RTN North Edition 843

Your English Newspaper

#NorthEdition843 January

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RTN backs Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle show 2016 (EL CAMPELLO - VALENCIA)

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

RTN HAS joined Blu Telecoms in backing the Spring Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show coming to the Denia Marriott Hotel in the New Year to make a weekend to remember. See page 18

A CANINE CHRISTMAS CAROL

by JACK TROUGHTON

ANIMAL LOVER Gillian Beynon has teamed up with her “perfect gentleman” – handsome podenco Andy – for a perfect Christmas together on the Costa Blanca.

The friendly and affectionate Spanish hunting dog has been given a ´forever home´ at Gillian´s villa near Jesus Pobre, and joins the rest of her canine family – Gracie, George and Amy. And just like in the Dickens’ stories of Christmas, Gillian´s is a tale of redemption after a horrific incident two years ago. Podencos are now forgiven.

In December 2013 a pack of dogs ran riot in her garden, killing Chico, a small dog she was looking after for friends and seriously injuring two of her own pets.

Retired school teacher Gillian said three podencos killed Chico almost immediately but with a “blood lust” set on Gracie and Amy and only the swift and heroic intervention of her gardener saved the pets.

The story made front page headlines in RTN as Gillian – who said her pets were “exceptionally valuable to me, both emotionally and as company” – described the dogs as “trained killers”. Turn to page 7.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

From the Editor’s desk...

Hola!

CHRISTMAS IS almost upon us and here at RTN towers we like to get people in the mood with a tale with a true happy ending – a story of forgiveness that will make everyone a little warmer inside with a little ‘central heating for readers’ factor.

Everyone must now be aware of the ‘puppy is not just for Christmas’ slogan because too many animals are bought on a whim and just as quickly become excess baggage – ask anyone who works as a volunteer in the many animal charities on the Costa Blanca.

After witnessing an attack on her own pets by hunting dogs running wild, animal lover Gillian Beynon was left traumatised and speaking out against the iconic Spanish podenco. Two years later after learning how these frequently mistreated dogs can make ideal pets; she has now forgiven the breed and welcomed Andy into her home.

It certainly makes a peaceful and charming story as we move towards the end of the year – if only the whole of the world could taste such goodwill this festive season.

And there’s something new this week.

Welcome to # RTN 60…a little taste of what’s to come in the paper. Apparently, this is making good use of new technology and involves a journalist without a typewriter. Now there’s progress.

Enjoy the read, JT GOT A STORY?

Call Jack Troughton, 661 403 016, for Costa Blanca North Keith Nicol, 609 417 385, for Costa Blanca South & Ian Askew, 628 580 367 for Costa Calida

TO AIR YOUR VIEWS Letters on any subject are welcomed by the Editor for publication and must arrive by 12 noon on Monday for consideration for the following Friday’s edition. Priority will be

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Just what the doctor ordered

by JACK TROUGHTON TEAMWORK BETWEEN a British charity and a village community has successfully renovated the doctor’s surgery in Castell de Castells – where previously conditions were described as “pretty awful”.

Jalon Valley HELP and ‘key’ players in the village came up with a unique alliance to renovate the centre with a joint project.

And the final part of the plan is a fund raising Christmas Market on Saturday 19th December between 11am and 4pm when Castells will open its doors and welcome the general public for a celebration.

Last summer HELP learnt that the surgery needed attention; there were broken windows, poor decoration, and inappropriate furniture for a largely elderly population. Further, the building was boiling hot in summer and freezing cold in winter.

The charity offered to pay for air conditioning and heating provided the town hall carried out repairs and redecoration – and the local school and other associations were to stage a fundraiser to raise the money to furnish the premises.

RESPONSE RTN was told the response was “enthusiastic” and the work has been completed. All that remains is getting the cash to furnish the surgery and everyone is optimistic the market will provide the money.

Everyone is invited to Castells on 19th December to enjoy the market in Plaza Mayor. The celebration includes paella and a drink for 5€ at lunchtime and show performed by local children in the afternoon. The museum and the church will also be open to visitors and the local band will be playing.

HELP President Elaine Horton said the British Consulate encouraged voluntary organisations to work with Spanish institutions.

She said she had invited a representative of the consulate team to attend and see the results of cooperation between the charity and the village in improving services for the whole community.

“I realise the staff of the Consulate are incredibly busy,” she added. “But it would be such a wonderful acknowledgment of all the people who have worked to bring this together and underline the importance of such initiatives.”

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Spanish royals to visit UK

King Felipe and Queen Letizia

by JACK TROUGHTON KING FELIPE VI and Queen Letizia of Spain are to visit the UK in March next year cementing the close royal and historic ties between the two countries.

They will stay at Windsor Castle during the visit – their Majesties first State Visit to Britain - scheduled for 8th to 10th march 2016.

And British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley has welcomed the news. “The British government is delighted that Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain have accepted the invitation from Her Majesty the Queen.

“This State Visit will celebrate not only the long and deep royal and historic ties between our two countries, but also out strong relationship as partners in the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations.

“We enjoy close connections in terms of culture, trade,

investment, security and defence. This is an opportunity to celebrate and deepen those links.”

The last State Visits were in the eighties. King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia travelled to the UK in 1986 and HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Spain in 1988.

However, there have also been a number of formal visits between the two royal families.

In 2002, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia attended the annual Order of the Garter ceremony at St George’s chapel, Windsor Castle, and attended a dinner given by the Queen and the duke of Edinburgh.

And in 2011, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall made an official three day visit to Spain hosted by the then Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia – and a few weeks later Queen Sofia, Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia were guests at the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

The British and Spanish Royal Families are directly related after the marriage of Alfonso III of Spain to Princess Victoria Eugenia – known as Ena – the grand-daughter of Queen Victoria. She is the great-grandmother of King Felipe.

#NEWSBITES

HIGHER ROAD DEATHS

THE HOLIDAY weekend saw more Spanish road deaths than last year with 23 deaths caused by accidents.

The long holiday weekend, which ended on Tuesday, recorded an increase in road deaths which included 4 motorcyclists. This brings the yearly total to 1,066.

The local organisation N332 (a Facebook page run by police officers) reported that on Saturday three people had been seriously injured on the N332 between El Campello and Villajoyosa when four motorcycles and a car were involved in a collision. Emergency services attending the scene took some time to clear the area of debris from the road which caused traffic to back up.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Emmerdale actress dies aged 74 ACTRESS SHIRLEY Stelfox, who famously played Edna Birch in Emmerdale, has died aged 74.

The actress, well known for her rôle as Edna in the soap Emmerdale, and also as Rose in Keeping Up Appearances, passed away peacefully, following a short battle with cancer, with her daughter Helena by her side.

Tributes flooded in when the news broke, with ITV executive producer, John Whiston, saying “the family here at Emmerdale are deeply saddened by Shirley’s passing. It is hard to imagine the village without her.”

The RADA trained actress was known for her vicious temper but also for having a good heart, having had a successful career in the theatre and playing opposite John Hurt in the movie adaptation of George Orwell’s novel 1984. She also starred alongside Julie Walters in Personal Services.

New Benidorm series announced IT’S OFFICIAL – ITV have announced that the new Benidorm series will be aired the week beginning 11th January 2016.

For viewers who have been waiting for the latest series of Benidorm, ITV have announced that series 8 will hit the screens in the New Year.

There are plenty of old faces as well as some new ones, including the Dawson family consisting of Julie Graham, Steve Edge, Bobby Knutt, Josh Bolt and Honor Kneafsey.

TV favourite Julie Graham (Doc Martin, The Bletchley Circle) will be playing the rôle of Sheron, while Steve Edge (Phoenix Nights) takes on the part of Eddie, with the pair heading up the Dawson clan.

In series 7, viewers said goodbye to the Garvey family, leaving the way open for a new group to take over.

Sheila Reid, who plays Madge, makes a return to the show with another household name, Shane Richie being spotted in the resort during filming.

Sherrie Hewson, who plays the Solana manageress Joyce Temple-Savage, said, before filming series 8, “I’m always excited when I read the new scripts and every single time they get better and better. Series 8 had us laughing all the way through. It’s the best ever!”

She went on to say “the buzz is enormous when the cast is in town. Holidaymakers come and join in with us! The place is full of people, just like in the series. There are Kenneth’s, Joyce Temple-Savages, Mateo’s and Lesley’s – and they all dress like us too. So, if we’re out for a night, we’ll see ‘us’ coming at ‘us’ if you know what I mean.”

Tiger Aspects Productions, who produce the programme and are renowned for making good quality comedy and drama, were recently nominated in the Broadcast Awards for “best independent production company”, “best single drama” and “best original programme”. Winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony on 10th February 2016 at Grosvenor House, London.

The Dawson Family

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Charity helps save lives

by JACK TROUGHTON

ESSENTIAL KIT donated by the Roundabout Charity Shop to lifeguard teams patrolling Javea beaches helped save lives this summer.

The charity donated essential radios and other equipment to Javea Red Cross which mounts a watch on five of the resort’s beaches.

And ‘Cruz Roja’ has thanked the charity for again supporting the lifeguards with vital equipment helping to keep the beaches safe.

Jose Luis Domenach, President of the Red Cross in Javea, said: “The donation was invaluable to the lives that have been saved this year – the Javea community owes them a lot.”

This year teams dealt with 4,743 incidents at lifeguard stations – some casualties needing hospital treatment.

The lifeguards are fully trained to be on the lookout for problems and to make an immediate response. As a result they rescued 72 people in 55 ‘missions’ and also helped 19 boats needing assistance. Most of the rescues were outside the monitored zones patrolled by the teams.

The Red Cross believes to increase safety, trained lifeguards are needed on the beaches ready to spot dangers as they develop; it means accidents can be prevented and there is an instant response ready should they occur – the charity believes that 95% of a good lifeguard’s work is preventative.

The Red Cross lifeguard team

Providing information for the UK and Spain since 1998

www.UKandSpain.com

#NEWS BITES

SAMARITANS IN SPAIN BOARD MEMBER WENDY JUNG DIES

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Murder trial given go-ahead

IT IS with great sadness that Samaritans in Spain have annouced that their much valued and long-serving volunteer and Board Member Wendy Jung died in UK on 26th November.

Having retired to the Torrevieja area, Wendy was one of the original Listeners, travelling up to Benissa to do a duty, in 2007, and became a Leader in 2009. Two years later she became Branch Director of Villamartín, took over as Operations Sub-group Leader and then talks Co-ordinator in 2012. She joined the Board of Trustees in 2012 as Secretary, playing a big part in helping to set up the centre at Punta Prima and was also a Trainer from 2013. She was considered a lovely friend by fellow volunteers, had a tremendous personality and she will be greatly missed by everyone. Wendy leaves behind her husband Martin and family in UK to whom Samaritans in Spain convey their deepest condolences.

Need to Talk? Call Samaritans on Freephone 900 52 51 00.

Lines are always open. www.samaritansinspain.com.

The couple in happier days

A MODEL who shot her British millionaire ex-lover, and claimed self-defence, will now go on trial for murder.

Mayka Kukucova says she shot Andrew Bush last year in self-defence, but will now stand trial accused of his murder which happened at his Costa del Sol mansion.

The model, who had fled Spain and was then extradited from her native Slovakia, told investigating police that she had shot Mr Bush, aged 48, during a struggle in which he fired a shot at her and missed.

Kukucova, who has been held in prison in Spain since May last year, has been told she faces a jail sentence of up to 25 years, if convicted of Mr Bush’s murder.

This week, it has emerged that the judge investigating the April 5, 2014 killing had sided with prosecutors who accuse her of deliberately ending Mr Bush’s life by charging her with murder.

The Bristol-based businessman was shot after turning up at his mansion with new girlfriend Maria Korotaeva, as Mayka waited inside. Prosecutor José Antonio Nieblas submitted a seven page document to the judge, stating “the accused, moved by the unmistakable desire to end Andrew Bush’s life, and at a certain point in a row they were having, made a sudden and unexpected use of the .38 special-model Amadeo Rossi revolver that she was carrying. She shot Andrew Bush three times, the first shot hitting him in the arm and the other two in the head.”

The defence lawyer plans to argue in court that Kukcova committed no crime and should be acquitted, insisting she should be exonerated on the grounds she acted out of self-defence.

Continued from front page AND SHE called for action against people who allowed hunting dogs to run wild or let them to roam free for exercise. She said the incident left her both traumatised and horrified at what she had witnessed.

However, dog lovers immediately sprang to the defence of the Spanish hunting breed and under a headline ‘Pet a Podenco’ saying they were highly intelligent and made wonderful pets.

They appreciated the Gillian´s ordeal and blamed “human animals” unscrupulous huntsmen for neglecting and abandoning their dogs.

Gillian said she felt so guilty after reading about podencos as pets, once she was able to put the incident behind her she was determined to make amends. “I was very sad because I thought I had brought the whole breed down.”

She contacted APASA, the Javea animal charity, and said she was interested in adopting a “quiet” podenco. She was introduced at Andy, who had been at the shelter for three years and the pair are now inseparable.

“Everything the people said about podencos in the ´Pet a Podenco´article I have found to be true and a lot more besides,” said Gillian.

“He really is adorable. He is so polite, he never walks through a door in front of me without permission but stands back and waits for permission – if you could find a man like that you would really be on the winning side.”

She added: “He is intelligent and a little bit shy but he has totally fitted in with the family and is totally none aggressive with the three little ones.”

Andy was described as a “free spirit” and a “wonderful asset” in her life. “He was abandoned; he was one of 14 podencos packed into a hunter´s kennel until he was rescued.”

Gillian added: “Andy has been a real hit with all my friends and family. The breed is quite unusual in their looks but after time you see just how elegant they are.”

She said APASA had about 60 of the breed at the shelter – other charities also have podencos looking for homes. “I would recommend that anyone thinking about adopting a dog to think about a podenco.

“It think my story is a real seasonal tale and heart-warming at a time of peace and good will. Andy and I would like to wish all RTN readers a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Cancer Care donates 20,000€

by JACK TROUGHTON

VOLUNTEERS FROM Cancer Care Javea travelled to La Fe Hospital in Valencia to donate 20,000€ to the children’s cancer research department.

The charity has supported the Paediatric Oncology Research Department for several years and donations have reached around the 200,000€ mark - helping support the fight against children’s cancers.

The cheque was presented to Director General Jose Vincente Castell Ripoll and Dr Adela Caneta – who also guided the visitors around the research department and laboratories, explaining the technology that will help develop treatments for future patients.

And Cancer Care’s Maggie Mackenzie told RTN: “This money is given for research into children’s cancers by the team led by Jose Vincente Castell Ripoll and Adela Caneta.

“Earlier in the year we visited the hospital to give a donation that was to be used specifically for the children who were patients. However, this was the first time we made such a specific donation.

“All the money in the past has been given to the research department. We don’t expect our money to buy these up to date machines – but we know the team needs money for the incremental items that support the technology; including swabs, liquids, data personnel and cells.”

NEWS BITES DAMAGED WATER PIPES REPAIRED BENIDORM TOWN council has repaired two drinking water pipes which were damaged during the heavy rains.

Hidraqua, the water concessionaire for Benidorm, has been working with the town hall to repair two major pipes which carry drinking water to thousands of properties and that had become damaged during the heavy rainfall in September and October. With an investment budget of more than 57,000€ it is hoped that the quick replacement of the pipes will prevent further damage to other parts of the water system in an ongoing project that will see further improvements made.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Sara is new Vice Consul

SARA MUNSTERHJELM has been appointed the new Vice Consul in the British Consulate in Alicante where she has worked for six years.

The British Embassy announced the appointment, with Sara replacing Lloyd Milen, who has taken the position of Consul-General for north-east Spain and the Balearic Islands, based in Barcelona.

Sara’s experience in assisting vulnerable British nationals and previously with the Department of Health team, also based in Alicante, have already given her an insight into the challenge of the role.

She said: “I am really excited about the opportunity to take a lead in the support we offer British nationals in this area of Spain.

“My experience means I have a good understanding of the needs of residents and tourists, and I am looking forward to working with the local Spanish authorities and the voluntary sector to insure Brits can access the support and information they need.”

Sara has lived in Alicante with her family for nine years and moved to Spain shortly after completing a degree in Spanish and German at Manchester University.

And Sarah-Jane Morris, Consul for Alicante and Madrid, said: “I’m very pleased that Sara is taking over as Vice Consul in Alicante. Her experience puts her in a great position to make sure we continue to offer a high quality service to all our customers.”

Alicante is one of the busiest British consulates in the world and covers Alicante, Valencia, Castellon, Murcia and Albacete. The region has 120,000 British people registered on the ‘padron’ and receives more than two million British visitors a year.

In 1014-15, the consulate handled almost 450 deaths, detentions and hospitalisations, as well as the team helping with more than 1,200 cases of lost and stolen passports.

Dubbing set to end for Spanish TV THE SPANISH government has announced plans to ban dubbing on foreign television programmes to help with English language skills.

Spain’s Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, is seeking to improve the nation’s English skills by showing programmes in their natural language and increasing the number of nativespeaking English teachers in the classrooms.

Spaniards fall behind the rest of the EU with their English language skills and even the prime minister struggles with his language skills which are particularly important when making overseas visits.

The majority of foreign films and TV series are aired in Spain with dubbing by local

actors which, it is argued, has hindered the natural learning of the English language and changed the interpretation of some famous scenes in films.

In Casablanca, for example, the main character who fought against fascism in Spain had censors dubbing and leaving out political comments.

In Portugal, dubbing was banned in 1948, and replaced with subtitles, which has led to a new generation of Portuguese with a high level of the English language.

The move to stop dubbing has been welcomed by the acting community who have felt for a long time that not hearing the actors’ natural voice affected viewers’ interpretation of the emotions and storylines.

Sara Munsterhjelm

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Are you registered on the Padrón? by caroline tyszka TOWN HALLS are reminding long term visitors and residents to make sure that they have registered with them to enable better services to be provided.

Following the announcement of the new SATE office in Benidorm, residents in the region, and particularly in Benidorm, are being reminded that they need to be registered on the Padrón in they live in Spain for more than 180 days of the year.

This is a legal requirement in Spain, although many expats seem to be unaware of this, or think that they are exempt from registering.

The Empadronamiento, also known as the Padrón Municipal de Habitantes, is a municipal register, or census record, similar to an electoral roll.

The Town Hall holds this list, and it is a way for them to know how many people live within their area of jurisdiction. The information provided during ‘Empadronarse’ – the act of registering – is confidential and protected by data protection laws.

The Padrón is a main source of income for the towns to provide health centres, police officers, street cleaners and hospitals and is directly related to the number registered.

A good example of how improvements can be made is that Benidorm currently has 69,000 residents registered, although actual figures are estimated to be far higher, and therefore less money has to serve more people.

Benidorm is urging those not registered to do so in a bid to meet a target of 75,000 which will see an approximate 2 million euros more per year in the Benidorm coffers to help fund additional policing and other vital services.

The advantages for those who are “official” are also a

good reason to register, as there are certain income-related benefits, and social care, that residents may be entitled to, as well as the discounted holidays that the senior community receive.

Registering is easy. Simply pop along to your local town hall with your NIE number or passport number, and proof of where you live (using a utility bill or rent book) and the staff are more than happy to help you complete a simple form.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Children too weak to hold pencils

by CAROLINE TYSZKA A HEADTEACHER at a primary school in Ilford, Greater London, has expressed grave concerns about young children’s ability to hold a pencil because of technology.

Bob Drew, headteacher at Grearies Primary School in London, has said that children’s upper arm strength has diminished and they are now unable to even hold a pencil properly.

Referring to children as young as four or five Mr Drew blamed the use of mobile phones and tablet computers for his pupils’ inability to hold a pencil properly as the soft digital technology is used more and more.

The headteacher said “we have noticed very weak upper body strength, particularly in four and five year old boys, who no longer play outdoors on climbing frames or in trees. This has led to many pupils having spidery handwriting.”

The school has now installed an outdoor trail to encourage more physical activity. The trail, a bit like a boot camp, is designed to be fun as well as getting the upper arms moving and building up the muscles.

Mr Drew said “children today are physically weaker than previous generations, particularly the boys. Girls tend to be more sociable and do more arts and crafts so holding a pencil is not such a problem for them.”

Although the observations have only been noticed in the past couple of years, experts are now recommending screening children for basic physical problems at the age of five to prevent such issues becoming major barriers further down their educational development.

El Campello criminal family

Children learning to hold pencils

#NEWSBITES

ANCIENT TEMPLE UNEARTHED IN VILLAJOYOSA EXCAVATION WORKERS have found more remnants of an ancient temple in Villajoyosa whilst constructing a new apartment hotel.

Walls, that have been unearthed in Villajoyosa, are believed to be 2,300 years old and probably part of an Iberian settlement.

The ancient walls will be kept intact and plans are being made for them to be displayed in the entrance hall of the new tourist accommodation, with the objects being found moved to the Vialmuseu museum in the town so that they can be studied and stored.

GUARDIA CIVIL have arrested four members of one family that that they believe to have committed at least 125 crimes.

Officers for El Campello detained four men, aged between 40 and 45, from one family, whom they are charging with a variety of crimes, so far totalling in excess of 125 separate cases.

The list of crimes includes using over 40 stolen licence plates throughout the province to dodge security cameras, stealing fuel from petrol stations, house robberies, car theft and car-jackings’.

In an organised criminal group- the family worked through the towns of San Juan, El Campello, Alicante, Ibi, Sax and Novelda, replacing number plates on similar cars to avoid being detected when they committed the various crimes.

Guardia Civil officers are still investigating additional crimes that may be related to the same family, with two additional members, aged 76 and 69, being charged with aiding and abetting the others.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Moraira Teulada U3A

by CAROLINE TYSZKA OVER 200 MEMBERS attended the last Monthly General Meeting of the year on Monday 7th December and enjoyed the music of the U3A band whilst chatting to friends when not eating mince pies, shortcake biscuits, sweets and coffee before the meeting.

After the meeting, three separate readings by two members of the creative writing group were followed by a sketch performed by the drama group.

The venue for the Monthly

General Meeting on Monday 4th January 2016 is Salón de Banquettes, Avenida Mediterráneo, Teulada. The doors do not open until 9.30am in order for the committee to prepare the room. The formal meeting starts at 10:30am.

This will be the first opportunity for existing members to renew their membership. New members are welcome and can join from 9:30am until 10:30am. During that time, members will be able to join groups and also find out about travel and cultural events.

Once the meeting has started at 10:30am these desks will be closed. There will be no speaker at this meeting. For those who cannot manage this date, in addition to the monthly meetings on 1st February, and 7th March, three additional dates have been organised for members to renew their membership and for new members to join. These are Thursday 7th January, Thursday 21st January, and Thursday 18th February 2016, in the theatre at La Senieta, Moraira, between 10am and 12 noon.

The Drama Group

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Santas run for charity

by CAROLINE TYSZKA

THOUSANDS OF competitors dressed up for this year’s Santa Dash in Liverpool at the weekend.

The streets of Liverpool were packed to the brim at the weekend with Santas for the world’s biggest festive fun run, as the young and the old gathered together for the event, with many of the participants raising money for charity.

There were some very creative costumes with people even dressing their dogs up as Santas, along with a gold Santa and a Lego Santa.

One competitor, from Crosby, Peter Eaton, aged 39, had rushed back from Germany to take part in the fun race. Although Peter had suffered a stroke earlier in the year he completed the course and finished alongside Liverpool football legend Alan Kennedy.

Peter said “It was such an amazing rush to do the event, and the feeling of exhilaration to complete it. I found myself running at the same pace as Alan, and asked if he minded me going over the line with him. Like a true gent, he said yes.”

Another Santa, Brian Kempson, proposed to his girlfriend Leila Kelly whilst going round the course, and reported to friends afterwards that she had said yes.

Rivalry was put to one side for the run as Everton blue Santas ran alongside Liverpool red Santas.

santa run

Princess wears Spanish fashion

Princess Charlotte in the M&H outfit

#NEWSBITES

SPAIN SETS UP JIHADIST HOTLINE

SPAIN’S INTELLIGENCE agency has set up a hotline for callers to use to report suspected jihadists.

A hotline number that was set up for members of the public to call if they suspected people of being involved in jihadist activity has resulted in 29 suspects being investigated within the first 24 hours of the number being active.

An official said that “callers can anonymously report individuals and, of all the calls we received in the first 24 hours, 29 have been singled out for further investigation.”

Jorge Fernández Díaz, Spain’s Interior Minister, said “the campaign is intended to involve the whole of society in the fight against terrorism.”

a previous arrest

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHS of Princess Charlotte recently released to the world show the young royal sporting Spanish children’s fashion – suddenly a ‘must have’ for doting parents.

The little dress and jacket worn by the seven-month-old in the pictures taken by her mother were made by M&H, a small retailer with boutiques in Madrid, Valladolid, Seville and Valencia.

As a newborn Princess Charlotte was seen wearing a baby outfit handmade in San Sebastian and has now been dressed in more Iberian clothing.

In one of the photos, the young royal is captured playing with a stuffed dog by her mother – a toy that has long since sold out – and now it appears the same has happened to her latest outfit.

The boutique behind the design admitted it had been “inundated” with requests from around the world for the 30€ outfit since it was revealed as an M&H design but it only had 10m of the cloth left – enough for just 10 more.

And the manufacturer producing the material has since moved on to its summer and winter lines for 2016.

However, M&H believe it was the Duke and duchess of Cambridge’s Spanish nanny who may have bought the dress and jacket – or by one of her relatives.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Mount Etna erupts MOUNT ETNA erupted last week with a spectacular display of lava and volcanic ash.

In the early hours of Thursday morning the Mt Etna volcano in southern Italy produced one of its most violent eruptions for many decades as lava travelled 1km into the air and created a 3km ash plume. Lightning strikes, caused by the ash, lit up the sky as scientists had warned of increased activity in the volcano.

The eruption lasted less than an hour, but closed three airports as the lightning and ash meant it was too dangerous for anything to be in the sky.

It has been two years since the last eruption at Sicily’s tallest peak.

Journalists suspended for typo error WRITERS AT the Chinese state owned news agency have been suspended from their jobs following a typing error.

Four journalists, who work for the CNS (Chinese News Service), are in trouble following a report which said the Chinese president had resigned. The error occurred when Xi Jinping, China’s president, was attending a summit in Johannesburg, and CNS published a report quoting him as referring to his “resignation”. The writers had accidently mixed up the Mandarin words for “speech” (zhi ci) and “resignation” (ci zhi) and released the information to a number of media outlets before the mistake was spotted. According to the South China Morning Post, a number of CNS journalists have left their jobs over the error, including the agency’s South Africa bureau chief.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

RTN backs Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle show RTN HAS joined Blu Telecoms in backing the Spring Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show coming to the Denia Marriott Hotel in the New Year to make a weekend to remember.

Celebrity guests are already booked and exhibition stands are selling quickly for the 11th and 12th of March 2016 for a show determined to build on last year´s success as the best trade show on the Costa Blanca.

Visitors can enjoy the Blu Cocktail Cava Fountain, while RTN is bringing a memorable experience for everyone in the form of remarkable skills of street magician Yanni.

Taking a stand at the show at the hotel, at Jesus Pobre near Javea, is the ideal way of kick-starting an upturn in business for

2016. The Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show will boast even more feature concepts than ever before with some old favourites including ´The Costa’s Cook Off!´ and ´Art Gallery´; plus some brand new ones. Visitors can also enjoy our new Tapa Trail!

The attractions now booked so anyone planning to exhibit at the show should not delay and contact gina@gmpromotions.es or call 695 399 841 to reserve a place.

An exhibition, trade fair and show makes the ideal platform to promote a business, meet customers face to face, welcome existing and potential new clients while they discover the products and services on offer.

Every business category is welcome to come and stand to exhibit at the Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show and the organisers GM Promotions look forward to generating business for its clients.

With a track record of brining thousands of visitors over the two day to the show, plus the networking opportunities it creates, people would be as mad as a March hare not to be there!

Email, call or FB Homes Gardens and Lifestyle Show for your information pack and floor plans, the clock is already ticking. GM Promotions looks forward to hearing from businesses and assisting with bookings.

NEWS FLASH! Just two places remaining in the COSTA COOK OFF! Top restaurants with a talented chef are invited to participate in this popular cooking competition, a real spotlight for cooking talent – contact GM Promotions now!

NEWS BITES

Awards on Constitution Day BENIDORM held a special awards ceremony on Constitution Day to show its appreciation for the hard work that has been done by members of the local police force.

The annual and institutional event saw the Corporate Medal of the city go to the National Police Station deputy chief, Juan Carlos Hernandez Nuñez and the local police officer Manuel Guerrero Caicedo. Toni Pérez, Mayor of Benidorm, said “with the constitution, the Spanish people have been able to achieve levels of welfare, freedom and cohesion unthinkable 37 years ago. We must renew our commitment to the Spanish constitution.”

Preventative cancer treatment at Marina Baixa hospital THE MARINA Baixa hospital treats around 70 patients a year for Lymphedema following breast cancer. At the specialist centre Foietes, in Benidorm, under the umbrella of the Villajoyosa hospital, specialist doctors take preventative action to treat patients and their lymphatic systems following breast cancer treatment.

Dr. Pilara Marco, Chief of Rehabilitation for the Department of Health of the Marina Baixa, said “it is estimated that one in four women undergoing surgery for breast cancer will develop lymphedema in the next two years, so preventive measures are very important.” Lymphedema is a potential side effect of breast cancer surgery and radiation therapy that can appear in some people during the months or even years after treatment ends. Lymph is a thin, clear fluid that circulates throughout the body to remove wastes, bacteria, and other substances from tissues, so lymphedema occurs when too much lymph collects in any area of the body. If lymphedema develops in people who’ve been treated for breast cancer, it usually occurs in the arm and hand, but sometimes it affects the breast, underarm, chest, trunk, and/or back.

Surgery and radiation can cut off or damage some of the nodes and vessels through which lymph moves. Over time, the flow of lymph can overwhelm the remaining pathways, resulting in a backup of fluid into the body’s tissues.

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Christmas fun in Albir

NEWS BITES

by CAROLINE TYSZKA

TOWNS AROUND the region are stepping up their Christmas merriment this weekend with many turning on their festive lights and hosting seasonal events.

Alfaz del Pi and Albir are just two towns that have a very busy few weeks with the Christmas lights being switched on tonight, Friday 11th December, at 7pm.

Sunday 13th will see the annual Harley ride through Alfaz arriving at the sports pavilion at 11am. This event is rather special as all the riders are dressed as Santas.

On Monday 14th December there will be carol singing at the anchor area in Albir, starting at 3pm and then, on Saturday 19th December, the Casa de Cultura in Alfaz del Pi will be hosting a free nativity play and Christmas concert.

It is always worth checking with your local town hall websites for dates and times of any events which are often not published until the day before.

santa sleigh

PEGO GOLF SOCIETY’S “TURKEY TROT”

TUESDAY, ON the most lovely of mornings, we played a competition called Turkey Trot (3 Clubs and a Putter).

The winner was presented with 50€ voucher for a big fat Turkey from The British butcher at Tom’s Supermarket.

There were five guests and the winner of the guest prize was Barry Carter with 32 points playing off a handicap of 22. In the main competition for the “Big Bird” the winners were: Division 1 1st Feli Baybut with 39 points playing off 18 handicap, 2nd Paul Trigwell with 37 points playing off 26 handicap, 3rd Malcolm Wise with 36 points playing off 8 handicap, 4th Simon Fox with 33 points playing off 21 handicap. There were four two’s, by Mike Cuerden, Colin Foster, and two 2’s by Feli Baybut. “Balls in the Water” was won by Mike Cuerden who guessed there would be 119 Balls in the water.

“Nearest The Pin” at hole No 5 with her second shot one of the guests Susan Sage, with 1.51 metres, and at hole No 16, Kieran McLaughlin, with 2.32 metres.

Next Tuesday, at Oliva Nova, the society will have a Texas Scramble. To join as a guest, please enter through the website www.pegogolfsociety.com or send an e-mail to Donna Green at pegohandicapsec@gmail.com.

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Time travel through pictures

by JACK TROUGHTON

PHOTOGRAPHER JURGEN Schadeberg’s latest collection ‘Espana Then and Now’ is a fascinating focus on how much yet how little has changed in Spain over half a century.

The ‘then’ pictures whisk people back to Torremolinos and Malaga and the period 1969 to 1971 when the young photojournalist moved to Andalusia from London.

And now having moved permanently to Spain with his wife Claudia; Jurgen is still working as he approaches his 85th birthday and living just outside the mountain village of Barx, inland from Gandia.

The second part of the book, the ‘now’ photographs are set in the region, taken in around Barx, Gandia, and Valencia – Spain’s third largest city – between 2012 and 2015.

Both in black and white and colour, Jurgen’s photographs are a documentary of people, native Spanish, expats and tourists but also encompass the majesty of Spain itself; its culture and heritage.

Jurgen was born in Berlin in 1931 and as a teenager worked as an apprentice photographer for a German news agency in Berlin. In 1950 he emigrated to South Africa and became chief photographer for Drum Magazine – an antiestablishment publication – and recorded the pivotal moments of the struggles of Apartheid but also the jazz and social scene of the time. He also took iconic shots of Nelson Mandela before and after the former President’s imprisonment.

An award-winning photographer who has worked in Britain, Germany, France and Spain, last year he was awarded an honorary doctorate for his life work by the Valencia University Politecnica.

ARISTOCRACY “Torremolinos was very famous in the early sixties,” he remembered. “All the well known people used to go there and it had a certain reputation. There was an aristocracy of actors, performers, and certain royalty – they then switched to Marbella.

“By the time I went, it was the very beginning of package tours and tourists arriving from abroad. There was also an expat community made up of some real characters – many were drunk all the time.”

Jurgen photographed people at work and play. Fishermen pulling boats onto the beach and mending their nets were replaced by beach bars; the mule pulling a rubbish cart gave way to mechanisation.

Since making Spain his home, Jurgen is still able to take shots of age old traditions and fiestas in the tight knit community of Barx. “It is a very close community. Everyone knows everyone. There are about a 1,000 people in the village...they are all related.

“There is still a very strong family structure, which is very good. Sons and daughters still go to their mother’s house on a Sunday; they all sit around and enjoy a big meal.”

‘Espana Now and Then’ is available from Amazon UK, Amazon Spain and Amazon Germany, for 25€. To find out more about Jurgen and his work, visit www.jurgenschadeberg.com.

Flamenco

Paco’s wedding

The Verdiales festival, Malaga 1969

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Giving4Giving Christmas gifts

by CAROLINE TYSZKA THE GIVING4GIVING charity spent a morning at the Juguetilandia toy shop in Altea at the weekend buying gifts for children.

Gary, from GIVING4GIVING, spent Saturday morning at the toy shop in Altea buying toys for those children less fortunate at Christmas and, after careful selection, spent 1,000€ and filled six trollies with good quality games, dolls, cars, puzzles and cuddly toys.

Juguetilandia had various offers which meant that Gary

managed to buy almost 1,700€ worth of toys with his 1,000€ budget, and, although the row of trollies caused a bit of a queue in the store, shoppers were delighted to know that it was all for a good cause.

As the vehicle was loaded, stacked high with the toys, it was a tight squeeze to close the doors to the van but Gary was delighted with the quantity and quality that he had selected.

The GIVING4GIVING shop in La Nucia has now been open 3 years and 4 months and, following this shopping trip, has now

reached its 40,000€ total donated to local cancer charities.

The vast array of toys were given to the Red Cross on Monday. They will ensure that the toys are distributed to children in hospital and under-privileged children in the region.

Gary said “to celebrate reaching our 40,000€ target we will be having a 40 cent sale at both shops on selected items.”

The 40 cent sale will run from Saturday 12th December until Friday 1st January 2016. If you are interested in donating any items or could volunteer to work a few hours in one of the shops please call Gary on 603 137 697.

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Preparing your car for winter Winter weather in Spain can vary from year to year and snowfall on the south coast is unlikely. However, if your car is parked outside during the worst of the winter months, or you’re planning to visit the interior or venture north, there are some simple steps you can take to prepare your car for winter.

PROTECTING AGAINST ICE AND FROST Lights, heaters and wipers put high demands on the car battery and they have to work harder in colder weather. If your battery is over 5 years old it may be time to shop around for a replacement. Top up your windscreen wash with a more concentrated mix of antifreeze. Give locks and mechanisms a spray with WD40. Cleaning and waxing your car will give the bodywork a coat of protection against temperature extremes.

BEING PREPARED Make sure you have a phone charger in the car should you need to call for assistance. In the event you get stranded, there are some items that will make a difference; carry some blankets, a folding shovel, jump leads, tow-bar and tow rope. If colder weather is forecast, make sure you have a full tank of fuel, as you may need to keep the engine running to stay warm until help arrives. Check your insurance policy covers you for emergency breakdown and recovery. Línea Directa provides for Road Assistance in their car insurance policies. This ensures that you receive immediate assistance by phone 24 hours a day. Our breakdown service will endeavour to get your car back on the road as soon as possible or tow your vehicle to your local repairer of choice in Spain.

ROAD SAFETY During the winter, driving conditions can become challenging. Winter tyres or cold weather tyres mean shorter stopping distances, reduce aquaplaning and improve handling. If you haven’t changed to winter treads, road safety experts recommend 3mm of tyre depth as a minimum for winter driving.

Call now on: 902 123 148

WINTER DRIVING Breakdowns are more common in winter. The number of breakdowns can increase dramatically during extreme conditions. For safe trouble-free driving we recommend gentle manoeuvres, as stopping distances are ten times longer in snow and ice. To avoid wheel spin, pull away in second gear, easing your foot gently off the clutch. Maintain a constant speed where possible, if you need to break, then apply them gently and progressively. Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front. If you get stuck, straighten the steering and clear any excess build up of snow from the wheels. You can get additional grip by putting a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels. Once your car is moving, maintain a constant speed, avoiding rapid acceleration or deceleration and try not to stop until you reach firmer ground.

We hope the information provided in this article is of interest. If you would like to contact Línea Directa please call 902 123 148. More information on Línea Directa online at www.lineadirecta.com

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Chris’s Corner

by

Chris Ashley

Writer & Broadcaster

FOR A thick lad who stumbled at the first educational hurdle (the dread 11 plus) I consider myself blessed to have made a reasonable living out of radio and met a legend or three.

Legend number 1; Ian Dury, who I was warned,could be difficult and very caustic. He was the latter, but not with me, but certainly towards a number of his contemporaries like Lou Reed. Quote- “No I didn’t take to Lou, he had a pot belly and wore trainers. He was about as subversive as a packet of crisps.” On the punk revolution “The thing about it was that it let slightly ageing ugly rockers like me & Elvis Costello through the door when no one was looking.”

Legend number 2; Roy Orbison, who turned out to be a true grit Southern Gentleman. I asked him how he dealt with the death of his wife Claudette in a motorcycle accident and 2 years later the death of his 2 eldest sons in a house fire. “Work!” And work he did, I saw him at a Scampi in the Basket night club in the Midlands long after the hits dried up & before his resurgence with The Travelling Wilburys. Our chat wasn’t all about grief – The Big O regaled me with the dangers of socialising with Jerry Lee & Johnny Cash, the extraordinary rise of Elvis, and a lascivious story involving Little Richard, Buddy Holly & a Las Vegas showgirl. A tale not broadcast then or revealed now to you dear chaste reader. However if we are ever at a social soiree – I’ll spill.

Legend number 3; Another Roy- as in Kinnear. A strange choice?

Not really, Roy rubbed shoulders with true stars – Loren, Sellers, Connery, Heston, Beatles, and be still my beating heart – Raquel Welch. Similar to Peter Butterworth, just his gaffe-prone demeanour made you laugh. Unfortunately a certain Johnny Walker disrupted the interview, no not the DJ, the demon drink. We liberated a bottle and consumed the lot - finishing up roaring drunk along Brighton promenade singing ‘Three Wheels On My Wagon.’ My personal legends - because of their generosity, towards me,with their time & patience. Although no longer with us, Ian & Big O’s music is still played (www.bigfm.org) and recently I saw Roy K.(as a bungling jewel thief) in ‘Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo’ on telly (must get out more). A 40 year old past life & a whiskey hangover came back to haunt

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

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Hepburns Bar helping the Orphans by caroline Tyszka HEPBURN’S BAR in Albir is holding a charity event this weekend to help raise funds for the Gandía Orphanage.

The charity event, tomorrow, Saturday 12th December, at Hepburn’s bar in Albir, is a themed fancy dress evening based on “kids” and “old Skool” with many digging out their ties and gym knickers to relive years gone by.

The fun evening will be raising money for the children living at the El-Preventorio Orphanage, in Gandía, with games, snacks and a raffle planned to get people digging deep into their pockets.

Winnie Quantrell, one of the organisers, said “We hope as many people come as possible so that we can pay for a good Christmas shop or electricity bill and maybe buy a few gifts for the children at this special time of year.”

Nigel De-Ville, local artist, has donated one of his painting for the event and is a supporter of the orphanage which receives no state funding.

The evening starts at 7.30pm and is sure to be lively with hockey sticks and St Trinian’s uniforms along with a few Billy Bunter characters.

Further information is available on the bar’s Facebook page - Hepburns bar, Albir “THE PUB.”

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#letters 28

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

k #rtnemail of the wee

Slow as a tortoise

IT IS with deep concern that I write about the lack of provision of a proper ambulance service in Orihuela Costa.

Recently an unfortunate event occurred where a British man passed away while playing in a sports event. What is deeply concerning is the ambulance took forty minutes to arrive at the scene. Three people kept phoning the ambulance service to hurry up and come to take the man to hospital, but they did not come, and sadly the man passed away while onlookers waited and waited for the ambulance.

What sort of place are we living in? Thirty five thousand people live in Orihuela Costa and there is not a proper ambulance service.

We pay ever-increasing taxes, so where does our money go? We pay medical insurance and, if something were to happen, we are not assured an ambulance will show up. Forty minutes for an ambulance to come is how long it takes to drive to the airport. The ambulance service is as slow as a tortoise.

Lucy P. Playa Flamenca

Ambulance delays

RECENTLY THERE have been various comments in the local papers about the slow response rates for ambulances in Orihuela Costa.

Similar problems are being experienced by people living on the San Miguel urbanisation, El Galán. On Sunday 29th November, the 112 emergency number was used to summon an ambulance to Calle Huelva, El Galán, to attend Mrs Joyce Byne. The ambulance was called at quarter past 10 but didn’t arrive until nearly 11am. The ambulance drivers had no idea where El Galán was, and had spent over 15 minutes trying to find the road in the town of San Miguel.

They then admitted that it was only after they couldn’t find the street in the town that they had used their sat-nav! Even with this aid they failed to find the street and called for instructions. When they eventually arrived, they told us that we should have given the address as being in Blue Lagoon or Las Filipinas. We explained to them that the area was El Galán on maps and on our Padróns!

It is indefensible that ambulance drivers do not have adequate maps, sat-navs, or a central control station that can give them appropriate and correct directions. What is even more surprising is that the drivers admitted that they spent a fruitless 15 minutes travelling around San Miguel.

Unfortunately, Joyce was pronounced dead. However, any of our neighbours needing an ambulance in an emergency should not expect the ambulance drivers to have no idea of the geography of the area they serve.

Yours faithfully, Barry Buckingham

Good luck to HELP AT ONE time a friend and I were helpers at the Vega Baja Hospital. Like many of HELP we often presented a lifeline for many. I remember 15 years ago saving one couple £10,000. They had come to Spain with no health insurance; unbelievable but true. Good Luck to Help.

Marie Jenkins

Sausage, egg, bacon and La Marina

I SAT with some friends and neighbours having breakfast last week and, inevitably, the issue of La Marina arose. We were in complete agreement that more can and needs to be done on the urbanisation to improve safety and appearance. Like me, they were critical of the council’s perceived efforts. Our views are not uncommon, despite a comment that I am “on a one man crusade”. This is far from the truth, given the comments I have received personally, read in the papers, and seen on social media.

I note that a comparison has been made between La Marina and other urbanisations that apparently suffer far worse problems. As sorry as I am for them, I can only concern myself with La Marina, and the question still remains as to whether La Marina Urbanisation can be improved with the amount of SUMA collected from us. I still intend to pursue the issues with our council but will refrain from writing about it until something significant happens. I would still encourage others to get involved by writing to the papers or, better still, going to the council.

Len Allen, Urb. La Marina

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

DEAR CLIENTS and Friends, It seems like it was yesterday when the deadline for submitting your NON RESIDENT TAX RETURNS was so far away and yet the Holiday Season has suddenly arrived.

We hope to have met our clients’ expectations when dealing with their MARRIAGES AND DIVORCES in Spain and we would also take this opportunity to congratulate those clients, from different countries, who SOLD, PURCHASED or EXCHANGED their properties through our firm and kindly took our advice about the importance of having a SPANISH WILL drafted when being an owner of a property in Spain.

Year 2015 has been a good year for those clients who appeared to have lost their money buying properties in Spain off plan several years ago, who fortunately have been able to get their money back through our help.

Also, 2015 has been the year when thousands of people have claimed against Bankia for the sale of its shares in the IPO of July 2011, and like in a Happy Christmas tale, up to now, we have been able to win 100% of cases for our clients.

Fortunately, only a few of our clients were involved in a road traffic accidents and suffered PERSONAL INJURIES, naturally we dealt with these cases as expediently as possible and today these clients have fully recovered or are recovering having received a fair compensation.

Sadly some clients and friends passed away during this year and our condolences go out to their surviving spouses, children etc; and again in these cases we have assisted as rapidly as possible to help the heirs when dealing with the INHERITANCE in Spain and the UK. This is the first year when the heirs of an inheritance as non residents in Spain have been able to enjoy the tax benefits in the Inheritance Tax, benefiting the same as tax residents in Spain.

On a happier note we can tell you that we have LITIGATED successfully in Court in relation to many differing legal matters including TENANCY DISPUTES, CLAIMS AGAINST BUILDERS, CONTESTING A WILL and CLAIMS AGAINST THE TAX OFFICE, we have even

regained money for our clients from their Inheritance Tax paid.

Finally we would like to THANK ALL our clients and friends, who one way or another, dealt with us dur-

ing this year and wish THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2016 FULL OF HAPPINESS. The White & Baos Team

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

White & Baos Abogados wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2016

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by

Carlos Baos

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

YOUR MONEY

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by

Dave Diggle

International Financial Adviser

5% and Spanish Tax Compliant - Sleep well this Christmas ALONG WITH many other jurisdictions, Jersey has just signed up to the Tax Information Exchange Agreement with Spain.

That doesn’t mean that there will be a double taxation concession so effectively this looks like one way traffic to me.

Everybody, no matter what structures you have in place in whatever jurisdiction, will find themselves being scrutinised by the authorities at sometime in the future, so how long do you keep worrying about being caught?

There is an answer: Use the legal tax efficient structures that are designed to function correctly in the country you are tax resident in and that way you will be able to sleep easy at night and will no longer need to worry.

Our most appropriate investment funds for British expats of a cautious or balanced nature are “wrapped” by vehicles that are tax efficient, legal, contain automatic tax reporting to the Spanish authorities, and are transferable easily if you return to the UK or transferable to your heirs when you die.

That particular product gives us a quarterly revised forecast for annual returns and without listing it all here, Sterling should net you around 5%p. a. and Euro’s a little under 5% – and all placed with an institution with a AA credit rating by Standard & Poors.

The performance forecast was issued on 25th November, 2015.

Time for action? Call us.

We are here to give you impartial, independent investment and financial advice (minimum investment just £20,000 / €25,000). Call me direct on 615 607 278 or e-mail dave. diggle@blacktowerfm.com Dave Diggle C.A.T., DipFA, 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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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

FEATURE

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Spanish banker awarded DBE SANTANDER BANK chief Ana Botin has been appointed an honorary Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) for services to the UK’s key financial services sector.

Currently the bank’s Executive Chairman, the award reflects her work in Britain as Chief Executive of Santander UK from December 2010 until September last year, when she took over her current role at the helm of a group which is the largest bank in the Eurozone and a multinational based in Spain.

As CEO of Santander UK Ms Botin led the transformation of the bank following the mergers of Abbey National, the Alliance and Leicester and Bradford and Bingley building societies – and the growth of a bank to its current position with 860 branches across Britain serving 14 million customers with 20,000 employees.

British Ambassador to Spain, Simon Manley said: “I am delighted that Ana Botin has received this honour, reflecting her exceptional contributions to the UK economy and society.”

Ms Botin is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the mayor’s fund for London, helping disadvantaged children, an external advisor to the Financial services, Trade and Investment Board and a strong supporter of the link between education and business – backing scholarships, travel grants, projects, awards, and collaborations between Santander and British universities.

Ana Botin

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#life&leisure

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

New book for Anglican Church

LA MANGA CLUB resident Alec Winwood’s humorous new book for youngsters, “My little Silver book, Sparkling fun”, is a wonderful stocking-filler for 10-year-olds and up. Indeed, grown-ups find it entertaining too. This little gem costs 5€ with all profit going to the Anglican Chaplaincy in Torrevieja.

To receive a copy by mail in time for Christmas, send a cheque on a Spanish bank for 6€ (incl P&P) to Capellania Anglicane de Torrevieja, c/o Box 6 La Manga Club, Cartagena. Include your name and address clearly written in block capitals.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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

rehearsing a musical number

Playing Ping Pong

by JACK TROUGHTON

CARELINE THEATRE FIRST PERFORMED THE MAGICAL PANTO ALADDIN 15 YEARS AGO BUT TWO OF THE ORIGINAL CAST MEMBERS ARE BACK FOR THE 2016 SHOW. Next month will see Candy Wright again take the role of one of the pair of bumbling policemen – this time leaving the role of ‘Ping’ to become law enforcement colleague ‘Pong’ – while Peter Clague gets to play the Emperor for the second time.

Jim Sissens is directing Aladdin at Alcalali some 20 years after Careline formed with twin goals; to entertain and to raise money for charity. Once again the group brings a fun-filled family show for all ages.

He is backed by choreographer Suzanna Mace, music director Roger Dean, and a mass of colourful costumes arranged by wardrobe mistress Janet Walker.

Opening night on 14th January is once again ‘Party at the Panto’, helping to raise money for sheltered accommodation at Fontilles; HELP of Denia and the Marina Alta; and Jalon Valley HELP. Aladdin runs from 14th to 17th of January at 8pm with matinees at 3pm on 16th and 17th of January. The box office is now open for bookings – call 652 294 750 or email carelineboxoffice@gmail.com.

Tickets are 12€ for adults, 8€for youngsters aged under 10, and there is a 10% discount for groups of 10 or more on prepaid tickets.

Barmy Bingo is back

FUN AND general mayhem are again on the menu on Tuesday 15th December when Javea Red Cross stages its annual Barmy Bingo – raising cash to buy gifts for youngsters of local families in need.

Monroe’s Carvery in Pedregeur again hosts this successful event from 7.30pm and Gata residents donate luxury items that are made into hampers to become bingo prizes – the money raised going to Red Cross.

This is the fourth year it has been staged and it allows the Red Cross to buy presents for the children of families it supports with food parcels – the parents select a gift and it is wrapped ready for Christmas of Three Kings.

Barmy Bingo is now part of an annual Christmas appeal by the charity and makes an enjoyable evening out with both bar snacks and full meals available.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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life&leisure #events

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

the Valley Voices

Choir in Christmas spirit THE VALLEY Voices return to spread festive cheer on Monday 14th December when the choir sings at Jalon Village Church at 8.30pm.

Conducted by Aileen Lightfoot, the 31-strong mixed choir enjoyed performing at the annual Christmas Fair at the Denia Marriott Hotel, singing a varied of selection of seasonal songs.

Valley Voices are now looking forward to the Jalon church concert. Donations can be made to church charity Caritas and everyone is invited to join the choir for mice pies and mulled wine.

It is an opportunity to dress in warm clothing and join in with the chorus of some heart warming Christmas carols.

Carol singing last year

The sound of festive music

JAVEA INTERNATIONAL Baptist Church will bring Javea Port alive to the sound of Christmas music on Tuesday 22nd of December and spread some festive cheer.

Traditional carol singing in the square opposite the Miramar Hotel has always been a popular event and is now part of the town’s Christmas calendar.

The music starts at noon and it is an ideal opportunity to relax and enjoy a coffee or a hot chocolate – or something more warming – at one of the local bars with family and friends and enter the real spirit of Christmas. Wear something red to add to the festive atmosphere.

The church also holds a carol service at its Church Centre, its home in Javea Old Town, on Sunday 20th December and a Christmas Day Service on Friday 25th December, both at 10.30am.

And as well as a service every Sunday morning, the English-speaking church offers a variety of activities during the week, including a popular walking group, a strolling group for the less energetic, and a ‘Place For Friendship’ cafe which is open every Thursday – Javea’s market day - where everyone can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with cake and biscuits.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #gardening

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

The vegetable garden in December /January

by

Dick Handscombe Holistic gardener and author

WHY GROW VEGETABLES ?

All gardens and diets benefit from the growing of fresh vegetables, even if only a few are grown in large pots, containers or grow bags. Although it is now December it is not too late to plant a few vegetables for spring eating and to prepare a bed for planting up in the spring.

The benefits are as follows: The fun of growing your own vegetables, The possibility of growing them ecologically, The possibility of growing the types and varieties that you most like A step down the road to eating more ‘slow foods’ and away from mass processed ‘fast foods’. The original Mediterranean diet which made much use of fresh and cooked vegetables and herbs is still said to be good for ones health.

Most importantly being able to harvest your crops daily in the amounts you need for the day, while the vegetables are at their best, and cook them before they start to lose their crispness and vitamin content.

If you have yet to start to grow vegetables on the Costas or in the inland valleys now is a good time.

The weather is cooler and it is possible to plant vegetables for early spring eating now. As outlined below it is not necessary to have

a large area to produce few tasty, crisp organic vegetables.

2. DECIDE WHAT SCALE OF ‘HUERTO’ TO DEVELOP The thing is to have a go. You can always expand once you experience the benefits.

The options are as follows.

A.VERY SMALL SCALE Grow vegetables in a collection of large pots or plastic grow bags. This can be done even on an apartment or penthouse terrace.

B. SMALL SCALE There are five main possibilities.

Prepare a small 2 or 3 metre square conventional vegetable patch.

Grow a few vegetables amongst flowering plants as in a cottage garden.

Grow crops such as potatoes, squash, tomatoes, peppers in a row of plastic sacks, old chimney pots, or large plastic paint containers.

Construct a raised bed. If you start by constructing one 2 metres long by 80 centimetres wide and 30 centimetres wide you can always extend this in later years.

Use an old enamelled or plastic domestic bath.

They are often seen dumped by the roadside or at the local builders tip.

C. MEDIUM SCALE Prepare a 50 to 100 metre vegetable plot.

Construct a row of 3 or four raised beds each say 10 metres long.

Install a row of old baths in a sunny but out of the way corner. If you surround them with pots of herbs or nasturtiums or marigolds they will not look unsightly and you will have co-located beneficial plants to attract pollinating insects and attract black flies away from vegetable crops.

D. LARGE SCALE Prepare a vegetable plot 300 to 600 square metres. We cultivate 400 square metres to provide the two of us with a diversity of vegetables 365 days a year. year.

3. WHAT CAN STILL BE PLANTED In most areas of the Costas and inland valleys it is still possible to make last sowings of broad beans, garlic and peas in the open ground. Oak leafed lettuces, carrots, parsnips, radishes and some last beetroot can still be planted under cloches. Plantlets of spinach, acelga, onions, leeks, asparagus, artichokes and lettuce can still be purchased in many areas.

Cover peas and broad beans with netting to protect them from feeding pigeons.

Do enjoy your healthier diet.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #advertising feature



Ecombi storage heating system.. beat the winter cold

ECOMBI IS a new efficient heating system that both controls electricity consumption and optimises heat management. Our system is the most economical of the electric storage heating solutions available in the market.

The ECOMBI smart system assesses energy consumption and heat loss in the room every day in order to establish the heat needs precisely and effectively adjusting the energy required.

WARM & COMFORTABLE The arrival of ECOMBI is a real revolution in traditional heating systems. ECOMBI optimises control of the energy running costs, while providing maximum comfort. This electric heating system adapts to your daily needs whatever the weather conditions.

Could you ask for more? Well you can with the ECOMBI smart system.

INNOVATION AT IT’S FINEST Once autumn arrives, the temperatures and weather can be very unpredictable well into spring. The days can be cold, very cold or there may even be days when the temperatures are mild and pleasant. ECOMBI constantly monitors room temperature using its high-sensitivity thermostat to ensure that the room is always at the desired temperature. ECOMBI will guarantee you feel warm and comfortable all day long on the coldest days or it will adjust the amount of heat required on those warmer days by means of the ESICC (ECOMBI Smart Input Charge Control) module to adjust the amount of heat required on those warmer days. This will avoid any unnecessary extra energy consumption.

HIGHEST QUALITY & STYLE The best quality components available on the market and this exclusive ESICC electronic module, patented and designed by ELNUR, provide an outstanding level of performance and offer the user cheaper and customised heating. This is what the ECOMBI System, the most innovative and outstanding heating system and the only one of its kind on the market, is all about.

“To find out more, and to get a no obligation quotation, call your International Electrician (authorised installers for the Costa Blanca). With literally thousands of clients on the Costa Blanca over more than 25 years service, you can be sure of a professional and courteous service. Telephone 609 655 672 or email electriciancostablanca@hotmail.com” Don’t suffer this winter, to find out more, call TODAY

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leis re music u ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Jimmy Cricket Le Cabaret, Benissa ON SATURDAY 9th January, “Jimmy Cricket”, the Irish comic and comedian is appearing at Le Cabaret, La Pedrera Industrial Estate, Benissa.

He was given his own TV series called ‘And There’s More’ and also had his own radio series for BBC Radio 2. He also appeared on the Royal Variety Show in 1984. Jimmy Cricket’s humour is entirely clean, in marked contrast to some other Irish comedians. A popular theme of his comedy is Irish logic, and the ubiquitous letter from his “Mammy”.

He almost always appears in his trademark outfit of cut-off evening trousers, tuxedo, hat and wellies marked “L” and “R” for left and right, but worn on the wrong feet. His catchphrases include “come ‘ere” and “...and there’s more.” Tickets are 25€ which includes a two course meal. For bookings and details of future events in Le Cabaret phone: 608 419 715 or email: lecabaret1@gmail.com. Le Cabaret is located in the La Pedrera Industrial Estate, on the N 332, between Teulada and Benissa.

Irish Des – The Shamrockers IRISH DES is a singer/guitarist who includes all the Irish favourites in his set with the emphasis on creating a “good craic”.

Des has Irish music in his blood, and his choice of rock, pop, and country songs as well as jazz and blues standards caters for most musical tastes. Irish Des is also the front man with The ShamRockers. This highly regarded Celtic Rock band play a great blend of high energy Jigs and Reels with a repertoire including songs

by The Dubliners, The Pogues, Van Morrison, U2, Adele, Rolling Stones. The band features Des (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Kirsty (accordion, piano,vocals), Tommy (bass) and Alvaro (drums).

If you are looking for some great music and Craic don’t miss Irish Des, and The ShamRockers. For more info phone: 665 917 772 or email: irishdes@wanadoo.es. Website: theshamrockers.com.

December Gigs: The ShamRockers Sunday 13th: Bar Quo Vadis, Javea. 6 pm Irish Des: Friday 11th: Freda’s Bar, Arenal, Javea 8 pm. (acoustic with Marcel) Friday 18th: Bar Quo Vadis, Javea. 8.30 pm.

Thursday 24th: Chinese Wok, Javea (beside Barclays!! roundabout) Thursday 31st: Chinese Wok, Javea (beside Barclays!! roundabout)

The Brink Band Monday Jam Sessions

FOR THE past four years The Brink Band have been rocking Monday nights with their Jam Sessions at Café del Mar, Cala Andragó, Moraira.

Not knowing which guests will arrive (and there have been some great surprises) along with the quality and variety of the music, make it an evening not to be missed and have kept the place “jam packed”. Booking for seating on tel. 96 574 5356 is recommended but eating is not compulsory. although food is available. The Brink Band, comprising Billy (guitar, flute, vocals, harmonica) Janet Brink (keyboards, guitar, vocals, sax), Tommy Duffy (bass) and Enrico Garcia (drums) is also available for parties, weddings and dances. Billy & Janet also perform as a duo.

For more information phone: 635 831 922 or visit www.brink.demon.co.uk.

Gigs in December: Fri 11th: Bar Emillo, Llosa de Camacho, nr. Pedreguer, 8.30pm Mon 14th: The Brink Band Jam, Café del Mar, Cala Andragó, Ctra. Moraira to Calpe, Moraira. Tel. 96 574 5356. (Every Monday) Wed 23rd: SAXO Disco Garden Chillout, Moraira, 5pm Thurs 31st: NYE Party with The Brink Band, Café del Mar, Cala Andragó, Ctra. Moraira to Calpe, Moraira. Tel. 96 574 5356.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

#tv&showbiz goss

43

by Peter Taylor

 CONTROVERSIAL SINGER Pink has more or less left music behind and settled into to being a USTV personality. Guesting on The Tonight Show last week, she openly admitted that when she was 7 years old her favourite band was New Kids on the Block and how she called their hotline so many times she ran up a $118 phone bill, and how her favourite member of the 1980s group was Donny because he was the “bad boy.” Pink was always fearless with the lyrics in her songs, and clearly she´s still like it!

TOM JONES appeared on Conan in America last week and told a tale from 1965 when he and Elvis were both doing shows in Las Vegas at the same time and how Elvis sung to him in the shower. No it’s not an ‘out the closet’ story, but is about how someone pitched a song at Elvis and him thinking it would be better suited to Tom. Tom came off stage and decided to shower and Elvis followed him into the bathroom.

Then Elvis started singing the song whilst Tom had a shower, then Tom heard Elvis making use of the facilities! Would I lie to you!

THERE WERE two serious wardrobe malfunctions last week with Katie Price when she flashed her bum and former model Kelly Brook somehow or other flashing her knickers. Both these ladies are known headline huggers, and the question now being posed is … how much of an accident was it? Kelly’s friends are saying “she misses being in the papers all the time and loves the attention that comes with modelling,” and peeps close to Pricey are saying “she’s showing off her body again as she knows that unless she gets people talking, she could be overshadowed.” Shame innit!

Silence is Golden for record breaker Bieber!

IT’S UNLIKELY your thoughts will drift to music when you see the name Justin Bieber as the young Canadian seems to have spent as much time in the law courts as he has in the studio for the last year or two, but boy has the wee laddie come out ‘a bobbin’ ‘n’ a weaving!’

His latest album ‘Purpose’ came out in November and records have been tumbling as it’s become the fastest album to reach one billion internet streams, as well as having three of the songs in the UK top 5 at the same time, and he’s broken another record for having the most songs in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart at the same time with 17, a feat not even achieved by The Beatles who managed 14.

The incredible thing about all these achievements is that they have come on the back of Biebs cancelling all sorts of promotional opportunities, like huge USTV show ´The Late Show with Stephen Colbert´ that went out on Thanksgiving Day when the whole of America was tuned in, suggesting his Greta Garbot act ´I Vant to be Alone´ is working a treat!

Website TMZ printed a mix of quotes and reporters opinion saying “Biebs is dealing with personal issues, but it isn’t related to drugs or alcohol, he’s been on a virtual roller coaster with his moods swinging like a pendulum, and it’s just become too much,” see what I mean … then more quote/opinion with “his latest project has been received fairly well critically, and insanely well by the public”.

His keeping himself scarce act even seems to be working on ex-ex-ex-ex-ex Selena Gomez, as last weekend they were seen together at a Los Angeles restaurant where he serenaded her on the piano with ´My Girl.´ Smoothie!

I’VE NOW got a music and video double-header so I´ll need you on full attention mode. The BBC aired a music special featuring Adele disguised with a fake nose and chin and wearing gloves to cover up her tattoos and joining a group of Adele impersonators. The result is hilarious. Adele at the BBC: When Adele wasn’t Adele... but was Jenny! The double-header is complete with a video that features a 5 year old Brazilian girl whose passion is to play the drums, and baby can she! Eduarda Henklein - baterista potpourri (amostra). A star is born!

AFTER A successful one-off show earlier this year, Channel 4 commissioned a full series of ‘TFI Friday’ which began airing in mid-October. Chris Evans has invited Alan Partridge (Steve Coogan) to co-host the Xmas Comedy Special next Friday December 18th and said “it’ll be interesting to see how it should be done by Norfolk’s master of broadcasting,” with Alan retorting “the fee to co-present was more than generous, and as soon as I received photographic evidence my dressing room had its own shower, I signed on the dotted line!”

Love you Alan, I mean Steve … em Alan.

MANY AN actor has harboured political aspirations, and the latest in this line is Will Smith who said to The Hollywood Reporter “I’m elevating my ability to be useful in the world.

My grandmother always hoped I would make myself useful to people in this lifetime. I’m working really hard and my storytelling is elevating, my ability to be eloquent with my body and with my voice and to deliver ideas as an actor is elevating. And, you know, as I look at the political landscape, I think that there might be a future out there for me.” We´re all proud of you Will, but keep an eye on the waffling mate!

44

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

tv listings 11th December - 17th December

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

friday 11th 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 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 A Question of Sport 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 Graham Norton Show 24:25 Josh 24:55 The Double

BBC2

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

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 Mr Bean: The Animated Series 09:00 The Aquabats!

Super Show!

09:30 Thunderbirds Are Go 10:00 Jessie 10:25 Murder, She Wrote 11:20 The Jeremy Kyle Show 13:30 ITV News and Weather 13:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 14:40 Judge Rinder 15:40 The Polar Express 17:30 Doc Martin 18:35 ITV News 18:45 Catchphrase 19:45 ITV News and Weather 20:00 The Chase 21:00 The X Factor 23:05 The Jonathan Ross Show 24:10 ITV News and Weather

07:15 The King of Queens 07:40 The King of Queens 08:05 The King of Queens 08:30 Triathlon 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 The Morning Line 11:00 Frasier 11:30 Frasier 12:00 The Big Bang Theory 12:30 The Big Bang Theory 13:00 The Big Bang Theory 13:30 The Simpsons 14:00 The Simpsons 14:30 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 World’s Weirdest Weather 21:00 Grand Designs 22:00 Red 2 24:15 TFI Friday

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 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 Santa Who? 14:20 The Perfect Holiday 16:10 The Nine Lives of Christmas 17:55 Runaway Princess 19:35 5 News Weekend 19:40 Funniest Fails, Falls & Flops 20:05 Police Interceptors 21:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away 22:00 Football League Tonight 23:25 The Definitive History of Star Wars 24:25 How Star Wars Changed the World

07:00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:25 Emmerdale 10:10 Coronation Street 12:35 The Xtra Factor 13:35 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

14:40 Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas 15:40 Scorpion 16:35 You’ve Been Framed!

17:35 Take Me Out 18:45 Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium 20:40 Back to the Future Part III 23:05 The Xtra Factor 24:05 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Rules of Engagement 09:05 How I Met Your Mother 09:35 How I Met Your Mother 10:00 Baby Daddy 10:30 Baby Daddy 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 15:05 Melissa & Joey 15:35 Melissa & Joey 16:00 The Goldbergs 16:30 The Goldbergs 17:00 City of Ember 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:30 The Big Bang Theory 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Paul 24:05 Gogglebox

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 The A to Z of TV Gardening 07:45 Big Dreams Small Spaces 08:45 Countryfile 09:45 An Island Parish: Falklands 10:15 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 11:45 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 12:30 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 13:15 MOTD2 Extra 14:00 Jason and the Argonauts 15:45 Family Finders 16:15 Escape to the Continent 17:15 Athletics 18:20 Nativity!

20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00 Horizon 22:00 The Secret History of the British Garden 23:00 Professor Green: Suicide and Me 24:00 Seven Years in Tibet

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 Mr Bean: The Animated Series 09:00 The Aquabats! Super Show!

09:30 Marvel Super Heroes: Maximum Overload 10:00 Jessie 10:25 Murder, She Wrote 11:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 13:30 ITV News and Weather 13:40 Evil under the Sun 16:00 The X Factor 18:00 The Scorpion King 19:35 ITV News 20:00 Jekyll and Hyde 21:00 The X Factor 23:00 The World According to Kenny Everett 24:00 ITV News and Weather 24:15 The Chase

saturday 12th December

BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Simply Nigella 13:00 BBC News; Weather 13:10 Football Focus 13:50 Saturday Sportsday 14:00 Formula 1 15:00 Bargain Hunt 16:00 Toy Story 17:15 Final Score 18:15 Celebrity Mastermind 18:45 BBC News 18:55 BBC Regional News Weather 19:00 Pointless Celebrities 19:50 Strictly Come Dancing 21:30 Casualty 22:20 The National Lottery Live 22:30 Mrs Brown’s Boys 23:00 BBC News; Weather 23:20 Match of the Day 24:40 The Apprentice

itv2

ITV1

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Oxford Street Revealed 08:45 Flog It! Trade Secrets 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 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 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 An Island Parish: Falklands 22:00 Alex Polizzi: Hire Our Heroes 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 Artsnight

BBC2

07:55 Anything but Christmas 09:25 Ray Harryhausen: Special Effects Titan 11:00 Animal Park 11:30 Kangaroo Dundee 12:00 Ronnie’s Animal Crackers 12:30 Ronnie’s Animal Crackers 13:00 James Martin - Home Comforts at Christmas 15:15 Len and Ainsley’s Big Food Adventure 16:00 Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip 16:30 Escape to the Country 17:15 Flog It! 18:15 Euro 2016 Draw 19:30 The Great Pottery Throw Down 20:30 Japan: Earth’s Enchanted Islands 21:30 Dad’s Army 22:00 QI XL 22:45 TOTP2 23:45 The Prestige

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 Central Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Gino’s Italian Escape 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories 23:00 ITV News at Eleven 23:30 ITV News 23:40 300

07:00 Countdown 07:45 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:10 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Jamie at Home 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Couples Come Dine with Me 13:45 Channel 4 Racing 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Posh Pawnbrokers 18:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 TFI Friday 22:00 Gogglebox 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 24:05 First Dates

07:00 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 Hats Off to Christmas 14:30 5 News Lunchtime 14:35 Neighbours 15:05 Mr St Nick 16:45 Twelve Trees of Christmas 18:30 5 News 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 UK’s Strongest Man 2015 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 22:00 The Definitive History of Star Wars 23:00 How Star Wars Changed the World 23:55 Greatest Sci-Fi Movies

07:00 07:10 07:35 08:20 08:55 09:25 09:35 10:40 11:35 13:25 13:55 14:30 14:55 15:40 16:50 17:55 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00

The Hot Desk You’ve Been Framed!

Psych Emmerdale Emmerdale The Hot Desk The Cube Psych Holiday Engagement Emmerdale Emmerdale You’ve Been Framed!

Catchphrase The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show Judge Rinder You’ve Been Framed!

Two and a Half Men Two and a Half Men The Dark Knight

Back to the Future Part III 20.40

E4

07:00 Revenge 07:45 Charmed 08:30 Charmed 09:30 Hollyoaks 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 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 A to Z 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Rush Hour 3 23:50 The Big Bang Theory 24:20 The Big Bang Theory 24:50 Bodyshockers

sunday 13th December 07:00 Breakfast 08:40 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 Saving the Forgotten Jews 14:45 Lifeline 14:55 Flog It! 15:45 Toy Story 2 17:15 Songs of Praise 17:50 The Hunt 18:50 BBC News 19:10 BBC Regional News 19:20 Countryfile 20:20 Strictly Come Dancing 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 The Hunt 23:00 BBC News 23:20 BBC Regional News 23:30 Match of the Day 2 24:40 Citizen Khan

07:15 The King of Queens 07:40 Beat the Sun 2015 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:30 The Big Bang Theory 14:00 The Big Bang Theory 14:30 The Big Bang Theory 15:00 The Simpsons 15:30 The Simpsons 16:00 Marley & Me 18:20 Aladdin 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Britain’s Wildest Weather 2015 22:00 Homeland 23:00 Gogglebox 24:05 Mama

“ Quote of the Week

“

BBC1

Prince Harry visited a youth centre in South Africa recently, and when asked about being Prince William’s younger brother said “Older brothers are supposedly the cool ones, but I’m a younger brother and I’m much cooler than my older brother.”

Cheeky boy H!

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Pip Ahoy!

09:10 Blaze and the Monster Machines 09:35 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:50 Wanda and the Alien 10:05 Toby’s Travelling Circus 10:20 Jelly Jamm 10:40 LazyTown 11:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 11:35 Football League Tonight 13:00 Funniest Fails, Falls & Flops 13:35 The Christmas Shepherd 15:20 Meet the Santas 17:05 Debbie Macomber’s Call Me Mrs Miracle 19:00 A Country Christmas Story 20:35 Scrooge 22:55 5 News Weekend 23:00 The Blind Side

itv2

07:00 07:10 09:45 12:15 14:20 15:20 15:55 17:50 18:50 21:00 23:00 24:00

The Hot Desk Emmerdale Coronation Street The X Factor The Xtra Factor Mr Bean Ella Enchanted Catchphrase Peter Pan The Nutty Professor The Xtra Factor Keith Lemon: the Film

The Nutty Professor 21.00

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 11:00 Hollyoaks 13:30 Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events 15:35 Rude(ish) Tube 16:00 Couples Come Dine with Me 17:00 The Big Bang Theory 17:30 The Big Bang Theory 18:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 Twilight 22:00 The Big Bang Theory 22:30 The Big Bang Theory 23:00 The Big Bang Theory 23:30 The Inbetweeners 24:00 The Inbetweeners 24:35 The IT Crowd

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

45

MONDAY 14th December BBC1

BBC2

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Operation Meet the Street 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 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Fake Britain 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Crimewatch 23:00 BBC News at Eleven 23:35 Crimewatch Update 23:45 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 24:30 The Graham Norton Show

07:00 Oxford Street Revealed 07:45 Family Finders 08:15 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 Mary Berry’s Absolute Christmas Favourites 20:30 Only Connect 21:00 Simply Nigella 22:00 Back in Time for Christmas 23:00 Live at the Apollo 23:30 Newsnight

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 20:00 Emmerdale 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 Eleven 23:30 ITV News 23:40 The Nation’s Favourite Beatles Number One

CHANNEL 4

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 Cracking Christmas 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 14:05 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 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Dispatches 21:30 Supershoppers Do Christmas 22:00 Our Guy in Latvia 23:00 Fargo

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:00 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 A Perfect Christmas 14:30 5 News Lunchtime 14:35 Neighbours 15:05 Angels and Ornaments 16:45 The Christmas Switch 18:30 5 News 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Police Interceptors 21:00 Impractical Jokers 21:30 Impractical Jokers 22:00 On Benefits 23:00 The Best of Bad TV

07:00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:25 Psych 08:10 Emmerdale 08:40 Coronation Street 09:10 Coronation Street 09:40 The Cube 10:40 Psych 11:30 Catchphrase 12:30 You’ve Been Framed!

13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Coronation Street 15:00 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 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 American Pie: the Wedding 24:00 Pitch Black

07:00 Revenge 07:45 Charmed 09:30 Hollyoaks 10:00 Rules of Engagement 11:00 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 20:00 Hollyoaks 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 24:00 Gogglebox

Pick of the week

The Polar Express Saturday 12th December, ITV1, 3.40pm

TUESDAY 15th December BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Operation Meet the Street 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:30 Stargazing 12:15 Oxford Street Revealed 13:00 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 Holby City 22:00 Luther 23:00 BBC News at Eleven 23:35 Sports Personality The Final 12 24:35 Live at the Apollo

BBC2

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Oxford Street Revealed 08:45 Family Finders 09:15 Ireland with Simon Reeve 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 The Super League Show 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 Stargazing Live 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 Back in Time for Christmas 23:00 Mock the Week 23:30 Newsnight 24:10 Weather 24:15 NFL Highlights

ITV1 07:00 09:30 10:25 11:30 13:30 14:30 14:55 15:00 16:00 16:59 17:00 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 23:00 23:30 23:40 24:45

Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News Judge Rinder 1000 Heartbeats ITV Regional Weather Tipping Point The Chase ITV News ITV Evening News Emmerdale Countrywise Midsomer Murders ITV News at Eleven ITV News Jonathan Ross Show Freeze Out

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Countdown 07:45 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 Festive Feast 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Kirstie’s Crafty Christmas 14:05 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 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas 22:00 The World’s Most Expensive Christmas 23:00 That’s So Last Century 24:00 Tattoo Fixers

07:00 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 Holiday Help 14:30 5 News Lunchtime 14:35 Neighbours 15:05 Mr Miracle 16:50 A Grandpa for Christmas 18:30 5 News 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Britain’s Craziest Christmas Lights 21:00 The Dog Rescuers with Alan Davies 22:00 Meet the Psychopaths 23:00 CSI: Cyber 23:55 CSI: Cyber 24:50 On Benefits

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:30 Psych 08:10 Emmerdale 08:40 Coronation Street 09:10 Coronation Street 09:40 The Cube 10:40 Psych 11:35 Secret Santa 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Coronation Street 15:00 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 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 The Holiday 24:40 Two and a Half Men

E4

07:00 07:45 08:30 09:30 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 23:00 23:50 24:25 24:50

Revenge Charmed Charmed Hollyoaks Rules of Engagement Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey Charmed How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks A to Z The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Troy: Cyber Hijack Tripped The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Gogglebox

WEDNESDAY 16th December BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Operation Meet the Street 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 21:00 Cuffs 22:00 The Apprentice 23:00 BBC News at Eleven 23:25 BBC Regional News 23:35 The Apprentice 24:35 Film 2015

BBC2

07:15 Operation Meet the Street 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 Lifeline 14:10 Coast 14:15 Britain’s First Photo Album 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 Journey Down the Yukon - A Soldier’s Challenge 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 Love You to Death: A Year of Domestic Violence 23:00 The Apprentice: You’re Fired

ITV1 07:00 09:30 10:25 11:30 13:30 14:30 14:55 15:00 16:00 16:59 17:00 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:30 23:40 24:40

Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News Judge Rinder 1000 Heartbeats ITV Regional Weather Tipping Point The Chase ITV News ITV Evening News Emmerdale Coronation Street You Saw Them Here First Prey ITV News at Eleven ITV News Being Kevin Pietersen Tipping Point

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 Christmas with Bells On 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas 14:05 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 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 The Supervet 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 Peep Show 23:30 Toast of London

07:00 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 The Nine Lives of Christmas 14:30 5 News Lunchtime 14:35 Neighbours 15:05 Runaway Princess 16:45 A Star for Christmas 18:30 5 News 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Crazy for 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 24:55 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

ITV2

07:00 07:25 08:10 08:40 09:40 10:40 11:35 13:30 14:00 15:00 15:40 16:50 17:55 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 24:45

You’ve Been Framed!

Psych Emmerdale You’ve Been Framed!

The Cube Psych Merry In-Laws Emmerdale You’ve Been Framed!

Catchphrase The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show Judge Rinder You’ve Been Framed!

You’ve Been Framed!

Two and a Half Men Two and a Half Men Love Actually The Vampire Diaries

E4

07:00 07:45 09:30 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 23:05 24:05 24:35

Revenge Charmed Hollyoaks Rules of Engagement Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey Charmed Charmed How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks New Moon Supernatural The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory

46

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

THURSDAY 10th December BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Operation Meet the Street 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 Eat Well for Less?

22:00 DIY SOS 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:25 BBCRegional News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

BBC2

07:00 Oxford Street Revealed 07:45 Family Finders 08:15 Flog It! Trade Secrets 09:15 MasterChef: The Professionals 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 The Many Faces of 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 The Great British Bake Off - Masterclass 23:00 Russell Howard’s Good News 23:30 Newsnight 24:10 Weather 24:15 Journey Down the Yukon - A Soldier’s Challenge

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 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 The Nation’s Favourite Bond Song 23:30 ITV News 24:15 The World According to Kenny Everett

CHANNEL 4

07:00 Countdown 07:45 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:10 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Jamie’s Christmas with Bells On 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Kirstie’s Homemade Christmas 14:05 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 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 The Secret Life of 22:00 First Dates 23:00 Very British Problems 24:05 Gogglebox

CHANNEL 5

07:00 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 Twelve Trees of Christmas 14:30 5 News Lunchtime 14:35 Neighbours 15:05 The Wishing Tree 16:45 I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus 18:30 5 News at 6 19:00 Neighbours 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Crazy for Christmas 21:00 Alex Polizzi’s Italian Islands 22:00 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild 23:00 At Christmas 24:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away

ITV2 07:00 07:25 08:10 08:40 09:10 09:40 10:40 11:35 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:40 16:50 17:55 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 23:00 24:00

You’ve Been Framed!

Psych Emmerdale Coronation Street You’ve Been Framed!

The Cube Psych Holiday Engagement Emmerdale Coronation Street You’ve Been Framed!

Catchphrase The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show The Jeremy Kyle Show Judge Rinder You’ve Been Framed!

Two and a Half Men Two and a Half Men Scorpion Celebrity Juice Keith Lemon: the Film

E4

07:00 07:20 07:45 08:30 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 24:05 24:35

Rude(ish) Tube Rude(ish) Tube Charmed Charmed Hollyoaks Rules of Engagement Rules of Engagement Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey Charmed Charmed How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks A to Z The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Paul The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory

YouTube videos of the week

Firstly we have former comic turned TV presenter Bradley Walsh in bits on show outtake ´The Chase Outtakes - Gobbler’s Knob Question Amuses Bradley´ then the official winner of the Xmas-Ads competition ´Mog’s Christmas Calamity.´

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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life&leisure #whats on

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

Harleys coming to town

by JACK TROUGHTON

CHRISTMAS IS coming and Santa is roaring into town on Sunday (13th December) mounted on a powerful Harley Davidson motorcycle – all 100 of them.

The area’s unofficial advent calendar should include the famous ‘Toy Run’ when the Costa Blanca Espana Bikers Group makes a noisy entrance into Benidorm and continues to give deserving youngsters a special Christmas present.

The bikers have raised nearly 4,500€ to pay for gifts and a party for 100 children at Alfaz del Pi; around 80 are from EMAUS homes and the remainder recommended by Alfa social services.

And any money left over – it could be as much as 1,000€ will go to the Make A Smile charity which supports EMAUS kids throughout the year and will make sure there is Christmas food on tables come the holiday.

The group’s publicity officer Peter Emmett told RTN that as well as food and drink, the youngsters would enjoy bouncy castles, a children’s disco, a chocolate fountain, face painting and helium balloons.

“There will be at least 100 bikes taking part this year and everyone will be dressed as Father Christmas – it’s quite a show,” he said.

“We hope to be going along the Levante Beach in Benidorm at around 11.30am to 11.45am. We all meet at McDonalds in Albir and leave around 10.30am with a police escort.

“There are three police forces involved in the ride; it is quite a logistical operation for them.”

A ‘biker draw’ saw 300 raffle tickets sell at 10€ each and Benitachell Bowls club’s Christmas draw – a 200 ticket sell out at 5€ each - helped raise the money.

Peter added: “We are all really, really, hyped up for the Toy Run this year – everyone is really looking forward to it and we hope people turn out to watch...they will hear us before they see us!”

La Nucia feria de Navidad Boxing Day LA NUCIA town will be hosting their annual Feria de Navidad, a traditional Christmas fayre, this weekend.

On Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December, the town of La Nucia is holding their Christmas fayre, with plenty to keep all the family occupied.

Located in the Plaza Mayor, there will be stalls selling ceramics, tree decorations, items made from recycled materials, ideas for gifts and much more.

The fayre will also have performances by local dance groups, choirs and bands, as well as activities for children.

Open Saturday 12th December from 11am until 9pm and Sunday 13th December from 10am until 8pm, this annual event always proves popular with visitors as well as the local community.

Further information can be found on www.lanuciaturistica. com

scavenger hunt THE CROWN pub in Alfaz del Pi is looking forward to their Boxing Day scavenger hunt to raise money for a local charity.

Customers at The Crown in Alfaz del Pi are preparing themselves for a fun afternoon of scavenger hunting around the town to raise funds for the Alfaz del Pi food bank, a local charity that helps families in need.

The selfie scavenger hunt will be held on Boxing Day starting at 2.30pm outside the pub with an entry fee of 5€ per person. People can play in teams but will still need to pay 5€ each as all entry money goes to the charity.

All entrants or teams need is a phone or digital camera so that they can take a selfie of themselves with the objects that they are hunting for. These will either be in the bar itself or around Alfaz del Pi depending on the clues.

There will be a prize for the first back, having completed all the selfies with the objects.

For further information, or to register, please call into the Crown or telephone 662 59 62 30 or 611 23 13 70 after midday.

Age Concern Costa Blanca closing dates for Christmas THE AGE Concern Centre will be closed on 16th December to allowing for voting in the national elections, and will re-open on 7th January 2016. The charity shops in Torrevieja and Los Montesinos will close on 22nd December and re-open on 7th January 2016.

Customers at The Crown

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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

BOOK NOW! Last few rooms available

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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.

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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 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #horoscopes

Kenny Corris kennycorris@hotmail.com 686 361 594

 Mars is in opposition with Uranus, and please make sure that you say what you mean and mean what you say. The Cosmos is looking for careful and stoic commitment at a time when many questions should be asked. Be sure that what you want is what you get, but above all be prepared for a minor conflict as somebody needs to be taken down a peg!

Venus trines with mighty Neptune and squares on Ceres at the start of a week that will bring about changes....and not before time either. Change is indicated in both of these actions, as the time is right and Ceres will take control. So too, Neptune has an influence on meeting demands face on, with a view to rewarding by innovation.

Mercury uses the midweek contact with Neptune to help you to get a message across to someone who is being stubborn for no good reason. Whilst it is certain that you do not know the whole truth, nobody has the right to shut you out like this; and solution must be sought. Bear in mind that real resolution means some kind of sacrifice, for both sides.

Whilst your moody and deep inner side is stimulated it is high time to take a good look within yourself to see yourself as others do. For sure you have some work to do, but where there is a will there will be a way and looking ahead will help you to make some very powerful decisions that will ring the changes, but also put you back to where you belong.

The Sun is exalted in lucky planet Jupiter, and you are imminently about to receive the rewards and blessings that you deserve; and not before time. Your stubborn pride in performance has recently worked against you as you have wrongly judged yourself in your need for perfection. Time now to chill and make no more unnecessary further plans.

The Neptune tryst with Mercury may leave you feeling as if you have bitten off more than you can chew; but you are highly productive right now, and doing some of your very best work. Let nothing rain on your parade, but also remember you are not to be taken for granted and that when you do say no, which you have to, then no is the answer!

Venus sextiles a discerning Pluto, and it seems as if you are tuning in to your inner spiritual energies; and enjoying your discoveries. Pluto helps the spiritual connection by opening your deep emotions and Venus is sending sheer love to your heart and your soul. Just know that you are now protected and can take all this further!

It has been one step forward and two steps back just lately and you must feel as if you are being tested. However this is sharpening your reserve and preparing you for more enlightened times! Both Jupiter and Kora are showing two opposite sides to the equation and as such they are guiding you safely to a happier, more fruitful conclusion.

Midweek actions with Jupiter are sent to offer you a solution, but only because somebody is deciding to make a mountain over a molehill. Working on your behalf and in all ways. the charm of Jupiter is the unknown but certain good fortune that highlights actions of this noble Planet. Be careful of what you ask for......it will be yours!

You have an inkling for something and are feeling very good vibes around you right now. This is undoubtedly the combination of the strong actions of a fatalistically ardent Mars and an endeavouring and discovering Uranus, Planet of Invention. The future is an open book and yet, just now, take off any pressure.

Uranus guides you towards an inevitable decision which you must base on your own wishes and desires, not the will of others. Time has flown by and you have never been afraid to just walk away with your head held high. The current situation has been hard to accept, but keep your temper even if all those now around you are losing theirs.

The power of love brings you a dividend this week, although your sheer motive was to create and inspire; it is possible that somebody got hold of the wrong end of the stick. Neptune has bold actions with both Venus and Mercury backing your ventures on both love and steady commitment and these alone are worth following up.

If It’s Your Birthday This Week

Patience truly is a virtue but you seem to have abandoned your plans in favour of whatever is the flavour of the month. Use your great skills of negotiation and tact to get in to where you deserve to be!

Hand Out Hand Up! HE WANTED to carry on reading and kept the light on a firmly clipped penlight attached to the page, whilst his partner was already snuggling down under the eiderdown, with a yawn as she closed her tired eyes.

A scene reminiscent of the end of a busy day so nothing at all out of the ordinary there surely? Wrong. Very wrong, this was a scene on a downtown New York pavement two days ago. On closer inspection the heavy duvet was splashed with stains and there was a jar of coins in a glass jar at the bedside. I couldn’t just pass on by, just put a few dollar bills in the jar because though I did do so I wanted to know why such a middle aged couple were sleeping on the streets on such a freezing cold night. I felt ashamed that I would go back to a warm hotel room and sleep in clean freshly laundered sheets when such a couple were sleeping on cardboard boxes in Little Italy. The story wasn’t a pretty one, as I knew it would be.

Both were teachers who had lost their jobs one by one, and they ended up losing their small co-op housing apartment into the bargain. In a city where a minute studio apartment can cost upwards of $3000 a month they had to find cheap hotels and friend’s floors. Slowly they slipped down the ladder and onto the street..... but this was their first winter in the Big Apple with no roof and only $50 dollars a week in food stamps. There were tears when they told me that they had had to take their beloved dog, Boris, to the dog pound. They didn’t want him to sleep out in the cold the way they had to.

Boris was lucky because there are many animals sleeping rough out on the streets with their owners. Pets are not admitted to any of the Rescue Centres where a hot soup and a sandwich come with a temporary respite from the City chill. There was a young girl with a cat on 42nd Street in the rain and a young man with a French Bulldog at the Port Authority on 8th Avenue. Both were not hoaxing as they were sleeping out all night every night of my stay. I checked.

Each and every street sleeper has their story to tell I know that it is frighteningly true but the average American is only a paycheck away from bankruptcy, and some people are paid every two weeks. Credit cards are maxed out and the debt level is in the astounding trillions, but the U.S.A. is not a Country to be poor in; and the dollar, the dollar counts, it always has and it always will.

I find it hard that so many people in this World are suffering. It becomes particularly noticeable that in such a rich City as New York where diamonds sparkle in Tiffany and there is a limo turning at every crossroads there are people down on their uppers that are living rough. Diversity there can be literally seen as life or death. There is a statute that forbids begging of any kind with an enforceable prison stretch at Ryker’s Island for anyone caught so doing.

The Police turn a blind eye when they can. But what about Lady Liberty out there in the Bay? She faces away from the City so that she can personally welcome everybody who enters, and she has been doing so for many years as immigrants of the past, bewildered and tired, traipsed through the stringent controls of Ellis Island to make new homes in the United States. It is easy to lose faith in Spirit whenever you see challenging poverty and misery amongst the dirt poor. What I have to be content with is just how bad things would be if they didn’t intervene when they do? How much worse would it be without Spiritual aid and the good loving care given out by volunteers and sponsors? Magic does happen sometimes. Last week a donation cheque for $500,000 was deposited in one of the many Salvation Army red buckets dotted around the City. The anonymous donor had pledged the highest donation ever received, and they knew it would greatly help the poor of NYC. God bless all who need help and may they get the hand up and the hand out that they need!

Kenny‛s Postbag

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

KENNY, IT’S been a year in which I have lost both my younger Sister and a Brother in law. It is hard to believe that I will never see them again and I am angry that Spirit has allowed them to both die so young.

Alison J. Alison, I know exactly where you are coming from, and I have just lost a very dear friend that I have known for thirty years. We are initially angry, and can’t believe that our loved ones won’t be calling us up anymore or sending a Christmas card this year. We miss our dearly departed, but in this the great Lottery of Life we are all players, and one day we lose. When it is your time it is your time and we never know why or when we will be called. Death is the great beginning it is not the end! Things will get better, call me if you want to talk.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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

Sudoku

Quick Crossword ACROSS

1. Barrel (4)

Last weeks crossword answers can be found on page 60.

8. Impracticable (10) 9. Conclusive (8) 10. Every (4) 12. Take risks (6) 14. Revolt (6) 15. Expand (6) 17. Ignoble (6) 18. At one time (4) 19. Shrink (8) 21. Valued too low (10) 22. Pitcher (4) DOWN

2. Change (10) 3. N. Zealand bird (4) 4. Elf (6) 5. Regard (6) 6. Manager (8) 7. Network (4) 11. Appropriate (10) 13. Bangle (8) 16. Accompany (6) 17. Reason (6)

Doodle box

18. Responsibility (4) 20. Offensive (4)

Cryptic Crossword ACROSS 1. Chooses a different spot (4) 8. Ruffle a sea-expert perhaps (10) 9. It shows intelligence! (4-4) 10. Country in Asia-Minor (4) 12. Wanders away from the street lights (6) 14. Not a good mark to get (6) 15. Manage to show the way (6) 17. They’re laid down by our betters (6) 18. This preposition is involved in the end (4) 19. Shows part of a book on insects (8) 21. One may have to pick one’s way here (10) 22. Has scattered snow (4) DOWN 2. Not very exciting for one lacking drive (10) 3. Looks up and down (4) 4. They may be cut and pickled (6) 5. Upsets to make light of (6) 6. Nudists dislike this sauce (8) 7. Some light or heavy timber (4) 11. One may be lost in it (10) 13. The porter of this house is often drunk (8) 16. They start to perspire - from over-drinking? (6) 17. The home of the brave (6) 18. Chin out - but not far (4) 20. Too wrapped up in local society (4)

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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

Jam session proving popular

by CAROLINE TYSZKA THE JAM session that is held every Sunday at the train station bar in Alfaz del Pi was yet again packed full of musicians this weekend.

The Sunday jam session at La Estación del Mar is now a weekly event marked in everyone’s calendar as the place to go, to either listen to the live music or participate as a musician or singer.

This week was no exception, even though the evenings have turned a little colder, with musicians queueing to play and people waiting to dance as soon as it turned 5pm.

The resident band, Duncan (Wilson Pickett) on lead guitar and vocals, Javi Medina on base and vocals, and Stefan Bylund on drums and vocals, played with guest performers such as Simon Adams, Harry Southgate, Sean Lock, Norman and Kiko.

As usual, when the clock struck 9pm it was with reluctance that the band stopped playing as the audience called for more. The jam sessions are every Sunday from 5pm until 9pm at the tram station bar in Alfaz del Pi. Over the Christmas period the jam session will continue as normal on 13th, 20th, 27th December and 3rd January.

life&leisure #aunty virus  Email auntyvirus@ roundtownnews.com

Suspended account!

DEAR AUNTY V, My hotmail account was recently suspended due to ‘irregular activity by an outside agency’ ie. somebody tried to access my account. I have tried unsuccessfully many times to get it back but I just go round in circles and my emails to various hotmail depts. are just ignored. Does anyone know how to get back a suspended account?

Thank you, Alexander Aunty says: The way to “unblock” or recover a hotmail account is via the following link. Note that they require an alternate email address from you so they can verify and contact you. https://account.live. com/acsr Alternatively, try to reset the password. https:// account.live.com/resetpassword.aspx. You may also be asked your hotmail security questions.

Note that, in some cases, it can take a few days or weeks before accounts are unblocked, as they try to make sure you are who you say you are.

Windows 10 HI AUNTY, I´ve not had to write to you for a while, as most of my problems have been solved by reading your advice in RTN. However, for the last two weeks, since the Windows 10 major update, every time I log on to Live TV, to watch TV, the first thing I get is Spanish advertising, which would not be so bad, but I cannot shut it down, and it is mostly for BBV. (You could not pay me enough to use them!)

Using Chrome, with AD blocker, and a scan on defender and malwarebytes, shows no problems.

Any thoughts? Regards, Tony.

Aunty says: I suppose it depends how you are watching your Live TV. There are many providers that do this online, so I am not too sure which of them you will be using.

It may be that the provider is inserting the adverts into the streams, and so you have to watch them and cannot skip them. Adblockers will not work on this, as they will not see the inserted items as adverts they are meant to block. You might try using a different provider, and see whether the adverts disappear.

‘Logitech’ keyboard HELLO AUNTY Virus, I have recently purchased a new ‘Logitech ‘ keyboard. My problem is the symbols ( eg the @ is alongside the number 2 ),and the rest of the symbols are also in different places. My old keyboard came with my PC, a tower type and was the same as the UK keyboards. The new keyboard has the letter ‘n ‘ with the squiggle above (ñ) and is, I suppose, a standard Spanish keyboard. How do I make this new keyboard compatible with my PC? I use Windows 7 Home Premium.

Thank you for all previous advice and thank you in anticipation for this advice. regards, Barry.

Aunty says: You need to go to your Control Panel, and, in the keyboard settings, change the keyboard layout from UK to Spanish.

1. Open Region and Language by clicking the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Clock, Language, and Region, and then clicking Region and Language.

2. Click the Keyboards and Languages tab, and then click Change keyboards.

3. Change the keyboard layout from UK to Spanish.

Then, what you press on the keyboard will correspond with what appears on the screen.

Reply: Many thanks. That sorted it

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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

Exclusive Christmas break from RTN and Gandia Tours 20 DEC: COSTA BLANCA – BARCELONA Morning departure to Barcelona through our range of pick up points on the Costa Blanca, stops en route, arrival in Barcelona, free time and accommodation in the Hotel Cristal Palace situated in the heart of Barcelona close to the Ramblas.

Plaza de Cataluña

21 DEC: BARCELONA Accommodation in the hotel in bed and breakfast, free day to explore the Beautiful Metropolitan City with its Gothic quarter and its narrow streets or the Shopping area from the Paseo de Gracia to the Plaza Catalunya which at night shows the beautiful Christmas lights and Market.

22 DEC: BARCELONA – PEÑISCOLA Breakfast and departure to Peñiscola, arrival at the Hotel Peñiscola Plaza Suites complex situated on the first line of the beach, with nightly entertainment and a good bus service into the old town.

Dinner and accommodation.

23rd DEC: PEÑISCOLA Full board at the hotel and free day to visit the beautiful old town of Peñiscola with its totally walled castle surrounded on three sides by the sea of Roman and Gothic architecture and also temporary home to the Papa Luna and also where the famous film of Charlton Heston “El Cid” was filmed.

24th DEC: PEÑISCOLA – MORELLA – PEÑISCOLA Full board at the hotel and Trip to the Medieval Village of Morella, free time to explore its completely walled old town which is considered one of the best preserved in Spain. The Village highlights are the Medieval gates, Santa Maria Church, ethnological museum and its Town Hall. Early afternoon departure back to Peñiscola for lunch and free afternoon. Christmas Gala Dinner with live Music and accommodation.

Peñíscola

Barcelona Christmas market

25th DEC: PEÑISCOLA “MERRY CHRISTMAS” Full board at the hotel, enjoy Christmas day in Peñiscola, with entertainment at the hotel and a Christmas Day Gala Lunch, also with an option to enjoy your day at the Spa in the hotel (not included). Dinner and accommodation.

26th DEC: PEÑISCOLA Full board at the hotel, free time in Peñiscola or an optional trip to enjoy free time in Tarragona the old Roman Capital with its archaeological walkway, Roman necropolis, well conserved city walls, amphitheatre and its Gothic Cathedral. Return to Peñiscola for lunch, free time and accommodation.

27th DEC: PEÑISCOLA – COSTA BLANCA Breakfast and free morning in Peñiscola, after lunch departure back to the Costa Blanca, stops en route and end of our services.

Hotel Peñíscola Plaza Suites

Tour offered by Gandia Tours for 395€ per person in double occupancy / single supp. 160€. For information contact us on 96 610 68 72.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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life&leisure #rtnmasterchef ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// by

Dani Bowler

Owner Vintage Cafe, Albir & MasterChef semi finalist

Get in the Festive mood!

With Christmas only a few weeks away and the decorations already up, I thought it was time to get into the festive mood.

Try this classic recipe with a Spanish twist “Brussels with Serrano ham, Manchego cheese and Pedro Ximenez Reduction”.

Think you don’t like Brussels sprouts? You will now.....

400g Brussel spouts (cleaned and cut into quarters) Salt and pepper, to taste olive oil 6 slices of Serrano ham (chopped) Manchego cheese 60g 1/2 Cup of Pedro Ximenez sherry For the Pedro Ximenez reduction: 1/2 cup on medium heat and reduce by 75 percent or to a syrup consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

Toss the quartered brussel sprouts in salt, pepper and olive oil. Arrange the seasoned sprouts onto a baking tray. Roast the sprouts in an oven at 180° for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

While the sprouts are roasting, add the Serrano ham in a sauté pan over low-medium heat. When the ham begins to release some of its fat into the pan, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and increase the heat to medium–high. Continue to cook the ham, just like you

would cook bacon. When the ham is crispy, remove and drain.

When the sprouts are ready, immediately put them into a serving dish.

Loosely crumble the crispy Serrano ham and mix into the sprouts. Add enough of the sweet sherry to coat the ham and sprouts. Shave the Manchego cheese over the sprouts to garnish and taste.

Sponsored by Vintage Cafe Albir. For bookings and info call: +34 865 60 93 45 Kitchen open 13h-16h 18,30h-22h Avenida del Albir, 68 (next to Europa Sol) info@danibowler.com

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #food

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Crusted rack of lamb with redcurrant sauce RACK OF lamb is one of my favourite cuts of meat but I haven’t seen a prepared rack since I came to Spain. Not to be put off, I asked my butcher for six loin chops in one piece and she (yes, she) knew exactly what I meant.

She even trimmed and chined the bones to make it easier to cut when cooked. If you can’t find redcurrant jelly you could use raspberry or blackberry jam, but you may need to sieve the sauce to remove the pips.

One rack of lamb with six chops 1 tbls Dijon mustard 1 tsp honey 1 slice stale wholemeal bread in crumbs 125 ml beef stock 125 ml red wine 1tbls redcurrant jelly 1. Pre-heat the oven to 190 degrees C. 2. Mix the mustard and honey then spread thickly on the back of the rack of lamb. Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and press the mustard side of the rack into crumbs so that you have a thick coating. Place in the rack in a shallow roasting dish and cook for 35 minutes. (This will leave the lamb pink).

3. Meanwhile make the sauce. Place the beef stock and red wine in a small saucepan and boil rapidly for about 10 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half. Stir in the redcurrant jelly and boil for a further 4-5 minutes until it has completely melted.

4. When the lamb is cooked, remove from the oven and cut into two pieces. Serve with the sauce poured over and around.

Serves 2. Preparation time: 5 minutes. Cooking time: 35 minutes

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #Spanish

Basic Spanish for everyday needs

by Jane Cronin

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

Past simple tense practice - -ar verbs YOU HAD some homework last week, and it was to conjugate in the past simple tense the verbs that I gave you at the end of the article. Here they are again:

Ayudar, buscar, cambiar, cocinar, comprar, escuchar, firmar, limpiar, pagar, pensar, soñar, trabajar, viajar.

The verbs were chosen at random but are all completely regular.

This means that all you needed to do was remove the ending “ar” to find the root of the verb (ayud, busc, cambi etc.) and then add the standard past simple tense endings é, aste, ó, amos, asteis, aron).

So if you’ve done that, you’ve got them right!

Only one small rider to that statement is that, as I mentioned last week, there are two verbs in that list that make minimal spelling changes in the “I” (first person singular) form in order to keep their spellings phonetic. In other words, whilst the sound of the verb is completely regular, the spelling has to change to reflect that regularity. I think I’ll stop trying to explain that now and tell you which ones they are: busqué and pagué.

Just so that we’re clear about why … If we were to follow the ending rules as stated with the verb buscar, then the first person singular (meaning “I looked for”) would be “buscé”. However, this spelling gives us a soft “th” sound for the “c” as it comes before an “e” (so it would sound something like “boosthay”). In order to preserve the “k” sound, we have to change the “c” to “qu” “busqué”. With the

other person endings this is not a problem as the “c” is followed by “a” or “o” so is pronounced like a “k”.

A similar problem arises with “pagar” in the first person singular.

Here the letter “u” is added to keep the hard sound to the “g” before the letter “e”. These kinds of spelling adjustments occur throughout the Spanish language when parts of words are changed. They should never be considered as irregularities and they can be worked out logically, once you understand the basic principle.

Soon we will need to talk about regular”–er “and “-ír” verbs in this tense, but before we do that, I think it would be rather a good idea to practise what we’re learnt so far. So, for example: “Ayer me levanté a las siete y media. Me duché y después desayuné té y cereales. Llevé a mis hijas al instituto y empecé a trabajar. Trabajé muchas horas, pero entre clase y clase tomé un café. Por la tarde paseé por el centro de San Pedro y cené en casa. Me acosté temprano para ir a trabajar al día siguiente”. ¿Y tú? ¿A qué hora te levantaste?

You may notice I’ve deliberately stuck to regular “–ar” verbs and avoided all others for the moment. You might want to practise talking about a day of yours in the past tense, also being careful to use the verbs you know so far! One of the “tricks of the trade” when speaking a foreign language is to tailor what you want to say, to what you can say! I can assure you that this principle never changes, however good you get. See you next week.

Christmas Sunshine, the ‘12 days of Christmas’ giveaway Christmas Sunshine, the ‘12 days of Christmas’ giveaway SUNSHINE FM RADIO, for the 13th year running, are once again holding their yearly giveaway competition called the 12 days of Christmas. All you have to do is just listen out for the trigger track every day on Sunshine FM Radio (eg, “White Christmas by Bing Crosby”) and, as soon as you hear it, call 965 32 28 66. The lucky caller will win that day’s prize. It’s as simple as that. Trigger tracks can be any time between 8am and 10pm.

Sunshine FM Radio want to thank all the generous businesses who advertise with them for their amazing gifts for the 12 days of Christmas competition, which starts on 13th December and takes place on each of the 12 days until the final giveaway on Christmas Eve. Simon Morton, Executive Director and administrator @ Sunshine FM, the pride of Spain, award winning number one Radio Station on the Costa Blanca 102.8 FM & 94 FM, sends Christmas greetings to all RTN readers. Listen live on www.sunshineradio.fm.

Crossword Solutions for Last Week CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 7 Extra; 8 Theseus; 9 Rookery; 10 Plump; 12 Open secret; 15 In good part; 18 Droop; 19 Teacher; 21 Concern; 22 Three.

Down: 1 Bear in mind; 2 Stool; 3 Take; 4 Stay on; 5 Leap year; 6 Require; 11 Put in order; 13 Prompter; 14 Aground; 16 Patent; 17 Sharp; 20 Alto.

QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 7 Torch; 8 Illness; 9 Tearful; 10 Deter; 12 Settlement; 15 Adolescent; 18 Tenon; 19 Uniform; 21 Excuses; 22 Often.

Down: 1 Statecraft; 2 Great; 3 Chef; 4 Billet; 5 Bludgeon; 6 Heathen; 11 Retirement; 13 Evenness; 14 Cornice; 16 Cruise; 17 Worth ; 20 Idol.

Suduko Answer

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #animals

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

Kittens seek homes

by JACK TROUGHTON

TWO FRIENDLY and affectionate kittens are looking for new homes after being rescued by animal charity Jalon Valley ARC. Ginger and white coloured ‘Spice’, a female who loves attention and playing is used to dogs and other cats and is litter trained.

And ‘Little Ginge’ is a small ginger female aged about 12-weeks-old and also adores attention and is very playful. She is also good with dogs and other cats and is litter trained.

The charity has other kittens and puppies requiring a home and is looking for people to adopt or foster an animal.

Contact Sally on 625 985 689 or Jayne on 649 310 285. The charity website if www. jalonvalleyarc.com and the Facebook page is Jalon Valley A.R.C. Based in Jalon. The ARC charity shop is in Carrer Benissa, Jalon.

Spice

Celebrate Christmas with Star!

ON SATURDAY 12th December, in La Lonja concert hall, Orihuela, there is a charity concert in aid of the ASOKA Orihuela animal refuge. This is their 5th annual concert and, as usual, is packed with Christmas favourites and wonderful projections of the animals from ASOKA. This show is organized by Nick Moore, who runs Networks Theatre, and is also a keen volunteer and dog re-homer at the refuge. The price is 5€ and it all kicks off at 7pm. Tickets can be bought on the door from 6.30pm. Get there early to get a good seat! If you can’t go but still want to collaborate with donations, they need blankets and old towels. You can contact the refuge on 692 74 76 85.

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

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life&leisure health

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

Uterine Transplants now scheduled in UK AROUND ONE in 7,000 women are born without a uterus, while others lose their uterus to cancer.

Last year a baby was born following the world’s first successful uterine transplant in Sweden. Now the Health Research Authority in UK have given the ‘go-ahead’ for a clinical trial to be launched next spring.

Dr Richard Smith, a Consultant Gynaecologist at the Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in London, who has been working on the project for 19 years, will lead the transplant team.

Following this announcement there will be a significant number of women hoping to be chosen for the trial but for now the ‘go-ahead’ will be given to just 10 women.

Selection criteria for the UK research programme operations: Recipients should: Be aged 24 to 38 years old (or 40 if eggs were frozen before 38) Have own ovaries and eggs (ie no donor eggs) Have no significant medical problems Have a long term partner Have a BMI of less than 30kg/m² Be able to live in the UK as a resident for as long as the grafted uterus is in-situ post operatively Be fluent in the English language To date more than 300 women have approached the team, of whom 104 meet the above criteria.

Researchers plan to transplant wombs from donors who are brain dead but whose hearts are still beating, unlike previous procedures in Sweden where live donors were involved. Experts in the UK say the removal of a uterus from a live donor is complex and not without risk. Details of how a person can become a donor (say through being the holder of a donor card) have still to be put in place.

The Surgery Retrieval takes about 2-3 hours and transplant takes about 6 hours The recipients eggs are retrieved and stored prior to any surgery The recipient will need to take immunosuppressant drugs following the transplant and throughout any pregnancy to lessen the chance of the body rejecting the organ

The health of the recipient will be closely monitored for a year following transplant If all is well an embryo will be implanted which would arise from the recipients eggs and partner’s sperm using an IVF procedure If the pregnancy proceeds without problems the baby will be delivered by caesarean section at 35 - 37 weeks gestation Couples will be given the opportunity of trying for 2 pregnancies before the uterus is removed

Once the uterus has ‘done it’s job’ it will be surgically removed to prevent the patient from having to be on lifelong immuno-suppressants So what is the cost?

According to the team at Womb Transplant UK, each procedure costs around £50,000, but women will not have to pay this themselves.

If the trial is successful, the first UK baby could arrive in early 2018.

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.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Quirónsalud expands the specialities medical centre at Orihuela

A MORE complete range of specialities is offered at the new facilities.

The Quirónsalud Hospital Group, in its commitment to healthcare for all people of Alicante in the Vega Baja region, is continuing its expansion process in the province with new facilities and a more complete range of specialities.

The new Orihuela centre has moved to a new location, with a surface area of over 600 m2 spread over two floors and 10 consultation rooms. The centre was created with the aim of bringing Quirónsalud healthcare services to the people of Orihuela and improving their accessibility by establishing itself in the heart of the city, in Calle Extremadura, 4.

The centre will provide a health concept based on integrated units of various specialities aiming to cover all diagnosis and treatment requirements in the same building, with a multi-disciplinary approach, in a comfortable and flexible manner, avoiding the need for patients to travel and face unnecessary discomfort. Thus, patients will have access to clinical analysis, allergology, digestive system, cardiology, general surgery, orthopaedic and trauma surgery, dermatology, diagnostic imaging (conventional, and digital, radiology), endocrinology, obstetrics and gynaecology, sports medicine, neurology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, paediatrics, podiatry, clinical psychology and breast pathology units,as well as a nursing station and new physiotherapy and rehabilitation facilities, among other healthcare services.

The regional managing director of Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, Rafael Giménez, has stressed that “the expansion of facilities of the new Orihuela centre is due to the growing demand for specialised outpatient care at the previous facility. For this reason, the Quirónsalud Hospital Group decided to expand and improve its services and infrastructure, and thus provide care solutions as required by the people of Orihuela and its surroundings”.

The Quirónsalud Orihuela Medical Centre, in an ongoing effort of adaptation and renewal, offers its patients the best qualified doctors and innovative technology, with a warm and personalised service, in the same way as Hospital Quirónsalud Torrevieja, a benchmark in private healthcare in Alicante, and there is also another consultation and diagnosis centre in the Alicante province, Quirónsalud Santa Pola Medical Centre.

Quirónsalud Orihuela Medical Centre, as well as Quirónsalud Torrevieja Hospital, have agreements with major Spanish and international insurance companies.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure ask Sara

by Sara

Bell

Life Coach

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A background in We have a half brother WITH family and matrimonial

MY FAMILY has just found out that my Dad has another child. Early in their marriage, my mother found out that he had been cheating but decided to give him another chance. However she didn’t know of the existence of his son who is now 29. My half- brother turned up a week ago, and all hell has broken loose. My sisters and I are in relationships and no longer live at home, but we are all reeling from this latest discovery.

I understand it must be very unsettling to find out this information. Even in later life, we can still be affected by what our parents do. You have not only learnt that your father cheated, but have also discovered that there is now the existence of a half sibling. Share your feelings with your sisters, and if you can, talk to your parents once the dust has settled. It is better that things are out in the open, then you can all start to accept the situation.

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.

Insufferable work colleague

I ENJOY my job but work with a woman who does nothing but talk about herself constantly. To say she is insufferable is an understatement. I am a pleasant, tolerant person who can usually get along with anyone, but this woman is seriously making me want to leave. I am not the only who finds her unbearable. Everyone gives her a wide berth.

This Christmas, I drew her as my Secret Santa, and I feel like buying her a gag to shut her up!

Don’t let this problem force you out of a job you love. You need to be brave and have a quiet, diplomatic word with her. Let her know that by always talking about herself, she is alienating people by not showing interest in others. It is possible she is not even aware of her behaviour. You would be doing her a big favour by helping her. There’s a good book called The Art of Conversation by Catherine Blyth - perhaps your secret Santa gift to her could be this!

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.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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life&leisure #charity

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Winter Wonderland for Elche children

AECC Santa walk

by PATRICIA THOMPSON

SUNDAY 6TH December saw the annual Santa Walk, organized by Maria and the Pink Ladies/Panthers, to raise money for the AECC, early detection of cancer here in Spain.

A fantastic amount of money was raised, nearing 1,000€. Over 120 entrants gathered at Zenia Boulevard from 10am, with everyone in Santa fancy dress, even the doggies, and listening to Christmas carols sung by TAABS, making it a very Christmassy start to the festive season.

The walk started with a circuit of the Boulevard led by Maria honking her horn, and then went out on to the local roads to complete the 5km circuit. The volunteer marshals and local police did an outstanding job keeping all the walkers on the right road and many of the locals took time to admire the sea of Santas, put money in the buckets and cheer the crowd on their way. On their return the walkers were greeted by some great music from Simon Morton of Sunshine FM, and more Christmas carols sung by TAABS. In addition to the 5€ for registration, walkers brought along dried and tinned food items to help the Torrevieja based homeless charity, Reach Out.

ELCHE CHILDREN’S Home was the nominated charity last Friday at The Winter Wonderland Charity Ball held in The Crystal Room at La Finca Golf and Spa Resort, when over 800€ was raised. Guests particularly enjoyed the blue balloon raffle with playing cards inside each balloon. Guests were invited to burst the balloons to see who the 20 winners were! As well as Graeme Mykal, a local favourite superstar magician, the fabulous Barrington was the singing MC and the stupendous Mike Thornton, comedian and auctioneer!

The charity’s thanks also go to Christina Brady, Regional Manager from Blacktower Financial Management, and Dave Diggle, also from Blacktower, for their sponsorship, which paid for the welcome drinks, extra wine with the meal, the entertainment, the gifts for the ladies and even the sweets with coffee. Dave is also the accountant for the charity and he was on “meet and greet” duty as well as making the welcome speech. Thanks also go to the guests who became balloon sellers, and special thanks to the youngest guests, Lauren Brady, and Elena Diggle, who sold the squares for the mystery prize and also handed out tubes of smarties! Well done all the people who supported Friday night, especially Pablo Saura, catering manager, and all the staff at La Finca Golf and Spa Hotel, who provided 5 star service.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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

Watch paint dry at ArtHouse

Julia (left) at work in the studio

by JACK TROUGHTON ARTISTS WILL paint ‘live’ at the ArtHouse Studio open day tomorrow (Saturday 12th December) allowing visitors to watch a picture being created.

Artist and working mum Julia Evans has opened the new studio at her home in Benidoleig after closing her ArtHouse Gallery just a stone’s throw away in the Costa Blanca village.

The move enables Julia to concentrate on her own work while still teaching around 70 students, both professional artists and ‘pleasure painters’, who work side by side in a project first launched seven years ago.

And being at home allows her to spend more time with sons Louis, 10, and 18-month-old Joseph – while the family pets frequently make an appearance amongst the paintings.

The open day runs from 10.30am to 5.30pm and as well as an opportunity to see paintings, original paintings, prints and cards will be on sale and there will be music, English cakes, tea, coffee, and wine.

“I think the students enjoy the new studio,” Julia told RTN. “It is lighter, quieter and a good environment to work in.

EXHIBIT “I have lost the gallery side and passing trade by moving but it was time to move on and both the students and I will be exhibiting in different places.”

In the New Year, ArtHouse will start pottery workshops with sculptor and teacher Anne Lawrenson and it is hoped to launch regular classes; Julia is also launching marketing seminars advising artists how to sell more work and become more successful.

She is also busy with her won work. Julia’s successful ‘Rock and Roll’ series continues; the latest work is of Blues guitarist BB King, adding to a collection that includes Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie and Johnny Rotten.

And she has launched a ‘psychopath’ collection with pictures of Hannibal Lector from Silence of the Lambs and the joke from the Batman franchise.

“Next year I am also illustrating a children’s book by published author Nigel Seed. It is about Alfie the Dog and his adventures in Spain – I have started but it’s my next focus when things get quiet in the studio over Christmas.”

ArtHouse is at 34a Calle Denia, Benidoleig. For more information call 96 640 4643 or 603 708 935, or visit www.arthouseonline.net.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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life&leisure people

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

Altea window dressing Christmas services

festive windows

by CAROLINE TYSZKA ALTEA SHOP owners have until Tuesday, 15th December, to enter the town’s Christmas window competition.

The Altea Christmas shop window competition has become a tradition in the town, with many retail outlets taking the opportunity to make their festive displays just a little bit more special.

Anna Alvado, Councillor for Trade in Altea, said “we are hoping to encourage all the shops to participate this year and

show their creativity with festive window displays.”

Entries must be registered with the department of commerce within the town hall by 2pm on Tuesday to be in with a chance of winning one of the prizes.

Entrants will be announced on Radio Altea on December 16th and then at 5.30pm judges will visit the participating shops to view their windows.

Competition winners will be presented with their prizes at the Casa de Cultura on 18th December at 8.30pm.

First prize is 500€ worth of shopping vouchers and two weeks advertising on Radio Altea, second prize is 350€ worth of vouchers and third prize is 150€ worth of shopping vouchers.

Every Saturday throughout December shops will remain open throughout the day and into the evening to encourage more customers to the area, with street theatre, music and games to entertain the shoppers.

The Department of Commerce telephone number for registration is 965 84 13 00.

FESTIVE CHURCH services have been organised by the Church of England in Spain in the days leading up to Christmas.

The Costa Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy is staging the special events in addition to regular church services – residents and visitors are welcome to attend.

The first is tonight (Friday 11th December) at 5.30pm when a ‘Carols and Christingle Service’ is being held at Les Totes, Denia. For more information, call Father Steve foster on 96 573 4029. And on Monday 14th December in Albir at 3pm, there is ‘Carols on the Beach’’ near the Albir Anchor.

For more information call Father Ray Andrews on 602 504 136. A ‘Carol Service with Sparkle’ is taking place on Thursday 17th December in Calpe at 8pm, at La Merced Church with Calpe U3A Choir.

For more information call Father Marcus Ronchetti on 965 874 166. A Carol Service is also being held in El Campello on Saturday19th December at 4.30pm at the Coveta Fuma Church. Information is available from Father Ray Andrews on 602 504 136. Back in Albir on Monday 21st December in Albir at 4pm there is a Carol Service at Albir Church and a meal is available earlier at 1pm. Information from Elaine on 966 864 962. Full details of these events, regular services, and information about the work of the Chaplaincy visit www.costablanca-anglicanchaplaincy.org

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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

Anna Cameron’s ‘Almond Blossom’

Colour snaps success

by JACK TROUGHTON THE MUCH-LOVED annual colour show of flowering almond trees won Jalon Valley HELP’s 2015 Photographic Competition as judges narrowed down a field of 66 entries.

Anna Cameron’s study ‘Almond Blossom’ was awarded first prize in a contest where the brief was simply ‘Colours of the Costa Blanca’.

The best of the entries will be made into greetings cards to

be sold at the HELP charity shops in Jalon and Alcalali as well as fund raising events across the Costa Blanca.

A panel of charity volunteers from the shops and HELP’s merchandising team narrowed the field down to 13 before official judge Dorothy Place, ARPS, got to work after all photographers were asked to submit full-sized digital prints.

Dorothy selected Anna’s picture and put ‘Red Hot Summer’ – a photograph of a market stall selling chillies, peppers, and other produce – by Peter Barrett in second place.

Age Concern’s Buy a Bus project almost done

David Brock’s ‘Festival Cutie’ was “highly commended” for its great appeal.

And pictures also chosen for printing were by Carol Lockhart, Emma Oliver, Sheila Skinner, Peter Tomlin and Jack Troughton.

The first run of cards will be printed and available in the HELP charity shops in the New Year. The selected competition photographs can be viewed on the website www.jalonvalleyhelp.com.

Festive Lions TEULADA MORAIRA Lions Club pulled in the crowds with the fourth annual Christmas Cracker on Saturday night to spread some festive cheer.

The Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir was in fine voice to lead carol singing backed by members of the Salvation Army and other musicians – there was even a synchronised tambourine dance.

And as well as collecting donations to back community projects, the Lions also raised money selling warming mulled wine, mince pies and shortbread.

Pictured in the marquee in Moraira Church Square are members of the Lions team sporting festive hats for the evening.

ON DECEMBER 3rd the ROAB Washington Lodge presented 500€ to the Age Concern ‘Help us Buy a Bus’ project. This brings the current total to well over 28,500€ of the 30,000€ needed. If all goes well they will be able to order the vehicle in January.

L to R Ron Edwards, Ron McGreevy (ROAB) Maureen Payne President Age Concern, and Alan Russell Presdent ROAB Washington Lodge

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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life&leisure charity

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Secret shared

by JACK TROUGHTON

AN AREA of outstanding natural beauty known as ‘the last Spanish secret’ was shared with members of Javea U3A at a meeting of the Travellers’ Tales Group.

Maestrazgo is a region between Teruel and Castellon, virtually uninhabited, and known as the ‘Corner of Silence’ where culture and tradition live side by side.

U3A member John Reynolds has visited the area twice and shared his adventures at the latest Travellers’ Tales meeting at Javea Baptist Town Hall in the Old Town.

He stayed with a party at a hotel in Cantavieja, the region’s capital and home to just 750 people. It was a base from which to explore outlying towns and villages amongst rural countryside – with many farm buildings derelict – and mountains reaching up to 1,900m – three times the height of the Montgo, which separates Javea from Denia.

The area is just three hours drive from Javea, but allows visitors to step back in time to savour such delights as Tranchon cheese; available in supermarkets, but in the town that bears its name it is produced by hand rather than machine.

John illustrated his talk with photographs and told of visits to Canada – population 64; Villarluengo, set on a mountainside; Organos de Montoro in the midst of rugged parkland; and Aliaga and its church said to be built on a site where the virgin Mary was sighted.

For details of the group and other activities of Javea U3A visit www.u3ajavea.org

Villarluengo

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Floral Procession and festive fun by keith nicol

A RIVER of more than 5,000 local residents and neighbours filled the streets of Torrevieja on Saturday afternoon, for the annual floral processions.

Those participating included many international associations including members of the local ex-services associations, the U3A, Rascals, Torry Army and Los Costaleros. Starting at 5pm, it took almost three hours for the procession to pass and present their gifts of flowers to Father Rocamora on the steps of the Inmaculada Church.

The event also coincided with the new ‘0 Km’ festivities, which ran from early morning into the night. Many shops stayed open into the evening, half a dozen bars offered special tapas route style ‘pinchos and a drink’ for just 1.50€ and there were fun and games during the daylight hours.

The Nativity scene is also open 24-hours a day, and is especially attractive in the evening as many of the exhibits have lights and working models. Bring your camera to capture the fantastic models of the Bethlehem scene, plus a few local references to Torrevieja landmarks thrown in, to add a special touch.

Tonight, Friday 11th, the XIII edition of Carols on the Square will take place. Featuring the Phoenix Concert Band, the music will start around 5pm with the Carol singing starting around 6pm followed by the International Mass in the Inmaculada Church at 7.30pm. The entire event takes place in front of the Church, beside the Nativity Scene and the Town Hall. Dozens of local performance groups, choirs and NGOs will also be present, adding their voices to the fun and festive activities.

Well done Oscar Marine Engines

AN INTERNATIONAL Volvo Penta Business Team visited Oscar Marine Engines in the Marina Salinas, in Torrevieja, on 1st December. Oscar Marine Engines are the local Volvo Penta Service Centre, and the delegates, who toured the Oscar Marine Engines Shop & Workshop and met the staff, described the visit as “excellent”.

The visitors admired the marine engines “on the water”, Volvo Penta Service Station, which was described as a “first” for Volvo Penta, and applauded the excellent Environmental Controls and Facility Services provided by the Marina Salinas. A very good visit was enjoyed by all participants.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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life&leisure people

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

Christmas fair wonderland

by CAROLINE TYSZKA THE ALBIR Sun Palace Hotel hosted a delightful Christmas fayre at the weekend as over 2,000 people turned up for the event.

The Christmas Fayre, organised by Katie Dell to raise funds for various charities, received an amazing number of visitors throughout the afternoon, although the tombola stall rapidly sold out of tickets as everyone was hoping for a prize.

Parking spaces were premium as members of the community flocked to Albir and got into the festive spirit.

Santa made just over 200€ which was donated to MABS, Animal Angels raised 680€ and Katie raised 507€ towards her own IVF treatment, with entrance figures topping 2,200 guests.

The Second Chance charity helpers collected over 250 gifts for the orphanage and every stall saw a busy trade.

Katie said “It was my first event of this type and I have received so much positive feedback, which means a lot to me.”

She went on to say “I really strive to improve and this was a starting point for me. I had no idea how busy it was going to get. I loved every minute of it and I am really looking forward to the next hotel.tv event adventure.”

The hotel was so impressed with Katie’s efforts that they have now offered a larger space for any future events that she wants to hold and were delighted to welcome so many people to their premises for the first time.

After the event Facebook was full of praise for Katie with many already booking for the next, not yet planned, fayre.

Children were delighted to have their pictures taken with Father Christmas, with the young girls particularly loving seeing the Frozen characters Anna and Elsa.

The final words go to Katie who said “It was just simply amazing. Thank you to everyone who made this day possible.”

De-Ville exhibition helps orphanage AN ART exhibition held during the week raised much needed funds for a local orphanage.

Nigel De-Ville held an art exhibition on Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd December at the Chill Out bar in Albir and raised 110€ for the El Preventorio Orphanage in Gandía.

The orphanage, which is run by nuns, is completely reliant on donations and receives no government funding to look after the children in its care.

Nigel said “it was a busy couple of days. I received 7 commissions and sold several paintings, which helped raise 110€ for the children. I am extremely grateful to all that came.”

The money raised will be added to a charity event due to be held at Hepburn’s Bar in Albir on 12th December.

If you wish to commission a painting please call Nigel on 639 04 97 87.

U3A has a party U3A VALL del Pop’s December monthly meeting rapidly became a party as members got into the Christmas spirit helped by seasonal entertainment and a visit by Santa.

Everyone joined in with carols sung by the Casual Choir, the Guitar Group played some festive songs, and there was a performance of the Laughing Policeman.

Father Christmas arrived with a sack of presents including gifts for two members celebrating ‘big’ birthdays and also for unsung heroes Judith, Anne and Lynn, who prepare the refreshments at every meeting, and other ‘deserving’ people.

And former President Bob Welham, a committee member for six years including four at the helm, was presented with a Life Membership.

The Guitar Group returned to perform ‘Feliz Navidad’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne’ while everyone enjoyed mulled wine, cava, and ‘stollen’.

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

life&leisure #motoring

Tim Saunders Independent unbiased car reviewer

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

Motoring, Citroën Cactus

NOT MUCH can harm a cactus; and this fact has been used to full advantage in the car of the same name by Citroën.

It is absolutely unique because it incorporates clever air pockets on its doors. Why? Have you ever been thoroughly fed up on returning to your car in a car park to find a dent in the door? That’s not going to happen again with the Citroën Cactus because any door daring to touch the plastic air pouch will simply rebound like a bouncing ball. What a great idea.

It doesn’t look half bad either. This is a vehicle that has been designed with fun and practicality in mind for the active family. Its roof bars will allow for kayaks or roof-boxes while the high ground clearance enables sensible off-roading, up gravel paths or farmland, within reason. It looks great and it’s different from everything else on the road. If you’re looking to

make your own path in life and not follow the crowd then this is a vehicle you are sure to embrace. I like the copious amounts of black plastic that contrast nicely with the Mr Bean yellow, as you can see in the video at testdrives.biz. It feels like anything can be thrown at the Cactus and it will tackle it.

There are a few niggles for me, though. The biggest is the underpowered diesel engine, which becomes apparent during a trek to Herefordshire, where there are a vast amount of hills and many narrow roads. Straight motorway jaunts aren’t a problem for the Cactus and the cruise control makes life easy, but throw a few hills into the mix and there is a lot of gear changing, which means that the fold down centre armrest in the front gets in the way and needs pushing up. At one point, a hill is so steep that I cannot actually see over the bonnet and there is no way on earth that the Citroën is going to tackle it in second, much as I try. As the engine threatens to stall I change into first.

Then there is the satellite navigation system, which is fraught with mistakes, the biggest of which is that it fails to acknowledge Monmouth. I’d be pretty fed up if I lived in Monmouth because it deserves to be featured. Then there are the countless u-turns the system demands that we do when travelling to various places between Hereford and Wales. It is a system that cannot be relied upon. When it commands you to make a turn the system states that there are still 20 or 30 yards left before making that turn, which throws doubt into the driver’s mind and regularly sees me overshooting the mark.

Give me a proper map any day!

The driver’s seat could do with a little more padding, especially on a long journey.

Other goodies include electric front windows and flip out rear windows which are good for the children although they have to be careful not to get their hands caught. In Abergavenny I spy a parking space and hit the park assist switch. It is only after a bit more assessment that I realise the space isn’t large enough for the Cactus. I’m unsure of what the system will do and quickly hit the switch and take control again as I see it getting a little too close to the car behind for my liking. I assume that if the space had been large enough the system would have tackled this parking manoeuvre successfully. It does beg the question: ‘Do we rely too much on technology?’ Parallel parking was only introduced into the driving test in the 1990s and it is a valuable skill to learn. For me parking assist is like using a calculator to add up. It fuels mediocrity and incompetence.

Although I am sure that the driver I witnessed trying to parallel park in Gosport a few months ago would appreciate this; he tried to reverse into a reasonably sized parking space at least 20 times in as many minutes. It really was painful to watch.

Overall the fun loving Citroën Cactus is an eye-catching family car that has a surprisingly large boot.

Citroen Cactus Feel BlueHDi 100 New price: around £16,000 Engine: 1.6-litre, diesel Top speed: 114mph Economy: 60mpg Power: 100bhp

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

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People enjoy ARC’s Christmas

by Jack Troughton

SCORES OF supporters visited the first Christmas Fayre organised by charity Jalon Valley ARC on Sunday as its work rescuing animals continued.

Money raised will support the dogs, cats, puppies and kittens rescued by an organisation launched 18 months ago by founder members Jayne West and Sally Mason.

And as well as stalls and refreshments, entertainment was provided by a dancing Father Christmas, the U3A Casual choir and singer Matt Mason.

Always in need of foster families to care for abandoned animals, Jayne told RTN rehoming was ‘up and down’. She said: “One week I found homes for four dogs and then perhaps none for the next month; you just never know.”

Only the previous day ARC was called to help a stricken dog. It is understood the German Shepherd cross was thrown from a car.

Jayne said: “Unfortunately it has got a broken leg and is very pregnant and due any day – she is very thin and you can see her backbone.”

However, there was good news to – the charity has just re-homed a stray found in the street which has gone to “a lovely home in Benidorm” where it will join another recue dog in a ‘forever home’.

Sally is known as the ‘catwoman’ and is looking after 21 kittens ranging from 10 weeks old to around 18 weeks. “They are all looking for a good home.”

Earlier this year, ARC opened its charity shop in Jalon to provide an income stream for the charity.

“It is doing very well and we are getting a lot of Spanish people supporting us, which is very good too,” added Jayne.

Viva Espana!

YOUNGSTERS AT the Laude Lady Elizabeth Junior School enjoyed being a real taste of Spain as the school went red and yellow for a day.

Music, costumes and dance helped to involve everyone as the school was divided into four age groups to encompass the Canary Islands, Valencia, Catalonia, and Andalucia. The groups were encouraged to study and research their region before being invited to experience Spain; there were Flamenco dancers and parents helped build a ‘Spanish table’ where pupils and staff could taste typical food, including freshly squeezed orange juice. And activities included building islands, recreating famous works of art, making mosaics of lizards and drawing the flags of the different regions – all coordinated by the school’s Spanish department, who also decorated the premises for the occasion.

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

Network of cycle lanes

by CAROLINE TYSZKA

THE VALENCIAN Government is planning to create a network of cycle routes that will eventually make a “large bike path” crossing from the north of the region to the south.

Plans are being made to connect the region’s cycle paths as the Government estimates that there are about 50 routes for pedestrians and cyclists in Valencia with different designs and styles, and that are unconnected, totalling more than 400 kilometres.

The idea from the Valencian Communidad is that existing routes be integrated into EuroVelo, a continental project to unite Europe’s cycle paths. The route, along the Mediterranean coast, which includes Valencia, should unite Cádiz with Athens.

The economic difficulties of the region have meant that connecting the towns to the capital and beyond have been done in scheduled phases. In 2016 investment

will be 4 million euros, and 5.5 million in 2017, according to the forecast from the Ministry of Housing, Public Works and Structuring.

One key phase is the metro ring which will total 52 kilometres and link the south beach of Valencia, in the village of Pinedo, with Alaquàs in the west of the city.

The initiatives are part of a funding project for cycle paths costing 34.8 million euros, 50% subsidized by European Union funds for the period 2014-2020.

The Government Minister, José María Salvador, said “one of the objectives for the coming years is to link the routes. The aim is to bring the landscape to the citizens, promoting sustainable tourism and encouraging the use of bicycles for short trips in order to reduce the use of private vehicles, contributing to the reduction of gas emissions and meeting the growing demand for this type of facility.”

cyclist

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life&leis ure #teams /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Alfaz Fantasy Football League Bowled over SCOTT’S TEAM, Dog Dale, became the eighth team to reach the top of the A.F.F.L. when they replaced Arthur’s Wombles, who slipped to 3rd place.

Joe’s Keith Lard F.C. remain in 2nd place, only 3 points behind the leader.

At the bottom are Lyn’s Handbrake City and Alison’s Foxywise. Super Rhys have regained the top spot of the U.K.T.V.SPAIN Junior League by 3 points over last week’s leader Nathan’s Tyrannosuarez-Rex F.C. At the opposite end, Bradley’s team, Hero to Zero, are now a massive 101 points behind Marcus’s Salford Sausages. In the Mark Carter Ladies Section, Maxine’s team Plaistow13hammes have regained the top spot by overtaking Joanna’s Hup Hannah City by 6 points. Karen’s Ceasars Blackcats have moved up to 3rd place and are well within range of the leaders. At the other end, Handbrake City and Foxywise are now 43 points behind the rest. Debbie’s team, Foxy Filberts, have taken an early advantage over Gail’s Nails in the chase for the 20€ voucher sponsored by Quick Save Supermarket in Albir.

In the Leonard Knowles Construction Golden Boot League, David’s team, Pearson Smashers, climbed 2 places

to 2nd and are now 19 points behind the leader, Hup Hannah City. At the other end, Shelley’s Funsize Hammers are still 2 points behind Foxywise. One of the junior teams, Super Rhys, are this week’s top scoring team, with 31 points, and go into the Premier Imports Monthly Draw for a case of cava, along with the lowest scoring team, Ian’s Toure-Defoe, who scored minus 3.

Manager of the Month for December is sponsored by Darren & Lorna at the Brisa del Mar in Albir, who provide an excellent Menu del Día plus a full À la

Carte. Super Rhys lead Booker Boys by 1 point. In Memory of Mak are in 3rd place, 3 points ahead of Debbie’s Foxy Filberts. Biggest movers this week are Darren’s team, Cheesy Burnett, who climbed 33 places to No 215 and qualify for an Olde English Breakfast for 2 at Rafters, sponsored by Kate.

Follow your team’s progress by visiting the website www.alfazffl.com or just pop into one of the bars which support us, in Albir Wyndhams & The Local, in Moraira Bar illoche and in Alfaz Robin’s Nest.

MEMBERS OF U3A Marina Baixa enjoyed the challenge of the ‘End of Year’ ten pin bowling at Benidorm’s La Marina.

Over the last 12 months Peter Edwards was the top male scorer, while Teressa Bury lead the ladies leader board – both are pictured receiving a trophy from Peter Gale.

U3A goes bowling at La Marina on the first Tuesday of the month and everyone is welcome – players do not need to be experienced at the sport because the group is made up of people of all standards.

And there is no need to reserve a place in advance; simply turn up at 6.45pm for a 7pm start – organiser Peter sorts everyone into mixed teams.

U3A Marina Baixa holds its general meetings on the fourth Monday of each month at the auditorium in the Casa de Cultura Alfaz del Pi. There is no December meeting, so the next Meeting is the AGM on Monday 25th January. The doors open at 9.30am and the desks close at 10.50am for a prompt 11.00am start.

Anyone interested in joining can visit the website www.u3amarinabaixa.com to find out more information and there is also a Facebook page. Those without internet access can call Secretary Joan Flint on 96 586 1226 or 663 637 167.

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Classifieds

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015

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.

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 on 966730569 or Brian on 678807159.

Looking forward to meeting you.

DOG SITTING HOME FROM HOME Secure garden, Costa Blanca North 637 160 545 K9, PET ONLY TRANSPORTATION We only use fully fitted out ex police vehicles

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.

LA BAMBA’S Ballroom Modern / 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] Friday - SOCIAL DANCE 7.30pm - 10.30pm Wednesday - New Beginners Class [new beginners starting Wednesday 13th January 2016] 2pm -3pm Intermediate Class 3pm - 4pm Intermediate Plus Class 4pm - 5pm Andrea Murphy [0034] 616 478 157

Friday, December 11 - Thursday, December 17 2015 TAPPY TOES DANCE CLASS FOR BABIES from 18 months, at 4kwatro in Albir, 11am, call Louise on 655 781 068 for more information.

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POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired. Professional, conscientious service to the highest standards. Refurbishments and upgrades undertaken. Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems, ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed. All work guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 18 years experience. 10 years served on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966 774 199 or 678 080 500 www. pristineswimmingpools.com NO CALLOUT CHARGE. SEE MAIN ADVERT ON FRONT PAGE OF CLASSIFIEDS

SPANISH MOVES Small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK Budget prices.

Last minute jobs undertaken. www. spanishmoves.net. Pet transport also arranged in our air conditioned pet/people carriers. Telephone UK 0800 612 4922 or Spain 960 130 537

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TORREVIEJA & SURROUNDINGS - LADIES enjoy a sensual spanking and much more. The Headmaster visits you at home. Details: headmaster@live.co.uk DENIA, BEAUTIFUL BRAZILIAN GIRL Sexy body, Affectionate.

Call Victoria: 634 805 553 GENERIC VIAGRA Blue Pill Spain supplies all your generic Viagra at the best prices. Buy Super Kamagra, Kamagra, Kamagra Polo, Super P-Force, Aurogra, Tadalafil / Cialis or weight loss pill Sibutril. email bluepillspain@ gmail.com or call 660 332 803.

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life&leisure sports

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Benitachell Bowls Club Winter League report BENITACHELL BOWLS Club Winter League squad were away at Monte Mar who were holding a 100% home record so far this season, so BBC, with 10 of their squad members unavailable for selection, were looking forward to a tense time.

Dudley Davies, Clive Langan, Carol Davies and John Avey put in a great performance winning their game quite comfortably 22-9.

John Coates, Bob Cockell, Bert McLean (Winter League Captain) and Christine Mawson took a 17 shot lead at the half way point, and, although Monte Mar fought back, won 27-8. Iris Gardiner, Derek Mawson, Bob Tranter and Steve Griffin were trailing by 7 shots after the first two ends, but were worthy winners with a final score of 19-13. After a bad start, Maggie Lawley, Jacquie Roberts, Mary Cockell and Tim Woodcock were 6 – 0 down after 5 ends, but took the next 10 ends picking up 14 shots between the 11th and 14th ends, gaining an overall win of 21-11. Jeff Richards, Tony Lawley, Mike Smith and Linda Richards put up a good fight only to lose 11-17.

The Berleen team, with Richard Gardiner, Carole Nicholas, Lynne Avey and Linda Smith, fought hard against a very strong and experienced Monte Mar team and, although they won 3 of the last 4 ends, the final score was 11-17.

A brilliant result was achieved with 10

points out of 12 and a 42 shot difference.

Well done BBC for maintaining 2nd place in the league table.

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

Continued from back page The seconds will play at Tavernes on Sunday morning. The bus will depart at 8am from Llar Pensionista Villajoyosa.

The women’s team will play at Valencia, next Sunday, The bus will depart at the same time and place.

The Mini rugby section will travel on Saturday to Tavernes, for a regional tournament. The bus will depart at 8am from Llar pensionista, Villajoyosa.

The Under 18s will also travel to Valencia on Saturday, and the bus will depart at 8am from the same place.

The next home game for the first team will be after Christmas, on Sunday 10th January, at 12.30pm, against Valencia RC. 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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life&leisure #sports

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To be, or not to be (world champions), that is the question

by ALAN PALMER

AT THE risk of sounding like Chatty Man, “What a week it’s been“. First of all Team Mercedes celebrated a record twelfth one/two in Abu Dhabi, only for Team Principal Toto Wolff to announce that the tensions in the team between their two drivers might result in one having to leave.

I would love to be a fly on the Mercedes’ Boardroom Wall when Toto puts this one before them.

“First of all, gentlemen, we have a three times World Champion, universally acknowledged as one of the, if not the, finest driver on the current GP circuit, who grew up on a council estate in Hertfordshire and is contracted to us until 2018. On the other hand we have a Finnish driver, who claims German nationality, who has achieved about half what our other driver has achieved, but his Dad is a former World Champion, who has a degree in engineering and grew up in Monaco, but we only have him on contract until 2017.

So, if we have to lose one of these drivers, which one has to go?“ Formula 1 teams are in the business of winning Constructor’s Championships, and, if it works out, Driver’s Championships as well. Can Toto Wolff seriously think that his Board would release a talent like Lewis Hamilton to someone like Ferrari, and there have been numerous rumours, but, for much more fun, try Williams or Force India, soon to be Aston Martin if stories are to be believed? Can you imagine a team called Aston Martin, running Mercedes engines, with a Three times British World Champion as their number 1 driver?

Then there’s Renault. At long last they have confirmed that they have finally agreed terms to take over the cash-strapped Lotus team and return as a full works team for next season. (They would love to have Lewis Hamilton, Toto!) Their driver line up of Pastor Maldonado, with rookie Jolyon Palmer, son of ex-F1 driver Jonathon, is not the most exciting, especially with Maldonado’s track record, but leaves room for potential development.

Just when we thought the season was finished it has all kicked off again. How about this for another headline; “Maclaren faster than Ferrari”. No you are not hallucinating! During tyre testing in Abu Dhabi after the GP last week, Maclaren actually set the fastest time, and Red Bull have confirmed that they will be using Renault engines next season, albeit they will be called Tag Heuer. I suppose we must watch this space.

Las Salinas winter petanca league THE LEAGUE is now stopping for the Christmas and New Year break. It will recommence on the 8th January 2016, so players will have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.

In division 1, Amigos Belgas 1 held on to their top spot with a 7-1 victory over Lakeside Lakers. Dominos Red, Los Bandidos and Rocajuna had good wins. In Division 2, Blagul 1 retained their top spot with an 8-0 victory over El Mirador Eagles. El Mirador Hawks had a good home win against XPS 6-2. Corsairs had a good away win at Danish Dynamite 5-3, whilst Lakeside Mosquitoes and Amigos Belgas2 drew 4-4. In division 3, Pumas remain top of the table after a good away win at Peacocks Red 6-2. There were also good away wins for Amigos Belgas 3, 5-3 and El Mirador Kestrals 7-1. Buddies had a good home win 5-3. In division 4, Guardamar stay top, with a solid home win 7-1. Other winners were Torre Bears 2, 5-3 over Peacocks blue, while Florentillies drew with El Raso Bandidits 4-4. In division 5, there were good wins for Rocajuna Lions, Blagul 2 and Falcons. Lakeside Ramblers drew with Daya Vieja hillbillies 4-4. Thank you to sponsors Casas Manuel and Reditel Orange Mobile.

El Plantio 2 Golf Society report

ON TUESDAY 8th December, 18 members turned out for a `Joker` competition, where each player nominates 2 different holes of the 18 before the start, and the Stableford scores are doubled for these.

One member contrived to leave his tee shot on the 3rd hole very close to the pond. This required him to put one foot on the plastic pond liner and he contrived to lose his balance and slide down a steep slope towards the rancid, polluted water. Fortunately, he managed to catch hold of the top and was rescued by his playing partners. What could have been a serious accident eventually ended up as a joke, when he was later asked why he hadn’t recovered some of the golf balls that lay on the bottom of the pond.

The scores were:- Nearest the pin, hole 1, Rod Loveday, hole 4, John O`Brien, 3rd place, handicap 10 - score 36 - Keith Smith, 2nd place, handicap 15 - score 39 - George Stanhope, 1st place, handicap 9 - score 40 - Ray Housley.

The society plays at El Plantio Golf Club on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, using both the Par 3 nine hole course and the main 18 hole course. catering for all abilities. Membership rates are very competitive, and anyone who wishes to play as a guest or join as a new member should contact Ian Henderson on 966 71 66 16 or 636 11 62 30.

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Rugby La Vila

LAST SUNDAY La Vila played Quimics Barcelona at home, and won 60-5.

Quimics, currently bottom of the table, are a very enthusiastic team, but La Vila were stronger and ďŹ tter, and remain at the top of the table. Next Saturday the ďŹ rst team will travel to Sitges, Barcelona.

Read the full story on page 86.