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Tax surprises hits residents

COSTA BLANCA residents paying their council rates – the IBI tax – by standing order were shocked to find the money was debited on the first legal day p3

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

Legions of cold callers DETERMINED PENSIONER Deidre Stewart is fighting a rearguard action against the Royal British Legion after members’ details were passed to companies now plaguing them with ‘cold calls’.

Beach sellers hit by broadside

POLICE OFFICERS at a Costa Blanca resort are taking no prisoners in the fight back against beach sellers touting pirate contraband p5

by Jack Troughton

Savers lose yet again JUST WHEN savers in the UK thought things couldn’t get any worse Mark Carney, the new Governor of the Bank of England, has pledged to keep interest rates at rock bottom for at least a further three years p33

Showbiz Goss FIND OUT what is happening in the showbiz world p48

Issue 722

Deidre Stewart

See page 70

SHE WAS particularly distressed when there was a “very familiar” call for her husband Bob – he passed away four years ago.

The Legion has agreements with companies selling things like financial advice, insurance and funeral plans – it receives a commission on sales – but maintains members who do not wish to be contacted can tick appropriate boxes on membership forms and renewals.

Speaking at her Orba home, Deidre said: “I was sitting here one day and the telephone rang and a man’s voice asked to speak to Bob – as Bob has been dead for four years my tummy went over.”

She said she had not “let on” straight away as the caller said he wanted to speak about pensions because the law had changed in the UK. “I told him ‘before you go I must tell you Bob has been dead for four years and it is very painful when someone telephones to speak to a dead person’. I put the telephone down and had a few tears.”

Deidre has also been called directly yet maintains she ticked boxes when she renewed her own Legion membership underlining she did not want to be pestered.

And she alleged that several years ago some branches in Spain sold details in breach of data protection laws – a belief supported by other members. They are using the freedom of information legislation to try to discover how companies based in Spain have sensitive information.

BEREAVEMENT “At the time people were receiving calls from a funeral company and asking if they wanted to take out a funeral plan when they were recently bereaved,” said Deidre.

“Or who, as one of my friends had, had just had a serious operation, in my friend’s case open heart surgery.”

Continued on page 6

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16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

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16 - 22 August 2013

Tax surprise hits residents COSTA BLANCA residents paying their council rates – the IBI tax – by standing order were shocked to find the money was debited on the first legal day.

Javea Town Hall collected the taxes on 6th August, while most taxpayers maintain the money is normally taken in September or October, triggering an outrage on social media sites.

The bad news was further compounded by a hefty rise in the bill – although Mayor Jose Chulvi has been quick to point out in a detailed statement, the property taxes this year are still at 2009 levels.

Chris Campbell said: “Just found out that Javea has taken the IBI from my bank account and others that I know, on the first available day (6th August). These are accounts with standing orders. Mine is normally paid in September or October.

“I’m wondering if Javea has taken everyone’s standing order on the first day instead of the usual spread through to October.

While it is legal, it could cause hardship to some citizens, many of whom are pensioners on fixed incomes and need to budget carefully. On top of the 22.5% rise this year, it could cause a lot of pain.”

And John Deacon added: “The extraction of IBI from my bank account - without any form of prior notice and three months earlier than last year – has caused havoc with my August finances, resulting in delays paying other debts and a panic to make incoming transfers to my account.”

REBATE But Mayor Chulvi said when his team took power in 2011 taxpayers paid around 21 million Euros in IBI and it was hoped to reduce this in the 2012 budget with a rebate of 2 million Euros.

However, last year the Supreme Court then

annulled the existing property values of 2005 and reverted to 1994 figures, reducing the overall property tax by 8 million Euros in June, the middle of the financial year.

This also meant calls on standing orders were delayed until October 2012 – but in the current year the tax was again be collected between August and November.

“Regarding to the increase of the bills, I can say while it is correct that compared to 2012 there is an increase, it should be noted that last year was exceptional because of the Supreme Court judgement, resulting in a drastic reduction in revenue and leaving little leeway to the Town Council,” he said.

He said the decision was taken to ‘safeguard’ municipal tax revenues by moving the tax rate upwards – but not the rateable – or catastral – values as in other towns.

This would mean the 13 million Euros taken in 2012 would increase to 16 million Euros this year but “significantly lower than the 21 million Euros paid by Javea taxpayers in 2011.”

BURDEN Mr Chulvi added: “There will be no more changes to the tax levels, and if it is at all possible we will try and reduce the tax burden.

Mayor Jose Chulvi

“But what we can categorically state is that, today in Javea, our citizens are paying less tax than when we came into government. All our efforts and hard work is aimed at doing more for the town with less money.”

Calpe residents have been told a 25% increase in their IBI bills was by order of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. Last year Madrid introduced a sliding scale for town halls that had not increased rates for varied periods of time.

Under ‘Plan Ajuste’, if the tax had not risen for five years it had to be increased by 5%; for 10 years it was 15%; and for 20 years – like Calpe – it was 25%.

Councillor Carole Saunders admitted a lot of expat residents were very unhappy at an increase demanded of the council last year.

“Calpe had not raised its taxes for a very long time as a vote catching exercise,” she alleged. “But it has caused a huge problem by raising town hall debts.”

The Red Cross summer Throughout this summer 54 Elda families have been living on food provided by the Red Cross with numbers expected to increase during the coming winter. 8,640 kilos of food has been split between the families each month on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, a family of four taking around 80 kilos of provisions including meat, fruit, milk and other foods. During the summer children are particularly at risk with the closure of the schools for the summer break which means they miss their school midday meal. Pepita Gran, president of the Red Cross in Elda, said: “With the schools closed often the only food these children receive is ours.” And in addition to food relief, 10 children have been sponsored at summer school by the NGO. Pepita added: “We do not have enough words to thank those who support us. The Red Cross continues to need volunteers, particularly for emergency relief programmes.”

16 - 22 August 2013

Cameron starts proceedings against Spain

by Jan Gamm BRITISH PRIME Minister David Cameron, in consultation with Attorney General Dominic Grieve, is preparing legal documentation against Spain over Gibraltar / Spain border queues, describing Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s decision to continue with “disproportionate” border measures as “politically motivated.”

The situation at Gibraltar’s border checkpoint has barely improved, the Royal Gibraltar Police reporting that queues to enter Gibraltar on Tuesday had been around three hours in the sweltering summer heat, although there were no delays leaving.

EXCESSIVE Gibraltar is not in the Schengen zone but Britain argues the checks are excessive.

Some travellers have chosen to park their cars and walk over the border to avoid the sizzling tailbacks as the Guardia continues to check the documentation of every vehicle entering the Spanish mainland.

Spain insists it has no intention of easing vehicle checks at the border despite mounting tensions.

SHIPS A flotilla of three British warships set sail from Portsmouth this week led by helicopter carrier HMS Illustrious, bound for the Mediterranean in what the Royal Navy describe as a “long-planned, routine deployment.”

Meanwhile Madrid is considering taking up disputes over Gibraltar at the United Nations Security Council: it is thought that Spain could seek the support of Argentina in an ‘entente’ designed to pressurise Britain into ceding its overseas territories.

PUBLIC OPINION The mood on the streets, both in Gibraltar and in mainland Spain, bears out the general consensus that the diplomatic row between Spain and Britain has been deliberately propagated by Mariano Rajoy in an effort to draw attention from allegations of corruption within the ruling Partido Popular. For the time being Rajoy has rejected calls from the opposition to step down.

Fabian Picardo, chief minister in Gibraltar, said: “A British Prime Minister facing the same allegations wouldn’t last five minutes. The Spanish government has been engulfed in allegations of corruption which affect Mr Rajoy himself. This is an attempt to bang the nationalistic drum, to make people look away from the national problems that Spain is suffering and the PM himself is labouring under.”

Police at the Gibraltar checkpoint continue to confirm that instructions to scrutinise every travel document of travellers crossing the border come directly from Madrid.

INVESTIGATION The European Commission is to send a team of investigators to the Gibraltar border within the next few weeks with the intention of observing new border controls, following complaints from several MEPs and also EU citizens regarding long delays and the alleged restriction of movement of people in direct contradiction of EU regulations. The visit is said to be welcomed by residents of the Rock, who believe that the Spanish press has been full of misleading allegations against Gibraltar.

London Mayor Boris Johnson wrote angrily: “They are causing delay and botheration and are now threatening a tax on goods vehicles going to the Rock. That is illegal under EU law, and tantamount to a blockade. They must stop it all - and pronto!”

As Downing Street prepares legal documentation to start proceedings against the Spanish government, travellers entering Gibraltar continue to cook in the border queues.

Fabian Picardo

Rajoy meets with Juan Carlos over Gibraltar tensions

MARIANO RAJOY was called to Palma this week for talks with King Juan Carlos on the subject of Spain’s conflict with Britain over stringent border checks between Gibraltar and the Spanish mainland. Following the meeting Rajoy answered questions from the press concerning Gibraltar. Rajoy reiterated that tensions in Gibraltar were solely the result of the decision to “unilaterally break fishing agreements and engineer an environmental attack by creating a reef of concrete blocks in the Bay of Algeciras.” The King returns to Madrid this week for physiotherapy after a double hernia operation.

16 - 22 August 2013

Beach sellers hit by broadside Pirates of the Mediterranean

by Jack Troughton POLICE OFFICERS at a Costa Blanca resort are taking no prisoners in the fight back against beach sellers touting pirate contraband.

Last month Calpe Town Hall responded to complaints from genuine traders in the town – especially those with businesses bordering the beaches – and announced a campaign against the so-called ‘lookee lookee’ men.

The council drafted in extra policemen and street sellers were hit with 200€ fines and had their illicit copies of branded designer goods confiscated.

And those supplying the regular 50 or so salesman on the sand and promenade have also been targeted in the operation – they are facing fines of up to 3,000€.

“Slowly but surely this is acting as a deterrent,” said Councillor Carole Saunders. “We are hoping that at least some of these characters will not return.

PRESSURE “The campaign is obviously working but we must not rest on our laurels and we must keep the pressure on.”

Calpe is one of the worst seaside towns affected by the sale of fake goods; there is talk of beach sellers arriving every evening on public transport loaded down with fakes.

“There are times when the beach promenades look like an unofficial market at night as these traders lay out their wares,” said Mrs Saunders.

“Certainly our legitimate traders are a lot happier we have taken action. Next year I hope we will be able to budget for extra police patrols to clamp down even further.”

RTN understands that the Valencia Government is looking at market regulations in general in a bid to further cut back on the sale of imitation designer goods.

New jobs sail in

By Jack Troughton CREATING DEEP water moorings for ‘super yachts’ in Denia Port has created 50 new jobs and directly benefitted over 100 companies in the Marina Alta town.

The craft tie up in an area once used by ferries but the opening of a new passenger and vehicle terminal allowed the economic opportunity.

And Mayor Ana Kringe has attacked political opponents for branding the initiative as pandering to the wealthy. She accused them of “prejudice and narrow-mindedness” and “trying to undermine the economic development of Denia”.

Varadero Port Denia is the company operating the concession for mooring large yachts and as the number of such moorings is expanded, she revealed the services of 102 companies had been retained to service these vessels, as well as creating 50 new jobs.

The port is also to get a new 30,000€ slipway for members of the public to launch smaller boats and the construction will also involve Varadero Port Denia.

Ms Kringe said the public-private partnership would again help create work and “move towards a sustainable port, adapted to current needs and to generate wealth”.

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16 - 22 August 2013

Get legal through self help

by Jack Troughton HOMEOWNERS LIVING in outlying villas are being urged utilise some ‘self help’ to make properties legal – and escape the clutches of developers using controversial land grab laws.

Urbanisations surrounding Javea have never been adopted by the town hall because the infrastructure was not completed – leaving unmade roads, a lack of pavements and street lighting, and in some cases households relying on builders’ supply of electricity and water.

It has also caused problems for people wanting to sell their property or enjoy some fairly basic amenities.

Now Javea Town Hall has come up with a scheme that will see the homes fully legal with local authority licences and comply with European law.

It is the brainchild of two Xabia Democratica councillors – Deputy Major and lawyer Oscar Anton and Councillor for Planning Pere Sapena, a town planner by profession.

They took RTN to the Pinomar Urbanisation in Javea on Monday but said there were other areas where work needed to be completed.

FRIGHT The pair estimates that individual bills could reach a frightening 20,000€ or 30,000€ if the infrastructure was installed by a big construction company under land legislation – but with individuals, neighbours or entire streets banding together the cost to each home would be a fraction of that figure.

“The problem is that many of the owners are expats and many of them elderly,” said Mr Anton. “They were sold real estate without any infrastructure. We have looked for a solution because sum of 30,000€ is too much.

“We are saying become your own developer and when

the work is finished they can ask the town hall for the correct licences.”

The situation was further complicated. There are around 180 homes on the urbanisation and some already have asphalt roads, others only half the street is metalled, some have pavements others do not.

“I think in some cases it will be 2,000€ or 3,000€, depending on what needs to be done,” said Mr Anton. “The strategy is to allow people to do it individually.”

Another issue is payment of IBI, once the homes are fully legal “they will be paying this just like everyone else.”

SIGN In return residents will gain a proper electrical supply, be able to sign on the Padron – and even buy a car.

He said the town hall would be fully engaged with the process and people would be invited to take along the paperwork they do have to be checked – work would be to a set standard and checked afterwards.

“We don’t want people to be facing these big problems and having to spend money on legal bills – it is simpler to go to the town hall,” he added.

“It will be 100% legal – we will check the existing licences, check the house and issue paperwork.

“It helps stop land grab. A developer cannot take over and demand money for this infrastructure. This makes house legal and is people need help the town hall will give help.”

Continued from front page Bob Stewart had been chairman of the Pego Branch of the Legion. Another former member – the branch has since closed – received a call, apparently in error, asking to speak to another chairman Stan Bridges. Stan had died the week before.

Deidre said: “Members were so distressed by all this cold calling I decided to take matters into my own hands and wrote to our patron Her Majesty the Queen. I received a letter back from a secretary saying my letter has been passed on to the Privy Council.

“I also contacted the BBC’s Money Programme and several Legion members on the Costa Blanca were interviewed.”

She has also written to chief executives of companies behind the cold calls to inform them of the “distress being caused”. Deidre alleged the Legion in London had tried to explain about opting out using the tick boxes. “The man the BBC interviewed made some crass comment that the Legion was one big family and we had not been cold called but had been warm called!”

The Legion said it has not and would never sell details but confirmed it received a commission on sales from partner companies.

REVIEW Russell Thompson, the director of Fund Raising and Marketing at the Legion, has said the charity would review the annual membership renewal forms and the ‘opt out’ tick boxes system.

“We serve something like four million ex-servicemen and women and their dependents bring it up to 10 million, so we need to continue to raise this amount of money,” he said.

“We respect all members of the Legion and we also respect their privacy. We will certainly review the application form and make sure people can understand it and know what they’re opting into or indeed opting out of.”

And Chris Wyatt, Chairman of The Royal British Legion, District North Spain said: “I can categorically state that no one on the present Committee has ever knowingly passed on the details of any member of our District in Spain to any commercial organisation.”

He said all forms were processed in London and the forms clearly had a series of tick boxes and instructions. “We go through this section carefully and make sure that the member understands and that they tick the correct boxes according to their personal wishes.

“As this is an entry under the Data Protection Act, it would be an offence if data were passed to other companies without the members consent.”

16 - 22 August 2013

PP Secretary General testifies at Barcenas trial

by Jan Gamm SECRETARY GENERAL of the PP, María Dolores de Cospedal, arrived at the court in Madrid at 9.30am on Monday amidst loud jeers from a street crowd and a barrage of demands on social networks to step down along with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. Cospedal begins her testimony as a witness at the trial of Luis Barcenas, the PP’s ex-treasurer accused of corruption and fraud. Elegant in a black and white ‘block’ dress, she made a two hour appearance in the court, acknowledging her intention to answer questions regarding alleged payments totalling 90,000€ made by Barcenas to Cospedal and Mariano Rajoy in 2009-2010. Previous party secretaries Francisco Alvarez Cascos and Javier Arenas were also called to testify this week.

Toy boat rescue

AMONG 59 African immigrants rescued from nine toy boats adrift in heavy seas in the Strait of Gibraltar seven miles south of Cadiz this week were two pregnant women. Maritime Rescue craft were called out in response to mobile telephone calls for help from the toy boats at around 7.30am on Monday. In addition to the 59 sub-Saharans rescued a further 137 immigrants were intercepted over the weekend.

Large smuggling gang busted

POLICE IN Spain and France have taken 75 people into custody on charges of smuggling Chinese citizens into Europe: some have been forced into prostitution.

51 people in Spain were arrested and 24 in France.

The Interior Ministry has confirmed that the gang sold false passports for 45,000€ before trafficking individuals into the US, the UK, France, Spain, Greece, Italy and Turkey.

Barcelona was used as a base in Europe and was the main point of issue of false documentation. 81 forged passports were seized along with laptops, rubber stamps and printers.

Cospedal arrives at the court

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16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

Recruiting expat voters

by Jack Troughton EXPATS ARE to be targeted in a bid to improve the numbers of UK citizens living overseas taking part in important elections – including the “burning issues’ surrounding a referendum on membership of the EU. The Electoral Commission is concerned at the low level of expats registering to vote – currently limited to 15 years after leaving Britain. Members of the Labour International Coordinating Committee (ILCC) – Lorraine Hardy from the Costa Blanca, Dalvir Singh from Germany and Dick Smith from France – travelled to London to meet with Alex Robertson, Director of Communication at the Electoral Commission and members of his team to discuss the problem.

Around 5 million British citizens live outside the UK – including some 1.4 million in Europe – yet only between 13,000 and 19,000 are registered as Overseas Voters.

The Commission plans to run Internet campaigns targeting countries with the largest expat populations using the Internet and local media.

Under the rules, expats must register with the Electoral Registration Office in the local authority where they were last registered to vote in the UK. REPORT In her report, Lorraine said the ILCC believed there was a great variation in the way the various local authorities handled expat voting registrations and suggested the Foreign Office could draw up a register of expat email addresses, postal addresses, and contact details. Currently expats are encouraged to register with their local British Consulate.

“This would greatly assist information distribution on voting rights at each election. Indeed, many expats don’t know they are eligible to vote,” she said. And there were difficulties filling in a registration form downloaded from the website by hand – four overseas voters submitted applications at the same time yet only one had a reply.

A new law will remove the requirement for an attestation on the form - unfortunately coming into force after next year’s European Elections – and it was hoped this would allow an online form to be completed insuring unusual foreign addresses “would be absolutely accurate rather than be retyped”.

Lorraine said many people went to the ‘AboutMyVote’ website but were defeated and gave up after finding the form did not accept a non-UK postcode. “The Overseas Voter information is not immediately obvious.”

CONSULATE There was a call for a supply of forms to be available through British Consulates and Embassies – who could also supply information on the process. And the issue of actually voting in the election was raised. Postal votes were “useless” in the past because they were not sent out with enough time to return, but new rules will allow them to be issued 25 days before a ballot.

(from left) Dick Smith, Lorraine Hardy, and Dalvir Singh

The ILCC members also raised the problem of getting or identifying someone to enable a proxy vote to be used.

Lorraine said: “The ILCC added that other countries seemed to be more positive about encouraging their overseas citizens to vote. The French, with MPs especially for expats, have a far greater take-up of registration that the British with over 60% of their expats registered.”

The ILCC believes all expats must register – even if they do not intend to vote. British MPs can only take up causes on behalf of their constituents. “If expats are not registered as Overseas Voters they have no MP to represent them. Those who have been away from the UK for more than 15 years have no public representative in the UK or in their host country.”

Lucia appeals for help to get home AN AMERICAN little girl seriously injured in last month’s tragic Santiago rail disaster is unable to return home due to the high cost of medical care in the US. Lucia Ruiz was on board the high speed train that derailed outside Santiago de Compostela killing 79 people and injuring more than 140. Lucia, a 6th Grader from Deerfield, Illinois, was in one of the rear carriages with her Aunt and Uncle. She sustained multiple fractures to her skull, pelvis, hips and legs and also suffered internal injuries. The family has set up an appeal website www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/8dt2/ruizfamilyfundraiser - to help with her medical bills. So far, US$10,000 has been donated.

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mail

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

talk to us

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

letter of the week

Translation needed?

RECENTLY MY wife and I went to the Orihuela Town Hall to register on the Padron.

We were told before going that we had to go with a translator because the people working there don’t speak English. That seemed very strange that people working in a Town Hall where many foreigners come, wouldn’t or couldn’t speak English. I wondered if they could speak English but pretended that they could not. So we paid someone 30€ to translate, which took just five minutes after standing in the queue for nearly an hour.

Then a few days later we had to rush to the Town Hall just before they closed to get another paper, and guess what, there wasn’t a queue, and the lady at the same desk spoke English. The previous time we had come we didn’t even need a translator: we could have saved ourselves 30€.

I trust this will be helpful to someone reading this who might save on an unnecessary translation fee.

Brad Murray, Orihuela Costa

Pensioners must voice their concerns HAVING READ the Winter Fuel Allowance article in last week’s RTN, it prompts me to share my thoughts.

The fact that the WFA is being proposed during the hot summer months when people would be least concerned about it makes me concerned.

Prior to the last election, David Cameron promised he would not make any cutbacks to pensioners. He has, however, delegated the dirty work to Iain Duncan Smith, whose proposal to have a temperature test to cut back money given to pensioners sounds very cold-hearted.

Pensioners have worked all their lives, paid taxes and now are being targeted to withhold money to which they are entitled, while people immigrate to the UK get benefits without having contributed to the system.

One comment was that British politicians should visit Spain in the winter and find out how cold it can be. It snows around Madrid in the winter and homes can be bitterly cold. But the likes of David Cameron and Duncan Smith would come and stay in luxury hotels, far from how pensioners on a fixed income have to live.

Pensioners must voice their concerns about the WFA. Mary Anderson, Ciudad Quesada

Not obeying the rules I WOULD like to comment on Simon Brockway’s letter in a recent edition regarding the use of E.H.I.C. Cards. I am a British national and a Spanish resident. A few weeks ago I was in the U.K. and went to see a doctor for ‘emergency’ treatment as laid down by Newcastle. To begin with I was refused an appointment to see the doctor but after a long ‘discussion’ with the secretary I was told that I could “register as a temporary resident” and then get some treatment. Without me seeing the doctor the secretary then went to see the doctor and came back with some prescriptions but not the one I needed. Her only comment was that I should go to the local pharmacist and ask for a PRIVATE prescription

and pay for it myself. After I left the surgery I telephoned Newcastle and was told that this surgery had done the totally wrong thing and in fact might also have jeopardised my status in Spain by making me a temporary resident in the U.K. and thereby removing me from the Spanish system. So it is not only Spain that is not obeying the rules but the U.K. as well. Methinks one should put one’s own house in order before complaining about others!

In answer to Mr. Brockway, yes all State run hospitals have to accept the genuine EHIC cards so long as they are certain that the person presenting the card is the holder. For admin reasons all hospitals prefer to deal

with insurance companies because they usually will pay more for the services given and also pay quicker.

Also there will be no argument as to what is and what is not an ‘emergency’, whereas the good old insurance companies will pay for non emergency treatment.

For all travellers, in both directions, I would suggest that not only should they get their E.H.I.C. (as well as their travel insurance policy) but also contact Newcastle and find out exactly what is and is not covered and then not only argue their point at the hospital but get them to either phone Newcastle or the local Consulate to get the definitive answer.

Stephen , Santiago de la Ribera

Saving future problems A FEW weeks ago my HP printer reached the end of its working life and gave up the ghost. Having been very satisfied with it I decided to keep to HP and bought an HP 3520 model complete with ink cartridges for 79€.

Turned out to be exactly what I wanted, clear and precise copying, scanning, two-sided copying, etc. - all in all a great buy for the money.

Sometime after when the ink ran out I didn’t see a problem as my last printer refills were 17€.

Then came the shock! The ink for my 3520 (4 cartridges) came to a total of just under 100€, i.e. 20€ more than I paid for the machine! Admittedly these were genuine HP replacements.

On complaining I was offered ‘spurious’ ones at 12€ each (48€).

Since then I have found a company in Madrid that charges 27€ including postage for the complete set and delivery within 48 hours.

But perhaps there is a lesson to be learned when buying - check with the sellers regarding cost of replacements to save future problems.

L Levett, Catral

Ryanair pilots speak out

by Jan Gamm PILOTS AT Ryanair through the RPG (the Ryanair Pilot Group) continue to express concerns over the impact on safety of the no-frills airline’s employment practices. However, the company does not recognise the RPG despite the group having polled more than 1,000 pilots and first officers, finding that more than a third would welcome an enquiry. Ryanair claims the RPG “lacks independence, objectivity and reliability.” RPG’s chairman, Evert van Zwol, said three quarters of Ryanair pilots are employed through agencies, nearly all on zero-hour contracts under the worst con-

ditions in the industry and they are offered no guarantee of work, all of which leads to pilots’ reluctance to ‘rock the boat’ or in this case - the plane. He alleges that Ryanair pilots also feel compelled to work when sick or over tired. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) said that Ryanair “fully complies with all European and international regulations” and that any employee could make a confidential report on any safety concern via its public website. In a statement Ryanair said it had an outstanding 29-year safety record and these “false and defamatory claims” were based on “nothing more than anonymous hearsay.”

Stingrays arrive in Alicante BEACHGOERS AND lifeguards on the beaches of Alicante and Campello have spotted around a dozen stingrays this week but so far the yellow flag has not been hoisted as in Valencia and Castellón. Beach rescue coordinator at Alicante, Miguel Angel Morales, confirmed that during the afternoon on Monday two stingrays were sighted off the beach at San Juan just 15 feet from the shore. He said that the yellow flag would not be utilised for just two or three stingrays but operators at the beach are continuing to keep a lookout. Most stingrays have one or more barbed stings on the tail, most often used in self-defence. In June, a large manta ray of around of five feet washed up on the beach of San Juan. She was rescued and returned to the sea but days later was found dead on the beach at Muchavista.

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16 - 22 August 2013

Slim from within!

by

Alan Gilchrist The Costa Blanca’s Top Hypnotherapist

‘WOW AND thanks’ is the usual response to Alan Gilchrist’s incredible Fast Track Weight control or Gastric Band session.

There are various reasons why a person can be overweight: some have a medical condition because of glandular malfunction or some other physical problem. In this case hypnosis may not be the solution and medical help should initially be sought.

Some overeat because of early parental programming: “Eat it all up and you will grow up to be a big healthy adult,” or “think of all the starving children in the world and you are leaving that on your plate.” ‘Comfort eating’ is also the result of early programming: “Don’t cry, here is a piece of chocolate…”

EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS In some cases overeating habits go deeper, requiring the underlying problem to be addressed and corrected.

Alan’s Fast Track Hypnosis plus Laser Therapy is ideal for helping people who want to lose weight because of early programming or emotional problems and to help them achieve their target weight.

This is completed in one simple session. (Fast Track Hypnosis and Laser Therapy along with CDs provided), so there is no need to go for multiple sessions, thus saving time and unnecessary expense.

Alan says “My job is to help clients to listen to their own appetite control centre and use it to their advantage. I combine two hugely successful therapies in one 30minute session at no extra cost to the client as well as provide full back up service!

The heaviest man I ever helped was 40 stone and the heaviest woman 34 stone!

“I saw Alan Gilchrist three years ago when I was 17. I had always had problems with my weight but this time I was at my heaviest. I had tried every diet under the sun, nothing worked. After the hypnosis I went straight home and listened to my CD. The next morning I started a healthy diet and lost 3½ stone (22kilos) which I have kept off. Three years later I am a healthy 10 stone. Thank you Alan....Jade” EMOTIONAL “I tried for many years to shift the weight I had gained in secondary school. I tried every diet going, every eating plan and even joined gyms to help but nothing worked! I hated veg all my life and could never eat it.

After visiting Alan I found myself not comfort eating or having big portions at meal times and also had more energy. When I weighed myself I was shocked!

Everyone around me complimented me on my weight loss. I could still eat what I wanted, able to enjoy food. And how quickly the weight dropped off! After four

months I had dropped four dress sizes! Thanks…A” Alan and his son Jonathan hold their Fast Track Hypnosis sessions in Cabo Roig, Guardarmar and Benidorm. Alan is also the creator of the Stop Smoking in Under 30 Minutes Fast Track System, featured on TV. Jonathan also does sessions in Spanish as well as English.

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

Also visit: www.alangilchrist.com www.hypnosiscostablanca.com www.thegastroband.com

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Rosalia Mera fighting for her life

by Jan Gamm ROSALIA MERA, who co-founded the Inditex textile empire along with her ex-husband Amancio Ortega, has been admitted to Menorca’s Mateu Orfila hospital in a serious condition after suffering a stroke. 69-year-old Mera, who resides in A Coruna, is Spain’s wealthiest woman and the world’s 66th

richest, with a fortune estimated at €4,700 million. She was on holiday with her daughter in Menorca when she fell ill on Wednesday morning. Her condition worsened and she suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after being admitted to hospital.

Her prognosis is now described as “grave.” Mera was married to Inditex founder Amancio Ortega for 20 years before the marriage ended in 1986: they have two children.

Breakthrough for Malaria prevention SCIENTISTS IN the US this week announced a significant breakthrough in the fight against malaria after a human trial of a new vaccine was 100% effective against the disease for the first time ever. Volunteers were each given multiple doses of the vaccine, produced with a weakened form of the mosquito-borne disease. 57 people took part, 40 receiving a dose of the vaccine. All were bitten by infectious mosquitoes and scientists tested for development of the disease after a week. The six subjects given five intravenous doses of the vaccine PfSPZ were entirely protected, none becoming infected. Dr. William Schaffner, head of the preventive medicine department at Vanderbilt University Medical School, said it was “…a scientific advance” but added that it could be as many as 10 years before the vaccine can be scientifically proven, approved and distributed.

Is there a midwife on board?!

A WOMAN on a Royal Air Maroc flight from Casablanca, Morocco, to Bologna in Italy gave birth to a baby boy mid-flight! The official Moroccan news agency MAP said the 39-year-old woman went into labour shortly after take-off on Sunday. The flight was diverted to Barcelona and the baby was born just before landing. The airline did not specify the passenger’s nationality but confirmed that crew members and a fellow passenger, who luckily was a midwife, helped with the delivery. Mother and baby were taken to Sant Joan de Deu hospital in Barcelona and are reported to be in good health. The flight continued to Bologna 50 minutes after landing in Barcelona.

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16 - 22 August 2013

Town’s history surfaces

by Jack Troughton THE ARCHEOLOGICAL work at of the Queen’s Baths in Calpe – the Roman built Banos de la Reina – has been opened to the public with a weekly tour of the ongoing dig.

Every Tuesday morning between 9am and around 10.30am, the archaeologist and director of the site Alicia Lujan will explain the history of the buildings, their origins and construction.

It is an opportunity to learn more about the town’s Roman past and entrance is free to the site containing the

Sani seeks loving family

By Jack Troughton SANI, AN eight-year-old American cocker spaniel, is waiting for a loving home after being left with animal charity LAPS when her family returned to Romania.

Chrissie Edwards of the Local Animal Protection society in Pego told RTN: “Sani is a very happy lady who loves people and other dogs – and is just waiting for a new family to love her.”

Sani is vaccinated and has her passport. Anyone who once proud Roman villa with eight rooms and its own bath could offer her a home is invited to go and meet her. Call house – as well as the Roman heritage of the Marina Alta LAPS on 661 199 270 for more information. town in general.

On Monday members of various associations in Calpe were given a special guided tour of the site, which also contains part of a Visigoth church. The doors opened to the general public on Tuesday.

And soon to be opened is a Museum of History at the Casa de la Senyoreta in Calpe which will contain exhibits taken from the Queen’s Baths and the Roman town on the Penon d’Ifach.

Benidorm hotels set to break all records

Examining some of the Roman mosaic work

BENIDORM HOTELS have achieved 96.5% occupancy this month, the ‘FULL’ sign becoming a familiar and welcome sight all over the city. And the few remaining rooms that are available are expected to be snapped up by last minute sun seekers. Hotel association HOSBEC confirmed that booking portals have exhausted availability in Benidorm’s most popular hotels. The beaches are groaning under the weight of thousands of holiday makers and bars and restaurants are enjoying a roaring trade doing what Benidorm does best in the most successful summer for years.

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Beauty and the beasts HELPING RAISE much-needed cash for animal charity AKIRA, beautician Skin Solutions is offering a series of mini-treatments and lunch on Friday 6th September.

by Jack Troughton The Parcent business is hosting ‘Tasters all Round Take 2’, the second year is has raised funds – last year AKIRA saw 800€ added to the charity’s coffers.

Mini treatments at the premises at Avenida Pego 22, take between 15 and 20 minutes – reflexology and a back, neck, and shoulder massage is offered at 8€, Reiki is 5€.

In addition, there are Angel Card Readings by clairvoyant Christine at 8€ and permanent makeup artist will be demonstrating her techniques – try a pigment version – it washes off – for 10€ and have the money deducted from the cost of a permanent treatment.

The day starts at 10am and tickets are 10€ including lunch of jacket potatoes, various fillings including a veggie option, salad and bread, wine, beer, sangria and soft drinks.

For tickets and information call Eileen at Skin Solutions on 902 888 187 or 660 319 697, or email info@skinsolutions.es, or Pauline of AKIRA on 625 767 781 or email finca.abril@gmail.com

Opening soon!

By Jack Troughton JALON VALLEY HELP’s new charity shop in the centre of Jalon opens on Tuesday 20th August at 5pm and shoppers are invited along to browse – and enjoy a glass of cava, refreshments and some live entertainment.

The charity’s shop in the town is on the move and the new premises are in Edificio Ocas, Calle Baseta, in the square opposite Casa Caty in Calle Virgen.

By the grand opening it will be packed full of bargains – but donations of stock will be welcome from the off, particularly summer clothes.

Donations keep the two HELP shops;

the second is in neighbouring Alcalali, going and help raise money to support a number of projects and good causes, especially in the current economic crisis.

And the two shops will share the same opening hours between 10am to 1pm Monday through to Saturday, stocking clothes, shoes, books, handmade cards, bric-a-brac, jewellery, homemade jams and pickles (depending on season), children’s toys and much more.

For more information about the shops, volunteering to work in them, and the charity in general, visit www.jalonvalleyhelp.com

Superman at the Diving Championships SUPERMAN FAN Michal Navratil decided to dress as his favourite cartoon hero for his impressive 88.6ft dive at the High Diving World Championships in Barcelona this week becoming an internet sensation. The 28-yearold fourth placed Czech has been perfecting his ‘Superman dive’ since the age of 15. When he is not diving Navratil works on a cruise ship in the Royal Caribbean and is also a stuntman.

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16 - 22 August 2013

Summer Health at the Habaneras Mall

by Keith Nicol

EVEN THOUGH there might only be a few more weeks of summer left to enjoy the fabulous sunshine, warm swimming pools, the Mediterranean Sea and school holidays, it’s never too late to educate yourself about staying healthy. This afternoon, Friday 16th August, there will be a special health awareness campaign taking place on the ground floor, in Torrevija’s Habaneras Mall.

The campaign aims, as it does every summer, to build the awareness about the major health problems that accompany summer. Thus, Torrevieja’s Health Department present their roadshow ‘A healthy Summer’ inside Habaneras, where healthcare professionals will be on hand to answer questions, promote healthy lifestyles and remind visitors of the importance to follow the necessary recommendations regarding sun exposure, hydration and how to prevent heat stroke.

A publicity campaign outlining ‘health’ messages and tips on good habits have been distributed throughout the area, such as the town hall, tourist offices, health centres and beaches. All these actions are included in the regional plan of health promotion thathave been taking place from the beginning of the year. Since last January, health professionals have taken their Roadshow to schools, town squares, health centres and cultural clubs and associations, to develop programs aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and outlining preventive measures against various diseases. This past July the same shopping centre hosted a series of workshops, which received an enthusiastic and exceptional reception from visitors.

Habaneras shopping centre will feature a Summer Health Roadshow on Friday afternoon

Charity helps kids

By Jack Troughton JAVEA’S ORIGINAL Charity Shop and Library has made a 1,000€ donation to support the children cared for by EMAUS in homes across the Costa Blanca.

Pictured is Tony Grande (left) representing EMAUS shaking hands with Jim Hale of the Javea charity shop in Avenida Fontana, Arenal.

The schoolbag haul gets costlier SUMMER IS the time when parents brace themselves for the cost of equipping their children for the new school year. In Spain the cost is doubly painful as school text books are added to the long list of expenses. And modern kids carry around a small fortune in technology! As well as their uniform and basic stationary there is the cost of a mobile phone and for more well off children possibly an iPad too.

Parents of more than one child face a mountain of bills in the run up to the start of the new term in September as the average estimated cost of equipping each child exceeds 500€.

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August angst in Ankerside Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

HERE WE are then folks; at the midpoint in August. The 16th day of the month and the middle Friday - which to us worker ants is neither here nor there but if you’re a schoolboy or girl it’s the start of an ominous countdown.

The countdown to September and the return to school. I used to hate it; the luxury of six weeks away from school shrunken to just two. “Why can’t the holiday time be school-time and school-time be our holiday time?” was my plea. But let’s not dwell on such things, let’s look on the bright side there’s still over two weeks of August to look forward too. That’s a lot more light evenings to enjoy, eh?

I guess, truth be told, I’m feeling a bit glum at the moment because this August 16 is exactly ten years since I first looked at what was to become my home in La Nucia. Within two months of seeing it we had moved lock stock and barrel to the Costa Blanca. It was dream come true - as I guess it has been for many people. That was, of course, before the credit crunch and the double (or is it triple now?) dip recession. So, as I gaze out over my coffee cup at the Ankerside Centre in Tamworth spare me a moment of glum-ness as I reflect upon those long lazy Spanish days, now long gone.

Mind you, August 16 could be worse; poor ole Elvis departed this mortal coil on this particular day. So even sat amongst the closed remnants of once proud shops in the Ankerside I should feel grateful, shouldn’t I? Elvis was only early 40s wasn’t he? I remember that day in 1977 well. Me and the missus had only been married six weeks and were going out for a jolly in Brighton. It was a bright sunny day but you could see the sadness in many people’s eyes.

I saw Elvis in Calpe once. Well, I think it was Elvis; it could’ve been John Curtis doing one of his shows. He did a very good Elvis did John Curtis. So does the chap who lives next door to my daughter in Pevensey Bay. Come to think about it Squaddie Pete from the Brewer’s Arms in Lewes can do a passable Presley. The memory

of Elvis can never die all the time we’ve got these great entertainers doing tribute shows to The King.

And speaking of John Curtis does any RTN reader know if he’s still doing his radio show out there on the Costa Blanca? It used to be on Coast FM every Sunday.

I did hear through the Costa Blanca bongos that he’d hung up his shiny Las Vegas gear a while ago. Come on John it’s August 16, get out the bling and do your

Elvis thing!

Oh well folks, this meandering isn’t going to help drag my sad arse into work. My coffee’s cold, the Ankerside is closing and I’ve got an evening shift waiting expectantly for me. Still, it’s only a nine hour shift not too bad if you say it quickly...

Watts in the West Midlands; looking forward to the August that’s left!

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16 - 22 August 2013

Alexander’s celebrates Back to nature first decade

By Jack Troughton DENIA TOWN Hall has heralded the success of a summer initiative to take walkers and summer school children on guided tours of the area’s woodland, beaches, dunes, cliffs and beauty spots.

The programme, ‘Discover the Landscapes of Denia’, included guided walks in the late afternoon and evenings and ‘travelling exhibitions’ to help people understand more about the environment – while temporary picnic tables and benches were installed for everyone’s comfort while enjoying dramatic views.

Councillor for the Environment Juan Carlos Signes thanked the help of the Montgo Natural Park and the Marine Reserve in organising tours.

And some 225 people enjoyed seven talks on a variety of topics including bird life, flora and fauna, rural architecture and nature trails.

(From left) Ron, Terry, and a customer

by Jack Troughton THE LITTLE gem that is Alexander’s antique and modern jewellery shop in Javea Port is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

Just yards from the sea on Javea Port’s seafront walkway Avenida Marina Espanola, it is run by Ron and Terry Shea and is well worth a visit as jewellery and collectables are bought, sold and part-exchanged.

They have been in the business – named after their then teenage son - over 20 years and their eldest son now runs Paddock Wood Antiques in Tunbridge Wells.

They say Alexander’s is also unique as it is the only specialised antique jewellers “for miles”.

Ron said: “Ten years ago when he was 14 or 15, he asked why we called it Alex-

ander’s. I answered ‘because your name isn’t George!’.”

In 10 years they have built up a valued reputation for fairness and honesty and can boast a number of regular customers from across the Costa Blanca, Barcelona, Madrid, Russia and Holland.

And Ron and Terry believe they probably have the best collection of vintage watches on the Costa Blanca.

PLEASURE Service is also friendly. Terry said: “We really enjoy running our business here on the sea front – it is a real pleasure coming to work.”

The shop is open between 10am and 2pm Monday to Saturday. Ron added: “People ask why we only open between 10am and 2pm but if people see some-

thing in our window and we are closed, it will be there at 10am the next day – they can either ring us or pop in.”

Alexander’s is also licensed to buy gold and silver – and it offers a valuation service, as well as buying, selling or offering a part-exchange on jewellery.

There is also a watch repair service.

Terry said: “You can bring something in and exchange it for something else or take our cash offer.

“One woman brought in her husband’s watch. It obviously had sentimental value to her but was too big for her to wear. She exchanged it for a locket and wears it with his picture inside.”

For more information about the shop and inquiries about valuables, telephone 96 579 2595 or 667 270 969, or email alexandersjavea@hotmail.com

A veteran starts his well-earned retirement ONE OF the oldest German Shepherds of the Canine Unit of the local police in Alicante, named ‘Hero’, retired this week after being adopted by a family in Mutxamel. Hero was one of the stars of the patrol, the first to successfully detect the presence of drugs in his role as an expert sniffer dog. His legacy goes on as his son and grandson are still part of the unit.

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16 - 22 August 2013

New facilities for bathing for those with reduced mobility WHILE OTHER towns and cities along the Costa Blanca coastline have been raving about their new facilities that allow those with reduced mobility to enjoy the Mediterranean, Torrevieja has offered such options through their collaboration with the Red Cross for over a decade.

by Keith Nicol The latest addition to the facilities that Torrevieja can now offer residents and visitors that suffer from reduced mobility is a new, specially designed bathing platform, that is located on one of Torrevieja’s natural pools, along the Paseo Juan Aparicio, that further improves accessibility to the beaches of the city.

This week, Torrevieja officially opened the facilities in the presence of Francisco Moreno Councillor for Environment and Beaches, and Councillor for Social Welfare Thomas Ballester. The new resource is a further improvement on the immensely popular one to one bathing resource, as this allows groups or individuals to enjoy the warm waters simultaneously.

The improvement has been achieved by the addition of placing a specially designed swimming platform for people with reduced mobility, in order that they can have their own space, and that is reserved and dedicated to their needs. Time

can also be booked by various mobility groups or/and it is open to everyone with mobility issues who wish to use it, Francisco Moreno said that “we have found a suitable location that offers all of the features that those with reduced mobility require. This includes convenient access, shallow water, a breakwater to cut back the height of any waves, a shallow walkway along the sand into the water and also a Red Cross Lifeguard and checkpoint station in its vicinity, making it even more suitable if possible, for placing the platform in this area.”

The platform consists of a bench composed of 22 individual seats and a walkway with handrails on both sides, so that users have greater security in the use of the facility. This new initiative is designed to complement existing universal accessibility on Torrevieja’s beaches, which in recent years have included improving access to the sea and adapted toilet service that the City provides through their collaboration with the Spanish Red Cross.

Torrevieja’s government team emphasized that these and

Torrevieja’s new specially adapted platform

other measures are the result of the commitment that the Partido Popular has made to citizens in terms of accessibility, which is implemented through the Department of Accessibility and Social Welfare, that focuses on the improvement of the urban environment, beaches as well as the removal of architectural barriers and the addition of ramps to give greater access to the city’s facilities.

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A salt shaker full of hope

by Keith Nicol A NEW FUNDRAISING initiative that utilises Torrevieja’s most precious of treasures, ‘salt, was launched last week by the Rotary Club of Torrevieja. In an evening full of surprises Rotary gave a presentation to more than two hundred guests about their ‘Salt Solidarity’ project. The setting was the new terrace ‘Miramar’ of the Real Club Nautico of Torrevieja, located on the ground floor of the former restaurant of that name, located bellows Torrevieja’s Central Tourism Office.

This new, exciting and magnificent venue was chosen to debut one of the most ambitious projects of Gema Cruz, president of the Rotary Club of Torrevieja. Several hundred people, among whom were the Deputy of Alicante Provincial Tourism and Deputy Mayor, Joaquín Albaladejo, Governor of Rotary Club International, Graciela Waen, the Rotary Club Commodore for the Southeast Zone, Pascual Roser, Aldermen of the Consistory and president of the Real Club Nautico de Torrevieja, Germán Soler, presidents and members of various associations from around Torrevieja, completely filled the capacity of the terrace.

Francisco Reyes presented the event, which began with an outstanding presentation under the title “History of the Salinas de Torrevieja”, presented by Pedro Gomez, Head of Operations of the Salinas. Gomex knows his stuff and his effortless presentation and choice of language, supported by a series of graphics, drawings and photographs educated the majority of the audience about how Torrevieja’s salt was formed through first a geological formation upon three tectonic faults, San Miguel, Guardamar and Torrevieja, and the shock wave that occurred creating a kind of valley that gave rise to the lagoons

of La Mata and Torrevieja.

The first of the salt to be exploited, was that of La Mata, by the Greeks who settled in Guardamar. The works passed into the hands of Romans, Visigoths and Muslims up to the Castilian kings in the thirteenth century, who passed on the running of the works to Orihuela, until 1759 when the returned to the state. In 1802, the king decided to transfer the administration of the salt that was in the Mata to Torrevieja, both because of the increased production and also because of the extensive damage suffered by the city through earthquakes in the area that year.

In 1841, an historic landmark with the lease of the Marquis of Salamanca Salinas, which began a period of modernization of these and optimizes production, changing the whole system. The speaker ended the lecture with a brief description of the methods of extraction of salt, how they obtain it, derivatives and internal transport, since its formation, until now.

To close the ceremony, the current president of the Rotary Club, Gemma Cruz, presented the project ‘Salt Solidarity’, which aims to help raise funds for various local associations. The purpose of this project is to provide all visitors and residents of the city with that a product that is 100% local; a Tor-

The new Terrace below Torrevieja’s Tourism Office was the scene for the launch of Torrevieja Rotary Club’s Salt Solidarity programme

revieja salt shaker. The initial batch was for five hundred pieces of pottery, at the price of 10 euros, and of which, 200 were sold on the night. You can support this great cause by purchasing your own at Hotel Madrid, BP Gas Stations, DIY Fil and other points to be announced. The event was closed by the Deputy Provincial, Joaquín Albaladejo,

who praised the project which he defined as “tourism product” and the landmark which was done by linking the words of the International Governor, Graciela Waen, which is committed to moving this idea to all areas of the various branches of Rotary thanks to the efforts and initiative of the Rotary Club Torrevieja.

The butt of the matter IN SANTA Pola the council has re-launched its successful annual summer campaign ‘change a glass full of cigarette butts for a soda’. The public collects cigarette butts from the sands, rewarded with a refreshing soft drink in exchange for a full glass! The Department of Beaches, collaborating with the local Development Agency, runs the programme every Monday and Tuesday in August in the bars lining the beaches. In the first two days around 4,500 butts were collected by just two coastal bars.

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

HELP Vega Baja helping again

Help for Relleu children

by Keith Nicol FOR MORE than 30 years HELP Vega Baja has worked hard to support those people who have chosen to live or visit Spain. In recognition of the more than 2,000 members who continue to support the association in this work, the committee has developed a number of benefits specifically for its members.

This latest Membership Benefit provides a free professional interpreter service for those who have limited or no Spanish language skills, and may find themselves in difficulties when dealing with Spanish officials, police or medical practitioners, and have no other Spanish speaking persons to support them.

Other Membership Benefits, following certain qualifying periods, include: Care immediately following in-patient hospitalisation, end of life care for those who choose to spend their final days in their own home, and an in-hospital sitting service to provide carers, who are required to stay with in-patients with a break, with all services provided by registered professionals: Discount hire charges for all orthopaedic equipment and free delivery of equipment where the hirer is unable to collect from the office: Next of Kin registration, providing a contact details card in case of emergency: Free Health Care check at Benimar Clinic and Discount on Rosa Tours.

Members can also benefit from the popular monthly lunch, which will re-

Woody entertains members of HELP Vega Baja

commence after the summer break on the first Tuesday of September at the renowned Portico Mar Restaurant. Help Vega Baja social group Friends Unlimited, held their last meeting before the summer break on Thursday 25th July at The Club, Quesada.

Before the summer break, HELP had 70 people enjoying the afternoon’s entertainment by the talented and amusing Woody, whilst enjoying a variety of crudities, prepared by Dean the chef at The Club. The afternoon raised in excess of 200€, which helps the charity to continue its work in the local community and at the same time give assistance for the benefit of members, when hospitalized or in need.

Meetings will resume after the sum-

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mer break on Thursday 12th September, with a talk by Sarah Hawes, on the life threatening disease of diabetes “Sorting the facts from the myths”.

For more information about membership of HELP Vega Baja please visit or contact the HELP Vega Baja offices.

The San Miguel office, Calle Lope de Vega 45, telephone 966 723 733 is open Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 1.30pm. The Torrevieja office, Rambla Juan Mateo Garcia 4, telephone 965 704 282 is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10.00am to 1.30pm. The Help Information desk at Office Concej, Urbanisationes La Marina which is open on 1st and 3rd Friday of every month, telephone 966 443 002 and ask for HELP desk.

By Jack Troughton YOUNGSTERS CARED for at the EMAUS home in Relleu continue to enjoy the fruits of the fund raising by the local community.

Local members of the Calpe-based charity Friends of the Children of EMAUS work hard to supply a number of the home’s needs.

And over 40 guests enjoyed a Chinese lunch on 10th August at the Hong Kong Restaurant in Campello.

Organised by Elsie and David and Friends in Muxtamel, it raised 400€ and will pay for the children’s school books for the autumn term.

And the Muxtamel Friends also paid the home’s gas bill – Campello Social Club contributed 500€ with the Friends adding the balance of 490€.

The next big event is at the EMAUS home in Relleu itself. On 15th September at 3.30pm there is a barbeque with wine and beer with the popular local singer Tony Francis supplying the entertainment. Tickets are 10€ and can be reserved by calling Di on 633 378 938 or by email to emausrelleu@gmail.com

Tony Francis

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16 - 22 August 2013

Head out on the Freeway POPULAR COVERS band Freeway are enjoying a hectic summer schedule out on the road performing live across the Costa Blanca at a number of venues and charity events.

by Jack Troughton The band has added regular slots at the Don Quixote Bar, Moraira, Ca Pep Bar, Orba and El Faro, Balcon del Mar, Javea, to the diary as well as finding time to play the LAPS Fun Day and the MABS Annual Spectacular Ball next month.

The international band consists of Marty from the UK on bass, vocals and drums; Carmen from Switzerland on alto and tenor saxophone, keyboards and vocals; Tony from the UK playing electric, acoustic, 12-string guitar and vocals; and Ralfy from Germany on drums, keyboards and vocals.

Freeway has a versatile line up of musicians, allowing them to swap roles through a gig and employ nine different instruments, with every band member taking on singing duties at various times.

Apart from producing an amazing live sound, the band also has an infectious sense of fun and empathy, combined with a professional approach to their music - combining numbers from the 60’s to the present day.

And it is not just four people playing music – a Freeway performance interacts with the audience on all levels, enhanced by lights and smoke controlled by a dedicated technician Roger.

The band’s adapts a show to suit each individual venue, using low volume settings for dining venues and dance music at a higher level for outside in the summer.

For more information see their web-site www.freewaycostablanca.com or telephone Sandie on 626572287.

Dates: 16th August at 9pm, Don Quixote, Moraira; 17th August at 9pm, The Lounge, Balcon Del Mar, Javea; 21st August 21st at 9pm, L’Om Restaurant, Pego (party); 24th August 24th 2100h

Jazz on the beach

By Jack Troughton GOOD MUSIC will be making waves on l’Ampoule Beach, Moraira, on Sunday 25th August when ‘Plajazz’ returns to the sand.

Organised by Teulada Moraira Town Hall, from noon a jazz band will be playing a series of different styles at the beach’s

pergola – while other musicians will be walking through the crowds interacting with holidaymakers.

The initiative is to entertain with good music in a friendly relaxed atmosphere – and offer the opportunity to learn more about music.

L’Om Restaurant Pego; 31st August at 8.30pm, El Faro Restaurant, Balcon De Mar, Javea.

And 6th September at 9pm, Bar Sargantana, Oliva Nova; September 14th at 9pm, L’Om Restaurant, Pego; 15th September LAPS Fun Day, Monte Pego; 21st September, Don Quixote, Moraira; 28th September 28th, MABS Ball, Salon Canor, Teulada; and 29th September at 3pm, Magnums Bar, Oliva.

Javea Bridge Club Summer Pairs JAVEA BRIDGE Club hosted the annual Blevins Franks Summer Pairs on 10th and 11th August at their premises at Avda de Paris, Javea (Arenal).

The 34 pairs contesting the tournament were a truly international mixture with representatives from the UK, Spain, Germany, Holland, France, Ireland and Italy. Spanish visitors included players from Madrid, Valencia and Alicante.

Interested in Bridge? Details of the Club’s playing days and times can be found at www.javeabridgeclub.com.

Home & Garden

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

Home Garden

16 - 22 August 2013

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Does your house need rewiring?

THE MOST frequent question I get asked is: “How safe are the Spanish electrics in my home?”

The short answer is for homes built since 2002, electrical safety is generally satisfactory. For homes built prior to 2002… unfortunately it’s ‘hit or miss.’

Spanish electrical regulations received a major overhaul in 2002 with specific improvements made to domestic dwellings, particularly to earthing (grounding), circuit layout and socket outlets, notably the standardisation across Spain of the Schuko type.

A periodic Test & Inspection that checks the condition of an electrical installation is recommended every 10 years for a home.

However, most people are unaware of this regulation and since it is not a legal requirement it’s not surprising to find that people are bypassing electrical surveys in the current economic climate in a bid to save money.

Moreover a T&I tends to be forced upon people around the 20 year mark. This is because Iberdrola generally insist on a new boletin (electrical installation certificate) for properties over 20 years old. This normally catches out the unsuspecting home buyer or owner attempting to arrange a new electricity contract.

Installations that are over 30 years old will undoubtedly have obsolete socket outlets that are unsafe and not earthed, plus many will have been illegally upgraded over the years. This is probably a good time to start thinking long term and planning for a rewire. With Iberdrola currently replacing all traditional

27

meters with new Smart Meters it’s worth checking that your contracted supply is sufficient for your consumption. The kill switch housed in the Smart Meter will ensure that properties are limited to the contracted supply. Inevitably, illegal upgrades will be downgraded.

If your house is over 40 years old, the chances are that different owners have altered or extended various wiring circuits by trying to adapt your house to modern living. The over use of adapters and extension leads is a sign the system may be overloaded, creating a potential fire hazard. Regardless of whether any electrical work was done by professional electrician or by DIY owners, it will most certainly not have been done to modern standards.

Houses can often appear to have deceivingly newer electrics because all the light switches, socket outlets and light fittings have been changed. However, a closer examination generally reveals that the actual age of the wiring is 40 years old or more.

A professional Test & Inspection is the only way to tell for sure what state the wiring is in and if it needs rewiring.

For further advice email tony@sparksinspain.es or tel. 626 693 440. See Sparks advert in the classified section.

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16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

Oh for some shade! by

Dick Handscombe Holistic gardener and author gardening in Spain for 25 years

FROM JUNE to October shade is critical in a Spanish garden if an outdoor summer life is to be enjoyed to the full. Yet in recent weeks we have heard many an exasperated sigh along the lines of ‘Oh I wish we had more shade!’, ‘It’s so hot walking from our air conditioned lounge to the pool’ or, ‘If only we could sit out to eat’.

So this week we look at some of the issues involved and consider ways of ensuring a good supply of shade in the garden while retaining non shaded areas for plants that love the sun and for winter sun for ourselves.

Perhaps it’s worth looking first at the Spanish attitude to shade in their traditional small as well as large garden designs. If one looks at established gardens of Spanish homes for year round residence or for weekend, fiesta and summer holiday use it’s obvious that shade is taken seriously.

Most natural, established trees are retained and fruit trees, flowering trees and vegetables are planted in the gaps or clear spaces. If a swimming pool has been added for the children and grandchildren it is often at least partially in semishade. Terraces with insufficient shade are largely covered with overlapping umbrellas as for family gatherings on the beach. Double doors from the house to the garden are often on the north rather

than south side of the house. Essentially they are gardens that can be lived in for many hours during the hottest months of the year.

Shade is seen as imperative as weekend, fiesta and summer meals are often for large family groups of several generations. And grandparents are normally not as tolerant of the sun as the younger generations. Outdoor cooking and eating starts in earnest at the Easter break. On Easter Monday smoke curls up from many gardens as the first paella of the year is cooked over a wood fire to achieve a better flavour over one cooked on a gas ring.

In the countryside any suitable clearing is taken over by family groups not lucky enough to own a country property. Again Paellas are often being cooked but these days mostly on a gas ring as a result of stringent fire controls. If you would like to join them Dick’s book ‘Your practical guide to making Authentic Valencian Paellas’ available from Amazon Books would be of interest.

In Andulucia the same was often seen on the beaches with groups of twenty or more under large canvas shades or touching umbrellas like a group of oversized mushrooms. Tourist controls have stopped such practices on most of the main beaches which are no longer the envious natural areas of twenty years ago. In Andulucia, sardines cooked over a wood fire and barbecues are often more popular than a paella.

When the expatriate influx grew, developers cleared natural copses in coastal and inland areas for building and many of those who purchased a traditional Spanish garden felled most of the trees to make room for a large pool in full sun, large sun-bathing terrace, an English style lawn

and beds of annuals if only a summer home and to avoid having to sweep up leaves.

Often as the weather warms up such gardens are under populated as they become ovens for much of the day. With no natural shade – and an umbrella is no substitute for the deep shade of a mature, leafy tree- a retreat to shady covered terrace with a front blind or a cold air-conditioned lounge is a sensible move. But once one is used to the latter it is difficult to acclimatise to the summer Spanish climate - so summers in northern Europe become sensible decisions with the house let to sun-worshipping short stay holiday makers.

The two types of garden described above are not exaggerated. Walk around any town, village or new urbanisation and you will see both. So what can be done?

DECIDE ON YOUR LIFE STYLE AND SHADE NEEDS EARLY Decide during your first year in Spain, if not before, what long-term life style you came to Spain for and develop your garden design accordingly.

For many, including ourselves, the chance to sun bathe daily – often for too many hours initially - is a novelty during the first summer but by the second or third summer life has became more varied, friends are met and asked round for tapas and if sensibly designed the garden is a delight.

Section Two of our book ‘Your Garden in Spain’ can help you take all necessities into account and reduce the heartache of making false starts.

Secondly, if you came to Spain for the good all year round climate – forgetting the occasional freezing days and week-long gota frias – do

‘Dick and Clodagh Handscombe’s eight books can all be conveniently obtained from Amazon Books, the original four also from high street bookshops and the websites of Santana Books and Bookworld..’ © Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com

design the garden for an outdoor lifestyle.

Ensure that you allow for the three priorities: summer shade, winter sun and ample terrace areas. The latter is often best split into a number of terraces of varying size rather than just one large terrace. And ensure that some terrace space is shaded or can be shaded.

HOW CAN SHADE BE PROVIDED? Retain and train large existing trees to spread Plant of young trees that have naturally spreading branches or train them when young on wires Cover terraces with umbrellas or sails (but they are not as effective as the natural shade of the thick leafy cover of a mature tree).

Gazebos and pagodas: a. Cloth and hard covered b. Covered with climbing plants A traditional extended porch covered with a grape vine Maximum use of the natural shade of the north side of the house: it’s free but often on the road side of the house so high walls or hedges required for privacy A carport that can also be used as an outdoor workshop Cover yards for dogs, hens and other pets Get used to wearing a straw hat!

I hope that the above ideas will enable more readers to enjoy the summer climate which is why we and most house owners came to Spain.

It’s still 32 degrees centigrade in the shade this evening so it made sense to get ahead writing a few RTN columns!

legal

by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados

English & Spanish Solicitors

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

31

How to contest a Will in Spain, Can your Will be challenged?

Challenging and contesting a Spanish Will, granted to a foreigner in Spain.

Does Spanish or foreign law apply to the succession?

MY ENGLISH father, (a British national) died in Costa Blanca, Spain. He had lived as a resident in Spain for the past 12 years. He was a widower and I am his only daughter. He only had money in investments and accounts, but no real estate properties in Spain or England. In his Will he left everything to the person who looked after him in the last years of his life, but no provision at all has been made for me, although our relationship was good. Can I contest his Spanish Will for leaving nothing to me? What are the possibilities of challenging his Will or testament?

Dear Reader, Thank you for your query.

In order to determine if you have rights on your fathers inheritance, and therefore if you can contest or dispute his will, we need to establish which is the applicable law to his succession, English Law (his national law) or Spanish Law, (the law of the country

where he possibly had his domicile). If the applicable Law is Spanish Inheritance Law then you, as his only daughter, would be entitled to inherit as a forced heir, 2/3 of his assets.

Firstly, (at least until the 17th of August 2015 when the European Regulation 650/2012 will be applicable) as per the article 9.8 of the Spanish Civil Code the applicable law is the national law of the deceased, that means the Law of England & Wales.

But as you may know the Law of England & Wales states that in relation to moveable assets the law of the country of domicile of the deceased should be applied, and for immoveable property (Land or buildings) the law of the country where the property is located should apply.

In your case, because your father’s estate is only moveable assets, the applicable law will be the law of the country of domicile of your father.

If we understand that your father has domicile in Spain, (the concept of domicile as per English law is complex), then the Spanish law will apply and you

will have the right to inherit 2/3 of the estate, for the renvoi or re-sent from English Law to Spanish Law. This renvoi from English to Spanish law has been accepted by the Spanish Courts, we highlight the following court precedents: 1.- Court order number 849 from the Spanish Supreme court of 23rd of September, confirming a previous court order from the Malaga Province Audience of 18/12/1996.

2.-Court order number nº 282/2012 from the Alicante Province Audience of the 28th of May. 3.- Court order number 331/2011 from the Murcia Province Audience of the 30th of november.

If you want to contest a Will, or if someone wants to dispute your testament and you need your will defending, or if you want to know if there are any possible grounds for challenging it , please let us assist you.

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)

“QROPS” (Qualifying Recognized Overseas Pension Scheme) have been available to ex-pats since April 2006.

There is no mystery to them, they are basically the same as your UK pension but offer better benefits than the UK. Benefits: I. Return of fund to spouse on the death of the member, then left to your depends on spouses death. (not so in the UK) II. No Inheritance tax. (not so in the UK) III. Possibility of no income tax. (not so in the UK) IV. Freedom of investment choice. (not so in the UK) V. Income paid in a currency of your choice, plus many more benefits. (not so in the UK) The process is very simple and takes approximately three months to complete.

In the UK you may not take any benefits before you are 55 years of age.

If you are 50 or above and have been outside the UK for 5 complete tax years you may withdraw 25/30% and then an income at 55.

If you are pension rich but cash poor, this could be a way of solving temporary financial difficulties.

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

16 - 22 August 2013

Liberty Seguros: all your insurance needs under one roof WHATEVER TYPE of cover you are looking for you can deal with just one reputable company for all your insurance needs. Liberty Seguros only works with experienced brokers, able to give you expert advice on which cover best meets your needs and budget, making sure you have the right cover without paying too much.

LIBERTY SEGUROS CAR INSURANCE: provides you with an extensive cover with breakdown assistance, because no matter how careful you have learnt to drive over the years, you cannot ensure everyone on the road is driving as safely as you are.

LIBERTY SEGUROS HOME INSURANCE: because for many of us our homes are our most valuable possessions and you need to protect it against possible damage and destruction.

Liberty’s Home insurance will also cover personal liability for accidents that occur on the property.

LIBERTY SEGUROS LIFE INSURANCE: gives you piece of mind knowing that for a small cost, your family is well taken care of and do not have to alter their way of life after you’ve gone.

LIBERTY SEGUROS PET INSURANCE: provides veterinary assistance for accident or illness anywhere in Europe.

Vets today can offer treatments that were unheard of just a few years ago, and prices have soared, so it is good to

know your pet is covered.

LIBERTY SEGUROS BOAT INSURANCE: to protect your pride and joy from bow to stern when in the water, as well as during loading and unloading and during transportation by land.

LIBERTY SEGUROS GOLF INSURANCE: covers your equipment against breakage and damage and more importantly perhaps, covers you for Third Party Liability and personal accidents whilst playing.

LIBERTY SEGUROS ACCIDENT INSURANCE: provides cover for unexpected events and foresights, ensuring that you will be able to access medical treatment after an accident, or for those people whose family members could suffer financially if the policy holder passes away.

LIBERTY SEGUROS COMMUNITY INSURANCE: is flexible to adapt to each community’s needs, and covers the risks which jeopardize habitability and comfort, which all communities must provide to their owners.

LIBERTY SEGUROS COMMERCIAL PREMISES INSURANCE: is a very extensive cover designed for business owners who want to have peace of mind knowing that their livelihood is protected from minor hiccups to major financial losses.

Go to www.libertyexpatriates.es for the name of your nearest Liberty Seguros broker

money

3 - 9 MAY 2013

by

Christina Brady

Regional Manager of Blacktower Costa Blanca

Savers lose out yet again JUST WHEN savers in the UK thought things couldn’t get any worse Mark Carney, the new Governor of the Bank of England, has pledged to keep interest rates at rock bottom for at least a further three years.

THIS WILL encourage borrowing and deter savers who are unlikely to be offered even a rate that matches inflation for at least the next three years. So it looks like interest rates offered to cash savers is likely to remain between 0.5% and 1.5% and this is before tax is deducted.

As for savers across the EU, on 1st August 2013 the EU passed a law to deal with future bank collapses, the proposal as drafted states as follows: • Taxpayers will not be called upon to bailout banks, this will be down to the creditors i.e. savers, shareholders and owners. But what they fail to acknowledge is that savers and shareholders are taxpayers • Small account holders will have to wait up to four weeks to get their money...‘depending on how serious the insolvency is’. During that time, there will be a maximum withdrawal of 100€ - 200€ per day – again, perhaps less depending on the seriousness of the failure.

• The EU Parliament is demanding that deposits of 100,000€ + should be confiscated within five days if needed.

What can you do you may well be asking yourself to try and protect the money that you have worked so hard to build up; the answer is diversify your risk. There are investment products out there offered by institutions other than Banks.

For those of you that want a fixed guaranteed income at the moment you can achieve 5% or more, the same goes for growth and for those of you that require a combination of growth and income we can help you as well.

So whatever your requirements talk to Blacktower we can help you manage and grow your savings in the most tax efficient way.

If you would like to discuss the above or arrange a free consultation please contact me by email christina.brady@blacktowerfm.com or call me on 658 892 330 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.

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

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Our mystery man on the street …takes a sneaky look at the very popular and central HOTEL ORANGE 3* DECIDING WHERE to stay in Benidorm can be an uphill climb.

What is perfect for one person could be holiday hell for another! Of course Benidorm is rarely a place for peace and tranquillity, BUT, finding the right mix of fun, sun and a little bit of chill time is crucial if you are to return home relaxed with a feeling of time and money well spent.

In the first of a series from our mystery man on the street we attempt to offer you the ‘real’ hotels behind the brochures: this week, the amazingly popular Hotel Orange.

THE HOTEL The first thing that strikes you about the hotel Orange as you walk through the entrance is the incredibly well kept lobby and lounge area. This is a typical hotel from Servigroup - the obvious investment in furnishings that will last are easy to maintain and tip-top housekeeping is evident. Although an older style (1970s) hotel, modernising in recent years has kept the building up to date including sound-proofed doors to balconies, a real plus for a stay in the heart (Café Benidorm disco pub is opposite!) of the Playa Levante. A couple of guests mentioned to me that they were staying overlooking the late bars and could barely notice any noise after a few Vodkas and once the terrace doors were closed!

THE ROOMS Refurbished only a couple of years ago, rooms are modern and bright with wooden floors and flat screen TV, including plenty of UK Channels, not just the news. WiFi is free and does work in rooms too. There is a mini-fridge for chilling your drinks. Guests also mentioned that the showers are really powerful and the cleaning is 100%. All you could need then!

THE FOOD Probably one of the main reasons that so many British guests love this hotel is the food. The dining options are

very much geared toward foreign visitors with just the right mix of local cuisine and dishes we northern Europeans like!

Breakfast is vast and will fill you up all day. With 16 hotels and over 8,000 beds, Servigroup has a central food supply which enables them to offer well above average catering: worth the few extra Euros to go Full Board here.

THE POOL At first it appears perhaps a bit on the small side, but when you add up the fact the hotel only has a maximum 500 guests, most of whom head for the beach (3 minute walk), it is never a problem finding a sunbed from the many provided. On my visit this week there was plenty of room to spare around the pool or on the sun deck above. Drinks are just a hop away from the poolside bar too. No sign of any rowdy groups either, there seemed to be mostly couples.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW The location is right in the very centre of the resort and opposite many of the late night venues, therefore some noise should be expected at night when staying in this area. The hotel is popular with couples who like to party and some groups too, but the sound-proofed terrace doors really do make a difference. The hotel management are good at sorting out any rowdy folks, so a quick call to reception quickly sorts out any issues.

Like every hotel in Benidorm, fellow guests can never be anticipated, so do not let the location put you off booking.

We loved the Hotel Orange, it is ideal for a few nights away if good food, great nights out and a very clean place to stay is on your list. Enjoy YOUR weekender in Benidorm.

Book this and over 200 hotels by visiting www.realbenidorm.net

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16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

Keeping cool in the heat .....

By Irena Bodnarec WELL THE summer heat has well and truly arrived and it’s all about trying to keep cool. With temperatures hitting the 30s along the coast, probably even more and remaining high, it is crucial that you drink plenty of fluids during the day - especially if you are out in the sun enjoying the fabulous beaches Benidorm is famed for.

There is certainly no shortage of bars along the Levante promenade, generally overflowing with happy holiday makers, the majority Brits taking full advantage of the value-for-money drinks.

But in this heat remember to not only drink beer, tempting as it is – you need to replenish your water intake too.

Many choose bottled water as they think that the tap water in Spain is ‘bad’ – it’s not bad but probably tastes different to what you are use to. In fact, even across the UK, water tastes different in each region. However, remember that the chances are you take ice in your drinks and probably eat plenty of salads whilst here on holiday. What sort of water do you think is used for that - certainly not bottled water!

Walking along the seafront the old adage ‘only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun’ rings true – all the Spanish go in for lunch and a siesta during the very hot period and do not reappear until after 4pm!

Ballesol Senior Resort in Benidorm

UNIQUE LOCATION Just metres from Benidorm’s La Cala beach, the luxurious Senior Reort of Ballesol is almost unequal in its location and quality, just metres from the heart of one of Costa Blanca’s most picturesque beaches. With summer offers for two people staying half board, for a week in a luxurious independent apartment from just 539€ including IVA, it’s time you visited Ballesol Senior Resort.

ACTIVITIES Summer season in the beautiful Ballesol Costa Blanca Senior Resort ranges from May to late October. Residents are offered as much independence as they want or need.

The centre offers numerous activities designed for the different groups staying at the centre; stimulation therapies and rehabilitation for people who need it most within the “nursery home”, or for the more independent guests, there are trips to the beach and social get togethers. In the centre’s outdoor pool you can enjoy aqua gym classes guided by the physiotherapist, (after October the indoor pool and the Jacuzzis open) There is Thai Chi several mornings a week, as well as afternoon activities and entertainment each day.

Tuesday and Saturday mornings, the famous flea market of La Cala de Villajoyosa, is situated right outside the resort.

APARTMENTS For guests looking to enjoy complete independence, there are 40 fully equipped and separate apartments. Wheelchair accessible, they also give guests the peace of mind of having a medical team on hand if required. In addition, all apartments have an outdoor terrace, kitchen, bathroom and living room.

There is even a separate small storage room to store extra belongings not wanted in the apartment such as beach supplies.

Whilst the minimum age of guests for the apartments is 50 years old, some grandparents choose to be accompanied by their children/grandchildren, whilst obviously respecting other residents.

During the months of September and October we extend meal times, as we receive groups from northern Europe who lunch at 12:30 am and dinner at 18.30 hrs. In addition, we

installed a bar in our recreation room, where after dinner guests can have a drink while listening to music in the pleasant surroundings.

SUMMER OFFER Half Board Summer Deals Half board accommodation for two people in a 1 bedroom apartment is on offer for just € 539 IVA included!

Call us directly for further information, or come along and visit our resort, without obligation or cost, and most of all without stress. We have regular english guests, and look forward to seeing you soon. See our advert on page 15. We are located on Carrer Tramuntana 03570 La cala de la Vila, Alicante. Call us on 902 33 33 80

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

37

money What price residency?

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

39

MOST RESIDENTS in Spain have stories to tell about obtaining their residency.

LONG QUEUES, confusions about which documents, different requirements between areas – for most people it wasn’t the introduction to Spain they had imagined. But with perseverance and the right help most of us got there in the end.

Believe it or not, we had it easy. If you come from outside the EU the process is even more complex. It is perhaps not surprising then that in order to attract foreign investment the Spanish Government should look for ways of making it easier to obtain residency for those with the money to invest who perhaps live a little further away.

The Law of Entrepreneurship is intended to generate money through business and finance. The law aims to attract potential investors and people with specific expertise in areas such as science and technology. One of its clauses is focused on encouraging those outside of the EU to purchase property.

Non-EU citizens who are prepared to buy a property of 500,000€ or more will find becoming a resident a much more straight forward process. This automatic residency in exchange for investment is unlikely to make a big difference to the majority but it could have some benefit for all of us.

Legislators are hoping that it provides sufficient incentive to attract investment and sell property – albeit at the top end of the market.

There are conditions around the new law and eligibility is restricted. The non-EU

nationals who it will apply to include: Investors Entrepreneurs Highly qualified professionals Investigators and researchers The immediate family of the applicant are covered too, provided the applicant can show he/ she has the means to support them and that they have private health insurance.

Those who do meet the criteria will not receive permanent residency immediately. The residency permit will be temporary and in the form of a provisional visa in the first year. For the next four years after that the applicant receives a transitory residence permit. Only then will they be eligible for a permanent residency and at that point will be able to take advantage of the National Health Service.

It might not make applications for residency any easier for EU resident wannabes but it’s in everyone’s interest if there’s increased investment in Spain. Let’s hope this new opportunity will help inject a much needed boost into the Spanish economy.

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

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16 - 22 August 2013

Three generations are ‘Stagestruck’

by Jan Gamm IT’S NOT too often that acting dynasties pass on the genes from one generation to the other. Those that might come immediately to mind might include the Barrymore’s, Redgrave ’s or even Sheen’s but here on the Costa Blanca we might have another first. With 2013 more than half past, come the end of the summer, it will be time for local theatrical groups to start moving into Pantomime mode and one of the first to do so will be Stagestruck.

‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ is Stagestuck’s next production, on stage at the Cardinal Belluga Theatre in late November. Recently the theatre company advertised locally for new members and who could act, sing or dance and to their delight they didn’t have to look

very far as one of their members, Blanca Sierra, brought along both her mother and her daughter to the auditions. Both passed with flying colours and were offered parts in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ in what will possibly be the first time for any theatrical company on the Costa Blanca to have three generations of one family performing in the same show!

All three ladies have leading roles in the ‘panto’ with grandmother Rita in the part of the Good Fairy, while Bianca and her daughter Sofia play Jack and Princess respectively.

Other new cast members for this fun and traditional romp include Anne, Ingrid, John, Judith, Julie, Katy and Ted. There’s no rest for the wicked or the good at ‘panto’ time so rehearsals have already started in earnest for the show which takes place on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th November

Grandmother Rita, mother Bianca and daughter Sofia

at 8.00pm and for the very first time, they are having a matinee performance on Sunday December 1st at 3.00pm.This production will be at The Cardinal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio. Tickets will be on sale shortly but it is

Taking a final bow DESPITE NEVER having been on the stage, David Farrer (Treasurer of the Gilbert & Sullivan Society), took a final bow on behalf of the society when presenting its remaining funds of 240€ to AFA, the Alzheimer’s charity in Torrevieja.

Due to dwindling membership and funds the society decided to close after their last show in May of this year.

Matilde Sanchez (President of AFA pictured on the left) expressed the charity’s sincere thanks for their support during recent years and was sad to hear of the society’s demise. Some of the members and their friends still meet socially under the umbrella of GASPS (Gilbert & Sullivan Preservation Society). Anyone interested in future social events should contact Ingrid on ingridbouwer@gmail.com

possible to plan ahead and book in advance for what promises to be a great show, by calling Stella on her new number which is, 965 076 700 and while you are on the phone, don’t forget to “look behind you!”

MABS’ annual ball

By Jack Troughton CHARITY SUPPORTERS are expected to be out in force and dressed to the nines for the ‘MABS Annual Ball Spectacular’ on Saturday 28th September.

This year the event returns to the Salon Canor at Teulada with a cava reception at 6.45pm and dinner at 8pm – a three course meal including wine – and dancing is to the dynamic Freeway.

Tickets are 37.50€ and dress code is DJ or lounge suit or cocktail dress. Tickets and information is available from Jacqui on 686 305 006 or Gemma on 626 939 223.

A complementary coach will be available from Benidorm to Teulada to transport guests to the ball and return.

Life

All in one package!

Gibraltar

BENACAZON, FARO, Sevilla, Gibraltar, Portugal and Spain!

NOW FOR some globe-trotting with a difference: Based from a super-comfortable hotel, indulge in day trips to Gibraltar, Portugal (Faro) and Spain (Sevilla).

This 5-day excursion run by David’s Coachtrips SL includes visits to the cities named and includes half board with wine and water in an exceptional hotel sitting in its own grounds on the edge of the small town of Benacazon. With carefully cultivated gardens and horseshoe-shaped doorways, it has a delightful feel of old Moorish Spain. The rooms are large, comfortable, air conditioned and double glazed. There are large, spacious public places, and bar seating both inside and outside. An outdoor swimming pool is also available. Nearby Benacazon town centre is a short walk.

First Gibraltar: The rock that sits on the south coast of Spain is more British than Britain. The British flag has flown on Gibraltar’s Moorish castle for 300 years since the treaty of Utrecht gave this fortified rock to Great Britain ‘for all time’.

Gibraltar is one of those unique places in the world which has in many ways hung on to the character of colonial Britain, whilst the same time having a rather ‘international’ feel. The famous Gibraltar Barbary Apes, which are actually monkeys, roam the upper reaches of the rock.

The honeycomb of corridors inside the

rock centred around the caves of San Miguel testify to the ingenuity of The engineers of the British army as they tunnelled into the rock to provide fortifications against repeated attempts by Spain to re-take the rock. Nowadays, there is a political standoff between the two contenders for ownership of the rock. Main Street offers shopping in places like Marks & Spencers, British Home Stores and the like, whilst bars and restaurants have a British feel to them. British Bobbies in peaked helmets patrol the streets and English is the language of choice.

In Faro, the only British thing you are likely to encounter is the time. Portugal, unlike Spain works on the same time zone as Britain and does not have the traditional Spanish siesta break, instead taking a short lunch break similar to the UK. However, with weather much closer to that of Spain, the month of September tends to be warm and sunny but without the oppressive heat of August. Faro is the largest city on the south coast of Portugal and boasts a busy international airport. Sailboat rides are available from the port and a tourist mini train offers tours.

The old part of Faro features a much reformed cathedral. The original cathedral along with the rest of the town was destroyed by the massive earthquake of 1755 which claimed so many lives across the width

Faro

of the Iberian Peninsula. Modern Faro of course has been tastefully rebuilt and still manages to combine a feeling of old and new. The famous Faro lighthouse, about the only building not to yield to the earthquake, still operates. In the city centre there is a wide range bars restaurants and shops. This pleasant seaside city makes a really nice day out.

Meanwhile back in Spain we can spend another day in the exotic, colourful city of Sevilla. The unmistakeable character of Spain is everywhere in this lovely city. Leather goods, silverware and frilly Sevillana dresses fill shop windows. Horses pulling colourful carriages clip clop noisily through narrow cobbled streets. In the cool of the Mari Luisa Park, people rest by tinkling fountains under the shade of leafy trees.

The energetic climb the cathedral tower – The Giralda – is rewarded with breathtaking views of this stunning city.

In the large cathedral people look for the tomb of Christopher Columbus borne on the shoulders of four Spanish kings of yesteryear.

Mini cruises on the river give a different and more relaxing view of the city.

2nd - 6th September 2013: At only 265€ this is a real bargain. Reserve your places online at www.coachtripsonline.com or by phone on 96 678 5910.

Sevilla

Benacazon

Life travel

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

43

A Paseo in Peñiscola CHARLTON HESTON may have made Peñiscola famous in the ‘60’s film El Cid, but invaders for thousands of years before him were aware of the town’s position as an unyielding stronghold.

The present day castle was built by the Knights Templar between 1294 and 1307, and the stout walls added between1576 and 1578. The castle’s most famous resident was Papa Luna, who took up residence there in 1411, changing it into a palace and papal library (although it must be said that his ‘palace’ is hardly palatial). With this move Peñiscola became, with the Vatican in Rome and the Papal Palace in Avignon, one of only three Holy Sees in history. In spite of being accused of being a heretic, and after surviving more than one attempt to poison him, Papa Luna died peacefully in his bed.

The Castillo does have a certain charm, not the least of which is that it allows you to overlook life in the narrow streets below its walls. Those stout walls may have repelled innumerable invaders, but they are as naught against the latter-day invasion of tourism.

The meandering alleyways are full of tiny shops dedicated to relieving the visitor of his holiday spends. For every artisan shop there are three dispensing such ‘must-have’ souvenirs as the porrón (drinking jug) made to look like a Guardia Civil with the spout being an engorged penis. But there are some surprisingly good crafts.

On C/San Roque, at number 29, Tiziano has some pretty paintings done by the owner, and opposite, at 32, his wife sells attractive small crafts. Meanwhile, on C/Farones, Casa de las Conchas is a tiny shell covered building with Arabic horseshoe-arched windows, which houses a bright beach wear and knick-knack shop, and is a charming bit of kitsch that must have taken hours of seaside walks to collect enough shells to cover the walls. Someone has tried to maintain its

kitschy appeal by covering even the downspouts with shells.

As the day drifts into evening, the narrow cobbled streets come alive with the paseo, and old men and women bring out kitchen chairs onto the streets to chat – though keep themselves carefully segregated. The people who live up by the Castillo must have legs like whipcord and soles on their feet like well-tanned leather because not only is it a steep climb, the small stones placed side-on to form the patterned cobbled streets are crippling on the feet.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, wander down through the Medieval Portal de San Pere, once the principal access to the castle, and cross the small wooden bridge that brings you onto the quayside where Peñiscola’s fishing fleet tie up. Below the stone clock tower you will see an orange illuminated sign saying Puerto Mar, and alongside it a large knife and fork illuminated in blue.

This is a four-table restaurant (although the whole of the quayside is its patio) that only sells fish fresh from the boat. Great bowls of berberechos, spouting jets of seawater, sit on the open counters, and fishermen and their families discuss the merits of dishes of fish that they could have well caught themselves earlier in the day.

One of the nicest things about Peñiscola is that it is the sort of seaside town not seen in Britain for the last three decades. Stroll down the prom during the summer months and you are provided with a feast of free entertainment: pavement artists, balloon twisters, jugglers, Punch and Judy (Spanish version), and people selling all sorts of trinkets and tat under the glaring light of a camping gas lamp.

Splendid entertainment - especially if taken with a big ice-cream cone!

This article is taken from Inland Trips from the Costa Blanca,, a series of five ebooks, each of four excursions that cover the whole of the Valencian region. For further information and immediate download from Amazon.co.uk, visit www.spainuncovered.net

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16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

Life spanish

Basic Spanish for everyday needs

by Jane Cronin

Step by Step Spanish -44 The verb “Caber”

WE ARE on a mission to look at difficult verbs with common usages – in other words, the kind of words we need but don’t like - a bit like cod liver oil. There is no word that fits this description better than the verb “caber”. It may not look immediately familiar, but you’d be amazed how often it appears in everyday speech.

First, let’s try explaining what it means. The best direct translation is “to fit”. “It doesn’t fit” is simply “no cabe”. Often we express the same idea in English with “there’s no room”. For example, in English we can say “There’s no room for doubt”. In Spanish this is: “No cabe duda”.

This is an expression used a lot by politicians, especially on subjects which raise plenty of doubt. An idiom which means that something or somewhere is absolutely “full to the brim” is “no cabe un alfiler” which means: “there’s no room (even) for a pin”. For some reason, all the examples so far have been negative ones! A positive situation that comes to mind is when a group of people are getting into a car or a lift and it looks as though there’s not room for everyone. Someone will usually shout up optimistically “No hay problema, cabemos todos” (No problem, we’ll all fit in).

Well, that’s the meaning part explained in broad terms. Now the fun starts with the conjugation of “caber”. Let’s try a quick overview, starting with the present tense. Caber is a regular standard “er” verb in the present tense, but it is one of those that has an odd first person singular, which in fact is “quepo”. Yes, odd indeed. Let’s go back to that lift with everyone squashed in. You’re the last one to arrive and you’re sure you won’t fit in. You simply say “No quepo” (“I won’t fit in” or “There’s no room for me”) Remember that the “qu” is pronounced like a “k” so the word is pronounced “kepo”

Ridley Scott casting for Exodus

The past participle (cabido) and the past continuous tense (cabía, cabías etc) are regular; the future and conditional tenses, in common with a number of other verbs, drop the “e” of the infinitive (cabré, cabrás; cabría, cabrías etc.) The fun really starts with the past simple tense (otherwise known as the preterite, past historic or “done and dusted” tense). It goes like this: cupe cupiste cupo

cupimos cupisteis cupieron

“Everyone fitted it”, therefore, would be “cupieron todos”.

Incidentally, this means physically and spatially fitted in. “Caber” isn’t used to talk about fitting in socially. This is more often expressed by the verb “encajar” or perhaps “integrarse”.

For those of you who remember or have studied the subjunctive forms, here is “caber” in the present subjunctive. Remember it is based on the first person singular of the present tense (i.e. quepo).

Quepa, quepas, quepa, quepamos, quepáis, quepan.

The imperfect subjunctive, which is based on the third person plural of the past simple tense, is therefore: cupiera, cupieras, cupiera, cupiéramos, cupierais, cupieran.

Of course you may not have got that far with your Spanish grammar, but one thing you can always say, when confronted with confusing information of any sort is: “No me cabe en la cabeza” It doesn’t fit in my head!!

PRODUCER AND director Ridley Scott is searching for 300 extras to work in quarries in Almeria over two days on the set of ‘Exodus’, a movie profiling the life of Moses. Men, women and children are required of all shapes, colours and sizes, to be paid 80€ per day plus food, accommodation, transport and other expenses, with juniors paid 60€ for half days. Candidates need not register prior to audition but need to provide an NIE number, Social Security card and a photocopy of bank details. The production team is also looking for carpenters and labourers for the installation of props. More than 1,500 candidates attended a chaotic first casting on Monday in Almeria’s Municipal Theatre.

The next casting session will take place on 16th August in El Ejido and shooting is to continue until November.

Life books

Danny Collins - copydjp@gmail.com

The Day that changed the world 22 NOVEMBER, 1963. On that date I was halfway across the Pacific on a fruit boat bound for Auckland. I remember that as well as anyone who can recall where they were when Kennedy was assassinated.

In his book master plotter King has woven a story of love, Lindy Hops, and time travel.

In 2011, English teacher Jake Epping of Lisbon Falls, Maine, gets the opportunity to step through a time-warp hole back to the world of 1958, five years before the Kennedy assassination. Jake has gone back to change the future, and there he meets and falls in love with Sadie Dunhill, a beautiful high school librarian on the run from her psychotic husband. Sadie is not part of Jake’s plan, which is to stop an equally psychotic young man called Lee Harvey Oswald. But Jake’s venture into the past has terrible consequences. Sadie is killed, Oswald is stopped and Jake returns to a modern world ripped apart by earthquakes and atomic misery existing as the aftermath of horrendous warfare. Can he reset the future by once again entering the past? That is a question to his readers which King puts with all his visionary aplomb. But be prepared for a long haul. King deals with his plot in 740 pages and pads his main storyline with diversions of love, teaching, friendship and Author: Stephen King Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (paperback) Price: 11.70 euros ISBN: 978 1 444 72733 3

automobiles in the early ‘60s while giving us a glimpse of a pipe-smoking, Ovaltine swilling culture where children listen to their parents and people leave their porch doors unlocked for neighbours to call. It’s a blast from the past we could all do with reading. Perhaps some of that culture will rub off and be reclaimed.

Suduko Answer

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

Life tech

with Aunty Virus

Email auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com

Outlook issues DEAR AUNTY: Can you help please? I have Windows 7 and Outlook.com (old Hotmail.com). Firstly, when I go from Home Page to search menu, or any other page, or open a new email or practically any other option, there is a delay of anything from 30 seconds to a full minute or two, while dub122.mail.live.com (Microsoft?) searches.

Secondly, sometimes I might be halfway through writing an email and a message comes on the screen saying: ‘dub122 not responding, please try later’, or, ‘website found but not responding’, and it completely wipes out all I have written.Please help.

Regards, Ken. Aunty says: This sounds like it is simply an issue with Outlook, at their end. Many people have these issues since the migration to outlook.com, including slowness in operations - I sometimes give up on it - and weird shutdowns… So you are not alone.

One thing to try is to see if it actually is an issue with your browser by disabling ‘Silverlight’.

1. Open Internet Explorer 2. On the Tools Menu, click ‘Manage Add-ons’.

3. From the Toolbars and Extensions, select ‘Microsoft Silverlight’.

4. If it says ‘Disabled’, Click the ‘Disable’ button.

5. Click ‘Close’.

Also, does using a different browser like Chrome, or Firefox or opera help the speed? Or type your email in a word processor, Word, or Notepad, and simply copy and paste it into the email when complete.

Security Copying films programs onto a disc HI AUNTY: I have used Norton for the last couple of years and was ready to buy the latest until I read a few reviews which were not very good. I was advised to try Microsoft Security Essentials, it was very easy to download: it works well and is free. I thought its Microsoft’s own so should be good. I’m not disappointed would suggest people try this rather than AVG. Many thanks Paul Aunty says: Yes, there are a few good security programs around, like MSE and Avast.

However, one thing to note about MSE is that it is from Microsoft. And like most things from Microsoft, it is high on the ‘hitlist’ for people to try and hack and exploit, because Microsoft products are widely used.

But so far (touch wood), I have not encountered any problems with it - I just have to make sure it updates automatically.

HI AUNTY: I have transferred films to disc before quite successfully and the film plays great on my laptop with sound, but occasionally when I transfer a film to disc the sound disappears and I’m left with just the film and no sound. I cannot see what I’m doing wrong - I always use ‘Windows DVD maker’. Many thanks, Jean.

Aunty says: The most likely cause of this issue is that you do not have all the correct ‘codecs’ (audio software) for the videos in question. Sometimes, although a player like VLC will play a video file fine, a Windows media player will not - as the Windows does not have the correct ‘codecs’.

If you are using Windows 7, then there is a ‘codec’ pack available at: http://downloads.cnet.co.uk/view/video-software/windows-7-codec-pack-39536034/

45

Gadget Inspector Investigates:

The Executioner Fly Zapper

THIS WEEK the Inspector takes a look at the Executioner Fly Zapper – a novel means of dealing with those pesky flying critters we’re all plagued with this time of year.

Now before you start writing in I do appreciate that some people consider killing bugs is a cruel act and should be treated in the same way as killing other living creatures for recreation instead of for food. If you are of this persuasion then I recommend you read no further! This review is not meant to be a judgement but a solution to a problem a lot of people would rather not have, and as it’s not illegal but a moral decision: it’s down to personal choice.

The Executioner Fly Zapper looks like a conventional tennis racquet, but the strings are replaced by a single layer 1.2mm

zinc steel grill that carries an electric current when the button on the strong ABS plastic handle is pressed. Other racquets employ three layers, but these are often inferior because the outer layers don’t always work correctly, hence the Fly Zapper incorporates a single layer.

The Fly Zapper is easy to use – simply press the button and swing and when the fly, wasp, bug or mosquito touches the screen, it is instantly ‘zapped’. There is also an LED warning light incorporated to indicate when the Zapper is working.

The Fly Zapper is ideal for the home, office, camping, BBQs or any other activities attracting nuisance flying bugs. The electronics are of a very high quality and have been tested to over 100,000 zaps and combined with the sturdy construction this product is built to last. The Fly Zapper requires 2 x AA batteries (included) to operate and is fully CE Approved and UK Trading Standards passed.

The Inspectors Verdict: The Executioner Fly Zapper does exactly what it says on the tin – so it’s down to you whether you decide the Fly Zapper is for you or the bugs are flying critters or not, o the bugs are your flying friends…

Please note the following is for information and is not intended as an advertisement - visit www.gadget-hound.co.uk/bug-zapper to purchase the Executioner Fly Zapper for 19€. Price quoted includes delivery to Spain and is subject to availability (Euro cost subject to exchange rate at time of purchase).

16 - 22 August 2013

47

SleepBot - Sleep Cycle Alarm We all spend a third of our lives in bed sleeping or trying to sleep so lets find out what’s really happening in that missing third of your life using this mobile phone app.

The completely new Sleepbot is finally here.

They have spent months developing a beautiful, intuitive sleep cycle tracker and dependable optimal alarm that lets you customize your sleep tracking. Record your movements and sounds during the night and wake up better each morning during light sleep.

It has lots of customizable alarms, auto wakeup option and solutions for you to fall asleep and stay awake. Sleepbot now contains the most comprehensive sleep analysis on the market and is the only sleep application that includes motion and sound graphs and loads of other interesting data from your nightly snooze.

Available to download for free on Android devices from Google Play.

48

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

Life Showbiz Goss

It could all be worth it for the Sundays I RECALL being a bit surprised the week before last when I saw that BBC2 were going to show a programme called ‘Make Me a German’, and show it they did. Intrepid reporter Justin Rowlatt booked a trip to the city of Nuremberg with his wife and two of his kids and attempted to get to the heart of what it is like living like typical Germans.

The director obviously had had some training in the sublime and the ridiculous filming Rowlatt coming out of the shower wrapped in a towel then slicing great lumps of pork from the joint for his breakfast, and weighing the meat right down the exact amount they wanted to eat. With Justin then whisked off to the local pencil factory his wife Bee was seen throwing one about the amount of work the typical hausfrau has to get through each day, and mumbling away to herself as she got through what seemed like an awful lot of hoovering.

Bit by bit, inch by inch it started to look like something Monty Python might have done back in the 70s, but then suddenly it all started to make some sort of sense. When the stats were rolled out about what’s different about Germany compared to Britain we found out that they do better than the UK on a shorter working week because they don’t spend copious amounts of time on Facebook or gassing about what’s on the telly; a truth that by itself made the programme worth checking out.

A glorious tail end to the show came in the shape of a policeman pointing out to wife Bee that it’s an offence for kids to make a racket on Sundays, so pass me my passport, I’m off to fill my face with frankfurters and beer.

by

Peter Taylor

Writer and Broadcaster

Charlotte not big on Simon´s church

WITH THE news of Louis Walsh about to step down from the judging panel of the X Factory all sorts of names have been bandied about to replace him and the story I have for you today is to do with what Charlotte Church said when her name was put in the hat.

Goodness knows Charlotte could do with some sort of high profile show to move her career onward and upward, and what was her Twitter response to the offer? “I got asked to do The X Factor job. I’d rather poke my eyes out with sticks than be a part of the machine that kills music.”… that sounds like a ‘No’ to me!

It seems that during the ‘maybe yes, maybe no’ period, the young Welsh lassie asked the ITV bosses about the creative involvement and her words were: “I had a meeting to ask about the level of involvement in the creative process I could have, and they basically said none,” meaning that celebrity peeps are really only there to add a splash of glitz and glamour and bringing any originality to the show is not what is required … in other words … cattle market TV.” However, Charlotte did show her softer side when she said about Louis stepping down: “To be fair, it could be pretty daunting to match up to dear Louis - he has rocked the judging panel for 10 amazing years!” … You didn´t have to say that Charlotte, but it does show that you spare a thought for the elderly and dim.

Celebrity clips

WHEN ASKED about the movie, Mrs Brown, (aka Brendan O’Carroll), said it will be out in June next year. “We start shooting in September, and it’s called ‘Mrs Brown D’Movie’. Brendan admitted to not having written the script yet but assures us it will be funny … we want to believe you Bren baby, so good luck with that matey.

Talking about movies, it has been bandied about on many occasions that David Beckham will go into the film business and the latest word is that he could well pop up in Colin Firth’s latest project ‘The Secret Service’. “It would just be a one off,” said David … but will he be bitten by the bug?

Staying in the world of film, I brought Steve Coogan, (aka Alan Partridge) to the column a few weeks back, saying about how the city of Norwich have taken him to their hearts, then when you find out that according to Hotels.com the tourist interest in the town of Norwich has gone up by 183%, you get to feeling this is a phenomenon … and then some-enon.

Life TV

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

49

16th - 22nd August

FRIDAY 16th August BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Countryside 999 12:45 Don’t Get Done, Get Dom 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Wanted Down Under 16:00 Perfection 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Nigel Slater’s Dish of the Day 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Celebrity MasterChef 22:00 Big School 22:30 Mrs Brown’s Boys 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Would I Lie to You? 24:05 Pramface 24:40 Adulthood

07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:30 Live Athletics 10:15 Saints and Scroungers 11:00 Hebrides: Islands on the Edge 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Wonder Man 14:35 Weakest Link 15:20 Mastermind 15:50 The A to Z of TV Gardening 16:35 Live Athletics 20:00 Dragons’ Den 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 Gardeners’ World 22:00 The Burrowers: Animals Underground 23:00 The Trip 23:30 Newsnight 24:05 Telstar: the Joe Meek Story

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Tipping Point 14:30 ITV News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Storage Hoarders 16:00 Secret Dealers 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Take on the Twisters 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Tonight 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Doc Martin 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 DOA: Dead or Alive

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Hugh’s 3 Good Things 08:10 According to Jim 08:35 Will & Grace 09:00 Swimming 10:00 Frasier 10:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 11:05 The Big Bang Theory 11:30 The Big Bang Theory 12:00 Undercover Boss USA 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 A Place in the Sun 14:10 Please Sir! 16:10 Countdown 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 Four Rooms 22:00 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown 23:00 Lee Mack Live 24:05 Rude Tube

07:00 Childrens TV 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Billion Dollar Wreck Hunt 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Animal A&E 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Mentalist 16:15 Wandering Eye 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Animal A&E 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 21:00 Pistorius Trial: The Key Questions 22:00 Big Brother 23:30 Big Brother’s Bit on the Side 24:30 Big Brother

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

09:40 Judge Judy 10:10 Judge Judy 10:35 Up All Night 11:00 Up All Night 11:30 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 12:30 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Coronation Street 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

22:00 Troy

07:00 Switched 07:20 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 Made in Chelsea 09:50 Scrubs 10:20 Rules of Engagement 10:50 90210 11:40 Ugly Betty 12:40 Charmed 13:35 Hollyoaks 14:05 How I Met Your Mother 14:35 How I Met Your Mother 15:05 Scrubs 15:35 Scrubs 16:00 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:30 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 How I Met Your Mother 22:00 He’s Just Not That into You 24:35 The Big Bang Theory

SATURDAY 17th August BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:30 Lorraine’s Fast, Fresh and Easy Food 13:00 Football Focus 13:45 Sportsday 14:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 14:15 Live Athletics 18:25 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 18:45 Pointless Celebrities 19:35 That Puppet Game Show 20:15 I Love My Country 21:00 The National Lottery: Break the Safe 21:50 Casualty 22:40 Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow 23:10 BBC News; Weather 23:30 Match of the Day 24:55 The Football League Show

BBC2

07:00 This Is BBC Two 08:30 My Life with Caroline 09:50 Underwater!

11:25 Reel History of Britain 11:55 The Private Life of Plants 12:45 University Challenge 13:15 Live Athletics 14:15 Escape to the Country 15:00 Exploring China: A Culinary Adventure 16:00 Wild China 17:00 Urban Jungle 17:30 Final Score 18:30 Coast 19:00 Flog It! 20:00 Proms Extra 2013 20:40 Dad’s Army 21:10 Thatcher - The Downing Street Years 22:10 Top of the Lake 23:10 QI XL 24:00 Rabbit-Proof Fence

SUNDAY 18th August BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 09:35 Match of the Day 11:00 Sunday Morning Live 12:00 Homes Under the Hammer 13:00 BBC News 13:10 Bargain Hunt 13:40 Live Athletics 17:15 Escape to the Country 18:00 Songs of Praise 18:35 Britain’s Big Wildlife Revival 19:35 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 The White Queen 23:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 23:25 Match of the Day 2 24:25 That Puppet Game Show

BBC2

07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:45 The Lost Moment 09:00 Around the World in 80 Gardens 10:00 Gardeners’ World 10:30 The Beechgrove Garden 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:30 Raymond Blanc: How to Cook Well 13:00 EastEnders 14:55 Coast 15:25 Krakatoa, East of Java 17:30 Horizon 18:30 Flog It! 19:30 Live MotoGP 21:00 Dragons’ Den 22:00 The Hairy Bikers: Restoration Road Trip 23:00 Blackadder the Third 23:30 Frost/Nixon

ITV1 07:00 Childrens TV 08:35 The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!

09:00 Gravity Falls 09:25 ITV News 09:30 Dinner Date 10:25 Saturday Cookbook 11:20 Murder, She Wrote 12:20 Saturday Farm 13:25 Countrywise 13:35 ITV News and Weather 13:40 All Star Mr & Mrs 14:45 Smokey and the Bandit II 16:35 Midsomer Murders 18:30 ITV News Central 18:45 ITV News and Weather 19:00 You’ve Been Framed!

19:30 You’ve Been Framed!

20:00 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix 22:40 The Americans 23:35 ITV News and Weather 23:50 State of Play

ITV1 07:00 Childrens TV 08:35 The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!

09:00 Sonny with a Chance 09:25 ITV News 09:30 Country House Sunday 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 11:20 Murder, She Wrote 12:20 ITV News and Weather 12:30 Ade in Britain 13:30 Murder, She Wrote 14:30 Love Your Garden 15:30 A Touch of Frost 17:30 The Queen 19:30 ITV News Central 19:45 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Tipping Point: Lucky Stars 21:00 Martin Clunes - Heavy Horsepower 22:00 Law & Order: UK 23:00 ITV News and Weather 23:15 Perspectives 24:15 Murder, She Wrote

CHANNEL 4 07:05 British GT Championship 07:30 The Grid 08:00 Swimming 09:00 The Morning Line 10:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 11:00 Frasier 11:30 Frasier 12:00 The Big Bang Theory 12:30 The Big Bang Theory 13:00 The Simpsons 14:30 Channel 4 Racing 17:10 V Festival 17:40 Come Dine with Me 18:15 Come Dine with Me 18:45 Come Dine with Me 19:15 Come Dine with Me 19:45 Channel 4 News 20:00 Mission: Impossible 22:00 Terminator 2: Judgment Day 24:40 V Festival

CHANNEL 5 07:00 Childrens TV 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:10 Toby’s Travelling Circus 10:25 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Jelly Jamm 11:00 Power Rangers: Megaforce 11:35 Slugterra 12:00 Inside Hollywood 12:05 Big Brother 13:30 The Battle of the V1 15:30 Anzio 17:50 Columbo: Ashes to Ashes 19:35 Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt 21:05 NCIS 22:00 NCIS 22:55 5 News Weekend 23:00 Big Brother 24:00 Big Brother’s Bit on the Psych

ITV2 07:00 Coronation Street 09:10 Emmerdale 12:05 Girlfriends 13:05 Dinner Date: Australia 14:00 The Xtra Factor 15:05 You’ve Been Framed!

15:30 You’ve Been Framed!

16:00 What a Girl Wants 18:05 Step Up 2 the Streets 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

21:30 You’ve Been Framed!

22:00 The Bourne Supremacy 24:15 Red Dragon

E4

07:00 Being Erica 07:45 Being Erica 08:30 Greek 09:30 Make It or Break It 10:30 Ugly Betty 11:30 Scrubs 12:00 Scrubs 12:30 Scrubs 13:00 Glee 14:00 Charmed 15:00 90210 16:00 Rules of Engagement 16:30 Rules of Engagement 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Rules of Engagement 18:30 The Mindy Project 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Suburgatory 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 Happy Endings 24:00 PhoneShop 24:30 The Inbetweeners

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 Ironman 2013 08:00 Swimming 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:30 The Big Bang Theory 14:00 The Simpsons 14:30 The Legend of Zorro 17:00 V Festival 17:40 Step Up 3 19:40 Channel 4 News 20:00 Kirstie’s Fill Your House for Free 21:00 The Mill 22:00 Southcliffe 23:05 Dear John

07:00 Childrens TV 09:20 Milkshake! Monkey 09:25 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 The Mr Men Show 11:15 Power Rangers Samurai 11:50 Slugterra 12:10 Inside Hollywood 12:15 Big Brother 13:15 Big Brother’s Bit on the Side 14:15 The Hotel Inspector 15:20 Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure 16:50 Bewitched 18:50 Hitch 21:00 Once Upon a Time 21:55 5 News Weekend 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Next 24:55 Above the Law

07:00 Beauty and the Geek 07:50 Emmerdale 10:50 Coronation Street 13:20 America’s Got Talent 15:15 America’s Got Talent 16:15 The Mighty Ducks 18:25 Johnny English 20:15 The Scorpion King 22:00 The Shawshank Redemption 24:50 Hell’s Kitchen USA

07:00 Switched 07:25 Greek 08:10 Make It or Break It 09:10 Ugly Betty 10:05 Scrubs 10:35 Scrubs 11:05 Hollyoaks 13:40 Glee 14:35 Charmed 15:35 90210 16:30 How I Met Your Mother 17:00 How I Met Your Mother 17:30 How I Met Your Mother 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:30 The Mindy Project 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:30 New Girl 21:00 New in Town 23:00 The Inbetweeners 23:30 Don’t Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 24:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man

50

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

Life TV

16th August - 22nd August

MONDAY 19th August BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Countryside 999 12:45 Don’t Get Done, Get Dom 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Perfection 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Wanted Down Under 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Fake Britain 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Fightback Britain 22:00 Death in Paradise 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 24:20 Room 101 - Extra Storage

07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:05 Homes Under the Hammer 08:05 Countryside 999 08:50 Don’t Get Done, Get Dom 09:20 Saints and Scroungers 10:05 Restoration Home 11:05 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 11:35 Click 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Coast 13:10 Weakest Link 13:55 Mastermind 14:25 Angels One Five 16:00 The A to Z of TV Gardening 16:45 A Taste of My Life 17:15 Journeys from the Centre of the Earth 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Flog It! Trade Secrets 20:30 Great British Railway Journeys 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 The Incredible Spice Men 22:00 Horizon 23:00 The Sarah Millican Television Programme 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Sins of Our Fathers

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Star Treatment 14:30 ITV News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Storage Hoarders 16:00 Secret Dealers 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Take on the Twisters 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 The People’s Medal 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 The Road to Referendum 24:35 Benidorm

07:00 The Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Hugh’s 3 Good Things 08:10 According to Jim 08:35 Will & Grace 09:05 Swimming 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 11:00 The Big Bang Theory 12:00 Hollywood Me 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 14:05 Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals 14:35 Bullwhip 16:10 Countdown 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 Ade Adepitan: Journey of My Lifetime 22:00 Benefits Britain 1949 23:00 Ramsay’s Hotel Hell 24:00 Random Acts 24:05 How to Get a Council House

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 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 Cowboy Builders 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Animal A&E 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:15 The Perfect Assistant 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Animal A&E 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 Police Interceptors 21:00 The Billion Dollar Wreck Hunt 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Under the Dome 23:55 Big Brother 24:30 Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

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

09:40 Judge Judy 10:10 Judge Judy 10:35 Up All Night 11:00 Up All Night 11:30 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 12:30 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Coronation Street 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 The Xtra Factor 22:00 Shaun of the Dead 24:05 Girlfriends

TUESDAY 20th August

ITV2

E4

07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 Made in Chelsea 09:50 Scrubs 10:15 Rules of Engagement 10:45 90210 11:40 Ugly Betty 12:35 Charmed 13:35 Hollyoaks 14:05 How I Met Your Mother 14:35 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 18:25 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 New Girl 21:30 The Mindy Project 22:00 90210 23:00 jackass number two

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Countryside 999 12:45 Don’t Get Done, Get Dom 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Perfection 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Wanted Down Under 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 New Tricks 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 The Naked Rambler 24:25 Paul O’Grady’s Working Britain

07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:05 Homes Under the Hammer 08:05 Countryside 999 08:50 Don’t Get Done, Get Dom 09:20 Saints and Scroungers 10:05 You’ve Been Scammed 10:35 The Fantastic Mr Feynman 11:35 HARDtalk 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Coast 13:15 The Super League Show 13:55 Mastermind 14:25 Lucky Jim 16:00 The A to Z of TV Gardening 16:45 A Taste of My Life 17:15 Journeys from the Centre of the Earth 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Flog It! Trade Secrets 20:30 Great British Railway Journeys 21:00 The Great British Bake Off 22:00 The Midwives 23:00 Family Tree 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The Hairy Bikers: Restoration Road Trip

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Star Treatment 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Storage Hoarders 16:00 Secret Dealers 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Long Lost Family 18:00 Take on the Twisters 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Live UEFA Champions League 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 UEFA Champions League: Extra Time 24:20 In Plain Sight

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Hugh’s 3 Good Things 08:10 According to Jim 08:35 Will & Grace 09:00 Frasier 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 11:00 The Big Bang Theory 11:30 The Big Bang Theory 12:00 Hollywood Me 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 14:05 Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals 14:35 The Lavender Hill Mob 16:10 Countdown 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 Double Your House for Half the Money 22:00 Top Boy 23:00 Rude Tube 24:05 The Dealership

07:00 Childrens TV 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Cowboy Builders 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:10 While My Pretty One Sleeps 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Animal A&E 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 NCIS 21:00 Born to Kill?

22:00 CSI: NY 23:00 9/11 Crime Scene Investigators 24:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

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

09:40 Judge Judy 10:10 Judge Judy 10:35 Up All Night 11:00 Up All Night 11:30 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 12:30 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Coronation Street 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

22:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA 23:00 The Invention of Lying

07:00 Switched 07:20 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 Made in Chelsea 09:45 Scrubs 10:15 Rules of Engagement 10:40 90210 11:35 Ugly Betty 12:35 Charmed 13:35 Hollyoaks 14:05 How I Met Your Mother 14:35 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 15:35 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 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 New Girl 22:30 The Mindy Project 23:00 Happy Endings 23:30 The Cleveland Show 24:00 8 Out of 10 Cats 24:50 The Big Bang Theory

WEDNESDAY 21st August BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Countryside 999 12:45 Don’t Get Done, Get Dom 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Perfection 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Wanted Down Under 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Rip Off Food 21:00 Celebrity MasterChef 22:00 Who Do You Think You Are? 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 The Call Centre 24:35 Smart People

01:20 This World 02:20 Make Me a German 03:20 This Is BBC Two 07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Countryside 999 08:45 Don’t Get Done, Get Dom 09:15 Saints and Scroungers 10:00 Rick Stein’s India 11:00 Helicopter Heroes Down Under 11:30 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 12:00 BBC News 13:00 Weakest Link 13:45 Mastermind 14:15 Private’s Progress 15:45 A Taste of My Life 16:15 Great Barrier Reef 17:15 Journeys from the Centre of the Earth 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Flog It! Trade Secrets 20:30 Great British Railway Journeys 21:00 Restoration Home 22:00 Welcome to the World of Weight Loss 23:00 The Culture Show 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Dara O Briain’s Science Club

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Star Treatment 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Storage Hoarders 16:00 Secret Dealers 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Long Lost Family 18:00 Take on the Twisters 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Midsomer Murders 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 Great Night Out 24:35 The Dales

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Hugh’s 3 Good Things 08:10 According to Jim 08:35 Will & Grace 09:00 Frasier 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 11:00 The Big Bang Theory 11:30 The Big Bang Theory 12:00 Hollywood Me 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 A Place in the Sun 14:05 Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals 14:35 Channel 4 Racing 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 How Not to Get Old 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 The Last Leg 23:50 I’m Spazticus 24:20 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

07:00 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Cowboy Builders 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 The Hotel Inspector 14:15 Animal A&E 14:45 Neighbours 15:20 NCIS 16:15 Flirting with Danger 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Animal A&E 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 Cricket: The Ashes 21:00 Nurses 22:00 The Da Vinci Code 24:55 The True Story

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 The Xtra Factor 08:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:10 You’ve Been Framed!

09:40 Judge Judy 10:10 Judge Judy 10:35 Up All Night 11:00 Up All Night 11:30 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 12:30 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 The Xtra Factor 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

22:00 Girlfriends 23:00 Bridget Jones’s Diary

07:00 Switched 07:20 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 Made in Chelsea 09:45 Scrubs 10:15 Rules of Engagement 10:40 90210 11:35 Ugly Betty 12:35 Charmed 13:35 Hollyoaks 14:05 How I Met Your Mother 14:35 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 Scrubs 15:35 Scrubs 16:05 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:25 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Clueless 23:00 Under Siege 2

16 - 22 August 2013

51

THURSDAY 22nd August BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Heir Hunters 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Countryside 999 12:45 Don’t Get Done, Get Dom 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Perfection 16:00 Escape to the Country 16:45 Wanted Down Under 17:30 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Celebrity MasterChef 22:00 Paul O’Grady’s Working Britain 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Who Do You Think You Are? 24:35 City Hall

07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:05 Homes Under the Hammer 08:05 Countryside 999 08:50 Don’t Get Done, Get Dom 09:20 Saints and Scroungers 10:05 The Sheriffs Are Coming 11:05 Robbed, Raided, Reunited 11:35 HARDtalk 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Weakest Link 13:45 Mastermind 14:15 Tycoon 16:15 Great Barrier Reef 17:15 Journeys from the Centre of the Earth 18:15 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Flog It! Trade Secrets 20:30 Great British Railway Journeys 21:00 Dara O Briain’s Science Club 22:00 The Men Who Made Us Thin 23:00 Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 The Men Who Made Us Fat

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Star Treatment 14:30 ITV News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Storage Hoarders 16:00 Secret Dealers 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Long Lost Family 18:00 Take on the Twisters 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Married to the Job 22:00 Poaching Wars with Tom Hardy 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 The Pledge

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Hugh’s 3 Good Things 08:15 According to Jim 08:40 Will & Grace 09:05 Frasier 09:35 Frasier 10:05 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:35 Everybody Loves Raymond 11:00 The Big Bang Theory 11:30 The Big Bang Theory 12:00 Hollywood Me 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 14:05 Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals 14:35 Channel 4 Racing 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 Location, Location, Location 22:00 The Imposter 23:55 Random Acts 24:00 24 Hours in A&E

07:00 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 Cowboy Builders 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 The Billion Dollar Wreck Hunt 14:15 Animal A&E 14:45 Neighbours 15:20 CSI: Miami 16:15 Bonneville 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Animal A&E 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 Cricket: The Ashes 21:00 The Truth About Travellers 22:00 Celebrity Big Brother 24:00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

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

09:40 Judge Judy 10:10 Judge Judy 10:35 Up All Night 11:00 You’ve Been Framed!

11:30 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 12:30 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 Beverly Hills 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 You’ve Been Framed!

22:00 Bridget Jones: the Edge of Reason 24:15 House of Wax

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS 721 CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Happy medium; 9 Rat; 10 Note-paper; 11 Appal; 13 Observe; 14 Normal; 16 Attach; 18 Primate; 19 Sedan; 20 Eliminate; 21 Sue; 22 Undertaking.

Down: 2 Act; 3 Panel; 4 Motion; 5 Deposit; 6 Upper hand; 7 Great-nephew; 8 Freethinker; 12 Perdition; 15 Avarice; 17 Depart; 19 Sleek; 21 Sin.

QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Stereoscope; 9 Cow; 10 Decompose; 11 Elfin; 13 Located; 14 Enrich; 16 Please; 18 Amative; 19 Alert; 20 Exhibited; 21 Lei; 22 Predecessor.

Down: 2 Tow; 3 Rodin; 4 Occult; 5 Comical; 6 Prostrate; 7 Accelerates; 8 Dead certain; 12 Forgather; 15 Climbed; 17 Hectic; 19 Aides; 21 Leo.

E4 07:00 Switched 07:20 90210 08:05 Ugly Betty 08:50 Made in Chelsea 09:45 Scrubs 10:15 Rules of Engagement 10:40 90210 11:35 Ugly Betty 12:35 Charmed 13:35 Hollyoaks 14:05 How I Met Your Mother 14:35 How I Met Your Mother 15:05 Scrubs 15:35 Scrubs 16:05 Charmed 17:00 Rules of Engagement 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 18:30 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 How I Met Your Mother 22:00 Don’t Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 22:30 Suburgatory 23:00 PhoneShop 23:30 The IT Crowd 24:00 The IT Crowd 24:35 The Big Bang Theory

What’s on Viva TV this week Viva TV broadcasts on the Torresat Network every day from 2.00pm until 10pm And you can watch all our programmes and find our full listings at www.vivatv.es Friday 16 Aug Viva La Vida – New series. Steve Thomas introduces another programme with the Jazz Singer, Paul Christie, El Divo and featuring an interview with Lee from Steps. 19.00 Saturday 17 Aug FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions – Some more useful hints and tips on various issues about living here in Spain. 18.30 Sunday 18 Aug Let’s Talk – Simon Baldock is with remarkable local guitarist and teacher Nick Barker known for his amazing Pink Floyd show. 18.30 Monday 19 Aug The Easy Horse Care Foundation – an in depth look

at what EHC has done over the past five years and looking positively towards the future. 19.30 Tuesday 20 Aug Celebrity Archive – Simon is with actress Zoe Lucker from Eastenders, Footballer’s Wives and Waterloo Road. 18.00 Wednesday 21 Aug An Evening With...The Good Old Days (part 1)– Remember them? This is the Costa Blanca version from Alcalalí. 19.00 Thursday 22 Aug TVM (NEW series) Peter Taylor invites us to join him with another special selection of world music. If you liked John Peel you’ll love this! 19.00

52

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

Life people

Summertime...the living is free and easy!

By Jack Troughton TALENTED MEMBERS of Footlights Youth Theatre bounce back with a free summer outdoor show in Calpe on Monday 19th August.

THE GROUP takes over the open air amphitheatre attached to the town’s Casa de Cultura – with numbers from hit musical and film ‘Les Miserables’ freshly rehearsed during summer workshops with a member of the London show cast.

Starting at 7.30pm, the performance is expected to last around an hour and 15 minutes and will feature songs from a number of top shows and energetic dance routines.

An enthusiastic cast has been rehearsing for months under the watchful eye of choreographer Giovanni Wallis and is ready to build on the success of debut show, the musical ‘Cats’.

The show is free and a ‘bucket collection’ will raise money for Friends of the Children of EMAUS. The group has staged auditions for principal roles in its next major production ‘West Side Story’ and the Calpe=based team has a full complement of girls for the February 2014 production – but needs more boys, preferably aged over 14 or 15.

‘Les Mis’ workshop singing ‘One Day More’

Life recipe

Toasted Goat’s Cheese Salad with Figs THIS IS a kind of posh cheese on toast based on the original French version, but with luscious figs and a crisp salad, drizzled with a tangy dressing. Perfect for hot sunny days when you don’t really want to cook at all.

• 200g soft, French-style goat’s cheese • 8-10 slices cut from a baguette • A bag of mixed salad leaves • 2-3 ripe figs, quartered • A handful of broken walnuts For the dressing • 2 tbls olive oil whisked with 1 tbls balsamic vinegar 1. Place the slices of baguette under a hot grill and cook on both sides until lightly browned.

Remove from the grill and cover with slices of goat’s cheese. Return to the grill and cook until the cheese is brown and bubbling.

2. Meanwhile, pile a handful of salad leaves in the centre of two serving plates. Sprinkle the walnuts over the salad and drizzle with the dressing. Finally arrange the figs and cheese slices over and around the salad.

Serves: 2 Preparation time: 5 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

Cyclists wanted!

THE GIVING4GIVING Charity Shop is holding a Sponsored Cycle Ride on Sunday 15th September to support a local Breast Cancer charity.

All you have to do to take part is sign up and collect a sponsor form so your family and friends an sponsor you for a good cause.

Bikes and transport will be provided by the Benidorm Downhill Bikeride Co. The ride commences at 10am and will take approximately two and a half hours covering 20km through beautiful countryside.

And following the ride there will be a fun afternoon at the Orange House in Finestrat: great entertainment, a rastro market and delicious refreshment on offer.

See you there!

For more information telephone Gary Burr on 603 137 697 or email gary@giving4giving.com Also see www.giving4giving.com

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

53

54

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

Life health

Ann Mather Nutritionist

Natural Pain Relief ONE OF the primary reasons that people seek the help and advice of health professionals is that they experience some sort of pain – backache, arthritis, migraine and headaches.

IN GENERAL terms, pain is a symptom of inflammation within the body which results from several factors including injury to tissue, nutritional imbalances and certain drugs.

Inflammation is often viewed as a problem – something to be quashed as quickly as possible by the use of painkillers, anti-inflammatories and other medication.

However, inflammation is not always the bad guy. When it is acute, it is an important part of the natural healing process. It is when the inflammation becomes chronic that the real problems arise, often associated with serious conditions, illness and disease.

Inflammation is dependent on Omega 6 and Omega 3 essential fatty acids which act as chemical messengers (hormones known as eicosanoids) within the body.

Eicosanoids derived from Omega 3 are involved in balancing and reducing inflammation and therefore support the healing process. Eicosanoids that are derived from Omega 6 and Arachidonic Acid promote and exacerbate inflammation: it is therefore a question of balance.

The western diet is far too rich in foods that contain Omega 6 and Arachidonic Acids and is therefore upsetting

the natural balance within our body. The best ratio is somewhere around 2 (Omega 6) to 1 (Omega 3). It is estimated that the majority of us now have a ratio of 25 to 1! It stands to reason that such an increase in Omega 6 intake is going to lead to increases in inflammation and therefore pain.

Seeking medical advice for conditions that may be serious is of course important, but before you reach for your self-prescribed pain killer or antiinflammatory, start to ask yourself the questions “why am I experiencing pain?” “Could it be something to do with my diet?” Taking medication can actually produce even more inflammation and therefore pain in the longer term, so see if you can find a natural alternative. A simple food intolerance test or changes to your diet could provide the natural answer to pain relief.

Ann Mather is available for food intolerance tests and nutritional consultations throughout the Northern Costa Blanca: Telephone 647 844 260.

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16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

Life horoscopes

Kenny corris www.kennycorris.net Mobile: 686 361 594 Telephone: 965 878 424

Going back

Expect slow progress with retrograde Uranus chipping in.

It’s sure that this week events will take up your time, but be satisfied that you are doing the right thing in the long rung. There are many ways to skin a rabbit but for sure it has to be dead first, so it wouldn’t do any harm to activate an alternative just in case, as you wait and see.

THE SUMMER is in full swing, but I cannot be alone in The Saturn/Scorpio vortex in your opposing sign begs you to sit down and take notice because there is something that has yet to be explained to you, and it changes things somewhat. We sometimes have to hear things we would rather not, but here it is a matter of pre warned is pre armed and it does you a great favour.

As Mercury moves into Virgo there is a time for you to take a closer look within and to balance your emotions with your expectations. Riding high is your refusal to accept the truth about a certain someone. If knowing the truth hurts you then you really do have some work to do, but if you are playing for time, then let it be so.

You have remained silent for too long, and if you play your cards right then what’s next is what you have been waiting for, for a while. One thing is for sure, you have to cut your cloth according to your means, and financial aspects play a big part in what’s wrong right now. It doesn’t have to be like this, so do what you know is best all round.

You have been far too busy to notice the distress of someone close to you. Idealistic fantasies about your future do little to offset what you have failed to see or to act on.

There may be a reason for this, but those who stand to love and support you cannot see that, and you need that your transparency can make a whole lot of difference to them!

The Sun is exalted midweek backed by the subtle entry of Mercury. With Uranus in direct you may have to scupper a project, or at least place it on hold; but wily Mercury, as your clear strong inner voice is set to ensure that you get the benefit of the doubt regarding a pending transaction. Take time to examine all possibilities.

Venus, your planetary leader does much to bring you to your senses regarding an affair of the heart. You have not grasped the situation apart from aspects when you are provided for. This shows a naivety, which others could see as your provocation. You do not have to wear your heart on your sleeve, but you do need to re think your stance.

With all the will in the World there are some who will not listen whatever it is you have to say. Responsibility must now be taken by all involved, and admittedly you are a natural spokesperson, but this does not mean that you have drawn the short straw. All must have a say, yes, but what is needed now is action, not mere words, and a working plan.

Jupiter dallies with Cancer and Uranus, in retrograde, with Aries. It would seem as if something is missing in the current scheme of things and this is hampering your movements right now. Beware that you will have to take the lion’s share of responsibility if you decide to work on a topical project as others have alternative reasons.

Pluto works better with Uranus when in retrograde, so expect that you are met with more enthusiasm than normal as you start to make specific plans for a forthcoming event.

Seeing things from all angles there is a need to ensure that all concerned are fully able to take on the tasks they currently face without your intervention.

An irritating time as there seems to be a breakdown in communication, yet work to do. Mercurian aspects compliment exalted Virgo to ensure that things run smoothly, but there comes a question that you have the right person for the right job right now. Along the line someone is not telling the truth about something.

Chiron inspires and directs, and never counts the cost.

The influence to you allows you to see for yourself what you currently need to focus on, and yet there are things you choose not to see right now. Nobody who truly loves you would treat you this way, or allow you to suffer, so be prepared for what you really know that you have to do.

thinking that time is flashing past this year, and that Autumn will soon be upon us. I am unsure if this speed in the passing of time is brought about by my age, the heat, or maybe living in Spain? Whatever, I am conscious of so many things that I want to achieve, and it seems to me that I should make a start on making those wishes into the treasured memories they need to be, and not let them become the missed opportunities of a lifetime.

Forty years ago I was in Ibiza. It was very much subject to the hippy trail at that time, and the Island was relatively unspoilt by commercialism, enjoying a limited tourism. Life was very simple, and it was a very welcome break from University at the time. There was still a photo of Franco on the wall of every airport, and the Grises still patrolled nightclubs and bars. The bikini had arrived and had been sanctioned on the Balearic Islands to promote a positive image of Spain as all was done to boost the positive tourist image that was to fuel the sweeping future of the Spanish economy. Still, ladies had to cover their bare arms in towns and villages, and very few double beds were available, and then strictly only to married couples.

Anyone with long hair was a Hippy, until proven otherwise, and the taste of the fruit and vegetables was sublime.

I approached Ibiza by boat the very first time, and I will never forget the sighting of Ibiza Town, and the thrill that came from eyeing the simplistic but rustico houses piled upwards from the shore. It was this first sighting that provoked something within me I turned to my partner and calmly said that I would one day die in Spain. It wasn’t what a nineteen year old

Kennys diary

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Postbag

Coming Soon: Autumn Spiritual Fair in Altea La Vella.

Please contact for information and further details.

DNA: A Workshop: A one day workshop that helps you to charge your own unique Spiritual DNA. A comprehensive workshop, open to all, that intensifies, accelerates and inspires Spiritual progress and indicates the clear way ahead. Dates in September 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.

Meditation Workshop: Working with your Sanctuary is a half day workshop in Meditation technique. No previous experience necessary and all welcome as we explore our hidden depths. New dates. Call for info.

If it’s your birthday this week

student teacher usually said, but I said it, and most likely my wish will come true now, too. Previously to this death wish came a statement to my Mother that I would like to live in the land where the palm trees grew. Little did I know the diversity of the common palm tree at the time, but I had the right idea, and I got my wish and I still love to see palm trees because of their age, and the secrets that they hold as each mysterious layer is added to their stature.

Looking back isn’t sad, though when I look back at the photographic evidence of me then and there it is a wonder to me. Each year brings us a calvacade of fun and laughter, and maybe tears too, carefully wedged between the smiles that hopefully predominate. So when I was snapped on a boat leaving San Antonio with my Ibizenco shoes and straw bag, decked in cheesecloth and sporting Hippy market jewellery, it was to serve one day to inspire me to write this Article.

I had hair then, and rather a lot of it too. Everything is for something, even if it isn’t currently known what for!

There… a fleeting Summer moment captured for ever, and shared with you.

Spirit has done such a good job to see me safely through such a wonderful forty years since my first holiday adventure as a single traveller. Somehow the way they have allowed me the freedom to make my journey and guided me at every step is something remarkable. When there were crossroads I took my best chance, when the road divided I was unafraid and carried on, spurred by my Mother’s advice to me, to never, ever, look back. Looking ahead there is far more road to walk, and I only have to hope that there is enough time to do what I have to on this Earth, before I take up residence in the Spirit World, as life will go on, no compromise.

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

Kenny, you have done much for me, especially helping me to take away the fear of living in the Spirit World as my next station in life. I am still so worried about dying though, especially as I saw my Mother die in such pain Annie K, Annie we are born dying. Born with the D.N.A. that will kill us one day, but we have to live here on Earth, however hard it is. To think of not being here one day may scare many, and I do thank you for your long letter which brings up the fear of dying very sincerely. If we survive on Earth then we live in the Spirit World, and we cannot stop the procedure that one day takes us when our time is up. Then we can focus better on what we want to do next, enter and cross a new frontier and learn to live in a new dimension. This alone will take us through to see clearly that we leave behind only our tired Earthly body as our soul directs us to a new and exciting dimension of life. The pain of death, if any, is a distant memory to those who have made their transition …because it is what comes next that is closest to our destiny!

Change figures greatly in your current feelings right now, but in the momentary rush do not overlook that life is starting to be kind to you at long last, and that there are aspects worth waiting for in the current scheme of things!

Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword

Word Ladders

ACROSS 4. It’s a strain becoming a skilled craftsman (7) 8. Breaks out, but the rest somehow holds up (6) 9. Not in a position to exercise one’s craft? (7) 10. Concerning a spot a long way off (6) 11. Directs transport (6) 12. He favours dictation above all his subjects (8) 18. Clearly not as others are (8) 20. To people, one is a danger (6) 21. Fuss about the French in Spain (6) 22. When one can look forward to retirement (7) 23. We arrange the sale of an animal (6) 24. Part of the meal you leave, we hear (7)

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16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

DOWN 1. It’s beaten by those who are themselves beaten (7) 2. Tops two thousand in legal actions (7) 3. It acts strangely, causing interference perhaps (6) 5. Crafty contests (8) 6. The meteorologist’s line (6) 7. It keeps the sun away from the lawn ingeniously (6) 13. Having paid, he recovers (8) 14. Smouldering anger? (7) 15. Makes slow progress by street-car (7) 16. Withdraw a direction to surrender (6) 17. Naturally, it raises awkward points (6) 19. A mason knows how it spreads (6)

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 4. Entrance (7) 8. Merited (6) 9. Insult (7) 10. Expense (6) 11. Riot (6) 12. Rectory (8) 18. Gap (8) 20. Entertain (6) 21. Caress (6) 22. Usual (7) 23. Hand gun (6) 24. Quill (7)

DOWN 1. Rotate (7) 2. Defend (7) 3. Mend (6) 5. Wealthy (8) 6. Mistakes (6) 7. Yearly (6) 13. Estrange (8) 14. Covetousness (7) 15. Aged (7) 16. Strict (6) 17. Obvious (6) 19. Alien (6)

Euromillions Draw Friday 9th August 2013

4

7 9 23 24

8

9

1

4

No ticket won the Jackpot Tuesday 13th August 2013

Last weeks crossword answers can be found with the TV listings.

5 17 20 47 50

No ticket won the Jackpot

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16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

Life music

Zodiac Duo

ZODIAC IS the ‘People’s Favourite’ vocal harmony duo on the Costa Blanca, covering songs from the 60s to date. Zodiac, regularly performing in Benidorm during the week, would like to remind everyone that although they are now semi-retired they still work elsewhere, either on a Friday or Saturday night. Zodiac is also very popular with the local Masonic Lodges, Bowls Clubs, Social Clubs, etc. as entertainment for their dinner / dances. For a fun night’s entertainment, get along and enjoy the boys’ show. For more information phone: 661 179 765.

GIGS FOR AUGUST All Mondays , Hotel Rio Park, Benidorm: 8.30pm All Thursdays, Hotel Rio Park, Benidorm: 8.30pm Fri 16th, Monte Vista Pool Bar, Cumbre del Sol Sat 24th, Bar Ambiente, Moravit, Moraira Tues 27th, Druids Cave II, Paichi Centre, Moraira Sat 31st, Castilla International Festival, Moraira

The KC Experience Acoustic Duo THE KC Experience is an acoustic duo formed

by Kelly Lee (vocals/piano) and Carlos Bou (acoustic guitar), both from Black Glitter.

Their repertoire includes well know jazz standards, Eva Cassidy, Amy Winehouse, Metallica. This is a Duo to see, listen to and by the end of the evening they will have you singing and dancing to the sounds of Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and the likes of Coldplay, Duffy and Agnes. For more information visit them on Facebook.

AUGUST GIGS Friday 16th Bar Planet Acoustic Session Parcent: 9pm Monday 19th Alter Ego Café Bar Denia: 10pm Thursday 22nd Hoyo 19, Marriott Hotel Complex , Denia: 9pm Friday 23rd, Café Mia Javea Old Town: 8.30pm Thursday 29th, Hoyo 19, Marriott Hotel Complex, Denia: 9pm

Black Glitter: Rock/Soul Band BLACK GLITTER is an exciting band with a line-up of Geoff Britton (drums), Kelly (vocals), Carlos (guitar) and Chema (bass). The band’s repertoire includes the great lady vocalists of rock and soul, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle etc. There is plenty to enjoy, quality musicians, classic songs and some great dance music. For more info on the band phone Kelly on: 650 957 914.

AUGUST GIGS Friday 16th, Blues Bar, (Near Marina) Denia: 12.30am Saturday 17th, Steinways Jazz and Blues, Denia: 12.30am Sunday 18th, Lions Summer Concert, (Castle) Moraira: 8pm Wednesday 21st, Geographic Bar, Javea Arenal: 10pm

Thursday 22nd, La Plaza Bar, Altea: 12.30am Saturday 24th, Steinways Jazz and Blues, Denia: 12.30am Sunday 25th, Aleluya Bar, Jalon: 7.30pm Friday 30th, Blues Bar, (Near Marina) Denia: 12.30am Saturday 31st, La Plaza Bar, Altea: 12.30am

Back to Back Duo Bar Bon Appetit, Javea

BACK TO Back is a vocal duo comprising of two of the most popular vocalists on the Costa Blanca, Terry Rowley and Wayne Horne. Terry and Wayne will entertain you with a repertoire of classic hits from the 60s to date. Featuring ballads to rock ‘n’ roll you onto your feet: a feel good show. On Friday 16th August, Back to Back will be appearing in Bar Bon Appetit, Arenal, Javea at 9pm. Bar Bon Appetit is located at the far end of the Arenal, near to the Fish and Chip shop.

On Saturday 17th August, due to popular demand, ‘Meka’ (The Prince of Soul and Motown) will be returning to perform at Bar Bon Appetit. For reservations & bookings call: 96 647 1960.

NEW CARS available to view in our showroom in CALPE 2009 MODEL,RENAULT CLIO 1.2 EMOTION Eco 2, (50mpg) 5 dr, aqua blue met, with grey trim, a/c, c/d, cruise, high spec, low kms

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 4995€ 2005 SUZUKI WAGON R+. 1.3 5 dr, sky blue met,with grey trim,a/c c/ d,s/h 3995€

2007 SUZUKI SWIFT

6995€

2010 FORD FOCUS RS electric blue with recaro interior privacy glass, climate, alloys, I-pod, only 10k, FSH, I owner, 25,950€ 2007 BMW X3 ,2.0 DIESEL,black with charcoal trim, alloys,climate , c/d,nice spec, low km,s, cruise control 14,995€ 2002 HONDA S2000 SPORT CABRIO. Speed silver with red leather trim, electric roof, polished alloys, c/d -hi-fi, a/c, totally original, unique car, only 43 k 11995€ 2008 FORD FOCUS 1.6 AUTO. Denim blue met. Grey trim, a/c c/d, remote locking & e/w only 38k 9995€ 2003 BMW X5, 4.4 SE AUTO silver with black hide alloys, climate, remote locking full spec 8,995€ SEPT 2010 SMART 1.0 MHD FOR TWO AUTOMATIC! Denim blue met with grey trim Air con alloys remote locking Radio CD.very low KMS one owner. €7995 2007 VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1.4 AUTOMATIC charcoal metallic with grey trim, aircon cd, alarm, very nice spec, only 22,000 km 1 owner, 7995€

1.5glx 5dr silver with black trim, a/c, c/d, alloys, s/history

4995€ 2003 VW GOLF,1.6 HATCH,black with charcoal trim, alloys, a/c, cruise, c/d hi-fi 3995€ 2001 SMART FOR TWO, 600, AUTO/ tiptronic yellow & black, ” Ferrari edition “ panoramic roof, alloys, stunning!

2995€

2005 SUZUKI WAGON R+ 1.3 5 dr, sky blue met, with grey trim, a/c, c/d, s/h

2002 TOYOTA CELICA 1.8 VVTI COUPE silver with grey sports trim,a/c, c/ d, alloys,very low km,s, as new

5995€

2009 MODEL, RENAULT CLIO 1.2 EMOTION Eco 2, (50mpg) 5 dr, aqua blue met, with grey trim, a/c, c/d, cruise, high spec, low kms 6995€ 2012 RENAULT TWIZY Only 6 months old, fully electric car, pearl white met, gull wing doors 6995€ 2002 TOYOTA CELICA 1.8 VVTI COUPE,silver with grey sports trim,a/c, c/ d, alloys,very low km,s, as new, 5995€ 2008 FORD FIESTA 1.4TDCI DIESEL 5 dr.jade met, with charcoal trim, a/c, c/d, remote locking, etc 4995€ 2004 HYUNDAI H 200 VAN 2500 DIESEL.LWB, side sliding door,silver with blue trim,c/d,low km,s.

4995€

3995€ 2000 MODEL RENAULT MEGANE 1.4 RXE 5 dr emerald met with grey trim. Alloys, a/c, low kms p/ex to clear 1495€

UK RIGHT HAND DRIVE

2004 MAZDA MX5 CABRIO magenta mica met,with black trim, c/d, hi-fi, alloys, FSH, immaculate!

4995€ 2004 FORD FIESTA1.4 LX, 5 dr,blue met with charcoal trim,a/c ,c/d,,tax& mot, 2695€

MOTORCYCLES 2007 PIAGGIO MP3 3 WHEEL SCOOTER

2495€

CASH FOR YOUR CAR Tel: 965 876 030

Mob: 699 034 138

Life cars

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

Tim Saunders Independent unbiased car reviewer

Road Test - Volvo V40 DESIGNERS, LIKE writers, crave inspiration and a desire to stand out from the crowd - for all the right reasons, too. So what on earth is the poor designer to do when confronted with a request to introduce a new luxury mid-range family hatchback into what many may consider to be a saturated marketplace?

A marketplace flooded with Volkswagens, BMWs and Audis. Not only look to the competition but draw on the past, all the while looking to the future. And that partly helps to explain the new Volvo V40.

This is the second generation model because its predecessor was launched in 1996, manufactured until 2004. My uncle was the proud owner of one of these, until he hit a deer while travelling at speed on the motorway. He was lucky to be alive but then he was driving a Volvo, renowned for its safety features. Looking back at the original V40 it followed a long line of Volvos of that era with their slightly rounded edges, the manufacturer slowly breaking away from its trademark straight lines of the ‘80s. There were a lot of curves on earlier models and in common with many manufacturers these are being revisited with today’s offerings.

The Swedish manufacturer has always offered something slightly different and the new V40 continues along this road. It can be easily recognised as a modern Volvo, sharing much in common with its larger brothers. But there is no doubt that while Volvo has resurrected the V40 the model we have before us shares nothing in common with its ancestor, apart from the distinctive Volvo emblem of course and its flawless safety record. Today’s V40 is clean, fast and perhaps most interestingly of all, a hatchback. The original V40 was offered in either saloon or estate variants.

For me, an important test currently is whether a car has a large enough boot to carry a cumbersome tandem pushchair. It’s not a fair test by any means but one that is necessary in the current state of the Saunders family made up of two little rascals, one of two years old and another a little over two months. Harriett, our eldest, despises the very thought of having to sit in the front of the pushchair but eventually gives in after a long day’s walking. Heidi is perfectly happy sleeping all day long. Anyway, you can see the necessity.

A great many vehicles have boots that do not allow for such a large item. I thought the Volvo was going to join them and after a few attempts, I was

about to give up when I decided to push the split fold rear seats down. This allowed me to manoeuvre this bulky, awkward item into position and to my surprise and delight, I was then able to pull it back into the boot. The boot is just wide enough to accommodate the length of the pushchair as you can see from the video at testdrives.biz. The parcel shelf has to be removed, though.

New price range: 23,739€ - 36,881€ 0-60mph: 8.8secs Top speed: 130mph Power: 150bhp 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

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Take a little time Noel’s world of golf

By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Alicante Golf 639 730 891

AS MANY of you can imagine I spend a great deal of time on driving ranges and practice areas of golf courses, witnessing many things that go on through the normal course of a day at a busy golf club. In recent years, the number of opportunities I get to play golf has become less and less but I now fully intend to play golf as much as I can and take more of a relaxed attitude to the coaching side of the game. I will still continue to coach and continue to broaden my knowledge of how to make golfers become as good as they can become but I got into golf to play it and that is now foremost for me as I wind down a little.

I have had the chance to visit more and more clubs because of my new involvement in golf and have enjoyed some of the finest golf courses in Europe along our beautiful Costa Blanca. One theme keeps recurring though that disappoints me enormously; people’s attitude when faced with a little adversity.

We all know the feeling of walking into a bunker and seeing our ball in someone else’s footprint or laying at the bottom of a trench that was made by a player not raking the bunker properly. Indeed some of the time when I have seen what some players have

done in the name of raking the bunkers I think it would have been better if they not taken the time to do it at all.

Unfortunately, the rules of our game means we have to play the ball where it lies in these circumstances and this is probably something that needs to be addressed by the rule makers in the future in the interest of fairness. That, though, is for another day.

What I want to get across here is to encourage people to leave the bunkers the way they would like to find it and not necessarily the way they found it. There is a big difference here and the attitude of some disappoints me greatly when I see them in some cases not even bothering to look for a rake let alone use it.

At any time we might enter bunkers and see that the sand has been compacted due to the sprinklers or some other cause meaning the sand is harder than we expect. When I see some people lose their tempers and then hack at the bunker to loosen the sand, and not then rake it, I wonder what level of respect they have for the game if any at all.

Taking a little time to do things properly means we can encourage others to do the same as they see us

and follow our examples. We have enough things in life dragging standards lower and lower and it would be nice to see if we could keep the standards within our sport higher so that golf as well can lead by example.

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 AUGUST 16TH 2013 Who won last weekend’s US PGA Championship?

All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 31st August to be entered into August’s draw, to be made on 31st August 2013. The winner will be announced in RTN on 6th September 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

The RTN Club Scene

THE BIGGEST ever get together of members of RTN Golf Club will take place over three days next month at Alicante Golf. On 3rd and 5th and 6th September we will see the Alicante Golf Society Masters played for the first time in three separate competitions held over the fabulous championship course designed by the great Severiano Ballesteros.

We have been forced to stage the event over three separate days to accommodate the huge numbers of entrants we have seen and to avoid disappointing as many as possible. This week will be a great chance for RTN Golf Club members to meet up and talk about local golf matters and it would be nice if we could get some feedback from our members to move our club forward in the right direction.

Not only do we have some great deals on green fees at all of our local golf courses for those who use our hotline booking service but we also have arrangements with Golf Med in their shops in Altea and Teulada and the Callaway shop in Teulada.

Sadly, numerous members use these services but fail to tell staff they are from RTN Golf Club or fail to show their membership cards when making a purchase. For internet sales we ask that you call the shop and tell them you are an RTN GC member and wish to take advantage of our special offers.

Only by using your membership to your advantage can we make the progress we want to make on your behalf. So remember - use that precious card and the services we offer. You will gain all round in the long and short term.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 13th Aug, RTN Summer Golf Meeting at Alicante Golf 20th Aug, RTN Summer Golf Meeting at Alicante Golf 27th Aug, RTN Summer Golf Meeting at Alicante Golf 2nd, 5th & 6th Sept Alicante Golf Society Masters NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY Quality group lessons available at Alicante Golf from just 10€ per person: contact Noel on 639 730 891 for more information.

Foreign football comes to Orihuela WHILE THE new football season may be only a

FC Torry news

By Keith Nicol ‘TEAM SPAIN’ has arrived and training for the Spanish National American Football squad is taking place through August 18th. You can watch their training sessions for free and doors are open to the public from 9.00am to 11.00am and in the evenings from 7.00pm to 9.00pm except on August 18th when there is only a morning session.

Team Spain is preparing itself for the European Group B American Football Championships, that will take place in Milan’s ‘El Stadio Vigorelli, which has had its surface specially prepared for the tournament. The tournament starts on Saturday August 31st, with other games being played on Monday September 2nd, Wednesday September 4th, with the final day of the tournament being Saturday September 7th. While players from Team Spain may not be NFL standard, European standards are very competitive with some top American and Canadian college players and those on the verge of breaking into the NFL helping to make up the rosters of many of the European squads, which in turn raises the level of the game.

TORRY HAVE made another addition to their squad having signed Alicante born central defender Alexis from a side in the Mexican first division who he has being playing for since January. Torry have played a couple more friendlies which ended in score draws.

2-2 at home to Murcian Tercera side UCAM Murcia and 1-1 away to Regional Preferente side CD Almoradi. Scorers for Torry against UCAM Murcia were Pastor and trialist Javi and Carrasco from the penalty spot against Almoradi.

Torry played CD Cox on Wednesday and on Saturday play at Rojales against Thader.

The squad is nearing completion but it is evident that another striker is required who is mobile and has a physical presence.

few days away, a completely different style will be on display this weekend at Estadio Municipal de Los Arcos, the home of Orihuela Club de Futbol.

Fishing Maggots End by

16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

63

TALKIN’ BALLS with Andrew James Sponsored by “The Three Lions” (Carrer de Manuel de Falla, Albir) The Best Footy Bar on the Costa Blanca; Showing Every Game, Every Week!

It’s Back!

AFTER A football-free summer, The Premier League returns this weekend and I cannot wait for it to get started. Fergie’s gone, Jose’s back, and City’s new gaffer has spent millions, so this season promises to be the most exciting title race on record!

It’s also going to be the toughest to predict though and I’ve been wracking my brains for weeks, with little success, trying to decide who I think will come out on top. So much can change in the two weeks between now and the close of the transfer window but, as things stand, here’s how I think it’ll pan out:1st – Chelsea – The impact of Mourinho will be huge!

He’ll get Chelsea organised, make them hard to beat, convince each of his players that they’re the best in the world and might even get Fernando Torres to play well!?

David Hoare 968 199 279

NOW WE are in the ‘close season’ so to speak, there is still work to be done. This is specifically a work party at Guardamar. There are 24 permanently cut out and maintained pegs. These are looked after by four local clubs, all of whom have ownership of six pegs to keep the venue fishable.

So if you receive a call in the next week or so please support the efforts needed. Worse case, if our six pegs are not maintained then on the first match of the new season 2013/2014, which is on 4th September, the draw will be at the normal time but the first hour will be a work party, then the match will commence. The match will be 10am to 4pm.

The AGM will be held on 22nd September starting at 10am at Serasins bar La Marina.

Subs are due on 1st August and must be paid prior to the AGM. Failure to do so will result in the re-joining fee having to be paid. Subs can be paid to any committee member.

With the new season starting 4th September 2013, now is the time to join and have a complete fishing season either for matches or pleasure.

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 This week we fished the 8th round of the Summer Series at the Eden Stretch on the 6th August.

Now that the water is being managed by the four clubs the pegs are all cleared and fishable. There is still plenty of

water in the river despite the hot weather, but the colour is not the green algae that we expect at this time of the year.

The weights this week were not so good but there were no dry nets: 1st: Stan (The Man) Roberts with 8.100kg fishing the pole using bread and maggot 2nd: Bill (The Master) Reade with 6.660kg fishing the pole and feeder using bread and corn 3rd: Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare with 6.030kg fishing the pole using maggot and bread After eight matches fished the accumulative points winners are: 1st: Dave Hoare with 61pts 2nd: Clive Cleghorn with 50 points 3rd: Terry Screen with 48 points 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 via anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk.

Summer Nationals racing at the Cartagena Oval LAST SATURDAY the Spanish Summer Nationals took place at the Cartagena Oval.

All the top drivers turned out for this prestigious event and the largest crowd of the year was treated to a feast of high speed entertainment.

The night’s racing kicked off with a new formula allowing female wannabe racers to compete against each other. After getting to grips with the track and the cars the ladies were soon providing excellent racing and entertaining the enthusiastic crowd.

Following this the rookie rods and lightning rods pushed their cars to the limits in the heats to gain a good grid position for the night’s trophy finals. Dave Belcher came out top of the lightning rods to take the chequered flag, trophy and title of Spanish champion.

Rick Appleby returned to defend his title in the rookie

rod class and did so admirably despite some ferocious attacks from the other drivers which left his car slightly the worse for wear by the end of the races. Overcoming these challenges he went on to retain his Spanish champion title showing off his car handling skills which first brought him the accolade of Spanish Champion.

A special mention has to go to Martin Lawrence 62, who after spending the last seven years pushing to get this the 1st oval circuit in Spain up and running, turned out to race in his own specially prepared lightning rod and having lost none of his old skills turned in an impressive 2nd place in the night’s final.

It was great to see the return of old favourite Brent Savage, who returned to racing after a long absence through injury: The next meeting is on Saturday 24th August with gates opening at 6pm.

2nd – Man United – Although the United squad is full of players who know how to win the title, new manager David Moyes does not, and for that reason I think the Reds’ will come up short this year.

3rd – Man City – Manuel Pellegrini may have spent almost £100million on talent over summer but they’ll take time to gel and I’m not sure how Dzeko, Aguero, Silva, Jovetic, Negredo and Navas fit into the same team.

4th – Tottenham – As things stand, Spurs have bought well, Gareth Bale’s staying, Arsenal have lost their wallet and Liverpool probably need another year, so I’m saying Tottenham for the final Champions League spot.

THIS WEEK IN “THE LIONS”: Sat 17th Aug: Liverpool v Stoke (1.45pm) Arsenal v Aston Villa (4pm) Sunderland v Fulham (4pm) Swansea v Man United (6.30pm) Sun 18th Aug: C. Palace v Spurs (2.30pm) Chelsea v Hull (5pm) Mon 19th Aug: Man City v Newcastle (9pm) Wed 26th Aug: Chelsea v Aston Villa (8.45pm)

The Wolfpack supports Paul Cunningham Nurses THE WOLFPACK Golf Society are holding ‘A Sportsman’s Evening’ on Monday 26th August from 7pm at the Asturias Restaurant in Punta Prima in aid of the Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity.

The evening will be hosted by Steve Kindon, (former Burnley & Wolverhampton Wanderers player) and there will be music from the fantastic Venus Duo. For tickets at just 15€ which include a meal and a drink please contact Bobby on 634 317 632.

Classified Ads 16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

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

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Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2)

In association with TheDirector yForYou Tel: 902 906 192 – www.TheDirector yForYou.com

PRISTINE POOLS PROFESSIONAL, CONSCIENTIOUS POOL REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE SERVICE TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS

• 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

British Trained & Qualified in the UK Pool Industry with over 18 years experience.

Legal & established for over 10 years in Spain.

Extensive references. All work guaranteed.

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

UK-SPAIN-IRELAND All European Destinations

Removals with the personal touch. Full/part loads.

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

Phone 965 696 750 • 0044 (0) 744 791 8589 email: chrisyounge73979@aol.com

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16 - 22 August 2013 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, door-to-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

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

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

PET TRAVEL UK family pet transporters Spain/UK. Travel with your pet for free. All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www.pettraveluk.co.uk UK 0800 612 4922 or Spain 678 756 644 APAD (ANIMAL) CHARITY SHOP 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

PROTECTAPET Spains leading pet insurance provider. www.protectapet.eu tel: 965 756 371

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

SERENITY SAILING FOR BOAT TRAINING AND YACHT CHARTERS Boat licenses are a legal requirement in Spain. We are a well-established British school providing training and licenses for power boating and sailing.

Based in Torrevieja, we travel as far as Gandia to provide ownboat tuition and courses. Want all the action with none of the strain? Then check out our skippered charters, perfect for the whole family this summer! Contact: enquiries@serenitysailing. com / (0034) 638 056 224 / www.serenitysailing.com

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16 - 22 August 2013

STUNNING BEACHFRONT RESTAURANT on the Mar Menor. Viva bar and restaurant one of the best appointed restaurants in the area. Ranked 6th of Tripadvisor! 39’950 euros .Call on 968 133 111 RESTAURANT - CENTRAL DENIA Highly rated restaurant lease for sale. Going concern, fully equipped, 34 covers.

Greatly reduced for quick sale.

For viewing or more details telephone 0034 660 957 012

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. References available.

(Altea area) Tel: 965843781 or 622514980

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

JUNIOR STYLIST VACANCY Junior Stylist is required for “Panache”, a well established Unisex Hair & Beauty Salon, in Avenida del Portet, Moraira. Due to relocation our business has increased and we are pleased to be in a position to offer employment to a young person.

Telephone Angie at: Salon: 96 574 5357 - Home: 96 574 8199 or Mobile: 659 921 877.

FEMALES OVER 40 required for adult Internet modelling. No males. Excellent rates.

966 182 714

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

BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home.

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

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

MOBILE/PARK HOMES FROM 15,000 € Fully furnished ready to move into, Camping Pueblo

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 DANCING Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar CV895 [near Lemon Tree Sunday Market] Monday - Social Dance 8.30pm - 10.30pm [Sequence class 7.30pm - 8.30pm] Friday - Social Dance 7.30pm - 10.30pm Wednesday - New Beginners Class starting 4th September 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 Villamar Campsite in Albir/Benidorm, come and learn all the moves and routines to your pop idols!

Call Louise on 655-781068 for more information!

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

Miss Russian with papers. I take care 7 years of my brothers and grandparents. I am very responsible and punctual. I iron and clean professionally. Try me! Daria, telf. 697 533 525 Rusa con papeles. Cuido 7 años a mis hermanos y abuelos. Soy muy responsable y puntual.

Plancho y limpio como una profesional. Pruebame!

VIENNA ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR AS NEW cost new 1500€ will accept 800€ ono Tel 687 091 120 MICHAELS AT MICHAEL´S Several very high quality coffee tables, large & small. See more than 600 photos: www.michaelsjavea.com AT MICHAEL’S Fantastic black recliner / massage chair with built in soothing music.

Must try! Photos on: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S we specialize on very high quality pre-owned furniture for half price or less. www. michaels-javea.com Tel 96-579 1328 MICHAEL’S 30 YEARS IN JAVEA - ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! We sell high quality pre owned furniture, many from show apartments etc. Look at: www.michaels-javea.com Tel 96-579 1328 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 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 Several high quality beige sofa sets, also two orange sofas. Photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S we specialize on very high quality pre-owned furniture for half price or less. www. michaels-javea.com Tel 96-579 1328 AT MICHAEL’S 3-piece garden suite with matching coffee table in very thick natural bamboo.

See the 750 photos: www. michaels-javea.com

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

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

16 - 22 August 2013

WANT TO DRIVE your LHD car to the UK and sell it when you get there? Call 658 670 777

DISCOUNT TYRES Quality Tyres at Recession Prices. 45 Different Brands to choose from.

966875600 info@discounttyres.es

WANTED I BUY ANY CAR van,Caravan,4x4 Etc. British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600-781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com

LOOKING FOR A CAR? Good selection of automatics, cabriolets and 7 seaters in stock. 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 800â‚Ź Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com

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

MR FIXIT For all your electrical, Plumbing, General & appliance & Bolier repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434

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16 - 22 AUGUST 2013

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

SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken.

Call now for more information on 965-725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743-048 www.pooltechspain.com

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. SEE MAIN ADVERT ON FRONT PAGE OF CLASSIFIEDS

LOS MONTESINOS VILLAGE Immaculate 103m2 2nd fl.apt. sth facing,overlooking sq & salt lake,3 lge dble b/rooms,family bathroom with shower,cloakroom with toilet & basin,sep kitchen with lge utility room,spacious lounge leading to balcony.

Air con,part dble glazed,parq floors,f/furnished.EPD-D/E 79,950€ Tel:638 944 322

TOWNHOUSE FOR SALE 194 meter townhouse in Palma de Gandia 4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms. Fully modernised.

Ground floor 3 reception rooms, fitted kitchen with utility room.

Courtyard,with underbuild. 1st floor 3 double bedrooms, plus bathroom,and large terrace.

Top floor large master bedroom en-suite, plus terrace with sea views. Contact jcart1950@ yahoo.co.uk Tele. 962809234 photos available. Offers around 155,000 euros HOUSE WITH 11300MTS LAND plus mobile home near Chella .

Bargain 85000euros for details phone 646139899 e/m ray2kir@ gmail.com RENOVATED FINCA IN CORVERA 3 bed, 1 bath, 1 shower, large lounge, games room, large terrace, 3000m plot plus kennel business attached. 207,000€.

Tel: 616 532 352 BUTIA ESPANA ARE YOU TRAPPED Need to sell quick.

We are the only answer for a speedy sale. UK buyers waiting.

www.butiaespana.com Telephone 0800 612 7514 or Spain 678 756 644 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

PARK HOMES 2 BEDROOMS

reduce or even eliminate Span-

Both en-suite fully fitted.

ish bank fees when sending your property sale proceeds back to the UK. Call Moneycorp +34 902 887 243 and quote RTN to get

Camping Pueblo San Javier.

Carol Tel 96 819 24 25 Mob. 626 055 6622 Email. Haydn47@

more out of your money. www.

hotmail.com. www.mobile-

moneycorp.com/roundtownnews

homesmarmenorspain.com GENERIC VIAGRA EXCLUSIVE First time in Spain 120mgs.

Also Kamagra 100mgs, Generic Cialis 20mgs, and jellies. Local and Nationwide service. Pay on Delivery. www.costablues.com or phone Colin 680 878 735 SOPHIE ESCORT Slim elegant naughty lady. Hotel/home visit available. Tel:693 357 526 ASHLEY- 29 ENGLISH/MIXED RACE- Absolutley stunnning, near Torrevieja Hospital, 665 883 576 THE BLUE PILL NOW EVEN BETTER. Other products available. Don’t miss out. Derek 685 207 378

ANÚNCIATE TLF: 628 191 897 eduardo@roundtownnews.com

FEMALES OVER 40 required for adult Internet modelling. No males. Excellent rates.

966 182 714

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

16 - 22 August 2013 COAST 2 COAST REMOVALS Spain UK Spain. Fully Legal, Fully insured. Covering the whole of the UK. Also pets carried. Tel: 617 500 876 or email: coast2coasttransport@hotmail.com MOVE IT NOW Small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK Budget prices. Last minute jobs undertaken. www.moveitnow.co.uk Telephone UK 0800 612 4922 or Spain 678 756 644

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

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plus the Thursday Spanish for English speakers at intermediate level. Both of these are supported by Ayuntamiento of Villajoyosa and are FREE. The new classes would be in spoken Spanish, 4 hours p/w, at intermediate level, from September to June. The groups would have only 6-8 people and the classes would be fee-paying. If you are interested please ring 650 073 866 any day after 7pm.

DON’T WORRY ABOUT LOSING YOUR TV CHANNELS Free UK TV, Free Movies, Free Sports, Free Catch-up, Free Adult NO MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION! For more information visit: www.costasmarttv.com or call Tel: 697 108 158

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 616493487

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.

CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV Sky/BT Sports & Sky Movies on new Internet box 299€ no dish required. Steve 660186505 Ros 965584097 www.ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com

RHYTHM GUITARIST Rhythm Guitarist to join band playing muJAVEA SKIP HIRE 626 670 038 Moraira, Benissa, Calpe, Denia from S&W TOOL HIRE & FERRETERIA MORAIRA

sic from the 60’s to present day.

Applicant must be enthusiastic and a team player, aged 40+ If this is you call me on 661350963 or e-mail norman.lavisher@

LANGUAGE CLASSES IN VILLAJOYOSA Starting in September, Dorothy Dandy, will offer more language classes in Villajoyosa. She will continue with the Wednesday Inter Cambio groups of Spanish and English students

gmail.com TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Household Goods and Bric-a-brac into Cash. Anything! Anywhere!

965-319-220/618-165-877