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Issue 630

This issue marks the 200th article

by RTN lawyers Thank you from all at RTN for keeping our readers up to date with important and timely legal information.

Read this week’s W&B article on Page 25 and see their advert every week on Page 2.

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Food for thought

by Jack Troughton

Mervyn and Debbie

BRITISH expats and holidaymakers are the sole source of funding for a successful scheme distributing food parcels to families in need in a Marina Alta town.

Approaching its first anniversary, more than 15,000€ has been donated to the Salvation Army’s Food Programme filling thousands of food parcels – packed with basic foodstuffs and toiletries, including vital baby formula milk and nappies.

Mervyn and Debbie Saunders launched the programme in December 2010 from the Salvation Army Church in Denia – the only English-speaking Sally Army church on the Spanish mainland.

The couple explained the programme was started after talks with a town hall solicitor and social services. Currently 18 families are receiving weekly help, referred to the scheme by the town hall.

They took over running a weekly Songs of Praise at the Port Denia Hotel after they arrived at the church – a service modelled on the television programme and open to expats as well as SAGA holidaymakers staying at the hotel.

Mervyn said it was decided to use money from a retiring collection – as well as other donations from expats, other church congregations, and charities – to fund the food distribution project, part of the church’s outreach work.

“I said the donations were not for the Salvation Army but for the neediest in Denia,” he explained. “Over night the collection tripled.

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Social workers go on strike

WORKERS AT the commercial home help service company ASER in Benidorm have called a 12-day strike in protest against non-payment of salaries.

The strike is to commence 21st November and continue until 2nd December. The strikers that provide care for the disabled have not received pay

checks for September nor October and are at the end of their patience, owed a total amount of between 140,000€ and 150,000€.

The union CCOO says that ASER paid employees are already on pitifully low incomes, earning an average of between 500€ and 600€ per month yet despite

Continued from front page “I am told by social services that there are 1,700 families in Denia needing help, so we are only able to touch the tip of the iceberg.

“We wanted to do it ourselves because we wanted the contact with people – we went to social services and said we wanted genuine people in need.”

Debbie said the scheme started small – helping first one family and then four. “As we got more money we asked for more referrals.”

INTERNATIONAL And an international band of people have been aided by the food programme – Spanish, South Americans, Russian, French, German, Romanian, North Africans and British.

Debbie explained that the food was distributed weekly to enable them to spend time with the families – each being given a 15 minute ‘slot’ at the church in Calle San Jose.

“They come in to collect the food and have a drink and we talk through their problems,” she said. “If they have medical, emotional or marital problems, they tell us and we have built up a relationship with them.”

The programme costs up to 400€ a week to run, between 20€ and 30€ being spent to feed an average family of three And of the 18 families currently being helped, there are a

ASER protestors last month

their limited earnings are still the main source of household economy – the union considers it outrageously unfair that these workers should be exposed to “even harder economic difficulties” as a result of non-payment of wages.

An Arbitration Tribunal has been called in.

total of 83 people including 35 children – family size varies, one is a family of eight made up of four generations, all living in the same apartment.

RECORDS Meticulous records are kept of family needs and income and expenditure – there are cases of the Salvation Army team having to buy a gas canister because a young mum has no hot water to wash her children or clothes.

Mervyn said people had come to the Costa Blanca looking for a better way of life but had been hit by the economic crisis and found it difficult to secure work.

Debbie added: “We find people are very grateful and are not grabbing – they are very appreciative of what we are doing.

“We develop relationships with these people, they can tell us what is going on in their families and all the families have become friends which is another support network.”

She said sometimes they provided ‘one off’ food parcels.

“We do not turn people away but will not give another parcel unless they are referred to us by social services.”

Mervyn and Debbie are currently packing to return to the UK but the programme will continue under Captains Santi and Sandra Carreno, who arrived in Denia in September.

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Study reveals ‘scandalous’ regional inequalities in Spanish health cover

by Jan Gamm IN THE study, ‘Medical Demography 2011’ presented on Thursday by the Medical Profession Forum Aragon has more than double the medical public health services of Catalonia with twice the number of public health doctors for every thousand inhabitants. The differences are described as “outrageous.”

The entitlement to healing, deemed to be equal across all Spanish provinces, has become “fragmented” in seventeen departments, it was announced in a press conference by the president of the Medical College (WTO), Juan Jose Rodriguez Sendín.

LOCATION, LOCATION The study reveals that in Spain there is no shortage of doctors but their distribution is uneven throughout the state

meaning that the standard of care is dependent upon location.

Aragon, with 270.31 per hundred thousand inhabitants, is the community in Spain with the greatest number of doctors against Catalonia at the bottom of the scale with a pitiful 128.66, according to 2008 data.

Rodriguez Sendin pointed out that the Aragonese have the right number of doctors per user but they are concentrated in one area with Zaragoza, Huesca and Teruel left largely unattended, and with no system in place to correct the situation.

UNFAIR In Spain there are more than enough doctors to serve the state but they are unevenly and “unfairly” distributed geographically – and even greater differences may be observed for medical specialists.

Location lottery for health care

Driving on ‘auto-pilot’ in Spain ONE IN four Spanish drivers admit to driving on ‘autopilot’ or ‘subconsciously’, without paying full attention to the road, according to a study by Attitudes, Social Responsibility program (CSR) Audi in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Barcelona.

The study, aptly entitled ‘How did I get here?’ reveals that 75% of Spanish drivers acknowledge that they drive ‘subconsciously’ with 6% declaring that they drive this way “almost always!”

77% of the Spanish drivers

interviewed considered their behaviour a risk to road safety but believe their lack of attention does not necessarily mean they will have an accident. 85% of were in favour of vehicles incorporating safety systems to detect drivers’ reduced attention.

A higher percentage of men (25%) than women (22%) drive subconsciously. Regionally, the Madrid community is the worst culprit, followed by the Basque Country and Murcia. Galicia, Extremadura and Aragon are those with fewer episodes of driving on ‘auto-pilot’.

The crisis wipes out half a million businesses CEPYME PRESIDENT and vice president of the CEOE, Jesus Plywood, has reported that in the last four years a staggering 500,000 companies have been wiped out by the economic recession, of which 200,000 were mostly SMEs and the rest, about 300,000 stand-alone businesses. In the month of August a further 17,000 companies closed their doors. Plywood commented that one of the most serious problems facing businesses is the slowness of government entities to pay contractors (average collection time approaching an outrageous 500 days) along with the failure of the banks.

Costa wasteland FRUSTRATED FAMILIES are living in a Costa Blanca wasteland because essential infrastructure for their urbanisation was never completed.

Graham in the street outside his home

by Jack Troughton Perched on a hillside overlooking the sea and Villajoyosa, 75 homes exist on builder’s electricity and water – and they are being threatened the utilities will be cut off - while raw sewage frequently overflows from two holding tanks.

And along with five other urbanisations on Montiboli, residents must negotiate mud tracks and walkways because promised roads and pavements have never been completed, although street signs have been erected.

Graham and Joyce Dickenson contacted RTN in desperation to appeal for help after six years “of getting fobbed off all the time.”

They bought their two-bedroom home offplan in 2003 but delays meant they were not able to move in until August 2005.

TRUST “We had to pay the money although there was no paperwork, no notary, nothing. We took them on trust that everything would be done,” said Graham.

“The builder put us on his water and electricity supply. He said in a short period of time everything would be done but six years later we are still in the same position.”

Graham said the builder was now threatening to cut the supple unless a bill for 400,000€ was paid.

He said although there was no certificate of habitation the council had given permission

for people to move into their new homes. “My escitura says the builder will do everything pertaining to the certificate of habitation - which is the full infrastructure and water and electricity.

“We don’t mind paying for water and electricity but we want to do it officially through Iberdrola and the water company.”

RENT He added: “We are in the position of possibly having to go back to the UK or looking for somewhere to rent here if we are cut off.”

He said all the residents were “very frustrated” and had been told the Villajoyosa Town Hall was to adopt the urbanisation and complete the work. “All we are ever told is it will be started within three months but nothing ever happens.”

And Graham said the residents’ emergency fund was now 17,000€ in debt spent emptying the sewage tanks so there was no cash for a lawyer.

“And the problem is not everyone lives here full time and not everyone will pay – solicitors are expensive,” he added.

“But a solicitor has said we will have a good chance if we sue both the builder and the council.”

Graham said the home was planned to be a stepping stone to a traditional Spanish finca but they felt trapped. “It is just like we are going around in circles and we really need some advice.”

‘Magic’ shoes from Elda THE NEW concept of odour-free footwear that can also incorporate a favourite fragrance such as mint, apple, rose, eucalyptus or raspberry has been developed in Spain’s ‘shoe central’ Elda.

The technology promotes foot hydration and regeneration, ensuring comfort throughout a long day. The feet stay within a safe temperature without suffering the effects of heat or cold.

And the shoes can also change colour depending on the light they are exposed to.

All this and more will be possible very soon thanks to advances in nanotechnology made

by Elda company Inescop – the result of a pioneering line of research began in 2005 and now entering its testing phase prior to marketing in 2012.

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English tourism key to 2012 season

by Jan Gamm AT THE World Travel Market Exhibition that opened on Tuesday this week at ExCeL and closed on Thursday, London’s Spanish Tourist Office confirmed that Spain remains the UK’s favourite tipple when it comes to rest and recreation.

Cash-strapped Britain continues to prefer to vacation in Spain, largely on the Costas, seeking that winning and unbeatable combination of sun, sand and value for money and taking full advantage of package deals combining direct flights and accommodation bargains.

SAFE Hotel association Hosbec representatives attending the show highlighted the reservation levels that have enjoyed a 20% increase over 2010, attributed to the late spring weather, the safe holiday environment and an outstanding effort on the part of the hospitality industry in Spain to give customers top deals for bottom prices.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME And the Spanish holiday trade is tipped to be better still in 2012 as British holiday makers continue seeking out Spanish destinations as the best value over other European destinations, with star act Benidorm the leading contender as usual for family fun in the sun.

World Travel Market

Miss World 2011draws criticism VENEZUELAN BRUNETTE, 21year-old brunette Colmenares Ivian Lunasol Sarcos, has been chosen Miss World from more than one hundred entrants in the 61st pageant held at Earl’s Court in London last weekend.

Incredibly, the new Miss World, one of 13 siblings, was orphaned at eight, spent five years studying at a nunnery and intended to become a nun before her life took a somewhat different direction…

Feminist critics London Feminist

Network, Object and Feminist UK were furious that the event was staged in London again, slamming the competition as an affront to feminine dignity. The organisers strongly defended the pageant, saying that it was no longer about looking good in a swimsuit and that contestants were perfectly able to make up their own minds whether they wished to enter.

Spain’s representative Carla Garcia was knocked out after being selected in the final 15.

Spanish helicopter attacked in Afghanistan

A SPANISH helicopter based in Herat in Afghanistan came under heavy fire and was forced to land in Ludina for repairs to its hydraulic system after sustaining several hits. None of the crew was injured. The aircraft has been shot several times with no consequences during a flight mission. According to the Ministry of Defence, the helicopter was on a flight mission between Herat and Bala Murghab. The helicopter was on a reconnaissance flight with another aircraft of the same detachment.

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Villajoyosa dims its Christmas lights

THE CITY Council of Villajoyosa has reduced the Christmas Lights budget by a whopping 72%. The Department of Commerce has sliced available cash to 15,000€ compared to the 55,000€ allocated in 2010 to brighten up the streets in the festive season. Councillor of Commerce, Xaro Escrig, explained: “We are aware that we must eliminate any unneces-

sary or dispensable spending. In the case of lighting over Christmas and the Three Kings festivals, we remain immersed in the spirit of economy, reflected in the reduction in spending of 40,000€.” Also, the total lighting of the Christmas season 2011 / 2012 is composed of low-power LEDs to encourage the consumption of less energy and reduce pollution.

Man’s body found near Peñón de Ifach THE BODY of a man aged around 50, thought by his clothing to be a hiker, was discovered on Sunday at around 4pm, caught between the rocks at Fossa Cove near the Peñón de Ifach, Calpe. A call to emergency services at 3.47pm alerted local police and medical services. Initial investigations revealed that the man had been dead for between 24 and 48 hours. Police believe the man may have been hiking or rock climbing and fallen into the sea before being dragged onto the rocks by a storm.

Seaweed litters beaches

Debris at Denia

By Jack Troughton STORM HIT seas have dumped tons of seaweed on Costa Blanca beaches leaving local authorities will a clean-up bill as the remains of the grass Posidonia Oceanica begin to decay. Huge brown mountains of the marine debris are a common sight after high seas but within days begins to smell and also deposits algae on the sand.

In Denia this week it was estimated

contractors would need to remove more than 200 lorry loads of the remains – however, the seaweed, which plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem underwater, also helps protect beaches from the erosion caused by waves.

Denia Town Hall believes some 13,000 tons of debris are dumped on the beaches of the municipality each year – the cost of cleaning the coast an annual problem.

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Traffic chaos Motorists have to add at least ten minutes to their journey

by Louise Clarke TRAFFIC IN Orihuela Costa has descended into chaos this week with the temporary closure of the road bridge over the AP7 that connects Villamartin with La Zenia.

Diversions literally take you to Guardamar and back (well not quite, but it sure feels like that) and unless they know the area well, motorists have to add at least another ten minutes to their journey.

RTN asked the Councillor for the Coast, Bob Houliston, what was occurring during our weekly press briefing on Wednesday. He explained that the reason that the bridge has been closed is due to the fact that an underpass is being built to accommodate traffic to and from the new La Zenia Boulevard Shopping Centre currently under construction. This work will be followed early next year by a dedicated pedestrian footbridge over the motorway so that pedestrians will no longer have to risk life and limb by straddling the carriageway on the existing bridge.

Work started on the bridge last Monday, 7th November and is expected to take a couple of Spanish weeks, before re-opening to traffic - just in time for Christmas!

More pedestrian-friendly areas

By Louise Clarke THE TORREVIEJA Councillor for Infrastructure and Contracts, Javier Montoro, announced this week the start of works to make Calle Torrevejenses Ausentes ‘pedestrian friendly’ road.

These works have been given an investment of €663,184 and have been financed by the Generalitat Valenciana, through their ‘Plan Confianza’. The works are expected to take around five months and so, it is hoped that by the time the

Easter tourists arrive, they will be fully completed. This new pedestrian zone will be connected to the existing Plaza de Oriente and the Waldo Calero Square bringing the area of Torrevieja’s urban centre that is pedestrian ‘friendly’ to 3,000 square metres. The project also includes the installation of new street furniture including bins, benches and bollards, landscaping, ornamental trees and new lighting and the replacement of all types of utility services underground pipe work.

Work has commenced to make more areas friendly to pedestrians

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Photo shoot for association members

Torrevieja becomes a smart city

The Mayors of Torrevieja and Alicante

by Louise Clarke

By Louise Clarke MORE THAN 500 people from over 60 different associations joined together in Torrevieja last week to have their photo taken for a specially commissioned photographic mural, to take pride of place at a forthcoming event to celebrate the municipality’s many and diverse associations.

The event, which will coincide with Associations Day on 4th December, during the Torrevieja fiestas, will also include performances and workshops by the various associations. All associations and organisations are welcome to take part in the event, so if you have not already been asked to get involved, get in touch with Torrevieja Town Hall now.

For more information and to include your association in the event, please contact Graham Knight at the OARI office on 96 570 9023.

THE MAYOR of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolon, has signed a collaboration agreement for the development of a new initiative designed to transfer information between municipalities using the most up to date technology. At a conference on new technologies last week, the development of the ‘Smart Cities’ initiative was discussed, which includes the creation of a network of innovative municipalities.

The Mayor of Torrevieja actively par-

ticipated in this debate alongside the Mayor of Alicante, Sonia Castedo, and both have agreed to trial the ‘Smart City’ concept in order to ascertain whether the project is sustainable and economically viable. This ongoing collaboration will include the sharing of information on the concept, design, development and implementation of this and other projects and it further cements the good relationship between the two cities.

SAFETY The Mayor was also given the oppor-

tunity to speak to the conference about the city’s new traffic and CCTV system, which was introduced earlier this year.

He said: “This was an ambitious and modern project with the main aim of improving road and citizen safety. There are a total of 192 sensors placed on the main streets and squares of the municipality all of which are connected to the municipal communications network.”

He added: “This system places Torrevieja at the forefront in terms of traffic, road and citizen safety, making it one of the best protected cities in Spain.”

Schools feel the pinch as Education Department fails to pay up EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES such as public secondary schools in the province of Alicante are on the brink of bankruptcy and can no longer afford electricity or water, running at dangerously low hygiene levels and in for a cold winter term as temperatures continue to fall. The delay by the Education Department to pay

school’s operating expenses is pushing educational institutions to the wire, now at risk of closure as teaching staff face hardships through non-payment of salaries. And money received for improvement programmes such as student exchange arrangements has been spent on vital water and electricity bills.

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What is the answer to feral cat problems?

by Louise Clarke LAST WEEK RTN published a letter about the problems that some Orihuela Costa residents were having with feral cats living near their homes. We have been inundated with letters from readers who have experienced similar problems, including one from Gwen Harrower, the President of the ‘Asociacion Street Cats’ charity.

This organisation covers the area of Orihuela Costa along with many other areas and Gwen wanted to take the opportunity, through the pages of RTN, to explain to readers about feral cats. She said: “Only last week, my vet was told by Seprona, the animal welfare section of the Guardia Civil, that as far as they were concerned a feral cat is a wild animal and that they will not ask the Local Police to call out Cereco as it costs money.” This, of course, does not that mean people are allowed to harm the cats because there are strict laws which cover cruelty to these animals with large fines, imprisonment or both.

BREED Gwen added: “It is illegal to poison a cat and anyone caught doing so will be prosecuted. There are many people in the area of Orihuela Costa who actually feed feral cats and this is

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not unlawful unless it is done in the street. However, by feeding these cats it means they breed more.”

The positive way forward, according to Gwen, is that a programme of sterilisation should commence in conjunction with the Orihuela Town Hall and RTN will be discussing this with the Councillor for the Coast, Bob Houliston, in the near future. Until then, the sterilisation of feral cats is left to small charities such as ‘Asociacion Street Cats’.

In the past twelve months, the charity has sterilised 310 feral cats in Orihuela Costa and it currently looks after 150 cats/ kittens and 45 dogs.

SQUARE ONE

Funding is a big issue and as a result one urbanisation that had problems with feral cats used community funds for the sterilisation of all the cats on the urbanisation.

Gwen commented: “Since they did that, they have not had a problem. Communities are unaware that to sterilise these cats would probably cost no more than €1 per house.

We wish that we could deal with all of the animals, but that is impossible, so our advice to communities is that they deal with the situation when there are only a few cats, because once it gets up to double figures it is unlikely that you are going to trap all of the cats and you only have

Who shot the robber?

DURING THE terrifying shootout between police and jewellery shop robbers in the centre of Alicante recently one of the thieves was killed by a shot to the head.

During on-going The investigations that included body is a ballistics report it has removed from the emerged that the bullet that killed the robber may scene

not have been from a police agent’s gun. Police began firing at the robbers almost as soon as they arrived on the scene, with bullets flying between the police and the gang. It is now thought that the robber may in fact have been killed in the crossfire by a member of his own gang firing toward the police.

Feral cats

to miss a couple and you are back to square one.”

Meanwhile, another reader came up with a practical solution. She said: “I have dealt with feral cats for years and in my honest opinion, the poor sick cats should be put to sleep. It is much kinder. But to catch a feral cat, you get a basket and leather gloves, go to the vet for a sleeping tablet or two, crush it in a little tuna or whatever, make sure the cat eats it all and when it is dizzy you grab it quickly by the scruff of the neck and put it into the basket. You can then take it to the vet for sterilisation or if it is very ill, to be put out of its misery.”

Muslim outrage in Alicante port THE CANCELLATION of the ferry service from Alicante to Oran due to bad weather forced around 400 Algerians to sleep in the port over the weekend instead of celebrating Eid Al-Kbir (feast of the sheep) at home with their families.

The ferry companies refused the passengers hotel accommodation and many chose to camp in the ferry concourse until Monday when normal service will resume if the weather allows. Eid Al-Kbir is a major festival of Islam. Flared tempers of disgruntled passengers on Saturday evening were calmed by a visit from local police.

The government deputy in Alicante, Jose Perez Grau, advised the shipping company: “All the responsibility is yours. We cannot do anything - just keep the station open for them to stay overnight to watch these people so there are no altercations.”

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Gala ball for Afghan Heroes

by Jack Troughton COSTA BLANCA residents have the chance to support the veterans of the Afghan conflict and servicemen and women who lost their lives in the war by attending a Gala Ball on Saturday 19th November.

The event will raise money for Afghan Heroes, the charity founded to support returning soldiers and the families back in the UK. A formal occasion at Calpe’s Diamante Beach Hotel, 13€ from every 55€ ticket sold will go to the charity.

Afghan Heroes was founded by a “band of mothers” in the aftermath of the worst 24 hours of hostilities in Helman Province during Operation Panther’s Claw.

EVOLVE In July 2009 eight mums gathered at RAF Lynham as the bodies of their sons were repatriated to the UK. They had never met before but decided something good must evolve from the tragedy and Denise Harris, the charity’s founder, recruited the other mums to launch the charity. Marion and Bill Bertham, from Calpe, head a small team organising the ball and are liaising with Denise – who is attending the black tie function.

Marion told RTN: “The charity is a great support to all those brave young men and women who are coming back from Afghanistan.

“The biggest thing at the moment is trying to help during the transition period for the injured – especially the mentally injured – coming out of the Forces and going into specialist hospitals. The charity wants to start a halfway house.”

Marion Bertham flanked by (right) Europa director Maria Jose Sueiras and colleague Sophie Batt

Since it started Afghan Heroes has raised over £600,000 and has spread through the UK and into Europe – run by volunteers and with only one permanent member of staff, 80% of money raised goes to the troops, supporting the injured and the families of those not so lucky.

The Berthams are a military family and Marion decided to hold a “dance” after they lost a grandson Colin in Afghanistan. Two other grandsons are about to return to the conflict while their daughter has also served there, and a son and son-in-law are approaching the end of their military careers.

She demanded and will have red carpet treatment for the guests arriving for the cava and canapés at 7pm on the big night – and everyone will enjoy first class food and entertainment.

Marion also paid tribute to Europa Network and its owner Alan Dobinson for flying out a party of Afghan veter-

ans, their partners, and members of the charity for the ball.

GENEROUS “I cannot thank Alan and all his staff enough. Without him this would not have been possible,” said Marion. “He just said ‘we will cover it all’ – Europa has been so generous.

“It is not going to be a night of ‘give, give, give’ but we hope a lot of fun – although there will be chances to win some great prizes and a small auction.”

Europa has also purchased 40 tickets for its team and guests and join Continental Wealth Management, Victoria Rent a Car, Telitec Communications, and the Diamante Beach Hotel itself in sponsoring the event. A limited number of tickets are still available. For more information or to buy tickets call Karen Webb on 680 138 931 or visit the website www.afghanheroes.es

Drama on first leg of Volvo Ocean Race

Abu Dhabi’s Broken Mast

by Louise Clarke THE VOLVO Ocean Race fleet had an early battering last weekend as the six teams headed into what turned out to be boat-breaking conditions on the first of the race’s nine ocean legs.

With winds of 25 knots just hours after the starting gun fired in Alicante on Saturday and the combination of those winds and a choppy sea, it was a tough first night as the boats began the 6,500 nautical mile first leg to Cape Town.

A crowd of 60,000 watched as Spain’s Crown Prince Felipe fired the gun to set the six boats on their way. And French soccer legend Zinedine Zidane joined Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing on the inshore course, making it a gala start to the first leg, which sees the teams take on the unpredictable Mediterranean, the tidal bottleneck of the Straits of Gibraltar and the strong north easterly trade winds of the North Atlantic. The Doldrums and the south easterly trade winds close to the Brazilian shore have a meteorological slingshot effect that will fire them through the South Atlantic to Cape Town.

TROUBLE But within hours of the race start, two boats had reported serious damage. Team Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing was the first to report that their boat had hit trouble after she had suffered a broken mast. The boat was 30 nautical miles south of Cartagena when the incident happened and the Cartagena search and rescue organisation were on standby to assist if necessary. They had to suspend racing and return to Alicante and a spare mast was rushed to the port within hours so that on the boat’s arrival back at the Race Village work to replace the mast could be undertaken immediately.

SIGNIFICANT Meanwhile, Aksel Magdahl, navigator on board Team Sanya, reported that they had suffered hull damage. The boat was approximately 30 nautical miles SE of Motril, when the damage was sustained. But the damage proved to be too significant when the boat returned to Alicante and the Volvo Ocean Race’s first-ever Chinese entry had to announce their official retirement from Leg One. Disappointed Skipper Mike Sanderson said: “We were very happy with our progress, managing the big breeze and waves very nicely. We were not pushing 100 per cent and had decided to throttle back a knot or so given the conditions we felt we were in a comfortable zone. Then we suddenly felt a very odd lurch, like dragging the keel through soft mud. We could hear the noise of water coming into the bow. Thankfully, the watertight doors were already shut, otherwise we would have sunk.”

Team Sanya now faces a major logistical challenge to get their boat to Cape Town and effect repairs before the in-port racing and the start of Leg 2 to Abu Dhabi. You can follow all the action of the Volvo Ocean Race by logging onto their website www.volvooceanrace.com

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Panic attacks

PANIC ATTACKS are a horrendous feeling for anyone to experience. A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or dread that develops for no apparent reason.

The attack normally begins very suddenly and can last from a few minutes to several hours: they may even occur when relaxed or asleep.This can be addressed very quickly with Fast Track Hypnosis.

CLIENTS OFTEN SAY THAT THEY FEEL ALL OR SOME OF THE FOLLOWING:

by

Alan Gilchrist The Costa Blanca’s Top Hypnotherapist

Nervousness Agitation Rapid heart beat Sleep pattern becomes very poor Shaking Dizziness Faintness Tightness in the throat A feeling of apprehension A feeling of being unable to cope The most significant development is a ‘feeling of impending doom’. In other words, constantly waiting for something terrible to befall, entering the ‘what if’ scenario: what if this happens again; what if that happens when I am at a meeting - Proceeding to back into a corner with a feeling of danger and being unable to escape…

The worst thing about panic attacks is the intense fear the person has that they will have another attack - so they become preoccupied with their own anxiety symptoms, and dwell on thoughts of dying or other catastrophes such as a heart attack.

The psychological core of panic attacks can centre around fears of internal physical disaster, such as: Heart attack; acute abdominal catastrophe or cancer;

mental disorder such as going crazy or ‘making a fool out of yourself’ (public disgrace).

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS CAN INCLUDE: A dry mouth; feelings of choking; pounding of the heart; a tight or painful chest; difficulty in breathing; sweating; even a feeling of unsteadiness as if walking on sponges.

All of the above makes the client feel even more anxious and the cycle goes on and on…

If you suffer from panic attacks, hypnosis is a state of complete mental and physical relaxation and can help you to overcome them. It is achieved by allowing you to very quickly calm down and then let you see and deal with your worries and fears in a more rational and relaxed way. By doing so it allows you to get on with your life once again. By using Fast Track Hypnosis it is possible for you to develop not only a mental attitude towards well-being but also a physical attitude as well in a few simple sessions.

The process normally takes approximately four sessions depending on your response and commitment.

With the use of Fast Track Hypnosis it dramatically speeds up the whole process. CDs are also supplied to reinforce the sessions and finally you are taught autohypnosis, so you can achieve this wonderful state of relaxation by yourself and to use it as and when required “Hi Alan: I was recommended to you by a friend during a period in my life when because of an acrimonious separation I had lost interest in life, my friends and work. I was feeling so much stress and panic that I could not sleep. I was therefore not a nice person to be

around. Although I was initially sceptical I felt so much better after my first session that I came back to you for the other 3 sessions over a six week period. Between sessions I listened to your CDs daily. I had been depressed for six months before I met you and in six weeks you made me a new man. I will never forget what you did for me and would recommend to others finding themselves in a similar position to mine. David” “Before I came to Alan in Spain I was almost at my wits end having experienced the worst panic attacks of my life. After the first session and playing the CD, I experienced considerable relief. I continued to practice the deep breathing in between sessions and at the end of 4 sessions I am a different person – much more relaxed and feeling in control. Many thanks Alan for all your help – it is much appreciated Des” “Dear Alan: Just a note to let you know that my beautiful daughter arrived without too much trouble or anxiety this summer. Very many thanks for all your help – the CDs were invaluable. N” (Client had panic attacks about childbirth).

That’s Fast Track Hypnosis!

Alan holds Fast Track Hypnosis sessions in Cabo Roig, Guardarmar, and Albir Benidorm.

For an appointment, brochure or free initial consultation contact Alan Gilchrist on 659 229 408. www.alangilchrist.com www.thegastroband.com

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

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Waiting to happen I LIVE alongside the road known as the ‘River Bed’ in La Cala where the Bootle couple, Mr and Mrs Hall met their deaths.

This was an accident waiting to happen, the only surprise being that the Friday market had escaped for so long. In the three years I have lived in La Cala I have seen the road flood several times but not on a Friday, as was the case on 21st October.

Dry river beds in Spain are not allowed to be developed because of the risk of flooding. Finestrat council ignored the rules through greed and asphalted the road so that they could get more stalls on it. They were fined 83,000€ for this last year by the Valencia Regional Government, like Finestrat also run by Partido Popular, but they did nothing to stop the market.

Liverpool is my home town and in fact I stood as a Labour candidate in Aigburth, Dingle and three times in St. Michael’s Ward.

I stood this year as a PSOE candidate in Finestrat and I complained about the only road sign to the beach that guides people onto the River Bed. My advice to the Hall family is to ask the good people of Merseyside to contribute to a fighting fund to claim compensation from Finestrat and maybe even Valencia for negligence.

The Guardia Civil are investigating the incident and may prosecute for negligent manslaughter.

Jack Johnson, La Cala

mail

talk tous

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

Email: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

letter of the week

Mind-boggling way to save money I WOULD like to reply regarding the theft of the lady’s handbag at Alicante airport. Yes, it was and is a problem at the airport and I feel for the lady in question because it could have been avoided if the people had used the large new car-park in the airport and not scrimped on the 2€ for the cost of the parking.

I work at the airport and see all types of things that happen there. It is mind-boggling the way the people carry on to try to save a few euros on where they park! I even saw a police officer in the 5 minute zone not doing the job properly, talking and having a laugh with the person on the other end of the telephone.

It’s not only an issue of thieves active at the airport on easy pickings – it’s also a safety issue and a terrorist threat.

My advice regarding the airport is to get rid of the five minute zone and make everyone use the car park. Bring the cost of the car park down for the people who stay in the car park within the five minute limit!

Name withheld

When the customer is clearly wrong Last week I picked up a copy of the RTN containing a less than complimentary letter about the supermarket. My experience at Mercadona was somewhat different. I paid for the few items at the checkout with a 20€ note. The bill was 4.14€.

In a hurry to get my stuff in the Mercadona bag, I had also put the receipt in the bag. I then realised that I had only 5.86€ in my hand. By this time the assistant was attending to the next customer. I turned to the assistant and showed her my balance, demanding 10€ more. She asked for the receipt which I blindly fished out from the bag. Without a word she opened the till and gave me 10€. On returning home, my wife looked inside the Mercadona bag and lo and behold there was a 10€ note inside! I rushed back to the supermarket and asked to see Lola. By that time she had changed duties and was serving at the fish counter. I said ‘mea culpa’ or some such thing, and returned the 10€ note.

So you see, there are times when the customer is clearly wrong! Migel Jayasinghe

Common sense isn’t very common I HOPE that Bob Houliston picks up the RTN and reads this - last week it was raining on the Orihuela Costa, yet early in the morning the street cleaning truck was driving down the road in the rain. Looking at it driving around in the rain reminded me of the saying: ‘Common sense isn’t very common’.

It is a waste of money, because just streets away there are hundreds of plastic bottles, beer cans and liquor bottles along the road starting at the roundabout at Punta Prima and extending all the way to Orihuela Town Hall. The litter along the sidewalks has been there for at least two years and never cleaned up.

At the Punta Prima roundabout is where Torrevieja and Orehuela Costa join. On the Torrevieja side there are lovely flowers dividing the N332 and on the Orihuela Costa side is an ugly cement barrier and wire fence dividing the N332.

On the Torrevieja side the sidewalks are kept clean but on the Orihuela side there is a lot of litter.

Instead of having an impractical, expensive street cleaning truck, why not employ people to pick up the litter along the sidewalks?

A few weeks ago my husband wrote an email to Bob Houliston, explaining that we are taxpayers, and wanted to know why people are not employed to clean up the litter along the sidewalks. Weeks have now passed and he never replied.

Bob Houliston promised to clean up Orihuela Costa before he was elected. Since being elected he hasn’t kept his promises.

I hope enough people make their voices heard to this man so that he will actually do what he promised he would do.

Lucy Paniccia, Orihuela Costa

Sad reflection on standards

SEÑORS PLANELLES & Catala were not elected as individuals, they were selected as representatives of the party Nueva Javea. If they are no longer in sympathy with the aims of the party after such a short period it does look like chicanery on their part.

Surely if there is one shred of decency between them they would resign and allow other representatives of the party, for which the votes were cast, to take their places.

It is a sad reflection on individual’s standards of morality that they should behave in this manner.

Peter Burke

11 - 17 NOV 2011

The ‘Force’ arrives in Elda

Ryanair turns blue introducing thrills to its no frills policy

Gaby Navarro and fellow enthusiasts with the Elda poster

by Jan Gamm THE CITY of Elda is to host a lavish Star Wars-themed event after securing the approval of the Star Wars creator himself, George Lucas.

On Saturday 26th November an impressive battalion of Star Wars imperial troopers will descend on the town – more than 60 ‘bad guys’ in authentic battle dress in a scary march by ‘Legion 501’ which has more than 5,000 members.

The event is the brainchild of Star Wars super-enthusiast Gaby Navarro who owns one of the World’s largest and most comprehensive hoards of memorabilia dedicated to all things ‘Star Wars-ey’. After tak-

ing part in similar extravaganzas in Toledo and Madrid he decided Elda should be the next stop for the Star Wars ‘legion’.

This week a reconnaissance party landed in the square in an advance patrol of the invasion and to check out the City Council, making forward plans for what is tipped to be one of Elda’s biggest surprises of the year…

And Troops will be on hand in the Plaza Mayor during the morning of the march with information for spectators with the parade full of authentic costumes scheduled to begin around 5pm from the Comparsa de los Contrabandistas.

For more information on the 501st Legion visit www.501st.com

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O’Leary promoting the Ryanair calendar

RYANAIR CHIEF Michael O’Leary has announced that he hopes to launch an app for the airline where travellers can watch sex scenes on their iPads or smartphones while airborne as part of a pay-per-view service: “Hotels have it, why wouldn’t we?” he quipped, continuing, “I’m not talking about having it on screens on the back of seats for everyone to see. It would be on

handheld devices.” Ryanair said the pornography plans would take at least a year to introduce on their flights, as establishing a cost-effective way of having a solid broadband connection on their planes would be a major obstacle.

Needless to say the announcement has met with considerable criticism as passengers could be viewing pornography in close proximity to children seated nearby.

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Directors View “Spanish Property Auctions have been trading for over 2 years now on the Costa Blanca & Costa Calida and initial response from the public has been overwhelming.

We have been holding Live Property Auctions every 6-7 weeks at our La Zenia office’s and the results have been very successful with an overall average of around 40% of all properties entered in to each of the Live Auction catalogues being sold to date. Considering the state of the economical world and its global markets, we feel here at Spanish Property Auctions this is a phenomenal achievement in these depressed and uncertain times.

As a professional and caring company, we are very proud to have helped many of our clients “to get their life’s back on track” says managing Director Timothy Baldwin. Timothy and the rest of the team look forward to helping many more clients in the future.

We explain the whole process to clients who are looking to sell their property and advise them “not to give their property away”, but to be “very realistic” about the pricing and

with this in mind a fast sale can be achieved.

The feedback that we have received to date from our buyers and sellers alike has been of a very positive and encouraging nature. This gives our Company the confidence and motivation to continue to succeed with this new concept of buying and selling property in Spain. This benefits all parties concerned ensuring them that when the “Auctioneers Hammer Falls” there are no hidden extra buying or selling premiums.

The seller only pays 2.75%+iva as a selling commission. This ensures that the selling price of the properties sold through Spanish Property Auctions can be “very realistic” and buying through Auction is the only way that no colossal commissions can be charged to properties like a lot of the Estate Agents do.

Spanish Property Auctions are extremely delighted with the business module of the Live Auction process and are planning in the near future to expand their operation to other areas of Spain, including other Costa’s and major Cities”.

11 - 17 NOV 2011

Dirty cars restricted access to Spanish cities THE GOVERNMENT has approved a plan to limit city access for ‘dirty’ vehicles deemed to have a high level of polluting emissions. The plan is also committed to delineating Protected Urban Atmosphere in cities with limited traffic, according to a new labelling system under the National Plan for Air Quality, approved on Friday, and limits the maximum speed at the urban periphery of cities. Stickers will be issued to identify ‘dirty’ cars. Accompanied by the head of the Environment, Rosa Aguilar, spokesman for the Government José Blanco emphasised that cities “should be doing something more than waiting for the rain to clean up pollution.” Responsibilities to administer the plan will fall to the municipalities and autonomous region, all of whom have requested additional funding for implementation, which has been refused.

Body combat display FROM 12 NOON to around 3pm on Sunday 27th November in Torrevieja’s ‘Palacio de Deportes’, there will be an opportunity to enjoy a spectacular display of BODY COMBAT and at the same time, assist the ‘ASADE AFRICA’ association in providing funds to combat hunger in Africa. Admission to this one-off sporting and entertainment event is open to all, although a donation of at least 2€ would be welcome, or the purchase of a commemorative tee-shirt at 8€ even better.

Tribute to the International Brigade

By Jack Troughton THE CONTRIBUTION of the International Brigade to the Republican side during the Spanish Civil War will be the central theme of a special evening next Friday (18th November).

A small group of Javea residents have organised a tribute to recognise the sacrifice of soldiers fighting for another country during the conflict.

The evening starts at the Casa de Cultura at 7.30pm when British historian and writer Linda Palfreeman – who teaches at the University Cardenal Herrera de Elche – will give a lecture entitled ‘Health: the British contribution to the Republican medical service during the Spanish Civil War from 1936-1939’ – a talk she delivered in March to the International Brigade’s Memorial Trust at the Imperial War Museum.

And two of the residents, Maggie Morgan and John Catanach, will share personal memories of relatives who fought with the Brigade – which involved thousands of volunteers from more than 50 countries to fight for the Republic, many laying down their lives.

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11 - 17 NOV 2011

‘Benidorm’ comes to Calpe CAST AND crew of the ITV series ‘Benidorm’

travelled up the Costa Blanca to film in Calpe harbour for the fifth season of the hilarious comedy.

Mayor Caesar Sanchez (centre) chats on set

by Jack Troughton The script for the new episodes – scheduled to be screened in 2012 – is a close kept secret but expect a series of laughs centred on a ‘booze cruise’.

Discreetly tied up against a wharf near the fish market, cameras focused on the action aboard a pleasure cruiser and trolley loads

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of alcohol were spotted alongside. However, Calpe’s Mayor Caesar Sanchez was welcomed on set to meet actors and a mainly Spanish film crew of a series that mainly pokes fun at Brits abroad rather than their Spanish hosts.

Mr Sanchez was told how the series – which regularly attract millions of viewers – had become a much-loved hit around the globe, particularly in Commonwealth countries.

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Dancing in the street

The Merrydowners Morris

by Jack Troughton TRADITIONAL MORRIS dancers are bringing an old and colourful English tradition to the streets of Benidorm this weekend as part of the resort’s annual fiesta.

Merrydowners Morris plan to perform along the streets of the Old Town and the beach on Friday and Saturday afternoon.

The group has a pool of around 20 members, both dancers and musicians, to draw on for performances that have taken the Merrydowners around the UK, across Europe and as far afield as Hong Kong.

Merrydowner John Edwards told RTN there was no set agenda for the Benidorm trip, it was planned to move around the town to perform.

He said the group was founded in 1990, a team of volun-

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teers and ‘pressed men’ deciding to provide entertainment at the St Albans Church fete in North Harrow.

“And what started as a one-off performance has become a serious pastime” said John, who has been a member of the group for three years, adding the group still had original members.

“It is all done for the fun of it and also to collect money for charity. It is a different charity each year, we go around shaking buckets and this year’s charity was Help for Heroes.”

The Merrydowners philosophy is simple: “We dance because we enjoy it and we also enjoy helping maintain a very English tradition. We always try and bring a sense of fun and culture to people who may not otherwise be able to experience it.”

The Merrydowners will be performing at the Rio Park Hotel at 5.30pm tonight (Friday).

THE 3rd GENERATION Ford Focus 2012 retains the Focus as the best-selling car for sale in its class in the UK. The latest addition to the Focus family has all the hallmarks expected from a new Ford – sharp looks, sharp handling, well-finished interior, great body control and excellent reliability, offering something for everyone.

The car comes in several different body styles: 3 door hatchback, 5 door hatchback, estate and Coupe-Cabriolet, and with a choice of engines from the basic 1.6 petrol, several diesels, and fire-breathing ST and RS models.

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11 - 17 NOV 2011

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

Spend an afternoon with Tintin, you’ll love it DO YOU know the great thing about having grandchildren? No, I don’t mean the bit about handing them back at the end of the day – no, the great thing is you can take them to the pictures. It frees you to go and see Tangled or Shrek or Ice Age without any kind of embarrassment. You can become a kid again yourself.

A trip to the cinema can still be as magical as it was when you were the grandchild.

Back at the dawn of time, aka the 1960s, both of my grandmas would take me to the pictures at different times but I really loved going at this time of year.

You’d go in during daylight and when you came out,

after being transported to strange and exotic worlds, it was teatime and dark. It was as though time had been shifted and you’d arrived into a completely different day.

With my Mum’s mum I’d go regularly to the Gaiety in Brighton’s Lewes Road. What a great name for a cinema, eh? Especially in Brighton! We’d go and see such stars as Norman Wisdom in classics like, Stitch in Time and On the Beat; or Fred McMurray as the slightly mad scientist in, The Absent Minded Professor and Son of Flubber (much better than the re-makes).

Back in those days there was a whole programme

to watch when you went to the ‘flicks’. You’d be presented with Pathé News or Look at Life, followed by a ‘B’ movie, then some Pearl and Dean ads, then some trailers and finally the main feature. But the odd thing was people came in and out all the time. Some people would even come in halfway through the main show.

They’d see the ending and then watch the whole rolling programme until they got to the part where they’d first entered - a strange, disjointed way to view a film but it was the norm.

When my paternal grandma took me to see The Beatles first film, A Hard Day’s Night she fell asleep.

Not wanting to wake her (yeah, right) I watched the film twice over; and when she finally awoke her feet were so swollen she couldn’t get her shoes on. What a great movie that was...

Oops, I appear to have digressed - as usual. Anyway... and so it was that last weekend, with no agenda of my own (cough) that I took my granddaughter to see Spielberg’s brilliant new CGI movie, The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of The Unicorn. I give it five stars folks, and thoroughly recommend it to all. The lasting appeal of Tintin will surely guarantee follow up films.

For those who do not know about Tintin, here’s the history: “The Adventures of Tintin (Les Aventures de Tintin) is a series of classic comic books created by the Belgian artist Georges Rémi (1907–1983), who wrote under the pen name of Hergé. The series is one of the most popular European comics of the 20th Century, with translations published in more than 80 languages and more than 350 million copies of the books sold to date.”

I guess Tintin was the forerunner of today’s graphic novels. The series has long been admired for its clean, expressive drawings in Hergé’s cinema graphic style.

With engaging well-researched plots that straddle a variety of genres, Tintin’s swashbuckling adventures mix elements of fantasy with mysteries, political thrillers, and science fiction. The stories also feature slapstick humour, often accompanied by satire, and political and cultural commentary.

Hergé began extensive research with the fifth book, The Blue Lotus. Interviewed in 1976 he said: “it was from that time that I undertook research and really interested myself in the people and countries to which I sent Tintin, out of a sense of responsibility to my readers.” And it paid off – twenty-four Tintin books were published over a period of some fifty years. The first appeared in 1930 and the final unfinished work, Tintin and Alpha-Art was posthumously released in 1986.

And now, thanks to the magic created by Steven Spielberg we can all enter Hergé’s universe in glorious 3D. So, go on, head off to the La Marina Cinema, with or without a grandchild, and enjoy an afternoon of carefree childlike escapism. You know it’ll do you good!

Watts in cineworld, keeping his shoes firmly on...

Christmas Market ANIMAL CHARITY SCAN is to hold an exciting Christmas Market at the Els Poblets Area de Recreativo on Wednesday 16th November 11am till 3pm. A vast array of stalls will be selling a wide range of Christmas-themed goodies with food and drink available and music by Jools Cooper. Proceeds will go to the Society for the Care of Animals in Need. For more details please call 616 367 746.

money

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The Spanish tax advantage: Tax efficient investing THERE ARE a substantial number of expatriates living in Spain that may not be aware of certain advantages open to them purely as a result of the fact that they live here.

For example did you know that you can be protected from the European Savings Directives rules on Withholding Tax, which is a tax levied on growth from savings or investments?

To avoid paying Withholding Tax you can take advantage of the favorable way in which Spain looks at collective investments. In this regard it is possible for a person who lives in Spain to open what are generally known as Spanish Compliant Bonds or Wrappers: these are extremely tax efficient vehicles for holding invested funds and cash.

For example: If you held funds on deposit in the general banking system or you have funds invested in noncompliant products, under the European Savings Directive, any growth obtained is subject to Withholding Tax. The current rate of Withholding Tax is 19%. (This is tax law and is always charged on growth, although not readily explained by the banking system or many off-shore providers.

What does that mean? Well as an example if you had 100,000€ either on deposit or in certain non-compliant off-shore structures and you obtained growth of say

10%, giving you 110,000€ then there would be a 19% tax charge applied to the (10,000€) growth element only.

This would result in withholding tax charge of 1,900€. This applies no matter whether you touch the original amount or the growth element or not. In other words, tax on the growth is unavoidable. Unless you take advantage of a Spanish Compliant Portfolio Bond/Wrapper, in which case, the tax treatment is far more favorable.

In this case if the 100,000€ had grown to 110,000€ and the policy owner decided NOT to touch the investment at all, then there would be NO tax to pay. This is known as ‘tax free roll up’, because the policy owner can now get growth on the tax that they would have paid if it had been in the banking system and/or in non-complaint off-shore structures.

Furthermore, should the policy owner wish to drawdown from the policy a Spanish Compliant Portfolio Bond/ Wrapper also provides an extremely favorable tax position for the policy holder. In this case for example, if the policy holder wished to take the whole growth (10,000€) then this would be treated as follows: Of the 10,000€ withdrawn, 9,000€ would be treated as Return

of Capital, and be exempt from tax (zero tax to pay) and the remaining 1,000€ would be taxed as investment income which is levied at 19% for the first 6,000€ and 21% thereafter. So in the case it is possible for the policy holder to get hold of 10,000€ with all taxes paid for only 190€ or 1.9% in tax. Or put another way he/she would have saved 1,710€ in tax charges alone.

There is not a more favorable (legal) way of dealing with invested funds and as such this should be, at least, considered as an option for anyone living in Spain or anyone that has funds invested in either the banking system or in non-complaint investment portfolios.

In this regard many expatriates living in Spain have been sold and/or invested in non-complaint “off-shore” products, so if you have funds invested in this manner its worth establishing of they are Spanish Compliant or not as you may be paying taxes that could be avoided.

In part of the Spanish Tax Advantage we will cover tax efficient pension planning for expats.

To find out more about the Spanish Tax Advantage, please contact Christina 0034 658 892 330 or simply email me at christina.brady@blacktowerfm.com

To find out more about the Spanish Tax Advantage, please contact Christina 0034 658 892 330 or simply email me at christina.brady@blacktowerfm.com The information contained in this article does not constitute financial advice and you should seek advice from a professional tax adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.

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11 - 17 NOV 2011

Do you have a UK pension fund?

How secure is it? by

Stephen Ward & Robert Burns IF AT some stage in the past you have worked in the UK then the overwhelming probability is that the answer to the question, “do you have a UK pension fund?” is “yes.”However, it is likely, if past experience is anything to go by, that you have little or no idea about how much your UK pension rights are worth or indeed how they are invested (if at all).

If you worked in the public sector perhaps as a doctor, nurse, or teacher, then you will have a deferred pension (sometimes called a frozen pension) in one of the UK public sector pension schemes. No fund as such is associated with these schemes as the cost of providing benefits comes mainly from the UK taxpayer of today.

THE DAMAGE ON PENSION FUNDS OF A CHANGE FROM RPI TO CPI You may have read that the attempts of the UK Government to reduce their long term liability by reducing

the benefits from public sector pension schemes is being challenged by strike action which will see more public servants walk off the job than has been seen for a generation.

Even those with deferred pensions have been affected.

UK pension rights are generally protected in order to preserve their purchasing power by increasing them to allow for inflation. This inflation linking has to date been provided by way of a link to inflation measured by the Retail Prices Index (RPI). Although it sounds innocuous, the inflation link is now against the Consumer Prices Index (CPI).

As over time the CPI is less than RPI by up to 1.5% p.a. this does immense damage to the real value of deferred UK public sector pensions.

THE PROSPECT OF FURTHER ATTACKS ON UK PENSION FUNDS The wishes of the UK Government to reduce the UK deficit will no doubt result in further attacks on UK pension funds.

No wonder that many of those who have UK pension rights but no longer live and work there have already exercised their right to take a transfer value and have transferred to a non UK scheme known as a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS).

Doing this gives peace of mind and the opportunity to have control over how the pension fund is invested. There is a large selection of QROPS available in various jurisdictions.

Some (like those in New Zealand) may allow for the immediate availability of a lump sum of up to 100% of the

fund irrespective of age. Others in jurisdictions like Guernsey and the Isle of Man offer tax free investment growth, and critically control over the timing and amount of the income you are able to take once you are over age 55.

PASS ON UNUSED FUNDS UPON DEATH TO LOVED ONES The icing on the cake is the ability to pass on the entirety of your pension fund after your death without any tax charges.

Leave your pension fund in the UK and following your death 55% of it may be taken by the UK taxman, regardless of how long you have been a non-UK resident.

For further information about QROPS, Pension Planning and long term investment opportunities please email info@prempensions.com or see http://www.prempensions.com and http://www.qrops.es quoting reference RTN1111.

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

legal

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New requirements for registering Deeds by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

THIS WEEK we wish to tell you about the new requirements for registering Deeds at the Land Registry for new building works, and for extensions and alterations. There are also some important peculiarities about the Deeds granted for construction works that are without a building license.

When selling or purchasing a property in Spain, it is common for either the purchaser or the bank (if a mortgage is required) to demand that the property is recorded in the appropriate Land Registry exactly as it is at the time of the sale or purchase. This means updating the registry description to ensure it exactly matches the property’s current physical situation in terms of size and build etc. This is done by means of executing a Deed in front of a Public Notary called a ‘Deed for New Building Works and/or Extension’.

Until very recently, in order to be able to register any new construction work completed without a building license or without legal urban planning permission, it was sufficient to demonstrate that the construction was over four years old, and thus the time for the Administration to be able to open a proceeding against it (the statutory limitation period) had expired. A certificate was also needed from an Architect stating the physical description of the property and confirming that the property did not have a record from the authorities for any urban disciplinary or penalty proceeding.

This meant that many people who bought a property without

proper legal guidance, could wrongly understand that purchasing a property duly registered in the Land Registry meant that the property was totally legal and without problems. Unfortunately, this is far from being true. It is one thing that the property is accurately registered in the Land Registry. Another totally different issue is whether the property has ‘urban legality’ i.e. whether the property complies with the Municipality’s General Plan; if it has the administrative authorisation required to be used as dwelling (Habitation Certificate/ First Occupancy License) and so on.

Therefore it was possible that a property properly registered in the Land Registry might, in fact, be against the law - i.e. it could have been built without a building license or without complying with planning regulations or not have habitable conditions, etc.

With the recent approval of the Royal-Decree Law 8 / 2011, of 1 of July a new amendment has been made to the Land Law (Ley del Suelo) demanding from Notaries and Land Registers new requirements and substantial tests in order to be able to authorise the registration of New Construction Works. This new measure intends to give a little more security to buyers.

In this respect we should also point out that even for those completed construction works built with a building license, the Notary will from now on demand the necessary authorisation granted by the public administration offices involved, to ensure that the building qualifies for the intended use under the requirements for urban planning.

As a first item, the Notary will now require there to be a First Occupancy License; something which was not mandatory before.

Next, in the case of construction works built without a license, but where no proceedings can now be initiated to restore urban legality (since the statutory demolition limitation period which is normally 4 years, provided the property is not occupying public land, has passed) new requirements have been added; the most notable being the following:

a) It must be demonstrated that the construction is not built on public land nor affecting any general public easement. b) It must be confirmed, by an Administrative document which will be in the form of a Town Hall report/certificate, stating which part of the construction is ‘beyond management’ (Fuera De Ordenación) due to non-compliance with the planning regulations.

This information will be reflected in the registry records.

The upshot of all this is that we kindly remind our readers that the fact that a property is registered in the Land Registry and signed up in catastro, does not mean that it necessarily meets the necessary legal urban conditions or the appropriate requirements for being a dwelling, habitation, etc.

Additionally, readers will appreciate that for those property owners whose properties are not correctly recorded in the Land Registry, the process for obtaining the permissions and registering the Deeds for New Building and Extensions Works have become more complex. And if the construction is too old to be demolished but it is not in agreement with the urban regulations, then this information needs to be recorded on the Deed, which must henceforth state which part(s) of the construction is/are ‘beyond management’ and this information will appear in the Land Registry record.

Should any reader find himself or herself in this situation or similar please do not hesitate to contact us and the appropriate advice will be provided.

The information provided in 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/ and facebook (White-Baos-Abogados-Solicitors) your comments in this respect will be greatly appreciated.

Carlos Baos (Lawyer) © 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. This article is available in English and Spanish at www.white-baos.com

legal

26 40

11 - 17 2011 4 2010 Feb 26NOV - March

Business transfers and start-ups in testing times Part 3 by

Michael Olmer

Solicitor, Link Point Legal and Business Services

THIS IS the last article of this series about buying, selling, or starting a business in the current difficult economic climate. I’ll be looking at how to value a business, some obvious but often overlooked issues, and tips and traps for buyers, sellers, and entrepreneurs. At all these stages I and my colleagues at Link Point are able to help and under one roof.

‘TURNOVER IS FOR VANITY: PROFIT IS FOR SANITY’ A business is a means of making money. If it also provides you with an enjoyable lifestyle and sense of purpose, that’s a great bonus, but if you are not making money the business is not worth very much. Many small businesses live on turnover, constantly churning their takings to provide living expenses for their owners but in reality showing very little profit, if any.

If you are a seller, do you actually make a profit? If not, then the only value your business will have will be in the value of the assets – the buildings, vehicles, equipment, and stock, together with the value of any business licenses for activities that are unusual or subject to legal or geographical restrictions.

If you do make a profit then you need to put a value on the profit generated by your customers ‘goodwill’, or in Spanish ‘fondos de clientes’. The value of your business will be the current value of your assets plus a multiple of the profit generated by your customers. When economic times were good, it would not be unreasonable to value a business as assets plus triple the goodwill. Today, many sellers struggle to achieve a price of the value of the assets plus once times the goodwill.

If you are buying or selling a bar or other small

hospitality businesses, remember that there is not just one but two, ‘elephants in the room’. The first is the volume of undeclared cash that the business may take, which will be difficult or impossible to quantify.

The second is that many small hospitality businesses pay a fixed sum for their taxes based on the ‘modulo’ system. This sum is assessed by the tax office based on the physical size of the business. This will mean that there may not be any books of account that give a true and fair view of how the business is actually doing.

However, all businesses need to file VAT or ‘IVA’ returns which record the income and expenses of the business. If you are buying a business ask to see copies of at least two years IVA returns, and if you are a seller expect your buyer to ask for them.

IS IT LEGAL? Make sure that all the deeds, or the lease, for the premises from which the business is carried on are correct. Do they allow the business to be carried on and are there any restrictions, say on trading hours, or fees to be paid on selling the business in the future?

Get your advisers to find out from your local town hall whether the business can be legally conducted from particular premises. If it is a new business what will be the cost of applying for any necessary licenses, and if it is an existing business what will be the cost of transferring the license to a new owner. There are ways of structuring businesses and the ownership of licenses that can avoid these transfer costs.

STAFF No one denies that is expensive to employ staff in Spain compared with the UK and some other countries.

If you are a buyer always ask to see the written employment contracts of any staff, and get your own adviser to calculate the cost of making them redundant. If you are a seller get your own adviser to carry out the same calculation and allow for this as an expense of selling the business.

Many business owners claim their staff is selfemployed. If so, ask for proof that they pay their own social security payments as ‘autonomo’ and check to see whether they do work for anyone else. If, in reality they do not work for anyone else, then the tax and social security agencies may treat them as employees with all the additional costs that this may entail.

TAX First for buyers; has the seller paid all appropriate tax, IVA, and Social Security? If not make a retention from the price for any that you may be required to pay on the seller’s behalf.

Second for sellers, if you are going to be due a refund of any tax or IVA make sure to have this added to the price if it is going to be received by the buyer after completion. If you are selling your business at a profit there may well be Capital Gains, or Income Tax for you to pay. There are ways of reducing this tax which we may be able to arrange for you.

Third, if you are setting up a new business, ask you adviser to try and set up the most tax efficient structure for your new business.

There are many bewildering legal and financial aspects to buying, selling and setting up new businesses. At Link Point our legal, accounting, and business advisers are ready to guide you to help your business succeed.

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

currency

Moneycorp news by

Kevin Wright

Account Manager, Moneycorp

RBS Equity Finance announces follow-on investment TTT MONEYCORP Group, a long-established provider of retail, wholesale and commercial foreign exchange services, announced that the RBS Special Opportunities Fund (RBSSOF) has increased its shareholding in the Group by acquiring all of the shares held by Mr Bassam Shlewet, the Group Chairman, and other family interests. In December 2006 the Shlewet family interests sold just under 50% of the Group to RBS. Bassam Shlewet said: “Since 1979, I have, with the help of a great team, grown this business from one small shop in Oxford Street to the great FX services Group it is today. After 32 years of total dedication and involvement, I have decided it is time to ‘slow down the pace’ a little. Whilst I have no intention of retiring, my prime focus will now be my family, my health and enjoying the

World a little bit more.”

Lindsey McMurray, Head of RBSSOF said: “We are very committed to the Moneycorp business and are thrilled to have increased our stake. We believe that the business is positioned for strong growth both organically and through acquisitions. We look forward to working with our committed employees and loyal customers to deliver the potential of the business.”

Best Financial Services Provider WE ARE delighted to announce that last week, Moneycorp won the title of Best Financial Services Provider at The Overseas Property Professional (OPP) Awards for Excellence 2011.

Presenting the Gold Award the judges said, “With such a significant turnover and host of first-class partner deals, it is evident that customers feel more than comfortable with the range of services provided by Moneycorp. This is further underlined by the company’s very high credit rating by Dun & Bradstreet, heritage of working in foreign exchange since 1979 and having maintained an ISO 9000 Quality Assurance certification since 1996. Moneycorp is a gold standard player in our industry.”

We are very proud of this award and will continue to strive towards the highest standards of customer service.

11 - 17 NOV 2011

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For more information on how Moneycorp can help you to save hundreds of euros on your Spanish bank fees, as well as helping you get more pounds for your euros, contact us on 902 887 243 or email Moneycorp directly at roundtownnews@moneycorp.com

Euro/Sterling Weekly Market Update brought to you by & IN RETROSPECT it was rash to speculate a week ago that the world was “…no longer quite so worried about the euro.” The Greek prime minister’s call for a referendum last Monday evening set alarm bells ringing again and culminated in Mr Papandreou’s resignation at the weekend.

The new great white hope in Greece is that a government of national unity will do what party politics could not. For now, at least, the Greek bailout is back on track, but the suspicion remains that it will end in tears.

And now for Italy: Investors are demanding a higher return on Italian government bonds than they ask from Germany because the risk is greater. The premium is four percentage points and heading towards the point that provoked rescues for Greece, Ireland

and Portugal. The euro is hanging in there, but investors’ patience is not limitless.

Together with the pound and the yen, the world’s biggest currency (US Dollar) was in demand as a haven for investors unhappy with the world’s second biggest. When George Papandreou gave the screw another turn with his call for a referendum, he provided an almost redundant reminder that the European debt crisis is far from settled.

The exodus towards the dollar and the yen was swift.

To read the full report click on Currency Guidance at www.moneycorp.com/roundtownnews

money

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11 - 17 NOV 2011

It’s official!

Letters sent out by the Spanish Tax Authority to property owners by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

THE SPANISH Tax Authority or ‘Agencia Tributaria’ want to know what you’re up to. Perhaps it’s time to check your post box. They’re sending out letters.

Are you likely to receive one? Read on.

We are a firm of tax and legal advisors. Tax is what we do. In this column over many months we have reminded people of their obligations and warned them what might happen if they don’t pay their taxes. There have always been consequences to non-payment of property taxes in Spain, but they’ve often seemed a little vague and remote. Not any more.

Last week I started explaining about the anti-fraud fiscal plan. You were set for another series of articles about what the Spanish Tax Authority has told us it’s planning. And then, Eureka! It’s happened. Letters being delivered and posts on the forum – the Tax Authority are contacting people who have not made

any form of tax declaration – resident or non-resident - and are asking a simple question – why not?

So for those cynics out there, the ones who think they need never pay taxes in Spain and that Spain will never do anything about it, here it is, not in our words but in the words of the Tax Authority: “usted ha sido titular de algún inmueble situado en territorio español, sin que se tenga constancia de que haya presentado declaración-liquidación alguna por el Impuesto sobre la Renta de No Residentes (IRNR), por el Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas (IRPF) o por el Impuesto Patrimonio” Or, if your Spanish isn’t quite up to it, it goes something like this: “You have property against your name in Spain but there are no records of you having presented either a non-resident declaration or a resident tax declaration

or Wealth tax” This person has been rumbled. The letter goes on to advise him/ her to sort matters out and rectify the situation before sanctions are applied. Times are changing. If you don’t make an annual tax declaration, it’s time you did. Must we say more?

If you have received one of these letters, it is not a circular and you do need to take action. The Spanish Tax Authority won’t sort it out for you and won’t communicate in English. We strongly advise anyone who hasn’t already made a Spanish tax declaration to do so now.

Deadline for non-resident income tax declarations for 2010: December 31st 2011.

If you would like a FREE, no obligation tax consultation and help with completing your annual tax declaration contact us on ÁbacoConnect Help-line 96 670 3748. www.abacoconnect.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

Christmas has come early this year!

Get 50€ cash back

LIBERTY SEGUROS, the number one expatriate insurance provider in Spain, is giving cash back to customers just in time for the holidays!

Until the 31st of December, every customer who takes out a new, fully comprehensive car insurance policy (with a premium over 400€) or a new home insurance policy (with a premium ov er 225€), will receive a 50€ refund straight back into their bank account.

Liberty Seguros has a wide range of insurance products both for personal and business use. So if you need to buy quality car or home insurance at an affordable price, want to deal with a reputable, secure company in your language and benefit from these special promotions, speak to Liberty Seguros.

Liberty Seguros’ car insurance includes immediate cover; no-claims discount; assistance and repairs service 24/7; legal assistance and a courtesy car. However, there are a number of upgrades available for even greater flexibility. For home insurance customers are assured the best type of cover for individual circumstances: whether a homeowner or tenant, there are 30 types of cover offering solutions for your protection and security.

Liberty Seguros remains committed to face-to-face customer service through its mediators and brokers. As Liberty Seguros works only with the best brokers, customers receive premier service with the flexibility to tailor a

policy to suit their specific requirements and in a language they understand.

For more information on the terms and conditions of these offers, speak to your nearest Liberty Seguros broker. To find your nearest broker visit: www.libertyseguros.es/expatriates/en ABOUT LIBERTY SEGUROS Liberty Seguros is the leading expatriate insurance provider in Spain with over 150,000 international clients,

committed to providing high quality, competitively priced insurance products and services to both personal and business users. Liberty Seguros has been in operation since 2001 and is one of the top 10 insurers in Spain with a total of 1.5 million customers. It is part of the Liberty Mutual Group of Companies, the 3rd largest property and casualty insurance company in the US with more than 90 years experience in the sector.

business

A question of power

14 20 11--13 17 OCT NOV2011 2011 07 OCT 2011

BY NOW, all of us will know that switching electricity supplier in Spain to save money is possible. Welcome news indeed, most of Europe did it years ago. Here are some questions and answers that will help you decide what you should do: WHAT KIND OF SAVING CAN WE EXPECT? You can opt for a fixed discount; the retail price is discounted but, as the cost of electricity rises, so does the rate you pay. Alternatively, you can go for a ‘fixed rate’- this is the most effective method to reduce your bill - no matter how much electricity goes up, you pay the same.

WHAT ABOUT THE CHEAP NIGHT RATE BEING OFFERED? Lots have people have moved to Dual Tariff electricity.

Cheaper at night but you pay a premium during the day. So long as you use more electricity from midnight to mid-day you will probably save money but it is still imperative to fix the rate.

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DON’T SWITCH? Nothing at all, it is a personal choice but, as electricity prices continue to rise, so will your bill. It is estimated that prices will increase in 2012 by a further 26%: this means the average bill payer will see an annual increase of over €300 bad news for everyone especially those on a fixed income.

Avoid paying unnecessary increases- fix your rate.If you act now, you can avoid paying the January increase which is normally the largest -call Iberswitch on 96 626 5089 - they will fix your rate and protect you from price hikes.

Prices could increase by a further 26%

29 23 25

Greek crisis continues to rock the Euro IN GREECE the identity of the next prime minister remains a mystery this week, with Lucas Papademos, former vice president of the European Central Bank, the odds-on favourite for an election that could take place early in the new year.

He project-managed the move from drachma to euro and no doubt hoped not to have to reverse the process for a Greece immersed in debt.

In the meantime MPs have welcomed a national unity government committed to swearing in a new administration within a week against a backdrop of political upheaval, facing a volatile population certain to react unfavourably to yet more austerity measures in a crisis that could further de-stabilise the entire Eurozone.

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11 - 17 NOV 2011

Try Padel for free!

RTN WAS contacted this week by the Padel Place Padel Club in Pilar de la Horadada so that we can offer our readers ten whole days of free padel on one of their seven padel courts.

by Louise Clarke The Padel Place located just behind the Policia Local building in Pilar, will be giving free padel lessons in English from today, 11th November until 25th November, every weekday morning from 10am until 1pm.

Padel courts are popping up all over the Costa Blanca and it is officially the fastest growing sport in Spain, with hundreds of people taking it up on a weekly basis. But most Brits haven’t a clue how to play it and therefore, its ex-pats whom the club are targeting with their free padel offer.

The game is great fun and an ideal alternative to the traditional games of tennis, squash and badminton.

Two of the courts at the Padel Place are under cover, so in contrast to other padel clubs, you can play there in all weathers and the guys who are already members of the club are a lovely and friendly bunch

who will be happy to welcome you, teach you the techniques and organise games for everyone.

And when you have finished, you can enjoy a coffee and tostada breakfast at the adjoining bar for just €1!

SPANISH INTERNATIONAL If you want to see how the professionals do it before embarking on the sport yourself, Spanish international padel player Maria Angeles Aguirre will be at the club from 10am today (Friday) and Sunday (13th) doing teaching workshops and playing exhibition matches. Prices for the workshop with Maria Angeles are €14 for non club members and €7 for members.

So, what are you waiting for? Get down to the Padel Place and learn a new sport!

The club will be able to supply all the equipment for you and you can get more information by calling Paul on 96 676 1777 or

Branch Treasurer urgently required THE TORREVIEJA Branch of The Royal British Legion (TRBL), the longest-serving Branch in Spain, has a current Membership of around 100 Members meeting monthly at the Casa Ventura Restaurant in San Luis on the evening of the second Friday of every month.

The present Treasurer is unable to continue in the position due to personal circumstances and the branch is urgently seeking an experienced accountant or book-keeper willing to undertake this vital position: training in the methodology used by TRBL will be provided. This is a Voluntary position (as are all Officers of the Branch).

The post is open to anyone; male or female; age, colour, race, religion is not a barrier and you do not have to be a former serviceman or woman but will naturally require a good grasp of the English language and will be expected to attend both the Branch Meeting and the Committee Meetings (held at 10.30am the first Tuesday of every month) plus the Annual General Meeting every November.

Please contact the Branch Secretary, Douglas Sidwell by email, to douglas.sidwell@gmail.com if you are interested, providing full details of your experience in any accounting capacity. If you have any queries, he can also be reached by telephone on 96 678 5259.

Royal Society of St George Commemorates 5th November

First class company!

More than 50 members and guests of the Royal Society of St George held a dinner dance in Javea on 5th November to commemorate the Gunpowder Plot, hosted by Chairman Bob Hunt, MBE. Included in the welcoming address was a tribute to founder member Edmundo Ros, who died recently at his home in Javea at the age of 100.

Society members and their guests enjoyed a thoroughly delightful meal and, as a precursor to the Loyal Toast, were regally entertained by the Branch Vice President, Gaby Ferenczy, who spoke about the Gunpowder Plot’and the tradition upheld by the Royal Society of celebrating important events in English history.

A fantastic evening of excellent food, good wines and firstclass company was rounded off by dancing until mid-night.

p u n g i S Y Tr yOouDrAchasnce

fo to win thi Cruise

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The Valencia Opera

The Padel Place members will welcome you with open arms

667 078 204. You can also visit the website at www.padelplace.com. To get to the club, take the exit off the N332 for the ITV centre

and the brightly coloured local police station is further up the road on the right hand side: the club is just behind the station.

LA CENERENTOLA, Rossini’s uproarious yet touching version of the familiar Cinderella story, is a co-production from the famous Rossini Festival at Pesaro.

110 tickets are available for the Wednesday 30th November performance with an 8pm curtain. Two 55-seater coaches are booked with schedules as follows: Moraira: From the Wok Restaurant opposite the La Senieta theatre (departure 5.30pm) Javea: From Ausias March (opposite the shop called Interiors) (departure 5.45pm) *BOTH buses will stop for passenger pick-up at the giant Mas-y-Mas on the N332 north of Gata. Tickets at 105€ include the bus fare. The tickets, for the stalls, have been generously discounted 35% on the normal ticket price.

IMPORTANT Please notify immediately by emailing info@concertscostablanca.com Put your surname in CAPITALS into the SUBJECT line and specify the number of tickets required.

All requests will be treated in exact order of receipt and acknowledged to you with a full explanation of how to make payment. Enquiries to John Deacon on 96 577 0826 superdeak@gmail.com Bookings have been made for two other operas in the season: Don Giovanni (February 2012) & Il Trovatore (June 2012).

Christmas Fayre

CURRY, BBQ, Hot Bites and Mulled Wine are on offer on Sunday 20th November at the ‘Splash’ Christmas Fayre at the Blue Lagoon, c/. Jabugo (next to Franky’s Bar) - plenty of gift ideas for the festive season, plus ‘Guess the Weight of the Cake’ and ‘How Many Sweets in the Jar’ will add to the fun.

A cake stall; quiz; Bingo; Tombola, Xmas cards; lucky dips/bran tubs and more complete the traditional festive Fayre and donations of objects for the Tombola and cake stalls will be most welcome.

A bouncy castle is to be laid on for the energy factor for kids and at 2pm Flamenco for All, Raquel Peña’s stunning flamenco dancers will entertain the crowd.

The proceeds of the Fayre will go toward funds for Children’s Playground Safety Flooring. Please call to offer goods and help by calling 96 679 1084 (English).

Walking routes

SATURDAY 12TH NOVEMBER Murla circuit & Orba Castle: Moderate walk over some rough terrain: 8kms of 4 hours’ duration with a 250m ascent: Dogs on leads at rear: for further details: Peter 96 648 2338.

El Cao, new start and finish: Moderately strenuous walk over some rough terrain: 14kms of 5 hours’ duration, 650m ascent: No dogs: For further information: Peter 620 319 797.

Alt de Xap to Forat: A very strenuous walk over mostly rough terrain with some scrambling. 15kms of 6 hours’ duration, 650m ascent: Dogs on leads at rear: For further details: Jon 686 148 704.

WEDNESDAY 16TH NOVEMBER Marjal de Pego: A moderate, flat but long (longer if marsh flooded!) circuit through the rice fields: 18kms of 5 hours duration with a negligible ascent: Dogs on leads at rear: For further details: Jay 626 604 610.

El Somo: A moderately strenuous circular walk over some rough terrain: 14kms, of 5 hours’ duration - 450m ascent: No dogs: For further details: Ralph 690 677 663.

Around and about Mercedes: A strenuous but varied walk over some rough terrain with a steep ascent but fairly easy descent! 16kKms, of 6 hours’ duration: 550m ascent: No dogs: For further details: Ann 646 716 303 or Angie 646 930 990.

Walks depart promptly at 10am unless otherwise noted.

Boots and adequate drinking water required. First aid kit recommended, as well as protection against sun and wind.

Walkers participate at their own risk.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the time stated for each walk will always depend on the fitness and ability of the walkers and also the weather and passage conditions on the day of the walk. The rules and guidelines for walking are given on our website, see

Billiard Club open evening THE BILLIARD Club in San Miguel de Salinas will be holding an open evening on Friday 11th November from 7pm. The Billiard Club is located on the Ronda Oeste, just behind the old school, at the top the village. For more information please contact Gustavo at the San Miguel Tourist Information Office.

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11 - 17 NOV 2011

Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

The Letter

WELL FOR once I’ve got relatively

A weekly ‘cut out and little to say about the pronunciation keep’ feature helping you of a Spanish letter, and this is to learn basic Spanish because the letter H in Spanish is for everyday needs

silent. This is why our greeting “hola” sounds just like “ola” and the well known verb to speak “hablar” likewise sounds like “ablar”. This statement on my part is usually followed by the question – so why have an “h” at all then? There is an answer to this but it’s all to do with the history and development of words from Latin and other languages.

The answer I prefer to give is that, if you think the silent H in Spanish is a problem, what about all those silent letters in English (lamb, debt, half, light, psychology) which don’t seem to follow any particular rule at all! Also, isn’t it odd that in English sometimes we pronounce the H and sometimes we don’t, as in “hour”, but “how”. Our class system even comes into this a bit, as posher people would say “otel” while the rest of us say “hotel”. English is a strange language.

So meanwhile back at the Spanish language, if the H is always silent, this applies in the middle of words as well as at the end. A favourite word is alcohol which therefore sounds like “alcol”, and that wonderful word for carrot that everyone struggles with “zanahoria”, which sounds like “zanaoria” (with the main beat of the word on the “o”).

The letter “h” does perform one other function where pronunciation is concerned which is to combine with the letter “c”, thus making a “ch” sound identical to English “ch” as in “church”. Most of us find it easy to pronounce “leche” (milk) or “techo” (ceiling). For some reason English speaking people tend to make the mistake of softening the “ch” to a “sh” sound in words that remind us of French, like “ducha” (shower) and “chalé” (detached house). Don’t be tempted to do this because “ducha” and “chalé” are pronounced with the same “ch” as “leche”.

As ever there are plenty of “true friend” type words, that is, ones that look similar and mean the same in both languages. Here is a small selection: historia which means “history” and also “story”.

(This incidentally explains why some Spanish people speaking English make the mistake of saying “I will tell you the history” when they mean “the story”) helicóptero (helicopter), horrible (horrible), humedad (humidity or damp) honor (honour), humano (human), humildad

‘H’

(humility), huracán (hurricane).

Here’s a rather curious “false friend”, the Spanish word hipo looks as though it means “hippo”, but in fact means “hiccups”, whilst the animal hipopótamo can’t be abbreviated as it can in English. So now you can apologise for those occasional noises you make with “Perdón, tengo hipo” “Excuse me, I have hiccups” (and not, “I have a hippopotamus”).

An interesting little word imported from English that has become part of Spanish culture is with word “hippy”, with the “h” sounded in imitation of the English pronunciation. Nowadays in Spain “los hippys” are the people who wear colourful clothes, sell jewellery on market stalls and listen to folk music, no doubt whilst smoking a joint. Not that I’m prone to stereotyping or anything.

One of the commonest verbs in Spanish begins with the letter “h” and that is “hacer” meaning “to make” or “to do”. This has many uses. We find it in straightforward phrases like “hacer las camas” (to make the beds) and “hacer los deberes” (to do ones homework). When we want to know what someone is doing we can ask “¿Qué estás haciendo?”, or simply “¿Qué haces?” We use the verb “hacer” to talk about the weather: “Hace frío” (it’s cold), “hace calor” (it’s hot), “hace fresco” (it’s chilly) “hace viento” (it’s windy). Other things we can make or do – “hacer ruido” (to make a noise) “hacer daño” (to damage, to hurt). To do well is “hacer bien”, sometimes people express agreement with the action of another by saying “haces bien” – “you do right”. Another typical use of “hace” is the equivalent of “ago”, except it is put in front of the time expression instead of after it: “hace una semana” (a week ago) “hace muchos años” (many years ago). A form “hacer” is “hecho” which means “made” or “done”. When an agreement has been reached the people concerned might say “hecho” which would mean something like “it’s a done deal” (if you’ll excuse the Americanism).

This leads us to this week’s saying involving the letter H. It is “A lo hecho, pecho”. This cannot really be translated literally as it would come out as something like “To what is done, chest, or heart”. The nearest saying in English with a similar meaning is: “What’s done is done”, but what it really means is that we should accept and stand by the consequences of our actions.

health

Asthma and its treatment by

Michael Lord BPharm(hons) MRPharmS UK Pharmacist with 20 years experience

ASTHMA IS a common condition affecting almost 10% of the population, characterised as intermittent, reversible difficulty in breathing caused by narrowing of the airways, inflammation and excessive mucus.

There are a number of triggers which can initiate an attack such as allergy, cold air, exertion (e.g. exercise), infection and stress. The main symptoms are; shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing (especially at night and early morning) and a feeling of tightness in the chest.

The aim of treatment is to keep the condition under control so as to minimise the effects on the sufferers’ lifestyle as much as possible. This is achieved using an on-going step-wise approach in order to match the treatment to the severity of the condition: the aim is to reduce the number of asthma attacks to 3 or less per week or no more than one night time episode per week.

Mild asthma can often be controlled sufficiently by the use of short acting beta-2 agonist inhalers (e.g. salbutamol = Ventolin™ or terbutaline = Bricanyl™).

These act by relaxing the muscle in the airways causing them to open; they act immediately, but can cause side effects such as shaking or tremor.

Unfortunately, in most cases, additional drugs are required to achieve adequate control and the next step is to add a steroid inhaler (such as beclometasone = Becotide™ or budesonide = Pulmicort™). These act by reducing the inflammatory response in the airways and can be very effective if used regularly. They must be used for several days initially before reaching their full effect.

Low doses have few side effects, but can cause oral thrush so rinsing the mouth with water after each use is advised. Higher doses can result in typical steroid side effects of; weight gain, lowering the immune

system (leading to infections), glaucoma and acne.

More severe asthma may require other forms of treatment if high-dose inhaled steroids are still insufficient to control symptoms. The next step is to introduce a long acting beta agonist (LABA) inhaler (salmeterol = Serevent™ or formoterol = Oxis™). These act in the same way as the short acting types, but their actions lasts for several hours and are delayed. They do NOT give immediate relief and so mustn’t be used for acute attacks.

There was some concern after a large study found that people using LABAs were more likely to suffer from severe asthma that required hospitalisation or caused death. It is very important to use these products correctly and in combination with other treatments, never alone. It is imperative that any worsening of asthma symptoms are reported and treated quickly.

If asthma symptoms are still troublesome the next step is to add oral medication, either; a leukotriene receptor antagonist (montelukast = Singulair™), theophylline = Uniphylline™ or a beta 2 agonist tablet (salbutamol = Ventolin™).

The last step in treating unresponsive asthma is to add the oral steroid tablet prednisolone. This is often used for short periods of 5 to 10 days for asthma flair ups, such as may occur with a chest infection. Long term treatment is associated with a number of complications and patients should be monitored for; high blood pressure, osteoporosis, cataracts, adrenal suppression, diabetes and high blood fats.

The regular use of asthma drugs saves lives but it is important to use them correctly. If you have difficulty using

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the normal pressurised inhaler, then using a spacer device or a different type of inhaler (powder inhaler or breathe activated inhaler) may improve treatment tremendously. If asthma symptoms worsen or reliever inhalers fail to have their normal effect, medical advice must be sought without delay. Emergency treatment with nebulised drugs, oxygen and steroid injection are not uncommon and is often avoidable if the worsening symptoms are reported early. In the UK alone three people die every day from asthma and it has been estimated that 75% of hospital emissions for asthma could be avoided.

Asthmatics should have their condition and treatment monitored regularly and their medication adjusted accordingly. The step approach outlined above can be used in both directions, so some drugs can be reduced or stopped if symptoms improve sufficiently.

Michael Lord BPharm(hons) MRPharmS. UK Pharmacist with 20 years experience. Now at Health & Beauty Abroad, Flamenca Beach Commercial Centre, Orihuela Costa.

Tel: 96 532 5116 www.HealthandBeautyAbroad.com

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Gardeners’

good life

AUTHOR DICK Handscombe firmly believes his continued good health is because of a self-sufficient ‘good life’ and enjoying eating the fruits of a holistic Mediterranean garden.

by Patricia Thompson Together with his wife Clodagh, they have written a series of four successful books about gardening – the fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs that can all be grown in the smallest plot – and write a weekly column for RTN. Now Dick has gone solo to write a ‘Living Well from Our Mediterranean Garden’ which outlines the benefits of their own holistic garden in La Drova valley and the minerals and vitamins gained.

Aged 74, Dick has lived in Spain for 25 years and with Clodagh has transformed their garden, allotment and olive and almond groves into an oasis.

“This is totally different from our other books and is based on what we have done, we do, and intend to do to improve the holistic quality of our health and lives through our holistic garden and the diversity of ecological food and drink we produce, harvest and consume,” he said.

Dick Handscombe

TRAIN “There are no guarantees but I think it is rocking the boat a little bit. It is about good eating – none of this is taught at school, or university, or even to doctors when they are training.”

Dick said it was a very personal story – with Clodagh joining in as the plot unfolded.

He explained in 1993 he underwent two cancer operations but to avoid the need for chemo and radio therapy, took his surgeons advice to try the

good life and a holistic Mediterranean lifestyle.

And now he has taken six weeks to provide the facts he believes are essential to well being. “Until now, where is all this information for people? It is nowhere, nowhere lists the benefits of fruit, for example.

“I have listed what is good for plants and for people – what is amazing is what a person needs is very often the same or very similar, for example building a strong stem or backbone.”

IMPORTANT Dick advocates the importance of ‘slow food’. “It is the opposite of fast food and good eating rather than bad eating and one of the reasons I have written the book it to define good and bad eating.

“I also write about the differences in what is gastronomy and what is gluttony.”

He said the book contained a questionnaire to help readers look at their own diets and well-being.

“The lists of benefits will help people decide the changes they need to make.”

And he said the central theme is: “Focus on the wellness of your garden, to enjoy it for the rest of your life.”

Living Well from Our Mediterranean Garden costs 3.90€ from bookshops. However, it is free when purchased via the Handscombe’s website www.gardeninginspain.com and bought with one of the couple’s four titles: Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style; Your Garden in Spain; Growing Healthy Fruit in Spain and Growing Healthy Vegetables in Spain.

Hospitals to re-cycle single use equipment

to save cash

Re-sterilisation could save 300,000€

THE CATALAN health service has been slammed by suppliers for its decision to re-sterilise surgical equipment in an attempt to save cash on ‘single use’ items.

The Spanish Federation of Healthcare Technology Companies (Fenin) has warned that such practices could lead to risk of infection and is refusing to guarantee the safety of items re-used that were designed for single use.

Barcelona’s Hospital de Sant Pau was one of the first to start recycling single use implements in around March this year with the aim of saving 300,000€ per year.

In addition to re-sterilisation Catalan hospitals have launched incentives to minimise waste by diagnosing oral instead of intravenous paracetamol (to save 85,000€ per year); issuing medical staff with single size clothing; economising on patients’ bed linen and avoiding duplication in tests in a bid to save up to €15 million.

Use your grey matter A GRAND charity quiz night organised by Calpe Benissa Lions Club aims to get people using their grey matter in search of a 100€ first prize. The evening is in aid of the Gargasindi School for handicapped children’s Christmas Party.

The fun starts at 7pm on Friday 18th November at Restaurant Bolero, Calpe, and the quiz and a fish and chips or chicken and chips supper, including wine, costs 12€.

To book a place, telephone Bob Sydney on 636 695 569.

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HELP on wheels for Calpe HELP Charity Shop PRESIDENT JOHN Bridge and Vice President Diana Kemp are pictured handing over a cheque to Terry O’Hara of the Calpe HELP organisation, for the purchase of a wheel chair and a walking frame plus crutches; a practical demonstration of “charity money directly helping the people,” said Terry.

The hand over took place in the English Square where Moftag (Mighty Oaks from Tiny Acorns Grow) were holding their annual Mini market.

This equipment will be available, along with many other items, from the new HELP facility organised by Councillor Carole Saunders from the Town Hall at premises situated next to the St Vincent de Paul charity library run by Terry with the help of AFPO volunteers. It is currently undergoing renovation by volunteers from the Lions Charity.

Jalon Valley Help at Christmas HELP IN the Jalon Valley would be very grateful for contributions to their Christmas Bazaar to take place in Jalon on Saturday 3rd December.

Bottles are needed for the Bottle Stall - anything from shampoo to champagne! Also Tombola items and Christmas gifts would be much appreciated.

And soft toys and games in good condition would be welcomed. Please take all items to one of the Jalon Valley Help

Charity Shops in Alcalali or Jalon - both are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and Alcalali is also open on Saturday mornings.

Another date for your diary: ‘Carol Singing around the Christmas Tree’ on Jalon Market Square, Monday 19th December at 7pm.

For more information on Jalon Valley HELP visit www.jalonvalleyhelp.com

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Presbyopia - The loss of ability to see near objects clearly What is it? Is there a solution?

LIVING EACH DAY WITH QUALITY VISION

by

Silvia Moner

of Clinica Baviera, DENIA

What is Presbyopia?

A normal eye, when at rest, is able to focus on objects in the distance. When you need to view objects close up, such as a book, mobile phone screen or a restaurant menu, the eye must change focus. This change in focus is carried out by the crystalline lens.

First signs of Pryopia are: The need for extra light when reading, the need to hold objects at arms length in order to see them clearly. The crystalline lense is located behind the iris, and it helps to focus images, working much like the zoom of a camera.

Over time, the crystalline lens loses its elasticity and, consequently, its ability to view close up objects clearly. The inability to function properly is what is known as presbyopia.

The elasticity is not lost overnight. It gradually reduces from the age of around 40 - 45 years of age over a period of 10 years, until it is lost altogether.

At CLINICA BAVIERA, we offer personalised treatments for presbyopia, which include: Multifocal Vision (inter-ocular lens) This treatment involves removing the natural crystalline lens, that is losing or has already lost its ability to focus on near objects, and replacing it with

an artificial inter-ocular lens. This artificial lens allows the brain to choose the best focus, whether close or far, giving patients an excellent range of vision without the need for glasses. This type of treatment is a permanent solution. Using this technique means we are able to replace the deteriorated crystalline lens and also correct other associated impairments, such as long or short-sightedness.

Combined Vision (Combined Laser Vision) Combined vision is a laser treatment similar to the treatment used to correct nearsightedness.

Although we use both eyes when looking at objects, one is more specialised for distance vision (dominant eye) and the other for seeing close up (non-dominant eye). Combined Laser Vision treatment enhances this function, thus making it possible to see close up and far away without the need for glasses.

Multifocal Vision or Combined Vision?

Both techniques aim to give patients a level of vision, both near and distance, suitable for everyday life, eliminating the total dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Both are outpatient treatments, and recovery time is very quick.

During your first appointment at the clinic, our opthalmologists will study your case individually and will indicate the most appropriate treatment for you.

No One Takes Better Care of Your Eyes If you are suffering from Presbyopia and would like to do something about it, see our voucher in RTN and come and see us in our clinic in Denia for a free no obligation consultation. We treat many english speaking patients, on average about 30% of our patients are English.

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GADGET INSPECTOR

Gadget Inspector investigates the case of:

Traditional Christmas Gadgets THIS WEEK the Inspector looks at whether traditional Christmas items have benefited from the advances in technology available now, not necessarily just electronically, but in materials and construction.

Firstly let’s take a look at the staple of convenience Christmas decorating – the artificial Christmas tree. Now I know the traditionalists amongst you will be tearing their hair out and cursing this sort of ‘fake’ tree – after all, a proper Christmas should have a real tree shouldn’t it? Well not everyone wants the fallen needles and the disposal problem after Christmas, particularly if you have a sizeable tree.

So let’s take a look at what sort of artificial tree €600 can buy in the 21st Century. Featured is the 9 foot high, 69-inch-wide California Baby Redwood Tree complete with 30 foot of low power, long life colour and white LED lights.

Forget about the nasty trees of Christmas Past looking like they’ve been made from metal coat hangers straight out of the Blue Peter studio, this beauty features distinct ‘downswept’ branch layers incorporating the manufacturers ‘True Needle’ technology. ‘True Needle’ evergreen foliage is created with injection-molded PE plastic and several different colours of pigment to mimic the structure, texture and colour of natural evergreen needles.

The effect is completed with professionally strung lights to reduce the appearance of wires. The LED bulbs are low power and long life, and remain on if any lights fail, complete with a remote control for sequencing: a heavy-duty stand and storage bag are also included.

It would definitely be a very costly and probably painful experience to do a drunken ‘You´ve Been Framed’ with this tree!

Recent years have brought a massive increase in outdoor Christmas decorations; I don’t mean just Christmas lights, but complete scenes, including

giant effigies of Christmas characters. Which brings me nicely onto the 1.6-metre-high LED crystal-illuminated waving Santa Claus…

Costing a whopping 2,700€, this outdoor (or indoor if you happen to live in the Albert Hall…) character would most definitely give you the upper hand over the Christmas Jones’s.

Complete with 3,500 red, white and blue LEDs this Santa Claus will proffer Yuletide greetings to all who pass with a cheery wave of his arm. Fortunately there’s no naff “Yo-Ho-Ho” accompaniment to this, but that would have been just too over the top…

The Inspector´s Verdict: Some things about Christmas will never change – Granny getting drunk on brandy, the kids being disappointed because they didn’t get Super Nintendo 3D Xboxes with virtual reality, and of course, the giant turkey taking 24 hours to cook. But some things remain resolutely constant: the artificial tree gently smouldering away in the corner from the heat of the Christmas lights and the giant outdoor Santa disappearing into the back of a Transit van at 3 o’clock in the morning. Still, you can always have a quiet Christmas – next year.

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A quick way to delete files

Computing with aunty virus

Defragging a drive Ron and Annie both ask: I’VE BEEN told I should ‘defrag my drive’ but I haven’t a clue what it means or how to do it. Is it something I can do myself?

Aunty Says: I have covered this not so long ago but I do get asked it quite a bit.

Follow these steps; 1. Open the My Computer Window from your desktop or Start button 2. Right click on the Icon for the C (or D) Drive 3. Select Properties from the short-cut menu 4. Click on the Tools tab of the Properties window 5. Click on the Defrag now button

Where’s it @?

Frank from Denia asks; I OFTEN need to delete documents and pictures from my PC but I then have to go through the drawn out process of deleting them again from the recycle bin. Is there a way of simply deleting them once and once only?

Aunty Says: Yes there is Frank, with the file or folder you want to delete selected, hold your shift key down and press the delete key on your keyboard. Since this is a permanent deletion, you will not be able to retrieve the item from your Recycle Bin: the system will prompt you to confirm the permanent deletion.

Playing around

John via email asks; I HAVE just installed Real Player only to find that something has changed all my music files to Real Player instead of Windows Media Player. Also the icon that used to represent my music (in the ‘My Documents’ folder) have now become Real Player icons.

Aunty Says: Quite often a newly installed program will automatically ‘take control’ of certain file types which can cause all sorts of headaches, however there is an easy way of changing this.

Double-click My Computer and choose ‘View’, ‘Folder Options’. Choose the ‘File Types’ tab and scroll down until you see the entry for ‘MP3’ and highlight it. Click the Change button and from the menu select the program you want to use to open this file type - in this case Windows Media Player. Now click Apply. Sometimes you will need to restart Windows for this to take effect.

Sally via email asks: I CANNOT seem to get the @ at key on my keyboard to work, it seems to be in the wrong place!

Aunty Says: The ‘at’ sign (@) sign is in a different place on UK, US and Spanish keyboards and you most likely have the US or UK keyboard driver loaded instead of the Spanish one. Click the start button. Control panel, Regional and Language Options, Languages, Details, add the ‘Spanish (international sort)’ from the list and set it as the default. Don’t forget you will need to hold down the ‘Alt GR’ key and press the ‘2’ key to get the @ key.

Slow to warm up

Martin via email asks: DEAR AUNTY. I’ve just upgraded my PC from windows XP Home to Windows Vista. I was informed it would be much faster, but in actual fact it takes 3 times as long to warm up and to start programs. How can I speed things up?

Aunty Says; Well Martin this could be due to a number of things. I will say that upgrading Windows, as opposed to a fresh install, is very often hit-or-miss, and quite often any problems you had with your previous Windows will be inherited. You need to check all your drivers are Vista versions. Vista is a lot greedier when it comes to your hardware specification. If you have less than 1GB of memory, a processor less than 2Gghz and 40GB of free hard disk it could be you need to upgrade your PC. The easiest way to find this is to right click ‘my computer’ and choose ‘properties’. Let me know the spec of your machine and we’ll take it from there.

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

Speed testing

Harry via email asks; HI AUNTY: How can I check the speed of my ADSL line? The reason I ask is that Telefonica recently doubled my line speed to 3Mb ‘for free’ and proceeded to bill me 25euros extra a month. I have since had them return the charge to what it was before but I’m not sure if they’ve dropped me back down to 1MB. Aunty Virus Says; Hello Harry. I’ve heard of this happening before so I’d advise everyone to check their line speed and phone bill to make sure you are getting what you pay for. I use this site: www.speedtest.net and not just as a one off, I use it on a regular basis to make sure everything is tickety-boo. It is a nice easy site to use and you can even email the results to your ISP.

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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.

Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword ACROSS 1. It’s right for top actor to join the directors (9) 8. Strange ring worn by learned divine (3) 9. Approach the lamp so as to be revealed (4,2,5) 11. Got out of the way with theologian coming round quite deceived (7) 12. Frequently mollify missing skinhead (5) 13. Amused a female who wasn’t nice to know (6) 15. Some of the side let everybody down - get rid of them! (6) 17. It takes a cool head and continuous pain to find a hiding-place (5) 18. Make a ripping removal (4,3) 20. Not well and inclined to be not at all friendly (3-8) 22. Bill may take it as lovers do (3) 23. Fell back and received medical attention again (9)

DOWN 2. Also in the direction of nothing (3) 3. Restrained Edward the graduate (5) 4. Refer to everybody with due order (6) 5. Wild flower came up under animal (3-4) 6. Visit the greyhound stadium and be ruined (2,2,3,4) 7. Mend a torn decoration (9) 10. Curse the way men talk!

(11) 11. Popular government production of funny comedy about over-turned car (9) 14. All rest of stars in disturbance... (7) 16. ...restrictions are precisely defined in part (6) 19. The fruit of temptation...

(5) 21. ...by a woman the night before (3)

Wordwheel

Quick Crossword ACROSS 1. Vigorous (9) 8. Wonder (3) 9. Abstainer (11) 11. Go before (7) 12. Additional (5) 13. Majestic (6) 15. Blow (6) 17. Collier (5) 18. Balcony wall (7) 20. Communication (11) 22. Anger (3) 23. A plant (9)

DOWN 2. Born (3) 3. Small wood (5) 4. Merchant (6) 5. Accumulate (7) 6. Airborne soldier (11) 7. Lasting (9) 10. Crises (11) 11. Practical (9) 14. Extend (7) 16. Coil (6) 19. Spacious (5) 21. Dry (of wine) (3)

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 51/53. Winner for 629 - David Whitney Torrevieja

Euromillions Draw Friday 4th November

11 14 41 43 50

2

9

No ticket won the 26,983,680 Euros jackpot prize

Tuesday 8th November

1 4 15 29 40

1

5

No ticket won the 33,703,338 Euros jackpot prize

Angel flight WE HAVE all experienced the frustration and sheer boredom of flight delays, and are glad when we finally board and all is OK to take off.

This happened to me recently on a flight from London Gatwick to Bergen in Norway. But in this particular case there was a technical delay, and the plane was deemed to be unsafe to fly until a fault was rectified. The Norwegian airline concerned kept updating me by mobile phone messages; though I did have to wait for forty five minutes before a classic message came through to say that my flight was delayed. That was something that I knew already, though subsequent texts arrived with precision, each updating me with impartial non committed information. Something was very wrong!

Crowded into a Gate lounge it was the children that lost patience very quickly. Babies howled and the soft drink machine did a roaring trade for those with coins. We were allowed out to visit the nearest toilets, and boarding passes were scrutinised, just in case someone wanted to come and join in the fun, without a ticket.

Boarding was announced some two and a half hours after departure, and relieved and irritable there was a scramble to find seats, stow luggage and depart. I was immediately shocked at the age of the plane, a737/200 relic, due to be retired or sold to some third world airline. I took my seat and tuned into my MP4 playlist as soon as taxiing and take off were complete. Then it happened. The aircraft lost pressure and the Captain virtually inaudibly announced, finally in English, that we were going to be flying at 10,000 feet, via Denmark.

This meant that the entire journey was to be spent in a belt of turbulence, but that the aircraft did not have sufficient power to allow us to climb. The engines were making very odd noises by now, and were very loud, and this was explained by another crackled message from the First Officer to say that the journey would take an additional ninety minutes because engine power too had to be cut.

I sat in a daze. Not even Dusty Springfield on the MP4 could help me now. And she always has! My adrenaline levels began to take over, and for the first time on a flight I was conscious of the dangers of flying. With nervous passengers, babies and children

Kenny’s diary Saturday November 19th: Spiritual Fair at Bistro Maya.

Readings, Crystals, Healing, Gifts, Tarot, Angel Readings.

All the fun of a Spiritual Fair with snacks and meals available! Come and find some Christmas gifts and meet a host of Spiritual People. From 11.00!

Thursday December 1st: Demonstration of Clairvoyance at the Alfaz Spiritual Foundation, at the Forum Mare Nostrum in Alfaz del Pi. 18.30. All very welcome!

Readings in your area: Please make contact if you want to organise readings in your locality, or organise a psychic event for your favourite charity. Some dates available for Nov/Dec.

crying the flight appeared to be so out of control. I worked out my exit from the cabin should this be necessary, and praised the crew who tried to do a bar service amidst chaos. Something was wrong. I began to ask the Angels to ensure our safe arrival, and hoped that a safe landing was on the cards.

The nervous energy felt amongst the passengers was enormous, the air was electric and charged, even the cabin crew looked deflated and preoccupied, and it was impossible to nod off and have a snooze, which I am very good at normally, maybe not in these circumstances.

We flew on, and I did fall asleep, waking to see the lights of a city below. It was Bergen.

I knew that we were going to make it, and that all would be all right. Thankfully I was right, and yet I have never been so grateful to hear that familiar screech of tyres and to land on the wet runway at Flesland Airport in torrential rain, that night.

People have told me that in emergencies they have worked on overdrive, looking back on life as it there was suddenly a chance of it really not continuing. To me this was a very spiritual experience. One that I hope I will never have to experience again, though it taught me something. I did daydream of past experiences and I did make myself calm and tune into my survival and safety, as well as the very best for all those people around me.

It was not only me who let out a final gasp of relief at the end of the journey. We have a need to reach our destination safely and to return to our home on the way back.

Many would have prayed to God that night, many would have held onto their children and loved ones so tightly; and others embraced their families with a deep desire to keep them safe whatever whenever, though powerless to act whilst strapped into a seat.

As I left Customs and Immigration I returned my passport into my breast pocket and out flew a small white feather. I now know that the Angels were there with me all the time, watching over, thankfully, what was another safe arrival on that darkest and longest of nights.

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

postbag Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com Kenny, you make it sound so easy to make contact with Spirits, but I just close my eyes and can’t seem to say what I want to. Help!

Anji P. It is easy Anji, don’t make it complicated. Any friendship or relationship you have had always began with communicating. Shut your eyes and ask for Spirit to hear your message and to help you say what you need to. We say Spirit as one, so do not use the s to make it Spirits, that conveys something else you won’t want. Keep it simple, write notes if you really want to, burn a candle or some favourite incense too! Eliminate any fear that you will not be heard or may say things wrong, Spirit will know that you are inexperienced and welcome you, because if it successful then it is their interests to serve you since it may well start a chain of events they will support and cherish. They will welcome you, so tell them who you are very clearly, and ask them to bless you and help you……but please no begging, be distinct and say thanks, but please keep it to the point and use your own words, be natural.

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!

11- -26 17may NOV 2011 2011 20

horoscopes by Kenny Corris

23 41

Pull out all the stops this week because there is work to be done and you appear to be the very person to do it. There is no reward better than to see harmony and peace restored where it is long overdue, though you should be very conscious of the many pro’s and con’s that have prevented an early settlement. You are non judgmental and highly charged and your good intentions will see you through.

Jupiter spreads a powerful energy over those who have chosen to work with you. Though this is certainly not the right time to start probing there are delicate matters that need your unwarranted trust and respect to enable them to be dealt with in an appropriate way. Don’t listen to those who seek to put you off, the road to success is paved with self confidence and a strong desire to silence wagging tongues.

There is one chance for you to tell things your way, and after that you will be unfairly judged on your honesty and integrity. Someone seems to be stirring things up and has made a mountain out of a molehill. For the sake of all concerned tell a few home truths because it is the unknown that hampers progress, and for sure somewhere along the line someone has got hold of the wrong end of the stick.

With the phases of the Moon calling the shots it is time for a good old sort out. Known to be a hoarder, be ruthless so that you can eliminate all clutter, and then you can better love and appreciate what’s left. This is a chance to start where you mean to continue and to warn others that you can justify all that you do, for sure; you wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t both necessary and right.

The departure of Mars sees you a free agent once more, waiting for things to be right to make a move. You do nothing without reason, and current plans showcase you and highlight your myriad talents and zest for life. An opportunity may not be what you exactly need right now, but it is a stepping stone, and people will enjoy paying you for what you do best, and how you do it.

A very emotional week in which your sensitivities come to the fore. You may not like yourself when you appear to be open and vulnerable, but others need to see a side of you that’s both human and transparent to help you to see how to make the next move. Be honest with yourself, a powerful Uranus and an inspiring Chiron wish you all the very best for your endeavours and successes.

With Venus en route to Capricorn, the passions of life you are famous for are falling by the wayside as you continue to waste your time with trivial matters, some of which do not even concern you. You are blessed with an inner balance and are good at achieving when you really set your mind to things, but this week is all about priorities and independence as stubborn energies see you through.

Those who can only see the sting in the tail do not realise your way of working, or understand what really makes you tick. The sting is often to ensure that you are able to finish what you start, and the vital power this week may shock you into a painful reality of how things could be. Look at things from a different angle and you will see what others can see, and then do something about it.

A wonderful week for catching up and having some rest and relaxation while you can. You are highly motivated in all that you do, but there comes a time when you too have to enjoy some pampering and just putting your feet up. The calm comes before the storm, so with that in mind have a dose of your own medicine and enjoy taking things easy for a change, you will be rewarded if you do!

You’ve got itchy feet and need to seriously re think current changes that may have an implication that reflects on you. Adaptable and resilient you are known for your adventurous spirit and your need to achieve, but this must not be at any cost to yourself. Priorities lie where your heart is, and with a view to caring and sharing, you have done your best, now it’s up to those involved to see things through.

Your powerful senses combine to take on something new and rather wonderful. This may shake your foundations and rattle someone’s cage but you have to think of yourself sometimes. With plans afoot to travel, and the time to make conscious choices into viable decisions there is a carrot dangling that gives you something special to look forward to in the not too distant future.

Inspiring Chiron sends a strong message that open doors and shows you a new way forward. Your creative talents are sought to help a project, and you are never happier than when you are a strong part of something borne by success and good energies. Don’t forget to ask for something for you, you deserve a reward for holding everything together so that those you love can be happy too.

If it’s your birthday this week...

What you seek may be very much closer than you think. Believe in the magic you can help to create, and show someone the door, their departure brings you the chance to be yourself without re inventing yourself!

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Home Garden

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Mama Mia, Neater Heaters are in Hot Demand!

WITH THE recent arrival of cooler weather in the Costa Blanca, Neater Heaters are now becoming extremely hot items: pun intended.

Tony from Neater Heater explains: “The heaters are manufactured in Norway and benefit from Scandinavian design and modern state-of-the-art technology. Being electric, they allow people to create a warm environment either in selected rooms, or the whole home, without the disruption and expense of installing a complete system in one go - in fact, many of the customers that our network of distributors are supplying at the moment are people who have already bought a couple of heaters and are now coming back for more.”

The Neater Heater Team recently exhibited in the Lifestyle Expo held at the IFA in Alicante, next to the Airport. Even in the middle of this, they had to break away to re-supply one of their outlets near Torrevieja who had run low of stock due to a sudden rush of customers.

“We know we are going to be busy in the next few weeks,” Tony’s business partner Richard informed us - “For the last two years we have had a peak of demand in November when the cold weather suddenly arrives just before Christmas. The problem for us in the past was that we ran out of heaters very quickly when that

Home & Garden

happened, and the factory couldn´t supply us in time, but this year we have plenty of stocks, as does our supplier. We hope that this year no-one will be disappointed.”

“People often ask why Neater Heaters are so special,” Says Tony, “The stylish design helps, but the real reason is because they compete in efficiency and economy with the really expensive heaters, but don´t cost a huge amount more than the out-dated cheaper heaters at the bottom end of the market.

But don´t just take my word for it - pop along to one of our agents near you and find out more. Remember: Winter Needn’t Make You Blue.”

Neater Heaters can be viewed and purchased through one of our distributors:

COSTA BLANCA NORTH Pego/Oliva/Denia - Calicomfor: Tel. 687 694 038 Pedreguer - Suzy´s Pre-Owned Furniture, Polygono Industrial: Tel 678 049 050.

Gata De Gorgos - Iron Art Factory Outlet: Tel 680 491 740 Moraira - The Tool Bar: Tel 96 574 5805 Calpe - Imprint, Avda Gabriel Miró: 96 587 4451

The Neater Heater team at the Lifestyle Expo

COSTA BLANCA SOUTH / COSTA CALIDA Benijofar - Vincent Real Estate, (Hazel): Tel 96 671 2440 Quesada - Home Inspections - Call Colin Tel: 636 537 338 Torrevieja - S J & A. Digital. Tel. 96 631 9253 Playa Flamenca - Buster´s Bar. Tel. 96 532 5120 Blue Lagoon - The Electrical Shop (euronics) Tel: 96 618 8169 Los Alcazares - For home inspections call Edmund. Tel. 966 765 552 Mazarron Camposol B - La Red Solutions (Mapfre). Tel. 968 199 025 Neater Heater: Sole Spanish suppliers of BEHA Heaters.

Contact us on: 634 312 171 EMail: info@neaterheater.es www.neaterheater.es

11 - 17 NOV 2011

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Good planting weather and practices by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

A GOOD TIME TO PLANT After recent rains most readers now have easy-todig soil so making tree and shrub planting holes, digging over new flower beds and rotovating vegetable plots is a practical proposition without breaking one’s back or even tools.

If you are in truly frost-free coastal situations most things can be planted with the benefit that roots will have grown by the Spring. However, if you do get frosts only plant up genuinely frost-resistant things. If in doubt, check the frost resistant columns in the descriptions of practical plants in ‘Your Garden in Spain’.

GOOD PLANTING PRACTICES Size of plants:In general smaller plants and trees establish good root systems faster than larger ones sold root bound in small pots in relation to

the size of the plant. So if two sizes of a plant is available we would purchase the smaller one for both our and other’s gardens.

SIZE OF PLANTING HOLES In the UK, we normally got away with making a planting hole the same size as the compost around a purchased plant. But there the surrounding soil was not metres of clay that can dry out to create the equivalent of a thick-walled terracotta pot that soaks away moisture from the soil around the recently planted and watered new plant like a dry sponge. So make planting holes twice as large and infill with a good soil/compost mix with a little added sand and TerraCottem soil improver – searchTerraVida on the internet for information about this useful product.

to strangle each other in a growing corkscrew shape. Eventually plants and trees stunt and even die. If the citrus fruit tree planted a few years ago is growing poorly this may well be the cause. So do ensure that roots are spread out downwards and sloping 45 degrees sideways before planting.

SPLITTING ROOT-BOUND PERENNIALS Many root-bound perennials are best split to create additional plants before planting. We created a dozen separate plants from the last Gazania plant we purchased.

IMPROVING THE SOIL If possible improve the soil of an entire new perennial plant or shrub bed before planting.

STAKING AND TYING Ensure you stake trees and tall shrubs at the time of planting to ensure that they do not lean and loosen roots in high winds and heavy rain.

Likewise climbing plants need tying onto support frames or screw eyes fixed to walls and fences.

SPREADING THE ROOTS Entwined roots in a pot-bound pot, or plastic tube in the case of trees, are likely to continue to be entwined as they grow and often start

MULCHING Prevent early drying out by mulching the soil around newly planted plants and trees with compost, grit, rocks, chippings or stone slabs;

Clodagh and Dick’s instructive books are available to help you achieve a great garden from scratch or improve an existing garden. You will find them in bookshops including Bookworld, Carrefor and Humpty Dumpty. For convenience many internet bookshops stock them including Santana Books, Amazon UK, Bookworld and The Royal Horticultural Society. © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardeninginspain.com

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

the latter especially useful for protecting the roots of climbers. If you have had torrential rain, do allow the ground to dry out a little before making new plantings.

Happy autumn gardening…

Clodagh and Dick’s books are now available from their website www.gardeninginspain.com as well as high street and internet bookshops.

They are essential to new gardeners to Spain and make good presents. On their site there is a special offer involving their latest book Living Well from Our Mediterranean Garden.

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11 - 17 NOV 2011

Home & Garden

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11 - 17 NOV 2011

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11 - 17 NOV 2011

music scene

Ian Henry

Musician/Entertainer

Compiled by

Eric Taylor Presenter Heat Gold 94.1FM

A

S A well-known and popular musician/ entertainer here on the Costa Blanca Ian has put his versatility to good use and finds himself working in many different situations.

He still performs his show with the ‘Keytar’ and vocals but is finding more and more that his piano playing talents are in demand.

He currently appears with The Malibu Allstars Jazz Trio at the Malibu Bar in Benidorm every Wednesday night and this has led to every Friday at the same venue but performing a more varied set in the Piano Bar genre. He also plays background piano music at Sataris Restaurant, Moraira every Sunday Lunch from about 1.30pm.

This coupled with his regular Sunday night slot presenting Kabaret and Karaoke at Spencers Bistro, Moraira, makes his working life varied and

Tony Rivers – Mystique: Ada De Madrid, Moraira: Sunday 13th November, 5pm TONY IS the voice that entered your living rooms every week as the vocalist on ‘Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads’, theme. That was early 70s, when working as a session singer with the likes of Shakin’ Stevens, Steve Harley, Inxs and Pink Floyd, and before touring globally with Cliff Richard’s and Elton John’s bands. His first band, The Castaways, earned a stellar reputation through the 60s, picking up fans like a young Phil Collins and Yardbird Eric Clapton, while earning the respect of bands like The Who and The Beatles, constantly working with them.

The late 60s saw his new band, Harmony Grass, entering the charts in ’69 with Move in a Little Closer Baby and gaining John Peel as a fan.

Come and see Tony and enjoy a chilled set of songs and stories.

THE DNA Band (Dance the Night Away) are playing at Jaspas Bar, Balcon al Mar, Javea at 9pm on Friday 11th November, 2011. They are - Alan (lead guitar); Ann (rhythm guitar/vocals); Bob (drums); Doug (rhythm guitar/vocals) and Laurence (bass/vocals). The DNA Band plays 50s to 80s rock ‘n’ roll to dance by. Although some of the band have been gigging for many years, the present line up is just three months old. For more info phone: 96 647 2863.

interesting. Read more about him at www.doubleimpactmusic.com GIGS FOR NOVEMBER Friday 11th - Malibu Piano Bar - Benidorm (Every Friday) Saturday 12th - Private Function Sunday 13th - Satari’s Restaurant - Moraira (piano) 1.30pm (Every Sunday) Sunday 13th - Spencers Bistro, Moravit - Moraira (Karaoke) Tuesday 15th - Chino Shang Hai,Ctra. MorairaCalpe - Moraira (Every Tuesday) Wednesday 16th - Malibu Piano Bar - Benidorm (Jazz Trio) (Every Wednesday) Sunday 27th - Spencers Bistro, Moravit, Moraira (Karaoke)

Matt Mason ‘Curtis’ Singer/Entertainer

Matthew Mason (The artist formally known as ‘Curtis!’) joined ET and Barry Moon in the studio of Heat Gold, 94.1FM to talk about his treatment for mouth cancer and thank everyone who supported him and his family at the recent Benefit Night. Matt has been in UK since June, for the operation and treatment and is now about to start performing again. He is an extremely accomplished vocalist, with a very strong, powerful voice, indulging in every type and genre of music, from the infectious ‘swing’ era, to a fine selection of music from all the decades that will have you dancing.

Matt’s first gig in this area will be on Saturday 12th November in Bar

Tropicana, Paichi Centre, Moraira.

This is your chance to welcome Matt back. He also runs an entertainment company providing Race Nights, with horses, greyhounds and pigs. To contact Matt you can email him on matthewcurtis09@yahoo.co.uk or call 662 504 969.

GIGS FOR NOVEMBER Saturday 12th - Bar Tropicana, Paichi Centre - Moraira Tuesday 15th - Hillside Bar - La Marina (Race Night) Saturday 19th - MAPA Club Benitachell (Race Night) Thursday 24th - Bar Tropicana, Paichi Centre - Moraira Friday 25th - Bar Quo Vadis - Javea

Poppy Appeal Party THE RBL Calpe Branch is holding a Fund Raising Party at Bar Chez Flo, La Fustera Beach (Ctra. Calpe-Moraira) on Sunday 13th November, from 7.30pm: there will be a raffle and live music featuring DJ Darrell and Rob Sweeney. All proceeds to the RBL Poppy Appeal. Entrance is 5€ (includes food).

Pay at the door. For more information call 95 574 7982.

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.

The Wyrd Sisters

T

HE JAVEA Players autumn production will be at the Union Musical, Gata de Gorgos from Monday 28th November to Friday 2nd December at 8pm.

This year they have chosen The Wyrd Sisters, Sir Terry Pratchett’s brilliant spoof on Macbeth. Those expecting Shakespeare at its best will be disappointed, as this is very much a comedy in the style of Blackadder, with 37 characters and 23 scenes, the action moving quickly between The Blasted Heath, Lancre

Castle and its dungeons, a theatre, the woods, and a witch’s cottage.

For more information, check out www.javeaplayers.com.

Tickets can be booked by ringing 96 579 4937, or buying them at Humpty Dumpty in Javea, at 12€, with a reduction to 10€ for Javea Players Members and Friends, and groups of 20 or more on the opening night.

The Javea Players are sponsored by Kleinworth Benson.

Blithe Spirit coming soon

THE MONTE Pego Theatre Company is fine-tuning its autumn production of Noel Coward’s 1930s comedy Blithe Spirit at Rafol on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 24th, 25th and 26th November at 8pm, with a matinee performance at 3pm on Thursday.

Returned from the dead, first wife Elvira (Kaye Stubley) is determined to sabotage newly-married Charles’ relationship with second wife Ruth (Debbie Wallis) and the results are hilarious. Tickets at 12€ (group bookings available 11 for price of 10) including a charity donation and a free interval drink, can be booked by phoning 635 688 990 or online at montepegotheatrecompany@gmail.com. Don’t delay – book today.

5 course fine dining including ½ bottle wine pp bread, ali-oli and dips-

12.95€

Now taking bookings for Christmas & New Year,

-early reservations are advisedOPEN FOR SUNDAY LUNCH. CLOSED SUNDAY NIGHT & MONDAY, OPEN AGAIN FOR TUESDAY LUNCH

CLOSED 1ST - 17TH NOVEMBER ZODIAC - FRIDAY 25TH NOV JOHN THE FIDDLER - SATURDAY 26TH NOV EMAUS CHARITY QUIZ - TUESDAY 29TH NOV

11 - 17 NOV 2011

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tv Friday - 17 NOV 2011 411 - 10 NOV 2011

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Remembrance Week 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Filthy Rotten Scoundrels 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:10 Land Girls 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Junior Bake Off 16:40 Prank Patrol Down Under 17:00 Stuck on Sheep Mountain 17:30 Sarah Jane Adventures 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Sir Jimmy Savile: As it Happened 22:00 Have I Got News for You 22:30 Live at the Apollo 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Graham Norton Show 24:20 National Lottery Friday Night Draws

07:00 Childrens TV 11:05 Big Barn Farm 11:20 Louie 11:25 Baby Jake 11:40 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 To Buy or Not to Buy 14:45 Royal Upstairs Downstairs 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Wanted Down Under 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 20:00 A Culture Show Special 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 Autumnwatch Live 22:30 Autumnwatch Unsprung 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 The Review Show 24:45 Weather 24:50 Later... with Jools Holland

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 Best Dish: The Chefs 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Wild Britain with Ray Mears 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 The Jury 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Falling Down

07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 11:00 Location, Location, Location 12:00 Renovation Game 13:00 Drop Down Menu 14:00 Channel 4 Racing 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Unreported World 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 Derren Brown: The Secret of Luck 23:00 8 Out of 10 Cats 23:35 Pete Versus Life 24:10 Stand Up for the Week

07:00 Childrens TV 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Meerkat Manor 15:50 Animal Rescue Squad 16:05 Maldonado Miracle 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Lost Heroes of World War One 21:00 Ice Road Truckers: Deadliest Roads 22:00 Big Brother 23:30 Tamara Ecclestone: Billion $$ Girl 24:30 Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Bargain Hunt Famous Finds 11:45 Lord Mayor’s Show 2011 13:10 BBC News; Regional News 13:15 Formula 1 15:30 Live Boxing 17:00 Remembrance Week 18:05 BBC News; Regional News 18:25 The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson 18:55 Tonight’s the Night 19:55 Strictly Come Dancing 21:20 Merlin 22:05 National Lottery Saturday Night Draws 22:15 Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance 23:50 BBC News 24:15 Signs

07:00 Childrens TV 09:05 Pixelface 09:35 Splatalot 10:00 Live ‘n’ Deadly 11:00 Who Let the Dogs Out? 11:30 I Want My Own Room 12:00 Deadly Art 12:15 MOTD Kickabout 12:30 Football Focus 13:15 The Sky at Night 13:35 Coast 13:40 Carefree 15:05 Singin’ in the Rain 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Great British Food Revival 18:30 Flog It! 19:30 Dad’s Army 20:00 Dam Busters: The Race to Smash the German Dams 21:00 Come Fly with Me (The Story of Pan Am) 22:00 QI XL 22:45 Arena 24:20 Sings the Beatles

06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Mini CITV 08:15 CITV 10:25 Coronation Street 12:45 This Morning: Saturday 13:45 ITV News 13:50 Free Willy 2: the Adventure Home 15:40 Stop! or My Mom Will Shoot 17:20 Granada News 17:30 ITV News 17:45 Live International Football 20:15 You’ve Been Framed!

20:45 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 21:15 The X Factor 22:45 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories 23:45 ITV News 24:00 International Football Highlights

07:30 The Film Show 07:55 British Rallycross Grand Prix 2011 08:20 Extreme Sailing Series 08:50 Channel 4 Presents 08:55 The Morning Line 09:50 Smallville 10:40 Made in Chelsea 11:50 Inside SBTV: From Bedroom to Boardroom 12:25 T4 Favourites: Snow Patrol 13:00 Big Bang Theory 13:35 Big Bang Theory 14:05 The Simpsons 14:40 Channel 4 Racing 16:55 Come Dine with Me 17:55 Come Dine with Me 18:25 Come Dine with Me 19:25 Jamie’s Great Britain 20:25 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 World War II: The Last Heroes 22:00 Twilight 24:30 Let the Right One In

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Angelina Ballerina 09:50 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:45 Animal Families 11:00 Arthur Christmas: Movie Special 11:30 How Not to Decorate 12:20 The Gadget Show 13:15 Big Brother 14:40 Every Time We Say Goodbye 16:30 Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure 18:15 Mulan 19:55 Lara Croft: Tomb Raider 21:50 5 News Weekend 21:55 NCIS 22:45 Live International Boxing 24:15 UFC 137

07:00 Breakfast

07:00 Childrens TV 08:00 Roar 08:30 Arthur 08:50 Dennis & Gnasher 09:05 League of Super Evil 09:15 Jinx 09:35 Wingin’ It 10:00 Sam & Mark’s Big Friday Wind Up 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 Great British Food Revival 13:30 On Moonlight Bay 15:05 EastEnders 17:00 Rugby League 18:00 Peter Jones: How We Made Our Millions 19:00 Remembrance Sunday: The Cenotaph Highlights 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 How to Build...

22:00 Arena 24:05 Timewatch 24:55 Never Mind the Buzzcocks

06:30 ITV Morning News 07:00 Mini CITV 08:15 CITV 10:25 Monk 10:30 Finger Tips 10:45 The Adventures of Brer Rabbit 12:00 ITV News 12:05 Live FA Cup Football 16:00 The X Factor 17:30 Downton Abbey 19:00 Granada News 19:15 ITV News 19:30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 20:00 The Cube 21:00 The X Factor 22:00 I’m a Celebrity...

Get Me Out of Here!

23:30 ITV News 23:45 FA Cup Highlights 24:45 Real Crime with Mark Austin

07:05 The Hoobs 07:30 The Hoobs 07:55 Adidas Terrex Coast to Coast 08:20 The Crush 08:45 Hollyoaks 11:40 Professor Green Unseen 11:55 Live and Lost 12:00 The Simpsons 12:35 Shipwrecked: The Island 13:35 The Simpsons 14:05 Channel 4 Racing 16:35 Channel 4 Presents 16:40 Grand Designs 17:45 Deal or No Deal 18:45 Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs 20:25 4thought.tv 20:30 Channel 4 News 21:00 River Cottage Veg 22:00 Secret Millionaire 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 24:05 Teenage Vampires

07:00 Childrens TV 08:55 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:45 Animal Families 11:00 Hotel Inspector 12:00 Paul Merton’s Adventures 13:00 Ice Road Truckers: Deadliest Roads 14:00 Revealed 14:55 Zoo Days 15:00 Mary Higgins Clark’s Moonlight Becomes You 16:50 Avalanche Express 18:25 5 News Weekend 18:30 The Great Escape 22:00 Hang ‘Em High 24:15 Young Guns

tv Saturday

tv Sunday

10:00 Andrew Marr Show 11:25 Remembrance Sunday: The Cenotaph 13:15 Formula 1 16:10 The Politics Show 17:10 Frozen Planet 18:10 Points of View 18:25 Songs of Praise 19:00 BBC News; Regional News 19:25 Countryfile 20:25 Strictly Come Dancing 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Garrow’s Law 23:00 BBC News; Regional News 23:25 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 24:10 Ask Rhod Gilbert 24:45 Management

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Emmerdale 07:50 Emmerdale 08:20 Gossip Girl 09:05 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 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 New York City 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 The Cube 21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

21:30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 22:00 The X Factor USA 23:00 The Only Way Is Essex 23:45 The Only Way Is Essex 24:45 You’ve Been Framed!

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Greek 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Ugly Betty 12:15 90210 13:10 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Desperate Housewives 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 18:30 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Made in Chelsea 22:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 23:00 50 Greatest Plastic Surgery Shockers

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 True Grit 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 Come Dine with Me 20:55 River Cottage 22:00 Heat

Sir Jimmy Savile: As It Happened BBC1, 21.30

07:00 Emmerdale 09:35 Gossip Girl 10:25 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 10:55 The X Factor USA 12:50 The X Factor USA 13:45 All Star Family Fortunes 14:30 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 14:55 You’ve Been Framed!

15:25 The Cube 16:25 The Only Way Is Essex 17:10 The Only Way Is Essex 18:15 Music and Lyrics 20:15 Celebrity Grimefighters 21:15 Grimefighters 21:45 Homes from Hell 22:45 The Xtra Factor 23:45 Celebrity Juice 24:30 Peter Andre: My Life

07:00 How to Look Good Naked 08:00 Wife Swap USA 08:55 Great British Hairdresser 09:55 Supernanny USA 10:55 Wife Swap USA 11:55 One Tree Hill 12:55 Hollyoaks 15:55 Sorority Girls 16:55 Made in Chelsea 18:00 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Happy Endings 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Big Bang Theory 21:30 Big Bang Theory 22:00 Meet the Spartans 23:40 Big Bang Theory 24:05 Big Bang Theory

10:00 Time Team

07:00 Switched 07:25 Gok’s Fashion Fix 08:20 Supernanny USA 09:10 How to Look Good Naked 10:15 How to Look Good Naked 11:15 Gok’s Fashion Fix 12:15 Supernanny USA 13:15 How to Look Good Naked 14:15 How to Look Good Naked 15:20 Alvin and the Chipmunks 17:00 Make It or Break It 17:55 Make It or Break It 18:50 Big Bang Theory 19:20 Big Bang Theory 19:45 My Name Is Earl 20:10 My Name Is Earl 20:35 Iron Man 23:00 Misfits 24:05 Comedy Lab 24:40 Tool Academy

10:00 A Place in the Sun 10:35 Scrapheap Challenge 11:35 Scrapheap Challenge 12:40 Scrapheap Challenge 13:45 Scrapheap Challenge 14:50 Four in a Bed 16:00 Four in a Bed 17:05 Four in a Bed 17:40 Katie Price Booked: Stars of the National Book Awards 18:10 Come Dine with Me 18:45 Come Dine with Me 19:20 Come Dine with Me 19:55 Come Dine with Me 20:25 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Jamie at Home 22:00 Jamie’s American Food Revolution 23:00 Trophy Kids 24:05 Curb Your Enthusiasm

11:00 Time Team 12:05 Time Team 13:10 Time Team 14:15 3 Minute Wonder 14:20 Channel 4 Presents 14:25 Rooster Cogburn 16:35 Grand Designs 17:40 Grand Designs 18:45 Grand Designs 19:50 Grand Designs 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 The Story of Film: An Odyssey 23:25 Heat

Mulan Channel 5, 18.15

07:00 Coronation Street 09:05 Emmerdale 12:00 Coronation Street 14:25 Peter Andre: My Life 15:30 Celebrity Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

16:30 All Star Family Fortunes 17:30 The Xtra Factor 18:30 You’ve Been Framed!

19:00 The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas 20:50 The Hot Desk 21:00 Grimefighters 21:30 Grimefighters 22:00 The Xtra Factor 23:15 The Hot Desk 23:30 I’m a Celebrity...

Get Me Out of Here Now! 24:35 Models, Misfits and Mayhem

I’m a Celebrity....

Get Me Out of Here!

ITV1, 22.00

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tv Monday

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11 2011 14--17 20NOV may 2010

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 You’ve Been Scammed 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Filthy Rotten Scoundrels 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Moving On 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Barney’s Latin America 16:40 Prank Patrol Down Under 17:00 Deadly Top 10 17:30 Blue Peter 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Inside Out 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Young Apprentice 23:00 BBC News 23:35 A Question of Sport 24:05 John Bishop’s Britain

07:00 Childrens TV 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 New Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 To Buy or Not to Buy 14:30 Britain’s Killer Roads 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Hairy Bikers’ Best of British 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 20:00 Great British Food Revival 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 MasterChef 22:00 The Choir: Military Wives 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Rev

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 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 Best Dish: The Chefs 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Little England 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 I’m a Celebrity...

Get Me Out of Here!

23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Real Crime with Mark Austin 24:35 The Zoo

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Undercover Boss USA 10:55 Location, Location, Location 11:55 Renovation Game 13:00 Drop Down Menu 14:25 The Return of Frank James 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Brave New World with Stephen Hawking 22:00 Confessions of an Undercover Cop 23:00 Rude Tube 24:05 My Transsexual Summer

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Extraordinary People 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:10 Blessed Stranger: after Flight 111 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Celebrity Wish List 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Hotel Inspector 23:00 A Perfect World

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 You’ve Been Scammed 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Filthy Rotten Scoundrels 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Moving On 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Junior Bake Off 16:35 Prank Patrol Down Under 17:00 Copycats 17:30 Blue Peter 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 Death in Paradise 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Imagine...

24:45 Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

07:00 Childrens TV 10:55 Zingzillas 11:15 Big Barn Farm 11:25 Louie 11:35 Baby Jake 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 New Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 To Buy or Not to Buy 14:30 Britain’s Killer Roads 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Hairy Bikers’ Best of British 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 20:00 MasterChef 21:00 James May’s Man Lab 22:00 Double Agent: Eddie Chapman Story 23:00 Life’s Too Short 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The Choir: Military Wives

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 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 Best Dish: The Chefs 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Live International Football 23:10 ITV News 23:40 Granada News 23:45 International Football Highlights 24:45 Caddyshack

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Undercover Boss USA 10:55 Location, Location, Location 11:55 Renovation Game 13:00 Drop Down Menu 14:25 Channel 4 Presents 14:30 The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Food Hospital 22:00 Jamie’s Great Britain 23:00 My Transsexual Summer 24:05 Random Acts 24:10 True Blood

07:00 Childrens TV 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Extraordinary People 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Law & Order 16:15 Jane Doe 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 How to Take Stunning Pictures 21:00 London: The Inside Story 22:00 CSI: Miami 23:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 24:00 CSI: Miami 24:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:20 Gossip Girl 09:05 Judge Judy 10:00 The Hot Desk 10:10 Real Housewives of New York City 11:40 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 18:10 Loose Women 19:00 The Only Way Is Essex 20:00 The X Factor 21:00 Peter Andre: My Life 22:00 Vampire Diaries 23:00 I’m a Celebrity...

Get Me Out of Here Now! 24:00 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 You’ve Been Scammed 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Filthy Rotten Scoundrels 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Moving On 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Junior Bake Off 16:35 Prank Patrol Down Under 17:00 Roy 17:30 Serious Explorers 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Waterloo Road 21:30 Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson 22:00 Frozen Planet 23:00 BBC News 23:35 National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Who Do You Think You Are? 24:15 Film 2011 with Claudia Winkleman

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:20 Something Special 10:40 Charlie and Lola 10:55 Zingzillas 11:15 Big Barn Farm 11:25 Baby Jake 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 Mr Blandings Builds His Dream House 14:00 See Hear 14:30 Britain’s Killer Roads 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Hairy Bikers’ Best of British 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 20:00 Great British Food Revival 21:00 MasterChef 22:00 Pan Am 22:45 Pan Am 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Come Fly with Me (The Story of Pan Am)

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 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 Best Dish: The Chefs 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

21:30 I’m a Celebrity...

Get Me Out of Here!

23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Cops with Cameras 24:35 Homes from Hell

07:05 The Hoobs 07:30 The Hoobs 07:55 Channel 4 Presents 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 The Secret Millionaire USA 10:55 Relocation, Relocation: It’s Never Too Late 11:55 Renovation Game 13:00 Drop Down Menu 14:20 Channel 4 Presents 14:25 Cottage to Let 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Kirstie’s Handmade Britain 22:00 Grand Designs 23:00 Fresh Meat 23:55 Alan Carr: Chatty Man

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Extraordinary People 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Law & Order 16:10 A Perfect Day 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Highland Emergency 21:00 Dangerous Drivers’ School 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Paul Merton’s Adventures 24:00 Banged Up Abroad

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:20 Gossip Girl 09:05 Judge Judy 10:00 The Hot Desk 10:10 Real Housewives of New York City 11:40 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Beauty and the Geek 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 20:00 All Star Family Fortunes 21:00 Gossip Girl 22:00 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories 23:00 I’m a Celebrity...

Get Me Out of Here Now! 24:00 Flashdance

tv Tuesday

tv Wednesday

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:20 Gossip Girl 09:05 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 18:10 Loose Women 19:05 Judge Judy 20:00 The X Factor 21:30 You’ve Been Framed!

22:00 Baby Hospital 23:00 I’m a Celebrity...

Get Me Out of Here Now! 24:20 Batman and Robin

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Greek 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Ugly Betty 12:10 90210 13:05 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Desperate Housewives 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:35 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 My Name Is Earl 21:30 My Name Is Earl 22:00 One Tree Hill 23:00 Made in Chelsea 24:00 Sorority Girls

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House?

11:35 Murder Ahoy 13:25 Channel 4 Presents 13:30 3 Minute Wonder 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 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 20:55 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 21:30 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 22:00 The Hospital 23:00 Undercover Boss USA 24:00 Daily Show Global Edition

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

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Greek 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Ugly Betty 12:15 90210 13:10 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Desperate Housewives 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Shipwrecked: The Island 22:00 Sorority Girls 23:00 Tool Academy 24:05 PhoneShop 24:35 The IT Crowd

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House?

11:35 The Day the Earth Stood Still 13:20 Channel 4 Presents 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 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 17:10 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 Extra Portions 20:25 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 21:30 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 22:00 Come Dine with Me 23:00 True Stories

Double Agent: Emergency with Eddie Angela Griffin Chapman Story Sky1 BBC2,21.00 22.00

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Greek 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Ugly Betty 12:15 90210 13:10 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 14:35 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Desperate Housewives 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 18:30 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 David Blaine’s Street Magic 22:00 Mission: Impossible III 24:25 Misfits

Emergency Mission: with Angela GriffinIII Impossible Sky1 21.00 E4, 22.00

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House?

11:35 Carry On Regardless 13:20 Channel 4 Presents 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 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 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Celebrity Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 20:25 Celebrity Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 20:55 Celebrity Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 21:30 Celebrity Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 22:00 Time Team 23:00 Time Team Special

tv Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 You’ve Been Scammed 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Filthy Rotten Scoundrels 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Moving On 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Junior Bake Off 16:35 Prank Patrol Down Under 17:00 Copycats 17:30 The Sarah Jane Adventures 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Children in Need Rocks Manchester 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

07:00 Childrens TV 10:20 Something Special 10:40 Charlie and Lola 10:55 Zingzillas 11:15 Big Barn Farm 11:25 Louie 11:35 Baby Jake 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Sylvia Scarlett 14:00 To Buy or Not to Buy 14:30 Britain’s Killer Roads 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Hairy Bikers’ Best of British 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 20:00 Great British Food Revival 21:00 MasterChef 22:00 Rev 22:30 Life’s Too Short 23:00 Frank Skinner’s Opinionated 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Burnistoun 24:50 Pan Am

8 - 14 JulY 11 - 2011 17 NOV 2011

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 May the Best House Win 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 Best Dish: The Chefs 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 I’m a Celebrity...

Get Me Out of Here!

23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories 24:35 The Choir That Rocks

Crossword Solutions 629 CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 7 Primer; 8 Search; 10 Receded; 11 Maxim; 12 Seen; 13 Knell; 17 Plump; 18 Pare; 22 Sloop; 23 Elector; 24 Eleven; 25 Patron.

Down: 1 Oppress; 2 Pitched; 3 Wends; 4 Sea-mile; 5 Proxy; 6 Thyme; 9 Odd number; 14 Clipper; 15 Pasture; 16 Wearing; 19 Asset; 20 Rowed; 21 He-man.

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 The Secret Millionaire USA 10:55 Relocation, Relocation 11:55 Renovation Game 13:00 Drop Down Menu 14:15 Millions like Us 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Beeny’s Restoration Nightmare 22:00 The Queen’s Hidden Cousins 23:00 The Joy of Teen Sex 24:05 Random Acts 24:10 Secret Millionaire

07:00 Childrens TV 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Extraordinary People 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Law & Order 16:15 Mystery Woman 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Highland Emergency 21:00 Fairground Attractions 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 NCIS 23:55 NCIS 24:55 Inside Hollywood

QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 7 Repair; 8 Damage; 10 Verbose; 11 Agree; 12 Road; 13 Tally; 17 State; 18 Moor; 22 Tramp; 23 Tension; 24 Fluffy; 25 Rugged.

Down: 1 Bravery; 2 Spartan; 3 Pilot; 4 Manacle; 5 Harry; 6 Sever; 9 Devastate; 14 Stupefy; 15 Foliage; 16 Grenade; 19 Stuff; 20 Vague; 21 Annul.

Wordwheel: NARRATIVE

07:00 Emmerdale 07:55 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:20 Gossip Girl 09:05 Judge Judy 10:25 Beauty and the Geek 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 14:00 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Beauty and the Geek 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 The X Factor USA 22:00 Sleep Walkers: Secrets of the Night 23:00 I’m a Celebrity...

Get Me Out of Here Now! 24:05 Music and Lyrics

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Greek 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Ugly Betty 12:15 90210 13:10 Greek 14:05 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Desperate Housewives 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:35 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Big Bang Theory 21:30 Perfect Couples 22:00 How I Met Your Mother 22:30 Happy Endings 23:00 PhoneShop 23:35 Facejacker 24:05 Dirty Digest 24:55 Big Bang Theory

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

51 51

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House?

11:35 The True Story of Jesse James 13:20 Channel 4 Presents 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 3 Minute Wonder 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 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 20:55 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 21:30 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 22:00 Southland 23:00 The Closer 24:00 The Killing

44 52 48

28 - 33NOV 11 17 NOV 20112011 28-OCT OCTNOV 2011 28

Calling all

Santas!

The one that didn’t get away IT’S TRUE to say that I’ve always had a fascination with live fish ever since I caught my first Roach in a park in Dartford in Kent. This only attempt at river fishing was soon superseded by my love for fish from the sea and shellfish of all kinds. Unlike me many of my friends have continued taking up the challenge of river fishing spending as much time and money as they do on golf and for what? They never get to eat the spoils of their labour which either gets thrown back or ends up in the freezer until once forgotten gets thrown away by their wives.

One story told to me was of two recently caught huge monsters which put up such a struggle, turned out to be two pathetic trout and small ones at that. I’m still not convinced that he actually caught them himself anyway. Why do all fishy tales depict the ones that got away as being huge monsters who had put up such a fight only to be tragically lost at the last minute?

My brother and I at a very tender age decided not to talk about what we had just caught at the seaside but drag it back to the holiday flat we were renting as proof. Turned out that Mother was not impressed with the 6ft Conger eel we had managed to drag from the sea and in fact her screams could be heard for some distance as we reluctantly had to drag it back. No thanks it seems for trying to put food on the table.

Since then we almost got swept away on the

deserted 12 mile beach in Thailand having been caught naked and unawares by a rip tide. I have had a very close encounter with a large Barracuda which brushed my ear whilst swimming in Egypt, Trudy got bitten by a Parrot fish and I so nearly stood barefoot on a Stonefish. Once I even got a bit stranded by a wall of eels presumably getting me back for their mate that my brother and I once caught.

Still undeterred I went regularly to the fish markets to buy whatever had just been delivered fresh from the ports, but, unlike river fishing stories, the fish really do turn out to be much bigger than you first imagine at the market. Like any auction I got a bit carried away with the moment and bought a line, or in fact, hawser-caught Halibut from Scotland which weighed a staggering 160lb. Once I managed to get it back to the restaurant I was none-too-politely asked what the hell I thought I was doing buying such a monster, good as it was?

So I emptied all the other produce out of the display and filled it with the one fish. The menu, I informed everyone, now had only one ingredient which could be bought by weight and grilled, roasted, steamed or even hot smoked while you waited but would not be frozen.

Fresh fish is, for now, readily available, daily, from all over the World and gets displayed even by the poorest of Supermarkets on a daily basis then only to watch you pass by, as you don’t really fancy

fish today, then three days later have the cheek to ask “Is the fish fresh?” I know the customer is supposed to always be right but sometimes I could scream. They are called Supermarkets and fishmongers they are not mind readers. Why don’t you buy your fresh fish on the day it arrives in the store? If you don’t know what day it arrives, then ask, and if they won’t tell you then find a better fish monger. If I can’t find what takes my fancy at a fish market I’ll find out what’s in season and order it, then I know I can get it the same day as they do.

You should do the same, but remember like my 160lb Halibut which we sold in two days, it always looks smaller in the market.

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

THE HUNT is on for a deputy Father Christmas to give out presents to children who attend the Marriott Christmas Gift Fair on Sunday 4th December.

If you would like to assist in this regard, please contact lesleyclarkjavea@ gmail.com We understand that the real Father Christmas may be busy on this particular Sunday - but if anyone could stand in for him for an hour or two we would be very happy to lend him Santa’s uniform!

This Event is being staged to bring some Christmas cheer to EMAUS children in Homes on the Costa Blanca.

- 17 NOV 2011 FEB 26 -11MARCH 4 2010

53 53

The last word

Who said the

drugs don’t work belongs to Jimmy Showbiz Goss by

Peter Taylor

Writer and Broadcaster

FIRST UP in this week’s all male cast is Shaun Ryder the nutbox frontman of late 80s/early 90s Manchester Indie band Happy Mondays: one of whose songs was interestingly entitled ‘Lazyitis – One Armed Boxer’. By Shaun’s own admission he was also a regular user of certain substances and you will find this referred to quite some as we move through the story.

Something that was not common knowledge about young master Ryder was that he had an obsession with Unidentified Flying Objects and this is the reason he is here today. The History Channel have given Shaun a series of new telly shows cleverly called ‘Shaun Ryder on UFO’s’, in which he will travel the globe and attempt to prove to us all that sky travellers really do exist.

In an interview with Q Magazine he said: “I´ve seen a couple of things that defy explanation…” that´ll be the drugs Shaun …

“They were not craft from this planet” … again that’s the drugs … Unfortunately at the time of writing I had no accurate information as to when the show will go out as personally I can’t wait to see it, but The History Channel promise us that Shaun will catch up with some very interesting characters along the way, some of whom they said will make him look sane … again that’ll be the drugs.

Fatherland

BESTSELLING AUTHOR Robert Harris creates a post war world in the early ‘60s in which Hitler didn’t die in a Berlin bunker and the National Socialists won the war in Europe.

Now an uneasy truce exists between Nazi Europe and the USA under its president Joseph F Kennedy, the ex wartime US ambassador to Britain.

In the east Communist partisans wage a failing war of attrition Book against the borders of the Reich Review by but the 75-year-old Führer sleeps peacefully in his Berlin palace, unaware that a police inspector copy@dannyjpcollins.com of the Criminal Police is about to expose the wartime dossiers implicating Kennedy and the Reich leaders in the Final Solution that led to the extermination of more than 11,000,000 Jews and the Naziclassed untermenscen of Europe.

Aided by an American female journalist and betrayed by his family and country, Kriminalpolizei Sturmbannfúhrer Xavier Martin makes a desperate bid to smuggle the dossiers to the USA through Switzerland where their publication would bring down a government and end Hitler’s plan for detenté with the USA. As ever, Harris keeps the pages turning as the plot races towards its inevitable bloody conclusion.

Danny Collins

I WOULD like to take the opportunity to pay my own personal homage to the late Sir Jimmy Saville. Jimmy passed away a few days before his 85th birthday in his home town of Leeds and after a trainload of tributes flooded in from the likes of Prince Charles and all and sundry from the worlds of music and family entertainment.

Sadly the gutter press moved in and went about their usual murky business of trying to rubbish the great man. Because Sir Jimmy spent much of his later years in the Scottish Highlands the rag paper saddos suggested he lived the life of a recluse and nastily went about the work of darkening the horizon. How wide of the mark are these fools! Let me enlighten you: a 59-year-old

man called Howard Silverman, also from Leeds, who was found by a local reporter in the town, said “Jimmy had what he called the FMC which was the Friday Morning Club, and all of his pals were just like me, ordinary geezers, and we were all invited to his house to drink tea, eat cakes then drink whisky!” Hey, hey! …stick that on your smoke and pipe it you gutter fu… people!

There’s a lovely footnote to the story of Sir Jimmy from Katherine Jenkins the Welsh Soprano who said: “Such sad news … my sis and I always wanted to have a ‘Jim’ll Fix It’ badge … I loved that show … great memories.”

I give you Sir Jimmy Saville… an innovator in the business of entertaining people less fortunate than himself.

Rock me daddio

BABY BOY Bieber, as I have affectionately grown to call young Justin, attracts miles and miles of worldwide media attention which is mostly down to how sweet and cute he is, but I now have to smartly backtrack on this handle and change it to Fertile Father Bieber, and the reason is as follows: a week past Monday a 17-year-old girl called Mariah Yeater from San Diego filed a paternity suit against the lad saying “We had unprotected sex after his concert in the town…” Ooh!! The little devil! … So he´s living the Rock ‘n’ Roll lifestyle after all…! What makes it all even more amazing is that Justin’s lawyers official statement read “Justin has not denied this allegation” Alright ! More hot information is that Justin, who was just 16 at the time of the ‘incident’, has Tweeted to his legions of young girl fans: “I’m going ignore all of these rumours and want to be judged on my music.” Aah … bless … he’s still Baby Boy Bieber after all.

Bridge the Divide with PEPA PEPA (THE Helping Hands Charity) cordially invites all readers of The RTN to ‘Bridge the Divide’ during ‘An Audience with Deanna Sparks’, International Spiritual Medium (I.S.M. / R.A.M.)’ on Thursday 24th November from 3pm until 6pm at the Viva Espana Restaurant in Oliva.

Here is an exciting opportunity for everyone to see and experience how a ‘Medium’ works. Deanna will be supported by her husband Peter during the event.

Deanna has worked throughout Europe, Russia and the USA demonstrating her gift, also appearing on the TV programme ‘The Why Files’, in which she investigated unexplained happenings: she has also made a film for the Japanese.

Deanna has been blessed with unique

and special gifts developed over 30 years’ experience working with the spirit world: she hopes she will be able to share them with you. An ‘Audience with Deanna Sparks’ will not only help to raise money for the abandoned animals which PEPA helps but also provide, particularly for those of us who may have doubts, thought-provoking evidence of contact with loved ones who have passed, proving the continuous existence of the human soul.

Deanna’s visit to Viva Espana is definitely an event not to be missed and please note that tickets will be limited. For more details on how to obtain tickets etc see www.pepaspain.com email jaineinspain@msn.com or telephone 647 368 322.

Suduko Answer

Actual Nazi personalities are drawn from history to play their parts in this diabolical plot, which begs the question: what if Hitler had won?

What indeed…

Author: Robert Harris Publisher: Arrow (paperback) Price: 10.40€ ISBN: 978 0 0995 2789 3

motoring

54

11 - 17 NOV 2011

Illegal tow-bar

I HAVE just returned from The UK with our Spanish-registered car, a Ford Focus, and while by we were there we had a tow-bar fitted by a garage. Last week we took it for its ITV here Brian and it failed as the inspector told us that tow-bar is illegal. How could this be?

Deller

Author of Motoring in Spain

As my book explains, when you alter the specifications of any motor vehicle in the EU, the modifications must have been approved (homolgamated) by the EU for it to be legal.

In fact if you are stopped at the roadside, such modifications could cause the vehicle to be impounded and a fine issued.

The reason for such seemingly high-handed actions is because in the past, before such rules were promulgated, accidents occurred - especially with such home-made tow-bars etc. failing while on the move. The same applies to trailers. And each addition/modification must have been tested

by the EU engineering standards organisation and an approval certificate issued. Then the addition must be officially added to the Technical Tarjeta (card) that came with the car which lists all the specifications for that particular vehicle.

The garage selling/fitting the tow bar in the UK should have known this and advised accordingly, but so many people are ignorant of the laws today, and if they did know, they would probably have realised that they should advise you to have it fitted in Spain where a sales outlet can carry out the work for a small fee. The procedure is explained in my book as well as the reasons.

You advised me on the phone that the tow bar has been made by a well-known reputable manufacturer and it has an approval reference on it so my advice at this stage is to go to the website of the manufacturer and ask them for a certificate to be emailed to you so you can take it to the ITV station and they can officially approve the new addition.

You are allowed one re-visit as part of the original fee so there should be no further charges for the inspection, only the re-issuing by Trafico of the Technical Card.

Good luck.

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

BMW introduces the Chrome Bullet BMW’s LATEST masterpiece, an M3 Coupe chromed from nose to tail except for its distinctive red and blue hood decal and introduced as the ‘Chrome Bullet’ was launched in Munich last week. The car comes with a 4.0L V8 engine producing 420 horsepower and is tipped to become available as a limited edition, although BMW has not yet confirmed details.

The standard model of the M3 Coupe costs around US$60,000 with the Chrome Bullet version expected to command a considerably higher price tag.

For the time being, the Chrome Bullet is for display and wish lists only.

28 OCT- 11 3 NOV 2011 2011 - 17 NOV

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Tel.: 965 368 274

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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

€12,495

€7,995

BMW 320 I SE 2001 4 DOOR

€3,995

Kia Sportage 2008 Limited UEFA 2008 Model

OPEL ASTRA ESTATE 1999 1.7 Ltr Diesel

€4,995

€5,995

FORD FOCUS ESTATE 2003 1.6 LTR PETROL

Ford Fiesta 2005 1.4 Ltr Diesel

€11,995 21000 Klm

Kia Sportage Nov 2007

€36,995

€25,995

€16,995

€8,495

€2,995

HYMER 650CL, A CLASS - 1986 6 BERTH

LAIKA A CLASS ECOVIP H710, 2004 TOP OF THE RANGE

JOINT J148 2006 3 BERTH, ONE OWNER - 45000 KLM

PEGASO AUTOROLLER IVECO Diesel- 5Berth

ELNAGH 620 SL CLIPPER 1989 3 BERTH

OPEL CORSA 2002 1.2 LTR PETROL

automatic

€9,995

€6,995

Auto - Tiptronic

Mercedes-Benz C200 2001 - 4 Door Auto - tiptronic

UK RIGHT HAND DRIVE CARS

€1,495

spanish plates

rhd VAUXHALL ASTRA 2001 1.6 LTR PETROL - ONE OWNER

wanted UK AND SPANISH REGISTERED CARS - CASH PAID

€6,495

€1,495

6 seater

Kia Carens 2004 2 Ltr Diesel Low Klm FSH

€15,495

FORD FOCUS CMAX 2010 1.6 TDCI DIESEL ONE OWNER

Aprilia SR50 2006 50 c.c

€2,250

SUZUKI BALENO 1997 1.6 LTR PETROL

MOTORHOMES AND CLASSICS ALSO WANTED - RING TODAY!!

ALL LEGAL PAPERWORK COMPLETED

Opening hours Mon - Fri 9-6pm (No siesta) Sat 10-1pm. Find us next to Petrol Station TORREMENDO 10 Minutes inland from San Miguel, Los Montesinos & Junction 751 on the AP7 towards Orihuela. Torremendo turning on CV95 towards San Miguel

Classified Ads 56

11-17 NOV 2011

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

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

14 - 20 OCT 2011

Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2)

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

11-17 NOV 2011 and worldwide known products for general nutrition, sport nutrition, weight loss etc. Full setup with training, seminars and marketing campaigns. Low start fee and no stock. Please contact Helena on: info@herbal5.es or 657 349 902 www.Herbal5.es AMBITIOUS? Life changing opportunity with a money back guarantee. For details telephone 965 322 863 A 6 FIGURE INCOME is eminently achievable with us – and there’s a money back guarantee. Telephone 965 322 863 COLD DRINK / SNACK VENDING MACHINES EXCELLENT RECESSION PROOF BUSINESS WITH NO OVERHEADS AND ALL CASH. 5 COLDDRINK VENDING MACHINES €24,900.

25 PRINGLE MACHINES €14,900, ALL WITH GUARANTEED SITES. 619307318.

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.965-326-442/659696-455 SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own product range.

First class training & support.

Telephone 606586587

EXCEL AIR CONDITIONING. See main ad on page 11.Tel/Fax (Head Office) 966-897-772. Mobiles:680-154-432/676-265-675. 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

HOMES NEEDED FOR ABANDONED KITTENS I have 4 gorgeous kittens which are really friendly and love people. 1 male g/w and 3 female tabby, tri, t-shell .

If you can offer a good home to one please give sarah a call 600552031 or 965960658.

HOUSE AND PET SITTING Call Margaret experienced multi lingual telephone 968 186 781 Mobile 659 824 156

PET TRANSPORT we treat your pet as if they belong to us and that is our promise. van fully air conditioned we believe we have the best rates so give joe a call on 966074576 or 650341087 for a chat or e mail pawspettransport@ hotmail.com 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

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

DO YOU SUFFER THROUGH ANOTHER PERSON DRINKING? Don’t suffer alone. We meet in Benidorm every Thursday at 5.00pm. Al-Anon Established Worldwide for 60 years. Ring 634758539 for details.

GATA CHARITY SHOP Description: House Clearances, furniture, bric a brac, beds, etc.

High prices paid for quality items.

We buy, Sell and Exchange just about anything at the GATA CHARITY SHOP in aid of SPAIN, the Society for the Protection of Animals in Need. Collection and Delivery service available. Tel 665653998 or 965756215.

MERCURIO CONSTRUCTION .

ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS FROM SMALL REPAIRS TO NEW HOUSES. COVERING ALL COASTAL AREAS OF THE COSTA BLANCA. www.conpro.com.es TEL: 669.669.339

INTERNATIONAL NUTRITION COMPANY looking for multilingual distributors. Work from home part time/fulltime and create your own business, both in Spain and other European countries. Registered

4 BERTH CARAVAN FOR SALE Excellent condition. Fully equiped.

Parked on campo in Guadalest.

995€ ono. Tel: 650 554 908 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

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and Barcelona the world is at your fingertips! Call Kris now on 697551459 WORKING HOLIDAYS FOR EXPATS Join our team of selfemployed live-in carers in the U.K. We require live-in carers 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.

ADULT INTERNET PHOTO AND VIDEO Females and couples, 18-65, required as models.

Excellent rates. Tlf:-697-697-842

COMPUTERS We can change your Spanish computer into English without effecting your data for only 25€ Call John on 638356368 for details PC SOLUTIONS 4U For all your PC needs. Reliable & friendly service. Call Fred 634638664

ALEXANDERS PAY TOP LONDON PRICES Javea Port seafront – Monday to Saturday - 10am till 3pm. Established since 2003 Tel: 965792595 or 667270969

TEETH WHITENING Professional Cosmetic Treatments or DIY Whitening Kits from 29€. Javea, Denia, Benidorm, Calpe area. Tel. 966 473 166 - Mob. 680 501 404. www.nulookteeth.com

FUNKY FREESTYLE DANCE with Louise, every Saturday morning at Villamar Campsite in Albir/ Benidorm, come and learn all the moves and routines to your pop idols! Call Louise on 655-781-068 for more information!

STYLIST, APPRENTICE and nail technician wanted. ALBIR SALON Tel: 966 868 854 CARERS WANTED To work in England 3 weeks on 3 weeks off email CV to 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com TELESALES OFFICE IN ALBIR OPENING A NIGHT SHIFT 25 to 30 hrs per week, Basic, commission, contract and training offered. We are looking for reliable staff, willing to work hard in exchange for great commissions.

We need..... * A sales manager * 2 Closers * 15 telesales staff * 2 Administration staff. This is a great opportunity to get in while the company is young, with offices throughout Spain, Tenerife, Malaga

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11-17 NOV 2011

PET INSURANCE Protectapet: Looking for Pet Insurance? Spains Leading Pet Insurance Provider. www.protectapet.eu 965 756 724 S.O.S. INSURANCE Car-HomeHealth-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787123/622-275-561/686-116-297

SOLAR PANELS, ELECTRIC 8 Solar panels, 19 volts each, 4 x12 volt batteries, 110ah, charge controller, inverter, condition monitor, genuine reason for sale.

625 euros, call 628832187 CALPE EVERYTHING FOR THE small builder from hoists, scaffold, mixer, joiners plant and much more Tel 627-278-018 AUTOMATIC GATE SYSTEMS €449!! AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR MOTORS €249!! FULLY INSTALLED/GUARANTEED!! All brands repaired 627-191639/www. elektro-nex.com

GOLD WANTED English Jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold jewellery & coins for cash.

Call for an appointment. Peter (7 days) 664 890 990.

HYUNDAI ATOS 1 LITRE GLS 2000 model. 73,000kms. Full Service history. Aircon. Red. 2250€.

Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com TATA SAFARI 2 LITRE TURBO DIESEL EX Ex 7 seater, 2002, 86,000kms. Alloys, front bull bar, side steps, roof rails, metallic silver. 3450€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com FORD FUSION 1.4TDCI 2006 as new low miles, fully serviced only 5950€ may part ex. Tel 680665583.

OPEL ASTRA AUTOMATIC 1.6 PETROL 5 door hatchback. 1999, fully serviced, looks and drives perfect only 2495€ may part ex.

Tel 680665583.

FORD FOCUS 1.8 TDCI ESTATE 2003, Silver genuine 70k miles, LHD, itv 2013, fully serviced, drives perfect only 3950€ may part ex.

Tel 680665583.

OPEL CORSA AUTOMATIC 5 Door 1.2 2002 FSH Air Con. Elec Windows Ideal ladies car. Fortuna. €1750.00 ONO Tel 609817313 or email rjn435@hotmail.com MITSUBISHI PAJERO 1993 Short Wheel Base Diesel, Automatic, New tyres & ITV, Price €1250.00 Tel: 675878601 PRIVATE BUYER, LOOKING TO BUY A CHEAP CAR DIRECTLY FROM THE OWNER, TEL 638 81 18 81.(PLEASE MIDDLEMEN DO NOT APPLY)

WEIGHT WATCHERS Call our Free English call centre now to find your nearest meeting. 900-818-794 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 AT MICHAEL’S Just come in: Beautiful hand carved Spanish antique furniture all in high quality walnut - side board + dining set with leather chairs. Click in to: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Several large wardrobes and many small patio sets in stock, and lots more. Designer sofas with matching chaise lounge.

See photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Beautiful bedroom set in rustic white washed pine.in.

Also a dining set with round table in white washed pine. Photos on: 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.

995€ to 30,000€. New and Used vehicles sourced. Simply view our easy to use website www. fwreurocars.com or call Frank 600 726 221/965 687 976.

WANTED Scrap cars, vans, lorries, plant and caravans. Turn your scrap into cash. From Valencia to Alicante. Free collection.

Tel: 689-929-395 WANTED I buy any car, van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600-781873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com

BASS GUITARIST AVAILABLE with vocals, will travel: 691-622-804

VILLA PAINTING AND MAINTENANCE A high quality service for exterior and interior painting and grounds maintenance including garden and pool care. 616 748 667.

WANTED Male ballroom dance partner. Preferred age 50+. Teulada Friday evenings. 966492075.

BALLROOM/LATIN/SEQUENCE DANCING WITH LA BAMBA’S. At La Rustika [Los Arcos] Restaurant, Avenida Balaeres 34, Torrevieja.

Saturday - Social Dance 7.30pm - 10pm Starting 5th September - Monday - New Beginners Class - 10am - 11.30am Monday - Intermediate Class - 11.30am - 1pm Tuesday - Popular Sequence class 7.30pm - 8.30pm followed by Social Dance 8.30pm - 10.30pm [not 2nd Tuesday of month]. At Casa Ventura, San Luis, Torrevieja Starting 8th September - Thursday - Beginners class 7.30pm - 9.30pm.

Got more information contact Andrea 616 478 157.

guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 15 years experience. 8 years served on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966-774-199 or 678-080-500 www. pristineswimmingpools.com SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965-725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743-048 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

COMPLETE SOLOR SYSTEM 150w Solar Panel, 1 x 1150w inverted charger, 1x5 kva gas generator, electric start, 2 x batteries, 260amp power, price €950.00 Tel: 675878601 Pego area FOR SALE 300 books good condition mostly crime novels €100 ono 965760115 MR FIXIT: FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL, plumbing, general also appliance repairs.

698 320 434 POOL, SNOOKER TABLES Also Table Tennis and Darts. Will beat any price!. Tlf:-666-933-726. www.spainpool.com

FOR A LADY TO SHARE House with a gentleman with a view to friendship and possible relationship. Call Douglas 966 784 665 GENERIC VIAGRA The safe little blue pill. Tlf Tony 638352129, Rojales area.

MOPEDS FOR SALE 3 49cc mopeds for sale 2 x JOG R (Blue & White) 695.00 each ono1 x Daelim Cordi (Red) 395.00 ono all good condition Please call for more details 966716887 (Quesada area)

BMW 320 CI CABRIOLET RHD, 2001. Spanish registered.

2 owners. 93,000k. FSH. Mid metallic blue, matching blue power hood. Full cream leather. 18 inch m alloys. Rear parking sensors.

Alpine sound system. Stunning car.

Fully equiped. 7250€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com MERCEDES 320 SL CABRIOLET AUTO 1996. 130,000kms. Full Service History. Hard and soft top.

Full leather. Bargain 8450€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com

GENERIC VIAGRA safe and effective blue pill. Guaranteed happy ending. Call Ron, TT Marketing, 966499204 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 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 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 ENGLISH LADY 42 Provides various services.For mature gentlemen. Torrevieja. 681-362-442 ELEGANT SEXY SLIM Lady escort available. Home, Hotel, Villa.

Region Calpe to Torrevieja. La Manga. Mazzaron. Tel 693 357 526 TORREVIEJA CHINESE SUPER SEXY Young and beautiful. Calle Orihuela Nº60, 2º1

GAY, BI OR CURIOUS. H20 SAUNA.COM Safe, Discreet, Clean, Benidorm Old Town. 966 805 091.

WE CAN IMPORT all of your KIT CARS and also RHD Vans and Trucks. Call Marcelo; 609-600-993 LOOKING FOR A CAR? We have a good selection of LHD & RHD vehicles for sale or exchange from

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

BENIDORM LONG LET fully furnished, 1 bedroom apt, sunny balcony, sea view, sky tv, car park, sun pool, near hotel Poseidon 425€pcm. Tel 635538233 LONG TERM RENT Modern & Spacious 2 Bed, 2 Bath Corner Townhouse situated in a secure complex in Rojales. Can be furnished or unfurnished.

Communal pool. Close to all amenities and schools etc. Garage & Air Con. - 500€ monthly + bills + bond. Tel: 619098543 2. Beautiful 3 Bed, 2 Bath furnished ground floor duplex situated in a secure complex of Lomas De Cabo Roig with wellness centre including sauna, gym, pool etc. Long term rent - 575€ + bills + bond. Tel: 619098543 GREAT VALUE IN JACARILLA large 3 bedroom apartment, fantastic views, 20 minutes from the beach and golf courses in the

11-17 NOV 2011 lovely Spanish village of Jacarrila.

Price €325.00 per month. Please call Michael UK 00447831123631 JAVEA Long let for family holidays - 5 Bed/4Bath luxury spacious apartment on 3 levels, air con hot & cold, garage parking and trastero furnished to a high standard, close to the beach and all amenities available for a year round rental for family holidays. Cheaper to rent year round than short periods, for more info. call 607655879 SNR DE RODA GOLF LOS ALCAZARES Homley luxury modern furnished 2 bed apartment.

TV A/C pool, Internet available.

365€ + bills. Tel: 648-013-068 (250€ bonus rebate at the end of the contract long term only) 1 BED PART FURNISHED bungalows on Camping Pueblo in San Javier with lots of ameneties Tlf Carol 968-192-425 mobile 626055-622

ALBIR 2 BED to rent, couple with a baby and looking for a stable long term rent. Max price 525€ plus bills, Call Danny on: 646 619 466 ALTEA/ALTEA LA VELLA Refurbished Beamed Apartment, First Floor. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, open plan lounge/kitchen/diner, 40m2 terrace, private pool, off road parking, gardens & BBQ´s.

Sea and mountain views. Fullyfurnished, A/C+C.H.480€ pcm plus bills. Suit active retired couple, or working friends sharing (gay or straight). One of three apartments in this country house, two already occupied. Not suitable for small children. No pets. Tlf:966-881-048 or 691-202-307 WANTED FOR LONG LET In Albir from February 2012 2 bedroomed chalet bungalow or house References available phone 965878659 or email gingernuts03@gmail.com Register your property for FREE at www.rapidpropertysales.com and when we sell your property we will charge you absolutely nothing! The average time it takes us to sell a property is 8 weeks. Register now at www.rapidpropertysales.com – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

MICK WITH HIS VAN Removals Collections Deliveries. For a reliable effective service. Hourly rate or quote. Call Mick anytime 600-247-535 VAN LEAVING FOR THE UK/SPAIN EVERY 2 WEEKS

great rates please contact joe on 966074576 or 650341087 or civic1235@msn.com MAN & LWB SPRINTER VAN going to UK- Spain twice a month.

Tel: 610-846-260 or 0044-7519186-355 email:-van.man@hotmail. co.uk SPAIN 2 UK 2 SPAIN MAN AND VAN departing Costa Blanca for UK departing 22/11space available both ways exc rates Tel Christine 96 55 71 837 - 638 261 341 email: chriscurran490@gmail.com EUROMOVE4U Full & Part Loads. Spain to UK/UK to Spain on a regular monthly basis. Cars & Motorcycles transported. Call Grant or Jan Office 0034-965-300959 Mobile 0034-648-102-529 UK Mob 0044-7803-893-719.

Email info@euromove4u.eu

QUALIFIED TRANSLATOR Bi-lingual Spanish-English and high level French and German. Confidential and reliable accompaniment service.

Competitive rates. Torrevieja and surroundings. Virginia 629201192.

INTERPRETER English interpreter provides aid and assistance for visits to hospitals/schools/tax offices/police stations etc. Friendly and reliable, available in Benidorm and surrounding areas.

Call 600 809 698

BRITISH GRADUATE TEACHER offers Primary/Secondary English Mathmatics. Telephone Margaret Johnson B.Ed. 965-350-516 Mob: 616-660-687 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.

59

com Referrences - www.

KarlaDarocas.com

FULL SKY PACAKGE Plus all free to air in HD one off payment €199.00, then €20.00 per month.

You have to have internet and 1.4 dish. No dish no problem, just dish and free to air box BBC, ITV etc one payment €345.00 no more to pay ever. No internet required or HD full pacakge box plus dish €399.00 then €20 per month. Tel. 966189376 or 672821335.

SKYSUPPLIES Sky+HD and Humax 320/500/1000GB Digiboxs.

Whitecards,spare remotes, LNBs, Realignments. 1.9m Dish Wanted.

Good prices, advice and backup, Phone 966194013 or 600899096.

SKYSUPPLIES Sky+HD and Humax 320/500/1000GB Digiboxs.

Whitecards,spare remotes, LNBs, Realignments. 1.9m Dish Wanted.

Good prices, advice and backup, Phone 966194013 or 600899096.

CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV for all your digital and TV requirements. No Annual Fees on Sky Cards. Steve:660-186-505/Ros:-965-584-097. www.ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com

SINGER WANTED Wanted singer to join a general covers band playing 60/s 70/s 80/s music, must be enthusiastic, only good singers need apply 661 350 963 ADULT TEENS AND CHILDRENS BIKES Any condition Telephone Andy on 966790986 or 689112080 TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Household Goods and Bric-a-brac into Cash.

Anything! Anywhere! 965-319220/618-165-877

wanted: 2 bed to rent in Albir max price willing to pay 525€ plus bills, if you can help contact:

646 619 466

Classified Services All Major Credit Cards Accepted - Prices start from 10€ a week.

Airport Parking

Builders

Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2)

60

11-17 NOV 2011

Air Conditioning

Buyers Surveys

Air-Conditioning

Computers

Electric Boiler Repairs

Double Glazing

Experienced Beautician

Electrical

Garages

Gardening

Gold Wanted

Locksmith

Limousines

Maintenance

Mobile Tyre Service

Cook/Chef wanted at Nemo’s in La Nucia part time cook/chef Call 682 707 580

11-17 NOV 2011 Plumbing & Heating

Properties Wanted

Solar Energy

Pools

Secure Storage

Removals

Swimming Pools

TV & Satellite

TV & Satellite

61

62

11 - 17 NOV 2011

Andy Kay With Andy Kay

The Final Whistle

RTN Golf Club update

Caddie shoulders the blame CADDIE STEVE Williams recently made an offensive remark about his former employer, calling Tiger Woods “a black a**ehole.” Williams quickly apologised for his ill-advised comment, first in writing and then face-to-face when he met Tiger at an event in Sydney.

Woods described the remark as “hurtful” and “regrettable” but added that he didn’t consider Williams to be racist. And that should be the end of it. The man who made a very big mistake admitted he got it badly wrong and the individual he insulted accepted his apology. So why is the golf press and the media at large getting its collective knickers in a twist demanding that Williams be sacked by his current boss Adam Scott and banned from the game for life?

It is, I fear, symptomatic of current society where there seems to be legions of people who are keen to take offence on behalf of others. Indeed, we now have near professional ‘complainers’ who appear to have nothing better to do than flood sporting message boards with their views and write copious letters to the Daily Mail which normally start along the lines of ‘I have never been so disgusted… blah blah blah’. Let’s put things in perspective. People make mistakes - some of them bad ones. But when they admit it, apologise and the wronged individual accepts that, then everyone else should just butt out.

Dennis Jordan NORTH REGION

Mike Probert SOUTH REGION

Murcia Golf Hound Murcia Region

TALKING OF BUTTS The former Pakistan captain Salman Butt (see – we don’t just throw this column together you know) has lodged an appeal against his 30 month jail sentence he received for spot-fixing. His lawyer handed over the documents to a court official who promptly dropped them...which made a bookie in Asia $10,000!

OVAL BALLS UP England’s rugby league team goes in to Saturday’s match against New Zealand needing a win to guarantee a place in the final of the 4 Nations tournament. Their task might have been slightly easier if they’d be given a fair crack of the whip by the ref in last weekend’s defeat by Australia at Wembley.

England had a perfectly good try disallowed while one of the Aussies was allowed to stay on the pitch despite executing a tackle that was so high that it came with an oxygen mask plus a diagram of the emergency exits.

Now, I’m no rugby league expert and I’ve criticised referees before, but at least in football and rugby union they tend to be relatively experienced. I’m sure that you, like me, were shocked to discover that the official in question, Henry Perenara, didn’t take charge of his first NRL game until July of this year. He may be the current New Zealand match official of the year but I’m sorry, having only a handful of first class games under your belt does not qualify you to take charge of one of the oldest sporting rivalries in the world at one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues.

SOME SIMPLE but sometimes forgotten rules from the old golf etiquette book: Check the scorecard to learn any local rules Local rules apply only to the specific course you are playing.

Make sure to place an identifying mark on your ball and inform the other players the type and number ball you are playing.

AVOID SLOW PLAY When your group is not keeping up with the pace of play of the group in front of you: Walk at a reasonable speed between shots.

Begin planning your next shot as you approach the ball by studying the strength and direction of the wind.

When you reach your ball, check the lie, select your club, visualize your swing and shot, and then play your shot.

From the time you select your club until you actually hit your shot, you should take no more than 30 to 45 seconds.

MAINTAINING THE COURSE: Replace your divots: turf tends to explode on impact, making it difficult, to replace the divot.

Bring a rake into the bunker with you.

AS FURTHER evidence that the Costa Blanca does have some good golf courses it should be noted that Las Colinas now features in the top 100 courses in continental Europe in the Wold Golf Magazine, coming in at number 73, and has been honoured with 2nd stage qualifying for the European tour between 2nd-5th December 2011.

There is very little change regarding special deals as the autumn deals start to come to a conclusion from midNovember, from which time many of the courses ‘kick in’ with their winter prices so watch this space for some good deals coming your way soon.

The best autumn deals are at Altorreal and Vistabella where you can still play at competitive rates and taking a drive to La Serena and La Peraleja will result in some of the lowest high season prices available.

WITH MID-NOVEMBER fast approaching we are beginning to see some price reductions on some of the region`s courses. Notably, Las Colinas will be reducing their 2 ball special rate as well as the twilight price which coupled with their new proposed 10 minute tee intervals should see an increase in the amount of golfers at this course.

We also see price reductions at Alicante, Peraleja and the Ola Golf Courses (Mar Menor, Los Saurines, Condado de Alhama) throughout the coming week. These midNovember reductions will be followed by many courses at the end of the month so check out the website at www. murciagolf.co for all up to date information.

For offers on green fees please pop in to see me at our La Manga Club and Villamartin stores.

RTN Price

Comments

Alenda

Golf Course

€45

Single Green fee (Buggy 12€)

Alicante Golf

€52

Single Green fee inc Buggy

Bonalba

€41

Single Green fee (Buggy 10€)

Don Cayo

€44

Single Green fee (Buggy 14€)

El Plantio

€46

Single Green fee (Buggy 12€)

Font del Llop

€40

Single Green fee (Buggy 10€)

Villaitana Par 62

€38

Single Green fee inc Buggy

Villa Aitana Par 72

€44

Single Green fee (Buggy 15€)

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

After hitting your shot, rake the area you played from, as well as all your footprints and any others within reach.

Rakes should be left either in or nearby the bunker.

There has been slow play on the courses in the north of Costa Blanca in the busy seasons but seems to be a bit better over the last week.

Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

Vistabella

€65

2 PL and 1 Buggy (weekend pm)

Altorreal

€55

2 PL and 1 Buggy ((Mon& Fri)

Las Colinas

€90

2 PL and Buggy (from 2pm)

La Peraleja

€140

4 PL and 2 Buggy

La Finca

€228

4 PL and 2 Buggy

La Tercia

€65

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Las Ramblas

€200

4 PL and 2 Buggy

Roda

€98

2 PL and 1 Buggy (from 2pm)

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

Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

Alborán

€48

Single Green fee

Cortijo Grande

€29

Single Green fee

Aguilon

€44

Single Green fee

Desert Springs

€70

Single Green fee

Valle del Este

€35

Single Green fee

La Manga Club

€80

Single Green fee

For more information contact the Hound on Facebook, twitter: murciagolf@roundtownnews.com or 96 817 5716

In or out?

Noel’s world of golf

By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Campo de Golf El Plantio 639 730 891

SOCIETY GOLF, for almost as long as golf has been played here in our part of Spain, been the regular way for expatriate golfers to play competitive golf. I think the time has come now for players to decide if this format of golf is what they really see as the way to play competitive golf.

Many golfers are perfectly happy to play society golf and I personally see nothing wrong with this but the one question to be answered is: with handicap systems’ being different with virtually every society is the golf really competitive? By this I mean why is it that so many golfers have several handicaps? This is a situation that would have been unheard of and certainly not tolerated in the United Kingdom at our clubs there.

So is the way forward for all of us who complain about the bandits we come across in open competitions and who consider themselves competitive golfers to join Real Federacion Española de Golf and have a handicap that is calculated using the system of the European Golf Association? Certainly this option would see handicaps calculated correctly and players play off handicaps that truly reflected their abilities.

When I used to play society golf I often wondered where some of the golfers got their handicaps from there were so many players who could score over 40 points Stableford when it mattered. This inevitably led to accusations of cheating and handicap protection when regular weekly society matches came around.

There is no doubt that this debate will rumble on for many years to come but there is certainly a way to resolve the problem for those who are genuinely concerned.

We are offering members of RTN readers a very special offer from now until the end of 2011 to join RFEG and gain a handicap that is accepted all over The World. Usually golf clubs and their professionals will charge upwards of €50 to do the administration work

to process an application to join RFEG. RTN’s golf professional Noel Eastwell and El Plantio will process all applications for just €20. This will include verification of your handicap and helping with the completion of the two forms that needed to be completed to join Real Federacion Española de Golf and receiving the benefits of being a member of RFEG which includes public liability insurance and much more.

To take advantage of this offer call Noel on 639 730 891 or email golf@roundtownnews.com Noel will respond as soon as possible and process your application with you in person at El Plantio GC in Alicante 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 11TH NOVEMBER 2011 What is the size of the modern golf ball?

A. 1.68 inches B. 1.62 inches C. 1.82 inches All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 30th November 2011 to be entered into November’s draw, which will be made on 30th November. The winner will be announced in RTN on 2nd December 2011.

NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY AT EL PLANTIO Top quality coaching at reduced rates for RTN Golf Club members, contact Noel on 639 730 891.

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

Golf on the Coast THE FIRST ever Orihuela Costa Golf Tournament will take place on 3rd and 4th December at the Las Ramblas and Campoamor Golf Courses.

The tournament, which is being organised in association with the Orihuela Town Hall, has limited places available and will cost €80 per person for both days’ play. This price also includes all green fees and dinner at the prize presentation evening.

The Stableford competition will be in two categories de-

pending on your handicap and if successful, it is hoped that this will become an annual event.

Councillor for the Coast, Bob Houliston, told RTN: “Orihuela Costa is unique for golf tourism as we have four top class courses. The Town Hall is happy to support this tournament and we hope that it will help to further boost tourism on the coast.” For more information, email tourneoorihuelacosta@yahoo.com or call 96 677 4904.

Remember, places are limited to book your spot now.

‘Monte’ goes marching on and on…

Almoradi ‘B’ 1 - CD Montesinos 3

CDM TEAM: Cubano, Yohny, Becker, Fernando, Ruben, Dimytri, M & A, Sanchez, Andres I, Chulo, Macan.

Subs: Javi, Rubio, Andres II, Edu, Lopez Goals: Sanchez, Edu and MA CD Montesinos’ unbeaten run is now eight matches after this entertaining 1-3 away win at Almoradi ‘B’. The game was somewhat ruined by the strong wind, but the visitors always looked the stronger of the two sides, with Macan, once again, causing the home defence all sorts of problems.

Week in week out CD Montesinos create and go on to miss countless

chances, and this week was certainly no different; but they did manage the breakthrough towards the end of the first half. Skipper, Sanchez, stroked the ball in after a corner kick was only half cleared by the home side.

With a score line of 0-1 at half time, it looked odds on for ‘Monte’ to go on to score more, and so it proved. However, everything did not go according to plan as Almoradi levelled the score 10 minutes into the second half.

Monte manager, Juanpe, substituted Dimitry for another attacker, Edu, and it was he who put ‘Monte’ back in front midway through the second

FC Torrevieja news TORRY MADE it 4 wins out of 4 and moved up to 3rd place in the table after a comfortable 3-0 win at Borriol with goals from Petu, Carrasco and Meijide.

This Sunday Torry entertains fallen giants Castellon who lie in 6th place; 3 points behind Torry: kick-off is 5pm - be there.

period. With ten minutes left on the clock, ‘Monte’ scored their third goal as MA ran through and beat the home keeper to the delight of the 70 or so travelling supporters, including a large following from their ‘Internacional supporters’ Club: ‘The Full Monte’.

This latest victory keeps CD Montesinos in the top group of clubs, and next Sunday they entertain Callosa Deportiva in a home fixture which kicks off at 4pm. To find out more about CD Montesinos and ‘The Full Monte’, have a look at the website on www.cdmontesinos.com, email thefullmonte2011@hotmail.com or telephone 637 869 602.

11 - 17 NOV 2011

63

Fishing Maggots End by

David Hoare

968 199 279

For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk THE MATCH this week was the 2nd in the RTN Trophy, held on the Sweetwater (don’t know why it is called that, as this is the last thing you would call it). The ‘barrancos’ (inlets) that feed this piece of water were all pushing water through, and where I fished you could have put a stick float through it. Anyway, the venue didn’t fish too badly considering this, and it gets fished every day.

TOP ANGLERS ON THE DAY 1st Richard (The Lionheart) King, fishing the pole using corn with 9.700 kilos 2nd Andy (The Webman) Stevenson, fishing the pole using maggot with 9.160 kilos 3rd Stan (The Man) Roberts, fishing the pole using pellet with 7.98 kilos Winning team on the day was Abbey Anglers with 40.24 kilos; Rods and Reels with 37.84 kilos and in the team competition to date Abbey Anglers with 10 points; Rods and Reels with 6 points.

PLEASE NOTE The club at present does have some vacancies and if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 96 672 9293 or 667 407 026.

ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied by Terry Screen This week’s 7th round match of the Winter League was fished on the River Segura at Murcia on 1st November: the water levels are at the lowest they have been all year and also the flow was down.

We have not been plagued this year with the mire breaking off the bottom and building up in the pegs making fishing difficult, perhaps this was because of the extra water that has been flowing through all year.

The Mire, as it is called from where I originate in the UK, is caused when a crust of algae forms on the river bed in hot weather, which after reaching a certain thickness it cracks and then breaks up, floating to the surface and flowing away. This makes fishing, in particular ledgering, difficult as it

builds up on the line.

The water is still fishing reasonable well as the nights are cooling off, with four anglers this week with double figure weights.

1st Stan (The Man) Roberts with 18.480kg fishing pole pellet and paste 2nd Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare with 16.760kg fishing pole and bread punch 3rd John (Silverback) Marsh with 11.480kg fishing pole pellet and paste Well done to Don Whitney on winning his section four weeks on the trot!

All details are available at www.abbeyangling. com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368 Anglers Together WE HAVE been having a lot of enquiries about licenses from anglers who are passing the ‘magic age of 65’ and therefore pensioners!

Licenses are still required and are free providing you have a Spanish ‘Pensionista’ card; otherwise you will have to pay the normal fees. Licenses are available from either Town Halls or the Caja Rural Bank if in the Valencia region.

In Murcia you will also require insurance. Make sure you take photocopies of all relevant documents to obtain your license, i.e. passport photo-page, NIE and insurance.

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 each month.

Anyone with an interest in fishing (sea or freshwater) is welcome to come along to a meeting - the next meetings are: Friday11th November at 12pm at Mary’s Bar, Campoverde (near Pilar de la Horadada) Saturday 12th November at 12pm at The New Royal Bar and Restaurant at El Alamillo, opposite the seafront between Isla Plana and Puerto de Mazarron.