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Important! The Easter edition of RTN will be available next Thursday morning.

Electricity shock

by Jack Troughton

SPARKS ARE flying over the “creative tactics” being used by electricity supplier Iberdrola in an alleged attempt to get cash from former clients.

Angry John Beecham received an electricity bill “out of the blue” from the state run energy company demanding 330.84€ weeks after closing his account and switching to a competitor.

It threatened he would be cut off. However, by the time he received the demand any debt was settled – as acknowledged by Iberdrola in small print in the letter where it states: “This notification may be disregarded if the invoice has already been paid before it is received.”

John, who lives in Orba, told RTN: “I thought I would make this public because of the amount of elderly people who must be absolutely stressed out by this. They would not know which way to turn and I want to make it public just what this company is up to.”

He said after receiving a bill for over 700€ he decided to move to Iberswitch which aims to use different electricity suppliers to get the best price for customers.

“Then this bill came out of the blue – I was a bit worried because if the electric is turned off everything goes – the fridge freezer, the ‘phone, everything,” he said.

“I just thought how many poor beggars have these letters sent to them and are left panic stricken and actually pay up.”

He said it was a situation that needed to be sorted out. “I suppose Iberdrola knows just

John and Brenda Beecham

how far it can go with this sort of thing but you never know how many people have run to the bank and collected cash to pay a bill that’s already been paid.

“You will never know how many people have been caught out. This must be widely broadcast because I don’t suppose once you have paid you can get the money back.”

A spokesman for Iberdrola denied the letter was deceptive and said it clearly outlined

money owed by a former customer and stated if the debt had been paid to ignore the invoice.

But John’s new supplier Iberswitch accused Iberdrola – which once enjoyed a monopoly - of creative accounting and believed thousands of people could be affected – paying up because they believed they would otherwise be cut off.

A member of the ‘Iberswitch Care Team’ assured John the element of fact in the let-

ter was there was a debt for which the new supplier was responsible when the account was moved but ignored the fact it had long been settled.

“It doesn’t seem to bother them that many of the recipients of these letters are elderly pensioners on a fixed income or people who have switched simply to be able to deal with a company in their own language,” he said.

Continued on page 6

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22 - 27 MARCH 2013

Moroccan rally adventure

by Jack Troughton

THREE ADVENTURERS leave the Marina Alta today (Friday) for the deserts of Morocco and the gruelling rally of the ‘Maroc Challenge’.

Andy, Roy, and Gavin, from Javea Auto Sales join other teams from the town – the charity race was founded by a Javea resident – and more than 100 cars competing in the 5,000km race.

The rally proper starts on Saturday morning and the trio will take turns driving their Land Rover Discovery from Guecif into the Erg-Chebbi area on the round trip, a journey that should take six days.

And as well as fuel and water, the car will ferry boxes of toys, pencils and books for school children in the desert. The twice an-

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nual rally – the second largest in Europe – has already built a school and teams take equipment or make cash donations.

The three are confident the 1996 2.5 diesel turbo engine car, with 150,000 miles on the clock will get them there and back after spending 1,500€ on modifications including larger springs for the rear, a bull bar taken from a Suzuki for the front, and bigger (and second hand) tyres.

HOLE Because of the lack of air-conditioning they have also cut a hole in the roof protected with an air scoop and have installed new seats taken from a Honda Accord – the Sign Shop in Javea contributed by adding the names of the team’s sponsors free of charge.

A colourful pageant THE BENIDORM falleros put on a colourful show festooned with flowers in homage to the Virgen del Sufragio (Virgin of Suffrage) on Tuesday as part of celebrations of the San José festival. An exuberant parade starred elegant fallas of all ages and celebrations ended long after midnight.

Denia was the place to be on Father’s Day SWEEPSTAKE ORGANISATION ONCE has confirmed that the Father’s Day draw on 19th March resulted in an €18.9million windfall for a Denia resident who won a €15million jackpot plus a ‘Sueldazo’ of 6,000€ monthly for the next 25 years. In the same area a further 52 lucky winners drew 40,000€ on 5€ tickets.

“This has become a massive event,” Andy told RTN. “We all enjoy cars and thought the rally would be a bit of an adventure.

“We helped out APASA last year – and may do something for another charity later this year – but thought we could have a bit of fun

and help out this charity for school children.”

The three will also be loading tents onto the car. “There is an option to use hotels along the way, but most people don’t,” added Andy. “I think the whole thing is going to be a great experience.”

Charity on the march

By Jack Troughton HUNDREDS OF people supported the second annual Blue Ribbon Walk on Sunday to raise 1,776€ for Cancer Care Javea.

Purchase of a blue ribbon cost 5€ and around half of the people who bought one actually walked from Arenal to Javea Port.

Dogs rescued by animal charity APASA also joined the fun and joined other pets being given a healthy stroll. “It’s a day out for them,” said one walker.

And a spokesman for the charity said Cancer Care was “delighted” Walkers step out at the response. “It is a fantastic total.”

Charity volunteers will be decked out in Easter Bonnets on from Saturday 30th April when they help pack shopping at supermarket Javea Park Iceland in Javea in return for a donation.

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Paul Cunningham Nurses and Diabetes

IT HAS been some time since I last wrote about Diabetes, but for many reasons I feel it’s time for an update on Paul Jennifer Cunningham nurses regarding their specialising in diabetes.

Cunningham by

THERE ARE thousands of people walking around totally unaware that they are living with a time bomb.

Also, there are those who bury their head in the sand - even when diagnosed refusing to take the corresponding measures, which of course is very dangerous. Whilst understanding the thought of a completely new life style is both daunting and tiresome, it has to be tackled head on, or the consequences can be and are dreadful.

Firstly, exercise and walking is essential, closely followed by diet, small amounts of the correct foods which help control high blood sugar are essential and food ideally needs to be eaten at the same time every day.

The phrase ‘correct food’ is a little complex and depends on what suits the individual person’s total lifestyle. However, there are a number of rules that need to be recognised by the diabetic. A sufficient intake of water is important to flush the kidneys through, whilst alcohol needs to be severely regulated, with no fizzy drinks, unless there is no extra sugar in them. For example a can of coca cola has approx eight teaspoons of sugar, the same with beer… White rice and spaghetti can both give a quick, temporary high, which when eaten in the evening is not sufficient to sustain one all through the night.

Certain cereals like Weetabix, Shredded Wheat and never forgetting porridge, are wonder foods - however piling sugar on to them is counter-productive. Fruit is difficult because of all the natural sugar, which is a

shame as in all other ways it is very healthy. Protein can be eaten but be careful with the size of portions.

When, for example, Calamari is eaten, fewer potatoes are required. As you can see it’s not at all easy to follow every day, but if ignored regularly the diabetic will feel tired, stressed, and sleep will not be easy, then the consequences can be very frightening, including loss of eye sight, toes, feet and kidney failure - just a few of the more unpleasant problems...

A classic example of the type of treatment and advice that you may find on the local Social Security System follows: a friend of mine was recently diagnosed with diabetes. After I listened to his health issues, lack of energy, clouding of vision, and a huge thirst, all classic symptoms of a diabetic. I persuaded him to visit a doctor where he was subsequently tested. Fortunately he only had tablet-based Diabetes and not, as I feared, insulin dependent.

On asking him about the advice he was given by his local GP, I was appalled to hear that very little information was passed on with regard to his diet. The doctor advised no bread, no rice, no potatoes and no fruit, just basically chicken, fish, salad and vegetables.

How dull would that be and, how long could he sustain such a boring diet? Fortunately, as a long term insulin-diabetic myself, I was able to cheer him up and I wrote down an interesting and realistic diet that is not as difficult to follow and gave him some options for eating in restaurants.

The total lack of information regarding the dangers of high and low blood sugars and how to handle them on a daily basis was totally irresponsible. He was not even advised to test his sugar on a regular basis and was not told to purchase a blood sugar testing kit.

Neither was the importance of exercise discussed, nor how to look after his feet and eyes: he was just told to take a pill a day and sent on his way!

This lack of information regarding the treatment of Diabetes is why I have started the Diabetic Clinic in La Marina which is held once a week, in the Paul Cunningham Nurses offices, where one of my nurses, who has been specially trained in Diabetes, does a full assessment, advises you on diet and generally is available to answer any queries you may have.

Diabetes is a very difficult condition to control and it is very hard for a partner to suddenly start living with a Diabetic. Too much insulin or tablets can create anxiety and mood swings can and do occur quite frequently - just ask any of my staff! Sometimes, recognising that my Diabetes is not too well controlled that day, they all tend to duck - and hopefully one of them would have the sense to say, ‘What do you need, Jennifer, is chocolate, insulin, glucose… of which I keep adequate supplies in the fridges in all my offices.

For more information on both the diabetic clinic and our general nursing, please go to the web site www.paulcunninghamnurses.com or telephone the office on 96 679 7016.

Jennifer Cunningham Insurances 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.

Vandals run rampage in Benidorm

by Jack Troughton THREE PEOPLE have been arrested for damaging more than 50 vehicles parked in Benidorm overnight on Saturday. The irrational vandalism included tyre punctures, deep scratches on bodywork and broken mirrors, allegedly perpetrated by three Spanish men aged be-

22 - 27 march 2013

tween 28 and 32, all residents of Benidorm and La Nucia, two with criminal records. The vehicle owners were mostly visitors to the area. Due to the sheer number of cars damaged police were forced to resort to leaving handwritten notes on some of the vehicles as they ran out of printed notices. The suspects were taken into custody and charged.

Toilet wipes bung up the sewage system in Denia APF AQUALIA, the maintenance company that manages the sewers in Denia, has found that one of the main causes of blocks, leaks and odours within the sewage system is caused by popular ‘flushable’ toilet wipes that contain fibrous material. Following a report received by the company, the council has recommended that residents stop throwing such items into the town’s toilets to avoid future difficulties.

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22 - 27 march 2013

Using the UK courts to win in Spain

by Keith Nicol PETER WISE was a man on a mission, and he’s pleased to report that after almost a two-year battle, he’s come out a winner. The battle in hand was with Insurance Giant MAPFRE over reimbursement for damage to his property and articles stolen from it. Peter has a house in Toretta II in Torrevieja, which he has owned for many years.

Peter said “On returning home on July 23, 2011 I noticed that my house had been broken into and a number of items stolen. I contacted MAPFRE and they said to secure the doors, contact the police and issued a claim number.”

Peter made the police report and contacted his insurance company to inform them of the fact and to ask for details of how to put in a claim. For most of us, that’s usually enough. The police made a visit; the assessor made a visit and Pe-

ter obtained quotes from various shops and outlets as to what the replacement value would be for his goods and then waited for payment to cover his stolen items and to repair damage.

However, MAPFRE did not think that the case was quite so simple and challenged Peter’s valuation of the price of the objects he was claiming had been stolen.

MAPFRE made a lower offer than the valuation, which was rejected

by Peter, but they went ahead and deposited this amount in his bank.

Fortunately Peter told his bank to return the money, otherwise MAPFRE would have got away with not paying the full amount. Peter asked a professional for legal advice and was told that any case could take years to reach a conclusion in Spain and not to bother. So, since MAPFRE have offices in the UK, he took them to small claims court in the UK. Matters were further compli-

cated when he was broken into again in January 2012 and had to go through the same routine.

Having still not received a penny from MAPFRE he took them to court again in the UK. This time, the UK agents responded professionally and made him an offer for the entire amount of his valuation, his out of pocket expenses and the court case. Peter agreed to these terms but on the day of his hearing, Peter showed up in court, as MAPPRE had still not deposited any money into his account.

In court, the judge asked if an amount had been agreed to, and on hearing it had, gave MAPFRE 14 days to pay up, which they did within 24-hours.

Peter finished saying “The moral of the story is to keep all of your paperwork and fight for your rights.

If they have a UK office, it’s faster and cheaper to take them to court in the UK and all of the forms can be found online, to do so.”

Peter Wise with the paperwork he had to produce to win the case

Continued from front page “Most people we speak with seem happy to take our advice and ignore the threats that are doled out month after month, but there are those, under the threat of getting cut off, have gone straight to the bank with cash in hand which they have paid directly into Iberdrola’s bank account. “Sadly, they are unlikely to ever get that money back even though it was paid unnecessarily.”

He assured John: “There is no debt attached to your account, there is no money owed by anyone and, there is certainly no risk of loss of supply.” And he said supply companies were doing everything they could to negotiate with Iberdrola to rectify the situation and reach a satisfactory conclusion.

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Street crime soars

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Police on orange alert

IN ALGEMESÍ, Local Police have recovered more than 16 tons of oranges stolen since January. Locating the stolen fruit was possible due to increased police patrols throughout the harvest season, targeting individuals that appeared in several different orchards and tracking suspicious vehicles.

by Jack Troughton STREET CRIME in Spain is on the increase with visitors to busy tourist areas being targeted by professional thieves, the British Embassy warned this week. British Consulates across the country have reported rising crime figures and are appealing to people visiting busy urban areas this Easter to take special care of their valuables.

Pick-pockets, distraction thefts, bag snatches or simply leaving an item unattended are blamed for the growing number of crimes.

Victims lose passports, cash, and other valuables – causing frustration, additional costs and lost holiday time as they deal with the consequences of the crime.

A lost passport requires visitors to seek an emergency travel document (ETD) from the nearest consulate – the paper, which allows a visitor to return to the UK, currently costs 115€.

And the British Consulate in Barcelona – one of the most popular visitor destinations in Europe – issued 1,320 ETDs in 2012 and 75% were the result of stolen passports. It represents a 19% rise on 2011, while during the first two months of this year; the consulate has already issued 120 ETDs – a 20% rise on the same period 12 months earlier.

In Madrid, the British Consulate issued 362 ETDs over 2012 – the equivalent of one a day – a rise of 23% on 2011 and January and February has also seen a 10% increase over the 2012 figures.

Dave Thomas, Consular Director for Southern Europe, said: “Unfortunately, we have seen increases in pick pocketing and distraction thefts.

“We urge holidaymakers to keep an eye on their belongings at all times. We want to reduce the numbers of British visitors who come to us for help over stolen passports and belongings, so they can get on with enjoying their Easter breaks instead of spending precious holiday time in our consular offices.”

The three main methods used by city criminals are pick-pocketing on public transport and in busy areas; distraction techniques such as asking victims for help or directions or spilling something on a victim’s clothes and offering to help; and stealing an unattended bag or handbag snatches in hotels, restaurants, cafes, airports and train stations.

One “seasoned traveller” said her family had frequently travelled to Spain over the last nine years said she had never experienced any crime before until her husband was distracted by someone asking where the exit was. “I had no idea our travel wallet had been taken.... don’t be complacent.”

Another family fell victim to crime while sitting at a cafe with their luggage on the last day of their visit. A man pulled up asking for directions while an accomplice stole a handbag containing valuables and precious passports. “We felt so foolish for being duped and wished we had checked out hand luggage before responding. It seems so obvious looking back.”

And a travel journalist was with friends at her favourite Madrid hotel when lost her bag containing a passport, a “huge” amount of cash and other valuables after leaving it unattended for just minutes. “No matter where you are in the world, you or your personal possessions are not safe, not even for a second.”

Notorious paedophile sentenced

CONCLUDING THE worst case of paedophilia in Spain’s history, the notorious Fernando Torres Baena was sentenced to 302 years in prison by the Las Palmas Court last Friday. Torres Baena abused more than 50 children entrusted to his care during karate and gym instruction at his Gran Canaria gym.

He was assisted by José María González, his current wife and gym instructor and also by martial arts teacher Ivonne Gonzalez, sentenced to 148 years and 126 years respectively.

The gym has now been closed.

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Tax on foreign property

by Jack Troughton PROPERTIES OWNED outside Spain will attract huge financial penalties if they are not identified as part of the new law requiring the declaration of offshore assets.

Officially described by the Hacienda as a “penalty”, critics of the new ‘Spanish Inquisition’ said this week it was “in effect an abusive and disproportionate tax measure” In a model drawn up by a top Costa Blanca tax advisor, a 150,000€ home that was not declared as an asset in the return for 2012 but ‘discovered’ in 2014 could result in a total fine of 162,070€ when taking in taxes, interest and penalties.

The same specialist has also warned expats who are classed as tax residents that the state also charges a “notional income” for a second residence in Spain or abroad, whether they are rented or not.

Under the declaration law, offshore assets held at the end of 2012 worth more than 50,000€ must be declared by 30th April.

VALUE Such assets include bank accounts, property, and other movable assets such as shares, life insurance policies and annuity income – failure could result in

prohibitive penalties, sometimes outstripping the value of the asset itself.

The dangers of failing to identifying an offshore property – and the above penalty model – were outlined to RTN by a pressure group this week.

“How can the government here hope to collect this other than by seizing assets here in Spain? Many are still unaware of this measure and unaware of how it may be applied – it could bankrupt many people,” said one member of the group.

And he asked had Madrid thought about how the scheme would affect its ongoing plans to sell tens of thousands of unwanted homes built in the property boom to ‘foreigners’ – warning the declaration rules could drive many expats in Spain “to take losses on their properties and get out.”

Further, he maintained the asset declaration brought into question the European Union’s free market, right to property, consumer protection, freedom of movement, “or even the ‘guarantees’ included in the Spanish Constitution or the EU Charter?”

The new law has sparked international controversy and in an evolving situation, is being closely examined by tax experts who advise clients to declare their overseas assets while warning of both the dangers of nonHacienda Minister Cristobel Montoro compliance and the difficulties of obeying the rules.

RTN out a day Transplant programme to be reviewed early next week

NEXT WEEK, due to the Easter weekend, RTN will be coming out one day early. Instead of getting your weekly round up of local, regional and national news on Friday next week, RTN will be delivered to all its usual outlets on THURSDAY 28th MARCH. RTN would like to take this opportunity to wish all its readers a very Happy Easter. Your favourite English newspaper will be back out as normal after Easter on Friday 5th April.

THE MINISTRY of Finance is to review annual subsidies granted for the organ donation and transplant programme for those regions that breach their assigned budgets. Subsidies are provided for the finance of training in complex medical systems and also protocol when dealing with donors’ next of kin. It is expected that regional transplant services will be required to operate within specified targets, prove that they have the means to develop a transplant programme successfully and also meet with tax obligations. Spain’s organ transplant network is acknowledged as the best in the world.

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mail

22 - 27 MARCH 2013

talk to us

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

letter of the week

I fear it is too late

IT WOULD seem that the Spanish government is hell bent on trampling any evidence of an economic turnaround for the country.

The intrusive nature of the Royal Decree 1558/2012 is of deep concern to a number of British businesses that have been running successfully for some years here in the Valencia region. Two of those companies that I am aware of are closing shop and heading back to the United Kingdom. Both firms employ a number of Spanish workers who will then be forced to join the ever increasing unemployment register.

The Royal Decree requires information on bank accounts held in the UK (both current and savings) shares held, investments, bonds, insurances, annuities, pensions and property held outside Spain. It requires all bank account numbers, including sorting codes and IBAN numbers.

A professional tax consultant asked the company secretary from one of the companies concerned if they or codirectors had sold property in the UK to set up their firm here in Spain - to include details of how much profit they had made on each house sale…! Why? Will common sense prevail, and pull this beautiful country from the cataclysm of financial ruination where it would seem to be heading? Sadly, I fear it is too late.

Robert W Barnes, Alicante

A faithful reader

CONGRATULATIONS AND a big thanks to everyone at RTN on your 700th Edition.

I’ve been a faithful reader of RTN for several years now and enjoy it very much.

Many of the news articles are a good read, and also the adverts have proved most helpful. The Spanish Lessons have helped me improve my Spanish. I find the excellent cartoons that accompany the Letter of the Week particularly interesting. My youngest daughter has taken it upon herself to cut the cartoons out and collect them in her favourite scrapbook. Keep up the great work RTN, and again congratulations on your 700th Edition.

Joan Ashmore, La Mata

Ex-pats are stupid!

THERE, THAT got your attention, didn’t it? Why on earth are expats falling for the scaremongering by accountancy companies about the deadline for declaration of non-Spanish assets to the tax office?

If you are lucky enough to have anything valued over 50,000 quid beyond these shores (that remember has corruption and tax evasion by its own people at levels comparable with any banana republic) say nowt!

Don’t be stupid and offer yourself up on plate to a government agency stuffed with lazy bureaucrats that are looking for cash injections to get extra holiday payments they don’t deserve.

As for the threat of stiff fines for non-compliance, do as the Spanish do ignore the letters - appeal and drag the process out through the incompetent justice system for years… They can’t

send everyone to prison who refuses to comply, can they?

This latest attempt to obtain wealth data from foreigners is solely a means by a government hiding its deceitful intentions to impose taxes at the earliest opportunity from the easiest source - those gullible enough to offer themselves up to the authorities!

Until they put their own house in order and investigate every account held by the Catholic Church; the Royal Family; politicians and top businessmen etc. for money laundering and tax evasion, why should you follow their edicts?

And if you do get caught, crack on thick like Paco Pancetta does, you can always claim you can’t read or speak the lingo!

Name and Cayman Islands bank account details withheld by request and please don’t print my details - I don’t want the buggers chasing me!

How can I be reimbursed

I AM a pensioner and officially recognised by the Spanish government as disabled as I suffer from Parkinson’s Disease. Also I am a resident.

Until January this year I was receiving my medication FOC. Last year the Spanish government announced changes in the way medicines could be obtained I LOST my purse yesterday. stating that if you are a pensioner and your yearly income is less than 18,000€ Through your letters page per year the most you would have to pay is 8€ per month: I am in this band.

I would like to thank the Because of my illness I have to have a lot of medication and this is costing apperson who found it in the car park of Aldi near la Regia proximately 35€ - 50€ each month. This is 10% of the cost. The Spanish pensioners get their extra payments back with their pension: I receive my pension from and handed it to a staff member. Iwould also like to the UK. I have made lots of enquiries as to how I should be reimbursed with the thank the staff for keeping it over-payments and there is not one person able to give me an answer - and this includes the pharmacies and the local Health Centre. However, they all agree safe and returning it to me. that I should only pay the 8€. Could you or one of your many readers offer any Thank you all very much! information? Many thanks, Rosemary Dumelow Rose Baker

Thank you

What about my human rights I SENT this email to Mr Paul Rodwell last week quoting ‘human rights’ and was pleased to pick up my weekly free RTN and see the front page headlines. Not only are we expected to divulge all our private details, my Fiscal Rep is charging me and my partner over 70€ each for forwarding our details to the Hacienda. They expect us to make an appointment to carry out the task, but I am leaving it until the very end of April in the hope that something may be done to avert this trauma that is affecting so many old innocent pensioners from the UK.

To: Mr Paul Rodwell No doubt you are receiving many emails about asset declaration for Spanish residents. I am 66 in May, arrived in Spain 2007 and became resident in 2008. I have a considerable amount of capital (resulting from 44 years’ hard work in the building trade, and all of it has been taxed) providing 2% interest which together with my state pension covers my day to day living, but I dip into the capital every year for holidays, visits to England, etc.

I declare my income from pension and savings, and although I pay no tax in England, being below the allowance, I do pay here, the threshold being much lower. I do not like the idea of giving my bank details and the amount of capital to the Spanish Tax Authority: I worry enough when I am on line doing my financial transactions, whether my details will be compromised, without knowing that somewhere in Spain my details are on a data base.

I have met a few people who have decided to de-register and spend more time in England, and I am now thinking the same. People cite human rights for everything nowadays - well isn’t it my human right not to declare my private information? Disgruntled Torrevieja

Award-winning documentary producers seek hotels for successful prime time Channel 4 series

Hotel Owner Mark Jenkins from the second

DRAGONFLY FILM & Television, the BAFTA award-winning production company behind the documentary series ‘One Born Every Minute’ are working on a brand new series of ‘The Hotel’ for Channel 4. They are looking for a hotel in Spain to be featured in the fourth series.

Through multiple small fixed cameras the observational documentary will follow the daily goings on of one remarkable hotel, its staff and selected guests to give a heartwarming insight into the workings of a hotel. Filmed over one month, the show will capture compelling stories within ‘The Hotel’ and turn them into eight hours of prime time Channel 4 television.

Hotel Owner Mark Jenkins from the second and third series had this to say: “The team from Dragonfly was very supportive before, after and during the process. The installation of cameras was done with the minimum of fuss and my guests totally forgot they were there! My staff thought it was an excellent

idea and were very excited to be on TV. When the cameras came down after 5 weeks I felt totally deflated - I missed them. I have no regrets and would highly recommend it” The Hotel has been a huge success on Channel 4 and the first series secured 2.6 million viewers with 10.1% of the share.

Dragonfly Film & Television would like to find an independent, vibrant hotel with English speaking owners or managers and warm, colourful and entertaining staff to feature in the fourth series.

To find out more, take part or recommend appropriate hotels, please contact the producers on thehotel@dragonfly.tv or call 0044 203 487 1214

22 - 27 march 2013

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Let’s be sensible!

Lose weight with Fast Track Hypnosis!

by Jonathan Gilchrist: Costa Blanca’s Latest Hypnotherapist EASTER APPROACHES along with the almost universal desire to look good for summer. With temperatures nearing the forties, do we really want to be wearing a cardigan or a light sweater to cover up those flabby bits on our arms? No! FADS DIETS DON’T WORK Everyone knows the less food you eat, the more weight you’ll lose, but is that a healthy approach to losing weight? Is it sustainable? Will it stay off? The answer is – unsurprisingly - no!

FAST TRACK HYPNOSIS IS THE ANSWER Hypnotherapy is gradually becoming more and more mainstream. To many, it’s the go-to aid to retrain the brain and get it back on track. To some, regardless of the fact it’s been around for two hundred years and more, it is still regarded as ‘hocus pocus’. However, science has proven the effectiveness of hypnosis. Statistics have shown that to stop smoking and to quit the habit for good, hypnotherapy is the number one method. And for weight loss, it is one of the very best aids around.

As we live and learn and gain experience as human beings, our mind has a tendency to be side-tracked.

The appetite control centre is something that is easily abused over a lifetime. We start to confuse appetite with genuine hunger; something that is a chemical interaction between the stomach and the brain. The stomach notifies the brain that it is running low on fuel and that the body needs to top up.

You consume food when you don’t need it and by doing so put in more than your body requires. The result: weight gain.

The Ultimate Fast Track Hypnosis system deals with this problem and all within just ONE thirty minute session. Due to innovative technologies, hypnotherapy is sped up to a remarkable pace and became the treatment my father, Alan Gilchrist, developed over the duration of the troubles in Northern Ireland and something which we both use in our clinics.

Traditional hypnotherapy takes up to thirty minutes just simply to put a client within the state of hypnosis; a state where your active mind is on standby and where your subconscious is awake and listening. With Fast Track Hypnosis, we’ve dealt with the problem in that time and you’re ready to go out and lose weight with a clear head! This saves you time and money.

Fast Track Hypnosis takes those thirty minutes and ‘retrains’ the appetite control centre, discarding years of abuse, tweaking your mind back on track

to feel hunger only when you are genuinely hungry!

And a side effect of Fast Track Hypnosis is stress relief along with a boost in confidence and motivation.

During the state of hypnosis, where your subconscious is open to suggestions, the time will be used to gently change the way you view food and the way you feel about exercise. You might not enjoy going for a jog or doing a spot of yoga, but the body does.

And it needs exercise.

Fast Track Hypnosis is the sensible route with successful results. You will be healthier, slim and confident: contact me today to achieve that weight loss before the summer hits us!

For more information contact: jonathangilchristbh@gmail.com or phone: 691 784 954. Or find us on twitter: @HypnosisBH. Jonathan and Alan Gilchrist hold their Fast Track Hypnosis sessions in Cabo Roig, Guardarmar, Benidorm and Fortuna. Alan is also the Creator of the Stop Smoking in Under 30 minutes Fast Track System as featured and proven on TV. Jonathan also holds sessions in Spanish as well as English.

For an appointment, brochure, or free-of-charge initial consultation contact Jonathan Gilchrist on 691 784 954 or Alan Gilchrist on 659 229 408. www.alangilchristinspain.com www.hypnosiscostablanca.com

22 - 27 march 2013

Watts In Britain

I’m getting the blue, blue-badge day, blues...

By There was a story in the local news

Paul Watts

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about a builder who had been prosecuted for wrongful use of a disabled badge.

The Blue Badge Scheme is allocated to drivers who through lack of mobility need to be able to park close to shop, amenities etc. It also allows them to park free of charge in many car parks.

Allegedly, this builder was using it in his transit van (presumably white) to carry on with his business whilst at the same time avoiding paying car park charges and parking in just about any old place he felt convenient. Bus stops, street corners, brows of hills, taxi bays, busy junctions, on yellow lines and across more than one disabled bay. As the local rag put it this fully fit man was a bit of bully and “he was a nightmare”.

That he had gotten away with his street-blocking shenanigans for two years seemed to surprise the newspaper. That he’d managed to get hold of a blessed Blue Badge in the first place was the thing that surprised me. And just recently I’ve got to know a thing or two

about Blue Badge bureaucracy.

First of all there is the thirty page document that takes days to complete and is harder than your average end-of-degree dissertation. Then comes the collecting of multifarious documents; the “evidence to support your application”. There is a small booklet supplied to ‘help’ with the various stages, or hurdles, a Blue Badge seeker has to surmount. Honestly, if you’re not made of pretty stern stuff you’d say “sod it!’ after the first couple of pages.

And that’s where my mum was recently after trying gallantly to get her very own Blue Badge. Despite being in her eighties and with a catalogue of legitimate reasons she was struggling to get one. My sister stepped in and did her bit and I did my bit as well. We sweated over this bloody thing for eons.

However, we’re still waiting for mum’s blue badge to arrive.

The first application came back denied. Mum’s photo had been verified

by Gary, a neighbour who was an expoliceman. “Oh no you don’t,” said East

Sussex County Council, “we don’t trust ex-coppers... Resubmit.” Apparently, the word of a retired officer is unreliable. Members of the armed forces (active or retired), pharmacists, solicitors, teachers, ticket collectors on Reading Station and presumably door-to-door crystal-meth salespeople will do but not ex-cops. I told this to Gary, who was dumbfounded. “Give it here,” he sighed, “I’ll give it to a current copper.”

So we had mum’s photo verified by a contemporary constable and off it went again. “Uh oh; no, no, no this wont do,” said East Sussex County Council, “the proof of current medications (i.e. prescriptions to you and me) are out of date.” I told this to Gary; he went mad.

He phoned Blue Badge Command Centre.

“The reason the prescriptions are out of date,” he growled, “were because of the time taken up refusing my verification.”

The ESCC Blue Badge controller whined, “It’s not us; it’s the government. A full list of appropriate persons is indicated.”

Now, Gary had been a policeman from

a cadet of eighteen until he retired at fifty-five. “So, you’re telling me,” Gary queried, “that if I’d done two years in the army that would be fine but serving my community for forty years is a no, no?”

East Sussex mono-toned, “It’s not us; it’s the government. And the prescriptions have to be up to date.” Through gritted teeth Gary replied, “There are three pages of medication on that form. It is hardly going to change much in six weeks is it?”

Although ESCC could see that, the latest prescription would need to be sent.

“And one other thing,” said Blue Badge man with a passing shot, “this time, please send a photocopy as indicated and not the real thing.” Gary muttered, “you’re the real thing mate...”

So folks, the moral of this story is, if you want a Blue Badge start the application process as soon as you can. And as for that builder in the white transit van my admiration for your tenacity is boundless; I admire your cheek.

Watts in East Sussex, still waiting for me mum’s blue badge

22 - 27 march 2013

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Open and ready for business

by Jack Troughton JAVEA’S POPULAR Arenal Beach promenade has been opened ahead of schedule ready for the Easter holiday after a 2 million euro facelift.

Workmen cleared away equipment, barriers, and fencing in time for visitors and residents of the Marina Alta resort to enjoy last weekend and the Tuesday national holiday at the beach area.

The project, which started last November, was completed ahead of the Easter deadline outlined by Mayor Jose Chulvi – with a contingency plan that work would stop over the Easter break, the start of the 2013 holiday season.

And tennis star David Ferrer – the world number five and born in Javea – will officially open the updated promenade on 5th April. It is part of the town hall’s plan to restore Javea’s reputation as ‘the jewel of the Costa Blanca’.

FUND The upgrading of the Arenal was funded with money from the Valencian Government and after a short period of ‘snagging’ to check all is in order, the council will assume responsibility for the promenade.

Part of the project involved replacing concrete with coloured hexagonal stone tiles and separating the beach from the walkway with long stone benches – keeping sand and seaweed at bay.

New ‘tosca’ stone benches have been installed while plants and stones have been incorporated to prevent access by vehicles.

At the southern end of the promenade are new pergolas to provide shade and seating, while access to the sand is across nonslip wooden ramps.

And along the whole of the promenade is new energy efficient lighting – which lights up the walkway at night and the beach itself.

A saintly mob celebrates St Patrick’s Day HUNDREDS JOINED a joyous mob of revellers in Benidorm on Sunday to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and paint the town green. This year’s costumes took a bit of a saintly twist with many participants dressing up in green papal robes to mark last week’s election of 76-year-old Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina as Pope Francis.

Fair success By jack Troughton FRIENDS OF the Children of EMAUS raised over 450€ by staging a Spring Gift Fair at the Salones Carrasco in Javea last Sunday.

Visitors paid 1€ each to enter the hall, while people also donated cash and restaurant and bar staff gave their tips to the charity which supports the children’s homes throughout the Costa Blanca.

Pictured are organiser Lesley Clark (centre) with charity committee members Jan Newark and Eunice Hancy.

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22 - 27 march 2013

Eduardo Dolon meets with the Minister for Tourism in Madrid

by Keith Nicol EDUARDO DOLON has been doing his fair share of travelling recently in a bid to further promote the city of Torrevieja. Last week he was in Madrid to meet with TURESPAÑA, who are responsible for the promotion of Spain as a tourist destination abroad. They do this through the promotion and marketing of Spanish tourist destinations and products at International Ferias and Exhibitions, in collaboration with regional governments, local authorities and the private sector.

The major reason for the visit was to meet with the Secretary of State for Tourism, Isabel Borrego, at TURESPAÑA headquarters in Madrid. The meeting was attended by the Mayor Eduardo Dolon, the Deputy for Provincial Tourism, Joaquín Albaladejo, Tourism spokesman for the Popular Party in the Senate, Augustine Almodobar, and the Torrevieja’s Councillor for Tourism, Luis Maria Pizana. Borrego told Dolon that they are committed to promoting Torrevieja at every event they attend and to incorporate the city’s full calendar of events and activities into all of their own promotional activities, including social networks and their newsletter.

Highest on the list of unique attractions that Torrevieja has to offer is the promotion of the International Contest of Habanera and Polyphony of Torrevieja, with the region of Valencia has declared as an event of International Tourist Interest.

L-R: Luis Maria Pizana, Eduardo Dolon, Isabel Borrego, Augustine Almodobar and Joaquín Albaladejo

The next thing on the agenda will be the addition of the corporate image TURESPAÑA on the posters for the 60th anniversary of the International Contest of Habanera and Polyphony of Torrevieja for 2014. Eduardo Dolon also took the

opportunity to personally invite the Secretary of State for Tourism to visit the city of Torrevieja and attend one of the evenings of the International Contest of Habanera and Polyphony this July.

Seeing the light

By Jack Troughton CHILDREN AT the Raquel Paya School in Denia are enjoying the new equipment in the special Sensory Room thanks to a 1,400€ charity donation. Members of HELP of Denia and the Marina Alta visited the special school to see the interactive and wireless controlled

bindle of optical fibres in action.

The Sensory Room became operational in 2011 and is a place where youngsters with special needs can explore and develop their senses and skills.

The physical and mentally disabled children are helped to learn through interactive play

– following lights, shapes and patterns to press buttons that change colours and music.

School director Maite Marti said the HELP donation was very gratefully received and explained how charities had made the Sensory Room a reality by providing equipment.

“The charity representatives enjoyed seeing how this important project at Raquel Paya has become a reality,” she added.

22 - 27 MARCH 2013

JC’s ‘Sound Advice’

by Jack Troughton INSURANCE CONSULTANT Jennifer Cunningham is reaching a whole new audience with a monthly chat ‘Sound Advice’ on the Costa Blanca’s Bay Radio.

Central to the programme is the need for a range of cover – and warning of the possible pitfalls if policies do not meet people’s requirements.

“We talk about the need for insurance and point out the main differences between Spain and the UK,” Jennifer told RTN. “Also we advise on what to look out for within each insurance policy because they all differ.

“People may have a policy that is 100€ cheaper but it doesn’t always work out as smoothly as that and they must check what they are covered for.”

The programme is aired between 1pm and 2pm on the last Thursday of the month. “I enjoy it very much and I don’t have any real problems deciding what to talk about – we discuss a different area each month and return to the most important topics.”

Speaking at the head office of Jennifer Cun-

ningham Insurances in Javea, she added: “I do hope it is helpful for people – there are a lot of barrack room lawyers, rumours and people meeting in bars and talking. They don’t always get it right.

“I hope with Sound Advice I can prevent people making mistakes or when they claim one policy is exactly the same as another I can say ‘no it is not!’.”

Health insurance remains an important topic and Jennifer said many health providers had closed their books so people were unable to get the doctor of their choice.

But she said she had a dedicated ASSSA helpdesk – the health insurance specialist which provided an excellent alternative and offered advice on whether it was better to switch companies or not depending on circumstances.

Jennifer said Sound Advice was also a wonderful opportunity to introduce new fields of insurance being offered - such as liability insurance for the self-employed or improved forms of affordable pet insurance.

“I think the show is proving very successful and the feedback is very positive.”

Costa Blanca Tourism’s new planning website

By Keith Nicol IF YOU are looking for something to do on the Costa Blanca or trying to plan something for visiting friends or family, Costa Blanca’s Tourism Board has just launched a new website, with details of where to go and what to do on your vacation from zero euros and up!

The Provincial Tourism Board of the Costa Blanca has launched the web site to coincide with the Easter holidays, offering a new initiative to facilitate planning getaways to different destinations in the province of Alicante. This is a website containing a wide variety of different ideas developed in collaboration with municipalities and tourism industry professionals. The link is:

www.tuplancostablanca.com and it includes a total of fifteen short stay plans, with links to restaurants, lodging and companies offering organized activities that are collaborating with the campaign by providing competitive prices and extra services at no cost. The microsite offers two possibilities to potential visitors: opt for one of the fifteen plans already made, or make your own plan, choosing from over 200 deals and suggestions that are presented by companies and municipalities that have joined the initiative.

Tourism and Deputy Vice of the Board of Trustees, Joaquín Albaladejo, explained that “the main idea is to offer potential visitors a number of attractive proposals that enable them to do something special on their holidays without travelling too

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A generous gesture RAQUEL LÓPEZ Pina, who goes by the nickname ‘La Italiana’ has been a popular florist in Benidorm for nearly 30 years but has experienced some bad luck recently. She and her husband, both cancer sufferers, were forced to mortgage their home to keep their heads above water.

When 66-year-old Raquel’s husband died two years ago she was left with an enormous debt and the prospect of being unable to retire for many years to come. The voluntary organisation ‘Cashmob’ came to Raquel’s rescue this week. Cashmob is a group of volunteers that help small businesses by providing a boost in trade – they simply descend upon the chosen beneficiary and buy most of the stock! On Saturday nearly 30 people bought armfuls of flowers from the little shop in the Plaza de la Constitución to the delighted astonishment of Raquel who eventually ran out of gift wrap!

far and without entailing great economic effort.”

The plans have paid special attention to leisure proposals that need not involve any cost to the visitor, and yet are of great appeal. In this regard it is suggested, for example, routes through the highlights of an area or municipality, whether for its cultural value, its urban appeal or for the beauty of its natural environment.

Nautical activities, internal routes, cultural offerings and places that stand out for their Holy Week processions are some of the topics that have been taken into account when preparing the various plans. The Global promotional campaign launched during the Week of Provincial Tourism, specifically for Semana Santa, has this year focused mainly on territories near and Albacete, Murcia and Valencia.

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22 - 27 march 2013

Great Scots!

GENEROUS MEMBERS of the Javea Caledonian Society handed a cheque for 900€ to Cancer Care on Sunday to help the fight against the disease.

by Jack Troughton The total represented a year’s fund raising and outstripped a predicted total of between 200€ and 300€.

The society chooses a charity each year – normally alternating between a Scottish and a Spanish cause – and Cancer Care Javea was selected after being nominated by a member.

Cash is raised by adding just 1€ to entry to society events and over the 12 months Secretary Angela Woodworth made jams and

chutneys sold off to members and guests at events. A painting of Eilean Donan Castle by local artist John Button was also auctioned at the Burns Night celebration raising another 275€.

The society’s Chieftain Chris Campbell joked: “We either have very generous guests or the stories about mean Scots are totally untrue!”

Pictured are (left to right) Caledonian Society Treasurer Ian Hannah; Cancer Care VicePresident Eileen Saville; Chris Campbell; and Cancer Care President Jackie Evans.

Antiques fair in Teulada

Friday 29th March there is the usual antiques fair at Salones Canor, Teulada. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the fair closes at 3p.m. Parking and entrance are free. Bar and food all day. Any enquiries ring Paul and Sue on 96 573 2741 or 626 795 587.

On the box

By Jack Troughton YOUNGSTERS LIVING at the largest EMAUS home on the Costa Blanca can enjoy entertaining evenings indoors thanks to a new 52 inch flat screen television donated by Rotary

International Fellowship Costa Blanca North. The Rotarians donated 829€ to charity Friends of the Children of EMAUS to buy the state of the art set and mattress protectors for the Altea home.

Pictured are Rotary President Andrew Johnson and fellow Rotarians presenting a cheque to charity President Carole Saunders at the association’s base at Sol Park, Moraira, before the start of the 930th meeting.

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22 - 27 MARCH 2013

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Andy gets in a flap over two birds

by Keith Nicol A BIRD in the back yard was driving Los Montesinos resident Andy Atkinson absolutely Cuckoo, and it certainly had him and others a little mystified. Andy and his wife Helen have always enjoyed a spot of bird watching, although though not quite enough to qualify them as ‘twitchers.’ While on holiday back in England, Andy was all in a flutter when he thought he’d spotted cuckoos because they are normally migrating in South Africa! The Cuckoo is on the rare ‘Red List’ species list, with a 65% reduction of birds in recent times. So when Andy, who was back home in Lancashire, after spending Christmas and New Year on the Vega Baja, thought he saw a pair, it ruffled a few feathers, including those in the British Ornithology department!

“The cuckoo has blue grey upper parts, head and chest with dark

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Mistle Thrushes

barred white under parts, long tail and pointed wings, similar to that of a Mistle Thrush” said Andy. “The jury was out as to what species of bird they were. Cuckoos, Mistle Thrushes or Fieldfares, having contacted the British Ornithology department they suggested Fieldfares, so I suppose we both got it wrong!,” After posting a picture of the birds on Twitter (no pun intended) a big response identified the birds as Mistle Thrushes. Andrew, 55, said: “Cuckoos are in decline. A ‘tagged’ cuckoo was last located in Spain in September. However, with temperatures reaching over 30c, unfortunately, it may have perished. “Tagged cuckoos were located in July, near Malaga, in Catalonia, and Andalucia. Signals revealed the cuckoo was in southern Spain having travelled around 857km (532 miles) from close to Granada in the Sierra Nevada Mountain region in Andulucia.” The cuckoo breeds in Europe and Asia and

migrates to Africa: “I have seen humming birds feeding in the evening during the summer months in Spain. “Now to see rare Mistle Thrushes in the UK, albeit not cuckoos, was brilliant,” said Andrew. A spokesperson from the RSPCA said: “The recent UK cuckoo population decline makes this a Red List species.”

Andy and Helen have had a property in Spain since 2006 and visit every other month. Andy said “Although I have never really deemed myself as a ‘twitcher’, I do have a fair knowledge of birds and I would say that there is a good section of birds in the Vega Baja region. Frequently see Hooppe; swifts, pied wagtails, sparrows, blackbirds and redstart, in Montesinos.” So now you know, when in doubt ask an expert or post your question or photograph on a social network and someone will come up with the right answer.

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22 - 27 march 2013

Top quality service, advice and products from Carpet Heaven IT’S ALL well and good to be lovely and warm in bed, but what about when you get out of bed and have to put your feet on the freezing tiled floor?

Unless you can afford to install under floor heating, the best alternative is a good rug or better still, some carpet. This can also aid you heating system and reduce overall costs.

Carpet Heaven in Los Montesinos, now well into its fourth year of trading, has built up a fabulous reputation for quality and service with customers travelling from all over the Costa Blanca and Murcia to visit their showroom, view their stock and discuss possible options, often bypassing larger retailers in favour of Carpet Heaven’s first class service.

Owned by a husband and wife team, Carpet Heaven offers the personal service that customers appreciate, confirmed by the amount of repeat business that they receive via word-of-mouth

recommendations. They offer sound and friendly advice as well as a professional opinion on which rugs and carpets will best enhance your home.

They will even visit your home, when time allows, to personally measure the area. If it is just advice you need, take in some curtain material or a cushion cover - they will match up the right colour rug or carpet to your established colour scheme.

Carpet Heaven’s rugs and carpets are made to last for years, proving that if you spend that little bit extra on quality products they do last!

Carpet Heaven sources all its rugs from well-known Spanish suppliers that design for the Mediterranean climate. Using a material called polypropylene, the rugs are insect and bugrepellent, colourfast, will not fade in the sun, water resistant and hypoallergenic - top quality woven rugs that come in a huge range of designs, colours and sizes.

Carpets are sourced in the UK from the Abingdon Flooring Stainfree ranges. Quality carpets to order that can usually be fitted in a couple of weeks.

For friendly advice on how to transform your home with a new rug or carpet email a photo of your room to Carpet Heaven at carpetheaven@hotmail.es: the team will suggest a selection of rugs or carpets that will add that finishing touch to your décor...

A wide range of carpet suitable for those slippery marble staircases is also available - ideal if you have children or are a little unsteady on your feet.

And a large selection of Burmatex carpet tiles is available, as well as soft-step cushioned flooring.

Don’t delay - call them today - the team is ready to help you with all you’re flooring needs.

Please see our main ad on page 5 for our Easter promotion!

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25

310th Gardening article for RTN by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Holistic gardeners and authors gardening in Spain for 25 years

SIX YEARS ago this week, Dick Handscombe wrote in the CBN that after writing 450 weekly gardening columns travel articles and restaurant guides that he was retiring from writing on his 75th birthday to do other things. Geoff noted this and twisted his arm to start writing for RTN - not for money but to be able to advertise books in return for writing gardening articles for readers.

Dick and Clodagh’s columns have reached 310 and some of those other things have not been done.

“I am not thinking of retiring,” says Dick, “but an aging mind has been kept alert by early morning writing. It’s now 6.15am – at 7am I will go down to the allotment to prepare to plant potatoes for next week now that the risk of frost is low. By the way the best days for this are the 17/18 and 28/29th.”

Our set of comprehensive gardening books continue to be available but Dick has written some supplementary gardening and life style books and we thought Geoff would not mind us telling you about them, as they make good Easter presents.

This booklet describes the evolution of our garden and growing edible things so that we can enjoy a traditional Mediterranean diet daily

from fresh eco produce and fresh, unpolluted air – one of the main, but often forgotten ingredients of the Mediterranean diet. The book includes a review of what good and bad eating is and an interesting self-audit of one’s current eating style and habits.

Stimulated by the very dry conditions we experienced over the winter and spring a year ago, this describes some two hundred ways of retaining more rain water and modifying gardens so that you don’t need as much water to maintain the garden and how indeed less watering can produce better gardens. This is an Amazon Kindle e-book.

Dick was recently asked to travel to snowy Sweden to an old client’s retirement party.

What present to take was solved by writing the book ‘Having a Great Retirement’, which is also now an Amazon Kindle -ebook Lastly, it is traditional to cook an authentic Valencian paella on Easter Monday - a feast after Lent fasting. Dick has recorded what he has leant about the history of the paella, what to grow to ensure that the thirty required ingredients are fresh and free of unwanted chemicals and most importantly how to cook one. This was loaded as an Amazon Kindle e-book last week.

‘Clodagh and Dick Handscombe’s gardening books make good presents. They can be obtained from high street and internet bookshops including Amazon UK and Spain. Thanks to readers the Kindle E-book Making waterless gardens a practical reality world wide is starting to sell well.’ © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com

Eventually the Kindle books will also be available in paper copies but in the short term we have copies for when we give talks and book signings.

STOP PRESS: There will be a book signing on Friday 5th April - note change of day from last week - from 11am to 3pm at the Quicksave store on the N332 near Pedreguer going north.

All eight books and booklets will be available.

See you there. In the meantime enjoy your gardens over Easter.

If you want to obtain a set of the four booklets in the short term contact us on gardeninginspain@hotmail.com

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22 - 27 march 2013

Half price sale

Mountain walking

SATURDAY 23RD MARCH The Bernia Experience (part 3-Bernia Tunnel-of 4, to celebrate our 25th Anniversary): Moderately strenuous with some rough terrain: 12kms of 5 hours’ duration with a 300m ascent: No dogs: Peter 620 319 797.

Costera de Baldres: Very strenuous over mostly rough terrain: 13kms of 5 hours’ duration with a 500m ascent: Dogs on leads at rear: Jon 686 148 704.

WEDNESDAY 27TH MARCH Cova Roget circular: Note later start at 10.30am: Moderate, over mostly good tracks: 9kms of 4 hours’ duration with a 350m ascent: Dogs on leads at rear: Geoff 676 616 101.

Ermita Sant Blai, Fonts d’Aixa and Coberta: Moderately strenuous with some rough terrain: 11.5kms of 5 hours’ duration with a 600m ascent: No dogs: Pamela/Chris 608 844 996.

The Bernia Experience (part 4-Bernia West summit-of 4, to celebrate our 25th Anniversary). Strenuous, over mostly rough terrain with some scrambling: 9kms of 6 hours’ duration with a 700m ascent: No dogs: Peter 620 319 797.

Walks depart promptly at 10am unless otherwise noted.

Boots, packed lunch and adequate drinking water required.

First aid kit is recommended as well as protection against sun, wind and rain: walkers participate at their own risk.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the time stated for each walk will always depend on the fitness and ability of the walkers and also the weather and passage conditions on the day of the walk. The rules and guidelines for walking are given at www.cbmwalkers.org. Please also refer to this website for any last minute changes to the walks.

Volunteers outside the shop

by Jack Troughton BARGAINS GALORE at the Original Charity Shop’s sale with 50% discount on a range of marked items at the Javea premises.

Clothes, jewellery, ornaments, and electrical goods are all on offer at the shop in Avenida Fontana, Arenal, from

Monday 25th March for two weeks.

Thanks to public support, the hard working Original Charity Shop and Library team made donations totalling 37,086€ during 2012. Worthy causes helped included Caritas; EMAUS; the Raquel Paya School for disabled children in Denia; The Royal British Legion;

and the Franciscan Refuge Transformer Appeal. Because of the sale, the shop is unable to accept any items to sell on a commission basis until after Saturday 30th March and from Monday 1st April will take summer and Spring clothes.

The shop is open Monday to Saturday between 10am and 1pm.

Name change

FORMER SERVICEMEN of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, or Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service are invited to join the Royal Naval Association Costa Blanca North. The branch’s name has been changed from ‘Moraira and District’ to more accurately reflect the area covered by the association, from Altea to Gandia and the Jalon Valley. The branch meets on the second Thursday of the month at various restaurants in the area and ex-servicemen are welcome to join. For more information, call Secretary John Sanderson on 96 647 4532.

money

22 - 27 MARCH 2013

27

Daylight robbery by

Christina Brady

Regional Manager of Blacktower Costa Blanca

IT APPEARS from recent events in Cyprus that between the IMF, the politicians, the EU and the Bankers they are trying to bankrupt the working and middle classes to pay for their years of mismanagement.

THEY HAVE tried austerity but we have still managed to survive so now they are raiding our hard earned savings in the Banks with a ‘Special Tax’. What is happening in Cyprus at the moment is yet further proof that they have done nothing to fix the underlying fundamental issues surrounding the events that led to the crash of 2008.

For those who don’t believe the government is prepared to take extreme measures that may include the seizing of retirement accounts, cash savings or even gold, look no further than Cyprus, the latest recipient of bank bailouts.

Under the proposed deal, all bank deposits over 100,000€ will be hit with a levy of 9.9%. Those with smaller savings will pay 6.75%. Although it looks like this

may be changed so the tax on savings larger than 100,000€ is raised to 12.5%, while reducing the levy on smaller amounts to 3%, a source told Reuters.

But apparently the wealth confiscation could actually have been far worse.

According to one report, the IMF and the EU were originally demanding a 40% wealth tax on bank account holders in Cyprus.

One writer for Forbes has called this “…probably the single most inexplicably irresponsible decision in banking supervision in the advanced world since the 1930s.” And I would agree with that statement, although I personally am not surprised it was only a matter of time before they raided the hard-earned savings of the middle classes. I wouldn´t be shocked to find that they are using Cyprus as a test bed to see if they can roll it out

Protesters gathered outside the parliament in Nicosia

across Europe and maybe even the UK. ‘Why would you risk putting your money in Italian, Spanish or even French banks after this?’

Are you going to wait to have your money stolen from right under your

nose or are you going to act now to diversify your risk.

If you feel you would like help in taking take control of your financial future you can contact me on 658 892 330 or email christina.brady@blacktowerfm.com

The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.

Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is licenced by the UK by the Financial Services Authority and is registered with both the DGS and CNMV. Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licenced in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Licence No: 00805B and registered with the DGS in Spain.

money

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29

Did you know you can open Sterling Accounts with Lloyds Bank International SAU in Spain?

LLOYDS TSB Spain and Banco Halifax Hispania joined in 2010 to become Lloyds Bank International S.A.U. which is part of the Lloyds Banking Group, the largest retail bank in the United Kingdom with more than 300 years of banking experience and serving more than 30 million customers worldwide.

Lloyds Bank International S.A.U. wants its strength to be your peace of mind.

With 28 branches throughout Spain, including 7 on the Costa Blanca and Costa, Lloyds Bank International S.A.U. understands the expat community and prides itself on its excellent customer service and comprehensive range of products.

They offer a range of accounts in Euro, Sterling and US Dollar, however, in this article we will focus on the Sterling offering as this is something many of you might be interested in.

MULTICURRENCY ACCOUNT As an expat in Spain, Lloyds Bank International S.A.U. Multicurrency account could be just what you need. It’s simple to run and offers easy access to your money.

It lets you save and make transactions in Sterling, (it can also be used for U.S. Dollars and Swiss Francs), and it can help to protect you against exchange rate fluctuations.

This account is available to both residents and non-residents, and there are no management or administrative fees, plus if you have a Lloyds Banking Group* account in the UK you can make free transfers between accounts under the same name. You get a free chequebook and free access to their telephone and internet banking services. A monthly statement will be sent to you to help you keep and eye on your transactions.

It gives you the freedom of having your funds easily available to take advantage when exchange rates are favourable, and should you need funds in a hurry it means you don’t have to wait until you get them transferred from the UK. This account is available to all customers who have a Premier current account with Lloyds Bank International S.A.U. in Spain.

FIXED TERM DEPOSITS** In addition, Lloyds Bank International S.A.U. also offers fixed term deposits in Sterling (on top of their offering in Euros and US Dollars),

Maria in the Denia branch

whereby your money can work for you by earning a fixed rate of interest over a fixed term from 1 month up to 12 months. So you can relax in the knowledge that you will receive your capital plus a fixed amount of interest at a specific date in the future.

You can choose a term from 1, 2, 3, 6 or 12 months, and also 100, 200 or 375 days. These deposits are offering competitive rates in today’s market.

Fixed term deposits are available to both

residents and non-residents, and for both personal and business customers.

If you would like to know more about their Sterling offering go to the experts - go to Lloyds Bank International S.A.U. For more information on products, services and branches call Diana Martin and Pedro Peña on (0034) 629 240 287 or send an email to contactus@lloydsbankinternational.es You can also visit their excellent website at www.lloydsbankinternational.es

*Lloyds TSB, Halifax, Bank of Scotland **The Deposit Holder should be aware of the possible risk arising from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates between the acquisition date and the subsequent sale or maturity date of the Deposit Lloyds Bank International, SAU has registered offices at Serrano 90, 5ª planta, 28006, Madrid, Spain, Trade Registry of Madrid, T. 6799, Book 0, Folio: 108, Sec. 8, Page M-110714, 1st Entry, N.I.F. (Tax Identification Number) A-80481765.

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22 - 27 march 2013

business

Fantastic business opportunity at Sidney’s Retail Park

Have you ever wanted your own business premises at an affordable price? Do you want a retail unit for an all-inclusive affordable price? Are you currently paying too much for your current office or shop premises?

If you have answered yes to any of the above then Sidney’s retail village could be the opportunity you are waiting for. Opening in March 2013 and with retail and office units to let from only 5€ per day, there is no longer an excuse to stop you setting up or expanding your business.

All units come with lighting and power points, and the site will be and is heavily advertised to help you attract the customers and clients you need to make a success of your business venture here in Spain.

The site enjoys a fantastic location adjacent to the RM1 motorway with easy on/off access and also boasts 5 paddle courts; children’s play area; a garden centre; a huge auction room and a second-hand market.

There are part time and full time units available but these are strictly limited to 108 units. 25% of these units were taken in the first week of announcing this venture. The reserved units include second hand furniture; swimming pool maintenance; English food and much more.

Book your space now to avoid disappointment. This will be without doubt the best Englishmanaged retail village in Spain.

There has been a small delay to the opening due to the high winds. However everything is now on track and the units are now being delivered ready for opening early April.

For further information call: 868 183 908.

Barcenas sues for unfair dismissal

Barcenas beset by the press in Madrid

ACCORDING TO legal sources, former Partido Popular treasurer and millionaire Luis Barcenas is to claim more than 900,000€ from the PP in damages for unfair dismissal. The sum is comprised of 890,000€ in unpaid wages with a further and smaller amount in settlement.

A preliminary meeting was held at the Mediation, Arbitration and Conciliation Office in Madrid but ended without agreement: the case has now been referred to Madrid’s Labour Court 16.

money

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31

Coming clean with property rentals Easy money WE’D ALL like government practices to be transparent – wouldn’t we? Hearing how money has changed hands without there being by Suzanne any proper paper trail is guaranteed to get the population groaning.

O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

PARTICULARLY AS it seems to be the ‘little’ people who are at the harsh end of austerity at the moment.

IT CAN sometimes feel that every level of society is shuffling the pack around trying to keep their cards hidden.

Unfortunately our leaders have not set a very good example for us to follow. However, this doesn’t remove the need to flush out the fraud and malpractice wherever it exists. The majority of non-resident Spanish property owners do declare rental income and pay their tax: a significant number don’t.

In 2012 the tax office uncovered 4,700 undeclared rentals as a result of information received from the electricity companies. It’s no doubt the tip of the iceberg. Many nonresident property owners who rent out their property in Spain still seem to be unaware of the need to declare their rental income to the Spanish Tax Authority.

Sometimes property owners have been encouraged to think that it doesn’t matter where they declare their income as long as it is declared somewhere. This is misinformation as there are strict rules that govern where tax should be declared. The good news is that wherever you do have to declare it you are not charged in duplicate. The double tax agreement between the UK and Spain means that you will not have to pay twice.

The tax on rental income for non-residents should be

paid in Spain. It is due every quarter during the year that the property is rented. That some property owners remain confused about this has lead to massive underpayment.

The last ‘guesstimate’ was that 3,000 million euros of tax on rental income remains ‘unpaid’. Not a paltry sum.

Understandably, there is a clear drive to ensure that those avoiding paying tax on rental are unearthed. One of the measures being used is the sharing of electricity bill information between the electricity company and the tax office. It’s logical if you think about it. A property owned by non-residents that is rented out will have all-year electricity use.

If you don’t rent out your property and you are a nonresident then you should be paying imputed income tax instead. If you’re not paying either, you are breaking the law.

March has been highlighted for a new offensive and there are high hopes for the amount of extra revenue that the Tax Authority should be able to recoup by targeting illegal lets.

Last year 10,043 million euros was allegedly collected as a result of tightening up on fiscal fraud. The authorities are hoping that they’ll be seeing more than the tip of the rentaltax-avoidance iceberg very soon.

If you are intending to let your property and need help with your rental income tax declaration please contact our Help Line on 96 670 3748.

Ábaco provide fiscal representation to non-resident and resident Spanish property owners. You can contact us for free advice and information by calling our helpline 96 670 3748 or visiting our website www.abacoadvisers.com

ACCORDING TO the Spanish press, mayors and councillors associated with all political parties are able to augment their salaries by up to 40% of their annual incomes by attending meetings of boards and commissions as a result of being in public office.

An official earning up to 60,000€ per year can earn a significant amount from attending a meeting lasting less than an hour: 1,792€ in Alicante (four per year); 90€ in Elche and in Calp the payment can amount to 1,100€ per session (there could be one or two per month).

It is alleged that the mayor and aldermen of the City of Alicante, both of the governing and opposition parties, together annually draw over 90,000€ gross in bonuses for attending boards of joint ventures and autonomous businesses.

A meeting held last Friday

As a company we have over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry and have been doing pension transfers since inception in April 2006. We are now in a position to offer Expats and UK residents our services due to a new product launch.

We understand that times are tough in the UK and overseas, and that people need cash NOW to sort out their personal lives. We are told every time we speak to clients “I would rather have my money now rather than wait until I retire” we completely sympathize and understand your feelings.

We now have several options to help our clients release money NOW from the pension fund. It is a very simple process and takes only a short time to release your cash.

No matter how small or large your pension fund is even the smallest amount of money now could help in these difficult times.

To find out if you qualify to release money now call 951 206 138 or email admin@kennedyfinancialservices.com or visit www.kennedyfinancialservices.com and complete the free assessment form.

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money matters

22 - 27 MARCH 2013

The RTN Money Matters page has been created to help you our readers by giving you as much information about current financial matters and products as possible. If you would like us to cover any specific topics or products please email moneymatters@roundtownnews.com. Also if you have any questions that you would like answered by our panel of experts, email them to moneymatters@roundtownnews.com

money

22 - 27 MARCH 2013

33

Wincham Consultants opens Marbella Office WINCHAM NOW has offices located on the Costa del Sol in addition to the existing Head Offices at Calpe, Alicante and Cheshire, UK. The launch of the Marbella based service will be managed and operated by Mark Bailey and David Rogers.

by

Mark Roach

Company Director and Spanish Tax Consultant

Mark joins Wincham after 25 years in financial services: “Having lived and worked in Spain for many years we are very aware of the amount of people who have purchased properties in Spain without fully understanding the implications of Spanish inheritance tax (IHT).

“When purchasing property in Spain, owners are often urged to set up a Spanish Will in the belief that this will shield their beneficiaries from

David Rogers

Spanish IHT. This is unfortunately untrue - a Spanish Will is not a solution to remove tax and can often complicate matters as it may conflict with an earlier Will prepared. Our experience shows that in the majority of cases people are not being given the complete picture from the outset and as such their families are being subjected to potentially onerous taxes that could simply be avoided.

“Wincham offers a comprehensive service covering UK and Spanish legal and taxation matters, priding itself in providing an informative and innovative approach to its clients’ requirements. We look forward to meeting clients here in Marbella and offering a suitable, effective solution to individual IHT problems.”

David Rogers has more than 20 years’ experience in a number of senior management and directorial positions. Having obtained the ‘Award in Financial Planning’ (AWF) from the Chartered Insurance Institute, David relocated to Spain in 2004 and has since established an extensive network, belonging to numerous professional network organisations including the British Chamber of Commerce.

Wincham has been operating in Spain for almost 20 years and owns a portfolio of properties using the same UK Company structure which they advise clients to use. Quite simply clients invest their Spanish property into their own UK Company (which Wincham can supply) of which they will be the Director and shareholder, ensuring they remain in Mark Bailey control of the asset whilst eradicating

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

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

Spanish IHT. All Clients who use their services are also covered by 20 years’ Title Deed Insurance including Demolition Order, Fraud, Compulsory Purchase and up to 20 areas to a maximum of 360,000€ compensation.

There are many taxation benefits when investing a property into your own UK Limited Company; in addition the ownership of the company can be structured to suit Beneficiaries needs in a way that is simply not possible under Spanish law. If you would like to know more about The Wincham solution, receive your ‘complimentary’ Spanish Inheritance Tax illustration or meet with one of our trained consultants at any of three offices, visit www.winchamiht.com or scan the QR code below.

Alternatively call direct on +44 (0)1260 299 700 (UK) or 0034 965 830 991 (Spain).

Wincham International is also able to assist with Legal, Accountancy, Will Writing and Probate issues in both the UK and Spain.

legal

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22 - 27 MARCH 2013

Tax obligations in Spain: by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados

English & Spanish Solicitors

the non-residents income tax

AS WE do every year, we wish to remind readers who are Non Tax Residents in Spain that they are still obliged to pay Income Taxes in Spain for Non Tax Residents, even if they do not have any income in Spain, just for the fact of owning a property here.

IF YOU live in Spain and but are not registered with the taxman as a tax resident or you do not submit taxes as tax residents, you could be legally considered as Non Tax Resident, as no notice has been given to the Tax Authority. Non Tax Residents could be liable to pay Wealth Tax, but only if the value of their assets in Spain (after deducting debts, i.e: pending capital of the mortgage, etc.) is above 700.000€.

If you are Non Tax Resident in Spain ( or you are not legally tax resident in Spain), you will need to pay tax for income in Spain (Income Tax for Non Residents, IRNR): i.e.: rents from a letting, interest on bank accounts, etc. If you do not have any income but you own a property or a share on a property, your tax bill will be based on a calculation as per the Cadastral Value (value that appears on your Spanish Local Rates receipt from the Town Hall, the SUMA office or the equivalent).

Even now it is quite common for people who are Non Fiscal Residents in Spain (or not legally Tax Resident in Spain) to simply not pay this tax; usually due to ignorance or neglect and especially when they have no income in Spain and only own a house.

Caution is needed as the Spanish Tax Office, equivalent to the Spanish Inland Revenue (Agencia Tributaria), is investigating property owners in Spain who do not pay taxes as either tax residents or non tax residents, urging them to update their status and pay the applicable tax.

If you are not sure if you are ‘legally or officially’ tax resident or non tax resident, if you want to know what is the most convenient for you, we can assist you, studying your personal situation.

If you are non tax resident, do not forget to meet your tax obligation if you want to avoid a possible tax inspection, penalties, etc. We could deal with your tax affairs as non tax residents in Spain.

Carlos Baos (Lawyer) © White & Baos Abogados 2012 - All rights reserved. C/Diana 19, 2º-D, 03700 Dénia (located 1 minute away from the La Via underground car park). Tel: 966 426 185. Send your questions to spanishlawyer@roundtownnews.com or info@white-baos.com. This article is available in English and Spanish at www.white-baos.com. The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. Visit our blog at http://www.white-baos.com/blog/ and Facebook (White-Baos-Abogados-Solicitors)

Life

Party for Pedro

More than a 1,000 people showed up to support Pedro

MORE THAN a thousand people, joined in the fun in Acequión on Sunday to help raise much needed funds in aid of Pedro Ballester, whom we all know needs a special walker to realize his dream of walking.

By Keith Nicol THE ALL day event included a Giant Paella Mediterranean”, prepared with products sold by the organization, which accounted for over 500 servings of rice that was enjoyed by all. At the same time and in another corner of the street, grilled sardines were sold, while the bar sold drinks and a group of girls sold exquisite pastries, handmade by themselves.

It was full day of fun and activities, which slowed down just

a little as a splatter of rain arrived at five in the afternoon.

Although the crowds had thinned out a little, about 120 more people arrived for the event armed with jumpers and jackets, to enjoy a few hours of entertainment by comedian Felix and the main raffle prize draw.

Throughout the day the music did not stop ringing and Pedro Ballester and his family were present all day at the event, with Pedro receiving a special a boat made out of Torrevieja’s crystallized salt, in memory of this day. Next

week, the Neighborhood Association, will make it known how much was raised by the event, which will be donated to the family Pedro’s family wanted to thank everyone who attended the event and also to the entire town of Torrevieja, who have supported them, and whose reaction to the problems posed, with being able to purchase the special walking chair, have exceeded all expectations, thus demonstrating that the heart beats to the rhythm of Torrevieja solidarity.

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Life tech

with Aunty Virus

Email auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com

Security options HI AUNTY: I was very interested in your article regarding security options. I am using Windows XP & have AVG2012, Malwarebytes, Super Anti-Spyware & C Cleaner running. I have noticed that my computer seems a lot slower recently and could this be the answer?

Which of these would you recommend that I use & also would it be an idea to download Microsoft Security Essentials. Marcia Aunty says: Yes your PC will seem to be running slowly, especially as you have four programmes that are all doing the same thing, running at the same time. Having AVG2012, Malwarebytes, Super Anti-Spyware & C Cleaner running at the same time means that each file the PC opens is slow on opening as all 4 programs will be scanning that file before it opens.

And I have also found that recent versions of AVG have in fact been much slower than previous versions, especially with all the

extras and additions they have, and a less powerful machine may have simply not been fast enough to cope.

Personally, I would use just one anti-virus program - yes Microsoft Security Essentials is one of the better free ones available, and does the same as most others. And then every few weeks, or once a month, install Malwarebytes, update it, run it, then uninstall it.

This means that it is not running in the background and taking up valuable processor resources.

A default IE

HOLA AUNTY: I have a laptop with Windows 7 and IE 9. I see there is an update to IE 10 should I update or not? Your advice please. Vic Aunty says: Hi - although IE10 is designed for Windows 8, Microsoft have also managed to design a version for W7. IE10 takes off where IE9 left off, and all tests I have done suggest that IE10 is faster than IE9, and is more stable and crashes less. So apart from being faster, and looking slightly different, there is little change. So you can upgrade to IE10 if you want to. At the moment this is optional, but it may be that it becomes the default IE soon.

Lost mails and folders AUNTY I have a problem: I had to reinstall Windows 7 and I thought I would be able to get back into my Windows live mail unfortunately all the mails and folders are lost. Is there any way to recover these? John Aunty says: Windows Live Mail downloads your emails from the email accounts and stores them on your PC. If you’ve installed Windows Live Mail in Vista or Windows 7, chances are your email is stored in subfolders of C:\Users\logon\AppData\ Local\Microsoft\Windows Live Mail, where logon is, of course, the name you use to log onto Windows. If you installed

Windows Live Mail into XP, the path is probably C:\Documents and Settings\ logon\Local Settings\Application Data\ Microsoft\Windows Live Mail.

Unfortunately, unless you backed up these directories before you reinstalled Windows, then they will no longer be on your hard drive. However, they may be still available on the ‘webmail’ system, if you access your email accounts via a webpage - and hope that the option to store emails rather than delete emails once deleted is selected. Webmail systems do not download the messages to your PC, as they are simply stored ‘on the web’.

Gadget Inspector Investigates: TP-Link Wireless N Access Point Wireless N whatsamygig? Who better to describe what this gizmo does than the manufacturer: “The TP-LINK Wireless N Access Point is designed to establish or expand a scalable high-speed wireless N network or to connect multiple Ethernet enabled devices such as game consoles, digital media adapters, printers, or network attached storage devices to a wireless network.

“The AP supports a host of different functions that makes your wireless networking experience more flexible than ever before. Now, you can enjoy a better Internet experience when downloading, gaming, video streaming or with any other application that you may wish to use.”

So basically, you can either extend or create a wireless N network for all your existing wireless devices.

But why should you want to do this in the first place? After all, my internet provider has given me a perfectly adequate wireless router through which I can use my wireless devices. But what if you want to stream movies, extend your wireless network range, have other devices in your home that interfere with your wireless signal or have a router with no wireless function? If you can answer yes to any of the above you need a TP-LINK Wireless N Access Point –please note this does not replace your standard router/ wireless router – but works alongside it.

So why is a Wireless N device better, and how can I tell if I already have one?

Well, chances are if you have two or more aerials on your router then it is Wireless N, although it is worth checking by looking up the model number on the

22 - 27 march 2013

39

Maluuba International If you are not an iPhone user then they have a voice-activated app that allows users to take action on their phones by speaking commands and then speaking back to the user or taking action.

internet. Wireless N (802.11n) provides far superior range and better interference suppression than conventional 802.11g devices, particularly in a steel and concrete building. This means you´ll pick up your wireless network in places and at distances a standard network won’t reach or will be too weak – this device typically gives a 300 metre range.

Another major advantage over a standard 802.11g device is security and support for QSS - One Button Setup Security (WPS Compatible). Quick Security Setup allows users to connect their wireless device by pressing the ‘QSS’ button, which automatically establishes a secure connection. This is faster and more secure than conventional WEP security, and also means there is no need to remember passwords.

The TP-Link TL-WA901ND also features WPA/WPA2 encryption for the security of WI-FI connections. Traditional WEP encryption is no longer the strongest and safest method for securing the

connection; the TL-WR901ND provides WPA/WPA2 encryptions that offer higher levels of protection from external access to your wireless network.

The Inspectors Verdict: If you have modern laptops/tablet PCs/games consoles that support the faster 802.11n wireless protocol then the TP-Link TLWA901ND Wireless N access point can help you extend your range, speed of connection and security of your wireless network compared with a conventional 802.11g wireless network.

Please note the following is for information and is not intended as an advertisement - visit www.gadgethound.co.uk/wireless-access-point to purchase the TP-Link TL-WA901ND Advanced 300Mbps Wireless N Access Point for 46€. Please note the power adapter has a UK plug which will require a Spanish 2-pin adapter. Price quoted includes free delivery to Spain and is subject to availability (Euro cost subject to exchange rate at time of purchase).

Maluuba International is now the best alternative for the Android user. Ask for the weather; create reminders, alarms, meetings & appointments through very simple voice interactions with Maluuba!

Ask Maluuba to help you with things that make your life much easier such as “Is it raining next week?” or “Wake me up tomorrow at 8am” or “Remind to pick up flowers in two hours”.

Maluuba can even play music for you! Ask Maluuba to “Play the latest songs by Justin Timberlake”.

There are loads of other features to discover and see which ones are going to make your life easier.

Free to download from Google Play on all Android devices.

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22 - 27 MARCH 2013

Life Showbiz Goss Come back Daddy BACK IN the mid-nineties Beyoncé started a group called Destiny’s Child with her sister Solange and Kelly Rowland. They went on to have huge success both in the UK and America and as you are well aware, the girl from Texas went on to have even greater success when she went solo.

I brought her here today after I read last week that BBC 1 will be showing a documentary next Thursday called ‘Life is But a Dream’ that follows Beyoncé’s life from when she married rapper Jay-Z through to having first child Blue Ivy, and, it is claimed, gives an insight into what she calls

‘a professional split’ from her father Matthew, the singers previous manager. Jay-Z does that now.

What you now need to know is that Jay-Z was a gangster rapper and was a seriously bad boy in the process, and, on the face of it, is likely to be the man behind this latest episode in Beyoncé’s career.

I don’t know about you but I like my singers to produce music I can listen to and enjoy, and see hanging out your dirty laundry as not a smart thing to do. The programme aired on the HBO channel in the US in mid-February to mixed reviews with some accusing it of being a ‘vanity project’, and

Writer and Broadcaster

Entertainment Weekly calling it: ‘a delicate mix of the calculated and the confessional’.

With a mere 1.8 million people tuning in it would be fair to say … it bombed.

Beyoncé is not just a really good singer; she co-wrote and produced all of Destiny’s Child music and I would personally like to see her doing what she does best and concentrate on that, and a good idea might be to get her father back on board as I’m thinking husband Jay-Z is getting it all wrong.

Johnny and the Dreamers Has the Vatican I DON’T know about you but when I get up in the morning I like to made a big mistake? switch on a TV music channel, as trying to get it all together early doors with the one-eyed lounge monster telling me about some real bad news just doesn’t shake my tree. I say this on the back of reading an interview Johnny Vaughan gave to ‘Bang Showbiz’ last week, and in particular the part where he spoke about ‘The Big Breakfast’.

The show started 20 years ago on Ch4 and was an instant success bringing vibrancy to early mornings with items that were always looking for the humorous edge. Johnny hosted The Big Breakfast from 1997 - 2001 and amongst others worked with Denise Van Houten, Kelly Brook and Liza Tarbuck.

Talk of the show making a comeback has come up several times over the last 10 years, but all efforts have gone to ground. However, the bar might just have been raised a level or three as Johnny boy also said, “If the show were to come back Megan Fox would be my dream co-host.”

Dream it might well be JV, but isn’t that what television is supposed to do sometimes.

by

Peter Taylor

THE CATHOLIC world held its breath a week or so ago when we finally got white smoke at the Vatican, followed by finding out that what seems to be a good man has become Pope Francis 1. No, this not a sermon, but it is connected, and is to do with a story that popped up on the internet before the conclave tookplace.

A group of people called ‘Father Ted Fans’ started a campaign on Facebook calling for Dougal, the dumb priest in the show played by Ardal O’Hanlan, to become the next pontiff , and to his great credit the comic actor responded saying: ‘This is great! Obviously very excited! Had no idea I was in the running to be honest.’ But Dougal (Ardal) didn´t stop there adding: “If I am made Pope the first thing I will do is make Sunday a recognised day of worship … Hurray!”Ardal O’Hanlan needs to be applauded for entering into the spirit of things with so much fun, and with him going on to tell his 17,000 supporters on Facebook: ‘Nobody else could concentrate so hard on looking as holy as Father Dougal McGuire himself’, you might be tempted to nip out and buy Series 1, 2, and 3 of ‘Father Ted’… now available on DVD … with new extras it says … Hurray!

Life TV

22 - 27 MARCH 2013

41

22nd - 28th March

FRIDAY 22nd March BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Caught Red Handed 12:30 Real Rescues 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 WPC 56 16:00 Beat the Pack 16:45 Countryside 999 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Rip Off Britain 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 MasterChef 22:00 New Tricks 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Graham Norton Show 24:20 The Matt Lucas Awards 24:50 Scream

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Real Rescues 08:45 Caught Red Handed 09:15 Heir Hunters 10:00 Holiday Hit Squad 11:00 Question Time 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Animal Park 14:30 Coast 14:40 Weakest Link 15:25 Mastermind 15:55 How We Won the War 16:25 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets 17:25 The Trials of Life 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Country Show Cook Off 20:00 Great Continental Railway Journeys 20:30 Great British Menu 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 Gardeners’ World 22:00 Ancient Egypt: Life and Death in the Valley of the Kings 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Live International Football 23:10 ITV News 23:40 ITV News Central 23:45 International Football Highlights

07:10 The Hoobs 08:05 According to Jim 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Grand Designs Australia 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 What’s Cooking?

14:45 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 15:45 Countdown 16:30 The Common Denominator 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Come Dine with Me 22:00 8 Out of 10 Cats 22:30 The Last Leg 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 24:10 Jimmy Carr: Being Funny

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Dangerous Drivers’ School 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 Person of Interest 16:15 NYC: Tornado Terror 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 World’s 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 CSI 24:55 Inside Hollywood

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Emmerdale 07:55 Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 09:10 You’ve Been Framed!

09:40 Judge Judy 10:10 Judge Judy 10:35 Winners & Losers 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:35 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Judge Judy 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

22:00 Knocked Up 24:40 Gremlins

07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 One Tree Hill 09:45 Scrubs 10:10 Rules of Engagement 10:40 Charmed 11:35 90210 12:30 Ugly Betty 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 15:30 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 Youngers 22:00 The Transporter 2 23:45 Body Shocking Show 24:20 The Big Bang Theory 24:50 The Big Bang Theory

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

SATURDAY 23th March BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking 13:00 BBC News 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 Formula One 15:15 Richard Hammond’s Secret Service 15:55 Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Furious Five 16:15 National Treasure 18:15 Kung Fu Panda 19:40 BBC News 20:00 Pointless Celebrities 20:45 The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins 21:40 Casualty 22:30 Mrs Brown’s Boys 23:00 BBC News 23:15 The Proposal

BBC2

07:00 This Is BBC Two 08:30 Great British Menu 11:00 A History of Britain by Simon Schama 12:00 Meet the Ancestors 12:30 Map Man 13:00 Country Show Cook Off 15:30 Mastermind 16:00 University Challenge 16:30 Hairy Bikers’ Best of British 17:20 Restoration Home 18:20 The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy 20:00 Flog It! 21:00 Dad’s Army 21:30 Natural World Special: Attenborough’s Ark 22:30 Project Nim 24:05 Zodiac

SUNDAY 24th March BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Andrew Marr Show 11:00 The Big Questions 12:00 Sunday Politics 13:20 Passover: Why Is This Night Different?

13:50 Countryfile 14:45 Bargain Hunt 15:30 Formula One 17:30 Escape to the Country 18:30 Songs of Praise 19:05 Deadly 60 on a Mission 19:35 BBC News 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Our Girl 23:30 BBC News 23:55 Late Kick Off 24:25 The Great Raid

BBC2

07:00 This Is BBC Two 08:20 My Favorite Wife 09:45 Gardeners’ World 10:15 The A to Z of TV Gardening 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:30 Paul Hollywood’s Bread 13:00 Athletics 15:05 EastEnders 17:00 Rowing World Cup 18:00 Secrets of Our Living Planet 19:00 Flog It! 20:00 Dragons’ Den 21:00 Top Gear 22:00 Toughest Place to Be 23:00 Mock the Week 23:30 It’s Kevin 24:00 Adventureland

ITV1 07:00 Childrens TV 09:05 Ultimate Spider-Man 09:30 Victorious 10:00 Jessie 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:20 My Tasty Travels with Lynda Bellingham 12:20 Dinner Date 13:20 ITV News and Weather 13:25 You’ve Been Framed!

13:55 Any Which Way You Can 16:00 The Chase 17:00 Midsomer Murders 19:00 ITV News 19:30 You’ve Been Framed!

20:00 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway 21:20 The Cube 22:20 Jonathan Ross Show 23:20 ITV News 23:35 You, Me and Dupree

ITV1 07:00 Childrens TV 09:05 Kick Buttowski 09:30 Almost Naked Animals 10:00 Aquabats Super Show 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:25 Carry On Follow That Camel 13:15 Carry On Camping 14:55 ITV News 15:05 Doc Martin 16:05 Food Glorious Food 17:05 Agatha Christie’s Marple 19:05 You’ve Been Framed!

19:35 ITV News 20:00 Coronation Street 21:00 Foyle’s War 23:00 Perspectives 24:00 ITV News r 24:15 Premiership Rugby Union

07:00 The Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freesports on 4 08:30 The Grid 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:55 Frasier 11:55 The Big Bang Theory 12:50 The Simpsons 13:45 Deal or No Deal 14:45 Channel 4 Racing 17:05 Come Dine with Me 19:35 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Sarah Beeny’s Selling Houses 21:00 Grand Designs 22:00 The Time Traveler’s Wife 24:05 Big Fat Quiz of the 90s

07:00 Childrens TV 10:15 Toby’s Travelling Circus 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Power Rangers Samurai 11:35 Batman: The Brave and the Bold 12:00 Inside Hollywood 12:05 Robson’s Extreme Fishing Challenge 13:05 Whale Adventure with Nigel Marven 14:05 CSI: Miami 15:55 The Green Berets 18:45 Beach Red 20:35 5 News Weekend 20:40 NCIS 22:25 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 23:25 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 24:20 CSI: NY

07:00 Beauty and the Geek 07:45 All Star Family Fortunes 08:20 Coronation Street 09:50 Emmerdale 12:40 Britain’s Got More Talent 13:45 Richie Rich 15:35 You’ve Been Framed!

16:05 Animal Practice 16:35 Animal Practice 17:05 Animal Practice 17:30 You’ve Been Framed!

18:00 You’ve Been Framed!

18:30 You’ve Been Framed!

19:00 You’ve Been Framed!

19:30 The Hot Desk 19:45 King Kong 23:20 Celebrity Juice 24:05 Couples Retreat

E4

07:00 Switched 07:25 Heartland 08:10 Greek 09:05 Supernanny US 10:05 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow 11:10 Make It or Break It 12:10 Ugly Betty 13:05 Scrubs 13:35 Scrubs 14:05 Scrubs 14:35 Glee 15:35 Charmed 16:35 Rules of Engagement 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Youngers 20:30 Happy Endings 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 2 Broke Girls 22:00 Babylon AD 23:50 The Big Bang Theory 24:20 The Big Bang Theory 24:50 The Cleveland Show

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:15 The Hoobs 07:40 The Hoobs 08:10 Will & Grace 08:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:10 The Big Bang Theory 13:40 The Big Bang Theory 14:10 The Simpsons 14:40 The Simpsons 15:10 Undercover Boss USA 16:10 Clash of the Titans 18:30 Time Team 19:30 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 Celebrity Deal or No Deal 21:00 The Secret Millions 22:00 Red 24:15 Kill List

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 Toby’s Travelling Circus 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:45 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Power Rangers Samurai 11:35 Batman: The Brave and the Bold 12:00 Inside Hollywood 12:10 Monkey Life 12:40 Cowboy Builders 13:40 World’s 14:40 Legally Blonde 16:30 Getting Even with Dad 18:35 5 News Weekend 18:40 The Goonies 20:55 Miss Congeniality 23:00 Person of Interest 23:55 Exorcism of Emily Rose

07:00 The Biggest Loser 07:50 Emmerdale 10:30 Coronation Street 12:05 Top Dog Model 13:05 Super Tiny Animals 14:05 Britain’s Got More Talent 15:05 Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway 16:20 You’ve Been Framed!

16:50 The Borrowers 18:45 Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium 20:40 Back to the Future 23:00 The Only Way Is Essex 23:50 Big Rich Texas 24:50 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Switched 07:20 Supernanny US 08:05 Make It or Break It 09:00 Ugly Betty 10:00 Scrubs 10:30 Scrubs 11:00 Hollyoaks 13:35 Youngers 14:05 Glee 15:00 Charmed 16:00 How I Met Your Mother 16:30 How I Met Your Mother 17:00 How I Met Your Mother 17:30 How I Met Your Mother 18:00 Revenge 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 New Girl 20:30 New Girl 21:00 17 Again 23:00 Rude Tube 24:00 Body Shocking Show 24:30 The Big Bang Theory

42

22 - 27 MARCH 2013

Life TV

22nd - 28th March

MONDAY 25th March BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 You’ve Been Scammed 12:30 Real Rescues 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 Beat the Pack 16:45 Countryside 999 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Bang Goes the Theory 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Motorway Cops 23:00 BBC News 23:35 The Lock Up 24:15 BBC News: The Editors 24:45 The Graham Norton Show

07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:10 Homes Under the Hammer 08:10 Real Rescues 08:55 Caught Red Handed 09:25 Heir Hunters 10:10 Great British Menu 10:40 Countryfile 11:35 Click 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Animal Park 14:30 Weakest Link 15:15 Coast 15:25 Mastermind 15:55 How We Won the War 16:25 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets 17:25 The Trials of Life 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Country Show Cook Off 20:00 Great British Menu 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Paul Hollywood’s Bread 22:00 Boris Johnson: The Irresistible Rise 23:00 Never Mind Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Toughest Place to Be

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 James Nesbitt’s Ireland 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Broadchurch 23:00 ITV News 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 The Unforgettable 24:35 Monk

07:10 The Hoobs 08:05 According to Jim 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Phil Spencer 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 What’s Cooking?

14:45 SuperScrimpers 15:45 Countdown 16:30 Common Denominator 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Easter Eggs Live 21:00 Dispatches 21:30 SuperScrimpers 22:00 Embarrassing Bodies 23:00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 24:05 Random Acts 24:10 Alan Carr: Chatty Man

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Milkshake! Show Songs 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Dangerous Drivers’ School 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Mary Higgins Clark’s The Cradle Will Fall 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 The Gadget Show 21:00 World’s Fastest Train 22:00 Robson’s Extreme Fishing Challenge 23:00 Road House

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Coronation Street 08:25 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:10 You’ve Been Framed!

09:40 Judge Judy 10:35 Winners & Losers 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:35 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Animal Practice 21:25 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 22:00 You’ve Been Framed!

23:00 Plebs 24:00 The Big Reunion

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

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 ITV News Central 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Live International Football 23:10 ITV News and Weather 23:40 ITV News Central 23:50 International Football Highlights 24:50 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories

07:10 The Hoobs 08:05 According to Jim 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Phil Spencer 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 What’s Cooking?

14:45 SuperScrimpers 15:45 Countdown 16:30 Common Denominator 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Easter Eggs Live 21:00 Dispatches 21:30 SuperScrimpers 22:00 Embarrassing Bodies 23:00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 24:05 Random Acts 24:10 Alan Carr: Chatty Man

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Dangerous Drivers’ School 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Looney Tunes 16:20 Desolation Canyon 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 Cowboy Builders 21:00 Whale Adventure with Nigel Marven 22:00 CSI 23:00 CSI: NY 23:55 Dallas 24:55 CSI: Miami

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Coronation Street 08:25 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:10 You’ve Been Framed!

09:40 Judge Judy 10:35 Winners & Losers 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:35 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Coronation Street 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Love in the Wild 22:00 The Vampire Diaries 23:00 666 Park Avenue 24:00 Celebrity Juice 24:45 Plebs

07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 One Tree Hill 09:40 Scrubs 10:10 Rules of Engagement 10:40 Charmed 11:35 90210 12:30 Ugly Betty 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 16:05 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 New Girl 22:30 The Mindy Project 23:00 The Cleveland Show 23:30 The Inbetweeners 24:05 Rude Tube

TUESDAY 26th March

BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 You’ve Been Scammed 12:30 Real Rescues 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 Beat the Pack 16:45 Countryside 999 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 The Syndicate 23:00 BBC News 23:35 The Matt Lucas Awards 24:05 Cuckoo 24:35 Who Do You Think You Are?

BBC2

07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:05 Homes Under the Hammer 08:05 Real Rescues 08:50 You’ve Been Scammed 09:20 Heir Hunters 10:05 Great British Menu 10:35 Natural World 11:35 HARDtalk 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Animal Park 14:30 Super League Show 15:15 Coast 15:25 Mastermind 15:55 How We Won the War 16:25 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets 17:25 The Trials of Life 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Country Show Cook Off 20:00 Great British Menu 21:00 Great British Bake Off 22:00 Keeping Britain Alive 23:00 Heading Out 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Horizon

WEDNESDAY 27th March

ITV2

E4

07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:45 One Tree Hill 09:40 Scrubs 10:10 Rules of Engagement 10:35 Charmed 11:35 90210 12:30 Ugly Betty 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 New Girl 22:00 Revenge 23:00 World’s Greatest Body Shockers 24:05 The Inbetweeners 24:40 The Big Bang Theory

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 You’ve Been Scammed 12:30 Real Rescues 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 Beat the Pack 16:45 Countryside 999 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 MasterChef 22:00 Pompeii: The Mystery of the People Frozen in Time 23:00 BBC News 23:35 A Question of Sport 24:05 Are You Having a Laugh?

- Comedy and Christianity

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Real Rescues 08:45 You’ve Been Scammed 09:15 Heir Hunters 10:00 Great British Menu 10:30 Food & Drink 11:00 Great British Railway Journeys 11:30 See Hear 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Bringing Up Baby 14:40 Weakest Link 15:25 Mastermind 15:55 How We Won the War 16:25 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets 17:25 The Trials of Life 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Country Show Cook Off 20:00 Great British Menu 21:00 A Very British Wedding 22:00 Terry Pratchett Facing Extinction 23:00 The Culture Show 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Keeping Britain Alive

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Food Glorious Food 22:00 Lightfields 23:00 ITV Newsl 23:35 Sports Life Stories 24:35 Safari Vet School

07:10 The Hoobs 08:05 According to Jim 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Phil Spencer 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 What’s Cooking?

14:45 SuperScrimpers 15:45 Countdown 16:30 Common Denominator 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Easter Eggs Live 21:00 Bedtime Live 22:00 16 Kids and Counting 23:00 Shameless 24:05 Gogglebox 24:55 Random Acts

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Dangerous Drivers’ School 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:10 Disney Shorts: Mickey’s Parrot 16:15 Mystery Woman: Snapshot 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 Robson’s Extreme Fishing Challenge 21:00 Rolf’s Animal Clinic 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Law & Order 23:55 CSI 24:55 Poker

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Holiday Showdown 08:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 09:10 You’ve Been Framed!

09:40 Judge Judy 10:10 Judge Judy 10:35 Winners & Losers 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:35 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Holiday Showdown 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Fool Britannia 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 The Only Way Is Essex 23:50 Big Rich Texas 24:50 Utterly Outrageous Reality TV Moments 2012

07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 One Tree Hill 09:40 Scrubs 10:10 Rules of Engagement 10:40 Charmed 11:35 90210 12:30 Ugly Betty 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 15:30 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 Youngers 21:00 Grease 23:20 Rude Tube 24:25 Body Shocking Show 24:55 New Girl

22 - 27 march 2013

43

THURSDAY 28st March BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 You’ve Been Scammed 12:30 Real Rescues 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 Beat the Pack 16:45 Countryside 999 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 MasterChef 22:00 Prisoners’ Wives 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Imagine

07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:05 Homes Under the Hammer 08:05 Real Rescues 08:50 You’ve Been Scammed 09:20 Heir Hunters 10:05 Great British Menu 11:05 British Railway Journeys 11:35 HARDtalk 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Mr Blandings Builds His Dream House 14:30 Weakest Link 15:30 Mastermind 16:00 How We Won the War 16:30 Hairy Bikers’ Best of British 17:15 The Blue Planet 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Country Show Cook Off 20:00 Great British Menu 21:00 James May’s Man Lab 22:00 Horizon 23:00 How TV Ruined Your Life 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Ancient Egypt: Life and Death in the Valley of the Kings

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Ade in Britain 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 The Martin Lewis Money Show 22:00 Kids with Tourette’s: In Their Own Words 23:00 ITV News 23:35 Jonathan Ross Show 24:40 River Monsters

07:10 The Hoobs 08:05 According to Jim 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss USA 12:00 Phil Spencer 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Come Dine with Me 13:35 What’s Cooking?

14:45 SuperScrimpers 15:45 Countdown 16:30 Common Denominator 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 Easter Eggs Live 21:00 Secret Eaters 22:00 40 Year Old Virgins 23:00 Gogglebox 23:50 Random Acts 23:55 Embarrassing Bodies 24:55 Extreme A&E

07:00 Childrens TV 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Trisha 13:00 Looney Tunes 13:05 5 News 13:15 Rory & Will Champions of the World 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Mentalist 16:15 Looney Tunes 16:20 McBride: Semper Fi 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News 20:00 Whale Adventure with Nigel Marven 21:00 Cowboy Builders 22:00 Killers Behind Bars: The Untold Story 23:00 Crimes That Shook the World 24:00 Banged Up Abroad

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 09:10 You’ve Been Framed!

09:40 Judge Judy 10:10 Judge Judy 10:35 Winners & Losers 11:35 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 12:35 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Judge Judy 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

22:00 The Big Reunion 23:30 Celebrity Juice 24:20 Plebs 24:50 Plebs

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS 700 Cryptic Solutions Across: 1 All the same; 7 Trout; 8 Minster; 10 Informed; 11 Born 13 Encore; 15 Tea-set; 17 User; 18 Proceeds; 21 Bottled; 22 Aisle; 23 Grand total.

Down: 1 Aloof; 2 Literary; 3 Hamlet; 4 Sink; 5 Methods; 6 Strike dumb; 9 Runs to seed; 12 Penchant; 14 Creator; 16 Credit; 19 Easel; 20 Plan.

Quick Solutions Across: 1 Kidnapping; 7 Roost; 8 Retired; 10 Fastness; 11 Pass; 13 Relate; 15 Hereto; 17 Each; 18 Untoward; 21 Tenable; 22 Drown; 23 Repentance.

Down: 1 Knows; 2 Detonate; 3 Arrest; 4 Pity; 5 Narrate; 6 Preferment; 9 Discordant; 12 Beholden; 14 Licence; 16 Invent; 19 Atone; 20 Able.

E4 07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 One Tree Hill 09:40 Scrubs 10:10 Rules of Engagement 10:40 Charmed 11:35 90210 12:30 Ugly Betty 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 15:30 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:25 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 How I Met Your Mother 22:00 The New Normal 22:30 2 Broke Girls 23:00 The Body Shocking Show 23:35 Rude Tube 24:10 Fresh Meat

What’s on Viva TV this week VIVA TV broadcasts on the Torresat Networks every day from 2.00pm until 10pm.

And you can watch all our programmes and find our full listings at www.vivatv.es

Friday 22nd March Let’s Talk – with darts superstars and former World Champions Eric Bristow and John Lowe. 18.30 Saturday 23rd March Celebrity Archive – with actor Keith Barron – Duty Free, Coronation St, Dr Who, The Avengers... 18.00 Sunday 24th March Spanish Eye – One of the most pretty coastal villages on the Costa – Cabo de Palos on the Costa Calida. A must for a day out. 18.15 Monday 25th March Host Your Own(series) The Costa Blanca’s answer to “Come Dine With Me” – Ep. 2 Paul Mentessi hosts a

pub themed dinner party under the scrutiny of our 3 judges. 19.30 Tuesday 26th March Let’s Talk Special – we catch up with the star who sang the 80’s song The Only Way Is Up – Yazz at the Torrevieja Fellowship church. 18.30 Wednesday 27th March The Royal British Legion 90th Anniversary celebrations in Alicante with a host of international stars. 18.05 Thursday 28th March Hayes Guide to the Costa Blanca & Costa Calida.

Dave & Jess show us round the lovely fishing port of Santa Pola. 19.30

44

22 - 27 MARCH 2013

Life people

St. Patrick’s Day parade attracts thousands

By Keith Nicol SPAIN’S LARGEST St. Patrick’s Day Parade went off without a hitch on Sunday. Although grey skies loomed overhead, the rain stayed away until just the very end of the event, with a light splattering of rain, in true Irish fashion, as 5.00pm rolled around. Cabo Roig was awash in green white and gold, with more than four kilometres of bunting lining the streets, to ensure that this St. Patrick’s Day event was the greenest place in Spain.

The Parade featured more than thirty floats with Irish dancers, Hip Hop dancers, Disney Characters, Stilt Walkers, Fire jugglers, classic cars, Harley Davidson motorbikes all led by St. Patrick himself with the new Pope, or at least someone who bore an uncanny resemblance, bring up the rear! The event’s MC was Mark Nolan who did an excellent job in announcing each and every float and kept the crowd amused with his witticism, with the team from Viva TV also on hand to produce a short news shot for Irish TV. Parade Marshal Eamonn O’Hare was joined by Christy Heffernan and Jim Sheridan all greats in their own sports, plus Paudge Connolly, former member of the Irish Parliament and a present Councillor of Monaghan and a substitute candidate for the European parliament plus John Burke, ex Commandant of the Irish Army. Local Oriheula Councillors also supported the event and said a few words of welcome to crowd before the off. The organisers also wished to pass on a special word of thanks to all the fundraisers, for without them this parade would not take place and to all the businesses in Cabo Roig, who helped to fund the parade.

The parade started at 3.30pm at the back of the strip at Aldeas de Aguamarina, continued up as far as the medical centre and down the front of the strip led by St Patrick himself. To clear the

route, more than 30 motorcyclists, adorned in Irish colours paved the way, followed by a selection of classic and custom cars from Club Torrevieja Classics and Specialists Cars, the Sunday Drivers Club and many friends from the local classic car community.

This week saw an added influx of people travelling to the Orihuela Costa especially for the parade with air line companies putting on extra flights due to demand for tickets.

All this goes to show that the hard work and dedication of the residents and businesses of the area has paid off which will in turn help the Orihuela Costa. The organisers also wanted give out a huge word of thanks to the Orihuela Costa Town Hall and Policia Local for all their help and support in making this year’s St. Patrick’s day parade the best parade outside of Ireland and the USA.

22 - 27 MARCH 2013

Life spanish

45

Basic Spanish for everyday needs

by Jane Cronin

Step by Step Spanish -24 ¡HOLA, ESPERO que estéis muy bien!

THIS OF course means “Hello, I hope you are well”. Such a simple everyday phrase that we use at the beginnings of letters and e-mails as a matter of courtesy. And yet, look at the sentence again. I hope you “are” well.

I have written the word “estéis” for “are”.

This comes from the verb “estar” which is the verb “to be” used to express state or condition, in other words “how” someone is. You may also know enough about verb endings to recognize that I have used the “second person plural” form: that is the form which is used to address more than one person in a familiar way. (That is because I hope that more than one person is reading this article or at least got as far as the first line!)

However, there’s something odd here.

The verb “estar” is an “-ar” verb, so in its usual present tense endings are “-o, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an”. Why then do we have the ending “-éis” substituting an “e” for an “a”?

(I know you already know the answer, but I like to draw things out and create a bit of drama. I don’t have a very exciting life.) So, yes! We are in the looking-glass world of the present subjunctive, where everything is hypothetical and endings get swapped over.

I am using the subjunctive here because I am expressing my hope that you are well, without knowing whether you are or not. Here is the verb “estar” in the present subjunctive: Esté estés esté estemos estéis estén Now let’s look at another –ar verb. Apart from “dar” which I mentioned last week, the rest are all regular, unlike “estar” which has this strange characteristic accented ending.

Let’s take: “pasar” for example. It goes like this: pase pases pase pasemos paséis pasen And here’s a sentence with it in: “Dile a Juan que pase” which means “Tell Juan

Life books

to come in”. Notice in Spanish we are saying something like “Tell Juan that he might come in”. This is a rather wooden translation but it does capture the hypothetical nature of the subjunctive form and of the situation. Just because I’ve told you to tell Juan to come in, doesn’t mean that he is actually going to.

In this situation we could also address Juan directly with the familiar order “pasa” (Come in!), or if we wished to stand a little more on ceremony, we could use the formal (usted) command “pase” (Come in!) As you can see, this polite form is actually subjunctive which should also give you a sense of the inherent politeness of the word “pase”. It invites you to come in, in a tentative and respectful way. It is quite untranslatable – “That you may come in” is the best I can do, but really it’s the equivalent of our polite: “Do come in” or “please come in”.

I hope you are bearing with me as this is not very easy to explain, but it is such a key aspect of the Spanish language. As you can see, we can move from direct certainty to tentative speculation with the switch of a single letter.

PRESS REGULATIONS Ian Hyland @HylandIan: If the TV regulator is called Ofcom I wonder what the new newspaper one will be called. Offrecord?

Max Clifford Assoc. @maxclifford1: Whatever comes out of today, there is a great need for a free but accountable press that protects the general public’s right to privacy.

FUNNY TWEETS Richard Brecker @RichardBrecker: The England football squad has had more withdrawals than a Cypriot cash dispenser.

Keith Chegwin @thekeithchegwin: Note to self - Get some friends so u don’t have 2 send notes to yourself Sarah Millican @SarahMillican75: Any time I see high walls with trees inside, I always assume its a zoo.

OOPS TWEETS Eamonn Holmes @EamonnHolmes: Accidentally locked my new phone. Spent most of last night trying to unlock it. really frustrating. Found out today it wasn’t my phone!

Kirstie Mary Allsopp @KirstieMAllsopp: A present for all those who are cross with me today: I just overflowed the bath very badly while on twitter & dealing with constipated dog!!

JESSIE J @JessieJ: Dropping an open bag of maltesers..... Yep long

Danny Collins - copy@dannyjpcollins.com

The Hunger Games – Catching Fire THIS IS a science fiction novel, part of a trilogy by American writer Suzanne Collins, written in the voice of the 16-year-old heroine Katniss Everdeen, who lives in the post- apocalyptic nation of Panem, where the countries of North America once existed.

The Capitol, a highly advanced metropolis, exercises political control over the rest of the nation. The Hunger Games are an annual event in which one 12 – 18 year old boy and one girl from each of the twelve Districts surrounding the Capitol are selected by lottery to compete in a televised battle to the death.

Katniss voluntarily takes her younger sister’s place in the Hunger Games, but is faced with a huge dilemma. Her defiance of the regime has earned her the enmity of President Snow, putting her family and friends at risk. This develops against a background of revolt as the Districts prepare to rise up against the hunger and tyranny with Katniss forced once again into the arena as their involuntary figurehead.

You’ll bite your nails to the elbow waiting Author: Suzanne Collins Publisher: Scholastic Price: 11.20€ ISBN: 978 1 407109 36 7

for book three. But here’s the good news the entire trilogy is in print and Book 1 has already been shot as a feature film...

Suduko Answer

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22 - 27 MARCH 2013

Life health How hearing aids work HEARING AIDS enhance your Michael Burke

RHAD MSHAA of Digital Hearing

ability to hear sounds. They can only assist/make better what is still there. If your hearing has gone completely, aids are not for you.

AIDS HELP but do not create or replace, and even with the best hearing aid in the world you are not going to get the hearing of a 16year-old. All hearing aids have the same four basic parts: A MICROPHONE TO PICK UP SOUND FROM THE OUTSIDE WORLD Aids can have one or two microphones.

Those with two microphones are called directional hearing aids and can recognise better where sound is coming from; they can be set to decrease unwanted noise from behind you and concentrate on sounds in front of you.

AN AMPLIFIER/PROCESSOR/MICROCHIP, WHICH MAKES THE SOUNDS LOUDER In a digital hearing aid this selects

frequencies at which you have a loss and matches the level of amplification for each frequency to the degree of loss.

A LOUDSPEAKER (RECEIVER) WHICH BROADCASTS THE AMPLIFIED SOUND INTO THE EAR CANAL This can be housed either inside the hearing aid or, in the case of receiver in the canal (RIC) hearing aids, inside the ear close to the eardrum. The size and power of this receiver dictates the level of amplification that the aid is capable of providing.

A POWER SOURCE Most hearing aids are powered by small specialist batteries. These can last anything from three to thirty days according to the size of the battery and the degree of amplification

required. There are rechargeable batteries (special batteries and recharger required) and even rechargeable aids where no batteries are used (designed for the visually impaired).

Rechargeable batteries are generally chosen by people with vision or dexterity problems; they are not chosen for economic reasons: the cost of the charger and the rechargeable batteries generally exceeds the cost of normal batteries.

Other technologies in various models of hearing aids include telecoils, which can link

the hearing aid to loop systems in certain public buildings, and Bluetooth, which allows the hearing aid to communicate wirelessly with other Bluetooth-enabled technology such as mobile phones, MP3 players, televisions and computers.

The basic design of microphone, processor, loud speaker and power source is the same for all types of aid whether worn behind the ear, in the ear, large, or small.

In the next Hearing Column we will look at choosing the right hearing aid.

If you have any question’s about this week’s topic, email digitalhearing@hotmail.co.uk or contact Michael Burke at Digital Hearing, Quesada Business Centre, Calle Los Arcos 7, Quesada: Tel 698 418 642.

High street Harvest

By Jack Troughton JAVEA BOUTIQUE High Street Heaven is staging ‘Spring Into Summer’, its fourth annual Health, Beauty and Wellbeing Fair tomorrow (Saturday 23rd March) and raising money for the Harvest

Store. Organisers are “determined to smash the 1,000€ barrier” and give a real boost to the Harvest Store, based in Javea Port Market, and helping provide food and other essentials to needy families in the Marina Alta town.

The boutique is based at the Inn on the Green, Javea, and promises dozens of stands offering treatments and therapies as well as hundreds of gift ideas.

Entrance to the fair is 1€ and it runs from 11am until 4pm. There is free parking available and a bar and restaurant facility.

For more information, call Nicola on 679 429 570.

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Life people

Choir’s anniversary Kids in fashion challenge

By Jack Troughton A CHARITY fashion show is being staged at Pego Theatre on Saturday 6th April from 7pm to help the town’s underprivileged children.

Tickets are 3€ and include entry into a tombola, with many prizes donated by local businesses.

Two years ago Luxi and Pilar, from nearby Monte Pego, decided to open Tienda Solidaria, a charity shop dedicated to helping youngsters and the clothes for the show will be supplied by the shop in Calle Lavadero.

Clothes are donated and are of good quality and Tienda Solidaria is popular with residents of both Pego and Monte Pego, opening its doors every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 10am and 1pm.

The Fashion Show is organised by Pego hairdresser Nestor who stages an event every year in aid of charity and chose the charity shop to benefit in 2013.

Tickets are available from the shop, the theatre box office, or by calling Theresa on 650 479 826 or Pat on 630 825 784.

By Jack Troughton INTERNATIONAL CHOIR Coral Clasica Javiense is looking forward to the challenge of presenting two major concerts to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

The choir’s 2013 Annual General Meeting was used as an opportunity to discuss plans for the two performances – on Sunday 26th May when the choir will perform the Cantata de Pentecost No34 by JS Back and the third part of Handel’s Messiah also composed for the Holy Feast of the Pentecost, while at the Christmas Concert the whole of the Messiah sill be sung.

The meeting was told that in order to perform at both occasions with an orchestra, the choir is aiming to find sponsors who can offer finincial support.

And at the AGM the productive collaboration between choir director Francesz Estevez and piantist Patricia Pyne was highlghted.

Members of the serving committee were also re-elected in office and will be joined by Eduard Vilmitjana, who as a native speaker of Valenciano and Casetllano will be a positive help to its work.

Clothes for the show will be supplied by Tienda Solidaria

Careline on the box

CARELINE THEATRE has donated six modern flat screen televisions to the Fontilles

Santorium to replace old, outdated and broken sets. Since 2006, the theatre group has

donated more than 38,500€ to local charities after it was realised theatre can both entertain and raise money for good causes. Careline was founded in 1996 and from the outset was affiliated to Careline/Com-Sanit, a registered Spanish charity formed in the early 1990s to support the local medical service in Orba.

And its fund raising continues with proceeds from its Easter Passion Play ‘Nails for the Carpenter’ – written and directed by Andy Crabb and being staged at the Careline Theatre in Alcalali on 27th and 28th March being donated to local charity.

22 - 27 MARCH 2013

Life recipes

Bacon, cheese and spinach pasta bake I’VE NEVER been a fan of pasta bakes – it probably has something to do with that dreadful macaroni cheese stuff I used have for school dinners. But I decided to give the idea try with some different ingredients and, if I say so myself, the result was scrumptious. I used a soft goat’s cheese in this version, but any melting cheese would do.

• 125g small pasta shapes (multicoloured shells or twists work well) • 8 rashers of bacon cut into 2cm strips • 125g spinach, picked and washed • 200g soft goat’s cheese cut into small cubes • A pinch of ground nutmeg • Black pepper • 200ml crême fraïche or thick cream • 50g grated cheese (parmesan or cheddar) 1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C. 2. Cook the pasta in plenty of boiling water for 7-8 minutes until just soft.

3. Meanwhile, cook the spinach in a large pan with a little water for 2-3 minutes until it has begun to wilt. Drain and set aside. Now fry the bacon in a

The result was scrumptious

large frying pan with a little oil until just brown at the edges.

4. Drain the pasta and add to the pan with the bacon. Add the spinach and season with the nutmeg and a little pepper. Finally add the cream and the cheese cubes and stir well. Transfer the mixture to a shallow ovenproof dish and

sprinkle with the grated cheese.

5. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until bubbling. Serve with warm garlic bread.

Serves: 2 Preparation time: 15 minutes.

Cooking time: 10 minutes.

If you have a recipe you would like to share with RTN Readers, email your recipe and if possible a photo to rtnmail@roundtownnews.com

Join MABS for coffee EVERYONE IS welcome to join the MABS Cancer Support Group for a cuppa when it hosts a coffee morning in Orihuela Costa on Wednesday 3rd April at 11am.

The charity is always on the lookout for volunteers and people to help fund raising and is hoping to greet new faces at the Citrus Centre, el Horizonte Orihuela Costa 01389.

Anyone interested in giving some spare time to help MABs can pop along and meet the team already doing the job.

A charity spokesman said: “Come along and meet us, come along and find out what it is that we do.”

Help Red Cross appeal

By Jack Troughton A FUND raising evening tonight (Friday 22nd March) will boost the Red Cross appeal to help care for 120 families in Javea.

Munroes Restaurant in Pedreguer is hosting another fun evening starting with Bingo at 7.30pm and featuring Gata DJ, charity events organizer John Harding and with meals and bar snacks available.

The Red Cross says the 120 families are living below the poverty line and represents 337 adults and children.

Jose Luis Domenech, President of Javea Red Cross, said: We are appealing for help for these families and we have outlines the need to support 120 families in Javea alone.

“We are supplying these families with food, assistance with bills, especially fuel bills, and school books.”

To book a table for the evening at Munroes, in Avenida Garrofer, Monte Pedreguer, call 96 576 1731.

Here comes the sun

ANIMAL CHARITY SCAN is holding a barbecue at its El Verger home on Easter Monday to banish winter blues and welcome the summer. The Society for the Care of Animals in Need is staging the free event for members and volunteers on 1st April at 2pm “to celebrate the official end of winter and say hello to light evenings and great weather.” The SCAN centre will have games, music and a bar but people wishing to attend are asked to call Val on 655 803 005 or Barry on 626 550 864 to give organisers an idea of home many to cater for.

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Life music

Robby Derringer – Country & Western Guitarist/Singer ROBBY DERRINGER has been performing on the Costa Blanca and in Tenerife for more than 30 years. He plays live with a real guitar and a real voice and has travelled all over America learning tricks on his guitar. Being a half breed in America was very difficult, so he learned to sing Country Western Music.

He is now almost 60 and loves the music he plays. Robby is an entertainer in all types of music and inspires people of all nationalities and ages. He can be found playing in the Bar Texas, Avda. Rosa de Los Vientos, Calpe every night (Tuesdays to Saturdays) from 10pm and on Sunday’s he hosts a ‘Jam Session’ in Bar Texas from 3pm. So come and enjoy a real American night with Robby Derringer. For more information phone: 648 731 215.

Return of Big Jack

VETERAN ROCKER Big Jack and his R&B band return to Calpe to play the bar El Carrer on Sunday (24th March) from 3pm until 9pm. The 72-year-old leads a trio in ‘Big Jack’s Rocking Danceclub’ and will play hits by Elvis Presley; Fats Domino; Jerry Lee Lewis; Little Richard; Chuck Berry, Ray Charles and others. Big Jack – real name Hans Hieser – sings and plays honky-tonk piano and is joined by Pablo Manglano Bosch on saxophone and Jarl Gronbech on guitar. The band will appear at the bar, in Calle Pintor Sorolla, every Sunday but this week will also perform at the ‘rastro’ market in Calpe Old Town at 11.30am.

JJ Jones (Neil Diamond Tribute) & Barry Moon: Comedian ON SATURDAY 30th March the Pasaje Bar and Restaurant in Orba are presenting a ‘Cabaret Night’ featuring JJ Jones (Neil Diamond Tribute Show) and Barry Moon (Comedian). Tables must be reserved for those requiring food: (Menu del Dia -12.95€, i/c wine): Phone: 96 558 4565.

JJ JONES is very accomplished singer/guitarist who has worked the circuit in the south of England, cruise ships and for five years toured Australia with his seven piece band. His act is a two hour spectacular of Neil Diamond’s hits (from the Hot August Night album to the film The Jazz Singer). For more info phone 622 765 932 – check out: www.neildiamond-tributeshow.com BARRY MOON: started his career in the 70’s fronting comedy bands, before going solo in 1984.

He has entertained the troops in the Falklands, Northern Ireland and Kuwait. Barry has also worked the clubs and night clubs in UK such as Baileys, Watford - Blazers, Windsor and the Lakeside Country Club. For more info phone: 616 746 995.

Jubilee Jazz Band THE JUBILEE is an authentic six-piece vintage jazz band based in Javea THEY PERFORM in restaurants, jazz clubs, town hall concerts and private functions.

Most performances are at Monroe’s Carvery in Pedreguer, where they perform every other Tuesday night – next night is 26th March. Phone: 96 576 1731 for table bookings. There is a (voluntary) recommended music charge of 3€ per adult diner.

The band has recently recorded a new CD, ‘Live Recording, Alcoy 2012’, which are now on sale at the band’s performances and in some music stores. Each CD contains 12 tunes played at the concert and if you buy directly from the band,

the CD price is just 10€. The full band is a sextet and more details on the band plus the present line up can be seen on their website: www.thejubileejazzband.com/line-up For more details phone Mike Summers at 635 241 588. Mike is also the resident pianist/trumpeter/master of ceremonies at the new Wednesday Jam Sessions held at the L’Estanc, (ctra. Altea-Alfaz) established jazz venue. For more information on Jazz on the Costa Blanca, contact Mike on 635 241 588 or email: mpsjazz@hotmail.com, or take a look at his website: www.mikesummersjazz.weebly.com.

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Life horoscopes Mars enters and takes on mighty Uranus by conjunction and, midweek inconjuncts wily Saturn and squares on devious Pluto. This hive of activity reflects on your immediate wants and needs and highlights just what you have had to do to prove yourself. Someone has the wrong idea of what you are about and has yet to find out.

Just as Saturn corners on to your opposing sign of Scorpio there comes a time to cease any conflicts that loom in your direction. This week is all about making things right, but your aims and intentions are foremost and there can be no compromise, especially when you have already put your neck on the line to save the day.

Jupiter shields any fall out when actions see Saturn take on Scorpio this week and you are made aware that things just aren’t right.

Challenging and emotional, there has to be a way around whatever stops you in your tracks. Be careful who you trust, as an affair of the heart is your guiding light and support, and must remain a secret.

With a lot of pressure across the Cosmos this week it is time to take care of yourself, above all. Let bygones be bygones and look towards doing things your way for a change. Inspired by Pluto’s take on of Capricorn you may plan your next move, but there are currently things left unsaid and it may be better this way.

The Sun currently has Arian energies and you are up against Saturn and Scorpio, who look like they are about to give you a run for your money. Things could go either way, but in the current scheme of things you are under unwarranted control and need freedom and wisdom to exercise your highly sensitive wishes and desires.

You are in two minds this week and finding it hard to choose something you know is going to bring changes all across the board.

Dreamy Pisces is in conjunction with constructive Chiron….. and anything is possible, if it is what you really want. Eliminate fear, which holds you back, and go for a solution that seems too good to be true.

Venus conjuncts with stalwart Neptune bringing a little love into a business solution, and well and truly putting the cat amongst the pigeons. In the current astrological atmosphere there is much to conserve, and you should not be put off by a rejection midweek; there is a reason for it, unknown and unrevealed to you, as yet.

Saturn brings wisdom, foresight, and the challenge of new beginnings. Remember that whatever you choose, and there is much up for grabs on the horizon, that you are moving on and not running away. Time to consolidate what you believe in and to reject what others are currently saying to your detriment.

Inspired by the Jupiter and Gemini connection there is so much going on and you can be a part of it if that is what you want. As pastures new beckon and there is support all around you, the advice is not to put all your eggs in one basket, and to only commit when you are assured of getting what you really want this time around.

Ever present Jupiter cuts the cards and sends you out on a mission this week that could become a gamble. It is really time to put your cards on the table and to hedge your bet as there is a known method in your madness, but there is too, an end result to consider and that, especially now, has to make everyone happy and not just you.

Mars conjuncts Uranus in Aries, indicating that minor irritating problems seem to be the main event at the moment. You have taken something the wrong way and that is your prerogative, but sulking won’t get you anywhere and it is time to face facts, even though you know in your heart of hearts that you are right all along.

With both romantic Venus and inspiring Neptune in action together, things are about to get even better around a sticky family situation that you are almost about to walk away from. Let sleeping dogs lie, but know your limits and bite your tongue because things are about to go your way, for a change and for good reason.

Kenny corris www.kennycorris.net

High or low

BELIEF IS a wonderful thing. I appreciate that not everyone can have a belief in Spirit; but to those whom I meet who feel this way, I always urge them to go and believe in something else. But believe. We can put our faith into our life and then our beliefs work well for us and show us a way forward.

The majority of people do not believe in Spirit, and this means that we who do belong to a minority group.

It is such a minority group then that I stand up for, and give my unquestioning belief and faith.

Faith we know can move mountains. Some will even want to conquer this mountain by climbing it, and if they do this they have to have a plan. We do not just get in a car one day and say that we are going to climb a mountain. We have to plan our trip. Wear the right clothing and shoes. Take food and water. Pack first aid, a tent. Once we have the mountain in our sight we have to drive there and then our journey can really start. Whether we make the climb or not, we have the intention.

In a spiritual life we have to also plan our trip very carefully, taking on board what it is that we need for the specific journey, wherever it may take us. We need to anticipate the pitfalls, stay focussed and be mindful of the destination and how we can safely get there.

On the Spiritual journey we can fall over and there should be someone to help us get back on our feet

Kennys diary Albir Readings: The End of the Mayan Calendar has brought the Maya Bistro in Albir a brand new name. In future it will be known as SOMETHING ELSE. Readings are available on March 25th and 27th from 17.00. Call for bookings for mini readings on: 966 868 213.

Alfaz Spiritual Foundation: Thursday April 11th……at 18.30 Demonstration and Service by Me. All are most welcome to attend.

Spring Seances: Parlour Seances for Spring begin in March. Please email for information. Groups are small and places fill very quickly. No experience is necessary just an open heart to this intriguing aspect of physical Mediumship DNA: A Spring Workshop: A one day workshop that helps you to charge your own unique Spiritual DNA. An intensive workshop, open to all, that intensifies, accelerates and inspires Spiritual progress and indicates the clear way ahead. Dates in March/April, or can travel to your own group or organisation. For details please call Kenny directly on 686 361 594 or leave a message on: 96 587 8424.

If it’s your birthday this week

very quickly. Most spiritual people however want to pick themselves up if it is even a remote possibility that they can. The avalanches of life are unsteadying and unexpected, but it is right here that our faith and our belief takes us onwards and that is the way forward.

In all aspects of life, fear is a four letter word. It would stop you climbing your mountain just as it would cease the climb on all spiritual endeavours too. Belief helps you to achieve that which you need to, and is the comfort behind your journey. A font of loving support wrapped up in faith and there when you need it most.

Whilst there are those who find it hard to believe in things unseen I doubt I will ever see the top of Mount Everest, but I have to believe that it is there.

Just because we cannot see something does not mean that it doesn’t exist. We have to have belief and then faith as a natural process. Within this process we can pick and choose things dear to us; agreeing to need more information about that which we find it hard to understand, and the wisdom to take it on board.

But our belief can help us believe in ourselves too as we explore the gifts offered by Spirit, and these are inspiring and often challenging.

Whatever your belief, don’t do anything by halves and just go for it. Faith and conscious care will always see you through and rescue you when you need it to. I have fallen over on my pathway very often, and looking back getting back on my feet was the greatest test of all. We learn so much from our mistakes, and we have all made them.

Protecting and understanding Spirit is always there to guide us, however high the climb, or low the fall!

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Postbag

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

KENNY, I often wake up in a cold sweat and have been chased by a man in police uniform. I bend down and pick up a button that falls off his jacket, but he won’t take it back and then he disappears. I know it sounds crazy but what is this all about? Lydia M. Dreams that repeat can be very unpleasant. They slot themselves into other dreams and even if we know the outcome they can be disturbing. There are some tricks you can play. Tell yourself not to pick up the button or pick it up and throw it away. Refuse to run and turn to face your pursuer instead. Have these little twists to the tale in your thoughts as you go off to sleep……..they do work. To be chased by someone in authority means that you may be fighting something that you feel is wrong or unjust and you are rebelling against their handling of a situation.

Remember that you outrun the policeman he never does catch you; putting you one step ahead anyway. Please let me know how things go Lydia.

You have been warned for good reason and above all you must wait and see what comes next. This is a time of being one step ahead, but also being wary as to when to act and what to do.

Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword ACROSS 1. Commotion caused by disturbing brute in tree (8) 5. Boastful bird? (4) 9. Repair many at last (4) 10. Inclination to write song (8) 11. Staged imposingly?

(3,2) 12. Would be select if ninety were admitted, but difficult to catch (7) 13. Loud outcry caused by 150 showing the ardour of their love (13) 18. Member constitutes an unreasoning adherent (8) 19. This horse is frightening by night (4) 20. I am to show incontrovertibly how to get better (7) 21. Hot displeasure shown that range has been blown up (5) 22. Direction given by the smallest letterhead sent out (4) 23. To Len red is imbued with disorder (8)

Word Ladders

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DOWN 2. Not uniform of jejune quality (7) 3. Editor takes brush round his sleepingchamber (7) 4. Revenge - the ability to see a small hole (2,3,3,2,3) 6. Come to understand how to convert into cash (7) 7. She has the knack of making clever remarks, but it loses freshness (7) 8. Disdainfully rejects boys from organisation (6) 13. Upset having to show measurement for headgear (7) 14. In respect of article to support thus turning up (7) 15. No sir, ring up for a prayer (6) 16. Lion and man confused in name only (7) 17. Go, nurse - he’ll do the operation! (7)

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.

Quick Crossword

ACROSS 1. Insolvent (8) 5. Copied (4) 9. Profit (4) 10. Cutting tool (8) 11. Gay (5) 12. Unavailing (7) 13. Predestined (13) 18. Decisive (8) 19. Sleigh (4) 20. Sloth (7) 21. Trivial (5) 22. Entrance (4) 23. Ruminate (8)

DOWN 2. Non-professional (7) 3. Relationship (7) 4. Cinema (7,6) 6. Versatile (7) 7. Obsolete (7) 8. Respect (6) 13. Choosing (7) 14. Obvious (7) 15. Lives (6) 16. Moment (7) 17. Graceful (7)

Euromillions Draw Friday 15th March 2013

4 14 21 24 39

3

10

No ticket won the 15,000,000 Euros

Tuesday 19th March 2013

19 32 35 37 44

1

No ticket won the 21,971,382 Euros

9

56

22 - 27 march 2013

New! New! Discount Tyres!

GREAT QUALITY, great choice, and all at recession prices!

Discount Tyres know that in these difficult economic times, discerning clients still want quality, but at a discount price - a difficult challenge to meet, but meet it they have!

To cater for their clients, newly launched Discount Tyres have access to more than five million tyres, from 45 quality brands ranging from budget to mid range and up to premium, all at the lowest possible prices.

SAFETY FIRST Discount Tyres are your guarantee of high quality and high spec tyres. All the tyres conform to the latest high standards demanded by new legislation introduced last year. Labelling on the tyres allow clients to check information concerning three different aspects of the tyre: Fuel economy, Wet Distance Braking and Environmental noise.

QUALITY GARAGES Discount Tyres decided that the best way to bring the best discount to clients was to form strategic alliances with existing quality garages, to stock and sell their tyres, thereby significantly saving on costs: these savings

are passed onto you the customer.

Customers are now able to purchase and fit tyres from Discount Tyres, at the following outlets: in Benissa at Total Car Care on the Benissa Industrial Estate off the N332, and in Altea at Talleres Tres Movil, the Citroen dealer on the N332.

There are new outlets coming very soon, so readers are requested to keep an eye on the advert on page 3 in RTN, or simply call the information line for the latest.

For sales, general information and appointments please call Discount Tyres on 96 687 5600 or email to HUinfo@discounttyres.esU

22 - 27 MARCH 2013

Life cars

Tim Saunders Independent unbiased car reviewer

Cheeky little Yank AMERICA IS renowned for its enormous Cadillacs and other notorious gas guzzlers. It is not associated with small, frugal hatchbacks. Not until now anyway.

Enter the compact Chrysler Ypsilon, the chic French-sounding five-door hatchback that looks like a three-door thanks to concealed door handles at the rear.

This cheeky little Yank is actually based on a Fiat 500 and its appearance, mainly due to the bonnet and chrome grille, has hints of the larger Chrysler Voyager about it.

I test the perky 1.2-litre petrol, finished in an attractive two-tone brown. There’s pleasingly a lot of chrome on this vehicle – the chrome door handles are something you don’t get very often these days unless you’re in the market for a Rolls.

Step inside and the first thing you notice is that there is no speedometer in front of the steering wheel, which is quite disconcerting as you can see in the video at testdrives.biz. Instead, Chrysler has positioned it in the centre of the dashboard, together with the rev counter. It might look eye-catching and means that whether it’s a left or a right hand drive the speedo doesn’t need re-positioning. But I don’t like it. It is awkward to constantly look to your left to monitor your speed and particularly irritating when approaching speed cameras. Aside from this, the interior is pleasingly comfortable and really cosy velour covers the seats.

It can be noticeably lethargic with a slight delay and so when overtaking in any of the Ypsilon models, plenty of revving is required but that’s not a problem. You’ll also have to be prepared to change

The little American seems an efficient car

down a few cogs to complete the manoeuvre in a safe manner. But demanding drivers will enjoy getting the most from the engine and hearing the attractive note emitted when under pressure.

It handles varying types of roads proficiently and all occupants arrive at their final destination relaxed. A little qualm is that the driver has to be careful where they place their hands on the steering wheel because of the angle of the stereo and telephone controls on the wheel. On a number of occasions my right hand operates the telephone switches cutting into the radio programme I’m listening to.

This distinctive little American seems an efficient

car easily covering 500 miles on a tank of fuel. This is helped by the automatic engine start/stop function.

Although its boot is large enough for a pushchair, the Ypsilon is perfect for the young, free and single as room in the back is a little tight. But its size makes it ideal for parking in tight spaces.

2011 ONWARDS New price range: 12,901.77€ - 18,933.46€ Power: 69bhp 0-60mph: 14secs Top speed: 101mph Watch the video at www.testdrives.biz

Advanced motorist Tim Saunders is the former Business and Motoring Editor of the Bournemouth Daily Echo. His regular test reports appear in numerous newspapers, magazines and websites throughout the UK, Ireland and Gibraltar. For more independent unbiased car reviews and videos visit www.testdrives.biz

57

NEW CARS available to view in our showroom in CALPE 2009 NEW MODEL FORD FOCUS1.8TDCI 5dr, sky blue met, with charcoal trim,climate, cruise, c/d hi-fi 1 owner, very low km,s

€8995

2007 (NEW MODEL) PORSCHE CAYENNE S,auto,black met, with tan hide,very high spec,cost new 70k. €26,995 2008 FORD FOCUS 1.6 AUTO. Denim blue met. Grey trim, a/c c/d, remote locking & e/w only 38k €9995 2010 FIAT LINEA1.4 DIESEL AUTOMATIC, MULTIJET, slate met, climate, alloys, a/c, c/d, high spec 8995€ 2009 NEW MODEL FORD FOCUS1.8TDCI 5dr, sky blue met, with charcoal trim, climate, cruise, c/d hi-fi 1 owner, very low km,s €8995 2002 BMW 325 CI CABRIO M SPORT. Black with grey leather sports seats,alloys, huge spec 8995€ 2010 SEAT IBIZA 1.4 5 DR. metallic black with grey trim, alloys, climate, c/d, low kms €8995 2003 BMW X5, 4.4 SE AUTO silver with black hide alloys, climate, remote locking full spec WAS 10,995€ NOW 8,995€ 2008 NEW MODEL FORD FOCUS C.MAX 1.8 TDCI DIESEL. Denin blue metallic,climate,c/ d, cruise , low kms.

8,995€

2003 VOLVO XC90 AWD AUTOMATIC 7 seater, silver with black hide, alloys, climate, hifi, roof rails, electric sunroof.

Was 8,995€ now

7,995€

2009 FORD FIESTA1.2 TREND, 5door, blue met, charcoal trim,a/c c/d,only35k, 7995€ 2003 VOLVO XC90 AWD AUTOMATIC 7 seater, silver with black hide, alloys, climate, hifi, roof rails, electric sunroof WAS 8,995€ NOW 7,995€ 2012 RENAULT TWIZY Only 6 months old, fully electric car, pearl white met, gull wing doors 6,995€ 1994 MERCEDES BENZ E220 AUTO, CABRIO, ruby red met, with cream leather, electric roof, alloys, premium sound system, €5995

2007 NEW MODEL SMART AUTOMATIC Ferrari edition met red & silver, with charcoal trim, A/C, alloys, CD, panoramic roof, low kms superb!

WAS 7,995€ NOW 5,995€ 2004 MAZDA MX5 CABRIO, magenta mica metallic, with black trim,c/d hi- fi,alloys,FSH, immaculate! €5995 2007 SUZUKI SWIFT 1.5glx 5dr silver with black trim, a/c, c/d, alloys, s/history, 4995€ 2005 MAZDA 6 TS2 2.0, 5 door hatch, blue met, with black trim, climate, alloys, cruise, BOSE hi-fi WAS 5,995€ NOW 4,995€

2010 FIAT LINEA1.4 DIESEL AUTOMATIC MULTIJET

slate met, climate, alloys, a/c, c/d, high spec

8995€ 2004 RENAULT SCENIC 1.9 DCI DIESEL dynamique, silver met, alloys, climate, C/D etc low kms 4,995€ 1998 BMW Z3 CONVERTIBLE.1.9 AUTOMATIC.silver with black hood, & black leather interior, a/c, alloys, only 45k superb!

WAS 5,995€ NOW 3,995€ 2003 VW GOLF,1.6 HATCH,black with charcoal trim, alloys, a/c, cruise, c/d hi-fi 3995€

UK RIGHT HAND DRIVE

2004 MAZDA MX5 CABRIO magenta mica met,with black trim, c/d, hi-fi, alloys, FSH, immaculate! €5995 1999 MERCEDES ML,320 AUTO 7 SEATER denim blue met, grey leather, a/c €2995

2004 RENAULT SCENIC 1.9 DCI DIESEL DYNAMIQUE

silver met, alloys, climate, C/D etc low kms

4,995€ MOTORCYCLES 2007 PIAGGIO MP3 3 WHEEL SCOOTER

2,495€

CASH FOR YOUR CAR Tel: 965 876 030 Mob: 699 034 138

Over 50 + cars in stock

We buy cars for cash.

Open Mon – Fri 9:30 – 19:00 - Sat 9:30 – 14:00

Tel: 966 730 116 or 672 072 720 - www.costacars.net - Email: costacars@gmail.com

Visit us at La Zenia, Orihuela Costa

COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS•COSTA CARS

* AUTO * SEAT IBIZA 1.9 SDI STELLA “2005” 4995 €

OPEL ASTRA 1.7 CDTi ENJOY “2008” 8995 € * EX DEMO *

CHEVROLET AVEO 1.4i LS “2009” 6995 €

SKODA FABIA 1.4 TDI COMBI “2008” 7995 €

OPEL CORSA 1.3CDTi ENJOY “2008 7995 €

SKODA OCTAVIA COMBI 1.9 TDI AUTO “2007” 9995 €

FORD FOCUS EST 1.6i GHIA “2002” 3995 €

PEUGEOT 308 1.6i 16v CONFORT “2010” 10995 €

NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0i TEKNA 4x2 “2008” 11995 €

MAZDA “6” 2.0i ACTIVE - NEW SHAPE “2008” 10995 €

SEAT IBIZA 1.4i 16v COOL “2007 5995 €

OPEL CORSA 1.3CDTi ENJOY “2008” 7995 €

* Cabrio *

* 20,000kms

* 1 OWNER * HYUNDAI ACCENT 1.5 CRDi GLS “2008” 6995 €

CITROEN C5 1.6 HDI PREMIER “2010” 11995€

OPEL ASTRA 1.7CDTi ENJOY “2008 8995 €

CITROEN XSARA PICASSO 1.8i SX “2005” 5200 €

*

OPEL CORSA 1.2i SILVERLINE “2004” 4500 €

PEUGEOT 307 C.C CABRIO 1.6i 66Tkms “2005”.............7500 €

TOYOTA RAV 4, 2.2 D4D ECO ACTIVE “2009” 15995 €

FORD FOCUS EST 1.6TDCi TREND + “2006”..................6995 €

OPEL NEW ASTRA 1.7 CDTi ENJOY “2010” 11995 €

TOYOTA YARIS 1.4 D4D LUNA “2006” 4995 €

* AUTO *

* AUTO * NISSAN MICRA 1.2i VISIA “2010” 6995 €

RENAULT MEGANE EST 1.9 DTi “2001* 2995 €

PEUGEOT 207 CC CABRIO 1.6i AUTO - LEATHER “2008” 10995 €

FORD FOCUS 1.6i 16v AUTO TREND+ “2010” 9995 €

* AUTO *

CITROEN C3 1.1i FURIO PLUS “2009”............................6300 €

RENAULT MEGANE EST 1.6i AUTO SAT NAV, ROOF “12/2007” 6995 €

CITROEN C3 1.1i FURIO “2009 6300 €

OPEL CORSA 1.3 CDTi “2004” 4500 €

MAZDA 3 1.6i ACTIVE “2008” 8995 €

OPEL ZAFIRA 1.9 CDTi ENJOY 7 SEATS “2005” 7995 €

VOLVO S40 1.8i SUMMUM “2008” 8995€

FORD FOCUS 1.6i TREND “2005” 5995 €

* OFFER * HYUNDAI H1 2.5 CRDi 9 SEATER “2004”.......................4995 €

* AUTO * NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0 DCi AUTO 4X4 “2009” 16995 €

RENAULT NEW MEGANE SPORT TOURER 1.5DCi “2010” 10995 €

OPEL CORSA 1.0i ENJOY “2008” 5995 €

* AUTO * SUZUKI IGNIS 1.3I SPECIAL EDITION “2003” 3995 €

KIA CARNIVAL 2.9 CRDi AUTO LUXURY “2006” 8995 €

7 Seats

* OFFER *

ALFA ROMEO 147 1.9JTD DISTINCTIVE “2008’ 8995 €

CITROEN C3 1.1i FURIO+ “2010 6995 €

FIAT BRAVO 1.6 JTD ACTIVE “2009” 8995 €

MITSUBISHI MONTERO LWB 2.8 TDi “1999” 4995 €

KIA SPORTAGE 2.7i V6 AUTO LUXURY “2006” 8500 €

AUDI TT ROADSTER 1.8T CABRIO 163BHP “2006” 11995 €

* 1 OWNER*

SKODA FABIA 1.2i YOUNG “2010” 7995 €

CHEVROLET AVEO 1.4i SEDAN “2006” 4500 €

60

22 - 27 MARCH 2013

It’s not that easy NOEL’S WORLD OF GOLF

By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Alicante Golf 639 730 891

THE LIFE of a head greenkeeper or course manager here in our part of Spain is far from easy. Having watched some greens at Alicante Golf being hollow tined last week I have the utmost sympathy for the staff who keep the greens in such good condition.

What impressed me most was the attention to detail and the thoroughness with which the course manager took with the mix of work being done on the greens.

Soil samples were taken and moisture tests done before the machines got near the greens. The depth and pattern of root growth was also taken into consideration and I have to say I just had to ask why they had to be just so precise with what they were doing. The answer I got was simple really; they needed this information before they could get the mix of seed soil and sand exactly right for the continual growth of the greens throughout the hot summer to come.

The biggest enemy in our area is the water.

Legislation prevents our golf courses from using clean water and this presents the greenkeepers with

a multitude of problems with the variation in the chemical makeup of the water from week to week.

Salt is the biggest single problem with not only the grass but also the damage it does to the machinery and pipework underneath the fairways and greens.

To keep our golf courses in pristine condition the chemical mix has to be checked regularly and additives adjusted accordingly. The damage to machinery from the salt is something I have never really considered but when shown to you by an expert it is astonishing and very expensive.

The greenkeepers machinery works hard for many hours per day and obviously comes into contact with all sorts of things during a working day including the chemicals used on the course and the odd golf ball or stone which can also cause a lot of damage to the fine blades of a mower used on the greens.

My brief chat with a knowledgeable person really did open my eyes to what it takes for us to have greens and fairways that are acceptable to golfers. I am indeed very glad that I am the one who does the

damage to the courses and not the one who has to repair them.

So spare a thought when you see things around the golf course that don’t belong there - by removing them you could just be saving the club a considerable amount of money and effort.

WIN A DOZEN SRIXON GOLF BALLS COURTESY OF GOLF MED Answer the question below correctly to have a chance to win. The winner of this fantastic prize will be picked at random at the end of each month.

Send your entries by email to golf@roundtownnews.com.

The decision of the editor of RTN will be final in making the winning selection.

QUESTION FOR 15TH MARCH 2013 Where is the 2013 Spanish Open to be played?

All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 31st March to be entered into March’s draw, which will be made on 31st March 2013. The winner will be announced in RTN on 5th April 2013.

To collect your prize you will have to come along to an RTN Golf Club day and meet with Noel Eastwell.

Any questions you have for Noel should be sent to golf@roundtownnews.com - Free golf lesson for all new RTN Golf members! Sign up now, limited offer

RTN Club Scene

ONCE AGAIN last Tuesday our members rose to the challenge of Alicante Golf and the cold and windy weather provided in what is becoming a frustrating spring as they fought for points in the RTN Golf League 2013. With several new members playing for the first time this week we saw a good turnout from our fellow Europeans with players from Sweden, Germany, Holland and Spain competing alongside the British expatriate community.

In The Premier Division Natasha Woodhams continued with her consistent form to take top spot just ahead of Mick Vesey and extend her lead at the top of the league table after three rounds. With a number of low handicap golfers in this division the year ahead will be very interesting with plenty of time for those who have not yet played with us to still challenge if they come along; with the best six scores to count over the year deciding who will be champion.

Our Championship Division is being dominated

by Vic Smith and he extended his lead after a very impressive display with the putter. Vic edged out wife Louvain by six shots and took home another Ashworth polo shirt awarded for the best score of the day.

In our two’s competition the golf course won again as nobody managed to get a birdie on one of the six par three holes on the course.

Many winners from 2012 turned up to play and collect their winner’s shirts with the RTN Golf Club logo embroidered on the chest and looked resplendent in the white club shirt that shows you as a winner of our monthly league meeting.

Each week we continue to be challenged by the superb championship golf course at Alicante Golf and every member of RTN Golf Club and their guests are welcome to come along and pit their wits against the pin positions chosen by our greenkeepers. To play golf with us just email your name and handicaps to golf@roundtownnews.com and we will advise you of your tee time. Our golf meetings are always great fun so to really enjoy your golf come along and join us any Tuesday.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 26th March - RTN weekly golf meeting at Alicante Golf 2nd April - RTN Weekly golf meeting at Alicante Golf 9th April - RTN Weekly golf meeting at Alicante Golf NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY Quality group lesson available at Alicante Golf from just 10€ per person: contact Noel on 639 730 891 for more information.

22 - 27 MARCH 2013

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ANDREW JAMES IS... The man in the middle Sponsored by “The Three Lions” (Carrer de Manuel de Falla, Albir) The Best Footy Bar on the Costa Blanca; Showing Every Game, Every Week!

G-Owen, G-Owen Gone!

EARLIER IN the week, Michael Owen announced that he intends to retire from football at the end of the season and, in just a short few days, has managed to completely polarise the opinions of football fans and commentators alike. Basically, it seems, the guy’s Marmite!

SOME, AND I refer mainly here to former players and those close to the game, believe he was an England hero in the making who never quite fulfilled his potential due to a series of debilitating injuries. But the majority, mainly fans of football, are of the opinion that he actually preferred not to play, and would rather simply pick up his excessive wages whilst warming the bench or treatment table. Personally, I’m a little on the fence because Owen’s career can certainly be divided into two very definitive sections; age 18-24 and the rest.

Yes it’s true that almost the second he left Liverpool in the summer of 2004 his stock began to plummet but, if you’re English, you surely cannot forget that he’s scored 40 international goals and would almost certainly have gone on to become England’s all-time leading goal-scorer were it not for injury. When you also consider that one of those goals was the inspirational solo effort against Argentina, and three of them came on that legendary night in Munich’s Olympic Stadium, then I’m sure you’d agree that there’s definitely at least a case for MO to be remembered more as a hero than a zero.

ST. GEORGE AND THE DRAGONS I’m sure rugby fans were glued to their seats last Saturday as the compelling “6 Nations 2013” came to a close. Italy’s victory over France was tremendous. Ireland’s wooden spoon was a shock. But the titledeciding match between Wales and England will live longest in my memory. This was a match that will never be forgotten so long as the tournament is still being played; not just a win, but a rout, a thrashing, a humiliation.

The first 40 minutes was one of the best halves of rugby I think I’ve ever watched.

The speed, intensity and (legal) brutality of the play was unbelievable. It was fairly evenly matched, but Wales (the pre-whistle underdogs) went in with a 9-3 lead meaning that the contest was beautifully balanced going into the second period.

While me and the lads caught our breath over a beer at half-time, we all said that there was no way either team could maintain such intensity all afternoon; we were only half right because Wales simply blew England away.

Obviously the red-shirted lads on the field were the tip of the sword but The Millennium Stadium was absolutely rocking and the Welsh fans undoubtedly deserve a piece of

this famous victory.

As for England, when the roar of the crowd finally dies down in the ears of their players, I’m sure they’ll reflect on a match that was played under more pressure than anything they’d experienced before, realise they were found wanting and try to learn from their mistakes. Captain Chris Robshaw actually attempted to teach the first lesson in his post-match comments by stating that “It’s in the worst defeats that you learn the most.”

Well, if that’s really the case, you boys will be in line for PhDs in no time!

Tue 26th Mar: Montenegro v England (WCQ – 9pm) Plus other Home Nations games on request!

THIS WEEK IN “THE LIONS”: Fri 22nd Mar: Norway v Albania (WCQ – 7pm) San Marino v England (WCQ – 9pm) Scotland v Wales (WCQ – 9pm)

Open enrolment for Fishing Maggots End Hoare Easter’s Futsal Campus THISDavid WEEK, again due to inclement 3rd - Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare fishing by

By Keith Nicol THE FIRST indoor football ‘Futsal Torrevieja Campus will take place over Easter, 2013 in collaboration with the Department of Sports. The campus will take place at the Palacio de los Deportes in Torrevieja. Attendees will receive lessons on Physical Training and fitness plus Technical and Tactical Indoor Soccer for players and goalkeepers. The campus will be held from Tuesday to Saturday April 2 thru April 6, from 9:30am. to 1:30pm. The Campus is aimed at children aged between 4-12 years old.

Juan Jose Fernandez is the Director of Campus. He is a player and captain of Torrevieja’s Futsal team and youth coach, and he will conduct the classes along with the Director of the Municipal School club and coach of 3rd Division side plus Torrevieja’s Cadet squad, Victor Grau.

Both are also under-16 scouts for Valencia, and they will be assisted by a number of qualifies coaches for the five days of the event.

Enrolment is 25€ if you belong to Schools Municipal football program or take extracurricular classes in schools, or 35€ for others. All of those taking part will also receive a commemorative diploma. Account Registration: SabadellCAM 0081 - 3176 - 24-0001019611. Please Specify the name of the player and bring the receipt to show coaches on the first day of the Campus. For more information, send an email to club@torreviejafutbolsala.com.

968 199 279

weather conditions, we were at Nancy’s, aka Sweetwater. This week’s competition was the first of the Summer Championship, a series of 11 matches with the best 8 results to count.

The rain came but only for some 1520 minutes and at the start of the day.

That was the good bit - then the wind got up and blew a hooley all day! I was pegged by the campsite (for those who know the venue) and I was watching and waiting for the palm trees to end up in the water! Dave Hutchinson, although he won the day, managed to drop his no 7 section of pole into the flowing water and then waved it goodbye. So if anybody does perchance find a section you will know who it belongs to.

TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st - Dave (The Sweetie Man) Hutchinson fishing the pole using maggot with 8.46 kilos 2nd - Clive (Golf No More) Cleghorn fishing the pole using maggot with 7.16 kilos

the pole using maggot with 6.76 kilos

In spite of the conditions there were only three dry nets.

PLEASE NOTE The club has some vacancies at present: if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 96 672 9293 or 603 535 771.

ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS: SUPPLIED

BY TERRY SCREEN The 10th and penultimate round of the Abbey Angling Cup was fished at the Eden Canal 12th March.

The water has dropped by a foot and there was hardly any flow, although they are still cutting the bamboos down there were no reeds floating through this week. Fishermen need to remember that if they are fishing this venue, the cutter will have reached this stretch in the next week or so. After the flush the water has begun fishing better with only

the one dry net this week.

1st - Richard (Fishing again) Kendle with 4.540kg fishing the pole using sweet corn well done!

2nd - Stan (The Man) Roberts with 4.200kg fishing pole and feeder using maggot and corn 3rd - Mark (Kens Friend) Harrington with 4.140kg fishing Pole using maggot All details are available at www. abbeyangling.com or from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368.

ANGLERS TOGETHER THE OBJECTIVE of Anglers Together was to introduce anglers to each other, who otherwise had no one to fish with or didn’t know where to fish.

It was successful in bringing together many anglers who established friendships and which continue to this day.

No meetings are held now but information is still available through our email address: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk.

FC Torry news LAST SUNDAY Torry lost 1-0 at home to Gandia. The game was played in difficult weather conditions which meant that quality football was at a premium and a scrappy game ensued. A 0-0 draw would have been a fair result. The goal was a soft one with substitute Torry keeper Manolo letting the ball slip through his grasp when making what should have been a routine save. The nearest Torry came to scoring was from a well struck shot from Dani which struck the cross-bar. The ref had “card fever” and sent off a player from each side and booked another 9 players. The game was marred by a serious injury to Torry keeper Javi Tur who swallowed his tongue and was unconscious for some time following a loose knee in the face from the Gandia centre-forward. The game was stopped for 15 minutes while Javi received medical attention before being stretchered off to hospital by ambulance. Thankfully he is now recovering. Torry now have a relegation dogfight on their hands being just 1 point outside the drop zone. They travel to Utiel this weekend and desperately need to get something out of the game.

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63

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• Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired with a proven guaranteed success rate • Structural leaks investigated and repaired • Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems, Ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed • Refurbishments & upgrades undertaken • Weekly maintenance contracts

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TEL: 966 774 199 / 678 080 500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com NO CALLOUT CHARGE WITHIN THE LOCAL AREA Torrevieja and surrounding areas plus Costa Calida

64

22 - 27 march 2013

Calle San Antonio 1, Jalon. Open 9.30/1.00 Mon- Sat. Stock needed - clothes, toys, misc. For more info.

Tel: Jane 680717118 ALSTRAYS TRANSPORT SERVICES Monthly cat and dog transports between Spain, France, Germany, Holland, Belgium and the UK. DEFA certificate and license. www.alstrays.com. Tel: 676 653 681 PET TRANSPORT we treat your pet as if they belong to us and that is our promise. Van fully air conditioned we believe we have the best rates so give Joe a call on 966 074 576 or 650 341 087 for a chat or e mail pawspettransport@hotmail.com

STRICTLY SOCIAL CLUB Why not come and join us for an afternoon of entertainment, fun, quizzes and games. We also have speakers, and arrange meals out and coach outings.

We meet on the top floor at The New Asturias Restaurant, Punta Prima between 2.30 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each Month. Open to all age-groups.

For more info call Margaret on 966730569 or Brian on 678807159.

Looking forward to meeting you. “ ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - COSTA BLANCA Confidential Helpline, South 625 912 078, North 648 169 045. www.aa-costablanca.org.

MOBILE/PARK HOMES FROM 17,000 € Fully furnished ready to move into, Camping Pueblo San Javier. Also homes & plots for rent. Carol 96 819 24 25 Mob. 626 055 622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE for your home or business at a fair price.

Try us out so we can prove how good we are, book 2 hours and only pay for 1 on your first booking.

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

PROTECTAPET Spains leading pet insurance provider. www.protectapet. eu tel: 965 756 371 SMALL DOGS CARED FOR IN OUR OWN HOME So if you need to go away on holiday but don’t want your dog to go into kennels then we will look after them. References available. Tel: 965843781 Mob: 622514980 (Altea area - Costa Blanca North) TRANS-PET We do regular, doorto-door journeys between the Costa Blanca and the UK.Our aim is to provide a professional, caring service for your pets.Boarding facilities for Cats and Dogs. This may be for an overnight stay or of longer durations.Tel:600-552-030/965960-658 www.trans-pet.co.uk

DOG WANTED I am looking for a small female Westie/Scottie type dog between 9 months and 2 years, must be in good health with an up to date passport e-mail lotabaxter@hotmail. com with a photo APAD (ANIMAL) CHARITY SHOP

BOATING LICENSES NOW LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN SPAIN. Serenity Sailing RYA Training Centre, Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, VHF & ICC. Own-boat tuition on sail and power. If you have a yacht or powerboat get qualified and certified.

Contact Richard 0034 638 056 224. enquiries@serenitysailing.com www.serenitysailing.com

MINI DIGGER FOR HIRE with operator Tel 679 542 665 KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, WARDROBES Classic Kitchens, 20 years on the Costa Blanca, call Adrian 676 699 700 JR CONSTRUCTION General Builders and Roofers Tel: 634 617 771 www.jrconstructioncostablanca.com

IF I COULD SHOW YOU A WAY to build a substantial income from home, with a start -up fee of just £99 and a money-back guarantee then you’d want to talk with me wouldn’t you?

Well, don’t delay - call Dave on 634 351 524 and I’ll meet you locally

BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home.

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

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LADIES DANCEFIT WITH L.A DANCE at 4kwatro in Albir, Mondays at 7.30pm, call Louise on 655 781 068 for more information TAPPY TOES DANCE CLASS FOR BABIES from 18 months, at 4kwatro in Albir, 11am, call Louise on 655 781 068 for more information.

LA BAMBA’S - BALLROOM / LATIN / SEQUENCE Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar CV895 [near Lemon Tree Sunday Market] Monday - Social Dance 8.30pm - 10.00pm [Sequence class 7.30pm - 8.30pm] Friday - Social Dance 7.30pm - 10.00pm Wednesday - New Beginners Class 2pm -3pm Improvers Class 3pm - 4pm Intermediate Class 4pm - 5pm For more information contact Andrea and Brian 616 478 157 FUNKY FREESTYLE DANCE with Louise, every Saturday morning at 4kwatro in Albir, come and learn all the moves and routines to your pop idols! Call Louise on 655-781-068 for more information!

REDUCE YOUR ELECTRIC BILLS By at least 33%. please call 698 320 434 for demonstration MR FIXIT For all your electrical, Plumbing, General & Appliance & Boiler repairs. No call out charge.

698 320 434 REPAIRS Washing machines, Dishwashers & Dryers. Also Boilers and any electrical problems. 24hours.

Cheap prices Tel 626 805 709

GOLD WANTED English Jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold and Silver jewellery & coins for cash. Call for an appointment. Peter (7 days) 664 890 990. Member of the Nat. ASSN of Goldsmiths

ALEXANDERS ANTIQUE JEWELLERS pay Top London prices, Est. 2003. Open Mon-Sat, 10am - 2pm. Javea Port seafront. Tel: 965 792 595 / 667 270 969

SOS INSURANCE www. sosinsuranceinspain.com Best prices available. CALL US FIRST for all your insurance needs, including best deals on Funeral plans. Buildings and contents cover from just 98 euros per year. Tel 966787123 / 686116297

ENTHUSIASTIC AGENTS NEEDED for Avon cosmetics. Meet people and turn spare time into cash. Phone Rosh 966 785 520

DO YOU NEED EXTRA HELP AT HOME? I can help you at home with light duties, cleaning, cooking, housework, shopping etc as a carer. References available. Altea, Benidorm, Alfaz del Pi area. Call Trisha for more information on 622 514 980 or 965 843 781

POOL & GARDEN MAINTENANCE. Monthly contracts from 90€. Contact: www.javea-handyman.com el: 680501404 MINI DIGGER FOR HIRE with operator Tel 679 542 665 NEW LAWN/LAWN PROBLEMS Call the lawn specialist for a solution on 676863778 www.lawnsinspain.com

MOBILE BARBER For a friendly and reliable experienced Barber look no further 10€ All Cuts Phone Danny 634 342 975

TATA SAFARI 4X4 2.9 TURBO DIESEL Grand Safari, August 2006, 2 owners, 57,000kms, 5 door, bull bar, side steps, front fogs, roof rails, beautiful condition throughout, Metallic Silver only 5,450€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com CITROEN PICASSO, 1.6HDI SX, 1 owner, August 2007, AC, Electric Windows/ mirrors, rain/light sensors, isofix, rear picnic tables, silver, beautiful condition, 6,950€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www. fwreurocars.com OPEL ZAFIRA 7 SEATER, 2004, 1.8 16v Elegance, 2 owners, 89,000kms, alloys, AC, front fogs, roof rails etc, high spec model, silver, 6,250€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www. fwreurocars.com FORD MONDEO GHIA 2 LITRE TDCI, 4 door saloon, 6 speed, 2004, 2 owners, 99,000kms, FSH, high spec model, fully equipped only 5,750€. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com DISCOUNT TYRES Quality Tyres at Recession Prices. 45 Different Brands to choose from. 966875600 info@discounttyres.es MJB MOBILE WELDERS Gates, grills, hinges etc., repaired or new.

No job too small. Fast service. Low prices. Free Quotes. Call Terry: 966 845 414 / 625 995 470

PHOTOSMART PRINTER FOR SALE An HP Photosmart All-inOne printer only three months old,complete with accessories and manuals and working perfectly, is for sale at 50.00 euros.If interested,please call 667051021 or write to nazariosf@hotmail.com ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR Good working order. 1500€ ONO. Cost 3200€. Can delivery locally (La Nucia area) Tel: 965870879/606687396 After 2PM LIGHTWEIGHT WHEELCHAIR Folding, immaculate.150 euro.

Mobility scooter.40km range.

Road legal. Hardly used.499 euro.627019403 AT MICHAEL’S part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. Photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Two salmon colored leather sofas. Also brown Chesterfield sofa with matching armchair. Photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S we specialize on very high quality pre-owned furniture for half price or less. www.michaelsjavea.com Tel 96-579 1328 AT MICHAEL’S Beautiful very rustic old Spanish furniture made out of original cartwheels!. Photos on: www.michaels-javea.com MICHAEL’S 30 YEARS IN JAVEA ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! We sell high quality pre owned furniture, many from show apartments etc. Look at: www.michaelsjavea.com Tlf:965-791-328.

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

(Benidorm and surrounding areas) Tel: 610 634 506

WANTED I BUY ANY CAR van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish.

Immediate cash 600-781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com ONE WAY VEHICLE DELIVERY Spain - Uk - Spain Tel 671 797 151 Or 0044 2380 66 8000 onewayvehicledelivery@hotmail.com

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prices guaranteed. Best service in Spain 639 292 081 or 965 792 285 see our main advert on page 5 MR FIXIT For all your electrical, Plumbing, General & appliance & Bolier repairs. No call out charge.

698 320 434

POOL & GARDEN MAINTENANCE. Monthly contracts from 90€. Contact: HORNY, FIT MARRIED COUPLE offering four hand erotic massage for men, ladies and specialise in couples.

Tel: 696 063 027 ASHLEY- 29 ENGLISH/MIXED RACE- Absolutley stunnning, near Torrevieja Hospital, 665 883 576

WANT TO DRIVE your LHD car to the UK and sell it when you get there?

Call 658 670 777

LOOKING FOR A CAR? We have over 75 LHD and RHD vehicles in stock for sale or exchange.

We have a good selection of vehicles to clear from only 800€ Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com

THE BLUE PILL NOW EVEN BETTER. From €2, other products available. Don’t miss out. Derek 685 207 378 BLUE PILLS, JELLIES AND WEEKENDERS to improve your love life. Pay on Delivery. Local and nationwide service. www.costablues. com or phone Colin 680878735 LOOKING FOR COMPANY? Do you want to explore your sexual fantasies with beautiful Brazilian and Oriental ladies? 24 hours, hotel or home visit Telephone 689526354 PLEASURE HOUSE TORREVIEJA Sexy girls from South America.

Come and enjoy, low rates from 40€.

Address: Calle Finlandia.

682-776-068 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 CASA ANGELA TORREVIEJA Luxury Private Chalet, parking.

Drinks invitation. Feeling alone? Just want some company? Exotic girls from South America. Call us, come and enjoy! Also Escort Service. Full discretion. Street: Avenida Asociacion Vistimas del Terrorismo. 609-573-468 or 639-832-118

PROBLEMS WITH INSECTS? Cockroaches, rats & mice. Call 626 828 974 All insects

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, WARDROBES Classic Kitchens, 20 years on the Costa Blanca, call Adrian 676 699 700 SHOWERMAN fits shower and bath screens of all shapes and sizes.

Immediate delivery. Unbeatable

www.javea-handyman.com Tel: 680501404 MINI DIGGER FOR HIRE with operator Tel 679 542 665

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired.

Structural leaks investigated and repaired. Professional, conscientious service to the highest standards.

Refurbishments and upgrades undertaken. Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems, ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed.

All work guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 18 years experience. 10 years served on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966774-199 or 678-080-500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com NO CALLOUT CHARGE

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SIX BED, FOUR BATH, VILLA superb 360° vistas, 10x6m pool, valued €1.178.000 (2007) forced sale €425,000. Contact 650657467 view http://youtu.be/PLW83q4uAFw FINCA GATA, 3 BEDROOMS 2 bathrooms, pool, wonderful sea/ country views, 5 minutes train station, price drastically reduced to 240,000€.

Tel: 965756855 SAGRA OLD VILLAGE HOUSE 2 bedroom, completely upgraded, Air conditioning, 20 minutes beach, sold fully furnished. Tel: 965587545.

68,000€ PLOT FOR SALE Registered Building Plot 800m² with uninterrupted views across valley, Calpe rock and the Sea, yet only 1.5km from the town centre. Pintor Dali 2, Moraira 150,000.00€ No offers 965 745 606. PROPERTY FOR SALE 7 bed roomed (all doubles) detached house 500-800mtrs from Moraira.

Arranged into a 3 and a 4 bed roomed apartments. Swimming Pool, BBQ area and separate games room.

Excellent holiday rental potential.

Central heating, double glazing, sea view from 1st floor apartment 475,000.00€ 965 745 606 No Agents.

SALE BUNGALOW POSH END private, great views, land, car port, 1 bedroom, log fire, air con, double glazing, suit single person, 62,000€.

Tel: 966 405 043 LARGE VILLA, 5 DOUBLE BEDS 3 bathrooms, glazed terraces, log burner, AC, pool, 15 mins coast.

225,000€. Tel: 965 670 578 FOR SALE BUNGALOW PARCENT posh end, private, great views, land, car port, 1 bedroom, log fire, air con, double glazing, suit single/solo person. 62,000€. Tel: 966 405 043.

MOBILE/PARK HOME 2 bedrooms en-suite fully fitted. Camping Pueblo San Javier 22,000€. Carol 96 819 24 25 Mob 626 055 622. www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com SELLING YOUR HOUSE? Sold your house? Moving funds back to the UK? Don’t let your Spanish Bank take up to 1% of your sale price, Talk to MoneyCorp now about how to save up to 4,500€* Moneycorp’s repatriation service can help you drastically reduce or even eliminate Spanish bank fees when sending your property sale proceeds back to the UK. Call Moneycorp +34 902 887 243 and quote RTN to get more out of your money. www.moneycorp. com/roundtownnews 3 BED APARTMENT ALTEA LA VELLA 110m squared, 3 double bedrooms - 2 with patio doors and balconies and mountain views, 1 bathroom, 1 shower room, separate fully fitted kitchen, large living room with 2 patio doors onto large terrace with mountain views and open views onto orange groves, large trastero and private parking space. Central village location. 1 min walk to supermarket, bars, restaurants, pharmacy, bus stop. 2 mins to AP7 motorway. Private sale.

170,000€. Tel: 617 893 036 or email: girlinspain@gmail.com

PARK HOMES 2 BEDROOMS Both en-suite fully fitted. Camping Pueblo San Javier. Carol Tel 96 819 24 25 Mob. 626 055 6622 Email.

Haydn47@hotmail.com www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com LONG LETS - HOLIDAYS Best Price Rentals Paul 966785891 659647616 miramarproperties@yahoo.co.uk www.miramarholidays.com 2 OR 3 BED / 2 BATH APARTMENTS in San Miguel. Lift, communal rooftop pool & solarium, video entry system. Available for short or long term rent from 350pcm. 96 672 3437 or 636615716 FOR RENT/SALE 350€PCM 85.000€ Classic Spanish Old Town House, 3 double bedrooms (1 with en-suite bathroom) master bathroom, modern kitchen, downstairs toilet, sun terrace with view of mountains, BBQ terrace with summer kitchen, recentley refurbished and fully furnished. Callosa de en Seria near La Nucia. Tel: 609 177 032

possible. Send details and price to houseinnorthcostablanca@gmail.com Register your property for FREE at www.rapidpropertysales.com and when we sell your property we will charge you absolutely nothing! The average time it takes us to sell a property is 8 weeks. Register now at www.rapidpropertysales.com – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

VAN LEAVING SPAIN TO UK APRIL 3RD Space available , 679 042 805, 0044 [0] 7552 985 343, e.mail: keithmarion9@yahoo.co.uk DIGBY REMOVALS Weekly removals to and from Spain. 1 box to full household. Storage - UK & Spain.

Insurance included. Call today for FREE advice no obligation quote. Tel:

NORTH TORREVIEJA/LA MATA Furnished 2 Bed corner apartment close to shops in a very popular location. Pool/Gardens. For long term, 375€ pcm. Ref: 96. Torrevieja: excellent 2 bed furnished upstairs bungalow. Convenient for shops & buses. Balcony, Communal Pool.

395€ pcm Ref: 127. Aguas Nuevas: Furnished 2 bed Townhouse, convenient location. Balcony, Communal Pool. 450€ pcm. Ref:137.

Torrevieja: Attractive 2 bedroom apt. close centre. Easy walk to beach, shops. Long term, 325€ pcm. Ref: 30.

La Mata: 2 Bed apartment. mins to shops or beach , bars, etc. 350€ pcm.

Ref: 82 Rent-2-go - Torrevieja Office - Tel: 966707074 Contracts provided Further Choices at office - Calle Diana NEW 2 BED unfurnished/ furnished apartment. Algorfa town centre, swimming pool, 250€ per month OR yearly advance €2400 plus €150 bills monthly. 0044-7949-589-539 londonangels@hotmail.com

676 582 333 or +44 1268 728 855 PENTHOUSE ON THE LAS MARINES, DENIA Looking to buy or rent. Requirements, penthouse on the Las Marines, Denia 2km to 4km (at the start of Las Marines) South facing with sea views,min 2 bedroom.

Monthly rental price 850 euro or to buy 100,000 euro.

Tel: (0034) 619 642 035 LONG TERM RENTAL ORBA,PEGO,DENIA Rental long term, looking for 2 bedroom apartment, Orba, Pego or Denia.

350 euro per month. Furnished or unfurnished, coming back over within a few weeks. Tel: (0034) 619 642 035 WANTED LONG TERM RENTAL JALON Rental client long term, looking for: Jalon valley, 3 bedrooms, 650 euros. Private pool, south facing with garden. Looking to rent end of February. Furnished or unfurnished.

In the campo not urban.

Tel: (0034) 619 642 035 CASH BUYER Looking for villa in Denia area. Quick completion

email: sales@digbyremovals.co.uk or visit: www.digbys.net

VAN LEAVING FOR THE UK/SPAIN EVERY 2 WEEKS great rates please contact Joe on 966 074 576 or 650 341 087 or civic1235@msn.com

B.M.C.REMOVALS UK-LOCALEUROPE FULLY INSURED, professional, reliable service. We also transport: Cars, Caravans, Quad Bikes, Motorbikes, Scooters, Small Boats and Jetskis. Office (0034) 966 19 19 11 Mobile (0034) 620 044 983 bmcremovals@live.com www.bmcremovals.com

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SKY SUPPLIES FTA, Sky+HD and Humax Freesat 500GB, 1TB, 2TB new/refurbished receivers.

Full Sky (Sports/Movies/HD) from 15e/mth. Complete systems installed, 1.1m 225e, 1.4m 299e.

Repairs,Realigns, Spare remotes, Advice. 966194013/600899096 CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV Freesat High Definition from 299€ on 1m dish. 12 months Sky package 200€ Steve 660 186 505 Ros 965 584 097 www.ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com

I BUY RECORDS LP’S SINGLES AND CD’s ANY STYLE, JAZZ, BLUES, POP, PUNK, ROCK, ETC...

TOP CASH PAID. 622 750 117 TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Household Goods and Bric-a-brac into Cash.

Anything! Anywhere!

965-319-220/618-165-877

SEWING SERVICES All types of clothing alterations, repairs, soft furnishing and dressmaking. turn your old clothes into new. Revamp your wardrobe. Call Chris 670384636

JAVEA SKIP HIRE 626 670 038 Moraira, Benissa, Calpe, Denia from S&W TOOL HIRE & FERRETERIA MORAIRA

COMPLETE SOLAR SYSTEM, PANELS batteries, inverter, generator, controller and all switch gear included. Moving back to UK. Call 675878601 or 965078483