RTN North Edition 557 by Round Town News

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Issue 557

RTN hits the Costa del Sol! This week, RTN is proud to announce a brand new addition to the family. RTN Costa del Sol is being launched today, Friday 18th June. PAGE 10

Vuvuzelas turning matchgoers and players deaf in South Africa

NORTH EDITION

Timeless sound of soul

Another bit of a do for MABS Cancer Support Group was a huge success as guests danced beyond the midnight hour to a mix of Motown and Soul classics. • p8

Super surgery success

This Tuesday saw over 100 people welcomed to the surgery in Guardamar del Segura by Mayor Marylène Albentosa • p11

The multicoloured plastic trumpets that are the chosen match toys of South African football enthusiasts, have become a contentious issue. P16

Second coat 18 - 24 JUNE 2010

by Jack Troughton

IVA increases are almost upon us All of us in business in Spain, whether professionals, shopkeepers, wholesalers, manufacturers and not forgetting landlords, will have to get to grips with the IVA increases which come into force here on 1st July. • p33

Looking after your feet Excessive strain on the tendons and ligaments of the feet can result in fallen arches or flat feet. • p35

World Cup – hits and misses

Andy Kay’s weekly column talks about the ups and downs of this years World Cup so far, will Robert Green make the list? • p70

David and Margaret outside their repainted villa

See page 17

DELIGHTED PENSIONERS David and Margaret Nutter are celebrating the “highly professional” redecoration of their Costa Blanca villa after a two year battle. Two teams of painters from Andura Abroad arrived at the couple’s home in Benichembla after the company agreed to honour a 20-year-guarantee. And after the work was completed, David and Margaret stood outside their gleaming cream coloured home and announced their satisfaction – thanking RTN for intervening on their behalf. Company boss Nigel Mourton also gave RTN his assurance he would personally deal with customer issues in the future. “It is very regrettable this happened in the first place, it could all have been avoided with better communication,” he said. Last month, under the headline ‘Painting by numbers’, RTN told how David and Margaret had paid €5,000 in 2006 to Eurotec for their home to be painted. However, after two years, when the paint began to crack, they called on the guarantee. continued on page 3

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18 - 24 june 2010

continued from front page The couple said they had difficulties in tracing the company – that had changed its name from Eurotec to Protectorcoat and finally to Andura Abroad ‘No Need to Paint’. Finally repairs were agreed – but they said one man and a roller turned up and when they had issues with the colour and the matt rather than satin paint, the decorator walked off site. It meant one half of the villa was the original cream they had chosen – and the other half a streaky yellow. Margaret said she had always warned she would go to the newspapers as a last resort and said the whole affair could have been avoided. But she stood by her comments in the customer ‘satisfaction note’ where this month she had written: “The work carried out was both clean and professional by the teams who gave up the time to complete the job. “My villa looks wonderful; you (Andura) should use it as an advert.” PAINT

And she told RTN: “I really want to thank the painters of the two teams, Little Kevin and Wayne, Kevin and Bryn. They were clean, professional and very quick. “They were very upset when the saw the state of the property to start with. It is a very good job, fair play to them – they were nice and friendly but had to pick up someone else’s mistakes.” Margaret added: “And thank you very much RTN. I did warn I would go to the newspapers but I am sorry it had to come to that – I did not want to damage the business – it is the painters’ living.”

Mr Mourton said the company always “takes very seriously any complaints and warranty work which comes under the terms of our guarantee” but an impasse occurred when the customer complained after two thirds of the repainting was completed. He said since the original article was printed a trouble shooter from Andura had visited the property and a solution was achieved. Regarding the change of names, Mr Mourton said Eurotec‘s Moraira offices were still serviced and took enquiries and messages from previous clients. CHANGE

Protectorcoat had been based in Javea at the same address for four years but changed its name to Andura Abroad after the paint manufacturer of 40 years standing, UK based Andura, gave its permission. Mr Mourton said he felt it reflected a close working relationship and the good name and high profile of the paint itself – Andura Abroad’s website uses the manufacturer’s host site www.andura.com “We felt in these difficult economic times this gave us an even higher profile and credibility. This has certainly proved to be the case as our current full order book proves,” he said. “And we are able to keep our six installation crews and eight other employees busy when so many other companies have shut up shop or returned to the UK.” And Mr Mourton invited any clients “past, present and future” with any concerns to contact him personally by email as contact@ noneedtopaint.com. “I will be happy to deal with any issues they may have.”

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The two tone home

VAT increase to cost families €354 per year THE INCREASE in IVA (VAT) due to come into play on 1st July will cost the average family an additional €354 per year, according to the Confederation of Housewives, Consumers and Users (Ceaccu). Electricity, transport and other ‘welfare services’ will be the main culprits giving higher bills, according to the Confederation. In the case of food, many commonly bought products, such as milk, bread, cheese and fruit won’t be affected, whilst meat and fish will be subject to a rise of one point, from 7 percent to 8 percent.

New law bans the Burka

THE GOVERNMENT in Barcelona has voted to ban the Islamic veil, the Burka, in public buildings such as the town hall, civic centres, libraries, markets and nurseries. Socialist mayor Jordi Hereu has said that he is not against any religious beliefs, but the new law is a security measure and that there are some activities in public spaces where identification is required. Other headgear that prevents the wearer from being identified has also been banned in public buildings, such as balaclavas, motorbike helmets and any type of clothing that covers the face.

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18 - 24 june 2010

New petition for N332 footbridge by Louise Clarke FOLLOWING LAST year’s protests in Orihuela Costa about the lack of footbridges over the newly extended N332, residents who live by the Torrevieja section of the busy coastal road have started a petition to try to persuade the Town Hall to raise the issue with the Department of Transport and Roads in Madrid. Residents who live in the Rocajuna area are forced to either walk to the Torrevieja Hospital or back to Punta Prima in order to cross the dual carriageway safely. This makes getting to the beach or the local primary school an impossible task by foot and increases the journey by more than ten minutes if you are travelling by car. RTN met up with Jim Brogan last week to find out more about the petition. He said: “I have been in close contact with Eduardo Gil and Graham Knight from the Torrevieja Town Hall and they have

both been extremely helpful.” Jim has had a house on Urbanisation Rocajuna Phase II for over 20 years and finally moved over to live full time with his wife ten years ago. ONE PURPOSE The Town Hall has already made positive improvements to the area following constructive discussions with Jim, who works hard for the local residents which consist of many different nationalities. Eduardo Gil has told Jim that if he gets support from local residents for his petition, then the Town Hall will do what it can to pressurise the central government department that oversees roads, into having a footbridge installed in the area. Jim commented: “The Town Hall has been very good and they are listening to us. They recently re-asphalted the roads and pavements and cleared the waste ground and made it an attractive area.” He added: “All the residents, of all nationalities, are united for one purpose;

Terra Mitica 7 days a week As from this weekend Terra Mitica Park will open every day of the week until September 5th. The park will be full of shows, all attractions will be functioning and many other activities will be happening throughout the week to keep visitors entertained. Continuing with the promotional program for residents in the Marina Baja is now the turn to FINESTRAT and CALLOSA residents to enjoy Terra Mitica for only 9€ Next Sunday June 18th.

The N332 at Rocajuna where the footbridge needs to be built

and that is to get a footbridge over the N332. It was the Town Hall who suggested doing a petition to send to Madrid as it was the central government that was responsible for the plans for the N332 extension.”

SIGN THE PETITION NOW If you would like to sign the petition, it can be found at the following: Paco’s Bar in Cala Ferris New to You, Elisios Playa (Mar Azul)

Site developer A CHARITY IT manager has been honoured by a Marina Alta mayor for building ‘user friendly’ websites for the town hall. Paul Bicknell, an information technology specialist, works for a major UK-based educational charity and designed the websites and the administration software for Benitachell free of charge. Helped by his dad, Councillor Andy Bicknell, Paul de-

Bar Tio Cali, El Paraiso, next to Post Office The Farmacia in Los Altos Bar Domino in Rocajuna Sandra’s Newsagent at Las Villas, Rocajuna

veloped the websites over several months and continues to work on improvements. Pictured presenting the father and son team with special certificates are (left to right) town hall secretary Jesus Castro Revorio; Councillor Nieves Garcia Inglesias; Mayor Josefa Ronda Valles; Paul Bicknell; Councillor Andy Bicknell; and councillor Guillermo Pragt. To access the websites, visit www.benitachell.es or www.elpoblenou.es

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

British couple face prison on murder charge by Louise Clarke THE TRIAL of a couple charged with murdering a two-month-old baby girl started in Elche this week with the prosecution requesting a prison term of at least 19 years for each of the accused, aged just 19 and 21 years and living in Torrevieja at the time of their daughter’s death. The couple claimed the child died as a result of an accidental fall: initially Guardia officers released the pair in the belief that the baby had fallen victim to cot death but following an autopsy report, National Police later arrested them as they tried to cross the border into Gibraltar. Prosecutors told the jury that the couple “... failed to provide the child with the care that she needed and did not provide her with food necessary for her development and adequate medical care.” Autopsy revealed the child, named as ‘Lucia’, showed sustained physical abuse as a result of being “beaten several times by the slapping of the head and face.” DRUGS The child’s father, named as ‘Daryl W’, confessed to hitting the child’s mother, named as ‘Carla Marie D’, while drunk. Prosecutors allege that when the defendant finished hit-

ting his partner, he attacked his baby daughter, causing fatal injuries. It was claimed that his partner had also hit the baby during her short life. The couple’s defence lawyer claims that the 23-year-old father suffers from a ‘personality disorder’ aggravated by the consumption of drugs and alcohol. The court heard that he had once been admitted to a psychiatric hospital in the UK and since being imprisoned here has received adequate medical treatment to alleviate his symptoms. The couple was often seen taking the baby to the car park of a local nightclub in the early hours of the morning to buy drugs and were caught doing so by the Guardia Civil only weeks earlier. The man allegedly commented to his defence lawyers: “I do not think we were right in the head - me or her.” PROBATION

During the hearing on Tuesday, the couple were not allowed to stand close to each other as the mother has a restraining order on her ex-partner and fervently denies any part in her daughter’s death. She told her defence lawyer that she was the victim of abuse and only occasionally took drugs and alcohol. Now 21-years-old and on probation, she says she no longer touches alcohol or drugs. Her lawyer told the court that she didn’t report

Beatle fan heaven MADRID HELD its first ever International Music Fair last weekend and thousands of music fans attended. On sale were vinyl records and cassettes from bands such as The Beatles, Elvis, The Police, Bob Dylan and many more. Perhaps the most unusual sale was a lock of John Lennon’s hair which fetched €5,000. A vinyl Beatles recording of ‘Let It Be’ was sold for €200 and a marijuana-smoking pipe that once belonged to Lennon also sold for a few thousand euros. The fair was so successful that it is tipped to continue as an annual event. New m oo showr pen, now opm in 9am-1a Port Jave

The trial continues in Elche

the cases of violence because she loved her partner and believed that he would change after the birth of the child. Both defendants filed statements giving different versions of the day of their daughter’s death, each blaming the other. The father then decided to confess to the assault because “he loved his partner” and believed that she would wait for him until he was released from prison. However, after she accused him of domestic violence, he withdrew that confession. Both now claim that their daughter

Animals and men

By Jack Troughton FIVE GOOD causes stand to benefit when a host of bargains get knocked down at a special charity auction on the Marina Alta.

Animal charities Amigo Mio, APASA, and the Society for the Protection of Animals in Need (SPAIN) will receive money from the sale on Friday 2nd July, along with the Cancer

had a fall a few days earlier and hit her head but they didn’t take her to hospital because they feared that a doctor would suspect abuse and report them to social services. The court heard that the mother had originally wanted an abortion after discovering that she was pregnant but her partner refused to sign the agreement required under Spanish law. It was also alleged that she had wanted to put the baby up for adoption following the birth, but had failed to do so. The trial continues...

Advice Centre in Javea and the Africa Charity in Jalon. The auction at the El Cid Restaurant, Benidoleig, starts at 14.00 and meals and drinks are available throughout the afternoon. Pauline Curtis, one of the organisers, said: “Why not

come along and get some real bargains and enjoy a fun afternoon out while supporting these five very worthwhile causes?” For more information, call Pauline on 625 767 781 or email finca.abril@gmail.com

18 - 24 june 2010

The ‘barbaric’ municipal dog pound by Louise Clarke THE MUNICIPAL dog pound in Orihuela city has frequently come under fire in the Spanish press but its disgraceful conditions has only just come to light to RTN after it met up with the municipality’s Asociacion Protectora de Animales Oriolana. The group has been asking the Mayor, Monica Lorente and the Councillor for Health, Antonio Ortiz Ruiz, for a meeting to discuss what they call the ‘deplorable’ state of the dog pound, for the last three years but have had no response. At the ‘pleno’ meeting in March, PSOE Councillor Ana Mas showed the gathered Councillors photographs of the pound and its disgraceful conditions and Ms Lorente promised to give them a response at the next council meeting. Two meetings later and the Mayor has still not responded. The group met with a Town Hall technician on 12th April and gave him full list of what they consider is wrong with the pound, which includes overcrowded and filthy kennels, lack of hygiene, poor treatment of the dogs by

members of staff and crucially the implementation of the euthanasia of the dogs, irrespective of whether they have adoptive homes to go to, but nothing significant has been done. DIE STANDING The law regarding the incarceration of abandoned dogs was changed in December 2009. Municipal dog pounds used to have to keep dogs without a microchip and with no owner identification for a minimum of ten days, before putting them down. Since the change, that has been extended to 20 days, but even when the dog has an adoptive home to go to, they are forced to stay in the squalid conditions for the full 20 days until the pound will release them. The association also claims that the pound is failing to send details of the dogs in time to allow them to find them homes and tragically only discover that they have been destroyed afterwards. President of the Association, Juani Simon, told RTN: “It is barbaric. The pound contains eight kennels of two metre squared;

seven are used to house the dogs and the eighth is used to destroy the animals that have exceeded their 20 days incarceration.” Juani added: “They also put the dogs down by attaching them to a hook on one of the walls and giving them the injection, meaning that they literally die standing. They put as many as seven or eight small dogs and five large dogs in one kennel at any one time. When we do get them out of there, they often show evidence of injuries which need treatment by a vet and have worms. They don’t have fleas as they are hosed down everyday, in the kennel, with disinfectant.” SOAKED TO THE SKIN RTN saw photographic evidence of the pound’s kennels full of excrement and saw the state of one dog released by the pound but failing to make it to its adopted home after contracting a serious infection whilst in there, and subsequently dying. The photos of the dogs themselves just made RTN want to weep. All of them are pictured soaked to the skin, after being hosed down with

Award for Spain’s beaches presented THE MINISTER for Industry, Tourism and Trade, Miguel Sebastián, presented the ‘Q’ for Tourism Quality Flags award last Monday. The flags are being given by the Insti-

tute for Spanish Tourism Quality (ICTE) to 152 beaches along the Spanish coastline. The event, which was attended by the State Secretary for Tourism, Joan Mesquida, and the ICTE President, Miguel Mi-

There are often six dogs to a kennel at any one time

disinfectant whilst locked in their kennel, which in itself is horrendous and they have such a sad look in their eyes; it is truly heartbreaking. The association is a voluntary organisation with just five women responsible for the majority of the municipality’s rescued dogs and cats. They are desperate for monetary donations and donations of food and RTN’s office in San Luis has now been designated as a collection point

rones, is held in recognition of those beaches that offer a quality system aimed at the enjoyment of tourism. In his speech, Miguel Sebastián highlighted quality as an outstanding factor of tourism in Spain compared with the tough competition abroad. He also de-

for any donations of cat and dog food. For monetary donations, you can pay into the Caja Rural Bank, account number: 30050080-25-2098622927. For more information please visit www. protectoraoriolana.org. If you can be a food collection point please email louise@rtnnewsgroup.com. RTN implores Ms Lorente to investigate this situation and carry out her promise of a full review of the dog pound as soon as possible.

fended tourism that is compatible with environmental sustainability: “We understand tourism activity as a factor that respects our coastline, as a means of demonstrating the value of the landscape and environmental diversity of our coasts,” he said.

Home from home

By Jack Troughton ANIMAL CHARITY LAPS heralded its dog show a huge success after raising €478 and a mountain of pet food as owners and canines enjoyed a morning of fun. The charity, Local Animal Protection Society, staged the event at Hipica La Sort outside Pego and had the added bonus of finding a home for a dog named Cassie. Organiser Chrissie Edwards said it was “particularly pleasing” because the dog had been in a foster home for three weeks. “The lucky girl is having her shots done in readiness

Talk talk

for going to England later in the year. It makes it all worthwhile.” However, it was soon back to business for LAPS with work on its sanctuary going ahead and three large dogs being rescued from the streets of Pego – one a gentle greyhound already fostered with the possibility of adoption. Pictured is Trevor, a two-year-old Schnauzer Yorkshire terrier cross. His owners are returning to the UK and the pet cannot join them before November. Chrissie said: “So we are trying to find new owners or a foster home.”

KEEN RTN readers have helped to fill vacancies in a grateful Jalon Valley HELP’s list of available translators. Thanking everyone for their kind response to the charity’s appeal, HELP said it had enough translators for the time being.

18 - 24 june 2010

Graduation Day

Victoria with proud parents Angie and Eric

ON FRIDAY 11th June, proud parents and friends travelled to Albacete to witness the graduation of their daughter from the Facultad de Enfermeria de Albacete, Universidad de CastillaLa Mancha. The parents, Angie Phillips (Panache, Unisex Hair & Beauty Salon, Moraira) and Eric Taylor (local music correspondent and radio presenter), living in Benissa, went to see their daughter, Victoria Jaye Phillips, receive her Diploma – having completed a three year course to obtain a Degree in Nursing. This was a very emotional ceremony with 109 students receiving their

diplomas witnessed by over 500 relations and friends. Victoria is believed to be the first British born student to graduate from this University and our thanks go out to the staff and organisers for making our small group from the UK so welcome. To any parents thinking of sending their children to a University in Spain we can highly recommend the Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete. This is a modern University with great teachers located in a beautiful city. Victoria is now looking for work in local hospitals before taking her Master’s Degree in Nursing later this year.

Spain must make more spending cuts THE EUROPEAN Union wants Spain to make more cuts to increase the state deficit to 6 percent. The EU recognises that spending cuts made so far should go towards

achieving a 1 percent reduction in public expenditure, but the goal that has been set is to reduce spending by 1.75 percent in 2011. The overall plan to stabilise Spain’s

economy aims to reduce the deficit to 3 percent of GDP by 2013. Measures to achieve this include a VAT increase; wage cuts for civil servants; pension freezes; stopping the child benefit cheque for new mothers and less spending on public investment.

18 - 24 june 2010

Sun downer

By Jack Troughton SUMMER HITS a high note on 3rd July with a charity fundraising fiesta for fun loving party people. The Jubilee Jazz Band, Bernie, and the mysterious but talented Band with No Name provide the music for a special night out on the Marina Alta. And all the proceeds from the Summer Fundraising Fiesta go to support the Cancer Care Charity based in Javea. Tickets for the party, which starts at 19.30 at Finca Abril, Lleus, Benissa, cost €20 and include a delicious barbeque and free bar – and of course

the entertainment. To reserve a place, tickets are available from the Cancer Charity Centre, Javea Park; the Humpty Dumpty and Mister Punch, both Javea Park; The Graces, Plaza las Ocas, Jalon; and Bar Emilio, La Llosa de Camacho. Alternatively, ring Cancer Care on 965 796 846 or visit www. cancercarecharitycentre.org Pictured at Cancer Care this week are members of the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir presenting charity president Irene Ellis and volunteers with a cheque for €1,850; the proceeds of a Teulada concert.

Timeless sound of soul

Timeless

by Jack Troughton ANOTHER BIT of a do for MABS Cancer Support Group was a huge success as guests danced beyond the midnight hour to a mix of Motown and Soul classics. The summer ball raised €4,217 for an ever growing charity that now has volunteers working to help people affected by the disease from Valencia to Gibraltar. Live band Timeless could barely escape the stage at the Canor Teulada as 216 guests called for encore after encore – and even then the music played on courtesy of DJ Darryl. This year’s themed dress code was ‘black and white’ and guest of honour Consul Lloyd Milen entered into the fun after escaping the busy Alicante Consulate.

Particularly successful at raising cash for MABS was a raffle to win a 4.5 litre bottle of whisky which added €290 to the total, and a ‘silent auction’ which put a further €1,276 into the pot. Organisers accepted there would be a fall in demand for tickets this year because of the ongoing economic crisis but were still delighted at the turn out to support the charity. MABS president Jacqui Phillips MBE admitted: “We were pleasantly surprised we actually had that many people because of the recession, although we kept tickets at last year’s price – so thank you all for the support. “Everyone said they had a wonderful evening and enjoyed themselves. And everyone said Timeless was absolutely fantastic.”

Georgian Mafiosos arrested in Spain SIX PEOPLE of Georgian nationality have been arrested and accused of money laundering in Catalonia. The

arrests took place last Wednesday following a joint investigation between regional and national police, which

lead to 24 arrests in March this year. Allegations are that the men are members of the Georgian mafia and were laundering money through restaurants and construction projects in Spain.

18 - 24 june 2010

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

Clinic investigated for offering homosexuality ‘cure’ A CLINIC in Barcelona is under investigation for allegedly offering to ‘cure’ homosexuality, according to reports in the Spanish paper El Pais. The paper stated that the Policlinica Tibidabo is offering pills and psychiatric treatment to ‘convert’ homosexuals, and that people arriving for treatment were usually holders of particular religious beliefs that accept homosexuality. A spokesperson from the Catalan government’s health department said that the government does not view homosexuality as an illness and the clinic could face heavy fines if the accusations turn out to be true.

25th Anniversary of Music Conservatory A CONCERT will take place tomorrow evening, Saturday 19th June, at the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the city’s Professional Music Conservatory, Francisco Casanovas. The event is free to enter and starts at 21:00.

RTN hits the Costa del Sol by Louise Clarke

THIS WEEK, RTN is proud to announce a brand new addition to the RTN family. RTN Costa del Sol is being launched today, Friday 18th June and RTN owner Geoff Gartland is delighted to be able to bring the RTN concept to the many thousands of expat readers in the Costa del Sol. LINCHPIN RTN started in 1999 as a small community based newspaper that produced just 2,000 copies a week. A decade later it is the most popular, brightest and best English language newspaper in Spain. RTN succeeds because of its readers. Without them it would not have survived. Its readers are the linchpin to its success as it is they who pick up a copy to read every week and contribute by contacting the news reporters with stories and visiting loyal contributors, some of whom are joining RTN Costa del Sol. Today, RTN’s staff and advertisers know just how much is owed to Geoff for his vision and determination. None more so than Garreth Wright, a former Costa Blanca Sales Representative and now the Managing Director of RTN Costa del Sol. Garreth has been with RTN for seven years and during that time Geoff’s vision and determination has rubbed off on him; meaning that RTN Costa del Sol will soon become as popular and as important in the community as its northern sister. Garreth says: “We have had fantastic support from our

client base in the Costa Blanca such as MoneyCorp and Europa Network. It was these companies that actively encouraged RTN to take on this new venture and make the move to the Costa del Sol. We believe that there is a niche in the market for a quality newspaper like RTN.” FOREFRONT

Like the Costa Blanca, each Friday, the RTN Costa del Sol will hit the streets bringing the same tried and tested format of news articles mixed with interviews and features to keep everyone entertained and informed about what is going on in their local community. From colourful TV pages through to local and national news stories, current events and columnists with top tips on everything from DIY to art, RTN Costa del Sol, like RTN Costa Blanca, will prove hard to resist for both readers and advertisers. RTN has been controversial at times but always truthful. And the Costa del Sol issue will endeavour to bring those characteristics to the expats of the area; guaranteeing RTN to be a great read and one that will knock the socks off the competition. VIRTUAL NEWSPAPER The Costa del Sol’s reporters, Gabrielle and Eddie, will soon become household names in the region as they begin to write informative and interesting local news stories. Both reporters have been based in the Costa del Sol for 15 and 20 years respectively and have a wealth of knowledge of the area. Gabrielle

The front page of the first ever RTN Costa del Sol

helped set up the first Mijas municipal radio programmes in English and migrated from there to local television and magazines. Eddie has worked in journalism, film, TV and radio production and has been involved in the Estepona foreigners’ department and numerous charity events. RTN Costa del Sol will be available to read on-

line in virtual paper style from today, so if you would like to know what is going on down there, visit www.roundtownnews.co.uk and if you are ever in the area make sure you pick up a copy! We would like to take this opportunity to welcome all the staff and advertisers of RTN Costa del Sol to the RTN Family.

18 - 24 june 2010

Super surgery success by Louise Clarke THE BRITISH Consulate teamed up this week with local associations for a healthcare ‘Super Surgery’. This Tuesday saw over 100 people welcomed to the surgery in Guardamar del Segura by Mayor Marylène Albentosa. The event, which was led by the British Consulate in Alicante, provided local residents with comprehensive advice from a number of experts. A whole range of concerns over accessing healthcare were raised and addressed during a thorough and comprehensive talk by Martyn Standing, advisor for the British Consulate Pensions, Benefits and Healthcare Team. He began by playing a round of ‘fact or fiction’ with the audience to try to get an idea of what they already knew. Martyn told RTN: “Though most people are aware that rules about state healthcare in Spain are different to those in the UK, some are confused by rumours or misinformation they have picked up. That’s why it’s important to get your information from official sources.”

Martyn then outlined the options available to those below and above pensionable age and those who have or have not worked in Spain. After the presentations, those who still had doubts about their individual cases were invited to have a one-on-one consultation with the experts. Other information sources at the event included representatives from cancer charity MABS, Age Concern España, the Royal British Legion and HELP. The organisations offered lots of local knowledge and outlined the services that they can offer. They also managed to meet some potential members and volunteers. British Consulate staff believes that by working together with other local associations, many people left the Casa de Cultura in Guardamar del Segura with a greater understanding of how to register properly for healthcare. The meeting was also considered a success by local campaign group PUMA22, which has been working closely with the British Consulate on accessing and providing accurate information on healthcare provision for expats.

Government calls for Brits to integrate THE VALENCIAN government wants Brits to integrate more in the Spanish community. Councillor for Solidarity and Citizenship, Rafael Blasco, held a meeting recently with the British Ambassador to Spain, Giles Paxman, where they discussed increasing the interaction between Britons and Spanish people in the region. Blasco expressed a desire for Brits to get more involved in local elections. There are approximately 144,000 British people registered in the Valencian region, which represents 16 percent of all foreigners. Blasco believes foreigners could have a substantial influence in local politics.

Martyn Standing with Hannah Thronicker from the Embassy in Madrid and Laura Leeman from the DWP team in Alicante

Atocha terrorist released A MAN who was imprisoned for his part in the 11-M train bombings in Madrid’s Atocha station has been released after just six years. GMV is now 22, but was a minor of 16 when he was sentenced for transporting the explosives

used in the horrendous attack. The law states that he could have served a maximum of eight years, but his sentence has been reduced to avoid that he is sent to serve the last two years in an adult prison. Until now the accused

had been held in a youth detention centre, but the centre manager said that an adult prison would not aid his personal development. So the decision has been taken to release him and keep him under constant surveillance.

18 - 24 june 2010

Meet the artists by Jack Troughton

An example of a painting that will be exhibited

VISITORS TO the opening night of a new exhibition will have a chance to meet the artists behind the paintings and chat about their work. Four talented Marina Alta painters are showing a variety of pictures at Restaurante Awraba in Orba from Sunday 20th June until Saturday 26th June. And all four will be present at the opening night on 20th June from 18.30 until 21.30 at the restaurant at Calle Mayor, 23 when visitors can enjoy a glass of wine. Former RTN editor Chris Sinclair said that, along with Maggie Batchelor and Chris Moore, she mainly painted in oils, while Li-

onel Bott preferred to use acrylics and all four worked in a variety of styles and used very different subjects. “We thought because it was such a lovely restaurant with a lot of bare walls it was a wonderful place to stage an exhibition and help promote four artists working in the local community,” she said. “There are a lot of expats living in the area and I hope they take the opportunity to come along and support us – and appreciate the wide range of pictures on show.” Chris Sinclair and Maggie are currently students of Julia Evans at the ArtHouse Gallery, Gata de Gorgos, while Chris Moore formerly studied with Julia, an RTN columnist.

Javea Green Bowls Club Open Fun Day JAVEA GREEN Bowls Club will be hosting what they hope will become an annual Fun Day, to take place on 30th June 2010 at The Inn on The Green, Cansalades, Javea from 10.00 until 17.00. Don’t worry you early birds - as the bar and kitchen will be open from 09.00 for food and refreshments, you can start the day right! The whole family will be most welcome to come along and enjoy what is on offer AND THE ENTRY IS FREE. Come along for a couple of hours, or stay for the day The ladies will be spoilt for choice with a beautician in attendance; you can have a massage, or you can shop ‘til you drop in ‘High Street Heaven’. How about jewellery, or have you ever tried Reiki? Prizes will be on offer, with Tombola or with raffles throughout the day. Will you be able to guess the weight of the cake? The men (as well as the ladies and children!) will want to show off their skills in the snooker competition, or at target bowling and there will also be the opportunity to have a try at bowling for those who have never picked up a bowl before. Who knows, there could be a future champion out there waiting to be discovered – and remember, the youngsters are now featuring strongly in World bowling. The wandering minstrels will be serenading you on the patio at various times throughout the day to further enhance your enjoyment AND part proceeds from the day will be going to ‘HELP’ of Denia, the voluntary organisation that does so much when emergencies strike.

JUNE 42010 FEB1826- -24 MARCH 2010

Jennifer Cunningham y Asociados S.L.

by Jennifer Cunningham

Having problems with cancellations? UNDER SPANISH insurance law, two months notice should be given when cancelling an insurance policy. Different rules are often applied where Health insurance is concerned. If in doubt, read your policy conditions where all the conditions, cover, rules and regulations will be documented. Despite what you may be told verbally, the policy is paramount in law. My company, like others, has requests for cancelling for example a car or a house policy, and very seldom are Liberty Seguros given the two months notice. They could go to court over this but very seldom do. However, when a ‘Community insurance’ is cancelled without the necessary time factor they will, as it often means the community has two policies running, which is illegal. There are a few cancellations on car insurance, due mainly to unsustainable price cutting. Although JCC consultants point out it is not just the price that matters but cover and service, to include protected no claims bonus, sometimes we lose, and in most cases just accept the cancellation, but will always try again the following year. However, be very careful when your renewal is due, particularly if it is insured via a bank. They do not seem to make contact with you either by phone or letter advising you of the new premium price, leaving you to discover (often by chance) that the premium has increased,

sometimes by quite a large amount. They will not let you cancel the direct debit unless you give them two months notice! However, on house insurance, we have practically no cancellations, as it is the most comprehensive policy in the Expats’ market place. It is similar to a top UK policy and because we are an Agent and not a broker offering a number of quotations from various companies, we are able to offer a superior service as we concentrate solely on Liberty Seguros and Asss; the knowledge that the consultants have of these two company’s products is vast! We further support our valid clients on all policies to the extent that we have our own claims department in Javea to assist you. What appears to be happening at present is that clients who are wishing to cancel with their banks are often informed that their mortgage or loan facilities could be threatened if they consider cancelling insurances with them: this especially applies to Life Insurance/Mortgage protection policies. Please let me make it very clear: if two months notice is given there is no way under EU law that any bank can refuse to cancel. Purchasing Life Insurance from my company can save a considerable amount of money. All that happens is the policy has the bank as the main beneficiary and it is marked accordingly. Saving a little on a car insurance is one thing but

when it comes to a life policy the sum is quite considerable, so do not be bullied or take any notice of threats; you are protected by EU law. I realise more and more that the rules and regulations in Spain are very different from the UK and can turn into a nightmare. Why anyone should assume that they are the same amazes me and I question why people should feel comfortable with being regulated and authorised in the UK by the FSA. No you cannot just insure your car for the time you are using it, even if it is in a garage or on blocks; under Spanish law it has to be insured. Yes, you must have your car go through an ITV or MOT every year depending on the year and what country it is registered in and pay road tax in that country. I understand the Police/Guardia Civil is becoming even more vigilant. Take care: it is quite a harrowing experience to be stopped by them, even knowing that everything is in order. Therefore I find it amazing that with a current Spanish licence and all the paperwork, triangles, medical kit, day-glow jackets etc, despite all this, they nearly always seem to find something amiss. NOW ONTO SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT… Paul Cunningham Nurses are going from strength to strength and our first charity shop in Cuidad Quesada is just wonderful. We are

The Costas leading insurance consultant delighted to announce a second charity shop, soon to open in Playa Flamenca near the beach and Post Office. This site was chosen not just for its location, the nurses look after an amazing amount of patients all round the area. Via the charity shop we hope to collect enough money to help pay for the nurses to be able to continue and extend with their wonderful work for the terminally ill. We hope to open at the beginning of July. There is obviously a fair bit of work to do before we get to the stage of being ready to open and we need help with the following: A glass fronted counter; three hanging type island units; shelving; two tills and mannequins. Also, the very hard working Charity Manager of the shops, Chris, will need help in refurbishing what was an office into a very stylish charity shop, in line with the same standard as Quesada. We will then be seeking volunteers to work in the charity shop, along with your continued generosity of donated clothes for both men and women; books; CD’s; bric a brac; jewellery and so on. Please ladies dig deep into your wardrobes and cupboards to help get this new shop off the ground. If you can help in any way to get this second Charity shop up and running please contact Chris on 650 695 482 or e mail pcn.chris@gmail.com to arrange an interview or drop off donations at Calle de la Rozas 61, Urb Playa Flamenca, Orihuela Costa.

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

Ofﬁces at: JAVEA PORT

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Avda Londres 56

966 46 16 90

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ALTERNATIVELY RING

TURRE Mojacar Estates Avda de Almeria 34 950 47 20 48

ALL OFFICES ARE OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 09.30 - 17.30

902 373 444 or visit www.jennifercunningham.net

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

Help not hinder IN MAY last year I opened a charity shop in Campello to raise money to purchase equipment for Cancer sufferers. I have received fantastic support from the Spanish people and also from the majority of expats. However, it has come to my notice that some of these expats have started a petition to close me down, are spreading rumours that there is no charity and that I am keeping the money raised. What I would like to say to these people through your paper is this: instead of slandering me, if they have time on their hands, which they obviously have, why don’t they volunteer to help here in the shop so that they can see how hard we work and where the money goes. All my helpers, including myself, are UNPAID volunteers. I have personally invested several thousand Euros to get the shop off the ground and as any businessminded person knows, no shop shows a profit for the first 6 to 12 months. Do these people really think that I would sully my husband’s memory by embezzling money from a charity that I started because of him? I challenge those concerned to contact me and offer their services. They are also welcome to look at my accounts if they wish. Patricia Worrell

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letter of the week

Flight insurance

Quite by error I recently ticked the box to buy flight insurance for a low cost flight. Bit of bad luck and we were not able to use the flight but ‘every cloud has a silver lining thinks I’ so I claim on the insurance. This is an excerpt from the insurance company’s reply: ‘Having reviewed the papers…I will be unable to offer any payment. This is on the basis that the total charges at £133.46 less insurance £17.98, taxes at £22 and debit card charges of £0.50 leaves a balance

for our consideration at £87.98. This falls below the total excess to be applied for 2 people of £100” Dick Turpin must have been an early employee of the insurance company: they took money when there was no chance of them paying. I know some of the expat community feels there are dodgy practices here in Spain but you have to go a long way to beat home grown British ingenuity. Regards, Andy Harker

Park renovation

I CHEERED that the renovation of the park and recreation area at La Regia had the go ahead at last, due to the hard work of Alan McPhail: well done Alan! A pat on the back goes to the CLR’s Pedro Mancebo. Pedro´s methods work! I know from my past experience as a councillor (UK - now retired) how much work is involved behind the scenes. Last year, he succeeded in having the illegal tip removed at PAU 26 – it would not have happened without Pedro´s knowledge and guidance. It makes a change to hear about a politician actually listening; ‘motivating the troops’; establishing a plan of action and carrying it through to achieve results: far better than empty promises. Pedro cares what Orihuela Costa looks like and does something about it. We were all surprised to read that €1,700 per month is being spent to maintain this park; I am baffled that the PP can admit to spending this ridiculous amount when it is clear no maintenance has been carried out. Obviously nobody is controlling expenditure. It is a shame that other parties do not take a leaf out of Pedro´s book. Kind regards, John Wilson, Cabo Roig

Open letter to: Honorato Algado Martinez: Mayor of Finestrat I was pleased to see that you are taking action against offending dog owners by increasing penalties for bad behavior. You are quoted as saying that “…this is the only thing to do to combat the problem…” I would respectfully advise you of a further measure you can take that has a positive effect on bad owners by using the threat of penalties, and education via the employment of dog wardens armed with cameras. I was a borough councillor for ten years in Surrey, UK. One of the many campaigns I fought was for the employment of dog wardens in our borough council area. The daughter of a friend of mine had gone blind in one eye, aged 16, due to contact as a young child with toxocara, a parasite found in dog faeces.

My campaign was successful and we employed two dog wardens: one in the north and one in the south of the borough. They would film offenders then show them the evidence. If discovered re-offending, the owners were summonsed but this became a rare occurrence. The wardens also gave talks in schools etc and handed out educational leaflets. The children would then go home and educate the parents: it works! Our borough contained five towns and a number of villages but I would think that Finestrat could be covered by one warden with a van. I hope you will give this proposal serious consideration; we could all benefit from the improvement to our local environment. Yours sincerely, Jack Johnson, Finestrat

Associacion Street Cats I AM a pensionista in Torreta 3, Torrevieja trying to help trap the cats here for sterilization, with the help of Associacion Street Cats (reg. charity: TLF 661 077 589). On 2nd June, just before midnight, someone grabbed both the traps and disappeared into the air. I have been looking everywhere but cannot find them. The Associacion Street Cats (Mr. J.Harrower) that own the traps tell me they must be ordered from the UK: last time they cost at least £75 each, plus the cost of shipping. Anyone out there who knows where the traps are - they look like green plastic - please just tell us where to pick them up and we will collect them - or is it possible that someone can help us buy 2 new ones, please!! Thank you and kind regards E Andersen, Torreta 3, Torrevieja Mail: else.tue@gmail.com

A fantastic job

I HAVE just had an operation on ruptured tendons in my shoulder at Torrevieja Hospital. I just wanted to thank Dr Alfredo Martinez Vazquez and the team for a fantastic job. I went in for day surgery at 07.30. The medical team who looked after me was professional and courteous. My Spanish is to say the least patchy but it was not a problem as all the staff spoke English

and that puts you at ease. Everything that was being done was explained to me, which was also very good .The hygiene of the hospital was very good (don’t think they know what MRSA is here) even when my wife came in to pick me up she had to have a gown on to avoid infection so thanks once again to all the staff at the hospital. Barry Putt, Los Altos

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

The tax man is coming NOW IS the time for all these loyal ex pats who claimed they have made every effort to integrate into Spain, who constantly bleat that they would never go back to nasty old rainy, crime-ridden, nanny-state Britain, to pay your income tax from your pensions, bank interest, and other income from the UK, in Spain which you love so much! If I had a Euro for every expat who has told me that they will continue to pay in the UK, or that they didn’t know their tax liability was in Spain, I would have to pay a lot more tax! How the tax office here is letting them get away with it is beyond me - they are missing out on many millions of Euros in this economic crisis. Before anyone says that the income tax on the government or military pensions has to be paid in the UK – yes I know, but most have several pensions that ARE subject to tax out here. Like death used to be, tax is a taboo subject here, because it means time consuming bureaucracy and extra expense to pay someone to do the declaration, plus you don’t want the taxman here to know about your missing millions perhaps? Touched a raw nerve? Good! PS: For those with a conscience ring 0044-151 210 2222: this is the Tax Office in the UK which deals with ex pat tax matters; they will give you advice and send appropriate forms so you can join the rest of us law abiding people! Anonymous

Impartial and balanced? UNTIL THE RTN publication dated 11-17th June, I had considered the English language ‘freebies’ were impartial and balanced, but the letter chosen as ‘letter of the week’ from D Baxter indicates a political bias that would find its home in the far left of discredited communism. Perhaps I have not had the benefit of 50 years visiting Spain, but work has brought me on a regular basis since 1971 and indeed there have been many changes, mainly for the good. However, to forget that the Civil War

was heralded by many as Nazi Germany versus Communist Russia, and not to mention that atrocities were committed on both sides, possibly in even numbers, is unreasonable. Do I take it that Mr.Baxter would have preferred a Communist Spain? In equal measure, it would appear that PSOE are whiter than fresh snow in his eyes, but there appears to be many cases of corruption by that party also. The ex president of Andulucia paying was it €4 million to his

daughter’s company…? The speaker of the Cortes, Sr Bono, paying cash for his son’s horse…untraceable supposedly…? As for mayors, yet again was it not in Catalonia that there were several nouveau riche and equally in Valencia there are instances in a similar vein. We are living in a country where corruption exists on both sides, not on one side alone, probably as in most countries, but to forget the balance makes both the RTN and Mr Baxter less than credible. John Rowe, Benitachell

Spain dubbed ‘Brutal’ ahead of World Cup Finals SPAIN WAS dubbed ‘Brutal’ ahead of the World Cup Finals that get underway in South Africa last week. Former Northern Ireland and Manchester United star Sammy McIlroy turned the clock back 28 years - to 1982 - when Spain hosted the World Cup. “What stands out was the brutality of the Spanish team - it was a ferocious assault - they tried to kick us all over the park,” recalled McIlroy. Northern Ireland beat Spain 1-0 at the Estadio Luis Casanova in Valencia - which lead to supporters burning their scarves and shirts in anger: “The fans were burning flags and shirts - they were absolutely furious,“said McIlroy, “The street outside the stadium looked like it was on fire. It was a crimson red,” he said, “They underestimated us. Nobody gave us a chance to beat Spain, the hosts. “It was an unbelievable achievement - and still talked about in Northern Ireland today. The Spanish nation was in shock,” he added.

On Spain’s ‘brutal’ tactics, during World Cup 82 - where FC Elche’s stadium staged games - McIlroy said: “It was typical of the assaults we suffered against the Spanish.” And McIlroy, capped 88 times, put the boot into Spain: “We knew that Spain wasn’t a great side - but nobody gave us a prayer.” McIlroy added: “At the final whistle there was a sense of disbelief in the stadium: silence. We never dared dream about beating Spain.” Turning to the 2010 World Cup Finals, McIlroy said: “Brazil have a strong defence. Dunga has got them exceptionally well organised. They have a huge chance. They don’t have the strength in attack of previous Brazil teams - there’s no Ronaldo or Ronaldhino.” However, McIlroy has also tipped Spain to do well: “Argentina and Spain have so many technically excellent players. And it would be a mistake to write England off.” A. Atkinson

Make my day With regard to the recent accidental shooting of housebreaker Ramón Jiménez Bruno in Arganda del Rey and the subsequent imprisonment and fine of the householder who fired the shot to protect his property, it is clear that the housebreaker was acting outside the law and, as such, should not be entitled to any redress in the courts. As for compensation to the villain’s children, I doubt they’ll miss much parental guidance from that waste of space. Those acting outside the law should forfeit its protection. Natural law

Looking for relatives of Mr Joseph Robson

Mr Joseph Robson (deceased) Born on 4 July 1928 Date of Death: 21 March 2010 I am trying to trace any surviving relatives or people who may have known Mr Joseph Robson who died in Orihuela on 21 March 2010. The deceased’s last known address is as follows: Urb. Playa Flamenca, C/Niagara 52-56, Orihuela (Alicante) Anyone who may be able to assist is invited to contact: Marc White solicitor, Peter Browne Solicitors, 48 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8BH, England Tel. 0117 944-1966 Email mwhite@ pb-solicitors.co.uk

proposes that man or animal has the predilection and moral right to defend their habitat with any means at their disposal and judicial law should uphold that concept. The housebreaker got what he should have expected. This and the case of Tony Martin in the UK hold the law to ridicule. The sooner the law changes in favour of the lawabiding citizen the better. Planning to rob my house? Make my day. They can’t put us all in prison. Danny Collins Investigative journalist and true crime author, Finestrat

18 - 24 june 2010

Evening flea market every Saturday in July and August

The mayor, councillor and organiser Natasja

THE EVENING sixty stall flea-market in the ‘Font de Carré’ park on 5th June was a great success with a diversity of second hand items and also paintings, antiques and new goods. Of course there was also enough to eat and drink while walking around on the market, such as churros; empanadas; tortillas and candy. Or you could sit on the terrace near the stall that was selling chips. The children enjoyed themselves at the playground in the centre of the park and there was a good atmosphere, with exhibitors as well as visitors having a good time. The lighted stalls and music added to the

holiday atmosphere. The mayor Honorato Algado and the councillor Pilar Martinez visited, saying they were pleased that this initiative had attracted so many people to visit Finestrat. Following this success, the flea market will continue in July and August every Saturday from 19.00 till 24.00, with even more stalls. All are welcome to have a pleasant evening with the whole family; and maybe you can find that one special thing you were always looking for! For information or a stall contact Natasja: 600 637 046 or email rastrofinestrat@gmail.com

Vuvuzelas turning matchgoers and players deaf in South Africa Vuvuzelas reach a shattering 123 decibels

by Jan Gamm VUVUZELAS, THE multicoloured plastic trumpets that are the chosen match toys of South African football enthusiasts, have become a contentious issue, causing a furore amongst spectators and players, with some television viewers declaring they will no longer watch the World Cup TV coverage. A vuvuzela, around the same size as a small trumpet, is sounded by ‘blowing raspberries’ down the mouthpiece, causing a certain amount of spittle to fly from the business end of the instrument (charming) and an earth shattering 123 decibels (equivalent to a jet taking off 200 metres away) of sound to splinter the atmosphere. Vuvuzelas

come in an array of colours, some with extension pipes, usually festooned with ribbons and stickers. Until the World Cup series began in South Africa, most of the football community had never heard of the vuvuzela yet apparently no self respecting South African football fan will leave home without one. The effect of many thousands of vuvuzelas being blown in a cacophony all over stadiums during matches is causing mayhem as players; spectators and television viewers nurse aching ears, pleading with the host nation to give up this anti social ear splitter. South Africa has dug in the heels of its football boots and obstinately refused to discuss the matter of deafening the international community, declaring in

almost Churchillian tones that it will never give up its vuvuzela but will fight on...it will never give up...it will fight us...well, you get the picture... Players have complained that they cannot communicate on the pitch, finding it impossible to be heard over the vuvuzelan whine emanating from the stands. Yet South Africa remains determined in its ‘love me love my vuvuzela’ attitude amidst calls for banning during the semi finals and the final in the series. AIR YOUR VIEWS To ban or not ban this perilous plastic membrane-popping instrument of torture by emailing rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

- 24 june 2010 2010 8-1418JANUARY

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

The death of Princess must be made to count

Red plague

by Louise Clarke PRINCESS, A miniature horse, which had been rescued by and was living at the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre (EHCRC) in Rojales, has finally lost her fight for life. RTN reported on Princess’s arrival at the centre just over a year ago after she was rescued from cruelty and impending slaughter at the hands of a local butcher. Years of neglect had left Princess permanently disabled and needing constant care. But despite all her problems, Princess lived happily at the rescue centre. She was a tough, affectionate little horse that loved life. Princess’ bravery and loving nature touched many people and she will be remembered for a long time to come. But the centre wants her life to really mean something and hopes that her story will highlight the plight of many miniature horses here in Spain. LOCKED AWAY Sue Weeding, the founder of the EHCRC, told RTN: “During the time we have been running the centre, we have become more and more aware that there is widespread neglect and abuse of miniature horses in this part of Spain. It seems that in just about every village

The red palm weevil

Princess with the centre’s pig, Issy

there is a miniature horse neglected and in ill health. We are constantly getting calls about mistreated minis.” She added: “These horses are left tied up outside houses, on rough ground, or locked away. They are fed on a cheap, high carb diet of stale bread and corn which causes them to become lame from laminitis, a painful inflammatory condition. Left untreated, they will become deformed and permanently crippled. Once sick and crippled, the horse will be sold for meat or abandoned to die. ” The rescue centre is currently involved in trying to help a miniature

horse in Almoradi. The horse is tethered by the leg, unable to move and regularly beaten on the head with a stick. Local residents and the rescue centre have reported the abuse to the authorities, and will keep pushing for something to be done. Sue concluded: “With Princess’ death we are more determined than ever to help miniature horses in distress; we owe it to Princess.” Read more about Princess’s story at www.easyhorsecare.net. The rescue centre is open to the public on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays 13.00 – 16.00. You can call the centre on 965 967 033.

Georgian Mafiosos arrested in Spain SIX PEOPLE of Georgian nationality have been arrested and accused of money laundering in Catalonia. The arrests took place last Wednesday following a joint investigation between regional and national police, which lead to 24 arrests in March this year. Allegations are that the men are members of the Georgian mafia and were laundering money through restaurants and construction projects in Spain.

Infant school play

INFANT SCHOOL pupils from the Rojales Municipal Infant School will be performing their annual school play at the Rojales Municipal Theatre on Monday 28th June. For more information and tickets, please contact the Town Hall or the Theatre.

Black and White Puddings back in stock

TOWN HALLS across the Costa Blanca are urging people to be on their guard against the plague of the red palm weevil. The pest continues its march across Southern Europe leaving a wake of destruction amongst trees and international experts still searching for a solution. A trail of destruction has been left amongst stocks of palms attacked by the weevil Rhynchophorus Ferruginus. The bug is a native of South East Asia and first appeared in Europe in 1984 but over the last five years the area affected by the red palm weevil has expanded, sweeping through trees of Spain, France, Italy and Portugal. CRISIS Backed by the European Union, scientists and environmentalists held crisis talks in Valencia to discuss the best methods of combating the plague – experts are both alarmed at the ability of the pest to infect palms and spread and the inefficiency and high cost of combating the problem. The experts will publish a joint strategy document aimed at the total eradication of the pest but agreed in some areas like the Marina Alta the battle should first focus on containing the spread of the weevil. And the EU initiative under

the Spanish Presidency calls for the public to be recruited to help fight the pest, control of imports of palms into Europe, shared research and co-operation between member states. Teulada has joined Denia and Javea and a number of other local authorities in a campaign to detect and control the weevil. The council has issued leaflets advising residents how to be on their guard. DISTRESS Palm trees are being inspected for signs of distress but local authorities need public help where trees are on private land. Pheromone traps have been set in parts of Teulada to snare the beetle that has a pronounced red coloured beak and as an adult can be 4-5cm long. It thrives on eating the Canary Island date palm and can also affect the tall Washingtonia. The most common symptom of infection is the gradual wilting of the palm’s leaves from the crown, which will eventually hang down, dry. Untreated, the palm will eventually die. However, if damage is superficial, the affected leaves can be removed and the infection treated to remove the larvae of the insect. Councils are also using insecticide to spray palms.

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

The RTN Golf Club by Jack Troughton

TEE OFF as a member of the exclusive RTN Golf Club and enjoy playing some of the coast’s top courses at a price everyone can afford. Club members will be entitled to a generous ‘two for one’ discount insuring sportsmen and women can concentrate of their favourite sport rather than being handicapped by worries over the cost. Spain’s favourite English newspaper has launched a club discount scheme to insure fair play for residents. Membership is free: all that is needed is an ‘NIE’ number to join. In return RTN

will issue a credit card style discount card and when shown at participating courses, members will be given cut price green fees but still enjoy all the facilities of the golf club. And the first four golf clubs already signed up offering the two for one deal are: Alicante Golf, El Plantio, Font del Llop, and Javea. With the expertise of professional coach Noel Eastwell, RTN has become the voice of golf on the Costa Blanca and constantly in touch with the sport’s important issues. Noel said the emails sent to RTN Golf and chatting with fellow golfers told him one of the major complaints was the affordability of playing regularly. “I just thought ‘why don’t we have a residents’ discount scheme like they do in Florida?’ A two for one offer,” he said. “On average a round of golf costs €80 but then you get discounts for being a golf society or booking in large numbers. “Somehow there

is always an excuse not to give discounts for individuals – this is unfair so why not organise a discount scheme. Players are still paying over €80 but now there are two people out on the course.” And Noel believes that including a buggy, no RTN club member should be paying more than €50 for a round of golf. WINNER

He added: “However, that also means two people are using the bar, restaurant, cafeteria and pro shop – it means everyone is a winner.” The attraction for golf courses, said Noel, was they would always be taking money helping meet the cost of maintenance and staff wages. And he said clubs were already asking what was in it for RTN. “The answer is ‘nothing’ - we just want people out there playing golf.” RTN’s managing director Geoff Gartland believes launching a golf club with its two for one discount was another example of the paper’s “hands on” approach to caring for valued readers. “The RTN Golf Club is an excellent idea and a first of its kind on the Costa Blanca. I’m certain membership will be snapped up by our golf playing readers and we look forward to introducing exclusive offers to members,” he said. “With Noel’s help we have made RTN number one for golf on the coast.” Keep reading RTN to find out how you can apply for your Golf Club membership card.

Reducing water consumption BENIDORM IS using the same amount of water as it was 35 years ago, despite the quadrupling of its population. It has been reported that a study carried out by the sociologist Mario Gaviria which shows water consumption now is practically the same as in 1975, leading to the conclusion that the town now has one of the most efficient best and sustainable water supply systems of any municipality in Spain. The data shows that now inhabitants use 383 litres per person per day, when 35 years ago it was as high as 1,107 litres. Hotels are using a quarter of the water that they used to.

Cheap Rabies jabs for dogs in Rojales ROJALES TOWN Hall, in cooperation with the vets Veterzoo and Ameguitos, have this week launched an anti-rabies campaign. Dog owners of Rojales will have the chance to vaccinate their dogs from 15th to 30th June for an unbeatable price of €14.50.

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Liberty Seguros continues to give away petrol IF IT’S TIME to renew your motor insurance policy and you’re looking for a reputable company with an outstanding price/quality ratio, an efficient claims department and an unbeatable service, then it’s time to visit your nearest Liberty Seguros Insurance broker. Some 120,000 expats have already trusted in Liberty Seguros’ comprehensive range of products, and this month, if you take out fully comprehensive motor cover before 30th June, you will also receive a SOLRED petrol voucher worth €50*. What’s more, with Liberty Seguros there are no communication barriers. All documentation is transparent and in English, and a dedicated team of customer service agents and claims managers are available to assist with any query or dilemma – and in your language. With some of the most attractive offers and prices on the market, Liberty Seguros is the expats’ preferred insurer; not only for motor cover but also for household, life, business, accident and leisure insurance. So if it’s time to take stock of the most important aspects in your life, have confidence in the name that so many expats and nationals already trust. Visit www.libertyseguros.es/expatriates/en to locate your nearest broker and to find out more about this promotion and other products that can prepare you for the unexpected. Liberty Seguros…. because you never know... * This offer is valid only for premiums

Easy riders

A Harley Davidson from the parade

By Jack Troughton HUNDREDS OF bikers and their gleaming machines converged on the Marina Alta last Sunday for a parade alongside the sea and Javea’s rock beach. Organised by the Taurons – the town’s custom motorbike club – the annual festival was its usual head-turning occasion as families were alerted by the throb of engines. Traditionally part of Javea’s popular International Festival, the celebration was brought forward a week this year but provided a taster for the thousands of people expected to attend this weekend. However, the festival itself continues tonight (Friday) and Saturday night from 19.00 until late to celebrate the international culture of the resort and is a blend of music, dance, food, drink and national costumes.

Liberty Seguros head office

that exceed €350 and not valid for motorbikes or commercial vehicles, renewals or replacements. About Liberty Seguros

LIBERTY SEGUROS is the leading expatriate insurance provider in Spain, with over 120,000 international clients, committed to providing high quality, competitively-priced insurance products

and services to both personal and business users. Liberty Seguros has been in operation since 2001 and is one of the top 10 insurers in Spain with a total of 1.2 million customers. It is part of the Liberty Mutual Group of Companies, the 5th largest property and casualty insurance company in the US with more than 90 years experience in the sector.

Painting School exhibition THIS SUNDAY, 21st June, sees the inauguration of an exhibition showing the final course work of the students of the Torrevieja Municipal School of

Painting. The exhibition is officially inaugurated at 19.30 at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre on Sunday evening and will be open until Sunday 4th July.

Youth Hostel cards for Rojales teens ROJALES TOWN Hall has announced plans this week to issue Youth Hostel Cards and International Youth Cards to its teenage residents. Following a meeting last week at the Valencian Youth Institute, the Director of the Valencian Youth Institute, Adrián Ballester and the Mayor of Rojales, Antonio Martínez Cánovas, signed an agreement which will allow the Youth Information Centre at Rojales Town Hall to issue and sell Youth Hostel Cards and International Youth Cards. The Mayor of Rojales, Antonio Martínez Cánovas, told RTN: “The Town Hall is delighted that it can now, through its Youth Department, promote these cards which benefit the young people living in our municipality, especially in this very difficult economic climate. With these cards, young people will be able to travel throughout Europe at affordable prices.” GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIP The Valencian Youth Institute Director, Adrián Ballester, added: “As well as it being

Adrián Ballester and the Mayor of Rojales, Antonio Martínez Cánovas

a relatively inexpensive way to travel the world, youth hostels are also extremely environmentally friendly and with hostels, young people from different countries and with different cultures can meet and integrate. They can also take part in many varied environmental and leisure activities.” More than 400 Rojales youngsters have already benefitted from the good working relationship between the Institute and the Town Hall after they received Youth Cards, which entitled them to leisure and shopping discounts throughout the Valencian community. From this week, young people living in the Rojales municipality can obtain Youth Hostel Cards in five categories: teen; adult; family; teen group and foreign, which will provide easy to access to more than 4,500 hostels that are members of the International Federation of Youth Hostels in 60 different countries. As well as announcing the card promotion, the Mayor also announced the Town Hall’s plans for a dedicated Youth Centre in Rojales, which has been made possible thanks to PLAN E money from the central government.

New technology comes to the coast The press conference took place this week at the Town Hall in Playa Flamenca

by Louise Clarke THE TOWN Hall of Orihuela has announced this week that it plans to install a new advanced technology network on the coast. The Mayor, Monica Lorente, held a press conference at the Town Hall in Playa Flamenca, alongside Councillor for Modernisation, David Costa; Councillor for the Coast, Jose Antonio Aniorte; Councillor for Citizen Security, Mayte Velero and Javier Peset, the Valencian Community’s Secretary for Modernisation, to highlight the new project, called ‘Network Comdes’, and explain the finer details. Ms Lorente said that the project consists of the provision, installation, technical management and maintenance of a network of mobile digital communications, which will enhance security on the coast, help in emergency situations and assist in crime prevention and with rescue incidents. BENEFIT

The project, which has been included in the Valencian Strategic Plan of Advanced Telecommunications (PEVTA), will be implemented immediately so that all the security and emergency authorities of Orihuela will be connected to the same network as the rest of the Valencian Community. The network will vastly improve all mobile radio communications between the various public organisations and emergency services and the Mayor has assured that this new method communication will not only be of benefit to all who will use it, it will benefit the residents of the municipality as it will

mean quicker response times in an emergency. With this Network, a regional centre will be responsible for the communication to emergency services in Orihuela, making it more streamlined and more efficient as well as, crucially, more cost effective. Ms Lorente told RTN: “This network is like the strategic backbone of the emergency and security services that cover the whole of the Valencian Community and we are delighted that we will soon be installing it here in Orihuela.” WI-FI

The Mayor also announced the installation of an improved TDT receiver for the coast. This follows the Spanish changeover to digital TV in April this year and will mean that everyone with a TDT compatible TV on the coast will soon have a sharper and clearer picture on their television screen. Ms Lorente said: “After the detection of problems with the coverage of the TDT in Orihuela Costa, Rafael Peset, the Regional Secretary of Modernisation and the Councillor of Justice and Public Administrations, has discussed the problems with Juan Antonio Sastre, the Head of the Telecommunications and Information Society. “They have come up with a technical solution to these reception problems and we will soon have a new, more powerful receiver for the coast by installing a new repeater to the mast which is located in San Miguel de Salinas.” Finally, David Costa announced that there will be new free Wi-Fi zones installed on the coast, allowing lap top users to surf the internet wherever they want.

Mayor inaugurates new tennis courts THE MAYOR of Torrevieja, Pedro Hernandez Mateo, officially inaugurated the new tennis courts at the new Sports City last weekend. Accompanied by the Councillor for Sport, Daniel Plaza Montero, the Mayor showed off his tennis skills at the Racket Sports arena, which houses 11 tennis courts and is capable of holding more than 2,000 spectators. During the event, the Mayor welcomed the President of the Torrevieja Tennis Club to the state of the art facilities and congratulated the company who executed the new sports city project, saying that all the new amenities were spectacular and as a result the sports area has become the most important in the Vega Baja area.

The Mayor with the President of the Torrevieja Tennis Club

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Doing the 92: High ‘highs’ and low ‘lows’

WELL, A LOT has happened since I last wrote for the RTN and it seems impossible to believe it was only 14 days ago! Before I started, Bjørn Heidenstrøm warned me that I would have high ‘highs’and low ‘lows’ as he had on his epic journey from Norway to South Africa (see www.theshirt2010.net ) How correct he was! Things were going well with the tour until Mother Nature showed you just how much she is in charge. (....or was it fate/destiny/revenge?) Last Thursday I heard that a storage centre fire has destroyed absolutely everything I own. 53 years up in smoke. I’m numb. I only stored my possessions at the centre in Mijas Costa on the Costa del Sol so they would be safe whilst I was away travelling. Yes, I am numb and every few minutes I remember things that were in the storage centre. I put literally everything of value (fiscal or sentimental) in there as I did not want to leave it in the house in case of burglary whilst I cycled my multi-marathons. So if the robbers didn’t get it, the flames did. Ironic! I have seen the fire on YouTube and apparently it took 3 hours for the fire officers to get it under control. Fortunately nobody died or was injured. This week is cleaning head week and completing the

Beyond the call of duty

Luton Town

insurance claim. How the heck can you remember in just a few hours every single thing you have collected in 53 years? How many shirts/suits; how many Spanish, Swedish courses; how many books and dictionaries(100s!); how many USB cables etc; how many football programmes (900+)? So, after 53 years I am starting from scratch… Well, if that was the low (and it was a REAL low!) there have been plenty of highs too. My little legs have somehow got me to my adopted home town of Manchester via Luton, the West Midlands the Potteries and then into Manchester (in the pouring rain. No surprise!) I had superb hosting at Wolves from none other than Wolves, Sheffield United and Gillingham legend Mel Eves. We spent an incredible four hours together and that was a real high. Aston Villa and Birmingham City also treated me superbly and today I am wearing a WBA shirt which is about the only dry clothing I have! Whilst all this has been happening, Bjørn is getting fantastic media awareness in South Africa and with a last little push we will get to 2010 shirts for the 2010 World Cup Final day (July 11th). If you have a shirt that you would like to see in the breeze please do get in touch and we will make arrangements. A You Tube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1l9W9e2HDc) shows the mini shirt unveiled at the opening of Soccer City. That’s what the last year of my life has been about. What a high when everything comes together! Enjoy the World Cup everybody and please continue following me on www.theshirt2010.co.uk

DOUGIE LYNN of the Royal Air Forces Association has marked his elevation to the rank of ‘OAP’ with a ‘Sponsored Run’ for this year’s ‘Wings’ appeal’, which supports respite and care homes for members and exmembers of the RAF and their families. He has followed a 6 week vigorous training regime prepared by Crecia and staff at the OK Gym in Los Dolses. Early on Sunday 13th June, he made his 5km run alongside the canal at Los Dolses, in just under 45 minutes. His supporters had only a full English breakfast to sustain them, thoughtfully provided by the staff of ‘Bill’s Open Lounge’, which opened early to

Dougie Lynn

support the run. Dougie has so far raised the superb sum of €510, with more to come. His generous sponsors included not only friends from the RAFA branch but also other ex-service organisations on the Costa Blanca.

Burger King to open in El Corte Ingles

BURGER KING is to open new branches within El Corte Ingles shopping centres, according to a report by the online retail magazine ‘Kam City’. The first fast food outlet is scheduled to open later this month in the El Corte Ingles in Arroyosur. The move is part of the US fast-food chain’s plan to expand into new channels, including opening restaurants at service stations, motorways, train stations and passenger terminals.

A taste of summer at Salamanca

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Now selling excellent quality Wine direct from the vineyard at amazing prices. Red - White - Rose Single bottle 1.75€ One case (12) Mixed or same 20€ = 1.66€ per bottle. Three cases + 18€ = 1.50€ per bottle Short back bacon( lean) 9.95€ kilo - 2.2 kilos only 16.50€ Topside of Beef 12.95€ per kilo 2 kilos + 11.95 per kilo (No added fat) Dining under the 25 year old vine

IN THE Jalon valley there are many signs that summer is upon us; the valley floor is turning green as the grape vines begin to spread; the senior citizens have placed their chairs in the village streets as they enjoy the warmer evenings; and Restaurant Salamanca has opened up its vine-covered courtyard for al-fresco dining. The vine is now at least 25 years old and has provided dappled shade over the years to the many diners enjoying the international cuisine Salamanca has to offer. Helen and Sean Smith are enjoying their ninth year in this beautiful townhouse restaurant situated in Calle Salamanca at the heart of the famous town of Jalon. The building itself is over 200 years old and has been stylishly transformed from its agricultural beginnings. The buildings to the side of the courtyard used to house the donkeys who delivered almonds, carob, and olives to the main house for processing. Sadly, the original machinery has long gone but the character of the townhouse still remains and Helen has taken great care to provide comfort and style without losing the building’s rustic charm. The summer season also brings a new menu at Salamanca where all dishes are cooked to order and Helen pointed out that if you have special dietary requirements or would like a slight variation to a dish, should you dislike a particular ingredient, she is more than happy to accommodate your wishes. The new ‘Menu de la Casa’ now gives a choice of 2 courses for €14.95 or 3 courses for €17.95. Bear in mind that this price is inclusive of IVA, bread and ali oli, and wine or water – so there will be no surprises when the bill is requested. And what a great menu it is with ‘starters’ including ‘Chilled Melon with Mango Sorbet’, ‘Chicken Liver and Port Pate’,

and ‘Grilled Goat’s Cheese with Roasted Red Peppers and Tomato Chutney’. A refreshing lemon sorbet clears the palate for a delicious choice of main courses which range from ‘Beef and Guinness Pie’ with tender chunks of beef and root vegetables in a rich Guinness Sauce to the delicate flavour of ‘Salmon Goujons with tangy Lemon Mayo’. Several other choices will set the taste buds tingling and vegetarians can enjoy a ‘Tower of Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables layered with Cheese’, served with an Italian Tomato Sauce. All are served with fresh vegetables and potatoes. If you still have room for dessert, there is a good selection of old favourites (too many to mention) such as Homemade Bread and Butter Pudding, Pavlova, Chocolate Brownies or Cheese and Biscuits. The A La Carte menu also boasts a summer revamp with many imaginative and tasty dishes: starters from €5.50; salads and pastas from €4.95; fish and seafood from €10.95 and meat dishes from €11.95. Salamanca remains as popular today as it was when word first got around about the great food served at this family run restaurant. “Although we don’t have a car park we really are worth the short walk from a parking area near the petrol station...” Helen told RTN, “...we can cater for special occasions, clubs and society lunches and dinners for groups from 8 to 70. We can even supply the cake for birthdays!” Restaurante Salamanca is open Wednesday to Sunday evening from 19.00 until late as well as Sunday lunchtimes from midday until 15.00, for a traditional Sunday lunch (closed Monday and Tuesday.) Telephone 966 480 430 or 628 538 323 to book your table for a ‘taste of summer’ at Salamanca.

Fresh Galician rump 4 kilos + only 8.95€ per kilo Pork chops with crackling 6.95€ per kilo - 2 kilos 12€ Meaty pork ribs 6.95€ per kilo - 2 kilos 12€ We are now making once again our famous home-made pasties, sausage rolls & Scotch eggs SPEND 40€ - FREE BOTTLE OF WINE,SPEND 50€ - FREE KILO OF SAUSAGES SPEND 60€- FREE CHICKEN

We are supporting new local enterprise; Angies Chocolate Fridge Cake & Annabelles Organic Marmalade. These two products are made to the highest standard. Open Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 2.00pm and Sunday 10.00am - Midday

European Centre, Moraira (Opp Paichi garden centre) Tel/ Fax: 96 649 2311 • 679 985 153

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Watts In Britain

Taking the Tardis to Tolpuddle

By (GROAN) AFTER long months of hearing

Paul Watts

nothing at all from the so-called Brigadier Janus, up there in Javea, this week he fires off two rounds in my direction. He is unhappy with my grammatical misdemeanours, namely a ‘split infinitive’ and he also goes to great lengths informing me ‘that there is no Odeon cinema in Tolpuddle’ (see last week’s Watts in Britain, where I jokingly refer to a Tolpuddle Odeon). Thanks for that Brigadier but I’m not really surprised. In fact, apart from the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Museum there isn’t much at all in Tolpuddle (nice though it is). If you were to breeze through at 60mph and blink you’d probably miss it altogether. Mind you, if you did breeze through at 60mph you could well be on the way to losing your previously clean driving licence; for although Tolpuddle contains little else it does contain more than the national average of the dreaded Gatso cameras. The village and its environs, as I’m sure the Brigadier knows, are subject to a very strict 30mph regime; and serried ranks of the aforementioned machines await the pleasure of snapping your number plate quicker than you can say, “Send ‘em to Australia!” The cameras are so delicately primed that doing 31mph is likely to set them all a flashin’… Therefore, you could easily metamorphose from a clean licence holder to a no-licence-at-all-holder just by the unadvised action of tearing through Tolpuddle. According to the UK National

Speed Camera Database there are: “…over 4,000 fixed Gatso speed cameras currently in use by police forces and local authorities across the UK, accounting for 90% of all fixed speed cameras”. Yeah, and ten percent of those are in and around Tolpuddle! All of which waffling has nothing to do with the Tolpuddle Odeon – fictitious or real. But what I hope I’ve clearly demonstrated Brigadier, is that Tolpuddle is such a tiny place and therefore, unlikely to have an Odeon. It was just a joke. Right; now, as for me using a split infinitive I say this to you; if it’s good enough for James T Kirk of the Starship Enterprise “to boldly go” then it’s surely good enough for me. After all he has, often single-handedly, saved the known universe many, many times. Can you claim to have done that Brigadier? WATTS IN TIME

Talking about saving the universe, have you been watching the latest series of Dr Who? What a natty piece of casting with the new Tardisian tenants Matt Smith and Karen Gillan. Matt is absolutely perfect in the Timelord’s shoes. He brings to the role an air of sublime other-worldliness. As a young bloke playing the 900-year old Timelord he has caught the right balance of weltschmerz (trust our German cousins for having a word for world-weariness) combined with the zest and wonderment of a small child making discoveries anew. Clever, serious, clown-like yet vulnerable; he is the last member of his race and bur-

The new waste-oftime-lord

dened with a universal sadness. Oh, Watts, you do go on… Sorry, but I just love it and haven’t missed any of this series - the first time I can claim that in twenty-five years. Along with Matt, the new producer and production team really have breathed new life into an old legend. And talking of old legends, well old anyway, I was the Doctor for a day recently. Well erm, ten minutes actually. As the visiting famous RTN columnist to the BBC Mailbox in Brum last Tuesday, I was given the keys to the Tardis. The keys to the Tardis, folks: better than the keys to the city any day. In our exclusive RTN/ BBC picture you can see the grinning fool about to speed off to 1967 to obtain a fresh off the line, spiffing new copy of Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Shewho-must-be-obeyed accompanied me and a good time was had by all. As I posed beside the famous blue machine our Beebite guide said to my missus, “You know, your chap makes a very good time lord.”“Hmmm,” she-who-must mused in her faraway manner, “although…” (I knew just what was coming next by dint of long association and the way she’d started to corpse), “You could,” she chuckled uncontrollably, the words crashing into each other in her obvious glee to deliver the payout, “more accurately describe

him as a waste-of-time lord…” Oh, how the BBC acolytes laughed. Idiots! Well, they would laugh wouldn’t they because shewho-must works for the Arts Council so they wanted to keep her sweet; probably hoping for some special hand-outs. I theatrically swished an imaginary scarf around my neck. “Let them laugh,” I thought in a loud Tom Baker way, “I’m off to the past. Or is it the ‘passed’?” I expect The Brigadier in Javea will know. Hmmm, in fact he could be my first villain. I could meet him on the battlefields of Tolpuddle. Can you picture it? Dr Who-Watts versus The Brigadier. He could sport a deadly infinity-splitting phaser-laser and be accompanied by a bevy of hot-pants-wearing, thigh booted, long legged lovelies… Watts!!! Erm, sorry, I went into a bit of a daydream there folks. But I could return to Tolpuddle to right some wrongs. I could set free the martyrs. I could also zoom back and change reality a bit. I’ll turn the Gatso cameras into Gatsby cameras; they’d go off whenever a chap wasn’t wearing a straw boater or striped jacket. They’d also go off if a chap didn’t open the car door for his gal. We’d return to a much gentler age. Pip pip old things…. Watts in the Tardis, see you again LAST WEEK! Which year would you go back to, folks? p.watts@roundtownnews.com

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PRIZES:

A lucky reader will win a FREE pair of sunglasses to the value of €50 every week during the World Cup!!

Where do you think the ball is? All you have to do is cut out this advert and hand it in to either the Javea or Calpe SPECSAVERS shop putting a cross where you think the ball should be... IT COULDN’T BE EASIER!!

The week of the World Cup final (RTN Issue 560 - 9th July) The winner will receive a SPECSAVERS family eye care voucher to the value of €300!! Usual RTN competition rules available on application

Name: __________________ Tel No:__________________ Email:___________________

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Las Colinas Golf & Country Club - Golf Academy

by Louise Clarke ONE OF the most important parts of any golf club is without doubt the golf academy. Robert Mitchell is the Head Professional at Las Colinas and is in charge of the day to day running of the Golf Academy. Robert, originally from Wales, is a PGA qualified Golf Professional and brings to Las Colinas a wealth of experience. Robert joins Las Colinas having spent the last five years working for the Scott Cranfield Golf Academy where he was the Head Golf Coach at the Academy in Cadiz. Scott Cranfield is a European Tour Coach and former Sky Sports and Setanta Golf presenter and has one of the most comprehensive training schemes in the golf industry for his coaches. Robert continues to further his

coaching knowledge by attending seminars with some of the World’s best golf coaches and recently Robert attended a seminar with Michael Hebron, the 1991 USPGA Teacher of the Year. He has had a number of golf instruction articles published and is a member of Today’s Golfer Magazine Teaching Staff: Today’s Golfer is the UK’s best selling golf magazine. COACHING STYLE

A holistic golf coach, Robert has received extensive training in the technical, mental and physical (biomechanical) areas of the game, enabling him to identify the reasons why a golfer isn’t fulfilling his or her potential. Robert aims are to build upon the pupil’s strengths rather than to try and make them conform

The natural grass practice range

Credit card fraud gang smashed

AN INTERNATIONAL gang cloning credit cards has been busted by police in several countries. Police arrested 178 people in 14 countries and 76 of the arrests were in Spain. Estimates say the gang could have made more than €20 million. An investigation that started in Valencia led to the discovery of 11 laboratories where credit cards were being cloned. The gang are also responsible for fraud; extortion; sexual abuse; exploitation; money laundering and violent robberies. One of the gang leaders has been taken into custody in Valencia.

to a particular methodology, which can often lead to confusion. He incorporates the latest technology into his coaching sessions, including the latest high speed video cameras to demonstrate the key concepts of his coaching. LAS COLINAS GOLF ACADEMY

The Academy at Las Colinas will offer a full programme of instruction, including individual tuition, beginner golf groups and classes for juniors. Bespoke lesson plans will be created for pupils at the Academy to ensure that both the pupil and coach are clear as to the direction the coaching sessions will take, which will be set after considering the individual goals of the pupil. Each pupil will also receive a USB memory stick, which will be used to keep a record of the key points of each golf lesson and progress. Making the most of the exclusive practice facilities at Las Colinas, pupils of the Academy will enjoy the same high level of service at the Golf Academy as they will receive throughout the Las Colinas development. Managed by Troon Golf, the world leader in upscale golf course management, the Las Colinas team has a passionate dedication to quality, and is inspired to

Robert Mitchell, Head Professional at Las Colinas

provide an exceptional guest experience, alongside the finest playing surfaces and clubhouse facilities. UNiK CAFÉ and THE GLASS BAR

After a good session with your golf coach, visitors to the Academy at Las Colinas will be able to enjoy the beautiful and tranquil surroundings at Las Colinas with a drink and maybe a bite to eat at

Walking for cancer

SUE YOUNG from San Miguel de Salinas is taking part in the 5km Race for Life in Gloucester, next Sunday, 27th June. The countrywide event, which is open to women of all ages, raises money for Cancer Research UK and Sue would like to fly the flag for expats here in the Costa Blanca, when she returns to England. She can be sponsored directly by logging onto www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/susanjones22 or by contacting her on 695 441 388 or after midday 25th June on 0044 777 566 8531. Meanwhile, please don’t forget that tomorrow, Saturday, 19th June, is the Maria and her PINK ladies walk in Torrevieja. This is also a 5km walk and you can turn up on the day and register: the registration fee is €5 and all proceeds will go to AECC. For more information on Maria’s Walk, please call 646 099 092.

Sue Young from San Miguel with husband Bob

the UNiK CAFÉ and THE GLASS BAR located in the clubhouse. Book your golf lesson now at Las Colinas, the most complete way to improve your golf. For more information on the academy, e-mail academy@lascolinasgolf.es or call (+34) 965 324 004. For more information on Las Colinas, email golf@lascolinasgolf.es

Hollywood premier promotes Spain CAMERON DIAZ and Tom Cruise were in Seville last Wednesday and Thursday to promote the premier of their new film, Knight and Day. Some scenes were shot in the city and others in Cádiz, Boston, Hawaii and Salzburg. The production team recreated some of the scenes of the film throughout the city, and the two stars later gave interviews to the press. Predictions are that around 300 million people will see Seville through watching the film – a huge promotion for Seville.

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Selena’s Cruises 28

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OVER THE next year, four all-new cruise ships will be launched, each for a different cruise line, not counting the Seaborne Sojourn, which just set sail on its maiden voyage, ensuring a continuing supply of deep discounts - on virtually all ships - for ‘Vacations To Go’ customers, especially those who can wait to book within 90 days of departure. Early sailings of any new-build are generally quite popular: below are highlights of each vessel, with links to more information, departure dates and discounts. NORWEGIAN EPIC, NORWEGIAN: JUNE 24TH, 2010: 4,200 PASSENGERS

The 4.5-star Norwegian Epic is the largest and most innovative NCL ship to date with creatively designed accommodation. For the budgetconscious traveller, a new inside cabin category, The Studios, maximize space and offer access to The Living Room, a private shared space with TVs, Wi-Fi and a full bar. Diversions include the Aqua Park with three multi-storey water slides, a rockclimbing wall and a rope adventure course. The ship will feature the cruise industry’s first true ice bar: walls; tables; stools; and life-size sculptures will be made of ice! The Norwegian Epic offers unparalleled evening entertainment including Blue Man Group, The Second City

E E R F IRELESS W

R E T U RO ! 0 5 € h t wor

Comedy Troupe, Legends in Concert and Howl at the Moon. DISNEY DREAM, DISNEY: JANUARY 26TH, 2011: 4,000 PASSENGERS

The 5-star Disney Dream, the first new ship for Disney Cruise Line in more than a dozen years, features 14 towering decks, built on the style of other Disney ships with an early 20th Century design mixed with stateof-the-art technology. For the first time in the cruise industry, inside cabins will have outside views! Inside staterooms will have porthole-shaped, flat-screen monitors on the wall broadcasting live views of the sea or port from high-definition cameras mounted outside. Onboard entertainment includes 3D movies in the Buena Vista Movie Theatre and a cruise-industry first - the Aqua Duck - a combination waterslide/rollercoaster. Young cruisers will be able to interact with Crush from Finding Nemo on cinema-sized plasma screens. The play area, ‘Andy’s Room’, allows kids to experience the Toy Story set from a toy’s point of view. The Disney Dream also offers elegant adults only dining facilities; unforgettable experiences for the entire family. CARNIVAL MAGIC, CARNIVAL: MAY 1ST, 2011: 3,690 PASSENGERS

Sister-ship to Carnival Dream, the 4.5-star Carnival Magic shares the distinction of being the largest vessel in Carnival’s fleet at

Disney dream watercoaster

130,000 tons. Services and amenities include the Waterworks aqua park, the tranquil, kidsfree Serenity area and extensive children’s and teens’ areas with activities for three age groups. Adults will enjoy the huge Cloud 9 spa, as well as the scenic whirlpools beyond the ship’s beam. Accommodation includes ‘cove’ balcony staterooms close to the waterline, deluxe ocean view staterooms with two bathrooms, and spa staterooms and suites with exclusive amenities and privileges. SEABORNE QUEST, SEABORNE: JUNE 20TH, 2011: 450 PASSENGERS

Seaborne Quest will be three times larger than the original ships in Seaborne’s fleet,

but will carry just over twice as many passengers, ensuring one of the highest space-per-passenger ratios at sea. The 6star ship will have 225 suites, 90% with full-size balconies. There are roomy, granite bathrooms with a separate bath and shower and twin sinks. Public spaces include four dining venues; six bars and lounges, where complimentary fine wines and spirits flow freely; and the spa with its lasso therapy whirlpool; Finnish saunas; aromatic steam rooms; gym and aerobics area. For more info: Selenas’s Cruises (Part of the Cruise Centre) Tel: +34 96 649 1711 Fax: +34 96 649 1711 www.selenascruises.com

18 - 24 june 2010

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

currency

Kevin Wright

Account Manager, Moneycorp

Rate watching – the latest sport? As anyone with upcoming currency transactions will tell you, watching the rate to get the maximum return for is very difficult as the rate seems to move very quickly. So how do you know when is the best time to exchange currency at the rate you want or need? Because of the recent turmoil in the financial market and the extreme volatility of currency it is extremely difficult to judge when to trade and if you use a bank, making sure you get the rate you want. As an example, from the 1st June there has been over a 3 cent difference between the high and low point. This may not sound a lot but the potential difference of the rate you could have traded would equate to a significant saving or loss depending on which rate you took. Tracking the rate yourself is time consuming and unless you monitor throughout the time the market is open often fruitless. You then have to ensure that if you see the rate you want your bank is (a) open and (b) able to give you that rate. This is a key reason why more and more clients are turning to a currency specialist the like of ourselves who are able to offer a range of services allowing you to gain the rate you require without the associated hassle. For example, some of the tools used to benefit you include: Spot contracts - Buy or sell a currency for immediate delivery. Spot contracts are

suitable if you want to receive your currency quickly and efficiently while achieving the best rate available. Forward contracts - Fix an exchange rate at which you buy or sell currency for delivery at a later date (up to two years). Forward contracts protect against adverse currency movements and can be used to lock into favourable exchange rates. Stop-loss orders - Set a minimum level at which you buy or sell your currency. Your order will be fulfilled automatically if this rate is reached, effectively guaranteeing a minimum rate at which your currency will be exchanged. Limit orders - Set a higher target exchange rate at which, if this rate is achieved, you buy or sell your currency. If you run a limit order in parallel with a stop-loss order, the exchange rate at which you trade is guaranteed within a given range, giving you the advantage of predictability. The process is simple and arranged over the telephone. Also, because currency companies deal with ‘live’ rates, the rate you agree is the rate you achieve if hit. In our experience, if a client is realistic in terms of the rates they are looking for there is a strong chance they can be achieved – we just do the work for you!! For further information and guidance please see www.moneycorp.com/roundtownnews

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

Euro/Sterling Weekly Market Update brought to you by &

.uk

STERLING’S ADVANCE FOILED BY EURO HIGHS

Sterling/euro’s failure to break higher prompts profit-taking-selloffs elsewhere. Shortage of bad news provides respite for the euro. A relatively narrow range held the pound last week. The highlights were the two attempts to break convincingly above an 18month high… The week got off to a slow start for sterling. With no economic data - positive or otherwise - to help it on its way it festered on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday’s trade figures were not good. They showed once again how the weakened currency has totally failed to make any noticeable difference to the trade gap… It was a different story on Friday when watery industrial and manufacturing production data were seized upon as a reason to sell Sterling… There was no surprise at the Bank of England’s decision to keep monetary policy unchanged in June. A survey in the Daily Telegraph of 25 UK economists gave weight to the suggestion that it would be next year at the earliest before interest rates started to move higher. However, the Sunday Times carried an article by MPC member Andrew Sentance in which he drew attention to the mysterious rise of inflation…

Euroland sauntered through the week with little to say for itself on the economic front. The downgrade by Fitch of Spain’s credit rating from AAA to AA+ was disappointing but not entirely unexpected. Any possibly greater effect on sterling/euro was averted when Fitch threatened to do the same for Britain if the new government failed to mend the ways of the old one in next week’s emergency budget… The European Central Bank’s press conference on Thursday served to highlight the innate problems of a one-size-fits-all interest rate across the euro zone. ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet said, not for the first time, that interest rates remain on average ‘appropriate’ at 1.0%... Buyers of the euro should note that sterling retreated twice last week from 18month highs. Whilst there is every chance that the damage is temporary, and that the euro has further to fall against the major currencies, if sterling could not hack it last week it has no obviously greater chance in the next few days, especially with the emergency budget coming up on 22 June…

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

legal

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

Lending money to a friend by

Marc White & Carlos Baos

English & Spanish Solicitors

I LENT €45,000 to a friend one year ago for the renovation of his house in Denia. Now his property is on the market and regrettably he is also seriously ill. We still get on very well but I would like to have a document or agreement to ensure that I will get my money back if the unfortunate happens, or if he sells the property which could be in two months or two years. We are both in agreement to sign whatever is necessary to put this guarantee in place. What can we do? What sort of contract or document should we sign? This is quite common - many people lent money to friends and family during the property boom. The feeling was that the loan was safe as prices were always going to increase. In your case, we understand that you need a loan agreement confirming that you (the lender) have lent €45,000 to your friend (the borrower). The first thing that we recommend is to document this

agreement in a proper contract, a ‘Loan Contract’. It is important that you and your friend sign a Loan Agreement in order to determine the obligations of both parties. This kind of contract should state the main terms of the Loan: full names and contact details of the parties; amount of the loan; time (duration of the loan); how and when it will be repaid; if interest would be charged, etc. In your particular case, as in almost every case, we also recommend to secure the loan agreement by means of a Mortgage against your friend’s property. You can do this in a similar way that the bank does when they grant mortgages. This should be done by signing a Mortgage-Loan Deed (Escritura Pública de Préstamo Hipotecario). In this way the property of your friend will serve as security for your Loan and both of you will be sure that the agreement will be respected and registered, provided of course there is sufficient value or equity in the property. So, if the property is sold, your loan must be paid off and the mortgage cancelled if the purchaser wants to buy free of charges. If the purchaser does not pay off the mortgage, you will be able to claim against the new owners as the mortgage in your favour will be linked to the property and transferred with it. Similar consequences will be in the scenario of the inheritance, where the heirs will inherit the property but also the Loan guaranteed by the mortgage. But probably the best news for you is that we understand

that for this type of Mortgage-Loan Deed between individuals (Escritura Pública de Préstamo Hipotecario entre Particulares) no taxes should be paid, as per the following: 1. As per the law of the Patrimonial Transfer Tax and Documented Legal Acts (ITP-AJD), article 15.1: “… the mortgage in guarantee of a loan, will pay taxes only in respect of the loan” (and not in respect of the mortgage). 2. Where both of you are private individuals, the Loan is subject to Transfer Tax (Transmisiones patrimoniales onerosas TPO) but exempt. 3. For the mortgage, given that the Loan is subject (but exempt) from the transfer Tax (TPO) the mortgage cannot attract a 1% tax charge in respect of the Documented Legal Acts, as both taxes are non compatible. This reasoning was followed by the General Tax Direction in consultation number V1246-05, of 27th June 2005. To sum up, we understand that the Mortgage Loan Deed between the two of you is the best solution for your case as: 1. It will be an official Loan guarantee by means of a mortgage, which means that the property will guarantee that you get your money back (provided its value/equity is sufficient). 2. The costs are low (cheaper than if you sign a mortgage with a bank as the 1% tax would not be payable), as there are no taxes to be paid, only notary fees and land registry fees. If you are in a similar situation and you want a guarantee for a debt or loan in your favour, please do not hesitate to contact us; we will be more than pleased to assist you. *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) C/Diana 19, 2º-D, 03700 Dénia (located close to the Glorieta Square at the end of Marques de Campo). © White & Baos Abogados 2010 - Tel: 966 426 185. All rights reserved. Send your questions to thespanishlawyer@roundtownnews.com or info@white-baos.com

FAZ reports preparation of aid packet for Spain

THE PRESTIGIOUS German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung reports that negotiations on an EU aid package to Spain have started already. This has been denied by the Spanish government and the European Commission. Such a denial is needed to try to hinder the collapse of the tottering Spanish economy before the EU has agreed on the aid package.

BBVA President: “the markets do not trust us” THE PRESIDENT of BBVA, Francisco Gonzalez, has recently declared that: “The financial markets have withdrawn their confidence in our country…..and for the greatest part of the private sector the international

capital markets are closed.” He added: “The crisis has precipitated the collapse of our economical model; a model based on foreign debts and excessively concentrated on the property sector and the foment of consume.”

money

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

Can I cash in my UK pension fund? Stephen Ward & Robert Burns

Perhaps it is not surprising that people want to do this as the average UK pension fund is under £30,000. This amount will not go far to meeting the traditional aim of providing an income for life (from the age of 65), in this case of say just £125 per month.

AS THERE becomes more and more awareness about the ability for the UK expat to transfer their UK pensions offshore it is not surprising that there has been a significant shift in the type of client approaching us for our free, no cost and no obligation recommendations. We are finding that more and more of our cases are for clients wishing to cash in their UK pension fund via a transfer to a New Zealand QROPS. Providing that they have been a non UK resident for five or more tax years and the fund is greater than £10,000 then the answer to the question is yes, so long as they have not already bought an annuity. How old you are does not matter.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Under HMRC rules and regulations, a UK pension fund may be transferred to what is known as a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme or ‘QROPS’. HMRC keeps an updated list of QROPS that runs to over 40 pages. The first 10 pages alone relate to Australian schemes. Many countries listed do not offer the facility to cash in a pension fund (such as Guernsey, Isle of Man, Gibraltar and Malta). This is because of the way the rules regarding pension funds work for residents in these countries. HMRC recognises transfers to these countries because they follow a certain set of rules. These schemes

tend to be for funds in excess of £100,000 where the client is looking to protect capital and avoid the need to purchase an annuity. However, there are several countries that do offer residents the facility to cash in a pension fund including Australia and New Zealand that are also recognised by HMRC because they follow a separate set of rules. As Australian schemes are only open to Australian residents this excludes the majority of expats. Unlike her Australian neighbours, New Zealand legislation allows residents and non residents alike to transfer UK pension funds into a New Zealand QROPS. The New Zealand pension providers we recommend are recognised by HMRC and allow inward transfers from expats living outside New Zealand in say Spain. For a detailed technical explanation of the way this works please contact us. WHEN DOES THIS NOT WORK? This does not work for UK

Stephen Ward giving a presentation in New Zealand last year

residents who do not satisfy what is called the five year reporting rule. Put simply, an expat must have been outside the UK for five or more complete tax years i.e. before 6th April 2005. We are aware of some advisory firms (usually unregulated) who are allowing transfers to take place before this condition has been satisfied. In such cases HMRC will impose a 55 percent tax on the gross transfer value. This will come as nasty shock to anyone who has been incorrectly advised.

A FREE REVIEW OF YOUR UK PENSIONS Our clients come to us and recommend us to others. They recognise that we do not offer a solution from just one country (e.g. just Guernsey), nor do we profess to offer the best product from just one provider expecting this approach to suit all and sundry. For a free no cost (with no upfront fees) review of your pension fund from a leading QROPS and QNUPS independent pensions advisory firm please contact review@qrops.es or see http://www.qropsnz.com or http://www.qrops.es

THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN BY STEPHEN WARD AND ROBERT BURNS, June 2010. 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.qrops.es

When your bargain resale – isn’t by

Suzanne O’Connell Freelance reporter

CAROLINE CLINTON couldn’t believe her luck. Along with husband and young son, she needed a bigger house. Pregnant with her second child, the one-bedroomed accommodation they were living in just wasn’t suitable any longer. Then the house opposite came up for sale. With two bedrooms and only a stone’s throw away from where they were living, it was perfect. Even better, the owners were desperate to sell and it was on the market at a rock bottom price. It was a true stroke of luck. Four years later they had another stroke of luck, but this time of the bad variety. They received a letter explaining that the value of their house had been checked and their declaration for Transfer Tax (ITP) was too low, “I couldn’t believe it,” says Caroline, “We’d not tried to conceal anything - just declared what we’d paid for the house. We were issued with a bill for the Caroline with the equivalent of €2,000 (it was still pesetas “bombshell” in those days). We’d got no idea that letter this might happen.” Worryingly, what happened to Caroline With two young children and struggling all those years ago is happening to to make ends meet, it was the last thing property owners now in increasing the family needed. numbers. When a property changes That’s all many years ago. Caroline hands it is the sale price that goes now works at Ábaco Asesores and is on the title deed and this is used to kept up-to-date with all the latest legal complete the transfer tax declaration news, “But then I was totally unaware, form. The tax office knows that the like most people are when these majority of houses are being sold at bombshells fall.”

low prices and have four years in which to check this against the ‘real’ value of the property. In truth the ‘real’ value, although coming with approval from an architect, tends to be on the high side. Most people have something to pay. “Had I known then what I know now,” Caroline explains, “I would have appealed against

it. But we ran out of time and ended up having to pay the full amount. It really came as quite a shock.” Since working at Ábaco she has seen how they have appealed on behalf of many clients and won! But what might property buyers do to protect themselves? Caroline has this advice: “If you are buying resale make sure you name a trustworthy fiscal representative in your deed. That way, if you don’t receive the recorded letter at least they will. And don’t delay. If you do receive notification appeal straight away, you can win.” In comparison to some of those finding themselves with hefty bills Caroline’s extra tax was quite modest. With the average charge coming in at between €3,500 and €6,000, this unexpected fee can soon sour the taste of a bargain buy. Caroline and her family have moved on since. Their next house wasn’t quite as much of a bargain and there wasn’t a big difference in the price they paid and the valuation by the tax office. Caroline is anxious that other families don’t have to go through the same experience. “We loved our house and it was a wonderful bargain but the tax office gave us one surprise we could have done without.” For more information about transfer tax call the ÁbacoConnect help-line 966 703 748 or visit www.abacoconnect.com

legal

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

IVA increases are almost upon us by

Michael Olmer

Solicitor, Link Point Legal and Business Services

ALL OF us in business in Spain, whether professionals, shopkeepers, wholesalers, manufacturers and not forgetting landlords, will have to get to grips with the IVA (Value Added Tax) increases which come into force here on 1st July, imposed by Law 2/2010. Under the new law, goods and services which are currently subject to VAT at 7% will be subject to a rise to 8%, and the general rate of VAT will rise from 16% to 18%. If you have not already done so, you should be getting ready to make the necessary adjustments to your accounting systems and records and preparing to adjust automated tills, computerised invoicing and at an elementary level getting used to using the correct set of buttons on your pocket calculator! If you deal in individual transactions, the change in the rates amount to little more than getting used to the new arithmetic. However, there are special rules if you accept or make payments of IVA on rents or leases, pay for goods and services in advance, or if you are in the building trade. RENTAL AND LEASING Article 75 of the Ley del IVA (37/1992) makes it clear that the rate of IVA to be applied to rents or leases is the rate in force when the installment of rent or the leasing payment is due. So, if you rent property, IVA should be charged at 18% for the payments due from 1st July onwards. Sometimes rental and leasing contracts only require

payments once a year. If you rent property or lease business equipment on this basis, the amount of IVA is apportioned over the period, which includes the date on which the rates change; 7% or 16% on the amount which relates to the period up to 30th June and 8% or 18% on the proportion which relates to the period from 1st July onwards. PAYMENTS IN ADVANCE If you have paid for goods or services in full before 30th June but which are not to be delivered or supplied until after 1st July, the rates of IVA applicable are the old rates of 7% and 16%. The exception to this rule is for building or other raw materials subject to IVA at the rate in force at the time they are delivered to the buyer (Article 75 para. 2 of Law 37/1992). The purpose of this rule is to prevent large scale purchases of bulk materials at the lower rates of IVA but which are for future delivery. BUILDING WORKS Building works for which the certificates of new works ‘Obras Nuevas’ are issued after 1st July are subject to IVA at the new rates. DISCOUNTS AND REFUNDS If you give or receive a discount or a refund from a transaction, the rate at which the IVA is allowed is that which applied when the original transaction took place.

The IVA increase comes into force on the 1st July

LOW VALUE IMPORTS If you import goods of low value (with the exception of alcohol, tobacco, or perfumes) from outside the European Union, for example from the USA, China, or other countries, since 2nd March the value of goods which are exempt from customs duty has been reduced from €150.00 to €22.00. So that DVD, computer game, or nifty electronic gadget you order on-line may no longer be quite the bargain it seems by the time you have paid the customs duty and the handling charge imposed by ‘Correos’ or other carrier. If you have any queries about how the change in VAT rates may affect you please contact Chris Spence or Michael Olmer at our office, or speak to your own accountant or gestoria.

Link Point Legal and Business Services www.linkpointlegal.com - michaelolmer@linkpointlegal.com

Too much advice for local governments REPORTS HAVE revealed that there are 298 government workers employed as advisors for only 178 public officials in the Valencian region. The cost of employing these advisors is €12.2 million annually. The Valencian region is ruled by three PP controlled provincial governments: Alicante, Valencia and Castellon. Figures released show that in Alicante – presided over by Joaquín Ripoll – 74 advisors cater to just 31 deputies, which costs €3.2 million. Alicante town hall employs 54 advisors to support only 19 council members, costing €1.7 million. In Valencia’s town hall, under mayoress Rita Barberá, 60 advisors are on the payroll, but there are only 33 councillors; this costs €3.4 million. The same story continues in the Castellon region, ruled by Carlos Fabra. Some Spanish papers have questioned the need for so many advisors and further questioned the role of these regional governments.

Gibraltar stays in British hands

Gibraltar

THE BRITISH Deputy Prime Minister and Lib Dem leader, Nick Clegg, visited Madrid last weekend and declared that there will be no change in Gibraltar’s status unless the Gibraltarian’s support it, according to reports in the Spanish press. Despite this, Clegg was well received in the Spanish papers. The deputy PM had the chance to show off his Spanish language skills during meetings with Prime Minister Zapatero, the Minister for Economy, Elena Salgado, and leader of the PP, Mariano Rajoy.

Property sales up

PROPERTY SALES in Spain were 16.7 percent higher this April than last, according to figures released by the National Statistics Institute. New built property sales increased 10 percent on last April, while resales were up 26.6 percent. This is the fourth month in a row that the market has improved and the total number of homes sold during April was 34,326. The majority of sales took place in Andalusia, then Catalonia, Madrid and the Valencian Community.

health

15-21 18 - 24 JANUARY JUNE 20102010

Placenta Praevia Ask the Specialist by

Dawn Blythe S.R.N. R.M.

A previous Caesarean Section may well mean an elective Caesarean Section for a second pregnancy

QUESTION: MY daughter has been told she has ‘placenta praevia’. She will be 40 years old by the time she has her baby, and having had a previous Caesarean Section I am even more concerned about her having a complicated pregnancy. Please could you tell me a little more about this condition? Answer: Placenta Praevia means that the placenta is low-lying in the uterus, either partially or completely covering the cervix. It presets in 3 grades: marginal where the edge of the placenta extends to the edge of

the cervix; partial where the placenta covers just a portion of the cervix; and complete where the placenta completely covers the cervix. The incidence is approximately 1 in 200 pregnancies and is more common with advanced maternal age, increased number of pregnancies and following uterine surgery including Caesarean Section. Routine 20 week gestation ultrasound scans reveal many more placenta preavias but this is not diagnostic as 90% of complete praevias and 95% of partial preavias will be

Uterus

resolved by term. The reason is because as pregnancy advances the uterus grows, causing the placenta to ‘migrate’ away from the cervix. You don’t say how many weeks pregnant your daughter is so you may find that she will not have a placenta praevia at term. Diagnosis may also be made in the third trimester (final 3 months of pregnancy). Reasons to suspect placenta preavia include painless vaginal bleeding, premature contractions and an abnormal lie of the baby (ie. breech, transverse). The risks of true placenta praevia at term are serious to both mother and baby. The mother is at risk of life threatening ante-partum haemorrhage (which in turn poses risk to the baby), increased risk of post-partum haemorhage, and increased risk of placenta accreta (where the placenta attaches directly to the uterine muscle causing difficulty in separation at birth). The baby is also at risk from intrauterine growth retardation due to poor placental perfusion.

Umbilical Cord

Fetus

Placenta Praevia

Placenta praevia will mean periods of bed rest, frequently in hospital, and close monitoring of the condition. If bleeding becomes uncontrollable the baby will be delivered by emergency Caesarean Section regardless of the gestational age. If there is no bleeding the majority of patients will still be delivered by elective Caesarean Section, usually at 37 – 38 weeks gestation, this being the safest mode of delivery. In view of your daughter’s age and the fact that she has had a previous Caesarean Section, her doctor may well recommend an elective Caesarean Section despite the eventual location of the placenta.

This article has been written by DAWN BLYTHE S.R.N. R.M. Dawn is a British trained Midwife who has spent over 20 years caring for mothers and babies in expatriate communities. She now offers Midwifery Care (excluding delivery) to the patients of ‘THE ENGLISH MEDICAL CLINIC’, ALBIR. To chat to Dawn pop into her free ‘drop in’ clinic on Wednesday mornings.

15-21 18 JANUARY - 24 JUNE 2010 2010

Looking after your feet by

Gordon Wheatley BA. Face of Beauty, La Marina

THE FEET are anatomically complicated structures which we tend to use; abuse and take for granted. The foot and ankle is a strong and complex mechanical structure containing 26 bones, 33 joints (20 of which are actively articulated) and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. The heel bone is the main weightbearing bone in the foot and has a layer of fat underneath to cushion it. In the mid section, two longitudinal and one transverse arch are maintained by the interlocking bones, strong ligaments and pulling muscles during activity; these arches serve as a shock absorber for the body. Excessive strain on the tendons and ligaments of the feet can result in fallen arches or flat feet. At the tip of the foot are the toes which are crucial, especially the big toe, in maintaining balance, which needs constant adjustment especially on uneven surfaces like Spanish pavements. ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO TAKE SOMETHING THIS GOOD FOR GRANTED? Due to their position and function,

feet are exposed to a variety of infections and injuries, including athletes foot (caused by a vegetable parasite or fungal infection); bunions; corns; calluses; hammer toes (caused by ill fitting shoes); Verucaes and warts (caused by viral infection). Stress fractures or damage to tendons and ligaments are caused by over use or damage, and ingrown toe nails are caused by incorrect cutting of the nails. And these are just some of the more common problems. One of the most common problems is sweaty feet: as feet have 250,000 sweat glands this shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a great surprise. It is an uncomfortable condition that causes problems in everyday life. Shoes can be ruined; it can be difficult to wear sandals or for women to wear heels because of the tendency to slip and sweaty feet may lead to foot odour and fungal infections, particularly between the toes and under the toe nails. Synthetic materials in footwear or wearing the same shoes day in day out so that shoes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a chance to dry out in constant use can be contributing factors. Also, being on your feet all day can cause Diabetes or obesity.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR FEET IS ESSENTIAL IF YOU WANT THEM TO LOOK GOOD AND FEEL GOOD Wear clean socks or tights daily; wash and thoroughly dry them at least twice a day; cut toe nails straight across and not too short to help prevent them growing inwards; wear comfortable, well fitting shoes, preferably leather and change them regularly. Never wear high heels for long periods of time - high heels are known to throw off the natural weight balance which can also affect the lower back.

Written by Gordon Wheatley BA, Face of Beauty, La Marina, 966 797 759 or 616 110 514, and physio to San Fulgencio football club.

Use a quality moisturiser on your feet and if the skin is very dry, liberally apply moisturiser, then wear socks. Soaking the feet and then using a foot file, rasp or pumice stone is good to help remove callus; some beauty salons offer specialised treatments for this. Have regular pedicures, not only to improve how your feet look and feel but to give your therapist a chance to check them over and advise on any suspected infections; corns; bunions, etc. Seek medical advice.

18 - 24 june 2010

Rugby ‘Sevens’ competition and inauguration by Keith Nicol RUGBY HAS grown in leaps and bounds in Torrevieja, led by new initiatives to attract local school children by Rugby Charranes Torrevieja, who have taken over the mantle to promote the sport in the city. Until now, the local team have been practicing on a hard dirt pitch behind the Athletics track but all that will soon change as on Saturday, June 19th at 11.00, the new Nelson

Mandela Stadium will be inaugurated and all those interested in Rugby or finding out more about the sport are invited to attend. The new Stadium will also be home for the Rugby Charranes Torrevieja and these splendid new facilities should help improve awareness and the numbers of players attracted to the sport. Over the last few weeks, Rugby Charranes Torrevieja have hosted three tournaments and attracted teams from La Villa, Denia,

Rugby Sevens involves seven players on each team but on a full size pitch

The teams have done very well

Elche, Rojales, San Fulgencio and others to compete in seven’s competitions. The young teams have done exceptionally well, beating much more experienced teams on occasions and the future looks bright for the sport in the city. The town also has one of the most competitive ladies’ teams in the region. After the Inauguration on Saturday, visitors will be treated to a number of seven’s games from visiting International and national professional teams playing each other over the weekend. The most famous of all Rugby Sevens competitions may be that of Hong Kong and although there are others in Spain, Torrevieja has her eye firmly on making this Seven’s competition Spain’s number one choice for visiting and national teams.

For those not initiated into the delights of ‘sevens’, as the name would suggest it is played by seven players on each team but on a full size pitch, making for a fast moving, passing and running game, with lots of scoring and plenty of excitement for the crowd. Many younger players from Rugby Charranes Torrevieja, both male and female, plus other local teams, will be there on Saturday to see the new facilities which include seating for 3,000; dressing rooms; showers and treatment areas, all of which have given the new Nelson Mandela Stadium the status for playing International Rugby in Torrevieja. For more information on the tournament please visit www.srugby7.com

Get in credit by Jack Troughton

FINANCE COMPANY EU Credit gives property owners the opportunity to raise personal loans and beat the ongoing Spanish credit crunch. The Costa Blanca based company offers a fast and friendly service at a time Spanish banks are hesitant to advance money to customers. And loans at a highly competitive rate of interest are available

for any purpose – whether it is for a new car, home improvements or to start up a new business. Launched in November last year, EU Credit has lent more than 1 million euros in its first six months and is looking to double that figure in the second half of its first year of trading. Managing director Lee Mouncher said home owner loans were secured against property and the

company could normally give an “in principle” decision to applicants within 24 hours – and money advanced within 21 days. Speaking at EU Credit’s Orba offices, he told RTN it was a unique service available to home owners of any nationality across Spain and its islands. “I believe we are the only company in Spain doing this, certainly on a ‘no proof of income’ basis. We are

Lee and the EU Credit team

18 - 24 june 2010 more interested in securing a loan against a property,” he said. LOANS “In general, Spanish banks are not making personal loans at the moment. If they do, they require full proof of income – for example they would want a year’s wage slips and a contract of employment and for the self-employed, a year’s certified accounts.” Lee said EU Credit also offered flexible repayment terms over anything between one and 10 years and a client could choose to repay a loan early at just 2 percent of the outstanding balance. And all loans made are under Spanish law and the paperwork is completed before a notary – the borrower can actually nominate and sign before any notary across Spain and its islands. “EU Credit has English and Spanish speaking staff that can help fill in an application form over the telephone, or it can be done on-line,” said Lee. “It can be done within five minutes. “It is not just for expats, anyone with an ‘escritura’, a title deed, on their property can apply for finance.” Lee heads an efficient team of four colleagues at EU Credit and such is the demand for loans its lawyer is almost working full time for the company. And the product has proved such a success, Lee plans to expand the product into France and Portugal.

“We spotted a gap in the market where the banks had a lot of problems and were reluctant to lend,” said Lee. “Before the crisis they were making unsecured personal loans which clients have been unable to pay and this has caused the banks a mayor problem.” He said the EU Credit application process was very simple. The company lawyer draws up the contract and sent it to the notary in Denia to be checked. It was then sent electronically to the client’s chosen notary. “The papers are signed and sent electronically back to our lawyer. The lawyer informs us everything is correct and we instruct the release of the money to the client the same day and everything is recorded at the land registry,” said Lee. “There is absolutely no need for a client to come to our offices unless they want to, everything can be completed by fax, ‘phone and email.” Lee said the success of EU Credit was because, unlike the banks, it was not subject to the current market forces regarding lending. “We are a privately funded ‘SL’ company. “This is a fairly new product and concept but we have found the demand for is there, without a doubt!” For more information, ring EU Credit on 965 583 885, email info@eucredit.biz or visit the company website: www.eucredit.biz

1815-21 - 24 JUNE 2010 2010 JANUARY

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Xango Hot line 902 906 008

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

Satellite Television Installations

a2sat bring you the latest news Three new channels are set to join the freesat platform. BBC1 HD, NME TV & True Entertainment. As always there is no need to retune your genuine freesat decoder as these channels will automatically update to your full 8 day programme guide. (sd decoders 7 day guide) Three of the changes are the JML Channels. JML Direct is now on 808 (formerly 809), JML COOKSHOP is now on 809 (formerly 810) and JML HOME & DIY is now on 810 (formerly 808) The other two changes are: Ideal World and Create & Craft changed transponder however all those customers who are using a genuine freesat and Sky decoders will have automatically changed over for those who only have FTA i.e non freesat decoders will now have lost those channels without a re-scan!

a2sat is pleased to announce its all new, decoder recycle scheme. So how does it? Its really quite simple, we offer a trade in on your old Sky, FTA or freesat decoder when you purchase a new genuine freesat decoder from us. The offer is limited to certain models and the trade in rates vary. The old decoders must be in full working order with full working order remote controls. Please consult our website www.a2sat.com for the trade in rates! Very limited offer

“IF IT DOESN’T SAY FREESAT ON THE BOX…THEN IT’S NOT FREESAT IN THE BOX!”

All Major Credit cards Accepted

freesat from a2sat & no subscription

How to get the best signal from your satellite Dish !

a2sat constantly strive to improve the service as much as possible and only offer the best equipment available. When installing a system we only ever use Invacom LNB’s. These LNB’s are widely known to be the market leader and always out perform other makes. All installations come with a minimum of a twin LNB even if only one feed is required, as we know the single LNB is not as good. By using the Invacom LNB on a 1.9 Dish we know we can get the maximum signal that is available, and in many cases meaning the customer receives BBC2 etc at certain times of the day, although this is not guaranteed. We have been working on a new design of feed horn that really does make a difference when paired with the twin, Quad and Quatro Invacom LNB’s. These feed horns are now available.

Not sure which LNB you have? Here are some examples of LNB’s used, which under perform and cost less! Why not sign up to receive our newsletters via email. The system is very secure and your email address is never passed onto any third parties and is controlled by constant contacts and you can unsubscribe at anytime. Just go to www.a2sat.com and follow the instructions on how to join.

Freesat HD Plus

a2sat’s BEST-SELLING System! The system operates in a similar manner to SKY HD Plus but with one major difference: users have access to any of the accepted free to air channels with the ability to record them without any subscription required. With Freesat HD Plus, viewers have the freedom to pause, rewind and fast forward LIVE TV without the need to record anything! This is possible as the sophisticated decoder has a massive 320GB hard drive, allowing users to preserve up to 200 hours of Standard Definition, or 80 hours of High Definition programming, which is great if someone telephones at a crucial moment in the programme or if you just want to pop to the kitchen to make a brew!

This a2sat combination is the very best! Invacom twin, Quad and Quatro LNB’s with the all new a2sat feedhorn so why not upgrade today. Prices start from as little as 164€ fitted!

Community Installations a2sat now offer FIBRE OPTICS as the new way of installing the larger community systems; allowing us to run the cables up to as far away as 10km without any signal loss! Community systems can be installed in various ways, primarily in normal copper cored cabling or using fibre optics. There is only one real way of doing it, and that is correctly! We supply many customers on existing communal systems with genuine freesat decoders and whilst we are there we are often asked to inspect their community installation. Many of the systems run perfectly however we do come across some, where if your home is close to the dish you have no problem but the further away from the dish you are the more signal problems you have. The main reason for this is where the wrong type of coax has been used, we have seen some installations where the Spanish FM community cable has been used. The Price of their installation is the normal tell tale sign, if it sounds too cheap then it probably is. a2sat only offer quality installations using either the right size and grade of copper coax and now after investing in the latest technology, we can also use FIBRE OPTICS. By using this type of equipment we know we will have all of the signal all of the time, meaning the distance between the satellite dish and the home could be up to 10km away! So to summarise, if your community would like a quality installation, without compromise, without touching the Spanish community cables (TV or FM which you should never do) and want a full working genuine freesat system then look no further than a2sat. We are very happy to conduct a no obligation site visit, free of charge to discuss the possibilities available, and if any planning applications are required we will complete the paperwork at no extra cost! a2sat also design smaller systems for neighbours who just want to share the cost with each other. The cost for this is as little as 399€ for 4 to share using a genuine freesat SD decoder with a superb picture, 7 day programme guide, ceefax, teletext, subtitles, BBC RED button. Or why not step up to full HD in time for the world cup for an extra 85€ each. Most types of installations large or small, cost less that two years subscription charges than that of a rebroadcasted system, and most importantly you own the system and pay out nothing more!!

We now offer community systems as a rental package subject to terms and conditions

For further information Please telephone 966 194 931 or 678 239 193.

Opening times are 10.00 – 16.00, Monday to Friday and 10.00 to 14.00 on Saturdays. Alternatively you may email enquiries to info@a2sat.com or consult the website www.a2sat.com Office Calle Miguel Angel, Blanco 1, 03159, Daya Nueva (near Almoradi) Alicante. Next door to the town hall, Ayuntamiento

tv Friday

18 - 24 june 2010

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Crimewatch Roadshow 11:00 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 11:45 Cowboy Trap 12:30 Cash in the Attic 13:00 BBC News 13:10 Regional News 13:15 MOTD Live 15:40 BBC News 15:45 MOTD Live 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News at Six 19:30 Regional News 20:00 EastEnders 20:30 Victoria: A Royal Love Story 21:30 Inspector George Gently 23:00 BBC News at Ten 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Friday Night with Jonathan Ross 24:35 The National Lottery Friday Night Draws 24:45 The Recruit

08:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:15 Postman Pat 10:30 Guess with Jess 10:45 Show Me Show Me 11:10 Waybuloo 11:30 In the Night Garden 12:10 The Flintstones 12:35 The Flintstones 13:00 The Daily Politics 13:30 Working Lunch 14:00 Ready Steady Cook 14:45 Royal Ascot 18:15 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Railway Journeys 20:00 The Beauty of Maps 20:30 South Africa Walks 21:00 Springwatch Unsprung 21:30 Gardeners’ World Live 22:30 QI 23:00 MOTD 2010 FIFA World Cup 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 The Review Show 24:45 More than Just a Game

07:00 GMTV 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 12:25 ITV News 12:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News & Weather 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:15 ITV News & Weather 19:30 World Cup Live: England v Algeria 22:45 James Corden’s World Cup Live 23:15 ITV News & Weather 23:50 World Cup Highlights 24:50 The Shadow

08:00 Big Brother’s Little Brother 08:25 Big Brother 09:25 Frasier 09:50 The 5 O’Clock Show 10:50 Deal or No Deal 11:40 Will and Grace 12:30 Friends 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 15:25 Coach Trip 15:55 Cook Yourself Thin 16:25 Countdown 17:10 Deal or No Deal 18:00 The 5 O’Clock Show 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 21:35 Glee 22:35 Big Brother 24:15 The Ricky Gervais Show 24:45 The Ricky Gervais Show

08:00 Childrens TV 09:40 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10:05 Castle Farm 10:15 The Wright Stuff 11:45 Trisha Goddard 12:45 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 13:40 Five News 13:45 Chinese Food in Minutes 14:15 Chinese Food in Minutes 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Home and Away 15:50 The Family Recipe 15:55 I Own Britain’s Best Home: Flying Visit 16:10 Straight from the Heart 18:00 Five News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 Live From Studio Five 20:25 Message in a Bottle 23:00 The Mentalist 24:00 Grey’s Anatomy

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 The Delicious Miss Dahl 13:00 BBC News 13:10 Regional News and Weather 13:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 14:00 Bargain Hunt 14:45 Murder, She Wrote 15:30 MOTD Live 18:20 BBC News 18:30 Regional News and Weather 18:40 Total Wipeout 19:40 Doctor Who 20:30 The National Lottery: In It to Win It 2012 21:20 Casualty 22:10 Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow 22:40 BBC News 23:00 Firewall 24:40 Friday Night with Jonathan Ross

08:00 Dennis & Gnasher 08:15 Dennis & Gnasher 08:25 Sportsround 08:40 Wolverine and the X-Men 09:00 Deadly 60 09:30 M.I. High 10:00 Paradise Cafe 10:30 Animals at Work 11:00 Horrible Histories 11:30 Da Dick and Dom Dairies 12:00 BAMZOOKi 12:30 Roar 13:00 Blessed 14:20 Escape to the Country 15:20 Royal Ascot 17:45 Athletics 20:00 Mary, Queen of Shops 21:00 Gareth Malone Goes to Glyndebourne 22:00 What Makes a Great Soprano? 23:00 MOTD 2010 FIFA World Cup 23:50 Rescue Dawn

08:00 Dora the Explorer 08:25 Planet Sketch 08:40 The Secret Saturdays 09:05 Ben 10 09:25 Horrid Henry 09:40 SpongeBob SquarePants 10:00 Aaron Stone 10:25 The Crocodile Hunter Diaries 11:25 The Lakes 11:55 This Morning: Saturday 12:55 ITV News 13:00 World Cup Live 15:30 Murder on the Orient Express 18:00 Johnny English 19:35 Granada News and Weather 19:45 ITV News 20:00 World Cup Live 22:30 James Corden’s World Cup Live 23:05 ITV News 23:30 World Cup Highlights 24:30 Cadillac Man

08:30 World Sport 09:00 The Morning Line 09:50 Friends 10:20 Friends 10:45 The Hoosiers: Video Exclusive 10:50 The Album Chart Show with Tesco Entertainment 11:25 T4 Movie Special 11:55 Big Brother 13:30 Hollyoaks Music Show 14:00 Smallville: Superman the Early Years 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 17:05 Come Dine with Me 17:40 Come Dine with Me 18:10 Come Dine with Me 18:40 Come Dine with Me 19:10 Come Dine with Me 19:40 Channel 4 News 20:10 My Big Fat Greek Wedding 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Jason Manford: Live 24:10 Star Trek: the Motion Picture

08:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Hana’s Helpline 09:10 Little Princess 09:25 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:45 Igam Ogam 10:00 Olivia 10:15 The Mr. Men Show 10:35 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:00 The Gadget Show 11:05 Fifth Gear 11:35 Red Bull Air Race 12:35 Britain’s Greatest Machines with Chris Barrie 13:35 The Hound of the Baskervilles 15:35 Dune 18:05 Rooster Cogburn 20:10 Five News 20:15 NCIS 21:10 CSI: NY 22:10 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:05 Law & Order 24:05 CSI: Miami

07:00 Breakfast

08:00 Dennis & Gnasher 08:15 Dennis & Gnasher 08:25 Muddle Earth 08:35 Bear Behaving Badly 09:00 Wingin’ It 09:20 Sam and Mark’s Guide to Dodging Disaster 09:30 Prank Patrol 10:00 Big Babies 10:15 OOglies 10:30 Sorry, I’ve Got No Head 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 Monk 13:15 MotoGP 2010 15:15 Athletics 18:10 Rowing World Cup 19:05 Chocolat 21:00 Wild Night In 23:00 MOTD 2010 FIFA World Cup 23:30 Mock the Week 24:00 Life

08:00 Special Agent Oso 08:25 Cosmic Quantum Ray 08:50 Back at the Barnyard 09:10 To Be Announced 09:30 Shaggy and Scooby Doo Get a Clue 10:00 Phineas and Ferb 10:25 Coronation Street Omnibus 12:20 ITV News 12:30 This Morning: Sunday 13:30 Columbo 15:30 World Cup Live 18:00 Agatha Christie’s Poirot 19:00 Granada News 19:15 ITV News 19:30 You’ve Been Framed and Famous! 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Lewis 23:00 World Cup Rock ‘n’ Goal Years 23:30 ITV News & 23:45 World Cup Highlights 24:45 Land of the Dead

08:00 Catching the Impossible 08:55 The Grid 09:20 MSA Formula Ford Championship 09:50 Shooting Mark Ronson 10:20 The Hills 10:50 Hollyoaks Omnibus 13:25 Big Brother’s Little Brother 14:35 Glee 15:35 Friends 16:10 Friends 16:40 The Simpsons 17:10 The Simpsons 17:40 Deal or No Deal 18:25 Scrapheap Challenge 19:30 Channel 4 News 20:00 River Cottage 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 23:50 Failure to Launch

08:00 Childrens TV 08:50 Fireman Sam 09:00 Hana’s Helpline 09:10 Little Princess 09:25 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:45 Igam Ogam 10:00 Olivia 10:15 The Mr. Men Show 10:35 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:00 iCarly 11:35 True Jackson, VP 12:10 Family Food Fight with Flora 12:40 Chinese Food in Minutes 13:10 Two Mothers for Zachary 15:05 Swept from the Sea 17:05 My Girl 19:05 Five News 19:10 Legally Blonde 2: Red White and Blonde 21:00 Practical Magic 23:05 The Reaping

tv Saturday

tv Sunday

10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 The Big Questions 12:00 The Politics Show 13:10 MOTD Live 15:30 EastEnders 17:00 Junior Apprentice 18:00 Lifeline 18:10 Songs of Praise 18:45 BBC News 18:55 Regional News and Weather 19:00 Countryfile 20:00 MOTD Live 23:00 BBC News 23:15 Regional News and Weather 23:25 The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson 23:55 Hart’s War

08:00 Brainiac: Science Abuse 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Bones 11:00 Medical Emergency 11:30 Medical Emergency 12:00 Pineapple Dance Studios 13:00 Angela and Friends 14:00 Bones 15:00 Project Catwalk 16:00 Stargate SG-1 17:00 Stargate SG-1 18:00 WWE: Superstars 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 Futurama 21:00 Pineapple Dance Studios 22:00 Bones 23:00 Bones 24:00 A League of Their Own 24:30 Football’s Next Star

08:30 Soccer City Live 09:00 Tennis 10:00 FIFA World Cup Giants 10:30 Soccer City Live 11:00 Tennis 12:25 Eurosport Flash 12:30 Live Tennis 15:30 Eurosport Flash 15:35 Live Soccer City Flash 15:45 Live Tennis 18:00 Eurosport Flash 18:05 Live Soccer City Flash 18:15 Live Tennis 20:15 Eurosport Flash 20:20 Live Soccer City Flash 20:30 Bowling 21:30 Strongest Man 22:30 Eurosport Flash 22:35 Soccer City Live 23:10 Eurosport Flash 23:15 Tennis 24:00 Pro Wrestling

08:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 08:50 Celebs 24/7 09:00 Passport Patrol 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Maury 12:50 Private Practice Season 3 Preview 12:55 Celebs 24/7 13:00 Nothing to Declare 14:00 Passport Patrol 15:00 Criminal Minds 16:00 Ghost Whisperer 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 Ghost Whisperer 21:00 Passport Patrol 21:30 Passport Patrol 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 CSI: Miami 24:00 Criminal Minds

Watch Eastenders for Free with Europa call 902 050 999

08:00 The Lion Man 08:30 The Lion Man 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Football’s Next Star 11:00 Road Wars 12:00 Oops TV 13:00 The Simpsons 13:30 The Simpsons 14:00 Futurama 14:30 Futurama 15:00 Futurama 15:30 Oops TV 16:00 Fat Families 17:00 The Real A & E 18:00 Oops TV 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 Pineapple Dance Studios 22:00 Gone in Sixty Seconds 24:15 A League of Their Own 24:45 Football’s Next Star

08:30 Inside World Touring Cars 09:00 Soccer City Live 09:30 Summer Biathlon 10:30 Tennis 11:30 Soccer City Live 12:00 Live Formula Two 13:00 Eurosport Flash 13:05 Live Tennis 15:30 Eurosport Flash 15:35 Live Soccer City Flash 15:45 Live Tennis 17:00 Live Athletics 18:00 Eurosport Flash 18:05 Live Soccer City Flash 18:15 Live Athletics 20:00 Eurosport Flash 20:05 Live Soccer City Flash 20:15 Fight Club 22:30 Eurosport Flash 22:35 Soccer City Live 23:10 Eurosport Flash 23:15 Athletics 24:30 Summer Biathlon

08:00 Maury 08:55 Celebs 24/7 09:00 Will and Grace 10:00 My Wife and Kids 11:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 12:00 Will and Grace 13:00 Changing Faces 14:00 Four Weddings 14:30 Four Weddings 15:00 Four Weddings 15:30 Four Weddings 16:00 Four Weddings 17:00 Nancy Drew 19:00 Nothing to Declare 19:30 Nothing to Declare 20:00 Nothing to Declare 20:30 Nothing to Declare 21:00 Nothing to Declare 21:30 Nothing to Declare 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 Criminal Minds 24:00 Criminal Minds

My Big Fat Greek Wedding Channel 4, 20.10

08:00 The Lion Man 08:30 The Lion Man 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Road Wars 11:00 WWE: Superstars 12:00 WWE: Experience 13:00 The Simpsons 13:30 The Simpsons 14:00 Futurama 14:30 Futurama 15:00 Body Language Secrets 16:00 Futurama 16:30 Futurama 17:00 UK Border Force 18:00 Futurama 18:30 Futurama 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 Pineapple Dance Studios 21:00 Fat Families 22:00 House 23:00 House 24:00 A League of Their Own 24:30 Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker 2

08:30 FIA World Touring Cars 09:00 Live Touring Cars 09:30 World Series by Renault 10:00 Live Rowing 12:40 Eurosport Flash 12:45 Live Touring Cars 13:45 Live Formula Two 14:45 Live Touring Cars 16:00 World Series by Renault 16:30 Live Athletics 18:05 Live Soccer City Flash 18:15 Rowing 19:00 Eurosport Flash 19:05 Live Soccer City Flash 19:15 Summer Biathlon 20:00 Eurosport Flash 20:05 Live Soccer City Flash 20:15 Motorsports Weekend 20:30 Boxing 22:15 WATTS 22:35 Soccer City Live 23:15 Athletics 24:00 FIA World Touring Cars 24:45 Motorsports Slumdog My Girl Millionaire Channel 4,

Five 10.00pm 17.05

08:00 Maury 08:50 Celebs 24/7 09:00 Will and Grace 10:00 Nancy Drew 12:00 Ghost Whisperer 13:00 Ghost Whisperer 14:00 Ghost Whisperer 15:00 Ghost Whisperer 16:00 Ghost Whisperer 17:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 17:30 RSPCA Animal Rescue 18:00 Nothing to Declare 18:30 Nothing to Declare 19:00 Passport Patrol 19:30 Passport Patrol 20:00 Four Weddings 21:00 Cougar Town 21:30 Cougar Town 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 24:00 CSI: Miami

tv Thursday 18FEB - 2426JUNE 2010 - MARCH 4 2010

48 42

07:00 Breakfast

08:00 Pinky and Perky

07:00 GMTV

10:15 Crimewatch

08:15 League of Super Evil

09:30 GMTV with

08:25 Newsround

Roadshow

08:30 Raven

Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle

11:00 Homes Under the

09:00 Prank Patrol

Hammer

09:30 Timmy Time

Show

09:40 Chuggington

11:30 This Morning

12:00 Cowboy Trap

09:50 Bob the Builder:

12:45 Cash in the Attic

Ready, Steady, Build!

12:25 ITV News

13:15 Bargain Hunt

10:00 Tinga Tinga Tales

12:30 This Morning

14:00 BBC News at One

10:15 Postman Pat

13:30 Loose Women

10:30 Guess with Jess

14:30 ITV News &

14:30 Regional News

10:45 Show Me Show Me

and Weather

11:10 Waybuloo

Weather

14:45 Wimbledon 2010

11:30 Animal Park

15:00 Dickinson’s Real

19:00 BBC News at Six

12:00 Lifeline

Deal

12:10 Wimbledon 2010

15:30 World Cup Live

19:30 Regional News

16:25 League of Super Evil

18:00 The Chase

and Weather

16:35 League of Super Evil

20:00 MOTD Live

16:50 OOglies

19:00 Granada Reports

23:00 BBC News at Ten

17:00 Safari 8

19:30 ITV News &

17:30 Deadly 60

Weather

23:25 Regional News

18:00 Newsround

20:00 Emmerdale

and Weather

18:10 Gimme a Break

23:35 Question Time

18:35 The Owl

20:30 Tonight

18:40 Shaun the Sheep

21:00 Emmerdale

18:50 Wimbledon 2010

21:30 Coronation Street

24:35 This Week

21:00 Today at Wimbledon 22:00 Gareth Malone

23:00 ITV News at Ten

Goes to Glyndebourne

& Weather

23:00 Mock the Week

23:35 World Cup

23:30 Newsnight 24:20 MOTD 2010 FIFA

BBC 1, 20.00

22:00 Taggart

Highlights

World Cup

24:35 Isle of Wight

24:50 The Culture Show

Festival Highlights

08:20 Big Brother 09:15 Frasier 09:45 The 5 O’Clock Show 10:45 Deal or No Deal 11:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 12:00 Friends 12:30 Friends 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Coach Trip 13:30 Come Dine with Me 14:00 Come Dine with Me 14:30 Come Dine with Me 14:55 Come Dine with Me 15:25 Come Dine with Me 15:55 Cook Yourself Thin 16:25 Countdown 17:10 Deal or No Deal 18:00 The 5 O’Clock Show 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Location, Location, Location 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Kerry And Me 24:05 Skins

08:00 Childrens TV 09:05 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Thomas & Friends 09:40 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10:05 Castle Farm 10:15 The Wright Stuff 11:45 Trisha Goddard 12:45 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 13:40 Five News 13:45 Extreme Fishing with Robson Green 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Home and Away 15:50 The Family Recipe 16:00 Charms for the Easy Life 18:00 Five News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 Live From Studio Five 20:30 Fifth Gear 21:00 Britain’s Greatest Machines with Chris Barrie 22:00 Before You Go 24:00 Forensic Files 24:30 Cricket on Five

08:00 Brainiac: Science Abuse 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Cold Case 11:00 Road Wars 12:00 Fat Families 13:00 Angela and Friends 14:00 Cold Case 15:00 Project Runway 16:00 Stargate SG-1 17:00 Stargate SG-1 18:00 Futurama 18:30 A League of Their Own 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 Futurama 21:00 Pineapple Dance Studios 22:00 A League of Their Own 22:30 Modern Family 23:00 Lie to Me 24:00 A League of Their Own 24:30 Border Invasion USA

08:30 Soccer City Live 09:00 Show Jumping 10:00 Eurosport for the Planet 10:30 Superbike 11:30 Soccer City Live 12:00 Masters Snooker 14:00 Soccer City Live 14:30 Superbike 15:35 Live Soccer City Flash 15:45 China Open Snooker 18:05 Live Soccer City Flash 18:15 Superbike 19:05 Live Soccer City Flash 19:15 Bowling 20:00 Eurosport Flash 20:05 Live Soccer City Flash 20:15 Fight Club 22:30 Eurosport Flash 22:35 Soccer City Live 23:10 Eurosport Flash 23:15 All Sports 23:20 WATTS 23:25 Pro Wrestling 23:55 Pro Wrestling 24:55 All Sports

Suduko Answer

Crossword Answers 556

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Verge; 4 Doodles; 8 Nippers; 9 Elgar; 10 Tide; 11 Practice; 13 Upas; 14 Rate; 16 Bachelor; 17 Spur; 20 Ideal; 21 Opening; 22 Derides; 23 First. Down: 1 Venetian blind; 2 Rapid; 3 Eyes; 4 Desire; 5 Overcoat; 6 Lignite; 7 Serves us right; 12 Labelled; 13 Unclear; 15 Porous; 18 Prior; 19 Reef. QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Amass; 4 Stipend; 8 Gladden; 9 Press; 10 Open; 11 Headland; 13 Elan; 14 Ante; 16 Accuracy; 17 Pert; 20 Inapt 21 Undoing; 22 Natural; 23 Tress. Down: 1 Agglomeration; 2 Adage; 3 Side; 4 Singer; 5 Impudent; 6 Elevate; 7 Disadvantages; 12 Narrator; 13 Enchant; 15 Actual; 18 Exile; 19 Edit.

A cuddly Chiles and a beaten Barlow

The TV Round Up by

Alex Trelinski

Broadcaster and freelance journalist

Tracy Barlow

I WONDER if I’m in need of some urgent medical attention, as I’ve actually enjoyed watching some sports programmes on ITV. Admittedly this has been the televisual equivalent of force-feeding due to the sharing of their World Cup coverage with the BBC. But I have to report the rarity of an ITV presenter who actually knows what they are doing, namely in the cuddly form of Adrian Chiles. After his big money move from the BBC, he’s quickly settled into his role with his usual humour and authority and I much prefer him to the overrehearsed ad-libs of his rival, Gary Lineker. Sadly, Adrian not even Chiles can make his studio analyst Andy Chiles Townsend interesting, and so there is still a lot for ITV to do. The penny also needs to drop that Jon to satellite and whilst a sharing arrangement Champion is a vastly better commentator than is acceptable for La Liga matches, this clearly the cliché-ridden Clive Tyldesley. Meanwhile, the is not a good deal for Spanish football fans, BBC can’t work out who their best guy behind the understandably angry. microphone is, and frankly they have By the way do you know who owns Cuatro and nobody in pole position to take Telecinco, as well as having a quarter-stake in over the mantle from the likes the satellite company, Digital Plus? It’s an Italian of John Motson and Barry gentleman by the name of Silvio Berlusconi. Davies. Heaven preserve us from Over a week on, I’m still cheering the prisoners Jonathan Pearce who sounds like who gave Tracy Barlow a good beating up on ITV’s a castrated banshee, high on a Coronation Street after she told a load of porkies fix of some illegal substance! about Gail during her murder trial. Sadly, we didn’t At least the British coverage get to see the fists flying as the cell door closed is light years ahead just before a commercial break but I reckon the of what is being ghost of Charlie Stubbs was in there as well with a screened on timely thump. terrestrial Spanish Perhaps the refugees from Prisoner Cell Block TV. Whilst many H should now turn their attentions to the Corrie global viewers producers who have emasculated Eric Spear’s have free access legendary signature tune along with the creation to all the of a new surreal opening sequence that is trying matches, and in to be an early contender for next year’s Cannes high definition, Film Festival. The saving grace is a fleeting closeonly some of up glimpse of the famous and ageless ginger cat, the games apparently running away from a brief intellectual here will be conversation with Kirk Sutherland. The rest of shown on it seems to have been produced after copious Cuatro and amounts of Newton and Ridley ales, consumed Telecinco. in a prolonged session at the Rovers. It certainly Two-thirds explains the blurred edges on my screen, and that’s are exiled on the HD version!

08:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel Air 08:50 Celebs 24/7 09:00 Four Weddings 09:30 Four Weddings 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Maury 11:55 Maury 12:50 Celebs 24/7 13:00 Australia’s Next Top Model 14:00 Four Weddings 15:00 Nothing to Declare 15:30 Nothing to Declare 16:00 Medium 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 Four Weddings 21:00 Drop Dead Diva 22:00 Grey’s Anatomy 23:00 Private Practice 24:00 Criminal Minds

Got a story? 902 118 999

rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

18 - 24 june 2010

What’s playing local Cinemas COLCI Benidorm

Iron Man With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark faces pressure from the government, the press, and the public to share his technology with the military. Unwilling to let go of his invention, Stark, along with Pepper Potts, and James “Rhodey” Rhodes at

his side, must forge new alliances - and confront powerful enemies.

Marmaduke

Av. Zamora, Rincón de Loix T: 965 853 859 Iron Man - 6.30pm – 8.45pm Weekends only 6.30pm

IMF Torrevieja Pol San Jose S/10, T: 965 705 414 Sex in the city – 5.45pm – 8.20pm - 11pm Marmaduke – 5pm – 6.45pm – 8.30pm – 11pm 6pm only on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and holidays

IMF Ondara CC Portal de La Marina, T: 966 477 464

Marmaduke, the world’s most lovable Great Dane, leaps from comic strip fame (appearing in 600 newspapers in over 20 countries) to big screen stardom in this family comedy event. A suburban family moves to a new neighborhood in Orange County, California with their large yet lovable Great Dane, who has a tendency to wreak havoc in his own oblivious way. But its not all living large for the Duke, who finds that fitting in with his new four-legged friends - and a potential romantic interest - isn’t always easy for a super-sized teenage dog.

Sex in the city – 5.45pm – 8.20pm - 11pm Marmaduke – 5pm – 6.45pm – 8.30pm – 10.30pm Robin Hood – 8.30pm - 11pm “V.O.S” = Original Subtitled Version - “VO” = Original Version (Works With headphones)

18 - 24 JANUARY JUNE 20102010 15-21

Expressions with “soler”

Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

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

Lesson 112

WHEN PEOPLE start learning Spanish, they often assume that every word in English has an exact equivalent in Spanish. Although this assumption is very quickly dispelled, it always takes us longer to remember words and phrases when we cannot translate them directly back into our own language. It is also a lot harder to explain their meaning. We are going to spend a few articles looking at individual words in Spanish that do not have a direct translation in English. Our first example is the verb “soler”. As we do not have a direct equivalent in English, we have to use several words to explain what it means, and the nearest equivalent is: “to be in the habit of”. Very often when translating the word in the present tense we substitute it for “usually”. However, this can be confusing as “soler” is a verb and “usually” is an adverb. So, how do we use this wonderful word? Well in the present tense “soler” is a root-changing verb, so the six forms of the conjugation are: “suelo, sueles, suele, solemos, soléis, suelen”. This is then followed by the infinitive of another verb. So, for example, we say things like “Suelo leer antes de dormir” – (I am in the habit of reading before sleeping), or in other words “I usually read before I go to sleep). Here’s another example “solemos salir los sábados” (we are in the habit of – that is, we usually – go out on Saturdays). This use of “soler” plus the infinitive is a very common way of expressing the idea of “usually”. There is also an adverb that means “usually” which is “normalmente” which gives us an alternative. Therefore, if I want to say “I usually watch TV in the evening”, I can say “Normalmente veo la tele por

la tarde” or “Suelo ver la tele por la tarde”. The difference between these two is minimal and hard to explain. To all intents and purposes they mean exactly the same thing. Like all verbs, “soler” can be used in other tenses, although we have to use a bit of common sense to realize that it is more likely to occur in some tenses than in others. Most common of all is the past continuous tense: “solía”. If I say “Solía nadar todos los días” I am saying: “I was in the habit of swimming every day”. The most common way of expressing this idea in English is with the expression “used to” - “I used to swim every day”. Now there is another way of saying this is Spanish! As well as “Solía nadar todos los días”, we could say “nadaba todos los días” (I swam, or I used to swim, every day). What is the difference? In reality very little indeed. We are in the realms of “finer points”. The sentence with “solía” perhaps emphasizes more distance in time and contrast with the present, but really the difference is minimal and certainly both can be translated in the same way. As you can see, I’m already running into difficulties explaining a word which does not have a direct equivalent in English. To sum up, there are two paths we can take when understanding expressions like “solía nadar” and “suelo leer” in English. We can either translate them literally and clumsily: (“I was in the habit of swimming” “I am in the habit of reading”) or find the nearest equivalent in English, (“I used to swim”, “I usually read”) on the understanding that the nearest equivalent in English may already have another

At the hop! Spangles present a night of Pop, Rock and Doo Wop on Thursday 24th June at 7pm at the CISSMU/ Biblioteca, Los Narejos, Los Alcázares. Tickets cost 8€ and can be ordered by phone on 968 432 525 or 968 334 527 or at www.spangleschorus.com

alternative in Spanish (Nadaba, “normalmente leo”). Well, whoever said that learning Spanish was a straightforward affair? I’ve got a really nice word for next week which I will do my best not to complicate, though I’m afraid I can’t promise. See you then.

Ladies it’s party time! WIBC ARE celebrating on the 11th July at La Naya Restaurant in Benimarco. Tickets are available now at €15 each for a 3 course BBQ plus live music and a raffle. This is a fundraising event, so friends and family are welcome. Tickets may be purchased from: Kelly’s in La Xara; Profigura Gym in Javea; La Naya Restaurant in Benimarco; WIBC networking meetings; any committee members or email

PCN and TKO go to market THE PROCOMOBEL Moncayo Sunday Market is the only place to be on a Sunday Morning! More than just a furniture Store and Iron Art Factory Outlet, Procomobel is busy raising funds for Paul Cunningham Nurses and every week brings a new surprise! Last Sunday, there were two fantastic performances of Flamenco dancing. TKO Radio sent along Rai Woods and he was amazed at the popularity of the new market. Beryl, from Doña Pepa II won the first prize, which was a bike and Ray, from Orihuela, won a very nice set of garden furniture. This coming Sunday, 20th June and next Sunday, 27th June, there will be FREE BEER or a cool SOFT DRINK for everyone who claims their FREE 10% discount card! If you would like a form to fill in to claim your FREE drink and discount card please email sueinthesun@terra.es. So whatever you usually do on Sundays come on down to PROCOMOBEL the furniture store with so much more!”

wibcdirector@gmail.com for information on the closest ticket point to you. Benimarco is situated about 5 minutes from Benissa; a central point for most WIBC members. The closest hotel is Hotel Cases de Sant Jaume: www. hotelcasesdesantjaume.com For further information, please contact Suzanna Mace at wibcdirector@gmail.com or phone 669 219 088.

The region of

La Rioja Wine Review by

Jonathan Burrows

Director of Murcia Wine Club

OVER THE last few weeks I have been creating and perfecting a new and very special three day gastronomic wine tasting vineyard tour to La Rioja. I thought that since we (Murcia Wine Club) are now selling a number of great Rioja wines, it would also make sense to offer true Rioja wine enthusiasts the opportunity to spend a few days in the area and witness first hand what it is like to be in the midst of the best and most beautiful wine producing area in the World. Wine is unquestionably an integral part of the Spanish culture and cuisine. The wine producing region of La Rioja stretches for about 120 kilometres down either side of the Río Oja (River Oja) which allows thousands of vineyards to water their prized vines. Rioja wine has enjoyed an extremely long tradition of winemaking in Spain and it is estimated to have begun in the 11th century BC with Phoenician settlers of the time. Many of the vineyards in La Rioja were founded by ancient Romans – as is the case with all the key wine producing areas of Europe. Towards the end of the 19th Century, a devastating phylloxera attack took place in the French wine producing region of Bordeaux. Due to this, the French influence took over in La Rioja and this led to the start of some of the finest wines available anywhere – many of which are oak aged for long periods of time. La Rioja became a ‘Denominación de Origen’ in 1970 and in the early nineties, the esteemed ‘Calificada’ nomination was awarded which subsequently created the first ‘Denominación de Origen Calificada’ in Spain. Today, there are only two: La Rioja and Priorat / Priorato. La Rioja is located to the south of the Cantabrian Mountains which are renowned for providing much-needed protection from the typically aggressive winds of

northern Spain. Thanks to this convenient protection La Rioja benefits from an ideal continental climate, allowing the many vineyards to thrive. The more vast section of the Rioja region lies on a plateau which is approximately fifteen hundred feet above sea level and average annual rainfall can be anything from twelve to twenty inches. The soil of la Rioja is clay based with significant concentrations of both limestone and sandstone. Nevertheless, it is the high content of iron and chalk that provides the redness to the soil, which is widely believed to have inspired the name ‘Rioja’ (meaning red). La Rioja produces red wines, white wines and rosé wines and the majority of the harvesting takes place between September and October. There are four categories of classification for Rioja wines: the youngest takes the simple title of ‘Rioja’, which implies the wine spends less than one year in oak; the ‘Crianza’ is the second classification and implies an ageing process of at least two years – one of which must be in oak. ‘Reserva’ implies an ageing process of at least one year in the barrel and at least two years in the bottle. ‘Gran Reserva’ requires two years in the barrel and a further three in the bottle, although the ‘Gran Reservas’ are not as popular as they once were due to an increasing demand for the younger and often fruitier types. If you would like to enjoy the treasures of the Rioja wine producing region, then go to www.murciawineclub.com for more information on our awesome Rioja wines and our all inclusive tour. Naturally, the three day Rioja tour is more expensive than the one day tours to Jumilla, Yecla and Bullas, but it is also one of the things to do before you die. What’s more, considering the package, it is actually awesome value for money too.

The stunning scenery of La Rioja Article written by Jonathan Burrows, Director of Murcia Wine Club Tel: 608 708 579; e-mail: info@murciawineclub.com web: www.murciawineclub.com

18 - 24 june 2010

Pan’s people

Tinker Bell

The magic of Peter Pan comes to Pilar

THE STUDENTS of the Pilar de la Horadada Municipal Modern Dance School will be performing a stage version of J.M.Barrie’s famous novel Peter Pan. The production is about the boy who spends his neverending childhood adventuring on the small island of Neverland as the leader of his gang the ‘Lost Boys’, interacting with mermaids, Indians, fairies and pirates; and from time to time meeting ordinary children from the World outside. The performance takes place at the Andrés Murcia Viudas park in the town this Saturday, 19th June. The music and dance spectacular, directed by one of the school’s teachers, Gertrudis Andreo, starts at 22:00.

‘The Odd Couple’ DRAMATIC LICENCE takes to the stage for a three performances of Neil Simon’s seriously funny play. The group welcomes two professional Alicante based Spanish actors, Alberto Moreno and Carlos Calvo, for this production. In 1980’s New York City, friends Olive, Mickey, Vera, Sylvie, Renee and Florence meet for their weekly game of Trivial Pursuit. Domestic goddess Florence has been deserted by her husband and moves into snobbish Olive’s apartment with disastrous consequences. Enter the two Spanish neighbours, Manolo and ‘Heyzoos’, brothers working in New York struggling with English. Doors open at the superb Teatro Cardenal Belluga in San Fulgencio at 19.15 on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th. Tickets at €8 are available by ringing: 966 765 256 or 669 271 869 or via www.dramatic-licence.eu

by Jack Troughton

WASHBUCKLING FUN packed with song and dance, a colourful performance of ‘The Adventures of Peter Pan’ was a summer treat and a timely reminder to never entirely grow up. A liberal sprinkling of fairy dust from Javea’s Stage School of Performing Arts took an audience on a first class flight to Neverland and a highly enjoyable reunion with the Lost Boys, Hook’s pirate crew and Red Indians (Barrie’s tale written long before the discovery of Native Americans). And with Stage School throwing in a healthy mix of modern pop and rock, the audience at the Careline Theatre, Alcalali, were held spellbound by a classic costume caper. Based on the Disney version of the story, the show started with a cinema trailer-type costume parade down memory lane with characters from the much loved family cartoons. ELECTRIC The main feature starts in the nursery of the Darling family but pretty soon the action switches to the magical Neverland and an electric soundtrack opens with a dance routine to Duran Duran’s ‘Wild Boys’ and Queen’s ‘We Will Rock you.’ On the island, Wendy (Chloe Brading) rockets to superstar status because she makes a top substitute mum and tells ace

stories – but that prompts jealousy with a feisty Tinker Bell. Flawed hero Peter Pan, an excellent Amber Fisher, was a genuine good guy but has ego issues and the growing camp tensions nearly let Adam King’s scheming Captain Hook and his (very) merry pirates win the day. But Tinker Bell, a highly talented performance from Elysha Fish as the pouting, foot-stomping, sulking fairy, regrets making a deal with Hook and comes good to save Peter from pirate poison. QUIET Elysha’s version of the Bjork hit song ‘It’s Oh So Quiet’ was one of the most memorable moments of the show. And the successful double act between Hook and his right hand man Smee (Harry Mould) was a winner. Young Harry was a natural comedian alongside the experienced adult showman and acted his heart out throughout. The big production numbers were wonderfully choreographed and the first act closed in the Indian Camp with an anarchic fun routine to Sweet’s ‘Wig Wam Bam!’ – with a stage packed with little ‘uns and the school’s senior students. Peter Pan was a showcase for young talent on the Costa Blanca and a much needed reminder that shows staged by young performers are not solely for parents and siblings. It was great stuff.

Crescendo sing at Quesada ON SATURDAY May 29th, Crescendo presented a free evening of music and song at Quesada Casa de Cultura. There was a bucket collection at the end for Caritas. As always, the choir sang a varied programme. The highlight of the concert was their beautiful ‘I Believe /Ave Maria’. Soloists included Eve Suffield singing ‘You’ll never walk alone’, Pat Yardley singing ‘Stranger in Paradise’ and a duo of Gilbert and Sullivan favourites from Judith O’Neil and Norman Shelley, with a piano solo from John Dunkin who played ‘To the Spring’ by Grieg. The concert finished with the ‘Blessing of Aaron’ joined by several past members who were in the audience. Crescendo’s last concert before the summer break will be at the Casa de Cultura in Pilar de la Horredada on Wednesday John, June 23rd, as guests of the Torrevieja BarberJudith, Norman shop Harmonisers and Spangles, the ladies’ and Pat barbershop group.

18 - 24 june 2010

The GRIP BBQ

THE RAQUEL Pena Sevillanas Club Dancers is an amateur group of mostly retired people interested to learn the Sevillanas and other Spanish dances, made up of many nationalities including English, Swiss, German and Canadian. The GRIP BBQ held on Sunday 13th was a roaring success as diners tucked into sizzling burger; fresh chick and delicious salads and some forty to fifty guests enjoyed the wonderful array of food and twenty minutes of Flamenco dancing. The â&#x201A;Ź10 ticket price will go to boost GRIP funds.

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

music scene Barry Peters – ‘The Swingman’

Compiled by

Eric Taylor

ET’s Golden Oldies Disco Tel: 965 748 199 659 921 875 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.

ARRY HAS been entertaining professionally in restaurants, lounge bars and sports clubs in the Moraira, Calpe, and Javea areas over the past three years, successfully establishing a well-earned reputation as ‘The Swingman’. Along with the Swing, his vast repertoire covers a variety of other genres inc: Jazz; Jive; Ballads; Blues; Pop and Rock ‘n’ Roll. A classy performer, Barry easily adapts each show to suit the venue and his audience, with his unique style and personality that has everyone singing along and dancing to the music. Barry can now also be seen every Friday night from 21.00 until late at Cafe Del Mar in the L’Andrago area of Moraira.

GIGS FOR JUNE: Fri 18th: Café del Mar, L’Andrago, Moraira, 21.00 Sat 19th: Spencers Bistro, Moravit, Moraira, 21.00 Sun 20th: Restaurant El Paraiso, Parcent 15.00 Thurs 24th: So What Bar, Calpe Port, Calpe 21.00 Fri 25th: Café del Mar, L’Andrago, Moraira 21.00 Available for restaurants; hotels; clubs and private functions: please contact Barry for more information and bookings by e-mailing barry@theswingman.com or calling 637 847 860.

Acoustica - The Live Lounge

NEW SUMMER

Menu de la Casa from 14.95€ Inc IVA. Also Full A La Carte Menu

Chloe Hooper and Shuggi

ACOUSTICA IS a newly formed duo Chloe Hooper (vocals) and Shuggi (Electric/ Acoustic guitarist). Chloe is well known along the Costa Blanca as a versatile performer and is the resident artiste at Rusty’s Bar & Bistro, Benitachell, on a Friday night. Shuggi the legendary ‘Scottish Rocker’ plays mainly in Benidorm and with the party band Strikland. They play a mixture of acoustic/ electric songs with great

harmonies and cover most genres of music including Blues; Soul; Rock; Reggae & Pop. So if you’re looking for a lazy chilled out Sunday afternoon experience with great music ,wonderful views and the sound of waves then look no further than Cafe Del Mar (near Algas) on the Moraira-Calpe road every Sunday between 15.00 – 18.00. For more details visit www.chloehooper.net or telephone 607 621 699.

Dancing the night away By Jack Troughton STUDENTS FROM Laude The Lady Elizabeth School dressed to impress for a colourful Prom Night as Hollywood glam met 007 cool. Jalon’s La Pista Restaurant provided the setting for the Year 11 party and the combination of good food and music – provided by Year 12 students Zac and Alex – was enjoyed by all. Luke Channell and Lilly Stammers were crowned King and Queen of the Prom, while India Hook and Luke Curtis were voted best dressed girl and boy.

San Antonio Spanish Rock Group AFTER 15 YEARS of playing Spanish guitar on the Costa Blanca, Juan Saez has decided to return to his roots and form the rock group ‘San Antonio’ with Martym, ex guitarist with ‘El 38’ (lead guitarist), Juan (vocals/bass guitar) and Ophelia (drums). They have been rocking up and down the coast for almost two years, getting the crowd up and dancing. ‘San Antonio’ has a varied repertoire which allows them to play to Valencian crowds as well as expat rockers. Their most popular tunes include Bob Seger; Kiss; Jon Bon Jovi; The Police; Iron Maiden; Creedence Clear Water; Deep Purple...

For more info phone Juan: 645 390 994. GIGS IN JUNE: Sat 19th, Don Quijote, Paichi Centre, Moraira, 21.00; Sun 27th: Bar Quo Vadis, Javea 14.30.

18 - 24 june 2010

Duo Romance

Restaurant La Naya, Benimarco

by Eric Taylor

AST WEEKEND we wanted a chillout evening before the big day (Moraira Music Festival). Hence, we headed to the Restaurant La Naya in Benimarco for a relaxing meal and to listen to the music of Duo Romance. René and Tracie perform together as the Duo Romance - René is a French musician of Spanish descent, playing keyboards and singing lead Restaurant and backing vocals. Tracie is English, La Naya in of Irish descent, a classically trained Benimarco soprano, who sings lead vocals. celebration; a group of friends from During the excellent meal we were Murla; and a very ‘happy’ group of entertained by some great dinner music topped off with Tracie’s beautiful people from Javea celebrating a birthday. As Duo Romance started arrangement of ‘Nessun Dorma’. their music for dancing everyone was The restaurant was full this evening up on the floor and the great party with a 50th Wedding Anniversary atmosphere carried on until the end of the evening. We went home refreshed, having eaten an excellent meal and enjoyed the party. Duo Romance perform a weekly dinner/dance every Saturday at the Restaurant La Naya, a country restaurant with fabulous panoramic views of the sea from the terrace; an ideal setting if you are looking for Duo Romance an excellent place to wine, dine and

CIPAL picnic

dance. The dinner/dance menu is €18 p/p, inc. IVA, for a 4 course meal including a bottle of wine for two. Duo Romance is also available for wedding receptions; parties; private functions; dinner/dances and restaurants. For more info call: 628 435 339. On Friday 25th June, La Naya is starting a weekly BBQ night with live music by ‘Sharni’ – a great lady vocalist who starred in this year’s Moraira Music Festival. The BBQ menu is €15 pp, inc. IVA and a jug of Sangria for two. For bookings phone: 965 747 665. Directions: La Naya is well signposted and situated on the CV 741 between Calpe and Teulada.

Chill Factor – Vocal Duo PAM AND JOHN Pearson are Chill Factor - a self-contained musical duo who perform a repertoire of classic songs from bands such as Pretenders; Police; Beatles; Crowded House; Coldplay; Oasis and many more. They also perform in an acoustic band, ‘Sanfaryan’ with Andy and Debby Price (The View). GIGS FOR JUNE Thurs 24th: The Lees Bar, Orba 21.30 Sat 26th: Coll de Rates Moonshine Party 20.00. (Book for meals on: 96 644 5604, otherwise come after 22.00 for drinks only. For more details phone John or Pam on 696 731 290 or check out: www.pamandjohn.net

ALL ARE welcome at the third annual CIPAL picnic at the Finca Santa Barbara in Altea la Vella, on Sunday 20th June from 13.30 to 18.30. Entrance is free and there is parking available. The swimming pool will be open and there will be games for the kids, plus the popular home produce stall. As in previous years, bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon with friends in the grounds of the finca. For more information visit www.cipal.es

Top Quality Gourmet meals specially prepared by our Masterchef, Michael Yaffe 3 course lunches Evening Meals Sunday Lunch Closed Monday’s Tel 96 648 0125 Calle Inglesia 14, Jalon

18 - 24 FEBRUARY JUNE 2010 2010 19-25

Blues-rock legends at Jazz San Javier Vibes From The Costas by

Tony Poole

from www.vibesfromthecostas. blogspot.com

SAN JAVIER hosts a fantastic night of boogie, rock n’ roll, blues and jazz in July with two legendary acts as part of the annual jazz festival. The magnificent Dr. John returns after his memorable performance at the VII edition in 2004 when he was joined by B.B. King and Shemekia Copeland, together with famed Woodstock performers Canned Heat. Malcolm John ‘Mac’ Rebennack, Jr. was born November 21st , 1940, better known by the stage name Dr. John, nicknamed the ‘Night Tripper’ is an American singer/songwriter, pianist and guitarist, whose music combines blues, pop, jazz as well as Zydeco, boogie woogie and rock and roll. Although he didn’t become widely known until the 1970s, Dr. John had been active in the music industry since the late ‘50s; a formidable boogie and blues pianist with a lovable growl of a voice, his most enduring achievements have fused New Orleans R&B, rock, and Mardi Gras craziness to come up with his own brand of ‘voodoo’ music. He’s also quite accomplished and enjoyable when sticking to purely traditional forms of blues and R&B.

On record, he veers between the two approaches. ‘Gris-Gris’, his 1968 debut album combining voodoo rhythms and chants with the New Orleans music tradition, was ranked 143rd on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Three more albums, 1969’s ‘Babylon’, 1970’s ‘Remedies’, and 1971’s ‘The Sun, Moon, And Herbs’ were released in the same vein of Gris-Gris, but none of them have enjoyed the popularity of his first album. His latest album called ‘Tribal’ is released on 429 Records. In 2008, Dr. John was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Canned Heat is a blues-rock/boogie rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California, USA, in 1965. The group has been noted for its own interpretations of blues material as well as for efforts to promote interest in this type of music and its original artists. It was launched by two blues enthusiasts, Alan Wilson and Bob Hite, who took the name from Tommy Johnson’s 1928 ‘Canned Heat Blues’, a song about an alcoholic who had desperately turned to drinking Sterno, generically called ‘canned heat’. After appearances at Monterey and Woodstock, at the end of the 1960s the

Canned Heat

band acquired worldwide fame. The music and attitude of Canned Heat afforded them a large following and established the band as one of the popular acts of the hippie era. Canned Heat appeared at most major musical events at the end of the 1960s and they were able to deliver on stage electrifying performances of blues standards and their own material and occasionally to indulge into lengthier ‘psychedelic’ solos. Two of their songs ‘Going Up the Country’ and ‘On the Road Again’ became international hits; both were re-workings of obscure blues. At the time all their albums were released for worldwide distribution. Since the early 1970s, numerous personnel changes have occurred and today, in the fifth decade of the band’s existence, Fito de la Parra is the only member from the ‘classic’ 1960s lineup. He has written a book about the band’s

career. Larry Taylor, whose presence in the band has not been steady, is the other surviving member from the earliest lineups. Guitarist Harvey Mandel who gained fame for playing in later editions of the band will be performing along with the remaining group member singer, guitarist, harmonica player, Dale Spalding who was welcomed into the fold in 2008. Canned Heat boasts to have performed at more motorcycle and music festivals than any other band in the world. Dr. John and Canned Heat are performing at the San Javier International Jazz Festival on Wednesday 14th July, doors open 21.00. Tickets are €20, available from the San Javier Festival Office, Disco’s Carrots in Cartagena and ServiCaixa www.servicaixa.com More info at www.jazz.sanjavier.es

Free tickets to see Dr. John and Canned Heat RTN are proud to be the official English newspaper for the San Javier International Jazz Festival. We are giving away loads of free tickets to see some amazing concerts throughout July. This week, two pairs of tickets to see Dr. John and Canned Heat live in concert on Wednesday 14th July at the beautiful open-air 2000 seater Almansa Park Auditorium. Chris Isaak tickets are still up for grabs by checking last week’s edition of the RTN or my blog; those winners will be announced next week. Here’s this week’s question: Dr. John

Full details www.vibesfromthecostas.blogspot.com plus you can find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tony.poole. Email news and views to vibes@roundtownnews.com Keep the ViBES ALiVE!

WHERE WAS DR. JOHN BORN?

A : New Mexico B : New York C : New Orleans Email your answer together with your name and telephone contact details. Dr. John/Canned Heat competition winners will be notified on Friday 2nd July. Entries by email only to vibes@roundtownnews.com. More free tickets to give away next week in the RTN.

18 - 24 june 2010 Win a meal for 2 at the Inn Plaice in torrevieja (Mon-Thu) or at La Pista Restaurante In Jalon (Mon-sat Lunchtimes Only) by answering the Cryptic Crossword correctly. Answers by email to: office@roundtownnews.com or Fax: 96 570 5328.

Euromillions Draw Friday 11th june

2 22 24 36 44 1

One UK ticket won the 15,000,000 Euros (£12,442,500) jackpot prize

Answers & Winner Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 51. Crossword winner for issue 556: MARTIN GREENWOOD, PLAYA FLAMENCA

Quick Crossword

Cryptic Crossword

Across

Down

7. Choice (6)

1. Liken (7)

8. Amenable (6)

2. Surprise (7)

10. Puzzle (7)

3. Jovial (5)

Across 7. Lovers’ suit, perhaps (6) 8. Ten among the non-clerical people show slackness (6) 10. 14 in a royal way (7) 11. It’s a bit exceptional, a tiny boy using such language (5) 12. Cultivate a money-holder (4) 13. Debar what isn’t there after a close shave (5) 17. It comes from the bright lights put out when 2 and 10 are curtailed (5) 18. Just a periodical market (4) 22. A team taken apart (5) 23. Assert it’s hot from the printing-machine? (7) 24. Write your name again - and give up work! (6) 25. Game bird evokes grumble (6)

Sudoku

11. Harmony (5) 12. Revolve (4) 13. Cut (5) 17. Abode (5) 18. Solitary (4)

4. Intricate (7) 5. Last (5) 6. At no time (5) 9. Dear (9) 14. Satisfied (7) 15. Fidelity (7)

22. Skill (5)

16. Speculation (7)

23. Tramp (7)

19. Scour (5)

24. Pressing (6)

20. Scope (5)

25. Winner (6)

21. Once more (5)

Down 1. Benevolence, but cautious about it (7) 2. 10 in great measure (7) 3. Not moving yet (5) 4. 2 where works of art may be shown (7) 5. Catalogues of combat (5) 6. Land that’s marshy enables animal to hide in it (5) 9. Gradually advancing through academic awards (2,7) 14. Abnormal reaction of 4 (7) 15. Cautious addition of fuel mixture to vehicle (7) 16. Bit of furniture in the robingroom? (7) 19. Henry will give one a vexing time (5) 20. Before a second has passed (5) 21. Wine from the South used in merry-making (5)

52 40

18FEB - 2426JUNE 2010 - MARCH 4 2010

Summer fun by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

SUMMER IN the garden should be fun not a chore. By now all plantings except by absentee gardeners wanting some short term summer colour as discussed in Santana Books newly launched Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style should have been made, so the main tasks are caring for existing

plants, whether flowering plants, herbs, fruits or vegetables... Keep their roots cool and moist, deadhead to stimulate follow on flowerings, weed between vegetables and deal with summer pests in an ecological manner to ensure that the environment of summer gardens and apartment terraces are healthy for the family, guests, neighbours, passers by and beneficial wild life. Deadheading is best done in the cool of the early morning and watering in the cool of late evening. With little construction and maintenance work, there is amble time to enjoy the garden not just on the hot pool terrace but in the

Solar Cooker

Maintain your terrace plants to ensure a healthy environment for everyone

more colourful cooler and shady spots. But the hottest spots still have a purpose. We have just broken off from assembling our new solar cooker (purchased from www.alsol.es and illustrated on page 60 of Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style for they are very convenient for terraces). This means that we can make herbal infusions; cook breakfast; prepare a paella pizza or bread by the heat of the sun; sunbathe or keep cool under a nearby tree without the smell and smoke of barbecuing. Oh, one job we should have included earlier is to ensure that eco snail pellets are scattered around susceptible plants, where the summer damp can attract snails and slugs from drier areas within or outside the garden. Spring bulbs can be especially

CLODAGH AND DICK HANDSCOMBE have lived and gardened in Spain for some twenty five years, sharing their ideas and experience with others through their articles and books. The books shown, plus ‘Growing Healthy Vegetables in Spain’ and ‘Growing Healthy Fruit in Spain’ can be obtained from high street and online bookshops including Bookworld, Amazon and Santana Books. Descriptions will be found on Clodagh and Dicks’ website www.gardeninginspain.com.

susceptible to attacks. And thinking about it, there is a second: if anyone offers you a load of light weight dry non-smelly horse manure, grab the offer as collecting it will be a less smelly heavy job than collecting heavy wet manure in the autumn. Mix it now into the compost heap and you will have some ideal compost for enriching the soil in a vegetable plot or raised bed in September or October. If you have a pond, water lilies should have started flowering and will continue to do so through the autumn. You may need to cut back some large floating leaves and spreading oxygenating weeds to enjoy the shoals of colourful fish to the full. Suspect that with photographs we have used up our allotted space so enjoy your early summer in the garden!

18--MARCH 24 JUNE 2010 FEB 26 4 2010

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Smoked Salmon filled with fresh goat’s cheese and herbs TAPAS FOR 4

12 slices of smoked salmon 250gr fresh goat’s cheese Basil Parsley Coriander 50ml Cream 250ml Balsamic Vinegar 150gr Sugar

the other piece: you will get a little carpet of smoked salmon. Now place half of the goat’s cheese over the length of the salmon and roll the the smoked salmon with the plastic film carefully so that you get a cylinder. Secure the ends. Repeat 1 more time with the other slices of salmon to get 2 cylinders. Put in the fridge to cool to make them easier to cut before serving. You can keep the salmon rolls in the fridge for up to a week. Place the balsamic vinegar and sugar in a saucer and boil over a small flame till it is reduced by half, making balsamic cream. Set aside to cool.

PREPARATION

Put the fresh goat’s cheese together with the herbs and the cream in the food processor. Mix till you get a smooth substance and season with salt and pepper. Take a piece of clingfilm (40cm) and place 6 slices of smoked salmon on it so that each piece covers a bit of RTN AND RESTAURANT Casa ‘Mola Mola’ are proud to present a series of recipes. We will take a closer look at the Spanish tradition of eating, in particular the fabulous world of TAPAS. Eating tapas is typical to Spain and entertaining. It is a way to enjoy the company of friends or family whilst sampling several different flavours in small portions. OVER THE NEXT 10 WEEKS, CHEF SASSEN WILL BE PREPARING THE FOLLOWING TAPAS: 1. Patatas Bravas ‘New Style’ 2. Goat’s Cheese with Lavander and Vanilla Syrup 3. Dices of Tuna with Tomato-Pistache Marmalade 4. Fish Cakes Thai Style 5. Chicken Sticks with Mango-Teryake Sauce 6. Smoked Salmon filled with fresh Goat’s Cheese and Herbs 7. Boquerones with Sundried Tomato and Quail Egg 8. Shrimps with Papaya and Moscatel sauce 9. Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon and Caviar 10. Bavarois of Horchata and Granizado of Moscatel

Vega Baja Garden Club: June meeting THE JUNE meeting of the Vega Baja Garden Club was well attended, with speaker Mike Wyatt, a horticulturist specialising in fruit trees, talking about citrus trees. He advised that when choosing a tree to look for one with healthy leaves, no fungus, a grey/green trunk and pale roots. Planting: Prepare a hole at least twice the depth and twice the width of the pot. Layer good drainage material then some tree planting compost. Loosen the roots gently in the hole then fill with compost. Water well, early morning and late evening…at least 6 litres per day; citrus trees need at least 11.000 litres of water during the growing season. Pruning: The centre of the tree needs to be open so prune regularly for fewer but bigger and juicier fruit. Feeding: About once a month during the growing season sprinkle 3-4ozs of citrus fertilizer over a metre area around the base of the tree. Pests: Include aphids, scale insects, spider mite, snails, caterpillars, mildew, and sooty marks, treatable with garden centre products. Check trees regularly and spray as soon as you notice a problem. The next meeting will be on the first Monday of Sept when it is hoped that there will be a talk on ‘Beekeeping’. October meeting will start with the AGM, speaker to be arranged. For enquiries or offers to give a talk, please contact Val on 966 716 527.

June’s speaker Mike Wyatt

PRESENTATION

Remove the plastic film and cut each roll in 8 equal pieces. Place on a plate and top with some of the balsamic cream.

Restaurant Casa ‘Mola Mola’ in the old town of Calpe is a must for every food lover! For reservations call 965 839 554 / 628 057 138 Casa ‘Mola Mola’ C/la justicia 6 C/campanarie 5 03710 Calpe

18 - 24JANUARY JUNE 20102010 8-14

North and South NO, I AM not referring to the civil war in the USA, with its blood and guts, peaked forage caps, and everyone, (especially selected bar room floosies) singing ‘Dixie’. No, nor too do I intend to provoke a comment on the North and South divide in the UK, which is often theorised and may as well be, “Gone With the Wind”, as much as it matters. No, no: I refer to the North and South division of the Costa Blanca. The RTN issue two editions weekly, North and South, and a spate of mail and emails from you, my readers, has brought up the subject of a great divide that exists and slices through Spirituality on the Costa Blanca. Where is Kenny Corris? Well actually nearly always in the North here, where I have lived happily with my partner for the past sixteen years or so. I have only ever been invited to visit the Deep South twice in all that time. Each time I went and did what I was asked to do, but, I am short on invitations to cross that border and the impetus to travel there. If you will count two trips to IKEA in my defence, then you know the extent of my southerly travels. Why? Well answering this is very difficult. I do get a lot of work in the North of the Province, in Valencia, and have visited Barcelona, Zaragoza, Valladolid, Palma, and Madrid with my ever popular workshops, demonstrations and readings. I cover Norway as if it was my ancestral home, even in minus 21º, in the dark, and without a fur coat. I have trudged both New York State and New Jersey on tour, I have even been to Schenectady (try saying that after a gin and tonic!) But I have never been to Torrevieja; never seen Nerja; and never quite made it to Murcia. With a current tour planned I will be in the Arctic Circle this Autumn as part of a seven city Scandinavian tour, but I have never set eyes on Mazarron, nor experienced the warm winds of Cartagena. La Manga - now where is that exactly?

It’s okay - my destiny and my faith tell me that one day I will be lucky. I have so many clients that visit me from the South but I appear to be domiciled in the North. The North Costa Blanca’s only Spiritual Café, the Bistro Maya in Albir is somewhere you can expect to find me. It is a well run, friendly and proudly, a thriving Spiritual community; one that embraces that someone who just needs to talk, or wants to listen, or is looking for spiritual friendship, served with a wonderful menu of freshly prepared foods (optional) and great coffee. Sadly, no one has taken on board the need for such an establishment in the South of the Alicante community. I hope that someone does one day. I will leave you with a true story. A client booked an appointment with me. She asked me how close to Carrefour I was, and I explained a simple five minute journey away. As she was travelling by cab I told her to give the driver my mobile number, or to call me, and that I would give him the directions in Spanish. Ten minutes away from the appointed time my phone rang, and a very loud and bewildered Spanish cab driver, with a heavy accent, asked me where I lived. I gave him directions which resulted in a stunned silence! My client was in the car park of Carrefour for sure, but she wasn’t five minutes away. She was in Las Palmas! Know where you are, I say. Well I am here if you want me, armed with Google maps and all that I will need to enter the unknown territory to bring Spiritual enlightenment: South of the Border, down La Marina way! Love and Light…… PS: Magic Happens! Since writing this I have two Workshops and a Demonstration all in the Rojales area! Check my Diary for Events! Things are happening already!

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Postbag Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com Kenny, I was close to my Aunt Kate. She always believed in Spirit when nobody else in the family did. One day she told me that she would always watch over me, and that she would make contact with me, sending me always the vision of a swan. She died last month, but a recent tarot reading didn’t bring the swan through. Caitlin K. It is a little early to make contact Caitlin, give your Aunt some time to establish herself. Many people choose symbols to prove survival in the Spirit World, and these are best picked up by a Medium as they have specific connections with visual cues of the Spirit World. I am sure that Kate will communicate with you in time, since it is after all, what she wanted. Give it some time and ask your Aunt to call you in some way when she is ready. This may mean that suddenly she will come into your thoughts, and then you will know that she is ready, and the swan can swim! Good luck.

Kenny’s Diary WORKSHOP: “2012 The Truth” at Rojales/Quesada 10.00 to 17.00 on Tuesday 22nd June. Contact. Gay Nash for information on: 966 718 983 Demonstration of Clairvoyance at the Spiritual Awareness Society of Quesada. Calle Toledo 14, Cuidad Quesada on Tuesday 22nd June at 19.30. Admission by Ticket Only. Information : Wendy Keets 626 602 904 Bar Peri Pera, Javea Port: (Next Spiritual Café): Tuesday 29th June. 17.00 demonstration followed by readings. Bookings and Info: Please contact: Penny Smith on: 687 926 021

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

horoscopes by Kenny Corris You may have jumped to conclusions and acted in haste, but you really can’t be blamed for your actions since they are a response to what’s really going on right now. You can’t be responsible for seeing the writing on the wall and trying to save and protect those that you love. Times are changing, the focus has shifted, and you are wise to have a plan B to come up with when the going gets tough. Here and now prevention is better than any cure could be! Pallas directs mid week in your opposing sign of Scorpio, and this really does put the cat amongst the pigeons. Whilst you only really want a quiet life, there is an agenda that begs for your attention and it really could help you take a firm stand over something close to your heart, once and for all. This will serve to clear the decks, and silence those who are making things hard for you right now; whilst also eliminating that inner anger you are storing inside. Mercury squares with Saturn at the end of the week, and aligns with Neptune just after. These actions highlight new responsibilities and you are ready now to take over that which you know that you must. The ball is now well and truly in your court, and yes, others will be waiting and watching to see just how you handle this and where you take it! Show them just what you can do, and you’ll have them just where you want them, in the palm of your hand. The Summer solstice comes around again as the Sun is exalted and is once again ready to set a precedent in this the chosen solar pattern. This is a time that you can rest on your laurels somewhat. You work hard and try to play hard, but you always assume control and responsibility, and it is the laid back approach that you need to assume right now, to get the right response. You are under the influence of a cool character, but they haven’t seen what you are truly capable of. Not a suitable time to pause, feel sorry for yourself and lick your wounds, however you may feel like it. This is a time to face up to what you really want, and to take the bull by the horns as you take strides forward. You really do not know what you can do until you try, and it is worth trying when you have the ideal situation handed to you on a plate. Ignore what others are telling you, you deserve rather more than you have got, but the time for turning the tables is now. Mercury’s interaction with Saturn sees you heavily involved with getting the right answers. As Mercury carries a message that you would be very wise not to ignore, use the situation to reinforce just what it is that you have to say about something right now. You seem to be walking on hot coals at the moment, and for your own sake, strike while the iron is hot, and take a risk on something close to your heart, as it will show you just how much you do care. A time for connecting with your friends and family, since there has been such little time to pay them attention as of late. Your work is very important to you, but since it has to take precedent, you must never forget that love and friendship are there to help you all along the way. Some rest and relaxation are called for to help you tune into that balancing Libran energy, and to consolidate and prepare for a busy time ahead, come what may! Pallas makes a direct in your second house after a retrograde trip over the past five weeks. This is a time to exercise extreme caution in anything that involves your signature. Hold onto plans and schemes until next weekend, when energies should be restored, and you are able to think more clearly. Make no changes, because you will surely live to regret them. When the time is right, this retrograde, ‘fall out’ will do you a very big favour: all will be revealed. Planetary action brings your sage and wise energies to the full, as you take on something that you have held onto right until the very end. Not only is it time to share, but it is the very best chance you will get to set the record straight, and to ensure that your version of events is told and appreciated. There is no need for compromise, and yet there is a great opportunity now to skilfully nip something well and truly in the bud before it bites back at you. Pluto is an ever present ally in the current game you are playing to win. However you choose to gloss over the main event it is certain that this helps you to eliminate the pain of a hurting relationship and shows you what you now must do. Waiting for others to shed any light on the matter in hand is not an option right now, as things have gone too far to be just forgotten, and all the time it gets worse, certainly not better. Take control. Neptune brings on a corner that brings you both clarity and an inner insight into a matter that you may not have taken seriously. It is hard to take sides, but your loyalty and generous nature should not now be open to abuse in any way. Above all you uphold the truth, and yet recently you have been placed in a very difficult position where your honesty may be compromised. People love you for what you are, but they shouldn’t abuse your tender, loving nature. With Neptune in Aquarius, and Chiron resident in your seventh house of wonder and experience, anything could happen. You do seem to have found your feet, and have temporarily moved on, but you do have to face things and steer your own ship in the right direction, to retain your self respect. You often feel that you are being tested, but each and every time you bounce back with a new agenda and some positive work to be getting on with…like now!

If it’s your birthday this week... Hold back until you are really sure. This is a year of opportunity, and things should be on track for you as soon as possible, if you exercise caution, tune into your natural intuition, and believe in yourself.

- 24 JUNE2010 2010 8-1418 JANUARY

The Lost Army Book Review by

Danny Collins

copy@dannyjpcollins.com

I WOULDN’T describe myself as of Spartan philosophy – my wife wouldn’t go on a camping trip unless the trees had sockets for hairdryers, so the Spartan life is not for us. But that doesn’t mean that I’m not a fan of red-caped, bronze-helmeted Spartan glory on the battlefield. When the 30,000 Persians at Thermopylae ordered the 300 Spartan warriors defending the pass to give up their weapons, the Spartan king Leonidas answered: ‘Molon labe!’ (“Come and get them!”) I would have been right beside him – well, actually four or five rows back but you get my meaning. So when I received a review copy of Manfredi’s novel based on the Athenian Xenophon’s contemporary account of the 10,000 plus Spartan mercenaries who marched with the Persian pretender Cyrus against his brother, King of Kings Artaxerxes and came off rather badly, I was

intrigued. The Spartans, let down in battle by their Asian allies, returned to Sparta by marching across frozen mountain ranges and fighting off vengeful Persians, Mesopotamians, Armenians, and Turks after the Spartan commanders had been covertly slain by traitors. Behind it all was history’s biggest conspiracy – that Sparta had knowingly aided Cyrus Author: by turning a blind eye to Valerio mercenary recruitment Massimo and was now anxious that Manfredi the victorious Artaxerxes Publisher: Macmillan didn’t learn of its treachery (hardback) and throw a hissy fit. Price: €12.50 Manfredi’s book ISBN: 978 0 provides Xenophon with a 230 53065 2 beautiful barbarian lover Abira, who travels with and injects life and intrigue him on the march in and into one of the greatest sagas out of Persia and witnesses of Spartan history. the battles at firsthand. The Valerio Massimo Manfredi is author dexterously uses Abira a classical archaeologist, one to tell the human side of of whose previous books Xenophon’s pedantic account The Last Legion - was released

Torrevieja U3A challenges gentlemen members

as a major film starring Colin Firth in 2007. If ever a man knew his subject it is Manfredi, a writer of stature who, like another great favourite of mine, Robert Harris, gives history a human face.

All the featured books are available off the shelf or by mail order from Librería Europa, Calle Oscar Esplá 2, 03710 Calpe. Tel: 96 583 58 24; e-mail: libreria.europa.calpe@gmail.com Take along or send this review for a discount of 5% on your purchases.

THE GAUNTLET has been thrown down! Gentlemen members of Torrevieja U3A have been challenged to bake cakes, to be sold at the summer open meetings on 24th June, 29th July and 26th August at Los Arcos restaurant at 10.30. Members and guests plus nonmembers are invited to sample the cakes, browse the book stall and bric-a-brac and have fun at the Tombola. The June speaker will be from the Jennifer Cunningham organisation. U3A Chairman Bob Hill says “We are a very friendly group. These open meetings are designed to enable everyone to participate and find out more about the U3A. Everyone will be welcome and members will be on hand to answer questions about the many activities that are available” The Torrevieja U3A membership continues to increase, with 30 interest and activity groups available to members. Details may be found at www.u3atorrevieja.com

MABS party in the park Company women get lucky COMPANY WOMEN celebrated their fifth birthday in style at Fairways restaurant, Villa Martin Plaza, with popping cava and Paul Shrager. Shirley Adams from Banco Halifax Hispania won four of the many donated raffle prizes, including a painting completed to order by Olive Branch retreats and a free mobile phone from Europa Communications. This was a special lunch - it won’t be cava next time, but Company women will still be doing it in style

The party in full swing Photo courtesy of Robin Bayliss

THIS YEAR’S MABS ‘Party in the Park’ beat all expectations with more than 350 participants raising over €1,100 for MABS Murcia/Mar Menor, at Restaurante El Torreón. Superb entertainment was provided by The Jersey Boys; Showaddywaddy; Club Sevillana Dancers; Freddie Mercury tribute; Smooth Grooves and Silvio, all giving their time free of charge. “This is proving to be a popular event and people are already asking about next year’s party!” commented Lyn Baines, Group Co-ordinator for MABS Murcia/Mar Menor.

Notice from TAABS

“A huge thank you to Pam Prince and Trudi Leon-Martin who headed up the team who helped to put the event together, all the MABS volunteers and local businesses and individuals who so generously donated raffle prizes.” MABS Murcia/Mar Menor helps all people in the Murcia/Mar Menor area affected by cancer, providing drivers, translators, information leaflets, equipment, a listening ear, or a shoulder to lean on. To volunteer, donate or seek help, contact MABS on 693 275 779 or visit: www.mabsmurcia.com

TAABS (TORREVIEJA Association of Amateur Balladeers Singers) will be taking their summer break from the beginning of July until the end of August. If you would like TAABS to put on a charity fund raising event for you please don’t hesitate to contact Cathy Carson, Musical Director of TAABS on 666 180 118.

at their next Thursday lunchtime meeting on 1st July at the ‘Captain’s Table’ off the Lemon Tree Road. As always, you don’t have to be a member to join in. Contact Tracey on 634 295 243, visit www.companywomen.org or e-mail christine@companywomen.org Coming up are the annual nominations for the Company Women Awards. You don’t have to nominate a Company woman; it can be any woman in business whom you believe deserves it.

Horse parade and exhibition

This photo is from last Sunday’s (13/06/2010) horse parade and exhibition, showing Jodie DarrickHayter of Hipica Ondara with her horse Baqueret alongside Rafa, the president of the Association of Carreters y Cavallistes of Ondara. All participants had an enjoyable day. For more information on Hipica Ondara, please visit www.hipicaondara.com

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18FEB - 2426JUNE 2010 - MARCH 4 2010

Computing

with aunty virus

CPU usage 100% John from Alcalalí asks: Do you advise leaving the router switched on all the time or just when online? I have just signed-up for an ADSL service and have been told to keep my router switched on 24/7. However, conscious of my global footprint, not to mention my bank balance, I was horrified to find how warm both the router and the transformer got. We are constantly harangued to switch off all our electrical appliances at the wall socket over night and not to leave them always on standby is the router the exception? Aunty says: Hi John. There is no problem switching the router off whenever you’re not using the Internet for any great length of time. The only possible problem is that if your telephone is running via IP over your ADSL service (Skype, Telitec & Europa wireless etc.) it will not work without the router. You can try this by testing the phone after the router is switched off.

Fred from the UK asks: Hi there Aunty. Although I returned to the UK in 2008 after 5 years of living on the Costa Blanca, I still read the RTN on-line every week and I especially look forward to your very informative column. My problem is that, as soon as I open any programme I get the task manager saying that my CPU usage is at 100%. I use XP and have 1.5GB memory. I also use AVG, Spybot S&D and Malwarebytes. I use Gmail via Outlook and Google Chrome as my browser. I also use Skype with Skypemate for VOIP phone calls. I have Automatic updates set in Windows and AVG. I have run scans in each of the security programmes with zero results shown.

Aunty says: Hi Fred. It’s great that you keep in touch with the RTN online. As you’re familiar with Task Manager you will easily be able to identify the application or process that is hogging your valuable CPU resources. After you start Task Manager go to the ‘processes’ tab and click on the ‘CPU’ column title (twice to get it in reverse order). This will list the percentage that each process is using under the ‘image name’ column. On a healthy system with no programs running, you should see the ‘system idle process’ at around 90 something %. Once identified you can either uninstall the application or at very least we will know the next course of action.

Slow netbook

Mary via email asks: Dear Aunty, I have a Netbook laptop and find that it is very slow in responding to my actions. My daughter who recently came over from the UK commented on this and did a ‘clean-up’ but it is still slow. Could you give me some advice on what to do? Aunty says: The problem here Mary is that computers have got so complicated that there is no simple and easy way to do this. For the same reason most of us will enlist the expertise of a qualified mechanic to fix the car, I would strongly recommend using a professional for this kind of work. I know enetcomputers.net will do a MOT type service, and they take great pride in guaranteeing it will be faster than when it was new.

IE7 crashes Linda from La Marina asks: Good morning Aunty, can you please help? I use Gmail but every time I try to print an email it crashes IE7, it just stops responding and I have to start task manager to get out of it. Do you know why this is happening, I have no problem printing anything else. Aunty says: This is more than likely one of the IE7 addons you have installed Linda. Go to ‘tools’ ‘manage add-ons; ‘Enable or disable addons’ and disable any Google related ones. You could also try updating to IE8 from the Microsoft update website www.microsoft. com/windows/downloads

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

Printing emails Office 2010 squares Michael via email asks: Hi Aunty, I have just installed a new HP Deskjet 2400 printer and I can copy docs photos etc but the print icon has disappeared from the screen so I cannot print emails and attachments. Aunty says: Hello Michael. If you installed the printer software from the CD you should have the HP Director or HP Solution Center software icon on your desktop. If it is not there then look under ‘start’ ‘all programs’ for an HP entry in the list. If you plugged your printer in and let Windows automatically load the software then you will need to re-install it from the original CD or better still, download the latest drivers from the HP website www.hp.com/#Support

up to free rivals With Office 2010 now available on retail shelves, the software is competing with a host of free rivals, not the least of which are two new options from Microsoft itself. The company has long had to deal with free alternatives, including everything from OpenOffice to Google Docs. Microsoft has also battled both piracy and the “good enough” factor that prompts many consumers to stick with older software, sometimes several versions old. With Office 2010, though, Microsoft has created a couple of its own new products

that could open up Office for those who don’t want to pay for it. Most prominent are the free, browserbased products known as the Office Web Apps seen as a response to Google Docs. The second free version of Office is Office Starter, a product that is replacing Microsoft Works as the software most consumers will get for free when they buy a new PC. Although it will give users a genuine — if limited — version of both Excel and Word, Microsoft senior vice president Chris Capossela said that the goal is to make it easier, not harder to sell the full version of Office.

A problem keyboard Sue from Villa Martin asks: Hello Aunty. I have a problem with my Dell Inspiron 2500. When I try to put in my password it will not accept the y u h j n m or 6 and 7 keys. Please can you advise me? Aunty says: Well the first thing I noticed about this Sue is that all those keys are in the same

group around the middle of your keyboard and this is usually a symptom of a faulty keyboard from a spillage or just simply old age. What puzzled me is how you managed to type the email if those keys aren’t working! Maybe give eNET Computers a call on 687 362 844 as I know they fix all kind of laptops problems and they’re very cheap.

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Feb 18 26 - 24 March june4 2010 2010

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18 - 24 june 2010

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

FIB Heineken: Festival Internacional Benicàssim Since 1995, this fantastic indie rock, pop and electronic music festival has been a highlight on the calendar, not only for those in the Valencian Community but also for music fans the World over. 2009’s festival welcomed more than 200,000 visitors from across the globe over four days. Do you really want to miss it?

Kirsty Tuxford Freelance writer

Dizzee Rascal Photo courtesy of Tim and Barry

BENICÀSSIM IS a beautiful coastal town, with plenty of amenities and a delightful sandy beach with an attractive mountain backdrop. This is not the only reason to visit: from 15th -18th July, the town plays host to more than 100 international bands in one of Spain’s best festivals. Brit band Gorillaz has just confirmed they’ll be there, in what will be their first Spanish show. Following their recent sell-out performances at US Music Festival Coachella and the Roundhouse in London, the Gorillaz are set to perform their much-lauded third album, Plastic Beach. Their previous albums Gorillaz and Demon Days have sold more than six million copies each. Gorillaz are the biggest grammy nominated virtual band in the world. A festival that includes names as big as Kasabian, Goldfrapp, Hot Chip, Vampire Weekend, The Prodigy, Klaxons, The Sunday Drivers, Dizzee Rascal and Lily Allen is definitely worth seeing. Music starts from around 17.50 and lasts until 08.00, meaning that the party doesn’t get overheated in the daytime sun, and instead you can recharge your batteries on the beach or on a shady terrace during the day

Vampire weekend Photo courtesy of Soren Solkaer Starbird

ENVIRONMENT FIB Heineken promotes its Limpio y Verde (Clean and Green) initiative, which has been underway for several years now and features specific programmes such as recycling, responsible consumption of water, and compensation for CO2 emissions. Yourope (The European Festival Association) awarded FIB the ‘Green’N’Clean Award’ last year. CAMPING This year, there’s a new camping area called VillaCamp, in which you can buy an exclusive spot with individual showers and bathrooms and parking area. There’s security, medical services and food and beverage services. VillaCamp will open from 12th 20th July. The full stay costs €65 per person. Goldfrapp Photo courtesy of Fiberfib

before the night’s performances begin again. The venue covers an area of 130,000 square metres and includes four stages; food and rest venues; camping; parking and healthcare and market area where you’ll find NGOs and shops. Accompanying the music festival is an art exhibition; theatre performances; classical, modern, Spanish, Flamenco and fusion dance shows; short films and fashion stalls. When tired of shopping and your dancing legs need a break, the bonus is that the stunning beach is a stone’s throw away.

TICKETS (AS PRICED ON FIB WEBSITE) Four-day ticket: £160. Includes free camping from 12th -20th July VIP pass: €300: On sale only at www.fiberfib.com See http://tickets.fiberfib.com/ for more options. HOW TO GET THERE Bus: Most bus lines travel to Castellón Bus Station, 14km from Benicàssim, with a regular bus service between the two. Car: Motorway AP-7 to 12km north of Castellón and then take the exit to the N-340: the N-340 runs through Benicàssim. See http://bus.fiberfib.com for more information on private transfers, shuttle buses and for maps of the area.

motoring

14 - 24 18 20 JUNE MAY 2010 2010

61 60

To good to be true? by

Brian Deller

Author of Motoring in Spain

Question: We, my family and I, moved to Spain just over a year ago, and my children, now nearly 18 and 17 years old, will soon need to obtain driving licences. We have read on the internet of organisations that will sell us a driving licence for another European country that will be legal in Spain without having to take any tests. What is your opinion on these licences, please? Bob Williams, Torrevieja (email) Your question reminds me of the ‘financial experts’ who will take your hard-earned money promising to invest it with a 20% return with the capital being safe. If it sounds too good to be true, then it usually is. I have researched these get rich quick (for the suppliers) websites and they are obviously going to be shut down or strongly warned against by the various traffic authorities within the EU if the potential clients do not do so by using their common sense in the first place by just ignoring them. They advertise that if you have been banned in one country for any offences or would like to buy a genuine EU driving licence, even for heavy goods vehicles or coaches etc, you can be back legally on the road

within days by paying them a large amount of cash and supplying a few documents about yourself so they can get their contact, usually in an Eastern European country, to fraudulently create a ‘genuine’ document; forgetting of course that you are really supposed to live there for 183 days plus a year to qualify. I suggest that anyone desperate enough to consider using their services should remember: 1. Driving while banned in any country is a very serious offence, and in Spain as well as many others it would usually mean arrest if caught. 2. When you take out insurance, any insurance broker of repute will take a photocopy of your driving licence for their records. A good agent will immediately realise that the licence is fraudulent as advised by their principles, the insurance companies. 3. I have read that one of the services sources the false driving licences from the relevant authority in Hungary. Can your children speak any Hungarian or even remember without looking it up, exactly where the country is? 4. If you do obtain insurance from a ‘dodgy’ source, will they pay out in the event of an accident when they find out about the dodgy licence?

For safety’s sake there should be no shortcuts

5. If after an accident you end up in Court, you can be sure that the lawyers will know about legal and illegal driving licences. Again, you could leave the dock in handcuffs. 6. For safety’s sake there are no, and should not be, any short cuts to earning a driving licence. All our safety depends on good, qualified drivers. We read that in the UK, around 1 million plus drivers on the roads are illegal in some way, many without

driving licences as they have not passed the test or they have been banned. From 2012, the new driving licence system will be started where all EU citizens will be registered on an EU-wide system that all the policing authorities can access at the roadside. This will mean that such offers will fall away, we hope. I hope you can make the right decision from the above. There is information in my book about obtaining a driving licence here in Spain.

No more space: more next week. Email your questions to rtnmail@roundtownnews.com and I will do my best to sort you out. Brian Juan (John) Deller, Malaga, author, ‘Motoring in Spain’ www.spainvia.com and 666 888 870

ACE AUTOS

British & Spanish used car sales

00 RENAULT MEG SCENIC DIESEL 5 SEATS

3,950€ 97 PEUGEOT 306 AUTOMATIC A/C P/S 2,450€

98 PEUGEOT 306 1.4i A/C P/S LOW KMS

1950€ 97 REN MEG SCENIC DIESEL 5 SEATS 2,950€ 2,400€ 99 REN MEGANE AUTOMATIC A/C P/S 1950€ DAEWOO LANOS 3 DOOR A/C P/S 1,950€ U.K RHD MERCEDES SMART CAR AUTO A/C 4,950€ 99 FORD FOCUS ZETEC 3 DOOR HATCH 1,500€ PEUGEOT 306 DIESEL RHD P/S E/W 950€ 96 PEUGEOT 306 XTR V/LOW MILES 95 CHRYSLER VOYAGER DIESEL 7 SEATS 4,750€ MANY MORE CARS IN STOCK ALL WITH PEUGEOT 306 DIESEL RHD V/CLEAN 1,250€ NEW ITV/MOT´S P/X ON MOST CARS.

00 FORD FIESTA DIESEL 5 DOOR A/C P/S 97 06 94 00 95

Tel: 620 738 023 10am to 5pm

FIND US NEAR NEW MERCADONNA. PUEBLE PRINCIPLE,VILLA MARTIN

Cars wanted for cash LHD/RHD

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

The new and dynamic Swift

SUZUKI IS pleased to announce the first images and preliminary information on the new, third generation Swift, going on sale in the UK in the Autumn. Suzuki held the World premiere line off ceremony today for mass production of the new car at its Magyar Suzuki Corporation production facility at Esztergom, in Hungary. The all-new Swift is positioned as Suzuki’s latest world strategic model and makes strong developments in styling, impact safety, driving performance, handling, improved fuel consumption and significantly lower emissions. Extensive use of higher strength steel makes the new body shell lighter and stiffer than before, as well as offering refinement in underbody design. This latest body design has also helped improve impact safety for pedestrians as well as occupants. Increased track and larger diameter wheels with lower profile tyres allow for even better handling than the already highly acclaimed outgoing Swift that first went on sale in 2005. The interior design now has a more dynamic feel, featuring black as its keynote colour with accents of silver throughout the car. The new Swift has grown slightly in length (+90mm) with a 50mm increase in wheelbase. For the powertrain: a new 1.2-litre petrol engine incorporating Dual VVT (Variable intake and exhaust valve timing) is utilized, producing 94PS at 6,000rpm; slightly more than the outgoing 1.3-litre unit. Torque is also improved to 118Nm at 4,800rpm. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is now 56.5mpg for the manual transmission model; an improvement of 7.8mpg over the previous 1.3-litre unit. Emissions are much lower; the new 1.2-litre engine with manual transmission produces just 116g/km on the combined cycle, representing a 24g/km or 17 per cent improvement over the 1.3. An optional automatic transmission will be available for the petrol engine from launch.

Tel: 966 723 718 Sales Rojales & San Miguel For more information visit www.AutosDirect.es

07 Peugeot Partner

€6,995

07 Peugeot Partner

€6,995

05 Opel Astra Estate

€7,995

07 Ford Fiesta

€7,995

01 Megane Cabrio

€3,495

08 Peugeot 207 1.4HDi €10,495

07 Ford Focus Cmax

€10,995

03 Renault Clio

06 Ford Focus Estate

€8,995

04 Honda HR-V

Reduced

04 Renault Megane

€6,995

06 OpelTigra Cabriolet

€10,995

Fiat Ducato Eurotop

€21,995

Reduced 07 Citroen C4 Auto

07 Hyundai Getz

€10,995

€7,995

95 Toyota Estima

€3,995

08 Seat Ibiza 1.4 TDi

€9,995

In w In N Neew

99 Mercedes E300 Auto Coming in

€6,995

Coming in

€5,995

€8,995

Tel: 966 723 718 visit

07 Seat Leon 1.9 TDi

€12,995

07 Focus TDCi

€9,995

06 Megane DCi

€8,995

07 Citroen C4 Diesel €10,995 06 Suzuki Ignis Diesel

€8,495

www.AutosDirect.es

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

PAR MOTOR BENIJOFAR OFFICIAL CITROEN DEALER

105, Avenida Frederico Garcia Lorca, Benijofar

Third Edition VITAL INFORMATION FOR OWNING A CAR AND DRIVING IN SPAIN ORDER YOUR COPY ON LINE AT www.spainvia.com/motoringinspain.htm

Call 966 713 429 or 966 714 497

Quality new and used cars for sale SPECIAL OFFERS !!! 2010 New C3 Exclusive Sage Metallic 2800km Registered march 2010, Cruise control, auto lights/washers, 17” alloys, Panoramic windscreen, climate control, Hi-Fi pack, Comfort pack, Leather/alcantara trim. Ready to drive away... WAS €19,800 NOW €16,800 2010 C4 Picasso VTi 120 Cool, KM 0, 5 seats, Climate control, premium sound system, Cruise control, Panoramic windscreen, TWO available …one in Steel grey metallic and the other black metallic... WAS €21,600 NOW €18,200 2010 C4 Picasso HDi 110 Cool, KM 0, 5 seats, climate control, cruise control, Panoramic windscreen, THREE available 1 in Nocciala, 1 in Steel grey metallic, and 1 in black metallic. Big savings on list price... WAS €23,700 NOW €19,900 2010 C4 Picasso THP 150 Exclusive, KM 0, 7 seats, Full exclusive options including parking sensors, On board computer, window blinds. Auto lights Auto washers, Premium sound system, Folding mirrors, Climate control, Cruise control, Glass roof, Saffron metallic. This car has been heavily discounted WAS €27,300 NOW €20,600 USED CARS FOR SALE

2008 CITROEN C4 1.6 COLLECTION 38,000KM Silver ,A/C, Cruise control, alloy wheels, 5 door €9.900 2008 CITROEN C4 1.6 HDi CMP 41,000KM Blue metallic, A/C, Cruise control , Alloy, Electronic gear shift €11,400 2008 CITROEN C4 1.4i LX Silver Metallic, 57,000Km A/C, CD radio, Excellent condition €9,000 2007 AUDI A8 4.2 Tdi Quattro 27,000KM Steel Metallic, Loaded with options from Audi, almost unused €60,000 2007 FORD FIESTA 1.3 Newport 99,000KM Saffron Metallic, A/C, CD radio with remote controls €7,300 2007 RENAULT Clio 1.5Dci Emocion 70,000km, Black Metallic, One owner, Climate control, CD radio €7,800 2007 CITROEN JUMPY HDi 120 Combi 52,000KM, 6 seats, Very well looked after, White paintwork €15,500 2006 CITROEN XSARA 1.6HDi SX TOP 92 65,000KM Silver Metallic, Cruise control, Climate control €9,300 2004 CITROEN C2 1.4 HDi furio 24,000KM Silver One owner Air conditioning , economical diesel engine €5,700 2003 PEUGEOT 206 1.4HDi Xline 75,000KM Silver Air conditioning, very economical €4,500 1985 VW BEETLE 1.2L Fully restored to lovely condition in bright red paintwork …..an investment! €5,500

MOTORING IN SPAIN

or call 666 888 870

PRACTICAL INFORMATION ISBN No. is 978-84-611-9278-6

INTEREST FREE CREDIT

Now available all NEW C3 Models !

SUMMER OFFERS!! Full safety check on your car including Oil and Filter change Only €65

Feeling the heat? FREE Air Conditioning check Call now for an appointment

IFT G E E FR CTION

ODU ON PR THIS OF RT! ADVE

255-50-17-101W HANCOCK 265-70-16-112H TYPHOON 205-65-17-16C 107-109T DUNLOP 195-80-15-96S HANCOCK 205-75-17-15-97T GENERAL

125€ 100€ 90€ 75€ 70€

While stocks last • All size Batteries in stock • 20% off Service parts • 30% off Labour charge OVER 3000 • Oil Filters NEW TYRES IN STOCK

OVER 2000 PART WORN IN PAIRS AS REQUIRED BY ITV

ALMORADI 80 Avda Orihuela 965 701 106 LOS DOLSES Avenida Villamartin 966 765 319 GUARDAMAR N332 Just along from Pick ‘n’ Pay 966 726 641

Engine & Gearbox replacement or recondition Over 500 in stock

966 782 318 • Spark Plugs • Wiper Blades

We’ll beat any quote by at least 10%

Open Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm • Sat 9am - 1pm

We don’t close for Siesta. Can’t come to us? We will come to you...

Classified Ads 18 - 24 JUNE 2010

All Major Credit Cards Accepted Book your advert now 96 570 5204 Round Town News

EMAIL: classifieds@roundtownnews.com WEBSITE: www.roundtownnews.co.uk IN PERSON: Torrevieja,Comercial San Luis, Calle Aviles Nº 41,Local Nº 7. 03184, Torrevieja, Alicante OR La Nucia,Vall de Biar 14, 03530.

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

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

• 25 Years Experience • Full or Part Loads • Friendly Personal Service • Large Secure Ware house, Fully Insured

• Storage Available 24 Hrs a day • Storage for Long & Short Term (Cars & Motorbikes etc) • FREE Quotations

es Pric 75 £ from ubic c r pe re met

Office: 966 792 751 • Mobile: 691 747 030 • banksremovals@yahoo.com

18 - 24 june 2010

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

SMALL FRIENDLY BRITISH KENNELS individual runs, large excercise area. 25 mins Alicante airport. www.parkbark.co.uk 628-244-712 YORKSHIRE TERRIER 8 month blonde male, lovely temperament, seeking good home 250€. ONO. 616-965-833 PETZBACK HOME LTD Professional door to door pet transportation. UK/Spain/UK. Travel in our petmobile with y our pets for free (subject to availability). Or treat yourself in one of our air conditioned luxury limo service. A regular, reliable and safe service. Defra pet passport advice given. www. petzbackhome.co.uk Credit or Debit cards accepted. Telephone UK office 0044-1209-843-971

to be missed! For further details contact 628-499-448 or 965-837-948. CONTAINER OF PINE FURNITURE Large quantity of flat pack solid pine furniture for sale, includes double and treble wardrobes, bedside cabinets, chest of draws, mirrors, tall boys, side boards, dressing tables, single beds, double beds, king size beds, bookcases, etc. Too much to list, for details tel 628-499-448.

FAMILYBIKEHIRE.COM Hire-Sales-Repairs. The largest selection of bike hire equipment on the Costa Blanca, free delivery and collection. Tel: 966 774 598 655 338 066. See us at WWW. CostaBlancaBikeHire. COM (Spanish registered)

NEED YOUR DOG TAKING CARE OF? No Kennels, Just a friendly home. Larfe fenced garden (Altea) Tel: 699-790-080 SMALL DOGS CARED FOR IN OUR OWN HOME so if you need to go away on holiday but don’t want your dog to go into kennels then we will look after them. References available on request. Call Diane and Trish: 965843781 or 622514980 (Altea Area)

DRIVING TO THE UK? English owned B&B in France close to the Spanish border. Peaceful location, ideal for your stopovers. ring for details: 0033-562-33-19-62 or visit website: www.millefleursbb.co.uk

WAYFARER DINGHY BY WESTERLEY 4.80mtr. X 1.8mtr. New paint job in & out & antifowlins. 5 sails, road trailer, all export papers & extras. 1,400€. Tel: 610-971-590

DRAGON REFORMS PROPERTY RENOVATIONS & MAINTENANCE. Tel 966-807-098. Mob 639-917-798. Property Renovations/Shop/Bar Refits. New extentions, patios, underbuilds, tiling. Complete new Kitchens/ Bathrooms refits, all electrical, plumbing, carpentary work undertaken. References given, free quotes, work guaranteed. Benidorm and Surrounding areas. www.dragonreforms.com

A UK PLC CAN OFFER YOU A PART/ FULL TIME Opportunity. Estab. 1997, Footsie 250 company, Last year we won The Financial Times Best Company Of The Year Award. Can opperate UK and SPAIN. New product ideal for Spain. Free DVDseminars and training. Tel: 696-640-747. thetimeisright@hotmail. co.uk BAR BISTRO FOR SALE on popular lemon tree market. Excellent potencial. 88 cover. Sale due to ill health. Tel: 966-180-168/ 655-479-753 BAR BISTRO FOR SALE on popular lemon tree market. Excellent potencial. 88 cover. Sale due to ill health. Tel: 966-180-168/ 655-479-753 RECESSION Proof Business. Vending machines with locations. Nett. 40,000€ P.Aa One day P.W to service. 965326-442/ 659-696-455 LUXURY VILLA For sale on the Costa Blanca North. A luxury 9 bedroom villa, set in a quiet area, 15mins walk to the blue flag beaches of Calpe. Currently operating as a small bed and breakfast accomodation. The property could be used for many other activities. This property must be viewed to be appreciated. This is an opportunity not

BLUEBIRD 25’X12’ SLEEPS 8 seperate Shwr/toilet Murcia Region 9,500€ ono More details 699-275-530 MOBILE/ PARK HOMES From 15.000€ TV, A/C, TEL, some with conservatories, permanent site, pool, tennis, new lounge bar, supermarket, 5 mins walk San Javier, all amenities, 3KM beach & hospital. 7 mins Murcia airport by car. Carol 968-192-425/ 626-055622. Email: haydn47@ hotmail.com Web: www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/ upgrades in your home. Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424 ONLINE E-BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES INCLUDES: Promotional website marketing slideshows, banners, videos, audio files, graphics, logos, photo

18 - 24 june 2010 retouching, e-business consulting & training. Monthly fee covers hourly support and training services by email or telephone. Contact: Karla Darocas - info@Darocas. com or 648 156 066

WAREHOUSEMAN / DELIVERY DRIVER needed for busy kitchen design and installation business in Pedreguer. Clean driving licence essential, some heavylifting involved. Email your CV to info@ creativedesignkitchens. com EXPERIENCED KITCHEN DESIGNERS needed. We are looking for creative, energetic, focused designers

We Want You Enthusiastic and commited sales people wantedto work on commission only basis, must have own transport, if you can close adeal and have a desire to work for an established company call 965 720 817 or 616 493 487

with good knowledge of CAD systems, must have own transport. Email your CV to info@ creativedesignkitchens. com EXPERIENCED KITCHEN FITTER required. Fully legal in Spain. Own van, own tools essential, as is the ability to provide references. Email your CV to info@ creativedesignkitchens. com EXPERIENCED SALES PERSON REQUIRED to work full time from home and from our office in Benitachell on a self employed basis for one of the Costa Blancas leading companies. Must have own car, computer, phone and be smart in appearance. Excellent commissions, previous applicants need not apply. Telephone 696-981-082 MILLIE MUNRO SERVICE requires office based telesales person for Benitachell office. Experience essential, quality leads given with excellent commission and bonuses. If you live locally, are non-smoking and of smart appearance with proven track record. Please ring for interview 966-493-082

“THESALON” We are looking for an energetic, creative stylist to join our customer focused salon located in Aguas Nuevas, Torrevieja, good rates of pay and a contract offered to the right person.

Call 966-709-620 or 696-884-292 CHEF/ COOK REQUIRED for busy restaurant near Guardamar. Part time hours, evenings only. Call 636-889-232 EXTRA INCOME MONTHLY Tax Free. Would 200€ + Per Week Help? Then try the HRC Daily Sports System. Working from Home with Computer & ADSL for 1-2 hrs per day, afternoons/ occasional evenings. Details: EMail -horces@ gmail.com

FEMALES AND COUPLES 18 to 65 required for adult internet photo and video modeling. Excellent rates. 697-697-842.

EXCLUSIVE LADIES DRESS HIRE FORTUNA Ideal for weddings, parties and special occasions for hire or buy. Tel: 606-679-504/ 659-198-402.

PALM & TREE TRIMMING/ REMOVAL all gardening maintenance. 619-336-762 GARDEN SERVICES private or community gardens. Cut costs not quality. 619-336-762

LEMON TREE INTERIORS Home-visit soft furnishing company. Curtains, all types of blinds, loose covers. Excellent quality work at reasonable prices. Wide range of fabric and pole samples. Full fitting service. Call Claire to arrange a no-obligation visit in the comfort of your own home. Tel. 968-698-770/ 626-614-850 Website: lemontreeinteriors@ hotmail.com CHAIN LINK FENCING Chain Link Fencing, Rigid Fencing & Perimeter Walls. Free No-Obligation Quote www.Billericky.com or call 962-384-094/ 628-613-350 NEED A WEBSITE? Websites start 395euros, free domain name, free hosting. www. websitedesignscostablanca.com Tlf:-966-182-275 ANY REFORMS, MAINTENANCE, GENERAL REPAIRS. No job to big or small. Pices cannot be beaten. Free estimates. Call Hrista 667-339-588/ 965-709-203 PRINTING SPECIALIST in brochures and magazines. Unbeatable prices! 616-493-487 or 965-720-817 DEBTS COLLECTED Europe or Worldwide. Investigations and attorney service. 965-326-442/ 659-696-455 WELD IT RITE Mobile welding/ repair service, Metal carpentry/ Fabrication projects. Time served & quallified. tel: 966-490-338 Mobile 638-479-467 Email iwanegan@hotmail.co.uk (Moraira based)

FACIALS anti-aging and non-surgical from 10€, massage anticellulite, therapeutic, aromatherapy. Suzanne 627-371-731 AQUA AEROBICS Ladies all ages, shapes, sizes, non swimmers and complete beginners welcome. Suzanne 627-371-731

PERSONAL TRAINER/ Ex-world kickboxing champion. All martial arts taught, weight loss, all ages, private gym. 965-326-442/ 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 JODIE’S GELS Nail technician: Gel nail extensions, gel nail overlays, gel toenails. Finishes: French, colour, glitter. Repairs. Tel: 622-244-613. WEIGHT WATCHERS Call our free English Call Centre now to find your nearest Meeting. 900-818-794 CREATIVE NAILS Creative acrilic nails. You come to me (Alfaz Del Pi) or I’ll come to you (Altea - Villajoyosa). Fully qualified, 15 years experience. Tel: 669-126-281.

ITEMS FOR SALE ROLAND E86 keyboard, syntheier 290€. 3 LIFE JACKET new, size 36 to 40 20€ each. 3 for 50€. SHIP COMPOS 40€. Tel: 966-188-695/ 671-819-541 OFFICE EQUIP. desk chair, filling cab., lamp, printer, fax. 100€. The lot. Steve 646-686-448 LATHE 3½” DRUMMOND back gear self acting 3 chucks faceplate milling slide 0.5HP motor 250€. 965-747-116 WATER DEPOSITER 5,000ltrs. 300€ ONO. Buyer collects. 688-666-795 GOLFERS, GOLF TROLLEY BATTERIES gel batteries for powakaddy, hillbilly etc. Fantastic prices fully guaranteed also new lite lithium batteries and golf trolleys. Ring Gary 610-344-273 FULL HOUSE CLEARANCE items can be sold seperate, everything in good condition. Contact 672-881-639 (Ontinyent)

COVERED 4 WHEEL TRAILER FOR SALE English, 10x6 VGC. 500euros ONO Tlf:630-720-756 ICE COLD AIRCONDITIONING UNITS “Plug n Go” two sizes available 9000 BTU €199 or 12’000 BTU €249 no mess, no fuss! FREE delivery 622-727-430

18 - 24 june 2010

FOLDING MOBILTY SCOOTER Very good condition. 350€ o.n.o. Tel: 0044-7542-512-542. TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Houshold Goods and Brica-Brac into Cash. Anything! Anywhere! 96-531-9220 618-165-877 PERGOLA 5MX3M Never erected. High quality solid timber, Treated. Ideal for Garden or Carport. 385€ Will Delivery Free. 622-024539 si.whitworth@gmail. com WHEELCHAIR Light, foldable, hardly used, LIKE NEW. 135.00€. Tel: 627-019-403. LA MARINA FURNITURE All Furniture Bought & Sold At Unbeatable Prices. Now Also In Shop, New Linen, Lingerie, Jewellery & JML Products. Also Cars Bought For Cash. Come and visit La Marina Furniture shop on the main street through La Marina. Call Allan on 966-443-370 or 625-985-491 FOR SALE Beautiful old convertible snooker/ dining table with original ivory balls. Slate base. Gd con. 2.00m x 1.10m. 750€ono. Call Andy 630949883. ALADDIN’S For quality furniture and second hand household goods at prices that won’t dent your wallet telephone 966-457-291

ALADDIN’S Disappointed with offers elsewhere on Jewellery etc? Telephone 966-457-291 WANTED INSTANT CASH PAID Antique and modern jewelley, bought sold & part exchanged, insurance valuations. Jewellery & watch repairs. Alexanders, Javea Port seafront near Bar Esquina. Established since 2003 Tel: 965-792-595.

BALLROOM/ LATIN/ SEQUENCE with LA BAMBA’S. Los Arcos Restaurant, Avenidas Balaeres, Torrevieja, SOCIAL DANCE: Saturday 7pm- 10pm: TUITION: Beginners Monday 10.30am. Bienvenido Chinese Restaurant La Zenia: Beginners Wednesday 7.30pm: Thursday 11.30am; Intermediates Friday 11am. Tel: Andrea 616-478-157

DATEMED.ES Great new online dating site for English speaking people on the Costa Blanca. Free memberships - Join Now! www.datemed.es

ACE AUTOS

KARAOKE MEDIA PLAYER “Brand New” 500GB. 70,000songs, software, songbooks, bar/home use. 275euros Tlf:-654-925-679

LOOSE COVERS Curtains etc. Made to measure. Choose from a wide range of beautiful materials in your own home. Javea based. Tel: 965-771-397/ 686-453-827 PINE FURNITURE SALE www.gata-discount-pine. com PINE FURNITURE SALE King size bed + underbed drawers 285€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Double bed + under-bed drawers 270€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Double wardrobe 180€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE CD stand 80€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Hall mirror 85€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Gate leg table 60€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Bookcase 57€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Wine table 30€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Treble robe 200eurosTel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE Dressing table mirror 30€. Tel: 628-499-448. PINE FURNITURE SALE 2 drawer bedside 23€. Tel: 628-499-448.

British & Spanish used car sales

00 RENAULT MEG SCENIC DIESEL 5 SEATS 01 CITROEN SAXO 1.1 P/S LOW KMS CLEAN 00 FORD FIESTA DIESEL 5 DOOR A/C P/S 97 DAEWOO LANOS 3 DOOR A/C P/S 06 MERCEDES SMART CAR AUTO A/C 00 CHRYSLER VOYAGER DIESEL 7 SEATS 01 DAEWOO LANOS 5 DOOR A/C P/S CLEAN 99 REN MEGANE AUTOMATIC A/C P/S 01 HYUNDAI ACCENT 5 DOOR A/C P/S

3,950€ 1,950€ 2,400€ 1,950€ 4,950€ 4,750€ 2450€ 1950€ 2750€

98 SEAT CORDOBA 5 DOOR A/C P/S 1950€ 97 PEUGEOT PARTNER COMBI DIESEL 2750€ U.K RHD (SPANISH) 95 SAAB 900 ALLOYS P/S NEW I.T.V. 1250€ 99 SUZUKI SWIFT 3 DOOR V/CLEAN 1250€ 94 PEUGEOT 306 DIESEL 5 DOOR P/S 995€ 94 VAUXHALL CAVALIER DIESEL 950€ MANY MORE CARS IN STOCK ALL WITH NEW ITV/MOT´S P/X ON MOST CARS.

Tel: 620 738 023 10am to 5pm

FIND US NEAR NEW MERCADONNA. PUEBLE PRINCIPLE,VILLA MARTIN

Cars wanted for cash LHD/RHD

LA MARINA FURNITURE All Furniture Bought & Sold At Unbeatable Prices. Now Also In Shop, New Linen, Lingerie, Jewellery & JML Products. Also Cars Bought For Cash. Come and visit La Marina Furniture shop on the main street through La Marina. Call Allan on 966-443-370 or 625-985-491 FLYING FLOWERS beautiful bouquets to any UK address. Order by credit or debit card. Call Kelly’s 965-761-595/ 966-425-713 POOL TABLES, SNOOKER TABLES Table Tennis Tables Tel; 666-933-726

Spanish car. No dealers. Tel: 669-666-337 WE BUY AND SELL quality late vans, cars and combis. For an instant decision phone 605-669-388/ 680-665-583

SUZUKI GRX 600 gorgeous bike, good condition. 3,000€. Tel Allan 625-985-491 REPAIR & SOLD & BUY pickup from your home second hand motorbikes and scooter for reasonable price and quick service open 7 days. Tel: 680-644-010 TRIUMPH 955I English Reg. 2000 plate, speed triple 43000 miles, reluctant sale, recent service and new parts. 2,000€ ONO. Dave 693-211-542

LOOKING FOR A CHEAP CAR? FWREUROCARS have a good selection starting from only 1,500€. 600726-221/ 965-687-976 www.fwreurocars.com GOING HOME? FWREUROCARS have a good selection of RHD vehicles for sale and exchange. 600-726-221/ 965-687-976 www.fwreurocars.com THE ULTIMATE CABRIO! BMW 320 CD. SE, (Diesel 6 speed) with full M.pack, 2006, 2 owners, 60,000kms, FSH, navigation, cruise, malloys, climate, Xaenon, head lamp wash, E/ heated seats, parktronic, rain/ light sensors, multi CD and much more. Finished in dark Met. Blue, full cream sports leather and ebony facials. Stunning! Eye catching. Only 21,750€. 600-726-221/ 965-687-976 www. fwreurocars.com PRIVATE BUYER REQUIRES small/ medium, reliable, clean

FORD FIESTA VAN 1.4 TDI Spanish reg. LHD 2004 ITV June 2011. Roof bars, Air-con, Stereo. VGC. 130,000k. Returning to UK. €3,995 Tel 968543128 or 696658093 FORD FIESTA 1.4 TDI 2003 Automatic/ manual. LHD. 5 door. Spanish reg. ITV Oct 2011. 55,000 kilometres. VGC. Returning to UK €4,995 Tel 968-543-128/ 696-658-093 FOR SALE KANGOO 1.9 diesel 98 white 107K/ km fair condition ITV 08/ 10 roofrack 2,300€. 620-647-995

PEUGEOT 206, 2002 1.4 petrol. Full ITV, Air con, all electrics, usual spanish kisses. 2,300€. Call 627 463 523. BUMPERS, WINGS AND MIRRORS All body panels for all cars supplied. Tel: 966-875-497 or 618-592-396. HEADLIGHTS4U.COM Left hand drive headlights supplied and fitted. All makes. Tel: 966-875-497 or 618-592-396. RENAULT BOX VAN 2.5 diesel, Spanish Reg, Year 2007, New Condtition. Cost 26.000euros, except 13.000euros. Tlf: 628-499-448 OPEL CORSA 1.4 - YEAR 1995 Ideal as a first car for a new driver. A few “dings” in the bodywork but well maintained and cared for. 3 new tyres, MOT to Jan 2011, DVD player etc. 995€ ONO tlf 691-202307. Altea area (close to Benidorm) WANTED I buy any car, van, Caravan, 4x4 Etc. British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600-781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com

18 - 24 june 2010

EXCHANGE OR SALE Los Montesinos Village, 3 double bed 2 full bathroom, Aircon LoungeSeparate Kitchen DinerGalleria Utility Balcony Solarium For 2 Bed Beach Side Guardamar La Marina 600-754-677/ 672-943-003/ 965-003-472

SINDY SUPER SEXY 36 years old, massage, private apartment, La Loma, Avenida Habaneras. Tel: 677-676-554 NATACHA divorced, erotic massage, very hygenic apartment, outings. Minimum 60€. Calle La Loma, close to Avenida Habaneras. 677-676-554 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 JAVEA, MORAIRA East Europeon lady, super erotic massage and more. 661-034-261 Hotel & Home visits DANI 23, SWEET GIRL offers erotic service. House and Hotel visits or in my apartment. 650-104-534. Torrevieja area YOUNG 65 YEARS OLD English man, looking for female friendship (English Spoken) Orihuela Costa. 636-196-660 GORGEOUS ENGLISH BLOND 45 years, gives discreet massage, 1 hour or over night stay, 15 mins Alicante airport. Tel: Karen 662-049-021 SEXY COUPLE OR SEPERATE Offers

SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965-725565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743-048 www. pooltechspain.com

pleasure for couples, women, men, girl on girl, relaxed, discrete. At our apartment or yours.Call Jasmine/Sebastian 663-478-337 A PERFCT LOVE LIFE ONCE AGAIN With libidus suitable for male and females, increases libido guaranteed product - Call:Keith 687-357-529 LOVELY GIRLS TO PAMPER YOU 24HRS, Free Drinks. Great Time Guaranteed. Playa Flamenca. 660-308-993/ 619-229-217 ENGLISH LADY 42 provides various services for mature gentlemen. Torrevieja 685-436-065

NEW PLACE! TORREVIEJA Sexy girls from South America. Come and enjoy, economical prices from 40€. NEW ADDRESS Zone Los Locos beach. 639-622-285 CASA ANGELA TORREVIEJA Luxury Private Chalet, parking. Drinks invitation. Feeling alone? Just want some company? Exotic girls from South America. Call us, come and enjoy! Also Escort Service. Full discretion. Street: Avenida Asociacion Vistimas del Terrorismo. 609-573-468 or 639-832-118

WOODWORM, BORING BEETLE, OR TERMITE problems? Call Woodtech now on 625-160-325 COCKROACHES, RATS, MICE, WASPS OR HORNET problems? Call Pestkill now on 625-160-325

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER Now with video highlights included as standard. Contact Steve 966-470-163/ 662-570-702.

WWW.SURVEYORSPAIN.COM

Buyer’s structural surveys, defects reports & solutions Mark Paddon BSc Hons Building Surveying. MCIOB. T 0034 962 807 247 M 0034 653 733 066

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired. 100’s of private and communal pools successfully repaired on the Costa Blanca. 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. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tel Pristine Pools on 966-774-199 or 678080-500 Email info@ pristineswimmingpools. com www. pristineswimmingpools. com

BEST DEAL, PLAYA FLAMENCA 3 bed detached villa, private pool, detached garage, driveway, fully air conditioned, quiet area, close to all amenities. Must sell. 155,000€. Tel: 966-730-902

WOODEN CHALET, EL REALENGO rural site,

furnished, 2 bedrooms, large plot, must sell, reasonable offers considered. 664-760-428

VALENCIA CITY Two double rooms available in stunning shared 140m2 apartment, with 14m2 sunny terrace. The bedrooms share a full bathroom. Apartment is spacious, modern, wooden floors, light and sunny, peaceful, but only 15 mins walk to city centre. Supermarkets and market within 5 mins walk. View from terrace across city to mountains (6th floor atico). Apt has lift, trastero, internet, a/c and heating, new washing machine, new fridge, microwave, dishwasher and spacious lounge/ dining area. Peaceful street with plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. To share apt with one other female, English, 34. No smokers (or you smoke on the terrace!). Professionals with work only. Looking for relaxed people with sense of humour who are used to sharing. Beautiful apt. Bills included. OPTION 2: If only one room is rented the price is 450 incl bills. Deposit of one month’s rent. Call 696 534 228. Hablo espanol! DREAM HILLS LONG TERM LET 3 Bed, 2 Bath, south facing with parking and garden. Furnished, aircon and solarium. €450 pcm +

bills. Tel: 966-761-497 or 659-646-258 1 BEDROOM FIRST FLOOR FLAT IN TORREVIEJA telephone line, English TV, pool. Near Friday market and Iceland, walking distance to bars, shops and sea front. Long let min 4 months. 300€ pcm including bills. 966-708-573 or 660-859-862 ALGORFA TOWN CENTRE two bedroom ground floor flat, large terrace, swimming pool, furnished 250€ per month. Ring 00447949589539 or londonangels@hotmail. com

LONG LET Nice properties Two bedrooms from 360€ various locations. Call Paul 659647-616/ 966-785-891 VILLA FOR RENT CALPE/ MORAIRA COAST ROAD Long let 2 bed detached villa, furnished,garden, parking, 500m to beach & shops. 550€pcm Call Ray 0034-619-196-632. 2 BED 1 BATH detach villa with a nice garden for rent in quiet area of San Luis 550€ or ONO for details please call 650-379-342 or 966-785-901

18 - 24 june 2010

CABO ROIG AREA detached house, 2/3 bed, 1.5 bath, F/F garden, close shops and beach. 500euros PCM + bills 966-760-201/ 628-478-313 VILLA TO SHARE in La Nucia, large garden with pool, rent 325€ a month plus bills (must like dogs). Call ALISON: 619-569-805. FOR SALE OR RENT Classic Spanish Old Town House. 450€ per month. Tel: 609-177-032. (See main advert description under For Sale - General)

GRAHAM’S TRANSPORT 24/7 deliveries, collection. Spain- UK- Spain or any where in Europe. Reasonable rates. Storage facilities are available in Spain and UK. Tel: Lyn or Graham 661-752-010/ 0044-7733-329-305 SPANISH LINKS LTD Low budget door to door fast collection & quick delivery removals or storage. Weekly reliable service. Full or part loads and even small deliveries. Spain/UK/Spain. Credit or Debit cards accepted. www.spanishlinks.co.uk Telephone UK office 0044-1209-843-971

LARGE EMPTY VAN with experienced owner, driver returning to UK regularly. Dave: 965-329-610/ 686-767-839 MAN & LWB SPRINTER VAN going to UK- Spain twice a month. Tel: 610846-260 or 0044-7519186-355 email van.man@hotmail.co.uk

Classifieds Agents

MICK WITH HIS VAN Removals Collections Deliveries. For a reliable effective service. Hourly rate or quote. Call Mick anytime 600-247-535

Now it’s even easier to place a classified advert with the RTN by using our official agents listed below! Cars, Houses, Boats, Computers find them all in the classifieds section. Or maybe you have unwanted items to sell or something to offer? Our classified agents will be happy to help you whatever your needs.

AGENTS NORTH

Round Town Travel 1, Avenida Dr Severo Ochoa, 1, Urb. El Admiral, Local 1, Rincon Benidorm, 03503, Alicante. Lisa 966 811 123 Benidorm Round Town Travel 2, Calle Gerona, 39, Benidorm, 03503, Alicante. (Next to Hotel Ambassador) Kerry/Gemma 966 813 261 Benidorm

TRANSLATOR Spanish and English speaking. Available for medical visits etc. Benidorm and surrounding areas. Tel Dawn: 626-337-258.

BRITISH GRADUATE TEACHER offers secondary/ primary tuition. English/ mathematics. Tel: margaret Johnson B.Ed. 965-350-516/ 616-660-687

SAT EQUIP. job lot poles, brackets, boxes, dishes etc. Make an offer. Steve 646-686-448 COMPLETE SKY SYSTEM Including free to view card. Installed and guaranteed for only 349€. Hurry whilst stocks last. Tel: 617-911-118. QUALIFIED BRITISH TELEVISION SATELLITE SERVICE ENGINEER... With over 25 years experience. Same day service, all work guaranteed. Call Steve 617-911-118. FORGET THE REST GO TO THE BEST for all your digital & TV requirements Steve 660186-505 Ros 965-584-097 www.ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com SKY FREE TO VIEW Small dish & mesh upgrades, yes back on 90€. BBC, ITV, CH4 & lots more. Also installations/ repairs. 10 years. Torrevieja. 679-876-926

DIGITAL SATELLITE SYSTEMS Largest supplier and installer of famaval satellite equipment on the costa blanca. A genuine registered company with genuine registered premises. Mon-fri 8:00- 4:30. Www. digitalsatsystems.com 965-852-251/ 965-866999/ 965-854-528/ 966804-748 (or see our main ad in the tv section)

Round Town Trips, Calle Narcisco Yepes, 4, Local 8, Albir, 03581, Alicante. (Opp. Golf Course, next to Kwik Save) Lee/Jackie 966 867 294 • lee@roundtowntrips.com albir ProminenT, Teulada Industrial Est. Calle Llanterner, 2 alto, 03725, Teulada, Alicante. Marja 965 793 229 • espana@prominent.nu Millie Munro Insurance, Avenida Lepanto, 6, 03726, Benitachell, Alicante. Millie 966 493 082 • millie@milliemunro.com Michael’s Furniture Shop, Avenida Lepanto, 9, Javea Port. Cristina 965 791 328 • astorga@telefonica.net EasyBuy, Avenida del Portet 24, Moraira. 03724 Alicante 965 745 969

teulada benitachell JAVEA moraira

AGENTS SOUTH

Bargain Books, Plaza Juan Carlos 1, Nº 2, San Miguel de Salinas, 03193, Alicante. (Opp. Tourist Info) Gaynor/Lee 688 667 389 • leeshaw.evans@gmail.com san miguel Johnsons El Limonar,JCP Commercial Center, Local 31, Los Altos Del Limonar, Torrevieja, 966 785 600 Torrevieja Johnsons Quesada, Ava. Las Naciononies 1a -17, Quesada, 966 717 848 Quesada Johnsons Algorfa, Local 30, Commercial Center La Finca Golf, Algorfa, 966 729 647

Algorfa The Post Room, Centro Comercial 5, Via Park III, Calle Panticosa Nº 2, Los Altos, 03189, Orihuela Costa, Alicante. Aoife/Chris 965 319 665 • aoifesweeney@hotmail.com orihuela

SAIL BOAT WANTED Approximately 15 meters with road trailer. Any condition. Tlf:965-581-431

Pennys Supermarket, Flamenca Beach Comercial Centre, Unit 123, Playa Flamenca, 03189, Orihuela Costa, Alicante. Peter/Sarah 966 733 257 • bulldogstores@live.com orihuela Print Solutions, Avenida Londres 136, La Marina Urb, San Fulgencio, 03177, Alicante. Jim/Trish 966 790 520 • jim@printsolutionsspain.com SAN FULGENCIO Interpost, Avenida de la Alegria Nº 32, La Marina, 03194, Alicante. Malika/Malcolm 965 419 673 • Inter-post100@live.com

la marina

Villamartin Satellite Centre, Avenida Las Brisas 33, Villamartin, 03189, Alicante. (Near Supervalu, Los Dolses) . Sarah/Heather 966 764 878 • villamartinsatellitecentre@yahoo.co.uk villamartin Best Wishes, Local 30, Comercial Centre Hispania, Avda de la Union 72, San Javier, 30730, Murcia. Kathy 968 192 235 • kaffywalker@hotmail.com murcia Ononix Mar SL, Calle Mayor 30, bajo derecha, Guardamar, 03140, Alicante. Ron/Alicia 965 728 178 aliciamuddle@ononix.com GUARDAMAR

AFRICAN GREY WANTED (DUE TO SAD LOSS) 5 star home. Tel: 699-245-165 WANTED FOR RENTAL VILLA Sunbeds, Large Table and Chairs, Small terrace tables and chairs. Tlf: Mark:- 648-155-975 JALON VALLEY RENTALS is looking for properties in the Jalon area for the 2010 holiday season. By placing your property with us you receive excellent coverage in the highest ranking websites and publications. Call us now for more information on our complete, lowcommission service for short term rentals. Tel: 619642035 HOUSE/ PET SITTER AVAILABLE July & August, UK - Spain. Call Gail 669-126-281. WANTED HOUSEHOLD ITEMS Instant cash payments. Furniture, electrical, tools etc. Tel John: 626-918-833.

18 - 24 june 2010

Book an advert on this page and get a FREE premium listing worth 100€ on thebizspain.com. Contact your local representative or call 902 118 999 T’s & C’s apply

18 - 24 JUNE 2010

End of a World Cup – hits and misses dream

The final whistle

Reacreativo de Huelva 1 FC Cartagena 0

With Andy Kay

Gelson Fernandes scores HITS THE SOUTH AFRICAN public: Okay, they may all blow those bloody annoying plastic trumpets from about 06.00 onwards on match days but as a nation, they have wholeheartedly embraced the tournament with verve, enthusiasm and genuine affection. GERMANY Annoying, I know, but the Germans were ruthlessly efficient against Australia and showed yet again what a good tournament team they are. If things don’t pan out England’s way and they finish second in their group, it could be the Germans in the knockout stages. Oh dear! NORTH KOREA They may come from one of the most despised countries on earth but no-one could fault their sense of purpose against Brazil. The World’s number one team was made to look pretty ordinary by the hard working Koreans, who defended with skill, challenged for every ball, ran their legs off and even scored at the death. They were also scrupulously fair opponents and received not one yellow card. What a better place the World would be if their politicians followed suit. SWITZERLAND (VERSUS SPAIN) In the words of one famous ex Norwegian commentator (well nearly)....General Franco; Rafael Nadal; Prime Minister Zapatero; El Cid; Pedro Almodovar; Salvador Dali; Severiano Ballesteros; Enrique Iglesias; Pablo Picasso...your boys took one hell of a beating! MISSES - FABIO CAPELLO Having guided England through a magnificent qualifying run, the Italian made some strange decisions before and during the 1 – 1 draw with the USA. James Milner clearly wasn’t 100% fit and should never have played. And, having replaced him on 30 minutes, why use SWP instead of Joe Cole? Also, I’m not sure that telling the players only 2 hours before kickoff that they are in the team works. Is that enough time to prepare? Not for me. THE JABULANI BALL Adidas maintains that the World Cup ball has gone through more testing than a wheezing hypochondriac with self diagnosed OCD, stress and yellow fever. But many of the players have struggled to get to grips with it, goalkeepers hate it, the number of goals scored is less than in recent tournaments (at this stage) and, watching from afar, it just doesn’t look right. EDDY MAILLET Who’s he you may be asking. Answer – a 42-year-old referee from the Seychelles. You might also ask what is he doing officiating at the World Cup, bearing in mind that he sharpens his skills on a weekly diet of matches involving the likes of Northern Dynamo, Light Stars FC and St Michel United FC (sponsored by M & S no doubt). He took charge of the Honduras v Chile game and was poor. Top refs for top tournaments please. THAT JACKET AND JUMPER COMBO WORN BY BRAZIL BOSS DUNGA Looked like a cross between a mountaineer and a Beatles wannabe SHOCKER Robert Green: Nuff said.

By Steve Hibberd WITH ONLY 1 match of the season remaining, this defeat inside the Nuevo Stadium, Huelva, broke the hearts of eternally optimistic Cartagena fans, who now must accept that promotion to La Liga is mathematically impossible. For such an important match, the men from one of Spain’s major naval ports seemed strangely subdued throughout the 1st half - and their hosts weren’t exactly on fire! Early on, Huelva striker Aitor shot agonisingly over the bar but it wasn’t until 40 minutes that the visitors threatened. Through on goal, De Lucas wasted a golden opportunity to open the scoring when he horribly screwed his shot well wide of the post from only 5 yards out. At the end of normal time, Ruben, under threat of an aerial challenge by Carmona, bravely punched away an in-swinging corner. It was Carmona who last season scored the all important winning goal for Los Albinegros against Alcoyano in the div 2b play-offs, before sadly moving to Reacreativo in the close of season over a pay dispute. With the second half less than a minute old, Etxeita inexplicably played a suicidal back pass straight into the path of Reacreativo no 18, Braulio. Although Ruben was alert to the danger, Braulio kept his head before placing a well struck shot under the body of the crestfallen keeper. This seemed to galvanise the visitors

into a belated sense of urgency, but not before Aitor almost doubled his sides’ advantage - his shot edging the wrong side of the post. Twice within 5 minutes, Toche could have scored for Cartagena. His accurate shot was well saved; then a powerful header just missed the target. In the closing minutes, the final Cartagena effort went to Herrero, but unfortunately he suffered the same luck as Toche. Ruben saved well from Carmona when faced with a 1 on 1, as the final seconds of injury time signalled the end of a dream - for now!! FC CARTAGENA LINEUP Ruben Exposito Etxeita Herrero Clavero (Signorino) Mariano Falcon (Longas) De Lucas Victor Toche Balboa (Lafuente) FORTHCOMING FIXTURE Roll up, roll up for the final div 2a match of season 2009/2010. Albacete visit Cartagonova Stadium on Saturday 19th June, KO 18.00. Although Cartagena have nothing left to play for (whatever happens, they will finish the season in 5th place), relegation threatened Albacete need to win to ensure survival. Visit www. futbolclubcartagena.com or www.gotocartago.com for further info on FC Cartagena.

Another massive turnout for Javea’s Mini Bulls rugby LAST SUNDAY saw the fourth `Come &Try It ` day for junior rugby players from ages 5 – 16. For the last four weeks we have seen enthusiastic young players from all nationalities joining in the fun and games on the Arenal Beach in Javea. Each week the coaches have increased the junior players` knowledge of the game and last Sunday the turnout was biggest so far as more players from the local Spanish schools joined the fun, due to our senior players taking time out to visit the local schools every day this week to introduce rugby to teachers and pupils. The last of the `Come & Try It` days is this Sunday 20th June and instead of on the beach will be held at the new Javea Bulls Rugby ground situated behind CD Javea`s football club. To celebrate the great success of the launch of the Bulls’s Youth section, a Family Day BBQ will be held for children and parents after the rugby has finished. We will also be giving out attendance Certificates, special Mini Bulls T shirts, plus raffles, competitions and prizes. For those attending, please be there at 10.00 and ready to start at 10.30. The BBQ will follow the rugby and begin around 12.00. For those wishing to come along for the first time and enjoy the family day out just complete a simple registration form and it’s free to join in. Information about the Javea Bulls Summer Sports Camp, the junior league and training, which starts in September, will be available this Sunday and also in the form of a Mini Bulls Newsletter, with further information about the club from Stacy (Club Administrator) on 650 231 013 or email stacy.spencerbarclay@javeabulls.com IMPORTANT NOTICE: Sunday 20th is at the rugby ground not at the beach.

Last Sunday the turnout was biggest so far

Carp-R-Us news THE FINAL match in the Spring series was fished on the River Segura in Murcia town centre. The river was milky and the fish were in poor condition. We had a problem with a pair of Spanish fishermen who were blocking the tow path with their van and tackle. If they had read the Legal Murcian Federation notices which were displayed informing everyone that we had booked that stretch of the water, there would not have been any problem. The younger one started to throw his bottle and toys out of his pram, but when we took photographs of them and their van and informed them that we were going to call the Guardia Civil, they moved off very quickly. The first of the Summer series of matches will be on 24th June at the Embalse del Argos in Murcia. The next Quiz night is on Tuesday 29th June, 19.00 for a 19.30 start at one Euro each with a finger buffet provided. The next Club meeting is on Sunday 4th July at 11.00. The Committee meets at 10.00. The Club’s next Petanca and coffee morning will be on Tuesday 6th July from 10.30. All these events take place at the Club’s home at the Bar El Alto La Dolores, off the new roundabout on the N 332 between La Mata and Guardamar. Anyone wishing to find out more about the Club, contact the secretary Stuart Thompson on 966 717 920 or visit: www.carprus.net

ANYONE FOR FOOTBALL? Aged between 20 to 40 ? Torrevieja area Call Doug on 628 789 335

Wallet, car keys, house keys… THE VAST majority of golfers take their valuables to the golf course with them, giving little or no Noel’s world thought to what they will do with of golf them when they get there: the car keys; the credit cards and wallet By Noel Eastwell with cash carrying other valuable Professional coach and RTN golf expert ID and information within; jew639 730 891 elry; the list could go on and on... What care do we take with these valuables? Not much if we are all honest. How many of us have sat down and thought about how much value we have in our golf bags when out on the golf course? Just think for a minute: a set of irons can cost €700 or more; three woods can cost €500 or more; a putter €200 or more; then there’s the golf bag itself at €200 or more. Without too much effort, golfers can have a bag of goodies that would cost around €2,000 plus to replace. The amount is frightening when we give a little thought to it, I am sure you will agree. Now be honest when you answer the next question: how many times do you leave your golf bag outside the professional’s shop of golf clubhouse when checking in or having a coffee or a chat with your pals? I would not mind betting that more than 50% of us would say that they do so without even thinking how attractive our golf bags are to op

portunist thief; someone who is becoming more and more prominent in our part of the World nowadays. The thief will not get the full value for your bags and its contents but that is no consolation when you have lost your keys, wallet and a lot more besides. Worse will come when you report the matter to your insurers and they tell you that you are not covered for such losses, as you did not take ‘reasonable care’ of your property. We are very fortunate in our part of Spain: crime is not as bad as it is in other parts of the World but in recession it will get worse. Next time you go to the golf club think for a minute just how valuable the contents of your golf bag are. Above I mention leaving the golf bag outside the clubhouse; what about the areas of the golf course where we walk back to a tee or a green and leave our clubs 100m or more away? This gives the thief a great chance to take what he wants and be away before we have a chance of getting near him. Very few of us could give anyone a 100 metre start and have a chance of catching them. Okay maybe he will not be able to get all our gear but he could easily get a driver or putter or wallet without our noticing until it was too late. Recently I was told of an incident where a pick up truck was used as a getaway vehicle and even the electric trolleys of all four golfers were taken never to be seen again. Think how you would feel in these circumstances. THE PROFESSIONAL TOURS This weekend we see the second ‘Major’ of the year, The US Open at Tiger Woods’s favourite course, Pebble Beach in California. The Championship could well see Tiger replaced as world number one by Phil Mickelson. The European players are in fine form and the likes of

Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and others are in fine form and could give England it’s first victory in the event since Jackin over 40 years ago. This could be the most open of all the ‘majors’ for a few years and should provide much excitement. 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 JUNE 2010: Who won the 2010 US Masters? A. Phil Mickelson B. Lee Westwood C. Luke Donald All answers must be received no later than 17.00 on 28th June 2010 to be entered into June’s draw, to be made on 30th June. The winner will be announced in RTN on July 2nd 2010. TOP QUALITY COACHING WITH NOEL Noel is a member of The World Golf Teachers Federation and has been nominated for inclusion in the list of the Worlds Top 100 coaches. Call him on 639 730 891 to book an appointment and tell him you got his number from RTN for discounted rates.

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

Cricket in the Hondón Valley THERE COMES a time in every gentleman’s life when they should resist the lure of competitive sport. However, when the Hondón de Los Frailes Neighbourhood Watch challenged the Hondón Valley Branch of the Royal British Legion to a game of cricket, they enthusiastically accepted. On a sultry hot Friday morning in early June, the pitch was marked on the green asphalt surface of the local seven-a-side playing surface. The rules were agreed, teams briefed and the RBL President’s XI (having won the toss) invited the much younger Neighbourhood Watch team to bat. Within the hour, the less mature NW team - bronzed of limb and athletic in movement - racked up an impressive tally of 162 for 8 within the prescribed 20 overs. The RBL fielders, despite having a brace of Yorkshiremen in the team, suffered some minor scuffs and grazes and regrettably lacked the agility to combat a sparkling batting display

18 - 24 june 2010

Fishing

strated the competitive spirit of our resolute campaigners but were both dismissed as we edged our way slowly to double figures. The NW’s team of demon bowlers eventually dispatched Steve Suffield, Bill Watt, Dave Stewart, Malcolm Barrett, Nigel Hails, Geoff Larder, Peter Broadbent and AN Other for a disappointing 68! Senor Eleuterio Jover Garcia, the Mayor of Hondón de Las Frailes, graciously presented

a silvered cup to the captain of the winning team who was enthusiastically applauded by the assembled crowd: proud to have witnessed the first cricketing spectacle held in the Hondón Valley. RBL post match analysis provided little in the form of constructive improvement, but agreed that, limbs and lungs permitting, we would do it all again next year ... hopefully on grass! Contributed by PNB

Costa Blanca round-up

Maggots end by

David Hoare

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Rods and Reels THIS WEEK was for some anglers a double match week, with the knockout series and the summer championship. The 2nd round of the knockout was held on the Rio Segura at the Eden canal stretch. The river is still fishing well, for not only the small fish but also for some of the resident animals. This was proved by Bill Reade who lost 3rd spot by only 20 gramms. However, he hooked and lost 9 big fish: “Oh, the joys of match fishing…” 1st Lenny (Ex Cultural Attachee) Bolton, fishing the pole using maggot with 8.620 kilos 2nd Pete (The Peg) Hampshire, fishing the pole using maggot and corn with 6.920 kilos 3rd Paul (Poco Loco) Baxter, fishing the pole using maggot with 5.320 kilos The 7th round of the summer championship was held on the Embalse de Ojos. The venue again failed to really produce on the day with only one good weight. After fishing the venue on Monday and having a pretty good day it was expected to fish quite well. Alas that was not to be, with several anglers not weighing in and the majority only catching one fish each. Jim Rouse started off in spectacular fashion: as he was setting up his feeder rod he managed to lose his tip section into the lake ‘never to be seen again’. That with one fish in 6 ½ hours didn’t make a good day out or a ‘happy camper’.

RBL Neighbourhood watch cricket match

by their much younger opponents. For a team who last bowled seriously in the 1950’s or 60’ the RBL bowling was surprisingly accurate: on occasions it had both pace and variety but occasionally faltered mid-wicket. The sun was at its highest as the RBL President’s IX – having, by this time, lost a couple to early morning injuries, took to the wicket. The opening pair of Tony Dengate and Malcolm Thomson demon-

Jacaranda trees that are the backdrop of the scenery when fishing at Murcia

Top rods on the day: 1st Lenny (Ex Cultural Attachee) Bolton, fishing the pole using paste with 18.100 kilos 2nd Bill (The Master) Reade, fishing the feeder using corn and pellet with 7.78 kilos 3rd Harold (H) Clarke, fishing the pole using pellet and corn with 6.600 kilos A point of clarification from last week: the anglers who were caught by the police without insurance were not members of any angling club. However, it does show that by joining one of the local clubs, you will be aware of all the local rules and laws. ANGLERS TOGETHER continues to grow with firm friendships being formed since the group started 4 years ago. Many members fish together regularly and say they are happy to have taken up a sport to replace golf and the like, which have become so expensive. We have the occasional organised outing but the main aim is to introduce members to fishing companions and to assist in finding venues. It costs €10 to join for the first year and €5 per annum for each year after. If you are interested in joining or finding out more about Anglers Together, then either come along to one of the meetings or contact Alan below. e mail:anglerstogether@ gonuts4free.com or Tel: Alan Roscoe 968 570 876.