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north EDITION Young lion hearts

Your English Newspaper

15 - 21 April 2011

Sea lions at Benidorm’s MundoMar won the hearts of youngsters from the Preventoria Infantil de Gandia as they enjoyed a sunshine outing to the resort p7

Time to get out A Personal Story

Saturday morning began, for the residents of Vernissa Park, Benigembla, quite uneventfully p20

An alliance of services

What is it that makes a successful business woman – Commitment? Creativity? Empathy? Confidence? Integrity? p31

Responsible rentals

Where are they all? We are now in the middle of what our local golf courses consider “ High Season” p63

Issue 600

Storm over coastal law by Jack Troughton

A STORM of protest continues to rage over the clampdown under the controversial coastal law with claims Spain’s valuable tourist industry will suffer and unemployment rise. Restaurants and bars were this week ordered to remove tables and umbrellas from public areas next to the sea under the ‘Ley de Costas’ – a piece of national legislation designed to protect the coast. Angry business owners already hit by the economic downturn say they face ruin unless steps are taken to help them ride out the crisis and maximise earnings during the holiday season. And visitors to one Costa Blanca resort were left baffled as they lost the opportunity for a Shirley Turning back Valentine-type experience the pages – eating and drinking next – Geoff Gartland, to the Mediterranean. RTN’s RTN readers will be aware of Managing Director, holds the much publicised threats to the ever popular beach issue one bars – the ‘chiringuitos’ – that have been widely reported in the press. However, this week and just by Jack Troughton days before the start of the RTN REACHES a proud milestone today (Friday) as issue 600 comes off the press Easter rush, Javea’s Mayor and hits the streets as one of the largest and most recognisable English newspa- Eduardo Montfort brought pers in Spain. matters to a head when he Now in its 12th year, the paper has constantly evolved since its launch in October ordered the removal of the 1999 when it was available as a ‘paid for’ title. offending furniture outside restaurants after a formal Turn the page to read the full story.

Celebrate a happy 600th edition

complaint from the coastal authorities. He said local police officers would enforce the town hall’s ruling and ruled the council would insure “illegal” occupation of public land would cease – with lorries standing by to remove furniture. And he maintains Javea would lose its coveted Blue Flag awards if the “encroachment” on land bordering the sea was allowed to continue. Warning letters were issued to businesses along Avenida Marina Espanola in Javea Port and also at the Arenal beach. Comments posted on Javea’s online newsletter ‘Xabiaaldia’ are mixed – some in favour of insuring the public areas remained open to all, others calling for the protection of the tourist industry and employment in the town. In previous years businessmen have been allowed to keep operating in the prime sites by paying a fine into public coffers. Now confrontation seems certain. But local politicians are calling for urgent round the table talks between businessmen, the town hall, and Madrid. Continued on page 3

See page 17

15 - 21 April 2011

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Air Berlin ready to use Ryanair’s slots at Alicante airport by Patricia Thompson AIR BERLIN has expressed an interest in flying more of its planes to Alicante airport if Ryanair cancels some of its routes. Ryanair announced last week that if it was obliged to pay an additional €2 million per year for air bridges to give access to planes, that it would drop up to 80 percent of its flights to the popular Costa Blanca airport.

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SAN MIGUEL TORREVIEJA QUESADA ALGORFA ORIHUELA ORIHUELA SAN FULGENCIO LA MARINA MURCIA GUARDAMAR

See our feature on P34

15 - 21 April 2011

Happy 600th RTN

Continued from front page Oscar Anton, a lawyer and leader of Xabia Democratica, said restaurants and bars had used the spaces for a long time and the clampdown appeared to be a strategy of confrontation and divide and conquer ahead of the local elections. “I can understand why people are angry. I have been talking to the owners and they fear they may have to cut their employees down by half if they lose half of their tables,” he told RTN. “There has been a similar problem in Valencia but the mayor tried to defend local businesses – I don’t agree with the full occupation of public space, which is too much. “But we need a committee to discuss the situation and try to find agreement – otherwise it is bad for the local economy and for tourism.” Juan Planelles, Nueva Javea’s candidate for mayor, called for talks to attempt to reach a consensus that was good for all sides. He warned that after a “gruelling winter” that any hasty decision “could ruin businesses and damage the employment sector.” And Jose Juan Castello, the Partido Popular candidate for the mayor’s office, called urgent negotiations to end the “conflict” between the private and public interest.

Empty space cleared along the sea front

He said he wanted the town hall to draw up a coastal plan for Javea – and called for a moratorium until a solution was found. “We believe it is possible to harmonise the rights of everyone, without stepping on the interests of the restaurateurs and caterers that form an integral part of our economy.” And a statement from the socialist PSOE party said: “It is our view that on the public walkways on the sea-fronts in the Port and the Arenal there is sufficient space to provide for the legal use of tables and chairs in front of restaurants and bars whilst preserving the rights of all citizens to enjoy walking along the seafront. “The Coastal Law is very clear on this point, and we would have informed all parties and insisted on compliance with the law.”

Remaining tables await their fate

It has been a rollercoaster ride but RTN – Round Town News in the old days – never looked back from a landmark decision to go free with issue 105 and as a ‘freebie’ went from 2,000 copies a week to 20,000 and a current minimum print run of 50,000. And always maintaining a firm footing in the expat community, the paper has never flinched from tackling difficult and controversial issues – whether they be here on the Costas, nationally across Spain, and even globally. It seems our readers agree – there are more than 175,000 of them a week – and thousands more logging in to read news, views and features on line as the website became one of the most visited in Spain. In fact the website www.roundtownnews.co.uk made a little bit of history by becoming the first to have a virtual newspaper using new technology to the full. It allowed RTN to produce a weekly newsletter sent out over the internet and giving a sneak preview of Friday’s paper, another first. The paper even expanded to form its own telecoms company, the increasingly popular RTN Network, the first title to achieve the breakthrough. And RTN led the field again when the decision was taken to publish two editions, north and south, to insure readers were kept in touch with truly local events. Innovation has always been at the forefront. There is the property portal Spanish Homes Finder www.spanishhomefinder.com which links buyers and sellers on the market, and a Yellow Pages style business list-

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ing with www.thebizspain.com. The RTN Golf Club deservedly earns a mention. More than 1,700 sportsmen and women signed up and enjoy bargain green fees, competitions and special offers on equipment. Again a first and the club utilises the power of the net to give a real voice to golfers. Geoff Gartland, RTN’s managing director, believes the ability to change with the times has kept the paper at the forefront of the press on the Costas and allowed it to remain a favourite with expats. “Looking back to those very early days we have certainly evolved and become the very recognisable newspaper readers enjoy today,” he said. “We bring news and views from across the community and by recruiting professional journalists RTN has been able to set a standard for newspapers in Spain.” Geoff added: “I was proud to see our 600th issue take shape and will take some satisfaction on Thursday evening when I watch it ‘go to bed’ – but, of course, that means everyone starts working on the 601st edition! “A huge thanks to all the RTN team who work so hard producing the paper, our contributors and columnists – and all the advertisers who support us and make it all possible. “And finally, I must give a very big thank-you to all our readers for going out and picking up a copy of the paper every week or reading it online.” CELEBRATE WITH RTN - enter this week’s fabulous competition on page 6 . First prize is a three night, all expenses paid break in Morocco.

15 - 21 April 2011

Petrol prices reach all time high

Alicante’s El Altet is the 2nd most profitable airport in Spain

by Julie Day The price of petrol has risen by 0,45% in the last week to a price of 1,336€ per litre, reaching an all time high in Spain. This means that petrol prices have gone up for the ninth consecutive time, with the price of diesel also rising by 0,39% to 1,292€ a litre. Now, the cost of filling up a car costs an average of 66,82€ - 8,3€ more than a year ago - and to fill your car with diesel will cost an average of 64,6€ - an incredible 12€ more than in 2010. As a result of these rising costs the government has put in place a series of measures, including reducing the maximum driving speed on motorways to 110km per hour and reducing the price of RENFE train tickets, in a bid to reduce Spain’s energy bill by 5%, which currently sits at 2,300 million euros a year. Nonetheless, in spite of seeing our petrol prices rise yet again, they are still the cheapest to be found in the euro zone countries and in most of Europe. This is due to less tax being added to the price of petrol in Spain than elsewhere.

Bid for United shirt by Jack Troughton FUND RAISERS will auction a signed Manchester United shirt next Friday (April 22nd) to raise money for two children’s cancer charities, ASPANION and AECC Infantil. Bay Radio will auction the prize - signed by Javier Hernandez – in a sale run in conjunction with Race for Life Javier. The live auction runs from 10am until 5.30pm and bids can be accepted by telephone or email and the unfolding drama will be broadcast live on air. The lucky winner will be announced at 5.50pm. To make a bid by ‘phone call either 96 579 5596 or 96 579 6761, alternatively email studio@bayradio.fm And to find out more about Race for Life

Javea go to the website www.raceforlifejavea.com or contact carreraporlavida@gmail.com Inside the new terminal

Palma de Mallorca was top, while Málaga increased its income but made a loss due to the extra cost of the new terminal. El Altet brought in before-tax profits of 43.78 million € last year, with growth of more than 5%. Passenger volume was up by 2.7%, and the number of flights by 0.3% on 2009. Close to 9.4 million people used El Altet’s facilities last year, EFE reports. Palma de Mallorca’s Son Sant Joan

Airport was slightly ahead, with its 43.9 million € before-tax income making it AENA’s most profitable airport in 2010. On the Costa del Sol, Málaga increased its income by 3% in 2010, but made aftertax losses of 16.51 million €. Europa Press reports that this is mainly due to the new terminal which opened in March last year, which has meant an increase in costs, despite air traffic and passenger volume increasing last year.

15 - 21 April 2011

Natural disaster

Jávea mayor denounces creator of false Facebook profile

by Jack Troughton

A FACEBOOK page profiling Jávea mayor Eduardo Monfort is false, according to the mayor himself. Monfort reportedly knows little about Facebook and has never created a profile. Yet, a page has appeared with mostly accurate details about the mayor. Monfort has denounced the page. Facebook page false according to mayor. Carole fears the treeline behind the lake would vanish

RARE SPECIES of wildlife are threatened by plans to develop land surrounding the fragile eco-system of a Costa Blanca wetlands, say worried environmentalists. Building a luxury hotel, a health centre and public park on the shores of Calpe’s historic Las Salinas lagoon could devastate the habitat of birds and fish – including the familiar flamingos, the black winged stilt and plovers. Environmentalist group ACEC says that Madrid had promised to protect the saltwater lake but had failed to purchase land in private hands when faced with a compensation bill expected to top 80 million euros.

And members fear that development outside an existing 100m ‘no build’ perimeter which offers some protection would still harm wildlife by its disruption. “These proposals spell out a disaster for Las Salinas overall,” said Carole Saunders, president of ACEC. BUILD She said the Rocca Esmerelda Group wanted to build a hotel four times larger than its existing Diamante Beach premises, while the town hall had ceded land for a new health centre. “I understand there is no height limit

for the hotel and you would look across the water to see a solid mass of buildings,” said Carole. “We have very grave concerns for the safety of Las Salinas.” And Carole, also deputy leader of Calp Independientes Los Verdes, said building a public park and walkways – a 150,000€ project – at the rear of the lake would harm important nesting sites. “Our main concern is the pollution and noise from these proposed buildings. It should be a nature reserve but instead people would be trampling over the nesting birds,” she said. “At the moment there are alarm bells ringing for the future of Las Salinas.”

Facebook page false according to mayor

15 - 21 April 2011

Young lion hearts by Jack Troughton SEA LIONS at Benidorm’s MundoMar won the hearts of youngsters from the Preventoria Infantil de Gandia as they enjoyed a sunshine outing to the resort. Organised by Bay Radio and the Javea International Baptist Church, 37 children enjoyed a day to remember as an Easter special. And following the Sea Lion Show, MundoMar staged a special private presentation for the children when they earned a backstage pass to feed the Sea Lions, learn about their life in the wild – and the dangers posed by plastic bags to marine animals. They also enjoyed the “breathtaking experience” of the Dolphin Show – just one of the many attractions at the theme park. The church raised 409€ to make sure the children – who live at the Preventoria and are cared for by a handful of nuns and volunteers – had a proper treat, each tucking into a McDonald’s Happy Meal and also being presented with books, sunglasses and a toy as a special gift from the fast food chain’s Benidorm restaurant. BUNNY

It was a challenge to get the 37-strong party to elect what flavour ice-cream – but Bay’s Paula Hilton was equal to the task, and to mark the end of the day the children also received chocolate Easter bunnies donated by the Peppermill Restaurant in Benidorm. Bay has registered a charity in the name of the Peventoria Infantil de Gandia and anyone wishing to contribute can contact Andy Stammers at the radio station via its website www.bayradio.fm JIBC is a lively church with activities taking place throughout the week and an international congregation of many denominations worshiping together every Sunday. For more information visit www.javeabaptist.com or call 96 579 5847. The following services are being held over Easter: Good Friday 22nd April at 11am a ‘churches together’ service bringing together all local churches in Javea at the Grande Café Toscamar, Ctra. Cabo de la Nao; Easter Sunday 24th April at 7am, a sunrise service on the Montamar Beach near La Siesta Restaurant; and at 11am Easter Sunday Service at the Grande Café Toscamar.

Meeting the sea lions of MundoMar

Charity spending spree by Jack Troughton NEW EQUIPMENT to aid patients and their carers has been purchased by the MABS Cancer Support Group thanks to a generous donation from Costa Blanca Freemasons. The Javea-based Sprig of Acacia Lodge this week handed the charity’s President Jacqui Phillips MBE a cheque for 2,000€ - and learnt the money had already been spent. The gift allowed MABS to buy two hospital beds, an electric hoist, and three special commode chairs. Jacqui explained the commodes looked like a normal and attractive bedroom chair but obviously, when needed, had an extra function to help patients. Pictured outside the MABS Centre, Sol Park, Moraira, are (left to right) Sprig of

Acacia’s secretary Bernard Wilson, charity steward Harry Wealand, Jacqui Phillips, Worshipful Master Bill Russell, and treasurer Bernard Phillips.

15 - 21 April 2011

23,000 increase in the number of people in need of food in the Alicante province by Patricia Thompson The members of the Board of Trustees for the Alicante Food Bank, met recently to discuss current projects in the Province. The first thing that was discussed was the fact that in 2010, 47,000 individuals were helped with food and now in 2011 this number has risen to 70,400. The Spanish Federation of Food Banks (FESBAL) was appointed along with the Spanish Red Cross and National Caritas as a distribution centre for European food surpluses. Under the name of Aid Plan Fega 2010 CE. Last year, the Alicante Food Bank delivered a total of 2,483,832.8 kg of food with funds from public donation (EC), grants from the Generalitat Valenciana, and donations from the private sector. With the increasing number of people in

distress, it was decided that the Red Cross and the Federation of Food Bank will hold responsibility for distributing the food this year. Each of these groups has a total of 35,000 beneficiaries from within the Alicante province. The amount of food that has been donated is estimated at 6,000.000 kilos for 2011, and is to be shared between the Food Bank and Red Cross. This estimate suggests that each beneficiary will receive about 15 kilos of food to help alleviate their shortcomings. Rice, juice, cocoa powder, beef broth, infant cereal, vegetable soup, pasta, biscuits, flour, breast milk, UHT milk, custard, cheese, cured cheese mixture, tomato sauce are amongst the supplies that will be available to the Bank food to distribute among the most disadvantaged in our society. Today more than ever, solidarity is hended.

Record-breaking 8,000 in Valencia race against breast cancer THE VALENCIA ‘carrera de la mujer’ (Race for Women) saw almost 8,000 people turn up to run last Sunday. Last year saw 6,500 registered participants and this year’s numbers were far greater, including a few men dressed as women! The 5km race was won by Raquel Landín, an athlete from Silla, who finished in 18 minutes and 31 seconds.

More food is needed in 2011 to help feed the needy

Urban abuse cases finally make it to MEPs’ ears

THE EU Petitions Committee heard complaints from homeowners in Spain on Thursday 14 April who have lost or are losing their homes without compensation. MEPs heard of cases where homeowners have seen their homes demolished, or been left without electricity

or water and even been asked to pay developers’ debts. A spokesperson from the EU parliament is reported as saying that there should be a solution for these scandalous problems and that the Spanish national and regional governments need to cooperate.

15 - 21 April 2011

Alan Gilchrist

Overcome your Phobia the Fast Track Way As well as the simple sessions such as Fast Track Stop

The Costa Blanca’s Smoking in 30 minutes, Weight Control or the GasTop Hypnotherapist

troband, Fast Track Hypnosis can also help with a multitude of other problems as well including phobias. Over the 25 years I have been in practice I have dealt with thousands of people who had a phobia. Those ranged from the straightforward phobias such as Claustrophobia to the more unusual, such as a phobia of plastic spiders, gold, putting their false teeth in the wrong way round or passing wind in church!. Whenever I first started in practice like most people I assumed the most common phobia I would treat would be either mice or spiders. However this was not the case. The most common phobia that I would treat is Blushing (eureuthophobia ) where I would see quite a few people per day with this devastating phobia. A phobia is a totally irrational fear of people, places, objects or a potential situation. How a phobia can affect a person can vary greatly. It may be they prefer just to ignore it, to whereby in the phobic situation their heart starts beating very fast, perhaps a feeling of sickness, dryness of the mouth, tension, becoming breathless, to even a feeling of fainting. For whatever reason a person develops a phobia it can completely take over their life. They are constantly thinking about it and will create scenarios in their mind on how to avoid the phobic situation. Even if they do have to face it, how are they going to react at that time, or will they make a complete fool out of themselves etc. The list is endless! Put simply, a phobia is an outward projection of an internal anxiety. It can be created in many ways such as in severe stress, excessive anxiety caused by a re-

curring experience, or maybe by a past trauma. There are various methods that can be used to overcome a phobia using hypnosis. Regression therapy (not past life regression)

The Client is regressed to try to locate the origin of their phobia and to understand what the circumstances were that created it, and then remove the anxiety associated with it. This can take quite a few sessions to try to achieve using standard Hypnotherapy, perhaps up to 15 sessions. Fast Track Suggestion Therapy A method created by me where positive suggestions are implanted into the subconscious mind to counteract their fears and alter the perception of their particular phobia. I prefer to use the latter method, Fast Track Suggestion Therapy, as in my opinion it is the faster and a more effective way of dealing with any phobia. When I am talking to a client for the first time I like to explain my Fast Track Hypnosis method further. I would use the example of someone who watches a horror film on television, their conscious mind sees the image, and their subconscious mind reacts towards this image making the viewer become frightened. Obviously the image is totally unreal as it is only projected onto a piece of glass. In my view that is exactly how a phobia works! The conscious mind sees an image (real or imagined) such as a spider, and the subconscious reacts towards the image taking it totally out of proportion causing a feeling of panic. Using the calming effects of the Fast Track Hypnosis method the subconscious

mind is allowed see the phobia in a very funny way. The theory behind this is quite simple, by laughing at their phobia, they can not be frightened of it, and if they are not frightened of it, it goes away. The process normally takes only 4 sessions depending on the response and commitment from the client as opposed to the “1000 hour analysis” method used by psychologists , conventional Hypnotherapists, etc., however with the use of Fast Track Hypnosis it dramatically speeds up the whole process. CDs are also provided to reinforce the ongoing results as the client progresses and finally they are taught self-hypnosis to give positive suggestions to themselves without the use of CDs. Many people want to overcome their phobias, and after helping thousands of clients over the years to successfully conquer theirs, I decided to compile a list of as many phobias as I could and their technical name. This originally was a personal interest but the list just kept getting larger, and you can view the complete list on my web site alangilchrist.com. As you will be able see from the list it becomes evident that people can suffer a phobia about almost anything, from the supposedly common ones such as spiders -arachnophobia to the totally unusual e.g. the fear of long words which is called Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia (common in journalism). This in itself would give the poor phobic person another phobia Phobophobia, a phobia of having a phobia! Alan holds his Fast Track Hypnosis sessions in Cabo Roig,Guardamar and Benidorm. For an appointment, Brochure, or free of charge initial consultation, contact Alan Gilchrist on 659229408. Or visit his web site alangilchrist.com.

15 - 21 April 2011

Sealed with a kiss NEUVA JAVEA’S Ana Vasbinder rewarded the independent party’s candidate for Mayor with a peck on the cheek as she announced Juan Planelles would lead the election campaign. Ana, Nueva Javea President, is stepping back to allow colleagues Juan and Paco Catala to stand as the first and second place choices in the party list for the 22nd May local elections. All three currently serve as councillors in Javea Town Hall and Ana plans to retain her local authority seat as the third choice candidate when the population casts its vote. The trio believe Nueva Javea candidates reflect the “variety and richness” of the Marina Alta resort’s multicultural population. Juan, Paco, and Ana top a list published this week and ratified with the unanimous support of the party executive following a board meeting. The decision was publically announced at a press conference at Nueva Javea’s headquarters in the Old Town where upbeat candidates posed for photographs. Ana said : “We are three people with extensive experience in the municipal sector but the support behind us is a group of extraordinary people with proven professionalism and those

who aspire to rule this town with new ideas, using modern and effective management. VARIETY “This list honours the multicultural richness and variety that makes up the group of our activists and party supporters.” And Juan – newly appointed as the candidate for council leader – said he was satisfied at having the “best team possible” to take Nueva Javea into the elections. “It combines the experience of Ana, Paco’s professionalism, and the commitment that I bring to Javea to achieve the best government that this town needs.” He also paid tribute to the “generosity” of Nueva Javea’s president in allowing himself and Paco to lead the campaign to form a winning team that was prepared for the responsibility of running the town hall. Juan heralded all the candidates on the list for having the commitment and different experience to “shape our town.” And Paco told reporters the ultimate goal and the aim of all the hard work of party members was to give Javea “all those services needed to shape a modern town.”

Team work (from left) Paco, Juan and Ana

Stepping up, Nueva Javea candidates

TARGET He said along with tourism, Nueva Javea had “equally important” targets including the restoration of legal certainty for investors and improving the image of “every corner of the town.” Finally, Ana underlined that together Nueva Javea was satisfied it had the support of many people resident in the town in bringing changes to the local authority “after years of mismanagement.” She said: “We are determined to make radical change to the way the municipality is governed. All our candidates know that to achieve our goals requires the support and cooperation of the public. “Our door is always open to listen and share ideas with associations, residents and visitors who want to improve Javea.” The Nueva Javea List is: 1/ Juan Planelles; 2/ Paco Catala; 3/ Ana Vasbinder; 4/ Belen Quiroga; 5/ Angel Miranda; 6/ Stuart Salter; 7/ Ricardo Marquez; 8/ Marja Schermacher; 9/ Nina Olmedo.

15 - 21 April 2011

The rainbow of life by Jack Troughton

UNIQUE BOOK Colour In My World is a selfhelp colour guide for youngsters with the power to unlock their creativity and increase self-esteem. Costa Blanca author Lynda Jane Smith is signing copies of her book in Javea next week and believes it provides “a great resource for children to tap into the colour realms around them and lighten up their world.” And Colour In My World also helps children discover the colours that suit them and uncovers their own colour sign. Lynda is also a talented colour and image consultant and hair and make-up artist and has appeared on television and radio. A mum of two and grandmother of twins, she realised how unaware other children were of the power of using colour and Colour In My World provides a guide to discovering its wonders. DELIGHT And her book is packed with activities for children to undertake on their own or with friends and carers – with many aspects capable of delighting grown ups too. Artist and teacher Bronwyn Cayley said Lynda’s book was an invaluable aid. “This is

Lynda’s book

a book for all children of the future to help build a brighter world, full of joy, delight and laughter.” Lynda will be signing copies of Colour In My World at La Marina Restaurant and Pizzeria, Javea Port, on Wednesday 20th April between 11.30am and 1.30pm, and at Bookworld, Javea, on Saturday 23rd April between 11am and 1pm – copies will also be available at Jaspers Charity Fun Day, Javea, on the afternoon of 23rd April. Colour In My World is also available from www.authorhouse.co.uk, Amazon, Waterstones and all leading book stores. For more information visit www.colourinmyworld.com

Horse show

by Jack Troughton HORSE LOVERS will enjoy a day out at the Palms Equestrian Centre on Sunday 17th April when animals and riders will be competing in a horse show. Show jumping classes, dressage and gymkhana games have been organised and spectators are welcome to add to the atmosphere at the Catral centre – and drinks and refreshments will be available. The action begins at 9.30am and continues until about 6pm. Entries will be accepted on the day and anyone requiring more information should ring Sarah on 636 311 751 or email billiegibbons@live.co.uk Details of the classes and rules can be obtained by visiting www.palmsequestrian.com The equestrian centre is located at Lo Zabala 30, Catral, just off the CV-905.

Washinkai strikes gold again

Washinkai in action

TEN YOUNG students of Club Deportivo Washinkai Karate Javea joined 700 entrants from 37 martial arts clubs from across Spain to take part in a marathon annual contest. The huge numbers taking part in the XVI Villa de Pinoso Chamionships meant there were 13 hours of continous action in the competition areas - and a high level of skill on show from some of the best clubs in the country as a display from the visitng Russian female ‘kata’ team. And four of the Washinkai students mounted the winner’s podium applauded by instructors Sarah Lakin and Geovanny Sanchez and their colleagues.

Lucas Munis recieved the trophy for Male Kata Juvenil and Kyle Cochrane received his trophy for Male Kata Infantil. Charlie Macwhinnie won the 3rd place trophy in Female Kata Infantil whilst Dylan Broadhead also achieved 3rd place in Male Kata Infantil. Instructor Geovanny Sanchez, competed for the first time in the Male Adult Black Belt group against both Provincial and Valencian champions, passing through three fierce rounds of competition but missed out on the silverware. Chief Instructor Ray Sweeney said: “We are very pleased with the results of the competition and everyone gave their very best. “ In fact, our team´s performance was to such a high standard that the vice-president of the Valencian Karate Federation has arranged for the Selector of the Valencian Community Karate Team to come down to the club next month to do a weekend of training with us and have a closer look at our students.” Club Deportivo Washinkai Karate meets regularly in Colegio el Arenal, Xàbia International College, Laude Lady Elizabeth School and in Javea Sports Centre. For more information visit www.washinkai.org or contact Ray Sweeney on 637564416.

15 - 21 April 2011

Lesbians denied communion by Jan Gamm A PRACTISING and devoted Catholic, Pilar Gomez, has been refused communion by the pastor of the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in Calle Rosario, Valencia. Pilar is gay and lives with her female partner: “I have been denied the biggest thing; the Holy Sacrament,” she said. Fr Joseph Polo, pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary, claims his decision is covered by the Code of Canon Law, Article 915, which states: “not to be admitted to holy communion: the excommunicated and those who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin,” saying he acted on “…orders from above.” The pastor’s decision also affected two other people, also homosexual. They were all advised not to attend

Holy Communion and denied the sacrament of the Eucharist. Pilar ignored the suggestion not to attend and instead requested an audience with the pastor: “He reaffirmed that he would deny me communion because he said there has been a public complaint,” she said, “Not because we are lesbians but because we live under the same roof.” The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, located on Calle Rosario de Valencia, was packed to capacity to celebrate Mass. Finally, after administering the last worshipper, José Polo refused to give communion to Pilar, whose mother supported her daughter by also refusing communion. 52-year-old Pilar is outraged at the humiliation she experienced in church, just for being a lesbian. José Polo refused to speak with RTN on the subject.

Valencia’s PP election candidates under investigation

The Gürtel case: Judge Garzón (Middle) and the 10 politicians under suspicion of corruption

NINE OF Valencia’s PP party candidates for the upcoming regional and local elections are implicated in cases of corruption. A tenth is up against charges of the perversion of justice. The charges against the candidates are in relation to the on goingGürtel and Brugal cases.

Traffic campaign targets distracted drivers Pilar has been refused communion

POLICE IN Dénia have revealed that only 1.45 percent of drivers in the town use their mobile phones when driving without attaching the correct listening and hands-free devices. Police conducted an investigation between 4 and 10 April, during which time 620 vehicles were checked. The investigation is part of a national campaign to prevent accidents caused by driver distraction.

15 - 21 April 2011

Couldn’t believe our eyes At APASA we encounter a lot of mistreated and abandoned dogs, but in this case we could not believe our eyes. After lunchtime our pound dogs in the back started barking. We immediately ran to the back of the pound to see what was happening, and were shocked. Somebody actually threw a small cocker spaniel over the fence, completely full of dirt and ticks and so skinny. We were afraid to pick her up, as we might hurt her. Tete (as we called her) has severe skin problems and we could tell, that she has been chained all her life, sleeping in her own dirt and not being fed properly. We suspect she has been used to breed only. We all hope our Tete is going to pull through. She is eating and getting medical care now. It is unbelievable that dogs like Tete still love people. If you want any information about Tete, our other dogs or what you can do help. Please call us. We always need volunteers, food and donations. APASA Office: 966 463 976 618 754 635 (Jacky)

Haven’t you heard? This morning at 9pm I was sent a text by Torresat TV Company that my direct debit had been returned. This was an over sight on my part as I maintain a small account for this particular bill. I was at the hospital and returned at around 6pm and found another message on my house phone to the effect that if I did not contact them by 5pm my card would be ‘deactivated’. As I did not pick up this message until 6pm and they close at 5 pm they disconnected me at pm!!! The ¨Hitler-Like¨ message left me aghast that any company would disconnect a long-term customer in eleven hours for an oversight and would not even give them to the next day to remedy the situation!!! This company really needs to review its policies. Torresat, now there are options, or haven’t you heard?? Jean Crowley

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letter of the week

Young and bored For the ATTENTION OF ALL Parents of Teenagers in the El Galan / Los Filipinas Areas. CAN YOU PLEASE TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN!!! Yes we still remember what it was like to be young and bored and hanging around street corners and parks. But what we did not do was vandalise these areas. We all came to Spain to relax and enjoy our lives and try to live comfortably and content

on our pensions etc. But we now seem to have gangs of youths, (and to our shame), mainly English, who seem to be hell bent on kicking in electricity cupboard doors, smashing up park areas and anything else they can vandalise. They show a lack of respect with their shouting and bad language for local residents and their property. Please, if you have a teenage son or daughter, can you explain

to them that their fun in smashing anything up that they can, results in us having to dig deep into ever decreasing funds to pay for the repairs. Or maybe we can send them to where you live and have them sit outside your property, swearing, spraying graffiti and smashing whatever they can. Or is it a case of ‘as long as it’s not on our doorstep’. A Community President El Galan area

Working tirelessly over the years The recent personal attack on Mr.Chris Poole is nothing short of disgusting. Here is a man that has worked tirelessly over the years to show the Spanish how effective N.H.W. is, and for that we should be applauding him. Instead we find ourselves reading that he is politically motivated, in all of the six years I have known Chris he has stressed time and time again he is affiliated to no political party. To any reasonable intelligent person we know and understand that to further projects such as N.H.W. a working

relationship with the governing council is paramount, however this does not mean having to jump into bed with them. Mr. Chris Poole along with other like minded people have achieved so much over the last few years, so on behalf of the 99% of us who appreciate the efforts. THANK YOU. For anyone that wishes to comment that I am politically motivated, the answer is yes, however my comments above are not. John Reynolds Alcalde Pedaneo Entre Naranjos

Can’t blame them for trying The informative letter from an RTN reader regarding the handouts given to bogus asylum seekers and illegal immigrants shows why you can’t blame these people for trying to get into Britain any way they can. If YOU were living hand to mouth in a tin shed somewhere and were told, go to Britain and the government will give you a FREE house and FREE health care and FREE education and FREE money and you would be FREE to insult and abuse the people who gave you these things, YOU would pack up your old kit bag and head for good old FREE Blighty as fast as your legs could carry you. Des Johnson, San Miguel de Salinas

Weak satellite signals LAST MONTH you wrote about BBC signals disappearing, which is EXACTLY what has happened to us. We used to get BBC1 & 2 Wales till around 11.30pm - midnight, but now the BBC signals go off MUCH earlier from 9pm on. The strange thing is that when I checked the TV again just before going to bed last night at 11pm, the signals seemed to be fine again! What can be done to get things back to normal? Answer: I have had literally HUNDREDS of calls and emails about the strange behaviour of the BBC channels recently. When

I attended a few properties to re-align big dishes, I found I was unable to improve viewing times. After further research, it turns out that a combination of unfavourable atmospheric factors are causing weak satellite signals to worsen! There is a dense ionosphere at present, made up of electrically charged ions, causing obstruction to satellite signals. Additionally, on 19th March we experienced the biggest full moon in nearly 60 years: the moon is physically closer to the earth than it has been in most peoples’ living

memory, causing satellite signals to be pulled off-target. The solution? Sit tight and wait it out. There is very little that ANYBODY can do to improve things at the moment, and it’s not worth paying a stranger to ‘have a go’ unless like me, they offer a ‘no fix, no fee’ guarantee. Within two to three weeks, signals should start to return slowly back to normal. Of course, in mid April we will have another problem beyond our control - the 11-year cycle of sun spots is due, with a strong reputation for causing satellite reception issues... Graham Paul Glick www.televisiontechnology.eu (0034) 96 678 3944

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Please help and give them a home! They ask for nothing more than a good home and a peaceful life. Kitty and Mia, now seven months were two lucky female kittens. They weren’t tied in a plastic bag and dumped into a basura bin and left to die. They were just chucked into someone’s garden at the age of three weeks, but at least they were alive. Lucky then, but are they so lucky now? Their first foster carer was told she was not able to have pets in her rented property. Then, after the first night with their newly adopted owners it was found that the 10 year old son and his father were allergic to cats’ fur. Following that, a cat lover fostered the two tiny babes, but, as happens, they grew and grew and he found it too much to keep them with all his other cats, and they were put into a sanctuary. Now, because the sanctuary is inundated with kittens and cats like Kitty and Mia, space has to be made, which means Kitty and Mia, now sterilized and vaccinated have to find a new home. Two young cats, who have never been outside their confined area just want to give affection and have a home of their own. If you can help please telephone 96 280 8332

15 - 21 April 2011

An update on Faith by Patricia Thompson Since the operation in Barcelona to amputate her lower leg by specialist horse vet Casper Castelijns, Faith, is now well on the road to recovery. Her temporary cast was taken off by surgeons last Monday in order to check the healing process and a different type of cast has now been put on Faith’s leg. This new cast must be kept on throughout the day and removed at night, so that a careful eye can be kept on the stump to ensure that it is recovering as it should. When the swelling has gone down and it has completely healed up, a mould of her stump will be taken to make her own, made-to-measure prosthetic limb. Gaspar Casteljns and his team of surgeons are hopeful that they can eliminate any problems that could occur when making the prosthetic limb, such as ulcers on the horse’s pressure points. Therefore every effort is made when making and fitting the limb to avoid any type of problems such as these. Everyone involved at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre is waiting with baited breath hoping that Faith continues to do well. The EHCRC would like to thank all their supporters who have made this operation possible and given Faith a chance at life. Further updates will be given as they unfold. You can sponsor Faith or make a donation on the EHCRC website at www.easyhorsecare.net or alternatively telephone Sue at the Centre on 652 021 980.

Faith, 15 minutes after coming round from her 5-hour operation

Scoop the Poop CSI by Jan Gamm IN THE town of Hernani, not far from San Sebastian, failure to scoop doggie poop is a risky business. The town council has introduced a bylaw that makes pet DNA registration mandatory prior to a municipal dog census aimed at keeping the streets ‘clean as a whistle’. Teams will patrol the streets of the town and collect ‘evidence’ to be sent to the University of the Basque Country (Ikerbasque Department of Science specialising in DNA testing) for analysis, linking the doggy doo to the naughty owners responsible for their dogs fouling public walkways.

Owners found guilty through the matching DNA system will be fined 300€, with fines of similar levels applicable for failing to register a pet. Mayor Marian Beitialarrangoitia said, “People should not to have to suffer this filth. And the scheme will also help to identify strays in the area.” The socialist opposition party in the town claim that the council has aggravated the problem of dog mess by removing the dog waste bins provided. And local dog owners are also displeased with the scheme and have launched a Facebook programme of protest, labelling the new initiative the ‘Canine CSI’.

www.monarch.co.uk

15 - 21 April 2011

Youths protest against government cuts in Madrid last weekend by Julie Day

The protest march “Youth without Future” that took place in Madrid last Saturday culminated in the arrests of 12 young people, one of whom was a teenager. According to police sources a gathering of 1,000 young people congregated in the Plaza Antón Martín in Madrid and demonstrated in protest against recent government cuts to social welfare, the current unemployment situation and plans to privatise education. The number of participants in the rally, which included members from around 40 social collectives and student groups, was estimated to be

approximately 5,000 by the protest’s organisers – 4,000 more than the figure offered by the police. During the march, participants held signs with slogans such as “Rebel without a home”, “Out with big money-earners, help the unemployed” 1,000 young people and “Without work, there is no future”. Disturbances commenced at approximately congregated in the Plaza 9pm, when around 200 people blocked the enAntón Martín trance to two main roads in the city centre, caus- in Madrid and ing traffic to pile up. demonstrated in protest Anti-disturbance police broke up the crowd against and arrested 12 people who were allegedly throwrecent ing wastepaper bins, upturning containers and government throwing objects at security officials. cuts

Saloufest is back as 7,250 British students descend

A total of 7,250 university students are set to descend on the resort this year, after last year’s particularly rowdy sessions of passion, partying and alcohol. A fleet of as many as 80 coaches take 24 hours to bring the students across the channel and France to reach Salou, where they have full board accommodation in three star hotels and free entry to sports events organised for them, at the all-in price of between 300 and 450 € each. There is the added cost of beer, a lot of beer, but even that, along with the spirits is cheaper than at home. Doreen Staatman from Sol Active Tours has told RTN that they bring 7,250 clients in the very low season. The British company, Love Tours, say they have toned down their advertising for the trip, after requests from Salou Town Hall. There are less explicit references to sex

Saloufest in full swing

and alcohol in the literature, but that said the internet is full of photos and videos of the excesses of the British at play. Love Tours has suggested fancy dress, but the Spanish press says the British students wish to strip has seen an uncommon number of g-strings, Borat style this year. The Mayor’s spokesman, Ramon Tubau, told Vocento, ‘We have bylaws on good behaviour, bothering the local residents is banned, and the police have a special responsibility in that respect. These youngsters cause no more riot that the thousands of visitors we see every summer’. The first day of this year’s Saloufest was quiet – no noticeable disturbances and only four people needed medical treatment for drinking too much. It’s estimated the students will spend some 8 million € in the town.

15 - 21 April 2011

Time to get out – A Personal Story by Chris Sinclair Saturday morning began, for the residents of Vernissa Park, Benigembla, quite uneventfully. Late morning, a sound, very similar to that of firecrackers, broke the tranquility of that beautiful morning. This was followed by the sound of a low flying aeroplane, and then everything changed. Thick smoke began billowing from the surrounding woodland, trees erupted like Roman Candles, and with the wind blowing fairly strongly, the flames were advancing quickly. The seat of the fire was believed to be close to the village, and it had a tinder dry environment of pine and carob trees to quickly devour. As the fire services began bombarding the area from the air with helicopters and aircraft, the police knocked on everyone’s door ordering them to just collect passports and important documents and leave immediately. What do you grab when you only have a few minutes! With the smoke and fire starting to approach the house, we threw our business and personal paperwork, some clothes and special photos into the car, and just before we left, turned on the hosepipes so that they would spray the trees in front of our house - a pretty futile gesture but it made us feel as if we were doing something. We were told to go to the next village, and we would be told when we could return. As the fire raged across the mountainside, the firefighters went in and began to try to stop the advance towards the properties. All Saturday afternoon and evening, they bombarded the fire and we could only stand and watch. As we all congregated in the village of Murla, an almost Dunkirk-like spirit pervaded. We discussed the important things we had left behind, like credit cards, medication, and money. Dogs, cats, and property owners, hoping for the best, but fearing the worst. By 7pm we were told that it was too dangerous to return to our homes, and that we would need to make alternative arrangements. For those who could not stay with friends, help was on hand to find a bed for the night. Clothes were borrowed, as most people had only what they were wearing, and telephone numbers exchanged so that any news could be passed on quickly.

By late evening things looked a little better with spasmodic fires breaking out, but around 10pm, a huge flare up on the mountain made everyone nervous once more. An unsettled night, saw dawn break with the mountainside still smoking and small fires still erupting. But good news came that we could go back to our homes and with great trepidation we all returned. All of our homes were safe, thanks to the sterling work of those brave fire-fighters, and although everywhere was covered with fire debris and some burn holes were to be found in awnings, chairs and cushions, no one suffered any major damage. One neighbour came back to an empty pool, but that was a small price to pay as it had used to protect his home. And

so the clean-up began. All day Sunday, the fire-fighters continued to attack the smouldering trees with the helicopters and aeroplanes, and on the ground the men and women of the fire-service were putting out the regular flare-ups. We, the residents of Vernissa Park, are extremely grateful to those fire-fighters, who have spent the weekend, night and day, doing everything they could to protect our homes. We wish we could thank them personally, but we do send our heart-felt thanks to them. And to all our dear friends who provided us with a bed for the night, and emotional support when things looked bleak, we can’t thank you enough. Tonight, Sunday, we sit in our homes grateful that we can do just that!

Thick smoke billowing from the surrounding woodland

STOP PRESS A British man has been arrested following the forest fire in Benigembla, which destroyed 96 hectares of woodland and necessitated the evacuation of residents of Vernissa Park. It would seem that the fire was not started intentionally, but was the result of agricultural burning which had got out of control as a result of the windy conditions. The 52 year old man has been charged by the Guardia Civil with ‘causing a wildfire’. Another fire which had begun near Castell de Castells, shortly after the Benigembla fire, was also the result of agricultural burning. Two other fires in the Valencian region over the weekend, which were believed to be started deliberately, led to the emergency services being stretched to the limit. All agricultural burning has been banned, as the Emergency Coordination Centre has now raised its alert level to 3, which is the highest risk of forest fire. However, despite this, agricultural burning still appears to be continuing in the Jalon valley.

Fallen tree stops traffic AN ACCIDENT last week in Jávea’s old town brought traffic grinding to a halt. A truck travelling along Avenida Ondara caught an overhead telephone cable that was hanging from a tree. The tree was pulled down and landed in the road. Traffic was paralysed for an hour while the authorities disentangled the cable and the tree. No damage was done and no one was injured.

Generous freemasons by Jack Troughton FREEMASONS OF the Serendipity Lodge of Mark Master Masons, No 1744 of Javea, have donated 800€ to the MABS Cancer Support Group. Pictured are Worshipful Master Reg Botevyle Carter and the lodge’s charity steward Worshipful Brother Roy Coleman presenting MABS President Jacqui Phillips MBE with the cheque.

Forest fires early this year UNUSUALLY HOT and dry conditions lead to the season’s first forest fires over the past weekend. Despite a ban on countryside BBQs in many areas, fires raged in Benicolet (Valencia) and Benidembla (Alicante). In Benicolet, 1,488 hectares was scorched before the 450-strong team of firemen and 24 planes and helicopters could bring it under control. In Benidembla, 96 hectares were burnt.

Easter tourism figures looking good

TOURISM TO Benidorm for the Easter period is 7 percent higher than last year, according to the councillor for tourism, BelénJuste. Weather conditions for the week are set to be warm and dry, further increasing the resort’s appeal. Overall for the Costa Blanca, occupancy rates for Easter are at 70 percent, while Benidorm is reporting 90 percent.

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15 - 21 April 2011

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

Blair and Sir Beardy are both going down under King of the free loaders and envoy of peace to the Middle East, Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is about to cash in big time on a six-day Antipodean tour. Yup folks, HRT His Royal Tonyness, is back on the road again and set to earn a cool half-million quid. Not bad, eh? Nice work if you can get it - and boy, does Tony seem to get it. Kiwis and Aussies will have to dole out a minimum of £610 per seat to hear the thoughts of this ‘grate’ man. And get this, if you want a table for ten guests you’ll have to be prepared to fork out ten grand. Yes, that’s ten grand. Would you pay that just to listen to Blair? What on earth is this hold that Tony has on people outside of the UK? Who, in all that’s sane will pay this kind of money to listen to that man? Well, plenty it seems - and there was me thinking that Australians were the least gullible people on Earth. Now don’t go thinking that you might get a bargain seat, a last minute dot-com-discount as it were. Oh no, you can forget that, especially when you discover that this tour is being sponsored by Visy, an Australian cardboard box company that was recently fined

Aquanaut Beardy Branson on his sub

£20 million for price-fixing. Good ole Tone, he keeps good company, does he not? Anyway, as he flits between Brisbane (haven’t they suffered enough this year?) Sydney, Perth and Melbourne in Australia and Auckland in New Zealand he is expected to generate £1.5 million in ticket receipts. I guess you could say, “It’s easy Visy, down under.” Since 2007, when he was dumped by New Labour, Tony has amassed a fortune thought to be worth £28 million. And to think he was the one that was ‘tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime’. Now fortunately there is a good counter-balance to this story because whilst HRT is going down under in support of his pocket a real hero is going down under in support of the true British spirit; and, in doing so, hoping to discover something ‘useful for mankind’. Love him or loathe him you can’t help but admire the determination and drive (or in this case dive) of dear ole Sir Richard ‘Beardy’ Branson, can you? His latest endeavour is to dive down under, not to Australia but the sea, going deeper even than Troy Tempest did in Stingray! Yup, it seems that Branson who has previously risked life and limb in the outer atmosphere in a hot air balloon is now planning to plunge into the ocean depths with a project called Virgin Oceanic. “There is just so much to explore, so much to discover,” Beardy beamed, “We are going to obviously come across some fascinating creatures and learn some fascinating things that will hopefully be useful for mankind.” Sir Dicky expects his new project will cost a jot under $10 million (Hmmm, cheaper than a dozen Blair concerts). And he hopes that Virgin Oceanic could one day take passengers on deep sea dives, just as his Virgin Galactic project is expected to take passengers on suborbital flights.

Virgin Oceanic sub

Scientific America outlined Branson’s project: “Virgin Oceanic will undertake five dives over two years. The first is set for later this year, when the team plans to explore the Pacific Ocean’s Mariana Trench at a depth near 36,000 feet.” According to the journal, Sir Beardy “plans to pilot a second dive himself, into the Puerto Rico Trench in the Atlantic Ocean”. Other areas to be explored are the Molloy Deep in the Arctic Ocean, South Sandwich Trench in the Southern Ocean and Diamantina in the Indian Ocean. I don’t know what you think, dear reader, but for me Branson really does generate the adventure and spirit of Phileas Fogg. Branson’s version of Stingray is 18-foot (5.5m) in length and capable of descents of more than 36,000 feet below the surface. That is a long way down... Hey, maybe he could convince Tony Blair to go down there with him - or though I’m guessing Beardy wouldn’t want to risk the sheer boredom and loss of oxygen once Tony starts talking. No, on balance, just leave him down under Dicky. Watts in Britain, saluting aquanaut Dicky Branson

15 - 21 April 2011

Feline stowaway vanishes by Jack Troughton RUNAWAY CAT Amber stole a ride and disappeared into the campo after jumping from worried owner Liz Trafford’s moving car. Liz, a member of the Javea Feral Cat Association, is appealing to RTN readers to help find her pet – missing since 30th March. She said she drove away from her home without realising Amber was in the back of her car – probably snoozing on the floor. Liz, who lives near the large roundabout leaving Javea on the Gata road, said she had passed Ferrobox and was level with Javea Auto Sales, formerly Cannon Cars, when the

cat jumped out of the open window. SEARCH “I stopped immediately but she had disappeared,” she told RTN. “I just don’t know what direction she went – we have been searching for her ever since. “She would have been so frightened that she would have just kept on running, so she could be anywhere.” Amber is a four-year-old neutered female ginger. Liz said she was quite small and slim with a slightly pointed face. If any one spots Amber they can call Liz on 96 646 1166 or 646 148 092, or email etrafford@telitec.com

Amber

Schizophrenic man missing in Calpe A SCHIZOPHRENIC man who will by now be in need of medication has gone missing in Calpe. Gabriel González Bailén is 42 years old and disappeared on Friday 8 April after leaving the house with his brother.

He was wearing jeans and a short-sleeved t-shirt and carrying documentation. Police have already searched several areas of Calpe without success.

Smoother streets for Dénia THE PROJECT to resurface several streets in Dénia has been completed. Work has been don on Elena Morand, Colombaire and Gamba streets, along with Alcoi and Valencia avenues. The total cost was €58,292.

Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

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

Lesson 153

Reflexive verbs and ‘past continuous’ tense

Time to revisit those lovely things called reflexive verbs. In earlier lessons I went into a lot of detail explaining how they work, how they are often used and then some weird things that the Spanish do with them. Rather than repeat all of that, I think the best thing is to go straight for some translation and see how you get on. Be careful with changes of “person” and “number” (singular and plural). Translate into English Todas las mañanas me despierto, me levanto, me ducho y me visto. Todas las noches me lavo los dientes, me quito la ropa, me pongo el pijama, me acuesto. Now translate into Spanish Every morning John wakes up, he gets up, he has a shower and he gets dressed. Every night the children clean their teeth, put on their pyjamas and go to bed. (5 points for each sentences – 20 in total) Here is some more of the same, but putting them into various different, real-life contexts. Translate into English 1. “¿Está tu jefe?” “No, se ha ido al banco.” 2. “Eso no es para usted” “Perdone, no me di cuenta”. 3. “Me he recuperado de todo” “Me alegro mucho” 4. “¿Dónde os vais a quedar? “Seguramente nos quedaremos en un hotel” 5. “¿Cómo se llama ese hombre?” “No me acuerdo” 6. “¿Quieres casarte conmigo?” “Me lo voy a pensar”. (4 points for each dialogue – 24 points altogether) Here are some “orders” which use the reflexive form. See if you can remember them in Spanish, they are reasonably common (I think!) In each case the answer

1515 - 21- 21 october 2010 April 2011

23 25

should be in the familiar, singular (tú) form. 1. Go away! 2. Get up! 3. Put on your shoes. 4. Sit down! 5. Be quiet! 6. Turn around! 7. Take off your coat 8. Calm down! (2 points each – 16 points in total)

Well I think you may have had enough of those, so I will move on to something different, which is (what I call) the Past Continuous, or the Past Descriptive tense. Here is a text that appeared in a previous article. All the way through the verbs are in this past tense which talks about what things “used to” be like, and about things that I did, was doing or used to do, during a prolonged period of time in the past. See if you can make sense of it: “Cuando yo era niña jugaba todos los días en el parque con mis amigas. Tenía un perro y me gustaba mucho andar con él a la playa. Mi madre cocinaba al mediodía y yo siempre volvía a casa para comer. La verdad es que nunca comía muy bien y mi madre se enfadaba mucho conmigo. No veía mucha televisión porque había pocos programas para niños y además pasaba mucho tiempo en la calle. Mi padre trabajaba hasta tarde y cuando volvía a casa por la noche me sentaba con él para contarle mis cosas. Mientras tanto mi madre recogía la cocina y preparaba todo para el día siguiente. Siempre iba a la cama a la misma hora y leía un libro debajo de las mantas antes de dormir. Mi hermana dormía en el mismo dormitorio pero normalmente no la oía entrar porque ya estaba durmiendo profundamente.” (20 points máximum) As ever, all will be revealed next week. See you then!

“We are mo

re t h an j u

st a v oice on the phone”

15 - 21 April 2011

Everything, including the kitchen sink! by Chris Sinclair In the current financial climate it is not really surprising that charities have had their income affected, but now a new study has found that 58% have said that donations by the public have fallen dramatically. The Charity Commission has said falling support has come at a time when many charities were in greater demand. Here on the Costa Blanca, expatriates still give of their time and money generously to charities both here and in the UK, despite the cash in their pocket not going as far as it used to. However, there is a way of supporting a well-deserving charity, and at the same time saving some money. The Northern Costa Blanca - Help for Heroes Supporters Group has been fund-raising in various ways, and on Friday, April 22nd, they will be holding an Auction at El Cid’s, the restaurant and bar in Benidoleig. The donated auction items are in the main, brand new, and there will be some exceptional bargains to be had. If you are looking for a beautiful boxed canteen of Sheffield cutlery; a mobility scooter; a gold velvet chaise longue; tables and chairs; even a brand new king size mattress; well they will all be available at the auction. Bicycles; a reinforced plastic canoe with paddles; chair beds; an 8-setting dinner service; parasols; curtains; ceiling, wall and garden lights; as well as lots of smaller pieces will go under the hammer. The list is

endless with more items coming in all the time. You could say everything but the kitchen sink, but they have one of those as well! You can preview the items from 12 o’clock midday on Friday, and the auction will begin at 1pm. It really is a fantastic opportunity to support this very worthwhile charity, and at the same time pick up a fantastic bargain. Should you purchase an item which is too large for your car, Nick, the man with the van, will be on hand to transport larger items at a small cost. Keith Deacon, ex-Royal Marine bandsman, is the driving force behind the fund-raising event and he told RTN, “We have already raised 362 Euros at a Fish and Chip supper and this will be added to the funds raised at the auction. There will also be a raffle with tickets drawn immediately after the auction. We are hoping for a great turn out on the day, and I would like to thank everyone involved in supporting this event.” If you would like more details on any of the items, please phone Keith, and as for the charity, H4H, they fund projects and initiatives that make a real difference to the lives of our wounded heroes. Please give your support to this event and who knows what you will be taking home!! • Keith Deacon - Tel. 96 558 1472 Keith Deacon, • Help for Heroes website organiser of www.helpforheroes.org.uk the auction, • El Cid Restaurant & Bar, Rincón Del Silencio 03759, Benidoltests out the eig, Alicante, Tel - 966 404 364 mobilityscooter

RAFA has wings

Firemen stage flea market

Friendly firemen

by Jack Troughton JAVEA’S VOLUNTARY fire fighters are holding their annual Easter Flea Market on Sunday (17th April) raising cash of animal charity APASA. The Bomberos-Voluntarios-Javea is staging the event at the fire station on Balcon al Mar, next to the Casa Pepe restaurant between 11am and 5pm. Everyone is welcome and there will be a great selection of stalls, hot food and drinks as well as the ever popular homemade cake and pastry stall.

Welcome to RAFA

by Jack Troughton MEMBERS Of the Royal Air Forces Association’s North Costa Blanca branch are busy recruiting new members and raising fund for the Wings Appeal. The appeal helps provide welfare assistance for both serving and ex-service men and women. And the branch raised 335€ at the recent This Is Spain exhibition in Albir where it had a colourful stall promoting RAFA and giving people the opportunity

to ‘name the bear’. And take home an Ester chick, a windmill, of an aircraft badge – either a Spitfire or a Red Arrow’s Hawk – in return for a donation. It was later revealed the Battle of Britain Bear was named Clarence, and Peace Keeping Bear was christened Paul – Matthew Cowley and Dave Everitt winning the teddies. Further information about the branch can be found on the website www.rafa-ncb.org

1515 - 21- 21 october 2010 April 2011

23 27

Domestic violence killings on the increase Domestic Violence, The Economy and Education all caught the eye this week. Yet another domestic violence killing made the headlines in Spain this week, this time in Beriáin, Navarra where the body of a 22 year old woman was found in a lagoon. This young lady had a three year old daughter, and was strangled to death by her ex boyfriend, who has admitted dumping her body after killing her. Yet another tragedy and worse still no signs from the government that they are doing anything about it. Maybe they should take guidance from the UK where it was recently announced that all domestic violence deaths are to be fully reviewed under new laws which have just come into effect. I confess I was startled to learn that on average two woman in the UK are killed every week by a current or former partner, and although the implementation of Section 9 of the Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act (2004) comes too late for too many and probably wont have any immediate benefit the information will hopefully help prevent future tragedies in years to come, and should only be applauded as a positive move. The economy has once again been in the news a lot with the Portugal Bailout resurrecting fears of a contagion effect here in Spain, although the general view seems to come down in favour of Spain surviving, not least because the aus-

terity measures and reforms are perceived to be working, and the sovereign debts is been sold at rates that are seen to be sustainable. Only time will tell, but with the Government insisting that no further cuts are required and the economy benefiting from an increase in Tourism, the signs are generally positive. Two items caught the eye though, and I think give cause for concern in the long term here in Spain. The average annual salary in Spain remains one of the lowest in the European Union at 22,000€ compared to 35,000€ in the other EU member countries. Only Greece, Portugal and Poland have a lower average, and we all know what has happened in Greece and Portugal. Most commentators agree that for Spain to restructure post the recent economic crisis they must introduce a much broader, export focused economy to replace the old construction and tourism one that served them for so many years as their primarily sole economic contributor. Nobody seems to disagree with this, and most accept it is going to take time, and that until the corner is turned austerity cuts and labour reforms remain the best option. What I hadn’t realised until recently though was just how much in need of reform the educational system was here in Spain, and the reality is that until they address this issue it is

hard to see how the mindset, culture and skill levels to implement an export focused model will be created. As far as the current Spanish educational system is concerned: * one in every three students between the ages of 18 and 24 left school early which is double the European Union average * test results in the fundamentals of maths, science and reading as measured by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Pisa are below average * Spain does not have an University ranked in the top 150 * 35% of students drop out of university before graduation To make things even worse with less tan 2% of the GDP spent on development, innovation and research, which for a economy the size of Spain is simply embarrassing, it is easy to see that it is going to be a long hard slog changing the foundations of the economic model! Chris runs a expat blog about life in Spain (www.almerimarlife.com) and is a regular contributor to a number of publications and radio stations in Spain, as well as writing a monthly column for the Telegraph Expat site and is a Telegraph Expat guest blogger. He lives in Almerimar with his wife Sands, four cats, two Harley’s and more often than not a glass of red.

His column in the RTN is sponsored by Central Contracts (www.centralcontracts.com) a leading car leasing company supplying cars and vans to business users and private individuals. See also http://almerimarlife.com/expat-technology-blog

money

15 - 21 April 2011

Taxes in Spain are clearly unclear by

John Hayward

Spectrum IFA Group

How much is inheritance tax in Spain? Technically, Inheritance Tax, the tax payable before anyone can grab your wealth when you die, is known as Succession Tax in Spain. How much is it? Well that depends on a number of things most notably where you live and whether you are registered as a taxpayer in Spain. Not wishing to bore you with detail and with the greatest of respect to the guy who knows it all in your local bar, the amount you will pay is almost as unique as a fingerprint. If you do not plan sufficiently well, you could end up presenting your loved ones with a nasty present on your death. Alternatively, if you are someone who has taken some decent advice, without having to create an expensive tax avoidance scheme, your loved ones may well have very little to pay. The only way to know for sure is to sit down and list your assets in Spain and elsewhere to enable a specialist to calculate the potential liability. How can I save tax on my savings? Tax on savings in Spain is at the rate of 19% for the first €6,000 of interest and then

Banks seizure of UK assets By Mike Walsh When Jackie Greenwood and her husband bought their apartment in 2002 the mortgage was an affordable €500pm. Things change, as they do, and the mortgage increased to €1,500pm. Powerless to get their licence of habitation and unable to sell they were in between a rock and a hard place. They decamped to the UK from where they met some of their mortgage obligations but fell short of the agreed amounts. Unable to retrieve their mail it was only in December 2010 they learnt they had their habitation licence; or rather their bank did. The bank also had their home and their abandoned belongings; it had been repossessed. £85,000 of their hard-earned had evaporated.

anything above this is taxed at 21%. Getting any interest is something of a bonus these days and so there is even more reason to limit the amount taken off you by the authorities. One way of doing this is by using an insurance bond which allows you to invest in a variety of areas, albeit with some restrictions made by the Spanish. If you invested €100,000 in a deposit account, and it paid 5% interest, you would be €5,000 up after a year. However, you would then lose €950 in tax even if you left the money in the account. If you had made €5,000 from the same money invested in an insurance bond, no tax would be payable unless you withdrew this money. If the €5,000 was withdrawn from the bond, the tax payable could be around €45, less than 1% compared to 19%. Quite a saving and without the worry of knowing whether or not your bank is secure. For more information on these or any other financial matters contact John Hayward of The Spectrum IFA Group on 96 558 7633 or john.hayward@spectrum-ifa.com

Jean wanted to know if the bank could add to their misery in making up the shortfall by making a claim on the couple’s UK property. One cannot help but sympathise with the unhappy couple. Not so fast Mister Bank Manager. Maria Luisa de Castro of costaluzlawyers.es explains that all is not lost by any means. She says that seizing property in the UK is not quite the walk in the park Spanish creditors would like it to be. Basically it means the agreement of the debtor releasing their assets wherever they are to settle outstanding claims in Spain. No wonder poor Jean is worried but the procedure can be difficult and lengthy with enough caveats to make a bank think twice. Maria thinks Jean Greenwood and her husband have a strong case and history is on Maria’s side.

She has heard of only one successful case so far and that was possibly one that unnecessarily slipped through a complex net of judicial procedures. Before UK assts can be seized an expensive legal process must be followed in both Spain and the UK. As UK courts are reluctant to act in a bank’s favour this will weigh heavily on the bank’s considerations. The costs, especially if an appeal is made, far exceed the sums demanded. Anyone whose assets are threatened by repossession should offer the Bank in advance a Dación en Pago. This should include legal grounds for the Dación whilst setting out one’s financial situation. This of course necessitates the services of a good lawyer but in respect of returns and savings it is the wisest way to go.

15 - 21 April 2011

money

15 - 21 April 2011

Don’t be a Rigsby by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

Do you remember Rising Damp? OK, I don’t mean the type most of us suffer from in the winter, but the ITV sitcom. Without giving your age away, you’ve probably got some fond memories of Alan, the long-haired student, Philip, the son of an African chief and the unscrupulous Rigsby’s dogged determination to court and win Miss Jones. It might not have been pc (but then sitcoms weren’t in those days) but it was extremely popular and certainly made an impact to the point that when I think about renting, I think about Rigsby. Like many TV programmes it left a lasting impression of the rental business as consisting of rather seedy student bedsits and miserly landlords. So let’s banish that image now. Renting is the new buying. It’s come out of the doldrums for all kinds of different reasons. With a sluggish market and the need to move, people are choosing the renting option. Others are taking advantage of the availability of cheap properties and are renting them out to long term tenants or holiday makers. Those considering a move to Spain are perhaps dipping their toe in the water first by choosing to rent a property. The bad news is, as you might expect, you must pay tax on your rental income. This is payable quarterly for the previous three months. So for January, February and March’s rent you will complete your tax return before April 20th.

The good news is, that you can offset your expenses against your income. The following table might help. Can offset Water and electricity

Insurance

Rental agents

Interest on mortgage

IBI (rates)

All in all, renting is a good alternative. Remember though, the Tax Authority have established links with the land registry, water and electricity companies. They are checking up on who is renting out their property. Don’t forget during those periods when your property isn’t rented out you are still obliged to pay the non-resident imputed income tax. So, don’t be branded a Rigsby and make sure you’re the model landlord. If you would like more information about renting out your property please call the ÁbacoConnect Help-line 966 703 748

Spanish wages fourth-lowest in EU A NEW report out last week showed that the average Spanish salary is only €22,000. The average across the EU is €35,000. The only countries where workers earn less on average than in Spain are Portugal, Greece and Poland. The human resources firm Michael Page produced the report, which also states that Spain did see a higher than average salary increase of 2.8 percent in 2010, compared to 1.9 percent in the rest of Europe.

Can’t offset

5,870 companies in Andalusia accused of misusing €23 million 5,870 companies in the Andalusia Region are accused of allegedly misusing €23 million of EU aid granted for jobs creation. In order to qualify for EU grants worth between €1,500 and €3,000, these companies were expected to offer jobseekers permanent contracts and keep them on the payroll for at least four years. However, according to Spain’s Guardia Civil investigators, in at least 3,790 cases the new employees were fired as soon as the grant was paid out.

money

15 - 21 April 2011

An alliance of services What is it that makes a successful business woman – Commitment? Creativity? Empathy? Confidence? Integrity? One such successful business woman, who encompasses all the above, is Millie Munro of Millie Munro Services. Millie has become a household name by offering the best possible advice available for private health care and pre-paid funeral plans. The companies she has selected to work with are wellresearched, and are long-established field leaders with expert knowledge and outstanding reputations for integrity and client satisfaction. Always looking to develop fresh ideas, while maintaining the core values of her business, Millie is proud to announce that she has formed an alliance with Prestige Nursing and Social Care Services and both parties couldn’t be happier. Millie told RTN, “I have been asked so many times if I knew someone who could provide qualified nursing help in the home, and realised that there was a gap between Private and State Health which needed to be filled; and if I could come together with a registered organisation who could guarantee high standards of care, it would be another way to assist my clients. So I am very happy to announce the formation of this alliance with Prestige Nursing and Social Care Service.” Prestige Founder, Claire Cerro Atyeo, said that she, too, was very pleased that the alliance has been formed, and that she had been looking for a quality health insurance provider whose reputation was second to none, and who had a straightforward, no nonsense approach, which was both comprehensive and affordable and that Millie came highly recommended. Claire went on to say, “It is important for me to know, that any recommendations Prestige Nursing makes is of the highest

Millie (seated) with her staff and members of the Nursing team (second right Claire Cerro Atyeo, Prestige founder)

standard, and gives outstanding value.” Prestige Nursing and Social Care Services was formed two years ago, and has been expanding month on month. They provide top quality District/Community Nursing, with special attention to the elderly and disabled. In a very short time, they have bridged the gap between Private Health and State Health and their reputation is growing. They are dedicated to helping people to continue living in their own homes with greater ease for as long as they so wish. The affordable care solutions provided by Registered nurse led teams, are very comprehensive and include District Nursing/ Home Nursing, Respite Care, Dementia Care, Palliative Care, Post-operative Care, to name a few, and they also undertake educative publications and co-care co-ordinations with outreach

nursing teams, hospital palliative teams and social services. For more information about Prestige Nursing and Social Care Services and what they can offer you, telephone 687 015 517 or visit the website www.prestigenursingcostablanca.com or email claire@prestigenursingcostablanca.com. For all your insurance needs contact Millie Munro Services on 966 493 033 or 966 493 082 mobile 660 049 460; email millie@milliemunro.com, or visit the website www.milliemunro.com. Millie’s office is in Benitachell (near Moraira) and every Wednesday between 10am and 2pm, she holds an ‘Advice Morning’, where under no obligation, you can enjoy a cup of coffee and free advice about insurances and funeral plans or If you prefer, a home visit can be arranged.

legal

15 - 21 April 2011

Extension of deadline to receive VAT back by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: “THE TIME TO RECOVER VAT PAID HAS BEEN EXTENDED” This week I make no apology for reproducing an article written by my good friend and one of the best tax lawyers whom I have ever met, Mr Jose Maria Garcia Guirao from Garrigues Alicante. This article is specifically aimed at professionals and business persons who

are VAT tax payers who will appreciate the main points of Mr Guirao’s article where he masterly reviews the substantial changes to VAT refunds following the recent resolutions of the Supreme Court of Spain and now also the new Orders from the Economic Administrative Central Court (TEAC). To try to simplify an explanation of the changes, we could summarise that until now when a VAT payer (i.e. a professional, a company, or a business owner etc) paid a large amount of VAT (i.e. for the purchase of a business property or premises), he had 4 years to compensate the tax paid. After this period the right to request a refund of the rest of the VAT paid but not compensated was lost. But the Spanish Supreme Court has recently

determined that the principle of neutrality of the VAT tax should henceforth prevail over the legal deadline and time limits, and although the right to compensate the VAT paid may expire in 4 years; the right to recover the VAT paid but not deducted should not be forfeited. Therefore as per these new court Orders, now it is possible to claim back any VAT paid which could not be recovered in the previous 4 years. Thus there are 4 years to compensate the VAT/IVA and a further 4 years to claim back for the rest. This is a matter of real importance and may be of benefit to many readers since if you have paid an important amount of VAT that you were not able to compensate after 4 years, now you will be able to claim for a refund for the rest of the VAT paid.

So if you, in the past years made any major purchase subject to VAT (e.g. perhaps purchase some premises, or purchase a business) and you have not been able to compensate all the VAT paid as previously mentioned, it is important for you to check if you are in a position to claim for the rest. Finally I would like to thank Mr Jose Guirao for his article which we consider extremely interesting and potentially important to many clients.If this is your case of the case of someone you know please do not hesitate to contact us. The information provided on this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues.

Marc White LL.B. & Carlos Baos (English & Spanish Solicitors) © White & Baos Abogados 2011 - All rights reserved. C/Diana 19, 2º-D, 03700 Dénia (located 1 minute away from the La Via underground car park). Tel: 966 426 185. Send your questions to spanishlawyer@roundtownnews.com or info@white-baos.com

ECB increases interest rate

After three years of maintaining the same rate, the European Central Bank increased the interest rate by 0.25% to 1.25. This will lead to an increase in the cost of mortgages and will also restrain the budding inflation, which also rose in March by 3.6% over the same month last year. Just before the ECB announced change, the Spanish treasury managed to place 4,130 million euros worth of 3 year Bonds at an interest rate of 3.601%.

Spanish debts to increase by 50.34% The Strategic Research Centre of the renowned EAE Business School predicts a 50.34% rise in Spanish debts over the next 5 years. In their report they say that by 2015 the debt will be 1 Billion ( ie. one million million, not one thousand million ) euros; 81.99% of Gross Domestic Product. We now see why Zapatero does not want to stand again!

Tel: 96 558 7633 M obile 618204731

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

•Mortgages •Currency Exchange •Funeral Plans

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business

15 - 21 April 2011

How the internet opens up a world of wonder by

Karla Darocas

Information Technology & Communications

Everyday, I thank my divine destiny for giving me the chance to become a professional educator and help people learn about computers and especially the Internet. I am always astonished when I stumble onto someone who has no knowledge of computers or the Internet, as I have become such a jaded geek. It makes me respect and appreciate the times we live in and the fact that we can live in different countries and not loose touch with our friends and family. Thanks to the Internet, we can get access to information that was only intended to certain professionals like doctors, lawyers, car mechanics and so on. But most of all, we can continue to learn and use the old grey matter to make decisions, be creative and explore the wonders of the world. My favourite thing to do is introduce Facebook and Skype video to grandparents who have family abroard. Like magic, via the marvel of technology and the push of a button, grandparents are connected to their children and their grandchildren at full capacity. Facebook is like a family picnic whereby grandparents can not only interact with their grandkids, but get to know their friends too. And Skype video is just a mindblower to grandparents of another communications age. When they open their Skype programme and connect via video to their whole family being transmitted into their home computer or laptop, the excitement is infectious. Here is another example and a special heart-warmer of a story. Recently, I had a man call me up for computer

lessons. He had just bought a brand new laptop and did not know the first thing about computers. Here was a man who had been a big time businessman with wife and kids, who over the years had managed to let all these things slip away. He sold the business, his wife divorced him and the kids moved away. He explained that his wife did all the computer work for the business and all the communicating with the children. He was now alone and I would say – a wee bit lost and lonely – and he was looking for something to fill the void in his life. Each lesson was a task as he slowly came to learn how to use a mouse, to left and right click, to find his cursor and so on. But after each lesson, his mind and imagination started to open up. “This is really incredible”, he would exclaim, over and over while shaking his head in disbelief as I unveiled all the different functions of the computer and the plethora of programmes available to him. I created a Gmail email account for him and suddenly he had a “persona” and identity in the cyber world. Then as a practical workshop experience, he booked his own online airline ticket. The joy that came to his face was like a light to a dark corner. Next was Facebook and I had to explain to him, that Facebook is like being at a public bar. Of course you can speak with people at your own table but there are going to be eavesdroppers – but that is okay. The good point was that if you wanted to share information or an announcement quickly with your friends and family, you just need to post it to your Facebook wall. Once he got

Karla Darocas * Business Communications Software Training & Computer Repairs *Helping You to Help Yourself 965 973 234

the concept, off he went to search for his three sons, who were scattered about Europe. The big twinkle came back into his eyes when he saw how popular his sons were and how many friends they had. He was able to view their photo albums and reconnect with them on a friendly and personal, yet remote level. Of course all of the new laptops these days have video camera in the screen and this is a real bonus for new learners. So once I loaded the Skype software for him, he and I practiced video calling each other. You have never seen someone laugh and make so many faces of sheer joy, surprise, marvel and amazement. There was a permanent grin perched proudly on his face. I asked him as to what other functions did he want his computer to do for him. After a bit of fishing, I found out that before he was a big business man, he was a wild music loving disc jockey. So, we signed him up to Spotify, which is an online music service with a gigantic database of songs that you can play for free. He was quick to search for his favourite songs from his past life and as music floated out of this computer, his emotions were quick to surface. Here was a man living in a very small, closed world – locked into a local reality full of boring repetition and limited experiences. Now, after only a short week of lessons, there was a changed man in my office. A man who can book airline tickets, keep in touch with his boys, surf to his favourite football league webpages, watch online movies, have a face-to-face chat with family and friends abroad and hopefully, watch some grand kids enter the world.

money

15 - 21 April 2011

The QROPS market in 2011 by

Stephen Ward & Robert Burns It is a long time since we first introduced to the expat market in Spain the concept of transferring your UK pension fund to a QROPS. At that time, back in 2007 the choice of QROPS to which an expat could transfer their UK pension fund was very limited. For most, fees were prohibitive starting as high as £4,000 in the first year and £2,000 a year thereafter. Under certain circumstances they could reach an eye popping £20,000 in the first year and £10,000 a year thereafter. QROPS, fees and the long term investment Since 2007 we have seen a significant and welcome reduction in the trustee fees for clients looking for QROPS designed for long term investment. A client with say a £500,000 fund now has several options open to them. Typically, scheme fees will be no more than £2,000 in year one and £1,000 a year thereafter. Indeed, the trustee fees can be as low as £1,080 in the first year and £540 a year as ongoing basis. This massive reduction in fees gives a lie to earlier claims

that the operational costs of running a QROPS in places like Guernsey were so high as to require much higher fees than those associated with participating in a UK based self invested personal pension.

The New Zealand Solution All the same, the average UK pension fund is only worth about £30,000 and although on its own may be seen as a tidy sum this “average fund” in terms of its pension purchasing power is about as much use as a chocolate fireguard. No wonder therefore so many of our clients who ask us for information about QROPS and who left the UK before 6 April 2006 opt for the “New Zealand” solution. This allows us to arrange for the whole of your UK pension fund (so long as it has not been used to buy an annuity) to be converted to an immediate lump sum, irrespective of your age. This choice is made by over 90% of those who approach us for information about transfers to QROPS. The cash released is rarely simply spent in a frivolous fashion. Far from it as in the majority of instances the funds are reinvested. However, sometimes this welcome cash flow is used to stave off an immediate financial crisis like repossession of the family home or to give a struggling business a much needed injection of cash. Reinvestment in property is another common use of the lump sum released in particular given the bargains currently available to the “cash buyer”.

Lower fees mean your QROP goes further

Pension Reciprocation Even if you left the UK relatively recently or if indeed you remain a UK resident but need a lump sum we can still look at another solution known as pension reciprocation. This is a process which enables you to apply for access to a lump sum, but where the lump sum does not come from your own pension fund but is provided to you from another unconnected source. In exchange part of your pension fund is invested in such a way that it allows others to seek the same facility – thus the term pension reciprocation. For further information about QROPS, Pension Reciprocation and Pension Planning opportunities please email review@qrops.es or see http://www.prempensions.com and http://www.qrops.es

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

01 15 - 07 21 april April 2011

Home Garden

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Make sure your children and pets are safe with The Safety Angel Pool Alarm Here at Casa Segura we are constantly searching for new and interesting products to improve safety and security for you. Bearing in mind that the swimming season will soon be with us again, we want to tell you about The Safety Angel which is an alarm that is triggered immediately if a child or pet falls into a swimming pool. The alarm consists of a base unit and two rechargeable wrist straps. The base unit will flash, sound an alarm and vibrate immediately when activated. The wrist strap is worn by the child (or pet) and activates the alarm when immersed in water. Combined with an anti-lost alarm, it can also be triggered when the child or pet wanders outside a perimeter which can be set from between 5 to 50m.

Carl Barclay outside the new Casa Segura shop

The base unit allows parents to detect two bracelets simultaneously. The bracelets are designed to be fun to wear and require no interaction on the part of the child; it contains a strong locking mechanism which can only be opened with the supplied key. The Safety Angel is portable for travel use, and is suitable for any water including salt water. Features:1. Three LED lights indicate different status. 2. No interference between two alarms. 3. One base unit can work with two bracelets. 4. Maximum wireless range is 50 meters in open surroundings. 5. Base unit works on adapter or AAA batteries. 6. Base unit and bracelets have ‘low battery’ alarm. 7. Battery life approx. 2 weeks with normal use (base unit and bracelet) 8. Can also be used to protect your luggage from being stolen. The Safety Angel with 2 bracelets costs just €89. This is a very small price to ensure a child or pet’s safety all this summer. Call 659 853 645 to reserve yours now. We also stock other items such as a pool alarm that floats on the water and detects movement if someone or a pet was to fall in. A two-part luggage alarm is also available to attach to your bags and is triggered when taken out of a set distance. Visit the Casa Segura Locksmith shop for more information, Avenida del Pla 116 (opposite Solbank) Javea or call Carl Barclay on 659 853 645.

Safety products should always be bought from a reputable shop. All products sold by Casa Segura Locksmiths are fully guaranteed, and credit cards are accepted.

The Safety Angel Pool Alarm pack

15 - 21 April 2011

Responsible Rentals

Chris Marshall

www.almerimarlife.com

Once again a mixed bag of property related headlines this month across Spain with reports that foreign investment in Spanish property went up 2.9% in 2010 despite the increase in VAT from July onwards, to 3.757€ million, after falling 31.5% in 2009. Another report I read claimed that relocation to Spain was becoming more and more popular, although this was primarily a shift in an existing market caused by the ongoing issues in the Middle East i.e. people that had already decided to move abroad were switching to Spain as their destination, rather than more people opting to relocate. The Balearics are leading the Spanish property recovery it seems, as they are with the increased tourist trade this year, reporting an 18% increase in sales in 2010, with even better figures being reported for 2011. It would be wrong to single out one factor for this growth, but the significantly reduced property prices and exceptional bargains that are being reported, along with the increased number of flights being announced must be a huge contributor. But the headlines that caught my attention the most related to the rental market here in Spain as more and more second property owners unable to use their properties as much as they had planned are turning to an already over saturated rental market to try and recover some costs, and hopefully avoid having to sell their cherished place in the sun.

Probably not great timing then that a major tax break has just been removed as until recently those letting holiday accommodation have been allowed to offset the cost of repairs, furniture and fittings against capital gains tax when they sold up and, more importantly, used losses they incurred on that home’s “business” to lower their annual income tax bill. This has now changed and the rules apply to holiday lets in the UK and anywhere in Europe – defined as the European Economic Area. For those that are considering renting there are other factors to take into account as well. If you are going to compete in what was always a pretty tough market I suggest you avoid the temptations to furnish the property on the cheap, as with more and more choices people are going to balance value and quality, and what may have been acceptable to you for a ‘week in the sun’ in your own property, may not be the level of luxury and amenities that a holiday maker is looking for. “This year in particular we have noticed a significant increase in enquiries for well furnished luxury properties as people demand more for their money, but still want all the creature comforts of home” according to Pete Gillam of Chill Out With Us (info@chilloutwithus.eu or Tel: 0034 665 61 12 38). “If they are going to spend their hard earned cash on a holiday they want to get the very best that their money can buy,

Avoid the temptations to furnish the property on the cheap, as with more and more choices people are going to balance value and quality

and they are not afraid to shop around for the best overall rentals.” Another factor to take into consideration is the maintenance of the property, or more accurately lack of it in too many cases. Across Spain there are far too many examples of properties in a poor state of repair as owners have been unable to use them, and have been too short sighted (or tight with their cash) to invest in a maintenance contract. A friend of mine recently suffered extensive damage to his property as a result of years of penny pinching and negligence by a landlord as a burst water pipe flooded their property,

and many an unattended property has been damaged and left undetected throughout the winter, with one of the more dramatic cases reported by Chill Out With Us being a whole patio window that blew in over the Christmas period. Renting your property can be profitable, and with 730,000 unsold new homes alone on the market it may be the only option open to many, but it is a business and as such you will face tough competition from a number of areas, and a bit of short sightedness and cutting of corners now could cost you big time in the long run.

Property Matters by Chris Marshall is sponsored by www.piagi.com The Currency Specialists, offering the best foreign exchange rates and currency prices. You can hear Chris each month on the weekly Property Matters show on Bay Radio Costa Almeria 91.5FM and 95.5FM ( www.bayradio.fm) with Bob James, Mondays at 4pm.

Home & Garden

15 - 21 April 2011

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

15 - 21 April 2011

Some gardens to visit

gardens of the Reales Alcazar and the Casa de Pilates. The Photo of Dick dwarfed by a centuries’ old bougainvillea on page 273 of ‘Your Garden in Spain – From planning to planting and maintenance’ was taken in the latter garden. Take your choice of whether you visit before, after or during the spring fair.

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

CORDOBA

APRIL TO early July is a good time to visit other gardens and perhaps combine this with visiting some other parts of Spain. Your own garden is probably now tidy and planted up for Easter late spring and summer, the temperatures are still enjoyable and gardens are in full flower before being, to varying extents, burnt up by the hot suns of late July and August. Inevitably gardens come to their best in sequence from the south to north of Spain and from the coastal strip to inland situations. On this basis we suggest the following Seville Cordoba Granada trail this Spring and early Summer. If you like touring it is possible to fit all in this year or see them more leisurely one per year for three years. SEVILLE Seville has some great spring gardens before temperatures up to 50ºC burn them up during July and August. Our favourites are the

Reales Alcazar Seville

patio festival Cordoba

One of the main spring attractions is the Patio Festival which runs from 4th to 15th May this year. Visit a selection of the 60 patios open to the public; the Viana Palace and Alhambra for an insight into the similarities and differences between Costa Blanca and Andalusia gardening. GRANADA Granada is an amazing place to visit and for those interested in gardens there are some hidden gems. Naturally the 14th Century Alhambra and Generalife Gardens are top of the list. Beyond this there is, however, much to see. For behind the high walls of villas within the old city exist many interesting gardens termed carmens; not well known and in some cases never open to the general public. Some we have never visited so Dick was therefore delighted to be invited to join Nicholas Borjesson, the official Granada Guide

Clodagh and Dick’s practical gardening books will be found to be useful for both experienced and new gardeners coming to Spain. The useful quartet of books can be obtained from bookshops or by email from the websites of Amazon, Santana Books, Bookworld and The Royal Horticultural Society. © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardeninginspain.com

who guided Michele Obama on her visit to Granada last year, in supporting a three day tour ‘Gardens of Granada’ which visits seven gardens organised by Go Granada. The 2011 dates are 5th - 8th July and after the hot summer 6th – 9th September. Full details can be obtained from www.gogranada.co.uk, hello@gogranada.co.uk or by calling Lucy on 0044 7944 882 690. If you have already seen the gardens of these cities a list of other interesting gardens that we published in RTN two years ago can be retrieved from the April 2009 archives of our blog www.gardeninginspain.com. CLODAGH AND DICK’S BOOKS Whichever gardens you visit the section illustrating and describing the 350 most practical plants for Spanish gardens including English, Spanish and Botanical names in ‘Your Garden in Spain’ will help you identify and understand the plantings taking account of the local summer and winter climatic conditions. If you decide to not travel the same lists are an invaluable guide to what you might best plant at home and likewise the plant lists in ‘Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style’ if you live in an apartment. The fruit and veggie books have been for some years the recognised bibles for being successful in growing ecological fruit and vegetables.

Generalife Gardens Granada

15 - 21 April 2011

Saveloy wins UK approval

by Jack Troughton THE COURAGEOUS tale of a Costa Blanca schoolboy’s battle against Leukaemia and his family’s struggle after his death has been successfully launched in the UK. Gina Gatoli-King – whose son Keenan died of the disease days after his 11th birthday – wrote the brutally honest story ‘Oi Oi, Saveloy!’ with the help of friend and former BBC journalist Karen Mulally. And last December the moving story won huge approval from readers in their home town of Javea at its first release to the public – as well as helping earn £700 in a special fund-raising day for a cancer charity. Gina and Karen were recently at a second book signing in Waterstones book shop in the Lakeside Shopping Centre, Thurrock, to introduce the book – both a tribute to Kenan and a frank diary of a mother’s emotions – to the British market. They were also interviewed by BBC Radio Essex and were proud to hand a cheque for over £700 to Annette How, the South East representative of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. The book is also available at Bookworld in Javea, Waterstones and online via Amazon.

Go equine at Easter ANIMAL LOVERS have the chance to see one of Spain’s top horse trainers in action on the Costa Blanca over the Easter weekend. Jorge Contreras, who has worked with horses most of his life, will be sharing some secrets at the fittingly named Call de Caval in Gata de Gorgos on April 23rd and 24th. He believes horsemanship is more than grasping the mere basics of riding and training but a true partnership between animal and human relying on trust won by persuasion rather than force. And Jorge hopes the two day exhibition will interest both novices and experienced riders. “Horses are among the most magnificent creatures on earth. They are intelligent, sensitive, and dependable when handled properly. “True horsemanship methods might take a little more time and effort, but in the end, the reward will prove their efficacy. A properly handled horse will bring its rider years of satisfaction and enjoyment.” The two day exhibition is free and to find out more about Jorge and the event, visit www.kokoconttreras.com

Presenting the cheque

New kid in town

by Jack Troughton CHARITY DOG show judges simply ruled “you’re kidding” when they came face to face with a new breed, a Glasgow Terrier. Amber Laurie hoped to persuade organisers that

Amber and Pixie

the cute family pet should be allowed into the ring at Javea’s Pinosol Park to compete in the Guardian Angels fund-raiser last Sunday. However, Pixie the Kid was KO’d for not being a K9 – but was still judged to be gorgeous by all that met the miniature goat. The charity Guardian Angels provides support to one parent families, and founder Tricia Barr was delighted the dog show was such a success and had raised 828€. “It was an absolutely fantastic day and we are still counting the money raised – people have been very positive about the show and we will look to run another one next year,” she said. “The goat was beautiful, really cute, but the judge spotted it wasn’t quite a dog! Amber tried to get it in the show but it didn’t work.” And Tricia said the judge, Alexis James-Crabb “certainly knew her dogs” and having received positive feedback was considering running dog and owner behaviour classes on the Costa Blanca.

15 - 21 April 2011

Computing with aunty virus

Downloading programs Colin via email asks: I recently tried downloading a program for burning CDs (sorry forgotten the name but found it on your site). Because the downloading suddenly changed to Spanish I aborted. However I think MSN became involved in the download and I now have SweetIM to contend with. I have used Spybot and have been able to remove all but 9 entries because it says it’s “in memory”. Any ways you might suggest to get rid of SweetIM?

is not generally considered as spyware so maybe Spybot isn’t quite sure what to do with the remaining entries.

Aunty Says: Not entirely sure how this has happened Colin but you should be able to remove it through ‘Control Panel’ and ‘Add Remove Programs’. Follow this with a Ccleaner cleanup and you should be OK. SweetIM

Not a big fan of Norton 360 Freda from Playa Flamenca asks: Hello Aunty, I have a new Acer laptop that is 1 year old and am experiencing an annoying problem. After switching on and booting up, the cursor just sticks and refuses to respond to requests,

sometimes for 5 minutes or so, and no amount of coaxing or cursing makes any difference. I just have to wait till it decides to play ball. Aaaaagh!! I have Norton antivirus 360 and have run a full scan to no effect. Aunty Says: It’s possible that there is so much going on when Windows is starting up that most of your valuable laptop’s resources are being eaten up. I’m not a big fan of Norton 360 as it can be quite a greedy program so maybe try uninstalling it

and downloading the new Microsoft Security Essentials. As far as security suites go MSE is just as good and much gentler on your system and it’s free. There are also the dreaded Windows updates that seem to kick in just when you don’t need them, plus Adobe, Java and Acer will also no doubt be trying to download stuff, so maybe if replacing Norton doesn’t solve the problem then give Phil at www.enetcomputers.net a call as they offer a tune up service that will certainly sort the problem out.

AVG 2011

Roger via email asks: Hi Aunty, I enjoy your column and find the info very useful. Now I have a problem I hope you can help me with, I have a Dell laptop running on XP and have used AVG free for years with no problems. I have AVG 2011 and when I came back after having been away for ten days I started computer and tried to update AVG and have now been trying for three days. The updates download OK but they will not install. I get a window saying “update failed, invalid binary update file”. I have looked at the AVG help centre but it was no help at all. Aunty Says: The first thing to check Roger is that you don’t have any nasty spyware or virus on your laptop. Run Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware and try the AVG updates again. As you are on a dialup connection it’s also quite possible that some of the update files have been corrupted during the download and may have left some remnants which are stopping the newer updates from installing properly. Running Ccleaner may remove any old update files that are causing problems. You can also download and update these AVG files manually, but we’ll try that if we need to.

Saving a letter on to DVD Sam via email asks: Hello Aunty. I enjoy your column and hope you can help me. I am using Windows Vista and I am having major problems when I try to save a letter onto a DVD. Every time I save from Word the letter seems to save to the disc OK but cannot then be amended when my friend then opens it from the DVD as it is showing as “read only”. I have tried different Word and XL documents on different DVDs and CDs but I am still getting the same frustrating problem. Aunty Says: Hello Sam. What I think is happening here is that the built in Windows CD writing process does not allow what is known as ‘multisession’. This is the setting that lets you add and amend files onto a normal DVD or CD. You could of course use re-writable CDs but you are far better off getting the wonderful (and free) Ashampoo Burning Studio from www.download.com as it has the multisession option I have mentioned. It is also a lot faster, supports the new BlueRay discs and has a great backup/restore feature. I will add that you should do the ‘expert’ or ‘custom’ install and make sure you deselect the pesky toolbar and/or homepage option that a lot of these free programs will install by default.

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

15 - 21 April 2011

GADGET INSPECTOR

the case of The Romain Jerome Moon Rider Watch THIS WEEK the Inspector is out of this world with the Romain Jerome Moon Rider Watch. In these technologically advanced times it is not unusual to find all sorts of everyday items made from advanced materials and composites created by the aerospace and aviation industries. You may have carbon fibre in your car, and titanium in your bicycle. But in the case of the Moon Rider Watch you really do have material that comes from another planet (or satellite if you are going to be pedantic). The Moon Rider Watch comes from the Romain Jerome Collection Moon Dust-DNA, and forms part of the manufacturer’s ‘DNA of Famous Legends’ concept. The collection is limited to 1969 units, to reflect the year of the first moon landing by Apollo 11. Each watch incorporates elements from the aerospace universe such as moon dust, as well as fragments of the Apollo XI and Soyuz spacecraft, and the International Space Station. So where are all these pieces used? Well, the movement is a pretty standard mechanical self-winder with 23 jewels and a power reserve of 42 hours with Sputnik antenna-inspired hands displaying hours and minutes and a separate seconds hand at 9 o´clock. Nothing too unusual there, but then we come to the case.

This is made with titanium and steel from the Apollo XI spacecraft and features carbon fibre bezels. It is surrounded by oxidised (does that mean rusty?) steel paws from the Soyuz spacecraft and a crown designed to mimic space tools all fixed with star style screws. But it is the dial that truly amazes. This features a mineral structure containing moon dust, even complete with its own artificial moon craters. Authenticated by a notary (how on earth did one of them get on the Apollo mission?) you can be assured of the watches’ authenticity. A strap made from Rembordé alligator woven with fibres from an International Space Station spacesuit completes the picture. Oh, and it is water-resistant to 50 meters, though why anyone would even consider putting this anywhere near water is beyond the pale. The Inspector´s Verdict: The Romain Jerome Moon Rider Watch is an incredible instrument and truly unusual, and will no doubt become a collectors’ item as a piece of history in its own right. The Romain Jerome Moon Rider Watch costs around 300,000€ – yes, three hundred thousand euros (depending on model, and I should think you would be able to pull a few with this – unless you look like Wayne Rooney): so start saving now.

health

15 - 21 April 2011 2010 15-21 JANUARY

Worryingly low incidence of eye tests for children revealed across the Costa Blanca In a survey conducted by Specsavers Opticas on the Costa Blanca to establish whether parents were taking their children to have their eyes tested, opticians were alarmed at the low incidence of those that were. Opticians recommend a yearly eye test for children from three years old, yet the survey revealed that in Torrevieja only 39% of all the respondents had taken their children to have an eye test with an optician. Worryingly, in Javea just 17% of children aged 6 – 12 years old have ever done so. This fact is even more surprising as 65% of the respondents there felt that poor eye sight could affect their children’s performance at school. Parents in Calpe performed better, with 67% of all respondents having taken their children to an optician for an eye test. Although this is still not as high as opticians would like, Calpe parents are leading the way compared to other towns surveyed in the Costa Blanca. Mike Stone, who is store director at Specsavers Opticas’ Calpe and Javea stores, commented “It’s great to see Calpe leading the way on the Costa Blanca with parents getting their children’s eyes tested, but I would like to see 100% of parents doing so. Regular eye tests can detect problems with your child’s vision and catch treatable conditions early, to protect their eyes and safeguard their vision.” Optician Colin Evans of Specsavers Opticas’ Torrevieja store added, “Regular eye tests are particularly important for children, as during the first 12 years of their lives, as much as 80% of learning is accomplished through vision. One out of every four children has an undetected vision problem that may inhibit their progress. This shows the crucial role that

We are Consultus Care and Nursing Ltd. - the U.K.’s leading live-in private care agency and we are looking to add to our quality team of private carers who work for short periods in the U.K. You would live in the Client’s home and care for them, typically for 2 to 4 weeks at a time. Working through Consultus you can expect: . £420-£616 per week plus travel costs (when in the U.K.) . (double the daily rate of pay for all Public Holidays) . Meals and accommodation while on assignment. . In-house training and development opportunities. . As we have Clients all over the U.K. we endeavour to find work for you when and where you wish. So if you have a Care or Nursing background or have looked after family members and are caring, compassionate and mature (with life skills) you could be perfect for our team and we would love to hear from you. For further information please call our local Recruitment Consultant in Spain, Sandra Field, on 658 965 204 or email: s.field@consultuscare.com Consultus Care and Nursing Ltd. www.consultuscare.com Leaders in live-in home care

eye tests play in caring for our children’s health and why parents should make sure their children’s eyes are tested by a qualified optician every year.” Signs that your child is having difficulty with their vision As a parent, it can be difficult to spot if your child has a vision problem, as children have no way of knowing if what they see is any different from what others can see. Also, as very young children, they are not able to communicate what the problem is. If you are concerned that there may be a problem with your child’s eyes, there are a number of tell-tale signs you can look out for: 1. Sitting too close to the TV 2. Rubbing their eyes repeatedly 3. Complaining of headaches 4. Becoming reluctant to read or look at small pictures or objects 5. Being clumsy 6. Squinting 7. The eyes behaving oddly when tired e.g. turning inwards or crossing The survey was conducted for Specsavers Opticas by Advent Communication, in the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol, in December 2010. To mark World Health Day on 7th April, book an eye test at your local optician and make sure your children’s eyes are healthy and performing well. Specsavers Opticas are offering two glasses for the price of one on children’s glasses, visit www.specsavers.es to find your nearest store.

Opticians recommend a yearly eye test for children from three years old

15 - 21 April 2011

‘Low Cost Healthcare’ is launched at Acuario Hospital and Advice Clinic These days you can fly cheaply, you can dress inexpensively, so why can it not also be the case with taking care of your health? During the next few months Hospital Acuario in Beniarbeig will be celebrating its 25th anniversary with a documentary and many activities related to the world of health. “Acuario - 25 years of pure life” is the theme which will promote this important milestone for this pioneering centre, which was founded in 1986. The celebration starts with a series of special care offers, part of their campaign of ‘Low Cost Healthcare’ which will include checkups and other products at extremely low prices. Javier Caridad, director of Acuario says “For 25 years it has always been our aim to offer a hospital experience completely different to all others, where the human factor is key, where people are at the centre of our work and where service is a

vocation. There is a family atmosphere at our hospital and health centre, we want our patients to feel at home, to feel welcome and treated with kindness and respect”. “For 25 years we have been true to ourselves, and to our patients. We share information with our patients, we respect their views, and we pride ourselves on our pioneering vision, always looking for different approaches”. “With this in mind, we have developed the concept of Low Cost Healthcare. We are the first hospital to do this, and this makes us very special. These days you can fly cheaply, you can dress inexpensively, so why can it not also be the case with taking care of your health?” The hospital will also be making a documentary called “Pure Lives” which will be filmed in and around the hospital and will feature past and present patients talking about their experiences with the Acuario team. The documentary will

Hospital Acuario

be released on the 6th May and will be viewable in various languages on the website www.acuario.org During later months there will be more activities including talks by Acuario’s own medical specialists; and medical workshops on matters such as ‘the responsibility and means to improve our own health’, the ‘natural alternatives in medicine’ and the ‘different options available during pregnancy and labour’, aspects in which the Acuario Hospital is one of the renowned leaders in the whole of Spain, indeed Europe. And, ready for the next 25 years, Acuario is embracing new technology channels like Facebook too. Social changes and new developments like this permit fast and direct answers, and fall entirely within the Acaurio’s belief about the fast exchange of information and results, and keeping close to their patients. The first of these ‘Low Cost Healthcare’ special offers is already available for 8 weeks: a “Healthy Morning” offer which for just €30 includes blood and urine analysis, a breakfast, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, lung function and body mass checks. Results of the tests will be received and discussed with you throughout the morning, and the full health check concludes with a Medical consultation to discuss the analysis of the results and give advice. Call 966 476 260 or feel email acuario@acuario.org to make an appointment.

15 - 21JANUARY April 2011 2010 8-14

Nine lives

Fate is a four letter word. You can choose to believe in it and you can go and choose to believe in something else. Like flock wallpaper, fluffy kittens and old Doris Day records they are an acquired taste, but fate is open ended, abundant and inspiring. It is meeting someone you fancy in your dog walking outfit the day that you didn’t bother to wash you hair, or getting a spot the day before a public appearance. Everything happens for a reason, only sometimes we do not find out exactly why, and often we never ever do. Fate takes us on the journey of our own lives and keeps us safe. We still do have our own options and we can live by our own rules, but fate has a way of twisting us this way and that. It brings a surety that the jam on the slice of bread hits the floor first and it guarantees when we search drawers that what we look for is never in the first one. It gives banks a healthy supply of tellers, except when we are in a real hurry when they will only have two. Fate destines that we choose to wait in the slowest supermarket line and are serviced by the airport check in staff from hell when we are over weight and are holding a Ryanair ticket. They change the chef at a favourite restaurant when we are out to impress, and hide our car keys when we need to make a quick exit. But fate saves lives too. Spiritual endeavours brought you safely into this World and your spiritual guardians and guides help to manoeuvre you through the complexities of life here on Planet Earth. They do a good job, and leave the rest to fate, and this allows you to follow your destiny each day that you live. It is fate that steers the ship and sees you safe on your onward journey. Considering as we are born without a shelf life we do not know our lifespan, so we embrace life for the adventure that it is. This means that our plans can be changed, cancelled or ordered, and we sometimes go against our real feelings as a result. We can plan everything for tomorrow and nothing seems to go right, yet we can leave things to chance and everything seems to point us in the right direction, and hey presto all is very well. Destiny drives us on and fate conducts the

postbag Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com Kenny, my Mother always said that I was special as a child. Just lately she has told me that I saw Spirit when I was a little girl, and she played it down because she didn’t want me to be scared to be different. I have had unusual feelings all my life, now I know I need to know more! Sandra. L. Sandra, it is never too late. Spirit must have had their eye on you for some time and maybe now is the right time for you to start your own special spiritual journey. Memories from the past may come flooding back as you encounter recall. The quickest way to see where you are and to help you on your way is for you to make an appointment for a private tutorial so that I am able to better advise you. It is a highly personal journey that you will make, and if I can walk alongside you then I believe that I can help piece things together and work with you. It’s your decision, but I feel that there is work to do, and it may well change your life!

horoscopes by Kenny Corris

precarious route we take through life. With birth, life and death being always experienced in that order we have a precise need to learn from our mistakes, avoid hassles and distress, and carry on with each our own personal life. When we meet a new friend, or fall in love, or notch up a milestone of our own achievement we are amply rewarded with a twist of fate and are spurred along this Earthly journey of the soul. Fate commands that the negative can bring us sharply and haphazardly into the positive. A client who was attacked and robbed one night ended up marrying the ward Sister who attended to him. Two passengers missed the Spanair flight that crashed in Madrid a few years ago; only to die ten days later in a car crash. One very lucky young Spanish boy survived the airline crash, flung to safety in a river. Fate plays for the highest stakes when they are dealing with our lives. We take risks and calculated risks and we deal with our survival. Some people like to live close to the edge, whilst others are glad of a quiet life. It’s different strokes for different folks. Spirit can always help you on the road if that’s what you need. Tell them what you want and then if it is within your blueprint of destiny then you deserve it. Cats really do have nine lives. We however know them for just one of those lives. You can always tell when the nine lives are up when kitty leaves home to die and so remains always a living vibration to their owners. The process of re incarnation works well, and fate decides when it is the absolute final call. It is no wonder that dynasties in Egypt worshipped the grace and beauty of feline entities; they knew that destiny and fate would bring back the soul to live again, maybe even in human form. Look back at your life and remember that you made choices that were right at the time, then continue your unique journey knowing that fate is a helping hand bidding for your destiny and safety each and every day of your life.

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Kenny’s diary Saturday April 16th: Spring Psychic Fair at Bistro Maya in Albir. 11.00 to 18.00. Readings. Tarot. Angel Readings. Crystals. Spiritual Gifts. Some appointments left for readings with me. Call Els on 966 868 213 for further details. Sunday April 17th: Higher Realms Workshop in Finestrat: from 10.30 to 17.30. Learn to work with, and to make changes with, Higher Guides to maximise your Spiritual Journey. Call for information or check: www.kennycorris.net . Monday April 18th and Wednesday April 20th: Readings at Bistro Maya, Albir from 17.00. Call: 966 868 213 for bookings and further info. Thursday April 21st: Spiritual Service and Demonstration of Clairvoyance for the A.S.F. at the Forum Mare Nostrum in Alfaz at 18.30. All Very Welcome! Saturday May 7th: Readings at La Fustera: Calpe/ Moraira. Contact Penny Smith on 687 926 021 or 96 574 9182.

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

After a quiet weekend Mars enters into Aries, and this sets the cat amongst the pigeons. It is high time to set the record straight, and to put someone well and truly in their place, whatever the cost. There is so much negativity around you right now, it may be very hard to maintain your equilibrium, but at least you don´t have to hold your tongue anymore. Tell it the way that it is! The Sun enters into Taurus at the end of a busy week, followed by your planetary leader, Venus making sultry moves on a inspiring Aries. This double whammy sees you finally getting things your own way and allows you some new participation in new deals and beginnings as they pan out. You are ruthlessly stubborn right now since you know how to do things the hard way, and that´s not an option. With Mercury calling the shots and a background of love and war with Mars and Venus touching base, anything and everything can happen, and probably will. Complicated though it sounds, simply to move on from here is an option, the hard part is knowing what you sort out first and how. With all the will in the World there comes a time to think carefully before you act. Revenge is a dish best served cold, and you are angry about something you have selectively hidden within. This anger spreads this week, and you are angry with yourself for feeling this way; especially when a solution could be so very close. Swallow your pride and suggest that the cards are well and truly put on the table, take control, play by your own rules and win, hands down. You need to use your skills of impact to influence the minority who are adding to your load and not helping you with it. Have the courage of your convictions right now and use what it takes to prove your point if you have to. It shouldn´t have to be this way, but it is. Blame the way that you are feeling on an opposition between Mars and an authoritarian Saturn, and call the shots once and for all. A retrograde Mercury conjuncts with Mars and opposes Saturn, which translates as doing things rather the hard way; though there isn´t much of an alternative now. One thing is very clear, you are on the threshold of making a new life for yourself and those that you love, and nothing must stop you at this, the final furlong. Keeping dignity and pride at bay, have the finish line in clear view. The current Full Moon in Libra heralds the dawning of a new day and spurs you towards making a decision. With Mercury and Pluto in retrograde, and Saturn as a long term guest, your wings are somewhat clipped, but your own personal wants and needs should see you safely through a time of questioning and connecting with your inner self. Success comes from better knowing yourself right now. The sting in the tail may be wavering this way and that, but you are managing so successfully to hold on to your rights and aspirations for the future. Aim high enough to see the benefits and stay earthed with your feet well and truly on the ground. Be excited at the choices ahead, and plan your next move, and more importantly who is going to travel through life with you at your side. Time for onward planning, and to make plans for an escape. You need some healthy rest and relaxation, especially as there is a busy period ahead, and you also have to bear in mind there are fewer around now to help you through. Since you put so much into all that you do, enjoy a break that you have well and truly earned, and surprise someone who is always wishing you well from afar! Actions of resident Pluto have served already to show you some alternatives, and have allowed you to look at yourself well and truly. The next months are going to see positive changes coming from within, and new directions beckoning you on. This is a time of study and learning, and you must take things into hand under your own watchful eye. Expect subtle changes and a great new start to all you do. Time to sort out something close to your heart, since you are now overdue an explanation, and time passes fast. Though you have washed your hands of an affair of the heart there is a need to have some clearance and to move on. Closure must be sought and you have to enjoy the freedom within your soul that will allow you to start the journey of your own destiny. Neptune brings you a chance to channel your energies and your desires as you continue to work with your innermost energies. You are supporting someone who needs you tender love and care right now, but who for some reason, makes your job a difficult one. Whilst you accept the challenge so too do you need to have the support of those who care for you at your side.

If it’s your birthday this week... Carefully plan your next move because it is vital that you establish yourself in actions that currently surround you. Others rely on your communication skills to establish a sound base as soon as possible, since there is work to do!

- 21 April2010 2011 8-14 15 JANUARY

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

Cryptic Crossword

Sudoku Across 1. See 8 Across 8 & 1 Across. What it holds will be of striking significance (3,2,7) 9. Approaching and proving an attraction not far away (7,4) 11. The performer may point out resemblances, we hear (7) 12. Sounds like money - the whereabouts of this will not be disclosed (5) 13. Stages in the tournament completed by golfers (6) 15. The girl is happy with the beginnings of your speech (6) 17. Special celebration to seek to remove ill-feeling (5) 18. One can get carried along by a book of collected works (7) 20. An opposite piece at the end of the shop-fitting (11) 22. Field supplying endless metal (3) 23. Administrators will revise the means test (9)

Down 2. Air corps rises a considerable distance away (3) 3. Time-worn tea ceremony (5) 4. Use temporarily, one hears, at an increased price (6) 5. This will provide a typed copy for a variety of clients (7) 6. A word to conjure with! (11) 7. Gives vent to one’s thoughts on trains (9) 10. Is it akin to a mail-van? (8,3) 11. This provides the basis for making deals (4-5) 14. Diversions by five hundred different routes (7) 16. Left one with a Shakespearean heroine (6) 19. One who goes to bed when working (5) 21. Harry Evans will provide the whisky (3)

Across

Down

1. Valuation (9)

2. Equality (3)

8. Scull (3)

3. Ascend (5)

9. Ban (11)

4. Evasive (6)

11. Implore (7)

5. Spare time (7)

12. Join (5)

6. Thoughtful (11)

13. Untouched (6)

7. Soon (9)

15. Feel indignant (6)

10. Unpaid (11)

17. Chop small (5)

11. Obscure (9)

18. Ship’s crew (7)

14. Less expensive (7)

20. Unseemliness (11)

16. Transverse (6)

22. Tavern (3)

19. Ethical (5)

23. Elastic (9)

21. Cask (3)

Wordwheel

Quick Crossword

You can play these wordwheels by whatever rules you like. But there is at least one nine letter word hidden in each wordwheel (and thus using every letter in the wordwheel). For many players the fun element and biggest challenge of the wordwheel is to find a nine letter word. Other than that, the rules are up to you - but generally you should restrict yourself to only finding words that contain the central letter, as otherwise you will find huge numbers of words in many puzzles!

Win a meal for 2!

Inn Plaice in Torrevieja (Mon-Thu) Nemos (Next to RTN offices in La Nucia)

by answering the Cryptic Crossword correctly. Answers by email to: office@roundtownnews.com | or Fax: 96 585 60 54

Euromillions Draw Friday 8th april

21 23 38 47 50

No ticket won the 15,000,000 Euros (£13,275,000) jackpot prize

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 51/54. Winner for 599 Frank Dalton, La Mata

15 - 21 April 2011

music scene Chill Factor - Vocal Duo

C Compiled by

Eric Taylor

hill Factor are Pam and John Pearson, a highly professional musical duo with a difference as their repertoire focusses on classic pop/rock songs performed in their own style. This duo are a delight to listen to as they perform two sets – acoustic and electric. Their acoustic set combines the unique sound of John’s ten string acoustic guitar with Pam’s edgy and soulful vocals, giving a performance of flair and originality followed by an electric set which is.... electric!. Together with Jack Hazebroek (drums) and Tommy Duffy (bass) they are “Rio”, (a new melodic rock band). For more details phone John or Pam on 696 731 290 or check out their web site: www.pamandjohn.net

The Backbeat 4 Beatles Band The Backbeat 4 Beatles Tribute Band are appearing at Le Cabaret, Cumbre del Sol, Benitachell, on Saturday 30th April. They are a fantastic Beatles tribute band, performing famous Beatles songs of the Sixties. The band consists of professional musicians and is fronted by Alan Swoffer, as John Lennon. Not only does he possess an uncanny likeness to his hero, but he is also a highly gifted entertainer who brings the unique persona of John Lennon to the stage in an amazing accurate portrayal. If you are a Beatles fan you are sure to enjoy this show. For info look on their website: www.lennonlegend.net Tickets: 15 euros which includes a two course meal or 8 euros – Entry only. For bookings and details of future events in Le Cabaret phone: 663 733 811 or check out their web site: www.lecabaretspain.com. Le Cabaret is located in the Lirios Centre, on Cumbre del Sol, Benitachell.

April Gigs: Saturday 16: Arthur’s Bar, Els Poblets (RIO) Sunday 17: Coll de Rates Rte., Parcent @ 1.30 pm (John Acoustic) Friday 22: Coll de Rates Mountain Restaurant, Parcent @ 1.30 pm Thursday 28: Magic Bar (formerly The Lees), Orba Friday 29: Private Street Party (RIO)

Chloe Hooper - Female Vocal Entertainer

Chloe Hooper is an International Vocalist & Tribute act. Chloe as a performer can best be described as both a dynamic and powerful vocalist, yet extremely versatile who sings a mixture of songs which include Country, Blues & Soul, Rock & Pop, plus Jazz, lounge & easy listening. Chloe can be found playing every Friday at

her residency of five years at Rusty’s Bar/Bistro, Benitachell. Alternatively her other residency is the “Western Saloon” in Benidorm from 8.30 pm on Tuesday and Thursdays with Bernie Price and their Country Legends Show. Phone Chloe: 607 621 699 for more details or visit her website: www.chloehooper.net Gigs in April: Friday 15: Rusty’s Bar/ Bistro, Benitachell (Every Friday) Tuesday 19: Western Saloon, C/Gerona, Benidorm (Every Tuesday) Thursday 21: Western Saloon, C/Gerona, Benidorm (Every Thursday) Monday 25: Ambiente Cabaret Bar, Moravit, Moraira

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

Parcent

Thursday April 21st St Georges Day – James Hurst & The Good Old Music Hall Show Good Friday 22nd April Zodiac – (Book Early) Easter Sunday 24th April Lunch Wed May 4th Next Charity quiz in aid of Eamus 10€ Friday May 6th The Nomad Please book early Tel 96 640 5398 For reservations

15 - 21 April 2011

Moving targets

Armadillo gets R&R after loosing tooth

by Jack Troughton LOS PISTOLEROS Westerners are firing on all cylinders over the next 12 months to support two good causes – the charities PAWS and HAH Torrevieja. The group voted to split its fund-raising targets for 20112012 at its AGM and the first event is a social at Los Rosales, Campo de Guardamar 31, 03130, Guardamar del Segura, from 7.30pm on Saturday 14th May. It will cost just 3€ to watch the ‘Prospectors’, dance and enjoy a tasty snack or a meal. And recently Los Pistoleros Westerners presented a cheque for 1,000€ to the Alzheimer’s Society at the Marina Bar, Torrevieja, - a regular haunt for the group on a Friday night. Between March 2010 and 2011, members staged reenactments and performed the American Trilogy at various events to raise the cash. They also meet once a month to eat, plan events, and practices shooting – everyone is welcome. For more information call Brian on 617 620 627 or visit the website www.lospistoleros.info

A DENTIST and medical team have been tending to an armadillo in Terra Natura park in Benidorm after she lost one of her teeth. Staff noticed that Alma the armadillo was less sociable and losing her appetite – then a medical exam revealed that one of her teeth had fallen out. She’s now enjoying some space away from other animals, specially prepared food and constant observation. Once back to strength, she’ll be put back with her companions.

Presenting the cheque to the Alzheimer’s Society

Choir sings at Easter

by Jack Troughton MONTE CHORALE is performing an Easter concert to help raise funds for a Marina Alta day centre for the elderly. The choir under musical director Gordon Lawson is performing ‘Music for Easter’ on Saturday 30th April at 8pm in the Convent in Javea’s Plaza del Convent. And the event is free but a retiring collection will raise funds for the Day Centre Santa Maria de Betania – which offers free day care for the elderly and Alzheimer’s sufferers.

Alma needs a little time alone to recover

15 - 21 April 2011

Johnny Zeller

Local orchestra perform first concert at Torrevieja’s Conservatory-Auditorium

by Patricia Thompson The first show of the Incomparable Johnny Zeller tour was a huge success at Casa Nicolas in Altos del Limonar. The show stars 60s legend Johnny Zeller and Jukebox Legends with Fiona McLean doing a fantastic Big Band set and Peter Day featuring the fabulous sound of Billy Fury (one of the greats that Johnny appeared with many times). The tour, with three more shows to come, is due to visit Quesada, Punta Prima and San Luis over the next two weeks and if the first event was anything to go by, audiences are in for a real treat. Tickets are just 7.50 Euros each and available now from the venues listed below. All shows start at 8-30pm and are fund raising events for the Help at home project. There is also a ticket information line on 695135134. The Incomparable Johnny Zeller show is appearing at: The Club, Quesada on Friday 15th April. Rocajuna, Punta Prima on Wednesday 27th April. Casa Ventura, San Luis on Friday 29th April.

By Julie Day Torrevieja celebrated the inauguration of the International AuditoriumConservatory last Thursday evening with a free concert by a local orchestra. Ars Aetheria, a 27-strong string and brass orchestra from Torrevieja performed a stunning repertoire of classical music to a sizeable audience that included Torrevieja’s mayor, Pedro Hernández Mateo and deputy mayor and councillor for Culture and Fiestas, Eduardo Dolón. This concert was the first in a series of concerts to be held at the International Auditorium-Conservatory of Torrevieja that will run until the end of June. Tickets and invitations for each of the concerts can be obtained from the box office of the town’s Municipal Theatre, located in Plaza Miguel Hernández, from 11am – 1pm Tuesday – Friday.

A bit of slap’n tickle Fancy a bit of “Slap’n Tickle?” Of course you do, so come along to the Virgen del Carmen on Thursday 12th May at 7.30pm and have a good laugh courtesy of “The Actors Studio”. With a send up of “Eastenders” and a sketch highlighting the perils of booking with a cheap airline, together with other rib-tickling sketches, you will be in for an evening of fun and maybe also have to reach for a tissue when a heartrending monologue is performed. The original scripts have been written and directed by David Whitney who has penned previous shows so you will know exactly what to expect - humour reminiscent of a ‘carry on’. Tickets cost 8€ each and can be obtained from the Municipal Theatre ticket office in Torrevieja. As usual all ticket sales will go to the AFA Alzheimer’s Association.

Torrevieja orchestra Ars Aetheria perform classical music

15 - 21 April 2011

tv Friday

50 61

15 14- -2120April may2011 2010

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Animal 24:7 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Filthy Rotten Scoundrels 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Gastronuts 16:35 Prank Patrol Down Under 17:00 Remote Control Star 17:30 All Over the Place 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 A Question of Sport 22:00 Have I Got News for You 22:30 QI 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Graham Norton Show 24:20 National Lottery Friday Night Draws

07:00 Childrens TV 10:45 Chuggington: Badge Quest 10:50 Grandpa in My Pocket 11:00 Mightymites 11:15 Green Balloon Goes on Holiday 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 Dip Dap 12:35 Battle of the Sexes 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 Restoration Roadshow 16:00 Flog It! 16:45 Helicopter Heroes 17:30 Pointless 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Menu 20:00 An Island Parish 20:30 Mastermind 21:30 Gardeners’ World 22:00 Monty Don’s Italian Gardens 23:00 Frank Skinner’s Opinionated 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 The Review Show 24:50 Later... with Jools Holland

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Britain’s Best Dish 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Baboons with Bill Bailey 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Paul O’Grady Live 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Take Me Out 24:35 The Cube

07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 Treacle People 07:20 The Hoobs 07:45 The Hoobs 08:10 Freshly Squeezed 08:40 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:05 Frasier 09:35 Friends 10:05 Wife Swap USA 11:00 Brothers & Sisters 11:55 Gok’s Fashion Fix 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 River Cottage Bites 13:10 Mysterious Island 15:10 Cookery School 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Fern 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:25 4thought.tv 20:30 Unreported World 21:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 22:00 Embarrassing Bodies 23:00 David Walliams: Awfully Good Ads

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Olivia 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Bridezillas 13:05 Family Recipe 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 House 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Meals in Moments 16:15 Straight from the Heart 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Fifth Gear 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 Law & Order 23:55 The Walking Dead

08:00 The Zoo UK 09:00 Lion Man 10:00 Futurama 11:00 The Middle 11:30 Modern Family 12:00 The Middle 12:30 Modern Family 13:00 Raising Hope 13:30 Glenn Martin, DDS 14:00 Stargate SG-1 16:00 Lion Man 17:00 Oops TV 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 The Middle 21:00 The Simpsons 21:30 Modern Family 22:00 Raising Hope 22:30 A League of Their Own 23:30 Spartacus: Gods of the Arena 24:45 Live to Dance

08:30 Snooker 10:00 Weightlifting 11:00 Weightlifting 12:00 Snooker 14:00 Weightlifting 15:00 Live Weightlifting 16:30 WATTS 17:00 Weightlifting 18:00 Live Weightlifting 20:00 Timbersports Series 21:00 Live Boxing 23:15 Intercontinental Rally Challenge 23:45 Horse Racing Time 24:15 Extreme Sports: Freeride Spirit 24:45 Weightlifting

Paul O’Grady Live ITV1 22.00

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Nothing to Declare 11:30 Nothing to Declare 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 14:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Bones 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 CSI: Miami 24:00 Criminal Minds

tv Saturday 07:00 Formula 1 09:30 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Great British Menu 13:00 BBC News; Regional News 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 Formula 1 15:30 Live Snooker 17:30 Final Score 18:20 BBC News; Regional News 18:40 The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson 19:10 Eurovision: Your Country Needs Blue 20:10 So You Think You Can Dance 21:10 The National Lottery: Secret Fortune 22:00 Casualty 22:50 Live at the Apollo 23:20 BBC News 23:30 Match of the Day 24:35 The Football League Show

07:00 Childrens TV 10:30 Serious Explorers 11:00 Relic: Guardians of the Museum 11:30 League of Super Evil 11:40 Wolverine and the X-Men 12:05 Mortified 12:25 Newsround Special: Living with Cancer 12:45 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 The Taming of the Shrew 14:55 William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice 17:00 Escape to the Country 17:30 Live Snooker 18:30 Flog It! 19:30 Dad’s Army 20:00 Live Snooker 20:50 Elizabeth Taylor - A Tribute 21:50 Timewatch 22:50 Frank Skinner’s Opinionated 23:20 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 24:05 Nurse Jackie 24:35 Later... with Jools Holland

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS for 599

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 Coronation Street 12:45 This Morning: Saturday 13:45 Monk 14:40 ITV News 14:50 You’ve Been Framed! 15:20 Arthur 17:10 Granada News 17:25 ITV News 17:40 Live FA Cup Football 20:20 Sing if You Can 21:20 Britain’s Got Talent 22:50 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories 23:50 ITV News 24:05 Dreamcatcher

Across: 7 Tithes; 8 Memoir; 10 Colonel; 11 Paris; 12 Ewer; 13 Usury; 17 Green; 18 Bill; 22 Tramp; 23 Outlast; 24 Accord; 25 Muscle. Down: 1 Sticker; 2 Stalked; 3 Feint; 4 Keepers; 5 Court; 6 Dress; 9 Plaster of; 14 Drapery; 15 Finance; 16 Flatter; 19 Steal; 20 Fancy; 21 Stout. Quick solutions Across: 7 Stocks; 8 Caller; 10 Regular; 11 Terse; 12 Cove; 13 Sneak; 17 Relic; 18 Dawn; 22 Ideal; 23 Avarice; 24 Accent; 25 Morass. Down: 1 Ostrich; 2 Forgive; 3 Skill; 4 Martial; 5 Alert; 6 Order; 9 Principal; 14 Telling; 15 Capital; 16 Intense; 19 Vital; 20 Teach; 21 Wagon. WORDWHEEL 600: OBJECTIVE

15 - 21 April 2011

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Formula Ford Championship 08:25 The Grid 08:55 The Morning Line 09:50 Friends 10:20 Koko Pop 10:50 Friends 11:25 Glee 12:20 Great British Hairdresser 13:25 Big Bang Theory 13:50 Big Bang Theory 14:20 That Paralympic Show 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 16:55 Secret Supper Club 17:25 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 17:55 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 18:30 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 19:00 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 19:30 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 River Cottage Every Day 21:00 Day after Tomorrow 23:20 Stand Up for the Week 24:10 War of the Roses

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 Milkshake Monkey 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Play! 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:00 Zoo Days 11:05 The Gadget Show 12:05 NCIS 13:05 Law & Order 14:05 Murder Ahoy 15:55 Guarding Tess 17:45 Private Benjamin 19:50 5 News Weekend 19:55 NCIS 20:50 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:50 CSI: Miami 22:50 CSI: NY 23:50 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 24:50 Cops in Crisis

09:00 Gladiators 10:00 WWE: Superstars 11:00 Soccer AM 13:00 A Different Breed 14:00 Modern Family 15:00 Modern Family 16:00 Modern Family 16:30 The Middle 17:30 The Middle 18:00 The Middle 18:30 The Middle 19:00 Futurama 19:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Stargate Universe 22:00 Beverly Hills Cop III 24:05 Brit Cops: Frontline Crime UK

08:30 Snooker 09:30 Eurosport Confidential 10:00 Weightlifting 11:00 Live Snooker 14:00 Live World Series by Renault 15:00 Weightlifting 16:00 Live Show Jumping 17:30 Live Snooker 18:30 Live Weightlifting 20:00 Live Snooker 23:00 Weightlifting 24:00 Intercontinental Rally Challenge 24:30 Snooker

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 Four Weddings 11:00 America’s Next Top Model 13:00 Nothing to Declare 14:00 Biggest Loser 16:00 Four Weddings 17:00 Drop Dead Diva 19:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Chuck 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 Criminal Minds 24:00 Criminal Minds

tv Sunday

52 40

15 - 21 20114 2010 Feb 26April - March

Rugby Union

07:20 Sali Mali 07:25 The Hoobs 07:50 Track and Field Show 08:20 Freesports on 4 08:45 Friends 09:15 Friends 09:45 Hollyoaks 12:20 Being N-Dubz in America and Beyond 12:55 Glee 13:55 The Simpsons 14:25 The Simpsons 14:55 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 15:25 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 16:00 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 16:35 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 17:05 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 17:35 Deal or No Deal 18:30 Time Team 19:30 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Come Dine with Me 21:00 The Hotel 22:00 Country House Rescue 23:00 East Is East 24:55 3 Idiots

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Hana’s Helpline 09:35 Family! 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:00 K-9 11:35 OK! TV Sunday 12:35 Family Food Fight 13:05 Ice Road Truckers 14:05 Emergency Bikers 15:00 Death of a Gunfighter 16:55 Short Circuit 18:55 5 News Weekend 19:00 Big Daddy 20:40 Spider-Man 23:00 The Walking Dead 24:05 Single White Female

07:00 Hour of Power 08:00 The Zoo UK 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker 11:00 WWE: Superstars 12:00 WWE: Experience 13:00 Modern Family 13:30 Modern Family 14:00 Modern Family 14:30 Modern Family 15:00 Modern Family 15:30 The Middle 16:00 The Middle 16:30 The Middle 17:00 The Middle 17:30 The Middle 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 The Simpsons 19:00 Live to Dance 20:00 The Middle 20:30 Modern Family 21:00 Raising Hope 21:30 The Simpsons 22:00 Hawaii Five-0 23:00 NCIS: Los Angeles 24:00 House

07:00 Childrens TV 10:30 Big & Small 10:50 Grandpa in My Pocket 11:05 Mightymites 11:20 Green Balloon Goes on Holiday 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Pink Panther Show 13:00 Animal Park 13:30 Live Snooker 18:10 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:55 Party Election Broadcast 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Menu 20:00 Live Snooker 21:00 Railway Walks 21:30 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets 22:00 Fix My Family 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 An Island Parish 24:50 Snooker

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Britain’s Best Dish 19:00 Granada Reports 19:25 Party Election Broadcast 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 The Dales 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 The Reckoning 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Real Crime with Mark Austin 24:35 River Monsters

07:20 The Hoobs 08:10 Freshly Squeezed 08:40 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:10 Frasier 09:40 Friends 10:10 Wife Swap USA 11:05 Brothers & Sisters 12:00 Relocation, Relocation 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Make Do & Mend 13:30 Come Dine with Me 14:05 Come Dine with Me 14:35 Come Dine with Me 15:05 Come Dine with Me 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Fern 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Help! My House Is Infested 22:00 Meet the Middletons 23:00 Hostage

07:00 Childrens TV 09:40 Olivia 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Bridezillas 13:05 Family Recipe 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 House 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Chinese Food in Minutes 16:15 First Daughter 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Hotel Inspector 23:00 Extraordinary People 24:00 Private Benjamin

08:00 The Zoo UK 09:00 Lion Man 10:00 Futurama 11:00 The Middle 11:30 Modern Family 12:00 The Middle 12:30 Modern Family 13:00 Raising Hope 13:30 Glenn Martin, DDS 14:00 Stargate SG-1 16:00 Lion Man 17:00 Oops TV 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Stargate Universe 22:00 A League of Their Own 23:00 The Top 10 Show

07:00 Childrens TV 10:30 Big & Small 10:50 Grandpa in My Pocket 11:05 Mightymites 11:20 Green Balloon Goes on Holiday 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Pink Panther Show 13:00 Animal Park 13:30 Live Snooker 18:10 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:55 Party Election Broadcast 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Menu 20:00 Live Snooker 21:00 Britain’s Next Big Thing 22:00 Filthy Cities 23:00 Later Live... with Jools Holland 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Snooker

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Britain’s Best Dish 19:00 Granada Reports 19:25 Party Election Broadcast 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Military Driving School 21:00 Countrywise 22:00 The Reckoning 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 The Hitcher

07:20 The Hoobs 08:10 Freshly Squeezed 08:40 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:05 Frasier 09:35 Friends 10:05 Wife Swap USA 11:00 Brothers & Sisters 11:55 A Place by the Sea 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Make Do & Mend 13:35 Come Dine with Me 14:05 Come Dine with Me 14:40 Come Dine with Me 15:10 Come Dine with Me 15:40 Come Dine with Me 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Fern 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 22:00 Sex Education Show: Stop Pimping Our Kids 23:00 Campus 24:10 Pete Versus Life

07:00 Childrens TV 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Bridezillas 13:05 Family Recipe 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 House 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Chinese Food in Minutes 16:15 Nowhere to Land 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Extraordinary Dogs 21:00 Tutankhamun: The Mystery Revealed 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 CSI: Miami 23:55 CSI: NY 24:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

07:00 Breakfast 08:00 Formula 1 11:15 London Marathon 2011 15:00 The Politics Show 16:00 Weather for the Week Ahead 16:05 Formula 1 18:05 Points of View 18:20 Songs of Praise 18:55 BBC News; Regional News 19:15 Land Girls 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Britain’s Royal Weddings 23:00 BBC News; Regional News 23:25 Does Christianity Have a Future? 24:25 Absolute Power

07:00 Finley the Fire Engine 07:10 Zigby 07:20 The Large Family 07:35 Little Robots 07:45 Charlie and Lola 07:55 One Minute Wonders 08:25 Match of the Day 09:30 London Marathon 2011 11:15 Something for the Weekend 12:15 MasterChef 13:15 Alvarez Kelly 15:05 EastEnders 17:00 Live Snooker 19:00 London Marathon 2011 Highlights 20:00 Alex Higgins: The People’s Champion 21:00 The Secrets of Scott’s Hut 22:30 Alaska: The Arctic Man Ski & Sno-Go Classic 23:00 Match of the Day 2 23:50 Apocalypto

07:00 Mini CITV

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Animal 24:7 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Filthy Rotten Scoundrels 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Gastronuts 16:35 Prank Patrol Down Under 17:00 Sadie J 17:30 Blue Peter 17:55 Shaun the Sheep 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:55 Party Election Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Bang Goes the Theory 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Motorway Cops 23:00 BBC News 23:35 A Question of Sport 24:05 Late Kick Off

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Animal 24:7 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Filthy Rotten Scoundrels 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Gastronuts 16:35 Prank Patrol Down Under 17:00 Dead Gorgeous 17:30 Blue Peter 17:55 Shaun the Sheep 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:55 Party Election Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Candy Cabs 23:00 BBC News 23:35 The Baby Born in a Concentration Camp 24:05 The Love Letter

08:25 CITV 10:25 May the Best House Win 11:25 Sing if You Can 12:30 This Morning: Sunday 13:30 Dinner Date 14:25 ITV News 14:30 Columbo 16:00 Britain’s Got Talent 17:30 Midsomer Murders 19:30 Granada News 19:45 ITV News 20:00 The Cube 21:00 Lewis 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:15 FA Cup Highlights 24:15 Premiership

tv Monday

tv Tuesday

08:30 Snooker 10:00 Live London Marathon 13:00 World Superbikes 13:15 Live World Supersport Championship 14:15 Live World Series by Renault 15:15 Live Cycling 17:00 Live Snooker 18:30 Weightlifting 20:00 Show Jumping 21:00 Live Snooker 23:00 World Superbikes 24:00 Intercontinental Rally Challenge 24:30 Motorsports Weekend 24:45 Snooker

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 Four Weddings 11:00 Drop Dead Diva 12:00 Drop Dead Diva 13:00 Nothing to Declare 14:00 Dating in the Dark 15:00 Dating in the Dark 16:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 17:00 Passport Patrol 17:30 Passport Patrol 18:00 Dog Patrol 19:00 Four Weddings 20:00 Fat and Proud 21:00 Cougar Town 21:30 Hot in Cleveland 22:00 Katie 23:00 Four Weddings 24:00 Grey’s Anatomy

Britain’s Got Talent ITV1, 16.00

08:30 Motorsports Weekend 08:45 Cycling 10:00 Snooker 11:00 Live Snooker 14:00 Weightlifting 15:30 Live Snooker 18:30 Eurogoals 19:00 Champions Club 20:00 Live Snooker 23:00 WATTS 23:15 Weightlifting 24:30 Champions Club

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Nothing to Declare 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Katie 22:00 Four Weddings 23:00 16 & Pregnant 24:00 Criminal Minds

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

08:00 The Zoo UK 09:00 Lion Man 10:00 Futurama 10:30 Futurama 11:00 The Middle 11:30 Modern Family 12:00 The Middle 12:30 Modern Family 13:00 Raising Hope 13:30 Glenn Martin, DDS 14:00 Stargate SG-1 15:00 Stargate SG-1 16:00 Lion Man 16:30 Lion Man 17:00 Oops TV 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Live to Dance 22:00 Beverly Hills Cop III 24:05 Fringe

08:30 Eurogoals 09:00 Champions Club 10:00 Snooker 11:00 Live Snooker 14:00 Eurogoals 14:30 Champions Club 15:30 Live Snooker 18:30 Live WTA Tennis 20:15 Live Snooker 23:00 Extreme Sports: Freeride Spirit 23:30 World Series by Renault 24:00 Motorcycling

Filthy Cities BBC2 22.00

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Nothing to Declare 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Cougar Town 21:30 Hot in Cleveland 22:00 Katie 23:00 The Hunks 24:00 Criminal Minds

tv Wednesday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Animal 24:7 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Filthy Rotten Scoundrels 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Gastronuts 16:35 Prank Patrol Down Under 17:00 Trade Your Way to the USA 17:30 All Over the Place 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 19:55 Party Election Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 20:30 DIY SOS 21:30 Life of Riley 22:00 MasterChef 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Would I Lie to You? 24:15 The Ladykillers

07:00 Childrens TV

07:00 Daybreak

10:50 Grandpa in My Pocket

09:30 Lorraine

11:05 Mightymites

10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show

11:15 Green Balloon

11:30 This Morning

Goes on Holiday

13:30 Loose Women

11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Pink Panther Show 13:00 Animal Park 14:00 See Hear

14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover

14:30 Live Snooker

16:00 The Alan

18:10 Put Your Money

Titchmarsh Show

Where Your Mouth Is

16:59 Granada Weather

18:55 Party Election

17:00 Midsomer Murders

Broadcast

18:00 Britain’s Best Dish

19:00 Eggheads

19:00 Granada Reports

19:30 Great British

19:25 Party Election

Menu 20:00 Live Snooker 21:00 The Great British Wedding Cake 22:00 The Crimson

Broadcast 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Farewell Liz

Petal and the White

21:00 Midsomer Murders

23:00 The Victorians

23:00 ITV News at Ten

23:30 Newsnight

23:30 Granada News

24:20 Snooker

23:35 Closing the Ring

15- -March 21 April 2011 Feb 26 4 2010

07:10 Treacle People 07:20 The Hoobs 08:10 Freshly Squeezed 08:40 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:05 Frasier 09:35 Friends 10:05 Wife Swap USA 11:00 Brothers & Sisters 11:55 Country House Rescue 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Make Do & Mend 13:35 Come Dine with Me 14:05 Come Dine with Me 14:35 Come Dine with Me 15:05 Come Dine with Me 15:40 Come Dine with Me 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Fern 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Vacation, Vacation, Vacation 21:30 Superscrimpers: Waste Not Want Not 22:00 Sex Education Show: Stop Pimping Our Kids 23:00 Desperate Housewives 24:05 The Big C

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Bridezillas 13:00 Family Recipe 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 House 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Chinese Food in Minutes 16:15 Uncorked 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Starlight: For the Children 21:00 Essex Jungle 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 24:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:55 Poker: Aussie Millions

07:20 The Hoobs 07:45 The Hoobs 08:10 Freshly Squeezed 08:40 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:05 Frasier 09:35 Friends 10:05 Wife Swap USA 11:00 Brothers & Sisters 11:55 Restoration Man 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Make Do & Mend 13:35 Come Dine with Me 14:05 Come Dine with Me 14:35 Come Dine with Me 15:05 Come Dine with Me 15:40 Come Dine with Me 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Fern 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Three in a Bed 22:00 Sex Education Show: Stop Pimping Our Kids 23:00 10 O’Clock Live 24:05 Big Bang Theory 24:30 Ricky Gervais Show

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Olivia 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Bridezillas 13:05 Chinese Food in Minutes 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Family Recipe 16:15 McBride 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 Gladiator: The True Story 22:00 Most Shocking Talent Show Moments

08:00 The Zoo UK 09:00 Lion Man 10:00 Futurama 11:00 The Middle 11:30 Modern Family 12:00 The Middle 12:30 Modern Family 13:00 Raising Hope 13:30 Glenn Martin, DDS 14:00 Stargate SG-1 15:00 Stargate SG-1 16:00 Lion Man 16:30 Lion Man 17:00 Oops TV 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 A Different Breed 22:00 An Idiot Abroad 23:00 Fringe 24:00 Martina Cole’s The Runaway

08:30 Extreme Sports: Freeride Spirit 09:00 Olympic Magazine 09:30 WTA Tennis 11:00 Live Snooker 14:00 Live Cycling 16:30 Live Snooker 18:30 Live WTA Tennis 20:15 Live Snooker 23:00 Cycling 24:15 Snooker

53 53

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Nothing to Declare 11:30 Nothing to Declare 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 14:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 How to Nab a Prince 22:00 Bones 23:00 Grey’s Anatomy 24:00 Criminal Minds

Desperate Housewives Channel 4 23.00

tv Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Animal 24:7 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:45 The Royal Maundy Service at Westminster Abbey 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Gastronuts 16:35 Prank Patrol Down Under 17:00 Project Parent 17:30 My Life 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Watchdog 22:00 New Tricks 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Jon Venables: What Went Wrong? 24:25 The Color of Money

07:00 Childrens TV 10:30 Big & Small 10:50 Grandpa in My Pocket 11:05 Mightymites 11:15 Green Balloon Goes on Holiday 11:40 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Pink Panther Show 13:00 Animal Park 14:00 Live Snooker 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Menu 20:00 Live Snooker 21:00 The Animal’s Guide to Britain 22:00 A History of Celtic Britain 23:00 Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Snooker

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Britain’s Best Dish 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Long Lost Family 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories 24:35 Caroline Quentin: A Passage Through India

08:00 The Zoo UK 09:00 Lion Man 10:00 Futurama 11:00 The Middle 11:30 Modern Family 12:00 The Middle 12:30 Modern Family 13:00 Raising Hope 13:30 Glenn Martin, DDS 14:00 Stargate SG-1 15:00 Stargate SG-1 16:00 Lion Man 17:00 Oops TV 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Hawaii Five-0 22:00 Martina Cole’s The Runaway 23:00 House 24:00 NCIS: Los Angeles

08:30 Horse Racing Time 09:00 WTA Tennis 10:15 Snooker 11:30 WTA Tennis 14:00 Live Snooker 17:00 WTA Tennis 18:00 Live WTA Tennis 20:00 Live Snooker 23:00 WTA Tennis 24:45 Snooker

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

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Nothing to Declare 11:30 Nothing to Declare 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 14:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Chuck 22:00 16 & Pregnant 23:00 Katie 24:00 Criminal Minds

15 - 21 2011 Feb 26April - March 4 2010

54 44

Benidorm’s limp out

eries four of ‘Benidorm’ sadly limped out short of laughs last week, which was a shame, since the previous two episodes had shown it returning The TV Round Up by to some of its old form. Donald’s “suicide” was clearly Alex Trelinski not what it seemed from the off, and the antics at Broadcaster and freelance journalist

I know that you’ll be watching ‘The Walking Dead’ this evening anyway, but I bring you news from the “we’ll treat the late evening viewers as stupid” department! After regularly writing about recent dumbness from ITV1 and BBC 2 over ridiculous repeats, my ultimate award goes to the BBC 1 controller, Danny Cohen. After this evening’s welcome return of Graham Norton, I can tell you that this will be followed by a repeat of ‘The One Show’ broadcast less than four hours earlier! Words about extracting urine immediately spring to mind!

Terra Mitica barely raised a smile. Creatively its time for ‘Benidorm’ to finish, but I’m certain the high viewing figures will ensure that ITV brings it back, and of course with new writers, now that the creator, Derren Litten, has sensibly called it a day.

If you ended up scratching your head and wondering what happened to the BBC 4 version of ‘Room at the Top’, then don’t worry! A last minute row over who owned the rights to the John Braine novel, meant that the Beeb had to pull the transmission with a couple of days to go!! I wrote enthusiastically about it in last week’s RTN, having watched it on a preview disc, which could end up being a collector’s item as the lawyer’s slug it out. But you are left wondering why the rights clearances were not properly done by the Beeb in the first place? If I see yet another promo on ITV1 with Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley telling us how their ‘Daybreak’ show is building up to the Royal Wedding, then I’m going to scream for mercy. Another similar case of overload comes on ITV2, where every break has the irritating Keith Lemon squirming around like a dose of the clap shouting about his weekly quiz, ‘Celebrity Juice’. If these programmes were that good, then surely people would watch them, as opposed to being tortured at every opportunity by the TV equivalent of ‘water-boarding’?

Don’t’ worry if you missed the start of ‘The Walking Dead’ on Sunday night, as Channel 5 are repeating it tonight, close appropriately enough to midnight. I was gripped by it when I saw this series last year and you’re in for a treat if you like nasty Zombies………as opposed to nice ones! British actor Andrew Lincoln, is excellent as the sheriff abandoned in his hospital bed, trying to work everything out, and you’ll be looking to keep hold of something whilst watching this genuinely creepy series. It’s also worth committing your time to it all, as the cameras have already started rolling on series 2 in the States.

It was a great sporting weekend with The Grand National and the US Masters on BBC TV. The Masters has always been my favourite of the golfing majors, as watching on a cold UK evening, you could always soak up the Augusta sunshine. I’ve also enjoyed listening to Andrew Cotter’s commentaries, as he is a sole member of a dying breed of BBC broadcasters, who can turn

Book of the dead Book Review by

Danny Collins

copy@dannyjpcollins.com

Kay Scarpetta, the queen of ‘don’t touch that body’ is back in this intriguing tale of a serial killer whose MO changes with each grisly slaying. Cornwell’s medical examiner heroine has set up her own private forensic pathology practice in Charleston, South Carolina, after giving up her post as ME in the Commonwealth of Virginia following a scandal in which she was too weary of midlayer politics to defend herself. She’s brought all the old favourites with her – there’s Marino, now retired from the police and working full time for Kay as a Harley-riding, Scarpettaobsessed private eye, still hankering

to get between the heroine’s sheets but receiving no more than a friendly pat on the head for his devotion. There’s also Scarpetta’s computerwizard niece, the leather-clad, Glock-spinning, athletic and beautiful Lucy, whose bent is for girls but who could whisk me off in her helicopter any day. Yeah, I know, dark thoughts but probably no more than those of Marino, who really blows it. Meanwhile, Dr Scarpetta has to battle to enter the mind of a monster when a young tennis star is found nude and mutilated in Rome, a woman is ritualistically murdered in her expensive US beach home, and an abused young boy is found dead and dumped in a desolate marsh. As ever, the crimes are connected and Kay is in there with her scalpel and applied logic to find the truth, which she eventually does of course. Cornwell, who needs no accolades from me, writes as ever in the fastpaced, classy style that has made her the queen of suspense. A truly firstclass read for the beach - but don’t talk to strangers.... Author: Patricia Cornwell Publisher: Sphere (paperback) Price: €11.20 ISBN: 978 0 7515 3405 4

Got a story? 902 118 999

rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

Suduko Answer

his hands to anything, including Rugby Union and Tennis. These kind of versatile commentators have all but disappeared from British TV. Just eleven years ago I was introduced to Andrew at BBC Radio Sport, on his first day at the office, and his first job was to “shadow” me reading the overnight sports bulletins on Five Live. The lad’s done well………..as for me??

motoring

Brian Deller

Author of Motoring in Spain

Dear Brian, Do you still have a contact for the guy who does the transfer of foreign cars onto Spanish plates? Or can you recommend anyone else? I filled in the form on www.spainvia.com/service. htm. But when I sent it I was told that the address had either been changed or did not exist anymore. Kind regards, Jane Crowden-Naylor

Recommending anyone for this service is always fraught with problems. Jaime, as in my last book the Third Edition, which was published almost four years ago, is still in business but has moved out of his office due to the downturn in business and works from home. He is in fact a retired teacher. Also you do not advise where you live and it is always better to use someone who is able to supply genuine referrals from local expats. If you live in the central Costa del Sol, I have seen good results from ME-EXPRESS a father and son business with their office in Alhaurin Grande. Why use an expert? I have been trying with ME Express to help and expat with a 16-year old Toyota Gran Via, a nine-seater people carrier that was originally exported in used form from Japan, and he has also been here for 5 years. He is now worried about the stopping of UK plated vehicles in our local areas band the confiscation/impounding that occurs if they are illegal. The Toyota is on UK plates but the age (it has a diesel engine, and is in excellent condition overall) and must have been put on the UK plates before EU homolgation existed. But he needs the vehicle for

his handicapped wife so ME Express is pulling strings to get it through with the higher exhaust pollution levels. If you live in another area I suggest that you phone around to local advertisers after chatting with others who have already transferred their UK vehicles, remembering that in most cases my book shows how you can do it yourself or at least keep the cost down by installing the changed headlights etc. We must remember that having been in your position myself, there are only a couple of suggested reasons why we should consider re-registering a UK vehicle onto Spanish plates. One is the vehicle is special, a classic or it has personal sentimental value, the other is that it is rare and likely to become a classic. Otherwise I always say sell it and buy a Spanish vehicle as we did. Getting through toll booths on your own or out of pay car-parks is so much easier. Good luck and welcome to Spain if you have recently arrived. Dear Brian, Your book says that UK vehicles (steering wheels on the right) such as vans and pickups cannot be transferred onto Spanish plates unless there is a 360 degree view from the driver’s seat. We have been chatting in the local bar and someone has told us that is no longer applicable. What is your view please? I have received an answer to this query from a Spanish specialist contact who phoned Trafico and he is grateful as he also needs to know. I do not trust phoned details from official sources until they can be positively checked as experience has proven that

15 - 21 April 2011

often a “clerk” at the source may not know or have obtained all the details. Usually they are OK with Spanish end-users information but not the special laws for expats. Even the British Consulates have been caught out on this problem here and I had to write a letter to the UK Ambassador in Madrid over a year ago to set them on the right road.. A well-known insurance company here (not only their brokers) over a three year period since 2005 insisted I was wrong over the need for periodical medicals for expats with foreign EU driving licences but eventually agreed that I was correct so I am very wary of accepting hearsay, but in this case the verbal advice supplied two Spanish law references, the latest I have to check, plus the law is being relaxed if the vehicle is used only for private purposes, that is not for commercial reasons and I was told that even a lawn-mower in the back of a pick-up truck will cause the vehicle to be stopped if the policeman in the road block suspects that it is a business use machine. A vehicle with company adverts sign-written all over it will be an obvious target as it has been for some years. The new law modified old one which I have yet to read as I have to send this column off at high speed to our esteemed Editor to catch the RTN deadline this week, is reference: RD 750/2010. Very soon after I have located it and studied it I will report back to you, dear readers. The holiday makers are returning, well we all hope they are for the money they bring, so be careful out there. It is better to avoid an accident that to suffer the stress and cost after one.

There is much more detailed information on all motoring subjects in my book. Brian Juan (John) Deller, Malaga, author, ‘Motoring in Spain’ www.spainvia.com. Tel: 666 888 870 Brian Deller, author, book Motoring in Spain, ISBN No 978 84 611 9278 6. Shops’ addresses in my web site at: www.spainvia.com/bookshopslist.htm

15 - 21 April 2011

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VENUS

Opening hours Mon - Fri 9-6pm (No siesta) Sat 10-1pm

Find us next to Petrol Station TORREMENDO 10 Minutes inland from San Miguel, Los Montesinos & Junction 751 on the AP7 towards Orihuela. Torremendo turning on CV95 towards San Miguel

2001 CITROEN BERLINGO 1.9 Diesel in silver 135,000kms tidy condition 2001 SEAT LEON 1.6i Signa Manual Climate control, electric pack Silver paintwork, 102,000Kms 1996 CITROEN XANTIA 1.8i 16v Sxi 130,000kms with aircon and electric windows, service history 2004 RENAULT MEGANE SCENIC 1.9Dci Privledge full option pack with 108,000kms and Service history 2006 SEAT ALTEA 140Tdi REFERENCE in Blue metallic with 70,000kms with 6 speed gearbox 2006 AUDI A8 4.2 Tdi All of the extras from Audi and with only 27,000kms, Super Luxury (P) 2006 FORD KA 1.3i collection 70 Silver metallic with 57,000kms Perfect for a holiday home car 1998 JEEP CHEROKEE 2.5 Turbodiesel Leather interior tow bar , full equipment, 120,000kms 1996 MERCEDES Clase C 220 Cdi Silver metallic with full option pack 158,000kms Very well looked after(P) 1999 VW GOLF GTi 1.8 TURBO Silver metallic RHD on Spanish plates nice condition 129,000Miles

€6,995

€5,995

43000kms SUZUKI VITARA CITROEN C3 70 SX Ford Focus Estate, Trend Plus 2005 1.4 HDI 2005 1.6 TDCI Diesel 2002 4X4 1.9 LTR DIESEL DIESEL, ONE OWNER

€5,995

€2,495

Ford Focus Trend 2003 1.8 Ltr TDCi Diesel

€4,495

€3,995

one owner

automatics

CITROEN C3 SX PLUS 2004 1.4 LTR PETROL

PEUGEOT 206 2001 1.4 LTR Petrol

€6,495

FSH

€9,995

27000kms

Peugeot 206 XS 2005 1.6 Ltr Petrol Automatic

25000kms

HYUNDAI GETZ 2007 1.1 LTR PETROL

€23,995

FORD KA 1997 1.3 LTR PETROL

€10,995 spanish plates

fully loaded

MERCEDES BENZ 280 SL 1995 AUTOMATIC

SMART FORFOUR 2004 1.3 LTR PETROL

BMW 328 I Convertible 2007, Auto/Tiptronic

rhd

FORD MONDEO GHIA 2008 2LTR DIESEL AUT./ TIPTRONIC LOW MILES

Ford Focus, Ghia 2001, 1.6 Ltr Petrol

Ford Transit Connect T200 2005 1.8 TDCi Diesel

UK RIGHT HAND DRIVE CARS

€2,995

€3,495

uk spanish spanish plates plates plates auto

rhd

Volkswagen Golf 1999 1.6 Ltr petrol

Ford Fiesta, Trend 2004 1.4 Ltr petrol

€7,995

uk plates

4000 miles 4rhd

o Finesse autFiesta Ford 2002 1.4 TDCI Diesel Tax & Mot, FSH

See our vehicles on our website www.venuscars.com

rhd

FORD FOCUS ZETEC 2008 1.8 LTR PETROL ONE OWNER, TAXED

Classified Ads 15 - 21 April 2011

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

Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2)

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

UK-SPAIN-IRELAND All European Destinations

Removals with the personal touch. Full/part loads. Parcels, flat packs, luggage, door to door service, Storage available, pets transported

Phone 965 696 750 • 0044 (0) 1460 74191 email: chrisyounge73979@aol.com

PRISTINE POOLS

• Professional pool maintenance & cleaning • Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems Ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed • Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired • Structural leaks investigated and repaired • Refurbishments & upgrades undertaken British Trained with over 15 years experience. Extensive references. All work guaranteed Tel: 96 677 4199 or 678 080 500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com Torrevieja and surrounding areas plus Costa Calida

15 - 21 April 2011 but can be moved 6500€ ono. Tlf-660-061-684 CAMPING LOS GALLARDOS Come to Mojacar! Large campsite + mobile home park open all year, great expat community site, all welcome. 950-528-324. www. CampingLosGallardos.com

FORMER WORLD KICKBOXING CHAMPION lessons in kickboxing/martial arts. one on one, get fit, blackbelt programs.659-696-455

SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966-865-883 (Mob) 629-308-505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz

PAWS PET TRANSPORT Spain-UK-Spain every month. We look after your pets as if they belong to us. Call Joe for a chat on 966-074-576 or 650-341-087. email:pawspettransport@hotmail.com

SSR SPEED BOAT 4.5Mtr + New Trailer. Yamaha 28hp, E/S. possibility auxiliary engine. Brand New upholstery + extras. 3000€. Tlf:- 665-068-649 SAILING BOAT ARAEZ 22FT moored MarMenor. Good condition. Marina 8 engine. Spinnaker, Depth Finder etc. Offers around 6500€. Tel 968582-358/618-489-904/UK+447895-055-198

BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home. Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424 PC SOLUTIONS 4U For all your computer needs. Reliable & Friendly service. Alicante North area.Call Fred:-634-638-664

PARTY CELEBRATION BUSINESS Stock includes Fancy-dress, Balloons, cards, decorations, display, everything you need. Value 35.000€ sell for 12.000€ ONO. Tlf 619-366-196 10 COLD DRINK/SNACK VENDING MACHINES with sites,€39,900.excellent cash income, no overhead, work from home, work only one day per week, €31,000 nett yearly. 25 pringle vending machines with sites €14,900.€250 per week guaranteed.965-326-442/659696-455 SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own product range. First class training & support. Telephone 606586587

PROBLEM SELLING OR RENTING YOUR HOUSE? Sundirectgroup, one of the leading property agencies. We can help view www. sellingproperty.eu or www. europropertycentre.eu Ana: 626-092-884 anlg14@yahoo.es ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - COSTA BLANCA Confidential Helplines South - 625-912-078 North - 648-169-045 www.aacostablanca.org

FULLY QUALIFIED UK ELECTRICIAN with 10 years experience on the CostaBlanca. All jobs undertaken-extra sockets, rewires, fault finding. Tlf:-Hugh-690-275-223

MOBILE/PARK HOMES FROM 17,000€ Fully furnished ready to move into, A/c, tel, Eng TV, on permanent site, bar/res, pool, tennis, gym, shop.Walking distance to San Javier. 5mins to beach, Airport, hospital by car. (also bungalows for rent & caravans plots short term or permanent stays.) Carol 968192-425 mob. 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com AVONDALE LEDA (UK) twin axle, Approx. 22 feet.5 Berth caravan. Good condition many extras including 5m awning. 4250Euro 966-491-354 Moraira MOBILE HOME 2 bed Aitana Mobile Home 5yrs, unfurn. sited

CARERS WANTED To work in England 3 weeks on 3 weeks off email CV to 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com A LA CARTE CHEF REQUIRED Aussies Bar, Playa Albir. Tlf:688-802-306 for details AVON NEED AGENTS AND LEADERS work hours to suit you. For info Phone Rosh 966-785-520 ADULT INTERNET PHOTO AND VIDEO Females and couples, 18-65, required as models. Excellent rates. Tlf:697-697-842 PENSION TRACKERS Looking for rewarding enjoyable work, then join our fast growing lively telemarketing booking team. If you are hardworking, enthusiastic and well organised then this is for you. Experience preferred but not essential as full training is given. Contract available after completion of training and trial period. Call:966-864-598 HYGIENIST IS REQUIRED for a dental practice in Benidorm. The person must speak Spanish and English. Please send curriculum in Spanish to flor@ id-mediterraneo.com GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY For a good Cook and Average Handyman. Small apartment in La Manga, in a chalet situated in the front line of Mar Menor, to let in exchange for light services. For full details Tlf Ernesto:968-564-022

GARDENING GENERAL Garden Irrigation Systems. Supply and Install from 500 euros, 12 month guarantee. A cost effective way of watering the garden. Tel:-965-583-574 GENERAL GARDENING Palm Trees/Pine Trees, Tree specialist. Size not a problem. Quick with quality service. Plastic and gravel work. Economical prices. Free quote. Call:-634625-792 Daniel TORREVIEJA GARDENING Palm trees, treat, clean, cut. Tel:633-300-651 ALTEA-MORAIRA GARDENING Garden Rubbish removed from 40euros. All gardening and painting 8.75 per hour OR priced work. Altea - Moraira Tel:692-998-243 TEULADA/MORAIRA GARDENING Jon Cooper Garden Services.Clearance to regular maintenance. Hedging, graveling, etc. all aspects of garden maintenance. Most areas North Costa Blanca. email:joncooper@hotmail.co.uk 680-337-656

WANTED Experienced kitchen

Designer - Salesperson required for busy showroom in Pedregeur. CAD experience preferred but applicants otherwise qualified will be considered. Full time position with basic salary and commission and contract after trial period

Tel: 96 645 6269 or 686 237 874

15 - 21 April 2011 PEDREGUER GARDENING Garden design, maintenance and landscaping covering the areas of Pedreguer, Pego, Jalon, Els Poblets, Javea, Orba and Denia. 637-298-799 JAVEA GARDENING Perfect gardens Javea. Garden design. Tidy up. Hedges, Palms, Lawns, Irrigation, Gravel, Pools. Professional service call: John on 606-711-587 CALPE GARDENING All gardening work undertaken from small general tidy up, to full landscaping services. Covering the areas of Calpe, Moraira, Javea and the surrounds. Tlf:659-369-348

FINEST FINISHES Quality painting and decorating at affordable prices. Free estimates. Tlf: Tony 680-133785/ 966-197-087 (Pedreguer and surrounding areas)

TEETH WHITENING. Professional Pain Free Cosmetic Treatment, from 99€. Javea, Denia, Calpe, areas. Tel:-680501-404 www.nulookteeth.com WEIGHT LOSS GUARANTEED/ GET FIT world class personal trainer €50 per hour. 659-696-455. PRESTIGE NURSING offers Legal, Registered and Professional Home Care on the Costa Blanca. All your home nursing care service needs can be undertaken by our highly trained nursing/ domiciliary team. Call Prestige Nursing on 687-015-517

estate or similar 30€ 966-459-625(near Denia) TRADITIONAL STYLE CASSETTE WOOD BURNER Fan assisted. Width 87cm. Height 61cm. Cost 1200€. Accept 300€. Photo available, buyer collects. 965-570-187 or 645-099-662. HAIRDRESSING EQUIPMENT 1 backwash unit, Hood Dryer on Stand, Climazon Dryer Nearly New 1000€. Genuine Interest Only Tlf:-620-408-678 AUTOMATIC GATE SYSTEMS €399!! Automatic Garage Doors €249!! Fully Installed/ Guaranteed! All brands repaired 627-191-639/ www.elektro-nex.com WHEELCHAIR Light, Foldable, Hardly used. 150€. Mobility Scooter 40km range 499€. Both like new! Tlf:-627-019-403 2 X MATCHING SOFA TABLES Circular, Diameter 60cm, Height 55cm, 3 legged pedestal base, Light oak finish. VCG. Altea area, Buyer collects. 50€ the pair. 691-202-307

AT MICHAEL’S Lovely 3-piece suite in beige leather. Two dark blue leather sofas. Comfortable blue leather recliner. See more than 600 photos on: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Exercise equipment like professional stepper etc. Large Phillips professional solarium. Visit our Port shop or see photos: www.michaels-javea.com Tlf: 965-791-328. AT MICHAEL’S you also get NEW high quality Spanish beds. All sizes available as we deal directly with the manufacturers! Famous brands like United Colors of Benetton, etc www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S brown wicker bedroom furniture, chest of drawers, bedsides, headboards etc See more than 600 photos on: www.michaels-javea.com (updates every 5-6 days) MICHAEL’S 28 YEARS IN JAVEA ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! We sell high quality pre owned furniture, many from show apartments etc. Look at: www.michaels-javea. com Tlf:965-791-328.

WANTED INSTANT CASH PAID Antique and modern jewellery, vintage watches bought sold part exchanged, insurance valuations. Jewellery & watch repairs. Alexanders, Javea Port seafron near Bar Esquina. Established since 2003. Tel: 965-792-595

S.O.S. INSURANCE Car-HomeHealth-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787123/622-275-561/686-116-297

LARGE CAR TOP BOX 8x2ft good condition complete with fittings lockable with keys 90€. Roof bars suitable mondeo

G.S PARTY HIRE Planning a party. Do you need tables,chairs,crockery,glasses. Outside catering and bar for all occasions. Then contact me for

more information on.635-109375/693-371-654/966-194-984 BALLROOM/LATIN/ SEQUENCE DANCING with LA BAMBA’s.Los Arcos Restaurant, Avenida Baleares,Torrevieja, New Beginners class Monday 10.30am-12.30pm. SOCIAL DANCE Saturday 7.30pm-10pm. Tuesday Improvers Lesson 7.30pm-8.30pm plus SOCIAL DANCE 8.30pm-10.30pm. New Venue: The Wok Royal, Benijofer (966-714-820) New Beginners Class: Monday, 7.30pm-8.30pm, Argentine Tango Class 8.30pm9pm plus SOCIAL DANCE: 8.30pm-10.30pm Tel: Andrea and Brian 616-478-157 WEIGHT WATCHERS Call our Free English call centre now to find your nearest meeting. 900-818-794

PRIVATE GARAGESALE DUE TO HOUSE SALE Sat. 16./ Sun. 17. April at 10am. Urb. Los Balcones, 30 Campoamor street, Torrevieja 03186. SUNSHADE CANVERSE, TEAK POLE 8FT SPREAD Excellent condition, base included. 35€. Tlf:965-874-323. SINGERS, DJ\’S, KJ\’S 1TB media drive inc:-110k up to date karaoke tracks, 1k + M/F/duet backing tracks, 500+music videos. 400+ music albums. Karaoke & DJ software etc etc. 225euros. CC accepted via paypal. call Paul . 659-511-951 FANTASTIC WORK HORSE JOHN DEERE tractor 515. Old but in full working condition with brand new battery, including cultivator and bucket. Three arm hydraulics. Operates on red diesel. Selling due to house move. Good buy at 3,000euros. Brand new cast iron log burner. Never been used. Self cleaning glass fronted doors. Including flue. 300euros. Wrought iron double bed with mattress (50 euros) and three single beds with mattress 30euros each. All immaculate condition. Aspe near Elche area.Telephone 645-746-502 BEV´S CAKES For all occasions, made to your specification. Alfaz/Benidorm areas. Call for more info 670-533-488 KARAOKE MEDIA PLAYER Special Offer 500GB. 80,000songs, software, songbooks, bar/home use. 195euros Tlf:-657-766-341 POOL, SNOOKER TABLES Also Table Tennis and Darts. Will beat any price!. Tlf:666-933-726. www.spainpool.com

MAZDA 3 2.0 Sportive 150CV 2008 / 37.000kms Alloys, Climate, Sensor Lights 12 Months Warranty (Parts & Labour) Price: 10.799€ + Transf AUTOELITE Industrial Estate TEULADA Tel: 902 222 095 stefanie@autoelite.es

PEUGEOT 308 1.6 Hdi Confort 2008 / 48.633kms Metalic Paint, Climate, RadioCd 12 Months Warranty (Parts & Labour) Price: 10.999€ + Transf AUTOELITE Industrial Estate TEULADA Tel: 902 222 095 stefanie@autoelite.es

CITROEN Berlingo 1.9 D Combi 2006 / 45,215kms AirCon, Central Lock 4 Available, 12 Months Warranty (Parts & Labour) Price: 6,499€ (IVA Incl) + Transf AUTOELITE Industrial Estate TEULADA Tel: 902 222 095 stefanie@autoelite.es

FORD Mondeo 2.0 TDCi AUTOMATIC 2008 / 52241KMS, GHIA, ALLOYS, AUTO-LIGHTS, CRUISE CONTROL, 12 Months Warranty (Parts & Labour) Price: 12.999€ + Transf AUTOELITE Industrial Estate TEULADA Tel: 902 222 095 stefanie@autoelite.es

LOOKING FOR A CAR? We have a nice selection of LHD and RHD Vehicles for sale or exchange from only 1500€, Automatics, Saloons, MPV´s, 4x4´s, Sports, Cariolets, and Commercials. New and used Vehicles Sourced. Tel Frank your friendly English car sales on the Costa Blanca. Tel 600-726622/965-687-976 or simply view our easy to use website www.fwreurocars.com NISSAN QASHQAI 1.6 2007 2 owners, F/S/H, Titanium Silver, Alloys, Cruise Control, Rear Park Sensors, Light Sensors, CD, Stunning example. 10,950€. Tel Frank your friendly English car sales on the Costa Blanca. Tel 600-726-622/965-687-976 or simply view our easy to use website BLUE OPEL CORSA 2004, 1.3 TD, 5 DR, 57K genuine kms. 1 owner from new. Full electrics, cd player, power steering. ITV 2012, SUMA paid. 2995€ Call:627-463-523 BREAKERS YARD HGV, Vans, 4x4, Cars, Bikes. Most vehicle parts in stock. Delivery service for engines, etc. Vehicle sales and scrappage service. Free pick-up and transfer. Call 692790-377. E-mail: hgmservices@yahoo.com BUMPERS, WINGS AND MIRRORS All body panels for all cars supplied. Tel:-966-877-145 or 618-592-396 HEADLIGHTS4U.COM Left hand drive headlights supplied and fitted. All makes. Also air conditioning rechargeTel:-966877-145 or 618-592-396 WANTED Scrap cars, vans, lorries, plant and caravans. Turn your scrap into cash. Free collection. Tel.689929395 WE BUY any car,van,motorhome,boat, jet ski. Instant decision at good prices. Tel 680 -665-583 WANTED I buy any car, van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600-781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com

OPEL Corsa II 1.3 CDTi Enjoy 2007 / 58.917kms Alloys, Climate, Easy to Park 12 Months Warranty (Parts & Labour) Price: 7.799€ + Transf AUTOELITE Industrial Estate TEULADA Tel: 902 222 095 stefanie@autoelite.es

Ford Ka 2008 - 3 door hatch 1.3. 22,000 kms, 1 owner. Full service history. A/C, PAS, ABS €5,750

600-726-622 | 96555-687-976

www.fwreurocars.com

Mercedes CLK230

Cabriolet Auto/Tip 1999 (2000 model) 2.3 Auto Kompressor 170,000 kms, 3 owners Full service history

€8,450

600-726-622 | 96555-687-976

www.fwreurocars.com

15 - 21 April 2011

FINEST FINISHES Quality painting and decorating at affordable prices. Free estimates. Tlf: Tony 680-133785/ 966-197-087 (Pedreguer and surrounding areas) WARNING!!! Are you exterior painting? Before you paint, get this FREE essential report. Tlf:966-114-546 or download at www.paintmyvilla.com PAINTOR AND DECORATOR Exterior/interior Spray Painting Specialist. Woodwork, iron work, all aspects. For a free friendly, no obligation quote call Kevin Guilfoyle. 965-831-209/636-653516 or Guifoyle.kev66@gmail.com

AGENCY CAMPANILLA Pretty and pleasant girls only for hotel and home service. 24hr. Discreet. Seriousness. Alicante and Murcia areas. Call us 626-750-746. WONDERFUL MASSAGE 4 HANDS Stimulating erotic points, Oriental techniques to retard erection ejaculation....La Zenia 10 minutes, Torrevieja, Los Montesinos 600-784-461 NEW IN LA ZENIA Argentinian horny woman, enjoys giving you pleasure and also special attention to couples, fetish, role change, voyeurism. 629-437-893 MAY-EROTIC FROM INDONESIA 38 petite attractive will spoil you with a sensual relaxing massage. Visit out only. No withheld numbers. Call:698-896-034. Mon-Fri BEAT THE CREDIT CRUNCH! Blonde, English, Aged 44. 40€ all inclusive. Tlf:-626-324-088 I AM NO SPRING CHICKEN! But I would welcome a sincere lady for companionship and friendship in the Torrevieja Area. Tlf:-966-784-665 SPANISH LADY PLAYA FLAMENCA near new Carrefour before La Florida. 35 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking. Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, economical prices from 40€. Full discretion. Call Ana 680-735-412 BI-GAY PLUMBER, ALICANTE. W/E Spanner. Offers Ballcock & overflow massages to ladies,gents & couples. Tlf:660-409-206.

TORREVIEJA TRANS PERLA Stunning Blonde.Huge breasts, sculptural body.Speciality erotic masage.Very feminine and sexy. Call me 671-424-456 TORREVIEJA BRAZILIAN Lovely Lady. Stress! Have Silken Hands Massage, Relax, Pleasure, Discretion. Escort Service. 664-664-390 CASA ANGELA TORREVIEJA Luxury Private Chalet, parking. Drinks invitation. Feeling alone? Just want some company? Exotic girls from South America. Call us, come and enjoy! Also Escort Service. Full discretion. Street: Avenida Asociacion Vistimas del Terrorismo. 609-573-468 or 639-832-118 NEW PLACE! TORREVIEJA Sexy girls from South America. Come and enjoy, economical prices from 40?. NEW ADDRESS Zone Los Locos beach. 639-622-285 TORREVIEJA CHINESE SUPER SEXY Young and beautiful. Calle Orihuela Nº60, 2º1 DANI 24, SWEET GERMAN GIRL Offers erotic service. House and Hotel visits or in my apartment. 650-104-534 Torrevieja PORNO DVD´S! The Best You´ve Ever Seen! Gay, Bestial, She-Male, BDSM 10€ each. Rebecca:-Tlf:-636-929-511 ARE YOU MALE, FEMALE OR A COUPLE? Need some Sexy FUN? Contact me soonest. 63 year old Dom/Sub switch. Available for fun with Males, Dom and Sub and Cross Dressers, Females Dominatrix and Submissive. Couples including Same Sex Couples. “Anything Goes” Can sometimes accomodate. Home Visits no extra Charge/Low Fees. Call me now on 655-058-554 GORGEOUS ENGLISH BLOND 45 years, Massage, 1 hour or over night, 15 mins Alicante airport.Tel:-Karen 662-049-021 ELEGANT, SLIM, SEXY LADY ESCORT My Place, Home or Hotel visits. Torrevieja-La Manga-Mazarron Areas. Tlf:693-357-526

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired. Professional, consciencious service to the highest standards. Refurbishments and upgrades undertaken. Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems, ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed. All work guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 15 years experience. 8 years served on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf:- Pristine Pools

on 966-774-199 or 678-080-500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965-725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743048 www.pooltechspain.com

ORIHUELA COSTA, URB. LAS CHIMOSAS Quadro: 2 bedrooms, livingroom, american kitchen, bathroom, wintergarden with fireplace, solarium, 2 terraces, aircondition, central heating. 90.000€ negotiable. Tlf: 966-722-902/ 696-657-874. TORREVIEJA, URB. LOS BALCONES Chalet 1100sq. m land, 2 apartments: First- 4 bedrooms, livingroom with fireplace, dining room, 2 bathrooms, kitchen. Second- 2 bedrooms, livingroom, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, 2 carports, outside kitchen, small house, aircondition, central heating. 295.000€ negotiable. Tlf: 966-722-902/ 696-657-874. ALBIR APARTMENT 1bedroom, terrace overlooking swimming pool/gardens, South facing. Cool heat system. Garage and storage. Close to services. 155.000€. 697-107-847. MOBILE/PARK HOMES On Camping Pueblo in San Javier from 15,000e Carol 968-192-425 mob 626-055-622 Www,mobileh omesmarmenorspain.com SPECIAL OFFER Los Altos, Detached Villa, 220 square metre plot, only 104,000€ 669283-973 VILLAMARTIN AREA Middle Town House, 2/3 Bedrooms, Bathroom, Seperate Toilet, Garage, F/F, Fitted Kitchen, 84.000€. Tlf:-669-283-973 LOOKING TO RELOCATE We have new and pre-owned luxury park homes for sale throughout the UK 12 month occupancy part exchange considered on your Spanish or UK home for more information call 0044-1516332321 or email : alan.aitken@hotmail.co.uk CLASSIC SPANISH OLD TOWN HOUSE CALLOSA. 3 double bedrooms (one en-suite) new kitchen, large living room/ diner. Bbq terrace and LOTS more. Recently reformed/fully furnished. 135,000€ Tel: 609-177-032.

LARGE EMPTY VAN with experienced owner, driver returning to UK regularly. Dave: 965-329-610/ 686-767-839 MAN & LWB SPRINTER VAN going to UK- Spain twice a month. Tel: 610-846-260 or 0044-7519-186-355 email:-van. man@hotmail.co.uk

BRAND NEW TWO BED FLAT In Algorfa, partly furnished, town centre, communal pool.350euro inclusive . No bills to pay. Ring:0044-7949-589-539 1 BED PART FURNISHED BUNGALOWS on Camping Pueblo in San Javier. With lots of ameneties Carol tel 968-192-425 mob. 626-055-662 Www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com JALON VALLEY Quality apartments and Villas to let long term. All facilities. Call Rod 605-231-331 CLOSE TO THE VILLAGE OF ALTEA LA VELLA Refurbished Apartment. Fully Furnished. A/C and C/H, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, large lounge, Kitchen/Diner. 40M2 Sun Terrace with Bar-bque. Very large Garden, Private Pool. Transport essential. No Pets or Small Children. 495€ per month plus bills. Available Now. Tlf:-966-881-048/691-202-307

EUROMOVE4U Full & Part Loads. Spain to UK/UK to Spain on a regular monthly basis. Cars & Motorcycles transported Next run to UK-End of April Returning Early May. Sep Space Available Call Grant or Jan Office 0034965-300-959 Mobile 0034-648102-529 UK Mob 0044-7803-893-719. SIMPLY REMOVALS SpainUK-Spain. Local/Storage. Experienced in Transport. Mel Landon (Torrevieja). Tlf:-603192-957. email:melvyynleo@yahoo.com VAN LEAVING FOR THE U/K every two weeks space both ways. Great rates contact Joe on 966-074-576 or 650-341-087 or email civic1235@msn.com MICK WITH HIS VAN Removals Collections Deliveries. For a reliable effective service. Hourly rate or quote. Call Mick anytime 600-247-535

NATIVE SPANISH INTERPRETER (ENGLISH) Lessons based on conversational skills. Doctor visits/legal/tax office. Albir&Surrounding. Transport provided.Carlos 697-107-847. QUALIFIED TRANSLATOR Bi-Lingual Spanish-English, High Level French and German. Confidential and Reliable Service. Competative Rates. Torrevieja Area. Call Virginia on 629-201-192. ASSISTANCE AT THE DOCTORS Hospital, Police, etc., Help to interpret mail and documents. 30 years experience in Benidorm and local towns.667-323-289 TRANSLATOR Spanish and English speaking. Available for medical visits etc. Benidorm and surrounding areas. Tel Dawn: 626-337-258.

SPANISH LESSONS ONLINE I can teach you the easiest way to speak Spanish.Tlf:-600-400-668. www.howtospeakspanish.es COMPUTER TUTOR Software training, ebusiness education, website publishing, photography, videography and more DIY tips and tricks for all of your business and personal needs. Karla Darocas - certified instructor since 1990. Tel: 96 597 3234 info@KarlaDarocas. com Referrences - www. KarlaDarocas.com BRITISH GRADUATE TEACHER Offers secondary/primary tuition. English/Mathematics. Tel:Margaret Johnson B.Ed. 965-350-516/616-660-687

SKYSUPPLIES Humax and Sky+ HD. Sales, Repairs, Hard Drive Upgrades. White Cards, LNBs, Remotes, Realignments. 1.9m Dish Wanted. 966-194-013/600-899-096 ALL SATELLITE SYSTEMS Installed, Maintained and Repaired. 10 years experience with Satellites in Spain. All areas covered. Tlf:-Hugh-690-275-223 CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV for all your digital and TV requirements. No Annual Fees on Sky Cards. Steve:-660-186-505/Ros:965-584-097. www.ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com

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15 - 21 April 2011

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15 - 21 April 2011

The final whistle With Andy Kay

RTN Golf Club update

www.andykayevents.com

Failing Fernando Dennis Jordan NORTH REGION

Mike Probert SOUTH REGION

Fernando Torres

When Chelsea paid £50 million for Fernando Torres and Liverpool splashed out £35 million for Andy Carroll I thought it was the Londoner’s who had got the best deal, no question. But things haven’t quite worked out how many of us expected. While Carroll seems to have settled in on Merseyside, Torres is still without a goal since he moved south. Not wishing to stick the boot in when a man is down (well not too much anyway) I thought I’d share with you my 3 favourite Torres jokes that have been ‘tweeted’ to me this week: Why is Fernando Torres like a jigsaw? Because he falls to pieces in the box. Teacher to class: “What does your dad do at weekends?” Little boy: “He’s a Strip-O-Gram and he takes his clothes off for women on Hen nights.” The teacher takes him outside and asks, “Is that true?” The little boy replies: “No miss, I made it up. My Dad is Fernando Torres but I was too embarrassed to say.” Torres has just been admitted to the magic circle after beating David Blaine’s record of doing nothing in a box for 40 days. Let’s not get ready to rumble Sky TV does boxing really well. They have good presenters, a knowledgeable set of pundits and one or two top class commentators – John Rawling of late being a very welcome addition. But they’ve also hosted some tat over the years and too much of it has been on Sky Box Office. Nothing annoys a boxing fan more to have shelled out £15 to what a pile of rubbish – Harrison v Haye being a case in point. PPV fights should be few and far between, maybe two or three big occasions a year. Amir Khan versus Paul McCloskey certainly isn’t one of those. While the decision to put it on Sky Box Office in the first place was a strange one, the move to switch it to Sky Sports 3 made sense. What does not was for the Khan team to refuse that deal and go to the little known Primetime channel. If they get a few thousand viewers paying £14.95 to watch the contest (and a decidedly average undercard) I’ll be amazed. At least on Sky Sports 3, Khan would have enjoyed the support if not the cash of upwards of 500,000 fans. Short-sighted or what? Eye Eye Some people seem to be shocked that England rugby winger Mark Cueto only got a nine week ban after being found guilty of ‘making contact with the eye area’ (known as gouging in my day) of Northampton player Christian Day. The RFU said that Cueto provided compelling evidence which resulted in a lenient sentence. In fact, Cueto’s evidence was a letter from Day stating that the England player didn’t gouge his eyes at all. As it happens, Cueto pleaded guilty on the basis that the charge included the phrase ‘eye area’ and he had gripped Day’s face close to his eyes, supposedly in an attempt to grab his scrum-cap. This was not an admission of gouging. Confused? I know I am.

Murcia Golf Hound Murcia Region

Hi All, Hope the golf is going well, I have had a lot of play recently, also lots of groups and societies over from the UK and we have thoroughly enjoyed every game. Don’t forget to cover yourself with sun oil, already I have seen a lot of burnt faces and arms, the wind makes it feel cooler but the sun is still very strong and hot and protecting your skin from the strong rays is very important. Every year we have a lovely, very talented lady from Ireland, Jan Dinsdale, train with us. She took the Ladies South African Open for a fifth time last year and will be playing to retain her title in May 2011. Also she won the British Blind Ladies Open, the World Disabled Championships and finished off winning the Ladies at the Italian Open, Jan also Captained Team Ireland against Scotland Blind Golf in a mini Ryder Cup (the Celtic Challenge) where they stormed through with 6.5 to their 2.5 win. We wish Jan best wishes and good luck for this years competitions. The Twilight offer at El Plantio is very good if you book with the RTN Golf membership card then you can play anytime after 12 noon which is fantastic as it is normally after 3pm. Twilight Offer without Buggy is 35euros and with a Buggy is 45euros.

Well here we are in the first weeks of April, the weather is getting better and the days are getting longer so what better time to dust off the clubs and venture out onto the local golf courses. I played Saurines de la Torre last week for the first time since the re-opening in January and while the course is still wearing a ‘winter coat’ and the clubhouse facilities are still very limited this is a course well worth a visit and the greens in particular will test your skill, nerves and patience. The recently announced special deal at La Peraleja is proving to be popular with residents and tourists alike and the course is filling rapidly as a result so book up earlier rather than later to avoid disappointment. Remember also the special deal at Vistabella of €82 for two players and a buggy available to RTN members only (usual public price €92) which is yet another good example of a reason to join the RTN Golf Club. The extremely good prices at Altorreal continue to attract golfers and remember that being located so close to IKEA and the major shopping centres in Murcia provides an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a day out. What a great week of golf at The Masters!!! If that doesn’t get your juices flowing and give you the urge to get out on the links then nothing will!!! A great four birdie run on the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th from Charl Schwartzel was more than worthy of winning the coveted green jacket. With so many other potential winners it made for a thrilling finale and reminded us of everything that we love and hate about the game. From Schwartzel´s delight to the despair of McIlroy (there are a few courses in this region where we’ve all deposited a Pro V1 or two in the gardens) with side plots from Woods´s last day charge to Scott and Day´s push at the end, it all made for an exciting last days golf. Wasn´t it great to see all this action unfolding on the meticulously prepared golf course of Augusta National. We have all come to expect this level of presentation from the Mackenzie designed course, but wouldn’t it be great to see some of their initiative displayed on the golf courses in our region!!!. Las Colinas has without doubt raised the bar and Desert Springs is of a similar stature. Commercially this makes sense, as every aspect of the course is taken on board by the visiting golfer and reflects one way or another on their experience. This doesn’t have to be to the same level as Augusta National but if the simple things are done well, golfers will return time after time. Keep an eye on Murcia Golf for more information along these lines with more golf course reviews to come!

NORTH Region

Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

Alenda

€45

Single Green fee

Alicante Golf

€46

Single Green fee + Buggy

Bonalba

€42

Single Green fee

Don Cayo

€43

Single Green fee

El Plantio

€45

Single Green fee

Font del Llop

€40

Single Green Fee

Villaitana Par 62

€39

Single Green fee + Buggy

Villa Aitana Par 72

€45

Single Green fee

For more information email Dennis at dennis@roundtownnews.com or direct to www.benidormgolf.com on 630 714 373.

SOUTH Region Golf Course

RTN Price

Altorreal

€55

Comments

€65

2 Players and 1 Buggy (Mon-Fri) 2 Players and 1 Buggy (Tue,Wed,Thurs)

Hacienda del Alamo

€30

Single Green Fee (3pm)

La Serena

€90

Single Green Fee (3pm)

Polaris World Courses

€92

2 Players and 1 Buggy(3pm)

Roda

€100

2 Players and 2 Buggy (limit)

Las Ramblas

€33

Single Green Fee (3pm)

VistaBella

€82

Single Green Fee (S.Deal)

La Finca

€42

Single Green Fee (2.30pm)

Las Colinas

€260

4 Players and 1 Buggy (3pm)

€76

2 Players and 1 Buggies

€140

4 Players and 2 Buggy

La Peraleja

For more information contact Mike at mike@roundtownnews.com or direct at Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931.

MURCIA Region Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

La Envia

€41

Single Green fee

Valle del Este

€70

2 Green fees

Aguilón

€40

Single Green fee

Alborán

€48

Single Green fee

Two night stay

€189

Almerimar

€60

Single Green Fee

Desert Springs

€65

Single Green fee

2N, 1/2board,3Green Fees

For more information contact the Hound on Facebook, twitter: murciagolf@roundtownnews.com or 671 748 625.

ANYONE FOR FOOTBALL? Aged between 20 to 40 ? Torrevieja area Call Doug on 628 789 335

Where are they all? Noel’s world of golf By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Campo de Golf El Plantio 639 730 891

We are now in the middle of what our local golf courses consider “ High Season”. A time of year they look to make their profits that will carry them through the quieter summer months and into next season. This year has been the quietest in recent history for the visiting British holidaymakers but why? Yes we as well as the rest of the world are in recession and there is not as much money around as there used to be. Is it because for the holidaymaking golfer our local golf courses do not represent value for money? That could well be the answer. When you consider that a round of golf in England on a good quality course can be had for eighteen pounds our prices of around eighty euros does not look like good value for money does it? So just what is the answer? Well we could start with not having a “high season” at all. Something that is surely just an excuse to overcharge holidaymaking golfers for the plentiful sunshine we enjoy at this time of the year? For many years I have said the prices should remain the same all year around for the resident golfer in particular but maybe now golfers are much more aware that cheaper golf is available in other parts of Europe. France in particular offers fantastic value for money on many of its courses. Portugal is far too expensive but that is where many of the Spanish golf course owners look to when they compare their prices. Convenient I know but not realistic. So where do we go from here? Well we have to offer value for money or as sure as hell the holidaymaking golfers will continue to go elsewhere and in value for money I don not jus mean cheaper. I mean golf courses in good condition with staff that make the customer welcome and are concerned that the customer has enjoyed their visit. We have to

provide something our Spanish hosts are not the best at, customer care. There are many things that can be done to make sure that a visit to the golf club can be thoroughly enjoyable, many simple such as have a buggy that will last 18 holes, a trolley that has a handle that won’t break, an electric trolley that does 18 holes and does not have a mind of it’s own. Then there are such things as giving players some idea of where the holes are on the greens, accurate measurements to the front of the greens. The list goes on and on. For all our sakes I hope the golf course owners realise this very soon, the last thing we need to see is any more of our golf clubs go into bankruptcy protection. Win a round of golf for 2 including buggy at the beautiful El Plantio resort in Alicante To enter this competition simply answer the question below correctly. Every correct answer will be entered into a draw at the end of the month and the winner of this fantastic prize worth over 180 euros will be picked at random at the end of each month. Send your entries by email to golf@roundtownnews.com. The decision of the editor of Round Town News will be final in making the winning selection. Question for 22nd April 2011: Who is the last European winner of The US Masters”? A. Jose Maria Olazabal B. Ian Woosnam C. Bernhard Langer All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 1st May 2011 to be entered into April’s draw, which will be made on May 1st. The winner will be announced in Round Town News on May 6th 2011.

Any questions you have for Noel should be sent to golf@roundtownnews.com

Cast Off with

Robbie France

We’re going to take a short break from the normal content this week and have a look at some of your emails. So….I received an interesting email from Glen Dawes & his family. As well as some of my regular listeners to my radio shows. Yes, gang. I am renovating my boat. It’s a 1967 German Marina Werft Carina class sailboat. It’s the second boat I’ve renovated, having said, (foolishly!), I wouldn’t do it again. I saw it late last year and fell in love with her. Now, let me explain a couple of things to you about this process. Firstly; your learning curve on the ‘DIY chart’ will resemble an upturned banana! Secondly; the trepidation you may feel can easily be matched by the joy of doing this job with good mates, family and the right amount of humour. If you’re prepared to watch your mast being gently placed on the marina, to attach an anemometer, (that’s the wind speed thingamajig)…with all manner of things, such as fag packets, pliers and hammers all gently placed to balance said thingamajig in an appropriate way… whilst waiting for the glue to set firm? Well…this is the stuff for you! As for a camaraderie experience? This is as good as it gets. Highly recommended.

Caveat Emptor… if you are thinking of buying to renovate and sell. You may be barking up the wrong tree. It’s not the financial thing, you see. No…it’s just the fact you may fall in love with her. Yes, that’s right ladies & gentlemen. I’m having an affair. With a German lass, ‘of an age’. She’s been round the block a bit, but knows where to push my buttons, if you get my drift. Solid stern. (By ‘eck… what a rudder!). Lovely bough…And when she’s made up? Cor! What a cracker! Actually. Forget Pygmalion… In marine terms? This is more like an oedipus complex! Seriously, Glen…if you’re thinking of renovating a boat? There’s a little mental alarm bell you will need. To ring at appropriate moments. Like, ermm… well, any time you visit a chandlery; any time you think you’ll ‘do it next week’; and most importantly… ‘there ya go! I’m finished!’ That phrase, whilst tempting? You may think it for a split second, then you’ll take a reality check. This is boating, mate. Whether it be wiping her down from sandy rain, or checking her cleats for any sign of rust. You WILL fall in love with her. And you’ll always want to be with her. That’s why getting the wife involved in this maritime menage a trois is the only honorable thing to do!

Samm Spring racing series started on Sunday The Sailing Association Mar Menor’s First Race Day of the Spring Series began on a beautiful hot sunny day on Sunday 10th April. There were light North Easterly winds in the morning and stronger Easterly winds in the afternoon. The results of the racing after the handicaps had been calculated were: The winners Vernon O´Byrne and John Down, in Shoestring Tres, the Shoestring group’s Lazer. Second were Mark Lambourne and the same crew as the morning race in the Catamaran, inspite of its slow start and the penalty 360 degrees turn. Third were Danny Scot as skipper and his crew, Margaret his wife, Chris Rook and Henryk Kokocinski in Gemini Unoa,

belonging to the Deltania group of SAMM. We are now all looking forward to the next Race on Sunday 24th April. If you would like to come and take part, can you let us know at least 7 days in advance of your intention to race, if you have your own boat arrangements can be made for you to use the slipway at CAR to launch it. We will be racing dinghies, multi-hulls and cruisers. This is an all day event with two races, one in the morning starting at 11.30 am and the second at 2.00 pm in the afternoon, with a break for lunch in between. Registration starts at 10.30 am. Want to know more? Please contact John at: john.down@sailingmarmenor.com

15 - 21 April 2011

Fishing Maggots End by

David Hoare

968 199 279

For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@gonuts4free.com This week’s match was the final round of the Round Town News challenge cup. The venue again this week, was the Rio Segura at Murcia. Although the river is still carrying extra water, it is fishing well. Whether you are fishing the feeder in the flow or the pole in the slack water by the reeds, there are plenty of fish to catch, as can be seen by the results. Also, a variety of baits will produce!!!. Although the weather has now changed for the better, be prepared if fishing Murcia, that come midday the wind will get up and your gear needs to be anchored down. It is also better not to park your car on the pathway as we have been told that the police have booked some anglers. Even the Spanish park their cars at the top of the alley, if that is not a clue?. Top rods on the day 1st Doug (Welsh Goldminer) Hornblow fishing the pole using maggot with 31.38 kg 2nd Dave ( Yours Truly ) Hoare fishing the pole using corn with 22.84 kg 3rd Dave (The Sweetie Man) Hutchinson fishing the pole using pellet with 20.78 kg Rods and Reels with 107.27 kg Abbey Anglers with 89.16 kg Accumulative weights Rods and Reels with 164.39 kg Abbey Anglers with 160.82 kg Well done to Rods and Reels who had to make up a 14 kg deficit, from the last match. A good team effort. ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied by TERRY SCREEN This week’s final match of the Abbey Angling Cup on the 5th April 2011 was fished at Beniarres Reservoir which is 142 kilometers away on the other side of the city of Alcoy. There is a new by-pass under construction and the stretch that avoids the city centre is now open, making traveling quicker and easier not having to negotiate through the city which was previously a nightmare to drive through. On arrival at the lake the temperature was down to only 7 degrees, it was 15 degrees when we left home, to our surprise the water level was down a good 10 to 12 feet from our last visit which allowed us to fish on the original match stretch. The wind as usual got up around mid-day as it always does there, making it hard work fishing with the pole. The winner on the day was Stan (The Man) Roberts with 36.020kg fishing the pole and corn 2nd Paul (The Fryer) Baxter with 34.480kg on pole and paste. 3rd Bill (The Master) Reade with 19.100kg on the feeder and corn. Bill Reade is also the winner of the Abbey Angling Cup with a total of 66points (Well done!) 2nd was Stan Roberts with 55points. Next week sees the start of the Spring Series Cup with hopefully the better weather to look forward to. These and all other details are available from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 965 328 368.

Torry Army Music Quiz

Torry Army are holding a Music Quiz on Tuesday 19th April at Hoggies Bar San Luis starting at 7.30 p.m. Cost is 6 euros per person which includes a basket meal. Tickets can be purchased from the Torry Army office at San Luis or Hoggies Bar.