RTN North Edition 606 by Round Town News

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Issue 606

27 may - 02 june 2011

Couple’s little miracle

Solar energy Learn the facts about installing a solar energy hot water system and the grants available. p39

by Jack Troughton

Trainspotting: the wedding express

John and Lorraine share a Casey Jones moment

Guests at John and Lorraine Spencer wedding travelled in style as they were ferried on a specially hired holiday train. Read the full story on page 3.

SKILLFUL MEDICAL teams saved the life of baby Leana born last August suffering from the incredibly rare Vacterl Association – a condition that causes a number of birth defects. Parents Wayne Hutton and fiancée Nicole Matthews told RTN how their brave little daughter has undergone a series of major operations since her birth by emergency caesarean at Denia Hospital. A total of 17 prenatal scans had highlighted some of the problems but failed to spot a problem with Leana’s oesophagus – within minutes she had undergone an emergency tracheotomy and was rushed to Alicante in a hitech ambulance for a mammoth 11 hour operation. And in her short life the tot – known for her bravery, good nature and cheeky smile – has already been through four major opera-

tions to correct problems. Wayne and Nicole, who recently moved to Javea from Murla, wanted to tell of their little daughter’s plight after reading letters in the press moaning abut the Spanish health service. “I thought that’s it, something has to be said because what they did for my daughter was a miracle – it saved her life,” said Wayne. “She is living and breathing proof that the health service here is fantastic and I take my hat off to all the doctors and nurses.” Vacterl Association – sometimes known as Vacterl Syndrome – develops in early pregnancy, possibly from defective chromosomes. It causes a range of seven groups of problems – Leana needed surgery to her oesophagus and anus, while a kidney condition is carefully monitored and checks made of her heart. Continued on page 3

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

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27 may - 02 june 2011

Spate of shoplifting in Alicante

continued from front page “Doctors were everywhere and brought her back to life. She had an emergency tracheotomy and was put in an incubator.” Wayne chased the ambulance down to Alicante; Nicole was forced to wait in Denia for news. “They had been very thorough all through the pregnancy, I had 17 scans and they knew of the kidney problem very early on,” added Nicole. “Because of the problems they keep checking her and a number of times we have to take her for blood tests – currently they are studying one kidney to decide whether to remove it or whether it will cause problems in the future.. “But we are very fortunate they can operate and solve the problems. Years ago they would not be able to do that and Leana would not be here.”

THE NATIONAL Police arrested 11 shoplifters in Alicante in a 24 hour period earlier this week. Two minors lifted laptops from shops and homes in the city and a party of three, two men and one woman, stole several items of clothing valued at more than 400€ in a specially lined bag to screen its contents from security alarms in a local shopping centre. All have been charged.

Trainspotting: the wedding express

HOME Wayne said when he first arrived at Alicante the translator had finished her shift but refused to go home and waited for him to arrive. ”The surgeons came out still in their scrubs and explained what they had done and how happy they were with the operation,” he said. “They brought Leana out and it looked as if she had been beaten with a baseball bat.” At the time he said he was in “massive distress” seeing his tiny daughter taken away and put into ICU and transferred in an ambulance “Which looked like the Space Shuttle inside”. And both parents praised the dedication of all the medical teams that helped Leana and continue to be involved as the baby recovers. Nicole said: “I was at Denia doing some paperwork and stopped for a drink and the ambulance came in and asked how she was. When we are at Alicante for tests the sur-

Nicole with little Leana

geons always ask after her.” Wayne added: “They are just so personable and on the ball – they call Leana their miracle baby.

NEWLYWEDS JOHN and Lorraine Spencer were able to wave off their wedding guests from Moraira Castle as they let the train take the strain. After they tied the knot in a civil ceremony inside the historic watchtower’s walls on Monday, the couple emerged into the sunshine to be greeted by family and friends and toasted with bubbly. Photographs were taken against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean before it was all aboard for the journey back to Spencer’s Bistro on the Moraira to Calpe coast road for the reception. And transport played a big part in the day. While guests were ferried on the specially hired holiday train, “She is always smiling and happy – she is Lorraine arrived in an open-topped an amazing young lady when you consider Morgan sports car and the couple left in a white Rolls Royce. all she has been through.”

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

15-M: When will they go home? by Jan Gamm 15-M IS becoming a by-word for organised protest and living proof of the power of serene demonstration on the part of the citizen masses. This is no passing mob with a few banners and a flask of coffee. This is a tide of determined human outrage with more than a basic knowledge of modern communication gizmos capable of calling up support via petitions that expand at an incredible 5,000 signatures per second, Tweeting on a live stream encompassing the entire civilised World. Los Indignados, based at the Puerto del Sol, also known as simply ‘Sol’ are nothing if not organised, with an army of volunteers smart enough to understand that a self-sufficient and comfortable crowd will stay in place for a longer period if there is a reliable porta-loo nearby; so encouraging the demonstrations to continue… WHO ARE THEY? Mostly well-educated ‘twenty-somethings’- young and fit enough to rough it out under tarpaulins in the rain if necessary,

for a long time… They started on 15th May (hence the name 15-M) with just 40 protesters that quickly mushroomed into thousands that effectively killed off the Socialist government’s last hopes of re-election on 22nd May. They are representative of the 44% of Spain’s young intelligentsia that is skilled, qualified and tragically unemployed. WHAT DO THEY WANT? They want everything that many of us have and some take for granted. They want jobs. They want a workable social and political system free of corruption. They are sick of the economic crisis and want radical change - now. And they are prepared to be ‘difficult’ if they do not get it. The 15-M movement sees the present political system in Spain as unfair and demands representative democracy and also participative democracy. They want to see an end to lifetime incomes for politicians and want politicians under investigation for corruption to be removed from electoral lists.

Protests continue

Shopkeepers have politely asked demonstrators to remove their posters from shop windows and street lamps, saying the chaotic untidiness is bad for business. “I have not sold anything for a week,” said one newsagent, “…and if you complain they brand you a fascist!” WHEN WILL IT END? It is widely thought the demonstrations will fizzle out with the introduction of the

new government and a meeting is scheduled for Sunday to debate a continuance. Pundits believe that even if the demonstrators go home now, they will return prior to the 2012 election. Sol is more than a few disgruntled students and young out-of-work professionals flinging their Tweets out of the pram. This is a modern political movement with the potential to derail political and fiscal reform that does not run along the lines they envisage for a New Spain.

Flagging priorities in Catalonia By Jan Gamm THE SPANISH Parliament is to debate on whether the Spanish flag will be removed from public buildings in Catalonia in response to a proposal put forward by the CiU (Catalan Nationalist Party). The CiU claims that provided the Spanish flag is present somewhere within a building, the interests of current legislation and

formalities are satisfactorily upheld and there is no requirement for the flag to be flown either inside or outside of said buildings. One RTN reader commented, “With four million unemployed, families struggling to survive, the streets full of 15-M protestors, the economy on its knees and the country wrestling with the transfer of power from a Socialist government it is interesting to

The Spanish and Catalan flag

Forensics link StraussKahn to the scene

learn that the CiU’s first priority is securing a decision on what kind of flag should fly on the roof.”

FORENSIC INVESTIGATION services have confirmed that DNA traces on the victim’s clothing have linked the disgraced former managing director of the IMF, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, to the crime scene in a luxury Manhattan hotel, where ‘DSK’, as he is called, is charged with committing seven counts of sexual abuse and attempted rape. He is presently under house arrest against bail of one million dollars.

27 may - 02 june 2011

Zapatero sings the blues by Jack Troughton PRIME MINISTER Zapatero and his PSOE party were the losers after Spain went to the polls on Sunday as rivals Partido Popular made substantial gains across the country. In a vote that was seen as a referendum on the national government and its economic policies, the map turned blue. The Premier has refused to call an early general election despite the results – a position generally reflected locally across Valencia and Alicante –and despite a demand from PP leader Mariano Rajoy claiming the country had lost confidence in the socialist cause. However, Mr Zapatero is backed by international economists who believe the unpopular austerity measures are staving off the need for another European rescue package. Francisco Camps was returned to the Presidency of Valencia and the PP secured 56 seats in the Valencia Parliament compared to the socialists’ 32 – losing five seats. The three provincial governments of Alicante, Castellon, and Valencia are all PP held. The socialists lost control of Gandia Town Hall after 28 years and the city of Alicante remained in PP hands as PSOE lost six seats. INDEPENDENT It was a good election for some of the independent parties, many directly involving expats and finding support at the ballot box with promises to take direct action in town halls

Happy birthday Bob BOB DYLAN celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, at 70 still one of the most controversial and widelyfollowed musical icons of his time. No other artist in popular music has produced such a volume of high-quality original material over such an extended period of time.

over a number of issues. Since the results were posted, dog fights have broken out in a number of local authorities to negotiate pacts to determine who takes power in town halls. Benidorm and Altea are two large communities where independents hold the balance of power – in Benidorm both the PP and PSOE took 11 seats each, the CDL three, in Altea the PP lost two seats but have 10 seats, but PSOE five, CM Compromis and CIPAL three each. In Calpe the PP romped home with 10 seats ahead of PSOE’s five. Former Mayor Javier Morato’s Alternative PP managed three seats, and newly formed Calpe Independientes Los Verdes and Gent de Calp two and one respectively. Outgoing Mayor Ximo Tur and his BLOC party failed to win a single seat – yet the nationalist BLOC did well in some other elections. RECORD Benissa returned Juan Bautista Rosello to become Mayor for a record fourth time and in Denia, Ana Kringe was reelected Mayoress. Javea, another melting pot of parties old and new, saw Jose Chulvi’s PSOE party claim six seats, bucking the trend by beating the PP into second place with five seats. Newly formed Xabia Democratica took three seats on the council and BLOC three – the CPJ and Nueva Javea each had two members elected to the town hall. Needless to say Javea is buzzing with talk about potential alliances. In little Lliber the PP became the majority party by five votes and reportedly four recounts taking five of nine seats

Jay walker dies in Alicante A MAN died in the early hours of Saturday morning in the Albufereta area of Alicante after being hit by a car at around 6.30am in the Avenida de Villajoyosa. The victim, a 35-year-old Colombian man, was witnessed jay-walking in the middle of the road, obviously intoxicated, and was hit by an oncoming car as the driver swerved to avoid hitting other vehicles. Residents in the area have constantly complained of noise from the all-night bars in the area.

CDP celebrations in Parcent

and restricting the alliance between PSOE and independents to four – the losers had put the legalisation of some 300 villas at the top of its manifesto and must now fight that particular corner in opposition. However, there were celebrations in Parcent where the democratic coalition CDP successfully won six seats – taking an additional council place – after attracting almost 65% of the vote in the village. The party went head to head with the PP, who won three seats. As reported in RTN, the party promised to continue working towards a new general plan involving the whole community after its success four years ago in halting three planning proposals that threatened to concrete over the beauty spot.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

El Plantio lifts trophy by Jack Troughton RTN GOLF Club members voted picturesque El Plantio their favourite course in a unique survey of the sport on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. The club, which nestles between Alicante and Elche, claimed top spot with a stunning fifth of the vote to name the region’s top course. One member summed up feelings by praising “the consistent way they provide e a great golfing experience every time I visit.” El Plantio claimed 20.7% of member’s nominations against Las Colinas in second place with 14.6%, and third, Fonts del Llop with 10%, the three setting the standard for next year’s competition. This week RTN golf correspondent, top coach Noel Eastwell, was at the club to present the owner’s son Manuel Ferry Sanchez and general manager Santiago Fernandez with the silverware. It means El Plantio is the first holder of RTN’s Seve Ballesteros Memorial Trophy – fittingly named in honour of the Spanish golf legend who sadly died earlier this month. And also scooping a prize for the best suggested improvement at the region’s courses was Bill Fantom – who scoops 500€ of specialist golf clothing from Levante and Lebeche. RIVALS Noel believes the success of the competition will spark friendly rivalry between clubs – and improve the sport and its facilities across the Costas. “We were overwhelmed with the response our readers have made and we have received some extraordinarily good suggestions about how to improve golf along the coast, he said. “We have already received requests from golf clubs for copies of RTN Golf Club members gave on how to improve golf and the enjoyment of the sport.” And he said of the results for the best course: “The top three clubs must appreciate they have created something quite unique and set the bar for future years. “Those lower down the field will now see the challenge as they all want to be named number one.”

Undercovered guests

By Jack Troughton HOSTS WELCOMING guests to the Costa Blanca sunshine can easily find it a little costly - but family and friends could seriously damage an expat budget should they fail to take out travel insurance. Meals out, empty fridges and freezers are an expected and accepted expense of having loved ones to stay. However, potential problems such as a medical emergency can be much more serious and costly. Now Spanish expats are being urged by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to persuade their visitors to plan ahead and make sure they have comprehensive travel insurance to cover their stay.

(left to right) Manuel, Noel and Santiago with the trophy

Bill Fantom won his prize after suggesting golf clubs should have someone nominated to handle customer service. He wrote: “I believe clubs should have customer service personnel whose dedicated role is to see to all visiting players as well as their own direct members. WELCOME “Being made to feel welcome enhances the pleasure of your visit and will in turn lead to repeat trade in the future.” Noel added he thought the Bill deserved the prize for making a positive point that would genuinely help out players. “A point of contact for all players at clubs is a very good idea. “We are very grateful for all the input from all our members who have taken the time to complete the survey and make such positive suggestions – we now look forward to seeing

A survey commissioned by the FCO discovered a third of people fail to take out insurance before staying with family and friends abroad – more than three quarters – some 77% - planning such a visit this year say that making savings is a key factor in their decision over where to holiday. And the research also shows younger people are more likely to invest in a gift for their Spanish hosts than look for insurance cover, some 63%. Expect food – baked beans, teabags, shortbread or custard – alcohol, clothes, or a bit of nostalgia like a Union Jack mug or a board game. However, the figures also warn that more than a third, 39% of visitors from the UK will be forced to rely on their expat hosts when things go wrong during the trip – whether it is a hospital stay after falling ill or unexpected financial woes. The results of the research were released yesterday (Thursday) after 4,647 adults took

improvements at golf courses.” Another suggestion in the running was to improve road signs pointing the way to golf courses as some were difficult for first timer visitors to find. However, it was felt the solution was to actually pressure the Tourist Board. Improved marshalling on courses at busy times was a common theme in the responses as frustrated members said better golfers should be allowed by official to play through. And many golfers want to see better value at courses – whether it be a loyalty scheme, better discounts for visiting groups, and cheaper green fees for visiting members of other clubs. There was even a call for more refreshments being sold around the course, a ‘stop me and buy one” style selling of cold drinks rather than just at the traditional 19th Hole.

part in the UK survey. Only 55% said they took out travel insurance. And the figures are now being used in the FCO’s ‘Before You Go’ campaign to encourage British nationals to adequately prepare for foreign travel to avoid preventable problems. The British Consul for Alicante, Paul Rodwell commented: “When friends or family visit, it’s natural for them to feel at ease and not prepare in the same way as they would for other holidays. “But things can quickly become very stressful if your guests end up in a tricky situation and lack travel insurance. So if you are asking guests to bring out your favourite teabags or newspaper, ask them to get travel insurance as well, and save yourself and them from what can otherwise be difficult and expensive situations.” For more information visit: www.fco.gov.uk/travel

Defence Minister’s car stolen from her home A CAR belonging to Defence Minister Carme Chacon has been stolen from the car park of her residence in Barcelona. The Catalan police have conducted investigations ‘quietly but without success’ following the disappearance of the black Volkswagon Golf earlier this week. The theft took place when the property, a detached two-storey townhouse, was empty and has raised concerns over Chacon’s personal security.

27 may - 02 june 2011

charges Shooting from the hip Manslaughter for running a red light ing bodies and the recipients of the new joint. She wants to start a “class action” A 59-YEAR-OLD British and wants to hear from anyone wishing to woman is facing become involved. manslaughter charges after running a red light SURGERY on the Avenida de Elche Diana, who lives in Torrevieja, said she in Alicante on Monday had the first operation in April 2009 and evening at about 10.30pm

Diana on crutches

by Jack Troughton DETERMINED DIANA Hedley is leading a fight for compensation after suffering “excruciating pain” following hip replacement surgery on the Costa Blanca. The pensioner said she successfully underwent surgery at Torrevieja – one of some 200 patients receiving the ‘resurfacing ASR system’ at the hospital - manufactured by DePuy Orthopaedics, part of the Johnson and Johnson empire. The prosthesis was recalled by DePuy last year because of failures but beforehand it was commonly used in hospitals along the Costas. It is estimated 93,000 patients received the ‘articular surface replacement’ system round the globe and Diana’s research revealed a failure rate of one in eight. Diana, originally from Newcastle, and with husband Malcolm a missionary, hopes to organise a group action for damages – she has already instructed a lawyer and is beginning to hear from other patients who were given the ASR system. She said the manufacturer was being sued internationally by hospital govern-

in November last year was told she needed urgent “revision surgery”. She had a second operation in February this year and said she was now making steady progress. “Straight away after the first operation there was a constant restriction on movement because it felt as if one leg was longer than the other – I had great difficulty in walking from the outset,” she told RTN. “After several months it became apparent that something was seriously wrong. I could only walk with the aid of crutches and I experienced great difficulty in performing many movements, and also developed a pronounced limp. “I was in excruciating pain – it was like a tooth hitting a nerve – and there followed months of hospital visits in an endeavour to find the cause of the problem. For example over 40 sessions of physiotherapy only made matters worse, withnumerous and various in depth scans and so forth, but these led nowhere.” She was then told of the need for a second operation. “Although it was a relief to know something could be done, I was puzzled as to why it was necessary. Then I searched the Internet for the resurfacing ASR system and was absolutely astounded at what that revealed.” METAL

She said she discovered the system relied on a metal socket and ball and failures were caused by ‘metal rubbing on metal’, the component loosening and misalignment. And Diana said the wearing action caused particles of mainly cobalt and chrome to be released into the bloodstream risking damage to internal organs and affecting the performance of the hip and painful complications. Normally a keen walker, she said she could manage short distances without crutches “but I have to make very determined effort to take a step” and was hopeful she would make a recovery, adding: “I do like to be active.” Diana said anyone who underwent hip replacement surgery and believed they may have received the DePuy system should check their medical records. Anyone wanting to inquire about the group legal action can contact her on 96 571 6601 or hedleysonamission@gmail.com

in a rented vehicle. She and her 58-year-old front seat passenger both sustained serious injuries and two rear seat passengers, also British aged 62 and 71

respectively, died after being hit by an oncoming number 27 bus. The woman was charged in court on Tuesday and released pending sentencing.

‘Cup tie’ for Real Madrid and Ajax Following Real Madrid dropping the Copa del Rey from the front of their team bus, yet another football trophy has been dropped from a bus, this time the Eredivisie Cup, lifted by Ajax after a 3-1 victory against FC Twente last weekend. Even more embarrassing, the cup was dropped by their goalie Maarten Stekelenburg!

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Banks come to the rescue in Lorca this week by Jan Gamm IN LORCA an amazing 200 architects, civil engineers and surveyors are assessing the damage to 600 buildings damaged in the earthquake of 11th May, from the Centre for Assessment of Damage and Needs Analysis, on a voluntary basis. The damage to the buildings ranges in severity from a few cracks to imminent collapse requiring a demolition order. Well organised teams of engineers each consisting of a team leader and five technicians are analysing 29 sections of the town, returning each day laden with readings and reports to be collated and prioritised. REPORTS The damage reports are colour-coded: red indicates 589 buildings with very serious structural damage; 955 have localised damage (yellow) which indicates that inhabitants must evacuate pending structural repair; green coded buildings are habitable but are flawed and in need of attention. As the effects of the quake continue to develop, some buildings that at first seemed to sustain minimal damage have graduated through all the colours and eventually had to be evacuated. When the test result is red, an elite team of architects, en-

Architects assess damage reports

gineers and structural experts is deployed before a demolition order is authorised by the municipal architect, Maria Garcia. So far, six more buildings have been demolished in addition to the two that collapsed during the earthquake. REBUILDING Up to 106,000€ has been allocated for total rebuilding per home, with 24,000€ for partial reconstruction, but it is already apparent that many residents are in financial distress as they come to terms with the reality that claims for much

First crop of jellyfish hits Benidorm By Jan Gamm A PLAGUE of Cotylorhiza Tuberculata, otherwise known as ‘Fried Egg Jellyfish’, arrived on the coast yesterday, swept in by warm winds and ocean currents into the Bay of Benidorm. The Department of Environment and Beaches says there is no cause for alarm as this species has only “…mild stinging ability.” Even so the jellyfish

were removed from the beach. Bathers at Rincón de Loix, Levante, were amazed at the number of jellyfish brought in on the tide. The more dangerous species of jellyfish known as ‘Portugese Man o’ War’, that can inflict more serious injury, floats on the surface of the water with trailing tentacles typically around 30 feet in length.

Bathers on the Levante Beach inspect unwelcome visitors

needed cash will take some time to process. In an effort to speed up the rebuilding process, the Caja Murcia Bank has extended 100% credit to its Lorca customers against applications for aid relief, free of interest over six months, with a further period of grace granted for mortgage payments: Cajamar and Caja de Ahorros del Mediterráneo are preparing similar offers. And 24-month rental allowances are being authorised from the disaster fund for people that have been evacuated from their homes on a red code.

A bridge too far A resident of Benidorm is claiming substantial damages from the local council after suffering a fall in March, caused by heavy concrete slabs stacked in an unsafe manner near the construction site of the Emilio Ortuño Bridge. The accident resulted in a triple fracture to the lady’s shoulder requiring a titanium plate to be fitted along with fifteen screws, leaving her arm badly scarred. Work on the bridge has been fraught with delays and criticism over the budget and it is alleged that this is not the first accident to have occurred near the site.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Fast Track Hypnosis and the Grey Area by

Alan Gilchrist The Costa Blanca’s Top Hypnotherapist

OVER THE 25 years I have been in practice I have helped well over 50,000 people using Fast Track Hypnosis / Hypnotherapy. Some problems are quite simple, such as the Stop Smoking or the Weight Control session to the severe problems such as confidence issues, phobia, blushing etc. But on occasions I am asked to help with problems that I would class as ‘the grey area’, in other words I don’t know if I will work until I try it and I stress this to the client. Here is a self-explanatory letter from one of my ex clients: Dear Alan, We can’t thank you enough. For thirteen months C...... has been through so much. Having different tests done - attending hospitals every few weeks. During this time she was losing confidence in herself and because she had to wear a splint on her hand she didn’t like going out of the house. At 12 years of age this was having a terrible effect on her. C. was only one year old when she had her thumb removed and up until now her hand was functioning well. For no explainable reason it stopped, until she went to see you. With just ten minutes into the second session her hand was working perfectly. It is unbelievable. We have been on a ‘high’ ever since. It’s great to have her back to herself again. Thank you. R, L and C. The story behind this is the mother had been to me years ago to successfully stop smoking and had telephoned me about her daughter and could I maybe try something to help her even if only with her confidence. I agreed but stressed that as regards her hand not working and since all the tests had come back negative that it was physical, we could try something but not hold out any hope. On the first session I put her under hypnosis and did a visualisation technique with her and her fingers moved a fraction of an inch. I gave her a CD to listen to for a couple of days and brought her back in for the second session.

On the second session, once again back into hypnosis, this time I got her to visualise her arm and to imagine a healing white light travelling down it towards her hand and then when it came to the blockage to clear it away and to start working again. And that is exactly what happened! The mother and father were stunned and so was I: I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. There were a lot of tears that day and I received a phone call from the mother the next morning saying that C...... had been able to put on her clothes by herself for the first time in two years. I was delighted to be able to help. Here are another two in the grey area “...... one thing that amazes me and delights me is that having suffered for years with imbalance of the inner ear for which I have been taking pills three times a day, I find they are no longer needed. Apparently there is no cure for this condition ONLY HELP. So how could this have happened?” (NB: the person had come to me for something completely different and I didn’t know she had a problem with her balance) “Dear Alan, thank you for all your help in helping me to find my misplaced necklace; as you know it was of considerable value, not to mention the sentimental value. I could not have achieved this without your help. Yours gratefully, Patricia” So Hypnosis is not only about stopping smoking or Grey area losing weight. Alan holds his Fast Track Hypnosis ses- problems may sions in Cabo Roig, Guardarmar, and Benidorm. respond Alan is also the Creator of the ‘Stop Smoking in under to 30 minutes Fast Track Hypnosis’ and ‘Laser System’. hypnosis

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

Teenager survives leap from seventh floor balcony by Jan Gamm

Jacob Evans recovering in hospital

SPANISH AUTHORITIES are warning about the dangers of ‘balconing’, a crazy activity that involves jumping from a balcony into a swimming pool below. An incident on Monday resulted in British teenager Jacob Evans sustaining serious injuries after jumping from a seventh floor balcony at 8.30am in the Torrenova Playa Hotel in Calvià, Magaluf. The 19-year-old was admitted to hospital with a broken arm and a wrenched ankle: the Civil Guard said he was lucky to be alive and nicknamed the boy “The Reborn.” This is the second such incident in two months. Last year ‘balconing’ claimed four lives in Spain.

Test centre frauds THE TRAFFIC department of the Guardia Civil has arrested and charged ten people this year for sitting a drivers’ test while posing as another person bearing a physical resemblance, mostly those of Oriental and sub-Saharan origin.

Some hoaxers make the obvious mistake of leaving test centres in their own vehicles. Impersonators face between six months and three years’ imprisonment: surveillance has been stepped up at test centres.

Queen Mum of Song retires JEAN TOWNSON has decided to retire from public singing at the tender age of 83. First appearing on stage at the age of six, by the time she was a teenager, Jean was being hailed as the new ‘Isobel Bailey’. Over the years she starred in many musicals, and sang on radio and television in variety shows with many famous stars. Jean preferred to remain an amateur, married her childhood sweetheart Rowland and had two daughters. She and Rowland have been married for over 60 years

and he has always been her biggest fan. A loved and respected member of almost every singing group on the Costa Blanca since retiring in San Luis with her husband in 1991, Jean has a huge repertoire of songs and has often stepped in at a moment’s notice to fill a gap in the programme. For the last couple of years, Jean has only sung with Crescendo, including the RBL 90th anniversary concert in Alicante in April, the day before her 83rd birthday where she was interviewed for local TV; the oldest member of the

160 strong choir. At Crescendo’s rehearsal last Wednesday, Chas Smith the MD asked Jean if she would sing a solo facing the choir, as all they could normally see was her back as she sang! Her daughter Janice quickly provided the music for Sue Trick to play and Jean sang ‘Bill’ from Showboat, bringing tears to a lot of eyes. Jean was presented with a bouquet and a specially made plaque from Crescendo. She will be singing with the choir for the last time at Chas’ farewell concert on 25th May.

Jean in full voice

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27 MAy - 02 June

“Barkis is willin”: Dickens - David Copperfield: WELL, THE Willoughbys were willing to vote in the local elections but instead went on a ‘Car Treasure Hunt’ and never found our quarry...our allocated polling station in an obscurely-named local school (or ‘colegio publico’). Firstly we parked and negotiated the roadworks to the place where we had voted four years ago –WRONG! That school has been pulled down! Along the way we met several other would-be voters, papers in hand. After some discussion it was decided that we should be at a school near to the ITV centre. WRONG AGAIN! Here we met others, two blokes who said “We’ve just voted, you wanna be near the Genius pub.” However, it was agreed by all of us that we had on our forms ‘Urb: Torreta 111, Patricias (except for one well known Belgian chap who has lived here for many years but who had a slightly differently numbered school on his ‘tarjeta censal’ than the rest of us)… So off we set again towards the landmark of ‘Bar Patricia…’ “…must be near there…” we all agreed. WRONG AGAIN. We couldn’t find any schools in the vicinity. We never met up with the others again and we drove home despondent and fed up! None of us struggling knew the Torretas at all well as we all live on the other side of the Crevillente Road. Also none of us knew where any of the schools are as we are pensioner voters and would rarely have the need to visit any schools. Oh by the way ... we never saw a single sign: ‘POLLING STATION THIS WAY’ in Spanish or English, to help us out. Well, you`ve got to laugh... the bonus is that the sun is here to stay (?) At last! C&C Willoughby

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

Email: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

So who in reality is being paid large sums of money? MANY COMMENTATORS write of the Spanish as being ‘orgulloso’. This does not just mean ‘proud’ but can also mean ‘arrogant’ and ‘haughty’. Couple this trait with instinctive greed and a breathtaking degree of economic illiteracy and you can almost guarantee how they are going to respond when the numbers of golfers decline and costs increase. All the courses I have played at are predominantly staffed by South American ground keepers - so who in reality is being paid large sums of money? People are thinking like King Canute if they believe that golf course managers, with

their comfortable cartel, are going to keep costs down. Also, if you check the web you will find that a number of golf courses are controlled by top knobs with close ties with companies like Adidas and Reebok, and links with local town halls; they seem to regard their investments as trophies. They do not care a damn about the likes of us, as long as their ultimate employers continue to back their apparent enterprise and initiative. You do not have to incorporate these minor changes. It is just me being fussy! Regards, Barry Easton

Thank you, Vodafone! THERE ARE so few companies here in Spain that care about their customers, once they have made the sale. I would like you to print this letter regarding the excellent service I received from Vodafone when I purchased a telephone with an internet connection from the Vodafone shop in Quesada. Struggling with the jargon of apps, downloads, Bluetooth, software etc., which were all new to my vocabulary, I was given an in-store demonstration at the ease of use of a Sony Ericsson – on which I only had to choose an icon, glide my finger across the screen and was instantly able to obtain a keyboard on which to write emails or access the web! For the next few days I struggled with my new ‘toy’ and gained confidence but try as I might, I could not access the internet. I returned to the store for help and would never have dreamed that the assistant would have spent so much personal time and effort in getting my phone to work – which eventually turned out to be a problem with the Lynksys wifi system in my home, which he managed to correct and I am now connected. This shop in Quesada has excellent staff that really cares about its customers and customer service is second to none. Muriel Bell, Algorfa

Doing the RTN Crossword pays off! JUST TO let you know how much we enjoyed our meal for two, as the prize for the crossword. Due to circumstances we asked if we could have a take away, which was willing supplied and we enjoyed it at home. The RTN is the one weekly paper we think of as a must and enjoy all the news and views contained in it. I find the airport information link especially useful and very easy to use. Thank you again and we will keep on doing the crossword in the hope of being successful again! Margaret & Chris Tracey

PCN Japanese earthquake fund closed

I WOULD appreciate it very much if you would print this letter advising those clubs and associations that very recently generously donated to the PCN nurses fund are concerned that the funds will be allocated to the Japanese via PCN. Please, I assure you this has not happened and would never happen. Reluctantly, I have closed the Japanese earthquake fund due to the total lack of any funds being placed. My thanks to RTN and Currencies Direct for their support. Jennifer Cunningham

A wonderful service

I AM writing to let your readers know about the wonderful service we have received from Millie Munro. We took out a Health Care Plan with El Perpetuo Socorro with her company and are delighted with the service from them and from Millie. Nothing is a problem to her. She even

mail

talk tous

emailed me on the day of an important hospital test to give me moral support and all this from a lady I have not even met. If we have a problem it is sorted out immediately. In this day and age of companies not caring it is so refreshing to meet people who care. Hilary Petrie, Daya Nueva

Reply to GA Marques I AM writing in reply to the letter from GA Marques last week. We are pensioners who have had our property on the market for eight months. We have no financial difficulties fortunately but are returning to England for family reasons. We paid 136,000€ for our property, cash, and have spent 29,000€ on all the mod cons and garden since 2004. We have two bedrooms on the ground floor with very large garden. We are registered with a local estate agent and have had viewers. With every viewer we think we have a sale, from their reaction as soon

as they come in. They ask our name and telephone number and what happens… we are offered ridiculous amounts like 80-90,000€. Don’t these people realise we have to go back home and start all over again? Only two couples out of the 44 viewings have told us straight that the property is too small for their family. I might add we have also had seven other estate agents asking for our business so the buyers are out there. Buyers please don’t keep building our hopes up and be straight with us sellers by either saying yes or no! Yours sincerely, Name and address withheld

Help for Lorca I HAVE a spare bedroom and can offer temporary to a person who is homeless after earthquake in Lorca. I live near Alcoy. I feel very sorry for those who suffered and cannot contribute financially but I am willing for someone to live here temporarily. Please email rtnmail@roundtownnews.com and we will pass on your details. S Dearson, Alcoy

Got a story? 902 118 999

rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

27 may - 02 june 2011

Banking on May Day by Jack Troughton COSTA BLANCA Branch members of Labour International have pledged to fight plans to scrap the May Day bank holiday in Britain – a festival dating back to the 4th Century. The socialists are angry at Tory moves to replace a traditional holiday – also celebrating the unity of workers worldwide - with a new national holiday, marking either St. George’s Day on 23rd April, or Trafalgar Day on 21st October. John Mackay, a branch member, said the plans to replace an international global celebration with a purely “national day” was “a

sop to narrow-minded nationalism.” And he dismissed claims the move would boost UK tourism – saying a holiday either earlier or later in the calendar would see people fly out of Britain in search of sunnier climes like Spain or the Canaries. Pictured are members enjoying their own May Day party at the Casa Pinet Restaurant, Tarbena – home to Labour International celebrations for 15 years - and known for both its traditional Valencian kitchen and an array of communist and socialist memorabilia.

Fire at psychiatric hospital forces evacuation A FIRE in Bétera, 15km from Valencia prompted 40 patients to be evacuated from a psychiatric hospital. The fire broke out at 4am on Tuesday in one of the day rooms at the hospital. The patients were returned to their wards by 8.30am.Two employees at the hospital and two police officers assisting in distinguishing the fire had to be treated in hospital for smoke inhalation. The socialists are angry at Tory moves to replace a traditional holiday

Breakfast served at BBQ By Jack Troughton MADCAP COMEDY is the on-stage fare at Javea Player’s ever popular June production under the stars at Restaurante Micheta, Moraira. The audience will tuck into a hearty barbecue before being served up ‘A Mad Breakfast’, written by Isabel McReynolds Gray and directed by David Garnett. The highly entertaining comedy is sparked by an unusual advertisement in the Morning Star, reading: “A middle-aged well-to-do gentleman of excellent

social position would like to visit a small, select home for the insane, for the purpose of investigation and study.” It appeals to a mischievous resident of a boarding house – and gives the opportunity for an elaborate practical joke, fooling the advertiser into believing the boarding house is an asylum and its owner into thinking the visitor is a food inspector. And to add to the confusion and mayhem, residents at the boarding house are introduced with fake

identities based on their aspirations in life. A Mad Breakfast runs from Monday 20th June until Saturday 26th June, 7.30pm for the meal at 8pm and curtain up about 9pm. Tickets are 16€ including the barbecue and half a bottle of wine. They can be reserved by calling 96 647 1455 or 630 443 335, or by emailing grantpenelope@ gmail.com The restaurant is next to the Ifach Golf Club on the San Jaime urbanisation, off the Moraira to Calpe coast road.

Taste traditional tapas HUNDREDS ARE expected in the centre of Villajoyosa tomorrow (Saturday) for ‘Festitapa 2011’ and the chance to sample some traditional cuisine and dance the night away. Organised by the town’s Moors and Christians and the local authority and the Events Association of Santa Maria more than 1,000 people are expected in the market and the specially erected marquee from 2pm. Entrance is 25€ including 22 tapas and three drinks as well as a live band and

disco. Space permitting the doors will be open to all after 5pm when the party continues. And given Saturday evening is a big night in the football calendar – Manchester United are playing Barcelona at Wembley in the final of the Champions League – a giant screen is in place to relay all the action. Councillor of fiestas Xaro Escrig believes the festival attracts tourists as well as giving the chance for the town to party and celebrate the important tradition of Moors and Christians.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

“I Wanna be a Kindleback Writer...”

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

ARE YOU a Kindle reader (a Kindle, for those not in the know, is an electronic book) or are you a traditional book reader? Maybe you are both. If you are, which do you prefer? The reason I ask is because this week it’s been revealed that in Amazon’s sales of downloaded books (since April 1st) two hundred and forty two ebooks have been shifted on its UK site for every one hundred hardback print copies. And they claim that the gap will continue to grow. “But,” I hear you ask, “What about paperbacks?” Well, apparently numerous popular titles in this format have also been outsold. Amazon asserts that in the paperback arena their ebooks are “outstripping the combined sales of print copies 105 to every 100.” Is the book on its way out? I for one hope not. Look, I’m no Luddite and every week I eagerly read my RTN on the computer. I love gadgets of all sorts but I also love to read a book – as a book, in book form, with pages I can ‘dog-ear’ and scribble notes on. Obviously, as my Nearest-and-Dearest (a Kindle convert) will no doubt argue, on just one Kindle you can have a whole library of books: hundreds of ’em. I guess many of you would have transported books out to Spain and will know how heavy a box of just twenty or so are. Blimmin’ heavy! I put my back out loading mine up. So, from a point of convenience a Kindle makes sense but what I think will be missed is the touch, feel and smell of a real book. And that’s not to mention ‘serendipity’ aspects. Let me give a couple of examples. Back in the mists of 1995 I was re-

searching for a dissertation and wanted to get hold of a book called Broadcasting by a Captain Robertson. After an initial search I found a copy was held at the East Sussex County Library Archive. Some days later I was informed it was ready to be picked up at my local library. On opening the book I discovered it had been written and published back in 1936. Now, the thing that really astonished me was the last person to have read that book was in October 1941; a distant fifty-four years earlier. The original “Keep this book clean and safe and bring it back by...” flap was there with the last date stamp entry 14/Oct/1941. The last time a librarian had stamped the book; and the last time someone had taken it home to read it before me – well, the flippin’ Yanks, sorry the Americans, hadn’t even entered the war! How incongruous my ‘return by’ date of 3/5/95 looked beside the faded ink of the previous entry. I felt I was holding an artefact that was a link with the past. That wouldn’t happen with an electronic Kindle version. The following year ’er-indoors was ferreting around a jumble sale and came across a copy of J B Priestley’s, English Journey. It was an ‘everyman’ edition (I’m guessing that meant an ‘el cheapo’ copy) published in 1935. She very kindly secured it for me for a fiver. Interestingly, the price seemed to include several other artefacts. Inside the front flap was a cloakroom ticket and nestling between the pages was a ‘tuppenny’ (2d) bus ticket to Tooting Beck and a picture postcard displaying a scene of rural Sussex. Turning it over the postage was

date stamped June 6th 1935 and in the correspondence area a message written in the most glorious hand writing. Now, if I were an inventive novelist or screen writer it could well have been the beginning of a wonderful story. I often wondered what had happened to the person I’d shared Priestley’s book with. Did she/he take up the offer on the postcard to visiting Dolly down in Seaford for tea sometime? Had he/she been living in Tooting Beck or were they on route elsewhere? Does it re-

ally matter? No, of course not; but it’s strange to think that those little bits of what a historian might call documentary evidence, had lain nestled and undisturbed between those pages for all those years. My point is you just don’t get that with a Kindle, folks and besides which Paul McCartney’s lyrics for Paperback Writer would never work. What are your thoughts on all this, dear reader? p.watts@roundtownnews.com Watts in Brum, clinging on to me paperback...

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Paper-pushing is becoming a health hazard by Jan Gamm A REPORT by the Valencian Society of Family and Community Medicine (SVMiC) this week has revealed that general practitioners are overloaded with paperwork and administrative formalities that eat up precious consultation time. Doctors report that at least 30% of their time that should be spent in the diagnosis and treatment of patients is spent wading through prescriptions, school and work documents, flyers and reports. A number of proposals are made in the report designed to reduce the paper trail for

doctors, among which are plans to provide a system of repeat prescriptions that may be processed through attending medical staff instead of via a consultation to the doctor and also for some of the responsibility for children’s health at school to be passed to parents. The report warns of over-loading doctors with administrative tasks and also points out that the volume of paperwork is used as an excuse for a small number within the Too much medical community to not fulfil their other administration, too little time… professional obligations.

The disappearance of Ryanair FR5562 By Jan Gamm NO, THIS was not one of those ghostly incidents from a Stephen King novel: Ryanair FR5562 from Alicante El Altet to London Gatwick on Monday 16th May simply “did not exist” according ground staff. Kenny Corris was booked on FR5562 as a ‘priority’ passenger – he had paid for his ticket online on a ‘priority’ status and paid 8€ for the privilege, plus a further charge of 12€ to validate his priority boarding: it was unclear, he said, why the two charges were made separately. Kenny had enjoyed a Ryanair flight one month previously and was looking forward to his journey. He was therefore deeply disappointed to find that, far from alighting the plane via one of Al Altet’s shiny new airbridges, he was instead bundled onto a bus (admittedly first – the only ‘priority’ shown throughout Kenny’s miserable boarding experience) where a cross-tempered bus driver barked instructions at his

passengers in Valenciano in an effort to establish their ‘priority status’. Kenny was made to stay in his seat until the other ‘nonpriority’ passengers had been boarded. Understandably aggravated and at a loss to understand why such treatment should constitute ‘priority’ boarding, Kenny politely enquired of the handling staff why, when as far as he knew, the Spanish courts had ruled that ALL airlines must use airbridges at El Altet until further notice, Ryanair had chosen to board passengers in this uncomfortable manner. “Oh, that’s because when the aircraft is parked outside the red demarcation line, it does not exist. Any aircraft parked in this position does not have to use the airbridges,” was the cheerful reply. MARBLE PALACES CEO of Ryanair Michael O’Leary has freely criticised airport improvements in Spain,

not only in El Altet but also in Barcelona El Prat, his famous ‘No Frills No Thrills’ outlook sharply contrasting with what he describes as “…thousands of Euros wasted on constructing marble palaces.” And he refers to airport authority AENA’s privatisation as bad for consumers and for competition. Ryanair has so far not reversed its decision to cut capacity at Alicante by 80% later this year. The company is confident that its new fleet of 50 additional aircraft will be adequately utilised by summer trade despite its decision to ground 80 aircraft in the winter months. Ryanair’s comment to RTN on this matter was, “Ryanair operates over 1,400 daily flights and we have a policy of not commenting on minor flight incidents.” In the meantime the battle over the airbridges at El Altet continues defiantly – the other side of the red line.

Nonexistent aircraft parked the other side of the red line

Sea tragedy at La Marina

A 65-YEAR-OLD Irish man drowned last weekend at La Marina. He was spotted at about 2pm by other swimmers who retrieved his body from the sea and attempted to revive him but he was pronounced dead when emergency services arrived on the scene. On the beach at La Zenia a 48-yearold woman and a man of 65 were treated for mild choking and a 28-year-old for exhaustion. A fourth man, aged 53, required treatment for anxiety and exhaustion after taking part in a rescue.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Marathon Man is making his life a mission – not an intermission by Karla Darocas I AM always impressed by people who set out on grand quests in order to raise public awareness about the faults in our humanity. And, as we all know, faults come in all forms and the cracks they make in our communities often grow to be nasty big holes! I believe that American humourist and publisher Arnold Glasgow had the right idea about our human condition when he sparked the quote “Make your life a mission – not an intermission.” Recently in Javea Port, I had the chance to interview a South African who was in the process of making it his mission to give back to his adopted community and home of Ronda, Andalucia. Andrew Campbell knows from personal experience how health issues and medical expenses can create cracks in families and holes in pocketbooks. So, he is doing something about it. “I have the chance to do something big for the first time in my life,” expresses Andrew. “I decided to walk from Rome to Ronda in order to raise awareness and financial aid to help support the families in my region with very sick children who are facing financial hardship.” The foundation he created is called the ‘Fundación Fabrica de Sueños’, which translatesas ‘Factory of Dreams’. INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW CAMPBELL What did your family think when you decided to go on the fundraising journey? None of them believed I was serious, even during my training and weight loss period. I started weighing 130kg in Sept 2009 and now I am 90kg. I’ve been involved as a volunteer in charity work all of my adult life so fundraising didn’t get their attention, but the notion of walking 2,700km certainly captured their attention. My parents have been surprisingly supportive, especially after reading my blog where I describe my experience of meeting homeless people and finding myself in unsavoury places and situations. My family are also very proud of me for doing this walk. My sister keeps telling me she’s amazed I’ve been able to keep going. Little does she know I’ll probably sleep for week when I get back to Ronda.

What do you do when it rains? That is a very good question. I’ve been very lucky so far that I haven’t had any heavy rain while I’ve been walking, only drizzle. But those four days of drizzle were terrible. I was soaked right through. Luckily my backpack has a rain guard, but every time I used my phone it got wet and that panicked me. It rained almost continuously from Nice to Aix-en-Provence. What kind of responses do you get from people on the road? You must understand that I don’t walk on the side of the road outside the white line where the road often drops away or is broken and has unnatural cambers. I generally walk inside the white line in the car zone wherethe surface is usually maintained and flat because this is actually the safest area of the road. Most drivers probably think I’m crazy, but they give me a wide berth. There are even a few who wave encouragingly and toot their horn politely. Others are horrible, they drive too close and behave frighteningly or they yell obscenities at me. I walk with a reflective vest and hiking sticks, and if I think a driver hasn’t seen me I wave my sticks and it gets their attention quickly. In the cities the biggest problem is people who don’t respect pedestrian crossings. I make a show of photographing number plates and that gets a quick apology. Before my walk I was hit by a car, which damaged my right knee and has caused recurring problems while walking. Now I’m very aware of the traffic around me. Did you ever think that you would be doing such an adventurous thing with your life? Honestly no! I started my career in sales and got promoted to sales management along with other things. I quit to focus on renovating houses andmy life became much more relaxed. I actually thought I’d spend my days renovating and mowing the lawn. Here I am now, practically ascetic and walking a huge distance for people I’ll probably never meet. Why do you feel that life is precious? I’m not a terribly deep thinker. My friend Simon Wheeler says the best philosophy can be summed up in two words. Be Nice!

Andrew Campbell

However, an example of my feelings about the preciousness of life can be found in the unconditional happiness of a young child who hasn’t learned to discriminate yet. That child will play with any other child or talk to any person or even talk to street gangs without fear… and I long for a world where everyone lives without fear. Have you met any of the children that need these funds? Yes I’ve met some of the children, but due to a combination of laws about exploiting minors and respecting their privacy, I don’t blog about them. What I find amazing about these children is that they never cry. They are always happy to meet a new friend and tell their stories. But it breaks my heart when I see the parents sob uncontrollably because they feel powerless to help their sick children and every month their situation seems to get worse. Social security only covers so much and families that were struggling before a child becomes ill really have atough time afterward. The entire family suffers not just the sick child. The brother and sisters often feel neglected. The parents who must appear positive for the sake of their children, in reality can’t function from grief and worry. To Learn More About Andrew Campbell and his Mission – read his blog (www.romaronda.info) On his blog you can also contribute to his cause and help to fill crack and holes to heal sick children and their families.

The HypnoBand Virtual Gastric Band I have pleasure in writing this unsolicited letter to you as my appreciation to you and to hopefully dispel any apprehension that prospective future clients might have prior to visiting you for what is a “Life Changing Experience” 5 Stones lost in 7 Months Diets don’t work I’ve tried the lot over the years, I retired to Spain in 2006 & have enjoyed a very unhealthy lifestyle until September of last year when enough was enough....... I was desperate for a solution... Everyone was passing comment as to the weight I had put on, I got that I did’nt want to go out my confidence had gone. Bearing in mind that diets don’t work in the long term I had to change my outlook with regard to food and drink... Having seen Fern Brittan and Anne Diamond on television going on about the Gastric Band I considered it but did not want surgery so I chose the HypnoBand Virtual Gastric Band Weight Loss System which I had also heard about via the media. I had to seek out a Qualified Hypnotherapist who operated from an Established Health Clinic with a fantastic reputation.... This is when you Mark came into my life. Having been a Professional Golfer for 43 years I know one of the important criteria is the ability to establish a relaxed atmosphere in the right environment... You Mark fill this criteria on both counts. I was impressed by the fact that I was not certain to be taken on by you until you had met me for a free initial consultation, this I found very reassuring. Luckily for me you took me on for the four sessions that have changed my life in just 7 months.......I’ve regained all my confidence, my wife Kay says she has got back

the man she married, friends keep telling her and me they cannot believe the change in my appearance and personality.....I can go into a shop now and buy without even trying clothes on...fantastic feeling... I feel wonderful every morning and look forward to each and every day........who needs to win the lottery... I feel I’ve won the Jackpot... and I’ts down to you Mark and the Hypnoband... You are a truly gifted chap. Thank You, Peter “Stebbo” Stebbings. Albir. If you would like to hear more please contact Mark directly on Freephone 900 808 559 or email at mark@hypnospain.com or visit www.hypnospain.com

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

27 may - 02 june 2011

Consul goes to the ball by Jack Troughton BRITISH CONSUL Paul Rodwell is a guest of honour at this year’s MABS Summer Ball on Friday 3rd June. Mr Rodwell, based at the British Consulate in Alicante, is a keen supporter of the MABS Cancer Support Group and is expected to pay tribute to its essential work – part of the partnership the consul promotes between the authorities and charities in Spain. The ball is again being staged at the Canor Salon, Teulada, and guests will be greeted with a champagne reception at 7pm followed by a ‘sumptuous dinner’ with choices on the menu to satisfy every taste and including wine and beer. Entertainment is provided by master of ceremonies Matthew Curtis and singer Rob Sweeney before everyone has the chance to dance the night away. TICKETS Tickets are 37€ each and available from Lin on 96 647 0187 or Jacqui on 686 305 006. And funds raised from the ball, like all MABS events; helps fund the charity’s support of cancer patients,

British Consul Paul Rodwell with MABS President Jacqui Phillips MBE families and friends in Spain. MABS looks to provide special equipment and other necessities so patients can be nursed at home, wheelchairs to help people stay mobile, and drivers to help transport people to hospital or

Glyndebourne on coast

CONSERVATIVES ABROAD is hosting a musical evening in the style of the world-famous Glyndebourne summer festivals on 10th June. The open air concert in a beautiful private garden in Javea will see music provided by the Blaze Ensemble.

medical appointments. The charity also helps with carers for home nursing, translators, or just a friend – coming round for a chat, to make a cup of tea or help with shopping.

Guests are invited to dress elegantly in the fashions of the East Sussex festival and to bring a picnic to enjoy a pleasant evening. Regretfully barbecues are not allowed. Tickets are 12€ and the concert is 7.30pm for 8pm. Details are available by ringing 96 619 7239 or emailing margaretgeraldhales@gmail.com

Cameo rolls on By Jack Troughton CAMEO ENTERTAINERS headed back into Senija with the colourful show ‘Rollercoaster of Love’ and performed to an enthusiastic audience at Bar Nou. The evening was also a success for Pego-based animal charity LAPS – local Animal Protection Society – which collected 131€ from the proceeds of the raffle. And Cameo rolls into Teulada with its hit 2011 show on Saturday 11th June and a special performance to help boost the fund-raising of Hugh Norton who is walking Hadrian’s Wall in aid of Help for Heroes. Hugh, who lives in Teulada and is a former Coldstream Guardsman, hopes to raise at least 1,000€ when he treks 135km along the historic walk. Tickets for the Cameo’s visit to Bar Meditarraneo are 15€ and include a two-course meal with wine and the cabaret. They are expected to sell quickly but can be reserved by calling the Box Office on 656 483 645 between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday.

Members of LAPS with Cameo performers and guest singer Renell Blythe

Aqualandia re-opens

MORE THAN 100 youngsters happily splashed around free of charge at Aqualandia, Benidorm’s popular water park that reopened for the summer last weekend. The entrance fee was waived for the first 100 customers of the year in brilliant sunshine and an army of delighted kids spent the day on the most thrilling water slides in Europe.

27 may - 02 june 2011

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

27 MAy 2011 20- -02 26June may 2011

27 may - 02 june 2011

Feline population explosion by Jack Troughton NUMBERS OF kittens born to feral cats in a Marina Alta town is surging and a charity has been “inundated” with the young. Javea Feral Cat Association said it did not have the facilities to keep kittens and unless homes could be found, many faced being put to sleep. The charity’s Liz Trafford said she was currently looking after four kittens and her colleague five – all between five and 10 weeks old. “We have managed to find homes for a few kittens recently but we are struggling with these,” she told RTN. “And we have just had more calls asking us to go and collect yet more kittens. “If we leave them where they are, they will just go

Ladies who lunch

By Jack Troughton A MODEL afternoon combining lunch and a fashion show left the Lions of Jalon and Orba “delighted” and planning a second helping. The afternoon at Restaurante Los Arcos was such a success, the club is already planning am encore later this year. After an “excellent” meal, the summer collections of Occasions of Jalon and Orba, Tu Tu and Moda Natural, both from Denia, were modelled. And stalls offering beauty products, jewellery, Phoenix cards, and knick-knacks also added an extra dimension to the show, with Theresa of Hair Enhancers of Denia illustrating on models just how hairpieces and wigs can completely change an overall appearance. A Lions spokesman said Los Arcos was a perfect venue and the owners and staff had been very helpful. “In fact, the afternoon was so well-received we are hoping to organise another show later in the year.

on to breed and the only alternative is to take them to the vet for euthanasia – as you can imagine, this is very upsetting for us and for the vets – who are very reluctant to do this but we just have no choice.” POSTER Liz said kittens were advertised as needing homes on posters and on the charity website www.javeaferalcats.org “We have found homes for many kittens in the past but this year no one seems to want them,” she said. “We have been working very hard and caught so Rescued kittens many cats and had them neutered but this year there aged seems to be more kittens than usual. “We urge people five to call us as soon as they see any cat that looks pregto 10 nant and not wait until the kittens have been born.” weeks

Twin success

Lions club president Stuart Aitchison with Jody Smart, one of the models

BIG FISH Entertainment takes its hit show Blood Brothers to Alfaz del Pi on Monday night looking to repeat the success of the debut performances. The Willy Russell-penned musical played to packed houses and received a standing ovation when it was unveiled in front of audiences in Alcalali earlier this month. An energetic and dramatic tale, the story tells of two twins separated at birth and growing up in Liverpool. Unaware they are brothers – and each part of very different families – they become firm friends. The show – with its live band and excellent cast – tells of changing relationships against a background of love, unemployment and class differences and has already become a West End favourite. Tickets for the final night at the Casa del Cultura, Alfaz, are 12€ and curtain up is at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased by calling 618 890 607 or online at www.bigfishentertainment.biz

Jennifer Cunningham

Earthquakes do happen in Spain SINCE I have lived in Spain, there have been a number of tremors and just recently a very nasty earthquake very near to us, with lives lost and the tremors felt miles away. The claims for the damage will of course be handled by the Consortium, if you have an insurance policy in force. This is the goverment regulated Consortium of insurers which cover extraordinary events, to which all policies sold by Spanish insurance companies pay part of each policy premium. Any damage not paid by the consortium would then hopefully be picked up by the insurer, but only if accidental damage is included in the policy. I suggest you check your policy carefully for consortium payment and accidental damage. To date this year my company has received more claims for burglary than for the whole of last year. This of course is frightening for both the insurer and especially for the person being robbed. Many people who have gone for a cheaper home insurance quotation, subsequently on claiming have been horrified about their policy and many have not been paid out or received restricted payment. One thing is for certain, we offer straight forward cover on content cover. We always advise clients to add up the full amount of what it would cost to replace everything in the house. On doing this many are amazed at how much this comes to and often find the cover they have been advised to take is either not enough or not available. This always makes the policy cheaper, but what is the point when there is either not enough cover or just a few selected items. If you have expensive jewellery you will find very few insurers who will cover these precious items. If high risks items are not mentioned in the policy I can assure you they will not be covered. Another factor are the excesses: UK based policies often charge two excesses on every claim, one for the contents ( items stolen) and one for the building ( broken door/window). On Spanish policies only one excess per claim will be used. With the advent of many more burglaries happening this year, please check your policy very carefully; you could be in for a nasty surprise when claiming. In Spain there are many Spanish companies working for years in the insurances world and many agents/brokers. In this very competitive business please make sure the company is known to many and has been trading for a long time. An SL company is the equivalent to a LTD company, whilst an SA to a Plc. All companies will be regulated by the Spanish Goverment via the DGS. This is equivalent to the FSA in the UK. The FSA has no authority in Spain, therefore, any legal problems would have to be sorted out in the UK. I find it very odd when I see large advertisements in the press proclaiming loudly that the company and policies are authorised and regulated in the UK, and some people seem to feel comfortable with that: I wonder why, when they live in Spain? On another serious issue, I was quite shocked to hear from one of JCC’s Sales Consultants that tenants living on urbanisations are being advised at meetings that they no longer need a top-up insurance on their community insurance, and to cancel it if they have already taken a top up. How dangerous is that advice. You would require full contents cover preferably with accidental cover as community insurances do not cover earth tremors. We would also recommend a reduced buildings insurance to cover all internal fittings and give you protection against the damages that can be caused by split internal pipes. Remember you could also be liable for damages caused to neighbouring properties. Therefore, you do need both a top-up on buildings and full content cover. With the increase of burglaries taking place, would it not be sensible to install an alarm, and not just the ones which make a noise or those which can be cut off by the burgular. The only ones that really seem to work are those connected to an alarm central and that give instant notification to the Guardia Civil. Yes, a little bit more expensive, but so much safer and it will reduce your insurance premium. Why would a person break into a house when the Guardia Civil will be called? One last thought: please would you check your security measures, because the insurers are becoming harder on clients’ claims, out of sheer necessity. For example, a multi-lever deadlock is a high security lock in the UK, but it simply does not cut it here in Spain. Not having ‘rejas’ on all the windows and access points might cause an issue if you have declared to have them. Also, if you have declared to have an alarm, this must be connected when you are away from your property; if not your claim will be invalidated. There are so many issues to consider and whilst you may think it is a bonus to find a cheap policy, it could turn out to be a serious and expensive mistake to buy on price alone. Our consultants are available to advise you on the correct policy, plus all claims including those via the Consortium will be handled by our Claims dept. No waiting on the phone. What joy. STOP PRESS Funeral Insurance 30% discount for 2011 and 15% for all subsequent years... Ask for information and an individual quote. NB : extra special offers on new health insurance policies with ASSSA, free upgrades, interest free installment payments... for life. A special policy to back up social security and give you instant access to GPs and specialists. Ring now – your health is important.

Jennifer Cunningham Insurances S.L The Costas leading insurance consultant. If you have a question please email her at: jennifer@jennifercunningham.net Regulated and Authorised by the DGSFP in Spain.

20 - 27 26 MAy may -2011 02 June 2011

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04 10 February 2011 27 -MAy - 02 June 2011

Strike up the band! by Jan Gamm LOCAL RESIDENTS in El Altet decided to channel their musical talents and form a small band, informally tagged ‘The El Altet Musical Society’. Interest in the band took off with enthusiasm and it has now reached orchestral proportions with 60 members ranging in age from 3 years to over sixties! For just 20€ per year there are lessons provided for beginners in musical language and song and members are also taught to play instruments such as guitar, piano, saxophone, trumpet, trombone and percussion. In September there are plans for tuition in strings.

Classes take place on Fridays at 7.30pm and Saturday mornings from 11.30am, at the society’s headquarters in an old nursery school. Francisco Casanova is president of the tenmember board, with Fernando Albero in the position of musical director of the band and the school: “We are one big family,” he said, “The experience is great – having fun with music and making people feel proud.” There are plans for a musical to debut this summer but in the evenings there are plenty of activities for children and parents to share in various activities and workshops.

Boat owners spending money like water in Spanish marinas

IN A list of 15 of the World’s most expensive marinas, Spain has no less than three entries: Puerto Banus in Marbella; Ibiza Magna and Marina Port Vell in Barcelona, at fourth, fifth and eighth place respectively. The boat market, despite high maintenance costs, is ‘bouyant’ with a healthy turnaround for second hand pleasure craft.

Barcelona’s magnificent Port vell Ranks within the top 15 most expensive ports in the world

Kids of the El Altet Musical Society

Green idea: Use of bottle tops to seal a bag off the top of the bottle and take off the cap. Push the bag through the bottle neck, fold it over the edges, and twist the cap back on. Now, your bag has an air and water tight seal, and you didn’t have to waste the bag. (Note that the bag should not have any ‘airholes’ to start with!) Cut off the bottle cap

WHOEVER THOUGHT of this should get a green medal - no more twist ties or rubber bands. This method is water proof and air tight. Great! SEAL PLASTIC BAGS WITH OLD BOTTLE CAPS Zip-top bags are great but sometimes you buy something in bulk and you’re stuck with an un-sealable bag. All you need to do is cut

The finished product

- 21-october 2010 2715 MAy 02 June 2011

Perception is reality MANY, MANY years ago, before the Internet, mobile phones or social networking sites, I started my career as a Graduate Trainee in the Customer Services Division of a large UK Computer company. From day one it was drilled into us that ‘perception is reality’. It didn’t matter how good the call to fix times were, if the customers perceived them to be poor we had to accept that and sort it out, not least because customers talk to each other at User Group meetings and the like, so word of mouth then, like now, could be your best friend or your worst enemy. As I said this was before all the messaging, communication and discussion options that are available today, all of which have in effect given more power, and importance, to the word of mouth. I was reminded of this last week when I read that Benidorm, fed up with how people perceive it, want to change their brand values and go more ‘up market’. First thought? Good luck with that one! Second thought? Why? As the old saying goes: “If it ain’t broke – don’t fix it!” And like it or not, Beni-

23 27

dorm does ‘exactly what it says on the tin’ as far as

where one local Mayor proudly said a week before

the online blogs and websites. The issue of benefit

I doubt anybody goes to Benidorm expecting an-

of votes needed ... “money talks,” as they say, and

stamp out, as demonstrated by the establishment

everyone’s perception goes.

ything other than what they get, and rarely come away thinking they have had anything other than a great time. To try and change that I suspect will be a

the elections that they had secured the number allegedly the going rate for selling your vote was 300€ this year!

The general perception among the expats living

disaster. The current customers will stop going and

in Spain around here is that the Spanish have no

exactly what they want and if they can’t get it at

believe they are actively against having the English

head off in search of its replacement, as they know Benidorm they won’t think twice about finding an alternative. And as for the new profile of customers they want to attract, well let’s be honest ...would

you want to be the first to try and see if they had got it right?

I would leave things be: milk what you have and

accept that perception is reality, and with so many

people still happy to pay for that particular reality

interest in the English and in many cases people in their towns. Now I doubt that is the reality, but it is certainly the perception of many. In discussing

this with friends recently I took my life in my own hands and pointed out that IF that was the case

would it be so hard to blame the Spanish? By way of example I referenced three bits of news from this week.

everywhere was only to be expected, as was the fact

that the majority of powerful, or is that corrupt, ob-

tained the votes they expected. We even had a case

ties are launching a fresh purge on the problem. Now I know that these cases relate to the signifi-

cant minority of British Expats living in Spain, but

put yourself in the position of the Spanish, reading this day in and day out, and what would you think?

Perception is reality, and my suggestion was, and is, that if we British Expats truly want to be accepted by our Spanish hosts we should put our own house in order first.

Chris runs a expat blog about life in Spain (www.

Spain, as well as writing a monthly column for the

tensive search: Mr Dempsey had an international

few surprises. The fact that the PSOE got hammered

and at estimated 80€ million a year the UK authori-

the town of Benhavis by Spanish police after an in-

Moving on…

you are, but generally down our way there were

cause the issue of ‘abroad fraud’ refuses to go away,

almerimarlife.com) and is a regular contributor

most wanted criminals in Britain, was arrested in

elections in Spain. Don’t know how it went where

of a dedicated fraud hotline for expats in Spain be-

On the Costa del Sol Jamie Dempsey, one of the

in this current climate I would be extremely grateful.

Last Sunday we had the local and some regional

fraud is one that authorities are particularly keen to

search warrant issued against him for the crime of drug trafficking. On the same day it was reported

to a number of publications and radio stations in Telegraph Expat site and is a Telegraph Expat guest blogger.

He lives in Almerimar with his wife Sands, four

that the National Police had arrested a 48-year-old

cats, two Harleys and more often than not a glass

edly attacking another British man with a knife af-

Contracts (www.centralcontracts.com) a leading car

British man, named with the initials P.D., for alleg-

ter he accused the other man of having sex with his wife. On Tuesday the following story was all over

of red. His column in RTN is sponsored by Central leasing company supplying cars and vans to business users and private individuals.

Views from a balcony 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 chris@almermarlife.com Social Networks: Twitter - Facebook - Facebook Group

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Essential Spanish lesson

Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

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

Lesson 159

TODAY WE are going to cover two subjects, irregular past simple verbs and indirect object pronouns. I thought I would give you that advanced warning, just in case you thought you could snooze your way through the article between having a beer and doing the Sudoku. As ever I will resist the temptation to reteach everything and limit myself to questions, the answers to which will appear next week. The following four verbs have what I call “small irregularities” in the past simple tense. Fill in the missing forms in these conjugations, without looking them up first if at all possible! Pedir – to ask for, to order Pedí pedimos pedíste pedisteis p_____ p______

(I ordered) (we ordered) (you ordered) (you ordered – plural) (He/she ordered) (they ordered)

Seguir – to follow/to continue Seguí (I followed) seguimos (we followed) seguiste (you followed) seguisteis (you followed – plural) s_____ (he/she followed) s______ (they followed) Sentirse – to feel Me sentí nos sentimos te sentiste os sentisteis se s______ se ________

(I felt) (we felt) (you felt) (you felt – plural) (he/she felt) (they felt)

Dormir – to sleep Dormí (I slept) dormimos (we slept) dormiste (you slept) dormisteis (you slept – plural) d______ (he/she slept) d _______ (they slept) (1 point each – 8 points in total)

Flamenco show to help Lorca victims By Julie Day A CHARITY gala has been organised by the Casa de Andalucía ‘Rafael Alberti’ in Torrevieja in aid of those affected by the earthquake in Lorca two weeks ago. The evening will feature performances from four professional copla dancers including Maribel Segura from Murcia; Irene Martínez from San Pedro and Rosa María Luján and Maribel Castillo, both from Lorca. The flamenco duo Sancho y Martínez together with the Agustina Esteve Academy of Dance of Torrevieja will also collaborate with the show. This charity gala will take place this evening, Friday 27th May at the Municipal Theatre of Torrevieja and tickets priced at 5€ each can be purchased at the theatre box office today from 11am until 1pm or two hours before the show.

Now we are on to the real nitty-gritty – irregular past simple verbs. Actually they’re not so bad it’s just a case of getting used to them, like everything else! First of all complete the conjugation (this time written along one line) and then translate the sentence. Dar - di, diste, dio, dimos, disteis, dieron Translate into Spanish: We gave you the answer. Decir - dije, dijiste, dijo, dijimos, dijisteis, dijeron Translate into Spanish: What did he say? Estar - estuve, estuviste, estuvo, estuvimos, estuvisteis, estuvieron Translate into Spanish: We were there last week. Hacer - hice, hiciste, hizo, hicimos, hicisteis, hicieron Translate into Spanish: The children didn’t do their homework Ir - fui, fuiste, fue, fuimos, fuisteis, fueron Translate into Spanish: I went to Cuenca last month with my mother. Querer - quise, quisiste, quiso, quisimos, quisisteis, quisieron Translate into Spanish: What did that man want? Tener - tuve, tuviste, tuvo, tuvimos, tuvisteis, tuvieron Translate into Spanish: I was lucky that day. (3 points per correct answer – 21 in total) And finally, here is a topic that I haven’t actually covered in detail in these articles, namely, indirect object pronouns. As scary as they sound, you may be surprised to realize how many of them you are already familiar with as you hear them in everyday speech. Here are a few common examples for you to translate into English. Mi madre me lo dijo. Te lo voy a explicar. Dámelo por favor. ¡Pásamela! A tu amigo se lo mandé ayer. ¿Me puedes comprar uno? (3 points for each correct translation – 18 in total) No comment about this for now – just good luck and see you next week!

Beatrice’s hat: final bid on the royal titfer

Beatrice in the World’s most famous hat

By Jan Gamm FOR THOSE dying to know, the final bid on Princess Beatrice’s weird and wonderful wedding hat, auctioned to raise money for children’s charities, was £81,100.01. The princess was teased once too often over her dramatic taste in headwear and decided to flog it for cash. At the drop of a hat (sorry) the Little Bee Initiative was set up to handle the sale with the proceeds to be donated to UNICEF UK and Children in Crisis. The twist in the tale, however, is that it is now uncertain whether the final bidder (anonymous) has the cash to pay eBay for the nutty pink fascinator and the hat may yet go to the penultimate bidder. The Philip Treacy creation defies gravity and good taste and perches on the wearer’s hairline, held in place by a clever invisible wire.

legal by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Important: succession law that could apply to Europe in the future

WILLS, INHERITANCE and of course Inheritance Taxes are important matters that greatly concern our readers. In this respect we will focus on the EU Proposal for ‘European Regulation on jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement of decisions and authentic instruments in matters of succession and the creation of a European Certificate of Succession’ and on the effect that this proposal could have on those Wills already made. The first thing that we must make clear is that this Regulation HAS NOT yet been approved by the European Union; thus we do not know exactly what the final wording will be when it is approved, but we must consider some very important facts. 1. The proposal does not try to unify all the Inheritance Laws of all the countries members of the EU into one Law; neither does it try to make one single European Inheritance Law for all these countries. But it does propose to establish the criteria that should determine which Law (if English, Spanish, Dutch Law, etc) would govern over the succession in each different case. 2. The draft of this regulation favours one uniform unique law for all the assets, which means that the same Law, whatever it is, would apply to ALL of the estate of the deceased, which of course does not coincide with the Inheritance rules of countries like France, the UK or Ireland where one law applies to movable assets (bank accounts etc) and another different law could apply to immovable assets (real estate, houses etc). 3. One of the most striking facts of this potential legislation is that the main criteria to determine which Law should

Don’t hesitate; let White & Baos assist you with a proper Spanish Will today

be applied to the Inheritance is the deceased’s habitual (i.e. normal) residence at the time of death. At this point the interpretation of the concept habitual residence is under discussion, as in the UK and Ireland this concept is understood as ‘domicile’ but it does not necessarily mean the place where you normally live. This is a very important change because as of today, for example in Spain, the law that applies to a succession is the Law of the nationality of the deceased BUT if this potential legislation passes then the law that will apply, as said, will be the law of the habitual residence. It is also a feature that this potential legislation foresees the possibility of the testator to expressly choose his national law, by stating so on his Will. As an example, let’s take the case of a British man living permanently in Spain who has assets in both England and Spain. He makes a Spanish Will in the year 2000 leaving

everything to his wife, substituting her (in the case she is not able to inherit e.g. if she dies before him) by 1 of their 3 children. If this man passed away NOW (when the regulation is not approved) his Will in principle will be perfectly valid and enforceable, as the applicable law would be the national law of the deceased/testator (English Law) which allows him to leave all assets to his wife. But if the same gentlemen passes away AFTER the potential referred regulation is approved (if it is approved) the Will would not be directly enforceable, as in principle, the applicable Law to his succession would be the law of his habitual residence i.e. in this case Spanish Law, and according to this law, at least 2/3rds of the deceased’s assets should go to his children (and thus not to his wife). In summary we advise you to review your Wills regularly to see if they could be affected by this proposal and please keep in mind that a proper Spanish Will should consider your National Law, Spanish Law and also European Laws and their possible future modifications. Please remember that in order to make sure that your national law will apply to your Will and succession, this must be expressly and correctly stated within your Will. If you need our assistance in this regard 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. *This article is available in English and Spanish at our Web site: www.white-baos.com

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

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It’s FREE, quick and easy to set up! UK to Spanish landline from just 4p per minute with a 0843 number, saving over 6 pounds on the cost of a 30 minute call from BT. UK to Spanish mobile from just 10p per minute with a 0872 number, saving over 12 pounds on the cost of a 30 minute call from BT. So say ‘HASTA LA VISTA, BT with these 2 fantastic money saving offers. Get your FREE numbers today by calling 966 463 170 or register online at www.roundtownetwork.com

money

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Kevin Wright

Account Manager, Moneycorp

In the process of selling your house in Spain and converting the money back into Sterling? What can you do to make sure that you get the most for your money, particularly regarding the charges levied by your Spanish bank? AFTER THE article last week the response has been staggering. Many RTN readers were not aware of the bank charges associated with the sale and repatriation of funds to the UK.

one of the UK’s major banks as a significant shareholder. • Moneycorp exchanges in excess of £10.5 billion every year, making Moneycorp the largest foreign exchange company in Spain.

When explained, the Moneycorp repatriation service makes total sense to those clients we have spoken to but a common theme running through each conversation was:‘Is my money safe?’ At Moneycorp we understand that not only do clients want the best rate but also for the funds to arrive on time and securely.

• Moneycorp has its own SWIFT code, which means same-day bank-to-bank transfers.

So did you know? • Moneycorp, the number one choice for currency exchange in Spain, has been dealing in foreign exchange since 1979, making it one of the longest established currency brokers • Moneycorp is the only foreign exchange company to have

• Moneycorp is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority • Moneycorp is the only foreign exchange company to achieve ISO 9000 quality assurance accreditation • Due to its size and strong buying power, Moneycorpis able to provide the best rates of exchange If there is one foreign exchange company that you can trust above all others to provide exceptional customer

service, it has to be Moneycorp.That is why the RTN recommends Moneycorp to all its readers. For more information on how Moneycorp can help you to save on your Spanish bank fees as well as helping you get more pounds for your euros, contact us on 902 887 243 or email Moneycorp directly at roundtownnews@moneycorp.com

money

Scam alert!

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

SCAMS, PHISHING, trolls… All language of the internet and all reminders of more opportunity, but they also increase threats. Scams have always existed but never in as much abundance as with the arrival of email. The ways they think of confusing, beguiling and defrauding us are legion. Approaches taken vary from frightening us, ‘your account will be closed if…’ to delighting us, ‘you have won…’

We might tut and shake our heads at the gullibility of those who did click here, but it’s easily done. In hindsight the

spelling errors, lack of official language and dubious wording might seem obvious but at the time these scams play upon our emotions and worries in such a way that we don’t always see them clearly for what they are. For example, would you recognise a scam masquerading under the heading of the Tax Office? Some of our clients have recently reported receiving emails from HMRC and Agencia Tributaria (the Spanish Tax Authority). They begin with the enticing statement, ‘You are eligible to receive a tax refund of…’ and of course then go on to ask for bank account

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

details for the money to be refunded. Beware! As tax advisers we can assure you that you won’t be contacted in this way if a refund is due. Coming up to the June deadline for resident tax declarations we do sometimes have the pleasurable duty of informing clients that they can expect a rebate. But it doesn’t happen by email. On completion of your annual tax declaration you will be informed by your tax adviser of whether you owe money or if money is due to you. If you’re lucky enough to have a rebate it will be paid automatically into your bank account as your bank account details are on the tax declaration you complete. You will receive your rebate in your account by the 31st December: no need to inform anyone of anything by email. So, the moral of this tale? Don’t let down your guard when answering your

emails. If they ask for any financial details they’re almost certainly not genuine. Of course, if you have a fiscal representative you’ll already know if you’ve tax due or not. Sometimes it is good news but don’t let the prospect of a payout put your security at risk.

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

Mortgage drop compared to March last year A TOTAL of 43,176 mortgages were granted in Spain in March, reflecting a 20.2% drop against the same period in 2010. This follows declines of 7.9% in January and 8.8% in February. Mortgages were referenced against the Euribor for 90% of new contracts.

Tel: 96 558 7633 M obile 61820473 1

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

•Mortgages •Currency Exchange •Funeral Plans

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

legal

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Frauds and Scams in Spain AS THE recession or ‘crisis’ continues unabated we are seeing an increasing number of clients who by have been the victims of fraudsters, scammers and confidence tricksters who have persuaded them to part with money, cars, or other valuable property only to find themselves deprived of it by the very Solicitor, Link Point Legal and Business Services people they trusted.

Michael Olmer

Often the perpetrators of these offences pose as professionals or reputable business people and like all good con-artists encourage their victims to place their trust in them, especially when they are both foreigners in a strange country. The Spanish Penal Code differentiates between Fraud, known as ‘Estafa’, and misappropriation or embezzlement known as ‘Apropriacion Indebida’. ‘Estafa’ or ‘Fraud’ is defined in Article 248 of the Penal Code as obtaining property or money to the value of more than €400 by deception, including the use of electronic means, or by credit or debit cards. The penalties for Fraud range from a prison sentence of between one and six years and/or a fine equal to between six and twelve months salary. In especially serious cases which damage the financial security of the victim or their family, or which involve a sum of more than €50,000, or where the perpetrator has abused his commercial or professional relationship with the victim, the penalty is increased to between four and eight years imprisonment and a fine of between twelve and twenty four months’ salary.

Lawyers and other legal professionals can be subject to especially heavy penalties for fraud. They can be fined between three and five times the amount which they have swindled and may be liable to a term of imprisonment of at least five years. ‘Apropriacion Indebida’ is defined in Article 252 of the Penal Code as the failure by a person either to properly account for money or goods worth more than €400 willingly deposited with them by their victim. Because the subject matter of the crime was originally deposited with the perpetrator voluntarily by the victim the penalty is lower. The Penal Code specifies a fine of between three and six months’ salary, unless the property concerned is of special artistic, historic, or scientific interest when the penalty can be between six months and two years imprisonment. It is also a criminal offence to fail to return money or other property which a person has received by mistake, again provided that value exceeds €400. If a person is convicted of a first offence and the sentence imposed by the Court is a term of imprisonment of 2 years or less, the sentence will automatically be suspended. If the penalty imposed is a fine then the Court will either set the fine by reference to their actual monthly income or by reference to the average monthly income for the province in which they live. To protect yourself always check that anyone to whom you hand over money or valuables is the ‘genuine article’. If they claim to be a member of a recognised profession

such as a Lawyer, Accountant, or Gestor, check that they are a member of the relevant professional association. They should be happy to produce their registration details. If not, then walk away. This is especially important if you are asked to deposit large sums of money with any intermediary. When dealing with small amounts of money or property worth less than €400 at least check that you are dealing with an established business, and always get a receipt bearing the NIF, NIE, or CIF number of the person to whom you entrust your money or property. You should be especially careful when buying goods or services ‘online’ as these are often of low individual value, but can net the scammer a very large amount of money as a whole. In return, a reputable professional person or business will want to know who is paying them money or putting their valuables into their hands so do not be offended if you are asked to provide evidence of your identity and that you are indeed the true owner of the car or other property you leave with them. Should the worst happen and you believe that you are the victim of an ‘Estafa’ or ‘Apropriacion Indebida’, do not hesitate to go to the Police or Guardia Civil and issue a ‘denuncia’ or formal complaint. The authorities now take these matters very seriously as they reflect badly on the reputation of the country as a whole. We at Linkpoint are available to assist with drawing up written complaints or accompanying you on your visit to the authorities to make your ‘denuncia’ in person.

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

money by

Stephen Ward & Robert Burns OVER THE last week things have happened which should have cause to make you think. THE FINANCIAL CRISIS IS FAR FROM OVER The Greek government has to introduce a further round of cuts to public sector pay and pensions and there is talk of the Greeks defaulting on their sovereign debt. Call it what you like, ‘restructuring’, ‘extending term’, etc... it will be seen by the financial markets as ‘default’. And do not think Spain is necessarily out of the woods with a 21.5% unemployment rate and an astonishing 45% of under 25s out of work. Maybe the Spanish have had enough as small scale and peaceful protest in the centre of Madrid has grown in number to several thousand with similar demonstrations taking place in other Spanish cities including Barcelona and Valencia. THE PROBLEM OF THE US $14.3 TRILLION DEBT The USA would have hit the buffers of the $14.3 trillion limit on public debt a few days ago but for a suspension of contributions by the federal government to the US equivalent of the civil service pension scheme. According to the Daily Telegraph, “Timothy Geithner, the US Treasury Secretary, announced the move in a letter on Monday to Congressional leaders as he explained that the move extends the government’s breathing space to August 2nd to avoid an unprecedented default on its borrowings.” Could this happen in the UK?

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Could this happen to your UK pension fund?

IRELAND’S NEW PENSION LEVY And in Ireland a 0.6% tax rate is to be charged on all the value of funded pension schemes and personal pension plans. The levy will apply for four years, commencing this year, and will raise a projected € 470m annually. Do you really believe this will be for just four years? COULD THIS HAPPEN IN THE UK? UK pension funds are massively more than those in Ireland. Might the UK Government think about following suit as a smaller levy would not seem much at the level of the individual but would raise billions? SILENTNIGHT In any event UK companies can walk away from their pension obligations. This has most recently been the fate of the hapless members of Silentnight which dumped its liabilities in the lifeboat of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF). This means Silentnight’s 1,340 pensioners could lose about a third of their pension entitlements. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR UK PENSION Sadly it is a myth to consider your UK pension fund as being ‘safe’. There are risks associated with taxation, there are risks associated with default. The only way you can be sure of avoiding

In an uncertain world let Premier Pension Solutions help you make the right decision

these risks is to take control. If you are a long term UK resident we can arrange for the entire fund to be released - the ultimate control. Or we can arrange a transfer to a QROPS or a self-invested personal pension putting you in control over how the fund is managed. For further information about QROPS 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., May 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

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

01 --07 27 MAy 02april June 2011

Home Garden

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www.spanishhomefinder.com

Why electrics go wrong SOMEONE ASKED me the other day how long does an electrical cable last? There are so many contributing factors, the actual length of the cable, how often it is used and what it is actually supplying power too, these are just a few things that can affect the life span of an electrical cable. I suppose the real question is: why do cables and other electrical devices wear out? Firstly electricity creates heat, and over a period of time this heat breaks down the insulation on

A plug contains small copper pieces

the cables and the copper cable itself. One of the contributing factors to this can be ambient temperature. For example: if a set of cables are run through a big conduit/tube the air can circulate around the cables keeping them cool. If, however, you reduce the size of the conduit/ tube then there is less air and more heat. Also if the conduit is placed in the direct sunlight this can increase ambient temperature - this is obviously something that is more of a consideration here in Spain, as the temperatures are generally higher than in the UK. If a cable is not fixed tight into a terminal, for example in a socket, then the resistance at that point is increased and creates heat, again causing deterioration to the cable and socket. I have seen on many occasions here that people find it acceptable to use an MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) trip switch, as a light switch. The MCB is a safety device that works the same way as a fuse, i.e. on an overload or short circuit. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t suppose any of us, when we lived in the UK, took the fuses out to turn lights on and off;

nor did we clamber under the stairs to get to the consumer unit to operate the switches. Installing an additional light switch is an easy task for a competent electrician. Constant switching of the MCBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s causes damage to your safety devices within your electrical system. When we plug an appliance (kettle, toaster, TV etc) into a socket, the connection is made by small pieces of copper inside the socket acting as a spring and pushing against the pin of the plug: if you constantly push and pull the plug in and out eventually the spring will bend out of shape and not make a tight contact. This will then cause arcing and subsequently heat. Also dusty connections can cause arcing as the dust impairs the electrical contact. In the same way as the socket, if you screw a new light bulb in too tight you can bend the contacts inside of the lamp holder, again causing arcing/heat. All electrical installations should be periodically checked and in accordance with the Spanish wiring regulations: that time period is set at ten years for residential premises and five years for

By Daniel Smith, Adept Electrical SL, see his advert in the classified section

An MCB

commercial premises. Electricity is an essential part of modern day life and ensuring it is installed safely is part of my job.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

New glamour for your home! ARE YOU a contemporary type of person? Do you like modern, elegant design? Do you insist on comfort, yet like to make a statement? Would you like a chair designed to fit you personally? What about a chair accessorised by you to add your own individualism? And made in high quality leather, available in over 40 colours? Throughout history there have been iconic chairs such as the Eames lounge chair from the 50s, the Tulip chair from the 60s and the Barcelona chair which was originally made for Spanish royalty but which are now seen in office reception areas throughout the world. Style and comfort live on in these pieces, and at Prominent we would like to introduce to you our new chair called the ‘Elba’ which we believe will give you a similar and everlasting feeling of Specialness, simply because each and every chair is precisely that...special. Special because of the top-grade quality leather used which is available in a rainbow of over 40 colours; special because the design is enduringly elegant and beautifully contoured; special because the built-in footstall will allow you lie back and relax in upmost comfort; special because the design of the base can be selected from our range to add your own unique flair. And special because the height and dimensions can be designed to fit you personally: special because the price will be

distinctly affordable for such undeniable luxury. At Prominent for years we have been making powered riser chairs, arm chairs and recliners of the highest quality. Our Scandinavian craftsmen use only the finest foam, frames and leather, and every chair will provide proper support now and for many, many years. The ‘Elba’ adds to our range because of its classic and timeless good looks. It is the perfect chair in which to put your feet up, perhaps watch television, listen to music, read a book, and relax. Right now at Prominent we are offering a bespoke ‘Elba’ chair in leather for approximately €2000 + IVA (price depends upon your choice of features) and we have a remarkable offer of a second bespoke ‘Elba’ chair for just one single €1. Both chairs can be completely individualised in the way described above, for example to suit a husband and wife of differing sizes to give each precisely the correct support in every seating position. Or if you prefer fabric, this is also possible, at a lower price. To know more about the Elba chair please call 965 793 229 or even better call into our large showroom at Poligono Industrial Teulada (where the Sunday market is) to try one out. Come early and try our chairs for four hours, we guarantee four hours of absolute comfort. There is ample parking and our opening hours are Monday-Saturday 10.00-14.00: www.prominent.nu

The Showroom

Home & Garden

Elba Chair

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

The car coming off the truck in Albir

The car being driven into the truck in Leeds

RTN tried and tested – Silverdale Transport: simply the best

WHEN RTN’S Danny Wilkinson and his girlfriend Louise decided to return from Leeds to the Costa Blanca they didn’t fancy the long drive through France, across the Pyrenees and through northern Spain. Because with Louise being 7 months pregnant, two days stuck in the car was not high on their wish list! They therefore needed someone they could trust to bring their car and possessions back safely, so they enlisted the services of Silverdale Transport who have been advertisers in the RTN for nine years and are known to be fully insured, professional and trustworthy. When you are transporting valuable goods (and by valuable this can be in the monetary sense, or items of sentimental value) it is absolutely vital to check that your transport company has full and valid Transport Documentation and full and valid Insurance. Silverdale Transport carries a full International Operators Licence to cover Europe which allows them to pass freely through the UK ports. Vehicles that do not hold this licence and are 7.5 tons and over take the risk of being stopped by the authorities and the vehicle

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

(and goods loaded in the vehicle!) being impounded when entering UK ports. As you can see from the photos the car was driven into the truck using ramps and there it stayed until reaching its destination – sunny Albir. This is a door-todoor service; with Silverdale Transport when any item is loaded into the truck it is never off-loaded partway or transferred between vehicles, meaning that there is no chance of goods being lost or damaged. Silverdale also transport bikes, which are put onto their large tail lift and raised up into the truck, where they are secured using straps and then covered with wrappers. Silverdale covers all of Spain, the UK and Europe and from collection to delivery all goods can be delivered within seven to ten days, sometimes even sooner. Their vehicles are fitted with air suspensions, giving a smoother ride for goods over the continent. For more information please visit: www.silverdaletransport.net Email: silverdaletransport@hotmail.com or Telephone 01270 849 157 or 07952 170 306.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Herbs

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

NO INLAND or coastal garden in Spain should be without herbs, whether you are a resident or absentee gardener. They have so many uses and can be planted in the garden in containers/window boxes or in terracotta herb barrels. Apartments as well as villa dwellers can therefore easily grow and benefit from an interesting collection of herbs with culinary and medicinal uses as well as looking and smelling nice. The benefits include the following: 1. The perennials such as lavenders, rosemary, thymes, sages, chives and bay are naturalised Spanish plants and are therefore easily established. Most importantly they are among the most frost and draught resistant plants. 2. The numerous varieties of some types of herbs enable interesting collections to be built up. For instance thymes, lavenders, basils and sages. Amazingly there are over 800 varieties worldwide of sages and many can do well in Spain. 3. Many annual herbs such as basil, parsley, coriander, and dill can be raised from seed or purchased as small plants each spring and are reasonably easy to care for in semi shaded positions. 4. Wherever planted they can be regularly trimmed for using in salads, cooked dishes and for healthy infusions. Lamb chops or shanks coated with garlic and freshly chopped rosemary or thyme, fresh basil with pasta and oregano, chopped over slices of freshly harvested tomatoes soaked in virgin olive oil can’t be beaten for taste. Nor can a poleo menta, mint tea or infusion made from freshly harvested leaves. 5. Planted along paths, within mixed flower beds, on a rockery or in a dedicated herb garden their leaves and flowers add perfume to the garden, which in turn attracts many species of butterflies. 6. Herbs can be harvested for hanging in bunches or mixing into potpourris to provide natural aromatherapy effects on the terraces or in the house 7. Co-planted on the vegetable plot they can be useful attractors of beneficial insects (rosemary and lavender), in attracting pests away from crops ( sage, dill, fennel and coriander), the basis of natural insecticides ( garlic) and fungicides ( horsetail) and the

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

Home & Garden

basil can be grown from seed or bought as small plants

basis of valuable natural fertilizers(comfrey, borage and nettle). 8. If we sprain a muscle mountain walking or gardening we find that a rue infusion is a quick acting gardeners’ remedy as is a comfrey poultice. What other type of garden plants can be of so much benefit for a relatively little outlay! If you have inherited a mountainside or woodland full of naturally growing herbs you have a head start on others! Part four of ‘Your Garden in Spain’ describes and illustrates the most popular herb plants for gardens and likewise ‘Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style’ in Part 9. Many herbs can be easily propagated at almost any time of the year to increase your number of plants inexpensively or as gifts for friends. Success only requires a fertile free draining gritty, non-clayey soils and potting composts, regular watering of perennials until established, daily summer watering of herbs in containers and a regular short back and sides to stop them becoming leggy and woody. Some herbs such as mint and the wonderful scarlet-flowered pineapple sage can spread quickly so plant them where you are happy for them to expand or plant in large containers sunk into the ground or added to your collection of annual and perennial herbs on villa or apartment terraces. If you are a herb enthusiast it’s worth sending off for the Chiltern Seeds catalogue (info@chilternseeds.co.uk, Tel: 0044 1229 581137) which lists many varieties of herbs not normally found in garden centres in Spain.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Selective panels on roof

Solar energy:

the facts about installing a solar energy hot water system and government grants THE PAST few years have seen an ever increasing amount of publicity in the media about solar energy and general awareness of the technology is on the increase. One of the most popular applications for solar energy is the heating of water for domestic use. Here, Fidelma Matthews from Solar in Spain answers the main questions that people tend to ask about solar hot water: HOW DOES A SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM WORK? It’s really is very simple. In a compact system, where the tank and the panel are one unit, the tank must be placed higher than the collector. The water circulates naturally between the tank and the solar collector because of differences in water temperature. The system has a closed circuit filled with water and an anti-corrosive/anti-freeze solution. WOULD A SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM REPLACE MY EXISTING HOT WATER SYSTEM? Yes it can. As the solar hot water storage tank comes fitted with an electric immersion heater for periods of poor weather, your existing water heater can be removed. If you have a boiler that provides heating as well as hot water, solar energy can be incorporated to work with the boiler. WHAT IS THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF A SOLAR HOT WATER SYSTEM? A well designed solar hot water system will last for 25-30 years. DOES SOLAR ENERGY ONLY WORK ON SUNNY DAYS? No. Diffused radiation means that a solar collector will still generate a lot of energy on cloudy days. Vacuum tube collectors are particularly efficient in these conditions. Because they operate in a vacuum they can heat water regardless of how cold the outside temperature is provided there is some sunlight. To give you some idea of its effectiveness, solar energy works well in the UK climate where 50% of solar radiation is diffused. ARE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS EXPENSIVE? Systems vary in design and size but to give you an idea; a system can be fully installed for less than €57 per month. In addition, you will benefit from a generous government grant from the Valencia Energy Board of up to 45%. WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL PAYBACK ON A SYSTEM? As there are so many variables involved, number of occupants, hot water demand etc. a detailed financial study is available to anyone considering a solar hot water system. Normally a system will pay for itself within 3-5 years. ARE GOVERNMENT GRANTS AVAILABLE? There are grants available for solar energy hot water and electricity systems that are certificated by the Spanish Government and installed by accredited installers. Solar in Spain is one of the few accredited companies that have been working for many years with the government’s energy department to obtain generous grants for their clients. Solar in Spain will take care of all the grant paperwork on behalf of their clients. The closing date for 2011 applications is 15th July. It is important that anyone who wants to have a system installed this year registers with the Valencia Energy Board (AVEN) before this date to ensure they get their grant application registered. WHERE CAN I SEE A SYSTEM IN OPERATION? Solar in Spain has hundreds of systems already installed and clients who are happy to let people view them. Alternatively, you are welcome to attend our Introduction to Solar Energy event at the Javea Golf Club in Javea on Thursday 2nd June 2011. Doors will open at 9.30am when coffee and refreshments will be served. The event will run from 10am to 12pm and is free to attend. Places are limited so we would ask everyone to pre-register by calling 902 636 570 or by sending an email to info@solarinspain.com

See our main advert in the Services Section

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Computing with aunty virus

Stop the junk

Low battery John from San Miguel asks: I HAVE a 6 month old Toshiba laptop and the battery seems to be running low a lot quicker than when it was new. I have heard so many different opinions on how to keep my battery healthy but I’m not sure what’s true and what’s not. Can you advise please?

Aunty Says: The first thing you must do with a new battery is to ‘deep cycle’ at least four times. This is basically a repeated full charge followed by full drain. This is supposed to wake the battery cells up and help them work to their full capacity. If you use your laptop plugged in to the mains for more than a week at a time then it is important to perform a deep cycle once a week to keep the battery healthy. If you notice a significant decrease in your

Bert via email asks: COULD YOU please tell me how I can stop receiving certain junk mail? Thanks for all your help.

battery’s performance then you may need to pop it out and give the contacts a clean. Switch your laptop off and unplug it from the mains. If you turn your laptop over you will see one or two release catches clearly marked that will allow you to slide or ease the battery out. You will see some gold contacts on the battery and inside the battery bay which you can clean with a cotton bud and pure alcohol. I also do this occasionally with my mobile phone and I have certainly noticed an improvement there as well.

Aunty Says: You can normally flag persistent email addresses as spam using the ‘junk’ or ‘report as spam’ button but the spammers quite often send out bulk emails from random email addresses that change daily. I notice you are using hotmail as your email provider Bert, this will certainly add to your daily dosage of spam as hotmail users seem to be specially targeted. I would strongly recommend opening a Gmail account via Google as they have a far superior automated spam filter system running at their end so you rarely even receive spam emails, and if you do they will automatically end up in your spam folder.

New install Rose via email asks: WE HAVE just installed the new Office 2010. We have transferred our files, and although we can open close and save documents, they save in the original list. It must be possible to open and then save them in the new Office 2010, otherwise we have two lists running, and it is getting confusing! Hopefully you can help. Aunty Says: Hello Rose. It is possible and you will need to

get used to the ‘save as’ menu option that will allow you to save in loads of different file formats and into different folders. Older versions of Office used to have ‘.doc’ as the file extension (i.e. document. doc) but when Microsoft

Cannot download or upgrade

Phil from Orihuela asks: I HAVE an Asus EEEPC with Linux system. When I go to Firefox I get a page saying I must download and upgrade to the new browser, however, when I follow the link I manage to download but cannot get them to run. I do not understand the Linux commands and there is no setup files like windows, whenever I click on a file that looks like it is a run command I get a message ‘preparing to copy’ then the window closes! HELP please. Aunty Says: As much as I admire Linux (and all the hundreds of different versions) I’m afraid it can be a bit tricky to install programs and drivers. This area is probably the one thing Microsoft has really excelled in as 99% of the time installations with Windows are usually a few clicks of the mouse. I know the EeePC used to come with the Xandros version of Linux and there was a known problem with the new Firefox 4, so maybe a quick look on the Firefox or Xandros website may help. There are also other and more up to date versions of Linux, such as Ubuntu and Mint, that may run on the EeePC but again you will have to do some research on the Asus website.

Not genuine Sue via email asks: HELLO AUNTY. I am a receiving a message telling me that my copy of Windows 7 is not genuine. I bought the PC in Quesada and it had no discs or Windows license with it. I have been told this is normal and that I can keep using it with no problems. Is this true?

upgraded to Office 2007 they decided we had to start using the ‘.docx’ file extension. When you are happy that you have loaded an old document and then ‘saved as’ the newer version, you can go through your folders and delete the older copies.

Aunty Says: Not really, Sue. You don’t normally get any discs these days, but you should definitely have a Windows license sticker somewhere with a 25 digit code that you need to ‘activate’ Windows via the Microsoft website. Running a non genuine copy will mean you cannot get some of the important security updates and Microsoft programs. I suggest you take the machine back and ask them to fix the problem.

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

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

GADGET INSPECTOR

Gadget Inspector investigates the case of: Toto Neorest 600 Toilet/Bidet THIS WEEK the Inspector is definitely going around the bend with the Toto Neorest 600 Toilet/Bidet. Sounding like it should be the result of a dubious sponsorship deal between an 80’s rock band and a sanitary ware manufacturer, the Toto Neorest 600 Toilet/Bidet is certainly not your basic Thomas Crapper. The Toto Neorest is more like your average politician – shiny, with a Teflon like ability, yet deep down still does a pretty dirty and unpleasant job. On first impressions the Toto Neorest looks little different to any other super-sleek modern lavvy. Yet as you approach, the seat slowly rises as if by magic – pretty unwise really considering what is about to happen to it, probably locking itself and sounding a siren would have made more sense. However, this is just the start of the ultimate ‘spending a penny’. Firstly, the seat can be warmed to a pre-set temperature. Then once you’ve had your penny’s worth there is a choice of front/rear pulsating and oscillating wash modes and warm air drying. The front wash is for the ladies, but you can bet the men are going to try it – why not? As you rise from the throne, the Toto Neorest automatically engages its Power Catalytic Air Purifie

function – no need to utter those time honoured words “…just give it a minute…” Six seconds after you’ve moved beyond the range of the toilet’s sensor zone, it will automatically flush and close both the lid and the seat. There is also a wireless remote control which can open, close or warm the seat, change the water temperature and even perform a powerful ‘Cyclone flush’ instead of the automatic light flush. It can even control the wash modes for that perfect finish. The manufacturers have thought of everything – the toilet is even glazed with a super smooth, ion barrier called SanaGloss, effectively making it self-cleaning every time you flush. Whether the claim was made after the Quality Control Department installed one in the local Indian Restaurant on a Friday night after the Vindaloo Special is open to question. The Inspector’s Verdict: Not likely to be a flash in the pan, though you are going to need plenty of the folding stuff to afford the 4,000€ cost of the Toto Neorest 600 Toilet/Bidet. Probably not too many better ways to literally flush this sort of money down the khazi.

health

27 may - 02 june 2011

Plantar fasciitis

Joan McLellan

M.C.S.P S.R.P Grad Dip

I AM Joan McLellan and I am a Physiotherapist. In one of my articles previously I wrote about Achilles tendon problems, which are one of the most common ailments that I am asked to treat. Another very common ailment, also in the foot â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the heel this time - is called Plantar Fasciitis. Plantar Fasciitis is a burning, stabbing, or aching pain in the heel of the foot. Most sufferers will be able to feel it in the morning because the fascia ligament tightens up during the night while we sleep, causing pain to diminish. However, when we climb out of bed and place pressure on the ligament, it becomes taut and pain is particularly acute. Pain usually decreases as the tissue warms up, but may easily return again after long periods of standing or weight bearing, physical activity, or after getting up after long periods of lethargy or sitting down. In most cases, plantar fasciitis does not require surgery or invasive procedures to stop the pain and reverse damage. Conservative treatments are usually all that is required; however, every personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body responds to plantar fasciitis treatment differently, and recovery times may vary. There are a number of plantar fasciitis causes. The plantar fascia ligament is like a rubber band and loosens and contracts with movement. It also absorbs significant weight and pressure. Because of this function, plantar fasciitis can easily occur from a number of reasons and the most common reason is an overload of physical activity or exercise.

Athletes are particularly prone to plantar fasciitis and commonly suffer from it. Excessive running, jumping, or other activities can easily place repetitive or excessive stress on the tissue and lead to tears and inflammation, resulting in moderate to severe pain. Athletes who change or increase the difficulty of their exercise routines are also prone to overdoing it and causing damage. Another common cause of plantar fasciitis is arthritis. Certain types of arthritis can cause inflammation to develop in tendons, resulting in plantar fasciitis. This cause is particularly common among elderly patients. Diabetes is also a factor that can contribute to further heel pain and damage, particularly among the elderly. And amongst the most popular factors that contribute to plantar fasciitis is wearing incorrect shoes. In many cases, shoes either do not fit properly, or provide inadequate support or cushioning. While walking or exercising in improper shoes, weight

distribution becomes impaired, and significant stress can be added to the plantar fascia ligament. TREATMENT Rest, ice and anti-inflammatory drugs are used in home care. Shoewear needs to be looked at - choosing more support and sometimes where necessary orthotics should be used. High arches or flat feet need support to counter act the stress caused by abnormal mechanics. Physiotherapy has become a common option, achieving good results with particular exercises designed to address specific plantar fasciitis needs, and ultrasound helps to promote healing. When all else fails, steroid injections are considered. In conclusion, prevention is crucial with weight and shoewear being an issue. If possible, replace your shoes before they are worn out. Exercises need to be started slowly, and ease into new routines to prevent sudden stress on the fascia.

This article has been written by Joan McLellan a physiotherapist since 1974. Joan has surgeries at the Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ancora Tennis Club in Javea, at the Clinica Britannia in Calpe, and at The English Medical Clinic in Albir. And she will do home visits whenever necessary. For more information call 609 954 237 or email joan.mclellan@gmail.com

27 may - 02 june 2011

New treatments at Imagine Hair and Beauty Imagine Hair and Beauty are pleased to announce that they have introduced new treatments at their salon in Alfaz del Pi. These include the Guinot Hydradermie & Lift facials, the Brazilian Keratin Hair Treatments and the new “Dip-In” system of nail extensions. The salon is based on the main high street of Alfaz del Pi, opposite Mendoza supermarket, and is open 10am till 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am till 2pm on Saturday. GUINOT At Imagine we are proud to be practitioners of Guinot treatments and our association with Guinot means we can offer the best products available and our therapists are trained to the highest standards. Established more than 40 years ago, Guinot has stood the test of time with their superior deep cleansing Hydradermie facial treatments. No matter what skin type you are, the Guinot facials can be personalised to suit your beauty aims and requirements. With more than an hour of pure relaxation your skin will feel fresh, revitalised and will radiate health and vitality. Hydradermie Facial The Guinot Hydradermie facial is the most advanced beauty salon treatment for maintaining a balanced healthy complexion. It deep-cleanses, oxygenates and regenerates the skin. Regular Hydradermie treatments offer immediate and lasting results: they

improve hydration in dry skin, reduce sebum in oily skin and reduce average wrinkle depth in lined skin. Hydradermie Lift Facial This specialised anti-ageing treatment gives immediate and long-lasting visible results that improve the skin’s appearance. Hydradermie Lift is a treatment that also tones the skin and firms the face deep down by exercising the muscles. The muscles regain tone and vitality and the features are lifted to spectacular effect with visible results from the first treatment. BRAZILIAN KERATIN HAIR TREATMENT This treatment is nothing short of a miracle for women with curly, kinky or hard-to-tame hair. After a lifetime fighting frizz with endless sprays and creams and using straightening irons every morning, the Keratin hair treatment will leave you with a smooth, fresh-from-the-salon look that will last for months. At Imagine, we use Rio-Keratin Ultimate Brazilian Hair Therapy, which is an innovative keratin hair treatment complex that restores health to damaged hair, reducing volume and eliminating frizz, making the hair manageable, silky and shiny. The base of the treatment is natural keratin, the structural protein of the skin, nails and hair. Keratin is a natural substance that enables damaged hair to return to its original healthy, shiny and smooth state. The keratin hair treatment complex

WHENEVER I travel by air, my ankles, hands and breasts swell up! I occasionally have swollen ankles at other times. Why does this happen and is there anything I can do about it? The swelling that you are referring to is known medically as oedema. There are many causes of oedema and it is often a feature in kidney and heart disease. However, when there is no medical cause it is referred to Ask the as idiopathic oedema. Specialist by Idiopathic means ‘of unknown cause’. We don’t actually know why some people suffer with idiopathic oedema and others not. It is more common in women than men and tends to get worse with age. Oedema occurs when fluid is forced out of the small blood vessels and MB.ChB., F.R.C.S., BDS., FDSRCS into the surrounding tissue causing the affected area to appear puffy or swollen. It can occur when standing for long periods or indeed sitting for long periods. Flying can cause oedema of the hands, ankles, face and, as in your case, the breasts as well! Stress is also known to cause fluid retention and thus, oedema. People who alternate between binge eating and crash dieting are also prone to this problem.

Dr Colin Evans

SO WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT? Obviously you need to make sure that there is no medical cause for your oedema, so go and see your doctor. It is easy to say “avoid stress”, or “avoid standing or sitting for long periods,” but not so easy to do! If you have to fly, you have to fly! The oedema itself will do you no harm but can be a nuisance when you can’t get your rings off and your shoes won’t fit. Some measures that may help include: Losing weight. If you are overweight try to shed some pounds by introducing healthy eating. DON’T crash diet! Wear support tights or stockings to help swollen ankles. Reduce salt intake. When there is a lot of salt in your diet, the body holds on to water to maintain a balance. Never add salt to food and avoid processed foods and salty snacks. Increase your potassium intake. NOT in tablet form but eat more fruit, especially bananas and tomatoes .This helps reduce sodium (salt) levels in the blood. See your Doctor to discuss whether diuretics (water tablets) may help you. In some cases diuretics can worsen oedema, therefore it is essential to take professional advice.

Article written by Dr Colin Evans (MB.ChB., F.R.C.S., BDS., FDSRCS.) The English Medical Clinic, Avda del Albir, 72. Edificio Primavera, Bloque 1. ALBIR, (Alicante) 966 868 013. Email: englishmedicalclinic@gmail.com

Migraine to be treated with Botox A REVOLUTIONARY treatment for Migraine is expected to hit Spain before the end of the year. The treatment involves Botox injections administered in courses over three months. The Head of Service at Galdakao Neurological Hospital, Juan Carlos Garcia-Moncada, says the treatment is an option for chronic sufferers that fail to respond to conventional treatments.

All forms of nail extensions are available

revitalizes all types of hair without damaging or changing its texture and can be safely applied even to hair that has been chemically treated, such as coloured, permed, relaxed, highlighted or bleached. NAIL EXTENSIONS Beauty is not just about the hair and face, but also the nails and other parts of the body. There are many women who have a problem with growing their nails to a fashionable length due to various reasons. This may include brittle nails, working conditions, lifestyles or inability to overcome the habit of biting their nails. Whatever the reason, long nails remain an envy for many. At Imagine, our nail technician is experienced in all forms of nail extensions and has just introduced the new “Dip-In” system. This system is ideal for busy women as it is quicker and more affordable. She is also offering extensive courses for anyone who wishes to do their nails at home. Please call in to the salon and speak to Jessica to find out more information. Demonstration day Friday 3rd June from 10am and Saturday 4th June from 12pm.

20MAy - 26 may 2011 2011 27 - 02 June

horoscopes by Kenny Corris

Let it be! JUST SOMETIMES I wake in the morning to the beauty of my village, with the birds singing, the church bells ringing and the sun shining. They say that the best things in life are free, but we too have to free ourselves from the pressures of everyday life. Nevertheless there is a golden moment in each day when we open our eyes and everything seems to be okay. Our awakening heralds a new day, and whatever it brings. We may have specific plans, and take pleasure in trying to see that all goes well, only to find that it doesn’t, or that it wasn’t what we were exactly expecting. We can face a day that has no plans and find that everything just happens with spontaneity throughout the day. However beautiful our rouse from slumber may be, the pressures and the worries of our lives come through loud and clear. We start to project what may happen, worry about the bills, our loved ones, our future; and what will we do. Many people are trapped in houses they no longer want to live in, or need to sell and move away from. Some are stuck with jobs that they no longer enjoy, but which they need to earn money. Hey presto many of us not only feel pressured, but we are prevented from moving on in a static energy that denies us our freedom and our passage of movement around this World. You may not realise just how Spirit can help with this elimination of static but I assure you that it can and does work on levels that you may not believe are possible. Yes, faith helps, so never abandon your dreams, hopes, and aspirations, oh, and never say never! There is a power of positive thinking that everyone can embrace. Think of the negative for so long and you trap yourself in a world of second best. Instead of seeing what you do not have right now, do the exact opposite and list in your mind all that you do have, and you will find this is a long list. Some people only tell you their bad news, but they do not share the good things that are happening, about to happen or that will happen by the power of positive thought. At this stage I introduce you to the ‘Vision Board’. Whether you decide that this is an actual board, like a kitchen note board, or whether you use your

postbag

computer and develop a screen slideshow as a screen saver, that’s your choice. But no matter how chaotic your life may be the practical application of the board works and works surprisingly well. Simply place on your board that which you want to happen, short or long term, or both. If you need to move, cut out pictures of the home you want to move to, together with some pictures and information of where this will be. If there is something that you really want, add it to your vision board by printing and cutting out a suitable picture! Each and every time you pass by then send your message out to Spirit. This is what I deserve; this is my next move; I am going to succeed in getting what I want. Do not beg, but concentrate on what you really want and be brief in asking for it with the view that you deserve it, and will receive it. I was offered a trip to New York a few years ago, but the many Spiritual churches I would have served were not going to pay me enough to pay my fare and expenses. A great little trip, but if you fly the Atlantic you really want to have a few days of holiday in the City. This is what I wanted, but I didn’t have the spare cash to do it. I made a vision board on my computer, and I looked up all the places that I wanted to visit during my stay on Google image. I then loaded them onto my screen saver, and constantly there was a slideshow of the bookshop I wanted to go to, the restaurant I wanted to try, and even the market I wanted to browse at. Lo and behold I got a call from a lovely spiritual couple in Schenectady, Upstate New York. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing when they told me that they wanted to pay my return airfare from Spain to the USA. I was able to make the trip, and have my few days in NYC! The power of positive thinking, together with the visual, works. I have used it ever since and am not afraid to ask for what I need. Try it, it works because it is backup, and because it is not wrong, but very right, to ask for what you need. I want to hear how you do, so let me know, and be just as positive as you can be, however hard that is. It works, and it works well, if you just let it and take control.

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Kenny’s diary

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

MONDAY MAY 30TH : Readings at Bistro Maya, Albir from 16.30. Call: 966 868 213 for bookings and further info.

KENNY, MY husband tells me that I talk in my sleep, and that sometimes a voice seems to reply to me. I am very afraid of spiritual things as I was raised in a family where God was controlling and the supernatural was the unnatural. Kate B

THURSDAY JUNE 2ND: Service for the ASF at The Forum Alfaz del Pi at 18.30: All are welcome to this event which includes a demonstration of clairvoyance.

Kate, thanks for your letter. There is nothing to fear with the Spirit World, and peoples’ conception of it has thankfully changed over the years. Above all it seems that you are making contact whilst unconscious. Why not ask your husband to record your voice so that you can have a better notion of what is going on? Above all see this is something that is happening quite naturally and that you need have no fear of it whatsoever. Those in the Spirit World can and do make contact with us, and I will help you to take this further if you eliminate any notion that this is nothing more than those who have made their individual journey over to the other side making contact. There is nothing ungodly about spirituality, there never has been; and you may get a far better result with this clearance. Let me know.

THURSDAY JUNE 9TH: Sanctuary: an inspiring afternoon workshop of meditation techniques and inner connections, to help to use specific positive energies, bringing spiritual empowerment: 686 361 594. SATURDAY JUNE 11TH: Readings at La Fustera, between Calpe and Benissa from 10.00: Call Penny Smith on: 96 574 9182 or 687 926 021.

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!

Someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes, and although your intuition won’t allow it to make an iota of difference, you are saddened at the tactics that stoop so low. With your defences in play and a sincere need to make careful and concerted choices right now, you are as cool as a cucumber and free to make your own decisions without the spoke in the wheel that nobody needs. Mars and Venus have been side by side in your fifth house of hospitality, and they have together allowed you to see a clearer way forward that all will approve of. Though it isn’t selfish to take good care of yourself you are still very mindful of others and particularly their feelings. This week sees you finally giving yourself a big dose of self-love; and don’t worry - there will be plenty left over for others. Mercury enters at the end of a busy week bringing the best opportunities for you to benefit from. As things take a turn for the better you are the very best person to iron out any creases and to assure that everyone both can and will play their part in the new proceedings. Great things are coming from a source yet untapped, so do your homework and be sure that what you do brings positive changes all around. As anger subsides you may need to see things from a very different angle since you are too close to an emotional issue that has hurt you. Though it is only right to take offence, you acted rashly before a compromise could be considered, and you must now give all this your very best shot if the solution is to benefit you and those that depend on you. Turn to a fresh page, but stick to your guns! The Partial Solar Eclipse mid week gives you an immediate excuse to stall over a matter you are obviously not okay with. Pressure should be eliminated if you are to turn all this around and make something of it all. You are happy to be centre stage but right now you are only making a diversion which others may turn into a loophole: a time to know what you do, and to do it without question. Expect confusing shifts in all levels of communication. You may rightly feel as if you are being held back, but you do not yet know why this is necessary right now; and you are about to find out. With stubborn Taurean energies abounding and a need to have your say there comes a conflict of interests. Nobody should have to take sides over this, but someone has and they are making a mountain over a molehill. Your stability is often highly prized by others, and vaulted by you, but taking control isn’t an option, it is a great necessity. There are far more important issues right now to deal with, but this is a true storm in a teacup, and it threatens your dignity, and nags at your conscience. Through no fault of yours you have been roped into this situation, but it would seem your bark is worse than your bite! An inner rage has to be dealt with as you cannot turn back the clock. Two and two make four but this is not clear to others who are disadvantaging you by demonstrating their current selfish absence of logic and clarity. Keep your temper, because losing it is not an option in this climate, nor is it going to get you anywhere very fast, but time your response and make it a command performance. Jupiter is wayward and the actions of a sulking Saturn bids clearly for your attention in something that doesn’t interest you but which is gaining momentum. Like the proverbial rolling stone, things are better thrashed out now than they be allowed to linger, and gain the further attention of those who would be better off getting their own house in order. Slow and steady will bring results. You love to have the benefit of the doubt, but just now are wondering what to do. The answer is not to get involved, but to be there to be a source of comfort when the time comes. There is no point in wasting your time with a problem that veers out of control, but in the real light of day there is a solution that has to be taken on board by those concerned. You may have to walk away to minimalise any further damage. We are approaching the Neptune retrograde, and so leave no stone unturned if you want to bring resolve and intelligence into budding conflicts. As the truth keeper of the horoscope you now need that someone makes an apology, and maybe a hasty exit too before you offer the best solution with respect and calm. Nothing is achieved by shouting, and your laid back approach will work a treat. There comes a conflict of interest when someone throws a spanner in the works and the whole World goes upside down. You are working on much higher levels and have boosted your confidence so much that you can better see the problems of others, but need to keep your distance when decisions have to be made. Send your energies and expect the very best from those who know what you are so capable of.

If it’s your birthday this week... Make hay while the sun shines and start putting your emotional energies where they belong; and where they can be better dealt with when the time comes, to pull out all the stops in a challenging astrological year ahead.

27 MAy - 02 June2010 2011 8-14 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. As lately burnt by students? (8,3) 9. Look at the old boy kick off at tennis! (7) 10. Does it tell one when to keep a look-out? (5) 11. More of a complex tradition (5) 12. It falls at the end of the action (7) 13. She puts an end to progress (6) 15. It’s little Susan making material (6) 18. How policemen operate? (2,5) 20. She features in the declaration (5) 22. Nothing in firm to save (5) 23. The actors played first and made a move on the chess-board (7) 24. Very angrily took food to excess (11)

Down 2. Piece let in dress of with-it group? (5) 3. Is the foregoing neither lady’s (7) 4. Sound oil from the Mediterranean (6) 5. Wrote about a feature of a church, perhaps (5) 6. Crying raggedly? (2,5) 7. Leave the darkness to be revealed (4,2,5) 8. Come into different ownership and get fresh workers (6,5) 14. Curb the chorus (7) 16. One of the teeth in which a cutting remark might be thrown back? (7) 17. Stormy spot for drinkers? (3-3) 19. See the wrinkle in Bridget’s brow (5) 21. Assign everybody to return (5)

Across

Down

1. Indiscriminate (11)

2. Awaken (5)

9. Dived (7)

3. Nomad (7)

10. Earlier (5)

4. Tranquil (6)

11. Musical drama (5)

5. Superior (5)

12. White ant (7)

6. Turn to use (7)

13. Agreement (6)

7. Chance (11)

15. Exhausted (6)

8. Impiety (11)

18. Disregard (7)

14. Etch (7)

20. Evade (5)

16. Violinist (7)

22. Characteristic (5)

17. Cord (6)

23. Mohammedan (7)

19. Praise (5)

24. Warlike (11)

21. Devil (5)

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 *This must be used no later than 3 weeks of notification

Euromillions Draw Friday 20th May

10 14 20 25 42

One French ticket won the 27,642,654 Euros (£24,115,451) jackpot prize

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 51/54. Winner for 605 - Jimmy Murray, Entre Naranjos

27 may - 02 june 2011

music scene Matt Monro Tribute & Barry Moon

N SATURDAY 28th May, Le Cabaret, Cumbre del Sol, is proudly presenting a double-bill of entertainment, as most bars will be showing the Champions League Football Final, between Manchester United

Compiled by

Eric Taylor Presenter Heat Gold 94.1FM

and Barcelona. The Matt Monro Tribute Show is performed by Mike Lee, who faithfully re-creates the music of Matt Monro. Mike has toured with this show in the theatres and clubs in Britain and abroad, receiving rave reviews.

Barry Moon – Comedian BARRY MOON started his career in the 70s fronting comedy bands and has entertained the troops in the Falklands, Northern Ireland and Kuwait. He has also worked the clubs and night clubs in UK: free en-

try. For bookings and details of future events in Le Cabaret phone: 663 733 811 or check out: www.lecabaretspain.com Le Cabaret is located in the Lirios Centre, on Cumbre del Sol, Benitachell.

Cwmbach Male Choir Casa De Cultura, Calpe A STUNNING evening of top quality choral singing is promised by the Calpe and Benissa Lions Club when they welcome the Cwmbach Male Choir to the Casa de Cultura in Calpe on Saturday 4th June, curtain up 8pm. The 60-strong Cwmbach Male Choir will be demonstrating their talent for superb close harmony singing, performing uplifting hymns and songs in a charity concert which has been organised to raise funds for disadvantaged children in the region. The concert will also feature solo performances by Rosemary Jukic (Soprano) and John Edwards (Bass) and, as a further bonus there will be a special treat for the audience when the men of the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir join the Cwmbach Choir for a rousing finale. What a sound that should be - with nearly 100 men on stage! Tickets are only €10 and can be ordered in advance on 96 583 4852 or from hughstewart@telefonica.net. Subject to availability, tickets can also be purchased at the door on the night.

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

Parcent

5 course fine dining including ½ bot wine pp, bread,ali- oli and dips - Only 12.95€ __________________ June 3rd

Mabs charity night with 100€ Free raffle & Elton John Tribute Show

Sat. June 18th

Fathers Day Bash With Rob Sweeney

Tel 96 640 5398 For reservations

27 may - 02 june 2011

Suzy’s first birthday fun day Saturday, 4th June, sees the first anniversary of the opening of ‘Suzy’s Pre-Owned Furniture Warehouse’ at Pedreguer. Suzy and her staff would like to invite you to join them as they celebrate this event with a fun-filled day. The ‘Fun Day’ will take place at the warehouse on the Pedreguer industrial estate, where there will be live music from Double Impact, and Heat FM radio will be putting in an appearance. The fun begins at midday, although the warehouse will be open at its usual time of 10am. There will also be over 14 stalls, with a variety of products including, Antiques, Costume Jewellery, Temporary Tattoos, Cakes & Sweets and, of course, a bouncy castle for the kids, together with drinks and nibbles, and a raffle. Suzy is also offering a 10% DISCOUNT off ALL furniture purchased on the day. So why not go along have some fun for free, and maybe pick up a bargain or two! Suzy’s is situated at Unit 16, Calle Marroquineria. Poligono Industrial Estate at Pedreguer. For more details please ring 678 049 050.

NEWLY OPENED!

Open to 9pm EVERY DAY, incl. holidays! Fresh Bakery, Press Next to Q Fitness, las Rotas, Denia Tel 966431709

Coming soon – Canterbury Tales THE CURTAIN goes up on the Yabooh Theatre Company’s production of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales on June 2nd – 4th and the specially prepared amphitheatre in Rafol looks the part, with ticket sales going well. Terry Dean’s production draws heavily on proven talent from many of the leading theatre groups in the area and everyone is

benefiting from the inevitable pooling of experiences. Tickets are 11€, although there is a discount for groups of more than ten people. The ticket price includes a drink and a contribution to charity, and can be obtained from the Box Office (674 401 517) or email yaboohtheatre@gmail.com

charity

27 may - 02 june 2011

Aim high and plan well by Chris Sinclair AIM HIGH and plan well – these were the keywords which dominated the ‘Help For Heroes’ Costa Blanca North Supporters Group, as they raised money to support members of the Armed Forces who have been wounded in the service of their country. Those five words paid off, as a total of 5,200€ is now on its way to the H4H, the charity launched on 1 October 2007 by Bryn and Emma Parry and a group of friends, to offer direct, practical support to servicemen and women. The driving force behind the Supporters Group, ex-marine, Keith Deacon, was totally amazed at the amount raised, and was extremely grateful for all the support he had received to make this possible. Following a record-breaking auction, Linda Blake and Alan Lewis, charity auctioneers at the El Cid Restaurant in Benidoleig handed over a cheque for 3,250€. This was followed by the presentation of a cheque for 600€ by David Bluff, Captain of the El Cid Bowls Club. With over 100 members, the Bowls Club, that meets several times a week, generously supported H4H from the Captain’s Charity Fund. The coffers were then swelled with 360€ raised via a Royal Wedding Garden Party; a Fish and Chip Supper and quiz brought in 419€; a raffle and donations added a further 571€, resulting in the total of 5,200€. Once again, expatriates on the Costa Blanca have shown their generosity and support for this special charity. The money raised by Help for Heroes is being used to fund projects that make a huge difference to the lives of

Keith Deacon accepts cheque from David Bluff, El Cid Bowls Club

wounded Servicemen and women. When they started in 2007, they allocated £8 million to the task of providing a new swimming pool and gym complex at DRMC Headley Court, and the complex was officially opened by HRH Prince William in June 2010. They have now raised the £20 million pledged in March 2009 to help pay for the first four Personnel Recovery Centres (PRCs). Work has begun and they hope to see the first, fully comprehensive centre open at Colchester this year,

followed soon afterwards with PRCs at Catterick and then Tidworth. H4H has now announced its intention to raise a further £20m to fund Individual Recovery Plans; these will be directed to support wounded Servicemen and women as they progress along the road to recovery and will fund courses and opportunities that will equip them for their futures. You can read more about the PRCs, and all the other projects funded by Help for Heroes, on their website www.helpforheroes.org.uk.

Friends united looking for a home

BEST FRIENDS Monty and Bailey are hoping to find a new home together with a loving family after finding a temporary home with animal charity LAPS. Monty, 6, and Bailey, 3, come from the same family and are both sterilised and all their vaccinations are up to date. Chrissie Edwards, of the Pego-based Local Animal Protection Society, said: “They have come from the same family and so are very good friends and would like to find a home together.” The charity’s recent dinner and concert at Monte Pego successfully raised 2,029€ through the sale of tickets, an auction and donations. Chrissie added: “We have plans drawn up for the much-needed isolation kennels and a long shopping list of building materials, so the money will be used to get these completed at the sanctuary as soon as possible.”

Golfers score for MABS By Jack Troughton RISING FOOTBALL star Jordan Henderson’s No 10 Sunderland shirt netted a record 700€ in a golf society auction in aid of the MABS Cancer Support Group. The player – who won his first England cap last December and has been a first team regular for two years – donated the kit to the Marina Alta Golf Society, where his uncle Dave Henderson is a member. The society held a charity dinner at Satari’s Restaurant in Moraira on Tuesday and raised 2,248€ on the night, taking the total raised so far for MABS to 3,500€, with a month of fund-raising still to go. Charlie Miller made a successful bid for the piece of football memorabilia – signed by Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, club Chairman Niall Quinn and the first team squad. The golf society Captain Dave Reynolds was joined at his table by MABS President Jacqui Phillips MBE and her husband Bernard after he chose to

Charlie Miller (centre) with the shirt and Jacqui and Bernard Phillips

support the charity over the year. He paid tribute to the “wonderful” work the MABS did supporting all those affected by cancer, whether as patients or those close to them – including members of the Marina Alta Golf Society in the past. And throughout the meal Dave passed amongst 62 members and guests at the dinner to raise money through fun competitions like ‘guess the number of golf balls in a bag’, ‘name the teddy’ and collect fines for

‘offences’ out on the course. After club presentations, the auction was staged to raise significant amounts of cash with a round of golf with instruction for three players at La Sella Golf Course, donated by Campbell La Mont Golf, raising 400€, and a range finder donated by Charlie Miller making 150€. Jacqui thanked the club members for their generosity and said she looked forward to spending the cash to extend and develop MABS’ work in the community.

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Restaurant Paraiso MABS Charity Night RESTAURANT PARAISO, Parcent would be pleased to accept any donations of bric-a-brac, books and jumble sale items for their MABS charity night. All items are greatly appreciated. Don’t forget to come along on June 3rd for a 100€ free raffle and Elton John Tribute Show: Help us to help MABS. Any enquiries call 96 640 5398.

Fashion Show PAUL CUNNINGHAM Nurses Charity Shops are holding their 2011 Fashion show at El Corrazon Hotel (near La Maquesa Golf Club, Quesada) on Thursday 9th June - a significant day for the Charity as it is 2 years to the day from the opening of its very first Charity shop. All the Models will be Volunteers from PCN shops and doors open at 6pm for the show to start at 7pm. The show will be held outside around the swimming pool and there will be tapas and drinks available. Tickets are on sale from any of PCN’s charity shops or the office in La Marina. The 3€ Ticket includes a free glass of Cava.

Wanted: A decent restaurant I’m thinking of turning the tables on advertising to help narrow the gap between what we expect from a restaurant and what we actually get. Although I usually end up in the kitchen anyway as I get a better understanding of what’s actually going on. It’s a language problem you see and I don’t mean Spanish to English I mean what’s printed on the menu and what I end up with on the plate. Am I the only person who wishes they had ordered the meal that someone else just had delivered? I would eat out more, I really would, if only I could get on the plate what it was I really fancied. It’s a problem that even my computer can’t solve, good as the internet may be it still can’t smell, taste or even touch which renders it a bit useless when picking a place to eat. Talking to a waiter or waitress can sometimes be like talking to a brick wall especially when they don’t even know what the soup of

the day is: where have they been all day? Have they not seen the chef since they arrived for work? Can you imagine trusting the receptionist at your local doctor’s surgery with the list of ailments you are suddenly having without actually seeing the doctor? You give her a list and she then disappears through a door only to return with a prescription a few minutes later for you without any proper consultation… What used to be a restaurant art has been surpassed by the importance of the ‘Chef’. No longer is it common to see the restaurant staff prepare not only the table for the customers, but also some of the food. Steak Diane may well be as old as me but when someone expertly takes a Sole off the bone at the table it not only does the hard work for you but it shows you how to do it yourself should the need arise, at the same time. So I’m thinking of running an advert in the restaurant section of

Could you prepare a steak to my taste? this paper asking for a restaurant who can supply, for instance, a decent thick cut steak, dry aged, on the bone, for at least 21 days, cooked medium rare on a furnace grill so that it’s crusty like a crème Brule on the outside as the natural sugars turn to caramel and yet warm in the centre served with crispy wild mushrooms some proper flavoursome grilled tomatoes and just a few crispy thick cut chips or baked potato and maybe even a handful of fresh

watercress and little mustard or béarnaise sauce on the side. Or maybe a really fresh sole on the bone (better flavour) cooked simply and quickly in butter on a hot Plancha or in a large frying pan (because I want a big one) sprinkled with some sea salt and a grind of fresh black pepper and serve it with some fresh spinach and perhaps some plain boiled potatoes? How many restaurants do you think would answer the advert?

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

tv Friday

50 61

27 02 June 2011 14MAy - 20-may 2010

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Fake Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Don’t Get Done, Get Dom 12:45 Bargain Hunt 13:30 RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Copycats 16:40 Wingin’ It 17:00 Remote Control Star 17:30 Fee Fi Fo Yum 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 Outnumbered 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Graham Norton Show 24:20 National Lottery Friday Night Draws 24:30 The Rainmaker

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Guess with Jess 10:30 Big & Small 10:40 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Timmy Time 11:25 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 The Racket 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Animal 24:7 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Menu 20:00 Windfarm Wars 21:00 RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011 22:30 Paul Merton’s Birth of Hollywood 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 Book Review Show 24:50 Golf

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 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Britain’s Best Dish: The Final 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 An Audience with Neil Diamond 24:35 The Cube

07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Frasier 09:30 Frasier 09:55 Friends 10:25 Accidentally on Purpose 10:55 Location, Location, Location 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Paralympic World Cup 14:05 River Cottage Bites 14:20 The Frogmen 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Celebrity Five Go To 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Unreported World 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 22:00 Million Pound Drop Live 23:25 That Peter Kay Thing 23:55 PhoneShop 24:30 Ricky Gervais Show

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 Stansted: The Inside Story 13:00 Family Recipe 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Chinese Food in Minutes 16:10 Killer Flood 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 19:55 5 News at 7 20:00 Cricket 21:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 Law & Order 23:55 CSI: Miami 24:50 Rough Guide to...

08:00 Bondi Vet 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 The Real A & E 11:00 Lie to Me 12:00 Body Language Secrets 13:00 Bite Size Brainiac 13:10 Road Wars 14:00 Stargate SG-1 15:00 Stargate SG-1 16:00 Wild Vets 17:00 Lie to Me 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Oops TV 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: Blood and Sand 24:35 Brit Cops: Zero Tolerance

08:30 Cycling 09:30 French Open Tennis 10:45 Game, Set and Mats 11:00 Live French Open Tennis 14:30 Live Cycling 17:30 Live French Open Tennis 20:30 Game, Set and Mats 21:00 Cycling 22:45 Horse Racing Time 23:15 Strongest Man 24:15 French Open Tennis

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 Four Weddings 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 Bones 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 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Great British Menu 13:00 BBC News; Regional News 13:10 Formula 1 15:30 Golf 17:50 Don’t Scare the Hare 18:25 BBC News; Regional News 18:45 So You Think You Can Dance Live 19:45 Doctor Who 20:30 So You Think You Can Dance 21:00 National Lottery: Who Dares Wins 21:50 Casualty 22:40 John Bishop’s Britain 23:10 BBC News 23:25 Face/Off

0707:00 Childrens TV 09:50 Sam & Mark’s Guide to Dodging Disaster 10:00 Dick & Dom Go Wild 10:30 Deadly 60 11:00 Relic: Guardians of the Museum 11:30 League of Super Evil 11:40 Wolverine and the X-Men 12:00 Mortified 12:25 OOglies 12:40 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 Bell, Book and Candle 14:40 Cheyenne Social Club 16:20 Two Greedy Italians 17:20 Escape to the Country 17:50 Golf 19:00 Flog It! 20:00 Dad’s Army 20:30 RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011 21:00 Terry and June 21:30 The Many Faces of June Whitfield 22:30 Absolutely Fabulous 23:00 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 23:45 QI XL 24:30 Grumpy Old Holidays

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 09:25 House Gift 10:25 Coronation Street 12:45 This Morning: Saturday 13:45 ITV News 13:55 You’ve Been Framed! 14:25 Carry On Cowboy 16:10 For Your Eyes Only 18:30 Granada News 18:45 ITV News 19:00 Animals Do the Funniest Things 20:00 Live UEFA Champions League Final 23:25 ITV News 23:40 UEFA Champions League Highlights 24:40 Premiership Rugby Union

Cryptic Solutions for 605 Across: 1 Outbreak; 5 Crow; 9 Mend; 10 Penchant; 11 Put on; 12 Elusive; 13 Clamorousness; 18 Partisan; 19 Mare; 20 Improve; 21 Anger; 22 East; 23 Redolent. Down: 2 Unequal; 3 Bedroom; 4 An eye for an eye; 6 Realise; 7 Withers; 8 Scouts; 13 Capsize; 14 Apropos; 15 Orison; 16 Nominal; 17 Surgeon. Quick Solutions Across: 1 Bankrupt; 5 Aped; 9 Gain; 10 Scissors; 11 Merry; 12 Useless; 13 Predetermined; 18 Critical; 19 Sled; 20 Inertia; 21 Banal; 22 Gate; 23 Meditate. Down: 2 Amateur; 3 Kindred; 4 Picture palace; 6 Protean; 7 Disused; 8 Esteem; 13 Picking; 14 Evident; 15 Exists; 16 Instant; 17 Elegant. WORDWHEEL 606: LABYRINTH

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Film Show 08:00 British GT Championship 08:25 The Grid 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Friends 10:25 Koko Pop 11:00 T4 Movie Special 11:30 Glee 12:30 Friends 13:00 Paralympic World Cup 15:00 Channel 4 Racing 16:55 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 17:25 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 18:00 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 18:30 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 19:00 Channel 4 News 19:20 4thought.tv 19:25 Titanic 23:00 Million Pound Drop Live 24:20 Dylan Moran: Aim Low

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:00 Chinese Food in Minutes 11:05 The Gadget Show 12:05 Extreme Fishing with Robson Green: At the Ends of the Earth 13:05 Hotel Inspector 14:05 Staircase Murders 15:50 Last of the Dogmen 18:05 Two Mules for Sister Sara 20:00 Cricket 20:55 5 News Weekend 21:00 NCIS 22:00 CSI: Miami 23:00 CSI: NY 24:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 24:55 Rough Guide to...

08:00 My Pet Shame

08:30 Cycling

07:00 Nothing to Declare

09:00 Gladiators

09:30 French Open

08:00 Jerry Springer Show

10:00 WWE: Superstars

Tennis

08:30 Maury

11:00 Soccer AM

10:30 Game, Set and

09:30 Four Weddings

Mats

10:30 Biggest Loser

13:00 A Different Breed 14:00 A Town Called Eureka 15:00 Emergency Animal Rescue 16:00 Futurama 17:00 Futurama 18:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 19:00 Emergency with Angela Griffin

11:00 Live French Open Tennis 14:00 Live Cycling 17:30 Live French Open Tennis 20:30 Game, Set and

12:30 Drop Dead Diva 13:30 Drop Dead Diva 14:30 Bones 15:30 Bones 16:30 Bones 17:30 The Witches 19:10 CSI: Crime

20:00 The Simpsons

Mats

Scene Investigation

21:00 Road Wars

21:00 Fight Club

21:00 Supersize Kids

22:00 Brit Cops:

23:30 Cycling

22:00 Katie

Frontline Crime UK

24:30 French Open

23:00 Criminal Minds

23:00 The Running Man

Tennis

24:00 Criminal Minds

Live UEFA Champions League Final ITV1, 8pm

tv Sunday

52 40

27 MAy June42011 Feb 26 - 02 March 2010

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Big Questions 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 BBC News 13:05 Formula 1 16:20 EastEnders 18:15 Points of View 18:30 Songs of Praise 19:05 RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011 19:35 BBC News; Regional News 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest 24:20 BBC News; Regional News 24:45 The Football League Show

07:10 Penelope 07:15 Toddworld 07:30 Tinga Tinga Tales 07:45 Octonauts 08:00 Space Hoppers 08:30 Bear Behaving Badly 08:55 Shaun the Sheep 09:00 Gimme a Break 09:30 Me and My Monsters 10:00 Friday Download 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 Escape to the Country 13:30 The Long Ships 15:30 Golf 19:10 Richard Hammond’s Engineering Connections 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 Britain’s Secret Seas 22:00 Louis Theroux 23:00 Queen: Days of Our Lives 24:00 The Shadow Line

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 09:25 May the Best House Win 10:25 Dickinson’s Real Deal 11:25 60 Minute Makeover 12:30 This Morning: Sunday 13:30 Dinner Date 14:30 ITV News 14:40 Honey 16:30 Animals Do the Funniest Things 17:30 Midsomer Murders 19:30 Granada News 19:45 ITV News 20:00 Coronation Street 20:30 Britain’s Got Talent 22:00 Scott & Bailey 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:15 The Classic Brit Awards 2011 24:45 The Day John Lennon Died

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:05 That Paralympic Show 08:30 Freesports on 4 09:00 Friends 09:30 Friends 10:00 Hollyoaks 12:30 Being N-Dubz: The A-Z Guide 13:05 Glee 14:05 The Simpsons 14:40 The Simpsons 15:10 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 15:40 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 16:15 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 16:45 Deal or No Deal 17:45 Channel 4 News 17:55 4thought.tv 18:00 Home Alone 20:00 Come Dine with Me 21:00 The Hotel 22:00 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

07:00 Childrensd TV 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:00 Animal Rescue Squad 11:20 McFly on the Wall 11:50 Family Food Fight 12:20 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 13:20 Three to Tango 15:10 Contact 17:55 Mission to Mars 19:55 5 News Weekend 20:00 Cricket 20:55 5 News Weekend 21:00 Pirates of the Caribbean: The True Story 22:00 Most Shocking Talent Show Moments 24:55 Russell and Katy Get Married

07:00 Hour of Power 08:00 My Pet Shame 09:00 A Different Breed 10:00 Oops TV 11:00 WWE: Superstars 12:00 WWE: Experience 13:00 Stargate Universe 14:00 A Town Called Eureka 15:00 The Simpsons 15:30 The Simpsons 16:00 The Simpsons 16:30 The Simpsons 17:00 The Simpsons 17:30 Glenn Martin, DDS 18:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 18:30 Raising Hope 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Middle 20:30 Modern Family 21:00 The Simpsons 21:30 The Simpsons 22:00 Hawaii Five-0 23:00 NCIS: Los Angeles 24:00 House

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Fake Britain 10:45 Homes Under the Hammer 11:45 Real Rescues 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:00 Bargain Hunt 13:45 BBC News 14:05 Regional News 14:15 Escape to the Country 15:15 The Cat in the Hat 16:30 Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave 17:00 Pixar: 25 Magic Moments 18:00 WALL-E 19:30 BBC News 19:45 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Saints and Scroungers 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Egypt’s Lost Cities 23:00 BBC News 23:05 Regional News 23:15 A Question of Sport 23:45 Football League Show 24:25 Graham Norton Show

07:00 Childrens TV 10:40 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Timmy Time 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 The 39 Steps 14:00 Rowing 15:30 Animal 24:7 16:00 Rewind the 60s 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Great British Menu 20:00 Story of Ireland 21:00 Springwatch 2011 22:00 All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace 23:00 Queen: Days of Our Lives 24:00 Queen: The Legendary 1975 Concert 24:50 Richard Hammond’s Engineering Connections

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Dinner Date 11:25 This Morning 12:30 Loose Women 13:30 Midsomer Murders 14:30 ITV News 14:40 Granada News 14:50 You’ve Been Framed! 15:20 On Her Majesty’s Secret Service 18:00 Celebrity Britain’s Best Dish: Coronation Street v Emmerdale 19:00 Granada Reports 19:15 ITV News 19:30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Britain’s Got Talent 22:00 Coronation Street 22:30 Britain’s Got Talent Results 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:15 Miss Congeniality 2: Armed & Fabulous

07:05 The Hoobs 07:55 Freshly Squeezed 08:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:50 Frasier 09:50 Friends 10:20 Accidentally on Purpose 10:50 Location, Location, Location 11:50 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 12:55 Jamie at Home 13:20 Clash of the Titans 15:35 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:05 4thought.tv 20:10 The Italian Job 22:00 Gordon’s Great Escape 23:00 Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story 24:55 The Event

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 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 How Do They Do It? 12:30 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 13:25 5 News Lunchtime 13:35 Home and Away 14:05 Neighbours 14:35 Coroner Creek 16:25 Fort Worth 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 Monkey Life 19:55 5 News at 7 20:00 Cricket 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Hotel Inspector 23:00 A Few Good Men

08:00 Bondi Vet 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 The Real A & E 10:30 Medical Emergency 11:00 Lie to Me 13:00 Stargate SG-1 14:00 Stargate SG-1 15:00 Oops TV 15:30 Futurama 16:00 Lion Man 17:00 The Simpsons 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 Spartacus: Blood and Sand 24:15 Caprica

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Fake Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 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 Copycats 16:40 Wingin’ It 17:00 Sadie J 17:30 Andy Tracks Usain Bolt: A Blue Peter Special 17:55 Shaun the Sheep 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Panorama 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Crimewatch on the Streets 24:35 The Lock Up

07:00 Childrens TV 10:30 Big & Small 10:40 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Timmy Time 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Gunga Din 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Animal 24:7 16:00 Rewind the 60s 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Great British Menu 20:00 Britain’s Secret Seas 21:00 Springwatch 2011 22:00 The Country House Revealed 23:00 Lead Balloon 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Time to Remember 24:50 French Open Tennis

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 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Celebrity Britain’s Best Dish: Loose Women v Olympians 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Britain’s Got Talent 22:00 Coronation Street 22:30 Britain’s Got Talent Results 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Mickey Blue Eyes

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:55 Friends 10:30 Accidentally on Purpose 10:55 Location, Location, Location 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 In Your Dreams 13:15 The Home Show 14:20 Appointment in London 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Four Rooms 22:00 Secret Millionaire 23:00 Jamie’s Food Revolution Hits Hollywood 24:05 Misfits

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 Highland Emergency 13:00 Meals in Moments 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Meals in Moments 16:15 Sub Zero 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 Zoo Days 21:00 Supersize Grime 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 CSI: Miami 23:55 CSI: NY 24:55 CSI: NY

tv Monday

tv Tuesday

08:30 Cycling 09:45 Live Porsche Super Cup 10:30 Game, Set and Mats 11:00 Live French Open Tennis 16:00 Live Cycling 17:30 Live French Open Tennis 20:30 Game, Set and Mats 21:00 Boxing 22:30 World Series by Renault 23:00 Motorsports Weekend 23:15 Cycling 23:45 French Open Tennis

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 Four Weddings US 11:00 Drop Dead Diva 12:00 Drop Dead Diva 13:00 Four Weddings US 14:00 Four Weddings US 15:00 Passport Patrol 16:00 Bones 17:00 Bones 18:00 Nothing to Declare 19:00 Nothing to Declare 19:30 Nothing to Declare 20:00 Four Weddings Revisited 21:00 Cougar Town 21:30 Hot in Cleveland 22:00 Dating in the Dark 23:00 The Hunks 24:00 Grey’s Anatomy

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest BBC1 22.00

08:30 Motorsports Weekend 08:45 Stockholm Marathon 09:00 World Superbikes 09:45 French Open Tennis 10:30 Game, Set and Mats 11:00 Live French Open Tennis 20:30 Game, Set and Mats 20:55 Cycling 22:30 Champions Club 23:00 World Superbikes 23:30 Live World Superbikes 24:30 World Supersport Championship

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

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

08:00 Bondi Vet 08:30 Bondi Vet 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Medical Emergency 11:00 Lie to Me 12:00 Lie to Me 13:00 Stargate SG-1 14:00 Stargate SG-1 15:00 Oops TV 15:30 Futurama 16:00 Lion Man 16:30 Lion Man 17:00 The Simpsons 17:30 The Simpsons 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 The Simpsons 21:30 The Simpsons 22:00 Road Wars 23:00 The Running Man 24:55 Brit Cops: Frontline Crime UK

08:30 Game, Set and Mats 09:00 Cycling 09:45 Cycling 10:15 World Superbikes 11:30 Champions Club 12:00 WATTS 12:15 French Open Tennis 13:30 Game, Set and Mats 14:00 Live French Open Tennis 19:30 Game, Set and Mats 20:00 Athletics 21:30 Boxing 23:00 World Series by Renault 23:30 Motorsports Weekend 23:45 French Open Tennis

Supersize Grime

Channel 5 22.00

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Bones 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Cougar Town 21:30 Hot in Cleveland 22:00 Dating in the Dark 23:00 Little Man: Looking for Love 24:00 Criminal Minds

tv Wednesday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Fake Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 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 Copycats 16:40 Wingin’ It 17:00 Little Howard’s Big Question 17:30 Barney’s Survival Adventure: A Blue Peter Special 17:55 Shaun the Sheep 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Waterloo Road 21:30 Life of Riley 22:00 The Apprentice 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Not Going Out 24:15 Forces of Nature

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Guess with Jess 10:30 Big & Small 10:40 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Timmy Time 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Berlin Express 14:00 See Hear 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Animal 24:7 16:00 Rewind the 60s 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Great British Menu 20:00 Escape to the Country 20:30 Springwatch 2011 21:30 Springwatch Unsprung 2011 22:00 Wonderland 23:00 The Apprentice: You’re Fired! 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle 24:50 Louis Theroux

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 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Celebrity Britain’s Best Dish: This Morning v Daybreak 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Britain’s Got Talent 22:00 Coronation Street 22:30 Britain’s Got Talent Results 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Cumbria, One Year On 24:35 Long Lost Family

27 MAy - 02 June 2011 Feb 26 - March 4 2010

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Friends 10:25 Accidentally on Purpose 10:55 Location, Location, Location 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 In Your Dreams 13:15 My Eden 13:25 The Home Show 14:25 Great Sioux Massacre 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Diagnosis Live from the Clinic 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 Desperate Housewives 24:05 Big Bang Theory 24:35 Big Bang Theory

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Highland Emergency 13:05 Family Recipe 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Chinese Food in Minutes 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 Pawn Stars 21:00 Giant Animal Moves 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 23:55 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:55 Poker: Aussie Millions

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Friends 10:30 Accidentally on Purpose 10:55 Location, Location, Location 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 The Home Show 14:05 The Silent Enemy 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Three in a Bed 22:00 Meet the Elephant Man 23:00 Bums, Boobs and Botox 24:05 Secret Millionaire

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Highland Emergency 13:00 Meals in Moments 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Chinese Food in Minutes 16:20 Summer House 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 Zoo Days 21:00 Emergency Bikers 22:00 Extreme Fishing with Robson Green: At the Ends of the Earth 23:00 Resident Evil: Apocalypse 24:45 Sex Lessons

08:00 Bondi Vet 08:30 Bondi Vet 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Medical Emergency 11:00 Lie to Me 12:00 Lie to Me 13:00 Stargate SG-1 14:00 Stargate SG-1 15:00 Oops TV 15:30 Futurama 16:00 Lion Man 17:00 The Simpsons 17:30 The Simpsons 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 Emergency with Angela Griffin 22:00 Brit Cops: Zero Tolerance 23:00 Fringe 24:00 Chicago Code

08:30 Marathon des Sables 09:00 Athletics 10:00 Champions Club 10:30 Game, Set and Mats 11:00 French Open Tennis 13:30 Game, Set and Mats 14:00 Live French Open Tennis 19:30 Game, Set and Mats 20:00 Wednesday Selection 20:10 Show Jumping 21:10 Riders Club 21:15 PGA Tour Golf 22:15 European Tour Golf 22:45 Ladies European Tour Golf 22:55 Golf Club 23:00 Yacht Club 23:05 Wednesday Selection 23:15 Olympic Magazine 23:45 French Open Tennis 24:30 Game, Set and Mats

53 53

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings 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 Bones 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Four Weddings Revisited 22:00 Bones 23:00 Grey’s Anatomy 24:00 Criminal Minds

Emergency with Angela Griffin Sky1 21.00

tv Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Fake Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 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 Copycats 16:40 Wingin’ It 17:00 Project Parent 17:30 Horrible Histories 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 Andrew Marr’s Megacities 22:00 Traffic Cops 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 Presumed Innocent

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 LazyTown 09:55 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Guess with Jess 10:30 Big & Small 10:40 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Timmy Time 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Escape to Burma 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 Rewind the 60s 16:00 Rewind the 60s 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Great British Menu 20:00 The Culture Show 21:00 Springwatch 2011 22:00 The Shadow Line 23:00 Psychoville 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Time to Remember 24:50 French Open Tennis

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 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Celebrity Britain’s Best Dish: Strictly Come Dancing v Dancing on Ice 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Britain’s Got Talent 22:00 Coronation Street 22:30 Britain’s Got Talent Results 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 When Piers Met Sir Cliff 24:35 Amanda Holden’s Fantasy Lives

08:00 Bondi Vet 08:30 Lion Man 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Medical Emergency 11:00 Lie to Me 12:00 X-Men: First Class Special 12:30 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Special 13:00 Stargate Atlantis 14:00 Stargate Atlantis 15:00 Oops TV 15:30 Futurama 16:00 Lion Man 17:00 The Simpsons 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Hawaii Five-0 22:00 Chicago Code 23:00 Lie to Me 24:00 Martina Cole’s The Take

08:30 Show Jumping 09:30 Horse Racing Time 10:00 Game, Set and Mats 10:30 French Open Tennis 13:30 Game, Set and Mats 14:00 Live French Open Tennis 18:00 Game, Set and Mats 18:30 Euro 2012 Flash 18:40 Live International Football 20:45 Fight Sport 23:00 French Open Tennis 24:00 International Football

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 Four Weddings 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 Bones 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Chuck 22:00 Dating in the Dark 23:00 16 & Pregnant 24:00 Criminal Minds

27 MAy June42011 Feb 26 - 02 March 2010

54 44

Baffling BAFTA Kath Kirby dies

The TV Round Up by

Alex Trelinski

Broadcaster and freelance journalist

IVEN A choice of ‘Downton Abbey’ or ‘Sherlock‘, which would you say was the best drama series of last year? I thought both were terrific, and fortunately the BAFTA TV awards made up my mind for me last Sunday, as the judges gave the nod to ‘Sherlock’. Also it was good to see Daniel Rigby getting the best actor award for his wonderful portrayal of Eric Morecambe in Victoria Wood’s delightful play, ‘Eric and Ernie’, plus Graham Norton getting a BAFTA statue for his entertaining talk show. However, there were plenty of mistakes elsewhere… The unfunny ‘Rev’ getting the best comedy show over ‘Mrs.Brown’s Boys’ and ‘Peep Show’,

and it’s star Tom Hollander getting best comedy performance above Miranda Hart: pull another one! Do you think that ‘The Cube’ is a better entertainment show than ‘The X Factor’, or in the viewer-voted category, where we had the awful ITV2 reality show, ‘The Only Way is Essex’ beating ‘Miranda’, ‘Sherlock’ and ’Downton Abbey!’ Plenty of controversy and award shows would be dull affairs if we all agreed with the eventual winners, but I thought it was outrageous that ‘Eastenders’ beat ‘Coronation Street’ in the best soap category. Can anybody please tell me why and how?

A complete joke Genuinely creepy

Much as I love ‘Coronation Street’, the latest stuff involving John Stape and his prisoners in the Hoyle’s cellar is a complete joke. If Chesney could impregnate Kate, then surely he would have the gumption to jump this gormless goon and bring our misery to an end? Fortunately, we get rid of the boring Stape next week, and the crazy plots that we have had to endure involving him for the last four years. Miles better was ‘Eastenders’ on Tuesday, as once again the brilliant June Brown showed the rest of the cast how to act in a wonderful and moving portrayal of her problems in caring for her hubby Jim.

I was almost hiding behind the sofa for the first time in over forty years with the start of the latest ‘Dr. Who’ story, ‘The Rebel Flesh’, which concludes tomorrow on BBC 1. It was genuinely creepy but not as distressing as watching Jason Bradbury and ’Don’t Scare the Hare’ earlier on. Whoever came up with this rubbish must have been on an LSD trip as the whole thing is just bizarre and just plain unentertaining. It might just appeal to a restless child, but that’s about it. For any parents reading this, just record it, and play it out as a punishment for your little one misbehaving

Did you know that the sixties icon Kathy Kirby died last week at the age of 72? I wouldn’t have found out but for the internet, but last Friday there was not even the briefest of mentions on the early evening bulletins on BBC 1 or ITV 1. Perhaps it was reported earlier in the day, but I only came across reports of the drug-addled fool Pete Doherty getting six months behind bars for possession. Sad that a lady

The Man Who Broke Into Auschwitz Book Review by

Danny Collins

copy@dannyjpcollins.com

IN 1977 I stood in front of an iron gate with the words Arbeit Macht Frei welded on the crest. I was in Brzezinka, Poland, and the gates in front of me led into the old Nazi labour camp of Buna-Monowitz Oświęcim, known to the world as Auschwitz III. When I saw the camp it had become a memorial to the thousands of Jews, gypsies, homosexuals, and other categorised untermenschen of the Third Reich who were worked to their deaths or murdered in the nearby extermination camp. I was a tourist and I made my way in with trepidation, for an unseen yet sensed miasma of grief and appalling suffering still pervades the atmosphere. Yet in 1944 a British soldier who was held in a nearby POW camp voluntarily smuggled himself into Auschwitz III to bear witness to the horrific treatment meted out to its tragic population. On two occasions he spent the night there and experienced at first hand the cruelty of a place where slave labourers had been sentenced to death through labour. Work did indeed make them free. Astonishingly the soldier, Denis Avey, survived to witness the aftermath of the Death March where thousands of prisoners were murdered by the Nazis as the Soviet Army advanced into Poland. After his own long trek across central Europe, Avey was repatriated, broken and nightmareridden, to Britain. For decades he couldn’t bring himself to revisit the horrors of the past. Many years passed before

Suduko Answer he finally felt able to tell his story – and what a story it is. Gripping and moving in equal parts, it offers the reader a unique insight into the mind of an ordinary man who, faced with unspeakable evil, found the moral and physical courage to overcome its horrors while recording his story for future generations. Today men like Denis Avey are our first line of defence against a repetition of the horrors of man’s inhumanity to his fellows that took place under Hitler’s Third Reich and his book is a fitting and worthy tribute to the fallen. Author: Denis Avey with Rob Broomsby Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Price: 27€ ISBN: 978 1 444 71416 6

The winners of the RTN book competition who have won a copy of The Truth About the Disappearance of Madeleine McCann are Irene Stafford, Mo Williams and Ann Edghill

who was a TV ever-present fifty years ago, and represented the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest was thought not worthy of a tribute, let alone a twenty second report of her death, as opposed to an idiot that nobody cares about. I can only presume that the trendy Oxbridge educated editors, barely out of nappies, had never heard of Kathy and the pleasure she brought to millions.

motoring

If you have an old, especially diesel-engine vehicle on UK plates, how do you go about re-registering it onto Spanish plates?

Brian Deller

Author of Motoring in Spain

in recent years if the engine has a high pollution rate, it has becomemore difficult. Spain, like most of the EU countries, is trying to eliminate ‘dirty’ cars/vehicles from the roads. But if it is over 25 years old it qualifies as an ‘historic’ vehicle and so can be admitted on special plates. However, Spain may follow other countries where such vehicles are banned from major city centres due to the exhaust pollution (Germany is one such country already) and although the insurance will be lower than a newer vehicle, the mileage will also be limited, i.e.okay for historic rallies but not for everyday use.

I am trying to import a car that was a Japanese import to the UK and it is now 16 years old. The ‘expert’ that I am paying to do the work advised me that there are ‘big problems’ with the transfer. What could these be?

The main one is that even if it has UK registration, it will most likely not be homolgamated (approved) for the EU, so it will need a special one-off approval by the certifying engineers at the (usually) ITV station where such work is carried out. This again is a problem of not only pollution but mechanical safety standards as all other approved vehicles have been tested from the initial manufacturing stage before being sold in the EU. Japan has had a system for some years now where when a vehicle reaches 3 years of age, the road taxes are increased so much it is often cheaper to sell it and buy new. They do this for pollution reasons and possibly to keep output from the vehicle factories high. The old vehicles are usually sold to another country, especially in the third world, where the parts may not

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

be the same as the local vehicles of the same make and the type approval will not be the same. I have a local expat with this problem with his valued 16-year old Toyota people carrier with an old diesel engine; all in very good condition. Knowing the facts means that you can be aware when considering buying a used vehicle here or importing one from elsewhere.

We are taking a Spanish registered car back to UK and will be getting it re-registered there. Our concern is to notify the Spanish authorities that we are doing this. Do we just have to declare baja (due to export) on the Solicitud de Baja del Vehiculo form (downloaded from the internet)? Should we take this to our Traffico office in Alicante or just post it to them? Also, is there a fee to pay?

Yes, declare it scrapped and the form can be downloaded from the Trafico website, but make sure that Trafico gets the acknowledgement and you have an official receipt. You can then use the scrapping (baja) receipt part for the re-registering procedure in the UK. Normally there is no fee to pay if you do it yourselves. It is worth a trip to the local Trafico to avoid delays and to make sure it is done correctly. Make sure that you have all the documents with you in the car if you are driving it back as the UK police are very hot an illegally registered vehicles and tell your insurance agent what you are doing to make sure the insurance cover will still apply. The Trafico forms can be downloaded from: http://www.dgt. es/portal/es/oficina_virtual/vehiculos/modelos_impresos/ Use the Castellano option and if in doubt the details of each form in English are in my book on page 142. Keep a duplicated copy which can be stamped at Trafico as a receipt.

Alonso struggles to keep up

FERRARI’S CHANCES of the 2011 Championship title may be significantly depleted following Vettel’s fourth victory of the season at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. The ‘Red Bull’ won four out of the first five races and leads Alonso, Ferrari’s best hope, by 67 points. Spaniard Alonso led the race over 18 laps but could not sustain his lead to the finish. Ferrari is expected to step up the pace for Monaco this Sunday and the Canadian Grand Prix two weeks later.

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

27 MAy - 02 June 2011

Not just one but a MAGNIFICENT SEVEN special offers at Costa Car Clinic! these their ‘Magnificent Seven’ special offers:

MOST BUSINESSES will have a special offer available from time to time, but a single offer may not be of interest to everyone at that time. Richy and Helen Lister have been having great success at their new garage, Costa Car Clinic, opened in January. Since their opening they have been running monthly offers but they have noticed a lot of clients coming back and asking “is this offer still on?” or “is that service still available?” Helen and Richy want to be known for giving the best value for money first time and every time, so they are now having all of their fantastic offers running simultaneously. They call

• Free Air Con Service with every full service • Servicing starting from as little as 79€ • Air Con Service (re-gas and leak test) only 35€ • Free Brake checks • Brake Fluid Change only 19.99€ • Faded Headlamp Restoration from 5€ per lamp • Free Visual ITV health checks

Richard and Helen believe that honesty and reliability are rewarded with loyalty

Richy has been a car mechanic for 20 years in the UK, his main employer being Jennings Ford, the largest Ford and Mazda dealership in the North East of England with 12 branches. He was a fully trained mechanic there, and then became a Quality Controller and MOT tester, completing

inside of garage with car raised on ramp

numerous Ford recommended courses. He also became a specialist in automotive air-conditioning systems, obtaining many Ford recognised Diplomas. Richy is carving a niche in the market by being an honest and professional car mechanic repairing all makes and models of vehicles to the highest standard. Costa Car Clinic is situated on the Pedreguer Industrial Estate (site of the Sunday market) and Helen and Richy welcome anyone who wants to call in for a look around, for a talk with Richy or to get a quote. Their belief is that, “Honesty and reliability is rewarded with loyalty” and with their ‘Magnificent Seven’ offers they look forward to helping you soon. Costa Car Clinic – keeping you on the road – situated on the Pedreguer Industrial Estate (site of the Sunday Market). Tel: 96 576 1023 Email: Costacarclinic@Gmail.Com

Classified Ads 27 MAy - 02 June 2011

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

Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 1)

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

27 MAy - 02 June 2011 product range. First class training & support. Telephone 606586587

EXCEL AIR CONDITIONING. See main ad on page 13.Tel/Fax (Head Office) 966-897-772. Mobiles:680-154-432/676-265-675. Email excelairconditioning@hotmailcom. All credit/debit cards accepted. SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966-865-883 (Mob) 629-308505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz

may be for an overnight stay or of longer durations.Tel:600-552030/965-960-658 www.trans-pet.co.uk PAWS PET TRANSPORT SpainUK-Spain every month. We look after your pets as if they belong to us. Call Joe for a chat on 966074-576 or 650-341-087. email:pawspettransport@hotmail.com

CONSTRUCTION All types of building work.Tiling BBQ´s.Have your own bar built.Painting and Maintenance service.call Paul for free estimate and advice. Moraira and surrounding areas. 660-290-412/966-197-354

DRIVING TO THE UK? English guest house in France, close to Spanish border. Peaceful location, secure parking. www.millefleursbb.co.uk B&B MORAIRA B&B Moraira Ensuite rooms available from 29.00 euros per night. Tlf:-655-912-044

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

MOTOR SAILOR Lovely Traditional Lande motor sailor, moored in Cabaroig, much admired. New engine and prop, New sails, Refitted cabin, electric windlass. All super condition, too many extras to mention. Over 10,000 Euros spent on upgrades. Will accept 8,000 Euros for quick sale. Contact; John:966-761-650 (Spain) +44-1472-343-459 (UK daytime) SSR SPEED BOAT 4.5Mtr + New Trailer. Yamaha 28hp, E/S. possibility auxiliary engine. Brand New upholstery + extras. 2500€. Tlf:- 665-068-649

SECOND HAND SHOP Bargain Prices. Also 2 man Removal. Tel:-678-067-163 E.mail rastroaltea@hotmail.com

SUN ROLLER QUEEN 4 berth 1.500euros. Loads of extras incl. awning, stabiliser, heater, hot water and lots more. Extras alone worth more than purchase price.Tlf:-965-791-241/ 679-394-657-Javea BENIMAR 2 BEDROOM ideal retirement/holiday home £25.000 see youtube.com search Benimar near Benidorm or phone 657-438-559 STATIC HOME FOR SALE Immaculate 2 bedroom 35x12ft Static holiday home for sale on picturesque family run holiday park near Pinosa, Alicante. Located on a spacious plot with large master bedroom, shower, toilet, huge living area this holiday home also has Double glazing and air conditioning. Ground rent is paid in full until April 2012. Reluctant sale but must go - €18,000. Please call 0044-7855-490-945 for more details or to arrange a viewing 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 968-192-425 mob. 626-055-622 www.mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com 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

BUILDER Leemabuilders Ltd. All groundworks and building works undertaken Domestic and Commercial No job too small Contact Lee:-634-349-039 www.leemabuildersltd.com TRANS-PET We do regular, door-to-door journeys between the Costa Blanca and the UK.Our aim is to provide a professional, caring service for your pets.Boarding facilities for Cats and Dogs. This

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 PC needs. Reliable & friendly service. Call Fred 634-638-664/ visits 20 mile radius,Benidorm. We also buy PCs/computers

ESTABLISHED BAR/ RESTAURANT FOR SALE in Quesada town centre. 300sqm terrace, 300 covers. Fantastic opportunity. 660 819 009 10 COLD DRINK/SNACK VENDING MACHINES with sites,€44,900.excellent cash income, no overhead, work from home, work only one day per week, €31,000 nett yearly. 25 pringle vending machines with sites €14,900.€250 per week guaranteed. 965-326-442/659-696-455 SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own

COMPUTER REPAIRS For all Computer Repairs, Andy @ Wizard Computers - Home Visits. No Call Out Charge - No Fix No Fee. Qualified Technician established on North Costa Blanca over 5 years. For friendly reliable advice Mobile: 648-065-224 Office: 96-647-0815. www.wizard-computers.biz

TO RENT HOLDS 30 CARS - FULLY LICENSED LOW RENT! TEL 620 738 023

have experience and be flexible. Call Jana on 635-354-102, jana@ estudiosaladar.com QUALIFIED LIFEGUARD NEEDED either English speaking or Bilingual, from 27th June to 25th August, Mon-Fri for 2 hours a day, from 3pm-5pm, to maintain safety and discipline around the pool area but also to oganise pool activities, like races, skills, competitions etc. Javea area. Call:-650-426-677/965-795-197 Email:caroline.sinfield@chit-chat.es PART TIME VACANCY Are you Outgoing, Bubbly, Experienced Telesales Person, ready to join the team in our Benitachell Office. No cold calling, uncapped commission earnings, only limited by your potential. Tlf:-Simon966-493-082/696-986-082 AVON NEED AGENTS AND LEADERS work hours to suit you. For info Phone Rosh 966-785-520 CARERS WANTED To work in England 3 weeks on 3 weeks off email CV to 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com ADULT INTERNET PHOTO AND VIDEO Females and couples, 1865, required as models. Excellent rates. Tlf:-697-697-842

WILL THE EURO WEAKEN, FURTHER? Safeguard your savings, change to GBP. Legal, safe & private. Profitable, paid 8-10% interest, last decade. Requires offers 50K, plus. Details:petersharp4u@gmail.com

EARN EXTRA MONEY HOSTING SUMMER STUDENTS EARN EXTRA MONEY HOSTING SUMMER STUDENTS English families required from July, within 30 minutes of Lady Elizabeth college, host Spanish summer students, and earn great rates. If you are interested, please send your details to richc_spain@ yahoo.co.uk or call 627-068-561 QUALIFIED ENGLISH TEACHER REQUIRED, language school Denia. Immediate start, must

EDEN GARDENS Specialise in Garden Maintenance and Clearance, Palm trimming, planting, exterior wall painting and pool care. Javea to Moraira. Free quotations call:-616-748-667 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:-634-625-792 Daniel TORREVIEJA GARDENING Palm trees, treat, clean, cut. Tel:-633-300-651

27 MAy - 02 June 2011 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 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 GUADAMAR DEL SEGURA GARDENING El Raso Garden Services: Community, residential or holiday home garden maintenance with monthly plans, one off visits or specialized individual jobs covering all aspects of garden maintenance. Located at Manuel Ferrandez el Raso, 03170 Guardamar del Segura. Tel:-620-585-783 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

PLUMBER AND HANDYMAN Available for Roller Shutter Blinds, Repairs and Renew. Odd Jobs. Tlf:-646-236-291

TEETH WHITENING. Professional Pain Free Cosmetic Treatment, from 99€. Javea, Denia, Calpe, Benidorm areas. Tel:-966-473-166 or 680501-404. See www.nulookteeth.com ANXIOUS-DEPRESSED? Find the cause and eliminate it permanently using Psychotherapy. Call San Luis Clinic 965-405-631/669-649-002 BECOME FREE OF ALCOHOL

At The Sanctuary. Residential or day clinic, Crevillente. Call 965405-631/669-649-002

www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Castilian rustic furniture. Light coloured Rustic Indian cabinet. White/red bedroom furniture with guest bed and more. See photos: www.michaels-javea. com Tel 96-579 1328 AT MICHAEL’S you also get NEW high quality Spanish beds. All sizes available as we deal directly with the manufacturers! Famous brands like United Colors of Benetton, etc www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Two very high quality large desks with matching filing cabinet. NEW English high quality modern bed settee, very comfortable. www.michaels-javea.com MICHAEL’S 28 YEARS IN JAVEA ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! We sell high quality pre owned furniture, many from show apartments etc. Look at: www.michaels-javea.com Tlf:965-791-328.

Torrevieja. Saturday SOCIAL DANCE 7.30pm - 10pm.Tuesday IMPROVERS LESSON 7.30m8.30pm plus SOCIAL DANCE 8.30pm - 10.30pm. Monday NEW BEGINNERS CLASS 10.30am - 12.30pm: At - Casa Ventura, San Luis, Torrevieja. Thursday NEW BEGINNERS CLASS 7.30pm-9.30pm. Tel: Andrea & Brian 616 478 157 WEIGHT WATCHERS Call our Free English call centre now to find your nearest meeting. 900-818-794

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

TECNICS DIRECT DRIVE Automatic Turntable System, SL-DL5. Stereo cassette deck RS-TR373M2. Integrated Amplifier SV-V300. Tlf:-669-829-848 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. AUTOMATIC GATE SYSTEMS €399!! Automatic Garage Doors €249!! Fully Installed/Guaranteed! All brands repaired 627-191-639/ www.elektro-nex.com 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 WHEELCHAIR Light, Foldable, Hardly used. 150€. Mobility Scooter 40km range 499€. Both like new! Tlf:-627-019-403

AT MICHAEL’S See on our website more than 30 different dining table sets in various styles, Castilian, modern, classic, wicker, pine, designer etc :

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:965792-595

G.S PARTY HIRE Planning a party. Do you need table s,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. at - La Rustika [Los Arcos] restaurant, Avenida Baleares,

ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET 500CC 1700Kms only. Many Extras, Spanish Registered, Insured, Fully Legal, One Owner. Half New price 2500€ ONO. Tlf:606-075-644/966-786-858

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27 MAy - 02 June 2011

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27 may - 02 june 2011

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27 MAy - 02 June 2011

The final whistle With Andy Kay

RTN Golf Club update

www.andykayevents.com

ONE OF the most common faults with the swings of amateur golfers is the ‘Chicken wing’, where the left

Grow up Fergie

SIR ALEX Ferguson should be applauded for all that he has achieved this season. He’s led Manchester United to a record-breaking 19th title, he’s been recognised as the LMA manager of the season and on Saturday there’s the small matter of the Champions League final against Barcelona at Wembley. However, despite all this, he still has the ability to act like a spoilt child. Take Tuesday’s CL press conference for instance. One reporter had the nerve to talk of Ryan Giggs by name. He didn’t mention that Giggs has reportedly been playing away from home or that the Welsh international had been revealed as the holder of a super-injunction. Instead he asked how important Giggs would be to United on Saturday given his Champions League experience. Even though he was looking for Fergie to add fuel to an already pretty impressive fire, it was a legitimate question. Ferguson gave a one line answer but then later on, spoke to his press officer and demanded that the reporter in question be banned from the next press conference. How pathetic is that? What’s he going to do if Barcelona score first on Saturday? Run on to the pitch and stop the game by declaring that it’s his ball? Indeed, think about this: what if referees reacted with the same pettiness as displayed by the United manager this week? So after every Fergie tirade they refused to officiate at the next United game unless the manager was banned from the stadium. Isn’t about time that a Knight of the Realm and a 69 yearold grandfather stopped acting like a pre-school infant? TENNIS HEADLINES The amount of press coverage given to British women tennis players this week has been quite extraordinary, given that the French Open is still in its early stages. The reason is that Elena Baltacha and Heather Watson both won their opening matches, ensuring that two British women would contest the second round for the first time since 1992. Whilst both players should be congratulated, I can’t think of any other nation, certainly not one that hosts a Grand Slam event, getting overly excited about this fact. All it does is highlight how poor British women’s tennis has been over the past two decades and how rubbish the cash rich LTA has been at improving it. BYE BYE BLACKPOOL Last Sunday was an extraordinary day of football which summed up the Premier League. Teams were falling in to the bottom three and then crawling out of it, courtesy of a goal here or a goal there. It was amazingly exciting. Sure, the skill levels compared to Spain or Germany might have been a bit lacking, but it was still the most compelling TV viewing. In the end, Birmingham and Blackpool were the ones consigned to relegation. I’ll miss Blackpool and their charismatic manager Ian Holloway. Blackpool played like their manager spoke – from the hip and with a degree of risk. I hope they make a quick return.

Single Green fee

Alicante Golf

€53

Single Green fee + Buggy

Bonalba

€42

Single Green fee

Cure this fault by putting a credit card under your arm

Don Cayo

€43

Single Green fee

making you aware that you need to keep your arm

El Plantio

€45

Single Green fee

tight and close to the body and not let the card drop

Font del Llop

€40

Single Green Fee

down. You’ll soon find your upper and lower body

Villaitana Par 62

€39

Single Green fee + Buggy

moving more in sync, increasing your distance and

Villa Aitana Par 72

€45

Single Green fee

accuracy: simple! Try some practice swings at home.

PRIOR TO my holiday last week I played the delightful 9 hole course at La Tercia and must say that the greens were some of the best that I have played on all year and the course is no push over and well worth a game. Watch out for hollow tining at Saurines, Alhama Condado, Lo Romero and Las Colinas The RTN exclusive deal of only €78 for 2 players and one buggy is still available at Vistabella for the remainder of May so book now to avoid disappointment. Deals of the week are at La Tercia which is only €65 for 2 players and buggy and at Las Ramblas where for only €210 you can have 4 players and 2 buggies. UPON HEARING that the Senior Spanish Open was taking place at the nearby El Valle Golf Resort, there was only one place The Hound was heading this week. The tournament boasted a high class field, including Gordon Brand Jr, ConstantinoRocca, and the eventual winner Carl Mason.

Murcia Golf Hound Murcia Region

Comments

€45

leading to weak and poor strikes!

Mike Probert SOUTH REGION

RTN Price

Alenda

arm gets separated from the body through impact,

Dennis Jordan NORTH REGION

Golf Course

On first impression it was clear to see why El Valle was chosen for such a prestigious event. The greenkeepers had clearly been working overtime in the run up, with every aspect of the course in pristine condition.This was a clear sign of respect to theability of player on show and the stature of this event. Above all, it wasthe standard of the greens that stood out. Ordinarily they are first rate on Nicklaus designed courses, but evidentlythey were given some extra attention to play even quicker, and test these top players. It really was a pleasure to witness putting of such high quality on these greens, especially the players’ distance control. Congratulationsto the tournament winner Carl Mason,

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

Comments

Altorreal

Golf Course

€55

2 PL and 1 Buggy (Mon&Fri)

Hacienda del Alamo

€96

2 PL and 1 Buggy

La Serena

€90

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Polaris World Courses

€92

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Roda

€78

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Las Colinas

€94

2 PL and Buggy (from3pm)

La Peraleja

€76

2 PL and 1 Buggy

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

now the most prolific player on the Senior Tour with 24 victories. Now is the time to play El Valle, whilst it is in such immaculate condition - make sure you ring The Hound to book your green fee today!

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

Two night stay

€189

2 night, 1/2board, 3 Green fees

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 the marshals? Noel’s world of golf By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Campo de Golf El Plantio 639 730 891

IN THE past I have questioned the role of the course marshal and in particular how much power they were given when it came to dealing with problems on the golf course. We have just come out of the ‘high season’ in our part of the World and our courses were, thankfully for their owners at least, busy again. Just where were our course marshals during the time we needed them most? Many have been replaced by caddymasters who now have to do two jobs in a time of economic hardship. That itself is not a major problem if these people actually do something when things go wrong. Last week I went out onto the links with my wife on a day off to play nine holes on a local course. A golf society was in the ten flights ahead of us, which did not bother us in the least. At least not until we realised we were about to take two hours forty five minutes for nine holes. The worst part of the day was when I was approached by some members who pointed out that a complete par five of over 500 metres did not have a single player on it; not good when there are so many golfers on the course. No wonder it took so long to play 9 holes! The above is just one of the many areas where a good course marshal would more than pay for his keep. The frustration of most of the golfers in the bar afterwards made it clear that they would be unlikely to visit that club again during busy times; very sad bearing in mind most were members. This situation and many more like it can be removed, enabling people to enjoy their golf if a little common sense is used. It seems to me that when the golf courses are busiest the people we want to see take some

responsibility do a disappearing act to avoid confrontation. This is no good - we need to see that people can enjoy their sport and offer some level of service and care instead of seeing clubs just pursue the shortsighted view of taking as much money as they can as quickly as they can. The British and Irish expatriate community has so much experience in golf that they could be used by many clubs to improve things. I know there are fewer of us nowadays but I would not mind betting a big percentage of us would help out if we were given something in return. So let’s talk to the clubs and offer our services - you never know, you could find that playing golf gets and awful lot more affordable as a result. WIN A ROUND OF GOLF FOR 2 INCLUDING BUGGY AT THE BEAUTIFUL EL PLANTIO RESORT IN ALICANTE To enter this competition, simply answer the question below correctly. Every correct answer will be entered into a draw at the end of the month and the winner of this fantastic prize worth over 180€ will be picked at random at the end of each month. Send your entries by email to golf@roundtownnews.com. The decision of the editor of RTN will be final in making the winning selection. QUESTION FOR 27TH MAY 2011 Which golfer is known as the Golden Bear? A. Jack Nicklaus B. Arnold Palmer C. Lee Trevino All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 31st May 2011 to be entered into May’s draw, to be made on 31st May. The winner will be announced in RTN on 3rd June 2011.

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

Cast Off with

Robbie France

“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails..” William Arthur Ward.

SO IT’S here, again. Can it be really only have been September 2010 when we were egging on Emirates Team New Zealand, (or at least I was) to secure victory in Sardinia and take the Audi MedCup honours? Time has flown by and we’re here in Cascais, Portugal, to start the circuit all over again. This is our trophy; The Audi MedCup; taking place in our back yard…and for hundreds of thousands of sailors and normally land-loving spectators. It’s a wonderful spectacle to watch these gladiators of the oceans do battle under our very own noses. It’s a time when all of us are simply ‘Mediterráneos’. Saying that, it was the German team, Container (led by Markus Wieser), making their Audi MedCup debut who turned more than a few heads after the first day, having made a more than respectable start with two second place finishes. Herr Wieser explained. “We only decided to build the boat at the end of last year and so the first day of building was 6th January. We were never even sure we could make this first Audi MedCup Circuit regatta. So this event was looking like it is a test event for us under racing conditions, but in fact we are quite well up with our schedule, so we now can operate the boat but I have to learn the boat more. But we have a very experienced crew and they are helping a lot. I think our target is to do as well as possible.” As we saw, this was always going to be a frantic first regatta in Cascais, with each team trying to iron out the wrinkles which inevitably come with new boats,

to set themselves up for a summer of racing that can be watched by all of us courtesy of the internet. You can follow the whole of the Audi MedCup ‘live’ or watch the highlights on www.medcup.org/replay/ Briefly…RAN (Sweden/Britain) won the Coastal Race, a marathon set over 62 kilometres, setting up a tense finale for minor placings on Sunday… Because inevitably Ed Baird & Quantum (USA) made her presence felt, taking the final and 5th out of the 8 races on Sunday afternoon to take the Cascais Trophy: brilliant sailing from the American team. The whole circus now ups stumps and move up the Med to Marseille for the next round starting on June 14th. What about the new Soto 40 class? Breath-taking teamwork from Iberdrola made them the team to beat. However, those of us who watched the final of Saturday’s race were amazed at the sheer determination of Portugal 22, using every breath of wind to try to grab the last few metres of speed towards the finish line, (ultimately to no avail)…but riveting telly! Congrats to Iberdrola. We’ll bring you all the news over the course of the event. Don’t forget…whether you’re 7 or 70, the Audi MedCup can be seen by everyone on that dedicated internet channel and in the flesh in Cartagena in August.

Santa Pola Sharks Rugby Academy SANTA POLA Sharks Rugby Academy was set up by Antonio Nawaqavou. Tony, a Fijian ex-international rugby player who played most of his rugby in New Zealand from the good old days of rugby is looking at bringing it back. He has already set up academies in the USA, Fiji and New Zealand, run by Pat Lam and Wayne Shelford, and one in Spain just south of Madrid. The idea of it is to help local clubs from Alicante down to Murcia etc along the N332 to develop their players and clubs respectively. At the moment the Santa Pola Rugby Academy, SPRA, is looking for under 23 and under 26 players to play in an invitational tournament in Valencia on 21st May 2011, plus other pre-arranged matches. There are already a group of players from Novelda plus others already committed to the game. So for further information about the Santa Pola Rugby Academy, SPR, and its other various arms,

as well as tournaments, contact Tony on 671 980 258 or email: santapolasharks@gmail.com

27 MAy - 02 June 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 competition was the 3rd in the Summer League, the venue being the Eden canal at Guadamar. After last week’s weights from Argos it was a bit of a change for this week, with nobody even breaking into double figures. The river did not have much pace, and with an upstream wind, kept the float virtually stationary. Big fish are not really showing whether they are still breeding or just getting over this period - only time will tell! TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st Jim (The Chairman) Rouse, fishing the pole using maggot and corn with 9.020 kg. 2nd Lenny (Excultural Attachee) Bolton, fishing the pole using bread and maggot with 7.60 kg. 3rd Terry (Swing ‘Em) Screen, fishing the pole using maggot with 6.74 kg. RESULTS AFTER 3 MATCHES 1st Lenny Bolton with 10 points 2nd Dave Hutchinson with 11 points 3rd Terry Screen with 13 points ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied by Terry Screen This week saw the 6th round of the Spring Series at Argos on 17th May 2011. Considering we are now in the middle of May the weather continues to be quite cool with this blustery wind all the time. Along with the excess rain that we have been having the water levels on Argos is higher now than in the nine years I have lived in Spain and the water has also coloured up which should induce the fish to feed but weights are still poor. On 18th May 2007, four years ago this week, I caught 80.070kg of fish on Argos, which I believe is still the best

match weight caught there - a few of the fisherman in those days would regularly produce 30kg, and one or two managing 45 to 50 kg which is over a 100lb of fish and now we are lucky to break 30kgs in a match. THIS WEEK’S RESULTS ARE: 1st Pete (The Peg) Hampshire, with 16.560kg on the feeder using corn 2nd Lenny (Ex Cultural Attache) Bolton, with 16.420kg on feeder using corn 3rd Alan (The Emperor) Roscoe, with 16.280kg on feeder using corn All details available from Terry Screen the Match Secretary on 96 532 8368 Anglers Together ANGLERS TOGETHER was formed to introduce and encourage anglers of all abilities to meet up and get together to fish, either sea or freshwater. Firm friendships have been formed during the time the group has been active and information on fishing venues and licenses required are available at the meetings or by regular emailed newsletters. Meetings are held in two locations on the second Friday and Saturday of each month. Anyone with an interest in fishing (sea or freshwater) is welcome to come along to a meeting to see what we’re about. The next meeting at Mary’s Bar, Campoverde (near Pilar de la Horadada) will be held on Friday 10th June at 12 noon. On Saturday 11th of June at 12 noon the meeting will be held at The New Royal Bar and Restaurant at El Alamillo, opposite the sea-front between Isla Plana and the Port. NOTE The subs are now due at these meetings: €5 for renewal and €10 for new members.