RTN North Edition 581

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Issue 581

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NORTH EDITION

Check the electoral roll

EXPATS WANTING to vote in next year’s local elections are advised to check the electoral roll to insure they have a voice come polling day. • p5

Home for rescued animals

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

Promotional campaign sees excellent feedback

ANIMALS RESCUED from the streets and countryside around Pego will find sanctuary in a new centre built in the orange groves. • p7

by Louise Clarke A CAMPAIGN to promote the Costa Blanca in the UK is well under way in ten British cities and organisers of the promotional campaign has said this week that they are already getting some excellent feedback.

The Tourism Council of the Costa Blanca has installed images from the province of Alicante in 23 tube and railway stations in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield.

The campaign, reported in RTN last month, has been launched in collaboration with HOSBEC, the association that is made up of hotels and travel agents from the province. The objective of the initiative is to attract visitors from the UK to the Costa Blanca in time for the next summer season.

It is well known that the majority of holidays are booked in January after the festive season is over and when people need something to look forward to. It is anticipated that the promotional material will be seen by more than 2.5 million people and all the posters have been placed in railway stations of cities which have the greater transit of passengers, to increase the visibility of the campaign.

New Masonic Temple

Grand Opening on Saturday 11th December • p12

Does your company have the ‘x-factor?’

The Business Doctors believe that changes to a company’s image are an excellent way not only to gain new customers but also establish closer relationships with existing clients • p29

Does your property have rent appeal?

SUPERMARKETS The posters are already making an impact in railway stations across the UK

Find out • p35

What a season!

Noels world of golf. • p63

See page 17

The Director of the Tourism Council, Gema Amor, told RTN: “The importance of this campaign is that as the British market begins to plan its summer holidays after Christmas, the Costa Blanca will be forefront in their minds and hopefully the promotional material will influence the holidaymakers’ final decision as to where to spend their summer holidays.” continued on page 4

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Edita : Round Town News Group SL : Servicios De Impresion S.A.- Deposito Legal : South A-853-1999 / North: A-134-2004 Vall de Biar 14, 03530 La Nucia, Alicante. Distribution: iDs Logística. info@idss.es Alcoycourrier.SL Tel: 676 473 875

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OR In person at one of our following agents

AGENTS NORTH

ROUND TOWN TRAVEL 1, Avenida Dr Severo Ochoa, 1, Urb. El Admiral, Local 1 Lisa 966 811 123 ROUND TOWN TRAVEL 2, Calle Gerona, 39 (Next to Hotel Ambassador) Kerry/Gemma 966 813 261 ROUND TOWN TRIPS, Calle Narcisco Yepes, 4, Local 8, Albir, 03581, Alicante.Lee/Jackie 966 867 294 PROMINENT, Teulada Industrial Est. Calle Llanterner, 2 alto, 03725, Teulada, Alicante. Marja 965 793 229 QUICKSAVE, Partida Murtar 2/2, Pedreguer, Alicante. Andrew Thomas 966 456 157 MILLIE MUNRO INSURANCE, Avenida Lepanto, 6. Millie 966 493 082 • millie@milliemunro.com EASYBUY, Avenida del Portet 24, Moraira. 03724 Alicante 965 745 969 ICUK FOODS SL, C/Gulliem de Casto, 8 Bajo, Oliva 46780 962 839 830 • icukfoodssl@hotmail.com

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 JOHNSONS EL LIMONAR, JCP Commercial Center, Local 31, Los Altos Del Limonar, Torrevieja, 966 785 600 JOHNSONS QUESADA, Ava. Las Naciononies 1a -17, Quesada, 966 717 848 JOHNSONS ALGORFA, Local 30, Commercial Center La Finca Golf, Algorfa, 966 729 647 THE POST ROOM, Centro Comercial 5, Via Park III, Calle Panticosa Nº 2, Los Altos, Orihuela Costa, Alicante.

Aoife/Chris 965 319 665 aoifesweeney@hotmail.com PENNYS SUPERMARKET, Flamenca Beach Comercial Centre, Unit 123, Playa Flamenca, 03189, Peter/Sarah 966 733 257 • bulldogstores@live.com PRINT SOLUTIONS, Avenida Londres 136, La Marina Urb, San Fulgencio, 03177, Alicante.

Jim/Trish 966 790 520 • jim@printsolutionsspain.com INTERPOST, Avenida de la Alegria Nº 32, Malika/Malcolm 965 419 673 • Inter-post100@live.com VILLAMARTIN SATELLITE CENTRE, Avenida Las Brisas 33, Alicante. (Near Supervalu, Los Dolses) Sarah/Heather 966 764 878 • villamartinsatellitecentre@yahoo.co.uk BEST WISHES, Local 30, Comercial Centre Hispania, Avda de la Union 72, San Javier, 30730, Murcia.

Kathy 968 192 235 kaffywalker@hotmail.com ONONIX MAR SL, Calle Mayor 30, bajo derecha, Guardamar, 03140, Alicante. Ron/Alicia 965 728 178 aliciamuddle@ononix.com

BENIDORM BENIDORM ALBIR TEULADA PEDREGUER BENITACHELL MORAIRA OLIVA

SAN MIGUEL TORREVIEJA QUESADA ALGORFA ORIHUELA ORIHUELA SAN FULGENCIO LA MARINA VILLAMARTIN MURCIA GUARDAMAR

See our article on Page 26

Deadly switchback

by Jack Troughton ANGRY RESDENTS are demanding action to remove a notorious accident blackspot before the Costa Blanca road claims lives.

Switchback bends on the CV-741linking Benissa to the coastal communities between Moraira and Calpe, and the village of Benimarco, are accepted to be hazardous.

The danger on the busy country road is not speeding drivers but is blamed on bad engineering and a faulty camber on the tight corners.

Between the Benimarco junction at SupermercadoPerles and Benissa itself, drivers must negotiate steep hills and a series of double bends – warning signs litter the roadside but it is the tilt of the road surface that is the acknowledged pitfall.

Residents confronted Mayor of Benissa Juan BautisaRosello with the problem at a meeting, only for the politician to tell them the road was the responsibility of the provincial government in Alicante.

INJURY

Gunter Klassen said his wife had been injured in a car accident on the CV-741two years ago but nothing had been done despite years of “serious accidents.”

He told the mayor: “There are extremely dangerous parts of the road where for years there have been serious accidents. With very little rain many cars

have come off the road – you must have statistics on these accidents. “The reason for these accidents is not that of speed but the bad construction of the cambers on the bends. The levels are wrong.”

And he said: “We believe before all the other municipal works that are being carried out, one should protect one’s citizens and correct technical faults.

“This technical fault is a big, big danger. People could die; it could happen after the next rain.”

ACCIDENT

Another householder told the mayor: “Tell the Alicante boys that they are responsible for every accident that happens.” And another resident called for action to be taken urgently. “It is a matter of life and death.”

The mayor said the Deputacion de Alicante was responsible for maintaining the CV-741. “We have raised this with them a lot of times because the problem is the camber at bends. We have communicated this many times.

“If anyone has an accident on that part of the road, they should make a claim against Alicante.”

However, his response did little to pacify the meeting. One resident remarked: “It is a little late if you are killed!”

The CV-741 switchback looking towards Benissa

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Mon y Frida pm -1 10am

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Crescendo sing again at Dolores

Temperatures plummet

Marie Sills on the left and Margot Gay on the right

by Louise Clarke CRESCENDO INTERNATIONAL Choir sang again in Dolores church for their restoration fund and raised over €200 for the collection. Their concert was so well received last year, they were asked back to perform a selection of their best loved pieces including the Spanish ‘Sin Ti’ and ‘I Believe/ Ave Maria’. Performed for the first time was ‘Living Love’ by Vivienne Gee, a choir member, set to the music of ‘Poeme’

by Zdenek Fibich.

Chas Smith conducted with his usual flair, inviting everyone to join in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘Unchained Melody’ in a variety of languages!

Accompanist Sue Trick worked overtime as always, playing for choir, soloists, and performing a beautiful Chopin Sonata.

The two soloists for the evening were both local members. Marie Sills, a regular worshiper at the church, studied

music at Trinity college of Music, London. Her lovely voice filled the church with ‘Art Thou Troubled’ by Handel from his opera ‘Rodelinda’. Margot Gay, whose previous experience has been as an amateur in chorus and cameo parts of musicals, chose ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ from ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’.

George Bright sang the solo part in ‘All Through the Night’ and Carol Durman the top soprano line in ‘Easter Hymn’. To finish the evening, the choir circled the church to sing their unaccompanied ‘Blessing of Aaron’, the finale to a memorable concert.

FUTURE DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: CHAS’ Singalong at Casa Ventura on Friday 10th December: 19.30 Concert in La Zenia Church on Sunday 12th December Concert at Torrevieja Christian Fellowship on Wednesday 15th December.

THE COLD weather last week saw temperatures drop to well below zero across Spain. Bello (Teruel), Benasque (Huesca) and Palacios de la Sierra all experienced temperatures of -9.9 degrees Celsius.

The Canary Islands were

battered by winds reaching 192km/hr, and a 36-year-

old man was left seriously injured in Tenerife when

the wind blew a metal door, which hit him on the head.

Farmer kills intruder

A FARMER could face homicide charges for shooting and killing an intruder on his land last Saturday in Córdoba. The farmer, named A.T.C. found three men on his land, threatened them with his gun and then proceeded to shoot, killing one man. The other men escaped. Police say that the intruders were planning to rob the farm. The farmer is awaiting judgment pending the results of an autopsy.

continued from

front page The final part of the campaign will see posters in travel agencies throughout the UK, dozens of taxis in each of the main cities in the UK will have promotional panels on them and illuminated poster panels in many of the four main supermarkets: Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons and Waitrose.

Ms Amor added: “This is a cross-sectional campaign that uses different marketing supports to be able to diversify our presence and to promote the Costa Blanca to the maximum people possible. The promotion in railway stations has already given us some excellent feedback and we look forward to seeing the same sort of results when the final phase of the campaign is put into action.”

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Check the electoral roll

by Jack Troughton EXPATS WANTING to vote in next year’s local elections are advised to check the electoral roll to insure they have a voice come polling day.

The advice was issued as the Diputacion de Alicante’s ‘Did You Know’ roadshow made its final call at Moraira after a series of meetings through the province explaining both the municipal register, the Padron, and the Censo Electoral.

Spanish citizens are automatically included on the electoral roll – but citizens of the European Union, who are entitled to vote in local and European Parliament elections, must declare their intention to do so.

And expats are advised in the campaign ‘No Vote, No Voice’ that they should register on the Padron at their town hall and the Censo

Electoral before 31stDecember – with polling day on 22nd next year.

Residents told the panel they knew of examples of people “falling off” the electoral register and turning up at polling stations only to be turned away without casting a ballot.

ELECTION

Prof. Rafael Aguillo maintained EU citizens only needed to ask for a vote once – and they would be included on the electoral roll for all elections called.

However, he said that when people went to sign the municipal register and also inquired about the Censo they sometimes made a mistake and ticked the wrong box, mistakenly indicating they did not want to vote.

“For someone to be removed from the electoral roll they must first have

Miracle at the manor EXCITED YOUNGSTERS queued to meet Father Christmas and his helpers on Sunday in the grounds of the historic Casa Santajona.

Kids too young to remember ‘Miracle on 54th Street’ found a little magic at the third annual Christmas at the Manor – the festive celebration in Beniarbeig.

Hundreds attended to enjoy food, drink and an afternoon’s entertainment at an event that comes closest to capturing the elusive Dickensian spirit of Christmas, and for many living on the Costa Blanca launches thatspecial Yuletide feeling.

And children cared for by the charity EMAUS were special guests of organiser Little Black Dress Events – screaming in delight at spotting Papa Noel and receiving a present from the bearded man in red.

Santa & helpers

been removed from the municipal register when the town hall has checked whether they are a resident or not,” he said.

However, the professor conceded they were “a living file and it can be altered and because it is typed by humans there is a margin of error.”

He said the law allowed a period – next year a final week between 4th and 11thApril – for residents to check the local electoral roll and to appeal to be included.

COMPLAIN

“It gives time to file a complaint and avoid the disagreeable experience of turning up at the polling station and not being able to vote,” said the professor of political science.

He said the registers changed “every day” and the situation for expats was more complex because they had to declare the intention to vote.

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Prof Aguillo (left) makes a point.

And he advised people could ring 901 101 900 to check their details were correct on the electoral roll.

The Diputacion de Alicante’s department for European residents has an interactive website www.res-

identeseuropeos.com with information and a facility to ask questions.

The British Embassy in Madrid also has information on voting in Spain at http://ukinspain.fco.gov. uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/

The Jubilee Jazz Band The Jubilee Jazz Band will take a long rest from its residency at Monroe’s Carvery this Christmas.

The last performance this year is Tuesday 7th December. Next year, we return on Tuesday 18th January, but the performances will be every second week.

Don’t forget that we are in Facebook and have our own website too www.thejubileejazzband.com

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Don’t Come a CROPPER in Spain

by Louise Clarke THAT WAS the message given to dozens of British residents from San Javier this week when the British Consulate held its popular road show in the town.

Accompanied by the Mayor, Pepa Garcia, the British Consul, Paul Rodwell, welcomed the 80 or so residents to the meeting which has been designed to give residents information on Consular services as well as up to date details about every-

thing relating to working in Spain, pensions and healthcare from the Consulate based DWP team.

More than 300,000 people live within the Alicante Consular District, which includes the regions of Valencia and Murcia and the province of Albacete. The new message that is being relayed by the British Embassy in Madrid is ‘Don’t Come a CROPPER in Spain’ and they have used the acronym CROPPER to reiterate several important messages: C - Call the Consulate. Don’t leave it until it is too late before you call for advice.

R – Rights and entitlements. Know what you are entitled to.

O – Official Sources. Don’t trust rumours and gossip, get official advice.

P – Plan and prepare for the future, not just when you come to Spain but if you return to UK P – Padron. Make sure that you are registered on the padron at your Town Hall.

E – Engage with the Spanish and try to integrate into Spanish society R – Responsibilities. Inform the authorities of any changes in circumstances.

BUSY

British Consul, Paul Rodwell speaks to San Javier’s British Residents

Interestingly, some of the facts and figures given at the meeting were quite astonishing, such as that 30% of all the consular work in the World is carried out by the Iberian Consular Network and in 2009, the Alicante Consulate issue 1,400 emergency passports, helped 500 bereaved families, assisted 150 vulnerable people who were in dire need and advised 600 British detainees in local prisons.

Alicante is also the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s busiest Consulate in the whole of the World, so when you think that the team of eleven at the Alicante Consulate don’t do anything to help, think again! The Consulate has clear guidance given to them by the UK government and audience was told what they can and can’t do to help, which includes not being able to get involved in private disputes.

The Consulate also cannot give you cash, but it can get in

touch with friends and relatives back in the UK on your behalf. They can’t get you better treatment in hospital and they can’t get you out of prison, but they can support the vulnerable and they can inform you of your rights and the law.

URBANISATION MYTHS Martyn Standing and Laura Leeman from the DWP team then went on to inform the San Javier residents about what benefits they are entitled to whilst living in Spain. Since its inception two and a half years ago, the DWP team based at the Alicante Consulate has dealt with 6,000 cases. They are THE official source of everything to do with pensions, healthcare and working here in Spain, so if in doubt, don’t listen to ‘urbanisation myths’, call the team. Martyn said: We are the official source, so if in doubt, just ask. We are the liaison service in complex cases between the UK and Spanish authorities and we can help in most cases.”

Martyn and Laura then delved into the whys and wherefores of benefits, social and healthcare and pension.

If you need to know more about what you are entitled to and details of how to get in touch with the Consulate and the DWP team, visit their extremely informative website at www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk

The San Javier Mayor, Pepa Garcia with Laura and Martyn from the DWP team

Home for rescued animals

by Jack Troughton ANIMALS RESCUED from the streets and countryside around Pego will find sanctuary in a new centre built in the orange groves.

Mayor Carmelo Ortola officially opened the Local Animal Protection Society’s sanctuary on Tuesday and paid tribute to the dedication of the LAPS team of volunteers and founder Chrissie Edwards.

The town hall has contributed building materials to the project which has its first canine guests. More kennels, runs and an office are still being constructed.

The mayor said he would insure all the legal requirements for the land and buildings would be obtained from the authorities in

Local line dancers ‘HELP’ out ORGANISED BY Barbara Ives of the Rodeo Stompers, line dancers from clubs in Calpe, Denia, Javea, Moraira and Monte Pego all joined forces on Saturday 27th November to “step it out” at the Sponsored Line Dance held at El Bolero Restaurant, La Fossa, Lavante, Calpe.

This event, in aid of HELP of Denia and Marina Alta, was once again a resounding success, raising in excess of €2,000. HELP Chair, Pat Lee Patton, was on hand to give her support, along with other representatives from HELP. Pat took this opportunity to present, from the HELP Organisation, various items including two estufas and a blood pressure monitor to David Casada, who runs the charity ADIS in Calpe. On behalf of the HELP Organisation, Pat Lee Patton thanked the line dancers for their magnificent support, stating that events of this kind enables HELP to continue giving assistance to people struggling to cope with illness and infirmity and also to give support to other charities like ADIS. To learn more about ‘HELP’ visit www.helpofdenia.com

Alicante. “I hope in the future that this sanctuary will be used to take care of animals found in this area,” he said. “This centre will be used to try and find a home for them.

“If they cannot find a new home here, they will go to a larger animal home in Alicante.”

Comedian Dave Spikey, who has a home on nearby Monte Pego, attended the ceremony and presented the charity with a cheque for €2,716 - the second time he has donated the proceeds of a gig in England to the cause.

Chrissie thanked the mayor and the comedian for their support and paid tribute to all the hard work of the team and the charity’s supporters.

She said LAPS would concentrate on rescuing dogs while SCAN – the Society for the

03 - 09 dECEMBER 2010

Care of Animals in Need – would deal with feline friends and open a cattery at the sanctuary in the coming weeks.

“Obviously the work does not finish today.

We still have a lot to achieve,” said Chrissie.

“The mayor and town hall are very supportive of the sanctuary as they are aware of the need to provide somewhere safe for Cutting the abandoned animals to be kept safe. So the ribbon: far this year we have helped 103 dogs and 51 (from left) cats.

Mayor Carmelo “I look forward to many years of working Ortola, with the people of Pego and the continued Chrissie support of many friends – together we can dwards and make life a little better for the unwanted animals and hopefully give them a second comedian Dave chance.”

Spikey.

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WE HAVE just encountered a challenging year to say the least and we all have experiences of the crisis - yet if you are the owner of a restaurant in these difficult times you must provide 110% quality of food, ambience, hygiene and customer service at the table.

To date my favourite Indian restaurant here in Spain is the Punjabi Palace. I have challenged others to excite my taste buds, and some have come close with either their meat or their sauce suiting my taste but none getting the combination just perfect for the fussy Sheriff.

What do most of us crave? A few glasses of fine wine or a few pints of ice cold lager followed by the traditional curry fix. Why not combine both at the most popular Indian restaurants here on the Costa Blanca – Punjabi Palace (Los Montesinos) and La Murada.

Both restaurants invite you to join them on New Year’s Eve (Hogmanay for The Sheriff ) where you will be served with the finest Indian cuisine by the professionals.

The management and staff at Punjabi Palace take great pride in providing you with simply the best curries available here in Spain.

Join Andy, Phil, Bali and the crew are at the restaurants this New Year’s Eve and I will be there at some point for my New Year’s curry, prior to my other engagements.

Some comments made by visitors to Punjabi Palace: “We were staying overnight near Los Montesinos and thought we would try the Punjabi Palace. We were not disappointed; the food and the service was excellent......the choice of food on the menu was never ending (there was something for everyone’s taste) needless to say the next time we are in Los Montisenos, The Punjabi Palace will be the first port of call for a evening meal” “Andy, Phil and Bali and the team at this fantastic restaurant made sure that 25 of us had a brilliant night. The food is the best Indian food I have ever eaten, the service is perfect (and very entertaining) and the atmosphere is wonderful. Sorting out a party was no problem for the staff - they even rang me to confirm the numbers and couldn’t do enough for us! Will always come back here whenever I return to Spain” - many thanks again from Gail and all girls” I only recommend the best…… Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from The Sheriff and all at Punjabi Palace: call us now and reserve your table.

Cliff Roberts - Sales & Marketing Director - RTN 2010 Don’t just advertise Market your Business or Service via The Sheriff & RTN Call 678 571 117

Blind date goes gold

David and Sandra

by Jack Troughton GOLDEN COUPLE David and Sandra Garnett celebrated 50 years of marriage last week after meeting on a theatrical blind date.

They met in Yorkshire in 1959 – the day the iconic Mini first drove the UK streets – and married at Sheffield Registry Office three months later.

Both are now members of Javea Players, and David, at the time an art student in Doncaster, made an instant impression by turning up in full Victorian costume, inherited from a friend.

Sandra told RTN she had been “confined to the house” for staying out too late and had to beg to be allowed to go to a jazz club with her future husband.

“I didn’t know how weird he was. He turned up in spats, beautiful trousers, a frock coat, beret, and carrying a cigarette holder – I nearly died,” she said.

LAUGH And David added: “It went on from there and all our lives we have laughed; it was one long laugh and we still laugh a lot.”

The couple, who have four sons and nine grandchildren, retired to Spain in 1999, moving into their Moraira home in December that year.

David held down a variety of jobs before deciding to return to college and qualify as a teacher. Sandra, as well as being a full time mum, trained as a nursery nurse but became a social worker and for 19 years specialised in

child care. Both took early retirement when their careers became dominated by rules and red tape.

David accepted redundancy from his job working with youngsters with behavioural problems and became a house husband, and Sandra later handed in her notice “…when I could not take it anymore and did not do what I had trained for.”

HOUSESIT They first came to Spain to housesit for a month and decided to move to the Costa Blanca rather than France. David enjoys being a member of the Marina Alta Classic Car Club and Javea Players and is often spotted behind the wheel of his 1962 Citroen 2CV. At Javea Players – where he first helped out backstage as a lighting technician and set designer, “…they got me up on stage as an actor – then someone realised I had directed, so I am also a director.”

Sandra helps out with the props and wardrobe with the theatre group, and also works in the charity shops in Moraira and Teulada. “I love it because you meet Spaniards and Moroccans, a whole cross section of the community – I feel I am giving something back to Spain.”

David and Sandra celebrated the milestone with a party at the El Caserio Restaurant in Moraira, after earlier travelling to Ireland to be with family – and plan a third knees up back in England with other family and friends.

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Opening of the new Masonic Temple EVERYONE IS cordially invited to the Grand Opening of the New Costa Nova Masonic Temple. The Freemasons of the Province of Valencia are opening the doors of their New Temple on Saturday 11th December from 11.00 until 16.00 to ANYONE who would like to visit and learn something about the workings of Freemasonry.

The Temple on Costa Nova in Javea is just past the Riu Rau Restaurant and adjacent to L’Eshalot Restaurant.

Freemasons will be on-hand to show visitors their working environment and the History of Freemasonry.

For further information on the Open Day or any other matter related to Freemasonry please contact Ray Horn rayhorn38@gmail.com

Mayor’s festive duty

Mayor of Ondara Ximo Ferrando (centre) with Oscar Pastor (right) director of the centre

by Jack Troughton MAYOR OF Ondara Ximo Ferrando performed an important and pleasant civic duty when he switched on the Christmas lights at the Portal de la Marina shopping centre.

Tuesday’s ceremony marked the start of an important month for the commercial centre as people begin the serious task of buying presents and stocking up on goodies for the celebrations of Christmas Day and Three Kings.

However, to help lighten the load and keep everyone in festive spirits the Portal de la Marina has decked out the halls with wonderful decorations – exclusively designed for the centre by Victorio and Lucchino. At the foot of a giant and very modern Christmas tree, the mayor acknowledged December was an important month for all the shops and restaurants at the centre.

“Portal de la Marina is not only important for the local economy in Ondara,” he said. “It is important for the economy of the whole of the Marina Alta.”

Bay Radio is running an ‘Advent Calendar’ during breakfast shows for La Marina from 1st December to 24th December, where listeners phone in to answer a question, entering in a daily draw for a prize. They also have a 30 second advert from 1st December to 5th January, detailing events and promotions at La Marina over Christmas. The shopping centre is open every Sunday in December and the first two Sundays in January.

Steiner Waldorf School Christmas Fair

THE STEINER Waldorf Christmas Fair will be held on Saturday 11th December from 11.00 till 18.00 at the school, with all kinds of Festive Fayre available.

There will be displays of the children’s work; books

for sale; handmade toys on offer; demonstrations on Steiner Waldorf School teaching methods; creative workshops and even a puppet show.

Musical performances will add to the festive

fun. Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with the children on this very special day.

For more information call 965 861 080 or visit www.escuala-waldorf.org

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Fiddle band needed!

A GROUP of us are organising a Burns Night, here in Camposol, near Mazarron, Murcia on Friday, 21st January.

All the arrangements are falling into place, i.e. a piper, food, haggis, neeps and tatties, speakers and poem readers, etc There is one aspect where we hope you can help: we would dearly like to have an accordion/fiddle band, but to date cannot find one. Does anyone know of such a band or even an accordionist on his/her own? If so, please contact TomWills on 968 970 630 or email helenwills46@ yahoo.com Tom Wills, Camposol, Murcia

Car crashes THANKS FOR your front page story last week, regarding numerous car crashes at a road junction.

Let’s hope San Fulgencio Council will now paint some road markings, not only there, but at every crossroads and T junction on the Urb. If a driver approaches a junction, he expects to see a white line in the middle of the road, then either a thick white line across denoting he has to stop, or a triangle denoting he has to give way.

Most roads have nothing, and only a few have markings but they have faded so much they are barely visible; that’s the reason we have so many smashes. Come on the Council, get your paint brushes out (but I’m not holding my breath).

Dave Moore

mail

talk tous

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

Email: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

letter of the week

Capital punishment A SUBJECT I am passionate about has been bought to the media’s attention worldwide by the Spanish prime minister, who attended an international commission against the death penalty, held recently at the Moncios Palace.

Zapatero stated, “The death penalty is an abomination.” Is it not also an abomination against the person murdered?

Today I read that a young woman in England was raped and brutally murdered. The perpetrator’s punishment is a custodial sentence of a minimum of 30 years in a holiday camp with bars; three good meals a day; first class medical care; no worries about rising utility bills and lots of recreational activities to

help pass the time to help him pass the time until some ‘do-gooder’ says this sentence was too long halfway through and reduces it. His victim, however, long forgotten, will never see her daughter grow up.

They only think of this poor wretch, languishing in jail and costing a lot of money to keep. They talk about human rights - what about the rights of the victim and her family?

As you are forced to tighten your belt as it gets more expensive just to live, think about the cost of keeping this murderer for 30 years at today’s prices: a staggering £1,200,000.

Regards, John, La Zenia

An idiot’s choice I WAS in two minds as to whether to bother responding to Adam Simmons criticisms last week of the content of my letter published 19th November. I know criticising cigarette smokers invariably generates a hostile response.

However, I have decided to respond.

I think it is to be expected that any minority with an underlying fear of what the consequences an addiction they cannot control might bring them, will respond in a defensive manner.

Putting the dangers of such things as alcohol addiction on a par with smoking in this argument is illogical as a justification for continuing the habit.

How can anyone say, for example, “There are people driving around with an excess of alcohol in their blood that are a danger to themselves and to the public; therefore I am justified in adding to that danger by continuing to smoke.”

Incidentally, according to information available on line, (http://www.publications. parliament.uk) alcoholism is second to smoking as the biggest cancer risk factor in the UK - but that is another story.

As for Mr Simmons threat to increase his nicotine consumption to spite me, this really is a knee jerk reaction and I know not seriously meant, otherwise it really would be an idiot’s choice; furthermore, what is patronising about drawing attention to the legal warnings on cigarette packages?

For the life of me I cannot understand what is in the mind of a smoker, who stands in a knot of people, holding in his hand a packet of cigarettes with a visible warning, printed in large capitals that reads something like “Smoking is a danger to yourself and those around you”.

Can I just make this personal for a moment? Twenty years ago, I sat at the bedside of

someone close to me (a nonsmoker) and watched her die of lung cancer, due, what was attributed at that time, to the effects of second hand smoke at her place of work.

This denied her husband a loving wife; her presence at her daughter and son’s marriages; deprived her daughter and son of a mother and later, their children of a grandmother.

Currently, I have a 63-year-old brother undergoing surgery for multiple arterial aneurisms that has almost resulted in a leg amputation, all due, according to his surgeon, to the effects of smoking.

He hopes he will recover to be mobile enough to look after himself.

The damage to his veins and arteries has already been done: what will happen to him next and when?

You see, tragedy can hit us all very hard and it’s always unexpected – don’t let’s go out and meet it half way. Let’s take this issue seriously.

Pilar Peon, Alicante

BrodTENS pain relief bracelet RTN’S ARTICLE last week on the revolutionary BrodTENS ultimate pain relief bracelet featured a website address that was incorrect.

BrodTENS’ correct website address is www.eternalhealth.es and enquiries may also be directed to carol@eternalhealth.es

Efforts appreciated ON BEHALF of residents concerned, just to place on record our sincere thanks for all recent efforts made by the leader of the Centro Liberal Renovador party, (CLR), Pedro Mancebo, in dealing with protracted problems relating to noise levels and other matters at Via Park III (Los Altos).

Here, we feel, after some six years of apparent indifference regarding the situation, and thanks directly to the CLR´s intervention, there now appears a reasonable level of serenity, which has made a noticeable difference to all affected.

Our gratitude also to Pedro and his team for their guidance and arbitration between residents, bar owners and indeed, Orihuela Town Hall. Their efforts, we can assure them, are most appreciated.

Yours sincerely, Alan Smeaton

Oh yes it did!

IN REPLY to ‘Anon’s letter again: did you not see my letter re your wife’s ‘new’ pension age? Anon IS WRONG when he says “This did not change years ago” - it did - 15 years ago in 1995.

I’m not sure why he wants to remain hidden as ‘Anon’ either!

Janice Gray, Torrevieja

03 - 09 dECEMBER 2010

15

Friends reunited: thanks to RTN!

by Louise Clarke WHEN SYLVIA Rigby wrote a letter to RTN praising the service that she had received from Telefonica, little did she know that it would lead to a reunion with an old work colleague she hadn’t seen for more than ten years…

When David Domoné picked up his copy of RTN and turned to the letters page, he read Sylvia’s letter and knew instantly that the Sylvia Rigby who had penned the note must be the same one he had worked with at H J Heinz in the nineties.

So he emailed RTN Editor Dawn TingeyGomez, and she forwarded the e-mail onto Sylvia. Soon they were back in touch and last week RTN went along to see them both at Sylvia’s house, where they met up for lunch.

REKINDLED

David lives in Standish near Wigan but

has a home in Cabo Roig. He and Sylvia met when they both worked at the world famous food manufacturer’s factory in Kitt Green in Wigan.

The factory is the largest food manufacturer in Europe and the pair both worked in the Soup Department; David was the production manager in charge of soups and Sylvia was in charge of numbers and issuing reports, telling each manager how many tins of soup or baked beans were produced at any given time.

The last time the pair saw each other was at Sylvia’s ‘leaving do’ in 2000 which more than 350 people attended.

David finished his career at H J Heinz in Consumer Affairs and Quality Assurance and retired from the company in 2005.

Now that their friendship has been rekindled, thanks to RTN, the pair plan to keep in touch and next time David is back out in Spain, it will be his turn to cook lunch!

www.monarch.co.uk

Sylvia and David

Mother confeses murdering her son THE REMAINS of a nine-year-old boy have been found inside a suitcase next to a river in Maó, Menorca. The boy’s mother, Mónica Juanatey Fernández, has now confessed to killing her son in 2008 by drowning him

in the bath. Fernández is appearing in court in Menorca but information about the hearing has been restricted. The boy’s grandparents are travelling from Galicia to Menorca to bury his remains.

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03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

New Cancer Centre Half of Spaniards overweight British Consul Paul Rodwell officially opens the new centre

by Louise Clarke ONE OF the most exciting things to happen to the MABS Murcia/Mar Menor charity recently is their new Cancer Centre, officially opened last Friday by the British Consul in Alicante, Paul Rodwell.

The Deputy Mayor of San Javier, Jose Angel Noguera, the San Javier Councillor for Social Services, Maria Chumillas Angels and the Pedánea Mayor of Roda, Toñi Méndez, as well as the Mayor of Los Alcazares, Encarna Gil, were also in attendance.

The cancer centre has been a dream of MABS Murcia/ Mar Menor since they started three years ago and thanks to the generosity of a lovely lady, who was also their first cancer patient the centre has become a reality. Jacqueline Howes used to model for the clothes designer Jean Muir during the 1950s and 60s and decided to retire to Spain to enjoy her passion; playing golf.

Jacqueline bequeathed all her money to the charity in her will, enabling them to realise their Cancer Centre dream. Jacqui became very ill and, with no family or friends around her, the charity and its volunteers were there to help her during her last weeks. The centre has therefore been dedicated to her memory.

TOP QUALITY

The Cancer Centre, which is the charity’s second, the first located in Jávea, includes a treatment room, a cancer information office and a counselling room and will have trained and dedicated volunteers on hand to help all those affected by cancer in the Murcia/Mar Menor

MORE THAN 50 percent of the Spanish population over the age of 18 is overweight according to a new European Health Survey published last week by the National Institute of Statistics. The results also show that 16 percent of Spaniards are obese. More men are overweight (62.8 percent) than women (44.6 percent). On the flipside, 8.4 percent of those aged between 18 and 24 are underweight.

region.

The new shop on the ground floor of the centre in San Javier will support those activities by selling good quality donations. Lyn Baines from MABS Murcia/Mar Menor told RTN: “The public has already been extremely generous with some beautiful items for us to sell and we know that we will have a huge rush of interest now we have opened. So we really do need lots more donations for the shop to support this new venture.”

The charity needs top quality new and nearly new clothing and accessories, jewellery, bric-a-brac, books, DVDs and CDs. For more information on the shop and the centre call Sue on 671 244 912.

16 percent of Spaniards are obese

SPONSOR REQUIRED

Jacqueline Phillips, President of MABS, said during the opening: “I am delighted to be here today to see our second Cancer Centre officially opened. Lyn, Sue and all the volunteers have worked hard to achieve the dream, but this dream would not have been possible without the bequest of the lovely Jacqueline Howes. I would also like to thank the British Consul, Paul Rodwell and the Mayors of both San Javier and Los Alcazares for their support as well as the fantastic Spangles Harmony Chorus who not only support the charity wholeheartedly, but many actually also volunteer for MABS.” The centre needs a special massage therapy bed for its patients and desperately need a sponsor to pay for it.

The bed costs €900 so if there is someone out there who would like to sponsor this special bed, please contact Lyn at info@mabsmurcia.com

Husband kills Wife

A 79-YEAR-OLD man killed his 77-year-old wife by slitting her throat on Sunday 28th November before stabbing himself in the stomach. They have been named as Rosalia N.F. and Casimiro R.R. The couple’s daughter found them at their home in Madrid and called for

help. Paramedics were unable to save the wife, and rushed the husband to hospital. Reports say that Casimiro is thought to have been taking anti-depressants and that they could have affected his judgement, as there is no previous record of domestic violence in the couple’s home.

Mayor of Rojales responds to opposition “insults”

by Louise Clarke DECLARATIONS MADE by the PSOE Spokesman in Rojales at a recent ‘pleno’ meeting have infuriated the Mayor, Antonio Martínez Cánovas, who has in turn accused his adversary of “lies and insults”.

The comments made by Antonio Perez Garcia at last month’s meeting have provoked an angry response by the Mayor who told RTN that the Councillor is either “…blatantly lying or is totally unaware of the realities of the borough.”

The Socialist Councillor has accredited the recent development in the town solely down to investment made by the Socialist run central government; in particular the Plan E grants which were developed by Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero. The Mayor said: “The development of the town is the result of strong investment in the last 35 years” He added: “This investment has continued during the current administration and important projects have been carried out; some of which are still being built and more which are in the process of adjudication.”

EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT Private investment is also active within the municipality. The Mayor continued: “By the end of this administration, more projects will be added to this list. This is good management and positive activity; defending the interests of the public, knowing how to get grants and assistance. Efficient management is demonstrated with actions, which is what the PSOE Spokesman should learn. Less words, more actions.

The Mayor of Rojales, Antonio Martínez Cánovas

“Everyone knows the socialists entered government with a good treasury, a healthy economy and a growing borough. To cut a long story short, the socialist government lived through a boom which they didn’t know how to manage.”

EFFORTS The Mayor concluded: “The development of the urban plan, the engine for economic activity which Sr. Pérez voted against, marked the way for future projects and actions. I hope that he learns to appreciate that the development of this town is the sum of the collective efforts of many people and administrations.

All investments are important and necessary.

I will say again, the Councillor is either blatantly lying or is totally unaware of the realities of the municipality.

“Valencia has granted to €12,600,000 of investment to Rojales whilst Zapatero’s central government has granted only €5,000,000.

The figures speak for themselves.”

RTN tried to contact the PSOE Spokesman but couldn’t get a response before going to press.

03 - JANUARY 09 dECEMBER 2010 8-14 2010

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03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

A first for the Brits

Join the EMAUS Zumba

Kimberley takes charge at a March charity event.

The new catastrophe tent was presented

by PALS last week

IT IS with immense pleasure that PALS announce that this year they have been elected by the Town Hall in Mazarron, Murcia, to handle the sales of the commemorative Fiesta book.

This is a singular honour as each year a different organisation is selected to distribute the programme with all proceeds of the sales allocated to the distributing agency and for the first time, a foreign charity has been selected.

The presentation of the book to PALS for distribution took place on Tuesday at the new covered market in Mazarron and thereafter the book will be sold for €1 per copy until the start of the Fiestas next week and it gives full coverage of the events throughout Fiesta week.

Last week, PALS provided the 112 service in Mazarron with a catastrophe tent for use in an

emergency at a cost of €18,255. This was presented by PALS Vice President, Maureen Ferrari, at the Sardine Festival on Bolnuevo beach and brings the total donations of equipment from PALS €160,000 over the past ten years.

The equipment provided by PALS is to augment any shortfall in requirements identified by the Health Centres and emergency services in and around Mazarron.

Ken Payne, President of PALS, stated that the recognition of the Town Hall of the contribution of the expatriates towards the wellbeing of the area reflected the closer integration of those who have chosen to live in the beautiful Mazarron area.

For more information, please visit PALS new website at www.pals.sm4.biz

by Jack Troughton THE KEEP fit dance craze known as Zumba needs more volunteers to join a marathon charity event on Sunday 12th December.

No experience is necessary to take to the dance floor and shake a little bootie – but a sense of humour is a definite must – and the organisers hope to get more than 200 people taking part.

The Salon de Banquettes, Avenida de Mediterranea 32, Teulada, will come alive to the Latin-inspired sound of Zumbabetween 10.00 and 13.00and a chance to have some calorie-busting fun while helping

the EMAUS youngsters in the Benissa children’s home.

Join the party where a flag system indicates the difficulty rating of each dance – although everyone can do as much or as little as they choose. Expect a mixture of salsa, flamenco, belly-dancing, and reggae.

Some dancers have already been pledged more than €200 by sponsors. Entrance is €10 or dancers can pick up a sponsor form from the Bed Centre, Calpe, any of Kimberley’s Zumba classes, by emailing info@zumbacostablanca.com or by visiting www.zumbacostablanca.comFor more information call 696 746 091 or 965 836814.

Man caught taking pictures up women’s skirts A MAN has been arrested for taking photos under women’s skirts without their knowledge in Seville. The man has been named with the initials J.A.L.G. and would drop his phone on the floor in busy public places, and take sneaky photos while pick-

ing it up. Police were alerted by a member of the public who saw the man following a girl. Once the man’s phone was seized, more than 250 photos of women were discovered.

The man is facing charges of invading the privacy of women.

It’s a mental thing

03 - 09 dECEMBER 2010

Attack on Brits

19

FOUR MEN who attacked two Brits this week are wanted for questioning by the Guardia Civil. The incident happened as the two Britons were leaving a home located between Guadalest and Callosa d’En Sarria. Four men in a vehicle reported as stolen in La Nucia the day before, pulled the Britons out of their car before tying them up and beating one of them about the face. The attackers fled in their stolen vehicle when a neighbour appeared. The victims made a formal statement at the Guardia Civil Barracks in Callosa d’En Sarria

Less sticky bubble gum RTN Golf Club members at last week’s seminar

by Louise Clarke TWENTY-FIVE members of RTN Golf Club attended the first ever seminar on The Inner Game of Golf by Tim Gallwey last Monday at El Plantio GC in Alicante.

This was the first time ever that such a seminar has been held in Europe with the blessing of Tim Gallwey. World Golf Teachers Federation of GB and Ireland President, Peter Hudson, and RTN’s own golf coach Noel Eastwell presented the seminar, which started at 16:30 and finished at 18:00.

The twenty five golfers who braved the bitterly cold afternoon were richly rewarded. After a talk lasting around 15 minutes the golfers were invited to the driving range to hit some balls with absolutely no technical instructions be-

ing given by any of the 11 WGTF Coaches that were in attendance. The results from the shots hit saw every one of the golfers improve their performance by incredible amounts, with some saying they could not believe how much their ball striking had improved in such a short space of time.

BIG IMPROVEMENT The next step was for the same golfers to visit the putting green to see if the same difference could be made to their golf games there. Once again, the improvements were amazing as putt after putt was sunk.

One RTN Golf Club member, Barry Ireland, had this to say after his first game using the coaching he had received: “I played at my new club, Las Colinas, on Wednesday and knocked eight shots

from my last six round average of a net 78. Please convey my thanks to Peter Hudson, and my best wishes to you, and the trainee coaches.”

Aron Woodhams, another RTN Golf Club member, said: “I have never seen such a big improvement in my golf in such a short space of time. I did not think it was possible.”

As part of our offer to RTN Golf Club members, another seminar will hopefully be held at El Plantio in March next year. As usual, events like this could not be held without the help and cooperation of El Plantio, who provided free use of the driving range and putting green for our seminar. A massive thank you to them.

Still not a member? Click onto www. roundtownnews.co.uk and apply for your Golf card today.

BUBBLE GUM made in Spain will now be less sticky. The government has approved a new Royal Decree that calls for new ingredients in the manufacture of bubble gum.

This will be the first time the

recipe for bubble gum will have been updated in 31 years. The new ingredients will be a synthetic blend of vinyl acetate and vinyl laurate, which will result in gum that is easier to clean up.

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03 - 09 dECEMBER 2010

Aladdin’s wish list Specsavers Calpe

by Jack Troughton

PANTO COMES to the Benidorm Palace and its own ‘Big Top’ this month with a specially written show Aladdin and the Magic Circus.

Combining the marvel of the circus, some magic and fantasy, and bags of audience participation, this family production is being staged on 16th, 17th and 18th of December.

And a star-studded cast plucked from the resort’s most talented performers are joined by more than 60 entertainers from the Broadway Performance Academy and its senior dance troop, while no circus would be complete without Benidorm Palace’s own ‘acromaniacs’. The Benidorm Palace, ringmaster David Climent and Larger than Life Productions have forged a partnership to spread some seasonal cheer and thrill every audience

with this tale of Aladdin.

The show features ‘the legendary’ Jason Kane, girls Aloud and Fab FM’s Jessie Brook, Emma Burns of ABBAlichous, Queen of the Queen’s Hotel Miss Levi G, Take That’s Matt Fisher and Ricky Lea, and Fab FM’s Jimbo, actress Jo Venet.

Tickets are €12.50 for adults and €8.50 for children. Shows begin at 18.00 on Thursday 16th December and Friday 17th December.

On Saturday 18th December, curtain up is at 14.00 and again at 18.00.

To reserve a seat ring the Box Office on 965 889971 or go to: Rudy’s Music Shop or Abbey’s Mini Mart and Simpateca, both in Alfaz de Pi; Hush, albir; The Christmas Shop, La Nucia; Round Town Travel in Benidorm Dancers and Albir; or the Benidorm at rehearsal Palace Box Office.

Birthday Party

SPECSAVERS HELD a party at the Calpe store on Saturday 27th November.

By lunchtime the store was packed with guests enjoying birthday cake, Mistela, Tapas and Cava, served by the staff.

A raffle was held, with the proceeds split between the Poppy Appeal and the Red Cross.

Pictured with the cake are Optical Assistant Katie Crowley and Cecilia, one of the three Optometrists.

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

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Gaunt

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

the

Jon

Email Jon at: jongaunt@roundtownnews.com

Life should mean life

THE YORKSHIRE Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe, butchered 13 women and terrorised a whole nation and had no regard for anyone’s human rights. He got 20 life sentences and for once was told ‘life’ would mean life. But his leaching lawyers say that his schizophrenia “justified a long but finite term instead of a whole life tariff”. In other words, he must get the chance to apply for parole.

So of course in soft touch Britain, it’s a case of another day, another monster wants to use the European Human Rights act to lessen their punishment.I thought that David Cameron promised us that we were going to get out of this act and have our own bill of rights? Oh of course, silly me - that was before he got elected wasn’t it! To make matters worse, Sutcliffe’s legal bill, which of course us mugs are paying for on legal aid, has already reached two hundred grand!

Even worse, of course, is the brutal truth that even if he won his case he will never be released so the argument is costly but academic. Of course it would have been much cheaper and easier if the bastard had swung for his crimes years ago and then of course this whole argument would be completely academic!

Shameless scum

X Factor flop Wagner has been swinging the lead and claiming incapacity benefit whilst ‘singing’ on the show. He’s not alone, though, because according to Ian Duncan Smith there another 2 million shirkers doing the same.

These shameless scum who “won’t do the jobs that immigrants do” need to be kicked out of their pits and forced into work. Duncan Smith should start with the wobbly warbler Wagner.

My mate owns a pub and is willing to offer the oddball a singing job straight away. Not top

X Factor’s Wagner

of the bill or anything like that of course. But he reckons that come closing time when he’s trying to get rid of the last stragglers, the threat of unleashing Wagner to sing a tune would empty the pub quicker than a wag empties a footballer’s wallet.

Column

See Jon live on Sky News with Eamonn Holmes each Wednesday morning at 7.40am and 8.40am with a review of the UK papers and don’t forget you can listen to Jon on BayRadio each Wednesday morning from 11.00am and Friday afternoons at 4.30pm with his current affairs review.

You may have noticed Stinking we have had a bit of Hypocrites snow in the UK? As a result one of the World’s most developed countries has ground to a halt with airports closed, motorways becoming car parks and schools the length and breadth of the country have been renamed ‘The Mary Celeste’.

When I was a kid this was called winter! Life went on and we coped.

Now that we live in such a risk adverse country that is obsessed with health and safety and with the constant dire warnings of global warming and constant emergency planning rehearsals one would have

thought that we would have been prepared for the white stuff?

But no way!

You have more chance of finding real talent on the X Factor than a gritter on the motorway.

If you live in a suburban street, or God forbid, the country side, it’s time to dig deep, metaphorically and literally, and wait for the thaw, as no matter how much tax or council tax you’ve paid you have well and truly been left in the brown - or should that be the white stuff - by the council fat cats.

I have often described politicians as having the moral backbone of a blancmange but in Nick Clegg and Vince Cable’s case that would be unfair to blancmanges!

These new Chuckle Brothers, without the wit wisdom or integrity of the original comedy act, have made more handbrake turns than Top Gear’s Stig on Speed.

After lying to students over tuition fees, they’re now both suggesting that they, along with their limp-wristed lib dem mates, might abstain in the upcoming vote on raising fees to nine grand.

They are stinking hypocrites.

Meanwhile, Welsh and Scottish kids will get their increased fees paid by the Welsh assembly or the so-called Scottish parliament or rather, should I say, paid by us English mugs.

In this ‘Disunited Kingdom’ of course, it is the economic powerhouse of England that produces all of the wealth who end up subsidising the extravagances of these plastic parliaments.

And of course these Taff and Jock parasites still get to vote in Westminster on policies that will affect English families but have no affect whatsoever on their constituents. And they call that democracy!

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0315 - 09 DECEMBER - 21 OCTOBER2010 2010

Is there hope or just despair?

I HAVE just returned to Javea having spent a few days in my other offices. I also spent three days supporting the team at This Is Spain exhibition. In comparison to the last few years I felt very sad to see such a small area with a very limited amount of stands, which of course represents the overall state by of the Spanish economy. I find the situation quite frightening, especially as there doesn’t seem to be any short term fix.

With the advent of Ireland seeking massive help from both the EU and the UK, it looks as if Portugal and Spain maybe the next two countries to seek assistance. I wonder where all the money to bail these countries out will come from and will it work? Also is there ever going to be enough Euros?

What on earth have our politicians been doing to get us all in such a dreadful position? To not regulate the banks sufficiently and just let them run riot is just not good management. Those of us at a certain age can, I am sure, remember when you either went without or saved hard to afford a home and furniture. My lovely old fashioned Grandmother used to teach me all kinds of useful ways to help me whilst I was growing up, one important part being never to purchase anything unless you can pay in total. She hated the expression ‘HP’ with a purple passion - most of the time I fortunately listened to her, and I am sure she was always close by whenever I was often tempted, and tempted I was, being a single Mum with two teenage boys; so much we all needed, plus the odd luxury would have been lovely.

Maybe I am seeing it all far too simply. Not enough money to live a life style that exceeds income can be very dangerous. Borrowed money always has to be paid back. In the case of Governments it will take years and years to pay back. How dreadful for all the children growing up facing debt from their very first moment after being born.

Spain is very dependent on the

Jennifer Cunningham

tourist industry and construction for its very survival, neither of which are doing very well, especially here on the coast. As far as us ExPats are concerned, Sterling against the Euro has dropped considerably, causing great pain to all of us. However, there are always ‘silver linings’ and it looks as if the Euro is weakening (not good for many) and at the same time the Pound is becoming a little stronger. At 118 today it makes life a little easier for all of us. According to the press there is every possibility that the Pound will continue to increase against the Euro.

Along with coping with a recession, my particular industry is changing beyond recognition, with so many thinking that selling insurances is a quick way to make money. How wrong they are to think that. Also reduced premiums may be very attractive in the first instance, but it is not possible in my opinion to sustain the prices as well as give a service on claims.

Every company needs to make a profit every year as well as covering claims; just watch this space. I find myself under attack from many individuals as well as companies, some of whom are English. I fail to really understand why people feel comfortable and secure with a business regulated and authorised in the UK! Fortunately I have highly trained staff and extremely loyal clients. Having said that we do offer a very good service, for instance by being there when claims have to be dealt with, or when you need a policy to be checked.

Time marches on and once more it is nearly Christmas time, and the end of a very hard and difficult year.

Asssa, the health insurance company that we deal with, are still able to offer special prices on their plans, but you must sign before December 10th. As the offer is for life it is a serious offer and if you need health insurance then why not call us and find out now.

Please visit our new and fantastic website at: www.jennifercunningham.net

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.

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Forty percent of child road deaths had no seatbelt OF ALL children who died on Spanish roads last year, 40 percent were not wearing a seatbelt or any form of child restraint. This announcement was revealed at a press conference last week, called ‘Child Safety in the Car 1990-2009’.

The aim of the conference was to show parents how essential a child car seat is for all journeys, no matter how short. Child car seats have reduced mortality rates by 80 percent in the last 20 years.

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€39.95

+ LINE RENTAL INCLUDED

966 463 170 • www.roundtownnetwork.com

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03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

What am I gonna get Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

THE TOP-TEN-TOYS for Christmas list a few weeks ago seemed to strike a chord with several RTN readers. It even prompted the splendidly seasonally named Rosie Winter to email. Rosie said: “You were spot on Paul, about having to seek out those highly popular toys that seem to just evaporate in front of you; and I too spent ages hunting around empty shelves for a lone Buzz Lightyear.”

Mind you, Rosie thinks buying for the children pales into insignificance when you consider how much “time we spend agonising over what to buy the grownups”. Rosie pleads: “What do you buy a dad who has got everything?” She wonders just how many more books on the Second World War her dad really needs.

Well, Rosie you can always stroll around the centre isles in Lidl. The eclectic selection of random merchandise is truly magnificent. And if that fails, check out the Innovations magazine. It’s full of odd stuff that you think you cannot do without but never really needed in the first place. Like, toilet roll holders with built in FM radios (well it does means you can listen to Vince the Prince in the bathroom and not miss a minute of his show). Or a massaging thingy that rubs your back while you sit in the chair.

Well, it saves you the trouble of, er, rubbing your back yourself. The pages are crammed with specious goods.

It’s a bit like back in the 70s when at Christmas you could purchase for your loved ones such delights as the, K-Tel Woolly Bobble Remover. Yup girls, renew your old tatty baggy jumpers with this

essential bit of kit (I think K-Tel, rather sensibly, switched to producing the first compilation chart LPs). Or how about the classic Stitch-O-Matic Needle Threader?

Great if you’re beginning to need longer arms in order to thread a needle. Your granny will love it. Although, to be honest, mine said next year she’d settle for twenty Woodbines. Happy days.

Of course, Christmas shopping for unspecified grown-ups is easy-peasy. The one that isn’t, is the one that strikes terror into the hearts of most men. And that is: Christmas shopping for ‘the’ wives or girlfriends. We are quite simply not genetically bred to do it. It is beyond our basic comprehension. We get it wrong.

Always.

Grief, agony and sheer despair accompany us mere men as we traipse around the stores before Christmas; it is purgatory on Earth. We know we’re going to get it wrong, we always do; it is thus written; it is in our genes. We wander en masse as a lost tribe, meandering hither and thither in the retail wilderness searching for the unattainable - searching for the Christmas grail. In every Marks and Sparks you can observe our aimless shuffling gait as we seek out new gifts, praying in earnest for just a glimmer of inspiration.

We want to find that one uniquely special gift that demonstrates our sincerest feelings and our undying love for ‘the missus’. And no, no, NO! Do not do like Squaddie Pete from The Brewer’s Arms did when he brought Mrs Squaddie Pete an ironing board. Arrrgh!

Do we ever find it, this perfect gift? Do

Línea Directa offers its international customers access to a complete claims service with just one simple call LÍNEA DIRECTA, Spain’s leading direct motor insurance company, offers its international clients a telephone claims handling service operated by English, German and Spanish speaking professionals from Monday to Friday, from 09.00 to 17:30.

Using this service Línea Directa customers are able to report details of an accident with just one simple call. Within 24 hours, Línea Directa will send an assessor to inspect the insured vehicle and, in the case of injury, Linea Directa’s partner network of private medical centres will offer medical treatment advice.

In recognition of a first class claims service, a Línea Directa customer recently sent this letter of gratitude: “We felt we had to email you to say how impressed we were with the way the Linea Directa Team handled our claim.

The whole process was made so easy from start to finish, with no complicated forms to complete and no language barrier as Linea Directa staff speak perfect English.

“We were kept fully informed throughout the whole process, even to the point of updating us on the delayed completion on behalf of the garage. In particular, the assistance you gave us liaising with the

repair garage was a massive help, as our Spanish tuition has not reached the level of dealing with car repairs yet!

We would have no hesitation in recommending Linea Directa as indeed it was recommended to us.”

Línea Directa is owned

by Bankinter, one of Spain’s principal financial organisations. For further information call 902 123 104.

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

for ’er indoors? we heck! And, to add to the pain, we’re up against retailer-imposed-guilt. The retailers and their advertising mafia heap the guilt on us men folk. As the countdown to Christmas continues they exponentially crank-up the pressure. “You’re loved one NEEDS this,” we are told, “She NEEDS that.” Their lives will somehow be lessened if you don’t lovingly buy producer X’s brand of overpriced tat over the rival’s overpriced tat. The power they wield is tremendous. Did you know it was Coca Cola that put Santa Claus into a red outfit? Traditionally, it had been a green one!

I remember how the pressure of the gift-quest caused such consternation to poor old Arthur Daly all those years ago. Despite an Aladdin’s Cave of contraband in his famous ‘lock-up’ he pleads to Ter-

ry, his long-suffering minder, “What are we gonna get for ’er indoors?” (Cue, the top-selling novelty song of Christmas 1983) Indeed, and the cry still is, twenty-seven years later: “What are we gonna get for ’er indoors?”

However, in the final analysis whatever us fellows buy for our females it will all certainly have been in vain. Because come January 2nd they’ll be taking the stuff back. Have you seen the lines in M&S for goods returns after Christmas? The queues are equally proportionate to the queues formed by the desperate men in the weeks before Christmas.

As Santa might say, “Ho, ho, ho… hum”, or plus ca change as they say down our way.

Hmmm, I wonder if my wife would like a pair of those fun microwavable socks.

An annual dilemma

Happy birthday JIBC

by Jack Troughton

THE GROWING and busy congregation of Javea International Baptist Church celebrated the church’s 15th anniversary last weekend. Founded as a small bible reading group, it has grown into a ‘thriving’ international church.

Marking the event, American missionary Pastor Tim Shupp and his wife Louise – who founded the church in December 1995 – were present at a special Sunday service.

They were joined by Pastor Philip Laver, pastor of JIBC from 1999 and 2004, and Pastor Manolo Valero of the Evangelical Spanish Gospel Mission Church in Manzanarea – which enjoys a close bond with the Javea church. More than 100 people attended the service at the Grand Café, Toscamar – and afterwards tucked into a birthday cake.

The previous day the Mayor of Javea Eduardo Montfort joined more than 80 people for a birthday lunch at Restaurant Cumbre del sol. The current pastor, Rev John Hansford presented the mayor with a history of JIBC. Founder member of JIBC, Brenda Hissey said: “It is a very unique and exciting time, celebrating the anniversary with those, who over the years have helped establish JIBC from a congregation of 10, to what it is today, a thriving international church.” She said there were now six different home groups meeting weekly, a worship

Rev John Hansford (left) with Mayor of Javea Eduardo Montfort.

group – always on the lookout for musicians and singers – and a host of other activities such as bimonthly breakfast meetings with guest speakers, a walking group, and a men’s outreach group, and successful Alpha Courses.

And JIBC has also established traditions that have become part of Javea life, including the Easter sunrise Service held on the beach every Easter Sunday and the Christmas carol singing, staged in the port every December – and this year at noon on 22nd December. “I am really pleased to see JIBC continuing to support the community in Javea. A new joint English and Spanish group ‘Armonia’ is now flourishing and meets twice a month in the Old Town,” she said.

“We are once again assisting with Bay Radio’s annual Christmas Party of the orphanage in Gandia and we take part in ‘one day’ charity events in the town.”

And the church – which has a mainly British congregation but also has members from northern Europe, South Africa, the Caribbean, the United States and Spain - also supports a number of missions abroad.

Sunday services led by Rev Hansford are held at 11.00 at the Grand Café, Toscamar. This year’s Carol service is on 19th December at 11.00 and there is a family service on Christmas Day at 11.00. For more information, visit www.javeabaptist.com or call 965 795 847.

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26

money

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

Qrops - the market opens up even further by

Stephen Ward & Robert Burns AS REGULAR readers will know, we spearheaded the marketing of transfers of UK pension funds to QROPS in Spain from nearly three years ago. Even then and given QROPS fees that were often five times more than they are now, many people saw that such a transfer was a ‘no brainer’, as it gave personal control and avoided to effective compulsion to eventually buy an annuity.

WE WILL NEVER BE BEATEN ON QROPS TRUSTEE FEES Since those early days, the market has evolved quickly. As a consequence the need for independent advice has never been greater, given the schemes available in a number of different jurisdictions. Unlike the UK pensions market, if you are recommended to transfer to QROPS X by two different advisory firms, the QROPS fees will often be different. We have seen this scenario a

number of times recently where we have secured the business because the setup fee quoted by another firm was double of that we were able to secure. This is a function of the volume of business that we are able to place: we will never be beaten on QROPS trustee fees.

THE AVAILABILITY OF A CAPITAL LUMP SUM From a jurisdictional perspective, New Zealand gives the greatest flexibility allowing the long term non UK resident to access up to 100% of the fund as a lump sum. Even for those who only recently left the UK, we are able to engineer a lump sum where one would not ordinarily be available through a process known as pension reciprocation.

ISLE OF MAN QROPS Until very recently, the Isle of Man (IOM) as a QROPS jurisdiction was for us ‘off limits’ due to disadvantageous local tax rules that applied to non IOM residents. This has now changed and the IOM is for many a ‘better’ solution than that which can be offered by Guernsey QROPS because of the way their rules work regarding permitted lump sums. In fact an IOM QROPS may often work well even for UK residents for precisely the same reasons.

We are providing technical pensions expertise

for one leading IOM provider as we begin to understand more about the intricacies of how IOM law interacts with UK and Spanish law.

MALTA QROPS Malta has also entered the QROPS market.

EU membership will make this an attractive jurisdiction for some and it looks as if the lump sum rules that are going to make IOM such an attractive jurisdiction may extend to Malta as well.

THE CORRECT PENSIONS ADVICE QROPS advice therefore is first and foremost about the correct pension’s advice. We are probably the only firm operating in Spain who fully appreciates this, focusing on the appropriate pension solution first and foremost. Where we also give ‘in QROPS’ investment advice, we do so after a proper analysis of the client’s investment risk and charges are clear and transparent. Many others are only interested in pillaging your pension fund for the maximum undisclosed commissions...

For further information about QROPS, Pension Reciprocation Plans, QNUPS and other pension solutions please email review@qrops.es or see http://www.qrops. es http://www.prempensions.com

Correct advice is of the utmost importance

THIS ARTICLE IS WRITTEN BY STEPHEN WARD AND ROBERT BURNS, PREMIER PENSION SOLUTIONS S.L, November 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.qnups.com or www.qrops.es

Tourist money boosting Spanish economy SPENDING BY foreign tourists in October went up 5.3 percent to €4,289 million according to the Tourist Expenditure Survey (EGATUR.The survey is put together by the Tourism Studies Institute of the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade. This figure represents growth of 5.3 percent on October 2009 and the sixth consecutive month of increases in total expenditure.

Business is booming in Benidorm

03 - JANUARY 09 DECEMBER 2010 8-14 2010

Brussels cover health costs for foreign pensioners THE EUROPEAN Union will assume the costs arising from long-term care services provided by Spanish institutions over the course of 2009 to citizens insured in other Member States of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland.

On 24 November, the European Union Accounting Committee approved the proposed accounts presented by Spain for 2009 that, for the first time, included long-term care expenditure as well as the cost of healthcare services provided by the Spanish Public Health Services to citizens visiting Spain from other European States.

The approved expenditure procedures represent a payment of €1,244.87 per year per family in the case of working families and €3,987.94 per person for pensioners and their relatives.

The average expenditure figures in Spain, which include the provision of longterm care services, determine the overall monthly quota that the Spanish Social Security Service will bill institutions from the various

EU Member States for their citizens residing in Spain for their right to receive benefits in kind.

The number of European citizens to whom the said costs for healthcare services are applicable currently stands at an average 150,000. This figure includes those people who receive long-term care benefits through Spanish bodies.

The net balance of the amounts received by the National Social Security Institute under the overall quota is distributed annually to the autonomous regions according to current legislation. In 2009, this total amount stood at €269,678,141.10.

Spain forms part of a small group of countries that presents these accounts in advance so that the corresponding reimbursements to compensate incurred costs can be received as soon as possible.

Spain, France and Italy present the highest billing totals due to these countries being traditional tourist destinations and, therefore, popular places for citizens from other Member States to reside.

The EU will bear the cost

27

Not on the never, never by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

THERE ARE some things in life that just seem to be on the ‘never, never’. Paying off student loans, credit cards and mortgages must be high on the list. Paying your parents back for all those ‘it’s just until..’s is another. But what about paying your tax? Now that’s a different story.

The ‘never never’ is a place we’ve become more and more comfortable with. Students don’t really expect to pay back their loans, your mortgage can be extended and added on to until you’re still paying it off in your 70s and your credit cards will always be up to their limit. It’s a never, never consumer society that’s forgotten how to save and wait for the things it wants.

Of course, we have been persuaded and cajoled into being that way. Banks and building societies have convinced us that it’s okay, even beneficial, to borrow. And even now with interest rates so low in the UK, living in Never-Never Land doesn’t seem too bad a place to be.

But be warned. There are times when the ‘never never’ can turn tail and remind you that ‘what goes around comes around’. A good example of this is your non-resident income tax. If you are a non-resident property-owner in Spain, you should be paying not only council tax (IBI) but also an income tax. The idea is that you could rent out your property if you wished and even though you don’t you are taxed on the income you might have received.

It’s not a large amount each year but some people haven’t been paying it in the belief that the ‘nevernever’ is here in Spain. Perhaps to some extent it still is. But we’re seeing an increasing number of people who are being tracked down for not paying this tax. And even if you do manage to live in glorious Never Never Land for years, like all things it has a habit of catching up with you.

“I’ve seen people caught out when they come to

Valencia University course announced

VALENCIA UNIVERSITY has announced its intention to offer a postgraduate course in the creation, programming and production of video games after obtaining approval from its governing body. Inscriptions are open and the course is to be supported by the Akaoni Studio under the direction of Professor Pedro Morillo of the Robotics and Communication Technology department of the University. The sales of video games in Spain has enjoyed at continuous rise, with last year’s sales topping a billion Euros.

A university commissioned market research study has revealed that one in three homes in Spain owns a video games console.

Tax cuts for SMEs

PRIME MINISTER Zapatero announced tax cuts for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) last week, in an effort to promote investment and employment.

The PM also revealed that Barajas and El Prat airports are to be privatised, and so will 30 percent of the state lottery and betting business. Leader of the opposition, Mariano Rajoy has called for SMEs and self-employed people to have the right not to pay VAT on unpaid invoices, and to receive compensation for invoices outstanding in government offices.

sell their property,” explains Susan Partridge tax adviser at Ábaco. “They think they’ve got away with it until the searches are done and reveal there’s years of unpaid back tax to settle first. The reaction tends to be, oh, we’ll just pay that out of the 3% retention for Capital Gains Tax, but that doesn’t work. The Spanish Tax Authority will insist that any outstanding tax is settled before releasing any money you feel you’re owed. You can’t recoup your money until you’re tax is paid.”

You might never expect your children to pay you back – and you’d probably be right. But don’t expect the Spanish Tax Authority to be as generous.

They’ve got a very big debt of their own to settle.

Contact us if you would like to complete your tax declaration in time for the 31st December deadline and take advantage of our free offer (see advert below). ÁbacoConnect Help-line 966 703 748 www.abacoconnect.com

Has society forgotten how to save?

28

03 - 09 dECEMBER 2010

business

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

29

Does your company have the ‘x-factor?’ by

John Edwards

The Business Doctors, emergency sevice for business in Spain

Do people look at your enterprise and say “Wow! These guys really look the business”?

Turn on the telly or flick through the pages of any lifestyle magazine and you will see a seemingly endless stream of image makeover programmes and features showing how, with a nip here, and a tuck there, people might achieve a look that will make those around them sit up and take notice.

Experts queue up to inform us that undergoing such transformations – whether minimal or major – can make us look and feel younger, more confident and dynamic. Another benefit, of course, is that the ‘new and improved you’ makes you immediately more attractive to others.

What applies to people, of course, holds equally true for businesses.

‘The Business Doctors’ was established to help ailing enterprises, and to provide advice to those setting up new companies. But they are also able to identify those parts of a business which might need anything from a small tweak to a full makeover to make it stand out in a crowd.

Most business owners are often aware of the fact that their enterprises have lost some, or even much of the gloss that they began with, but are too close to the ‘coal face’ to see what steps to take to ensure they stay ahead of their competitors.

A while back, Stuart Lovatt, a British business image consultant, was quoted as saying “about 80 per cent of small firms could probably do with an image makeover. When someone walks into an interview,

they’re judged on what they’re wearing and how their So, if you think that now is the time to freshen up your business in ways that will impress existing clients and hair is before they’ve even opened their mouths. It’s attract new ones, give The Business Doctors a call now no different when customers approach a potential for a free initial consultation. supplier for the first time.”

So what are we talking about here – giving your premises a quick lick of paint, or is a total re-branding exercise in order? The answer depends on a number of factors, including how much time and money one has to commit to the exercise – and this is where The Business Doctors can provide valuable advice.

By taking a long, hard look at your business, they will be able to identify precisely what parts of it need rejuvenating. It’s possible, for example, that your website is looking a little outdated, and needs redesigning. Your business cards, stationery and logo, which looked so fresh and exciting when they were first produced, may appear terribly 20th-Century now.

Even your premises may be looking a tad frayed at the edges.

The Business Doctors believe that changes to a company’s image are an excellent way not only to gain new customers but also establish closer relationships with existing clients. Informing them about proposed changes and asking their opinions will not only remind them of your services or products but also make them feel their views are valued.

The benefits do not end there. A business image makeover might also give your employees a terrific boost. For instance, giving your premises a new look Making can increase staff productivity as well as making your the right impression premises more welcoming to visitors.

The Business Doctors are a registered Business Development Consultancy with over 40 years experience. Email: info@thebusinessdoctors.es Web: www.thebusinessdoctors.es Tel: 965 889 125

30

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

legal

Serious Building Defects by

Marc White & Carlos Baos English & Spanish Solicitors

WE HAD a house built in Denia during 2004, where we now live. The property has some serious building defects; and we have problems with the water collection (rainwater coming down from the roof), ventilation and problems with the standard of the work. The builder did not properly insulate and waterproof the property, and there are now serious stains appearing caused by mould. Although we have painted over these several times, the spots keep coming back. We even had to move out of the property in winter because it is impossible to live here when it rains.

We have been told that as more than six years have passed since the house was built, the developer is insolvent and this is not a structural problem, so we cannot do anything about it and have lost the right to claim. Is this true? Do we have any chance of bringing a claim for these damages?

Dear reader, Besides the Law known as a L.O.E (Ley de Ordenacion de la Edificacion), that we have previously mentioned in some of our articles, and which regulates in periods of 1, 3 and 10 years the responsibility of the persons part of the building process ( builders, architects, developers, etc) depending if the problems are of finalisation-decoration, construction, or structural problem (stability and resistance of the property); respectively; we must not forget that Article 1591 of the Spanish Civil Code remains in force and states that the contractor (builder) and the architect who directs the constructions works are liable for the ruin of the construction over a 10 year period.

In this sense it has been understood by numerous Courts precedents that “the concept of ruin that article 1591 refers to, includes any harm or serious impairment experience by a building, affecting or not its strength, exceeds by far the regular imperfections“.

Therefore, in your case, if the humidity at the house is seriously affecting its use to the extent that it actually prevents the habitability of the property and makes it useless for its purpose, which is of course to live in it, these can then be considered as fundamental flaws.

It is therefore to be assumed that they are covered by the said article No. 1591.

As a consequence we can understand that the constructor as well as the architect will be held liable depending upon the seriousness of the humidity and construction defects, and whether these can ruin the property and also based on the fact that they appeared during the 10 years immediately following the completion of the work.

In this regard we must point out that the Supreme Court of Spain has determined that the technical architect assumes the role of collaborator specialised in construction, and assumes the activities of inspecting, monitoring and managing the proper execution of the work as imposed by law, they are the professionals that should keep a more direct contact with the regular and immediate construction process while maintaining the necessary operational professional autonomy. So once their faulty supervision and control and use of the correct materials have been proven, their liability will be declared. In this sense, we can find precedents like the Court Orders: SSTS of October 15th 1991, July 11th, 7th and 12th November 1992, 5th February, 1993 and December 2nd, 1994). They are responsible

not only when the work is not done correctly or according to the project but also when defective management is conducted. (STS of 22nd September 1994), extending to them the responsibility of the article 1591 (SSTS of October 14th 1994 and May 15th, 1995) for the reason of ‘poorly executed work or carelessness’ (SSTS of 29th November 1993 and February 2nd, 1996).

As we always say in these cases, each scenario is different and must be studied in detail to be able to advice upon the legal situation, but in principle it appears that in your case the liability could also extend to the technical architect as well as the insolvent builder.

In general we must remind all our readers that in the event of them having problems like the ones we have mentioned in their properties, it is important to act as quickly as possible since there are periods of time given and deadlines to meet for any defects and problems. Once these limitation periods have expired, no claim can be made. It is also essential to contract the services of an architect who specialises in construction defects and building surveys, who will issue a report on which any further legal action can be based. It is essential that the lawyer and the architect to issue the report work closely in such cases. *The information provided on this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues.

Marc White LL.B. & Carlos Baos (English & Spanish Solicitors) © White & Baos Abogados 2010 - All rights reserved. C/Diana 19, 2º-D, 03700 Dénia (located close to the Glorieta Square at the end of Marques de Campo). Tel: 966 426 185. Send your questions to spanishlawyer@roundtownnews.com or info@white-baos.com What?

Padron - a list of all the people who live in a certain town Empadronarse - the act of registering yourself on this list with your local town hall Who? All residents in Spain are required by law to register on the padron How? Fill in the form provided by your town hall.

You will need to show your passport, an NIE card or residency certificate, a recent utility bill in your name and the deeds to your house or a copy of a rental contract Why? Better public services including provision of health centres, police officers, fire fighters and schools. Access to financial benefits and social care. A potential reduction in local taxes. Voting rights in local and European elections. An easier life!

More information can be found at: www.residenteseuropeos.com/padron_en.php

&uty Be Do you know if Health

31

you are a healthy weight?

THERE ARE people with a healthy weight who think that they are overweight, and the reverse, others who clearly weigh too much but aren’t conscious of the risk involved. Most likely, the disproportionate increase in the prevalence of obesity is the result of lifestyle changes: highly calorific diets, easy access to food and a sedentary lifestyle. Who doesn’t want to park the car right in front of their work, the supermarket, the cinema, or even paradoxically, the gym?

The supermarket, with its shelves of appealing food, can be a difficult place.

Especially for those who have problems controlling their impulses, like children – not to mention if food shopping is done on an empty stomach.

Excessive rations and hyper-calorific meals are part of our lifestyle, both in restaurants and at home; it’s not socially acceptable to be hungry, and it’s unforgivable to let a child skip a meal. All this, plus the habit of finishing everything on the plate, means that, little by little, we can eat more calories than we need, and over the years we put on extra kilos.

You should watch out for calories that usually go uncounted: in alcohol and other drinks, oil, dried fruit, calories consumed when eating snacks, etc. Everyone has their own metabolism, some people need more calories, and some need less, depending on your genetic make-up, age, level of physical activity, etc.

CALCULATE YOUR BODY MASS INDEX It’s easy to calculate your BMI and it tells you if your body weight is healthy.

Divide your weight (in kilos) by your height (in metres) squared (weight/height2).

Underweight – below 18.5 BMI Normal – between 18.5 and 24.9 BMI Overweight – between 25 and 29.9 BMI Obese – over 30 BMI

With laparoscopic surgery the risk is minimal. The abdomen isn’t cut open; only small incisions are made.

THE TENDENCY TO ACCUMULATE FAT IN THE ABDOMEN, THE ‘BEER BELLY’, IS DANGEROUS. We’re here to help. The Hospital Clínica Benidorm (HCB) is one of the medical centres of reference for the quality of its professionals and the modern technology available.

THE MEDICAL SURGICAL INSTITUTE OF OBESITY (IMEQO) Born of the philosophy of delivery and innovation of the Hospital Clínica Benidorm. In the IMEQO, patients will find a specialised centre for obesity problems.

Aside from an initial FREE comprehensive study, we value the treatment that is most suited to your needs. A multidisciplinary diagnostic team treats and follows individual cases, offering a personalised plan for each patient.

OBESITY SURGERY (BARIATRIC) This is the only method that has proven useful for controlling long-term obesity.

With the surgery the patient obtains important benefits in all aspects of life that were altered by obesity.

Telephone for an appointment: 966 072 727 Secretary Christiane Viggria

CHRISTIANE VIGGRIA

CARLOS PARDO

Secretary

Make sure your weight is healthy; the first consultation with our specialist is FREE

Endocrinology and nutrition specialist

MARINA CABALLÉ Specialist in internal medicine

Our goal is to help people whose health is at risk due to excessive body weight.

NOELIA AGUIRRE Clinic psychologist – food expert

Eating is a necessity, and it can also be pleasurable if we are careful what we eat.

PABLO ENRÍQUEZ

FATIMA JÚDEZ MARTÍ

Experienced in Laparoscopic Surgery

The important thing about a slimming diet is that it’s adapted to the individual.

Patients require adequate information to help them decide if they want our help or not.

Human nutrition and diet specialist

Miracle diets and weight-loss pills don’t exist, and neither do diets that help you lose weight without effort.

Detox in the sun - Resid ANDY AND CAROL West, the owners of The Kamala Centre in Calpe are really pleased to announce the opening of their Residential Retreat in Benissa.

The retreat allows them to offer their juicing, healthy eating and detox programs in a relaxed environment.

The retreat is called Obsidian Retreat - named after the crystal Obsidian which is used in Holistic therapies as the stone of Rejuvenation.

The retreat not only offers lots of places to relax, it has a large swimming pool, tennis court, volleyball court and is set in the Costa Blanca countryside.

During the retreat, guests will be able to join daily yoga and fitness classes as well as have plenty of time for rest and relaxation.

The retreat will also offer colon hydrotherapy treatments, massage, alternative therapies and beauty treatments so you will come away not only feeling totally relaxed and refreshed but looking as if you have just visited a spa. The retreat is an opportunity to go take part in a detox program in a safe and supervised environment; those that want to lose weight will be able

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dential Retreat in Benissa to do so in a fun an easy way. Similar retreats in the past have seen losses of around 14lbs in a week and 7-10lbs in a weekend. At the retreat we give you an environment that takes away the temptations and helps you to take time to relax and re-educate your body.

If you really want to push yourself, you will have the chance to take part in some amazing activities like fire walking, arrow breaking and glass walking; all of these are optional.

The retreat can comfortably cater for up to 10 guests at a time, so it can be a great time to get together with friends for a short break, or to take time out on your own to meet new people.

The cost of the retreat is €295 for a 3 day break and €595 for a week’s retreat (sharing a room), although you can get €25 discount by signing up their regular newsletter and a further €25 discount for quoting that you saw the advert in RTN. To find out more and make a booking, visit www.obsidianretreat.com or call 965 875 869.

HOME OF THE 3 DAY DETOX

Be&uty Health

Coughs and Colds or something more sinister?

COUGHS AND colds are common at this time of year; they are usually caused by highly infectious viruses spread from person to person.

by Using tissues and washing one’s hands BPharm(hons) regularly with antiMRPharmS bacterial soaps or UK Pharmacist with 20 solutions can reduce years experience the contagion, but close contact in confined spaces (typical in winter) make ideal conditions for infection. Most coughs caused by infection will clear in a few days, but if they persist for more than 2 weeks, further medical advice should be sought.

Antibiotics are generally useless against viruses, but are occasionally prescribed for patients with other conditions, for example respiratory disease. However, other products available can provide relief of the troublesome symptoms common with coughs and colds.

A cough is a reflex action designed to clear the airways of mucus or other irritants such as smoke or dust. They are described as “productive” if the cough results in the extraction of mucus or “nonproductive” if not.

This later type, often described as a dry or tickly cough is often caused by secretions from a runny nose, “dripping” back into the throat, but some drugs can also be a cause, most notably the ACE inhibitors (e.g. Captopril, Lisinopril). These are used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems and can produce an irritating cough in about 5% of users and generally a change of medication would be required to remedy this.

Dry coughs can be relieved by either cough suppressants such as pholcodine, codeine and dextromethorphan or antihistamines and decongestants, such as diphenhydramine, menthol and pseudoephedrine to dry up the irritating secretions. Often cough medicines will contain a combination of these ingredients providing a multi-action effect.

Productive coughs, also known as ‘chesty’ coughs, are accompanied by mucus or phlegm, and this can range from clear to yellow, green, brown or rusty.

Thin and clear mucus is generally a sign of allergy or viral infection as is thin yellow

Michael Lord

secretions, however if they become green and thick this is a sign of a more significant viral or bacterial infection that may require antibiotic treatment. These types of secretions are common in lower respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. A brown or rusty appearance can indicate the presence of blood or dust orcan appear in the sputum of smokers.

The presence of blood can indicate infection or, more seriously, cancer.

Productive coughs are treated with expectorants such as Guaifenesin, IpecacuanhaandAmmonium compounds. These have the effect on the mucus blocking the airways, so that it becomes thinner and easier to expel. They have either a mucolytic effect (breaking down the mucus) or an irritant action that stimulates secretions in the airways. Steam inhalations either alone or with added volatile oils, for example eucalyptus or menthol crystals, can also help clear blocked airways. A common complication of a productive cough is sinusitis – painful, infected sinuses located at the sides of the nose and between and above the eyes. The pain is often worse when bending or lowering the head and it can result in a smelly discharge. Antibiotics are usually required.

A doctor should be consulted if a cough persists beyond 2 weeks and if any of the following are present: • Coughing up blood • Suspected pneumonia – rapid shallow breathing, temperature, wheezing, coloured sputum • Whooping cough • Cough in asthmatics, particularly at night • Suspected drug causes • Recurrent chest infections – bronchitis • Suspected cancer – with associated weight loss • Concomitant wheeze or breathlessness • Symptoms in the very young or very old Remember: if you are eligible, have your flu vaccine,; wash your hands regularly; and at the first sign of infection take vitamin C and zinc. Alternatively, use occasional doses of the herb Echinacea to strengthen your immune system. Other vitamins that help the immune system include; A, B and E Until next time, good health!

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

Tel: 96 532 5116 HealthandBeautyAbroad.com

Spotlight: Health&Beauty

03 - 09JANUARY DECEMBER2010 2009 15-21

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Does your property UNTILSOLD have rent appeal?

BENIDORM

By guest writer Michael Rushe, of House Proud Property Management & Lettings

Fantastic apartment for holiday rental and also available through the winter months either weekly or monthly. A beautifully furnished one bedroom apartment, comfortably sleeping 4 people with fantastic sea views and a very short walk to Poniente beach.

Contact us for availability and prices starting from an amazing 200€/week.

HOLIDAY LETTING is a competitive business. Over the last few years the number of properties coming onto the market has grown year on year. The market has not only grown in size but has also developed in sophistication as holiday makers have become more discerning. To be successful in today’s market, an owner must work harder to ensure that their property appeals to as many perspective clients as possible.

It does not matter what size your property is – a one bedroom apartment or a five bedroom villa – because clients come in different sizes, from a couple to an extended family. It does not matter where your property is located – on the beach, in the town or amongst the orange groves – because different clients want different things, from sunbathing on the beach to enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside. However, it does matter that your property has the basic essentials that all clients want.

The basic essentials are sleeping, eating and living facilities. Of course, your property has bedrooms, a kitchen and living spaces; perhaps it offers both indoor and outdoor areas. But what have you got and what condition is it in?

Is the property adequately furnished and equipped for the rental

group? Do things need to be repaired or replaced? Do the walls need a lick of paint? Are there things that clients want and might expect but you haven’t thought of? These are questions that can be difficult to answer objectively but they are fundamental to successful holiday lettings.

It can be difficult to judge what is needed if you do not use your property from one end of the year to the other and, even more so, if you use the property regularly when it may be difficult to see the wood from the trees.

A reliable property management and lettings agency can help in this respect. Not only can they ask the right questions but they can make an objective assessment and give recommendations that will improve the appeal of your property in the competitive market place.

They say that ‘the devil is in the detail’. Gone are the days when you could stick a few lines in the small ads and rent out your property in the sun. If you want to be successful in today’s highly competitive holiday letting market, you must be thorough in your preparations even down to the right number of knives and forks - there’s nothing more frustrating than finding there isn’t enough cutlery for each person. This is where the help of a professional really counts.

In the next article, we’ll look at ways of making your property stand out from the crowd.

House Proud Property Management & Lettings Tel 96 578 1731 or 680 274 831 | info@houseproudindenia.com | www.houseproudindenia.com

OPI Alfaz S.L. Calle Ferrería 16, Local 2 03580 Alfaz del Pi. (Alicante) UK Tel: 020 30062346 Spain Tel: 966 860 084 Fax: 0034 965 889 014

www.opialfaz.com

36

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

Are you thinking about purchasing a Spanish property?

THEN WHY not investigate purchasing in a UK Limited Company structure?

Purchasing your property in Spain is a life changing experience that can end up being the biggest mistake you ever made. Many would-be owners are rushed into making a decision about the purchase by people with limited knowledge and understanding of the implications to both Resident and Non Resident owners of a Spanish property.

There are many owners who have contacted us and said they arrived in Spain on the Monday and had been shown around on the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and have paid a non refundable deposit by the Friday.

By entering into this type of transaction you are unable to make an informed decision or to take the time to understand exactly what the ownership of a Spanish property will mean to you in the future. The very last thing on anyone’s mind is Spanish Inheritance Tax; annual Tax Declarations; Wills; Probate; Plusvalia Tax and selling Taxes for the future.

Wincham Consultants Limited is a Spanish Tax Consultancy and can assist clients who have just located a property to purchase or are about to place a deposit on a new build. Before you commit yourself to the property, we will provide you with a free of charge illustration, which will inform you of the potential Spanish Inheritance Tax liabilities should you purchase in your own name/s and detail an alternative method of ownership using a UK Limited Company structure.

Not only can we identify the pitfalls of owning in your

own name, we will also act on your behalf in respect of the purchase into a UK Company and include all necessary searches of the property, to ensure that there are no issues attached to the property, and all legal work required to effect a safe and legal Registration of the property.

If the property is purchased in the owners’ names, they are obliged to submit an Annual Tax declaration in Spain and pay Tax on the perceived rental of the property if they intend to use it for personal use only. If they intend to rent the property out then they would be obliged to pay Tax at 24% on Gross rentals received and may not be able to offset any of the expenses incurred in the running of the property.

Purchasing the property in a UK Limited company means there is no requirement for the owners to submit annual personal Tax Declarations in Spain, as the UK Company submits an Annual Tax Declaration as the owner of the property. This is filed as a zero Tax Declaration as the company is a Non Resident company of Spain and pays any Taxes due in the UK should there be any. Not only is it no longer necessary to submit personal Tax Declarations but there is no necessity for a Spanish Will as a correctly written British Will covers a British subject’s world wide assets including the shares and assets of a UK Company.

The ownership of a Spanish Property in a UK Limited company brings the asset under UK jurisdiction and means there is no longer any requirement for Probate in Spain. Also under UK law for Inheritance Tax,

Husband and Wife inherit between one another Tax free, which cannot be done in Spain for a Non Resident Spouse.

Should you wish to sell the property in the future, there are 2 methods of doing so as the property can be sold independently by the Company or the Shares in the Company can be sold to the Purchaser, which may save 7% Transfer Tax for the buyer and 3% Withholding Tax to the seller.

Another advantage of selling the shares/company is any Directors loans which have been built over time to fund the running costs of the Company and property may be withdrawn first of all on sale tax free.

So before you complete your purchase in Spain or if you wish to move your current Spanish property into a UK Company structure, please visit our website www.winchamiht.com for further details or contact our Head Quarters on + 44 (0)1260 299 700 or 0 034 965 830 991.

Wincham has offices located in the UK and Spain and within our organisation we have qualified professionals in both jurisdictions. These include Gestores, Economistas, Tax Consultants, Chartered Accountants and Members of the Institute of Credit Management.

Our subsidiary company, Companies 4 U Limited, which is a professional Companies House Formation Agent, provides Company formation services and the future Corporate Management of our client companies.

This information has been provided by Mark Roach, Company Director and Spanish Tax Consultant.

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

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

Spotlight: Property

Buyer beware

WE ALL know that economic problems have brought about an incredible opportunity for those of us who still have some savings to purchase property and get a great return but unfortunately it has also brought out the opportunists that prey on us by ripping us off for large commissions or blatantly conning us out of thousands of euros for ongoing services.

On my last trip to the states to purchase three more properties for our investors, I was horrified to see one of our own properties listed for sale on a foreign investors’ website for $40,000 less than it is worth. In addition to that there were a further 20 properties in the area listed by the same realtor (estate agent). Quite amazingly, I kept my cool and phoned the realtor to ask about the property. He greeted me with many pleasantries and said that unfortunately he had just sold that particular property and it was no longer available but he would be pleased to come around to my hotel, pick me and show me other properties that I could purchase through him.

Then I blew my top and told him that my company was the owner of the property and that I would be reporting him to the Orlando Regional Realtors Association (ORRA) for using my property as a potential purchase to scam investors. He hung up and within minutes our property no longer showed him as the realtor. Unfortunately for him I had already taken a screen dump of the offence and reported him to ORRA. Now this is a scam where an unscrupulous realtor uses every means possible to attract investors, especially foreign investors, into their clutches and show them around repossessed properties that need a ´ little work´ to get up to standard for rental. Now they assure you that they will take care of everything, from arranging the refurbishment to getting the tenant in and becoming your management company.

What they do not tell you is that once you purchase the property and sign their 3 year management contract, the refurbishment company that they own will find just about everything that is wrong or right

with it and charge you a fortune to get the place back to rental stage, before charging you 25% management fees that you can’t get out of withCapital Pro perties LL out paying a massive canC. Investing cellation fee. in long ter m renta Compared to a lot of the l homes scams that go on in Europe this is only a minor one but you will end up spending a fortune. You will see this scam all over the internet at the moment so please be aware when purchasing investment property.

This scam is one of the reasons why we at Reo Capital Properties LLC only sell you a rental home once we ourselves have paid upfront for the purchase, refurbishment and found a good tenant that has been fully screened and paying rent, ensuring you that from day one of investment your money is earning you income again.

REO

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

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Country Villa Callosa de Segura

REO Capital Properties LLC, Investing in long-term rental homes. www.reocapitalproperties.com Telephone: (+34) 96 626 0756 or 627 024 514 Email: sales@reocapitalproperties.com

4 bed, 3 bath country villa with paddock and stabling located approximately 4 km from the Historic town of Callosa de Segura. Only 20 mins from Guardamar with its beautiful beaches and 40 mins from Alicante Airport. Large plot providing a paddock with stabling and mature gardens surrounding the Villa. Private swimming pool , summer house, Pergola, carport and garden shed included.

199,000€

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tv Friday

03 - 09 dECEMBER 2010

10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 12:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Missing 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Horrible Histories 16:30 What’s New Scooby-Doo? 16:50 Shaun the Sheep 17:00 Fee Fi Fo Yum 17:30 MI High 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 QI 22:00 Michael McIntyre: Hello Wembley!

23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 The Graham Norton Show 24:20 The National Lottery Draws 24:30 Primeval

09:55 Big Barn Farm 10:05 Buzz and Tell 10:10 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:25 The Large Family 10:40 Toddworld 10:50 Pingu 11:00 Waybuloo 11:20 Clifford’s Puppy Days 11:30 Pablo the Little Red Fox 11:40 3rd & Bird 11:50 Wibbly Pig 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 Animal Park 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 Due South 14:45 Car Booty 15:15 Ready Steady Cook 16:00 Murder, She Wrote 16:45 Flog It! Ten of the Best 17:30 Pointless 18:15 The Hairy Bikers’ Cook Off 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Edwardian Farm 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 Britain by Bike 22:00 John Sergeant on Tracks of Empire 23:00 The Stephen K Amos Show 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 The Review Show 24:50 Spider

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News and Weather 15:00 House Gift 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Countrywise Kitchen 21:30 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News and Weather 23:35 The Interpreter

09:10 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:40 Frasier 10:10 According to Jim 10:40 Friends 11:10 One Tree Hill 12:05 Smallville 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Supernanny USA 14:00 Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines 16:25 Countdown 17:10 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Four in a Bed 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:25 4thought.tv 20:30 Freaks of Nature 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 The Event 23:00 Peep Show 23:30 Robert’s Web 24:05 Frankie Boyle’s Tramadol Nights 24:40 The Morgana Show

08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Thomas & Friends 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:05 Milkshake! Music Box 10:15 The Wright Stuff 11:45 Trisha Goddard 12:45 House Doctor 13:40 Five News 13:50 Emergency Bikers 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Home and Away 15:50 Meals in Moments 16:00 It Had to Be You 18:00 Five News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 Live from Studio Five 20:00 Five News at 7 20:30 Fifth Gear 21:00 White Van Man 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 23:55 CSI: Miami 24:55 Cops in Crisis

07:00 X-Weighted 08:00 Brainiac: Science Abuse 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 It’s Me or the Dog USA 11:00 Bones 12:00 The Filth Files 12:30 Adoption Diaries 13:00 X-Weighted 14:00 UK Border Force 15:00 Stargate Atlantis 17:00 Bones 18:00 WWE Superstars 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 Modern Family 21:00 Best of Oops TV 22:00 Ross Kemp on Gangs 23:00 House 24:00 Stargate Universe

01:15 Eurogoals: One

08:25 The Jerry

to One

Springer Show

01:30 Close

08:50 Celebs 24/7

08:30 Luge 09:00 Ski Jumping

09:00 Maury 09:55 Celebs 24/7 10:00 Maury

10:00 Biathlon

10:55 Celebs 24/7

12:00 Snooker

11:00 CSI: Crime Scene

13:30 Biathlon

Investigation

15:00 Ski Jumping

12:00 CSI: Crime Scene

16:00 Biathlon 17:15 Live Biathlon

Investigation 14:00 CSI: Miami 15:00 Criminal Minds

18:30 Live Ski Jumping

17:00 Charmed

19:00 Live Alpine Skiing

19:00 Four Weddings

22:00 Biathlon

US

23:00 Strongest Man 24:00 Freeride Spirit Show

20:00 CSI: Miami 21:00 Criminal Minds 22:00 Medium 23:00 CSI: Crime Scene

24:15 Ski Jumping

Investigation

24:45 Alpine Skiing

24:00 Criminal Minds

Miranda’s ‘Hart of gold’ The TV Round Up by

Alex Trelinski

Broadcaster and freelance journalist

WHAT IS the best ever British TV situation comedy? Surveys over the last decade often put ‘Only Fools and Horses’ at the head of the list, and though I was a fan of Del Boy and his crew, that top placing isn’t justified. I believe to earn that honour, any show has to be consistently excellent from start to end, which sadly ‘Only Fools’ wasn’t in its last few years. It was around far too long and the writer, John Sullivan should have taken a leaf out of the ‘Fawlty Towers’ book created by John Cleese and Connie Booth. They just wrote two series of six episodes, with a five year gap between them, and despite blank cheques being waved about by the BBC they refused to do any more, making the point that there were no more funny stories to tell.

The reason I’m writing about situation comedy is that BBC2 seems to have established a very welcome Saturday evening tradition of screening the timeless ‘Dad’s Army’, and getting some very respectable audience ratings despite countless screenings. Over a ten year period, the characters of the Warmington-on-Sea Home Guard captivated the British nation in over seventy episodes, with not a single dud half hour amongst them. It’s an absolute treat to see a fine cast have so much fun with some wonderful scripts which have stood the test of time and which has introduced new generations to Captain Mainwaring and his eccentric team.

These days, it’s hard to find any sitcom on British TV, let alone any with merit, with one happy exception: ‘That’s ‘Miranda’ on Monday evening on BBC2. The

show is in the middle of a second series, ridiculously placed against Coronation Street on ITV1, and it’s the first sitcom that has made me laugh out loud since the days of ‘The Vicar of Dibley’. I’ve never found Miranda Hart particularly amusing in her past radio and TV appearances, but she’s struck gold in this show which has an American style about it, with her direct comments to the camera: full credit to her and a likeable cast as she tries to find the man of her dreams with the usual disastrous consequences week by week.

It’s also funny enough for the studio audience to enjoy without a laughter track being dubbed on afterwards by a desperate producer.

Surely a move to BBC1 beckons?

‘Desperate Housewives’ is in full swing in its seventh series on Channel Four on Sundays and it continues to deliver with its wonderful mixture of drama and comedy. It’s hard to pick out a star in what is after all an ensemble piece, but how many of us have a strong affinity with Susan Delfino, wonderfully played by Teri Hatcher as she keeps stumbling week after week into another disaster, despite her very best intentions?

Vanessa Williams, lately of ‘Ugly Betty’ is also perfect as the deliciously busty new character Renee Perry.

Because the Housewives creator Marc Cherry has given us characters that we care about, when the moments of drama do appear they really pack an emotional punch, like Lynette’s cancer battle a couple of seasons ago. Watch out though for nasty Paul’s plans for Wisteria Lane in the next few episodes!

Fools & Horses still top of the charts?

tv Saturday 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Nigella Kitchen 13:00 BBC News 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 Freddie Flintoff: Ashes Warrior 14:40 Live Snooker: UK Championship 17:30 Final Score 18:20 BBC News 18:40 Walk on the Wild Side 19:10 The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson 19:40 Strictly Come Dancing 20:40 Merlin 21:25 The National Lottery Saturday Night Draws 21:40 Casualty 22:30 The Armstrong & Miller Show 23:00 BBC News 23:20 Match of the Day 24:40 The Football League Show

09:30 Mission: 2110 10:00 Live ‘n’ Deadly 11:00 Little Howard’s Big Question 11:20 Sam & Mark’s Guide to Dodging Disaster 11:50 Dennis and Gnasher 12:00 Roy 12:30 The Big Performance 13:00 The Cut 13:25 Teensville: Teenage Witches 13:50 Popatron 14:20 The 5:19 Show 14:35 The Season 15:05 Revealed 15:20 Land of the Pharaohs 17:00 Flog It! 17:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 18:55 At Home with the Georgians 19:55 Making Scotland’s Landscape 20:55 Dad’s Army 21:25 American Dream 22:25 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 23:10 QI XL 23:55 The Stephen K Amos Show 24:25 Frozen River

03 - 09 dECEMBER 2010

10:25 The Cool Stuff Collective 10:50 Planet Sketch 11:00 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 11:25 The Crocodile Hunter Diaries 12:25 News and Weather 12:29 Granada Weather 12:30 This Morning: Saturday 13:25 You’ve Been Framed!

14:25 The Great Outdoors 16:05 Mrs Doubtfire 18:20 Granada News and Weather 18:30 ITV News 18:45 New Britain Does the Funniest Things 19:40 All New You’ve Been Framed!

20:10 Harry Hill’s the Best of TV Burp 20:40 The X Factor 22:25 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

23:25 This Is Michael Buble 24:25 ITV News and Weather 24:40 Simply Red: For the Last Time

08:55 The Morning Line 09:50 One Tree Hill 10:50 Ugly Betty 11:50 Koko Pop 12:20 Friends 12:55 The 4Music Video Honours: Top 20 13:50 Scrubs 14:25 Scrubs 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 16:50 Jamie’s 30 Minute Meals 17:20 Come Dine with Me 17:55 Come Dine with Me 18:25 Come Dine with Me 18:55 Come Dine with Me 19:20 Come Dine with Me 19:50 The Political Slot 19:55 Channel 4 News 20:20 4thought.tv 20:25 Grand Designs 21:25 Apocalypse: The Second World War 22:25 Slumdog Millionaire 24:45 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

08:00 The WotWots 08:20 Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs 08:35 Make Way for Noddy 08:50 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 09:05 Little Princess 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:35 Play!

09:45 Castle Farm 09:55 Olivia 10:10 The Mr Men Show 10:30 George Shrinks 11:00 The Great Ethiopian Run 2010 12:00 UEFA Europa League Highlights 13:05 Your Sport 13:10 The Gadget Show 14:10 Cahill, United States Marshal 16:10 The Shootist 18:10 Five News 18:15 Ice Age 19:55 The Mentalist 20:40 NCIS 21:30 CSI: Miami 24:30 Forensic Files

08:25 Toonattik 10:25 Finger Tips 10:45 The X Factor 12:30 This Morning: Sunday 13:35 News and Weather 13:49 Granada Weather 13:50 Coronation Street 16:15 Midsomer Murders 18:15 Stars on the Street 19:15 Granada News and Weather 19:30 ITV News and Weather 19:45 Harry Hill’s the Best of TV Burp 20:15 All Star Family Fortunes 21:00 The X Factor 22:00 The Nation’s Favourite Abba Song 23:30 ITV News and Weather 23:45 Magicians

09:20 World B-Boy

08:55 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 09:05 Little Princess 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:35 Family!

09:45 Castle Farm 10:00 Olivia 10:15 The Mr Men Show 10:30 George Shrinks 11:00 iCarly 11:35 True Jackson, VP 12:10 Your Sport 12:15 Street Market Chefs 12:45 Emergency Bikers 13:45 Extreme Fishing with Robson Green 14:50 Baby Geniuses 16:35 Cats and Dogs 18:15 Five News 18:25 Firefox 21:00 Bermuda Triangle: The Mystery Revealed 22:00 xXx: the Next Level 24:00 The Art of War

09:00 Malcolm in the Middle 09:30 Malcolm in the Middle 10:00 Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker 11:00 Soccer AM 13:00 Best of Oops TV 14:00 Malcolm in the Middle 15:00 Modern Family 16:00 Fat Families: Second Helpings 17:00 The Real A&E 18:00 Futurama 18:30 Futurama 19:00 The Middle 19:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Road Wars 22:00 Terminator 2: Judgment Day 24:40 Fringe

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08:30 Ski Jumping 09:00 Live Curling 11:00 Live Luge 11:30 Wintersports: Breaking the Ice 11:45 Nordic Combined Skiing 12:30 Live Nordic Combined Skiing 13:15 Live CrossCountry Skiing 14:00 Live Biathlon 15:30 Ski Jumping 16:00 Live Ski Jumping 17:45 Live Curling 19:00 Live Alpine Skiing 20:30 Live Alpine Skiing 21:50 Wintersports Weekend 22:00 Live Show Jumping 23:30 Curling

09:00 Maury 09:55 Celebs 24/7 10:00 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 10:30 The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air 11:00 My Wife and Kids 12:00 Will & Grace 13:00 The Curse of the Pink Panther 15:00 Criminal Minds 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 An All Dogs Christmas Carol 18:35 Nothing to Declare 19:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 Criminal Minds 24:00 Criminal Minds

02:00 Close 08:35 Ski Jumping 09:45 Live Nordic Combined Skiing 10:30 Live Luge 11:30 Live Biathlon 12:15 Live Nordic Combined Skiing 13:15 Live CrossCountry Skiing 14:00 Ski Jumping 15:45 Live Show Jumping 17:15 Biathlon 17:45 Live Alpine Skiing 18:30 Ski Jumping 19:00 Live Alpine Skiing 20:30 Live Alpine Skiing 21:25 Wintersports Weekend 21:30 Live Snooker: UK

09:00 Maury 09:55 Celebs 24/7 10:00 The Curse of the Pink Panther 12:00 Changing Faces 13:00 Cougar Town 14:00 Nothing to Declare 14:30 Nothing to Declare 15:00 An All Dogs Christmas Carol 16:35 Nothing to Declare 17:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 18:00 Strictly Baby Ballroom 19:00 The Beckhams’ Crazy 2010 20:00 Four Weddings 21:00 Nikita 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 CSI: Miami 24:00 Criminal Minds

Will and Grace Living 12.00

tv Sunday 08:35 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Fern Britton Meets Clarissa Dickson Wright 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 The Politics Show 14:00 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 14:45 EastEnders 16:45 Drop Zone 17:45 Points of View 18:00 Songs of Praise 18:35 BBC News 19:00 Jimmy’s Food Factory 19:30 Countryfile 20:30 Strictly Come Dancing 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Garrow’s Law 23:00 BBC News 23:25 The Impressions Show with Culshaw and Stephenson 23:55 The Apprentice 24:55 The Sky at Night

09:30 Mission: 2110 10:00 Live ‘n’ Deadly 11:00 Little Howard’s Big Question 11:20 Sam & Mark’s Guide to Dodging Disaster 11:50 Dennis and Gnasher 12:00 Roy 12:30 The Big Performance 13:00 The Cut 13:25 Teensville: Teenage Witches 13:50 Popatron 14:20 The 5:19 Show 14:35 The Season 15:05 Revealed 15:20 Land of the Pharaohs 17:00 Flog It! 17:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 18:55 At Home with the Georgians 19:55 Making Scotland’s Landscape 20:55 Dad’s Army 21:25 American Dream 22:25 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 23:10 QI XL 23:55 The Stephen K Amos Show

Series 09:50 Hollyoaks 12:20 Live and Lost 12:35 Ugly Betty 13:35 Cheryl Cole T4 Special 13:55 The Album Chart Show: N-Dubz Special 14:30 The Simpsons 15:05 The Simpsons 15:35 Nine Months 17:35 Deal or No Deal 18:25 Fred Claus 20:30 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Undercover Boss USA 22:00 Any Human Heart 23:30 Desperate Housewives 24:30 8 Out of 10 Cats

09:00 It’s Me or the Dog USA 10:00 Vet Adventures 11:00 WWE Superstars 12:00 WWE: Experience 13:00 Real Filth Fighters 13:30 Super Nurses 14:00 Dog Squad 14:30 Modern Family 15:00 Modern Family 15:30 Modern Family 16:00 Fat Families: Second Helpings 17:00 The Real A&E 18:00 Futurama 18:30 Futurama 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker 21:00 The Simpsons 21:30 Modern Family 22:00 Bones 23:00 House 24:00 Cold Case

Fern Britton BBC 1 11.00

tv Monday

48 40

03Feb - 09 26 dECEMBER - March2010 4 2010

08:00 Brainiac: Science Abuse 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 It’s Me or the Dog USA 11:00 Bones 12:00 The Filth Files 12:30 The Real A&E 13:00 X-Weighted 14:00 Road Wars 15:00 Stargate Atlantis 17:00 Bones 18:00 Malcolm in the Middle 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 Modern Family 21:00 Best of Oops TV 22:00 UK Border Force 23:00 NCIS: Los Angeles 24:00 Cold Case

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 12:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Missing 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Horrible Histories 16:30 What’s New Scooby-Doo? 16:50 Shaun the Sheep 17:00 Hotel Trubble 17:30 Blue Peter 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Inside Out 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Addicted to Games?: Panorama 22:00 Accused 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 A Question of Sport 24:05 Inside Sport: The Marion Jones Story

09:55 Big Barn Farm 10:05 Buzz and Tell 10:10 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:25 The Large Family 10:40 Toddworld 10:50 Pingu 11:00 Waybuloo 11:20 Clifford’s Puppy Days 11:30 Pablo the Little Red Fox 11:35 3rd & Bird 11:50 Wibbly Pig 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 Film 2010 with Claudia Winkleman 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 17:30 Pointless 18:15 The Hairy Bikers’ Cook Off 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Miranda 22:00 Ian Hislop’s Age of the Do-Gooders 23:00 The Trip 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Snooker: UK Championship

09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and 14:55 Granada News 15:00 House Gift 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 21:00 Coronation Street: The Historic First Episode 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

Coming Out 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 The Day John Lennon Died 24:35 Kings of Leon: Excess All Areas

09:05 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:35 Frasier 10:10 According to Jim 10:40 Friends 11:10 One Tree Hill 12:05 Smallville 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 3 Minute Wonder: The Turner Prize 2010 13:10 Jamie at Home 13:40 Iron Chef UK 14:40 The Ghosts of Berkeley Square 16:25 Countdown 17:15 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Four in a Bed 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Kirstie and Phil’s Perfect Christmas 22:00 Come Dine with Me: Coronation Street Special 23:00 Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night 23:50 Peep Show

09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:05 Milkshake! Music Box 10:15 The Wright Stuff 11:45 Trisha Goddard 12:45 House Doctor 13:40 Five News 13:45 Killer Lion Stakeout: Austin Stevens’ Adventures 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Home and Away 15:50 Animal Rescue Squad 16:05 The Family Recipe 16:15 Avalanche Express 18:00 Five News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 Live from Studio Five 20:00 Five News at 7 20:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Extreme Fishing with Robson Green 23:00 Blade

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 12:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Missing 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Horrible Histories 16:30 What’s New Scooby-Doo? 16:50 Shaun the Sheep 17:00 My Genius Idea 17:30 Blue Peter 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News Programmes 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Turn Back Time - The High Street 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Imagine 24:40 The Clandestine Marriage

09:00 Prank Patrol 09:30 LazyTown 09:55 Big Barn Farm 10:05 Buzz and Tell 10:10 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:25 The Large Family 10:40 Toddworld 10:50 Pingu 11:00 Waybuloo 11:20 Clifford’s Puppy Days 11:30 Pablo the Little Red Fox 11:35 3rd & Bird 11:50 Wibbly Pig 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 Animal Park 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 17:30 Pointless 18:15 The Hairy Bikers’ Cook Off 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 21:00 Natural World Special: Panda Makers 22:00 The Foods That Make Billions 23:00 Miranda 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Snooker: UK Championship

09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News 15:00 House Gift 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Can You Keep a Secret?: Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Coronation Street: 50 Years, 50 Moments 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:35 Analyze This

09:40 Frasier 10:10 According to Jim 10:40 Friends 11:10 One Tree Hill 12:05 Smallville 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 3 Minute Wonder: The Turner Prize 2010 13:10 River Cottage Bites 13:20 Iron Chef UK 14:25 An American Guerrilla in the Philippines 16:25 Countdown 17:10 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Four in a Bed 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Kirstie and Phil’s Perfect Christmas 22:00 The Family 23:00 Frankie Boyle’s Tramadol Nights 23:35 The Morgana Show 24:10 The Big Bang Theory 24:35 Robert’s Web

08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:05 Milkshake! Music Box 10:15 The Wright Stuff 11:45 Trisha Goddard 12:45 House Doctor 13:40 Five News 13:45 Deadly Jungle Rattlesnake: Austin Stevens’ Adventures 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Home and Away 15:50 Horton Foote’s Alone 18:00 Five News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 Live from Studio Five 20:00 Five News at 7 20:30 Street Market Chefs 21:00 Sea Patrol UK 22:00 CSI: Miami 24:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

09:00 Oops TV 10:00 It’s Me or the Dog USA 11:00 Bones 12:00 The Filth Files 12:30 The Real A&E 13:00 X-Weighted 14:00 Road Wars 15:00 Stargate Atlantis 16:00 Stargate Atlantis 17:00 Bones 18:00 Malcolm in the Middle 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 Modern Family 21:00 Futurama 21:30 Futurama 22:00 Stargate Universe 23:00 Fringe 24:00 In the Spider’s Web

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 12:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Missing 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Horrible Histories 16:30 What’s New ScoobyDoo? 16:50 Shaun the Sheep 17:00 Little Howard’s Big Question 17:30 Dani’s House 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Wallace & Gromit’s World of Invention 21:00 Jimmy’s Food Factory 21:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers 22:00 The Apprentice 23:00 BBC News 23:35 The National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Film 2010 with Claudia Winkleman 24:25 The Perfect Storm

09:30 LazyTown 09:55 Big Barn Farm 10:05 Buzz and Tell 10:10 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:25 The Large Family 10:40 Toddworld 10:50 Pingu 11:00 Waybuloo 11:20 Clifford’s Puppy Days 11:30 Pablo the Little Red Fox 11:35 3rd & Bird 11:50 Wibbly Pig 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 See Hear 14:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 17:30 Pointless 18:15 The Hairy Bikers’ Cook Off 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 21:00 Edwardian Farm 22:00 Ancient Worlds 23:00 The Apprentice: You’re Fired!

23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Snooker: UK Championship

09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News and Weather 15:00 House Gift 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Coronation Street 20:30 Live UEFA Champions League 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News and Weather 23:35 UEFA Champions League: Extra Time

09:05 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:35 Frasier 10:10 According to Jim 10:40 Friends 11:10 One Tree Hill 12:05 Smallville 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 3 Minute Wonder: The Turner Prize 2010 13:10 River Cottage Bites 13:20 Iron Chef UK 14:20 Wake of the Red Witch 16:25 Countdown 17:10 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Four in a Bed 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Kirstie and Phil’s Perfect Christmas 22:00 Grand Designs 23:00 Rude Tube 24:05 The Event

09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:05 Milkshake! Music Box 10:15 The Wright Stuff 11:45 Trisha Goddard 12:45 House Doctor 13:40 Five News 13:45 Jaws of the Hippo: Austin Stevens’ Adventures 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Home and Away 15:50 The Family Recipe 15:55 Meals in Moments 16:05 Two against Time 18:00 Five News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 Live from Studio Five 20:00 Five News at 7 20:30 Highland Emergency 21:00 Emergency Bikers 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 23:55 Law & Order 24:55 Poker

09:00 Oops TV 10:00 It’s Me or the Dog USA 11:00 Bones 12:00 The Filth Files 12:30 Medical Emergency 13:00 X-Weighted 14:00 Road Wars 15:00 Stargate Atlantis 17:00 Bones 18:00 Malcolm in the Middle 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 Modern Family 21:00 The Simpsons 21:30 Raising Hope 22:00 Bones 23:00 Terminator 2: Judgment Day

tv Tuesday

tv Wednesday

01:30 Close 08:30 Live Curling 11:00 Ski Jumping 12:30 Biathlon 13:00 Biathlon 13:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 18:15 Eurogoals 18:45 Champions Club 20:00 Ski Jumping 20:45 Strongest Man 21:45 Eurogoals 22:15 WATTS 22:30 Snooker: UK Championship

08:50 Celebs 24/7 09:00 Maury 09:55 Celebs 24/7 10:00 Maury 10:55 Celebs 24/7 11:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 14:00 CSI: Miami 15:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 19:00 Cougar Town 19:30 Cougar Town 20:00 CSI: Miami 21:00 Three Fat Brides, One Thin Dress 22:00 America’s Next Top Model 23:00 Party Wars 24:00 Criminal Minds

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Bones SKY 1 22.00

01:00 Eurogoals 02:00 Close 08:30 Eurogoals 09:00 Champions Club 10:15 Live Curling 13:00 Snooker: UK Championship 13:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 17:30 Curling 18:45 Destination Dakar 19:00 Eurogoals Flash 19:10 Olympic Magazine 19:15 Snooker: UK Championship 20:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 23:00 Freeride Spirit Show 23:15 World Touring Car Championship

08:50 Celebs 24/7 09:00 Maury 09:55 Celebs 24/7 10:00 Maury 10:55 Celebs 24/7 11:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 12:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 14:00 CSI: Miami 15:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 19:00 Cougar Town 20:00 CSI: Miami 21:00 America’s Next Top Model 22:00 Four Weddings 23:00 Little Man: Looking for Love 24:00 Criminal Minds

Eastenders BBC1 20.30

01:15 Destination Dakar 01:30 Close 08:30 Freeride Spirit Show 08:45 Destination Dakar 09:00 Snooker: UK Championship 10:00 Live Curling 13:00 Snooker: UK Championship 14:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 17:30 Live Curling 19:00 Eurogoals Flash 19:20 Wednesday Selection 19:25 Polo 20:25 Riders Club 20:30 Golf Club 20:35 Yacht Club 20:40 Wednesday Selection 20:50 Live Snooker: UK Championship 23:00 Curling

08:50 Celebs 24/7 09:00 Maury 09:55 Celebs 24/7 10:00 Maury 10:55 Celebs 24/7 11:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 12:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 14:00 CSI: Miami 15:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 19:00 Cougar Town 20:00 CSI: Miami 21:00 Four Weddings 22:00 Robbie Williams’ Crazy 2010 23:00 Criminal Minds 24:00 Criminal Minds

tv Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Rip Off Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 12:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Missing 16:00 BBC News; Weather; Regional News 16:05 Horrible Histories 16:30 What’s New Scooby-Doo? 16:50 Shaun the Sheep 17:00 Deadly 60 17:30 Combat Kids 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 The Apprentice: The Final Five 22:00 Have I Got News for You 22:30 Live at the Apollo 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

09:30 LazyTown 09:55 Big Barn Farm 10:05 Buzz and Tell 10:10 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:25 The Large Family 10:40 Toddworld 10:50 Pingu 11:00 Waybuloo 11:20 Clifford’s Puppy Days 11:30 Pablo the Little Red Fox 11:35 3rd & Bird 11:50 Wibbly Pig 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 Animal Park 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 17:30 Pointless 18:15 The Hairy Bikers’ Cook Off 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 21:00 Nigella Kitchen 21:30 Rick Stein’s Cornish Christmas 22:00 At Home with the Georgians 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The Apprentice: You’re Fired!

41

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News and Weather 15:00 House Gift 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 21:00 Coronation Street Live 22:00 Coronation Street: 50 Years, 50 Moments 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News and Weather 23:35 Coronation Street Live 24:35 Party People

09:10 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:40 Frasier 10:10 According to Jim 10:40 Friends 11:10 One Tree Hill 12:05 Smallville 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 3 Minute Wonder: The Turner Prize 2010 13:10 River Cottage Bites 13:20 My Eden 13:30 Iron Chef UK 14:30 The Last Wagon 16:25 Countdown 17:10 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Four in a Bed 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Kirstie and Phil’s Perfect Christmas 22:00 The House That Made Me 23:00 My Best Friend’s Wedding

09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:05 Milkshake! Music Box 10:15 The Wright Stuff 11:45 Trisha Goddard 12:45 House Doctor 13:45 Five News 13:50 Elephant Charge: Austin Stevens’ Adventures 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Home and Away 15:50 Meals in Moments 16:00 Meals in Moments 16:10 The Wishing Well 18:00 Five News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 Live from Studio Five 20:00 Five News at 7 20:30 Highland Emergency 21:00 Silver Pharaoh Mystery: Revealed 22:00 Men of Honor 24:35 The World of Stupid Criminals

09:00 Oops TV 10:00 It’s Me or the Dog USA 11:00 Bones 12:00 The Filth Files 12:30 Medical Emergency 13:00 X-Weighted 14:00 Road Wars 15:00 Stargate Atlantis 16:00 Stargate Atlantis 17:00 Bones 18:00 Malcolm in the Middle 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Oops TV 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 Modern Family 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Modern Family 21:30 The Simpsons 22:00 An Idiot Abroad 23:00 Raising Hope 23:30 A League of Their Own 24:00 Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker

01:00 Olympic Magazine 01:30 Close 08:30 Live Curling 11:00 Snooker: UK Championship 12:00 Biathlon 12:30 Biathlon 13:00 Champions Club 13:30 Live Snooker: UK Championship 16:30 Snooker: UK Championship 18:00 Strongest Man 19:00 Eurogoals Flash 19:10 Snooker: UK Championship 20:00 Live Snooker: UK Championship 23:00 Fight Club 24:30 World Touring Car Championship

09:00 Maury 09:55 Celebs 24/7 10:00 Maury 10:55 Celebs 24/7 11:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 12:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 14:00 CSI: Miami 15:00 Criminal Minds 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Charmed 19:00 Cougar Town 19:30 Cougar Town 20:00 CSI: Miami 21:00 Supersize Kids 22:00 Nikita 23:00 Chuck 24:00 Criminal Minds

Suduko Answer

CROSSWORD ANSWER 580 CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Show; 3 Brigands; 8 Iota; 9 Unsolved; 11 Cross-country; 13 Setter; 14 Swings; 17 Letter-writer; 20 Premises; 21 Drab; 22 Resisted; 23 Clad.

Down: 1 Suit-case; 2 Outpost; 4 Ransom; 5 Groundwork; 6 Never; 7 Side; 10 Ascertains; 12 Ascribed; 15 Natural; 16 Freeze; 18 Evens; 19 Spar.

QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Iran; 3 Proposal; 8 Same; 9 Opulence; 11 Air one’s views; 13 Cellar; 14 Gamble; 17 Off the record; 20 Oriental; 21 Asia; 22 Straddle; 23 Amid.

Down: 1 Instance; 2 Admiral; 4 Repose; 5 Palpitated; 6 Sinew; 7 Leer; 10 Unfastened; 12 Headland; 15 Blossom; 16 Recall; 18 Flier; 19 Moss.

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42

03 - 09 dECEMBER 15-21 JANUARY2010 2010

Whisky and water

by Jack Troughton JAVEA PLAYERS’ highly spirited performance of The Memory of Water took an audience in the wake of the grim reaper and produced an absolutely stunning piece of theatre.

A packet of tissues should have been handed out with the programmes given the emotional roller coaster of this powerful modern and at times gritty bittersweet comedy.

Some superbly paced dialogue including a sprinkling of the ‘f’ word brings tears of laughter.

However, the audience must also share some very genuine feelings of sadness triggered by some very clever writing in Shelagh Stephenson’s play.

The plot is centred on three very different sisters gathering on the eve of their mother’s funeral.

Bickering is rife and memories of childhood confused even stolen in

a form of sibling one upmanship.

The whisky bottle is soon in evidence. Mary is chastised by sensible Theresa for swigging an early morning tipple. She retorts: “When someone dies, you drink whisky. It’s normal.”

DREAM Mary is the high flyer. A doctor, she is embroiled in an affair with a married colleague who will not leave his sick wife. She dreams of a child – and finding the son she gave up as a gymslip mum.

Theresa runs a health food business. Living closest to the family home, she resents having had to take on the burden of caring for their mother and of organising the funeral.

Catherine is the youngest, the spoilt one who attempts to live the high life in Spain, aided and abetted by various substances and a string of boyfriends.

However, the family stew is given

extra spice by the appearance of Vi, the mum. A wonderful performance

by Jennifer Kellow-Ward, she has long conversations with Mary – the only sister who can see this conscience-pricking maternal Banquo’s ghost.

It is through this extra dimension to The Memory of Water we learn of the love and sacrifice of a parent doing their best. Vi almost damns the sisters by her observation: “I was proud of you, you were ashamed of me.”

REWARD But throughout there is a rich vein of comedy rewarded by peals of laughter. Lynne Martin as Mary, Christyn Nossell’s Theresa, and Pat Doidge as Catherine put in diamond performances and truly bring the sisters to life.

An unforgettable scene is the trio turning from clearing a wardrobe of mother’s clothes, to trying on fashions of yesteryear – and all

Jennifer KellowWard as Vi.

collapsing in fits of giggles. Mind you, they had all been at the whacky baccy.

The men were also believable characters. Norman Dunnington was excellent as Mike, Mary’s lover, the guy who actually hates kids and will never abandon his wife, and Gerald Joy’s strong portrayal of straight-laced Frank, the exhausted sales director of Theresa’s business who dreams of

Campello’s patchwork dolls DEDICATED LADIES in El Campello presented the MABS Cancer Support Group with €1,330 to help its ongoing work in the community.

The members of the English Speaking Club’s Patchwork and Quilting Group has a history of raising money to support those helping with cancer care and donated the proceeds of the latest ‘sale of work.’ ABS President Jacqui Phillips, MBE, and two of the charity’s supporters received the cheque and explained the sort of work the charity undertakes along the coast from Valencia to Malaga.

(left to right) Pauline, Jacqui and Beryl

Gifts galore!

SUNDAY SEES the annual Christmas Gift Fair at the Marriott Hotel Denia,where hundreds of visitors can shop and help EMAUS children across the Costa Blanca.

Every person going into the hall – home to possibly the biggest gift fair in the area - between 11.00 and 18.00 will pay a single euro.

And organiser Lesley Clark donates every cent of the entry money from the popular Sunday 5th December to help give the youngsters cared for by EMAUs a bumper Christmas.

Lesley – who also stages two smaller fairs at the Inn on the Green, Javea, each year – said there would be something for all the family at the Marriott, including the chance to be photographed with Father Christmas.

“I have been doing this for more than 10 years and it really is a chance to help the EMAUS children at Christmas time; it really is a worthy local charity,” she said.

Lesley and Santa

simply running a pub.

By the time the family leaves for the funeral, each has come to accept the value of their mother – and the rich part she has played and continues to play in their lives.

Javea Players served up an early Christmas present with this treat and director Penny Grant and the whole team should be applauded for producing a real cracker.

Choir’s sing along

by Jack Troughton WHITE CHRISTMAS and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer are just two of the festive numbers aimed at making a Lions Club benefit concert a roaring success.

The English Choir hosts a Christmas Concert on Thursday 9th December at the theatre in Moraira’s Espai la The Senieta and hopes the audience will English be in fine voice for the sing along. A Choir

varied programme is promised with song sheets and carols old and new some have a calypso beat and others are of Spanish and French origin.

All proceeds go to help the charities supported by TeuladaMoraira Lions and the club says a thank-you by providing mince pies during the interval. Tickets are €4 each and the doors open at 18.45 for the concert starting at 19.30.

Christmas brings ‘Swingle-Belles’ FANS OF swing can enjoy a great night out on Tuesday 7th December and help raise cash for the Spanish cancer charity AECC. The Casa de Cultura del Pi in Alfaz del Pi is the venue for a seasonal and sparkling show ‘Swingle-Belles’ – featuring a galaxy of music stars from the Costas and creating a night to remember.

Tickets are €10 and can be bought at the cafeteria of the Casa de Cultura or be reserved by ringing Pam on 96 686 0735 or by emailing pdawson80212cv.gva.es

Gift fair helps Angels GUARDIAN ANGELS – the charity supporting single parents in Spain – is set for a boost from a festive gift fair.

Benitachell Arts Centre is celebrating its fourth year in the Marina Alta community with a special Christmas fair featuring a wide range of 30 stalls including a little pampering with massage and manicures.

Parents can enjoy a relaxing visit to

ers Newcom e Welcom

Guardian Angels

the centre on Saturday 11th December as there is a supervised children’s area complete with bouncy castle, face painting and Father Christmas.

To eat and drink there are Christmas cakes to eat or take away, mulled wine, mince pies and bacon butties.

And there will be live entertainment

from the talented Sophie Jackson and Shine, with carols to end a special family afternoon. The fair runs from noon until 16.00 and entrance is free. The centre is just two minutes walk from the car parks at Benitachell church. For more information, visit www.benitachellartscentre.info

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

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03 - 09 dECEMBER 2010

Contrasting tenses

Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

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

Lesson 136

LAST WEEK we looked at two of the most common past tenses in Spanish. It is always difficult to define the use of tenses in any language as it is not an exact science.

Very often two or more tenses can be perfectly correct in a sentence, the difference simply being what we wish to say. This idea does not appeal to people who want to be given clear rules of right and wrong, but it is the reality of language: not just the Spanish language, but even more so the English language which is a very complex animal.

However, it is possible to draw some general defining lines, and we were attempting to do this last week.

One issue remained which was to look at the way the two particular past tenses can be contrasted. In this instance we have a similar feature in English, which should help us to understand.

We have already said that the past “continuous” or “imperfect” tense can be used descriptively, providing us with some sort of background scene.

In the same way it can also give the background context to some other past action or actions. In this case the past actions would be expressed in the past “simple” tense.

There is an example of this which is often used in teaching English, but which also works well in Spanish.

Here is a sentence to start us off: “Yesterday I had a shower” “Ayer me duché” This clearer refers to a completed and finished action in the past so rightly uses the past simple tense in both English and Spanish. It is completely irrelevant whether the shower lasted two minutes or twenty minutes, the only thing I am saying at present is that it happened. Now look at the next sentence: “While I was having a shower, the phone rang”.

“Mientras yo me duchaba, sonó el teléfono” Here we have a contrast between one action which

lasts longer and creates a context or background for another action. We can also say that the second action in some way interrupts the first action. As you can see, in English we mark this contrast with “I was having” (which is a past continuous tense) and “rang” (which is a past simple tense). Likewise in Spanish “me duchaba” is our past continuous tense and “sonó” is our past simple tense. I wouldn’t normally draw such close parallels between the two language systems, but in this case it isn’t a problem. The important point to notice is we are talking about exactly the same shower, lasting the same length of time, what is different is what we are saying about it. Now think about this sentence.

“While the phone was ringing I fell on the floor” “Mientras sonaba el teléfono me caí al suelo” Now we have the same ringing. Maybe it lasted five seconds, or ten or twenty. Whichever way, it only lasted a relatively short time, but it can still be referred to in the past continuous tense because it is creating a background against another event or action, the fact that I fell on the floor. It might be pushing it a bit, but we could go one stage further – perhaps I knocked something over as I was falling on the floor! However, I hope you have got the point. The past tenses do not describe specific lengths of time or specific points of time in the past, they depend on what we are saying about the past, and we can create specific meanings by using them in contrast to each other.

Christmas Belén at Café L’Encant A TRADITIONAL ‘Belén’ (Nativity Scene) is to make its debut on display from Sunday 5th December at the L’Encant cafeteria in the Plaza de la Constitución in Javea.

The belén pieces have been

hand made by Mrs Maria Josefa Segarra Torres and will be part of an impressive Christmas scene five metres in length.

L’Encant is offering RTN readers (take a copy with you) a FREE piece of cake with their

tea or coffee order (not valid on Thursdays) For further information, ring L’Encant owner Juan Francisco on 686 662 399 (Spanish) or Lucy on 670 370 231 (English or Spanish).

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

45

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

Cryptic Crossword

Sudoku ACROSS 3. In a deadlock four will be imperturbable (9) 8. Keep an eye on one’s appearance (4) 9. Read plays deprived of action, maybe (9) 10. One who guards a hideout used during hostilities? (6) 11. Spree that will make five stagger around! (5) 14. Unusually eager to correspond (5) 15. Remove any coarseness if found in the street (4) 16. Period dress for hooligans, we hear (5) 18. The kind of desk that looks the same both ways (4) 20. Potter uses this revolver (5) 21. Means the parson’s address has been rewritten (5) 24. A man from Spain, we hear, is not so young (6) 25. Prudence will help you to get on target (9) 26. Don’t allow one who tends animals near the ring (4) 27. Gets ahead of the clock, as the conductor does (5,4)

DOWN 1. Hurricane lights? (4-5) 2. Palace apartment used at trying times (5-4) 4. Fellows holding a middle position (4) 5. Having been informed of a conflict over the East (5) 6. They show what it is fashionable to assume (6) 7. Six get two points and make a scene (4) 9. The boy from Cape Territory (5) 11. Gun fire dispersed about fifty (5) 12. Methods of survival of interest in cheiromancy (4-5) 13. The butler’s pantry is not yet completely full, apparently (5-4) 17. The heart of a lover! (5) 19. What the inventor seeks in quite clear (6) 22. Displace a loose garment (5) 23. The donkey is all right with me around (4) 24. Pretence will be endless disgrace (4)

ACROSS

DOWN

3. Exactness (9)

1. Antiquated (9)

8. Genuine (4)

2. Clumsy (9)

9. Subdue (9)

4. Roam (4)

10 Scanty (6)

5. Blaspheme (5)

11. Dissuade (5)

6. Oral (6)

14. Concise (5)

7. Frank (4)

15. Call (4)

9. Command (5)

16. Proportion (5)

11. Trench (5)

18. Invalid (4)

12. Greedy (9)

20. Embrace (5)

13. Mild (9)

21. Instruct (5)

17. Happen (5)

24. Younger (6)

19. Cease (6)

25. Pointer (9)

22. Entrance (5)

26. Fair (4)

23. Standard quantity

27. Assertion (9)

(4)

Wordwheel

Quick Crossword

Win a meal for 2 at the Inn Plaice in Torrevieja (Mon-Thu) or at Nemos (Next to RTN offices in La Nucia) by answering the Cryptic Crossword correctly.

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

North Winners, meal for 2 at the Nemos.

La Nucia’s newest, Bistro and takeaway

Nemos call 682 707 580

You can play these wordwheels by whatever rules you like.

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

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

EUROMILLIONS DRAW FRIDAY 26TH NOVEMBER

9 28 36 41 49

5

One Portuguese ticket won the 45,322,973 Euros (£38,556,253) jackpot prize

7

ANSWERS & WINNER Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 41. Crossword winner for issue 580: Danny Coburn.

Javea.

46

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

music scene Abba Elite - Le Cabaret - Cumbre de Sol

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.

O

N SATURDAY December 4, “Abba Elite” are appearing at Le Cabaret, Cumbre del Sol, Benitachell. “Abba Elite” is the live tribute to the worlds favourite pop group that is continuing to entertain and amaze audiences from every generation.

The Cast of Abba Elite take you on a magical journey through Abba’s finest years, recreating and performing all of those classic dancefloor hits. For more info: 600 426 185 or visit their website: www.abbaelite. com. Tickets are 15 euros which includes a two course meal. For bookings and details of future events in Le Cabaret phone: 663 733 811 or check out their web site: www.lecabaretspain.com. Le Cabaret is located in the Lirios Centre, on Cumbre del Sol, Benitachell.

Don Dimo

Bunty And The Beanos

Guitarist Extraordinaire DON DIMO has it all, he is a brilliant guitarist whose act ranges from breathtaking Spanish guitar to Dire Straits, Jimmy Hendrix, Gary Moore, Pink Floyd, BB King and many others.

Don is also a great entertainer who interacts well with his audience. For bookings: 627 657 073 - Web site: www.dondimo.com GIGS FOR DECEMBER: Saturday 4: Bar Pavarotti, Albir Thursday 9: Bar Quo Vadis, Javea Friday 10: Bar El Pozo, La Nucia Saturday 11: Bar So What, Calpe Port Friday 17: Pizza Time, Albir

La Pista Bar/rte, Jalon

THE INCREDIBLE Bunty and The Beanos are a new five piece band comprising Bunty (Anne Thame) keyboards/lead vocals, Neil Downes (lead guitar/vocals), Bob Cooper (rhythm guitar), Maniac Malcolm (bass) and James Guyton-Ward (drums). They will be performing their 1st gig on Friday December 10, at the opening of the revamped bar at La Pista Retaurant, Calle Iglesia 14, Jalon. This will be a “Vicars & Tarts” theme fun party and all Bunty are welcome to attend. For more info and & the bookings phone: 96 648 0125.

Beanos

RIO - Melodic Rock Band ”RIO” CONSISTS of four of the most highly respected international musicians presently working in and around the Costa Blanca. Pam (vocals) and John Pearson (guitar) have recorded their original songs in London at RAK studios for, and produced by, Mickie Most. They are currently working as the popular duo “Chill Factor” – together with Jack Hazebroek (drums) and Luc van Breda (bass) they are “Rio”. Jack and Luc are also part of “The Brink Band”. Featuring Pam’s warm soulful voice, John’s impressive guitar skills and supported by the tight rhythm section of Luc and Jack, “Rio” play a mix of melodic rock.

For more details phone: 96 552 8671 or 696 731 290 DECEMBER GIGS: Saturday 4: Saturday 4: Sunday 5: Sunday 12: Saturday 18: Friday 24: Sunday 26: Friday 31:

Coll de Rates Mountain Restaurant, Parcent @ 1.30 pm Arthur’s Bar, Els Poblets @ 9 pm (Chill Factor) Don Quijote, Paichi Centre, Moraira (RIO) Coll de Rates Mountain Restaurant, Parcent @ 1.30 pm Coll de Rates Mountain Restaurant, Parcent @ 1.30 pm Don Quijote, Paichi Centre, Moraira (RIO) Coll de Rates Mountain Restaurant, Parcent @ 1.30 pm La Luna Bistro, Alcalali (Chill Factor)

Focus

M R O D N E B

The

Every week Nigel Turner, Cumberland Bar, Benidorm will be doing a Focus report on the nightlife of Benidorm and the artists performing there. Should any artist/venue wish to be included :– contact Nigel on 685 550 106, email: ngltur@aol.com, website: www.cumberlandbarbenidorm.com

Rikki Stevens: Comedian THIS WEEK, I visited the Town Night Club situated on Calle Lepanto in Benidorm and caught up with one of the top comedians in the area, Rikki Stevens. Rikki is what you would call an ‘all round entertainer’ as his act incorporates singing, comedy and ventriloquism all in the space of one hour.

The show was enhanced with the introduction of ‘Little Fred’ the cheeky monkey pup-

pet which the packed room fell in love with almost immediately.

If you never go to see another comedian again, make the time to visit the Town and see Rikki Stevens and Little Fred I can assure you of a great evening of mirth. Rikki Stevens and Little Fred appear every night at 22.00 at the Town, Calle Lepanto, Benidorm.

For more information visit www.rikkistevens.com

Photography exhibition highlights poverty in Senegal A NEW photographic exhibition called ‘Senegal and the Millennium Development Goals’ is on show in Finestrat until 9thDecember. The exhibition is being held in the Casa de Cultura and is the work of photojournalist and World Press Photo 2006 prizewinner, Benito Pajares.

The exhibition comprises 49 photographs showing images concerning different issues such as the eradication

of extreme poverty; equal rights for women; the necessity for universal education; environmental sustainability and the fight against HIV and AIDS. To illustrate the above issues, Pajares’ photos show sources of water in rural communities; rubbish dumps in Dakar; rural cooperatives for rice; pupils in the SarendemBayadoschool and campaigns to help prevent AIDS in Kafrine hospital.

03 - 09 dECEMBER 2010

one of the exhibits

Carols at Christmas

TALENTED MUSICIAN Ian Henry goes back to his roots to accompany the Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir at two Christmas carol concerts this month. Ian, known along the coast as one half of pop duo Double Impact, will play organ and piano and an organ solo at Jalon village church on December 14th and at Benitachell Church on December 17th.

Classically trained, Ian studied at St Albans Cathedral and played the church organ before turning to pop music.

When the choir played Benitachell 12 months ago, the concert proved so popular that 100 extra seats had to be found – prompting the decision to stage twin events this year.

The programme will include community carols and other Christmas songs by the choir, with soThe Costa los by Rosemary Jukic and John Edwards.

Blanca And both the Jalon and Benitachell concerts male Voice Choir begin at 19.00 and entrance is free.

SCAN’s perfect day

by Jack Troughton ANIMAL CHARITY SCAN enjoyed a knock down success at a special Marina Alta auction raising €2,200 to help build a sanctuary for cats.

Last Friday’s sale at the El Cid Restaurant, Benidoleig, saw 325 lots go under the hammer in a crowded saleroom.

The money will allow the Society for the Care of Animals in Need continue building a home for rescued cats just outside Pego and allow the charity to find the animals new homes.

The sale itself raised €1,804 and the charity auction team added a further €396 - prompting SCAN President Val Spencer to thank everyone for the “wonderful support”.

Pictured is auctioneer Linda Blake taking charge of proceedings at the start of the sale.

Best She said it was the largest turnout for many turnout for months. long time

Alfaz Church Services NEW HOPE Church Alfaz Del Pi: Sunday 12th December: Christmas Carol Service at 11:00.

Wednesday 15th December: Carol sing-along at 19.00 – 20.00: Mince pie and hot drink at the end: Everybody welcome at Carrer La Querra No 2, Centro Mar local 2, Alfaz Del Pi.

3 course lunch from 12.95€ 3 course Fine Dining evening Menu from 14.95€ 3 course Gourmet Sunday lunch from 14.95€

Book now for your Xmas parties.

Monday – Saturday throughout December ( Excluding Xmas Day) Champagne cocktail on arrival and festive crackers etc Special 4 courses meals with choice of menus available.

Only 14.95€ Now taking bookings for Xmas lunch & New years eve Visit our new web-site; www.lapistajalon.com BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!

Tel 966 480 125

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03 - 09 DECEMBER 8-14 JANUARY2010 2010

Winter window boxes by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

THESE DAYS there are plenty of possibilities for brightening up the winter appearance of houses and apartment blocks with colourful window boxes, not just for Christmas but

from December through to the end of winter.

Colourful window boxes cheer one up when looking through the window, walking onto a terrace or around the house and also cheer up passers by.

The following are some of the choices: SINGLE COLOUR DISPLAYS Poinsettias, a single colour of pansies or violas, pink or white heathers, just one colour of azaleas chrysanthemums or cyclamens, blue ageratums, coloured cabbages, amaryllis or hyacinths, Christmas cacti and mock peppers.

TWO OR THREE COLOUR DISPLAYS Red poinsettias and yellow crotons, blue campanula and petunias in sheltered positions, mixed chrysanthemums or heathers, mix of kalanchoes or winter flowering cacti, mix of different coloured pansies and violas, and different coloured hyacinths.

MULTI COLOURED DISPLAYS Mix of freesias, mix of small plants such as blue petunia, white daisy, red bignonia, yellow primula, pink dianthus and red kalanchoe as illustrated on page 97 of ‘Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style’. space Just see what is available in the garden centre saving and mix a plant of each to create a bright window colour clashing display. boxes

a bright colour clashing display

APARTMENT TERRACE CONTRIBUTIONS TO CHRISTMAS Terraces are not only places for growing a wide range of plants throughout the year but also a convenient place for some productive growing of vegetables for Christmas in a wide variety of containers. In some parts of Spain this is really catching on.

We recently walked around the agricultural lands of a village once known for its fresh vegetables. Not one plot of land was being worked commercially and only three for a

Clodagh and Dick’s practical gardening books will be found to be useful for both experienced and new gardeners coming to Spain.

They will be found in good bookshops and Carrefour and can also be purchased by mail order from internet book shops such as Santana, Amazon, Royal Horticultural society and Bookworld. © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardeninginspain.com November 2010.

household but we found out later that many of those who have abandoned the land have very productive roof top and terrace vegetable gardens. Such situations we have now discovered from southern Andalusia to Cataluña...

The photographs illustrate what you could have had for Christmas if you had started to follow the practical ideas in ‘Practical Gardening Mediterranean Style’ a couple of months ago. So why not start in the Spring to be ready for next year?

03 - JANUARY 09 DECEMBER 2010 8-14 2010

49

Discover the Costa Blanca

Derek Workman continues his series of excursions from his book ‘Inland Trips From the Costa Blanca’ which features 22 detailed trips that lead you to spots you’d never find by yourself.

The virtuous town ONTINYENT IS the capital of the area known as the Vall d’Albaida and, like most of the towns in the area, traces its origins back to Moorish times. From the 16th Century its fortunes have been tied to the textile industry, still the most important source of income for the town today. The barrio de la Vila, the original Moorish town, dates from the 11th and 12th Centuries. After the conquest by Jamie I, the Moors were banished to the areas outside the town walls and the Christians moved in.

As you cross a bridge entering Ontinyent, to your right is a church, part of the Convento del Monjas Carmelitas (Convent of Carmelite Nuns), founded in 1574 and the oldest in the city, opposite which is a large house painted yellow ochre. This is the entry to the old town and the archway to the left, the Portal de Sant Roc, is the first entrance built by the Christians in 1256. The tiny square you enter betrays its past importance.

On your immediate left is the Palacio de la Duqesa de Almodóvar, recently renovated in the ‘let’s see what we’ve got left from other jobs and bung it all in here’ style. It’s awful, and I’m glad I don’t live opposite it and have to wake up to such an eyesore every morning. The house in the corner, number 10, is the Casa de Pala, above whose door is the shield of the Borja family.

The street leading off to the left, Calle de Sant Pere, is a narrow confine of pastel painted houses and atzucas, tiny dead-end alleyways. At the bottom of the short street, you enter a small plaza with a statue of Sant Pere seeming

totally unperturbed, despite having a huge knife cleaving his skull. There’s a story there somewhere, but I couldn’t find it.

Continue downward on Calle de la Trinidad for a few metres before taking the steps to your right that wind upwards through the narrow streets to the church, the Iglesia Arciprestal de Santa Maria in the Plaza de la Vila. The site was originally that of a Moorish mezquita. The present church was built during the 14th and 15th Centuries and enlarged in 1582. At 71 metres, the bell tower is the highest in the Comunitat Valencana, topped by a splendid cupola that looks like a mini Victorian bandstand. Just behind the church is the tiny Placeta del Fossa, so called because it was used as a graveyard for the faithful that were not able to be interred within the church itself.

The old quarter continues below the steep walls of the church and, as you trip down the steps in front of the Llotgeta de Mustaçaf leading into the Plaça Mayor, you pass under the watchful gaze of three statuesque ladies representing the three virtues; Justice, Temperance and Prudence. There should be a fourth one, Fortitude, but perhaps they ran out of space.

Calle Maians, running off Plaça Mayor, is a mixture of the ancient and modern. A few metres along this street is the curiously named Círculo Industrial y Agricola with a grand façade of columns of the Doric and Ionic orders whose interior shape defies its name by being five-sided, almost matching the shape of the baize-covered card tables where pensioners while away the long afternoon hours.

Ontinyent Iglesia Archiprestal de Santa Maria

To discover more about Spain, visit www.derekworkman-journalist.com and http://derekworkman.wordpress.com. http://valpaparazzi.wordpress.com are random notes about life in Spain. Derek Workman’s books, Inland Trips from the Costa Blanca and Small Hotels and Inns of Eastern Spain are available from most good books shops or direct from the publisher, Santana Books, www.santanabooks.com or Tel. 952 485 838.

The

PPP (powerful purple pick-me-up)

· Handful of Red Grapes · Handful of Blueberries (fresh or frozen) · 2 Apples · Ice Full of antioxidants, this juice is sure to lift you and give you a boost of energy whenever you’re feeling a little low. It also tastes amazing. Juice the apples and then put the juice in a blender along with the grapes, blueberries and ice.

GRAPES contain vitamins C and E, calcium, antioxidants, phosphorous, flavonoids and potassium. They are anti-cancer and good for cleansing the skin and digestive system.

Organic Orchard at Home HAVING YOUR own ‘Organic Home Orchard’ can now be a reality.

On 11th December, from 11:00 to 13:00 in the Auditorium of the Town Hall of Daya Nueva, NG Viviendas will be hosting the event ‘Organic Orchard at Home’.

Mariló Antón, Bachelor of Enviromental Science and experienced organic orchard developer, will explain how to grow organic vegetables at home. Admission is free.

BLUEBERRIES contain beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, tannins (help kill viruses and bacteria), anti-oxidents. They are anti-bacterial, anti-viral, disease fighting and anti-aging.

APPLES contain Vitamins A, B and C, potassium, pectin, boron, ellagic acid, and carotenes. They are great system cleansers full of dietary fibre, a laxative and lowers cholesterol.

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

Organic lettuce

50 44

03 - 0926 DECEMBER FEB - MARCH 42010 2010

Black Box SOMETIMES WE take a long walk along that nostalgic pathway that allows us to look back at our life and all we have achieved so far.

Though we cannot live in the past, we can learn from it, and stirring happy memories is self preserving, encouraging and inspiring. As we look back for sure we encounter things that we did wrong, or that maybe seemed to be right at the time, but we did what we did, and the history that is our life cannot be changed in anyway whatsoever. It is so easy in hindsight to see that we did wrong, or that an alternative action may have saved a relationship or taken us on a very different journey. However as free souls we have come this far and must base the rest of our lives on that which we will do.

We cannot live out there in the future either. Some people do, and they miss out on the here and now and the minute that we live in. Making plans is wonderful, and it gives us things to work towards and to enjoy.

Even so we can and do plan our tomorrow only to find that everything goes wrong, and we can embrace a tomorrow that goes right just because the hand of fate has led us in the right direction, when there has been no known agenda.

It is very wise to subscribe to fate, and then to influence ourselves into making positive energies that fuel our vibrations and show us the way forward. O.K. we can be disappointed, but we can say that we tried and that we did something. Oh how we learn from our mistakes and we can file them under the title of the error of our ways, or consign them to the darkness of the past when things weren’t working with us.

We do become more Spiritual with age.

Doors begin to open for us and we are unafraid to walk into the next space. Even if we find ourselves closing doors then always a way forward helps us to develop a new consciousness and with that is always opened a door or two. No matter how big the door you have to close, or how small the door ahead looks, if it is part of your journey to go in that direction then go you must. That is unless you want be one of those people who

tell you that they could have, should have, would have, BUT! A life free of compromise brings rich rewards. Being able to say that you took a risk, or worked around a hunch, or took Spiritual advice when you needed it, shows that you entered into a conscious World; and took wise precautions relevant to the furthermost point of your own life. Regardless of the result it is what you do with what you have that brings you to a state of reality and plugs you into the wonderful power system operated by Spirit. Here, if you feel that you can’t make it then you probably won’t, but each time you enter a new consciousness you open to a probable World, and can step in the footsteps of those who have gone before to whatever fate they were led to. You can take things to your own logical conclusions and with your own impetus move to where you should be, and not to where others feel that you should be.

Take inspiration by the freedom of your soul. Look at it as being the black box of your life, where everything relevant to your survival is recorded for posterity and can be played back to show others the route that you took and why. Fill this soul with love all around and learn to love yourself more and more. Give yourself more love than you ever thought that you could and there will still be plenty of love left over for you to give to others when you need to.

Love your spiritual heart and connect with your body as much as you can. There is no doubt at all that if you have come so far, and if you have read between my lines this week, especially, there is some work that you have to do. You are more, much more than you think that you are, and you are about to find this out for yourself! If I can help anyway, anytime, bear me in mind. I am part of the process, whenever I am required to so be! A workshop, or one to one session can send you on the way to just where you should really be going, and it comes with my support and a healthy spiritual connection with love!

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

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

Kenny’s Diary Readings at Maya Bistro: Monday 6th and Wednesday 8th December from 16.30 to 19.00. Call Els on: 966 868 213

Kenny will I be reunited with my first or second husband when I die? How do I know that they are there waiting for me, and which will I connect with? Shirley E.

Service at The Forum Mare Nostrum, Alfaz for the Albir Spiritual Foundation All welcome. 18.30 Thursday December 9th. Demonstration of Clairvoyance.

Good question Shirley! Those who pass on to the Spirit World leave behind earthly pain and trauma, and connect with the surviving souls that they live with. Have no worries that your Earthly connections of marriage and death will not necessarily be honoured on the other side, especially if you don’t want it. You will connect if you wish to with the spirit of both your husbands, or not if you so wish. You may choose to connect with one or other or neither, and you are assured at this point that there will be no worries or complications with anyone you encounter in the Spirit World. If you wish to sit for contact maybe we could answer your question if you wish to ascertain more exact information. Schedule an appointment for a physical sitting with me, let’s see what’s going on up there!

Christmas Fair at Serendipity Holistic Centre, Arts and Crafts, and Shop.

Castalla. from 11.30 to 17.30. Saturday 11th December. Readings available, and bookable. Come and see what this wonderful and enterprising new centre has to offer! I look forward to meeting readers personally. Contact: Sarah on 630 142 442.

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

horoscopes by Kenny Corris The close intervention of Sagittarius into your second house sees a plausible answer as meeting the final solution to a long term problem.

New evidence has greatly influence a side of you that has become stubborn and untrusting. Rest assured you are about to change your story, and someone will have to change their version of the truth before anything can really happen.

Love comes in disguise as you will find that someone is beginning to look at you in a very different way. Be flattered, since you have created hurdles based on disappointments of the past. Much has to change from within yourself, and you have to trust your own abilities to see just what could be if you will let it. You have absolutely nothing to lose right now, and everything to gain.

You may have put your foot in it, but at least you have cleared once and for all what was on your mind, and the truth can hurt those who are motivated by their own version of the events. You are a born leader, and taking control now seems the best way to ensure that your sincere and hearty wishes are respected, understood, and above all, acted upon.

Blame a feisty Uranus, and don’t give up!

Actions of Pluto are emphasising just what is missing right now and opening up new dimensions. You have to work this situation to your advantage because you can and you will, even if others are not allowing you the benefit of the doubt right now. It is just as if you have to prove something, and with Mercury supervising events, for once and for all, get your message through loud and clear.

Now is a time to refocus and readjust after significant changes have forced you to take a back seat. You need to find a better way to show your current aims, and it is the very best time to put those cards on the table and be honest with yourself. With all the good intentions in the World you need to motivate yourself into making decisions that reflect your true wants and needs for a change.

Plans have to be made and they are best left in your excellently organisational hands. You need something to work towards and something to look forward to, and there can be no disappointments right now, nor margins of error. Take aim and fire, and if this provokes a storm of protest then know that you have the power and the faith to put your money where your mouth is!

Capricornian energies see a way through a minefield of current obstacles and motivate you to do what you know is right for all concerned right now. There are some significant financial problems and these are about to become a thorn in someone’s side. As you make priorities then too you must know that you have a highly psychic energy that will steer you safely away from any future conflicts.

With Mercury about to retrograde and Uranus assuming power over a situation you are still the captain, and you have taken control so that you can steer your ship any which way. Be sure that what you are fighting for is what you really want after all, and be assured that someone is about to come along who will take what you have to offer straight into their heart, and help you to ring the changes.

With actions of an attending Mars, and Pluto and Mercury guesting prior to retrograde there is a need for simplicity, and to be understood once and for all. Your current balancing act is tiring but inspiring, and you have gained a lot of love and support for causes closest to your heart and soul.

Now everything must work around you, it’s self preserving, not selfish.

Actions with Mars see you closer then ever to getting your way in a situation which has demanded so much from you. Thought you wouldn’t have had it any other way, all this has taken a toll on you and some healthy rest and relaxation must surely be on the cards for you right now.

Take any unwanted input with a pinch of salt, and do plan your exit as you walk on with your head held high.

You are very close to banging two heads together as it is very hard to have any peace amidst the conflicts that are too close to home right now. What you do sincerely need is the loving energy and support from someone you can finally call your own. When all is said and done actions will always speak much louder then words ever could, and you about to turn things your way for a change.

The midweek Uranus direct is bringing you a rich reward for holding everything together. It hasn’t been easy, and things are about to become more difficult just before a long term solution is at hand, and you are able to rely on the support of someone close to you once more. With all the will in the World you have to state your priorities and then make sure that you are seeing the bigger picture.

If it’s your birthday this week...

Enter into a situation only if you know fully what you are up against. You are to be tested before all falls into place in the current scheme of things, and you have to play to win!

The Gringo Trail

version of the Hippie Trail of Asia. The result is a darkly comic road trip through dilapidated shanty towns, hikes over snow-covered mountains, and idyllic stopovers on white coral beaches.

Through it all, Mark Mann struggles to cope with Melissa’s pragmatism – ‘oh yeah, we’re just like Jason and the Astronauts’ – and his pal Mark’s wild trips on anything on offer that can be drunk or snorted. The tale is sad, funny, and shocking in turn and not without its share of tragedy. Throughout, the reader is treated to a lesson in the Spanish conquistadores’ horrific treatment of the indigenous tribes and an insight into how an entire sustainable economy was wrecked by Spain’s greed for gold and spices.

I found the book immensely knowledgeable and as close to South America and its turbulent history as I’ll ever get in an armchair. Mann’s descriptive prose is impressive and his characters are brought to colourful life as the book progresses through mountains, rainforests and the impressive monuments of lost civilisations.

Sad, Author: Mark Mann funny Publisher: Summerdale (paperback) and shocking Price: €12.15 ISBN: 978 1849 530637 in turn

03 26 - 09- DECEMBER 2010 FEB MARCH 4 2010

51 45

AUTHOR MARK Mann and his girlfriend Melissa, accompanied by a wild university pal also called Mark, embark on The Gringo Trail; South America’s

Book Review by

Danny Collins

copy@dannyjpcollins.com

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.

Rising Star Gregory Porter Vibes From The Costas by

Tony Poole

from www.vibesfromthecostas. blogspot.com

DURING THE evening television ritual of soaps and talk shows when the missus is glued to Corrie and Eastenders, I don headphones and surf for the latest album releases.

This week, I’d like to share a discovery that could make Yuletide a little more bearable for those who want to escape the Christmas specials and disappear into a darkened room together with an iPod for some ‘me-time’.

It has become apparent in jazz music that there are only a handful of new male singers currently carrying on the tradition of “the jazz singer.” One such artist with the “X” Factor making big waves is Gregory Porter. Born in Los Angeles, and now living in Brooklyn, Porter has made the world his musical home. A frequent guest performer with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Porter also maintains a long-standing residency at Harlem’s venerable St. Nick’s Pub, and performs internationally.

Porter’s star is fast rising on the jazz and soul scene. American jazz trumpet virtuoso Wynton Marsalis has gone on record, calling him “a fantastic young singer.” His prime musical influence is the legendary Nat King Cole, however, upon listening to his silky baritone vocals it is easy to hear the similarities and comparisons to artists like Donny Hathaway, Joe Williams and Terry Callier. He released his debut album “Water” on Motema Music earlier this year, containing seven original compositions and four standards.

It was my first hearing of the song “1960 What?” that brought Porter to my attention. It’s a powerful political song about Detroit, the assignation of Dr Martin Luther King and life stories growing up in Los Angeles; other highlights include the soulful foot-tapper “Pretty,” a Porter original about a brown-eyed girl from his past, bolstered by some fine alto sax and

trombone work; and the exquisite “Illusion,” a heart-wrenching Porter performance over Chip Crawford’s solo piano that reminds me of John Legend’s “Ordinary People” (one of the greatest song’s ever written).

The song ends with Porter exhaling a quiet sigh, that gets me every time (sob).

On the covers, Wayne Shorter’s “Black Nile” continues the theme of water that runs throughout the album, it’s a swinging up-tempo number that gives Porter space to scat before veteran sax player James Spaulding guests with a solo; the classic “Feelin’ Good” is given a gospel-influenced feel (á la Mahaila Jackson) sung acappella; Jimmy Van Heusen’s popular ballad “But Beautiful” sees Porter and Crawford’s piano share centre stage again; and Porter’s effluent baritone does the Hoagie Carmichael/Johnny Mercer standard, “Skylark,” more than justice.

What makes Gregory Porter special is how he soulfully combines the tradition of jazz with a contemporary feel, employing R&B, blues and gospel in the mix.

Some of the tracks from “Water” have accompanying official videos, or have been recorded live at Porter’s club dates, and they are available to view on YouTube.

Check ‘em out and I trust you’ll not be disappointed.

Perhaps you have a favourite jazz or soul CD release from 2010 that you’d like to share.

More festival and concert information at 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!

Showgroup Torrevieja WHILST THE Showgroup Torrevieja is currently rehearsing hard on their next production, several of their members have still found the time to enter the Santa Run in Torrevieja to raise money for the AECC cancer charity.

As Shirley and Ray said, “Several of our family and friends have suffered from cancer in one form or another. We hope that by doing our bit, the money we raise will help towards the care and treatment of others and the research needed to find cures for this disease.”

Please go along and see Shirley, the group’s acting writer, Ray, an ugly sister, Lisa, Buttons and Linda, the Director, in their winter production of ‘Almost’ a Panto’.

Reserve your ticket now by ringing Dan on 662 438 002.

Whilst the group’s performance of ‘Almost’ a Panto’ is not until January 6th, 7th and 8th 2011, Christmas and New Year celebrations are rapidly creeping upon us. Irene Rennie from the group told RTN: “As retirees, we all know the days and weeks simply fly past with ever increasing speed and before you can blink, 2011 will be here. So we ask that people reserve their seats as soon as possible. Our chosen charity for this season of performances is DEBRA, The Butterfly Children.”

So remember, ‘Almost’ a Panto’, on January 6th, 7th and 8th 2011 at Los Arcos Restaurant. Doors open at 19.30 for a 20:00 start. Tickets cost €8 with a 10% reduction for groups of 10 or more.

61 52

03 2010 14--0920DECEMBER MAY 2010

Computing to password protect Email scam how a whole folder

with aunty virus

Antispyware Paul from Campoverde asks: Dear Aunty, I always read your column with interest. At the moment I have installed free versions of Malwarebytes, Superantispyware, and AVG2011. As the AVG2011 includes its own antispyware is it safe for me to remove the SAS software? I don’t want to clutter my computer with unnecessary software.

Aunty Says: I personally would keep and use all three Paul. You will find some malware slips through the net even with the best security programs.

Upgrade AVG Pat via email asks: Dear Aunty, Is there a way to upgrade for free? I have had AVG for about 4 years now.

Aunty Says: You can get the latest AVG11 free from download.com of from the link on the home page of www.enetcomputers.net

Jean via email asks: HI AUNTY, I have just recently received an email from what was supposed to be a friend of ours saying they were in Scotland and been held up by armed robbers; wallet, passport, etc stolen. It also stated ‘British Embassy not helping’ and ‘can we send money’. We realised it was a scam as these people were on a cruise in the Med. Upon their return we rang to find about 100 copies of this message went to their friends. I am now concerned that spammers can do the same to us with our email address book. We have the usual AVG 9 and other security on our computer, can you give advice please.

Aunty Says: Well I’ve not heard of that one Jean. These scammers are getting pretty ruthless with their tactics. Certainly upgrade to AVG 2011 and do a regular scan with SuperAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes. You should also advise your friend to do the same as they either have a virus or someone has gained access to their email login details.

Dave via email asks: Hi Aunty, Is there a way to password protect a folder? I can protect files but it would make life a lot easier if I could protect a whole folder especially when I am carrying around info on a memory stick.

Aunty Says: I know Dave it’s an odd thing that Microsoft

continually leave out such an important function from Windows, and even more strange when you think of all the useless stuff they spent millions developing.

I’ve always used WinRar but it’s not free though I believe you can use the free 7-Zip program to the same effect. You can get 7-Zip from download.com and

there is a YouTube video explaining how to do it with WinRar, but it’s the same principle using 7-Zip. Type “winrar Password Protect A Folder” (without the quotes) into YouTube and follow what the guy is doing.

Silverlight

webcam not working

Aunty Says: You could try the old Microsoft Installer Cleanup Utility program which you will need to download from www.majorgeeks.com (type msicuu2.exe into the search field) as Microsoft have changed the new one to only work with Office. You will need to take your time and read the download instructions but it is fairly self explanatory. Let me know how you get on.

Aunty Says: Not really sure if these problems are related Maurice.

Firstly if your family can see you then your webcam is working correctly. If you cannot see them then either their webcam isn’t working, or you may need to install the latest version of the chat program you are using. Apart from that I will need to know what

Reginald via email asks: Dear Aunty, In Windows XP I keep getting prompts to install Silverlight but when I try, it fails. I’ve tried to remove it via ‘control panel’ with no successes. I’ve also tried other sites to uninstall without success, unless I pay. Is there a free site that will remove the present program as I wish to reinstall the Silverlight?

Maurice via email asks: Dear Aunty, I have had a Philips webcam for four years but now my family can see me but I can’t see them. I have been told I need directX so I did this but it still did not work. I can’t find the disk that came with webcam and I am also told that my memory is too small. Hope you can help me on this or do I need to buy a new one?

The computer tells me that I have too many USB devices plugged in but I only have three which I need.

software you are using (Skype, Yahoo Messenger etc.) and which version of Windows you have before I can suggest specific solutions. If you are receiving low memory error messages you will need to either add more RAM or have your machine cleaned up to free up some of the existing memory. An error message regarding too many USB devices will generally only occur on older machines or if you have a faulty device connected that is draining too much power.

Try disconnecting them one at a time and see if it is a particular device.

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

Ole Comunicacion hassle free service OLÉ COMUNICACION is proud to offer hassle free, high-speed internet and telephone packages at the best possible price!

Because they use the most advanced wi-max technology available, their internet and telephone services do not rely on any other providers, so there’s no need for a landline and their customers find that they are able to navigate their way around the web more quickly and easily than ever before.

Olé Communicación also provides all the equipment, maintained by their team of highly trained technicians.

If this sounds appealing, it’s about to sound even better!

Right now they are offering internet installations, with all of the equipment supplied and fitted free of charge. This means that all you need to pay is just €20 per month for unlimited downloads with no time restrictions!

They can also offer a telephone service that works exactly like a traditional phone. You can even keep your existing landline number if you have one and their tariffs simply cannot be beaten. There’s no monthly landline rental, you simply select one of their €10 monthly packages: UNLIMITED free calls to any landline phone in Spain OR Free landline calls to UK, Ireland and

other European countries and also the USA and Canada Olé Comunicacion has increased their Benijofar, Formentera, Rojales, coverage areas to reach more new locations and they are expanding all the time. New areas now include, Entre Naranjos, Los Montesinos, La Herrada, San Fulgencio, La Marina, La Siesta, San Luis, Torrevieja, Quesada, La Mata, Orihuela Costa, La Zenia, La Regia, Campoamor, Vistabella, Los Balcones, Daya Nueva, Daya Vieja and more.

Not only are they reaching more homes but they are now reaching them even faster with their upgraded minimum speed of 3mbps at no extra cost.

Now there is exciting news for their existing clients. As a way to offer their clients a better service you can now contact the Customer Services department by dialling 1010 from your Olé telephone. This means any calls to the Customer Services department will be absolutely free!

There is no better priced internet or telephone package available.

To find out more about how you can get connected and start saving money contact Olé Comunicación on 902 006 757 or visit their offices located at the La Zenia roundabout where you can speak to one of their customer services representatives.

motoring Caveat emptor…

DEAR BRIAN, A few months ago, my husband and I bought a used year 2000 car from a local showroom and by the deal included the legal transfer to us so it was in our name. Following advice, we held back €1,000, to be paid Author of Motoring in Spain when the transfer papers were received. This was fortunate in that as the weeks went by and no transfer was received and after many broken promises by the salesman, we realised that we were not going to get anywhere with the finalisation of the sale.

We have an invoice/bill of sale that shows what has been paid and what is still outstanding with the conditions of sale, but now the gearbox has failed in a big way and needs expensive repairs. The showroom has refused to reimburse our taking it to a garage and in fact has now closed and the salesman is nowhere to be found. Now we have a car that has cost us a few thousand Euros which is not in our name and which we

Brian Deller

have decided to sell for spares to try and cut our losses. We have a buyer. What can we do, please?

Susan Wrigley, La Linea.

Dear Susan, Sorry to hear of your problem.

This happens far too often here as well as in the UK, I suspect.

I suggest that the cheapest and hopefully quickest would be to scrap the vehicle by going to Trafico (to save postal delays) which is close by to where you live, and complete a form TASA (rate) 3.050 which is ‘for advice on who owns the vehicle’, according to Trafico’s records/system.

Hopefully, he/she will live close by and you can contact him/her and arrange for the scrapping of the vehicle.

This form is a TASA 9.060, to be completed and signed by the recorded owner so it can be legally scrapped. It can then be sold as scrap but get a bill of sale. A letter is okay, with this written on it and signed for by the purchaser with his NIF/NIE

number and full address, etc, and you are out of the woods. I am willing to bet that the old owner thinks that the transfer has already been done to a new owner by the showroom ‘wide-boy’.

Re: the sad case of expat Mr. Striker: In a recent column, Mr Striker returned to the UK after giving a small van to an exemployee, who promised to do the transfer but did not, had a big accident and now the Striker’s current legal costs are at €20,000 because legally THE VAN IS STILL REGISTERED IN HIS NAME. If you cannot find the previous owner, send me an email and I will suggest an alternative way.

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

53

Note that the TASA forms can be downloaded from the Trafico website by going to: Http://www.dgt.es/portal/ es/oficina_virtual/vehiculos/ modelos_impresos/ You can complete most of the forms on a computer and a copy is provided. You then print the needed form out. Select “Castellano” for language.

THE PITFALLS OF BUYING AND SELLING IN SPAIN My book gives tips on buying and selling vehicles in Spain, including what the vehicle has been used for. Susan has told me that the seller would not show the previous owners’ details to them which is a big caveat (beware).

Susan and her husband found out too late that it had been a driving school car.

There is much more detailed information on all motoring subjects in my book. Brian Juan (John) Deller, Malaga, author, ‘Motoring in Spain’ www.spainvia.com.

Brian Deller, author, book Motoring in Spain, ISBN No 978 84 611 9278 6. Shops’ addresses in my web site at: www.spainvia.com/bookshopslist.htm

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61 54

03 2010 14--0920DECEMBER MAY 2010

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RENAULT MEGANE HYUNDAI GETZ FORD FOCUS ESTATE GHIA, 2002 1.8 LTR TDCI DIESEL GRAND TOURER ESTATE 2007 1.1 LTR PETROL 2004 2 LTR PETROL FSH

€5,995

HYUNDAI GETZ 2006 1.1 LTR PETROL

€9,995

FORD FOCUS GHIA 2006 1.6 AUTO DIESEL ONE OWNER

Cars S.L.

www.venuscars.com

€3,495

€2,995

€10,995

18000KMS

OPEL CORSA COSMO 2008 1.3 TDCI DIESEL ONE OWNER FSH

€8,995

€5,995

43000KMS

SUZUKI VITARA 2002 4X4 1.9 LTR DIESEL

€35,995

37000KMS

FSH

CITROEN C3 SX PLUS 1.4 LTR PETROL 2005 ONE OWNER

AUTOMATICS

CITROEN C3 SX PLUS 2004 1.4 LTR PETROL

€8,995

€6,495

49000KMS

FSH

QUADS & BIKES

€6,495

VENUS

Opening hours Mon - Fri 9-6pm (No siesta) Sat 10-1pm

SMART FORFOUR PEUGEOT PARTNER COMBI 2004 1.3 LTR PETROL 1998 1.9 LTR DIESEL

€2,495

SEAT TOLEDO 1998 PETROL AUTOMATIC

€10,995

MERCEDES BENZ 280 SL 1995 AUTOMATIC

SEAT CORDOBA 2000 1.9 TDI DIESEL

€4,495

PEUGEOT 206 2001 1.4 LTR Petrol

KIA CARENS EX 2006 2 LTR CRDI DIESEL

PORSCHE CAYMAN S 2006 FULLY LOADED

€6,495

€5,495

Ford Focus Trend 2003 1.8 Ltr TDCi Diesel

See our vehicles on our website www.venuscars.com

ONE OWNER

Ford Transit Connect T200 2005 1.8 TDCi Diesel

Classified Ads 56

03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

Deadline for Classifieds Adverts is Tuesday 5pm prior to publication

Book your advert now 902 118 999 Round Town News

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

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

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

• 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 • FREE Quotations

es Pric 80 £ m fro ubic c r pe re met

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

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

03 - 09 December 2010

SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966-865-883 (Mob)

LIVERY AVAILABLE near Gata de Gorgos. tel 689-619-007 SMALL FRIENDLY BRITISH KENNELS individual runs, large excercise area. 25 mins Alicante airport. www.parkbark.co.uk 628-244-712

629-308-505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz

20% OFF RRP ON AWNINGS & BLINDS Price match guarantee!

ALL types supplied and fitted inc. repairs. For Advice and Free Quotations call 639-561-262 or visit www.vistaawningsandblinds.es

DRAGON REFORMS PROPERTY RENOVATIONS & MAINTENANCE. Tel:-966807-098. Mob:-639-917-798.

Apartments/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

ZOCO MARKET Permanent market stall for sale, wooden shed 4m x 5m with electrics, currently trading as a butchers. call dave on 620028038

Free Franchise No subscriptions No Selling Internet Businesses Free Training Free Web Site sierraenterprises@hotmail.com

Spain 696640747 UK 07540932133

SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own product range. First class training & support. Telephone 606586587

57

Kitchen,Bathroom, Two Bedrooms, Fully fitted. Sited Fortuna, Murcia. Offers to:653-441-334 MOBILE/PARK HOMES On Camping Pueblo in San Javier, from 15,000€ also bungalows for rent Carol 968-192-425 Mob 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com CAMPING LOS GALLARDOS Come to Mojacar! Large campsite + mobile home park open all year, great expat community site, all welcome. 950-528-324. www.

CampingLosGallardos.com MCLOUIS TANDY 2.8 TD MOTORHOME 6 berth with garage only 48,000 klm, full 4 metre awning, Air conditioning, Full Size Fridge Freezer, OvenHob, Central Heating good size Bathroom excellent condition 28,500 euros call 669-686-587 or 965-873-726 for details and viewing.

BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home.

Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424

www.sierra.goldfromkb.com

WINDSURFERS 2.8 Fanatic, Board, 2 Sails Various sizes, mast & boom, 2 Fins, & all ancillary equipment plus 2 wetsuits. 250€ ONO. Tlf:609-550-734

Business Opportunity Expanding business looking for an investment partner full 50% must have experience in the motor trade and willing to work 5 day week 9 til 5 May suit ex mechanic or parts manager for full details ring

620 738 023 anytime. (Torreveija area) JP BUILDING SERVICES Renovations, Roofing, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Tiling, Decorating.

Established 35 years. No job too small. Tlf:-965-847-284/627706-405

BANKRUPT CLOTHING STOCK Womens,girls & boys clothing.Jeans,Trousers,Skirts Tops All 1euro each.Minimum order 50€. With invoice.

Torrevieja, 651-885-200

MOBILE HOME Benimar Landhouse, 11x4mtrs, Large Lounge, Dining,

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

All jobs undertaken-extra sockets, rewires, fault finding.

Tlf:-Hugh-690-275-223

BY YOUR SIDE (based in Bonalba/Mutxamel) is looking for male/female part-/fulltime Personal Advisors to reinforce their Costa Blanca team.

We offer comprehensive professional, personal and leisure services that the UK residents require in their daily life. Excellent opportunity to grow with the company in all their activities. Profile: age 35+, native language English, resident, good connections with the expat community, sales experience is a +.Excellent commissions and growth possibilities. Please send cv to: bys@byyourside.es MILLIE MUNRO SERVICES Require an Experienced Telesales Person to Work from our San-Miguel Office Generating Appointments for our team of Consultants. Salary to be negotiated. Call Simon 966-493-082

58

03 - 09 December 2010

Experienced mechanic required for busy workshop in San Miguel De Salinas.

The position is Full time with immediate start, undertaking all types of mechanical work in our state of the art workshop. You will be working alongside our existing mechanics to deliver a high standard of work and customer care.

Please forward your CV and covering letter to aftersales@autosdirect.es

JOBS FOR YOU Workers are needed urgently and you will make 1000euros per month. No experience is required. please reply to us at saclcompany@ yahoo.com for more information about our jobs AVON NEED AGENTS AND LEADERS work hours to suit you. For info Phone Rosh 966-785-520

SOLO SINGER/GUITARIST can travel Country/Blues/Rock´nRoll. available for pubs/clubs/private parties, musician not karoke Charlie 691-622-804

JVC CAMCORDER Never used!. In case, Ideal present.

60€ Tlf:-663-559-806 Benidorm area SUMMER COVER FOR 8 X 4 POOL as new 100 euros. ring dave movil 650-794-588 (Torrevieja Area) HAIRDRESSING EQUIPMENT 2 backwash units, 2 hairdressing chairs, Hood Dryer on Stand, Climazon Dryer Nearly New 1600€. Tumble Dryer 200€ Genuine Interest Only Tlf:620-408-678 MOBILITY SCOOTER FOR SALE €350 Jacarilla/Almoradi area. Tlf:-965-350-091 NEW PINE FURNITURE King size bed + under-bed drawers 285€. Tel: 628-499-448.

NEW PINE FURNITURE 5+2 Chest 99€ Tlf:-628-499-448 NEW PINE FURNITURE Double Bed and Free Underbed Drawers 270€ Tlf:-628-499-448 NEW PINE FURNITURE Treble Robe 150€ Tlf:-628-499-448 NEW PINE FURNITURE 2 Drawer Bedside 20€ Tlf:628-499-448 NEW PINE FURNITURE All Furniture is Top Quality from Denmark Tlf:-628-499-448 NEW PINE FURNITURE Gate Leg Table 85€ Tlf:-628-499-448 NEW PINE FURNITURE Large Pine Hall Mirror 85€ Tlf:628-499-448 NEW PINE FURNITURE Double Robe 180€ Tlf:-628-499-448 NEW PINE FURNITURE Computer Desk 99€ Tlf:628-499-488 NEW PINE FURNITURE Wine Table. 30€ Tlf:-628-499-448 WHEELCHAIR Light, Foldable, Hardly used, like new, 150€.

Mobility Scooter 40km range 499€ Tlf:-627-019-403 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

Experienced, Qualified Daytime Chef Required for Quesada Restaurant.

Position Commences in the New Year.

Call 637 905 125

WANTED INSTANT CASH PAID Antique and modern jewellery, vintage watches bought sold part exchanged, insurance valuations. Jewellery & watch repairs. Alexanders, Javea Port seafron near Bar Esquina.

Established since 2003. Tel: 965-792-595

GOLF CLUB SHARE FOR SALE Individual golf membership share for Altoreal Campo de Golf in Murcia for sale. English call 679-717-171 Español 629-827-955.+ KARAOKE MEDIA PLAYER “Brand New” 500GB. 70,000songs, software, songbooks, bar/home use.

275euros Tlf:-654-925-679 POOL, SNOOKER TABLES will beat any price. Tel: 666-933-726

BALLROOM/LATIN/SEQUENCE DANCING with LA BAMBA’s.

Los Arcos Restaurant, Avenida Baleares, Torrevieja, SOCIAL

1 X 2008 KTM SX 85 MOTOR CROSS BIKE rare tuned engine and many extras too much to list 2,100euros, ring for details and viewing 669-686-587 or 965-873-726

DANCES: Saturday 7pm-10pm & Tuesdays 8pm-10.30pm (except second Tuesday of the month) TUITION:- Beginners Monday10.30am. Bienvenido Chinese restaurant, La Zenia: Beginners Wednesday 7.30pm, Improvers Thursday 11.30am, Intermediates Friday 11.00am.

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 WEIGHT WATCHERS Call our Free English call centre now to find your nearest meeting.

900-818-794

AUDI S4 ESTATE, QUATTRO, 2004 Auto/Tiptronic, Spanish car, 139000km, Blue, Navigation, telephone, Recaros, sunroof, new alloys, recent service, CD/HiFi/ BOSE System, Xenons, Front/rear park sensors, Excellent condition, 13500Euros, tel:-667-917-790 (Javea) PORSCHE BOXSTER-S 2001, RHD manual, UK Private plate, genuine 37000 miles, leather, navigation, alloys, FSH, electric hood, superb condition, 9750Euros ono, tel:-667-917-790 (Javea) SMART FORFOUR, PASSION, 2004 1.3 ltr petrol, Spanish LHD, 2 toned black & silver, alloys, cd player, air con, electric windows 5995€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 FORD FOCUS GHIA, 2006 1.6 Ltr Auto Diesel, Spanish LHD, pale metallic silver, 5 door hatch, all round elec windows, climate control, 6 CD system, alloys, one owner, FSH, impeccable condition, 34000 KLM 9995€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 PEUGEOT PARTNER COMBI, 1998 1.9 Ltr Diesel, Spanish LHD, Silver, air con, roof rack, power steering very good maintenance record. 3495€ www.venuscars. com 965 368 274 SUZUKI VITARA, 2002 4X4, Spanish LHD, Burgundy/Silver, 1.9 Ltr diesel, manual, only 43000 KLM 5995€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 RENAULT MEGANE GRAND

03 - 09 December 2010 TOURER ESTATE Privilege,2004 Spanish LHD, Blue, one owner, FSH, climate control, alloys, auto xenon lights,cruise control 7495€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 KIA CARENS, EX, 2 LTR CRDI, 2006 champagne, Spanish LHD, elec windows & mirrors, MP3 CD player, parking sensors, cent locking, alloys. Excellent cond only 37000 klms 8995€ www.vensucars.com 965 368 274 OPEL CORSA COSMO, 2008 1.3 Ltr TDCI diesel, Spanish LHD, graphite, half leather interior, one owner, FSH, 18000 klms, climate control, all round elec windows, cd player, alloys 10995€ www. vensucars.com 965 368 HYUNDAI GETZ, 2005 1.1 Ltr petrol, Spanish LHD,5 door hatch, pale blue, full Hyundai service hist, CD player, elec windows, air con, economical, only 48000 klm, excellent condition 6495€ www. venuscars.com 965 368 274 CITROEN C3 SX PLUS, 2005 1.4 Ltr petrol, Spanish LHD, champagne, Cd player, elec windows, climate control, one owner, only 49000 klm, excellent condition 6495€ www.vensucars. com 965 368 274 FORD FOCUS GHIA ESTATE, 2002 1.8 ltr TDCI diesel,115 BHP, Spanish LHD, blue, alloys, air con, all round elec windows, 6 CD player, one owner, excellent cond 5995€ www.vensucars.com 965 368 274 FORD KA, COLLECTION, 2006 1.3 Ltr petrol, Spanish LHD, pale blue metallic, FSH, CD player, air con. 5995€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 SEAT TOLEDO, 1998 Petrol Automatic, white, Spanish LHD,air con, all round elc windows, good condition 2495€ www.venuscars. com 965 368 274 HYUNDAI GETZ - 5 DOOR HATCH, DEC 2004 1.1, 94,000 with 1 owner, Full service history - Petrol, Red, PAS, ABS, Rear head restraints, Remote locking, Cd player, Driver’s airbag.

4250€. Contact Frank on 600726-221/965-687-976 or visit our website for more details and pictures www.fwreurocars.com PEUGEOT 206 SW ESTATE, 2005 2.0 HDi X-Line, 126,000 with 1 owner, Full service history - Diesel, Metallic silver, PAS, ABS, Front fog lights, E. windows/ mirrors, New cam belt, A/C, Remote locking, CD, Multi airbags, Rear privacy glass, Rear head restraints, Rear luggage cover, Roof rails.6250€. Contact Frank on 600-726-221/965-687-976 or visit our website for more details and pictures www.fwreurocars. com SAAB 96 - 3 DOOR COUPE, 1973 Saab 96 - 3 door coupe, 1973 - 1498cc V4, Petrol, 4speed column change, A superb collectable and appreciating asset. Contact Frank on 600726-221/965-687-976 or visit our website for more details and pictures www.fwreurocars.com POA. RENAULT SCENIC 1.9 DCI (DIESEL) July 2002, 130,000kms, Full Service History, Super Condition with Air-Con & Alloys.

Bargain 3750€. Contact Frank on 600-726-221/965-687-976 or visit our website for more details and pictures www.fwreurocars.com GOOD SELECTION OF LDH AND RHD Vehicles For Sale or Exchange. New and Used Vehicles sourced. Contact Frank on 600-726-221/965-687-976 or visit our website for more details and pictures www.fwreurocars.com MERCEDES C180 ELEGANCE 1999 Silver low mileage, service history, excellent condition inside and out, very economical €4500 price ONO Simon 696-981-082 AMIGO CARS Huge selection of well cared for second hand cars.

Prices from 750€ Call:-965-419857. Rental Cars from 7.50€ per day. See advert on page 54. Call:622-684-486 WE BUY any car,van,motorhome,boat, jet ski.

Instant decision at good prices. Tel 680 -665-583 WANTED Scrap cars, vans, lorries, plant and caravans.

Turn your scrap into cash. Free collection. Tel.689929395 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. Also air conditioning rechargeTel:966-875-497 or 618-592-396 2002 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY TD5 Spanish-RHD. 1 Owner, Exceptional, Guaranteed, FSH, 7 Seater, New Disks, Pads, Tyres, Battery. Tlf:965793357/606212240 MERCEDES BENZ SPRINTER 313 CDI LWB Panel Van Year 2007, RHD, 9 months MOT, 12 months Tax, 1 owner from new. Ply-lined, FSH, Excellent condition.Tlf:-628-499-448 WANTED I buy any car, van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600-781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com KIA PREGIO RS 2.7D 2001 Van 6 seats, good condition, 145,000kms, 6 months ITV 3,500€ o.n.o.Tlf:-968-704-284

PAINTING AND DECORATOR Exterior/interior Villa Painting Specialist. Woodwork, iron work, all aspects. For a free friendly, no obligation quote call Kevin Guilfoyle. 965-831-209/ 636-653-516 or Guifoyle.kev66@gmail.com

DANI 24, SWEET GERMAN GIRL Offers erotic service.

House and Hotel visits or in my apatment. 650-104-534.

Torrevieja 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 NEW IN BENIDORM MATURESUSI, 49 discrete, dedicated flute player, made in Switzerland. Offers from sensual massage to full premium service as outcalls or incalls. 7days 10am - 8pm Call 672-836-234 or www.maturesusi.com GENERIC VIAGRA SAFE AND EFFECTIVE 100mg blue pills 24 for 50€ or fast acting oral jellies.

Call Ron TTMarketing Tlf:966-499-204 GENERIC VIAGRA 100MG 12 tablets for 30€ or 24 for 50€ also fast acting jellies and weekenders. Free discreet delivery. Quesada & surrounding area. Derek 685-207-378 MODEL FOR NEW XXX WEB SITE We are currently looking for females between the ages of 21 and 99 make 50% for web income on your page call 697-810-298 webmaster@ thexxxwifes.co.uk TORREVIEJA CHINESE SUPER SEXY Young and beautiful. Calle Orihuela Nº60, 2º1 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. 609573-468 or 639-832-118 NEW PLACE! TORREVIEJA Sexy girls from South America.

Come and enjoy, economical prices from 40?. NEW ADDRESS Zone Los Locos beach. 639-622-285 GAY MASSAGE by masculine sexy boys nr Benidorm Tel. 646 642 575 Discretion assured.

Staff wanted

exchange considered on your spanish or uk home for more information call 0044-151633-2321 or email : alan.aitken@hotmail.co.uk MOBILE/PARK HOMES On camping Pueblo in San Javier from 15,000€ Carol 968-192425 Mob 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com CLASSIC SPANISH OLD TOWN HOUSE CALLOSA. 3 double bedrooms (one en-suite) new kitchen, large living room/ diner. Bbq terrace and LOTS more. Recently reformed/fully furnished. 135,000€ Tel: 609-177-032.

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 678-080-500 Email info@ pristineswimmingpools.com www.pristineswimmingpools.com SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965-725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743-048 www.pooltechspain.com

www.gaymassage4u.com

PORNO DVD´S Gay, Bestial. 6 for €25. BDSM, She-Male 10€ each. Rebecca:-636-929-511 FREE SPANKING THERAPY for Ladies. Lose Weight FAST for Xmas. Guardamar to Alcazares.

Info:-spanktherapy@hotmail.com SEXY COUPLE offer discreet erotic services, can accommodate. tel, 634-167-946 SEXY BUSTY BLONDE tall English busty blonde 30, offers discreet erotic services.can accommodate.tel.672-826-161 SEXY FUN AND GAMES 63 year old. Sub/Dom Switch. Your place or mine. Available for females, males and couples.

Specialising in more mature females and cross dressers.

Torrevieja to Benidorm. Low Fees. Tlf:-655-058-554

LOOKING TO RELOCATE we have new and pre-owned luxury park homes for sale throughout the uk 12 month occupancy part

MORAIRA Sea Views,two bedroom bungalow on well kept urbanization.

Good condition,new bathroom,furnished. Private garden. Priced to sell. 120,000 Euros. Tel. 965793357/ 606212240

SPECIAL OFFER Los Altos, Detached Villa, 220 square metre plot, only 113,000€ 669-283-973 Manfred

VILLAMARTIN AREA Middle Town House, 2/3 Bedrooms, Bathroom, Seperate Toilet, Garage, F/F, Fitted Kitchen, 89.000€. Tlf:-996-283-973 Manfred RETIREMENT HOME? Cosy wooden cabin on friendly campsite in sunny Murcia for 20,000€o.n.o Contact 639-575394/elibee2110@hotmail.com

APARTMENT TO RENT 2 bed. apartment overlooking La Marquesa golf course, Quesada.

Fully furnished, english TV, H & C air con., community pool. Just totally gutted and painted throughout. Available immediately. 375€per month plus elec Tel:-630-771-296 1 BED BUNGALOWS on camping Pueblo in San Javier Carol 968-192-425 Mob 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com 1 & 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS short term rent Levante Beach Benidorm. Tel:658-564-851 LONG TERM RENT 2 BED APARTMENT Las Terrazas, Albir, Tennis court, Communal Pool. 550pcm Tel:-658-564-851 2 BED/1 BATH HOUSE with a swiminng pool for rent in San Luis 525€ ono + bills. call 650-379-342/966-785-901 CENTRAL TORREVIEJA 2 Bed 1 Bath, 1st floor apartment, for long let. with lift, separate good sized kitchen with serving hatch to lounge/Diner. Galleria, and large balcony. TV, A/C. 1 min from sea front. Tlf:-609-550-734 CLASSIC SPANISH OLD TOWN HOUSE CALLOSA. 3 double bedrooms. Recently reformed and fully furnished. 450€ p.m.

Tel:609-177-032.

BENIDORM LONG LET Large Furnished Apartment. 1 Bedroom (Possible 2nd Bedroom) Sunny Enclosed Balcony, Sky TV, Car Park, Swimming Pool, Near Mercadona. 425€ per month.

Tlf:-635-538-233 LA CALA, BENIDORM Long term 2 bed 1 bath 12th floor apart. with part sea view.

Furnished. 350€pm + services.

Tel:-965-837-783 MODERN 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR LONG LET in Lliber Jalon valley. There are

59

stunning views of the mountains and vineyards. It is a 10 minute walk to the supermarket and very good restaurants. No Pets Allowed. Available from end of November - 400 euros per month inc. bills. tel:-648-538-192

WANTED VILLA FOR LONG LET possible 12 months for mature retired couple not the normal holiday let something more private and personel keen gardeners.Tel no 0796-712-1271.

WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING PROPERTIES in Javea for holidays and long term rental. Call Now 966-473-015 or 697-432-226 www.javeapropertyservices. com or email liz@ javeapropertyservices.com

MICK WITH HIS VAN Removals Collections Deliveries. For a reliable effective service. Hourly rate or quote. Call Mick anytime 600-247-535 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: 610-846-260 or 0044-7519-186-355 email:-van.man@hotmail.co.uk

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

60

03 - 09 December 2010

Classifieds Agents 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 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 EasyBuy, Avenida del Portet 24, Moraira. 03724 Alicante 965 745 969 Quicksave, Partida Murtar 2/2, Pedreguer, Alicante. Andrew Thomas 966 456 157 • beverleyethomas@yahoo.co.uk ICUK Foods sl, C/Gulliem de Casto, 8 Bajo, Oliva 46780, Valencia 962 839 830 • icukfoodssl@hotmail.com

teulada benitachell moraira pedreguer oliva

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 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

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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.

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03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

The final whistle Successful Touch Rugby Tournament Time to

Fishing

by

David Hoare

review the review

968 199 279

Touch Rugby Tournament

FC Barcelona Trainer Pep Guardiola

AS REGULAR readers of this column will know, I am a huge fan of technology in sport. Despite the fact that Fifa and Uefa don’t seem interested and while there have been some worryingly poor TMO decisions in rugby league and rugby union recently, it must be the way forward. That’s why I hope that cricket’s governing body will take a look at the Decision Review System (DRS) currently being used in the Ashes series.

At the moment, both teams get two reviews per innings and judging by the way they were asked for in the first Test, the players in the middle are guessing at best and hoping at worst when they request that the umpires ‘go upstairs’.

Wouldn’t it be better to give the power of the reviews to the umpire? And an unlimited number as well. While the umpires did get most things right in Brisbane, one dreadful decision was allowed to stand when Jimmy Anderson trapped Mike Hussey plumb in front when he’d made 85. As England had used up their reviews, they could do nothing about it and Hussey went on to score another 110 runs.

Surely if the technology is in place, it makes sense to get as many decisions right as possible? And allowing the umpires to double check their instincts would go along way to doing just that.

CHELSEA’S NON PEP TALK Rumours in the media suggest that Chelsea is lining up Pep Guardiola to replace Carlo Ancelotti as coach. If the Spaniard needs the money, he might think about it. But if it’s down to football reasons, Guardiola would be mad to come to London. His Barcelona team, most of them Spanish and graduates from the club academy, played the most sublime football to batter Real Madrid 5 – 0 in Monday’s ‘El Clasico’.

Guardiola has supported the club all his life and has the full backing of the board. By contrast, Chelsea have an overbearing owner and a team getting on in years that, 24 hours before the game at the Nou Camp, laboured to a draw against Newcastle. I don’t think Señor Guardiola will be rushing to book his plane tickets to Heathrow. Do you?

MATES DOWN UNDER I’ve got loads of friends in Australia and most of them were on line to me during the first three days of the first Test, gleefully suggesting that England had sent another sub-standard team to try and hold on to the Ashes. So it was a wonderful feeling to return the compliment on days four and five, when England reached 517 for 1, to write back that perhaps the Poms were not quite the pushover their form in the early stages of the match had suggested. I maintain that the two teams are very evenly matched but I still have every confidence in my pre-Ashes prediction that England will hold on to the urn, having won the series 2 – 1.

Maggots End

RUGBY LA Vila enjoyed its very first International Mixed Touch Rugby Tournament on Saturday at the Villajoyosa Rugby Stadium.

The event, which attracted participants such as London Galaxy and Manchester Chargers, was highly successful and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The final saw Manchester pip London Galaxy 5-3, while La Vila’s own team, playing togetherva for the first time, performed well.

The tournament was an official FIT event, endorsed by the Spanish Touch Federation, and with FIT rules applied.

Scottish Touch Association President Peter Faassendeheer oversaw the refereeing of the tournament, holding a special referees’ seminar on the Friday evening before the event, and seeing to the high standards of proceedings.

Touch Rugby is a new and increasingly popular sport, appealing to not only youngsters and university students, but also to energetic professionals looking for a lively and social team activity.

Moral of the story is…

Real Valladolid 0 - FC Cartagena 1

TONI MORAL was the scorer of the all important goal at Jose Zorrilla stadium, but then inside stoppage time he stupidly picked up a second yellow card and will now miss the next match.

They just about deserved 3 points, pushing Los Albinegros to within shouting distance of a div 2a play off slot, following a long awaited back to back victory. Not for the first time this season, the first half was pretty dire, but the second more than made up for it. Valladolid should have opened the scoring after 54 minutes, but Guerra headed over when it was easier to score. Only the post came to the hosts’ rescue on 69 minutes. Toche was so unlucky when his well struck drive from the edge of the box deserved better.

A superb cross by Toche on 77 minutes was confidently headed home by Moral, who then celebrated like there was no tomorrow!

Within a minute, Moral had picked up a caution for a needless foul. Ex Valladolid

stalwart Victor left the field to a standing ovation, having served the host side during 2 spells for a total of 9 years, and now is a firm favourite at Cartagena.

On 85 minutes, Valladolid were unlucky not to equalise, but the cross bar came to the visitors’ rescue. With time ticking away, a sudden rush of blood to the head of Moral saw him pull back an opponent, before deservedly being shown a red card. Cala and Cygan joined 3 home players in the ref’s notebook, under the caution section.

Attendance: 10,700 FC CARTAGENA LINE-UP Casilla, Herrero, Cygan, Cala, Victor (Munoz), Botelho, Longas (Julien), Mariano, Moral, Clavero, Toche (Goiria) FORTHCOMING FIXTURE On Saturday, 4th December, KO 18.00, Cartagena are at home to Albacete in another div 2a clash. For further information on FC Cartagena, visit www.nosoloefse.es or www.futbolclubcartagena.com.

THIS WEEK’S match was the 3rd in the President’s cup series.

(This is a series of 4 matches with all to count).

The venue was the Rio Segura, at the Eden canal stretch. This week’s turnout was exceptional, with 27 anglers fishing. This does cause some scratching of heads for the people who peg the venue, as they not only have to find the pegs but also to try and keep it fair.

A big ‘thanks’ must go to the same 2 or 3 anglers that go there, and cut out extra pegs (The unsung heroes). In saying that, this week the winner was on a flyer as can be seen from the results.

TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st Stan (The Man) Roberts, fishing the pole using pellet with 30.420 kilos 2nd Ian (Irish Wizard) Dalzell, same method with 9.960 kilos 3rd Terry (Swing ‘Em) Screen, same method with 8.560 kilos The weather was changeable again this week, being cold and raining at the start of the match - as the day progressed, it was a matter of taking off fleeces, sitting in shirt sleeves and fighting of the flies and ‘mozzies’.

Anyway we will all be back next week to do it all again!

ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS (supplied by Terry Screen) This week’s match was on the 8ft Drain and the 4th of the Winter League. The water was pulling hard as it was being drawn off for irrigation, which brought the level down about 18 inches.

It fished quite well overall, averaging 4 kilos of fish per man (which is roughly 8.5 pounds in English!)

1st Stan (The Man) Roberts, fishing the pole using maggot, with 13.240kg 2nd Bill (The Master) Reade, fishing the pole using corn, with 8.680kg 3rd Andy (The Hat) Stevenson, fishing the pole using corn, with 6.620kg Will people never learn after the recent warnings about ‘Bandidos?’ A lady who lives close to where we fished had been shop-

ping and on her return got out of her car to open the gates of her house.

As she got back into the car, a youth appeared from nowhere, opened the passenger door, snatched her handbag from the seat and was gone. We helped her phone the police as she had lost her house keys, money and mobile phone; so do be careful out there!

All match details are available from Match Secretary Terry Screen on 965 328 368, also you need to get your names down this week if you want to fish The Fur and Feather contest 14th December.

HONDON TROUT FISHERY: FIRST FLY COMPETITION OF THE TROUT SEASON On Saturday 4th December, we have the first fly competition on Hondon Trucha: Time: 14.00 - 18.00 Venue: Trout fishery Hondon Trucha in Hondón de las Nieves Price: €20 Participation: call Jan on 636 314 033 or email hondontrucha@wanadoo.es Anglers Together ANGLERS TOGETHER was formed to introduce and encourage anglers of all abilities to meet up and get together to fish, either sea or freshwater.

Firm friendships have been formed during the time the group has been active and information on fishing venues and licenses required are available at the meetings or by regular emailed newsletters.

Meetings are held in two locations on the second Friday and Saturday of each month. Anyone with an interest in fishing (sea or freshwater) is welcome to come along.

The next meetings will be held on Friday, 10th December at 12.00 at Mary’s Bar in Pinar del Campoverde (north of Pilar de la Horadada) and on Saturday 11th December at 12.00 at Los Galayos Bar, opposite the beach front at Puerto de Mazarron.

For further details, ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@gonuts4free.com

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03 - 09 DECEMBER 2010

Noel’s world of golf

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

63

weekend for What a season! Glorious National Rugby teams THE 2010 season on The European Tour will take some beating. Europe has The World’s Number 1 golfer, two of the 4 Major Champions with another being a full time member of The European Tour, we also have The Ryder Cup back where it belongs. How on Earth are we going to beat that for a year?

The Dubai World Championship last Sunday saw the European Tour season draw to a close in style.

With a prize fund of $15m on offer only a select few qualified for the event that was eventually won by Robert Karlsson. That was just the way the season should have ended; on as high a note as possible.

Martin Kaymer is now the Race to Dubai champion having seen off a strong challenge from Graeme McDowell in the last few weeks. Both are proud owners of Major Championships and will undoubtedly win more. Lee Westwood is the current World Number 1 and it will be interesting to see how long he hangs onto that crown with any one of the top ten in the rankings able to claim top spot if things go their way in the early part of 2011.

In the last few months, we have seen an incredible surge in the depth of talent coming out of Italy with the Molinari brothers and then Manaserro coming to the fore. England has a huge depth of talent waiting in the wings as usual and so does Spain. Sweden has been quiet in the last few years but things will not stay that way for long.

Rory McIllroy has tasted life on the other side of the pond and has now come back home to Europe for next season, having seen you don’t have to play in America to win Majors.

I think the season we have just seen is the start of a shift in power in World golf. We may well see many more of the Americans coming to our shores as that is where the biggest amount of talent will

be in the next few years if The European Tour can continue to grow sponsorship.

The 2011 European Tour season will be better than ever and we will see more of our players win The Majors because of the depth of talent we now have in Europe. The US domination of golf is over for a little while at least.

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Every correct answer will be entered into a draw at the end of the month and the winner of this fantastic prize will be picked at random. 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 3RD DECEMBER 2010: Who is the English golfer who has won more money worldwide than any other golfer in 2010?

A. Luke Donald B. Paul Casey C. Ian Poulter All answers must be received no later than 17.00 on 31st December 2010 to be entered into December’s draw, to be made on 1st January 2011.

The winner will be announced in RTN on 7th January 2011.

November´s winner: Ado Hartenhof NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY AT EL PLANTIO To receive golf coaching of the very highest standard, contact Noel on 639 730 891.

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

TWO OF Spain’s national rugby teams brought home honour for their country this weekend, elevating the profile of Spanish rugby in the international arena. Local premiership team, Rugby La Vila, is very proud of their six players involved in the weekend’s achievements.

On Saturday, Spain’s XV team beat Namibia in the season’s second IRB International Test Match at the Estadio Principes de España in Palma, Mallorca. The 33-20 victory is a great accomplishment for Spain, whose last game against Canada ended in a 22-60 loss.

National coach, Regis Sonne, commented after the game, saying: “The victory is very important for our union, and for the confidence of our players.” Local La Vila players, Martin Aceña, Matt Cook, Rodrigo Martinez, Marcos Poggi and Hernán Quirelli were all selected for the team.

Another triumph for Spain

took the form of the National Sevens team’s historic success at the International Sevens Tournament in Sri Lanka. The team defeated several major rugby nations including Fiji, Austrailia and Samoa, to make the event final, losing 7-38 to Fiji in the last round and earning an incredible second place in the tournament.

This result is truly recordbreaking for Spain’s rugby sevens outfit, which is merely a developing sport in this country. National Selector, José Ignacio Inchausti, reports that he is “speechless” at the fantastic result. Ryan le Roux, another Rugby La Vila player, represented Spain in the tournament.

Rugby La Vila’s last home game before Christmas will take place against VRAC on Sunday, 12th December at 12:30. For more information contact Jo le Roux at publicrelations@ rugbylavila.net