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January

(EL CAMPELLO - VALENCIA)

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

FOOTBALL LEGEND Gary Neville takes up the challenge of managing Spains La Liga side Valencia after being appointed by the club this week – with brother Phil as his assistant.

The former Manchester United stars take over the helm until the end of the season. As two members of Old Trafford´s legendary ´Class of ´92´ and England internationals, they are hoping to taste Champions League success.And as the news spread through the sport, Manchester United immediately wished the former players good luck. The club tweeted: “Good luck Gary and Phil Neville for the rest of the season with Valencia!” Read the full story on page 16.

RAF FIGHTERS bombed targets in Syria yesterday morning (Thursday) hours after the House of Commons sanctioned attacks on the so-called Islamic State in a historic vote following hours of passionate debate in Parliament.

For the full story turn to page 12.

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

From the Editor’s desk...

Hola!

BRITAIN IS now directly involved in the fight against the extremists of so-called Islamic State with RAF planes engaged in bombing raids against targets controlled by extremists in Syria with the UK joining allies in fighting the terrorist threat in the Middle East.

Soon newspapers will be full of ´Top Gun´ references as airmen take the fight to IS in the hope of helping destroy the terrorist threat but it will be a difficult time for loved ones while servicemen and women are away doing their duty.

Parliament has finally voted to face up to IS head on and to help combat the “evil” of the Jihad terrorists that have struck indiscriminately around the world. Politicians believe it is right that the UK plays its part.

However, bombing can also cost innocent lives in Syria and the militants are now busy on social media spreading discord and threatening to bring violence to the streets of Britain already in a state of high alert, along with her neighbouring countries.

A decision to go to war can never be taken lightly but let´s hope the end game will finally remove the yoke of religious fanaticism last seen in somewhere in the dark ages and restore something like freedom.

In a bitter sweet week, RTN has also decided to bring some good news and welcomes footballer Gary Neville to Spain and more particularly Valencia. No doubt more of us will be heading north to enjoy the club´s excellent facilities and to watch some exciting sport.

Enjoy the read, JT GOT A STORY?

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

Christmas shoppers support EMAUS

by JACK TROUGHTON HUNDREDS OF Christmas shoppers paid 1€ each to visit the two-day Christmas fair at the Denia Marriott Hotel to help raise 3,250€ to support youngsters.

The money and a further 1,000€ from tickets sales form a bumper raffle at last weekend’s event will go to Friends of the Children of EMAUS and support almost 100 youngsters living in homes across the region.

The charity has raised more than 250,000€ for EMAUS children over the

past 10 years through the dedication and hard work of its members.

And it is now collecting small new Christmas gifts to fill stockings made by Cazzie Millington and featured in RTN. Charity President Carole Saunders said: “The presents should be small enough to fit in a stocking and be suitable for children aged from a baby to an 18-year-old.”

Carole thanked everyone who had supported the Christmas Fair and donated raffle prizes, especially ‘wonder woman’ Lesley Clark who organised the annual event.

Stocking fillers can be left at the following collection points: Heaven Hair and Beauty Salon, Moraira; Margaret and Elena’s Book Shop, Calpe; and the humpty Dumpty in Javea.

And Elsie and Davis Spence have organised a Christmas Party at the Hong Kong Restaurant in Campello on Saturday (5th December) to raise funds. To reserve a place email davidspence45@hotmail.com.

For more information about friends of the children of EMAUS go to www.fcemaus.com or the charity’s Facebook page.

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Sean Connery’s wife faces jail in Spain

by CAROLINE TYSZKA SEAN CONNERY’S wife has been ordered to stand trial in Spain over an alleged multimillion-pound tax fraud.

Spanish prosecutors want French-born artist Micheline Roquebrune jailed for two-and-a-half years and fined more than £16million, if found guilty, following the sale of their Marbella villa in 1999.

In the long running inquiry which has seen Sir Sean, aged 85, accused and cleared of attempting to defraud the Spanish government, a judge in Marbella has now ordered the trial against the former 007’s wife Micheline.

Alfredo Mondeja, the investigating magistrate, said that the former Bond actor had been “obstructive and ignorant” with the enquiry but that there was no evidence of his involvement in the tax fraud.

Prosecutors allege that Micheline, aged 86, aided and abetted in a complex operation to defraud the Spanish Treasury of nearly £5.5 million in 2006 by creating fictitious transactions to hide the profits from the sale of their villa “Casa Malibu.”

The case, being called “goldfinger”, has already seen former Marbella mayor Julián Muñoz and ex planning Chief Juan Antonio Roca being charged in connection with the fraud.

Following the sale in 1999, the house was torn down and more than 70 flats, sold for an estimated £45million, were built on the site, despite regulations stipulating only five flats could be built there.

A date for the trial against Roquebrune, which will take place at a criminal court in Malaga, has yet to be set, although, in January, sixteen other people will go on trial in connection with the Goldfinger case.

Bench signs prank CHESTER CITY Council workers have been tasked with tracking down prank bench signs and removing them because of the risk of offending members of the public.

Pranksters in Chester, UK, have been placing a series of comedy plaques on street benches with the aim of bringing a smile to shoppers’ faces.

However, council officials are not amused and have now appointed a team of workers to find and remove any unofficial signs fearing that members of the public may be offended and complain.

The signs, in a Banksy style, were lighthearted, including one which read “this bench is reserved for the young, beautiful and affluent. If you are old, ugly or poor

please sit elsewhere,” and another “‘this bench is dedicated to the men who lost the will to live whilst following their partners around the shoe shops of Chester.”

The plaques were put up in protest to Cheshire West and Chester City council’s plans to introduce a Public Space Protection Order, to address antisocial behaviour issues in the local area.

Council officials have said that anyone who knows who is responsible should contact them immediately.

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Tourist smuggles cocaine in socks CUSTOMS OFFICERS at Malaga airport have arrested a woman who was posing as a tourist but was in actual fact smuggling cocaine into the country.

Authorities at Malaga airport conducted a search of a woman’s suitcase in the customs area and found that the clothing inside was impregnated with cocaine.

When officers opened the case everything seemed to look normal as the socks, scarves and tops were all packed neatly, however, following a tip off about a gang using tourists, the garments were tested and found to contain 12 kilos of cocaine.

The woman, from Argentina, told officers that she was there to enjoy a sunshine holiday but was actually being met by the leader of the gang who would pretend to be a relative in order to get the impregnated items of clothing from her. Four more arrests were made in Spain in relation to the smuggling ring and a further two arrests made in Argentina.

Missing person Lisa Brown

GUARDIA CIVIL officers are now searching for the boyfriend of missing expat Lisa Brown, who has mysteriously disappeared.

The case of missing expat Lisa Brown, who went missing at the beginning of November, has seen new developments this week as police now confirm they are searching for Lisa’s boyfriend who cannot be contacted.

Simon Corner, aged 32, a yacht dealer from Liverpool, was originally questioned by officers shortly after Lisa was reported missing and was said to have cooperated with the Guardia.

However, since that day, Mr Corner has been uncontactable and officers now fear that he may have left the area in suspicious circumstances.

The search for Lisa, who has been missing for four weeks, has seen sniffer dogs, divers and helicopters being used to search local ground, but to no avail.

Suggestions, although unofficial, have been made that Corner may have gone to Ibiza, Thailand or Portugal, using his yachting connections, as The Royal Gibraltar Police confirmed that they are looking for Ms Brown’s boyfriend, a “British man who had been docked at Alcaidesa marina and working in Gibraltar.”

Mr Corner’s boat, which is in dry dock for repairs, is continually being checked by police as port workers have been told to call the investigation team immediately if they see him.

Lisa’s sister, Helen Jordan, said “We are frantic with worry. This is the first time Lisa will have been away from her son Marco in his eight years.”

Simon Corner, who has spent most of the year living between his boat and Lisa’s home, appears to have unpaid berth and repair fees at the Alcaidesa marina, with the company repairing his vessel saying that it would remain in dry dock until the bills have been paid.

Lisa’s son Marco is being looked after by his dad, Tony Tomillero, at his home in La Linea with Lisa’s mother and sister.

#NEWSBITES

TWO INJURED IN TRAM CRASH TWO PEOPLE were injured in Alicante on Monday when their car was involved in a collision with a tram.

A car that was making an illegal manoeuvre across the tram tracks of line 4 in Alicante on Monday afternoon was unable to pass before the tram on Avenida Miriam Blasco struck the vehicle.

Traffic was stopped for ten minutes whilst the vehicle was removed and the passengers taken to hospital as a precaution. The driver and passenger were checked over but released with only minor injuries.

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

Food bank collection generosity

by CAROLINE TYSZKA FOOD BANK collections around the region at the weekend saw members of the public generously donate in excess of 1 million kilos of shopping.

In La Nucia, 9,900 kilos of non-perishable food was donated at various supermarket collection points, monitored by 70 volunteers from the Department of Social Welfare.

The four participating stores amassed over 2,000 kilos more this year than in 2014 with the Department of Welfare thanking everyone for their show of solidarity in “helping to help.”

The region overall saw 174 supermarkets collect the items with an estimated 1,214,000 kilos of food being donated over the two days.

The overall figure was similar to 2014 but, this year, more quality items were given such as nappies, milk products and child health items.

Volunteer numbers were also up this year with an increase

Bernabe helping

of 35% of people wanting to help. Over 2,164 donned their aprons and stood in supermarkets.

On Tuesday, the food was distributed between various food bank centres ready for any family going through tough times to be able to instantly benefit.

The Food Bank thanked all participating shops, Galadtrans, the company who have provided their vehicles to transport from the collection points to the centres, the volunteers and the Valencian people who “year after year demonstrate their generosity and solidarity through donations.”

NEWS BITES

“A TREAT FOR CHRISTMAS” CAMPAIGN MEMBERS OF the community are being asked to help make Christmas a little bit more special by donating chocolates and treats for the Alfaz del Pi food bank.

We all know how hard it can be at Christmas for families struggling, with the shops full of tempting treats to entice us to add them to our baskets.

This year, for a period of two weeks, from Friday 4th December to Friday 18th December, a collection is being made where people are being asked to buy one more item when they go shopping, such as a bar of chocolate or a bag of sweets. The Alfaz del Pi food bank does wonderful work and this is a chance to help make Christmas just a little bit more special for those who use the facility.

Collection points are: The Curry Pot, Arabi Plaza, Alfaz del Pi; Winnies Bar, La Cala; Hepburns, Indoor Market, Benidorm; Sparadise, Ciudad Patricia, Benidorm; Stone Bar, Albir and Giving4Giving in La Nucia. Please give generously. Please email caroline.tyszka@gmail.com if you require further information.

Students get Wi-Fi ALFAZ DEL Pi students can now use Wi-Fi whilst at school, thanks to a grant from the Ministry of Education.

The IES L’Arabi School in Alfaz del Pi is participating in a project which sees the integration and adaptation of the mobile phone into the curriculum.

The project, which is being run in conjunction with the College Aurelio Gómez School of Burgos, came with a 30,000€ budget funded directly from the Ministry of Education.

Whilst the town hall have funded the Wi-Fi installation, the fund will be used to finance the design and implementation of projects aimed at enhancing practical and constructive use of mobile phones.

Students will be divided into working groups, to create a website that will serve as a workbook, so they can download images, videos and audio-visual material produced by themselves.

Councillor for New Technologies, Toni Such, said “this is an initiative to develop teamwork, practice tolerance, co-operation and solidarity. It also seeks to develop and consolidate habits of discipline, study - individual and team work - as well as acquire new knowledge about the field of technologies and sources of information and communication.”

Mr Such went on to say that “this transports the mobile phone into a teaching tool and an ally of the teachers, not a distraction.”

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Oscar Pistorius guilty of murder THE OSCAR Pistorius state appeal reviewing his original court sentence of culpable homicide has ruled that he is guilty of murdering Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.

A South African court upheld an appeal by prosecutors that could send Oscar Pistorius to prison for at least 15 years for the killing of Reeva Steenkamp at the couple’s home.

Last year a judge gave the Olympic and Paralympic gold medallist a five-year jail sentence for “culpable homicide” of Ms Steenkamp, but prosecutors said he should be convicted of murder for firing four shots through a locked toilet door.

The judge said aspects of the first trial were flawed and that some technical evidence was not taken into account. He said a re-trial would have been “wholly impractical” for both sides.

State prosecutors who lodged the appeal argued that Pistorius intended to kill Ms Steenkamp and that she fled to a toilet during a row. Pistorius denied deliberately killing Ms Steenkamp, saying he mistook her for an intruder at his home.

The sentence will be made at another hearing.

UPDATE – Investigation into Benidorm death

THE INVESTIGATION into the death of Anthony Abbott, who died whilst on holiday in Benidorm, continues to progress in the UK as a hearing was held this week.

Bolton’s senior coroner met with British police earlier in the week to discuss the lines of enquiry surrounding the death of 36 year old Anthony Abbott, whilst, at a coroners hearing, it was revealed that Greater Manchester police are compiling a document into the sudden death of the supermarket worker.

Simon Jones, assistant coroner, detailed in the hearing that Bolton’s senior coroner, Jennifer Leeming, and Greater Manchester police, have complied a list of questions that they will be putting forward to their colleagues in Benidorm following Anthony’s death in a Spanish police station on October 23rd this year.

Mr Abbott was on holiday with his partner Catherine Corless and their two children when he was arrested at his hotel and taken to the local police station where he died only fifteen minutes after being put into a cell.

The Bolton police expect to have completed the questioning of their Benidorm counterparts by 8th February 2016 as a further hearing review has been set to take place on 22nd February 2016.

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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Body found after five years

by JACK TROUGHTON

THE BODY of a woman missing for five years has been found lying on her bed after construction workers spotted the corpse and called emergency services.

The Cadiz woman, a nurse, took sick leave from her Cadiz job in 2010 and was never heard from again. No one made any inquiries about her.

However, on Monday builders working on a restoration project opposite her home in pedestrianised Columela Street in Cadiz looked through a window and spotted the body.

Police say Pilar M took leave for psychological reasons and never returned to her post. They say the decomposed body showed no signs of violence but because of the advanced state of decay the cause of death will later be determined by an autopsy.

However, her identity has been confirmed and the woman, who was born in Cadiz in 1961, was said to have died at the age of 49.

It is understood her only living relatives are distant cousins who do not live in the city and the only people who tried to contact her after she vanished were utility companies. Her electricity and water were later cut off.

The apartment where the body was found

Villajoyosa beach clean up TOWN HALL workers from Villajoyosa have been busy clearing their beaches of algae following the November storms.

Teams of cleaning workers managed to remove 480 tons of algae from Villajoyosa beaches after the heavy rains and storms experienced last month.

Over a period of ten days, the teams tackled the debris, mostly on the Posidonia beach and are now focusing on the beaches of Bol Nou and Paradis.

Pedro Alemany, councillor for the environment, said “the department will continue to ensure that all the beaches are clean. Our goal is that in the summer they are all in their best condition for our visitors.”

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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#NEWSBITES Champion’s eastern promise STEROIDS RING ARRESTED KICKBOXING CHAMPION Cain Kiernan has his sights on a world title in Thailand after picking up a Spanish title in Murcia last month.

The teenager went to the national Thai Federation finals as the Valencia champion and became the Junior Champion of Spain after beating Andalucia’s best in the under 81kg class – despite preferring to fight at under 75kg.

Cain, who will be 19 this month, is a member of the Mauy Thai Xabia Club and told RTN that his new goal was competing in the World Championships in Bangkok next March.

“I will be competing against the best from countries like England, Germany, America and Thailand because the champions from each country go forward to Thailand,” he said.

“In Spain you start by repre-

senting your town or city, then your province, then your country. If you are successful you meet champions from other countries.”

Cain, who works as a barman and also helps out his parents at Carol’s Kitchen in Javea Port, has been kickboxing for almost three years. “I was playing football when a friend asked if I wanted to go to Mauy Thai.

I had heard it was really good for fitness – I am a bit of a fitness freak – and within a week I wanted to fight.

“There are quite a lot of people who do the sport just for fitness; others learn it for self-defence, but I wanted to fight. You get in the ring and there’s a real adrenalin rush,” he added.

“I am now really looking forward to travelling to Thailand, enjoying the culture and food – and meeting the best fighters from other countries.”

GUARDIA CIVIL officers have closed down an illegal distribution network for anabolic steroids being used in the field of sport.

In an operation called “WINTEX” Guardia Civil officers arrested 10 people and seized 3,000 packs of anabolic steroids, 5 vehicles, and falsified prescriptions, in Cuenca province and in Alicante. A further 11 people are under investigation, including a pharmacist, physician, veterinarian, nurse, the director of a team of amateur cycling and a gym owner.

The charges against those already arrested are crimes against public health, falsification of public documents, money laundering, intrusion and infringement of illegal stay in Spain. However, investigations are still ongoing.

Cain Kiernan

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

Plan ahead over future needs

by JACK TROUGHTON BRITISH EXPATS should plan ahead for possible care needs as they grow older to avoid future problems and distress, charities and social workers have warned this week.

Volunteers and workers in the front line stressed the importance of thinking ahead to when people become more dependent on outside help.

The message was put forward after charities and social workers gathered at workshop on Wednesday organised by the British consulate in Alicante and was aimed at helping people to help themselves.

They said just simple steps like learning some Spanish, registering on the ‘padron’ – and being able to access town hall services in the same way as Spanish people - and taking out a funeral plan could prevent British residents needing emergency support later on.

The workshop brought together social workers and charity welfare officers from across Alicante and Murcia to share information and insure they were aware of what support was available to vulnerable British residents, both here in Spain and back in the UK. Kim Stollard, of the British Benevolent Fund, which helps expats, said: “I regularly see cases where a distressed British national needs emergency help because they failed to plan for future difficulties or care needs.

“My message to expats is plan now so you can enjoy the future more, with the reassurance that you have thought about the care and support you will one day need.”

Whales washed up in Chile

The workshop in progress

HUNDREDS OF whales have been washed up dead in Chile as biologists try to find the cause.

Over 337 whales have been found dead on a southern Chile beach in what is being described as the one of the biggest stranding’s ever recorded.

The cause of death of the whales is unknown, although experts are ruling out human intervention. The scientific expedition that made the discovery counted 305 bodies and 32 skeletons of whales through aerial and satellite photography in an area between the Gulf of Penas and Puerto Natales.

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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Britain bombs IS targets

by JACK TROUGHTON

BRITAIN´S TORNADO bombers hit targets deep in Syria after Parliament voted to strike back against the “evil” extremists of so-called Islamic State.

Within hours of the vote – the House of Commons sanctioned the Government motion by 397 votes to 223 – RAF jets were taking off from their Cyprus base to hit oil wells under the control of the terrorist in the east of the country.

The vote followed 10 hours of passionate debate in the House and it gave a green light to extending the bombing mission against IS to be extended from Iraq.

And the Ministry of Defence confirmed that four Tornados left RAF Akrotiri had taken off in an operation to strike “a very real blow on the oil and the revenue” on which IS depends.

During the Parliamentary debate, Prime Minister David Cameron admitted bombing IS was only “one part of the answer” in a situation that was “incredibly complex”.

He said: “This is not about whether we want to fight terrorism; it is about how best we do that. The question is this; do we work with our allies to degrade and destroy this threat

and do we go after these terrorists in their heartlands, from where they are plotting to kill British people…or do we sit back and wait for them to attack us?”

Mr Cameron insisted he was not “ignoring the risks” of taking military action against IS as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn underlined the “potentially far reaching consequences” of military action.

Mr Corbyn said the government could be putting servicemen and women “in harm´s way” and would almost certainly lead to the deaths of innocent people. “It is a heavy responsibility.

It must be treated with the utmost seriousness.”

However, Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn was applauded as he urged colleagues to support the call to arms.

He said: “Now is the time to confront this evil. It is now time for us to do our bit in Syria.”

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said military action against IS would make Britain a safer place following the cross-party support for action.

And he said: “We are very pleased that a significant number of Labour MPs have voted with the Government. We have got a clear majority across the House of Commons in support of the action we are now going to be taking.”

Weekend peace protests THOUSANDS OF protesters gathered in Madrid and London at the weekend to show support for the Syrians and against the proposed airstrikes.

Protests in London on Saturday saw an estimated 5,000 people gather to ask the British government not to participate in potential airstrikes against Syria, with placards reading “don’t add fuel to the fire” and “don’t bomb Syria.”

A similar number of people turned out in Madrid and gathered in front of the Reina Sofía Museum to protest about potential Spanish military intervention in Syria.

Following the protest, Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, announced that he would hold off on any decision related to the subject.

“Decisions have to be well thought through, as in any aspect of life,” said Rajoy, adding that Madrid was also discussing the matter with its allies.

The protests were organized by the collective #NoEnNuestroNombre (#NotInOurName), and were attended by some of the country’s leading actors, journalists and politicians.

41 tons of illegal tobacco seized THE GUARDIA CIVIL has announced the seizure of over 41 tons of illegal loose tobacco in Jaén and Madrid following a joint operation with the Spanish tax agency.

In an operation that began at the beginning of the year, Guardia Civil officers seized their largest ever haul of illegal tobacco in Spain, with the 41 tons equating to over four million packets of cigarettes, with a value of 6.64 million euros.

Officers arrested eleven members of a group, which included businessmen who distributed the goods to establishments and individuals, on charges of smuggling and crimes against the Treasury amounting to 5,500,000 euros.

The investigation began when several associations of tobacconists in Jaén province reported that there had been a 30% drop in sales and yet the market still seemed to have people buying tobacco.

Officers used phone records and website servers to

trace part of the organisation, including computer servers to France and Bangladesh.

Raids were made in the towns of Jodar and Linares (Jaén), in which 400 kilos of loose tobacco, bags of readymade cigarettes, and bags of uncompleted cigarettes and grinders were found.

The group were operating as importers and distributors of tobacco without having legally registered the fact and had established daily transport routes from their two industrial units in Madrid throughout Spain and even Portugal.

The network had a large portfolio of customers and was increasing their market by offering machinery to customers which completed the process of making it rolling tobacco.

The search carried out in the Madrid suburbs of Fuenlabrada and Leganés, gave a total seizure of 40,644 kilos of tobacco, several containers of product flavouring to simulate the taste of certain brands, 7 vehicles, and 8 computers.

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Expat “clean-up” Benidorm

by CAROLINE TYSZKA PRESSURE IS still being put on Benidorm town hall to take action within the resort regarding the pickpockets and pea-men with the Spanish media backing the call.

Following the peaceful gathering of expats at the town hall in Benidorm on 23rd November, many organisations have joined in the cause to make the town a safer place for residents and tourists, including the Professional Union of Local Police and Fire, SPPLB. This week it would seem that the power of the people is having an effect as the Councillor for Security, Lorenzo Martínez, has announced that funding for a new SATE office in the Rincón de Loix area has had approval.

Plans for a new SATE office (Service for Foreign Tourist Assistance Office), a point where residents and holidaymakers can go to report crimes and receive assistance in their own language, have been under discussion since early 2013 so this week’s announcement is a good step in the right direction.

Although there is a SATE office in Benidorm, it is currently located in the old town area of the resort, nowhere near the reported problem areas, and it is hoped that by moving the one stop centre to outside Morgan’s Tavern victims of crime will find it easier to seek help and advice.

Location for new SATE office

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

Marathon marred by tragedy

by CAROLINE TYSZKA

Daniel

THE BENIDORM half marathon held at the weekend was marred by tragedy as one young runner died immediately after the event.

More than 2,500 runners took part in the Benidorm half marathon on Sunday with many members of the public lining the streets to show support, having held a minute’s silence for peace in the world following terrorist attacks in Paris, Egypt, Tunisia, London and Mali.

The race itself was without incident. However, immediately after completing the race, one young runner, Daniel Juarez, aged 24, collapsed and sadly died.

Daniel, who worked at the Heartbreak Hotel Bar on the Levante, was well known within the community and a keen sportsman. As tributes immediately began pouring in from fellow runners, workers and customers, news that Daniel had shockingly suffered a heart attack filtered through.

On Tuesday hundreds of people packed into the church of Our Lady of the Almudena in Benidorm to attend the funeral of the young athlete including the mayor, Toni Pérez.

funeral

Sports centre concessionaire eviction

#NEWSBITES

THE AVE, STILL WAITING FOR A TRAIN! THE MINISTER of Development of the Autonomous Community, Francisco Bernabé, has responded to criticism by mayor of Cartagena, José López, who accused the regional government of “abusing” the municipality and concentrating investments in the capital, the City of Murcia.

THE BENIDORM sports centre concessionaire for the Palau d’Esports of l’Illa has now been served with an eviction notice.

Benidorm town council this week served the contractor responsible for the running and maintenance of the Palau sports centre with eviction papers following months of problems and empty promises of improvements.

Levantina de Servicios Acuáticos was awarded a ten year contract to run the sports centre but, in recent months, several breaches of contract were made, causing the town hall to re-evaluate the agreement.

Complaints that the contractor had not been maintaining the facilities to the correct standard and that the workers were not being fully paid for their services had cast a shadow over the facility, and the public funding used to appoint the company.

The company was given until the end of November to ensure that all employees were legally terminated, although there was some resistance as they had hoped to keep the fourteen employees on

the payroll and continue to run the facility.

Town hall officials have now seized assets to the value of 50,000€ from the premises in relation to breach of contract and funding for services not provided.

The problems, that were highlighted back in July 2015, saw Levantina threatening to leave the facility as they did not feel they were receiving sufficient funds to maintain the services, with workers unsure whether they should turn up for work from one day to the next.

The company did not pursue this direction and assured the council that they would begin improvement works as agreed, causing, in effect, a stalemate until this week.

A spokesperson for the company, Mr Hernandez, said “we have been going through a slump, but now things are starting to get better. We have advanced some of the promised works, such as a sauna and rooms down in the basement area. We have had to reduce staff, but are moving forward, and just need a little more time. The matter is in the hand of our solicitors.”

Bernabé is insisting that he has again called for a meeting in Madrid to discuss the advance of the AVE as part of the overall plan to improve travel between Murcia and Cartagena.

Cartagena City Council has been asking, since June, for the Secretary of State for Infrastructure, Transport and Housing, Julio Gómez-Pomar, to convene a meeting to decide upon the transfer station Plaza de Mexico, as a new terminal, as proposed by the previous government; and to approve the plan for adapting the station.

It also wants to ask the public company Adif to start work on the stretch between Murcia and Cartagena, bring forward the construction of a branch in Beniel for passengers and freight, and to clarify whether it will be possible for the AVE to arrive at least by 2017.

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Continued from front page VALENCIA PARADED the new manager at a press conference yesterday afternoon (Thursday) where he told reporters: I am absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity with Valencia.

Valencia is a huge club of immense standing and I know from my time as a player the passion and dedication of Valencia fans.

“I am really looking forward to working with a talented group of players and am very excited about the challenge ahead.”

“There have been English coaches who’ve been successful abroad - Bobby Robson, Roy Hodgson and Terry Venables to name three,” he said.

While reiterating his aim to learn Spanish, Gary explained how he will communicate with his players until that day comes.

“A lot of the coaching team and back room team speak English but to be clear I expect to turn more Valencia than to turn Valencia more English,” he said.

“David who works in video analysis translated for me this morning and I will expect the players to assist me as at Old Trafford the players were always excellent at enabling people to settle in.

“But I’m very aware I have to pick up some key phrases as soon as possible.”

Long seen as a future manager, Gary will take up his new role this Sunday and is expected to take charge of his first match against Lyon next Wednesday (9th December) – a must win fixture.

Phil who has been at Valencia since the summer will assist caretaker manager Voro for this week´s home game against Barcelona.

The surprise call to 40-year-old Gary came after NunoEspirito Santo resigned after a 1-0 defeat by Seville last weekend.

The brothers will hope to restore confidence in the Valencia dressing room. The club has slipped to ninth in La Liga – they finished fourth last term – and have struggled in Europe and could still make an early exit.

Gary will continue working in the England camp ahead of next summer´s European Championships, where he is assistant to Roy Hodgson, but has quit his popular pundit role on Sky Sports.

Billionaire Peter Lim, the Singaporean businessman, owns Valencia – he failed to win ownership of Liverpool in 2010 and has previously been linked with bids for Glasgow Rangers and Middlesborough in the UK. However, both Neville brothers can hardly be described as strangers. As well as their illustrious careers on the park, Lim is also part-owner of Salford City with Gary and Phil and former United team-mates Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt.

Valencia´s President Layhoon Chan welcomed the new appointment to the manager´s chair. “We are delighted to have secured Gary so quickly. He combines top level coaching experience through his role as a senior coach with the England national team and a world-class playing career with England and Manchester united.

“Throughout his career Gary has always shown great leadership both on and off the pitch. He is hugely respected in English football and it was his personal qualities which persuaded us that he was the right choice to lead Valencia until the end of the season.”

Former Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Gary can fill a manager´s boots. “His leadership skills are strong, he is honest and he is hard working.

“He is the type of character who is not afraid of making big decisions, which is a vital skill when leading. I think he will do well and wish him and brother Phil good luck.”

It is over 80 years since Valencia appointed an Englishman in charge – but since the war Gary is the 14th to take up a post in charge of a club in Spain and follows household names like Sir Bobby Robson, Ron Atkinson, Terry ´El Tel´ Venables – the last being former Manchester United man David Moyes.

NEWS BITES Valencia pedestrian zone success VALENCIA PEDESTRIAN ZONE SUCCESS RESIDENTS’ PARKING in Cartagena (ORA) can now be paid by mobile.

VISITORS TO Valencia at the weekend were the first to experience a new scheme which will see the Plaza del Ayuntamiento de Valencia closed to traffic on the last Sunday of every month.

The new system allows a resident to pay the fee without going to the meter and leaving a receipt in the vehicle.

The City of Cartagena is taking steps towards becoming a “Smart City”, with the launch of a new payment system for ORA parking by mobile application, which started on Wednesday, December 2nd. The “app” can be downloaded for free and is available on any operating system.

Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Trade, Ana Belén Castejón, presented this initiative together with Francisco Aznar, for the Department of Finance and Interior, and the chief operating officer of the company EysaMobile, Javier Sepúlveda, who was responsible for the implementation of this service.

The new system allows residents not only to pay the fee without going to the meter and leaving a receipt in the vehicle, but also to extend the parking time, within the permitted maximum, depending on the area, without returning the meter, according to a municipal source. Also, the user will get an automatic notification as soon as the ticket is about to end, five to ten minutes before, with the possibility of extending it from anywhere with two simple clicks.

With four out of five people travelling to Valencia by car, the city council has taken the initiative to promote traffic free zones and reduce pollution in the central plaza. Once a month cars and buses will be replaced by cyclists, skaters and pedestrians.

Each month the area will be assigned to different activities, as suggested by the residents and organisations that wish to use the area.

The initiative has received the support of local businesses and is similar to other schemes that already exist in San Sebastián and Madrid.

Tom Hanks blockbuster Bridge of Spies TOM HANKS stars in the new Steven Spielberg blockbuster ‘Bridge of Spies’ from tonight at Cines IMF and the Admit One Cine Club - showing all week long at 6pm, the film takes us back to the era of the Cold War, when the Soviet Union captured U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers after shooting down his U-2 spy plane.

Sentenced to 10 years in prison, Powers’ only hope is New York lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks), recruited by a CIA operative to negotiate his release. Donovan boards a plane to Berlin, hoping to win the young man’s freedom through a prisoner exchange. If all goes well, the Russians would get Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), the convicted spy who Donovan defended in court. Running time: 2h 21m.

Bridge of Spies is one of two English Language films screening this week. The other is The Hunger Games Part 2, which is on every night until Thursday December 10th, at 6.30pm. Admission is 5€ on Monday and Wednesday and 7€ all other nights. Watch out for the arrival of ‘Star Wars 7’ on December 18th.

The next sign-up session for the Admit One Club will be this afternoon, Friday December 4th, at Reflections Bar, San Luis Lakeside, Torrevieja, close to where the new petrol station is being built ,and Wash and More, from about 4pm to 5.30pm. Reflections Bar will also be one of the designated sign-up points for membership payments and information starting Monday December 14th.

Anyone who wishes to have more information about the club, should send an email to film@admitone.club, with “Opt In” in the subject line. RTN will also be offering competitions to win free tickets for admission to the VOSE, Original Version with Spanish Subtitled films, early in the New Year.

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NEWS BITES

UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES DROP IN SPAIN

SPAIN’S UNEMPLOYMENT figures dropped during the month of November, the first time in three months.

Brazil’s hidden dam disaster

by CAROLINE TYSZKA

A MINING accident in Brazil at the beginning of November has resulted in a torrent of toxic mud burying a village and causing an environment catastrophe, with waste now flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.

The United Nations has responded to a mining accident that occurred on November 6th in Brazil where the entire Rio Doce, one of the largest rivers in southeast Brazil, is now completely flooded with toxic sludge.

Approximately 62 million cubic meters of landfill flowed into the Atlantic Ocean with the UN saying that the scale of the environmental damage so far was equivalent to 16,000 Olympic swimming pools of toxic sludge waste contaminating soil, rivers and the water system in an area of over 850 kilometres.

The disaster struck when a dam collapsed at the waste reservoirs of an iron ore mine owned by Samarco, a joint venture between the mining giants BHP Billiton of Australia and Brazil’s Vale. A torrent of yellowish muck burst from the tailings pond, mostly destroying the nearby village of Bento Rodrigues and contaminating the water supply to more than 200 towns.

The waste has travelled at least 500 kilometres since the dam burst more than two weeks ago, killing at least 12 people and leaving 280,000 without water.

In addition to the sand and clay, substances such as aluminium, iron, copper, magnesium and mercury have been identified within the sludge, with the UN condemning the company for not reacting quickly enough to the disaster and it taking almost three weeks for the information to come to light on the toxic risks of the catastrophe.

The spill has been described by Brazil’s environment minister, Izabella Teixeira, as the worst environmental disaster in the country’s history. Ms Teixeira estimated it would take 30 years to clean up the Doce basin after the mud smothered thousands of fish, turtles and other animals. She said “clearly what has happened in the Doce River is the biggest environmental catastrophe in this country’s history. We can’t let it happen again anywhere. Our current environmental laws are insufficient to deal with an accident of this magnitude.”

Brazil’s president, Dilma Rousseff, has said the government holds all three mining firms Samarco, Billiton and Vale responsible for the disaster.

The unemployment rate in Spain, which is the second highest in Europe following Greece, currently stands at 21.1% with 4.15 million registered as seeking work.

The fall in the figures is good news for the current Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, three weeks before the general election on 20th December, as he has focused his campaign on getting people back into work with the promise of two million more jobs over the next five years.

Official figures show that, for November, 27,000 less were registered as seeking work, and that this brought the total down by 362,818 over the past 12 months.

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Bomb alert at shopping centre

THE LA Marina shopping centre in Finestrat was the scene of security checks earlier in the week as social media went into a frenzy of bomb scare rumours.

The Guardia Civil, and Army representatives, created a blockade at the Finestrat shopping centre on Tuesday, and began stopping vehicles to check documentation, an action which caused many to take to social media suggesting that there was a bomb alert in the complex.

A town hall spokesperson explained that the blockade was just a routine and preventative operation and that there was nothing to be concerned about.

Promoting La Nucia

by CAROLINE TYSZKA

THE TOWN of La Nucia welcomed international tour operators at the weekend to showcase their sports tourism.

Twelve tour operators, from England, Norway and Ireland, visited La Nucia as part of an initiative organized by the Valencian Agency of Tourism and the Alicante Tourist Board Costa Blanca.

The holiday representatives were shown around the Ciutat Esportiva Camilo Cano, Ecoparque and Adventure Park, the Auditorium and the Captivador Environmental Education Centre (CEM Captivador).

La Nucia’s sports facilities were recently home to the England football team for training before their friendly match with Spain in Alicante and the town is hoping to capitalise on the high end facilities that they are able to offer for sports events.

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Charity in home waters

by JACK TROUGHTON SAILORS FROM the Costa Blanca Yachting Association have donated 700€ to Javea Red Cross to help fund its work in the community.

The money was raised a year ago at a Christmas party rather than being taken from membership fees and handed to a charity chosen by members.

The club has around 250 members and gets at least 40 sailing each week as one of the most active UK sailing associations on the coast.

Chairman Bob Gordon presented the cheque to Red Cross Vice Presidents Amparo Botello and Tere Catala Cabrera, together with fund raiser Sandy Tsalikidis at Javea’s Club Nautico before 80 members enjoyed dinner.

Bob explained the Red Cross and all charities supported by the club were put forward by members. “We are a sailing, boating and yachting club, not a charity club and this money came from our members’ generosity rather than membership fees.”

Sandy explained fund raising appeal ´Ambulancia para Xabia´ was able to buy a new specially adapted minibus after an appeal reached its target in May. “The old one was not fit for purpose.”

She explained the vehicle was the first part of the project and would ferry the elderly, inform and disabled. Purchased for 64,000€ it was expected to be operational “very soon”.

And she said the Red Cross helped people in need whatever their race or religion or whether they were “rich or poor”.

“The reality is if you keeled over outside or had a car crash, it would be the Red Cross who would pick you up.”

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Chris’s Corner

by

Chris Ashley

Writer & Broadcaster

What’s happened to the hippy hitch hiker, or even the 1986 cinematic Rutger Hauer hitch-hiking psychopath?

My son and his girlfriend said they were thumbing it to Granada and I thought that’s my boy, like Father like free spirit Son. Not a bit of it. No standing by a wind swept highway for this pampered pair. Now it’s all done through social media – you stick out a virtual reality thumb via a website, & hook up with someone going your way. “Dahling, it’s sooooooo! this years retro thing to do.

We can be someone’s hitch bitch Glastonbury bound.”

We, of a certain vintage, queued on the roadside out of Ostend – Calais – Dieppe docks hitching a ride with numerous other hairy so & so’s. I was always last to get a lift, all because of my Afghan coat. When it rains on this type of apparel, folks downwind will smell you coming two postcodes away.

They’re heavy when wet too, it feels like your carrying a real live Afghan (hound or human) on your back.

Newhaven was the nearest port to home.

Standing on the A27 with my cardboard destination sign – which, as I was departing Woebegone Worthing, read – ANYWHERE!

I tried to look non-threatening, also a fascinating conversationalist & good listener for the journey ahead. Never worked, I have the look of someone just released from a secure unit (see photo above). Subsequently I’d get a lift from a kindred soul, yes a fruit loop – with Icke like views on alien life among us.

Apparently E.T.’s are short – communicate in tinny cackles – and smile inanely at all times.

Hell’s teeth, the Weird One foresaw - Ant & Dec! My final hitch trip was in Germany with Luscious Linda. We’d been thumbing & bickering all day outside Saarbrucken (makes Worthing resemble Las Vegas) without a sniff of a lift. Now Linda was a looker, so I went and hid in a ditch in the hope that her womanly wiles would bewitch a lonesome driver to stop (I realise how pimp-like that sounds now). However it worked. A Middle East bound truck stopped, in jumped Linda and away they went. Goodbye is all she wrote, actually screeched with immoderate glee, as I slithered deeper into my ditch. Last I heard she married Tariq the Trucker, lives close to the Lebanon/Syria border, with a Brood of Bairns, devouring dates & dodging drones. Good call Luscious. No drones on Bigfm 88.9 & 99.8 or www.bigfm.org hitch a ride for top tunes spanning the decades.

Sponsored by www.rightmoveinsurance.com with 50€ cash back on new motor/home policies.

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Classic musical entertainment at U3A

BY FAR the most successful club or association in Torrevieja is the U3A.

The International club now has close to 900 members on their books, dozens of interest and hobby groups within the club itself, and is close to needing to find a new home for the hundreds of members who visit for the monthly meetings in the CMO, the glass discotheque building behind Carrefour, on the last Monday morning of each month. The one notable exception to that rule is the month of December, when they hold their Christmas party, complete with skits, music, carol singing and possibly even a touch of dancing or fun and games, on December 14th, rather than sandwiched between Christmas and the New Year.

On a typical meeting day, they invite a variety of speakers to talk about a specialised subject that will be of interest to members. This varies from wine tasting, to train spotting, to local happenings, the running of local and national government, sports, entertainment, politics, traffic laws and everything and anything in between. Last Monday’s meeting offered even more variety, when they did not offer a speaker but instead the club was entertained by 18 year old singing sensation Verity Jo Spencer Hall, along with her vocal coach, choirmaster and director Nigel Hopkins, accompanied on keyboard by Phillip Mitchell. No karaoke or backing

tracks to be found here as the voices of both Nigel and Verity kept the audience in an awesome silence when they sang, followed by rapturous applause as a show of their respect for the trio.

Verity has just finished filming the ‘The Cucaracha Club’ and also starring in ‘Oklahoma’ with Studio 32 and with an ever-improving and maturing voice, will be a star to watch out for in the future. Verity said: “Well, what a day. This morning I had the privilege of singing at the U3A alongside Philip Mitchell, also known as ‘Mister Awesome’, on the piano and the master himself, Mister Nigel Hopkins. It was my first ever solo gig and I had a great time. Thank you Martin Rickman for putting me forward. I’d also like to thank everyone who came along. It was lovely to see you all in the audience.”

Nigel also took a moment to thank everyone for attending and to invite one and all to his own choir’s special Christmas Concert featuring the ‘In Harmony Chamber Choir’ about which he said: ‘The evening will have “Lots of new and well-loved Christmas music for the whole family, including plenty of audience participation and featuring the best local soloists and even I will be joining in the singing.” The concert takes place on Sunday 13th December at La Zenia Church at 7.30pm with tickets being 8€ and available from La Ponderosa Gift Shop. C.C. La Zenia.

Verity and Nigel

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No compensation for wearing slippers MURCIA’S SUPERIOR Court of Justice has rejected the claim of a woman who suffered a fall at a fish auction in Cartagena for not wearing the right shoes.

The woman, who suffered various injuries after falling in Cartagena’s fish auction in August 2010, will not receive the 162,350€ compensation she had claimed from the Port Authority because she was not wearing the right shoes, which she had been warned about repeatedly, and because she used an unauthorized access route. The ruling, by the Superior Court of Justice of Murcia (TSJ), rejected the lawsuit also raised against the Fishermen’s Association of Cartagena and an insurance company.

In her application, the claimant had stated that the incident occurred when she accidentally slipped, because of the existence of a pool of water mixed with traces of blood and fish, inside the fish market. She claimed that both the Port Authority and the auction market itself should be responsible for what happened since there were no warning signs. She added in her complaint that she had first been taken to Santa María del Rosell Hospital in Cartagena, where she was diagnosed with a fracture of the left femur, after which she was transferred to the the hospital of Los Arcos de San Javier, Murcia, where she was admitted for four days.

In rejecting the application, the Court stated that she had been warned that she was not allowed to enter the market by the steps from the fish quay, as she was in the habit of doing, but should have used the entrance that was intended for buyers. As for the condition of the floor, the court said that “there is no evidence that there were trip hazards, or pools of water and fish blood, with witnesses stating that it was normal for the floor to be damp.” The judgment concluded that, before the fall, the applicant had a known disability of 40 percent for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and also had been warned of the dangers incurred by going to the market with inappropriate footwear, such as indoor slippers.

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#letters 28

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k #rtnemail of the wee

Let’s hear it for the police

I AM a retired police officer, and find the childish and vindictive vitriol about the police completely unacceptable.

Over the years I have heard people conveying bitter thoughts in conversations, all of whom usually admit they have been “caught” breaking the law in one way or another and are so aggrieved that the police force becomes the enemy, when a little thought on their part would have possibly never brought them into contact with the law. Why do some people say ridiculous things about the police?

Police officers are normal human beings, many of them family men, who do a job that the majority of people are not capable of.

I wonder how people who are quick to judge the police would feel towards the patrol officer who attends a multiple accident, or attends his burgled house, or saves him from being assaulted by some drunk whilst he is walking home.

Yes, we are human. I have shed tears on the job when I have had to give a death message to some unsuspecting family, or; as happened to me, been waved down in the road by a mother distraught because her baby had stopped breathing in the back of the car. Would those who criticize the police have known what to do? I doubt it.

Blanket remarks are unfair and derogatory to the majority of ordinary men and women trying their best to “do a job” in an environment quick to complain and slow to appreciate. Do you wish to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from him.

Thank you to the police for your appreciated work.

Bernard Reid, La Marina.

The Puppet and The Puppeteer

THIS IS only my second letter ever to a newspaper and again I find myself writing about Ken Turner’s regurgitated (yet modified in the sense he erased the ill-judged comments about Marina Oasis) article about La Marina. My blood boils, so, therefore, I must comment.

Why does Mr Turner feel the need to defend a succession of poorly performing councils and attack an individual who seeks improvements? He seem to be a great spokesman for the council but, if in the UK, would he be willing pay and not object to a 20% increase in local authority taxes for the inadequate services provided? The answer is “no” but I suspect he will have to deny this! With this kind of attitude the council certainly need not feel the need to justify their poor level of service and possibly increase the SUMA bills again next year. Great work Mr Turner.

Edward Hosgood, La Marina, San Fulgencio

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CONSULTATION: I am a tenant renting in Javea, the contract started about 8 months ago.

According to my contract, it is a mainhome residency contract, for a period of 1 year, renewable year by year up to three years.

I would like to leave the house, but the owner has told me that I cannot leave, and if I do, according to the contract I must compensate him for 4 months’ rent to the end of the contract. What can I do?

Dear Reader, Thank you for your enquiry. We must say that in order to be able to advise you properly, we should study and review the contract. If it is a lease contract of a main home or residence, we understand that the owner (lessor) is wrong and legally he cannot ask you for the 4 monthscompensation, even if it was agreed on the contract.

The reason is because, as per the Law 29/1994, of Urban Leases (LAU), and as per its Article 11 concerning Withdrawal of the contract: “The lessee(tenant) may cancel the lease, once at least six months have elapsed, as far as he/she notifies the landlord with a minimum of thirty days. The parties may agree in the contract that, in the case of withdrawal, the tenant should compensate the lessor for a sum equal to one month’s rent for each year of the contract pending to be fulfilled. Lower time periods will result in aproportional compensation. “ Therefore, the law allows you to terminate the contract and withdraw from it, providing you fulfill two requirements: 1) That you have fulfilled at least 6 month of the contract 2) That you give notice of at least 30 days.

Also the law says thatcompensation of one month’srent (or proportional part) should be paidforeach remaining year of contract. It should be understood that this is a maximum. If a larger compensation against you as a tenant (lessee) was agreedon your contract, such as you paying the rent for the remaining months of the contract, then this clause must be understood as null or not stated, as per the Article 6 of the LAU: “Are void, and will be understood as not stated, any

provision which modifies the detriment of the lessee or sublessee the provisions of this part of the law ...”

Therefore in the present case, ifa different compensation from what is stated in Article 11 was agreedin the contract, and this beingworse for the tenant, it must be taken to be null and not agreed. Also, the maximum compensation that may apply in a case like

yours, sinceeight months have been fulfilled,would be a compensation of 4/12th’s of a month’s rent., (given that it’sa main residence home letting contract with an agreed period of 1 year, extendable year by year) If you have signed or want to sign a lease contract, or if you have problems with it, and you need advice, contact us

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. White & Baos Abogados. Tel:+34 966 426 185. E-mail: info@white-baos.com White & Baos 2014 – All rights reserved. Send your questions to spanishlawyer@roundtownnews.com or info@white-baos.com

LEGAL & FINANCE

Have you signed a home lease or rental contract? Can you terminate the contract?

Should you pay any compensation?

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by

Carlos Baos

Dividend Aristocrats THE DIVIDEND Aristocrats are S&P 500

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

YOUR MONEY

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by

Keith Littlewood

International Financial Adviser

constituents that have increased their dividend payouts for 25 consecutive years.

THE FTSE also has its own Aristocrats which many people who read this article will recognise and even have in their own portfolios, some of the dividend returns can make very interesting reading: Anglo American 14.08% dividend return BP 8.69% dividend return Royal Dutch Shell a 7.59% dividend return WM Morrison 7.51% dividend return HSBC 6.11% dividend return While these returns look fantastic in today’s current climate of low interest rates and investment returns caution is well advised, for example from the above although WM Morrison looks to have given a great dividend return of 7.51% the selling price per share is around £1.50 at the time of writing. 12 months ago the selling price was £1.85 so the value is down over 22%.

The most important thing to do when looking at buying shares is spreading risk or ‘diversification’. If a large enough spread is created this can improve your chances of getting a good performance and decent income without taking the hit of one or two underperforming companies.

Shares should definitely looked at as long term investments (5 years plus) but buy selecting a portfolio that has the companies that consistently produce good dividend returns an income can be enjoyed while the capital is invested for the long term.

Many of my clients do not want the pressure or hassle of selecting their own shares so a professional fund manager can be selected to do this for them – this usually incurs a cost of around 1-2% per annum but what can be achieved is expertise knowledge and experience but also the benefit of pooling investments with thousands of others creating a larger a pool of money to allow broader diversification and lower dealing costs.

In today’s financial climate it is essential you do everything you can to make sure your money is safe and secure and what you want to transpire in the future has the best chance of happening.

If you need advice or if have any questions regarding the above you can contact me on 657 684 094 or email keith.littlewood@ blacktowerfm.com

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

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

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What to do if you are asked to take a Breath Test for Alcohol whilst driving in Spain

Legal

The police may require you as the driver of a vehicle, to take a breath test:

if they believe you’ve been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, or via a random breath test traffic stop, or if you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident or offence.

If you are required to perform a breath test, above all stay calm and try to cooperate with the law, a polite and respectful attitude is always going to benefit you more than being contrary.

Also, refusal to submit to a breath test is a very serious offense, one punishable with imprisonment of six months to one year, and the loss of a driving license for up to four years.

If you refuse to take a breath test, or fail to supply a sample of breath you can be arrested. The breath test gives a result straight away.

If you fail the breath test, you have the right to request the test be taken a second time within a time interval of at least 10 minutes. If you do not agree with the results obtained you may request a blood test, however in the case of a positive result, the additional costs would be your expense. Failing the breath test will result in you being charged, and you will not be allowed

to drive the vehicle until you are below the limits, someone else would have to drive the vehicle away. There are two classifications of offence, one is administrative, and the second is criminal.

Administrative offence (non-criminal) levels: When a driver has consumed a small amount of alcohol and the test gives results above 0.25 mg / l upto 0,50mg / l (professionals and holders of driving license for less than two years old more than 0.15 to 0.30 mg / l) the punishment is a fine of 500 euros and removal of 4 points from your license.

Between 0.50 mg / l, upto 60mg/l in exhaled air (professionals and holders of driving license for less than two years old are restricted to no more than 0.30 mg / l), is likely to result in a fine of up to 1,000 euros and the withdrawal of up to 6 points.

Criminal offence levels: Any result with a higher rate of alcohol in exhaled air to 0.60 mg / L , with an alcohol level exceeding 1.2 grams per litre of blood.

The punishment of the offence is defined under the Criminal Code, in particular Article 379 ‘…. Imprisonment of 3 to 6 months, a fine, or community service from 31 to 90 days and

disqualifications from driving motor vehicles for between one and up to four years. “ The driver will be cited for a speedy trial, if the defendant accepts the facts the sentence is normally reduced by one third, however, the minimum withdrawal of license would be 8 months and one day.

Conclusion The best defence is prevention, do not to drink and drive. If asked by the police to take a breath test, TAKE THE BREATH TEST. If the worst ever happens, make sure you have professional legal advice from lawyers who specialise in criminal law and

Salvador Campderá Laguna, Bufete Campdera Asociados, C/ Marques de Campos 66-1C, 03700 DENIA (Alicante).

Email us at scampdera-laguna@icali.es.

to protect your interests you when you go to court. Doing so can reduce both the fines and length of the term of withdrawal of a driving license, in some cases even the annulment of the penalty or offence if there had been errors in the proceedings or due process, of either criminal or administrative legal cases.

Campdera & ASSOCIATES have years of experience in handling such procedures.

Keep these numbers in your phone, contact us and we will resolve any issue. To do this we provide two numbers with care 24 hours a day for any emergency: 627068561 or 629542912.

We cover the Costa Blanca North area, from Benidorm to Gandia.

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#life&leisure

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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Specsavers and Sunshine FM support the Kayak Challenge

THE FATHER and Son team of Dave and Mitch Bull took to the water on Saturday with a plan to kayak from Murcia to Guardamar to raise funds for cancer charity AECC. Read the full story on page 49.

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

life&leisure #what’s on 

Winter wonderland

MARCIA’S DANCE Centre and Stage School presents its annual festive show ‘A Countdown to Christmas’ on Saturday 12th December at the Casa de Cultura in Calpe.

by JACK TROUGHTON THE ONE-night only production takes guests to a winter wonderland to experience a magical evening of song and dance.

And the dance school students will be joined by some special guests as they present a variety of dances styles from tap to hip hop and ballet to burlesque – as well as presenting favourite Christmas songs for everyone to sing along.

All proceeds from the evening will be donated to the charity Friends of the Children of EMAUS. Doors open at 7:30pm and the show starts at 8:00pm. Tickets are 10€ for adults and 5€ for children under 12. For more information or for reservations, call 96 583 0980 or email info@marciasdancecentre.com.

Carols by the sea

ALBIR CHURCH invites everyone to a special ‘Carols on the Beach’ celebration on Monday 14th December ay 3pm.

People are asked to gather by the Albir Anchor to enjoy an unusual festive event run by one of the seven churches that make up the Costa Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy.

And the following week, on Monday 21st December, the church is staging its annual Carol Service at 4pm in the Norwegian Seamen’s Church in Carrer Mart, Albir.

The church holds a service of Holy Communion every Sunday at 9.45am at the church and every Thursday at 11am at the forum Mare Nostrum, Alfaz del Pi. For more information ring church warden Hazel Layt on 96 689 5306 or 659 018 400 and for information about the whole Chaplaincy, visit www.costablanca-anglicanchplaincy.org.

Marcia’s dance school

It’s time for the Albir Christmas Fair

THE ALBIR Christmas Fair is being held this Sunday, 6th December and is set to offer gift ideas for all the family as stallholders sell their handmade products.

Organiser Katie Dell is hoping that this will be the first of many annual events with over 60 stalls, Santa in his grotto and FROZEN for the Children.

The Fair is being held at the Albir Sun Palace Hotel from 12 noon until 6pm so there

is plenty of time for the children to have their picture taken with Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen!

Entry to the fair is free and the stalls will be featuring some of the most creative and diverse products and services available in Spain, including handmade aprons, bread, jewellery, scents, candles and so much more.

The Albir Christmas Fair is supporting local cancer charity MABS.

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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life&leisure #events

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Win a MABS hamper MABS BENIDORM is giving visitors to its charity shop in La Cala Finestrat a chance to win a bumper Christmas hamper.

One lucky winner will scoop the prize in the ‘Guess the Christmas Word’ lottery, choosing one of the 130 words printed on a board. Each guess costs 2€ and the prize includes, whisky, wine, cava, Christmas puddings, biscuits, chocolates and much more.

The MABS team has already got into the Christmas spirit and the shop is already packed with trees and decorations; including bags of baubles and other goodies.

And the winning ‘word’ will be drawn on Saturday 19th December when Santa Claus and his little helpers will be at the MABS Cancer Support Group centre to hand out presents and entertain youngsters.

The shop is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2 pm. Winter stock for both ladies and gents is on show along with a large selection of furniture. Follow MABS on Facebook at www.facebook. com/mabsbenidorm.

Choir sings at Christmas Market THE ENGLISH Choir of Teulada-Moraira will make a guest appearance at the Lliber Christmas Market on Saturday 12th December.

The choir is currently rehearsing for its Christmas concerts under the baton of Joanna Baldwin and the Lliber appearance is at 6.30pm in the town square – although the market starts from 11am.

And as well as the choir’s festive singing, the market features stalls selling fancy goods, food and drinks, a ‘petting’ zoo, donkey rides for the children, and a troupe of performing geese.

Teulada’s Christmas Market TEULADA MORAIRA holds its Christmas Market on Sunday 13th December with local traders, associations and charities all taking stalls in the town hall square.

The Asociacion Benefica de Teulada – pictured at the market last year – will support the town’s ambulance service and the Afa Alzheimer centre with a stall selling home baked food – including sweet and savoury goodies.

Other stalls sell Christmas decorations, bric-a-brac, children’s goods, refreshments, and the popular event always provides something to tempt everyone.

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

life&leisure #gardening

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Apartment terrace and balcony December tasks

by

Dick Handscombe Holistic gardener and author

SINCE THE publication of the book Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style t has been encouraging to see more and more apartment dwellers make their terraces and balconies greener, more colourful and perfumed, and in some cases more productive by setting up useful herb and vegetable gardens in containers.

The wide range of styles sizes and colours of containers, and the offer of better compost ranges by many garden centres has simplified doing so especially if awnings and blinds are installed to protect plants from the hottest summer and low winter suns.

What is possible is illustrated by the following photographs.

Could such ideas be 2016 New Year Resolutions? It is such a pity that so many apartment blocks look cold and unattractive to residents, passers buy and potential buyers.

Although still few and far between it is gratifying to see that some architects are now building green apartment blocks so that every owner has prebuilt planters and in some cases all planted before buyers move in. Even Valencia has two macro-projects along these lines, although on hold at present due to continued difficult market conditions.

Your own efforts could be an enthralling and interesting hobby, add value to your apartment and if the residents association encouraged such actions the attractiveness and value of the entire block, improve the environment of the area, reduce the carbon footprint of the block, with the right plantings and trees reduce the pollution from traffic and microwaves.

It is not too late for you to brighten up your own terraces and balconies or do so for an aging friend as a Christmas present!

If you need inspiration and are in London over Christmas visit the Spanish Garden on top of the Virgin Building in Kensington. How come an Englishman constructed a 5000 square metre Spanish garden on a roof top with a metre and more of top soil in the 1930’s! Why do we worry about carrying up Vegetables in large plastic pots a few pots, a bag of compost and a few plants!

Even just window boxes on railings planted with Poinsettias , heathers, pansies, cyclamens, azaleas, cotons or kalenchoas during the next week would add Christmas cheer.

The fully illustrated book ‘Apartment Gardens Mediterranean Style’ available from The Book Depository and Amazon Books etc., would be a great Christmas stocking filler present.

Happy Christmas plantings.

Flowing flowers in window boxes Herbs in a window box

Strawberry tower

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

life&leis re music u 

Sharni - female entertainer Gatecrash – SHARNI HAS twenty seven years experience in the entertainment business with residencies in five star hotels in the Middle East and major holiday/leisure resorts in the UK.

SHE NOW has a full laser & light show, plus a 6 ft Digital HD Screen. Sharni is ideal for cabaret, dancing or easy listening – singing hits from the 60’s to the present day, from a huge repertoire which she constantly up dates. For bookings and more info check out her web site: www. thesharnishow.com December Gigs: Friday 4: Brauhaus Restaurant, C/Pintor Sorolla, Calpe. 8 pm Saturday 5: Delphin Pub, Calpe.

Sunday 6: Tradewinds C.C., La Fuente, Campoamor. 10 pm.

Thursday 10: Dracula’s Bar, Calpe Port. 8.30 pm Friday 11: Bar Tropicana, Paichi Centre, Moraira. 9 pm Saturday 12: Pablo’s International Bar, Playa Flamenca. 9 pm.

Sunday 13: Tradewinds C.C., La Fuente, Campoamor. 10 pm.

Friday 18: Brauhaus Restaurant, C/Pintor Sorolla, Calpe. 8 pm Saturday 19: Imanyo Disco Bar, Daya Nueva. 9 pm.

Sunday 20: Tradewinds C.C., La Fuente, Campoamor. 10 pm.

Thursday 31: Brauhaus Restaurant, C/Pintor, Calpe. 8 pm

TK’Ssimply jazz quintet

party band

WITH ALMOST 30 weddings under their belt in 2014 “Gatecrash” have fast become one of the hottest party band on the Costa Blanca. The band is fronted by Niamh O´Sheehan (vocals) with Matthias Coblenzer (guitar), Torsten (harmonica & vocals) and Jose Luis(bass) and Jose Domingo (drums).

Their up tempo and varied repertoire mean they can cover ALL events for ALL ages. the perfect solution for all needs. Niamh, together with Matthias, are “Celtic Knot”, a duo who perform an acoustic guitar set with Niamh focusing on singing traditional Irish ballads and folk music. For more info phone: 676 507 791 or LIKE their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GatecrashPartyBand

December Gigs: Friday 4: Blues Bar, (Near Marina), Denia. Midnight Wednesday 9: Casa del Cultura, El Vergel. 7 pm (Celtic Knot) Friday 18: Bar Emillo, Llosa de Camacho. 4 pm Saturday 19: Blues Bar, (Near Marina), Denia.

Midnight Saturday 26: Quatre, Pedreguer. 8 pm.

THE BAND was formed just over a year ago with the aim of performing easy to listen “Dinner Jazz”, from swing, mainstream and Latin music.

The Jazz Standards and music from the American Song Book make up the most part of their programme but others are included as long as they fit the quintet’s jazz style. The rhythm section has three young Spanish jazz musicians with Dani Picazo (piano), Albert Llobell (drums) and either Julio Fuster or Josep Palmer (double bass). Dick Crooks is on saxophones and clarinet but special guests this year have included saxophone players Jimmy Stead and Grahame Shephard and trumpet player Ian Royle. Terry Kennedy, aka TK, on vocals. For more info on the band phone: 96 645 7231 or by email: hi2teekay@gmail.com.

The band currently play the second and fourth Wednesdays at Arena Bar & Bistro in Denia (near Port Hotel) starting at 8.30. December dates are the 9th and 23rd. For reservations phone the bar on 96 642 5860, not Tuesdays.

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

#tv&showbiz goss

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by Peter Taylor

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How long are we going to let this keep

Bit of a link up here regarding the John Lewis Advert that’s part of today’s YouTube Videos item. Part of the soundtrack of the commercial features the Oasis song ´Half a World Away´ and guess what?

Liam is not best pleased saying big bruv Noel has sold out by allowing their song to be used by a company such as John Lewis. The version is a cover of the song

by Aurora that eventually went viral and not too many people were giving it the thumbs up. It´s never taken much to set off the ongoing sibling row between the Gallagher brothers, and this one ain’t any different.

REGULAR VISITORS here will know I have a serious dislike of these ´panel of judges´ talent shows, with their obviously manufactured ´entertainment’ and apparent nail biting tension filled moments as to who will become the winner.

We are of course talking about the X Factory and Strictly Come Dancing, both of which over the last week or three have had their dirty washing held so far out to dry it’s now about which one is the most corrupt! Both continue with the masquerade that all is as it should be, even although poor Olly Murs voting-gate disaster proved categorically that the whole thing is a stitch up, and with Ola Jordan and Louis Walsh both now mouthing their opinions in the direction of their respective shows, how long are we going to allow these people to mess with our weekend telly?

I would never have expected Louis Walsh to descend into the vernacular, but speaking about Cowell´s handling of the show since his departure said “Simon Cowell has well and truly ‘f***ked’ it up, and I´m glad the show is suffering without me,” shame on you with the ´f´ word there Louis, but f***ked it up he certainly has mate! But things are even worse at the Beeb!

Ola Jordan has now quit Strictly (did she fall or was she pushed) after she said to The Sun “people are over-marked and under-marked” to which the BBC said “she will never work for us again.” Ola has been part of the show for 10 years and won the Glitter Ball trophy in 2009.

Corrupt or not corrupt? That is the question!

Is there ever smoke without fire?

Snoop Dogg had a spectacular beginning to his music career with 3 consecutive No 1 albums starting in 1993, and with him admitting he has a passionate affair with marijuana, painted himself as a rebel with a cause. He turned 44 last October, lives in Inglewood, Los Angeles, and last week after asking his local mayor how he could help the community and what he could do to help impoverished families, handed out 1500 Turkeys at an indoor arena so folks could celebrate Thanksgiving with their families. A Rebel with a Cause indeed!

Shakin Stevens jolly yuletide toon ´Merry Christmas Everyone´ is being played mucho on the radio stations right now, but I hope a recent version funded by The Salvation Army called ´Echoes Of Merry Christmas Everyone´ also gets played and sends plenty peeps out to buy it. The original topped the charts in 1985, and if we can all make the latest version do the same we will have greatly helped The Salvation Army to fund the amazing work they do providing food and shelter to the homeless, as well as older members of the community, and relief during major disasters. Watch the video Shaky Christmas.

In ancient Alpine folklore a companion of St Nicholas called Krampus is a horned creature who punishes children during the Christmas period who have misbehaved during the year.

Fact! A film called ´Krampus´ is now on release and is set on Christmas Eve and features a young boy called Max who turns his back on Santa when his dysfunctional family clashes during the holiday. The Krampus has recently returned to modern-day popular culture, especially in Austria, where his image was discouraged from use in the middle of the 20th century.

Sounds scary, but ok scary!

If you were a 90´s child and a fan of cartoon show ´Hey Arnold´ you´ll be pleased to know Nickelodeon has a TV movie planned. The storyline is expected to pick up from where the series ended and will resolve unanswered plot lines including the whereabouts of Arnold’s parents.

Arnold, affectionately known as ‘football head’, was the kid who defined cool between 1996 and 2004, and top Houston Chronicle journalist Evan Levine said about the series’ “a backdrop of dark streets, night-time adventures, and rundown buildings seen from a child’s point of view”.

Alright!

Rom-Coms are a wonderful genre of movie-making and have been part of the film business since the early 30´s, ´It Happened one Night´ in 1934 one of the greats with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert! In my opinion ´Bridget Jones Diary´ released in 2001 was one of the few of a selective bunch that have stood out from the crowd. The latest, ´Bridget Jones Baby’, comes out next September and Bridget not only has a baby, but Ed Sheeran is in it as well, although quite why he is there was not to hand. Daddie to the baby perhaps?

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

tv listings 4th December - 10th December

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friday 4th December BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Fake Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Oxford Street Revealed 12:45 Rip Off Britain: Food 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:30 BBC Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 16:10 Escape to the Country 17:15 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 19:30 BBC Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Would I Lie to You? 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Citizen Khan 22:00 Have I Got News for You 22:30 Peter Kay’s Car Share 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:25 BBC Regional News 23:35 The Graham Norton Show 24:20 Josh 24:50 Old School

BBC2

07:30 Homes Under the Hammer 08:30 Oxford Street Revealed 09:15 An Island Parish: Falklands 09:45 Great British Menu 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 19:00 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Mastermind 20:30 Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup 23:00 An Island Parish: Falklands 23:30Newsnight 24:00Artsnight 24:30 Weather 24:35 Snooker: UK Championship

saturday 5th December

BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Simply Nigella 13:00 BBC News 13:10 Football Focus 14:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 17:30 Final Score 18:20 Celebrity Mastermind 18:50 BBC News 19:00 BBC Regional News and Weather 19:10 Pointless Celebrities 20:00 Strictly Come Dancing 21:00 Doctor Who 22:05 Casualty 22:55 The National Lottery Live 23:05 BBC News and Weather 23:25 Match of the Day 24:55 The Apprentice

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV1

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 14:55 ITV News 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 1000 Heartbeats 16:59 ITV Regional Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News 19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Gino’s Italian Escape 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

23:00 ITV News at Eleven 23:30 ITV News Central 23:40 Mercury Rising

07:00 Countdown 07:45 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:10 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Frasier 11:30 Undercover Boss USA 12:30 Come Dine with Me 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 Come Dine with Me 14:05 Come Dine with Me 14:35 Come Dine with Me 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Posh Pawnbrokers 18:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 TFI Friday 22:00Gogglebox 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 24:05 First Dates

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:15Peppa Pig 09:25Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:25 Deck the Halls 14:10 5 News Lunchtime 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Gift of the Magi 18:00 5 News at 6 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 UK’s Strongest Man 2015 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 22:00 NCIS: New Orleans 23:00 NCIS 23:55 NCIS 24:50 Access

itv2

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:35 Psych 08:20Emmerdale 08:50Emmerdale 09:20You’ve Been Framed!

09:50 Dinner Date 10:50 Psych 11:40 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

13:10Emmerdale 13:40Emmerdale 14:15You’ve Been Framed!

14:40 Dinner Date 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:55 The Jeremy Kyle Show 19:00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

20:30Back to the Future 22:45 The Hot Desk 23:00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! 24:05 Keith Lemon’s Back T’Future Tribute

E4

07:00 Revenge 07:45 Charmed 09:30Hollyoaks 10:00 Rules of Engagement 11:00 Melissa & Joey 11:30 Melissa & Joey 12:00 Charmed 13:00 Charmed 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Melissa & Joey 16:30 Melissa & Joey 17:00 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:30 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00Hollyoaks 20:30 A to Z 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Unstoppable 24:00 The Big Bang Theory 24:30 The Big Bang Theory

07:00 Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge 07:25 Pat & Stan 07:35 Dino Dan: Trek’s Adventures 08:00 Signed Stories 08:05 Oddbods 08:10 Sooty 08:25 Super 4 08:40 Adventure Time 09:00 Marvel Avengers Assemble 09:30 Thunderbirds Are Go 10:00 Jessie 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Murder, She Wrote 11:25 Countrywise 11:55 The Jeremy Kyle Show 13:00 ITV News 13:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 14:10 Judge Rinder 15:15 Doc Martin 16:20 ET the Extra-Terrestrial 18:30 ITV News 18:45 Catchphrase 19:45 ITV News and Weather 20:00 The Chase 21:00 The X Factor 22:30 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

23:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 24:40 ITV News and Weather

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07:10 The King of Queens 07:35 The King of Queens 08:00 The King of Queens 08:25 The Grid 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 The Morning Line 11:00 Frasier 11:30 Frasier 12:00 The Big Bang Theory 12:30 The Big Bang Theory 12:55 The Big Bang Theory 13:25 The Simpsons 13:55 The Simpsons 14:25 Channel 4 Racing 17:00 Come Dine with Me 17:25 Come Dine with Me 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:35 Come Dine with Me 19:05 Come Dine with Me 19:30 Channel 4 News 20:00 The Great Polar Bear Feast 21:00 The World’s Weirdest Weather 22:00 Non-Stop 24:10 TFI Friday

07:00 Childrens TV 08:00 Paw Patrol 08:15 Little Princess 08:30 Pip Ahoy!

08:45 Blaze and the Monster Machines 09:10 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:30 Wanda and the Alien 09:45 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:55 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 10:30 The Saturday Show 12:30 A Christmas Promise 14:15 Hats Off to Christmas 16:00 A Snow Globe Christmas 17:50 The Christmas Spirit 19:35 5 News Weekend 19:40 Funniest Fails, Falls & Flops 20:05 Ultimate Police Interceptors 21:05 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away 22:00 Football League Tonight 23:30 Live Boxing

07:00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:10 Emmerdale 09:50 Coronation Street 12:15 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

13:15 The Xtra Factor 14:20 The Hot Desk 14:30 Scorpion 15:25 The Polar Express 17:20 You’ve Been Framed!

17:45 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

18:50 Lost in Space 21:20 Back to the Future Part II 23:35 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! 24:35 The Keith Lemon Sketch Show

07:00 Rules of Engagement 07:25 Rules of Engagement 07:45 Rules of Engagement 08:10 How I Met Your Mother 08:35 How I Met Your Mother 09:00 Baby Daddy 09:30 Baby Daddy 10:00 Melissa & Joey 10:30 Melissa & Joey 11:00 The Goldbergs 11:30 The Goldbergs 12:00 Made in Chelsea 13:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 14:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 15:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 15:30 The Goldbergs 16:00 The Goldbergs 16:30Astro Boy 18:15 Rude(ish) Tube 18:30 The Big Bang Theory 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:00 The Simpsons Movie 22:50Gogglebox 23:55Gogglebox

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:15 The A to Z of TV Gardening 08:00 Big Dreams Small Spaces 09:00Countryfile 10:00 An Island Parish: Falklands 10:30 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:00 Len and Ainsley’s Big Food Adventure 12:45 Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip 13:15 MOTD2 Extra 14:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 19:00 Match of the Day: The FA Cup 20:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 24:00 Brooklyn’s Finest

07:00 Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge 07:25 Pat & Stan 07:35 Dino Dan: Trek’s Adventures 08:00 Signed Stories 08:05Oddbods 08:10 Sooty 08:25 Super 4 08:40 Matt Hatter Chronicles 09:00 Marvel Avengers Assemble 09:30 Fish Hooks 10:00 Jessie 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Murder, She Wrote 11:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 13:35 ITV News and Weather 13:45 The Jeremy Kyle Show 14:50 The Chase 15:55 The X Factor 17:30 The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Jekyll and Hyde 21:00 The X Factor 22:00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

23:35 ITV News and Weather 23:50 Premiership Rugby Union

BBC2

07:10 NFL Highlights 08:00 The Amazing Mr Blunden 09:35 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 11:00 Ronnie’s Animal Crackers 11:30 Ronnie’s Animal Crackers 12:00 The Wonder of Animals 12:30 Animal Park 13:00 My Life on a Plate 13:45 Len and Ainsley’s Big Food Adventure 14:30 Len and Ainsley’s Big Food Adventure 15:15 Saboteur 17:00 Flog It! Trade Secrets 17:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 18:30 The Great Pottery Throw Down 19:30 Dad’s Army 20:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 23:00 QI XL 23:45 Glory

sunday 6th December BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 08:25 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Fern Britton Meets 12:00 Sunday Politics London 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:10 Weather for the Week Ahead 14:15 Escape to the Country 14:45 Live FA Cup Football 17:15 Songs of Praise 17:50 The Hunt 18:50 BBC News 19:10 BBC Regional News Weather 19:20Countryfile 20:20 Strictly Come Dancing 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 The Hunt 23:00 BBC News 23:20 BBC Regional News and Weather 23:30 Match of the Day 2 24:20 Citizen Khan 24:50 The Graham Norton Show

07:10 The King of Queens 07:35 Triathlon 08:05 Superbikes 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:45 The Big Bang Theory 14:10 The Big Bang Theory 14:40 The Big Bang Theory 15:10 The Big Bang Theory 15:35 The Simpsons 16:05 The Simpsons 16:35 Journey to the Center of the Earth 18:25 The Jungle Book 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 World’s Weirdest Homes 22:00 Homeland 23:05Gogglebox 24:05 The FiveYear Engagement

07:00 Peppa Pig 07:05 Bananas in Pyjamas 07:15 Bob the Builder 07:30Tickety Toc 07:40 Zack and Quack 07:50 Make Way for Noddy 08:05 Paw Patrol 08:20 Little Princess 08:30 Pip Ahoy!

08:50 Blaze and the Monster Machines 09:15 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:30 Wanda and the Alien 09:45 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:55 Jelly Jamm 10:10LazyTown 10:40 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 11:15 Football League Tonight 12:40 The Gadget Show 13:45 Christmas Mix 15:30 Call Me Claus 17:20 Santa Who? 19:10 Bruce Almighty 21:10 Bulletproof Monk 22:55 5 News Weekend 23:00Django Unchained

itv2

07:00Emmerdale 09:35 Coronation Street 12:00 The X Factor 13:35 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

14:35You’ve Been Framed!

15:35 Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas 16:35 The Polar Express 18:35 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

19:40 Back to the Future Part III 22:00 The Xtra Factor 23:00You’ve Been Framed!

23:35 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! 24:35 Plebs

Quote the Week

E4

07:00 Rules of Engagement 07:20 How I Met Your Mother 07:40 How I Met Your Mother 08:00 Baby Daddy 08:30 Baby Daddy 09:00 Melissa & Joey 09:30 Melissa & Joey 10:00 Made in Chelsea 11:00Hollyoaks 13:35 City of Ember 15:25 Couples Come Dine with Me 16:30 Couples Come Dine with Me 17:30 The Big Bang Theory 18:00 The Big Bang Theory 18:30 The Big Bang Theory 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Rush Hour 3 23:45 The Inbetweeners 24:15 The Inbetweeners 24:50 The IT Crowd

Dodging the bullets quite beautifully on the saddo haters who don’t like her being married to 52 year Johnny Depp, 29 year old Amber Heard said “I taste new flavours that I didn’t know existed, new colours I didn’t know existed have been added to my life …

I’m so happy!” Good on ye gal!

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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monday 7th December BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Sister Rita to the Rescue 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Oxford Street Revealed 12:45 Family Finders 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:30 BBC Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 16:10 Escape to the Country 16:40 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 17:25 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 19:30 BBC Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Fake Britain 21:00EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Tomorrow’s Food 23:00 BBC News at Eleven 23:35 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 24:20 Doctor in the House

07:15 Fake Britain 08:00 Oxford Street Revealed 08:45 Flog It! Trade Secrets 09:15 Caught Red Handed 09:45 Thief Trackers 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Cash in the Attic 14:45 Pressure Pad 15:30 The Great British Bake Off 16:30 The Great Antiques Map of Britain 17:00 The World’s Most Photographed 17:30 Wogan: The Best Of 18:15 Bargain Hunt 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Match of the Day Live 20:30 Only Connect 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Simply Nigella 22:00 London Spy 23:00 Live at the Apollo 23:30 Newsnight 24:10 Weather 24:15 Ireland with Simon Reeve

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 1000 Heartbeats 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 The Martin Lewis Money Show 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Las Vegas with Trevor McDonald 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:40 Travel Guides 24:40 Murder, She Wrote

07:00 Countdown 07:45 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Jamie’s Comfort Food 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Posh Pawnbrokers 18:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Turner Prize 21:00 Dispatches 21:30 The Shopper’s Guide to Saving Money 22:00 Hunting the Paedophiles: Inside the National Crime Agency 23:00 Fargo 24:15 The World’s Most Famous Train

07:00 Childrens TV 08:10 Little Princess 08:20 Bob the Builder 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:45 A Snow Globe Christmas 14:30 5 News Lunchtime 14:35 Neighbours 15:05 A Perfect Christmas 16:45 Lucky Christmas 18:30 5 News at 6 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 The Gadget Show 21:00 Impractical Jokers 22:00 On Benefits 23:00 Supersized 24:00 Britain’s Craziest Christmas Lights

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:35 Psych 08:20Emmerdale 08:50 Coronation Street 09:20 Coronation Street 09:50 The Cube 10:50 Psych 11:40 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

13:10Emmerdale 13:40 Coronation Street 14:15 Coronation Street 14:40 Catchphrase 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:55 The Jeremy Kyle Show 19:00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

20:30You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Through the Keyhole 23:00 American Pie: the Wedding

07:00 Revenge 07:45 Charmed 08:35 Charmed 09:30Hollyoaks 10:00 Rules of Engagement 10:30 Rules of Engagement 11:00 Melissa & Joey 11:30 Melissa & Joey 12:00 Charmed 13:00 Charmed 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Melissa & Joey 16:30 Melissa & Joey 17:00 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:30 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00Hollyoaks 20:30 A to Z 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Made in Chelsea 23:00 Scream Queens 24:00Gogglebox

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

07:00 Countdown 07:45 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:10 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Jamie’s Comfort Food 12:30 Jamie’s Comfort Food 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Posh Pawnbrokers 18:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 The Political Slot 21:00 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 22:00 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 23:00 That’s So Last Century 24:00 Tattoo Fixers

07:00 Childrens TV 08:10 Little Princess 08:20 Bob the Builder 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:15Peppa Pig 09:25Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:45 The Christmas Spirit 14:30 5 News Lunchtime 14:35 Neighbours 15:05 All I Want for Christmas 16:45 A Bride for Christmas 18:30 5 News at 6 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Kids’ Hospital at Christmas 21:00 Crackers About Christmas 22:00 Meet the Psychopaths 23:00 CSI: Cyber 23:55 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

tuesday 8th December BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Sister Rita to the Rescue 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Oxford Street Revealed 12:45 Family Finders 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:30 BBC Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 16:10 Escape to the Country 16:40 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 17:25 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Capital 23:00 BBC News at Eleven 23:25 BBC Regional News 23:35 Imagine 24:45 Live at the Apollo

BBC2

07:15 Oxford Street Revealed 08:00 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 08:45 Flog It! Trade Secrets 09:15 Ireland with Simon Reeve 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Cash in the Attic 14:45 Pressure Pad 15:30 The Great British Bake Off 16:30 The Great Antiques Map of Britain 17:00 The World’s Most Photographed 17:30Wogan: The Best Of 18:15 Bargain Hunt 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 The Great Pottery Throw Down 23:00 Mock the Week 23:30 Newsnight 24:10 Weather 24:15 NFL Highlights

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 1000 Heartbeats 16:59 ITV Regional Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News 19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00Emmerdale 20:30 The Royal Variety Performance 23:10 ITV News 23:35 ITV News 23:50 The Jonathan Ross Show 24:55 Freeze Out

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:35 Psych 08:20Emmerdale 08:50 Coronation Street 09:20 Coronation Street 09:50 The Cube 10:50 Psych 11:40 All Star Family Fortunes 12:45 You’ve Been Framed!

13:10Emmerdale 13:40 Coronation Street 14:15 Coronation Street 14:40 Catchphrase 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:55 The Jeremy Kyle Show 19:00 Judge Rinder 20:00You’ve Been Framed!

20:30You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 The Dark Knight

E4

07:00 Revenge 07:45 Charmed 08:30 Charmed 09:30Hollyoaks 10:00 Rules of Engagement 10:30 Rules of Engagement 11:00 Melissa & Joey 11:30 Melissa & Joey 12:00 Charmed 13:00 Charmed 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Melissa & Joey 16:30 Melissa & Joey 17:00 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:30 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00Hollyoaks 20:30 A to Z 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Empire 23:00 Tripped 23:50 The Big Bang Theory 24:25 The Big Bang Theory 24:50Gogglebox

wednesday 9th December BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Sister Rita to the Rescue 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Oxford Street Revealed 12:45 Family Finders 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 16:10 Escape to the Country 16:40 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 17:25 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 Cuffs 22:00 The Apprentice 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:25 BBC Regional News and Weather 23:35 The Apprentice 24:35 Film 2015

BBC2

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Oxford Street Revealed 08:45 Flog It! Trade Secrets 09:15 Simply Nigella 09:45 Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 Cash in the Attic 14:45 Pressure Pad 15:30 The Great British Bake Off 16:30 The Great Antiques Map of Britain 17:00 The World’s Most Photographed 17:30 Wogan: The Best Of 18:15 Bargain Hunt 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 The Secrets of the Mona Lisa 23:00 The Apprentice: You’re Fired 23:30 Newsnight

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 1000 Heartbeats 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

22:00 Prey 23:00 UEFA Champions League Highlights 24:00 ITV News 24:30 ITV News Central 24:45 UEFA Champions League: Extra Time

07:00 Countdown 07:45 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:10 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Jamie’s Comfort Food 12:30 Jamie’s Comfort Food 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Posh Pawnbrokers 18:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 The Political Slot 21:00 The Supervet 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 Peep Show 23:30 Toast of London 24:05 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

07:00 Childrens TV 08:10 Little Princess 08:20 Bob the Builder 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:50Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:15Peppa Pig 09:25Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:45 Gift of the Magi 14:30 5 News Lunchtime 14:35 Neighbours 15:05 The Case for Christmas 16:50 Holiday Help 18:30 5 News at 6 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Kids’ Hospital at Christmas 21:00 GPs: Behind Closed Doors 22:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away 23:00 Suspects 24:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

itv2

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:35 Psych 08:20Emmerdale 08:50 You’ve Been Framed!

09:45 The Cube 10:45 Psych 11:35 Secret Santa 13:25Emmerdale 13:55You’ve Been Framed!

14:55 Catchphrase 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:55 The Jeremy Kyle Show 19:00 Judge Rinder 20:00You’ve Been Framed!

20:30You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Through the Keyhole 23:00 Release the Hounds 24:00 The Vampire Diaries

E4

07:00 Revenge 07:45 Charmed 08:30 Charmed 09:30Hollyoaks 10:00 Rules of Engagement 10:30 Rules of Engagement 11:00 Melissa & Joey 11:30 Melissa & Joey 12:00 Charmed 13:00 Charmed 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Melissa & Joey 16:30 Melissa & Joey 17:00 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:30 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00Hollyoaks 20:35 Twilight 23:00 Supernatural 24:00 The Big Bang Theory 24:30 The Big Bang Theory

46

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

THURSDAY 10th December BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Sister Rita to the Rescue 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Oxford Street Revealed 12:45 Family Finders 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:30 BBC Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 16:10 Escape to the Country 16:40 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 17:25 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 19:30 BBC Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 BBC Music Awards 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:25 BBC Regional News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

BBC2

07:15 Oxford Street Revealed 08:00 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 08:45 Flog It! Trade Secrets 09:15MasterChef: The Professionals 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Coast 14:15 Cash in the Attic 15:00 Rugby Union 17:30Wogan: The Best Of 18:15 Bargain Hunt 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 The Last Kingdom 23:00 Russell Howard’s Good News 23:30 Newsnight 24:10 Weather 24:15 The Secrets of the Mona Lisa

ITV1

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 14:55 ITV News 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 1000 Heartbeats 16:59 ITV Regional Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News 19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00Emmerdale 21:30 Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs 22:00 Britain’s Oldest Crooks 23:00 ITV News at Eleven 23:30 ITV News 23:40 Central Lobby 24:10 UEFA Europa League Highlights

CHANNEL 4

07:00 Countdown 07:45 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:10 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Jamie’s Comfort Food 12:30 Jamie’s Comfort Food 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 Come Dine with Me 14:05 Come Dine with Me 14:40 Come Dine with Me 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Posh Pawnbrokers 18:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 The Political Slot 21:00 The Secret Life of 22:00 18 Kids and Counting 23:00 First Dates 24:05 Gogglebox

CHANNEL 5

07:30 Childrens TV 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:45 Call Me Claus 14:30 5 News Lunchtime 14:35 Neighbours 15:05 The Santa Suit 16:45 The Christmas Shepherd 18:30 5 News at 6 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Kids’ Hospital at Christmas 21:00 Alex Polizzi’s Italian Islands 22:00 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild UK 23:00 At Christmas 24:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away

ITV2 07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 You’ve Been Framed!

07:35 Psych 08:20 Emmerdale 08:45 Coronation Street 09:15You’ve Been Framed!

09:40 The Cube 10:40 Psych 11:35 Merry In-Laws 13:25Emmerdale 13:55 Coronation Street 14:30You’ve Been Framed!

14:55 Catchphrase 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:55 The Jeremy Kyle Show 19:00 Judge Rinder 20:00 The Xtra Factor 21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Scorpion 23:00 Celebrity Juice 24:00 Release the Hounds

E4

07:00 Revenge 07:45 Charmed 08:40 Charmed 09:30Hollyoaks 10:00 Rules of Engagement 10:30 Rules of Engagement 11:00 Melissa & Joey 11:30 Melissa & Joey 12:00 Charmed 13:00 Charmed 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Melissa & Joey 16:30 Melissa & Joey 17:00 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:30 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00Hollyoaks 20:30 A to Z 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 The Inbetweeners 2 24:00 The Big Bang Theory 24:30 The Big Bang Theory

YouTube videos of the week As we’re well into December it’s time to mention ´The Xmas AdWars.´ First up is ´Pieces for Places Christmas Advert 2015 #nanonthetown, John Lewis Parody´ which you´ve possibly already seen, then ´Justino Vigilante Xmas Ad´ from here in Spain, then ’Ballymena Christmas Advert 2015 #BallymenaBear´ from Ireland. Pick the Winner!

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

life&leisure #people



Specsavers and Sunshine FM support the Kayak Challenge

THE FATHER and Son team of Dave and Mitch Bull took to the water on Saturday with a plan to kayak from Murcia to Guardamar to raise funds for cancer charity AECC.

by KEITH NICOL THEY GOT so close to completing the challenge but were reluctantly plucked from the river at Algorfa, when, in cricket or tennis terminology, ‘Bad light stopped play’, became a concern for the boys’ safety.

Apart from the lack of light, they boys did brilliantly, paddling a distance of 33.27 kilometres in 8 hours and 19 minutes. Their efforts, along with the support of Sunshine FM and Specsavers, has raised a significant amount of money and awareness for local cancer charity AECC. The idea came about when, sadly, they were told a close relative was diagnosed with cancer.

Before they started preparing for the challenge, Dave said: “Mitch and I would like to think that the battle can be won and we both want to do something to show our support and the first step in this slightly ‘off the wall’ venture is training!

So here we go... the distance is 52k soour first step was to find a trainer and we found Bea Cota, whom we love because she’s a little mad and very strict, and my training started on Monday 24th August and I thought, blimey, just what have I let myself in for? As many of you will know, I am an early bird, so a 5.30am. start did not faze me, but the workout sure did! After a gruelling half hour with Bea I was ready for a strong coffee and a quick fag but no, Bea said “right that’s the warm up done now for the real stuff”. Bea is a healthy eating, lean, mean machine who thinks I should have the same diet as a rabbit. Thank goodness it’s just been proved that a glass of red wine is good for you, and no one said what size glass. I also think I am about to learn all about juicing, proteins and pasta, calorific values, optimum weight, the lot! I am just really pleased I was blessed with the tall gene so at least, being a lanky git, weight will not be a problem. Mitch at 6’7” to my 6’3” is even more pleased about that.

Team supporter, Sandra Piddock, said: “Well, what a day! I feel so proud of the Bull Boys, Dave and Mitch.

They set off 90 minutes late through no fault of their own, and arrived in Algorfa at 6.15pm; and they were going to carry on, but the support team felt they’d done enough, and it was dangerous to complete the final 17 kms in the dark, especially with the weir at Rojales to contend with. That’s bad enough in daylight. I was so pleased to be part of it, and meet so many nice people. Thanks to everyone who has supported the boys, particularly the lovely people of Algorfa. When the boys are rested, they’ll resume the challenge from Algorfa, so please come along and cheer them on.”

The fund-raising efforts received a major push and boost thanks to the efforts of Specsavers and Sunshine FM who put on different events, including Sunshine’s Kathleen Vahey, who got together all the raffle prizes for AECC. More details of the amount raised to date, and when Dave and Mitch will finish off the challenge, will be announced soon, after Dave returns from a well earned break in Rome, where he is enjoying Italian pasta and wine, well deserved after his three month training regime.

Katleen Vahey

Dave and Mitch after the event

Dave and Mitch Bull kayak challeng

e

Specsavers team who are raising money for the AECC

The Sunshine FM team

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

life&leis ure advertising feature /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Forget the ghost of Christmas’

And this year celebrate in style with one of the fabulous festive mini-breaks brought to you exclusively by Round Town Travel. Pamper yourself silly at the 3* Rosamar hotel & spa centrally located in Benidorm´s popular Rincon De Loix with a 3-night, pamper pack.

Checking in on the 24th you can get straight in to the festive mood without having to lift a finger. All of the rooms are fitted with all of the luxuries that you would expect of this level of hotel and the friendly staff are waiting to care for your every need.

Resident on a “full board” basis all of your eating requirements will be catered for, to include an extravagant Christmas “Gala Meal”. Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a little entertainment and the Rosamar have a schedule of entertainment with spectacular shows & live music that will have you dancing the night away.

If you’ve had your fill of Christmas fayre, why not take yourself off to for a spot of tranquility in the beautifully appointed Spa with it’s uniquely designed swimming & wading pool, or, for those with a little more energy, or if you want to burn off that Christmas lunch, the Rosamar also has a fully equipped Gym, tennis court & mini golf course.

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For further information and to book contact our reservation hotline on 966 811 123.

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

life&leisure #horoscopes

Kenny Corris kennycorris@hotmail.com 686 361 594

 Mars squares on Pluto and it is time to take an inventory.

Taking stock of your life right now may just be the jolt you need to get you back on track, and it will help show you where you should be, which is nowhere near where you are.

Whilst Pluto emphasises what comes next, Mars backs you every step of the way in every true fighting form.

Venus enters into your opposing sign of Scorpio, and the tables are turned. There should be no stopping you in your endeavour to find solution and respite from the recent minor troubles that have plagued you. With a more settled view of what could be possible, it is time to take strides towards making a difference, showing others that you can.

Mercury takes on Capricorn, and the next few days will see you changing your focus to give someone the benefit of the doubt. Whilst you accept that you may have taken hold of the wrong end of the stick there are reasons not to make up your mind until there is more reveal. When solution is maybe so very close, it is well worth the benefit of the doubt.

Moon magic there may be, but for you your feet should be firmly on the ground. Someone needs your help but appears to be very hesitant to ask you for it. You have had your priorities just lately, but finding time for those who really do love you is part and parcel of what should be your next move; and frankly you give much more than a damn.

The illumination of the Sun this week is embracing and inspiring. Uranus bathes in the light of the Governor of the Universe and sees off the midweek negative actions with Mars.

Be sure that what you ask for is what you truly want; because there is a reward for those who truly deserve and it is up to you now to back the requests of those who are asking.

Mercury trines with dwarf planet Kora this week and it is just amazing how nothing has been planned, but all appears to be going so well. This is a time for healing the soul and, in doing so, throwing all caution to the wind when it comes to monitoring a situation that is developing. Have no worries as the Universe will provide, this time around.

Take a good look at finances this week since Neptune sends a warning that you would be very foolish to ignore. Though something doesn’t seem to add up in terms of expenditure; be very sure that intervention now will certainly save you in the future. Do your sums, and squirrel something away for that ensuing rainy day ahead of you.

The entry of Venus heralds the start of a wonderful week, as an affair of the heart takes over somewhat. You know that you value the truth above all, and not a mere version of it; but now you seem to have found out the hard way that what you see is what you get, and that things hopefully can now only get better and better for you.

Mars squares up to Pluto just as you were weighing up the opposition. With the forensic and allsearching energies fully mustered, Pluto often shows things up that are generally best forgotten. You may have a fight on your hands; but you have to know that you will win hands down with the positive energy that you have taken aboard.

Mercury enters with a flourish and takes charge of a confusing mixed message that needed clarification and transparency. You are working towards making the changes that are currently in progress around you; but if you think that you have no alternatives then think again, and remember that he who hesitates, right now, really might just be lost.

Passing by, the Sun sheds light on a mystery that you have found almost impossible to solve, mainly because you could not believe that someone could stoop that low. In every sense you appear to be up against it, but each challenge is illuminated for what it really is and your psychic powers won’t see you have to suffer in anyway whatsoever.

You are dammed if you do and dammed if you don’t, so you really feel that you cannot win this week, especially as somebody is being deliberately awkward and making things worse. Time to think of yourself for a change so plan something very special for you to enjoy, and leave everything, and everyone to their own devices, for a while.

If It’s Your Birthday This Week

Actions throughout the Cosmos herald a shift, and when it comes to the nitty gritty you are a survivor.

Hang on in there and tell everyone thetruth, that you are not to be messed with, and nothing and nobody is going to stop you!

Love... actually!

WE HAVE all been in love, and it is because of love that we are all here, as presumably, usually, somebody loved someone. Love is an intense emotion that covers all of our true wants and desires.

If we have love then we really do have everything we need, and being able to freely express our innermost desires makes us part of the human process that is life. Love can appear to be a four letter word, but it evokes within us all the many who have loved us, and those who still do, of course. Feeling sorry for myself. I only once asked Spirit whether anybody had actually loved me. There was no response at first, and I thought it was, just maybe, a way of punishing me for asking such a stupid question, however relevant it seemed to be at the time. That same night as I went off to sleep I was contacted by so many people, some still living and some who had passed over who were in Spirit. It taught me to be very grateful for the love and the friendship I had been lucky to have experienced all through my life, and it taught me a lesson that being sorry for myself wouldn’t get me anywhere very fast. I will never ever try that one again, but then I won’t ever have to now. Love is what we are all looking for, and when we find it we still need to love ourselves and others too. Loving yourself sounds to be the most selfish thing in the World, but it is corny but true to say that if you do not love yourself then you cannot love anyone else. Love is a two way connection with somebody and to feel their love we have to be able to reciprocate in sending that message of love right back to them. Love takes on so many different guises as we pass through life and I have felt that “chipping away at my heart” feeling that keeps you awake at nights, and finds you thinking of a loved one all day long.

Love for anyone can mean making a cup of coffee the way somebody really likes it or cooking a favourite meal. Love translates simply into any language and can mean anything and everything to anyone. It can be hearts and flowers or it could be just one thoughtful spontaneous action that will mean the World to someone. The calling of a friend to see how they are, or an unexpected invitation can be a true act of love; anything in fact that shows how much you care about them really. Love passes all tests and inspections and having a good open heart will bring love to your door in so many ways. Spirit loves us without a doubt. Those who have encountered us in the living World and who have subsequently passed over have told of all the good that lies within us. Spirit can see what the true intention of our heart is and can help greatly with that wonderful process that brings true love to the door. Recently in Bergen, Norway I led a demo in the Spiritual Church. Just before the Service I met a client of mine who whispered into my ear, “Kenny, I still need to find a man!” During the service I was aware of a man sitting alone, and I correctly told him that his healing powers were very strong, asking him to bring a chair onto the stage and do some healing whilst I was working. This he did, and my client came forward to receive some healing. Something very magical happened because they both started to cry. After the service they seemed to have their arms around each other and as I left the building to travel to my hotel I saw them both walk away along the street, very much together. I am reliably told that they are now an item! I was so pleased to be a part of anything that allows love into peoples’ lives. As for what next, well maybe Spirit does speed dating too?

Kenny‛s Postbag

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

KENNY, MY father has told me that he doesn’t want a Christian Burial and I am afraid that it will cause problems to the rest of the family. What are the options and what can I do? Mel W. Mel, your father does have a right to make decisions as to his wishes. If he doesn’t want a Christian Burial then what does he want? Ask him to be more specific and then ensure that he gets what he wants. The family, if they respect his wishes and love him, will just have to understand. I myself have lead many spiritual burials and cremations here in Spain, and there are surely other independent alternatives. In the end you must support his decision with every possible respect.

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life&leisure #puzzles /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Last weeks crossword answers can be found on page 60.

Sudoku

Doodle box

ACROSS 7. Light-giver (5) 8. Malady (7) 9. Lachrymose (7) 10. Put off (5) 12. Colony (10) 15. Becoming adult (10) 18. Joins timber (5) 19. Unvarying (7) 21. Pleas (7) 22. Frequently (5) DOWN 1. Diplomacy (10) 2. Massive (5) 3. Cook (4) 4. Quarters (6) 5. Club (8) 6. Pagan (7) 11. Withdrawal (10) 13. Regularity (8) 14. Decorative pelmet (7) 16. Ocean travel (6) 17. Value (5) 20. Image (4)

Cryptic Crossword

Quick Crossword

ACROSS 7. Additional extravagance at first (5) 8. Ancient hero who took the ones here to America (7) 9. Where birds win money by cheating at cards? (7) 10. Soft swelling is well rounded (5) 12. So pretence turns out to be what everybody knows unofficially (4,6) 15. See 3 Down.

18. Poor dunderhead goes back to languish (5) 19. He needs his eyes open for his pupils to be clearly seen (7) 21. Regard to business (7) 22. Change there and get a number (5) DOWN 1. Don’t forget the wild animal you’re thinking about (4,2,4) 2. Plunder’s going up to have a seat! (5) 3 & 15 Across. Although you understand quite a bit, don’t be offended (4,2,4,4) 4. The prop is attached, so don’t go away (4,2) 5. Springtime? (4,4) 6. Need about a couple of dozen sheets of paper (7) 11. Suitably arrange to make a formal request for goods (3,2,5) 13. More punctual helper behind the scenes (8) 14. A sufficient reason for being on the rocks, perhaps (7) 16. It’s clear father has what he needs for camping (6) 17. It raised the tone quickly (5) 20. She’s in the choir: get her out altogether! (4)

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life&leisure #people /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Christmas is coming A GLASS of cava and mince pies is offered to put everyone in a ‘floral Christmas mood’ before the Marina Alta and Costa Blanca Floral Club’s December demonstration.

ST NICOLAS is due to visit Alfaz del Pi, as he has for the last twenty years, to see the children before heading off on his journey to Holland.

In a traditionally festive event, St Nicolas will be in the town of Alfaz del Pi this afternoon, Friday 4th December, handing out sweets and tangerines to all the children who will be waiting at the Casa de Cultura to say safe travels as he returns home for the children waiting in Holland.

The event is organised by the Lions Club and is open to everyone to attend with an estimated 500 bags of sweets already prepared for St Nicolas to hand out.

Everyone is invited to gather at the Casa de Cultura at 5.15pm.

by JACK TROUGHTON The Christmas Demonstration is being staged on Thursday 10th December and the club welcome’s UK NAFAS demonstrator Kathleen Gibson from Gateshead.

Kathleen enjoys both traditional and contemporary designs and incorporates both into her arrangements. Her sea-

San Nicolas visits Alfaz del Pi

sonal theme is ‘Here Comes Christmas’.

Doors open at the Salon de Actos, La Senieta in Moraira, at 2pm for everyone to be seated by 2.45pm – and while enjoying the glass of festive cheer there is the opportunity to buy raffle tickets for the flower raffle – the flowers supplied by the Paichi Garden Centre – and a Christmas hamper draw; the winners to

be announced during the afternoon.

And proceeds from the ticket sales will go to support the Teulada Moraira ambulance and for the first time a donation to Fontilles.

Everyone is welcome. Entrance for members is 5€ and visitors is 8€. For further information call Tina on 96 583 3197 or visit www.marinaaltafloralclub.com.

life&leisure #aunty virus ////////////////////////////////////

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Email auntyvirus@ roundtownnews.com

“Test the water” Hi AV, Advice please. I have a PC and Laptop which are linked via Homegroup. I keep being asked to upgrade to Windows 10 on both.

I am not sure what to do as you hear good and bad things about Windows 10.

Would it be an idea to upgrade my laptop to “test the water” and, if so, would it affect my PC which is mainly used by my wife who does not like change.

We are both silver surfers.

Kind regards, Keith

Aunty Virus says, Eventually you will have to upgrade to W10, when Microsoft stops supporting other operating systems, but, if you leave it too late, you will not be eligible for the free upgrade. The general consensus is that if you are using W8.1, then upgrading to W10 seems to be a good idea, but people using W7 seem to be staying on W7.

You can always upgrade on the laptop, and see if you like W10 and, if you wife likes it, then upgrade the PC. Network settings should be transferred over during the upgrade, but you never know and you may have to manually configure them. If you do not like W10, then it has a roll back option, but, as always, back up onto an external drive ANY important documents, pictures etc, just in case things go wrong during the upgrade.

Free update Hi Aunty, What do I have to do get a free update of Windows 10? I have Windows 7 Home Premium. No Icon has yet shown itself on the bottom right corner of my screen. As far as I know I have a legal version of Windows 7, so what can be the reason? Horace.

AV says, If you don’t see the Get Windows 10 app (the small Windows icon in your system tray), it might be because: - Your device isn’t up-to-date with at least Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update, so open Windows Update and make sure all available updates have been installed successfully.

- Windows Update is turned off or is not set to receive updates automatically.

- You’ve blocked or uninstalled the necessary Windows Update functionality.

- Your device is not running genuine Windows.

- If you have removed Internet Explorer using “Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Turn Windows features on or off” option, you’ll have to re-enable it.

Once you re-enable Internet Explorer, run Windows Update and Windows will find and install the required updates to show Windows 10 upgrade app icon.

Microsoft has released an automatic Fixit tool to fix this problem. This official tool will automatically scan your Windows and will find out the reason behind this problem.

Once it detects the issues, it’ll let you know and will help you in resolving those issues.

Download Get Windows 10 App Troubleshooter Tool http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/2/2/ F22D5FDB-59CD-4275-8C951BE17BF70B21/GW10Appdiagnostic.diagcab

x

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life&leisure #travel 

African Adventures AFRICA IS a vast area, varying greatly from arid dry desert to lush green jungle, stretched across 30.2 million square kilometers.

IT IS bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, The Red Sea, The Indian Ocean and the Atlantic, surrounding the 54 sovereign states that make up the countries in this continent.

One of the best ways of taking in the extraordinary scenery and sampling the hospitality is to indulge in a luxury train journey. With itineraries that include Cape Town & Durban in South Africa, The Namibian Desert and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, these itineraries offer the opportunity to travel in a 5* true luxury atmosphere. A combination of itineraries and overnight stays in some of the most elegant hotels in Africa can all be arranged, so that your only obligation is to turn up and enjoy!

Of course, not everyone has the budget for such a luxurious travel method, and thankfully there are many other ways to travel around! Internal flights are relatively cheap, but Africa is also linked by a good bus system (and a terrible one, don´t get them confused!) and of course, tour operators also can offer guided tours around the country, on board air-con coaches (an absolute necessity in summer, believe me!).

Cape Town

Victoria Falls

Whilst Nature and Safari makes up a large percentage of the tourism in Africa, there are plenty of other attracions that should be mentioned. The spectacular Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, named after Queen Victoria by the Scottish explorer, David Livingstone, were originally called Mosi-oa-Tunya, or ‘The Smoke which Thunders’. The falls stretch between Zimbabwe and Zambia, over 1700 meters in width and 108 meters in height, resulting in the largest sheet of falling water in the world.

If time and the opportunity presents itself, a visit to one of the plentiful wine vineyard areas is also a superb way to see South African countryside as well as perhaps sample some of the best wines worldwide. A favourite for this family is to stay in Franschhoek, a small vineyard town in the Stellenbosch area, just outside of Cape Town. With plentiful accommodation, swimming pools to cool off in and chilled wines to sip, this is one of the most idyllic areas to take a rest and simply enjoy life.

Africa is a fabulous holiday destination for all, from active and adventurous to simply relaxing and chilling-out. If you haven´t tried it yet, it´s well worth the effort!

Overnight accommodation varies from the budget to the high end. On safari, you can opt for a basic chalet where you cook your own food for the evening, to luxury tents that again transport you to a bygone era of the old colonial style (whilst all modern comforts are discreetly maintained!)

For the very adventurous, you can even book an evening to (sleep?) with the lions & tigers, at the Drakenstein Lion Park, near Cape Town. This Sanctuary for captive born predators is located about 45 minutes outside Cape Town. You can overnight in a an en-suite tent located in the middle of two very large, circular, high and electrified fences, whilst the animals are free to roam on the other side. Dinner is provided by the camp hosts, who then retire for the evening, leaving you alone for an unforgettable night, watching the lions shake themselves awake as the sun goes down, roaring throughout the night, watching you watching them! This experience is not for the faint hearted, the lions´ roar vibrates throughout your body, however for a truly African Experience, it is almost impossible to improve upon!

Drakenstein Lion Park

Contact Worldwide Horizons on 0034 966 761492 or email them on travel@whtravel.es for some amazing itineraries and options.

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life&leis ure #food /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Fresh Tuna with Red Pepper Relish FRESH TUNA is a solid, almost meaty, fish and although it is full of beneficial omega-3 oils, it can taste a bit bland or dry.

The secret is not to overcook it and, in this case, to add a little piquancy without overpowering the flavour of the fish.

4 fresh tuna steaks. ½ a red pepper, cut into tiny dice. ½ a small onion, finely chopped.

1 tomato, roughly chopped.

A pinch of dried chilli flakes (optional).

2 tbls balsamic vinegar.

Olive oil for frying.

1. Make the relish. In a small saucepan, gently sweat the pepper and onion with a good slug of olive oil until they start to

soften (4-5 minutes). Add the tomato and chilli flakes and continue to heat, stirring continuously for a further 5 minutes until the tomato becomes mushy. Increase the heat and add the balsamic vinegar, boiling for 1 minute. The relish is now ready and can be set aside until the fish is cooked.

2. Heat a little olive oil in a non-stick frying pan until it just begins to smoke. Add the tuna steaks and cook for no more than 2-3 minutes on each side. They should still be a little pink in the middle. Lift the steaks onto serving plates and spoon over the warmed relish. Serve with a tossed green salad.

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life&leisure #avertising feature



International Family Bar

THE INTERNATIONAL Family Bar is a family friendly bar in the San Jaime area of Moraira, popular with both locals and tourists THE INTERNATIONAL Family Bar, now under new management, is a cosy bar serving a great selection of draught and bottled beers, wines and spirits, as well as soft drinks and ice-creams for the little ones.

The bar offers a great meeting place for friends and families alike with its large open sunny terrace, pool room, darts board and bouncy castle for your children. The International Family Bar has weekly live entertainment and good food served daily. Come and enjoy the fun with the friendly locals at the International Family Bar today, and enjoy their hospitality.

Find us on Avenida de San Jaime ( just off of the Moraira-Calpe Coastal road opposite Pepe La Sal) or call us on 616 388 943

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life&leisure #Spanish

Basic Spanish for everyday needs

by Jane Cronin



Past simple: -ar verbs WE ARE learning about the past simple tense for a while.

SOME PEOPLE know this tense as the “past historic” and others as the “preterite”.

In Spanish it is called the “pretérito indefinido”, but why we should ever need to know that I’m not sure. When I’m in the mood I call it the “done and dusted” tense. It’s up to you what you call it!

Let’s look at a few more verbs in this tense so that we get used to what they look like and what they mean. For example “hablar”. Remember that the first thing to do is find the root of the verb by removing the two-letter ending from the infinitive.

Hablé - I spoke Hablaste - you spoke Habló - he / she spoke Hablamos - we spoke Hablasteis - you spoke (plu) Hablaron - they spoke We’ll do one more which happens to illustrate two more things I want to say – jugar Jugué - I played Jugaste - You played

Jugó - He / she played Jugamos - We played Jugasteis - You played (plu) Jugaron - They played What I want to say about this is firstly – notice the spelling of the first person form. This is another example of a very common phenomenon in Spanish, where the spelling of a word changes to reflect a regular sound. The “u” here is not pronounced as it is there to preserve the hard “g” sound before the letter “e”. The other thing to notice is that even though this verb is root-changing in the present tense, it is not so in the past tense. In fact none of those root-changing rules which took us so long to get to grips with have any relevance at all in the past tense, they were all for the present tense only. I know – I agree.

Well, it’s not very practical to write out more and more verbs in this way but you can definitely have a go at some for yourselves. Here is a small selection of verbs which do exactly the same as the one above in the past tense – ayudar, buscar, cambiar, cocinar, comprar, escuchar, firmar, limpiar, pagar, pensar, soñar, trabajar, viajar. Two of these verbs have to make spelling changes in the first person singular to reflect their regular sound. See if you can work them out without looking them up in a grammar book. Have fun!

Christmas fair at Laguna Ribs THE LAGUNA Ribs in Javea is holding a Christmas fair tomorrow, Saturday 5th December, to raise funds for charity.

The day will be packed full of entertainment, including a dance display, name the teddy, Christmas carols, mince pies, a baking competition and, of course, Father Christmas will be in attendance for all those present requests.

Debbie, owner of Laguna Ribs, said “we have had a great response with over 25 stalls booked and we want to raise as much money as possible for Make a Smile, Javea Cancer Care and ASAPA charities.”

The event starts at 2pm and will be opened by the mayor of Javea.

Laguna Ribs is situated on Calle Canne 1, Javea, next to Karting Javea.

Crossword Solutions for Last Week CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Starboard; 8 Odd; 9 Come to light; 11 Deluded; 12 Often; 13 Medusa; 15 Delete; 17 Cache; 18 Tear out; 20 Illdisposed; 22 Coo; 23 Retreated.

Down: 2 Too; 3 Bated; 4 Allude; 5 Dogrose; 6 Go to the dogs; 7 Adornment; 10 Malediction; 11 Democracy; 14 Stellar; 16 Strict; 19 Apple; 21 Eve. QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Energetic; 8 Awe; 9 Teetotaller; 11 Precede; 12 Extra; 13 August; 15 Stroke; 17 Miner; 18 Parapet; 20 Intercourse; 22 Ire; 23 Hollyhock.

Down: 2 Nee; 3 Grove; 4 Trader; 5 Collect; 6 Paratrooper; 7 Permanent; 10 Emergencies; 11 Pragmatic; 14 Stretch; 16 Spiral; 19 Roomy; 21 Sec.

Suduko Answer

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life&leisure #animals



Facts and myths explained: The Shark

OVER THE coming months I would like to take you on a journey and introduce to you one of this planets most misunderstood creatures… The Shark.

by GIL FINNIGAN WHEN PEOPLE hear the word ‘shark’, fear is the first thing that crosses the mind. Sharks are not the mindless killing machines that people make them out to be.

For years people have feared and slaughtered sharks because of the bad rap they have received from Hollywood, but these beliefs are not justified.

Wetsuits and surfboards used by surfers are mistaken by sharks as the thick, rubbery, skin of seals, which are their main diet. Once a shark bites a surfer, it almost immediately lets go because it does not taste like its favourite meal.

Sharks should be treated with respect, as should all earth’s creatures. The only way for future generations to learn to appreciate these majestic creatures (instead of fear them) is through education. This can be accomplished through programmes which highlight the good points about sharks, instead of the myths surrounding them.

Another way is to make ocean research available - everyone should have the chance to learn the truth about sharks. In the parts of the ocean where sharks have been fished out of existence, we can see the dangerous result of removing the top predator from an ecosystem.

Sharks are actually the most important part of the eco system; Sharks feed on the old and sick to keep a balance. If they don’t exist the balance is broken, fish and coral reefs die out, and then eventually it affects the land.

SHARK OF THE MONTH: THE TIGER SHARK The tiger shark commonly attains a length of 3.25–4.25

Rescued mare put to sleep

AN ABANDONED old mare, Dolores, has passed away peacefully.

Dolores, about 30 years old, arrived at the rescue centre in 2013, with pneumonia, painfully rotten teeth, and traumatised after being tied to the back of a van and forced to run behind it.

Dolores had been left with a Spanish farm-worker, who could not afford to feed her, and, unfortunately, did not realise the cruelty of making a horse run behind a van. “We could never give up on her after everything she had survived,” said rescue centre co-founder Sue Weeding.

Dolores was given a range of specialist treatment to manage her poor lung condition. A specialist horse nebuliser helped her breathe more easily and an air conditioner helped her cope with the stifling Spanish heat.

“She was really starting to struggle, so we made the heartbreaking decision to put her to sleep on November 9th,” Sue said. “Everyone loved her and she was very spoilt. We feel happy to have given her a few good years of love and kindness.”

The Centre relies entirely on donations to fund its animal welfare work. Donations of cash or items for the centre’s eight charity shops are gratefully welcomed. A pick-up and delivery service is available for large items. To make a donation, become a long-term sponsor, or volunteer, call Sue on 652 02 19 80. The Centre, just outside Rojales, at Partido Lo Garriga, 59, opens to the public on the first Sunday of every month between 1pm and 4pm. Free horse tours run throughout the afternoon and refreshments are available in the café. For more details, and directions, see www.easyhorsecare.net.

Bluebell & Willow THE POINTER Sisters: BLUEBELL & WILLOW Pure Breed Pointers, born 1.6.14 They are both dazzling, real little cuties´.

Gentle, Loving Beautiful girls, very social with other dogs. Can be re-homed separately - Microchip - vaccinations. info@doggieangells.org. 96 587 8284

m (10 ft 8 in–13 ft 11 in) and weighs around 385–635 kg (849–1,400 lb). Sometimes, an exceptionally large male tiger shark can grow up to 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in). Females are larger, and exceptionally big ones can reportedly measure over 5 m (16 ft). Even larger specimens have been reported, but are unconfirmed.

Its teeth are specialized to slice through flesh, bone, and other tough substances such as turtle shells. Like most sharks, its teeth are continually replaced by rows of new teeth.

The tiger shark is an apex predator and has a reputation for eating anything. Young tiger sharks are found to prey largely on small fish, as well as various small jellyfish, cephalopods, and other molluscs. Around the time they attain 2.3 m (7.5 ft), or near sexual maturity, their prey selection expands considerably, and much larger animals become regular prey. The tiger shark also eats other sharks as well as rays, and will sometimes even eat other tiger sharks.

Between 1959 and 2000, 4,668 tiger sharks were culled in an effort to protect the tourism industry. These efforts, despite damaging the shark population, were shown to be ineffective in decreasing the number of interactions between humans and tiger sharks. South African shark behaviourist and shark diver Mark Addison demonstrated divers could interact and dive with them outside of a shark cage.

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life&leisure health

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Hepatitis C (The Silent Epidemic) Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus which affects the liver.

It can cause inflammation, scarring and even cirrhosis of the liver. Liver cirrhosis can increases the risk of developing liver cancer and liver failure.

The incubation period can be from 2 weeks to 6 months.

The problem with having Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is that you will not necessarily know you have it. The symptoms can be vague and often common to all of us. Symptoms include tiredness, insomnia, depression, skin problems, abdominal pain and digestive problems.

Approximately 20%-30% of people who have contracted HCV will have symptoms. We know 20% of people with HCV will fight the virus and clear it within the first 6 months of contracting it. Unfortunately for the remaining 80% it will become a chronic condition. Chronic HCV infection is often asymptomatic and the virus may be present for years. Unfortunately these people will have liver damage ranging from mild to severe.

HCV is a tough resilient virus that can survive outside the body in very small droplets of blood. If in room temperature it can remain infectious from 16 hours to 4 days on surfaces. In a confined container like a syringe, it can survive up to 4 weeks.

Blood has the highest concentration of the virus thus a small trace of blood may have enough virus in it to cause infection.

Sharing intravenous drug equipment is especially high risk behaviour. Before we all think it is only drug addicts at risk, we need to understand other areas of risk where it can be contracted.

Less common ways to have contracted HCV

Infected mother to baby before or during birth Unprotected sexual intercourse with someone who has HCV (low risk) Medical and dental treatment in high risk countries where unsterile equipment may be used Tattoo, piercings, acupuncture, electrolysis and semi permanent make up where unsterile equipment may be used Sharing razors, toothbrushes that may have been contaminated with blood from a HCV positive person Who should get tested?

People who have injected illegal drugs even if only on one occasion years ago People who have received blood transfusions or blood products in the UK before July 1991 People who received blood products in the UK before 1986 People with HIV

Healthcare workers after needlestick injuries with known HCV positive blood Patients with symptoms of liver disease eg. abnormal liver enzyme tests Children born to HCV positive mums The test for HCV is a blood test. Early, prompt diagnosis improves prognosis.

HCV is treatable. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to protect us against it (unlike Hepatitis B).

Treatment can take from 6 months to a year. Different medications are used some injectable and some orally. The medication encourages an immune response to fight the virus. An anti viral will also be used to stop the virus replicating.

There are side effects, some people being affected and some not. Lifestyle changes have to be made and alcohol intake at least reduced, preferably stopped completely.

Article supplied by Carmel O`Toole, Sexual Health Nurse at Family Medical Centre, Albir. Please call 96 686 5072 for more information or to make an appointment.

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life&leisure ask Sara ////////////////////////////////////

by Sara

Bell

Life Coach

WITH A background in family and matrimonial mediation, Life Coach Sara Bell helps Readers with their daily worries. If you are having difficulties with relationships, family, work or any other aspect of your life, then help is at hand.

I can’t cope anymore I am caring for my elderly father, who is suffering from mobility and senility problems.

He is getting worse, and I am finding the strain is affecting my health. I have given up work to look after him. I am also going through the menopause, and I am suffering from depression, anxiety and panic attacks. I am also not sleeping and cry all the time. My marriage and family are suffering because I cannot be there. My husband is understanding, but the cracks are showing, and I hardly ever spend time with my children. I don’t know how much longer I can cope.

This situation cannot continue. You must start putting yourself first otherwise you could end up with serious mental health problems, which will be hard to recover from. If your father’s condition is that bad, you may have to consider getting him professional care, either in a care home, or bringing in help in the home. Talk things over with your GP and your husband. I am sure you father would not have wanted you to sacrifice your life for him.

Could I have done more?

My 49 year old father died recently from an alcohol related illness. He was a chronic alcoholic for all of his adult life.

My brother, mother and myself were on the receiving end of his drunken outbursts, and life was pretty miserable, so I tended to close myself off. Now he is gone, I find myself feeling very guilty that I didn’t do more to prevent his decline. I now feel remorseful and am blaming myself.

A parents role is to put their child on the

right road, not the other way around.

You must not feel bad about not having done more to help your father. He chose to drink for whatever reason, and it led to his death. However, you are naturally going through one of the stages of grief, and this is quite natural when a family member passes away. There are always regrets. Talking through your feelings with a trained Counsellor will help you. It would also help your brother and mother to seek help, so you can all come to terms with your feelings, and move on.

Write to Sara in confidence. A pseudonym will be used if you wish. Sara reads all letters and can give a personal reply. Email your question to agonyaunt@roundtownnews.com or Sara is available for private consultations, telephone 650 054 467.

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life&leisure #people



Help Specsavers to Help Charity this Christmas

THROUGHOUT DECEMBER, all five Specsavers Opticas stores on the Costa Blanca are taking part in a Christmas charity appeal to provide food, clothing and gifts to children and families who may otherwise go without.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Manager, José Ángel Moral-Tajadura tells us “Supporting charitable causes this Christmas is important to us with many families on the Costa Blanca feeling the effects of the recession, not to mention children in care who need our help to have a happy Christmas. Our stores are passionate about their chosen charities and are all doing their bit to encourage donations.”

Specsavers Opticas in Calpe are collecting presents and donations for The Friends of the Children of EMAUS, a completely voluntary group of individuals, based in the Northern Costa Blanca, whose purpose is to raise muchneeded funds for the children in the EMAUS children’s shelters. Presents will be given to the Children of EMAUS spending this Christmas in care and the stores are urging locals to

donate new, unwrapped toys, board games, gifts and clothes. Carole Saunders from the charity says “People needn’t spend much, even something simple such as a woolly hat or some colouring books would make lovely gifts for the children of EMAUS.” Specsavers in Javea are raising money for MABS Cancer Charity.

Donations of non-perishable food and children’s toys would be greatly appreciated at Specsavers Opticas in Guardamar, Torrevieja and Benidorm where they are collecting on behalf of the Spanish Red Cross. The Red Cross is a humanitarian organization with the principle objectives of providing aid for victims of disasters, those with social issues, health problems and environmental causes, as well as supporting those in need closer to home.

Please help us put the smile back on a child’s face this Christmas by making a gift or food donation, or helping with the fundraising at Specsavers Opticas stores on the Costa Blanca. All donated gifts will then be collected by the various charities and delivered to local families for this Christmas and Three Kings.

To find your nearest Specsavers store to make a donation, visit www.specsavers.es

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Carol singing in Jalon Carols in JALON VALLEY HELP present ‘Carols in the Square’ in Jalon on Friday 11th December at 7.30pm and plan to get everyone in a festive spirit.

by JACK TROUGHTON The singing will be led by the U3A Vall del Pop Casual Choir and everyone is invited to Placa Mayor to sign their favourite carols and get in the mood for Christmas.

Youngsters from local schools in the Jalon Valley will join the fun and bring toys for less fortunate children and small gifts for the elderly – and will also perform some Spanish carols to entertain the crowd.

Father Christmas and an Elf helper will be present and there will be drinks and seasonal nibbles for everyone.

Torrevieja THE UNITED English Speaking Churches of Torrevieja are staging their annual Carol Service on Wednesday 9th December at 7pm.

It takes place at the Torrevieja Christian Fellowship in Avenida de Las Cortes Valencianas 68 and features the Phoenix Concert Band.

Everyone is welcome to attend and a collection will be held on behalf of Contra Cancer.

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life&leisure people



U3A Dénia quiz night 70 MEMBERS of U3A Dénia enjoyed a great quiz night on Friday 27th November.

The quizmasters ‘Gordon’s Gin’ produced a brilliant fun quiz based on Law and Order.

Prior to the commencement of the quiz the quiz goers enjoyed a fantastic 3 course meal at the Restaurant Polígono in Dénia.

The quiz nights are always held on the 4th Friday of the month so, for a fun night out with like-minded people go along when they start again in January 2016. Annual mem-

bership of the U3A Dénia is only 6€ which includes over 34 activity groups, including day trips and holidays, needlework, art, photography and many others. You can also enjoy the monthly members’ meetings in the main hall of the Casa de Cultura, Dénia, with an interesting guest speaker.

If you are interested then please contact membership@u3adenia.org to receive details of how to join or go along to the membership meeting on Thursday 21st January 2016.

Benidorm Intercambio Group THE INTERCAMBIO group, organised by HELP International Benidorm, enjoyed its annual end of year lunch at Oasis, La Nucia, last Saturday, 28th November.

The group meets on Wednesdays, In La Torreta Social Centre and the Social Centre near Altea, Garganes tram station, on Mondays and Fridays. All meetings start between 4.30pm and 5pm and new members are very welcome.

The purpose of the group is to practice and improve conversational skills for those who have a basic knowledge of the languages. Further information is available from Geoff Rose at geoff_rose@yahoo.com.

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life&leisure #people 

Oh boy...it’s Annie!

SUGAR AND spice made for all things nice with Footlight’s production of the hit musical ‘Annie’ – a real winter warmer.

by JACK TROUGHTON

THE SHOW blended the spicy cuteness of the orphanage youngsters plus the cuddle factor of golden Labrador Buster starring as stray ‘Sandy’ to make a real success at Calpe.

Add into the mix the completely over the top performances by both good and bad guys meant that Footlights produced a real winner.

The story is set during the US of A’s great depression but the real gloom of the age – before Roosevelt’s New Deal – was gilded over by the foot-tapping production numbers.

Jade Gray made a real impression as the lead – sprung from hard times at the orphanage to taste luxury at billionaire Oliver Warbucks’ mansion during the Christmas holidays; and finally to treasure a new family there.

It was a confident performance from Jade who charms everyone in the story and in real time, out front in the audience.

Her colleagues from the home also all put in a good shift, extra cute liberally sprinkled on by little Georgia Wood who kept energetically acting throughout.

The Warbucks’ good guys were excellent. Led by Matt King, as the great man himself, his secretary Grace (Jackie Stafford), it included a downstairs team behind barbed Butler Drake (Hayden Cooper).

The show was choreographed by Giovanni Wallis – who also made an absolutely wonderful and wicked Miss Hannigan, orphanage chief and social climber.

And she was joined ‘baddie’ side by scheming brother ‘Rooster’ Hannigan – a tremendous piece of acting from Luke Marriott – and his current squeeze Lily (Annette Hodge).

Naturally in Annie’s new world crime does not pay and just desserts were handed out all round to bring a happy ending and send everyone home with a smile. A big ‘well done’ to the whole Footlights cast and crew for producing such an enjoyable night out.

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life&leisure charity



Lions hold Christmas Fayre MABS’ Sue Reula thanks guests

Joyful Gospel sell out

by JEANETTE RICE

THE JOYFUL Gospel and Soul Choir performed in two amazing concerts at the weekend, the first being a sell out and the second with just a few seats to spare.

The choir presented to their audience “Building Bridges” at the Dutch Church in Benidorm on the Friday evening where tickets had become premium and another concert on the Sunday was arranged in Villajoyosa so that no one was disappointed.

Both shows had a great atmosphere and there was a lovely balance the first night between the Torrevieja choir, PURE, and Joy-

ful Gospel, with some lovely solos and leads.

One such singer was Richard who sang a gospel blues solo, backed by the choir on the final chorus.

The second show saw one of the newer sopranos, Turid, sing solo lead in the titular song, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and the PURE Christmas acapella medleys were a big success, beautiful to listen to.

Nicky Chapman, collecting tickets for the evening, said “I was invited together with another three friends to help out at the Dutch Church by taking tickets and ushering people to their seats. The choir sang some

wonderful songs in Dutch, English & Spanish.

My favourite of all time was Hallelujah. A guest choir from Torrevieja also joined in by singing some joyous hymns, much to the audience’s delight.”

The choir will next be performing concerts at Ciudad Patricia in Benidorm on 15th December and an open evangelical Christmas Carol concert at Mas le Pau, also in Benidorm, on 20th December.

Further details can be found by contacting the Joyful Choir on their Facebook page Joyful Gospel Costablanca, via email info@joygospel.nl or by calling 673 01 86 06.

CALPE AND Benissa Lions stage a Christmas Fayre at the Lions shop in Calpe on Friday 11th December between 10am and 1pm.

Visitors to the shop in Calle Pintor Sorolla will enjoy a mince pie and glass of mulled wine and have the chance to browse the special Christmas stall and look around the shop.

The Costa Barber Singers will also be appearing to entertain everyone with a special Christmas repertoire.

And anyone interested in joining the Lions and helping at events or working in the shop can find out more by calling President Bob Sydney on 636 695 569 or Vice President Keith Littlewood on 657 684 094.

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life&leisure #people 

Shaving for MABS

by CAROLINE TYSZKA

WINNIES BAR in La Cala was turned into a barbers’ shop on Monday as customers gathered to help raise funds for MABS. Kevin Noble, owner of Winnies, held a fundraiser for MABS Cancer Charity Support Group and in memory of his Grandad who recently lost his five year battle with cancer.

Customers eagerly gathered to witness Kevin, who had been growing a beard for the month of November, being shaved with a cut-throat razor whilst Wayne Edward Bellamy-Wright sat by his side having his chest shaved.

Wayne, aka Miss Levi, was generously given donations from Foleys Bar, Hepburns, Val Bloom and Linda and Tom totalling 40€ so, true to form, he topped this up to make 50€.

The generosity didn’t stop there as all Kevin’s tips for

the month and the staff tips for the day were donated to the funds.

Scott Kirton and Jules Mac, both qualified hairdressers, donated their time for free and offered haircuts for a 5€ donation to MABS. All this, combined with the generosity of local businesses and customers for an amazing array of raffle prizes, meant that, on the day, 602.65€ was raised.

One customer, Steve Hill, had been growing a moustache for November “Movember” and also took to the barber’s chair to receive the cut-throat treatment.

Kevin said “I decided to hold this event in honour of my Grandad, Brian Holdsworth, I wanted to raise much needed funds for MABS and I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone.”

Kevin and Scott

Christmas quiz success TOUGH QUESTIONS had 70 members of U3A Vall del Pop scratching their heads at the Christmas Quiz Night at Pepe’s Restaurant in Alcalali.

Quiz master Peter Tomlin and assistant Anna Cameron successfully set out some brain teasers with questions about Christmas, food and drink, music and general knowledge.

Guests enjoyed a supper at the restaurant – and a visit from Santa Claus who handed everyone gold coins; the chocolate variety!

The winning team was ‘Pam’s People’; Pam and Malcolm Brooks, Jacqui Kennard and Gordon Clifford all received a bottle of wine as a prize.

Not the Sound of Music

THE GOLDEN anniversary of the hit musical Sound of Music was celebrated in Javea U3A’s annual Christmas Extravaganza but the hilarious spoof was far from the demure Julie Andrews original.

Staged at the town’s Parador Hotel, and directed by Sally Wells – assisted by Katrina Frost and Jackie Heaton – this was a non-politically correct comedy featuring the Von Crapp family.

A capacity audience enjoyed a show already heralded as “one of the best yet”; and also featured performances by the Costa Blanca Male voice Choir and Javea U3A’s guitar group.

Anyone interested in joining the fun at U3A can find more information at www.u3ajavea.org.

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Head shaving for cancer

by CAROLINE TYSZKA CUSTOMERS FROM a bar in La Cala who wanted to support a friend with cancer held a charity head-shaving event to raise funds for the AECC cancer organisation.

The Kafectje Bar in La Cala became a hairdressers earlier in November as some of the customers bared their scalps in the name of charity.

Frank, one of the regulars, came up with the idea of raising funds for AECC after being inspired by a very close friend who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.

Frank said “we just wanted to show that we were thinking of our friend and this was a practical way of helping.”

Frank, along with Philip, the bar owner, and another customer, Baz, sat in front of a packed crowd to say goodbye to their hair. Sponsors cheered as the shavers worked on each of the men with Frank being given half a Mohican.

The evening raised 1,250€ but the organisers had not quite finished as Frank, with his friends, went into the Benidorm British fiesta day to complete the task.

The Wooky Hollow One then became the second venue for the head shave as hundreds watched and donated money to see Frank have the second part of his scalp revealed to the public, raising a further 635€.

On Monday the total 1,885€ was presented to Pamela Dawson Tasker from the AECC, who expressed her gratitude on behalf of the cancer association.

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Tim Saunders Independent unbiased car reviewer



Volvo V40 D3 R-Design

LASER RADAR: It sounds like something from a sci-fi thriller but we’re actually talking about technology fitted to Volvo cars, those traditionally staid and dull vehicles, favoured by the ‘flat cap brigade’.

Today’s hip and trendy Volvos are anything but and are packed with sophisticated technology that keeps the brand at the forefront of car design and manufacture. Its laser radar systems are a key ingredient.

I’m testing the V40 D3 R-Design, a performance five door hatchback. And

it’s fitted with an intelligent yet simple to operate cruise control. As you might expect this keeps the car travelling at the desired speed but unlike most systems it also measures the distance of the car in front. This ensures that it keeps the Volvo at a safe distance behind. It does this by automatically braking and accelerating thanks to the information relayed by its clever laser radar. This distance can be changed from reasonably close to quite far away depending on driving conditions.

In theory this is a valuable tool that should mean that the driver can relax. Not so though. My test takes place in torrential downpours and high winds and I discover that the radar is not infallible. This becomes particularly noticeable while at 70mph round a bend on a dual carriageway. The Volvo is in the outside lane but on approaching the bend there is a car on the inside and the radar picks this up and brakes abruptly despite

there being no cars in front of me. This annoys me and I cancel the function.

On another occasion we are on a straight road and high winds cause a flashing red warning bar on the driver’s side of the dashboard to light up – accompanied by a really loud beep - for absolutely no reason whatsoever. My sleeping children wake up. High side winds seem to completely throw the radar and despite there being no traffic in front the Volvo brakes sharply from 70mph to 50mph.

That said this cruise control is quite impressive when you bear in mind that it can be set at say 50mph and if a sharp incline appears the resulting gear change does not cancel out the cruise control. Often this is the case in many other vehicles.

Another safety feature is the Blind Spot Information System. There’s a little light on the inside of the wing mirror that glows red whenever a vehicle appears in the blind spot.

This is useful because the design is prone to blind spots especially at the rear making it a little awkward to reverse but there are helpful sensors fitted that bleep to alert the driver of nearby obstacles.

FACTS AT A GLANCE: Volvo V40 D3 R-Design New price: 38,243€ 0-60mph: 9.1 secs Top speed: 130mph

Economy: 65.7mpg Fuel capacity: 60 litres Watch the video at www. testdrives.biz

Advanced motorist Tim Saunders is the former Business and Motoring Editor of the Bournemouth Daily Echo. His regular test reports appear in numerous newspapers, magazines and websites throughout the UK, Ireland and Gibraltar. For more independent unbiased car reviews and videos visit www.testdrives.biz

VEHICULOS OCASIÓN SECOND HAND CARS

Come and do a free Winter che (all makes of cars)

2015 CITROEN DS3 1.2 PureTech Desire, 82cv, 0 km, dark grey

16.400€ JDZ

2011 HYUNDAI i30 1.6 CRDi Confort, Automatico, 29.000km

11.000€ HHF

2009 CITROEN C4 PICASSO 2.0 HDi, 135cv, CMP EXCLUSIVE, 85.030km, silver

10.500€ GMW

2008 KIA PICANTO 1.1i, 39.000km, silver

4.600€ GJV

2008 TATA SAFARI 2.2, Diesel, 140cv, 118.000 km, black(P)

3.000€ GGV

2006 TOYOTA YARIS 1.3 vti sol, 87cv, 109100km, silver(P)

5.250€ FCZ

2006 FORD KA 1.3i, 87.500km, silver(P)

2.000€ FHV

2004 KIA SORENTO 2.5 CRDi, 137.439km, silver

4.900€ CSW

2003 CITROEN XSARA 1.6i Automatico ,114.700km, Blue silver

2.500€ CHK

2003 CITROEN C5 2.0i 16v Exclusive, Automatico, 187.350km, Red

3.200€ HJW

2002 CITROEN C3 1.4i SX Plus 160.600 km, silver

3.000€ CBY

2000 MCC SMART 0.6 Gasolina 55cv, 125.300km, yellow color(P)

1.800€ FHP

2000 OPEL ZAFIRA A 1.9 Gasolina, 7seats, 222.613km, Blue color

2.000€ HFC

ENGLISH REGISTRATION CARS 2000 JAGUAR 4.0 PETROL S-TYPE V8, AUTOMATIC, 90,000km, SILVER

3.000 €

ck for

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life&leis re #people u 

Angels go to the ball SINGLE PARENT support group Guardian Angels staged a successful Masked Ball at the Denia Marriott Hotel raising more 3,345 euros for the charity.

by JACK TROUGHTON MORE THAN 200 of the Angels’ helpers and supporters enjoyed a night of food, music and dancing at the charity’s second fund raising ball.

Entertainment was provided by saxophonist Frank Abrams and the party band Allerton Road, while the photo

booth provided by Photopod Spain insured people had unusual pictures to remember the night.

Further details of Guardian Angels and how the charity helps single parents can be found at the website www. guardian-angels.es. New members and volunteers are always welcomed.

Guests have a ball

Christmas bonanza

JALON VALLEY HELP is celebrating its most successful Christmas Bazaar to date after collecting more than 5,000€ for charity coffers.

People packed into the Pensionistas Hall and Library in Jalon to enjoy a bumper festive event packed with entertainment and stalls. And charity President Elaine Horton admitted being amazed at the result and thanked her volunteers for their hard work in getting the event ready – and the people who turned out to support it. She added: “We couldn’t do it without all of you.”

Anyone wanting to join the team can call 659 624 643 for more information or visit www.jalonvalleyhelp.com

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Alfaz Fantasy Football League

by PATRICIA THOMPSON THE WINTER weather brought good news for all our Fantasy League Managers with a total of 31 goals,5 clean sheets,34 yellow cards and 1 red one.

Wimbledon fan Wayne saw his team, Arthur’s Wombles, hold on to the top spot of the Fantasy League despite only managing 9 points. Joe’s team, Keith Lard F.C., closed the gap on the leaders to only 5 points, whilst Scott’s team, Dog Dale, moved into 3rd place replacing Paul’s Elite Kitchen, Swinton. At the foot of the table Lyn’s Handbrake City still trails Alison’s Foxywise by 22 points.

Super Rhys’ reign at the top of the U.K.T.V. Spain Junior League is over as Nathan’s Tyrannosuarez-Rex F.C. have taken a slender 3 point advantage. Leo’s Powerblue Boys leapt up 4 places to 3rd with 35 points. At the other end, Bradley’s team, Hero to Zero, are now a massive 90 points adrift of Marcus’s Salford Sausages.

In the Mark Carter Ladies Section Joanna’s Hup Hannah City are still at the top with a 2 point lead over Maxine’s Plaistow13hammers. Gil’s Eastlanders won this month’s 20€ voucher sponsored by QUICK SAVE Supermarket in Albir, 4 points ahead of Karen’s Tricky Trees.

Joanna’s Hup Hannah City increased their lead at the top of the Leonard Knowles Construction Golden Boot League to 22 points over Joe’s Keith Lard F.C. Johnny’s Rockets have shot up to 3rd place and are just 3 points in front of Pearson’s Smashers. Shelley’s Funsize Hammers are still at the bottom, 2 points away from Foxywise.

Kelvin’s team, Republic of Ashton, top scored this week with

46 points, whilst the lowest score went to Mike’s team, The Camels, who scored a minus 3. Both teams will go into the Premier Imports monthly draw for a case of cava.

Manager of the Month for November has been generously sponsored by the EVEREST top Restaurant in Albir who provide an excellent Indian Cuisine as well as other tasty dishes. This month’s lucky winner is Dave’s team, Loosen my Sterling, who outscored Scott’s team, Dog Dale, by 8 points to win this fabulous meal for 2.

Big Sams Army won this week’s breakfast meal for 2 at Rafters, sponsored by Kate, after moving up 76 places to No 170.

The Draw for the RTN K.O. Cup Competition 3rd Round is now on the website www.alfazffl.com. There are 4 Junior Managers through and 10 Lady Managers. The present leaders, Arthur’s Wombles, take on George’s Booker Boys who are in 26th position. Tie of the round is between Ged’s team, Grandkids Eleven, against Scott’s Dog Dale, as both teams are in the top ten. The lowest team still in the competition is Mark’s No Bad Loser, in 285th spot, who will take on Chris’s Flying Swans, who are in 143rd position.

With a third of the season gone, and the Christmas fixtures on the horizon, it’s important to keep an eye on how your team performs in the coming weeks by logging on to the website or popping into one of the bars which display the league tables and results on their notice boards; in Albir The Local & Wyndhams, in Benidorm Union Jack, in Moraira Barilloche, and in Alfaz Robins Nest.

U3A Moraira Teulada - Walking football Christmas & new year WALKING FOOTBALL will continue throughout the Christmas period.

Many are back in the U.K., but there are sufficient numbers who want to carry on playing, including on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, so the pitch has been booked for Thursday and will be for every Thursday at 10.30am until June next year.

There’s a warm and friendly spirit growing in the group, almost ‘family’ like. Just to prove a point, new member Dickie was chatting with ‘old boy’ Chris Cooper after Thursday’s game. As they exchanged background history, they found that they shared the same Aunty! As children they had played with each other on family visits. Over 50 years later, they meet again, kicking a ball in Spain.

Pego Golf Society “Singles Stableford Competition”

ON TUESDAY, at Oliva Nova golf course,.

47 players, including 5 guests, played a Singles Stableford, and the guest prize was won by a young lady called Susan Sage, from the USA. The “Singles Stableford” winners were, in Division 1, 1st David O’Connor, with 34 points playing off 15.0, 2nd Bill Pike,with 34 points playing off 16.4, 3rd Martin Gates, with 34 points playing off 6.0, and 4th Jean Taylor, with 34 points playing off 17.6: in Division 2, 1st Stella Fox, with 39 points playing off 18.1, 2nd Peter Brown, with 38 points playing off 30.4, 3rd Patrick Lynch, with 36 points playing off 22.7, and 4th Alan Simpson, with 31 Points playing off 22.9.

There were six 2’s from Jean Taylor, Martin Gates, Peter Rapley, Stella Fox,

Ian Campbell and Roger Miller. “Balls in the Water” was won by Simon Fox ( 103 balls). “Nearest The Pin” at hole No 5 with his second shot was Richard Fox at 2.92 metres, and at hole No 16, the winning shot was played by Jean Taylor with 1.10 metres.

Finally, in the final of the match-play competition, Paul Trigwell defeated John Evans by 7 and 5, so many congratulations to the new match play Champion Paul Trigwell.

Next week they are playing the 3 club Turkey Trot to win a great big fat turkey, but they are only allowed to use 3 clubs plus a putter. Please enter through the website www.pegogolfsociety.com or send an e-mail to Donna Green at pegohandicapsec@gmail.com.

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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Classifieds

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Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2) email: classifieds@roundtownnews.com

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

K9, PET ONLY TRANSPORTATION We only use fully fitted out ex police vehicles to transport your pet. DEFRA Registered, Fully legal.Specialist in Animal only Transportation.

Owners welcome to travel with there pets k9transportation@hotmail.com UK: (00)442380 668 000 SPAIN: 671 797 151 PET TRAVEL UK Family pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pets for free. All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www.pettraveluk.co.uk. Removals also arranged in other vehicles.

Tel UK 0800 612 4922 or Spain 960 130 537 IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A DOG OR PUPPY please join our Facebook group. We have many dogs, large, small, scruffs and pedigree! Just go

to Facebook and search Costa Blanca Dog Homing. Even if you cannot offer a home, rescues are always needing foster homes, and just sharing the dog posts really helps us to help them.

on 966730569 or Brian on 678807159. Looking forward to meeting you.

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY Own your own lingerie, clothing and swimwear boutique. Prices from 10,000 Euros including stock and shop fittings. Full help and support given throughout.

Established company with over 10 years trading in Spain. Call Peter on 660 170 355 without obligation.

DOG SITTING HOME FROM HOME Secure garden,Costa Blanca North 637 160 545 STRICTLY SOCIAL CLUB Why not come and join us for an afternoon of entertainment, fun, quizzes and games. We also have speakers, and arrange meals out and coach outings. We meet on the top floor at The New Asturias Restaurant, Punta Prima between 2.30 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each Month. Open to all age-groups.

For more info call Margaret

LA BAMBA’S BALLROOM / LATIN / ARGENTINE TANGO / SEQUENCE DANCING. Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar CV895 ( near Lemon Tree Sunday Market ) MONDAY- Social Dance 8.30pm - 10.30pm ( Sequence Class 7.30pm - 8.30pm ) FRIDAYSocial Dance 7.30pm - 10.30pm WEDNESDAY- New beginners class ( new beginners welcome every Wednesday ) 2pm - 3pm Intermediate class 3pm - 4pm Intermediate plus class 4pm - 5pm Call: Andrea Murphy (0034) 616 478 157 TAPPY TOES DANCE CLASS FOR BABIES from 18 months, at 4kwatro in Albir, 11am, call Louise on 655 781 068 for more information.

LADIES DANCEFIT WITH L.A DANCE at 4kwatro in Albir, Mondays at 7.30pm, call Louise on 655 781 068 for more information

Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

RECORDS AND CDS WANTED Pop,Rock,Jazz,Blues.Top Cash Paid. 630 665 363 I BUY RECORDS LP´S SINGLES AND CD´s ANY STYLE, JAZZ, BLUES, POP, PUNK, ROCK, ETC... TOP CASH PAID. 622 750 117

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Friday, December 4 - Thursday, December 10 2015

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life&leisure sports

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Rugby La Vila LAST SATURDAY, the first team travelled to Barcelona to play against Barcelona University Club (BUC), winning 31-10.

by PATRICIA THOMPSON It was a hard game, but, by half time, La Vila were ahead 14-10. The second team lost at home against Castellón 2617. The Under 18s beat Cau Valencia 26-25 at home, but the under16s lost at home 65-45 to Cau Valencia. The Alicante Women’s team drew 5 all with the Murcia team.

Next Sunday the first team will play at home against another Barcelona team, Quimics, at 12.30pm. Before the game there will be live music from British duo Pet & Nig. Tickets will be, as usual, 5€ for adults and free for under12s. If you want to join the players for the after-match meal, paella and a drink for 5€, book your ticket at the bar.

The shop will be selling the new Rugby La Vila hoodie for 25€, and RLV are also selling national lottery tickets for Christmas.

The number is 43828, and tickets are 23€, on sale at the bar La Vila Rugby Club is situated at Carretera El Pantano, Villajoyosa. Just take the motorway AP-7 exit 66 (Villajoyosa). At the first roundabout head for the mountain. It is about 1 km from the Motorway exit 66. Alternatively, take the Villajoyosa by-pass, and take the middle exit, at the first roundabout bear right towards the motorway entrance and at the second roundabout bear left towards the mountain. If you are interested in joining La Vila contact Jason Craig on 659 67 47 68 or Ignacio Davila 608 06 82 08 or email oficina@rugbylavila.net.

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Desert swansong

THE FORMULA 1 season drew to a close under the floodlights of the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

by ALAN PALMER Whilst there was plenty of action down the field, the front end was its predictable Mercedes demonstration.

Qualifying produced a few upsets, especially when Sebastian Vettel failed to progress beyond Q1 after he lifted off in his Ferrari, thinking he had done enough to go through, and ended up in 16th spot when he was found to be 12 hundredths of a second short of the time required. Fernando Alonso also experienced problems, but at least, this time, it was only a late, rear puncture, for which his car or engine cannot be blamed.

Despite fiddling with the balance of his car, Lewis Hamilton was unable to stop Nico Rosberg claiming his sixth pole on the trot, with Kimi Raikonnen showing what the Ferraris should be doing by taking a strong third, Sergio Perez, in another storming session, putting the Force India into fourth, followed by Ricciardo (Red Bull), Bottas (Williams), Hulkenberg (FI), Massa (W), Kvyat (RB), and Carlos Sainz’s Torro Rosso rounding out the top ten.

Everyone was expecting fireworks from the two Finnish drivers, Raikonnen and Bottas, who were fighting for fourth place in the championship, with Bottas ahead by just one point, especially after their recent on-track altercations, but into the first corner the fun started further back, when Alonso

Benitachell Bowls Club

collected Pastor Maldonado’s Lotus, putting the Venezuelan out of the race, and earning Fernando an early stop for a new nose, followed by a drive-through penalty for causing a collision, a penalty he fiercely protested later, claiming he had had a shove from behind by Felipe Nasr’s Sauber.

The Super-soft tyres were not expected to last very long, and many of the cars came in to change to the harder compound from lap six. Williams called Valtteri Bottas in on lap 9, but released him just as Jenson Button was bringing his Maclaren into the next pit. The inevitable coming-together saw Valtteri lose his nose, and having to serve a 5 second penalty, for an unsafe release, when he came in to change it.

Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel, starting on the harder tyres, had made his way up to second, behind Nico Rosberg, but Lewis Hamilton soon reclaimed the position after changing rubber on lap 14. He then set about reducing the nearly 6 second gap to Rosberg, and had it down to less than 2 seconds when Nico made his second stop.

There then followed the most bizarre piece of team strategy.

It was first agreed that Lewis would go for an extended stint, as Nico was nearly 19 seconds behind. Lewis then asked his race engineer if he could go to end on his existing tyres and by how much he would have to slow down, only to be told that that was definitely not a viable option. By now his lead

BBC Saturday Winter Rinks THE BBC Winter Rinks sponsored by Prudential International and Direkt Optik saw “New Mavericks” win, giving them the lead in the table over Gt Expectations by one point, with Doggett Coat & Badge in third place on a shot difference from two other teams.

Northern League The BBC Jaguars were at home to Finca Guila Swallows, and won on

was down to just 12 seconds, and on lap 41 he was called in for fresh rubber, but instead of putting him back on the Super-softs which would have given him a chance to close the gap to Nico, he was sent out on another set of the same harder compound.

Despite the fact that his tyres were 10 laps fresher, the gap proved impossible to close, and Nico Rosberg won his third consecutive GP, and his sixth of the season. Lewis was second, and Kimi Raikonnen brought his Ferrari home in third, ahead of team mate Sebastian Vettel in a very creditable fourth. Sergio Perez was fifth ahead of his team mate Nico Hulkenberg, and they were separated by Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull. Felipe Massa brought his Williams into eighth, Romain Grosjean, in his last race for Lotus before moving to the new Haas team, came home ninth, and Daniil Kvyat, in the other Red Bull, claimed the last point.

Mercedes set another record for twelve one/twos in a season, and everyone has now gone off for a well deserved rest, allowing the brainy technical guys and girls at the factories to do their winter thing, ahead of testing at Barcelona in February.

RTN will keep you appraised of any major news during the winter, and we will see you Down Under for the first GP of 2016 on March 20th.

three rinks, and, with a shot difference of 6, took the match 8 points to 2. Club rivals BBC Tigers, against the Lions, had another tight match with just 3 shots separating the two teams, but the Lions came away with 8 points to 2, with the Tigers taking the Challenger League match.

Playing away to the top team, San Luis Orcas, the Winter League Team come close with only a 7 shot difference but lost 9 points to 3.

For a full update and further information about forthcoming games and results, please see www.benitachellbowlsclub.com

Torrevieja Masters Swimming Team

LAST WEEKEND Torrevieja Masters Swimming Team got their new season off to a flying start. For their first regional competition in the Municipal Pool, Elda, the team clocked up many new personal best times and had a good mixed relay result.

The team of six each swam a maximum of two events, with the 200m freestyle women’s event first. Both Beth Altabas and Vicki Connolly achieved new season best times, beating last year’s records. Adam Stewart, Yuriy Lymar and Rafael Borders Alonso then followed in the same manner in their 200m freestyle event, with Adam knocking a massive 6 seconds off his previous time. This was followed shortly after

by Adam’s 50m butterfly which gained one of his best times, and Yuriy and Vicki’s 50m freestyle races, which both clocked up good times, placing them 4th and 2nd against all the day’s swimmers. Lucy Stewart also excelled herself in her 50m freestyle event, with a much improved stroke, and a new personal best time.

Lastly, Rafael swam the 100m breaststoke and Beth the 1500m freestyle event. Continuing in the team’s winning spirit, Rafael knocked 4 seconds off his personal best time and Beth matched a time swam two years ago. To end the day the team swam the 4x50m medley relay in the 160yrs plus category. With ages amassing nearer the 200yrs mark the team did well to earn 2nd place with good times for all swimmers.

The team are now working towards the Spanish Winter National Competition at the end of January 2016 in Gijón, Asturias, as well as two of the team members taking part in Valencia Regional Long Distance 3km Championships on the 13th December 2015 in the 50m pool Elche.

The club is always keen to invite new members and interested persons should contact Rosa 665 45 41 26 or Vicki 669 63 70 15 (English contact) or by email on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.com.

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Desert swansong THE FORMULA 1 season drew to a close under the floodlights of the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

Continued on page 87.