would like to thank are Roy and Jacky Bayliss who obtained a commode and a walking frame and visited us regularly, which was great for Eric as both he and Roy are exsubmariners.

Everyone rallied round to encourage Eric to get mobile again and I can now say he is back to his old self again, no after effects whatsoever.

So thank you to everyone who helped us, we shall never forget your kindness and we wish you all the best for the future.

Mrs Patricia Skelton

Torrevejense Josefina reaches 107

Torrevieja’s Mayor Eduardo Dolon with Josefina and Councillor for Third Age, Inmaculada Montesinos

by Jack Troughton THE TORREVEJENSE Josefina Blanco, the oldest person in Torrevieja and possibly one of the oldest of Spain, turned 107 years old this week. For the last seven years, since reaching centenarian status, the former mayor Pedro Hernandez Mateo and now Eduardo Dolon, visit her every May, to congratulate her and give a bouquet of flowers.

Mayor Dolon chatted and shared jokes with Josefina for several minutes, accompanied by the Councillor for Third Age, Inmaculada Montesinos. It’s even more special for Eduardo Dolon because Josefina, was also his father’s godmother. The birthday girl still lives on the street where she was born, and is surrounded by the love of her family, led by her daughter, Finite Moscardo, who is with her at all times.

Each day Josefina is visited by four generations of her family including her daughter, granddaughter, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, who enjoy their daily time together. Until quite recently, Josefina’s mind was very clear and she was always to be seen with her husband, Antonio Moscardo, who stills regards her as “the most handsomest man in Torrevieja”.

Possibly one of the secrets that has kept with her in becoming the oldest woman in Torrevieja, is that she has lived life intensely, and she says “you should always love the people around you, not to hurt anyone, enjoy the little things of everyday life and have hope for the future.” Having reached the ripe old age of 107, she knows more than most of what it requires to grow old with grace and dignity.

31 may - 6 June 2013

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31 may - 6 June 2013

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

13

Take your protein pills and put your helmet on…

OH DEAR, I’ve been taken to task yet again. I last week asserted that Major Tim Peake is our first British astronaut and blow me down a deluge of email arrived telling me he is not. Right… hang on, while I roll me sleeves up.

Major Tim is a test pilot of the Army Air Corps and was one of just six Astronaut Corps recruits chosen by the ESA (European Space Agency) in May 2009.

At time of writing he is the only Brit to have been accepted by the European Astronaut Corps. He is therefore, our first home-grown British astronaut. I know that a handful of Britons have flown on NASA space shuttle flights but there have been no specifically dedicated astronauts from these shores accepted to join a corps of an extant space program.

Okay here’s the history: “The first Briton in space was Sheffield-born chemistry graduate Helen Sharman. She took part in the Soviet mission Project Juno, spending eight days conducting scientific experiments on the Mir Space Station.” But Helen was not an astronaut.

Because of the huge financial costs Britain has always rejected the notion of manned space flights; we do not even have a space programme. Although, you could take Jeremy Clarkson’s logic and claim that as we do send billions of aid to India – and India does have a space programme, we do indirectly have a space programme. Sorry, I’ve gone off at a tangent there folks…

So anyway, let’s not let a bit of silly pedantry take away Tim Peake’s success. Tim, from Chichester in West Sussex describes his enrolment as a “true privilege.” Speaking to BBC Radio 4 he said: “It feels like a real high point (no pun intended, eh Tim?) in a long career in aviation.” Tim praised family, friends and colleagues who are supporting him as he prepares “for the challenge that lies ahead.”

And on the subject of being the first British astronaut, Tim added, “The mission to the International Space Station is going to be a wonderful opportunity, not just for Europe and European science

Barnes Wallis

but for the UK as well.” Exactly, Tim. We recently commemorated the 70th anniversary of Barnes Wallis’s bouncing bomb technology. I was struck by what his granddaughter had said, that Barnes was a man of peace and wanted to invent for the benefit of mankind. She wanted him to be remembered for more than a bomb. Incredibly he designed hyper-sonic air travel and wanted Britain to develop

space flight. As is usual though, the big-wigs poo-pooed his designs and ideas and rejected his plans as pie-inthe-sky; money was not available for him to realise his dreams.

I am sure though, were he alive today, he would applaud Major Tim Peake as Briton’s first true astronaut and wish him Bon Voyage on his stellar adventures.

Watts in Britain, still saluting Major Tim – our astronaut.

14

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Ice and a slice of winter

by Jack Troughton EXTREME WEATHER brought a vicious hail storm to the Marina Alta on Monday and covered a tourist beach in a blanket of white.

Marble-sized hailstones thundered down from the heavens in parts of Javea as sunny skies suddenly turned black – while in other parts of the town and on the other side of the Montgo mountain in Denia a heavy downpour flooded streets.

The hail thudded down on rooftops and gardens – shredding leaves and flowers and leaving streets littered with pieces of greenery and twigs. People scurried off Javea’s Arenal Beach as the ferocity of the storm struck – people gingerly returning to photograph scenes of the sand covered in ice and resembling a Christmas card scene.

Reader Martin Halliday, from Javea, sent RTN photos of the freak event after snapping scenes in his garden and at the Arenal.

TREE “Hailstones of more than 2cm shredded our trees and plants,” he said. “A neighbour had paint ‘shot-blasted’ off the house wall.”

Nearby Gata de Gorgos also reeled under the barrage of hail, drivers encountering blizzard conditions normally reserved for Spain’s mountainous regions and more common in Northern Europe.

In places the ice forged drifts several centimetres thick and a snowplough was use to clear a way for vehicles to pass.

The deluge lasted some 40 minutes and Javea meteorologist Toni Bolufer, who runs weather site Meteoxabia, admitted he had

The Arenal wrapped in white

never seen such conditions before.

However, he said the extreme spring conditions were caused by rising air from the sun

warming the ground and sea colliding with cooler temperatures at height. “It is when you can measure the strongest storms.”

The beautiful briny sea Discovering beauty with photography ALL THINGS nautical are being celebrated in Javea Port this weekend as the town hosts the second Festival del Mar.The exhibition opens at noon today (Friday 31st May) and continues on Saturday and Sunday – highlighting the sea and the all the activity that flows from it, especially the sporting opportunities it offers. More than 30 professional companies will be taking part in an exhibition on land and sea including surf shops, sailing and water skiing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, as well as sail making, boat rentals, diving schools and many others. Visitors and residents will also be able to sample seafood and the best in sailors’ fashion, beauty products, and also admire artwork inspired by the sea, listen to live music and take part in competitions and demonstrations on and off the water.

BEAUTY IS all around us but unless you look for it then you may not see or appreciate it. Learn to discover beauty through photography for three special days in June, registering for Tuesday 11th, 18th or 25th.

Hosted by Hemeroscopea, the Adult Education Centre in Javea, this photography course is a modern approach to finding ‘beauty’ while exploring the old town of Jávea / Xàbia with PhotoWalks Javea, learning:

How to find ‘beauty’ with a photographer’s eye How to capture ‘beauty’ with a camera or digital device COURSE OUTLINE: 30 minutes of theory: including form, balance, composition, colour moods, textures, lighting and other theories on discovering beauty.

1 hour photo shoot around the old town of Javea.

15 minutes group discussion

and question Start time: 7pm Place: Hemeroscopea information center - Calle Principe de Asturias, 48 – Javea The course fee is 20€, covering both theory and practical participation. However, you must bring your own camera or digital device.

Visit www.PhotoWalksJavea. com and fill out the form, call Hemeroscopea on 96 579 2398 or call 648 156 066 for more info.

Raise a glass for charity

by Jack Troughton COSTA BLANCA-BASED Guardian Angels – the single parent support group – raised 400€ with an exciting auction at the charity’s successful wine tasting.

More than 70 friends and supporters of the charity enjoyed the event at Cafe del Mar, Moraira, and the opportunity to taste six wines from the Simon de Montfort vineyard near Valencia.

And while nibbling tapas and sampling the wine, they were also treated to a commentary on each of the different drinks by Vicent Montfort from Javea.

Local businesses donated a number of lots – including spa days, meals for two, beauty treatments and free parking at Alicante airport. Auctioneer was Guardian Angel Vernon Pearce aided by organiser event Gill Somers.

ADELE Entertainment was provided by the Vikki Reynolds Tribute Show and there were ‘personal appearances’ by stars such as Kylie, Adele, the Blues Brothers and Frank Sinatra, before guests took to the dance floor.

Guardian Angels founder and presi-

Tricia Barr (centre) with fellow Guardian Angels

dent, Tricia Barr, said, “It was a wonderful evening of wine and music, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. We are very grateful to Vicent Monfort for bringing so much wine for us to sample and to all the local businesses who donated prizes for the auction. “We are also very grateful to all the people who turned up to support us and so generously bid in the

Musical Benidorm

auction. The money raised will enable us to continue to support the growing number of single parents who are turning to us during these difficult times.”

Further information about Guardian Angels and the work they do can be found on the website www.guardian-angels.es or by calling Tricia on 622 795 542.

STUDENTS AND teachers of the Municipal Conservatory have performed outdoor concerts over two open days to promote music education in Benidorm as part of an initiative to promote musical education in the area. A ‘big band’ formed by students of the Conservatory welcomed visitors in a garden located at the end of Park Aïguera opposite the Conservatory building. Once inside, guests could try their hands at playing an instrument under the supervision of a teacher and also enrol in courses. Conservatory Director Jose Miguel Molla said the programme is aimed at kids aged 8-12 years with registration up to 15th June, with activities taking place with the Centre from 3.30pm until after 8pm daily. So if you want to encourage your budding Beethoven in Benidorm – now is your chance!

31 may - 6 June 2013

15

Honest copies

By Jack Troughton COPIES OF work by famous artists Vermeer and Degas are an intriguing part of the Painting for Pleasure Art Group’s fifth exhibition of paintings.

The portraits, land and seascapes, animals that make up the show can be seen daily at the Casa de Cultura, Els Poblets, from 14th until 29th June between 5pm and 8pm and on Sundays between 10am and 1pm.

Many of the works in the exhibition are available for purchase at affordable prices, with prints and cards also on sale – and it is also an opportunity to meet members of the group.

The friendly art group and art classes are held in Rafol d’Almunia near Orba. To find out more email jantheartist1@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.artonoffer.com

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31 may - 6 June 2013

Línea Directa reports on new legislation for paying fines On March 4th this year, new legislation governing the payment of fines for traffic offences was introduced in Spain. According to the new law, drafted and passed by the Spanish DirectorateGeneral of Traffic (Dirección General de Tráfico) and the Ministry of the Interior, the payment of traffic fines in cash will no longer be accepted, and only payment by debit or credit card will be allowed.

The authorities have cited security and economic efficiency as the reasons behind their decision due to the fact that once this new measure has been introduced, the risks and expenses involved with transporting money, will no longer exist.

According to the DGT, the measure will only apply to the payment of fines. All the other administrative operations carried out at Provincial Traffic Headquarters, such as processing or renewing a driving licence, can still be paid for in cash.

In order to make the payment, drivers must access the DGT webpage, www.dgt.es, or call the number 060. Although Provincial Headquarters will no longer accept payments in cash, drivers can still pay their fines in cash at any post office or Banco Santander branch. In this case, drivers will still be required to provide and attach the fine reference number.

For further information: 902 123 104

Assumptions?

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

19

LOOKING AT the local newspapers with endless advertisements regarding insurances I am astounded by the large amounts that are spent each week on advertising that nearly always promotes ‘cheap’ prices. It really concerns me that Jennifer with budget restrictions many will be tempted just to purchase on price alone and not worry about the quality of the policy. by

Cunningham

I MUST admit, that car policies, apart from courtesy cars and protected no claims bonuses (both of which in my opinion are vital) the service is similar. However, when it comes to roadside assistance some policies will only cover Spain as a standard part of the policy, whilst others will not be available in the UK. Liberty Insurance covers you in all of Europe, so that is something you need to confirm with your provider. So you see, that although I have said that car policies are very similar there are some very important differences.

The same applies to House Insurance. Reading certain advertisements you would think full cover is possible, for very little premium. Please do be extremely careful that you do not fall for this. Only one claim a year from home insurers? Fine you may say, no problem, that will be enough, but what if you lose the front door key and have to put in a claim for a new lock? Then you have a burglary or perhaps a fire, heavy rain or winds pulling down your aerial or satellite dish… Who knows what can happen and when? Only being allowed one claim is limiting when you think about it logically. Also on some policies only a certain number of items at a set price are covered. Never assume jewellery cover will automatically be included in your policy: valuable items would normally have to be specified.

Confirm the amounts on the public liability cover as well. Are this sufficient to cover an accident caused by a loose tile for example or even to your dog?

Occasionally there are banks who will put pressure

on you to take out your insurances with them, they are not insurance specialists and may not be able to explain the cover to you in full, with all the ins and outs, and the policies are normally in Spanish too, so that you cannot even read through the policy documents for yourself to ensure that you are fully covered. Some people have received shocks on claiming to find they had no cover.

Liberty Insurance, contrary to many other policies, offers accidental damage both on house and the contents. This is an extremely important part of a policy.

For example, if you are moving your television from one place to another and you trip and drop it, this then is only covered if you have accidental damage. Or an example on the buildings insurance if you have drop something and break the basin or shower tray, this is covered under accidental damage. It is not an expensive excess and well worth looking at: think of the price of a new television for example.

The ease of making a claim is important. To be placed in a queue, to have to talk to the assessors in Spanish etc, is quite stress inducing. My company has a claims department in the head office in Javea, and they will help you by completing the claims form, arranging for the assessor to come out at your convenience and basically taking you all the way through the process. And this includes the consortium claims, which are complicated.

Added to this, we have our own renewals depart-

ment, who will ring you or email you prior to the renewal date, with a copy of your documentation and the new price and await your confirmation; unlike many other companies/banks that automatically renew and debit your account without your permission and at a higher price.

As I am always insisting it is essential to read your policy documents and understand them. The General Conditions Book is a legal document and outlines the complete structure of your cover and if it is not in there, then there is no cover, and if it is in Spanish, how can you possibly understand it?

There are so many pitfalls which my sales staff would be able to point out and explain to you in detail. I can never understand why people just accept a verbal word that they have exactly the same cover at a cheaper price surely this is just not possible! Sometimes you’re offered just the basic policy, when there are different levels of cover as a top up which would obviously cost more.

Liberty Insurance, for whom we are exclusive agents, are a large multinational company operating worldwide, meaning they are dedicated to insurance for both the Spanish and the expat market. They can give you security as they are caring and honest with an excellent after sales service. Therefore after reading this article would it not be best to check your policy or call us - you need to be correctly insured, do not just assume. If by saving 30€ you then have a problem when claiming, what is the point?

Jennifer Cunningham Insurances S.L The Costas leading insurance consultant. If you have a question please email her at: jennifer@jennifercunningham.net Regulated and Authorised by the DGSFP in Spain.

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31 may - 6 June 2013

Weekend walk THE SUNDAY Strollers of U3A Marina Baixa enjoyed a walk along the cliff tops of Calpe last weekend – a favourite of the group.

by Jack Troughton Group leader Peter Gale took the picture of the group – the Sunday Strolls are a monthly event and just one of U3A’s monthly and weekly groups.

To find out more visit the website www.u3amarinabaixa.com where there is a wealth of information and photographs listing the available groups, travel and social events, as well as current and past newsletters. The association is also on Facebook as U3A Marina Baixa, on the page with the U3A logo.

General meetings are on the fourth Monday of the month (with the exception of August and December) and are held at the Social Centre, Albir, at 10.30am for an 11am start. The venue is at the side of the Mercadona Supermarket with parking at the rear of the building and under the Monver Centre. The next meeting is Monday 24th June.

For more information contect U3A Secretary Joan Flint on 96 586 1226 or 677 721 902.

Extending the hand of friendship

By Jack Troughton PRESIDENT OF the Rotary International Fellowship of Denia Malcolm HughesJukes welcomed visitor Paul Saxon and his wife June to the club’s last meeting before the summer.

Pictured are Malcolm (right) and Paul, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Coalville, Leicestershire, exchanging pendants at Denia’s Mapamundi Restaurant. The visitors also joined 20 members of the fellowship to enjoy a lunch of tapas and paella.

The Fellowship meets twice a month from September through to May; for further details telephone Liz Spokes on 675 377 473.

by Jack Troughton

Creatures of habit!

by Alan Gilchrist - Costa Blanca’s Top Hypnotherapist “HI ALAN - Words can’t describe it! No bother giving up - in fact cigarette smoking now repulses me! I was on up to 20 cigarettes a day and because I was struggling with my weight I used the cigarettes as an excuse to keep my weight down. Consequently I got a lot heavier on them. I even got to the stage of taking one when I woke up at 7am. The CD is brilliant - when I listened to it I was asleep within 10 minutes. Your fast Track Stop Smoking session is great. I can’t praise it enough, I am dumbfounded, and it really does work. Emily.”

Human beings are creatures of habit. And even if we know that a habit is bad for us, we still continue to do it against all good advice. Yet by quitting smoking we will save thousands of pounds over the year as well as adding years to our lives.

Cigarettes become part of so many activities. Habits are formed, creating associations to food and alcohol, or even driving a car. Cigarettes become for many part of a ‘coping mechanism’ to deal with emotional pressures.

The truth is cigarettes are false friends that can and will eventually kill!

With more than 24 years’ experience in dealing with people’s smoking issues I have found the answer to be the same in all kinds of addictions and unwanted habits...fear.

Fear that they will have to give up their crutch or pleasure Fear that they won’t be able to enjoy life or deal with stress.

Fear that they will put on weight when giving up.

Fear that they will never be completely free of the craving The beauty of Fast Track Hypnosis and Laser Therapy is that together in this unique combination they remove this feeling of deprivation. Laser Therapy helps to increase the already high success rate using hypnosis alone, and achieved in less than 30 minutes. No need for gimmicks, nicotine gum, patches, inhalers or nasal sprays.

By using the unique method of Fast Track Hypnosis & Laser Therapy the already high success rate can be increased even more to quit permanently, completed in a 30 minute session.

The Fast Track Hypnosis session targets the unconscious part of the mind that drives certain unwanted behaviours and urges, helping you to overcome everything that gets in the way to finally quit smoking. You look healthy, your breath smells better and your pocket has more money in it!

The question is…are you ready to finally stop smoking?

It the answer is yes, put down that cigarette and call NOW! “Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world.

I know because I’ve done it thousands of times.”

- Mark Twain. Pity Mark Twain did not know about Fast Track Hypnosis!

Alan and Jonathan hold their Fast Track Hypnosis sessions in Cabo Roig, Guardarmar and Benidorm.

Alan is also the Creator of the Stop Smoking in Under 30 minutes Fast Track System as featured and proven on TV. Jonathan also holds sessions in Spanish as well as English.

For an appointment, brochure, or free-of-charge initial consultation, contact Alan Gilchrist on 659 229 408. www.alangilchristinspain.com www.hypnosiscostablanca.com www.thegastroband.com

Home & Garden

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

Home Garden

31 may - 6 June 2013

25

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Smart Meters prevent illegal electricity upgrades YOUR ELECTRICITY supply requires upgrading when you need more power than you are contracted for with your electricity supplier. This is evident when the electricity supply constantly cuts off when using appliances. This is caused by having too many switched on at the same time and it causes an overload to the system. The overload indicates the amount of electrical power required to work all the appliances is insufficient for the consumption requirements of the user. Hence an upgrade is needed to the contracted power supply.

The contracted power supply (potencia contratada) is stated in kilowatts (kW) on your contract and electricity bill. It is the amount of electrical power that you agree and sign up for with the electricity supplier when moving in to a property. It is the maximum amount of power you are allowed under the terms and conditions of the contract. The contracted power supply is controlled by a power limiter called an Interrupter de Control de Potencia (ICP).

Properties with a contracted power supply of 3.3 kW or less are generally those which need to upgrade. The ICP trips out when the appliances used total more than 3300 Watts. It is not possible to use an oven and washing machine together because both are high powered appliances. Running a modern home with only 3.3

kW available is practically impossible - and those who do have to supplement gas appliances for cooking, heating and hot water production.

The new generation of electricity meters, called Smart Meters, currently being fitted across Alicante are fitted with an automatic ICP. When fully operational, Smart Meters will control electricity consumption and other operations remotely via a stateof-the-art communications system. Their introduction prevents the malpractice of illegal electricity upgrades.

An illegal upgrade is one where the current manual type ICP has been subject to tampering. It will have been disconnected, by-passed or changed without authorisation from the electricity supplier. This is normally evident by the approved seal being removed or tampered with. To legally upgrade an electricity supply an electrician must be employed to produce a boletin aka BIE (electrical installation certificate).

All across Spain, traditional meters are being replaced with Smart Meters. The region of Alicante is scheduled to have them replaced by the end of this year. A possible consequence for property owners is they are not contracted for sufficient electrical power. Illegal upgrades will be a thing of the past.

Read more next week about how Smart Meters are coming to

Traditional meters are being replaced with Smart Meters

Spain with Iberdrola’s ambitious STAR Project.

Email tony@sparksinspain.es or visit tonysparksinspain.blogspot.com. See advert in classified section.

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31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Some readers’ questions answered by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Holistic gardeners and authors gardening in Spain for 25 years

ALAN OF Montecino asks: What could be safely planted in a five square metre north-west facing bed between two walls of the house to produce maximum colour with minimum maintenance?

We suggest a purple bougainvillea, which is normally the most hardy and fastest growing, in the back corner. In front we suggest two rows of lantanas - a back row of two of the “bandera” orange/ yellow taller varieties and a front row of the less prolific growing yellow variety. Edge the front with interesting low-growing succulents.

Ann Smith of Torrevieja wrote in saying that one evening last summer they sat by a tall growing shrub with clusters of small white flowers that seemed to pump out perfume. He asked what was it and does it grow easily?

Our guess is that the plant was a ‘Galan de Noche’ which pumps out perfume in the evening. The small but long, deep, white trumpet flowers pump out a heavy balmy perfume in turn. The gaps between wisps of perfume prevent its pleasant smell from becoming overbearing. The shrub can be purchased as a bushy shrub or in standard form: it grows quickly in many situations and in our experience is not choosy about soil type or aspect.

Last summer we stayed in an old convent building which had Galan de Noche trained as climbers against each pillar of an inner cloister: a pre-dinner drink and tapas in the courtyard was to be remembered…

Barry O’Callaghan from Ireland wrote in asking what he could best plant in the garden of a Torrevieja terraced house as an absentee gardener to give the best chance of colour when visiting at various times of the year.

As a start the following plants will create maximum colour and need less care than many other plants: Purple and red Bougainvillea; Lantanas – orange/yellow (bandera), pink/ yellow, yellow, white and lower growing trailing varieties – purple and white; Bignonias – especially campsis grandiflora; Mesembryanthemuns – red, pink and orange colours; succulents – there is a wide selection available in Spain; Cacti – again there are many varieties; herbs – Rosemany, Lavender, Thyme and Sage.

Don living inland asked what plants would grow quickly to cover up the trunk and branches of a dying/ dead tree in a 350 metre high garden.

We suggest he tries a honeysuckle, passion flower or bignonia.

Before planting shape the dying/ dead tree to create a strong but interesting framework to support the climbers. We have been successful with all three, and in this way the dying/dead tree won’t leave a big gap in your garden. You also have the benefit of flowers, especially spectacular in the case of the passion flower and perfume from the honeysuckle.

A reader from Southend emailed asking what he could plant to retain a crumbling earth bank in his Costa Blanca garden.

The earth bank had been eroded away by storms during the Spring rains.

It is difficult to be specific not having seen a photograph of the site. However, we suggest the following solutions: Face the earth bank with a dry stone or concreted stone wall with holes in which to grow plants.

Turn the bank into a 45-degree sloping rockery with a mix of large, medium and small rocks with rockery plants planted in

‘Clodagh and Dick Handscombe’s gardening books make good presents. They can be obtained from high street and internet bookshops including Amazon UK and Spain. Thanks to readers the Kindle E-book Making waterless gardens a practical reality world wide is starting to sell well.’ © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com

Planting cacti might help diverting water away

every hole. Succulents and low growing herbs create good ground cover which will help prevent soil erosion. Make sure you plant closely together.

You could plant cacti, rosemary and lavender above the bank.

This might help divert some of the water away from the bank and help solve some of the soil erosion problems during heavy storms.

Semillas Silvestres in Cordoba have a number of seed mixes to combat erosion. Have a look on their website and send them a foto asking for their recommendation.

STOP PRESS Dick’s book ‘Living Well from Our Garden – Mediteranean Style’ is now published via Amazon. The price from Amazon UK is 4.99 pounds and via Amazon Spain 5.99€. This book describes the history of our garden in Spain in terms of it supporting our good health and becoming self-sufficient. It started out as a presentation some years ago as a presentation to a U3A conference at the Parador Javea but is now considerably expanded.

31 may - 6 June 2013

UK Supplies Direct open new store UK SUPPLIES Direct may be a new name on the High Street to some, but for frequent market visitors and those in Mazarron, they are a household name. They started their Spanish business more than ten years ago, have a shop in the Port of Mazarron and display every week at the markets of San Miguel, Playa Flamenca and the Zoco and are opening a new store in Los Dolces Mercadona Commercial Centre, right beside Zenia Blvd., next week.

If you’ve ever watched those ‘As Seen On TV’ commercials for the slicer dicer, wonder

cleaners and all manner of TV goodies, then UK Supplies Direct is the place to go, as they import container loads of goods every week, most of them selling at less than half the price you’d pay for it on the telly!

Their new shop is located in the old Shoe-BShoe location, beside Generali Insurance and the side of Mercadona in Los Dolces. It’s open Monday to Friday from 10.00am until 3.00pm and Saturdays from 10.00am until 2.00pm while on Sunday you will find them at the Zoco Market. They offer unique items that they have

produced and sell at less than half price of other discount and department stores. They have weekly deliveries from the UK, Portugal, China and the Far East and carry mainly brand name goods form such household names as JML, Vax, Karcher, Russel Hobbs, Swan and Morphy Richards to name but a few.

Visitors to the store will find a full range of products for the house including cookware, teapots, tea-cups, china mugs, cleaning supplies, vacuum cleaners, power washers, mops, acrylic ‘glasses’, painting supplies, kettles, coffee makers, pillows, irons, toasters, dog beds, slow cookers and one of their specialities, Halogen Ovens.

UK Supplies Direct is an Aladdin’s Cave of household goods offering the very best prices to be found anywhere.

For more information on stock, their specials and great priuces, see their advert in the RTN and for more information you can always call 661 173 269 or email: uksuppliesdirect@yahoo.co.uk. As seen on TV and in the RTN now available from their new store in Los Dolces Mercadona Commercial Centre, Orihuela Costa.

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money

3 - 9 MAY 2013

by

Mark Roach

Company Director and Spanish Tax Consultant

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

29

Wincham has success with ‘Tea on the Terrace’ WINCHAM CONSULTANTS has experienced an increased demand in enquiries from Spanish property owners worrying about the issue of Spanish Inheritance Tax (IHT).

THE COMPANY has recently expanded their operation from the Costa Blanca along the coast to their new office in Marbella, Costa del Sol. In April and May they successfully hosted ‘Tea on the Terrace’ at various venues in and around Fuengirola, Estepona and Marbella offering new and existing clients the opportunity to discuss their personal circumstances on a one-to-one basis providing a free-of-charge Inheritance Tax illustration.

Before contacting Wincham most property owners are either unaware or have been misled about the potential financial burden their beneficiaries may face upon their death. The surviving partner, or beneficiaries, may have a tax bill which exceeds the value of the entire Spanish asset being inherited plus the cost of obtaining probate in more than one country.

The Wincham solution to the IHT/ISD problem in Spain is for the owner/s to invest their Spanish property into a new UK company where the owners are both the shareholders and directors and remain in complete control of their asset. (There is no 7-10% Property Transfer Tax payable on this transaction). The property then becomes a UK company owned asset and as such comes under UK tax law. Any transfers between a husband and wife in the UK are tax exempt. Each individual has an allowance of £325,000 before IHT is payable in the UK and a couple would therefore have a combined allowance of £650,000.

The professionals at Wincham in the UK and Spain are on-hand to help clients through this process as smoothly as possible. There are many taxation benefits when investing a property into your own UK Limited Company together with the ability to structure the ownership of the Company to suit Beneficiaries needs

Wincham Consultants Limited, Wincham House, Greenfield Farm Trading Estate, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4TR, England.

(Wincham Consultants also have offices located on the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol) UK Tel: +44 (0)1260 299 700 | Spain Tel: +34 965 830 991 | Email: iht.info@wincham.com | Web: www.winchamiht.com

in a way that is simply not possible under Spanish law.

Wincham Director, Mark Roach commented: “We were very happy with the interest received regarding Tea on The Terrace and would like to thank clients for taking the time to visit us and the venues for their support in the success. We are looking forward to our next event in September which will hopefully give people further opportunity to come and talk to us in person.”

If you would like to be updated on future Wincham events in your area or find out more about the implications of Spanish IHT and the legal steps you can take to avoid it visit www.winchamiht.com and register your details, or telephone a Consultant directly on 0034 965 830 991 / +44 (0)1260 299 700.

Wincham International is also able to assist you with Legal, Accountancy, Will Writing and Probate issues in both the UK and Spain.

money

by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

31

Do you own your own business and want to buy property in Spain?

OWNING YOUR own company or business is what many people aspire to.

The additional responsibilities and bureaucratic requirements are balanced by the freedom and self-governance that being your own boss can bring.

THERE ARE some other potential benefits too that you might not even have been aware of. You might have already considered buying a property in Spain, perhaps as an investment, for shared use by your clients or workforce or even for your own, personal use.

If you have, then you could consider purchasing it in the name of your company rather than your own name. Why? There are advantages. If you buy a Spanish property in the name of your company then you are exempt from paying wealth and income tax each year as long as you can provide a fiscal residency certificate from your own country. Of course, if you are not able to produce this certificate then you will be taxed in the same way as if the property was in your personal name.

WHAT MUST I DO? If you do decide to take this route when buying a

Spanish property then it needs careful planning and preparation. In order to sign the purchase deed the public notary will need documents and information about the company including: * The company’s function * When the company was founded * Evidence that it is correctly registered Most of this information can be found in the corporation certificate issued by the mercantile registry. You will, however, be required to have documents verified for use in Spain. They will need to be stamped with the Stamp of Apostille and must be translated into Spanish by an official translator.

You will also have to prove that you are able to make the purchase on the company’s behalf. Finally, you need to obtain a C.I.F. which is a tax identification number similar to the NIE but for individuals.

There are benefits to being the boss, so make the most of them.

Ábaco provide fiscal representation to non-resident and resident Spanish property owners. You can contact us for free advice and information by calling our helpline 96 670 3748 or visiting our website www.abacoadvisers.com

legal

32

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados

English & Spanish Solicitors

Spanish Inheritance Tax Law INHERITANCE AND Succession in Spain:

The habitual or main residence reduction.

MY MOTHER, who lived in Javea (Alicante) passed away recently and my sister and I are to inherit her Spanish house. The value of the property is high and as we are Non Tax Residents in Spain (we live in England), we have been informed that we will need to pay a huge Inheritance Tax bill. Could we do something to minimise it?

Our condolences for your loss: First of all, the minimum inheritance tax value, which is the minimum value for the property acceptable by the taxman, needs to be calculated. This is important as sometimes, the value for inheritance tax purposes to be declared as per the tax authority guidance, could be lower than expected, and therefore the Inheritance Tax ( IHT) lower.

Also you need to know that at the moment we are waiting for a decision from the High Court of Justices of the European Union regarding Inheritance Tax in Spain and if it is discriminatory against non-residents, as on average heirs who are European citizens and non-tax resident in Spain pay more than the residents. We honestly believe that the court will rule against Spain and we think that the Spanish IHT is clearly discriminatory. On this basis some heirs, non-tax residents in Spain, are claiming to pay their taxes with the same benefits and reductions as tax residents.

Anyway, you must also know that as per the article 20.c of the Inheritance and Gift Tax Law (Ley 29/1987 del Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones) you and your sister could have a reduction of 95% of the value of the property with a maximum of

122,606.47€ for each of you, as long as the property to be inherited was the habitual residence (home) of the deceased. This reduction applies for the deceased’s spouse, ascendants, descendents and also other relatives (collaterals) as long as they are over 65 years old and lived with the deceased for the last two years before the death in that home. This reduction comes with the condition that the heirs keep the property for at least 10 years after the death.

If you need any assistance with an inheritance and succession in Spain or with the Spanish Inheritance Tax, our firm can assist you.

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues.

Carlos Baos (Lawyer) © White & Baos Abogados 2012 - 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. This article is available in English and Spanish at www.white-baos.com. The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. Visit our blog at http://www.white-baos.com/blog/ and Facebook (White-Baos-Abogados-Solicitors)

Bargain prices for Congress Cafeteria CONGRESS IS being slammed for its blatant misuse of tax payers’ cash over the heavily subsidised menu in the Congress Cafeteria from November. In Madrid it is rare to find a drink for less than 8€ but members of Congress will pay only 3.45€ for a G&T; 3.40€ for a rum and coke; 1.05€ for breakfast and a bargain 0.85Ç for coffee. And these prices are fixed for four years as part of the terms for securing the catering contract, with the difference between market prices and the Cafeteria menu prices picked up from the state budget.

Congress explained that the cafeteria “meets other tasks” and has “odd hours depending on the demand of the House.”

money

3 - 9 MAY 2013

by

Christina Brady

Regional Manager of Blacktower Costa Blanca

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

33

Is it time to move your pension?

MORE AND more people are transferring their pensions for a variety of reasons.

SOME ARE looking for better fund performance; some want greater control of how their funds are invested; some want to save tax; some want and need access to retirement benefits before the normal retirement age - usually 60.

Transferring a pension is complex so obtaining expert advice is essential as the expert can help you fully understand your options and help you avoid the pitfalls.

If you have an occupational pension an expert will check on the financial position of your old scheme.

If it is in surplus it may be advisable to stay with it. However, more and more schemes are in deficit which means they have less and less money to pay

out on pensions, so it may well be in your best interest to get out.

If you have an occupational pension the expert will do a critical yield analysis, this will basically tell you the return your new pension will have to achieve to match or beat your existing pension.

If you have a private pension or frozen occupational pension that you wish to transfer the expert will be able to point out the advantages to you, which can be:

Variable and flexible drawdown options Income tax and inheritance tax advantages Major advantages for your spouse or partner 100% of pension transferred to beneficiaries upon death Control of your pensions investments Consolidation of numerous pensions into one pension pot Flexibilty should your circumstances change

Access to your pension at age 55, with some schemes at age 50 (if you meet certain criteria) Access to a pension commencement lump sum of up to 30%

If you would like expert advice on transferring your pension, the pros and cons, please contact Christina Brady by email christina.brady@blacktowerfm.com or call on 658 892 330.

The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.

Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is licenced by the UK by the Financial Services Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licenced in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Licence No: 00805B and registered with the DGS in Spain.

34

insurance

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Exceptional customer care from Millie Munro Services MILLIE MUNRO Services provide the best possible advice and service available on the Costa Blanca for private health insurance and pre-paid funeral plans.

ESTABLISHED IN Benitachell since 2002, Millie Munro herself has a wealth of valuable experience working in the private medical health sector in the UK and Spain. With her caring and highly professional approach, she perfectly understands the needs of the ex-pat in Spain and is the perfect choice for expert advice. Over the years she has built up a strong reputation with customers for providing an honest, respectable and high-quality service.

Millie Munro Services offer lifetime private health insurance cover with great options and competitive premiums, subject only to an upper age of 80 at entry. With a private health insurance plan from El Perpetuo Socorro, you can choose an Englishspeaking doctor from the scores of medical professionals who choose to work with the company. Referrals to English-speaking

specialists are quick and easy to arrange and the staff at Millie Munro Services and El Perpetuo Socorro are on hand to help you all the way.

They are on call 24/7 for their clients and their main aim is to provide a reliable service together with an excellent aftersales support.

Millie Munro Services also provide funeral planning services for people living in Spain, with free, no obligation funeral advice. They are premier agents of the Golden Leaves Pre-Paid Funeral Plans and they provide a choice of three plans - The Opal Funeral Plan, The Pearl Funeral Plan and The Golden Funeral Plan, all of which have different optional extras depending on your requirements and needs. With a pre-paid funeral plan you decide what’s right and will give you peace of mind knowing that all your funeral costs and arrangements are taken care of in advance,

significantly reducing stress for your family at a deeply emotional time.

Millie Munro Services – helping you achieve a healthy, happy and long life.

Their office is open from 9.30am to 2.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Millie Munro Services Avenida Lepanto 6, Benitachell, 03726 Alicante Tel: 96 649 3082 / 660 049 460 millie@milliemunro.com www.milliemunro.com

As a company we have over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry and have been doing pension transfers since inception in April 2006. We are now in a position to offer Expats and UK residents our services due to a new product launch.

We understand that times are tough in the UK and overseas, and that people need cash NOW to sort out their personal lives. We are told every time we speak to clients “I would rather have my money now rather than wait until I retire� we completely sympathize and understand your feelings.

We now have several options to help our clients release money NOW from the pension fund. It is a very simple process and takes only a short time to release your cash.

No matter how small or large your pension fund is even the smallest amount of money now could help in these difficult times.

To find out if you qualify to release money now call 951 206 138 or email admin@kennedyfinancialservices.com or visit www.kennedyfinancialservices.com and complete the free assessment form.

money matters

36

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

The RTN Money Matters page has been created to help you our readers by giving you as much information about current financial matters and products as possible. If you would like us to cover any specific topics or products please email advice@blacktowerfm.com . Also if you have any questions that you would like answered by our panel of experts, email them to advice@blacktowerfm.com

by

Christina Brady

Regional Manager of Blacktower Costa Blanca

Four things that could tear Europe apart DR JOHN Hulsman, a former CIA adviser and expert in political risk, believes investors are sleep walking on the threat of EU break-up.

Speaking at Citywire Montreux 2013, he told the audience that four ‘fatigues’ afflicting Germany, France, Italy and the UK would put pressure on the very survival of the Eurozone and were creating a downward economic spiral for the continent.

GERMANY ‘German tax payers are on the hook for a huge proportion of the Eurozone bailout money. Their horrendous choice is that they pay for the deficits of other countries, accept a higher rate of inflation, or end the project.’

‘When the euro was established in the 90s the German people were given two cast iron promises that they would never have to bail out another country and that the ECB would not prop up

insolvent governments.’ Both have been broken.

FRANCE President Hollande is unpopular because he misled a people that wanted to be misled and a political elite that fears the mere mention of structural reform.

‘He ran on the notion that austerity and indeed economics is somehow for other people and not for France’.

‘He will change nothing, ever. There is a cynical conspiracy between an electorate that doesn’t wish to hear the truth - that their lifestyle is simply unaffordable’.

ITALY Hulsman says the recent experience of prime minister Mario Monti prove that no one wants to be ruled by a puppet, no matter how well intentioned and that fractured Italian politics provide no

democratic legitimacy.

‘The present awkward left-right government seems to support Grillo’s argument that all established politicians are part of the same self-serving elite’.

‘The country has seen its GDP decline 8.1% between Q1 2008 and Q4 2012 and debt levels will reach 130% of GDP by the end of this year’.

‘Italy shows what is wrong in Europe; leaving policy decisions to technocrats is disastrous’.

UK The UK is already ‘half way out the door’ and in a recent Euro barometer poll, 69% of UK voters said they had lost all trust in the EU. ‘David Cameron is the last moderate Europe sceptic left in his party and many have far more extreme views. Whatever deal he negotiates with the EU it will not be a great deal. If Labour wins the next election they will also have to formulate a Europe policy and Ed Balls is a sceptic.

The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is licenced by the UK by the Financial Services Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licenced in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Licence No: 00805B and registered with the DGS in Spain.

Life Village Fate for MABS Some of the MABS fundraising team, Joan, Janet (fundraising co-ordinator) and Gill

THE MABS fund raising team was out in force on Saturday as part of the Village Fate in Los Alcazares. For the fourth year, MABS vital cancer support work has benefited form the event which is organised by Peter Clarke from ‘Legs and Co’ and Joan from MABS.

by Keith Nicol THE EVENT is designed to both boost trade in the area plus raise much needed funds for MABS. Such was the success of Saturday’s event that local traders have already asked if it can become a regular happening.

MABS wanted to say thank you to everyone connected with the event, from local business to those who gave up their time to help make the day such as success, including

RTN, Zigi and her girls who put on a fashion show sponsored

by Legs and Co, Ron and Kathy for the sound and singing, Crazy Ladies for their great dance routines plus the Morris Dancers, who brought a touch of English Culture to the event!

MABS also wished to give a big word of thanks to each and everyone who supplied a raffle prize and for the general public who partook in the raffle and the RTN guess the number of balloons in the car competition.

Each Village Fate has raised more than 500 euros for MABS, which they use to support local cancer suffers and their families with such vital services as transport, translations and caring, all provided by the volunteer staff of MABS. If you live in the Los Alcazares area and would like to become more involved with the work of MABS, please contact them on 693 275 779.

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Property

www.spanishhomefinder.com

HIFX: International payments eXpertly done HiFX OPENED their new office in Villamartin, Orihuela Costa on 1st March directly across from the famous Villamartin Plaza, a great and convenient location to offer a friendly oneon-one service to any clients that wish to pop in and see them.

“Is Villamartin too far away for you?

Don’t worry,” explains Chris Wakeling, Regional Sales Manager, “My team are dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service, a service that is unrivalled by anyone else. If clients are unable to come to us, then we’ll go to them. All they have to do is call us and ask to arrange an appointment. I or one of my team will be more than happy to visit to explain our services, and most importantly, tailor a solution to the client’s currency transfer requirements to ensure that they are getting the best deal available on the market.

On meeting with the HiFX team at their launch party at Eduardos Restuarant Villamartin, it was hard not to feed off the enthusiasm Chris and his team generate: they have a real passion to

provide the best possible solution for all their clients. Nothing seems too much for them and will go out of their way to make sure that any requirements their clients need are carried out in as stress free and efficient manner as possible.

There were also many businesses present at the launch party; testament to how quick their reputation for first class service is growing. One local agent said: “I have worked with many different companies in the past but Chris and his team are proving to be a real asset to both my business and my clients. Their expertise, manner and willingness to go the extra mile is what sets them apart from the rest - they are a real pleasure to work with.”

Julia hardy, Business Development Manager and Natasha Bennett, Client Account Support, both go on to say, “There is only one way clients can be sure of getting the best deal - that is to call and speak to us. It costs nothing to ask questions but could potentially save clients large amounts of money. We are always looking at ways to save money

in all areas of life, yet when it comes to transferring money, many people stick to the age old method of using the banks. It is tried and tested and people are nervous about moving money by other means than a bank. Everyone has the same fear: have I done it right?

Will the money get lost? Is it safe? All of these concerns can be easily answered by simply getting in touch with us. We are only too pleased to go through every aspect of the business and show how

safe and easy it is to use our service.

So whether you are a client looking to move funds as a one off or a regular payment, a business that needs to send funds overseas to pay for invoices or a company that deals with clients that need to transfer funds, HiFX can help save all money and prove that they are a real asset to anyone that wishes to use their services. To find out more on registering as a client either private or corporate, or if you wish to partner with

HiFX, then simply call 965 978 952 or email costablanca@hifx.co.uk and see exactly what they can do for you and why their reputation is growing so fast.

Avenida De Las Brisas, 5 Villamartin.

Orihuela Costa.

Tel: +34 96 597 8952 Mob: +34 711 762 922 Fax: +34 95 281 5541 Email: chris.wakeling@hifx.co.uk www.hifx.co.uk

Article by HiFX. International Payments eXpertly done. Avenida De Las Brisas, 5 Villamartin. Orihuela Costa. Tel: +34 96 597 8952 or visit www.hifx.co.uk

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

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Featured Properties

MODERN VILLA IN MORAIRA €350,000 SC1382

MODERN 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM SINGLE LEVEL VILLA Lounge, dining room, and sun room Flat private plot with 9x6 pool Call 965 741 748 & ask for Melanie or Sandy.

EPC questions and answers ALTA VILLAS ensures all clients are kept updated with all law and regulation changes with regards to property rentals and sales. If you are trying to sell or long term rent a property in Spain you have just over a week left to organise an EPC, the new energy certificate which will be compulsory in Spain from 1st June 2013.

FOR SALE MORAIRA €119,500 SC1358

TOP FLOOR SPACIOUS APARTMENT. WITH LARGE PRIVATE TERRACE, BEAUTIFUL WEST FACING SUNNY VIEWS. Monte Cala development on Cumbredel Sol. Two beautiful community swimming pools with wonderful lounge areas and restaurant. Spacious apartment, modern kitchen, dining area, lounge, A/C.2 double bedrooms &modern bathroom. Call 965 741 748 & ask for Melanie

or Sandy.

MODERN STYLE VILLA REF. AVS 3117

WHAT IS THE EPC? HOMEOWNERS IN the UK and other European countries will be familiar with EPC (or Certificado de Eficiencia Energetica (CEE) as it is known in Spain) as most other EU countries have already implemented this in order to meet the stipulations of the Kyoto Agreement (2005). This treaty has been adopted by most developed countries who share the aim to reduce carbon emissions on a world-wide basis. The EPC is a certificate that assesses and scores a property on its energy efficiency on a scale ranging from A to G with the A being the most efficient and G being the least and provides a report that will advise you on how to make your property more energy efficient.

WHO NEEDS IT? Anyone who wants to sell or long term rent a property in Spain after 1st June 2013 will have to have a registered EPC. ‘Long term’ means anything over four months, but some shorter rentals such as holiday rentals, may also necessitate having an EPC depending on the amount of energy used during certain periods when energy consumption is at least 25% of the overall yearly consumption. If the property was constructed after October 2007 it could be that it already has a Spanish Energy Performance Certificate in which case a new one will not necessary.

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST? The EPC is valid for 10 years although, if improvements are made that will change the rating, it can be updated during this time.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T GET AN EPC FOR MY PROPERTY? If property owners fail to provide the buyer or tenant with an EPC, then the sale or rental contract can become void, the government can fine the property owner/rental agent and the tenant could claim compensation from either party. The minimum fine for not having an EPC when marketing your property is 3,000€ and both the owner and the agent marketing the property will be liable for this fine.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The cost really depends on the size of the property. The certification measures the energy efficiency of key aspects of the property such as insulation, type of glazing, energy efficiency of heat producing equipment etc. With our recommended partner, the cost starts from 170€ for a 50m2 build property.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? The initial inspection takes between 30 and 90 minutes and then usually it will take around one week to get the fully registered EPC. WHO CAN DO THE EPC? Only a qualified official energy efficiency certifier (architects or surveyors with specific training) can perform an EPC in Spain and the certificate has to be fully registered.

Available to buy is a lovely modern style villa with stunning country views over Javea and the famous Montgo mountain.

This villa is located in the small spanish town of Benitachell which is positioned just between Javea and Moraira two of the Costa Blancas Best beach resorts. Large open and spacious lounge/ dining room with stunning views. There are 3 double bedrooms all with fi tted wardrobes. Also you find to large family bathrooms. Outside you find a lovely covered Naya as well as an open terraced area with the pool area with stunning views of Javea. There is also a fully fi tted summer kitchen!

FROM WHAT DATE DO I NEED AN EPC? From June 1st, any property being marketed for sale or long term rental must have a registered EPC. If a property is currently being leased out then it is not a requirement to have an EPC certificate now, but if a new lease is signed by a new tenant after 1st June 2013, an EPC will be required. If your property has been sold but will go to notary before the 1st June, you will not need an EPC but if it will go to notary after this date, the notary will not be able to complete the paperwork without it.

965 796 311 - 622 354 907 - info@altavillas.com

Article by Alta Villas Properties, based in the Arenal in Javea. Tel: 96 579 6311.

BENITACHELL 329,950€

Spotlight: Property

WHO CAN HELP ME TO GET AN EPC? Alta Villas Properties, based in the Arenal in Javea, are happy to recommend you to fully accredited English or Spanish speaking energy certifiers. If you need any help or advice on this matter please do not hesitate to contact us on 96 579 6311.

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

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IFA Exhibition Centre signs up with Department of Tourism THE IFA Exhibition Centre has been integrated into the Tourist Foundation of Benidorm with the signing of an agreement this week. Councillor for Tourism Gema Amor explained that the IFA would promote Benidorm shows, festivals and concerts and also be available for promotional activities to develop the interests of tourism within the Foundation.

The signing was attended

by Mayor Agustin Navarro; the Secretary of the Business Association of Benidorm Hotels and the Costa Blanca (Hosbec) Nuria Montes; president of the Benidorm Tourism Business Federation (FeTB) Francisco Delgado and the CEO of IFA, Antonio Galvan. Navarro said “By joining forces we can become Spain’s most powerful province in tourism.”

A totally different experience CALA FINESTRAT offers a totally different experience compared to its big Costa Blanca neighbour, Benidorm. Everything you need is just a few minutes’ walk from your hotel or apartment, with excellent 3 and 4-star hotel accommodations and quality tourist Apartments of 2 and 3 key ratings.

Wherever you decide to stay for your weekend break you are never more than 650m from the beach. All hotels are ideal for families with young children, plus the 4-star Hotel Bali is a perfect place to stay for young and more mature couples.

Life is very cosmopolitan in La Cala Finestrat, attracting a broad range of visitors and residents from all over Europe and even Russia. In summer months La Cala is a favourite with families.

With a stunning beach and safe swimming, plenty of sun beds to hire and a great selection of Spanish café bars and restaurants, plus British and Irish pubs right on the beach, you will find all you could want in La Cala. For those on a self-catering weekend break there are two supermarkets, including a large Mercadona, a great place to shop if you enjoy local fish too!

PREFER TO EAT OUT EVERY DAY? No problem: there is an excellent quality seafood restaurant right on the sands in addition to three terrace restaurants where you can enjoy a typical Spanish three course menu of the day with wine for under 10€ or fresh Pizzas for 6€. Whilst you dine

you can listen to the sea which is just feet way!

For home-cooked British food on the beach there are a number of British café bars too and 20 excellent, friendly Spanish café bars with terraces for chilling out with a morning coffee or drinks and Tapas on those warm evenings. Life in La Cala Finestrat tends to go to sleep around 2am in summer but you will find a trendy bar above the beach; a popular haunt of young locals where you can keep on drinking until 4am. Then take a taxi to the all-night discos in Benidorm until dawn, if you still have the energy!

La Cala Finestrat is at its most popular in August when it offers a full programme of events including street theatre; films on the beach; artisans’ markets plus music, bands and open air events on the beach:

3 day weather forecast Friday 31st May

21 16

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22 16

Sunday 2nd June

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22 15

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obviously a lively time of year when Spanish families and even young children are out until very late.

Getting out and about is easy from La Cala Finestrat, as is parking if you hire a car. A bus runs every 12 minutes until 11pm in winter and night buses in July and August run all night from Benidorm. Two buses operate into and out of the old town and Levante - Bus No.2 takes you to Benidorm center and the Rincon de Loix and also to the La Marina commercial centre where you will find over 100 national chain stores and a Carrefour hypermarket. Bus No.3 takes you into the old town along the Poniente Playa and will bring you back to La Cala from Park Elche opposite the harbour in the old town. Taxis cost about 10€ into Benidorm.

s n o i t c a r t t a m Benidor Terra Mitica

TERRA MITICA is the definitive ‘theme park’ with an impressive reproduction of ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece and Mediterranean islands, bringing the past to life enhanced with a dose of adrenalin on exciting rides – including one that turns you upside down at 100kph!

Tizona shoots adrenaline in 35 seconds of nose-dive falls, 360º loops and corkscrew turns.

Magnus Colossus is the longest wooden roller coaster in Europe. The main rides also have replicas for little ones!

44

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Calle Gerona

ALL day ALL night

RUNNING PARALLEL to the Playa Levante from the longestablished (quality) Spanish restaurant ‘El Meson – Cruz Blanca’ in the south of the street not far from the old town, all the way to Morgan’s Tavern, the famous cabaret bar made yet more famous by that ITV comedy series and located at the far north end of the street is Calle Gerona in the Rincon de Loix.

By Dave Gaskell, www.realbenidorm.net CALLE GERONA is without any doubt the street that never sleeps, for the weekender intent on eating big breakfasts, English lunches and drinking more than you know is good for you. The street that cuts right through the centre of Benidorm’s Levante is where you will find it all, both day and night.

One half (North) offers a guaranteed lively break with show bars, sports bars and disco bars favoured by the British visitor looking for great value drinks plus home-from-home cooking, all of which is available in abundance from 10am until 5am 365 days of the year. A pint costs from 1.25€ to 2.50€ depending on where you are and what is on offer, such as the superb and free entertainment. A belly-busting plate of fish chips and mushy peas or an everyday Sunday roast will set you back little more than 5€.

For a quieter option where a big choice of dining options are available then the other half (South) of Calle Gerona

will be your best choice. Here you will find superb longestablished Italian Pizzerias; fine Indian cuisine; quality Spanish restaurants and speciality grills for lovers of steaks: a world of food awaits you.

Staying on Calle Gerona to make the most of your weekend in Benidorm could not be easier with every type of hotel right on the street: book into the very busy 3* Ambassador Playa or opposite the start of the street, the new 4* Hotel Flash. Prefer to be nearer to restaurants, closer to the old town and away from the ‘package holiday’ hotels?

The traditional little 3* Los Alamos is ideal as a base and will not break the bank - or for a 4* try the Diplomatic, quality from servigroup.

When time is short and you only have a few days break then staying in the hub of Benidorm either on or near to Calle Gerona will ensure that you enjoy what Benidorm is famous for. Fantastic value, plenty of choice, late nights and of course those stunning beaches to sleep off the night before!

Article by Dave Gaskell, www.realbenidorm.net Cheap hotels holidays transfers since 2005 Tel (0034) 966 889 713

A trip worth taking AROUND 300 people have participated in a maritime catamaran tour around the vertical cliffs of Sierra Galada on Sunday. The ‘Diverdia’ provided tour participants with information on the area’s Jurassic flora and fauna and also the local folklore surrounding the watchtower and mines. The tour was organised by the Natural Park of the Sierra Gelada. The Diverdia conducted tours at 9am, 11am and 1pm. And on the way back to harbour was accompanied by a bottlenosed dolphin! Anyone interested in taking part in Diverdia tours scheduled for the summer should contact the Department of Tourism of L’Alfas del Pi: The adult price is 12€ reduced to 8€ for children.

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

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31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Putting on the glitz

By Jack Troughton BENIDORM PALACE is one of the resort’s top attractions and its glamorous shows remain a ‘must see’ for any visitor looking for a first class night out.

Voted Europe’s best cabaret and nightclub for 2012 – beating the famous Moulin Rouge in Paris – it provides an unforgettable experience and many people return again and again.

Situated in the Rincon de Loix, the Palace is a star in its own right having featured in the hit ITV comedy ‘Benidorm’ for the television show’s Christmas Special.

To enjoy a complete night, many guests enjoy the excellent wining and dining offered with fantastic value dinner menus – vegetarian options are available – including wine, water and cava. It is also possible just to see the show itself with entry including a first drink free.

COLOUR The show itself uses every inch of Europe’s largest

stage and provides a magnificent spectacle of colour, with fantastic dancing, showgirls, all performing in a series of wonderful costumes. It also features a variety of original and talented artistes from around the globe – jugglers, tumblers, strongmen, and trapeze and trampoline acts.

Since 1990, Benidorm Palace has been successfully run by husband and wife team Vicente and Christine Climent, now aided and abetted by their children David and Joanne. The family remains very much hands on and are dedicated to insuring standards remain high.

And that means every audience is treated to the magic of a glittering occasion with absolutely sensational entertainment.

One Trip Advisor reviewer posted the comment: “I have been to the Moulin Rouge. The Benidorm Palace in my opinion leaves it standing. Moulin Rouge, eat your heart out!”

E ID What’s On GIGenidGU usic M m or B to e id u g l ia nt e Your ess WHERE

WHEN

TIME

WHO

YORKSHIRE PRIDE, C/Gerona 5, Rincon De Loix

Fri, Sat & Sun

9pm

Tad Cocker Band

PIG ‘N WHISTLE, Calle Pal 5, Old Town Benidorm

Friday Saturday Sunday

10.30pm 11pm 10.30pm

Jessie Brooke Lizzy G Amy Winehouse tribute

DAYTONA ROCK, Edificio Principado Arena, Playa de Levante

Fri & Sun Fri, Sat & Sun Friday Sat & Sun Saturday Saturday Sunday

4.30pm 6pm 10.30pm 12am 4.30pm 10.30pm 10pm

Cesc Palanca y Cambio Rafa Badia Lee Duffy Rafa Badia Palanca y Cambio ACDC Tribute

GUINESS BAR, Avenida de Alcoy 5, Playa de Levante

Fri & Sat Fri, Sat & Sun Friday Saturday Sunday Sunday

3.30pm 5pm 10.20pm 10.30pm 3pm 10.30pm

Palanca y Cambio Lee Duffy Palanca y Cambio Rafa Fabian Palanca y Cambio Palanca y Cambio

TALK OF THE COAST, Off Calle Gerona, Rincon De Loix

Fri, Sat & Sun

8.30pm 9.30pm 10.30pm 11.30pm 12.30am

Angie Moff (Queen) Dangerous Brian (Comic) Bench Taylor Shaun Foster Conley (TV)

ROVERS RETURN, Calle Gerona, Rincon De Loix

Friday Saturday

5pm 9pm

Legends Twist & Jive

STARDUST, Calle Gerona, Rincon De Loix

Fri, Sat & Sun

9pm 11.30pm 12.30am 1.30am

ABBA Tribute Girls Aloud Tribute The Stylistics Tribute Take That Tribute

RACHELS BAR, Avenida Doctor Severo Ochoa 6, Rincon De Loix

Fri, Sat & Sun Saturday

9pm 10pm 11pm 12am

Ronan Keating Tribute Carlos ‘King of Soul’ Boogie Disco Fever Maiki

VINCENTS, Old Town Benidorm

Every night Sunday 2nd June Sunday 9th June

9pm 5.30pm 5.30pm

Karaoke Music with Larry Music with Mid-Life Crisis

To have your act included in these listings email: gigguide@roundtownnews.com Details correct at time of publication

Gastronomy week in Benidorm BENIDORM HAS become synonymous as a destination of cheap booze, full English all day fry ups and Chinese 3 course meals for under 5 euros... and that includes half a bottle of wine.

By Irena Bodnarec, BenidormAllYearRound.com WALK AROUND the Rincon End and you cannot fail to see the boards outside various bars and cafes advertising food and drink at unimaginably rock bottom prices - 1.50€ for a pint of San Miguel or full Sunday roast for under 5€. Its a wonder that anyone chooses to go All Inclusive if you can eat so cheaply.

But the town is also famous for its Spanish Tapas - anyone who visits Benidorm MUST pay a visit to Tapas Alley in the Old Town.

Earlier this year Benidorm hosted a “Tapas & Pinchos” competition which was a huge hit.

Now for the fourth year running, Benidorm is hosting a “Gastronomy Week” to promote and showcase quality Spanish cuisine. 25 different restaurants are participating in this event, which starts on Monday 3rd June and lasts until Sunday 9th June 2012. All

the restaurants will display a poster in their window with “Jornadas Gastronomicas de Benidorm” with many of them concentrated in the Old Town.

Prices range between 30€ to 45€ which includes 3 amazing gourmet courses PLUS quality wines, some of which are sourced from the local Enrique Mendoza bodega in Alfaz del Pi - which is on the outskirts of Benidorm.

It is certainly something to consider if you would like to try some elaborate and skillfully prepared food that is artfully presented.

Some of the dishes on offer include “Crab ravioli in a seafood cream”, “Fillet of suckling goat with foie gras & truffle” and “Poached strawberries with a gin & lemon sorbet” - sometimes it is a shame to actually eat the dish as it looks so beautiful!

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Benidorm kids’ cultural festival

CHILDREN OF various nationalities took part in an intercultural festival entitled ‘Universal Children’s Day’ starting at 11am on Saturday 25th May and continuing throughout the day. The kids celebrated their musical talents in dance and song as part of a new initiative directed by Maria del Carmen Martinez of the City of Benidorm’s Children’s Department. Martinez said: “The festival highlights the way in which the city welcomes the integration of many nationalities.” More than 20 children took part in the festival in the Benidorm Auditorium.

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31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Life spanish

Basic Spanish for everyday needs

by Jane Cronin

Step by Step Spanish -33 ONE OF the hardest things about learning a new language is knowing what order to put the words in. If we only speak one language from birth then we express our thoughts in the order of that one language.

IF WE’VE never studied a foreign language, then it wouldn’t even occur to us that it is possible to put words in a different order, and that we would have to do so to make sense in another language.

English is a language that is rather rigid about word order. This is because we don’t change endings of words to agree with other words, so therefore we need our sentences in a certain order to keep our meaning clear. Spanish is a little more flexible about word order on some occasions, but not always. Sometimes there is a standard word order that can be varied if we wish to emphasize a certain word. In other cases the word order is set in stone.

We have already covered some of these points in previous articles including a recent look at the position of adjectives. However, what I propose to do know is cover a few more points about word order.

CLOSED AND OPEN QUESTIONS I covered the difference between the word order of closed and open questions in chapters 39 and 40 (Step by Step Spanish Volume One) and would only like to add one thing to those pearls of wisdom. In the case of a closed question which technically should take the same order as a statement: (e.g. El niño duerme en su cama – the boy sleeps in his bed - statement. ¿El niño duerme en su cama? – Does the boy sleep in his bed? -question).

However, sometimes we can invert the subject and verb for emphasis, particularly in shorter questions. For example, “Do you speak English?” using the formal “you” would normally be “¿Habla

BUSINESS TWEETS

richardbranson @richardbranson: Get

the business model right. With a great product & brilliant team, success is far more likely.

Duncan Bannatyne @DuncanBannatyne: Just had two undercover snoops from an opposition club looking round mine pretending to want membership.

inglés?” or “¿Usted habla inglés?” but we can also say it this way: “¿Habla usted inglés?” inverting the subject and the verb. This order is closer to English and therefore tempting to use all the time, but with more complex closed questions we should keep to the statement order putting the subject before the verb.

DID YOU KNOW UberFacts@UberFacts: If you could drive a car straight up into the sky, it would take about an hour to reach space, and about 6 months to reach the moon.

DIRECT AND INDIRECT OBJECT PRONOUNS One rule we looked at in chapters 149 to 152 (due to form part of Step by Step Spanish volume 4) was the order of direct and indirect object pronouns. This order is absolutely strict and set in stone.

Indirect object pronouns always precede direct object pronouns.

Therefore, “I give it to you” is “te lo doy” (to you it I give). Likewise when tacked onto infinitives, gerunds and imperatives, this order if preserved “dámelo” (give to me it) “Estoy dándotelo” (I am giving to you it) and so on.

FUNNY TWEETS VeryBritishProblems @SoVeryBritish: Looking into having your hands surgically removed after waving at someone who was waving at someone behind you Ricky Gervais @rickygervais: I love how a bloke claiming to be the son of god and gathering disciples is being referred to as dangerous and “a cult” by a vicar, Haha Alan Carr @AlanCarr: Just woken up and found a pile of money on my bedside table - feel like a prostitute Keith Chegwin @thekeithchegwin: Found some of that Charmin toilet paper. Amazing - It said ‘Hello, you’ve got a nice arse’ Comedy Tweets @TheComedyJokes: Whenever someone yells stop, I don’t know if it’s in the name of love, if it’s hammer time, or if I should collaborate and listen.

COMPOUND VERBS AND VERBAL PHRASES In Spanish we never split parts of verbs up, something we do quite happily in English. For example: “I have already seen the film” (with “already” going between the compound verb “have seen”). In Spanish this is not possible. “Ya he visto la película”. Similarly we cannot split verbal phrases, for example “Estoy viendo pasar a la gente” (I am watching the people go by).

There are a few more points about word order which I will finish off next week, before I find something else to torture you with.

Life books

Danny Collins - copydjp@gmail.com

How I Became a Famous Novelist ANYONE WHO’S ever tried writing for a living – and I put myself firmly among the guilty – will know where Steve Hely is going before they turn the first page. Famous novelists aren’t born; they are manufactured by publishers’ PR departments. Many don’t write their own work but instead give a storyline to a hungry wannabee who will flesh it out for a small fee and allow the celebrity writer to rake in the profit that comes with his or her name on the cover, usually embossed in gold or silver and larger than the title.

So, no doubt equipped with the knowledge gained by his own forays into the literary warzone, the author presents a funny, witty, and blistering evisceration of celebrity culture and literary fame. Step by confident step, Hely’s hero and roguish loser Pete Tarslaw sets out to write the bestseller of all bestsellers, a book that will guarantee him fame, financial comfort, a stately home either by the ocean or a scenic lake and the opportunity to humiliate his ex-girlfriend at her wedding.

How he succeeds and what it finally costs him is a cautionary tale for all of us who Author: Steve Hely Publisher: Corsair (paperback) Price: 10.80€ ISBN: 978 1 84901 572 1

Suduko Answer

have taken up the pen (yeah, okay, keyboard – I was just being lyrical) to earn our daily bread – and trashy reviews. For those of you out there with a Jeffrey Archer plot and a laptop that the wife’s not hijacked, I urge you to read this book. Your time won’t be wasted, I guarantee.

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Take a break

SOUNDS FAMILIAR is launching singing workshops to rehearse a new set of music called ‘The Commercial Break” – based on those catchy numbers used in television advertising.

By Jack Troughton THE SUMMER will be used to get everyone in shape for a September concert in aid of the Friends of the Children of EMAUS – and follows the successful ‘World in Union’ concert which earned the charity 427€.

The ‘Sing for Fun’ workshops will be every Monday evening from 7pm until 9.30pm, starting next Monday, 3rd June, at Sounds Familiar’s base in Gata de Gorgos. Each workshop costs 4€.

There is an open invitation for anyone who likes singing or would like to try singing as a new hobby, and the workshops will be taken by the group’s musical director Philip Ashley.

They are open to both experienced singers and beginners from the age of 12 upwards. The only criteria being everyone must enjoy having fun.

Philip said: “The aim of the singing workshops is to develop each of the members’ voices through group singing. Nobody is singled out to sing solo, unless they specifically volunteer to do so.

“This year will also be focusing on performance techniques, but once again the main aim of the workshops is for everyone to have fun.”

People taking part will be taught how to sing harmonies with each other, as well as in unison, plus voice exercises to improve breathing.

Commercial break will be performed at the Casa de Cultura, Calpe, on 6th September, and everyone who took part in the workshops is welcome to join Sounds Familiar onstage - although this is not compulsory.

For more information contact Philip on 96 558 1483 or philip@soundsfamiliar.es

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31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Life tech

with Aunty Virus

Email auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com

PC Cleaning programms DEAR AUNTY: I have been reading up on ‘Sparks Trust PC Cleaner Online’. After allowing it to do a scan, it tells me that I have 4991 problems detected, of which, 1082 are Systems problems, Malware Problems are zero, Performance problems are 5, Privacy Items are 82, and Junk Files are 3822, and they will fix all for £19.97.

I use Microsoft Security Essentials. Would the above purchase improve the speed and performance etc. of my Laptop?

Should I have some form of cleaner on my Computer? Or, should I just leave things as they are? I do a full scan from time to time.

Rather a grey area for me.

Aunty says: There are many programs available which ‘clean’ your system for you. (And there are some that ‘create’ or report issues with their free scan to ‘scare’ you into buying their full program).

And they basically all do the same thing: clean junk files, defrag hard drives, remove ‘bad’ or ‘unused’ items from the registry etc. Personally I

like ‘Advanced System Care’ with its simple ‘one button’ scan and repair option: some people like CCleaner.

But as these programs ‘play’ with the internals of Windows, it is always best to back up those important documents before running such things, just in case things do go pear shaped!

They may helps speed and increase performance in the short run, but basically to increase performance you need to look at a number of other things such as increasing the memory on the PC, or even looking to see which programs are being loaded up which you never or hardly use (look at the icons by the date and time to see what is loading up each time up boot the PC).

Many people install programs using the default settings, and some of these settings mean the programs will load up when windows starts... which can slow the boot up time of the PC, and use recourses on the PC. For example, do you really need Skype to start every time you turn on the PC? Do you really need 3 or 4 antivirus programs running at the same time?

Outlook printing tip HI AUNTY: Should any readers of your most excellent ‘Aunty Virus’ page have a problem with ‘Outlook’ (What a pain it is!) not instructing their printer to print all pages within a received email, I’ve cracked it!

Just tick the group of three little dots on the top tool bar, right hand side: ‘Tick’ print, and eureka! All the wanted pages are printed. Keep up the good work.

Rob Reply: Thanks for the tip Rob!

How to stop the reminders HI AUNTY: Now that Hotmail has gone, I was automatically changed over to Outlook. When I open my Windows XP laptop, I am reminded by Outlook that ‘they are sorry, as there seems to be a problem with Outlook at the moment’. Then underneath there is box, and inside it, it says, ‘try to return to Outlook’. I click on the box, and all is well as I am now able to sign on. So in theory, there is no problem. My question is: How can I get rid of this ‘reminder’ every time I open up? Hope you can help as you did before.

Tom (Calpe) Aunty says: I often see that message on outlook also, as do many other people judging by the number of posts on a ‘Microsoft Outlook’ help forum.

It can mean that the server is having issues - which prompted Microsoft to post ‘I’m sorry to hear that you are having issues logging into your accounts. We would like to inform you that the Microsoft Team is aware about this problem and we are working diligently to fix this issue’. Although that response was back in February 2013!

One thing to try is to see if it does the same in another browser like Firefox or Chrome?

Gadget Inspector Investigates:

31 may - 6 June 2013

51

Lenovo G580 15.6-inch Weather by Windows 8 Laptop PC eltiempo.es If you’ve been thinking about replacing that trusty old laptop then the Lenovo G580 is an ideal candidate. The basic specifications are impressive – Intel Celeron B830 1.8GHz processor, 6GB RAM, 1 TB hard drive, DVD burner, fixed and wireless network connection, built-in webcam and Windows 8 installed!

The Lenovo has a 15.6 inch widescreen LED display with a maximum resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels which produces sharp images and bold colours and re-produces your HD content crisply. And if you want to watch your HD content on your TV it even has an HDMI port to connect to an HD TV for full screen viewing.

There’s no skimping on connectivity with 2 USB 3.0 ports, 3 USB 2.0 ports, RJ45 LAN port and a Multi Card Slot that accepts SD, MMC cards. So there should be no problem connecting your favourite USB mouse or getting the photographs from your SD camera card.

Battery life is pretty good too, just under four hours during average web / gaming use. You can also adjust your battery usage to your needs with the Lenovo power saving settings utility – so it’s possible to stretch this even further.

The Lenovo is not a noisy machine either, most of the time it is pretty quiet, with the fan only coming on intermittently. It´s even possible to adjust

this so it rarely comes on to save even more battery power, but at 4 hours average this shouldn´t really be necessary.

The keyboard and trackpad also perform well – the trackpad is big and responds accurately and also offers multi-touch support for easy browsing.

The keyboard buttons are soft touch and virtually silent with a spacious layout. And weighing in at just 3.4kg it won’t feel like you’ve got a breeze block balanced on your lap either.

The Inspectors Verdict: The Lenovo G580 15.6-inch Windows 8

Laptop PC covers all the bases, whether you want a multimedia pc to play your HD movies, surf the web or chat with friends on Skype the Lenovo provides the power and flexibility to cope with ease. And as with all of Lenovos’ products it´s solidly built so should be good for years to come!

Visit www.gadget-hound.co.uk/ lenovo-laptop-pc/ to purchase Lenovo G580 15.6-inch Laptop PC for 350€. Prices quoted include free delivery to Spain (Euro cost subject to exchange rate at time of purchase).

IT’S THAT time of year again when things are starting to hot up again and it’s always good to know exactly how hot it is going to be when you live in Spain.

There are lots of different weather apps to choose from but this is by far the best. It has Spain’s most accurate forecasts, with more than 25,000 forecasts for Spain and more than 200,000 forecasts around the world.

It will give you up to 14 days forecast, information on Spanish beaches such as ambient temperature, water temperature, UV level, wind and waves.

You can seach Ski resorts all around the world for detailed information. There are rain maps which you can customise according to where you are based or going and many more features.

Available to download on all Android devices from Google Play.

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31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Life Showbiz Goss

by

Peter Taylor

Writer and Broadcaster

The Harry Hills are alive…

WHEN IT comes to sitting down and watching TV time and I have to make a choice when two or more programmes are clashing, if Harry Hill narrating ‘You’ve Been Framed’ is one of the shows he wins hands down … every time! Harry has a style of humour that is all his own, and when you get where he is coming from it’s an absolute delight.

Harry was born in Woking in Surrey and now lives with his wife and three daughters in Whitstable in Kent where he records all those nutty lines for the ITV show, but it’s what is about to be given birth that you might find of interest.

Harry announced last week that he has written a musical and that it has already been booked at a West End Theatre and is to be called ‘I Can’t Sing’. The £6m production is based on The X Factor and will feature characters based on Louis Walsh, Cheryl Cole and Tulisa as well as a Simon Cowellesque figure.

Talking about the title of the show Harry explained: “We’d been umm-ing and ahhing about the title for a while, then it hit us – there’s never been a musical called ‘I Can’t Sing’, which also happens to be the

The Jeremy Vile Show!

THERE ARE two men who come from a long standing background involving the press, radio and now television that goes as far back as 1995; two men that have since had a long running professional rivalry. But as the bar was raised in such a surprisingly powerful way last week, I had to bring it to the column.

Matthew Wright started his career writing firstly for The Sun then The Mirror, and Jeremy Kyle began his career in radio, and as I am sure you know, both men are now presenters of television shows.

Matthew, who now presents The Wright Stuff for Ch5 decided in his wisdom to talk to The Mirror and said of The Jeremy Kyle Show “It’s revolting, I have no respect for it, his old radio phone-in on Capital FM was inspiring and wonderful, and now his TV show is about humiliating failures for entertainment… its vile!… I have no time to watch it - I have better things to do: he is a nice enough bloke but he has sold his soul.”

Told you it was powerful didn’t I! …

And you know what…? I agree with him!

title of one of the funniest songs in the show.” Then H gave away a wee bit more of the plotline when he added: “We think it’s also the only musical for a while with a singing hunchback, a talking dog and a man on an iron lung!” … priceless Harry Hill … right out the top drawer!

I´m already chaffing at the bit to get myself a ticket, but I’d better get my skates on, as although the show will not open till next March, quite a few peeps have got onto the website and already booked themselves a seat ... www.thexfactormusical.com

Fancy a Beano to Britain?

I REALLY do hope the super-naff weather in the UK sorts itself out before the beginning of July as the Hyde Park Music and Arts Festival kicks off on Friday 5th July with Bon Jovi headlining, followed by The Rolling Stones on Saturday 6th July and Saturday 13th July, and if that’s not enough to get your juices flowing it was announced last Thursday that Elton John, former Kinks front man Ray Davies and Elvis Costello will also be doing sets with their own bands. The backstory to the festival is a celebration of the incredible songwriting talent that has come out the UK, although the American artists involved will also be heralded for their skills with pen and paper. I often think about how when I tell you about these wonderful events going on in Britain that I really should organise a charrabang to get us over there for a right old knees up!

The Jeremy Kyle Show started in ITV in 2005 and has had many a critic along the way, critics that include Manchester Judge Alan Berg whom in 2007 called it “trash and human bear-baiting,” and again I agree!

No one individual has the right to stand up and say they have the answer to the problems of a person’s life when they have only scant knowledge of the bigger picture!… ‘Trash and Human Bear Baiting’ it most certainly is!

Life TV

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

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31st May - 6th June

FRIDAY 31st May BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Don’t Get Done in the Sun 12:30 Cowboy Trap 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 Perfection 16:45 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 A Question of Sport 21:30 Would I Lie to You? 22:00 Have I Got News for You 22:30 Not Going Out 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Graham Norton Show 24:25 The Wright Way 24:55 Cursed

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Don’t Get Done in the Sun 08:30 Cowboy Trap 09:15 The A to Z of TV Gardening 10:00 Antiques Roadshow 11:00 Question Time 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron 14:15 My Life in Books 14:45 Weakest Link 15:30 Mastermind 16:00 Springwatch in the Afternoon 16:45 Fred Dibnah’s Made in Britain 17:15 Life in Cold Blood 18:15 Flog It! 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 The Chef’s Protege 20:00 Locomotion: Dan Snow’s History of Railways 21:00 Nature’s Microworlds 21:30 Gardeners’ World 22:00 The Time Traveller’s Guide to Elizabethan England 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 Weather 24:05 Later with Jools Holland

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 ITV News Central 15:00 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Britain’s Got Talent 22:00 Coronation Street 22:30 Britain’s Got Talent Results 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 French Open Tennis

07:00 The Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:05 According to Jim 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Canada 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:40 1001 Things You Should Know 14:10 Channel 4 Racing 17:15 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:35 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Unreported World 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 Sarah Millican: Thoroughly Modern Millican Live 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 24:05 10 O’Clock Live

07:00 Childrens TV 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Make Way for Noddy 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 World’s 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Cowboy Builders 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Mentalist 16:15 Lethal Obsession 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 Cricket on 5 21:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 22:00 Death Race 24:10 World’s

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Animal Practice 08:25 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:10 You’ve Been Framed!

09:40 Judge Judy 10:05 The Only Way Is Essex 10:50 The Only Way Is Essex 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:30 Holiday Showdown 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Judge Judy 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:00 Britain’s Got Talent 19:30 Britain’s Got Talent Results 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:45 Back to the Future Part III 23:00 Britain’s Got More Talent 24:00 Celebrity Juice 24:45 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Switched 07:20 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 Desperate Housewives 09:40 Scrubs 10:10 Rules of Engagement 10:40 90210 11:35 Ugly Betty 12:35 Charmed 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 15:30 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:30 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 2 Broke Girls 22:00 Daredevil 24:05 The Big Bang Theory 24:35 The Big Bang Theory

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

SATURDAY 1st June BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers 13:00 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 Live MotoGP 15:00 Homes Under the Hammer 16:00 Escape to the Country 17:00 Total Wipeout 18:00 Deadly Bloopers 18:30 A Question of Sport 19:00 Celebrity Mastermind 19:30 BBC News 19:50 Pointless Celebrities 20:35 The National Lottery: In It to Win It 21:30 The Voice UK 22:40 Casualty 23:30 BBC News; Weather 23:50 Beyonce and Friends Live at Twickenham 24:50 Imagine

BBC2

07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:40 Curtain Call 08:40 Footlight Fever 09:50 Sing and Like It 11:00 A History of Scotland 12:00 Map Man 12:30 Just a Minute 13:00 The Chef’s Protege 13:30 The Chef’s Protege 14:00 The Chef’s Protege 14:30 The Chef’s Protege 15:00 The Chef’s Protege 15:30 EastEnders 17:20 Auction Hero 18:20 Coast 19:05 Flog It! 20:05 Dad’s Army 20:35 A Tudor Feast at Christmas 21:35 Henry VIII: Patron or Plunderer?

22:35 The Other Boleyn Girl 24:25 The Tudors

SUNDAY 2nd June BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Andrew Marr Show 11:00 The Big Questions 12:00 Sunday Politics 13:20 Countryfile 14:15 Bargain Hunt 15:00 Homes Under the Hammer 16:00 Points of View 16:15 Escape to the Country 17:15 Songs of Praise 17:55 The Queen: A Passion for Horses 18:55 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 19:15 Countryfile 20:15 The Voice UK 21:30 Case Histories 23:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 23:25 Matt Lucas Awards 23:55 Live at the Apollo 24:40 The Sky at Night

BBC2

07:00 This Is BBC Two 08:00 Melody Cruise 09:15 Gardeners’ World 09:45 The A to Z of TV Gardening 10:30 Beechgrove Garden 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:30 Chinese Food Made Easy 13:00 What to Eat Now 13:30 Live MotoGP 15:00 Live Triathlon 18:00 Dambusters Declassified 19:00 The Dambusters: 70 Years On 20:00 Peter Jones Meets 21:00 Ice Age Giants 22:00 Australia with Simon Reeve 23:00 Blackadder II 23:30 The Road

ITV1 07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Jessie 09:25 ITV News 09:30 Dinner Date 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 11:20 My Tasty Travels with Lynda Bellingham 12:20 ITV News and Weather 12:30 Saturday Farm 13:30 Murder, She Wrote 14:30 River Monsters 15:35 All Star Family Fortunes 16:20 The Chase 17:20 The Borrowers 19:00 ITV News Central 19:15 ITV News and Weather 19:30 You’ve Been Framed!

20:00 Britain’s Got Talent 21:30 Les Dawson: An Audience With That Never Was 22:30 Britain’s Got Talent Results 23:00 The Americans 24:20 ITV News and Weather 24:40 French Open Tennis

ITV1 07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Sonny with a Chance 09:25 ITV News 09:30 Country House Sunday 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 11:20 Murder, She Wrote 12:20 ITV News and Weather 12:25 Columbo Goes to the Guillotine 14:25 Love Your Garden 15:25 Evil under the Sun 17:35 All Star Family Fortunes 18:20 ITV News Central 18:30 Coronation Year in Colour 19:30 ITV News and Weather 19:45 Catchphrase 20:30 Live International Football 23:25 ITV News and Weather 23:40 International Football Highlights 24:25 French Open Tennis

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 British GT Championship 08:00 The Grid 08:30 FIM World Superbikes 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 The Morning Line 11:00 Frasier 11:30 Frasier 12:00 The Big Bang Theory 12:25 The Big Bang Theory 13:00 The Simpsons 13:30 The Simpsons 14:00 Channel 4 Racing 17:30 Come Dine with Me 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:05 Come Dine with Me 19:35 Come Dine with Me 20:05 Channel 4 News 20:30 Grand Designs 21:30 Transformers 24:15 Jimmy Carr: Making People Laugh

07:00 Childrens TV 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 11:05 Power Rangers: Super Samurai 11:40 ThunderCats 12:05 Highland Emergency 12:35 WW1’s Tunnels of Death: The Big Dig 13:40 Emergency Bikers 14:40 CSI: Miami 15:30 CSI: Miami 16:30 CSI: NY 17:25 CSI: NY 18:25 The Vikings 20:25 5 News Weekend 20:30 NCIS 21:30 NCIS 22:20 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 23:15 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:10 Neighbours

07:00 Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:25 Coronation Street 09:45 Emmerdale 12:15 Beethoven 14:00 You’ve Been Framed!

14:30 You’ve Been Framed!

15:00 You’ve Been Framed!

15:30 You’ve Been Framed!

16:00 You’ve Been Framed!

16:45 Britain’s Got Talent 18:20 Britain’s Got Talent Results 18:50 The Scorpion King 20:40 The Mummy 23:00 Britain’s Got More Talent 24:00 Celebrity Juice 24:45 Unbreakable

E4

07:00 Heartland 07:45 Greek 08:30 Make It or Break It 09:35 Gok’s Style Secrets 10:35 Ugly Betty 11:35 Scrubs 12:05 Scrubs 12:35 Scrubs 13:00 Glee 14:00 Charmed 15:00 Made in Chelsea 16:00 Rules of Engagement 16:30 Rules of Engagement 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Rules of Engagement 18:25 The Mindy Project 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Happy Endings 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 2 Broke Girls 22:00 Cocktail 24:05 The Inbetweeners

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:00 The Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freesports on 4 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:40 The Big Bang Theory 14:10 The Big Bang Theory 14:40 The Simpsons 15:10 The Simpsons 15:40 Brewster’s Millions 17:45 Deal or No Deal 18:50 Ice Age 20:25 Channel 4 News 20:55 The Political Slot 21:00 Spying on Hitler’s Army: The Secret Recordings 22:00 Nine 24:15 Dreamgirls

07:00 Childrens TV 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 Toby’s Travelling Circus 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:45 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 11:05 Power Rangers: Super Samurai 11:40 ThunderCats 12:05 Inside Hollywood 12:10 Cowboy Builders 13:10 World’s Craziest Police Pursuits 14:15 Scooby-Doo 15:55 Richie Rich 17:45 Stargate 19:55 5 News Weekend 20:00 Cricket on 5 21:00 Once Upon a Time 22:00 The Switch 24:05 Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

06:40 ITV2 Nightscreen

07:00 Switched 07:20 Make It or Break It 08:10 Gok’s Style Secrets 09:05 Ugly Betty 10:00 Scrubs 10:30 Scrubs 11:00 Hollyoaks 13:30 Made in Chelsea 14:30 Glee 15:30 Charmed 16:30 How I Met Your Mother 17:00 How I Met Your Mother 17:30 How I Met Your Mother 17:55 Revenge 18:50 The Mindy Project 19:20 New Girl 19:50 The Big Bang Theory 20:15 The Big Bang Theory 20:45 The Big Bang Theory 21:15 Zoolander 23:00 The Inbetweeners 23:30 The Inbetweeners 24:00 Rude Tube

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Emmerdale 09:30 Coronation Street 12:00 You’ve Been Framed!

13:00 The Little Vampire 15:00 Evan Almighty 17:00 Britain’s Got Talent 18:30 Britain’s Got Talent Results 19:00 A Cinderella Story 21:00 Rumor Has It..

23:00 The Only Way Is Essex 23:50 Big Rich Texas 24:50 Terminator 2: Judgment Day

54

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Life TV

31th May - 6th June

MONDAY 3rd June BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 12:30 Cowboy Trap 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 Perfection 16:45 Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Fake Britain 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 The People’s Coronation with David Dimbleby 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 24:20 The Graham Norton Show

07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:05 Homes Under the Hammer 08:05 Don’t Get Done in the Sun 08:35 Cowboy Trap 09:20 Chefs: Put Your Menu Where Your Mouth Is 10:05 Coast 11:05 Country Show Cook Off 11:35 Click 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Animal Park 14:45 Weakest Link 15:30 Mastermind 16:00 Springwatch in the Afternoon 16:45 Fred Dibnah’s Made in Britain 17:15 Life in Cold Blood 18:15 Flog It! 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 The Chef’s Protege 20:00 Henry VIII: Patron or Plunderer?

21:00 Springwatch 22:00 The Fall 23:00 What a Load of Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The Tudors

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 ITV News Central 15:00 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 The Dales 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Vicious 22:30 The Job Lot 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 French Open Tennis

07:00 Childrens TV 08:05 Will & Grace 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Canada 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:40 SuperScrimpers 13:50 The Prince and the Pauper 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Dispatches 21:30 Food Unwrapped 22:00 Skint 23:00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 24:05 Random Acts 24:10 Alan Carr: Chatty Man

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Mio Mao 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Cowboy Builders 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:20 NCIS 16:20 Murder on the 13th Floor 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 The Gadget Show 21:00 The True Story 22:00 Why Did Oscar Pistorius Kill Our Daughter?

23:00 Pistorius Trial: The Key Questions 24:00 AVP: Alien vs Predator

ITV2

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:25 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:10 You’ve Been Framed!

09:40 Judge Judy 10:05 The Only Way Is Essex 10:50 The Only Way Is Essex 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:35 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Judge Judy 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

22:00 The Break-Up 24:10 Celebrity Juice 24:55 Celebrity Juice

E4

07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 Desperate Housewives 09:45 Scrubs 10:15 Rules of Engagement 10:45 90210 11:40 Ugly Betty 12:40 Charmed 13:35 Hollyoaks 14:05 How I Met Your Mother 14:35 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 15:30 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:30 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 New Girl 21:30 The Mindy Project 22:00 Revenge 23:00 Made in Chelsea 24:00 8 Out of 10 Cats 24:50 The Big Bang Theory

Online Booking now ! le availab

TUESDAY 4th June BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 The Coronation: 60th Anniversary Service 13:00 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 Perfection 16:45 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Frankie 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Unspeakable Crime: Rape 24:35 Lady in the Water

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 08:30 Cowboy Trap 09:15 Chefs: Put Your Menu Where Your Mouth Is 10:00 Watchdog 11:00 Paul Hollywood’s Bread 11:30 Homes Under the Hammer 12:30 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Animal Park 14:45 Super League Show 15:30 Mastermind 16:00 Springwatch in the Afternoon 16:45 Fred Dibnah’s Made in Britain 17:15 Life in Cold Blood 18:15 Flog It! 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 The Chef’s Protege 20:00 The Coronation: 60th Anniversary Service Highlights 21:00 Springwatch 22:00 Town with Nicholas Crane 23:00 Later Live with Jools Holland 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The Tudors

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 21:00 Animal Heroes 22:00 Dirty Britain 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 French Open Tennis

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:05 Will & Grace 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Canada 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 Kirstie’s Vintage Gems 13:55 The Way Ahead 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Embarrassing Bodies: Live from the Clinic 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 24 Hours in A&E 24:05 Skint

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Mio Mao 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The True Story 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Cowboy Builders 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Looney Tunes 16:25 The Pledge 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 Revealed 21:00 The True Story 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 Body of Proof 23:55 CSI: NY 24:55 CSI: Miami

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Coronation Street 08:25 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:10 You’ve Been Framed!

09:40 Judge Judy 10:05 The Only Way Is Essex 10:50 The Only Way Is Essex 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:35 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Coronation Street 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

22:00 Rumor Has It..

24:00 Celebrity Juice 24:45 Unbreakable

07:00 Switched 07:20 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 Desperate Housewives 09:40 Scrubs 10:10 Rules of Engagement 10:40 90210 11:35 Ugly Betty 12:35 Charmed 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:25 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 New Girl 22:30 The Mindy Project 23:00 The Cleveland Show 23:30 8 Out of 10 Cats 24:15 Rude Tube

WEDNESDAY 5th June BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 12:30 Cowboy Trap 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 Perfection 16:45 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 Watchdog 22:00 The Apprentice 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 A Question of Sport 24:05 Surrogates

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 08:30 Escape to the Country 09:15 Chefs: Put Your Menu Where Your Mouth Is 10:00 Great Bear Stakeout 11:00 Driven: The Fastest Woman in the World 12:00 BBC News 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 Animal Park 14:45 Weakest Link 15:30 Mastermind 16:00 Springwatch in the Afternoon 16:45 Fred Dibnah’s Made in Britain 17:15 Nature’s Great Events 18:15 Flog It! 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 The Chef’s Protege 20:00 Coast 20:30 Springwatch 21:30 Springwatch Unsprung 2013 22:00 The Iraq War 23:00 The Apprentice: You’re Fired 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The Tudors

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 All Star Mr & Mrs 22:00 Love and Marriage 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 French Open Tennis

07:00 The Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:05 Will & Grace 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Canada 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 Kirstie’s Handmade Treasures 13:40 The Cruel Sea 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Location, Location, Location 22:00 D-Day: As It Happens 23:00 10 O’Clock Live 23:55 Random Acts 24:00 Sex on Wheels

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Mio Mao 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Emergency Bikers 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Frontline Police 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:05 Cheating Fate 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 D-Day: The Ultimate Conflict 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Murder Files 24:00 CSI: NY

07:00 Emmerdale 07:55 Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:25 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:10 You’ve Been Framed!

09:40 Judge Judy 10:05 The Only Way Is Essex 10:50 The Only Way Is Essex 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:35 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:30 Judge Judy 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Coyote Ugly 23:00 The Only Way Is Essex 23:50 Big Rich Texas 24:50 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Switched 07:20 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 Desperate Housewives 09:40 Scrubs 10:10 Rules of Engagement 10:40 90210 11:35 Ugly Betty 12:35 Charmed 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 15:30 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:25 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:25 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 The Wedding Planner 23:05 Rude Tube 24:05 Made in Chelsea

31 may - 6 June 2013

55

THURSDAY 6th June BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 12:30 Cowboy Trap 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 Perfection 16:45 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Waterloo Road 22:00 Life Savers 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

07:05 Homes Under the Hammer 08:05 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 08:35 Cowboy Trap 09:20 Chefs: Put Your Menu Where Your Mouth Is 10:05 Great Continental Railway Journeys 11:05 Country Show Cook Off 11:35 HARDtalk 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Animal Park 14:45 Weakest Link 15:30 Mastermind 16:00 Springwatch in the Afternoon 16:45 Fred Dibnah’s Made in Britain 17:15 Nature’s Great Events 18:15 Flog It! 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 The Chef’s Protege 20:00 Bill Bailey’s Jungle Hero 21:00 Springwatch 22:00 The Most Dangerous Man in Tudor England 23:00 The Sarah Millican Television Programme 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The Tudors

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 ITV News Central 15:00 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs 22:00 David Walliams: Snapshot in Time 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 Vicious 24:05 The Job Lot 24:35 French Open Tennis

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:05 Will & Grace 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Canada 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 SuperScrimpers 13:45 The Hindenburg 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Super Tornado 22:00 D-Day: As It Happens 23:00 The Alps Murders 24:05 24 Hours in A&E

07:00 Childrens TV 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Make Way for Noddy 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 World’s Craziest Police Pursuits 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Revealed 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:20 CSI: NY 16:10 Hunger Point 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 Britain’s Closest Encounters 21:00 Did We Land on the Moon?

22:00 Coma

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:25 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:10 You’ve Been Framed!

09:40 Judge Judy 10:05 The Only Way Is Essex 10:50 The Only Way Is Essex 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:35 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Judge Judy 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:15 Johnny English 23:00 Lemon La Vida Loca 23:50 Celebrity Juice 24:35 Fake Reaction

Crossword solutions 710 CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 7 In so many words; 8 Cogitate; 9 Shed; 10 Knight; 12 Intern; 14 Manful; 16 Drills; 18 Levi; 20 Vivacity; 22 Set his teeth on.

Down: 1 Insomnia; 2 Boring; 3 Gala; 4 Lyre-bird; 5 Posset; 6 Edge; 11 Televise; 13 Relation; 15 Flight; 17 Incite; 19 Eyes; 21 View.

QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 7 Reprehensible; 8 Nonsense; 9 Oust; 10 Hinder; 12 Verify; 14 Infant; 16 Lessen; 18 Chic; 20 Rigorous; 22 Uninteresting.

Down: 1 Devotion; 2 Prised; 3 Shun; 4 Interval; 5 Vigour; 6 Alas; 11 Retarded; 13 Frequent; 15 Accent; 17 Sprite; 19 Hunt; 21 Glee.

E4 07:00 Switched 07:20 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 Desperate Housewives 09:40 Scrubs 10:10 Rules of Engagement 10:40 90210 11:35 Ugly Betty 12:35 Charmed 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 15:30 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:25 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 How I Met Your Mother 22:00 The New Normal 22:30 2 Broke Girls 23:00 Come Dine with Me 24:00 Fresh Meat 24:55 The Big Bang Theory

What’s on Viva TV this week VIVA TV broadcasts on the Torresat Networks every day from 2.00pm until 10pm.

And you can watch all our programmes and find our full listings at www.vivatv.es

Friday 31st May Celebrity Archive – Former Ryder Cup European team captain and father of sports presenter Kirsty – Bernard Gallacher. 18.00

Tuesday 4th June Hunt for Giant Sturgeon(series) – a group of local anglers go in search of these massive fish.

18.45

Saturday 1st June An Evening With... for those about to Rock....the Torrevieja Rockfest live at the Eras de la Sal. 19.00 Sunday 2nd June Hip Hop Alicante Style – A look at the young underground music scene in Alicante. 18.05

Wednesday 5th June Dramatic Licence presents - Entertaining Angels - a clergy wife, Grace, who has spent a lifetime on best behavior, now, following the death of her husband Bardolph, is enjoying the new-found freedom to do and say exactly as she pleases.

18.05

Monday 3rd June Youth Tube – We invited a group of youngsters into the studio to discuss what life is like for them in Spain. 18.15

Thursday 6th June Speekee (NEW series) A fun and entertaining way to learn Spanish for our younger viewers. – El Parque 18.05

56

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Life events

Careline plays Cluedo AMATEUR DETECTIVES in the audience of Careline Theatre’s latest production ‘Murder in Company’ were given the chance to solve the murder mystery and win a bottle of bubbly.

By Jack Troughton IT WAS a stylish touch to get everyone involved in a classic who dunnit – set in a church hall as an amateur group of thespians rehearse their latest show....a who dunnit!

Anyone who has played the popular board game Cluedo knows an accusation has three elements.

Here the ‘weapon’ and location were no problem – the electric water heater in the kitchen.

The victim was the rather creepy hall caretaker Ted Smith, Andy Crabb obviously enjoying the role of a ‘jobsworth’ given his little empire by the vicar. Ted also has a talent for blackmail and was set up by the killer for a dramatic electrocution when mending the malfunctioning boiler.

The police investigation reveals

nothing. An inquest records an accidental death but back at rehearsals, hysterical and scared teenage actor Patricia wants out of the theatre group – believing there is a murderer in its number.

Her fears set up a dramatic head to head – instead of enter the boys in blue or a Poirot, the actors run through suspects and motives.

Naturally, no-one can quite believe one of them is a killer and while most has reason to dislike Ted, was it enough to do away with him?

PROWLER Crucially, one of them is missing from the scene – stage manager Ronnie Meadows (Andy Headford) - and everyone seems to have forgotten the mysterious prowler casting a shadow over

the community, even attacking Doris (Kaye Stubley) – who refuses to call the police suspecting dictatorial dictator Philip (Dennis Arthurs) was culprit.

However, after a long interval in the pub, Ronnie returns and, fired up with alcohol, spits out he is tired of being the clown and reveals a psychopathic hatred for people in general and women in particular – doing away with Ted because the caretaker knew too much.

Congratulations to two of

Careline’s newest team members for totally convincing performances, Tori Thorman as Patricia, the teenager mooning over young Alan Wilson, and Alan - played by Scott Hamer – who is blind to her affection, too much in love with director’s wife Margaret and prepared to fight all and sundry to prove it.

Candida Wright skilfully became Margaret – enjoying an illicit relationship with her toy boy and petrified at the thought of being caught out. The fictional cast’s

one former professional luvvie Phoebe was played by an on form Linda Arthurs, while Dennis Arthurs bounced between being a bully and good egg as director Philip.

Murder in Company provided an enjoyable night out with some nice comic touches. Once or twice the play teetered on the brink of the melodramatic but managed to step back. In the end it did exactly what it said on the ‘suspect card’ – Ronnie Meadows in the kitchen, with the electric water heater.

Life recipes

Steamed Sponge with Pear, Dates and Figs Something comforting to follow a roast Sunday lunch. Well worth the time and effort involved.

• 115g butter • 90g sugar • The grated zest and juice of an orange • 2 eggs • 115g self-raising flour • 100g dried figs, coarsely chopped • 100g dates, stoned and coarsely chopped • 1 medium pear, peeled, cored and diced • 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1. Grease and flour a two-litre pudding basin (plastic or pyrex is best) and set aside.

2. Weigh out and prepare all the ingredients, then mix the diced pear with the cinnamon.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a wooden spoon until you have a smooth consistency (you will find this easier if the butter is at room temperature). Add the eggs, one at a time, and continue to beat, then add the orange juice and zest and beat some more (an electric mixer will help at this stage) until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Sift the flour into the mixture and

beat again until you have a sloppy mix (it should just about cling to a spoon add a little milk if the mixture is too stiff or more flour if too soft).

5. Fold the pear, figs and dates into the sponge mix and spoon into the pudding basin. Cover loosely with foil and tie with string then place in a large pan of boiling water so that the water comes half way up the basin (or use a steamer if you have one). Cover with a lid and

steam the pudding over very low heat for 1½ - 2 hours until the sponge is set.

Check occasionally and top up the water if necessary.

6. Turn out the pudding onto a large plate and serve with a blob of fresh cream or mascarpone.

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: 2 hours

If you have a recipe you would like to share with RTN Readers, email your recipe and if possible a photo to rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

Dress to impress

By Jack Troughton TIME TRAVEL back to the days of glam rock and ABBA at the Seventies Night on Saturday 8th June, a fund raiser in aid of animal charity AKIRA. Finca Abril near Benissa is hosting the event and people are urged to ‘dress to impress’ with dancing to the ever-popular OK Band.

Tickets are 20€ including food by Jalon’s Restaurant Salamanca and a free bar, with the fun starting at 7.30pm.

For tickets and information call Pauline on 625 767 781 or email finca.abril@gmail.com for ticket reservations and directions. AKIRA now has a website www.akira-animals.com.

Tea is served

By Jack Troughton THE FIRST Sunday of the month is a chance to enjoy a cuppa and a chat at Jalon Valley HELP’s Casa de Animo is Alcalali – so why not pop along on 2nd June?

Between 4pm and 6pm afternoon tea is served to everyone who finds Sunday

a long and lonely day and fancies a bit of friendly company – and as spokesman assured RTN that men were just as welcome, saying: “It is not a ladies only event.” There is no charge but donations of homemade cakes and biscuits are always welcome and so far afternoon tea has proved a popular event and been enjoyed by all. For more information and directions, call 659 624 643.

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Life music

Hangover Tuesday: Rock & Blues Band HANGOVER TUESDAY is an exciting new classic rock and blues band on the Costa Blanca, performing in concert in El Cid’s Bar/Rte. on Tuesday 4th June.

The band consists of three very experienced musicians, playing rock & blues since they were in their teens. Kevin Richardson (lead guitar/vocals), Bob Milner (drums) and Laurence Woodworth (bass guitar) is a multi-talented allrounder who can also play keyboards and numerous brass instruments.

The band is fast gaining a good reputation on the Costa Blanca and they pride themselves on their eclectic mix of songs; from Wishbone Ash, Free, Cream, Deep Purple, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Pink Floyd, Joe Bonamassa, etc., plus some of their own, self-penned songs. Hangover Tuesday will also be performing in the Laguna Ribs, Karting Javea, on Saturday 15th June at 9.30pm.

For bookings and further information call Kevin on 650 208 050 or check out the band’s Facebook page at ‘blues00175’.

Encore – Female Duo ¡ENCORE! ARE a new vocal duo on the Costa Blanca featuring Amanda Wright and Suzanne Gibbard. Come along and listen to their smooth renditions of jazz, easy listening and swing classics.

They perform tracks from artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Norah Jones, Adele, Etta

James, Matt Monroe, Eva Cassidy etc.

Pop in for a drink and enjoy a night of smooth harmonies and outstanding vocal talent, and why not invite your friends and share the experience. For more information contact Amanda on 646 329 403 or Suzanne on 686 832 452 or email:

partywithencore@gmail.com.

Check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EncoreDuo JUNE GIGS Saturday 1st - Lavender Gardens, Finca la Cuta, Jalon: 6.30pm Saturday 8th - Rte. Tribus, Benitachell Friday 14th - Geographic Bar, Arenal Javea: 9pm

JJ Jones: Neil Diamond Guitar & Country Legends JJ JONES is very accomplished singer/ guitarist who has worked the circuit in the south of England, cruise ships and for five years toured Australia with his seven-piece band. His act is a two hour spectacular of Neil Diamond’s hits (from the Hot August Night album to the film The Jazz Singer).

He also has two new shows entitled ‘Guitar Legends’ where he plays covers of bands like Pink Floyd, Santana, Led Zeppalin, Gary Moore, Dire Straits, Hank Marvin and ‘Country Legends’ playing all the classic Country Music hits - finishing the night with his 60s to 90s party set. For more info phone 622 765 932, check out www.neildiamond-tributeshow.com or email: neildiamondtribute1@gmail.com

BOOKINGS Friday 31st May - Systic Fibrosis Charity Event, Lliria Saturday 1st June - Coll De Rates Restaurant (CV715), Parcent: 1.30pm Saturday 1st - El Paraiso Bar/Rte Parcent, Parcent: 9pm Monday 3rd - Tropical Cabaret Bar, Benidorm: 9pm (Every Monday & Wednesday) Tuesday 4th - Tower Lounge Bar, Benidorm: 9.30pm (Every Tuesday) Sunday 9th - Moraira Music Festival, Moraira: 9.30pm Saturday 15th - Bistro Bulgaria, Polaris Golf Resort, Murcia Saturday 22nd - Bar La Torre, Alcalali

31 may - 6 June 2013

Feeding the hungry

By Jack Troughton STARVED OF the magical live performances of Gilbert and Sullivan’s evergreen light opera, a Costa Blanca audience lapped up some of the best moments of the pair’s 11 most popular works.

The Calpe Gilbert and Sullivan Society staged its annual show over two nights in Benissa and chose to present a ‘best of’ – received as a “clever and welcome idea”.

Self-confessed Gilbert and Sullivan ‘nut’ Chris Allen explained: “Clever because more members of the Society get a chance to perform than in the limited parts available in one show.

“And welcome because the audience get a chance to dip into the best moments of Gilbert and Sullivan’s 11 most popular operas, which is basically all of them from their first major success of “Trial by Jury” to their last big hit, “The Gondoliers” fourteen years later. Although two further operas followed and weren’t exactly flops, it was clear by the time of these that G&S had seen their best years.”

WITTY He said the excerpts were linked by “witty narration” to give enough of the storyline to place each selection into context and included ‘hits’ such as ‘Three Little Maids’ from the Mikado: ‘When the Foeman Bears His Steel’ from Pirates of Penzance; ‘Expressive Glances’ from Princess Ida; and ‘In a Doleful train’ from Patience.

Chris added: “The most personable principals were admirably supported by a sizeable chorus of ladies looking sumptuous in beautiful Victorian-style day dresses and gentlemen looking as elegant as I think it is possible to be in immaculate black-tie dress.

“It was especially nice to see a good age mix in the company and encouraging seeing so many younger performers.”

And he said keeping the company together musically was the society’s co-founder Aileen Lightfoot, and “a trio of piano, keyboard and cello that filled the auditorium with sound you’d think beyond their number.”

Next year CAGGS returns with the ‘fairytale’ Iolanthe – a satire on Britain’s political system’ and one of Chris’ personal favourites.

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Life health

My sciatica isn’t getting better!

AFTER WEEKS or months with painkillers and anti-inflammatory treatment the pain is still there!

It’s important to have a correct diagnosis to be able to assess the problem correctly. That is where most treatments fail before even starting.

If you are suffering from pain that doesn’t go past the back of your knee (gluteus and hamstring pain) or pain on the front of the thigh, it’s more than likely that you haven’t got sciatica symptoms but are suffering from some other disorders that are mentioned further down. In most cases these symptoms have a very simple solution with osteopathic treatment and patients recover very well.

Sciatica is a series of symptoms (lower back, gluteus and leg pain, numbness or tingling, weakness…) that can be caused by a series of different things. What most people understand is that there is a compression of the sciatic nerve caused by the inflammation generated by a prolapsed or herniated intervertebral disc that irritates the nerve and therefore causes pain. In this case medication is necessary to help reduce the inflammation and a correct osteopathic treatment is needed to improve the situation and prevent it from returning.

But there are many other things that can cause sciatica-type pain: • There are muscles that can compress the sciatic nerve.

• Many muscles themselves can give pain around the lower back all the way down to the ankle or even on the front of the thigh and knee.

• Certain ligaments and joints can also refer pain around the lower back and down the back of the leg.

• Osteoarthritis of the lower back can also have an effect that is similar to that of a herniated intervertebral disc.

In cases like these anti-inflammatory treatment and painkillers aren’t a solution because they don’t treat the problem, they cover up the symptoms which can then return later on. That’s why treating the source of the pain helps you recover from the disorder.

There are various treatments that can help improve or cure these problems such as: • Osteopathic manipulations to unblock certain vertebrae that may be rotated or lacking movement • Osteopathic manipulations to unblock and improve the mobility of the sacroiliac joints or the sacrum which have a big influence on the sciatic nerve • Treatment of muscle trigger points using manual treatment such as pressure, stretching, massage.

• Treatment of muscle trigger points applying dry needling with acupuncture needles or electro-acupuncture.

• Neuromeningeal manipulation to restore mobility to the nerve therefore improving its functionality.

• Cranial-sacral therapy to help restore the meninges (layers of membranes that envelope the central nervous system).

All these treatments are very effective but only work if there is a correct diagnosis of the disorder. It is important to visit your doctor and your osteopath to evaluate and make a correct diagnosis.

This article was written by Simon Ratcliffe, Osteopath, Family Medical Centre, Albir. Should you wish to speak about any health issues please call 96 686 5072 or email info@albirfamilymedicalcentre.com

MABS in fashion

Models pose for pictures

HIGH STREET Heaven’s catwalk show of spring and summer fashions raised 800 for the MABS Cancer Support group.

By Jack Troughton MORE THAN 100 ladies went to the Inn on the Green in Javea to enjoy a cava reception and afternoon tea – as well as being inspired by the clothes.

MABS relies on donations and fund raising to be able to support those affected by cancer – and helps provide advice, transport and nursing care.

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Life people

Age Concern thank RTN Readers

by Keith Nicol EARLIER IN the year, the manager of Torrevieja’s Age Concern Charity shop, Wilma, asked for help in stocking up their store with winter clothes. Such was the response from RTN readers that she contacted us again and wanted to pass on her thanks to everyone who came and dropped off clothes at the shops and the drop in centre of Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur. Even though the weather has been changeable during May, the temperatures are rising and they do have some great offers in the shops at this time. Wilma also wished to remind readers that the shops are open all year round and they still have costs to meet, so if anyone has any summer clothes, or any items that you don’t need, they would be delighted to have them. The Torrevieja

shop is just 100 yards from Torrevieja’s bus station, on the corner of C/ Patricio Zamat and Concordia.

With the annual Summer Fayre to be held on Saturday, 8 June, 2013, the shops are busy sorting out items to take to the Fayre and thus hope to be restocking and brightening up their their shops for the summer season.

The Fayre starts at 11.00am. The Fayre outside their Headquarters, located on C/ Paganini, in Urb La Siesta, Torrevieja, beside the Policia Local Station.

The fundraising event will have many market stalls plus clothes and other items from their Charity Shops. There will also be a Prize Draw Raffle, with tickets available from the Centre and Charity Shops.

Donations for the Raffle, Tombola and all events would be most welcome. The usual

Mirror Mirror on the wall

by Keith Nicol WITH THOUGHTS of summer, beaches, holidays, swimming foremost on the mind, Pantomime may be one of the last things that one thinks of in June. However, local groups are planning well ahead for their up and coming shows and the Rojales Panto Group are holding auditions for their next Pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

So, in their own words, “Mirror Mirror on the wall, will you Audition for us all?” If you fancy treading the boards and

Shop Manager Wilma with some of the Monday volunteers at Age Concern

stalls will be gratefully accepted.

Age Concern shops are always seeking volunteers who can give them just four hours of their time each week to help out.

The shops are in great need of clothing, bric-a-brac, small items of furniture,

having a bit of traditional British Panto fun, they are holding auditions on Friday 14 June at 2.00pm in the Quesada Cultural Centre, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is written and directed

by Barry Cox with Christine Smith and choreography by Mandy Bartlam and this promises to be the group’s most ambitious project to date.

There will be nine principle roles to fill with lots of opportunity for chorus work. The group are also seeking anybody who wishes to become involved helping Front of house, back stage, painting, costumes etc.

records, DVD’s books and almost anything you don’t need. Don’t worry of you can’t get to any of the shops or the drop-in centre as Age Concern can also collect; just phone 966 786 887 for any information concerning Age Concern.

The Panto group have raised thousands of Euros for local worth causes as well as entertaining the public. If you fancy yourself as a budding actor/actress why not come along and have a bite of the apple? you may fall under its enchantment and we promise you wont fall under the spell of the sleeping death, well; not unless you are their Snow White! So,why not go along and meet everyone ,give it a go and join your local panto.

If you are interested, please contact Barry bazbov@yahoo.co.uk or Christine shimserv@googlemail.com.

“Mirror Mirror on the wall, will you answer to their call?”

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Silverfox Removals – Moving made easy!

“We can’t be beaten on price or service for local removals!”

SILVERFOX REMOVALS of Moraira cover the whole of Spain and beyond including regular trips to and from the UK. Local removals in and around the Costa Blanca are still ongoing and we have just bought a new truck that is dedicated to this type of work. Our service to and from the UK is tailor made for each client , whether it be a few boxes of personal items to full house removals, all size removals are welcome and carried out with competence and care. Packing service for fragile items is always free.

We can guarantee collection dates, storage until it leaves for the UK is free and with a truck leaving every 2 weeks we

really do try to work out the schedule to meet the clients preferred dates.

“A thoroughly efficient service!”

SilverFox Removals are one of only a handful of removal companies that are serious about a long term commitment to removals in Spain. Most come and go, but we are motivated to keep going from strength to strength and we always keep in mind that a recommendation is the always best way forward.

Our service is a personal one, you and your things will be treated with respect and good old fashioned politeness is the norm for all our friendly staff. Please feel free to call regarding any aspect of removals, storage or even just for friendly advice.

See what our customers are saying: “Thanks for keeping me informed, brilliant service Andrew. Christiane Woolsten, Boston USA” “Thanking you for your hard work and excellent attitude to a difficult job. Brian Ward, Torquay.”

“Well done Andrew, a great team and the removal was very professional. Thanks. B Wheeler, Moraira.”

Call Andrew anytime 966 495 097 or 636 609 555 or email: andrew@silverfoxremovals.com

Same day online quotes! Please go to:

www.silverfoxremovals.com

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Life horoscopes You’re beginning to get the picture and can better understand someone’s underhand behaviour just recently. Though the smokescreen was intended to protect you it wasn’t meant to fool you and it is better knowing now what you do. Planetary influences of Mars in cahoots with Gemini brings some indecision to your next move.

Passport

I HAVE spent the entire week trying to complete my passport application, and found myself getting angrier and angrier. It wasn’t the fact that mid week the British Government saw fit to change existing passport forms for all overseas applicants without prior warning. Neither was it the news that my application had to be sent by courier to Northern Ireland, where all overseas citizens of the UK must now apply.

Counter action with Mars gives you just the confidence to tell It wasn’t the having to wait for up to four weeks for issue, someone where to get off. As nothing else seems to have worked and or the double price Ex Pat’s are charged; and surely it couldn’t because you are suffering as a result, it is high time you took things have been the silver tongued Irish lady I contacted on the into your own hands. No longer is this what it seems, but it is just Passport Info line who cheerily informed me that I would what you want it to be instead, so steer your own ship from now on. experience a better service? For that I am still waiting. No…. what made me tetchy was the thoughts of aging that came Regrets and broken promises bring a sombre energy into your into my head and the realisation of the addition of another immediate emotions. However you are so distracted by the action of decade. I am so glad I have lost my first two passports. another who really needs your tender loving care right now that you Happily at 19 years of age I went on my travels with my haven’t stopped to realise. It gets easier as Mercury helps you to make second passport and experienced Ibiza and Paris and the most of communications now available to you. rediscovered New York. I was young and free and studying, Mercury takes on new responsibilities as a dalliance brings subtle soon to become a Teacher and the World seemed such a wonderful challenge. At 29 I was globetrotting and my third energy from Venus and Cancer into play and you are bewitched by the outcome. It is time something went and you need to clear a passport saw me enjoying the travel during school holidays blockage that allows you to see clearly what your next step should and discovering the Costa Blanca and buying a village house.

The fourth passport document allowed me to come to Spain really be, putting you where you could be in the meanwhile. to live and work which was a wonderful step in my life and Standing up for yourself has shown you a side of yourself that something I could never regret. I worked hard and it seemed you like. Whilst others have tried to skim the cream of the current that the fifth passport, issued via the Consul in Alicante, marked a period of stability and came to me so very quickly. situation for what they can get, you know that your options are open Time passes quickly when you pass fifty everyone said, and and that you are free, and about to give someone a run for their they were right although my ageless defiance was notable money. Mars is currently positioned to come to your aid if needed. and persistent.

Venus dramatically enters into your birth sign on Saturday and brings Now here I am on the threshold of my sixth passport, with it love on several levels for you to freely share. This is a time to be surrounded by the people who love you and support you; but whom you have had such little time to appreciate and thank for their active support over the past weeks and their faith in you.

Take a look away from the tried and tested stubbornness of your determination and put your energies into the formation of something very new and special. You so easily retreat inside yourself when you are unsure, but currently you need to explore outside of the box and come up with your own conclusions for a change.

Kennys diary

You’ll find it hard to put a finger on it, but you know that something isn’t right and it’s time to piece together the jigsaw. In hindsight it would have been better not getting involved, but you weren’t to know that somebody would move the goal posts. When all is said and done the nearing Neptune retrograde will help you clear the decks.

You knew that what you did was right and you knew that you wouldn’t get any thanks for getting involved, but you also knew that you had to do what you did. This week sees the positive energy of hard working and durable Mercury bringing things on, and though the harm has been done you will not suffer as a result.

Take a long hard look at your finances as it is harder than ever to balance the books right now. As a corner develops between Mars and Gemini there is no running away from a fiscal compromise. In fairness a repaid debt would put you back on track, but this is not going to be immediately forthcoming so don’t bank on it.

Having made the most of something you are in a frame of mind that is hoping something turns up for the books. With Neptune about to retrograde and the dominant actions of Gemini bringing doubt and conflict you might just have a fight on your hands. No worries because an offer, too good to be true, is out there on the horizon.

As Neptune takes a step closer to retrograde in your birth sign there is a time to take urgent action and to make sure that those around you are fully aware of your wants and needs. This would normally be a time for you to go it alone with something, but you know that this is a gamble you can’t take just now.

Albir Readings: The End of the Mayan Calendar has brought the Maya Bistro in Albir a brand new name.

In future it will be known as SOMETHING ELSE. Readings are available on Monday June 3rd and Wednesday June 5th from 17.00. Call for bookings for mini readings on: 966 868 213.

DNA: A Spring Workshop: A one day workshop that helps you to charge your own unique Spiritual DNA. An intensive workshop, open to all, that intensifies, accelerates and inspires Spiritual progress and indicates the clear way ahead. Dates in June or can travel to your own group or organisation. For details please call Kenny directly on 686 361 594 or leave a message on: 96 587 8424.

Meditation Workshop: Working with your Sanctuary is a half day workshop in Meditation technique.

No previous experience necessary and all welcome as we explore our hidden depths. New June dates.

Call for info.

If it’s your birthday this week

Kenny corris www.kennycorris.net knowing that it will take me into pensioner status although I have no plans to retire or stop anything that I take so much pleasure in doing, just yet. The sending off of my passport this week made me take a long look at my life and what I have achieved. I feel very empty without it, and treasure the years which have been so far, so kind.

Spirit doesn’t issue passports, but they do hope sincerely that we should live a life here on Earth without let or hindrance with or without Her Majesty’s express command.

I cannot help wondering what the next ten years will bring, and how wrinkled and aged I will look at 69 when I may be alive and able to take charge of the blessing another passport brings me, God willing. I think it is Spirit that has always kept me young at heart. Seeing new future generations of those who will take on the Spiritual tasks of the future is an inspiration to me. As I wonder where time went and reminisce of wonderful things in my past; I also look forward to experiencing all the things that are yet to come and which I hope I will relish as I am able to. Different things have allowed me to focus and there is so much I know that I have to do before I take my passport free trip to the Other Side. I especially wonder if I wasted time, whether I should have or could have or would have, but I am definitely not a should have, could have, would have, person…..so that’s all right. The twists and turns of life take you on an ever walkable pathway.

Friends, family or neighbours have seen it that I am picked up if I have ever fallen, but also I have made it very clear that I can pick myself if I have to; and that Spirit will help me too the way that they always have done.

New passport, new travel and new beginnings beckon me on for the newest and exciting journeys which are those yet to come. However fast it goes I have no control over life’s destiny, but some compelling desires to fulfil, which I shall, as these are very much my reason to be. I hope to enjoy each minute while I’m in it…Thank Spirit!

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Postbag

Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com

KENNY I know that you know a lot about dreams and I have a dream which comes to me most nights. It shows my Mother with her hands wide open. I can tell from her expression that she is sometimes happy, often sad, but why does she come so frequently…is there something I should be doing? Leona K. Leona, the symbolic gesture of open hands clearly denotes the lack of pain. Your Mother is showing you that she does not suffer anymore. This suggests that she died in pain, probably after a terminal illness. She comes because she can and she comes through to you because you are her best bet and you would not send her away. If the frequency is upsetting you then tell her before you go off to sleep, she will not think badly of you, I promise. There must have been some unfinished business between you that maybe death prevented her running by you. Find a quiet spot and talk directly to your mother. Tell her that you love her and that this is the best way of her reaching you directly, not when you are subconscious.

Start a conversation and the dreams will stop whilst a new contact beckons.

As conflicts have brought you to a new realisation it is time to take on board that which you can whilst showing others that you are not to be messed with. This is indeed a testing time and you are hiding your immediate feelings by being angry with yourself!

Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword ACROSS 6. How overweight associate came to his end?

(7) 7. Thomas loses article to funny insect (5) 9. Observed a cutting tool (3) 10. Didn’t make a will, but had a meal during trial (9) 12. Why the songbird couldn’t sleep? (11) 15. In favour of calling - something to make one angry (11) 17. The very best directors are right (9) 19. Bashful, but will have a fling (3) 21. The French worker rested (5) 22. Sympathy strike at harbour (7)

Word Ladders

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DOWN 1. Up in London a gaping heathen (5) 2. Was prostrate in narrative poem (3) 3. Plot to put fifty in the pot (4) 4. I cannot go because of infection (9) 5. Pare while the abstainer is inside (7) 8. Oppose because is amongst the others (6) 11. Evil grins indicate coating with precious metal (9) 13. He must be a bully! (6) 14. Be perplexed about right relation (7) 16. Part of a plough no single person can own? (5) 18. Bring up the tail (4) 20. See a secret agent (3)

Quick Crossword

ACROSS 6. Of no religion (7) 7. Circular (5) 9. Court (3) 10. Constable (9) 12. Upkeep (11) 15. Resound (11) 17. About (9) 19. Colliery (3) 21. Arbour (5) 22. Wreath (7)

DOWN 1. Criminal (5) 2. Pig-pen (3) 3. Nothing (4) 4. Anticipation (9) 5. Heighten (7) 8. Long and very narrow (6) 11. Brazen (4-5) 13. Nonentity (6) 14. Unfold (7) 16. Titan (5) 18. Close (4) 20. Moose (3)

Euromillions Draw Friday 24th May 2013

7 17 22 27 40 2

3

No ticket won the 85,427,113 Euros Tuesday 28th May 2013

Last weeks crossword answers can be found with the TV listings.

8 13 26 34 38

3

11

One UK ticket won the 95,372,874 Euros

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Life going out

A great day out for Harley Davidson fans

by Keith Nicol AMERICAN DAY looks like having all the elements of being a great day out for fans of Harley Davidson bikes and American Cars. The event takes place at the Harley Davidson dealership in Alicante and promises to be a very American style party day. It’s a full day of live music from some of the best in local bands, bike tests, an American style BBQ with real hamburgers and hot dogs and many more surprises to be revealed, and you’re invited. Best of all, entrance is free and prices have been kept low for T-shirts, accessories, food and drink, so it promises to be a fun day out. For just 6 euro, you will receive a T-shirt, drink and food.

There will be two concerts, a display of bikes, custom choppers and lots of American Cars on show, from Muscle Cars to Hot Rods and everything in between. Can’t wait until Sunday 9 June, no worries because tonight, Friday 31 May sees the return of Noche del Coche to the Marina Salinas in Torrevieja. From 7.30pm until until late, all owners of classic, custom, specialist and interesting cars, bikes and vans, are invited to display their vehicles to the public. Viewing is free and all day parking or displaying in Marina Salinas is just one euro! The new road linking the Vista Alegre to Marina Salinas, through the port area is now open, so drivers and visitors can avoid the normal hold ups caused by the car parking at the Fairground.

For more information please contact Nick on 609 063 614. Plus the traditional Phoenix Car Club’s Ace Cafe meeting takes place on Sunday 2 June from 11.00am at La Torre Hotel in Los Montesinos. Lots to do for car and bike lovers over the next ten days, and don;t forget, if you still have the need for speed, that the film ‘Fast 6’ is now playing, in English with headphones, at the IMF Cines, in Torrevieja.

Alimentos Solidarios collection day

RBL doing it for kids

ON SATURDAY 1 June from 10.00am thru 2.00pm, there will be a food collection event taking place in Torrevieja’s main town square, Plaza de la Constitución. The event, ‘Chistorrada Benefica’ is an annual event in aid of the local charity ‘Alimentos Solidarios’. Bring along 1 litre of milk and / or a packet of biscuits as well as a 2€ donation. In return you will receive a small beer (caña) accompanied by bread and ‘chistorra’ - a type of sausage, typical of this region! It’s there way of saying thank you to the people of Torrevieja who help families in need with a daily meal and basic supplies.

by Keith Nicol ON SATURDAY 15 June 2013 a Fun Day Festival will take place in Playa Flamenca, Orihuela Costa. This is a benefit event for the charity association Fundación Arcos del Castillo and the Royal British Legion.

True to fashion, the event starts at noon with Torrevieja Pipes & Drums leading a parade. Everyone will be assembling in the Mercadona at Play

Flamenca, behind the Town Hall, and from here will march to the beach.

At Playa Flamenca Beach the festival will take place with live music from local artists, a raffle, lots of games for the kids, and for the young at heart, plus fun for the whole family. The live entertainments gets under way at 4.00pm with Paul Michaels, followed by the marvellous tap dance routines from the Crazy Ladies at 4.30. There’s

a double bill at 5.00pm when Dan Davy and Nick Gold take the stage followed by the girls from Footwork Dance, at 5.30. MC for the event is Nick Gold from Sunshine Radio, who will close the show, along with singing a song or three. A fun day out for all the family. Take a picnic, have a swim, enjoy the music and dance and make a day of it, with the first festival day of the summer on the Orihuela Costa.

Life events

UB40 with Ali Cambell for Torrevieja ALI CAMBELL is bringing his UB40 band to Torrevieja in August, to perform for a lucky few thousand people, in the Eras de la Sal.

by Keith Nicol HAVING SPLIT from UB40 back in 2008, he’s put together a 10 piece live instrumental band playing all the favourite hits that made them so popular. A whole generation has grown up listening to Ali’s infectious vocals on classics like ‘One in Ten’ ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘Don’t Break My Heart’ and ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’. Formed in Birmingham in 1978, they took their name UB40 from the form that its members filled in to receive unemployment assistance. During its more than three decades of life, the band has continue realising hit records, reaching 70 million albums sold, and successfully turning around the world.

Ali Campbell has one of the UK’s most distinctive and recognisable voices in the music industry. As lead singer with the world-renowned group UB40, he has sold over 60 million records worldwide, toured across the globe, notched up four number No. 1 world-wide singles, over 40 Top 40 UK singles, released 24 studio albums and received an Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement.

Tickets are limited for this one off concert, that’s most certainly not to be missed, so book now to avoid disappointment. Tickets are on sale from Monday 3rd June from Heat Wave Promotions, who are also organising transport from the Javea and Benidorm areas. Email to pre reserve your tickets now to info@heatwavepromotions.com or contact their hotline 966 792 595.

31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

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Lirica Nostra’s special concert

by Keith Nicol LIRICA NOSTRA, one of Torrevieja’s most diverse and International choirs will offer a very special performance in CC.Virgen del Carmen, Torrevieja, on 31 May. Curtain up at 9.00pm with tickets just 6.00 euros. This special performance will feature the zarzuela or operetta “La Canción del Olvido (The Song of Oblivion)” as a complete concert plus popular pieces from Les Misérables, the The King and I and other popular musicals.

Lirica Nostra is directed by Ángel González: Artistic and Musical Conductor of Lirica Nostra Vocal and Instrumental Choir of Torrevieja and features a chorus and soloists of many different nationalities, with songs sung in different languages, offering a complete and varied program, throughout the year. Tickets are available at the Municipal Box office, online via ServiCam or on the door, depending on availability, from two hours before the show.

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2008 FORD FIESTA 1.4TDCI DIESEL 5 dr.jade met, with charcoal trim, a/c, c/d, remote locking, etc 4995€ 2004 MAZDA MX5 CABRIO, magenta mica metallic, 2005 FORD FOCUS ESTATE 1.6 TDCI DIESEL. Blue met. With grey trim,a/c, c/d, ONLY 50k, 4995€ 2004 HYUNDAI H 200 VAN 2500 DIESEL.LWB, side sliding door,silver with blue trim,c/d,low km,s.

4995€ 2007 SUZUKI SWIFT 1.5glx 5dr silver with black trim, a/c, c/d, alloys, s/history, 4995€ 2005 MAZDA 6 TS2 2.0, 5 door hatch, blue met, with black trim, climate, alloys, cruise, BOSE hi-fi WAS 5,995€ NOW 4995€ 2005 SUZUKI WAGON R+. 1.3 5 dr, sky blue met,with grey trim,a/c c/ d,s/h 3995€ 2003 VW GOLF,1.6 HATCH,black with charcoal trim, alloys, a/c, cruise, c/d hi-fi 3995€ 2002 OPEL AGILA 1.2 5 dr, silver with grey trim, a/c c/ d, low km,s.

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31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

Life cars

Tim Saunders Independent unbiased car reviewer

A young man’s car

THERE IS a fundamental difference between men and women, aside from the obvious, of course. It is that both view cars in completely contrasting ways. Where lads have memories like Top Trumps cards, easily reciting top speeds and power, girls remember the size and colour.

This becomes even clearer when I drive the Subaru WRX STi to the office. “Nice red car and I like the black alloys,” says a young female colleague. “Bet it’s a 2.5-litre with 300bhp,” adds the warehouse manager. I rest my case. It’s interesting that women seem much more interested in aesthetics. And they say men are shallow.

On that point of design, the macho bulges such as the bulbous air vent protruding from the bonnet and the flared wheel arches are reminiscent of a bodybuilder’s flexed muscles. This is a far more obvious muscle car than the Volvo S60 T6, which boasts similar performance but in a more understated package. The WRX feels like a motorist’s protection: nobody is going to mess with you. This vehicle doesn’t need to be driven fast to be appreciated, either.

Once you’ve stopped gawping at the dazzling exterior, the hard Recaro leather sports seats beckon. It’s a comfortable cabin, quite low down and wife Caroline mentions how front occupants have to be slim to be comfortable - too much weight and the Recaro seats would not hug so well. At work the warehouse manager confirms

this point, recalling how his mother could not sit comfortably in the family’s old Impreza and that was the reason it had to be sold.

The Impreza became famous when Colin McRae won the world rally championship in 1995. The WRX builds on the Impreza’s successes - it is most definitely a young man’s car, which becomes clear on pressing the ignition switch. There’s a roar from the twin double exhausts not dissimilar to those magnificent Maseratis. It is a dominant sound, which certainly adds to the sporty feel and is something that enthusiasts will enjoy listening to instead of the radio.

Moving off it takes a little while to familiarise myself with the clutch which doesn’t need to rise much for a gear change. The six-speed box is slick

as you would expect.

The WRX STi, which surprisingly sells for under £30,000, is not just a performance car but a practical family saloon as you can see in the video at testdrives.biz. There is room for five and daughters Harriett and Heidi sit quite comfortably in their car seats in the rear. Child lock is easy enough to engage and the boot is large enough for the weekly shop.

New price: 31,820€ Engine: 2.5 litre 16 valve Power: 295bhp 0-60mph: 5.2secs Top speed: 158mph Economy: 26.9mpg

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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31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

They won’t listen NOEL’S WORLD OF GOLF

By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Alicante Golf 639 730 891

AT THE end of last week I had a conversation with some of our golf course managers at the local golf course where they were gathered to talk about prices for the summer season.

The same old drivel came out about the cost of golf being too low in our area; regardless of how many times we golfers say the prices are too high. Now whilst I was not invited to this meeting I could not help but interfere and said that they really should enter the real world and acknowledge that we are in the middle of a deep recession and golf is not a priority to many people.

The cost of golf in other parts of Spain; where you can play golf seven days per week for less than the cost of two rounds here is the way forward. Annual memberships in some clubs is less than one thousand euros on the costa del sol and there are also special offers for those who travel between their home countries and Spain that enables golfers to play their favourite sport by taking advantage of weekly and monthly memberships.

We saw a downfall in the number of golfers playing in the United Kingdom some years ago and dealt with the problem head on by making numerous special offers to get people back into the sport.

This idea of offering what the customer wants seems

alien to the vast majority of our course managers in our area and I wonder if they will ever really listen to what the customer wants and actually run their businesses as and take their heads out of the sand. The thought of actually listening to a foreigner horrifies many Spaniards but it is these very people who are the biggest percentage of their customer base and should surely get some consideration.

The weather will cause the number of golfers to reduce because of the excessive heat in the next few weeks and we will hopefully see prices drop to an affordable level to encourage people to play. The problem is that unless we purchase annual membership the casual green fee price will increase to absurdly high levels again in September.

After so many years trying to make those in positions of power at our golf clubs listen to their customers I feel they will just not listen and fear they never will, particularly if the advice is from a foreigner.

This is the complete opposite of the attitude a friend and fellow professional of mine saw first-hand in Bulgaria last week where the manager could not get enough information on how his club in England was run as a commercial venture. Is it really any wonder that these new golf holiday destinations are flying past the

Costa Blanca with the golfer in seek of winter sun and good value golf and accommodation? As usual with things here it seems heads will be buried in the sand for many more years and those of us who want to live here and play golf will have to put up with substandard service and higher prices.

I know many will say well if you don’t like it here leave. I and many others love it here and want golf to be affordable for more and more people. The only way to get people to play the game is to make it affordable: can we ever get that message across?

WIN A DOZEN SRIXON GOLF BALLS COURTESY OF GOLF MED Answer the question below correctly to have a chance to win. The winner of this fantastic prize 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 MAY 31ST 2013 Who won last weekend’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth?

All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 2nd June to be entered into May’s draw, to be made on 2nd June 2013. The winner will be announced in RTN on 7th June 2013. To collect your prize you will have to come along to an RTN Golf Club day and meet with Noel Eastwell.

Any questions you have for Noel should be sent to golf@roundtownnews.com - Free golf lesson for all new RTN Golf members! Sign up now, limited offer

The RTN Club Scene ANOTHER GREAT day of golf at Alicante Golf last week saw one of our most regular players take top spot with 42 Stableford points. Wayne McDonnell seriously considered pulling out of the game as the predicted wet weather looked like it was going to give our players a good soaking. Thankfully he changed his mind and the rain lasted just a few short moments before the sun shone through and the temperature rose.

With Alicante Golf playing a little shorter than normal because of the unusual amount of run on the fairways the course was there to be beaten and Wayne certainly did so in style.

Our most successful twos pot winner Charlie Peter had to miss this week’s game much to the relief of all the other players and this week’s winner turned out to be Malcolm Smith who took the pot thanks to a fantastic tee shot on hole 15 to just six feet.

Each week more and more new faces join us and the friendly atmosphere is something that is unique in many golf societies while still having a competitive edge.

We will continue to provide our members with competitive golf throughout the summer and will have a very special offer from Alicante Golf for our members during July and August. Keep an eye on RTN each week for more information.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 31st May - Callaway Golf fitting and demonstration day at Alicante Golf 4th June - RTN Weekly golf meeting at Alicante Golf 11th June - RTN Monthly League golf meeting at Alicante Golf 18th June - RTN Weekly golf meeting at Alicante Golf NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY Quality group lesson available at Alicante Golf from just 10€ per person: contact Noel on 639 730 891 for more information.

First corner crash doesn’t keep Anthony Ford-Dunn down The Supermoto racing brothers from Murcia were in action again over the weekend for the latest round of the Valencian Supermoto championship held at Villena in Alicante. Both brothers qualified their ‘Advance Moves International Removals’ Supermotoland SML450 race bikes on the front row of the gird for the first of their two races.

It was former Spanish champion Israel Escalera who took the early lead with Anthony Ford-Dunn chasing hard in 2nd place followed by former Belgium champion Lionel Deriddier and then Anthony’s older brother Mat FordDunn in 4th. Israel’s pace was just a little too quick for Anthony and the pair finished a close 1st and 2nd , whilst Mat caught and nearly passed Lionel in the closing stages to finish 4th.

Anthony knew that a good start was required in the second race so that he could challenge Israel for the lead and overall win. When the race started the pack charged into the first corner with the first three riders locked together as they all aimed for the same part of the track. Anthony was caught in the middle of the scrap and his bike was flicked into the air sending him sliding down the road. Despite being winded and down for a lap Anthony remounted on his rather second hand looking bike to mount a charge through the pack

Anthony’s crash in race 2

that took him back up to 5th position.

Meanwhile Mat was charging hard and after missing the first corner carnage he settled into 2nd position and built up a healthy lead over the riders behind him.

The brothers results from both races gave Mat the overall win in the SM Masters class and Anthony a brave 3rd position overall in the tougher SM Open

category. With both brothers never finishing off the podium in any of their races this year it looks like they are both looking strong for championship honours, with Mat holding 1st in the Valencian SM Masters, and a close 3rd in the Spanish SM Masters championships, and Anthony currently 2nd in the Valencian Open championship.

31 may - 6 June 2013

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Norman Crusaders victorious

AT THE XXVII Benidorm International Sevens Tournament at Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium 25th & 26th May, the British team the ‘Norman Crusaders’ won the Gold Cup, beating French team Grenoble University 1728 in an exciting and competitive final.

A combination of players from La Vila and the Valencian Community team came together as “C.V. Emerging”, led by Hernán “Falu” Quirelli. The mix of club and county players worked well, the team winning the Silver Cup trophy with a convincing 32-5 victory over the Belgium Barbarians.

In the Bronze Cup, Malaysia snatched victory from the Valencian Community team in a closely fought match that finished 19-22.

Although San Marino and Kazakhstan were not involved in the finals, they also brought some dynamic and exciting rugby to the tournament over the two days.

Despite the difficult climate the club is looking forward to celebrating twenty-eight years of rugby Sevens with fans in Spain when the tournament returns in 2014.

Fishing Maggots End

Victory for George

by

David Hoare 968 199 279

THE COMPETITION this week was the 6th round of the Summer Championship and was held on the Eden canal stretch of the Rio Segura.

After the rain on Tuesday the river had a brisk pace on it and although the colour looked good it did not fish well at all. With virtually all the pegs taken just several anglers managed reasonable weights with three quarters of the field struggling to break two kilos! Alan Roscoe fishing the end peg landed a carp of 4.57 kilos (10.05 lbs) and lost one even bigger…?

TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st - Stan (The Man) Roberts fishing the pole using maggot with 11.85 kilos 2nd - Ian (Irish Wizard) Dalzell fishing the pole using pellet and maggot with 8.93 kilos 3rd - Alan (The Emperor) Roscoe fishing the pole using maggot with 7.38 kilos Peter with the finalists

By Jack Troughton GEORGE WARNE won the first U3A Vall de Pop Singles Knockout Petanca Competition, beating close rival Harry Roskoss 13-10 to lift the trophy and pocket a small cash prize.

There are around 20 regular players meeting every Sunday to test their skills in Castell de Castells – with 16 selected by a draw to compete in the knockout.

Early rounds were the first to nine points, the final the first to 13 and the prize was made up of everyone’s 2€ entry fee.

Peter Guscott – who donated the trophy - presented the George with the silverware and the prize. Everyone is now hoping to polish their skills for next year’s contest.

At the U3A general meeting on 6th June the guest speaker will be former Royal Protection Officer Jim Scottow. He joined the Metropolitan Police in 1971 and became joined the Royal Protection squad in 1988 and will tell of the highs and lows of looking after his charges.

PLEASE NOTE The club has some vacancies at present: if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 96 672 9293 or 603 535 771.

ACCUMULATIVE POINTS AFTER 6 ROUNDS 1st - Dave Hoare with 22 points

2nd - Ian Dalzell with 29 points 3rd - Dave Hutchinson with 34 points The picture is of the Pedrera taken one morning several weeks ago just before a match.

ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS: Supplied by Terry Screen This week we fished the match at Blanca for the 9th round of the Spring Series on 21st May. It was a cold day and the heavy rain from the night before seemed to put the fish off feeding: this embalsa is fed by a river and after rain this seems to affects the fish plus the fluctuation of the levels due to water being drawn off at night for the Hydro Station and the water then rises throughout the day.

There were five dry nets this week but Ian Dalzell dazzled us all with a win of 14.210kg, making this his third win in succession on this water.

1st - Ian (The Wizard) Dalzell with 14.210kg fishing the feeder using hemp 2nd - Dave (The sweetie man) Hutchinson with 4.660kg fishing the feeder using maggot 3rd - Alan (The Chairman) Reid with 4.240kg fishing the feeder and maggot

Torrevieja Cricket Sunday IT’S CRICKET time again this Sunday as Torrevieja CC’s next match is away against Alfas 2nd team, on Sunday 2 June. Torrevieja have never beaten them, however they came close last season when, would you believe it, in Spain, in summer, it rained and the match abandoned. Hopes are high for this match. If you are anywhere near the golf driving range in Altea, go along and cheer them on, or just clap politely! Facilities and refreshments are available at the ground.

All details are available at www.abbeyangling.com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368.

Anglers Together THE OBJECTIVE of Anglers Together was to introduce anglers to each other, who otherwise had no one to fish with or didn’t know where to fish.

It was successful in bringing together many anglers who established friendships and which continue to this day.

No meetings are held now but information is still available via anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk.

Torry Army AGM

The International Supporters Club of FC Torrevieja will hold their AGM on Thursday 20 June at the Casa Ventura in San Luis. The meeting starts at 8.00 pm. All members are encouraged to attend. There will be a Free buffet after the meeting has closed. Nominations for the committee to serve in 2013/14 are invited from current members. If any member would like to put themselves forward for the committee they should pick up a nomination form from the Torry Army office in San Luis. Completed nomination forms, with a proposer and seconder, must be handed in at the Torry Army office in San Luis before Thursday 6 June.

Classified Ads 31 MAY - 6 JUNE 2013

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73

Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2)

In association with TheDirector yForYou Tel: 902 906 192 – www.TheDirector yForYou.com

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UK-SPAIN-IRELAND All European Destinations

Removals with the personal touch. Full/part loads.

Parcels, flat packs, luggage, door to door service, Storage available, pets transported

Phone 965 696 750 • 0044 (0) 7814 010283 email: chrisyounge73979@aol.com

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31 may - 6 June 2013 PET TRANSPORT we treat your pet as if they belong to us and that is our promise. Van fully air conditioned we believe we have the best rates so give Joe a call on 966 074 576 or 650 341 087 for a chat or e mail pawspettransport@hotmail.com

APAD (ANIMAL) CHARITY SHOP Calle San Antonio 1, Jalon.

Open 9.30/1.00 Mon- Sat. Stock needed - clothes, toys, misc. For more info. Tel: Jane 680717118 ALSTRAYS TRANSPORT SERVICES Monthly cat and dog transports between Spain, France, Germany, Holland, Belgium and the UK. DEFA certificate and license. www.alstrays.com.

Tel: 676 653 681

PROTECTAPET Spains leading pet insurance provider. www.protectapet.eu tel: 965 756 371 SMALL DOGS CARED FOR IN OUR OWN HOME So if you need to go away on holiday but don’t want your dog to go into kennels then we will look after them. References available.

Tel: 965843781 Mob: 622514980 (Altea area - Costa Blanca North) TRANS-PET We do regular, doorto-door journeys between the Costa Blanca and the UK.Our aim is to provide a professional, caring service for your pets.Boarding facilities for Cats and Dogs. This may be for an overnight stay or of longer durations.

Tel:600-552-030/965-960-658 www.trans-pet.co.uk

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - COSTA BLANCA Confidential Helpline, South 625 912 078, North 648 169 045. www.aa-costablanca.org.

ZODIAC FOR SALE Boat for sale with launch trailer in perfect working order, fully maintained and licensed by the owner. Zodiac Futura Sport Mk II, 4.2 mtr includes Yamaha 50 hp outboard. Price new was 18.000 €. Asking price 3,900 € Tel.: 96 577 1339 jtepper@terra.es MATILDA 18 TRAILER SAILER € 1800 buys you an eighteen foot yacht on refurbished trailer. Ready to go. Full details 968978827 -636541266 SERENITY SAILING FOR BOAT TRAINING AND YACHT CHARTERS Boat licenses are a legal requirement in Spain. We are a well-established British school providing training and licenses for power boating and sailing. Based in Torrevieja, we travel as far as Gandia to provide own-boat tuition and courses. Want all the action with none of the strain? Then check out our skippered charters, perfect for the whole family this summer! Contact: enquiries@serenitysailing.com / (0034) 638 056 224 / www.serenitysailing.com

EXPERIENCED BRITISH BUILDER Established on Costa Blanca over 20 years. Offers General Building Services, Patterned Concrete and plastering. Call 626 975 244 for No Obligation Fixed Quote. (Northern Costa Blanca) KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, WARDROBES Classic Kitchens, 20 years on the Costa Blanca, call Adrian 676 699 700 JR CONSTRUCTION General Builders and Roofers Tel: 634 617 771 www.jrconstructioncostablanca.com

MOBILE/PARK HOMES FROM 15,000 € Fully furnished ready to move into, Camping Pueblo San Javier. Also homes & plots for rent. Carol 96 819 24 25 Mob. 626 055 622 www.mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE for your home or business at a fair price.

References available. (Altea area) Tel: 965843781 or 622514980

GOLD WANTED English Jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold and Silver jewellery & coins for cash. Call for an appointment. Peter (7 days) 664 890 990. Member of the Nat. ASSN of Goldsmiths

LAPTOP CLEAN HARD DRIVE Internet ready charger Microsoft Office 2007 DVD drive 80.00 Eur Good condition Torrevieja 693956707 BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home.

Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424

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31 may - 6 June 2013 FULL TIME NURSE REQUIRED Paul Cunningham Nurses are looking to employ a full time nurse to join the existing team. Any candidate must be legally able to work in Spain. Own transport essential. Must live within 25km radius from the PCN La Marina base office.We are looking for someone preferably with experience in palliative care & dealing with the elderly. We offer a 24/7 365 days per year service. If you feel that you can offer what we need please send a copy of your CV & RCN registration details in the first instance to traceypcn.s.l@gmail.com ENTHUSIASTIC AGENTS NEEDED for Avon cosmetics. Meet people and turn spare time into cash.

Phone Rosh 966 785 520

DO YOU NEED EXTRA HELP AT HOME? I can help you at home with light duties, cleaning, cooking, housework, shopping etc as a carer. References available.

Altea, Benidorm, Alfaz del Pi area.

Call Trisha for more information on 622 514 980 or 965 843 781

LADIES DANCEFIT WITH L.A DANCE at 4kwatro in Albir, Mondays at 7.30pm, call Louise on 655 781 068 for more information TAPPY TOES DANCE CLASS FOR BABIES from 18 months, at 4kwatro in Albir, 11am, call Louise on 655 781 068 for more information.

LA BAMBA’S - BALLROOM / LATIN / SEQUENCE DANCING Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar CV895 [near Lemon Tree Sunday Market] Monday - Social Dance 8.30pm - 10.30pm [Sequence class 7.30pm - 8.30pm] Friday - Social Dance 7.30pm - 10.30pm Wednesday - New Beginners Class 2pm -3pm Improvers Class 3pm - 4pm Intermediate Class 4pm - 5pm For more information contact Andrea and Brian 616 478 157 FUNKY FREESTYLE DANCE with Louise, every Saturday morning at Villamar Campsite in Albir/ Benidorm, come and learn all the moves and routines to your pop idols! Call Louise on 655-781-068 for more information!

MR FIXIT For all your electrical, Plumbing, General & Appliance & Boiler repairs. No call out charge.

698 320 434 REPAIRS Washing machines, Dishwashers & Dryers. Also Boilers and any electrical problems.

24hours. Cheap prices Tel 626 805 709

EXPERIENCED ENGLISH TEACHER REQUIRED to teach 3-6 year olds in small British

school in Tentegorra, Cartagena.

9am - 5pm, Mon - Friday. Must be reliable, flexible, enthusiastic, energetic, creative and fun! Spanish not essential. Please send C.V to info@abccentro.com WORK AS A CARER IN THE UK Helping Hands - The live-in care specialists are looking for Live-in carers to work in the UK. Salary averages 400-500 pounds per week. For more information call 0808 180 1123 or visit www.hhjobs.co.uk

ALEXANDERS ANTIQUE JEWELLERS pay Top London prices, Est. 2003. Open Mon-Sat, 10am - 2pm. Javea Port seafront.

Tel: 965 792 595 / 667 270 969

MOBILE BARBER For a friendly and reliable experienced Barber look no further 10€ All Cuts Phone Danny 634 342 975

SOS INSURANCE www.sosinsuranceinspain.com Best prices available. CALL US FIRST for all your insurance needs, including best deals on Funeral plans. Buildings and contents cover from just 98 euros per year. Tel 966787123 / 686116297

SATELLITE DISHES 1 METRE FAMAVAL 5 months old includes wall bracket. 35€.

80cm - 20€ Tel:617 781 033 NOR 51 TRAILER FOR SALE Nor51 Trailer. French made trailer in good condition 750 Kilo capacity, spare wheel. tows well. 325 Euros. Hayes, Tel: 690884979. Torremendo near San Muigel de Salinas.

BEAUTIFUL WHITE/GOLD NORITAKE (genuine) 8 place dinner service best offer Tel:965 081 863 R/C PARK FLYERS large selection r/c aircraft park flyers some still boxed, large helicopter all the models electric. brand new motors, servos. chargers. many parts ( props batteries etc ) 550.00 € the lot.

Tel: 650250967 LIGHTWEIGHT WHEELCHAIR Folding, immaculate.150 euro. Mobility scooter.40km range. Road legal. Hardly used.499 euro.627019403 AT MICHAEL’S part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. Photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Fantastic black recliner / massage chair with built in soothing music.

Must try! Photos on: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S we specialize on very high quality pre-owned furniture for half price or less. www.michaels-javea.com Tel 96-579 1328 AT MICHAEL’S Several very high quality coffee tables, large & small. See more than 600 photos: www.michaels-javea.com MICHAEL’S 30 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.

ADVICE WITH THE SPANISH SYSTEM Whatever you need to integrate into the spanish system, we can help you. NIE, residencia, empadronamiento, car import transfer, driving license transfer, schools, doctors, social security.(Benidorm and surrounding areas) Tel: 619 269 408 email: pammcmurchie@hotmail.com ADVISORY SERVICE Need advice on making a will, buying or selling property, tax, resident or non resident, starting a business in spain, we can talk you through and give you the best advice and help you settle in spain. (Benidorm and surrounding areas) Tel: 610 634 506

ASSSA Claims Administrator required for a busy insurance office based in Javea.

You will need to speak English & Spanish and have experience within a similar role. The position will be full time with a contract and will start on the 1st July 2013. If you are interested in this position, please email your current CV to

mandy@jennifercunningham.net

GOLD WANTED English Jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold and Silver jewellery & coins for cash. Call for an appointment. Peter (7 days) 664 890 990. Member of the Nat. ASSN of Goldsmiths

SUZUKI QUAD LT-Z400 SPORT Suzuki Quad LT-Z400 SPORT. Year 2006 (March) Road Legal. Price 2.500 Euros Contact Number-666 172 806 / 965 715 725 My son bought this Quad in

31 may - 6 June 2013

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November 2006 it is spanish registered & has been in storage for the past 3 x years. The mileage is very low as only used around town.

BMW 318 1.8CI CABRIOLET 2003, 106,000kms FSH, AC, ABS, electric windows/mirrors, multi airbags, multispoke alloys, xenon lights with wash, black power hood, heated/memory seats, Metallic blue/grey, full grey leather. 7,950€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com FORD FOCUS 1.6TDCI (90BHP) NEW SHAPE Facelift model, 5 door hatchback, 2008, 88,000kms, 2 owners, FSH, AC, PAS, ABS, Electric windows/mirrors, CD, remote locking, rear head restraints, voice system, bright red. 7,950€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com NOR 51 TRAILER FOR SALE Nor51 Trailer. French made trailer in good condition 750 Kilo capacity, spare wheel. tows well. 325 Euros. Hayes, Tel: 690884979.

Torremendo near San Muigel de Salinas.

VW BEETLE 1.6 (100BHP) CABRIOLET 2003, 2 owners, 58,000kms, FSH, AC, ABS, alloys, CD, Electric windows/mirrors, front fogs, multi airbags, PAS, rear head restraints, remote locking, cream. 8,750€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com

DISCOUNT TYRES Quality Tyres at Recession Prices. 45 Different Brands to choose from.

966875600 info@discounttyres.es MJB MOBILE WELDERS Gates, grills, hinges etc., repaired or new.

No job too small. Fast service.

Low prices. Free Quotes. Call Terry: 966 845 414 / 625 995 470

RENAULT ESPACE INITIALE 2.2 DCI 2004, RHD fully legally imported on Spanish plates, 6 leather captain’s seat. Huge sun roof, key less entry and locking, 78k miles and full service history.

Demountable tow bar. €3600.

Please call 699926423

TORREVIEJA ANNA BEAUTIFUL Ukranian 37 breasted Complete massage and much more.

C/La loma 72 634142747 64 YR OLD MALE SUB/DOM SWITCH If your looking for some real fun contact me now. Speciality more mature women. Xdressers. Home visits/low fees.

Tel: 693478573

WANTED I BUY ANY CAR van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com

MITSUBISHI L200 TWINCAB PICKUP 2.5 litre Turbo Diesel, 2002, 150,000kms, Fully serviced, AC, alloys, PAS, ABS, Front fogs, CD, Electric windows/mirrors, bull bars, rear liner, chrome roll bar, tow bar, Metallic black over silver. Stunning condition.

Must be seen. 6,500€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com FOR SALE Peugeot 2007cc Sport 1.6TH year 2007 Silver Convertable, Manual 5 gears Black & Chrome Interior, Bluetooth, Auto Lighting, Wipers, Side Mirrors, Low Profile Tyres 205/45R17, One Previous owner, 91,000kms, in Perfect Condition and runs like a dream.

8,995€ Plus Transfer, ITV Due 25/05/13 (i will also have it ITV’d for the buyer)! Call 619 054 939 or 96 686 5204 after 19:00hrs

LOOKING FOR A CAR? Good selection of automatics, cabriolets and 7 seaters in stock. We have over 75 LHD and RHD vehicles in stock for sale or exchange.

We have a good selection of vehicles to clear from only 800€ Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com

WANT TO DRIVE your LHD car to the UK and sell it when you get there? Call 658 670 777

NEW COLLEGE UNIVERSITY FRIEND 28,caring,slim,nice body.....excellent services unforgettable 4 hands experience.....

Cabo Roig opposite Pucini’s Restaurant. Building Calas Campoamor 672 872 050 GENERIC VIAGRA EXCLUSIVE First time in Spain 120mgs. Also Kamagra 100mgs, Generic Cialis 20mgs, and jellies. Local and Nationwide service. Pay on Delivery. www.costablues.com or phone Colin 680 878 735 SOPHIE ESCORT Slim elegant naughty lady. Hotel/home visit available. Tel:693 357 526 THE BLUE PILL NOW EVEN BETTER. From €2, other products available. Don’t miss out. Derek 685 207 378

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31 may - 6 June 2013

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 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

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired.

Professional, conscientious 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 18 years experience. 10 years served on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966-774-199 or 678-080-500 www.pristineswimmingpools. com NO CALLOUT CHARGE

MOBILE/PARK HOME 2 bedrooms en-suite fully fitted. Camping Pueblo San Javier 22,000€.

Carol 96 819 24 25 Mob 626 055 622. www.mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com SELLING YOUR HOUSE? Sold your house? Moving funds back to the UK? Don’t let your Spanish Bank take up to 1% of your sale price, Talk to MoneyCorp now about how to save up to 4,500€* Moneycorp’s repatriation service can help you drastically reduce or even eliminate Spanish bank fees when sending your property sale proceeds back to the UK. Call Moneycorp +34 902 887 243 and quote RTN to get more out of your money. www.moneycorp. com/roundtownnews 3 BED APARTMENT ALTEA LA VELLA 110m squared, 3 double bedrooms - 2 with patio doors and balconies and mountain views, 1 bathroom, 1 shower room, separate fully fitted kitchen, large living room with 2 patio doors onto large terrace with mountain views and open views onto orange groves, large trastero and private parking space. Central village location. 1 min walk to supermarket, bars, restaurants, pharmacy, bus stop.

2 mins to AP7 motorway. Private sale. 170,000€. Tel: 617 893 036 or email: girlinspain@gmail.com

Large 3 bedroom apartment, fantastic views, 20mins from the beach and golf courses in the lovely Spanish village of Jacarrila.

Price €295 per month. Please call Michael UK 00447831123631

PROBLEMS WITH INSECTS? Cockroaches, rats & mice. Call 626 828 974 All insects

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, WARDROBES Classic Kitchens, 20 years on the Costa Blanca, call Adrian 676 699 700 MR FIXIT For all your electrical, Plumbing, General & appliance & Bolier repairs. No call out charge.

698 320 434

MUCH BELOW PRICE. DETACHED VILLA views of the sea and mountains. 3 double beds, 2 bath, 8x4 private pool, 3 terraces, large underbuild for 2 cars plus storage. 8 years old. Perfect condition throughout. Tel: 965 081 863 A LITTLE GEM IN CALPE completely reformed, 2 bed, 2 bathroom townhouse, Aircon, parking, viewing highly recommended, Offers around 175,000€. Tel: 688 805 373

SPACIOUS BUNGALOW TO RENT FOR RENT. Spacious ground floor floor 2 bed bungalow.

Urb Blue Hill. Tel: 633179659

LONG TERM RENTAL Large 2 Bed, 1 Bath Ground Floor Apartment with private garden and terrace situated on the edge of the golf resort of Lomas De Campoamor, walking distance to La Fuente Commercial Centre.

Furnished. 425€ monthly + bond + bills.Tel: 0034 966761189 / 0034 619098543.

LONG TERM RENTAL 2 Bed, 1 Bath Upstairs duplex with private roof solarium in Torrevieja.

Furnished. Walking distance to local school, Habaneras Shopping Centre and Torrevieja Town. 300€ monthly + bond + bills. Tel: 0034 966761189 / 0034 619098543 VILLA ADSUBIA PINOS 3+2 bed villa with pool, unfurnished and available for long term let NOW! Call 639418017 for more details GREAT VALUE IN JACARILLA

PARK HOMES 2 BEDROOMS Both en-suite fully fitted. Camping Pueblo San Javier. Carol Tel 96 819 24 25 Mob. 626 055 6622 Email. Haydn47@hotmail.com www.mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com 2 OR 3 BED / 2 BATH APARTMENTS in San Miguel. Lift, communal rooftop pool & solarium, video entry system. Available for short or long term rent from 350pcm. 96 672 3437 or 636615716 FOR RENT/SALE 350€PCM 85.000€ Classic Spanish Old Town House, 3 double bedrooms (1 with en-suite bathroom) master bathroom, modern kitchen, downstairs toilet, sun terrace with view of mountains, BBQ terrace with summer kitchen, recentley refurbished and fully furnished. Callosa de en Seria near La Nucia.

Tel: 609 177 032

Register your property for FREE at www.rapidpropertysales.com and when we sell your property we will charge you absolutely nothing! The average time it takes us to sell a property is 8 weeks.

Register now at www.rapidpropertysales.com – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

VAN LEAVING FROM UK TO SPAIN 30TH MAY returning Spain to UK 9th June.

Space available. 679042805 / 0044(0)7552985343 or email keithmarion9@yahoo.co.uk

VAN LEAVING FOR THE UK/SPAIN EVERY 2 WEEKS great rates please contact Joe on 966 074 576 or 650 341 087 or civic1235@msn.com

31 may - 6 June 2013

SATELLITE DISHES 1 METRE FAMAVAL 5 months old includes wall bracket. 35€. 80cm - 20€ Tel:617 781 033 WATCH UKTV FREE No satellite dish required Watch TV Shows/ Movies €129 Tel:657766341 www.costasmarttv.com JAVEA SKIP HIRE 626 670 038 Moraira, Benissa, Calpe, Denia from S&W TOOL HIRE & FERRETERIA MORAIRA

5 X 140 WATT SOLAR PANELS 140 WATT NEW 160 euros each Electric start 5kva generator on gas 650 euros Solar Powered Fridge Freezer 176 cubic capacity New 950 euros 2 X new 2.4 kva petrol generators Tel 675878601 or 965078483

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SKY SUPPLIES Specialist in New/Refurbished Sky+HD, Humax, Freesat & FTA receivers/recorders. FULL SKY Package from 12.50e/mth. Complete systems installed, 1.1m 225e, 1.4m 299e. Repairs, Remotes, Realignments,Harddrives, LNB`s, Advice. 966194013/600899096 CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV Freesat High Definition from 299€ on 1m dish.

12 months Sky package 200€ Steve 660 186 505 Ros 965 584 097 www.ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com

I BUY RECORDS LP’S SINGLES AND CD’s ANY STYLE, JAZZ, BLUES, POP, PUNK, ROCK, ETC... TOP CASH PAID. 622 750 117 TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Household Goods and Bric-a-brac into Cash.

Anything! Anywhere!

965-319-220/618-165-877