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Issue 792-793

SOUTH EDITION roundtownnews.com 19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our readers & advertisers!

AS ANOTHER successful year draws to a close RTN would like to wish all of its readers and advertisers on the Costa Blanca and the Costa Calida a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Our next edition will be out on Friday 2nd January 2015.

Ciudadanos (C’s) look to change Torrevejense for the better by Keith Nicol

Some of the Harmonisers collecting food for charity

Pensioners surprise supermarket THE TORREVIEJA Barbershop Harmonisers may have been keeping a low profile recently, but that does not mean they have not been kept busy. Read the full story on page 46.

NEXT YEAR’S Municipal election in Torrevieja just became a little more interesting, with the announcement of yet another new party: Ciudadanos (C’s) or the Citizen’s Party. The primarily centre right party offer a traditional Conservative style of politics, and are principally backed by former UPyD, Partido Popular and Independent politicians, businesspeople and those who are looking for an alternative to the PP but would not typically vote for socialist left wing policies, as offered by the PSOE, Greens and the new Podemos Party. The basic ideals of the political formation of the Ciudadanos (C’s) is to form a strong electoral list of candidates, made up of people from different backgrounds

and nationalities, with the focus on trying to unite foreign voters along with traditional Spanish voters: voters who would like to see a little change but would hate to see happen to Torrevieja, what happened with the disastrous three and four party coalition on the Orihuela Costa, which has all but stalled improvements and developments along the coast for the last three years. With the UPyD fighting for their very existence in the Murcia region, where this week 80% of their councillors defected to Ciudadanos (C’s), a similar situation may be occurring in the Valencian region too. The Union, Progress and Democracy’s former coordinator José Serna has joined Ciudadanos with the task of quickly helping to make Ciudadanos, a party to be reckoned with. Continued on page 8

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

NEWS & VIEWS

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Orihuela Costa updated WHILE LOTS of political manoeuvring and posturing has been going on in the Municipal Capital of Orihuela, projects on the Coast have quietly been taking shape.

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AS & MERRY CHRISTM TO HAPPY NEW YEAR S ER ALL OUR CUSTOM

COUNCILLOR FOR the Coast Martina Scheurer gave an update on various projects as we head into the New Year. December 30th is the deadline to be registered on the electoral roll. When asked by Martina, the National Statistics Institute (INE) replied that only 4,733 foreigners were registered in the electoral roll at the end of September in Orihuela. This number has increased in the last three months by almost 200 thanks to the work of the volunteers at the information desk in the Town hall of Playa Flamenca. Eligible voters who have received a INE request for registration, should fill and send back the letter before the end of December. The Town Hall’s request for a 50,000€ grant was presented to the provincial administration to improve work at La Zenia roundabout on the N332. This request was not granted because the current construction status does not match the currently valid zoning plan. Scheurer said that the widening of the N332 and the roundabout itself were not applied for by the previous government in the zoning plan. Since the proposed works are urgently needed and

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Martina Scheurer presented a brief update on some of the region’s main projects

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by Jan Gamm

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

OVERNIGHT EXCURSIONS

were endorsed in a plenary session, they will be financed from the funds of the properties sold, as soon as the funds are released. The proposed two bus stops in La Zenia, costing a total of about 102.000€, should have been carried when the N332 was widened. The previous government of the PP failed to insist on their construction, unlike what happened in the neighbouring towns of Torrevieja and Pilar de la Horadada where the bus stops were funded by the Ministry and not the Municipality. The Town Hall is closed on public holidays of December 25th,2014 and January 1st and 6th 2015. On 31st December, the Registry will be opened only from 09.00am to 1.00pm. Since the beginning of December, the Town Hall’s lobby has had a collection zone for Christmas gifts for children. These gifts are distributed by Caritas Orihuela Costa to children in need. Councillor Martina Scheurer contacted the priest Joaquín from the Orihuela congregation to provide accurate information about the children for the delivery of gifts. Martina added: “We would like to thank everyone for the numerous donations from individuals and associations such as the “Little Pod” and “Rendezvous Girls Social Club”, to whom we give our heartfelt thanks.”

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19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

Mar Menor drug ring busted

Guardia Civil arrest four Moroccans suspected of drug trafficking

by Keith Nicol GUARDIA CIVIL agents’ detained four members of a criminal group dedicated to drug trafficking in the Mar Menor this week. The four were caught at a checkpoint with 27 small bags of hashish. The agents also impounded 750€ in cash and a luxury car. The drug gang had been supplying various dealers and individuals in Los Alcazares, San Javier, San Pedro del Pinatar and Torre Pacheco. Those arrested, are accused of the alleged crime of drug trafficking. The checkpoint was initiated when Guardia Civil agents specialising in prevention of illegal drug use for public safety, under the ‘Police Response to Retail Traffic and Drug Use and nightlife Plan’, established several points of simultaneous checkpoints in different localities of the Mar Menor region, in order to prevent and prosecute those involved in drug trafficking. At one of these control points, in Los Alca-

zares, the special unit stopped, among other vehicles, a luxury car occupied by four people who generated some suspicion among Guardia Civil agents. The occupants were first identified and the agents then thoroughly inspected both the occupants and the vehicle. As a result of the inspection, the Guardia Civil discovered drugs hidden in the socks of the suspects and in the vehicle, totalling 27 balls of hashish that yielded a weight of 200 grams, along with 750€ in cash, supposedly from the unlawful activity of drug trafficking. The four suspects were arrested and subsequently remanded in custody, suspected of the crime of drug trafficking. Those detained were Moroccans, aged between 30 and 42 years, living in Los Alcazares, San Javier, Murcia and Torre Pacheco. Some of them already have a criminal record with a history of similar offences. The drugs and the items seized, were available to view in the Court of Instruction No. 5 of San Javier (Murcia).

Cleaning up the sea bed FISHERMEN FROM Torrevieja and Santa Pola spent a day or two this week hauling a different catch! They removed 6,400 kilos of waste from the waters between Alicante and Cape Palos and delivered the garbage back to port! The waste included bottles, plastics, metal, wire, rubber tubing, paint cans… The project was part of the Sustainable Fisheries Project funded by Europe and led by the Technological Centre of the Sea (CETMAR), coordinated by the Joint Research Unit Oceanographic Centre of Murcia, from the Institute of Oceanography (IEO) Spanish, and the University of Alicante (UA). 150 sailors and 45 vessels took part in the clean-up programme.

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

145,890 euros in grants given to sports clubs CD Torrevieja were one of 22 local sports teams that benefited from Municipal grants

by Keith Nicol GRANTS TOTALING 145,890€ have been given to 22 of Torrevieja’s Sports Clubs by the Town Hall. This corresponds to the Annuity 2014, and applies to the criteria set out in Regulation of Grants to Sports Institutions in Torrevieja. Among the points taken into consideration for the award of grants include such items as travel costs: nationwide cost of arbitration or the officials required for each team in the development of league and cup competitions, the category that teams participate at: the club’s annual budget plus costs for monitors for the Municipal Sports Schools. In addition, there are other issues that the technical committee have to evaluate according to the following: participation in European competitions: achievements last season: sporting background and the implementation of sport in the city and cooperation with the Depart-

ment of Sports. The amount of each annuity for sports club for this 2014 is as follows: BM Torrevieja (18,900€), Club Deportivo Torrevieja (16,830 €), Real Club Nautico de Torrevieja (15,750 €), Torrevieja CF (12,915 €), Rowing Club Torrevieja (11,880 €), Tennis Club Torrevieja (6,750 €), Triathlon Club Torrevieja (5,850 €), Basketball Club Torrevieja (5,760 €), IMAS Swimming Club Torrevieja (5,490 €), Paddle Club Torrevieja (5,130 €), Club Deportivo Athletic Torrevieja (5,085 €), Athletics Club Torrevieja (5,040 €), Gymnastics Club Torrevieja (4,950 €), In Line Hockey Club Torrevieja The Falcons ( 4,680 €), Millennium Athletics Club Torrevieja (3,780 €), Torrevieja Tigers Rugby Club (3,735 €), Judo Club Nozomi (3,150 €), Judo Club Torrevieja (2,610 €), Billiards Club Torrevieja (2,250 €), Swimming Club Torrevieja (2,250 €), Covadonga Santina Bowling Club (2,025 €) and Capablanca Chess Club (1,080 €).

50,000 euros for renovation around the Windmill GIVE OR take a few euros, the Alicante Provencal Government has awarded Torrevieja with a grant of almost 50,000€ to carry out renovation work on the park area where Torrevieja’s Windmill stands. Torrevieja’s Councillor for Parks and Gardens, Carmen Gómez Candel, reported that a grant of 49,786€ has been awarded for works to improve the Plaza del Molino. Gomez Candel said that the grant has been requested by Torrevieja in order to do various jobs to update the square and give it a more ‘modern’ feel, as the park was created during the 90’s and includes factors such as a Children’s playground that lacks modern safety features and attractions. Back in the 1990’s, the square lacked landscaping design and so the whole area is due a major facelift. The Councillor for Parks and Gardens noted that the growth of vegetation requires encouraging because most of the beds have lost their vegetation cover, thus these areas will be redesigned with some areas receiving a decorative gravel mesh. Work on the zone will probably start early in the New Year. The grant does not cover any beautification or upgrades to the Windmill itself, which is not open to the public, or for new sails, which are put in place each Spring.

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

Bank victims welcome ‘Luxileaks’ probes by Jack Troughton VICTIMS OF a crooked equity release scheme run by a Luxembourg-based bank are backing new investigations into alleged fraud in the Grand Duchy’s key financial sector. In London, Parliament has launched a Public Accounts Committee investigation into tax avoidance and the role of large international accountancy firms – including the Landsbanki auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers. And in Brussels a petition has been launched concerning the “Luxileaks scandal” and other “scandals” involving Luxembourg’s financial centre. More than 600 pensioners in Spain, France, Germany, and Portugal are fighting for justice after taking heavily marketed ‘no risk’ loans between 2006 and 2008. However, when the bank and its parent company in Iceland crashed in the autumn of 2008, victims found their homes were at risk to administrator Yvette Hamilius – treating them as have debts with the bank rather than being victims of illegal market manipulation, including using cash to support its own share price. Luxembourg has refused to investigate any question of fraud within its boundaries, despite Landsbanki directors being jailed in Iceland and court victories in France involving the equity release scheme. And lawyers representing groups of victims across Europe – including the 180 members of the Landsbanki Victims Action Group

Turn off the lights! THE SITTING room and bedroom of a top floor apartment at 43 Calle Reina Victoria in Elche were completely gutted by flames on Sunday when a Christmas tree caught fire thought to be due to a short circuit in its decorative Christmas lights. The owner of the flat was awakened by the smell of smoke and alerted the fire service. Other residents of the building were quickly evacuated but allowed to return home within hours. The owner of the apartment was unhurt but had to be treated for shock. The fire department would like to remind the public to switch off and unplug Christmas lights before going to bed.

The honest tissue seller Landsbanki administrator Yvette Hamilius

on the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol – are “supporting” new investigations. HEADWAY In a statement they said: “The group of victims of Landsbanki Bank remind everyone it is only the pressure from journalists and independent parliamentarians that can make any headway with the problems of the financial scandals revealed recently.“The victims of Landsbanki Bank discovered clear and disturbing similarities between the Luxileaks and the Landsbanki cases, accounts, and also concerning the attitude of certain people in the grand Duchy of Luxembourg. “Time and time again, one is shocked by the immorality of the proceedings, which are claimed to be legal. This is not the result of any deep analysis of the

cases but instead is a defensive mechanism by those who have organised the schemes, some of which are fraudulent.” The lawyers said Miss Hamilius continually maintained there were no “irregularities” in the management at Landsbanki Luxembourg – a position upheld by the country’s courts. And when the Court of Appeal finally authorised a hearing over false accounting, the prosecutor refused to proceed. The victims’ lawyers allege an example of the defence mechanisms at work trying to protect Luxembourg’s reputation. “Any other judiciary authority anywhere would have ordered an investigation long ago and would have pursued all those who did not respect the law within the state. This is not, however, what happened to the victims in the grand Duchy of Luxembourg.”

PETER ANGELINA, a 35-year-old Nigerian immigrant who makes his living selling packets of tissues at a traffic light junction in Seville, has hit the headlines for his integrity and honesty when on 3rd December he noticed a briefcase fall from the roof of a car as it pulled away from the lights. He retrieved it and took it to the nearest police station where it was found to contain 16,000€ in cash and cheques. The grateful owner, a 42-year-old Seville businessman, was reunited with the briefcase and gave Mr Angelina a gift of 100€ as a reward. Peter said, “People say I could have kept the money and then thrown the briefcase away but I am not like that - and God wouldn’t have liked that - I am a good man.”

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Google News shuts down in Spain

GOOGLE SHUT down its Google News service in Spain on 16th December following a row with the government ahead of copyright fines for online content – dubbed ‘Google Tax’, to come into effect on 1st January. by Jan Gamm IN A blogpost on Thursday, Google declared it an “incredibly sad day” but said the company could not afford to run the service under such heavy fines. (The law allows claims from publishers of up to €600,000 for links to pirated material). Head of Google News Richard Gingras said: “This new legislation requires every Spanish publication to charge services like Google News for showing even the smallest snippet from their publications, whether they want to or not. Google News itself makes no money - we do not show any advertising on the site - so this new approach is simply not sustainable.” The Spanish Newspaper Publishers’ Association (AEDE) for its part recognises that “Google’s decision will undoubtedly have a negative impact both on Spanish citizens and Spanish businesses.”

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

Spain’s new gagging law sails through the lower house SPAIN’S LOWER house approved the proposed new public security law, labelled the ‘Ley Mordaza’ (Gagging Law) on Thursday: all opposition parties opposed the law but the PP majority ensured the bill will now go to the senate, Spain’s Upper House, early next year. Activists are up in arms over the law which will allow ‘illegal’ demonstrations to be fined 600,000€: civil ‘disobedience’ and those who confront the police may be fined up to 30,000€. Interior Minister Jorge Fernandez Diaz claims the new legislation serves to “…better guarantee public security in a way that has more legal certainty and will better protect rights and freedoms.” Critics insist the new law is a violation of citizens’ right to protest.

UK nursing is now a foreign affair

ALMOST 6,000 nurses in the UK were recruited from abroad last year, mostly from Spain and Portugal. Now, four out of five of the UK’s new NHS nurses are foreign but it is feared that their lack of English skills could affect their abilities to do the job properly. Peter Carter of the Royal College of Nursing said the figures showed an “astonishing over-reliance” on foreign nurses. And Katherine Murphy of the Patients Association said: ‘We are concerned that poor English skills may lead to mistakes and misunderstandings when patients are trying to explain their problems.” In the 12 months to September 2013, 5,778 nurses were recruited from abroad compared with 1,360 the previous year, comprising 81% of the 7,111 nurses who joined the NHS last year. According to the Health Service Journal, 14 hospital trusts hired 100 or more foreign nurses.

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

Canine Club’s end of year THE LATEST results from the end of the obedience courses at the Campoverde Canine Club are now in.

The Campoverde Canine Club’s end of season prizewinners

by Keith Nicol The winners were presented with their certificates and trophies at the Polideportivo Sports ground, Pinar de Campoverde and the organisers said: “Our congratulations go out to all who passed their final examination.” The C.C.C. was formed in July 2000 and since then many owners have benefited from expert tuition and are now proud of the way they are able to control their best friends. Prior to the presentation a “Fun Day” was held where the handlers and dogs competed in various events such as Statues, Egg/Potato and Spoon and the Recall past a delicious Sausage. All the handlers, friends and families, including the “Youngest Handler”, Jaimee,

helping her mum Tracy and their dog Charlie, had a great time. Their thanks go out to Marlene, one of their stalwarts, for all the hard work she put in making the “End of Year” party go down so well. Character of the year award; there really was only one winner, the amazing Jack Russell answering to the name of “Alfie” and his owner Susan Beckett. The winner of the Basic Class with the highest score ever recorded since July 2000 was Carol Johnson and her cross Spanish Water Dog, Lolita. The score of 109.1 out of a possible 110 marks really was an incredible result. The result shows how much effort was put into the training. The Intermediate class was won by Rebel, a G.S.D, ably handled by Heather

Powell. The highly commendable score of 137.2 out of 140 by Rebel was only possible because of the handling by Heather. After coming in second place in the Basic Class this was a fitting result in the higher grade. The Advanced Class saw a runaway victory for Pat Frewin and her dog Bailey. 137.3 marks out of a total of 140 marks is a truly magnificent result in this, the hardest class, from which to qualify. The final trophy, the Fred Moeken Memorial Trophy, awarded each year, to the dog that has made the most progress was also won by Pat and Bailey. New courses will start on 3rd January 2015 and those interested in training your four legged friend should please contact Roy: campoverdecanineclub@outlook.com or telephone: 966 762 265.

Continued from front page Serna said; “for me, the ideal person to run for mayor as a candidate is Betty Gräns”. Betty brings with her a vast amount of political experience, having formally been a Minister of Parliament in Sweden. She is of Swedish and Lebanese origin and is the current spokesperson for Ciudadanos in Torrevieja. She speaks six languages fluently, including Spanish and English and has put her name forward as a candidate to lead the party in May, with their local members voting for their president in January. Both Serna as Gräns were at the official presentation of this new party at Real Club Náutico Torrevieja, accompanied by the provincial head of Ciudadanos, Emigdio Tormo. Betty said that she hoped that Torrevieja’s foreign residents, who make up 53% of the population, will welcome the opportunity to have a bigger voice in local politics. Gräns said “I have faith and hope of changing Torrevieja in a positive way.” She is in favour of improving more integration between foreign citizens and our Spanish hosts and to help create more possibilities plus open the doors to more businesses, upgrade schools and help the trade and commerce sector.

Betty Gräns, spokesperson for the new Ciudadanos party in Torrevieja

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

Valley of the Fallen again under review

Michael Douglas to sell Majorca home IF YOU are house-hunting and fancy a pile in Majorca, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have put their 247-acre Majorcan estate on the market for a modest £40 million. The S’Estaca estate in Valldermossa has 11 bedrooms, a pool complex to die for and private beach access. The home is jointly owned by Douglas and his ex-wife Deandra and so he has access to the house between January and June while his ex enjoys the estate for the rest of the year – a point of annoyance to the current Mrs D who has always found the arrangement ‘inconvenient’. Interested buyers should contact Sothebys International Realty for details.

Albir to the rescue! The Valley of the Fallen

by Jan Gamm THE HOUSE of Representatives is in the process of debating whether Madrid’s Valley of the Fallen should be ‘redefined’ to reflect losses on both sides of the Spanish Civil War. The

crypt presently accommodates the remains of Francisco Franco and also Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera along with those of 30,000 Nationalist victims of the 1936 - 39 conflict. There have been calls to review the image of the Valley of the Fallen to more clearly

represent the losses of both Nationalists and Republicans. There were suggestions made in 2011 that the remains of Franco should be removed. Later proposals included the creation of a memorial park with space for contemplation and meditation.

By Irena Bodnarec ESTEEMED CHRISTIAN Dior designer John Galliano, who fell from grace and was sacked from the fashion house in 2011 following a xenophobic outburst at a Paris bar, is preparing for a return to the fashion catwalk in January. But the key to his rehabilitation is all thanks to the SHA Wellness Clinic located in Albir! He has spent nearly 2 years following the ethos and principals of the macrobiotic diet, with prolonged stays at the facilities. Owner of the SHA, Alfredo Bataller opened the centre, based on the benefits of natural therapies and healthy eating as a result of personal experience and how it helped him – a team of worldwide professionals are now employed there. Galliano experienced various treatments to curb his excessive drinking and substance abuse to clear his body and mind, where weekly fees are in excess of 5,000 euros per week. The SHA is considered the best clinical spa in the world and regularly welcomes famous faces such as Julio Iglesias, Naomi Campbell, Barbara Streisand and even Russian President Vladamir Putin.

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

Roll up for the Gordo!

Winners celebrating a lucky windfall

by Jan Gamm THE EL GORDO lottery haul this year totals a staggering €2.2 billion and your chances of winning something, due to the sheer size of the total amount up for grabs, is an attractive ‘one in six!’ The draw will be held on 22nd December as always and Spaniards are queueing feverishly round the

block outside ticket sellers in anticipation of changing their fortunes forever, some waiting for hours to buy at the same outlet every year. One ticket is priced at 200€, so most choose to buy a tenth of a ticket (un décimo) for 20€ and often company or village syndicates will share tickets. The top prize is €4 million so there is plenty to go round on a shared win!

And the top gift this year is…

THE SELFIE-STICK! The selfie-stick is the top-selling ‘must have’ Christmas gift this year. The gadget has gradually gained in popularity since the summer and now manufacturers are struggling to keep up with demand as the selfie-stick flies off the shelves both on-line and in the High Street. The Selfie is a simple hand-held stick device that allows the user to place a camera or mobile phone at arm’s length in order to take group pictures. It is available in a range of colours and the shutter action is delivered from buttons on the handle. Simple but effective – and prices start from a reasonable 8€.

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19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

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letter of the week

Appalled I HAVE been appalled at the level of crime taking place in the Torrevieja area of late, with particular reference to the elderly lady who was robbed three times in the town centre in broad daylight, and also the poor gentleman and his dog who were severely beaten by a gang of merciless youths in the Los Balcones area. What we haven’t heard is what the police are doing about these crimes! It’s a bit worrying to think that a gang of youths capable of such a terrible crime are still on the loose and could strike again! Also, with the Torrevieja town centre now equipped with CCTV and a reasonable police presence throughout the day, how were the animals who robbed the elderly lady outside the bank not captured? I would be interested to hear if there have been any results by the police in relation to these crimes. Peter, Torrevieja

It does have its advantages IT IS the New Year and time does fly by and it has got me thinking… Over the past few years I have noticed my memory is not what it used to be. I cannot remember how long I had difficulty remembering things. Sure I can remember certain things from twenty five years ago, but when it comes to remembering what I did or said a week ago, well, that is another issue. Some people suggest that memory loss is a bad thing. But I suggest it does have its advantages. For example, I can make all sorts of grand New Year’s resolutions, knowing full well I will not be able to re-

member what I said a week after saying them. I can justify myself by rightly saying I do not remember making New Year’s resolutions. I can blame it all on my age. I will blame everyone except myself. New Year’s resolutions are made and quickly forgotten, much like promises made by Politicians. But I will remember 2014 like it was yesterday. Have a great New Year, even though I likely will have forgotten saying that a week from now. Cheers! Robert Murray, Gran Alacant

Grandchildren

AS A regular reader of RTN letters page may I offer the following: My better half has been so busy baking because next week our daughter and husband from Croydon are coming for a fortnight. We so much enjoy everyone being together for Christmas, especially seeing the grandchildren. Oh my how they have grown in this past year: it is such fun having everyone together. We know how much they love to come to see us. They are so full of life and rambunctious. They do tend to be a tad noisy, but we do enjoy them. I do admit getting cross with them being noisy and my wife does have to put the fine china away when they are here to avoid any nasty surprises. We always give the grandchildren money when they come, but I am sure they do not like coming to visit us just to get money from us - well at least we hope that is not the reason. My wife does not always share my positive disposition toward our grandchildren. She does all the cooking and feels they could be more polite. She laughingly says it is nice to see them come, but even better to see them leave. Huw Thomas, Altea

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

Specsavers Guardamar Christmas Toy Celebration for Cruz Roja SPECSAVERS’ SPECIAL Christmas party on Wednesday invited shoppers to enjoy Christmas cake, refreshments, festive music and benefit from generous 40% discounts. by Keith Nicol There was also an opportunity for customers to drop off Christmas presents for the Cruz Roja’s Christmas campaign. The aims of the campaign are to improve the quality of life for youngsters in families experiencing hardship, improve personal development and skills through play and ensure that no child is without a toy this Christmas. Toys must be new, non-violent, educational and suitable for both boys and girls under 18 years old. Specsavers’ Christmas party, discount and charity collection are all part of their commitment to be a positive member of the Guardamar community and support the area. Francisco Jurado, Director Specsavers Guardamar and Torrevieja, has also recently joined the ‘Rotary Club Guardamar’ and will be working hard to promote scholarships, fight against Polio and raise money for vaccines. They were recently honoured with the Dama de Guardamar award from

the Town Hall to recognise their important role within the community and thank them for supporting and sponsoring cultural and Christmas events in Guardamar and helping residents enjoy wonderful events and outstanding optical care. Felipe Aldeguer, Guardamar Events Councillor, presented Specsavers’ Director with the award and commented; “We thank Spec- They were recently savers for all their support, year after year with the events and festivals in Guardamar honoured with the and are delighted to be able to present them Dama de with this award.” Guardamar award Francisco Jurado added, “We are very proud to be given this award and hope that people will come to celebrate with us on 17th December, bring toys for the Cruz Roja, get into the Christmas spirit and take advantage of MARIA AND the Pink Ladies, on behalf of the AECC would like to thank Mr Clive Grice our 40% discount.” and the late Mrs Maureen (Mo) Grice for the very kind donation of 1,425€ to the AECC Specsavers Guardamar is located in on the passing of Mo from cancer. This fantastic amount of money was raised by donaAvda. País Valenciano 43-Bajo, Guardamar tions and a charity Golf Day held and organised by The Friendly Bar at the Citrus Centre del Segura, 03140 and open from 10am in memory of Mo so a special thank you to Dave and Jean the owners and all those – 3pm and 4pm until 8pm: call 96 508 3273 who donated or took part. for more information.

AECC give Thanks

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

CD Montesinos help the local needy

Howard Yates from the CD Montesinos Supporters Club, hands over footsuffs

by Keith Nicol SUNDAY WAS planned to be a fun day for one and all at CD Montesinos football club, however, thunder, lightning, storms, an illinformed referee and a couple of late goals somewhat spoilt the moment. On the football front, because the lightning flashing all around the field of play, the game never should have taken place as this is against guidelines laid out by FIFA regarding player safety. Less than half an hour away in Novelda, their game was abandoned after 62 minutes of play because of the unsafe conditions. However, referee is always right and so the game went on, with the home team losing 2:3 to visitos CD Borneo. Next week Monte are away to Grupo Caliche with kickoff and date to be confirmed. For more info’ contact www.cdmontesinos.com or email thefullmonte2011@hotmail.com. After the game, a presentation of Christmas hampers was made to players and staff of CD Montesinos, which was much appreciated by one and all, for this most generous gesture. Due to the road and weather conditions, the

Mayor of Los Montesinos could not make it to the game before the kick-off so the following day, Howard Yeats from the Supporter’s Club visited Mayor José M. Sánchez Butron to present him with foodstuffs that has been collected over the last few weeks. The Mayor thanked the supporters club for all their assistance and assured them that everything would be given to the Town’s needy in the run up to Christmas. Meanwhile, Walking football continues to attract new faces week by week. They are now on their Christmas break and return to training on the second Tuesday of the New Year, January 13th, at the usual time of 11.00am, at the rear of the Los Montesinos sports complex. Those wishing more details should contact Stan at: montestan@ gmail.com. Plans are well underway for the regions very first mini-Walking Football tournament, which it is being provisionally planed for February. The Full Monty supports club also wanted to wish all their supporters, staff, management and players, all the very best for a happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2015.

Festive Street parties to encourage commerce WITH THE Spanish having two opportunities to give out gifts over the festive season, at both Christmas and Magic Kings, Torrevieja’s Department of Commerce has organized various activities from December 20th, to energize shopping at local businesses in the town centre. On the 20th, from 11.00 to 2.00pm, the pedestrian zone will feature a number of activities including workshops, balloon twisting, face painting and a Fotomaratón, and in the afternoon from 4:30pm to 8:30pm the Dance School Paya’s will be performing plus street games and activities will be taking place. On December 22nd, from 5.00pm to 10.00pm, a trampoline Marathon will take place, where they will also be collecting toys for children in need, plus there’s a Fitness Arena a zone for children’s storytelling “Circo Loco”: animation where a circus is recreated, with clowns, mimes, etc, all adding to the magical nature of Christmas. After Christmas, on December 27th, from11.00am to 2.00pm, you can enjoy giant life-size games: including football and bowling plus various workshop in the pedestrian streets. From 4.30pm to 8.30pm there will be a fun photo booth taking your photos for free, Christmas Storytelling for children aged 4-12 years. Also in the Plaza de la Constitution, Choirs will sing Christmas songs from 6.00pm on December 19th with the Andalusian Cultural Association and December 23rd with the Association of Ukrainians in Torrevieja.

Mark Harrison

Partner, AES International

Need an adviser to manage your pension in the UK? THERE HAVE been a lot of articles written about transferring your pension away from the UK. But what if you wanted to leave your pension in the UK? Many clients have UK pension funds but do not wish to transfer them into a QROPS. This may be due to the cost of a QROPS or quite simply because they prefer to leave it in the known and safe jurisdiction of the UK (better the devil you know, and all that!) Often, clients move to Spain and no longer have a Financial Adviser to recommend how to get the best growth from their pension fund. This is because many UK advisers will not deal with non-UK clients. If you have a UK pension fund, ask yourself these questions: Do you know where or how it’s invested? Are you getting regular updates on how each fund is performing? Are you maximising all the investment opportunities that are open to you? If not, then we can help you! One option is to transfer your pension to a UK Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). A SIPP gives you a greater range of investment choice than a personal pension plan, notably equities and property. Also while it´s invested, the SIPP

remains tax free and so avoids capital gains tax, income tax and inheritance tax. By transferring your fund to a SIPP, your pension will remain in the UK and if you wanted to move your pension into a QROPS at a later date then this can be done at no charge. The other advantage is that it costs a lot less than transferring your pension fund to a QROPS. The greatest benefit of transferring to a SIPP is that we can manage it for you to get you the best potential growth from your pension. We will offer you different investment options and then monitor the progress of your pension fund. The advantage is that you will have total control of your pension. With our help you will decide how and where it is invested. You will be able to track each investment fund´s performance. If you are not happy with a particular fund then we can switch the money into another fund. I believe the only way to maximise any investment fund´s performance whether it be a pension fund or an investment portfolio is to spread your money over many different investment products and then monitor each product to ensure

that they are on track. If you would like us to look at your existing UK pension arrangements then please call me to make an appointment and I can explain in more detail how a SIPP can benefit you. You can call me on 96 570 4338 or email me at mark.harrison@aesfinance.com.

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

Russian Medal for UK Veteran

JOHN QUEREE, a 97-year-old resident of Bolnuevo, near Mazarrón, has been awarded the Ushakov Medal by Russia as a mark of respect for his participation in the Russian Convoys during World War II. by Patricia Thompson The British Government introduced the Arctic Star campaign medal in 2012 to honour those who served in the Arctic Convoys - John was awarded this medal last year (70 years after the event!) Russia also wanted to award its own medal but the UK’s regulations did not permit British nationals to accept and wear the Ushakov Medal. In 2013, however, it made an exception and a small number of surviving veterans are now entitled to receive this prestigious award. On 10th December, the First Secretary of the Russian Embassy in Madrid travelled to Bolnuevo to present John with the Ushakov Medal. She read a citation from the Russian Government, conveying its gratitude for his invaluable contribution, displaying heroism and bravery in terrible conditions. Winston Churchill famously called it “the worst journey in the world.” John is one of

only three UK veterans living in Spain to receive the award. John, has lived in Bolnuevo with his wife Anne since 1985, the last surviving member of a family of six brothers, all of whom went to war in 1939 and all of whom returned safely. John was present at some key moments of history including the sinking of the Bismarck, the surrender of the Italian Fleet and the bombardment of the French Fleet in North Africa. He was also involved in the on-board security of Prime Minister Winston Churchill when he went to meet with the President of the United States in Iceland, and has long held memories of his ship being visited by King George V and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Templeton. John said that he was extremely proud to receive the Ushakov Medal and it would be added to the collection of 40 medals that he and his brothers had received between them for their services.

John Queree

Best Wishes from Jennifer Cunningham! JENNIFER AND all her staff wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Trained to Kill in Torremendo by Keith Nicol THERE’S NO need to worry if you see a bunch of guys in camouflage running around the hills of Torremendo in the New Year, it’s all part of the final scenes for Bill Little’s latest film: ‘Trained to Kill’. The all action production has moved its setting from the Scottish Highlands to the sunnier and slightly warmer Costa Blanca as the final twist in the fascinating film. Last week, Director and Screenwritter Bill Little, along with his partner and Production Manager Hazel, met with Torremendo’s Deputy Mayor, Sebastian Andreu Marcos who helping the film company, Scotfilms, provide the necessary permissions for film locations. Bill wanted to add: “We’d like to thank Sebastian for all his help and I was really surorised when he told me that he knew of my work and had seen some of my other films. Also thanks to our Locations Manager Manolo Guillamon and his father Ramon for organising this for us.” Other locations that will possibly be used in the production include Casa Pedera, the Grand Design House, plus Torrevieja’s Marina Salinas, the exhibits of the floating museum plus local yacht clubs and hotels. It’s yet another production that helps to put the region on the map as a great location for filmmakers, especially for the quality of its winter sunshine. Bill and Hazel just recently moved to Spain from Scotland and have taken

over the Los Chispas Restaurant Café in San Miguel, which they have renamed El Oasis, where apart from good food, they hope to put on fun but different entertainment evenings. They hope to open their new doors next Tuesday or Wednesday with more details of both the film, the cast, the location and what special entertainments they have lined up, being an-

nounced early in the new year after he gets his 60th birthday out of the way, on 29th December. For more information on Bill’s film CV, please visit: www.imdb.com/name/nm2063933 and you can contact Bill directly by email at: bill242@hotmail.co.uk.

Deputy Mayor Sebastian Andreu Marcos and Bill Little

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

Christmas chocolate treat

By Jack Troughton DOZENS OF chocolate Santas have arrived at EMAUS ready to be distributed to the children living in the charity’s homes across the region this Christmas. The sweet treats were donated by Lesley Clark, who organises the Christmas Fairs for Friends of the Children of EMAUS each year at Javea’s Salones Carrasco and the Denia Marriot Hotel. And pictured with the chocolates is Javier Narro, director of EMAUS Children’s Homes. It is understood this is the first time camera-shy Javier has posed for a snap!

Cuidad Patricia Christmas Fair By Irena Bodnarec LAST SATURDAY Cuidad Patricia – a Residential Complex for seniors in the Rincon de Loix, held their annual Christmas fair. The huge parking area within the complex was completely full, with a guard trying to direct visitors and many had to park in streets adjacent approaching the venue. Over 60 stalls sold a variety of gift and Christmas themed products – with many stallholders getting into the festive theme by wearing Santa hats. The vast majority were Dutch but with a spattering of Brits, with one expat lady selling traditional home made British bakes such as Christmas Cake and mince pies. There was food to sample and buy, free wine and cake provided by the onsite restaurant and a Santa Claus walking around, having pictures taken with excited visitors – and not just the children! The management took the opportunity to organize guided tours to the hundreds of visitors of the accommodation and facilities throughout the day.

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

Torrevieja’s festive season APART FROM last minute shopping and Christmas parties, there are lots of special events taking place around Torrevieja for you to enjoy. by Keith Nicol Tomorrow in Torrevieja there are at least four events starting with the Santa Claus Musical Parade departing from C / La Paz, 143, home of Los Salerosos at 6.00pm. This fun parade is free to attend and organised by Musical Society Los Salerosos. Throughout the parade, non-perishable food will be collected for the Food Solidarity Association. At 7.00pm there is a concert by the Coral Nuevo Amanecer de Torrelamata in the Palacio de la Musica: tickets are free from the Municipal box office or on the door, space permitting. At 7:30pm there is a Carol Concert in the Templo Sagrado Corazon de Jesus and another Christmas Concert taking place at 8.00pm in Torrevieja’s Teatro Municipal with tickets priced at just: 2.00€. Tickets are on sale: Oficina del Patronato de Habaneras, Calle Patricio Perez, 1 - 1ºC. On Sunday 21st December, the show ‘Songs for you’ is performed by the Coral Juvenil Francisco Vallejos at 7.30pm in the Palacio de la música. Price: 5.00€. After Christmas, on Saturday 27th December there is a special free Concert de Navidad in the Palacio de la Musica, at 7.00pm. And if you’d like to welcome in the New Year in style, on Wednesday

31st December, starting at 8.30pm at Sacko’s Bar, El Limonar in Torrevieja, Chloe Leigh entertains at a New Year’s Eve Concert and Fundraising event for the Cucaracha Club. Tickets are just 11.00€ with more information from: www.siesta.productions or phone: 603 344 717 Moving into the New Year, on Monday 5th January 2015, the Three Kings arrive in Torrevieja’s Harbour at 5.00pm and make their way to the Corazon Church, where they perform an opening ceremony followed by the main parade along Ramon Galud and finishing in front of the Inmaculada Church, which is transformed into a Bethlehem scene. The following Day, Tuesday, January 6th, a very special concert that should not be missed is the New Year Concert by the Torrevieja Symphony Orchestra under the Direction of: José Francisco Sánchez. This takes place in the very special setting of the International Auditorium with tickets priced at: 18€ (Sector B and E) 12€ (Sector F) 10€ (Sector D) 8€ (Sector C). Tickets can be brought, or free tickets Torrevieja’s Three Kings requested from the ticket office at the Teatro Parade Municipal. It’s open Tuesday to Friday from provides 11:00am-1:00pm or tickets, space permitting lots of fun, are available from the venues, two hours be- and sweets, for all the fore each performance. family

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

home and garden

Care of plants over Christmas by

Dick Handscombe Holistic gardener and author

AT THIS time of year many expats are busy with the preparations and enjoyment of two weeks of festivities stretching from Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), to Los Reyes (The Three Kings) with the AĂąo Nuevo (The New Year) in the middle but at the same time there are three sets of plants that need some care. FIRSTLY THOSE plants in window boxes or pots to cheer up the front of the house. Typically these are poinsettias, cyclamens, mini roses, mini Christmas trees , crotons, kalenchoes , azaleas, chrysanthemums, pansies and violas. Many of these will have been grown in hot houses and until a few days before delivery to garden centres were used to almost continuous tray or drip feeding. So plant all of these in a moisture retaining compost mix and water them once or twice a week to keep the compost just damp especially if they are placed where they will receive sun for most of the day. Secondly do visit the greenhouse and/or cold frame every few days as these can get warm on sunny days and cuttings and seedlings can irreversibly dry out. Thirdly emergent seedlings in the vegetable garden may still have shallow roots so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tvlet these dry out. Fourthly newly purchased house plants, especially flowering ones, will need watching and timely watering. These will often have been used to a hot house with a high humidity but although living spaces in the house will be warm from log stoves or central heating the air will be dry with little humidity. So check the dampness of compost every two days and if it is starting to dry out give the plant a watering and also spray the leaves with a fine jet water sprayer. Christmas gifts may be any of the plants listed earlier

plus bulbs. These are best placed on a regularly used covered terrace and if brought inside restrict the hours in a hot room. Lastly if tender potted plants have been kept on open or covered terraces, or around the front porch, for a Christmas effect do now give them protection from the possibility of freezing winds and heavy frosts during January, February and early March. I line a metal gazebo with a large sheet of plastic hoisted up over an old plastic table top and tied back with lengths of wood to create a secure temporary green house for around fifty plants. In fact the cold house gets quite warm so the door is opened up once a week and if things are drying out the inside is lightly hosed with a fine jet of water. Happy year end best wishes to all our readers and do keep all those plants alive.

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

legal

Carlos Baos

from White & Baos Abogados Solicitors Lawyers

White & Baos Abogados wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2015 DEAR CLIENTS and Friends, It seems like it was yesterday when the deadline for submitting your NON RESIDENT TAX RETURNS was so far away and yet the Holiday Season has suddenly arrived. We hope to have met our clients’ expectations when dealing with their MARRIAGES AND DIVORCES in Spain and we would also take this opportunity to congratulate those clients, from different countries, who SOLD, PURCHASED or EXCHANGED their properties through our firm and kindly took our advice regarding the importance of having a SPANISH WILL drafted when becoming owners of property in Spain. Year 2014 has been a difficult year for some people; we received an increased number of cases concerning DEBT RECOVERY, indeed some of our commercial clients decided to sell COMMERCIAL PREMISES through our firm before things became harder. Fortunately only a few of our clients were involved in road traffic accidents or suffered PERSONAL

INJURIES, naturally we dealt with these cases as expediently as possible and today these clients have fully recovered or are recovering having received a fair compensation. Sadly some clients and friends passed away during this year and our condolences go out to their surviving spouses, children and loved ones; and again in these cases we have assisted as rapidly as possible to help the heirs when dealing with the INHERITANCE in Spain and the UK. On a happier note we can tell you that we have LITIGATED successfully in Court in relation to many differing legal matters including TENANCY DISPUTES, CLAIMS AGAINST BUILDERS, CONTESTING A WILL and CLAIMS AGAINST THE TAX OFFICE to name but a few. Finally we would like to THANK ALL our clients and friends, who one way or another, dealt with us during this year and wish THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2015 FULL OF HAPPINESS. The White & Baos Team

The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. White & Baos Abogados. Tel:+34 966 426 185. E-mail: info@white-baos.com White & Baos 2014 – All rights reserved, Send your questions to spanishlawyer@roundtownnews.com or info@white-baos.com

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

money

Wayne Martin

International Financial Adviser

Autumn Statement 2014: What it means for savers, investors and ISA’s PEOPLE WHO rely on the interest on their savings to boost their income have had a terrible time since the financial crisis. OFFICIAL INTEREST rates languish at 0.5pc and various government schemes designed to encourage borrowing have given the banks little reason to tempt savers with decent rates. 150,000 married Isa savers pass away each year, and their Isa tax advantages die with them, even if they were saving as a couple. The Autumn Statement announces that from 3 December 2014, if an Isa saver in a marriage or civil partnership dies, their spouse or civil partner will inherit their Isa tax advantages. From 6 April 2015, surviving spouses will be able to invest as much into their own Isa as their spouse used to have, on top of their usual allowance, and so will be better able to secure their financial future and enjoy the tax advantages they previously shared. The ISA allowance for 2014-15 will rise slightly to £15,240.But there was no mention of excluding assets in ISA’s from inheritance tax. The Chancellor discussed Pensioner Bonds which

are designed to pay much better rates than conventional savings products from banks and building societies. In March he said a one-year Pensioner Bond would pay around 2.8pc and a three-year bond around 4pc. At the time the best rates available on the market were 1.9pc and 2.6pc respectively. The new bonds will be available to anyone aged 65 or over. Supply will be limited, with up to £10bn of the bonds being made available. Pensioners will be allowed to save a maximum of £10,000 in each version of the bond, offering a total of £20,000. So none of the above gives great comfort to ex pats seeking a good rate of return, this is where Blacktower can help, with tailored financial planning giving returns of between 5-10% depending on your requirements. We are here to give you free, impartial, independent advice. If you have any questions or need any advice regarding the above you can contact me on 636361588 or e-mail wayne.martin@blacktowerfm.com

The above information was correct at the time of preparation and does not constitute investment advice and you should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Blacktower Financial Management Ltd is licenced by the UK by the Financial Conduct 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.

19 DEC 2014 - 1 jan 2015

Friday 19th December

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Operation Meet the Street 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Saints and Scroungers 12:30 Oxford Street Revealed 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 BBC Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Doctor Blake Mysteries 16:10 Escape to the Country 16:40 Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Two Ronnies Sketchbook 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Citizen Khan 22:00 Have I Got News for You 22:30 Not Going Out 23:00 BBC News 23:25 BBC Regional News 23:35 The Graham Norton Show 24:25 Cuckoo 24:55 Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek Live!

08:05 Saints and Scroungers 08:35 Oxford Street Revealed 09:20 Glorious Gardens from Above 10:05 Great Interior Design Challenge 11:05 Children’s Hospital: The Chaplains 11:35 The Travel Show 12:00 BBC News 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Coast 14:25 Ready Steady Cook 15:10 Great British Bake Off 16:10 A Place to Call Home 16:55 Restoring England’s Heritage 17:25 Andrew Marr’s History of Modern Britain 18:25 Antiques Roadshow 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20:30 Tom Kerridge Cooks Christmas 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 Mary Berry’s Absolute Christmas Favourites 22:00 Canterbury Cathedral 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Let’s Do Christmas with Gino & Mel 14:30 ITV News 14:55 ITV News Central 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 Secret Dealers 16:59 ITV Central Weather 17:00 Tipping Point 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Text Santa 24:20 ITV News 24:55 ITV News Central

07:20 The King of Queens 07:45 The King of Queens 08:10 3rd Rock from the Sun 08:35 3rd Rock from the Sun 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10:30 Frasier 11:00 Frasier 11:30 Frasier 12:00 Jamie’s Christmas with Bells On 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 A Great British Christmas with Sarah Beeny 14:05 Come Dine with Me 15:10 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 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 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD 22:00 Gogglebox 23:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 24:10 The British Comedy Awards 2014

07:00 Childrens TV 08:10 Milkshake! Show Songs 08:15 The Mr Men Show 08:30 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:25 Lucky Christmas 14:15 5 News Lunchtime 14:20 Home and Away 14:50 Dear Secret Santa 16:35 A Christmas Kiss 18:30 5 News 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News Tonight 20:00 The Gadget Show 21:00 Ice Road Truckers 22:00 Trespass 23:50 Shoot ‘Em Up

Saturday 20th December

itv2

07:00 Life’s Funniest Moments 07:25 You’ve Been Framed! 07:45 Emmerdale 08:15 Emmerdale 08:45 You’ve Been Framed! 09:15 The Cube 10:15 Royal Pains 11:15 The Chase 12:15 All Star Family Fortunes 13:15 Emmerdale 13:45 Emmerdale 14:15 You’ve Been Framed! 14:50 Royal Pains 15:45 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:50 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:55 The Jeremy Kyle Show 19:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Pearl Harbor 24:30 Two and a Half Men

07:00 Hollyoaks 07:30 Paternity Court 07:50 Happy Endings 08:15 One Tree Hill 09:00 Suburgatory 09:30 Happy Endings 10:00 Charmed 11:00 Rules of Engagement 12:00 How I Met Your Mother 13:00 Hollyoaks 13:30 Paternity Court 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Rules of Engagement 17:00 Rude(ish) Tube 17:30 Suburgatory 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 Rude(ish) Tube 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 The Mechanic 23:50 The Big Bang Theory 24:20 The Big Bang Theory 24:50 Bad Robots

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen 12:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers 13:00 BBC News; Weather 13:10 Football Focus 13:50 Saturday Sportsday 14:00 Bargain Hunt 15:00 Escape to the Country 16:00 Kung Fu Panda 17:25 Final Score 18:20 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 18:40 Pointless Celebrities 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing 20:55 Atlantis 21:40 The National Lottery Live 21:50 Strictly Come Dancing 23:00 BBC News; Weather 23:20 Match of the Day 24:45 The Football League Show

07:25 Mouse and Mole 07:55 Sarah & Duck 08:05 The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas 08:30 A Christmas Panic! 09:00 Marrying Mum and Dad 09:30 Junior MasterChef 10:00 Junior MasterChef 10:30 Junior MasterChef 11:00 Deadly Pole to Pole 11:30 Deadly Pole to Pole 12:00 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 13:00 Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 13:50 World’s Fastest Indian 15:45 Flog It! 16:45 Secrets of the Castle with Ruth, Peter and Tom 17:45 Nativity! 19:30 The Good Life 19:55 John Le Mesurier: It’s All Been Rather Lovely 20:55 Dad’s Army 21:35 Christmas University Challenge 22:05 QI XL 22:35 Blackadder 23:05 Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule 24:05 The Young Ones

07:00 Childrens TV 08:50 Hulk and the Agents of Smash 09:15 Horrid Henry 09:30 Looney Tunes Show 10:00 Share a Story: The Winners’ Journey 2014 10:25 Columbo: Etude in Black 12:20 ITV News and Weather 12:29 ITV Central Weather 12:30 Surprise Surprise 13:30 Free Willy 2: the Adventure Home 15:25 The Nation’s Favourite Christmas Song 16:50 Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium 18:35 ITV News Central 18:45 ITV News and Weather 19:00 Celebrity Squares 20:00 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince 23:00 Jonathan Ross Show 24:30 ITV News and Weather 24:44 ITV Central Weather 24:45 Bette Midler: One Night Only

07:10 Trans World Sport 08:05 The Grid 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 The Morning Line 10:00 Weekend Kitchen 11:00 Frasier 11:25 Frasier 11:55 The Big Bang Theory 12:25 The Big Bang Theory 12:50 The Simpsons 13:15 The Simpsons 13:45 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD 14:40 Channel 4 Racing 17:00 Channel 4 News 17:30 The Simpsons 18:00 The Simpsons 18:25 The Simpsons 19:00 Mission: Impossible 21:00 Rewind the Christmas Hits 22:30 Four Christmases 24:15 Wanderlust

07:00 Childrens TV 08:10 Olly the Little White Van 08:15 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:30 Make Way for Noddy 08:40 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 08:45 Paw Patrol 09:00 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Wanda and the Alien 09:40 Zack and Quack 09:55 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 Jelly Jamm 10:45 The Gadget Show 11:45 The Gadget Show 12:45 World’s Strongest Man 2014 13:45 Deck the Halls 15:35 Mr Miracle 17:25 Naughty or Nice 19:05 The Wish List 20:50 5 News 20:55 Scrooge 23:10 Rob Brydon Live 24:05 The Joan Rivers Position

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:35 Emmerdale 10:20 Coronation Street 12:20 The Cube 13:20 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! 14:25 Secret Santa 16:15 Santa Baby 18:10 The Nightmare before Christmas 20:00 You’ve Been Framed! 20:30 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Tomorrow Never Dies 23:25 Celebrity Juice 24:25 The Office Xmas Party

07:00 Rules of Engagement 07:25 Rules of Engagement 07:50 Rules of Engagement 08:15 Rules of Engagement 08:40 How I Met Your Mother 12:00 Olive, the Other Reindeer 13:00 Famous Fred 13:35 Rude(ish) Tube 14:00 Melissa & Joey 14:30 Melissa & Joey 15:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:30 How I Met Your Mother 16:00 Made in Chelsea 17:00 Melissa & Joey 17:30 Melissa & Joey 18:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 18:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:30 The Big Bang Theory 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 The Big Bang Theory 22:30 The Big Bang Theory 23:00 Kick-Ass

The Nightmare before Christmas 18:10

19 DEC 2014 - 1 jan 2015

Sunday 21st December BBC1

BBC2

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CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

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07:00 Breakfast 08:30 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Fern Britton Meets 12:00 Escape to the Continent 12:30 Bargain Hunt 13:30 MOTD2 Extra 14:15 BBC News 14:25 Weather for the Week Ahead 14:30 Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit 16:15 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 18:25 Songs of Praise 19:05 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 19:30 Celebrity Mastermind 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 The Apprentice 24:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 24:25 Have I Got a Bit More News for You

07:35 Natural World 08:35 African Cats 10:05 Football League Show 11:25 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:55 Mary Berry’s Absolute Christmas Favourites 13:25 Mary Berry’s Absolute Christmas Favourites 13:55 Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 14:45 Live Equestrian 17:30 Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em 18:15 Flog It! 18:55 The Terminal 21:00 Salmon Fishing in the Yemen 22:40 QI XL 23:25 Match of the Day 2 24:25 Sarah Millican Slightly Longer Television Programme

07:00 Childrens TV 08:50 Ultimate Spider-Man 09:15 Horrid Henry 09:30 Big Time Rush 10:00 The Aquabats! Super Show! 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Storage Hoarders 11:30 Death on the Nile 14:15 ITV News 14:19 ITV Central Weather 14:20 Columbo: a Stitch in Crime 15:50 Tipping Point: Lucky Stars 16:50 The Chase 17:45 Casper 19:35 ITV News Central 19:45 ITV News 20:00 You’ve Got to Love Christmas 21:00 Surprise Surprise 22:00 Midsomer Murders 24:00 ITV News 24:14 ITV Central Weather 24:15 Vicious 24:45 Premiership Rugby Union

07:00 Kirstie’s Vintage Gems 07:10 NFL: The American Football Show 08:10 How I Met Your Mother 08:35 How I Met Your Mother 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Jamie’s Comfort Food 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:30 The Big Bang Theory 14:00 The Big Bang Theory 14:30 The Big Bang Theory 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Simpsons 16:00 The Simpsons 16:30 The Simpsons 17:00 Channel 4 News 17:10 Bugsy Malone 19:00 Jamie’s Cracking Christmas 20:00 Men in Black 3 22:00 Homeland 23:00 Rewind the Christmas Hits 24:35 The IT Crowd

07:00 Childrena TV 09:00 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Wanda and the Alien 09:35 Zack and Quack 09:55 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:10 Jelly Jamm 10:25 LazyTown 10:55 Mr Men 11:10 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 11:20 Roobarb and Custard Too 11:30 World’s Strongest Man 2014 12:30 The Muppets and Lady Gaga at Christmas 13:40 It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie 15:25 The Christmas Shepherd 17:10 The Family Man 19:30 5 News Weekend 19:35 Space Cowboys 22:00 Gran Torino 24:15 Unforgiven

Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure 14:55

Monday 22nd December

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Race to Witch Mountain 11:35 Old Dogs 13:00 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News; Weather 14:30 BBC Regional News 14:45 The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian 17:00 Cinderella 18:15 Pointless Celebrities 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 Celebrity Mastermind 20:30 A Question of Sport 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Would I Lie to You? 22:00 John Bishop’s Christmas Show 23:00 BBC News 23:25 BBC Regional News 23:35 Mrs Brown’s Boys 24:05 Citizen Khan 24:35 The Graham Norton Show

07:25 Mary Berry’s Absolute Christmas Favourites 07:55 Mary Berry’s Absolute Christmas Favourites 08:25 Canterbury Cathedral 09:25 The Bishop’s Wife 11:10 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 12:10 Great Continental Railway Journeys 13:10 Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 14:00 Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 14:50 Coast Australia 15:40 A Place to Call Home 16:25 A Place to Call Home 17:10 Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em 18:00 Flog It! 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Great British Bake Off 20:30 TOTP2 22:00 The Wrong Mans 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Brian Pern 24:00 Andy Parsons: Slacktivist

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Speakmans 11:20 Dickinson’s Real Deal 12:20 Tipping Point 13:20 Judge Rinder 14:20 ITV News 14:50 ITV News Central 14:55 Big Star’s Little Star 15:55 The Railway Children 18:00 The Cube 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Countrywise 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Tsunami: Survivors’ Stories 23:05 ITV News 23:40 ITV News Central 23:45 Notting Hill

07:20 The King of Queens 07:45 The King of Queens 08:10 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:35 Frasier 09:00 Frasier 09:35 The NeverEnding Story II: the Next Chapter 11:15 The Big Bang Theory 11:45 The Big Bang Theory 12:15 The Simpsons 12:50 White Christmas 15:10 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 21:00 Gadget Man 22:00 Food Unwrapped 23:00 Derek 24:05 Gogglebox

07:00 Childrens TV 09:30 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:45 Tickety Toc 10:00 Milkshake! Bop Box 10:05 Peppa Pig 10:10 Peppa Pig 10:20 Wanda and the Alien 10:35 The Mr Men Show 10:55 World’s Strongest Man 2014 11:55 My Crazy Christmas Obsession 12:55 The Flight before Christmas 14:25 Bigfoot and the Hendersons 16:35 Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties 18:05 Christmas with the Kranks 19:55 World’s Strongest Man 2014 21:00 The Railway: First Great Western 22:00 Michael Buble’s Christmas 2014 23:00 Dirty Dancing 24:55 Abba: The Image

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Emmerdale 09:50 Coronation Street 11:50 The X Factor 12:50 The X Factor 13:55 You’ve Been Framed! 14:20 You’ve Been Framed! 14:55 Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure 16:45 Ant & Dec’s Christmas Show 18:00 The Polar Express 20:00 The Xtra Factor 21:00 You’ve Been Framed! 22:00 The Holiday 24:45 Release the Hounds

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07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Britain’s Got More Talent 08:00 Emmerdale 08:30 Coronation Street 09:00 The Corrie Years 09:30 You’ve Been Framed! 09:55 All Star Family Fortunes 11:00 Catchphrase 12:00 The Twelve Days of Christmas Eve 13:55 Emmerdale 14:25 Coronation Street 14:55 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 18:10 The X Factor 19:15 You’ve Been Framed! 19:45 You’ve Been Framed! 20:15 You’ve Been Framed! 20:45 Take Me Out 22:00 Through the Keyhole 23:00 Fast & Furious

07:00 Rules of Engagement 07:25 Rules of Engagement 07:50 Rules of Engagement 08:10 Rules of Engagement 08:35 Rules of Engagement 09:00 Rules of Engagement 09:30 How I Met Your Mother 10:00 How I Met Your Mother 10:30 How I Met Your Mother 11:00 Hollyoaks 13:30 Made in Chelsea 14:30 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:30 The Spy Next Door 17:30 The Big Bang Theory 18:00 The Big Bang Theory 18:30 The Big Bang Theory 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:30 The Big Bang Theory 21:00 Edward Scissorhands 23:05 Rude Tube 24:05 The Inbetweeners 24:40 The Inbetweeners

07:00 Rules of Engagement 07:25 Rules of Engagement 07:50 One Tree Hill 08:35 Happy Endings 09:00 Hollyoaks 09:30 Suburgatory 10:00 Charmed 11:00 Rules of Engagement 12:00 How I Met Your Mother 13:00 Rude(ish) Tube 13:30 Rules of Engagement 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Rules of Engagement 17:00 Rude(ish) Tube 17:30 Suburgatory 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 Rude(ish) Tube 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Made in Chelsea 23:00 Taking New York 23:35 The Big Bang Theory 24:00 The Big Bang Theory 24:30 The Inbetweeners

19 DEC 2014 - 1 jan 2015

Soap Guide EastEnders (BBC1) The Carters are all set for a traditional Christmas in the Vic, complete with rows, heartache and shocking revelations. Stacey has already worked out one of the family’s secrets ahead of schedule as she encourages Linda to open up about being raped. Once her suspicions are confirmed, Stacey dumps Dean, who reacts by threatening Linda that unless she tells his ex that it was all a mistake, he’ll share his version of events with Mick. The landlady agrees, on the condition that Dean stays away from her family, only for the drunken salon owner to turn up at the pub on Christmas Day anyway. Meanwhile, Shirley and Aunt Babe are much more concerned to learn Mick has invited Sylvie for dinner, increasing the chances of someone dropping a bombshell over the turkey, but which secret will be revealed – and how will the landlord react? Elsewhere, old flames are rekindled as Dot catches Nick and Yvonne in a compromising position – but what does this mean for Ronnie and Charlie’s plan to get rid of him? Jane wonders whether to give Ian yet another chance, while thoughts turn to Lucy’s murder as Emma realises she’s been sent video footage from Good Friday and Cindy is spooked by a sinister present under the Beales’ tree.

Week beginning 20/12/2014

Coronation Street (ITV)

Tony and Tracy agree to keep quiet about their bed-based moment of madness. However, Todd spots Tracy getting out of Tony’s van, and is later intrigued when he lies to Liz about where he’s been and claims he hasn’t seen Tracy. Meanwhile, Steve decides to pay off his hefty car repair bill with Streetcars cash. When he then throws a big party at the Rovers, and returns from the shops with a big bag of goodies, some are curious about how he’s funding it all. Meanwhile, Gary falls out with his family over a duplicate Christmas present. He pays the price when he decides to steal from the café till, and a furious Roy beats him with a cricket bat. On Christmas day, with most of the family out, Kylie prepares dinner chez Platt, but is horrified when Callum lets himself in, presents Max with a new bike and offers her a bag of speed. When David catches them red-handed, Callum explains he’s Max’s dad, Kylie’s ex and her drug dealer, which leads to a bust up. And while Nick offers Leanne her job back at the bistro, Lloyd has to jet off to Madrid when he discovers Jenna’s been arrested.

Emmerdale (ITV)

Childhood sweethearts Andy and Katie are planning to celebrate Christmas by tying the knot again, but not everyone is happy for them. Bernice admits to Kerry that she can’t face doing the bride’s hair and makeup because she’s still in love with the groom, while Robert manages to get into a fight with his brother beside their parents’ graves on the stag night – leaving Victoria and Diane concerned about what he’s got planned for the wedding. The big day itself gets off to an ominous start as a hungover Kerry starts retching dangerously near to the dress, and only gets worse when a drunken Bernice staggers into the church. But will anyone find a way of derailing the ceremony? Elsewhere, Moira has finally had enough of Charity, but Cain refuses to get dragged into the row. Is he siding with his kissing cousin over his wife, or is he preoccupied with problems of his own? Troubled Belle is tempted when Lachlan offers her a legal high, and Laurel is unhappy about the prospect of spending Christmas Day with Ross. Aaron is uneasy when Robert offers to invest in his and Adam’s business, Rakesh warns Kirin not to rush to settle down, and Jai proposes to Megan.

tuesday 23rd December BBC1

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CHANNEL 5

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Mars Needs Moms 11:30 Bridge to Terabithia 13:00 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 BBC Regional News 14:45 Chicken Run 16:05 The Gruffalo 16:30 Cars 2 18:10 Pointless Celebrities 19:00 BBC News 19:30 BBC London News 20:00 Celebrity Mastermind 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 The Royle Family 23:00 BBC News 23:25 BBC Regional News 23:30 Weather 23:35 Mrs Brown’s Boys 24:10 Cuckoo 24:40 The Apprentice

07:05 Close Calls: On Camera 07:35 Great British Bake Off 08:35 Canterbury Cathedral 09:35 Anything but Christmas 11:05 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 12:05 Great Continental Railway Journeys 13:05 Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 13:55 Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 14:45 Equestrian 15:45 Coast Australia 16:35 A Place to Call Home 17:20 Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em 18:05 Flog It! 19:00 Great British Bake Off 20:00 Dad’s Army 20:30 Christmas University Challenge 21:00 MasterChef: The Professionals 22:00 The Wrong Mans 23:00 Mock the Week 23:30 Russell Howard’s Good News 24:00 Backchat with Jack Whitehall and His Dad

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Speakmans 11:20 Dickinson’s Real Deal 12:20 Tipping Point 13:25 Big Star’s Little Star 14:25 ITV News 14:50 ITV News Central 15:00 Judge Rinder 16:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 ITV News Central 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears 21:00 Roman Britain from the Air 22:00 Lottery Stories: Be Careful What You Wish For 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:35 ITV News Central 23:40 Kylie: Kiss Me Once 24:50 Jonathan Ross Show

07:20 The King of Queens 07:45 The King of Queens 08:10 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:35 Frasier 09:00 Frasier 09:25 The Rugrats Movie 11:00 Andre 12:55 Ladyhawke 15:10 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 The Snowman 21:00 Celebrity Fifteen to One 22:00 8 Out of 10 Cats 23:00 Man Down 23:30 The 11 O’Clock Show 24:30 Ali G in da USAiii

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:40 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:55 Tickety Toc 10:10 Milkshake! Bop Box 10:15 Peppa Pig 10:20 Peppa Pig 10:30 Access 10:40 World’s Strongest Man 2014 11:40 Jack and the Beanstalk 13:25 The Elf That Rescued Christmas 15:00 This Christmas 17:10 Call Me Claus 18:55 World’s Strongest Man 2014 19:55 My Crazy Christmas Obsession 20:50 Michael Buble’s Christmas Songbook 22:00 Kids’ Hospital at Christmas 23:00 Saving Private Ryan

itv2

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Britain’s Got More Talent 08:00 Emmerdale 08:25 Coronation Street 08:55 Coronation Street 09:20 The Cube 10:20 Catchphrase 11:20 Arthur and the Great Adventure 13:25 Emmerdale 13:55 Coronation Street 14:25 Coronation Street 14:55 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:05 The Jeremy Kyle Show 18:10 The Xtra Factor 19:15 Scooby-Doo 21:00 You’ve Been Framed! 22:00 Bridget Jones’s Diary 24:00 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Rules of Engagement 07:25 Rules of Engagement 07:50 One Tree Hill 08:35 Rude(ish) Tube 09:00 Hollyoaks 09:35 Suburgatory 10:00 Charmed 11:00 Rules of Engagement 12:00 How I Met Your Mother 13:00 Rude(ish) Tube 13:30 Rules of Engagement 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:30 The Big Bang Theory 17:00 The Big Bang Theory 17:30 Famous Fred 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Rude Tube 23:00 Rude Tube 24:05 The Big Bang Theory 24:35 The Big Bang Theory

19 DEC 2014 - 1 jan 2015

Week beginning 27/12/2014

Emmerdale (ITV)

2014 hasn’t been a good year for Belle, but it looks like she’s got a chance to make a fresh start when Katie gives her a job at the stables. Unfortunately, the troubled teen is still struggling with her demons, and turns to Lachlan for more pills to help her cope. When Zak throws her stash out, she’s forced to make a return trip to Home Farm, where Lachlan has the place to himself because Robert has snuck off to see Aaron. Belle encourages her new friend to take one of the legal highs with her, but he has an adverse reaction and starts fitting. As he’s rushed to hospital, Belle blames herself, although Chrissie wants to know why Robert wasn’t around – and Katie quickly comes up with a theory to explain his absence… Charity fuels Megan’s doubts about Jai when she reminds her former sister-in-law of the factory owner’s dark side, while Leyla is feeling down after hearing about the proposal. Harriet informs a shocked Finn that she’s found his mum’s address, but while he does visit the house, will he pluck up the courage to speak to her? Pregnant Nicola is devastated when she starts bleeding, Pearl is in the money, and Laurel and Marlon try to look to the future.

EastEnders (BBC1)

The Carters knew they were in for an emotional Christmas, mainly because there was a good chance it was Stan’s last, but they weren’t prepared for the day being quite so dramatic. This week, they are still trying to recover from the latest round of revelations, but now the family’s secrets have been exposed, it seems there’s little chance of them going back to the way things were. And Dexter’s attempts to lighten the mood don’t go down well with Nancy, who really isn’t the mood for flippant comments about her clan’s problems. If it’s any consolation, the Carters aren’t the only ones who’ve been lying to each other, as Shirley makes Ronnie realise just how much Nick has been manipulating Dot and Charlie. The blonde comes up with a plan for revenge, but will it work? Elsewhere, Kim Fox makes a welcome return to the Square. In the past, she’s always been guaranteed to lighten the mood in Walford, but she may not feel much like being the comic relief when she sees how much things have changed in her absence. But is she being completely honest about her own reasons for coming back?

Coronation Street (ITV)

The truth about Steve’s depressionfuelled debt is revealed when Andrea discovers Streetcars is £10k overdrawn. Michael and Eileen haven’t been paid, and the fact Steve ducks out of Amy’s panto only adds to the locals’ anger. Liz decides to bail her son out with Rovers cash, but on New Year’s Eve Steve overhears Michelle telling Tony how he is her past and she’s looking to the future now. Roy is questioned over assaulting Gary, and while Anna is shocked by her son’s injuries, she’s also amazed he’d turned to theft. The café owner feels awful after his sentencing, and far worse over Mary’s reaction to his actions. Meanwhile, Alya’s feelings for Gary are rekindled when she hears of his injuries. When Kylie does a vanishing act, David has a go at Callum and demands to know where his wife is. He claims they’re back together, and warns Platt if he doesn’t stay away, he and Kylie may take Max to live with them. New bistro manager Leanne is impressed by Gavin’s ideas, but he panics when she needs a reference and his national insurance number. And Norris is spooked when he thinks he’s seen Blanche’s ghost.

The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm BBC One, 9.30pm

UNLESS HARRY Hill really does spend his free time chatting to soft toys and shouting “fight!”, most of us would assume that he’s quite used to playing a character. However, he’s making his official acting debut in this comedy drama, which has been adapted by Charlie Higson from the classic children’s books by Norman Hunter – and no, not the one whose hard tackles frightened the lives out of footballers in the 1970s when he was centre-half for Leeds United. This Norman Hunter was an author from Sydenham who saw service as a teenager in the First World War before becoming a copywriter and author. He wrote 13 books featuring the character over a 50-year period. “As a budding schoolboy scientist and inventor myself I loved the Professor Branestawm books as a kid, I was fascinated by Heath Robinson’s wonderful illustrations too,” says Hill. “It’s a thrill for me to be playing the prof in Charlie Higson’s brilliant TV adaptation. Best Christmas present ever!” Higson claims he’s a long-time fan too: “I loved Norman Hunter’s Professor Branestawm books when I was a kid, and I loved reading them to my own kids, who found them as funny as I did. “These were the books that inspired me to write comedy of my own, and I’ve always wanted to adapt them for the screen. To bring Heath Robinson’s brilliant illustrations to life and share Norman Hunter’s amazing inventiveness with a wider audience is a dream come true for me.” The books have been adapted for TV before, in 1969 by ITV with Jack Woolgar in the lead role. But this take promises to be definitive, not only because of Hill’s performance, but because of the great co-stars lining up alongside him. Vicky Pepperdine, recently seen in BBC Four sitcom Puppy Love, Brian Pern’s Simon Day, acclaimed actresses Sophie Thompson and Miranda Richardson, comedians David Mitchell, Ben Miller and Higson himself all have roles. For the uninitiated, Professor Branestawm is an absent-minded professor, whose creations have a habit of going disastrously wrong. Luckily, his long-suffering housekeeper Mrs Flittersnoop and his dim, but loyal, best friend Colonel Dedshott are usually on hand to stop him blowing himself up, but not everyone is convinced that’s enough of a safeguard. Can plucky school kid Connie stop evil businessman Mr Bullimore and local councillor Harold Haggerstone from kicking Branestawm out of the village on health and safety grounds? “In recent years BBC One has produced some truly wonderful adaptations which have been huge hits with our audience and I have no doubt that Charlie Higson’s take on Professor Branestawm, starring the brilliant Harry Hill, will prove to be just as magical and popular,” says BBC One controller Charlotte Moore. Comedy commissioner Shane Allen is just as sure of its appeal: “This classic of children’s literature has found its perfect match in Charlie Higson’s inventive adaptation and a kindred lead with the eccentric, warm and hilarious Harry Hill. “It’s great knockabout fun to bring the family together.”

WEDNESDAY CHRISTMAS EVE BBC1

BBC2

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CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Snow Babies 11:00 Nigel Slater’s 12 Tastes of Christmas 12:00 WALL-E 13:30 Holiday of My Lifetime with Len Goodman 14:30 BBC News 14:40 BBC Regional News 14:43 Weather 14:45 Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit 16:05 Merry Madagascar 16:25 Shrek the Halls 16:50 The Gruffalo’s Child 17:15 On Angel Wings 17:45 One Hundred and One Dalmatians 19:05 BBC News 19:15 BBC London News 19:20 Weather 19:25 Toy Story 3 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm 22:30 Not Going Out 23:15 The Vicar of Dibley 23:55 Mrs Brown’s Boys 24:30 BBC News 24:45 Midnight Mass from Arundel Cathedral

07:10 The Crimson Wing 08:20 Canterbury Cathedral 09:20 One of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing 10:55 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 11:55 Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 12:40 Christmas Kitchen with James Martin 13:35 Torvill & Dean: The Perfect Day 14:35 The Choir: Military Wives 15:35 Little Women 17:25 To the Manor Born 18:25 Carols from King’s 19:40 The Good Life 20:10 Victoria Wood with All the Trimmings 21:00 Christmas University Challenge 21:30 The Choir: Military Wives 22:30 Julie Walters: A Life on Screen 23:30 Calendar Girls

07:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 All Stars 12:35 Horrid Henry: the Movie 14:20 ITV News 14:35 Doc Martin 16:35 Off Their Rockers 17:05 Santa Claus 19:15 You’ve Been Framed! 19:45 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Skyfall 23:45 ITV News 24:00 Christmas Carols on ITV

08:15 Olive, the Other Reindeer 09:10 The Big Bang Theory 09:40 The Big Bang Theory 10:05 The Simpsons 10:35 The Simpsons 11:10 The Iron Giant 12:50 Father Christmas 13:30 Big Miracle 15:35 Channel 4 News 15:45 The Grinch 17:50 The Muppet Christmas Carol 19:25 Hollyoaks 20:25 Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 20:55 The Snowman and the Snowdog 21:30 Big Fat Gypsy Weddings 22:30 Gogglebox 24:00 Rude Tube

07:00 Childrens TV 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:30 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 08:55 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:05 Peppa Pig 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:20 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:30 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:40 Tickety Toc 09:55 Milkshake! Bop Box 10:00 Peppa Pig 10:05 Peppa Pig 10:15 Wanda and the Alien 10:30 Gone with the Wind 14:50 The Adventures of Robin Hood 16:50 Scrooge 18:35 Michael Buble’s Christmas 2014 19:30 Benefits Britain: Life on the Dole 20:20 Britain’s Craziest Christmas Lights 21:25 The Dog Rescuers 22:30 Greatest Ever Christmas Movies

Skyfall 21:00

ITV2

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Britain’s Got More Talent 08:00 Emmerdale 08:25 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! 09:15 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! 10:05 All Star Family Fortunes 11:10 You’ve Been Framed! 11:40 You’ve Been Framed! 12:15 The Twelve Days of Christmas Eve 14:10 Emmerdale 14:40 Casper 16:40 You’ve Been Framed! 17:05 You’ve Been Framed! 18:05 All Star Family Fortunes 19:10 Catchphrase 20:20 The Nightmare before Christmas 22:00 The Holiday 24:45 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Rules of Engagement 07:25 Rules of Engagement 07:50 Rude(ish) Tube 08:55 Hollyoaks 09:30 Ivor the Invisible 10:00 Charmed 11:00 Rules of Engagement 11:30 Rules of Engagement 12:00 Marmaduke 13:45 Rude(ish) Tube 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:30 The Big Bang Theory 17:00 The Big Bang Theory 17:30 The Bear 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Rude(ish) Tube 20:25 Hollyoaks 21:00 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 24:00 The Big Bang Theory 24:30 The Big Bang Theory

Doctor Who IT’S CHRISTMAS Day and it’s early evening. You’re probably still feeling bloated after the lunch to end all lunches and want nothing more than to stare at the TV for an hour or so. Thankfully, for the past nine years, the BBC has provided viewers with the perfect way to recuperate after their overindulgences by producing a series of special festive episodes of Doctor Who. The latest – entitled Last Christmas – is the first to star Peter Capaldi. And no, it has nothing to do with the Wham! song of the same name. As usual when it comes to the long-running sci-fi classic, we have scant details to offer you. That’s because showrunner Steven Moffat is slightly obsessed with keeping his plots a secret in case spoilers leak out. Now, we applaud that idea, but a few morsels to whet the appetite would be nice. So, what do we know? As well as Capaldi playing the gallivanting Gallifreyan, Jenna Coleman is back as Clara and

BBC One, 7.15pm

Nick Frost makes a guest appearance as the one and only Santa Claus. “I’m so thrilled to have been asked to guest in the Doctor Who Christmas Special, I’m such a fan of the show,” says Frost. “The read-through was very difficult for me; I wanted to keep stuffing my fingers into my ears and scream ‘No spoilers!’ Every day on set I’ve had to silence my internal fan-boy squeals!” “Frost at Christmas - it just makes sense!” laughs Moffat. “I worked with Nick on the Tintin movie many years ago and it’s a real pleasure to lure him back to television for a ride on the Tardis.” The action takes place on an Arctic base which is under attack from terrifying creatures - and only the Doctor and his pal Santa can save the day. Watch out too for a few other familiar faces, including former Coronation Street star and Strictly Come Dancing runner-up Natalie Gumede. But of most interest to Whovians is the presence of Michael Troughton, who continues his family’s association

with the programme - his brother David has appeared in the show several times, most notably in The Curse of Peladon alongside Jon Pertwee, and in Midnight, with David Tennant. They are, of course, the eldest sons of Patrick Troughton, who played the Doctor’s second incarnation. Sharp-eyed fans may also have spotted a photo of Patrick as Robin Hood in the recent Robots of Sherwood episode. Michael published a biography of his father a couple of years ago and is currently working on an encyclopedia about Patrick’s career, which should reach shops next year. This is one of his first forays into TV since he gave up acting to teach physics and, later, to become a school’s head of drama. Now it seems he’s back in the family business for good. Would his father have been pleased to see him in the show that turned him into a children’s hero? You would imagine so. Patrick remained a supporter of the programme until his death at the age of 67 at a Doctor Who convention in Georgia in 1989, so you could imagine him tuning in, belt undone, like the rest of us.

THURSDAY CHRISTMAS DAY BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 The Gruffalo 10:30 On Angel Wings 11:00 Come and Join the Celebration 12:00 Only Fools and Horses 13:00 Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out 13:25 Gnomeo & Juliet 14:40 Shaun the Sheep 14:50 BBC News 14:55 Weather 15:00 Top of the Pops 16:00 The Queen 16:10 Puss in Boots 17:40 BBC News 17:55 Weather 18:00 Strictly Come Dancing 19:15 Doctor Who 20:15 Miranda 20:50 Call the Midwife 22:00 EastEnders 23:05 Mrs Brown’s Boys 23:40 Michael McIntyre’s Very Christmassy Christmas Show 24:40 BBC News 24:50 Weather 24:55 On Christmas Night

07:00 Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas 08:15 Short Circuit 09:50 Pollyanna 12:00 Carols from King’s 13:15 To the Manor Born 13:45 The Choir: Military Wives 14:45 60 Years of Carols from King’s 15:45 BBC Proms 2014 18:00 The Queen 18:10 James May’s Toy Stories 19:15 Morecambe & Wise in Pieces 20:15 Christmas University Challenge 20:45 Dad’s Army 21:30 Blackadder 22:00 Tim Rice - A Life in Song 23:30 QI 24:00 Marvellous

07:00 Childrens TV 08:05 Almost Naked Animals 08:20 Almost Naked Animals 08:40 Horrid Henry 08:55 Horrid Henry 09:10 Horrid Henry 09:25 Weekend 10:25 Valiant 11:55 Back to the Future 14:10 Nanny McPhee 16:00 The Queen 16:10 The Queen’s Garden 17:10 ITV News 17:20 Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas 18:20 You’ve Been Framed! 18:50 Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs 19:50 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 21:00 Coronation Street 22:00 Downton Abbey 24:00 ITV News 24:15 You’ve Got to Love Christmas

07:00 The Ugly Duckling and Me 08:30 Prep & Landing 08:55 Prep & Landing: Naughty v Nice 09:20 Father Christmas 09:55 Animals United 11:45 The Simpsons 12:15 The Simpsons 12:45 The Simpsons 13:15 Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 13:45 The Snowman 14:20 The Snowman and the Snowdog 14:50 The Alternative Christmas Message 14:55 Channel 4 News 15:05 Scrooged 17:00 Big 19:00 Arthur Christmas 21:00 Frozen at Christmas 22:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 24:00 8 Out of 10 Cats

07:00 Childrens TV 08:30 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:45 Milkshake! Bop Box 09:50 Peppa Pig 10:00 Peppa Pig 10:05 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10:15 Access 10:20 Andre Rieu: Christmas Around the World 11:20 Scrooge 13:35 The Sound of Music - Live! 16:25 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 19:10 Michael Buble’s Christmas Songbook 20:05 Chas & Dave’s Xmas Knees Up! 21:00 Britain’s Favourite Christmas Songs 24:05 Muriel’s Wedding

ITV2

07:00 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 07:25 Emmerdale 07:50 Coronation Street 08:20 Horrid Henry: the Movie 10:10 You’ve Been Framed! 10:35 You’ve Been Framed! 11:40 Scooby-Doo 13:25 Emmerdale 13:55 Coronation Street 14:25 All Star Family Fortunes 15:30 Catchphrase 16:35 Jurassic Park 19:00 You’ve Been Framed! 19:30 The Mummy Returns 22:00 GoldenEye 24:35 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Olive, the Other Reindeer 07:50 Lost and Found 08:15 Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 08:35 Happy Endings 09:30 Glee 10:30 Suburgatory 11:30 Rules of Engagement 12:00 Melissa & Joey 12:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 13:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 17:30 Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 18:00 The Snowman 18:25 The Snowman and the Snowdog 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:30 The Big Bang Theory 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 The Big Bang Theory 22:30 The Big Bang Theory 23:00 The Inbetweeners 23:35 The Inbetweeners

That Day We Sang BBC2, 10pm WHEN VICTORIA Wood was 22 (and as she recently told BBC Breakfast, living in a bedsit and existing on a diet of tinned mince), she saw a documentary about the reunion of members of a children’s choir. Clearly something about the programme, and in particular its suggestion of middle-aged people looking back on one of the highlights from their childhood and wondering if the rest of their lives had matched up to it, struck a chord with the young comedienne. It was still on Wood’s mind in 2011, when it inspired her to the write the musical That Day We Sang, which was originally staged as part of the Manchester International Festival. And now, she’s bringing it to the small screen. Made-for-TV musicals are relatively rare, as Wood herself acknowledges. She says: “That Day We Sang brings together everything I love - singing, dancing, comedy, love and chips. A musical set in 1929 and ‘69 complete with tap-dancing children, singing coalmen and possibly a tram, was always going to be a big undertaking, and I’m very appreciative of the way everyone at the BBC has been so encouraging and supportive.” But then if anyone can pull it off, it’s Wood. Over the years, she’s proved her versatility, whether it’s classic sketch shows (As Seen on TV), a successful sitcom (dinnerladies), award-winning period drama (Housewife, 49) or even biopics (Eric & Ernie, which she produced). It’s not a one-woman show though. While Wood may be on writing and directing duties, she’s handed over the job of actually starring in it to Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton, both of whom have impressive musical CVs. The pair previously starred together in a West End revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street which won them an Olivier Award each. Wood says: “Imelda and Michael are my dream team, superb professionals at the top of their game. I’m hoping to deliver something that will be a real treat for the audience.” The actors play Tubby and Enid, who when we meet them in 1969, are middle-aged and feeling lonely. They have been brought back together for a reunion of the Manchester Children’s Choir, to mark the 40th anniversary of their iconic recording of Nymphs and Shepherds. It stirs up powerful memories and brings back their love of music – but could it also lead to romance? Tubby and Enid aren’t the only ones affected by the reunion, as their faltering romance is interweaved with the story of their fellow choir member Jimmy, whose love of singing proves an escape from his difficult home life. So with romance, laughs, poignant moments and musical numbers, along with a supporting cast that includes Sophie Thompson, Ian Lavender and Daniel Rigby (who made an impressive Eric Morecambe in the aforementioned Eric and Ernie), Wood has definitely fulfilled her ambition to serve up a Christmas treat. And who knows? Maybe it will inspired someone to go off and write a musical of their own…

FRIDAY BOXING DAY BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Pinocchio 11:25 CBeebies Peter Pan 12:05 Room on the Broom 12:30 Cool Runnings 14:05 BBC News; Weather 14:15 BBC Regional News 14:25 The Incredible Adventures of Professor Branestawm 15:20 My Family 16:15 Monsters, Inc 17:40 The Pirates! in an Adventure with Scientists! 19:05 BBC News 19:20 BBC London News 19:25 Still Open All Hours 19:55 The Boy in the Dress 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Marvel Avengers Assemble 23:40 BBC News 23:50 BBC Regional News 24:00 Match of the Day

07:10 The Road to El Dorado 08:30 College Road Trip 09:50 Natural World 10:50 Ten Pieces 11:40 60 Years of Carols from King’s 12:40 On the Town 14:15 Talking Pictures 14:50 Singin’ in the Rain 16:30 Victoria Wood: That Musical We Made 17:30 Final Score 18:25 BBC Proms 2014 19:45 Christmas University Challenge 20:15 The Two Ronnies 21:00 Victoria Wood’s Midlife Christmas 22:00 That Day We Sang 23:30 Hunky Dory

07:00 Childrens TV 08:05 Almost Naked Animals 08:20 Almost Naked Animals 08:35 Mr Bean: The Animated Series 08:50 Super 4 09:10 Super 4 09:25 Weekend 10:25 Dinner Date: Australia 11:25 Celebrity Squares 12:25 Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs 13:30 ITV News 13:45 The Chase 14:45 Back to the Future Part II 16:45 Off Their Rockers 17:15 Downton Abbey 19:15 ITV News 19:30 Emmerdale 20:00 Coronation Street 21:00 A Christmas Cracker 22:00 Birds of a Feather 22:30 Through the Keyhole 23:30 ITV News 23:45 Out of Sight

08:25 The Bear

07:00 Childrens TV 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 08:55 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:05 Peppa Pig 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:30 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:45 Tickety Toc 10:05 Peppa Pig 10:10 Wanda and the Alien 10:25 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10:35 Mr Men 10:55 Access 11:05 Carry On Constable 12:45 Carry On Teacher 14:30 Carry On Nurse 16:15 The Ladykillers 18:00 A Shot in the Dark 20:05 Rob Brydon Live 21:00 Morecambe & Wise Live! 1973 22:25 Tommy Cooper’s Christmas Special 23:25 Carry On Christmas 24:30 Greatest Ever Carry On Films

08:55 The Morning Line 10:00 The Big Bang Theory 10:25 The Big Bang Theory 10:55 Inspector Gadget 12:30 Dr Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! 14:15 Channel 4 Racing 16:50 Turner & Hooch 18:50 Channel 4 News 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD 21:00 Bear’s Wild Weekend 22:00 The Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2014 24:00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man

ITV2

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Arthur and the Great Adventure 09:05 Emmerdale 10:05 Coronation Street 11:05 The Xtra Factor 12:10 Casper 14:05 Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas 15:05 Emmerdale 16:05 Coronation Street 17:10 Nanny McPhee 19:10 Despicable Me 21:00 Tomorrow Never Dies 23:30 Celebrity Juice 24:30 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Rude(ish) Tube 07:25 Rude(ish) Tube 07:45 Prep & Landing 08:05 Suburgatory 09:00 Hollyoaks 10:00 Melissa & Joey 10:30 Prep & Landing 10:55 Prep & Landing: Naughty v Nice 11:25 Father Christmas 12:00 The Snowman 12:30 The Snowman and the Snowdog 13:00 Aliens in the Attic 14:45 Rude(ish) Tube 15:00 Tooth Fairy 17:05 Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 17:30 Father Christmas 18:05 Rude(ish) Tube 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 The Big Bang Theory 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 The Big Bang Theory 22:30 The Big Bang Theory 23:00 Kick-Ass

Saturday 27th December

19 DEC 2014 - 1 jan 2015

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Breakfast 09:25 Match of the Day 11:00 Saturday Kitchen 12:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers 13:00 BBC News; Weather 13:10 Football Focus 13:50 Saturday Sportsday 14:00 Formula 1 15:10 Sport Relief 16:10 How to Train Your Dragon 17:40 Kung Fu Panda 2 19:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 19:20 Celebrity Mastermind 19:50 Pointless Celebrities 20:40 The National Lottery: Win Your Wish List 21:30 Bruce’s Hall of Fame 22:40 Mrs Brown’s Boys 23:15 BBC News; Weather 23:35 Live at the Apollo 24:05 Not Going Out 24:35 Not Going Out

07:10 Natural World 08:10 Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo 09:50 Ensign Pulver 11:30 TOTP2 13:00 The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure 14:00 The Cheyenne Social Club 15:40 Yes Minister 16:45 The Eagle Has Landed 18:55 Dad’s Army 20:30 Operation Grand Canyon with Dan Snow 21:30 Top Gear 22:30 James May’s Toy Stories 23:30 QI XL 24:15 Harry & Paul’s Story of the 2s

07:00 Childrens TV 08:50 Hulk and the Agents of Smash 09:10 Horrid Henry 09:25 Weekend 10:25 Columbo: Negative Reaction 12:25 ITV News 12:29 ITV Central Weather 12:30 Dickinson’s Real Deal 13:25 The Cube 14:25 Tipping Point 15:30 Back to the Future Part III 17:40 Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas 18:40 ITV News Central 18:50 ITV News 19:05 You Saw Them Here First 20:00 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 22:50 Darcy Oake: Edge of Reality 23:45 ITV News 24:04 ITV Central Weather 24:05 An Audience with Joan Rivers

08:05 Lost and Found 08:30 Famous Fred 09:00 The Morning Line 10:00 Frasier 10:30 The Simpsons 11:00 The Simpsons 11:30 The Simpsons 12:00 Alaska 14:10 Channel 4 Racing 16:35 Zulu 19:20 Channel 4 News 19:40 Guy Martin’s Passion for Life 20:10 Mission: Impossible 2 22:30 50 Funniest Moments 2014 24:35 X-Men - the Last Stand

07:00 Childrens TV 08:15 Bananas in Pyjamas 08:30 Make Way for Noddy 08:45 Paw Patrol 09:20 Wanda and the Alien 09:35 Zack and Quack 09:50 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:05 Jelly Jamm 10:20 Access 10:30 World’s Strongest Man 2014 11:30 Pal Joey 13:45 The Secret Garden 15:45 Watership Down 17:35 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 19:35 World’s Strongest Man 2014 20:35 Chas & Dave’s Xmas Knees Up! 21:30 The Dog Rescuers 22:30 5 News Weekend 22:35 The Haunting of Radcliffe House 24:30 True Crimes: The First 72 Hours 24:55 Access

15:40 Horrid Henry: the Movie 17:35 The Lost World: Jurassic Park 20:10 Johnny English 22:00 Fast & Furious 24:05 Hostage

Mission: Impossible II 20:10

Sunday 28th December

07:00 You’ve Been Framed! 07:20 Emmerdale 10:05 Coronation Street 13:35 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! 14:35 You’ve Been Framed!

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 G-Force 11:20 Three Men and a Little Lady 13:00 Holiday of My Lifetime with Len Goodman 14:00 BBC News 14:10 Weather for the Week Ahead 14:15 Bargain Hunt 14:55 Call the Midwife 16:10 Songs of Praise 16:45 Raiders of the Lost Ark 18:35 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 19:00 Celebrity Mastermind 19:30 Countryfile 20:30 Still Open All Hours 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Last Tango in Halifax 23:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 23:25 Match of the Day 24:55 The Football League Show

07:50 Antiques Roadshow 08:50 Herbie Goes Bananas 10:20 Coast Australia 11:10 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12:40 The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure 13:40 Talking Pictures 14:25 Great Continental Railway Journeys 15:25 The Heroes of Telemark 17:30 Final Score 18:30 Flog It! 19:00 John Carter 21:00 Top Gear 22:00 Racing Legends 23:00 House of Fools 23:30 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 24:00 The Wrong Mans

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 Horrid Henry 09:25 Weekend 10:25 Columbo: Double Exposure 12:00 ITV News 12:14 ITV Central Weather 12:15 The Cube 13:15 Michael Flatley: A Night to Remember 14:15 Tipping Point 15:20 Catchphrase 16:20 ET: The ExtraTerrestrial - 20th Anniversary Edition 18:35 ITV News Central 18:45 ITV News 19:00 The Queen’s Garden 20:00 Unbelievable Moments Caught on Camera 21:00 All Star Family Fortunes 22:00 All New It’ll Be Alright on the Night 23:00 ITV News 23:14 ITV Central Weather 23:15 Through the Keyhole 24:15 Premiership Rugby Union

07:10 NFL: The American Football Show 08:10 Little Wolf’s Book of Badness 08:35 Ivor the Invisible 09:05 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:35 Frasier 10:00 Frasier 10:30 Sunday Brunch 13:25 Imagine That 15:35 The Simpsons 16:00 The Simpsons 16:30 The Simpsons 16:55 The Simpsons 17:25 The Simpsons 17:55 Channel 4 News 18:00 Celebrity Fifteen to One 19:00 The Golden Compass 21:00 The Hotel 22:00 Homeland 23:15 Gogglebox 24:50 Rude Tube

07:00 Childrens TV 08:50 Little Princess 09:00 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:15 Wanda and the Alien 09:25 Zack and Quack 09:40 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:55 Jelly Jamm 10:10 Access 10:20 World’s Strongest Man 2014 11:20 Carry On Christmas 12:25 Greatest Ever Carry On Films 13:25 Carry On Spying 15:10 Black Beauty 16:55 Out of Africa 20:00 World’s Strongest Man 2014 20:55 5 News Weekend 21:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away 22:00 Most Shocking Celebrity Moments 2014 24:55 Autopsy: The Last Hours Of

Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas 18:20

Monday 29th December

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07:00 Breakfast 09:00 Match of the Day 10:30 Flushed Away 11:50 Megamind 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:15 BBC News; Weather 14:30 BBC Regional News 14:40 Bedknobs and Broomsticks 16:35 Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave 17:05 Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom 18:55 BBC News; Weather 19:10 BBC Regional News Programmes; Weather 19:20 The Muppets 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Miranda 22:05 Mapp and Lucia 23:05 BBC News 23:20 BBC Regional News 23:30 Darcey Bussell’s Looking for Audrey 24:35 Sport Relief: The Final Score

07:40 Football League Show 09:00 Orangutans: Great Ape Escape - Natural World 10:00 Coast Australia 10:50 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 11:50 Great Continental Railway Journeys 12:50 The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure 13:50 David Niven: Talking Pictures 14:40 Around the World in 80 Days 17:30 Big Dreams Small Spaces 18:30 Wild Brazil 19:30 Nature’s Weirdest Events 20:30 Operation Grand Canyon with Dan Snow 21:30 Christmas University Challenge 22:00 Snow Wolf Family and Me 23:00 Dave Allen: God’s Own Comedian 24:00 The Wrong Mans 01:00 Notorious

07:00 Dinner Date 08:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 Judge Rinder 12:30 Who’s Doing the Dishes? 13:30 All Star Family Fortunes 14:15 ITV News 14:25 ITV News Local News; Weather 14:30 Secret Dealers 15:30 Surprise Surprise Christmas Special 16:30 Dr No 18:35 The Chase 19:30 ITV News Local News; Weather 19:45 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Countrywise 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Christmas Epic Fails 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:15 Atonement

07:15 Kirstie’s Handmade Treasures 07:30 How I Met Your Mother 08:20 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:10 Frasier 10:10 The Big Bang Theory 11:30 The Simpsons 13:00 Hachi: A Dog’s Tale 14:50 Deal or No Deal: Merry Christmas 15:50 Brewster’s Millions 17:50 Channel 4 News 18:30 Hollyoaks 19:00 The Italian Job 21:00 Mini Cooper: For the Love of Cars 22:00 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown Christmas Special 23:00 The Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2014 01:00 NFL: The American Football Show

07:00 Childrena TV 09:05 Peppa Pig 09:20 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:30 Milkshake! Monkey 09:35 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:50 Tickety Toc 10:00 Milkshake! Bop Box 10:05 Peppa Pig 10:20 Wanda and the Alien 10:35 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10:45 The Mr Men Show 11:00 World’s Strongest Man 2014 12:00 Carry On Sergeant 13:50 Glenn Miller Story 16:05 The Dam Busters 18:35 What the Dambusters Did Next 20:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away 21:00 World’s Strongest Man 2014 22:00 The Rock 24:50 Reservoir Dogs

tuesday 30th December BBC1

BBC2

07:15 Sign Zone: Secrets of the Castle with Ruth, Peter and Tom 08:15 When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth 09:50 Coast Australia 10:40 Celebrity Antiques Road Trip 11:40 Great Continental Railway Journeys 12:40 The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure 13:40 Robert Redford: Talking Pictures 14:20 The Horse Whisperer 17:00 Big Dreams Small Spaces 18:00 Wild Brazil 19:00 Flog It! 19:30 Nature’s Weirdest Events 20:30 Christmas University Challenge 21:00 Sacred Wonders of Britain 22:00 Snow Wolf Family and Me 23:00 Charlie Brooker’s 2014 Wipe 24:00 Dave Allen: Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted 19:05 The Immaculate Selection

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Shark Tale 11:25 Hotel for Dogs 13:00 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:15 BBC Regional News 14:25 Father Brown 15:10 George of the Jungle 16:35 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 18:35 BBC News 18:50 BBC Regional News Programmes; Weather 19:05 Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Mapp and Lucia 23:00 BBC News 23:15 BBC Regional News 23:20 National Lottery Update 23:25 Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End

07:00 The Hot Desk 07:10 Emmerdale 09:55 Coronation Street 13:25 Jurassic Park 15:50 The Mummy Returns 18:20 Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas 19:20 Die Another Day 22:00 The Bourne Identity 24:15 Saw II

itv2

07:00 You’ve Been Framed! Full Throttle 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Coronation Street 09:15 Wonderful World of The X Factor 10:10 The X Factor: Your Top Ten 11:10 Beethoven 12:55 Emmerdale 13:25 Coronation Street 14:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:40 Catchphrase Celebrity Special 18:40 A Night in with Olly Murs 19:45 Back to the Future 22:00 The Bourne Ultimatum 24:20 Celebrity Juice: 2041 - A Juice Odyssey

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Dinner Date 08:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 Judge Rinder 12:30 Who’s Doing the Dishes? 13:25 All Star Family Fortunes 14:10 ITV News 14:15 ITV News Local News; Weather 14:20 Secret Dealers 15:20 The Queen’s Garden 16:20 From Russia with Love 18:35 The Chase 19:30 ITV News Local News; Weather 19:40 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Wilderness Walks with Ray Mears 21:00 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 23:30 ITV News 23:45 Birds of a Feather 24:15 American Gangster

08:45 Freaky Friday 10:30 The Big Bang Theory 11:55 Space Chimps 2: Zartog Strikes Back 13:30 The Simpsons 15:25 Deal or No Deal: Merry Christmas 16:25 The Parent Trap 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:05 Come Dine with Me Christmas Special 21:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 22:00 David Blaine: Real or Magic 23:20 The Look of Love 01:20 Damien: Omen II

07:00 Childrens TV 09:05 Peppa Pig 09:20 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:35 Bananas in Pyjamas 09:50 Tickety Toc 10:00 Milkshake! Bop Box 10:05 Peppa Pig 10:25 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10:35 World’s Strongest Man 2014 11:35 The Dog Rescuers with Alan Davies: Christmas Special 12:35 Fun in Acapulco 14:35 Close Encounters of the Third Kind: The Director’s Cut 17:15 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 20:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away 21:00 World’s Strongest Man 2014 22:00 Elvis by the Presleys 24:00 Elvis: ‘68 Comeback Special

07:00 You’ve Been Framed: Kids! 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Coronation Street 09:10 The X Factor: The Boss Is Back 10:10 The X Factor: Cheryl Looks Back 11:15 Beethoven’s 2nd 13:05 Emmerdale 13:30 Coronation Street 14:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:45 Catchphrase Celebrity Special 18:45 Darcy Oake: Edge of Reality 19:45 You’ve Been Framed and Famous! 20:50 Miss Congeniality 23:00 Unseen Celebrity Juice Tit Bits 23:50 Celebrity Juice: Saturday Night Takeaway Special 24:35 Two and a Half Men

07:00 Rules of Engagement 09:30 How I Met Your Mother 10:00 How I Met Your Mother 10:30 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 11:00 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 11:30 Made in Chelsea 12:35 Taking New York 13:05 Rude(ish) Tube 13:35 Rude(ish) Tube 14:00 The Spy Next Door 16:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:30 The Big Bang Theory 17:00 The Big Bang Theory 17:30 The Big Bang Theory 18:00 The Big Bang Theory 18:30 The Big Bang Theory 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:30 The Big Bang Theory 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Transporter 3 24:05 The Big Bang Theory 24:35 The Big Bang Theory

07:45 Prep & Landing 08:05 Prep & Landing: Naughty v Nice 08:30 The Bear 09:00 Made in Chelsea 10:00 Taking New York 10:30 Hollyoaks 13:00 The Big Bang Theory 13:30 The Big Bang Theory 14:00 The Big Bang Theory 14:30 The Big Bang Theory 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:30 The Big Bang Theory 17:00 The Big Bang Theory 17:30 The Big Bang Theory 18:00 The Big Bang Theory 18:30 The Big Bang Theory 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:30 The Big Bang Theory 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 The Big Bang Theory 22:30 The Big Bang Theory 23:00 End of Days

07:00 Rude(ish) Tube 07:25 Charmed 08:10 Rules of Engagement 08:35 Rude(ish) Tube 09:00 Hollyoaks 09:35 Brooklyn Nine-Nine 10:00 How I Met Your Mother 11:00 Aliens in the Attic 12:45 Rude Tube: The Best of the Best 13:00 Rules of Engagement 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Rude(ish) Tube 16:30 Bad(ish) Robots 17:00 Troy 17:30 The Big Bang Theory 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 Hollyoaks 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:30 The Big Bang Theory: Access All Areas 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Made in Chelsea: End of Season Party 23:00 Rude Tube Christmas Cracker 2014 24:05 The Big Bang Theory

07:00 Rude(ish) Tube 07:25 Charmed 08:10 Happy Endings 08:35 Rude(ish) Tube 09:00 Hollyoaks 09:35 Rude(ish) Tube 10:00 Bad(ish) Robots 10:35 Troy 11:05 The Spiderwick Chronicles 13:05 Rules of Engagement 14:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:00 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Rude(ish) Tube 16:30 Bad(ish) Robots 17:00 Troy 17:30 The Big Bang Theory 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 Rude Tube 23:00 Wanted 01:15 The Big Bang Theory

Rita and Me ITV, 9pm

Barbara Knox rarely chats to the Press, but on a sun-kissed day in Manchester, she’s agreed to discuss her life and career on the cobbles. And if you’re going to chat to the woman better known as Rita Tanner, where better than the Rovers Return? Half-a-century ago she made her debut on Coronation Street as exotic dancer Rita Littlewood. Even in those days when the soap was just a few years old, she was in awe of her co-stars. “I was so terrified I lost my voice,” she recalls, her nerves melting like Kabin chocs on a summer’s day. The sight of Elsie Tanner, Ena Sharples and Minnie Caldwell left her speechless. “They were like gods, but they were lovely to me,” she recalls. After eight years away, Knox joined the regular cast in 1972 as Rita Bates, and aside from a brief spell away in 2009, has been a regular there since. Over the years Rita has been married several times; kidnapped; survived that tram crash, and enjoyed the sort of storylines many actresses would give their eye teeth for. Most of which will be covered in Rita and Me (ITV, 8pm). In this one-off, Barbara retraces her childhood holidays on the coast, and steps back into Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom where she first caught the performing bug. She also revisits Oldham Coliseum, where she relives her earliest performances, and talks about her work away from Weatherfield - including her singing career and radio and TV appearances alongside performers like Ken Dodd. Barbara is reunited with actor Thelma Barlow - aka Mavis Wilton - and also Malcolm Hebden, better known as Rita’s friend Norris Cole, who discusses the off-screen friendship he shares with Ms Knox. Millions may be hooked on Rita’s storylines at home, but Barbara admits she isn’t one of them. “I don’t watch for one thing,” she explains. “It’s very funny actually because unlike any jobs I had before I came in here, you do the job and whatever it was (Emergency) Ward 10 and Never Mind the Quality, Feel The Width, and all sorts of things - they were just jobs for two or three weeks or whatever - and you look up and you think 40 years has gone by!” Looking around the Rovers set, there’s little wonder she feels part of the furniture. “This is my home. I’m very comfortable here. It’s absolutely wonderful, but on screen I’m not too happy to watch myself at all. I think everybody is wonderful and I sit there thinking: “Aren’t they good?” I can’t watch me. Really truly.” Playing the same role for more than four decades is bound to touch a chord with any actor. “It is fascinating to think a lifetime has gone by in one job… and a wonderful job with lots of highs and lows, tears and what have you. But what a fabulous gift I think I’ve been given over the years. The stories I’ve had have been wonderful.” Aside from contributions from fans such as Paul O’Grady and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, Corrie stars Sue Nicholls (Audrey), William Roache (Ken), Mark Eden (aka Alan Bradley), Sally Dynevor (Sally), Helen Worth (Gail) and Brooke Vincent (Sophie) give us their thoughts on the flame-haired queen of soap.

wednesday NEW YEARS EVE BBC1

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 The Cat in the Hat 11:15 Eight Below 13:05 Bargain Hunt 13:50 BBC News 14:00 BBC Regional News 14:10 Ratatouille 15:50 Monsters vs Aliens 17:15 Top of the Pops New Year’s Eve 18:20 Pointless Celebrities 19:05 BBC News 19:20 BBC Regional News 19:35 Celebrity Mastermind 20:05 Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 22:00 Mapp and Lucia 23:00 BBC News 23:10 National Lottery Update 23:15 Graham Norton Show 24:15 Queen + Adam Lambert Rock Big Ben Live 24:55 New Year’s Eve Fireworks

BBC2 07:10 Sign Zone: Secrets of the Castle with Ruth, Peter and Tom 08:10 Natural World: Empire of the Desert Ants 09:10 Saboteur 10:55 Alfred Hitchcock: Talking Pictures 11:35 Shadow of a Doubt 13:20 The Hairy Bikers’ Asian Adventure 14:20 Becoming Jane 16:10 Coast Australia 17:00 Big Dreams Small Spaces 18:00 Wild Brazil 19:00 Flog It! 20:00 Tigers About the House - What Happened Next 21:00 Christmas University Challenge 21:30 The Help 23:50 Mock the Week New Year’s Eve Special 24:20 Jools’ Annual Hootenanny 2014

ITV1 07:00 Dinner Date 08:00 Good Morning Britain 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 Judge Rinder 12:30 Who’s Doing the Dishes? 13:25 All Star Family Fortunes 14:10 ITV News 14:20 Secret Dealers 15:20 The Queen’s Garden 16:25 Goldfinger 18:35 The Chase 19:30 ITV News Local News 19:45 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Rita & Me 22:00 A Funny Old Year 2014 23:00 Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This 24.55 ITV News and Weather and New Year’s Bongs

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:20 How I Met Your Mother

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:30 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Tickety Toc 10:10 Milkshake! Bop Box 10:15 Peppa Pig 10:30 Wanda and the Alien 10:45 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10:55 The Mr Men Show 11:10 World’s Strongest Man 2014 12:10 Carry On Regardless 14:00 The Vikings 16:10 The Dirty Dozen 19:05 Tommy Cooper’s Christmas Special 20:00 Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away 21:00 World’s Strongest Man 2014 22:00 Britain’s Favourite Sitcoms

07:00 You’ve Been Framed! 07:25 You’ve Been Framed at Christmas! 07:45 Emmerdale 08:10 I’m a Celeb: Stars of Oz 09:00 The Xtra Factor Winner’s Story 2014 10:00 The X Factor Class of 2014 11:05 Back to the Future 13:20 Emmerdale 13:55 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17:10 You’ve Been Framed! 17:45 Nanny McPhee 19:40 Back to the Future Part III 22:00 GoldenEye 24:40 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Rude(ish) Tube 07:25 Charmed 08:10 Happy Endings 08:35 Rude(ish) Tube 09:00 Hollyoaks 09:35 Rude(ish) Tube 10:00 Bad(ish) Robots 10:35 Troy 11:05 Marmaduke 12:55 Rude(ish) Tube Shorts 13:00 Rules of Engagement 13:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 Rude(ish) Tube 16:30 Bad(ish) Robots 17:00 Troy 17:30 The Big Bang Theory 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 20:30 Hollyoaks 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 22:30 The Inbetweeners 24:40 The Inbetweeners Top 10 Moments

08:05 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:30 The Valley of Gwangi 10:20 The Brady Bunch Movie 12:00 The Big Bang Theory 12:25 The Simpsons 13:25 Five Children and It 15:15 Home Alone 3 17:20 Fantastic Mr Fox 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:30 Channel 4 News 21:00 Frozen at Christmas 22:00 Alan Carr’s New Year Specstacular 24:05 50 Funniest Moments 2014

19 DEC 2014 - 1 jan 2015

Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot BBC One, 7.30pm Dustin Hoffman and Judi Dench together at last. The veteran stars make a wonderful double act in this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s much-loved children’s story, penned by Richard Curtis and Paul Mayhew-Archer, who previously worked together on the much-missed sitcom Vicar of Dibley. “To bring together two of the world’s favourite actors in Dame Judi and Dustin is a dream come true,” says producer Hilary Bevan Jones. “Richard and Paul have captured the magic of Roald Dahl’s wonderful tale.” Hoffman plays Mr Hoppy, a shy and lonely old man who lives in a block of flats. He’s in love with Mrs Silver, who lives in the apartment below his, but can only summon up enough courage to exchange a few words with her, despite longing to tell her how he truly feels. He devises a plan he hopes will help him get closer to her, which involves helping her beloved tortoise Alfie grow. Unfortunately, someone else has designs on Mrs Silver’s heart, so Mr Hoppy needs to work fast if he’s to win her over. Once, it would have been inconceivable

that a Hollywood star of Hoffman’s standing would have appeared in what is a relatively small British TV production, but these days the double-Oscar-winner is more interested in good, solid scripts than in career progression. He’s also a committed Anglophile; he has a home in Kensington and a couple of years ago he made his directorial debut with the film Quartet, which starred British legends Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins and Maggie Smith. The latter is close friends with Dench – perhaps it was she who persuaded Dame Judi to join Hoffman in Esio Trot. Whoever was the brains behind it deserves a massive pat on the back. The chemistry between the pair is charming to see – and Hoffman recently claimed that if he’d met Dench before they were both married, he wouldn’t have let her go! Esio Trot is, of course, a children’s story, first published in 1989; it was one of the final works published by writer Roald Dahl before his death in 1990 at the age of 74. It’s clear that the production designer has been much

influenced by the illustrations of Quentin Blake that accompany the story – so fans of the original book will love the way the film looks. “It’s an honour to have Dame Judi Dench and Dustin Hoffman starring in this wonderful new adaptation,” says BBC One controller Charlotte Moore. “It’s absolutely stellar casting for one of the nation’s favourite children’s classics.” “An amazing cast and production team have come together to dramatise Roald Dahl’s wonderful, evergreen story,” adds Ben Stephenson, the BBC’s controller of drama commissioning. “This film is a class act with a roll call of talent that only the BBC could assemble.” It certainly has all the right ingredients to be a major success – fingers crossed it lives up to everyone’s expectations and becomes a festive favourite for years to come.

thursday NEW YEARS DAY

BBC1

BBC2

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Bee Movie 11:25 Over the Hedge 12:40 Life Story: The Full Circle 13:45 The Archbishop of Canterbury’s New Year Message 13:50 BBC News 14:00 BBC Regional News 14:10 The Boy in the Dress 15:10 Mary Poppins 17:25 Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn 19:05 BBC News 19:20 BBC Regional News Programmes; Weather 19:30 Roald Dahl’s Esio Trot 21:00 Miranda 21:30 EastEnders 22:35 Mrs Brown’s Boys 23:10 BBC News 23:25 BBC Regional News 23:35 Match of the Day

07:15 Sign Zone: The Great Interior Design Challenge 08:15 Sign Zone: Close Calls: On Camera 08:45 Alec Guinness: Talking Pictures 09:30 The Lavender Hill Mob 10:50 A Hard Day’s Night 12:15 New Year’s Day Concert Live from Vienna 13:50 Snow Wolf Family and Me 15:50 Galaxy Quest 17:25 Archbishop of Canterbury’s New Year Message 17:30 Final Score 18:30 Force 10 from Navarone 20:30 Tigers About the House - What Happened Next 21:30 Christmas University Challenge 22:00 Quartet 23:30 Julie Walters: A Life on Screen 24:30 Mock the Week New Year’s Eve Special

ITV1

07:00 Childrens TV 08:55 Super 4 09:25 Dinner Date 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:20 Judge Rinder 12:20 Who’s Doing the Dishes? 13:25 All Star Family Fortunes 14:25 ITV News 14:35 Secret Dealers 15:35 You’ve Been Framed! 16:05 Thunderball 18:45 Rita & Me 19:45 ITV News 20:00 New You’ve Been Framed! At Christmas 20:30 Emmerdale 21:30 Birds of a Feather 22:00 The Dark Knight 24:55 ITV News 01:00 The Cube

CHANNEL 4

07:15 Three Worlds of Gulliver 08:55 The 7th Voyage of Sinbad 10:45 The Big Bang Theory 11:40 The Simpsons 12:10 The Last Mimzy 14:00 Channel 4 Racing 16:30 Guy Martin’s Passion for Life 17:00 Channel 4 News 17:10 The Wizard of Oz 19:10 Sister Act 21:00 Snow White & the Huntsman 23:30 Rude Tube: Welcome to 2015 The Wizard of Oz 17:10

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 09:10 Peppa Pig 09:15 Toby’s Travelling Circus 09:30 Thomas & Friends: Tale of the Brave 10:45 Access 11:00 World’s Strongest Man 2014 12:00 The Dam Busters 14:25 The Italian Job 16:30 Ben-Hur 20:30 Hercules the Human Bear 21:30 World’s Strongest Man 2014; 5 News Update. 22:35 White Dee: What’s All the Fuss About? 23:35 Celeb Big Brother: The Good, the Bad and the Unforgettable 01:35 Jim Davidson: At Least I’m Not Boring

07:00 You’ve Been Framed! Full Throttle 07:50 I’m a Celeb: Epic Trials 08:50 Emmerdale 09:20 Coronation Street 09:50 Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed 11:40 Back to the Future Part III 14:00 Emmerdale 14:25 Coronation Street 15:00 The Lost World: Jurassic Park 17:25 Despicable Me 19:20 Die Another Day 22:00 Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason 24:10 Unseen Celebrity Juice Tit Bits 24:55 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Rude(ish) Tube 07:20 Charmed 09:00 Rude(ish) Tube 09:30 Bad(ish) Robots 10:00 Troy 10:35 Rules of Engagement 11:30 How I Met Your Mother 13:30 The Big Bang Theory 14:30 Tooth Fairy 16:35 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Frozen at Christmas 21:00 Home Alone 2: Lost in New York 23:25 The Big Bang Theory 24:25 The Inbetweeners 01:00 The IT Crowd

showbiz goss Some seriously relevant latter day Temperance Talk! by Peter

Taylor

Writer and Broadcaster

THIS FINAL main feature of the year centres around something each and every one of us are likely to take part in over these final few days of 2014, and the subject matter is … ALCOHOL! Not too showbizzie I’m sure you’ll agree, but I’ll tie that in shortly. Around the middle of the year, like most of you have done at some time I guess, I fancied giving drinking a miss, but if you don’t drink round these parts hanging out in the Rambla with the feral cats ‘n dogs becomes a serious option. Let me now give you the relevance of all this latter day temperance talk. Earlier this year a lady called Catherine Salway took some space in a building in East London, opened a place called Redemption Bar and mucho peeps from round and about dropped for a shufti. Last year Catherine worked at Virgin Media, but left ‘to pursue my own idea’ as she put it, and an alcohol free bar was her master plan. Clearly a smart lady, Catherine brought her bar to national, nay, international attention when she conducted a survey questioning 2,000 people on their drinking habits, 30% of which admitted they spend most mornings de-tagging all the embarrassing pics of the previous night’s partying from social media sites. She then tracked onto last Tuesday morning at 9.35am as being the most hung-over morning of the year so far, based on the night before being the most used evening for the infamous office party. Catherine said: “After a heavy month of Christmas parties and festive drinking, we’re here to help people through dry January!” … I´ll drink to that!! Happy Xmas and a Guid New Year … Peter

IF YOU’RE familiar with the heavy metal genre of music called Thrash, you´’l know about a group called Slayer. Three of their songs are Raining Blood, Angel of Death and Dead Skin Mask, and just before they were about to do a gig at the Old National Centre in Indianapolis last week they rescued a tiny wittle fwuffie kitten and called it Gypsy. Warms the cockles of your blood dripping heart dunnit!

“ YET ANOTHER famous celeb item has come up for sale, and a letter written by Marilyn Monroe to her husband Joe DiMaggio sold at auction recently for £63,588. It sold for this much mostly because it read that she wanted to divorce baseball player Joe, but even worse was that the poor chap firstly found out about it whilst watching TV. Isn’t it sad how people peddle in other people’s misery?

HOW MUCH would you have put on Bob Dylan recording an album of songs made popular by Frank Sinatra? Not much, huh? Well this is what is occurring and the album will be called ‘Shadows in the Night’. “It was a real privilege to make this album,” said Dylan, “I’ve wanted to do something like this for a long time.” Love you Bob! It’s in the shops on 3rd February.

Quote of the Week

Piers Morgan on USTV “You do not touch a member of the royal family unless they ask you to touch them or extend their hand!” … Bless you Piers.

“

EMMA THOMPSON recently won the Richard Harris Award for her outstanding contribution to British film at the Independent Film Awards, and didn’t disappoint at her acceptance speech when talking about her work in big budget movies said, “I must confess I haven’t enjoyed it: I’ve taken small roles in large studio films that could be described as formulaic for money, and for that I’m sorry.” All is forgiven Emma, you cheeky monkey!

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

people

The Great Downton Bake-Off By Jack Troughton DOWNSTAIRS AT Downton Abbey Cook Beryl Patmore and her assistant Daisy Mason have hit on a great wheeze to save the cashstrapped Grantham Estate – enter the Great British Bake-Off. They believe the ovens of their kitchen will tempt visitors and sell enough amongst a discerning public to save the country pile. The year is 1912, ‘upstairs’ they are still mourning the loss of the Titanic, and well-known television characters from modern television are visiting Downton Abbey in a hilarious parody of the world’s favourite period drama. Enter the upside down and hilarious world of ‘The Only Way is Downton’, a hilarious one man

show by Luke Kemper – already a hit at the Edinburgh Festival, London, and on a UK tour. Luke is bringing all 32 characters to the stage of Javea Players Studio Theatre from Monday 12th January to Friday 16th January – and the show will head to the USA for three months after its stay on the Costa Blanca. Performances start at 8pm each night and tickets priced at 12€ are available from the Box Office by calling 96 579 5390 or by email to boxofficejp@gmail.com And a pre-theatre dinner is also available at La Cocina Restaurant from 6pm each night. Two courses are 15€, three courses 19€ - both include half a bottle of wine. To make a reservation call 96 579 5140.

Patmore and Mason feel the heat

ADAPT appreciates Jane Cronin

John Frame, Jane, Janet and the new secretary, Irene Frame

THE ADAPT December AGM saw Founder and serving President Jane Cronin step down after six years at the helm. Jane has put a great deal of work into ADAPT , firmly establishing the Association within the town of San Pedro, looking after the well-being of members and promoting integration into the wider Spanish community. Jane has accepted a future role on the committee, though a far less demanding one than president: she intends to continue with the annual pantomime and other projects in San Pedro. With a standing ovation ringing in her ears, the membership presented Jane with a bouquet and a bottle of bubbly in grateful appreciation of all her efforts over the years. At the same time, Janet Pierce also stepped down after four years of being a hard-working, highly reliable and diligent ADAPT secretary. The membership also presented Janet with a bouquet and bubbly for her excellent service to the association.

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

spanish

Basic Spanish for everyday needs by Jane Cronin

Answers to translations and explanations NO DOUBT you all romped through the translations that you had to do for homework, but just so you can prove to yourselves that you were right, here are the answers: 1. Mi marido lee el periódico todos los días. My husband reads the newspaper every day. 2. Mi hijo sale los sábados por la noche. My son goes out on Saturday nights. 3. ¿A qué hora coméis normalmente? What time do you usually have lunch? (more than one you). 4. Los chicos cocinan cuando están en el campo. The young people cook when they are in the countryside. 5. No oigo mi móvil. I can’t hear my mobile phone. 6. ¿Escribes en español y en inglés? Do you write in Spanish and English? 7. No hago las camas siempre. I don’t always make the beds. 8. Aprendo poco a poco. I learn little by little. 9. Abrimos la tienda a las 9 de la mañana. We open the shop at 9 a.m. 10. ¿Dónde vivís? Where do you live? (more than one you). I like these kinds of translations because they bring up

all sorts of issues and help correct those little mistakes that we tend to make. The main point, of course, is to practise our verbs in different forms in the present tense. They are all standard verbs, as we have been studying, and there are examples of first, second and third persons singular and plural endings of the three different groups (-ar, -er and -ir) Here are some of the other things you might also have questioned as you’ve done them, or read my answers. In number one, it is also possible to express every day, or each day, as “cada día”, although “todos los días” is a little more common. In number two notice that when we combine a day and time of day in Spanish we do this with the word “por”, whilst “on” is replaced by the definite article “the”, in this case “los”. Number three might have caught out one or two of you and yes, you are quite right, “comer” does mean to eat, but it is also used to mean “to have lunch”. In this sentence which is clearly enquiring about someone’s daily routine “to have lunch” is the more logical translation. In number 4 the word “chicos” could have various translations. We don’t know if it refers to males only as it could also refer to a mixture of males and females. We could also perhaps say “lads”, “kids”, or “boys”. This is where the discretion of the translator comes into play. Number 5 is interesting – in Spanish we say the equivalent

Crossword Solutions for Last Week 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.

Suduko Answer

of “I don’t hear” whereas in English we would always say “I can’t hear”. Hence the translation offers what we would normally say in English. Number 6 is the only one I can’t think of anything particular to say about (how unusual, I know) … except (!) please notice that, unlike in English, the languages “español” and “inglés” do not have capital letters, as with the same words referring to nationalities. Number 7 – er … well … this isn’t me by the way, and number 8 – a good phrase to say while you are out and about trying out your Spanish. (I’m beginning to sound like Julie Andrews singing “Doh a deer …”) Number 9 gives us a variation on our usual “por la mañana”, “por la tarde”. When we say a specific time in the morning we use “de” instead of “por” as in “a las seis de a tarde”. There is no point in asking why this is, it just is, and believe me English is just as complicated where these little words are concerned. Number 10 – a standard sort of sentence that can be said to people you are chatting to when there’s more than one of them. Don’t forget that the accent goes on the second “Í” and that is the part of the verb that is emphasized. My goodness me, I’ve used the whole article up on the homework. I sincerely hope it has been useful and also encouraging. The next article will be about root-changing verbs, I promise.

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

people

Rascals full house

Snow hits Moraira

The Rascals entertained another full house on Sunday evening

By Keith Nicol ONCE AGAIN those evergreen Rascals continue to raise the standards of local productions, putting on an excellent variety show on Sunday evening in Torrevieja’s Vrgin del Carmen theatre. Each year they seem to become more innovative with this year’s ‘Extravaganza’ raising their own bar once again. The performance, based on a Circus theme, delighted the audience during the first half of the show. The true variety performance slickly moved along from number to number; from song to dance to the chorus to comedy skits, never missing a beat with their chosen selection of songs transporting the audience back to their childhood and more carefree times.

As has become a trademark of their Christmas shows, Santa Claus himself arrived during the intermission and handed out chocolate figurines to the kids in the audience, with some of the ‘older’ children at heart only, also enjoy a little chocolate nibble. The second half of show featured the entire cast on stage, performing Christmas Carols and festive songs, encouraging the entire audience to sing along. The evening featured a special performance by a young Poppy Moon, who caught Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, which received one of the biggest rounds of applause of the night. Over the years the Rascals have raised upwards, if not more than 150,000€ for local charities, but their Christmas show always is focused on local children and

at the end of the show, the president of APANEE (Association of Parents of Students with Special Education Needs), Ana Garcia, presented a plaque of appreciation to this group, who always work with them, symbolically picking up the collection buckets, that will be personally delivered to APANEE on the occasion when the Rascals perform a special Christmas show just for them, on their premises. The Rascals now enjoy a well earned festive break and start working on their Spring production early in the New Year. For more information on the Rascals, how to join as a performer, to help back stage, front of house, as a technician or fundraiser, please contact Sue on 966 784 874 or visit their website: www.therascals.org.

HUNDREDS ENJOYED the Teulada Moraira Lions Club annual festive evening of music – and the return of the snow machine. The Costa Blanca Male Voice Choir and the Band of the Salvation Army from Madrid led proceedings in the Plaza de Iglesia, joined by flurries of the ‘white stuff’ to create a true winter scene. And the audience took the opportunity to sample mince pies, shortbread, and warming ‘Gluwein’, as they added their voices to the carols. The Lions’ again held a ‘bucket collection’ and the generous audience chipped in over 588€, while sales of raffle tickets for the Christmas Grand Prize Draw have added another ‘profit’ of 517€. The raffle is drawn today (Friday 19th December) at the Lions’ bookstall on Moraira Market at 11am.

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

horoscopes Mars takes on Uranus just before the Holiday festivities kick off. You are well prepared to celebrate this year, and have greatly simplified entertaining and hospitality down to a fine art. All that is left is to enjoy the vigours of this time of year and all that they may bring you in terms of reward for a job done well and a great New Year! Venus beguiles Pluto in a conjunction that sees you taking a consequential trip along memory lane, and giving in to some healthy and reminiscent nostalgia. With one or two surprises in store for you, this festive season sees you putting a value on the things you generally take for granted and trying to bring together the lost and the lonely. Mercury squares Uranus on Christmas Day, and allows for some communication that’s unexpected and rewards you in its actions. You are forced to make changes to your agenda this year, but it is taking care of others that finds you trying to please everyone in the process. Take time for yourself…it’s not selfish but it is greatly self preserving! Resolve is especially comforting at this time of the year, and the stubborn attitude of someone close to you has hurt you somewhat. Making up is very hard to do, but you know it is the only way too, especially with the season of goodwill on your doorstep. The New Moon comes just before Christmas Eve and it sees you at peace with all around you. Forget what you signed up for and take care of those who love you deeply but do not quite understand your current wants and needs. A time to talk freely, and to break the negative energies of the silence that has developed; which does nothing for either of you. The Summer Solstice on the 21st sees the Sun exalted in endearing Capricorn! Mighty Uranus steers your planetary leader, Mercury into calmer waters just in time to enable you to celebrate the holiday season with no pressures or fears. Everything and anything can and will happen if you just let it, and especially now that you can focus on positive energies and what they will bring you well into the New Year ahead. Venus takes on lucky Jupiter and you could not have a better aspect to look forward to. Considering that you have been in a dark place it would seem that all is coming to you in the form of fortune and good luck, heralding a very merry Christmas and all the very best for the formation of yet another new year with all it brings you. Your planetary leaders are kept busy of late. Pluto conjuncts with Mercury, and Mars sextiles with Uranus. This presents a truly mixed bag, but the endless possibilities are something worth focussing on over the holiday season when you are less pressured and have the time to realise now just how you can best steer the ship. Saturn enters into your second house on Christmas Eve and brings back the ghost of Christmases past somewhat. There is much to celebrate this year and yet you are taken back, maybe to see just how far you have moved on? Wily, sage Saturn has a habit of helping to eliminate the past and so brings you some needed clearance Time for change as the Winter Solstice sees the Sun enter in splendour, as it illuminates your pathway for the events ahead in the festive season. This time of year really does belong to you and the clarity of your reactions will set you in good stead for not just the celebrations but the many changes that the New Year will surely bring you. Your opposing sign of Leo thrives with the Sun entering Capricorn. You need to be earthed and to know your strengths and your weaknesses better if you are to take full advantage of an opportunity coming your way. There is nothing that you can about anything right now except to relax and enjoy this season of goodwill ahead. The energies of the Sun sextile your planetary leader, Neptune, on Boxing Day, which will be the zenith of the celebrations for this year. Though you had little regard for this year’s festivities you now have something rather wonderful to focus on, and to lead you into the New Year, with good luck and blessings following you all the way!

If It’s Your Birthday This Week

Sudoku

Cosmic aspirations are shifting greatly, and there is a high probability you will change your mind over something which currently seems to be holding you well and truly back from the real event!

Tinsel time

THIS IS the time of year that I start to look back on what has happened over the year and wonder what to write for my Christmas Article. This year time has flown on by, as it does, and I cannot believe that Christmas is well on the way and I have so much to do. Christmas is all about memories and there are surely both good and bad things that connect us with the past history of each and every Christmas. I am unsure that you want to hear of the year my Hungarian neighbour in London toasted me with plum brandy for breakfast and I fell asleep for most of the day missing an invitation to lunch, and a party in the evening. Then there was the school concert that had me in tears when two of the ten year old girls surprised me by dressing up in mini skirts and backcombed their hair so they could mime, especially for me, to my favourite Christmas song, the Ronettes singing Phil Spector’s version of Frosty the Snowman. There was the time I had a country Christmas in a thatched cottage and it snowed on Christmas morning. I will never forget the pigs in the farm nearby snorting steamy hot air and that walk across the snowy fields. Then unforgettably was the surprise arrival of a friend from Australia on Christmas Eve and the making of a constant supply of fried sprout and brown sauce sandwiches and searching West London for a huge supply of cans of lager. Volunteering with the Salvation Army I spent a Christmas Day serving Christmas lunch to the homeless, and I played Father Christmas at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital with tears in my eyes. One year I crewed with a Charter Airline as a

Kenny’s Postbag

Kenny Corris For Readings, Consultations and Castings email: kennycorris@hotmail.com / www.kennycorris.net Mobile: 686 361 594 / Tel: 965 878 424

flight attendant, and was rostered to fly on a night time flight to Gerona on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately the plane was delayed and after landing the Airport promptly closed and we had to huddle together as crew under blankets on the plane with nothing but a free bar to entertain us. We sang Carols, greatly helped by brandy to ward off the cold, of course, and dreamt of being back home where we should have been. There was a wonderful Christmas as a kid when my divorced parents got together for a Christmas. Looking back I don’t know how they did it, but they did it for me I guess. It only happened once though! All those memories! This year has brought many challenges to us and we have survived to experience another Christmas. Living in a country where Fiestas are common place, Christmas is a time whereby we English can take two days to enjoy ourselves, and we do know how to celebrate our way. The Christmas cards dwindle in numbers every year, but there are email versions that save us postage and all that stamp licking. We may have stopped buying presents, or drastically cut down on spending, but it is amazing how a touch of tinsel and the odd mince pie reflects with it the time of year. Even a table present can be treasured. We celebrate a birthday on December the 25th, and birthdays have to have a party. Whether it is beans on toast or a lavish meal shared, if it feels good just do it. Enjoy. I have had 59 Christmases and so one more, of many, is what I am looking forward to. A time to connect with friends, who are my family, and a time to share whatever we have with them. I would like to share with you my sincere wishes for a very Happy Christmas and all the very best for the New Year 2015, which is just around the corner. I will be back in the New Year and thank you, dear readers, and all at Round Town News too, for the inspiration that allows me to reach you in this way! Happy Holidays!

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

KENNY, THIS is a season of tears for me as so many of my loved ones seem to have left this World over the Christmas season. Sometimes it is hard for me to celebrate when memories are so strong. Edina H. Edina, this is a time of the Year when we have to celebrate a special birthday and bring in the energies of the New Year ahead too. We can raise a glass of something to those who have departed from this Earth and prepare to experience yet another year. Tears are no way of greeting those who have survived in the Spirit World. There is no way, either, that they wish to see us distressed because of their departure. Rather they would far rather see we are continuing life as they would want us to do. My Mother died on Christmas morning, but since she loved Christmas, I celebrate the way that she would have done, in her memory! No tears!

Last weeks crossword answers can be found on page 50.

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)

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

whats on

Local festive activities By Keith Nicol THERE ARE lots of activities taking place around the Southern Costa Blanca over Christmas, including many local Three Kings Parades, apart from the largest parade in the region, which takes place in Torrevieja. Starting in Benijofar, tonight Friday 19th December at 6:30pm there is a Christmas Party with ‘Living Natvity’ at Casa Manuela followed at 8.30pm with the Christmas Festival ‘Happy Ballet’ at the Casa de Cultural. On Sunday 21st December at 7:30pm there is a Choir Festival in Casa de Cultura while after Christmas on Sunday 28th December at 8.00pm there is a Concert of Christmas Music at Casa de Cultura. For those wanted to experience the bring in the New Year Spanish style, on Wednesday 31st December at 11:45pm Benijofar has their Celebration of New Year in the Plaza de la Constituciona accompanied with the traditional eating of the Grapes as the Clock strikes Midnight. On Monday 5th January 2015, their Three Kings Parade starts at 6.00pm from Plaza Miguel Ortega along Calle Antonio Orts, Calle Florencio Celdran, Avda. Federico Garcia Lorca finishing at the Church.

Also starting today we have the Almoradi Christmas Market until Sunday 21st December 2014, n the Plaza de la Constitucion where you will find Christmas items, gifts, food, decorations and a whole lot more. Los Montesinos also have a full range of Christmas Activities starting today at 6.30pm with a Festival of Dance by the Escuela de Baile del AMPA CP Virgen del Pilar. Entry is free to the performance in the Auditorio de la Escuela de Musica y Cultura. Tomorrow, Saturday 20th December from 7pm the Christmas Festival continues in the Auditorium, with two more events also taking place there on Sunday, starting at 5.00pm with the Play ‘Cor de Mel’ with Free entry followed by Villancicos Flamencos at 8.00pm with admission of 3.00€. After Christmas on Boxing Day, Friday 26th December at 5.00pm there is a free Children’s Theatre ‘El Viaje de Shila’ in the Auditorio and on Saturday the venue hosts a free Christmas Concert at 8pm. The Los Montesinos Three Kings Parade starts at 6.30pm on Monday 5th January, 2015, Starting from the Plaza del Ayuntamineto and finishing at the Escuela de Musica y

Concordia, the 2013 winners of the National Contest of Lullaby’s and Carols Villa Rojales

Cultura. In Rojales tomorrow, 20th December at 8pm they have the XXXVI National Contest of Carols and Lullaby’s ‘Villa de Rojales’. Admission is free with numbered seats. Invitations available from Rojales Town Hall. For the youngsters and those young at heart, from December 26th, 2014 to January 4th, 2015, the Exponadal - Exhibition Of Leisure for Children and Youths takes place at the IFA Exhibition

Centre in Alicante, beside the airport. However, please note, it’s closed on New Year’s Eve. Exponadal Fair is for everyone; small, young and old and offers crafts, sports, dancing, magic, terror, cultural games, ingenuity and skill, activities in English, zip line, climbing wall, archery and much laughter, the ideal place to spend a fun day with family or friends with a general admission price of 10€ although there are many discounts available.

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN2010 2015 8-14 JANUARY

health

Drenching night sweats: should I be concerned?

WAKING UP drenched in sweat is not pleasant but is not necessarily cause for concern. Perhaps you put on your 15tog duvet a bit early in the season or you didn´t really need to wear that fleece onesie! However, true night sweats that soak through your nightclothes and bedding need to be checked out for an underlying cause, especially when they are occurring on a regular basis. There are numerous conditions that may cause night sweats but if you are taking medications, first check with your doctor if your medication is causing the problem. For example, antidepressants, some hormone treatments and anti-diabetic medications are known to cause this problem in some people. There are a variety of medical conditions that can cause night sweats. These causes include: Menopause Anxiety Sleep disorders such as Sleep Apnoea Autonomic neuropathy (nerve damage) Stroke Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) Tuberculosis (TB) HIV or AIDS Pyogenic abscess

Osteomyelitis (infection in the bone) Myelofibrosis (affecting bone marrow) Leukaemia Hodgkins lymphoma Non-Hodgkin´s lymphoma Brucellosis (a bacterial infection) Syringomyelia (a cyst in the spinal cord) Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumour) Endocarditis (infection in the lining of the heart) Carcinoid syndrome (a syndrome that develops from certain cancerous tumours) If you are experiencing persistent night sweats, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss or fever, you should see your family doctor. SCHEDULE A DOCTOR’S VISIT IF NIGHT SWEATS: Occur on a regular basis Interrupt your sleep Are accompanied by a fever or other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss

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

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

health

Torrevieja Stroke Santa’s Support needs Little Helper volunteers! AT THIS busy time of year, even Santa needs extra help to carry all those heavy sacks. All the bending, lifting, pushing and pulling... the wonders of laser therapy could help to keep his back stronger. The spine is central to our general state of health. It is full of nerves, muscles and ligaments, connecting to all other parts of our body. Many of us take our spines for granted, complaining about a sprained ankle or a stiff neck, but no one thinks about a ‘swollen spine.’ Recent studies have identified over 70% of spinal problems associated with lower back pain. Repetitive strains (e.g. bending from the waist, instead of from the knee), awkward lifting angles or an incorrect seating position, can test our bodies to their limits. At the Benijofar Chiropractic Clinic, Dr Hans Christian Madsen D.C. sees many cases where lower back pain has affected people’s lives. Sciatica, (where trapped nerves cause pain, travelling from the lower back, through the buttocks and down the sciatic nerve running down the back of the leg), is one of the most common issues for patients. He also treats many people who have developed arthritis in their joints. This is also one of the most common causes of trapped nerves. TREATMENT FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS He has many years experience using Shockwave therapy. Over time, calcification can build up affecting the joints of the body, including shoulders, hips, knees, hands or feet. Shockwave therapy removes this calcification which helps to release trapped nerves resulting in more movement and less pain. Patients are then treated with laser therapy, which helps to regenerate new cell growth. LASER THERAPY Dr Madsen has developed his own specific laser systems which can strengthen and heal damaged cells. They produce a penetrating light which supplies energy to the body. The tissues and cells absorb this energy where it is used to accelerate the normal rate of healing. It brings vital nutrients and fluids to cartilage and discs and increases blood flow to the injured area. Laser therapy is safe, non invasive, non toxic, easily applied, highly effective and has no negative side effects. It is particularly helpful in reducing inflammation. Visit www.chiropractor-benijofar.es for explanations about how the treatments work. The clinic is open until 2pm on 24th December, opening again on Monday 29th December as usual. Tel: 96 618 5242 / 693 371 616/617

TORREVIEJA STROKE Support (TSS) would be unable to function without the help and support of volunteers. Currently TSS is looking for someone to replace its secretary, Margaret, who is leaving after three years. If you have experience of committee work and simple petty cash procedures, President Paul Owen would be pleased to hear from you. Other volunteers are needed to support stroke sufferers and their carers by: Supporting members to take part in activities organised for the group in liaison with the President and the Friday Group Organiser Accompanying members and carers on organised outings, providing assistance where required Organising and participating in awareness /fund raising events Making refreshments for Friday group meetings Serving on the committee (through elections at the AGM) No previous experience necessary – if you like meeting people and are willing to learn, contact Paul on 96 624 6229 / 625 847 170 or email: strokesupportgroup@hotmail.com Or visit: www.torreviejastrokesupport.org

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

people

Spangles in Festive Mood

La Marina Hackers Golf Society raise the spirits

The Spangles at Iceland

SPANGLES SANG for the APAH charity at Iceland Overseas in San Javier recently, helping to raise 836.69€ before going on to celebrate their 10th Anniversary at the Hotel Traiña in San Pedro del Pinatar, with a ‘Sing-alonga-Grease’ in the afternoon. “We had a ball,” remarked Lyn Baines, Co-Chorus Manager. Lyn founded the chorus with Anthea Prentice back in 2004 and with the help of inspirational Musical Directors and lots of coaching the chorus has grown to what it is today. The afternoon’s entertainment was followed by a ‘posh’ dinner, with chorus award presentations and topped off with a lively disco and karaoke entertainment, provided by Linden B.

Spangles got into the Christmas swing on Sunday, 7th December, singing for the volunteers and customers visiting the HAH (Help at Home) Christmas Fayre at Bulevar Oasis in Los Alcázares. Thursday, 11th December was Spangles’ last rehearsal at Las Claras and afterwards the emphasis was on fun, a quiz, prize Bingo, Secret Santa and a sumptuous buffet. Dos Mares Shopping Centre welcomed Spangles on Saturday, 13th December, where they sang to shoppers, friends and family in front of the Belen. Spangles returns to rehearsals on Thursday, 8th January when they will

nd to 31st

Closed December 22

hone their performance of two contest songs in readiness for the SABS (Spanish Association of Barbershop Singers) annual chorus contest in Benalmádena, Málaga next April when they will be going for their third gold medal. The Spangles CD, ‘Pure Gold’, at 5€ is an ideal Christmas present. Call Lyn or Anthea on 96 857 4987 or 96 833 4527 to order your copy. Spangles welcomes new members - if you’re looking to make new friends and enjoy singing, why not visit their rehearsal at Las Claras? They meet every Thursday from 10am to 1pm. Call Lyn or Anthea to book Spangles or to find out how to join. Or visit www.spangleschorus.com

EVERY LITTLE counts at this time of year, especially for needy children who would have to do without, if not for local groups, clubs and associations pitching in and raising the Christmas spirits. Last week, the La Marina Hackers Golf Society decided to have a charity collection for Elche Childrens ́ Care Centre and on Monday 15th December, Annie English from Elche Childrens ́ Care Centre visited the Woodstock Bar, Urb Marina, to be presented with 100€, which has been donated over the past year by the golf players of the club. This is to help buy a few Christmas presents for the children residing at the Centre. If anyone is interested in playing and/or joining the La Marina Hackers Golf Society, further information can be found on the notice board at the Woodstock Bar or by telephoning Corky on 664 013 129. As their name would suggest, they welcome players of all levels and abilities; from those that just wish to play for fun to the more serious competitor, although the emphasis is on enjoying a good game of golf in a social and fun atmosphere. They play on the 1st Wednesday of every month.

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

people

The Panto Pensioners Saved Christmas READERS WILL be relieved to know that Stage Struck’s Panto Pensioners have saved Christmas after all.

Stage Struck latest show raised thousands for local charity

By Keith Nicol THE BRAND new production played to a large matinee crowd and then to two full houses with almost 700 people attended over all. This original script, which encouraged lots of audience participation, pitted Pantomime goodies against both baddies and witches in the battle to save Christmas. The show caused lots of laughter and featured dancing with much emphasis on music with superbly delivered songs, where the words had been cleverly amended to suit the storyline. The very appreciative audience left the theatre still smiling and full of praise for this very entertaining production. Tickets sales generated 4,000€: the raffle

raised 600€ and over the three nights donations exceeded 500€. As the group covers it costs by running Murder Mystery nights around the Costa Blanca, most of this fabulous sum will be going to the Charities Stage Struck support which are The Alzheimer’s Association and The San Fulgencio Shoebox Appeal, which is the charity supported by Cardinal Beluga Theatre and the local Council. Stage Struck are now taking bookings for Murder Mystery nights for February onwards so any restaurant, bar, café, sport or social clubs that would be interested in holding a fun and interactive evening, should contact Bob on 966 791 107 0r 695 061 223 for further details.

Ladies who Lunch Christmas Celebration ON WEDNESDAY 3rd December 2014 sixty plus ladies together with some male friends and relations enjoyed a very pleasant Christmas lunch at Let’s Eat in Benimar, starting with a cava reception and concluding with delicious warm meringue minces pies to accompany the coffee! Papa Noel - alias Les - made his annual visit to present all the ladies with a small gift which created some amusement and the need for some to swap! The ladies are extremely generous every month, no matter which charity is being supported. This month’s request was for a small raffle prize which supports general funds plus a wrapped gift for family members of families supported by Reach Out. The pictures illustrate their generosity. The January lunch is being held at Paco’s in Guardamar Campo: anybody who is interested in joining the group, which usually meets on the first Wednesday of the month at different restaurants, should contact either Janine Williams on 96 626 1359 or Maddie Pinfold on 96 607 8646.

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

tech Emails organising their own destination HI AUNTY: My emails seem to be organising their own destination. When I write an email it pops into the delete box? As well as the sent box! Sometimes I receive an email in the delete box? Also the email in both delete and sent boxes become repetitive. I have tried to use the HP Help-Website but as always there is never a FAQ that covers one’s situation. I use ‘Incredimail’ account. Roy. Aunty says: As you are using incredimail for your emails, and it is that program that is causing you problems, I doubt that the HP website would be able to help! I would suspect that somewhere settings in incredimail have changed, hence the email destination becoming unstable. Or there is an issue with your email accounts in incredimail. Most advice from incredimail suggest most issues can be resolved by removing and then re-adding the email account in incredimail. If that does not work, then Incredimail has a forum where you can post your problems. Their tech team monitor that forum and maybe able to help. Response: Thanks for your valued help.

with Aunty Virus

Email auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com

Windows Installer HI AUNTY: I have set my desktop to let me know when various updates are available, including Windows Updates. I also from time to time check myself if there are any Window Updates and if they are updated as necessary. I have, however, encountered a problem in installing what Windows describes as two important updates, in that they “failed” and the following Error Codes are given: 80070570 and 800B0100. Updates: KB2761217 and KB982018. I would very much appreciate it if you could let me know how I can overcome the Window Update problems described, which incidentally I do not have with my laptop. John from Moraira. Aunty says: Rather than see if Windows update can automatically install the updates, you can always try to manually install them. Each update has its own page: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2761217 http://support.microsoft.com/kb/982018 where you can download the update package and install manually - making sure you install the correct Windows 7 version. Windows Update error 800B0100 usually means that a file needed by Windows Update is corrupted or missing. That file could be part of the update package, or another file in Windows that the update package needs. The Windows System Update Readiness Tool may also help solve Update issues- http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows7/ What-is-the-System-Update-Readiness-Tool Response: Having followed your steps, I first used the link and downloaded the “System Update Readiness Tool”, then went back to the two specific “kb” links with numbers 2761217 then 982018 and I am pleased to say that everything went well.

Is my laptop kaput? DEAR AUNTY: I wonder if you can help - my laptop which is six years old is acting strange. I have all of a sudden got icons appearing when I switch on (network) for instance and I have a home computer only, not a network. Also some icons have appeared like control Panel and I have not put that on as a short cut. When I have clicked on Firefox or IE a window pops up saying ‘not able to open’ and probably a security programme is blocking it to open. I only use Windows Essentials Security Programme. Is my laptop kaput or do you think I have a virus? Al from Murcia Aunty says: You can change what system icons appear on your desktop, by going into the desktop options. Usually right click on the desktop, options or personalise,

and there will be a Desktop Icon option, where you can select or deselect which icons appear on your desktop. Exactly how you do this will depend on which version of Windows you are using - which unfortunately you have not mentioned. Although you have a “home computer” you will be on a network if you are using a ADSL modem / router. You will be on that router’s network. I am not too sure about your Firefox and IE problem. Do you mean those browsers simply do not open at all, or is it the webpages you want to open that do not open? You can try to run firefox in “safe mode” to see if that works: Click on Start > Run, type the following command: firefox -safe-mode OR uninstall and reinstall firefox to see if that overcomes the problem.

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

people

Pensioners surprise supermarket By Keith Nicol THE TORREVIEJA Barbershop Harmonisers may have been keeping a low profile recently, but that does not mean they have not been kept busy. Just last Friday, many of their members took their place as part of the mass chorus in Torrevieja’s Carol Service and a few weeks ago, according to their spokesperson, “fourteen pensioners were dragged around a supermarket in Rojales.” The incident occurred at the Super Valu shop in Maquesa Golf. The pensioners were made to push loaded shopping trolleys around by their wives. Fortunately there was no violence, in fact it was all a bit of fun as it was part of The Torrevieja Barbershop Harmonisers annual shopping spree for charity. Although these guys are all pensioners themselves, they are never happier than when they are doing something to help others who are in need of a bit of help. The shopping bill came to 1,000€ with all the foodstuffs being delivered to the charities ‘Caritas Rojales’ and ‘Reach Out’ in Torrevieja. Each charity received 500€ worth of goods to help the needy. Shoppers were quite surprised when The Harmonisers decided to sing a couple of songs from their repertoire, followed by some Carols with the girls joining in to create a good ‘christmassy’ atmosphere. Last week TBH were able to donate a further 500€ to AFA, the Alzheimer’s Association Torrevieja, as a result of a memorial fund raising evening to celebrate the lives of two Harmonisers who sadly passed away last year: Jim Collins and

14 Harmonisers collecting food for charity

Richard Biurnse-Powell. This completes the activities of TBH for this year but they will be back after their festive break. “All the guys, and girls,

of TBH take this opportunity to wish all our supporters and friends a Very Happy Christmas plus a Prosperous and Peaceful New Year.

Absolutely ‘fangtastic’ THE TABLE Tennis group of Calpe U3A marked the end of a successful year with a Christmas Party at the town’s Dracula Restaurant. More than 50 players turned out for a bite to eat in Calpe Port – some taking the opportunity to sample a starter of bacon, eggs and chips. Organised by group leader Alan Lawton, everyone praised the goodhumoured staff of the Dracula and later burned off a few calories on the dance floor.

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

music

A happy return

‘Carols at Christmas’ with the TCF

DYNAMIC DUO, the Dolce Divas, made a successful return to the Costa Blanca music scene in Jalon last Friday with a new sound captivating an audience.

The Dolce Divas

By Jack Troughton SONGS FROM the shows, classic standards and contemporary favourites struck a chord at the Lluna Llunera Restaurant, vocalist and flautist Claire Harkness-Post and pianist and supporting singer Kirsty Glen both enjoying the night. After the show, Kirsty commented: “We wanted to try out our new material in a small, friendly venue to make absolutely sure that our song choices

and new arrangements were right for building a real rapport with the sort of audiences that we want to entertain, and the reception that we got was extremely encouraging.” Claire added: “There was a particular point when we were performing ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ from ‘Les Miserables’ when we looked at each other and realised that everyone had stopped eating and was listening to us, completely absorbed. Even the waiters

and the bar staff had paused to listen. “It was one of those special moments that make all the hard work worthwhile and reminds us how much we love performing. We are really looking forward to playing a lot of gigs in quality hotels and restaurants in the New Year.” For information on the Dolce Divas visit website www.dolcedivas.net or email andy.lawrenson@sky.com or call 96 684 1131.

ON WEDNESDAY10th December, more than 300 people attended this year’s Christmas Carol Concert, held at the Torrevieja Christian Fellowship Church. This year saw a completely new format introduced as actors from a number of different Churches made up the cast of the Nativity story in full costume, with each set of actors appearing while appropriate carols were being sung. Readers from the various Churches reminded the audience of the story of the First Christmas; and the programme was interspersed with songs. Cathy Carson (La Siesta) sang ‘Mary, did you know?’; the trio of Robert, John and Peter (ICA) sang ‘A Starry Night’; and Pastor Roy Davies (TCF) sang ‘This Little Child’ all accompanied by the Phoenix Concert Band who provided the music for the carols and also played a medley of well-known Christmas songs during the programme. Pastor Roy said: “We are grateful that everyone who took part did so without accepting any fee for their contribution. This meant that the entire collection could be given to this year’s nominated Charity: AFA Torrevieja (Alzheimer’s Association).” Dª Matilde Sánchez Cervera was presented with 1,000€ raised on behalf of AFA. And there is nothing quite like planning ahead, as TCF already have a date for your band new 2015 Diary, to join them for their next Christmas Concert, on December 9th, the second Wednesday of the month; 2015.

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

events

Academy level training for local footballers By Keith Nicol SIX DAYS and counting until Christmas and after all the presents are opened, some of those football mad youngsters may still have energy to burn. This year, former Hercules Manager Angel Linares is bringing his ACATEC Football Campus to Torrevieja, offering a perfect opportunity to keep your children busy while exercising and improving their skills. Enrolment for the IV Christmas Campus 2014 Torrevieja is now open for players and goalkeepers and will take place in Torrevieja’s Sports City, Nelson Mandela Stadium. This campus covers all key aspects of soccer skills and personal development for Football players and goalkeepers: The course is based on a top Academy level training system, a system not found in Torrevieja’s Municipal schools and the course will cover such skill sets as improved shots on target: improving attack and defence, reviewing technical aspects for the younger players plus an improved offensive game and the passing game for goalkeepers. The campus is aimed at children and youths aged 3 to 15 years. Course 1 is on December 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 26th and 27th. Course 2: Days is after Christmas, on the 29th, 30th and 31st December 2014 and 2nd and 3rd January 2015. More details on all the classes,

testing and special offers can be found on their website: www.educajugando.es or www.facebook.com/ACATECALICANTE. Prices are: Players: 110€ and Goalkeepers: 130€. If your children are already a student of TECNOGOL, Players are 71€ and Goalkeepers: 91€. If players wish to be specially evaluated for their skills, in tests used by Academy schools, they also have a YOUNGCRACKS TEST for only 25€. All payments should be made to: La Caixa number: 2100 2248 24 0200229990 - Concept: Soccer Club Acatec Alicante + (Name - Campus Christmas Torrevieja) The Campus covers: skill tests and evaluation: Technical and tactical sessions: Audiovisual and Theoretical sessions: Possibility of being selected in the Selection Elite Acatec to contest in an International Championship of their Elite players in 2015: Hydration, juice and fruit every day, playing kit and a Diploma in recognition of work. For those who speak Spanish, you can contact Head Coach Angel Linares J. Hernández directly on: 965 058 862: Mobile: 665 151 529 or Fax: 965 058 862. This Campus is one of four being organised by Acatec over Christmas, and coaches and scouts from some of Valencia’s top junior teams will be visiting, scouting for top players for the 2015/16 season, along with offering top players the chance of being picked for the Acatec Elite squad.

Academy level training is offered over Christmas for football mad youngsters

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

people

Christmas Carols in the Square

By Keith Nicol TORREVIEJA’S PACKED Town Square was in full voice on Friday evening, as thousands of residents and visitors participated in the 12th Christmas Carols in the Square event. Starting at the earlier time of 5.30, the gentleman who has been the Master of Cermonies for every event, Bill Singleton brought is own special touch, signature red jacket and excellent touch of humour, to keep everyone entertained for over an hour. Members of various local choral groups, clubs and associations, including The Rascals, Gilbert and Sullivan, Crescendo, Harmonisers, TARC, U3A, local ex-services groups and many others, were accompanied by the Phoenix Concert Band under the direction of Julie Schofield. The Town Hall was well represented by Mayor Eduardo Dolón, who has been present for all the previous concerts, in his previous position as Councillor for Culture, plus Councillors for Foreign Residents Rosario Martinez, the Deputy Mayor Joaquín Albaladejo, Culture Luis Maria Pizana, Fiestas Lola Sánchez, Parks and Gardens Carmen Candel, Town Planning Francisco Moreno, Councillor José Antonio Sánchez García, the Director of the Office of Foreign Residents Jean-Paul Mulero and the former director Graham Knight, all accompanied by Torrevieja’s Salt Queen and her ladies of honour.

Thousands sang their hearts out at this year’s Carols in the Square

A total of 16 carols were performed this year and for the Spanish songs especially, children from the Municipal Choir School in Torrevieja under the direction of Selina Cansino were welcomed with open arms by the ‘Salt Lake City Shakers’ as Bill Singleton likes to call the representatives from the Town Hall. The night also cooinsided with the Birthday of Torrevieja’s Councillor of Foreigners, Rosario, who was invited to conduct the Orchestra as they played Happy Birthday to her. Members of the Rascals also worked the crowd taking donations for local Charity, AFA, Torrevieja’s Alzheimer’s Charity, Bill Singleton was quick to point out that next year’s date for the diary, the 13th edition of the Carols in the Square, will take place on Friday 13th, and noted that to date, they have not seen a drop of rain, or snow, and hoped it would stay dry for next year’s event too. Thousands of visitors then took the opportunity to browse the local Nativity scene, which is an open 24-hours hour a day but has a very special and different look at night. The miniature Belen mixes images from Bethlehem with a few from Torrevieja to make for a wonderful sight that can be enjoyed on many different levels, by the whole family and all religions. This stays open until January 7th 2015.

Carols with the ‘Singing Vicar’ SINGING VICAR Rev Steve Foster and the choir of the Costa Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy treated members and guests of HELP of Denia and the Marina Alta to a festive concert. HELP’s Activity Centre in La Xara was filled with more than 60 people enjoying a taste of Christmas with mulled wine, mince pies and other delights, all donated by charity members A small raffle raised 108€ which was donated to the Chaplaincy as a token of thanks for spreading some festive cheer. Anyone interested in joining in with the fun and events which HELP regularly provides, or giving some of time as a volunteer, should visit the website www.helpdenia.com or visit their Facebook page Help of DAMA.

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

charity

APAH Christmas Fayre

Pilar Christian Community Church THE PILAR Christian Community Church at Calle Canalejas 3, Pilar de la Horadada Sunday Service is at 11am, and Thursday at 5pm for Prayer and Praise and Worship. Home groups meet during the week. All are welcome from any church background - or none. For more information contact PilarChristian. CommunityChurch@gmail.com 96 684 9448 – 96 857 5417 – 96 684 8806

THE ROYAL Air Forces Association The ladies from Spangles entertained at the APAH Christmas Fayre

By Keith Nicol AT THE end of November, the APAH Animal Rescue Charity had a fantastic day, at their annual Christmas Fayre. This year they raised 836€, which was over 200€ higher than the amount raised last November. The event all takes place at Iceland in San Pedro where the ladies from the Spangles Choir also showed up to entertain

shoppers, staff and passers-by with some Christmas carols and popular songs. As an added treat, complimentary mulled wine and warm mince pies, courtesy of Iceland, were passed around, putting everyone in the mood for the Festive Season. There were some great prizes to be won in the Raffle drawn at the end of the Fayre, including Iceland Shopping

vouchers, meal vouchers from local restaurants, a voucher from a local hair and beauty salon and a huge Christmas Hamper from APAH. APAH would like to thank all the ladies from Spangles, the Iceland customers and most of all the management and staff at Iceland for their warm friendship and support throughout this year.

THE ROYAL Air Forces Association is a charitable organisation that brings together like-minded people, giving help and support to serving or ex-RAF personnel and their families in times of need. Anyone who wishes to support these aims, whether they are ex-RAF or not, is invited to join the Branch. All are welcome at the General Meeting, held on the third Tuesday in the month at the ‘El Paraiso’ restaurant, near the Carrefour Supermarket in Torrevieja, starting at 2.30pm. Members also enjoy regular lunches at a variety of restaurants as well as visits to places of interest and joining in with the local festivities in support of our Spanish hosts. To learn more please contact Chairman David Barnes: Tel 96 857 4803 or visit www.rafacb.com Spanish Charity Number: G 54288329

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

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

What does Yoga mean to you? Lots of chanting and Incense? Think again! By Tony Myles JUST IN time to help you with your New Year Resolution to get fitter (yes the same one you made last year) Campbell Lamont has arranged for a series of Yoga for Golfers training sessions to be held at his retail outlet in Ondara. The sessions will be hosted by Tricia Chapman who was trained in Hatha Yoga in 1990 at The Yoga Foundation for Health at Ickwell Bury, Bedfordshire, with Howard Kent Tricia has worked in England, with the Salisbury Multiple Sclerosis society and then in Hong Kong for many years before moving to Spain 13 years ago. I asked Tricia about some of the possible misconceptions about yoga. Tricia - Yes, there are misconceptions. Yoga is a way of life, a lifestyle, an enhancement to your health. If you have stiff hips you maybe cannot sit in the Lotus position, so one compromises as in all things in life. I personally don’t teach a headstand as I cannot do it with the old neck injury I have. So I don’t instruct something that I cannot demonstrate. Tony M - Is Yoga relevant for golfers? Tricia - Yes, there are certainly elements of Yoga that a golfer would benefit from before a round, breath control (pranayamas) and some of the stretches. I believe it is absolutely ideal. Tony M - Do you have to be fit before you start to a Yoga routine? Tricia - If you find the right instructor/coach and, more importantly, you are an individual who can find your own limits, you can be as fit or as unfit as you like, you will grow with the learning, to stretch more and more,

especially if you are dedicated and practice a bit at home, in between classes. In one of my Hong Kong classes I had a lady who had been in a POW camp and had steel in her shoulder, along with an anorexic teenager who had been frogmarched into the class by her mother and also a lady with a new metal knee. The rest of the class were fighting fit and worked to their own requirement. As for the very fit, they too work to their limits and always seem to pick up some element of yoga that suits them... and their fitness takes on new and different levels. Tony M - Is there an age range for whom Yoga is suitable? Tricia - Any age range at all. Children love it and are brilliant at it ! Tony M - What benefits would a golfer accrue from yoga? Tricia - There are scores of benefits from working with Yoga, chief of which is suppleness specially beneficial for the golfer. We aim to exercise every part of the body and to do so evenly, we wouldn’t do one side or one leg/arm and not the other. We would include asanas (postures) for wrists, hands, fingers, feet, toes, and eyes. We do balance asanas and these are very good for the golfer. They say balance is one of the first things we lose, so balance postures are an integral part of the training. Tony M - Most people want to see some instant results is that possible with yoga? Tricia - Benefits can take a while to be obvious. Normally I would say after 6 wks of attending a class, and with a bit of practice at home, you can certainly notice the benefits. Tony M - Many thanks, Tricia. I can foresee a lot of very flexible golfers inhabiting the local fairways.

The Yoga for Golfers sessions will start on January 12th at the CL GOLF shop opposite the Ondara Mall. You can just turn up at 8.30 but it would be helpful if you dropped a note to info@clgolf.es to tell Tricia that you will be attending.

Head2Head Tony M - So In the New Year we are going to be fitter thanks to your Yoga classes. Campbell - Exactly. We all spend too much time sat down

in front of a screen. Tony M - That is good news and it should be good fun. I will try to join you.

Exercise Campbell - I hope so. Anyway I thought you said that were going to get some exercise. Tony M - No! What I said was I am going to get some extra fries.

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

sport

Rugby La Vila News The team hopes to maintain this position until the end of the competition

IN AN important away game last Saturday, La Vila’s first team played Barcelona’s Hospitalet. Stronger opposition was expected but La Vila won 25-0. Injured players were: Paco Martinez, Captain, Hernan Quirelli and Gaston de la Cruz New signs for La Vila include English player Matthew Surman in prop, an important scrum position. Now top of the table the team hopes to maintain this position until the end of the competition. The women’s team won 43-12 against Elche, away: The second team lost closely 27-24 against Safor Gandia, an away game, and the Under 18s lost 23-22 against Elche, an away game.

Under 16s won 57-0, at home against Montcada Valencia, with two new English players for the team. The Under 12s, Under 10s and Under 8s travelled to Tabernes for a mini rugby festival, plenty of rugby for the three teams. Don’t miss the first team’s last home game before Christmas, Sunday 21st December at 12.30pm against Barcelona. Christmas is to be celebrated with free fish and seafood fried nibbles laid on by the Cofradia de Pescadores Villajoyosa (the fisheries commission). There is still time to join the club as a member, as a player, or as a supporter, so come down and watch the next game and join in!

Players are still needed for the second senior team: they play in the local Alicante league, mainly Denia, Alicante, Elche and Torrevieja. So please come along to training, all players are welcome. The Club also run women’s rugby and U18s, U16s, U12s, U10s and U8s teams. Training has already started, so please come down. We also have a well-equipped Gym. Members have free access to the Gym. Come and join Rugby La Vila La Vila Rugby Club is at Carretera El Pantano, Villajoyosa. Just take the motorway AP-7 exit Nº 66 (Villajoyosa). If you are interested in joining contact Jason Craig on 659 674 768 or Ignacio Davila 608 068 208.

Torrevieja Swimming Club YOUNG TORREVIEJA swimmers gave themselves early Christmas cheer this weekend when all members of the team had good swims and new personal bests in all their races. The competition on Saturday at the Municipal Pool in Petrer, was the last timed control of 2014. Eight of ‘Club Natacion Torrevieja’s’ younger swimmers raced against seven other clubs and 220 other swimmers in the region in a range of Butterfly, Breastroke and Freestyle events. In the 100m Butterfly races Vilja Therese Bilstad, Vicky Pigneur and Amy Connolly all had good swims. For Vija it was her first Butterfly event and for Vicky and Amy their swims knocked a second off their previous best times. The girls then all went onto the 16 length race, the 400m Freestyle. Another first event for Vilja and very good swims for Vicky and Amy both winning new best times knocking 18 and 12 seconds off previous times. The boys also continued with this winning theme in the 50m and 100m Breaststroke races. The youngest member of the team, Sergio Martin Moreda, swam 50m Breaststroke for the first time as did colleagues Patrick Met and Nicholas Zon Acuna in their 100m Breastroke races. Finally Vitalio Veres improved upon his previous best 100m Breastroke time by 8 seconds. Well done all. Racing will begin again on the 17th January 2015. Meanwhile the club continues to train throughout the festive period. For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa 665 454 126, President Felipe on 609 418 776 or Vicki 669 637 015 or by emailing info@clubnataciontorrevieja.com .

19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

road test

Tim Saunders Independent unbiased car reviewer

Toyota Auris Tourer Hybrid HYBRIDS ARE all very well but they’re generally smaller than traditional cars and therefore less user-friendly. Well, at least that used to be the case with the likes of the Honda CR-Z. THE LARGEST was a hatchback, either a Toyota Prius or the more luxurious Lexus CT200h. No estates. Well, not until Toyota launched the new Auris Hybrid Tourer, which provides the environmentally conscious with a well sized, capable vehicle and also performance. Things have really moved on since I drove a hybrid a year ago. My first acquaintance with the striking island blue estate is at night. It’s always more of a challenge to drive a car you’re unfamiliar with when it’s dark, for obvious reasons. A click of the keyfob and I’m inside. The delivery driver was fairly short by all accounts as my knees are around my neck as I sit in the driver’s seat. It’s easy to adjust. In common with other hybrids I am instantly struck by a feeling of fear as I rummage around for the ignition and even though I push the button start on the right of the steering wheel, there is an unnerving silence. The automatic box does not look very substantial but on engaging the reverse function it quietly moves backwards. There is an electric parking brake and a traditional one; the first car I have come across with two. The dashboard looks a bit boxy especially where the sat nav is located; it looks like an afterthought. Over time the driver does become more used to it, though. It’s a large car, not dissimilar to the Ford Focus estate in terms of styling. Head on, it’s attractive and the front looks striking and well designed. The large panoramic glass roof that stretches from the front to the back of the vehicle has

an electric cover and this, in common with those found in Peugeots, is a winning formula. It makes the cabin much lighter when the sun does decide to show its face. With my growing family we’re having to make use of every bit of space our Victorian terrace house has to offer and so I have cleared the loft to make way for a more imaginative use of this space; office come bedroom. Needless to say I have a great deal of rubbish to take to the tip including old bits of wood and plasterboard and a vacuum cleaner. The cavernous boot swallows it all with ease and a roof box from roofcarriers. co.uk is also a great help. Although I have to push down two of the rear seats to make way for this large load, it is so easy to do; you simply pull a lever on the right of the boot. Removing the security cover in the boot does prove a little more awkward.

0-60mph: 10.9secs Economy: 49mpg CO2 emissions: 92 g/km For more information about roof boxes visit: www.roofcarriers.co.uk Watch the video at www.testdrives.biz

FACTS AT A GLANCE: Toyota Auris Touring Sports Excel Hybrid 1.8 CVT T&G New price: 29,520€ Top speed: 112mph

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

2013 SEAT IBIZA 1.6 Tdi 105 STYLE One owner full history with only 19,528 Kms silver metallic Aircon

12,800€

2013 OPEL CORSA 1.3 CDTI 95 JUNIOR full history with 55,800 Kms Silver metallic Aircon CD radio

10,300€

2013 RENAULT MEGANE 1.5 Dci in Claret red Full history with 37,800 Kms Aircon CD Radio like new

13,000€

2013 HYUNDAI I30 EX CRDI in silver grey 60,000 Kms cd radio climate Manual gearbox etc

13,000€

2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VII 1.6 Tdi bluemotion Aircon cd radio USB in black paintwork 71,000 Kms

14,800€

2013 SEAT IBIZA 1.2TSI 85 AUTHENTIQUE With 69,600 Kms Petrol engine with history

9,800€

2012 SEAT LEON REFERENCE COPA 1.6 Tdi like new with climate cd sound system 80,000kms

12,200€

2012 SEAT ALTEA 1.6 Tdi 105 REFERENCE in arctic white with 59,000 Kms cd radio Aircon

12,300€

2012 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0 Tdi 140 se silver coach work climate premium sound system 80,000kms 17,200€ 2011 VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1.2 Tdi SOUL lovely condition 75,000kms Full history alloys very economical 10,800€ 2010 PEUGEOT 407 2.0 Hdi 140 premium climate alloys NAV 53,000 Kms in black paint very clean

All prices include transfer ITV and Guarantee.

11,800€

Classified Ads 19 DEC 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

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

Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2)

email: classifieds@roundtownnews.com

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

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

British Trained & Qualified in the UK Pool Industry with over 18 years experience. Legal & established for over 10 years in Spain. Extensive references. All work guaranteed.

TEL: 966 774 199 / 678 080 500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com NO CALLOUT CHARGE WITHIN THE LOCAL AREA

Torrevieja and surrounding areas plus Costa Calida

chris young transport

UK-SPAIN-IRELAND All european destinations Removals with the personal touch. Full/part loads. Parcels, flat packs, luggage, door to door service, short/long term storage. Competitive rates,

PETS CARRIED WITH CARE.

965 696 750 | 0044 (0) 744 791 8589 chrisyounge73979@aol.com

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

LOVELY LITTLE OLLIE is living in an APAH foster home because he was very nervous when he was rescued. Can you offer him a loving home in time for Christmas? To meet Ollie, please call 630 422 563 or 616 210 850.

PET TRAVEL UK Family pet transporters Spain/ UK. Travel with your pets for free. All air conditioned vehicles (no vans) www.pettraveluk.co.uk. Removals also arranged in other vehicles. Tel UK 0800 612 4922 or Spain 960130537 IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A DOG OR PUPPY please join our Facebook group. We have many dogs, large, small, scruffs and pedigree! Just go to Facebook and search Costa Blanca Dog Homing. Even if you cannot offer a home, rescues are always needing foster homes, and just sharing the dog posts really helps us to help them. HOUSE SITTING, PET SITTING Daily or longer. Your home or mine.Key holding service.References.637160545 COSTA BLANCA PET TRANSPORT TO UK DEFRA registered. Excellent rates. www.costablancadoghoming.com or call 965 698 052 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

port given throughout. Established company with over 10 years trading in Spain. Call Peter on 660 170 355 without obligation.

Inland. Telephone or Whatsapp: 647 897 710 www.donchimenea.com or email: donchimenea@yahoo.co.uk

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

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

MINI DIGGER AND DUMPER WITH DRIVER Covering North Costa Blanca Telephone: 648 052 911

HOG ROAST BUSINESS North Costa Blanca. Machine and equipment. Includes future bookings. Long established Business with very good reputation. 619 733 198 FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY Own your own lingerie, clothing and swimwear boutique. Prices from 10,000 Euros including stock and shop fittings. Full help and sup-

DONCHIMENEA Chimney Sweep North Costa Blanca,Denia,Calpe and

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 BAMBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S - BALLROOM / LATIN / SEQUENCE DANCING Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar CV895 [near Lemon Tree Sunday Market] Monday - SOCIAL DANCE 8.30pm - 10.30pm [SEQUENCE CLASS 7.30pm - 8.30pm] Friday - SOCIAL DANCE 7.30pm - 10.30pm Wednesday - New Beginners Class [new beginners welcome every Wednesday] 2pm -3pm Intermediate Class 3pm - 4pm Intermediate Plus Class 4pm - 5pm For more information contact Andrea and Brian 616 478 157

MR FIXIT FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, GENERAL & Appliance Repairs. No Callout Charge. 698 320 434 REPAIRS Washing machines, Dishwashers & Dryers. Also Boilers and any electrical problems. 24hours. Cheap prices Tel 604103909

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

CAN YOU SELL? Costa Media a rapidly growing creative agency are looking for proactive sales people to join their close knit team.You will need to be IT literate,Au fait with the latest smartphone technology,and have excellent interpersonal skills.Own car and smartphone a must! Unlimited earning potential for the right applicant.Send your cv with a covering letter to elaine@costa.media

SOS INSURANCE IN SPAIN Best prices available. CALL US FIRST for all your insurance needs, including best deals on Funeral plans. Buildings and contents cover from just 82 euros per year & cars from 120 euros. Tel 966787123 / 622275561 / 686116297 email

info@sosinsuranceinspain.com

WEWILLBUYANYCAR. ES We will buy any car on the Costa Blanca Spain! Free online Car valuation Tel: 666 126 662

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

MOBILITY SCOOTER Used Rio 4 electric boot scooter range 16km. Speed 6 km.User weight max 100kg.Good condition,Reliable 450€ Call: 686 595 770 LAPTOPS GOOD WORKING ORDER,WIFI,INTERNET READY 50€ 15” SCREEN TORREVIEJA AREA. CALL: 693 956 707

MICHAEL’S 30 YEARS IN JAVEAENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION!See all our new furniture at: www.michaels-javea.com

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

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

AIRLESS PAINT SPRAYING Villas Painted for under 700 euros. For brochure Airless Paint Spraying 965846620 ehohara@gmail.com

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.British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600-781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail.com

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

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015 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!

JAVEA PORT Top floor apartment,Southern aspect,2 double bedrooms,2 Bathrooms,Granite kitchen,XL Lounge,Glazed balcony,Heated marble floors,Private terrace,Basement parking.For Price and Details Call: 965 795 271 CALA DOR ,SEMI DETATCHED VILLA 3 bed, 3 bathroomsSwimming pool,Garage,Front and rear gardenswith mature tree.Beautiful sea views,10 minute walk to local sandy beach.Close to all amenities with great

access to Alicante CABO DE LAS HUERTAS Great opportunity.4 bedroom,3 Bathroom property.Located within an high quality international residential area 10 minutes from Alicante and 20 minutes from Airport.Fantastic Grounds,Amazing sea views and a 3 minute walk to the beach.An opportunity not top be missed.450.000€ Call for more details: 699 955 139 BUSOT NR EL CAMPELLO AND ALICANTE 4 Bedroom, 3 bathroom, Villa, 10m pool, 1200m2. Walled Electric gate, Amazing views, mountain and sea. Lounge, Kitchen, Guest toilet, 2 bedroom ensuite, Shower room, Solarium etc. 249,000€ Tel 693 051 612 briansierra@hotmail.com VILLA CAMPOSOL MAZZARON Delightful 2 bed,2 bath villa.Large Kitchen Diner,Large lounge with lovely light conservatory. Pool,Carport and solarium.Underbuild storage and set in easily maintained gardens. 139,950€ Call: 651 067 357

SELLING YOUR HOUSE? Sold your house? Moving funds back to the UK? Don’t let your Spanish Bank take up to 1% of your sale price, Talk to MoneyCorp now about how to save up to 4,500€* Moneycorp’s repatriation service can help you drastically reduce or even eliminate Spanish bank fees when sending your property sale proceeds back to the UK. Call Moneycorp +34 902 887 243 and quote RTN to get more out of your money. www. moneycorp.com/roundtownnews

VILLAMARTIN 3 BEDROOM VILLA Fully Furnished with modern furniture.English owned Long Term Let Min 5 years available.Large Roof Terrace and communal pool. Quiet complex in Lomas Del Golf 495€ pcm plus bills.Contact:602 423 324 For Viewings BENIDORM DOUBLE ROOM TO LET In spacious apartmment( old town Benidorm ) 260€ p.c.m All utilities included. Barry: 634 302 795

GLOBAL 4 REMOVALS Worldwide tailor made removal service and solutions.FREE packing. FREE quotations.UK & Ireland, Spain , Australia , NZ , USA ,Canada. 965 997 263 / 618 342 447

global4removals@yahoo.com SPANISH MOVES Small removals and deliveries. Spain/UK Budget prices. Last minute jobs undertaken. www.spanishmoves. net. Pet transport also arranged in our air conditioned pet/people carriers. Telephone UK 0800 612 4922 or Spain 960130537

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

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015

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

CLEARWATER WATER FILTERS Filters changed for 30€. New drinking water installations. Fully guaranteed from a trusted legal company. No more carrying bottled water! Tel: 966 712 361 / 686 921 052

IN NEED OF A TRANSLATOR?? Doctors and Hospital appointments,Social Security,NIE Application visits.General translations.10€per hour .Altea to Villa Joyosa . Call:647 143 945

EXPRESS IT COMMUNICATIONS The computer shop set in the heart of albir.Repairs,Virus removal,Sales and Ad-

MODEL ENGINEERING Wanted milling machine and metal lathe any make. Call Stuart 610625344 I BUY RECORDS LP´S SINGLES AND CD´s ANY STYLE, JAZZ, BLUES, POP, PUNK, ROCK, ETC... TOP CASH PAID. 622 750 117 TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Household Goods and Bric-a-brac into Cash. Anything! Anywhere! 965-319-220/ 663-012-541

DENIA Venezuelan Valery 39 Beautiful,Sensual 640 292 906 Brasilian Vicky 28,Beautiful,Sexy 631 760 215, Duo and massages LADIES ENJOY A GENTLE SPANKING and be well paid. The Headmaster visits you. Torrevieja area. headmaster@live.co.uk SEXY MATURE ENGLISH BLONDE 15 minutes alicante airport.Over night stays possible. Ring Karen 662 049 021 ASHLEY English,Mixed Race S/American.Absolutely Stunning,Tall,Busty,Long Legs,Near Torrevieja Hospital 665 883 576 SOPHIE ESCORT Slim elegant naughty lady. Ho-

tel/home visit available. Tel:693 357 526 GENERIC VIAGRA EXCLUSIVE First time in Spain 120mgs. Also Kamagra 100mgs, Generic Cialis 20mgs, and jellies. Local and Nationwide service. Pay on Delivery. colin@costablue.co.uk or phone Colin 680 878 735 CASA ANGELA TORREVIEJA Luxury Private Chalet, parking. Drinks invitation. Feeling alone? Just want some company? Exotic girls from South America. Call us, come and enjoy! Also Escort Service. Full discretion. Street: Avenida Asociacion Vistimas del Terrorismo. 609-573-468 or 639-832-118

vice.Design and Print.C/ Rupert Chapi 4,Playa De Albir. Call: 966 865 486

19 Dec 2014 - 1 JAN 2015 Sales Opportinuty

Private Security