RTN South Edition 607 by Round Town News

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SOUTH EDITION Shooting from the hip

Your English Newspaper

Issue 607

03 - 09 june 2011

Setback in ‘land grab’ battle

DETERMINED DIANA Hedley is leading a fight for compensation after suffering “excruciating pain” following hip replacement surgery on the Costa Blanca p7

Blue flag awarded to three Torrevieja beaches THE CITY of Torrevieja has been awarded three blue flags this year p14

by Jack Troughton

Reasons to tie the knot THERE ARE many reasons why people decide to get married p32

How we hear THE EAR consists of three main parts and performs a vital function in receiving and interpreting sound p43

Grow up Fergie SHOULD YOU need any more proof that this week’s Fifa Congress and Presidential election was just about the most tawdry episode in the recent history of sports politics p62

Disability? What disability?

Alex, Ruth and Ian

IAN WATSON and Alex Docherty enjoyed a day at Terra Mitica with RTN as they performed a test drive on the theme park’s disabled facilities to see just how wheelchair-friendly it really is! Read the full story on page 10

HEADLINES CLAIMING judges at the European Court of Justice have backed Spain’s notorious ‘land grab’ laws are false, say campaigners fighting the controversial legislation. They admit the disappointing ruling was a “setback” in the battle for human and property rights to be respected but not a ‘thumbs up’ for the notorious laws. The Luxembourg court ruled on a technical issue regarding public contracts rather than giving a green light to controversial planning laws like the infamous LRAU and LUV in Valencia. However, in the Spanish press the Valencian government immediately heralded the court’s judgement as an endorsement of its laws – sparking outrage and criticism for misleading the public. And the court was not asked to – and did not - rule on more than 15,000 individual complaints received by the European Parliament’s petitions committee from victims of urban plan-

ning abuses in Spain. Under the land grab laws, property owners can be forced to give up land to developers and pay towards the costs of infrastructure. Valencia’s councillor for urban development, Juan Cotino, maintained the court had underlined there was nothing wrong with planning laws. REGION He said the decision ended seven years of “defamation and persecution” of the regional government. Margret Auken, the Danish MEP who led the third delegation to the region, and presented its conclusions in the ‘Auken Report’ – including a proposal to cut off Spain’s EU funding until the laws were changed – merely described the ruling as a “setback”. And she noted the Commission was not allowed to reopen its case regarding “perceived errors and omissions” in the powerful Attorney General’s legal opinion to the court. Continued on page 4

03 - 09 june 2011

Drug arrests

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SAN MIGUEL TORREVIEJA QUESADA ALGORFA ORIHUELA ORIHUELA SAN FULGENCIO MURCIA GUARDAMAR

LOCAL POLICE officers in Orihuela Costa have arrested two men for alleged drugs crimes. The officers were conducting a surveillance operation after a request from a homeowner in Cabo Roig. The tenant of the property had disappeared and during a search of the property, the owners discovered drug-making paraphernalia including bags of shredded dried plants, plastic sheeting and other utensils typically used to distribute drugs. At around 9.25pm, again at the request of the homeowners, the officers returned to the property and witnessed two young men leaving the house in a hurry, carrying backpacks and suitcases.

They were quickly apprehended and identified as MJ and RA, both 26-years-old and citizens of Latvia. They were also carrying the passport of the tenant who had disappeared; another Latvian national with the initials AA. The two young men carried in their luggage a precision scale and plastic bags containing a white powdery substance, allegedly cocaine, as well as other substances and drugs. They were taken to the Guardia Civil Headquarters in Torre de la Horadada, where they were charged with drug offences and remanded in custody pending trial.

Man under arrest for attempted robbery Following a spate of robberies in Las Ramblas, Local Police officers from Orihuela Costa, whilst conducting a surveillance operation in the early hours of 27th May, intercepted a person jumping into a plot, raising the shutter of a window with a screwdriver and manipulating the aluminum seal of the door. The man was carrying a flashlight and once alerted to the officers’ presence tried to flee the scene. After a brief chase, he was apprehended without resistance. The man was identified as LSB, a 54-year-old native of Teruel. He was arrested for the offence of attempted robbery and taken to the Guardia Civil Headquarters in Torre de la Horadada for further questioning.

PP gains two more Vega Baja municipalities whilst others still up in the air by Julie Day ALTHOUGH THE elections were held nearly two weeks ago and leadership results were clear cut in a large number of towns, there are some municipalities where the question of which party is going to govern and who will be mayor is very much up in the air. After 10 days of talks between various parties, it seems that the PP, who were victorious in hundreds of municipalities all over Spain, are set to take the leadership away from the PSOE in Benijófar and Bigastro by entering into agreements with other minority parties, and they are also most likely to succeed in San Fulgencio. There is still some doubt in other municipalities such as Catral, Dolores and Rojales. In Catral, the PP has the most votes with 6 out of the 13, the APC has 3, the Socialistas por Catral another 3 and the PSOE only 1. Although the PP was the most voted for party, a pact with another party or coalitions between

the other groups have not been formed. At present, it has been noted that in both Rojales and Dolores, the PSOE has a higher chance of coming into power, taking away the position within the mayoral office from the PP. In Orihuela things are hotting up and it seems that the PSOE, CLR-CLARO and Los Verdes have resumed talks and may form a majority government from their alliance. It seems that pressure is being put upon Pedro Mancebo, spokesperson for the CLR, for him not to allow the PSOE leader, Antonia Moreno, to become mayor, as this is something that would not sit well with his voters and could cost him dearly in the future. It was previously thought that Monica Lorente and the PP would go into coalition with the CLR-CLARO, as their policies were the most similar, but Mancebo has categorically refused to support the PP. Although there is still time for parties to discuss what’s best for their municipalities, agreements will need to be made very soon.

ADIEM continue to work on a regional level despite economic crisis

03 - 09 june 2011

Great Weekly Day Trips Sun Benidorm 11€ SUN Benidorm/Mundomar Theme Park entry 17€ SUN Terra Mitica Theme Park. Travel/entry. From 28€ SUN Alcala del Jucar cave village inc lunch 27€ 11€ MON Alicante city MON Guadalest & Algar inc lunch/wine 24€ Wed Benidorm 11€ WED Benidorm/Mundomar Theme Park entry 17€ WED Caravaca & Calasparra inc lunch/wine 24€ WED Terra Mitica Theme Park. Travel/entry. From28€ Thur Cartagena & train to Mar Menor 14€ Thur Murcia shopping malls 11€ 11€ thur Murcia city & market 20€ FRI Xativa & Agost incl. tourist train 47€ FRI Benidorm Palace NEW show/meal 12€ fri Benidorm at night 11€ sat Altea Sea side Town sat Calpe market & Altea incl. lunch/wine 22€

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OVERNIGHT EXCURSIONS WITH COACHTRIPS S.L ADIEM manager and president with Lola Canales, councillor for Charities (centre)

By Julie Day ADIEM VEGA Baja, the Association for the Defence and Integration for the Mentally Ill in the Vega Baja area, has signed an agreement with the town hall of Torrevieja that allows them to develop and carry out a new programme of activities for 2011. The town hall has even awarded the association an extra 10,000€ this year, taking their total government subsidy up to 60,000€ per annum, which will go towards costs of personnel, equipment and maintenance of projects and programmes already in place. The ADIEM group has been running since 2004 and not only provides care and a programme of attention for the patient, but also help and respite for their families as well. This service is carried out for residents of Torrevieja as well as for those patients living further a field in the Vega Baja area. A total of 160 patients have been attended to already this year from the headquarters in Torrevieja. Gertrudis Marcos and Francisco Canales, president and manager of the ADIEM association, have thanked the town hall for their support and claim that despite the current economic climate they still manage to function at a regional level and aim to increase the number of patients in their care through the course of the year. The addition of the new CRIS (Centre of Rehabilitation and Social Integration) centre in Torrevieja has also aided greatly as a care facility for the mentally ill in and around Torrevieja. Services carried out by ADIEM include information, care and support for the mentally ill and their families, home visits, a programme of leisure activities and informational and support group meetings for families. ADIEM Vega Baja can be found at Calle La Paz 194 bajo, Torrevieja and is open to the public Monday – Friday between the hours of 9.30am – 1.30pm. Tel: 96 670 5294.

Stolen vehicles found Local Police officers from Orihuela Costa have recovered three recently stolen vehicles: a Peugeot moped, reported stolen in Pilar de la Horadada on 3rd May; a Hyundai Accent and a BMW X5, the latter having been stolen in Alicante on 8th May.

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03 - 09 june 2011

Celebrity bullfighter in head on collision by Jan Gamm RETIRED SPANISH celebrity bullfighter José Ortega Cano remains in a critical condition in the Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena in Seville following a head-on collision in his Mercedes XR at 11.15pm last Saturday night at kilometer 28 of the A-8002: the accident resulted in the death of the other 48year-old driver in a SEAT Altea SUV. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts. Ortega Cano was returning home to his ranch after visiting his daughter in nearby Villaverde del Rio. The former bullfighter has undergone surgery twice after an initial operation failed to stem a chronic haemorrhage in his colon. He also suffered a femoral compound fracture. At the beginning of this week he was said to be on life support

and described by a family spokesperson as “lingering between life and death.” Initial investigations by traffic police have revealed that Ortega Cano was allegedly speeding and on the wrong side of the road when the accident occurred, according to the State Association of Victims of Accidents (DIA), and it is expected that he will face serious charges of dangerous driving on his recovery. The family of Ortega Cano has expressed gratitude for the interest shown in his progress. However, indignant comments have also been sent to the Spanish press at the concern shown for Ortega Cano in light of the death of the innocent party in the accident, the other driver. The bullfighter retired in 1988, making occasional appearances in the ring and also on TV chat shows. Investigations into the accident are to continue.

Continued from front page Ms Auken said although the decision “represents a setback for many persons living in the Valencian autonomous region who had set their hopes on a successful legal case brought by the Commission, it does not impact on the rights of European citizens to their legitimately acquired property.” Endorsed by the European Parliament, the Auken Report states an obligation to cede legitimate private property without due process MEP and compensation was a “violation” Michael Cashman of an individual’s fundamental rights. with some Charles Svoboda, of the campaign of the group AUN fighting to end property 15,000 complaints abuses, said the court had wrongly to Europe taken the “ill-informed” Attorney

Ortega Cano

General’s opinion at face value and had not heard oral submissions by the commission based on information passed on by the group. MISLEAD “The court did not even deal with the land grab issue and it certainly did not, as the Generalitat’s propagandists and their captive press are proclaiming and deliberately misleading, endorse the land laws as such,” he said. Charles said victims might now feel as if they had even less protection from Europe but the court’s decision was being “misrepresented.” And he said his main concern was that Mr Cotino’s “good news” could start a feeding frenzy by developers

despite there being no current market for new homes and a glut of more than a million unsold properties. He said it was “ridiculous” to claim the ruling was a “sweeping endorsement not just of land grab laws but the corruption, environmental damage, and property rights that go along with them.” A recent and controversial road show across northern Europe had tried to attract new investment in Spanish property promising ‘judicial security.” Charles said: “Will there be a Valencian travelling circus abroad to match Pepino Blanco’s road show? It is easier for folks to look up the truth these days than listen to the hot air being generated from Mr Cotino and co.”

Stolen vehicles are found Local Police officers from Orihuela Costa have recovered three recently stolen vehicles: a Peugeot moped, reported stolen in Pilar de la Horadada on 3rd May; a Hyundai Accent and a BMW X5, the latter having been stolen in Alicante on 8th May.

03 - 09 june 2011

Real Madrid Juniors v Torrevieja Juniors in commemorative match by Julie Day THE XVI edition of the Manuel Aniorte Memorial, consisting of a friendly game of football between juniors of Real Madrid FC and Torrevieja FC will take place this Saturday 4th June at 6pm in Torrevieja’s Vicente Garcia stadium. The event, which is held annually, commemorates the death of young Torrevieja sports enthusiast Manuel Aniorte, who was tragically killed in a car accident at a young age. The event is free and is testament to the good relations held between the two clubs, which have been strengthened further by the signing of young Torrevieja footballer, Rubén Belima to the prestigious junior team from Madrid. Other teams that have participated in the Manuel Aniorte Memorial include Barcelona FC, Athletico de Madrid, Valencia, Inter Milan, Liverpool and Villarreal.

On yer bikes! THIS SATURDAY 4th June Torrevieja is to celebrate the 28th edition of the Day of the Bicycle where people of all ages can participate in a 2,5km circuit around the town. The bike tour will start at 10am from the Hombre del Mar monument, also the place of registration, and will follow a route along Playa de los Locos, Curva del Palangre, Avenida Habaneras, María Parodi, Paseo de la Libertad and back to the Hombre del Mar. Once each participant has registered, they will receive a number and automatic entry into a special prize draw where 50 sports materials and equipment including two bicycles will be on offer. The Department of Sport envisages the participation of around 300 cyclists in this event.

Presentation of the Manuel Aniorte Memorial match between Real Madrid and Torrevieja Juniors

Rulo y La Contrabanda to perform in San Pedro By Julie Day RECENTLY FORMED Spanish soft-rock group Rulo y La Contrabanda will perform in San Pedro del Pinatar on 1st July as part of a national tour. The group, who formed last year, released their first album Señales de Humo several months ago and will perform a number of tracks from this album at their concert. Rulo, the lead singer and writer of most of the group’s songs, originally formed part of the successful band La Fuga, but left the group in 2009 due to exhaustion and problems within the group. Although Rulo y La Contrabanda is principally a rock band at heart, the members are not afraid to dabble and play around with other styles of music including reggae, rumba or even a slow ballad. Spanish The Rulo y La Contrabanda concert will take place at 10pm on Friday 1st July at rock group Rulo y La the Recinto de las Peñas in San Pedro del Pinatar. Contrabanda Tickets are priced at 14.70€ and can be purchased online through will play in www.ticktackticket.com. San Pedro

03 - 09 june 2011

Ryanair’s creative boarding procedures still under debate by Jan Gamm FOLLOWING A complaint from a reader recently boarded onto a Ryanair flight at Alicante El Altet directly from the tarmac instead of via an airbridge, as directed by the court in Elche, RTN contacted Ryanair for comment on the safety of passengers boarded in this manner, also asking for confirmation on whether passengers were properly covered by insurance when being boarded in a manner not yet approved by airport authority AENA. When Ryanair declined to comment RTN approached AENA directly for confirmation of passenger status when boarding from the ground at El Altet. AENA confirmed with RTN that on Friday 27th May a feasibility study was carried out by the airport to establish whether passengers could be safely boarded in this way without using airbridges, presumably to placate Ryanair in the face of its threats to withdraw significant services if the airbridge issue was not resolved in its favour. The findings of AENA’s report amount to the fact that out of the 16 parking areas in question, only two could be utilised for boarding passengers due to safety issues compromised by the movement of jet aircraft and airport service traffic. However, the report also revealed that the two areas in question had not yet been satisfactorily assessed in terms of safety: “If tests find that it is feasible to conduct the embarkation / disembarkation walk in these positions, Alicante Airport will develop an operating procedure to determine on what conditions may be offered to all airlines operating at the airport,” said Laura Baldó Benac of AENA’s press office. RTN must therefore conclude that AENA as yet can-

Naked student runners donate clothes to charity

not guarantee the safety of passengers boarded from the ground without using the airbridges at El Altet. MEANWHILE…

Ryanair continues to bus its passengers to aircraft parked outside of a red demarcation line purported by ground staff to represent a magical ‘No Man’s Land’, for those airlines that decline to pay AENA’s airbridge charges. Despite RTN’s persistent enquiries neither AENA nor Ryanair have commented on the matter of passenger insurance at the time of going to press. Many passengers preferring to board via the airbridges are more than prepared to pay a little extra per ticket to cover the extra cost and a petition is in the pipeline to campaign for a safer and more comfortable boarding procedure than being bussed onto the tarmac in all weathers.

Ryanair boarding from the tarmac

Three naked bottoms wobble through the streets of Alicante

By Jan Gamm A TOTAL of thirty students from the University of Alicante took part in a nude sprint this week in an effort to relieve tension before final examinations. Around 500 spectators, mostly fellow classmates, assembled early in the morning on the Mall in front of Classroom Building II, eager not to miss the race. One contender said, “I love nudity and the freedom from clothes.” And a little girl enquired innocently: “Why don’t you run in your underwear as so many people are watching?” At the whistle the volunteers whipped off their clothes and performed the 1km dash to the shouts and applause of the crowd. The winner was presented with 30€, presumably comprising the total of a 1€ entry fee and an improvised statuette of unknown origin. The clothes of the runners were donated to Project Lazarus, a welfare organisation for the disadvantaged, along with bags of clothing from (still dressed) spectators. A repeat performance is planned for next year.

Shooting from the hip by Jack Troughton DETERMINED DIANA Hedley is leading a fight for compensation after suffering “excruciating pain” following hip replacement surgery on the Costa Blanca. The pensioner said she successfully underwent surgery at Torrevieja – one of some 200 patients receiving the ‘resurfacing ASR system’ at the hospital - manufactured by DePuy Orthopaedics, part of the Johnson and Johnson empire. The prosthesis was recalled by DePuy last year because of failures but beforehand it was commonly used in hospitals along the Costas. It is estimated 93,000 patients received the ‘articular surface replacement’ system round the globe and Diana’s research revealed a failure rate of one in eight. Diana, originally from Newcastle, and with husband Malcolm a missionary, hopes to organise a group action for damages – she has already instructed a lawyer and is beginning to hear from other patients who were given the ASR system. She said the manufacturer was being sued internationally by hospital governing bodies and the recipients of the new joint. She wants to start a “class

action” and wants to hear from anyone wishing to become involved. SURGERY

Diana, who lives in Torrevieja, said she had the first operation in April 2009 and in November last year was told she needed urgent “revision surgery”. She had a second operation in February this year and said she was now making steady progress. “Straight away after the first operation there was a constant restriction on movement because it felt as if one leg was longer than the other – I had great difficulty in walking from the outset,” she told RTN. “After several months it became apparent that something was seriously wrong. I could only walk with the aid of crutches and I experienced great difficulty in performing many movements, and also developed a pronounced limp. “I was in excruciating pain – it was like a tooth hitting a nerve – and there followed months of hospital visits in an endeavour to find the cause of the problem. For example over 40 sessions of physiotherapy only made matters worse, withnumerous and various in depth scans and so forth, but these led nowhere.” She was then told of the need for a second operation. “Although

No relief for the unemployed

03 - 09 june 2011

it was a relief to know something could be done, I was puzzled as to why it was necessary. Then I searched the Internet for the resurfacing ASR system and was absolutely astounded at what that revealed.” METAL

She said she discovered the system relied on a metal socket and ball and failures were caused by ‘metal rubbing on metal’, the component loosening and misalignment. And Diana said the wearing action caused particles of mainly cobalt and chrome to be released into the bloodstream risking damage to internal organs and affecting the performance of the hip and painful complications. Normally a keen walker, she said she could manage short distances without crutches “but I have to make very determined effort to take a step” and was hopeful she would make a recovery, adding: “I do like to be active.” Diana said anyone who underwent hip replacement surgery and believed they may have received the DePuy system should check their medical records. Anyone wanting to inquire about the group legal action can contact her on 96 571 6601 or Diana on crutches hedleysonamission@gmail.com

ONE IN three of the unemployed in the Marina Baixa region receive no financial unemployment benefit, according to the latest published statistics at the end of April. And despite a dramatic rise in tourism over Easter the injection of revenue failed to rescue the long term unemployed in the hospitality industry that have exhausted their financial resources.

Cocaine concealed in contraceptives POLICE AT Madrid-Barajas Airport arrested two people last weekend for drug trafficking. The first arrest, in Terminal 4, was made after a search revealed a passenger travelling to Brussels wearing 42 condoms taped to his legs containing liquid cocaine. A 33-year-old Venezuelan traveller was caught with 2,720 grams of cocaine hidden in the false heels of shoes packed in his suitcase.

03 - 09 june 2011

Health Ministry calls for tobacco costs to be doubled in Spain by Jan Gamm THE DEPARTMENT of Health is proposing that the cost of cigarettes and other tobacco products be doubled to bring the price of tobacco in Spain into line with the UK and France. Presently Spain is one of the cheapest places to buy cigarettes in Europe, at about 4€ per packet. The Deputy Director General of Health Promotion and Epidemiology, Rosa Ramirez, made a statement on Tuesday at a conference marking World No Smoking Day emphasising that Spain continues to supply cheap tobacco products and also supplies other European countries. REVIEW Ramirez also said that Spain has made a request to other European health ministries to review the regulation of so-called ‘electronic cigarettes’ advertised as being ‘risk free’ with regard to health yet remaining outside any legal framework. The benefits of the non-smoking laws brought in at the beginning of the year were expounded upon, noting that hospital admissions of children suffering with asthma as a result

of passive smoking were already significantly reduced, with figures under preparation to be published “later this year.” It was acknowledged that the decision to raise the price on tobacco products did not lie with the Ministry for Health alone but with the Ministry of Finance. PRICE WAR The President of the Committee on Health, Gaspar Llamazares, noted that tobacco companies are now immersed in a “price war” to overcome the effects of the smoking ban and wanted to put an end to the myth that the state “profits” from the tobacco trade: “The effects of smoking costs Spain around €17,000 million – more than double the amount recovered in taxation of tobacco,” he said. According to Llamazares, much remains to be done on taxes and treatments to encourage smoking addicts to give up the habit. The President of the National Committee for Smoking Prevention, Francisco Rodríguez Lozano, pointed out that the low price of tobacco has “great influence” on young people in Spain to start smoking aged as young as 13. For this reason, the Committee supports the price hike.

Tobacco costs to rise

GASP for the Lions

WHEN POPULAR Gran Alacant and Santa Pola Theatre Group (GASP) heard of the plight of the people of Lorca following the recent earthquake, they decided that they had to do something to try to help. The earthquake was in such close proximity that it could so easily have happened to them and this focused their minds on the need to assist. After much deliberation and having read an article about the Lions for Lorca Appeal, GASP Treasurer Chris Rooke contacted Iain Bennett, President of the Torrevieja Costa Lions Club to offer support. Iain visited GASP at their regular meeting place at the Life Resort in Gran Alacant and was delighted to receive the sum of 300€ euros from Chris. The photograph shows Iain receiving the donation from Chris and some GASP members. The needs of the people of Lorca are many and as time goes on those needs change. Any groups, organisations, businesses or indeed individuals who would like to help the Lions for Lorca Appeal, please contact Iain on idsbennett@hotmail.co.uk or phone 96 673 1495.

Princess of the Asturias meets Supernanny

PRINCESS LETIZIA was introduced to Spain’s ‘Supernanny’, Rocio Ramos Paul this week and expressed her constant concern over the Princesses Leonor and Sofia’s partiality to sweets. The Princess apparently applies strict control over the consumption of sweets and sticky drinks, allowing a limited supply on weekends only. However, Spanish Supernanny advocates a more lenient approach, saying a child’s love of sweet things is “normal.” The two little princesses are aged just six and four.

Shakira fans turned away SHAKIRA FANS were disappointed when the singer found it necessary to cancel her concert in Almeria scheduled for Wednesday evening. Ticket holders have been informed that their money will be refunded from Friday. A ‘weld’ in the stage failed leaving the structure unsafe and without sufficient time to effect a safe repair. Shakira issued a statement saying she deeply regretted having to cancel the concert but was happy that nobody

Arrest of Colmbia’s most wanted in Valencia NATIONAL POLICE, in a joint investigation with the Criminal Investigation Department of the National Police of Colombia, have arrested Carlos Alberto Alarcón Quintero in Valencia this week. Also known as ‘Pipi’, Quintero is alleged to be the ringleader of a band of assassins called ‘The Candle’, one of the most dangerous gangs in Colombia, and tops the Most Wanted list published by the Colombian police. Among other crimes, he is wanted for questioning over the shooting of a man at close range in Cali in 2006.

Bail jackpot the highest in Spanish history THE HIGHEST bail in Spanish history, a total of €15 million, has been set for Javier de la Rosa, Mario Conde, Juan Antonio Roca, Francisco Correa and Jaume Matas in the Gürtel case. Paul Crespo remains in custody, having failed to provide bail of €600,000.

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Disability? What disability? by Julie Day Ian and Alex are clients of Ruth Blackwood’s Casa Capaz, providing all-inclusive holidays with 24-hour support on a one-to-one basis for people with learning disabilities. Ian struggles with speech but nevertheless is understood by those around him and he has a cheeky sense of humour! He walks with a stick but if confronted with long distances or hilly areas needs

to travel in a wheelchair. Alex, on the other hand, requires minimal support. Although the attendant was nice enough, we thought it fairly incredulous that disabled parking bays allowing quick and easy access to the park did not exist, but once inside the park the rest of the day went like a dream. We spent the next few hours moving from attraction to attraction, stopping for coffee breaks and visiting practically the whole of the park.

We weren’t the only ones using a wheelchair

Wheelchair users and the disabled are given preference on every single ride at Terra Mítica, with no waiting in the general queue - the disabled enter each ride though the exit, affording easy access: the staff was attentive and extra helpful THE VERDICT

After the mini roller coaster

“It wasn’t bad at all,” said Alex, “It is hilly in parts so older people pushing a wheelchair may struggle in certain areas.” The layout of Terra Mítica has been very carefully designed with wheelchair access definitely in mind for each attraction, shop, toilet and service. Sister Rosa Planes from Valencia, visiting the park with a group of 34 disabled people, 20 of whom were wheelchair-bound, also agreed that the hills and slopes were not too much trouble and her group thoroughly enjoyed the outing.

After a fantastic day Ruth said, “It is wheelchair-friendly here - the staff was attentive, professional and friendly and knew exactly the correct procedure to carry out when dealing with disabled customers. I will definitely return with more of my clients in the future.” Ian interrupted and said: “Magic!”

opening times and facilities, please consult the Terra Mítica website at www.terramiticapark.com and to make a reservation please telephone 96 500 4743.

SCOOTER HIRE PER DAY AT TERRA MÍTICA Disabled: 10€ Able-bodied: 30€ WHEELCHAIR HIRE Per day: 6€ ENTRANCE TO TERRA MÍTICA PER DAY Disabled: 23€ Able-bodied adult: 35€ Disabled Groups (min 20 with prior Lots of wide reservation): 18.50€ walkways for For further information on prices, wheelchairs

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Total dedication HAVING JUST read the front page article in this week’s RTN issue 606 about Wayne Hutton and Nicole Matthews and their baby whose life was saved by Denia Hospital, I would like to add my praise and admiration to all at UCI Denia Hospital who saved my husband’s life . In March last year he collapsed with chronic pancreatitis and was rushed to Denia Hospital. He spent 3 months in UCI, much of the time on life support. During this period their dedication was total and even when he went into organ failure they never gave up. I could never fault their support for me. Each day a doctor came to see me with reports in English. With prayers from the members of the Costa Blanca Anglican Chaplaincy and the doctors who never gave up I am pleased to say that he slowly returned to us and is a walking miracle thanks to Denia Hospital´s staff. As one hears so many derogatory reports, I wanted to say how much we appreciate their care. Delia Green Benissa

Treated with utmost courtesy THROUGH RTN I would like to give a big thank you to Torrevieja Hospital and its wonderful staff. I was recently there for a second operation, the first being in October last year. I was treated with the utmost courtesy and had fantastic treatment from the admissions receptionist right up to the surgical staff during my two operations. What a wonderful hospital this is: it’s a pity the National Health Hospitals in the UK can’t live up to its standards, especially with regard to cleanliness. Mrs A M Nosworthy La Marina

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Take care with your belongings A LADY travelling recently to the UK from Alicante El Altet airport was required to place her property, including two silver bracelets she had been wearing, on a tray to go through the security x-ray machine. When the tray appeared on the belt after exiting the x-ray machine, there was only one bracelet. She pointed this out to security personnel there and then and a search was made of the belt and the passage the tray had taken, and also the immediate area but the bracelet was not found. At this time, after she had placed her belongings on the tray, there were a number of people very close to her and it is possible that it could have been removed then without her seeing it. When using any airport take particular care not to lose sight of your property and make sure that it enters into the x-ray tunnel safely before taking your eye away from it, and that it exits without being interfered with. Chris Poole Neighbourhood Watch

Sincere thanks from AECC THROUGH THE pages of your newspaper may I please send the sincere thanks of the Torrevieja branch of Associación Española Contra el Cancer (AECC) to Maria Wilson, for her latest fund-raising efforts on behalf of AECC. The event, held at Fit4All at Punta Prima, was a very well-attended meal and show put on by Suzy G. A raffle, with prizes

donated by Fit4All, helped raise the total to 686€ for the charity. Thank you, Maria, for all the hard work you put in despite your ongoing battle with cancer and if it is not too late, good luck with your Pink Ladies walk on Sunday 5th June. Mike Bissett AECC Torrevieja Press Liaison Officer

They just don’t care Grand day out at the market anymore I HAVE lived in the Monte Pego area for some seven years and have sadly seen the decline in the local Saturday Markets since the closure of the Vergel Safari Park Saturday Market but it was a real treat today to go to Beniarbeig. I had heard an advert on the local radio for a new market being held there - now my expectations were not high but hey, in for a penny in for a pound, so the Memsahib and I duly trotted off... The market is situated right in the town centre, on a very nice walkway

paved with grass verges; quite a change from the other markets which always appear very dusty. Apart from it not being the biggest market I had ever been to, and there is certainly room for growth, what a treat we were in for, with plenty of high quality stalls, selling lots of new items as well as the usual second hand - all the stalls appear to be very professional. There was a stall selling all items you would ever need in the kitchen, a guy selling a huge range of patio furniture, and of course the memsahib’s

favourite a stall selling new paperback books, reasonably priced: the choices go on and but unfortunately I had nothing left in my wallet by this stage! Totally ladened with booty, we made our way to Rosa’s Café for a cup of tea and a few gin and tonics. All in all a great day out and certainly hope the stalls and customers continue to grow and support such a wonderful setup. We will certainly make this a regular occurrence, as soon as we have saved up again. Macca

HOW NICE to read in RTN the letter from Muriel Bell in Algorfa regarding the excellent service she received from the Vodafone shop in Quesada. Congratulations to Vodafone – in contrast to the experience I had this week with IBERTECH, the computer shop, also in Quesada. Having bought a brand new printer from them only 4 months ago, it is now faulty and needs to be returned to the manufacture for a warranty repair. I took this back to the shop expecting them to make the necessary arrangements, but no - they were not in the least bit interested, telling me to do it myself as it was not their responsibility to do this. Their advert in the paper says ‘IBERTECH at your service’ – I would like to ask “What service?” because I have not had any this week despite numerous phone calls and visits to the shop. It is as Mrs Bell said in her letter: once they have sold you something, they just don’t care anymore… Margaret Dickinson Rojales

Getting away with it without a mention THANKS TO Conservative propaganda the average ‘man in the street’ thinks that benefit fraud is a massive problem and consumes many with a pathological hatred for the perpetrators of such fraud. While I dislike such fraud, the UK government is using the current onslaught against benefit cheats as a smokescreen to cover cuts of benefits to everyone. It is unjust and dishonest to blame these claimants for a crisis that was created by the financial institutions and the ‘free market system’. It is for fools and Tory tax-dodgers to blame the poor for their own demise. The problem is that the real culprits defrauding the system get away with it without a mention.

The bankers fund the Conservative Party. The bankers would rather see British workers on the dole as long as they can employ cheap labour from abroad. There is no patriotism amongst bankers, only a wish for bigger and bigger profits with no tax to pay. The truth is that on the government’s own statistics only 0.8% of benefits are down to fraud! The real problem lies with rich people who evade or avoid paying tax: this is the fraud that will never be tackled by a Conservative-led government and needs to be in the manifesto of an incoming Labour government. Jack Johnson, Finestrat

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Blue flag awarded to three Torrevieja beaches by Julie Day THE CITY of Torrevieja has been awarded three blue flags this year, denoting the excellent quality of its beaches. The most notable award was that of Playa del Cura, one of the town’s busiest and most popular beaches. The prestigious Blue Flag was removed from the beach several years ago, not reinstated until now. Playa de los Náufragos and Cala Piteras on the Rocío del Mar Urbanisation were awarded the remaining two flags, whilst Playa de los Locos, Cabo Cervera and La Mata beach all surprisingly missed out. Two of Torrevieja’s marinas, the Real Club Náutico and the Club Náutico Marina Internacional also received a merit and seal of quality. Councillor for beaches, José Eduardo Gil Rebollo, expressed his satisfaction at the recuperation of the blue flag in Playa del Cura, but also added that he did not understand why it was taken away in the first place. Torrevieja’s Playa The blue flag is awarded to European beaches del Cura that reach certain levels of cleanliness, accessibility, recuperates quality of water and the number of services avail- its blue flag able to the public. of quality

II Second-Hand Car Fair in Almoradí THE II SECOND-HAND Car Fair covering 9,000m2 is to take place from 3rd June until Sunday 5th June in the Plaza Almoradi Ciudad de Servicios. From 10am until 10pm, the Cars Association of Almoradí (ASA) will show more than 150 vehicles. Eight vehicles dealers will show a wide range of used cars. This is an opportunity to find the car you’re looking for without having to travel far, at an unbeatable price with excellent service and warranty and credit facilities offered through official dealers of reliable brands. Even more fun, there will also be some exhibitions of classic vehicles (cars and motorcycles) in the same square, with games for the children and a kiosk-bar for refreshments which will be open all day.

Non-active children could suffer with back problems Landrover Rangerover (2002) 3.0 Diesel - Toyota Avensis Auto (2004) 2.4 Petrol - Fiat Punto Grande (2008) 1.4 Active Petrol - Chevrolet Aveo (2008) 1.4 16v 70ps LS Petrol - Hyundai i10 (2008) 1.1 Petrol - Renault Kangoo (2007) 1.5 DCi Diesel - Suzuki Ignis (2006) 1.3 DDIS Diesel - Ford Focus (2005) 1.6 TDCi Diesel - Opel Corsa (2006) 1.2 Twinport Petrol - Peugeot 206CC (2004) 1.6 Petrol - Kia Rio (2005) 1.3 SOHC Petrol - Peugeot 407 (RHD) (2006) 2.0 SE HDi Diesel - Citroen C2 (2005) 1.1 i Furio Petrol - Renault Scenic (2003) 1.9 DCi Diesel - Ford Focus Estate (2002) 1.8 TDDi Trend Diesel - Ford Focus (RHD) (2003) 1.6 Zetec Petrol - Renault Megane Scenic Auto (2002) 1.6 RXE Petrol - Opel Corsa (2003) 1.0 Petrol - Citroen Xsara (1999) 2.0 Image HDi Diesel -

Renault Scenic (2005) 1.9 DCi Privilege Diesel - €8,995

Seat Leon (2007) 1.6 Petrol 42.667km - €9,995

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Renault Clio (2007) 1.2 16v Petrol 50.100km- €7,995

Ford Focus (2007) 1.6 Trend Petrol 39.000km - €8,995

60 Cars Available across 2 Sales Sites

Landrover Rangerover Auto (2002) 3.0 200.000 Diesel - €21,995

Seat Leon (2007) 1.9 DTi Diesel 35.000km - €10,995

Ford Focus (2008) 1.6 TDCi Diesel 79.937km - €9,995

BMW 320D Auto (2002) 2.0 Diesel 115.000km - €9,995

Hyundai Tucson (2007) 2.0 Petrol 44.000km - €11,995

Ford Focus CMax (2007) 1.6 TDCi 68.599km Diesel - €10,495

Seat Ibiza (2007) 1.4 TDi Reference 70 Diesel - €8,495

Suzuki Ignis (2006) 1.3 DDIS Diesel 52.000km - €6,995

By Julie Day A STUDY carried out by a physiotherapist in Torrevieja has found that approximately 80% of children in the city suffer from some kind of locomotive problem such as scoliosis. The doctor examined 525 children between the ages of 5 and 18 from a school in Torrevieja and found that 30% showed signs of scoliosis or a twisted spine. The doctor stated that when detected early, these types of diseases can be treated and cured but that in the majority of cases involving these children, their parents had no idea that anything was wrong. If left undetected, these illnesses, which often show no obvious symptoms, could develop into a more serious condition that may not be cured with any type of treatment. According to the medical expert kids these days are not as active as they were in previous generations and spend much of their time playing video games on the sofa or lying on a bed. She explains that scoliosis and similar conditions are caused from bad posture, untreated injuries or are hereditary.

Normal Price Homeclean Price 3 Piece Suite from €120 from €60 2 Piece Suite from €100 from €50 Leather Suite Price on application Carpets Price on application Oriental Rugs Price on application Curtains in Situ Curtains Full Length from €90 €45 Curtains Half Length from €80 €40 Mattresses cleaned Single €20 and Double €30 Marble Floors Cleaned and Polished

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

The Twitter on the Tyne is all mine, all mine YOU HAVE to laugh, don’t you? A not-tobe named footballer has a go at Twitter and suddenly everyone’s on the Twitter-bashing-bandwagon. For example, up north there is a fog on the Tyne due to some minor officials having gotten extremely hot under the collar because a whistle-blower has leaked information and it has ‘Twittered’ out onto the Internet. Yes folks, Twitter posts under the sobriquet Mr Monkey have made some jobsworths hopping mad. The next thing we know is that these three councillors and an official of South Tyneside Council have subpoenaed Twitter in a Californian court in a bid to reveal who this Mr Monkey really is. That’s costly, I can hear you ask -“Did they use their own money?” No, of course not, it came out of the council’s purse - the tax payer paid. So who is Mr Monkey? The safe money was said to be on Ahmed Khan, an independent councillor who has several Twitter accounts. He told The Independent: “If a council can take this kind of action against one of its own councillors simply because they don’t like what I say, what hope is there for freedom of speech or privacy?” Well none, if councillor David Potts (one of the individuals named in the legal order) gets his way. He is more than happy for the council to spend £75,000 of tax payers’ money stopping Mr Monkey’s 140 character polemics. He said, “I don’t mind being criticised. I’ve got a thick

skin. But this blog is perverted, sleazy, sick, filthy and is full of sordid lies. We have a duty to look after our employees.” He added, “It isn’t a case of politicians not wanting to be criticised.” Oh no, are you sure about that Davey? They do say there is no smoke without fire. The criticising of councils and their factotums has been the order of the day since way back when. I mean, look at the likes of Thomas Paine et al; they were taking out their quills writing pamphlets against who and what they saw as unjust as far back as the 1700s. Surely it is and has been part of the democratic process. Why did they think it was Ahmed? Here are a few of his Twitters: “Its official South Tyneside Council is a Rotten Borough.” That’s not too damning it sounds like a line straight out of Blackadder, doesn’t it? How about this one? “Can’t help wondering if South Tyneside were advised by Ryan Giggs’s lawyers…” Or the amusingly alliterative slogan: “Tw*ts on the Tyne...” Come on you South Tyneside Four, the writing has always been on the wall. Would you have subpoenaed the railways when that sort of stuff was daubed on station walls? Just because the writing has moved off the wall and onto the Internet there is no need to get all ‘prissy’. Look guys, I get it here on this column from ‘tyne to tyne’- er – sorry… time to time. Just a few months back a couple emailed into the RTN office saying I was a rabid Tory and since Gordon Brown had

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gone I’d lost my bite. They said, “It’s not so much Watts in Britain but Tw*ts in Britain...” Now I didn’t get all fumed up and demand their email address and gagging orders; I just thought they’re probably right and if that’s their opinion so be it. So, come on sensitive South Tyneside minor factotums you should be spending £75,000 on children’s books or something worthwhile, not threatening Twitter. All the Tyneside Four’s talk of their ‘uman rights’ led Councillor Khan to respond. He told a Radio 4 audience: “I don’t fully understand it but [this action] all relates to my Twitter account and it not only breaches MY human rights, but it potentially breaches the human rights of anyone who has ever sent me a message on Twitter. This is Orwellian. It is like something out of 1984.” Could we see the end of free speech on Twitter? Twitter said it could not comment on individual cases, but its privacy policy states it will “comply with a law, regulation or legal request”. However, the company would “notify users before disclosure of account information.” Hmmm, looks to me like we could all soon be gagged (or is that now Giggs-ed) on things we Twitter and whistle-blowers will have to go back literally to writing on the wall. Tweet me if it’s not too rude @ wattsinbritain… Tw*ts in Britain - here pass me that subpoena...

Device invented for shrinking objects

THE CHINESE inventors of a bizarre scientific instrument that makes objects appear smaller than their actual size are to target the military market as the device is thought to have the capability of confusing radar and other electromagnetic detection systems. The invention is called ‘The Reduction Device’ and works by bending light and controlling its path around a given object. The machine could even be developed to ‘generate’ small virtual objects that do not actually exist.

IKEA Sunday opening to create jobs IKEA’S THREE stores in Madrid began opening on Sundays from 1st June from 10am until 10pm except on public holidays. The decision will enable the creation of more than 200 jobs, some of which will be on a part time basis.

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Scandinavian public health head-hunters in Benidorm by Jan Gamm PUBLIC HEALTH representatives from Norway and Sweden are in Benidorm interviewing personnel to work in medical centres in Scandinavia, where working conditions are exceptional, with fewer hours worked for higher rates of pay. A quota of 200 “committed and professional” general nurses, specialist nurses, nursing assistants and geriatric nurses are to be recruited with a further 500 to be interviewed in October of this year. Candidates are being offered

Rubalcaba to run for head of PSOE DEPUTY PRIME Minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba has informed the PSOE executive of his intention to run for leader of the party in the run up to the 2012 election, following Zapatero’s decision to step down. Rubalcaba has been with the party for 37 years.

attractive remuneration compared to that currently available in Spain. Contracts, both temporary and permanent, will feature a period of familiarisation including a basic language course, fares, accommodation and the processing of all necessary paperwork, including assistance with money transfers back to Spain for those wanting to prop up family finances in the economic crisis. Dignus Medical is a specialist medical recruitment company handling personnel recruitment all over Europe.

Spanish nurses head hunted for Scandinavia

Threats unveiled

A MOROCCAN woman living in La Seu has denounced her husband for forcing her to wear the Islamic veil in the street; denying her freedom; regularly beating her and also threatening to throw her off the balcony of their home. The prosecution requested 2½ years imprisonment but the defence denies the charges against lack of evidence.

Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba

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Brazen robbers in Elche go for the triple by Jan Gamm AN ELCHE family are recovering from the shock of being robbed three times in one day by the same thieves. The mother and daughter of the family, at a supermarket around noon on Tuesday 31st May, put some bags on the ground beside their car while loading their shopping. A minute or so later they realised the bags had disappeared, along with their keys and other personal belongings. While the mother waited at the supermarket, the daughter went home for spare keys but on arrival sensed at the door that someone was in the house. Horrified, she realised that the two thieves that had stolen the bags had used the keys to get into the house. They made a hasty getaway but not without the young lady grabbing and ripping the shirt of one of the men. That night, understandably restless and unable to sleep after spending hours in the local police station making a statement, the daughter went to the window and in the darkness witnessed the family car being stolen by one of the thieves that had escaped earlier! Police located the vehicle but unfortunately during the chase the car was slammed into a fence near the sports complex of the University Miguel Hernández! The driver escaped from the wreckage of the car on foot but was eventually arrested and taken into custody.

Stable companions by Jack Troughton ANIMAL CHARITY Amigo Mio has welcomed its first guests to the new stable block at the Orihuela refuge for abandoned animals. Two mistreated horses were taken to the centre in San Bartolome after being rescued. Both animals were found severely malnourished and abandoned. Before being taken to the centre, the pair had been recuperating in a specialist centre where various injuries were treated – a vet has now certified them fit for adoption but they will remain with Amigo Mio until suitable homes are found. Amigo Mio is running the centre – which is owned by Orihuela Town Hall and part funded by the local authority – and the charity will also raise funds. And the charity aims to be a highquality refuge for abandoned animals with high levels of care and a re-homing programme. It is keen that people should have easy access to the centre to encourage higher levels of adoption and involvement. Centre manager Virtudes Sanchis said: “Our first priority is to improve conditions at the centre and provide the best possible care for animals that Sensing thieves sadly end up here. “However, we are very aware that in the longer term at the much more needs to be done to address door…

the problem of why so many animals are abandoned.” He said Amigo Mio was working closely with the local authority and other charities to improve animal welfare and welcomed public participation. Amigo Mio is looking for volunteers to help with activities such as dog walking and socialisation, feral cat sterilisation programmes, and fundraising. To find out more call 648 498 668, email info@centroproteccionanimalesorihuela. com or visit www. centroproteccionanimalesorihuela.com. The centre is just off the CV911 between San Bartolome and Callosa de Segura.

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Consulate at work by Jack Troughton WORK EXPERIENCE students went behind the scenes at the British Consulate in Alicante to learn how UK citizens were helped by a dedicated team. The pair, from the British School in the city, spent six weeks at the busiest consulate in the world watching the team at work and helping out. And students Claudia and Ana Karin both enjoyed the experience and were each presented with a certificate of achievement at the end of their stay by Consul Paul Rodwell. Claudia said: “There is a very dynamic atmosphere and it is incredibly busy. I was impressed by the way that they are so focused on customers and always looking to improve the services they offer.” Because of the over-riding rule of Consular confidentiality, the students were unable to study the detail of individuals being aided by the team, but Ana Karin added: “From

what I did see, the Consulate seems to be a very rewarding place to work, helping people out with some complex and sensitive situations.” Claudia and Ana Karin were able to give a helping hand collating feedback from the popular ‘outreach’ events when the team takes a roadshow into the expat community, photocopying and helping organise office supplies. BILINGUAL Presenting them with the certificates with the girl’s headmaster David Laidlaw, Mr Rodwell said: “Claudia and Ana Karin were very enthusiastic. Both of them being bilingual was tremendous. “Many people have a preconceived idea of what a consulate does and I think they were quite surprised by what we actually do.” UK nationals are reminded the team can help

Claudia and Ana Karin with (right) Consul Paul Rodwell

with a replacement passport if the original travel document is lost or stolen; help transfer money to Spain; offer support to victims of crime or if people are ill or in hospital; provide a list of English-speaking lawyers, interpreters, doctors or funeral directors; look after the welfare of those imprisoned; offer support and help in cases such as child abductions, forced marriages, death of relatives overseas, missing persons or in cases of kidnapping; make arrangements to aid Britons caught up in acts of terrorism, civil unrest or

natural disasters. However, the Consulate cannot get people out of prison or interfere with another country’s legal system; help people enter a country without a valid passport or visa; give legal advice or investigate crime; get UK citizens better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to locals; pay bills or hand out money; make travel arrangements; become involved in private disputes; or insure the safety of people in another country, which is the responsibility of the government concerned.

Valencian schools to mind their language By Jan Gamm MINISTER FOR Education, Alejandro Font de Mora, has submitted a draft decree that proposes the unification of language in the current teaching system in the Valencian region, integrating Castilian and Valenciano with the use of English to be gradually incorporated to 33% of the curriculum, targeted for implementation in the academic year 2012 – 2013. The proposal is to be presented shortly to the Legal Advisory Council and the Valenciano School Board, as well as to the teaching unions and parents’ associations. Alejandro Main problems in the administration of the decree are Font de already identified as being the lack of teacher training and Mora resources, especially in English, and achieving the correct with balance of languages in areas where parents prefer their school children children to be educated in their first language.

Font de Mora’s proposal in its draft form has so far met with severe criticism from the teaching fraternity, with objections that there is little common ground between Castilian and Valenciano; that there are too few resources to make teaching in English workable and that the proposal does not comply with the Education Act in Valencia. The Federation of Parents of Students of Alicante reacted more favourably, stating: “In principle it does not seem that far-fetched as it seeks to support and integrate the two official languages, at the same time allowing students to acquire skills ‘one to each other’, such as a command of English.” Font de Mora has long been an advocate of the integration of English into the Spanish curriculum. Meanwhile teachers wait with interest to know the full contents of the decree.

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Knee surgery for King Juan Carlos by Jan Gamm

KING JUAN Carlos is to undergo anthroplastic surgery in early June to alleviate joint pain that restricts movement in his right knee, the result of an old sporting injury. Arthroplasty rebuilds destroyed or damaged joints, replacing the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve pain and disability and fitting a prosthesis to restore function. The operation is usually performed under an epidural anaesthetic but involves substantial postoperative pain and includes vigorous physical rehabilitation, with a recovery period of six weeks or longer involving the use of mobility aids (walking frames, canes and crutches) to help restore pre-operative mobility.

Furious Elche residents take to the streets

HUNDREDS OF residents took part in a street protest this week in Elche demanding that a mobile phone antenna be removed from the roof of a building in Calle La Pau. The demonstrators claim that the antenna is illegal and that correct permissions were not secured before the mast was erected. The local council is reviewing the matter.

Sea tragedy last week at La Marina RTN WOULD like to apologise for an error in last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s issue regarding the nationality of a 65-yearold man who tragically lost his life at La Marina. The man was reported to be Irish but in fact was of Icelandic nationality. RTNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condolences go to his family and friends.

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Just one year ago the King was in surgery to have a benign lung nodule removed, from which he made a spectacular recovery. He has undergone a total of five operations, three of which were necessary as a result of sporting accidents. King Juan Carlos intends to continue his schedule of engagements until his operation and so far there has been no indication from the Palacio de la Zarzuela (the royal residence) that the King will be delegating any of his public obligations to the Prince of Asturias. Besides his numerous sporting mishaps the King has also been prone to several other accidents: in 1980 he fell off a tank after military exercises in Zaragoza; in 1988 he was hit in the eye with a stick while hunting in Sweden and in the winter of 1995 he sprained his wrist after skidding on a patch of ice.

King Juan Carlos still agile at 73

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Classical music on the agenda this weekend by Julie Day CLASSICAL MUSIC lovers are in for a treat this weekend with several concerts taking place on Saturday and Sunday in Torrevieja. Three local choirs consisting of the Orfeón Municipal Ricardo Lafuente, Coral Maestro Casanovas and the Francisco Vallejos Choir will perform on Saturday at 9pm at the new Auditorium-Conservatory. This concert is free with an invitation. At the same time, the duo Sánchez-González will perform a violin and piano recital at the Palacio de la Música with tickets priced at 5€ each. On Sunday evening at 9pm, two more performances will take place. The first is another amalgamation of three local choirs including the Coro Sol y Sal, Coro Amas de Casa Cecilio Gallego and the Lírica Nostra Choir. This concert is being held in the Symphonic Hall of the Auditorium-Conservatory and is free with an invitation. The final concert will take place at the Music Palace in the town’s centre and consists of a recital from European musicians including Viktor Bukhariev, Olga Vasilovskaya, Maksim Semmeniako and Galina Seliverstova. Tickets for this final concert are priced at 10€. All tickets and invitations for the above concerts can be picked up from the Municipal Theatre ticket office on Friday between 11am and 1pm or on the night of the performance from the venue itself.

The Lírica Nostra Vocal and Instrumental Choir of Torrevieja

Kids against smoking in Alicante

MORE THAN 500 primary school students of the Pedro Duque School in Alicante took to the streets this week in a smoking protest. The children wore handcrafted banners and posters outlining the dangers of smoking and paraded through the streets of the Garbinet neighbourhood of Alicante asking passers-by if they smoked and if so, why. The demonstration was part of a health initiative to prevent children from beginning to smoke.

Galgos Del Sol Fundraising Day By Julie Day EARLY RAIN showers, black clouds and the threat of more rain were never going to stop Penny Wing as she carried out her fundraising day for the Galgos del Sol charity on Monday at the Antisha Gift Shop in Playa Flamenca. From 10am all the way through until 5pm Penny attended a stream of people who had all come along to sample a mini Reiki treatment, Indian head massage, or have an Angel card reading, the latter which proved to be the most popular. A total of 225€ was raised on the day, which will be donated to the Galgos del Sol charity that helps and cares for abandoned and mistreated greyhounds, along with a large amount of dog biscuits, which people also brought along to donate. “I had a great day on Monday and was amazed at the turnout. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who came along to support me, to Tony and Pat from Antisha for letting me use their premises, Sonja for helping with appointments, and finally to Tina and the wonderful group of volunteers from Galgos Del Sol who put in so much time and effort to rescue and re-home these beautiful, gentle dogs. As soon as I have recovered I will do it again,”

exclaimed Penny. For further information about Penny and the type of treatments that she carries out, please visit her website at www.pennywing.com or you can contact her by calling 680 256 266.

Penny carries out an Angel card reading with a client

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Lady with an Ermine comes to Spain by Jan Gamm LEONARDO DA Vinci’s ‘Lady with an Ermine’, Poland’s most prized 15th Century masterpiece, may be seen in Spain at Madrid’s Palacio Real from 3rd June, following lengthy discussion by conservationists in Poland as to whether the painting should be taken on tour to Spain, Germany and the UK. The owners of the painting, a private family foundation, have been lobbying for it to be put on temporary display outside the country and expressed satisfaction with the decision. “We are happy that reason prevailed,” said Maria Osterwa-Czekaj, deputy head of the Princes’ Czartoryski Foundation. She said her foundation will earn “thousands of euros” from foreign exhibitions to help with the running costs of a Krakow museum but declined to disclose the exact amount. Lady with an Ermine is painted in oil on a panel, dated from around 1490 and depicting Cecilia Gallerani, the beautiful 17-year-old mistress of Ludovico Sforza, carrying in her arms a small ermine, a reference to Ludovico

the Moor, known by the nickname ‘Ermellino’ for having received the Order of the Ermine. Details of exhibitions at the Palacio Real may be found at http://www.patrimonionacional.es/

Lady with an Ermine

Consul prepares for thousands of Brits attending the FIB this July THE CONSULATE in Alicante has been pro-active in preparing for this year’s Benicassim Festival to be held in Castellon province this July. Through meetings with senior officials, security forces and the festival organisers, the Consulate hopes that the festival will be an enormous success. Some Brits do not realise that Mr Rodwell is responsible for the Castellón province of Spain, despite being based in Alicante. As was proven following the Lorca earthquake, it is essential to have a good relationship with local authorities in case an emergency situation arises. For this reason, the Consul met with the Delegado del Gobierno in Castellon and also with the key authorities in Benicassim in preparation for the music festival that takes place there each July. The Mayor of Benicassim, home of the hugely popular ‘Festival Internacional de Benicassim’ better known as ‘FIB’ welcomed the visit, as this year they are expecting an even larger number of British nationals to attend. They discussed how best to prevent lost or stolen passports from spoiling festival-goers’ fun and how to support them if anything does go wrong. Paul Rodwell said: “Prevention is a key part of consular work and it is essential to get key messages out to minimise the

number of cases of Brits who fall victim to crime or simply lose their passports. This year, we’re going to run as much publicity as we can through social networking sites, forums and official sites to make festival goers aware of potential risks and what to do if anything goes wrong. It was really useful to be able to discuss these issues with local authorities and festival organisers today”. For his part, the mayor also gave his commitment to supporting the British nationals who attend the festival, saying “We will do everything we can to collaborate with the Consulate and improve the assistance that is given to the British nationals who attend the FIB.” Following this meeting, the Consul also participated in an open meeting with local residents in Alcossebre, along with the Pension, Benefit and Healthcare Team where they explained what the Consulate can and can’t do, as well as people’s entitlements in terms of benefits and healthcare in Spain. After the event, both the Consul and the Pension, Benefit and Healthcare and the Consul team spent some time talking to attendees about their individual concerns and queries.

British Consul Paul Rodwell meets Benicassim Mayor along with Festival organisers and police representatives

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Lethal infection strikes Europe by Jan Gamm DEATHS HAVE risen to 16 as hundreds of patients continue to be admitted to hospitals across Europe in the biggest outbreak of E-coli ever seen in the region. Cases of Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) have been reported in Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands with 373 people in Germany sick with the most serious form of the outbreak and numbers climbing daily. Unsubstantiated reports of the outbreak being traced to Spanish cucumbers were met with extreme anger by the Spanish government and prompted German and French authorities to withdraw the allegations following tests that confirmed the presence of a potentially deadly infection but not the same strain. Officials remain convinced that the infection is sourced in raw vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers. The death toll is expected to climb in the coming days as the virus spreads across Europe. Spain’s agriculture minister, Rosa Aguilar, defended the country’s fresh produce and said it was still unclear where and when the vegetables had been contaminated, munching a cucumber to demonstrate her point. So far there are no cases reported in Spain. The EU Executive has recommended citizens be alert for symp-

toms, such as diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps and exercise extreme caution when preparing raw foods.

Rosa Aguilar making a point

Second by seconds FERNANDO ALONSO came within seconds of winning the Monaco Grand prix for Ferrari, ‘pipped at the flag’ by Sebastian Vettel but finishing ahead of both McLarens. Sergio Perez was released from hospital on Monday after being knocked unconscious in a serious crash. The FIA is to pass a decision on whether the Mexican will be cleared to race in the Canadian Grand Prix this week.

Television network premises burned in revenge attack By Jan Gamm THE PREMISES of a local television company in Almoradi has been gutted by fire, alleged to have been started at around 6.30am on Sunday in a revenge arson attack by a former employee, prompted by a labour dispute. The 30-year-old Russian national, thought to have entered the building with a key, started the fire and watched passively from the street as the flames spread, before being arrested without resistance. Fire officers in Almoradi Burned debris worked for more than three

hours to extinguish the fire which left hundreds of residents without electricity caused by damaged power lines. Many have also been left without internet, telephone services and cable television supplied by the company. Owner of the company, Vicente Gonzalez, stated that there is no truth to the rumour that he owed a debt to the arsonist and confirmed that all of the audiovisual archive of Almoradi collated since 1987 has been destroyed in the fire. The suspect has been detained in police custody.

15 -03 21 -october 2010 09 june 2011

ONLY ONE story grabbing all the headlines down our neck of the woods this week: the E.coli cucumber ‘have they haven’t they’ debacle. As I write this the current position is that having initially suspected the cucumbers of causing the outbreak of E.coli and the related deaths, then it being confirmed that it was indeed the organic cucumbers that has caused the outbreak, it now appears that Germany are not sure at all what was the cause, but have confirmed that the cucumbers are not to blame. The two Spanish companies named in the E.coli cucumber alert always claimed that the contamination is unlikely to have taken place on Spanish soil, insisting all tests carried out have shown no trace of the bacteria. Málaga-based Frunet Bio and cooperative group Costa de Almería, which has its headquarters in Roquetas del Mar, Almería, have said it is their belief that the contamination with E.coli happened on arrival in Germany or during transportation. With 16 already dead and a further 470 in hospital the outbreak has been described as the biggest of its kind, and it goes without saying that it is a tragedy for those effected. It is also a tragedy for those that have been wrongly accused, and damned, and who knows what long term damage will have been done to the companies involved. The ‘greenhouses’ have suffered like everyone else during the crisis, so to see the images of thousands of perfectly safe cucumbers being dumped in skips will have been a real knife through the heart for the industry. No wonder that Deputy Prime Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba has said. “A lot of money has been lost, and our image, and we don’t rule out taking action against the authorities who cast doubt on the quality of our produce, in this case the authorities in Hamburg.” Apparently Spanish fruit and vegetable exporters are losing as

much as 200 million euros a week in sales as consumers avoid the country’s products. The real issue surely though is that demonstrates yet again just what a joke a ‘united’ Europe really is. First sign of trouble and none of this “we are all in it together” tosh that Cameron likes to spew out, not it is an immediate case of “every man for himself” and damn the consequences. Other stories of note included the announcement that Spain’s Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has proposed Deputy Prime Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba as the candidate to lead the ruling Socialists (PSOE) into the 2012 general elections. No surprise really, nor that it followed a bout of infighting between supporters of Rubalcaba and Defence Minister Carme Chacon, but the most striking observation to me is the similarity between the Blair ‘handover’ to Brown, a ‘hospital pass’ if ever there was one. I can’t help feeling that this is just going to be a case of history repeating itself, with the slight exception that Zapatero will remain as Prime Minister until the 2012 elections now that his successor has been identified. Rubalcaba must know that he has no chance at all of winning the 2012 election though, so why he would he want the grief? And on the subject of the EU did you see the proposals for an inflation-busting budget rise that would see Britons forced to pay £200 a year directly to Brussels? Chris runs a expat blog about life in Spain (www.almerimarlife.com) and is a regular contributor to a number of publications and radio stations in Spain, as well as writing a monthly column for the Telegraph Expat site and is a Telegraph Expat guest blogger. He lives in Almerimar with his wife Sands, four cats, two Harleys and more often than not a glass of red.

Views from a balcony is sponsored by Central Contracts (www.centralcontracts.com) a leading car leasing company supplying cars and vans to business users and private individuals. See also www.almerimarlife.com/expat-technology-blog Email: chris@almermarlife.com Social Networks: Twitter - Facebook - Facebook Group

Pride of Lions

By Jack Troughton TEULADA MORAIRA Lions and friends were proud to raise more than 2,000€ on the club’s 15th annual sponsored walk last Sunday. Around 50 people of all ages – 36 registered walkers – took part in the popular event which traditionally starts and finishes at Moraira Castle and the international club was joined by Spanish supporters for the morning ‘stroll’. With sponsorship cash still being collected, the Lions said: “We were extremely pleased that so many Lions and their friends attended our charity event and we anticipate raising well in excess of 2,000€ for local families in need. And Teulada Moraira Lions would like to hear from anyone who can help an urgent appeal – for storage space in the Moraira area. Just call 96 574 1358.

Journey’s end

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Answers to last week’s questions

Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

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

Lesson 160

The first thing you had to do was some gap filling last week, and hopefully those of you who were up to the task were able to work out the correct order as well. To avoid problems of spacing I’ll put the conjugations into lines rather than columns, the answers being the 3rd person forms in bold print. In each case there is a vowel change in the root of the verb. Pedir: Pedí, pediste pidió, pedimos, pedisteis, pidieron. Seguir: Seguí, seguiste, siguió, seguimos, seguisteis, siguieron. Sentirse: Me sentí, te sentiste, se sintió, nos sentimos, os sentisteis, se sintieron. Dormir: Dormí, dormiste, durmió, dormimos, dormisteis, durmieron. (1 point each – 8 points in total) Next were the sentences that needed translating using those dreaded irregular verbs. Remember that when translating there are always different ways of saying things, and I am just giving you one basic alternative. Dar: di, diste, dio, dimos, disteis, dieron We gave you the answer. Te dimos la respuesta. Decir: dije, dijiste, dijo, dijimos, dijisteis, dijeron What did he say? ¿Qué dijo? Estar: estuve, estuviste, estuvo, estuvimos, estuvisteis, estuvieron We were there last week. Estuvimos allí la semana pasada. Hacer: hice, hiciste, hizo, hicimos, hicisteis, hicieron The children didn’t do their homework. Los niños no hicieron sus deberes. Ir: fui, fuiste, fue, fuimos, fuisteis, fueron I went to Cuenca last month with my mother. Fui a Cuenca el mes pasado con mi madre. Querer quise, quisiste, quiso, quisimos,

Spain the recycled paper king of Europe SPAIN IS leading the rest of Europe when it comes to recycling paper with an increase of 11.1% in recycled products since 2009, beating Germany, Holland and Italy. In 2010, Spanish citizens recovered 4,637,100 tons of used paper and cardboard; the equivalent of 45 football stadiums.

quisisteis, quisieron What did that man want? ¿Qué quiso ese hombre? Tener: tuve, tuviste, tuvo, tuvimos, tuvisteis, tuvieron I was lucky that day. Tuve suerte ese día. (3 points per correct answer – 21 in total) And finally, some translations into English involving object pronouns, both direct and indirect. Again I have tried to keep the examples basic and of common usage. Notice that we sometimes miss the translation of “lo” (it) out of the English version, also that the pronoun “la” may refer to a feminine object as well as a person. Mi madre me lo dijo. My mother told me. Te lo voy a explicar. I’m going to explain it to you. Dámelo por favor. Give it to me please. ¡Pásamela! Pass it to me. A tu amigo se lo mandé ayer. I sent it to your friend yesterday. ¿Me puedes comprar uno? Can you buy one for me? (3 points for each correct translation – 18 in total) Well, this time the total comes to 47, so I think you should add 3 points just for going through the grief of revising things that I never taught you in the first place (yes, all the best teaching methods here), and then multiply your answer by two to find the percentage. With this test I have now finished revising the main points covered in this series of articles, which believe it or not has been going for over three years! Summer is round the corner so I think we’re due for a change of direction. See you next week.

15-M stays on THE 15-M democracy demonstrators in the Puerta del Sol decided following Sunday’s debate to continue their organised protest but plan to restructure to expand its presence to other city neighbourhoods. The authorities are still not intervening in Madrid, despite the newly elected Partido Popular’s demands for the Puerta del Sol to be cleared.

business

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Do what comes naturally & blaze a business trail by

Karla Darocas

Information Technology & Communications

MY GRANDFATHER was a farmer and he was very good at it. He loved to watch his garden grow, nurturing the fruits and vegetable of his labour. In my youth, when I was still seeking my direction in life and finance, he would say to me, “Do what you find easy.” His logic was that if something was too difficult to do, then it was not for me. It was a step in the right direction for me because in the end I did find my path and I did take his advice and stayed focused on doing the activities that I found came naturally to me like writing, art and teaching. To this day, I still do what I love. I sometimes see people running around promoting businesses that have nothing to do with them. They make phone calls

Ann Martin

upsetting their friends and family with silly products or schemes. They spend money on advertising, collect email addresses; spend more money on petrol and buying tables at tradeshows – and for what? To promote a product that has nothing to do with them so they can make a mere 30% commission? Their expenses and time do not even begin to neither qualify nor justify their crazy enterprise. If only these foolish people would take a good look in the mirror and ask themselves what they could do to generate revenue that would flow naturally, from their heart, experience and intellect. I believe that these people would be a lot happier and richer! Take for example Ann Martin of Benitachell. Here is a woman who began baking cakes three decades ago and even though she tried her hand at being busy in many other ways, it was baking that was cooking in her heart. “In England, I started baking cakes when my son was three years old,” explains Ann who emphasises that her son is now 30 years old. “He wanted a clown cake but I could not find one anywhere so I decided to make my own. I went to the Ideal Home exhibition that year and there was a

Wilton cake stand. There they taught me to use icing. In short, and with lots of practice, I made that clown cake.” The clown cake was a big hit with her son and with the guests. Her efforts resulted in lots of orders from friends and family. So, she bought more cake tins and baking equipment and practiced at her passion. The orders kept flooding in. Then Ann and her husband moved to Spain. “When we moved, I gave away most of my baking tins because I thought I would be too busy to bake,” she explains. “But I missed baking. I discover that it was the one thing that I enjoyed so much. I finally decided to make baking into a business.” Debbie Smith of Javea is another example of a person who found that helping people just came naturally to her and decided to wrap a business around her knowledge. “I first came in contact with people who suffer problems from substance misuse whilst working for the prison service and with Addaction,” explains Debbie who this year launched CostaRehab Services. “When I moved to Spain, I realized that I had a lot of skills and knowledge that could be used in the community, for the community. All of my training

Karla Darocas * Business Communications Software Training & Computer Repairs *Helping You to Help Yourself 965 973 234.

Debbie

in the UK meant now that I can help people in Spain. Debbie came to the realization that being “knowledge-confident” and having a natural way with helping people created a sensational business model. For Debbie, it meant that she can make an optimistic contribution to the community and in people’s lives. “It gives me a buzz when I make a positive impact on someone’s life whether big or small,” she concludes. “I am a very enthusiastic person and by using my motivational interviewing skills to empower people, I can make changes to others’ lives!” In short, if there is something you do that makes you happy and keeps you motivated to participate with life and people, then you might just be sitting on a good business idea.

money

03 - 09 june 2011

Life in Spain with the volatile pound

Kevin Wright

Account Manager, Moneycorp

MANAGING YOUR finances abroad can be difficult, but getting the basics right can be relatively easy. The key consideration for people living in Spain is ensuring a steady, regular income from their savings and/or pension in the UK. In the current economic climate the value of income for pensioners and ex-pats living in Spain is down compared to a few years ago. Although the pound has improved over recent weeks, there is a still a long way to go and its improvement is likely to be punctuated by further declines in value—if the recent rollercoaster ride is anything to go by. So, it’s more important than ever to create realistic budgets and minimise risk wherever possible. Knowing the impact that currency fluctuations can have on your income is key and it’s crucial to know how much money you will actually receive at regular intervals. This will make planning for mortgage (or rental) payments, property maintenance costs, living expenses and other outgoings much easier to budget for. If you need to move money from the UK (or vice versa), the following tips can really help bolster your bank account and squeeze the most out of your sterling. PLAN AHEAD Don’t leave your overseas payments until the last minute, as you would have to accept the currency rate at the time of transfer. Leaving currency exchange

until the last minute can cost you thousands of pounds when selling a property and repatriating the funds back to the UK. Exchange rates are constantly fluctuating, so trading at the right time will mean your money goes a lot further. CONSOLIDATE YOUR PAYMENTS Living in Spain probably means that you will need to receive money from the UK on a regular basis. To avoid extra costs, a Regular Payment Plan would enable you to take advantage of better rates, as well as automating transfers via Direct Debit. There is a range of different plans that can be tailored to suit your needs. You can fix the sterling amount sent, the foreign currency amount received - or you can fix both. Plus, you can pick from a range of payment frequencies (ranging from weekly to annual). SHOP AROUND Don’t assume that your high street bank will offer you the best exchange rates as more often than not they don’t! Speak to Moneycorp to find the best deal. You should also take into consideration bank transfer fees, as they can vary significantly. Many Britons already living abroad are suffering because of market fluctuations and figures show they could also be losing out on up to £200 million a year

by using high-street banks to transfer their payments— due to poor exchange rates and high transfer fees. TO SUMMARISE Get the basics right and you can reduce the risk of managing your finances in Spain. Always plan ahead; consolidate your payments and make fewer transactions wherever possible; and identify the bank charges you might have to pay. Remember to shop around to obtain favourable rates of exchange and avoid expensive transfer fees.

legal by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

DEAR MR BAOS, Sadly my wife is terminally ill and it is very possible that she may pass away in the next few weeks. I have heard that when this happens the bank will freeze our accounts. Is this true? Is there anything I can do?

Dear reader, thank you for your query. Firstly we are very sorry to hear the news and we send you and your wife our deepest affection. Secondly we would like to point out as we have done on previous occasions that everyone should have an updated Spanish Will as doing so will save you time, expenses and taxes at the time of dealing with an Inheritance. In reference with your query, it is true that the banks will proceed to freeze the accounts once they have knowledge that the account holder or co-holder has passed away. This can lead to serious problems as in many occasions the heirs will need the money to deal with funeral expenses, inheritance, utility payments, regular expenses, etc. The reason for the banks to block the accounts is that in Spanish law according to article number 8 of the Inheritance Tax Law 29/1987 (Ley 29/1987 del Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones (LISD), if the bank releases the money or securities held when the Inheritance tax (IHT) has not been paid, they will be subsidiary responsible for this tax, although it is also true that the law allows the bank to provide the money to the beneficiaries for the payment of the IHT. For this reason the bank will protect itself and block the accounts as soon as they have knowledge of the death of the account holder. This is done in order to avoid any tax liability and also to prevent the tax authorities from

03 - 09 june 2011

claiming against the bank for any Inheritance Taxes not paid by the heirs. Now, turning in particular to what can be done in your case and since unfortunately your wife’s death seems imminent, you could open a bank account under your sole name and transfer the monies to this new account as well as any direct debit orders, payment contracts etc, in order for you to be able to have the funds available without prejudice of paying the taxes due for the money belonging to your wife. In some other cases when the person has passed away leaving opened accounts, if the beneficiaries need the money and are cosignees on the account it is possible, on some occasions, to take the money from the bank subject to declaring the amount that was in the account at the time of death of the deceased and that the applicable taxes are paid. This of course will not be possible if you inform the bank because as we have previously stated the bank will freeze the accounts. In general in the event that a family member passes away or is expected to pass away we advise you to consult with your lawyer in order for him to be able to advise you on the steps to be followed. The information provided on this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues.

Marc White LL.B. & Carlos Baos (English & Spanish Solicitors) © White & Baos Abogados 2011 - All rights reserved. C/Diana 19, 2º-D, 03700 Dénia (located 1 minute away from the La Via underground car park). Tel: 966 426 185. Send your questions to spanishlawyer@roundtownnews.com or info@white-baos.com

Inheritance Tax adjustment by the Catalan government THE CATALAN government has taken steps in the abolition of inheritance tax. It is removed for kin groups I and II which include children, grandchildren and spouses. Group III that includes nephews, nieces and cousins will continue to pay the tax but with significant discounts. The law was approved with 80 votes for and 53 against. Legal representatives advising on Spanish law and inheritance issues continue to advise that the drawing up of a Spanish Will should be a priority for ex-pats residing in Spain to best safeguard the interests of beneficiaries.

money

03 - 09 june 2011

Reasons to tie the knot by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

THERE ARE many reasons why people decide to get married. Pregnancy was perhaps one of the main reasons a few decades ago. Now, a wedding is more likely to be used as a good excuse for a luxury holiday, something different to do on a Saturday or the opportunity to have a John Lewis wedding gift list.

Perhaps the least likely reason for tying the knot is to avoid inheritance tax. When contemplating the possibility of your future together as a married couple it hardly seems appropriate to drop the line, “Well I’ll get more when you die…” into the conversation. We are pretty bad at contemplating inheritance, let alone when trying to be romantic over a candlelit dinner. If you do decide that marriage isn’t for you, you might save a few thousand euros/ pounds and

avoid having to do a table plan, but you won’t save on inheritance tax. It came as a surprise to me that inheritance tax is still a major feature of estate transfer in Spain. There is no automatic transfer of your property to your nearest and dearest. In fact, if your nearest and dearest isn’t a Mr. or Mrs. then they could end up with rather a lot of inheritance tax to pay instead. In Spain there are four levels at which ISD (inheritance tax) is paid: Level 1 children and grandchildren (including adopted) under the age of 21 Level 2 children and grandchildren over the age of 21, spouses and parents Level 3 other relatives such as brothers and sisters, in-laws, cousins, aunts and uncles Level 4 everyone else including unmarried partners Yes, you’ve read it correctly. If you are not married,

your partner is relegated to the ‘any other person’ level of inheritance tax. Being Spain, it does vary for residents between autonomous regions. So, for example this rule applies in Valencia but not in Murcia. It is certainly worth establishing what rules apply to you as it affects both the level of allowance you can have as well as the % of the property value you must pay tax on. The solution? There isn’t one really, but making a Spanish Will and making sure your partner is prepared is what we would recommend. On the other hand, if your partner has been dragging his/ her heels, you live in Valencia and you’re just looking for an excuse, it might not be romantic but it just might do the trick! For more information on Spanish Wills and Inheritance call the Ábaco Helpline (0034) 96 670 3748.

“If you would like a FREE, no obligation tax consultation and help with completing your annual tax declaration contact one of Ábaco’s friendly team on ÁbacoConnect Help-line 966 703 748 | www.abacoconnect.com”

Five establishments denounced by Local Police LOCAL POLICE in Torrevieja have made formal complaints against a total of five entertainment establishments for failing to comply with the law regulating recreational activities. The inspections were carried out between 23rd and 29th May, some in conjunction with the Guardia Civil. The Local Police have informed that the denuncias were made for failing to adhere to correct closing times

Tel: 96 558 7633 M obile 61820473 1

•QROPS Pension Transfers •Inheritance Tax Planning •Retirement Planning •Life Assurance

•Mortgages •Currency Exchange •Funeral Plans

Baskerville Advisers S.L. CIF B-63/137.020; Correduria de Seguros; No. de registro RDGS J2306; Seguro responsabilidad civil AIG Europe No. 0131900503.1330; Registro Mercantil de Barcelona, Tomo 35489, Folio 170, Seccion 8, Hoja B-269534

and for carrying out activities without the correct permissions or licences. A number of the establishments are re-offenders or have had previous complaints made against them for other infractions including noise and contamination. All of the denuncias have been sent to the Ministry of Governance and will be investigated further.

money

Spectrum IFA Group Presents ‘Experts for Expats’ THE SPECTRUM IFA Group is growing - fast - now with 14 advisers throughout Spain, and no less than 5 permanently based in the Costa Blanca, covering from Valencia to Murcia. You are cordially invited to attend the seminar ‘Experts for Expats’ On Wednesday15th June, from 9.30am at Restaurant Masia Pavia, nr Turis, Valencia and from 3.30pm at the Oliva Nova Hotel, Oliva. These seminars will be hosted by Michael Lodhi, M.D. and Chief Executive of Spectrum worldwide and Jonathan Goodman, team manager in Spain. The aim in these seminars, as the title suggests, is to bring the experts to where they are needed most, in front of the growing number of expatriates based in Spain that have real concerns about the security of the modern investment world. A select group of speakers has been invited aiming to show you that there is a proper way to do things in Spain; a way that does not involve excessive risk and a way that can help banish those sleepless nights spent worrying about how to

make your money work for you. The Prudential will describe their new guaranteed product aimed specifically at the cautious investor in Spain. Close Brothers will talk about their low cost pension (QROPS) transfer arrangement; JP Morgan Asset Management will provide an update on the latest news from the investment world; Irish Life International will discuss their tax efficient Spanish investment wrapper. And finally, Michael will introduce his full team on the Costa Blanca. They are: John Hayward, Graham Dixon, Robin Beven, David Hattersley and, brand new to the Spectrum IFA Group, Annette Bowen, expert on funeral planning. Spectrum IFA Group knows already that there is a lot of interest in these seminars, with a limited number of places available. So please register quickly to reserve your place by emailing: seminarCB@spectrum-ifa.com or by calling 96 558 7633. There will be a reception and refreshments, with the seminars commencing at 10am and 4pm respectively. We all look forward to seeing you.

The Bank of Spain predicts further fall in house prices THE BANK of Spain believes property prices will continue to fall into 2012 or even 2013 with a 15.4% loss in value recorded since the beginning

of the economic crisis, it was announced at a Real Estate Conference in Madrid on Thursday morning by the director of studies for the Bank

of Spain, José Luis Malo de Molina. “And between 800,000 and 1.1million unsold properties continue to exert pressure on prices,” he said.

03 - 09 june 2011

The best travel assistance with Línea Directa LÍNEA DIRECTA, a company specialising in car, motorbike and home insurance for foreign customers residing in Spain, offers the very best Travel Assistance Service in the insurance sector entirely in English and German. This cover is designed not only to offer assistance to the vehicle, but more importantly, to the people who drive it, and is available throughout the whole of Spain and the rest of Europe. What does Línea Directa offer me if my car is immobilised as a result of a breakdown, accident or theft? Línea Directa offers you one of the following options provided that the vehicle cannot be repaired on the same day so that you can continue on your journey: • Accommodation in a Four Star hotel not exceeding a period of four nights • Getting you back home or if it costs less, even transporting you to your intended destination • Offering you a courtesy vehicle with unlimited mileage for 24 hours This cover is so extensive that it even includes transporting customers’ pets. Línea Directa would ensure that a pet is transported back to the customer’s home. And all this via a telephone service from Linea Directa’s call centre which never closes, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To purchase this cover or for more information call: Línea Directa on 902 123 148.

03 - 09 june 2011

01 2011 03- -07 09april june 2011

Home Garden

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Abogado, abogado, wherefore art thou, abogado? IF YOU are buying or selling a property in Spain you need an abogado or solicitor. You wouldn’t dream of not using a solicitor in the UK when

Do you know the significance of the ‘nota simple’?

buying a property so why would you even think of not using one here? Yet some people still do. The reasons for not using a solicitor can be very tempting at the time. There is less hassle; it’s cheaper because you don’t have to pay their fees. Anyway you’ve got this person called a Notary who takes care of all the legal matters, don’t they? No, they don’t. This short-sighted approach, ignorant of the legal procedures and underpinned by the desire to save a few euros, has left many Spanish dreams in tatters. Of course, you can buy or sell a property without the help of an abogado and many people have done so in the past, seemingly without any problems. But do you want to take the risk? Can you read and understand an escritura? Do you know the significance of the catastral reference or the ‘nota simple’? Can you check with the local council whether there are any municipal plans that might affect the property in the future? Can you check whether the person selling the property actually owns it? Let’s be clear: if you are buying or selling a property in Spain you need an abogado to look after your interests. But how do you find a trustworthy abogado to do just that?

By Guest Writer Michael Rushe of Javea Estates

Many people use the abogado recommended by the estate agent. This is only natural because of the agent’s perceived knowledge and experience in the property market. However, there could be a conflict of interest if the agent is receiving a ‘finder’s fee’ from the abogado. In this case ask the agent to recommend more than one and you can choose. A recommendation from other sources, friends for instance, can be a good indication of a competent abogado but be wary. For instance, when I bought my house here I followed such a recommendation but now that I have had experience of other abogados, I realise that although mine didn’t do anything wrong or corrupt, they didn’t do anything much either, other than take their fee. What you should look for is someone who speaks English so that they can explain and you can understand the processes and procedures involved. You should feel confident that all the necessary checks are being made to ensure your interests are being served as opposed to anyone else’s. As an estate agent I recommend abogados I can trust because if they are looking after my clients’ interests then they are also looking after mine.

03 - 09 june 2011

Neater Heater urges us all to shop early for Christmas! WITH THE weather warming up at last, it may seem to be a funny time to be talking about heating, but Richard and Tony at Neater Heater know from experience that this is the perfect time to prepare for next winter. “Most people who live in Spain find our short, but very sharp, winters to be quite a shock. It is always much worse than they had expected. After all, you are never told about it in the brochures. Many people, just like we did several years ago, panic in December when the temperatures suddenly drop

and they realise that their Christmas guests are going to come from their centrally heated UK homes to a Spanish ice-box.” “For the next few months everyone from up North is flocking down here for the sun, but when they go back in August and September, their winter is already starting. A full three months before us! The BEHA factory in Norway, manufacturer of the outstanding BEHA electric convector heater, is usually out of stocks by mid-November. tony (left) and Richard

“At this moment, we at Neater Heater have full stocks, our supplier has full stocks and the factory has full stocks. We can get you what you want and have it fitted before the annual price rise, so you are fully installed ready for Christmas and not being panicked at the last minute into buying cheap, inferior heaters. “Also, the demand for Neater Heaters is driven mainly by word-of-mouth. We are so busy just before Christmas that, even if our stocks were unlimited, we would not have enough time to fulfil the requirements of all our customers. So we urge people to plan ahead. Don’t leave next winter´s heating to mañana - you know you´ll regret it.” Where Neater Heaters can be viewed and bought COSTA BLANCA NORTH Pedreguer: Suzy’s second hand Furniture: Tel 678 049 050 Gata de Gorgos: Iron Art Factory Outlet: Tel 680 491 740 Moraira: Neater Heater, Calle Mostoles 41a. Tabaira (AM Only): Tel 96 505 0699 Calpe: Imprint, Avda Gabriel Miró 34: Tel 96 587 4451

Home & Garden

Couple with two Neater Heater radiators

La Nucia: Labels and Tables: Tel 96 687 6153 COSTA BLANCA SOUTH Gran Alacant: Suzie Screwz Fereteria: Tel 648 859 672. Benijofar: MJD Property Maintenance. Tel 96 572 4999 Playa Flamenca: Busters Bar. Centro Comercial: Tel 678 063 268.

Mazarron: La Red Solutions, (Mapfre) Camposol B: Tel 96 819 9025 For site visits and surveys in the North Costa Calida area: Call Edmund on 679 586 307. Neater Heater: Sole Spanish suppliers of BEHA Heaters. Email: info@neaterheater.es visit www.neaterheater.es or phone us directly on: 634 312 171.

03 - 09 june 2011

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Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

03 - 09 june 2011

Apartment gardening is not difficult by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

NOW IS the time to make best use of your apartment terraces balconies and window sills to enable you to enjoy Spain’s wonderful morning and evening temperatures even if you find midday temperatures too hot. In many ways it is easier to do this than in villa gardens and the opportunities for better enjoying your apartment and improving

Window boxes brighten up balcony and terrace railings

the overall environment of your apartment block and neighborhood are so great this led us last year to complete our series of practical gardening books by writing ‘Apartment Gardening Mediterranean Style’, now recognised as the comprehensive guide for designing and maintaining container gardeners for apartment dwellers. The start point for many is window boxes and pots to brighten up balcony and terrace railings. The photo shows a collection of sun loving plants but there are many more possibilities if you install blinds or awnings to shade both plants and people from the midday sun. Beyond that even small terraces can be simply and inexpensively transformed using containers of succulents around the terrace and folding day time and evening furniture as illustrated. Comprehensive lists of sensible plants and advice on caring for them are included in our book. If this concept is too big for you in a one-bedroom cramped studio apartment then add blinds, small furniture and a restricted number of low maintenance plants. But even then don’t forget a continuous flowering and fruiting Lunar lemon tree. As always we can only whet your appetite in our weekly columns. In the book mentioned above you will find a multitude of ideas for small and large apartments and for resident and non-resident owners. Last week we wrote about herbs and they can easily be fitted into apartment layouts by using collections in window boxes hanging on railings, on window sills and shelves or on the floor. CORRECTION AND APOLOGY FROM LAST WEEK No, the herb plant in a pot was not basil - it was rosemary. Some weeks we provide the text and RTN the fotos and we don’t always

Clodagh and Dick’s practical gardening books will be found to be useful for both experienced and new gardeners coming to Spain. The useful quartet of books can be obtained from bookshops or by email from the websites of Amazon, Santana Books, Bookworld and The Royal Horticultural Society. © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardeninginspain.com

Home & Garden

Small daytime terrace

achieve perfection. Apologies! Beyond herbs, mini fruit orchards are possible on six square metres of terrace space and veggie gardens for a dozen or more vegetables on terraces of just one to three square metres: our book illustrates how. So happy summer apartment gardening! Clodagh and Dick’s books are each based on their twenty five years of gardening in Spain for themselves and others. You can obtain them from high street and internet bookshops. If you run a shop and would like to stock the books contact Alan Roberts of Santana Books on alan@santanabooks.com.

03 - 09 june 2011

Rising Damp by

Steve Tanner

Painter & decorator with over 20 years experience

WELCOME TO all RTN readers, for the second edition re DIY painting tips. This month, I would like to tackle the dreaded ‘rising damp’. To start with, most apartments or houses are typically designed / constructed as summer homes, and like any country there is always a rainy season, following which damp problems begin to arise. Dampness will occur from the exterior of the property, and can cause damage to the interior walls. Likewise, rooms internally that have a lack of ventilation can start internal dampness which if not treated can spread very quickly. With the above in mind, invest properly in order to get the job done correctly, which is a long term investment in your property. The emphasis is on ‘doing the job properly’, remembering that you only get what you pay for. The first thing is to choose someone qualified to do the work, as ‘cowboys’ are in much evidence: here are some tips for interior and exterior sealing products: EXTERIOR: Exterior sealing to walls can be expensive, but being a durable material, prices are competitive. There are popular brands such as Titan, Barpimo, Xylazel and Valentine all of which are good quality brands names. Depending on the M2 area, you can buy the sealer from 4 litre cans or more which when mixed with water, will create a white milky liquid, which is quite sticky. Use a roller to apply the sealer to the walls, or a brush if preferred. When there are cracks in the external walls, ensure that that the existing rendering is removed, re-render, and when this is dry, seal the whole area again. Dependant on the time of the year, the sealing time can change but expect the drying to be finished in about 4 hours or more, prior to applying the first coat of finish to the wall. INTERIOR: Walls with interior dampness can be more difficult to work with, as there will often be a ‘wood chip’ finish, or in Spanish, a ‘Gotole’ finish. The dampness will show areas of ‘dead’ plaster which comes away from the walls. In many properties that I have worked in, Spanish builders have explained to me about the different types of dampness spots which can occur, spreading over the walls at great speed. The tell-tale colours can vary from black, green and light blue. These colours are an indication as to how severe the problem is, and the length of time that the problem has existed. 1. Remove the plaster away from the affected area, and ensure that the area is free of dust etc. Apply new plaster. Only when the plaster is completely dry, apply another coat. 2. Apply an Anti Hummidad paint, which is an oil-based sealer, over and beyond the area that has been treated; this will ensure good coverage. 3. When the sealer is completely dry, the Gotole can be applied to the affected area. Again, dependent on the weather conditions, this can take 4 hours plus to dry completely. 4. The walls can then be painted the following day to finish the job. I trust that this information is useful to you. I would like to extend my thanks to: Pinura Carrasco Wholesalers: Tel: 96 818 0929 (San Pedro) - there is also another branch in Torrevieja.

If there are any enquiries or quotations required, for painting or any other small building works, either for Community or private owners for interior and external works please contact Steve Tanner on 671 331 696.

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

03 - 09 june 2011

Computing with aunty virus

Free program needed to find driver Alan of Benidorm asks: MY LAPTOP recently passed away suddenly (which brought home the necessity to keep everything important backed up) but took with it the driver for my Bluetooth dongle. I don’t know what make my dongle is. Do you know of any free program (cheaper to buy a new dongle otherwise) that will search and find the necessary driver? Aunty Says: You may be lucky Alan, and find that your new computer will have Windows7 and already have the drivers built in to it’s store of drivers. You could also try the Blue Soleil software from www.ivtcorporation.com which has worked on a few unbranded ones in the past. There is a free program called Drivermax which you can get from www. download.com but I can’t guarantee its reliability as I’ve not used it before, but like you say, a USB Bluetooth dongle is under a fiver to buy so that may be the easiest option.

Installing Firefox as homepage Sheila via email asks: I AM running windows XP and I recently downloaded imesh and shortly after deleted it. But now it has taken over my web browsers, Firefox, Chrome & internet explorer. Please, how can I get rid of imesh and install Firefox again as my homepage? Aunty Says: I think with the Imesh program you will first need to go to ‘control panel’ ‘add remove programs’ and remove all Imesh programs from the list. Once done you will then need to go to your browser (Firefox, Chrome etc) and from the ‘tools’ ‘internet options’ menu option you can type in your preferred home page.

Invited to upgrade without additional cost but how? Roger via email asks: DEAR AUNTY, my latest ‘Fijo’ from Movistar includes an invitation to augment my ADSL speed to 10Mb without additional cost, which is badly needed, but when I go to the relevant part of www.movistar.es I am required to enter a password of which I have no knowledge. I do not know enough Spanish to “solicit free” on 1004. I am curious too about why Telefónica changed its name from one which indicates its function to one which suggests something else.

Aunty Says: Hi Roger. If it’s like the old days with Telefonica, then you need to setup an email account using the information you have on the introductory paperwork you received with your ADSL package. You can then use this to login to your customer/client area on their website. I think Telefonica have used their Movistar brand purely as a marketing tactic as they had such a bad and antiquated reputation. They are even better disguised as O2 in Northern Europe.

Extra memory added but still slow Ray and Joyce via email asks: THE MESSAGE: ‘High memory usage Internet Explorer’ keeps appearing at the bottom R/H of my screen. I’ve had extra memory added to my old HP PC, but the annoyance persists and the computer is very slow, and a poor 1.4 - 1.6Mb supply from Telefonica/Movistar (advertised as 6Mb) obviously doesn’t help. Could you please advise a solution? I intend taking on a new IT supplier in July. Aunty Says: Adding more memory quite often solves ‘low virtual memory’ or slow

Windows problems but there are also a lot of other causes and I think adding more memory (RAM) will resolve your problem Joyce. Your problem Ray maybe due to too many programs running in the background and from the wording of your message it sounds like it may be Norton that is alerting you, and ironically Norton is one of the worst programs for eating up you valuable system memory. If you are familiar with the ‘msconfig’ utility then you can try switching off certain programs that are starting automatically every time Windows is starting, but if you’ve not used it before

then steer well clear as you can mess your computer up. You may need to take your machine in for a service/tune up so maybe contact www.enetcomputers.net in Torrevieja for some free advice.

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

03 - 09 june 2011

GADGET INSPECTOR

Gadget Inspector investigates the case of: Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom Electric Car THIS WEEK the Inspector is stunned by the all-electric Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom. Who would ever have thought a company such as Rolls-Royce with a history of 10 gallon to the mile luxo-barges would ever even consider an electric car. Well they have, and here it is: the 102EX Phantom. The 102EX Phantom has a lot in common with the traditional petrol-powered model – the 2:1, with its ratio of height of the wheels to the body; an aluminium spaceframe hand-welded from 500 separate parts using 100 metres of weld; and passing through 60 pairs of hands performing more than 2,000 individual operations over more than 20 days. Oh, and the interlinked wheel centres remain upright at all times. The car is powered by two 194bhp AC motors fitted above the rear differential. These motors are fed by five separate battery packs fitted under the bonnet to maximise space usage. This allows the 2.5 ton Phantom to achieve 0-62 mph in an incredible 5.7 seconds. Once inside, all of the traditional Rolls-Royce touches of luxury are present- including new

soft- touch vegetable-dyed leather adorning the seats. There are some concessions to the power source, however - there’s a batterycharge indicator instead of a fuel gauge and the power reserve indicator now displays overrun recharging. In addition the centre console also houses a recharging meter. The new technology continues on the outside of the car – the paintwork. Using a nano paint with a particle size 1,000 times smaller than traditional metallic paint and then hand-polishing for 5 hours gives a finish shinier than Kojak’s head. Sixteen different standard colours would be available, with an additional 45,000 hues under the ‘bespoke programme’. Other unique fittings to this model include a blue illuminated plastic (Makrolon) Spirit of Ecstasy and red Rolls-Royce badges which indicate the car is experimental (as opposed to the normal black badges). When Parker needs to re-charge the Roller it can be connected to a standard power socket or parked on an induction plate. A single charge should be good for 124 miles

taking 20 hours from the standard power socket or 8 hours via the induction plate. The Inspector´s Verdict: Currently only a prototype, with no plans for full production, the Rolls-Royce 102EX Phantom just goes to show that even a traditional gas-guzzling

leviathan can be given green credentials. Imagine Simon Cowell arriving outside the Z-Factor studios and his chauffeur whipping out the extension lead for a top-up? And the likely cost? €700,000 – a nice shock to finish with.

health

03 - 09JANUARY june 2011 2010 8-14

You get your car an MOT every year, so why not your body? WE ARE prepared to spend time and money ensuring our cars stay in tip-top condition, so why, when it comes to our bodies do most of us do nothing until something goes wrong? Crazy isn’t it – after all our bodies are far more valuable than cars – and as it is not so easy to pick up spare parts when your body breaks down it is even more important that you do all you can to keep things in working order in the first place. This can mean exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet. But even this will amount to nothing if you let hidden diseases go undetected. Many of the biggest killers attack with stealth, showing no symptoms until it is too late. Luckily, even though you may not know they are there, your doctor can perform screening tests to uncover these killers while they are still treatable. Early diagnosis saves lives – it’s as simple as that – so it is vital that everyone has regular health screening. But far too many people miss out on important health checks – why? Here in Spain non-Spanish residents often fail to have regular checks. Although the Spanish healthcare system is good at preventative screening, many foreigners are confused about what is available and feel daunted dealing with health matters in a language they don’t understand well. So they don’t bother with health checks and put their lives at risk. To make things simpler for non-Spanish speakers, and to ensure everyone has easy access to vital screening tests, Costa Blanca British GP practice Medcare offers

yearly screening tests with an Englishspeaking doctor. Medcare MOTs, or Well Person checks, include a medical history review, a full examination with a doctor and extensive blood tests to screen for conditions such as liver and kidney disease, anaemia, infection, high cholesterol, diabetes and thyroid problems. You will also receive an eye test, dental check-up, hearing test and body alignment check with an osteopath. Women will also be offered a cervical smear test and mammogram and men will be screened for prostate cancer. All women, particularly those between 25 and 65, should be regularly screened for cervical cancer. If caught early this type of cancer can be treated successfully, or even prevented from developing past the precancer stage. Left undetected, it is a killer. Regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer are also extremely important and, as with cervical cancer, early diagnosis of breast cancers can be lifesaving. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, accounting for almost a quarter of male cancers. Each year, nearly 32,000 men in the UK are diagnosed, and more than 10,000 die from the disease. If diagnosed early prostate cancer can be successfully treated. Failing to have regular screening tests means you are gambling with your health. Don’t take the chance, book an appointment for a Medcare body MOT. The tests are simple and affordable and could just save your life.

Health checks are carried out at Medcare clinics in Benijofar and Alfaz del Pi. Call 96 686 0258 or email doctors@medcarespain.com And right now, Medcare has some very special promotions to encourage breast and cervical screening, with tests now half price. Medcare is also offering free mole checks to screen for skin cancer. Contact Medcare

today to take advantage of these offers. In addition to full GP surgery, Medcare offers a wide range of healthcare services in English including dental, cosmetic treatments, osteopathy, podiatry and specialist diabetes care. Details of all Medcare’s services are available at www.medcarespain.com or call 96 686 0258.

Black flies are back Centre for mentally Bring on the tomatoes BLACK FLIES, the tiny, pesky biting insects that cause severe itching and inflammation, have been swarming around rivers and ponds in the Marina Alta area. Several children swimming at the playa de les Marines de Denia last weekend sustained several bites, some of which can cause dramatic swelling. The bites can be treated with topical corticosteroid ointment.

ill delayed

BUILDING WORK on the new Centre for the Mentally Ill in Barranquet Soler, Alcoy has been brought to a halt with no significant progress made since March. Delays have been blamed on ‘administrative difficulties’ by the Councillor for Social Welfare Rosa Sanchez, with the project expected to resume after a meeting of the Board of Governors on Friday.

ACCORDING TO a study by the University of Adelaide in Australia, crushed tomatoes contain lycopene, with vital antioxidant properties also present in watermelon, papaya, guava and rosehip. Findings suggest that a daily dose of 25 milligrams of lycopene can reduce bad cholesterol by as much as 10%. In simple terms this means that consuming half a litre of tomato juice per day or eating 50 grams of tomato paste (enough to accompany a plate of pasta) is sufficient to reduce the risk of heart disease.

03 - 09 june 2011

How we hear by

Trevor Smith RHAD FSHAA of Premier Hearing Services

THE EAR consists of three main parts and performs a vital function in receiving and interpreting sound. A. Outer Ear B. Middle Ear C. Inner Ear

For example, the hair cells in the Inner Ear are fragile and some die as a function of disease, head injury, medications, exposure to noise and age. These conditions cannot be medically or surgically corrected and the best treatment for hearing loss from damage to the hair cells or auditory nerve is, in the majority of cases, hearing aids.

The Outer Ear collects sound vibrations in the concha (1) and passes them along the ear canal (2). The sound vibrates the ear drum (3) which in turn moves the tiny bones (4) in the Middle Ear. This movement transmits vibration to the cochlea (5) in the Inner Ear where they are received by fragile microscopic hair cells that covert vibration into nerve impulses for onward transmission by auditory nerve (6) to the brain for recognition. It is very important as human beings that we use our sense of hearing. Losing the sense of hearing can completely change a person’s way of living. We should be properly educated in how to care for our hearing by knowing how it works to prevent the common causes of hearing loss. The ear consists of three main parts and each performs a vital function in receiving and interpreting sound and it is very important that they function together perfectly. Permanent hearing loss can occur once any of these parts encounters a problem.

If you have a concern about your hearing then call Trevor Smith, RHAD FSHAA of Premier Hearing Services on 659 644 106 for professional and personal advice. Trevor covers all of the Costa Blanca area, and offers a FREE Hearing Test. The latest digital hearing aids are available and Trevor is able to offer 50% off UK prices. Call now – you have nothing to lose and your hearing to gain!

‘Get on yer Bike’

Monthly cycling tips, advice and routes By Gary and Lynn at Cyclogical Quesada The right bike for you NOW IS a great time to cycle around: it’s too hot to walk or jog but when on your bike you get a nice breeze to keep you cool. Choosing the right style and size of cycle is very important. Do not just go out and buy a cycle because it is cheap or on special offer; the cycle must be the right size and shape for you or you could do serious damage to your back, joints, knees, legs if it is not. You will also enjoy your cycle more and have more fun if it is comfortable and a pleasure to ride. An uncomfortable saddle is one of the reasons why people do not enjoy riding their cycles more often. Men and women are really different, our bodies are different and the genital area in particular is very male and female dedicated. One of the most important design parameters is your riding position. This has a big influence on the intimate parts of your body in contact with the saddle. They are categorized into 4 riding styles: Sport, Athletic, Moderate and Relaxed. Your sitting position on the cycle can vary from a Sport fit where 30% of your weight is on the pedals, 30% is on the handlebars and 40% is on the seat whereas a Relaxed fit only 10% of your weight is on the handlebars 30% on the pedals and 60% is on the seat. A proper saddle can improve your ride efficiency and eliminate many other aches and pains. Your handle bars must also be at the right height for you otherwise you will experience pins and needles in your fingers and hands. All handle bars can be modified, changed or raised to make your cycle more comfortable, so if you are not happy with your riding position or do not find your bike fun to ride please feel free to call in and speak with either Lynn or myself who will advise you on how to customize your cycle to your personal requirements. So no excuses ‘Get On Your Bike’ and enjoy…!

AECC forthcoming events 5TH JUNE: MARIA’S 5km Charity Walk and fun day: meeting at Playa Flamenca Promenade in front of Surfer’s Bar, adjacent to the Post Office at 10am for 10.30am start: Registration 5€: details from spanishpinkladies@hotmail.co.uk or phone 672 875 251, 660 233 972 or 634 198 351. Auctions are held at: Rocajuna, Punta Prima, Monday; Monty’s Bar, Algorfa, Wednesday; Buddie’s Bar, Playa Flamenca (near Saturday Market and Judges Chambers) Thursday; Emerald Isle, Playa Flamenca, Friday: All at 1pm to 4pm: if you have any items to donate for auction contact Carol and Ron 96 531 9929 Mobile 688 238 879. AECC is looking for organisers for concerts or other fundraising events to support its life-saving cancer screening. AECC offers this service to men and women to detect early stage cancer and fund-raising is an essential part of this process. Also remember your own cancer

screening - please telephone AECC on 96 571 6679 if you can help in any way or to arrange appointments. AECC also requires high-quality clothes and bric-a-brac for sale in the shop and at regular auctions. Please bring these along to the Torrevieja shop at Calle La Calera 2, just off Calle Apolo-Avenida Cortes Valencianas. For full directions see the website, or phone 96 571 6679 for assistance. For further information about all aspects of AECC in the Torrevieja area: www.aecctorrevieja.org

20 26 june may 2011 03 - 09 2011

Groundsel One of my favourite places to write is on my terrace surrounded by the beautiful and thriving flowers that emerge from every pot. There is at this time of year such a profusion of colour, a heady smell and a greenness of leaves. The lemon leaved geranium, the wax flowers and the clematis seem to love their proximity to the geraniums, the jasmine and the yuccas. Each flower competes to be the most beautiful and with the addition of the view across to the Puig Campana mountain and the tolling bell of the local Byzantium church, all is a very suitable environment to work in. The garden of life grows with what we plant in it, and how we care for what we have. Each bloom is a positive happening in life, and the scent is the prevailing energy that beauty presents to a World we are a part of. We grow and blossom and we survive the storm and keep on growing for as long as we can, making the most of what we have and the position that we occupy. Rain nourishes us, the sun reacts with our innermost enzymes and we thrive in the right conditions; then if we are patient we finally bloom. Wind may strip us down, and the sun can be so hard that it burns us, but we are strong and we do survive to bloom hopefully another day, under the right circumstances. If I had to choose what plant I would be it wouldn’t be something very exotic, I would be a groundsel. Laugh if you like but I love this little plant and its zest for life. When we decide to concrete over the flora of the wild we do so without any consideration for the local wild plants. However, in sheer defiance the odd little plant decides to take on the ugly concrete and it makes an appearance. We immediately call this amazing little plant a weed, and make derogative comments about it. I consider that, weed or not, this little seedling has grown against all odds, with no adequate soil, no water and no

postbag

horoscopes by Kenny Corris love. By all the odds it shouldn’t survive, but it does and it even flowers and thrives. I call that survival, determination against the odds and success, and therefore an inspiration to us all. Mother Nature is such a special person, and nature so cleansing and psychic. There is a gentle balance between the scientific and the aesthetic features of nature open to our interpretation and our respect. Nature has to be cruel to be kind, but all living things look to us to be their guardians and they demand, quite rightly, our respect in the process of love, appreciation and care. We are surrounded by beauty here on the Costa Blanca. Green mountains and cascading waterfalls, orange groves and deep colourful sunsets, fine sand and azure seas all combine to give us an outstandingly stunning environment in which to live. The energised power of the sun follows us even on wintry days, and the clarity of the night time stars twinkling in the heavens illuminates the darkest of nights. We are surrounded by wild herbs and medicinal plants and we can benefit from the fruits and vegetables of the huerta and the plenty of fish sourced from the sea around us. Spirit helps to create heaven on Earth for all those who can perceive it and respect it, and thus helps to keep the rightful balance and the magic of our Spanish lives a living secret that we share as we co exist and all is revealed to us. When I survey the World and the major Cities I have happily lived in, I often find myself wondering why then I am so happy living in a small village up in the mountains, amidst the cobbled streets and the orange groves. I guess there is a safety amongst the things that will simply never change, a beauty in the peace in which to work when I need to, and a sense of belonging to something rather wonderful.

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Kenny’s diary

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

Monday June 6th and Wednesday June 8th: Readings at Bistro Maya, Albir from 16.30. Call: 966 868 213 for bookings and further info.

My family think I am mad because I have all my angels around me. They have no belief at all, so how would you suggest I go about convincing them that my angels are always there for me? Rita A.

Thursday June 9th: Sanctuary. An inspiring afternoon workshop of meditation techniques, breathwork, and inner connections, to help to use specific positive energies to bring about spiritual empowerment. 686 361 594

Hi Rita. Can’t your family see that you are happy being surrounded by angels and working with them? I do not actually think anything that you could say or do would convince them because they are not seeing the full picture, and you do. People who feel that they can work with Angels are very special, and they receive a blessing from their faith and devotion to God’s messengers, the angel host. I still run Angelworks courses and they are attended by such a wide variety of people; special people who know the power that angels can bring into our everyday lives. Forget what your family thinks, they are entitled to their opinion, but as for mad…I think not, and your family should be proud of your achievements, as I bet you are with theirs!

Saturday June 11th: Readings at La Fustera, between Calpe and Benissa from 10.00. Call Penny Smith on: 965 749 182 or 687 926 021. Readings in your area: Please make contact if you want to organise readings in your locality, some dates available June/July!

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

Mighty Uranus, Planet of hidden powers and control takes up residence midweek. This leads to actions with both Mercury and Chiron, and heralds a new start of something, or the beginning of a new project. What you need is something to get your teeth into, and you are ready to give everything that you have to make this a success; which it deserves to be. Take control and go for it! Jupiter, Planet of luck and fortune enters towards the end of the week bringing some instant good luck and the solution to recent nagging problems that have distracted you somewhat. As things become much clearer you take on the confident and forward approach that will bring you the very best of results all around; and in so doing you are about to give someone a run for their money! Mercury in Gemini brings about a need to communicate, and to give a very patient last warning to someone who needs to toe the line. The sextile with mighty Uranus brings control and solution and power to your elbow to make sure that someone gets their comeuppance. You have given enough warning, so you cannot feel sorry for having to be the bringer of bad news and the reinstating of appropriate values. You have done well to keep your temper and have reset the ground rules. Now all that you have to do is to ensure that all runs smoothly and that your wishes are obeyed, for all concerned. Give the benefit of the doubt to show that you too are working towards the minimum of fuss and the best of solutions, whatever that means and whatever it takes. There is no going back, so get it right. With Jupiter in Taurus and Chiron in retrograde it is a case of one foot forward and two back. Something stops you from asserting yourself in a matter that you are implicated in, whether you like it or not; and this is not your way of doing things. Consequently you are not giving this your best shot, and don’t complain if all this leads to tears before bedtime; they could be yours if you’re not careful. A financial warning to make some economic cuts in what appears to be an overstretched budget. The figures do not add up, and it seems as if someone is not really paying their way. Blame a corner that develops between mighty Uranus and hesitant Neptune that points the way to make drastic changes and, subsequently, immediate benefits for all those concerned. Keep your hands in your pockets. Jupiter enters your partnered Planet of Taurus with the usual aplomb. With the powerful but negative energies abounding be very careful of what you do with what you have, and just play your cards close to your chest for a while. The power of the positive will turn things around quite nicely so long as you have the patience and the temerity to see a mutual way forward that’s inspiring to all. This is no doubt the calm before the storm, but check that you have done your sums and that everything is what it should be. There have been some false scents as someone tries to throw you off course; but this has only served to make you more resolute and determined to follow through that which you must to square things once and for all; and to hold your head up high, because you can. With Jupiter in Taurus and later on sextiling with Neptune there is much more to what is going on than meets the eye. The added complications that have been enforced upon you just lately only fuel the flames and make you all the more determined to follow through that which you know that you must. There is a version of the truth which many may cling to, but you are not easily fooled. You are known to enjoy doing things the hard way, but right now you need to shed complications and establish a clearer way forward that takes everything into consideration and allows you to shed any blame. You may be thinking of others, but they are concerned for your welfare and want to help you get it right, so don’t go in with all guns blazing because there is a new instruction that takes priority. Energies travel to the workfront where you simply wish not to make a fuss. There are things left unsaid, but the balance of the workload is heavily weighted in your direction and something has to go if you are to continue. You have shown you can be trusted and have passed all the recent tests, so what’s next? There has to be something in this for you, and you really do deserve better. Dual actions with Chiron retrograding in your seventh house, and the connection with ebullient Neptune really do set the cat amongst the pigeons. There is no getting away from that which you know that you have to do, but there are many ways to skin a rabbit, and your curiosity is aroused to sort out the source of recent mutterings which do nobody any favours and certainly do no good whatsoever.

If it’s your birthday this week... Put your best foot forward, and take every opportunity rather than wait for things to come your way. You can inspire others and still find a way of rewarding yourself adequately if you play those cards right!

8-14 JANUARY 03 - 09 june2010 2011

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

Cryptic Crossword

Sudoku Across 1. Select tool (4) 3. The bird is heather after the chief actor (8) 8. The only sound spirit (4) 9. Worthless stuff from tricky card-players? (8) 11. The reason for the command is a matter of formal procedure (5,2,5) 13. Charge for hire could have been learnt (6) 14. Allow mischievous child to be included - he’s a sticker! (6) 17. Does nobody take the chair in the chamber? (8-4) 20. Tore tape up to make short musical drama (8) 21. The sort of performance one would expect from a recluse (4) 22. Freedom from restraint on the map, perhaps (8) 23. Abandoned socialism, perhaps (4)

Down 1. Travel document shows father’s a good fellow! (8) 2. Warning; confused education deal is out (7) 4. Economy in the garden? (6) 5. Coupling made again? (10) 6. She figures in their energetic display (5) 7. The artist should leave yawning at first (4) 10. The taint meant an accomplishment (10) 12. Completely get rid of the latest philatelic issue? (5,3) 15. Suggest work in writing other than poetry (7) 16. Dismissed from the prospect of becoming the better half (6) 18. Pilfering article 12 in. long (5) 19. Fathead, the wise bird is a bird! (4)

Across

Down

1. Profound (4)

1. Undeceive (8)

3. Ready (8)

2. Authorise (7)

8. Tastes (4)

4. Duty list (6)

9. Star (8)

5. Excelling (3-7)

11. Confusion (12)

6. Rule (5)

13. Wanders (6)

7. Ditch (4)

14. Grab (6)

10. Skip school (4,6)

17. Incarceration (12)

12. Movable possessions (8)

20. Mitigated (8)

15. Treachery (7)

21. Eyot (4)

16. Climb (6)

22. Pause (8)

18. Hebrew leader (5)

23. Burden (4)

19. Reckless (4)

Wordwheel

Quick Crossword

You can play these wordwheels by whatever rules you like. But there is at least one nine letter word hidden in each wordwheel (and thus using every letter in the wordwheel). For many players the fun element and biggest challenge of the wordwheel is to find a nine letter word. Other than that, the rules are up to you - but generally you should restrict yourself to only finding words that contain the central letter, as otherwise you will find huge numbers of words in many puzzles!

Win a meal for 2! Inn Plaice in Torrevieja (Mon-Thu)

Nemos (Next to RTN offices in La Nucia) by answering the Cryptic Crossword correctly. Answers by email to: rtnmail@roundtownnews.com | or Fax: 96 585 60 54 *This must be used no later than 3 weeks of notification

Euromillions Draw Friday 27th May

9 17 25 28 49 8

No ticket won the 27,342,236 Euros (£23,752,200) jackpot prize

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 51/54. Winner for 606: Jan Hildred, Orihuela

03 - 09 june 2011

music scene

Win tickets for the San Javier Jazz Festival

Vibes From The Costas by

Tony Poole

from www.vibesfromthecostas. blogspot.com

FESTIVAL TIME is upon us and here is your chance to win free tickets to this year’s San Javier International Jazz Festival. The RTN is the official English newspaper for the XIV edition, and once again proud supporters of the prestigious event. Throughout June and July, we have weekly competitions to see some of the best concerts on the Costas this summer. This year’s festival features 23 performances staged at the beautiful 2000-seater open-air auditorium in the Almansa Park between 25th June and 30th July. The festival will continue its legacy to present the best musicians in jazz, rock and blues on the national and international music scene. Kicking off the series of

competitions we are giving away tickets for opening night and a chance to see one of the greatest guitarists to come out of the British Isles, Hertfordshire born Albert Lee. Grammy award winner Lee spent the mid-60s as a top R&B guitarist, in the 70s becoming one of the top rockabilly guitarists in the World and no slouch in country music either. He is best known for his fingerstyle and hybrid picking technique. In England he’s been a household name, and in Nashville and Los Angeles he’s been one of the most in-demand session guitarists there is. Lee has worked with some of the World’s top artists including Emmylou Harris, The Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton and Eric Clapton, and is a main member of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, with whom he has performed at the festival on several occasions. For the first time, Lee brings his multi-talented band, Hogan’s Heroes, to San Javier along with a talented set of British musicians including Gerry Hogan on pedal steel guitar, dobro and guitar; Gavin Powey, piano and vocals; Brian Hodgson, bass and vocals; and Peter Baron, drums and vocals. The band was formed by Hogan twenty years ago specifically to back Albert Lee. Also on the same bill, Jazz San Javier brings together two great performers from previous editions. The guitarist from Mallorca, Biel Ballester, one of Spain’s most brilliant representatives of Gypsy jazz with his trio, which includes Graci Pedroon on rhythm guitar and Leandro Hipaucha on double bass. They will be joined by Romanian violinist Costel Nitescu,

a true genius who left the audience flabbergasted after his debut in San Javier two years ago. Together they open the festival with a performance of Gypsy jazz in the wake of Django Reinhardt with a twist of Mediterranean jazz. Albert Lee and Hogans Heroes & Biel Ballester Trio, and Costel Nitescu are at Jazz San Javier on Saturday 25th June. Tickets are 12€. For reservations contact the San Javier Festival Office: 968 19 15 88 or 968 19 15 68 or email festivales@sanjavier.es Full programme information may be found at www.jazz.sanjavier.es Facebook users visit XIV ed. San Javier International Jazz Festival 2011 (Spain). Win tickets to see Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes & Biel Ballester Trio with Costel Nitescu THE RTN is proud to be the official English newspaper for the San Javier International Jazz Festival. In collaboration we are giving away loads of free tickets to see some amazing concerts throughout June and July. This week, two pairs of tickets may be won to see Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes & Biel Ballester Trio with Costel Nitescu on Saturday 25th June at the Almansa Park Auditorium; Question: What edition is this summer’s festival? A 13th B 14th C 15th Email your answer with your name and telephone number. Competition winners will be published in next week’s RTN and notified by email. Entry by email only to vibes@roundtownnews.com

More festival and concert information at www.vibesfromthecostas.blogspot.com Email news and views to vibes@roundtownnews.com Keep the ViBES ALiVE!

Moby headlines Electromar festival in Los Alcázares by Julie Day THE FIFTH edition of the Electromar festival is set to take place at the end of July with an impressive line up of DJs and bands with still many more to confirm. This major music festival, which has grown in popularity and importance in the music scene over the years, will be held over two days this year, as opposed to one in previous editions. Headlining the event for 2011 is the godfather of electronic music Moby, who is famed for tracks such as Go, Porcelain, Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad and Natural Blues. Also performing at the festival are other international names such as 2many djs, Ellen Allien, The Leadings and Lori Meyers plus UMEK, Supersubmarina, Cyberpunkers and Mark Marzenit. Other novelties include the change of location to Playa de los Narejos in Los Alcázares instead of La Manga, which is where it was held last year, plus a larger area for camping. This is an event not to be missed for all lovers of electronic music at its best.

This year’s Electromar festival will take place on 29th and 30th July and tickets are priced at 37€ for one day and 52€ for both days, available through www.ticktackticket.com or at branches of Hálcon Viajes. For further information about the festival please visit www.electromarfestival.com.

Electromar festival 2010 at Playa Honda in La Manga

Medieval Market in Lorca Castle goes ahead After the earthquake which hit Lorca on 11 May, the Lorquinos - as the people of Lorca are called - pulled out all stops to get their precious town back to normal. They are tough people; under the motto “No earthquake is going to stop us” (El torremoto no podrá con nosotros) they are determined to get everything back to normal. And that includes their impressive castle - no earthquake is going to get them under. Although the castle has been damaged severely - one of the towers was simply moved about a metre along the ground - enough work has been carried out to make it safe for the public. The people who look after the castle will open the gates once more on 8 and 9 June. With a Medieval Market! Perhaps visitors can’t actually go inside some of the more badly damaged castle buildings but they can have a look at what’s left (most of it, actually) and visit the market, all for just one euro! Because the main idea of holding a Medieval Market is to attract people from outside Lorca, and readers are asked to pass on the news to friends and relatives - the Castle is open once more and what has fallen down must be rebuilt. Actually, there’s quite a lot left - the castle is about half a mile long - and the views over the surrounding countryside are fantastic, one reason for building the castle here, when watching out for the enemy was an important part of castle life. The lords and ladies of the Castle decided to invite the craft association Amata to organise the Market once more, an association that ensures that everything on the stalls is made by hand by the people on the stalls - no cheap imported or massproduced craft work here. There’s lots to admire and choose from -. beautiful leather bags and belts, jewelry using silver, semiprcious stones or intricate macramé, wooden toys, puppets, soaps and unguents that don’t come from a factory for once, earthenware, painted T-shirts (the ultimate in designer clothes!) and dried flower arrangements - an ideal source for presents for other people or to reward yourself. Last year more than 4,000 people took advantage of the low entrance price of 1€ (it’s normally 8€.) At the entrance gates you can pick up an “electronic guide” which tells you what you’re looking at when you wander

round the castle at your own tempo. Add to this the fun of the Medieval Market with live music, a juggler, a falconer and other medieval riff-raff and there’s no real reason to stay at home. Especially if you can help just a little with the restoration of the damage to castle and town. The Market will be held inside the walls of the Castle, on 8 and 9 June from 11 am to 11 pm. Everybody - the people of the town, the team managing the castle and the people running the market - are sure that it’s going to go ahead - but you never know your luck. If you want to be absolutely sure that it’s going to go ahead, look at the Castle’s web page (http://lorcatallerdeltiempo. es/PORTAL/iya.cns_lorca.web?idi=1) or the Amata web page (http://www.amata.es/eng_future.html). On Amata’s general web page www.amata.es you can look at photographs of other Amata markets and judge the quality (and fun) for yourself. You can also ring up the organisers at 639 979 678 and they even speak English. For people living in the Torrevieja area (La Marina to Orihuela Playa) there is an option to go by bus. They can contact David’s Coach Trips (966 785 910 office@coachtripsonline.com), for a day excursion to Lorca, the Castle and the Medieval Market on either the 8th or the 9th of June.

Kids fashion to raise cash for PCN A KIDS’ fashion show is to be held at Angel’s Bar, Los Dolses at 4pm on 10th June, in aid of Paul Cunningham Nurses. The fun will include Bingo, Play Your Cards Right, a quiz, a raffle and Karaoke, with some stalls to provide a touch of retail therapy.

- 09 june 2011 Feb 2603 - March 4 2010

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Rock hits the Lounge Bar: Queen leads tributes A TRULY magical tribute to one of the greatest bands that ever walked a stage: CHESS and their all live tribute to Queen. To do justice to a band that generations have grown up with may seem impossible, but, somehow this lively, talented group of musicians seem to be doing just that. Chess has built up a fantastic following over the last few years. When the word is out that they are to play The Lounge Bar the response is amazing. The atmosphere on the night is electrifying as the waiting crowd builds - then the first crash of drums draws all eyes to the stage and the party begins! Chess’ ability to craft perfect tunes and slip easily between the songs is the bedrock this band is founded on. The guitar solos and perfect vocal harmonies are laid on thick - the interaction between the band members mesmerizing, reminding us that rock n roll will never die! This is the stuff that will satisfy even the most die-hard Queen fan! CHESS Live at The Lounge, Saturday 4th June: Band on stage approximately 10.30pm.

charity

03 - 09 june 2011

Summer Fete in La Zenia

NEXT SATURDAY, 4th June, there will be a large Summer Fete in La Zenia in Orihuela Costa. The grand charity event is supporting the Royal British Legion and the Alzheimer’s Association. Starting in the Consum car park in La Zenia at 12 noon, members of the Royal British Legion and the various armed forces associations based in the area will parade through the streets of La Zenia and then will march to The Hop in Calle San Antonio, located in La Zenia Village. The Hop will play host to entertainment from various local artists, including Andy McBride as Rod Stewart, TKO DJ Davy Jones, Nick Gold, Celena Deans, Brian Jenkins as Elvis Presley, Dave Cherry, Thomas and Kara Lumley, who form the duo Caution, Cathy Carson, TAABS, the Iceni Dancers, Rascals, Raquel Peña’s ‘Flamenco Para Todos’ Dance Group and the Belles and Beaux Morris Dance Team. There will be a raffle, lots of stalls, classic cars and games and activities for the kids. The raffle prizes include two airline tickets to England courtesy of Monarch Airways as well as many other great prizes. For further information or donations to our raffle please contact Eddie Coleman on 646 228 092 or Lynne Zaber on 616 331 045.

Harmonisers’ help for Jose LAST SATURDAY at the VISTABELLA GOLF club at Los Naranjos, Orihuela, a fun charity day was held to aid Jose and his four children after they lost their mother to cancer last August. There was live music, Zumba, Dance Xtreme, stalls selling a myriad of interesting items plus TKO radio DJs with Tony Moore and Lyn Adams, a Tennis Paddle bat contest, tug of war, face painting, Pony rides, Bouncy castle, Viva TV and much more. The Harmonisers sang a range The from their repertoire, under the Harmonisers Photo: by blazing sun, as many nationalities Kristoff thrilled to hear four part harmony for more about this fabulous hobby plus the first time. If you are interested in learning giving something back to charity,

why not give Peter Stephen a call and find out more 96 671 6643.

Lions for Lorca Appeal Lions are urging local businesses, business organisations, social groups, bars, restaurants, schools, press, radio, television and even other charity organisations who have benefitted in the past from Lions support to organise fund raising events on behalf of the people of Lorca, in the knowledge that every cent raised will go directly to those most in need. There is already a pledge from Lions round the World in support of Lorca. However, your support locally will have a more immediate effect.

ADAPTing Bingo!

THE SALINAS Centre of San Pedro showed its appreciation for the dedication and hard work of The Environmental Group ADAPT, with a ‘Nature Bingo’ event. Winners were given books containing information and beautiful pictures of the Salinas of San Pedro del Pinatar. The group were shown how much their support has helped to make a big difference to the area. The Environmental Group is open for members of ADAPT to join: the next meeting of ADAPT is at The Castelar College on Saturday 4th June at 11am (cafe opens at 10.15am) www.adaptsnpedro.eu

Let Lions know what you are doing to help by emailing Torrevieja Costa Lions President idsbennett@hotmail.co.uk or phoning 96 673 1495: we will endeavour to ensure a Lions presence at all your fund raisers. For those who wish to donate directly to the Lions for Lorca Appeal a dedicated bank account has been opened entitled MAZARRON LIONS LORCA FUND, with Banco Santander: Account number 0049 4578 38 2010004392. Please donate, you will ‘Make a Difference’.

The Mary Leishman Foundation helps HAH

LAST SATURDAY a dinner dance for almost 300 guests was held at the Spa Hotel in Torre Pacheco, the last event in a very busy few days for Jim Leishman and his team from the Mary Leishman foundation. This is an annual event incorporating golf at the Peraleja Golf Club, where many celebrities join locals for a game of golf to raise money for the foundation. Donations are then handed out to worthy causes, and this year HAH Help at home was the lucky recipient of 3,000€. Lesley Eburne (HAH founder) and Lynda Christopher, (clinical lead), were delighted. Lesley said: “This money means that we can now employ our first highly trained and Spanishregistered Nurse Practioner, Lynda.” She then thanked Jim Leishman, Shirley Graham and the MLF team for all the work that they do to help so many people both here and in the UK. A fantastic evening’s entertainment was hosted by the British comedian Bobby Davro, who also auctioneered such items as a signed Messi Barcelona shirt and another shirt signed by Spanish Racing driver Alonso; just two of the many items that raised 10,000€ on the night... Celebrities from the world of golf and football mingled with the guests and an hilarious speech was made by former Everton and England player David Johnson. To find out more about the Mary Leishman foundation, visit www.maryleishmanfoundation.com. For contact HAH, please email helpathomespain@gmail.com, visit our www.helpathome.es or telephone Lesley: 96 813 4978.

03 - 09 june 2011

Samaritans in the swing GOLFERS CAN help support the Costa Blanca Samaritans and enjoy some excellent sport with a chance to win some super prizes. The charity golf day is being staged at Las Colinas – which won 2nd place in RTN’s survey to find the coast’s top course - on Saturday 18th June and is followed by an evening dinner dance. There is even a chance to win a car by hitting a holein-one at Hole 14 and a host of team and individual prizes will be handed out immediately following the last match. The golf competition is a four man team Stableford with a shotgun start and the best three scores at each hole to count. Entry is 60€ per person including buggy and light refreshments and a donation to the Samaritans. The dinner dance – again with a huge number of raffle prizes – costs 45€ per person. More information is available from Las Colinas or by calling 679 871 156. Alternatively, call Denise on 699 168 819 or email denise1sams@hotmail.com THE SAMARITAN’S HELPLINE is open every evening from 8pm until midnight offering free confidential emotional support on 902 883 535.

How many calories! We’re not really stupid are we? Even I know the difference between hungry, full, full to busting and the occasional ‘Christmas dinner I’m so full I can’t move’ so I’m not sure I agree with proposals to list the calorie content of restaurant foods on the menus of restaurants. What I would prefer instead is to see a difference both in size and in price between what I eat and what my wife eats. Portion control has gone mad. In America, especially in Las Vegas and Florida, there are many ‘all you can eat’ restaurants, all available at the lowest rate possible. You can eat all you want (providing it contains something that you actually want) at a cheaper price than you can buy the ingredients at the store assuming you want to make it yourself. Yet at a recent dining out experience I spent gazillions of cash on a meal that resembled four frozen peas that I spent ten minutes chasing around an almost empty plate. The entire meal would have fitted on a decent fork and I could have been out of there in less than half an hour…where’s the logic? I truly understand the effort and skill involved in buying, preparing and serving a visually, as well as flavoursome meal, and I enjoy it immensely but

can I have some more please sir? Supermarket ready meals or HMR’s (Home Meal Replacements) as they are more commonly known are not quite so common here in Spain, yet. They come with more packaging than substance. If you buy a diet variety instead by mistake there’s probably less weight in the contents than the weight of the packaging and presumably more goodness in the wrapping than the meal itself. Meals which are ‘Suitable for 1-2 persons’: in whose opinion? It’s not only the restaurants who are to blame. Whilst I applaud the idea that we should all know that the dressing on our salad contains more calories than the salad itself and that some ready prepared meals contain surprisingly more calories than we thought they did and certainly more than if we made them ourselves from scratch and the idea that this should include restaurants who buy in ready prepared meals made elsewhere by someone else is in principle a good idea. However, where’s the separation or help for the individual entrepreneurial cook who has made a new dish from scratch themselves and is prepared to give a big guy like me just a

little bit more? Will they or I be breaking the law? Plans to make the calorie content visible on the menus of restaurants are only promoted to assist the consumer, although in reality they are there to assist the companies who prepare bulk ready made meals for Supermarkets and restaurants which are pre-packed, portioned controlled, usually disappointing as well as tiny...

Edwin Cheesemen is a practical food consultant. If you have a question about food email cheeseman@roundtownnews.com

tv Friday

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03 -- 09 14 20june may2011 2010

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Fake Britain 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Copycats 16:40 Wingin’ It 17:00 Remote Control Star 17:30 Fee Fi Fo Yum 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 A Question of Sport 22:00 Have I Got News for You 22:30 Outnumbered 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Graham Norton Show 24:20 National Lottery Friday Night Draws 24:30 Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Guess with Jess 10:30 Big & Small 10:40 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Timmy Time 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Cattle Queen of Montana 14:00 Animal Park 14:30 Live Horse Racing 17:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour of Britain 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Great British Menu 20:00 Windfarm Wars 21:00 Petworth House: The Big Spring Clean 21:30 Gardeners’ World 22:00 Julia Bradbury’s Canal Walks 22:30 Paul Merton’s Birth of Hollywood 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 The Review Show 24:50 Foo Fighters: Back and Forth

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 Celebrity Britain’s Best Dish: I’m a Celebrity Boys v Girls 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Britain’s Got Talent 22:00 Coronation Street 22:30 Britain’s Got Talent Results 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 American Pie

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:30 Frasier 09:55 Friends 10:25 Accidentally on Purpose 10:55 Location, Location, Location 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 In Your Dreams 13:15 My Eden 13:25 The Home Show 14:25 When Eight Bells Toll 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 Unreported World 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 22:00 Saving Private Ryan

07:00 Childrens TV 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Highland Emergency 13:00 Meals in Moments 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Meals in Moments 16:10 This Matter of Marriage 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 19:55 5 News at 7 20:00 Cricket 21:00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 Law & Order 23:55 CSI: Miami 24:55 Rough Guide to...

08:00 Lion Man 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Medical Emergency 11:00 X-Men: First Class Special 11:30 The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader Special 12:00 Oops TV 13:00 Stargate Atlantis 14:00 Stargate Atlantis 15:00 Oops TV 15:30 Futurama 16:00 Lion Man 17:00 The Simpsons 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 The Middle 21:00 The Simpsons 21:30 Modern Family 22:00 Raising Hope 22:30 A League of Their Own 23:30 Spartacus: Blood and Sand 24:45 Drug Wars: DEA

08:30 World Series by Renault 09:00 Inside WTCC 09:30 International Football 10:30 Game, Set and Mats 11:00 French Open Tennis 13:30 Game, Set and Mats 14:00 Live French Open Tennis 18:45 Game, Set and Mats 19:15 Euro 2012 Flash 19:25 Live International Football 21:15 International Football 22:00 Strongest Man 23:00 Euro 2012: All Access 23:45 Intercontinental Rally Challenge 24:15 French Open Tennis

A Question of Sport BBC1, 21.30

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer 08:30 Jerry Springer 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings 12:00 Maury 14:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Bones 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Bones 22:00 Criminal Minds 23:00 CSI: Miami 24:00 Criminal Minds

tv Saturday 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:35 Rachel Allen: Home Cooking 13:00 BBC News; Regional News 13:15 Usain Bolt: Running Man 13:45 A Question of Sport 14:15 Derby Day 17:30 Total Wipeout 18:30 BBC News; Regional News 18:40 So You Think You Can Dance Live 19:40 Doctor Who 20:30 The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins 21:20 Casualty 22:10 So You Think You Can Dance 22:30 John Bishop’s Britain 23:00 Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow 23:30 BBC News 23:55 Firewall

07:00 Childrens TV 09:25 Prank Patrol Down Under 09:50 Dennis & Gnasher 10:00 Dick & Dom Go Wild 10:30 Deadly 60 11:00 Relic: Guardians of the Museum 11:30 League of Super Evil 11:40 Wolverine and the X-Men 12:00 Mortified 12:25 OOglies 12:40 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 Coast 13:15 Diagnosis Murder 14:00 Two Greedy Italians 15:00 Live French Open Tennis 18:10 Escape to the Country 18:40 Flog It! 19:40 Dad’s Army 20:10 Don’t Panic! The Dad’s Army Story 21:00 D-Day to Berlin 22:00 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 22:45 QI XL 23:30 Enigma

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 09:25 House Gift 10:25 Coronation Street 13:10 This Morning: Saturday 14:10 ITV News 14:20 You’ve Been Framed! 14:50 Field of Dreams 16:45 Granada News 17:00 ITV News 17:15 Live International Football 20:00 Britain’s Got Talent Final 22:00 Popstar to Operastar: The Curtain Raiser 22:30 Britain’s Got Talent Final Results 23:00 ITV News 23:15 International Football Highlights 24:15 The Gauntlet

Cryptic Solutions for 606 Across: 1 Midnight oil; 9 Observe; 10 Watch; 11 Extra; 12 Curtain; 13 Ogress; 15 Tissue; 18 In force; 20 Clara; 22 Hoard; 23 Castled; 24 Intemperate. Down: 2 Inset; 3 Normans; 4 Greece; 5 Tower; 6 In tears; 7 Come to light; 8 Change hands; 14 Refrain; 16 Incisor; 17 Tea-cup; 19 Ridge; 21 Allot. Quick Solutions Across: 1 Promiscuous; 9 Plunged; 10 Prior; 11 Opera; 12 Termite; 13 Treaty; 15 Effete; 18 Neglect; 20 Dodge; 22 Trait; 23 Islamic; 24 Belligerent. Down: 2 Rouse; 3 Migrant; 4 Sedate; 5 Upper; 6 Utilise; 7 Opportunity; 8 Irreverence; 14 Engrave; 16 Fiddler; 17 String; 19 Extol; 21 Demon. WORDWHEEL 607: PORTFOLIO

03 - 09 june 2011

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Film Show 08:00 FIM Superbike World Championship 08:25 Formula Ford Championship 08:55 The Morning Line 09:50 Friends 10:20 T4 Movie Special 10:50 Stars and Strikes 11:55 Friends 12:25 Style the Nation 13:20 Big Bang Theory 13:50 Big Bang Theory 14:20 That Paralympic Show 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 16:55 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 17:55 Come Dine with Me Extra Portions 19:00 Channel 4 News 19:25 4thought.tv 19:30 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 23:15 X-Men: The Last Stand

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:00 Meals in Moments 11:10 How Do They Do It? 11:40 The Gadget Show 12:40 Extreme Fishing with Robson Green: At the Ends of the Earth 13:40 Hotel Inspector 14:45 Hangman’s Knot 16:20 The Pink Panther 18:05 My Girl 2 20:00 Cricket 20:55 5 News Weekend 21:00 NCIS 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 CSI: NY 23:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 24:55 Rough Guide to...

07:00 Don’t Forget the Lyrics 08:00 My Pet Shame 09:00 Gladiators 10:00 WWE: Superstars 11:00 A League of Their Own 12:00 Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker 13:00 Modern Family 13:30 Modern Family 14:00 Modern Family 14:30 The Simpsons 15:00 WWE: Smackdown 17:00 Modern Family 17:30 Modern Family 18:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 18:30 The Simpsons 19:00 Emergency with Angela Griffin 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Road Wars 22:00 Planet of the Apes 24:20 Brit Cops: Frontline Crime UK

08:35 International Football 09:15 International Football 10:00 International Football 11:00 Euro 2012: All Access 11:45 French Open Tennis 13:00 Live Auto GP 14:00 Euro 2012: All Access 14:45 Live French Open Tennis 17:00 Game, Set and Mats 17:30 Euro 2012: All Access 18:15 Euro 2012 Flash 18:25 Live International Football 20:15 International Football 21:00 International Football 21:45 Show Jumping 23:00 Euro 2012: All Access 24:00 Intercontinental Rally Challenge

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Channel 4, 19.30

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer 09:00 Maury 10:00 Biggest Loser 11:00 Biggest Loser 12:00 Drop Dead Diva 13:00 Drop Dead Diva 14:00 Katie 15:00 Katie 16:00 Bones 17:00 Bones 18:00 Bones 19:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 My Husband Is Gay 22:00 Katie 23:00 Criminal Minds 24:00 Criminal Minds

tv Sunday

52 40

03 - 09 20114 2010 Feb 26june - March

07:00 Breakfast 10:00 Andrew Marr Show 11:00 Big Questions 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 The Politics Show 14:00 EastEnders 15:55 Life of Riley 16:25 Life of Riley 16:55 Escape to the Country 17:40 Points of View 17:55 Songs of Praise 18:30 BBC News; Regional News 19:00 Inside the Human Body 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Case Histories 23:00 BBC News; Regional News 23:25 Moving On 24:10 Andrew Marr’s Megacities

07:00 Wibbly Pig 07:10 Dip Dap 07:15 Pinky Dinky Doo 07:30 Tinga Tinga Tales 07:45 Octonauts 08:00 Space Hoppers 08:30 Bear Behaving Badly 08:55 Shaun the Sheep 09:00 Gimme a Break 09:30 Me and My Monsters 10:00 Friday Download 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 Great British Menu 13:30 Live MotoGP 15:00 Live French Open Tennis 19:10 Richard Hammond’s Engineering Connections 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 Murray Walker: Life in the Fast Lane 22:00 Coast 23:00 The Damned United 24:35 Brian Clough: The Greatest Manager England Never Had?

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 09:25 May the Best House Win 10:25 Dickinson’s Real Deal 11:25 60 Minute Makeover 12:30 This Morning: Sunday 13:30 Dinner Date 14:30 ITV News 14:35 Britain Does the Funniest Things 15:05 Britain’s Got Talent Final 17:05 Britain’s Got Talent Final Results 17:35 Midsomer Murders 19:35 Granada News 19:45 ITV News 20:00 The Royal 21:00 Popstar to Operastar 22:00 Scott & Bailey 23:00 Popstar to Operastar: The Results 23:30 ITV News 23:45 The Constant Gardener

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 That Paralympic Show 08:05 The Grid 08:30 Triathlon 09:00 Style the Nation 09:25 Friends 09:50 Hollyoaks 12:25 The Saturdays: Headlines Live 13:00 Friends 13:30 Video Exclusive 13:35 The Simpsons 14:05 The Simpsons 14:40 Four in a Bed 15:10 Four in a Bed 15:40 Four in a Bed 16:15 Four in a Bed 16:45 Four in a Bed 17:15 Deal or No Deal 18:20 Channel 4 News 18:45 4thought.tv 18:50 Home Alone 2: Lost in New York 21:00 The Hotel 22:00 Role Models 24:00 Zoolander

07:00 Childrens TV 09:10 Milkshake Monkey 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Gerald McBoing Boing 11:00 Chinese Food in Minutes 11:15 McFly on the Wall 11:45 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 12:45 D-Day: The Ultimate Conflict 14:50 Mission to Mars 17:00 5 News Weekend 17:05 Kelly’s Heroes 20:00 Cricket 20:55 Shanghai Noon 23:00 Rambo 24:50 UFC 128: Main Event

07:00 Hour of Power 08:00 My Pet Shame 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker 11:00 WWE: Superstars 12:00 WWE: Experience 13:00 Stargate Universe 14:00 A Town Called Eureka 15:00 The Simpsons 15:30 The Simpsons 16:00 The Simpsons 16:30 The Simpsons 17:00 The Simpsons 17:30 Glenn Martin, DDS 18:00 Glenn Martin, DDS 18:30 Raising Hope 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Middle 20:30 Modern Family 21:00 The Simpsons 21:30 The Simpsons 22:00 Hawaii Five-0 23:00 Mad Dogs 24:00 Lie to Me

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Crimewatch Roadshow 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Copycats 16:30 Deadly 60 Bites 16:40 Wingin’ It 17:00 Sadie J 17:30 Blue Peter 17:55 Shaun the Sheep 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Saints and Scroungers 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Case Histories 23:00 BBC News 23:35 A Question of Sport 24:05 Graham Norton Show

07:00 Childrens TV 09:55 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Guess with Jess 10:30 Nina and the Neurons 10:45 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Little Charley Bear 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 Tennis from Queen’s 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Britain’s Empty Homes 20:00 The Story of Ireland 21:00 Springwatch 2011 22:00 All Watched Over by Machines of Loving Grace 23:00 Psychoville 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 D-Day to Berlin

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 Secret Dealers 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 The Dales 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Injustice 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Taking Lives

08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:55 Friends 10:25 Accidentally on Purpose 10:55 Location, Location, Location 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Great British Brands 13:20 Jamie at Home 13:50 Guadalcanal Diary 15:35 Baking Mad with Eric Lanlard 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 America’s Secret Killers: Dispatches 22:00 Embarrassing Fat Bodies 23:00 27 Dresses

07:00 Childrens TV 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Hotel Inspector 13:00 Meals in Moments 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Family Recipe 16:15 The Waiting Game 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 19:55 5 News at 7 20:00 Cricket 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Hotel Inspector 23:00 The Restaurant Inspector 24:00 Gothika

08:00 Lion Man 09:00 Oops TV 10:00 Medical Emergency 11:00 House 12:00 House 13:00 Stargate Atlantis 14:00 Stargate Atlantis 15:00 Verminators 16:00 UK Border Force 17:00 Oops TV 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 The Middle 19:30 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Stargate Universe 22:00 Cop Squad 23:00 Spartacus: Blood and Sand 24:15 Caprica

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Crimewatch Roadshow 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Copycats 16:30 Deadly 60 Bites 16:40 Wingin’ It 17:00 Sadie J 17:30 Blue Peter 17:55 Shaun the Sheep 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 Junior Doctors: Your Life in Their Hands 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Poor Kids 24:35 The Lock Up

07:00 Childrens TV 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Guess with Jess 10:30 Nina and the Neurons: In the Lab 10:45 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Little Charley Bear 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 Tennis from Queen’s 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Britain’s Empty Homes 20:00 Britain’s Secret Seas 21:00 Springwatch 2011 22:00 The Country House Revealed 23:00 Lead Balloon 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 D-Day to Berlin

07:00 Daybreak

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Friends 10:25 Accidentally on Purpose 10:50 Location, Location, Location 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Quo Vadis 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Four Rooms 22:00 The Fairy Jobmother 23:00 Jamie’s Food Revolution Hits Hollywood 24:05 Misfits

07:00 Childrens TV 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Hotel Inspector 13:00 Meals in Moments 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Animal Rescue Squad 16:20 Chinese Food in Minutes 16:25 The Pledge 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 19:55 5 News 20:00 Cricket 21:00 Supersize Grime 22:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:00 CSI: Miami 23:55 CSI: Miami 24:55 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

tv Monday

tv Tuesday

09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 Secret Dealers 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Animal Kingdom 21:00 Countrywise 22:00 Injustice 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Falling Down

08:30 Eurosport for the Planet 09:00 Live World Touring Car Championship 09:30 International Football 10:15 International Football 11:00 Euro 2012: All Access 12:00 Live World Touring Car Championship 13:00 Live World Touring Car Championship 14:15 Live Cycling 15:00 Live French Open Tennis 17:30 Game, Set and Mats 18:00 Euro 2012:All Access 18:30 Live International Football 20:15 International Football 21:00 Boxing 22:45 French Open Tennis 23:45 Motorsports Weekend

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer 09:00 Maury 10:00 Four Weddings US 11:00 Drop Dead Diva 12:00 Drop Dead Diva 13:00 Katie 14:00 Katie 15:00 Bones 16:00 Bones 17:00 Passport Patrol 18:00 Nothing to Declare 19:00 Nothing to Declare 19:30 Nothing to Declare 20:00 Four Weddings Revisited 21:00 Cougar Town 21:30 Hot in Cleveland 22:00 Dating in the Dark 23:00 Criminal Minds 24:00 CSI: Miami

Pirates the the Datingof in Caribbean: dark Dead Man’s Chest Sky Living, 22.0022.00 BBC1

08:30 Motorsports Weekend 08:45 World Touring Car Championship 09:30 French Open Tennis 11:00 International Football 12:00 Euro 2012: All Access 13:00 Tennis 13:30 Live ATP Tennis 15:30 Live Cycling 17:30 Live ATP Tennis 19:30 Le Mans 24 Minutes 20:00 Tennis 20:30 WATTS 20:55 World Touring Car Championship 21:40 World Touring Car Championship 22:30 Euro 2012: All Access 23:30 Cycling 24:30 WATTS

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 14:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Bones 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Dating in the Dark 22:00 Beverly Hills Cop 24:00 Criminal Minds

Watch New Season TV for Free with the RTN Network 966 463 170

07:00 Brainiac: Science Abuse 08:00 Lion Man 08:30 Lion Man 09:00 Verminators 10:00 Medical Emergency 10:30 Medical Emergency 11:00 House 12:00 House 13:00 Stargate Atlantis 14:00 Stargate Atlantis 15:00 Verminators 16:00 UK Border Force 17:00 Oops TV 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 The Middle 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Road Wars 22:00 Planet of the Apes 24:20 Brit Cops: Frontline Crime UK

08:30 Le Mans 24 Minutes 09:00 ATP Tennis 10:00 Cycling 11:00 Euro 2012: All Access 12:00 Tennis 12:30 ATP Tennis 13:30 Live ATP Tennis 16:30 Live Cycling 17:30 Live ATP Tennis 19:20 Euro 2012 Flash 19:30 Le Mans 24 Minutes 20:00 Live ATP Tennis 21:00 Cycling 22:00 ATP Tennis 23:00 Euro 2012: All Access 24:00 Inside WTCC 24:30 Tennis

Supersize Injustice Grime ITV1, Channel 5 22.00 22.00

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Bones 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Cougar Town 21:30 Hot in Cleveland 22:00 Dating in the Dark 23:00 Four Weddings Revisited 24:00 Criminal Minds

tv Wednesday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Crimewatch Roadshow 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Copycats 16:30 Deadly 60 Bites 16:40 Wingin’ It 17:00 Dani’s House 17:30 Little Howard’s Big Question 17:55 Shaun the Sheep 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Waterloo Road 21:30 In with the Flynns 22:00 The Apprentice 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Not Going Out 24:15 The Mexican

07:00 Childrens TV 09:55 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Guess with Jess 10:30 Nina and the Neurons: In the Lab 10:45 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Little Charley Bear 11:15 Zingzillas 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 See Hear 14:30 Tennis from Queen’s 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Britain’s Empty Homes 20:00 Escape to the Country 20:30 Springwatch 2011 21:30 Springwatch Unsprung 2011 22:00 Wonderland Travels with My Family 23:00 The Apprentice: You’re Fired! 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle 24:50 Queen: Days of Our Lives

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 Secret Dealers 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Poms in Paradise 21:00 You’ve Been Framed and Famous! 22:00 Injustice 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Mugged 24:35 Cops with Cameras

- 09 june 2011 Feb 2603 - March 4 2010

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Frasier 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Friends 10:25 Accidentally on Purpose 10:50 Location, Location, Location 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Kirstie’s Homemade Home 14:05 Jamie at Home 14:35 Bullwhip 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Diagnosis Live from the Clinic 22:00 24 Hours in A&E 23:00 Desperate Housewives 24:05 Big Bang Theory 24:35 Big Bang Theory

07:00 Childrens TV 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Hotel Inspector 13:00 Meals in Moments 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Meals in Moments 16:20 McBride 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Pawn Stars 21:00 Giant Animal Moves 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 23:55 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:55 Poker: Aussie Millions

07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Frasier 10:00 Friends 10:25 Accidentally on Purpose 10:55 Location, Location, Location 11:55 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Kirstie’s Homemade Home 14:05 Jamie at Home 14:35 The Tall Stranger 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Four in a Bed 18:30 Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Help! My House Is Falling Down 22:00 Born to Be Different 23:00 Dermot’s Big Fat Comedy Gala 2011 24:05 Secret Millionaire

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Hana’s Helpline 09:50 The WotWots 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:05 Hotel Inspector 13:00 Meals in Moments 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:20 Law & Order 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 The Vanessa Show 16:05 Family Recipe 16:15 Bound by a Secret 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:25 OK! TV 20:00 5 News at 7 20:30 Zoo Days 21:00 Emergency Bikers 22:00 Extreme Fishing with Robson Green: At the Ends of the Earth 23:00 Outlaw

07:00 Brainiac: Science Abuse 08:00 Lion Man 09:00 Verminators 10:00 Medical Emergency 11:00 House 12:00 House 13:00 Stargate Atlantis 14:00 Stargate Atlantis 15:00 Verminators 16:00 UK Border Force 17:00 Oops TV 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 The Middle 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Emergency with Angela Griffin 22:00 Brit Cops: Zero Tolerance 23:00 Fringe 24:00 The Chicago Code

08:30 Le Mans 24 Minutes 09:00 Cycling 09:45 International Football 10:30 International Football 11:30 Euro 2012: All Access 12:30 ATP Tennis 13:30 Live ATP Tennis 16:30 Live Cycling 17:30 Live ATP Tennis 19:30 Le Mans 24 Minutes 20:00 Live International Football 21:45 Wednesday Selection 21:55 Show Jumping 22:55 Riders Club 23:00 Ladies European Tour Golf 23:10 Golf Club 23:15 Yacht Club 23:20 Wednesday Selection 23:30 Cycling 24:45 Olympic Magazine

53 53

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 14:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Bones 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Psychic Sally: On the Road 22:00 Bones 23:00 Supernatural 24:00 Nikita

Brit Cops: with Emergency Angela Griffin Zero Tolerance Sky1 21.00 Sky1, 21.00

tv Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Crimewatch Roadshow 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Real Rescues 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News; Regional News 16:05 Copycats 16:30 Deadly 60 Bites 16:40 Wingin’ It 17:00 Project Parent 17:30 Horrible Histories 18:00 Newsround 18:15 The Weakest Link 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Andrew Marr’s Megacities 22:00 The Duke at 90 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Basil and Barney’s Game Show 09:30 Show Me Show Me 09:55 Bob the Builder: Project Build It 10:05 Koala Brothers 10:15 Guess with Jess 10:30 Nina and the Neurons: In the Lab 10:45 Buzz and Tell 10:50 Big Cook Little Cook 11:10 Little Charley Bear 11:20 Zingzillas 11:45 Waybuloo 12:05 In the Night Garden 12:35 Pink Panther Show 13:00 Daily Politics 13:30 GMT with George Alagiah 14:00 Tennis from Queen’s 18:15 Cash in the Celebrity Attic 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Britain’s Empty Homes 20:00 Clydebank Blitz 21:00 Springwatch 2011 22:00 The Shadow Line 23:00 Mock the Week 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Psychoville 24:50 Queen: Days of Our Lives

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News 14:55 Granada News 15:00 60 Minute Makeover 16:00 Secret Dealers 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Injustice 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 When Piers Met Andrew Lloyd Webber 24:35 Amanda Holden’s Fantasy Lives

07:00 Brainiac: Science Abuse 08:00 Lion Man 08:30 Lion Man 09:00 Verminators 10:00 Medical Emergency 10:30 Medical Emergency 11:00 House 12:00 House 13:00 Stargate Atlantis 14:00 Stargate Atlantis 15:00 Verminators 16:00 UK Border Force 17:00 Oops TV 17:30 Futurama 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 Futurama 19:00 The Middle 19:30 The Simpsons 20:00 The Simpsons 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 Hawaii Five-0 22:00 The Chicago Code 23:00 Lie to Me 24:00 Martina Cole’s The Take

08:30 Show Jumping 09:30 ATP Tennis 10:30 Euro 2012: All Access 11:30 Cycling 12:30 ATP Tennis 13:30 Live ATP Tennis 16:00 Live Cycling 17:30 Live ATP Tennis 19:30 Le Mans 24 Minutes 20:00 Live Motor Racing 21:00 ATP Tennis 22:00 Live Motor Racing 24:00 Cycling

Watch New Season TV for Free with the RTN Network 966 463 170

07:00 Nothing to Declare 08:00 Jerry Springer 09:00 Maury 10:00 America’s Next Top Model 11:00 Four Weddings 12:00 Maury 13:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 14:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 15:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:00 Criminal Minds 17:00 Charmed 18:00 Bones 19:00 America’s Next Top Model 20:00 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 21:00 Chuck 22:00 Beverly Hills Cop II 24:00 Dating in the Dark

03 - 09 20114 2010 Feb 26june - March

54 44

The TV Round Up by

Alex Trelinski

Broadcaster and freelance journalist

Queen hits the note

I ALWAYS believe that the UK mainstream channels short-change music fans of all tastes, so we had a real treat last weekend. Firstly Shirley Bassey let rip with ‘Goldfinger’ as a John Barry tribute in the ‘Classic Brit Awards’ on ITV1, along with a rousing performance from Alfie Boe and the cast of the London-stage version of ‘Les Miserables’. Meanwhile, BBC2 had a fantastic two-part documentary about the great rock/pop band Queen, with some rare and recently discovered footage of Freddie Mercury and the boys. They were the first big name band that I saw live in the mid-seventies, and were never bettered as rock performers. Be honest. The massive TV event that was ‘Live Aid’ in 1985 was boring you to death until Queen came on at Wembley to rescue it at around 6.30. A great sadness for me with Mercury’s early death was that I’m certain he would have done more classical work, and would have more than likely popped up on the ’Classic Brit’s’ on a regular basis as a performer and a winner.

Essex in Eastenders

Sorry to keep mentioning ‘Dr.Who’ every week, but wow and double-wow after last Saturday’s episode. Tomorrow, the BBC 1 show

takes a mid-season break until the autumn, with a ‘killer’ cliff-hanger, and some old favourites like the Cybermen joining the party. I can’t wait! Likewise, I’ll be raising a glass whilst watching John Stape leave Coronation Street tonight, hopefully never ever to return. Meanwhile a bunch of ‘Moons’ led by David Essex join Eastenders on Monday. I never forgave Essex (and his song ‘Gonna Make you Star’) for keeping Queen off the number one UK chart spot with ’Killer Queen’ in 1974, but we’ll let the past stay in the past, especially if he and his clan can bring an odd smile or two to a place that makes Misrata seem like a barrel of laughs.

Cheryl axed The big TV story over the last week or so has been the dropping of Cheryl Cole from ‘The X Factor USA’. What has not been mentioned is that such ‘axings’ are very much a part of the American way of TV life and also that Cheryl will have over a million dollars put into her bank account as a consolation prize. I’m sure things will have moved on from the time that I have written this, but all the tabloid stuff about the Yanks not being able to understand her because of her accent is just part of the story. From what I’ve heard

Idol without Cowell The show that shot Simon Cowell to international fame, ‘American Idol’ reached its climax on ITV2 last week, and I was a bit bored by it, as we had two ‘samey’ teenage country-based singers fighting it out for the season ten title. Some great acts that dared to be different were voted out earlier by the American viewers who seemed to forget that this was a singing contest. Helped by his personality, Scotty McCreery (who will be a big star) was crowned the winner, but the real victor was the US Fox network, who in a re-vamp of the show with a new panel minus Simon Cowell, saw the ratings climb for the first time in five years. I thought Idol would struggle without Cowell, but I’ve been proved wrong, and the new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler have been entertaining, though perhaps not as critical of the contestants at times as they should have been.

Operation Mincemeat Book Review by

Danny Collins

copy@dannyjpcollins.com

IN THE early months of 1943, the body of an officer of the Royal Marines, identified as Major William Martin RM, was found floating in the sea off Spain. A leather attaché case secured to his belt revealed an intelligence goldmine to the Nazi warlords: top secret Allied plans for the invasion of Europe. But Major William Martin never existed and the body was actually that of a Welsh tramp who’d been posthumously inducted into the British Army with a promotion to boot. The documents in the attaché case finally reached Hitler’s desk and formed a Churchillean deception that set the surprised Nazi war machine on its left foot when the Allies stormed the beaches of Normandy. Mcintyre tells one of the greatest spy stories to come out of WWII and born of the British Intelligence Service under Churchill. Ben Mcintyre is no stranger to spy drama and is the author of bestseller Operation Zigzag, another chilling drama based on

Britain at war. In all, a thoroughly enjoyable book documenting a time when we had more to fight the Germans about than the sunbeds. Author: Ben Macintyre Publisher: Bloomsbury (paperback) Price: €10.80 ISBN: 978 1 4088 0921 1

Story-telling in Ondara a success

THE PROGRAMME of story-telling organised by the Ondara Department of Culture, held on Wednesday afternoons in the Ondara City Library, is now suspended until the beginning of the next school year in September. The sessions have proved popular and successful, attracting hundreds of children and involving more than 70 volunteers to read and interpret.

from an LA source, Cheryl was very nervy and tentative in the first audition recordings and just didn’t match up to what the network bosses wanted. She just wasn’t good enough, and even Simon Cowell who was desperate to get her on, knew that it wasn’t working. Incidentally, it’s been great to have Cowell back this week on the live ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ shows on ITV1, and having him sit through the worst crop of finalists in the programme’s five year history: I don’t think though that Cheryl will have been watching!

Suduko Answer

motoring

Brian Deller

Author of Motoring in Spain

A GOOD question from a reader was: how are we drivers advised when we commit a speeding offence by going past a radar camera for example? Several answers abound, one being that the authorities can advise you by an SMS to your mobile phone if you advise them of your number, send you a registered letter although this is not so popular now with the Internet being a cheaper option, or often by stopping you after a radar speed-trap if you have gone for the jack-pot. If the radar device is a mobile one, operated by, for example, the policia local, then they usually have a road block just down the road from the trapping site.

CHANGES TO THE MEDICAL PROCEDURES As regular readers of this column will know, as a resident in Spain it is mandatory to have an official periodical medical whether you have a Spanish driving licence or a current EU one, including the UK licence. To not have a current one means that your licence will be deemed to have expired and on the Spanish one it will be obvious as they expire when the next medical is due. But the foreign ones do not have this facility. The UK ones expire every 10 years for a photochange and this is noted on the front in Para 4b. Many expats think that they are okay to drive without any medicals until the 70th birthday, but this is only correct in the UK. However, expect this to change as the UK Parliament is discussing banning all drivers when they reach a certain age, at the moment for the standard ‘B’ classification expected to be at 80 years but it is still under discussion so if you disagree with this write to your MP to tell him or her - it does work. Here in Spain the medicals can weed out those who are unfit to drive and as the testing doctor, Antonio Ruiz Vicente, who checked me out this month (May) when I took my medical at age 73 (I passed) stated,

there are many drivers under even age 60 or less who are found not medically fit to drive. The point is that there should be no need to have a legal arbitrary age where drivers are just told they can drive no more if they attend and pass the mandatory medicals and keep fit. And another shock is that at age 70 for the standard non-commercial UK licences, in the UK the driver only has to complete a form swearing that he or she is fit to drive, no actual medical test - crazy. With the numbers of unlicensed or uninsured drivers that are also illegal for any other reason on Britain’s roads I am sure that all would honestly complete that form; especially if they are MPs. From December 2009 the procedure was to go to the official reconcimiento (clinic) where the test medicals are held, with two photos (now not necessary for most clinics as they have web-cams) and your existing Spanish driving licence and take the simple tests, hopefully pass them and if you cannot you really should not be driving they are so easy, and hand them your current Spanish licence which they will send off to Trafico with your new photo and certificate. You will be sent a new licence through the post, with the clinic giving you a temporary A4 paper driving-licence for three months so you can keep driving until you receive the new card. This still occurs except that now your photo is taken by the clinic using a web-camera which inserts your photo into the on-line application form on their computer. I had a small stroke two years ago and being honest I told the doctor the details who told me that the problem meant that I would have to take the next medical in three years’ time as before, not up to five. Fair enough. If you are fit with no medical problems the doctor can extend your next medical for up to five years. If you have other problems as advised

03 - 09 june 2011

to me by readers over the last few years, e.g. the loss of one eye, you would be restricted to a maximum of 100kph or similar. Remember that the doctor/clinic will validate your licence, Spanish or legal foreign one (on the certificate) as part of the medical so you will know when the next one is due. As a thought, I have a local Brit expat acquaintance whose husband is very ill and he can hardly walk but, with his UK driving licence he apparently according to his wife still takes a short drive to go for drink locally. His wife who drives to work every day, has lived here for many years and who also uses a UK-DL, is in her 50 -60s, has never taken a medical here either and when I politely advised her about the need for her insurance’s sake and the safety of all road-users as well as her family’s sakes, she was obviously not intending to take the medical for fear, I guess, of failing. But if after a bad accident she or her husband end up in Court where the driving licence and medical certificate is are asked for inspection purposes, they could lose all in the potential damages to be paid (in Spain, the Criminal Court awards damages as part of any case, no need to make a civil claim later) to a victim depending on the accident circumstances. Why, because with no current medical certificate, her driving licence has already expired so she should not be on the public roads. Your local clinic for the medicals (Reconcimiento) can be located at your local ayauntamiento foreigners department or by looking at the web site: (Sorry for the long address but blame Trafico). This search page in the Trafico web-site covers all the clinics so equipped in Spain. Keep this address safe for future reference. http://www.dgt.es/portal/es/oficina_virtual/ dir_telefonos/centros_rec_conductores/ ?tit=%BFD%F3nde%20se%20puede%20solicitar?

There is much more detailed information on all motoring subjects in my book. Brian Juan (John) Deller, Malaga, author, ‘Motoring in Spain’ www.spainvia.com. Tel: 666 888 870 Brian Deller, author, book Motoring in Spain, ISBN No 978 84 611 9278 6. Shops’ addresses in my web site at: www.spainvia.com/bookshopslist.htm

03 - 09 june 2011

Torremendo

Tel.: 965 368 274

VENUS

ESTABLISHED IN SPAIN FOR 10 YEARS FULLY LEGAL S.L COMPANY

Cars S.L. www.venuscars.com

We Buy, Sell & Part Exchange Quality British & Spanish Cars Transfer Documents Completed Competitive Insurance Quotes. All cars Fully serviced and valeted

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

€2,000

€2,995

€7,995

€6,495

€4,995

€3,495

€5,995

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automatics

one owner

Derbi GPR 2005 125cc

Piaggio 2003 500cc Scooter

€5,495

€2,495

CITROEN C3 SX PLUS 2004 1.4 LTR PETROL

HYUNDAI ACCENT 2001 1.3 LTR PETROL

€10,995

JAGUAR X TYPE 2003 2 LTR V6 EXECUTIVE FULLY EQUIPPED, FSH automatic, triptonic

€6,995

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€5,995

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€14,995

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Ford Transit Connect T200 2005 1.8 TDCi Diesel

Ford Focus Trend 2003 1.8 Ltr TDCi Diesel

MERCEDES-BENZ RIMOR SAILER 4 BERTH MOTORHOME 2006, ONLY 16000 KM part exchange wellcome

wanted: camper vans

€34,995 one owner

€9,995

one owner MERCEDES-BENZ CLK 200 2000, KOMPRESSOR

CITROEN C3 70 SX Plus 2005 1.4 HDI DIESEL, ONE OWNER

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UK RIGHT HAND DRIVE CARS

€7,495

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SEAT IBIZA 2006 1.4 LTR PETROL AUTOMATIC

tax & mot

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€2,995

spanish plates auto

rhd

Volkswagen Golf 1999 1.6 Ltr petrol

Opening hours Mon - Fri 9-6pm (No siesta) Sat 10-1pm. Find us next to Petrol Station TORREMENDO 10 Minutes inland from San Miguel, Los Montesinos & Junction 751 on the AP7 towards Orihuela. Torremendo turning on CV95 towards San Miguel

Classified Ads 03 - 09 june 2011

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

Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 1)

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

UK-SPAIN-IRELAND All European Destinations

Removals with the personal touch. Full/part loads. Parcels, flat packs, luggage, door to door service, Storage available, pets transported

Phone 965 696 750 • 0044 (0) 1460 74191 email: chrisyounge73979@aol.com

PRISTINE POOLS

• Professional pool maintenance & cleaning • Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems Ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed • Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired • Structural leaks investigated and repaired • Refurbishments & upgrades undertaken British Trained with over 15 years experience. Extensive references. All work guaranteed Tel: 96 677 4199 or 678 080 500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com Torrevieja and surrounding areas plus Costa Calida

03 - 09 june 2011 excellent cash income, no overhead, work from home, work only one day per week, €31,000 nett yearly. 25 pringle vending machines with sites €14,900.€250 per week guaranteed.965-326-442/ 659-696-455 SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own product range. First class training & support. Telephone 606586587

EXCEL AIR CONDITIONING. See main ad on page 13.Tel/Fax (Head Office) 966-897-772. Mobiles:680-154-432/676-265-675. Email excelairconditioning@hotmail.com. All credit/debit cards accepted. SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966-865-883 (Mob) 629-308-505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz

TRANS-PET We do regular, doorto-door journeys between the Costa Blanca and the UK.Our aim is to provide a professional, caring service for your pets.Boarding facilities for Cats and Dogs. This may be for an overnight stay or of longer durations.Tel:600-552030/965-960-658 www.trans-pet.co.uk PAWS PET TRANSPORT SpainUK-Spain every month. We look after your pets as if they belong to us. Call Joe for a chat on 966074-576 or 650-341-087. email:pawspettransport@hotmail.com

DRIVING TO THE UK? English guest house in France, close to Spanish border. Peaceful location, secure parking. www.millefleursbb.co.uk

MOTOR SAILOR Lovely Traditional Lande motor sailor, moored in Cabaroig, much admired. New engine and prop, New sails, Refitted cabin, electric windlass. All super condition, too many extras to mention. Over 10,000 Euros spent on upgrades. Will accept 8,000 Euros for quick sale. Contact; John:-966-761650 (Spain) +44-1472-343-459 (UK daytime) SSR SPEED BOAT 4.5Mtr + New Trailer. Yamaha 28hp, E/S. possibility auxiliary engine. Brand New upholstery + extras. 2500€. Tlf:- 665-068-649

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

FELINE FRIENDS CAT HOTEL (Richard and Jan) because of our large client base we rarely need to advertise, so if you need our contact details please copy from this ad. We still offer free pick up and delivery and our many clients tell us that we are still the best in the area. Tlf-965-967-081 mobile-665080-885 email-felinefriends73@ hotmail.com www.felinefriendscathotel.com

SECOND HAND SHOP Bargain Prices. Also 2 man Removal. Tel:678-067-163 E.mail rastroaltea@hotmail.com

MOBILE/PARK HOMES from 17.000€, Fully furnished ready to move into, A/C, Tel, Eng TV, on permanent site, Bar/Res, Pool, Tennis, Gym, Shop, walking distance to San Javier, 5 mins to beach, Airport, Hospital by car. (also bungalows for rent and caravan plots short term or permanent stays) Tlf Carol 968-192-425 mob 626-055-622 www.mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com SUN ROLLER QUEEN 4 berth 1.500euros. Loads of extras incl. awning, stabiliser, heater, hot water and lots more. Extras alone worth more than purchase price.Tlf:-965791-241/679-394-657-Javea BENIMAR 2 BEDROOM ideal retirement/holiday home £25.000 see youtube.com search Benimar near Benidorm or phone 657-438-559 STATIC HOME FOR SALE Immaculate 2 bedroom 35x12ft Static holiday home for sale on picturesque family run holiday park near Pinosa, Alicante. Located on a spacious plot with large master bedroom, shower, toilet, huge living area this holiday home also has Double glazing and air conditioning. Ground rent is paid in full until April 2012. Reluctant sale but must go - €18,000. Please call 0044-7855-490-945 for more details or to arrange a viewing

BUILDER Leemabuilders Ltd. All groundworks and building works undertaken Domestic and Commercial No job too small Contact Lee:-634-349-039 www.leemabuildersltd.com

ESTABLISHED BAR/RESTAURANT FOR SALE in Quesada town centre. 300sqm terrace, 300 covers. Fantastic opportunity. 660 819 009 10 COLD DRINK/SNACK VENDING MACHINES with sites,€44,900.

CAR SALES SITE TO RENT

HOLDS 30 CARS, FULLY LICENSED LOW RENT TEL: 620 738 023

COMPUTER REPAIRS For all Computer Repairs, Andy @ Wizard Computers - Home Visits. No Call Out Charge - No Fix No Fee. Qualified Technician - established on North Costa Blanca over 5 years. For friendly reliable advice Mobile: 648065-224 Office: 96-647-0815. www.wizard-computers.biz BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home. Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424 PC SOLUTIONS 4U For all your PC needs. Reliable & friendly service. Call Fred 634-638-664/visits 20 mile radius,Benidorm. We also buy PCs/computers

CONSTRUCTION All types of building work.Tiling BBQ´s.Have your own bar built.Painting and Maintenance service.call Paul for free estimate and advice. Moraira and surrounding areas. 660-290-412/966-197-354

a Laptop & Digital Camera? Want to earn good Commission? Absolutely No Investment Required For Further Details & Application Form Go to the Agents Link on the Website www.swapsellservices.com EARN EXTRA MONEY HOSTING SUMMER STUDENTS EARN EXTRA MONEY HOSTING SUMMER STUDENTS English families required from July, within 30 minutes of Lady Elizabeth college, host Spanish summer students, and earn great rates. If you are interested, please send your details to richc_spain@yahoo.co.uk or call 627-068-561 QUALIFIED ENGLISH TEACHER REQUIRED, language school Denia. Immediate start, must have experience and be flexible. Call Jana on 635-354-102, jana@estudiosaladar.com AVON NEED AGENTS AND LEADERS work hours to suit you. For info Phone Rosh 966-785-520 ADULT INTERNET PHOTO AND VIDEO Females and couples, 18-65, required as models. Excellent rates. Tlf:-697-697-842

WILL THE EURO WEAKEN, FURTHER? Safeguard your savings, change to GBP. Legal, safe & private. Profitable, paid 8-10% interest, last decade. Requires offers 50K, plus. Details:- petersharp4u@gmail.com

EDEN GARDENS Specialise in Garden Maintenance and Clearance, Palm trimming, planting, exterior wall painting and pool care. Javea to Moraira. Free quotations call:616-748-667

THE INN PLAICE , TORREVIEJA Experienced part Time Waitresses Required. Good Customer communications Skills and an outgoing personality Age Not Important but some heavy lifting involved (tables, chairs and gas bottles etc) Please contact Catherine on 966 709 893 Or mobile 678 571 117 PART TIME experienced cook, also required experienced barmaid with previous work experience must speak Spanish and English for established bar in Catral Tlf:- 615-182-238 AGENTS REQUIRED Do you own

PLUMBER AND HANDYMAN Available for Roller Shutter Blinds, Repairs and Renew. Odd Jobs. Tlf:-646-236-291

TEETH WHITENING. Professional Pain Free Cosmetic Treatment, from 99€. Javea, Denia, Calpe, Benidorm areas. Tel:-966-473-166 or 680501-404. See www.nulookteeth.com

03 - 09 june 2011

S.O.S. INSURANCE Car-HomeHealth-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787-123/ 622-275-561/686-116-297

ACE AUTOS

IMMEDIATE CASH We pay the best price for gold and silver try us last. The Gold Centre, N332 ALtea/Albir Road Tlf-697-193-941 Only deal with police registered gold buyers

British & Spanish used car sales VILLA MARTIN TORREVEIJA 03 SUZUKI WAGON R 5 DOOR A/C P/S E/W CLEAN 00 CITROEN SAXO 1.4 AUTO, A/C E/W P/S LOW KMS 01 FORD FOCUS DIESEL A/C VERY CLEAN LOW KMS 90 MERCEDES 300 COUPE CLASSIC FULLY LOADED 99 HYUNDAI ACCENT 1.3 LOW KMS A/C V/CLEAN 00 HYUNDAI ATOS RED 5 DOOR A/C E/W P/S 99 OPEL TIGRA A/C NEW PAINT ALLOYS LOW KMS 98 SUZUKI VITARA AUTOMATIC SOFT/TOP 97 AUDI A4 A/C E/W P/S ALLOYS MET B.R.G. 01 SEAT IBIZA DIESEL 3 DOOR LOW KMS A/C 03 DEAWOO MATIZ 5 DOOR A/C P/S E/W V/CLEAN 00 OPEL CORSA DIESEL 5 DOOR V.LOW KMS 96 SEAT CORDOBA 1.9 DIESEL 4 DOOR A/C P/S 96 OPEL VECTRA ESTATE ALLOYS A/C CLEAN

3,500€ 1,950€ 3,450€ 2,950€ 1,750€ 2,450€ 2,750€ 2,750€ 1,750€ 2,750€ 3,500€ 2,950€ 1,950€ 1,950€ (SOLD)

U.K. CARS 01 RENAULT LAGUNA ONLY 55,OOO MILES M.O.T.

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Tel: 620 738 023 10am to 5pm

WANTED INSTANT CASH PAID Antique and modern jewellery, vintage watches bought sold part exchanged, insurance valuations. Jewellery & watch repairs. Alexanders, Javea Port seafron near Bar Esquina. Established since 2003. Tel:965-792-595

PERGOLA 5MX3M Never erected. High quality solid timber, Treated. Ideal for Garden or Carport. €385 Will Delivery Free. 622-791-907 or si.whitworth@gmail.com TRADITIONAL STYLE CASSETTE WOOD BURNER Fan assisted. Width 87cm. Height 61cm. Cost 1200€. Accept 300€. Photo available, buyer collects. 965-570-187 or 645-099-662. AUTOMATIC GATE SYSTEMS €399!! Automatic Garage Doors €249!! Fully Installed/Guaranteed! All brands repaired 627-191-639/ www.elektro-nex.com 2 X MATCHING SOFA TABLES Circular, Diameter 60cm, Height 55cm, 3 legged pedestal base, Light oak finish. VCG. Altea area, Buyer collects. 50€ the pair. 691-202-307 WHEELCHAIR Light, Foldable, Hardly used. 150€. Mobility Scooter 40km range 499€. Both like new! Tlf:-627-019-403

AT MICHAEL’S you also get NEW high quality Spanish beds. All sizes available as we deal directly with the manufacturers! Famous brands like United Colors of Benetton, etc www. michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Fun big Juke box in 60´s style, it plays CD´s. Several round glass/iron tables with chairs for nayas etc. Dark dining table with 6 “rope” chairs. More at: 600 photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Modern orange leather sofa. Two black leather sofas. High quality leather suite in salmon colour, 3-seater + 2-seater + armchair. And more! See 600 photos: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S you can get part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. See photos (updates every 5-6 days): www. michaels-javea.com MICHAEL’S 28 YEARS IN JAVEA ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! We sell high quality pre owned furniture, many from show apartments etc. Look at: www. michaels-javea.com Tlf:965-791-328.

G.S PARTY HIRE Planning a party. Do you need tables,chairs,crockery ,glasses. Outside catering and bar for all occasions. Then contact me for more information on.635-109375/693-371-654/966-194-984 WEIGHT WATCHERS Call our Free English call centre now to find your nearest meeting. 900-818-794

BALLROOM/LATIN/SEQUENCE DANCING La Rustika (Los Arcos) Restaurant, Avenida Baleares,Torrevieja, Saturday Social dance 7.30pm - 10pm, Tuesday IMPROVERS LESSON 7.30pm - 8.30pm plus SOCIAL DANCE 8.30pm - 10.30pm (not second Tuesday of the month) Monday NEW BEGGINERS CLASS 10.30am - 12.30pm. Casa Ventura, San Luis, Torrevieja. Thursday NEW BEGGINERS CLASS 7.30pm 9.30pm. Tlf Andrea and Brian 616-478-157

KUBOTA 3 TON MINIDIGGER 3 buckets, brand new rubber tracks, works well. 7000euros. Tel:-646-164-896 KARAOKE MEDIA PLAYER Special Offer 500GB. 80,000songs, software, songbooks, bar/home use. 195euros Tlf:-657-766-341 SINGERS, DJ\’S, KJ\’S 1TB media drive inc:-110k up to date karaoke tracks, 1k + M/F/duet backing tracks, 500+music videos. 400+ music albums. Karaoke & DJ software etc etc. 225euros. CC accepted via paypal. call Paul . 659-511-951 POOL, SNOOKER TABLES Also

FIND US NEAR NEW MERCADONA. PUEBLO PRINCIPE, VILLA MARTIN

Cars wanted for cash LHD/RHD

special special special! fORD FIESTA

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www.fwreurocars.com Table Tennis and Darts. Will beat any price!. Tlf:-666-933-726. www.spainpool.com

ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET 500CC 1700Kms only. Many Extras, Spanish Registered, Insured, Fully Legal, One Owner. Half New price 2500€ ONO. Tlf:-606-075-644/966-786-858

MERCEDES-BENZ CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR 2000, Spanish LHD, 2 Ltr petrol auto, lac silver,parking sensors,climate control,cd player, alloy wheels, excellent condition throughout, 6995€ www.venuscars. com 965 368 274 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 1999, 1.6 LTR Petrol Automatic, green, RHD Spanish plates, 2995€ www. venuscars.com 965 368 274 SEAT TOLEDO 1998, Petrol Automatic, white, Spanish LHD,air con, all round elec windows, good condition 2495€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 VAUXHALL ASTRA CONVERTIBLE 2002, 2.2 Ltr petrol Bertone, UK RHD one owner, 40000 miles Sporting Blue. FSH, fully electric roof, full leather interior, air con, electric windows, heated seats, alloys and CD multichanger. This car is in outstanding condition throughout. UK RHD, Taxed & Mot, 3995€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT T200 2005, 1.8 TDCI diesel, white, Spanish LHD, only one owner/driver, very well maintained 4495€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 HYUNDAI ACCENT 2001, 1.3 Ltr Petrol, 5 door, metallic blue, Spanish LHD, air con, power steering, reliable 2495€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 SUPER BARGAIN ford ka purpley blue 2250€ including transfer Tlf-661-321-036 LOOKING FOR A CAR? We have a nice selection of LHD and RHD Vehicles for sale or exchange from only 1500€,

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03 - 09 june 2011

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03 - 09 june 2011

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03 - 09 june 2011

The final whistle With Andy Kay

RTN Golf Club update

www.andykayevents.com

Grow up Fergie Dennis Jordan NORTH REGION

HI ALL, hope you have had a good practice out on the fairways and improved your game this spring, with the changing climate… We have had all sorts of seasons, sometimes in one day! Courses in the north will be a bit quieter than of late so tee times will be easier to get at required times. Costa Blanca is a great place to visit, with the golf courses and the night life in Benidorm and all the theme and water parks now open there is always something to do in between playing a round.

Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

Alenda

€45

Single Green fee

Alicante Golf

€53

Single Green fee + Buggy

Bonalba

€42

Single Green fee

Don Cayo

€43

Single Green fee

El Plantio

€45

Single Green fee

Font del Llop

€40

Single Green Fee

Villaitana Par 62

€39

Single Green fee + Buggy

Villa Aitana Par 72

€45

Single Green fee

For more information email Dennis at dennis@roundtownnews.com or direct to www.benidormgolf.com on 630 714 373.

Mike Probert SOUTH REGION

Joseph S. Blatter

SHOULD YOU need any more proof that this week’s Fifa Congress and Presidential election was just about the most tawdry episode in the recent history of sports politics, then let me point you in the direction of a Fijian gentleman by the name of Dr Muhammad Shamsud-Dean Sahu Khan. Whilst he probably won’t be familiar to many of you, Dr Sahu Khan is the President of the Fiji Football Association and is a big fan of Sepp Blatter. Following the attempt by the English FA delegate David Bernstein to get the Presidential vote called off seeing as there was only the one candidate, Dr Sahu Khan was one of a number of speakers on the morning of Blatter’s uncontested election to stand up for the organisation and its top man. Indeed, listening to his rhetoric and support of ‘the Prez’ you could have been mistaken for thinking that as well as standing for the top job, Mr Blatter had also found a cure for cancer, beaten Usain Bolt over 100 metres and also retained his ‘biggest willy in the world’ title. In fact, if you use a different word to describe an appendage....one that starts with the letter P.... then you might not be too far off the truth! So, what kind of man is Dr Sahu Kahn....let me enlighten you... He’s a lawyer who last month was banned from practising law in Fiji after being found guilty of professional misconduct. Marvellous isn’t it? Here’s a guy who has the gall to bang the Fifa drum, despite all its recent troubles and it turns out he’s a wrong’un! That just about sums it up. Mind you, in terms of performances in Zurich, he was outdone by Argentina’s Julio Grondona, who, following the address by Bernstein, said ”We always have attacks from England, mostly with lies.” Bearing in mind that the most recent corruption scandals that have resulted in suspensions were prompted by the Sunday Times and from within Fifa itself, it’s kind of difficult to work out just what ‘lies’ Mr Grondona was referring too. But later, in an interview with a German media outlet, he went one better: describing the scene when England’s 2018 World Cup bid team approached him about voting for them he said, “Let us be brief: if you give back the Falkland Islands, which belong to us, you will get my vote.” In other words, give me a bribe (however unlikely) and I’ll vote for you. For this statement alone, Mr Grondona should be sanctioned by his superiors. He won’t, of course, as Fifa doesn’t work like that. Like some of the worst dictatorships around the world, it is a self-serving, totalitarian body, in which a great deal of its members care more about what’s in it for them rather than what’s in it for the game. The reforms announced by Blatter back up that view. Yes, there will be more oversight, but the people responsible will be Fifa insiders picked by Fifa insiders. At this rate, when Nato has stopped bombing Libya, Fifa HQ might be next.

Murcia Golf Hound Murcia Region

JUST RETURNED from my holiday back in the surprisingly warm and sunny UK where I managed a game at ‘The Belfy’ which is in superb condition but expensive at £150 each and so perhaps the prices here are not so bad after all. My, how the temperatures have risen in a week! Summer is very much here and the extra growth will help courses recover from recent ‘hollow tining’. Campoamor is undergoing extensive work to the fairways with disruption due until mid-July. There are still a few spaces remaining at Vistabella under the RTN exclusive deal of only €78 for 2 players and 1 buggy. DEAL OF THE WEEK is at Altorreal where the price is only €55 for 2 players and buggy on Monday and Friday and only €65 for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. THE MURCIA Golf Hound continued his travels around the Costa Calida this week with a visit to Lo Romero. We had heard many positivethings about the standard of this Pilar de la Horadada course and were certainly not disappointed. Our day got off to a great start with a quick practice session on the extensive practice facilities. We liked the fact that both the 1st and 10thtees are served by separate putting greens, catering nicely for two tee starts. First impressions of the course were very good and it was clear that the green staff here take great pride in its appearance. We particularly liked the use of ornate stonework to create elevation changes on a certain hole! We thoroughly enjoyed our round, especially the stretch of holes 8 to 14, where risk and reward is encompassed on every hole! This concept is embodied in particular at the Signature 18th with its stunning island green and TPC Sawgrass style finish. Do you ‘lay-up’ or do you Tin Cup? That is the question!

Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

Alicante

€76

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Hacienda del Alamo

€82

2 PL and 1 Buggy

La Serena

€90

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Polaris World Courses

€92

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Roda

€78

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Las Colinas

€94

2 PL and Buggy (from3pm)

La Peraleja

€76

2 PL and 1 Buggy

For more information contact Mike at mike@roundtownnews.com or direct at Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931.

Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

La Envia

€32

Single Green fee

Alborán

€48

Single Green fee

Cortijo Grande

€29

Single Green fee

Almerimar

€42

Single Green fee

Aguilon

€40

Single Green fee

Desert Springs

€60

Single Green fee

Valle del Este

€90

2 Single Green fee + buggy

For more information contact the Hound on Facebook, twitter: murciagolf@roundtownnews.com or 671 748 625.

ANYONE FOR FOOTBALL? Aged between 20 to 40 ? Torrevieja area Call Doug on 628 789 335

The real reason for golf courses Noel’s world of golf By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Campo de Golf El Plantio 639 730 891

WE ALL know that golf in our part of the World has suffered in recent times. Anyone who has played golf here for more than 5 years will know all too well that we are in a recession that our hosts refuse point blank to acknowledge is affecting them. Just a few short years ago we were all looking forward to an abundance of new golf courses all along our coastline. We must remember, however, just why we had this situation. There was a property boom and people from all over Europe were coming to Spain and buying any old property for ridiculous prices that were just unsustainable. Developers saw the need to have golf on the doorsteps of these new properties so that more and more expatriates could be relieved of even more money. Well now the goose that laid so many golden eggs has been well and truly killed and we will never again in our lifetime see such a boom again. This means that the number of golf courses under construction has gone to practically zero. The recession has meant that many expatriates have had to return home leaving both homes and golf course shares and memberships behind to be sold at greatly reduced prices. Green fee income is also down at most clubs because there are fewer people than ever playing the game of golf because the greed of some course owners continues. The RFEG has acknowledged that golf licenceholders’ numbers are down and has launched an initiative at all clubs in Spain to get more people playing golf. They have asked for lessons to be given to first time golfers free of charge. These lessons should take only 15 minutes and be aimed at getting more people to play the game. This is a great idea but where

is the publicity for it? Once again it is time to ask our golf course owners to move with the times before we get left way behind the rest of the golfing world. The initiative above is something done annually in USA; I wonder why there are so many golfers and golf courses in USA? WIN A ROUND OF GOLF FOR 2 INCLUDING BUGGY AT THE BEAUTIFUL EL PLANTIO RESORT IN ALICANTE To enter this competition, simply answer the question below correctly. Every correct answer will be entered into a draw at the end of the month and the winner of this fantastic prize worth over 180€ will be picked at random at the end of each month. Send your entries by email to golf@roundtownnews.com. The decision of the editor of RTN will be final in making the winning selection. QUESTION FOR 3RD JUNE 2011 On which golf course is ‘The Road Hole?’ A. Turnberry B. St Andrews C. Carnoustie All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 30th June 2011 to be entered into June’s draw, to be made on 1st July. The winner will be announced in RTN on July 8th 2011. WINNER FOR MAY Pete Cowd from Los Montesinos NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY AT EL PLANTIO For the very best in golf coaching, contact Noel on 639 730 891.

Any questions you have for Noel should be sent to golf@roundtownnews.com

Cast Off with

Robbie France

“Whenever your preparations for the sea are poor; the sea worms its way in and finds the problems.” Francis Stokes.

FOR THE last few months we’ve concentrated on the whys and wherefores of sailing and the like, but what happens when God purses his lips to blow some wind…. and there’s nothing coming out of His mouth? Like some mischievous devil has shoved a massive gobstopper in His trap! Take yesterday for example: chugging along like a train we were…then? Nowt. Nada. Zilch. From a healthy 5 to 6 knots to absolute zero in 90 seconds! Ahhhhh… Then it’s time to deploy the ‘iron sail’. Yes sir. When the elements don’t play ball, drop the outboard motor and head for Port. We can’t predict a change in conditions but we can prepare for them. Maintaining an outboard should be as basic as it gets. Oil; petrol; spark plugs; keep a spare bottle of oil on board; a small emergency fuel tank; a new replacement spark plug and that’s as prepared as it gets. When I took my RYA Day Skipper Course with Captain Richard Plaster in Torrevieja, it was de rigueur that we checked the engine thoroughly before setting sail. I personally run the outboard for a couple of minutes before casting off. Listening for any changes in revs, making sure she’ll be reliable if needed. However, if sailing doesn’t do it for you and you like the ‘Power Boat’ shape of things? Then Richard Plaster has a nice course that you ‘petrolheads’ may like to attend! There’s a new RYA Diesel Maintenance Course. He’s just been cleared to provide the necessary tuition, in

collaboration with a marine engineering firm in Torry. Captain Plaster explained: “They provide all training and myself the certification. Originally this was meant to be for young people, like... school leaving age, but we’ve been getting interest from boat owners too which obviously makes sense.” He continued. “Anyway, the workshop that has been created for these courses is fully kitted out with V8 engines and all sorts. The Spanish equivalent to this course is a strictly ‘hands-off’ job and extremely lengthy, whereas our students will be getting ‘stuck in’. It means there are no other training courses like this in the area, and therefore a great opportunity and introduction to marine engineering for some school leavers.” Sounds like a plan, Richard. Good stuff! If you’re interested in doing something along these lines, you should email him or call him. enquiries@serenitysailing.com or Tel: 638 056 224. I’m getting loads of emails regarding putting together a little event in summer for all of us to meet up and do some sailing. There is more than enough interest for me to do this, possibly in August. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the support. I’ll be asking around... trying to sort out logistics of venue and boats and such like over the next couple of months, okay? And also on a similar note...we should all of us aim to meet up in Cartagena in August for the Audi MedCup. It will be nice to put faces to email addresses!!

03 - 09 june 2011

Fishing Maggots End by

David Hoare

968 199 279

For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@gonuts4free.com THIS WEEK’S competition was the 5th in the Summer Championship series, the venue being the Embalse de Argos. The water level is still as high as the previous fortnight. However, the fishing was not as good, as can be seen by the weights. Again this week the deeper water swims produced the majority of the better weights. The fish size is bigger this year (especially the barbell) so let’s hope they keep growing and the big weights return. TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st Ian (Irish Wizard) Dalzell, fishing the feeder using pellet with 28.320 kilos 2nd Terry (Swing ‘Em) Screen, fishing the pole using paste with 24.160 kilos 3rd Ian (From the Darkside) Haughton, fishing the pole using paste with 21.38 kilos ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied by Terry Screen This week’s match took us back to Beniarres Reservoir for the 7th round of the Spring Series on 24th May. It looks as if there is every possibility that the new tunnel on the Alcoy by-pass will be opened in the next month or two, which will make the journey time even quicker. On our arrival we were surprised to see the water back up in the trees once again - the last time we were there we had been able to drive along the shingle bank, but now it is completely under water which is a rise of between 6 to 8 feet. There was plenty of fish showing in the margins either spawning or cleaning off, Stan (the Man) making

the best of an excellent draw on a weed bed and winning the match with a brilliant catch. 1st Stan (The Man) Roberts with 38.000kg on Pole using sweet corn 2nd Terry (Swing ‘Em) Screen with 12.760kg on Pole using paste 3rd Bob (The Gent) Elms with 12.660kg on Feeder using corn All details are available from the Match Secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368 Anglers Together ANGLERS TOGETHER was formed to introduce and encourage anglers of all abilities to meet up and get together to fish, either sea or freshwater. Firm friendships have been formed during the time the group has been active and information on fishing venues and licenses required are available at the meetings or by regular emailed newsletters. Meetings are held in two locations on the second Friday and Saturday of each month. Anyone with an interest in fishing (sea or freshwater) is welcome to come along to a meeting, the next at Mary’s Bar, Campoverde (near Pilar de la Horadada) to be held on Friday 10th June at 12 noon. On Saturday 11th June at 12 noon, the meeting will be held at The New Royal Bar and Restaurant at El Alamillo, opposite the seafront between Isla Plana and the Port. NOTE The subs are now due at these meetings: €5 for renewal and €10 for new members. Refreshments and lunch are available at each location. Come along to a meeting nearest to you.