RTN North Edition 596

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north EDITION Success for student pioneers

Issue 596

See page 6

Escaping justice

18-24 MARCH 2011

ELEVEN HARD working Costa Blanca students have become the first in Spain to win a prestigious award p5

Don’t come a cropper With the continually shifting sands of State pension regulations, both in the UK and Spain, it is no wonder that many individuals find it difficult to know what they will be entitled to as retirement looms p21

by Jack Troughton

Accusations, crime and punishment It may surprise you that even for the most serious offences there is no Life Sentence under Spanish law. p30

Sickening horse abuse in Burriana

RTN golf champions

For full story p43

Noel’s world of golf IN THE last month or so we have seen the status of being World Number 1 pass from Lee Westwood to Martin Kaymer p63

We are the champions RTN GOLF champions Graham Bavington (right) and Ian Bugden lifted the trophy on Monday after winning the 2011 competition at El Plantio following a successful debut in the pairs contest.

For the full story go to page 4

See page 17

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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE victim Jacqueline Burrell believes her attacker has evaded justice after nearly killing her in a horrific attack.

The glamorous Costa Blanca beautician said former boyfriend Simon Aurand went on the run soon after being found guilty of the serious 2009 assault at a Benidorm court.

And despite being issued with a warrant for the fugitive’s arrest, police have failed to locate Aurand who is believed to have fled south from the Marina Alta to the Orihuela area.

Jacqueline told RTN: “This is not a story of revenge. All I want is Spanish law to be put into place – I just want some justice.”

She came to Spain three years ago to be closer to her parents who live in the village of Sagra, opened her business Bella Beauty, met 41-yearold Aurand and fell in love.

“I did not know what he was like but I went through a lot of abuse,

domestic violence,” the 47-year-old recalled. “Then in my parents home he nearly killed me, he attacked me.

CHARM “The problem is you see it as your fault. In public he appeared a very charming character. People ask why do you stay with these men but the truth is they control you.”

She said she was attacked on 9th October 2009 in her parents’ home and in front of the pensioners – who tried but failed to protect her and were hurt in the attempt.

“He tried to strangle me four times and threw me down onto the floor – I am lucky to be alive, my teeth were smashed on the tiles and two fingers were broken by him,” Jacqueline said, adding he also suffered injuries to her knee and shoulder blade.

Continued on page

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18-24 MARCH 2011

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See our article on Page 29

18-24 MARCH 2011

Continued from front page “He was sitting on me and spitting in my face. I was black and blue – I needed treatment in hospital and could hardly walk for days. My best friend came to see me and just burst into tears.

“The injuries have healed now but there are mental scars inside, they take longer to heal. It is extremely exhausting and draining.

I want to move on and get on with my life – I want him behind bars.”

Jacqueline said her attacker was arrested

Jacqueline Burrell

by Guardia Civil officers and appeared in court at Denia on October 11th that year and before a judge in Benidorm on October 22nd.

She said he faced four years in prison but after a plea bargain was ordered to pay her 4,000€ compensation, as well as barred from contacting her, going near her home and also to attend anger management courses.

PRISON She has not seen a cent of the money and said her attacker failed to comply with the other orders – all risking a prison sentence.

Jacqueline, who also alleges that Aurand had misused her credit card and taken money from her, wants to return to the UK to be near her son but now needs the money to make a fresh start.

“Lawyers say I have to wait until the law takes its course but it is all incredibly stressful, it is like hitting a brick wall,” she added.

“I just hope by telling my story it may prompt people to help in some way and also publicise the plight of victims of domestic violence, it is a terrible crime.”

She said she lost all her confidence because of the constant bullying. “I became a shell because I was so scared. He was very controlling and extremely jealous.

“Now I am determined not to let this ruin my life. He has been found guilty but I still need to see justice done – I just need some help.”

Her snap of Simon Aurand

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18-24 MARCH 2011

Everyone’s a winner

by Jack Troughton GOLFERS ENJOYED an exciting day’s sport in the RTN Golf Championship and discovered the El Plantio course was an excellent test of ability by providing a real challenge.

The tranquil looking picturesque greens and fairways quickly lived up to their reputation of taking no prisoners – and put skills on trial throughout.

And 60 players in the field for this annual tournament made the most of El Plantio’s 18 holes to compete in a carnival atmosphere and once again make the championship a winner.

Sponsored by Moneycorp, the foreign exchange specialist’s Kevin Wright was on hand to present the RTN Golf Trophy to delighted winners Graham Bavington and Ian Bugden from La Marina.

Moneycorp’s generous backing of the event allowed “useKevin Wright of Moneycorp ful” prizes to be purchased from the La Manga based golf (second left) with clothing company Levante Lebeche. the winners and Graham, who has a 13 handicap, said: “It is the first time we representatives have entered the competition and I invited Ian along – obviof Levante Lebeche and ously I could see his talents!

EXCELLENT “It really is an excellent course here at El Plantio, there is real variation between the holes and it is very interesting to play – you have to hit the ball straight.”

And Ian, who has a 16 handicap, added: “I am absolutely surprised we have won – it’s almost unbelievable.”

Veterans of last year’s RTN Golf Scholarship Sam Curtis and ‘Nats’ Woodhams were described as “stars of the future” after taking the runners-up prize with 39 points behind the winners’ total of 41.

It was particularly sweet as dads David and Aaron could only manage fourth place but were still in the prizes.

Dave Morris of the Union Jack Golfing Society said the gold had been superb” and thanks to the sunny weather, conditions were ideal.

He said the society had 40 members and played every

Noel Eastwell (Right)

Thursday, with golfers returning to the ‘19th hole’ at the Union Jack Bar. THANKS And RTN’s own Noel Eastwell thanked the El Plantio Club for allowing the competition to be held at the course and Moneycorp for its sponsorship.

At the close of play, he said: “It has been a really great atmosphere and everyone appeared to enjoy themselves. This golf course is one of the best in the area and an absolute pleasure to play.”

He said there were fantastic prizes being given away and the chance to test drive the new Nike golf equipment range – showing how RTN had become the leading weekly to follow the sport.

“The golfing world will be talking about the prizes we have given away for a long time – they are absolutely stunning.”

And he praised the course for the test it posed for golfers of all abilities. “People tend to think this is an easy course to play but it always come back to bite you!

“And that, I suppose, is the mark of a good golf course and why so many people enjoy the sport.”

Championship results: RTN Champions 2011: Graham Bavington and Ian Bugden; 2nd place: Sam Curtis and Nats Woodhams; 3rd place: Barry Davies and Tony Chandler; 4th place: Dave Curtis and Aaron Woodhams; 5th place: Christine and Gerry Scully.

Longest drive: ladies, Jenny McCadden; men, John Connolly.

Nearest pin prizes: hole 7, Jenny McCadden; hole 9, Sam Curtis; hole 14 John Humphrey; hole 18, Barry Daniel.

18-24 MARCH 2011

Success for student pioneers

by Jack Troughton ELEVEN HARD working Costa Blanca students have become the first in Spain to win the coveted Chartered Institute of Public Relations Foundation Award.

The LAUDE Lady Elizabeth School is the first to offer the CIPR communications qualification and one of the students scooped a highly valued distinction. And while the award itself is the first rung on the ladder to a career in public relations, the skills taught in the course are of use to anyone aiming to work in a senior management position.

The students studied for the award in November and December and just before Christmas sat a tough three hour written examination testing their knowledge of how organisations sought to communicate with consumers and the wider community, as well as how to feed the media a good story.

The CIPR said the results were “excellent”, and Headmaster Richard Wijeratne commented: “We are very proud indeed to see our students achieve such outstanding results.

We were delighted to be a pioneer in this field by being the first school in Spain to offer our students the opportunity to gain such a useful and respected qualification.

COMPETE

“We are sure that additional qualifications such as the CIPR Foundation Award will help our students as they compete for scarce university places or move directly into the world of work.”

Public relations is now a major industry employing nearly 50,000 people and with a combined turnover of £6.5 million in the UK alone.

Working in PR is a top three career choice of university graduates and 77% studying it as a higher education subject find work within six months

– one in five starting on a salary of over £20,000.

Chris Tucker, a member of CIPR and a lecturer in public relations at graduate and post-graduate level, taught the students at the LAUDE The Lady Elizabeth – she runs her own PR and media training consultancy and is a former Director of Public Relations for Barclays Bank – working on campaigns involving such people as Nelson Mandela and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, for the high street giant.

She said the Foundation Award was aimed at pupils in Year 12 and 13 planning to take A Levels and while she looked forward to teaching again at the Lliber senior school, students from other schools would be considered for the course.

Further information can be found on the school website or by contacting Chris at tucker.chris@hotmail. com or by calling her on 659 653 694.

The pioneers with Chris Tucker (sixth from left) and Headmaster Richard Wijeratne (far right)

5

Judge decides Terra Mítica directors were not involved in tax fraud The judge at Instruction Court No. 3 in Valencia who has been investigating alleged tax fraud in connection with Terra Mítica has concluded that company directors of the Benidorm theme park were not involved.

The case is investigating an alleged fraud of 4.4 million € through a false invoices scam over 2000 and 2001. Terra Mítica and contractors to the theme park have been under investigation, but the judge ruled on Tuesday to provisionally lift the proceedings against the five Terra Mítica directors who were listed as suspects.

The Levante-emv newspaper reports that the judge considers that Terra Mítica did not benefit financially from the scam, or if it did, it can not be proven.

It’s understood that the case continues against the companies allegedly involved in the invoices issued during the park’s construction.

Terra Mitica under investigation

Special KIDS DAY

Special KIDS DAY in support of EMAUS at the new Saturday Market (10am-2pm) in Gata de Gorgos: See Page 48 for details.

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18-24 MARCH 2011

Jane Cronin psoe woman of the year in orihuela costa

by Patricia Thompson

Jane Cronin ‘Woman of the year’

On Friday 11th March the PSOE Orihuela Costa paid tribute to its Woman of the Year 2011, Jane Cronin. Jane’s work was recognized at the event which was attended by more than 175 people. Jane has been helping many English speaking foreign residents to integrate into Spanish life, language and culture.

For the three years in succession the PSOE has elected a Woman of the Year - a woman who has made a significant contribution to life in Orihuela Costa. Jane has been teaching English and Spanish language and culture to students for more than 20 years.

Jane is known and respected by hundreds of English speaking residents in the Orihuela Costa area. She is the president and founder of ADAPT, an association aimed at supporting English speaking residents to settle into their lives in Spain and to encourage their integration into Spanish society.

Study says Benidorm a top tourist destination in Spain A NEW study has shown Benidorm to be the thirdmost profitable tourist destination in Spain. The investigation was done by the public company Exceltur, and it showed that Benidorm generated the most tourist-related employment in 2010 after Palma de Mallorca and San Bartolomé de Tirajana.

Jane Cronin has used wit and humour to write and produce a series of language DVDs, CDs and books. She recently published bilingual book “Sid´s Adventures in Spain” tells the tale of retired British man moving to a new life on the Spanish coast, experiences many of us can identify with.

Jane writes articles for many newspapers including, Round Town News, Costa Blanca News and Costa Cálida Chronicle. She has also written and presented television programmes for Sol Productions and radio braodcasts for Onda Cero Internacional.

Jane thanked the PSOE and the 175 or so present and delighted us with a lively and entertaining speech about her understanding of “convivencia” (living together) of Spanish and English speaking residents.

Also helping to make the evening special were PSOE Woman of the Year 2010 Raquel Peña , PSOE Woman of the Year 2009 Mª Àngeles Cuesta and the “Flamenco para Todos” dance group taught and directed by Raquel Peña.

Bar owner in trouble for refusing to serve Down’s Syndrome group Benidorm still tops with tourists

A JUDGE has banned a bar owner from trading for a year after he refused entry to a group of Down’s Syndrome sufferers and their monitors. The incident took place in Alicante at the Basic pub last November.

The bar owner initially said that he did not tell the group to leave but later contacted the judge and revoked his claim.

18-24 MARCH 2011

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Voice for Calpe residents

by Jack Troughton EXPERIENCED LOCAL politicians head the Calpe Independientes, a new international party entering the local election race in alliance with the Green party Los Verdes.

Businesswoman Antonia Avargues – who has been a councillor for eight years – heads the party with deputy and spokeswoman Carole Saunders.

However, there are Spanish, British, Dutch and Eastern European members of the party which is aligned to the important Federation of Independent Parties in Spain.

And the Calpe Independientes will be officially launched at 8pm on Friday 25th March

Fayre weather

By Jack Troughton JALON VALLEY HELP’s annual May Fayre – the charity’s ‘big’ fund raising event – takes place on Sunday 15th May. The fair is once again sited on the public car park in Jalon – home to the Saturday ‘rastro’ – and more than 50 stalls will sell home made produce, hand crafted cards, art, books, bric a brac, gifts, and much more.

There will also be pony and cart rides, tombola, and a grand raffle with a huge range of prizes.

The event runs from 10am and 3pm and over the years proved to be very popular with people travelling into the Jalon Valley to support the charity and enjoy a day out amidst the beautiful scenery.

RBL Gandia and District Branch THE GANDIA and District Branch of The Royal British Legion is settling into its new venue for monthly meetings at a new central location at the Bar Pelut in Oliva, where meetings are to take place on the first Wednesday of each month.

THEY ARE A small, friendly group always looking for new members.

You do not need to be exservice and newcomers are made extremely welcome at the Bar Pelut. Different lunch venues are visited during the month, so why not call Secretary Cilla on 644 113 889 or Janet, social secretary, on 962 865 458 for more details.

at its new headquarters at the junction of Calle Jasmines and Calle Malaga.

English speaking residents are also invited for morning coffee at 11am on Saturday 26th March at the offices.

Carole told RTN the party hoped to get the backing of people “disillusioned” with the political intrigue and allegations of corruption within the town hall.

“We will not be making any grand promises like the other parties because the town hall is nearly bankrupt,” she said. “However, we firmly believe one of the most important things is starting Agenda 21and giving everyone a say in the future of Calpe and how it is run.”

Calpe Independientes

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18-24 MARCH 2011

Rebel priest stays despite paying for abortions

Benidorm could turn pedestrian friendly

by Jan Gamm BARCELONA’S UPBEAT and decidedly rebellious Catholic priest, Fr Manel Pousa faces excommunication as a result of his defiance of Catholic conventions, remaining unrepentant in his views on abortion and the blessings of gay marriage, despite a barrage of criticism.

Fr Manel has openly admitted that he has in the past sponsored an abortion to prevent the woman in question seeking a surgical intervention in an unsafe and unauthorised clinic.

He has also performed blessings on same sex unions and persistently endorses the ordination of female priests.

Despite the priest’s outstanding vocation over 30 years of helping needy families in Nou Barris, Barcelona, Cardinal Luis Martinez Sistach reversed his earlier decision to give Manel a “verbal” warning over his numerous indiscretions and began formal excommunication proceedings on Wednesday, following publicity on the priest’s views that inspired a book appropriately entitled: “Fr. Manel: Closer to Earth Than Heaven,” by Francesc Buxeda i Aliu.

One of Manel’s more controversial statements included his opinion that celibacy for priests should be ‘optional’ and that he actually had a girlfriend, albeit at present in a ‘celibate’ relationship.

“It may be that what I say sounds bad to the extreme right,”

The Path of the Poet walk

THE CENTRE of Benidorm could become a pedestrian-only zone. The town hall is assessing the viability of banning cars from the centre in response to requests from local shopkeepers: should the pedestrianisation go ahead, it would affect calle San Pedro (weekends only), calle Gerona and Calle Esperanto.

Fr Manel Pousa

says Pousa, “but those people are not going to distance me from the Church; an institution where I have been received by extraordinary people. We may have frictions, like all families do, and the Church is my family.”

NEARLY 3,500 participants are confirmed for next weekend’s annual three day ritual walk from Miguel Hernandez’s birthplace in Orihuela city to the cemetery where his remains lie in Alicante. The ‘Path of the Poet’ has taken place since 1999 and there are still 500 vacancies left to fill this year. The walk sets off from Orihuela Friday, 25th March at 9am and will end at around 5pm Sunday 27th March, in three stages with stage two and three optional. To get involved, register on the website of the Generalitat de Valencia, contact the IVAJ in Orihuela on 96 647 8100 or email sendadelpoeta_ivaj@gva.es

Calle Gerona in Benidorm could soon be pedestrianised

18-24 MARCH 2011

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18-24 MARCH 2011

Creatures of habit!

by

Alan Gilchrist The Costa Blanca’s Top Hypnotherapist

HI ALAN - Words can’t describe it! No bother giving up, in fact cigarette smoking now repulses me. I was on up to 20 cigarettes a day and because I was struggling with my weight I used the cigarettes as an excuse to keep my weight down. Consequently I got a lot heavier on them. I even got to the stage of taking one when I woke up at 7am! The CD is brilliant – over the time I listened to it I was asleep within 10 minutes. Your fast Track Stop Smoking session is great, I can’t praise it enough, I am dumbfounded, and it really does work. Emily It’s often said that human beings are creatures of habit. Even if we know that a habit is bad for us, such as smoking, and against all the good advice we are given, we still continue to do it anyway.

Most people know that by quitting smoking they will save thousands of pounds over the year as well as adding years to their life.

So, why do people continue to smoke even after all the warnings from their doctors and advertising campaigns? Cigarettes find their way into everyday life, becoming a part of so many activities. Habits are formed, creating associations to things like food and alcohol, or even driving a car - it seems to become a part of them. Perhaps more importantly, cigarettes become for most people part of a coping mechanism to try to deal with emotional pressures like stress or boredom. When a smoker becomes upset, he or she reaches for the cigarette to try and feel better.

Cigarette smoking is a habit and there may be specific occasions with which people associate smoking.

Some wake up in the morning and the first thing they do is reach for a cigarette, while others use smoking to reduce stress - they say it relaxes them. The truth is cigarettes are a false friend that can and will eventually kill them!

With more than 24 years’ experience dealing with peoples’ smoking issues I have found the answer to be the same in all kinds of addictions and unwanted habits...fear.

• Fear that they will have to give up their crutch or pleasure • Fear that they won’t be able to enjoy life or deal with stress.

• Fear that they will put on weight when giving up.

• Fear that they will never be completely free of the craving All of these fears are just examples of one overriding fear that when the smoker tries to stop using other methods, they suffer misery and depression caused by the feeling that they are being deprived of a pleasure or a crutch.

The beauty of Fast Track Hypnosis and Laser Therapy put together in this unique combination removes this feeling of deprivation. It removes the need, and the urge to smoke.

By combining these together it helps to increase the already high success rate using hypnosis on its own, and all this is achieved in less than 30 minutes.

There is no need for useless aids, gimmicks, or substitutes, No nicotine gum or patches, No inhalers or nasal sprays. It doesn't get much easier than that!

The Fast Track Hypnosis session targets the unconscious part of the mind that drives certain unwant-

ed behaviours and urges. This in turn helps you to overcome everything that gets in the way to accomplishing your goal of finally quitting smoking. Imagine how you would feel when you have finally quit smoking. Imagine hearing all of the compliments from people around you because you have stopped smoking and you look healthy – plus your breath smells better and your wallet or purse has more money in it.

You can make this a reality in ONE simple 30 minute session!

You may have tried stopping by yourself for weeks or even months, but then something stressful came up and you started to smoke again.

You may have tried the gum then started smoking again.

You may have tried the patch, taken it off, had a cigarette and then put it back on again!

So the question is…ARE YOU READY TO FINALLY STOP SMOKING? If the answer is YES then what are you waiting for?

Put down that cigarette and call NOW! “Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times.” - Mark Twain: Pity Mark Twain did not know about Fast Track Hypnosis!

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

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

Alicante traders slam location of new IKEA

by Jan Gamm THE PP MAYOR of Alicante, Sonia Castedo, has defended the proposed location in the city of the Swedish furniture giant IKEA in Lagunas de Rabasa, saying the site was given the green light after careful consideration.

Alicante retail businesses in the area argue that their concerns are based on studies from research conducted by the University of Alicante, and findings indicate the store’s status and its placement at the entrance to the city will cause a gridlock and seriously compro-

mise fair enterprise for other traders.

Castedo responded by assuring various complaint groups that the location was chosen due to its proximity to the main highway, so as not to “…overwhelm the city,” and all possible precautions will be taken to minimise disruption to the traffic flow in and out of major commercial areas.

Speaking to press on Wednesday, the mayor was asked whether the site was agreed upon as a better alternative than the retail giant selecting a site in an alternative city: she declined to comment.

RENFE going off the rails over Fallas weekend RENFE, THE Spanish Railway network, has announced that 108,000 seats are to be made available on the high speed AVE train between Madrid and Valencia to enable passengers to attend the Fallas fiesta celebrations that culminate on Saturday 19th March, representing 3,000 additional seats on an extra seven high speed trains over the usual quota for the 95 minute journey.

However, rail staff plans to strike over the fallas weekend of 18th and 19th March with the possibility of further strike action on 20th and 21st April and 2nd May, over the proposed privatisation of the rail network. The proposed strike is said not to affect the running of the trains but 2,700 catering and customer services staff will not be turning up for work. For further updates and ticket information, call 902 320 320 or visit www.renfe.com

Forward Press boss says he’s innocent

By Jan Gamm IAN WALTON, CEO of the publishing company Forward Press, arrested at Malaga airport on suspicion of fraud last week, is still protesting his innocence and claiming he is a victim of the recession and not a practised conman.

Walton was featured in RTN on 10th February 2010 after allegedly swindling 9,100 pupils at 1,400 schools all over Spain by promising to publish their poetry in exchange for a deposit of 13€ from each of their parents. The Guardia Civil believes Walton took a total of approximately 160,000€ fraudulently before leaving Spain to set up similar scams in Italy and France under a different company name, ‘Bonacia’.

Walton argues that the Spanish branch of the business could not survive following the collapse of his UK company: “I poured 320,000€ into the Spanish business but we still couldn’t cover the rents, staff cost, etc.

I still have every intention of publishing all the books we promised,” he said.

NEW PREMISES The Guardia Civil moved to arrest Ian

Walton after he rented new premises in Marbella. It has also been confirmed that his new company, Bonacia, has taken new orders in France and Italy.

Walton has been bailed but must report to the police every two weeks while his case is pending.

Walton under arrest

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Home sweet home Calpe couple sent an electricity bill for 6,400€ Fern is feline fine

Francisco de la Fuente

by Patricia Thompson Francisco de la Fuente and his wife Lidia, a pensioner couple from Calpe have received an electricity bill for 6,400 € and have had to ask for a bank loan to pay it.

The bill corresponds to a real meter reading and comes given the circumstance that the power company had not made a real reading on the property since 2007, consistently estimating below the real consumption.

El Mundo reports that the couple have been paying the bills

sent to them over the past three years.

Lidia said, ‘My husband, who is ordered ad nauseam, has saved all the facturas. Some have been for 20 € others nearly 100 €, until they called us from the bank last October to tells us that they wanted 6,400 €’.

The couple has been in touch with the Consumers’ Office and has also established contact with Iberdrola for an explanation, but have heard nothing.

‘They tell they are very sorry, but we can’t do anything except pay up’

New station in Dénia marina to open 2012

THE NEW maritime station in Dénia marina was due to open in 2008 but the authorities now confirm that it will be functioning

by January 2012. Total investment in the port area has surpassed €25 million, with an extension to the seafront promenade and additional moorings as well as the new station. The new building will house ticket offices from the ferry operators, a restaurant and café zone and a new waiting area and departure point for ferry passengers.

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rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

By Jack Troughton RESCUED CATS can enjoy the comforts of a purpose built shelter on the Marina Alta while waiting to be adopted.

Animal charity SCAN – the Society for the Care of Animals in Need – has opened its sanctuary in the campo just outside Pego.

The Mayor of Pego Carmelo Ortola and SCAN President Val Spencer cut the ribbon in front of more than 60 supporters and friends.

The shelter was built by volunteers who worked hard to complete the first phase of the complex and a plaque was donated by the Casa Antigua Cattery and Kennels to thank Merv Spencer, Ian Bumford, Gordon Wheatman, Tom Wills, and Peter Brooks for their dedication to the task.

ADOPT And the ceremony was made even more successful as three cats were adopted on the day. RTN was told: “Now we have a purpose built shelter we hope more of our furry friends will be adopted. “The shelter has four large pens which each hold six cats and we also have an isolation area for mums and kittens – the pens are sponsored by friends of SCAN.” The charity thanked the generous support it had received to enable it to build the much needed shelter.

SCAN specialises in caring for cats and is complemented

by LAPS – the local Animal Protection Society – which has a neighbouring sanctuary at the site and cares for rescued dogs. For more information about both charities, visit

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RTN’s Royal appointment

THE PRINCE of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will meet representatives of the expat community in Spain when the couple visit Madrid later this month

by Jack Troughton THE PRINCE of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will meet representatives of the expat community in Spain when the couple visit Madrid later this month – and RTN will be there to bring readers the full story.

The Costa Blanca’s favourite English newspaper has been invited to the Spanish capital to attend to meet the royal couple at a special reception and will carry a full report of the day’s events on Friday 1st April.

And RTN Newsgroup’s managing director Geoff Gartland said he was honoured to be attending such a high profile event on behalf of loyal readers.

“I am thrilled that we have been chosen to attend this important high profile event as one of the leading media groups in Spain,” he said.

“And I am really excited at the prospect of meeting the heir to the throne and his wife. It really is an honour and we will bring the full story back to the coast after what should be a truly memorable day.”

ROYAL The royals are making a spring tour of Portugal, Spain and Morocco, and will be in Spain from 30th March until 1st April to carry out a busy programme in the capital and Seville.

Prince Charles and his wife will be received in Madrid by the Prince and Princess of Asturias and they will attend an official dinner and also lunch with the King and Queen of

Benidorm wants US cruise liners to visit

Spain. The theme of the tour includes commercial diplomacy and sustainable development as well as promoting trade and investment and it will be the Duchess’s first official visit to the three countries.

And a highlight of the Spanish section of the tour will be when Their Royal Highnesses will also meet expats to thank volunteers for their invaluable work in the large British community in Spain.

SECRECY Ambassador Giles Paxman said for obvious reasons many of the preparations for the visit had been carried out in deep secrecy.

He said there were 22 events being staged in Spain during a very busy programme – including the event to promote the partnership work with the expat community and the launch of a new organisation to help elderly British citizens.

“Naturally, I am very excited at the prospect of welcoming and accompanying our royal visitors. I still remember very clearly how during the Mexican President’s State Visit to London it felt as though we were living in a fairytale as we paraded down The Mall in horse-drawn carriages or attended the official banquet in Buckingham Palace,” the Ambassador wrote in his blog.

“However, the reality is these visits attract a huge amount of attention and provide us with a great opportunity to get across some important messages about Britain today and the closeness of our relationship with Spain.”

BENIDORM’S TOURIST authority has been trying to persuade cruise liners from the States to stop by and let their passengers disembark in the town. The fact that Benidorm’s port cannot accommodate cruise liners is not standing in the way: Benidorm says that the ships can anchor offshore and send passengers along in smaller boats of around 30 people.

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AFA says a big thank you!

OVER THE past couple of weeks, the Alzheimer’s Association of Torrevieja has received some marvellous and generous support and would like to thank the following artists who have given so generously of their time and talent, and to the audiences who have attended their concerts.

They are: The Velvetones; the Norwegian Gospel Choir; Q4 Barbershop Quartet; Texas Ted and his friends the Pistoleros; Footwork Dancers; Destiny; Cyril Derbyshire; Cathy Carson; The Rascals; Derek Francis and Maureen Roberts and Jamie Peute.

We are also extremely grateful to those who bought tickets for our Car Raffle, supporting the funds for the operation of our Day Centre in Torrevieja and the many, many people buying ‘Buy a Brick’, joining with us to help provide a new respite care centre for current and future patients and their carers of Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of dementia.

Well done and thank you all.

Matilde Sanchez and Judy Ferris, Fund raisers for AFA Torrevieja.

We’ve been ‘had’ WE WERE robbed of 400€ yesterday by very convincing gas inspectors who frightened us with tales of Spanish law etc. We are only in our 50s: some older people could be very vulnerable.

These people have to be stopped. We were previously a mayor and mayoress in the UK but we were still ‘had’. We will not let this rest until these guys are brought to a refund at least. They changed two regulators and fitted a bit of pipe.

They have reputable addresses all over Spain but we need some bad publicity for them.

Denise Nicholson

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talk tous

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

Email: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

letter of the week

Read the smallprint I WOULD like to bring your readers’ attention to pitfalls they may be unaware of. I tried to change from Vodaphone to Movistar. Movisar offered me a good deal to change whereas Vodaphone offered me nothing - I wanted a smart phone with internet access and Vodaphone said I would have to use my points accumulated in one year which meant buying the phone, which was being given to me virtually free at Movistar.

I wasn’t aware of any problems until this evening when Vodaphone informed me that it would cost me 100€ to change as

I had used my points to get a new phone almost a year ago and that the contract for said phone only starts after the current contract ends, so locking me into a two year contract.

My advice is to anyone who has a contract is: don’t use your points - it will add another year to your existing contract. I don’t remember reading anything about this and of course they don’t make it easy for you to find out......partly because you don’t think anything like this could happen.

D. Gellini

Living on kindness I RETURNED to the UK from Algorfa due to the financial crisis.

We sold everything in the UK and bought a villa in 2007 with the help of a mortgage. If you work for a British owned business in Spain, you generally do not get a contract of employment, and have to become ‘autonomo’ or ‘self-employed’, paying a monthly sum to cover pension contributions and NI, which in 2007 WAS €256.99, just for the privilege of getting out of bed in the morning.

In 2009, savings almost depleted and no money coming in, we decided I should come back to the UK to find work. I qualified for Contributory Based Jobseekers Allowance, full NI class 1 contributions in tax years ended April 2007 and about 5 months in year ended April 2008. I had enough years’ service to qualify for a full pension at 65 (I am 58 now). I found work within two months, but my position

became redundant in December 2010. I signed on but was refused Jobseekers allowance.

I appealed and produced evidence that I had paid Spanish Social Security in 2008 (Spanish tax year runs Jan to December) I was unable to pay them in 2009 up to 31st July when they took me out of the system. I did borrow funds from family to pay all the arrears and penalties, so in all I paid well over €6,000 into the Spanish system.

The matter has been referred to the OPC but this does not help me today, while I wait to find out when my new job starts. I have had nothing coming in since December and am living on the kindness of my parents, both in their 80’s and pensioners.

I have just had the decision on this: I am getting £11.62 from 20th December 2010 to date.

They adjudge that ‘living with my parents’ is ‘where I live’ - my ‘main

residence’. My ‘my prime residence’ is in Spain and has a mortgage, so they are treating this as my ‘second home’. (My wife lives there as it makes economic sense to do that as the running costs are lower than UK).

With the house in Spain classed as a ‘second home’, the amount is reduced by £29 per month. I draw three small pensions equating to about £33 per week (gross they are taxed at BRT).

I am left with £1 per week.

This seems an iniquitous way to treat UK born, fully paid up citizens, who through no fault of their own hit redundancy in the wrong year.

If I was French, German, Spanish or any other EU national arriving in the UK for the first time, I would be helped.

I thought we were all part of the EU. We Brits are being treated as third rate citizens by our own country.

David Bates Scarborough

We would like to say thank you....

HIGHWAY 61, the Bob Dylan tribute band, would like to thank everyone who turned up for their recent gig at The Rocajuna. In particular, they would like to thank the couple who travelled all the way from La Manga to see the band. For them, and any others who would like to hear more of what the band are up to and when they are next due to appear, you can contact us by email at highway61spain@gmail.com

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Always the last to know WHY WERE we not told sooner of the opening on Monday 7th March of the wonderful new health centre in Ciudad Quesada?

As I understand it, it wasn’t up to Rojales Town Hall to let people know, it was up to the Torrevieja Hospital, responsible for all the administration, staffing and general organisation.

The Health Centre has been under construction for three years. What took them so long to get their act together? To post a notice on the door of the abandoned Clinic ON THE DAY that the staff started work at the new health centre verges on the irresponsible. What happened to those people who had to walk there, only to find that they were required to walk another two kilometres to get to their appointment? Try getting a taxi in Ciudad Quesada for a journey of less than 30 kilometres…!

A friend of mine told me he arrived at the Health Centre only to find that there were far too few seats to accommodate those waiting, and to add injury to insult he had to wait two hours just to obtain a repeat prescription. Has the administration department of Torrevieja Hospital ever heard of the words ‘efficiency’ or ‘forward planning’or ‘customer care?’

J M Simmonite

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Airport Easter and summer Nine medals for Torrevieja strikes could be averted Swimming Club

by Patricia Thompson SATURDAY 12TH and Sunday 13th March, fourteen members of the Torrevieja Swimming Club participated in the 17th Pascual Roma Memorial Trophy at the Olympic-sized pool in Elche. Races stretched over three sessions and Torrevieja won trophies in each.

Nineteen clubs participated within the Valencia region as well as Almansa and Ibiza in the Balearic Islands. Standards were high and competition was fierce. 548 swimmers participated in the 38 races, Torrevieja competing in 18 of these with competitors aged between 9 and 15, each competitor allowed to enter 3 races, thus ensuring approximately 40 competitors in each race. Of the 18 races, Torrevieja won 9 medals; an outstanding achievement. All ‘personal bests’ were improved upon and for some it was a first time experience competing in trophy competitions.

Saturday morning the team won 4 medals: In 100m butterfly, Piroska Rideg won silver in the 11 years age group; Emma Cagigao gold in the 14 years. In 100m backstroke, Piroska claimed a second silver and Emma a second gold medal. Zoe Connolly unfortunately missed out on the bronze medal by 15/100th of a second in the 10 years 50m backstroke.

Saturday afternoon the team won a further 3 medals, Piroska Rideg a bronze in the

By Jan Gamm AENA HAS reached a preliminary agreement with union officials to halt the airport strikes threatened over the Easter and summer holiday peak periods in Spain, following a gruelling 17 hour discussion.

11 years 100m freestyle and Emma Cagigao Secretary of State for Transport Isaiah her 3rd gold of the competition in the 14 years Táboas welcomed the decision to accept the 100m freestyle. In the younger age group, Zoe draft agreement.

Connolly won silver in the 10 years 50m backThe union’s decision to co-operate stroke; all three improving on previous times. with proposals tabled during the session Tired after the previous long day, Sunday saw two more medals for the club. Focused by their coach Juanma and encouraged by all the support from family, friends and colleagues Anton Bergerus won silver in the 15 years 100m breastroke and Zoe Connolly bronze in the 10 years 50m freestyle. The girl’s 14 years 4 X 100m medley relay challenged tough competition and worked hard to gain 5th position; an exciting end to the weekend’s achievements.

The ever increasing success of the Torrevieja club is dedicated to all squad members for their hard efforts, commitment and training under constant dedication and commitment Airports from Coach Juanma Martinez. Also thanks back in to all parents and friends who give up their business time to bring their children to training every day and to sponsors and committee members for their continual commitment to the success of the club.

For more information about the club please contact Eddie Cagigao (English and Spanish) on 637 869 602 or Felipe Lorente (Spanish) on 622 600 965 or via email ecagigao@hotmail.com Club Natacion Torrevieja

Girls medley relay team

Drunk policeman causes massive traffic accident

SIX PEOPLE were injured in a multiple pile-up caused by a guardia civil police officer driving the wrong way up the motorway between Alicante and Albacete last week.

Tests showed the man was five times over the legal alcohol limit for driving. Fireman had to free two drivers from their cars and the 40-year-old policeman was amongst those injured. He was questioned in custody and then released.

hinged on AENA’s continued involvement in employment issues that could arise as the result of the new airport management model concerning privatisation.

President of AENA, Juan Ignacio Lema, wholeheartedly supported the spirit of compromise.

Negotiations improved on Monday with the introduction of revised documents that included major changes to AENA’s previous proposal.

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Iberdrola sells significant share to Qatar

by Jan Gamm CHAIRMAN OF Iberdrola, Ignacio Sanchez Galan, has announced that Qatar Holding, an investment fund under the ownership of the sovereign of Qatar, is to invest 2.021€ billion in the Spanish energy giant, representing a company share purchase of 6.16%.

The acquisition makes Qatar Holding a strategic partner and significant shareholder.

The two companies are exploring business opportunities in the global electricity development market.

CECA tours the Middle East

By Jan Gamm A DELEGATION representing CECA (the Spanish Confederation of Savings Banks) is touring key markets in the Middle East with emphasis on the Emirates and Kuwait in an effort to fulfil solvency targets set out by the government.

Representatives already toured Peking, Hong Kong and Tokyo at the beginning of the month. Prime Minister Luis Zapatero has persuaded Qatar to invest 300,000,000€ in Spanish savings institutions and a further 150,000,000€ was secured from the United Arab Emirates. In the latest reform laws, savings banks have the possibility to invite participative quotas that carry policymaking rights, an opportunity that is attractive to investors.

The move makes Qatar the third biggest shareholder in Iberdrola and will enable Iberdrola to pay off a considerable portion of its 24€billion debt.

It also shores up the defences of Iberdrola by scuppering the ambitions of the building company and major shareholder ACS which planned to top up its present holding in Iberdrola of 20% and now finds its share interest reduced.

Interestingly, Qatar Holding has also seized a 9.1% stake in the German building company Hochtief, ACS’s other buyout target.

Zapatero secures €300M in Qatar

Chairman of Iberdrola Ignacio Sanchez Galan

Important message from Rojales Town Hall

The Mayor, D. Antonio Martinez Canovas, is pleased to invite all residents to the inauguration of the new Health Centre II, “Lo Marabu”, which will take place on Wednesday the 23rd of March at 12.30pm. The opening ceremony will be conducted by the most honourable President of the Community of Valencia, D. Francisco Camps Ortiz.

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Celebrating the miracle of IVF

by Jack Troughton THE PIONEERING IVF work of British scientist and Nobel Prize winner Prof Robert Edwards will be celebrated with a special lecture in Alicante next Friday (25th March) The scientist, known as the ‘Father of IVF’, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine last year – a recognition colleagues believe was long overdue.

A former Cambridge University physiologist, Prof Edwards, now aged 85 and in failing health, developed the fertility treatment that led to the birth of the first test-tube baby, Louise Brown, in 1978.

Together with gynaecological surgeon Patrick Steptoe – who died in 1988 – they created a technique of fertilising human eggs outside the body before replanting them in the womb.

At the time Prof Edwards’ work was highly controversial and he was accused of ‘playing God’ but it brought hope to couples around the World and showed it was possible to treat infertility.

CLINIC And Prof Edwards and Dr Steptoe went on to found the world’s leading IVF clinic Bourn Hall, outside Cambridge.

The clinic’s current Medical Director, Mr Thomas Mathews will deliver the talk ‘The History of IVF and its Potential for the Future’ at the new Auditorio Provincial de Alicante.

The surgeon has been invited by the Alicante-based fertility and gynaecological clinic Instituto Bernabeu – itself enjoying an international reputation for success - to give the public lecture.

And its Business Development Manager

Steven Kerr described the occasion as “a celebration of British excellence.”

He said Bourn Hall was the first clinic in the world to offer IVF treatment and “probably the most prestigious clinic in the world.”

And he added: “We are really celebrating the work of individuals who have followed their dreams through adversity to really succeed.

PRIZE

“Prof Edwards won the Nobel Prize last year. He had been working since the Fifties against the views of the Church, medical peers and against the Government, to help women conceive.”

Because of the scientist’s state of health, his wife Ruth accepted the Nobel Prize for her husband in Stockholm last December.

One of the professor’s proudest moments was discovering 1,000 IVF babies had been born at Bourn Hall after Louise Brown and was thrilled to relay the statistic to Dr Steptoe before his death. Prof Edwards later said: “I will never forget the look in his eyes.”

And described as a “visionary”, the scientist also maintained: “The most important thing in life is having a child. Nothing is more special than a child.”

Prof Edwards work has led to a host of new treatments for infertility and allowed couples carrying inheritable diseases avoid them being passed on to their children, also prompting discoveries in the field of stem cell and cloning research.

The Alicante lecture by Mr Mathews is free and scheduled to begin at 8pm. However, members of the public interested in attending should ring the Instituto Bernabeu on 965 154 000 to reserve a seat.

Mr Thomas Mathews

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Javea’s good fortune NUEVA JAVEA politician Paco Catala believes the professions and skills of individual party members can build a better town and restore the fortunes of the Jewel of the Costa Blanca.

A serving councillor, the architect and committed family man became a local politician because he was inspired to be directly involved in the “evolution” of Javea.

And he joined Nueva Javea six months before the 2007 local elections after being introduced by friends to members of a party committed to bringing change to the Marina Alta resort.

“At the meeting with Nueva Javea I saw it was all new people involved in a project that seemed clean because they were new and I thought we could make a fresh start,” he said.

“We try and use our own professions within the party; in fact we represent more or less all the areas of government within our membership. It means we have something to speak about, we can use our professional knowledge to create policies that make sense.”

SPECIALIST Paco, who is a specialist in planning and development, said members had become friends, making the work enjoyable and easier.

He said it was very sad to see the “time, money and effort”

wasted by the ruling alliance within the town hall trying to justify its actions – such as the millions of euros wasted in the controversial purchase of the two underground car parks.

“It means when we are with the government during the minimum one council meeting a month, you are normally angry or disappointed – you see they are not doing the best for everyone in the community but looking after their own interests.”

And Paco said Nueva Javea was not about returning the town to some “romantic” past but implementing the best services possible and boosting the economy by attracting the medium to high tourist market.

It was logical to concentrate on the urban image of Javea, improving its streets, roads and environment. “This is all an important part of business – how to sell our town to the rest of the World.”

BUSINESS And he added: “And like in business, you have to make a list of things you can offer to potential clients – today in Javea, that list is very short.

“If we want a good future for the town it has to be longer and the quality of what we offer must be ready for the tourist we want to attract.”

Paco Catala with NJ colleague Ana vasbiner

Paco Catala reading the news in RTN

Born in Javea, Paco said he had always been interested in politics but his political ambitions were limited to local government by doing his best for the town.

“Even a day before I joined Nueva Javea, if I was asked by someone if I wanted to be a politician I would have said they were crazy,” he said. “I never thought I would be involved but if you are not happy and are speaking a lot in cafes and bars, there is a time to take part.

“My ambitions are for my family and career but politics is something I must do – I would not feel comfortable if I did nothing, especially now we in Nueva Javea believe we really can do something for the community.”

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Don’t come a cropper! by patricia Thompson With the continually shifting sands of State pension regulations, both in the UK and Spain, it is no wonder that many individuals find it difficult to know what they will be entitled to as retirement looms.

To provide as much advice and information as possible to expatriates, the British Consulate is attempting to disseminate the facts via its department based at the Consulate in Alicante. In their efforts to support British nationals here in Spain, the Pensions, Benefits and Healthcare Team members are passing on information via talks to interested organisations, leaflets and the internet.

Their key message is contained in a new slogan ‘Don’t come a cropper’ which Laura Leman from the Consulate explained in a visit to the Marina Alta Business Club (MABC) in Javea.

Basic, but very important advice is held within their mnemonic – C - Call us – don’t leave it too late R - Rights and Entitlements – find out O - Official sources – use them P - Plan and prepare for the future P - Padron – register E - Engage and integrate with Spanish people R - Responsibility – inform authorities if circumstances change As members and guests of MABC were provided with a very informative and interesting talk, there were many surprises in store as Laura set out the facts for claiming pensions, unemployment benefit and accessing healthcare.

For example, Laura informed her audience that contributions paid in any EU country can be added together to increase entitlement, and that applications for pension must be made in writing to the country where the employee last worked.

The Pension Reform Act in the UK, as well as changes in Spain, have resulted in an increase in pensionable age and with the UK also reducing the number of qualifying years for a full pension, it is difficult for individuals to know exactly where they stand.

Further information about accessing healthcare, applying for unemployment and other benefits, is available by contacting the Pensions, Benefits and Healthcare Team at the British Consulate in Alicante via the website www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk. Laura can be contacted by email at laura-leeman@fco.gov.uk and there are lots of other websites available providing relevant information on these topics, some of which are listed below. www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk - very informative website on many subjects www.seg-social.es - Social Services website available in English for Spanish pension and benefit entitlement www.direct.gov.uk - all UK public services www.dwp.gov.uk - International Pension Centre and UK Pension and Benefit enquiries www.hmrc.gov.uk - Pension forecast; Voluntary Contributions www.dh.gov.uk - Overseas Healthcare Team www.redtrabaja.es - (in Spanish only) – provides information on all unemployment benefits.

The next meeting of the Marina Alta Business Club will be on March 17, 2011, 7:30pm-9:35 pm at the Peri Pera Café in Javea Port, near the Dolphin Roundabout. New members always welcome.

Contact Gaile Griffin Peers, via email at manager@mabc.biz

Laura Leeman from the British Consulate pictured with Gaile Griffin Peers, Manager of Marina Alta Business Club

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Watts In Britain

Putting things into context

By I SAT down to write my usual insubstantial

Paul Watts

nonsense last night but felt that mindless words about being over-taxed Brits or the shenanigans of politicians would just be wrong at such a time as this. Everything pales into complete insignificance when compared to the catastrophic events just half a world away.

The pictures being broadcast to us daily from Japan are truly horrific; the sheer scale of people that have suddenly just gone, swept away, is beyond imagination. I don’t know about you but I just can’t conceive of it. If you think about all the people that you know, all those in your close circle and then the wider circle of colleagues and acquaintances, it probably doesn’t come to more than about a hundred people. The experts on the media are talking about tens of thousands of people lost. It’s utterly unbelievable. No matter how technically advanced and clever we are, against the raw and awesome power of nature we remain completely helpless.

I guess we’re lucky to be living in Europe where things geological and meteorological are reasonably stable; and, I guess like most, my experience of extreme conditions is thankfully limited. Back in 1969, while a schoolboy in Cyprus, my community experienced a terrifying tornado that whipped across the RAF base that was our home. In a matter of minutes this maelstrom zigzagged around Akrotiri like a buzz-saw turning the less resistant pre-fabricated homes

into matchwood. The speed of the destruction was incredible; people’s homes had gone in a blink of an eye. Thankfully, no one was badly hurt.

October 1987, saw what is known as the Big Storm take place when a massive hurricane struck the south coast of England.

Woodland was decimated and damage to property was extensive. Again thankfully, casualties were minimal due mainly to the hurricane arriving at night time. I worked for East Sussex County Council back then and remember spending the following days helping to clear the main roads of fallen trees and removing debris from affected properties.

In late 2000 the town of Lewes, where I lived, fell victim to heavy flooding. The banks of the River Ouse were breached and water poured into the town. No one was hurt but again, it was the sheer speed of the event that was frightening. I saw teams of fireman helping pull people to safety against a raging torrent that had previously been the high street. Against the power of uncontrollable water careering up narrow streets you are powerless; you just have to get out of the way and quickly. Multiply that up to a twenty foot high, 200 miles wide wave that is travelling at the speed of a jet aircraft and…

The thing that I remember vividly from the above incidents was the sheer disbelief on the faces of the people affected. Our homes are our castles, our refuges, we feel

safe and secure in them. The undermining of that security strikes right to the heart of us all. I remember one woman surveying her home as we pulled a huge tree from the shattered entrance; the look on her face was utter incomprehension. Her brain couldn’t accept what her eyes were telling her. She said she needed to keep pinching herself because she couldn’t believe it was not just a bad dream. “Half of my house has gone,” she kept repeating. She pleaded, “Can someone explain why that is?”

In Japan a whole town has disappeared – how on God’s Earth would you ever “explain why that is” to anyone there asking that same question? The image of the lone 60 year-old man adrift and floating on the roof of what had once been his home is haunting; the tragedy made worse when we discover that his wife had been swept away by the wave. In a few short minutes his entire life had been forever changed. Our thoughts and prayers must surely be directed to that land far away.

Although we remain helpless against such acts of nature the human spirit can and does endure; and what is truly inspiring is that 10,000 people from all races and creeds have travelled, or are at this moment travelling, to aid the people of that stricken country. Experts in a diversity of disciplines will help with the rescue efforts and then the rebuilding of essential services. It is the rest of the World telling Japan that despite all that has happened she is not alone.

Nuclear plant near Valencia same design as Fukushima in Japan

THE NUCLEAR power plant at Cofrentes near Valencia is the same design as the damaged plant in Fukushima, Japan, which exploded after the recent earthquake.

The Cofrentes plant was under scrutiny after Greenpeace activists highlighted safety issues at the plant earlier this month. Greenpeace also say that the Cofrentes plant is not even needed as Spain has sufficient electricity from other sources. Furthermore, earthquakes of up to 5.1 on the Richter scale have occurred in Spain in zones where the nuclear plants stand. The government is currently evaluating the future of the Cofrentes plant.

Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

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

Lesson 149

Some differences between “ser” and “estar” Match the phrase in Spanish on the right with the phrase in English on the left.

I’m clever

I’m ready He is boring He is bored He is attentive/waiting It is an earring (One point each – total 6)

Está pendiente Es aburrido Soy listo Es un pendiente Estoy listo Está aburrido

What is wrong with these sentences?

1. Trabajamos a nivel nacional y internacional.

2. Tengo algunos perro quiero más.

3. Te vas sin mí o con mí.

4. El regalo es para tú.

5. ¿Te gusta el azul claro o oscuro?

6. Yo me gusta mucho.

(2 points for each correction – total 12)

Do the following phrases go with “ser” or “estar”?

Which is the most appropriate word to link these sentences together – aunque, así que, porque.

To be dead (muerto) To be divorced (divorciado) To be single (soltero) To be a widower (viudo) To be alive (vivo) To be married (casado) (One point each – total 6)

1. “Me gusta leer los artículos de Jane ________ aprendo mucho” 2. “Me gusta leer los artículos de Jane ________ a veces los encuentro difíciles de entender” 3. “Me gusta leer los artículos de Jane ________ los leo cada semana sin falta”.

(2 points each – total 6)

Put the correct negative word into the sentences – “ni”, “ninguna”, “nadie” “nada”, “nunca”, “ningún”

If “feliz” means “happy” and “felizmente” means “happily”, and if “tranquilo” means “calm” and “tranquilamente” means “calmly” … then how do you say : Openly, intelligently, enormously, carefully, surely, desperately.

(2 points each – total 12).

1. “no me gusta ____” 2. “No me gusta ni la carne ____ los huevos” 3. “No le doy _______ importancia” 4. “Bajo ________ concepto”.

5. “No he estado allí _________” 6. “No se lo digas a _________” (One point each – total 6)

When you get the answers next week, you can work out your percentage by adding two points and multiplying by two!

18-24 MARCH 2011

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18-24 MARCH 2011

RTN tested, RTN thrown about….RTN approved!

by Rod Cunningham SOMETIMES THINGS just seem too good to be true. A wine glass that feels like glass, looks like glass, holds like glass, yet is made of Polycarbonate (that’s plastic to most of us!) and is claimed to be virtually indestructible? Well, that seems a challenge I thought!

Debi and Mark Walker from Limelight Supplies contacted me back in December last year wanting to show me their range of virtually unbreakable polycarbonate drinking glasses and catering products.

So I invited them to visit the RTN office in La Nucia where the RTN staff inspected and tried out their range of glasses.

One of the tests involved Ian Platt our Production Manager dropping his glass repeatedly on our tiled floor, with absolutely no breakage or scratches evident, rather to Ian’s disbelief!

As an added bonus, we were genuinely impressed not only by the glasses themselves but also the fact that Debi and Mark had brought along some wine and beer for us to sample in

the glasses. Unlike other plastic glasses there was no ‘plastic taste’ or ‘plastic feel’ about them when you drink. These polycarbonate glasses are sturdy, weighty, and handle just as real glass does.

For a durability test Debi and Mark left us with some sample glasses which we have used in our office for 3 months now.

They have been used every day, been through our dishwasher countless times, and they are still as good as new with no visual defects.

Accordingly RTN is pleased to give these glasses our seal of approval: if they can withstand the RTN team then they can probably withstand anything!

Limelight Supplies is the sole distributor of these re-usable and virtually unbreakable polycarbonate products. The product is made in the UK by a leading polycarbonate manufacturer and is a safe alternative to glass, with a large range of styles and sizes available for both the licensed trade and use at home.

Being virtually impossible to break, these glasses are perfect for use around the swimming pool, in spas, on boats, they are ideal for indoor and outdoor parties, picnics, BBQs and all al-fresco dining.

And they are also just the thing for holiday rentals…firstly you won’t end up with sets of glasses with one or two items smashed, and secondly there is no risk of injury to the renters or children.

Well done Mark & Debi, a very good product. ¡Salud!

Limelight Supplies can be contacted on 966 472 431 (Office) or 606 882 989 (Mobile) or sales@limelightsupplies.com You can also check out their advert on page 12.

Come and see us on Stand 79 at the This is Spain Exhibition at the Albir Playa Hotel Sat 19th & Sun 20th 10am-6pm

1518-24 - 21 october 2010 MARCH 2011

‘This is Spain Exhibition’ This weekend!

by Patricia Thompson

IT’S HERE! The first ever ‘This is Spain Exhibitions’ event on the northern Costa Blanca! Following years of successful events on the Costa Blanca South, organiser Christine Roche will be holding her next event at the Albir Playa Hotel, on 19th and 20th March, between the hours of 10am and 6pm.

As always, there will be loads of stands promoting new ideas and products for the home and garden, practical products for everyday life, finance, insurance, beauty and health care, telecommunications, glass products for enclosing balconies and patios and awnings. For example, you can see, try out and buy hand-made Indian hammock chairs, quality German sofas and armchairs and beautifully designed Danish furniture.

For the health conscious, you can have your blood pressure checked, have an allergy test or buy magnetic jewellery. There will be gift ideas aplenty, with Mother’s Day coming up very soon, such as handbags, accessories and designer jewellery so make sure you bring plenty of money with you. Why not treat your mother

23 25

to a special gift from the Belgian chocolates stand- or how about a beautiful cat from the Utopia Cats charity?

A special feature of this show will be the seminar room where Jane Cronin will be giving talks on Spanish culture and promoting ‘Sid’s Adventures in Spain,’ her brand new bilingual reading book.

Clodagh and Richard Handscombe will be in attendance at stand number 75 (a plan will be provided at the entrance), answering all your gardening questions and selling copies of their latest publications and Lisa the Children’s Entertainer will be on stage each afternoon at around 3pm to play games and entertain the children, plus she will be providing free face painting throughout the day at the CoolShade stand.

Dancers from Broadway Performance Academy will be performing as will singers such as Matt Curtis, B.J. Bluesman and many more.

Spectrum FM radio will provide music throughout the show.

Included in the 1€ entry fee will be a free ticket for the Grand Raffle, where visitors have the chance to win some excellent prizes.

“We are mo

Hotel Albir Playa

re t h an j u

st a v oice on the phone”

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18-24 MARCH 2011

1518-24 - 21 october 2010 MARCH 2011

Real Reasons THREE SUBJECTS have dominated the comments and discussions on our site www.almerimarlife.com this week: the threat of the AENA strikes throughout Easter and the summer, the ‘energy saving’ speed limits, and the remarkable levels of corruption in Spanish politics.

It is tempting to say: “Just a normal week then” and move on but in the ensuing conversations this week a number of questions were raised.

There was never any real doubt that the threat of the airport strikes would ever be anything other than a threat, and fundamentally the AENA workers have legitimate concerns that the part privatisation of the airports by the government to raise some much needed cash will result in job losses, reduced hours and changes to conditions. After all whoever buys into the partial privatisation is going to want to make some money: generally achieved by increasing revenues and/or reducing costs.

The pre-agreement said that the number of current workers is guaranteed, that those currently employed as temporary workers will be converted to fixed contracts, and that labour rights are guaranteed. Hard to see how costs are going

to be saved there then and as revenues are heavily linked to the number of flights, which tend to be linked to the number of tourists, hard to see to many opportunities to increase revenues.

What odds that the partial privatisation doesn’t take place?

Any debate about the reduced speed limits at some point includes one if not both of the following views: that it is a means of raising revenue, or a safety measure to reduce the deaths on Spanish roads.

To be honest I find the former hard to accept. Anyone driving on the motorways in Spain over the last five years would know that a significant percentage of motorists regularly exceeded the 120km/ph speed limit, and not by a small margin. If the government really needed to raise revenues from speeding motorists they didn’t need to go to all the cost of imposing a new limit, just spend a bit more time catching those that were already speeding.

As for the safety argument: that is tempting, especially as only the other weekend it was reported that 15 people died on the roads of Spain in a 24 hour period. Granted there was

23 27

torrential rain that weekend, but at the same time the new speed limit was in place.

Talking to a friend about this he was quick to point out via a Guest Post on the site that according to the latest figures only 2% of the deaths in Spain are attributed to road accidents, making it the ninth equal cause of death, and significantly the only non-medical cause of death in the top ten. Rather surprisingly for a catholic country the number one cause of death is reported as abortion, with heart and obesity related deaths dominating the rest of the Top 10.

If you think the expenses scandal was bad in the UK then you better ‘look away now’ as I suspect that corruption is going to be the theme for both the local elections in May and the ‘general’ election in 2012.

Over 100,000 people recently signed a campaign against political corruption. The Spanish arm of pressure group AVAAZ instigated the petition as it emerged that an amazing eight out of 10 Spaniards believe their politicians are corrupt.

The group, meaning ‘voice’, claims hundreds of ‘dirty’ candidates must be removed from running for local and regional elections in May.

Chris Marshall is a freelance blogger, broadcaster and writer living in Almerimar, Spain, with his wife Sands, four cats, two Harley Davidson’s, and more often than not a bottle of red to hand. His weekly column in RTN is sponsored by Bay Connect (www.bay-connect.com): Fast Broadband, Cheap Calls and FREE Online TV. You can hear him daily on www.bayradio.fm and read him monthly in the Daily Telegraph.

Bare-headed and fearless

By Jan Gamm SPANISH TELEVISION TVE journalist Ana Pastor has concluded an interview with Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad without her head covered. The interview, which took place in the Iranian Capital Tehran, began with the 33-year-old journalist wearing the prescribed headscarf but during the animated discussion the scarf slipped to the back of Pastor’s head, where it remained, leaving her head uncovered. She claimed on Tuesday, after the interview, that she had not noticed Pastor: the slip. Pastor fearlessly tackled the Iranian leader on the subject of the death penalty for homosexuals and also baited him without headscarf on the practice of ‘stoning’, which brought the terse response, “Who gave you permission to interfere in our affairs!?”

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money

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QROPS – Choice of adviser and choice of jurisdiction by

Stephen Ward & Robert Burns The QROPS market is pretty crowded now as is evidenced by the relentless advertising seen in Round Town News and elsewhere. However the majority of advisers out there are looking to jump on what they see as a lucrative bandwagon and in reality have little knowledge of or experience of UK pension transfers.

What questions should I ask?

When meeting any adviser offering QROPS advice the first thing to ask about is the extent of the adviser’s professional qualifications.

Ask if they have passed the CII pensions paper known as G60 or its equivalent.

Ask for references from other clients in respect of whom they have arranged pension transfers. Ask about fees and commissions looking for clarity and transparency. If you do not get the right answers then walk away.

What are the main jurisdictions?

The main jurisdictions are Guernsey, Isle of Man, Malta and New Zealand. Advisers should be able to offer a choice of QROPS from these jurisdictions and recommend the most appropriate for you based on your circumstances and objectives. The following list will serve as an outline guide as to which jurisdictions are suitable for expats who are resident in Spain.

1. If you left the UK before April 2006 and require an immediate lump sum then New Zealand will generally be the jurisdiction of

choice.

2. If you left the UK more recently, have a pension fund of more than £100,000 or so and have no intention of returning to the UK then Guernsey, Malta or the Isle of Man may well suit.

3. If however you are a recent expat but may return to the UK then you may be well advised not to transfer at all or to transfer to a UK Self invested personal pension (SIPP). If a QROPS is recommended then it crucially must have no exit charge so if you do return to the UK there is no cost for you to transfer to a UK SIPP. 4. If you are advised to transfer to an Isle of Man QROPS ask if it is a “section 50C” scheme - as non reclaimable IOM tax arises from income received in Spain from other forms of IOM QROPS. 5. If you are thinking about taking benefit before age 55 and are a long term UK resident

then Guernsey is not the best jurisdiction for you, Malta or new Zealand allow benefits to be taken earlier.

Sadly the quality of knowledge and advice available is sorely lacking. In some cases so much so that the client’s financial health can be severely compromised. We have seen instances of people taking benefit having transferred to a QROPS paying tax on their income at 20% or more whereas with competent advice this could be at 2.5% or even less in some cases.

Beware also the adviser who tells you that his advice will not cost you anything as it will be paid for by an investment house. In this instance there really is no such thing as a free lunch.

For further information about QROPS, QNUPS and other pension solutions please e-mail review@qrops.es or see http://www.qrops.es or http://www.prempensions.com

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

The best laid plans

by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

WORKING IN the inheritance department of a busy law firm you are certainly reminded about how fragile our plans can be. You take your time, consider the options and make sure everything is tidy and in place. Then the unforeseeable happens. Take two of our clients: a lovely couple in their sixties from Scotland, they had spent time finding the perfect apartment. In a friendly community and with a wonderful view, they had at last settled on their ideal retirement home. Then tragedy struck. The wife died and those carefully-laid plans went out of the window.

But not all of them: not only had our couple prepared well for their new life, they had also thought ahead about what they should do if something happened to one of them. It was a relief that they had, as arrangements are not usually straightforward and especially

not in this case. There was the added complication that two of the three children due to inherit lived outside of Spain. One son lived in New Zealand and there was also a daughter living in Ireland. Work and family commitments meant neither of them could easily up sticks and come to Spain.

It wasn’t just the inheritors living further afield who were struggling with their attendance. The widower and his other son might be in the country but were finding it very difficult to deal with their loss and sorting out inheritance was the last thing on their minds.

And here we could help out. The good news is that it isn’t necessary to come to Spain to have inheritance matters cleared up. A power of attorney acquired by your solicitor means that inheritors can sign at home and needn’t even enter the country. It’s not even

necessary to be in Spain to obtain your NIE. You can agree to your solicitor applying for one on your behalf instead. The result - we were able to sort out matters at a distance without adding to the trauma by hauling inheritors into the offices or making them queue at the police station. Perhaps we couldn’t restore the original plan for our Scottish couple but at least the contingency left everyone able to grieve in peace.

If you would like to know more about Spanish Inheritance, contact the Ábaco Helpline (+34)96 670 37 48 or try something different and join our online Spanish Inheritance seminars and listen or ask questions from the comfort of your own home. (See our same page advertisement for dates and times).

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legal

18-24 MARCH 2011

Accusations, crimes and punishments (Part 3) IN THE final article of this short series on Spanish Criminal Law I shall look at the penalties imposed by the Spanish Penal Code for various categories of criminal by offences and how victims of crime can be compensated by the courts in criminal Michael proceedings.

Olmer It may surprise you that even for the most serious offences there is no Life Sentence Solicitor, Link Point Legal and under Spanish law. In common with all other Western European countries there is no Business Services death penalty. The maximum term of imprisonment that can be imposed is 30 years.

Prison sentences are expressed as minimum and maximum, which can be increased by up to 50% if there are aggravating factors, or reduced by 50% if there are extenuating circumstances.

The basic penalty for premeditated murder or for ‘contract killings’ is between 15 and 20 years, and for homicide, which is accidental and which in England & Wales would be referred to as ‘manslaughter’ between 1 and 4 years imprisonment.

For assault which causes injury, the basic penalty can range from 6 months to 3 years imprisonment, and for threatening behaviour towards a person or a member of their family the penalty is between 1 and 5 years imprisonment.

For robbery the basic penalty can range from 2 to 5 years imprisonment, and for theft not involving violence, the prescribed penalty is between 6 months and 18 months.

The prison sentence for a first-time offender is always suspended if the penalty imposed is 2 years or less.

For certain minor offences the Court can also impose weekend imprisonment, when the offender has to spend the weekend in prison for a maximum of 36 weekends.

When the offender is guilty of a non-violent offence the Court can impose housearrest, or substitute a fine, or period of Community Service for all or part of a prison sentence provided that the prison sentence would have been no more than 1 year.

If the Court imposes a fine this is not expressed as a fixed sum but as a number of months of the earnings of the offender. The Court can require for proof of income in setting the fine or may base the fine on the legal minimum or official average wage for the region where the offender lives. The maximum amount of any fine is equivalent to 20 months earnings.

You might also hear of cases where the offender is ordered to pay a sum in

compensation to the victim or their family. There are fixed sums set by the Penal Code which currently range from €300,000.00 for homicide downwards.

These are not just symbolic awards of compensation, as the Courts will embargo the assets and future earnings of the offender to recover the compensation. The victim or their family is not obliged to accept the official fixed sum in compensation but may exercise their right to pursue the offender in separate proceedings if they believe they should receive more.

If you suffer from a serious illness you may be able to avoid incarceration for serious offences, and it is also possible to reduce prison sentences to take courses of reeducation or rehabilitation, and to start earning money to pay compensation.

Even those sentenced to long periods of imprisonment may apply for parole once they have served seven years of their sentence.

Prisons are divided into three categories, ‘closed’ or Category 1, ‘ordinary’ or Category 2, and ‘open’ or Category 3.

In closed prisons, offenders are held in individual cells and are allowed no more than four hours association outside their cells each day.

In ordinary prisons, inmates are only confined to their cells for 8 hours at night, and at other times are allowed to move around the prison. They are also normally allowed up to 36 days leave per year, or more in exceptional circumstances.

Open prisons are much more relaxed. Inmates are only confined for 8 hours at night on 4 days a week and are allowed out to work during the day, and mothers are allowed to spend the day caring for their families. Inmates are allowed to spend every weekend away from prison, from Friday evening to Monday morning, and up to 48 days per year on leave away from prison altogether.

I hope that you have found this short series of articles informative, and have dispelled some misconceptions about the Spanish Penal system.

The Spanish prison regime may appear to be quite benevolent, but in common with many prison systems, there are reports of overcrowding, and failure to comply with the regulations, and the deprivation of one’s liberty is never a trivial matter.

Please remember that we at Link Point are ready and able to offer both Spanish and English legal services for all types of cases.

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

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18-24 MARCH 2011

Personal service with AJB by

Philip Rayner

AJB Consultants

AJB CONSULTANTS have been established since 1987 providing a full range of insurance and investment services. As a result of this experience, they are able to offer a quick, efficient and competitive service, ensuring that you receive honest and professional advice as to which product is best suited to your particular needs.

They work alongside several of the largest international insurance companies, which not only allows them to provide the best range of cover, but also ensures that you get the lowest premiums.

AJB Consultants pride themselves on the personal service they provide and their multi-lingual staff are always pleased to help.

They have thousands of satisfied clients throughout the whole of Spain, who will vouch for the quality of their service.

AJB Consultants provides motor insurance for both UK and Spanish registered vehicles.

Covers include annual Greencard; windscreen; 24-hour European breakdown assistance; legal defence and they also provide a substitution vehicle in case of an accident. No claims bonus is accepted up to 60% - thus ensuring that their premiums are the most competitive. They specialise in luxury vehicles and cabriolets.

AJB Consultants also provide ALL types of insurances including:

PRIVATE MEDICAL cover with ASSSA: There are various levels of cover available with fractionalised payment options available.

They are also offering special discounts for all new policies contracted in 2011.

HOUSE AND CONTENTS: Whether for your holiday home, permanent residence, apartment or villa, AJB Consultants offer unbeatable rates on all new property insurance contracted in 2011 with up to 20% discounts.

They even offer half-yearly payments at no extra cost and mortgage clauses included free of charge.

BUSINESS: Covering everything from bars, offices and hotels to warehouses and factories, including public liability cover.

BOATS: From jet skis to luxury yachts and motor cruisers.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: For Europe, worldwide and the USA with annual multi-trip or single trip policies.

FUNERAL INSURANCE: Various levels of cover available: Lifetime cover: No medical required:

Full cover after only 20 days.

For 2011 AJB Consultants are offering a 30% discount for the first year and then 15% discount on subsequent years for all new policies.

LIFE INSURANCE: Outstanding value life insurance policies are offered, including mortgage clauses free of charge.

They even have a special senior life insurance plan especially designed for the over 50s, with full lifetime cover and no medical required.

AJB Consultants can also offer Pension Plans; Public Liability; Community; Commercial; Golf; Motorbike and much more.

One of the most exciting products that they now have available is their ‘No Risk Fixed Return Investment’. This product has a minimum investment period of only one year with investments from as little as 3,000€. For example, 10,000€ invested – guaranteed value of 10,349.04€ after one year. After six years, guaranteed value of 12,622.35€.

To make sure you are properly covered should the unexpected happen, contact AJB Consultants now for your FREE, no obligation quote: their friendly staff are always pleased to help.

See our advert on page 17

Telephone: 96 579 6357 or 96 579 4417. E-mail: info@ajbinsurance.com Website: www.ajbinsurance.com Best cover – best prices – always!

Are you owed money?

ARE YOU owed money, a victim of unpaid debts, either personally or in business or within your urbanisation?

A common problem is that many owners on urbanisations have not paid their fees; this has left the urbanisations with huge problems struggling to maintain the services and up keep of the public areas placing the burden onto remaining residents. The Horizontal Property Act covers the governing of the community of owners on urbanisations. All owners who buy a property on an urbanisation are legally bound to pay towards its upkeep. If your community is owed fees then we may be able to help.

Anglo Spanish Collections has a proven history of debt and asset recovery and are the agents in Spain for many UK debt management companies and solicitors who utilise their facilities and knowledge to aid them in the recovery of their clients’ money.

Based in Spain, the company has a better un-

derstanding of the way communities work and are able to tailor services to best serve their needs, even if the debtor has returned to the UK, Ireland or elsewhere in Europe.

Services, unlike many of their competitors, include the use of specialist investigative agents to locate missing debtors and their assets. They are supported by lawyers in Spain and throughout Europe when the need arises for court proceedings to be instigated.

A credit management service is offered and unlike many companies, Anglo Spanish collections is prepared to meet debtors face to face to speak to them personally on how to resolve the situation.

Whether your debt is personal, business or involves urbanisation fees in Spain, UK or any other part of Europe, contact Anglo Spanish Collections on 965 992 805 or email office@anglospanishcollections.com Also visit www.anglospanishcollections.com

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ZIG ZAG Ex Pat INSURANCE Low Premiums Guaranteed Motor-Home-Travel-Pets Marine-Funeral-Health Commercial-Liability

zigzaginsurance.com

965 058 445

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18-24 MARCH 2011

by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

DEAR SIRS, for the past few years my wife and I have been having marital problems.

In fact we no longer live together, we do not speak to each other and the marriage has not really ‘worked’ as such for the last four years. But despite living separately we are not legally separated or divorced.

I would like to know what the difference between separation and divorce is in Spain, and what should I do.

Dear Reader, thank you for your email.

The first issue that needs to be clarified is to determine whether it is Spanish Law or English Law that will apply to your divorce or separation. This will depend on several factors including: nationality of the spouses,

permanent address, whether you and your wife are able to reach an agreement and file for a divorce by consent, or if it will be a contentious divorce, and other factors.

If Spanish Law applies, it is interesting to note that following the change done in 2005 to the Spanish Civil Code and Civil Procedure Act, (Ley Enjuiciamiento Civil) it is no longer necessary to be separated prior to applying for divorce. A divorce can be requested directly as long as you have been married for at least three months. There is no need to prove any inappropriate behavior such as adultery, abandonment, or so on. Indeed, it is not mandatory to give a reason for a divorce or separation.

If you are still married you should know that under article 66 and others of the Spanish Civil Code, the spouses have a series of rights and duties: they must respect and help each other, they must act in the interests of the family, they must live together, be faithful and help each other in sharing the domestic responsibilities and with the looking after of

ascendants and descendants under their care.

The Court processes for separation and divorce in Spain are quite similar in complexity, cost, time they will take to complete, etc. Also both processes share some of the same effects, since in both cases the court will decide over: visitation regime for the non-custodial parent, use of the family home, contributions to the marriage debts, maintenance for the children, maintenance between spouses, etc.

However, the most important difference between divorce and separation is that the legal Court separation does not terminate the marriage.

Thus if you separate you will continue to be married; you can not marry another person, and your spouse may keep certain rights. Although once you have been legally separated, by Spanish Law, the spouses cannot interfere in the other’s life and both will be personal and economically independent of each other. In case of separation followed by reconciliation, the

judge who is dealing with, or who dealt with your separation court case should be notified (Article 84 of the Civil Code), and the Separation Order granted will be voided (except for the part that affects the children which may be retained if the Court deems it appropriate). On the contrary, by divorce the marriage ceases completely, that is, you can marry again and in case of reconciliation this will not affect the Divorce Court Order because the divorce has permanently terminated the marriage.

Every case is different, and depending on the particular circumstances it may be advisable either to apply for separation or divorce. In general and unless a reconciliation is foreseen or for some other inheritance or tax reasons (depending on your nationality), we believe that it could be more advisable to apply for the divorce straightaway. The information provided on this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues.

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

Islamist terror suspect claims innocence from jail FAICAL ERRAI is in prison in Villena, held on preventative custody, accused of recruiting terrorists and sending them to areas of conflict. He wrote a letter to the Spanish press last week claiming he is innocent and has only ever worked selling domain names for websites. The authorities believed he used a website to communicate with terrorist groups and arrested him last August in Benitatxell. The 26-year-old from Morocco says he has been tortured in jail and threatened with expulsion to the USA.

Fight to quash oil prospecting in the Med OIL PROSPECTING in the Mediterranean was approved by the central government but the Spanish senate has voted against it, saying it will damage the environment and tourism. The area in question lies between the Valencian coastline and the Balearic Is-

lands and Balearic politicians have called for an amendment to the law which would mean that any project to prospect for oil would have to be cancelled. The issue will now be voted on in congress and a final decision made.

business

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LÍNEA DIRECTA launches an online service offering legal assistance in English • The service, offered by practising registered lawyers, will advise the company’s customers on Spanish legislation in areas such as housing, consumption, family law, labour law, motoring queries and penal law.

• The service will provide 24 hour assistance in the case of urgent enquiries, the checking and editing of documents and discounts of up to 50% on lawyers’ fees if further action is required.

Línea Directa, market leader in the sale of direct insurance in Spain, has launched an online service offering legal assistance to its customers, which will advise those policyholders purchasing this cover on areas such as housing, consumption, family law, labour law and penal law.

Línea Directa’s new cover, the price of which will be up to 40% more economical than the market average, will answer queries on buying and selling, renting and house renovations; complaints against suppliers regarding consumer issues, divorce and the division of matrimonial property, labour issues or vehicle registration and deregistration, among many other areas.

In addition, the service – the first of its kind in the insurance sector – will provide legal assistance in the case of road safety offences committed by the insured vehicle. If, however, assistance is given by a lawyer of the customer’s own choice,

Línea Directa will offer 110 euros in legal aid, unless the lawyer is provided free of charge by the state. If in and out-of court actions are subsequently required Línea Directa can put the client in contact with its network of lawyers throughout Spain, which will save the customer between 10 and 50% on legal fees.

24-hour assistance for urgent enquiries The service of Legal Assistance for Motorists operates from Monday to Friday from 8am to 10pm. In the case of urgent enquiries, such as emergencies in the home, incidents occurring at night affecting families – including spouses or children – such as theft, credit cards being blocked or unreturned, or damage caused by pets, Línea Directa will offer a service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In both cases, the customer must call 902 123 148 or email atencionjuridica@lineadirecta.es.

money

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18-24 MARCH 2011

by

Mark Roach

Company Director and Spanish Tax Consultant

Some thoughts on the future of Spanish ISD (IHT) I READ with interest the recent article supplied by Snr Baos on the future of IHT and agree with him that owning a Spanish property in a Spanish SL Company is expensive to set up and expensive to maintain.

The cost of setting up would be in the region of 2,000€ and you would need to invest 3,006€ capital.

You would then have the cost of transferring the property into the SL company and the annual costs would be around 1,500€ per year. There is a further sting in the tail if the company is set up solely for the purpose of owning the property as the Director would be required to take out a lease with the company for the rental of the property at market rates. This would incur corporation tax liability at 25% for the company, furthermore; if the acquisition by the company was financed by Directors loans then the company is obliged to pay the Director a market interest rate.

This may seem okay on the face of it as the rent would cover the interest payment. The problem is that the company is obliged to withhold 24% tax,

in respect of the interest on the Directors loan to the company, and pay this to the tax office. So this makes this type of ownership extremely expensive.

Fortunately, this does not apply to a UK Company and the costs of formation and management are relatively low. It only costs £15 to form a UK Company and roughly the same legal costs to invest the property into the UK Company as into a SL Company.

There are no taxes charged on the UK Company for corporate property ownership in Spain and in the UK there are many benefits of corporate property ownership including no IHT in Spain. The combined annual running cost for a UK company are in the region of £850 and the trade off is that no personal income tax or representation fees in Spain. This has to be the right ownership model for a non-resident of Spain or a resident with inheritors outside of their region.

With regards to any changes to IHT in Spain, this is a matter of speculation. But should the EU force the issue with Spain on this subject then I think the Spanish government will have to do what they

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

have done with CGT and take the tax away from the regions. This will mean that there will be no regional discretion for the local reduction of IHT and the Hacienda will collect any taxes nationally from all residents and non-residents. I cannot see the Spanish government giving away the tax revenue of IHT, a substantial income, nor can I see the UK Government abolishing IHT as in these hard times they will want to retain the income. So my thought is that if there is a change then it will be the residents of the regions who will suffer and pay more taxes and not the nonresidents.

Many Spanish professionals advise against UK Company ownership of Spanish property and ignore the UK benefits to the inheritors. I very rarely see a Spanish professional give advice on how a nonresident owner can avoid Spanish IHT and would be interested to debate some ideas. There are over 1 million British owners of property in Spain and the majority would come under non-resident rules as their inheritors would be outside of Spain even if they themselves were residents of Spain.

11 - 17 February 18-24 MARCH2011 2011

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Brought to you by

THINKING OF any building work?

Reformation? Swimming pool?

Meet the RQBS Team!

RQBS has been long established in Jávea and over the last decade or so Rob, Trevor and the team have built an excellent reputation for the company. Rob has over 25 years experience in all manner of building works, having served his apprenticeship in the family business in the UK. If you are unsure of Spanish local building regulations and the paperwork involved, RQBS can provide a personal and professional one-to-one service which extends from the initial planning applications for building licences, to applying for all other relevant documentation on the customer’s behalf.

Once obtained, all required works will be expertly completed by Rob and his team. With numerous building projects completed and a rapidly growing band of satisfied customers throughout the area, RQBS has no problem supplying testimonials from all their customers singing their praises; take a look at their website to see just a few!

Robs Quality Building Services is exactly that - a quality company that prides itself on customer satisfaction with a comprehensive list of services available ranging from building extensions and reformations to all aspects of electrical and plumbing work, with carpentry, air conditioning, ceramic tiling and various other general maintenance tasks offered.

RQBS has already successfully completed many such projects which can be anything from rebuilding walls,

adding additional floor space to plastering and re-plumbing. Robs also offers pool construction in all shapes and sizes. Because customer care and service is of paramount importance, the company also has an architect on board to take care of all the important paperwork issues.

Making your life easier is RQBS’s motto. Bathrooms, kitchens and wardrobes are made to measure, with uPVC or aluminium windows and doors of any awkward size or shape tackled professionally. At RQBS, an exceptionally committed team of highly qualified staff includes plasterers and electricians, heating engineers, plumbers, kitchen fitters, window installers, painters and decorators.

Most of the team speaks Spanish which is very important when speaking to local Spanish suppliers to secure exactly what the customer needs at competitive prices.

The beauty about RQBS is that all work is carried out in-house, enabling the provision of a one-stop supplier to the client and expert project management from start to finish.

Why not give RQBS a call, for a free no-obligation quote for any job of any size!

966 471 539 Rob’s mobile: 636 413 061 / Trevor 672 062 851 or email rqbs@telefonica.net, and www.rqbs.es Robert Charles Parker Director Trevor Longfield Manager

35

Property

36

18-24 MARCH 2011

Re-location, re-location THEY SAY that one of the most stressful things in life is to move house! Imagine then moving almost 200 households! That’s the amazing task undertaken by Securistore Self-storage when they relocated their business, lock stock and barrel from their old base in Gata De Gorgos to brand new buildings opposite the Portal De La Marina shopping mall in Ondara, just 6km down the road.

The move required a lot of logistical planning so that minimal disruption was caused to their customers.

Securistore acquired four brand new buildings last spring and began work straight away, knocking through each building creating over 2,000 meters of space and as the building was basically an empty shell they had to build the offices, toilets and lift to all floors etc, whilst at the same time dismantling the storage rooms and mezzanine floor in the old building and transferring it all, together with their customers, to the new store.

In all it took approximately four months to complete and now the company is settled in the new buildings with a lift to all floors (there are 3) 24hour access control, individually alarmed storage rooms and CCTV surveillance. There are still some on-going works, such as painting the exterior and new signage etc, but the operation is now fully functional and the individually-alarmed secure storage units can be accessed day or night, seven days a week.

“We are very pleased with the re-location, we are now in an excellent position and business has never been better,” said the owner Gary. “It’s thanks to the hard work of the teams of builders, electricians, plumbers, our own staff and Silverfox removals who were contracted to move most of our customers, that it all went to plan.

The benefits of self-storage are self-evident and the company provides an essential service for customers that are moving house, renting out their properties in the summer months, small and large businesses that need that extra space for stock or filing, or just for de-cluttering your home or office.

The office hours remain the same as before (9am – 6pm, Monday-Friday and 10am – 2pm Saturday), although customers can now have access 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For a free, no obligation quote you can call them on 96 576 0111 or view the excellent facilities without any appointment - just turn up during office hours.

CostaMedConsulting –Let the experts deal with the painful paperwork!

COSTAMEDCONSULTING has been operating on the Costa Blanca now for nine years. Originally established by Janice Wretman in 1992, the business now is in the hands of the very capable Nicola Tait.

Based in Pilar de la Horadada, the business has carried on providing all the services relative to buying and selling a property and of course moving to and leaving Spain, i.e. Title Deeds, Non Resident taxes, Conveyancing, Spanish wills, NIE, Residencia, Insurances, Utility applications and Translations. With the help of Lucy, also well experienced in the property world, they make your move as simple as possible, and at very competitive rates. They are

Spotlight: Property

experienced and known at many of the public offices and Notaries.

Most people moving to Spain presume they need the services of a solicitor for these services, but it just isn’t true!

With CostaMedConsulting it will cost you and your partner only 250€ for Spanish wills, prepared and signed at the local Notary within 48 hours if necessary.

Another area CostaMedConsulting specialises in is providing help with inheritance matters, taking over the burden and stress in an already difficult time for the family.

Notary translation services are available and quoted upon request.

The company’s efficient, reliable and friendly service has led them to have links with several main estate agents and banks along the coast, so, for peace of mind, if you have paperwork to sort out or just want a consultation, speak to the helpful girls at CostaMed Consulting and let them do it all for you!

CostaMedConsulting can be found at calle Gabriel Miro, 1-1-D, just off the main road through Pilar, in front of the church square.

You can call them on 96 535 2552 / 609 656 056.

Or check out the website on www.costamedconsulting.com or email info@costamedconsulting.com

18-24 MARCH 2011

Come sun, rain or snow Silverdale Transport is always on the go!

SILVERDALE TRANSPORT & Removals has been established for over 10 years covering Spain and the U.K. They are a very reliable and honest company with hundreds of very happy customers who come back to Silverdale time after time, with customers often recommending Silverdale to other family members and friends.

Having been in the transport and removals business for so long, Silverdale have witnessed many occasions where other less experienced firms have damaged or lost client’s possessions. This can obviously be heartbreaking for the owners. With Silverdale the company carries out all the work themselves from start to finish, ensuring that everything goes right and there are no headaches for the customer.

Additionally there is no partway off-loading, meaning that when the goods and possessions go onto the truck they stay there right up to their destination. Thus once they are carefully and securely loaded, there is no chance of them breaking or being left behind through being off-loaded. Silverdale also securely transports cars and motorbikes with a delivery time of 7 to 10 days - sometimes sooner.

So please take note that the cheapest is not always the best. In the end it can cost the customer a lot of money to sort out problems, and a lot of heartache as well. Over the past 10 years many other transport companies have come and gone. But quality will always win through, and Silverdale Transport & Removals are here to stay.

So if you are planning a move from Spain to the UK or from the UK to Spain, make sure you make the right choice and choose Silverdale Transport & Removals, a fully legal and professional company.

Tel UK Office: 0044 1270 664 690 Tel UK mobile: 0044 7952 170 306 Email: silverdaletransport@hotmail.com Website: www.silverdaletransport.net

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

37

38

health

18-24 2011 2010 15-21MARCH JANUARY

Stress and exercise: Look better, feel better AS OUR society becomes more healthconscious, there has been an increased focus on the importance of exercise. Many people exercise to control weight and get in better physical condition to become more healthy or physically attractive, but exercise and stress management are also closely linked.

Exercise can be an extremely effective stress reliever for several reasons: OUTLET FOR FRUSTRATIONS When life’s annoyances or frustrating situations build up, you can feel stressed or experience low-grade anger. More highenergy forms of exercise like boxing, martial arts or weight training can provide an effective release of these negative emotions, turning otherwise potentially unhealthy emotions into motivation for increased health and well-being.

EXERCISE AND STRESS HORMONES Exercise can decrease ‘stress hormones’ like cortisol, and increase endorphins, your body’s ‘feel-good’ chemicals, giving your mood a natural boost.

DISTRACTION Physical activity itself can take your mind off of your problems and either redirect it on the activity at hand or get you into a zen-like state. Exercise usually involves a change of scenery as well, like taking you to a gym, a

scenic mountain or a biking trail all of which can be pleasant, low-stress places.

LOOKIN’ GOOD The benefit of exercise: it helps you lose weight, tone your body, and maintain a healthy glow and a smile. You may feel a subtle but significant boost as your clothes look more flattering and you project an aura of increased confidence and strength.

This impacts many people, and can relieve stress for those who are concerned with their appearance and worry that they don’t look as healthy as they could.

SOCIAL SUPPORT The benefits of social support are welldocumented and manifold. Because exercise and physical activity can often involve others, you can enjoy a double dose of stress-relief with the combined benefits of exercise and fun with friends. Whether you’re in a class you’re your friends, working out in the gym with a friend, taking a walk with a friend, having others work out with you can make you feel good as well as help motivate you to push harder to get a better workout without it feeling so much like ‘work’.

INCREASED HEALTH While stress can cause illness, illness can also cause stress, with the physical pain, missed activities, feelings of isolation and

Karen Clarke, personal trainer

other costs that come with it. So improving your overall health and longevity with exercise can also save you a great deal of stress in the short run (by strengthening your immunity to colds, the flu and other minor illnesses) and the long run (by helping you stay healthier longer, and enjoy life more because of it).

RESILIENCE TO STRESS That’s right, research suggests that physical activity may be linked to lower physiological

reactivity toward stress. Simply put, those who get more exercise may become less affected by the stress they face. So, in addition to all the other benefits, exercise may supply some immunity toward future stress as well as a way to cope with current stress. If that’s not a great reason to get more active, I don’t know what is! For information on where you can workout in a gym all to yourself with your own Personal Trainer and bespoke exercise program then go to www.kcfitness.net or call Karen Clarke on 675 875 936.

18-24 MARCH 2011

39

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) by

Robert Vandevelede

Ex-president Australian Acupuncture & Chinese medicine Association

MOST OF us, after a good night’s sleep, or even a siesta, feel ready to go again.

But there is a small percentage of the population (0.2 to 0.7%) for whom no amount of rest is invigorating. The slightest amount of work or physical activity can leave them extremely tired for days or weeks.

They suffer from a condition commonly known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Epstein virus disease.

There is a tendency for people to dismiss this condition as psychosomatic or malingering, but in fact it is very real. Myalgic encephalomyelitis means pain in the muscles and inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. Onset of ME/CFS may be sudden or slow and may follow viral infections, toxic exposure, trauma or other events CAUSE It is not clear what the cause of it might be and there is no general agreement that it is a separate disease at all. Some research indicates problems in several areas that could be related to this condition: Viral or other infections, Blood pressure, circulatory and cardiac abnormalities.

Immune and hormonal responses.

Genetic factors.

Without a known cause, prevention is impossible.

SYMPTOMS The main symptoms of CFS are pronounced muscle fatigue and ache, poor concentration and memory, exhaustion and a persistent, intermittent flu-like feeling. Some have very restless nights with little sleep, while others sleep excessively long hours. Many

wake up in the morning feeling worse than they did when they went to bed.

Other symptoms include: Joint pain without redness or swelling Drop in blood pressure upon standing Increased heart rate upon standing and palpitations.

Shortness of breath with exertion.

Gastrointestinal and urinary problems.

Marked weight changes, losses or gains.

TESTING FOR CFS: There is no specific test for CFS. Your doctor may order blood and urine tests to make sure there is not some other serious disorder.

Diagnosis is made by excluding many other ailments with similar symptoms such as exhaustion through exercise or work, anaemia, hypothyroidism, depression etc.

WESTERN TREATMENT FOR CFS: At the moment there is no western medication available to treat CFS but some may help with some of the symptoms: sleeping tablets for a better sleep and Paracetamol for muscle pains.

CHINESE MEDICINE AND CFS: Chinese medical texts have, since very early times, described the cause, diagnosis and treatment of conditions very similar to CFS. The three main conditions with which CFS can manifest according to Chinese Medicine are: Residual pathogenic factor Latent heat Lesser Yang pattern The earliest text on Chinese Medicine, the Yellow Emperor’s classic of internal medicine, says, “If cold

enters the body in wintertime, it comes out as heat in springtime.” They talk about common cold and flu that has not been fully resolved and lingers in the body until the following season or perhaps for many years.

The residual effects of a cold or flu, once in the interior of the body, will transform into patterns we call Damp, Heat and phlegm, which then produce specific clinical symptoms like muscle aches, poor memory and concentration, difficulty sleeping and extreme fatigue.

In modern times, antibiotics are one of the most common causes of residual pathogenic factor.

Whilst they do destroy bacteria, from the point of Chinese Medicine they tend to lock the pathogenic factor in the interior.

A possible cause for latent heat can also be immunizations, when inert forms of certain pathogenic organisms are injected into the body, by-passing the body’s first line of resistance. From a Chinese medical perspective it is as if an external pathogenic factor invades the body’s interior directly.

In the Lesser Yang pattern one can have alternating shivers and heat, when the pathogenic factor is trapped between the Interior and exterior. This pattern tends to be more common among teenagers and young adults.

In my experience, every case of CFS is in part a deficiency and excess condition, but one tends to dominate. From the point of view of symptoms, the more muscle ache, the more the condition is of the full type.

Full conditions tend to respond better to treatment than deficiency ones. In general, my treatments are a combination of Acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Don’t wait until you have tried everything else; start with Acupuncture now.

Written by Robert Vandevelde Former President Australian Acupuncture and Chinese medicine Association, Contact him on 660 032 862.

Write to me at robertvdvelde@telefonica.net

40

18-24 MARCH 2011

Computing with aunty virus

Help a novice

Trevor via email asks: HI AUNTY, can you please help a complete novice? Just recently I have had a warning pop up telling me I am low on memory but at the time I’m only running Internet Explorer.

Checking the system summary (this is windows vista by the way) it tells me I’ve got total physical memory of 445MB and available memory of 78.9MB: Total virtual memory 1.07 GB: Available virtual memory of 476 MB. Hope you can assist me in the plainest of words.

Aunty Says: In the plainest of words Trevor, you need to add some more memory (RAM) to your machine.

The physical memory of 445MB isn’t enough to run Vista properly as nearly all your memory is being used before you even to begin to start any programs. Give Phil at Enet Computers a call on 687 362 844 if you need any advice.

Trouble with recycle bin Pat via email asks: I HAVE an Acer Netbook running Windows XP and I am having trouble recently with my Recycle Bin. Although I have the Properties set so that any deleted files are sent to the Bin and not permanently deleted, the Bin remains empty. I have tried dragging files to the bin, but the result is the same, they just disappear into cyberspace. If it helps, the RECYCLER folder on the C drive is now over 8GB with thousands of files or folder in it.

Aunty Says: It sounds like you have hit the quota for your recycle bin Pat. The easiest thing to try is delete all of the files in the Recycler folder and see if that helps. The free Ccleaner from www.enetcomputers.net has recycle bin cleaning option that may help. Let me know how you get on.

On or Off? Ken via email asks: A FRIEND has told me it is better for my computer´s health to leave it on all the time and just turn off the monitor when not wanted.

Another friend tells me that it is better for the environment and my pocket to turn it off every night.

What do you recommend?

Aunty Says: As we all have different

Access denied

computing habits it’s a bit of both Ken, and there really is no one answer.

Generally speaking if you only use your computer a couple of times a day, and for less than 30mins, it’s probably better to switch it off completely. If you (like me) are on and off the damn thing most of the day you’re better off just shutting the screen off. Laptops (and newish towers) have a

Alan from Torrevieja asks: I AM trying to copy music files from an external Media Player to an external hard disk drive for a friend of mine but a pop up appears saying “Error copying file or folder Cannot copy Thumbs. Access is denied. Make sure the disc is not full or write protected and that the file is not currently in use.” How can I rectify this?

Aunty Says: Thumbs.db is a hidden file you will find in any folder that you have pictures in that have been viewed as ‘thumbnails’. The only way I can think of to get around

this is to delete the file before performing the copy operation.

You may be able to skip the file if you are given the option as it is fairly useless especially as its music you are copying.

No idea

Terry via email asks: HELLO AUNTY, I’m forwarding this email to you to demonstrate my problem: I’ve no idea what these 7 attachments are, or where they came from (I hope they´re not rude!) but nearly every time I forward an email

lot better energy saving functions built in and the ‘power options’ function within ‘control panel’ can be tailored to suit your lifestyle.

I would definitely switch everything off overnight, and if there’s any hint of bad weather then try and avoid using it at all; my computer developed some serious problems due to the 1970s style power cuts over the last few weeks.

‘print screen’ not set up Joan via email asks: I CAN only print the first page of an email. I have tried highlighting the wording and transferring it but it says that the text is too large to transfer. Is there a way that will give me all the wording? I have tried ‘print screen’ but does not seem to be set up.

Aunty Says: Hi Joan. Highlighting and copy/pasting the text is the obvious option and I’m a little concerned that this does not work. I imagine you would need a thousand page document to overfill the copy/paste function in Windows. I see you are using Yahoo as your email and I’m pretty sure there is a print button/option on the main page somewhere that will allow you to control how and what to print. If this is happening with all emails them maybe you have a more serious problem, if it’s just the one then the email itself may contain something that’s upsetting the printer. You can forward me the email if you like and I’ll have a closer look.

they appear from nowhere, sometimes blank as above, some with pictures on: it’s not always the same number of them. Any idea how I can prevent this from happening?

Aunty Says: Hi Terry. The email you forwarded to me has 7 pictures attached (of Egyptian men with various objects strapped

to their heads) It was sent to you by ‘jirene’ and is basically an email with some funny piccys for you to look at. As you have simply forwarded the email it to me I can also see the attached pictures etc. It all looks perfectly normal to me and if you study the ‘from’ and ‘to’ information you can usually work out where emails have come from.

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

18-24 MARCH 2011

41

GADGET INSPECTOR

The case of the Swiftpoint Mouse THIS WEEK the Inspector tries to apprehend a natty little varmint – The Swiftpoint Mouse.

Tired of that stroppy touchpad on your laptop PC? Well, according to the manufacturers the Swiftpoint Mouse will mean you “never have to rely on a touchpad again.”

The Swiftpoint Mouse gives you all of the functions of a traditional mouse or touchpad with the added bonus of working anywhere your laptop does. By sliding on the surface of your laptop palmrest it can be used in the tightest of spots, such as when travelling on the train; or on the desktop if you have more space.

The Swiftpoint Mouse communicates wirelessly with a micro-USB receiver plugged into any available laptop USB port. When not in use the mouse plugs into the receiver to re-charge and for easy storage. If the mouse is flat a 30 second recharge gives another hour of use. Fully charged your friendly little rodent should be good for up to three weeks (no cheese required).

The Swiftpoint Mouse is surprisingly accurate even when sliding on the laptop palmrest, so applications that require precision such as gaming or graphic design are no problem. Research has shown the Swiftpoint Mouse to be 30-40% more efficient than a laptop touchpad. The mouse also incorporates advanced scrolling, paging and zooming functions

to help you navigate through documents quickly. It even has an ingenious doo-hickey that allows you to scroll by tilting the mouse!

But are you going to get cramp quicker than a Premiership footballer during extra time? Apparently not - the pen-like grip alleviates the problems traditionally associated with small mice (and no droppings either).

The Swiftpoint Mouse also comes with a handy Parking Accessory. This is a removable adhesive strip that sits on your touchpad and has a touch sensor so it won’t move the cursor when you put it in the ‘park’ position, while you´re watching something on U-bendTube, or typing into a document for example.

There is no need to install any software to get this micro-marvel firing on all cylinders; just plug in the receiver and away you go. The Swiftpoint Mouse is compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP or 2000 operating systems. And for those with proper computers: Mac OS 10.4 or higher.

The Inspector´s Verdict: If you’re one of the many people to whom a laptop is an extra appendage, then this is the must-have accessory – until you lose it of course. The Swiftpoint Mouse makes the mice you will have been using seem like giant mutated rats!

The Swiftpoint Mouse costs around €57, with a one year manufacturer’s warranty.

42

18-24 20112010 8-14 MARCH JANUARY

Growing your own fruit by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

WITH THE widely promoted message ‘Eat or drink five or more portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day for a healthier diet’ no Spanish garden or apartment terrace should be without fruit trees or plants. Even in less than a square metre it is possible to grow alpine or ordinary strawberries in a strawberry barrel or window box, and citrus peach,

apple, pear, pomegranate, avocado and fig trees on dwarf root stocks in containers, provided you fill the containers with a rich nutrient and water retaining/well-draining soil mix. In a larger garden it is not difficult to fit in ten types of fruit that mature in different months of the year and be able to harvest one fruit crop or another on every day of the year.

The thing is to select varieties of fruit that you like to eat raw, juice, dry or cook and which are appropriate for the microclimate of your garden. Over seventy types of fruit are described in ‘Growing healthy fruit in Spain’ with indications of their frost and drought hardiness to help you make a wise choice.

Select fruit you like to eat raw, juice, dry or cook

There are plenty of possibilities for all regions and locations and March is a good month to plant them, especially after recent rains.

FAVOURITES FROM OUR GARDEN INCLUDE: Winter: olives, tangerines, mandarins and avocados Spring to winter: raspberries (yes for eight months of the year) Summer: wild strawberries, apricots, avocados, passion fruits, figs, almonds, grapes, and this year (we hope) jogi berries that have remained in leaf all winter. Prior to the heavy frost of 2005 we also enjoyed mangoes Autumn: apples cacti fruit quince and persimmons Lemons on almost every day of the year from a perpetual flowering and fruiting ‘Lunar’ lemon tree . Luckily, many fruit trees have multiple benefits so they easily fit into mixed gardens for they are among the best trees for spring blossom. Then the colouring fruit adds interest, followed by the vivid autumn leaf colours of the deciduous trees and early winter colours of persimmons and pomegranates well after the leaves have fallen.

When you get gluts it’s not difficult to process many excess crops for later use by freezing, bottling, making jams and chutneys, and drying them in the sun or, rather easier,

Clodagh and Dick’s practical gardening books will be found to be useful for both experienced and new gardeners coming to Spain. The useful quartet of books can be obtained from bookshops or by email from the websites of Amazon, Santana Books, Bookworld and The Royal Horticultural Society. © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardeninginspain.com February 2011.

You don’t need a lot of space to grow fruit

in a heated air tray dryer. Contact order@conasi.biz for an English language data sheet re dryers that can be used 365 days a year!

CLODAGH AND DICK’S BEST SELLING FRUIT BOOK This very practical book will help you choose what best to grow, buy healthy plants and trees and plant them and care for them, including ecological ways of combating pests. You can purchase it from bookshops, Carrefour, internet bookstores such as Angloinfo Spain and Santana Books.

Also, Clodagh and Dick will have a few books with them on the Gardeners corner stand at the ‘This is Spain Show’ at the Albir Playa Hotel tomorrow and Sunday, 19th /20th March.

18-24 MARCH 2011

43

Sickening horse abuse in Burriana

By Jan Gamm MORGAN JENSEN, a registered and professional horse breeder, brought a stable of beautiful horses to Spain from the USA in 2001. In 2003 when Morgan needed to find alternative premises, he moved his horses to a location in Burriana, where he was paying rental prior to purchase.

can only be described as an outrage and a living hell for these poor animals.

Sue Weeding of the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre in Rojales has looked into the matter on behalf of RTN. “ In Spain there are a set of stringent laws covering ownership of ‘livestock’, administered by the Guardia Civil and the animal protection arm of the Guardia, Seprona,” said Sue, “Until ownership is satisfactorily proved, the horses must remain where they are unless the authorities can be

PatStar Mille 2010

Morgan and PatStar Mille before May 2009

In a property ownership dispute, the premises were embargoed and Morgan moved his animals elsewhere. Less than three years later, the horses were seized by Seprona (the animal protection arm of the Guardia Civil) and ‘returned’ to the registered

owner of the premises. Of the twelve horses taken, four were sold and one has died in pain and suffering; two foals were born and still survive but in appalling living conditions; six abortions took place.

Alive and suffering still are seven mature horses with one colt and one filly, all in dreadful condition as a result of poor nutrition. PatStar Mille, a favourite mare, is pictured here with Morgan in 2009 and again in 2010. The third photograph shows a two year old filly, now dead.

Since May 2009, Morgan has fought the authorities to secure the return of his horses and is preparing to take his case to the European courts. Two years on, complicated and messy communications between the current custodian of the horses, the owner and the courts has brought the case to a standstill and the horses near death in what

Horse abuse in Burriana

persuaded to entrust the horses to temporary care. The most urgent issue should not be who owns the horses but getting them fed and under the care of a vet while this issue is being dealt with.”

For more details on Morgan and his horses, log onto Facebook: SpikeRanch, or contact spike.r@mail.com RTN apologises for these distressing photographs: the news is not always pleasant

44

18-24 20112010 8-14 MARCH JANUARY

Green light So many times we need that special love and care, that friendship and that smile. We live in a busy World and sometimes we forget just why we are here, and it revolves around our own requirements and the needs of others.

We co-exist here on the Planet, and have a brief to care for each other whatever we do.

Sometimes when we feel that the going is easy we are open and ready to share our own zest for life, and sometimes inevitably we feel not so positive, and we may need help ourselves.

Born into a World of changes we adapt our lives to live with others and to try to make progress with a freedom to expand our knowledge and to make choices that can greatly change our specific energies and powers. Here it is only fair to say that we are all working to find our powerbases, and to use what we have to help us make the necessary changes so that we can move towards that which we see as our challenge.

Thrown into competitive issues we make choices and decisions throughout our life.

Then we have to live by them and defend our choices. Though we are all individuals there are chances that we connect with others who have similar aims and directions, and it is likely that we assert this and so disconnect with those who oppose us in any way. Being ourselves we are able to fight our corner, and we have to live our life by the code that we have selected.

Concepts change as our life directs this.

So Spirituality isn’t always there on the inset of our lives, it creeps up and we begin to see a dimension not previously felt. We can take on board only what we can, but seeing our life as stepping stones we can see our pathway, our destination, maybe, but certainly can better see just where we are.

Spirituality helps with this progress. It makes us look back at the past to see how we dealt with things, and it spurs us on to learn more about that which we feel we would like to change. The past cannot change, but we can only learn from the past, since the future hasn’t yet happened and because today isn’t completed or certain.

However it makes us squirm, we can

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

Kenny, can you recommend a fortune teller for me? I have doubts about my future and I need a reading with someone who can clearly see my next steps and the choices I will have to make.

Irene.l.

Hi Irene. There are very few people who tell fortunes these days, and I don’t know anyone who solely works with the future.

Any reading of a low vibration merely views your current energies and advances this into the future. It does nothing to help you make the relevant changes that you have to make so that your every tomorrow can adequately, systematically and psychically meet you needs of now.

This means making an appointment with someone who can help you achieve greater equilibrium; and I would suggest that a Clairvoyant or Clairsentient may work better towards getting the results that you need. My door is open to you but you must know that all subtle changes will be up to you to make and believe me, that blueprint of your immediate future is not what you want or really need right now. All the best!

remember that from the past that we would rather forget. Maybe that’s because we know now that there was a better way of dealing with things than the way that we did. It is easy to be wise after an event, but we do what we feel is right at the time, and that may not have been the right thing to do, though we have to perceive things as we do, as individuals. There are some sad people who live in the past, sadder those who live for a future that never really comes and so we have to live for today, and whatever it brings. Corny though it sounds yesterday is history, tomorrow will be mystery and today is the gift of a day that may change the very rest of our lives. That’s why we call it the present, it is the gift of a day ours to make the most of.

Spirit has a way of creeping up on us. Our concepts begin to change the further along we are on the runway of life, and the sooner we realise just how our journey has been protected by Spirit all along. We were all given Spiritual gifts when we were born, but most of us decided to use them as part of our daily life of working, raising a family etc.

Putting our Spiritual energies into living our everyday lives is absolutely right. However in later life we realise that we have developed significant Spiritual energies within, and start to examine what we have, and how we can use these wonderful talents in a different way. Developing our Spiritual side can bring many changes. The past is revealed to us, and the future becomes more under our conscious control, with an aim to open to Spirit, come what may.

We do become more spiritual naturally as the years pass by. For some who have made the connection there is surety in knowing that you are never alone. In the knowledge that you have been guided all of your life, but did not realise it, new directions can beckon.

New guides can be assigned and with this your passage onwards in life is assured to have gained momentum, depth, and a green light for what you are now, open and free to receive!

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Kenny’s diary Monday March 21st and Wednesday March 23rd Readings at Bistro Maya, Albir. Call: 966 868 213 for bookings and further info.

Saturday March 26th Readings in Gandia at Joana’s, Calle Cuidad de Leval from 11.00. Please contact Lorraine on: 654 092 691 for further information, and bookings.

Saturday April 16th Spring Psychic Fair at Bistro Maya in Albir.

Readings. Tarot. Angel Readings. Crystals.

Spiritual Gifts. Some appointments left for readings with me. Call Els on 966 868 213 for further details.

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

horoscopes by Kenny Corris The Spring Equinox exalts Aries at the start of a busy and diverting week; making it hard for you to concentrate on your priorities. Whilst there is plenty of give and take there is now a need to grasp that what you wish for yourself and to project yourself into a higher position. Give yourself the love and the confidence that you need and there will be plenty left for those who rely on you.

Tried and trusted just hasn’t worked, so instead of blaming yourself take things to a new level. This isn’t a selfish action but it is self preserving.

Some times you do have to give a little but then just sometimes you need a lot. Take your time and put your feet up to gain a fresh look at things that you are powerless to change in any way, and start to see things in a far different light.

Mercury opposes Saturn calling the shots on a overbearing Aries and influencing Libra. Someone has got the message but is deliberately out to cause trouble, as if they really are the fly in the ointment. Try as you may you cannot think why things have to have got this serious, but since your plan for lightening up the situation hasn’t worked then you have to execute plan B for all concerned.

You have every right to take some offence by what has being going on all around you. In fact you only got to hear of it by accident! Someone may have been economical with the truth, but this is not the real reason for your wanting to hide deep within your shell. Some deep rest and relaxation come at the end of some very focussed and in depth work, and you honestly need time to chill out.

Pride often gets in the way of your thoughts words and deeds. With Mercurian energies surrounding you and a brief to start something small but very much yours and yours alone, the doors are open and welcoming. No matter how tempted you are, keep this under wraps, and leave any signatures on contracts until the end of the week when Neptune springs to your aid and the coast is clear.

Stubborn pride is forcing you to make a decision you really may live to regret. There shouldn’t be compromise in a situation where clarity isn’t evident and whereby you have nagging doubts. Take things very much in your stride and make your own conclusions in your own time. Don’t be railroaded into anything that goes against the grain and that arouses even you slightest suspicion.

Wily Saturn, Planet of Wisdom and Intelligence enters and brings closure just when it is needed. You’re strangely emotive and preoccupied right now, and may just have misconstrued something that triggers anger within. Be open and honest and tell your story your way with no holds barred. There are versions of the truth, and then there is reality, and the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

A great time to exercise your positive energy into planning something rather special. With your distinct skills of entertaining balanced alongside your need to bring friends together there is some organising to do.

You’ve been busy of late, and haven’t had the time to thank your loyal and supportive network of friends for all that they do. Show your appreciation and some great hospitality into the bargain.

Actions with Venus and Pisces see you opening your heart at long last.

It has been a long journey and you need to open up to all that you have to experience right now, in every way. There is so much more to life than you are currently thinking. With a knowledge that you are so much more than you think you are take this to be an inspiration for what should be a whole new you.

Actually enjoying life on the edge you thrive through conflicts and sail through a sea of good will whenever you apply yourself. What is most needed right now is something positive to happen to show you, once and for all, just how to use your expertise and your energy. Something to get your teeth well and truly into, with no fear of what the future may bring you, and the very best of luck.

Venus, Goddess of Love and Passion, is currently en route to help you develop your own inner love for yourself. As one who is so used to caring for others it seems only right that there should be a time for you, and a freedom to express your own individual energies. With someone looking after your back you can’t really go wrong, but you are going out on a limb, and that can have positive results.

Venus calls in at the end of a week in which you have finally put your cards on the table. It is hard to communicate with someone who won’t listen to you, but you have to make your stand for your sake of your dignity and all that this implies. Silence isn’t golden if there are things better openly discussed, and as things take a turn for the worse so someone is about to be brought into line the hard way.

If it’s your birthday this week...

This astrological year is all about choices and fulfilment. You have to matter more to yourself if you are to move on, but realise that you are not running away, not now, not ever!

MARCH2010 2011 8-1418-24 JANUARY

45

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

Cryptic Crossword

Sudoku ACROSS 1. Dogs cause a quarrel in the crowd (8) 5. A certain amount of tobacco for a pound (4) 9. This bird is a loud hooter (4) 10. Celebration that produces festive song round the States (8) 11. The sailing tackle I had is not pliable (5) 12. It’s obvious I’ve been set back by depression (7) 13. Certainly not hard at the core (6-7) 18. In which musical compositions are recorded? (4-4) 19. What is usually accepted in mensuration or mathematics (4) 20. Where one may find rhymes upside down! (7) 21. Road transport - or train! (5) 22. It may come from having a shave (4) 23. Had no hesitation in saying tea-dress needs restyling (8)

DOWN

ACROSS 1. Magnificent (8) 5. Joins (4) 9. Support (4) 10. A murderer (8) 11. Comical (5) 12. A drop (7) 13. Unpleasant (13) 18. Germanic (8) 19. Ill (4) 20. Loss of memory (7) 21. Lid (5) 22. Inform (4) 23. Harsh (8)

DOWN

2. Notice a strange poisonous plant (7) 3. Corresponded with everybody in restricted surroundings (7) 4. They cast some light in the target area (5-8) 6. Not yet out of pocket! (7) 7. Not kept neat (7) 8. Celebrated bare back rider (6) 13. Preparing the leather - and using it! (7) 14. Indigenous types in vast disturbance round the East (7) 15. You’ll find me returning to the ship to do this (6) 16. Sounds as if a soldier without any promotion will cause acrimony (7)

Wordwheel

17. This will painfully affect the listener (7)

Quick Crossword 2. Confuse (7) 3. Cost (7) 4. Trivial (13) 6. Agitate (7) 7. Genuine (7) 8. Large monkey (6) 13. Pariah (7) 14. Diary (7) 15. Select (6) 16. Decamp (7) 17. Reading desk (7) You can play these wordwheels by whatever rules you like.

But there is at least one nine letter word hidden in each wordwheel (and thus using every letter in the wordwheel).

For many players the fun element and biggest challenge of the wordwheel is to find a nine letter word. Other than that, the rules are up to you - but generally you should restrict yourself to only finding words that contain the central letter, as otherwise you will find huge numbers of words in many puzzles!

Win a meal for 2!

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

by answering the Cryptic Crossword correctly.

Answers by email to: office@roundtownnews.com | or Fax: 96 585 60 54

Euromillions Draw Friday 11th MARCH

17 19 24 37 46

2

7

No ticket won the 82,769,625 Euros (£71,628,834) jackpot prize

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 51/54.

music scene

46

Cowboys & Cowgirls: The Country Legends Show

C

OWBOYS & COWGIRLS are Benidorm’s finest Country & Western duo made up of vocalist Chloe Hooper and guitarist Bernie Price from New Orleans, USA. Their show is called Country Legends and they perform a mixture of classic songs Compiled by from Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline & Tammy Wynette plus country roadhouse favourites from the likes of Shania Twain, Bonnie Raight & The Eagles. They will be also performing at the Moraira Music Festival on 12th June.

Phone Chloe: 607 621 699 for more details or visit her website: www.chloehooper.net.

GIGS IN MARCH Friday 18th Rusty’s Bar/Bistro Benitachell (Chloe Hooper)

Eric Taylor

Sunday 20th ‘This is Spain Expo’, Albir Playa Hotel Albir Tuesday 22nd Western Saloon, C/Gerona, Benidorm Thursday 24th Western Saloon, C/Gerona, Benidorm Friday 25th Rusty’s Bar/Bistro Benitachell (Chloe Hooper) Tuesday 29th Western Saloon, C/Gerona, Benidorm Thursday31st Western Saloon, C/Gerona, Benidorm GIGS IN APRIL Friday 1st

Rusty’s Bar/Bistro

The Wireless Years 2011: Casa De Cultura, Calpe

AFTER THE success of ‘The Wireless Years’, Barry Britten and Chris Allen have written a brand new, two man show, ‘The Wireless Years 2011’. The show, which premiers in the Casa de Cultura, Calpe, on Friday 8th April at 8pm, will see the return of the Costa Blanca’s most talented entertainers.

Produced for the Calpe and Benissa Lions Club, all the proceeds from this production will be donated to the two institutes for the handicapped in Calpe (The Gargasindi School and the Maite Boronat Centre). The original ‘Wireless Years’ played to packed houses and most people in the audience agreed that it was the funniest show they had ever

seen on the Costa Blanca! You can be sure of an unforgettable night out. Tickets at 10€ are available from 96 583 4852 or 96 597 3822, or by email: hughstewart@telefonica.net.

Benitachell (Chloe Hooper - Every Friday) Tuesday 5th Western Saloon, C/Gerona, Benidorm (Every Tuesday) Thursday 7th Western Saloon, C/Gerona, Benidorm (Every Thursday)

Let Us Entertain You: Le Cabaret, Cumbre De Sol ‘LET US Entertain You’ is a Fundraising Event on behalf of MABS (Cancer Support Group, Marina Alta), on Friday, 18th March at Le Cabaret, Cumbre del Sol, Benitachell. Entertainment with Mike Lee, The Cumbre Boys and Carole and Johnny Tornado. Entry is 10€ including buffet: 5€ from every ticket sold goes to MABS. Although this is a fundraising

event the emphasis is on fun. On Saturday, 19th March, the popular Rob Sweeney will be appearing at Le Cabaret. For bookings and details of future events in Le Cabaret phone: 663 733 811 or check out their web site: www.lecabaretspain.com Le Cabaret is located in the Lirios Centre, on Cumbre del Sol, Benitachell.

Ray Peters – Presenter/Mobile DJ: Heat Gold: 94.1FM

RAY IS the only presenter on ‘Heat Gold’ who does not come from London – actually West Yorkshire. He has been a Mobile DJ for over 25 years

and has worked on Batley Hospital Radio, Magic 828 in Leeds and been the resident DJ at Headingly Pavilion Cricket and Rugby ground. Ray has now retired with his family to Spain and is delighted to be behind the mike again on ‘Heat Radio’, broadcasting on 94.1FM. Listen in to Ray live on air every weekday from 10am - Noon, with his ‘Brunch to Lunch Show’

or listen in on the website: www.heatgold.fm: Text 656 634 000 for your requests/dedications. His fellow presenters are: Mike Lee – Barry Moon – Eric Taylor (ET). The sister station is ‘Heat FM’, broadcasting on 106.8 FM - playing Todays Hits & Yesterdays Classics. For more information on both ‘Heat Radio Stations’ phone: 96 574 4363.

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

Flamenco evening in Albir A FLAMENCO evening is planned in Albir with fantastic Flamenco dancers performing to Flamenco guitar music and songs on Friday 25th March at 8pm at Adr: Avenida Albir 89 (right next to hotel Venus) Tickets at 30€ include tapas and two drinks and may be obtained by calling 634 067 442 or stop by Casa Menchero at La Provence patisserie from 21.00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Parcent

Sat 26th March John the Fiddler Sun 27th Los Tremontes

April 6th Easter theme Charity Quiz for Eamus. Tickets from Paraiso or Heidi’s Flower Shop in Jalon Tel 96 640 5398 For reservations

18-24 MARCH 2011

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Festival high note Get some

by Jack Troughton ORGANISERS OF a charity antique, craft and gift fair hope hit the right note with a ‘captive’ crowd enjoying a Costa Blanca music festival.

More than 3,000 people enjoyed the Parcent Music Festival and stall holders hope to benefit by adding an extra attraction on Saturday 2nd April – half way through the three day festival.

The Antique Craft and Gift Fair is being staged from 10am until 6pm in the heart of Parcent village and money raised will go to Friends of the Children of EMAUS and animal

charity Amigo Mio. Debbie Howard, one of the organisers, said it was a “fantastic opportunity” for businesses to reach a new large audience as well as attracting local residents.

“We were invited to stage the fair because there are so many people staying in Parcent for the music festival and during the day there is not much for them to do,” she added.

“It should be a great success.”

Last year’s music festival raised over 16,000€ for HELP Africa and the both charities benefitting from the fair have promised to make a donation.

Join the inn crowd THE POPULAR Spring Fair returns to the Inn on the Green, Javea, on Wednesday 30th March and brings the chance to help youngsters living in care.

A euro is taken from everyone at the door and the cash goes to support the Children of EMAUS across the region. And with Easter looming there will be the opportunity to stock up with cards, chocolate eggs, and sweets. Stalls selling homemade cakes, jams and pickles, jewellery, plants, paintings , are joined by Marina Alta businesses to fill inside and outside the venue and provide a good natured ‘something for everyone’ feel.

The fair runs from 11am until 4pm, refreshments are available and for more information contact lesleyclarkjavea@gmail.com

Australian in ya…!

CELEBRATING WITH an official opening party on Saturday, 19th March, starting at 8pm, Tony and Ranweig invite you to take a look at their recently, totally reformed café bar in Avenida Oscar Espla 16, ALBIR. ‘Aussies Bar & the Noggy Sheila’ has a stylish, new, trendy look, but a new look doesn’t mean increased prices as they will still be serving drinks and food at their prereform prices. It’s not just about putting ‘some prawns on the barbie’ either, as their extended multi-cultural menu, which is based on English, Australian and Norwegian cuisine, is provided by two of the best chefs in Albir, who pride themselves on a menu that gives ‘restaurant quality food at bar prices!’ Why not go along to the official opening to taste a free buffet from their menu. You’ll be in great company! The café bar is still a laidback venue with an amazing atmosphere, and boasts flat screen TV for football, sports and music, with a top

quality BOSE surround sound system and the pool table is still in situ!

Outside is a new ‘toldo’ which is fully heated, with blankets for those in need of a little extra warmth, and most importantly, comfortable chairs to enjoy the food and drink on offer.

Every weekday, between 1-4pm, you can enjoy a ‘3 euro meal’ cooked by Dave Owen, the host of the FAB FM cooking show.

Their full menu is available from opening time until 10pm, but there is also a late night menu until closing: take-aways can be ordered by phone. Winter opening hours are from 10am until late, and in the summer from 9am until late. Telephone Tony or Ranweig on 688 802 306; for more information take a look at their Facebook site: Aussies Bar & the Noggy Sheila.

Drink where the locals drink and get some Australian in YA!

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18-24 MARCH 2011

Your chance to earn extra money this summer with Chit Chat

by Rod Cunningham FOR OVER 30 years Chit Chat Language School has been running its Summer School program for Spanish students from all over Spain to come and study English. During the day the students are taught at the Chit Chat facilities in Javea or Calpe, and at night they stay with British host families.

If you are a British family living in Benitachell, Calpe, Denia, Gata, Javea, Moraira or Pedreguer then please note that more Host Families are needed for this summer due to strong demand. Many Spanish parents regard their children learning the English language as one of the highest priorities of their education, and despite the continuing economic recession, more and more children want to attend the Chit Chat program.

Iron Art Market THE NEW Saturday Market (10am-2pm) at the Iron Art Home & Garden Centre at Gata de Gorgos is proving to be a great success with a fabulous, friendly atmosphere.

The stalls are varied and interesting including fruit & veg; books; cakes; greeting cards; kitchenware; toiletries; pet goods; jewellery; flowers and furniture for the home

& garden, window/glass curtains and lots more!

This Saturday 26th March is a Special ‘Kids’ Day with face painting, bouncy castle and a raffle and all proceeds are in aid of EMAUS. And the Home & Garden Centre is also an EMAUS collection point, so if you have anything to donate to a child aged 3 months up to 16 years, please

Our daughter Evie with 4 of the Chit Chat students who stayed with us last year

The proven success of the program stems through the fact that the students are not just taught all day in English at the Chit Chat facilities, but that they also are “immersed” in everything English by staying with a British ‘Host’ family. This way they also learn some of our customs, experience British cooking, and see how British people live.

Being a Host Family is not arduous. My wife Claire and I have been a Chit Chat ‘Host Family’ for five years now; we have had over 35 children on the scheme, and it is a rewarding exercise. The students really do leave speaking better English than when they arrived, and we have some great fun during their stay.

You can request to have 2, 3 or 4 children, and you can also request the sex and age groups which range from 8 to about 16. One of the courses is for 3 weeks, and the rest of the courses are for 2 weeks at a time.

The children are with you overnight, go off to either of the Chit Chat schools (depending upon their age) by bus for the day, they return (again by bus) about 5pm-ish, and are with you for the evening. As well as having our evening meal together we play games like Monoploy, Cluedo and Scrabble (all good for practising their English) before they go off to bed. At weekends they usually go on organised trips, so you are free also. It’s not taxing, and there is no need for the Host Family to speak Spanish themselves.

Indeed, the very idea is to speak English with the children the whole time; so that for their length of their stay they are exposed fully to the English language.

Finally, it should also be mentioned that financially it also pays well to be a Host Family; and if you are in need of earning extra funds throughout the summer this could be a very good opportunity for you.

If you use the mobile number 650 426 677 you will speak with Caroline Sinfield, who is the Supervisor for Chit Chat locally. You can also see their advert on page 12

bring it along: items don’t have to be new.

Call Brian on 680 491 740 for details about the new Saturday market: And come along and visit…. it’s a great morning out for all…have a relaxing shopping experience while wandering through the lovely garden centre with stunning views of the Montgo. Plenty of Free Parking!

Visit of Nottingham Trent University Chamber Choir THE TALENTED Nottingham Trent University Chamber Choir is to visit Torrevieja at the end of the month to perform three concerts under the baton of the university’s Director of Music Matthew Hopkins. The twenty singers will perform first at the Iglesia de Santa Maria del Mar at La Zenia at 8pm on Sunday 27th March. The following day an entirely different programme will be performed at the Palacio de la Musica in Torrevieja at 8.30pm and the tour concludes with a performance in the Iglesia Paroquial

Beet 1 Beetroot 2 Carrots 1 Apple

Sagrado Corazon (known as the ‘Cathedral’) in Torrevieja - again at 8.30pm. Admission to all the concerts is free and, in the case of the Palacio de la Música, invitations will be available from two hours before the performance.

The choir has enjoyed many impressive reviews in the UK in response to concerts across the Midlands. Their first international tour to Delft and Amsterdam in Holland last year was greeted with great enthusiasm from an international audience.

Nottingham Trent University Chamber Choir

‘em

Juice all the ingredients Contains, Vitamin C, Fibre and Betacarotene Good for: Anyone suffering fatigue, anaemia or digestive problems: beetroot is great for getting the bowel moving!

These recipes are supplied by The Kamala Centre. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at The Kamala Centre on office@thekamalacentre.com or call us on 965 985 869. If you would like a copy of any of these recipes you can download them at our website www.thekamalacentre.com

18-24 MARCH 2011

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Fancy a bit of Slap ‘n Tickle?

WELL OF course you do! The Actors Studio are well into rehearsals for their next show, aptly named ‘Slap ‘n Tickle’, comprising original comedy sketches and a sad monologue, all written and directed by David Whitney. The performance debuts at the Virgen del Carmen on Friday 13th May at 7.30pm. Tickets at 8€ will be available shortly from the Municipal Ticket Office in Torrevieja. If you’ve been to The Actors Studio shows before you will expect an evening of laughter and surprises that include a send-up of ‘Eastenders’. Make a note in your diary: as usual all ticket sales will go to the AFA Alzheimers Association Torrevieja. Website: www.theactorsstudio.jigsy.com

Brain in Spain JAZZ ENTHUSIASTS will be excited to hear that drummer/singer Mike Brain will be making a return to Spain for a one-off unmissable performance.

Mike, whose voice many listeners associate with Mel Torme and Chet Baker, made his name a few years back as a member of the Jazz Greats band, delighting audiences with his versions of ‘Pennies from Heaven’, ‘Lullaby of Broadland’, ‘It Could Happen To You’, ‘I Thought About You’, ‘Is You Is Or Is You Ain’t My Baby’, ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’ and ‘My Romance’, among other standards. He sang specially written lyrics for the hit instrumental ‘Take Five’ and is featured on two CDs. Mike’s only performance on the Costas will be at the ‘El Pescadito’ restaurant

in Mil Palmeras on the evening of Friday 25th March.

Table bookings: 965 320 071: Information 966 762 308.

50 61

18-24 MARCH 14 - 20 may 2011 2010

The Sophisticattzz Dolls!

AS THEY approach the end of the club’s third year, the Sophisticattzz Dance troupe is busy rehearsing ‘Don’t Cha’ from ‘The Pussycat Dolls’, at La Gruta Discoteque in Pilar de la Horadada (their thanks go to Luis & Louisa for the use of their fantastic dance floor!)

The troupe performed three of their dances at the Diamantes Restaurant in El Mojon at a benefit for Jon Jon, with the 12 dancers ranging in age from 50 to 74 choreographed by founder Debbie.

The ladies will be dancing at 2pm at Fibber McGee’s in Campoverde on Easter Sunday, 24th April, to raise money for ‘The War Heros’, a fun day packed with live music and admission free.

The 150 plus members of Sophisticattzz meets three times a month at Pasty Shack and Treetops in Campoverde and The Greenwich in Torre de la Horadada.

Many events are planned include champagne breakfasts; treasure hunts; a royal wedding celebration; chocolate truffle making and much more.

Come along to ’The Sophiscattzz Gala’ on Sunday 20th March, 11am -5pm at The Olympia Restaurant, Mil Palmares: many different stalls and The Sophiscattzz Models will stage a fashion show around 1pm: for PADS charity.

Admission is FREE, and everyone is welcome. If you would like a stall, please contact Debbie on 966 762 931. www.sophisticattzz.com

tv Friday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Britain’s Empty Homes 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 The Smokehouse 16:35 Deadly 60 Bite Size 16:40 Deadly Art 16:55 Shaun the Sheep 17:00 Horrible Histories 17:30 All Over the Place 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Comic Relief Does Glee Club 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 Comic Relief 2011 23:30 BBC News 23:55 Regional News 24:05 Comic Relief 2011

07:00 Childrens TV 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Meerkat Manor 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 Restoration Roadshow 16:00 Flog It! Ten of the Best 16:45 Helicopter Heroes 17:30 Pointless 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Royal Upstairs Downstairs 20:00 Britain by Bike 20:30 An Island Parish 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 Gardeners’ World 22:00 African Railway 23:00 Great British Railway Journeys 23:30 Comic Relief 2011 24:05 Newsnight 24:40 The National Lottery Friday Night Draws

18-24 MARCH 2011

07:00 Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:30 The Morning Line 10:30 According to Jim 11:00 The Good Wife 11:55 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 River Cottage Bites 13:25 Cheltenham Festival 17:15 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:20 Channel 4 Racing 20:25 4thought.tv 20:30 Planning Outlaws 21:00 Relocation: Phil Down Under 22:00 I, Robot 24:10 Rude Tube

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 House Gift 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 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:30 Die Another Day 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Die Another Day 24:30 Take Me Out

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Colin and Justin’s How Not to Decorate 13:00 Meals in Moments 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 House 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:10 Jenifer 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Vets in Action 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 Law & Order 23:55 NCIS 24:55 Cops in Crisis

08:00 Lion Man 09:00 Top Design 10:00 Dream Lives for Sale 11:00 Lie to Me 12:00 Dog Squad 13:00 Oops TV 14:00 Dream Lives for Sale 15:00 Stargate SG-1 17:00 Oops TV 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Futurama 22:00 Road Wars 23:00 Louie Spence’s Showbusiness

09:00 Live Alpine Skiing 10:00 Live Alpine Skiing 11:00 Biathlon 12:00 Live UEFA Champions League Draw 13:00 Live UEFA Europa League Draw 13:30 Live Cross-Country Skiing 14:00 Live Alpine Skiing 14:30 Live Cross-Country Skiing 15:15 Live Ski Jumping 17:00 Snooker 19:45 Eurogoals Flash 19:55 WTA Tennis 21:00 Live WTA Tennis 22:45 Live Snooker

51

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

Solutions to last weeks crosswords 595 CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Bisect; 4 Soused; 9 Needle-matches; 10 Arrange; 11 Odour; 12 Snack; 14 Craft; 18 Dowel; 19 Camelot; 21 Stepping-stone; 22 Nelson; 23 Wrests.

Down: 1 Bantam; 2 Steering-wheel; 3 Colon; 5 Outdoor; 6 School-fellows; 7 Desert; 8 Umber; 13 Calypso; 15 Odds on; 16 Scant; 17 Otters; 20 Miser.

QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Basing; 4 Proper; 9 Embarrassment; 10 Correct; 11 Exile; 12 Hitch; 14 Stain; 18 Brain; 19 Extract; 21 Unimaginative; 22 Donate; 23 Planed.

Down: 1 Breach; 2 Subordination; 3 Nurse; 5 Respect; 6 Precipitation; 7 Rotten; 8 Nasty; 13 Contact; 15 Absurd; 16 Remit; 17 Attend; 20 Trail.

WORDWHEEL 596: DEADENING

WE INSTALL THROUGHOUT THE COSTA BLANCA INCLUDING INLAND AND RURAL AREAS

DIGITAL SATELLITE SYSTEMS

UK Authorised Sky Agent

UK Authorised Sky Agent

A GENUINE REGISTERED COMPANY, WITH GENUINE REGISTERED PREMISES INSTALLING DAILY IN: RECEPTION OF BBC & ITV ALCOY • CASTALLA TO RECEIVE BBC AND ITV ON THE COSTA BLANCA 24 HOURS A DAY YOU WILL REQUIRE VILLENA • ELDA • PINOSO NOVELDA • CREVILLENTE • ORIHUELA A 2.4, 1.9, 1.45 OR 1.4 METRE DISH DEPENDING ON THE SIGNAL STRENGTH IN YOUR FORTUNA • MURCIA AREA. WHY NOT RING US TO FIND OUT YOUR EXACT REQUIREMENTS OR CALL INTO SEGORBE • SAGUNT • LIRIA OUR FACTORY SHOWROOM FOR A LIVE DEMONSTRATION OF OUR COMPLETE RANGE CHIVA • REQUENA • PICCASENT BENIFAIO • ALCIRA • CULLERA OF SATELLITE SYSTEMS XATIVA

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Have you already had your fingers burnt by having a microwave or rebroadcasting system installed, well don’t get them burnt again by having the wrong satellite dish installed. There are several manufacturers of 2.4m, 1.9m & 1.45m dishes on the market throughout the costa blanca, two manufacturers from portugal, one from spain and one from turkey. Our company use the famaval professional portuguese dish manufacturer who are known throughout the industry as having much higher quality and a supreme higher gain, our 2.4m professional dish in particular has a unique future proof option of increasing the size of the dish to 3.1m by using extender panels, this dish is easily distinguishable by the 24 small holes around its perimeter for these panels to be fitted if need be in the future, we call this our professional 2.4m upgradable dish. We can also supply an economy 2.4m dish but these can only be used in strong signal areas, please note these dishes are not upgradable as they do not have the adaptability of the professional dish. We use the same professional manufacturer of our 1.9m dish which again has supreme higher gain and quality and performs perfect with weaker signals such as bbc, itv etc. We call this our professional 1.9m dish. Our economy 1.9m dishes again can only be installed in strong signal areas, please note that bbc, itv etc. Will go off at approx. 10pm on the economy dish in certain areas. We also offer due to the robust build on all our professional dishes a 5 year guarantee against warping or kinking in high winds. Unfortunately this guarantee is not offered with our economy range of dishes. Check our website for more details.

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tv Saturday

52 40

18-24 MARCH 2011 Feb 26 - March 4 2010

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets 13:00 BBC News; Regional News 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 A Question of Sport 14:30 Outtake TV 15:00 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 17:30 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 20:15 BBC News; Regional News 20:30 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 23:00 The National Lottery Saturday Night Draws 23:10 BBC News 23:30 Match of the Day 24:50 The Football League Show

07:00 Childrens TV 11:00 Trapped Ever After 11:30 OOglies 11:45 Copycats 12:15 My Life 12:45 Deadly 60 Bite Size 12:50 MOTD Kickabout 13:05 Diagnosis Murder 13:50 Man from Laramie 15:30 Into the West 17:00 Churches: How to Read Them 17:30 Final Score 18:15 Priceless Antiques Roadshow 18:45 Escape to the Country 19:30 Flog It! 20:30 Dad’s Army 21:00 Art of Tommy Cooper 21:30 The Story of Variety with Michael Grade 22:30 Christopher and His Kind 24:00 The Tudors 24:50 ICC Cricket World Cup Highlights

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 Coronation Street 12:45 This Morning: Saturday 13:45 Monk 14:40 ITV News 14:45 You’ve Been Framed!

15:15 Doc Hollywood 17:15 Evan Almighty 18:55 Granada News 19:05 ITV News 19:20 You’ve Been Framed!

19:50 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 20:20 Ant & Dec’s Push the Button 21:35 Take Me Out 23:05 Casino Royale 24:20 ITV News 24:35 Casino Royale

07:10 Sali Mali 07:15 The Hoobs 08:05 Track and Field Show 08:30 The Grid 08:55 The Morning Line 09:50 Friends 10:25 4Music Favourites 10:55 Real Stories 11:55 Glee 12:55 Great British Hairdresser 13:55 Big Bang Theory 14:25 Big Bang Theory 14:50 Channel 4 Racing 16:50 Secret Supper Club 17:20 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 18:20 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 19:25 The Political Slot 19:30 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 River Cottage Every Day 21:00 Seven Ages of Britain 22:05 The Happening 23:50 Stand Up for the Week

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 Play!

09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 The Mr Men Show 10:30 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:00 Family Recipe 11:05 UEFA Europa League Highlights 12:10 The Gadget Show 13:10 Ice Road Truckers 14:15 Jane Doe 15:55 Mona Lisa Smile 18:05 While You Were Sleeping 20:10 5 News Weekend 20:15 NCIS 21:05 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 22:05 CSI: NY 23:05 CSI: Miami 24:05 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

07:00 Breakfast 08:35 Match of the Day 10:00 Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Big Questions 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 The Politics Show 14:00 EastEnders 15:35 The Weakest Link 16:20 Bargain Hunt 16:50 Escape to the Country 17:50 Lifeline 18:00 Songs of Praise 18:35 BBC News; Regional News 19:00 Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers 19:30 The Boat That Guy Built 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Waking the Dead 23:00 BBC News; Regional News 23:25 Comic Relief Highlights 2011 24:25 Stand Up for Comic Relief

07:00 Childrens TV

07:00 Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships 08:25 That Paralympic Show 08:55 Friends 09:25 Friends 09:50 Hollyoaks 12:20 Friends 12:50 Glee 13:50 The Simpsons 14:25 The Simpsons 15:00 Four in a Bed 15:30 Four in a Bed 16:00 Four in a Bed 16:30 Four in a Bed 17:00 Four in a Bed 17:30 Deal or No Deal 18:30 Time Team 19:30 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Come Dine with Me 21:00 Civilization: Is the West History?

22:00 Country House Rescue 23:00 Shooter

07:00 Childrens TV

Cup Highlights

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 May the Best House Win 11:25 House Gift 12:30 This Morning: Sunday 13:30 Dinner Date 14:25 ITV News 14:35 Columbo 16:35 Midsomer Murders 18:35 Granada News 18:50 ITV News 19:10 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 19:40 Dancing on Ice 21:30 Duran Duran: One Night Only 22:30 Dancing on Ice: The Skate Off 23:00 ITV News 23:15 Leah’s Dream 24:15 Anglo-Welsh Cup Rugby Union

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Britain’s Empty Homes 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Deadly 60 16:35 Deadly 60 Bite Size 16:40 Deadly Art 17:00 Big Performance 17:30 Blue Peter 17:55 Shaun the Sheep 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Bang Goes the Theory 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Waking the Dead 23:00 BBC News

07:00 Childrens TV 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Meerkat Manor 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 Restoration Roadshow 16:00 Flog It! 16:45 Helicopter Heroes 17:30 Pointless 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Royal Upstairs Downstairs 20:00 Nicolas Sarkozy: President Bling Bling?

21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets 22:00 Secret War on Terror 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Cabaret

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 The Lakes 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Law & Order: UK 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Real Crime with Mark Austin 24:35 River Monsters

07:20 The Hoobs 07:45 The Hoobs 08:10 Freshly Squeezed 08:40 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:05 Frasier 09:35 Friends 10:05 Supernanny USA 11:00 The Good Wife 11:55 Relocation, Relocation 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 The TV Book Club 13:30 Arizona Raiders 15:10 Cookery School 16:10 Countdown 16:55 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Dispatches 22:00 One Born Every Minute 23:00 Heston’s Chocolate Factory Feast 24:05 The Event

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Cowboy Builders 13:00 Meals in Moments 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 House 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Family Recipe 16:15 Ike: Countdown to D-Day 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Romeo Must Die 24:20 Death Race

tv Sunday 10:00 Dick & Dom Go Wild 10:30 Cop School 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 Film 2011 with Claudia Winkleman 13:00 Diagnosis Murder 13:45 The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp 16:20 The Red Shoes 18:30 The Spice Trail 19:30 Live MotoGP 21:00 Top Gear 22:00 Wonders of the Universe 23:00 Match of the Day 2 24:00 ICC Cricket World

tv Monday

09:30 Family!

09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 The Mr Men Show 10:30 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:00 Camilla Kerslake Live 11:30 Starlight: For the Children 12:00 Stansted: The Inside Story 13:00 Cowboy Builders 14:00 Cowboy Builders 15:00 Blood Alley 17:15 5 News Weekend 17:20 Hellfighters 19:40 Stealth 22:00 Death Race 24:10 Knock Off

08:00 Lion Man 08:30 Lion Man 09:00 Gladiators 10:00 WWE: Superstars 11:00 Soccer AM 13:00 Road Wars 14:00 A Town Called Eureka 15:00 WWE: Smackdown 17:00 Oops TV 18:00 Emergency Animal Rescue 18:30 Emergency Animal Rescue 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 Futurama 21:00 Oops TV 21:30 Futurama 22:00 The Time Machine 23:50 Road Wars

08:30 Extreme Sports: Freeride Spirit 08:45 Live Alpine Skiing 10:00 Live Ski Jumping 11:45 Live Alpine Skiing 12:30 Live Alpine Skiing 13:15 Live Cross-Country Skiing 14:00 Live Biathlon 14:45 Live Cross-Country Skiing 15:45 Live Biathlon 16:40 Wintersports Weekend 16:45 Snooker 18:00 Live Cycling 19:00 Live Show Jumping 20:30 Live Snooker 23:00 Curling

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 Four Weddings 11:00 Four Weddings 12:00 America’s Next Top Model 13:00 Biggest Loser 15:00 Nothing to Declare 15:30 Nothing to Declare 16:00 Nothing to Declare 16:30 Nothing to Declare 17:00 Addams Family 19:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 Criminal Minds 24:00 Criminal Minds

Casino Royale ITV1 23:05

07:00 Hour of Power 08:00 Lion Man 08:30 Lion Man 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Football’s Next Star 11:00 WWE: Superstars 12:00 WWE: Experience 13:00 Road Wars 14:00 UK Border Force 15:00 A Town Called Eureka 16:00 Emergency Animal Rescue 16:30 Emergency Animal Rescue 17:00 Futurama 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 The Simpsons 19:00 Live to Dance 20:00 Futurama 20:30 Futurama 21:00 The Simpsons 21:30 The Simpsons 22:00 Hawaii Five-0 23:00 NCIS: Los Angeles 24:00 House

08:00 Lion Man 09:00 Top Design 10:00 Dream Lives for Sale 11:00 Lie to Me 12:00 Dog Squad 13:00 Oops TV 14:00 Dream Lives for Sale 15:00 Stargate SG-1 17:00 Oops TV 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Road Wars 22:00 Ross Kemp: Extreme World 23:00 Spartacus: Gods of the Arena 24:15 Extraordinary

08:30 Motor Racing 09:30 Ski Jumping 10:00 Live Ski Jumping 11:45 Live Alpine Skiing 13:15 Live Cross-Country Skiing 14:00 Live Biathlon 14:45 Live Cross-Country Skiing 16:00 Live Biathlon 16:40 Wintersports Weekend 16:45 Live World Touring Car Championship 18:00 Live World Touring Car Championship 19:00 Live WTA Tennis 20:45 Live Snooker 23:00 Motorsports Weekend 23:15 Curling

Country House Rescue Channel 4 22:00

08:30 Seoul Marathon 09:30 Live Curling 12:00 WTA Tennis 13:00 Snooker 15:00 Live Curling 17:00 Biathlon 17:30 Biathlon 18:00 Eurogoals 18:30 Champions Club 19:45 Ski Jumping 20:45 WTA Tennis 21:45 Alpine Skiing 22:30 Eurogoals 23:00 Champions Club 24:15 Ski Jumping

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

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 Four Weddings 12:00 Four Weddings 13:00 Dating in the Dark 14:00 Dating in the Dark 15:00 Nothing to Declare 15:30 Nothing to Declare 16:00 Passport Patrol 16:30 Passport Patrol 17:00 Dog Patrol 17:30 Dog Patrol 18:00 America’s Next Top Model 19:00 Morbidly Obese 20:00 Four Weddings US 21:00 Cougar Town 21:30 Hot in Cleveland 22:00 Bedlam 23:00 Teens Who Tie the Knot 24:00 Grey’s Anatomy

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

tv Tuesday

18-24 MARCH 2011 Feb 26 - March 4 2010

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Britain’s Empty Homes 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Deadly 60 16:35 Deadly 60 Bite Size 16:40 Deadly Art 17:00 Dead Gorgeous 17:30 Blue Peter 17:55 Shaun the Sheep 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Silk 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News

07:00 Childrens T V 11:25 64 Zoo Lane 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Meerkat Manor 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 Restoration Roadshow 16:00 Flog It! 16:45 Helicopter Heroes 17:30 Pointless 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Royal Upstairs Downstairs 20:00 Wonders of the Universe 21:00 The Hairy Bikers: Mums Know Best 22:00 Bible’s Buried Secrets 23:00 Have I Got News for You 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Storyville

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Grimefighters 21:00 Lion Country 22:00 Caroline Quentin: A Passage Through India 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Thirteen

07:25 The Hoobs 08:15 Freshly Squeezed 08:40 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:05 Frasier 09:35 Friends 10:05 Supernanny USA 11:00 Brothers & Sisters 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Operation Amsterdam 15:05 Cookery School 16:10 Countdown 16:55 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Supersize vs Superskinny Kids 22:00 Katie: My Beautiful Friends 23:00 Lily Allen: From Riches to Rags 24:05 The Big C

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Cowboy Builders 13:00 Meals in Moments 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 House 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Family Recipe 16:15 Heart of a Stranger 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Extraordinary Dogs 21:00 Tutankhamun: The Mystery Revealed 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 CSI: Miami 23:55 CSI: NY 24:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

07:00 Brainiac: Science Abuse 08:00 Lion Man 08:30 Lion Man 09:00 Top Design 10:00 Dream Lives for Sale 11:00 Lie to Me 12:00 Dog Squad 12:30 Dog Squad 13:00 Oops TV 13:30 Oops TV 14:00 Dream Lives for Sale 15:00 Stargate SG-1 16:00 Stargate SG-1 17:00 Oops TV 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Live to Dance 22:00 The Time Machine 23:50 Brit Cops: Frontline Crime UK 24:50 Border Invasion USA

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Britain’s Empty Homes 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Deadly 60 16:35 Deadly 60 Bite Size 16:40 Deadly Art 17:00 Trade Your Way to the USA 17:30 MI High 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 The Boat That Guy Built 21:00 Waterloo Road 22:00 MasterChef 23:00 BBC News

07:00 Childrens TV 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 The Budget 2011 16:30 Flog It! Travels Around Britain: Rural Crafts 16:45 Helicopter Heroes 17:30 Pointless 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Royal Upstairs Downstairs 20:00 Escape to the Country 21:00 Great British Food Revival 22:00 Truth About Lions 23:00 Mock the Week Again 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Budget Statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer 24:25 ICC Cricket World Cup Highlights

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:20 An ITV News Special 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 The Unforgettable Sid James 21:00 Midsomer Murders 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Mercury Rising

07:20 The Hoobs 07:45 The Hoobs 08:15 Freshly Squeezed 08:40 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:05 Frasier 09:35 Friends 10:05 Supernanny USA 11:00 Brothers & Sisters 11:55 Country House Rescue 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Kipps 15:05 Cookery School 16:10 Countdown 16:55 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Supersize vs Superskinny Kids 22:00 Jamie’s Dream School 23:00 Model Agency 24:05 Lily Allen: From Riches to Rags

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Cowboy Builders 13:00 Meals in Moments 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 House 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Family Recipe 16:15 Flood: a River’s Rampage 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Starlight: For the Children 21:00 Emergency Bikers 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 23:55 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:55 Poker

08:00 Lion Man 09:00 Top Design 10:00 Dream Lives for Sale 11:00 Lie to Me 12:00 Dog Squad 13:00 Oops TV 14:00 Dream Lives for Sale 15:00 Stargate SG-1 17:00 Oops TV 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Louie Spence’s Showbusiness 22:00 An Idiot Abroad 23:00 Fringe 24:00 Spartacus: Gods of the Arena

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Britain’s Empty Homes 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Deadly 60 16:35 Deadly 60 Bite Size 16:40 Deadly Art 17:00 Prank Patrol 17:30 Animals at Work 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 DIY SOS 22:00 Panorama 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Budget Response

07:00 Childrens TV 11:20 64 Zoo Lane 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 See Hear 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:30 Restoration Roadshow 16:00 Flog It! 16:45 Helicopter Heroes 17:30 Pointless 18:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Royal Upstairs Downstairs 20:00 Windfarm Wars 21:00 A Farmer’s Life for Me 22:00 British at Work 23:00 The Grumpy Guide to Work 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Budget Response 24:25 ICC Cricket World Cup Highlights

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Monroe 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Gone in Sixty Seconds

07:10 Treacle People 07:20 The Hoobs 08:10 Freshly Squeezed 08:40 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:05 Frasier 09:35 Friends 10:10 Supernanny USA 11:00 Brothers & Sisters 11:55 Restoration Man 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Good Morning, Miss Dove 15:05 Cookery School 16:10 Countdown 16:55 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Supersize vs Superskinny Kids 22:00 Love Thy Neighbour 23:00 10 O’Clock Live 24:05 Big Bang Theory 24:35 Ricky Gervais Show

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Cowboy Builders 13:00 Meals in Moments 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 House 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Rough Guide to...

16:25 Claire 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 The Blasters 22:00 High Plains Drifter 24:15 CCTV Cities

tv Wednesday

tv Thursday

08:30 WATTS 08:45 Champions Club 10:00 Live Curling 12:00 Ski Jumping 13:00 Biathlon 13:45 Biathlon 14:30 Live Curling 17:00 Snooker 19:00 Ski Jumping 20:00 Boxing 21:00 Boxing 23:00 Extreme Sports: Freeride Spirit 23:30 Inside WTCC 24:00 Motorsports Weekend 24:20 Seoul Marathon

53 53

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

Silk BBC1 22:00

08:30 Extreme Sports: Freeride Spirit 09:00 Live Figure Skating 13:30 Figure Skating 15:00 Live UEFA Women’s Champions League 17:00 Curling 19:00 Live Cycling 21:50 Wednesday Selection 21:55 Riders Club 22:00 PGA Tour Golf 23:00 European Tour Golf 23:30 Golf Club 23:35 Yacht Club 23:40 Wednesday Selection 23:45 Sport Destination 24:00 UEFA Women’s Champions League

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

The Unforgettable Sid James ITV1 20:30

08:00 Lion Man 09:00 Top Design 10:00 Dream Lives for Sale 11:00 Lie to Me 12:00 Dog Squad 13:00 Oops TV 14:00 Body Language Secrets 15:00 Stargate SG-1 17:00 Oops TV 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Hawaii Five-0 22:00 Thorne 23:00 House 24:00 NCIS: Los Angeles

08:30 Figure Skating 10:00 Live Figure Skating 13:30 Figure Skating 15:00 Live Curling 17:00 Figure Skating 18:45 Euro 2012 Flash 19:00 Live Cycling 22:00 Fight Club 24:00 Figure Skating

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

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer Show 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Celebrity Four Weddings 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 14:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 Ghost Whisperer 21:00 Addams Family Values 23:00 Katie 24:00 Criminal Minds

18-24 MARCH 2011 Feb 26 - March 4 2010

54 44

Non-Event

The TV Round Up by

Alex Trelinski

Broadcaster and freelance journalist

T

HE SCI-FI series ‘The Event’ returned after a mid-season break for a double episode on Channel 4 on Monday night. After an interesting start, this American show quickly lost its way akin to a faulty car GPS system, suspending

any belief or credibility. The three month hiatus in the programme came in the States, whilst the series was ‘re-booted’ (which is TV code for trying to rescue something which has turned out to be expensive rubbish).

It’s ‘Comic Relief’ night tonight on BBC 1, as you’ll end up seeing more red noses than on a Brit trip to the Spanish beaches.

As opposed to the saccharine-laden ‘Children in Need’, this is always a very well put together piece of TV, and who can forget Catherine Tate’s brilliant routine a few years ago with the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair. It’s interesting that ITV1 has conceded the evening to their opposition with Corrie being screened in an hour long lump tonight at 8.30, and ‘Benidorm’ not being shown at all. Sadly the new series continues to disappoint and it’s just the antics of the Harvey family and Madge that keep it afloat every week, helped by last Friday’s appearance of Melvyn Hayes as the hilarious gangster ‘Mr.Pink’.

The US figures have plummeted in a similar way as to what happened to last year’s ‘Flash Forward’ and I have a similar reaction in not caring a jot about what happens to the characters. It shows yet again that coming up

There might be a few satellite dishes in these parts twitching in the direction of the UK National Geographic Channel this Monday night. And we are not talking about a new documentary about the sex life of the penguin! NGC has a programme looking at the ‘Costa Del Crime’ and how criminals like Ronnie Knight and Freddie Foreman used a legal loophole back in the eighties to escape the long arm of the British law, and enjoy a life of sun and sangria over here.

It’s a fascinating watch, and stand-by for a peak at a slim-looking Roger Cook who made his name door-stepping a long list of villains in years gone by, including making a few Spanish visits!

Don’t you find, barring Vanessa Feltz and her useless daytime show on Channel 5, that Jason Gardiner from ITV 1’s ‘Dancing on Ice’ is one of the vilest things to be on UK TV at the moment? The PR guff from ITV in recent weeks over Gardiner being reprimanded for being over the top with his comments is a load of bull, especially the speculation that he might be dropped. This is fantasy manufactured for the salivating British tabloids, as part of a simple plot to maximise viewers, who are all falling for this act. It may be showbiz,

with a cult hit in the vein of ‘Lost’ or ‘24’ is easier said than done, and I’ll be sticking to watching my enjoyable ration of Monday night belly-laughs courtesy of ‘Mrs. Brown’s Boys’ on BBC 1.

but I’d love to know what somebody like Robin Cousins or Torvill & Dean make of it all, or perhaps they are just happy to quietly pick up their high value ITV paychecks?

The Return Book Review by

Danny Collins

copy@dannyjpcollins.com

VICTORIA HISLOP’S first book, ‘The Island’, took the number one spot in The Sunday Times paperback chart for eight consecutive weeks and sold one million copies worldwide.

Since it’s inconceivable that her husband, Ian (‘if that’s justice I’m a banana’) Hislop could have bought every copy we must assume that Victoria Hislop knows how to write a blockbuster.

Her second novel, ‘The Return’, is of a young English woman’s insight into the Spanish Civil War 70 years in the past and its ravaging effects on an erstwhile normal Spanish family from Granada. Divided by politics and differing loyalties, the Ramírez family suffers horrendous personal tragedies as Nationalist and Republican forces meet in savage warfare in the conflict that saw the death of my hero Lorca in Andalucia and heralded that countryside’s dramatic toll of death.

Victoria Hislop has obviously delved deeply in her research of Spain’s bloody past and she certainly captures the atmosphere of famine, fear, and brutal trench warfare overlaid with the tears of a savaged generation. Very reminiscent of CJ Sansom’s ‘Winter

Suduko Answer in Madrid’ in prose and style of narrative, Hislop’s story differs in that it is told against a pulsing flamenco beat of rumba and soleares that radiates throughout the story. It’s a brilliant book and well worth reading. Mrs Hislop is destined to cast an even bigger shadow on the British literary scene.

Author: Victoria Hislop Publisher: Headline Review (paperback) Price: 15.60€ ISBN: 978 0 7553 3294 6

Friday nights are going to be a bit duller for the next few weeks as ‘The Graham Norton Show’ on BBC 1 takes a short break.

It’s turned out to be a great way of finishing the week, and yes, we know that most of the guests are on the sofa to plug a tour or a film, but the way that Norton gets them interacting together is one of the reasons I tune in.

Loved the UK Eurovision entry from Blue on last week’s show; nice and cheesy and certain not to finish bottom in Dusseldorf next month.

motoring

WE HAVE not had time yet to put our UK registered car onto Spanish plates. We are told by other expats not to bother as some say they have been here for years and never been stopped so do not bother. How do we go about it in the least expensive way, please?

Graham Carr, Torrevieja. by Dear Graham, I am sorry to hear that you have been taken in by the ‘bar-room lawyers’ who have been fortunate enough Author of not to be stopped, probably because The Motoring in Spain Guardia Civil (GC), Trafico Department has been on a ‘go-slow’ (work to rule) in recent months. The police chief tells me that they are keen to issue many fines as the cash is much needed but sadly locally they do not have a place to store the vehicles stopped.

They have nowhere at present to safely store the cars but it is only a matter of time before some local with an empty compound offers to set it up for some cash.

There is not only a fee for the towtruck (Grua) but also a daily charge for the impound fees. Meanwhile expats with illegal cars are spending cash on such fraudulent items as MOT certificates obtained through the post as advertised in the English local Press. To legalise the vehicle it is important to do it quickly soon after you arrive and then it is treated as personal property with no import duty.

Leave it for a year or so, and it becomes a pure import. How to do it including the technical needs is in my book: no space here to advise all the details.

Incidentally, it is a regulation throughout that all EU vehicles must be legal as far as

Brian Deller

all taxes and registration documents are concerned in the country of registration so a good give-away for the police is not having a current Road Fund tax receipt in the windscreen. That alone is a fineable offence and gives the police the excuse to look further.

The Internet link on your website does not work. I need to get to the page for the Trafico forms. Please help.

Sorry Phil. I have recently had to change my PC and the new one has Windows 7 so I have started using new software for my web site. Also Trafico periodically changes their addresses on the website. This should be sorted soon. The address is: http://www.dgt.es/portal/es/oficina_ virtual/vehiculos/modelos_impresos/.

Select the form you need and you can refer to the lists and description in my book on pages 263-265. Choose ‘Castellano’ as the language and the form will appear on your PC in Adobe Reader. Most of the form can be completed on the screen before printing out (two copies automatically).

Remember if you are renewing your Spanish driving licence after a medical, the clinic will issue you with a temporary licence and send in the bold one so you receive the new updated one in the post a couple or so weeks later. The new periods since December 2009 are shown below, but remember that for the Spanish licences the dates of expiry are on the cards. The UK and other EU country licences have different expiry dates, but the standard UK one is at age 70 years. If you are resident here you will then need to change it for a Spanish one,

18-24 March 2011

an easy task described in my book. If you need an International Driving Licence (IDL) to visit countries outside of the EU and Europe, you can register your UK etc. Licence at Trafico and then for about €12 you can buy an IDL there, valid for a year as they all are.

The ‘new’ medical periods are: (first published in RTN in March 2010) Date Driving Test passed Old periods New Periods Licence classifications Affected.

As applicable in the reader’s case: From date of passing test Turismos and motos: To age 45, every 10 years.

From Age 45, every 5 years to age 70 To age 65, every 10 years.

From age 65, every 5 years.

LCC; LCM; LVA; A1; A; B; B+E. Commercial licences, HGVs etc: To age 45, every 5 years To age 65, every 5 years, From age 65, every 3 years.

BTP; C1; C + E; C; C + E; D1; D1 + E;D; D +E. Please note that there is much more detailed information on all the licence classifications in my book. This is important as UK licence holders must also take these medicals.

Water is just falling for the sky so it is important now to make sure that your vehicles’ tyres are in the best condition.

Although the minimum tread depth is legally 1.6 mm all across the tread, a much safer depth for heavy rain is 3 mm or more.

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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18-24 MARCH 2011

Classified Ads 18-24 MARCH 2011

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

57

Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2)

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

UK-SPAIN-IRELAND All European Destinations

Removals with the personal touch. Full/part loads.

Parcels, flat packs, luggage, door to door service, Storage available, pets transported

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

PRISTINE POOLS

• Professional pool maintenance & cleaning • Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems Ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed • Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired • Structural leaks investigated and repaired • Refurbishments & upgrades undertaken British Trained with over 15 years experience.

Extensive references. All work guaranteed Tel: 96 677 4199 or 678 080 500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com Torrevieja and surrounding areas plus Costa Calida

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18-24 MARCH 2011

LABELS N TABLES Everything Must Go Clearance - Admiral Rucksack only €3.

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

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

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

BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home.

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

LABELS N TABLES Everything Must Go Clearance - Next Pictures were €22 now €3

PAWS PET TRANSPORT SpainUK-Spain every month. We look after your pets as if they belong to us. Call Joe for a chat on 966074-576 or 650-341-087. email:pawspettransport@hotmail.com SMALL FRIENDLY BRITISH KENNELS individual runs, large excercise area. 25 mins Alicante airport. www.parkbark.co.uk 628-244-712

4 BERTH SPANISH TRAILER TENT, Small easy to erect, easily towable with small car only 650euro ono. tel:-680-665-583 CAMPING LOS GALLARDOS Come to Mojacar! Large campsite + mobile home park open all year, great expat community site, all welcome. 950-528-324. www.

CampingLosGallardos.com MOBILE/PARK HOMES FROM 17,000€ Fully furnished ready to move into, A/c, tel, Eng TV, on permanent site, bar/res, pool, tennis, gym, shop.Walking distance to San Javier. 5mins to beach, Airport, hospital by car. (also bungalows for rent & caravans plots short term or permanent stays.) Carol 968192-425 mob. 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com

Office in Torrevieja with parking Monday-Friday 10am til 6pm 15,000 euros per annum with contract Contact Michelle on 965 715 854 / 680 168 742 villagepost@live.co.uk

THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN MADRID IS LOOKING FOR A SECURITY MANAGER

ROLLER SHUTTER REPAIRS 50kms radius Calpe. Ray Bowers 626576706

RESTAURANT-BAR 100% mortgage or NO repayments for three years. worldspan@terra.es RESTAURANT LEASE FOR SALE Fully fitted and licensed restaurant for sale at a very realistic price.The restaurant has been trading for 8-years and is well established. tele:687-913-775 10 COLD DRINK/SNACK VENDING MACHINES with sites,€39,900.excellent cash income, no overhead, work from home, work only one day per week, €31,000 nett yearly. 25 pringle vending machines with sites €14,900.€250 per week guaranteed.965-326-442/ 659-696-455 SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own product range.

First class training & support.

Telephone 606586587

TELESALES NEEDED

Busy UK Magazine is looking for bright and bubbly telesales people to join our growing team. Experience an advantage but not necessary as full training will be given

FULLY QUALIFIED UK ELECTRICIAN with 10 years experience on the CostaBlanca.

All jobs undertaken-extra sockets, rewires, fault finding. Tlf:-Hugh690-275-223

AVON NEED AGENTS AND LEADERS work hours to suit you.

For info Phone Rosh 966-785-520 MILLION DOLLAR HOLE IN ONE are looking for ladies to work as officals at Alicante and El Plantio Golf Course. Must be self motived, bubbly and have own transport. Languages not essentail. Age 20 to 50. Please contact Lyn on 635-237-925. Or send c.v to lynn-dunn@hotmail. com HYGIENIST IS REQUIRED for a dental practice in Benidorm. The person must speak Spanish and English. Please send curriculum in Spanish to flor@id-mediterraneo. com COOK REQUIRED To prepare breakfast&lunches for bar restaurant Playa Flamenca.

622-030-953 GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY For a good Cook and Average Handyman. Small apartment in La Manga, in a chalet situated in the front line of Mar Menor, to let in exchange for light services.

For full details Tlf Ernesto:-968564-022 FEMALES AND COUPLES 18 to 65 required for adult internet photo and video modeling.

Excellent rates. 697-697-842.

LABELS N TABLES Everything Must Go Clearance - 4 kids boots for €1

Are you an experienced security professional with a strong track record, a flexible approach, knowledge of Spanish and the wish to join an organisation with a highly respected worldwide reputation?

If so, the British Embassy network in Spain is looking for a Post Security Manager, who will lead on day to day security matters throughout the extensive British Embassy network, based at the Embassy in Madrid and with eight offices around Spain. You will work closely with all other Embassy teams, the Post Security Officer, a Regional Overseas Security Manager and the Security Department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in London as well as Spanish security suppliers.

Requirements Essential • British National • Demonstrable operational security experience, preferably in a security management role.

• Proven customer focus-with the emphasis on delivery of outcomes.

• Excellent communication skills, with fluent oral and written English and working knowledge of Spanish.

• IT literate (Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Internet).

• Ability to work both under minimal supervision and as part of a team • Ability to multitask and work under pressure to tight deadlines • Capacity to deal patiently and effectively in a wide range of situations • Inter-personal, organisational and line management skills • Driving licence (UK or EU) Desirable • Current UK Government DV clearance • Experience of crisis management • Knowledge of UK Health and Safety policies Main Duties • Day to day management of the security of the Embassy and the Ambassador’s Residence (which will include liaison with emergency organisations, police, security authorities, fire brigade, building owners and other embassies); • Management of Spain wide security guarding contract by ensuring that the performance standards of the contract are maintained; • Preparation and issue of the Embassy emergency procedures, and the frequent rehearsal of emergency drills as Incident Control Officer; • Management and maintenance of all security equipment; • Management of the Alarm, CCTV and access control systems (for which in house training will be provided); • Management of the Security budget (€500k); • Provision of Security Briefings to staff; • Provision of security advice for Consular and UKTI network in Spain and all Embassy events; • Security clearance for all new staff to the appropriate level; • Review and revise security policies; • Management of the Transport and Support Office team; • Contribute to Embassy Health & Safety responsibilities; • Contribute to the Embassy Emergency response and business continuity plans; If you have any questions about this role please contact Sarah Young on

+35 121 392 4111 or 00 34 917 146 300.

Working hours: 37.5 hours (net) per week starting daily at 0730 hrs.

Salary: 40.109 Gross Euros/year.

Applications: please send a detailed CV and completed application form by e-mail to rrhh@fco.gov.uk to arrive no later than 23 March 2011.

Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview on 4 April 2011 in Madrid. Those applicants who have not been contacted by 28 March 2011 should assume their applications have been unsuccessful.

For further information on the work at the British Embassy please see www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk

18-24 MARCH 2011 Selective coated. 250€ each TLf:677-260-473 SOLID PINE DINING SUITE. Large 250cm x 100cm table, 6 hand Carved chairs and two matching Carvers.All in perfect condition.650euros or sensible offers.Can deliver.965-771592609-370-594(Javea) HAIRDRESSING EQUIPMENT 1 backwash unit, Hood Dryer on Stand, Climazon Dryer Nearly New 1000€. Genuine Interest Only Tlf:-620-408-678 WHEELCHAIR Light, Foldable, Hardly used. 150€. Mobility Scooter 40km range 499€. Both like new! Tlf:-627-019-403 2 X MATCHING SOFA TABLES Circular, Diameter 60cm, Height 55cm, 3 legged pedestal base, Light oak finish. VCG. Altea area, Buyer collects. 50€ the pair. 691202-307

TEETH WHITENING. Professional Pain Free Cosmetic Treatment, from 99€. Javea, Denia, Calpe, areas. Tel:-680-501404 www.nulookteeth.com SLIMMING WORLD Everything you need to lose weight with the new extra easy plan. Just 10e email. Nd321@live.co.uk for infornation.

WEIGHT LOSS GUARANTEED/ GET FIT world class personal trainer €50 per hour.659-696-455.

PRESTIGE NURSING offers Legal, Registered and Professional Home Care on the Costa Blanca. All your home nursing care service needs can be undertaken by our highly trained nursing/ domiciliary team. Call Prestige Nursing on 687-015-517

AT MICHAEL’S Now we have a large selection of very good pre owned beds and bedroom furniture. Visit our Port shop! or see them on: www.michaelsjavea.com Tel 96-579 1328 AT MICHAEL’S weekly deliveries to JALON area, MORAIRA and DENIA. Stock changes daily!

Designer furniture half price! New beds - quick delivery. www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S you also get NEW high quality Spanish beds.

All sizes available as we deal directly with the manufacturers!

Famous brands like United Colors of Benetton, etc www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Many table sets - all styles.Several large carpets, very high quality. High quality guest beds with storage. See over 600 photos: www.michaels-javea.com MICHAEL’S 28 YEARS IN JAVEA ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! We sell high quality pre owned furniture, many from show apartments etc. Look at: www.michaelsjavea.com Tel 96-579-1328

WANTED INSTANT CASH PAID Antique and modern jewellery, vintage watches bought sold part exchanged, insurance valuations.

Jewellery & watch repairs.

Alexanders, Javea Port seafron near Bar Esquina. Established since 2003. Tel:965-792-595

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

LABELS N TABLES Everything Must Go Clearance - Quality Summer Shoes from €1 STERLING ELITE MOBILITY SCOOTER with reverse facility, indicators, lights, horn and charger. 950€ + household goods.

Tel:-610-322-653-Denia ANTIQUE PINE EXTENDING DINING TABLE 70€ Oil filled electric fire 30€, Double bed and head board 50€, Light wood 3/4 size wardrobe 30€, Chest of Drawers 30€, Sofa-bed 20€.

Catral Area. Tlf:-965-976-756 SOLAR PANEL´S (THERMAL) NEW 194x94x10 CM Copper/

BALLROOM/LATIN/SEQUENCE DANCING with LA BAMBA’s.

Los Arcos Restaurant, Avenida Baleares, Torrevieja, New Beginners class Monday 10.30am-12.30pm. SOCIAL DANCE Saturday 7.30pm-10pm.

Tuesday Improvers Lesson 7.30pm-8.30pm plus SOCIAL DANCE 8.30pm-10.30pm. New Venue: The Wok Royal, Benijofer (966-714-820) New Beginners

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Class: Monday, 7.30pm-8.30pm, Argentine Tango Class 8.30pm9pm plus SOCIAL DANCE: 8.30pm-10.30pm. Bienvenido Chinese restaurant, at La Zenia roundabout.New Beginners Class: Wednesday 7.30pm-9.30pm. Tel: Andrea and Brian 616-478-157 WEIGHT WATCHERS Call our Free English call centre now to find your nearest meeting. 900818-794

LABELS N TABLES Everything Must Go Clearance - M&S Cushion Covers Just €1.

QROPS FEES! Have you looked at transferring or cashing in your UK pension only to be dissappointed by expensive fees?

If so call me. Lowest QROPS Fees Guaranteed! Paul 965-058488 or 691-219-354 AUTOMATIC GATE SYSTEMS €399!! Automatic Garage Doors €249!! Fully Installed/Guaranteed!

All brands repaired 627-191-639/ www.elektro-nex.com BEV´S CAKES For all occasions, made to your specification. Alfaz/ Benidorm areas. Call for more info 670-533-488 KARAOKE MEDIA PLAYER “Brand New” 500GB. 70,000songs, software, songbooks, bar/home use.

275euros Tlf:-657-766-341 POOL, SNOOKER TABLES Also Table Tennis and Darts. Will beat any price!. Tlf:-666-933-726. www. spainpool.com

HONDA BROSS 650CC LIGHTWEIGHT Water cooled vtwin (75mpg) superb condition ITV & TAX 32K just serviced including new battery & plugs, Spanish reg 1000euros ovno 651-186-765 SCOOTER.KYMCO BET & WIN 125CC Matching 45ltr top box, immaculate condition, as new €1300. 965-770-301

MERCEDES CLK230 COMPRESSOR AVANTGARDE COUPE UK car late 2000 X reg, TOP OF THE RANGE, fully serviced, looks and drives like 2 year old car, this car needs nothing except a new owner. The idiot that put his deposit down has lost it. NO MORE TIME WATERS OR TYRE KICKERS. 2450euro may part exchange for Spanish car/van cash either way. tel:-680665-583 CITROEN C5 ESTATE 2.0 HDI YEAR 2002, UK Car fully loaded, just serviced, Tax and Mot until November 2011, excellant condition, Perfect for returning to

UK as has large boot, 2950euro will part exchange for Spanish car/van. cash either way. tel:680-665-583 OPEL ASTRA ESTATE 1.7 CDTI, LATE 2007 Very low kilometers, fully serviced, top spec with ALL extras, looks and drives as new, only 7950euro may part exchange. tel:-680-665-583 or exchange for motorhome cash either way BUMPERS, WINGS AND MIRRORS All body panels for all cars supplied. Tel:-966-877-145 or 618-592-396 HEADLIGHTS4U.COM Left hand drive headlights supplied and fitted. All makes. Also air conditioning rechargeTel:966-877-145 or 618-592-396 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY 2.5 TD AUTO RHD. Spanish Plates, VGC. 2850€ ONO. Pego.Tlf:675-878-601 MERCEDES 230 CLK ADVANTGARDE KOMPRESSOR. Summer is coming,cabriolet,2002 pristine condition,Sat nav and tel,cruise, plus all the extras.Silver with black hod and leather interior.8,500€, Tel:-667-681-142 Teulada.

SUMMERS COMING! Mercedes 320 SL Automatic Cabriolet, Fully Equipped with Hard and Soft Tops Full Tan leather Alloys Climate and much more must be seen P.O.A Ford Ka 1.3 2008 1 owner 22,000 Kms F.F.S.H Aircon etc Silver 5750€ Mazda MX5 Cabriolet 1.6 16V 112.000Kms. Fully Serviced red with new black soft top 4.750€ Citroen Picasso Xsara 2.0 SX Automatic tiptronic Nov 03 RHD Spanish Registered 1 owner 48.000kms high spec model with cruise control pic nic tables and much more.

Light met. Blue excellent value beautiful condition 5450€ Ford Focus 1.6 TDCI Sports. 5 door, 2010, 16,000Kms. FSH. High Spec Model. Pearl Blue. 12,750€ Renault Laguna 1.9 DCI Privalige.

5 Door Hatch. 2003. FSH. High Spec Model with alloys,xWNON etc. Pearl Silver with half grey leather interior. 6250€ We also have a large selection of RHD and LHD vehicles for sale or exchange. For all the above vehicles just call Frank for more information on 600-726-221/965687-976 or simply view our easy to use website www.fwreurocars.com

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18-24 MARCH 2011

VW BORA 1.9TDI SPORT 2002, Silver, 6 Speed Manual, F.S.H. Alloys, Alarm, ITV.07/2012, 105,000m RHD Spanish Plates 50+mpg,fully loaded, immaculate. €2500 tel 653-553-715 HYUNDAI SANTA FE V6 AUTO 2003 Spanish lhd 104,000km 7,400euro tel:660-375-093 BREAKERS YARD HGV, Vans, 4x4, Cars, Bikes. Most vehicle parts in stock. Delivery service for engines, etc. Vehicle sales and scrappage service. Free pick-up and transfer. Call 692-790-377. Email: hgmservices@yahoo.com WANTED Scrap cars, vans, lorries, plant and caravans.

Turn your scrap into cash. Free collection. Tel.689929395 1.3 FORD FIESTA 5DOOR HATCHBACK 2003-Excellent condition,full service history, 34000 klm. 2years ITV. Non resident owned car for own holiday use.3750€. Mazzaron area. Mobile:-605-372-048 WE BUY any car,van,motorhome,boat, jet ski.

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PAINTOR AND DECORATOR Exterior/interior Spray Painting Specialist. Woodwork, iron work, all aspects. For a free friendly, no obligation quote call Kevin Guilfoyle. 965-831-209/ 636-653-516 or Guifoyle.kev66@gmail.com

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House and Hotel visits or in my apartment. 650-104-534 Torrevieja BEAT THE CREDIT CRUNCH! Blonde, English, Aged 44. 40€ all inclusive. Tlf:-626-324-088 NEW IN BENIDORM MATURE SUSI 49 Made in Switzerland. 7 days, Incalls or Outcalls. Tlf:672-836-234 or www.maduraescort.com PORNO DVD´S! The Best You´ve Ever Seen! Gay, Bestial, SheMale, BDSM 10€ each. Rebecca:Tlf:-636-929-511 SPANISH LADY PLAYA FLAMENCA near new Carrefour before La Florida. 35 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking. Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, economical prices from 40€. Full discretion. Call Ana 680-735-412 TORREVIEJA TRANS BELLY Stunning Redhead,.Huge breasts, sculptural body.Speciality erotic masage.Very feminine and sexy.

Call me 671-424-456 www.hisparelax.com/belly ARE YOU MALE, FEMALE OR A COUPLE? Need some Sexy FUN? Contact me soonest.

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Call Ron TTMarketing Tlf:966-499-204

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired.

Professional, consciencious service to the highest standards.

Refurbishments and upgrades undertaken. Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems, ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed. All work guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 15 years experience. 8 years served on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966-774-199 or 678-080-500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com

1.9MTR SATELLITE DISH Complete with stand. Twin Invacom LNB €250. Installed if Necessary. Tlf:-628-048-206 Torrevieja.

ENGLISH TELEVISION - NO MONTHLY FEES Upgrades from €40. Small Dish Systems €150.

Large Dish €299. Fully Installed.

Torrevieja Areas. Tlf:-628-048-206 MOTOR, 80CM DISH and mounting column, 135euro.

Moraira, 966-495-263 ALL SATELLITE SYSTEMS Installed, Maintained and Repaired. 10 years experience with Satellites in Spain. All areas covered. Tlf:-Hugh-690-275-223 CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV for all your digital and TV requirements.

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Steve:-660-186-505/Ros:-965584-097. www.ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com

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APARTMENT FOR RENT 3 bedroom, clean spacious apartment in Pedreguer town, close to all amenities. 2 bathrooms, lounge, kitchen, aircon and lift. Available now €450 per month bills included. Call 638-207-343 EL PINET F/F 2 BED FLAT Sea View, 10 mins to Beach, Overlooking Pool. Call:-649-411634 www.carefreproperties.co.uk 1ST FLOOR APARTMENT ALTEA LA VELLA In a 3apartment country house, halfway between Altea/Altea la Vella.

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LONG TERM RENTAL JAVEA AREA Small 2 bed Villa wanted, by retired male.

Needs garden for dog, Internet and TV. Tel:-680-501-404

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TRANSLATOR Spanish and English speaking. Available for medical visits etc. Benidorm and surrounding areas. Tel Dawn: 626-337-258.

MICK WITH HIS VAN Removals Collections Deliveries. For a reliable effective service. Hourly rate or quote. Call Mick anytime 600-247-535 VAN LEAVING FOR THE U/K every two weeks space both ways. Great rates contact Joe on 966-074-576 or 650-341-087 or email civic1235@msn.com EUROMOVE4U Full & Part Loads. Spain to UK/UK to Spain on a regular monthly basis. Cars & Motorcycles transported Next run to UK-End of March Returning Early April. Sep Space Available Call Grant or Jan Office 0034-965300-959 Mobile 0034-648-102529 UK Mob 0044-7803-893-719.

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MATHS TUTOR We would like a maths tutor for our 12 year old son, who attends British School of Alicante. Our home is situated just west of Elche. Initially a few hours each Saturday morning.Tlf:-00442087-953-371 or email:-liam@ pyramidbuildersltd.co.uk SPANISH LESSONS ONLINE I can teach you the easiest way to speak Spanish.Tlf:-600-400-668. www.howtospeakspanish.es COMPUTER TUTOR Software training, ebusiness education, website publishing, photography, videography and more DIY tips and tricks for all of your business and personal needs. Karla Darocas - certified instructor since 1990. Tel: 96 597 3234 info@KarlaDarocas. com Referrences - www.

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18-24 MARCH 2011

61

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62

18-24 MARCH 2011

The final whistle With Andy Kay www.andykayevents.com

RTN Golf Club update

Mute Fergie Dennis Jordan NORTH REGION

Mike Probert SOUTH REGION Sir Alex Ferguson IT SEEMS that the FA has finally ‘grown a pair’ and dished out some punishment to Sir Alex Ferguson that fines the crime.

After his rant against referee Martin Atkinson following the defeat to Chelsea when he said “we need a fair referee and a strong referee and we didn’t get one,” Fergie has been handed a 5 match touchline ban and a fine of £30,000 as a ‘repeat offender’.

Now, isn’t it about time that the Premier League followed the FA’s example and got tough with the United manager for his repeated BBC Television blackout? Ferguson hasn’t given a post-match interview to the Beeb since the corporation ran a 2004 documentary on the activities of his agent son Jason.

Despite describing the programme as “nonsense,” Fergie, nor his son have ever sued and have instead insisted on an apology, which they are never going to get. Trouble is, the BBC is a Premier League rights holder and every manager is required to speak to them after games. The Premier League has already decided that Ferguson has broken the rules.

However, they seem incredibly reluctant to sanction him so how about this for a suggestion - a fine of £10,000 for every misdemeanour, backdated by 7 years? Perhaps that might get him talking again.

Murcia Golf Hound Murcia Region

GOLF ON the Costa Blanca is a very popular place for tourists and this brings lots of different nationalities, but there are many golfers that live here and like to join as members of the courses in their area; not always affordable though, Family membership can be an option so everyone gets a chance at the game and then obviously become addicted (well hopefully!) I have seen over the years that in turn this brings out the budding young golfer which is great for the game. I know Noel Eastwell has given lessons to many and they speak highly of him; it is a good idea to get professional advice from a teaching pro from the start to feel more comfortable and confident before heading out onto the green. Courses do offer reduced rates for juniors and often set aside certain days for them to learn.

Courses are in good condition and with green fees at competitive prices it’s a great time of year to get out and enjoy the wonderful game of golf.

WHAT HAS happened to our warm winter weather?

Last week was horrendous and the last thing we need at this time is something else to stop players ‘walking the fairways’.

Hopefully in the not too distance future the Spanish authorities will take steps to prevent airport workers from destroying the start of the tourist season.

The economic crisis has made a number of our courses ‘take stock’ and there are more ‘deals’ available than normal for this time of year so take advantage while you can.

This week Hacienda Del Alamo and Polaris-world are the latest courses to go along the ‘twilight’ golf route with single green fees of only €30 from 3pm onwards.

The remarkable deal at La Peraleja has proved popular as have the deals at Altorreal, Las Colinas and Vistabella.

FIRST ON the Hound’s hit list this weekwas the fantastic new course, Los Saurines. Upon arrival you are led to believe that you are at Terrazas de La Torre but don´t let this prevent you finding Los Saurines, the little gem that is hidden beyond.

The inland links course design is very different and very pleasing upon the eye. vSome pesky rabbits have caused a little damage to the fairways (wild boars at LMC, rabbits at Los Saurines; we wouldn´t have these problems if I were in charge) but this does not detract from the quality of the course.

The greens are in fantastic condition and include some interesting elevation changes which make for a real challenge.

As for the 18th green, well... never in my travels have I seen such a green! Two putts from front to back and you’re either Seve or Paul Daniels; he’s a wiz with the wand you know!

The facilities are still quite primitive but the bar has now opened so you can at least get a bowl of water after your round! Want to know more? Get yourself off to Los Saurines and enjoy!

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

NORTH Region Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

Alenda

€45

Single Green fee

Alicante Golf

€46

Single Green fee + Buggy

Bonalba

€42

Single Green fee

Don Cayo

€43

Single Green fee

El Plantio

€45

Single Green fee

Font del Llop

€40

Single Green Fee

Villaitana Par 62

€39

Single Green fee + Buggy

Villaitana Par 72

€45

Single Green fee

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

SOUTH Region RTN Price

Comments

Altorreal

Golf Course

€55

2 Players and 1 Buggy (Fri)

Hacienda del Alamo

€30

Single Green Fee (3pm)

La Serena

€30

Single Green Fee (3pm)

Polaris World Courses

€30

Single Green Fee (3pm)

Roda

€100

2 Players and 1 Buggy (2pm)

Las Colinas

€94

2 Players and 1 Buggy (3pm)

VistaBella

€86 €56

2 Players and 1 Buggies (Weekend) 2 Players and 1 Buggy (3pm)

€76

2 Players and 1 Buggies

€140

4 Players and 2 Buggy

La Peraleja

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

MURCIA Region Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

La Envia

€41

Single Green fee

Valle del Este

€90

2 Green fees and Buggy

Aguilón

€40

Single Green fee

Alborán

€48

Single Green fee

Cortijo Grande

€30

Single Green Fee

Almerimar

€60

Single Green Fee

Desert Springs

€65

Single Green fee

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

ENGLAND EYE CLEAN SWEEP Even if they are defeated by Ireland, England look set to top that table of this season’s 6 Nations Championship. But that won’t be good enough for the players and it certainly won’t meet the expectations of manager Martin Johnson.

He’ll be looking for his team to complete the Grand Slam, the first for an English side since 2003.

Later that same year, Johnson captained the side that went on to win the World Cup so it would be a great omen to repeat that 6 Nations success. To do that, England needs to return to the free flowing game they played with some success against Wales and with ease against Italy. They have looked a little ponderous in their last two matches and that’s because a few of the basics have been overlooked. Against Ireland, they need to get enough men at the breakdown and also hold on to the ball better in contact. It’ll be close against an Irish side still smarting from their unfortunate defeat by Wales but I’m taking England to edge it by 3.

STUMPING UP FOR IRELAND Ireland’s cricketers meanwhile have gone out of the cricket World Cup, despite their heroic victory over England.

There is talk that the number of ‘associate’ teams will be cut for the next World Cup but that would be unfair on the Irish, not to mention the Dutch. Both teams have put in some solid displays and have more than justified their place at the sport’s top table. Indeed, if the ICC wants to grow the sport, then more Test playing nations should be made to visit Dublin and Amsterdam on a regular basis, certainly until the next World Cup in 2015.

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

New World order Noel’s world of golf

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

IN THE last month or so we have seen the status of being World Number 1 pass from Lee Westwood to Martin Kaymer. Luke Donald is number three and Graeme McDowell number four, with a sulking former number one at five. With any luck the top four will remain there for some time to come and raise the standards of the game of golf ever higher.

I have been a fan of Tiger Woods for many years as a golfer; as a person he seems someone that I would cross the street to avoid speaking to. With Martin, Lee and Luke at the top we now have three gentlemen whom youngsters entering the game can admire and aspire to be. Any golfer who values the sport would be proud to be associated with any one of the current crop at the top of the rankings: long may they continue to uphold all that is valuable in the game.

Martin Kaymer is a huge talent that will I feel continue to hang around the top spot for many years to come. He is a lad that seems comfortable in his own skin and I have never seen any hint of a temper.

He is just cool and calculating in his golf with a steely determination that reminds me of another German World Number 1 from a few years back.

Lee Westwood’s rise to the top has taken perhaps longer that expected and involved him in a decision where at one time he considered leaving the game because he was playing so badly by his own high standards. Once again I have never seen Lee show any sign of bad behaviour.

Luke Donald is way overdue in confirming his status in the game and parting with his brother, his long time caddy, has been nothing short of inspirational. Luke now needs to believe he is where he belongs and who knows - he may just be a World Number 1 some day soon. Luke has never been seen behaving other than as a perfect gentleman.

Graeme McDowell is the surprise package to

many but he fully deserves his place and seems to relish his position.

Whilst not wishing to protract the issue of Tiger’s behaviour the current Top 4 all seem happy to sing autographs and have photographs taken with the people responsible for them being the superstars they are, the golfing public that pay so much money to watch them. Now is that not what our sport deserves? Gentlemen rule in golf again and in my opinion and that of very many others long may they reign!

WIN A ROUND OF GOLF FOR 2 INCLUDING BUGGY AT THE BEAUTIFUL EL PLANTIO RESORT IN ALICANTE To enter this competition, simply answer the question below correctly. Every correct answer will be entered into a draw at the end of the month and the winner of this fantastic prize worth over 180€ will be picked at random at the end of each month.

Send your entries by email to golf@roundtownnews. com. The decision of the editor of RTN will be final in making the winning selection.

QUESTION FOR 18TH MARCH 2011 Where is the three-hole stretch of golf holes known as ‘Amen Corner?’

A. Augusta B. The Old Course C. Pebble Beach All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 31st March 2011 to be entered into March’s draw, to be made on 31st March. The winner will be announced in RTN on 8th April 2011.

NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY AT EL PLANTIO For the very best in golf tuition, contact Noel on 639 730 891.

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

Cast Off with

Robbie France

SO, AS we mentioned last week, it’s time, now you’re thinking about sailing, to get you on board and comfortable… and we’ll be with you each step of the way.

There are several ‘Welcome To Sailing’ courses at your disposal in most regions of Spain, both Coastal & inland.

For some of you this will be an ideal way to get yourselves at ease with the movement and sensation of time on the water. Equally, there are cheap and cheerful charters on offer at most marinas, (some monohull, some catamarans), all with the perfectly logical aim of getting their clients sea-bound and relaxed. We’ll walk each other through the first steps of getting you on board.

LET’S TALK ABOUT SOME FALSEHOODS Firstly... and this is a big one… You don’t have to be Adrian Moorhouse to enjoy sailing or boating! I have a friend.

She can’t swim. Yet recently she got her RYA (Royal Yacht Association) Powerboat (Level 2) papers without breaking a sweat. She didn’t grow a set of gills, dive overboard for an impromptu chat with Flipper…she simply stayed IN the boat. If the thought of being at sea and the highly unlikely event of actually being accidentally thrust into the water

is unsettling you… Cease and desist. Now! A bloke called Captain Ward back in 1854 decided it might be an idea to allow people who accidentally fall into the briny to bob up and down for a few moments, before being picked up and dried off…so he invented the Lifejacket: if you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t worry!

Secondly…another big one… You are absolutely NOT guaranteed to feel seasick! I went out with a chap who was terrified of becoming unwell, only to discover he wasn’t remotely peaky because, he said ‘I always had something to do! Therefore I never even thought about feeling seasick.’ There’s a world of difference between being on a lovely blue water cruising yacht, big or small… and the 22.00 ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao. Again, don’t worry.

You’ll find your sea legs soon enough.

A short cruise around the bay under the captaincy of an old salty dog…(or a young salty dog for that matter!) and you will have taken that very first step towards the goal of being a mariner.

You arrive at the dockside. You cast off…and you’re sailing.

Next week: Do’s and Don’ts of purchasing your first craft.

‘It is not the ship so much as the skillful sailing that assures the prosperous voyage.’

George William Curtis

63

18-24 MARCH 2011

Fishing Maggots End by

David Hoare

968 199 279 For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@gonuts4free.com

THE MATCH this week was the final round of the winter championship, the venue being the Rio Segura in Murcia. Again the day wasn’t too bad, however, sitting in the shade with a north easterly wind blowing, made it feel exceptionally cold. In saying that, rain was forecast, but never materialised, which would have made the day far worse.

The river is starting to fish a little better with the majority of anglers catching, although some only caught a few fish. Let’s hope in the next few days the northerly winds will move to a southerly direction and the fishing should start to improve.

TOP ANGLERS ON THE DAY 1st Stan (The Man) Roberts, fishing the feeder using maggot with 14.90 kg.

2nd Dave (The Sweetie Man) Hutchinson, fishing the pole using corn with 13.64 kg.

3rd Bill (The Master) Reade fishing the feeder using maggot with 8.66 kg.

FINAL RESULTS OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP TAKING THE BEST 8 RESULTS 1st Bill Reade with 31 points 2nd Ian Dalzell with 35 points 3rd Dave Hoare with 36 points ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied by Terry Screen The Match this week was on the River at Murcia, for the 7th round of the Abbey Angling Cup on 8th March. The month of March has certainly come in like a lion, making it virtually impossible to fish the pole in the high winds.

The river was carrying extra water so most anglers opted for fishing the feeder, smaller hooks and lighter bottoms with single or double maggots producing the bites, with very little on the corn.

With only three dry nets the fishing does seem to be improving 1st Terry (Swing Em) Screen with a much improved weight of late of 22.020kg on the feeder and maggot 2nd Bill (The Master) Reade with 15.340kg on feeder and maggot 3rd Stan (The Man) Roberts with 10.140kg on feeder pole and maggot All details are available from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368.

HONDON TRUCHA The winner of the fly competition on Saturday 6th March was Jim Boardman. A strong wind from the north started to blow just before the start of the competition complicated the casting. This was the first time that almost all trout were caught with a floating line, just under the surface. The most successful fly of his afternoon was the yellow dancer which was used by the Scottish fly fisherman Jim Boardman. He became the winner, with a catch of 8 trout.

Dick came second with a catch of 7. Jim went home with a voucher for one morning’s free fishing, 2 liters of Moscatel wine from the local bodega and a present.

The next fly completion will be on Wednesday March 13th from 2pm – 5.30pm. For participation call Jan, 636 314 033 or sign in at www.hondontrucha.com Hondon Trucha is open every morning from 8.30am – 1pm for spinning and fly fishing.

Anglers Together ANGLERS TOGETHER was formed to introduce and encourage anglers of all abilities to meet up and get together to fish, either sea or freshwater. Firm friendships have been formed during the time the group has been active and information on fishing venues and licenses required are available at the meetings or by regular emailed newsletters.

Meetings are held in two locations on the second Friday and Saturday of each month.

Anyone with an interest in fishing (sea or freshwater) is welcome to come along to a meeting to see what we’re about.

The next meeting at Mary’s Bar, Campoverde (near Pilar de la Horadada) will be held on Friday 8th April at 12noon.

There is a new venue for the Puerto de Mazarron meeting starting in January 2011.

On Saturday 9th April at 12noon, the meeting will be held at The New Royal Bar and Restaurant at El Alamillo, opposite the sea-front between Isla Plana and the Port.

Refreshments and lunch are available at each location: come along to a meeting nearest to you.