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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Road show on crash course

Un-Happy Cruises!

Spanish cruise company Happy Cruises, went into administration and cancelled all its trips leaving hundreds of holiday makers stranded p5

by Jack Troughton

Big news for ADHOC

LIFE WILL never be the same for the new acting kids on the block at the ADHOC Theatre Company! p16

Pensions and Politicians IT’S UK party conference time again and so a good opportunity to consider politics and pensions p33

Hearing Loss frequently asked questions Trevor Smith answers all your questions on p44

It’s mental World’s top golfers all have mental coaches so why do many amateur golfers who have a real desire to improve ignore this side of the game amazes me and many other top coaches p63

Claire (left) and Rachel

Day at the races KEEPING A step ahead of the opposition, RTN’s Claire and Rachel of RTN Network successfully completed the 5km of Race for Life Javea on Sunday.

Read more on page 22.

SPAIN’S CONTROVERSIAL attempt to seduce buyers back into its property market is on collision course to meet a storm of protest from angry victims.

Thousands of European expats and second-home owners have suffered under property abuses and are again mobilising to combat the Spanish government’s charm offensive.

The second phase of the international road show was launched earlier this month in Germany. It is scheduled to land in the UK in the middle of October in a bid to reduce the stock of 700,000 unsold homes. The promotion will feature Spanish Housing Minister Beatriz Corredor – who earlier this year invited investment in Spain, saying: “Come here calmly and trust in the system we have and the transparency we provide.”

And colleague Development Minister Jose Blanco has boasted the time is right for buying into the Spanish mar-

ket because of the bargains on offer. He said the road show highlighted “the strengths of our economy, transparency, and legal certainty of our planning legislation.”

But groups campaigning for justice for people who bought property in good faith and have suffered a range of high profile problems are ready for action – supported by a number of British politicians.

MESS They want to combat the “squeaky clean” image given to the property market and are demanding the Spanish government should first “sort out the mess back at home”.

Plans for an alternative road show to help those affected by “property chaos” are already being finalised.

Keith Rule, a victim of bank guarantee abuse and head of the Finca Parcs Action Group, said he had already “reserved a seat for the free Beatriz Corredor show.”

Continued on page 3

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

continued from front page Spain has booked a stand at the prestigious Property Investor Show and OPP for 13th to 15th October. In addition networking sessions are to be held at the Spanish Embassy in London and Ms Corredor is expected to make a presentation to professionals.

Keith told RTN there had been many “empty words” without much needed reform to end abuses such as land grab, illegal homes, failed bank guarantees and off plan fraud.

He accused lawyers and banks of being negligent while an over-loaded court system meant “justice is still an expensive dream for many victims.”

Keith said the road show was making empty promises in a bid to “entice other victims into the shambles that is the Spanish property sector.”

CRACKS He said the promotion was an attempt to “paper over the cracks” without addressing existing problems at home faced by thousands.

Other victims the message should be made clear: “Buyer beware in Spain” – and warned many people witnessed their “trust shattered” by a lack of action to end property abuse.

One said the situation had become a “complete joke” and the road show was “an insult to lose who stand to lose so much as a result of negligence and corruption.”

MEP Roger Helmer has already approached Europe Minister David Lidington asking the road show to be cancelled until Spain gives firm assurances property rights would be respected.

He said hundreds of UK citizens and thousands of Europeans had purchased in good faith with due diligence and taking appropriate legal advice only to fall victim of property abuses.

“Many Europeans have spent their life savings on a dream home on the Costas only to wake up one morning to find an eviction notice on the doormat and a bulldozer at the gate.”

Mr Helmer said it had been suggested the road show was being backed with EU cash but investigations showed this was not the case – although the promotion did appear to qualify for funding.

Benidorm auditor ‘not amused’

NOT FOR the first time the municipal auditor is taking issue with the city of Benidorm and has warned Augustín Navarro’s socialist council that economic policies continuing along the same path could have dire results. The audit is for the year 2010 and the appointed auditor has indicated a number of anomalies and a general poor attitude to the importance of accuracy, along with “a failure of control with regard to payroll, personnel situations, internal promotions and the hiring of new staff.” He also alleged that several departments had hindered the audit, an act that violates the law, adding that the audit has not been taken seriously and “has been reduced to a mere formality which, in practice, might be ignored.”

Peace offering NOISE POLLUTION is to be controlled by new rules drawn up by Calpe Town Hall after a meeting with local business owners.

Major Caesar Sanchez aims to balance the need of hotels and bars to have live entertainment with residents hoping to enjoy an undisturbed night’s sleep.

This week’s talks also set out the need for the council to regulate the outdoor

spaces used by the businesses.

The mayor said proposals to allow music to be performed until 1am during July and August – the height of the tourist season – appeared “reasonable”.

It was also proposed that during the remainder of the year that on Friday and Saturday nights music would be allowed until midnight.

Dolphin’s body found

Recovering the corpse

by Jan Gamm THE BODY of a baby dolphin was recovered from rocks in an inaccessible stretch of Marina Alta coastline on Monday afternoon.

The corpse was taken to laboratories in Valencia after Red Cross volunteers brought it ashore boat at nearby Granadella, Javea.

Police and the town hall’s environmental department

were alerted the body had been spotted in the cove of Ambolo and contacted the Red Cross because of the need to approach the dead mammal from the sea.

Experts at the Department of Biological Science together with Oceanographic colleagues, who monitor the health of maritime life, will now investigate the cause of the dolphin’s death.

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

The last kill in Catalonia

The last of Catalonia’s bullfighting fraternity

by Jan Gamm CATALONIA’S LAST bullfight took place last weekend at Barcelona’s 20,000 seat La Monumental bullring. In a sell-out show three of Spain’s top matadors brought down the curtain on one of the World’s most unpopular national sports, at least in Catalonia.

Catalan star bullfighter Serafin Marin plunged his sword into the last of six carefully selected bulls to tumultuous applause both inside the ring and outside, where animal rights activists popped the corks on a number of bottles of bubbly in celebration.

ANIMALS RIGHTS The Catalan Parliament banned bullfighting in July last year in response to significant public opinion and a petition

organised by animal rights groups.

“Obviously a lot of political parties have tried to politicise this, but we mustn’t forget that this popular proposal sprouted from a pure pro-animal rights standpoint aimed at eradicating animal cruelty,” said campaigner Soraya Gaston.

Others, hoping for a bullfighting comeback, were optimistic for a reversal of the ban. “It might be the last day for bullfights in Catalonia but the last word hasn’t been said yet,” said fan Eduardo Edurna, “I think we may see bullfighting return to Catalonia.”

The official ban on bullfighting in Catalonis comes into effect 1st January. However, Sunday’s show was the last in the season.

In January 2011, Spain’s leading broadcaster announced that it would no longer show live bullfights in order to protect children from viewing violence.

Un-Happy Cruises!

by Louise Clarke HUNDREDS OF holiday makers were left stranded this week when their Spanish cruise company Happy Cruises, went into administration and cancelled all its trips.

Among British expats scheduled for a Mediterranean cruise with the company were 15 members of the Pirates Petanca Club at Rocajuna in Punta Prima. Bob and Beth Kellaway from Lomas de Cabo Roig told RTN: “Most of us had even gone back to the UK to buy clothes for this cruise; our first proper holiday in four years. We’d had several pre-cruise parties and bought t-shirts featuring the club badge and the words ‘Pirates On Tour’.

“The worst thing was the lateness of the cancellation. We had just finished packing! And the end of October is the first available date for an alternative cruise - getting all of us together for the same week seems impossible.”

Meanwhile, another ‘Pirates’ member, Gloria Gage from San Miguel de Salinas, has battled cancer and struggled with the effects of Chemotherapy for two years. Her husband John exhausted himself caring for her as they sometimes travelled to Benidorm three days a week for radiotherapy: “For the last six months getting well for the cruise was my main aim,” said Gloria, “In September, I finally got the all clear - this cruise would have been the break we both needed.”

The Pirates booked their cruise through David’s Coaches. He told RTN: “We had a cruise out on the Adriatic when we got word.

Whilst there were some alterations to the cruise itself which upset some customers, we were able to repatriate all passengers.

Eight were transferred to a different return flight for the journey from Venice to Madrid so I drove to Madrid in a people carrier to collect them. The rest returned on our coach.

Coachtrips SL accommodated the eight who came in on the later flight in a hotel near the airport so the other group were not delayed returning home.”

Bob and Beth

David had also scheduled 80 people on a Mediterranean cruise last Sunday morning: “This left us the daunting task of informing all of these people on Saturday, the day before departure - we have now contacted all our customers affected and offered them a full refund even before Happy Cruises/Quail had confirmed we would be reimbursed. And we have already begun processing payments.

“We have 150 people booked on a Mediterranean cruise in October but have not yet contacted them all as we hope to come up with an alternative excursion at the same price and a similar itinerary. Or we will offer a full refund.”

David concluded: “I would like to express my profound gratitude to our customers: despite their disappointment they were so understanding. And my office staff worked flat out to this end - I am extremely grateful.”

Happy Cruises said: “We are grappling for the continuity of the company. Its partners and managers are seeking financial solutions to continue operating in October, renegotiating contracts with the ships’ two owners with both sides willing to reach an agreement.

The partners are also renegotiating debt with suppliers.”

Alfonso Lopez, who runs the cruise company, says he will “not throw in the towel.”

The Ocean Pearl

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Flavour of Spain

by Jack Troughton Tastebuds are tingling before this weekend’s fiesta of food in the Marina Alta and the celebration of morsels of delight more frequently known as tapas.

Tourists and expats are expected to swell the throng in Javea Old Town for the fifth annual ’Tapeo’ and the opportunity to sample gastronomic specialties.

Crowds are expected to flock to the town’s Plaza de la Constitucion on Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the two day party over Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors to the town will join residents eager to taste the food and while there is entertainment for all the family, Saturday night boasts live music and the opportunity to dance into the small hours.

Organised by the Business Association of Xabia

Historica, there will be 24 hostelries represented at the event offering food and drink.

TICKET Tapas cost 1.25€ each and tickets to exchange for both food and drink can be bought throughout the square.

Councillor Juan Luis Cardona said Tapeo gave businesses the opportunity to underline the town’s reputation for fine dining.

“Tapeo is now firmly established in Javea’s calendar but I am sure that this year, with a number of new participants, it will be an even more spectacular event,” he said.

The tasting runs from 11am until 4pm and 6pm Enjoying ‘until closing’ tomorrow (Saturday 1st October) and a taste of Spain from 11am until 4pm on Sunday.

Help pledged

Back on track WORK TO end the traffic chaos at a notorious bottleneck on the busy N322 by building a roundabout is back on schedule.

The highway’s junction with Alfaz del Pi has been controlled by traffic lights but planners believe the roundabout will solve the problem.

The town hall admitted the holiday season had “almost paralysed” progress but is confident the new roundabout will be finished by the end of the year.

Mayor Jose Chulvi (right) with Jorge Alarte

by Jack Troughton Mayor of Javea Jose Chulvi met with Jorge Alarte, secretary of the Spanish Socialist Party PSOE this week and was promised support in modernising the Marina Alta town.

The mayor welcomed Mr Alarte, a syndic in Les Corts, and senator and local party secretary Jose Maria Angel at Javea Town Hall.

He outlined the pressing needs of the community and was pledged the full support of both politicians in meeting the demands of the municipality.

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

The Curious Cyclists

by Jan Gamm A CHANCE conversation between water-colour student John Reynolds and his Javea-based teacher Pat Kitching in 2005 led to the discovery of a dusty old cardboard box containing eighty or so unmarked lanternslides that had not been viewed in decades.

The slides illustrated in photographs and original drawings a long-forgotten and pioneering bicycle journey from the French border to Gibraltar.

The two young men who undertook the journey were artists in their early twenties, living in Nottingham: they cycled across Spain more than a century ago, in 1895. One of the young men was the father of Pat - she had a scrap book of his notes and press-cuttings, but no detailed account of the cycle ride.

John undertook two years of research resulting in the original route and journey details being re-discovered and recreated; initially for an illustrated lecture to the Costa Blanca Anglo Spanish Association in Javea. Following two more years of research the talk was revised, expanded and eventually developed into an illustrated book due for release 22nd October.

Both the young men became famous in their later lives: Stacey as an author, watercolour artist and broadcaster; Tom an internationally renowned illustrator and cartoonist. Undoubtedly the adventures, scrapes and problems they encountered on their trip influenced their work in future years.

This delightful illustrated book can be bought from www.penpress.co.uk and from www.amazon.co.uk

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U3A MorairaTeulada meeting THE NEXT meeting for U2A MorairaTeulada is on 3rd October at the Salon de Banquettes, Avenida Mediterraneo, Teulada. The doors will open to Members at 9.45am for 10.30am start. Members will be able to join groups and find out about both travel and cultural events.

The guest speaker for this meeting will be member and ex-Coldstream Guardsman Hugh Norton. Hugh and his brother walked Hadrian’s Wall in aid of Help for Heroes earlier in the year and he will be telling us about their experiences.

For further information please contact the U3A President, Ann Colclough on 96 574 7343. www.u3amoraira-teulada.org

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

A toast to Frances by jack Troughton

GLASSES OF cava were raised this week in memory of Frances Sawyer a founder member and Vice-President of the MABS Cancer Support Group.

Colleagues and guests joined together to toast and pay tribute to Frances – described as an “inspiration” to the charity – who died on Boxing Day. Meeting at the MABS Centre at Sol Park, Moraira, there were presentations of equipment by the Costa Blanca Business Association (CBBA), and the Lions Clubs of Teulada Mo-

raira and Jalon and Orba.

And MABS President Jacqui Phillips MBE remembered how she and Frances founded the charity in 1999 after they both supported each other after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Always describing Frances as a “gentle Scottish lass” with a “calming, charming voice”, Jacqui added: “She was one of my closest friends and I hope today will be a bit of a closure to me.”

Frances was also a hard-working member of the CBBA, a business networking group, and its fund-raising purchased a state-of-the-art laser machine to treat lymphoedema.

LASER The condition causes fluid retention and swelling to parts of the body frequently caused by damage to the lymphatic system through cancer treatments. The low density laser – which patients can learn to use themselves – helps alleviate the disorder.

And the CBBA’s Jesus Negrillo said as well as promoting members’ businesses and services on the northern Costa Blanca, the organisation also raised money for charities.

“This year one of our chosen charities is MABS in honour of Frances, a founder member of MABS and the CBBA,” he said.

“We hope that this machine will bring many benefits to cancer patients being helped by MABS.” Pictured during a demonstration of the laser, Coral GuiseSmith enjoys the benefits of the treatment by lymphoedemist Rachel Rose. Inset is a photograph of Frances.

Schoolboy snatch

by Jack Troughton A SCHOOLBOY has been reunited with his father after being abducted from a Costa Blanca school. The Guardia Civil confirmed there was an incident at a school playground in Albir at 9.15am on Tuesday morning and the 10-yearold victim, said to be Norwegian, was safe and well. The police spokesman said officers were continuing investigations into the kidnap attempt. No further details were available as RTN went to press.

Take off for new airline SPANISH CARRIER Iberia is expected to announce the launch of a new budget airline next week, flying short and medium distance flights.

The company’s board of directors is expected to rubberstamp the move on Tuesday – a decision that will also need to get the go ahead from the International Airline Group, the company formed when the Iberia merged with British Airways.

Offering low cost flights, the new airline is expected to be called Iberia Express and operate 37 of the 69 A-320 aircraft currently in service with the company.

Iberia is keen to keep its recognised branding with the new airline but said it needed structural reorganisation within the company.

First screening for theme park PARAMOUNT PICTURES is expected to present plans for its long awaited theme park – the company’s first in Europe – in Madrid on Tuesday.

The Paramount Park and Lifestyle Centre is to be built at Alhama de Murcia and is tipped to attract three million visitors a year. Construction work is scheduled to begin early next year and it is scheduled to open its doors in 2015.

It will be Spain’s largest theme park and the second biggest across Europe.

Death by Insulin

by Jan Gamm THE PROSECUTOR in Alicante has requested a prison term of 29 years for a woman accused of murdering her husband with a lethal dose of Insulin.

51-year-old Gregoria CS, an Aspe resident on medication for Diabetes since 1998, was responsible for administering medication to her husband, Juan Antonio GC, diagnosed with HIV. Gregoria allegedly first dosed her husband with Insulin on 30th March 2007 after a family row, resulting in his admission to hospital in a hypoglycaemic crisis. He remained in hospital for a month.

On a second occasion on 28th June 2010, she injected her husband into the neck with a massive dose using three Insulin pens while he was sleeping and when he woke up smothered his cries for help with a pillow.

The next morning the couple’s children raised the alarm when their father would not wake up. He was transferred to hospital in Elche with severe hypoglycaemia and was stabilised but remained in a vegetative state until his death on 4th February 2011.

The woman had accused her husband of psychological abuse.

Lethal The prosecutor’s requested term of imprisonment comprises 11 years for the first murder attempt and overdose 18 years for the second. of Insulin

Spanish families spending less

Families reduce grocery bills

IN A STUDY carried out by the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU) on the amount that Spanish residents spend on their shopping, a lot less is going into the country’s shopping baskets in 2011 than in 2010.

The analysis covers food and

also cleaning and hygiene products. According to the OCU’s findings, the average householder in Spain spends around 560€ per month on groceries compared to last year’s 602€ as families struggle to survive in the economic crisis.

Happy Birthday Evie!

A Very Happy 6th Birthday to Evie from Mummy, Daddy, Bubba, Daddad and all at RTN xxx

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

by

Alan Gilchrist

Fast Track Hypnosis and Sports Motivation

AS WELL as dealing with common problems such

The Costa Blanca’s as stopping people smoking or helping them to lose Top Hypnotherapist weight over the years I have helped hundreds of peo-

ple with their sports motivation and fitness.

Only last week I had to help a premier league referee with his upcoming fitness test. Over the 25 years I have been in practice I have helped thousands of sports people, ranging from World Champions in various sports (such as motor cycle racing, boxing, kick boxing, and even clay pigeon shooting) professional golfers and darts players, to the sports amateur.

People who participate in some sports can work very hard at the physical part of their sport. But all that hard physical work will not train the mind to be athletic. Some of the common obstacles that the athletes/ sports persons may encounter which causes them to make it more difficult to reach their targets are.

The fear of the actual competition The feeling of being watched (particularly in Golf) The fear of losing The fear of appearing foolish Fast Track Hypnosis is one of the greatest motivational tools ever, and can be used in all areas of life, e.g. business, careers, personal, and especially in sports motivation. The most successful sports people are always the most motivated.

For many years hypnosis has been used by millions of people to improve their performance in sports, with golf probably the most popular in which people have applied hypnosis/hypnotherapy techniques. However, it can also be used with many other individual and team sports, including football, rugby, rowing, cricket, surfing, etc… the list is endless.

Most of the time hypnosis helps overcome mental blocks in performance and encourages the development of strong competitive skills. Clients can and do

go on to achieve outstanding results in their fields.

Many sporting teams and successful competitors are using hypnosis/hypnotherapy techniques as an integral part of their preparation, not just in professional sport but also at the lower competitive levels. (Even sport psychologists have used hypnosis techniques in their sports motivation programmes and sometimes don’t realise they are doing it) A highly motivated person would be more eager to give a better performance than a lower motivated one with the same skills. By using Fast Track Hypnosis it helps the client to focus on their sport and to develop the skills and attitudes they need to get right to the top. Hypnosis can help to improve their game, such as golf, by removing the self-limiting beliefs or behaviours that may be reducing their results, and also feeling much more like training.

Under hypnosis suggestions are used that can be applied to any competitive challenge. These allow the client to imagine themselves rehearsing and refining the perfect swing in golf, the perfect goal or running the perfect mile, or to recall a time of a sporting achievement, such as winning a race, scoring a goal etc. By reviewing in their mind under hypnosis they can correct any mistakes that they previously made for the next time.

Using the wonderful calming effects of Fast Track Hypnosis the client is asked to visualise themselves being successful in their sport: this in turn allows them to acquire the motivation for all the positive things that can come with success.

“Hi Alan I just thought I’d drop you an email to say Hi. I remember when I came to see you about 8 years ago in Ballymena and in Belfast that on your wall you had notes from people you had helped and who had a successful response to hypnosis. I have been meaning to write one for ages now. You probably don’t even re-

member me as it was so long ago but I came to you to seek hypnosis for my surfing as I struggled with confidence and self-belief at times. After I saw you I found it hard to grasp the hypnosis for a few months and I ‘over-thought’ it but after a short time I found how to use it and it made me so aware of my mind that I started achieving huge things in surfing and in other parts of life.

“I went to England to compete on the UK pro tour and finished fifth in my first year on tour and also in the same year won the British Student Nationals. I went on to take on surfing some of the most dangerous big wave spots in the world and am currently involved with riding waves as big as 60 feet here in Ireland. I have used hypnotherapy a great deal and I honestly believe that coming to see you for three short sessions changed my approach and made me more aware of my mind.

“I still use it now and have developed it into using my own words and putting them on paper in my house and van. The mind is a very powerful tool and most people overlook that side of what they are doing and focus more on the physical instead of a balance.

“I have been nominated for a global ‘big wave riding’ award in the past two years and have recently been invited to compete on the APT (association of professional tows surfers) at an event in Chile. My friend Andrew will go alongside me and we are the first team to be included in this event from Europe. Thank you once again for hypnotising me way back then. It truly has played a huge part in my success. Regards Alastair...”

Alan holds his Fast Track Hypnosis sessions in Cabo Roig, Guardamar and Benidorm. For an appointment, brochure, or free of charge initial consultation, contact Alan Gilchrist on 659 229 408.

Or visit www.alangilchrist.com or www.thegastroband.com

For an appointment, brochure or a free of charge initial consultation on your particular problem, contact Alan Gilchrist on 659 229 408 or visit his websites www.alangilchrist.com www.thegastroband.com or www.fitnosys.com

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

AKI investment of more than €3 million creates 37 jobs

by Patricia Thompson AKI, THE DIY, gardening and decor arm of the Adeo Group, well-known for its team of professionals and affordable prices, is continuing its expansion plan for 2011 by opening a new centre in Ondara (Alicante) on a 3,361,000€ investment.

The company’s new store provides direct employment to 37 people, 49% of which are women. The centre will be opened 5th October, located at Avda. Costa Blanca 12, next to the shopping centre Portal de La Marina, in Ondara. The store will open to the public on Thursday, 6th October.

Ondara Mayor Ximo Ferrando Soler, together with the Regional Manager, Onofre J. Burgos and the Manager of AKÍ Ondara, Francisco Gallego, will attend the inauguration of the company’s 34th store, the fifth in Alicante and the first in the Marina Alta area.

The store aims to provide services to several towns and villages in the area, including Denia, Javea, Gata de Gorgos and

Pedreguer, among others.

A 3,300 m2 sales floor offers new and appealing features, such as AKÍ’s SinFin card; another step forward to bring the company closer to its customers, offering this free service with exceptional benefits, including exclusive discounts: 10% off upon becoming a member and 10% off every 500 points accrued, which may be applied to whichever purchase the customer decides); monthly offers for members and the privilege of returning products without presenting a receipt.

Products are divided into 13 departments known as ‘AKÍ Worlds’. Mundos AKÍ, the Paint section, has a new service - a tintometric machine enabling customers to order matched and customised colours to give their homes a personal touch.

In an effort to provide an easier shopping experience, the departments have been redesigned to achieve wider spaces for customers’ convenience. The store will also offer other services, including home delivery, free wood cutting and installation services for most products.

Spanish vaccine achieves 90% success rate THE CSIC has presented the first results of tests on humans with an unprecedented promise of a long-awaited HIV vaccine; an outstanding breakthrough in the fight against AIDS and the product of more than ten years intense research.

The vaccine has been developed and patented by the agency that claims a 90% success rate in 85 test cases. The tests also included a sustainability programme over a period of one year. Biotechnologist Mariano Esteban, head of research attached to the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona and Gregorio Maranon de Madrid said, “The vaccine has proved highly immunogenic and safe.” The prototype vaccine is known as ‘MVA-B’.

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AKI store, Ondara

JOBS AKÍ’s new Ondara store opens at a time when the country is facing a recession and employment loss: the store received 6,500 job applications for the vacancies!

Out of the 37 new positions filled, 22% of the successful applicants live in Ondara and 78% from the Marina Alta area.

Only three weeks after the opening, AKÍ’s management will travel to Mérida (Badajoz) to open its 35th store, reinforcing its leading position in quality, competitive prices and customer service. For more information, please contact: Elena Reinoso e.reinoso@bestimagen.com, call 91 650 1288 or visit www.aki.es

The air that we breathe

ACCORDING TO the report ‘Air Quality in the Spanish State 2010’ by NGO group Ecologists in Action, 87% of the Spanish population, representing 17 million people, are breathing air that exceeds ‘acceptable’ pollution levels recognised

by European legislation. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the levels have reduced since 2008, thought to be the result of fuel economies brought about by the economic crisis. The report indicates that 20,000 people in Spain die each year of illnesses relating to living in heavily polluted areas. Madrid and Barcelona are Spain’s most polluted cities.

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Very sad!

I REPLY to Alan of Calpe: I find your letter in RTN 23rd -29th September very sad! If this is all you can find to write a book about, then I for one hope nobody buys any copies! I thought women could be bitchy but a bitchy man is worse. It isn’t how people look or dress that matters: it’s what comes from within.

These people may be very nice, caring individuals.

You must be a very shallow person if you cannot see beyond appearances. Get a life and write about something worthwhile instead of trying to get your kicks out of other people.

Before you ask, yes my hair is blonde, and no I don’t have any tattoos and no I do not intend to dress in fuddy-duddy clothes even though I am approaching 70.

If people are ‘happy with who they are’ what gives you the right to ridicule them!

E Waring

mail

talk tous

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

Email: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

Do they think they are above the law?

I READ with interest an article in the English press recently with the title ‘Beware - The Grua Is Back’. May I suggest that their first port of call be the Town Hall at Playa Flamenca. For weeks now there has been a UK registered motorbike incorrectly parked on the footpath right outside the building which is also occupied by the Local Police. I know this because I visit the gym three times a week opposite the Town Hall.

I assumed that as the motorbike was parked where it is the owner must work locally. On enquiry I found that the motorbike, on UK plates, belongs to a Spanish worker who is an advisor to Bob Houliston, our councillor for the coast, and apparently a regular illegal parker himself.

Apart from the bike being incorrectly parked, the question of road tax and insurance also came to mind. The fact is that I had to change my car’s UK plates to Spanish ones when I came to live here in Spain and since then I also pay my Spanish car tax.

My question is whether it is correct for a Spanish government official to drive a UK-registered vehicle in Spain without registering it and paying the appropriate road tax? Why does Bob Houliston condone this? His advisor does not pay his taxes in Spain - and not forgetting that he is parking inconsiderately. Do they think they are above the law? Was this the real reason they wanted to get into power?

After years of moaning about the PP government´s attitude this is what they do as soon as the get into power.

Thank you for showing us the new way forward. By your example we can now all park where we like and not pay our taxes without the fear of being fined by the police. Hurray for our new leaders!

On a positive note, my neighbours and I will welcome the Grua with open arms and look forward to the abandoned vehicles, which are eyesores, being removed from our streets.

Regards, Albert Kennedy, Orihuela Costa

Far better than the UK I HAVE just read this week’s front page headline after returning from my second major operation in 12 months (one serious heart and one major bowel) in Torrevieja hospital. My reply must be like Obama: Do they really care? YES THEY BLOODY WELL DO! Now I know like the lady in question and the other lady suing the hospital that everyone has a different experience, but I don’t think the difference is that big. It is like anything - someone always gets a ‘Friday motor!’ or a ‘Monday checkout’. It is no excuse and my sympathies are with both ladies.

I know about loss: we lost our first grandchild at six weeks old; my father had clung on for ages but then went. We have been in Spain 10 years; been burgled twice within 10 days; had a bag taken out of the car when my wife was in it (when we were naive); wallets pinched; purses sneaked out of handbags...

We’ve met some stubborn old Spaniards, and whilst I speak reasonable Spanish I am lost when off they go explaining things; we’ve met bureaucracy; red tape and bu****it… but I have a Spanish Licence, Residencia, am on the Padron and am still alive to tell the tale.

What we have had most of is good advice and good friends (English and Spanish) and the ability to adapt.

Now it may not be Eutopia but it is far better than the UK, in terms of the NHS, prices and weather.

I moan myself about not getting heating allowance, disability, or any sort of carers’ allowance but that’s the way it is - not Spain’s fault.

Sorry if this is all awry but it came out as I thought it - best regards, Ian Boothroyd

Just a few words....

I WOULD like to say a few words about the Paul Cunningham Nurses, especially Gina and Paul. They are an absolute life-line when someone is sick. They can’t do enough for your loved one and nothing is a bother. They do everything to make the patient comfortable and Paul even shaved and showered my husband. Please shop at their charity shops and donate even a small amount in their cans: you never know when you might need them and they are marvellous.

E. Wilson, Ciudad Quesada

Not retiring PLEASE HELP! Many of your readers chose to interpret two recent articles (which were perfectly accurate & correct, thank you) in entirely the wrong way, thinking the articles were announcements of my decision to completely retire!

On 15th July & again on 26th August, Jack Troughton reported on two shows that were my swansong as an Elvis Presley ‘impersonator’ or Tribute Artist, at the Terrace Bar, Jalon.

The publicity helped raise a substantial sum of money for the Children’s Home in Gandia.

However, I continue to perform as an entertainer, my Sunday show on Bay Radio continues to broadcast and bookers may email jandjcurtis@hotmail.com or phone 96 648 2514 / 618 830 539 or via Bay Radio.

John Curtis

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

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Monarch adds thousands of extra seats for October IN RESPONSE to a staggering rise in demand, leading scheduled leisure airline Monarch is increasing the number of seats and flights available across 20 routes in its flying programme during the period of 21st October – 2nd November 2011 with more than 4,000 seats added.

The extra seats and additional flights will be added to the airline’s most popular routes - The Canaries, Spain, Cyprus and Portugal into Gatwick, Luton, Birmingham and Manchester.

Kevin George, Managing Director of Monarch Airlines said: “We have been delighted by the soaring demand for these seats on our flights and are pleased to respond by offering our customers exactly what they’re asking for – more seats, value for money and an award winning level of ‘build your own class’ service where passengers can customise their flight packages to their individual requirements. It’s the perfect opportunity for ex-pats and visitors alike to take a short break, catch up with friends and family or see the sights of the UK.” About Monarch Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline, operates flights to Spain, Gibraltar, Portugal, Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt and Greece from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester airports. In addition to year-round low fares,

Monarch also offers a bespoke “build your own class of travel” range of products and services both on the ground and inflight. All customers are allocated a seat at check-in but for those wishing to select where in the cabin they sit to ensure that families and groups are seated together, seats can be pre-booked from £4.99 per one-way flight. For customers looking for added comfort, extra legroom seats are also available offering up to six inches of extra space from only £9.99.

Customers travelling on scheduled flights can also avoid booking charges by paying for their flights using a debit card or for a fixed £10 fee, can pay by credit card – regardless of the value of the transaction or the number of people travelling.

They can also take advantage of online checkin, which is available between 18 days and four and a half hours prior to departure. With a great range of tasty hot and cold meals that can be pre-booked or purchased onboard, flying with Monarch really couldn’t be simpler.

In addition to flights, Monarch also now offers a huge range of great value holidays, accommodation options, car hire and travel insurance.

For further information or to book Monarch flights, Monarch Holidays or Monarch Hotels, please visit www.monarch.co.uk.

King Juan Carlos on the economy KING JUAN Carlos admitted in a brief statement on Wednesday that Spain will have to make “further sacrifices” to achieve economic stability.

His majesty was speaking in Congress before lunching with Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero, President of the House José Bono and presidents of various communities.

When asked about his health following his operation earlier this month for a ruptured Achilles tendon, the King waved his walking stick and jokingly replied, “As you see it is very bad…!”

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Dream finish

by Jack Troughton

TEENAGE GOLFER Natasha Woodhams’ dream of making the grade as a professional was boosted with victory in her first major competition.

The 16-year-old – learning the ropes under the watchful eye of RTN’s golfing correspondent Noel Eastwell – lifted the Casino Mediterraneo Trophy at Alicante’s El Plantio course last weekend.

And by winning the club’s 11th anniversary tournament last weekend, ‘Nats’ left a field of 200 golfers from Valencia and Murcia in her wake.

One of four young golfers graduating from a golfing scholarship awarded by RTN and Bay Radio, Nats said: “Last Saturday’s win took my confidence off the scale – my dad is now really scared of playing me – it was a great feeling, absolutely awesome.”

Nats also had cause to celebrate her exam results at the Laude Lady Elizabeth School in Lliber – although taking time out from the golf course to sit GCSEs affected her form.

“But now I am back on track and my game plan is to enter competitions and win them,” she said.

AWARD Noel, who was also presented with an award from the Valencia Golf Association in recognition of his contribution to golf on the Costa Blanca on Saturday, believes Nats has the skills to make the grade.

“This was the biggest tournament she

Domestic violence reaching new levels

By Jan Gamm THE ATTORNEY General’s Office has found that the provinces of Alicante and Valencia have the highest levels of domestic violence in the country.

This year in Spain 45 women have lost their lives as a result of violence at the hands of their partners and there is an alarming trend developing where juvenile violent episodes result in minors being charged following scenes of domestic violence against their parents and siblings.

In 2010 the Alicante courts tried 368 cases where the defendants were youngsters,

Nats and Noel with El Plantio owner Manuel Ferri Sanchez (centre)

has won by a long way and one of the most prestigious amateur competitions in the whole of Valencia, with golfers taking part from the length and breadth of Valencia and Murcia,” he said.

“I have never seen a 16-year-old girl swing a club better than Nats does right now.

“Around 18 months ago when she

whereas ten years ago such incidences were rare.

Valencia is higher still with 548 cases.

CRIMINAL In addition to domestic violence, children and teenagers are being brought to trial for other criminal acts. Throughout 2010, 80 kids were charged with sexual assault; 35 with indecency; 1,312 with causing injury; 497 with robbery and a further 347 with robbery with violence; 72 for driving offences; 63 for offences connected with public health and two for murder.

The rain in Spain… started the scholarship, she could barely drive a ball 100 metres – now she regularly hits the ball more than 250 metres.”

Noel said his apprentice was enjoying coaching duties at the El Plantio golf school. “And the next level is to get Nats successfully competing in ‘off scratch’ events.”

ACCORDING TO The University of Alicante a new cycle of drought is expected in the province with the hydrological year 2010/2011 the driest of the last five, with a 19% drop in rainfall recorded by the Meteorological Agency.

The summer was dry and hot, but September has also been unseasonably dry. Despite the storm warnings announced for Saturday only 10 litres of rain per square meter fell within the province. Despite the scarcity of rainfall experts say there as yet no cause for alarm with reservoirs ensuring supplies until spring 2012. In the city of Alicante throughout August 4.1 litres of rain were collected representing 87% less rain than expected.

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Big news for ADHOC

by Patricia thompson LIFE WILL never be the same for the new acting kids on the block at the ADHOC Theatre Company! The Theatre Company was formed originally for a one-off performance of ‘Allo Allo’ but just keep on hitting the headlines, the latest be-

ing that a former BBC man and BAFTA Award winner has joined as an advisor for future productions. He wishes to stay anonymous for the time being but has worked on such projects as: ‘It Aint Half Hot Mum’, ‘Only Fools and Horses’, ‘One Foot in the Grave’ and the massive TV hit drama ‘Tenko’.

Couple with this is the news that Karen Love (pictured) has been selected to appear in ‘Benidorm’ the smash hit TV sit-com. Karen is thrilled to bits and all her acting friends at ADHOC are proud of her!

Karen hit the headlines in winning the Pride of Spain award for the best business last month. Last month some members of the ADHOC Youth Company attended Benidorm on set, having attended the same auditions as the adults. Director Debbie Payton said she is thrilled by the latest news and will “use it as a stick” on the current set of actors rehearsing hard for their upcoming play!

It’s an exciting time for them as many are taking to the stage for the first time with ‘Run for your Wife’ in Los Montes-

inos on 17th, 18th and 19th November.

For further information email adhoctg2010@hotmail.co.uk or call Karen on 96 671 2383 or check out www.adhoctheatrecompany.com

British Legion Gandia events THE ROYAL British Legion in Gandia is to distribute poppy boxes in the coming weeks and are on the lookout for new locations.

The biggest event of the year is of course the Remembrance Day Service, to take place at the Ducal Palace in Gandia, Sunday 13th November, followed by lunch at a venue yet to be arranged.

Although membership has increased the branch still encourages newcomers who do not need to be ex-service to find a warm welcome. For more details call Legion Secretary Cilla on 644 113 889 or Social Secretary Janet on 96 286 5458.

The next Branch meeting will be Wednesday 5th October at Bar Pelut in Oliva.

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THE ENGLISH Library in Calpe is reopening after the summer break.

The library has been in Calpe for at least 20 years, situated on Calle Padre Manjon,the last street at the fruit and vegetable end of the market.

A comprehensive selection of books - both hardback and paper versions - cover fact and fiction with new publications added constantly.

And the cash generated from the loan of these books goes to the AECC cancer charity via the auspices of the St Vincent de Paul Charity.

The library is open Wednesdays and Saturday mornings and deserves your support.

Pictured are Terry O’Hara, head of Calpe ‘HELP’, and librarian Mary Groser.

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HELP - gratefully received

A GROUP of local freemasons from ‘Gran Logia Simbolica de Espana e Iberia’ visited the HELP centre in La Xara last week to present a cheque for €500 to HELP of Denia & Marina Alta.

They were so impressed by the assistance received by one of their members during his stay in hospital, and afterwards whilst convalescing, they decided to support the charity and make a donation.

Pictured is Ian Hutchinson and members of the lodge presenting a cheque for €500 to

Judith Goodall, Vice President of HELP of Denia & Marina Alta. In receiving the cheque, Vice President Judith Goodall mentioned that the organisation relies on charitable donations to cover the costs of all the services it provides, saying: “We couldn’t provide these services without the dedication of willing volunteers.”

Information about HELP of Denia & Marina Alta can be found by visiting: www.helpofdenia.com or by telephoning 966 427 044.

TAFFS to remember the miners

A MEETING is to be held at Jumping Jacks in Benidorm on Saturday 8th October at midday to remember the miners who sadly died in the recent Swansea Valley mining tragedy.

Cwm Rhondda will be sung in the miners’ memory and a film will be made of the event, to be given to Port Talbot Council. It will then be shown to the grieving families of the miners who lost their lives mining ‘black gold’.

Our thoughts are with them.

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Miss Intercontinental contestants in Orihuela

by Jan Gamm ORIHUELA MAYOR Monserrate Guillén shook hands with more than 70 stunning girls on Monday, the contestants of the 40th Miss Intercontinental seven day beauty pageant organised by Tursi and Julius Caesar Deltef Battaglia.

Councillor for Tourism, Pedro Mancebo, greeted the ladies in English and Spanish and the mayor thanked the organisers for choosing Orihuela to host this year’s landmark contest. The councillor took the girls on a tour of the local attractions throughout the day before escorting them back to the Melia Hotel. It’s a difficult job, Pedro, but someone has to do it!

Contestants for the title include beauty queens from all over the World. The crown will be handed over by Miss Intercontinental 2010, 20-year-old accounting and communications student Maydelise Columna, Miss Puerto Rico contender and extreme sports enthusiast.

FINAL

The final is to be held at the historic Teatro Circo in Orihuela on Friday 7th October and telecast live, with Mayor of Orihuela a ticket price of 40€. Singer Raphael will feature on and the entertainment billboard for the event.

Councillor Pedro For more information on the Miss IntercontiMancebo nental 2011 pageant and for tickets, visit meeting www.missintercontinental.es. the girls

The Irish Rover raises cash for AECC THE IRISH Rover in Torrevieja is holding another charity event for AECC Torrevieja on Friday 7th October.

The evening event features the popular singer Bill O’Brien, a darts competition, raffle and football card amongst the attractions on offer, starting at 8.00pm.

Entrance is just €2, to be donated to AECC along with other fundraising proceeds. Hosts Vivienne and Alan may be contacted on 96 670 0817 for more information.

Thank you from PEPA

Bryher, winner of the Best in Show 2011

Heartfelt thanks from the very lucky animals that benefit from monies raised at the PEPA Fun Day the RTN team promoted in such a great way for us!

Last Saturday PEPA spent a lovely day at the Benicolet Aerodrome, receiving a warm welcome from Pepe and his family - service was most definitely with a smile from all the staff.

A very respectable turnout saw eager shoppers visiting the various stalls and children delighted in pony rides courtesy of El Mas De Xeta Riding School. Sack races; fun and games were to be had in the Kiddies Korner and the adults had fun too!

Laurie Rapier of Aladdin’s, Pedregeur auctioned bargains with something for everyone. My son loved his microlight flight and kept his nerve enough to even take photos as well! My daughter had her hair cut by Sam who kindly donated all her takings to PEPA and Freddie Kool entertained the crowd superbly.

WINNERS The dog show produced winners in all of the events with tails wagging furiously all day. Champions of the Petanca competition were the La Drova B Team - well done to them!

Thank you to everyone who supported this event, you will be pleased to know that you all raised the grand total of €1,790.32! What a success!

Another pat on the back and a success story for PEPA! Coming soon is ‘An Evening with a Medium’ details to be announced shortly with limited tickets…

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Demand for water in Torrevieja drops to level of 11 years ago

by Julie Day THE DEMAND for water in Torrevieja has fallen to levels similar to those of ten years ago, according to a study from Agamed, the company that supplies Torrevieja with drinking water. Although the number of people registered to receive water has stabilised at a figure of 120,000 for the past three years, the consumption has decreased to the levels of 2000, when only 55,000 received water from the company.

Currently Torrevieja is consuming 8.5 million m3 a year, which is similar to 2000, when 8.7 million m3 of water were used up. At its highest, 10.5 million m3 of water was consumed in 2004, which directly correlated to the construction boom of the town and the monetary wealth of its inhabitants.

This extreme decline in consumption has been attributed to a mixture of the effects of the economic

crisis and attempts to save water; technological advances in the distribution of water; a greater efficiency of water distribution through the network plus water and money-saving schemes.

Torrevieja has seen an increase of residents over the last three decades with numbers only levelling out in the last five years.

In 1980 there were 12,000 houses connected to the water system, a figure that had almost tripled ten years later, with 33,000 users in 1990. By 1998, this figure swelled to 75,000 and by 2002 it had increased again to 100,000. At present, the number of people connected to Agamed has stabilized at 120,000.

The number of homes registered with a company often indicates the actual population in a municipal. It is supposed that on average there are three 120,000 people living in each of these homes, and therefore people are by these calculations Torrevieja has a population of connected 360,000 and not 105,000 as reported on the census. to Agamed

Cameo rollercoaster for MABS IN OCTOBER, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cameo Entertainers will perform their successful ‘Rollercoaster of Love’ on two occasions to support MABS Cancer Support Group.

The first is at El Cid, Benidoleig on Saturday, 8th October.

Tickets at 18€ include a two course dinner with wine. 3€ from each ticket plus the proceeds from the raffle will go straight to the charity funds.

Tickets for the next show on Saturday 29th October at Inn on the Green, Javea (Bowls Club) are 15€ and include a two course meal with wine. The raffle will again be organised by members of MABS. To reserve tickets for either show, call the Cameo Box Office on 656 483 645 – open Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm.

Trophies for Lucy

MORE TROPHIES for the Stewart family but this time it was Adam’s little sister Lucy taking centre stage.

Lucy took her dance exams at The Dance Academy and Stage School at Casa Ventura on Saturday and Sunday 24th and 25th September, winning five gold trophies and one silver trophy in Lyrical; Educational; Freestyle; Tap; Speech and Drama; Ballet and Lucy with Modern Jazz.

Miss Suzanne, Principal of one of her trophies the Dance Academy, was very

pleased with the performances of all those who took part in the medals and exams. Lucy has a full dance programme with The Dance Academy at the weekend and with Raquel Peñas Flamenco Dance school three nights a week plus dancing with the Flamenco Para Todas in restaurants in the evenings and weekends.

The Flamenco Para Todas are a amatuer group of dancers from all countries who live on the Costas that meet and perform free for any charity.

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Orihuela kids miss out on sports activities

by Jan Gamm ORIHUELA OPPOSITION leader, Monica Lorente, has hit out at the new Councillor for Sports, Luis Galiano, for denying more than 200 Orihuela families places at the various Municipal sports schools, saying “…his incompetence in sports continues to grow and verges on insult.”

More than 200 outraged families expected a place for their children to play sport in one of Orihuela’s Municipal sport schools, but have been told that due to insufficient funding their kids must miss out.

Ms Lorente, former Mayor and the Partido Popular Leader in Orihuela said: “It is outrageous that the Mayor’s nephew is still playing football at the Municipal Football School, following his dream, despite more than 76 children being turned away.”

The PP has denounced the Department of Sports at the Orihuela Town Hall with regard to the waiting list in various dis-

ciplines, especially as the deadline for registration is not until 7th October. The waiting list continues to grow.

Ms Lorente reported the names of all the children and families still waiting for places, blaming the incompetence of Councillor Galiano and the Sports Department. She confirmed that 76 children are on the waiting list for the Municipality’s Football School; 50 for the Multisport School; 28 girls for the Gymnastics School; 14 children on the waiting list for the Tennis School and 11 awaiting a place at the Basketball School.

“The absurdities go on and on,” commented Ms Lorente, “they should worry about the welfare and interests of Orihuela children rather than spend two months engaged solely in placing illegal immigrants to work within the Department of Sports, as is the case of Mr Andreo and Mr Vicente Murcia.” She continued: “In the case of Mr Vincente Murcia, we have complained to the Labour Inspectorate: How can a man without official documents be put in charge of dealing with minors? It is intolerable.”

Luis Galiano

HAH needs YOU!

THE CHARITY help at Home (HAH) has expanded rapidly over the past few months, but is still seeking new volunteers, operating throughout Torrievieja and surrounding areas, offering practical and nursing help to those in need.

A volunteers meeting is planned for Monday, 3rd October at The Emerald Isle, La Florida, from 11am to midday.

Please be early to enable a prompt start.

Any new volunteers are welcome to come along: volunteer application forms will be available and new volunteers should bring two passport photographs. Current volunteers who do not have their ID badge should bring two passport photos.

The meeting will give an update on the progress of the charity, current clients and answer any questions or concerns.

HAH needs volunteers in Pilar Horadada, Torrevieja and Quesada: carers, home helps, drivers, and fund raisers needed.

HAH Costa Blanca has so far helped more than 40 clients in the area, with more than 60 volunteers, mostly living in the Playa Flamenca area: the charity was recently nominated for two awards at the Pride of Spain Awards.

Dust busters needed in Orihuela

THE NEWLY appointed council in Orihuela has been shocked to discover thousands of records stored in dust and humidity amidst cockroaches and cobwebs in expensive rented warehouses. The ‘archive’ of the council’s predecessors are said to be little more than damp, infested and rotting paper mountains and searching for information amongst the debris is “a punishment.” Even more alarming is the lack of safety precautions in premises described as “a funeral pyre waiting to happen” with no fire extinguishers, poor sanitation and gloomy lighting. A massive ‘dust-bust’ is required before the archive may be rendered useful.

The Sailing Association Mar Menor presents 2,500€ cheque to MABS

by Patricia Thompson SAMM PRESENTED a cheque for 2,500€ to MABS, from the money collected for the SAMM MABS Sponsored Charity Sailing Race held on 25th September 2011.

The day began with very little wind, fortunately improving near the start time. The direction was constantly changing between North East and East, which presented something of a headache for the race officers setting the two course, including Barrie Harding, a professional race officer who came over from Cowes.

The Class 1 Race (Cruisers) was won by Norwegian Ole Jan Midttun, in his beautiful Benateau First 44.7 ‘Apex’. In

Laser Bahia with Alan and crew

Photos

by Mike Prentice:

Lyn Baines presents the cup to the winners of the Class 2 dingies race

second place was Derek English in the Stryder Club catamaran ‘Hamoor’. Third was Ian Robinson in the Benateau Ocianis 36 ‘Lottie’.

The Class 2 Race (Dinghies) was won by Alan Hillman in a Laser Bahia. Second was Brian Murray sailing the Weta 14 Trimaran. In third place were Ingo Wilson and Vernon O’Byrne sailing the Laser 2000 ‘Shoestring Tres’.

MABS would like to thank everyone involved with the race from the helms and their crews, Bob Miles and the two safety boat crews, the committee boat, Moody 30 ‘Rosie’ owned by Huw and Margaret Jones, and all within SAMM who made the day such a success.

If you would like to find out more and see more photos go to www.sailingmarmenor.com

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Calling all Curvaceous and Voluptuous Ladies

By Louise Clarke DESPITE THE sun still shining and temperatures still in the top twenties, autumn and winter are just around the corner and Looking Good Boutique in La Zenia has taken delivery of their fantastic new collections for this new season.

The colours are rich and vibrant and the fabrics floaty and luxurious and they have what Looking Good’s owner Louise has declared is their best ever selection of plus size fashion.

She told RTN: “You all know that plus size means size 14 and over, so that covers just about all of us, and you are guaranteed to find something fun and funky, or elegant and sophisticated within this section.”

To show off this new collection Looking Good Boutique is hosting their much talked about ‘Curvy Lady Fashion Show’ next Saturday, 8th October at 12 noon in the boutique in La Zenia on the Orihuela Costa. So please go along and see what everyone is talking about!

Looking Good Boutique really does have something for everyone, highlighting the very best plus size fashion on the Costa Blanca, from fabulous everyday casual to dressed-up elegance for evening. Louise continued: “As always we will have a great raffle, extra special one day prices and secret prizes throughout the show,” adding, “Our ladies golf section is also ever improving with the latest Golfino and Bobby Jones USA ranges now available. And to celebrate we will have a ‘Best Dressed Lady Golfer’ fashion show, also in store on Saturday 22nd October at 12 noon.”

(More details on this will be in RTN nearer the date.)

Louise concluded: “The shows are always great fun, so please do try to come along next Saturday but if you can’t come in and see us soon at the Boutique and have a look at the lovely ranges we have in store. We are constantly upgrading our stock trying to find you the very best quality, price and design - come in and see what we are doing!”

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Cuffed and chuffed

by Jack Troughton BOB SHINKINS and Eileen Mackenzie got to know each better during the 5km of Race for Life Javea completing the course shackled together with handcuffs.

Despite wearing the ‘bracelets’, both enjoyed the experience of taking part in last Sunday’s community event and the family atmosphere of the fun run.

A total of 210 registered to take part in the sixth annual event, raising much needed money for four cancer charities – the AECC, children’s charity ASPANION, Expatriate Ostomates of Spain, and the MABS Cancer Support Group.

Ex-policeman Bobwas delighted to accept an anonymous sponsorship of 1,000€ and organisers – now busy counting cash – were please at the unexpected show of support.

Bob said: “Last year was the first time I took part and Eileen saw my picture on the website so we decided to do it together – we will do it again next year but with a bit more training.”

Bob is a ‘gooner’ and fellow members of the Arsenal Supporters Club Costa Blanca took part in Race for Life.

L’AncoraPlaya, Arenal. The bar was the start and finish of

the event –and until recently was also the club’s home.

Although the football fans now meet at Cheers Bar in the port, they returned to do their bit.

ENJOY Eileen added: “It was very good and enjoyable…now it is over! I have never really run before but I did do some training.

“I wanted to get involved because I have a neighbour with cancer who is very sick at the moment because of her treatment.”

Race for Life has become one of Javea’s eagerly anticipated annual events involving all nationalities.

It is said everyone knows someone affected by cancer and while athletes race the course at top speed, runners enjoy the exercise, while walkers chat amongst themselves – taking the family pet is optional – all show their support for the worthwhile cause.

And joining the spirit of the day were nine members of Club Muay Thai Xabia. The guys may not have been Bob tied together but were joined in spirit – just like every- and Eileen one taking part.

Happy landings

by Jack Troughton TWENTY HEROES safely landed back on terra firma after a thrilling 12,000ft descent during a sponsored skydive – raising more than 12,370€ for 15 charities.

The bravehearts – one, Steve Patton, actually sporting a kilt – took part in last Saturday’s event organised by Jalon and Orba Lions Club and underwent a mixture of emotions ranging from overwhelming excitement to sheer terror.

However, everyone was agreed the experience of a 5,000ft tandem freefall followed by a rather slower parachute ride was something never to be forgotten – whether they plan another jump or not!

Lions Stuart and Andrea Aitchison planned the jump at El Pinar Aerodrome, Castellon, after last year’s equally successful sponsored abseil.

And the couple paid tribute to family and friends who had travelled to the airfield to support the skydivers and encouraged, calmed and applauded their courage throughout the day.

VIEWS Stuart told RTN that getting out of a plane at 12,000ft “appeared awfully high… the plots of land below were tiny but the views were absolutely wonderful.”

He admitted he had yet to think of a suitable challenge for next year but added: “Skydiving was right up there as

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Fancy a walk?

THE COSTA Blanca Mountain Walkers offer organised walks on the following dates:

WEDNESDAY 5TH OCTOBER 10.45am start: Start of season stroll: A gentle walk to start the season with lunch to follow (optional). An easy 8kms walk of 2 1/2 hours duration on good tracks with a 100m ascent - a new route avoiding barranco. No dogs and please note the later start time: for further details telephone Mike or Jackie on 96 648 2693.

09.30am start: Carrascal de Parcent: This strenuous 121/2 km walk of five hours duration, mostly rough terrain, will set off earlier to allow those who want a stiff walk to get back for lunch (optional): 800m ascent: The walk will be at a moderate pace, appropriate for the first ‘S’ of the season: Dogs on leads at the rear: again note the earlier start time: for further details telephone Andrea Geoff 96 648 2932. feels the 10.00am start: Col de Rates: Moderately strenuous 9km pull of walk of three hours duration with some rough terrain: gravity one of the things to do before you kick control of the straps and told how to run 350m ascent: dogs on leads at rear: for further details the bucket.” left and right. “Unfortunately, I pulled telephone Jon on 686 148 704.

Andrea was glad to have undergone right and immediately went into a spin the experience but was one of three – and that was it – it was sheer terror SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER Cova Tallada sea cave and Torre del Cerro watch tower: people who vowed: “Never again.” again.

1/2 She added: “I found it terrifying – at “I was totally disorientated and felt a moderately strenuous 8km walk of 4 hours duration with some rough terrain: 250m ascent with some one point you feel you are just hanging little queasy. Up until then everything scrambling. A challenging descent to a sea cave and out of the plane door and just hope you had been fine.” are attached to your partner properly.

However, she said her spirits were subterranean Tosca stone medieval quarry. Those wishing “Then the freefall is so exhilarating revived by the clapping and cheering to view the cave should bring a torch and those wishing and exciting – after the absolute terror of everyone on the ground. “The atmos- to swim bring cossies and protective swim footwear: No dogs: for further details telephone Bob 626 366 690. of making the jump you seem to settle phere made it all worthwhile.”

Sierra de Sireret: generally a strenuous but in and then the parachute opens.”

She said jumpers chose to be phostraightforward and pleasant 12kms walk of four hours tographed or videoed during their deCONTROL scent. “My hair makes me look like one duration: 550m ascent: a little scratchy and awkward underfoot for a short stretch towards the end of the Andrea explained she was then given half of Jedwood!” descent: Dogs on leads at rear: For further details telephone David 693 480 190.

Walks depart promptly at 10am unless otherwise noted.

Boots and adequate drinking water are required. First aid kit is recommended, as well as protection against sun and MAGALUF AND Ibiza have hit the European ‘top ten list’ of ‘Cities that wind: walkers participate at their own risk.

Never Sleep’: Magaluf ranks 4th with Ibiza coming 7th on the party popWhilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the time per’s ‘Best Nightlife’ rating. stated for each walk will always depend on the fitness In first place is Riccione in Italy, Aya Napa in Cyprus is 2nd and Galand ability of the walkers and also the weather and way in Ireland is 3rd. Italy’s Rimini is at 5th place followed by Liverpool, passage conditions on the day of the walk. The rules and England in 6th. Hamburg came in at 8th place, with Dublin 9th and guidelines for walking are given on our website: see Manchester bringing up the rear in 10th position. www.cbmwalkers.org.

Spanish cities that never sleep

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La Marina Dreams Team

The Dream Team

by Jan Gamm DURING AUGUST and September the management, staff and customers at Bar Dreams on La Marina generously donated a total of 340€ to MABS Cancer Support Group.

On September 14th, MABS Area Coordinator for the La Marina Branch Bob Clayton presented two ‘Certificates of Appreciation’ to Pam, her staff, and the team of fundraisers from

Dreams Bar to say thank you for their efforts, with special recognition for the 190€ donation in memory of the late Mrs. Marguerite Elliott.

Fundraising is an important part of the work done by volunteers to keep the work of the Cancer Support Group moving ahead.

“Without people like our friends at Bar Dreams, we would not be able to continue our support work; we are very grateful to them all” said Bob.

UEFA qualifier being held in Alicante stadium TICKETS FOR the classifying match between Spain and Scotland for the UEFA Championships in 2012 went on sale earlier this week with admission priced between 30€ - 90€.

This important event for football fans across the country will take place on Tuesday 11th October at 8.45pm at the Rico Pérez Stadium in Alicante, home to the Hércules Football Club and with a capacity of 45,000 spectators.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.servicaixa.com, from a ticket machine at any La Caixa bank, or from the box office stadium from 6th October between the hours of 10am – 8pm. Tickets will be selling fast.

Zumba for a good cause

By Julie Day TAKE PART in a marathon Zumbathon on Sunday 9th October, burn some calories and help raise money for two worthy charities at the same time.

The three-hour long zumba charity event is being held at the Grand Design House overlooking the lake at Torremendo, with all monies raised being donated to the AECC and EMAUS. This event is open to everyone and even to those who have never tried Zumba before.

The dance marathon will be led by fully qualified Zumba instructor, Cindy van Asperen; all you have to do is follow her lead. Participants can either pay 5€ on the day or

collect sponsors. The sponsor form can be downloaded from www.thingstodoinspain.info.

Following the three-hour Zumbathon, where you are sure to have worked up a sweat, cool down in the fun foam party!

The charity Zumbathon will take place from 11am – 3pm at Casa La Pedrera, Torremendo.

For further details, please contact Cindy on 622 039 994 or Jenni on 660 816 620.

This event will still go ahead if it rains as there is cover available.

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Take a trip with RTN & Gandia Tours BOOK AN adventure with RTN’s new Exclusive readers offer and discover a little more of Spain and the world over the horizon.

Premier travel expert Gandia Tours is offering The Costa Blanca’s favourite free newspaper three amazing trip opportunities to help readers expand their boundaries at unbeatable prices.

The travel agent has agreed to offer exclusive trips – whether that is a coach journey in Spain or a cruise, it is quality travel at rock bottom prices.

This December will see two special Christmas shopping trips to Spain’s most prestigious and historic cities – the capital Madrid and Barcelona.

BOOK It is anticipated that both three day and two night breaks will be fully booked and as seats are limited, it pays to reserve a place as soon as possible.

Leaving the Costa Blanca for Madrid on 14th December, discovering the winter wonderland of the capital costs just 115€ per person.

And the Barcelona trip departs on 21st December and gives a fantastic opportunity to shop and see the city for just 149€ each.

There is also a ground-breaking offer for a nine day Mediterranean cruise on the MSC Orchestra at just 429€ - the ship

departs Valencia on 1st May, 2012. Again anyone fancying a taste of life on the ocean wave is recommended to book early because prices can only rise as the date of sailing approaches.

Travellers are guaranteed to be in the centre of the action.

In Madrid, accommodation is booked in the three-star Hotel Ganivet, close to the historic Plaza Mayor and the royal palaces.

The price is based on sharing a double room and includes a full English breakfast.

Barcelona’s Hotel Cristal is also centrally placed on the city’s famous Ramblas and in striking distance of not only the shops but also the cathedral and other landmarks.

And joining the MSC Orchestra - a cruise that begins and ends at Valencia – will take passengers to cities lining the Med and the countries of Tunisia, Sicily, Italy and Monte Carlo.

PROSPECT RTN Media Group’s managing director Geoffrey Gartland said the new partnership with Gandia Tours was an exciting prospect.

“I think this is an unbeatable opportunity for anyone who enjoys making new discoveries,” He added: “These first trips offered from Gandia Tours will prove to be a great success and there will be many more great offers in the near future.”

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In trouble again...

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

I DON’T know if you recall, dear reader, but I was writing a few weeks back about the landing arrangements for Ryanair at Alicante. Ryanair prefer to use steps down to the tarmac rather than paying for an expensive air-bridge directly into the terminal. I was blathering away about how happy I am to skip down the steps from the aircraft, rather than use an air-jetty (notice I employ the term air-jetty rather than airbridge; it’s my preferred terminology and was used by the late lamented British Caledonian – a superior airline).

Anyway, I was pulled up by an RTN reader who correctly pointed out that it’s okay flouncing down the steps if you are able to but, of course, not everyone is.

John Allen Everington posed the following question: “Have you considered the plight of handicapped passengers?” He added, “Climbing or descending a flight of steps can present considerable difficulties to a person with even a slight mobility problem.” John said, “I have had recent experience of both methods of boarding, and leaving, with handicapped persons. There is no contest - the air bridge wins every time.” A point well made there John.

I was also going on about how my Ryanair flights were never late. John had this to say: “I recently met some friends at El Altet from a Ryanair flight and the flight was scheduled to arrive at 12.55.” According to John the arrivals board was showing that the flight was ‘on time’. John said, “At 13.00 it was still ‘on time’ and so on again, until it finally landed at 13.15.” He concludes, “That’s one way of making sure that your flights are al-

ways on time.” Hmmm, I suppose it depends just where exactly they are counting ‘on time’ as being: over Alicante; touching down at Alicante; taxing at Alicante or powered down to a dead stop at Alicante, eh John?

Well, that’s the last time I give an airline a ‘shout’ – it gets me into too much trouble! But do you know I also got into trouble over Digit Al and the British digital TV switch-on? Yup, sure did. I said that the West Midlands were the last region to go digital. Someone called Karma thinks this is piffle. He/she wrote: “The West Midlands is not the last region to go digital. Only about half of the regions have switched so far. Some don’t switch until next year - London for example.” My information came from an engineer for Switch-on, so I’d have thought if anyone knew, he would. I think he meant in terms of large regions and not little packets of hard-to-reach areas. Anyoldroad, thanks for that Karma: I stand digitally corrected.

It all got me thinking why this change-over is indeed necessary. The home page of Digit Al explains the whys and where for(s): “Digital TV switchover is the process of converting the UK’s terrestrial television system to digital. Between now and 2012, analogue channels will be switched off region by region and replaced with free-to-air digital TV and radio services (Freeview). Switchover will extend Freeview coverage virtually to the whole of the UK and free up airwaves for new services such as ultra-fast wireless broadband and mobile television. Digital services are also available via broadband, cable and satellite.”

Freemasons of Murcia helping Lorca victims

THE FREEMASONS of Murcia continue to help the victims of the Earthquake in Llorca months after the terrible earthquake that devastated areas of the town, leaving many people with nothing.

Shortly after the earthquake an appeal was started by Terry Abrahams, the Provincial Grand Master in an effort to raise money for the disaster victims. Rather than providing a ‘one-

off’ aid package it was decided to provide regular supplies of whatever was required and the coordination of supplies was undertaken by Alan Day, the Provincial Charity Steward.

The Masons were asked mainly for dried foods, cooking oil and milk. On one occasion a request was made for 1,300 cans of tuna, delivered the following week!

Some of the lodges in the Province of Murcia have made di-

Phew, that’s cleared all that up nicely.

Okay, right time to get back to my newly-tuned telly and tune in for some more party political conferences; what larks eh? This week it’s the turn of the Labour Party and next week the Conservatives. And then, I guess, we can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that it’s all done and dusted for another year. Just Halloween; Guy Fawkes Night and Christmas to go before we can say Happy New Year once again – my how time flies...

Watts in Britain, digitally retuned and proud of it…

rect contributions over and above that given by the Provincial Grand Lodge. Collections of clothes and other essentials were made in the Torrevieja area and delivered to the victims: with winter now approaching warmer clothes will be welcomed.

Should you have warm clothes that you would like to donate, please contact the Provincial Secretary Bob Mitchell on 96 678 4427: all donations will be gratefully received.

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Open Day at Mobile/Park Homes site

by Patricia Thompson THE CAMPING Pueblo of San Javier La Encina is holding an open day on Wednesday 5th October from 11am, providing a fantastic opportunity to buy a home on one of the best mobile home sites on the Mar Menor. The site is just three kilometres from the beach and seven minutes by car to San Javier Airport.

The open day will be held overlooking the site’s beautiful swimming pool, with light refreshments available. Whilst you are there, you will be able to wander around the stunning facilities on a permanent, friendly and quiet family-run site, ideally located on the Balsicas road, between the town of San Javier and the AP7 motorway. The easy going and relaxed site offers several exquisite mobile homes for sale from as little as 18,000€.

WONDERFUL SELECTION The fully legal site is run by Spaniard Enrique and his son Quique. On reception is Ana, who speaks fluent English and agent Carol sells homes on the site. She has lived

permanently on site for the last 10 years and loves its relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

Carol is always on hand to help and give advice and will be hosting the open day.

The site is on a flat area, ideal for anyone with walking difficulties and is close to Iceland, the supermarket; in fact, there are ten supermarkets within easy walking distance and also a small shop on site, conveniently placed within walking distance of all of San Javier’s amenities. The town boasts some fantastic historical and cultural sites within its municipality borders in addition to beautiful beaches and the Mar Menor.

The open day will give you the chance to view a wonderful selection of mobile homes for sale, all in excellent condition.

There are two bedroom homes available to view and all come with sheds, patios and some even with conservatories: there is also 24hr security. They are all completely fitted out, including white goods, ready for an immediate move-in. Most of the homes also have air conditioning, a telephone/internet and English TV.

The site is on a flat area

the site boasts an extra large swimming pool and tennis courts

REGULAR ENTERTAINMENT The site boasts a fabulous, extra large swimming pool open throughout the summer season; a small gym; petanca and tennis courts and a newly refurbished lounge bar with regular entertainment. They have darts, quizzes and live sports on TV and of course, great British food on the menu with fresh bread.

Every Saturday night entertainment from some of the best acts on the Costa Blanca provides the hub of activity on this friendly site.

For security, there is a night watchman and post is delivered daily.

Everyone is welcome to go along to the open day, have a look around and discuss the possibilities of owning your own home on this fantastic site, but if you can’t make it, please call Carol on 96 819 2425 or 626 055 622 to make an appointment. You can also call

these numbers for directions to the site. For more information, please visit their website at www.mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com or email Carol at haydn47@hotmail.com

Sunday lunch from €6

Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

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

The Letter ‘B’

¡Buenos días! - and welcome to another look at the letters of the Spanish alphabet. This time we will look at the first letter of this article, the Spanish letter B. This is a letter many English people worry about when speaking Spanish, because of its similarity in sound to the Spanish letter V. When I’m teaching and say a word with either B or V in it, I tend to notice people’s eyes fixed on my lips, to detect whether I’m differentiating between them or not! Sometimes of course one’s mouth tends toward one sound or another depending on where it comes in a word, but essentially the letters B and V in modern standard European Spanish are identical in sound, and that sound is a bit like a lazy “B”. So, here’s how you do it. Practise making the English B sound first and you should notice a slight pushing out of air from tightly closed lips. Now imagine you’re far too exhausted to make that effect, so just close your lips very, very lightly and make the same sound without the little explosion of air. That’s it – you’ve got it – by George!

To illustrate the fact that V and B are the same, we can look at the word for “cow” which is vaca and “rack” (as in roof rack) which is baca. The spelling is different but the sound is exactly the same, giving rise to all sorts of Spanish kiddies’ jokes about driving around with a cow on the top of your car!

The Spanish tend to make far fewer spelling mistakes in their language than the English do in ours, because of the regularity of the spelling system. However, the B/V confusion can give rise to spelling mistakes, with words like ven (come) being spelt “ben”. This reminds me of something an English friend said to me some time ago, which unfortunately for her I have never let her live down. She said she was amazed at how many dogs in Spain are called Ben – think about it!

As with the letter A, there are hundreds, nay thousands, of very similar words starting with the letter B in both Spanish and English which mean practically the same thing. Here are just a few: Base (base, basis), básico (basic), biología (biology), biografía (biography), brutal (brutal), boletín

(bulletin), bebé (baby) beneficio (benefit, profit), bicicleta (bicycle).

And now for some more “estranged cousins” (these are words that have a similar parentage but their meaning has diverged in the different languages). Blando definitely look as though it means “bland”, that is colourless or tasteless, but in fact it simply means “soft”. Therefore in Spanish we can talk about una cama blanda “a soft bed” or even drogas blandas meaning “soft drugs”, which has nothing to do with their taste or colour!

Another word which has branched in two directions within Spanish itself is the word banco.

As well as meaning the familiar “bank” the word banco also means “bench”. Not to be confused of course with the other meaning of bank in English which is the bank of a river. This is a completely different word - orilla. Confused? A good tip is always to differentiate between the real meanings of words rather than to assume we can just translate words back and forth willy nilly.

Now for our very useful Spanish word beginning with B, and it is bastante. This has two meanings, one is “quite” and the other is “enough”.

Bastante grande means “quite big”, bastante a menudo means “quite often”, whereas Bastante dinero means “enough money”. Well, “quite money” doesn’t make any sense. We could say “big enough” and “often enough” though, which would be the other way of translating these phrases. Bastante comes from the verb bastar meaning “to be sufficient”. A common use of this is when a parent says to a child ¡Basta ya! “That’s enough now!” This is also the slogan used at demonstrations against the terrorist organisation ETA. You will see ¡BASTA YA! written on banners and shouted out by demonstrators.

And now for our Spanish saying, and here is one that is very straightforward and simple. Lo barato es caro- “Cheap is expensive”. It’s easy to imagine what this means – just think of those cheap shoes or chairs you bought, and how quickly they needed replacing – making you spend a lot more money in the long run!!

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Pensions and politicians by

Stephen Ward & Robert Burns IT’S UK party conference time again and so a good opportunity to consider politics and pensions.

The problem with politicians is that they cannot resist the temptation to interfere. Back in 2006 the ‘old’ pension tax rules were replaced by new ones yet all we have seen since is further meddling.

PENSION FUNDS – A SOFT TARGET The UK public finances are a mess and so the politicians have this year sought to reduce the tax cost of pensions by £5bn a year. Add to that the stealthy reduction in public sector pensions (and some private sector schemes as well) through a change in inflation proofing from the Retail Prices Index to the Consumer Prices Index. As a result of this little noticed change we have seen pension transfer values fall by as much as 20 %. It is clear that the attacks on the soft target that politicians see as pension funds will not end there.

MORE ATTACKS ON PENSIONS? As the financial crisis rumbles on we are sure that more attacks will come. The economic travails of the Republic of Ireland have resulted in the introduction of a policy there which will surely not have gone unnoticed in the corridors of Whitehall. On 10th May 2011, the Irish Government announced that it would “impose a temporary levy on domestic private pension savings to fund a jobs plan aimed at cutting unemployment and aiding the economic recovery.

“The government plans to apply an annual 0.6% charge over four years on pension assets, excluding funds providing benefits to non-resident employers and members,” Finance Minister Michael Noonan said, “The move should generate €470 million a year.”

A 0.6% tax rate on UK pension funds would generate annual revenue of around £8.4 billion.

TRANSFER TO A QROPS No wonder we see a near exponential increase in the numbers of expats who want to get their hard earned pension funds away from the UK. The main reason people cite for transferring their UK pension fund to a QROPS is a lack of trust in the UK pensions system. This is closely followed by a wish to take control.

For longer term expats we arrange transfers of UK pension rights to New Zealand from where if required the fund may be converted into an immediately available lump sum. For

A good time to consider politics and pensions

others and in particular those with larger funds we arrange transfers to Guernsey and the Isle of Man. We are at the moment working on new schemes in other jurisdictions which will also be able to accept transfers of UK pension rights. Certain Caribbean countries look of particular interest with robust and flexible local pension scheme structures often based on Canadian pension law.

We were just about the first firm to arrange pension transfers to QROPS for expats and are without a doubt still the market leader. On the one hand we keep an eye on what the UK politicians have done and might do in the future, whilst on the other taking an active role in growing and developing the QROPS market as a whole.

For further information about QROPS, Pension Planning and long term investment opportunities please email review@qrops.es or see http://www.prempensions.com and http://www.qrops.es quoting reference RTN1011.

THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN BY STEPHEN WARD AND ROBERT BURNS, PREMIER PENSION SOLUTIONS S.L., September 2011. Please see our advert on Page 2. At the forefront of the industry with over forty years combined experience with pensions, regulated and authorised, liaising directly with providers and HMRC, Stephen and Robert are two of the leading authorities on QROPS. E: review@qrops.es T: 965 790 918 www.qrops.es www.prempensions.com or www.qropsnz.com

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by

Michael Olmer

Solicitor, Link Point Legal and Business Services

When north winds blow – get covered for winter AS SUMMER turns to autumn anyone who owns property or who runs a business should check that their insurance policies are up to date so that they have cover against damage caused by extreme weather conditions, and are aware of how these claims are dealt with here in Spain.

THE CONSORCIO At times of extreme weather and other natural events which cause damage to property you will often hear that claims are being dealt with by the Consorcio. This is a body managed by the Spanish government dealing with claims for the cost of repairing such damage to which all insurance companies issuing cover in Spain contribute. You must have a current insurance policy for the Consorcio to deal with your claim.

FLOOD The risk causing the most damage in Spain and dealt with by the Consorcio is flood. This is defined as flooding of ground, as distinct from buildings, as a result of rainfall or thawing snow, from rivers and lakes bursting their banks, or battering of the sea along the coast. However, the Consorcio does not cover damage caused by rain which falls directly onto property which is insured, or that collected by its roof or roof terrace, its drains, gutters, or its

patios. So if your roof or balcony leaks because of heavy rain the cost of repairing that damage is the responsibility of your own insurance company and not the Consorcio.

Check your insurance policy carefully, as what may seem to you like a deluge may not fall within its definition of heavy rain. Many insurance policies define heavy rain as being a fall of at least 40 litres per square metre per hour. This equates to 40 millimeters, or just over an inch and a half per hour as measured by the nearest official rain gauge.

WIND STORMS The cover for damage due to high winds storm includes, amongst others, gusts, tornadoes and extraordinary winds greater than 135Km/hr (84 mph) GARDEN STRUCTURES Outhouses, greenhouses, gazebos, fences, and pools, are not normally covered by domestic insurance policies you have taken out specific cover for these items.

UNDER INSURANCE Being under-insured can have unpleasant and unexpected consequences, especially where it is difficult to value the item being insured. In these tough

economic times, under-insurance is a false economy as in the event of suffering damage from an insured risk you will not receive the full value of your claim and you may not be able to afford to repair or replace your damaged property.

If an item is under-insured the insurer will only pay out in the same proportion that the sum insured actually bears to its true value. As an example, if your car is worth 10,000€ but the sum insured under your policy is only 5,000€ you have only insured the car for 50% of its true value. In the event that your car is written off and you need to claim for full amount under the policy, the insurer will only be obliged to pay out in the same proportion; that is 50% of the sum insured under the policy, in other words 2,500€.

OVER INSURANCE On the other hand, over-insurance is money wasted as you will pay a higher premium than necessary for cover you do you not need and will not benefit from.

Do not be tempted to inflate an insurance claim.

Insurance fraud is a serious crime which can result in imprisonment.

Before it’s too late, check that your insurance policy has not lapsed and that you have sufficient cover should the worst happen this winter.

Calle Andromeda 24, 03581 Albir - Alfaz del Pí, Alicante. Email: client@linkpointlegal.com Web: www.linkpointlegal.com Tel: 96 626 0500 Fax: 96 686 52 77

Electrifying arrests in Pinoso THE GUARDIA Civil has arrested 19 people suspected of tampering with electricity metres in Pinoso, Alicante this week, amounting to fraudulent activities estimated to have cost the electricity provider more than 66,000€.

Two men were paid between 1,000€ and 1,200€ to remove the original seals on the metres and replace them with devices of similar appearance. A total of 17 properties are thought to be involved, the owners of which have been arrested, with further arrests not ruled out.

The detainees are to be charged with theft of electricity and fraud on bogus metres thought to have reduced electric bills by up to 50%.

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Wealth Tax is back by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

THE NEW Spanish Royal Decree-Law number 13/2011 (Real Decreto-ley RDL 13/2011) was approved on 16th September 2011. This new Decree Law modifies the Wealth Tax Law number 19/1991 of June 6th and restores the temporary obligation to pay once again the previously abolished Wealth Tax. This means that after only few years of 100% tax bonus, it is back again.

The most outstanding modification is the disappearance of the previous 100% bonus - therefore the tax will be paid according to a gradual scale from 0.2 % to 2.5 %, with the highest percentage corresponding to the bigger amount of assets.

We should keep in mind that since this tax was transferred by the Spanish Estate to each individual Autonomous Spanish Community, (Comunidades Autonomas) and these Communities are now free to change these percentages.

Another major change is the modification of article number 28 of the Law which considerably increases the tax exempt amount from €108,182.18 to over €700,000 meaning only those persons whose total net assets (active or passive) are over €700,000 will pay this Tax. Once again the Autonomous Communities are free to change the minimum exempt amount should they consider it appropriate.

There is also a very important change for Non Resident Tax

payers in Spain as in point 3 of the above mentioned article 28, it is stated that this minimum exemption of €700,000 will also NOW apply to Non Tax Residents.

This is very important since the Law previously stated that the minimum exemption did not apply to those non-residents under real obligation to contribute (i.e. ‘non-residents tax’ owners of a Holiday home with no additional commercial activities in Spain among others). Thus the new wording is fairer now for Non Residents in Spain since the minimum exemption now applies to Residents and Non Residents alike, with no discrimination whatsoever.

In reference to the persons who are Non Resident in Spain but subject to pay this newly reinstated Wealth Tax, it is pointed out that in certain cases they should name a Representative to act for them in front of the Tax Office. A representative should be named when the person is operating from any kind of permanent establishment such as an office, shop with branches etc, or when required by the Tax Office due to the amount and characteristics of the assets. The appointed person or company must be resident in Spain.

This is very important as failing to do so will be considered a serious tax violation punishable with a fine of €1,000.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article this is a TEMPORARY modification since it has also been approved that on 01-01-2013 this Tax will no longer be paid. Therefore this tax will only be paid for the years 2011 and 2012, which will be respectively submitted in 2012 and 2013.

Taking into consideration the possible adjustments in the calculation of the tax, the exemptions for a habitual residence etc, we can then roughly say that: 1) If you are fiscal resident in Spain, you will have to pay this Tax only if the net amount of your assets (active or passive)

Wealth Tax is back

wherever located is over 700,000€.

2) On the other hand if you are non fiscal-tax resident in Spain you will have to pay this Tax only if the net amount of your assets (active or passive) in Spain is over 700,000€.

In case of operating from a permanent establishment (such as an office, shop with branches etc) you should name a Representative to act for you in front of the Tax Office if you or your business are subject to this tax.

Should any reader find himself or herself in this situation or similar please do not hesitate to contact us and the appropriate advice will be provided.

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

We kindly invite you to visit and comment about this article in our blog at http://www.white-baos.com/blog/ and facebook (White-Baos-Abogados-Solicitors) your comments in this respect will be greatly appreciated.

Carlos Baos (Lawyer) © White & Baos Abogados 2011 - All rights reserved. C/Diana 19, 2º-D, 03700 Dénia (located 1 minute away from the La Via underground car park).

Tel: 966 426 185. Send your questions to spanishlawyer@roundtownnews.com or info@white-baos.com. This article is available in English and Spanish at www.white-baos.com

money

36 40

30 sept - 06 oct42011 Feb 26 - March 2010

Imserso is here!

by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

WE’VE ALL heard of the saying, ‘everything comes to he who waits’. If only it were true. If it were, we would all be guaranteed of winning the lottery; we’d never need to run for the bus; and Telefonica would only need reminding once. It really is a very misleading phrase that should probably have been substituted years ago by ‘he who dares wins’ or ‘nothing ventured nothing gained’. However, there is something that it does apply to: Imserso!

Yes, at last, after a nail biting few weeks we are delighted to announce that our favourite Spanish holiday programme for pensioners, subsidised by the Spanish Government, is here! We were starting to sweat just a little, and it wasn’t only from a warmer than average September.

So when can you go out and start booking your reduced cost holidays? For those who have registered, depending upon where you live, the dates are: - Murcia: 11th and 13th October - Alicante/Valencia: 14 th and 15 th October

- Almeria: 19 th and 20 th October You should shortly receive your confirmation letter with your booking code and holiday release date. Visit a local travel agency on the date you’re given and you can begin by booking a holiday in your preferred destination such as the Canary Islands; Balearics; Portugal or mainland Spain. If you want to have a go at booking online you can watch the video on http://www.youtube.com/user/abacoasesores and listen as Caroline explains what you should do step-by-step.

If you choose to go to the travel agents to book your holiday, Yvonne from Estival Tour Travel has some advice: “Remember to take your booking fee (12€ last year and please bring cash!), passport, residency card or certificate and acceptance letter with you. Be flexible about your travel dates and destination and have a ‘back up’ plan. We try to provide as much help as we can but it’s a busy time!”

It sounds simple, but we know from experience that people sometimes need a little help. That’s why we

will be holding three Open Afternoons at the Ábaco offices for those confused about what to do or who haven’t received their letter. We are happy to assist clients and non-clients on October 10th, 11th and 13th between 3pm and 5.30pm. There’s no need to make an appointment or to call beforehand, just pop in between the given times with any Imserso documentation you might have and your residency certificate.

And for anyone who hasn’t got a clue? If you’re still reading this article and you would like to register for the holidays as a resident pensioner in Spain we are happy to help with this too. We would ask, however, that you wait until the end of October as we might be just a little busy before then. Take your pick from “everything comes to he who waits” or “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. Either way we’ll be pleased to offer you our free signing-up service.

For more information about the booking process read our Imserso newsletter: http://www.abacoconnect. com/newsletter/september2011i.html

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

Weekend labour on the increase

AN INCREASE of 30,200 people in the Valencian region work during weekends as the economic crisis bites harder in Spain. Analysis from the Labour Force Survey shows that in 2007, 223,300 workers put in two Sundays per month to keep their heads above water but in 2011 the figure has risen to 253,500. The increase in Sunday labour is particularly prevalent in the building trade where job insecurity forces a willingness to work unsociable hours on demand in order to hang onto a job.

Tollos protest in El Comtat The protest outside the town hall

FIFTY PEOPLE from the tiny town of Tollos in Alicante (which represents most of the town) assembled outside the El Comtat Town Hall on Monday to demand a payment of 100,000€ allegedly owed to the company that manages the local nursing home, now unable to pay its staff. The closure of the nursing home would have dire consequences

for the little town and possibly result in a loss of various services due to the reduced census population. However, despite the nursing home management company’s insistence that funds have not been transferred, the mayor claims that settlement has been made. The nursing home has 20 permanent residents cared for by 20 staff.

Tel: 96 558 7633 Mobile 618204731

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

•Mortgages •Currency Exchange •Funeral Plans

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

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Home Garden

37

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Hey ho, silver linings!

AS THE European economy lurches from one Greek tragedy to another sapping confidence and depressing stock markets throughout the world it could be argued that some of the ‘perfect storm’ clouds that are ominously stacked high above the Spanish property market may have silver linings.

There are thousands of properties for Supply is outstripping demand

sale on the Costa Blanca. This glut, coupled with a lack of confidence, has severely depressed property prices meaning that throughout the region there are bargains to be had for the astute buyer.

If you are looking to buy a property for sale on the Costa Blanca, despite all the doom and gloom, now seems the time to do it. The paradox is that be-

cause property prices are so much lower than three or four years ago, buyers are far more cautious. They have less confidence in the potential future growth of their property investment. However, investment growth has not disappeared - it has just ‘changed shape’.

To put it bluntly, if you are looking to make a ‘quick buck’ out of buying a property for sale you are going to be sorely disappointed. If you are considering buying a property on price alone than you could come unstuck. As I have said before, buying a property on the Costa Blanca is an emotional as well as a commercial decision.

Finding a property for sale that has a rock bottom price may look like a silver lining but if it doesn’t meet the lifestyle that you intend to lead here in Spain then it could turn out to be a white elephant. Every buyer who approaches an estate agent has a budget. It is wishful thinking if you have a dream that you

cannot afford. The price is important but it is not the only thing that you should consider.

When looking for a property for sale on the Costa Blanca you should consider how you are going to live in Spain.

Consider what the property is for. Is it only for holidays or is it your new home in the sun? You should make a wish list of what your dream property should have in terms of location and function.

The property should fit the lifestyle you intend to enjoy rather than the other way round.

Estate agents have a lot of properties for sale on the Costa Blanca and with supply outstripping demand you have the luxury of being able to pick and choose the right property for your lifestyle choice. Don’t waste the opportunity just to get a bargain. Low prices may look like silver linings but when your head is in the clouds ensure that your feet stay firmly on the ground.

By Guest Writer Michael Rushe of Javea Estates

Jade Jagger’s Ibiza villa for sale JADE JAGGER’S fantabulous Ibiza villa is for sale – ‘Can Sebastien’ - a snip at £3.05 million; a five-bedroom luxury residence near San Joan in the north of the island. Ms Jagger and moved into the home 10 years ago but now wants to move her family back to London. Built by a French architect, with five en-suite bedrooms and a range of courtyards and terraces, the villa also comes with 30,000 square metres of land, half an hour’s drive from Ibiza’s hot spots.

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Once it has rained! by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

AT THE time of writing still no rain: each day one needs to tour the garden to check which plants’ roots now have no buried treasure – moisture – to tap into and then soak the roots of the plants concerned. Just off to the Costa Brava to give a talk to the Cataluña Branch of the Mediterranean Garden Society. Many members are already well on with autumn plantings having had some heavy rainfalls a couple of weeks ago.

Once you have had a good storm or two, even if not a real ‘gota fria’, it will be time to do autumn plantings in earnest. These include the following.

Spring bulbs – these are already on display in garden centres and stores such as Leroy Merlin.

Perrennials and shrubs – except in frost pockets where most things are best planted in the Spring.

Roses – See the Austin Roses internet catalogue for ideas. By the way the Iris Garden above Los Pinos is now an Austin Roses distributor.

Flowering trees – the most practical choices are

described in section 4.7 of Your Garden in Spain.

Do prepare good planting holes and improve the quality of the soil in advance.

Fruit trees except for citrus trees in frost pockets.

To try something new go through the 70 plus fruit trees and bushes listed in Growing Healthy Fruits in Spain. While on the Costa Brava we will visit ‘Soljardi’ a major grower of dwarf fruit trees and multi-variety fruit trees: we will share what we find out later in the month.

Vegetables for autumn, Christmas, winter and spring harvesting Don’t forget window boxes and other prominent containers, especially on apartment balconies and terraces. Now is the time to make changes from summer annuals or unplanted containers.

For those without awnings and blinds it can be difficult to be successful during the summer.

Possibilities include pansies, violas, ageratum, bulbs, chrysanthemums, decorative brassicas, poinsettias, cyclamens, azaleas and herb collections.

Before going out to buy your autumn plants and planting them do read pages 220 to 228 of Your Garden in Spain – From Planning to planting and maintenance. Apologies but it is impossible to condense what we say there into a weekly RTN column.

Clodagh and Dick’s instructive books are available to help you achieve a great garden from scratch or improve an existing garden. You will find them in bookshops including Bookworld, Carrefor and Humpty Dumpty. For convenience many internet bookshops stock them including Santana Books, Amazon UK, Bookworld and The Royal Horticultural Society. © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardeninginspain.com

Home & Garden

A variety of Austin Roses

Likewise read the appropriate sections of Growing Healthy Fruit in Spain if you have it on the bookshelf.

One thing you can get on with before it rains is to prepare containers for growing vegetables.

Yesterday we cleared out the now finished tomatoes from the ten large sized plastic builders/ gardening buckets of our experimental 10-Tub

veggie plot (see page 61 of Growing Healthy Vegetables in Spain), topped up and improved the compost mixes and commenced to sow and plant up the tubs, the first ones with radishes, carrots, early broad beans and some late dwarf beans. Others will be planted with Swiss chard, red lettuce, land cress, onions, beetroot and broccoli later this week.

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Lower your central heating bills by 50% with renewable energy Pellet Stove Costa Blanca

AS THE hot summer weather fades our attention turns to the imminent arrival of winter. For many people that move to Spain from Northern Europe one of the most surprising aspects of life here is the need for central heating during the winter months. The winter months can be cold and a hot topic is: ‘How can I keep myself warm this winter?’

Traditionally, central heating options were limited to gas or oil-fired boilers. Now, Solar in Spain is offering an attractive renewable energy alternative growing in popularity year by year: that alternative is a wood pellet stove or boiler.

So what is wood pellet?

It is wood chippings from a timber mill that is compressed into pellets and used as a source for heating. The pellets replace the need for oil or gas at your property. The heating can be provided by either a stove, which looks very much like a conventional wood burner where you have a glass front and can see the flame, or a pellet boiler that can replace a conventional gas or oil boiler. A conventional central heating system, whether it is operated with radiators or under floor heating, can change to the pellet option.

The main advantages of wood pellet over oil or gas are: Running costs are reduced by up to 50% No need to store hazardous fuels at your property Government grants of up to 45% are avail-

able for pellet stove and boiler installations Easy to use wood pellet systems can be operated by remote control & activated by mobile phone Warm air from a stove can be directed into other parts of your property Wood pellet is the modern solution to our heating needs and Solar in Spain offers an enormous range of stylish stoves and boilers for your home.

To learn more about the advantages of wood pellet heating, Solar in Spain is organising two seminars. All are welcome to attend and a wood pellet stove will be demonstrated. The company will also be demonstrating its full range of solar energy systems on 13th October at the ‘Inn on the Green Bowling Club’ in Javea, and on 14th October at La Finca Golf Hotel in Algorfa. Please contact us on 902 636 570 or info@solarinspain.com to register.

Alternatively call into the showroom in Pedreguer or the company’s new showroom in La Finca Golf Commercial Centre to meet the team and discuss any aspect of renewable energy. www.solarinspain.com

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

Pellet Stove Valencia

40

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Who ya gonna call?

The Drainbusters!

A MASSIVE cliché perhaps, but the truth nonetheless and with The Drainbusters’ reputation striding leaps and bounds along the Costas Blanca and Costa Calida it’s a name you can trust! The number one Drain and Locksmith company on the Costa has a 24-hour call out service that is prepped and ready to handle anything from a single blocked drain to large community or business drainage problems.

Unlike most companies, services are provided at reasonable prices and without an extra charge for emergencies- unheard of, you might agree? If you have trust issues, then fear not. The Drainbusters’ prices are blazoned across the company website and if you fancy a chat with one of the friendly receptionists, they can give you any information you require over the phone!

Transparency!

The Costa Cowboy is a well-known tyrant here in Spain, so finding a reputable company that you can trust is difficult, but no longer - The Drainbusters hide nothing from the customer - no extras nor hidden charges - not even a little call-out fee!

They will show you exactly what the problem is and you have no obligation to have any work carried out! And when they can provide all that and guarantee to have one of their technicians on your doorstep within two hours, that’s more than pretty good!

It’s almost confounding! Where’s the ‘mañana’ that Spain is so famous for? It doesn’t exist in the Drainbusters’ vocabulary!

Burst pipes or blocked drains are crises that cannot wait and have a certain degree of urgency. Because of this, the majority of companies offering to fix these problems believe they can charge excessively high rates - not with The Drainbusters!

Inhabitants of the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida clap your hands in celebration, for The Drainbusters combine low prices with top quality service and a full guarantee for all their work. They travel to you, wherever you are on the whole of the Costa Blanca and inland for free and with no obligation to have services rendered! Impossible, you cry! But true! The

Home & Garden

The eye catching toilet humour van

DRAINBUSTERS are happy to provide quotes over the phone and if they can’t, then they’ll come to you, assess the job and give you a quote with no obligation.

The Drainbusters have now been going strong for over a year and a half offering such services as drain clearance and repair; drain tracing; CCTV drain inspections and surveys; root removal; swimming pool leak detection; locksmiths; water heater replacement; drain maintenance packages for businesses and communities; industrial power cleaning( ideal for patios); builders’ cleans; graffiti removal and more. Not only can they help you with problems in the home they also work with

communities and have been told by all that they charge less than half the price of the cheapest quote received.

As a completely legal, tax-paying company in Spain, all clients receive a full guarantee for services provided, all within their low pricing structure, which is fixed- meaning that at 2pm or 4am, the price is exactly the same. The Drainbusters promise to beat any and all other quotes: “We will not be beaten on service or price!

We keep our promises!”

For more information: Tel 96 611 5903 or mob: 670 733 785, email thedrainbusters@hotmail.com or visit www.thedrainbusters.com

Brought you by spanishhomefinder.com Brought to youtoby spanishhomefinder.com

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

41

Have your marble floors cleaned and polished professionally KEEPING YOUR marble floor clean can be a tricky task. There are many products you can buy that will keep the floor looking great for a few days or even a few months but then the smears start to appear. Having your floor professionally cleaned and polished by a professional company can save you time, money and headaches.

Floor Restore, based in Javea, is a family run business owned by Ryan and his wife Sophie who make it their mission to bring your floor back to its former glory. Using specialist machinery, Ryan will work his magic in various stages.

1) (If required) grinding of the floor which takes a layer off as if exfoliating skin in order to take

away any marks, chemicals and preparing for the next stage.

2) Removal of scratches – marble flooring can become chipped or scratched and can look unsightly so Ryan will use his machinery to remove these 3) Polishing – using wire wool & specialist equipment Ryan will polish your floors to bring back the lost shine making your floors look new again 4) Sealent – this is a special product which will lock in the chemicals and shine and also protect it from accidental spills.

Floor Restore can do various floors including

A beautiful longlasting shine, even in heavy traffic areas

Offices use Floor Restore as well

terrazzo, tiles, outside areas and vanity units. Here is what just two of Ryan’s clients have to say: “Ryan from Floor Restore has cleaned my floors following two floods. He is an excellent worker and nothing is too much trouble for him; he really is my knight in shining armour!”

A. Hardman, Denia “Our marble floor was scratched and had lost its shine, but after Floor Restore had worked their magic it is now bright and shining again.

Many thanks to Ryan for the prompt and efficient service. We are very pleased with the result.”

R & B Kershaw, Javea Having a professional refinish your marble floor by grinding, stripping, repairing and polishing will bring back its lustre and beauty.

Call Floor Restore today on 966 468 341 or 689 075 125 or email floor-restore@live.com for a free, no obligation quote.

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Google chrome keeps on moving

Computing with aunty virus Pre-installed McAfee Pauline via email asks: DEAR AUNTY, I bought a new laptop from Amazon UK which had McAfee pre-installed.

I am reminded everyday to ‘Buy’ a subscription. I don’t want to so I tried to uninstall McAfee and I now am unable to use ‘Internet Explorer’ as per usual and further investigation revealed that McAfee had ‘firewalled’ my IE. I tried the Virtual Technician that came with MacAfee but it did not work and I also tried the Live Chat with ‘Customer Care’ that did not help either. Are they blocking my IE because I won’t pay? Luckily I am using ‘Google Chrome’ for emails and the web but prefer what I had before.

Aunty Says: I have seen MacAfee and Norton do this (and many similar things) before but usually a complete uninstall from Control Panel rectifies the problems. If any websites are misbehaving then testing them with another browser, such as you have done with Chrome, will give you a clue as to where the problem lies. Maybe temporarily switch Windows firewall off via control panel and see if that changes things - if it does help then you may need to reset your firewall to the default settings which is also an option via control panel.

Sleep button on keyboard Jim via email asks; HELLO AUNTY, I have an annoying problem in that I keep accidentally pressing the button marked ‘Sleep’ on my keyboard and it immediately closes down my computer but doesn’t prompt me to save any of my open files. I do remember reading something about this and have searched the keyboard settings in control panel but there doesn’t seem to be any way of changing things there. My old trusty UK keyboard didn’t

have a power or sleep button and this one is right above the End and Home buttons which I use regularly to move my cursor to the beginning or end of a line when typing Aunty Says: I do remember covering this a few years back Jim and I have disabled that button myself as mine is next to the delete key and I was forever hitting it accidently. In XP you can switch this function off from the ‘power options’ from within control panel. Select the

‘advanced’ tab and you’ll see two settings under the ‘power buttons’ section. In Vista and Windows 7 you can get to it by right clicking on the ‘start’ button and choose ‘properties’ and you’ll find it under the ‘start menu’ tab.

Cyril via email asks: MY VERSION of Google Chrome keeps moving down and to the right of the screen. I keep trying to drag it but most times without success. I did manage to drag it once but it didn’t stay there long, how can I get it to stay full screen?

Aunty Says: Hi Cyril. All Windows programs have three symbols in the very top corner which allow you to minimize (temporarily pop the window down to the task bar) Maximize (make full screen) and the other one which allows you to drag and move the program/window around the screen. When you have Chrome running, if you click on the symbol that looks like a square, you should find Chrome goes full screen and does not move.

Pink hue on monitor screen

Bill via email asks: I’VE RECENTLY moved my PC system from one location to another and in setting it up again I have ended up with a pink hue to the monitor screen. The system seems to work okay other than the rose tinted screen. Whilst probably appropriate given the current crisis, it is a little off putting.

Aunty Says: I am assuming that you unplugged the screen from the back of the

computer Bill so maybe check the small pins on the connectors at each end of the monitor cable are all nice and straight and then double check that both ends are pushed in nice and tight. There are also buttons to adjust setting on all monitors and it’s possible you have accidently pressed one of these which can change the prominent colour. However, sometimes moving a computer from one side of the room to another is all that it takes to send it ‘doolally’, and it may simply be time to treat yourself to a lovely 21” LCD screen.

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

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

43

GADGET INSPECTOR

Gadget Inspector investigates the case of: Headphone Highlights THIS WEEK the Inspector heads for headphone high jinks with a trio of ear pleasers for all occasions.

In times not long past wearing a pair of ‘stereophonic’ headphones would mean resembling someone with a pair of dustbin lids strapped to their head. As if that were not bad enough, wearing them for any length of time would leave you feeling you’d had an injection of anaesthetic in your ears – and the cable never did quite reach to where you wanted to sit either. Fortunately things have improved somewhat – as we shall see (or should I say hear) today…

If you want to ditch the cable then the €60 NuForce BT-860 Stereo Bluetooth headset is for you. The headset can connect with any Bluetooth enabled device within a 10 metre range and uses ‘aptX’ audio coding technology to produce CD quality sound, and an impressive dynamic range.

The NuForce BT-860 takes two hours to charge and is then good for 8 hours of use or 240 hours on standby. For extra flexibility it can act as a headset for a mobile phone with hands-free feature – though you wouldn’t want to be wearing these in a car.

But what if you prefer gaming to Green Day? Perhaps the €50 XANTHOS Stereo Console Gaming Headset will fit the bill.

The Xanthos Gaming Headset was developed to cater to three gaming platforms – the PC, Xbox 360 and Sony PS3.

Presumably they were deemed unsuitable

for the frenzied movements of the typical Wii owner, as the 3 metre cable with which the headset is fitted would probably strangle someone.

Apart from delivering stereo sound at volumes likely to induce partial hearing loss, the Xanthos also enables gamers to hold conversations with teammates. For extra convenience (or annoyance depending whether you’re within ear-shot), the Xanthos also allows simultaneous playback of sound over a connected TV. And it has nice atmospheric LED lighting: no Swarovski crystals here.

Last up, for the more sporty and mobile among us, the €65 Able Planet SI350 True Fidelity Sound Isolation Sport Earphones are Ear/Hook type headphones and pretty light.

But this lightness belies the quality of the sound, due to the ´LINX Audio´ technology that the company has developed.

Music track control is performed by a single button - clicking once plays/pauses, twice for the next track, and a triple click for the previous track. The SI350 also incorporates a microphone to enable phone calls and note-taking on MP3 players and smartphones.

The Inspector´s Verdict: With the choice available now there is a headset for everyone and every use. Unfortunately there’s not much that can be done about the rubbish that’s listened to. Now where is that Pink Floyd LP…

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30 sept - 06 oct 2011

by

Trevor Smith RHAD FSHAA of Premier Hearing Services

Hearing Loss frequently asked questions How common is hearing loss?

Around 1 in 7 people in the UK have hearing difficulties and this rises to 1 in 2 over the age of 60.

What impact can hearing loss have on a person’s life?

People with hearing loss have trouble in fully participating in every day life. They may mistake words in a conversation, miss directions or warnings, or leave the doorbell unanswered. People who cannot hear well may become depressed or withdrawn from others to avoid feeling frustrated or embarrassed about not understanding what is being said.

They may become suspicious of relative or friends who they believe ‘mumble’ or ‘do not speak up’ on purpose. Hearing loss can cause people to become more isolated and can even put them into harm’s way, if they are unable to respond to warnings or hear sounds of impending danger. Sometimes people are mistakenly thought to be confused, unresponsive or uncooperative just because they cannot hear well.

What role does noise play in hearing loss?

One of the most common causes of hearing loss is noise. Loud noise can permanently damage the inner ear and loud noise contributes to tinnitus which is a ringing, buzzing or roaring sound in the ears.

What can I do to protect my hearing from loud noise?

Noise-induced hearing loss is 100% preventable.

You can safeguard your hearing by protecting your ears from noises that are 80dB and greater in loudness, which can damage your inner ear. By this I mean noises such as lawn mowers, motorcycles, fireworks, loud music and so on.

If I already have a hearing loss, can I get my hearing back?

If the hearing loss is conductive, such as earwax blockage, the hearing can usually be restored. If the hearing loss is ‘sensorineural’, parts of the inner ear or auditory nerve are damaged, and so hearing loss of this type is permanent. However, even if you have lost some hearing, it is important to protect the hearing that remains.

How can a hearing aid help me hear better?

A hearing aid is an electronic, battery operated

device that restores clarity for the wearer. Hearing aids come in many shapes sizes and styles. Some hearing aids fit right inside the ear the ear canal, whilst others fit on or behind the ear. In the UK there are four million people who could benefit from using hearing aids, but currently only two million people have one.

What do I do if I think I or a loved one has a hearing loss?

If you think that you have a hearing problem, schedule an appointment with your local GP or with someone like me, a hearing care professional. They will measure your hearing loss on a device called an audiometer. The tests are normally free, painless and take approximately an hour to conduct. If you need a hearing aid they can advise you what is available in the market place and help you choose the right one for you and your lifestyle.

Will my hearing be restored to what it used to be?

You will need to understand that it is not possible for hearing aids to completely restore your hearing.

What they can do is enhance sound, therefore enabling you to hear better. Since hearing loss is usually gradual, over the years you become accustomed to not hearing normal environmental sounds, such as traffic noise, the hum of a fridge, the tick of a clock, sounds of nature and background conversations. Therefore when you begin to wear a hearing aid, it is necessary to re-educate your brain to selective listening and learn again to choose only the sounds which you wish to hear and ignore the rest.

What are the advantages of going private?

You can have an immediate hearing assessment in a local clinic or in the comfort of your own home.

There is a much wider choice of hearing aids to suit your needs and your lifestyle. You can be fitted in approximately two weeks and will receive prompt after sales support convenient to you.

What if I have a hearing assessment and find that i do not need hearing aids?

At least you will probably find out the cause, perhaps have your problems addressed by other means and usually come away with peace of mind and find a solution. Around 9 out of 10 people with

a hearing problem can have it corrected with hearing aids so, with hearing assessments normally being free and immediate, it is a quick and easy way for having your hearing difficulties looked at.

How do I start looking for a good private dispenser?

It is important to make sure that they are registered with the Health Professional Council in the UK and this can be done by using the internet or requesting the professional to show his current identification card at the time of consultation. It is illegal to dispense hearing aids if you are not registered with the above council. Ideally they should also be registered with The Society for Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA). If they are registered with both of the above you will get full protection should there be any problems, and you will know that you are in the hands of a professional who will be able to help and advise you fully.

If you have a concern about your hearing then call Trevor Smith, RHAD FSHAA of Premier Hearing Services on 659 644 106 for professional and personal advice. Trevor covers all of the Costa Blanca area, and offers a FREE Hearing Test. The latest digital hearing aids are available and Trevor is able to offer 50% off UK prices. Call now – you have nothing to lose and your hearing to gain!

by

Dr Lawrence King

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

You’ll feel fine when your spine is in line

IT IS always good news to hear of businesses that are expanding, creating new jobs, and bringing their The Alicante products and services to more customers. The Costa Chiropractic Centre Blanca Chiropractic Centre in Albir was founded in 2004 by Dr Aleks Bjargo, with a vision to deliver effective, natural healthcare to the whole family, from infants to the elderly by focusing on education, convenience and results.

At the beginning of 2010 Dr Lawrence King joined the Centre, and since then Dr Lawrence has regularly been featured in the RTN explaining the Gonstead System of Chiropractic which was established in 1923, regarded as the gold standard of chiropractic techniques. During that time RTN has featured many testimonials for Dr Lawrence from patients that he has helped.

In July this year another Doctor of Chiropractic (all having completed the official 5 year University Degree), Dr Benjamin Tinker, joined the Centre. Dr Benjamin graduated in England in 2009 and after graduating

worked in Peru at one of the busiest chiropractic centres in the World, helping thousands of patients during his six month stay. Moving on to Barcelona, he began his venture to help chiropractors here in Spain: now Dr Benjamin is at the Costa Blanca Chiropractic Centre.

The arrival of Dr Benjamin is perfectly timed, because in August of this year the Spanish Minister for Health, Leire Pajin, announced in the Spanish Senate that the final list of natural therapies recognised and regulated by the National Health System will be released in September. Amongst these natural therapies about to be recognised and regulated is chiropractic.

The AEQ (Asociacion España de Quiropractica) in Spain has worked hard over the past 20 years to promote the highest standards of chiropractic care and to protect the name of chiropractic. The recognition of chiropractors in Spain is a big move towards full legislation, exactly as in the UK, where it is illegal to use the title ‘Chiropractor’ without having a full 5-year

Dr Lawrence King (L) and Dr Aleks Bjargo (R) welcome Dr Benjamin Tinker to the Centre

45

Don’t suffer with pain

‘Master’s’ degree.

The recognition of chiropractic in Spain opens up the accessibility of the profession to millions of Spanish and thousands of expats living in Spain. Chiropractic was born in the United States in 1895, is favoured by the likes of Barack Obama and is recognised in the legislation of all European countries except Greece, Luxembourg and Spain. With this situation about to change in Spain, there are currently circa 200 professional practitioners here.

As we have featured regularly in the RTN the use of chiropractic has been able to deliver fantastic results to patients with complaints such as back pain, neck pain, whiplash injuries, sciatica and arthritis. And other clients have reported vast improvements in many ailments including improved digestion, lower blood pressure and relief from headaches / migraines.

So if you suffer from pain, feel your body is not reaching its full health potential or are looking to take preventative steps for the future health of your spine (just as you would for your teeth with the dentist) please book an appointment at the Costa Blanca Chiropractic Centre on 96 686 5432.

Shadows 46

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

It’s haunted house time again. Your experiences are always received with interest, and many of you have had a visit from me to help restore balance or to give a spiritual cleansing of your Costa home. Our homes are always full of energy and our love but they also often rebound with what has taken place before we moved in. We have no control of this, of course. Spirit entities do not belong here on Earth, and yet there are the stubborn who do not wish to depart, and those hangers on who often do not believe or want to believe their demise. All the living are welcome here on this Planet, but the departed have to go to just where they should.

Poltergeist activity has increased somewhat.

It is prevailant where there are teenagers living on site. There is something about puberty that links with these highly energised and destructive entities, and they can create chaos out of high jinks and destruction when the teenager connected has emotional problems, as teenagers frequently do!

Cold spots are the most frequently reported spiritual glitches experienced within the home. Dogs and cats very often respond to Spirit, and they will pay attention to things that most of us will not be able to see. Cold spots are often experienced when an actual death has taken place. When I moved into my present home there were so many cold spots, and the estate agent could not enter into one of the rooms on an upper floor. Neither would he tell me anything of his experience within this room, except by gesturing an Iberian shrug of mammoth proportions, and a refusal to ever enter again.

When we move in to a new home we bring so much energy with us, and this is often enough to tell any earthbound spirits to sling their hook. Some do, and then some don’t and then it is time to take control. Polite asking to leave may or may not work, just like an unwanted guest unsure that your sincere threat maybe just a joke. There are stages of banishment and I have performed now nine exorcisms registered here on the Costa Blanca. Whatever, persistence is the name of the game and it is rewarded, though it may well test your patience on the way.

I cleaned my own home by ignoring all

Kenny’s diary Readings at Bistro Maya: Monday October 3rd and Wednesday October 5th from 16.30 onwards. For information and advanced bookings for mini readings please contact Els and her team on: 966 868 213 Thursday October 27th: Demonstration of Clairvoyance at the Alfaz Spiritual Foundation, at the Forum Mare Nostrum in Alfaz del Pi: 18.30. All very welcome to attend this service!

Readings in your area: Please make contact if you want to organise readings in your locality, or organise a psychic event for your favourite charity.

Some dates available for September/October/ November.

horoscopes by Kenny Corris the attention seeking spiritual residents within it. They didn’t know just what they were taking on with my energies permeating their energies; and I was comparatively quick to eliminate their emanations in various designated nooks and crannies. Nobody who enters has any bad feeling, and considering that the house was built in 1799, and has a known dark past, this is a satisfying and acceptable result. Beware in new properties that they can reflect from way back in the past when the land had other purpose, and Spirit entities have attached themselves, as they can do, to the foundations.

Noises are often reported and cause disturbances within the happiest of homes.

Scratchings and creaks and all that goes bump in the night, or the day, for that matter, are signs that something is about. This may worry some people but ignoring it can be the very best plan of action. Naturally furniture creaks, and floorboards react to temperature.

Persistent and unexplained creaks may be a way of Spirit manifesting themselves, as with sounds of breathing, as experienced by me recently working in a house in Benissa.

The breathing, in an upstairs room, was a repetition by a wayward Spirit of his deathbed scene. In this case the Spirit chose to show himself to me, and was removed speedily, because he had no need to be there, and was encouraged to move on and over to take his rightful place.

Our homes and our comfort within them are of vital importance. I was recently challenged that homes surely cannot capture vibrations. Well, have you ever been in a room just after someone has had a row and anger has been sent out? You will feel that the mood is created by the atmosphere.

That’s why we feel good in some places and not in others! I have been in some creepy homes, and have felt their history impact in the walls, the very fabric of the building where past energy collects.

Do keep me in touch with your bumps and creaks and cold spots. Spain is full of a rather rich Spiritual energy in general, but remember we are the welcome guests in this country, and we don’t have to hide in the shadows!

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

postbag Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com I am always asking the Angels to help me, sometimes on bended knees. I seem to be always needing something in my life, but when I ask I do not get any reply, and nothing happens. If I ask for others then they seem to be luckier than me. I won’t give up, but what am I doing wrong? Kate.O. Hi Kate. Thanks for your message. When dealing with the Angels it seems to me as if you are begging for what you want to happen, and this is not the way to get the attention of our Angelic Host. Trying asking directly for just what you want. A fiat may help; this is a rapid prayer to an Angel to ask for what you really need, so do not be afraid, be honest and straightforward. If it is within your destiny to get what it is that you need then you will get it. Ask for what you deserve in such a way that the answer has to be a yes. The reply to, “Please can I have?” can be, “No!” the answer to, “Give me what I deserve!” may well be more positive, Give it a go, and say thank you when you get what it is you really want. I sincerely hope that this time around all goes well for your wishes, hopes and needs.

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

Saturn’s arrival on the scene seems to send a shiver down your spine, since your own profound psychic senses are ready and waiting for action from you. Often avoiding knowing the inner you this would be a great time to start. You set high standards and work hard, you know much about the World, but just sometimes you can be such a stranger to your own soul and there is such a thing as catch up!

With Jupiter close by and actions midweek with Mars and Leo you should be feeling on top of the World. Prioritise on just what you have to do now in the current scheme of things. Rather than stand and wait for things to come through take this time as a sure way of testing the water, rather than throwing the baby out with the bathwater. You can turn things around and that may be necessary.

Romantic connections are sent from Venus direct to your fourth house this week. Something stirs well within, and you would be advised to keep your heart and soul well and truly open and tune into the magic that could be. Just for once, eliminate fear and you will be pleasantly surprised that your faith is in full control of your destiny, and the many changes that lie closer to you than you think.

Fuelled by the actions of a waning Moon and bolstered by your turning over a new leaf, the week ahead will bring some surprises straight to your door. Plans may be scuppered and timetables amended but there is a reason that you remain in control, showing your versatility and just what you can really do if you are truly left to your own devices for a change and it feels so right.

A somewhat fiery Mars is watching your back right now, and prepares to take on a wily Jupiter, currently ensconced in Taurus. If this sounds complicated it really needn’t be, but you have to both make a decision and a commitment that sees you through. Taking responsibility for something new, you will even surprise yourself if you do things with your usual inimitable style.

Mercury and Saturn combine to clear away a lot of debris, allowing you some freedom and free choice for a change. You are often brought down by your hesitation and a failure to believe in yourself, but it is the early bird this week that catches the worm, and you won’t want to miss out.

With sage Saturn bringing good advice you also have Mercury to convert your true wishes from hopes and desires.

Loving Venus and wise Saturn seem to be guiding you towards the final conflict; if there really has to be one. It is true that you are currently angry with yourself, and storing things from the past as ammunition to explain what you did. It doesn’t have to be this way, and you should just walk away holding your head up high. Let bygones be bygones and feel the peace of resolution.

Venus is on the way, but in this interim period when you are waiting for instruction you must realise that there is much to be achieved if you will let it happen. Your emotions are awaiting a chance to carry you safely to where you should be and it’s not where you have been hiding all this time. Keep your eyes and ears open and be the Captain that steers the ship safely to the next destination.

You’ve started so you must finish, and this is a wonderful time to make specific plans and to see them safely through. Much seems to have changed around you, but re inventing yourself or running away are definitely not alternatives to the Main Event. With Jupiter wayward, and basking in a Taurean environment, you can take on some of the stubborn and persistent energies to good effect.

Pluto allows you to examine future plans with a fine toothed comb. You may decide that what you really want is to make a fresh start rather than to continue with strategies to help you make the most of what you currently embrace. Even better, take a break and look back from a distance at what could be your next move, and maybe see where you went wrong in the first place.

A great time to start a new project and to unite others to work together.

You have such a wonderful and inspiring energy, and your tireless and well organised leadership makes such a wonderful difference to all concerned.Time is by your side this week, and some rest and relaxation, however spent, will fit you for some of the hard work that’s waiting just around the corner for you!

Loving Venus approaches mighty Uranus and heralds a great time on the domestic front as calm returns and stability is the name of the game. The ups and downs have brought you far more than your fair share of turmoil just lately. The future is now more determined; and distressing traumas and unsolved problems can be swept away, only to be replaced by a new agenda and the health and wealth to ensure it.

If it’s your birthday this week...

Make hay while the sun shines. There are a number of openings which lead to possibilities you could take further. Believe in yourself and take the chance to make things happen with your inimitable resolve and resistence.

47

oct 2011 09 30 - 15sept Sept- 06 2011

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

Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword ACROSS 1. Plain words about a border flower (8) 5. Employed in house demolition (4) 9. Food produced in layers (4) 10. Scrap a soft thing (8) 11. Not qualified to speak (5) 12. Many snakes are associated with them (7) 13. What the buyer did on the telephone when reproached by the chairman? (6,2,5) 18. Be careful, the timekeeper’s incorrect! (5,3) 19. Moves fast and bites (4) 20. A case for travelling light (7) 21. Colonel married and broken in spirit! (5) 22. Gives someone their due (4) 23. He often stops while working (8)

DOWN 2. One expects a good row in the course of it (7) 3. It’s wrong to give people a hand like this (7) 4. Hot looking athlete or climber (7,6) 6. Those who inherit are bound to (7) 7. Furniture found backstage? (7) 8. You may find a working model in it (6) 13. Blooming company fall into error about a point (7) 14. Any Celt in a dormant state (7) 15. Natural responses (6) 16. Managed to continue with foreign capital (7) 17. State train (7)

Wordwheel

Quick Crossword ACROSS 1. Sink (8) 5. Froth (4) 9. Scrutinise (4) 10. Obstinate (8) 11. Elude (5) 12. Combining (7) 13. Unite (5,8) 18. Satanic (8) 19. Close (4) 20. Being paid (7) 21. Extremity (5) 22. Killed (4) 23. Discolouring (8)

DOWN 2. Lay open (7) 3. Refer to (7) 4. Hide (3,3,2,5) 6. Not very warm (7) 7. Boss (7) 8. Compel (6) 13. Evil (7) 14. Opposite (7) 15. French (6) 16. Strain (7) 17. High spirits (7)

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 53/54. Winner for 623 - JOHN FAULCONBRIDGE, BENIARBEIG

Win a meal for 2!

The Planet Bar in Parcent (North Costa Blanca) (Fish & Chip Supper for two)

by answering the Cryptic Crossword correctly.

Answers by email to: production@roundtownnews.com *This must be used no later than 3 weeks of notification

Euromillions Draw Friday 23rd September

6 14 33 34 48

2

6

18 27 28 35 40 3

5

No ticket ticket won jackpot prize

Tuesday 27th September No ticket won jackpot prize

48

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

music scene

Jimmy Cricket Laughter Show Espai La Senieta, Moraira

L

E CABARET Promotions have teamed up with Heat Gold 94.1FM to bring various famous acts from the UK and put on fully supported Presenter Heat shows at various theatres. The first show is the Gold 94.1FM The Jimmy Cricket Laughter Show and will be on Tuesday 18th October and Wednesday 19th October at the Espai La Senieta, Moraira at 7.30pm.

Starring the legendary Irish comic and comedian, Jimmy Cricket, plus support from Barry Moon, Mike Lee, and May (Mrs Cricket). Tickets are 12.50€ and there is a bar at the theatre. To book a ticket email: lecabaret1@gmail.com or phone: 663 733 811.

Tickets can also be booked through Heat Gold Radio Station on email: studio@heatgold.fm or text: 656 634 000.

The Espai La Senieta is located in the centre of Moraira next to the large free car park.

Compiled by

Eric Taylor

The Joanna James Quartet, La Frontera, Benidorm

Pastiche – New Band ’PASTICHE’ IS a new band, formed primarily to assist in boosting charitable organisations desperately needed funds by putting on performances from which profits go directly to charity. In just a couple of months ‘Pastiche’ has raised over 650€ for local charities. Should you wish to book the band for a Party, you do not have to sort out the charity donation/function as they will arrange the donation from their fee.

The band comprises of experienced musicians from England, Switzerland and Germany: Tony Farmer (guitar, percussion & vocals), Dave Carpenter (bass), Carmen Romano (saxophone), augmented by Mela-

nie Wicher on Vocals. ‘Pastiche’ play an eclectic mix of numbers, ranging from instrumentals and soft ballads through to livelier dance music, all supplied at a volume appropriate to the venue. They have a monthly residency at Restaurant L’Om in Pego, the next one being Saturday 15th October. If you would like further details contact Sandie: 626 572 287 or email pastiche.live@gmail.com

THE JOANNA James Quartet, plus guest, are performing at the La Frontera Bar/Restaurant, (opp El Cisne), Benidorm on Sunday 2nd October – starting at 2pm. The band will be playing a selection of American Songbook, Latin and Swing Music. Lunch is available at 12€ – reservations 96 688 9218: For more details contact Chic on 686 363 995.

Manhatton Jazz Band Traditional Jazz JAZZ MANHATTON Band is a five piece Traditional Jazz Band playing gigs here on the Costa Blanca over the last few years. They ‘entertain’ rather than ‘educate’ and play the style of good time jazz with the accent on Traditional, Dixieland and Swing. They are well known locally for their appearances at the Teulada/Moraira Lions Summer Concerts where they have gained a reputation for entertaining varied audiences with well presented goodtime jazz in the traditional style.

MANHATTON DUO For the smaller venue and private parties Jef Hatton is joined by Dick Crooks to form the ‘Manhatton Duo’ who, accompanied by a comprehensive library of Big Band, Dance and Jazz style backing tracks play between them a range of Brass and Reed instruments and

have varied vocal styles. Both the full Band and the Duo give polished and entertaining performances and are well worth listening to.

For bookings or further information contact Jef Hatton on: 96 587 4009 / 667 977 846 or email: jazzmanhatton@gmail.com GIGS IN SEPTEMBER Friday 30th, Melodia Bar/Rte, Sanet y Negrals (Manhatton Duo) GIGS IN OCTOBER Sunday 9th, Don Quijote Bar/Rte., Paichi Centre, Moraira (Manhatton Jazz)

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

Parcent 5 course fine dining including ½ bottle wine pp bread, ali-oli and dips- 12.95€ We are proud to announce that with your help we have raised 1030€ for MABS with our Wheel of Fortune & Bookstall!

Now taking bookings for Christmas & New Year, early reservations are advised Open all day Sunday Closed Monday

Tel 96 640 5398 For reservations

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

World of colour T

by Jack Troughton

AKING INSPIRATION from the light and colour of Spain, three British artists are currently sharing a joint exhibition of their work which will holds visitors spellbound.

Phillip Williams, David Webb and Paul ‘Dex’ Harrison are sharing wall space for their paintings at the Diamante Beach Hotel, Calpe, named ‘Images of the Costa Blanca’.

This entertaining mixing pot of modern and traditional styles takes viewers far beyond the White Coast – to the streets of Singapore and work influenced by Van Gogh, and to the almost dream sequences of Spanish artist Miro.

Yet there is so much of Spain itself on show to recommend anyone in the area to spend a little time at the hotel – and certainly the exhibition should prove popular with guests.

Phillip, who lives in Calpe, was asked by the Diamante Beach management if he wanted to exhibit work – realising he needed more pictures he contacted Paul

and David, who live inland in the tiny of village of Margarida to join him.

“Basically, the three of us are English and have moved out here and all taken inspiration from the light and colour in Spain,” he said.

WALK And Phillip, a keen walker, met his colleagues organising walking holidays – just as he met the hotel management by finding trekkers a place to rest weary heads.

“Because I had dealt with people at the hotel they suggested I hold an exhibition here – I didn’t think I had enough pictures to fill the room. I had met Paul and David out on walking trips and knew they were painters.”

A retired engineer, Phillip said he had painted all his life and now had the time to concentrate on his work. “I like to do pictures for myself and if other people like them, that is an added bonus – at the end of the day, the main thing is people enjoy them.”

Paul and David are old friends of RTN.

Join the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir THE COSTA Blanca Male Voice Choir is now in rehearsal for up and coming concerts, inviting men who enjoy singing to join them.

No previous experience is needed, neither is an ability to read music required: all that is needed is the commitment to attend rehearsals.

The choir meets Tuesday evenings 7pm till 9pm in the back room of the Bar Mediterraneo, on the dual carriageway opposite the Italian restaurant in Teulada.

Come along any Tuesday or call Mike Evans on 96 574 4577: all are welcome.

Fiddling about

By Jack Troughton SPANISH POLITICS have forced Calpe-based Footlights Theatre Group to reschedule two performances of its new show, the award-winning musical Fiddler on the Roof.

Despite being given dates to use the town’s

49

Casa de Cultura six months ago, the two nights have been cancelled because of the upcoming general election – the theatre may be needed for political meetings in the week prior to the country going to the polls on 20th November.

And as a result, Fiddler opens at Alfaz del Pi on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th of November and the new Calpe performances are Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd November.

On Wednesday 23rd November a cast of 30 plus costumes, scenery and props head south for Torrevieja. In association with the Royal British Legion Spain District North, a Footlights’ performance of the musical is being staged at the new Teatro Municipal.

Tickets are now on sale priced at 12€ for adults and 8€ for children under 14.

They are available by calling the Box Office on 656 376 769. Footlights is still looking for more men to join the cast as ‘papas’. Anyone interested can call Trevor on 96 587 198 or Sue on 96 558 1543.

All for one: (left to right) Paul, David and Phillip

The paper was a special guest at a show of work they staged at the former Studio 5, back in 2006.

Their work continues to be of the highest standard and much more than David’s

joking: “We are into mountains and villages.”

The exhibition truly offers ‘something for everyone”. Entrance is free and it is open daily from 10am until 10pm until the end of October.

50 40

tv Friday

30 sept 2011 23--06 29oct Sept 2011

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 To Build or Not to Build 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Natural Born Hunters 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 Dick & Dom Go Wild 17:30 Planet Dinosaur Files 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Celebrity MasterChef 22:00 Strictly Come Dancing 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Come Fly with Me 24:05 Mrs Brown’s Boys

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:35 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:45 Nuzzle & Scratch 11:05 Get Squiggling!

11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Wanted Down Under 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Reel History of Britain 20:00 The Culture Show 21:00 Escape to the Country 21:30 Gardeners’ World 22:00 Digging for Britain 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 The Review Show 24:45 Weather 24:50 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 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 15:59 Granada Weather 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 17:00 There’s No Taste Like Home 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Love Your Garden 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 DCI Banks 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Sextuplets: The Little Lambs 24:35 Rugby World Cup Highlights

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Down Under 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Channel 4 Presents 13:10 Cheyenne Autumn 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Coach Trip 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Channel 4 Presents 20:35 The IT Crowd 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 The Million Pound Drop Live 23:30 8 Out of 10 Cats 24:05 My Funniest Year

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:10 Mary Higgins Clark’s We’ll Meet Again 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Pawn Stars 21:00 Ultimate Police Interceptors 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 The Bachelor 24:00 Big Brother 24:30 Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

06:30 Our World 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking 13:00 BBC News; Regional News 13:15 Football Focus 14:05 Goal II: Living the Dream 15:50 Don’t Scare the Hare 16:30 A Question of Sport 17:00 Celebrity MasterChef 17:30 Final Score 18:10 BBC News; Regional News 18:30 Celebrity MasterChef 19:00 Strictly Come Dancing 20:05 Doctor Who 20:50 Merlin 21:35 The National Lottery: Secret Fortune 22:25 Casualty 23:15 BBC News 23:30 Match of the Day

07:00 Childrens TV 09:05 Hounded 09:35 Splatalot 10:00 Live ‘n’ Deadly 11:00 Who Let the Dogs Out? 11:30 I Want My Own Room 12:00 Deadly Art 12:15 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 12:40 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 13:45 Astaire and Rogers Sing the Great American Songbook 14:15 Flying down to Rio 15:40 An American in Paris 17:30 Escape to the Country 18:30 Flog It! 19:30 Dad’s Army 20:00 Frost on Nixon 22:00 QI XL 22:45 Frost/Nixon 24:40 Extraordinary Rendition

06:30 Live Rugby World Cup 09:00 Live Rugby World Cup 12:30 ITV News 12:40 Coronation Street 15:00 The X Factor 16:30 People Do the Funniest Things Abroad 17:30 Rugby World Cup Highlights 18:30 Granada News 18:45 ITV News 19:00 You’ve Been Framed!

19:30 All Star Family Fortunes 20:30 The X Factor 22:30 The Jonathan Ross Show 23:30 ITV News 23:45 Shaun of the Dead

07:35 The Film Show 08:00 Channel 4 Presents 08:05 Superbike World Championship 2011 08:30 British Formula 3 International Series 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Jason Derulo’s R’n’B It Girls Top 20 10:25 Smallville 11:20 T4 Movie Special 11:50 Video Exclusive 11:55 The Simpsons 12:25 Made in Chelsea 13:30 Big Bang Theory 13:55 Big Bang Theory 14:25 Road to London 2012: That Paralympic Show 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 17:10 Come Dine with Me 18:15 Come Dine with Me 19:20 Come Dine with Me 19:50 Channel 4 News 20:20 4thought.tv 20:25 X-Men Origins: Wolverine 22:30 Million Pound Drop Live 23:55 8 Out of 10 Cats Uncut 24:45 Rude Tube

07:00 Childrens TV 08:55 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Animal Families 11:00 The Gadget Show 12:00 Big Brother 13:00 Big Brother 13:30 Superior Interiors with Kelly Hoppen 14:30 Zulu Dawn 16:50 Battle at Apache Pass 18:30 Battle of the Bulge 21:20 5 News Weekend 21:25 NCIS 22:30 Big Brother 23:25 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:20 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

07:00 Emmerdale

06:30 Record Europe 07:00 Breakfast 08:35 Match of the Day 10:00 Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Sunday Morning Live 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 The Politics Show 14:05 EastEnders 16:00 Escape to the Country 17:00 Deadly 60 on a Mission 17:30 Planet Dinosaur 18:00 Points of View 18:30 Songs of Praise 19:30 BBC News; Regional News 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Spooks 23:00 BBC News; Regional News 23:25 My Favourite Joke 23:55 Outnumbered 24:25 Ask Rhod Gilbert

07:00 Penelope 07:05 Guess with Jess 07:15 The Pingu Show 07:30 MotoGP 09:00 Dennis & Gnasher 09:10 Junior MasterChef 09:40 Wingin’ It 10:00 Sam & Mark’s Big Friday Wind Up 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 Great British Bake Off 13:30 MotoGP 15:00 Racing from Longchamp 16:35 Rugby League 17:30 James May’s Things You Need to Know 18:00 A Culture Show Special 19:00 Dragons’ Den: How to Win in the Den 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 A South American Journey with Jonathan Dimbleby 22:00 Fry’s Planet Word 23:00 Match of the Day 2 24:20 Mock the Week 24:50 Kidulthood

06:30 Live Rugby

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Ironman Wales 08:50 Channel 4 Presents 08:55 One Tree Hill 09:50 Battlefront 10:05 Hollyoaks 12:35 The Album Chart Show Special 13:10 T4 Movie Special 13:45 Cheaper by the Dozen 2 15:45 The Simpsons 16:20 The Simpsons 16:50 Channel 4 Presents 16:55 Best of British 17:55 Deal or No Deal 18:55 Channel 4 News 19:25 4thought.tv 19:30 Star Trek 22:00 Fighting on the Frontline 23:00 Nowhere Boy 24:50 Arthur’s Day

07:00 Childrens TV 08:05 The Save-Ums! 08:25 Noddy in Toyland 08:40 Hana’s Helpline 08:55 Little Princess 09:05 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:40 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:10 Mr Men Show 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Animal Families 11:00 Great Edinburgh Run 2011 12:30 Inside Hollywood 12:40 The Beat Goes On 13:40 Big Brother 14:40 Westbound 16:05 Stand by Me 17:45 The Goonies 20:00 Extraordinary People 21:00 5 News Weekend 21:05 Warship 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Shallow Hal

07:00 Coronation Street

tv Saturday

tv Sunday

World Cup 09:00 Live Rugby World Cup 12:00 ITV News 12:05 DragonHeart 14:00 The X Factor 16:00 Countrywise 17:00 Downton Abbey 18:15 Rugby World Cup Highlights 19:15 Granada News 19:30 ITV News 19:45 Holding Out for a Hero 20:45 The X Factor 22:00 Downton Abbey 23:15 That Sunday Night Show 23:45 ITV News 24:00 Missing Millions

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Emmerdale 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 The Cube 21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

22:00 The X Factor USA 24:00 The Only Way Is Essex 24:45 The Only Way Is Essex

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:50 Greek 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Privileged 12:15 90210 13:10 Greek 14:10 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:40 Gilmore Girls 16:40 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:05 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:25 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance 22:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 23:00 Embarrassing Bodies 24:05 Wife Swap USA

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 Clash of the Titans 13:15 3 Minute Wonder 13:20 3 Minute Wonder 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:30 The Good Wife 15:30 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:00 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:45 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Keeping Mum 24:00 Heroes of Comedy

Keeping Mum More 4, 22.00

09:30 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 10:00 The X Factor USA 11:50 The X Factor USA 13:40 Apollo 13 16:20 The Only Way Is Essex 17:05 The Only Way Is Essex 17:50 The X Factor 19:20 Catwoman 21:30 Homes from Hell 22:30 The Xtra Factor 23:30 Celebrity Juice 24:15 Happy Gilmore

07:00 Switched Up! 07:45 How to Look Good Naked 08:45 How to Look Good Naked 09:40 Wife Swap USA 10:40 Supernanny USA 11:30 Supernanny USA 12:25 Wife Swap USA 13:25 Gok’s Fashion Fix 14:25 Hollyoaks 17:00 Made in Chelsea 18:00 One Tree Hill 19:00 Samantha Who? 19:30 Samantha Who? 20:00 Big Bang Theory 20:30 Big Bang Theory 20:55 Perfect Couples 21:25 How I Met Your Mother 21:55 Happy Endings 22:30 Babylon AD 24:10 Cleveland Show 24:40 Cleveland Show

10:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 11:00 Time Team 12:05 Time Team 13:10 Time Team 14:10 Time Team 15:20 The Iron Giant 17:00 3 Minute Wonder 17:05 Grand Designs 18:10 Grand Designs 19:15 Grand Designs 20:20 Grand Designs 21:25 Grand Designs 22:30 The Story of Film: An Odyssey 24:00 Keeping Mum

Merlin BBC1, 20.50

09:05 Emmerdale 12:00 Coronation Street 14:30 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 15:00 71 Degrees North 16:00 The Xtra Factor 16:55 Minute to Win It 17:55 Catwoman 20:00 Biggest Loser 21:00 Help!

I Caught It Abroad 2 22:00 The Xtra Factor 23:15 The Only Way Is Essex 24:00 Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous

07:00 Switched 07:25 Natalie Cassidy: Becoming Mum 08:20 Supernanny USA 09:10 Supernanny USA 10:05 How to Look Good Naked 11:05 How to Look Good Naked 12:10 Supersize vs Superskinny 13:10 Supernanny USA 14:05 Supernanny USA 15:05 How to Look Good Naked 16:05 How to Look Good Naked 17:05 Supersize vs Superskinny 18:10 Charlotte’s Web 20:00 Smallville 21:00 Jumper 22:40 Rude Tube 23:15 The Inbetweeners 23:50 The IT Crowd 24:20 Campus

Fry’s Planet Word BBC2, 22.00

10:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 11:00 Scrapheap Challenge 14:10 Scrapheap Challenge 15:15 3 Minute Wonder 15:20 3 Minute Wonder 15:25 3 Minute Wonder 15:30 Four in a Bed 16:35 Four in a Bed 17:40 Four in a Bed 18:10 Come Dine with Me 18:40 Come Dine with Me 19:15 Come Dine with Me 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:25 Come Dine with Me 20:55 River Cottage 22:00 Heston’s Mission Impossible 23:00 The Fun Police 24:10 Curb Your Enthusiasm 24:45 Father Ted

oct 2011 8 30 - 14sept JulY- 06 2011

53 51

tv Monday

52 61

30 -sept - 06 oct 2011 14 20 may 2010

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Dirty Tricks of the Tradesmen 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Natural Born Hunters 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 Dick & Dom Go Wild 17:30 Blue Peter 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Bang Goes the Theory 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Motorway Cops 23:00 BBC News 23:35 A Question of Sport 24:05 Spooks

07:00 Childrens TV 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:30 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:40 Nuzzle & Scratch 11:00 Get Squiggling!

11:15 Zingzillas 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 Daily Politics Conference Special 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Wanted Down Under 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing 20:00 Coast 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Home Cooking Made Easy 22:00 Dragons’ Den 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Today at Conference 24:50 Fry’s Planet Word

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 There’s No Taste Like Home 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Little England 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Doc Martin 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Exposure 24:35 That Sunday Night Show

07:05 Treacle People 07:15 The Hoobs 07:40 The Hoobs 08:05 Freshly Squeezed 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 11:55 Help! My House Is Falling Down 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Four in a Bed 14:05 High Society 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Coach Trip 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 22:00 Embarrassing Bodies 23:00 Rude Tube 24:05 Random Acts 24:10 Fresh Meat

07:00 Childrens TV 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:15 Love’s Unfolding Dream 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Celebrity Wish List 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Hotel Inspector 23:00 Big Brother 24:00 Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Dirty Tricks of the Tradesmen 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Natural Born Hunters 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 Hotel Trubble 17:30 Blue Peter 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 The Body Farm 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Transplant 24:35 Alex: A Life Fast Forward

07:00 Childrens TV 10:35 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:45 Nuzzle & Scratch 11:05 Get Squiggling!

11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics Conference Special 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Wanted Down Under 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing 20:00 Dragons’ Den 21:00 Great British Bake Off 22:00 Hairy Bikers’ Meals on Wheels 23:00 Later Live... with Jools Holland 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Today at Conference 24:50 A South American Journey with Jonathan Dimbleby

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 There’s No Taste Like Home 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Mayday Mayday 21:00 Missing Millions 22:00 71 Degrees North 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 DCI Banks 24:35 Billy Connolly’s Route 66

07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 11:55 Help! My House Is Falling Down 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Four in a Bed 13:35 Channel 4 Presents 13:40 Brief Encounters of the Sporting Mind 13:45 Cassandra Crossing 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Coach Trip 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow: Get the Look for Less 22:00 Mary Queen of Frocks 23:00 Shameless 24:05 Random Acts 24:10 True Blood

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:15 Murder in Greenwich 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Real Food Family Cook Off 21:00 Superior Interiors with Kelly Hoppen 22:00 CSI: Miami 23:00 Big Brother 24:00 Swept Away

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:35 Judge Judy 18:00 The Hot Desk 18:15 The Only Way Is Essex 19:00 The Only Way Is Essex 19:45 The X Factor 21:00 Minute to Win It 22:00 The World Is Not Enough 24:35 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Dirty Tricks of the Tradesmen 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Natural Born Hunters 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 Hotel Trubble 17:30 Serious Explorers 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 19:55 Party Political Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Waterloo Road 21:30 Planet Dinosaur 22:00 Who Do You Think You Are? 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Ask Rhod Gilbert 24:20 Bandits

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:35 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:45 Nuzzle & Scratch 11:05 Get Squiggling!

11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics Conference Special 14:00 See Hear 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:00 Daily Politics Conference Special 17:00 Escape to the Country 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 18:55 Party Political Broadcast 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing 20:00 Escape to the Country 21:00 All Roads Lead Home 22:00 Dragons’ Den: How to Win in the Den 23:00 Rab C Nesbitt 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Today at Conference 24:50 Toughest Place to Be a...

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 There’s No Taste Like Home 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 19:50 Party Political Broadcast 20:00 Emmerdale 21:00 The Pride of Britain Awards 2011 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Cops with Cameras 24:35 Ladette to Lady

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 11:55 Help! My House Is Falling Down 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Four in a Bed 14:00 The Last Command 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Coach Trip 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 Grand Designs 23:00 Fresh Meat 23:55 Random Acts 24:05 Shameless

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:15 Raising Waylon 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Highland Emergency 21:00 Ultimate Emergency Bikers 22:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 23:00 Big Brother 24:00 Big Brother Special 24:55 Poker: The Big Game

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:30 You’ve Been Framed!

20:00 All Star Family Fortunes 21:00 A Cinderella Story 23:00 The Only Way Is Essex 23:45 The Bourne Identity

tv Tuesday

tv Wednesday

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 The X Factor 22:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA 23:00 Digital Music Awards 2011 24:00 The World Is Not Enough

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:50 Greek 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Privileged 12:15 90210 13:10 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:35 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Big Bang Theory 21:30 My Name Is Earl 22:00 One Tree Hill 23:00 Made in Chelsea 24:05 Misfits

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House?

11:30 When Eight Bells Toll 13:20 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:30 The Good Wife 15:30 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Three in a Bed 23:00 Country House Rescue 24:10 Daily Show Global Edition 24:45 Unreported World

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

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:50 Greek 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Privileged 12:15 90210 13:10 Greek 14:10 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:40 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 18:35 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:25 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Made in Chelsea 22:00 Smallville 23:00 Cleveland Show 23:35 Cleveland Show 24:05 Shameless

10:00 Deal or No Deal 10:55 How Clean Is Your House?

11:30 How Clean Is Your House?

12:00 The Tall T 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:30 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Come Dine with Me 23:00 True Stories 24:20 Cat Dancers

Superior Interiors Emergency with Angela Griffin with Kelly Hoppen Sky1 21.00 Channel 5, 21.00

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Greek 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Privileged 12:10 90210 13:05 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 14:30 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:30 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 18:30 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:35 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 School of Rock 23:10 Babylon AD 24:55 Big Bang Theory

The Pride ofwith Emergency Britain Angela AwardsGriffin 2011 Sky1 21.00 ITV1, 21.00

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House?

11:30 The Enemy Below 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:30 The Good Wife 15:30 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:00 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Time Team 23:00 UFOs: The Secret Evidence

tv Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Dirty Tricks of the Tradesmen 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Natural Born Hunters 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 Copycats 17:30 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Watchdog 22:00 Hidden 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:35 Raa Raa the Noisy Lion 10:45 Nuzzle & Scratch 11:05 Get Squiggling!

11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Wanted Down Under 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing 20:00 If Walls Could Talk: The History of the Home 21:00 The Great British Bake Off Masterclass 22:00 Mixed Race Britannia 23:00 Mock the Week 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Adulthood

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 There’s No Taste Like Home 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Billy Connolly’s Route 66 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 24:35 71 Degrees North

Crossword Solutions 623 CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Letter-writer; 7 Prong; 8 False; 9 Ill; 10 Container; 11 Theory; 12 Divans; 15 Raise Cain; 17 Man; 18 Smart; 19 Tread; 21 Heartrending.

Down: 1 Love interest; 2 Ego; 3 Wagons; 4 Inflation; 5 Ellen; 6 Representing; 7 Pulse; 10 Carpenter; 13 Aimed; 14 Castor; 16 Image; 20 Eon.

07:05 The Hoobs 07:30 The Hoobs 07:55 Freshly Squeezed 08:25 Channel 4 Presents 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 11:55 Help! My House Is Falling Down 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Three in a Bed USA 14:00 Hell and High Water 16:05 Channel 4 Presents 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Coach Trip 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Country House Rescue 22:00 Educating Essex 23:00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 24:05 Random Acts 24:10 Fighting on the Frontline

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:15 Survival on the Mountain 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 How to Build a Volcano 22:00 Extraordinary People 23:00 Big Brother 24:00 Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Extravagance; 7 Fleet; 8 Mourn; 9 Cur; 10 Interfere; 11 Potent; 12 Obtuse; 15 Tolerance; 17 Dud; 18 Olden; 19 Infer; 21 Interminable.

Down: 1 Emancipation; 2 Awe; 3 Astute; 4 Admirable; 5 Cause; 6 Independence; 7 First; 10 Ignorance; 13 Under; 14 Infirm; 16 Laden; 20 Fun Wordwheel: PERSISTED

07:00 Emmerdale 07:55 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 14:00 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 Minute to Win It 21:00 The X Factor USA 22:30 You’ve Been Framed!

23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:45 Happy Gilmore

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Greek 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Privileged 12:10 90210 13:05 Greek 14:00 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Glee 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:35 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Big Bang Theory 21:35 Perfect Couples 22:00 How I Met Your Mother 22:30 Happy Endings 23:00 The Inbetweeners 23:35 Show and Tell 24:25 Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night

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

53

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance 13:20 3 Minute Wonder 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:30 The Good Wife 15:30 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:00 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 The Closer 24:00 The Killing

54 44

30 sept - 06 oct42011 Feb 26 - March 2010

Top Drawer Twit!

Showbiz Goss by

Peter Taylor

Writer and Broadcaster

AND SO we lurch from one tedious reality show to the next as TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex) has now returned to our TV screens, and like all of these two-bit shows they have employed a cheap trick to let us know they are back, and not surprisingly it involved nakedness, as the four main females stupidly agreed to do a bit of extra freckle flashing for the cameras. Oh baby!

Then we have Joey Essex. Sorry girls, there’s no nakedness this time, but it surely is just as pathetic as he has revealed that his top chat up line is “I swear I know you from somewhere.” Truthfully … I swear he said that! … but it doesn´t stop there as Joey seamlessly switches into ‘babble mode’ by saying, “my dream girl is Cheryl Cole,” before adding, “I normally like dark haired girls but I went out with Sam Fraiers who’s blonde.” I’m thinking you qualify for that term as well matey, but sadly Joey babbles a little more by saying, “the first thing I notice about a girl is her tan.” What? Like from a bottle… “ …then her boobs…” What?

Those blow up ones?” “…and what she’s wearing.” What? Like those hankies they wear for skirts...?

The world of assertive maleness has been on the decline for a number of years, and with guys like Joey Essex around its likely to stay there for several years more. TWIT!

Dippy Dappy Bye bye Charlie From out of nowhere almost all of us have heard of N-Dubz, mainly on the back of Tulisa Conto thingy being on … that show! … But now Rapperboy Dappy from the group has suddenly popped up in the media … in two separate guises.

Firstly shirtless on the internet looking like a sizeable meal would be a good idea, then telling us he´ll soon be showing us his Clothes Line, and no not the type you hang your thunderbags on, a proper range of clothing ‘like what he wears’.

Dappy posted on Twitter: “Everyone look out for my G1M1 Clothing coming soon! … you heard it here first … Na Na x. I am only guessing but I have to assume that Na Na is the cool thing to say … that’s what I used to call my grandmother!

Around 3 to 4 weeks ago I brought to this column news of the revamped ‘Two and a Half Men’ returning to the screen in the US and that very event took place a week past Monday and 27.7 million people tuned in, the largest number since, well - ever.

And why so many I hear you ask? To see Charlie being buried perhaps?

Yes folks, Charlie is now below ground, and with one of the top Los Angeles Times reporters saying that the new series was “a promising start” then saying, “Sheen’s replaced Ashton Kutcher, bringing a softness to a show that had become bitter and sour and temperamentally middleaged.” Whack Whack Oops!

The new character does sound interesting as Kutcher plays a heartbroken internet billionaire who has a rather unfortunate penchant for walking around in the buff.

Dear God not more nakedness - people are really gonna start talking about me now.

Meanwhile back at the ranch Charlie is locked in a legal battle with Warner Bros,

suing them for US$100 million and from what I´ve been telling you about here he could well get his 100 … but not a million … just a 100! The new series of ´Men´ is due to start on UK TV in the late autumn.

Ausländer

PAUL DOWSWELL is a writer of historical fiction who uses a factual backdrop of history on Book which to weave his characters.

Review by In Ausländer he introduces us to Piotr Bruck, a young boy of German/Polish parentage living in copy@dannyjpcollins.com a rural village in Poland when the Nazi forces of Hitler’s Third Reich invade. His parents are killed in a Russian bombardment but as a Volksdeutscher he is sent for adoption to Berlin. There his Nordic Aryan good looks and his fluent German see him taken in by the Kaltenbachs, and Piotr discovers his host is the professor in charge of racial studies and a collaborator in Hitler’s plan to rid the Reich of Jews.

Drawn by his love for Anna Reiter, a young German who harbours a deep dislike for the Nazi regime, Piotr – now christened Peter in the German fashion – assists in smuggling food and medicines to Jewish families hiding in attics and cellars in the homes of German sympathisers. Eventually betrayed following the arrest of Anna’s father and shunned by the Kaltenbachs, Anna, Peter, and Anna’s mother Ula attempt to flee to Sweden.

Betrayed once again by an informer and split up from Ula, Anna and Peter make a desperate bid for the Baltic and the ferry to Sweden.

Dowswell creates a chilling timeline into Berlin of the early ‘40s and a life dominated by the concepts of racial purity and national socialism; where the RAF and the USAF rain bombs on the Nazi capital as Hitler Youth bands

Danny Collins

Suduko Answer roam the streets attacking Polish and other Slav slave workers categorised as untermenschen – subhuman species - and raiding cellars where young Berliners gather to dance to the banned music of the mongrel US nation.

To defy the Reich meant an early-hours visit by the Gestapo and eventual execution by firing squad or the guillotine. It all makes for a gripping thriller as the young couple battle against betrayal and dark forces in a desperate bid to reach freedom. This book is a stark reminder of what can happen when politics go mad.

Author: Paul Dowswell Publisher: Bloomsbury Price: 9.10€ ISBN: 978 0 7475 9419 2

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

55

Game on for Gamefest!

THE SECOND Gamefest Exhibition launches Thursday 29th September at RetroMadrid, the School of Computing University of Madrid, for game buffs from all over Spain to update with the latest interactive entertainment: the exhibition runs until Sunday October 2nd. Visitors may view and try out the newest games of the season, including ‘Modern Warfare Call of Duty 3’; ‘Uncharted 3: The betrayal of Drake’; ‘Assassin’s Creed Revelations’; ‘Forza Motorsport 4’; ‘The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword’; ‘Metal Gear Solid 3D’ and ‘Battlefield 3’. Three rooms have been equipped for over a hundred presentations that will also discuss trends, the future of the sector, creating a video game and even advice on career guidance from Gamelab Academy. Further information is available at www.gamefest.es For directions to RetroMadrid visit www.retromadrid.org

I’d like to buy a case of chickens…please?

FEELING COMFORTABLE going shopping anywhere for some is a nerve racking experience, especially if you’re a bloke or not directly involved with it at the time. There should be more areas where reluctant spouses can congregate in shopping centres whilst others shop to drop. Market shopping is another matter where getting yourself noticed is an art. But before you head off to the market, just like charity, it all begins at home…

Having returned from a frankly exhausting trip to Thailand learning all about their herbs and spices and how they rub their raw food with fiery spices to keep the flies off, instead of cooking the spices off first separately as they show you on TV, we then recreated some authentic chicken based dishes for our menus and were included in an Oriental good food guide. Meaning that, not for the first time in our restaurant life, we were suddenly selling a lot of chickens. Time, I thought, to head for the meat market for some better priced, bulk buying.

My first trip to a meat market for, in my mind, some serious meat buying was at Smithfield meat market in London. Having earned my spurs at the vegetable markets since I was very young this should have been a breeze. However, having gotten myself noticed, I simply asked - before the price - if I could buy a case of chickens. “Ha! Ha! Very funny,”

he said, “Now what do you really want?” I repeated a case of chickens...”please?” I added. “Okay,” he said, “Now you’re just taking the p***, so tell me what you want or bugger off, I’m busy.”

I was obviously at the wrong stall or doing something wrong, so what was it?

Turns out he stocked some seventeen types of chicken, both fresh and frozen. So what grade was I interested in, what size, what type, what quality, and did I want them whole or in bits, and if so, what bits and did I want them skinless or boneless?

Whole you say, so fresh or frozen, heads on or off, feet on or off, guts in or out and what grade and quality and size was I thinking of, before we even got to the price. I did finally buy a case of whole chickens but I have no idea what I paid that first time, I was just thankful to be out of there: cheaper they may have been, easy they were not!

After all of that I still recommend a proper food market trip, but before you go, make a list, don’t dress up and wear flashy jewellery. Decide what you’re going to buy and do a bit of homework, have some idea of approximately how much it should cost, as well as where you are going to put it when you get it home. Clean out your fridge and throw away any spoiled produce. Take a cool bag with you and some bottles of frozen water to keep

it all cool on the way home and remember what we used to tell our staff: we buy to use, not to store it.

We made the extra effort to buy from the market because it’s usually better, fresher and cheaper but only if you use it.

My first trip was well worth the extra I paid for the lesson I learnt. A supermarket manager I once took along for the ride to the market, despite the warnings, dressed up like a tourist and took along a camera and couldn’t resist the urge to have a go himself. What he bought he couldn’t use, what he paid was five times the going rate, but was he happy? Oh yes he was.

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

motoring

56

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

by

Brian Deller

Author of Motoring in Spain

BRIAN, I read your column in the RTN every week and hope you can help me with my problem. I received a report from an insurance company accusing me of having caused an accident about 900km from where we live. Apparently there was a minor collision where my car, a Ford Focus which even now is unmarked, drove off without stopping.

I have completed and posted a ‘denial of blame form’ at the request of the insurance company and now I wait for a reply. How long should I wait and should I do more to make sure I am not unfairly accused or blamed?

This is a problem that is best fought by having a small diary which records briefly where the car is every day. I must admit that I do not keep one but I did when I drove a lot for my job, especially when I had my own company for eleven years.

This is the second such query today, both by phone, and we read especially in the UK of fraudsters causing such collisions and then making false claims to make cash out of the incident that really did not occur.

I suggest that we need to make notes in a small diary so that if a claim is made, we can use it as evidence that proves that we or our vehicles were nowhere near that “accident” scene on that day. I know that in the UK a Court will accept such evidence

but it must be a genuine diary-record not a made-up one as I have seen when we lived in south Africa and I was a volunteer policeman. I will ask a friend in the legal profession if the same applies here but also I suggest that you obtain a statement from anyone who can prove you could not have been at the ‘accident scene’ on that day.

There is a problem where a lot of people do not read number plates correctly, and they must also give a description of your vehicle, make and colour etc. The insurance company knows of the above and may be ‘fishing’ hoping you will admit to being responsible. Please advise the RTN on what happens in this matter.

HELLO BRIAN, I have an elderly friend who had her licence stolen in February of this year and has only recently got round to trying to sort out a new one.

She has done the medical and been to Alicante with a translator but was turned away because they were told she now needs another paper from England which is a new law. Do you know anything about this? If so, what is it and how does she get it: have you heard of this before?

We would be very grateful for a reply as soon as you can as I´m concerned that her medical paper will run out before she gets anything sorted and she needs

help with doing all of this because of her age and language barriers.

Thank you very much for your time.

Dear Pat, Further to your mail and problem, you can phone the UK Driver & Licensing Agency during their normal work times and have a credit card ready (the cost is about £5) and they will mail you a proper certificate for what your lady is entitled to, e.g. the vehicle classification/s. But be aware of her age as she may or may not as she is living here now need to submit (by email?) a medical certificate. They will advise - ask if a Spanish one will suffice.

I have not had this problem before so would appreciate your letting me know what happens based on their reaction and service. They are usually very good.

Sorry about your friend being robbed. It happened to my wife a year ago and we are still sorting out the lost documents.

Now if only I had had the gun I legally carried in South Africa!

The website for all the information is a long one: http://www.direct.gov. uk/en/Diol1/MotoringDecisionTrees/ DuplicateLicences/replacement_driving_ licence.dsb?DPF0=&DPF1=2&vgsubm it=%C2%A0+Next%C2%A0+ Sorry RTN readers, you will have to write it out in your web-browser address bar. The phone number is (0044) 1792 782 341, 8am to 8.30pm Monday to Friday & 8am to 5.30pm on Saturdays. Hope that helps.

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

Thrills and spills in Alicante

AT THE IFA Exhibition Centre in Alicante last weekend 16 drivers provided thrills and spills in an exciting spectacle of extreme driving skills known as ‘drifting’ – saloon cars taking skids and turns that brought gasps of shock and delight from spectators.

Qualifying took place on Saturday and on Sunday drifting drivers flew around the track competing two against two on a 10,000sq m circuit in a knockout series of races that resulted in Luis Lopez taking first place.

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Torremendo

Tel.: 965 368 274

VENUS

57

ESTABLISHED IN SPAIN FOR 10 YEARS FULLY LEGAL S.L COMPANY

Cars S.L. www.venuscars.com

We Buy, Sell & Part Exchange Quality British & Spanish Cars Transfer Documents Completed Competitive Insurance Quotes. All cars Fully serviced and valeted

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

€7,995

€5,495

BMW 320 I SE 2001 4 DOOR

FORD FOCUS ESTATE 2004 1.6 LTR PETROL

€12,495

€7,995

Kia Sportage Ford Fusion 2008 4X2 2007 1.4 Ltr TDCI Diesel Limited UEFA 2008 Model

€3,995

€4,995

€1,495

€6,995

OPEL ASTRA ESTATE 1999 1.7 Ltr Diesel

FORD FOCUS ESTATE 2003 1.6 LTR PETROL

Aprilia SR50 2006 50 c.c

Volkswagen Polo 2007 1.4 Ltr Petrol

€36,995

€9,995

HYMER 650CL, A CLASS - 1986 6 BERTH

UK RIGHT HAND DRIVE CARS

€3,995

spanish plates

rhd

Ford Mondeo Zetec 2003 Petrol only 57000 Miles

LAIKA A CLASS ECOVIP H710, 2004 TOP OF THE RANGE

wanted

€15,495

FORD FOCUS CMAX 2010 1.6 TDCI DIESEL ONE OWNER

UK AND SPANISH REGISTERED CARS CASH PAID MOTORHOMES AND CLASSICS ALSO WANTED RING TODAY!!

ALL LEGAL PAPERWORK COMPLETED

Opening hours Mon - Fri 9-6pm (No siesta) Sat 10-1pm. Find us next to Petrol Station TORREMENDO 10 Minutes inland from San Miguel, Los Montesinos & Junction 751 on the AP7 towards Orihuela. Torremendo turning on CV95 towards San Miguel

WANTED two post car ramp prefer three phase collection and dismantling no problem cash waiting, tel 620738023

Classified Ads 58

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

All Major Credit Cards Accepted - 0.31e per word + IVA

Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2)

EMAIL: classifieds@roundtownnews.com | WEBSITE: www.roundtownnews.co.uk | Fax: 96 585 60 54 | Or see our list of classified agents on page 2

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) 1460 74191 email: chrisyounge73979@aol.com

PRISTINE POOLS

• Professional pool maintenance & cleaning • Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems Ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed • Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired • Structural leaks investigated and repaired • Refurbishments & upgrades undertaken British Trained with over 15 years experience.

Extensive references. All work guaranteed Tel: 96 677 4199 or 678 080 500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com Torrevieja and surrounding areas plus Costa Calida

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

TAI CHI CLASSES BENITACHELL ARTS CENTRE starts Wednesday 5th October. Beginners/Improvers Short Form. Wednesday 10-00am – 11-00am Long Form. Wednesday 11-15am – 12-15pm. For more information Call Julia 619 613 236

EXCEL AIR CONDITIONING. See main ad on page 13.Tel/Fax (Head Office) 966-897-772. Mobiles:680-154-432/676-265-675. Email excelairconditioning@hotmail.com. All credit/debit cards accepted.

SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966865-883 (Mob) 629-308-505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz

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 966074576 or 650341087 for a chat or e mail pawspettransport@ hotmail.com 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 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

GATA CHARITY SHOP Description: House Clearances, furniture, bric a brac, beds, etc. High prices paid for quality items. We buy, Sell and Exchange just about anything at the GATA CHARITY SHOP in aid of SPAIN, the Society for the Protection of Animals in Need. Collection and Delivery service available. Tel 665653998 or 965756215.

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

59

LARSON 180 SEI BOWRIDER. Volvo 4.3 EFi 225 hp. Excellent condition, many extras. + wakeboard tower.SSR registered, Snipe roller coaster trailer.

15,000 euros ONO Tel 636244846

MERCURIO CONSTRUCTION . ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS FROM SMALL REPAIRS TO NEW HOUSES. COVERING ALL COASTAL AREAS OF THE COSTA BLANCA. www. conpro.com.es TEL: 669.669.339

PC SOLUTIONS 4U For all your PC needs. Reliable & friendly service. Call Fred 634638664 BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home.

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

BAR SPAIN TORREVIEJA Freehold or lease, fully equipped Tlf: 0044-191-252-1976 for details.

10 COLD DRINK/SNACK VENDING MACHINES with sites,€44,900. excellent cash income, no overhead, work from home, work only one day per week, €31,000 nett yearly.

25 pringle vending machines with sites €14,900.€250 per week guaranteed.965-326-442/659-696-455 SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own product range. First class training & support. Telephone 606586587 CARERS WANTED To work in England 3 weeks on 3 weeks off email CV to 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com 24 HOUR HOMECARE SERVICES LTD Wanted companions, carers to work in England as live-in carers. 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off.

If you are caring, a good listener and cook contact Karen Jones on (0044) 01929 472 810 or mobile (0044) 07500 836688 email: 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com or download application form from www.24hourhom ecareservices.com WORKING HOLIDAYS FOR EXPATS Join our team of self-employed live-in cares in the U.K. We require live-in cares to provide housekeeping and personal care for our elderly clients in their own homes particularly during the autumn and winter months. Flexible bookings of 2-4 weeks to suit your personal situation. Experienced nurses or carers welcome, also those with no previous experience, our in-house training is available. British/EU passport/references/ drivers/good spoken English essential.

This progressive friendly company was established in 1962 and is a market leader in U.K. live-in care for the elderly, CONSULTUS CARE AND NURSING LTD. Call our local consultant Sandra Field on 658 965 204 or email s.field@ consultuscare.com or visit our website www.consultuscare.com.

MOBILE/PARK HOMES from 17.000€, Fully furnished ready to move into, A/C, Tel, Eng TV, on permanent site, Bar/Res, Pool, Tennis, Gym, Shop, walking distance to San Javier, 5 mins to beach, Airport, Hospital by car. (also bungalows for rent and caravan plots short term or permanent stays) NEXT OPEN DAY WEDS 5TH OCT ALL WELCOME Tlf Carol 968-192-425 mob 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com

FOR SALE beautiful L shaped diner unit with matching table (60 by 105cm) and 2 padded matching stools. Just needs to be seen, only 59€ ono. Peter 687264238

WE GROW OUR OWN REAL GRASS FOR LAWNS IN SPAIN We also produce, sell and supply our own lawncare products for villa owners, golf and tennis clubs. Call for advice and information. Trade enquiries very welcome. Tel 965731811 www. lawnsinspain.com

TEETH WHITENING Professional Cosmetic Treatments or DIY Whitening Kits from 29€. Javea, Denia, Benidorm, Calpe area. Tel. 966 473 166 - Mob. 680 501 404. www. nulookteeth.com BENIDORM: YOGA CLASSES IN ENGLISH Mon & Wed 11:1512:15. Prana Centro de Yoga, C/Alameda nº32. Viniyoga style: the yoga adapts to the person, not the person to the yoga. Specialist knowledge for breast cancer recuperation. Rachel 667.997.532

PET INSURANCE Protectapet: Looking for Pet Insurance? Spains Leading Pet Insurance Provider. www.protectapet.eu 965 756 724 S.O.S. INSURANCE Car-HomeHealth-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787-123/622275-561/686-116-297

60

30 sept - 06 oct 2011 sometimes accomodate. Home Visits no extra Charge/Low Fees. Call me now on 655-058-554 ALANI : FROM HAWAII 39 sensual attractive warm friendly lady will pamper you with satisfying erotic massage and more. very discrete apartment visit me or i visit you. call 603 352 507 ENGLISH LADY 42 Provides various services. Torrevieja. 666 376 887 ELEGANT SEXY SLIM Lady escort available. Home, Hotel, Villa. Region Calpe to Torrevieja. La Manga.

Mazzaron. Tel 693 357 526 GENERIC VIAGRA safe and effective, live a full love life again, call Ron 966499-204 TORREVIEJA CHINESE SUPER SEXY Young and beautiful. Calle Orihuela Nº60, 2º1

PERGOLA 5MX3M Never erected.

High quality solid timber, Treated.

Ideal for Garden or Carport. €385 Will Delivery Free. 622-791-907 or si.whitworth@gmail.com

AT MICHAEL’S you also get NEW high quality Spanish beds. All sizes available as we deal directly with the manufacturers! Famous brands like United Colors of Benetton, etc www. michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Two grey designer sofas with matching chaise lounge. 3piece suite in soft yellow with matching Chesterfield style sofa. 600 photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Lovely large Moroccan coffee table. Moroccan sideboard with matching TV table.

Original “Cart wheel” bench. See 600 photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S you can get part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. See photos (updates every 5-6 days): www. michaels-javea.com MICHAEL’S 28 YEARS IN JAVEA ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! We sell high quality pre owned furniture, many from show apartments etc. Look at: www.michaels-javea.com Tlf:965-791-328.

GENERATOR/ROBIN 4.5 kba, runs on gas or petrol, electric start, cost new 1100€, sale 450€. TWO 12 VOLT SOLAR BATTERIES 360 amp power 120€ Pego area 675-878-601.

MR FIXIT: FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL, plumbing, general also appliance repairs. 698 320 434 POOL, SNOOKER TABLES Also Table Tennis and Darts. Will beat any price!. Tlf:-666-933-726. www.spainpool.com

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

BALLROOM/LATIN/SEQUENCE DANCING WITH LA BAMBA’S. At La Rustika [Los Arcos] Restaurant, Avenida Balaeres 34, Torrevieja.

Saturday - Social Dance 7.30pm - 10pm Starting 5th September - Monday - New Beginners Class - 10am - 11.30am Monday Intermediate Class - 11.30am - 1pm Tuesday - Popular Sequence class 7.30pm - 8.30pm followed by Social Dance 8.30pm - 10.30pm [not 2nd Tuesday of month]. At Casa Ventura, San Luis, Torrevieja Starting 8th September - Thursday - Beginners class 7.30pm - 9.30pm. Got more information contact Andrea 616 478 157.

MERCEDES! MERCEDES! Good selection in stock new & used. Models sourced. Tel Frank 600 726 221 www.fwreurocars.com FIAT PUNTO 1.2 5 DOOR 2004 74,000 KMs. Fully serviced.

Silver. 3,750€ Tel Frank 600 726 221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com RENAULT KANGOO COMBI 1.5 DCI 2004. Twin side sliding doors.

Aircon, CD etc. White, lovely condition.

FSH 4,950€ € Tel Frank 600 726 221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com HYUNDAI TUCSONS, 4x4 and 4x2.

Diesel and petrol 2006. Low KMS FSH From 9,450€ Tel Frank 600 726 221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com CITROEN ZX 1.9 DIESEL Hatch. RHD Spanish reg. ITV Feb 2013. 750€ ONO Tlf: 966797338 or 660606884 WE CAN IMPORT all of your KIT CARS and also RHD Vans and Trucks.

Call Marcelo; 609-600-993 FORD FOCUS ZETEC 1999, 85,000 miles, A/C, ABS, traction control, Spanish registered, RHD, Tax due June 2012, ITV July 2012. Open to offers.

TLF: 672920349 RENAULT CLIO 1.9 DIESEL FOR SALE (JÁVEA) Year: 1999.

180,000km. Extremely reliable. Passed ITV end Aug. Full service and oil change end July. 5-door, roofrack, a/c.

Dark green. Some scratches. Only two lady owners. Excellent car, only for sale due to owner leaving Spain for work. €2,000 including transfer of name.

Call 696 534 228.

HEADLIGHTS4U.COM Left hand drive headlights supplied and fitted.

All makes. Also air conditioning rechargeTel:-966-877-145 or 618-592-396 BUMPERS, WINGS AND MIRRORS All body panels for all cars supplied.

Tel:-966-877-145 or 618-592-396 WANTED Scrap cars, vans, lorries, plant and caravans. Turn your scrap into cash. From Valencia to Alicante.

Free collection. Tel: 689-929-395 WANTED I buy any car, van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish.

Immediate cash 600-781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com FORD FIESTA A.4 TDCI, 2005 75,000km. Four door, white, reliable, economical and nippy. Excellent condition and two year ITV, 4,799€.

Phone 661-403-016. JAVEA AREA

Advertise your classifieds today! Call 902 118 999 NOW!

QUALIFIED TRANSLATOR Bi-lingual Spanish-English and high level French and German. Confidential and reliable accompaniment service. Competitive rates. Torrevieja and surroundings.

Virginia 629201192.

INTERPRETER English interpreter provides aid and assistance for visits to hospitals/schools/tax offices/police stations etc. Friendly and reliable, available in Benidorm and surrounding areas. Call 600 809 698

CAMPUS ACADEMY English Language school in Cartagena looking for people keen to teach english to children and adults. Experience & qualifications preferred but not essential. contact Chris Eden info@ campusacademy.es or tel 687324379.

BRITISH GRADUATE TEACHER offers Primary/Secondary English Mathmatics. Telephone Margaret Johnson B.Ed. 965-350-516 Mob: 616-660-687 COMPUTER TUTOR Software training, ebusiness education, website publishing, photography, videography and more DIY tips and tricks for all of your business and personal needs.

Karla Darocas - certified instructor since 1990. Tel: 96 597 3234 info@ KarlaDarocas.com Referrences - www.KarlaDarocas.com

SKYSUPPLIES Sky+HD and Humax 320/500/1000GB Digiboxs.

Whitecards,spare remotes, LNBs, Realignments. 1.9m Dish Wanted.

Good prices, advice and backup, Phone 966194013 or 600899096.

SKYSUPPLIES Sky+HD and Humax 320/500/1000GB Digiboxs.

Whitecards,spare remotes, LNBs, Realignments. 1.9m Dish Wanted.

Good prices, advice and backup, Phone 966194013 or 600899096.

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired.

Professional, consciencious service to the highest standards.

Refurbishments and upgrades undertaken. Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems, ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed.

All work guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 15 years experience. 8 years served on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966-774-199 or 678-080-500 www. pristineswimmingpools.com SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs.

Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965-725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743-048 www.pooltechspain.com

GOLD WANTED English Jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold jewellery & coins for cash. Call for an appointment. Peter (7 days) 664 890 990.

CLASSIC KITCHENS 20 years on the Costa Blanca. Free quote and design call Adrian on 966865684 or 676699700

SNR DE RODA GOLF LOS ALCAZARES Homley luxury modern furnished 2 bed apartment. TV A/C pool, TV. Internet available. 395€ + bills. Tel: 648-013-068 1 BED PART FURNISHED bungalows on Camping Pueblo in San Javier with lots of ameneties Tlf Carol 968-192-425 mobile 626-055-622 ALTEA/ALTEA LA VELLA COUNTRY HOUSE Refurbished Apartment, First Floor. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, lounge, kitchen, diner, 40m2 terrace, private pool, parking and gardens. Sea and mountain views.

F/F, Air Con/CH.475€ pcm plus Water, gas and Electric. Available 01.10.11.

Tlf:966-881-048 or 691-202-307

PARK HOME FOR SALE 38,000 STERLING. Sited with reasonable rent, 7m x 7.6m, fully furnished, sleeps 6, plenty of storage space, fully tiled bathroom with shower, 15 mins to airport, 30 mins to Benidorm, on the bus route to Alicante, close to all amenities, air con in 2 bedrooms, MUST BE SEEN. Tel: 620 487 528 MOBILE/PARK HOMES on Camping Pueblo in San Javier from 15.000€ Tlf Carol 968-192-425 mob 626-055-622 www.mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com

STRICT LADY Stric, classy, lady offers professional service for gentlemen and ladies. Attentive male escort for ladies.

Mazarron. tel 679 287 257 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 FELLAS! Do you have a problem getting up in the morning, or at any other time? If so you need THE DIAMOND SHAPED BLUE PILL, Quesada and surrounding area. ring Derek 685-207-378 ARE YOU MALE, FEMALE OR A COUPLE? Need some Sexy FUN? Contact me soonest. 63 year old Dom/Sub switch. Available for fun with Males, Dom and Sub and Cross Dressers, Females Dominatrix and Submissive. Couples including Same Sex Couples. “Anything Goes” Can

EASILY MAINTAINED DETACHED, 2 BED VILLA in La Alberca, Polop de la Marina. 240m2 flat plot with decorative paving for easy maintenance. Lots of extras, security system, AC/CH, American Kitchen, Purpose build BBQ, Private parking, Solarium, 360º views of mountains and Mediterranean, Community Pool and Gardens. Ideal holiday home or for retirees.145,000€.

For more info, contact Lynn on 966-881-048/691-202-307 or email foundation@rtnnewsgroup.com f or photos.

ALTEA OLD TOWN shop with flat, to rent or buy, details 965847284

MICK WITH HIS VAN Removals Collections Deliveries. For a reliable effective service. Hourly rate or quote.

Call Mick anytime 600-247-535 SPAIN2UK2SPAIN MAN AND VAN departing Costa Blanca for UK via France. Regular Trips. Full or part loads. Exc rates Tel Christine 965571837/638261341 email chriscurran490@gmail.com VAN LEAVING FOR THE UK/SPAIN EVERY 2 WEEKS great rates please contact joe on 966074576 or 650341087 or civic1235@msn.com MAN & LWB SPRINTER VAN going to UK- Spain twice a month. Tel: 610-846-260 or 0044-7519-186-355 email:-van.man@hotmail.co.uk

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

STOP LIMESCALE Use an electronic water descaler. The answer to limescale and hard water problems.

Reduces existing scale and prevents further build up. No chemicals, salt, alteration to plumbing needed. DIY installation. Price €249,- 6 months money back guarantee. Contact Stefan Martens 634360917 – www.smartsun.es

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

61

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62

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

Andy Kay With Andy Kay

The Final Whistle

RTN Golf Club update

The Auld Enemy Dennis Jordan NORTH REGION

TAKE ADVANTAGE of our discounted green fees, lower Golf Course RTN Price Comments now than they have been in years.

Vouchers are issued for you to take to the pro shop once Alenda €45 Single Green fee payment has been made and prices are updated weekly.

Alicante Golf €53 Single Green fee inc Buggy If you wish to view the Costa Blanca Golf page online go Bonalba €42 Single Green fee to www.roundtownnews.co.uk click on sports and then €44 Single Green fee scroll down to golf - here you will find weekly information Don Cayo and prices for all the golf courses in the areas offering dis- El Plantio €46 Single Green fee counted green fees.

Font del Llop €40 Single Green fee We are already busy with bookings for next spring, which €38 Single Green fee inc Buggy is great news for us and the courses to know that a contin- Villaitana Par 62 uous flow of golfers are returning to the Costa Blanca and Villa Aitana Par 72 €44 Single Green fee enjoying the whole package: well-priced accommodation; great golf courses; nightlife all year round and fantastic For more information email Dennis at weather. dennis@roundtownnews.com or direct to www.benidormgolf.com on 630 714 373.

ON SATURDAY morning, England will play Scotland at the Rugby World Cup with both teams not yet sure of a place in the quarter finals. On paper, it looks like a win for England but form counts for nothing when these two teams meet on a rugby pitch. Scotland has made six changes to the side that lost to Argentina, knowing that all out attack and a victory by 8 or more points is the minimum they require. They will throw the kitchen sink at England and while they’ll be happy that the locals may be on their side, statistics are not.

The Scots haven’t beaten the English by an 8 point margin since 1986 and although they have won 4 times since that, all were by 6 points and all were at Murrayfield. That said, England have come a cropper before to Celtic nations under Martin Johnson when victory looked little more than a formality. I’m taking England to win but I’m not looking forward to the state of my finger nails at the end of 80 minutes.

Not Boxing Clever Ever since Roy Jones Jr was denied a gold medal at the Seoul Olympics, the judges giving top spot to his Korean opponent who landed around 60% less punches than the American, amateur boxing has often struggled to show that it’s cleaner than clean. And recently, its problems got worse after a BBC investigation which suggested that Azerbaijan officials were trying to ‘buy’ a couple of gold medals at the London Olympics after giving the governing body, the AIBA, a multi - million dollar loan. Now you’d think that being in the spot light, the sport would try and keep its nose clean... but not a bit of it. The World Championships are currently being hosted by Azerbaijan which, as the host nation, has correctly allowed all of their boxers to be seeded, therefore ensuring an easier path through the competition. No problem there. However, they’ve overstepped the mark when it comes to superheavyweight Magomedrasul Medzhidov. He’s been given the number 2 seeding despite not ever having fought at that weight at a major championships and being ranked outside the world’s top 50. Talk about landing yourself with a knockout blow.

Mike Probert COSTA BLANCA REGION

MID-SEPTEMBER sees the end of many summer deals and the on-set of serious hollow tining for many courses.

The hollow tining period continues and the next few weeks see work commence at Alhama (signature), Las Ramblas, Saurines and Villamartin.

The deals are now few and far between as we race head long into the high season period based around the month of October.

There are still a few late summer deals available so get your booking in early to avoid disappointment but remember that my office is closed until 20/09/11 for holidays.

The 4 player and 2 buggy deal at La Finca (164€) lasts through the month of September as do the various selection of deals at Vistabella.

THIS WEEK we were all treated to a fantastic finish to the Solheim Cup which up to the last few matches could have gone either way! An outstanding finish to their rounds from both World Number 2 Suzann Pettersen and Ladies European Tour debutant Caroline Hedwall secured the cup in dramatic style for Europe.

Murcia Golf Hound Murcia Region

With La Manga Club, as one of the remaining 4 candidates to host the Solheim Cup when it returns to Europe in 2015, I personally cannot wait to see such exciting golf played right on our doorstep. Inside sources are quietly confident of winning the bid which can only help to develop Murcia as a serious golfing destination. Such events can only aid in the positive movement towards further construction of world class golf courses in Murcia, leaving us the difficult job of having to play them!

Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

Vistabella

€56

2 PL and 1 Buggy (weekend pm)

Altorreal

€55

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Las Colinas

€90

2 PL and Buggy (from3pm)

La Peraleja

€76

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Olagolf Courses

€90

2 PL and 1 Buggy

La Tercia

€65

2 PL and 1 Buggy

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

Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

La Envia

€33

Single Green fee

Alborán

€48

Single Green fee

Cortijo Grande

€29

Single Green fee

Almerimar

€42

Single Green fee

Aguilon

€44

Single Green fee

Desert Springs

€70

Single Green fee

Valle del Este

€35

Single Green fee

La Manga Club

€80

Single Green fee

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

Testing times for England England is the world’s number one Test playing nation.

The team and back room staff have worked incredibly hard to take top spot after recent victories over Australia, Sri Lanka and India but their commitment to the 5 day game doesn’t look like it’s being matched by the ECB. While I understand that they need to appease the Counties who all want to host international cricket, a 2012 schedule of six Tests, four Twenty20s and a mind-numbing 13 one-day internationals just seems ridiculous and a massive work load for players such as Graeme Swann who plays in all forms of the game.

Not only that, but someone needs to tell the ECB that too much one-day cricket just gets boring after a time, even for die-hard fans like me.

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

It’s mental

Noel’s world of golf

By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Campo de Golf El Plantio 639 730 891

THE MENTAL side of golf is the single most important thing overlooked by many golfers. When we see all of the World’s top golfers with mental coaches of different types and beliefs just why so many amateur golfers who have a real desire to improve ignore this side of the game amazes me and many other top coaches.

The really big question to be answered here is do the golfers who say they really want to improve have the real desire to do so? I think they do but I still think there is a stigma attached to anything to do with mental self-improvement amongst the British race in general.

Sadly I see many people who want to improve but will not take advice on the mental side of golf for this very reason. The surreal thing is that practically all of The World’s top golfers have mental game coaches and they heap praise on them and consider them to be a vital part of their team.

As a professional coach at El Plantio I am very lucky to deal with people from all over Europe and have absolutely no problem coaching them in the mental side of golf. They seem more open minded to this aspect of golf and are always willing to listen and see if my advice will help them. There is not the apparent stigma attached to having a ‘Mental Game Coach’ as with the British community. The old saying ‘Golf is 90% mental’ did not come about by accident. The top golfers for generations have realised the importance of this aspect of the game.

Answer this question in all honesty: How many times have you stood over a shot and said: “don’t hit it in the water” or “don’t hit it out of bounds” and then proceeded to do so? I bet none of us would really be surprised at how many have done so.

Just imagine how powerful the brain is for a sec-

ond. Bearing in mind the brain does not understand the word ‘don’t’, we go ahead and do just what we do not want to do! Turn this around and imagine what would happen if you instead focused on a specific target to the exclusion of everything else and can you imagine how powerful positive thinking could be?

There is tremendous scope here for self-improvement if we look at the mental side of golf as a positive. Let me know what you think and maybe we can return to this subject in the future. Send your comments to golf@roundtownnews.com WIN A ROUND OF GOLF FOR 2 INCLUDING BUGGY AT THE BEAUTIFUL EL PLANTIO RESORT IN ALICANTE To enter this competition, simply answer the question below correctly. Every correct answer will be entered into a draw at the end of the month and the winner of this fantastic prize worth over 180€ will be picked at random at the end of each month.

Send your entries by email to golf@roundtownnews.com. The decision of the editor of RTN will be final in making the winning selection.

QUESTION FOR 30TH SEPTEMBER 2011: WHO IS THE CURRENT US OPEN CHAMPION? A. Darren Clarke B. Graeme McDowell C. Rory McIllroy All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 31st October 2011 for October’s draw, to be made on 31st October. The winner will be announced in RTN on 4th November 2011.

NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY AT EL PLANTIO Top quality coaching at reduced rates for RTN Golf Club members, contact Noel on 639 730 891.

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

ITV Orihuela RFC in second pre-season friendly THIS COMING Saturday, 24th September, ITV Orihuela RFC will be playing away against Alicante University, kicking off at 5pm in another testing match to check on the fitness of the players and how far the club has come, putting training into practice.

Alicante University play two levels higher than ITV Orihuela RFC and it will be excellent preparation for the new season so come along and support your local rugby team.

On 1st November there will be an international Rugby 7’s tournament in Elche at the football stadium - for more details see the write up or contact me on 692 767 242.

I will be at The Steak House in Rojales selling rugby branded clothes and UK club and international shirts on Friday 30th September from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Come along have a chat and look, grab a breakfast and watch the World Cup. The club trains Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at the Miguel Hernandez University for the juveniles and seniors starting at 8.30pm, juniors on Tuesday and Thursday at 6.15pm. For more details on local rugby, call me on 692 767 242. Juniors contact Oscar on 600 871 606 (Spanish).

New players are always welcome no matter what age or skill level.

30 sept - 06 oct 2011

63

Fishing Maggots End by

David Hoare

968 199 279

For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk THIS WEEK’S match, as last week’s, was held on the Embalse de Ojos at Blanca, the 2nd in the Winter Championship at a venue where you can win or lose the championship.

As reported last week the venue fished above itself, however this week it was back to normal: another grim day. Of the 14 brave souls fishing there were 4 dry nets! If nothing else the venue never fails to let you down. The only bonus of the day was that this was the last match here this year, and the next match is not until April next year.

TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st Bill (The Master) Reade, fishing the pole using paste with 8.36 kilos 2nd Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare, fishing the pole using pellet with 5.62 kilos 3rd Alan (The Emperor) Roscoe, fishing the feeder using pellet with 5.10 kilos PLEASE NOTE The club at present does have some vacancies and if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 96 672 9293 or 667 407 026.

ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied by Terry Screen The 2nd match of the Winter League was fished at the Embalse de Argos on the 20th September.

Autumn is now on its way and the early mornings are getting darker; it was 7.15am before daylight finally broke through.

The temperature is also dropping through the night as it was only 10º on our arrival at the Lake. The water in the Lake itself is now down the bank about 15metres from its winter level, and the cooler nights seem to have put the Barbel off the feed as they were not feeding off the top and only about half a dozen were caught on the day. Also the Carp did not respond to the paste: the method of the day was the method feeder and pellet.

Dave Hoare certainly had the method cracked as he caught steadily all day, also the larger Carp seem

to have moved the smaller carp out as most of the fish being caught were a kilo plus.

1st Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare with 34.200kg on the method feeder and pellet 2nd Terry (Swing Em) Screen with 24.660kg on the method feeder and pellet 3rd Mike (The Arsenal) Hill with 18.980kg on the method feeder and corn All details are available from www.abbeyangling.com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368.

Anglers Together WE HAVE been having a lot of enquiries about licenses from anglers passing the ‘magic age of 65’ and therefore pensioners!

Licenses are still required and are free providing you have a Spanish ‘Pensionista’ card. Otherwise you will have to pay the normal fees.

Licenses are available from either Town Halls or the Caja Rural Bank if in the Valencia region. In Murcia you will also require insurance. Make sure you take photocopies of all relevant documents to obtain your license, i.e. passport photo-page, NIE and insurance.

Anglers Together was formed to introduce and encourage anglers of all abilities to meet up and get together to fish, either sea or freshwater.

Firm friendships have been formed during the time the group has been active and information on fishing venues and licenses required are available at the meetings or by regular emailed newsletters.

Meetings are held in two locations each month.

Anyone with an interest in fishing (sea or freshwater) is welcome to come along to a meeting to see what we’re about. The next meetings are: Friday 7th October at 12pm at Mary’s Bar, Campoverde (near Pilar de la Horadada); Saturday 8th October at 12pm at The New Royal Bar and Restaurant at El Alamillo, opposite the sea-front between Isla Plana and Puerto de Mazarron.

FC Torrevieja news FC TORREVIEJA’S unbeaten run came to an end on Sunday at Novelda where they suffered a 1-0 defeat and dropped into 4th place in the table. On Sunday they are at home to Jove Espanol, when they will be looking to get back to winning ways, kick off at 6pm.