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Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

TOWN HALLS DODGE DUTY

Barry with pets Lucy and Fele

TOWN HALLS across the Costa Blanca are failing to meet legal obligations to provide “animal care” for abandoned, mistreated, and stray dogs, it was alleged this week. Read the full story on page 6

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

From the Editor’s desk...

Hola!

GREED AND corruption have raised their ugly heads once again after police raided offices of a government-owned water company in a complex investigation following a ćash for contracts´ scandal floating to the top of the pond. Arrests were made – including top flight executives – at Acuamed and documents seized. The Guardia Civil has also revealed dozens more people are still be investigated. The probe began in the back end of 2014 following reports by unhappy auditors over multi-million deals. Spain has long been criticised for afar over such crime, she must also act quickly to save face with the domestic population sick of the dated underhand culture. Acuamed is funded by the government and receives European funding yet it appears another corporation has become another gravy train for those feeding at the trough. The coast also made headlines last weekend after a British dad was left dead following a bar room fight. He was repeatedly stabbed with a broken bottle. Detectives have said alcohol played its part in sparking a late night quarrel and the ensuing violence at a sports bar in Villamartin Plaza on Orihuela Costa, a popular local with expats. Three Brits said to be involved were arrested nearby; a fourth, another UK citizen, handed himself into the authorities as the gravity of the situation dawned on a sober day. A court case will undoubtedly follow. The verdict? A tragic waste of a life.

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

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Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Expats wrong turn by CAROLINE TYSZKA A BRITISH couple were lucky to escape unharmed after their vehicle left the road and travelled several metres down a hillside on Monday. Kevin Barber aged 58, and his girlfriend aged 41, were travelling on the twisty road that leads up to the cross in Benidorm, when their car veered and headed oﬀ down the rocky ravine towards the sea, with the vehicle only stopping when it hit the supporting wall which runs around the coastal hillside. Luckily for the couple, the airbags deployed correctly enabling them to vacate the car with no injuries. The incident occurred on the hairpin bend just after the Gemelos 28 twin towers, at the end of the Levante promenade. However, it actually happened further up the road where there were no crash barriers in place. It is unclear yet exactly how the accident occurred, although it has been reported that when the police attended the scene the driver was asked to take a breathalyser test.

Residents given a voice EXPATS LIVING in a Marina Alta town have been given a direct voice in town hall matters after the creation of a ‘residents’ council’. Foreign residents make up the majority of the population of Benitachell and they can now outline the needs of an important sector at regular monthly meetings. The idea is the advisory body can put forward ideas and concerns to the town hall, while supplying information back to foreign residents in the municipality – the

residents’ body reflects different areas of Benitachell and its multiple nationalities. Councillor Dirk Rheindorf came up with the idea, backed by Mayor Josep Femenia, and said he thought the body had a “vital” role. “I created this organisation because I believe it is vital to encourage citizen participation, with access to official advice and communications with our residents – and also because it is a tool that I am convinced will improve our co-existence and service quality.”

#NEWS BITES

POLICE FREE KIDNAP VICTIMS

NATIONAL POLICE oﬃcers executed a daring raid this week to free two Ecuadorians who were being held hostage in an apartment in Benidorm.

A 23 year old man and his mother were held by two kidnappers for over seven hours,as demands were made for a ransom from other family members. Local media reported that a woman notified the police station that her grandson and his mother were being held captive and that a 3,500€ ransom demand had been made. The apartment building, in the centre of Benidorm, soon became a hive of police activity, as officers rescued the hostages from the apartment. Although one of the hostages had been beaten with an iron bar during the kidnapping,the police said both victims were in good health. Both kidnappers had criminal records for assault, drug trafficking, homicide and other serious illegal activities, and were remanded in custody.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Arrests in water company fraud

Offices were sealed off

by JACK TROUGHTON GUARDIA CIVIL officers swooped to make 13 arrests at state-owned water company Acuamed following an investigation into a complex web of corruption. Officers raided the Madrid headquarters, company bases in Valencia and Murcia, and the desalination plant at Torrevieja – as well as private homes – to seize documents. Those arrested were said to include the Chief Executive of Acuamed, Arcadio Mateo del Puerto, and the Director of Engineering and Construction, Maria Gabriela Manueco Pfeiffer. The investigation, Operation ‘Frontino’, was launched in September 2014 and is led by Judge Eloy Velasco of the National Court and the state’s Anti-corruption Prosecutor; together with the Central Operation unit of the Guardia Civil. And the judge is said to want a further 35 people investigated over alleged multi-million Euro fraud after they were “cited” as part of the plot. Spanish newspaper El Pais estimated the scam could involve 25 million Euros. STING The basis of the sting were allegations concerning the fraudulent award of contracts and the forgery of certification and settlements to inflate the amounts paid to companies successfully bidding for work in the Mediterranean Basin. In return, it is alleged Acuamed officers were rewarded with lucrative kickbacks from contracts worth hundreds of millions. Acuamed is a wholly-owned subsidiary and reports directly to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and the Environment, and is responsible for desalination, water purification, and recycling of water, as well as work to restore the environment in sensitive areas. And the company has been awarded 206 million Euros in the 2016 state budget – 31 million Euros down on last year’s figure. It has also received loans from the European Investment Bank and grants from the European Union. By the end of 2014, Acuamed employed 90 people; including five senior managers and 12 assistant principals. It is claimed personal expenses amounted to 6.4 million

#NEWSBITES

ANIMAL CRUELTY FILMED A FARM owner has reported to police that two of his workers killed 72 piglets by jumping on them. The farm hands, aged 19 and 22, are accused of extreme animal cruelty, having sent images to their friends of themselves killing the animals at a farm in HuércalOvera, Almeria, by jumping on them. The young men, one reported to be a Span-

ish national and the other from Lithuania, took it in turns to hold the mobile phone and ﬁlm the other committing the acts which they then shared on WhatsApp. A Guardia Civil spokesperson said on Wddnesday: “The men trapped the animals in a corridor whilst transferring them from one place to another. They then committed the crimes which killed 19 piglets and injured 53 others which later died from their wounds.”

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Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Lib Dems launch vote campaign THE LIBERAL Democrats aim to mobilise British expats across Europe to vote to stay in Europe in the coming referendum. The Brussels and Europe Liberal Democrats (BELD) launched the EU referendum campaign aimed at insuring as many people as possible vote to “remain” in the crucial ballot. And while the Government has promised all expats a ‘vote for life’, currently only those people who have lived outside the UK for less than 15 years and are registered in their last constituency will have a voice come polling day. Lib Dem MEP Catherine Bearder said: “The party will be making a positive, passionate case why Britain is better oﬀ in Europe. “One of the biggest beneﬁts of EU membership is the opportunity to live, work, and retire across the continent.

SECURE “We must secure this right for our children and grandchildren as well as the estimated two million British citizens living around Europe.” And BELD Chair George Cunningham said the Lib Dems “fought hard” to try and insure all British expats living in Europe were given a vote in the referendum. “But the Government refused to go along with that.” He added: “The next battle is to insure that those who are eligible register in time and don’t let their right to vote slip through their ﬁngers. “British expats will lose out heavily if we leave the EU. But with current polls neck and neck, every vote from a British expat in Europe will count.” He said BELD aimed to give British voters across Europe a voice and defend the right to free movement within the EU.

Catherine Bearder MEP

Caught red handed

NINE ARRESTS have been made as a drug traﬃcking group were caught red handed by the police.

National Police oﬃcers stoppedavehicle whilst it was moving drugs between Madrid and the Valencia Community and the carwas found to be carrying hundreds of grams of cocaine. Detectives began their investigation of the group a few months ago,having obtained information about their illegal activities, and monitored the movements and storage of the drugs; together with the criminals involved.

Two of the nine arrested were already wanted for previous convictions, and the outstanding warrants showed that they were due to have served between nine and twelve years in jail for similar offences. The drugs were being moved from Madrid to Elche when the officers made the swoop and found 225 grams of cocaine hidden in the boot door frame. And at the same time as the road seizure was being made, other officers arrested the remaining members of the group, and searched various properties, impounding mobile phones, precision scales and a car.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Town halls dodge duty by JACK TROUGHTON TOWN HALLS across the Costa Blanca are failing to meet legal obligations to provide “animal care” for abandoned, mistreated, and stray dogs, it was alleged this week. Established animal charities – many run by expats – are being forced to step in to help neighbouring municipalities who provide no service despite it being a requirement under European and Spanish law. The award-winning animal charity SCAN in El Vergel, near Denia, has an excellent relationship with the town hall, local police and Guardia Civil, but remains financially independent and relies on its own fund raising. And the charity’s running costs, including feeding the cats and dogs it rescues and the associated vet bills, are 8,000€ a month. SCAN has 13 kennels at its shelter and is licensed to have 25 dogs – others are with foster families. At present 40% of the animals on the premises are from other villages in the area. President of the Society for the Care of Animals in Need, Barry Caulfield said the charity was frequently called on to take in animals from neighbouring villages; including Ondara, Pedregeur, Els Poblets, Beniarbeig and Benidoleig. He said many town halls made no provision for animal care in their budget – he said he spoke to one mayor who said 500€ was set aside annually for special expenses including animals. SUSTAIN “We just cannot sustain taking in the problems of dogs from other villages,” said Barry. “Fund raising in Spain is getting more and more difficult. “European Union law is very clear and applies to all member countries and there are also laws in Spain regarding the protection of animals but these laws need applying – I understand the difficulty of the police saying ‘what can we do’ when there is no provision for animals. “I think it is time people are aware that these problems exist

in areas along the coast - villages that don’t do anything and just rely on someone else to solve their problems.” SCAN enjoys a 92% adoption rate with its rescued animals. Yesterday (Thursday) Barry ﬂew to the United States to take three Podencos – the Spanish hunting dog – to new homes in Oregon. Barry believes the problem of strays and abandoned animals could be helped if town halls imposed sanctions for owners who did not have dogs chipped or a passport for the animal. “It is reaching a point where the avoidance of responsibility and accountability is starting to lead to major problems – if all the established shelters are full and dogs are still being dumped and abandoned, it creates a real problem,” he said. STRAYS “Some villages call in someone to make a sweep and collect the strays – they are taken to Alicante but if they are not claimed within 10 days, they are put down. That is not animal care!” Barry admitted there were circumstances – when an owner suddenly died or had to go into a residential home – where SCAN agreed to help. The charity also responded to town hall appeals but was too often let down on a promised ‘donation’ to help costs. “If we doubled the number of our kennels it would just

Dawn with Tom – rescued in Beniarbeig

double our problem,” he said. “But we have never yet let an animal down.” A group of town halls in the immediate area have recognised the animal problem and are discussing building a joint shelter – however, nothing concrete is yet on the table. “Other villages are like the Bermuda Triangle; things just disappear. We will help in an emergency but we are constantly being asked to help,” Barry added. “I don’t think these town halls have any shame. “I would be very happy for these town halls to come forward and say ‘Barry, you are wrong, we do have facilities for animals’. I will happily go along and see the proof and take everything I have said back – just show me the vets’ bills and the food bills.”

#NEWS BITES

CLEAR THE SLOPES

FOREST WORKERS have been busy clearing the lower slopes of Cap de Sant Antoni in Javea of invasive shrubs and weeds – and rubbish dumped by humans. The town hall identiﬁed the problem at the rear of Javea port as the plants took hold of an area owned by the council which was once quarried for its stone to build the harbour. And work started in the area being cleared last Friday – part of the Montgo Natural Park – was extended this week to include overgrown parts of the Barranquet Sant Antoni.

Providing information for the UK and Spain since 1998

www.UKandSpain.com

Brit dies after bar brawl

A BRITISH man died after being repeatedly stabbed with a broken bottle after trouble flared in a sports bar in the resort of Orihuela Costa early on Saturday morning. The victim suffered face, neck and chest wounds as fighting continued outside, and police say at least one of the blows was fatal after the incident in Villamartin Plaza, an area popular with expats. Three Brits – two men aged 43 and 26, and a 39-year-old woman – were arrested leaving the scene shortly after the fatal assault at around 2am. Police stopped the vehicle, said to travelling without lights. And a fourth 29-year-old suspect – believed to be the killer – later handed himself in to the Guardia Civil in Altea. It is understood remorse at the serious of his alleged offence and the fact a Guardia Civil net was closing triggered his surrender. According to police sources, a quarrel descended into violence and a group was involved in the brawl. At some point one of the people involved broke a bottle and attacked another with the weapon. DRINK One local worker said the premises were “like any other bar” – occasionally witnessing violence but otherwise normal. “It is like any other bar, sometimes there are fights, but some people when they drink cannot control themselves.” And a restaurant owner told reporters: “I am a little bit afraid and angry – it is scary...I have been here three years and we have never had trouble – it is a nice place.” A spokesman for the Foreign Office later confirmed that a British national had died and that four British citizens had been arrested. The investigation into the killing is being carried out by Guardia Civil officers stationed at Pilar de la Horadada. It is understood detective initially blamed alcohol for fuelling the quarrel. A total of 30 people were murdered in Alicante province last year, double the figure for 12 months earlier. Two people have now been killed in the province in 2016, both in the Vega Baja.

#NEWS BITES

TORREVIEJA TO GET BETTER PROMENADE ALICANTE’S REGIONAL governmenthas allocated over 400,000€ to the redevelopment of Torrevieja’s promenade to improve access between Punta Margalla and AvenidaHabaneras. It involves the redesign of the promenade replacingkerbs ,pavements, and new street furniture. The projectalso includes the installation of new lights and the improvement of recreational areas, such as gardens, parks, children’s playgrounds and outdoor gym elements for exercise and other leisure activities. “If the deadlines are met and the work begins in February, the promenade should be ﬁnished in time for the summer ,” said the Vice President of the Provincial Government and representative for the area, Eduardo Dolón.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

#NEWS BITES

Cycle path mayhem

CLEAR THE SLOPES FOREST WORKERS have been busy clearing the lower slopes of Cap de Sant Antoni in Javea of invasive shrubs and weeds – and rubbish dumped by humans.

The town hall identiﬁed the problem at the rear of Javea port as the plants took hold of an area owned by the council which was once quarried for its stone to build the harbour. And work started in the area being cleared last Friday – part of the Montgo Natural Park – was extended this week to include overgrown parts of the Barranquet Sant Antoni.

by CAROLINE TYSZKA

THE NEW cycle path in Benidorm is pitting neighbour against neighbour as opinions are divided about the new roundabout layout and the bike lane position. The brightly painted new bike path in Avenida Jaime I, Benidorm, which runs through the middle of the road, has instigated residents to complain about the dangers of its location but also some who feel it is in an ideal position. The cycle lane is positioned so that traﬃc runs either side of the bike riders on one of the busiest roads in the town and is part of the many changes involved in the redevelopment of the street. The “safe route” for cyclists, which travels through the centre of the large roundabout, appears very confusing for both riders and vehicles, as rights of way are battled over. In the “pro” camp residents argue that it will make it safer for cyclists and that vehicles will now be more aware and take more care with the vibrant coloured lane being so obvious. However in the “con” camp neighbours feel that it is a danger for the cyclists to be in the middle of the road, particularly as some may not be experienced enough to deal with traﬃc either side of them. One resident, Julian Ivars, spoke to the local media and said “when you are surrounded by cars where some may overtake inappropriately I am concerned that the cyclists will not react in the proper way.” Benidorm town’s engineer, Carlos Sanchez Galiano, detailed that the new path had been designed to ensure the safety of

Swimming pool re-opens THE PUBLIC indoor pool in Villajoyosa will re-open next week following the signing of a new contractor.

The new roundabout

riders, saying “all changes have problems at ﬁrst, we have put the path in the centre as it is more functional, uses less space and it is completely regulated and safe.”

The town hall has agreed terms with UTE El Pantano, the new management company for the facility, and the pool will re-open on Monday 18th January at the normal time, with previous members able to continue using the services or request a refund. Swimming lessons will re-start on Monday 1st February, but, again, anyone who has already paid for unused lessons may apply for a refund if they do not wish to use the facilities any more. There are various planned improvements in the pipeline, including the installation of a new ﬁtness area. Ricardo Carballo, manager of UTE El Pantano, said: “We are committed to the citizens of Villajoyosa and are here to resolve any issues or problems that users may have.” The councillor for Sports, José Ramón Ucles, said: “We will do rigorous monitoring to ensure that clients can use the facilities as they have before. We are also arranging for credits or refunds for courses that did not take place due to the closure.” To apply for a refund forms are available at the town hall, the pool and the extension town hall building, from Friday 15th January. For further information please go to www.villajoyosa.com.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Pensioners suffer again GOVERNMENT PLANS to cut benefits for those living abroad for more than one month are “extremely foolish” says 87-year-old expat Albert Fereday. Hard-up Brits who want to escape the harsh winter weather for health or economic reasons could lose both pension credits and housing benefits after Chancellor George Osborne reduced the cutoff point from 13 weeks to four from April in last autumn’s spending review. Means tested pension credits are an extra payment to give people aged over 62 a minimum income; housing benefit is frequently claimed alongside it. Albert, who lives in Benidorm, began protesting to the UK Government over the decision to scrap Winter Fuel Allowance to pensioners in Spain and other ‘hot’ EU countries that fail a controversial temperature test. He has now written to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and hopes the whole issue of the winter fuel payment and now new benefit cuts is taken to Brussels as he challenges the legality of the moves.

“Mr Osborne and his ‘think tank’ have come up with a stupid idea to penalise again mainly pensioners,” Albert told RTN. “He has made a rod for his own back – it will ruin the happiness of lots of people living in Spain and now affect the tourism because people will be put off coming. “And it doesn’t just affect Spain but all the countries where pensioners go. It will also affect people with second homes.” He believes the knock on affect will see Spanish hotels, restaurants and bars lose trade and possibly close in winter putting jobs at risk. Albert has followed an angry exchange of letters in the Daily Mail over the cuts and has again been spurred into action. “Why has the Tory Government turned on its own people?” he asked. “I think this latest move will get the Spanish government involved – and that will get the heavyweights going against Prime Minister David Cameron; Mr Osborne; and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith. “I still think the whole thing is illegal and I think it is going to blow up in their faces.”

Albert points to a Daily Mail letter

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

NTA – the results are in by CAROLINE TYSZKA

THE 21ST National Television Awards were presented on Wednesday evening to a packed O2 arena and aired live to the nation on ITV. Hosting the event was Dermot O’Leary, who began the show in 007 style, arriving on stage via the rooftop. Opening the event was the legendary Gloria Gaynor, before Dermot got down to the business of announcing the ﬁrst category which was “Challenge Show” with the award being presented by Ant and Dec. The winner of this category was The Great British Bake Oﬀ, beating The Apprentice, Bear Grills Mission to Survive and Master Chef. Next up was the award for “Drama” presented by Aidan Turner from Poldark and won by Downton Abbey. Other awards were: “Entertainment Programme” - I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. “Serial Drama Performance” - Danny Dyer from Eastenders. “Comedy” - Peter Kay’s car share. “Impact Award” - Aidan Turner from Poldark. “Live Magazine” - This Morning. “Newcomer” - Shayne Ward from Coronation Street. “New Drama” - Doctor Foster. “Daytime” - The Chase. “TV Presenter” - Ant and Dec (15 years running). “International” - The Big Bang Theory. “Drama Performance” - Suranne Jones from Doctor Foster. “Factual Entertainment” - Gogglebox. “Serial Drama” Billy Connoly - Eastenders.

“Talent Show” – Strictly Come Dancing. Unfortunately the Benidorm Series (7) failed to win in the “Best Comedy” category, but, no doubt, they will be back next year hoping to win with series 8 which is currently on air Monday evenings. The NTA gave the “Special Recognition Award 2016” to Billy Connolly, saying “it’s unbelievable and yet no surprise that we’re celebrating fifty years of Billy Connolly. Because he doesn’t compromise, because he doesn’t fit a label, he has no shelf life. He’s not part of a phrase. He’s unique. He is… Billy Connolly.” The Band of the Scots Guards played before Dustin Hoffman paid tribute to Connolly and his 50 years in show business and presented him with the award. Looking slightly frail because of his Parkinson’s, Connolly was given a rousing cheer and standing ovation from the celebrity seating area as he accepted his award. Billy said: “It’s been a grand old rock and roll trip all the way. I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart but, in particular, I want to thank the British comedians for keeping comedy real.”

Aidan Turner

Seating

Ant and Dec

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Sparks fly over electricity EXPATS ANGRY at power giant Iberdrola and its contract promising discounts on bills have contacted RTN after last week’s ‘Electric Shocks’ front page. In the story, Costa Blanca resident Jim Kershaw told how he was ‘cold called’ and “foolishly” paid 10€ for a new contract and a 10% discount – only to find with additional charges his bills actually went up. Bob Harrison, from El Raso, also signed up for the 10% discount more than a year ago after a friend said a “brilliant offer” was available. He said Iberdrola staff at nearby Guardamar confirmed he was eligible for the offer and he spent around two hours waiting and filling out the paperwork. “When I received my first bill I discovered the discount was only on supply and the costs had increased meaning I was actually paying more,” he said. “I was very annoyed and contacted the office, who said I had the advantage that I would be free of increases for 12 months and that I could cancel the contract if I was unhappy. I decided to continue, satisfied that I had

made my objection.” DECEIVE “The offer is definitely intended to deceive and tempt people to commit to a 12 month contract under the false assumption that they would receive lower bills.” And Bill and Lyn Beaumont, from Benissa, also signed a contract in 2014 to stay with Iberdrola and enjoy a 10% discount after being cold called. “Just like Jim there has never been a reduction of 10%, more like an increase far in excess of 10%. The invoice is now full of other items,” they said. “When asking about it, we were fobbed off with ‘I don’t know what you are talking about...thank you for your call’!” They considered installing solar panels and cutting out the electricity company but discovered there was a tax on their installation. “Is this Iberdrola working behind the scenes? So much for saving the planet – we only lease the planet for our lifetime and therefore we have a duty to maintain it.”

Jim Kershaw

#NEWSBITES

POLICE TOLD NO CLUBS ON DUTY

THE SPANISH Supreme Court has ruled that police officers cannot attend certain social venues whist in uniform and on duty. A British national paper made the revelation that an on duty police officer visited a strip club in Toledo and spent over an hour and a half in the establishment drinking alcohol and chatting to the staff. The Supreme Court ruling comes after the officer in question appealed against a six month suspension following the discovery, by other officers, that, whilst he was supposed to be patrolling the streets, he was enjoying a bit of down time at the club. The court judgement is reported as saying “any Guardia Civil officer will be fully aware that to perform such actions whilst in uniform and carrying a weapon is unbecoming conduct and damages the name of the institution.”

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Last tobacco factory to close

Free WhatsApp THE ANNUAL subscription fee that some WhatsApp users have paid in the past is being abolished.

by CAROLINE TYSZKA

IT IS the end of an era for Spain, as the last cigarette factory is set to close due to poor sales ﬁgures. The tobacco company, Altadis, the last cigarette factory from the Franco era and developed from the British based Imperial Tobacco who took over the company in 2008, has been forced to announce this week that

poor sales mean plans have being made to close the northern La Rioja region production facility by June 30th 2016. Although the company will still continue to produce cigars and cigarillos at their plant in the northern Cantabria region, the group’s sales ﬁgures for cigarettes have fallen by over 45 percent in the past ﬁve years.

Contributing factors for the decision include the recent anti-tobacco laws, increased health promotions, smoking bans and a rise in illegal sales from the Middle Eastern markets. The company hopes to make the process as easy as possible for the 471 workers by prioritising early retirement and voluntary redundancy applications ﬁrst.

Jan Koum, the founder of the worldwide app, announced on Monday that the company is removing the annual charge as “it really doesn’t work that well.” It may take a little time for the system that takes the payments to be closed safely, and anyone who has paid for the year will not be issued a refund. The App management say that they are not planning on making up the revenue from introducing third party adverts, but may consider links with businesses that are relevant to each user, as currently happens with Facebook.

#NEWSBITES

UPDATE – LISA BROWN MISSING PERSON

THE BOYFRIEND of missing Lisa Brown returned to Spain this week to clear his name. Simon Corner aged 33, or Dean Woods as sources in Liverpool know him, disappeared soon after being questioned about the missing mother of eight year old Marco in November 2015. RTN has been keeping readers updated throughout the past few months, although this is the first piece of positive news for the family since before Christmas. Simon, from Liverpool, who was believed to be in Thailand, following reports that his credit card had been used there, has now secured the services of JaCogLaw, a large multinational law firm, and has assured his representative, Jason Coghlan, of his innocence. He flew into Malaga airport on Tuesday saying to reporters that he was “here to clear my name,” No doubt the Spanish police, as well as the Gibraltar authorities, will be keen to speak to him.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Glen Frey checks out at 67 by JACK TROUGHTON

EAGLES GUITARIST Glen Frey died on Monday – almost 40 years after the American country rock band became international superstars with their ﬁfth album ‘Hotel California’. The musician, song writer and co-founder of the band died in New York from complications arising from rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, and pneumonia. His family and band members said: “Words can neither describe our sorrow; nor our love and respect for all he has given to us.” The Eagles’ radio friendly sound made the band one of the most successful of the 1970s with 150 million album sales around the world – Hotel California and the greatest hits package amongst the best sellers in history. Hotel California was released in 1976 and sold 16 million copies in the United States and another 32 million across the globe. However, its success took its toll on the eagles. Frey himself described their break-up in two words: “Hotel California”. The group struggled under the pressure of following the record and it tore them apart. Fellow Eagle Don Henley famously said in 1980 the Eagles would reform “when hell freezes over”. In 1994 the old friends got together again and named the comeback album after Henley’s words. The band began touring again to popular

#NEWS BITES

VOLCANOES ERUPT RESIDENTS IN Indonesia were evacuated from their homes on Wednesday as Mount Egon in Kupang, eastern Indonesia erupted sending toxic gas and volcanic ash into the sky. Over 3,000 miles away another volcano erupted simultaneously causing earthquakesless than 24 hours later. Both volcanoes are on interconnected tectonic plates suggesting that there may be a major seismic shift, more volcanic activity and even further earthquakes with possible tsunamis.

Glen Frey (left) with band mate Joe Walsh

acclaim; however, even during the 14 years as a solo artist, Frey enjoyed success, pen-

ning “The Heat is On” ﬁr the 1984 movie ‘Beverly Hills cop”.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Beware marching caterpillars THE PINE Processionary Caterpillars are back in woodland along the coast and will soon be leaving their distinctive nests to march along the ground. The cotton wool ball nests are easy to spot in tree branches. People should avoid the pests - and keep young children and pets, especially dogs, away from danger. Once the caterpillars are on the move they leave the trees and form long chains, nose to tail, and eventually disperse to burrow underground to pupate. However, it is during this stage – and from where they get their name – that the caterpillars are most dangerous. It is the hairs of the distinctively orange-brown coloured beasts with blue bands that spell trouble. If the insect, thaumetopoea pityocampa, is touched or poked, it can cause a painful rash and give off dust that can cause breathing problems – they are particularly toxic to young children and animals. HARPOON And if stressed or threatened, a caterpillar can actually eject or fire its hairs which are like tiny harpoons and can penetrate and irritate exposed skin. It is advised to seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Dogs are vulnerable because they pick up the hairs and start to itch – it leads to the hairs being transferred to their tongue. This can result in further itching, swelling, vomiting and even death. In some cases the tongue is amputated to save the animal’s life – but if an owner realises the problem; seek veterinary help immediately. The insect’s life cycle starts in early summer when mature moths fly – and live for about a day, during which time it must mate. Females lay up to 300 eggs in the foliage of a pine tree. After around a month the eggs hatch and begin a five stage life cycle as they grow and mature. The nests are built in the third stage and the caterpillars feed of the host pine tree. As mature caterpillars – the fifth stage – they leave the nest and start walkabout, usually between February and April. However, the abandoned nests should also be avoided as they can still contain residual toxic caterpillar hairs.

A telltale nest

Fruit – the new weapon for Indian police POLICE IN India have a unique way of retrieving stolen goods when the thief decides to swallow the evidence. When a 25 year old man snatched a gold chain from a woman on the streets of Mumbai, oﬃcers decided to send him to have an X-ray where it was discovered he had swallowed the stolen item. Deciding that surgery was the expensive option, the investigators force-fed the thief around 40 bananas after an earlier enema failed to produce the goods. Shankar Dhanavade, Mumbai’s senior police inspector, said “we fed him more than 40 bananas throughout the day, eventually the chain appeared and we made the man wash and disinfect it.” Last year Mumbai police were faced with a similar situation and the thief was not only made to eat two dozen bananas but also drink several litres of laxative laced milk.

#NEWSBITES

hotel build

FIGURES FOR MARITIME RESCUE PUBLISHED CARTAGENA’S MARITIME Rescue helped almost 600 people in 2015. The Rescue Coordination Centre (CCS), in Cartagena, coordinated the rescue, assistance, or search for 597 people, in the course of 202 rescue operations 178 related to maritime rescue, 24 to maritime safety and 4 to environmental emergencies. The total number of ships involved was 158, of which 114 were pleasure boats, 12 merchant ships nine ﬁshing boats, and 23 vessels of other types. In actions directly related to immigration, Cartagena CCS recued 144 people from 12 boats. Nationally, a total of 15,566 people in Spain were helped during 2015, according to data released this week.

Terra Mítica hotel summer opening THE FIRST hotel complex for the Terra Mítica theme park area will be open by the summer of this year. The Grand Luxor Hotel, currently being built near the Egyptian area of the Terra Mítica Park, will oﬀer 300 well equipped and large bedrooms, conference areas and spa facilities. Santamaría Group, who have owned Terra Mítica since 2010,

as well as the Aqualandia water park and Mundomar nature park, have stated that the four star luxury hotel will open its doors during the summer months of 2016. The hotel’s other facilities will include terraces, meeting rooms, a wellness and health area and the kitchen will be staﬀed by nationally renowned chefs who will cater for all culinary tastes.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Businesses love Benidorm by CAROLINE TYSZKA A BESPOKE bike company has set up shop in Benidorm following their success from appearing on the television programme Dragons Den. The Irish company, Goeco, based in Limerick and now Benidorm, sell and hire electric bikes including their model the “Rover” bike, which featured as one of the ﬁrst bids for assistance on the Irish series of Dragons Den in 2009 but could not convince the panel of the potential. Marty Mannering, the project promotor, was sent on his way with nothing more than a “good luck,” but that is when things really started happening as enquiries started coming in thick and fast. Paul Mannering, the son of the company founder, Marty, said “we decided to beat the Irish storms and winter blues by opening a store in Spain, and because Benidorm has all year round tourism it made sense.” Benidorm is attracting more international businesses because of its

Marty Mannering on Dragons Den

improved climate and tourist trade, with Costa Coﬀee set to open a new store in the old town area of the resort, next to Zara and the Vidal Group’s new store

which opened in November on Avenida Alfonso Puchades. The Starbucks coﬀee chain are also looking at the feasibility of opening a shop in the resort.

NEWS BITES

BACK IN THE SWIM

YOUNGSTERS OF the Benitachell swimming team are back in the water training for the latest competitions in the regional league. Councillor for Sports, Toni Colomer joined the 30 swimmers of all ages and abilities at the town’s indoor heated pool to wish them good luck.

New doctor’s surgery

PLANS HAVE been released for a new doctor’s surgery at La Cala de Villajoyosa this week. The medical director of primary health care for the Marina Baixa, Carlos Manuel Salas, along with the mayor of Villajoyosa, Andreu Verdú, met during the week at the La Cala doctor’s oﬃce to announce plans for the new facilities in the La Cala de Villajoyosa area of the town. The new premises, which will be ready in a few months, will provide residents with a surgery attended by a doctor and a nurse, and will help alleviate the current long waiting times that local residents have been experiencing.

meeting

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Guardamar tourism improving by CAROLINE TYSZKA HARD WORK has paid off for the tourism workers in Guardamar as figures for hotel occupancy increased in 2015. Over the past eight years the tourist industry within Guardamar has attended trade fairs around the world, including Oslo, Brussels, Barcelona and London. This has been reflected in the improving figures for hotel occupancy which by the end of last year reached 52 percent. In 2008 these figures were just 42 percent and whilst a ten percent increase over eight years may not appear great in comparison with resorts such as Benidorm it shows that the industry is moving in the right direction. In another boost for the town a renowned organisation, Wikipaella, presented the mayor with an award for the Guardamar rice, a flagship produce from the area for over 150 years. Wikipaella is a non-profit organisation which promotes and defends classic rice dishes in Valencia which

Orihuela popular at Fitur THE ORIHUELA tourist delegation attended the opening of the 36th International Tourism Fair in Madrid on Wednesday.

Recieving the award

it describes as a fundamental part of the cultural heritage of Spain. The prize was awarded to the mayor,

José Luis Sáez, who said “it is an honour for the people of Guardamar acknowledging our authentic rice.”

The trade fair currently being held in Madrid has welcomed stands and visitors from around the world to promote their particular tourism including the town of Orihuela. Emilo Bascuñana, mayor, together with the councillor for Tourism, Soﬁa Alvarez, represented the town and attended the presentation of the Costa Blanca brand before visiting their stand within the big exhibition area at the Feria de Madrid venue. The stand has received many visitors over the ﬁrst few days including the Minister of Tourism José Manuel Soria. The event which is open to the public includes exhibitions from travel agencies, hotels, service companies, travel media and trade associations. Last year 7,398 journalists from 60 countries attended the event and 9,419 companies promoted their products and services. The exhibition, which opened on 20th January continues until 24th January. For further information on opening hours and directions www.ifema.es.

Orihuela’s commerce unified under a single brand

ORIHUELA’S DEPARTMENT of Commerce has revived a project launched in 2014 which aims to create a true open urban mall. It has created a logo that will unify the various associations, the Chamber and the City Council, ot become the sole commercial brand for the project. Councillor Damaso Aparício, and President of the Chamber, Félix Cerdán, explained the details of the project to revitalize the commerce of the city in order to compete with the new peripheral retail formats. The idea comes from the Regional Plan of Commerce (Pateco) 1998, revised in 2008, and launched in Orihuela in 2014, thanks to an agreement with the Regional Council of Chambers of Commerce. Aparício said that ‘Orihuela, living city’ is the slogan chosen for a logo which identiﬁes the brand with the town.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Dogs count their blessings by JACK TROUGHTON THE ANNUAL blessing of the rescue dogs at the APASA shelter was once again celebrated in style with a real party atmosphere. The Spanish tradition marks the day of Sant Antoni, the patron saint of animals, on 17th January. However, the Javea animal charity put out the bunting a day early on Saturday and welcomed guests – both human and canine. And as is customary at the shelter, dogs now living in ‘forever homes’ are brought back to visit for the afternoon; still looking surprised at being sprinkled with holy water. Performing the ceremony this year was Don Vicente Gilabert, the parish priest at the Fisherman’s Church in Javea Port. He would be on duty again on Sunday morning blessing pets and working animals. Currently, there are 260 dogs at the shelter and according to charity President Mandy Conway, things are going well. “We have had some really good adoptions recently, although there have just been a couple of new arrivals,” she said. “On the whole things are very good for the charity at the moment.” Some of the older dogs at the shelter have seen it all before – APASA has a policy not to put down a healthy dog. Mandy added: “We never put dogs down unless they are sick or dangerous.” And she said it was wonderful to see adopted dogs brought back by their new owners. “A lot of people who have taken dogs from us like to bring them back to be blessed on this special day – it’s just lovely!” Fund raising for the charity is always important and bargain hunters can visit the APASA charity shop which has a sale with reductions of 50% throughout January.

NEWS BITES

SCHOOL DONATES TO THE COMMUNITY

THE BALCO de Finestrat School presented a donation of products this week to the town hall of Finestrat, for distribution to needy families in the area. Pupils and staﬀ at the Finestrat School held a charity lunch on 21st and 22nd December to raise funds for those less fortunate families in the local area. This week, the councillor for Social Services in the town, María Llorca, went to the school to collect the products that had been funded by the special events. Ms Llorca said: “I want to thank everyone for making this donation possible. It is a very emotional day and a show of solidarity to the families most in need of such a gesture.”

Blessing rescue dogs

Craft show stalls available

APPLICATIONS ARE still open for stall-holders to participate in the 33rd Altea Arts and Crafts Show later in the year. The Department of Culture in Altea stated that applicants can apply for a stall until February 3rd with the submission of their application, documentation and samples which will then be presented to a jury at the Casa de Cultura in the town for selection. UNART Altea and the Altea Craft Union are working with the Department of Culture to organise this year’s event, with the objectives being to promote traditional arts and crafts, predominantly handmade and of good quality. Anyone wishing to apply is required to submit samples of their work and the jury’s decision will be announced on 10th February via the town hall website. Further information and application forms can be found at www.altea.es.

Charity shop enjoys ‘lots’ of help

THE EL Cid Auction team visited the Ondara Charity Shop on Tuesday afternoon to present a cheque for 500€ - the cash raised during weekly sales. The shop team – a merry band of seven regulars – will put the money towards a new boiler for the old aged pensioners’ residential home, where 22 people live. The shop itself, it is more formerly Asociacion Beneﬁca Marina Alta, has been open 15 months and is committed to helping the local community. “We are currently buying as new boiler for the old folk’s home in Ondara,” said President Dorothy Lunn. “This kind donation will go towards it. “At the moment the money we take goes to help elderly people in the town. It has taken a little time to get going but now we are doing well.” Handing over the cheque to Dorothy, Alan explained the cash came from El cid auction’s ‘central funds’. “We do like to donate money. When we have a little cash in hand, we like to spread it around.” The charity shop is at Avenida Doctor Fleming 49 in Ondara and is open between 10am and 1pm Monday to Thursday. Donations can be collected by arrangement, call Simon on 626 573 474.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Too warm to hibernate by CAROLINE TYSZKA

BEAR MONITORS in Spain have seen an increasing number of brown bears still active when they should be in hibernation. The environment department in Cataluña that placed a team of monitors to follow the brown bears announced in a report that “at this time of year, the whole family should be hibernating inside a cave, but this is clearly not the case.” The monitors spotted the bears and their cubs roaming the Pyrenees searching for food such as acorns, which, because of the warmer weather, are in plentiful supply, even though they should now be in hibernation. The team were unsure if the bears had been hibernating but, because of the warmer weather, had woken exceptionally early, or

if they had delayed going into their three month sleep for the same reason. One WWF expert said that they pose very little danger to humans. Gemma Rodríguez, who is part of the WWF biodiversity team in Spain, said “in such warm conditions the bears can ﬁnd worms and small mammals as well as acorns and berries. If the climate change continues to give warm winters it may be that the bears adapt and don’t hibernate at all.” Brown bears became extinct in the Pyrenees in 2004 but an EU backed programme brought brown bears from Slovenia to the Cantabrian Mountains of north western Spain and now the WWF says that conservation eﬀorts have brought the number of authentic Iberian brown bears up to 230.

Bear with cubs

NEWS BITES

WOODY SINGS FOR ALZHEIMERS

AFTER THE festive break, it’s time now to start the fund-raising nights again at Restaurante El Alto La Dolores, in Guardamar. On 17th February, Woody will be entertaining and helping to raise funds for The Alzheimers Association. Tickets, still at just 10 euros for a two course meal and top notch entertainment, are available from the Restaurant itself, or from The Card Place in Benimar, or The Post Room Benijofar. Tickets for all the monthly charity nights always sell out fast, and especially so when Woody is performing. Once again, star prize in the raffle will be a Mediterranean Cruise, generously donated by the owners of the Restaurant. The three charities being supported again this year are Alzheimers, Torrevieja Stroke Support and The Children’s Care Home in Elche. The most popular acts have been booked again this year, as well as a couple of top acts from Benidorm. ALL profit from ticket sales and the money raised from the raffle go the charities, so come along and support these very worthwhile causes and your local artistes.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

#NEWS BITES

72ND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

BENIDORM COUPLE, Marjorie and Douglas Hill (aged 91 and 95 respectively) celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary on 22nd January 2016.

Churches welcome pets

by CAROLINE TYSZKA

CHURCHES AROUND the region celebrated the San Antón ﬁesta on Sunday, with many towns holding a silent procession for animals and their owners to receive a blessing at the local church. In Alfaz del Pi, many residents gathered at the Casa de Cultura with their pets, in a scene not that dissimilar to an episode of “The Vicar of Dibley.” Shortly after 11am the parade began

walking through the town, with an estimated 100 dogs, a few hamsters in their cages, and other loved pets, all wishing to receive the blessing at the town’s church. When the parade reached the church square, walkers were greeting with a refreshment stand, and bowls of water for their pets, before the priest began his blessing. Traditionally, the ﬁesta, which honours animals, sees many taking their horses

and farm stock to be blessed but, fortunately for the Alfaz del Pi street cleaners, none attended on Sunday. Olga, from the Association Somosgos and organisers of the event, said “we are so happy with the turnout. It is wonderful to see so many loved pets.” Many of the Somosgos helpers took the opportunity to walk dogs up to the church that were in need of adoption and to raise awareness of their organisation.

They are pictured on their They ﬁrst met in Bridlington, Yorkshire, and moved, for Doug’s work in the city, to Caterham, Surrey, where they raised four children, Colin, Paul, Steven and, at long last, a daughter Janet. They have lived in Benidorm for 25 years now, enjoying the climate.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Boost your business

Book a stand at the Event of the Year: The Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show THE COUNTDOWN is on for the Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show. If you would like to know more about the event, come along and meet the Show team and our exhibitors on Wednesday 27th January at the Denia Marriott Hotel, La Sella Golf & Spa Resort Jesus Pobre, near Javea from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm.

This OPEN/NETWORKING DAY is the perfect opportunity to ﬁnd out more information about the most successful Show/Exhibition on the Costa’s and see the event location for the Show, meet fellow exhibitors and capitalise on this important Networking Event. The Homes Gardens & Lifestyle team are ready to welcome you and look forward to being able to oﬀer Show advice,

and tips on how to make this event work for your business. If you are looking to promote your business, products and services to thousands of residents in the Alicante province...participation in this event could be the perfect platform for your business! RSVP gina@gmpromotions. es if you would like to attend during our opening hours of 11.00 am – 4.00 pm on Wednesday 27th January.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

News from afar

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Ground control to Major Tim

By Jack Troughton ASTRONAUT MAJOR Tim Peake really made the grade after making history to become the first Briton to conduct a spacewalk. The 43-year-old stepped out of the International Space Station with colleague Tim Kopra last Friday afternoon to complete the walk – known in NASA technology as an Extra-Vehicular Activity, or EVA. Both men were called back to the space station early, after successfully replacing a power unit 200 feet away at the furthest point from the airlock, after Major Kopra reported water inside his helmet. Major Peake, who also managed to take a ‘selfie’ in space, later wrote: “Today’s exhilarating spacewalk will be etched in my memory forever – quite an incredible feeling!” And shortly before he had left the airlock at the start of the mission, Commander Scott Kelly – who stayed aboard – told his British crewmate it was “really cool” to see the Union Jack going ‘outside’; adding: “It has explored all over the world, now it is exploring space.” Major Peake replied: “It is great to be wearing it. It is a privilege. A proud moment.”

Spain´s population falls FOREIGNERS HEADING through a door marked ´exit´ mean Spain´s population has continued to fall for the third year on the bounce. New statistics reveal on New Year´s Day 2015, the country had 146,959 less people within its borders than the same day 12 months earlier. The population is now 46,624,382. And the National Institute of Statistics believes the drop in the number of foreigners resident in the country by almost 300,000 is one reason for the change. The far-reaching effect of the economic crisis meant many packed their bags and returned to their home countries or moved on to pastures new. However, a significant number of immigrants have also taken Spanish nationality, which increased over 2014, and are now listed as Spaniards on town hall registers. There were around 4.7 million foreigners living in Spain at the start of 2014 but numbers fell over 2014. During the same 12 months there was an increase in people arriving from EU countries arriving. The largest foreign communities are Romanian and Moroccan – one in five are from these two countries. However, because over half are aged under 40, they help replace an aging population, deaths are predicted to outstrip births in the next round of statistics.

People trafficking group arrested

NATIONAL POLICE have arrested members of a criminal network providing illegal immigrants with false documentation. The police in Mallorca detained fourteen members of a criminal organisation comprised of both Spaniards and Moroccans who were assisting foreigners to enable residency. The operation, codenamed “Hayek” began in August 2015 and after police noticed that there had been a considerable increase in the number of applications for the local ´padrón´ in Porreras in Mallorca. Primarily, it appeared that a town hall worker was allowing illegal documents to pass through the system and be added to the padrón register, even though they had never lived in Porreras. Officers detained the worker in September 2015 and, with the full cooperation of the mayor, began to investigate the cases in more detail. The Unit against Immigration Networks and Document Falsification (UCRIF) collected testimonials and documentation which led to the detention of four key members of the criminal network. Following searches of various properties, including a lawyer’s and a businessman’s home, computers, a luxury car, and documents were seized, which indicated that the town hall worker would receive between 2,000€ and 3,000€ to process a fake application. Fourteen members of the gang have been charged with document falsification, bribery, illegal immigration, belonging to a criminal group and irregular residency. Police are now trying to trace those who are on the register after using illegal documentation.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Idle on parade NEVER MIND Springsteen’s ‘Born To Run’ – I’m ‘Born To Idle’ and I suspect dear reader, languidly skimming this ramble, you’re a fellow traveller.

Chris Ashley

Writer & Broadcaster

Despite what some Thesaurus thumbing busy body may tell you, being idle is not the same as being a work-shy wastrel. When you ask a non-idler “What are you doing?” and they reply “Nothing.” How do they know when they’ve finished? This is the crux of the matter – idlers are busy doing absolutely nothing, but at the same time keeping themselves pointlessly employed in the eyes of bystanders. We salute true Idle-Meisters – train spotters- the Kardashians -Bolton Wanderers- long distance truck drivers on the Isle of Wight. Idlers appear as joyful as a busy beaver on Benzedrine, but crucially, not actually upsetting the grand scheme of serene. There is no joy in doing nothing when you’ve nothing to do, it then becomes simply tedious tarrying. Avoid. To the rookie, idleness appears to be a solitary condition, far from it. There exists a vast Army of Idlers (think Chilcot Inquiry.) but there are quislings in the loafing ranks. They actually think they can make a difference by assuming civilians take them seriously, thus upsetting the idle idyll. Atten-shun! – Corporals Cameron & Corbyn. As my old Sgt. Major would have it - “You ‘orrible shower – you’re about as useful as a Semtex suppository.” Pure Oscar Wilde. Our son Greg is certainly in line to take over the family business of Idle Inc. He could idle for England. If there was an Idle Olympics, Greg would sweep the board of gold medals, then send someone up to the podium to fetch ‘em. There should also be the Nobel Idle prize and a stone cold shooin would be the Paparazzi Princesses, all teeth & tiaras, I give you, Eugenie & Beatrice- The York Gals. As Nobel honours are presented in Scandinavia and our frolicking free-loaders will doubtless be partying on Richard Branson’s Caribbean Island (make that Idleland), they may well have to slum it using Daddy Andy’s air miles if Sir Dick can’t lend them a Boeing 747 for the weekend. Time to stop scribbling & idle to the wisdom of James Thurber - “It is better to have loafed and lost – than never to have loafed at all.” Amen to that.

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

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

We would only charge you if you win and get paid.

AS WE have mentioned on previous occasions, here at White Baos Lawyers we have been able to help many people who have been affected by the Bankia sharesscandal to get their money back. Therefore, if you bought shares of Bankia in July 2011, and have seen themswappedfrom every 100 old shares into 1 new share meaning nowit’s value is almost insignificant, it is time to make a legal claimagainst Bankia. Legalprecedentsupports the nullity of the Bankia shares purchase contract up to four years after the restatement of the Bankiaaccounts, meaningyou must claim before May 2016.It was only after their restatement of accounts that shareholders may have had full knowledge of the damage suffered by the purchase of shares, and they were able to learn about the real actual situation of the bank. It is a timely moment to make a claim as almost all courts in Spain are ruling in favor of investors (most of them consumers), forcing Bankia to return the money invested plus interest. From White Baos, we have had the opportunity to represent tens of affected investors before the courts, especially in the Costa Blanca area(throughCourts of Denia, Torrevieja, Orihuela, etc.), and so far, we have won 100% of our cases. As we reported before, and fulfilling our commitment to defend the rights of consumers, especially the expatriate community in Spain, we remain committed to enable affected individuals to makeclaim against Bankia. So, we can help: .- Small investors (less than 2000 €) ¸ to claim with no risk against Bankia, and in the unlikely event of losing the court case, the investors will not have to pay any costs to us or Bankia. .-Remaining investors (From 2001€ to 250,000 €),

we only charge if they win the court case, and we will claim against Bankiafor the amount of our legal fees also. Therefore, if you win, you will recover the money invested, plus interest, and Bankia must pay the costs of your lawyers and procurator. If you lose (which is possible, but unlikely, in fact, up to know, it has not happened to us), you will not

have to pay us, but may be asked to pay the costs of the Bankia Lawyers. Therefore, based on our knowledge and experience in numerous court cases against Bankia, we understand the chances of success for investors are extremely high, and we recommend all our clients to claim against Bankia. Contact Us.

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

LEGAL & FINANCE

If you have been affected by the Bankia shares, now it is the right time to claim.

Carlos Baos

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

5% and Spanish Tax Compliant – Time to relax in 2016.

MONEY

FROM 1 January 2016 it is obligatory for most institutions to seek your consent to the exchange of tax information about you. UNFORTUNATELY, IT is another consideration or barrier when deciding where to place your money.

Dave Diggle

International Financial Adviser

If you do not comply, how long do you keep worrying about being caught? There is an answer: Use the legal, tax eﬃcient structures that have been designed to comply with the latest Pan European requirements including Spanish Law and that way you will be able to sleep soundly. None of us are happy about the erosion of our freedoms but it is something we have to get used to, now. 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. The promoting Institution of the product issues a quarterly revised forecast for annual returns and without listing it all here, Sterling should net you around 5%p.a. and Euro’s 4% – and all placed with an institution that has AA credit rating by Standard & Poors. Here’s two references from our clients, un-edited: “My dealings with Dave Diggle of Blacktower last year were quite protracted for various unavoidable reasons but Dave was thorough, straight and professional throughout. In the end I was happy to follow his advice and have been pleased with my investment.” Mr P, Torrevieja “I cannot recommend Dave Diggle of Blacktower highly enough. After 16 months of me trying unsuccessfully to release my UK pension, Dave sorted it out for me thanks to his determination and persistence. He handled the whole matter with

the utmost professionalism and good humour.” Mrs D, Los Montesinos. Time for action? Call us.

We are here to give you impartial, independent investment and ﬁnancial advice Call me direct on 615 607 278 or e-mail dave.diggle@blacktowerfm.com

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

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

#life&leisure

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

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

Panto is pure ‘Genie-us’

Aladdin and So-Shi azar Widow Twanky is wooed by Aban Widow Twankey, Officers Ping and Pong, and Wishee Washee

CARELINE THEATRE took a first night sell-out audience on a magic carpet ride as traditional panto returned with a bang (flash and wallop) to the Marina Alta. Read the full story on page 42.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure #gardening

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

Dick Handscombe Holistic gardener and author

Healthy garden glades close to nature HISTORICALLY IN Spanish villages parts of families lived in campo and woodland stone barn type buildings and full families moved to the campo during the major harvests of grains for flour making, olives for olive oil pate and pickling, and fruit harvesting. However the agricultural heritage along the Costas has been seriously abandoned during the past half century since democracy entered the common Spanish language and all classes and ages became enfranchised and had opportunities beyond the family small holdings. So nowadays one finds many of those dwellings still existing only as ruins, covered in brambles in the overgrown thickets surrounding expat urbanisations. Often the roofs have fallen when roof beams rotted, the wire in early concrete beams corroded or vandals had fun. Just a couple of hundred metres from my house, which was one of the very few houses build in the eighties, there is a ruin of what was a three roomed house with an adjacent external oven, a well with drinkable water and a washing table to beat out the dirt of soil and sweat soiled clothes. I checked the other day when this was abandoned. The answer was the 1930’swhen rich families from the coast built houses in the mountain valleys to escape the full heat of the summer or treat members of the family with tuberculosis which was prevalent in the polluted coastal towns where then steam train lines passed through narrow streets, brick building and other ceramic factories and metal workers with polluting chimneys increased the populations and economies. In my time hippie vagabonds used to use it in the summer but without spending any money and the surrounding pear orchards, abandoned in the late 70’s, eventually rotted away and unfortunately spread honey fungus into Spanish gardens built in the 1930’s or early forties and the expat gardens developed since the mid-eighties. However in other valleys some centuries old buildings have been carefully strengthened and turned from hovels or equipment or animal barns into habitable homes. In some cases the gardens are wonderful as the soil was fertilised for centuries by tethered donkeys, mules and horses, perhaps the family cow, freely ranging poultry pigs and overnighting flocks of sheep and goats.

‘A morning harvest from own garden’

Visiting friends who live in such historic homes, now surrounded by thickets of wind or animal sown trees remaining olive groves or abandoned orange and lemon groves that did not survive the drying out of wells and reducing rainfalls, one is now greeted with some drinkable home-made wines, olive oil from mat presses, great squashes peppers aubergines and tomatoes and very productive fruit trees. With such friends, one can share good food and hints for growing a diverse range of traditional and new crops. Unfortunately the Slow Food Movement has never taken hold along the Costa Blanca in the way it has in Cataluña and the Basque country, Germany, France and England. Also only now are translations available of the complete collection of Anastasia books from Russia, which describe new ways of re-cultivating lost lands and again living close to and using nature. Fortunately some RTN readers have seen the value of my books ‘Living Well from our garden Mediterranean style’ and ‘How to use less water in the garden’. They relate how I survived two cancer operations for 21 years by retiring early to develop n holistic

mountain garden and olive grove and eating mainly a Mediterranean diet without resorting to medical treatments. Even now I amazed by newly published internet reports of the health benefits, generally without side effects, of my still evolving garden collection of edible flowering plants shrubs and trees. Since it is now light and time to enjoy the winter sunrise with a wake up infusion of a lemon slice, gingko balboa, stevia, olive rosemary and lemon verbena leaves, a rose hip and dried artichoke leaves Together the ingredients taste and give energy, a memory boost , stimulate healthy body organs and processes and most importantly they are sugar free, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. I now maximise the benefits of creating an oasis or glade garden surrounded by a variety of trees that block out surrounding properties built when woods were felled and new house lined streets encroached on a once Mediterranean gem of a rural retreat ,once surrounded by herds of sheep and goats. Happy gardeners to those with or creating healthy outdoor living glade type gardens.

Email auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

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

Outlook Express Dear Aunty Virus I HAVE used Outlook Express 6 for some years with Windows XP but, on updating to Windows 10, this was lost. I have tried other email programs but much prefer Outlook Express. There is now a site named Runasxp.com who claim to make available Outlook Express for Windows 10. My questions are: is this a ‘safe’ site, and how is it possible to check any site is bona fide before downloading? Thank you. Ray.

Response Outlook Express has not been supported by Microsoft for a long time, and has not been available on Windows 7, 8, 8.1 or indeed 10. Officially, only Outlook 2007, Outlook 2010, Outlook 2013 and of course Outlook 2016 are supported to run on Windows 10. Not the very outdated (and probably insecure!) Outlook Express. There are some other options available, eg Windows Live Mail, which is a separate download (free), and is quite similar, or you could make the move to “outlook.com”. I have downloaded and installed the file from runasxp, and it did not show anything “malicious”. However I did not prepare, or import, or send any emails from it, so I cannot vouch for how well it works. Most files that you download are usually scanned by your PC after download, and you will be notified if it detects any “nasties”. A good site to help decide is http://www.scamadviser.com/is-runasxp.com-a-fake-site.html

No Storage Hi, Aunty V, I HAVE a Smart Phone Huawei G630, storage 4 GB, available 0.96GB, SD card 29GB, available 28GB. Whenever I try to download an App, e.g. Solitaire, the phone says insufficient storage. SD card is the default for storage and there is 28GB free? Thanks. Jon. Response: Firstly, perhaps the app that you are trying to save to the SD card cannot be run from the SD card, and can only be run from “internal storage”, and, although a phone has 4gb internal storage, only a small part of that will be made available for new apps. You may have to, via apps manager, move some apps from internal storage to the SD card, to be able to store more apps internally. Maybe a tool like Apps Manager III (https://play. google.com/store/apps/ details?id=com.a0soft. gphone.app2sd ) would help?

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Sara Bell life&leis re ask Sara u ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// by

Life Coach

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

When will it be my turn? I am a single working Mum. My husband and I divorced, and he is now having a great life with no responsibilities. My life, however, is the opposite. I would love to go out with my friends. But I have two lazy teenagers, and an elderly mother to care for. Mother doesn’t live with us, but I spend most of my time sorting out her problems, when she can do things for herself. I have a sister and brother, but they don’t help.

So far away

My sister-in-law died suddenly at 68, and my poor brother is now a broken man. We were there for the funeral and stayed for a while afterwards. My brother just sobs and sobs, and he says his life is not worth living. He is retired and hasn’t got much going on to fill his days. We live far away, and had to come home eventually. We all wish we lived closer so that we could be of help. What can we do for him? Make sure you keep in touch by talking regularly on the telephone, or Skype. Don’t be afraid to let him cry, and talk about his wife if he needs to. There are many charitable organisations for the bereaved, such as Cruse, and you can get some valuable help and suggestions from talking to them. Time can weigh heavy on the bereaved, and the best thing for your brother is to be among people, and to try and keep busy.

by KEITH NICOL

The first thing you must do is enlist the help of your brother and sister to visit and help their mother more. Your children are also quite old enough to help you around the house. Make it a condition of receiving their pocket money that they undertake some weekly chores, and help with the shopping and meal preparation. And your ex-husband should be getting more involved with his children so that you will have the opportunity for a regular, weekly outing with your friends. Make time for fun. Life is too short. 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, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leis ure #advertising feature 

Pet Idol 2016 THE AHHHHH Factor is coming to the Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show with the addition of out Pet Photo Competition ‘Pet Idol 2016!’ sponsored by Golden Leaves Ex-Pat Services, and supporting the animal charity APASA. This new feature is for all of the animal lovers out there and it’s time for our furry friends to shine! Have you got photographs/pictures of the cutest cat, for our Cat Category, or a delightful dog, for the Dog Category or another furry or feathered friend for the General Animal Category.

Visit the PET PHOTO GALLERY in the Ballroom stand No 6 at the Denia Marriott Hotel, La Sella Golf & Spa Resort, Jesus Pobre on the 11th& 12th March, and vote for your favourite Costa Blanca pet! We would love to receive your cutest pictures of your pets to show in the new Pet Photo Gallery! Don’t delay email you animal photos in to office@ gmpromotions.es with the pets name and we will display them at the Show, for everyone to be able to say Ahhhh!! And choose a winner, yes you the public will be voting for our Pet Idol 2016….Your pet could be our first prize winning photo and as such will win a year’s pet (cat or dog) insurance courtesy of Golden Leaves Ex-Pat Services The Pet Photo Competition is FREE to enter, so don’t delay email your best pet pic in today………. We are also delighted to be helping raise awareness for the animal charity APASA, hopefully finding some much needed new forever homes, and also finding out about how to become a volunteer and help the charity. So come along to the Show on Friday 11th& Saturday 12th and see the Ahhhhhhh factor for yourself……….Will your Pet be one of our stars of our Show!....... Send you picture and pets name in now! The Homes Gardens & Lifestyle Show packed with inspiration, information, fun and feature attractions, meet the celebs and enjoy two entertaining days at the Denia Marriott Hotel, Jesus Pobre. 11th& 12th March 10.00 am – 5.00 pm see www.gmpromotions.es for more info.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure #horoscopes

Kenny Corris kennycorris@hotmail.com 686 361 594

 It’s the same old, same old just because somebody doesn’t want to face the present now, and is dragging you along with them. This new year began with so much hope out there on the horizon and you need to know a way forward could be there for you. Ceres interacts with Pisces showing you that guidance is obtainable but consultation is needed. It is a loving Venus that connects midweek with a fearless Capricorn. It is time to take on a new vision of how things could be as you eliminate the negative and prove the positive. Looking into your emotional state there is space for you to work with your inner self because you need to provide both for those you love and balance yourself into the bargain Mercury trysts with Pluto and whilst this will open previously closed channels of communication there is someone who doesn’t want to listen, as the truth hurts. You can rest assured that you have done all that you could, but whilst nobody could envisage what has happened; it is what comes next that needs to be dealt with, fairly and squarely. Ceres is in cahoots with Pisces, and Venus takes on Capricorn in a week that for you is productive and exciting. You are about to have your say, but a certain amount of compromise will help you to see things from a different angle. Though you are able to see both sides of the coin it is hard to forget and forgive those who are not supporting you. A great week, and one in which quality work seems to be coming your way. This is a great time to do some sorting out as you eliminate that which you hold on to in the light of a number of sweeping changes that the future has in store for you. Good planning and advice would be the icing on the cake right now, as Ceres consorts highly spiritual Pisces. Travel is indicated as you touch on physical aspects of both Venus and Capricorn, who bring you wanderlust. You do not need a carrot to dangle to motivate you now, but a trip would be something that you both deserve and need. Kill two birds with one stone and follow up a friendship; which leads you to make this journey for unknown serendipitous reason. Those scales must be clanging as you are very angry about something. Anyone can make a mistake but it is wholly clear that you are storing anger within. You can be stubborn, and you need to be analytical right now, but don’t lose your footing; and allow time for resolve to work through you for the adjustments that resume balance and calm to your life. Your sensitive and tender love and care are needed this week as you assist someone who appears to have lost their way in life. Bringing hope and working with your extraordinary patience and sympathy it will be some time before a result, but all will be well. Venus enables love within you as it sizes up Capricorn, making it all worth taking a risk. Your buoyant and ebullient charm has a positive effect, but it is a distant Jupiter, across the Cosmos, that sounds a warning bell. Something is not how it seems and if anyone could take on the consequences it would be you. You have your suspicion and that psychic side of you is activated but needs to be motivated to bring you support. Venus brings love on all levels and is working resolutely with your heart through the heart chakra. You have to be in love with yourself to understand the energy of love that needs to flow from you from within. You have been questioning and indecisive, but now love is in the frame it is only you who can give the positive response that is needed. Surprises are in the pipeline as you need some reward after recent actions which now can allow you to take a big sigh of relief. It is however a time to sow what you reap and you have to put things in context right now in establishing priorities that will work for you, and not against you in the near future. Ceres and Pisces attend your needs. Ceres finally calls time on the nonsense that has held you back, as of late. Somebody seems to be being very economic with the truth, but for sure, since you are implicated, it won’t do them any favours. at all. A new project beckons and you cannot wait to get your teeth into it and ring the changes that will put your stamp on it too!

If It’s Your Birthday This Week

Change for changes sake is pointless. You are established and all goes well, just that the Cosmos may very well have different ideas throughout a challenging year ahead, and your heart has to be opened in love, once more...yes it’s time!!

Lifes Lottery

I HAVE just watched two recent lottery winners who are luckily walking away pounds prize in their pockets. Good luck to them!

with £33 million

Whilst I cannot imagine what that feels like, it made me think what possibly could this money do and what difference could it make? It brings up a lot of questions as to how the cash could be used, but the number one thrill for me would be the difference it could make for others who really need it. I would love to reward all those wonderful people who have helped me along my journey; and it would be fun finding ways of doing this and rewarding them in special ways that they would appreciate because they have contributed to my happiness, and they always been there for me. How wonderful to do the maths and come up with a deal that could help local charities, with specific help going out to ring the changes, maybe to change lives. Donations would account for much of the generosity, money cannot buy love but it can bring about change and it can reward and inspire. We would, all of us, wonder what good could be done and with a massive donation being just like loose change in the pockets of a multi millionaire; what fun is being able to give, to share good luck. Naturally I would list things that I would love to do if I had the money. There are many places out there in the World that I would like to visit and, sure, many things that I would like to buy, and do, but with my hand on my heart I promise you now that I would not let my winnings change my Spiritual life in any way. I consider that the gift that I have been given has been equal to winning any lottery in the World to me. Spirit has kept my feet on the ground and kept me safe all these years, they have been my support and as such stalwarts of my energy and any power that I have....but I could not reward Spirit with hard cash! I would reward them by carrying on the work that I do, hoping that they would treasure this as much as I do. There are so many things that money cannot buy...including love and happiness. Previous winners of such large amounts of money appear to have made changes in too many ways. Partners have split up, and money cannot bring them back together; emotional love has no price label after all. I have seen that money can bring misery. Who wants to be the richest person in the World when I can be myself and be rich in Spirit. O.K. there would be no more worrying about paying the bills and no mortgage. Maybe I could board a plane and turn left instead of right inside it for a change. However I am not impressed with the Champagne and Caviar lifestyle and would rather have beans on toast with a friend any day in preference to a soul less pretentious meal in a swanky restaurant. I do not need Boy’s Toy’s either, so no Ferrari or Porsche for me, and as for a facelift, well I am old enough for people to suggest that I may need one but I think I may hold back on that one, just yet. Coming through Alicante Airport last week, after a trip, a complete stranger shouted out to me, “Kenny what are the winning numbers for the Euromillions lottery?” My reply was very simple, “If I knew do you think I would tell you?” In the lottery of life I am lucky and inspired, and I know that I have never asked Spirit for anything that involves any personal gain, thus safeguarding my gift to use in any way that I can. That’s Rich!

Kenny‛s Postbag

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

KENNY, I am the only spiritual thinking person in the family. I can take all the stick, but how can I convince them what I know it both right and true? Where do I start? Pascale.C.F. Pascale, let’s turn this around shall we? You are the Spiritual leader of your family, and that sounds better. I am glad that you are able to stand up for yourself, but you need to tell that wonderful family of yours that all the good that you do comes from your love and devotion to Spirit. We are not here on Earth specifically to convince anyone, but if our influence rubs off...well then that’s the very best way to show Spirit to anyone. Don’t give up! I feel that they will wake up and smell the coffee someday soon. I am only an email away from you!

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

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

Sudoku Last weeks crossword answers can be found on page 56.

ACROSS 4. Foretell (7) 8. Undid (6) 9. Idiotic (7) 10. Bright (6) 11. Acquire (6) 12. Judgment (8) 18. Cloudy (8) 20. Annul (6) 21. Run (6) 22. Attribute (7) 23. Is unable (6) 24. Lower (7) DOWN 1. Admit (7) 2. Protection (7) 3. Alcove (6) 5. Reply (8) 6. Signify (6) 7. Frank (6) 13. Lonely (8) 14. Brave (7) 15. Ordinance (7) 16. Diminish (6) 17. Antenna (6) 19. Iterate (6)

Doodle box

Quick Crossword

Cryptic Crossword ACROSS 4. Divided in the way suggested below (7) 8. Attempt made by friend is insignificant (6) 9. Shout graduate near: he’s a weepy type (3-4) 10. Put money in underwear (6) 11. Language that should be easy to rub up (6) 12. Tribulation experienced in difficult vessel (8) 18. Stop being annoyed: it will make things perilous (8) 20. Directors on the ship (6) 21. Coeval niche (6) 22. Shield that will crumple easily? (7) 23. Half a smoke-stack would offer amusement (6) 24. It is selected by those who want to go back (7) DOWN 1. Prig in untidy hut is virtuous (7) 2. No state for free men (7) 3. Is twice after credit to reach a turning-point (6) 5. Had a fight on the rubbish-dump, maybe (8) 6. It won’t put the batsman out when he can’t dance,apparently (2-4) 7. Take me up to the manager to raise in relief (6) 13. Don’t take so much notice, being rash (8) 14. A reason for not being able to sail, perhaps (7) 15. In short, an insect gets on the cheese (7) 16. So tube is blunt (6) 17. One hundred and fifty intake will get gear (6) 19. Innings closed with all possible speed (3,3)

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leis ure #whats on 

Majbrits fight for life by CAROLINE TYSZKA ALFAZ DEL Pi resident, Majbrit Jessen, is literally fighting for her life, with a timescale of only two years, unless she has major surgery. Majbrit, also known as May, aged just 35 and originally from Herning in Denmark, suffers from a very rare condition called Chiari malformation, which affects the brain. After much research, one specialist in America has agreed to perform a very complex surgery, which will take two days, to give her a fighting chance of living past her 37th birthday. To help raise funds for the surgery and necessary aftercare, Sean Lock, local musician and friend, has organised a very special jam session to be held at the train station bar in Alfaz del Pi on February 6th. Sean said: “We decided to have the charity jam to help raise funds for any expenses that will arise in America and what better way is there to raise awareness, as well as money, than by everyone gathering together for an afternoon of music.” It is hoped that the event will bring musicians from around the region to show their support, and also add much needed funds to the “gofundme” campaign already set up. The event will start at 2pm on the Saturday and continue until around 7pm. Throughout the afternoon there will be live music, the opportunity to bid at an auction on various services, which include two ladies to clean for a day, and “Sugar Shack” to play at a venue of your choice. Raffle tickets will be on sale, and a small entrance donation of 2€ will help raise as much as possible.

May said: “With any invisible condition it can be hard to get people to understand. The complexities that arise with this condition in a smaller amount of patients are even poorly understood by most doctors and, here in Europe, it becomes a huge problem for that group, due to the lack of experience in our health systems. My goal is to work for better crossborder cooperation so that, in the future, patients won’t have to go through the same nightmare as I’m dealing with now.” The condition obstructs the flow of spinal fluid to the brain, with some of the side effects including choking, dizziness, neck pain, poor motor skills, speech problems and paralysis. Under normal circumstances, this condition, in its basic form, is estimated to affect 1 in 1000 people. However, Majbrit has an extreme and very complicated case. Two previous surgeries have failed to correct the problem, and life-saving surgery is now the only option. She said: “Having to ask people for help in this way has been utterly tough on me. No one would put themselves through a public exhibition like this if it weren’t an absolute need. I had been warned of the distrust and disbelief from some, which shocked me, and almost made me give up several times, but I have had the most beautiful gestures and love from friends and strangers, which has touched my heart so very deeply, and made me believe in humanity again. That keeps me going, of course, together with my goal, and that I couldn’t bear my family to lose me this early.” Full details on Majbrit’s medical condition and donations can be found at www.gofundme.com/hngptfvk.

Majbrit

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure #people  Flash Bang Wallop! What a picture!

Panto is pure ‘Genie-us’

by JACK TROUGHTON

CARELINE THEATRE took a first night sell-out audience on a magic carpet ride as traditional panto returned with a bang (flash and wallop) to the Marina Alta. Rubbing up against Aladdin’s mystical lamp held everyone spellbound with glittering costumes, eye-catching dance routines, knock-about clowning, and dollops of simply wonderful milk-curdling gags. In short, a hoot! The story is set in ‘Old Peking’ and Careline really threw the kitchen sink into the mix for a luscious score of musical numbers – which surprisingly only seemed to lack ‘Chopsticks’. January blues were well and truly banished from the group’s Alcalali theatre as everyone tucked into this seasonal treat; first night also providing a boost for local charities. It was also an evening of new faces taking the stage with Careline’s regular ‘old sweats’; always a good sign for any theatre group, especially for one so close to the heart of the community.

The storyline is reasonably straightforward. Aladdin tips his hat at So-Shi promising the princess he will marry her – and not the fat but rich toad her dad (Emperor of China) has on the most-wanted suitor list – but he must ﬁrst make his fortune. The rags to riches story looks like making the ﬁnishing line except for the conniving and evil Abanazar who has his eye on the lamp but needs someone a little braver to rescue it from deep dark caves somewhere near the aforementioned Peking. HAPPY Aladdin grabs lamp, summons Genie, pockets jewels, makes a well-received proposal of marriage and looks set for a happy ending...only to be delayed by more underhand interference from the bad guy. Still it all ends happily to cheers and applause from the cheap seats out front. Emily Wright as Aladdin and Tasha Fish as So-Shi did a su-

perb job as the dream team and were in fine voice throughout – including the required slushy stuff. Abanazar, some wicked acting by Andy Crabb, drew the necessary boos as he moved towards his target of ruling the world. Never made it – he failed to have magic completely on his side. Team Magic were newcomer Paul Young making a truly imposing Genie and 11-year-old Connie Levey as the ‘junior’ Slave of the Lamp; a highly watchable and talented youngster with the performance of the evening. Aladdin’s mum Widow Twanky (Robin Baxter), the always energetic and effervescent Brenda Watson as Wishee Washee, and Peter Clague as The Emperor, were joined by police officers PC Ping – new face Laura Hillstead – and Careline regular Candy Wright as PC Pong to successfully up the silly stakes. Another cracker from Careline with hats off to director Jim Sissens, his cast and crew...and here’s to the 2017 show! Pictures of the action on stage are courtesy of Benny Davis.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure #music

Timewarp Duo: Tribute shows

HUSBAND AND wife duo Justin James and Jaime Lee are better known as “Timewarp”. Both Jaime and Justin have a true talent for singing whether performing haunting ballads, powerful rock anthems or pop classics. They have been performing professionally together for the past 15 years. All “Timewarp” shows are known for their feel good and upbeat music for all generations to enjoy, where the audience is invited to relax and sing along or get up and dance the night away. Phone: 671 354 188 or visit www.timewarpduo. com JANUARY GIGS: Friday 22: Hotel Sol Ifach, Calpe. 9 pm. (Open to Public) Sunday 24: Grizzly’s Bar, (near Bed Centre, ctra. Calpe-Moraira). 3 pm Monday 25: Hotel Gran Sol, Calpe. (RBL Calpe) Friday 29: Hotel Sol Ifach, Calpe. 9 pm. (Open to Public) February Gigs: Friday 5: Hotel Sol Ifach, Calpe. 9 pm. (Open to Public) (Every Friday) Saturday 6: Le Cabaret, La Pedrera Industrial Estate, Benissa. 9 pm.

Match Trio

“MATCH” ARE a trio with: Job Netten, (guitar/vocals), Jolande Siﬀels, (lead vocals) and Paul van Velzen (drums). Their repertoire consists of songs from now and then, in the style of pop and easy-jazz. The history of Match goes back to 1977, when a band called “Lucifer”, who had hits and a golden album, split up because the leading-lady-singer went solo. The rest of the band continued under the name “Match” and played for many years in Holland, Belgium and Germany. Job Netten immigrated in 2010 with his wife Jolande Siﬀels to Benissa. This is where they met drummer Paul van Velzen and now they’re playing as a trio. For more info phone: 96 573 2329 or 689 393 890. JANUARY GIGS: Friday 22: Café Haventje, Avd. del Puerto, Altea. 7.30 pm. Sunday 24: Bar Quo Vadis, Javea. 6 pm. Wednesday 27: Club Saxo, Moraira. 6 pm. February Gigs: Wednesday 3: Club Saxo, Moraira. 6 pm. Sunday 14: Grizzly’s Bar, (near Bed Centre, ctra. CalpeMoraira). 3 pm Sunday 28: Rte. Vivaldi, Moraira. 3 pm.

Black Glitter – Rock ‘n’ Soul Band BLACK GLITTER have worked the Costa circuit for the last ﬁve years performing a varied set that ﬁts bars and clubs or Fiestas.

Drummer Geoﬀ Britton worked initially with The Rockets and Black Diamond. In the UK he spent time with Paul McCartney’s Wings and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. Kelly Lee grew up in Spain and quickly graduated to the Fiesta Band circuit working huge crowds.

Guitarist Carlos Bou worked thru the local band circuit while bassist Xema Reig was playing sessions and performing with Spanish star Diego Martin. A tight ﬂexible unit that do raunchy Rock ‘n’ Soul along with the smoother side. Black Glitter are rarely seen in Moraira but play annually for a Lions charity fundraiser. Playing outside at SAXO on Sunday 24th January will be your chance to experience these guys in an ideal setting. For more info on the band

phone Kelly on: 650 957 914.

JANUARY GIGS: Friday 22: Javea Company Bar, (exChampagne), Arenal, Javea. 11 pm Saturday 23: Paddy O’ Connolls Bar, Calle La Mar, Denia. 11.55 pm. Sunday 24: Saxo Disco Chillout, Moraira. 4 pm. Saturday 30: Abbey Tavern, Orihuela. 11.30 pm Sunday 31: Casa Aleluya Bar, Jalon. 8 pm

Hot Dogs cut the mustard THE HOT Dogs Jazz Band bounce back to start a new year playing live in Calpe with a night at Restaurante Jimy on Saturday 30th January. The band will play live from 8pm until 11pm at the restaurant in Calle Pintor Sorolla. Admission is 5€ and reservations are essential. Call 96 587 4120 to book.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

#tv&showbiz goss

by Peter Taylor

 BATMAN FIRST hit TV screens 50 years ago and was an instant hit in America, and soon the world fell in love with the caped superhero played by Adam West, who is now 87 by the way. Burt Ward, who played Robin, is a mere 70 years old. Ward explained the comedic tone of the show saying “we were told not to act, but to be ourselves; the producers didn’t want any ´acting.” That’s what he said! He also said the costume was the most uncomfortable thing he´s ever worn and ‘very dangerous’ to get about in! That would explain those high pitched noises.

BEL POWLEY is 23 years of age, is from Shepherd’s Bush London, and was not very well known having only played Daisy Miller in the CBBC television series M.I. High. Was the operative word here, as last year she won critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival for her lead role in ´The Diary of A Teenage Girl.´ I saw the ﬁlm last week and she´s seriously believable at playing a 15 year old girl. Bel has already picked up 4 awards for her role, and life could get even better for her as its being said she will be in the next Star Wars adventure! Ding Dong Bel!

THERE’S AN online image sharing website called Imgur and user dani847661 came up with a fun idea based on the popularity of cooking and the Star Wars phenomenon ... A cook-book called Star Wars: A Wookie Cookie Bookie. Brill isn’t it! The picture is not so brill mind you, and at the time of writing it was just hand drawn, but who knows it might well be boxed and booted by now. On her amateurish art work Dani said “Homemade is better anyway, and I hope you like my ‘Princess Leia’s Cinnamon Buns’ and ‘Obi Wan Chipotle!” I’ll buy one!

Re-booting Cheers is right up Kirstie’s Alley! ICONIC USTV shows like The X-Files, Twin Peaks, Full House and Gilmore Girls have, in recent times, been given new leases of life thanks to the current trend over there of rebooting cult television series. It’s not something that happens much in the UK with them, quite rightly, wanting to nurture new talent, and not dwell too much in the past. Having said that, it’s popped up on the wonderwall.com website that Kirstie Alley is making with the verbal’s on ‘Cheers’ getting a re-boot, and her reasons why got me to thinking, she might just have a good case for its return. Cheers was a wonderfully funny show that ran for eleven seasons between ‘82 and ‘93. The cast were all superb, and the setting of a bar with a bunch of deadbeats hanging out was something we could all relate to. Originally we had owner Sam and waitress Diane being in a spectacularly doomed love hate relationship, then in series 5 along came Kirstie playing feisty barmaid Rebecca. On a reunion 64 year-old Kirstie said “I just think it would be fun if we took up where we left off … you just know those people are doing the exact same thing they were doing 20 years ago, they’re good-hearted losers who can’t make life go right, so I wouldn’t expect any great leaps and bounds in their lives!” To me that’s the best reason ever to re-boot a show. John Ratzenberger (Cliffie) and George Wendt (Norm) are fighting the corner, but it’s the still feisty Kirstie that’s grabbing all the headlines. She´s been publicly scrutinised over the past year on her 50 pound weight loss, yes ladies that much, and believe it or not she recently cut six inches off her hair with kitchen scissors, honest to god! You’ve got my vote Kirstie!

A YOUNG lady called Jess Glynne is one of the breakthrough singers of 2015 and has an impressive three nominations at the BRIT Awards to prove it. She will also be performing on the show at the O2 on February 24th which suggests she is really looking forward to the event, but there´s a wee bit of an issue going on. Last year her idol Madonna had a pretty ugly fall when singing live, and on this subject Jess joked “I mean it’ll probably be me this year ... Jess falls ﬂat on face!” Let’s hope it’s just pre-show nerves eh!

SO MANY tributes to David Bowie have come, and will continue coming for some considerable time I’m sure, one that caught my eye I felt was worth a mention. Take That singer Howard Donald and his wife Katy Halil had a son 10 days ago and they announced last Friday that the new baby will be called Bowie Taylan Donald. Howard later tweeted “Mummy and daddy suﬀering sleep deprivation but life is wonderful, he is divine,” aah bless … He then posted “very honoured that I have a photo of me and Jay with David Bowie when we did TOTP!“ Fantastic!

I WANT to give you plenty warning about the latest version of Jungle Book that goes on release on April 15th as you will have to rid yourself of all the jolliness of the ´67 Disney classic and get ready for something completely diﬀerent. The words to describe director Jon Favreau´s new take on the ﬁlm are ´pretty terrifying!´ The trailer is narrated by Scarlett Johansson, who plays the seductive and scary python Kaa, and fearsome tiger Shere Khan is played by Idris Elba. The movie also stars Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley and Christopher Walken. So well worth the ticket price then.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

tv listings 22nd January - 28th January 2016

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Youtube videos of the week

First off we go backstage at the Golden Globes EXCLUSIVE: Leonardo DiCaprio Reveals Truth About His Reaction to Lady Gaga at Globes then two vids that are part of the huge outpouring at the loss of David Bowie Amazing David Bowie tribute: Organist plays Life on Mars and finally grainy B/W David Bowie interview at 17.

friday 22nd January

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain: Holidays 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wanted Down Under 12:45 Close Calls: On Camera 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Father Brown 16:00 For What It’s Worth 16:45 James Martin: Home Comforts 17:30 Antiques Road Trip 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 19:30 BBC Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 A Question of Sport 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Dickensian 22:00 Shetland 23:00 BBC News at Eleven 23:25 BBC Regional News 23:35 The Graham Norton Show 24:25 Would I Lie to You? 24:55 The Apprentice USA

07:15 Rip Off Britain: Holidays 08:00 Wanted Down Under 08:45 Escape to the Continent 09:15 MasterChef: The Professionals 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Live International Bowls 18:15 Flog It! 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 What to Buy and Why 22:00 Britain’s Trillion Pound Paradise: Inside Cayman 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 Weather 24:05 The Story of China

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV Lunchtime News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 The Martin Lewis Money Show 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Mr Selfridge 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:45 Birds of a Feather 24:10 You Only Live Twice

07:00 Countdown 07:45 The King of Queens 08:10 The King of Queens 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:30 Undercover Boss USA 12:30 Four in a Bed 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Four in a Bed 13:40 Four in a Bed 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast 22:00 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 23:00 First Dates 24:05 Rude Tube

07:00 Childrens TV 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 12:10 Cowboy Builders & Bodge Jobs 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Jane Doe: The Harder they Fall 18:00 5 News at 6 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Make You Laugh Out Loud 21:00 That’s So 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 Lip Sync Battle UK 23:30 Celebrity Big Brother 24:05 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

07:00 Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:20 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08:05 Dinner Date 09:05 Emmerdale 09:35 Emmerdale 10:05 You’ve Been Framed! 10:35 Catchphrase 11:20 Dinner Date 12:20 Royal Pains 13:10 Emmerdale 13:45 Emmerdale 14:15You’ve Been Framed! 14:45 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:45 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 18:50 Take Me Out 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 The Dark Knight

07:00 07:45 09:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 14:00 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 24:00 24:30

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 James Martin: Home Comforts 13:00 BBC News; Weather 13:10 Football Focus 13:50 Saturday Sportsday 14:00 Tennis: Australian Open 15:00 Live International Bowls 17:30 Final Score 18:10 Now You See It 18:40 BBC News 18:50 BBC Regional News Weather 19:00 Pointless Celebrities 19:50 The Getaway Car 20:45 The Voice UK 22:05 Casualty 22:55 The National Lottery Live 23:05 BBC News and Weather 23:25 Match of the Day 24:55 Lara Croft, Tomb Raider: the Cradle of Life

BBC2

07:05 NFL Highlights 07:55 Animal Farm 09:05 Bye Bye Birdie 10:55 Race to Witch Mountain 12:30 Island Stories 13:00 James Martin: Home Comforts 13:45 James Martin: Home Comforts 14:30 Day of the Evil Gun 16:00 4 for Texas 17:50 Flog It! 18:50 Victorian Bakers 19:50 Dad’s Army 20:20 War Horse 22:35 QI XL 23:20 Insert Name Here 23:50 Live at the Apollo 24:35 International Bowls

07:25 Childrens TV 08:30 Scrambled! 08:35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series 08:50 Horrid Henry 09:10 Nerds & Monsters 09:30 Thunderbirds Are Go 10:05 The Tom & Jerry Show 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Murder, She Wrote 11:20 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 12:15 The Jeremy Kyle Show 13:15 ITV News and Weather 13:20 The Jeremy Kyle Show 14:25 Judge Rinder 15:25 Tipping Point 16:30 Doc Martin 17:30 The Martin Lewis money Show 18:00 The Saturday Night Story 19:00 ITV News 19:30 You’ve Been Framed! 20:00 Ninja Warrior UK 21:00 Take Me Out 22:15 The Jonathan Ross Show 23:15 ITV News and Weather 23:30 The Chronicles of Riddick

07:15 How I Met Your Mother 07:40 The King of Queens 08:05 International Snowdon Race 09:00 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 13:25 The Simpsons 13:55 The Simpsons 14:30 Channel 4 Racing 17:00 Come Dine with Me 17:30 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 Great Canal Journeys 21:00 The Girl Who Forgave the Nazis 22:00 Oblivion 24:30 Priest

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 Police Interceptors 13:25 Police Interceptors 14:25 Police Interceptors 15:25 Make You Laugh Out Loud 16:25 Make You Laugh Out Loud 18:20 5 News Weekend 18:25 Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords 19:20 Ice Road Truckers 20:05 World War II in Colour 21:00 World War II Battlefield Recovery 22:00 Football League Tonight 23:00 Football League Tonight 23:30 Celebrity Big Brother 24:30 Lip Sync Battle UK

itv2

07:00 Emmerdale 09:40 Coronation Street 12:05 Ninja Warrior UK 13:05 Catchphrase 14:05 Scorpion 15:05 Small Soldiers 17:20 Minion Madness 17:40 Hotel Transylvania 19:25 Jurassic Park III 21:15 Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands 22:15 Take Me Out The Gossip 23:15 American Pie Presents the Naked Mile

“ Quote of the week

“

saturday 23rd January

BBC1

Small Soldiers 15.05

Made in Chelsea NYC Charmed Hollyoaks The Goldbergs Melissa & Joey Charmed How I Met Your Mother The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Melissa & Joey Melissa & Joey How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Goldbergs The Goldbergs The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks 2 Broke Girls The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Role Models The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory

E4 07:00 Rules of Engagement 07:25 Rules of Engagement 07:45 Baby Daddy 08:10 Baby Daddy 08:35 Melissa & Joey 09:05 Melissa & Joey 09:35 The Goldbergs 10:00 The Goldbergs 10:30 How I Met Your Mother 11:00 How I Met Your Mother 11:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 12:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 12:30 The Goldbergs 13:00 The Goldbergs 13:30 The Goldbergs 14:00 The Goldbergs 14:30 The Goldbergs 15:00 The Core 17:35 The Big Bang Theory 18:00 The Big Bang Theory 18:30 The Big Bang Theory 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:30 The Big Bang Theory 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 This Means War 24:00Gogglebox

Not quite the norm this week as it’s a quote from me on a memory of the first time I heard David Bowie´s music. “Quite late one evening many moons ago I had to drive from Ealing to Kensington in London and ´A Space Oddity´ came on the radio, and it was like I´d floated all the way ... The music and the man touched so many.”

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

sunday 24th January BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Breakfast 08:30 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 The Big Questions 12:00 Sunday Politics London 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:10 Weather for the Week Ahead 14:15 Homes Under the Hammer 15:15 Flog It! 16:00 The Truth About 17:00 Escape to the Country 17:30 Songs of Praise 18:05 BBC News 18:20 BBC Regional News 18:30 Countryfile 19:30 Attenborough & the Giant Dinosaur 20:30 Still Open All Hours 21:00 Call the Midwife 22:00 War & Peace 23:00 BBC News 23:20 BBC Regional News 23:30 Match of the Day 2 24:30 Private Peaceful

07:30 The A to Z of TV Gardening 08:15 Monty Don’s Italian Gardens 09:15 Countryfile 10:15 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 11:45 James Martin: Home Comforts 12:30 James Martin: Home Comforts 13:15 MOTD2 Extra 14:00 Tennis: Australian Open 15:00 Live International Bowls 18:15 Ski Sunday 19:00 Real Steel 21:00 Dragons’ Den 22:00 James May’s Cars of the People 23:00 Blood Diamond

07:00 Childrens TV 08:30 Scrambled! 08:35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series 08:50 Horrid Henry 09:10 Nerds & Monsters 09:30 Bear Grylls Survival School 10:05 The Tom & Jerry Show 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Murder, She Wrote 11:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 13:30 ITV News and Weather 13:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 14:39 ITV Regional Weather 14:40 River Monsters 15:10 Ninja Warrior UK 16:15 On Her Majesty’s Secret Service 19:00 ITV News 19:30 Planet’s Got Talent 20:00 Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands 21:00 Endeavour 23:00 ITV News and Weather 23:14 ITV Central Weather 23:15 The Day Hitler Died 24:15 Perspectives

07:15 How I Met Your Mother 07:40 The King of Queens 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:30 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 14:30 Location, Location, Location 15:35 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:30 The Simpsons 17:00 The Simpsons 17:30 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD 18:30 Channel 4 News 19:00 Night at the Museum 2 21:00 Walking the Himalayas 22:00 Deutschland 83 23:00 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 24:05 48 HRS

07:00 Childrens TV 09:05 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 10:35 LazyTown 10:55 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 11:30 Football League Tonight 12:30 Football League Tonight 13:00 Police Interceptors 14:05 Drillbit Taylor 16:05 SpaceCamp 18:05 Labyrinth 20:05 The Wedding Planner 21:55 5 News Weekend 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 Celebrity Botched Up Bodies 23:55 Mr & Mrs Smith

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 You’ve Been Framed! 07:35 Emmerdale 10:25 Coronation Street 12:55 Take Me Out 14:10 Take Me Out The Gossip 15:15 The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas 17:00 The Mummy 19:20 Cats & Dogs: the Revenge of Kitty Galore 21:00 Skyfall 23:55 The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift

07:00 Rude(ish) Tube 07:25 Baby Daddy 07:45 Baby Daddy 08:05 Melissa & Joey 08:35 Melissa & Joey 09:00 How I Met Your Mother 09:30 How I Met Your Mother 10:00 The Goldbergs 10:30 The Goldbergs 11:00Hollyoaks 13:30 Couples Come Dine with Me 14:30 Couples Come Dine with Me 15:30 Home Alone 2: Lost in New York 18:00 The Big Bang Theory 18:30 The Big Bang Theory 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:30 The Big Bang Theory 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD 23:00 Tattoo Fixers 24:00 Rude Tube

Blood Diamond 23.00

Cats & Dogs: the Revenge of Kitty Galore 19.20

monday 25th January BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 The Housing Enforcers 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wanted Down Under 12:45 Emergency Rescue Down Under 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:30 BBC Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Father Brown 16:00 For What It’s Worth 16:45 James Martin: Home Comforts 17:30 Antiques Road Trip 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Inside Out London 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Silent Witness 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:30 BBC Regional News 23:45 Tracey Ullman’s Show 24:15 Have I Got Old News for You 24:45 The Graham Norton Show

BBC2

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Wanted Down Under 08:45 Escape to the Continent 09:15 World’s Sneakiest Animals 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Island Stories 14:05 The Pallisers 15:00 Who Do You Think You Are? 16:00 A Place to Call Home 16:45 David Attenborough’s Natural Curiosities 17:30 Best Bakes Ever 18:15 Flog It! 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Mary Berry’s Foolproof Cooking 22:00 Immortal Egypt with Joann Fletcher 23:00 Insert Name Here 23:30 Newsnight 24:10 Weather

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 Dickinson’s Real Deal 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 Griff’s Great Britain 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 ITV News at Eleven 23:30 ITV News Central 23:45 The Jonathan Ross Show 24:50 Saved

CHANNEL 4

07:00 Countdown 07:45 The King of Queens 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:35 Frasier 11:35 Undercover Boss USA 12:30 Four in a Bed 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Four in a Bed 13:40 Four in a Bed 14:10 Four in a Bed 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 How to Lose Weight Well 22:00 The Undateables 23:00 Crashing 23:35 Tattoo Fixers 24:35 First Dates

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Bop Box 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Cowboy Builders & Bodge Jobs 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Willed to Kill 18:00 5 News at 6 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 World Rally Championship Highlights 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 Gotham 24:00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

itv2

07:00 Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:20 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08:05 Dinner Date 09:05 Emmerdale 09:35 Coronation Street 10:05 Coronation Street 10:35 Catchphrase 11:20 Dinner Date 12:20 Royal Pains 13:10Emmerdale 13:45 Coronation Street 14:15 Coronation Street 14:45 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:45 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 18:50 Take Me Out 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:30You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 The Dark Knight

07:00 Made in Chelsea NYC 07:50 Charmed 08:35 Hollyoaks 09:00 Rules of Engagement 10:00 The Goldbergs 10:30 The Goldbergs 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 How I Met Your Mother 17:30 How I Met Your Mother 18:00 The Goldbergs 18:30 The Goldbergs 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 2 Broke Girls 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Rude Tube 23:00 Big Fat Quiz of Everything

tuesday 26th January BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 The Housing Enforcers 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wanted Down Under 12:45 Emergency Rescue Down Under 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Father Brown 16:00 For What It’s Worth 16:45 James Martin: Home Comforts 17:30 Antiques Road Trip 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Silent Witness 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:30 BBC Regional News 23:45 Attenborough & the Giant Dinosaur 24:45 Live at the Apollo

BBC2

07:15 The Housing Enforcers 08:00 Wanted Down Under 08:45 Escape to the Continent 09:15 Thief Trackers 09:45 Great British Railway Journeys 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Island Stories 14:05 The Pallisers 15:00 Who Do You Think You Are? 16:00 A Place to Call Home 16:45 David Attenborough’s Natural Curiosities 17:30 Best Bakes Ever 18:15 Flog It! 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00Winterwatch 22:00 The Real Marigold Hotel 23:00 Phone Shop Idol 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 22:00 23:00 23:30 23:40 24:10

Good Morning Britain Lorraine The Jeremy Kyle Show This Morning Loose Women ITV Lunchtime News ITV News Judge Rinder Dickinson’s Real Deal ITV Regional Weather Tipping Point The Chase ITV News ITV Evening News Emmerdale The Kyle Files Sugar Free Farm Saved ITV News at Eleven ITV News On Assignment The Nick

CHANNEL 4

07:00 Countdown 07:45 The King of Queens 08:10 The King of Queens 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:35 Frasier 11:30 Undercover Boss USA 12:30 Four in a Bed 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Four in a Bed 13:40 Four in a Bed 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Tricks of the Restaurant Trade 21:30 Travel Man: 48 Hours in 22:00 The Mad World of Donald Trump 23:00 Kid Criminals 24:00 Dogs on the Dole

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Bop Box 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Cowboy Builders 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Escape from Polygamy 18:00 5 News at 6 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 The Dog Rescuers with Alan Davies 21:00 Bargain-Loving Brits in the Sun 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 The Secret Life o f the Family 24:00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

itv2

07:00 Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:20 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08:05 Dinner Date 09:05Emmerdale 09:35 Coronation Street 10:05 Coronation Street 10:35 Catchphrase 11:20 Dinner Date 12:20 Royal Pains 13:10Emmerdale 13:45 Coronation Street 14:15 Coronation Street 14:45 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:45 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 18:50 Take Me Out 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:30You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Mom 22:30 Mom 23:00 Knocked Up

07:00 07:50 08:40 09:05 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 21:00 21:30 22:00 23:00 23:50 24:20 24:50

Made in Chelsea NYC Charmed Hollyoaks Rules of Engagement The Goldbergs 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 How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Goldbergs The Goldbergs The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks 2 Broke Girls The Goldbergs The Goldbergs Tattoo Fixers Virtually Famous The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Gogglebox

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

wednesday 27th January BBC1

BBC2

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 The Housing Enforcers 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wanted Down Under 12:45 Emergency Rescue Down Under 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Father Brown 16:00 For What It’s Worth 16:45 James Martin: Home Comforts 17:30 Antiques Road Trip 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven and Weather 19:55 Party Political Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 21:00 Dickensian 21:30 The Great Sport Relief Bake Off 22:30 Would I Lie to You? 23:00 BBC News at Eleven 23:45 Children Saved from the Nazis: The Story of Sir Nicholas Winton 24:45 Film 2016

07:15 The Housing Enforcers 08:00 Wanted Down Under 08:45 Escape to the Continent 09:15 Sophia: Suffragette Princess 09:45 Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 Island Stories 14:05 The Pallisers 15:00 Who Do You Think You Are? 16:00 A Place to Call Home 16:45 David Attenborough’s Natural Curiosities 17:30 Best Bakes Ever 18:15 Flog It! 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Holocaust Memorial Day 21:00Winterwatch 22:00 Trust Me, I’m a Doctor 23:00 Russell Howard’s Good News 23:30 Newsnight 24:10 Weather

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 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 ITV Regional Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News 19:25 Party Political Broadcast 19:30 ITV Evening News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00Midsomer Murders 23:00 ITV News at Eleven 23:30 ITV News 23:40 Parking Wars 24:40 The Kyle Files

CHANNEL 4 07:00 Countdown 07:45 The King of Queens 08:10 The King of Queens 08:35 The King of Queens 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:35 Frasier 11:05 Frasier 11:30 Undercover Boss USA 12:30 Four in a Bed 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Four in a Bed 13:40 Four in a Bed 14:10 Four in a Bed 14:40 Four in a Bed 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Mary Portas Secret Shopper 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00Bodyshockers 24:05 The Undateables

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Bop Box 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Cowboy Builders 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 The Gourmet Detective: A Healthy Place to Die 18:00 5 News at 6 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Nightmare Tenants, Slum Landlords 21:00 GPs: Behind Closed Doors 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 10,000 BC 24:05 Capital One Cup Highlights

07:00 Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:20 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08:05 Dinner Date 09:05 Emmerdale 09:35 The Cube 10:35 Catchphrase 11:20 Dinner Date 12:20 Royal Pains 13:10 Emmerdale 13:45 You’ve Been Framed! 14:45 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:45 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 18:50 Take Me Out 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 Skyfall 24:55 Two and a Half Men

07:00 07:50 08:35 09:05 09:35 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 23:05 24:00 24:30

Made in Chelsea Charmed Hollyoaks Rules of Engagement Rules of Engagement The Goldbergs The Goldbergs 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 How I Met Your Mother How I Met Your Mother The Goldbergs The Goldbergs The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory Hollyoaks 2 Broke Girls Sister Act Supernatural The Big Bang Theory The Big Bang Theory

Thursday 28th January BBC1

BBC2

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 The Housing Enforcers 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Wanted Down Under 12:45 Emergency Rescue Down Under 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News at Two 14:30 BBC Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Father Brown 16:00 For What It’s Worth 16:45 James Martin: Home Comforts 17:30 Antiques Road Trip 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News at Seven 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Dickensian 21:30 EastEnders 22:00 Death in Paradise 23:00 BBC News at Eleven 23:45 Question Time 24:45 This Week

07:15 The Housing Enforcers 08:00 Wanted Down Under 08:45 Escape to the Continent 09:15 Great British Menu 09:45 Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip 10:15 Victoria Derbyshire 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Island Stories 14:05 The Pallisers 15:00 Tennis: Australian Open 16:00 A Place to Call Home 16:45 David Attenborough’s Natural Curiosities 17:30 Best Bakes Ever 18:15 Flog It! 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 21:00 Winterwatch 22:00 The Story of China 23:00 The Clare Balding Show 23:30 Newsnight 24:10 Weather

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 Dickinson’s Real Deal 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 Birds of a Feather 22:00 Jericho 23:00 ITV News at Eleven 23:30 ITV News 23:40 John Bishop’s Gorilla Adventure 24:45 Murder, She Wrote

CHANNEL 4 07:00 Countdown 07:45 The King of Queens 08:10 The King of Queens 08:35 The King of Queens 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:35 Frasier 11:05 Frasier 11:30 Undercover Boss USA 12:30 Four in a Bed 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Four in a Bed 13:40 Four in a Bed 14:10 Four in a Bed 14:40 Four in a Bed 15:10 Deal or No Deal 16:10 Countdown 17:00 A Place in the Sun: Winter Sun 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Location, Location, Location 22:00 The Restoration Man 23:00 First Dates 24:05 24 Hours in A&E

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Paw Patrol 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Toot the Tiny Tugboat 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Cowboy Builders 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Celebrity Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 My Daughter Must Live 18:00 5 News at 6 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild 21:00 Britain’s Bloody Crown 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 23:00 10,000 BC 24:05 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

07:00 Planet’s Funniest Animals 07:20 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 08:05 Dinner Date 09:05 Emmerdale 09:35 Coronation Street 10:05 You’ve Been Framed! 10:35 Catchphrase 11:20 Dinner Date 12:20 Royal Pains 13:10 Emmerdale 13:45 Coronation Street 14:15You’ve Been Framed! 14:45 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 15:40 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:45 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 18:50 Take Me Out 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Scorpion 23:00 Little Man

07:00 Made in Chelsea 07:50 Charmed 08:35 Hollyoaks 09:05 Rules of Engagement 10:00 The Goldbergs 11:00 Melissa & Joey 12:00 Charmed 14:00 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 How I Met Your Mother 17:30 How I Met Your Mother 18:00 The Goldbergs 18:30 The Goldbergs 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 2 Broke Girls 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 22:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 23:00Gogglebox 24:00 The Big Bang Theory 24:30 The Big Bang Theory

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure #whats on

Lady sings the blues El Greco is back! ON TUESDAY, January 26th, at 12 noon, veteran Spanish Art Historian, Karla Ingleton-Darocas, will present her popular lecture and slideshow on El Greco at her studio in Benitachell.

by JACK TROUGHTON BLUES AND gospel sing Linda B. Love headlines the monthly matinee concert staged by CBBlues this Sunday (24th January) in Teulada from 2pm – a treat for fans of live music. A professional American-born entertainer, she started her career as a model and moved into acting but was brought up with gospel music but with her grandmother spent most of her time singing the blues. And her singing career was launched as a backing singer for the Chicagobased R&B group The Chi-Lites and continued to sing a numerous recording studios in the USA, backing artists including Melissa Manchester and Linda Ronstadt. Linda B. established her own style – a blend of gospel and blues - and has performed at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York as well as across Europe at venues in London, Monte Carlo, London, France, Italy, Switzerland, Holland, Greece, and Spain. After years of living in Los Angeles, Linda B. Moved to Europe and found time to tour with her band but still found time to study Law and French in Paris. Now a resident of Valencia, she continues to work across Europe and says acting is her first priority but singing is still a major love! And it was in Valencia she first met and became friends with Buddy Paul; CBBlues’ music director and blues hard performer. “Buddy Paul was rehearsing with his band – I popped in and sang a few songs with them. The rest is history,” she said. And Karla Daracos, CBBlues’ organiser, believes the club has achieved a real scoop. “It has been a few months in the making to get this amazing yet busy talent to commit to our monthly Sunday Matinee,” she said. We have had to keep the whole thing a secret from the CBBlues network of fans until it was confirmed.” The matinee is being held in the lounge of Bar Mediterraneo in Teulada from 2pm. Tickets for the show are 10€ and food is available. To book tickets in advance visit www.CBBlues.com.

Linda B. Love

She will share her vast knowledge of El Greco as an artist learning his craft to a man fighting his own intellectual and emotional war. “El Greco is one of the most fascinating artists of all time,” states Karla. “He was a rebel artist in a time when going against the traditions of the prevailing authorities and the medieval church was not only frowned upon but you could find yourself in a torture chamber or with your neck in a garrotte!” El Greco was able to blend all his artistic training, together with the academic insights of his inner circle of intellectuals, to create a style and visual message that was rich in character and totally unique. “There are many mysteries that lay behind El Greco the artist. There are also many secrets hidden in his artworks.” she continues. “His work is not only a reflection of his personal pain but that of his people. His work expresses his desire to bring humanity into spirituality and not have it left to the whims of the few, but shared with the many.” Other great artists who understood him, such as Cézanne, Picasso, the Expressionists and others, hailed him as their prototype to the Modernism movement. To register, go to www.SpainLifestyle.com, or telephone 648 15 60 66.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure #events

Rock the Montgo

THE CELEBRATED Montgo Rock Festival returns to Javea in May and a local band has the opportunity to take the stage. by JACK TROUGHTON THE FESTIVAL – this year an outside event – is being staged on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st of May and the town hall is holding a local band contest giving the winner the chance to perform. The event is being held on council land at the aide of the Fontana Canal at the Arenal and is part of the town hall’s campaign to attract tourists to the Marina Alta resort during 2016. Acts already conﬁrmed include Catalan rocker Loquillo and Madrid singer and songwriter Quique Gonzalez; as well as La MODA, Arizona Baby, LA, La Pulqueria, Los Perros del Boogie, Rubeb Pozo, and the Sexy Zebras. Mayor Jose Chulvi believes the festival will help energise the town out of high season while complementing Javea’s established jazz, folk, and classical events. “We wanted to oﬀer something for younger people as well as something that would be an attractive choice as a form of tourism which is a little bit different from the usual,” he said.

Rommy Baker

Swinging success TICKETS FOR the Rommy Baker Big Band reunion concert in Calpe set for Sunday 31st January have sold out – prompting the possibility of a second gig next month.

Mayor Jose Chulvi (second from right) with festival organisers

Musicians aged between 16 and 35 – at least 50% of a band’s line-up must be from the town – have an opportunity to win a place at the festival, whether they be rock, pop-rock or electronic.

Those interested in taking part can ﬁnd more information via email to monjove@monjove.net. Registration is launched on February 1st and closes on Friday 26th February.

Inquiries about seats at the Hotel Esmeralda hotel continue to flood in and many big band jazz fans face being disappointed. Rommy’s widow Hilli is both delighted and surprised at the excitement created by the reunion and is now talking with the musicians involved regarding the possibility of a second ‘one-off’ concert. And she hopes all involved will be able to find time together again in February – meanwhile she would like to thank everyone for their incredible support.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure #Spanish

Basic Spanish for everyday needs by Jane Cronin

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Past simple tense: decir and estar Our next irregular past simple verb is “decir”, chosen like the others we have looked at because of its frequent use.

“Decir” as you no doubt know means “to say” or “to tell”, and of course we are always using it in sentences like: “What did he say?” “I said to him and then he said to me”, “They told me to ….” “We were told …” and so on. Telling people what was told to us must be part of the human condition, and is just as necessary in Spanish as it is in English. Here is how the verb looks in the past simple: dije dijimos dijiste dijisteis dijo dijeron One thing that is particularly odd about these irregular verbs is in the placing of the emphasis in the third person singular. You will remember our regular verbs in this form look like this: “miró, bebió, vivió”. In other words they all have a beat on the final “o” sound. With the irregular verbs this is not the case, as the beat here goes on the “di” syllable (DI-jo). “What did he say?” is “¿Qué dijo?” “He said” - “Dijo …” or “He told me ….” “Me dijo ….”. These must be followed by what he told me, using the link word “que” this time meaning “that”. For example “He told me that he was ill” “Me dijo que estaba enfermo”. In the English language we can say “He told me” on its own,

as in: “Did he say that he was ill?” “Yes, he told me.” However, to say the same in Spanish we cannot simply use “Me dijo” on its own. We have to include the word “lo” (“it”) as in “me lo dijo” (he told me it). This applies to all combinations, for example: “¿Se lo dijiste?” (“Did you tell him/her/them?”) “Nos lo dijeron” (“They told us”). And finally, another of our very common irregular past tenses – the verb ESTAR (to be - where or how). This is what it looks like: estuve estuvimos estuviste estuvisteis estuvo estuvieron Here is a typical exchange in which this verb is used, along with the past tense of “ir”, talking about places. “¿Has estado alguna vez en Madrid?” “Sí, estuve allí el año pasado” “¿Sí? ¿Te gustó?” “Sí, mucho. Estuvimos en el Escorial también, pasamos allí un día entero. Luego, al día siguiente fuimos a Segovia y estuvimos allí dos días.” “¿Fuisteis a Toledo también?” “Sí, estuvimos allí el último día, antes de regresar a casa.” We can also use “estar” with reference to someone’s “state” or “how” they are, at a particular moment. “¡Qué dijo tu padre cuando se enteró?” “¿Tú que crees? Estuvo enfadadísimo” “What did your father say when he found out?” “What do you think? He was absolutely furious!” You may remember having conversations like that, a few years ago.

Donation for Cathy Gary from Giving4Giving is well known for his generous donations and, last week, he donated 1,000€ to Anemona (Breast cancer charity in Benidorm) in memory of Cathy Humphreys.

Gary said: “I met Cathy shortly after opening the shop in La Nucia and, from the moment we met, she gave Giving4Giving lots of help and support, personally and in her role as a reporter for the Costa Blanca News. She continued to support us for the three years until she passed away recently. All our volunteers knew her and always had a good laugh whenever she called into the shop.” Cathy supported Giving4Giving every year when they held a sponsored dog walk and attended many of the charity events. The La Nucia charity shop will be holding another weekend sale to help raise more funds for donations such as this with all fashion items being priced at just 1€. The shop, on the CV70 between Benidorm and La Nucia, will hold their sale on Friday 29th January and Saturday 30th January will the doors opening at 10am.

Crossword Solutions for Last Week CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Second-class; 9 Aid; 10 Lowercase; 11 Picks; 13 Amiable; 14 Minute; 16 Uglier; 18 Deepest; 19 Might; 20 Underhand; 21 Pen; 22 Prime number. Down: 2 End; 3 Ogles; 4 Dewlap; 5 Larking; 6 Shambling; 7 Happy medium; 8 Penetrating; 12 Contender; 15 Theorem; 17 Strain; 19 Madam; 21 Pie. QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Acknowledge; 9 Pan; 10 Vigilance; 11 Recur; 13 Apparel; 14 Ponder; 16 Beaten; 18 Imagine; 19 Cadet; 20 Tangerine; 21 Gun; 22 Protagonist. Down: 2 Con; 3 Never; 4 Wigwam; 5 Ellipse; 6 Generated; 7 Appropriate; 8 Wellingtons; 12 Container; 15 Eminent; 17 Sewing; 19 Clean; 21 Gas.

Suduko Answer

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure #animals

Ban Shark Finning THE SHARK fin trade is a multi-billion dollar industry, which makes it a steep uphill battle to fight. by GIL FINNIGAN ONE POUND of dried shark fin can sell for around $300 or more. Worldwide many species of shark are dieing out due to what is known as “shark finning”. This is where Sharks of all sizes and species are caught, pulled onto a boat and have their fins sliced off. After, they are thrown back into the sea still alive and left to drown. All of this happens for one reason… SHARK FIN SOUP! Here are some facts about “shark fin soup”… It has no taste (fins are full of cartilage, which simply serves as a thickening agent). It is full of mercury (which is very bad for you). An estimated 100 million sharks are killed for their fins every year. It is full of other toxins which are bad for you. It is purely inhumane.

In order to stop shark finning it is vital that shark fin soup is banned worldwide! There are many organisations fighting an endless battle trying to stop this cruel act. www.OneOceanDiving.com www.SeaShepherd.com www.WildAid.com www.SharkTrust.com www.ProjectAware.com www.OneGreenPlanet.com Since the 1970s the populations of several species have been decimated by over 95% and declining rapidly. The Top 20 shark catchers in descending order are: 1. Indonesia 2. India 3. Spain 4. Taiwan 5. Argentina 6. Mexico 7. United States of America 8. Malaysia 9. Pakistan 10. Brazil 11. Japan 12. France 11 13. New Zealand 14. Thailand, 16. Nigeria 15. Portugal 17. Iran 18. Sri Lanka 1 19. Republic of Korea 20. Yemen. We must do something now before its too late! Please go to one of the above web sites and make a difference.

Shark of the week THE GREAT WHITE SHARK The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), is a species of shark which can be found in the coastal surface waters of all the major oceans. The great white shark is mainly known for its size, with mature individuals growing up to 6.4 m (21 ft) in length (although reports have been published of great white sharks measuring over 8 m (26 ft) and 3,324 kg (7,328 lb) in weight. This shark reaches its maturity around 15 years of age and was previously believed to have a life span of over 30

Calypso

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years. The true lifespan of great white sharks is far longer, now estimated to be as long as 70 years or more, making it one of the longest lived cartilaginous ﬁsh currently known. Male great white sharks reach sexual maturity at 26 years of age, females at 33. Great white sharks can accelerate to over 56 km/h (35 mph). The great white shark has no natural predators other than the killer whale. The great white shark is arguably the world’s largest known extant macropredatory ﬁsh, and is one

of the primary predators of marine mammals. It is also known to prey upon a variety of other marine animals, including ﬁsh and seabirds. It is the only known surviving species of its genus Carcharodon. The IUCN list the great white shark as a vulnerable species. The bestselling novel Jaws by Peter Benchley and the subsequent blockbuster ﬁlm by Steven Spielberg depicted the great white shark as a “ferocious man eater”. Humans are not the preferred prey of the great white shark.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure #Food  by

Dani Bowler

Owner Vintage Cafe, Albir & MasterChef semi finalist

“Milk chocolate panna cota” THIS DELICIOUS dessert is made all the more smoother with the addition of milk chocolate. If your looking for a quick and simple dessert ideas then this is the one.make in advance and loved by all ages around the dinner table! email: info@danibowler.com Mix the cream and sugar in a saucepan, bring to the boil then remove from the heat immediately. Stir though the milk chocolate (you can use dark if you prefer). in a separate cup mix the boiling water and gelatin together then add to the cream mixture. Pour the mixture in to individual moulds or if you like one big mould. Chill for 3-4 hours or until set. 600ml cooking cream 2 tablespoons caster sugar 200g Milk chocolate chopped 2 teaspoons gelatine or gelatins leaves ¼ cup boiling water

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, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure health

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Adjusting to a better life with Generous blood donors hearing instruments THE LA Nucia blood donor session held during the week exceeded previous totals and included six new members. On Monday 18th January, 47 people attended the donor clinic in the town with 42 being eligible to give blood, exceeding the normal average of 30 donations. The next blood session is scheduled for February 18th and will be held at the Pinar de Garaita surgery in La Nucia between 5pm and 8.30pm. To donate, you must be over 18 and under 65, and weigh more than 50 kilos. There is no need to fast and, even if you have high cholesterol, you can still give blood.

CHOOSING A hearing device is just the beginning of the journey to better hearing. How quickly you adjust to wearing hearing aids depends on how often you wear them. Initially you will notice an increase in the noise levels around you. This background noise has always been there but with your hearing loss you might not have noticed these sounds. As with anything that is new, it will take time and patience to adapt to this new way of hearing. Hearing is only part of how we exchange thoughts ideas and feelings. Reading lips, facial expressions and gestures can help. The following steps make communicating easier when you are adjusting to a new hearing system: Look at the person who is speaking and sitting face to face in a quiet room Minimise distractions: for example, washing dishes at the sink and trying to have a conversation is difficult even for those with normal hearing Move closer to the speaker and within sight Try different locations in a room with poor acoustics When you use your instruments for the first time, you will notice that the hearing process feels different. That’s because your brain has to relearn how to hear sounds- especially the complex range of frequencies in speech. The following are observations that first-time hearing aid wearers have made: It takes time to adjust to wearing hearing aids Your voice may sound different at first

Hearing situations with background noise should improve, but probably not as much as in quiet places This period of adjustment is completely normal but before long you will begin to hear sounds that you have been missing as well as some you didn’t realise were gone - such as the hum of household appliances. Research suggests that speech comprehension increases over time and also the more the instruments are worn.

If you have a concern about your hearing then call Richard G Sykes, RHAD FSHAA of Premier Hearing Services on 659 644 106 (premierhearing@hotmail.co.uk / www.premierhearingaids.es) for professional and personal advice. Richard covers all of the Costa Blanca area, and offers a free Hearing Test. The latest digital hearing aids are available and Richard is able to offer 50% off UK prices. Call now – you have nothing to lose and your hearing to gain!

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure #road test

Tim Saunders Independent unbiased car reviewer

Suzuki Grand Vitara THE WORD ‘grand’ is slowly creeping into motoring parlance. Only recently I tested the Chrysler Grand Voyager, which was certainly a large and capable people mover.

So now I find myself confronted by another big vehicle, this time in the guise of the Suzuki Grand Vitara. It’s not as cumbersome as the Chrysler but the Japanese manufacturer uses the adjective to distinguish this large five-door model from the smaller three-door. Now that I have two little daughters, each with bulky car seats, such sizeable vehicles have become increasingly appealing. Inside the Vitara there is plenty of room and the black leather interior is stylish and robust, like the vehicle in general. With its burgundy finish and distinctive chrome Suzuki logo on the grille it is certainly eye-catching as you can see in the video at testdrives.biz. Dubbed a ‘soft roader’ Suzuki first introduced its rugged Grand Vitara in 1988, when I was still at school. Twenty-five years on and there are a plethora of 4x4s to choose from manufacturers that once shied away from this marketplace such as BMW, no doubt swayed by Suzuki’s success. And so it is somewhat gratifying to note that Suzuki has stuck to its guns with the model name and not decided to replace it or radically change the vehicle. Externally this third generation model doesn’t really seem to have changed much at all although perhaps looking slightly bulkier and modern; testament to a strong design in the first place. I wonder

did Land Rover draw inspiration from this model for its Freelander? There do seem to be similarities in its styling. The last time I drove a Grand Vitara it was fitted with a punchy but quite thirsty petrol engine. This time I am presented with a more frugal diesel unit. A decade ago it was hard to find a Suzuki with a diesel engine but now they are readily available across the whole range. The manufacturer claims that the 1.9 litre diesel unit fitted to this vehicle returns almost 40mpg and that it travels almost 400 miles on a tank. A journey to Brighton allows me to put it through its paces and it proves to be a competent motorway cruiser with very little buffeting despite relatively high winds. The steering wheel mounted cruise control is easy to operate. In these days of six and seven speed gearboxes it is quite surprising to only have a five-speed manual but this low ratio version enables it to be far more productive off road, when required. This becomes useful when my oldest daughter suddenly alerts us to the fact that she wants to go to the toilet. We happen to be passing a field and the gate is open so no better time to do a spot of off-roading and find a suitable venue.

New price range: 18,789€ - 28,043€ Facts at a glance: 0-60mph: 12.8secs Top speed: 106mph Economy: 37mpg Power: 127bhp Watch the video at testdrives.biz

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

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leis ure #people 

New Year, new face

Reeling and rocking

FLOWER ARRANGER Lee Berrill makes his first visit to the Marina Alta and Costa Blanca Floral Club on Thursday 28th January to present a demonstration titled ‘Into the Light’. by JACK TROUGHTON HE HAS been involved in the ‘flower world’ for many years. Based in Northamptonshire, he Lee has taken part in several flower festivals across the UK, including one stage at Ipswich Cathedral in 2014. Lee believes to achieve success; arrangers need to love plants and flowers. He said: “First and foremost you have to love things plant and flower orientated - skills can be learned and developed, but you must have the basic love first.” Everyone is welcome at the demonstration which takes place in The Salon de Actos, La Senieta, Moraira. Doors open at 2pm and everyone is asked to be seated by 2.45pm. Admission is 5€ for members and 8€ for visitors. Further information is available by calling Tina on 96 583 3197, or visiting the website www.marinaaltafloralclub.com. Next month’s demonstration will be held on Wednesday 24th February.

Lee Berrill

Burns’ night celebrations BURNS’ NIGHT, which is annually celebrated in Scotland on or around January 25th, will also be celebrated in Albir this year.

drew the piper

Hepburns Bar in Albir are holding a Burns’ Night event on Monday 25th January with special guest Drew the piper opening the celebrations at 1.30pm. For those not familiar with the event, Burns’ Night commemorates the life of the bard (poet) Robert

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Burns, who was born on January 25, 1759. The day also celebrates Burns’ contribution to Scottish culture including “Auld Lang Syne”. Winnie Quantrell, owner of the bar, said: “we will be having haggis, mince, neeps and tatties, in true traditional style, and also celebrating the birthday of one of our regulars big John.” The afternoon party is free and, although there is no planned entertainment, Highland music will be played throughout the day.

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2012 C3 PICASSO 1.6 110cv VTi CMP seduction 17.900 km Blue

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2010 C3 PICASSO 1.6 HDi 110 cv SX 47.341 km Silver

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2008 KIA PICANTO 1.1i 39.000 km Silver

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2007 HYUNDAI GETZ 1.1i 80.700 km Silver

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2006 C4 1.6i Collection 69.603 km Silver

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2006 TOYOTA YARIS 1.3vvti sol 87cv 109.100 km Silver(P)

5.250€ FCZ

2004 KIA SORENTO 2.5 CRDi 137.439 Silver

4.900€ CSW

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

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2000 MCC SMART 0.6 Petrol 55cv 125.300 km Yellow(P)

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2000 OPEL ZAFIRA A 1.9 Petrol 7 seats 222.613 km Blue

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2000 C3 1.4 Automatic Exclusive 76.251 km Silver

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SHAMROCKERS’ FRONTMAN Irish Des plays a solo gig tonight (Friday 22nd January) at Bar Emilio in Llosa de Camacho from 9pm. Des always adds a touch of the Emerald Isle to a blend of rocks, pop and folk standards and is looking forward to meeting friends old and new in a bar with a great tradition of live music and a welcoming atmosphere.

2.800€

ck for

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure #people

Community wins Lions’ share by PATRICIA THOMPSON TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS raffles run by Teulada Moraira Lions Club raised more than 2,000€ to help fund ongoing community projects in the final fund raising of 2015. The club’s ‘Grand Christmas Raffle’ added 1,716€ to the pot while Moraira charity shop ‘The Lions Den’ ran its own prize draw and added a further 316€. Chris and Marion Derrett, long-standing supporters of the Lions, won the grand raffle prize of five 50€ vouchers to spend at supermarket Pepe La Sal – the couple are pictured with club President David Platt and raffle organiser and new club member Philip Henderson.

Modern circus thrills

A club spokesman thanked everyone for helping achieve “a fantastic result” in “challenging times”. He said: “It is a fitting tribute to the unstinting generosity of all who were good enough to give Teulada Moraira Lions their support by buying raffle tickets for this year’s draws.” Back at the Lions Den, volunteers are already preparing for the Winter Clearance Sale which will run from 15th to 27th February and all available items will by 50% off their marked price. And for details of the club’s fund raising events through 2016, join the mailing list by sending an email ‘Add Me’ to mailinglist. tmlions@gmail.com or go to the Facebook

MEMBERS OF U3A Marina Baixa were held spellbound by the modern circus show ‘Varekai’ being staged by the Canadian travelling show Cirque du Soleil in Valencia. A total of 52 members made up the group which travelled to the city for an overnight trip which included watching the “brilliant” show which premiered in 2002 in Montreal. The group also enjoyed some free time to go shopping in the city and explore its historic attractions. 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. The next meeting is the AGM on Monday 25th January. Doors open at 9.30am and the desks close at 10.50am for a prompt 11.00 am start. Anyone wishing to join the association will be given a warm welcome. For more information visit the website www.u3amarinabaixa.com or the Facebook page. Alternatively, call Secretary Joan Flint on 96 586 1226 or 663 637 167.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure #people

Big Cats in Altea THE JAGUAR Enthusiasts Club in Spain got together again on Sunday 17th January for a return visit to the Don Cayo Restaurant in Altea Golf Club. by PATRICIA THOMPSON THERE’S NOTHING quite like sitting out in the sun, a cava reception, and pre lunch drinks on the terrace, looking over the golf course in the valley, in shirt sleeves, in January. After the lunch, there were a few announcements and a presentation of a “Valued Member Cup” to long time member Baard Lund, a well deserved recognition. The club also presented a JEC cup to Don Cayo’s maitre d’ and chefs in recognition of an excellent lunch. Their next meeting is on Sunday 28th February. See the website www.jec-spain.com for more details. Something special is planned for early April, a two night spa break at the famous Archena Spa Resort. The Big One 2017 is proving very popular, with 320 people registered and 167 cars. Space is limited to 410 people, so make sure you register if you have not already done so. They are also in the ﬁnal stages of planning the Rivers, Lakes and Waterfalls BBQ event for September so make sure you register for this event. See www.jec-spain.com//specialevents. The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club is the largest of the world’s Jaguar clubs, and, apart from joining in the fun at the meetings, full members also beneﬁt from a glossy 140 page A4 monthly magazine, Jaguar spares department and a technical advice service second to none. If you live in Spain and own a Jaguar you should be a member of The Jaguar Enthusiasts Club. The JEC in Spain is organised by Eric Arnold and Ian McMenemy. Eric can be contacted by email at jaguarspain@outlook. com or by phone on 609 93 16 47 or, alternatively, see the JEC Spain website www.jec-spain. com. Events Director, Ian McMenemy can be contacted at McMenemy@JEC-events.com.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure #sports

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

Rugby La Vila vs CAU Valencia LAST SUNDAY, the ﬁrst team travelled to Valencia to play against regional rivals CAU Valencia, and won 20-15.

It was a very hard game, and the first time RLV have beaten CAU Valencia away. The team played much better than the last home game at home, with better line outs, and international sevens player, Javi Carrión, was outstanding scoring two important tries. RLV remain top of the table with an 11 point advantage. Next Sunday the first team will play at home against Barcelona Engyneers team at 12.30pm. They deserve a warm welcome from the supporters after their important away win. Tickets will be 5€ for adults, with under 12s free. Now you can buy your tickets sor the same price at www.instanticket.com. As usual, there will be an Argentinian barbecue, a large warm roll for 4€. To join in the after-match meal with the players, book your ticket at the bar. Paella and a drink will cost you just 5€. The shop will be open on Sunday to sell the new Rugby La Vila hoodie for 25€. Next Saturday the Under 18s will play against La Safor, at 12 noon. The women’s team will also play on Saturday, (time, 6pm, to be confirmed). From Monday 25th January RLV will be hosting Russia’s Women’s Sevens National teams, as they prepare for qualification for the Olympics. They are bringing 30 players in total, and will be training twice a day. RLV hopes to see them at the Brazil Olympics. The next 30th International Benidorm Sevens competition will be

Pego Golf Society PEGO PLAYED a Texas Scramble at Oliva Nova on Tuesday in beautiful conditions.

held on 28th and 29th May 2016, and it is anticipated top teams will be there, preparing for the next Olympics’ Sevens Qualification 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.

Benitachell Bowls Club BBC LIONS V CALPE AFTER BEATING Javea Green Opals 8-2 away from home just before Christmas, Calpe were feeling conﬁdent about playing the BBC Lions, but BBC Lions roared to a great success 15-3, 14-4,14-5, 7-12. The Lionesses won 23-10 . BBC Lions take 8 points, Calpe 2 points, with a shot diﬀerence 84 -51

TIGERS V JAGUARS Both sides won 2 rinks each but the Jaguars had the better shot diﬀerence and took the extra 2 points. The result was Tigers 4 points, Jaguars 6 points. The Challenger team won 23 shots to 15. WINTER LEAGUE REPORT Benitachell Winter League Bowls Team

played away to Quesada. The weather was good and BBC prepared for a very tough day as Quesada had only lost once at home and only one defeat away in the last nine games. It was an impressive performance by the squad winning on three of the five rinks and, after a tense finish, the overall shot difference was a single shot 84 – 83. It was great achievement for BBC who picked up 8 points to Quesada’s 4. For a full update and further information about forthcoming games and results, please visit www.benitachellbowlsclub.com.

Rocket’s golf society THE SOCIETY’S ﬁrst game of the new year took place at Vistabella on 12th January. The course was in very good condition, with greens that held shots and putts.

The results were, in the gold category, 1st Ron Swift, 2nd Janet Davies, 3rd Ron Chambers, 4th Mike Davies, and 5th Ivie Davies. In the silver category, 1st Geoﬀ Wild,2nd Rocket Ron, 3rd Graham Knight, 4th Malcolm Woods, and 5th Derek Power. Nearest The Pin, on hole 8, was Billy Wilkes, and, on hole 15, Mike Davies. The Longest Drive was Mike Davies, and the Best Guest was Salina McKenzie. The society’s next game is at Alicante Golf on Tuesday 26th January. First tee is 10am so please be there by 09.15am and, as the clubhouse restaurant/bar is now open, the meeting point is there and not in the tapas bar in the square. For more information or if you wish to play with this friendly golf society, contact Ron Nicholson on 678 84 91 42 or email sanmigron@gmail.com.

48 guests and members played, and the results were: 1st, the team of Shaun O’Gorman, Peter Chapman, Sue Horsefall and Celia Cronin with a score of 57.6; 2nd, the team of Mike Cureden, Graham Haslam, Donna Green and Brian Barden with a score of 62.3 (Won on count back), and 3rd the team of Malcolm Wise, John Evans and Richard Fox, also with a score of 62.3. Nearest the pin at hole No 3 was Roger Brown with 4.79 metres and, at hole 16, Richard Morris with 3.9 metres. There were eight 2’s, by Simon Fox, Richard Fox, Mike Holloway, Shaun O’Gorman, Richard Morris and two by Trevor Baker. There were 95 balls in the water today, and Ian Campbell successfully guessed the correct number. If any member or guest would like to play with Pego Golf Society next Tuesday in a Singles Stableford Competition, contact pegohandicapsec@gmail.com or enter through the website www.pegogolfsociety.com.

Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

life&leisure #teams /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Alfaz Fantasy Football League by patricia thompson 19 PREMIER LEAGUE Games gave the Alfaz Fantasy Football League its highest average score this season of 51 points. Joe’s team, Keith Lard F.C., moved back to the top of the A.F.F.L. as last week’s leaders, Paul’s Elite Kitchens, Swinton, have dropped to 2nd place and are now 12 points behind. Arthur’s Wombles have swapped places with Scott’s Dog Dale and are 3rd. At the bottom, Lyn’s Handbrake City have drifted further away from Alison’s Foxywise. In the Leonard Knowles Construction Golden Boot League, Joanna’s team, Hup Hannah City, after being at the top for 12 weeks, are now in 6th position. James’ team, Jukeboxers, have leapt up 8 places to take the lead. Nathan’s team, Tyrannosuarez-Rex F.C., lead the U.K.T.V.SPAIN Junior League, with an 11 point advantage over Super Rhys. At the foot of the table, Bradley’s team, Hero to Zero, had another good week scoring 42 points placing them within striking distance of Sponge Bob. In the Mark Carter Ladies Section, the top 3 remain the same. Maxine’s Plaistow13hammers lead Karen’s Ceasar’s Blackcats by just 6 points. Liz’s Cookies Crew & Pam’s People are joint top, both 4 points ahead of Sandra’s Scorers, in the race for the 20€ voucher, sponsored by QUICKSAVE Supermarket in Albir. 2 teams go into the Monthly Premier Imports Draw for a case of cava, the top scorers, Nick’s Jackie’s Blackcats, who scored 95 points and the lowest scoring team, Handbrake City, who only managed to score 6 points. Last month’s winner was Jo’s

team, Ladies on Top. Manager of the Month for January is generously sponsored by CLAIRE’S NAILS in Albir, who will present this month’s winner with a 20€ voucher to use at their Albir Salon. With 2 weeks to go, Joe’s Keith Lard F.C, have a 6 point advantage over Darren’s team, The Pheonix Club. The biggest moving Men’s team this week is Neil’s Wigan’s Pie Eaters who leapt up 73 places to No 109, which has

earned Neil a super Breakfast for 2 at Rafters, sponsored by Kate. The results of the RTN K.O. Cup Competition and the RTN F.A. Cup League are now on the website, Keep an eye on your team in the 2nd half of the season by logging on to the website or popping into one of the Bars which display the results, in Alfaz Robin’s Nest, in Albir The Local & Wyndhams, in Benidorm Union Jack and in Moraira Barilloche.

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Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

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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 966 730 569 or Brian on 678 807

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Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

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Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

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Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

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Friday, January 22 - Thursday, January 28 2016

Rugby La Vila vs CAU Valencia Read the full story on page 63.