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23 MAR-29 MAR 2012

Town hall faces ruin

Warning: buyers beware!

The British Embassy in Madrid warned people looking to invest in the Spanish property market should avoid “cutting corners” p4

Go Ahead: Take the Plunge

by jack troughton

Many homeowners are taking the plunge into major renovations that are not only going to enhance their lifestyle but also boost the value of their investment p33

RTN exclusive offer FITNESS CORPORE in Finestrat are giving RTN Readers the chance to try the gym’s facilities completely FREE of charge!

So come on, get in shape for summer with FITNESS CORPORE p48

Kiss me quick!

Patron saint of party

Hundreds of people took advantage of the sunshine to celebrate St Patrick’s weekend in style and have a ‘craicing’ good time. Read the full story on page 5.

GOVERMENT ORDERS for town halls to pay off debts owed to suppliers and providers could mean financial ruin and bankruptcy without urgent cuts in spending, it was claimed this week.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has issued a decree that local authorities must settle outstanding bills – and has offered central bank loans to do so.

But with many councils described as being “in a hell of a state” financially, negotiations are already in hand with Madrid in a bid to keep heads above water.

This week Calpe Town Hall was looking to slash spending to lower costs across all departments, save health and social services, by between 30% and 40%.

It must also present a list of debts to the government to borrow money over 10 years – two repaying interest only and eight further years also repaying the capital.

But it is feared without cutbacks, Calpe’s near 30 million euro debt to suppliers would be unaffordable and a government loan for the full amount would take the council above the legal limit for borrowing.

At a press conference, Mayor Cesar Sanchez said the town and its people were paying for the “sins of the past” and said to address the “legacy” certain loss making services would close and others be run by private companies.

The property tax IBI would also rise by a maximum 10% again next year as an “exceptional and temporary” measure before being reduced in 2014.

He said present spending was “untenable” and was the responsibility of “disastrous” management of previous administrations and good housekeeping was needed.

However, it was also hoped that nine million euros claimed by rubbish company Colsur would be taken out of the equation - the sum is disputed and part of a corruption case alleging invoices to the town hall were illegally and “grossly” inflated.

Continued on page 3

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23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

‘Valencians love me’ says Camps

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Francisco Camps

by jan gamm THE FORMER leader of the PP, Francisco Camps, has taken part in a candid interview with a Spanish fashion magazine and indicated that following the recent ‘not guilty’ verdict on accusations of corruption in the Gürtel case, he is now preparing to return to a public political life and feels “embraced” by the citizens of the Valencian community.

His remarks are on the heels of conflicting statement in the Spanish press this week that suggested Camps would not

return to public life. However, he now says he is ready to stand for presidency again in the future. Camps said his life was “frozen for three years” during the run up to the trial and also added that the experience revealed to him the treacherous behaviour of “so-called friends.” Camps defended his work as former president, denying that the community is in the ‘dire financial straits’ publicised. Camps confirmed that he “never seriously considered leaving politics.”

Barcelonatobanstreetprostitution before the summer season THE BAD news for Barcelona prostitutes is that the CiU Municipal Government is to support the PP’s proposal to enforce prohibition of prostitution on the streets of the city, with fines to escalate for soliciting along La Rambla and other popular haunts for ‘ladies of the night’. La Rambla is a happy hunting ground for prostitutes of all nationalities. The new measures are being seen as the beginning of the end of liberal prostitution in Spain and it is predicted that the rest of the country will eventually follow Barcelona’s lead. Welfare support groups are less enthusiastic about the prohibition and are concerned about the ramifications of prostitution going “underground.”

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www.roundtownnews.co.uk

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

continued from front page Independent Councillor Carole Saunders told RTN the mayor was negotiating with the Ministry of Finance, despite Mr Rajoy’s edict of “no exceptions”.

“If we were to obey the law by the letter, it would mean financial ruin for the town hall,” she said. “We will argue the Colsur money should not be included because it would be ridiculous to pay that amount now when in a few years the courts decide it is much lower.

BANKRUPT “The mayor has emphasised to the Ministry of Finance that if it insists on Calpe paying the full 30 million euros, the town will most probably go bankrupt.”

She said previous administrations in Madrid had done nothing to control overspending by town halls and Mr Rajoy’s decree would be “a bitter pill to swallow”.

And Mrs Saunders said spending needed to be reduced by more than the original 20% cut first thought necessary – the town hall’s income was 24 million euros but expenditure 30 million euros each year.

“The mayor insists we are paying for the incompetence and corruption of the previous governments,” she said.

“We are looking at privatising a number of services and, unfortunately, many things will have to become self-supporting. Everything in the past has been heavily subsidised and people have got into the mindset everything should be free or cheap.

Mayor “And instead of more and more new projects, we will have to conCesar centrate on maintain what we have.”

Sanchez

1,010abusecasesintheBenidormCourt THE BENIDORM judicial court responsible for cases of gender violence has seen a disappointing increase in the number of complaints brought in 2011 compared to the previous year. In 2008 the Marina Baixa reinforced its fight against gender violence by appointing a special court to deal with such cases. The number of cases seen by the court has increased steadily: there were 961 cases in 2010. However, the increase in cases could be positively interpreted in that more victims are prepared to take their violent partners to court and also there are improved methods in place to locate and arrest offenders.

Leos welcome new faces

FIFTEEN NEW members were welcomed into the Leos Club at the Laude Lady Elizabeth School in a special ceremony.

Leos are the junior arm of the International Lions Club and members of Jalon and Orba Lions, existing Leos and school staff joined the induction of students into the club.

Membership certificates were presented by lion Philip Hills, the Leos Club adviser, while Leos President Karis Goodwill

handed out membership badges. School Headmaster Richard Wijeratne said he was happy to support Leos in their club activities and felt membership of the organisation was a great benefit to the pupils involved. The Leos Club currently has around 35 members, spread across all year groups at the school. For more information about the Lions of Orba and Jalon or the Leos Club, call Anna on 616 130 816.

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23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Warning: buyers beware!

Beware

by jack troughton PEOPLE LOOKING to invest in the Spanish property market were this week warned to avoid the temptation to act on bad advice and save money.

The British Embassy in Madrid said anyone looking to buy a home or holiday home should avoid “cutting corners” and said estate agents, lawyers and property developers offering a way to reduces costs and speed up the Spanish conveyancing system could lead to “hugely expensive headaches later on”.

Despite the well-publicised pitfalls facing thousands of past purchasers in Spain, the Embassy said it was aware there were people in the property industry offering buyers apparently attractive methods of securing property more quickly and cheaply – offers that could prove very bad value. “You should exercise extreme caution if an estate agent, promoter or lawyer urges you to cut corners to save money or time,” said Alex Brown, the Embassy’s property advisor.

EXPERT “The Spanish property conveyancing

system is different to the UK. When you choose an estate agent, promoter or lawyer to help with your purchase, check that they are qualified, reliable professionals and have significant experience of operating in Spain and expert knowledge of how the system works.”

Although the vast majority of British buyers experience no problems, others are facing legal problems having cut corners or – through no fault of their own – are caught up in the complexities of planning regulations. Alex said: “We strongly urge people to make sure they use fully qualified, reputable advisers throughout the purchase process, and avoid any kind of ‘dodgy deal’ that could end up costing huge amounts of heartache and hard-earned money later on.”

The Embassy’s warning was issued on the eve of the “A Place in the Sun” exhibition in London and advice on Spanish property can be found at the UKinSpain website at http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-forbritish-nationals/living-in-spain/property-in-spain

Anyone fancy buying a car park in Elche?

IN ELCHE a proposal set to be formalised on Monday will allow the sale of ground for parking facilities, both for existing car parks and plots that are suitable for the construction of new parking areas. The General Plan amendment allows urban underground land to qualify as a ‘capital asset’, similar to a building plot. The proposal was announced this week by the Councillor for Urban Infrastructure, Vicente Granero. He confirmed that the move would “open the door” for the privatisation of existing car parks and encourage investment in concessions, raise revenue and improve the parking amenities in the city.

The US advice to Europe for financial recovery

THE UNITED States Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has predicted that Spain and the rest of Europe is on a “tough, long, hard road to recovery” and its future is “still a threat” to the US economy. Geithner included in his testimony to the House Financial Services Committee the observation that “draconian” spending cuts by countries that are deeply indebted could be better implemented by better-off European countries “helping out” their less fortunate neighbours. “Economic growth is likely to be weak for some time, he said, “The path of fiscal consolidation should be gradual with a multiyear phase-in of reforms.”

Geithner’s comments coincided with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti’s make-or-break talks with trade unions targeted at cutting legal protection for workers.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Patron saint of party

5

Wearing hats with pride

by JAck troughton SILLY HATS became the ‘must have’ item to wear as the centre of Moraira went green to celebrate St Patrick’s weekend in style and have a ‘craicing’ good time.

Hundreds of people to advantage of the sunshine to watch the afternoon action on two stages in the Church Square and the party continued into the night at bars and restaurants, many also hosting live music.

A total of 16 bands and singers took part in the festival, a celebration of Irish culture supported by 12 bars and restaurants.

Backed by Teulada Moraira Town Hall, Teulada Moraira Lions Club, the Irish Tourist Board, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Kerrygold, and (naturally) Guinness, the weekend was heralded a success from its Friday evening start to Sunday evening.

And organisers Chris and Eileen Goodey of the Mad Hatter Bar hope to build on the party atmosphere of the first festival to make it bigger and better in 12 months time. The aim once again will be to turn Moraira green and celebrate the best of the Emerald Isle.

Man arrested for shoplifting in 14 Benidorm shops AS INCREASING crime in Benidorm continues to be a cause for worry at the start of the tourist season agents of the National Police have arrested a man who allegedly committed 14 robberies in several establishments in the city this week. Police also arrested two other people alleged to have received stolen goods. The 33-year-old suspect lived very near the targeted businesses robbed of electronic items; mobiles; optical items and clothing from boutiques in the centre of Benidorm. The suspect offered the goods considerably below the market price to various contacts. The National recovered various items that included several mobile phones; a netbook tablet along with other electronic items and various sunglasses and clothing with well-known labels. The suspect was detained in custody of the Benidorm Police.

Meet the mayor

by Jack Troughton RESIDENTS OF Teulada Moraira have the chance to learn the latest wheeling and dealing within the town hall at a public meeting on 4th April at 6pm.

Mayor Antoni Bertomeu has invited all the English speaking residents of the municipality to the Salon de Banquetes Canor for one of his popular briefings. Everyone is welcome and the mayor will explain all the latest town hall projects and matters of Mayor interest affecting people living Antoni Bertomeu in the coastal municipality.

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23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Vets denounced

The Measles problem

ANIMAL LOVERS campaigning to change conditions and the management regime at a Costa Blanca animal shelter have denounced two vets working there. by jack troughton ANIMAL LOVERS campaigning to change conditions and the management regime at a Costa Blanca animal shelter have denounced two vets working there.

The allegations have been lodged with the Valencia College of Veterinary Surgeons and follows a string of ‘denuncias’ to police made by volunteers past and present and people who adopted animals from the Sociedad Protectora de Animales y Platas de Benidorm complaining of animal cruelty and neglect.

One of the vets is a director of the shelter and the complaints, sent to the professional body on March 12th, focus on conditions at the pound as reported to SEPRONA, the wing of the Guardia Civil dedicated to the environment and animal welfare, and the apparent neglect of some animals.

Inspections by the police upheld a number of the complaints regarding conditions reported by campaigners – although officers reported they found no signs of animal cruelty or mistreatment during two visits.

They centred on the state of animal pens and the difficulty keeping them clean; the lack of

waste disposal; leftover hotel food being given to dogs and cats which was left in the summer heat; cadavers of animals left in the open awaiting incineration; and a lack of proper records of animals arriving and leaving the shelter.

Last Friday RTN was barred from a “frustrating” hour-long meeting between campaigners and Benidorm health chiefs Councillor Maria Valdivieso and Francisco Perez.

ERRORS Volunteers said the town hall did inspect the shelter as a matter of protocol, although reports were not put in writing, and earlier errors – many because of the age of the buildings - discovered by police had been rectified.

“They said they were grateful for us worrying about the animals but there was nothing else to discuss,” RTN was told. “We were not happy with the meeting and the way we have been treated and are going to the ombudsman, the ‘sindico de agravios’.”

However, the campaign continues to be supported by members of the public signing a petition

A dog at the shelter

calling for changes and animal shelters along the Mediterranean coast and elsewhere in Spain.

The protesters believe if they can win enough public support they can overturn the current management – which has run the shelter for decades – and hope to install a team of volunteers basing a new system on the model at neighbouring La Nucia.

“We do not understand why the town hall is so reluctant to change the people at the shelter and they do not even have to tender for the job, even though they have been there over 30 years.”

The progress and support for the campaign can be seen at www.facebook/protectorasdignas

MORE THAN a thousand people exposed to Measles have been vaccinated in Alicante province since the beginning of the year, according to the Department of Epidemiology.

Over that time, 455 cases of the virulent Measles infection have been diagnosed. The Department of Health has brought forward the age of vaccination for young children from 15 to 12 months and a second dose is being considered for three to five-year-olds.

Air rescue of three Marina Alta hikers trapped by an avalanche of water THREE HIKERS trapped in the L’Infern ravine along the Girona River were forced to take shelter overnight on Tuesday from torrential rain that resulted in the dramatic and dangerous rise of the river. Experienced walkers Manu, a 38-year-old Ondara resident, Bruno, 28, and Javier, 34, both of Denia, started their hike on Tuesday but ran into trouble when Manu sprained his ankle, delaying their return to safe ground. Instead they had to climb to a rock overhang to escape the rising water. “The rain soaked us,” said Javier, “We huddled together as we were cold, but we have not suffered hypothermia or anything: we’re fine.” The alarm was raised by the family of one of the walkers after they were missing for 23 hours. They were rescued by helicopter and returned to their relieved families, scared and exhausted but otherwise unharmed.

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23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

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mail

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

talk tous

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

letter of the week

Ashamed to be English

MY HUSBAND and I attended a football match in Jacarilla to watch our grandson’s team play. After what transpired during and after the match, I felt compelled to write a letter to your newspaper.

Jacarilla was playing against a local British expat team and the behaviour of not only the players, which were all aged about 11 years of age, but also the parents, made myself, my husband and our family ashamed to be English.

As you may know Jacarilla is a mostly Spanish team.

When one of the team fell over after a tackle, the English boy went up to the Spanish boy and kicked him, starting a fight. Obviously the Spanish parents were upset and a little old Spaniard went up to have a go at the English parents. Needless to say the English parents started swearing and the father of the English lad, who was a big man, put his fist up to the old Spanish man’s face, which ended up in a near free-for-all with

Town Hall should have let us know WOULD IT be possible to inform your readers for future reference that if they want to donate blood and they are British, they must not have lived in Great Britain during 1980 and 1996, due to the mad cow disease. After waiting with my friend for 45 minutes we were turned away. Surely, the Town Hall must have known this and could have passed this information on. Thank you.

Regards, Julie Gill

the Spanish against English. It was so embarrassing to hear the English men comment nastily when a Spanish boy was knocked over; things like… “Go on kick him while he’s down,” and the swearing was disgusting.

In fact a nice young English couple apologised to me when I complained about the swearing in front of the children. This nice couple said they get upset with it all the time, so it must happen at most matches with that team. Anyway it was otherwise a superb and well fought match which was spoilt for us proud grandparents and the Spanish families that were also there. We are in Spain not England and are guests of this country. With Neanderthals like those people on Saturday, it is no wonder the Brits have a terrible name and reputation.

So please let’s have a good game with no swearing and fighting as it is not only upsetting for the young players but also their parents.

C and M Macey, San Miguel de Salinas

What utter drivel

I HAVE just read your article in the RTN entitled ‘Community spirit is alive…just’ and feel I have to respond. I am amazed that Mr David O’Brian contacted you with his made up comments. His eyesight must be quite remarkable, as he is able to see the community centre from his home in Cambridgeshire where he has been since August.

As far as his comments about the residents who overlook the centre fearing for their physical well being, what utter drivel. My wife is the President of this community that Mr O’Brian belongs to and to date there has not been one complaint about the youths that hang around the centre. ‘Pristine bowling green’ it has never been - and in fact the council had to repair the original laid green within one week as it had been laid incorrectly. Yes the youths do play football on it but that is the only time it has been used. I have found the youngsters very civil to anyone that passes and they have even rung my wife to ask for permission to climb onto the roof to retrieve a ball. Not once have they been rude or aggressive to anyone to my knowledge. It is now 9.45pm on a Saturday night and contrary to Mr O’Brian’s statement that youths are there until the early hours especially at weekends, there is not one youth there now. I, along with residents that overlook the community centre, applaud the work being done by Michelle Mint and Terry Watson and all others to provide a Youth Centre and other activities at the community centre and hope that it will be used to benefit all that live in the satellite urbanisations of San Miguel de Salinas. It will also prompt the council to improve the ‘green’ areas around the centre which have never been put right since the build. We would love to see a children’s play area and a football pitch, skateboard park or exercise area there.

Dave Butler: Living the Spanish Dream and loving every minute…

Buyingcheapproperties I WISH to draw the attention of all those foreign house buyers who are now buying cheap properties in Spain.

At the time of purchase the price may seem right, especially with black money changing hands on the advice of local lawyers, which believe it or not is illegal. However, most are going to be in for a shock within the next four years.

Don’t know what I am talking about? Just type into your browser: ‘Complimentary tax in Spain’ and there you are: the possibility of a bill from the tax office for thousands of euros within the next four years. So start saving now.

Name withheld

Whoops, look what I found!

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Call 062 and keep your distance

by jan gamm The Civil Guard has launched a series of recommendations to guide citizens who happen to encounter explosive devices, mostly from the Spanish Civil War era.

There has been an increased incidence of discovery of unexploded devices, totalling 14 over the last year. Police authorities were alarmed when the last two devices discovered were transferred to Guardia Civil units by members of the public using their own resources! Police advise that any suspect-

ed explosive device should not be touched and the area should be vacated by ‘backing away’, that is to say you should leave by the same route to avoid encountering further explosive devices. Police point out that bombs are more frequently found in farming areas or the ‘double bottomed’ houses used for storing explosives during the Civil war. On discovering such an item, call 062 and wait for agents to arrive, at a distance of at least 300 meters from the device.

Fiveyearsimprisonmentforpensioner THE ALICANTE Court has sentenced a woman pensioner to five years in prison for stabbing a man on 7th May 2011. The victim, a Polish citizen, was begging in a supermarket doorway in Montañeta Square in the city at the time and was invited to the woman’s home to drink wine. When the woman learned he received a pension of 500€ per month, more than her own entitlement of 300€, she lost her temper and attacked him with a kitchen knife. The court took into account that the woman is a pensioner and has a personality disorder aggravated by alcohol abuse but decided that this did not relieve her of criminal responsibility. She was therefore sentenced to five years imprisonment and ordered to pay the victim 26,000€ compensation. The ruling also included a ten year restraining order that forbids contact with the victim.

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Working together to succeed

Open day success

by louise clarke

AT A time when businesses are struggling to survive, it is always nice to report on a business that is thriving. It’s even nicer when the business owners can put some of their recent success down to an advertising campaign in RTN! Quesada Fish and Chips is a family run business that has been established in the Costa Blanca for the last eight years. They opened Quesada Fish and Chips four years ago after successfully running another popular fish and chip restaurant in Torrevieja, which they have subsequently leased out and the restaurant in Quesada is now a landmark and one of the most popular fish and chip restaurants in the Costa Blanca.

RTN’s Catherine Allen with the lovely ladies at Quesada Fish and Chips 2 in Villamartin

FLAGSHIP Since their second restaurant in Villamartin Plaza opened in the New Year, the excellent reputation and quality of food and service at the Quesada restaurant has followed them and they are steadily increasing their customer base. In fact, Quesada Fish and Chips 2 in Villamartin is sometimes even busier than the flagship restaurant and it has only been open for three months! Quesada Fish and Chips has been advertising with RTN for the last four months and during that time the business has grown substantially in the original restaurant in Quesada and has seen more diners than they ever thought possible, especially in this gloomy economic climate, in their new

restaurant in the Villamartin Plaza.

BEND OVER BACKWARDS But to be fair, their success is certainly is not all down to RTN! It may also have something to do with their delicious food! They only use fresh Icelandic fish, which is prepared in house with loving hands and all their ingredients are delivered fresh every day. The friendly staff may also play a part in their success as they will bend over backwards for you to make sure that everything is OK with your meal. Oh, and the prices may also help bring in the customers, with menu of the day costing just 6€ which includes cod or haddock, chips, peas and bread and butter…! But working together with

a newspaper that distributes more than 50,000 copies every week, certainly does help; and that is a fact!

GREAT WORKING RELATIONSHIP Thanks to the effective advertising campaign in RTN, more people than ever know about both Quesada Fish and Chips restaurants and Mark, who runs the Villamartin restaurant, said: “Business is getting better and better each week and we have a great working relationship with Catherine from RTN who looks after our every need.” He added: “I am looking forward to continuing that great working relationship with her and RTN and to a successful 2012 and every sign so far says that it will be!”

by Jack Troughton SCORES OF people attended Europe Network’s open day last Friday to see the communication expert in action and enjoy a glass of bubbly.

It was a chance for current customers and new clients to see Europa’s new Javea headquarters and the demonstration rooms where the television service was on show. Guests of honour were Marion and Bill Bertham – pictured with Area Manager Gemma Broad – who organised last year’s Gala Ball in aid of charity Afghan Heroes, an event sponsored by Europa.

And Europa is launching a series of ‘Open Afternoons” where people can see equipment in operation and by presenting a current Telefonica bill see how the company can save clients money – the next days are Friday 30th March and Friday 13th April.

Visit Europa on Facebook and have the chance of becoming the 1,000th person to ‘like’ the company to win a month’s free internet.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

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Freemasons start new giveaway by jack troughton CASH COLLECTED by Freemasons across Valencia to build a home for the elderly is now being put to work to help fund worthy causes.

Almost 500,000€ was collected to construct the residential home in Benichembla in the Marina Alta but the scheme was frustrated by a failure to get planning permission.

However, with the money invested, the interest on the capital and money raised by The Moraira Charity Shop will now support charities – and especially projects helping the elderly.

The first donations were made last week to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Valencia’s appeal to raise 150,000€ to buy three Red Cross ambulances, and 1,000€ for the Franciscan Hospice in Gandia.

Bernard Wilson, President of the Masonic Home for Valencia Association, made the presentations outside the charity shop in front of its team of volunteers.

Stuart Macdonald, Very Worshipful Assistant

Grand Master of the Province of Valencia, said the ambulance appeal was launched last year and it was hoped to reach the target by 2014.

GOAL “Our goal is to buy the three ambulances for the Red Cross, we are looking at 150,000€ more or less and this cheque puts us at over 40,000€,” he said, adding that all 28 lodges of the region were contributing.

And Bernard explained Freemasons across Valencia raised money for the residential home with the charity shop profits were “added to the kitty”.

He told RTN: “The initial idea was to build a home for the elderly in Benichembla but, unfortunately, after 10 years we failed to get planning permission.

“The board has decided what we will do is bank our money somewhere we can get as much interest as we can and, together with

Bernard Wilson (front, fourth from left) with Stuart Macdonald (third left), Freemasons and shop volunteers

some of the money from the shop, every year to be able to give to worthy causes – hopefully mostly to do with the elderly because our original theme was to provide care for the elderly.”

He said a change of statute was needed for the fund to be able to help charities. “We have only had the paperwork through three weeks

ago and this is the first money given away.”

Freemasons of the Armonia de Ifach 46 Lodge in Calpe are hoping to raise 5,500€ for the ambulance appeal. Anyone interested in helping reach the target can find more information by visiting the website www.armonia-de-ifach-46.org

Legionella experts to meet in May New library set for the coast FOLLOWING THE decision of the new municipal government in Alcoy to take measures to eradicate Legionella in the area, the council is planning a series of meeting with experts to discuss management procedures to stamp out the bacteria. The meetings will take place in May and the experts will advise whether the chlorination of drinking water in the region may be reduced. Councilman for Public Health, Paco Agulló, said: “The intention is that specialists will review management procedures implemented so far: to see if everything has been properly carried out and possibly to launch other supportive lines of action.” Measures so far included refrigeration control, chlorination of drinking water and the closure of fountains and car wash centres. Despite this there is still occurring a trickle of isolated cases.

by Louise Clarke IT HAS been announced this week that at long last, a municipal library will be installed in Orihuela Costa. The issue of a library on the coast has been long proposed, especially by CLR Councillor, Pedro Mancebo and was one of his party’s election manifesto promises last year. He told RTN that now the party is in power as part of the coalition government, it intends to open up a library as soon as possible, despite the fact that there is currently no money in the Coastal budget for new investments.

The Town Hall also intends to offer daily and weekly newspapers, in various languages, so that residents of the coast can visit the library and catch up on the daily and weekly news. Pedro said: “I would also like to appeal to any retired librarians out there who may like to volunteer their services in order to help set up the new library because having people with the right skills and experience would be a huge help.” Anyone interested in helping with the coastal library project is asked to contact Denise Wesserling at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall.

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Community profits from charity shop goal Pat Bramah (sixth from left) with Mayor Antoni Bertomeu, Councillor for Social Services Sylvia Tatnell, and charity shop volunteers

by jack troughton HARD WORK and dedication of charity shop volunteers paid off last week when a gleaming new ambulance was presented to the Teulada Moraira community.

Pat Bramah, President of the Asociacion Benefica de Teulada – less formerly known as the Teulada Charity Shop – handed the keys of the 49,837€ emergency vehicle (the sum includes IVA) to Mayor Antoni Bertomeu.

There were also thanks for the 10,000€ contribution from Teulada Moraira Lions Club, in memory of former member Bob Nice, which equipped the ambulance, and a smaller donation from the Marina Alta and Costa Blanca Floral Club, which purchased “much needed extra items”.

It has taken the charity shop team twoand-a-half years to raise the money to buy the ambulance which will go into service with the town hall’s social services and volunteers of the Civil Protection.

Initially as a complementary transport to the Red Cross and emergency services, from 1st April the ambulance will be operated from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Friday.

It will be free to users and plans are already being made to expand the service to

24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Pat told the crowd gathered to watch the hand over to the mayor: “What a memorable day today is – a day of new beginnings. A day when we see the result of the hard work and dedication of the staff of the Asociacion Benefica de Teulada come to fruition as we officially sign the convent of collaboration between the town hall and the charity.

“To purchase and equip an ambulance is no mean feat and I know the efforts of the staff of the Asociacion are recognised and greatly appreciated.”

And she added: “We all appreciate your support and confidence in our venture and we look forward to this new service developing and expanding over the coming years.”

The mayor said the ambulance would benefit the whole community. “It is a marvellous contribution to our services – it is a complementary service to the existing services of the Red Cross and the national emergency service.”

The community has also been asked to lend a hand – any doctors, nurses or paramedics able to volunteer some time are asked to contact the town hall, the Civil Protection, or just to pop into the charity shop.

Woman in labour airlifted to hospital A YOUNG Moroccan woman was airlifted to Elche hospital by helicopter on Sunday after unexpectedly going into labour two weeks early on a ferry bound for Italy.

The 24-year-old Mum was safely delivered of a son, 3.350k Hicham, soon after her arrival and mother and baby are doing well.

Working week to be extended for government employees IT IS to be announced on 30th March that the working week for all government employees is to be extended from the present 35 hours to a minimum of 37½ hours. The Hacienda is including the directive within the budget with the aim of saving on overtime payments across the board. The Secretary of State for Public Administration, Antonio Beteta, said the measures would have a particular impact upon the Antonio municipal police as well as Beteta council and town hall staff.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

Scrapyard trolley thief faces six months in jail JUAN ANTONIO, a 40-year-old scrap dealer living in Madrid with his mother, hit the news in December 2011 when police arrested him for the theft of 3,000 shopping trolleys! by jan gamm He maintains that he “never stole any” of the shopping carts but found a couple of them “on the street.” He was caught by police after they fitted GPS to one of the shopping trolleys and now faces a six month prison sentence after he refused to plead guilty to theft charges. According to information from the court the scrap value of the trolleys could approach Juan the 290,000€. Juan commented irritably: “Do you think if I had that money I would be living with my mother?! Anyway it trolley sold very poorly.” In the same operation the owner and the manager of a junkyard in Vicálvaro was arrested. king

Marina Baixa kids stressing out…

ACCORDING TO the Neuropediatrics unit of the Marina Baixa, 25% of pediatric visits are concerned with children’s stress symptoms caused by pressure at home and at school. The Head of Service, Juan Perez, noted that: “Children can be nervous or scared by problems at home, at school, problems of integration with other children or with exams; all causing stress, leading to tension headaches and stomach disorders.”

And such problems are often made worse through the parents delay in seeking treatment for the child. Perez lamented the sedentary lifestyle of modern kids and said: “Children today spend many hours alone, watching television or using the computer. There was a time when it was rarely necessary to medicate children as they spent their time bouncing around and playing – nowadays they spend hours sitting around at home and at school.” In 2011 the unit recorded more than 400 inquiries related to stress disorder in children. The Hospital de La Vila is organising a meeting of 100 specialists to discuss the matter.

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23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

The Tartan Army comes through for EMAUS

Painting the white lines

by patricia thompson WHEN ALI Hunter and John Deans of the Tartan Army Children’s Charity (TACC) visited last September to learn more about Emaus, extraordinary events were about to unfold. After seeing the children’s homes first hand and spending time with Montserrat Fitur, the President of Emaus, the TACC donated a whopping £15,000 towards a sports programme for the children!

After viewing a piece of rough ground at the back of the Altea home, it was agreed that the money was to be spent on a sports field. This seemed to be an almost impossible task as the land has no access apart from a path in front of the home so all the work had to be done by hand.

This herculean task was undertaken by Mario and his team of dedicated Emaus helpers who manhandled literally hundreds of wheelbarrow loads of sand through a narrow path and onto the land at the same time as being harangued daily by the children “Is it finished yet…?”

Slowly but surely the weeds disappeared under the stead-

ily growing sand base. The goalposts were painted one end in Barcelona colours and the other in Madrid colours at the request of the children and seats were found for spectators.

When the grass was eventually laid out the whole pitch seemed to take shape and the painting of white lines finished it to perfection.

It’s difficult to work out who gets the most benefit from projects like these. Is it the children who get to play on a brand new pitch at their home, to the envy of their classmates? Or those privileged to be part of these projects and able to see them through from start to finish? One thing is for sure, all those who contributed to the TACC fundraising should feel especially proud to have achieved this wonderful legacy and to know that children engaged in sports rarely have time to think about their other problems.

For more information about our projects or events, please join us on Facebook ‘The Calpe Bed Centre’, call 96 583 6814 or visit www.emausong.es

Costa Blanca Mountain Walkers SATURDAY 24TH MARCH - Gata de Gorgos circuit: A moderate walk in the valley, in part alongside the riu Gorgos: 12kms of 5 hours’ duration with a 300m ascent: Dogs on leads at rear: For further details Tel: Peter 620 319 797.

- Sanchet: A strenuous walk over some rough terrain but on well-defined paths with wonderful views: 16kms, 6 hours’ duration and a 630m ascent: Dogs on leads at rear: For further details Tel: John 620 865 267.

WEDNESDAY 28TH MARCH - Aixa Castle from Jalon: Note later start time of 10.30am: A moderately strenuous walk over mostly rough terrain: Optional wine tasting afterwards: 12kms of 4 hours duration with a 450m ascent: No dogs: For further details Tel: Clive 96 648 1092.

- Olta, new route: A strenuous walk at a steady pace, mostly paths but a scrabbly, scratchy ascent before the summit. Gloves recommended. 11kms, 4 and a half hours’ duration with a 600m ascent: No dogs. For further details Tel: Verity 695 059 810.

- La Solana summit from Jalon: A very strenuous ‘ridges and summits’ walk, mostly rough terrain: involves scrambling and really for experienced mountain walkers. 16kms, 6 hours’ duration with a 750m ascent: No dogs: For further details Tel: Jack 637 049 772.

The rules and guidelines for walking are given on our website, see http://www.cbmwalkers.org.

Easter Eggstravaganza SEASONAL FUN comes to the Marina Alta on Sunday 1st April when the Laude Lady Elizabeth Junior School hosts an Easter Eggstravaganza. It is free entry to the fair, complete with stalls, refreshments, and entertainment, between noon and 4pm at the school on Cumbre del sol, Benitachell.

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23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Stop whinging about the mossies!

I AM bored already with people moaning about mosquitoes. Don’t get me wrong, I hate the little b*****s, By and you only have to look at the horrific number of people still dying every day from Malaria to see how Chris Marshall dangerous they can be but seriously when you came to live in a hot country, that is when you made your Expat informed decision, under no pressure, to live in a hot country, with golf courses, stagnant water and a blogger www.almerimarlife.com partially tropical climate during the winter months, what did you expect?

Snow is cold, the Antarctic is full of ice, and Spain is hot and full of creatures and insects that always have and always will thrive in the climatic conditions.

As I said I am no fan, and it certainly doesn’t help when the local authorities say they can’t control the situation because they have no funds. That is wrong, should be unacceptable in this day and age, but the world is pretty s*****d up these days and ‘what used to be’ and ‘how it should be’ just don’t apply at the moment.

Inconvenient as it is some repellent and an avoidance strategy will ensure you avoid the worst, and failing that stop and think of all of those that are dying for the lack of a £5 donation (www.sportrelief.com).

My ‘love affair’ with Rajoy is in danger of ending pretty much before it started. His reluctance to give in to the EU demands to reduce the debt deficit even further appear to have been short lived, and he has been bullied into even further cuts. At the moment Rajoy is refusing to give into the EU’s demands that he raises IVA but … Minister for the Economy, De Guindos, has refused to rule out a possible increase in 2013.

Sticking with the economy, it has to be encouraging that inflation fell to 1.9 percent in February on a 12-month basis, its lowest level since August 2010, from 2.0 percent in January, although given the amount of driving I do with www. alstrays.com it certainly wasn’t good that transportation costs soared 5.3 percent during the month due to higher oil prices. Although this was offset by a 3.5 percent drop in telecommunications costs.

I am not happy that the government is considering the tax on diesel either!

Maybe it is time to consider an Electric vehicle as I read recently that Spain now has over 100 charging stations installed

by Iberdrola.

It was also encouraging to read that repossession laws on mortgaged homes are to get a complete overhaul, forcing banks to take a more flexible stance in order to prevent owners from being left out on the street. Those households where all adult members are unemployed and with no income will be able to request a ‘payment holiday’ of up to four years, during which they only pay interest on the loan; an extension of the mortgage term to 40 years, and the re-

Spain is hot and full of creatures and insects

duction of interest rates to the current Euribor plus 0.25 per cent.

And finally a few other stories caught the eye: Spain is among the countries of the world which has the most holidays.

Both Spaniards and the Portuguese have 22 days holiday a year by law, while the Norwegians have 21. In addition to the 22 days holiday, the Spanish also enjoy-

ing 14 fiesta days taking the total of 36 free days. Only Austria and Malta have more free days, at 38 per year.

Two thirds of Spanish people have had a dispute with their neighbours for reasons such as noise, non-payment of community charges, or pets. For the Spanish in particular, noise is by far and away the most common cause of conflicts between neighbours.

Chris is a freelance writer who writes a monthly column for the Telegraph Expat as well as a weekly column for the RTN. He lives in Almerimar with his wife Sands, five cats, two Harley-Davidsons and more often than not a bottle of red wine. He runs the successful expat blog www.almerimarlife.com, and his wife runs the cat re-homing and transport project www.alstrays.com. Chris’s columns are sponsored by www.spain-holiday.com and www.campaya.co.uk on the Telegraph Expat site and by www.blitzcleaning.es here on RTN. You can hear Chris every Friday discussing his views, thought and experiences of life in Spain on www.italkfm.com.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

A day in the life of an Iberswitch customer

9.30AM: CALLED Iberswitch to get an update on my application to switch electricity provider.

I signed up three months ago and thought it should be close by now.

I was told they experienced some issues getting Iberdrola to release me but had recently switched me to a different company. I am now on a rate similar to what I had been paying before I switched but would avoid paying the electricity company increases over the next 12 months (excluding government tax increases).

11.00am: The postman delivered my Power Saver which I ordered from Iberswitch two weeks ago. The other companies that sell them claim a 35% saving but Iberswitch offer more realistic expectations, plus they have a no quibble guarantee if it packs up. If I only save 5% on my electricity bill over 5 years for only 40€ plus IVA, its money well spent.

2.00pm: Checked my emails, saw one from Iberswitch saying they have agreed special terms for their customers with some of the Spain’s leading insurance companies. My car insurance runs out next month and like everyone, I’m fed up with my premiums going up. I called the number they gave me, quoted my customer number and my premium for next year is nearly 50€ less than I paid for last year.

3.30pm: Just signed up for the Iberswitch “Internet on-the -go” package. Now I have 24/7 Internet (unlimited), calls to UK mobiles for just 7 cents a minute, free internal calls and free text messages all for just 28€ a month.

I don’t download movies or music so I am getting rid of my ADSL at home – more savings. I recommend a call to Iberswitch: 96 626 5089.

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www.roundtownnews.co.uk

Local Optician sets his sights high

JORGE MARTINEZ de Lizarduy Araico, Director of Specsavers Opticas Benidorm, is to take part in the second mountain run organised in support of The Friends of the Children of EMAUS on 12th May - the Maratóimitja CastellóPenyagolosa; a 61.76km race through the mountains. Jorge’s goal is to finish the course within eight hours.

“My first running challenge was the Benidorm half marathon. I did it in 1 hour 49 minutes, a respectable time, but my friend bet me that I couldn’t get down to 1 hour 35 the following year and I just had to prove him wrong.

I started training intensively for this with a group of guys and we’re now a team of seven called Specsavers Benidorm.

“There are some exceptional athletes in our team and we train 5-6 times a week. The mountain runs are our latest challenge to raise money for a good cause.”

The Friends of the Children of EMAÚS are a voluntary group based in Northern Costa Blanca, raising much-needed funds for children in EMAÚS’ shelters.

Jorge explains: “The other store Director and I are both family men and so this children’s charity is close to our hearts. Children are the most vulnerable members of our society and so we want to support this charity that is working

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ABANDONED GOODS SALE Left to right - Luis Barcia Caro, José Antonio Rojano Nova, Jorge Martinez de Lizarduy Aracio, José Carreñ Roman, Juan Miguel Ivars Becerra

so hard to protect children that come from bad homes.

“And until 12th May eye tests will cost just 2€: all this money will be donated to the charity. We hope our clients and local residents will give generously to help EMAÚS with their important work.”

To follow Jorge’s progress visit their Facebook page Specsavers Montaña Benidorm. For an eye test or to make a donation to the charity visit the Specsavers Opticas at Calle de Gambó.

FROM 27/03/2012 - 31/03/2012 Between 10am - 5pm

Electrical, Household, Toys, tools Computers etc etc.... every thing must go!

Securistore self Storage, C/German Bernacer Elche Parque Empresarial.

Tel: 965 681 605

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Life begins at… middle age

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

THE EAGLE-EYED among RTN readers noticed my little gaff last week. Have a look: “with the sun shining and the daffodils bursting their golden hue all around, everyone is getting in the mood for spring. In a few short weeks the clocks go back spilling that extra bit of light into our long nights.”

Doh! The clocks go forward, as many of you (such as Peter Watts in Lewes, East Sussex and Barry Dunn, down in Mazarron, Murcia) happily reminded me.

I suppose in defense I could plead that what I’d really meant was that the clocks go back to their previous setting; i.e. that they’ve returned (gone back) to the BST time zone that they were in before reverting to GMT (are you still with me?) Or I could just keep quiet; hmmm, I feel the latter option seems best.

I’ll have to put this gaff down to my advanced age. That and complete forgetfulness, which is an ever present companion these days. For example, yesterday I tramped upstairs to get some socks only to stand in my bedroom thinking, “What was it I came up here for?” By the time I got back downstairs and saw the dog patiently waiting in her lead and collar I recalled the reason for my expedition upstairs. Similarly, I often peer into the fridge for no apparent reason.

But do you know, dear reader, we must not worry about ‘getting on a bit’. No indeed, especially if the New Scientist magazine is to be believed. That august publication last week revealed that “far from being over the hill, humans in their fifth and sixth decades are at the pinnacle of human evolution.”

I bet that’ll cheer my old chum David Williams up. If you recall he had his 64th birthday a few weeks back. Well, Dave, according to NS’s David Bainbridge, “Recent scientific findings… have

shown just how important middle age is for every one of us, and how crucial it has been to the success of our species.” Did you read that? Crucial to the success of our species; that’s us old farts!

Apparently, an important clue that middle age isn’t the start of a downward spiral is in the fact that “it does not bear the hallmarks of general, passive decline.” Oh that’s reassuring eh? According to Bainbridge, “Most body systems deteriorate very little during this stage of life.” Hmmm, except perhaps the ability to remember why you’ve opened the fridge. Well, I can tell you I’m greatly encouraged by this news. But I’m guessing that’s not carte blanch to carry on smoking and boozing willy-nilly…

So, enjoy being on the Costa Blanca - and even more so if you’re over forty. Don’t worry about your age but if you do then I implore you to read a copy of Bainbridge’s report (Marvellous Middle Age) and think about how “recent advances in palaeoanthropolgy, neuroscience and reproductive biology are revealing the truth about this long-neglected phase of human life.” It won’t, of course, tell you why you can’t remember where the car keys are but it’ll make you feel smug when you realise that without the evolution of middle age “human life as we know it could never have existed.” Now that’s really something to bore your kids with, innit?

Right I must remember to put those clocks forward.

Watts in Britain… now where have I got to be now...

KidsZumba for zero YOUNGSTERS HOPING to try out the fast-growing keep fit dance craze Zumba can enter next weekend’s charity event for free.

A mystery benefactor will pay the 3€ entry for every child wanting to take part in the Zumbathon on 31st March, aimed at raising money for the Javea-based animal charity APASA. Organiser Kimberley Harrison told RTN said an “anonymous sponsor” had offered to support the event by paying for children who wanted to enter the Latin influenced dance marathon.

“The registrations are flowing in nicely and there are 12 Zumba presenters attending – one from Germany, another from Norway, one from the Czech Republic and the rest from Spain, expats as well as native Spaniards, so a great line up,” she said.

“It is going to be a great morning!

So come along and shimmy. Registration can be made in advance or on the day by getting there a little earlier. No dance skills are required, just a desire to have a good time.”

Kimberley said support for those taking part would be welcome and there was a chance to win “tons of prizes” in a tombola.

The Zumbathon takes place on the promenade adjacent to the Mas y Mas car park at the Arenal Beach from 10.30am until 12.30pm. Adult registration is 10€, kids are now free.

Register by emailing info@zumbacostablanca.com, by calling Kimberley on 696 746 091, or visit one of her classes, details at www.zumbacostablanca.com

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business

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

thousand euros within 48 hours. This is why a funeral plan

AFTER RECENTLY interviewing Iberian Funeral Plans we now realise that making arrangements for when you pass away is perhaps one of the most delicate and difficult things to do. Many of us shy away from it, preferring to ‘leave it to another day’. However, as with most things in Spain, it is something which differs significantly from the UK and therefore needs careful consideration and pre-planning.

If you have no prior plan in place, the Guardia will have to notify a local funeral director who will remove the deceased and take them to the local Tanatorio.

In some cases the funeral director expects to be paid before he removes the deceased and at the very least he will expect to be paid in full before the funeral takes place, which is usually within 48 hours.

Funerals now cost an average of â‚Ź4,500 which can place a massive financial strain on your family while also dealing with a deep loss; the possibility of a frozen bank account; and all the other arrangements that are needed for a funeral.

It therefore pays to plan in advance and to make sure that your loved ones are spared from having to find several

from Iberian gives you peace of mind and ensures that everything goes smoothly for your loved ones.

Iberian offer three different funeral plans, each of which can be tailored in advance to ensure you have the type of funeral that you want. All it takes is a single phone call and Iberian will handle all the funeral arrangements, including documentation. No stress, no financial worries and best of all your loved ones know that you are getting the type of funeral that you wanted.

Your money is also kept safe here in Spain, rather than being sent abroad to a foreign trust fund which may not be as secure as you think. Iberian plans have the option of being payable as a lump sum or alternatively over a 5 year interest free period. This makes it a sound financial

investment, doubly so as the price is fixed from day one and considering that funeral costs are rising substantially every year.

Unlike many forms of funeral insurance, (an alternative to a funeral plan) if you decide to relocate back to the UK or any other EU country, the funeral plan goes with you.

Iberian will need to know your new address and they will issue you with new documents detailing the correct phone number to call. It really is that simple!

Arranging your funeral plan is for many a delicate and sombre experience. The people at Iberian understand this and will work with you to ensure you receive the information you need, without having a pushy sales person trying to force you to buy.

If you would like to know more information, please contact Iberian on: (+34) 965 993 498, or email: info@iberianfuneralplans.com. Alternatively, visit: www.iberianfuneralplans.com.

money

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

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Are there any advantages in transferring your SpanishPropertytoyourChildren’sOwnership? by

Mark Roach

Company Director and Spanish Tax Consultant

PASSING OWNERSHIP of your Spanish property to your inheritors has many complications and you must consider the implications on gift tax, transfer tax and capital gains tax in both the UK and Spain if you are thinking of using this strategy.

I was recently asked by a client who was purchasing a property in Spain whether he could place the property in his daughter’s name to safeguard against Spanish Inheritance Tax (IHT). This is a suggestion I have come across many times, often given by Spanish lawyers and advisors as a method of avoiding paying Spanish IHT. In reality this is a popular misconception masquerading as a solution. This strategy does not remove IHT in Spain, and it may leave your children with a tax bill to pay in the UK as well.

The reason behind the suggestion is based on the probability that the parent will pass away before the children. If that does happen and the children are named on the deeds, they will not pay IHT because they own the property already. They will however still need to probate on any balance retained by the parent.

The alternative scenarios are unfortunately not uncommon and are infinitely more problematic. For example the asset could be at risk should there be a

marital or financial issue with one of the co-owners. It is also possible that a son or daughter could predecease their parents meaning the parents would be at risk of losing control of part of the property depending on the Will or marital status of the deceased.

You must also consider the tax liability back in the UK. As a British Citizen you are taxed on your estate worldwide. If you, for example, purchase a property in Spain for 200,000€ and you place it in your children’s name, then in effect you have given them 200,000€ in cash to own the property. Upon your death your administrators will have to declare to HMRC whether or not a gift has been made during the last 7 years. Failure to disclose will be a criminal offence. If you die within 7 years of making the gift then inheritance tax could be charged in the UK up to 40%.

Wincham Consultants offers owners or prospective buyers of Spanish property legal and Taxation advice to structure the ownership of their Spanish property into a UK Limited Company to significantly limit themselves and

Wincham Consultants Limited, Wincham House, Greenfield Farm Trading Estate, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4TR, England.

(Wincham Consultants also have offices located on the Costa Blanca) UK Tel: +44 (0)1260 299 700 | Spain Tel: +34 965 830 991 | Email: iht.info@wincham.com | Web: www.winchamiht.com

their Beneficiaries from Spanish inheritance tax liabilities and avoid acquiring an illegal or encumbered property.

It is vitally important when dealing with any legal firm in Spain that you check that you are covered by at least 20 years title deed insurance. There are many occasions where issues from the past may cause repercussions to your ownership or ability to sell. Wincham Consultants offer 20 year Title Deed Insurance on any property transfer undertaken on behalf of clients subject to the T&Cs of the policy.

Once the property is owned by the UK Limited company, IHT in Spain is completely removed. It is then advisable to have an up to date UK Will covering your worldwide assets.

Please call to speak to one of our Consultants on the numbers below or visit our website www.winchamiht.com to obtain your free of charge Spanish Inheritance Tax illustration demonstrating your potential Tax liability and the potential savings you could make by employing a different structure of ownership.

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money

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Themythsaboutpropertyrental ‘Spanish property market shrinks 28pc in January’ ‘Bank of Spain warns of further house price fall’. by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

Rajoy hiding budgets Rubalcaba angry over budget under wraps

PSOE GENERAL Secretary Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba has accused the prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, of covertly “hiding” plans for the State Budget. Rubalcaba contends that Rajoy is “the first president of Spain to hide a budget for spurious electoral interests and not tell the truth about hidden tax increases and the cutting of co-payment for health insurance unemployment.” Speaking at a meeting in Oviedo on Friday Rubalcaba addressed an audience of more than 500 people and warned that the current government’s policies, particularly with regard to plans to adjust health copayment and labour reforms, will “endanger social peace.”

IF YOU are one of the people who has a home in Spain that you use, enjoy and want to keep for good, these headlines won’t really matter to you. The value of your property is in the pleasure you get from it.

But behind these headlines are individual stories of people who need to sell for all kinds of different reasons and can’t. For them it’s not just a matter of pulling down the ‘se vende’ board and riding it out.

However, for some, there is an alternative. Renting is now the new buying. It seems like everyone is doing it and whether you want to upgrade, downgrade or just try a new area, it can be the solution to a sluggish market. It can also be a worry. Stories of terrible tenants and unlucky landlords bounce around the forums. It seems that everyone knows someone with a cautionary tale to tell.

Of course, what you don’t hear as often are the success stories where it all came together with a happy ending.

For those considering the renting option, let’s dispel a few myths first. Here are some of the snippets of conversation you might here at your local: Myth: ‘Tenants have all the rights in Spain. If you’re a landlord with a bad tenant there is nothing you can do about it.’

Fact: At one time this was true. In previous years it was the tenants’ rights that made them king of someone else’s castle. Now the law of urban lettings balances the rights of landlords and tenants in the long-term letting market. Tenants can be evicted quickly for failure to pay the rent, sub-letting without permission and causing a serious nuisance to neighbours.

Myth: ‘They’ll damage your property and leave your house a disgrace.’

Fact: Many properties in Spain are rented out unfurnished. If you are very worried about your

furnishings and fittings this is always an option.

Alternatively, make sure you have a detailed inventory attached to your contract and signed by your tenants.

When they leave the property you should have another inventory drawn up and any differences between the two can be made up from the deposit.

Myth: ‘They’ll run up big bills .’

Fact: You can make it part of the contract that they pay the expendables such as gas, electricity and telephone bills. The water rates and community charge are usually paid by the landlord.

Myth: ‘Don’t bother with a solicitor they charge the earth for nothing. Now I know a bloke on our street who’ll have a look at your contract for 20€’ Fact: He might ‘have a look’ but that’s just about it. You can do it yourself and obtain a rental contract from the tobacconists’ (estanco). However, getting the contract right is extremely important. For example, you might want to include a clause about using it again yourself or for your children.

There are dangers in relying on what the local ‘guru’ tells you.

Myth: ‘Don’t worry about paying your rental income tax, no one does around here.’

Fact: Do worry. The Tax Authority is keen to draw as much money in as it can. Identifying rented property is not that hard to do. For example, if you are advertising your property to capture tenants or holiday rentals, it might not only be their attention you’re attracting. The Spanish tax authority might be just as interested in your monthly rental price as prospective clients.

For those who aren’t paying tax on their rental income, now is the time to put matters straight. The next deadline for declaring your rental income tax is 20th April. If renting is the solution to your dilemma, don’t let tax evasion get you instead.

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23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

UnderthemattressorintotheWorld? by

Christina Brady

Regional Manager of Blacktower Costa Blanca

WHAT TO do with our hard-earned savings?

We spend all these years building our nest-egg only to see interest rates on offer by most banks well below the rate of inflation, volatility in the markets and sovereign debt all over the place.

So where do I go to get some solid growth these days?

Global growth declined in the final quarter of 2011 across most of the world’s 20 biggest economies, according to recent research.

Aggregate GDP growth slowed to 0.7%, following a 0.9% expansion in the previous three month period and taking growth for the year as a whole to 2.8%.

That represents a marked drop from growth of five per cent in 2010, and the quarterly growth is the weakest since early 2009 when the top 20 economies contracted by 1.6%.

Indonesia led the field with growth of 2.1% in the fourth quarter, closely followed by China, at 2%, and India at 1.8%.

The worst performances came in Italy, where GDP contracted by 0.7%, and Japan and the UK, which both saw contractions of 0.2%.

Brazil’s economy accelerated in the quarter, reversing a 0.1% fall in the three months to September to grow by 0.3%, while South Africa’s growth rate also improved from 0.4% to 0.8%.

COMMODITIES Higher oil and petrol prices are a serious threat to the economic recovery; as consumers are forced to spend more at the pump and have less to spend on other consumer goods. The US and UK are considering strategic reserves releases, but neither President Barack Obama’s administration nor Prime Minister David Cameron will admit to having serious talks on the matter. Meanwhile, tensions with Iran have kept oil prices high.

Gold and silver dropped, with prices for gold heading towards their third consecutive week of losses, the longest losing streak for the precious metal since October. Despite concerning economic reports, gold and silver seem to be side-lined for the moment.

SPOTLIGHT ON: INVESTMENT OUTLOOK If investing an investor needs to look past the volatility in the markets at the moment and be comfortable seeing some investment values fall further before ultimately profiting from them.

Emerging Markets: In these countries domestic consumption is growing so a fund that offers a range of diversified small company-oriented funds and/or funds oriented away from the dominant BRIC countries may reap the greatest rewards.

High Yield Bonds: Fixed-income funds were the strongest performers last month, capturing close to €7 billion in new assets. This is the first time net

inflows have been seen in the broad asset class since July 2011.

Dan Lefkovitz, director of business and operations in Morningstar’s pan-European research team, says: “A hunger for yield was evident. Just as they did in 2010 and early 2011, European investors flocked to corporate debt – especially of the high-yield variety.”

Small company shares: Stephen Walker, Head of Equities Research and Market Strategy for Ashcourt Rowan says, “Smaller company shares are usually a very good barometer of the stock market mood and the FTSE Smallcap index has been underperforming the FTSE 100 since early September 2011. However, the rewards can be comparably larger during strong market conditions and small caps outperformed substantially in the wake of the March 2009 market low. Access to small caps is easiest via high quality funds.”

For the more risk adverse there are: Guaranteed Income products: If investors are prepared to commit their funds for 3 to 5 years.

At the moment there are a number of products available that offer a guaranteed income for the term of the investment, irrespective as to whether the markets rise or fall.

If you would like to find out more or to arrange a free financial consultation contact Christina on 965 058 212 or email costablanca@blacktowerfm.com

To find out more about efficient pensions or for any financial advice, please contact Christina on 0034 658 892 330 or 965 058 212 or simply email her 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 Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licenced in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Licence No: 00805B.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

This little piggy went to marketandgained15% WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO INVEST? Six months ago, the FTSE100 was sitting at 5,129. I was talking to people then who were not sure of the financial future and would not commit any of their money to markets which had just tumbled over the previous year or so. Since that time the FTSE has picked up around 15%. Of course, no one knows what’s around the corner, especially for an index heavily into banks and oil companies.

Banks are under pressure and interest rates are likely to stay low for some time to come.

Austerity measures are starting to bite and inflation is likely to increase.

So on this cheery note, we can look forward to deposits in banks with uncertain futures and low interest rates, knowing that each day our money is becoming worth less due to inflation.

There are a number of ways to deal with this conundrum. Drip feeding into an investment over a period of time helps the timing issue.

We always recommend that money is spread over different geographical areas and asset classes. Guaranteed returns can provide an alternative stream of income.

The piggy that always stays at home could end up with none.

WHO IS QUALIFIED TO GIVE PENSION AND QROPS ADVICE? There are now a multitude of pensions experts on the Costa Blanca just as there were zillions of diligent estate agents seven or eight years ago. The decent estate agents are still here after a major cull. However, everyday

John Hayward

there seem to be more and more people who are suddenly ‘pensions experts’. I’ve nothing against competition but having lived through the debacle of pensions and endowment miss-selling in the UK, it is quite clear that there is some pretty bad advice being given, if given at all.

We do a full analysis on every pension fund we come into contact with. This helps us and, more importantly, helps the client to make the right decision. I have the G60 pension qualification from the Chartered Insurance Institute. I believe that anyone giving advice should have this or have someone in their firm that does. The vast majority of advisers do not. This doesn’t necessarily make me Einstein but it does mean I know the difference between a Section 32 Buyout Plan and a tub of margarine.

In addition, we have a department dedicated to analysing potential pension transfers with more than just the Ladybird book of pensions at their side. What could QROPS stand for?

Perhaps ‘Qualified Registered Overseas Pensions Specialist’...

For a free financial wealth check, call me on 96 558 7633 or email john.hayward@spectrum-ifa.com

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

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legal

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

31

The new‘good conduct code’for Spanish banks in relation to customersvulnerabletomortgageproblems,hasbeenapproved by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

DURING THE last few days the Spanish media has been full of details concerning the approval by the Council of Ministers of Spain of the Decree-Law no. 6/2012 of March 9th which gives urgent measures to protect a particular section of mortgage holders who have insufficient money to meet their mortgage payments.

The Decree-Law has established measures to lessen the likelihood of eviction for persons in risk of social exclusion and includes as an attachment a ´Good Conduct Code´ for banks. The main object of this Code is to try to reduce the problem of evictions due to non ability to make mortgage payments within a particularly vulnerable slice of the population.

Although banks may decide whether or not they adhere to this Code, for those that decide to join, the compliance is mandatory for at least 2 years.

These measures are designed to give protection to those persons who fall within the criteria of: a) the mortgage being in relation to their first and only home b) where all

the family members are out of work c) where the mortgage amount is greater than 60% of the total net income of all the family members and d) who in addition to either a), b) or c) do not have any other assets that could enable them to pay the debt.

In addition the measure will be applied as long as the purchase price of the house/villa etc does not exceed a certain amount, which the Decree-Law establishes, for example, an amount of 200,000€ for cities with a population of over one million, or 120,000€ for a property within a town with a population of under 100,000 persons etc.

The protection measures that this Decree-Law affords are as follows: 1) Will limit the interest that may be accrued on overdue payments, so that the interest rate charged by the bank cannot exceed the agreed interest on the mortgage loan plus 2.5% on the unpaid due amounts.

2) Will allow the mortgage debt to be restructured. The banks that subscribe to the Code must commit to take the following steps to reduce evictions: a) To facilitate refinancing by increasing the grace periods (i.e. interest only periods) of up to 4 years (thereby lowering the payments for the client by him or her paying only interest on the mortgage loan, and no capital repayments). b) To allow the extension of the loan period up to 40 years and reducing the interest rate to Euribor + 0.25 points.

Foreclosure of the mortgage must not have been started in order for the debtors to request to adopt these measures.

3) Also in those cases when all of the above is still insufficient for customers to be able to manage to make their mortgage repayments, it is encouraged that the bank can make a reduction of the debt, and only as the last option, will the family be allowed to hand back their property as payment for the debt which is called dación en pago.

4) And finally, in the event that there is no option other than the debt being settled by the handing over of the house to the bank, a method is also included in these measures for the possibility of the family remaining in the home for a 2 year period, paying ´rent´ at an amount established by Law. The Spanish government has announced that it has been in negotiation with several Spanish banks and trusts about the Code, and that most of them will be partaking in it, the advantage being for the banks and the trusts that they will receive tax incentives for the losses suffered by implementing these measures. The names of the banks that have agreed to subscribe to the Code will be made public in due course.

Should any reader be 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 2012 - 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. The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. Visit our blog at http://www.white-baos.com/blog/ and Facebook (White-Baos-Abogados-Solicitors)

+ uk tv

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120mins european landline calls

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32

money

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Are you making false economies? Take action to safeguard your healthcare in Spain: invest in your health THE SPANISH social health system is designed and funded to ensure that it can cater for the emergency treatment of all persons in possession of either a European Medical Travel emergency card (EH1C) or a SIP card.

However, you will notice that the key word with the EH1C card is, in a travel emergency situation.

Due to the ongoing global financial crisis, Spain will be taking a close look at where it can make even more savings. The Spanish social health system is already under staffed and grossly under funded. Therefore foreigners not contributing to the social system can no longer expect to receive anything other than emergency medical treatments while these circumstances exist.

Indeed, many people who are already in possession of a SIP card are taking out a private health insurance. This precautionary measure ensures that they have all the additional benefits that this affords them: • Immediate access to private hospitals and private physicians.

• A personal advisor in one of our customer service offices to support your medical needs.

• No language barriers.

• No waiting periods for doctor’s appointments and/or emergency operations.

• Extensive annual medical preventative check ups.

ASSSA Insurance are currently offering up to 30% discount for the entire lifetime of your policy, private medical insurance premiums start from as little as 43€ per month, so there is really no reason not to have the peace of mind that results from having some form of cover in place.

ASSSA offers unique guarantees: • The age you join is the age you stay – no increase in premiums due to simply growing older.

• Guaranteed for life – cover is guaranteed irrespective of advanced age or your claims profile.

• The flexibility to move to us from your current insurer without loss of cover for those conditions already covered by them.

For a completely free non-obligatory personal quotation contact our multilingual female advisors, who will be pleased to

advise you and answer any questions, or call into one of our offices Monday-Friday 09.3013.30, later appointments or home visits can be made by arrangement.

CUSTOMER SERVICE OFFICES - La Zenia/Orihuela Costa: Tel: 965 725 421: Katrin Sasse/Teresa Howard orihuelacosta@asssa.es - Ciudad Quesada: Tel. 966 761 794: Ilka Thiede ciudadquesada@asssa.es - Altea: Tel. 966 882 680: Magdalena Koczon altea@asssa.es - Moraira: Tel. 965 744 033: Kate Taylor moraira@asssa.es - Denia: Tel. 965 786 969: Ana Maria Valerio denia@asssa.es - Vera: Tel. 950 392 487: Louise Zarb vera@asssa.es - Mazarrón: Tel: 968 153 396: Diane Nolan mazarron@asssa.es

Katrin Sasse

Ilka Thiede

Teresa Howard

Magdalena Koczon

Kate Taylor

Ana Maria Valerio

Louise Zarb

Diane Nolan

Zapatero to lecture in Venezuela EX-PRIME MINISTER Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is to make his debut as a speaker this Saturday 24th March in the Venezuelan city of Maracaibo. Zapatero, who completed his term with the Spanish government on 21st December last year, will give a lecture during the Annual Meeting of the National Council of Trade and Services (Consecomercio), it was announced by Executive Director José Antonio Cirigliano. It was pointed out that Zapatero’s dialogue would include “strictly economic issues” not concerned with politics.

This club membership really is worth its weight in gold!

THE NEWLY launched Argento Club’s membership fees really are worth their weight in Gold. In fact, the Club’s unique membership structure is designed to actually pay you for being a member and supporting the Club by giving members a handsome profit on their membership fees.

The idea behind this is twofold. One being membership of the Club is effectively FREE, but also to lead by example on how important Silver and Gold ownership can be to your financial health in this continuing financial crisis.

The Club core members are primarily a Business & Social networking group with a common interest in achieving business success and protecting and increasing their wealth during these difficult and challenging economic times.

The business networking side of the club holds regular events to promote one-to-one contact and group promotional opportunities with exhibitions, networking seminars etc.

The Club’s social and wealth creation side focuses on wealth preservation and smarter ways of increasing wealth while at the same time getting special discounts on member’s goods and services, high level bartering and enjoying luxury events and great value club

excursions.This will really help both business and social members prosper through these difficult economic times so they can actually come out of the recession in a few years time very much wealthier!

If you’re interested to see how the Argento Club’s ideas and unique approach brings success in both Business and Wealth Creation, then take a look at the Club’s new Website: www.argento-wealth-club.com As part of the Argento Club’s event programme, there will be a special Seminar Presentation on ‘The present Gold & Silver Wealth Creation Opportunity’ at the Parador Hotel, Javea, on Thursday 19thApril (12 -1pm).

This hour long special visual presentation will be followed by complimentary wine and tapas for all pre-registered invitees. You can pre-register online for this enlightening seminar by going to the ‘events’ section on the above website.

To see all the Club’s services and benefits for both its business and social members, visit www.argento-club.biz To join Argento as a free Associate Member, see the website or for more information contact the Club Secretary via email at secretary@argento-club.biz or Tel: 965 502 010.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

33

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Home Garden

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Go Ahead: Take the Plunge by

Carlos Franco

CDF Arquitectura

THE HOUSING market slump has made everyone jittery for some time. The market might be showing some signs of healing, but the future, as they say, is tough to predict.

What seems certain, however, is that homeowners around Costa Blanca - summer vacationers, part-time and full-time residents - are taking a serious look at their investment strategies. Should we sell? Should we buy? Should we renovate?

With the summer season soon to be upon us and property values still in flux, many homeowners are taking the plunge into major renovations that are not only going to enhance their lifestyle but also boost the value of their investment.

Home additions are becoming increasingly popular.

Several of our customers have told us that in the current housing market, they would rather not sell, but rather add new and improved features to their homes. In recent months, we have begun to see more people shake off doubts and invest in their homes again.

Contrary to many property owners’ knee-jerk reactions to a downturn, it is now a fantastic opportunity to invest in home improvements and take advantage of relatively affordable options before a market recovery takes hold and begins to fuel prices upward again.

Owners of older properties in particular, should bear in mind that the longer they wait to make renovations, the faster the market value of the property drops, especially in

neighborhoods where most homes are well kept. Adding bedrooms, bathrooms, or replacing outdated windows with energy-efficient alternatives are improvements that almost guarantee that you will make your money back and more.

In these before-and-after pictures you can see what a difference a sunroom, enclosed pool or a single-pane panoramic window can make.

These are relatively low-cost additions that keep you cool in summer, warm in winter and provide shelter from the wind. This means enjoying your house all year round.

As with airline fares the trick is to know where the deals are, and when to book them. Whether you are thinking about a second level to a single level home, a luxury kitchen, an upgraded bathroom, a swimming pool, sunroom or enclosed patio, you may want to start searching for the best deals.

If you like to chat more about your home improvement options, please email us carlosfranco@cdf-arquitectura.com, call us at 96 583 2922 and 628 801 957 or come by our office in Calpe at Pedro García Ortiz 25A. Plaza del Mariners, in Calpe old town area.

Before the alterations What a difference the new sunroom, enclosed pool and single-pane panoramic window make to the enjoyment of the house, and the value

A visit to their office of Ana and Carlos Franco is recommended where a no obligation discussion can take place to discuss your needs. CDF is located on the Calle Pedro Garcia Ortiz 25A, Plaza dels Mariners, Calpe 03710. Telephone 965 832 922 or 660 928 037: carlosfranco@cdf-arquitectura.com and www.cdf-arquitectura.com

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

34

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Inland challenges by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

IN THE past decade many recent newcomers to Spain and those fed up with the coastal concrete jungle have decided to purchase more peaceful situations inland. Undoubtedly many had found that properties, whether village houses or houses in the campo, were considerably less expensive than on the coast and in many cases had 10,000 to 20,000 rather than the typical 400 to 2,000 square metres on the coast.

However, the luxury of space, peacefulness and mountain views present some special challenges.

Firstly many inland investors are surprised by the climatic conditions especially: The lower winter temperatures than on the coast and the possibility of frosts from November until May The hotter summer temperatures than on the coast once one is twenty or more kilometres inland on the high plateau The strength and severity of autumn, winter and spring gales especially if in the centre of an open plateau or valley On top of this, unless one is lucky enough to purchase an old property that once had a stable yard or large trees under which mules and donkeys were tethered for hundreds of years, the soil may not be that good. This is especially so if the land has been only used for grape vines, almonds, olives or walnuts . And a hundred or more trees need pruning, feeding and possibly irrigating to produce con-

tinuing good crops.

So a successful country garden requires seven things to be achieved in the early years.

Improve the soil wherever you plan hedges, perennial or shrub beds, areas of flowering and fruiting trees and space for a vegetable plot. Luckily there are still sheep or goat herds and stables in many areas in order to obtain inexpensive manures. Alternatively agricultural cooperatives often sell bags of manure based composts. Country living also enables the keeping of hens and rabbits etc that yield good manures as well as eggs and meats.

Unless you plan to keep wide open windy views and a minimalist garden plant up boundary hedges and internal windbreaks to achieve a more benign microclimate before you plant up anything but the hardiest plants.

Select plants that are luckily both reasonably draught and frost resistant once established. We list these in part four of our book ‘Your Garden in Spain’ and look around to see what has been growing in long established Spanish gardens including town squares and parks before finalising your decisions. If you are inland recognise that few of the subtropical plants that characterise good coastal gardens will survive inland even if you have high hedges.

Ensure that you can continually irrigate the plants during the summer months until they have established deep roots. Mix TerraCottem soil enhancing gel into garden soils and container composts – this can reduce watering needs by 50% or more.

If you have or plan to plant fruit trees start to spray monthly from March onwards if not already doing so. This is particularly important if your property is near abandoned or neglected olive groves and temperate orchards which can become full of pests and fungal diseases once the weather warms up.

Recognise that if you are in a regular frost pocket it will be difficult

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

Home & Garden

to grow many varieties of vegetables from November until March but that from March until October many varieties will survive, provided you have the water for summer irrigation.

If you plan a pool for the hot summer months consider covering it with a sliding roof and installing solar water heating. With these you will not only be able to make rather better use of the pool but the cover can also be used as a greenhouse for early and late vegetable crops in containers. ‘Growing healthy vegetables in Spain’ has a special section on growing vegetables in containers.

Having shared these warnings and guidelines we wish you well in creating within not too many years a garden that allows you to enjoy an open air lifestyle on the sunny days during most of the year.

After all - that’s the reason that most of us came to Spain.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Vega Baja garden club... March meeting FOR THE March meeting, the committee members of the garden club each brought along a pot plant. They each gave very varied reasons for their choice.

Anna’s was a huge CRASSULA. She said that she has such a large garden that all plants are large, this one with a very pretty pink flower.

Chris had a GERANIUM. He said that they seem to grow whatever the conditions.

Anne brought along an AMARYLIS which she was not being very successful with as the flowers were dropping.

Ron, the rose man’s, choice was a MINIATURE ROSE which he admitted to buying for the occasion as he has no pot plants in his garden…..only dozens of rose bushes.

Margot brought along a dwarf CYCLAMEN , the first one that she had ever managed to save from one year to the next.

Elaine had picked a flower from her pot plant as it was much too large to bring the whole plant. This was a DIAN-

Home & Garden

THUS grown from a cutting she brought from Wales.

Val had a MOTHER-IN- LAWS TONGUE, a plant she said she disliked when she was younger but has now come to appreciate for its beautiful foliage.

Each person talked about their plant then invited questions and comments from the other club members. Everyone agreed that it was a very informative meeting.

Future meetings will include a photo comp (wildlife in your garden) and a rose comp. A coach trip is planned for the beginning of June.

The next meeting is on Mon April 2nd from 2-4pm at Los Rosales on the Lemon Tree Road, Guadamar. Speaker will be Jennie Woodward who will be demonstrating various aspects of FLOWER ARRANGING, using foliage from the garden.

New members always welcome, please contact Val on 966 716 527 for more information or if you would like to give a talk.

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

35

Ballesol at Home New Technology Teaches Homes to Protect Seniors

Ballesol, Spain’s leading company in senior residential centres, has just launched an innovative new pilot project called “Ballesol at Home” based at it’s Benidorm Ballesol Senior Resort complex. The new service combines a revolutionary new technology installed in the customer’s home with the expert professional care and infrastructures of the Ballesol centre.

Designed specifically for seniors who live alone, the Ballesol at Home system includes a series of infrared, pressure and magnetic sensors which are installed in the customer’s home and connected wirelessly to a central processing unit. Thanks to a patented artificial intelligence algorithm, the system silently learns the senior’s daily routines and compares with patterns that could indicate a fall or loss of consciousness activating a personalised response protocol.

Ballesol at Home doesn’t require any human intervention making it a substantial improvement over traditional teleassistance systems. Since it doesn’t use microphones or cameras the senior’s privacy is completely guaranteed, and all the data collected by the system stays in the home. Only in the case of an emergency does the Ballesol at Home processing unit communicate with the English speaking Ballesol call centre.

According to the project leader Oscar Nombela, “Ballesol at Home is much more than just an amazing technological feat. We have combined the technology with a complete package of services at our Senior Resort designed to radically improve our customers’ quality of life. For a low monthly fee they receive services ranging from regular medical and nursing care, physical therapy, podiatry and hair care. Not only do we install and maintain all the hardware in their homes, but customers also can spend a week each year in any of Ballesol’s 42 centres all over Spain.”

When asked about the project, Oscar commented, “The technology behind Ballesol at Home has been in the making for over five years. We understand that many seniors don’t want to leave their homes, but their families need to know that they are receiving quality care and that if anything occurs help will be immediately on the way. Ballesol at Home answers these two pressing questions in a very compelling and affordable way.”

Ballesol currently owns and operates 42 residential centres for seniors all over Spain, and has over 30 years of experience caring for seniors of all nationalities. Faithful to its philosophy of quality and global service, Grupo Ballesol targets its centres to physically dependent and fully independent elderly guests. The company maintains the highest number of professionals per resident in the sector, guaranteeing a high quality service and excellent care.

For more information, contact Ballesol at 96 585 76 71 Costa Blanca Senior Resort C/ Tramuntana, 2 La Cala de La Vila, 03570- Alicante

Services Included in “Ballesol at Home”

centre

specialist

like

• Installation and maintenance of the “Ballesol at Home” hardware • 24/7 monitoring to help prevent falls and dangerous situations • Full initial medical checkup with ECG by a certified geriatric

• 1 monthly visit to the hair stylist at your Ballesol centre • 1 weeks stay each year at your choice of the Ballesol centres • 20.000 Ballesol ‘points’ to use as you wish for optional services

• Quarterly medical followups at your Ballesol centre • Monthly medical followups by a nurse at your Ballesol centre • 1 session every quarter with the podiatrist at your Ballesol centre • 1 session every month with the physical therapist at your Ballesol

• Extra sessions with the physical therapist or podiatrist • Occasional meals at your Ballesol centre • Extra medical visits • Help with domestic chores

Ballesol Costa Blanca Senior Resort Ballesol Group is a company dedicated and specialized in the management of elderly care centers.

Since 1980 to the present, the nursing homes’ group is faithful to its commitment to provide its clients with the very best care and attention so they feel confident, safe and satisfied.

Their accommodation includes 3 different living styles for: independent resident´s, assisted or semi assisted, and an apartment independent building.

The apartments Ballesol Costa Blanca Senior Resort are tailored to suit fully independent elderly persons who wish to enjoy all the comforts of a residential service.

Medical and nursing services: • Medical consultation and daily nursing care.

• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation service

Home & Garden

For further information, those interested for themselves or loved ones should call 96 585 76 71 Email - direccion.lacala@ballesol.es They are located at the address below C/ Tramuntana, 2. (At 100 mts. Of Cala de Finestrat or Cala de la Vila Beach) 03570 Villajoyosa. Alicante - Spain

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

Life

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

37

Blue Sunday STROLLING ON together, more than 100 people took part in Cancer Care’s inaugural Blue Ribbon Walk on Sunday to raise money for the battle against the disease.

by Jack Troughton Those taking part paid 5€ and stepped out under blue skies from the Arenal Beach in Javea to the port and back – a distance of around 5km.

The inspiration for the event and its central organiser was charity volunteer Jenny. It is now planned to make the walk a

permanent fixture on the calendar.

Cancer Care’s Lesley Cockayne said the money would go to help fund the ECMOR research project at Denia Hospital, scheduled to come on stream next month. “We remembered and sent our love to all those we have lost and through this fundraising empower those working with cancer research to

improve treatment and save lives.”

She told RTN: “I was amazed for the support for a first year and the feedback has been so good I know next year will be better.

“The local police were great, they were out in force and were so helpful and good humoured, it really added to the enjoyment of everyone’s day.”

Limited number of one day tickets available exclusively at the Round Town Travel Offices only 30€

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23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Melanie Savill has branched out

With easy parking this unique office is conveniently situated in the Sol Park area, just on the edge of Moraira town, opposite the mini golf and close to the tennis courts.

The friendly run office

“After several years establishing a good reputation with a Moraira agent I decided it was time to live the dream and open my own office. I´ve spent a lot of time establishing an excellent rapport with many businesses essential to the sale and purchase of property and want to put my experience to the best possible use”.

Melanie grew up in California and following her university education she worked in America until relocating to Moraira to join her family: “This town is a wonderful place to raise my son and with the carefully planned growth of the area, things can only get better. Fortunately the town is managed in such a way as to allow appropriate expansion and the arrival of new and exciting businesses, whilst still retaining the quaint charm of the original fishing village. I have known many people who came to Moraira for a holiday and never left….just as I did in 2003.”

Melanie plans to manage a full-service real estate company, helping buyers and sellers to achieve their own personal goals.

“I have some innovative marketing strategies and am determined to be a part of this growing community. I thought about a town office but felt the Sol Park area was ideal for the Teulada motorway exit, and

very easy for clients to find. I look forward to welcoming both locals and holiday makers who are contemplating a change in their living circumstances. Already I have many beautiful homes in my data base, ranging from the affordable holiday home to the most luxurious properties along the Costa Blanca. There really is something for everyone.”

Melanie is running a friendly family operation, with plans to focus on some specialty markets that continue to be untapped on the Costa Blanca.

“We have extensive international marketing and business experience that we plan to put to good use to build our business and encourage new clients. I am used to working closely with many local realtors, banks, lawyers and other professionals who have stepped up and already offered their full support.

Between myself and a couple of staff we speak Spanish, German, Belgian, French….. oh, and that crazy mix of “English with a slight Yankee accent.”

Find Spanish Coast Villas, at Sol Park across from the mini golf, close to the tennis club. www.spanishcoastvillas.com info@spanishcoastvillas.com 96 574 1748.

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23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Life spanish The Letter

‘Z’

WELL, HERE we are at the final letter of the alphabet! The letter Z, which is called “ceta”, is pronounced the same as the letter C when it is found before an E or an I, that is as a soft, unvoiced “th” sound.

The Z is always spoken in this way in standard European Spanish, although in South American Spanish it is pronounced as an “s”, as it is in some areas of Spain, notably Andalucía.

There do not seem to be too many related words between English and Spanish beginning with Z, one of the few being “zoo” from “zoológico”. So rather than pursue that line I have decided to look at a succession of Z words which create a rather mixed bag of vocabulary of general, cultural and linguistic interest!

Let’s start with one all film-goers will be familiar with, the word “zorro” (fox) which is of course the name of the mythical character played in the film by the gorgeous Antonio Banderas. The female of “zorro”, namely “zorra”, therefore means “vixen”, but is actually used in the same way as we use “bitch”, that is to mean a not very nice lady. Many of us will have heard of the word “zoco” as it is the name given to one or two open street markets along the costas.

In fact “zoco” means an Arab style market. “Zarzuela” is a lovely word; at least I rather like it. It means a type of Spanish light opera or operetta, which emerged as an alternative to classical opera in Madrid in the 17th century. It still has a big following in Spain.

“Zarzuela” is also the name of the palace where the king of Spain lives. There is a type of fish stew called “zarzuela”, although I prefer to think that the king lives in the “operetta palace” rather than the “fish stew” palace.

You might be interested to know that the Shetland Islands are spelt with a Z in Spanish: “Las Islas de Zetlandia”. A curious word for

Basic Spanish for everyday needs

by Jane Cronin

The Twits Of The Week Billi Mucklow@BilliMucklow : what is a ‘BOGOF’??

left-handed is “zurdo” and equally curious is the word “zueco” which means “clog” as in wooden shoe. You may not be aware that the “zueco” is worn quite commonly in northern Spain. It is a wooden shoe with a heel and two front stilts on the bottom about three centimeters in height. Many of the small villages in Asturias have cobbled paths which get muddy from rain and cattle. There the villagers leave their “zuecos” (which they call “madreñas”) along with their large black umbrella in the front porch of the house and enter wearing the slippers that they also wear inside the “zueco”. There is a whole art to making these items by hand as well which you can still see today.

A brand new Z word introduced into the Spanish language in recent years is: “zapear”. This means to “zap”, yes, what you do with those remote controls whilst laying supine on the sofa. The word has obviously been imported for English and the “-ear” ending has turned it into a standard Spanish verb, although I don’t think you’ll find it in any traditional dictionaries with this meaning just yet.

And finally our Z saying, which can only be: “Zapatero a tus zapatos”. The literal translation is “Shoemaker, to your shoes”, but what it really means is: “Mind your own business”. This saying became somewhat of a joke amongst people who didn’t like the former president of Spain, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, and was used to ironically suggest that he should go back to doing something he is good at.

And with that rather sobering note, we have come to the end of our alphabet! I hope you’ve enjoyed all twenty six articles and that they’ve helped you to expand your knowledge and appreciation of the beautiful language of Spain.

Harry Styles@Harry_Styles : I just got caked in the face...and a cake made of ice cream is harder than regular cake. Hard cake in the face.

Amy Andrea Childs@MissAmyChilds : Had a great time on #thebankjob, shame I didn’t get a question right but I smashed rehearsals haha The Rant Joseph Barton@Joey7Barton : I am amazed by how many people, give abuse to me about horses dying at Cheltenham. A, like its MY fault and B, then you go home and eat steak...

The Moaner Tinchy Stryder@TinchyStryder : When you ask a driver how long till you arrive at your destination, & he tells you in miles instead of minutes lol #Annoying The Funny Tweets Alan Carr@AlanCarr : Did anyone else feel guilty eating popcorn whilst watching The Artist? It was so quiet in there it was like I was wading through gravel Holly Valance@HollyValance : Me: “Been working out heaps, gonna be so thin and interesting.” Mum: “Well....thin.”

Rio Ferdinand@rioferdy5 : Is there a number to ring to get me back on track because after the soaps tonight I’m an emotional wreck....!!

Life books

Danny Collins - copy@dannyjpcollins.com

The Darkening NICK CLOSE sees the dead reliving their last moments on earth.

His wife Cate fell from a stepladder and broke her neck but, although Nick was physically miles away, he sees her fatal fall re-enacted over and over whenever he visits the fateful scene. After his wife’s sudden death Nick returns to his hometown in Australia. He is still haunted by the murder of his friend Tristram thirty years ago and a strange sense of foreboding now overshadows his arrival. Soon after, a child’s body is found in the woods at the edge of town, a death that closely echoes that of Tristram.

Nick continues quietly probing into the town’s secrets and uncovers a string of unexplained disappearances and brutal killings, some decades old. Every one leads him back to the twisted maze of the woods.

But there is one other connection and Nick begins to realise that it hadn’t been Tristram who was meant to die….

This chilling read should keep you out of the woods for a while. Stephen M Irwin is a new writer and The Darkening is a chilling debut in supernatural suspense. Well done Sphere for agreeing to publish such a frightener. Now we can all lie awake listening to the branches tapping on the window…..

Suduko Answer

Author: Stephen M Irwin Publisher: sphere (paperback) Price: 9.10€ ISBN: 978 0 7515 4396 4

44

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Life food

Food Consultant Edwin Cheeseman

Hit the Road Jack NOTHING PERSONAL Jack, it was just a song that came to mind recently whilst discussing the problems associated with an associate’s new venture.

Having ourselves experienced not only recessions but hard trading times there are still some of us who see someone else’s bad times as the perfect opportunity to start something new.

Sad as it may seem to see any restaurant or hotel close due to lack of business, the fact remains that it is far easier to start from scratch with a new idea or concept than trying to develop additional business from that which already exists. In the past it has meant that restaurant Head Chefs unable to open their own restaurants due to lack of funds took over run down pubs on leases which had been ear-marked for closure and turned them into gastro pubs, or pubs with food and sometimes even rooms too.

When any business closes due to lack of trade it’s worth researching yourself why it went bust before you fall into the trap of making the same mistakes yourself. Yes, it may have been just a personality thing and perhaps you are more exuberant or even more experienced but it’s more likely to have been competition, high costs, poor products or customers just didn’t want what was on offer any more.

It’s easy to blame the Supermarkets and the internet but if you cannot create a formula that customers want and are made aware of then you have only yourself to blame.

Look at the High street as Mary Portis and Kate Hardcastle have been doing recently and you will discover that many are suffering from lack of parking, customers and quite frankly imagination. But just before you take over a redundant shop there are a few more things you

may have to consider.

Much the same as shopping centres and to some degree supermarkets, high streets need associations, which mean finding other outlets that compliment your shop. Open a Butchers shop and you will certainly improve your chances of success if a dairy and a fruit and vegetable shop are close at hand. Chuck in a deli and a decent coffee shop and a place to park and you have the recipe for at least a Saturday or Sunday busy shopping session to get your week and reputation started.

So how do we all get started and find these associated people, all at the same time? Well you start by setting up market stalls - remember those? Often talked about but seldom visited. Cheap to set up and cheap to run, versatile and mobile and already with associated stallholders. Not convinced? After your next supermarket visit try visiting a local market. It doesn’t have piped music or plastic packets but what it does have instead is a place to park nearby, an assured welcome from everyone and produce that is second to none: fresh and aromatic, a real pleasure for the senses.

See something new, try before you buy and someone to ask without queuing at “customer services”. Yes of course hold onto your handbag and watch the prices charged but that’s surely relevant wherever you shop, but take just a moment and soak up the atmosphere and take in the smells and just imagine, if all of this was available in your local high street. I’m still looking, so it may happen sooner than you think.

If you have a question about food email cheeseman@roundtownnews.com

Easter Music Bonanza

Noggys in Albir have a number of music events lined up

NOGGYS BAR in Albir would like to inform all their clients that they are having a Easter Music Bonanza.

Starting on Wednesday 28th March, live music acts will be performing every day until Sunday 1st April; something not to be missed.

On Monday 2nd April Noggys will be starting their Monday Pasta night, a buffet of 8 different pastas, garlic breads and cheeses with all you can eat for an amazing 4.94€.

From 1st April the kitchen will be open from 9am until 11pm every day, together with a new and improved menu.

Noggys will also be introducing theme food nights from all over the world including

an American buffet and a German evening.

And on Saturdays Noggys will be serving Combos for all of you sports fanatics: come and watch your favourite football team and enjoy a special combo from 5€ per person, to include wings, ribs, wedges, dips and more.

Noggys would also like to invite everyone to her Birthday Bash on 7th April and to the Manager Wyn’s Birthday on 18th April: both the evenings will include live music and a free birthday buffet.

And last but not least keeps your eyes open for the Noggys Bar 1st Year Anniversary Party! Watch this space…

For further information call Noggys on 96 686 6587.

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23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Life health

When should you seek treatment for cataracts?

CATARACTS ARE an eye condition associated with age that is virtually impossible to prevent but there are certain symptoms that can alert us when they start to appear. If you begin to perceive colors with less intensity, have poor night vision, see double or need a more powerful light to read, you may be starting to suffer with cataracts.

Cataracts cause a serious deterioration of vision and a significant loss of quality of life.

They occur when the lens (the human eye’s natural lens that allows the entry of light rays) ceases to be transparent, due mainly to the passage of time.

The aging population and improved life expectancy have led to the increased prevalence of cataracts. In Spain, 47% of the population suffers from cataracts; about 20 million people.

INTERVENTION: THE SOONER THE BETTER Currently, phacoemulsification is the most advanced method for definitive treatment of cataracts. This procedure involves the use of ultrasound to dissolve and remove the damaged lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens with the same function: it lasts a lifetime and does not lose transparency.

“Phacoemulsification allows us to engage the patient when the problem is emerging. In fact, the procedure is easier if cataracts are not yet formed at all. We must banish the idea

that the operation is better when the cataract is mature,”says Dr. Fernando Llovet, Clinical Medical Director of Bavaria. “In the Bavaria Clinic we offer our patients the possibility of cataract surgery when they begin to feel the first symptoms. Thus we prevent the condition affecting their quality of life.

“We have no waiting lists and our patients experience a team of ophthalmologists that have performed over 50,000 surgical procedures for lens with a very high success rate.” And another advantage of surgery at Clínica Baviera is that the patient will not only eliminate the problem of cataract but, thanks to the use of next-generation multifocal lenses, may solve other visual defects such as farsightedness or nearsightedness.

“If the lens through which we replace the lens is a multifocal intraocular lens, we can not only remove cataracts but also give patients a full range of vision, from reading a book to watching TV without glasses,” said the Medical Director of Clinica Baviera.

Bavaria has 7 clinical centers in the Valencian Community. Request your first medical consultation by calling 96 642 6121 or visit www.clinicabaviera.com The centre is at C / Calderon, 4-6 Denia (Alicante) and treatment is available with 12 months interest free finance.

See their advert below.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Life health

47

Mark Phoenix Murphy Dhp MIAPH MNRAH

Hypnoband Therapy helping people to lose weight

EARLIER LAST year I brought a great gentleman called Peter Stebbings to the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida’s attention.

Through the new HypnoBand system he’d lost a staggering amount of weight; he had lost 6 stone in 11 months. A staggering amount and an achievement that he should be, and is, proud of. He is a REAL person who has PROVABLE success in his weight loss.

There is nothing more souldestroying than not being able to look in the mirror because you hate the person staring back at you.

Because you’re tired of so called love handles, or tired of seeing those muffin tops slowly creeping over your pants. At one point in our lives, we’ve all been heavier than we should, so we can all understand how detrimental being

overweight is to our self-confidence.

Some people are fortunate, within a couple of weeks of dieting; they’re back to their lithe and lissom selves. But the HypnoBand helps people, who have a BMI over 25. Whose weight is substantially more than it should be and which is detrimental to their health. The trouble is, and it’s extremely easy to understand, with such a large amount to lose, it’s incredibly difficult to remain focused and on track, to have sufficient willpower to sustain you over such a long period of time.

Because it is a long period of time and with or without the HypnoBand, the weight loss process can be quite a slow, dragging progression. The beauty of the HypnoBand however, is that it keeps you on track. Keeps your mind focused and on that dream weight. It is not a quick fix….

It’s rather like having a gastric band, hence the name, although you don’t have to worry about the surgical procedure, there’s no frightening expenditure and most importantly, there’s no pain but there certainly is gain! Although not of the weight variety! After four sessions with this system, your mind feels as though your stomach is restricted by that gastric band. You need less

to feel full and so eat smaller portions, you’re re-energised because hypnotherapy is a natural de-stressor and you feel ready to lose weight!

There’s no better mindset than the one the HypnoBand places you in.

If you are overweight and you’re tired of hating your body image, then why not give me a call?

The first consultation is free and I can ascertain during that consultation whether or not you’re suitable for the system. It often happens, as there may be another reason behind your tendency to overeat. Either way, I will do my very best to help your 2012 become a slimmer one!

Please be advised some people do mix up other treatments with the same system I use…so please please make sure you ask for the HypnoBand. The Hypnoband is a trademarked weight loss system, it is trademarked for your benefit, to make sure you are getting the correct treatment. Mark is the only licenced practitioner in the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida.

The HypnoBand was shown to be successful on many television programmes and International newspapers such as the Daily Mail and Channel 4s Embarrassing Bodies.

Mark Phoenix Murphy is a registered consultant HypnoBand Practitioner on the Costa, he is a Spanish Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist, a Psychotherapist and a Pure HypnoAnalyst.

If you have any issues with anxiety or stress, or need a helping hand during hard times then call Mark on 654 202 996 or visit www.HypnoSpain.com for more details about his practices.

48

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Life charity

Joining forces to raise funds for the street children of Sierra Leone IBEX INSURANCE staff and supporters of the Gibraltar charity AKIN (Association for Kids In Need) have joined forces in an ambitious and adventurous project to raise money for the UKregistered charity ‘Street Child of Sierra Leone’.

Marathon running has become a very popular challenge for charity fundraisers over the years and the Ibex/Akin team are busy training for their first ever marathon, but not in Lisbon or Madrid, nor in London or New York. No, this group is heading for the small town of Makeni in northern Sierra Leone.

There has never been an organised ‘open’ marathon in Sierra Leone, which has a tropical climate and high humidity. 70% of the marathon course is on packed mud roads and the race is during the start of the rainy season when temperatures will reach the mid twenties.

HAS THE QUESTION ‘WHY?’ CROSSED YOUR MIND YET? In 2008 the UN Human Development Index again ranked Sierra Leone last (out of 179 countries) making it officially the poorest country in the world. One in four children do not live to see their fifth birthday. The 11-year civil war between 1991 and 2002 displaced half the population and the memory of atrocities carried out by child soldiers lives on, leaving a legacy of orphans and broken communal and social bonds.

Grinding poverty still results in children

leaving or being driven from their homes and the lack of children’s rights has led to a culture of the internal trafficking of children to wealthier families where they are often abused. All in all a ‘perfect storm’, forcing children onto the streets.

The goal of Street Child of Sierra Leone, (SCoSL) is to reduce the number of children living on the streets. Re-building trust in adults; reconciling the children with their families and communities; or settling them in alternative loving environments. SCoSL is a volunteer-led UK-registered charity committed to spending 90% of all donations on high-impact projects.

During a trip to Sierra Leone in 2006

Jimmy Bruzon became involved in the Regent School Refurbishment Project in Freetown.

This project was later adopted by AKIN and Jimmy continues to lead the AKIN Sierra Leone Team. Participating in the marathon will be Jimmy’s first return to Sierra Leone since 2006: “Going back to Sierra Leone will be a dream come true. It will be fantastic to see the impact that our school refurbishment has had on the communities which we have supported over the last few years.”

The Ibex team at the Kiln Sierra Leone Marathon on 9th June is made up of Lianne Gilbert, Richard Hill, Phil Langley, Eva Massetti, Elainne Perez, Alicia Torrecilla Cortes and David Whitmore. The headline

sponsors Kiln, who hold a minority stake in Ibex, is marking its 50th anniversary by supporting this event in the 50th year since Sierra Leone gained independence.

A great cause, an exciting adventure with each member meeting their own travel and accommodation costs in full in order that every penny raised goes towards the ambitious target of £15,000 helping Street Child with their important work.

Donations can be made via your local Ibex Insurance office or via the web at www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/ IbexAkinKilnSLMarathon and follow our progress on Facebook at www.facebook. com/IbexAkinKilnSLMarathon

50

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Life showbiz goss Rihanna: the naked truth!

THAT WONDERFULLY apt phrase ‘beauty is skin deep’ has seemingly inspired Rihanna to yet again prove that she personally believes in the expression when she went braless last week, which is pretty well normal I hear you say, but in a sheer top? … Then she tried to make it sound like it was everyday stuff when she told Access Hollywood magazine: “If I don’t wear a bra, that means I didn’t want to wear a bra.” ... em… ok … then she went on: “It’s not usually for attention, it’s just because it would mess up the outfit completely.” Sorry Babe, can’t run with that bit - then she definitely shot herself in the foot when she added: “The clothes that I’m attracted to sometimes are sheer. I’m okay with buying a sheer shirt, because if I bought it sheer, that means I was ok with you seeing through it.” … The question I would like to ask the princess of headline-making is: Is your next move ´el buffski´ … do you plan to walk along the red carpet wearing nothing but a smile?

No moss gathering round here IT CAN only be a tough time for two guys who have been best buddies for close on 50 years to have a big fall out, and such was the case last year for Mick Jagger and Keith Richard after the latter wrote in his biography ´Life´ that he likened his pal Mick to an annoying mynah bird and suggested that he had a small whatsitsname.

The two lads met in their late teens at the London School of Economics in the early sixties, went about the business of forming the Rolling Stones, then forged a songwriting partnership that changed the face of rock ´n roll forever, so for them to not be speaking to each other must have been a seriously strange experience for both of them. That last sentence was in the past tense as the good news is that ‘The Glimmer Twins’ as they are affectionately known are back as best buds again and the word is that they are preparing to head into the studio as early as next month and plan to get back on the road again next year.

A week or so ago Mick said to Rolling Stone magazine, “Looking back at any career you are bound to recall both the highs and the lows.” Keith’s twopennerth was: “I’ve got plenty in the locker here, but it’s not on tape … we’ll just get the boys back together again then maybe cut a side... we’re planning to get things going... again.” … fan dabbie dozzie … who said I don’t bring you happy news!

by

Peter Taylor

Writer and Broadcaster

Could you be Harry´s princess?

THERE WILL be fellas out there who know a lot about the business of starting up a relationship. It may be you are grappling with the issue right at this moment, or it’s something you recall from a time before, and in a lot of cases there´s a fairly good chance you wished you were somebody else, like a Prince for example.

Well I am here to help erase all of those unpleasant thoughts for you chaps as the Ginger Prince - yes, our very own Harry Boy - said on a CBS news broadcast last week that it’s a tough call having Buckingham Place as your home address when it comes to finding a girlfriend. All of this came out after the paparazzi caught H coming out of the Brompton Club last Friday night having been chatting with a girlfriend of one of his pals, and in a seriously depressed state he dropped his guard when he said “There’s a lot of times when both myself and my brother wish we were just completely normal.” Harry had just returned from a ten-day Caribbean tour to take part in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations so I can understand why the boy was not his usual cheerful chirpy self.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

Life TV

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

51

23rd March - 29th March

Friday 23rd March BBC1 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Crime and Punishment 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs Are Coming 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 The Big Sport Relief Warm-Up 16:10 David Walliams’ Big Swim: A Sport Relief Special 16:35 The Big Sport Relief Warm-Up 16:45 Blue Peter 17:10 The Big Sport Relief Warm-Up 17:20 Million Pound Bike Ride 2010 17:45 The Big Sport Relief Warm-Up 18:00 Horrible Histories 18:05 The Big Sport Relief Warm-Up 18:15 Sport Relief Does Glee Club 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 Sport Relief 2012 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Sport Relief 2012

BBC2 07:00 Childrens TV 11:20 Zingzillas Zingbop 11:25 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:30 Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 My Life in Books 14:30 Living Dangerously 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! Ten of the Best 17:30 Breakaway 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Britain’s First Photo Album 20:00 Coast 20:30 Mastermind 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 Gardeners’ World 22:00 Reverse Missionaries 23:00 Sport Relief 2012 23:40 Newsnight 24:10 The Review Show 24:50 The National Lottery Friday Night Draws

SATURDAY 24th March BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 The Little Paris Kitchen: Cooking with Rachel Khoo 13:00 BBC News 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 Formula 1 15:15 John Bishop’s Sport Relief Hell 16:15 Sport Relief 17:30 Final Score 18:10 BBC News 18:30 A Question of Sport 19:00 Winter Wipeout 20:00 The Voice UK 21:20 The National Lottery: In It to Win It 22:10 Casualty 23:00 BBC News 23:20 Match of the Day 24:45 Football League Show

BBC2

07:00 Childrens TV 09:05 Pixelface 09:35 Prank Patrol Down Under 10:00 Ultimate Sports Day 10:30 Blue Peter 11:00 Blue Peter 11:30 My Life 12:00 Hacker Time 12:25 OOglies 12:45 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 Anchors Aweigh 15:15 Camelot 18:05 Escape to the Country 18:50 Flog It! 19:50 Dad’s Army 20:20 The Story of Light Entertainment 21:20 How God Made the English 22:20 Bright Star 24:10 The Sarah Millican Television Programme 24:40 Synecdoche, New York

Sunday 25th March

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4 07:00 Switched 07:25 One Tree Hill 08:05 Glee 08:50 Ugly Betty 09:40 One Tree Hill 10:35 Scrubs 11:00 Scrubs 11:30 90210 12:25 Desperate Housewives 13:20 Greek 14:15 Scrubs 14:45 Scrubs 15:15 Hollyoaks 15:45 90210 16:40 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:05 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Supernanny US 22:00 Hitman 23:50 World’s Greatest Body Shockers 24:55 The Big Bang Theory

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 11:00 The Renovation Game 12:00 You Deserve This House 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 13:35 How to Cook Like Heston 14:05 Drums along the Mohawk 16:05 Channel 4 Presents 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Four in a Bed 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 Sahara 24:30 Rude Tube

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana’s Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Emergency Bikers 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Ice Twisters 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Revealed 21:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 Castle 24:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 24:55 Inside Hollywood

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Emmerdale 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 09:35 Judge Judy 10:25 The Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 Love in the Wild 21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

21:30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 22:00 American Idol 23:00 The Devil’s Advocate

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 Road to London 2012: Paralympics Extra 08:30 The Grid 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Koko Pop 10:25 T4 Movie Special 10:55 The Album Chart Show Introduces 11:15 Charlie’s Angels 12:15 The Big Bang Theory 13:45 The Simpsons 14:15 The Simpsons 14:50 Channel 4 Racing 17:10 Come Dine with Me 18:20 Come Dine with Me 19:20 Come Dine with Me 19:50 4thought.tv 19:55 Channel 4 News 20:25 River Cottage Veg 21:20 Big Fat Gypsy Weddings 22:20 The Million Pound Drop Live 24:05 Jennifer’s Body

07:00 Childrens TV 10:15 The Mr Men Show 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 11:00 Inside Hollywood 11:05 The Hunger Games: Movie Special 11:35 Megastructures 12:35 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 13:40 Short Circuit 2 15:45 Contact 18:25 Daddy Day Care 20:20 5 News Weekend 20:25 NCIS 21:10 NCIS 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 CSI: NY 23:55 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:50 Inside Hollywood

itv2

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 11:25 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 12:20 This Morning: Saturday 13:25 Murder, She Wrote 14:25 ITV News and Weather 14:40 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 14:55 The ‘Burbs 16:45 Land of the Lost 18:30 Granada News 18:45 ITV News and Weather 19:00 You’ve Been Framed!

19:30 All Star Family Fortunes 20:30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 21:00 Britain’s Got Talent 22:20 Take Me Out 23:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 24:20 ITV News and Weather 24:35 The Cube

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Safari Vet School 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News and Weather 23:35 Air America

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Coronation Street 09:15 Emmerdale 12:10 Take Me Out 13:25 Take Me Out: The Gossip 14:10 Love in the Wild 15:05 All Star Family Fortunes 16:05 American Idol 18:00 American Idol 18:55 Flipper 21:00 Homes from Hell 22:00 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 22:20 Britain’s Got More Talent 23:20 Take Me Out: The Gossip 24:05 Celebrity Juice 24:50 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records

E4

07:00 Switched 07:50 Switched 08:10 Switched Up! 09:00 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow 10:00 Supernanny US 10:55 Supernanny US 11:50 Gok’s Fashion Fix 12:55 Supernanny US 13:50 Supernanny US 14:45 Hollyoaks 17:20 Rules of Engagement 17:50 Scrubs 18:15 Scrubs 18:45 The Big Bang Theory 19:10 The Big Bang Theory 19:40 The Big Bang Theory 20:05 How I Met Your Mother 20:35 Rules of Engagement 21:05 Rules of Engagement 21:35 Happy Endings 22:00 Independence Day 24:55 The Big Bang Theory

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 08:30 Match of the Day 10:00 Andrew Marr Show 11:00 The Big Questions 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 Sunday Politics 14:00 Sport Relief 2012: The Mile Show 15:45 Formula 1 17:40 The Food Inspectors 18:10 Songs of Praise 18:45 Land Girls 19:35 BBC News 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Upstairs Downstairs 23:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 23:25 We Won’t Drop the Baby 24:15 Sport Relief

07:00 Childrens TV 09:05 Paradise Cafe 09:30 Wingin’ It 10:00 Friday Download 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:30 Escape to the Country 13:30 The Sheriffs Are Coming 14:15 EastEnders 16:10 Carry On Again Doctor 17:35 Carry On at Your Convenience 19:00 TOTP2 20:00 Sandhurst 21:00 Top Gear 22:00 In Orbit: How Satellites Rule Our World 23:00 Match of the Day 2 23:50 Mr Rich and the Terriers 24:20 Football League Trophy Highlights

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Ade in Britain 11:30 May the Best House Win 12:30 Dickinson’s Real Deal 13:30 ITV News and Weather 13:35 Britain’s Got Talent 14:55 Murder, She Wrote 16:35 Midsomer Murders 18:35 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 18:50 Granada News and Weather 19:05 ITV News and Weather 19:20 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 19:50 Dancing on Ice 22:00 Titanic 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:15 Perspectives 24:15 Premiership Rugby Union

07:15 The Hoobs 07:40 The Hoobs 08:05 Road to London 2012: That Paralympic Show 08:30 Sailing 08:55 Channel 4 Presents 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:55 Frasier 10:25 Frasier 11:00 Sunday Brunch 13:00 The Big Bang Theory 13:30 The Big Bang Theory 13:55 The Simpsons 14:25 Failure to Launch 16:10 Deal or No Deal 17:10 Time Team 18:15 Channel 4 News 18:45 4thought.tv 18:50 Avatar 22:00 Homeland 23:00 The Million Pound Drop Live 24:30 The Illusionist

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Little Princess 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Mr Men Show 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 11:00 Meerkat Manor 11:25 Grey’s Anatomy 12:20 Stansted: The Inside Story 13:20 Cowboy Builders 14:25 The Shootist 16:20 Tunes of Glory 18:20 Battle of Britain 21:00 The Lost Evidence 21:55 5 News 22:00 Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines 24:10 Timecop

07:00 Gossip Girl

07:00 Switched 07:25 Switched 07:45 Switched 08:05 Switched 08:30 Supernanny US 09:35 One Tree Hill 10:35 Hollyoaks 13:05 Watch 13:25 Smallville 14:30 Scrubs 14:55 Listen 15:15 Perfect Couples 15:45 Privileged 16:40 Star Trek: Insurrection 18:45 Picture Perfect 20:40 Samantha Who? 21:05 90210 22:00 Desperate Housewives 23:00 Desperate Housewives 24:00 Skins

07:45 Emmerdale 10:35 Coronation Street 13:00 Winners & Losers 13:55 The Cube 14:55 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 15:25 The NeverEnding Story 17:20 Britain’s Got Talent 18:40 Britain’s Got More Talent 19:40 ET the Extra-Terrestrial 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 Waterworld

52

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Life TV

23rd March- 29th March

monday 26th March BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 The 1952 Show 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs Are Coming 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Secrets and Words 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Jedward’s Big Adventure 16:35 Lockie Leonard 17:00 12 Again 17:30 Prank Patrol Down Under 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News Programmes 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Bang Goes the Theory 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Empire 23:00 BBC News 23:35 One Night

07:00 Childrens TV 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 My Life in Books 14:30 Living Dangerously 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! Ten of the Best 17:30 Breakaway 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Just a Minute 19:30 Eggheads 20:00 A Very British Holiday: A Wonderland Film 21:00 Chaplains: Angels of Mersey 21:30 The Little Paris Kitchen: Cooking with Rachel Khoo 22:00 The Tube 23:00 Watson & Oliver 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 In Orbit: How Satellites Rule Our World

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 The Dales 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Scott & Bailey 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News 23:35 The Agenda 24:05 Mayday Mayday 24:35 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories

07:15 The Hoobs 08:05 Freshly Squeezed 08:35 According to Jim 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 11:00 The Food Hospital 12:00 You Deserve This House 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 13:35 Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Four in a Bed 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 China: Triumph and Turmoil 22:00 Embarrassing Bodies 23:00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 24:00 Homeland

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana’s Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Emergency Bikers 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Mentalist 16:10 Nora Roberts’ Northern Lights 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Inside the Titanic 22:00 Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 09:35 Judge Judy 10:25 The Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 The Cube 21:00 Gossip Girl 22:00 Hellboy II: the Golden Army 24:20 Celebrity Juice

tuesday 27th March

itv2

E4

07:00 Switched 07:25 One Tree Hill 08:05 Glee 08:45 Ugly Betty 09:40 One Tree Hill 10:35 Scrubs 11:05 Scrubs 11:30 90210 12:25 Desperate Housewives 13:20 Greek 14:20 Scrubs 14:45 Scrubs 15:15 Hollyoaks 15:45 90210 16:40 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 My Name Is Earl 21:30 My Name Is Earl 22:00 One Tree Hill 23:00 Skins 24:00 Rude Tube

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 The 1952 Show 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs Are Coming 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News and Weather 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Secrets and Words 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Jedward’s Big Adventure 16:35 Lockie Leonard 17:00 12 Again 17:30 Pixelface 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News Programmes 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 The Syndicate 23:00 BBC News 23:35 One Night

07:00 Childrens TV 11:30 Cloudbabies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 My Life in Books 14:30 Animal Park 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! Ten of the Best 17:30 Breakaway 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Just a Minute 19:30 Eggheads 20:00 This World 21:00 The Hairy Bikers’ Bakeation 22:00 Horizon 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 WikiLeaks: The Secret Life of a Superpower

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Countrywise Kitchen 21:00 Homes from Hell 22:00 Fraud Squad 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News and Weather 23:35 Benidorm 24:35 Ladette to Lady: Australia

07:15 The Hoobs 08:05 Freshly Squeezed 08:35 According to Jim 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 11:00 The Food Hospital 12:00 You Deserve This House 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 13:35 River Cottage 13:45 Darby’s Rangers 16:05 Channel 4 Presents 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Four in a Bed 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 22:00 Big Fat Gypsy Weddings 23:00 Facejacker 23:30 Hit the Road Jack

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana’s Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Emergency Bikers 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 The Perfect Teacher 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 21:00 Revealed 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 CSI: NY 24:00 CSI: Miami

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 The Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 The Cube 20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 21:30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 22:00 The Vampire Diaries 23:00 Perez Hilton Superfan 24:00 Winners & Losers

07:00 Switched 07:25 One Tree Hill 08:05 Glee 08:50 Ugly Betty 09:40 One Tree Hill 10:35 Scrubs 11:00 Scrubs 11:30 90210 12:25 Desperate Housewives 13:20 Greek 14:20 Scrubs 14:45 Scrubs 15:15 Hollyoaks 15:45 90210 16:40 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 Rules of Engagement 22:00 90210 23:00 The Cleveland Show 23:30 Napoleon Dynamite 24:00 The Ricky Gervais Show

wednesday 28th March BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 The 1952 Show 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs Are Coming 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Secrets and Words 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Jedward’s Big Adventure 16:35 Lockie Leonard 17:00 12 Again 17:30 My Life 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News Programmes 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Cash Britain 21:00 Waterloo Road 22:00 The Apprentice 23:00 BBC News 23:35 National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws

07:00 Childrens TV 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 Here Comes Mr Jordan 14:00 See Hear 14:30 Animal Park 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! Ten of the Best 17:30 Breakaway 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Just a Minute 19:30 Eggheads 20:00 Escape to the Country 20:30 Watson & Oliver 21:00 The Fisherman’s Apprentice with Monty Halls 22:00 WikiLeaks: The Secret Life of a Superpower 23:00 The Apprentice: You’re Fired!

23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The Biggest Chinese Restaurant in the World

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Live UEFA Champions League 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News and Weather 23:35 UEFA Champions League 24:35 Road Warriors

07:15 The Hoobs 08:05 Freshly Squeezed 08:35 According to Jim 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 11:00 The Food Hospital 12:00 You Deserve This House 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 13:35 River Cottage Bites 13:40 Action in the North Atlantic 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Four in a Bed 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Four Rooms 22:00 One Born Every Minute 23:00 10 O’Clock Live 23:55 Facejacker 24:25 Hit the Road Jack

07:00 Childrens TV 09:40 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Olivia 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 London: The Inside Story 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:10 Mary Higgins Clark’s Remember Me 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Police Interceptors 21:00 Big Body Squad 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 24:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 The Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 All Star Family Fortunes 20:15 Take Me Out 21:15 Take Me Out: The Gossip 22:00 The Shawshank Redemption 24:50 Harry Hill’s TV Burp

07:00 Switched 07:25 One Tree Hill 08:05 Glee 08:50 Ugly Betty 09:40 One Tree Hill 10:35 Scrubs 11:00 Scrubs 11:30 90210 12:25 Desperate Housewives 13:20 Greek 14:20 Scrubs 14:50 Scrubs 15:15 Hollyoaks 15:45 90210 16:40 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Picture Perfect 23:00 Alien3

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

thursday 29 March

53

th

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 The 1952 Show 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 The Sheriffs Are Coming 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 Secrets and Words 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Jedward’s Big Adventure 16:35 Lockie Leonard 17:00 12 Again 17:30 Leonardo 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Watchdog 22:00 The Honeymoon Murder 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

07:00 Childrens TV 10:30 Mike the Knight 10:40 Andy’s Wild Adventures 10:55 Tree Fu Tom 11:20 Zingzillas Zingbop 11:25 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:30 Cloudbabies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Return of the Bad Men 14:30 Animal Park 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! Ten of the Best 17:30 Breakaway 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Just a Minute 19:30 Eggheads 20:00 The Hairy Bikers’ Bakeation 21:00 Natural World 22:00 White Heat 23:00 The Sarah Millican Television Programme 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The Tube

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News and Weather 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Love Life 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News and Weather 23:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 24:35 Take Me Out

07:00 Sali Mali 07:05 The Treacle People 07:15 The Hoobs 07:40 The Hoobs 08:05 Freshly Squeezed 08:35 According to Jim 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Undercover Boss USA 11:00 The Food Hospital 12:00 You Deserve This House 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 13:35 River Cottage 13:50 The Electric Horseman 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Four in a Bed 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Get Your House in Order 22:00 Mary’s Bottom Line 23:00 Death Row 24:00 Random Acts 24:05 Embarrassing Bodies

07:00 Childrens TV 08:00 Little Princess 08:10 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 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 Olivia 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 London: The Inside Story 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 The Nanny Express 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Holiday Heaven on Earth 20:30 Live UEFA Europa League Football 23:15 The Glimmer Man

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 09:35 Judge Judy 10:00 Judge Judy 10:25 The Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 All Star Family Fortunes 21:00 American Idol 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:45 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 24:15 The Matrix

07:00 Switched 07:25 One Tree Hill 08:05 Glee 08:50 Ugly Betty 09:40 One Tree Hill 10:35 Scrubs 11:05 Scrubs 11:35 90210 12:30 Desperate Housewives 13:20 Greek 14:20 Scrubs 14:50 Scrubs 15:20 Hollyoaks 15:50 90210 16:40 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 Rules of Engagement 22:00 How I Met Your Mother 22:30 Happy Endings 23:00 The IT Crowd 23:30 PhoneShop 24:00 Pete Versus Life 24:35 The Big Bang Theory

Crossword Solutions for 648 CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Cower; 4 Learned; 8 Upright; 9 Noted; 10 Test; 11 Bearably; 13 Cord; 14 Race; 16 Assisted; 17 Brag; 20 Talon; 21 Silence; 22 Redhead; 23 Press.

Down: 1 Court disaster; 2 Words; 3 Rage; 4 Letter; 5 Abnormal; 6 Notable; 7 Daddy-long-legs; 12 Presence; 13 Castled; 15 Ceased; 18 Range; 19 Clap.

Quick solutions Across: 1 Tread; 4 Crammed; 8 Breathe; 9 Jests; 10 Eats; 11 Delusion; 13 Bare; 14 Knee; 16 Normally; 17 Late; 20 Adieu; 21 Matelot; 22 Nursery; 23 Bated.

Down: 1 Table Mountain; 2 Erect; 3 Duty; 4 Clever; 5 Adjourns; 6 Massive; 7 Disinterested; 12 Creature; 13 Barrier; 15 Clumsy; 18 Allot; 19 Stub.

Wordwheel:VENGEANCE

54

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Life music

Jazzify

GRAHAME SHEPHERD, the well-known saxophonist and flute player, has recently joined forces with Stella and Ruud to form the new group JAZZIFY.

By Carlos Rodriguez These three talented musicians complement each other and have already been highly acclaimed by local audiences. They play a mixture of Jazz, Latin, jazzified pop and easylistening lounge music.

Grahame obtained a Teaching Diploma in the 70´s when he studied Saxophone, Flute and Trumpet at college in Newcastle. During this time he played with Gordon Sumner, ´Sting´ in two bands, ´The Phoenix Jazz Band´ and ´The Newcastle Big Band´ with whom he recorded an LP. He later travelled and played with various well known artists in Europe as well as in America and the Middle East.

Stella and Ruud have developed their own

sound and distinctive styles after performing together for several years. They met in the early 80s when they ended up in the same band. In the early 90s they formed their own band (LAJAFU, which is a contraction of Latin, Jazz and Fusion). Stella has been singing most of her life and was inspired by great female jazz vocalists (Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Julie London, Natalie Cole, Diana Schuur): her warm sound and pleasant but powerful voice are a joy to listen to.

Ruud started out on piano but switched to playing guitar when he was 16 after hearing Wes Montgomery play live in 1968. Later he studied the styles of George Benson and Pat Martino and in the 70s he was inspired by

Carlos Santana, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour and Robben Ford.

They will be performing on the following dates: March 29th, Café Del Mar, Moraira 8.30pm

Timewarp Duo HUSBAND AND wife duo Justin and Jaime have been performing professionally together for the past 15 years and on the Costa Blanca for five years, where they have quickly established themselves as a Benidorm favourite.

‘Timewarp’ works at several bars in Benidorm but not always on set days/ times. They perform several shows and are known for their feel good and upbeat music, where the audience is invited to sit back, relax and sing along or get up and dance the night away.

THE ULTIMATE SHOW: A show covering all the major styles and genres from Rock n Roll to the chart hits of today.

THE TIMEWARP TRIBUTE SHOW: An outstanding tribute show to the greats of the 50s and 60s.

THE HAPPY DAYS ROCK N ROLL SHOW: A nostalgic journey back to the days where it all began.

For more information phone: 671 354 188 or visit www.timewarpduo.com: email timewarpduo@hotmail.co.uk.

REGULAR GIGS Friday 23rd, Tropical Bar, Benidorm: 9pm (Every Friday) Sunday 25th, White Horse, Benidorm: 11pm (Every Sunday) Sunday 25th, Tropical Bar, Benidorm: Midnight (Every Sunday)

March 31st, Tropicana Bar, Paichi Centre, Moraira 8.30pm April 8th, Easter Brunch – Restaurant Eleven, Moraira April 14th, Bar Ambiente, Moraira 8.30pm April 26th, Café Del Mar, Moraira 8.30pm

La Roca (Formerly Alcatraz-Aka: The Paddy Wackers) Mystique: Avda Madrid, Moraira Sunday 25th – 8pm

TWELVE YEARS ago Juan Saez and Dave Wood played together in MADE IN SPAIN and are now reunited with the addition of Ophelia Alibrando on drums, as La Roca. Juan’s acoustic guitar and Dave’s bass blend with their strong vocals and, mixed with

the light crisp punch of Ophellio behind then, gives an unbeatable approach to the softer side of rock.

At only twenty-two Ophelia already has a Eurovision appearance for Spain behind her. Juan is a busy soloist as well as playing with rock band San Antonio, while Dave is constantly busy appearing with Black Glitter and many others. They also appeared very successfully last weekend, around Moraira, as The Paddy Wackers. Their soft approach to Brian Adams, Crowded House, Mana and Loquillo among others mixes soft rock cultures, making this a date not to miss!

Charity concerts

By Jack Troughton TWO CHARITY concerts at Calpe’s Casa de la Cultura will bring classical music to the Marina Alta and raise much needed funds for charity.

The Escuela de Cordas (The Chord School) is performing at a festival of music on Saturday 31st March at 8pm in aid of the Red Cross. Guests include the Alicante Plectrum Ensemble playing rare plucked instruments including instruments unique to Spain and the programme includes operettas and a folk group playing traditional Valencian music.

Tickets are 3€ and available from the Red Cross offices in Avenida Norte, Mondays to Fridays dur8ing the morning and at the box office an hour before the start. And Mozart’s Requiem will be performed on Easter Monday, 9th April, when the youth Orchestra of Alicante will be joined by the well known choir ‘El Orfeon Contable’. The concert starts at 7pm and the performance is in aid of the Friends of the children of EMAUS. Tickets are 10€ each and available from Margaret and Elena’s Card Shop, Galerias Mar Azul, Avenida Gabriel Miro, Calpe, or by calling 696 984 276.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Life going out

Mariner set fair

By Jack Troughton MURDER ON the high seas – the shooting of a magnificent albatross – spells doom for a ship’s crew and leaves a trigger-happy sailor cursed.

The huge seabird spends most of its life soaring over oceans and by slaying it, the mariner is faced with an eternity of wandering trying to tell his tale, until someone will hear the story through.

Javea Players presented the dramatisation of Samuel Coleridge’s poem Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner and blew away the mists of time shrouding this salty epic of English literature.

Performed in an intimate ‘workshop’ style at the group’s studio, it was a challenging night out for the audience, sweetened with foot-tapping sea shanties and the colour of a rural wedding party.

David Garnett as the Ancient Mariner gets to read the poetry – complete with perhaps the most famous line “water water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” – and ultimately casts the spell of the story.

VOYAGE However, the alchemy would be pointless without an excellent crew working before the mast and setting sail on a voyage of discovery, headed by ‘Young Mariner’, Philip Anderson.

The Albatross soars over the hard working crew

The show was held lashed together with a deceptively simple set and effective lighting, sound and music, the whole performance insured the performance was set fair for entertainment rather than homework.

Cherry Cabban was at the helm as director and served up hearty tots of drama, legend and horror – Coleridge had obviously taken a little of the hard stuff himself putting pen to paper.

Theatre was never meant to be an entirely comfortable experience and one again with a studio performance, Javea Players should be congratulated for deciding to get the audience’s grey matter working.

There is a further chance to see The Ancient Mariner with two performances at Careline Theatre, Alcalali, at 4pm and 7.30pm on 31st March. Call the Box Office on 96 579 4937.

55

Opening Fiesta at Fiesta Crafts TO CELEBRATE their move to their fabulous new premises, Fiesta Crafts are holding an opening day celebration on Saturday 31st March from 10am to 4pm.

Win this “Big There will be a free raffle to Shot” machine win a ‘Big Shot’ die cutting machine - this machine is ideal for creating perfectly-cut shapes for beautiful and unique cards; scrapbook pages; embellished clothing; jewellery; home decor items and anything else you can think of. Plus 10% off all purchases on the day, and children can come along and join in with ‘Make and Take’ plus a free gift for all purchases over 5€.

Obviously with offers this good they cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts or offers.

Sally and Samantha do hope that as many of their customers and friends can join them to make this a really special day. Their new location is between Yorkshire Linen and The Lancashire Bruja on the Avenida del Pla/Ctra Cabo la Nao in the Arenal area of Javea.

Call 96 646 1788 for details or see www.fiestacrafts.eu or find them on facebook!

56

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Life tech

with Aunty Virus

Email auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com

Wrong screen resolution Jim via email

DEAR AUNTY, my problem is the picture and words on my screen extend beyond the width of the screen, so to view we have to keep sliding the picture and words backwards and forwards. I have tried to alter the font size but it is at the default size and the alternatives are even larger. This problem has developed without any adjustments being carried out by me and the Dell has been trouble free until now. Hope there is a simple solution.

Aunty says: This sounds like you have the wrong screen resolution set Jim. Your screen’s resolution is simply the number of dots (commonly known as pixels and megapixels on digital cameras) that there are both horizontally and vertically. This will determine both the detail and the shape (the ratio) of your monitor For example, I have a 21” fairly wide screen and I like a very detailed picture so my screen resolution is set to 1366 x 768. This simply describes the shape (1366 wide x 768 high) of my screen and essentially how many pixels to cram into that rectangle. Depending on your version of Windows, and the model of display adapter you have, there are different ways to set this. I am going to assume you have Windows7 or Vista and the easiest is via ‘start’ ‘control panel’ and click on the ‘display’ icon. From here click on the ‘change display settings’ link and you should see the pop-up window where you can change these settings. Window7 and Vista should show a recommended resolution setting based on what it has determined you screen and graphics card work best at so I would recommend giving that setting a try first.

Running Ccleaner on PC

Philip from Benijofar asks: HELLO, I have read many times your suggestions to run Ccleaner. When I have loaded it and clicked ‘analyse’, the number of items listed files etc. is somewhat frightening! Are there any I should watch out for, it even says downloads.

Aunty Says: Hello Philip. Ccleaner includes things like

temporary internet files and cookies in its findings so there will always be a lot of files, especially the aforementioned ones which tend to build up rapidly as you surf the internet. I generally just let Ccleaner get on with its job without even investigating what it has found during the analysis and I’ve yet to run into any problems after all these years.

Windows Vista Security updates Dave via email asks: HI AUNTY. I have a problem with windows vista security updates. They install up 93% then the windows installer stops working and closes. When I try to turn off my computer it says ‘initialising 1 of 3’ and will not complete.

Aunty says: Hello Dave. If you go to Control Panel and double click on the Windows Update icon you can kick off a manual update that may resolve the problem. There is also an option to let you ‘view update history’. When you click on this you will see a list of all the Windows Updates, the date they installed and the status. If there any in the list that show a failed status you can try and download them manually from the Microsoft website.

Let me know how you get on and email me the KB number of the failing updates and I can look into it.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

Gadget Inspector Investigates

Tru Virtu Wallet THIS WEEK the Inspector takes a look at the next generation in personal financial management storage (or ‘wallet’ to most people).

The traditional wallet made from leather has been in use for centuries, adapting to changes in fashion and being made from modern synthetic materials, but essentially remaining the same. There is of course the modern ‘man-bag’ which can perform the same function – but for many the perceived slight on their manhood of owning such an article rules this out.

So, what if you’re looking for something different and fancy a change? Let me introduce you to the Tru Virtu Wallet Oyster Series. With a name like that it exudes honesty and trustworthiness – vital to the protector of all things monetary.

The Tru Virtu Wallet is a formed aluminium case that´ll hold your coins, cash, and credit cards. Measuring only 9.8cm x 6.8cm x 2.6cm, the Tru Virtu will fit snugly into your pocket, and as it’s made from aluminium it won’t feel like you’re carrying around a house brick.

The Tru Virtu Wallet also offers two completely separate sections for cash and cards accessed by pressing the buttons on the front edge to open the relevant compartment. This has the added bonus of preventing coins falling

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

57

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out when you only want to get to your business cards.

The design is sturdy and will protect the contents from dust, dirt and moisture – though it´s not waterproof, so don´t try taking it swimming. It´ll also prevent RFID-scanning of the credit cards - a very 21st Century consideration. What´s RFID scanning I hear you ask? Well, RFID stands for Radio-Frequency Identification, and allows a suitable wireless scanner to read the account details from a chip on your credit card. With the advent of the digital thief it is possible under certain circumstances, with a suitably advanced scanner and if they’re close enough, to extract these details. But with advances in encryption and how close they’d need to be, this is more of a marketing tool than being something of real concern.

The Tru Virtu Wallet Oyster Series has an anodised exterior available in black, blue, red, silver or taupe. So you should have no trouble in co-ordinating this with either the colours of your favourite football team or the colour of your eyes (see man-bag…).

The Inspectors Verdict: The wallet is dead - long-live the wallet… Is the Tru Virtu Wallet a worthy successor to the traditional wallet, or merely a pretender to the crown? Only time will tell… now where´s that multi-purpose man-bag got to, can never find my Chapstick when it´s needed…

Visit www.gadget-hound.co.uk/tru-virtu-wallet to purchase your Tru Virtu Wallet for 41€ including delivery to Spain (subject to exchange rate).

Contracts – where do you stand?

ARE YOU wanting to move internet provider but being ‘bullied’ by your current supplier?

Mrs Kennedy from Calpe tells us her story: “I joined -----in July 2011 for their wireless system, installed at a cost of 300€. All was okay for the first three days then all of a sudden the internet speed dropped so low that we couldn’t connect at all. The customer service department called me to see how we were getting on so I explained that it was not good and could they please fix it for me. Nobody got back to me! I called them to cancel and asked them to de-install the equipment and they told me that I was in an 18month contract and could not cancel. They did not even offer to come and fix the problem: I was expected to just put up with it.

Because of this I did not pay my bill only to receive a phone call from the manager threatening to call the Guardia Civil, stating that by not paying the bill it was ‘theft of equipment.’ I was horrified and very scared.”

This is only one example and goes to show the ‘bullying’ tactics used by some telecommunications companies to scare their customers into staying. There is NO such thing as a binding 18 month contract. If you are thinking of moving provider and are worried about changing please send a copy of your ‘contract’ to our legal department atcolumn@europa-network.com and we will be happy to advise you.

For information on this or any of our services please contact us on 965796736 or visit our website: www.europa-network.com

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58

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Life horoscopes Mighty Uranus passes even closer to you, and allows for some breathing space in what seems a busy period for you. Taking time to make a decision won’t make it any easier but there is time to weigh up the pro’s and the con’s in your own time before your tip the scales. The guidance and wisdom of a wily Saturn in Virgo really pushes you gently in the right direction.

With a currently retrograde Mercury your message of good intention isn’t getting through. Previously you didn’t know what to say and now that you do, someone isn’t listening to you. Midweek Cosmic actions involving an intense Saturn, and viable Virgo, help things along. If all else fails remember that actions speak louder then words, and you will know what you have to do.

A great week as you celebrate a good result, you always knew would be possible. The journey recently has forced you to eliminate those who did not have your interest at heart, but also it is clear who really does care for you in every way. As you look back, and nostalgic energies abound as Saturn crosses the Cosmos towards the end of the week; you saw the writing on the wall and responded.

A chance comes to seriously eliminate clutter from your life as a spring cleaning project kicks off. With retrograde Mercury deep in Piscean space this week it is high time to remove stagnant and stale things from your life, so that you can better love what’s left! All this takes your mind away from something that will get worse before it gets better, but you must remain focussed.

You seem to have turned over a new leaf, and what a difference this is making all around. Your closed doors didn’t admit everyone, but your transparency and vigour right now are an inspiration for all, and they have been achieved by closely examining yourself. Now that your heart is lighter, and your energies less intense, something wonderful and positive comes along.

Mars is controlling and supportive at a time when you need to know how far you can go, and what you have to do. Seeing the negative side of things can help you better understand what priorities you are able to work with right now. The powerful energy of Mars is a shoulder to cry on, when, and if you need it, and the inspiration that watches over you as you realise your potential.

Saturn enters midweek and brings a wisdom from the past that should help you to help someone close to you. You have been fearful to interfere, and have had to adopt a wait and see policy, since in this matter you really are too close for comfort. Things are about to change for the better, and actions these week were on the cards for some time, though now only you can salvage something from this!

Your fiery temper erupts this week as something has triggered much stored anger, and you are left holding the baby. You will see in the clear light of day that what has happened was meant to be, and that stalling now isn’t an option. Whatever makes you feel better right now is the right thing, and it is high time that you put yourself first once and for all.

A job worth doing is worth doing well, and it is time to give yourself a pat on the back for handling things so very well. He who pays the piper plays the tune and you have changed uncertainty and turned it into probability with your faith, love and positive energy at the helm. Whatever you do now, take some time for yourself and enjoy some tender love and care.

The Mercury, Saturn Libra conjunction brings change onto the horizon.

This means that things are finally clear for you to move onwards and the timing is just right to enable the support that you need. Your fearless and strong energies are a godsend to you right now, and it is clear that you are unafraid to take on new territory, and all that this may mean to you.

Ever felt that you have bitten off more than you can chew? Right now there are constraints in place that do not allow you the freedom of decision, but things are about to change for the better. Have your say, because you have been selected to do this job and because you always put your heart and soul into what you wholly believe is right; and compromise is not on the menu usually. You’ll get to where you know you have to be, your way!

The entry of Pisces backs up what has to be said right now, and holding things back are not an option. You’ve started and so you will finish when the right time comes with no backing down. Pastures new have beckoned to you, and it is very much a time when what you want can be what you get, so long as you still want it that is! There may be changes to schedule, but there’s no going back.

Kenny corris www.kennycorris.net

Wonga “MONEY, MONEY, money, must be funny, in a rich man’s World!” But we are not economically rich right now by any means. My postbag contains a constant stream of tales of financial failings, and people who are asking for clarification in this current deep crisis. Telling people to tighten their belts doesn’t help, because they are already doing just that. The fact we are all in the, “same boat” is also cold comfort, made to make us feel we are not alone, I know, but it won’t pay the grocery bill or help with the rent or mortgage. Maybe telling you that we will emerge from this downtrend leaner and keener will hit the spot, but even that is not certain.

People think that it is wrong to ask for money, so we must first review what money actually is.

Not so long ago we traded in precious metals and not paper. It took quite a lot to convince our ancestors that a piece of paper that cost so little was actually worth a fiver! Many were openly suspicious of banks, and financial institutions and the whole shebang. Coins were minted in silver, not nickel and it took time for us to realise that a note from a bank promised to pay the bearer a specific sum. That’s what money is, a way of paying our debts on the spot with lightweight cash. Hence we offer a five euro note for coffees in a bar, ten euro to buy a midday meal for one, and our bill on these occasions is paid in full by the passing of currency at the point of sale.

Call it what you like, spondoolis, wonga, lucre, dosh, dough, readies, folding, it is all the same in the end, and it is the way we are paid, and the way we reward others in turn.

As far as I am concerned, the problem with money is with the distribution of it, not the money itself. Some people have so much money that they will never be able to spend it, others have nothing, and most of us float around in the middle somewhere between as our money comes and goes; and these days it really seems to go nowhere, it is true. So money isn’t wrong in any way, otherwise why would we slip a note into a birthday card for a child?

Start to develop a positive energy with money, whether you have it or not. Since it works for

Kenny’s diary 2012: THE GOLDEN AGE: INTO THE FIFTH DIMENSION Saturday April 21st at The Forum Mare Nostrum in Alfaz 10,00 to 5.00. Show with Kenny Corris and Torben Thoger, Mette and Laerke Lund. Advanced Booking at: www.kennycorris.net or 686 361 594. Tickets 25EUR. Credit Cards Accepted.

Bookable Lunch 10EUR. Monday 26th and Wednesday 28th March: Readings at The Bistro Maya in Albir. Next to the BBVA bank, close to the beach front. Bookings from 16.30.

Call Els or her team on: 966 868 213 “An Audience with Kenny Corris” A Show with clairvoyant energies, readings, and how to develop your connection with Spirit. Currently being presented in five countries.

Some bookings for Spain still available to help boost your Charities’ fund raising. Please call Kenny for details direct on: 686 361 594

you by paying your debts, the only missing link is the amount of money that you have to spend. Money attracts money. If you don’t have it then none comes, but if you have something, however little, then more seems to come along.

I can’t always keep a 50€ note in my wallet, but I try to. I try not to spend it and ask that another 50€, or more, comes along somehow, and it works. After all the rich get richer virtually automatically because of the way they perceive their cash. If you look back to times when you had no money, no money came.

There comes a need to ask Spirit for abundance, and have no fear in asking for what you need, or any scruples that money and reward and plenty are wrong. After all if you have something then you have something to give, and this too connects you to the financial grid that services the World. If you cannot help others then it stops you dead in your tracks, so you should be a part of any financial machinery that helps us all to benefit.

I was in Las Vegas and watching the roulette wheel with some high rollers. I saw more than I could make in a year of hard work disappear on the turn of each spin of the wheel. One guy won though, very nosily, and was rewarded with a pile of chips which he then shared with all of us at the table. I was given a 100$ chip, but was told that I had to gamble it. Nothing ventured nothing gained and I tried to use my psychic gifts to win with my lucky number 16. The wheel spun and my heart turned up a beat, and I lost, and my single chip was instantly raked away from me. Well, very easy come, very easy go, it wasn’t meant to be, but the generous guy won a second time; he was rewarded for his generosity, and I walked away empty handed.

Focus on prosperity. Ask for what you need and start a new relationship with money as soon as you can. Fearing the future as being a time when you won’t be able to pay your way triggers a negative reaction and response, so don’t do it. Ask that money blesses you, and make a pact that once it comes into your hands you will so bless someone else in turn as you enter the financial pathway of life, rewarding those less fortunate than yourself.

Money cannot bring any happiness, so they say, but then the lack of it doesn’t bring much of anything. Just go for what you need, and have no doubt that if you ask for nothing then nothing is what you will get. Fat nothing!

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Postbag Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com Kenny I know that we are supposed to talk to Spirit. You make it sound so easy. How do I start? I don’t want to begin doing things wrong, and I do want to get a reply.

Pat H. Hi Pat. Contacting Spirit is very rewarding, and it you should eliminate straight away any doubts you may have, or worry about how you do it. The message will get through if you have the right intention, and the reply can be experienced in so many ways. Don’t make it difficult, but do find yourself a quiet space, maybe light a candle and just say what you want to say, out loud if you want. The response can be sent in many ways, and may challenge you at first. Don’t be put off! If you have any problems give me a call. Make it highly personal, you have to, and you cannot go wrong. No begging!

If it’s your birthday this week

Tune into the magic you are so capable of. If you need to go out on a limb then off you go, since holding back gets you nowhere, and something very plausible has already caught your attention!

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

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

59

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

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 7. It breaks up these endless taxes (6) 8. I’m more confused by this biographical sketch (6) 10. Stop the Spanish officer (7) 11. See 9 Down 12. We turn and hesitate but became a pitcher (4) 13. A practice that attracts a considerable amount of interest (5) 17 & 4 Down. Inexperienced zoo attendants become groundsmen! (5-7) 18 & 1 Down. William, a persevering type, is in the advertising business (4-7) 22. An inclination after tea to go for a walk (5) 23. Come home after everybody else, but live longer (7) 24. A number of notes we hear producing harmony (6) 25. Physical strength for which there could be a thousand different clues (6)

Down 1. See 18 Across 2. Describing any flower deliberately sought after (7) 3. A deceptive movement is not easily distinguished, one hears (5) 4. See 17 Across 5 & 6 Down. What tennisplayers wear when invited to the Palace! (5-5) 6. See 5 Down 9 & 11 Across. What French capitalists use when facing the wall? (7,2,5) 14. Material per yard as arranged (7) 15. Monetary affairs can get mixed up in legal penalty (7) 16. To be sycophantic is not so sharp! (7) 19. Illegally acquire southern bird (5) 20. Be inclined to favour a caprice (5) 21. Overweight porter (5)

Wordwheel

Quick Crossword Across 7. Shares (6) 8. Visitor (6) 10. Uniform (7) 11. Concise (5) 12. Small bay (4) 13. Tell-tale (5) 17. Memento (5) 18. Daybreak (4) 22. Perfect (5) 23. Eager desire for wealth (7) 24. Stress (6) 25. Bog (6)

Down 1. Largest bird (7) 2. Pardon (7) 3. Aptitude (5) 4. Warlike (7) 5. Vigilant (5) 6. Command (5) 9. Head (9) 14. Effective (7) 15. Main city (7) 16. Vehement (7) 19. Essential (5) 20. Educate (5) 21. Truck (5)

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 51/53. Winner for 648: Steven Haynes, Torrevieja

Euromillions Draw Friday 16th March 2012

3 4 12 23 50 4

One UK ticket won jackpot prize

Tuesday 20th March 2012

15 16 28 30 46

No ticket won

3

7 4

60

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Life cars

Brian Deller Author of Motoring in Spain

Driving licences and accidents Question: CAN YOU help? On the back of my licence I am entitled to drive class C1 and C1E, why these are there I do not know unless when I changed my old English licence several years ago they were on there.

It was only since reading your newspaper article that I checked because when I renewed my licence several months back I could not understand why it was only renewed for 3 years, my age is 70 now I know why, how do I go about getting these classifications removed?

HAVE YOU a UK or a Spanish DL? You did not say.

C1 is for automobiles where the MAM exceeds 3,500kg but not 7,000kg, and where the number of seats does not exceed 9 including the driver. The classifications were added when they became standard within the EU. C1E is as a C1 plus towing a trailer with a MAM over 750kg (but not less than 750kg) and where the total MAM of tow vehicle and trailer is not more than 12,000kg and the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the MAM of the towing vehicle.

MAM is the “maximum authorised mass”.

You do not have to get the classifications removed as if you do not use them, they cost you nothing. When you take the mandatory medicals then you can tell the medic

testing you what you wish to be tested for. So do not worry about losing the C1 & C1E: they may be useful if you wish to rent a people carrier when you have visitors.

Brian, I read your column in the RTN every week and hope you can help me with my problem. I received a report from an insurance company accusing me of having caused an accident about 900 Km from where we live.

Apparently there was a minor collision where my car, a Ford Focus which even now is unmarked, drove off without stopping. I have as requested by the insurance company completed and posted a “denial of blame form” and now I wait for a reply.

How long should I wait and should I do more to make sure I am not unfairly accused/blamed, please?

This is a problem that is best fought by having a small diary which records briefly where the car is every day. I must admit that I do not keep one but I did when I drove a lot for my job, especaially when I had my own company for eleven years.

This is the second such query today, both by phone, and we can we read especially in the UK of fraudsters causing such collisions and then making false claims to make cash out of the incident that really did not occur. I suggest that we need to make notes in a small diary so that if a claim is made, we can use it as evidence that proves that we or our vehicles were nowhere near that “accident” scene on that day.

I know that in the UK a Court will accept such evidence but it must be a genuine diary-record not a made-up one as I have seen when we lived in south Africa and I was a volunteer policeman.

I will ask a legal friend, a lawyer if the same applies here but also I suggest that you obtain a statement from anyone who can prove you could not have been at the “accident” scene on that day. There is a problem where a lot of people do not read number plates correctly, and they must also give a description of your vehicle, make and colour etc.

The insurance company knows of the above and may be “fishing” hoping you will admit to being responsible.

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

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* ONE OWNE

FORD MONDEO 2.0 TDCI FUTURA X “2007” WAS 8500 € NOW 7500 €

HYUNDAI GETZ 1.1i GLS “2008” WAS 7995 € NOW 6995 €

FORD C-MAX 1-6 TDCI NEWPORT “2007” WAS 9500 € NOW 8500 €

RENAULT GRAND SCENIC 1.5 DCI “2008” WAS 11995 € NOW 9995 €

CITROEN C2 1.1i FURIO “2006” WAS 5995 € NOW 4995 €

HYUNDAI XG 3.0i V6 AUTO LUXURY “2002” WAS 4995 € NOW 3995 €

SKODA ROOMSTER 1.4 TDI HANDY “2007” WAS 8995 € NOW 7995 €

* 5000kms * RENAULT SCENIC 1.9 DCI EMOTION “2007” WAS 11500 € NOW 9995 €

RENAULT MEGANE EST. 1.9 DCI “2007” WAS 8500 € NOW 7500 €

FIAT NEW BRAVO 1.9 JTD DYNAMIC 120 BHP “2009” 8995 €

OPEL VECTRA 1.8i COMFORT HATCH “2005” 6500 €

HYUNDAI i10 1.0i CONFORT “2008” 7995 €

CHEVROLET AVEO 1.4i LS “2008” 8500 €

NISSAN XTRAIL 2.0 DCI XE 4x4 “2009” 15995 €

NISSAN MICRA 1.6i C+C CABRIO “2007” 7995 €

CITROEN C4 PICASSO 1.6 HDI SX “2007” 10995 €

* AUTO * SKODA FABIA 1.4 TDI COMBI “2008” 8995 €

FORD FOCUS EST. 1.6 TDCI “2005” 5995 €

* AUTO *

RENAULT LAGUNA EST. 2.2 DCI AUTO “2007” 9995 €

* 1 OWNER *

* HI SPEC *

SKODA OCTAVIA EST. 1.9 TDI ELEGANCE “2008” 10995 €

NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0 DCi AUTO 4X4 “2009” 18995 €

RENAULT CLIO 1.5 DCI LUXE “2006” 6995 €

FORD FOCUS EST 1.8 TDCi AMBIENTE “2004” 4995 €

FORD FOCUS EST. 1.8 TDCI TREND “2007” 7995 €

OPEL ASTRA GTC 1.8CDTi SPORT “2008” 8995 €

3 x CITROEN C3’s 1.1i FURIOS “2007” 6995 €

OPEL VECTRA EST 1.9CDTi ELEGANCE - LEATHER “2008” 9995 €

HYUNDAI ATOS 1.0i PRIME “2001” 2995 €

FIAT NEW DOBLO 1.6 JTD PANORAMA “2010” 11995 €

KIA CERATO 1.6i GLX SEDAN “2005” 5995 €

NISSAN QASHQAI 2.00 DCIEKNA “2009” 17500 €

FORD FIESTA 1.3i AMBIENTE “2008” 6995 €

RENAULT CLIO 1.2i 16v “2008” 7995 €

* HI SPEC * CITROEN C3 1.4i COLLECTION “2007” 7500 €

* HI SPEC * RENAULT MEGANE 1.5 DCI EMOTION “2005” 6500 €

* AUTO * HONDA CIVIC 1.3IMA AUTO HYBRID “2007” 9995 €

* AUTO * FORD MONDEO 2.0 TDCI GHIA AUTO “2008” 11995 €

Classified Ads www.roundtownnews.co.uk

All Major Credit Cards Accepted - 0.31€ 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) 7554 447006 email: chrisyounge73979@aol.com

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

63

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

64

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

AUTOMATIC GATE SYSTEMS €449!!

AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR MOTORS €249!! FULLY INSTALLED/GUARANTEED!!

All brands repaired 627191639/www.elektro-nex.com

EXCEL AIR CONDITIONING. See main ad on page 11.Tel/Fax (Head Office) 966-897-772. Mobiles:-680154-432/676-265-675. Email excelairconditioning@hotmail. com. All credit/debit cards accepted.

SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966-865-883 (Mob) 629308-505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz

BOATING LICENSE NOW, A LEGAL REQUIREMENT In Spain. Serenity Sailing RYA Training Centre, Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, VHF & ICC. Own-boat on sail and power. If you have a yacht or powerboat get qaulified and certified. Contact Richard 0034 633 056 224. enquiries@ serenitysailing.com . www.serenitysailin.com

FRONTLINE spot on for flea and tick treatment contact stigmichael on 962 132 691or email mickheigh@gmail.com

also scaliboir collers for large dogs 63cm PROTECTAPET Spains leading pet insurance provider. www.protectapet.eu tel: 965 756 371 PET TAXI transporting your pet door to door in our air conditioned vehicles, stopping in pet friendly hotels travelling twice monthly. Accompanied travel also available. Tel: 952 541 147 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

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

product range. First class training & support.

Telephone 606586587

JUST HIRE IT ONE WAY! Van Hire To UK, Spain and France, different van and car sizes available tel: 952 541 147 / 667 235 205

NEED HELP AT HOME? Cleaning, shopping & outings etc.Sympathetic service.call Sandra on 651482106 PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE for your home or business at a fair price.

References available. (Altea area) Tel: 965843781 or 622514980

BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home. Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424 PC SOLUTIONS 4U For all your PC needs. Reliable & friendly service. Call Fred 634638664

CONSTRUCTION AND ROOFING JR Construction for new builds, refurbishment,brickwork, blockwork, tiling, terraces, BBQ’S, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Roofing, Driveways, Swimming Pools, Disabled Facilities. No Job Too Small Tel 634 617 771 or 966 877 757 www. jrconstructioncostablanca.com

A.D.LAWTON CONSTRUCCIONES Digger hire, Ground-works, Excavation and Demolition. www.adlawtonconstrucciones. com. Tel:648 052 911 or 965 770 798

NEW LAUNCH IN SPAIN Nobel Prize for medicine winner inspired this product. P/ Full time Distributors wanted.

Monthly income available with high earnings for full time professionals. Business is part of a 39 year old company.

Help the wellbeing of others and increase your wealth.

FREE Registration. Full details 696655028, UK 07540932133, wellbeingnetwork@hotmail. co.uk. www.wellbeingglobal.com 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.

SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own

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!

MOBILE/PARK HOMES FROM 17,000€ FULLY FURNISHED READY TO MOVE INTO, A/C, TEL, ENG TV, ON PERMANENT SITE, BAR/RES, POOL,TENNIS,GYM, SHOP WALKING DISTANCE TO SAN JAVIER. 5MINS TO BEACH, AIRPORT, HOSPITAL, GOLF COURSES. BY CAR. ALSO BUNGALOWS , HOMES & PLOTS FOR RENT. CAROL 96 819 24 25 MOB. 626 055 622 www.mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com

BUILT 2 SPEC, Building, Carpentry and Plumbing.

Amazing discounts on Flooring, Wardrobes & Furniture. See main ad on page 9 of North edition or call Built 2 Spec on 965 065 412 or mobile 662 945 103 or email b2spec@yahoo.com

---------------------------------------E CIGARETTE AGENTS REQUIRED THROUGHOUT SPAIN Do you want to Earn Extra Cash? By working a few hours a week, selling e-cigarettes to your Family, Friends and local Bars, Restaurants, Chemists etc you can easily develop your own profitable business.

For further details call Karen on 610 027 154.

----------------------------------------

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012 TREE SPECIALIST Cut and removal of palm / pine trees. Size not a problem.

Also dangerous & difficult work. Garden cleaning and gravelling. Free estimates. please call adrian on 627 103 412 or www. costablancagardening.com OASIS GARDEN pool maintenance. Calpe to Javea.

Telephone Martin 669 261 868 GARDEN MAINTENANCE Do you need help maintaining your garden? we can supply a full service at competitive prices. Call today for a free quotation 689075125

NOBEL PRIZE WINNING HEART DISCOVERY Excellent product with 40% Comm, also Networkers paradise. Excellent product and an unique pay plan for Entrepreneurs.

International buss. 696655028 wellbeingnetwork@hotmail. co.uk WANTED ENGLISH FAMILIES For summer boarding of spanish children 1 week to 1 month top rates paid interested contact secretaria@avase.es WANTED IN DENIA , administration staff, native English + good level of French, serious, dynamic, organised.

Full knowledge of Windows Office. Administration experience minimum: 5 years.

Part time job (2 days/week).

Work all year round. Tourist sector. Send CV by mail: info@restotel.net BÚSQUEDA DE TRABAJO EN LA ZONA DE BENIDORM? Debe hablar español a un nivel alto, ser inteligente y presentable.

Posición implica la venta directa de un directorio de empresas nuevas en Benidorm. Alto potencial de ingresos. E-mail CV a info@ benidormbiz.com Looking for work in the Benidorm area? Must speak Spanish to a high level, be smart and presentable. Position involves direct sales for a new business directory in Benidorm. High earning potential. Email CV to info@benidormbiz.com in the first instance JOIN CONSULTUSCARE - THE UK’S LEADING CARE AGENCY. Our excellent team of self-employed carers who live in Spain return to the UK periodically to provide private live-in care to our mainly elderly clients (typically 2 - 4 weeks at a time). If you care and have a British or EU passport; good spoken English; a clean driving licence plus care or nursing experience; are mature with relevant life skills and would like to earn £420 to £616 a week, please contact our Recruitment Consultant, Sandra Field on 658 965 204 or email s.field@ consultuscare.com - web site www.consultuscare.com SPARE TIME, WANT EXTRA CASH? Start earning immediately by becoming an AVON representative. Info: ring Rosh 966785520 CARERS WANTED To work in England 3 weeks on 3 weeks off email CV to

24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com 24 HOUR HOMECARE SERVICES LTD Wanted companions, carers to work in England as live-in carers.

3 weeks on, 3 weeks off.

If you are caring, a good listener and cook contact Karen Jones on (0044) 01929 472 810 or mobile (0044) 07500 836688 email: 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com

HAS THE VALUE OF YOUR HOUSE DECREASED? Are you paying too much for house insurance since the property price crash? If so and you would like a free, no obligation quotation with excellent coverage, please call us. Grupo Catalana Occidente covers all insurance needs.

Please call 965-855-600 and speak to Manuel Caneda or Lynn Keane in English, on 966881-048/691-202-307. email: lynnschofieldkeane@gmail.com S.O.S. INSURANCE Car-HomeHealth-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787123/622-275-561/686-116-297 MR FIXIT FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, GENERAL & Appliance Repairs. No Callout Charge.

698 320 434 MR FIXIT FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, GENERAL & Appliance Repairs. No Callout Charge.

698 320 434

QUALITY PARQUET FLOORING , timeless designs, hardwearing, smooth or textured, Easy to clean. See main ad on page nine of north edition or call built 2 spec on 965 065 412 or mobile 662 945 103 ANTI-SLIP PRODUCT FreeSol has an anti slip treatment that reduces the risk of slips and falls on many diffrent types of floor surfaces, which become dangerous to walk on when wet or damp. The application of this anti slip product is quick and easy - there are even DIY kits available if you´d ike to carry out the application yourself.

To find out more please phone Martin Freeman on 659 232 507 or send an e-mail to martin.freeman@free-sol.com

GARDNER 25 years working in Spain. English/Spanish spoken. Private gardens and communities. Free Quotes billthegardner@hotmail.es Tel 699 682 630

CASH FOR GOLD & SILVER AT BENIDORM GOLD CENTRE, WE BUY ANY AMOUNT, ANY CARAT, AT THE HIGHEST PRICE AROUND. OPEN ALL DAY. C/ GERONA 8. CALL: 627019403

STIRLING DISABLED SCOOTER IN GOOD CONDITION WITH CHARGER €250. CALL : 634 359 590.

STAMPS FOR SALE GB. mint, singles, sets, presentation packs. Ireland. mint, singles, year issues, FDC, MS all at reasonable prices.Tel: 610 634 506 SOLAR SYSTEM FOR SALE including,panels,batteries,in verter,controller,generator,c an be installed. contact Tony 675878601 or 965078483.

WHEELCHAIR, LIGHT, FOLDABLE 150€. Electric Mobility Scooter, SUNRISE MEDICAL 40km range 499€.

Both like new! call: 627-019403 SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS We buy, sell and exchange just about anything at Spain’s BIGGEST CHARITY WAREHOUSE in Gata de Gorgos in aid of S.P.A.I.N. (Society for the Protection of Animals in Need). HOUSE CLEARANCES, furniture, beds, Rastro, Antiques & collectables, bankrupt stock etc. Collection & delivery service available. Tel 96 575 6215 or 665 653 998 for details.

AT MICHAEL’S Several dining sets to choose from in different styles, classic, modern, bamboo, pine, glass etc. Many

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with matching sideboards: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. Photos (updates every 5-6 days): www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Free deliveries in our area - usually the same day! Look at: www.michaelsjavea.com to see quality pre owned furniture and new beds!

AT MICHAEL’S Now we have several high quality Castilian furniture in: Large wall units, dining sets, etc. See over 600 photos on: www.michaelsjavea.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.michaelsjavea.com Tlf:965-791-328.

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CLASSIC KITCHENS 20 years on the Costa Blanca.

Free quote and 3D design call Adrian on: 966865684 / 676699700.

ADVICE WITH THE SPANISH SYSTEM Whatever you need to integrate into the spanish system, we can help you. NIE, residencia, empadronamiento, car import transfer, driving license transfer, schools, doctors, social security. Tel: 619 269 408 ADVISORY SERVICE Need advice on making a will, buying or selling property, tax, resident or non resident, starting a business in spain, we can talk you through and give you the best advice and help you settle in spain.

Tel: 610 634 506

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 9th January 2012 - Monday - 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 12th January 2012 - Thursday - New Beginners class 7.30pm - 8.30pm. Intermediate class 8.30pm - 10.00pm. For more information contact Andrea 616 478 157.

HONDA GOLD WING GL 11OO TRIKE NEEDS PAINTING €3995 TAXED WITH MOT. CALL 634 359 590

2005 SEAT LEON 2.0TDI met red, 41000KM, 1 owner, all options, full history, immaculate, 8995 inc all transfer fees.

965725565/620743048.

APRILIA SR50 2006, 50cc Scooter, Red, one owner, pristine condition,

totally original, 1495€ www. venuscars.com 965 368 274 FORD FIESTA, 2005 1.4 Ltr TDCi Diesel Spanish LHD, Mid Blue Metallic. 5 door hatchback, air conditioning, CD player and electric windows in excellent condition throughout.

5995€ www.venuscars. com 965 368 274 FIAT BRAVA,1996 1.4 Ltr SX petrol 5 door,champagne. Spanish LHD, Electric windows, stereo.

1495€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 CITROEN C2 VAN,2005, 3 door,1.4 TDCi diesel ,Spanish LHD,white, remote central locking, power steering, air con, CD player and elec windows 3495€ www. venuscars.com 965 368 274 OPEL CORSA,2000, 5 door hatch, 2000 edition,1 ltr petrol., Spanish LHD 2 owners. comprehensive main dealer service history. Excellent condition, silver. Air con & electric windows. 1995€ www. venuscars.com 965 368 274 SUZUKI BALENO, 5 door estate, 1997, 1.6 Ltr petrol, burgundy, Spanish LHD, air conditioning, all round electric windows and roof bars. Really clean estate car. 2250€ www. venuscars.com 965 368 274 RENAULT LAGUNA 1999,1.8RT,145,000kms.ITV untill march 2013.i have owned this car for over 5 years and it is mechanically good but bonnet and roof sun damaged. needs a bit of tlc hence price of 900 euros.call 628832187 RANGE ROVER 4 LTR AUTO BLUE grey leather, 96 english plates. problem with suspension rising. new air bags fitted ( i´m no mechanic) starts, drives, good condition.

Hence1995. PX anything considered. Tel 966189867 / 07956920226 / 660108415 SUBARU LEGACY 2.2 EX AWD SALOON SPANISH registered 1998 drives well been standing itv expired hence €600 Tel 966189867 / 07956920226 / 660108415 LOOKING FOR AN AUTOMATIC? We have over 20 LHD and RHD automatic vehicles in stock. 2007 Citroen C2 Auto Diesel, 2007 Ford Focus Automatic, 2007 Renault Megane Scenic, 2005 Kia Carens, 2002 Fiat Punto, 2002 Porsche Boxter, 2009 Mercedes C180 BE 1.6AMG estate, right hand drive, Spanish registered and many more. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com

MERCEDES HYMERMOBIL 1992 4 berth, LHD, 2.7 diesel, ITV till 2013. Cycle rack, TV, DVD/CD player. very good condition €7500 ONO. Call 966 182 589 or 617 148 016.

WANT TO DRIVE your LHD car to the UK and sell it when you get there? Call 658 670 777 CHEAP TYRES & DISCOUNT BRAKES In Teulada, La Nucia and Alicante offer Quality New Tyres & Brakes at HUGELY DISCOUNTED PRICES! See our main ad on Pg 3 of RTN

North edition for the address details of our 3 outlets. Or call 966 487 061 or email info@cheaptyres.es for details.

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 600-781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com

GENERIC VIAGRA AND WEEKENDERS for best service, Results and Friendly advice. Call Derek : 685 207 378

LADIES enjoy a Gentle Erotic Spanking at home and get paid, Torrevieja and surroundings, headmaster@live.co.uk WE GET YOUR GOODS TO YOU FAST! Unbeatable shipping and handling service from the UK’s premier online adult retailer http://www. sexjunky.es FREE Delivery on ALL UK Orders! No minimum spend - Royal Mail Super Saver Delivery is FREE! Spend over £30 - Royal Mail Tracked Delivery is FREE! Spend over £50 - Interlink Next Day UK Delivery is FREE! Delivery to Spain is only £10. £10 off your first order when you spend over £50 http://www.sexjunky.es SPRING OFFER Super strength little blue helper Costa Blanca South, contact Steve 682 454 519.

THOSE LITTLE GET YOU UP BLUE PILLS are now available from Tony on 638 352 129.

LOOKING FOR COMPANY? Do you want to explore your sexual fantasies with beautiful Brazilian and Oriental ladies?

24 hours, hotel or home visit Telephone 689526354 PLEASURE HOUSE TORREVIEJA Sexy girls from South America. Come and enjoy, low rates from 40€.

Address: Calle Finlandia.

682-776-068 CASA ANGELA TORREVIEJA Luxury private chalet, parking. Drinks invitation. Feeling alone? Just want some company? Exotic girls from South America.

Call us, Also Escort Service.

Full discretion. Come and enjoy at: Avenida Asociacion Victimas del Terrorismo.

609-573-468 or 639-832-118

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 693-478-573 GORGEOUS ENGLISH BLOND 45 years, Massage, 1 hour or over night, 15 mins Alicante airport.Tel:-Karen 662-049-021

and accessories supplied and installed. All work guaranteed.

British trained in the UK pool industry with over 15 years experience. 8 years served on the Costa Blanca.

Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida.

Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966774-199 or 678-080-500 www. pristineswimmingpools.com SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965-725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743048 www.pooltechspain.com

PLUMBING & HEATING BATHROOM REFORMS TILING - WATER HEATERS - GENERAL PLUMBING. Tel: 630 049 773. email: stevehayward39@yahoo.com www.stevehayward-plumber. eu NORTH COSTA BLANCA SINCE 1996 FOR ALL SHAPES AND SIZES OF SHOWER and bath screens call Don the Showerman on 96 579 2285 or 639 292 081. Immediate delivery on all products from our stock. See our advert on Page 5 North for a map to our showroom

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

DETACHED BUNGALOW ON TWO LEVELS, PROPERTY FOR SALE BENITACHELL (Vista Abiar, Les Fonts) - PRIVATE SALE Built 2003, 2 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Lounge / Diner, Sky Satellite Dish fitted, Front south facing terrace with excellent views over vineyards, Large Garage / Storeroom - 85 m2 (ideal for conversion to an apartment, or workshop), community pool, Quiet location in cul-de-sac. (Living Area - 80m2) (Total area - 155m2) Telephone: 96 574 8199 / 659 921 875. Price: 164,500.00 euros.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

Properties for sale

MOBILE/PARK HOMES ON CAMPING PUEBLO IN SAN JAVIER FROM 17,000E CAROL 96 819 24 25 MOB 626 055 622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com EASILY MAINTAINED, DETACHED F/F,2 BED VILLA in l´Alberca, Polop-de-laMarina. 249m2 flat plot. Lots of extras. Solarium with 360º views of sea and mountains.

Community pool and Gardens, easy and low maintenance.

123,000€ Tlf Lynn: 966-881048/691-202-307 or email foundation@rtnnewsgroup. com for photographs and more information

LONG TERM RENT, DREAM HILLS 3 bed, 2 bath house.

Wide road, south facing, part funished, community pool.

400€ per month plus bills.

Tel:0044 7412 683420 TEULADA – LONG TERM LET 3 Bed 2 Bath Apartment Central Heating 154 M2 €450 p/m + bills Tel: 615 813 076 PARK HOMES 2 BEDROOMS BOTH EN SUITE FULLY FITTED ON CAMPING PUEBLO . WITH LOTS OF AMENETIES. FULLY FITTED. ON CAMPING PUEBLO .

WITH LOTS OF AMENETIES. GOLF COURSES, BEACH, AIRPORT,HOSPITAL,5

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

MINS BY CAR. WALKING DISTANCE TO SAN JAVIER CAROL TEL 96 819 24 25 MOB. 626 055 6622 EMAIL. haydn47@hotmail.com www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com ALTEA LA VELLA, COSTA BLANCA Holiday let for 4 people in a 2 bedroomed, first floor, fully furnished apartment.

A/C + C/H plus much, much more. Tlf:966-881-048 or email foundation@rtnnewsgroup. com for more information and photographs www.fincafeliz.com FOR RENT/SALE 400€PCM 120.000€ Classic Spanish Old Town House, 3 double bedrooms (1 with en-suite bathroom) master bathroom, modern kitchen, downstairs toilet, sun terrace with view of mountains, BBQ terrace with summer kitchen, recentley refurbished and fully furnished.

Callosa de en Seria near La Nucia. Tel: 609 177 032

FIRST CLASS DOOR TO DOOR SERVICE To and from Spain with a single box 35 Euros to a full load. Call today for free advice and a free no obligation quote tel: 676 582 333 or +44 1268 728 855 MAN WITH A LARGE VAN local removals, deliveries, collections, house clearance, rubbish removal and disposal.

No job too small - call now for competitive no obligation quotation tel: 666 703 499 EUROMOVE4U Full & Part Loads. Spain to UK/UK to Spain on a regular monthly basis. Cars & Motorcycles transported. Call Grant or Jan Office 0034-965-300-959 Mobile 0034-648-102-529 UK Mob 0044-7803-893-719.

Email info@euromove4u.eu

JUST HIRE IT ONE WAY !

Van Hire To UK, Spain and France, different van and car sizes available tel: 952 541 147 / 667 235 205 MICK WITH HIS VAN Removals Collections Deliveries. For a reliable effective service. Hourly rate or quote. Call Mick anytime 600247-535 SPAIN2UK2SPAIN MAN AND VAN departing Costa Blanca twice a month. Full loads/part loads. Excellent rates Tel Christine 965 571 837/638 261 341 enquiries@ spain2uk2spain.com 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 0044-7519-186-355 email:van.man@hotmail.co.uk JAVEA SKIP HIRE 626 670 038 Moraira, Benissa, Calpe, Denia from S&W TOOL HIRE & FERRETERIA MORAIRA

QUALIFIED TRANSLATOR Bi-lingual Spanish-English and

high level French and German.

Confidential and reliable accompaniment service.

Competitive rates. Torrevieja and surroundings. Virginia 629201192.

Mathmatics. Telephone Margaret Johnson B.Ed. 965350-516 Mob: 616-660-687

SPECIAL SPRING OFFER Driving to or from the UK? English guest house in France.

Bed, Breakfast and Evening Meal for two, only 50 euros!

Conditions apply. www. millefleursbb.co.uk

NAIL COURSES now available in Albir, call Claire 633147881 BRITISH GRADUATE TEACHER offers Primary/ Secondary English

UKTELEVISION.TV watch British TV channels from anywhere. Easy Setup, Secure Connection. Only €5 per month. Go to www. uktelevision.tv for FREE TRIAL SKYSUPPLIES for Sky+HD,

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Humax, Freesat and Freeto-air Satbox`s. Skycrds, Spare remotes, LNB`s, Satellite dish`s, Realignments, Advice and Backup.

966194013/600899096.

CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV for all your digital and TV requirements. No Annual Fees on Sky Cards. Steve:-660-186505/Ros:-965-584-097. www. ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com

I BUY RECORDS LP’S, SINGLES and cd’s any style, jazz, blues, pop, rock, etc... Top cash paid. 622 750 117 TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Household Goods and Bric-a-brac into Cash. Anything! Anywhere!

965-319-220/618-165-877

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23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

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23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Just enjoy yourself Noel’s world of golf

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

NOBODY WHO has ever played our sport said golf would be an easy game and at this time of the year in particular that is true. Just getting a tee time in what the local courses consider high season is a feat in itself.

The big thing to do when you are lucky enough to get a tee time on your favourite course at the moment is to enjoy yourself even though the round may be very much slower than you would like.

We are very lucky to live and be able to play golf in one of the most beautiful countries in the World yet so many of us take things for granted. The environment around and on the vast majority of our golf courses is something most other countries can only look upon with envy. When we are out on the links most of us are so wound up because the round is taking an hour longer than normal we completely forget what attracted us to the best sport ever invented in the first place. Stand for a few minutes and take in some of the things happening around you - you could be pleasantly surprised with what you have not seen before.

We have the chance to spend around five hours on the golf course at the moment with people who are friends or could easily become so. We really should make the

most of these times - they will never be here again.

Okay so we may arrive to find that our tee time has been knocked back half an hour or so or we have to wait a few minutes for s buggy. When this happens it is not because the golf course has planned to upset you.

It is usually because things have conspired against the club or someone has genuinely made a mistake.

It’s not the end of the World; go and do some putting or hit some balls on the range with your friends or maybe even have a cup of coffee and a chat while you wait. Just because you get wound up your tee time will not come forward or the buggy you are waiting for will not arrive any quicker.

You will just spoil your day out and fail to enjoy the very thing you came to Spain for; to enjoy the rest of your life and play gold in fantastic weather in a beautiful environment. You know it makes more sense to enjoy yourself, so just do it!

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 23RD MARCH 2012 How many Spanish golfers have won The Open de Andalucía?

A. Three B. Two C. One All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 1st April 2012 to be entered into March’s draw, which will be made on 1st April. The winner will be announced in RTN on 6th April 2012.

WIN A ROUND OF GOLF FOR 2 INCLUDING BUGGY AT THE BEAUTIFUL EL PLANTIO RESORT IN ALICANTE Answer the question below correctly to have a chance to win. The winner of this fantastic prize will be picked

Any questions you have for Noel should be sent to golf@roundtownnews.com FREE GOLF LESSON FOR ALL NEW RTN GOLF MEMBERS – SIGN UP NOW, LIMITED OFFER!!!

THE PROFESSIONAL SCENE

THE OPEN de Andalucía last weekend over The Aloha Course in Marbella once again proved the very best thing about the European Tour; an exciting tournament played over a quality golf course with any one of a host of players capable of winning.

Going into the final round on Sunday it looked like local hero Miguel Angel Jimenez was the most likely winner and certainly the most popular in the event’s history. Alas that was not to be as Jimenez continued to struggle with the long putter that he has employed now for a few too many weeks.

Eduardo de la Riva quickly became the crowd favourite as Spain sought a winner of this event and how he must have rued the chance to become an Associate member of The European Tour when it was offered to him last

week. His winnings for third place now counts for nothing in the official money rankings that will decide if he secures a card for next year.

The big surprise package came in the shape of a 31 year old Frenchman, Julien Quesne, who shot a course record equaling 64 to win by two shots and take his first win after 47 attempts and surpass his best ever finish of 10th at The Madrid Masters in 2010. Quesne is the 400th winner in European Tour history and moves rapidly from obscurity to around 180th in The Official World Rankings.

This weekend, the Tour moves across the Straits of Gibraltar for The Trophee Hassan II in Morocco. David Horsey will try to defend the title he won last year in the 39th staging of what was once considered a very lucrative event. Last year’s event was a pro-am format but this year we return to a traditional medal play tournament with a prize fund

of €1,500,000. The next stop is the Sicilian Open in Italy. These two events will again give a great chance for one of the up and coming players to secure a maiden Tour win with so many of the big names deciding to stay at home and rest or go to America in preparation for The Masters which comes up from April 5th to 8th in Augusta.

GOLFING TIP OF THE WEEK Practicing your putting is more beneficial than hitting an extra twenty drives on the range during your last half hour of practice.

NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY AT EL PLANTIO Quality coaching at reduced rates for RTN Golf Club members: contact Noel on 639 730 891.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

23 MAR - 29 MAR 2012

Andy Kay

The Final Whistle

The football fraternity

Premier League and even La Liga stars showing their support for the player and his family. It really has been good to see.

Additionally, just how amazing were the medical personnel that were so quickly on the scene when Muamba collapsed?

Muamba probably owes them his life while football in general owes them an enormous debt of gratitude. Heroes all.

The linesman misses Clint Hill’s clear goal

THERE ARE still many things in football that infuriate me – the lack of goal line technology (and no, I’m not just saying that after QPR’s ‘ghost goal’ the other week), the leadership of FIFA and UEFA and players diving to name but a few examples but it was heartening to see the sport come together in the wake of Fabrice Muamba’s heart attack last weekend. It started with both the Bolton and Tottenham fans chanting his name while he was being treated on the pitch and it’s grown from there with

LIONS ON THE PROWL The Six Nations has finished and so the speculation as to the makeup of the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour party to Australia can now begin. At this stage, it looks highly likely that Warren Gatland will get the job as coach and that many of his Wales Grand Slam team will be in the squad. But Ireland and England will make important contributions to the touring party and even wooden-spoonists Scotland, through the likes of Richie Gray and David Denton, will certainly have representation. Australia on their own patch will be hard to beat but I fancy the Lions to record their first series win since the famous South Africa tour of 1997.

Sailing Association Mar Menor SAMM Round the Island Warm up Race: Sunday 18th March 2012 THE FIRST race day of the Sailing Association Mar Menor’s Spring Series was the Round the Island Warm up Race on 18th March. The race took place from the CAR Sailing Centre at Los Narejos on the Mar Menor. Twelve boats took part with wind speeds from 5 to 9 knots. The race started at 12pm, divided into two classes: the cruiser class and the dingy class.

2nd Deltania UNO Duncan Moffatt, Oakley Petts and Victor Martinez

THE CRUISER CLASS 1st SAIL FISH-Bob Miles, Julian Pering and Vernon O’Byrne

DINGY CLASS 1st BITA 5 - Guillermo Martinez, Ernie Foster and Oscar Laird

Fishing Maggots End by

ishing F Fishing Rods, Reels, Floats Line, Hooks, Nets, etc + Many accessories. Fishing Tackle. Maggots available.

SHOP OPEN

15% DISCOUNT ON ALL PURCHASES OVER 50€ Avd. Europa, LA MARINA La Marina Market Thurs Montcayo Tuesday & Saturday Lemon Tree Sunday Market Tel Ken: 648 134 465 New Shop: 966 189 969

MESSI V OLLY IS NO CONTEST It’s a joy living in Spain and watching the weekly exploits of the magician that is Lionel Messi. This week, he became Barcelona’s all time leading scorer having notched up 234 goals for the Catalans. But pleasure that it is to see Messi in action, it comes a poor second to seeing your eldest son score his first league goal from open play. And a header too!

Vamos FC Amigos ‘B’.

The next race will be on 1st April.

For more information visit www. sailingmarmenor.com or email sammracing@yahoo.co.uk

feeder using corn with 14.56 kilos 2nd Dave (The Sweetie Man) Hutchinson fishing the pole using paste with 13.04 kilos 3rd Bill (The Master) Read fishing the feeder using bread with 9.54 kilos PLEASE NOTE The club has vacancies at present: 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 We fished the 11th and final round of the Abbey Angling Cup at Murcia on 13th March.

The water is still low, we desperately need some rain to flush the river through and hopefully the fish will soon be spawning as the warmer weather arrives. There were five Muscovi ducklings on the water this

La Marina

BIG NEV Ask a bunch of Everton fans to name their favourite player of all time and I’d suggest that quite a few would plump for Neville Southall. However, how many of them would be prepared to stump up £99 for an hour long personal phone chat with the former Toffees goalkeeper is less clear.

But that is what the former Welsh international is charging on his new web site www.asknevillesouthall.com In addition, it’s £50 to submit a question to Southall to which you’ll get an emailed answer. I applaud his industry but I fear that the most asked question will be: ‘Who ate all the pies?’

2nd Miracle - John Clarke, Doreen Squires

David Hoare 968 199 279

THIS WEEK’S match was the 1st in the Summer Championship, (mistake last week it should have read the start of the Summer League), a series of 9 matches with the best 6 results to count. Again, this week the venue was the Rio Segura at Murcia.

The river is still a grey colour but the amount of rubbish coming off the bottom and flowing down is the worst I have ever seen. Into the afternoon the flow has been reduced, and the scum from the bottom virtually covers the whole river. However, all anglers are at least catching some fish, be it only bleak. How strange the river can be from one end to the other as Ian did not have a fish until 1.30pm, and Dave had all his fish in the morning and then could not get a bite.

TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st Ian (Irish Wizard) Dalzell fishing the

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For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk week to let us know that spring is around the corner.

It was a close call at the top of the leader board with only three points separating the top three, with only one match to go.

1st Bill (The Master) Reade with 12.680kg fishing the feeder using maggot and corn 2nd Bob (The Major) Rafferty with 11.620kg fishing the pole using bread and maggot Joint 3rd Terry (Swing ‘Em) Screen with 7.840kg fishing the feeder and using pellet Also Ian (The Irish Wizard) Dalzell with 7.840kg fishing the feeder using maggot and corn THE FINAL POINTS OF THE ABBEY ANGLING CUP FOR 2012 With the best 8 out of 11 matches 1st Terry Screen with 59pts 2nd Mick Hill with 53pts 3rd Richard King with 50.5pts

All details are available on our website: www.abbeyangling.com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368 Anglers Together THE OBJECTIVE of Anglers Together has been reached (which was to introduce anglers to each other). Now that newcomers to Spain are few and far between, we have decided that monthly meetings are serving no useful purpose and the friendships that have been made over the past 4 years are now firmly established.

We will continue to provide information through our email address if contacted but there will be no membership renewals in May. Thanks to all past members for their support. anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk.

Tight lines…

Dave Hoare

FC Torrevieja news

LAST SUNDAY Torry played at home to 2nd placed UD Levante B and earned a hard fought well deserved point in a 1-1 draw. Ramiro opened the scoring direct from a free-kick after 21 minutes. Levante equalised on the stroke of halftime when Manolo allowed a weak miss-hit shot to trickle through his fingers into the net. He redeemed himself in the second-half with a magnificent penalty save. Torry played strugglers Crevillente on Wednesday evening and hopefully came away with a positive result. On Sunday they are at home to Villarreal C in a 5.00pm kick-off. Be there.