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north EDITION Ryanair threatens to pull out of Alicante
Issue 615
See page 26
Shameless scam 29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
RYANAIR WENT back to court in Elche this week to thrash out its differences with airport authority AENA p6
Join the system
EXPATS MUST make themselves legal in Spain to access the health system p14
Abandoned property THERE ARE plenty about - houses that look like no one has crossed the threshold for many years… p32
Attention RTN readers...! F i n d o u t m o re on
p35
Out with the old and in with the new The AGM of FC TorryFans (Independent Supporters’ Club) , saw fans take the unprecedented step of turning their backs of FC Torrevieja and electing instead to support another local football club p63
Rita Simpson and Phillip Roberts
by Jack Troughton ROGUE ESTATE agent Michelle McCarthy was this week accused of pocketing a 5,000€ deposit in a ‘portador’ cheque, entrusted to her by Phillip Roberts and Rita Simpson, a couple
looking to open a nursing home on the Costa Blanca. The couple alleges that by taking the money McCarthy effectively ‘stole from the community’: “She knew our project was
something for the good of the people but did not care: she has effectively stolen from the community.” The money was intended to be a refundable holding deposit – Phillip and Rita were given a contract bearing the office stamp of a respectable Marina Alta estate agent stating:
“The property will come of (sic) the market once the five thousand has been received.” However, when the 600,000€ Javea property proved to be unsuitable the deposit was not returned despite McCarthy’s constant promises to repay the cash since June.
The couple’s official complaint to the Guardia Civil accuses McCarthy of theft, fraud and embezzlement. A denouncement has also been made by Morairabased Alitrend, alleging she stole the stamp and used the company name without authority. Continued on page 3
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Bargain Books, Plaza Juan Carlos 1, Nº 2, San Miguel de Salinas, 03193, Alicante. (Opp. Tourist Info) Gaynor/Lee 688 667 389 leeshaw.evans@gmail.com Johnsons El Limonar, JCP Commercial Center, Local 31, Los Altos Del Limonar, Torrevieja, 966 785 600 Johnsons Quesada, Ava. Las Naciononies 1a -17, Quesada, 966 717 848 Johnsons Algorfa, Local 30, Commercial Center La Finca Golf, Algorfa, 966 729 647 The Post Room, Centro Comercial 5, Via Park III, Calle Panticosa Nº 2, Los Altos, Orihuela Costa, Alicante. Aoife/Chris 965 319 665 aoifesweeney@hotmail.com Pennys Supermarket, Flamenca Beach Comercial Centre, Unit 123, Playa Flamenca, 03189, Peter/Sarah 966 733 257 • bulldogstores@live.com Print Solutions, Avenida Londres 136, La Marina Urb, San Fulgencio, 03177, Alicante. Jim/Trish 966 790 520 • jim@printsolutionsspain.com Best Wishes, Local 30, Comercial Centre Hispania, Avda de la Union 72, San Javier, 30730, Murcia. Kathy 968 192 235 kaffywalker@hotmail.com Ononix Mar SL, Calle Mayor 30, bajo derecha, Guardamar, 03140, Alicante. Ron/Alicia 965 728 178 aliciamuddle@ononix.com
SAN MIGUEL TORREVIEJA QUESADA ALGORFA ORIHUELA ORIHUELA SAN FULGENCIO MURCIA GUARDAMAR
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continued from front page McCarthy in turn made a denouncia (which RTN has received a copy of) to the police alleging she was ‘assaulted and harassed’ by Rita as the couple demanded their cash back – an allegation strongly denied. Phillip and Rita, still determined to open a residential nursing home for the community, saw copy of RTN during a meeting with advisors in April 2008, featuring another victim accusing McCarthy, also known as Shelly Woodhams, of stealing a 10,000€ deposit while running Futures Property Services in Benidoleig, in similar circumstances, with promises to repay. Again they received nothing – and again a ‘denuncia’ lodged with the police: the matter has yet to reach court. Philip and Rita were introduced to McCarthy at the Centro Hipica Javea in April. She said she worked for Alitrend and had many properties to show them. They were shown a property that seemed suitable and claimed that McCarthy offered to arrange a meeting with the then Mayor of Javea and the town architect to discuss licences – later they did meet an unnamed engineer. DEPOSIT As investigations progressed – the property was mortgaged – Phillip and Rita agreed to pay the refundable deposit and it was given to McCarthy in a café. She said the money would be kept in the Alitrend safe. “Initially she wanted 30,000€, then 10,000€, and finally we agreed on 5,000€.” The contract was typed on plain paper inside a red Alitrend folder – parts crossed out because they had not even agreed a
price for the property. “She even claimed she had all the necessary town hall licences.” But the couple’s own architect warned a number of matters – illegal buildings on the land and boundary issues – “prohibited” proceeding with the purchase. INFORM They informed McCarthy of their decision not to proceed and the excuses began. “Thank goodness we did not give her 30,000€ - that would probably have stopped us opening a nursing home at all,” said Rita. “…according to the police our complaint is just another in the pile! “She is the sort of person stopping investment in this beautiful area – people are frightened of investing because they are getting scammed.” Alitrend confirmed McCarthy used the office stamp without authority, emphasising that any contract issued by the agency would be on headed notepaper. They knew nothing of the property in question, saying she was not an employee but had access to their portfolio against claims of having a number of UK buyers –not one property was sold through her leads. McCarthy maintains she intends to pay back the money. It was claimed there was a verbal agreement made between lawyers to return the 5,000€ in full within six months on condition she was not subjected to harassment or the target of bad publicity. DENIAL Through a spokesman, she claimed she could be entitled to the cash because a second deposit to reserve the property was not paid on time (a part of the ‘contract’ actually crossed
Michelle Mccarthy
out) and regretted her involvement in the deal - “mistakes have been made on both sides”- and wanted to start a new chapter in her life. RTN contacted Phillip and Rita again – they knew nothing of a verbal agreement between solicitors and said they would not have agreed to one: “We informed our lawyer of our decision to go to the press - we believe she must be stopped and want to warn others.”
Dénia basura containers are a load of rubbish! BRAND NEW containers and underground garbage disposal tanks have been installed in a Dénia street that is so narrow that garbage trucks cannot access the facility to empty the accumulated trash! The recent installation in Carrer Sant Josep cost the community a staggering 67,000€ - garbage trucks can only reach the containers at a squeeze and must reverse back out again into oncoming traffic; highly dangerous and actually illegal. What a waste!
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Fugitives seek Spanish hideaway
Anthony Downes (left) and Kirk Bradley
by jack Troughton DETECTIVES BELIEVE two fugitives freed in an armed and violent attack on a prison van plan to vanish on the Spanish Costas. The UK’s Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) is appealing for expats and holidaymakers to be on the look out for Kirk Bradley and Anthony ‘Fat Tony’ Downes after they escaped in the Manchester raid. The pair and an associate - described as “dangerous men” who should not be approached – were travelling from prison in Manchester to a Liverpool court on Monday 18th July to answer serious firearms charges when the van was attacked with a gang armed with guns and baseball bats. After the attackers escaped with the prisoners in car, both the security van driver and his passenger needed hospital treatment, although they were not badly hurt. And SOCA believes that because of long-standing links Bradley and Downes are headed for Spain – or could already be on the Costas.
WANTED Downes is a known associate of Kevin Parle, another fugitive on the Crimestoppers ‘most wanted’ list, who is already to be believed to be in hiding in Spain and wanted over two murders in Liverpool. SOCA’s Frank Francis said: “These are dangerous men and it is very important that nobody approaches them. “We are asking people who think they may have seen them to call Crimestoppers, either in Spain or in the UK. You can do this for free and completely anonymously – our priority is getting these two back in custody as quickly as possible.” Bradley is aged 25, 5ft 10 in tall, of proportionate build, with green eyes and cropped black hair. Downes is 24-years-old, 5ft 7in, with blue eyes and short dark hair. Call Crimestoppers in Spain on 900 555 111, the call is answered in the UK by a Crimestoppers agent. In the UK call the crime-busting charity on 0800 555 111. Information can also be left at the website www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Norway tragedy update THE GRIM news from Norway this week was updated by National Police Commissioner Oeystein Maeland, visibly moved during his address to reporters at a press conference at which he explained the reasons behind the confusing death toll first reported by police, following the bomb attack and the tragic mass murder of dozens of innocent young
people at Otoeya. He stressed that police and rescue personnel handled a “difficult and complex” situation with calm and efficiency under the circumstances. However, in their efforts to prioritise injured victims and in the chaos that surrounded the emergency services’ first response, some of the dead found piled on the ground were counted twice. The
revised death toll now stands at 76. Gunman Anders Behring Breivik has hinted that he was not working alone as investigations continue. Spain’s Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero expressed his “deep shock,” sending condolences to the Norwegian people. HM King Juan Carlos also sent messages of sympathy to the victims and their families.
Hey Rock n Roll! by jack Troughton TELEVISION’S DAYBREAK presenter Steve Hargrave donned a red drape jacket early yesterday morning (Thursday) to perform seventies Showaddywaddy hit Hey Rock n Roll and entertain Benidorm holidaymakers. The programme’s roving entertainment reporter made a guest appearance at The Morgan Tavern – aka Neptune’s Bar in the hit TV comedy Benidorm – to become the new face of tribute band Shoewaddywaddy. Daybreak has been busy filming the showbiz scene in Spain’s most famous resort and Steve joined Roy West, Chunky B, Mark White and Geoff Ball who for seven years have belted out the hits of the feel good pop band who first found fame on New Faces. ITV researchers contacted the popular act – Shoewaddywaddy play at Morgan’s every Monday and Wednesday - to ask if Steve could join the band in a sing-a-long. Naturally the boys were delighted to add a fifth member to the band to throw some moves and perform Steve’s favourite Showaddywaddy number. He nearly missed out. Steve was due on stage at 11.45am but because of gremlins in the filming schedule, arrived nearly an hour late to find the boys had completed their set and were back in the changing room. However, it’s only rock n roll and after
some quick re-arranging of the late night programme, the audience and Steve and Shoewaddywaddy performed for Daybreak viewers. And Steve enjoyed himself so much he even got to do it twice. To make good television and get enough camera angles it took two takes, he explained to the cheering audience: “Thank you very much….now we have to do it all over again. Please try and look excited!”
Puppeteer’s family make generous donation to Els Poblets
THE CHILDREN and grandchildren of puppeteer Van Keirsbilck, who lived for many years in Els Poblets, have donated to the city a valuable collection of handmade puppets. The gift includes at least 12 beautifully crafted puppets along with a puppet theatre for staging performances.
Summer success
by Jack Troughton CANCER CARE Javea’s collected 3,853€ running a series of special fund raising events across the month of June. The charity has decided to stage Cancer Care Day annually on 19th June and will organise a series of fund raising events surrounding the date as well as on the date itself. Pictured are people enjoying the this year’s Home and Leisure Show at the Parador Hotel, which also featured volunteers modelling clothes from the Cancer Care Boutique in Javea Park.
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Legal stalemate as Ryanair threatens to pull out of Alicante by jan Gamm RYANAIR WENT back to court in Elche this week to thrash out its differences with airport authority AENA, in response to AENA’s report findings that airlines could board passengers on foot at Alicante El Altet in the winter only and that in the summer heavy ground traffic presented a danger to passengers boarding without air bridges. Ryanair is insisting this decision be overturned, arguing that boarding procedures that are safe in winter are equally safe in summer; that the airline’s swift turnaround is possible only by dispensing with boarding via air bridges and that AENA’s ‘test walk’ carried out to assess the safety of boarding on foot was flawed. RISK AENA has taken a surprisingly confrontational position considering that Ryanair provides the airport with the majority of its business, by stating that to board passengers in the way Ryanair requests con-
stitutes a real and unacceptable risk to passenger safety. AENA sees its offer of allowing the airline to board from the tarmac in winter as a generous compromise and denies that the use of air bridges would cause delays to Ryanair’s scheduled turnaround or cause any alteration to the company’s business model. REJECTION After a lengthy five hour hearing, during which Ryanair indicated its intention to shut down its Alicante operation entirely if an agreeable and reasonable solution could not be found, the airline called for the adoption of precautionary measures to operate throughout the airport without walkways and not only in winter, while AENA rigidly called for the total rejection of Ryanair’s demands. Speaking to RTN exclusively yesterday, Ryanair’s Head of Communications Stephen McNamara said, “Ryanair is confident after
Airport Director of El Altet, Santiago MartínezCava Arenas, entering the court with AENA’s lawyer
yesterday’s court hearing that these silly restrictions at Alicante will be overturned allowing Ryanair to continue to deliver low fare
flights to and from the region.” RTN contacted AENA’s press office at El Altet to find it “…closed until 15th August.”
Over 50 new Jehovah’s Witnesses baptized at their annual meeting in IFA Centre A TOTAL of 55 people comprising 34 women and 21 men were baptised last Friday in a ceremony held by Jehovah’s Witnesses and attended by a large congregation. The service was held as part of the Jehovah’s
Witnesses’ annual meeting, at the IFA Exhibition Centre in Elche, which concluded with representations of biblical scenes. An estimated 7,400 people visited the trade fair on the weekend.
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Fabra’s plenary tribute to Camps by Jan Gamm THE PP CANDIDATE for Presidency of the Generalitat de Valencia, Alberto Fabra, based the majority of his half-hour long inaugural speech in part Castilian and part Valenciano on Tuesday to the defence of his predecessor, Francisco Camps. Fabra, in a love-me-love-my-dog-themed delivery, expounded the ideals and principles of Camps, who stepped down as President a few days previously, having agreed to pay a fine of 46,000€ against charges of passive bribery. Camps arrived at the plenary session shoulder-to-shoulder with Fabra, to a standing assembly that remained on its feet to applaud Camps until he had taken his seat in the second row. PLEDGE Fabra wasted no time expounding the virtues of Francisco Camps, whom he said he “admired and respected”
More than a hundred protest Cabeçó power line
for his “effort, tenacity and dedication to serve all the people living within the Region,” pledging to maintain the direction and the principles of Camps and his PP political project, before assuring the assembly that his principles and those of Camps were as one. RESTRUCTURE Fabra followed with a proposal to restructure public enterprises under a new management programme to “reduce operating costs,” and exercise “strict financial control.” Other keynotes of Fabra’s speech included the importance of creating a competitive environment in which to create jobs and to improve spending efficiency with the aim of providing private companies with access to financing. Fabra’s clear intentions are to implement reform in his new position on foundations prepared by Camps, despite his calls to “…turn the page and begin a new phase…”
LAST WEEKEND more than a hundred people took part in a march to protest over the new high voltage lines running through Cabeçó d’Or. The towers scale 55 meters, affecting the protected areas for birds throughout several municipalities, including Busot and Alicante. The march, organized by Ecologists in Action and various affected neighbours, assembled at the Canelobre Caves. The line runs for more than ten kilometers of the protected area according to the SPA. Mayor Alejandro Morant welcomed attendees and spoke a few words but did not participate in the march.
The PP’s candidate for President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Alberto Fabra, with Francisco Camps
An itchy problem for Alicante beaches
An ugly and itchy problem on the beach
STORMS AT sea last weekend left the beaches in the San Juan Postiguet area contaminated with an ugly embankment of algae and ocean debris that attracts insects along the shoreline. Lifeguards have received scores of daily complaints from swimmers that the algae is causing itching, chafing and discomfort but as yet the algae, caused by the churning and breaking of plants on the sea bed, has not been cleaned. Since March more than seven million kilos of seaweed and sea debris has been removed from Alicante beaches.
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BBC iPlayer app launches in Spain MILLIONS OF Brits abroad will be able to experience a taste of home through the BBC’s new global iPlayer app, exclusively on iPad www.bbc.com/iplayer/tv The video-on-demand subscription service is available at 6.99€ per month (or 49.99€ annually) offering classics such as ‘Fawlty Towers’, ‘Only Fools And Horses’, ‘Dr Who’, ‘Top Gear’, ‘Sherlock’, ‘Luther’ and favourite BBC dramas such as ‘Pride and Prejudice’. ARCHIVE Subscribers may also explore the extensive BBC archive, containing such gems as David Attenborough’s incomparable wildlife documentaries. The global BBC iPlayer app will offer programmes packaged in eight genres: News Specials & Documentaries; Entertainment; Drama; Comedy; Science & Nature; Family & Kids; Music & Culture and Lifestyle and will be made available in Spain, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, The Republic of Ireland, The Netherlands, Portugal and Switzerland.
EASY And designed to be intuitive and easy-to-use, a key feature of the app allows subscribers both to stream and to download shows for offline viewing for when they can’t access Wi-Fi connectivity: the stylish and simple interface enables users to build a personal library of programmes. The global BBC iPlayer App is now available to download for free from the App Store, in the launch markets, on iPad at www.bbc.com/iplayer/tv. The global version of the BBC iPlayer app launched on Thursday this week marks the start of a pilot phase for the service. “We’re providing a rich viewing experience for British nationals living abroad who may miss the excellent content from home as well as local residents who want to discover shows for the first time”, said Jana Bennett, BBC Worldwide President of Worldwide Networks and Global iPlayer. “Whether it’s on a train on your way to work, relaxing by the pool, or entertaining the kids, the BBC is back in your life!”
Supermums wanted for Wife Swap
by Jack Troughton EXPAT FAMILIES have the chance to taste life in the spotlight and take part in a new version of the hit television reality show Wife Swap. RTN has signed an exclusive deal with independent production company Big Bang Media to help make a fourth series of the hit show in Spain. In a new twist, the wives and mums of a British family will change places with a Spanish one – and Spain’s favourite English newspaper has the task of finding suitable candidates to go in front of the cameras. Wife Swap was originally produced in the UK, and although axed by Channel 4 in 2009, has gone on to be a worldwide smash with different versions being made around the globe. The basic format is simple. Two families with very different lifestyles swap wives and mothers. Normally the mums are polar opposites – for example Mrs Tidy changes places with Mrs Messy. And during the first week with a new family, the new wife must live under the rules of the woman she replaces after being handed an ‘owner’s manual’ on arrival. During week two, the new wife calls the shots on how her host family lives. Finally the two couples get together to discuss how each family got on with a stranger in charge. At times this has led to insults being swapped and on rare occasions even violence – but normally there is a middle ground and after heartfelt and emotional exchanges has changed lives. Big Bang Media was founded in 2009 and as a young successful company is passionate about television and its hit courtroom drama ‘De Buena Ley’ shown daily on Telecinco has passed the landmark of 500th episodes. The company is currently making a drama series ‘Homicidios’ starring actor Eduardo Noriega – triggered by an in-house idea – again for Telecinco, and has just been commissioned to make a second season of the international hit ‘Minute to Win It’ for Cuatro, the Spanish programme known as ‘Uno Para Gana’. Wife Swap format is called ‘Me Cambio de Familia’ in Spain and Big Bang Media has produced three successful series with its adaptation. Two seasons were broadcast on Telecinco and the third by Cuatro. And thanks to the previous success, Big Bang Media has been commissioned to produce a new series and that is where RTN readers come in a search for reality stars. To find out how to apply to take part in Wife Swap, pick up a copy of next week’s paper.
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Protect us RE: FRONTPAGE story of Maisie Venn and the Gas Inspectors, we recently had our third five-yearly official gas inspection and we wish to say that Maisie is not alone. For with unerring punctuality, three or more days before the inspection should take place, the con men arrived! We can only conclude that perhaps somehow they are privy to the same information as the official inspectors at the Repsol Office? Why can´t Repsol devise a way of protecting the interests of loyal customers over this thorny subject of rogue inspectors and their worthless certificates? It seems they prefer ploughing their vast profits into sponsoring motor/car racing? Just a thought or maybe this is how it is in Spain? Mr & Mrs S Watmough
talk tous
Email letters to rtnmail@roundtownnews.com with your full name and address
Email: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com
Come on, let’s be fairer I HAVE shopped at Iceland in Torrevieja since just after it opened, mainly because it seemed cheaper than the Spanish supermarkets for certain items. At that time, and to take an example, a Pizza that would cost £1 in the UK would cost €1.25. At this time, the €/£ exchange rate was hovering at around 1.08. Around October last year, 2010, the €/£ was almost 1.20 and that £1 Pizza would now cost €1.40! Now, the €/£ has dropped back to 1.10, yet the £1 Pizza still costs €1.40. So come on Iceland, I appreciate that there must be some mark up so that you can make a profit, but how can you justify a rate of 1.4, when in reality it is only 1.1? Let´s have a fairer exchange rate! Mr. Chris Smith, Orihuela Costa
Gentleman’s bracelet found
A MEMBER of the ADAPT Metal Detecting Club has found a gentleman’s silver bracelet. On one side of it there is an inscription: DAVID. On the reverse side it has another inscription. The bracelet is good quality and it is a recent loss judging its condition. ADAPT would like to see it returned to its rightful owner. To claim it, provide the following information: 1. The beach and area you lost it 2. The construction of the bracelet 3. The inscription on the reverse side of
Terms and conditions I READ Ian Benson’s letter with interest - it is worth pointing out that almost all loyalty schemes have a points expiry and this will have been outlined in the terms & conditions he agreed to. He will also know that airlines operate to make a profit and reducing services during quieter periods allows them to remain solvent. This is the best overall scenario. Every few months for eight years I flew with FlyBe, building up large numbers of points. What did they do? First they removed Murcia as a destination and then Spain as a whole from the scheme; even though that was the main route I had amassed my points on. I was unhappy but I never made a booking on the basis of getting points. Now I just choose a flight and fare which suits me and never make my decision based on points I may accrue. EasyJet has taken my recent business and I have been more than happy with their basic service. Shop around and read the terms & conditions in future: if you want access to the VIP lounges ignore the schemes operated by your airline and sign up directly to schemes operated by the likes of Priority Pass. Adrian Wilkinson-Smith
DAVID It is not often we are able to reunite people with their lost items, but hopefully this time we can. Remember, the ADAPT Metal Detecting Club provides a FREE Search & Recovery Service for lost metal items on the beach or dry land. We have members from the Mar Menor up to Santa Pola who provide this free service and are happy to assist you... (subject to conditions) Roderick Toms Email r.toms@btinternet.com
Taken over
DEAR ED, I was so dismayed to read the article in RTN regarding the opening of a gay radio station in Benidorm - what next! They have already taken over the old town with the horrible bars and cafes, with live sex acts being performed for all and sundry to see, which is disgusting and should never be allowed - what a shame that Benidorm has had to sink to this level to get business, it was once known to be a family resort, not any more I am afraid, who wants to bring their children to a place like this to see and now hear what is going on! I left a lovely village called Sitges 50 years ago when they moved in there and ruined the place, first they came and then the gays and lesbians, drug addicts, prostitutes, child molesters, and now it’s here, thank goodness that I have not got alot of time left to suffer having it shoved down my throat, what a world we live in, just like Rome all over again, it’s my grandchildren I feel so sorry for, having to mix with this lot, why don’t they go to somewhere away from normal people and do what they like, but please leave us alone: perhaps the reason is that there is a politician that plays for their side. Very sad, Regards MTG
Making it all worthwhile – a letter of thanks THIS LETTER was received from the wife of a patient being helped by the MABS Murcia Northwest Area Office: Thank you once again for making my life so much easier! It was so lovely to have David drive us yesterday, he was lovely to chat to; in fact I now look forward to my “driver days” more than anything because I can talk to someone else for a change! Especially he knows exactly what I am going through. I bless the day I contacted MABS, and can’t imagine how bad my life would be without you. All of the drivers have been fantastic, given me something to look forward to, as well as taken the pressure off me having to drive.
Gill has been sensational. I have called and emailed her on the edge of despair and she has helped me through the really bad times. I’m still here, largely thanks to her, times have been really horrible. Thank you again, without MABS I don’t know where I would be now. Lots of love - Philippa P.S If I can afford to stay in Spain once this is all over, I would be delighted to become a volunteer, to be able to put something in having taken so much out! In the meantime, I can only say thank you again, and hopefully a time will come when I can start to repay some of your kindness and support. I think you are fantastic!
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Legionnaires Swift fire service in Valencia prevents evacuation
Fire fighters battle to control the fire
by Jan Gamm A FOREST fire near Javea was swiftly extinguished on Tuesday thanks to the swift intervention of fire fighters assisted by the water-spraying services of a fire plane and two helicopters. A hectare of forest pine and bush was burned in the Tossal Gros de Javea area in tinder dry conditions – the fire is sus-
pected to have originated with an aerosol ignited near a private residence. The evacuation of the area was avoided due to the prompt attention of regional fire services. Throughout the region there are fire restrictions in place that prohibit the lighting of barbecues and bonfires while dry scrub and forestry presents a high risk.
VALENCIAN REGIONAL Heath Councillor Luis Rosado has informed the press that five people are in the Hospital Universitario Dr Peset in Valencia after ten cases of Legionnaire’s Disease were reported last Friday in the Alcásser area. The water fountain in Alcásser has been closed down as a precautionary measure while investigations are carried out into the source of the infection. The symptoms of Legionnaire’s Disease are similar to those of flu, with coughing, fever, sore throat, sore muscles, nausea and a shortness of breath. All five patients hospitalised are recovering well.
Letizia under pressure LETIZIA PRINCESS of the Asturias has been criticised in the Spanish press for sporting a pair of favourite bright blue ballet pumps encrusted with Swarovsky crystals valued at around 500€ at a function to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Instituto Cervantes. The shoes are part of the flat-shoe ‘Pretty
Amanda Braund Car-reg Costa Blanca 625 864 373 caregcostablanca@hotmail.com www.carregcostablanca.com Angie Daley The Leader Newspaper 686 367 421 - jessang563@hotmail.com Carol King Cristal Glide Glass Curtains 688 666 555 www.cristalglide.es/cristalglide.es@live.com Carolyn Shedden Forget me Not Charity Shop
Cherie Walker Indigo UK and Worldwide Car Hire www. indigocarhire.co.uk /sales@indigocarhire. co.uk Tel: 00 44 113 308 2016 Christine Quinlan Body Harmony. 966 795 103 www.bodyharmonytherapies.co.uk bodyharmony@tinyworld.com Janette Bennett Torrevieja Lions idsbennett@hotmail.co.uk www.torreviejacostalions.org Jean Williamson Dapa.biz www.dapa.biz jean@dapa.biz
Karen Dowsing New 2 You New and Used Furniture 965 715 605 www.new2you-furniture.com info@new2you-furniture.com Lynn Paterson Teeth White Spain 605 309 263 www.teethwhitespain.com teethwhitespain@gmail.com Liesl Cavender Spanish Ink 902 906 200 Ink Cartridge Specialist sales@spanishink.com www.spanishink.com Rosa Perez Ortuño Rosa Helps Interpreter and Translation Services 646 141 903 rosa@rosahelps.com www.rosahelps.com Vicki Riley El Principe Language Centre www.elprincipecentre.com info@elprincipecentre.com Tel: 965 999 047/ 696 102 874 Virginia Mora Lopez Advance Translation Services 629 201 192 www.dapa.biz/advancetranslations.com vivitorrevieja@gmail.com
Ballerinas’ signature collection of Jaime Mascaro and are favoured by celebrities for their comfort and enormous choice of designs: the range starts at around 130€ per pair. The princess is usually seen in skyscraper heels when seen alongside her 6’5” hubby. Letizia seems unable to please at
present, criticised last month for wearing a 39.95€ outfit to attend a function with her husband and a constant target throughout the summer by local press photographers anxious to be the first to capture Letizia in a bikini; a picture thought to be worth a million Euros.
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Join the system
STOP PRESS: Free wine at Labels and Tables Readers already know Labels and Tables for their incredibly low prices on UK High Street Fashions, books, furniture etc. Seriously, where else on the Costa Blanca can you get upto 85% off the UK price…? Well, in case you need a bit more convincing, you’ll now get a free bottle of wine with every 10€ you spend. So, if you spend 60€, that’s a half a case of wine absolutely FREE!. that’s a great offer! And how good of them to give me a bottle of wine with which to celebrate the savings I already made. Go and see for yourself - Labels and Tables are on the CV70 Benidorn/La Nucia Road, just opposite the BP gas station off Rotunda 3! See ad for map!
Irene Ellis MBE speaking at the lunch
by jack Troughton EXPATS MUST make themselves legal in Spain to access the health system and qualify for the support it offers residents, a charity’s annual summer fundraising lunch was told. Irene Ellis MBE, President of Cancer Care Javea, and Jan Elders, President of HELP International Benidorm and Honorary Welfare Officer of the RAFA North Costa Blanca Branch, were united in stressing the need to ‘go legal’ at the Expatriate Ostomates of Spain (EOS) event. And supported by EOS President Cynthia Robinson, they advised expats should complete all the paperwork to insure they were in the system before calling for assistance. At the lunch in Restaurante Amenecer, Javea, Cynthia accepted a generous donation from Cancer Care and
said it would be used to benefit ostomates across Spain requiring both physical and emotional support. Irene explained how Cancer Care had embarked on a new project, fundraising to provide Denia Hospital with the latest equipment to diagnose cancer – making detection of the disease quicker and more accurate through genetic analyses. Jan told of the work of HELP International Benidorm, and its need to support people visiting the resort on holiday, and the welfare side of RAFA, which helps those who formerly served with the Royal Air Force and their dependents as well as members of the association in the area. For more information about EOS telephone 96 646 0063, email mail@ostomyinspain.org, or visit www.ostomyinspain.org
Bookstall’s landmark sale
SALES OF second hand books from the Teulada Moraira Lions Club’s twice-monthly market stall have crossed the 20,000 mark. Carole Leach purchased the milestone paperback at Moraira Market and was presented with a commemorative certificate by club president
Nico Dekkers who thanked people for buying and donating books and the club members for running the stall – a valuable fund raiser for local community projects. The popular bookstall is open at the market on the first and third Friday of every month.
Last minute bookings to be taxed
Last minute bargain hunters
by jan Gamm LAST MINUTE holiday packages now represents between 30% and 40% of business for Benidorm hotels, according to Hosbec (The Business Association of Hotels in Benidorm). In a summer season where bookings have rocketed to the delight of hotel managers and the area has experienced its best July in five years, the practice of seizing last-minute deals is causing staffing chaos as management is unable to project service levels to accommodate demand. “It is impossible to plan ahead,” said Hosbec president Javier Garcia, “And that leads to an overload of work among existing staff and affects the quality of service.” CONTRACTS The proposed solution to the problem is to apply a levy to last minute bookings and
reward advance reservations, “…much the same as the airlines do – because last minute bookings do not benefit anyone, neither the employer, the employees or the customers,” said Garcia, who went on to point out that the present booking climate also affected employees’ chances of securing permanent contracts, with labour constantly engaged on a casual basis to cope with unexpected numbers. SPORT Among other improvements for Benidorm Hosbec recommends an injection of sporting activities and events to compliment the city’s image as the leading tourism attraction in the region and to raise its sporting profile. Hosbec did not comment on whether a tax on last minute bookings might prompt cashstrapped holidaymakers to look elsewhere for fun in the sun…
Guests enjoy free makeovers at Specsavers Opticas Torrevieja Open Day SPECSAVERS OPTICAS in Torrevieja celebrated the arrival of two new designer brand glasses by offering free make-overs at the store on Tuesday. Local hairdressers and beauticians were on hand to pamper and beautify the guests totally free of charge, and style advisors were there to help choose a frame to complement their new look. There was also a Flabelos Machine on site for the guests to try out which helps with conditioning, inch loss and toning, so visitors left the store looking and feeling great. Specsavers style advisors guided the guests through the ranges and advised them on the best colour, style and shape to suit their colouring, face shape and personal style. As part of the day, there was also a ‘Spectacle Wearer of the Day’ Competition, with great prizes won for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.
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El Altet struggles to cope with concourse campers by jan Gamm THE BRAND new €700 million El Altet air terminal has been turned into an expensive campsite. Young holiday makers on a budget waiting for early morning flights find the new terminal’s facilities more than adequate and have begun camping on the marble floors of the departure concourse, now littered with teenage economy sunshine break detritus. Hundreds of sleeping bags are scattered throughout the departure lounge. The young passengers use the bathroom facilities for their laundry and the ATM machines and luggage trolleys as drying rails. Many of the toilets are overflowing and the remains of food and drink are left for airport staff to clean up. CHEAP The problem is being laid at the door of economy airlines such as Ryanair that offer rock bottom flights to tourists that haven’t the means to pay for accommodation during their stay on the Costa Blanca. Low cost flights now represent 75% of total business at one of the biggest airports on the Mediterranean. The era of cheap tickets has made it possible for youngsters to move freely around Europe but most of them simply cannot afford to pay for anything other than their airfare. These cash-poor visitors fly in cheap and live rough on the beach, buying food and alcohol as cheaply as possible and consuming it in public places. There is no profit for the ho-
The refugee camp early morning…
tels, bars or restaurants and the only winner is the airline. AENA Airport authority AENA is struggling to keep control of the hundreds of travellers that choose to camp out at El Altet. For the moment no action has been taken due to the sheer num-
Bridge uniting the Intempo Building towers put in place THE 90 TON bridge framework connecting the two towers of the Intempo Building in Benidorm has been put in place this week by specialised construction workers of the Basque company URSSA. The work to install the frame took three days at a height of 147 metres: the frame will support an inverted cone resembling a giant diamond expected to be complete in three months’ time. Architect Alberto Perez-Guerra is pleased with progress on the building: “Everything is great,” he said. On completion, the Intempo Building will be the tallest The towers residential construction in united Europe, scheduled for 2012.
bers involved; AENA is reluctant to instigate an incidence of public disorder in the terminal at the height of the season. One airport employee said. “If you think this is bad you should have seen it yesterday – it looked like a refugee camp!” El Altet continues to resemble a bus station in a banana republic…
Holy-crashbang-wallop what a picture!
THE ASSOCIATION de Campello History Museum opened an exhibition of antique wedding portraits on Friday in the municipality’s Casa Cultura, attended by Mayor of Campello Juanjo Berenguer and several councillors. The exhibition features more than 200 old photographs: some sepia, some black and white and a few taken since the fifties that are in colour. The exhibition will remain in place until 30th August.
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
Dead fish put off swimmers in Javea Port
The seagulls enjoying the feast
by jan Gamm VISITORS TO the pebble beach in Javea Port this week were shocked to be faced with hundreds of dead fish lining the shore and floating in the shallow water, with beachgoers anxiously enquiring whether the water was safe from contamination. In fact the fish had simply been discarded from the daily catch by fishing vessels near the entry to the port. In the month of July when the beach is a popular destination for tourists the council has requested of the Fishermens’ Association that precautions be taken not to discard fish waste so close to shore but the request sometimes falls on deaf ears. On Tuesday there were dozens of dead Bream littering the beach and an understandable reluctance on the part of swimmers to wade through fish carcasses to swim in the otherwise inviting waters. The seagulls, however, had a banquet!
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LEBARA IS AVAILABLE AT The Phone Shop: Cabo Roig - 688 228 888
THE POST BOX
Dona Pepa, Quesada - 966 731 928 www.thepostboxquesada.com
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29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
World cup comes to Portal de la Marina (Ondara shopping centre, off the autopista A7 exit Ondara) by Patricia Thompson From the 5th to 7th August those who visit the shopping centre can get their photo taken with the world´s most prized football trophy. The world’s greatest prize in football will be at the Centro Comercial Portal de la Marina 5th to 7th August, so that visitors can take their picture with the cup, copying Casillas Iniesta or Mata when just a year ago they achieved their dream of winning. Once your photo has been taken, you will be able to download the image from Portal de La Marina on Facebook, just clicking “like” to become one of the fans of the shopping centre.
From 11.00 to 21.00 hours the World Cup will be presented to the public to complete the many activities that the Portal de la Marina has organized for the public. The uninterupted entertainment programming includes hundreds of gifts and prize draws include several trips to Ibiza and Formentera in collaboration with the shipping company Baleària. For Oscar Pastor, director of the Portal de la Marina, the arrival of the World Cup “is a unique opportunity for our visitors to take a photo with a chapter of our history.” For more information: Group isms. Marina Falco. C / Turia, 53, bajo. Tel: 96 329 34 77. Marina.falco@ismos.es
Walk and talk with the animals by Jack Troughton ENJOY A real life Dr Doolittle experience with RTN this summer and have fun learning more about the animal kingdom with a visit to Benidorm’s Terra Natura and Agua Natura. The new generation wildlife parks give visitors a unique opportunity to get up close with animals without the obvious barriers of traditional zoos. And RTN readers can enjoy an affordable day out for all the family at Terra Natura because as an official sales outlet, we are selling tickets at an unbeatable price - with the bonus of entrance to neighbouring Agua Natura absolutely free! For a limited period there are special promotional packs designed to give families small and large access to the wonders of Mother Nature. Visitors will enjoy a voyage of discovery on land and in the sea with this fantastic offer and there is also an opportunity to let off steam in the water chutes, rides and pools of the theme park with this fantastic and unique offer. Spread over 320,000 square metres, Terra Natura is divided into four separate areas – Pangea, the entrance to the park, America, Asia and Europe - offering a new concept to visitors – and offers a new concept ‘Zooinmersion’, bringing visitors into contact with animals in their own habitat.
NATURE And the wildlife park attempts to raise awareness of crucial values for animals’ welfare across the globe such as equality, sustainable development, happiness and a love for animals and nature. The aim of Terra Natura is to keep humans better informed about animals and teach respect for nature and conservation of dwindling natural resources. So while enjoying a trip around the park, people are actually having fun and getting to see rare animals while helping species survive in the wild. The overall target is to keep populations of endangered species stable and increase the gene pool while undertaking a breeding programme that can see animals returned to their natural habitat. Taking part in international breeding pro-
grammes, Terra Natura is already playing a key role in helping save species threatened with extinction, such as the ocelot, jaguar, Sumatran tiger, Asian lion, and Asian elephant. And the zoological park also prides itself in recreating the landscape and fauna of animals’ natural homelands whether it be the tropics of Central and southern America of South-East Asia. This allows visitors to see animals as if they were still in the wild and appreciate the colourful and exotic diversity of trees and plants from around the globe. WATER Aqua Natura is a water park designed for everyone to have a good time – with places to relax or to be a little more energetic. The famed lighthouse breakwater separates the beach and water chutes form the stunning undersea world of the aquarium of Mediterranean species and features an underwater walkway to get up close to the teeming sea life. There is also the wave pool, swimming pools, children’s splash pool, the water chutes, spa and for those who want to chill out, the sun deck. And everyone always enjoys the demonstrations given by the sea lions and the chance to swim with these curious and highly intelligent creatures. Enjoy the antics of the sea lions while learning about the seas and oceans, the problem of pollution and how best to protect the marine world. By calling 902 118 999 and paying by credit card, entrance for adults is 20€ (normally 31€) and for children aged four to 12 and seniors aged over 60, 15€ (normally 25€). RTN’s limited family packs are 50€ for two adults and a child or senior, and 70€ for two adults, two children and or seniors, and a further guest of any age. Tickets can be collected from RTN offices at La Nucia (minutes from Terra Natura) Monday to Thursday 10am until 6pm, or Fridays between 10am until 2pm. Alternatively, there is a next day delivery service to your door for just 1€.
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Score on radio’s match of the day by Jack Troughton FOOTBALL FANS get the chance to bid for some unique souvenirs from the beautiful game on Sunday (31st July) when Bay Radio hosts a live charity auction. All the proceeds go to help the youngsters living in the region’s EMAUS homes and will buy the basic necessities – from nappies to clothes and school books. Up for grabs on The Sunday Brunch are three pieces of memorabilia – a No. 9 England shirt, an official Champions League match ball, and a signed Liverpool away shirt. The fun kicks off at 11am and the final whistle will be blown by ‘match officials’ Bob and Noelle at 2.30pm – they will also be commentating and keeping score.
GOAL
The England shirt was worn by Emile Heskey in England’s 4-1 win over Slovakia in March 2009 when the striker scored the first goal for the Three Lions. And the football was part of the kickabout that was the 2004 Super Cup Final between FC Porto and AC Milan in Monaco – it went in the back of the net when Andriy Shevenko scored the only goal of the game and is signed by all three match officials: Uriah Rennie; David Babski; and David Bryant. Finally, the Liverpool shirt is signed by all the players and, unusually, manager and soccer legend Kenny Dalglish. It also comes with a certificate of authenticity. Get onside this Sunday and make a bid for three auction lots that cannot be found in the shops by callThe ing 96 579 5596 or 96 579 6761, by emailing official studio@bayradio.fm or via Facebook at BayRadio Spain. football
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
Residential Property for Sale
LA XARA: 3 BED APT Lovely, well maintained apartment, Close to Denia, Javea, Beaches, in a nice rural setting. 60.000€ TEULADA: 3 BED TOWNHOUSE Panoramic Sea View, Alarm, A/ C Comm Pool, Parking, Beaches 15 min.Priv. garden, 179.000€ MORAIRA: 4 BED VILLA Beautiful Villa, Pool, Beach walking distance, 2 Bath en-suite, A/C, Naya, Am Kitchen, 375.000€ DENIA: 3 BED APT. Beautiful, high quality build , Marble floor, Excellent views, Close to Town/Beach/Marina. Priced to Sell 128.000€ MORAIRA: 3 BED FINCA Spacious, Picturesque, 2 Bath, Sep Kitchen, Pool, Country view, Must be Seen ! Only 279.000€ JALON VALLEY: 3 BED VILLA Attractive, well maintained, Living, Modern Kitchen, Encl. Naya. Pool, Stunning Views, 267.000€ BENITACHELL: 2 BED VILLA Living, Naya, Comm Pool, Great Sea and Mountain Views, ± 5KM from Sea, Price was 210.000€ NOW 175.000€ BENISSA: 4 BED FINCA 301 M², Double Beds + En-suite Bath, Plot 5.000 M², Beautifully Refurbished, Seriously Reduced: 495.000€
Long Term Rental Property JAVEA : 4 BED VILLA Long Term Rent Close to beach and shops, 2 Bath, 1 Shower room, Pool, Private Garden, 1.000 € p/mth MORAIRA: Long Term Rent • 3 BED APT Size Enormous,2 Bath (1 En-suite), A/C, Modern, Parking, In the Centre, Close to Sea 750€ p/Mth JAVEA: 2 BED VILLA Long Term Rent Balcon al Mar in Complex with 2 Communal Pools and Extensive Terraces and Gardens 575€ p/Mth JAVEA: 3 BED VILLA Long Term Rent Close to beach and shops, Modern, Luxurious, Pool, BBQ, TV, ADSL, 1.000 € p/mth Commercial Property GATA DE GORGOS: For Rent: WAREHOUSE 1.400 M², has Water, Electricity, Bathroom, Easy Access. 1.200€ p/Month MORAIRA: RESTAURANT Next to the Sea, Dining Area (27 Covers) with Fireplace, Terrace, Underbuild owners 2 Bed Apartment 350.000€ GATA DE GORGOS: For Rent: WAREHOUSE 1.200 M², 2x WC, Tiled Floor, Susp. Ceiling, Lights, Suits ret. Bus. 2.000€ p/Month BENISSA - BAR /RESTAURANT, Bar ± 100M², Rest. ± 50M², Terrace ± 70M², Fixtures + New Fittings/Decor Incl. Good Opportunity 595.000€
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Julio Iglesias and Tom Jones confirm August concerts in Gandía JULIO IGLESIAS and Tom Jones, two internationally acclaimed performers, have confirmed their respective concerts in Gandía in August as part of the ‘Gandia, el mar donde se unen las estrellas’ (Gandia near the sea where the stars come together) event at the ‘Plaza del Puerto’ (formerly Areva Challenge), Avinguda de la Pau.
Julio Iglesias will perform on Sunday 14th August, with Tom Jones to launch his first of a total of four shows in Spain included in his European tour, on Tuesday 16th August. Julio Iglesias has sold more than 300 million records worldwide and is one of the top ten best-selling artists of all time, kick-starting his career in 1968 by winning the Benidorm International Song Festival with ‘La Vida Sigue Igual’. His musical talents are broadcast in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and even Indonesian, earning him the Guinness Book of Records Diamond Album for having recorded in the most languages. He is also honoured with a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Tom Jones debuted in Gandía with his international tour ‘Praise & Blame’. 70-year-old Jones continues to charm audiences after a career spanning 46 years. Sir Tom Jones, OBE (knighted in 2006) embraces a spectrum of musical styles but is mostly associated with blockbusters ‘It’s Not Unusual’, ‘What’s New Pussycat’, Bond theme ‘Thunderball’ and ‘Delilah’. A rock and roll legend and acknowledged king of the blues, with true rhythm and soul, his latest album is already a resounding European success. SHOW DATES Julio Iglesias - 14th August Tom Jones - 16th August Venue - Plaza del Puerto Address - Avinguda de la Pau, Gandía Gates open - 9pm with the concerts to begin at 11pm Tickets available at - Town Halls’ website: www.gandia.org - www.visitgandia.com El Corte Inglés /Bancaja/ Ticketmaster/ Servicam/
For ticket and transport information call RTN on 902 118 999.
Monday to Thursday 10am – 6pm and Friday 10am -2pm
29 Jul 04 aug 2011 20 - 26 may 2011
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Telegraph blunder offends Mayoress of Valencia THE DAILY Telegraph has made an enormous gaffe by publishing a story that addressed the issue of Italian women prisoners being banned from wearing designer clothes by Gucci and Armani, featuring a photograph of the new prison governor of Ucciardone jail in Palermo, Rita Barbera. Unfortunately, alongside the article the newspaper mistakenly published a photograph of Mayoress of Valencia Rita Barberá who has nothing whatever to do with the story.
Whoops wrong Rita!
New route for EasyJet: Essex/Alicante IN APRIL 2012 Easyjet are to connect the Costa Blanca with the South East of England. The low cost airline announced this week that Spanish passengers will be able to fly to several destinations that include Alicante and Barcelona from Southend, Essex, from April 2012. In addition to these two destinations, the airline will fly to Ibiza, Malaga and Mallorca, as well as Amsterdam, Belfast and Faro. Easyjet announced on Tuesday that tickets are now on sale, offered at a minimum price of £23.8 pounds (26.8€). “This is an exciting time to launch our new routes from our UK base,” said Director of Customer Service for Easyjet, Catherine Lyn. “The airport is conveniently placed outside London with a fast rail network to the city.”
Watts in Britain: Watts In Thanks Britain to RTN readers... By
Paul Watts
I’M GRATEFUL to RTN readers for all their kind comments regarding my article last week on unfair parking fines in the UK. To recap, I’m being hounded to the tune of a hundred quid by Excel Parking Services for merely parking in an Iceland car park for twenty minutes. A thoroughly decent chap by the name of Dave has implored me not to pay. He read the article on the RTN website and responded via the comment box. “I hope you are not thinking of paying this charge,” writes Dave, who tells me it is not a fine but an ‘unenforceable invoice’. He continues: “Under civil law the parking company/land owner can only charge you for the actual material loss that they have suffered. In this case it’s a big fat zero.” Oh Dave, I hope you’re right. He adds: “They would have to take you to the civil court to try and get the money from you but Excel tried this once in Mansfield and lost. The judge ruling said that this was an unfair penalty.” Well, you’re not wrong there Dave; £100 for twenty minutes does seem a bit excessive. Dave warns, “Excel will send you all sorts of threatening letters which you can safely ignore. Eventually they will go away and try and con some other poor motorist.” Dave then pointed me in the direction of a website which tells you all you need to know about the private parking ‘industry’. I’ll copy it here just in case anyone else has a need to peruse it: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=163 It wasn’t only Dave that advised not to pay. Dear ole Eric Taylor (of OCI and RTN North fame) also says, “Paul, do not pay,” and kindly sent me a whole raft of information to help with my predicament. Thanks guys, it’s good to have support but can we ever beat the bullies and their legal teams? Watch this space and I’ll update as the drama unfolds. ARISE, SUN ON SUNDAY And talking of dramas unfolding will the phone-hacking antics of News Corps ever leave the pages of our newspapers? We’ve had the hit series, Murdoch Most Foul wall-to-wall in tabloids and broadsheets for weeks now. Radio 4’s, The Report did a good ‘in-depth’ on the subject last week and the programme interestingly revealed that News of the World was not alone in using private investigators or ‘blaggers’ in securing information by dubious means (including phone hacking). In fact News of the World limped in a poor fifth, according to a report compiled by the Information Commissioner Christopher Graham, behind the Daily Mail (1st); Sunday People (2nd); The Mirror (3rd) and Mirror on Sunday (4th). The programme showed how the majority of news publishers systematically broke the law on Data Protection. They’re all at it! Even The Observer was listed. Of course, we here at RTN would never be party to any such nefarious goings-on! Free-lance journalist Richard Peppiat told the programme: “At the Daily Mail it was rife... and in the industry that was well known.” Although, and for the sake of balance, you must bear in mind that this was the Richard Peppiat that had a ‘road to Damascus’ moment and left the Daily Star huffing and puffing because he thought they were a tad jingoistic. Now, if you work on a title like the Daily Star isn’t that a given? My friend Julian worked for them and said the whole place was one “big centre of bullying.” Peppiat is also the guy that ‘dreamed-up’ Kelly Brook’s experimentation with hypnotherapy. Yup, that story was all Dickie’s imagination. He has admitted as such and declared: “For that exclusive I pocketed a £150 bonus.” Of course, we here at RTN would never resort to making-up stories! Any-old-road, all of this nonsense leads me to wonder if the News of the World could ever rise again? The answer I feel, is not if but when. Give the scandal a month to blow over and News of the World MK2 will probably pop up, or as it will more likely be called the Sun on Sunday (isn’t that what the News of the World was anyway?). Did you know that on 5th July, as the phone hacking scandal gathered momentum, the domain name ‘www.sunonsunday.co.uk’ was bought by an unknown company and registered? Of course, we here at RTN have not bought it. But I guess you knew that already... Watts in Britain, waiting for the super, sexy, soar-away Sun on Sunday…
29 Jul 8 - 04 14 aug JulY 2011
Spain’s Coral targeted by poachers by Jan Gamm EXPERTS AT the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in The Hague in Holland this week discussed the problem of coral poaching. Red Coral is one of the wild fauna species in danger of becoming extinct. Its scarcity has led to a black market price on coral of up to 1,200€ per kilo on the internet, depending on quality and up to 36,000€ if the pieces have been treated and polished. Poachers are well organised, with agents selling to Switzerland and Japan in enormous quantities. POWERS Coral is used all over the world to make jewellery,
ground up for use in homeopathic and Ayurvedic medicines, and considered lucky by both Eastern and Western civilizations: it is popularly used to make rosary beads and said to have ‘protective powers’, coral is a traditional baptism gift. SCARCE Once abundant in Mediterranean waters, Red Coral is now increasingly scarce in a market worth €150 million annually. In 2010, a total of between 450 and 500 kilos of coral was seized from unlicensed fishermen working off the Spanish coast. Putting its’ rarity into perspective, Red Coral takes 60 years to grow just an inch in diameter!
Collision on A-31 involves ten cars A TEN-CAR pile-up on the Alicante-Madrid A-31 on Monday causing a 14km tailback that took hours to clear. The crash occurred at around 12.45pm near Petra at km209, with eye witnesses reporting that the resulting queue of traffic reached the Portichol in Monforte del Cid. Several police patrols supervised the clearing operation involving several cranes. All of the drivers and their passengers escaped serious injuries with some treated for severe bruising in the nearby Hospital Virgen de la Salud de Elda, released hours later. One of the drivers stated that the accident was caused by a lead car making a sudden and unexpected stop: the car alleged to have caused the accident was driven away before police arrived at the scene.
Shortage of Cardiologists in Marina Baixa
ACCORDING TO the complaints commission CCOO the departure of three service specialists has caused a shortage of cardiologists in the Marina Baixa, now struggling to cope with demand with only four doctors, leaving patients with a 16-month wait for diagnosis. The Ombudsman of Valencia received a complaint from a patient requiring an echocardiogram in
July 2010 who will not receive results until next November. The Department of Health has been urged to take appropriate measures to bring service for heart patients to an acceptable level. The three cardiologists that left decided to join hospitals with better working conditions, causing the region to be severely undermanned and sending waiting lists rocketing.
Coral in its natural habitat
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Sid’s Adventures in Spain Spanish lessons by
Jane Cronin
A weekly ‘cut out and keep’ feature helping you to learn basic Spanish for everyday needs
This is the last of this little serialisation which is meant to whet your appetite for the rest of Sid’s story. What kind of problems will Sid encounter in his new home? What will his neighbours be like? Will he find the new love of his life? Will he ever manage to master the Spanish language? In this section, Sid is still an innocent newcomer experiencing his first reactions to life in Spain.
por un grupo de varios adultos ruidosos todos hablando a la vez y dos o tres niños gritando para hacerse oír. También había un bebé llorando al que ignoraron durante un rato, y luego lo cogieron y calmaron de forma ruidosa y afectuosa. Mientras escuchaba con más atención, Sid se dio cuenta de que podía oír las olas del mar a unos metros de distancia y algunos perros ladrando a lo lejos.
At a table next to him there was a large family made up of several loud adults all talking at the same time and two or three small children screaming to make themselves heard. They also had a crying baby who was ignored for a while, and then picked up and cuddled in a noisy, demonstrative manner. As he listened more carefully, Sid also realized he could hear the waves of the sea just a few metres away and some dogs barking in the distance.
Even the smells here were different from the damp green air of Yorkshire. There was a sweet smell of baking coming from one of the nearby shops, whilst some of the ladies walking passed left in their wake a strong aroma of Spanish cologne and there was the mixed scent of exotic tobaccos, coming from a variety of cigarettes and cigars quite different from those back home.
En la mesa de al lado había una familia grande formada
Incluso los olores de aquí eran distintos del aire verde y húmedo de Yorkshire. Había un dulce aroma de pastelería que provenía de una de las tiendas cercanas, mien-
tras, algunas de las señoras que paseaban, dejaban una estela de fragancia intensa española y había una mezcla de aroma de tabacos exóticos que venían de una variedad de cigarrillos y puros bastante distintos a los de casa. “Back home”, thought Sid. He repeated the words to himself again: “Back home.” He had made the decision that this alien and chaotic place would be his home from now on, but he wondered how long it would take for him to really feel at ease. He was gazing out at the blue sea, glinting between picture-book palm trees and shining white balustrades when an elegant Spanish lady crossed his path. For some reason he suddenly remembered his dear sister Mary who would be waiting anxiously to hear from him. “How could I be so selfish!” he thought, and he decided to go in search of a shop that would sell some postcard images of his amazing new place of residence. “De casa” pensaba Sid. Se repitió las palabras otra vez: “De casa”. Había tomado la decisión de que este
Air Exhibition opens AIRPORT AUTHORITY AENA has organised an exhibition in Alicante Port from this week until 30th September, showcasing a visual journey through 100 years of aviation and air transport in Alicante. 29th July marks the 100th Anniversary of the first flight to Alicante in 1911; part of an air race from Valencia to Alicante. The
The golf a
Nats coaches student Lynda Geddes
by Jack Troughton SCHOOLEAVER NATASHA ‘Nats’ Woodhams has landed her dream job as an apprentice professional golfer coaching players at one of the Costa Blanca’s top clubs. The 16-year-old began her sporting career earlier this month at the El Plantio golf school under the watchful eye of RTN’s own Noel Eastwell – one of the World Golf Teachers Federation top 100 coaches. Nats, who was one of four youngsters who won a golfing scholarship in a competition sponsored by RTN and Bay Radio, described her new life as “awesome” despite long hours on the course. The teenager – favourite colour pink, hero European Ladies Tour rising star, England’s Melissa Reid – added: “I absolutely love it – you are playing golf and teaching people to play golf. What more can you ask for?” Nats gets to play in competitions – her handicap continues to tumble – and is kept busy with students. “I try to remember how I learnt with Noel and put myself in the students’ shoes and try to help them understand as best as I can.
Part 8
HELP International
lugar caótico y ajeno sería su hogar de ahora en adelante, pero se preguntó cuánto tiempo tardaría en sentirse cómodo. Estaba mirando el mar azul, destellante entre palmeras de dibujo y blancas y brillantes balaustradas, cuando una elegante mujer española se cruzó en su camino. Por alguna razón se acordó de repente de su querida hermana Mary quien estaría ansiosa por saber algo de él. “¡Cómo puedo ser tan egoísta!” pensó, y decidió ir en busca de una tienda que vendiese postales con imágenes de su increíble nuevo lugar de residencia. The answers to all of the above questions and much much more besides are to be found in the bilingual book “Sid’s Adventures in Spain. Las Aventuras de Sid en España” which is available as both a paperback and e-book via my website.
THIS WEEK, on behalf of the members of HELP International Benidorm, members of the committee presented a cheque for 500€ to the staff and patients of the Alzeimer’s Association of Benidorm.
in Alicante Port exhibition features 13 panels of more than 150 images, some black and white and some colour, entitled, ‘Airport of Alicante: Nine decades of air travel in Alicante’. The Exhibition may be seen on the Paseo Conde de Vallellano in the Port of Alicante, opposite the Esplanade d’España.
pprentice
“I love working at El Plantio. It is a beautiful course and everyone is really friendly – although there are some problems with the wildlife. I hate the snakes, they are really scary – the other day I saw one over 1m long.” She added: “I’m doing this for a year and it will be a big decision, whether or not to actually go pro – this is my training and I can only hope it all works out.” Lynda Geddes from La Marina enjoying being coached by Nats and paid tribute to the fledgling professional’s talents: “She is perfect – a good teacher and very polite. If you get something wrong, she doesn’t criticise but says ‘have another go’ – she will make a lovely professional.” Noel, putting Lynda’s husband Ian though his paces, said Nats now had a whole range of shots in her armoury and had every chance of success as a pro golfer. “Her range of shots is a million times more than when she started, she actually feels each shot. As long as she keeps her head and her heart in it, she will make it,” he said.
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29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
Polisònic Music Festival - Gandia THE POLISÓNIC, Gandia’s International Music Festival, commences Thursday 4th August with an exciting programme that includes performances from eight world class groups. Organised by the Gandia City Council, the Polisónic is one of the most important events within the Valencian community encompassing broad musical styles including Tango, blues, Flamenco, Cuban music, showcased in the magnificent setting of the gardens of the Casa de Cultura in Gandia. THURSDAY 4TH AUGUST
Barcelona Bluegrass Band
I Contramilonga SATURDAY 6TH AUGUST Septeto Santiaguero (Cuba): Cuban Rhythms Septeto Santiaguero is emblematic of Cuban music. Originally from Santiago de Cuba, their live performances are an example of the incredible energy and warmth of Cuban rhythms, with a repertoire representing the island´s most typical styles: Son, Guaracha, Boleros, Changuí. This year the band will be completing their 15th European tour, presenting their latest album, ‘Oye mi Son Santiaguero’. Tickets can be can be purchased from the Casa de Cultura (11am - 2pm and 6pm-8pm) and one hour prior to each concert. Also from Servicam 965 117 117, www.servicam.com
Barcelona Bluegrass Band: Country and Western The Barcelona Bluegrass Band devotes itself to traditional Amercian music with a masterful command of the banjo and harmonica. The BBB is inspired by country and bluegrass with a hint of jazz, blues and a celtic influence; a contagiously rhythmical and upbeat show. The group will be presenting their latest album titled ‘Old Time Blues’. FRIDAY 5TH AUGUST I Contramilonga: Longing for Tango Originally from Italy, ‘I Contramilonga’ specialise in performing Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla’s music. The performance combines music and choreography, portraying Piazzolla’s most emblematic works and other classic pieces (La Cumparsita, La Choclo...) The performance evokes ever-present elements of Tango: passion, nostalgia and dreams of a better life.
Septeto Santiaguero (Cuba)
business
by
Karla Darocas
Information Technology & Communications
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
29
Running an online shopping platform just got easier WHY DO I keep reviewing software applications with crazy names? Well, here I go again. I just have to tell you all about an internet programme that is fairly new on the scene. I have been using it myself to run an Aloe Vera products shop and now I am teaching this new programme to DIY students who want to set up online shops too - for example craft suppliers and antique dealers. The software is called – nopCommerce and it is an ‘open source’ e-commerce solution which means it is free – like all ‘open source’ software. It is basically a shopping cart programme that you can turn into a real online store or just use it as an ‘add-on’ to your current website to sell products. This is a super-nice programme for DIYers and I have found it very insightful for educating students on the business of retailing and running an ebusiness in general. The software not only facilitates the retailing of your products with a shopping cart and easy hookup to a PayPal account, but it also helps you to keep track of your stock inventory too. It has built in features that help you with your promotions like Gift Cards, Polls, Blogs, Discount Coupon Codes and Reward Points System. And, it helps you to keep in touch with your clients with Newsletters and Forums.
An important component that is very much needed in Spain is a multilingual interface. I only use English and Spanish in my shop, but this programme supports a large variety of languages. Of course – that is just the interface; you must type in the descriptions of your products in the different languages yourself. However, the software makes that job fairly easy as well. I personally like the Affiliate Programme customization and I will be using this feature to bring other website owners into my Spanish Aloe Vera shopping experience. They will be able to feature my Aloe Vera products on their website – and each product will be linked to a code and processed via my website store. When the purchase is complete – my affiliate person will receive a percentage of the sale, just like a real live sales person would. Another great feature is that the pages are setup to be search engine friendly and you can SEO (Search Engine Optimization) until your fingers explode. The customer experience is nice as well in this software. They get to build a Wish List of products and they can view their order history or status any time they want. They can build their own address book. They can create different billing and shipping addresses, which is perfect for sending mail-order gifts. The many features of this programme go on and on
Karla Darocas * Business Communications Software Training & Computer Repairs *Helping You to Help Yourself 965 973 234.
– and each one is a vital component of running any enterprise. The nopCommerce software runs on a basic Windows hosting package that supports an SQL database – which together costs about 45€ per month. The programme comes with two built-in pre-design templates and you can get others for free off the Internet. Customising the templates is not hard if you know some basic CSS manipulation (Cascading Style Sheets). The best part for DIYers is that there is a great online support community who are working together to build ecommerce websites of their own and offer each other guidance and ideas. For some of us, who are getting too old to stand on our feet all day and work in the retail world, but love the experience and the enterprise, opening a cyberstore might be a good option. At least you will not have to worry about being fired or sent into early retirement. Shopping online is the way of the future because it is a ‘greener’ solution and more and more people are enjoying the thrill of mail-order once again. Companies like Marks & Spencer’s now have cheaper rates of shipping to Spain, from their online shopping website, because of all the British buying their favourite items. Can you imagine the money and carbon footprint saved by not going back and forth to the UK?
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29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
legal
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
Your rights as property owners by
Carlos Baos
of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors
WE ARE a small community of owners where one of the owners owns four properties out of the total 10. This owner has quite an aggressive manner and wants to change the administrator, change the gardener and make a series of agreements that the rest of us do not believe will benefit our community at all; in a nutshell he wants to be President and rule the roost. We strongly want to stop this from happening as we are convinced that he has poor intentions and we don’t trust his management. It seems that he has convinced two other owners to vote for him, so in total he represents six of the 10 properties which is roughly 60% of the Community. What can we do to avoid this? Dear reader, Thank you for your email from which we understand that your community has 10 properties and only 7 owners, since one of the owners is the proprietor of 4 houses and the other 6 owners own 1 property each. The first thing to point out is that if all the owners go to the board meeting, even when the owner of the 4 properties agrees with the 2 other proprietors he will not have the majority of votes, as in spite of having 60% of the
community shares together, he will only represent 43% of the owners’ votes (i.e. 3 owners out of the total of 7 owners), and the law requires there to be a majority of both shares and owners. If we analyse the Spanish Horizontal Division Law 49/1960 (LPH) (Ley de Propiedad Horizontal), (which governs units of ownership) we will see that the essence of this law deliberately seeks to protect the weakest proprietors / owners from being overridden by the strongest proprietors / owners of several properties. In particular articles 16 and 17 point out the following: Should the majority of the proprietors representing also the majority of the community shares not attend the board meeting on 1st ballot, a 2nd ballot will be called at the same time and date, but this time without being subject to quorum. And other parts of the same articles also reinforce that the law requires the majority of votes and the majority of shares. In fact the law states that votes in favour of three fifths of all owners representing also three fifths of the shares are required. Likewise, other parts of the same articles also confirm that the law requires the votes in favour of the majority of the owners representing also the majority of the community shares to be required. Therefore it can be concluded that the LPH Law states that in order for an agreement to be accepted, it needs to be voted upon and passed, not only by the majority of the owners, but also it is necessary that these owners represent the majority of the community shares. In effect, this means that according to the Spanish Horizontal Division Law 49/1960 (LPH) each proprietor is effectively assigned with one vote, regardless of
the number of properties actually owned by him. The LPH Law establishes the need at the 1st call for two different majorities to be obtained in order for normal (i.e. standard) agreement to be valid i.e. firstly, the majority of votes (owners) and secondly, the majority of shares. If both these majorities cannot be reached at their respective ballot, then the meeting will need to progress to a 2nd call. At the 2nd call a majority of votes of the owners present at the meeting will be accepted, but with the proviso that the majority of votes must represent at least 50% of the shares (owners) present. This Law aims to avoid the strongest proprietors / owners of several properties seeking to take control over the weakest proprietors / owners of just 1 property. Therefore, referring back to your particular situation, if the owners who are not in favour of the proposed changes attend the Board meeting and outnumber the owners who are in favour, then the owners in favour will not reach the required majority because as we have seen from the above, having the majority of the shares does not represent the majority of the votes (owners). This means that they will not be able to force a change of President. Therefore the current Community President can remain in his role, which from the sounds of it will be to the greater benefit of your Community. The information provided on this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. We kindly invite you to visit and comment about this article in our blog at http://www.white-baos.com/blog/ your comments in this respect will be greatly appreciated.
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
Rubalcaba on youthful employment THE SOCIALIST presidential candidate, Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, promised yesterday to put an end to exorbitant salaries received by the country’s mayors and other civic employees, speaking at a meeting of members of the Young Socialists in the PSOE headquarters in Calle Ferraz. “As we have learned, we cannot build 800,000 homes a year…and the abandonment of education is a disaster…” he said, in reference to the many youngsters that gave up formal education to work in the construction industry. He also promised to provide training schemes for the hundreds of thousands of youths left without gainful employment as a result of the collapse in the building industry. Rubalcaba wore a white lapel ribbon in remembrance of the “monstrous” slaughter of young people in Norway earlier in the week and called for two minutes silence “in memorium...”
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money
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29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
Abandoned property THERE ARE plenty about - houses that look like no one has crossed the threshold for many years… by They’re overgrown, dilapidated and very, very sad. At one time they will have been someone’s home and will still be ‘owned’ at the Land Registry. But for now the only home they provide is for the local Customer Care at Ábaco strays and cockroach population.
Suzanne O’Connell
One property was featured in this newspaper only a few weeks ago. The swimming pool at Torreta 3 was the subject of an article about a number of apparently ‘abandoned’ properties on this older urbanisation. The article queries why Torrevieja council hadn’t done anything about the eyesore the pool has become. Unfortunately, it’s not so simple. We believe that this particular swimming pool has got debts against it. Anyone wishing to purchase the pool needs to settle its debts first before it can be restored: it’s
not just a case of the council stepping in. Properties such as this can still be legally owned by someone who perhaps can’t afford to or chooses not to do anything with them. There’s another reason why properties can seem to be left to their own devices: inheritance. The inheritance law in Spain is complicated and can be quite expensive for those who inherit. In the UK, inheritance tax is non existent or minimal for the majority and if necessary, property can be sold in order to pay any tax due. This is not the case in Spain. Inheritance tax is alive and kicking and can be a significant chunk of any bequest. This is particularly the case if you are not closely related to the deceased and are non-resident. What’s more, you have to pay inheritance tax before the property can be signed over. This makes it harder for many families to find the necessary money to take possession of the inherited
property, so it is left in limbo. It may seem a real shame and a waste but there is little that can be done without a change in the law. In the meantime, individually, there is plenty that people can do. Making plans for your inheritance is important and your inheritors need to be aware of what to expect. Although making a Spanish will is not compulsory we do advise our clients to make one in order to make the process simpler and quicker for inheritors. It’s not going to solve the problem of the abandoned buildings of Torreta 3 but it could prevent a few forlorn properties in the future. We would like to announce that Ábaco is launching a new service, ÁbacoInheritance, this includes comprehensive support for inheritors as well as a willmaking service. For more information call the Ábaco Inheritance team on (0034) 96571 2656 or visit the website: http://www.abacoinheritance.com/
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 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
money
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
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Making you money and putting you first by
Paul Clarke
AES International
HARD EARNED cash must be made to work efficiently to enable it to grow while guarding against the affects of market changes, warns a money expert. Independent Financial Adviser Paul Clarke said that a strategy of simply leaving savings on deposit with a bank actually risked seeing them lose value. He said expert impartial advice was crucial and he wanted to be “positively different to the rest of the pack” providing personalised financial planning “making you money and putting you first.” And he said: “Many people are leaving money on deposit with banks because they think doing nothing is a good strategy. Doing nothing could cost you a lot as you could be receiving income and growth through investing your capital.” “I also have clients with existing Investments through other brokers. However, they have not been reviewed face to face for years and the broker is only “interested if there is any more money being invested.” “This is simply not acceptable in todays service orientated marketplace” says Paul. “If you don’t look after your clients someone else will”. A fully qualified expert with 22 years experience, Paul is part of the award-winning AES International team and aims to build a lasting ‘hands on’ relationship with clients. He is busy building a finite number of clients to use his independent expertise and also specialises in QROPS – helping expat residents release their
UK pensions to take cash sums and/or reinvest the remainder. “There are legitimate method of releasing cash early from UK pensions for people who meet the criteria laid down by HMRC...this is creating a lot of business at the moment”. And with the Spanish regulators clamping down on unauthorised financial advisers it is a comfort to know AES International was one of the first UK financial advice firms to receive Spanish Authorisation from the Comision National del Mercado del Valores (CNMV) in order to provide advice to retail clients. In addition they are also Registered and Regulated by the Spanish Direccion General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones (DGS). Paul says that lots of ex-pats living in Spain are under the mis-conception that if a firm is registered and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the UK then they are protected in the same way as a UK Citizen. “Not the case” says Paul. Paul, based in Benitachell, joined AES International because the company has the highest standards of ethics, morals and compliance – it meets the professional standards of the UK’s Financial Services Authority and Spain’s regulatory bodies, the CNMV and DGS. “I specialise in offering products approved by the Spanish authorities and regulators, which are designed specifically for Spanish Residents and Ex-pats and are Tax Efficient,” said Paul. He said like the FSA in the UK, the CNMV offered disgruntled clients a formal redress. “It actually
protects investors resident in Spain. Unfortunately, there are other companies here that will not offer this protection because they are not authorised correctly in Spain. If they say they are Regulated in Spain ask them to prove it in writing.” If you wish to search yourself go to www.cnmv.es click ‘Ingles’ in the top right hand corner, then click ‘companies search’. Here you can enter the firm’s name to see if they are registered. Paul said the most important thing was offering an ongoing service and building a lasting relationship with clients. “I am looking at longevity of business rather than simply selling a product.” “This means meeting clients face to face and continuing to review investments at least twice a year to ensure everything is kept on track. QROPS is a one-off transaction but on the investment side I want a finite number of clients so I can manage their Investments effectively,” said Paul. “I give bespoke hands-on Independent financial advice.” To find out more call Paul at his Benitachell office on 96 505 8488 or on his mobile 691 219 354, email paul.clarke@aesfinance.com, or visit www.aesinternational.com/paulclarke. Paul also advertises on Spectrum FM radio.
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money
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
Covering the basics with Beneficial Insurance Services IN THIS period of austerity when the Euros and cents are tight, the need for good insurance is not your top priority. When it comes to your motor vehicle it is a legal requirement and cheap is not always best: protecting your home and valuables have been reduced to “when we can afford it.”
When you insure through Beneficial Insurance Services, you are not only reducing your premiums by taking advantage of competitive quotes, also advice available to clients helps put their minds at rest. All policies are in English and designed to cover all eventualities, helping to spread the cost for the cover needed. Quotations are given by English-speaking agents in a friendly, business-like fashion and usually within 30 minutes. Another area of our expertise of Beneficial Insurance
Services is funeral planning; too often left for family to plan and pay for at the worst possible time. To alleviate these worries and take the responsible approach, why not arrange and pay for a funeral plan taking into account all expenses, costs, arrangements and legal documentation. You can plan the funeral yourself, with our help and you can make them as simple or as complicated as you wish. The plan is valid in both Spain and UK. One telephone call, day or night and your wishes are put into position immediately. The payments can also be spread over a period of time but once started the cost is locked in at today’s price. For help in any these areas please do not hesitate to contact Beneficial Insurance Services on 96 112 9215 or email info@beneficialspain.com
CAM nationalisation in progress Successful Expo in Japan for THE BANK Restructuring Fund (FROB) has wasted no time preparing the CAM for auction. José Antonio Iturriaga was appointed as administrator on Tuesday and the CAM will be auctioned to the highest bidder in late September. A €2,800 million injection of cash will ensure the organisation runs normally until it may be handed over, ideally to a single buyer. CAM staff has been assured of a management model that will implement redundancy proposals already in place, with observations made that the more efficient the preparations prior to auction, the fewer redundancies will be necessary. From Saturday, all directors were dismissed from office and relieved of their responsibilities.
shoe industry
THE TWO-DAY Expo ‘Shoes From Spain’ at the Modapolitica Building in the trendyAoyama district of Tokyo has pulled in more than 500 potential buyers for Spanish footwear, despite misgivings that there would be a significant drop in trade after the Japanese tsunami disaster. The Marketing Director of FICE, Imanol Martínez, noted: “There have been no cancellations of orders for winter collections arising from trade shows in February and March and activity is positive.” Spain’s shoe industry exported €25 million to Japan in 2010. Guests viewing the collection and also the Expo hosts repeatedly thanked exhibitors for bringing a sense of normality back to the Japanese business environment after the distressing events of last year.
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
Home Garden
35
Brought to you by
www.spanishhomefinder.com
Attention RTN readers..! IN OUR issue six weeks ago we told you about the new Valencian Government grants available from the Generalitat Valenciana to help with the replacement of old out-of-date aircon units containing dangerous gases. Since then, of the 1,200,000€ set aside for the grants (called ‘Plan Renove Aircon’) the Valencian regional government has already paid out 482,000€ to homeowners. The scheme came into effect on 1st June and as you can see the funds are rapidly being taken up by those wanting to take advanIncentives of up to 500€ are being offered
tage of the grant monies available when replacing their old airconditioning units with new, efficient and eco-friendly models. Grants range from 150€ to 500€ and are calculated relative to the KW output of the unit to be swapped. So at the time of writing there is still 718,000€ available to be allocated to homeowners. Previously we reported that a grant was available for the exchange of one unit per household. However, we have subsequently learned that the Agencia Valenciana de la Energia (known as AVEN) are perfectly happy to subsidise one unit per person, even if the installation is for the same property. All you need is an NIE and current Passport to qualify, so this means that a husband and wife can obtain grants on two units, and a family of three can obtain grants on three units, and so on… Airconditioning gasses cause great harm to the environment, with gas from a single charge equivalent to the emissions of an average family car for a year. New units incorporate safer (but not harmless) forms of refrigerant and new units are very much more economical to run. So, the grant monies available coupled with the modern units means that there has never been a better time to upgrade and benefit from quieter, safer and more energy-efficient systems. If you re-charge your aircon unit every year (think of the harm your doing to the environment...!) or if you are just looking to benefit from the energy saving potential of a new aircon unit then contact 100% Plumbing for more information on 96 583 5939. But do hurry; with the grant funds going fast there is no time to lose…
Upgrade and benefit from quieter systems
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29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
Some gardens to visit by
Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors
AS PROMISED last week, here is a list of gardens to visit in Valencia Communidad and when travelling north towards France for a short trip, on the way home to England etc at the end of the summer or on route back to Spain after a cooler summer in the UK. We say cooler, but this summer we have experienced the coolest Spanish July we can remember in 25 years, especially early morning and evening. It’s been great for doing essential work in the garden. If you are not sure what to do at this time of the year look up the monthly job lists in the gardening calendar chapter in each of our books. GARDENS IN ALICANTE PROVINCE Algar Falls Complex, The cacti garden Jalon, Lavendar garden and restaurant Elche, Huerta de Cura palm and cacti garden Pedrequer, L’Abarda Mediterranean garden – usually open on the last Saturday of each month
but probably not in August. We have left out the Marnes Iris garden near Los Pinos as it only opens from March to May, except for picking up plants. GARDENS TO VISIT IN VALENCIA CITY The Botanic Garden; Royal Garden; Floral Bridge; Montford garden and ‘river bed gardens’, especially for trees – the most convenient way to visit these is to travel into Valencia by train and go immediately to the tourist office within the station and ask them to mark up the location of each garden on a tourist map - then walk or taxi between them. GARDENS TO VISIT GOING NORTH, COMING BACK FROM FRANCE Zaragoza province, Cataluyud Nuevelos – The water garden of the Monesteria de Piedra CATALUÑA PROVINCE Tarragona, Parc Sama Fiqueres, Pina de Rosa Garden Gerona, La Devesa Mediterranean Garden Lloret de Mar, Santa Chlotilda and Fenel Botanic Gardens Blanes, Mar i Murta Botanic Garden
GARDENS FOR A MADRID VISIT In August it’s quiet and there are good hotel offers… The Royal Botanic Garden, Retro garden Opera garden Casa de Campo Ameda de Osuna NOTE More details of each garden can be found on the internet and from the tourist office. More gardens south of Alicante Province and in other areas of Spain will be found in a longer list filed in the archives of April 2009 of our website www.gardeninginspain.com When visiting each of the gardens do make a mental note of the type of location, micro climate and soils in each before assuming that all the plants you see would suite your garden. STATUETTES IN GARDENS As illustrated in Chapter 2.15 of ‘Your Garden in Spain’, ornaments chosen wisely and according to individual taste can have a useful place in Spanish gardens. We visited Stone Art on the Gata to Javea road earlier this week and you may find something of interest there. Most items are made on the premises and prices were more rea-
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
sonable than some places. Clodagh and Dick Handscombe’s books include instructions for caring for plants during each month of the year. The books can be purchased from bookshops and via internet mail order sites such as Santana Books. At present they have a special summer offer for ‘Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style’. It will save your garden as well as being a great present.
Huerta de Cura palm and cacti garden, Elche
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com
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29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
Excel Airconditioning by
Georgie Durbin
DID THE heat of June already begin to get you down? What of July and August!? Excel Air conditioning can provide an energy efficient solution with their A grade air-con systems which will be perfect for the extreme heat of the upcoming summer months. With a product range from both major and smaller manufacturers’ you can have your home cool by means of any budget and fully guaranteed for between two and five years. Excel Air conditioning is a family run business operating on the Costa Blanca for more than eight years, built on a growing reputation with hundreds of happy clients and great recommendations. They pride themselves on taking as much care and consideration of your home as they would of their own home. Not only an installation firm, they have the experience and professionalism to offer maintenance and servicing from a fully qualified team, which is able to offer a range of services to suit your needs at extremely affordable prices. Excel is always offering new and better products, keen to give great value-for-money. Many of the airconditioning systems they can provide take into consideration energy efficiency and environmental issues. And it is because of these growing environmental concerns and the economic climate of today that they also offer a great range of solar powered water heaters for constant hot water usage, and keeping the bills down. So whether you’ve never had an air conditioning system, or are looking to replace an old one, speak with Excel. Based in Polop this reliable company can install most units within 3 days! Contact them by email at services@excelairconditioning.com or telephone the Head Office at 966 897 772: Mobiles 680 154 432 or 676 265 675. Be like a penguin and stay nice and cool with Excel this summer
Upgrading your electrics I, LIKE most other people living on the Costa Blanca, have in the past been frustrated by constant power cuts. Sometimes this is due to the weather and on other occasions it’s simply caused by the electrical installation in your house. If you find that your electrical system often trips when you turn too many things on at the same time, you may want to upgrade your supply. Here I will explain a few things that you will need to consider and how to go about it. First you must contact your electricity supplier; they will instruct you if the cables supplying power to your street or apartment block are capable of taking increased power consumption. It is possible, with the permission of Iberdrola, in some cases, to increase your power simply by changing your contract for the next level up and installing a higher rated ICP/ PCS (limit switch). For example if you have a contract for 3.3kW you can increase your supply to 4.4kW with a phone call and a change of limit switch. If you require further power you may be asked by Iberdrola to produce a ‘Boletin’ this is a safety certificate issued by an authorised and registered, electrician. This would involve an inspection of the installation to ensure all the systems comply with current regulations and
are safe for use. The inspection will identify if there are any underlying problems that you may have in your electrical system. However, if you have an older property it does not always mean you will require a complete re-wire. You would then be required to open a case file with Iberdrola and submit the relevant paperwork to them (this can be done by email). You would also be required to adjust the new ICP (limit switch) to the relevant rating. It may also be a requirement by Iberdrola to sign a new contract or simply agree to one that is read out to you over the phone. A technician from the electricity supplier will then make an arrangement with you to come and inspect and seal the ICP. Now if this seems quite complicated, or you just don’t want all the hassle, but need to upgrade your supply, I can help. Electricity is an essential part of modern day life and ensuring it is installed safely is part of my job.
By Daniel Smith, Adept Electrical SL, see his advert in the classified section
Home & Garden
Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
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Spanish women in the news I AM in Barcelona as I write this week’s column; a city that I spent a lot of time working in about eight years ago, so it is good to be back amongst old friends and familiar sites. The Air Traffic Controllers strike of last December is back in the news as stranded passengers sue for 10,000€ in compensation, with some talking of being ‘kidnapped’ as a result of the strike. I had been looking forward to my return flight but at 10,000€ a pop I reckon I could handle a couple of days stranded here in Barcelona... Do you recall that last year Lleida insisted that the prostitutes all wore yellow high visibility jackets when plying their trade on the side of the road? They are going one step further now and Cataluña is to ban prostitution on its roads before the end of the year, on a modification of the 2009 ley de carreteras legislation, part of the Omnibus laws. Moving on…domestic violence caught the eye as one woman was killed and another seriously injured in two domestic violence attacks in Valencia. The victim in the first case was a woman from Bolivia, Julia F.P., found strangled to death in an orange grove in Chiva. Her husband was arrested and it was later revealed that his wife had reported him for abuse in 2009 but had no protection order in place. In the Tránsitos district of Valencia City a 35-year-old woman was injured in a stabbing attack by her estranged husband. It happened in front of her three young children and she was taken to hospital with between 13 and 15 stab wounds to her face, neck and arms. A couple of weeks ago I wrote that I had no sympathy at all for spectators injured at bull fights, so the family of the 62-year-old man gored to death recently in a bullring during a festival in north
western Spain the other weekend need not check their post for a sympathy card from me! The report said: “The man was behind a wooden protection barrier when the animal was released shortly after midnight into the temporary arena. The bull rammed the barrier… the beast’s horn then spiked the man in the chest as he lay on the ground, killing him, an official in the regional government of Castilla y Leon said.” That’s right - a wooden protection barrier! Madness I tell you, madness! As for the rest of the headlines that caught the eye this week: Romanian nationals coming to Spain will once again need a work permit, the government has announced. Romanians already living and working in Spain may continue with just a NIE number, but any new people will only be granted work permits if they already have a job contract ready and waiting. Spanish women are among the most stressed-out in the world, according to a recent survey by Nielsen market researchers. They come fifth out of a total of 21 countries where women were questioned. Although they may have had their spirits lifted as a Supreme Court ruling recently recognised the right to compensation for childcare and housework when a couple divorces. María Piedad F.A., a law graduate who has never worked outside the home, was awarded 108,000€ as part of the divorce settlement when she and her husband split up after 15 years of marriage. I just couldn’t resist this one: an Irish youth escaped with just minor injuries after falling out of a third-floor window whilst sleepwalking, emergency services reveal. The tourist, aged 20,
Madness a wooden protection barrier
was staying in the Verdemar apartment complex in Santa Ponsa (Mallorca) with friends, whom he had warned that he was prone to walking in his sleep. And finally, if you got some time on your hands maybe worth having a bit of a search around for Gaddafi’s cash! Apparently he could have as much as 2€ million hidden away here in Spain, and I suspect he won’t be coming over to pick it up anytime soon! Chris runs a expat blog about life in Spain (www.almerimarlife.com) and is a regular contributor to a number of publications and radio stations in Spain, as well as writing a monthly column for the Telegraph Expat site and is a Telegraph Expat guest blogger. He lives in Almerimar with his wife Sands, four cats, two Harleys and more often than not a glass of red.
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 www.almerimarlife.com/expat-technology-blog Email: chris@almermarlife.com Social Networks: Twitter - Facebook - Facebook Group
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29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
Is this a virus or a fault?
Computing with aunty virus
Geoff via email asks: HI AUNTY. When I switch on my computer I get a screen headed ‘Windows Disk’ stating that it’s a ‘PC.performance & Stability Analysis Report’ and proceeds to run a fault check. Then after about 10 minutes I get another message that reads ‘a critical error has occurred while indexing data stored on the hard drive, system restart required’ if I click this message my computer re-starts, but if I ignore it I can just carry on with what-ever I was doing. Is this a virus or a fault with the hard drive? Aunty Says: Almost certainly a virus/spyware Geoff. Install and run an updated MalwareBytes and SuperAntiSpyware from www.download.com and double check your antivirus software is up to date and working okay.
Is it the end of the road for free email address? Wireless network Roger via email asks: HI AUNTY. Further to my email with regard to Gonuts4free I have found out that they now charge for their email service. They claim that they have charged for two years and that they sent information to all the customers with an account: no one I know received any information. Any one who had a free email address with them has had it discontinued so change to a new one and inform all your friends. If you try to set up a free email account you get the following information: “Due to continuous
abuse from email spammers we have decided to deactivate our instant email registration option, and not supply free email accounts anymore. Nevertheless if you would like to use our premium email service at a small fee, please contact us with your details and we will configure your account.” Aunty Says: Thanks for the info Roger. It looks like it may well be the end of the road for Gonuts4free email users. This is the main reason I was never a fan of any ISP specific email addresses, even if you
Use an independent provider
simply change your broadband provider you can lose your email address. Stick with one of the free independent ones such as Google’s Gmail or Yahoo.
Keyboard troubles Barry via email asks: I RECENTLY bought a new computer which has a Spanish keyboard and I am running Windows 7 in English. Unfortunately I cannot get the Keyboard to type anything despite having tried all of the Spanish language options in the region settings/ control panel. On checking the status of the Keyboard, Windows says it is connected and functioning correctly: as I am having to use the onscreen keyboard I would appreciate a solution to this.
Aunty Says: Is it a wireless keyboard Barry? Probably the most common cause of this is batteries or the synchronisation buttons need to be reset (usually under the keyboard). If it’s a normal USB keyboard then maybe plug it into a different USB port. If it’s the older PS2 type connector (usually purple) then you may need to test the keyboard on another machine. You can pick a USB keyboard for around €8 from PCbox or one of the other computer shops.
Keith via email asks: I HAVE just changed my internet provider from Telefonica to B.T and I am now happy with the access and speed after some hiccups. I have a wireless set up and looking at the details of my network information I find that under ‘signal strength security type’ it states ‘unsecured, yet when I look at the details in ‘manage wireless networks’ it tells me that my router is secure (802.1x). I do not understand the conflict here. Is this a problem that
I should be worried about? Thanks in advance for your help. Aunty Says: I’m not too sure why you are getting two different status reports Keith. Probably the easiest way to be sure is whether you need to enter a pass key when you first connect to your wireless network. This key is usually remembered by your computer and you normally don’t need to enter it every time, so maybe try this with another laptop or delete the connection.
How do I rectify this? Roy from Gandia asks: HI AUNTY, Further to my previous email about not being able to connect to the ‘group policy client service’, I have now managed to read the whole statement. When I click on to get to the internet I get this message: ‘Windows could not connect to the Group Policy Client Service. The problem prevents limited users from logging on to the system. As an administrator user you can review the System event log for details about why the service didn’t respond.’ What is this all about, and how do I rectify it please? Really like your column - it’s the first thing I read every week. Aunty Says: Not an easy one to fix Roy. There is a slim chance this will work, but if not you will need to contact a computer engineer as this could get quite complicated. Click on ‘start’ and type ‘netsh’ and at the next prompt type ‘winsock reset’. If you get a message about administrator access then we may need to fiddle around with some security settings so let me know how you get on.
That’s all for this week, email me on auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com and I will do my best to sort you out
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
GADGET INSPECTOR
Gadget Inspector investigates the case of: Outside Essentials THIS WEEK the Inspector is taking a look at a bunch of gadgets for outdoor types. Many people, allegedly, actually like to go off into the wild blue yonder camping or attending picnic spots. The gaggle of gadge on offer this week should add some 21st Century tech to the proceedings. To take care of the sounds at the campsite mosh pit we have the Jawbone Jambox at €180. This compact wireless speaker packs a hefty 85db of sound from its ultrasmall dome speaker and innovative moving-wall passive bass radiator - high quality audio that you can literally feel from a box that will sit in the palm of your hand. The Jambox will connect wirelessly with any Bluetooth enabled device and can be re-charged via a USB adapter. It also has a microphone and can be used to take calls using a linked mobile phone – great for ordering a takeaway after the picnic food has wilted in the heat. Next up we have the Panasonic FT3 Lumix digital camera at €320. Ruggedly built, the Panasonic will take more knocks than David Haye. Shockproof to 2m and waterproof to 12m, it is more than capable of surviving the kids dropping it or an excursion into the portaloo. With 12.1 megapixels, 4.6 times zoom and image stabilisation you will be guaranteed sharp snaps
or HD video footage of little Johnny falling into the dry river bed. To add to the fun we have the Parrot AR Drone at €330. This iPhone controlled helicopter has a built in camera for checking out the queues for the campsite lavvy, or spying on your missus in another tent. You´ll need a WiFi signal and a steady hand to control it and watch the picture at the same time – but great fun as long as the wind doesn´t get too strong. But what are we to do to keep this little lot running, carry around a rucksack of batteries? Fear not, there is the Eton Raptor to come to the rescue at €120. This handy little gadget uses solar power to re-charge any device from its USB connection. Light, rugged and waterproof, this wonder also delivers weather reports and has a compass, altimeter and barometer. But that´s not all - it also has a radio, alarm clock and built-in LED torch! And in case you´re thirsty it even has a bottle opener – cheers! The Inspector´s Verdict: You´re going to need a good rest and probably another holiday after an excursion with this little lot, but this won´t bother the outdoor types amongst you. The Gadget household, on the other hand, is more likely to be found at a nice hotel or Indian restaurant – but each to their own.
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health
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
I admit it – I was scared of the dentist… By RTN’s Roddy Cunningham Unfortunately I have inherited my father’s teeth. Had I inherited my mother’s teeth I would be literally laughing…she had wonderfully strong teeth and barely needed to visit the dentist apart from regular visits to have them cleaned. On the other hand, my father, who has always been a large and strong man, for some reason was born with weak teeth. I remember him having about six teeth pulled out at a time when he was aged about 50 in order for him to have dentures fitted, and him being in excruciating pain for weeks as a result. So maybe this is where my fear of dentists first arose. Whatever, my fear of dental treatment never abated, and because I used to believe that a filling or even a cleaning was going to hurt, it often did. Talk about psychosomatic…. every visit to the dentists would bring me out in sweats, almost to the stage of panic. And more than once I have cancelled a dental appointment, pretending I had to be elsewhere. About 6 months ago a large bit of one of my teeth broke away, and I knew in my heart that it would eventually need a visit to the dentist. I managed to put it off for six months, but a week ago the tooth started hurting, and dental pain can truly be one of the worst pains. There was now no getting away from it, I needed to receive treatment, so I made an appointment to see Dr Karen Gardner. Karen has been a RTN advertising client of mine for three years, and I’ve met her on many occasions, so it was rather sheepishly that I
admitted to her my extreme fear of dental treatment: I needn’t have worried. “Don’t worry, I’ll look after you” said Karen upon hearing my fears. “Modern day dentists are used to helping anxious patients; we have heard it many times before, and we are used to seeing people who have fallen out of having regular dental care. By listening, empathising and explaining we try to help them conquer their fear.” Dr Karen took time to explain to me that one survey by the British Dental Association had found that 25% of people were afraid of visiting the dentist, with the most common reasons being as follows: bad childhood experiences fear of needles fear of anesthetic fear of the dentist’s drill lack of control feeling vulnerable invasion of personal space Dr Karen was absolutely right; I could put a tick against all the first four reasons. She listened and took a history to find out why I was scared. She worked out what needed to be done with my broken tooth, and carefully explained the two options which were to have the tooth out or have root canal work, rebuild the tooth and have a crown fitted. “The tooth is savable” said Karen, “but it will obviously take more dental work than having it out…but I will do everything I can to make sure that you don’t feel pain.” I have now had two appointments with
Fear of the dentist affects one in four, but there are ways to help you control your anxiety
Dr Karen, both have involved quite a lot of drilling to make sure that all the rotten tooth and nerves have been removed, and next week she is going to start building the tooth back up again, ready to have the crown fitted. I can honestly say that I have had no pain during the treatment; Dr Karen has been fabulous in explaining what she is about to do, and why, and she has amazing patience. By talking with Karen it has become clear that she views her job as a caring profession, and that her training to help people who are experiencing problems with their teeth and gums very much includes those who should be seeing a dentist, but for one reason or another don’t wish to. Karen tells me that “Fear of pain isn’t the only reason why people avoid coming. Occasionally I see patients who have left it so long since they have visited the dentist that
they have developed dental problems, but they have even then avoided coming because of intense embarrassment about the state of their teeth, not wanting to show the ‘neglect’. It becomes so embarrassing for them that it’s totally impossible to see a dentist, even when they are in pain.” “The truth is” says Karen “that it’s highly likely that any dentist has seen teeth which are as bad as theirs or even worse! So don’t worry about that…the important thing is to get treated and to get your teeth into as good a condition as possible. Just make sure that you tell the dentist that you’re an anxious patient so they know beforehand. This way they will be prepared and ready to help.” Dr Karen Gardner runs Clinica Dental La Plaza at Avda del Pla 122, local 5, Javea. Telephone 96 646 1120. www.clinicadentallaplaza.com
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011 I was recently admitted to Urgencias and diagnosed with kidney stones. I have been sent home with some tablets but I am confused as to what will happen next. Will the stones go away or will I need an operation?
Ask the Specialist by
Dr Colin Evans
MB.ChB., F.R.C.S., BDS., FDSRCS
Kidney stones are very common, occurring in 1 in 20 women and 3 in 20 men. The stones, normally of calcium, can form in the kidney itself, the ureters (tubes that take urine from the kidney to the bladder) or in the bladder. They can range in size from tiny crystals that the patient is totally unaware of, to the size of a small orange. Kidney stones can cause terribly severe pain but are rarely serious and the need for surgery depends on various factors. For example, if a stone becomes stuck and is causing infection, chronic pain or is blocking the ureter, a procedure to remove the stone may be required. Some stones are not made of calcium but may be due to high levels of other substances in the blood such as uric acid. In such cases medications to reduce uric acid levels may avoid the need for surgery. Many stones simply come out when you pass urine. If some kind of intervention is eventually needed, there are modern, minimally invasive procedures available: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). This uses high energy ‘shock waves’ focused onto the stones from a machine outside the body to break up stones: the broken fragments then come out when you pass urine. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is used for stones not suitable for ESWL. A nephroscope (a thin telescope-like instrument) is passed through the skin and into the kidney. The stone is broken up and the fragments of stone are removed via the nephroscope.
Ureteroscopy. In this procedure, a thin telescope is passed up into the ureter via the urethra and bladder. A laser (or other form of energy) is used to break up the stone. It may be useful to find out what your stone(s) are made from as you may be able to prevent them in future by a change of diet. Also make sure that your doctor has a full list of any other medications that you may be taking as some prescription drugs can cause stones. However, very importantly, especially for people living in a hot climate is to drink plenty (at least 2-3 litres) of water a day! This is especially important for people who have had a stone in the past as they have a 50% chance of it happening again.
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
Costa Blanca Sun Safety campaign
THIS WEEK the Red Cross began their campaign to promote safety in the sun, beginning at Guardamar and continuing along the coast to Villajoyosa, Javea and Denia. The ‘Love Yourself This Summer’ programme is supported by the Vichy Laboratories and the Council of Official Colleges of Pharmacists. Holidaymakers on the beaches are given a demonstration on how to rescue a swimmer in distress and how to perform a heart massage, as well as being given advice on avoiding sun and heat stroke. Workshops are also offered on yoga and aerobics, especially dedicated to the elderly. The Red Cross says that of the 180,000 cases attended each year around 90% are avoidable, hence the importance of public awareness.
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Time
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
Time is an illusion. It seeks to control our lives, and yet too it is constantly changing and reinventing itself. Marking and dividing us, time is relentless and consuming, happy or sad, fixed or free, as it passes too quickly, or too slowly through our lives. Sometimes a day can pass like a minute, gone in an instant, or sometimes a day can feel like a year has passed by. Time therefore has nothing to anchor it, no race to win, point to prove, and often no sensitivity for our feelings. It is true that when we were younger life meant that we could play all day long. Time wasn’t an issue, and the days just flowed by as we were cushioned, oblivious to what time could do, and the part that it could play. In our present time we may look back at past times and it may stir a happy memory, possibly one which time almost forgot, but which we remembered. Life brought us a rich pattern when we began to take responsibilities, because we began also to make that connection with time, as well. School divided our time with ringing bells and structured our lives with double Geography, punished us by wasting our time in detention; and gave us hours of work in addition in the form of homework which greatly curtailed our free time, and fun. Homework increased, studying became a good use of our time if we wanted to achieve, and then came exams. Examinations flashed by in seconds and there we were trying to figure out logarithms, regurgitating dates of Tudor history, and unenthusiastically remembering illustrations pertaining to the sexual life of a stickleback. We were given such limited time to express ourselves as we answered, as best we could, under pressure of time, those examinations that were marked pass or fail; and how long did we have to wait for the verdict, as each day passed by? Work then put pressure on our freedom of time. How precious became those three weeks of free time, often spent on holidays. Snatching that odd day with a feigned
Kenny’s diary Readings at Bistro Maya: Monday August 1st from 16.30 onwards. For information and advanced bookings for mini readings please contact Els and her team on: 966 868 213. August Dates to be Announced shortly: Readings at La Fustera, between Calpe and Benissa from 10.00. Call Penny Smith on: 965 749 182 or 687 926 021 for information and advanced booking. Readings in your area: Please make contact if you want to organise readings in your locality, or organise a psychic summer event for your favourite charity. Some dates available June/July/ August. Autumn Workshops: Listing shortly.
horoscopes by Kenny Corris sickness, when all we really wanted to do was not to have to set the alarm and snooze in our beds, or to do a serious shop for Christmas. As children came into the equation then also close behind came the true needs of friends and neighbours, the necessities of aging relatives and commitments. Suddenly time became pressured and there was no going back in the sense of time, that could adequately ease or appease the given situation. Many times when we realise that we did wrong it seemed so right at the time. If, and sometimes we do ask for it, we could turn back time we would make all the same mistakes all over again. Time and tide wait for no man, but often I think that we wished that we had done things another way. Why? Because now with time to look back we realised that there may very well have been a more suitable alternative. We do, however do what we think is best! As we wait for the kettle to boil it will seem like an age, whilst we have all sat around airports just waiting for a delayed flight, and spun out long waits hoping to pass the time quickly; knowing that it isn’t really possible, after all, and that inevitably, time will really drag. I was very honoured to meet Joyce Grenfell. She was a staunch spiritualist, and favoured that she would one day pass over to the Spirit World. Her faith was outstanding, and despite her many years showed no fear in looking back on life with no regrets, only choosing to remember the good things, anticipating that the very best was still to come. With the happiest of expressions on her face, Joyce chronicled her life to me, and she put an emphasis on the passing of time. With a smile spreading across her face she told me proudly, “I am part of this minute, and I am in it, thank the Lord!” She died the very next year, but her words live on and beg to be shared by us all; timelords of each our own private and timely existence.
Love & Light... Kenny Corris
postbag
Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com I have a very special grandson. He is obviously seeing things that others do not. His mother is really unsure how to deal with all this, and tries to excuse it as fantasy play, but I know it isn’t. My father had very psychic skills and used them in his business, and this little fellow is following in the footsteps of his great grandfather. How can I help? Ivy J. Ivy, sounds as if you really do have a very special young man in the family. He will not suffer if Spirit are taking care of him, but you need to tell his mother to take special care of him. If she doesn’t believe in Spirit he may just have a battle on his hands. You would be the ideal person to establish a very special relationship, so tell him to write a diary, if he is old enough, or to draw a picture of an event if he is too young. Talk to him and let him know that you believe in the special things and that you want to hear of all of his stories, because he needs someone to share in his specific talents. Keep in contact with me and I will do whatever I can!
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!
Uranus takes away the urgency of a situation that should have been sorted out long ago. Others have procrastinated and delayed what could have been a foregone conclusion, but you can now work this to your advantage as a loophole develops. With all the will in the World you are nobody’s fool, and this additional time can now be put to good use, and following your own set of rules. Planetary movements in your opposing sign of Scorpio fuel and fire you up to deal with something that has been on your mind for some time. Someone needs their comeuppance, and you may just be the right person for the job, even though you have better things to do. Your inner anger can be dissolved, and you will respect your tact and judgment of a situation that could go either way. Transient energies bring your own problems right to the surface as this is a week of advances and changes. You were right to stick to your guns, but it is nothing more than reconciliation that needs to happen right now, and someone is being very stubborn. Take the chance to look at all this from a different angle and nothing will be gained by allowing your own pride to get in the way. Mars has timed things just right and now supports you utterly on a venture that showcases your innermost talents and allows you to take a chance you have long awaited. Peace has brought you an awakening and you have shelved anger to be a part of what is now to be. You were too confused before to see what you could do, so work towards your own highly prized skills now you can. Venus has brought you a loving compassion that may now be making you feel very guilty regarding recent actions, and jumping to a conclusion that you now know was a wrong one. We all make mistakes, and it won’t take much to say that you have made one, and show just how very well you can put things right. Remember that you are only human and were acting on instinct. Mercury’s midweek retrograde takes place in clear sight of Virgo. There is a need to connect with actions of the past, especially any inefficiencies that still may haunt you. Time is right to enact just what you have to do, but stall before you take this out on someone, it wasn’t their fault. Take care and remember that it is vital that you avoid signing any contracts or agreements until next week. A great chance to discover an inner you. Charged with psychic energy and a high level of intuition you often take your skills for granted. This week is a great time to have a corporal treatment and to take a step closer to meditation. You need some peace to get yourself together and some rest and relaxation will see you through. Your conscious needs to be refreshed and yet stimulated too. Underlining nagging doubts are fuelling your anger once more. Instead of just letting go you are taking things onward and you are doing this the hard way. With best intentions nothing that you do now will change a situation that has resulted, but you can better rely on your own individual powers to steer you once and for all in the right direction whereby your energies can, and will make a difference. Left to your own devices use this week to chill out from all the hectic energies of the past month. There is not only something to catch up on, but something which both merits and needs your attention. Before you say yes remember that you have rights and an option, and that sometimes no is the answer that you have to give, whether you like it or not. A breather will help you decide what’s plausible. Pluto guides and sets the ground rules as connective control is a by product of this mysterious and chilling Planet. The unexpected rules the week ahead and you have nothing whatsoever to fear even if you think that you are out of your depth. With Pluto’s undivided attention you will surprise yourself at your reactions, and this will certainly start a precedent you will enjoy following. With current actions involving Uranus with Mars you are goaded into anger, and will inevitably lose you temper in the process. Your calm energies send out a constant message of peace, but ringing the changes this week you will experience the real you coming through and gain positive ground. Working with yourself is the best way of releasing any negativity energies helping you to move on. Mars is in action with Neptune and this may serve to show others once and for all that you are not to be messed with. Psychic energies are abounding in astrological form this week and it is just possible that what you call a dream can be a reality if you take the bull by the horns and start to fully believe into what you want to do, since it is well within your grasp right now.
If it’s your birthday this week... There is magic in the air, and so do not lose your focus and your desires as you plan an astrological year that brings wonders and solutions to any problem you feel like taking on!
29 JANUARY Jul - 04 aug2010 2011 8-14
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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. Liking a bit of a quarrel? I should say so! (6) 4. Engulfs in the fens (6) 9. It offers short cuts for calculating people (5-8) 10. They change battles, and may commemorate them (7) 11. Number of half even shares (5) 12. Filch 20 (5) 14. A number are beaten by a very narrow margin (5) 18. Where a leader should be, presumably (5) 19. Pretentious person is out of bed to begin with (7) 21. Not a capital expression (13) 22. Egghead will be swallowed up yet rise into notice (6) 23. Creatures need new nibs, for example (6)
DOWN
ACROSS
DOWN
1. Combat (6)
1. Limb (6)
4. Private (6)
2. Play safe (4,2,7)
9. Invite disaster (3,3,7)
3. Slack (5)
10. Satisfy (7)
5. Feeling (7)
11. Creek (5)
6. Stirring up the mob (6-7)
12. Rascal (5)
7. Negotiation (6)
14. Harden (5)
8. Condition (5)
18. Accumulate (5)
13. Weighty (7)
19. Disparate (7)
15. Enmity (6)
21. Counter-charge (13)
16. Cower (5)
22. Banish (6)
17. Glimpse (6)
23. Hound (6)
20. In high spirits (5)
1. I tarry, but it’s almost unique (6) 2. Compel to follow the scent? (4,2,3,4) 3. Some nasty legal fashion (5) 5. Vigilant fellow finally gets a fluke break (7) 6. The appearance of ruinous famine at the post (13) 7. Swerves with salver in ship (6) 8. 12 couldn’t be smaller (5) 13. Spoiling by tacking on about fifty (7) 15. Get specimen from politician in auction (6) 16. A fistful of drink? (5) 17. They may pay for corresponding deliveries (6)
Wordwheel
20. 8 are not fresh (5)
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!
Euromillions Draw Friday 22nd July
4 15 23 49 50
2
6
2 tickets won 15,000,000 Euros jackpot prize (one Belgian and one Portuguese)
Tuesday 26th July
1 5 22 25 48
3
11
No ticket won the 15,000,000 Euros (£13,272,000) jackpot prize
Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 53/54. Winner for 614: Jim Stokes, Denia
46
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
music scene
The Nomad - Live Music Show
Compiled by
Eric Taylor Presenter Heat Gold 94.1FM
B
RUCE IS the incredibly lively singer, blues harmonica and saxophone player with the trademark long black coat, top hat, and stuffed white rat on his shoulder. Previously Bruce specialised in rock and blues music, but now The Nomad - Live Music Show contains a much bigger and wider, range of songs. Bruce can be contacted on: 629 809 638, or via his website: www.nomadshow.piczo.com BOOKINGS FOR JULY Saturday 30th, Coll De Rates Restaurant (CV715), Parcent 1.30pm Saturday 30th, Magnum’s Bar, Oliva Sunday 31st, Metro Bar, Calpe BOOKINGS FOR AUGUST Wednesday 3rd, Bar Delphin, Camping Los Llanos, El Vergel Friday 5th, El Paraiso Restaurant, Parcent
Saturday 6th, Coll De Rates Restaurant (CV715), Parcent: 1.30pm Sunday 7th, Arthurs Bar, Els Poblets: 4.30pm Wednesday 10th, Camping El Naranjal, Javea Thursday 11th, Digby’s Bar, Javea Park: 3pm Friday 12th, Full Moon Party, Coll De Rates Restaurant (CV715), Parcent Saturday 13th, El Cid Restaurant, Benidoleig Wednesday 17th, Bar Aleman, La Cometa II, Calpe Saturday 20th, Bar Delphin, Camping Los Llanos, El Vergel Saturday 27th, Coll De Rates Restaurant (CV715), Parcent 1.30pm Sunday 28th, Metro Bar, Calpe Wednesday 31st, Bar Aleman, La Cometa II, Calpe
Jubilee Jazz Band
THE JUBILEE Jazz Band began by interpreting jazz mainly in the New Orleans revivalist style, now broadening their style to include other traditional jazz repertoire. The full band is a sextet with Mike Summers (trumpet/vocals), Dick Crooks (clarinet/sax), Michael Kasche
(trombone) Patrick Clancy (piano) John Shenton/Rene Dossin (double bass) and Christian Gibaud (drums). The Jubilee Jazz Band from August 2nd returns to performing every Tuesday at Monroe’s Carvery, Pedreguer, (Phone: 96 576 1731 for table bookings). There is no longer a collection made for the band, but a three euro music charge (per adult dining customer) is now the norm, and this is added to the main bill. The band is also available for private functions. For more details phone Mike Summers at 635 24 15 88 – or check out their website: www.thejubileejazzband.com.
Heat Gold Party Spencer’s Bistro
ON SATURDAY 30th July, Spencers’s Bistro, Moravit, Moraira, is proudly presenting a double-bill of entertainment with Mike Lee (vocalist) and Barry Moon (comedian). Free Entry. The evening is sponsored by Heat Gold 94.1FM Radio Station that plays all your favourite golden oldies, where both Mike and Barry are presenters. Text requests: 656 634 000 or listen in at: www.heatgold.fm. For bookings and details of future events in Spencer’s Bistro phone: 96 574 9129 – or - www.morairaonline24.com/spencers-barbistro-i725.html
Rob Sweeney - Singer/Entertainer ROB IS a seasoned performer with a rich and powerful voice which he puts to excellent use, whether singing pop and soul classics or songs from the shows - some of which he’s starred in having studied and performed in musical theatre over the previous few years. As a cabaret artist he’s toured extensively throughout UK before moving to Spain. Rob is a class act with a versatile repertoire to suit all audiences. For more info phone: 609 320 924 or visit www.robsweeney-singer.tumblr.com GIGS IN JULY/AUGUST Friday 29th, Restaurante
Monte Pego, Grand BBQ PM Saturday 30th, Don Quijote Bar/Rte., Paichi Centre, Moraira Monday 1st, Harolds Bar, Lirios Centre, Cumbre del Sol Thursday 4th, Magics Bar, Orba Friday 5th, Restaurante Monte Pego, Grand BBQ evening Saturday 6th, Inn On The Green, Javea Bowls Club, Javea Wednesday 10th, Private Party Friday 12th, Restaurante Monte Pego, Grand BBQ evening Saturday 13th, Don Quijote Bar/Rte., Paichi Centre, Moraira Friday 19th, El Paraiso Restaurant,
Parcent Friday 26th, Restaurante Monte Pego, Grand BBQ evening Saturday 27th, Don Quijote Bar/Rte., Paichi Centre, Moraira Sister act Sunday 28th, Arthurs Bar, Els Poblets (3pm) Wednesday 31st, Camping Naranjal Caravan Park, Javea.
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 bottle wine pp bread, ali-oli and dips - Only 12.95€ Live Music & Dinner Sat Aug 13th Strickland Band Lunchtime Platters only 7€ for 3 items Fantastic kids menu Try our new Armageddon Cocktail, Before it’s too late!! For 1 – 8 people Open all day Sunday Closed Monday
Tel 96 640 5398 For reservations
t s 1 t s u g u A d e s Clo ays d i l o H r o f t s 1 3 Aug
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
Happy house
47
Al fresco eating
by Jack Troughton GREAT FOOD and traditional hospitality are key ingredients at the Bull and Bear and its thriving, newly re-named, and always excellent Three Arches Restaurant. Putting the ‘inn’ into the heart of the Marina Alta’s friendly village of Benitachell, Richard and Sharon Johnson run a happy house combining boutique hotel, pub with its loyal band of locals, and the aforementioned restaurant. Duty calls and RTN recently returned to dine at Los Tres Arcos – a customer came up trumps in a competition to find a new name and was inspired by the arches running down the spine of the room. We must report all is definitely well in Benitachell. Look forward to beautifully cooked and presented food, friendly and helpful service, and being well looked after whether it’s a special occasion, a gathering of friends, or simply an atmospheric dinner for two. And a particular favourite with diners during balmy summer evenings is the spacious terrace and an al fresco experience. START Mrs T chooses to start with a goat’s cheese salad, while I begin the evening with Scottish smoked salmon with avocado and green leaves. The salad is fresh crisp and full of flavour, the cheese set off with balsamic vinegar and wins a ‘thumbs up’ as it is enjoyed to the full. Smoked salmon is a rare treat and is arranged around the leaves with newly sliced avocado arranged around the plate – a heavenly concoction.
Mrs T tucks into sliced duck’s breast and dauphinois potato; I get to grips with chicken breast with asparagus and brie, served with mash and wine gravy. Both the duck and the chicken get gold stars for being perfectly cooked and both prove to be delicious pieces of meat – because it is a particular favourite, I am denied a taste of the dauphinois but instead savour the char grilled asparagus (I’ve always been a sucker for the stuff!) The main courses are accompanied by a selection of vegetables – broccoli, carrots, and peas – a good portion of the five-a-day staples, served separately and al dente. TEMPT Temptation rather than greed takes us to the dessert course. Mrs T enjoys rice pudding with a chocolate sauce while my hot grilled pineapple with ice-cream is an absolute dream. The a la carte menu at Los Tres Arcos is constantly changed and a meal is 15.50€ for two courses and 18.90€ for three. However, early birds can really catch a treat – between 5.30pm and 7.30pm – two courses and half a bottle of wine are 9.50€ and offers a choice of four starters and four main courses – dessert is an additional 4.90€. There is also a ‘double up’ menu – offering twin meals such as steak or ribs with a bottle of wine at value prices. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesdays to Saturdays and for Sunday lunch – call 96 505 8448 or 688 883 004 for information and reservations or visit www.bullandbearspain.com
Jazz is roaring success by Jack Troughton TALENTED JEFF Hatton and his band Manhatton Jazz successfully opened the series of summer concerts for Teulada Moraira Lions Club last Sunday. An evening of entertaining music and fun by Moraira Castle raised more than 750€ for local charities – the cash coming from generous donations from the audience and contributions for children’s face painting, a new and instantly popular attraction. Celtic goodtime band The Shamrockers headline the next concert on Sunday 14th August at 8pm, again in the shadow of the castle, with an exhibition of line dancing by the Rodeo Stompers and more face painting. For more information about the concert
or the Lions, visit www.teuladamoriairalions.org or call 96 597 4941.
48
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
Taste a little Bourbon Street
L
by Jack Troughton
OVERS OF classic New Orleans jazz have the chance to snap up tickets for the return of internationally popular sevenpiece band The Bourbon Street Stompers. Enjoying the reputation of being the best band of the genre across Europe, the band is playing in Teulada, Denia, Torrevieja and Alfaz del Pi during the first week of September. Costa Blanca fan Norman Dunnington first came across the band at the Uptonon-Severn Jazz Festival when the Stompers made a festival debut and promptly stole the show – accepting an invitation to return the following year. The band then announced they were off to play in the prestigious French quarter Festival in New Orleans – and Norman snapped up the chance to travel to the birthplace of his beloved jazz and joined the band in the Crescent City. Founded in Essen in May 1993 as teenagers fascinated by the hiss and crackly of old recordings, the musicians all have day jobs and as they now live across Europe, every gathering is a logistical triumph. In June 2009, the band arrived at Alicante Airport on flights from Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Vienna, and Brussels before playing to hundreds of people at the Moraira, Altea, Denia, and later the same evening, opening the Moraira Music Festival. Norman remembered at every performance they were cheered off stage. And for this year’s
Spanish dates, the Stompers will be joined by two special guests – vocalist Betty Berent from Hamburg and John Maddocks from the UK, recognised as one of the best traditional jazz clarinettist and saxophonist in the UK. The Bourbon Street Stompers open the tour at Teulada’s new auditorium at 8.30pm on Saturday 3rd September and continue at a special Louisiana-style brunch at the Marriott Hotel, near Denia, between 1pm and 5pm on 4th September. Work commitments mean John must return to the UK, but the tour continues at Torrevieja’s Teatro Municipal at 8.30pm on Tuesday 5th September and ends with a charity performance at 8.30pm in the Casa de Cultura Alfaz del Pi – marking the beginning of the town’s own 10 day jazz festival. Teulada tickets are 12€ and are available
for credit card purchases by calling 96 511 7117 or visiting www.servicam.com. They can be bought between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday at Teulada Town Hall or the Espai La Senieta, Moraira. Tickets are also available at the auditorium itself between 6pm and 8pm Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays or up to two hours before the 3rd September show. The Marriott Hotel tickets are 45€ including buffet and book by calling 96 645 4054; Torrevieja seats are 5€ and are available from the municipal ticket office Tuesdays to Fridays from 11am until 1pm, or via www.servicam. com; Alfaz tickets are 12€ and can be booked by calling 96 587 1731 or 96 619 7325 – from 1st August they are available at the Tourist Information Office and ay remaining seats will be sold at the door.
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
49
Melody Makers in San Pedro By Julie Day FOLLOWING THE huge success of ‘An Evening with Andrew Lloyd Webber’ at the Orihuela Costa Resort on 25th June, Melody Makers International are to repeat their concert for a final time this Saturday 30th July, at the Castelar College in San Pedro del Pinatar. The extremely impressive children’s choir Cantemos! will once again be part of the show, in which all but one of the original numbers will be performed. In addition, the audience will also be treated to a previously unheard song. Talented pianist Matthew Hopkins is flying in from the UK to participate in the concert, set in the beautifully air-conditioned and acoustically-pleasing Salon de Actos within the college. The concert will start at 8pm and tickets at just 6€ will be available on the door. Tickets may also be reserved by telephoning 966 775 976. Refreshments will be available from the college cafeteria. The Castelar College is located at Calle Las Palmas, 15, San Pedro del Pinatar.
A press release I would run if I ran a supermarket We Supermarkets get the blame for everything from strangling small businesses to the closure of small high street stores, when it’s you the customer who’s at fault. You say you can’t be bothered anymore to walk a few paces from the local village car park to use the high street shops. We watch in amazement as you park your car in our huge car parks hundreds of yards from our front doors and then continue to walk around the store for what seems like hours without so much as a murmur. Our wine experts travel the globe in order to be the first to select the finest wines for you to choose from, when half of you pick a wine solely based upon the price or the new pretty label. We sell you cheap beer which is what you ask for, then, we get accused of getting you all plastered on a Saturday night.
You stack trolleys so high it’s a wonder how some of it stays on and then you complain the next day when three eggs and a packet of custard creams somehow were “damaged when you bought them.” So then we order more resilient packaging to withstand the pressure you bring to bear only then to be accused of damaging the environment with our excess packaging. We are expected to keep sufficient stocks of ‘delivered today, perfectly sized’ vegetables, some even readyprepared, peeled and cut for your convenience. As well as predict the one really obscure item that some TV celebrity chef used last night which suddenly thousands of you all want even though you still have no idea what to do with it - then you complain when we run out of it. Our rigidly temperature-controlled
fridges and freezers ensure that what you buy is at the optimum temperature when you select it, but why then do you buy your chilled or frozen food first? It then sits in your trolley for an hour while you wander round looking for cling film and toilet rolls before you fling it all unceremoniously into the now red hot boot of your car having sat in the sun for the past hour… Then you decide to go for a coffee, or even lunch, before going home. When you do finally get home you wonder why your frozen vegetables and ice creams are all runny and why your fridge then packs up trying to cool everything down again that you’ve just stuffed into it, having had the fridge door open for an hour trying to fit it all in. That’s our fault too I suppose? Lucky for us not many people still
remember what we refer to as ‘the good old days’, where buying local meant walking distance local, and not locally sourced from Europe, or a place where shopkeepers were more interested in how you were than how much you spent. It’s a good job you the consumer are still more interested in what we do next instead of what we’ve forgotten to do. If we Supermarkets reverted to that level of service we would have to put up the prices.
Edwin Cheeseman is a practical food consultant. If you have a question about food email cheeseman@roundtownnews.com
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tv Friday
50 61
- 04 aug 2011 1429- Jul 20 may 2010
07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Saints and Scroungers 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Copycats 16:35 Me and My Monsters 17:00 Remote Control Star 17:30 Fee Fi Fo Yum 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show: Best of Britain 20:30 The Good Cook 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 A Question of Sport 22:00 My Family 22:30 Miranda 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Would I Lie to You? 24:05 My Favourite Joke
07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:35 Chuggington 10:45 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 11:05 Gigglebiz 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Letter from an Unknown Woman 14:00 Swimming 15:15 Live Golf 18:15 Escape to the Country 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Celebrity Eggheads 20:00 Madagascar 21:00 Gardeners’ World 22:00 The First World War from Above 23:00 The Rob Brydon Show 23:30 Newsnight 24:05 Scenes from a Teenage Killing
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 Auction Party 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Wild at Heart 18:00 Dinner Date 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Love Your Garden 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Charles and Diana: The Wedding of the Century 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Assassins
07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:25 According to Jim 09:55 Friends 10:25 Friends 10:55 Three in a Bed 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Fairy Jobmother 14:05 Secret Supper Club 14:35 Channel 4 Presents 14:40 Channel 4 Racing 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 4thought.tv 20:35 419: The Internet Romance Scam 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 8 Out of 10 Cats 22:30 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 23:30 Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night 24:20 Big Bang Theory 24:50 Sirens
07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:50 Olivia 10:00 Little Princess 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Ice Road Truckers 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Law & Order 16:15 Working Miracles 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 Danger: Diggers at Work 22:00 Castle 23:00 The Mentalist 23:55 CSI: Miami 24:50 Inside Hollywood
05:30 Five Minutes With 06:00 BBC News 06:30 Our World 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:30 The Good Cook 13:00 BBC News; Regional News 13:10 Formula 1 15:20 Swimming 16:20 Live Golf 18:10 BBC News; Regional News 18:30 Total Wipeout 19:30 Tonight’s the Night 20:30 The National Lottery: In It to Win It 21:20 Casualty 22:10 John Bishop’s Britain 22:40 BBC News 23:00 King Arthur 24:55 Amityville II: the Possession
07:00 Childrens TV 09:50 Dennis & Gnasher 10:00 Trade Your Way to the USA 10:30 Fee Fi Fo Yum 11:00 Mission: 2110 11:25 League of Super Evil 11:40 Wolverine and the X-Men 12:00 OOglies 12:15 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 12:40 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 Lifeline 13:10 Coast 13:15 Antiques Road Trip 14:00 Antiques Road Trip 14:45 Sodom and Gomorrah 17:10 Flog It! 18:10 Live Golf 19:00 Live Athletics 20:30 Dad’s Army 21:00 The Impressionists: Painting and Revolution 22:00 BBC Proms 2011 24:20 Rob Brydon Show 24:50 TOTP2
06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 09:25 Ten Mile Menu 10:25 Coronation Street 12:45 This Morning: Saturday 13:45 ITV News 13:50 Agatha Christie’s Murder Is Easy 15:45 Columbo 17:15 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 - Behind the Magic 18:15 Granada News 18:25 ITV News 18:40 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 21:15 Odd One In 22:00 Penn & Teller: Fool Us 23:00 The Marriage Ref 24:00 ITV News 24:15 The Specialist
07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Film Show 08:00 British Formula 3 International Series 08:25 The Grid 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Friends 10:25 Hollyoaks Music Show 10:55 Smallville 11:50 Friends 12:20 Pop Up Pop Quiz 13:10 Dirty Sexy Things 14:15 The TV Book Club 14:50 Channel 4 Presents 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 17:05 Channel 4 Presents 17:10 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 18:10 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 19:15 Channel 4 News 19:45 4thought.tv 19:50 ‘Crocodile’ Dundee II 22:00 Camelot 23:00 Cloverfield 24:40 Underworld: Evolution
07:00 Childrens TV 09:05 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:20 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 09:25 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 09:40 Rupert Bear 09:55 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Milkshake! Show 11:00 Inside Hollywood 11:15 Mexican Food Made Simple 11:45 Cheyenne Autumn 14:50 Sugarfoot 16:25 War Arrow 18:00 Blue Thunder 20:00 Cricket 20:55 5 News Weekend 21:00 NCIS 22:00 CSI: Miami 23:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 23:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 24:55 Inside Hollywood
05:00 BBC News 05:30 Click 06:00 BBC News 06:30 World Olympic Dreams 07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Sunday Morning Live 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 BBC News 13:05 Formula 1 16:25 My Family 16:55 Escape to the Country 17:55 Songs of Praise 18:30 Horrible Histories with Stephen Fry 19:00 BBC News; Regional News 19:30 Antiques Roadshow 20:30 Countryfile 21:30 Inspector George Gently 23:00 BBC News; Regional News 23:25 Sugartown 24:25 Moving On
07:00 Wibbly Pig 07:10 Dipdap 07:15 Pinky Dinky Doo 07:30 Tinga Tinga Tales 07:45 Octonauts 08:00 Deadly 60 08:30 Arthur 08:55 Dennis & Gnasher 09:10 Junior MasterChef 09:35 Bear Behaving Badly 10:00 Friday Download 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 EastEnders 14:30 Live Golf 18:00 Swimming 19:00 Live Athletics 21:00 Top Gear 22:00 Dragons’ Den 23:00 Grumpy Guide to Food 24:00 What Just Happened?
06:30 ITV Morning News 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 14:35 Survival: Tales from the Wild 15:30 Inspector Morse 17:30 Midsomer Murders 19:30 Granada News 19:45 ITV News 20:00 The Royal 21:00 Born to Shine 22:00 Law & Order: UK 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:15 The Kingdom
07:15 The Hoobs 08:05 Intelligent Sport UK Challenge 08:35 World Touring Car Championship 09:00 Channel 4 Presents 09:05 Friends 09:30 Friends 10:00 T4 Premiere Special 10:30 Hollyoaks 13:00 Ibiza Rocks 13:20 Buried Treasures 14:20 The Simpsons 14:55 The Simpsons 15:25 Undercover Boss 16:25 Help! My House Is Falling Down 17:30 Channel 4 Presents 17:35 Spiderwick Chronicles 19:25 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 21:00 Holiday Hijack 22:00 Juno 23:50 Under Siege
07:00 Childrens TV 08:50 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 08:55 Milkshake! Show Songs 09:00 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 09:40 Rupert Bear 09:55 Olivia 10:10 Mr Men Show 10:25 Milkshake! Monkey 10:30 Milkshake! Show 11:00 How Do They Do It? 11:30 Police Interceptors 12:30 One Year To Go: Building Stratford 13:30 Beyond the Poseidon Adventure 15:45 Last Starfighter 17:40 Karate Kid Part II 19:55 5 News 20:00 Cricket 21:00 Cowboy Builders 22:00 xXx 24:25 Linewatch
tv Saturday
tv Sunday
07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Emmerdale 07:50 Emmerdale 08:20 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 Odd One In 20:45 The Hot Desk 21:00 Penn & Teller: Fool Us 22:00 America’s Got Talent 23:00 iTunes Festival 2011 24:00 Peter Andre: Here 2 Help
07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Desperate Housewives 08:35 Being Erica 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Desperate Housewives 12:10 Being Erica 13:05 Heartland 14:05 Smallville 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:30 Gilmore Girls 16:30 Samantha Who? 17:00 Glee 18:00 Friends 18:30 Friends 19:00 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Friends 21:30 Friends 22:00 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow 23:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 24:05 Embarrassing Teenage Bodies
10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:35 Rope 13:10 3 Minute Wonder 13:15 3 Minute Wonder 13:20 3 Minute Wonder 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 Channel 4 Presents 13:35 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun 18:15 A Place in the Sun 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Four Rooms 23:00 Appaloosa
The Rob Brydon Show BBC 2, 23.00
07:00 Emmerdale 09:40 The Corrie Years 10:05 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 10:30 The Biggest Loser 11:30 The Only Way Is Essex 12:15 No Reservations 14:15 America’s Got Talent 16:05 America’s Got Talent 17:00 America’s Got Talent 18:50 America’s Got Talent 19:50 Free Willy 22:00 The Mummy 24:25 Hannibal
07:00 Running in Heels 07:50 Supernanny USA 08:40 Supernanny USA 09:30 How to Look Good Naked 10:35 How to Look Good Naked 11:35 Supernanny USA 12:30 Supernanny USA 13:25 Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance 14:25 Running in Heels 15:25 Hollyoaks 18:00 Friends 18:30 Friends 19:00 One Tree Hill 20:00 Big Bang Theory 20:30 Big Bang Theory 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 22:00 Friends 22:30 Friends 23:00 There’s Something about Mary
10:00 A Place in the Sun 10:35 Time Team 11:35 Time Team 12:35 Time Team 13:40 Time Team 14:40 Time Team 15:45 The Colditz Story 17:35 Grand Designs 18:40 Grand Designs 19:45 Grand Designs 20:55 Grand Designs 21:55 Grand Designs 23:00 Journey to the Edge of the Universe
‘Crocodile’ Dundee II Channel 4, 19.50
07:00 Coronation Street 09:10 Emmerdale 12:10 Coronation Street 14:35 The Corrie Years 15:10 America’s Got Talent 17:00 America’s Got Talent 18:00 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 18:30 71 Degrees North 19:30 The Mummy Returns 22:00 Peter Andre: Here 2 Help 23:00 Ocean’s Thirteen
07:00 Style Her Famous 07:25 Supernanny USA 08:15 Supernanny USA 09:05 Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance 10:10 How to Look Good Naked 12:15 Supersize vs Superskinny 13:20 Supernanny USA 14:10 Supernanny USA 15:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 16:00 Beauty and the Geek 16:55 Romancing the Stone 19:00 Friends 19:30 Friends 20:00 Smallville 21:00 Friends 21:30 Friends 22:00 Rude Tube 23:00 Scary Movie 24:45 Big Bang Theory
The Mummy Returns ITV 2, 19.30
10:00 Scrapheap Challenge 14:15 Coach Trip 14:50 Coach Trip 15:25 Coach Trip 16:00 Coach Trip 16:35 Coach Trip 17:05 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 17:35 Come Dine with Me 18:10 Come Dine with Me 18:40 Come Dine with Me 19:15 Come Dine with Me 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:30 The TV Book Club 21:00 River Cottage Every Day 22:00 Grand Designs Australia 23:05 Murdoch: The Mogul Who Screwed the News 24:10 Starsuckers (12A)
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
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tv Monday
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29 Jul 04 aug42011 Feb 26 - -March 2010
07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Saints and Scroungers 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Copycats 16:35 Me and My Monsters 17:00 Dick & Dom Go Wild 17:30 Horrible Histories 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Fake Britain 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 New Tricks 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 A Question of Sport 24:05 The Celebrity Apprentice USA
07:00 Childrens TV 10:35 Chuggington 10:45 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 11:05 Gigglebiz 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Whistle down the Wind 14:15 Diagnosis Murder 15:00 Wanted Down Under 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 Antiques Road Trip 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Escape to the Country 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Celebrity Eggheads 20:00 Victorian Pharmacy 20:30 Wonderstuff 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Antiques Master 22:00 My Life as a Turkey: Natural World Special 23:00 Mock the Week 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Torchwood: Miracle Day
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 Auction Party 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Rosemary & Thyme 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Countrywise Kitchen 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Show Me the Funny 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Out of Sight
07:00 The Hoobs 07:25 Freshly Squeezed 07:50 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:20 According to Jim 08:45 Friends 09:45 90210 10:40 N-Dubz’ Postcard from T4 On the Beach 10:55 Made in Chelsea 12:00 Friends 12:30 Friends 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 14:05 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes 15:55 Celebrity Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Celebrity Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Channel 4 Presents 21:00 Secret Life of Buildings 22:00 Embarrassing Fat Bodies - Back to the Clinic 23:00 Sirens 24:05 Coming Up
07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Roary the Racing Car 09:35 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:50 Olivia 10:00 Little Princess 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Ice Road Truckers 14:15 Monkey Life 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 Chinese Food in Minutes 16:20 McBride 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Meerkat Manor 19:25 OK! TV 19:55 5 News at 7 20:00 Cricket 21:00 Police Interceptors 22:00 The Ninth Gate 24:45 Frankenstein
07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Saints and Scroungers 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Copycats 16:35 Me and My Monsters 17:00 Gimme a Break 17:30 Cop School 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 DIY SOS 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 An Abuse of Trust 24:05 Imagine: Being a Concert Pianist
07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:35 Chuggington 10:45 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 11:05 Gigglebiz 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Dead Reckoning 14:15 Diagnosis Murder 15:00 Wanted Down Under 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 Antiques Road Trip 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Escape to the Country 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Celebrity Eggheads 20:00 Dragons’ Den 21:00 Restoration Home 22:00 The Hour 23:00 Twenty Twelve 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Town with Nicholas Crane
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 Auction Party 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Rosemary & Thyme 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Wildlife Patrol 21:00 Cops with Cameras 22:00 Homes from Hell 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Celebrity Juice 24:20 iTunes Festival Highlights 2011
07:00 The Hoobs 07:25 Freshly Squeezed 07:50 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:20 According to Jim 08:45 Friends 09:45 90210 10:40 Alexis Jordan’s Postcard from T4 on the Beach 11:00 Made in Chelsea 12:00 Friends 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 14:05 River Cottage Bites 14:15 Carry On Abroad 15:55 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Channel 4 Presents 21:00 Sex Education Show 22:00 Undercover Boss 23:00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 24:05 4thought.tv 24:10 Alan Carr: Chatty Man
07:00 Childrens TV 09:25 Roary the Racing Car 09:35 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:50 Olivia 10:00 Little Princess 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Ice Road Truckers 14:10 Meerkat Manor 14:45 Neighbours 15:20 CSI: NY 16:15 Love’s Long Journey 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Meerkat Manor 19:25 OK! TV 19:55 5 News at 7 20:00 Cricket 21:00 Megastructures 22:00 CSI: Miami 23:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 24:55 True CSI
07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Saints and Scroungers 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Copycats 16:35 Me and My Monsters 17:00 School of Silence 17:30 Little Howard’s Big Question 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Great British Weather 21:30 Sherlock 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Not Going Out 24:15 Him & Her 24:45 My Fake Fiancé
07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 LazyTown 09:55 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:35 Chuggington 10:45 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 11:05 Gigglebiz 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Road to Rio 14:15 Diagnosis Murder 15:00 Wanted Down Under 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 Antiques Road Trip 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Escape to the Country 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Celebrity Eggheads 20:00 Rick Stein’s Spain 21:00 Top Gear 22:00 The Code 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Fake or Fortune?
07:00 Daybreak
07:00 The Hoobs 07:25 Freshly Squeezed 07:50 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:20 According to Jim 08:45 Friends 09:15 Friends 09:45 90210 10:40 Towie’s Postcard From T4 on the Beach 11:00 Made in Chelsea 12:00 Friends 12:30 Friends 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 14:05 The Bravados 15:55 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Channel 4 Presents 21:00 Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 8 Out of 10 Cats Uncut 23:50 The Inbetweeners 24:25 The Inbetweeners 24:55 4thought.tv
07:00 Childrens TV 09:25 Roary the Racing Car 09:35 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:50 Olivia 10:00 Little Princess 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Ice Road Truckers 14:10 Meerkat Manor 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:10 Chinese Food in Minutes 16:15 Jane Doe 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Meerkat Manor 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Garden ER 21:00 The Removal Men: Pickfords 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Blade
tv Tuesday
tv Wednesday 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 Auction Party 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Rosemary & Thyme 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 The Corrie Years 21:00 Lewis 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Nature’s Fury 24:35 Homes from Hell
07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 Born to Shine 21:00 The Xtra Factor 22:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA 23:00 Deep Blue Sea
07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Desperate Housewives 08:35 Being Erica 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Desperate Housewives 12:15 Being Erica 13:10 Heartland 14:10 Smallville 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:30 Gilmore Girls 16:30 Samantha Who? 17:00 Glee 18:00 Friends 19:00 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Friends 21:30 Friends 22:00 One Tree Hill 23:00 Dirty Sexy Things 24:00 Balls of Steel Australia
10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:30 Indiscreet 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:30 The Good Wife 15:30 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun 18:10 A Place in the Sun 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 The Hotel 23:00 Country House Rescue 24:05 The Daily Show Global Edition 24:40 Unreported World
Watch New Season TV for Free with the RTN Network 966 463 170
07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:45 Take Me Out 21:00 Peter Andre: Here 2 Help 22:00 Gladiator
07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Desperate Housewives 08:35 Being Erica 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Desperate Housewives 12:10 Being Erica 13:05 Heartland 14:05 Smallville 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:30 Gilmore Girls 16:25 Samantha Who? 16:55 Glee 17:55 Friends 18:30 Friends 19:00 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Friends 21:30 Friends 22:00 Smallville 23:00 Cleveland Show 23:30 Cleveland Show 24:00 Big Bang Theory
10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:30 Guns of Fort Petticoat 13:15 3 Minute Wonder 13:20 3 Minute Wonder 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:30 The Good Wife 15:30 Come Dine with Me 16:00 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:35 A Place in the Sun 18:10 A Place in the Sun 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Come Dine with Me 23:00 True Stories
Emergency Cops with with Angela Griffin Cameras Sky1 ITV1, 21.00 21.00
07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 The Marriage Ref 21:00 Take Me Out 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 Ocean’s Thirteen
07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Desperate Housewives 08:35 Being Erica 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Desperate Housewives 12:15 Being Erica 13:10 Heartland 14:05 Smallville 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:30 Samantha Who? 17:00 Glee 18:00 Friends 18:30 Friends 19:00 My Name Is Earl 19:30 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Friends 21:30 Friends 22:00 Beaver Falls 23:00 Franklin & Bash 24:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man
Emergency with Sherlock Angela Griffin BBC1, Sky1 21.30 21.00
10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 Ice Cold in Alex 13:25 Deal or No Deal 14:30 The Good Wife 15:30 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun 18:10 A Place in the Sun 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Time Team 23:00 A Time Team Special 24:05 Man on Earth
tv Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Cowboy Trap 12:45 Saints and Scroungers 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Only Fools and Horses 16:05 Copycats 16:30 Sparticle Mystery 17:00 Project Parent 17:30 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Traffic Cops 22:00 Torchwood: Miracle Day 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Kids Behind Bars 24:35 The Human Stain
07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 LazyTown 09:55 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:35 Chuggington 10:45 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 11:05 Gigglebiz 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Coast 12:40 Hot Enough for June 14:15 Diagnosis Murder 15:00 Wanted Down Under 16:00 The Weakest Link 16:45 Antiques Road Trip 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Escape to the Country 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Celebrity Eggheads 20:00 Madagascar 21:00 Rick Stein’s Spain 22:00 Town with Nicholas Crane 23:00 Have I Got News for You 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The Hour
29 JulY Jul - 2011 04 aug 2011 8 - 14
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 Auction Party 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Rosemary & Thyme 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Single-Handed 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories 24:35 Odd One In
07:00 The Hoobs 07:25 Freshly Squeezed 07:50 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:20 According to Jim 08:45 Friends 09:45 90210 10:40 Sugababes’ Postcard from T4 on the Beach 10:55 Made in Chelsea 11:55 Friends 12:25 Friends 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 14:10 River Cottage Bites 14:20 Thunder over Arizona 15:55 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Channel 4 Presents 21:00 Help! My House Is Falling Down 22:00 The Killing 23:00 Coppers 24:05 4thought.tv 24:10 Lee Evans: Access All Arenas
07:00 Childrens TV 09:05 Peppa Pig 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Roary the Racing Car 09:35 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:50 Olivia 10:00 Little Princess 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Wright Stuff Extra with Gabby Logan 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Ice Road Truckers 14:10 Meerkat Manor 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 Last Trimester 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Meerkat Manor 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 Aircrash: Hudson River Landing 22:00 Cowboy Builders 23:00 Candy Bar Girls 24:00 Police Interceptors
CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS 614
QUICK SOLUTIONS
CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS
Across: 1 Idiosyncrasy; 7 Great; 8 Press; 9 Fee; 10 Developer;
Across: 1 Star-spangled; 7 Grant; 8 Aware; 9 Try; 10
11 Entice; 12 Piston; 15 Expurgate; 17 Axe; 18 Chart; 19
Persevere; 11 Forded; 12 Banner; 15 Abolished; 17 Get; 18
Stamp; 21 Infringement.
Eagle; 19 Exact; 21 United States.
Down: 1 Indifference; 2 See; 3 Native; 4 Repulsive; 5 Steep;
Down: 1 Sheet of paper; 2 Spa; 3 Actors; 4 Graveyard; 5
6 Estrangement; 7 Greet; 10 Decorator; 13 Tramp; 14
Evade; 6 Celebrations; 7 Gayer; 10 President; 13 Night; 14
Parson; 16 Plain; 20 Ape.
Thread; 16 Organ; 20 Apt.
Wordwheel: DESIGNING
07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 All Star Mr & Mrs 21:00 America’s Got Talent 22:00 Peter Andre: Here 2 Help 23:00 The Only Way Is Essex 23:45 The Island
07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Desperate Housewives 08:35 Being Erica 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Desperate Housewives 12:10 Being Erica 13:05 Heartland 14:05 Smallville 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:30 Gilmore Girls 16:30 Samantha Who? 16:55 Glee 18:00 Friends 18:30 Friends 19:00 My Name Is Earl 19:25 My Name Is Earl 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Friends 21:30 Friends 22:00 Big Bang Theory 22:30 How I Met Your Mother 23:00 Little Box of Horrors 23:30 PhoneShop 24:00 Beaver Falls
Watch New Season TV for Free with the RTN Network 966 463 170
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10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 Johnny Guitar 13:10 3 Minute Wonder 13:15 3 Minute Wonder 13:20 3 Minute Wonder 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:40 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun 18:15 A Place in the Sun 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 One Born Every Minute USA 23:00 Shameless US 24:00 The Closer 24:55 One Born Every Minute USA
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Feb 26 - -March 2010 29 Jul 04 aug42011
Nice one Gary!
The TV Round Up by
Alex Trelinski
Broadcaster and freelance journalist
I
LET rip with a resounding cheer when the unstable Gary Windass punched the irritating Sean Tully in the gob on last Friday’s ‘Coronation Street’, and it was miles better than anything that David Haye could manage recently! Antony Cotton’s character of Sean has been around for seven years and is one of the most ham-fisted and annoying gay stereotypes around on British TV. At least his partner, Marcus, comes over as a normal human being, but most of the gay and lesbian portrayals on TV soaps are just not true to life, and the Sean Tully character is a modern version of what John Inman was doing back in the seventies as he minced around in Grace Brothers. There was certainly more humanity about the Aaron/Jackson plot in ‘Emmerdale’, but I’m fearing the worst when young Ben Mitchell comes out as gay in ‘Eastenders’. His moronic father, Phil, is hardly likely to offer tea and sympathy! Can’t we just have a normal clean-living and contented gay or lesbian couple somewhere, rather than these unrealistic cardboard characters that the soaps foist on us?
Journalistic shambles Somebody has some sense You just know that there’s something wrong when a new drama series pops up after the late Sunday evening news bulletin on BBC 1 in the middle of the summer. Having given us the dreadful ‘Candy Cabs’ earlier in the year, at least somebody has had the sense to dump ‘Sugartown’ into the Bermuda Triangle of scheduling. I hope you didn’t watch it as it was ‘Candy Cabs’ once again with every northern stereotype on display (including a token gay character), with the fight to save a seaside rock factory. I almost expected to see ‘The Goodies’ make an appearance with their famous black pudding routine!
The era of 24-hour news has always been a double-edged sword over the last couple of decades or so. Both the BBC and Sky News have been excellent in their Murdoch hacking coverage, but in last weekend’s tragic events in Norway, the two channels were left high and dry for a long time, exposing the risks of having to fill unlimited airtime. With no reporters based in Oslo and a lack of accurate information, the two channels were rushed into a frenzied fever of incorrect speculation that some Islamic-based terrorists were behind the outrages.
All kinds of people both in Norway and UK were being cajoled to the end of a phone-line with little or no facts, and then were being asked to take part in some kind of perverted guessing game! You could hear the frustration with the contributors from Norway, as they were being asked questions that they clearly just did not have the answer to, as producers were desperate to fill up the time. Surely there was other news that could have been run as well, whilst a more measured approach could have been taken? It was sadly, at times, a journalistic shambles on the Friday.
Showing great potential Not a clue One of the best looking dramas at the moment is BBC2’s ‘The Hour’, set in the fifties, looking behind the scenes of a fictitious TV news programme. The news anchor is an oily character played by Dominic West, who for me will always be Detective McNulty in the
fantastic American show, ‘The Wire’. It is very watchable and there is a lot of attention to period detail, but the plotting needs to go up a couple of gears or else this series, which shows great potential, will not be back for a second run next year.
It all makes the soon-to-end ‘The Royal’ on ITV1 seem like a work of Dickensian proportion, but it also makes me worry about the BBC. For an organisation that is moving whole departments to Manchester, key management figures just don’t seem to have a clue as to what life north of Watford is really like.
Lollipops of Dust: Memories of an African Childhood Danny
Book Review by
THERE IS a rather cruel saying in the literary world that most people copy@dannyjpcollins.com have half a mind to write a book - and those with half a mind usually do. I suppose that’s a general knock at authors but I’m very glad that Susan Read-Lobo became one because I’ve just spent two very pleasant and entertaining afternoons reading Lollipops of Dust, her memories of a childhood in Africa spent as the daughter of a District Commissioner in the Bechuanaland Protectorate in the latter part of the ‘50s and early ‘60s. The Bechuanaland Protectorate became Botswana on its independence in 1966 and the Read family returned to England, bringing young Susan and her precious memories of a childhood spent in idyllic days under the brassy African sun on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. In Lollipops of Dust the reader is led through grass-roofed bush villages and introduced to funloving characters imbued with the warm laughter of an Africa now disappeared under the mantle of progress but recreated for us by a direct and magical prose that only results when the events are seen through the eyes of a child. As such the book is cultural history
Collins
Suduko Answer
and deserves to be read for that reason alone. Add some of the most delightful characters you’ll ever meet in print and hear them described as a child would see them and you’ve got a book that will take you through some magical hours as it did me: wholeheartedly recommended for all readers from nine to ninety. Author: Susan Read-Lobo Publisher: Woodfield publishing Price: €15.90 ISBN: 978 1 84683110 2
motoring
by
Brian Deller
Author of Motoring in Spain
WE BOUGHT a car October 2010 and now the garage has contacted us asking us to pay a fine that they say is for our car. They will not give us the Trafico notice but are insisting the fine is ours. We are a bit suspicious in that we have not received anything From the Trafico to our address in Spain (our holiday home). My husband is a journalist and deeply concerned that this may be a scam. Can your experts advise or shed any light on this? Many thanks. Rosemary (no last name given) Dear Rosemary and husband: Is the car registered in your name yet? I assume it is but if not and the sales contract is that the transfer will be included for the purchase price, then the dealer/seller cannot completed the re-registration transfer until all fines are paid: and interest is charged for late payments. The following is also for general advice to readers of RTN. To save double transfers, that is, seller to dealer and dealer to new owner/customer, dealers often do not advise Trafico of a new owner until the car is finally sold so although they can check themselves, as
you can and check on any outstanding fines for about 8€ but many do not bother. As described in my book, approach Trafico (Is the nearest one fairly close to cut the wait time period?) with an application form TASA 3.050 which is downloadable from the Trafico web site at: http://www.dgt.es/was6/portal/contenidos/ documentos/oficina_virtual/conductores/hojas_ informativas/3.050-Castellano.pdf Addresses of all Traficos in Spain if you wish to use the post... http://www.dgt.es/portal/es/ oficina_virtual/dir_telefonos/jefaturas/ ?tit=%BFD%F3nde%20se%20puede%20solicitar? Sorry for the length of the Trafico website addresses but these are directly to the correct form/info. And at Trafico at the counter they will quickly supply the info on their computer system for about 8€ - the information will include the dates of any outstanding fines and the registered owners at that time, even the earlier owners etc. If you are unable to go to Trafico you can send them by Correos, posting the TASA Form
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
3.050 and wait OR pay a local gestor to do the work as many are visiting Trafico every week but get a written presupuesto (quote) in advance for this service. If the details show that you were not operating the car on the day on the information, the dealer appears to have been caught out. Remember to keep all documents as proof for possible future use in case the scam is continued and especially keep safe the receipt/invoice for the delivery of the car when you bought it. As I write often here: trust nobody. If the information shows that the fines were incurred after you took delivery then you can take it from there but it may be that the dealer is trying to help you although I have my doubts if they will not supply positive original proof. Do you let anyone else use the car, etc? Do not blame the garage if they are Spanish as I have had reported by RTN readers’ complaints about local British-owned garages /dealers as well. It never fails to amaze me even now at the age of 73 why so many people wreck their businesses by failing to give good service. Let us know, please, how you get on.
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
Man with a Van •Removals •Drop offs •Pick Ups
Call 603 108 778
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Skoda Roomster (2007) 1.4 TDi, 33.457KM - 1 Owner - €9,995
Opel Astra (2004) 1.7 CDTi 91.000km 5 door - €6,995
Nissan Almera Tino (2003) 2.2 DCi 145.000km Diesel Mpv - €5,995
Toyota Yaris (2002) 1.2 Petrol Full 73.000km - €5,295
Renault Kangoo (2008) 1.5Dci, 1 owner, FSH - €9,995
Ford Ka (2003) 1.3 Petrol – A/C, Pas, 61.000km - €4,495
Hyundai Matrix (2005) 1.6 i Petrol - €6,495
Toyota Rav 4 (2002) 2.0, 1 Owner, 139.000 km - FTSH - €8,995
Peugeot 206 SW Estate (2003) 1.4 Diesel 144.000km - €4,495
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The ‘magnificent seven’ summer special offers at Costa Car Clinic! ARE YOU a Spanish home owner with a car here? But perhaps you don’t live here all the time? Perhaps your car is locked away in a garage or at the airport for months at a time? Your car will still need servicing from time to time, and it will still need its regular ITV (MOT) check, so why not bring your car to Costa Car Clinic whilst you are here and take advantage of one or more of their ‘Magnificent Seven’ offers. Why the ‘Magnificent Seven’ offers? Well, Richy and Helen Lister have been having great success at their new garage, Costa Car Clinic, opened in January this year. 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 currently they are having all of their fantastic offers running simultaneously. They call these their ‘Magnificent Seven’ special offers:
• 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 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, undertaking numerous Ford recommended courses. He also became a specialist in automotive air-conditioning systems, obtaining many Fordrecognised Diplomas. Richy is carving a niche in the market by being an honest and professional car mechanic who will repair all makes and
Richard and Helen believe that honesty and reliability are rewarded with loyalty
models of vehicles to the highest standard. So if you are here just for a short time, or whether you live here permanently, Costa Car Clinic will be able to help you to keep you car on the road. 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 Inside of garage with car raised on ramp
Torremendo
Tel.: 965 368 274
VENUS
ESTABLISHED IN SPAIN FOR 10 YEARS FULLY LEGAL S.L COMPANY
Cars S.L. www.venuscars.com
We Buy, Sell & Part Exchange Quality British & Spanish Cars Transfer Documents Completed Competitive Insurance Quotes. All cars Fully serviced and valeted
WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS
WANTED: UK AND SPANISH REGISTERED CARS AND MOTORHOMES -IMMEDIATE CASH PAIDOpening hours Mon - Fri 9-6pm (No siesta) Sat 10-1pm. Find us next to Petrol Station TORREMENDO 10 Minutes inland from San Miguel, Los Montesinos & Junction 751 on the AP7 towards Orihuela. Torremendo turning on CV95 towards San Miguel
Classified Ads 29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
All Major Credit Cards Accepted - 0.31e per word + IVA
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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
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29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
EXCEL AIR CONDITIONING. See main ad on page 13.Tel/Fax (Head Office) 966-897-772. Mobiles:-680-154-432/676-265675. Email excelairconditioning@ hotmail.com. All credit/debit cards accepted. SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966-865-883 (Mob) 629-308-505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz
MOVE IT NOW Professional Pet Transporters Spain/Uk/ Spain. Travel with your pets. www.moveitnow.co.uk Ring 0044(0)209311123 or Spain 600247535 LABRADOR cross puppies FREE to a good home 617942466 SMALL DOGS CARED FOR IN OUR OWN HOME So if you need to go away on holiday but don’t want your dog to go into kennels then we will look after them. References available. Tel: 965843781 Mob: 622514980 TRANS-PET We do regular, doorto-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 may be for an overnight stay or of longer durations.Tel:600-552030/965-960-658 www.trans-pet.co.uk
BUILDER Leemabuilders Ltd. All groundworks and building works undertaken Domestic and Commercial No job too small Contact Lee:-634-349-039 www.leemabuildersltd.com
BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home. Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424
HAIRDRESSERS TERSAPASO FOR SALE very low rent, excellent clientel, Torrevieja 966786722 or 627065301 SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own product range. First class training & support. Telephone 606586587 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
360º CONSTRUCTION Professional trustworthy service. All aspects of construction. 12 years experience. Spanish spoken. Portfolio available. 965 771 983 or 681 270 415
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - COSTA BLANCA Confidential Helplines South - 625-912-078 North - 648-169-045 www.aa-costablanca.org
TWO LARGE MOBILE HOME/ CARAVAN PLOTS have come available on Camping Castillejo Park in Fortuna, the campsite is fully legal and has a private swimming pool, bar and restaurant. For more information please call (0034) 619003258 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, 5 mins to beach, Airport, Hospital by car. (also bungalows for rent and caravan plots short term or permanent stays) Tlf Carol 968192-425 mob 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com
CARERS WANTED To work in England 3 weeks on 3 weeks off email CV to 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com 24 HOUR HOMECARE SERVICES LTD Wanted companions, carers to work in England as live-in carers. 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off. If you are caring, a good listener and cook contact Karen Jones on (0044) 01929 472 810 or mobile (0044) 07500 836688 email: 24hourhomecareservices@
Waiter required La Nucia. Spoken English and Spanish preferred Call 682 707 580 or 671 135 445
DRIVING TO THE UK? English guest house in France, close to Spanish border. Peaceful location, secure parking. www.millefleursbb.co.uk
HONDA POWERED 13HP, 5KVA 115v Generator, can be wired 230v, serviced recently, new tank & carburator etc 450€ Call John 603 212 421
googlemail.com or download application form from www.24hour homecareservices.com WORKING HOLIDAYS FOR EXPATS Join our team of selfemployed live-in cares in the U.K. We require live-in cares to provide housekeeping and personal care for our elderly clients in their own homes particularly during the autumn and winter months. Flexible bookings of 2-4 weeks to suit your personal situation. Experienced nurses or carers welcome, also those with no previous experience, our in-house training is available. British/EU passport/references/drivers/good spoken English essential. This progressive friendly company was established in 1962 and is a market leader in U.K. live-in care for the elderly, CONSULTUS CARE AND NURSING LTD. Call our local consultant Sandra Field on 658 965 204 or email s.field@ consultuscare.com or visit our website www.consultuscare.com.
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
resolved in a calm and peaceful environment. We can deal with all your psychological issues. Call Grahame on 96 540 5631 Or 669 649 002
quality pre owned furniture, many from show apartments etc. Look at: www.michaels-javea.com Tel 96-579 1328 AT MICHAEL’S Four different exercise bikes, rowing machine, etc. Antique corner cupboard and more antique furniture in Port shop. See photos: www. michaels-javea.com Tel 96-579 1328 AT MICHAEL’S English Divan beds. Double beds in classic Spanish style in our Arenal bed shop. Several high quality NEW beds. See more than 600 photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Yamaha electric organ with a stand. Portable air conditioner. Large 2-door American fridge/freezer. Juke box from the 60 iíes. Photos: www. michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S you can get part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. See photos (updates every 5-6 days): 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.
S.O.S. INSURANCE Car-HomeHealth-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787123/622-275-561/686-116-297
INTENSIVE THERAPY AT THE SANCTUARY Residential Intensive Therapy can resolve major problems. Whether the problem is depression, alcohol, escape from a relationship, or severe anxiety. The Sanctuary is a refuge where issues are
DIESEL GENERATOR 4.5kva electric start 350€. Petrol generator 2.4kva 75€. Water pump Suzuki engine large capacity 150€ Tlf: 675878601 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€. Electric Mobility Scooter, SUNRISE MEDICAL 40km range 499€. Both like new! Tlf:-627-019-403 PERGOLA 5MX3M Never erected. High quality solid timber, Treated. Ideal for Garden or Carport. €385 Will Delivery Free. 622-791-907 or si.whitworth@gmail.com
MICHAEL’S 26 YEARS IN JAVEA - ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! We sell high
LOOKING FOR A CAR? We have a nice selection of
LHD and RHD Vehicles for sale or exchange from only 1500€, Automatics, Saloons, MPV´s, 4x4´s, Sports, Cabriolets, and Commercials. New and used Vehicles Sourced. We also have have a nice selection of automatics and over 20 Cabriollets in stock. Tel Frank your friendly English car sales on the Costa Blanca. Tel 600-726-221/965687-976 or simply view our easy to use website www.fwreurocars.com
BALLROOM/LATIN/SEQUENCE DANCING La Rustika (Los Arcos) Restaurant, Avenida Baleares,Torrevieja, Saturday Social dance 7.30pm - 10pm, Tuesday IMPROVERS LESSON 7.30pm - 8.30pm plus SOCIAL DANCE 8.30pm - 10.30pm (not second Tuesday of the month) Monday NEW BEGGINERS CLASS 10.30am - 12.30pm. Casa Ventura, San Luis, Torrevieja. Thursday NEW BEGGINERS CLASS 7.30pm - 9.30pm. Tlf Andrea and Brian 616-478-157
POOL, SNOOKER TABLES Also Table Tennis and Darts. Will beat any price!. Tlf:-666-933-726. www.spainpool.com KARAOKE MEDIA PLAYER Special Offer 500GB. 80,000songs, software, songbooks, bar/home use. 195euros Tlf:-657-766-341
WANTED INSTANT CASH PAID Antique and modern jewellery, vintage watches bought sold part exchanged, insurance valuations. Jewellery & watch repairs. Alexanders, Javea Port seafron near Bar Esquina. Established since 2003. Tel:965-792-595
G.S PARTY HIRE Planning a party. Do you need tables,chairs,c rockery,glasses. Outside catering and bar for all occasions. Then contact me for more information on.635-109-375/693-371654/966-194-984 GOLF SHARE FOR SALE Golf membership of AltoReal Golf Club in Murcia. Reluctantly selling to realistic offer. Call 628608133 WEIGHT WATCHERS Call our Free English call centre now to find your nearest meeting. 900-818-794
FORD TRANSIT CONNECT T200, 2005, 1.8 TDCI diesel, white, Spanish LHD, only one owner/driver, very well maintained 4495€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 SEAT CORDOBA, 2000, 1.9 LTR Diesel, Spanish LHD, Metallic blue, 4 door saloon, electric windows, climate control, good reliable budget car. 3495€ www. venuscars.com 965 368 274 FORD FOCUS ESTATE,2004 Ambiente, 1.6 Ltr petrol, Silver, Spanish LHD, FSH, CD Player, Elec Windows, Air Con, Roof Bars, Excellent condition throughout. 5495€ www.
Man with a Van •Removals •Drop offs •Pick Ups
Call 603 108 778
venuscars.com 965 368 274 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF, 2002, 1.4 Ltr petrol, 5 door hatch, Spanish LHD, silver, CD player/ MP3 player, all round electric windows, climate control, electric mirrors and alloys 4995€ www. venuscars.com 965 368 274 TOYOTA LANDCRUISER, Colorado 3 Ltr D4D Auto, 4X4, 7 Seater, Spanish registered, RHD, 5 doors, FSH, air con, tow bar and all the usual Toyota refinements. 6995€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 CITROEN XSARA, 2003, 1.6 Ltr petrol Automatic, Spanish LHD, 5 door hatchback, silver, CD player, climate control, electric windows. 4995€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 HEADLIGHTS4U.COM Left hand drive headlights supplied and fitted. All makes. Also air conditioning rechargeTel:-966877-145 or 618-592-396 BUMPERS, WINGS AND MIRRORS All body panels for all cars supplied. Tel:-966-877-145 or 618-592-396 WANTED Scrap cars, vans, lorries, plant and caravans. Turn your scrap into cash. From Valencia to Alicante. Free collection. Tel: 689-929-395 FORD FIESTA A.4 TDCI, 2005 75,000km. Four door, white, reliable, economical and nippy. Excellent condition and two year ITV, 4,450€. Phone 661-403-016. REEM CLEANING SERVICES
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the Costa Blancas cheapest car valeting service for Benidorm and surrounding areas! Inside and outside clean ONLY 20€! Be Inspired.... and call the REEM TEAM today on 646-619-466. See our Facebook page by searching for REEM CLEANING SERVICES. ANY GOOD CONDITION cars wanted for cash. From year 2000, must have Air Con. Tlf:605-369921. 9am - 9pm WANTED I buy any car, van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com
NEW IN LA ZENIA Horny, slim, nice woman, 35. So caring and passionate. All the fantasies. Wonderful 4 hand massage and much more. Close to Consum. 600784461 PASSIONATE MATURE ARGENTINEAN woman, 44. Elegant, full of sensuality, erotic sensitive massage and more. Private. Cabo Roig opposite health center.10 mts Torrevieja. 617709701 DAVID TORREVIEJA 24 years old, gym body, very sexy and hot, come see for yourself! for men and couples, call me 678179616 GENERIC VIAGRA The safe little blue pill. Tel Tony 638 352 129 from 10am to 5pm
ACE AUTOS
British & Spanish used car sales VILLA MARTIN TORREVIEJA 03 SUZUKI WAGON R 5 DOOR A/C P/S E/W CLEAN 98 NISSAN TERRANO 4X4 TURBO DIESEL A/C C.D. 94 SAAB 900 CONVERTIBLE P/ROOF ALLOYS AUTO 99 SEAT AROSA P/S E/W CLEAN CAR RUNS WELL RHD 99 HYUNDAI ACCENT 1.3 LOW KMS A/C V/CLEAN 00 HYUNDAI ATOS RED 5 DOOR A/C E/W P/S 99 OPEL TIGRA A/C NEW PAINT ALLOYS LOW KMS 98 SUZUKI VITARA AUTOMATIC SOFT/TOP 03 DEAWOO MATIZ 5 DOOR A/C P/S E/W V/CLEAN 00 OPEL CORSA DIESEL 5 DOOR V.LOW KMS 96 SEAT CORDOBA 1.9 DIESEL 4 DOOR A/C P/S 98 FORD MONDEO 1,8 GHIA A/C P/S E/W V/CLEAN 01 HYUNDAI ACCENT 1,3 5 DOOR P/S CLEAN CAR U.K. CARS 96 FORD MONDEO AUTOMATIC, FITTED TOW/BAR 97 SUZUKI VITARA 4 DOOR AUTOMATIC V/LOW MLS
3,500€ 2,950€ 1,950€ 950€ 1,750€ 2,450€ 2,750€ 2,750€ 3,500€ 2,950€ 1,950€ 1,950€ 1,950€ 650€ 750€
MANY MORE CARS IN STOCK ALL WITH NEW ITV/MOT´S P/X ON MOST CARS. Tel: 620 738 023 10am to 5pm FIND US NEAR NEW MERCADONA. PUEBLO PRINCIPE, VILLA MARTIN
Cars wanted for cash LHD/RHD
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ENGLISH LADY 42 Provides various services. Torrevieja. 666 376 887 ELEGANT SEXY SLIM Lady escort available. Home, Hotel, Villa. Region Calpe to Torrevieja. La Manga. Mazzaron. Tel 693 357 526 SPANISH LADY PLAYA FLAMENCA near new Carrefour before La Florida. 35 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking. Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, economical prices from 40€. Full discretion. Call Ana 680-735-412 TORREVIEJA TRANS EDUARDA stunning blonde, huge breasts, sculptural body, espaciality erotic massage, very femanine and sexy www.hisparelax.com/eduarda TLF:671-424-456 LADIES: enjoy a Friendly and Erotic Spanking in your own home, NO FEES, 666 613 468, headmaster@live.co.uk GENERIC VIAGRA safe and effective, live a full love life again, call Ron 966-499-204
FELLAS! Do you have a problem getting up in the morning, or at any other time? If so you need THE DIAMOND SHAPED BLUE PILL, Quesada and surrounding area. ring Derek 685-207-378 GAY/BI BANK MANAGER To handle your sperm deposits, withdraws. Call the Sperm Bank on Tlf:-660-409-206 NAKED HANDYMAN Description: have your odd jobs carried out with a difference,hourly rate or daily rate tlf: 634327301 ARE YOU MALE, FEMALE OR A COUPLE? Need some Sexy FUN? Contact me soonest. 63 year old Dom/Sub switch. Available for fun with Males, Dom and Sub and Cross Dressers, Females Dominatrix and Submissive. Couples including Same Sex Couples. “Anything Goes” Can sometimes accomodate. Home Visits no extra Charge/Low Fees. Call me now on 655-058-554 NEW PLACE! TORREVIEJA Sexy girls from South America. Come and enjoy, economical prices from 40?. NEW ADDRESS Zone Los Locos beach. 682-776068 CASA ANGELA TORREVIEJA Luxury Private Chalet, parking. Drinks invitation. Feeling alone? Just want some company? Exotic girls from South America. Call us, come and enjoy! Also Escort Service. Full discretion. Street: Avenida Asociacion Vistimas del Terrorismo. 609-573-468 or 639832-118 GORGEOUS ENGLISH BLOND 45 years, Massage, 1 hour or over night, 15 mins Alicante airport. Tel:-Karen 662-049-021 TORREVIEJA CHINESE SUPER SEXY Young and beautiful. Calle Orihuela Nº60, 2º1
POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired. Professional, consciencious service to the highest standards. Refurbishments and upgrades undertaken. Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems, ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed. All work guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 15 years experience. 8 years served on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966774-199 or 678-080-500 www. pristineswimmingpools.com SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965-725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743-048 www.pooltechspain.com
MOBILE/PARK HOMES on Camping Pueblo in San Javier from 15.000€ Tlf Carol 968-192425 mob 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com
BENIMELI (ORBA VALLEY) 4 bed modern town house. unfurnished, 2 baths. Full aircon/ heating.135m2 close village pool and all amenities. 96 558 7192 adamben8512000@yahoo.co.uk LARGE COUNTRY HOUSE in secluded location. 5 beds 4 Baths heated pool.Close to all amenities Long term rental, price negotiable. Tel 966896588 2 FULLY FURNISHED 1 bed garden apartments in La Nucia, sleeps 4, private pool, BBQ, Sky. Tel: Dave 634328679 A LOVELY CONCHITA VILLA for long term rent Rojales Hills. three double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, air con, own pool, fully furninshed to a high standard, 650€ per month phone 666052912 TO RENT LARGE UNIT IN LA ZENIA Rent or For sale. Up to 216m2, 1 or 2 units. First line in La Zenia to N332, close to beach. 657964702 1 BED PART FURNISHED bungalows on Camping Pueblo in San Javier with lots of ameneties
Tlf Carol 968-192-425 mobile 626-055-622 BRAND NEW TWO BED FLAT In Algorfa, partly furnished, town centre, communal pool.350euro inclusive . No bills to pay. Ring:0044-7949-589-539
For Sale - An immaculate 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom upper level apartment in a complex with two infinity pools, a bar and a restaurant. Fabulous mountain and valley views. Benitachell €117,000 Call now Tel 965 743 186 For Sale – A deceptively spacious 2 bedroom villa on a sought after development with a communal pool.,Moraira €160,000 Call now Tel 965 743 186 FOR SALE 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Detached Villa with private pool and great potential. €260,000 Tel 965 743 186 FOR SALE 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Detached villa on a corner plot, close to amenities. €199,500 Tel 965 743 186 For Sale NEW TO MARKET A 6 bedroom 6 bathroom Country Property beautifully restored in Jalon with fantastic country views only, €500,000 Call now Tel 965 743 186 For Sale NEW TO MARKET A 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment in Toscamar, easy reach of the Arenal in Javea only, €155,000 Call now Tel 965 743 186 For Sale – 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Apartment close to all amenites and beaches, with secured parking and storage. Denia, €155,000 Call now Tel 965 743 186 For Sale – 4 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Detached Villa with guest suite and mountain views. Pego €485,000 Call now Tel 965 743 186
2 bedroom, 1 bathroom ground floor apartment in excellent La Florida location, overlooks communal pool. Only €74,995 Contact Jamie 647 451 946 Los Altos, Lovely 2 bedroom 1st floor apartment with solarium, close to amenities, sold furnished. Only €79,995 Contact Jamie 647 451 946 Stunning 2 bedroom top floor apartment with solarium and rear garden in Villamartin, excellent condition Only €94,995 Contact Jamie 647 451 946 Fantastic large 3 bedroom apartment with stunning views of golf course and the coast Only €129,995 Contact Jamie 647 451 946 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom ground floor apartment with garden and garage only 50 metres from the sea in Cabo Roig. Sold fully furnished. 105,000 EUR. Call Jamie on 647451946. Fantastic 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom ground floor apartment with large garden and private swimming pool in Campoamor. Open fireplace and air conditioning. Sold fully furnished. 100,000 EUR. Call Jamie on 647451946 Large quality built 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom first floor corner apartment over looking the pool in Villamartin. Sold fully furnished for only 105,000 EUR. Call Jamie on 647451946. 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom corner townhouse only a couple of minutes walk to Cala Capitan beach in Cabo Roig. Sold fully furnished and only 139,000 EUR. Call Jamie on 647451946.
MOVE IT NOW Removals & Deliveries to Spain/Uk/Spain www.moveitnow.co.uk Ring 0044(0)1209311123 or Spain 600247535 LARGE EMPTY VAN experienced owner driver UK regulary/local,
Playa Flamenca, call Mel on 966848-607 mobile: 603-192-957 or email melvyynleo@yahoo.com MICK WITH HIS VAN Removals Collections Deliveries. For a reliable effective service. Hourly rate or quote. Call Mick anytime 600-247-535 MAN & LWB SPRINTER VAN going to UK- Spain twice a month. Tel: 610-846-260 or 00447519-186-355 email:-van.man@ hotmail.co.uk
TRANSLATOR/INTERPRATOR Benidorm bi-lingual Spanish/ English Translation decuments, letters, visits-medical, townhall, tax, MOT. Economical rates. petergeorge123@gmail.com Tlf:698-278-589 TRANSLATOR Spanish and English speaking. Available for medical visits etc. Benidorm and surrounding areas. Tel Dawn: 626-337-258.
COMPUTER TUTOR Software training, ebusiness education, website publishing, photography, videography and more DIY tips and tricks for all of your business and personal needs. Karla Darocas - certified instructor since 1990. Tel: 96 597 3234 info@ KarlaDarocas.com Referrences - www.KarlaDarocas.com
CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV for all your digital and TV requirements. No Annual Fees on Sky Cards. Steve:-660-186-505/Ros:-965584-097. www.ccsattv.com info@ ccsattv.com
TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical,
Household Goods and Bric-a-brac into Cash. Anything! Anywhere! 965-319-220/618-165-877 WANTED 3M X 3M (or bigger!) Metal Market Stall Frame. Altea (North Benidorm) Tlf:-691-202307 GOLD WANTED!! English Jeweller, will buy for cash, broken or unwanted gold jewellery and coins. Tlf:Peter-664-890-990
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
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29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
The final whistle With Andy Kay
RTN Golf Club update
www.andykayevents.com
McCoist’s McExcuses! Dennis Jordan NORTH REGION
Mike Probert SOUTH REGION
ALLY MCCOIST is learning quickly as a manager. The former Scotland striker, who took over as Rangers boss when Walter Smith retired at the end of last season, is going down the well-worn route of switching the blame from his players and onto other parties to camouflage his team’s on-pitch problems. After the opening season game with Hearts, which ended in a disappointing 1 – 1 home draw, McCoist’s immediate reaction was that he needed to strengthen his squad. Just quite what he’s been doing in the off-season then remains a mystery. Isn’t that when you are supposes to sign new players so they have a chance to bed in before the competitive season starts? Now, after the midweek home loss to Malmo in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, McCoist has let it emerge that he’s in dispute with the BBC and won’t be talking to any of their football journalists until he receives an apology following the showing of a TV documentary which he says portrays him in a bad light (remind you of another Scottish manager by the way?) He may have a point but the real story is this: Rangers have played twice this season and haven’t been very good. Perhaps McCoist should concentrate on that rather than cranking up a dispute against his former TV employers. ENGLAND EYE UP TOP SPOT By the time you read this, the second Test between England and India will be underway and who knows what path it will have already taken. However, following the first Test at Lords, we can safely come to one conclusion and it is this: England is a very, very good side. When Australia ruled the roost, their players had a happy knack of performing when it mattered. If one batsman failed, another would score a century. If one bowler’s radar was off, another steamed in to take a five-for. England are now in that zone and while Kevin Pietersen was named as man of the match, it was the bowlers who were really on song. Rather like the bowling unit of England’s successful 2005 Ashes squad, they hunt as a pack and if one doesn’t get you, the other one will. Ending up as the number one team in the world following the four match series is still very much on the cards. DANVERS DOWNED Back in 2008, Tasha Danvers won a bronze medal for Great Britain in the 400m hurdles at the Beijing Olympic Games. Since then, she’s endured an injury nightmare which saw her miss most of 2009 and race just once in 2010. It’s now been announced that she will miss the World Championships in Daegu next month. However, don’t write Danvers off. Her medal in 2008 was unexpected and I reckon a repeat performance from this tenacious and brave athlete in London next year is still very much a possibility. She may be 33, but she remains a rare talent and I sincerely hope she makes it to the start line in Stratford next summer.
Murcia Golf Hound Murcia Region
I MUST say that the courses here on the Costa Blanca are in Golf Course RTN Price Comments great condition considering the heat. Some good offers have at last come through (see price list), with lots of courses giving Alenda 2x1 offer 12pm – 4pm inc Buggy €89 free buggies with the 2 x 1 offers that will certainly help in this 2x1offer 12pm – 4pm inc Buggy Alicante Golf €69 weather. €59 All Day: 2x1 offer inc Buggy Make sure you take plenty of water or liquids out there with Bonalba you on the course: we have had a lot of players out last week Don Cayo €43 Single Green fee and you would be surprised at the number of golfers that don’t El Plantio €45 Single Green fee inc Buggy go out stocked up with enough liquids. Players in, say, AmerFont del Llop €74 All Day: 2x1 offer inc Buggy ica and other countries that are totally geared up with drinks machines and Buggy Bars around the courses think it is going Villaitana Par 62 €29 Single Green fee inc Buggy to be the same here, but alas not – don’t under estimate the Villa Aitana Par 72 €69 Single Green fee inc Buggy power of the heat guys and of course it can affect your game! Slap on the sun lotion and take a hat and drinks. For more information email Dennis at If you would like to book any of the great 2x 1 offers email us dennis@roundtownnews.com or direct to at rtngolfnorth@gmail.com or call 630 714 373. www.benidormgolf.com on 630 714 373. Enjoy your games…
MANY OF the courses in the region are quiet at the Golf Course RTN Price moment but with prices at their lowest why not load up Vistabella €56 the buggy with clubs and plenty of water and play some La Manga €104 excellent golf at affordable prices? This week I took the opportunity to play Vistabella and La Serena €75 I must say that the course is in excellent condition and Polaris World Courses €92 is especially good value, particularly under the terms of Roda €78 their 50% discount terms for repeat games offer. In the south of the region the Olagolf course at Mar Las Colinas €82 Menor is in very good condition and well worth a visit. La Peraleja €76 The deal at La Finca of only €164 for 4 players and 2 Olagolf Courses €90 buggies continues popular as does the deal at Altorreal For more information contact Mike at at only €55 for 2 players and buggy.
Comments 2 PL and 1 Buggy (weekend pm) 2 PL and 1 Buggy 2 PL and 1 Buggy 2 PL and 1 Buggy 2 PL and 1 Buggy 2 PL and Buggy (from3pm) 2 PL and 1 Buggy 2 PL and 1 Buggy
mike@roundtownnews.com or direct at Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931.
WITH EXCELLENT uptake on the Twilight offers at La Manga Club, I felt a review of the North Course was in order for this week’s column. Often perceived as the easiest of the three golf courses at La Manga Club, the North Course is by no means easy. With barrancas coming into play in on eleven holes, Tee Shot strategy is important. Though not the longest course, the North Course Greens are truly Championship in size, pace and undulation. Avoiding 3 putts is key to good scoring here. Overall, the aesthetic of the North Course is very pleasing. With a greater elevation change than the South Course, there are some fantastic vistas down towards the Mar Menor to be enjoyed. The liberal sprinkling of Palm and Pines also adds to some well-presented Tee Shots and framed greens. Watch out for the wind direction when you come to play; the Levante and Lebeche winds can play havoc, especially on the Par 3, 4th hole with out of bounds down the left. The North Course at La Manga Club is a very strong test of golf that will reward you for your good play and definitely test you for any errant shots. Well worth playing, and by no means inferior to the South Course.
Golf Course
RTN Price
Comments
La Envia
€33
Single Green fee
Alborán
€35
Single Green fee
Cortijo Grande
€29
Single Green fee
Almerimar
€42
Single Green fee
Aguilon
€40
Single Green fee
Desert Springs
€60
Single Green fee
Valle del Este
€90
2 Single Green fee+ buggy
La Manga Club
€52
1 Green Fee (Twilight)
La Manga Club
€104
2 Green Fees+Buggy
For more information contact the Hound on Facebook, twitter: murciagolf@roundtownnews.com or 651 045 700.
ANYONE FOR FOOTBALL? Aged between 20 to 40 ? Torrevieja area Call Doug on 628 789 335
Slow or correct? Noel’s world of golf By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Campo de Golf El Plantio 639 730 891
EIGHTEEN HOLES of golf here in Spain take longer than anywhere in the United Kingdom. Virtually all golf courses here allow certain amounts of time to play par threes, par fours and par fives. Often for nine holes of golf the allotted time will be somewhere between two hours and ten minutes and two hours and twenty five minutes. These times have been worked out by the golf clubs over a number of years and in most cases will be reasonably accurate. Many will be aghast that nine holes of golf should take so long compared to back in their home courses and blame ‘the foreigners’ for being what they consider slow. Well I have news for the people who think like that: the so-called ‘foreigners’ think it’s we British that are slow. Just think back to a society day you have played in recently. How long did it take to complete nine holes? Who did you blame, the others on the golf course? Just ask yourself another question: how long did your slowest group take to complete the eighteen holes? I would not mind betting it was somewhere in the region of five hours. Many times I have played in the group immediately behind a society meeting and witnessed first hand how slow some can be. Most of the delays seem to stem from people who leave buggies or trolleys in the wrong place or are not ready to play when it is their turn. All could easily be avoided. How many times have you stood on the tee ready to go with glove on hand and club selected waiting for someone to get into the same state of readiness you are in even though they have the honour? A little thinking ahead would undoubtedly help ease the frustrations of many golfers who write or speak to me about the length of time it takes for a round of golf. Many will not play the game because it takes so long - in some
29 Jul - 04 aug 2011
cases I cannot blame them. I must explain to you that I don’t want to run around the golf course and I find four to four and a half hours for eighteen holes as a relaxing and enjoyable pace but I am amongst the vast majority that feels five or more hours is unacceptable. So maybe a little thinking could see even more people enjoy our sport? 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 29TH JULY 2011 The R & A are considering taking The Open back to Northern Ireland. Which golf course are they considering? A. Royal Portrush B. Royal County Down C. Portmarnock All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 30th July 2011 to be entered into July’s draw, to be made on 31st July. The winner will be announced in RTN on 5th August 2011. NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY AT EL PLANTIO For the very best in golf coaching, contact Noel on 639 730 891.
Any questions you have for Noel should be sent to golf@roundtownnews.com
RTN Golf School Start & Go Course Duration of the course will be 8 hours over 2, 3 or 4 days according to the students requirements. We may be able to take the course over a period of 2 or 3 weeks. Aimed at beginners and those who want to come back to golf this course is aimed at getting people to fully understand the basics required to play golf on a full size golf course. Minimum number of participants: 3 Maximum number of peopl: 8 Cost 225€ per person Advanced Course Duration of the course will be over 3 or 4 days according to the students requirements. Aimed at those who have some experience of golf and want to improve. The participants will have a handicap. All aspects of the game will be covered including a playing lesson
over 9 holes. Minimum number of participants: 3 Maximum number of people: 6 Cost 280 Euros per person Licence Course Duration of the course will be 5 hours over 2 days Aimed at people who do not have an official handicap or Real Federacion Espaniola de Golf licence. The course will cover the basic technical aspects of the game and etiquette. Includes 9 holes of golf on the championship course at El Plantio under The Rules of Golf. Minimum number of people: 2 Maximum number of people: 4 Cost 200€ per person All courses include unlimited range balls for the duration of the course. Call 639 730 891 or email golf@roundtownnews.com
Out with the old and in with the new… The AGM of FC TorryFans (Independent Supporters’ Club) last Wednesday, 20th July, saw fans take the unprecedented step of turning their backs of FC Torrevieja and electing instead to support another local football club who play football three levels below Torrevieja. At the same time, club members voted to change the name of their supporters’ club as they no longer felt they wanted to have anything to do with FC Torrevieja. This all came about due to what the supporters’ club members felt was an ‘illegal takeover’ of the club last season. This episode has been well documented, but it did split the fan base down the middle and resulted in a drastic reduction in the attendance figures at Vicente Garcia Stadium. At the AGM, the members voted to retain all last seasons’ committee members, as follows: President: Eduardo (Eddie) Manuel Cagigao Souto Vice-Presidents: Frederick Griggs and Michael Hewison
General Secretary: Alex Dunn, Treasurer: Howard Yeats Membership: Penny Willits, Social: Roger and Pauline Waller Website: Nick Edwards After lengthy discussion the members also voted to change the name of the club to the ‘Internacional (BC) Football Supporters’ Club, supporting local town side, Club Deportivo Montesinos, which plays in the 2nd Regional Division where, last season, they finished in 6th place. At the AGM, the President explained that although the members had asked the committee to try to set up a NEW club based in Torrevieja, this proved impossible because the local Torrevieja Council blocked this happening. After the elections, it appears the sports councillor had a very quick change of heart and did a complete U-turn on the subject: Guillem was also told that the Council would NOT support any new football club in Torrevieja. So having been snubbed by the Torrevieja Council, this left the
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Fishing Maggots End by
David Hoare
968 199 279
For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk THIS WEEK’S competition was the final match in the Summer League series: the venue was the Rio Segura at Murcia. The river is still well up and pushing through, it seems never ending… Goodness knows how many millions of gallons of water have been flushed through the Segura system and out to the sea; it has been running like this for almost six months. One day, it will return to normal! For those who know the venue, the best weights came from up near the Crystal Bridge, with only 9 kilos being the best weight up to the road bridge. TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st Ian (Irish Wizard) Dalzell fishing the feeder using pellet with 23.40 kilos 2nd Stan (The Man) Roberts fishing the pole using paste with 18.24 kilos 3rd Bill (The Master) Reade fishing the pole using paste with 17.32 kilos OVERALL WINNERS OF THE SERIES 1st Lenny Bolton with 15 points 2nd Dave Hutchinson with 17 points 3rd Bill Reade with 20 points ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied by Terry Screen The 4th round match of the Summer Series was fished at Argos on the 19th July. The water is now receding and is down about four feet, making the pegs in the trees fishable. It is also very clear with little signs of any fry, although it is possible that the fish may be spawning a second time, as the males were leaking milt in the nets when being caught. On the whole it was a good day with a cool breeze, and Ian Dalzell fished Pole and hemp up in the water for Barbel to win the match. He has mastered this technique which others must learn if anyone is going to be able to compete with him, as the Barbel seem to be taking over in the Summer months. 1st Ian (The Irish Wizard) Dalzell with 34.020kg fishing pole and hemp up in the
water 2nd Stan (The Man) Roberts with 31.120kg fishing feeder and hemp up in the water 3rd Terry (Swing ‘Em) Screen with 24.300kg fishing pole paste and hemp up in the water All details available from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368. Anglers Together MEMBERS RECENTLY had a fishing trip to Murcia on the River Segura which was enjoyed by all: Winner; David Hoare, Second; Alan Roscoe, Third: John Theaker. Another friendly match is planned for the autumn. 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 9th September at 12pm. On Saturday 10th September at 12pm 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. Refreshments and lunch are available at each location: come along to a meeting nearest to you. No meetings are held in August. For further details ring Alan Roscoe 96 857 0876 or email: anglerstogether@hotmail. co.uk (Please note the NEW EMAIL ADDRESS). If anyone has emailed to our previous address (@ gonuts4free) please resend to our new address as we have not been receiving messages.
supporters’ club with very few options. What was clear was that most of the members did not want to return to the Vicente Garcia Stadium, and finally decided to support a new side – CD Montesinos, who have welcomed us with open arms. It is still early days in this joint venture, but there are clearly things that, ‘The Full Monte’, as some of its members are already calling the new supporters’ club, will be able to assist CD Montesinos with, and over the next few weeks there will be plenty of meetings between both sets of committees, as well as a forthcoming BBQ at the Los Montesinos ground as both groups get to know each other. A brand new Forum has already been set up at www.cbfootyfans. com and a new website will follow shortly. For additional information about CD Montesinos and the new supporters’ club, please contact us at: thefullmonte2011@hotmail.com