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Issue 747

07-13 FEB 2014

Bank chiefs indicted

by Jack Troughton

Imagine...

Scores of balloons were released

by Jack Troughton CALPE SCHOOLCHILDREN marked the International Day of Peace last Thursday by releasing scores of white balloons carrying the youngsters’ messages of hope into a bright blue sky.

FIVE SENIOR executives of the failed Icelandic bank have been indicted for fraud to the delight of victims of an allegedly corrupt equity release scheme run by the finance house.

Three former Landsbanki Luxembourg chiefs – the “predatory” subsidiary running the flawed scheme – were indicted in Paris following an investigation into an alleged scam over the loans.

And two former chief executives of the collapsed parent bank in Reykjavik have been indicted for putting Landsbanki at risk by guaranteeing loans without sufficient insurance.

Iceland’s banking system nosedived at the start of the credit crunch following the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008. The same year Landsbanki Luxembourg went into liquidation.

And since the move, vulnerable pensioners have faced financial ruin and have been living in fear of having their homes repossessed by administrators.

Hundreds of pensioners across Spain, France, Germany and Portugal, took out loans under a heavily marketed equity release scheme between 2006 and 2008.

It is believed there are between 400 and 600 victims “going through an absolute nightmare” who have yet to contact the action groups on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol.

Victims, said to be asset rich but cash poor, were promised that as well as allowing them a drawdown of up to a quarter of the value of their homes, the remainder of the loan would be invested to pay the interest of the advance – and even provide an income in a “risk free” scheme.

Returns of 9% were promised but never materialised. At the time top financial advisors Merrill Lynch was already warning of a fragile nature of Icelandic banks. Landsbanki’s form of equity release had already been outlawed in the UK. Following complaints from victims across Europe a criminal investigation was launched into the scheme and in 2011 Landsbanki Luxembourg was indicted “in bankruptcy” for fraud – and ordered to pay a record 50 million Euro bond.

The French courts have now turned their attention to the men selling the scheme. The case is expected to involve tens of millions of Euros and could evolve into one of the biggest banking trials ever seen in Europe. The Landsbanki Victims Action Group in Spain currently has over 120 members and has also launched court actions in Denia and San Roque. A spokesman for the victims’ legal team said in the light of developments it was hoped the Luxembourg Appeal Court would overturn the decision of an instructing judge not to open the case and investigate “the more than dubious and criminal actions” of Landsbanki.

Continued on page 3

See page 62

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NEWS & VIEWS

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Benidorm’s holiday favourites

by Jan Gamm TOURISM BOSSES in Benidorm are delighted to announce that among the top 20 best hotels in Spain in Trip Advisers’ twelfth ‘Travellers’ Choice’ poll, are three outstanding Benidorm hotels.

Votes which were awarded entirely on the opinions and judgements of guests were based on categories that included: Deluxe, best quality / price ratio; romance; family; small hotels; top hotels and best guesthouse / hostel.

LOCATION LOCATION… The popular adults-only Riviera Beach Hotel is renowned for its excellent cuisine and attentive ‘cared-for and carefree’ service. Its location offers easy access to the town, port and also it is just a short drive to top-hole golf courses.

The elegant Villa Venecia next to Levante Beach in Benidorm’s Old Town was another deserving favourite, with its panoramic sea and town views and luxurious terrace hot tubs.

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And ranking 17th out of the top 20, in the ‘Best B&B in Spain’ category, is the ‘hidden gem’ 2-Star Hotel Fetiche, tucked away in a narrow little Benidorm street.

Compact yet cleverly designed to utilise every corner of space, this wonderful and hospitable hotel has the advantage that guests can step straight into the city’s historic and fascinating Old Town.

Benidorm continues to shine as one of the world’s most popular sunshine destinations. Perhaps its attraction is partly due to its broad range of top standard accommodation to suit every pocket and every taste. With yet another spectacular year behind the Costa Blanca’s star holiday favourite, the world waits to see what Benidorm will achieve next!

Continued from front page AND HE said it was “astonishing” that Landsbanki Luxembourg’s liquidator Yvette Hamilius persisted in her opinion there was no evidence of fraud in her files despite the protests of victims and the various court orders about the criminal conduct of the bank managers, the intermediaries and their accomplices.

He said: “The victims would like to point out this case reveals predatory practices which put at risk the product of a life’s work and savings of hundreds of people. The group strongly urges the judges, investigators and the justice

system to work in the interests of justice.”

Mike McInnes, a spokesman for the Landsbanki Victims Action Group, said after five long years the group was now witnessing something “really positive”.

He said members were now being encouraged to lobby MPs in the House of Commons and he hoped to meet with a senior politician soon to “elevate this to another level”.

And he added: “All we are trying to achieve is to have proper negotiations and be able to get on with our lives.

“Unfortunately many victims are very elderly. Sadly, there are 22 victims who had died since the beginning of

this scandal. The attrition rate goes up the older and the sicker people get.” Mike underlined there were some 400 to 600 other victims in Spain. “That is one hell of a lot of people going through absolute nightmares – they have never put their heads above the parapet, either because they are ashamed of what they did or have never been able to tell their loved ones and families.” He appealed: “If you are living in fear and trepidation and still sitting on the fence over this – please get in touch with us.”

Mike can be contacted on 627 919 000 or via mike@safarikenya.eu

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Door opens to healthcare BRITISH RESIDENTS can access the Spanish state health system through a new insurance scheme launched by the Valencia Government.

The scheme costs 60€ a month

by Jack Troughton The ‘Convenio Especial’ has been introduced as a part of wide-ranging reforms to the health system announced last year and it represents an option for people who currently have no right to state health cover.

And it has the advantage of allowing people suffering ‘pre-conditions’ to join and enjoy full access to the health system.

The scheme costs 60€ a month for working age people – British State Pensioners are covered through a reciprocal arrangement between the UK and Spain. Children must be paid separately and are not included as dependents.

Martyn Standing, a member of the healthcare team at the British Consulate in Alicante, said: “This is great news. It means almost everyone who currently lacks the right to state healthcare can now get themselves covered.

“We would urge people who are in need of health cover to sign-up. Waiting until you’re ill before you sort out access to a doctor can easily result in an unwelcome bill.”

To be eligible for the Convenio Especial people must have lived in Spain for a minimum of

one year before applying. This can normally be shown through registration on the ‘padrón’.

All applications must be made in writing to the Regional Health Authority and not through local health centres. People cannot join if they already have the right to healthcare – for example, as a state pensioner.

Pharmacy costs are additional. People must pay the full cost of any prescriptions.

However medications given whilst someone is in hospital are free.

And the Convenio Especial does not currently provide a right to a European Health Insurance Card for residents travelling outside Spain.

More information can be found on the Valencian Government website www.gva.es/es/ inicio/procedimientos?id_proc=17044&id_ page=&id_site.

General information on healthcare in Spain, including the rights and entitlements of EHIC holders, is available at http://www. healthcareinspain.eu/faq.php and independent healthcare advice for British nationals in Spain is at: www.gov.uk/healthcare-in-spain.

Altea’s tribute to seniors

ALTEA TOWN Council is organising 12 days of events in tribute to senior residents starting Monday 10th February and continuing until Friday 21st with lectures and activities to include advice on how to maximise free time and how to improve the quality of life in retirement. For more information visit www.altea.es

Brussels on corruption in Spain THE EUROPEAN Commission has requested that Spain take steps to improve the monitoring of irregularities when financing political parties and to strengthen sanctions as part of measures to combat corruption in the country. The Commission reported on Monday via an EU-published ‘Eurobarometer’ that it perceives 95% of Spanish respondents feel corruption in their country is “widespread” and only 11% consider the government makes the necessary effort to combat the problem. Brussels is calling

for an annual external audit on every party, including loans, to be published online. A 16-page document issued by the Spanish government reviewing reforms undertaken in recent years is considered a ‘good start’ but insufficient due to its lack of ‘sufficient guarantees of independence of its control mechanism’. Brussels officials have been criticised for dropping a section of its report that covered corruption in EU institutions and funds following criticism by the European Court of Auditors on the spending of the Brussels budget.

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Expats suffer injustice

by Jack Troughton COSTA BLANCA voting campaigner Margaret Hales says the “great injustice” of expat British citizens losing an automatic right to vote at home has become the talk of Brussels.

Margaret, a member of action group Vote For Expat Brits, was in the European Parliament last week when EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding said governments who withdrew the franchise were treating people “like second class citizens”.

And the commissioner said Britain was “punishing” expats for exercising their right to freedom of movement by denying them a vote after 15 years of leaving the UK. Margaret, who lives in Benitachell, was in Brussels as the International Vice President of the European Union of Women, and said: “I was in the European Parliament when I heard the news Viviane Reding had sent a broadside across David Cameron’s vows over voting.”

She said it was “fantastic” to be there during the announcement. “Everyone in Parliament was talking about the European elections in May and I was able to intervene and

Margaret Hales (front, third from left) and colleagues in Brussels

remind them how fortunate they all were to have the vote.

GOVERNMENT “They knew about the British Government and the way it has treated us expats - at last the fact that our vote is taken away is known about.

“This great injustice is no longer hidden

under the cloak of a nation famous for the Mother of all Parliaments...apparently democracy means nothing to our government.”

The trip to the European Parliament gave the opportunity to meet other women who had emigrated from their home countries across the EU – including a group of Hungarians fighting for a voice in Romania.

“Movement of people in search of work,

security, and indeed happiness is a feature of today’s world,” added Margaret.

“But we all hold our mother country in our hearts and this is something that the British Government will, in the end, have to understand.”

For more information about the vote campaign and linked electronic petitions, go to www.votes-for-expat-brits.com

FEB,

Spain tops league of shame

by Jack Troughton SPAIN HAS topped the list for benefit fraud committed abroad against UK taxpayers with more than 750 cases investigated by the Department of Work and Pensions in 2013.

The worldwide problem cost the public purse an estimated £84 million in 2012-13, a rise of 90% in the last two years and includes bogus claims for Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Income Support.

New figures reveal the extent of the problem. The worst nations following Spain in the catalogue of crime were Pakistan; Turkey, India and the United States. Labelled ‘Abroad

Coca Cola stands firm on closures

ALICANTE CITY Council and all political groups representing the city have expressed support of employees of Coca-Cola by urging the company to reconsider its decision to close its industrial base in Alicante. Luis Bosch, spokesman representative for absent Mayor Sonia Castedo, pointed out that the closure would adversely affect 111 families. He also commented that the decision was “completely at variance with the humanitarian values the brand conveys in its advertising campaigns.” Coca Cola began its commercial production in Alicante 50 years ago. This week daily protest demonstrations at the factory gates continue.

PP admits abortion law a ‘step too far’

THE PARTIDO Popular is showing signs of admitting the new reforms to the abortion law might have been a ‘step too far’. The Alicante local government team at a meeting last Friday discussed the new abortion law, noting that the socialist opposition had labelled the reform a decision that ‘takes us back 30 years’ and a ‘historical aberration’. Nonetheless the council voted against the proposal to withdraw the draft legislation. PP spokesperson Marta Garcia-Romeu said the council was confident that “improvements would be made after the announcement of Executive President Mariano Rajoy to reform the original proposal.” Pregnant Alicante Mayor Sonia Castedo was notably absent due to illness.

Fraud’, it includes people leaving Great Britain after starting a claim, those failing to notify the DWP before heading abroad or staying on foreign shores for too long, and families failing to report the death of someone living abroad permanently and receiving benefits.

However, the British Government is increasing the use of data sharing with other countries – especially Spain – in order to clamp down on fraud. Details of expat claimants who have died in Spain are sent to the UK to stop unscrupulous families and friends cashing in.

Lord Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform, said: “Benefits are there to help those who need it and the vast majority play by the

rules and would not once dream of cheating. But there is a minority who really try to take the biscuit.

“We have safeguards in place to bring these types of cases to our attention and we will make sure benefits are stopped when there is evidence of fraud being committed.” Cases referred to the DWP are investigated and can result in an administrative financial penalty or a criminal prosecution.

Spain In every case the authorities seek to claw has back overpayments. topped Anyone suspecting a benefit cheat in Spain the can call the free DWP hotline on 900 554 440. list for It is free and confidential and can help prevent benefit taxpayers’ money going to the wrong people. fraud

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Consular service under review

by Jack Troughton BRITS LIVING in or visiting Spain have been invited to take part in a House of Commons review of the British Consulate Service throughout the world.

People who have sought help from a British Embassy, Consulate or High Commission across the globe have been asked to share their experiences – good or bad – with the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

A two-week forum is running on the UK Parliament website until 11th February and examples of the help a consulate may have given include: loss of a passport; the need for medical treatment or evacuation; coping with the death of a relative; arrest or imprisonment; hostage taking, child abduction; or the general evacuation of UK nationals in a national crisis.

Costa Concordia takes another life

The committee is aiming to evaluate how the Foreign and Commonwealth fulfils its consular duties. In general, the committee does not pursue individual cases but wants to hear about personal experiences to assess overall performance.

And the current Coalition Government has made consular services one of its top priorities for the FCO. It follows an internal review prompting by the handling of the Libya crisis in 2011 which in turn led to an overhaul of the crisis response centre in October 2012.

ASSISTANCE By 2012 the FCO was dealing with over 1 million general consular inquiries and more than 100,000 consular cases, including over 20,000 requiring consular assistance.

Last year the FCO launched a new three year strategy ‘Consular Excellence’, which is

Sir Richard Ottaway MP

aimed at providing the best consular service in the world by 2016.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Sir Richard Ottaway MP said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible who have had to seek help from a British Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission when travelling.

A SPANISH diver working on the largest maritime salvage operation in history, the recovery of the Costa Concordia, has died after his leg became trapped in metal sheeting.

41-year-old Israel Franco Moreno from La Coruña was part of a team attaching 30 massive flotation tanks to the side of the stricken 114,500-tonne Concordia. He gashed his leg on a metal sheet and unable to get free, bled profusely before a fellow diver was able to help him to the surface. Moreno was employed by the Spanish company UCS (Underwater Contractors Spain). The Costa Concordia cruise liner hit rocks off Giglio, Italy, in January 2012, killing 32 people.

“Whether you had a good or bad experience, we’d like you to tell us about it.”

To join the forum, go to: http://www.parliament.uk/business/ committees/committees-a-z/commonsselect/foreign-affairs-committee/ inquiries1/parliament-2010/consularservices/web-forum/

Pineapple drug smugglers face long sentences

TEN PEOPLE have been sentenced to a total of 56 years in prison, seven of whom have been charged with stashing 203 kilos of cocaine with a street value of 6,993,348€ in a shipment of pineapples. The drugs came into Spain from Costa Rica via the Port of Valencia. The ruling sentenced each to eight years in prison for a crime against public health. Two further drug traffickers suspected of collaborating on the Costa Rica shipment have not been tried but are to be brought to justice in other countries.

Currency Clinic in demand THE RETURN of the popular Currency Clinic and its free expert advice on foreign exchange has again proved to be just what the doctor ordered – the first session this week was fully booked.

by Jack Troughton RUN BY F/X professionals Moneycorp, the friendly face-to-face meetings offer people guidance on how to keep more of their cash when moving money around the world.

And readers are invited to make an appointment – reserving a place at the Currency Clinic is essential – to discuss all aspects of foreign exchange and to help insure they get the best deal possible.

Moneycorp has more than three decades of experience and has been RTN’s recommended foreign exchange dealer for almost five years, helping save people thousands of Euros in charges and fees during that time.

The clinics are being held over the next three months in La Nucia, Javea and Quesada. Tuesday’s first was a ‘sell-out’ success in Javea and the next is on 11th February in La Nucia.

Moneycorp’s Kevin Wright says the Currency Clinic was principally aimed at people not already using a specialist foreign exchange company and there was no pressure to sign up.

BOOK “We are giving expats the opportunity to book an appointment and come in with any queries they have about what they are currently doing with their money,” he explained.

“If they are currently using a bank or another method of exchange, they can come in and discuss their options, what is happening and what is likely to happen to exchange rates.”

Kevin added: “People using a bank or any other method of exchange can come in double check they are getting the best deal and value for their money possible.

“There’s no pressure. They don’t have to sign up with Moneycorp – although the option will be there if they want to – and they will be safe in the knowledge that they are dealing with a company that has 34 years of experience and is fully regulated.”

Moneycorp offers a foreign exchange service for one-off payments and expats frequently benefit from a specialist regular payment plan when bringing Euro into Spain from

Sterling. The company also has ‘Moneycorp On Line’ – providing an opportunity for clients to move money at times that suit them without the need to talk with a dealer.

PROPERTY Kevin said: “We are particularly hoping to meet people who are putting their houses or property up for sale – whether they are waiting to do so or even nearing completion – because we can discuss our repatriation service which can save them thousands, not just on the exchange rate but also in bank fees.

“They can come in for a chat and get all the information before deciding what to do.

Hopefully they will be in a better position afterwards.”

He said the Currency Clinic was an initiative that had already been welcomed by RTN readers and had a successful track record.

“People can make sure they are doing the best they can – if they have thought about using Moneycorp but are a little wary, it is a chance to talk privately on neutral ground and not be under any pressure.”

The clinic is being run at the offices of Europa Network, Javea, on 4th March and 8th April. It is based at RTN’s offices in La Nucia on 11th February, 11th March and 15th April and at Moneycorp’s Costa Blanca Office in Quesdada on 18th February, 18th March and 22nd April.

The experts will be available from 10am to 1pm and booking an appointment is essential. (If you are unable to make the date in your area, please feel free to call and we will arrange a visit at your convenience). Please ring 902 118 999.

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07-13 FEB 2014

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Email letters to

letter of the week

Mystified

I AM mystified as to why there is so little encouragement given to our young sports people, even when they achieve success.

A young lad, 13 year old Nicola Kuhn from the Torrevieja Tennis Club, has been winning tournaments in both Spain and abroad. He recently travelled to England to play in competitions. He was a losing finalist in the doubles, but won the singles final. A great result for him, his club, and his coach.

This week he is in another international competition in France. In two weeks’ time he will be in Turkey. Where is his support from the local press? I suppose that if he had painted graffiti on house walls or stolen someone’s bicycle he would have had a nice write-up.

Come on - let’s give them more support, please.

Charles Isaac, Torrevieja Note from the editor: Please read next weeks RTN for an interview with Nicola and we will continue to follow and report on his successful career.

Two sides... Political shenanigans REGARDING YOUR correspondent L Lupin on 31st January, there are two sides to the story.

At the latest best estimate, 2013, there are more Christians in China than in the EU or the USA with 169 million adherents.

My local bazaar stocks many products manufactured here in Spain and the products made in China, common to many other shops, are delivered and invoiced by Spanish companies with Spanish staff. And far from rubbish, many of the products are first class.

Employees in the Chinese bazaars work long hours and give a good service: your choice.

C Potter, El Verger

I READ that recently there have been some political shenanigans in Orihuela with long-term political alliances dropped and new alliances made without any warning or deliberation.

It appears that these opportunistic new political alliances would have spelt disaster for Orihuela Costa. Money reserved for the completion of the coastal walkway that has been on reserve for more than three years and the €4.4 million raised from sale of land on Orihuela Costa would all have been used to improve the lives of the people of Orihuela City and villages.

The result of all these political manoeuvrings has been at the expense of Orihuela Costa, seen as unimportant, insignificant, as the ‘non-political, apathetic international population living on the coast’ are not worthy of consideration by the politicians who serve the

City of Orihuela and the small villages populated mainly by Spanish.

The new agreement recently cobbled together by the Popular Party and CLR replaced an agreement that clearly appreciated the needs of people living on Orihuela Costa, addressing the deficiencies and neglect the coast has always received.

The agreement between the Popular Party and CLARO clearly outlined the resources and investments essential for Orihuela Costa. This agreement, which had provided a blue print for development of the hitherto neglected Orihuela Costa, was torn to shreds without prior discussion and the new agreement between the PP and CLR reverted to seeing Orihuela Costa being the cash cow; the ‘money box’ that could be raided to improve the lives of people living

30 kilometres from the coast. The new PP / CLR agreement included only four lines relating to Orihuela Costa compared to the previous eight pages contained in the PP / CLARO agreement.

How long are the people of Orihuela Costa going to accept being systematically discriminated against by shameful politicians in Orihuela?

Orihuela Costa inhabitants must realise that they have rights here in Spain and cash raised from the sale of coastal land should be invested on the coast which has suffered years of neglect. It is time that Orihuela Costa became politically independent from Orihuela. Enough is enough and discrimination of the largely non-Spanish population should be exposed.

Politicians should be answerable for their diabolical neglect of Orihuela Costa.

S Howell-Jones

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Línea Directa: the best company for expatriates at the best price Since 1998 Línea Directa, the market leader in the sale of direct car, motorbike and home insurance in Spain, has offered an exclusive telephone service entirely in English and German.

This service, the first of its kind in Spain, forms part of the company’s commitment to quality and excellence, which have also made it the market leader in this business sector, due to the fact that it currently has over 63,000 foreign customers residing in Spain.

As a result, services such as purchasing a policy, making enquiries, processing claims, sending documents and 24-hour assistance can all be carried out in English or German at a time which is convenient for the customer by making just one phone call.

And not only does Línea Directa offer the best, it also offers its services at the most competitive price on the market. It does this in two ways: Price personalisation: behind each quote

there is a sales professional who, via a quick questionnaire, will search for the best product and conditions to suit the customer’s personal requirements and will assess him or her according to their individual circumstances.

Maximum competitiveness: still at the best price, this month Línea Directa is making Expats an exclusive 12x11 offer, which allows them to enjoy one year of insurance for the price of 11 months. And what is more, if the person requesting this offer already has another car insurance policy with Línea Directa, then the offer will be 12x10, which is to say two months’ free cover.

This is the result of a strategy which is permanently geared towards offering customers the very best quality at the very best price.

Call now on: 902 123 104.

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Charity’s bumper year JAVEA’S ORIGINAL Charity Shop and Library is celebrating a “bumper year” after donating “an amazing” 64,589 Euros to good causes in 2013.

The team outside the charity shop

by Jack Troughton Support for Caritas in the form of cash donations for food and financial aid to the needy was the largest single entry and worth 19,290€, followed by over 10,613€ of support to the Franciscan Refuge in Gandia for medicine and hygiene needs, and 5,125€ for Saturday lunches at the refuge – cooked by volunteers.

And the Raquel Paya Special School in Denia received over 8,640€ for equipment, school trips and presents, while financial support to the Red Cross for food parcels cost more than 5,032€. Charity President Georgie Harvey said of the total of 64,589€: “This brilliant amount has been due to our clients, our very hardworking voluntary staff and our donors. Of course, we cannot forget our local businesses. Every year, they kindly donate to our Christmas Raffle which allows us then to provide presents, 75, and equipment to the Raquel Paya School.

“We pride ourselves on helping as many worthy causes as we possibly can. A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone responsible. You made this happen.”

Smaller donations made during the year were: MABS Cancer Support group 1,030€; Javea Feral Cats 3,120€; replacement for Priest’s stolen bike 350€; APASA 307€; ADEMA 250€; Royal British Legion 750€; Convent Day centre, Javea Old Town, 1,000€.

Keira Appeal 1,000€; TAPIS 1,810€; Movember 500€; T. Barnes 700€; Philippines Disaster Fund 500€; Horse Race Night raffle 69€; Volunteer Fire Fighters 2,000€; Race for Life 500€; and EMAUS 2,000€

Throwing a little light on the subject

IN THE interests of economy and energy efficiency 1,680 bulbs have been replaced by LED lamps on Benidorm’s Paseo de Levante. It is expected that the investment in the new bulbs of 21,141€ will be recovered over two years. This year the Municipal Technician plans to implement an energy audit to monitor the performance of lighting levels in the city.

Cupid, draw back your bow...

The commercial Centre in Ondara has launched a Valentine campaign for romantics who love to shop. From 6th 14th February, simply show your dated receipt for 10€ shopping or more, and take a shot at the heart with the bow and arrow. For every arrow that hit’s its mark, you will receive a entry to the draw to win one of 5 romantic nights in a beautiful hotel during March. There are a maximum of 8 shots per purchase, so aim for the heart! See their advert on page 9, and ask at the info point.

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Keyhole cure for golf’s dark side GOLF PLAYERS keen to improve their handicap can suffer a bewildering number of injuries linked to playing the highly addictive sport.

by Jack Troughton The shoulder joint is particularly susceptible to damage but injuries can be cured through minimally invasive state-of-the-art arthroscopic – or keyhole – surgery.

Dr Alfredo Sanchez Martin is based at Hospital Clinica Benidorm’s trauma and orthopaedic unit and specialises in the shoulder joint, although he also treats sports injuries to other joints such as the hip, knees and elbows.

“My speciality is the shoulder,” he told RTN. “And problems of the shoulder represent 30% of the consultations at the trauma unit.”

Dr Sanchez has visited Houston in the United States three times to study the latest techniques in pioneering arthroscopic surgery. “It is a good time to have a bad shoulder...we have the tools to cure a lot of injuries.”

SPORT A sportsman himself, the doctor played tennis, skiing and surfing before taking up golf aged 40 – and suffering an injury that has put his playing on hold but prompted a study of the sport’s injuries.

“Golf is like a drug. All players want to get better and better and lower their handicaps,” he said. “I had a problem with my hip, so I had to quit. I had keyhole surgery – I am do-

ing well but do not want to risk injuring the joint again.”

Central to golf injuries is the swing. It is a very quick ‘throwing’ movement and involves rapid rotation movement of the hip and shoulder – continuing to play must mean a change of style.

Dr Sanchez said the shoulder was a very special joint with a lot of ligaments and tendons and susceptible to being injured.

“A very common and curious injury that can occur during the back swing is a stress fracture of the first rib – on the left side for right-handed people and reversed in lefthanded people,” he said.

BREAK “This is caused by compression of the rib.

Like metal, if you twist and it many times it gets broken. Bones are elastic but if you bend them again and again they can break.”

Another common injury are ‘Labrum’ injuries where tendons at the top of the arm become detached and a syndrome, common in golfers over 40, involving the compression of the top of the arm and the shoulder joint – the bones actually touching.

“This is why playing technique can be important and changing the swing can help prevent this.”

The impact phase can lead to injuries to joints – wrists, arms and elbows - and

Dr Alfredo Sanchez Martin with a model of the shoulder joint

cause inflammatory difficulties. Golfer’s elbow affects a completely different area to tennis elbow. Dr Sanchez said the full golf swing also risked injury nerve endings in the shoulder and the shoulder blade – both very painful conditions – and compression injuries of the muscles.

CHANGE He said: “The most important thing is to change a bad swing, change technique and also very important is warming up before exercise.

“The golf swing is a very special motion

– if you fatigue your muscles, you are not doing it right. Prevention is very important.”

He said younger players did not think about injury but it was important for older people to be aware. “You cannot do anything about the past – because the past is the past but if you are injured get a professional diagnosis.

“It needs specialist advice. And it is better to stop playing for four months say than stop playing forever.”

For more information about Hospital Clinica Benidorm and all its medical services, visit the website www.clinicabenidorm.com

18

07-13 FEB 2014

New museum for Villajoyosa

by Jan Gamm VILLAJOYOSA’S NEW museum is scheduled to complete in the spring, in time for the height of the tourist season.

The centre will host a number of collections from pre-historic to present day and will include early human fossils as well as other fascinating artefacts of interest to visitors of all ages.

‘Vilamuseu’ will showcase items typical of Villajoyosa’s heritage and other objects from all over the Marina Baixa. Director Antonio Espinosa said: “The displays will be varied, featuring archaeological, ethnographic and decorative pieces of the 18th and 19th Centuries, as well as items of paleontological and geological interest.”

ACCESS The byword for the new facility is ‘access’. The new museum at La Vila is tipped to be one of the most accessible in the world, both structurally and technologically. All the exhibition rooms will be filled with light and afford easy

Cézanne at the Thyssen Museum MADRID’S THYSSEN Museum is hosting a not-to-be-missed exhibition of the works of the father of modern art, Paul Cézanne. 58 paintings including 49 watercolours and nine oils from museums and private collections around the world will be on display next to nine further works by artists such as Pissarro, Gauguin, Braque and Derain. The exhibition runs from 4th February to 18th May and throughout February an informative guided tour of the exhibition will be available: the tours must be booked beforehand online at www.museothyssen.org or by calling: 911 278 222 or 902 760 511.

Jesus Pobre artist in the Big Apple THE WORK of Jesus Pobre artist Horatia Leal exhibited this month at the Agora Gallery in central New York.

Known for her large canvasses Portuguese-born Horatia draws inspiration from nature, classical art, and above all dance. One of her more popular exhibits was an out-sized portrait of Andalusian and Gitano singer, dancer and actress Lola Flores. The exhibition ran from 14th January until 4th February.

The façade is a tribute to Doctor Alvaro Esquerdo

access between areas. Written and audio information will be available not only in several subtitled languages but also in Braille and sign language. Even guide dogs have been catered for with a ‘Pipican’ facility included in the design.

TRIBUTE The façade of the building is the frontage of one of the first schools in

the town, a proud tribute to Doctor Álvaro Esquerdo, who built the first two public schools in La Vila.

Villjoyosa Mayor Jaime Lloret visited the site on Monday accompanied by representatives of all political parties to check on the progress of the build and to be reassured that the museum would be open for business in the spring.

07-13 FEB 2014

19

Welcome to Lake Watts…

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

“When the rain comes, they run and hide their heads; They might as well be dead; when the rain comes, when the rain comes…”

So sang John Lennon on the Beatles song: Rain. Now I know I’ve quoted these lyrics before but last night as the rain pit-patted on my roof and trickled down the Velox windows, the chorus to that song just kept going around and around in my head.

The clever rainwater even managed to find the tiniest of migration routes down through the pitched roof of my bedroom and into the ingeniously placed bucket ready to collect it. Drip, drip, drip etc. Let me tell you that by eight of the clock this morn that bucket was well on the way to being half full! There was more rain last night than the big storm in La Nucia of 2005; it didn’t stop pouring for hours and hours.

The exclusive RTN photo that I present (purely as documentary evidence proving the extent of my current dampness), is the view behind where I live. Normally, that expanse of lake is three large fields. To the rear of the photograph you can make out the buildings of the neighbouring village. In non-aquatic times that village can be reached by a pleasant five-minute

walk - now it’s a twenty minute detour by car.

The trouble is my favourite pub is located there.

Driving around to it isn’t a problem; however, the traffic police around these ’ere parts are of the overzealous, keen, eagle-eyed variety - and anything more than a thimble of sherry is ‘taking a chance’. Wading is not an option either, as in parts that new lake is over ten feet deep… yikes! Thank heavens for the stash of Christmas ale that’s still in my shed.

I shouldn’t grumble though, because Lake Watts is still a good way from my front door - unlike those poor souls down in deepest Dorset. So frightful is their plight that HRH Prince Charlie took an amphibious tour of the affected communities yesterday. The Prince said that he was “very sorry for all the people affected by the flooding”. The green-wellied prince was a hit with everyone he visited.

And even better still Charles ruffled a few feathers at Westminster when he said: “There’s nothing like a jolly good disaster to get people to start doing something.

The tragedy is that nothing happened for so long.” PM Dave’s official spokesman responded quickly with: “The prime minister has repeatedly said... that the situ-

ation that a number of communities in the Somerset area find themselves in is unacceptable… That is why the government is working so closely with the Environment Agency, the local authority and other agencies to do as much as we can to help those communities.”

While all this political huffing and puffing was being spun Charles pledged fifty-grand to help affected communities; as did the Duke of Westminster.

End of the rain?

Surely this rain must soon stop. Over to the BBC: “Another band of rain is expected to arrive from the south on Thursday, adds the Met Office. The number of flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected - has been rising through the day. It now stands at more than 60 - most of them in the Midlands, south-east and southwest of England.” Oh gawd, not the Midlands again. I tell what, I don’t want any of that hundred grand but I sure could make use of Prince Charles’s amphibious craft to get across Lake Watts to the pub. Hmmm, I wonder if the heir would care to join one? It’d certainly keep those cops orf me tail.

Watts in wet Britain, so you don’t have to be

20

07-13 FEB 2014

Top artist’s work in auction

by Jack Troughton A WATERCOLOUR by internationally renowned artist Patricia Al-Fakhri will go under the hammer at Jalon Valley HELP’s charity auction later this month.

The picture ‘Camels in the Desert’ was given to the charity by a donor grateful for the assistance given by the charity and will be on sale at the El Cid Restaurant sale in Benidoleig on Friday 28th February.

Patricia, who divides her time between Dubai and England, and much of her vibrant work – in watercolour, acrylic and pastel – focuses on life in the Arabian Gulf.

As an artist she has been commissioned to paint for public buildings such as the World Trade centre in Dubai. Patricia is also well known for her illustrations for children’s books such as The Pearl Diver and Elvis the Camel.

The donated picture joins high quality porcelain donated for the auction which starts at 1pm – including Lladro, Royal Dolton, and Dresden - and will go to the highest bidder.

A spokesperson for HELP said: “We are very grateful to our client who wishes to remain ‘Camels in anonymous and indeed to all those who support the work of Jalon Valley HELP. the desert’ “We do our very best to assist those in difficulty and without the generosity of the local by Patricia community it would be impossible.”

Al-Fakhri

Fifty Shades of Tenerife…

THE MOVIE based on the book we all love or hate, Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James, the most successful ever book trilogy that knocked Harry Potter off his broomstick, is scheduled for release on Valentine’s Day, February 2015.

Fifty Shades is tipped to be the summer of 2014’s most popular beach read, selling more than 90 million copies worldwide, translated into 52 languages – the fastestselling paperback in history. This month, Universal’s cast headed by Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson moves to Tenerife to shoot the honeymoon scenes that appear in the third book of the trilogy.

Pussycat, Pussycat, where have you been…?

A SPANISH cat has been found 2,000 miles away in an Aberdeenshire village. The wandering kitty was discovered cowering in a garage in the fishing village of Muchalls by 66-year-old resident artist Rosy Long. A microchip scan revealed she is registered in Fuerteventura. Puss is assessed to be less than a year old and has been dubbed ‘Juanita’ until her owner comes forward. Rosy said: “She is obviously cared for - fit and healthy and wearing a pink sparkly collar. She must be a loved pet that someone is missing.” She is now in the care of the staff at Kirkton Veterinary Centre in Stonehaven. So if Señorita Juanita the tabby nomad is your long lost pet, you now know where to find her!

Happy Hugo heads home HUGO THE friendly boxer has won a new family after being rescued from a life of appalling cruelty and restored to health by animal charity SCAN. Hugo

by Jack Troughton THE STORY of the young dog touched people’s hearts after being featured in RTN in the first issue of the New Year.

The boxer was rescued by police and taken to the Society for the Care of Animals in Need shelter in El Vergel. During his time with the charity he underwent traumatic and complex surgery to repair a badly broken femur and associated physiotherapy.

Hugo, described as being “as daft as

a brush”, was spotted on the charity’s website by two people who had just moved to the area. They visited the dog, took him on days out and finally decided there was only one choice – to adopt him.

And the vets monitoring Hugo’s return to health believed in his best interests and his ongoing recovery he should get to his new home as soon as possible.

SCAN’s Val Spencer said Hugo gave his all to those who worked with him.

“He has finally been rewarded for his

trust and now has his own family. This wonderful animal who was so badly abused has learnt to love and trust humans again.

“Hugo underwent the hugely traumatic operation with stoicism and won our respect for never once complaining as we steadily worked to bring him back to full health.

“Hugo’s predicament touched a lot of people’s hearts just as Hugo has touched the hearts of those lucky enough to have worked with him.”

07-13 FEB 2014

New Year, new direction

21

By Jack Troughton ANYONE SEEKING a new direction in 2014 and the opportunity to make new friends is invited to join the Marina Baixa U3A. Now in its eighth year, the club currently has 272 members all enjoying different activities, outings and social events. Groups meeting weekly include Spanish, sugarcraft, listening to and discussing classical music, playing petanca and the Thursday craft group.

Men have their own space on Thursdays at 10.30am in the Albir Social Centre for the 3c’s – chaps, chatter and coffee.

And monthly groups include discovering picnic areas for an informal social gathering; watercolour painting; playing rummikub; learning Spanish history; a dining out group discovering new restaurants; playing ten-pin bowling; or joining the Sunday strollers – as well as outings and short-stay trips to discover more of Spain. Marina Baixa U3A meets on the fourth Monday of the month at the Albir Social Centre at 10.30am for an 11am start. The next meeting is Monday 24th February when Elaine Mitchell will present a documentary slide show ‘Life in the U3A during 2013’.

More information is available on the website www.u3amarinabaixa.com which is packed with information and photos of the available groups and current and past newsletters can be read. The association is also on Facebook as U3A Marina Baixa. And people without internet access can contact Secretary Joan Flint on 965 861 226 or 663 637 167.

Pictured is Craft Group leader Barbara Price with Australian visitor Ann – who is touring the area in a motor home.

The group meets every Thursday at the Albir Social Centre between 12.20pm and 3pm.

Home & Garden

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

HOME

GARDEN

07-13 FEB 2014

23

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Improving your Spanish soils by

Dick Handscombe Holistic gardener and author

ONE OF the big challenges of gardening in Spain is the improvement of poor soils so that plants etc… can be grown healthily without the need for excessive amounts of water and unnatural levels of artificial fertilizers.

From our experience and knowledge we would now add the following to the frequently found heavy red clay.

We mix the bulk ingredients by digging or rotovating to a depth of 20 – 30cm for vegetables and 50cm for fruit trees, or by tipping backwards and forwards between two 20-litre buckets when preparing soil/compost mixes for containers.

• To lighten the soil, make it more workable, improve it’s water holding capacity and at the same time make it more free draining - Mix in two to three 20 litre builders buckets of homemade, Eco-park or bagged compost per square metre of soil • To maintain or further improve soil Fertility each year - Mix in a bucket of composted or dried bagged manure per square metre • To further improve it’s water holding capacity during hot dry weather - Mix in a little TerraCottem soil

improving gel (www.terravida.com) • To further ensure it will be free draining and not become waterlogged - Mix in 5 to 10% course sand, grit or ground lava • To make minor increases in soil acidity and kill off lurking fungal spores - Dust surface with sulphur powder • To further kill off fungal spores plus young slugs Sprinkle surface with ground neem kernels (www.trabe. net for instance) • In areas for roses and asparagus for Instance - Mulch with partially composted Seaweed • For plants preferring acid soil such as camellias, blue hydrangeas, rock, Roses and strawberries - Mix in compost made from pine needles, a bag of acidic compost or/and Natural sulphur powder Naturally for sandy soils we would leave out the addition of course sand, grit or ground lava.

With such a mix plants will have an ample supply of nutrients and moisture to support a steady, healthy growth. Only hungry fruit vegetable plants such as

tomatoes, peppers and squashes and fruit trees will need supplementary feeds.

If you decide to not improve your soil before planting but to use regular, quick acting chemical feeds you will run the danger of stimulating fast weak fleshy growth which is susceptible to insect and fungal attacks in the Spanish spring and summer climates.

Ecological/ecological solutions as well as inorganic chemical solutions to such problems are now available but why not avoid using even these if possible.

A useful alternative mix for containers especially if living in an apartment is 80% of a good quality peat/earthbased compost plus 20% of bagged worm or dried animal manure. Each is available in good garden centres or agricultural cooperatives.

Some plants such as palms, yuccas, cordylines, succulents and cacti require a more open gritty/sandy soil. For these we suggest you double or treble the amounts of course sand, grit or ground lava mentioned above.

As said in the books - feed the soil and not the plants for naturally healthy plants.

The Handscombe’s books can be most conveniently purchased from Amazon Books, Santana Books website or 95 248 5838, The Book Depository or The Royal Horticultural Society Bookshop. ©Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com

legal Getting ready for the 720 07-13 FEB 2014

by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

25

IT SOUNDS a little like a bus route, the 720. The publicity surrounding its introduction last year certainly made it a household name, at least amongst the expat population.

HOWEVER, JUST in case you haven’t heard of it before, the 720 is the asset declaration form that many residents in Spain had to complete to register the property, accounts and pensions they hold in other countries.

It caused quite a lot of controversy as people debated exactly what the implications of filling it in would be.

There was ongoing discussion about who needed to complete one and what qualified them for the pleasure. For some, the rules seemed to change over time. Now, one year on, we’re into the second round of the 720 and if you didn’t complete one last year, or even if you did, you should check whether you fit the criteria this time round.

WHO MUST COMPLETE THE 720 If you are a resident in Spain and have assets in another country then chances are that you have to

complete a 720. There are three types of asset that you might hold that would qualify you: Group 1: Accounts held abroad where the total balance of all the accounts exceeds €50,000. This includes bank, savings and deposit accounts where you are the account holder or have had authorisation over the funds during 2013.

Group 2: Other assets and pensions held abroad exceeding 50,000€ in value. This includes bonds, stocks and shares, dividends, life insurance, pension plans and annuities. You are in this category if they have either a total value or a surrender value on the 31st December 2013 of 50,000€ or more.

Group 3: Property or business premises abroad: this applies to you if you live in Spain but still own a business or house in another country whose purchase value was more than 50,000€.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T DECLARE It wouldn’t be the Spanish Tax Authority as we know it if it didn’t threaten us with some pretty hefty fines.

The penalty for non-presentation or providing false information is a fine of 5,000€ for every piece of information omitted or wrongly presented with a minimum fine of 10,000€. Figures designed to make you think twice.

Of course, we are also preaching to the converted.

Many people did complete the 720 form last year, successfully, and can take satisfaction in being on the right side of the Tax Authority. For those who didn’t and should have and those whose circumstances have changed, it’s time to contact your fiscal representative and make sure you don’t miss the bus. Ábaco Advisers provide a 720 declaration service. For more information please contact us on 34 96 670 3748.

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

Alicante Business Club meets today

By Keith Nicol THE NETWORKING Group, ABC, the Alicante Business Club invite you to join them today, Friday February 7th for a lunchtime meeting to meet other likeminded business individuals.

The meeting takes place at Bar Studz in Benimar and starts at 1.00pm. There is not a joining fee or membership to pay and all legitimate businesses are welcome.

The primary focus of the Alicante Business Club is to promote legitimate businesses within the Alicante region but they understand that sometimes businesses outside of this area have something special to offer group members therefore anyone can join the group and once approved, are welcome to promote and network on their Facebbook page.

Their meetings are held on the first Friday of the month, are very informal and most importantly; completely free. Search for Alicante Business Club on Facebok for more information.

money

26

07-13 FEB 2014

Banks say NO to your money by

Christina Brady

Regional Manager of Blacktower Costa Blanca

HOW CAN the banks in the UK and across the world get away with so much and never take the blame or any of the pain.

YET AGAIN it’s the banks clients that are suffering, savers are desperately hoping for an increase in interest rates to help their savings grow at least in line with inflation, even with all the good economic data coming out from the UK and the EU it seems like this is still a very long way off.

The main reason for this is that Banks just don´t want or need YOUR money. According to the British press banks and building societies have built up a £130billion war chest of dirt-cheap cash.

These intuitions have been stockpiling money and paying little or no interest on it as a result for the foreseeable future they don´t need to pay struggling savers any extra interest.

Last month, the average rates on easy-access accounts had fallen to 0.82 per cent. One-year fixed-rate bonds have tumbled to an average 1.44 per cent, down from 2.76 per cent in June 2012. That gives just £115 interest on each £10,000 invested, down from £222 - a 48 per cent drop.

State-run NS&I Direct Isa savers are in the line of fire next month. Halifax and Santander cut their Isa rates to new savers this month.

On bonds, HSBC already pays just 1.2 per cent on its one-year fixed-rate deal or 1.45 per cent for two years.

Barclays pays 1.3 per cent for one year and Nationwide 1.4 per cent.

A major problem for savers is that banks and building societies can accidentally find themselves at the top of Best Buys tables and attract funds they don’t want. Savers cost banks money because they have to pay them interest. As a result, banks have found themselves in a race to the bottom of the savings tables.

When one name cuts rates, it puts another organisation at the top of the table. So, this company will then cut rates, which thrusts another bank to the top and so on.

As a result, top fixed-rate deals have been disappearing fast.

Also why on earth would you want the banks to hold

your money anyway, either in a current or deposit account as they have the power to say NO when you want to withdraw some or all of your cash. A problem currently being experienced by HSBC customers, any bank has the power to do this to you at any time , so much for I will leave my money in the bank at least I can have access to it whenever I want.

So what should you do with your money? Of course we should all have some readily available as a contingency fund, the rest should be invested in the best way to work effectively for YOU. There is no time like now to act, if you are unsure as to what is available and what option is best for you just call me at Blacktower and I will be more than happy to run through the options with you. My advice is free so why not take advantage of this and see what your money could be doing for YOU. If you need independent, impartial advice on your financial future please contact me by email christina.brady@blacktowerfm.com or call me on 658 892 330 to arrange a free consultant.

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

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

money

07-13 FEB 2014

27

Liberty Seguros - a hole in one!

LIBERTY SEGUROS has been elected by AEGG (the Association of Directors and Managers of Clubs and Golf Courses) as the insurer of preference for golf insurances.

The agreement, ensuring that all of AEGG’s members are entitled to the best benefits when contracting Liberty Seguros golf insurance, was signed by Manuel Lozano Pose, Manager of AEGG, and Francisco Javier Muñoz Postigo, Commercial Director for Liberty Seguros in Malaga.

AEGG is a non profit organisation that looks to boost, develop and present the role of Golf Club director/management, making it the ideal organisation for LIBERTY SEGUROS to team up with in order to grow in the field

of specialist golf insurance.

As Manuel Lozano Pose, Manager of AEGG mentioned: “This agreement is very beneficial to the organisation: to be able to count on a partner such as Liberty Seguros is a breakthrough as they will be able to offer us comprehensive cover that is adaptable to our specific needs.”

The policy covers breakage and/or damage to equipment and clubs during the course of play, as well as cover against fire and theft as a result of intimidation or violence whilst being transported by the insured, whilst stored with the caddy-master or at the pro-shop.

Perhaps even more importantly, it provides Personal Accident Cover for death, permanent disability and medical expenses resulting from accidental injury occurring at the Golf Course.

Third Party Liability up to 100,000€ is included which also covers accidents whilst playing abroad, provided that liability would have applied to the insured had the same accident

occurred in Spain.

Ask your Liberty Seguros broker about these competitively priced golf policies and ensure you tee off with absolute peace of mind at any officially recognised club anywhere in the world!

Go to www.libertyexpatriates.es to find the nearest broker who speaks your language!

28

money

07-13 FEB 2014

Exchange of information UK - Spain GONE ARE the days when you could leave out declaring bank interest received in accounts held in countries outside Spain (Such as the UK), when presenting your Annual Income Tax Return (RENTA) to the Spanish Tax Office.

THE EUROPEAN Savings Directive has reorganized the Fiscal system within Europe. Now, banks located in any European country where you hold Saving Accounts and Investments have the new obligation to inform the tax authorities in the country where you are resident, of income from capital investments that you receive. So, if your country of residence is Spain, the Spanish Tax Office will receive this information from European Banks.

Due to this and the gradual introduction of different regulations aimed at minimizing tax fraud, it is very important that residents of Spain and the UK account for tax correctly on their annual income, irrespective of whether this income is generated in the country of residence or elsewhere.

TAX AFFAIRS IN SPAIN/UK NOT YET IN ORDER? RELAX, UK TAX REFUND CAN HELP Are you a British Expat, living in Spain but do not yet have your tax affairs in order, either in Spain or with the UK? Once you begin to submit an annual income tax return in Spain, you should also put your tax affairs in order in the UK. It is a process that needs to be dealt with simultaneously in both countries. For this it is fundamental to seek advice from professionals who thoroughly understand both British and Spanish tax systems.

Something as important as your tax affairs should not be in the hands of inexperienced people. UK TAX REFUND SL, registered agents with HMRC, will ensure every detail is taken into account. We will also assist, if need be, to complete and submit your annual Self Assessment tax return to HMRC. You could be one of more than 95% of people who, when beginning to pay taxes in Spain, are entitled to receive a refund of tax from HMRC in the UK. SELLING PROPERTY IN THE UK? Also, If you own a property in the UK that you are considering

selling, and are Resident in Spain, then it is vital that before doing anything you find out what the consequences are going to be tax wise. With correct advice, you should pay less tax.

Consult us at UK TAX REFUND SL, we are able to deal with your UK tax affairs on your behalf with HMRC and make dealings between both countries easier and hassle free.

The service that UK TAX REFUND provides not only recovers any overpaid tax, but as part of the process, we ensure that your Spanish tax obligations are met and all your UK tax affairs are in order.

Help is just a phone call away. So for more information give us a call on 965 636 938 or email us at: michelle.hamilton@uk-taxrefund.com

legal

07-13 FEB 2014

Claims against banks by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados

English & Spanish Solicitors

FOR THE sale of preference shares and complex financial products.

LATELY, THERE has been considerable news coverage of judgments granted by various courts all over Spain, against banks, in relation to the sale to consumers and bank clients of preference and subordinated shares, and other types of complex investment and financial products.

The newspaper Las Provincias recently stated that Valencian courts alone have received more than 2,000 lawsuits relating to the marketing and sale of preference shares, in just one year.

The media often focuses on the most striking and scandalous cases where consumers and bank customers clearly had not been able to understand the complex financial products. Cases involving the retired and elderly for example, or those with Alzheimer’s, or illiterate people, who

were clearly unable to comprehend fully what they were signing. I even remember reading a headline in the press who claimed that a bank sold preference shares to a small child.

However, to claim against the bank for improper sale of such products, it is not necessary to show that the person affected be of the profile described above. Indeed, there are many court decisions where the affected consumers are people deemed perfectly capable, even with a significant academic, financial and cultural background.

In these cases, the courts understand that the bank did not properly market these products correctly. As we all know, in reality most were sold as if they were a guaranteed fixed deposit and retrievable at any time, without informing the customer of the real problems that in practice they could have, and in fact did have.

There are key points to be considered in these types of claims: - The bank customer should not act with the aim to speculate, but should be a consumer who only aimed to make returns on his savings .

– It must be proved that the information received from the bank was insufficient. The bank has a fundamental duty to provide full information to the consumer. These buyers should know and understand at the time of purchase not only the virtues but also all the problems and possible negative consequences of the product .

If you have a problem with your bank and with the investment you made through them , our firm can help .

You can follow the Spanish Legal Issues that affect you and consult us by following us on facebook: https://www.facebook. com/WhiteBaosAbogadosLawyers

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)

29

Spain, France and Italy the new favourites: in that order

ACCORDING TO a recent Rightmove report France is about to lose its position as the most popular location to purchase overseas property, knocked off top place as Europe’s number one investment location by Spain. Running third is Italy. A little more than half of those considering buying in Spain are hunting for a second home with just over a third planning to relocate permanently and 13% interested in investment properties. Spain’s massive price reductions over the past few years are viewed to be responsible for the shift in preference.

currency

30

07-13 FEB 2014

by

Kevin Wright

Account Manager, Costa Blanca North

Moneycorp news THANK YOU all for the fantastic response to the Currency Clinics.

The first one of the New Year was held in Javea on Tuesday 4th February and every slot was booked, with clients able to discuss their own requirements one-to-one. The RTN will publish the dates and locations of all upcoming clinics so look for the most convenient for you.

Some general questions did come up at Javea and I thought it would be useful to answer some of them in general terms this week.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE MONEYCORP INSTEAD OF MY BANK? Moneycorp can save you money by using our experience, market knowledge, technology and focus to get you the most competitive exchange rates.

We also take the time to understand your requirements, which helps us suggest the best solutions to maximise the value of your currency transfer.

Foreign exchange can be complicated, and our experts

are on hand to guide you every step of the way.

HOW DO I KNOW MY MONEY IS SAFE WITH MONEYCORP? We’ve been in business for over 30 years and help clients make about 2 million transactions each year.

This says a lot about our reputation and reliability.

As an authorised Payment Institution, Moneycorp is legally required to safeguard client funds in respect of a payment.

We are a licensed Money Service Business.

Moneycorp FRM is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the conduct of designated investment business.

HOW MUCH MONEY CAN I TRANSFER? You can trade from £50 or its equivalent in any of 34 currencies using Moneycorp Online. The minimum amount that you can send using our Regular Payment Plan is £250. We have a solution to fit most currency needs so please just ask.

Currency Clinic Dates: Europa Network, Javea 4th March 8th April RTN’s offices, La Nucia 11th February 11th March 15th April Moneycorp’s Costa Blanca Office, Quesdada 18th February 18th March 22nd April The experts will be available from 10am to 1pm and booking an appointment is essential. (If you are unable to make the date in your area, please feel free to call and we will arrange a visit at your convenience). Please ring 902 118 999.

Life

Robinson Crusoe washed ashore this Weekend

Don’t forget to look behind for footprints in the sand as Robinson Crusoe gets shipwrecked in San Miguel

By Keith Nicol THE TRADITIONAL Pantomime season comes to an end this weekend with Campoverde Theatre Group presenting their interpretation of ‘The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe’. Put a smile on your face and head on out to Casa de Cultura in San Miguel de Salinas for what promises to be a fun filled, action packed, pantomime that is full of memorable characters, laughter, song and dance, all performed this weekend, starting tonight on Friday 7th through Sunday 9th

of February. It’s a great way to spice up a dreary February evening by enjoying a good old traditional pantomime that has something for all the family.

The group invite you to: “Come and meet our hero Robinson Crusoe, his mom who is the ship’s cook, his lovely girl friend, and the crew of the Mary Rose. Enjoy their voyage as they try and find the Spice Islands. See how they are faced with disaster at the hands of the evil Black Patch and the horrible Slickers.

Follow their progress as they make their way to the cannibal

invested island, see how Robinson encounters Friday and find out how the crew outwit the locals who are determined to feast on their flesh.” All gripping stuff with laughter guaranteed.

There are still a few tickets left, but they advise to please hurry along to and secure your seat to avoid disappointment.

The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe is sure to lift your spirits and give you a great evening out. Tickets are available from Colin on 966 774 127, Bargain Books in San Miguel or Adele Kippin in Pinar de Campoverde on 966 762 114.

07-13 FEB 2014

Caravanning Alicante show

By Keith Nicol FOR THOSE planning their holidays or looking for a weekend get-a-way, a great place to start is the Caravanning 2014 Exhibition, which takes place over the next two weekends at the IFA in Alicante, located close to the airport.

The show has become one of the major trade fairs in Spain, with advanced ticket sales and interest boding well for growth on the number of visitors and expectations in sales over last year. The fair is aimed at all audiences, because “the camping-caravanning scene is an interesting option to be able to travel freely and to schedule your vacation; it’s a lifestyle,” said the president of ACYCA. In addition to the new exhibition, they are planning a concentration of caravans and motor homes in a parking lot, beside the main exhibition building.

2014 Caravaning Alicante will show the latest developments and innovations in all aspects of this tourism sector covering such areas as: Caravans, camper trailers, modules, prefabricated houses, camping items, camping associations, campgrounds and camping areas, hiking, hiking associations, schools, sports clubs and councils.

Caravaning Alicante, takes place over two weekends at the IFA, from 14th to 16th February and the following weekend, 21st to the 23rd. The Institución Ferial Alicantina is located on Carretera N-340, Km731, 03320 Torrellano, Elche, Alicante, with more information available from their web site at http://feria-alicante.com or by calling 966 657 600.

Tickets can be ordered online for 4€ admission.

Caravaning Alicante starts next weekend

Torrevieja Costa Lions Club

33

Torrevieja’s new gastronomy calendar

By Keith Nicol A NEW addition to the calendar of tourism activities for Torrevieja, was launched at Fitur last week in the form of a calendar of events featuring gastronomy. The Hospitality Association of Torrevieja’s first gastronomic activity started yesterday, Thursday February 6th and is called ‘The Cazuelica and Wine’. Similar in concept to the Tapas Route, 25 local establishments will delight one and all with delicious casseroles accompanied by a variety of good wines selected for the occasion.

The event will take place through Sunday 9th February. Each establishment will offer a minimum of two ‘cazuelicas’ along with a selected wine priced at 1.50€ and 2.00 per casserole, so it will be a great opportunity to enjoy this rich and powerful cuisine which will certainly help warm you up during these chilly days of February. More information at: www.torreviejagastronomica.com.

JOIN LIONS club members on one of their ‘Business meeting nights’ and see what they are doing this year to raise money for charities in their local area and further afield. Lions are growing in numbers every month so if you feel like helping them they can be found on the second Thursday in every month at the Cabo Cervera Hotel in La Mata near Torrevieja: meetings now start at 7pm. If you like what you see and hear you will be invited to join their next social night event later in the month: wherever and whatever it may be you can be sure of a good night.

Contact davedanie@gmail.com or visit membership@torreviejacostalions.org

Life Showbiz Goss

If ever there was an Angel in human form

THE MAIN feature today is about a movie called ‘I Thirst’ that won’t be released for almost 18 months, but I wanted to bring it to you as I was taken by the level of passion behind the project. I also chose this story as the only other one that caught my eye was about Jim Davidson making up with Linda Nolan after all the handbags at 10 paces rowing they did in CBB, so in the end it was a very easy decision to make.

It’s not often I select an item purely on its niceness. ‘I Thirst’ is not only here because of that but because the subject matter is something you really mustn’t tamper with.

The film is about the life and work of Mother Teresa and when I saw the headline, I thought I must check this out and see if Hollywood plans to include car chases and some pathetically gratuitous love story. Fortunately this will not be the case, and that’s because the guy who has been selected to write the script is Keir Pearson, a man who went to Rwanda behind all the horrors that went on there and came out with an Oscar nominated script for the movie ‘Hotel Rwanda’.

This feature is more about relief than anything else, as if there ever was a genuinely real person on this planet it was Mother Teresa, and to have her life messed around with and ‘doctored’ for the masses would be an absolute tragedy.

I have head-butted and nobbled many a movie during my tenure at RTN but I am extremely pleased to say that nothing of that nature is anywhere near my line of thinking when it comes to ‘I Thirst’ and I have every faith in Keir Pearson delivering a script that tells the real story of Mother Teresa’s work in Calcutta in the 50s, where she ministered to India’s poor after hearing a call from God.

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07-13 FEB 2014

by

Peter Taylor

Writer and Broadcaster

Celebrity Clips I BROUGHT the ‘Wolf of Wall Street’ movie to RTN a few weeks back reporting on the record-breaking number of 506 swear words therein. It’s now been announced that the DVD version will be an hour longer and will contain even more swear words and lots more sex scenes … boy do they know how to sell a movie... By the way I’ve seen it and it’s fantastically funny!

Thankfully Lily Allen decided last year to return to music as not only is she a top singer, she has always been fearless when expressing herself. She said to ELLE UK: “Of course I’d rather look like Kate Moss. I wish I didn’t feel like that, but women are still expected to sit there and look pretty and not talk.” … told you she was fearless didn’t I. Liam Payne, he of boy band sensation One Direction, passed his driving test last week and we see a pic of him hanging out of a cheapo driving school car smiling ear to ear holding his pass document. Bit of a shock value foto as 1D are the biggest selling band on the planet but the lads still do stuff like you and me.

Singer Rita Ora has got herself the part of Mia Grey in ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’.

She told MTV, “I was nervous because it was the first time I ever did a movie with words,” excitedly adding, “the finished film is ‘…gonna be the biggest and most amazing shock movie ever!” Somehow or other I can’t help feeling it will all end in tears.

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07-13 FEB 2014

Life TV

7th February - 13th February

FRIDAY 7th February BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under Revisited 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 The Sheriffs Are Coming 12:45 Saints and Scroungers 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 WPC 56 16:00 Perfection 16:45 Escape to the Country 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 A Question of Sport 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Room 101 22:00 New Tricks 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 The Graham Norton Show 24:25 Pound Shop Wars 24:55 EastEnders

07:00 Homes Under the Hammer 08:00 Sheriffs Are Coming 08:45 Saints and Scroungers 09:15 A to Z of TV Cooking 10:00 Cold War, Hot Jets 11:00 Question Time 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Britain’s First Photo Album 14:30 Cash in the Attic 15:00 Great British Bake Off 16:00 Coast 16:30 Live Winter Olympics 20:30 Great Continental Railway Journeys 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 An Island Parish 22:00 Torvill & Dean: The Perfect Day 23:00 Alan Davies Apres-Ski 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 Weather 24:05 Passchendaele

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Britain’s Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 The Martin Lewis Money Show 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 The Americans 24:30 Benidorm

07:15 The Treacle People 07:25 Countdown 08:10 Will & Grace 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Canada 12:00 Sarah Beeny’s Selling Houses 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals 13:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast 22:00 Peter Kay: Live & Back on Nights!

23:00 The Last Leg 23:50 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 24:20 Weekend

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Police Interceptors 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 While I Was Gone 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 The True Story 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 22:00 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild 23:00 World’s 24:00 Criminals: Caught on Camera

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Emmerdale 07:55 You’ve Been Framed!

08:25 You’ve Been Framed!

08:45 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:30 Dinner Date 10:30 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 11:30 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 13:00 You’ve Been Framed!

13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 You’ve Been Framed!

15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Dinner Date 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 The Faculty 24:15 Take Me Out

07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:10 Ugly Betty 09:00 Charmed 10:00 Glee 11:00 New Girl 11:30 The Mindy Project 12:00 Charmed 13:00 Rules of Engagement 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 New Girl 16:30 The Mindy Project 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 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 John Tucker Must Die 23:50 Rude Tube

SATURDAY 8th February BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Food & Drink 13:00 Football Focus 13:45 Sportsday 14:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 14:15 Bargain Hunt 15:00 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 17:30 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 19:55 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 20:10 The Voice UK 21:35 The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins 22:25 Casualty 23:15 BBC News; Weather 23:30 Match of the Day

07:00 This Is BBC Two 07:30 Annie Oakley 09:00 Live Winter Olympics 12:00 See Hear 12:30 Great British Railway Journeys 13:00 Great British Bake Off 14:00 Easy Virtue 15:30 Live Winter Olympics 17:30 Final Score 18:10 Live Winter Olympics 20:00 Winter Olympics: Today at the Games 21:00 Torvill & Dean: The Perfect Day 22:00 Dad’s Army 22:30 The Culture Show 23:30 My Beautiful Laundrette

07:00 Pat & Stan 07:25 Dino Dan 07:40 Dino Dan 07:50 Canimals 08:00 Canimals 08:05 Canimals 08:10 Om Nom Stories 08:15 Sooty 08:30 Scrambled!

10:25 ITV News 10:30 Dinner Date 11:25 Murder, She Wrote 12:25 ITV News and Weather 12:29 ITV Central Weather 12:30 Catchphrase 13:15 Crocodile Hunter Diaries 14:15 Midsomer Murders 16:15 You’ve Been Framed!

17:15 ITV News Central 17:25 ITV News and Weather 17:40 Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith 20:10 Splash!

21:40 Take Me Out 22:55 Jonathan Ross Show 23:55 ITV News and Weather 24:09 ITV Central Weather 24:10 2 Fast 2 Furious

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Trans World Sport 09:00 The Morning Line 10:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:30 Frasier 11:00 The Big Bang Theory 11:30 The Big Bang Theory 12:00 How I Met Your Mother 12:25 How I Met Your Mother 13:00 The Simpsons 13:30 Undercover Boss USA 14:30 Channel 4 Racing 17:00 Come Dine with Me 17:25 Come Dine with Me 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:35 Come Dine with Me 19:05 Come Dine with Me 19:35 Channel 4 News 20:00 Bigfoot Files 21:00 Walking Through History 22:00 Hostages 23:00 Source Code 24:40 Jackie Brown

07:00 Childrens TV 08:00 Milkshake! Bop Box 08:05 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:25 Make Way for Noddy 08:40 City of Friends 08:55 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 Jelly Jamm 10:30 LazyTown 11:00 An American Tail 12:35 Thunderpants 14:15 Phenomenon 16:40 Diagnosis Murder 17:40 Columbo: an Exercise In Fatality 19:40 NCIS 20:30 NCIS 21:30 5 News Weekend 21:35 NCIS 23:15 Willed to Kill

07:45 Coronation Street 10:10 Emmerdale 13:10 You’ve Been Framed!

13:40 You’ve Been Framed!

14:10 You’ve Been Framed!

15:00 You’ve Been Framed!

16:00 Dennis 17:55 Horrid Henry: the Movie 19:50 The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 22:00 The Shawshank Redemption 24:55 The Magaluf Weekender

07:00 Switched 07:25 Make It or Break It 08:10 Ugly Betty 09:00 Charmed 10:00 Glee 11:00 The Mindy Project 11:30 The Mindy Project 12:00 Rules of Engagement 12:30 Rules of Engagement 13:00 Rules of Engagement 13:30 Rules of Engagement 14:00 Rules of Engagement 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:30 The Mindy Project 16:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:30 The Big Bang Theory 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 How I Met Your Mother 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 The Tomorrow People 22:00 Beverly Hills Cop 24:05 Rude Tube

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:15 The Hoobs 07:40 The Hoobs 08:05 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:30 Frasier 08:55 Frasier 09:25 The Taste 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:30 The Big Bang Theory 14:00 The Big Bang Theory 14:25 How I Met Your Mother 14:55 How I Met Your Mother 15:25 The Simpsons 15:55 The Simpsons 16:30 Three Men and a Baby 18:30 Deal or No Deal 19:30 Channel 4 News 20:00 Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast 21:00 Scandimania 22:00 Babylon 23:35 The Bank Job

07:00 Childrens TV 09:05 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:20 Angelina Ballerina 09:35 Mio Mao 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 Jelly Jamm 10:30 LazyTown 11:00 Power Rangers Super Samurai 11:35 Power Rangers Megaforce 12:10 The Hotel Inspector 13:05 Ice Road Truckers 14:05 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild 15:05 Police Interceptors 16:10 Daddy Day Camp 17:50 Land of the Lost 19:45 Planet of the Apes 21:55 5 News Weekend 22:00 The Expendables 23:55 Full Metal Jacket

07:00 Beauty and the Geek 07:45 Emmerdale 10:40 Coronation Street 13:00 Take Me Out 14:10 You’ve Been Framed!

15:10 You’ve Been Framed!

15:40 The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas 17:25 Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties 19:00 Rumor Has It..

21:00 Best of You’ve Been Framed!

22:00 The Magaluf Weekender 23:00 Bridget Jones’s Diary

07:00 Make It or Break It 07:45 Ugly Betty 08:30 Charmed 09:20 The Mindy Project 09:55 How I Met Your Mother 10:25 How I Met Your Mother 10:55 Hollyoaks 13:30 Revenge 14:30 Rules of Engagement 15:00 Rules of Engagement 15:30 How I Met Your Mother 16:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:30 The Big Bang Theory 17:00 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD 18:00 The Tomorrow People 19:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:30 The Big Bang Theory 21:00 Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief 23:25 The Running Man

SUNDAY 9th February BBC1

BBC2

07:00 Breakfast 08:25 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 The Big Questions 12:00 Sunday Politics 13:15 MOTD2 Extra 14:00 BBC News 14:10 Weather for the Week Ahead 14:15 Bargain Hunt 14:45 The Indian Doctor 15:30 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 18:00 Songs of Praise 18:35 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 19:00 Fake or Fortune?

20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Call the Midwife 22:00 The Musketeers 23:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 23:25 Match of the Day 2 24:25 Brooklyn’s Finest

07:00 Live Winter Olympics

07:00 Childrens TV 08:10 Om Nom Stories 08:15 Sooty 12:00 Saturday Kitchen 08:30 Scrambled!

10:25 Murder, She Wrote Best Bites 11:20 Dickinson’s Real Deal 12:15 ITV News and Weather 13:30 The Gumball Rally 12:19 ITV Central Weather 12:20 The Unforgettable 15:10 Live Winter Olympics 12:50 Inside the National Trust 13:50 Crocodile Hunter Diaries 17:30 Live Winter Olympics 14:50 Splash!

16:20 Thunderball 18:50 ITV News Central 20:10 Winter Olympics: 19:00 ITV News and Weather 19:15 Dancing on Ice Today at the Games 20:45 All Star Family Fortunes 21:30 Dancing on Ice: 21:00 Top Gear The Skate Off 22:00 Mr Selfridge 22:00 Dragons’ Den 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:14 ITV Central Weather 23:00 Alan Davies Apres-Ski 23:15 Birds of a Feather 23:45 Piers Morgan’s 23:30 QI XL Life Stories 24:45 Premiership 24:15 Royal Cousins at War Rugby Union

22:00 The Shawshank Redemption

Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties

MONDAY 10th February BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

ITV2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under Revisited 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Bargain Hunt 13:00 Live Winter Olympics 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 WPC 56 16:00 Perfection 16:45 Escape to the Country 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 Inside Out 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Britain’s Great War 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Have I Got Old News for You 24:20 Who Do You Think You Are? USA

06:00 Live Winter Olympics

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Britain’s Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 A Great Welsh Adventure with Griff Rhys Jones 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 DCI Banks 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 The Agenda 24:05 The Mighty Mississippi with Trevor McDonald

07:25 Countdown 08:10 Will & Grace 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Canada 12:00 Sarah Beeny’s Selling Houses 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals 13:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Dispatches 21:30 Food Unwrapped 22:00 Benefits Street 23:00 Benefits Britain: The Debate 24:00 Payday

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Winter Road Rescue 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Do You Know Me? 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 World’s 21:00 Police Interceptors 22:00 Jim Davidson: At Least I’m Not Boring 23:00 Helix 24:00 Death Race

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Coronation Street 08:25 You’ve Been Framed!

08:45 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:30 Dinner Date 10:30 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 11:30 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 12:30 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 Coronation Street 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Dinner Date 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Mom 22:30 Dads 23:00 The Job Lot 23:30 Plebs 24:00 Fake Reaction

07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:10 Ugly Betty 09:00 Charmed 10:00 Glee 11:00 New Girl 11:30 The Mindy Project 12:00 Charmed 13:00 Rules of Engagement 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 New Girl 16:30 The Mindy Project 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 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 21:30 2 Broke Girls 22:00 Revenge 23:00 David Blaine: Real or Magic 24:30 How I Met Your Mother

13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Winter Olympics 17:10 Live Winter Olympics 20:00 Winter Olympics: Today at the Games 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Food & Drink 22:00 Horizon 23:00 The Culture Show 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Royal Cousins at War

07-13 FEB 2014

37

Tuesday 11th February BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under Revisited 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Bargain Hunt 13:00 Live Winter Olympics 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 WPC 56 16:00 Perfection 16:45 Escape to the Country 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 Death in Paradise 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 A Question of Sport 24:05 Film 2014 24:35 The Hoax

07:00 Homes Under the

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Britain’s Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 River Monsters 21:00 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

22:00 Births, Deaths and Marriages 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 Sports Life Stories 24:35 Crocodile Hunter Diaries

07:25 Countdown 08:10 Will & Grace 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Canada 12:00 Sarah Beeny’s Selling Houses 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals 13:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Location, Location, Location 22:00 The Taste 23:00 Secrets of the Pickpockets 24:00 Benefits Street

07:00 Childrens TV 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Ultimate Emergency Bikers 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Murder 101 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 The Dog Rescuers 20:30 Police 5 21:00 Gibraltar: Britain in the Sun 22:00 200 Nips & Tucks and I Want More!

23:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:00 Body of Proof 24:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 Coronation Street 08:25 You’ve Been Framed!

08:45 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:30 Dinner Date 10:30 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 11:30 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 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 New Jersey 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Dinner Date 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 The Shawshank Redemption 24:55 Two and a Half Men

07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:10 Ugly Betty 09:00 Charmed 10:00 Glee 11:00 New Girl 11:30 The Mindy Project 12:00 Charmed 13:00 Rules of Engagement 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 New Girl 16:30 The Mindy Project 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 20:35 Iron Man 23:00 Troy 24:00 Rude Tube

Hammer 08:00 Live Winter Olympics 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Winter Olympics 17:00 Live Winter Olympics 20:00 Winter Olympics: Today at the Games 21:00 Children’s Emergency Rescue 22:00 Inside the Animal Mind 23:00 House of Fools 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Dragons’ Den

wednesday 12th February BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under Revisited 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Bargain Hunt 12:30 Live Winter Olympics 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 WPC 56 16:00 Perfection 16:45 Escape to the Country 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 21:00 Waterloo Road 22:00 Outnumbered 22:30 Mrs Brown’s Boys 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Match of the Day

07:00 This Is BBC Two

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Britain’s Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Midsomer Murders 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 Jonathan Ross Show 24:40 Corfu: A Tale of Two Islands

07:25 Countdown 08:10 Will & Grace 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Canada 12:00 Sarah Beeny’s Selling Houses 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals 13:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 14:05 Come Dine with Me Down Under 14:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 15:05 Come Dine with Me Down Under 15:35 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 The Restoration Man 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 First Dates 24:00 Troy

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Snowtrapped 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Dangerous Attraction 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 Trauma Doctors 21:00 Ultimate Emergency Bikers 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Suspects 24:00 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Holiday Airport: Palma 08:25 You’ve Been Framed!

08:45 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:30 Dinner Date 10:30 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 11:30 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 12:30 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 The Cube 15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Dinner Date 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 The Magaluf Weekender 24:00 The Big Reunion

07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:10 Ugly Betty 09:00 Charmed 10:00 Glee 11:00 New Girl 11:30 The Mindy Project 12:00 Charmed 13:00 Rules of Engagement 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 New Girl 16:30 The Mindy Project 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 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 The Tomorrow People 23:00 Rude Tube 24:00 The Inbetweeners Top 10 Moments

07:45 Live Winter Olympics 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Winter Olympics 17:00 Live Winter Olympics 20:00 Winter Olympics: Today at the Games 21:00 The Restaurant Man 22:00 Line of Duty 23:00 Inside No 9 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Top Gear

thursday 13th February BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under Revisited 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Bargain Hunt 13:00 Live Winter Olympics 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 Regional News and Weather 14:45 Doctors 15:15 WPC 56 16:00 Perfection 16:45 Escape to the Country 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 Pound Shop Wars 21:30 Inspector George Gently 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News and Weather 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

06:00 Live Winter Olympics

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Britain’s Best Bakery 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Birds of a Feather 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 ITV News Central 23:35 The Cube 24:35 Great Train Robbery

07:25 Countdown 08:10 Will & Grace 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Undercover Boss Canada 12:00 Sarah Beeny’s Selling Houses 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals 13:35 Come Dine with Me: Ireland 14:05 Come Dine with Me: Ireland 14:35 Come Dine with Me: Ireland 15:05 Come Dine with Me: Ireland 15:35 Come Dine with Me: Ireland 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 22:00 Big Ballet 23:00 Bodyshockers 24:05 Getting Rich in the Recession

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 The Hotel Inspector 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 NCIS 16:15 Like Mother, Like Daughter 18:00 5 News 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 NewsTalk Live 20:00 The True Story 21:00 The Kidnapping of Shergar 22:00 The Hotel Inspector 23:00 Brain Hospital: Saving Lives 24:00 CSI: NY

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Coronation Street 07:55 You’ve Been Framed!

08:25 You’ve Been Framed!

08:45 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 09:30 Dinner Date 10:30 The Real Housewives of Atlanta 11:30 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 12:30 Millionaire Matchmaker 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Coronation Street 14:30 You’ve Been Framed!

15:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 The Real Housewives of New Jersey 18:05 Millionaire Matchmaker 19:00 Dinner Date 20:00 You’ve Been Framed!

20:30 You’ve Been Framed!

21:00 Two and a Half Men 21:30 Two and a Half Men 22:00 The Big Reunion 23:00 Fake Reaction 23:50 Mom 24:20 Dads 24:45 Two and a Half Men

07:00 Switched 07:25 90210 08:10 Ugly Betty 08:55 Charmed 09:55 Glee 11:10 New Girl 11:40 The Mindy Project 12:05 Charmed 13:00 Rules of Engagement 13:30 Hollyoaks 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 New Girl 16:30 The Mindy Project 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 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 22:30 The Inbetweeners 23:00 The Midnight Beast 23:35 The IT Crowd 24:10 8 Out of 10 Cats

13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Live Winter Olympics 17:00 Live Winter Olympics 20:30 Winter Olympics: Today at the Games 21:00 The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure 22:00 Bible Hunters 23:00 Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Inside the Animal Mind

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07-13 FEB 2014

Life travel

Valencia’s Distant Corner

AS YOU approach Ademuz it resembles nothing more picturesque than a handful of faded coloured blocks slapped on the side of a hill. Close up, it isn’t a lot better! It’s not all bad, though. The fountain heads of the Green Man in front of the church are nice and....well, the fountain heads are nice.

The Iglesia Parroquial de Ademuz is attractive in that heavily restored and lots of guilding sort of way (and at least I was able to get in) but the mountain village tranquillity was somewhat disturbed by the angle-grinder going at some restoration across the street and the electrician who was busy sorting out the lights in the church and kept calling to his mate at the bottom at the bottom of the ladder to throw something up. Mind you, if they hadn’t been there I doubt if I would have been, either.

There are some nifty buildings around the Plaza de Ayuntamiento, with some of the original medievall houses with arched doors and wooden balconies - a couple of which I’d definitely need to have a few stiff G&Ts to chance sitting on - and a lovely little nook festooned with geraniums and climbing plants. An elegant house in the corner with fluted pilasters and decorative iron balconies proclaims itself to be the ‘Clinica Medico Quirurica del Doctor Teruel - Rayos X’, but as the charming house is now semi-derelict, it’s probably a long time since anyone attended his surgeries.

As I was photographing houses on the Plaza, a man stopped to tell me that the Doctor’s house was for sale but very expensive. He then went through a list of practically all the housing stock for sale in Ademuz - and there are a fair few, it certainly seems to be a place people are moving away from - and all the pros and cons of each. I couldn’t stop him until I gave his a sworn affidavit that I’d act on his words immediately. To be fair, there are some pretty eye-teeth-giving houses and visiting Adamuz on a day of the deepest possible hues of gray probably didn’t do it justice.

From long experience I know that it’s only by walking the streets that a town presents itself.

You get tantalising glimpses of the castle ruin at the top of the hill through gaps in the tall, skinny houses. Sadly, a pretty horrific cement water container spoils the image when you get close enough to see the castle in its entirety. A fair number of the houses have that bumper level gouge in the wall and different coloured streaks from the side mirrors of cars whose owners didn’t know if it was wider than 1.9 metres.

No-matter which street I took I always seemed to return pretty quickly to the church square, where the same group of geriatrics sat on plastic chairs outside a bar, leaning on their walking sticks and glowering at me from below bushy eyebrows. If I hadn’t met the chatty chap who gave me the house list I might have thought that glowering was the local pastime. There again, the c.c. might have been the local estate agent, and if I’d hung around long enough he may have taken me through the list physically as well as verbally.

I have to admit that I was pretty disappointed by my trip to the Rincon de Ademuz. I’d read plenty of purple prose about the quaint little piece of Valencia stuck in Aragon, and should probably have been a bit less surprised, given that, apart from some supposedly good walking - and there’s plenty of that elsewhere in the Comunidad - about the only other thing the area is famous for is apples. It made me smile in a sardonic sort of way to see a large sign that said ‘Rincon de Ademuz, Destino Piloto de Dinamización Turistica’, particularly as the tourist offices were closed on a normal weekday afternoon. About the only thing I found with life in it was a well equipped internet centre with a very well equipped young lady looking after it.

As the church clock struck five the only thing moving in the streets of Ademuz was me as I left.

To discover more about Spain, visit www.derekworkman-journalist.com and http://derekworkman.wordpress.com. http://valpaparazzi.wordpress.com: random notes about life in Spain.

Derek Workman’s books, Inland Trips from the Costa Blanca and Small Hotels and Inns of Eastern Spain are available from most good books shops or direct from the publisher, Santana Books, www.santanabooks.com or Tel. 952 485 838.

07-13 FEB 2014

Life events

Ready to rock

By Jack Troughton FOOTLIGHTS YOUTH Theatre’s 25-strong cast rehearsed West Side Story with a live band for the first time last weekend in the build up to up to opening night next Thursday.

The cast and crew were given special access to the school hall at Laude Lady Elizabeth School in Lliber – the space allowing them room for the more dynamic and gymnastic set pieces from the award winning musical.

The young cast has been busy rehearsing the modern version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet for six months – the story

that tells of love discovered in the streets of New York amidst the rivalry of two street gangs, The Jets and The Sharks.

And looking ahead to the first night in Calpe – and in the ensemble version of the hit song ‘Tonight’, Footlights are ready with the message: “We’re going to rock it tonight, we’re going to jazz it up, and have us a ball!”

West Side Story is performed at the Casa de Cultura, Calpe, from Thursday 13th February to Saturday 15th February – it moves on to an already sold-out show at the Teatro Municipal Torrevieja on Saturday 22nd February - before returning north to

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Barn Dancing along the coast

Members of the cast take a break

Teulada’s Auditori on Friday 7th March.

Tickets are 12€, with a reduction for children under the age of 14 at Calpe only to 8€. The show starts at 8pm each night – except on Saturday 15th February when the curtain at Calpe goes up at 6pm.

Remaining tickets for Calpe are available by ringing 652 404 798 or from footlights.boxoffice@gmail.com. Tickets for Teulada are available from the box office, open at the theatre Wednesdays to Saturdays 11.00 to 13.00 then 18.00 to 20.00; and also available online via www.instanticket.es

By Keith Nicol FOR THOSE seeking a fun and very different activity, think about heading along to the Lo Monte Hotel on the N332, near Torre de la Horadada for an evening of Barn Dancing with Grendels Bane on Saturday, February 8th, at 8.00pm. It’s a fun filled evening of dance, song and live music that everyone can join in, even those with two left feet as no previous dancing experience is required as all dances are called by ‘Smithy’. All four members of Grendels Bane are British and they perform in a number of local venues, along with having performed in concert in the Jaquarilla Palace gardens, for a mainly Spanish audience celebrating the Jaquarilla Fiesta, along with their regular barn dances across the area.

One of the more unique aspects of this Saturday’s Dance, is that it features an American supper, so you can bring your own food and drink or picnic, although food and drink is also available from the Lo Monte restaurant. Tickets are only 5€ and available on the door, or to reserve your place, please contact Carol on 966 762 881 or 676 566 090 or email: divesmith@hotmail.com. This month’s raffle in aid of Alzheimer’s Association (AFA).

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07-13 FEB 2014

Life spanish

Basic Spanish for everyday needs

by Jane Cronin

More negatives and questions I LIKE talking but I need to work.

Can I eat and drink as well?

Your homework last week was to translate these two sentences into Spanish, so here are the answers: Me gusta hablar pero necesito trabajar. ¿Puedo comer y beber también?

If you are a fairly elementary student of Spanish and managed to do that correctly – well you’ve achieved a lot!

Also it means you’ve been paying attention to what I’ve told you, which is always nice for me. For those of you who might not have got it quite right, the most typical mistake is to mistranslate “talking” – remember that “talking” is treated like “to talk” after “me gusta”. “Me gusta hablar” (I like to talk – I like talking).

Also last lesson I promised you some more of those lovely verbs to give you more scope in what you can say.

Remember that at the moment we are not making any changes to the verbs we are learning – we are keeping them in their basic or infinitive form and learning ways we can fit them into sentences just as they are. Also, just a quick reminder that these infinitive forms in Spanish always end in –ar, -er or –ir. There are no exceptions to this rule.

So with all that said – here are some more: ANDAR – to walk, CERRAR – to close, COMPRAR – to

buy, ESCUCHAR - to listen, ESTAR – to be (how or where), FIRMAR – to sign, VISITAR - to visit.

CORRER – to run, HACER – to make/to do, LEER – to read, TENER – to have, VER – to watch/to see.

CONDUCIR – to drive, ESCRIBIR – to write, IR – to go, SALIR – to go out.

There you go, sixteen new verbs. Incidentally, if you want to commit these to memory the best way to do it is in a relaxed and repetitive way. Here’s a suggestion to help you. Write them down in a list, the Spanish words on the left and their English translations on the right. Sit down for about 10 or 15 minutes in a quiet, comfortable place where you’re not going to be disturbed, turn off the infernal mobile phone, put the cat in another room and ignore your other half for a while! Maybe put some favourite music on in the background. Then read the Spanish words slowly out loud, one after the other, whilst silently noticing their translations as you go down the list. Do this once or maybe twice a day, but without putting yourself under any pressure to memorise. After a few times you will find that the words start to stick in your mind, mainly because you are relaxed as you are learning them.

Well, without further ado, I think we should start seeing what new sentences we can make. I’ll do some examples with their translations, and then some in English and Spanish for you to have a think about before the next

lesson. You might need to do a small amount of research for some of the extra words.

Voy a andar a la playa.

I’m going to walk to the beach. ¿Puedo cerrar la puerta?

Can I close the door?

No necesito comprar más.

I don’t need to buy (any) more.

Me gusta escuchar música.

I like listening to music. ¿Vas a estar aquí mucho tiempo?

Are you going to be here for long?

Translate into English No puedo firmar hoy ¿Quieres visitar a tu amigo?

No necesito correr.

Me gusta hacer los deberes.

No voy a leer todo el libro.

Translate into Spanish Do you want to have a lot of money?

I like watching the news.

I can’t drink and drive.

Are you going to write a letter?

I need to go to the chemist.

Life books

Danny Collins - copydjp@gmail.com

Potsdam Station

THE STORY is set in wartime Europe.

JOHN RUSSELL, an American war correspondent, once a staunch supporter of the Bolshevik Revolution and now disillusioned, pleads with Moscow to allow him to accompany the Red Army into Berlin.

His cover story to the Russians is his desire to glorify Stalin’s victory to the West but his true motive is to find his wife, a German actress sought by the Gestapo for helping escaping Jews, before the rampaging Red Army conscripts begin their rape and slaughter of the defeated city occupants. His quest is made more urgent by the fact that his son by his first marriage is a German citizen defending Berlin against the Russian invaders.

Instead, because of his familiarity with the city, Russell is ordered by the NKVD to lead a Russian scientist to the Berlin Atomic Institute to secure documented details of the Nazis’ progress in developing a nuclear weapon. Accompanying the duo are two NKVD officers whom he is convinced will become his executioners once the mission is successfully completed.

His wife meanwhile had been arrested by Author: David Downing Publisher: Old Street (paperback) Price: 10.80€ ISBN: 978 1 906984 56 6 Stars 1-10: 10 for nail-biting action

the Gestapo while attempting to smuggle a Jewish child to safety. Downing’s story races between the experiences of the three main characters as the Russian net closes in. The result is an immensely readable thriller that holds the reader spellbound. I get slapped if I bite my nails but nibbling fiercely at a cuticle was a temptation throughout. I must look out for David Downing’s other works.

Suduko Answer

07-13 FEB 2014

Life people

Book tells Javea’s story

Giving4Giving 2nd Annual Sponsored Dog Walk JOIN GIVING4GIVING on Sunday 2nd March at 11am for a relaxing 6km walk, to raise cash for deserving local charities!

Bring your own four-legged friend to the Repsol station on the CV70 opposite Toyota – sunshine is forecast but whatever the weather there will be plenty of fun to go round.

Sponsorship forms are available from the Giving4Giving shop at 12 Monver Plaza in La Nucia. For more details call or text 603 137 697.

DUTCH WRITER Cornelius Wiedenhoff has seen his story of Javea translated into both Spanish and English by popular demand.

By Jack Troughton THE FORMER businessman, who now lives in the Marina Alta town, spent two years researching ‘Xabia/Javea: A Fascinating History of a Small Town’ and discovered a rich past that had largely vanished. And the 76-year-old said: “Most of the traces of the past have disappeared in the old town of Javea, but in the book the past comes to life again with the history of this tow and offers the reader an exciting journey through fascinating times.”

A former director of foreign affairs with an international company, ‘Cor’ came to Javea in 2000 and was convinced his new home had a story to tell.

“Throughout history all the different people could not have ignored this most easterly point of the Iberian Peninsula as they passed by hugging the shore in their unsteady boats, or travelling along the coast on dry land,” he said.

“I imagined they would have come upon the fertile plain at the mouth of the River Gorgos as it reached the sea, and this thought turned out to be correct.”

Firstly published in Dutch, the local population was so interested in the history it was printed in Spanish. This week – translated by Joanne Weatherby and Javier Sanchez – the book was available in English and readers are offered a journey through history and the part played by Javea within Spain and beyond her borders.

The book has 200 pages and 300 colour illustrations and is available from local bookshops.

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Kids go shopping

Cornelius Wiedenhoff

By Jack Troughton YOUNGSTERS LIVING in EMAUS homes are looking forward to a shopping trip to Alicante thanks to a 500€ donation from the Creative Club of Calpe. Gabriella Schaefer (left) President of the club is pictured handing the cheque to Friends of the Children of EMAUS President Carole Saunders. Carole told RTN the money would be used to take the youngsters to the city. “The children will have the opportunity to spend their Christmas gift tokens and we will supply a meal and a drink to make it a proper day out.”

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07-13 FEB 2014

Life people

In tune with charity

By Jack Troughton MEMBERS OF choir Montgo Chorale were “thrilled” to donate 1,365€ to HELP of Denia and the Marina Alta after a successful retiring collection at its annual Christmas carol concert.

Choir Director Gordon Lawson presented the money to HELP’s President Judith Goodall at the charity’s La Xara premises.

Judith thanked the choir for the “impressive amount” and said it would be spent replacing aging medical equipment such as defibrillators, blood pressure monitors, and pulse oximeters.

And she said many people had commented on the success of the concert at Pedregeur Church in December featuring familiar and less well known carols.

The choir returns to the church on Sunday 18th May with four professional soloists to perform the Haydn Nelson mass and the Rossini Stabat Matar.

For more information about Montgo Chorale’s future concerts contact Jan at dewlandjan@hotmail.com Pictured at the presentation are (from left) Mike Dewland, Jan Dewland, Peter Lobb, Geoff Grimshaw, HELP President Judith Goodall, Gordon Lawson the Director of Montgó Chorale, Matty Horne, and HELP’s Candy Wright.

Pack up your troubles…

MARKING THE 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the Great War, Careline Theatre proudly presents ‘Lest We Forget – A Walk Down Memory Lane’. The First World War claimed the lives of more than 16 million people, involved over 100 nations, and impacted on the lives of every town and village and despite the passage of time, the

1914-1918 conflict still touches everyone through their own family history or the way it changed whole communities.

Yet the war is slipping beyond the fringes of living memory, making it harder to insure people do not forget its significance.

Careline Theatre is staging its own commemoration at its theatre in Alcalali and

using the same format as last October’s Old Time Music Hall – using popular songs, dance routines, sketches and monologues to take the audience back to World War One through to World War Two. The show will run from Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th October and the proceeds from the opening night will be donated to the Royal British Legion. For more information, please visit www.carelinetheatre.com

Be pampered for pooches A SPECIAL Ladies Night in aid of animal charity APASA is being staged at MiMi Hair in Javea on Monday 10th February between 4pm and 8pm.

The event promises ‘hair, beauty and retail’ and it is hoped everyone will enjoy a fun-filled evening as they learn some secrets and can buy products at discounted prices or try free samplers. Refreshments will be available and a raffle will be staged with all proceeds going to APASA – find MiMi’s in the same car park as Specsavers.

Tickets are 3€ and available from MiMi’s or by calling Sue on 96 574 1668 or Mandy on 639 603 880.

Life horoscopes The powers of a retrograde Mercury and the influence of Neptune bring a warning on a financial level this week. This is above all a time to check and secure all aspects of your income and expenditure with a view to making changes all around, and tightening your belt if you have to. Forewarned is forearmed, so be prepared.

You are normally not one to put anything off, but when things become confrontational this week you may have to watch your words and eat humble pie. Blame any immediate actions on the wisdom of Saturn as it transits the Sun, in an action which interferes with timing and schedule; as Mercury’s retrograde chips in to fan the flames.

Mercury’s retrograde take on of Aquarius brings things to a new and highly acceptable level, with the ironing out of any creases, and the presentation of a new project entirely steered by you. Expect opposition initially and take the rough with the smooth this week as you leave no stone unturned and receive an explanation that’s long awaited.

Aquarian energies have sought to show you a loophole, and this has to be your immediate priority. Since others have been giving you the run around it is high time that the tables turned and you get the taste of success that you deserve. Since you appear to be in the right place right now use caution to get what it is you exactly want and need.

Kenny Corris www.kennycorris.net Mobile: 686 361 594 Tel: 965 878 424

Libran balance is adequately stirred by the actions of Ceres this week. Be careful in asking for what you want because you may find that you get it sooner than you might think.

Ceres governs time, and it is with this positive action in process that you can rewrite the rules and reward those appropriately for standing by you, as they did, at all costs!

A time for hard work as you begin to unravel the mistakes of others as you put your house in order in more ways than one. In actions this week you serve to show who is really running the shop as you take conscious control of something others have thought better to sweep under the carpet. Above all the truth has to be told, here, and now.

A double action sees Jupiter opposing Pluto and Mercury taking on Aquarius. If you thought that this was a time to rest and put your feet up, you are very wrong. Since there is something brewing, and the boot appears to be on the other foot this time; you are needed to bring resolution and resolve, in facing up to a sticky problem.

Someone is putting pressure on you, and your best alternative is to ignore it and stall for time, because you can. You have been internalising your anger and this really doesn’t help you in any way. Since you alone know the truth and its implications, others need to know that you are not to be messed with; as they piece together secrets and lies.

The Full Moon next week brings the end of a somewhat troubled period, and this allows you leeway to clear your head right now. A surprise knock on the door midweek brings enlightenment as you begin to respect yourself, and get back to basics. Only your sense of humour and determination can see you through all of this.

07-13 FEB 2014

The Sun may be shining on Saturn but there is strong wisdom in your current way of working. It is sure that were it not for your endearing manner and you positive outlook things would not be as they are. Time then indeed to bow out gracefully when you can; but not before you have found someone who you can rely on to take up the reins.

Mercury, in retrograde, ingresses at the end of the week bringing a better explanation of all that has been going on lately. Things haven’t felt right and you appear to have been held back when it comes to making the right moves that are only now afoot. Since you readily put your cards on the table it is only right you now get what you need.

Love is on the cards and it is about time you had the chance to show your strong emotions in a positive and inspirational light. In your defence there has been a fair lot of water under the bridge, but now, excuses apart, there comes a time to show to others what you really need, and to stop playing games as a smokescreen from the main event.

Kenny’s article and postbag is now being printed monthly

If it’s your birthday this week

Stay focussed as there comes a chance you may have peaked too soon. The slow start to this year does not mean repetition, nor pangs from delays of the distant past; but it shows that you are being tested every which way, and consistency and endeavour are the only way through.

Last weeks crossword answers can be found on page 51.

Quick or Cryptic Crossword

Across 1. Pain (4) 8. Speed up (10) 9. And so on (2,6) 10. Virtuous (4) 12. Upright (6) 14. Stretch (6) 15. Pass away (6) 17. End (6) 18. Operatic song (4) 19. Rapturous (8) 21. Intentional (10) 22. Record (4) Down 2. Director (10) 3. Comfort (4) 4. Stress (6) 5. Gratify (6) 6. Terrify (8) 7. Sell (4) 11. All-knowing (10) 13. Forcible (8) 16. Loophole (6) 17. Financial (6) 18. Military assistant (4) 20. So be it (4)

Across 1. A convict returns to the fete (4) 8. But he could be backward politically and no Socialist in sport (4-6) 9. Although discourteous, I am to take a European round it (8) 10. Game piece for Uncle? (4) 12. On stage in a temporary capacity (6) 14. The ball is in her grasp, her expert grasp (6) 15. If taken aback, sees the last of the demons (6) 17. Statue shows cunning construction (6) 18. Bring up to be last? (4) 19. Take the corner too lightly and capsize (8) 21. Fetch ring to restore consciousness (5,5) 22. With which orientals show agreement? (4) Down 2. There’s surely a fortune to me made in nuclear science (6,4) 3. A singer is included in most normal tours (4) 4. In sight in it, but apparently not likely to be on (6) 5. We are in groups eating confections (6) 6. Photographs from an overheated camera? (8) 7. The smile of the bearer, perhaps (4) 11. Try hard to get power by taking industrial action? (4,2,4) 13. No rating is lacking in knowledge (8) 16. Scrubs most of the finals course (6) 17. A place to meet in the street (6) 18. Makes fun of bones (4) 20. Bound, say, to have water movement (4)

Sudoku

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07-13 FEB 2014

Life health

Amanda Collins, Dip HE Family Medical Centre, Albir

Causes of Jaundice JAUNDICE IS a term used to describe a yellowish tinge to the skin and sclerae (the white part of the eye) caused by an excess of a substance called bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product produced when red blood cells break down.

Human blood cells have a lifespan of 120 days, after which they’re broken down and replaced with new cells.

Bilirubin is transported in the bloodstream to the liver where it combines it with digestive fluid called bile which is stored in the gall bladder. It is then released into the digestive system through a series of tubes known as the bile duct system or biliary system.

Jaundice can occur as a result of any condition, problem or underlying factor that disrupts the movement of bilirubin from the blood to the liver and then out of the body. The level of jaundice will depend on the level of excess bilirubin in the blood. There are basically three types of jaundice: PRE-HEPATIC JAUNDICE This is due to an excess of bilirubin before blood passes through the liver. This can be caused when a condition or infection speeds up the breakdown of red blood cells. Causes of pre-hepatic jaundice include: Malaria: a blood-borne infection spread by mosquitoes Sickle cell anaemia: a genetic condition that causes red blood cells to develop abnormally, most common amongst black people Thalassaemia: similar to sickle cell anaemia in that it affects the production of red blood cells, most common in people of the Mediterranean, Middle East and South Asia Gilbert’s syndrome: a faulty gene prevents bilirubin from

converting at the normal rate Crigler-Najjar syndrome: a rare genetic condition where an enzyme that is required to help move bilirubin out of the blood and into the liver is missing Hereditary spherocytosis: an uncommon genetic condition that causes red blood cells to have a shorter life-span than normal INTRA-HEPATIC JAUNDICE This occurs when damage disrupts the liver’s ability to process bilirubin. Causes of intra-hepatic jaundice include: Viral hepatitis (A,B &C) Alcoholic liver disease Leptospirosis: a bacterial infection spread by animals, particularly rats Glandular fever: a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus Drug misuse: two leading causes are recreational drugs, ecstasy and overdoses of Paracetamol Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: a rare condition that causes progressive liver damage Liver cancer Exposure to substances known to be harmful to the liver such as phenol or carbon tetrachloride Autoimmune Hepatitis: – a rare condition where the immune system starts to attack the liver Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: a rare type of liver disease that causes chronic (long-lasting) inflammation of the liver.

Dubin-Johnson Syndrome: a rare genetic condition where the liver is unable to combine bilirubin with bile and move it out of the liver.

POST-HEPATIC JAUNDICE Post-hepatic jaundice occurs when the bile duct system is damaged, inflamed or obstructed, resulting in the gallbladder being unable to move bile into the digestive system. Causes of post-hepatic jaundice include: Gallstones obstructing the bile duct Pancreatic cancer Gallbladder cancer or bile duct cancer Pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas Any person exhibiting any sign of jaundice should see their Family Doctor without delay for immediate investigation.

This article was written by Amanda Collins, Family Medical Centre, Albir. Please call 96 686 5072 for more information or to make an appointment.

Life health

07-13 FEB 2014

45

The Costa Blanca’s Top Hypnotherapist Jonathan Gilchrist

Lose weight with incredible Fast Track Hypnosis LOW CONFIDENCE affects both genders but due to media pressure women tend to suffer on a seemingly epidemic level.

Statistics show that only 2% of women feel beautiful: only 80% are content about their looks. When fashion models are around seven inches taller and almost two stone lighter than most women is it any wonder the average lady on the street feels inadequate?

Women are judged by their appearance more than men, which does not help matters. A staggering 50% of American women believe they are overweight, yet only 20% actually are. Sadly many women resort to the extreme to lose weight and eating disorders are becoming more common. Yet while the entire world is concerned about rising obesity levels there has never been so much junk food available.

Weight problems stem from our relationship with food.

And if you are genuinely overweight the scales don’t lie.

As a child, you might have been forced to stay at the table to finish the food on your plate. It didn’t matter that you were full - you had to think of the ‘starving children in Africa’.

If you complained about a long car journey did your parents hand you a piece of chocolate to make it all better? Did it soothe your irritation? These are two examples of how early

programming can affect a later lifestyle.

Hunger is a real need, whereas appetite is a habit. Over the years, the distinction between appetite and hunger blurs.

The Fast Track Hypnosis Weight Loss system retrains the brain and tweaks it so the line between appetite and hunger is no longer a blur but a solid line. Once your brain is on the right track you will start to lose weight in the most effective and completely natural way.

As you start to lose weight, your confidence levels increase and you’ll find that you may start to set yourself some more life goals.

Your self-esteem also improves as a byproduct of the whole process.

Fast Track Hypnosis Weight Control or the Gastroband session takes place within thirty minutes that could change your life forever! And no, that isn’t an exaggeration!

As part of the process, there are also backup CDs included, used to reinforce the session and to cut any cravings.

Through adopting a healthy relationship with food, you can forever remove yourself

Alan Gilchrist and Jonathan hold their Fast Track Hypnosis sessions in Cabo Roig: NEW - Quesada, Benidorm. For an appointment, brochure, or free of charge initial consultation call Alan Gilchrist on 659 229 408: Jonathan Gilchrist on 691 784 954 or visit: www.alangilchristinspain.com www.hypnosiscostablanca.com www.thegastroband.com

from the superficial society in which we live. If you’re ready to change your life, ready to change the way you view yourself and if you’re ready to stop caring about the rest of the world’s opinion, then make today the day for that change.

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07-13 FEB 2014

Food for Cous cous stuffed peppers with roasted cherry tomatoes thought SOMETHING FOR vegetarians - a recipe proves that you can have flavour without flesh. If you can find cherry tomatoes on the vine (I couldn’t) they would look much nicer.

• 2 medium red peppers, cut in half through the stalks and de-seeded • 6 tbls of finely diced vegetables (try onion, celery, mushroom, green pepper, leek) • 100g cous cous • 125 ml vegetable stock • 8-10 cherry tomatoes • Olive oil • Salt and pepper 1. Pre-heat the oven to 190°C. 2. Drizzle a little olive oil on the inside of the peppers, season with salt and pepper and microwave on full power for 3-4 minutes until softened.

3. In a small frying pan, sweat the diced vegetables in a little oil until soft. Set aside.

4. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable stock to the boil, then stir in the cous cous and diced vegetables. Set aside to cool.

5. Place the peppers on an ovenproof tray then spoon in the cous cous and press firmly. Place the tomatoes on the same tray, drizzle with a little oil and season.

6. Place the tray in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes. Position the tomatoes on top of the peppers and serve.

Preparation time: 15 minutes, Cooking time: 20 minutes.

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

Preparing paella

By Jack Troughton HEARTY APPETITES for investigating traditional Spanish food is a requirement for a new group formed by Javea U3A. The new Spanish Culture and Cuisine Group held a successful inaugural lunch at Restaurant Trencall in Javea with 65 members attending.

Leaders Angela and Tony started the afternoon by making everyone welcome before everyone was given a brief history on the origins of ‘paella’.

It was then time to let the food do the talking – a variety of tapas was served before the main courses of Paella Valenciana, Arroz del Seynorett and Paella de Veduras. The meal was completed with a typical Marina Alta dessert, Calabaza con chocolate – all helped down with wines from Bodega Nuestra Senora de las Virtudes, Villena.

Future events for the group include a trip to Novelda in March and a four day excursion to Tortosa, Montserrat and Vinaros in May.

07-13 FEB 2014

47

Life events ‘New’ Jubilee Jazz Band THE JUBILEE Jazz Band is an authentic six-piece vintage jazz band that performs in restaurants, jazz clubs, town hall concerts and private functions.

Gerry Haim (piano) has recently joined the band and due to the fact that none of the founder members remain in the band, they have changed the name to the ‘New Jubilee Jazz Band’.

The website address has also been changed to: www.newjubileejazzband.weebly.com plus there is a new Facebook ‘Group’ called: New Jubilee Jazz Band Fan Club.

The band will continue to perform at Monroe’s Carvery in Pedreguer every other Tuesday night – next night is 11th February. Phone: 96 576 1731 for table bookings.

There is a (voluntary) recommended music charge of 3€ per adult diner: for more details phone 96 617 2139. For more information on the band or Jazz on the Costa Blanca, contact Mike or email: mpsjazz@hotmail.com

Eyes down for SCAN ANIMAL CHARITY SCAN is holding a Bingo Night – with great cash prizes – at the El Cid Restaurant, Benidoleig on Tuesday 18th February. Entrance is 3€ and doors open at 7pm for a 8pm start and pre-reserved meals are available from 7pm – bread and alioli, and a main course of either fish and chips; homemade chicken and leek pie; or a vegetarian option of filo tart with camembert and wild mushrooms, all served with chips and fresh seasonal vegetables cost 6.50€. To reserve a meal or book a table call Pam on 679 042 815 or Val on 655 803 005.

Brain teasers

By Jack Troughton A CHARITY quiz night is being staged in Moraira on Thursday 27th February in aid of the work of the Church of England along the Costa Blanca. The Los Leones Restaurant at Sol Park is hosting the event starting at 7pm for 7.30pm and teams to a maximum of six people are welcome to enter. Tickets are 10€ and include a one plate meal – a choice of pork or fish – and including bread and alioli. Cash raised will go to the Costa Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy and reservations can be made by calling Sue on 96 649 7159 or Carole on 96 574 4657.

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07-13 FEB 2014

Life going out

Experimental jazz

By Jack Troughton SPAIN’S FIRST lady of jazz Celia Mur returns to the Costa Blanca on Sunday (9th February) to delight music lovers in something of an experiment.

Celia, who performs in the style of past greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Carmen McRae, is the second in a series of three gigs testing the water in Torrevieja to insure there is enough demand to get the town firmly on the music map.

And top sax man Enric Peidro will be on stage to trade notes with Celia – reinventing the historic partnership of the great Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Laine.

The three concerts under the umbrella of ‘I Ciclo Internacional de Jazz Torrevieja’ started last month at the Palacio de la Musica, when an enthusiastic audience of over 100 gave Swedish guitarist Gustav Lundgren a standing ovation. And on 23rd March, Nat King Cole fans can welcome American singer Randy Greer and his band – he has an impeccable as his grandfather was a drummer with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and as a child Randy listened to some of the jazz greats at his father’s club in Chicago.

Promoters SNIBOR Productions believe there are enough jazz fans in the Torrevieja area to support concerts by top international artists – a sell-out series of performances are already underway in the north of the Costa at Javea’s Parador Hotel.

A spokesman for the promoter said it was hoped to launch a full 12 month programme. “Bringing in top line international jazz artists is an expensive business and can only work by offsetting costs over a series of venues within an acceptable circuit.

“Our policy is simple. We want jazz fans across the Costas to enjoy some of the best musicians and singers available within the European jazz scene for the price of a basic ‘menu del dia’ – just 10€.”

All concerts start at 7.30pm and tickets at 10€ are available from the Teatro Municipal de Torrevieja or online at www.instanticket.com

07-13 FEB 2014

Life music

Chill Factor CHILL FACTOR are Pam (vocals) and John Pearson (guitar), who have become one of the most popular duos on the Costa Blanca by performing carefully selected classic pop/rock songs to suit every occasion. They perform two sets, one acoustic with newly added songs followed by their new electric set with highly danceable material. Together with Jack Hazebroek (drums) and Christian Pearl (keyboards) they form the band ‘RIO’. Together with Jack Hazebroek (drums) they form the trio ‘T-RIO’. For more details phone John or Pam on 696 731 290 or check out: www.pamandjohn.net FEBRUARY GIGS: Saturday 8th, Bar La Cova, Monte Pego. 9.30pm Sunday 9th, Coll de Rates Rte Parcent, Parcent: 1.30pm Saturday 15th, Coll de Rates Rte Parcent, Parcent: 1.30pm (John Acoustic) Sunday 16th, No Nonsense Bar, (ctra. Moraira-Calpe) Moraira: 3pm Monday 17th, Private Party, Jalon Friday 21st, Cafe Alta Ego, Denia (T-Rio) Sunday 23rd, Coll de Rates Rte., Parcent, Parcent: 1.30pm Thursday 27th, Katmandu Indian Rte, Moraira (Bollywood Night for AKIRA)

Zodiac Duo

Romantic rock ‘n’ roll

GIGS FOR FEBRUARY All Mondays, Hotel Rio Park, Benidorm: 8.45pm All Thurss, Hotel Rio Park, Benidorm: 8.45pm Saturday 8th, L’Almerca Restaurant, Teulada Sunday 9th, Bar Chez Flo, La Fustera, (Ctra

BIG JACK’s Rhythm and Bluesband brings a romantic touch to Valentine’s Day with a special blend of fifties and sixties music. On Friday 14th February the popular band plays Hotel El Bichet, Els Poblets, on Carretera Las Marinas. The evening starts at 8pm with a candlelit buffet and dancing. For reservations call 96 674 4633. And on Saturday 15th February rhythm and blues are the order of the day from 9pm at Calpe’s Restaurante El Cantal, in Avenida Isla de Formenterra. For reservations call Toni on 96 583 2830.

ZODIAC ARE 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 the entertainment for their dinner / dances. For a fun night’s entertainment, get along and enjoy the boys’ show. For more info phone: 661 179 765.

Calpe–Moraira) Friday 14th, Hotel Rio Park, Benidorm: noon Friday 14th, Bar Ambiente, Moravit, Moraira: 10pm Saturday 15th, El Paraiso Restaurant, Parcent: 9.30pm

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07-13 FEB 2014

Life tech

with Aunty Virus

Email auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com

Removing ‘nation zoom’ HI AUNTY: Hope you can help with this one. I have a laptop with Windows 8 and the other day a Java update popped up.

After I updated it, I have now got a ‘nation zoom’ home page and everything has gone very slow and not working properly. Thanks in advance for any help – John.

Aunty says: You need to do two things: remove the ‘nationzoom’ software from your PC and then reset your home page and search engine options in your internet browser.

By following these instructions you can change your browser settings back to normal: Remove Nation Zoom from Add/Remove Programs. For that: 1. Click Start -> Control Panel -> Programs (or Add/Remove Programs) -> Uninstall a Program.

2.Here, look for Wsys Control, Extended Protection, eSave Security Control, Desk 365, Nation Zoom browser protection and similar entries and select ‘Uninstall/Change’.

3.Click OK to save the changes.

Fix each of your Internet browsers: Internet Explorer: 1. Open Internet Explorer, go ‘Tools’ -> ”Manage Add-ons’ -> ‘Toolbars and Extensions’ and uninstall these extensions: Wsys

Control, Extended Protection, eSave Security Control, Desk 365, Nation Zoom browser protection.

2. Click ’Tools’ -> ‘Manage addons’ -> ‘Search Providers’ and choose the search engine you used before.

Mozilla Firefox: 1. Open Mozilla Firefox, go ‘Tools’ -> ‘Add-ons’ -> ‘Extensions’; find these extensions and click ‘Uninstall’: Wsys Control, Extended Protection, eSave Security Control, Desk 365, Nation Zoom browser protection.

2. Go ‘Tools’ -> ‘Options’ and reset the startup homepage to google.com, yahoo.com or similar search page.

Google Chrome: 1.Click the Chrome menu button, select ‘Tools’ -> ‘Extensions’, find Wsys Control, Extended Protection, eSave Security Control, Desk 365, Nation Zoom browser protection and other unknown extensions, and remove them by clicking Recycle bin.

2. Right-click the desktop shortcut, select ‘Properties’ and find Nation Zoom in the ‘Target box’. Select ‘Apply’ and then click OK to save changes.

3. Now click ‘Settings’ -> ‘Manage search engines’ and change your default search engine.

Yahoo deactivated

DEAR AUNTY: I recently set up this Yahoo mail account. I also have another one. Several times when trying to enter, the message comes up ‘your ‘Yahoo mail account has been deactivated’. Why? I use it frequently. I understand if it is not used for six months it will be deactivated, but I only used it yesterday! It’s hard to contact Yahoo about this – can’t seem to email them. I have reactivated it, but don’t want this to keep on occurring.

Marion Aunty says: Perhaps one reason the account has been deactivated is that the account has been compromised and is sending out SPAM emails to all and sundry. Next time you get access, change your password to a more complicated one.

I found this on the internet from yahoo help site: You need to contact Yahoo by email: This can be done by clicking on Help at the Bottom Right Hand side of the Yahoo page.

Click on Mail, or whatever one is best for you, then go to the Bottom Right hand side of page and click on ‘GET HELP’ to contact Customer Care.

Click on Category, page will reload for you to click on Sub Category.

Make sure you fill in Brief Details of what has happened: click Enter.

Depending on the Category you select and the Sub Category you also select you should then see at the Bottom of the Page for more help Click on EMAIL A SUPPORT AGENT. There will be a form to fill in. Yahoo will then contact you at a Different Email Address you need to give them. This email address CANNOT be a yahoo email one.

You could give them a different email address you already have or you will need to create a new one, Google, Hotmail, etc.

They need this other email address to give you instructions regarding your yahoo account.

You will also be asked to create a new password.

Gadget Inspector Investigates: Pebble Smartstick Emergency Portable Battery THIS WEEK the Inspector takes a look at the Veho Pebble Smartstick Emergency Portable Battery for iPhone/Blackberry/ Samsung/HTC & Nokia mobile phones.

Mobile phones and being contactable wherever you happen to be (convenient or not) are a fact of modern life. How we ever survived in the not-so-long distant pre-mobile days is one of life’s mysteries rapidly disappearing into folklore. But it’s not all a bed of connected roses. With the convenience comes the pain – the constant niggling doubt that the little blighter is going to run out of juice just when you need it most and have no other means of communication. Ah, the stress of batterymeterophobia…

Fear not though, there is an equally convenient and portable solution – the Pebble Smartstick Emergency Portable Battery.

This compact little devil is small and light enough to carry around in a bag or large pocket or to be stashed in the car glovebox, ready and willing when you need it most. Packing a 2200 mAh battery it has enough power for up to one charge of most popular devices such as iPhone, iPod, Blackberry, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and other devices that use mini or micro

USB. Connection is simple with the included devicecharging cable: plug one end into the Smartstick, attach the correct device charging tip for the device to the other end and plug into your device. There are 5 device charging tips (iPhone/iPod, Sony Ericsson, Nokia pin tip, mini USB and micro USB) suitable for many popular devices. And when not in use the Smartstick comes with a handy carry pouch.

Charging the Pebble Smartstick is a cinch with the included USB charging cable – after all you wouldn’t want it to be flat when you need it!

The Inspectors Verdict: The Veho Pebble Smartstick Emergency Portable Battery is a portable, convenient and adaptable little solution for peace-of mind from one of everyday life’s least convenient problems.

07-13 FEB 2014

51

Crossword Solutions for 746 Cryptic Solutions Across: 1 Of matches; 8 Box; 9 Drawing near; 11 Compere; 12 Cache; 13 Rounds; 15 Gladys; 17 Treat; 18 Omnibus; 20 Counterpart; 22 Lea; 23 Statesmen.

Down: 2 Far; 3 Trite; 4 Higher; 5 Stencil; 6 Abracadabra; 7 Expresses; 10 Armoured car; 11 Card-table; 14 Detours; 16 Portia; 19 Nurse; 21 Rye. Quick Solutions Across: 1 Appraisal; 8 Oar; 9 Prohibition; 11 Entreat; 12 Unite; 13 Intact; 15 Resent; 17 Mince; 18 Company; 20 Impropriety; 22 Inn; 23 Resilient.

Down: 2 Par; 3 Arise; 4 Shifty; 5 Leisure; 6 Considerate; 7 Presently; 10 Outstanding; 11 Enigmatic; 14 Cheaper; 16 Across; 19 Moral; 21 Tun.

Please note the following is for information and is not intended as an advertisement - visit www.gadget-hound.co.uk/ pebble-smartstick to purchase the Veho Pebble Smartstick Emergency Portable Battery for 24€. Price quoted includes delivery to Spain and is subject to availability (Euro cost subject to exchange rate at time of purchase).

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07-13 FEB 2014

Focus on Golf Powered by Campbell Lamont Golf, partnered by BayRadio

Happy days are here again (WELL MAYBE not just yet!)

By Tony Myles - tony@bayradio.fm THERE IS good news. Spain is emerging from a recession.

It is possible that you may have heard that rumour elsewhere and it is equally possible that you find it difficult to believe, however there are some signs of improvement and so, whilst joy may yet be somewhat confined, perhaps we should accept that recovery may be getting closer.

What has this to do with golf?

One of the unfortunate affects of the global financial crisis is that unnecessary expenditure has been slashed, like a scythe through a corn field. Like youngsters watching Dr Who, sponsors have been hiding, covering their eyes and protecting their wallets and that has meant that many professional golf tournaments have had to go, leaving Spain with only one remaining event. The Spanish Open.

Arnold Palmer

EUROPEAN TOUR IN SPAIN This means that, whilst we bemoan the loss of several major professional contests, we are left with one top ranking competition. One which has always attracted a host of top stars and will do so again this year, when in May the European Tour will arrive at PGA Catalunya Resort, the stunning 36hole venue near Barcelona. Despite cost cuts and tight budgets the quality of this course is such that it has gained and sustained its position as Spain’s number one ranked course. According to Golf World it is rated as number five in Continental Europe. It has recently been extended by 200 yards and now stands at 7333

yards. It is an event which has a special place in Golf history as it was the very first event in the very first European tour in 1972. Three years later it was won by Arnold Palmer at the age of 45 years and 221 days, a milestone which still stands today as the oldest winner of the event.

It also gave Padraig Harrington his first ever win on a major pro tour in 1996.

IDEAL LOCATION It is a wonderful showcase for golf in Spain and global television coverage will ensure it is widely appreciated.

It is also located within easy commuting distance of Barcelona and therefore makes it ideal for a family break where some family members may not be golf fans.

“The Stadium Course will provide an excellent challenge for the Tour’s best players and they will enjoy the quality of the hotel and facilities at the resort. It is also a superb viewing course for the Spanish and international fans attending this historic event.” Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer and Director of International Policy for The European Tour, If the recession is indeed easing then this event could by an excellent herald of better days to come and hopefully the potential to see more major events returning to Spain.

PS - Campbell Lamont Golf can organise tailor-made trips to PGA Catalunya no matter your group size contact Campbell on 965 757 426 for further details.

Head 2 Head

Tony M - Wasn’t the weather great in January!

Campbell - It has been perfect for golf.

Tony M - Well yes, but . . .

Campbell - But what? It has been ideal. Dry. Temperatures in the mid-teens and hardly any wind so what ‘BUT’ can there possibly be?

Tony M - First thing in the morning it is still cold and the sun is very low.

Campbell - Wear some thermals and a hat with a long brim.

Tony M - I do both of those.

Campbell - OK so what is the problem?

Tony M - We have regular visitors who insist on wearing shorts and their thermals are ankle length..

Campbell - That’s not a good look. See you tomorrow . . .

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Life motoring

07-13 FEB 2014

Want to rent a car but don’t have a credit card?

NO PROBLEM with Indigo Car Rental.

WHEN RENTING a car in the UK or abroad many car rental companies insist on the production of a credit card at the point of collection of the car. The main reason for this is a security hold against the vehicle for their protection, and the amount can vary from as little as £60 to as much as £1,250. As Indigo work with such a wide range of companies, they can offer deposits of all levels.

Many companies insist that this deposit must be held on a credit card, which can cause many problems for customers if they are unaware of this fact before they arrive at their destination to collect their car. It can be particularly tricky in Spain and other countries worldwide. Due to the recent credit crunch, many people these days prefer to not have a credit card to avoid the temptation to overspend, and a debit card meets most peoples’ needs these days.

There are many kinds of debit cards on the market, and around 90% of these are perfectly acceptable. Visa debit cards with stand up/ embossed numbers are generally accepted with no problems. However, Electron, Maestro and prepaid cards can cause problems. It is still possible

to hire a car with these but they do restrict you in terms of choice of company as they are not universally accepted.

If you wish to hire a car but only have a debit card, it is important to contact Indigo directly, not book through the website, so that they can tailor make your hire and find a company that will accept your particular card. Therefore you can travel with the peace of mind that you will have no issues on collection which could affect your holiday or travel experience.

Indigo can be contacted by telephone: 00 44 (0) 113 308 2016 (they offer a free call back service), through the website on www.indigocarhire.co.uk or by email on sales@indigocarhire.co.uk They are happy to provide a free no-obligation quote to suits your particular needs. Although Indigo are proud of their reputation as UK car hire specialists, they help many people in this way wanting to hire cars

in Spain either for themselves or for visiting family.

Whatever your car rental needs and whether you have a credit card or not, give Indigo a try next time you need car hire: they may surprise you!

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Classified Ads 07-13 FEB 2014

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

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Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2)

email: classifieds@roundtownnews.com

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UK-SPAINIRELAND 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

STORAGE FROM 5€ PER WEEK

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AT 12 YEARS OLD Roddy is an old boy, and it is tragic when an old dog is abandoned as he was.

All we are looking for is a long-term foster home for Roddy, so that he can spend sometime in a home environment, instead of a kennel. He doesn’t demand much and is very easy to look after. Could you be his long-term foster carer.

Please contact Yvonne on 630 422 563 if you want to meet Roddy YORKSHIRE TERRIERS Older female and young male looking for good homes.650757622.

COSTA BLANCA PET TRANSPORT TO UK DEFRA registered. Excellent rates. www.costablancadoghoming.com or call 965 698 052 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

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

Blackout fabrics, Rainforest Fabrics, Mosquito Screens.

Contact us now for a free no obligation quotation or visit us at Zoco Market every Sunday. Tel: 965 701 984 / 658 338 123. Website: www.yourblindsinspain.com info@yourblindsinspain.com

pawspetttransport@gmail.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

MR FIXIT (No Call Out Charge) 698 320 434

YOUR BLINDS IN SPAIN Family run business supplying the best quality products at rock bottom prices. Rose Fabrics, Railux designer Roller blinds, Awnings & Canopies, Venetian Blinds, Pleated Blinds, PVC

PROTECTAPET Spains leading pet insurance provider. www.protectapet.eu tel: 965 756 371 SMALL DOGS CARED FOR IN OUR OWN HOME So if you need to go away on holiday but don’t want your dog to go into kennels then we will look after them. References available. Tel: 965843781 Mob: 622514980 (Altea area - Costa Blanca North) TRANS-PET We do regular, 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/ 965-960-658 www.trans-pet.co.uk

STRUCTURAL SURVEYS Mark Paddon BSc Hons.

MCIOB. CAAT. Property buyer’s surveys and expert defects diagnosis.

962807247 - 653733066 www.surveyorscostablanca.com

BAR FOR TRASPASO Well established, 9 year old, beach front terrace on the Mar Menor, with a good mix of both brittish and spanish clientel. Hard working bar. For more information contact 637 362 863

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07-13 FEB 2014 ners Class [Starting 8th January 2014] 2pm -3pm Intermediate Class 3pm - 4pm Intermediate Plus 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 655-781-068 for more information!

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

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

BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home. Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424

TAPPY TOES DANCE CLASS FOR BABIES from 18 months, at 4kwatro in Albir, 11am, call Louise on 655 781 068 for more information.

LADIES DANCEFIT WITH L.A DANCE at 4kwatro in Albir, Mondays at 7.30pm, 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 Begin-

REPAIRS Washing machines, Dishwashers & Dryers. Also Boilers and any electrical problems.

24hours. Cheap prices Tel 626 805 709 MR FIXIT FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, GENERAL & Appliance Repairs. No Callout Charge. 698 320 434

ARE YOU AN EXPERIENCED CARER? ? Join our team of carers who work in the UK. Earn from £868 - £1330 for 2 weeks.

Good written/spoken English, British or EU Passport required. Contact Sandra on 658 965 204 or email s.field@consultuscare.com.

SALES STAFF REQUIRED for fabulous glossy magazine and radio sales combined. Must have experience in sales and have own vehicle. Spanish speaking an advantage.

Good commissions and telephone provided. Contact 965 997 222 for interview.

HAIRDRESSER WANTED for busy salon in Mazarron beauty or nail experience an advantage. Call Jane 611 611 858 AVON AGENTS NEEDED to sell our well know cosmetic and household products. No cash outlay, immediate earnings, your own hours. Ring Rosh 966 785 520

MAKE MONEY With the Stem Cell Anti-Aging Company www.lookyoungersecrets.com Tel: 676 520 599 NEED MORE MONEY?...

Start 2014 by being part of an international sports trading club which has been running successfully here in Spain for over 3 years. Full and part-time opportunities available.

No experience necessary as full training provided.

The business offers “tax free” returns to members which has averaged 5-10% a month since launch in 2011. Also, earn generous commissions in our referral program. OTE £50,000 pa.

Contact Colin Harris today on 00 44 7971 511934 or colin@artemisfunding.com

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

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Dave 8 ideal band or solo Cost over 1400 euros accept 550 euros Call 675878601 or 965078481 GAS FRIDGE FREEZER Butsair vgc 200 euros Electric fridge/freezer half n half dual voltage 220/24/12 volt ideal solar new 475euros Call 675878601 or 965078483 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 on our website you choose from over 95 different paintings, 64 different mirrors, 23 carpets, etc: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Several very high quality dining sets and bedroom suites.

See more than 950 photos on: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Washing machines, large 2-door fridge, upright tumble drier.

Beer pump from a Pub, Golf clubs & lots more: www.michaels-javea.com PROBLEMS WITH INSECTS? Cockroaches, rats & mice. Call 626 828 974 All insects

MJB MOBILE WELDERS Gates, grills, hinges etc., repaired or new. No job too small. Fast service. Low prices. Free Quotes. Call Terry: 966 845 414 / 625 995 470 WANTED I BUY ANY CAR van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.Brit-

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

POOL TABLE 6 X 3 SLATE BED Pub type,good clean condition 250€,La Zenia area.00447968254932 P/A SYSTEM INCLUDES SATELLITE SPEAKERS x 2 on heavy duty tripods,300 watt sub woofer, Professional mixer 10 inputs, Powered monitor speaker and all cables system made by LD Model

ish, Spanish. Immediate 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. SSN 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

cash 600-781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com

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

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MR FIXIT For all your electrical, plumbing, general & appliance & boiler repairs. No Call out charge. 698 320 434

SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE from Oliva Nova to Gandia and inland. Call Paul 678 308 107

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired. Professional, conscientious service to the highest standards.

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

guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 18 years experience. 10 years served on the Costa Blanca.

Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida.

Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966-774-199 or 678-080-500 www.pristineswimmingpools. com NO CALLOUT CHARGE. SEE MAIN ADVERT ON FRONT PAGE OF CLASSIFIEDS Why go to the shop?

When we come to you saving you time and money!

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

underbuild, 1000m plot, garage/parkiing for 5/6 cars.

130.000€ fully furnished. Call 96 687 3547 or 626 926 540

FOR SALE LARGE DETACHED VILLA 5 bedrooms, 1 bedroom is en suit, 2 bathrooms, 2 lounges 2 kitchens, 8x4 metre pool, 9km from Gandia beach, 169,000€ 96 250 8052 URBANISATION PANORAMA La Nucia. 2 Bedroom (1 en suite), 1 shower room, large kitchen and hall, large

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€* Money-

THE BLUE PILL NOW EVEN BETTER also Kamagra and weekenders. Call Derek 685 207 378 FEMALES AND COUPLES REQUIRED aged 30-70 for adult modelling. No single males.

Good rates. 966 182 714 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 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 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:

corp’s repatriation service can help you drastically reduce or even eliminate Spanish bank fees when sending your property sale proceeds back to the UK. Call Moneycorp +34 902 887 243 and quote RTN to get more out of your money. www. moneycorp.com/roundtownnews

2 bedroom flat to share in Old Town Benidorm. Double room, shared lounge, shared kitchen.

Internet and all bills included.

275€ per month. Suit mature person, male or female. Call 619 236 428 for more information

REPUTABLE MARRIED COUPLE available to house sit July and August any Costa’s own transport References Supplied. mikeandpatw@msn.com phone 96 583 6232

WANT TO EARN EXTRA CASH? Thinking of renting your property long term or for the summer? Well, Costa Valley Rentals can help!!! We have clients waiting for both long term and holiday lets in the Jalon and surrounding areas. Call Costa Valley Rentals today to speak with our friendly and professional team on 606 989 391 or email: info@costavalleyrentals.com FLAT SHARE OLD TOWN BENIDORM Mature lady has Avenida Asociacion Vistimas del Terrorismo. 609-573-468 or 639-832-118

ANÚNCIATE TLF:

628 191 897 eduardo@roundtownnews.com

WANT TO EARN EXTRA CASH? Thinking of renting your property long term or for the summer? Well, Costa

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Valley Rentals can help!!! We have clients waiting for both long term and holiday lets in the Jalon and surrounding areas. Call Costa Valley Rentals today to speak with our friendly and professional team on 606 989 391 or email: info@costavalleyrentals.com

JAVEA SKIP HIRE 626 670 038 Moraira, Benissa, Calpe, Denia from S&W TOOL HIRE & FERRETERIA MORAIRA

ROADRUNNER TRANSPORTS & REMOVALS SPAIN-UK-SPAIN (Monthly Trips) Van leaving UK 14 February and Van leaving Spain end February. From parcel to

HOT TUBS, SPAS, JACUZZIS Quality spas at factory Prices. Also spares, filters and Repairs. Used and ex-display spas available. We part ex and buy spas, best prices in Spain. Established 12 years Eurospas 650 722 905

full load. International, Local & Storage: affordable and Reliable Service. Fully Insured.

Tel. Wayne on 633 933 391 email: spainukremovals1@gmail.com www.roadrunnertransports.com

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

I BUY RECORDS LP’S SINGLES AND CD’s ANY STYLE, JAZZ, BLUES, POP, PUNK, ROCK, ETC... TOP CASH PAID. 622 750 117 TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Household Goods and Brica-brac into Cash. Anything!

Anywhere!

965-319-220/663-012-541