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07 - 13 OCT 2011

The Maria Elisa

Scottish salt stranded by Louise Clarke THOUSANDS OF tonnes of salt destined to de-ice Scotland’s roads this winter are stuck in Torrevieja after the vessel transporting it was impounded by officials. The Maria Elisa, a Liberian tanker, has been held off the coast of Torrevieja for the last eight days: its owners must pay a fine of €60,000 for technical deficiencies before it is allowed to leave. The merchant vessel, under a Liberian flag but owned by a German company, remains at anchor opposite the port of Torrevieja by order of the Ministry of Development, who have applied the rules

of the Paris Memorandum, an international convention governing the safety of ships and their crews. According to a source the ship supposedly violates rules and endangers the lives of her crew due to poor maintenance. BANK GUARANTEE The owner needs to pay the fine or face disciplinary proceedings before the vessel can set sail. Inspectors have identified shortcomings in charts, communication systems and electricity. According to the inspection report, the deficiencies put the ten man crew at risk. The Maria Elisa arrived in the harbour last Wednesday (28th September), scheduled to collect

5,700 tonnes of salt bound for Scotland. It was due to leave the same day but was halted by the inspectors following the routine inspection. The vessel, which measure 115 metres in length and 50 feet across, is newly built and is anchored less than a mile off the coast of Torrevieja. According to a source at the Ministry of Development, the owner is trying to organise a bank guarantee to enable payment of the fine. Meanwhile, representatives of the vessel’s owner have assured the Ministry that all the identified deficiencies on board have been corrected. Most of the ships that visit Torrevieja are destined for the Nordic countries and the UK, where the salt is needed to de-ice roads during the winter months.

07 - 13 OCT 2011

This week’s menu

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School bus anger continues

07 - 13 OCT 2011

FESTIVE FUN

Great Weekly Day Trips

11€ Benidorm 298€ Christmas cracker: 5 days FB 4* hotel. Includes Gala dinner Sun Mundomar (Seaworld) at special price 17€ incl. entry Almuñecar 539€ Sun Alcala del Jucar Spectacular cave village. Lunch incl. 27€ Christmas and New year: 11 days 4* hotel All rooms Sun Benidorm on market day.

Mon Guadalest/Algar waterfalls. Incl Lunch

24€ Balcony. Includes 2 Gala Meals. Plus excursions.

Mon Alicante -- Castle, beach marina, shops

11€

Tues Jalon Valley- Fabulous scenery- quality meal

23€

What’s New ? TUESDAYS - JALON VALLEY

Fabulous scenery with autumn colours, sample local 11€ wines at a village bodega. Then a fabulous meal at

Wed Benidorm on market day

Wed Mundomar (Seaworld) Special price 17€ Incl. park entry Monroes carvery. Price: 23€ Wed Caravaca/Calasparra. Inland Murcia with meal incl.24€ 14€

Thurs Cartagena with train ride to Mar menor

by Louise Clarke PARENTS OF pupils at schools and colleges in Torrevieja met at the Virgen del Carmen Cultural Centre in the town on Monday evening to discuss the issue of school transport costs, which parents will be responsible for in less than a month. The Torrevieja Town Hall announced last month that they will no longer be able to subsidise school transport for children who live less than three kilometres from their school or college. Many parents complained that they will be unable to afford to pay for the school bus and some have threatened to demonstrate against the move

by organising a convoy of slow moving cars into the city, crippling the road network in and around Torrevieja. Parents who attended the meeting of the Association of Parents (APA) at the Cultural Centre also learned that there will be a grant available to those who reach the required criteria, which includes single parent status, a large family with more than four children, unemployed parents or those who have income equal to or less than the minimum required wage set in 2011. RTN will be meeting with Graham Knight and the Education Councillor next week to discuss this issue and will have a full report in next week’s paper.

Fisherman saves rare turtle A FISHERMAN from Torrevieja has rescued a Loggerhead Sea Turtle entangled in a tuna long line, four miles off the coast of Torrevieja on Tuesday. The endangered 25-kilo turtle is of great interest to the Oceanographic Association of Valencia, which has facilities to promote the preservation of the species to prevent its imminent extinction. The turtle’s left flipper was damaged in the rescue operation but it is hoped that it will be released in a few months’ time in the same area.

FRIDAYS - Jumilla at grape picking time

Thurs Murcia shops special. Over 200 shops

See the burst of activity in a genuine bodega as the 11€ grapes come in. Then a traditional Spanish meal in a

Thurs Murcia city on market day

11€ country restaurant. Price: 29€

Fri Jumilla bodega at harvest time.Incl lunch/entry

29€

Fri Benidorm Palace dinner,dance, show.

47€ Don’t miss out. Book now. Includes excursion to

Fri Benidorm. A night on the town

12€ Escorial. City centre hotel B&B. Price: 215€

Madrid 4 days 18-21 October.

OVERNIGHT EXCURSIONS WITH COACHTRIPS S.L VALENCIA 3 DAY

MADRID & ESCORIAL 4 DAY

120€

based in Madrid Centre

3* CITY BB. 13-15 OCT

3* CITY HOTEL. 18-21 october

SALAMANCA, SEGOVIA 4 DAY

ANDALUCIA CITY TRIO 4 DAY

+ Pastrana & Guadalajara

includes Sevilla, Cordoba, Ecija

3*HB + city visits 25-28 October

3* HB 8-11 nov

215€

199€

BARCELONA BY TRAIN 4 DAY

285€

places Limited

4* BB CITY. 14-17 NOV ALMUÑECAR 11 DAY

539€

Incl excursions Nerja/Granada/ Gibraltar plus 2 Gala dinners

23rd December - 2nd January 4* FB

CHRISTMAS IN BENIDORM 5 DAY

298€ includes Gala Christmas Meal 4* FULL BOARD 23-27 DECEMBER All rooms with Balcony

MORE EXCURSIONS AND MORE DATES AVAILABLE! CLICK OR CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION!

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Gun battle in Alicante by jack Troughton POLICE SHOT a gunman dead after an armed gang battled with officers in the street after robbing an Alicante jewellery shop. Panic spread in the crowded streets and people dived for cover in packed bars and restaurants on Saturday night as the two sides traded fire in Avenida Alfonso X el Sabio. Three civilians were hit by stray bullets in the crossfire and all were treated at San Juan Hospital – none received life threatening wounds. The National Police later said officers had broken up a “dangerous and highly organised” group of French bandits. The robbers were armed with shotguns, a hand grenade and a sub-machine gun and were dressed in black, wearing gloves, balaclava masks and bullet-proof vests. Officers said the gang did not hesitate before opening fire and the dead man was a 30-year-old French citizen. It is understood he was shot in the head. A second member of the gang was arrested nearby in a children’s play park after a short chase. HIJACK And a third bandit escaped the police cordon by hijacking a car. He was arrested with a fourth man on Sunday morning in La Pobla Tomasa, Castellon, believed to be heading for the French border. The gang used a car, allegedly stolen in Elche days before the raid, and drove to the 21st Century Jewellers. Inside

Police surround the robber’s body

the store they threatened staff and stole trays of jewellery. However, attempts to open the safe failed because of a time lock. One waiter working nearby spoke of “terror, confusion and panic” in the street. “The men did not hesitate before opening fire on police.” He said: “At first we thought it was just fire crackers – then we realised what was happening. People were

running away and customers dived under tables.” Another witness said: “It was like something from the movies. You never realise it will happen for real, it was terrifying.” The three injured were passersby. One, a 51-year-old woman was wounded in the hip; a man aged 63 received a wound in the back, while a second 23-year-old man was hit in the wrist.

Water leak nightmare by Louise Clarke THE CONTAMINATED water situation in Las Filipinas in the San Miguel de Salinas municipality has been well documented over the last few years and the fact that it finally looks like it will be sorted, with the approval of a new water supplier, is hardly news for rejoicing seeing as the problem has been ongoing for more than seven years. This week though, it appears that Erna, the company which supplies the contaminated water to thousands of residents, has stooped to a new low after leaving a British couple with a huge hole and ever flowing water outside their home. RTN was contacted by Judy Sermon from Blue Lagoon earlier this week to see if we could highlight her situation and try to get her “water feature” removed. She told RTN: “We noticed that there was water leaking under the pavement in June and then in July some workmen came from Erna, dug up the pavement and replaced some piping which initially stopped the gushing water but within days it started again. The flow was slower but collected within the hole and became stagnant, causing a real stench as well as swarms of wasps and mosquitoes.” NEW CONTRACTS Three weeks ago, Erna came to the house to change Judy’s water meter and were informed again of the leak. The workman said that he would report it to the company and that someone would

Judy Sermon just wants the leak fixed and hole repaired

come and sort out the problem. “But that was three weeks ago,” commented Judy, “and still nothing has been done.” RTN took photos of the hole and showed them to Sergio Correas Ferrer, the San Miguel Councillor for Urbanism. He said that he would ensure that barriers were placed around the hole to protect pedestrians and assured us that he would be in contact with Erna to get the water leak repaired. As RTN went to press, Judy was still waiting for the barriers! Meanwhile, the name of the new company that will be taking over the San Miguel’s water supply has been announced. Gestagua is an interna-

tional company based in France and according to the Mayor, Angel Saez Huertas, they were the only company which tendered for the water supply contract that fulfilled all the criteria that the Town Hall demanded. The contract to take over the water supply will be signed by the company and Town Hall within days and residents will be contacted in due course to sign new contracts with the company. As to how long it will be before fresh, clean, safe and drinkable water comes through the pipes of the homes of Las Filipinas - that is an entirely different matter!

Toilet rules for female staff Employment inspectors are investigating a Murcia fruit company whose staff are obliged to wear a ‘toilet’ sign with the word ‘aseo’ around their necks after asking for permission to use the bathroom. They are also limited to a maximum of five minutes in the bathroom. El País indicates that the company rule only applies to the female members of staff. Unions describe it as ‘denigrating’ and ‘discriminating’ and report that two women who made the company rules public last week have now lost their jobs. It’s understood that the company’s two businesses in Cieza and Alhama de Murcia are both being investigated.

Factory closed after police raid

The factory is in the industrial area of Ibi

FOLLOWING AN impromptu visit from the Guardia Civil and the Labour Inspectorate, a factory in the industrial area near Ibi in the Alcoy area has been closed down after a total of 17 people of Romanian nationality were discovered working

without appropriate employment contacts. In addition, two businessmen have been arrested, also Romanian. The detainees are allegedly charged with various employment violations including sexual harassment of some of the workers.

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Save time and money

Jennifer Cunningham

IT CAN be very difficult to find a qualified and regulated adviser – now I have solved this problem for you. After much research and personal experience we work with a firm of Independent Advisers who have both a UK and an International business. Importantly both are regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the UK and by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission, respectively. They have a team of advisers, all individually qualified and regulated, advising across Spain with well over 100 years industry experience between them. They are also Independent, so they can access the whole market to find the most suitable solution for you. ARE YOU CONSIDERING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT DECISIONS? QROPS/QNUPS Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension/Qualifying Non UK Pension Scheme Investments/Savings Review Pension Audit If so, read on, I know it will save you both time and money. Before we look at some of the detail, I think it is important to have an overview of their beliefs and ethics, in their own words. Getting the best financial advice is about more than financial expertise. It is about: • Having someone you can rely on. • Knowing they are keeping up to date with financial information and knowledge, so that you get the best advice and great products. • Talking to you in plain English rather than jargon, so you really do know that they understand what they are advising you to do. • Being confident that they are using their knowledge and expertise to make sure you don’t miss any opportunities or fall into any tax traps. • Having a relationship you value.

We believe everything starts and finishes with our relationship with you. Each and every one of our clients is different which means the advice and help we give you will be as individual as you are. Our aim is simple; to guide you through the financial implications, opportunities and pitfalls that living abroad brings. QROPS/QNUPS Since the Introduction of Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) in 2006, the acronym has become increasingly prominent. However clients should be extremely cautious when considering whether a Qrops is right for them. Whilst Qrops themselves are regulated the advisers giving advice do not have to be, so beware. Whilst Qrops and Qnups offer some great benefits, the fees you pay can drastically reduce the money in your pension or pocket. We know of firms charging as much as 15%, which in our opinion is outrageous. Via Jennifer Cunningham & Associates they offer a fee free service for Qrops and Qnups Advice, POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF QROPS • Greater lump sum • No Inheritance Tax • Lower income tax • Wider investment choice • No Annuity, your choice • No currency risk PENSION AUDIT If you are living in Spain, you may still have some pension benefits in the UK, and whilst Qrops and Qnups offer advantages they are not right for everyone. If you answer any of the following questions with No- You need a Free Pension Audit • Do you know how much is in your pension fund? • Do you know what benefits you will receive, and when?

• Will you have sufficient income for your retirement? • Do you know where and what your money is invested in? INVESTMENTS/SAVINGS REVIEW Investors big and small have and are facing some difficult times: • Low interest rates from the Banks and Cajas • Reducing income, variable exchange rates • Volatile Stock Markets • 19% or 21% Tax on your interest If you see adverts detailing rates which seem to high or just too good to be true, remember that in the small print somewhere it may say “These investments may not be suitable for all investors.” There are solutions for every investor: the important thing is that you find the right one for you, which can be time consuming and confusing. To save time and money just call us today. I really hope you have found my thoughts on Financial Services of help, for your Fee Free consultation contact one of our offices and we will be pleased to arrange a meeting. JENNIFER CUNNINGHAM - MORE THAN JUST A VOICE ON THE PHONE On 13th October you are invited to join the specialists at an open day in the beautiful Herradura Restaurant in Los Montisinos, 10.30am till 5.30pm for advice on all aspects of insurance including car, house, boat, travel, life insurance, health, commercial, community and funeral plans. Also present will be the Associates for Qrops and investments. Private appointments can be arranged by contacting the Benijofar office. An added bonus will be the Paul Cunningham Nurses Charity along with charity items, nurses, raffle and tombola: should be a nice day.

Jennifer Cunningham Insurances S.L The Costas leading insurance consultant. If you have a question please email her at: jennifer@jennifercunningham.net Regulated and Authorised by the DGSFP in Spain.

Paramount Park Project announced by Louise Clarke AFTER EIGHTEEN months of speculation, the Paramount Theme Park in Murcia has been officially announced this week. The land has been purchased, the operating licence has been applied for and the basic business plan for the project was announced to the World on Tuesday, and now it is just up to the promoters to go and get the investment needed to see their plans realised. The launch of the Paramount Resort took place at the Hotel Villa Magna in Madrid by a team of Spanish and foreign tourism, hotel industry and real estate entrepreneurs. The project to build what will be the largest theme park in Spain will cost more than €1000 million and Jesus Samper, the main investor in the project hopes to overcome the resistance of the financial markets and investor doubt with what he called “a very credible project”. On the same day as it was announced that a further 95,000 people had become jobless in Spain, Michael Bartok, the Vice President of Paramount Licensing along with the Murcia President, Ramón Luis Valcárcel, stated that the joint venture led by the company Premursa Samper, proposes the creation of nearly 23,000 jobs directly and 16,500 indirectly, mainly in the construction phase.

that is what matters. The timing is difficult, but we are going to get those investments.” A new feature in the project is the addition of United Parks, one of the World’s leading companies in the management of leisure facilities and whose arrival to the Paramount project can be compared to the announcement of AENA managing the new Corvera Airport. Samper also stressed that the Paramount Park will be the only “proper” theme park in Spain, unlike the existing ones that are considered as “themed areas”. He concluded: “The business plan has the ability to generate massive profits. The owner of Real Murcia was convinced of it and betted on getting a substantial return on all his investment within ten years. A positive result will be realised because we are confident

The Paramount Park will be in Murcia in 2015

Tour operators visit San Pedro del Pinatar

ECONOMIC IMPACT The business plan states that work on the park will being in March 2012 with the opening scheduled to take place in 2015. It states that there will be at least 2.7 million visitors in the first year, reaching 3.6 million ten years later. It is expected that the project will generate an economic impact of €535 million annually, representing 2% of the Murcia region’s GDP. Jesus Samper plans to announce the business plan in London, Beijing and New York over the coming weeks in order to attract investment and he stated that the promoters already have four interested investors, including the Russian tycoon Oleg Boyko.

The group of Tour Operators in San Pedro last weekend

by Louise Clarke A GROUP of fourteen specialist Tour Operators from Italy, UK, Denmark, Sweden, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Poland travelled to San Pedro del Pinatar last weekend and participated in a familiarisation tour of the municipality and its surrounding attractions. The school, which has been accredited by the Cervantes Institute since 2007, has been working alongside the Murcia Tourist Office to promote the area for more than a year and was integral to the success of the trip, promoting itself as the perfect place to learn Spanish with your family. The tour operators involved in the trip specialise in organising trips and half-term stays for students, children and adults to other countries to learn a language.

Fake hake on sale

PROFITS “There is money and investment capacity,” stated Jesus Samper to gathered journalists at the launch, “and we will provide the project with credibility and

that the resort will attract more than three million visitors a year.”

07 - 13 OCT 2011

DNA testing has revealed that only 8.6% of the hake sold in Spain is not hake at all, but the cheaper Vietnamese catfish or Grenadier. The revelation comes after an analysis of 150 samples taken from fishmongers in Madrid carried out by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. The Ministry for Health says there is no danger to health, but that there is commercial fraud. Hake sales are over 1 billion € a year in Spain with the average consumption more than four kilos a year, and mislabelling means that cheap fish can be passed off as higher quality fillets. Some marine biologists consider that illegal fishing may even be taking place. Fishmongers have dismissed the report describing it as ‘hardly scientific’ and full of ‘human errors’.

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Mistaken identity

A BIZARRE case of mistaken identity followed the shootout between police and a gang of armed robbers raiding a jewellery store in central Alicante last Saturday, when officers seized one of the victims, Fernando Guzman, for questioning while he was receiving treatment for a gunshot to his wrist.

Fernando Guzman and his friend José Luis

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by Jan Gamm “In the hospital Radiology Department several National Police officers threw me to the ground before holding me against a wall! They thought I was one of the robbers!” PAIN His friend Jose Luis entered the room on hearing cries of pain. “At first I thought it was due to the treatment but they were beating and insulting my friend. And then did the same to me!” Both men allege they were treated “disgracefully” by the officers involved: “They laughed in our faces and threatened us with beatings: it was a nightmare,” said Jose Luis, “My friend spent several hours handcuffed, injured with a bullet wound in his wrist - there is no excuse for the way we were treated by the police. I will never get over this experience.” The incident was witnessed by more than 40 people in the hospital Emergency Room. After more than two hours in detention, police clarified the situation and moved the victim and his friend back to the hospital but made no apologies. Both men are taking legal action against the police.

“TENSION” In response, the Government Representative in Alicante, Encarna Llinares, defended the “professionalism” of the agents involved that “prevented a tragedy,” saying “…the important thing is that they are all under arrest and police caused no serious injuries.” She blamed “nerves and tension” for the police officers’ behaviour toward Guzman and his friend. The Siglo XXI jewellery store owner targeted in the attack, Miguel Angel Horn, has called for tighter laws and heavier penalties for theft. “Those already convicted of similar crimes are allowed to walk freely in Alicante,” he said, “…the guild of jewellers has called for changes to Article 503 for years to avoid the recurrence of such crimes.” LIFESAVER The avenue of Alfonso el Sabio resumed normality on Sunday yet filled with onlookers viewing bullet holes in lamp posts, shops and facades. One newsagent whose establishment received a dozen hits said he would rename his kiosk ‘The Lifesaver’ as so many pedestrians had taken cover from the gunfire there.

07 - 13 OCT 2011

‘The Cuckoo’ back in court by Jan Gamm

Parents of the Cuckoo arriving at court for the trial

Anyone want to buy a Casino?

AS PROPERTY market sales in Spain are tipped to be ‘on the up’ a substantial investment goes on the market: the Casino de La Vila in Benidorm has hung out a ‘Se Vende’ sign inviting interested parties to make sensible offers – the price as yet undisclosed and the sale surrounded by a number of unanswered questions regarding licensing, restrictions on future gaming and whether the sale might be compromised by employees alleging unsettled issues of remuneration. The landmark property offers a building of 3,500 square metres on a 43,300 square metre plot with enquiries to Casinos Mediterranean SL.

Alicante mothers ‘draw the line’

Working Mum Isabel

THOUSANDS OF Alicante families have sent in written complaints to the Department of Education appealing for school meals to be restored to kids denied a meal in recent cut backs. One mother, Isabel, said, “This is a shambles. I have to leave food being prepared at home while I run to school to collect my children in time to return to work. The payment for the school meals is 160€ that I cannot afford. If it continues I will have to stay home.” Free school meals that are not particularly popular with the students nonetheless allow working mothers the freedom and finance to continue working. The new cuts in dining allowances have left thousands of students without a school meal and mothers have just one month in which to lodge a written complaint.

THE PARENTS of the child Javier GM nicknamed ‘The Cuckoo’, who is awaiting an appeal hearing after being acquitted for the 2009 rape and murder of Maria del Castillo but committed to two years eleven months internment for being an accessory, have broken the terms of a ‘50km exclusion zone’ ruling that their son does not approach the victim’s parents at their home in Seville. They have appeared before the Juvenile Office in Seville this week for breaking the terms of the restriction. ‘El Cuco’ and his parents were apprehended on the A4 Seville-Cadiz road, 26kms from the victim’s parents’ home, claiming the mother, who was driving, had “taken a wrong turn” while travelling to a friend’s birthday party. ‘El Cuco’ had been given special permission from the home where he resides to attend the event under the supervision of his parents. They have exercised their right not to testify against their son in this matter.

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Muslim girl told to uncover her head for exam by Jan Gamm A MUSLIM girl of 14 has been excluded from a school examination in Madrid after she refused to remove her ‘hijab’ (headscarf). She began wearing the garment only this summer of her own accord. The exam invigilator asked her to remove the garment as it covered her ears and candidates had been caught cheating with the

aid of aural electronic devices. When she refused she was expelled from the exam. The lawyer representing the girl and her family has requested that the school reconsiders its decision, reminding them that the ‘hijab’ does not conceal the The girl’s face or identity. So far the board of teachers hijab not in charge of the case remains firm and although welcome the girl is allowed to attend school she has not in school been given permission to re-sit the exam. exams

Protest group launches in UK

Roger Cashman MEP with some of the complaints

by Jack Troughton VICTIMS OF Spain’s property market have opened a second front with the launch of the UK-based campaign group POPPIE. The Protection of Property Purchased in Europe is a new association for people owning or attempting to own property in Spain. And it wants to represent everyone with problems with off-plan purchases, bank guarantees, land grab by developers, coastal law problems and revoked or misrepresentations regarding planning permission. The first year’s membership is free although fund raising may be needed in the future and the introduction of subscriptions and appeals for contributions. The initial directors of POPPIE are husband and wife Chris and Angela Beattie. They said: “We need as many members as possible to demonstrate we speak for the thousands with property in Spain. “POPPIE has been formed to campaign for UK residents who have bought property or tried to buy property in Spain in good faith, and who, through the actions of various levels of government, property developers and banks, find themselves unable to enjoy the rights to their properties.” Chris and Angela said that there were already regional associations based across Spain actively representing expats of all nationalities. “UK citizens have also been caught up in the minefield of red tape, bureaucracy and arbitrary decisions that plague the Spanish property market,” they said. “These people include those who have bought holiday homes as well as those who retired to Spain or moved to start a new life in a sunnier climate.” And they say POPPIE intended to raise awareness of the problem in the UK while lobbying British MPs and MEPs more effectively. Chris and Angela said it was an ideal time to take action because Spain’s government was actively promoting property investment while ignoring its existing problems. The couple are also victims after buying an off-plan villa in Andalucía. Surrounding homes and a golf complex were never constructed and their holiday home was built two years late and without planning permission. It has no electricity or water and they cannot sell. “We bought it as a holiday home for ourselves, our friends and children. We also bought it for our retirement but now we cannot bear the sight of it.” To join or help running POPPIE contact Chris and Angela via Poppie.uk@gmail.com

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Bad press

WITH ALL the bad press about Torrevieja Hospital, I thought I would share my experience. Seven weeks ago, I had an appointment with the ophthalmologist for my annual eye test and whilst there he made me an appointment at the Torrevieja hospital for me to see the specialist there. She asked me if I would like better vision and after 80 years of being very short sighted, of course I said “Yes!” On 21st August I saw the anaesthetist and four days later received a phone call telling me to attend the hospital where they operated on my left eye. 20 days later, last Thursday, I went again and they did my right eye. After all these years and at 80 years of age, I now have near perfect eyesight! Thank you Torrevieja Hospital: now I no longer need specs and gosh, Spain is so bright! Charles Reagan

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Interesting tariffs from Iberdrola for your readers GOOD MORNING RTN! My husband, Jim Stokes, submits crosswords to RTN every week and has won a meal on a couple of occasions. We have always enjoyed the meals and thank you for the healthy fun your paper provides in this way. I’m writing with some information that might be of interest to your readers, in case you want to investigate it: Iberdrola has a tariff called ‘discriminacion horaria’ which we have recently signed up for and which can save users a lot of money. The way it works is as follows: there are two tariff periods - PEAK from 1pm to 11pm in the summer, at 17 cents per unit used; and LOW – 11pm to 1pm the following day at only 6 cents per unit consumed. So, for example, in our house we use the washing machine, dishwasher, iron, etc only in the mornings now and enjoy the air conditioning when we go to bed - all at much less than expected. In winter we use a firewood stove to heat up the

Turn the tables I NOTICE that yet again a foreigner is to take the UK to the Human Rights Court, this time because Border Control did not speak to him in his own language when he arrived in UK. Since there is so much trouble with the Human Rights Acts in UK, why doesn’t somebody try it here in Spain? Take Spain to the Human Rights Court because they don’t provide translators for EU citizens at town halls, hospitals and other public buildings etc…Surely that is against Human Rights here in Spain. And better still get somebody who can claim Spanish Legal Aid to do it! Turn the tables on Spain for once! R. Rent, Mojacar

Join the new Pool League THE NEW Pool League is in the process of being established with several bars in Torrevieja. Bar owners who would like to enter a team should contact the League with details via torreliga@poolinspain.com or call Lucy on 672 544 744 before 14th October.

house (really great and low cost) and sometimes switch on the HOT cycle of the air conditioning in the bedroom as we go to bed, so our circumstances are right for this type of tariff. Until now we had been on the standard contract with Iberdrola which charges 14 cents a unit, so as we do not need to use electricity during the afternoons: this change has made a difference in our Inberdrola bills. Also, this contract entails changing your old meter for a new digital one which displays the date, the time, the number of units consumed for tariff period 1 and period 2, so you can easily estimate your next bill at any time. Finally, they bill you bi-monthly and they read the meter, so no more paying for estimated usage. I hope that this is of interest for your newspaper. Many thanks and kind regards, Ellen & Jim Stokes, Denia

Two readers’ opinions on Ryanair pulling out of Alicante RE: RYANAIR pulling out of Alicante: What a sad story. I fear the only people who are going to lose out are the staff being made redundant and the passengers that use the services. I hope common sense eventually prevails but I fear with Ryanair that their arrogant stance does not allow for compromise. Reading the story it looks like AENA want airlines to use the airport in the safest way: you have to wonder why Ryanair are so set against using the bridges when all other airlines do. It looks like AENA have gone halfway and compromised for the winter months so why do not Ryanair meet them halfway for the summer period - god knows they hype up their so-called no frills fares enough in summer plus all their hidden charges on top to cover these additional bridge charges. To me it looks like they are now going to use their bully-boy tactics by pulling some services

out of Alicante unless they get their own way. These people have no care, concern or loyalty for the staff they are going to make redundant: they are just numbers. ON THE contrary it is AENA’s failure to listen to its customers through arrogance or stupidity that has caused this problem! Wherever Ryanair operates it always prefers to use steps, as this is a much quicker way of boarding passengers. The safety argument is nonsensical: I disembarked by stairs at Gatwick a couple of weeks ago, an airport four times as busy as Alicante, and I’m still alive to tell the story! We can get an idea of AENA’s incompetence by their building of T2 at Alicante, an excellent facility with short walks to the aircraft and all (dis)embarking by stairs...only to close it less than two years after opening. Names withheld

Crackdown not working REFERRING TO various comments in most of the local free newspapers in respect of the current crackdown on counterfeit goods – this course of action appears not to be very effective. Last evening Saturday 17th September our regular walk along the promenade was more of a chore than a pleasure due to the obvious increased numbers of ‘Lucky Lucky’ men plying their wares, blankets virtually edge to edge and in a double row along the seafront. This made it very difficult for pedestrians trying to negotiate a path through them. I would also add that at that time the police were conspicuous by their absence. Unfortunately the crackdown does not appear to be working. Come on, Mayor Dolón, get yourself out for a walk one Saturday evening (without informing anyone of your intentions I hasten to add) and see for yourself. These vendors are really spoiling what used to be a very pleasurable Saturday evening not only for residents but visitors to the area when not only out for a walk but by being pestered by the vendors when having a coffee at one of the may sea-front cafes. Kath Thompson

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Pub wins match of the day by Jack Troughton

SOUTHSEA LANDLADY Karen Murphy and her Red White and Blue pub this week claimed a giant killing in the cut throat business of screening Premier League football. After a prolonged battle, the European Court of Justice has ruled that current broadcasting rights were against the law. The Luxembourg ruling could allow football fans in the UK to watch matches using cheaper foreign decoders – and ultimately allow expats a way of legally watching a broader range of television produced in their native countries. Karen began her six year legal battle against BSkyB and the English Premier League after being fined £8,000 for breach of copyright and using a cheaper Greek decoder to screen live matches. Currently the broadcaster owns almost all the rights to televised Premier League football and has a number of lucrative spin offs with packages to other countries. And Karen has pledged to battle on if the ruling is challenged by “the big players” as a matter of principle. “I should be able to

go out, as with any other commodity, and chose to buy from whoever I like.” LICENCE

The judges ruled the current system of separate broadcast licences across different member states was “contrary to EU law.” For BSkyB and the Premier League there are a number of complicated legal points to consider and it seemed likely appeals would soon be lodged with the British High Court. The judges did warn that “protected works” – Premier League graphics and the opening anthems – were subject to copyright and their broadcast needed the league’s permission – however, the matches themselves were not similarly protected. In a statement representatives of the Premier League welcomed the judgement for “making it clear that the screening in a pub of a football match requires the league’s authorisation. “The Premier League will continue to sell its audio-visual rights in a way that best serves the needs of our fans across Europe and the broadcast markets that serve them – but is also compatible with European law.”

Thrilled landlady Karen Murphy and her husband Patrick. Photo by Paul Jacobs

07 - 13 OCT 2011

El Plantio expands

ONE OF the Mediterranean coasts’ favourite golf courses is about to get bigger and better with the help of Far Eastern investment. by Jack Troughton RTN can exclusively reveal plans for a neighbouring par 72 course with 27 holes and leisure complex, including a five star hotel and holiday apartments. President of the Ferry Group, Manuel Ferry Sanchez this week announced the €150 million project to extend El Plantio Golf Club with the neighbouring Green Valley Golf. The existing club and the new course lie in the valley between the city of Alicante and El Altet airport. Mr Ferry Sanchez said El Plantio had already signed protocols of agreement with several golf clubs in China in the Shanghai, Wenzhou, Huzhou, regions. “Thanks to these agreements a large group of golfers and Chinese entrepreneurs have visited the facilities of El Plantio Golf Club,” he said. INVEST A presentation of the new project was also made to the visitors. The President added:

“They have been interested in the extension project of Green Valley and they have demonstrated their interest in investing in the extension project. “And in the next few weeks we expect the visit of high ranking executives interested in investing in the extension project.” He said as well as a new golf course and luxury hotel, there would be additional sports facilities at Green Valley, including five soccer pitches and paddle courts. It was estimated the new project would lead to the creation of 250 jobs and it was hoped to start work on the course next year. Golf coaching professional Noel Eastwell, who runs the RTN Golf School at El Plantio, said China was an emerging golf market and the Costa Blanca was being promoted as a golfing holiday destination. “These are very exciting times for golf in this area and there is already massive interest in the Green Valley project, especially after the ongoing success of El Plantio.”

The Russians are coming

El Altet

AIR TRAFFIC between Alicante and Russian destinations is expected to level throughout the winter after increasing by 70% in the first eight months of the year. Aena is to tender 400,000€ for the adjustment of facilities at 26 terminal gates to accommodate passport control for Russian travellers and also enable passengers within the Schengen agreement freedom of movement, effectively splitting passenger traffic into two streams. According to a Ukranian travel agency the increased Russian trade is due to lower prices on the Costa Blanca than the Costa del Sol and the Balaerics.

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Pastor meets with British Ambassador and Consul by Patricia Thompson THE PRESIDENT of the Diputación de Alicante, Luisa Pastor, met with the British Ambassador to Spain, Giles Paxman, and the British Consul in Alicante, Paul Rodwell, on Tuesday to discuss matters concerning the integration of European residents in the region. During the meeting, which was also attended by the deputy of European Residents Mercedes Alonso, and Tourism Deputy Joaquín Albaladejo, Pastor made special mention of British residents and the intentions of the Diputacion to support their integration into the Alicante community. “These actions continue to ensure that all EU residents feel fully integrated into our province,” she said. Meanwhile, Giles Paxman pointed out that “Alicante is the province where we have the largest concentration of British residents in Spain. Therefore, government must do everything possible to encourage such integration.” The two British leaders have stressed the importance of the work done by the Provincial Government through its European Residents Area by organising lectures, courses and information to facilitate administrative and legal proceedings, among others, on behalf of the British residents in the province.

07 - 13 OCT 2011

A new face at the town hall by Louise Clarke I AM a great believer in fate and after having spent the first six months of this year at the Orihuela Costa Town Hall as Press Officer (and unofficial British Residents Officer) it was fate that I would be invited, during my first official week back at RTN, to meet Denise Wesserling, the new Coastal Residents Officer in Orihuela Costa. I am happy that I had the opportunity to experience working at the Town Hall, but I am glad that my ‘sabbatical’ (as I am calling it) is over and that I am back to doing what I do best, where I belong: at RTN. And I am delighted that some of my responsibilities will be taken on by someone as capable as Denise, whom I have known for several years and who is more than capable of rising to the challenge and excelling in the role. TEAM Denise started at the Town Hall in Playa Flamenca on Monday and will be working alongside Councillor for the Coast, Bob Houliston and Antonio Cerdan. Originally from Yorkshire, Denise has lived in Spain for more than eight years. She previously lived in Germany for 20 years and so is not only proficient in Spanish, she is also fluent in German. Her arrival completes the Coastal team and now the Foreign Residents Office is well and truly open, after more than three months. Bob Houliston explained the delay in opening the office. He told RTN: “We have spent the last three months primarily sorting out problems and complaints that arose from the

influx holiday makers during the summer months. We have had to deal with an avalanche of legitimate problems and complaints and so without intention, non-Spanish coastal residents have been left without a point of contact.” WELCOME Denise was previously employed by Pedro Mancebo at his law practice on the Coast. Pedro, the CLR Leader, is now the Councillor for Communication and Tourism at Orihuela Town Hall. She told RTN: “Through my previous work, I became well aware of the problems on the coast and the difficulties faced by many residents.” The Foreign Residents Office is on the ground floor of the Town Hall and Denise will have an ‘open door’ policy. Bob said: “We want to provide a welcome environment in the Town Hall to non-Spanish residents and change the image that many coastal residents have.” Denise will meet and greet all new residents to the coast and will help them adjust to life here in Spain, giving them the essential information that they need. She will also be there to support existing residents and help with communication between the Town Hall and the British media as well as coastal charities and associations. Denise will be at the Town Hall, Monday to Friday from 9am until 2pm and you can call her on 966 760 000 ext 32 or email her at dwesserling@orihuela.es. She is currently compiling a mailing list to keep residents updated on Town Hall issues, so if you would like to be included on that list, please email her.

Denise Wasserling

Officers awarded medals for saving lives

SIX POLICE officers were decorated last weekend during the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. The majority of the medals were awarded for bravery during an evacuation of elderly residents from a fire at their nursing home, the Residencia de la Tercera Edad de Orihuela near the Convento de San Francisco last year.

The officers decorated were Lino García; Damián López; Sergio Macia; Jorge Pérez; Juan Carlos Perez and Francisco Javier Sáinz. Orihuela Mayor and Councillor for Security, Monserrate Guillén, expressed his admiration and respect for all the security forces bravely serving the community.

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Alicante General Hospital offers patients a safer option by Jan Gamm THE MANAGEMENT of Alicante Hospital has installed surveillance cameras inside and outside the hospital complex and is also offering patients free use of a safe in which to place their valuables in an effort to curb theft. A number of thefts were reported recently by patients and staff in a series of denouncements, the most recent being a shocking incident this week where a trauma patient on crutches had to chase a thief out of her room when he brazenly stole her mobile phone. Department head Luis Rosado commented that security is made difficult due to the daily traffic of 9,000 people in and out of the hospital complex. Personnel at the hospital have also complained that thieves tend to take full advantage of the fire escapes, prompting increased security in those areas.

Miss Intercontinental joins Rotary Club campaign against Polio CONTESTANTS IN the Miss Intercontinental beauty pageant were joined by 300 guests at a dinner hosted by the Rotary Club on Saturday evening, held in the Baroque cloisters of Santo Domingo, Orihuela, to raise funds to help in the fight against Polio. The ladies were highly impressed, both by the unique setting and the stunning Flamenco entertainment. The pageant final will be telecast live today (Friday) from the historic Teatro Circo in Orihuela. For more information please visit www.missintercontinental.com

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07 - 13 OCT 2011

Steve Jobs dies

CO-FOUNDER AND former CEO of Apple, 56-year-old Steve Jobs, died on Wednesday evening after battling a rare form of pancreatic cancer and other health issues for several years. Jobs, who gave the World the iPhone and the iPod, resigned as CEO of Apple in August this year, succeeded by Tim Cook. by Jan Gamm Apple issued a brief statement saying, “We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations

that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.” They added that the Apple founder died peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Design a Logo for Youth Tube! YOUTHTUBE, the new youth initiative launched last month by Viva TV and wholeheartedly supported by RTN as well as the British Consul in Alicante, Paul Rodwell and the British Embassy in Madrid, needs a logo. The YouthTube programme will soon be on our screens via the local television channel and will be made by youngsters for youngsters. Since its launch Viva TV has been inundated with enquiries about the project and schools and youth clubs all over the Costa Blanca have expressed an interest to get involved. But what they need more than anything is ‘funky and out there’ logo, preferably designed by a young person. Simon Baldock, YouthTube Coordinator at Viva TV told RTN: “Since the launch of the initiative, we have been absolutely delighted by the public response to the project. But in order to get the programme up and running properly, we need a logo. So we are appealing to young people, via the pages of RTN, to come up with a creative logo that will have as much impact as we hope the YouthTube programme and in fact the whole project, will have.” DESIGN The channel would like all youngsters in the Alicante province to be involved in this project and workshops are planned up and down the Costa Blanca. They want video and phone footage from youngsters of all nationalities and all you have to do is record some of your experiences of life here on the Costa Blanca. And if you know a young person who you think would like to get involved, tell them to email Simon Baldock at simon@vivatv.es. That is also the address to send your ideas to for the new ‘YouthTube’ logo. So, if you are a talented young graphic designer and think you can do better than the ones illustrated here, get your thinking cap on and design a visually affective logo for the programme - the winning logo will be used in all promotional and marketing material as well as being seen on the telly! RTN will announce the winner at the end of October.

Benidorm bulls eye

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DARTS FANS have a chance to watch history in the making later this month when the sport’s big names arrive on the Costa Blanca for a competition. by Jack Troughton The inaugural Spanish Darts Trophy is being held in Benidorm organised by the Professional Darts Corporation Europe. The competition is being staged at the Hotel Melia Benidorm over 29th and 30th October and doors open at 11am each day, with the action scheduled to start at noon. Some 46 players have already entered according to the organisers PDC – including top names like Phil Taylor, James Wade, Raymond van Barnevelg, Gary Ander-

son and Simon Whitlock. The competition hall has room for 400 spectators each day and tickets cost 13€ for one day or 22€ for both days. A PDC spokesman said: “all the big names in darts are coming and this will be a really exciting event. It is a real opportunity for darts fans to be a part of Spanish sporting history in the making. “We will also be having our first tournament in Benidorm next year at the end of January.” Tickets can be ordered through the PDC website www.pdc-europe.net and Bay Radio will also be offerPhil ing tickets on air. Taylor

Diamond Wedding Anniversary Sheila and Les are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary

SHEILA & LES Newman celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on Thursday, 29th September with friends at Restaurant La Boca. This was their second celebration as they had had a party with their family in England before returning to Spain where they have wintered for the past thirty one years! Sheila and Les have a son and a daughter, David and Mary, plus numerous grandchildren. They met at a St Johns` Ambulance Dance where Sheila asked Les if he would sweep the floor! They married after a two year engagement. Now in their eighties the two of them remain active, swimming every week. They both also love dancing, here and in the UK, stalwart members of the ‘Dancing with Derek’ Sequence Dance Clubs. All their friends and acquaintances wish the couple every happiness and continued good health.

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07 - 13 OCT 2011

Norwegian tourism in Benidorm explored

by Jan Gamm THE FIRST deputy mayor and Councillor for Tourism Benidorm, Juan Angel Ferrer, met yesterday in Valencia with the director of the Commercial Office of Spain for Norway, Hakon Hauan, and the president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Norway, Carmen Sanz, to probe the possibilities of increasing the Norwegian tourist market in Benidorm. Ferrer was accompanied by the Councillor for Culture, Eva Mayor, who presented proposals for cultural exchanges. During the meeting, held during an information day sponsored by the Valencia Chamber of Commerce on business opportunities in Norway, the delegation explained the possibilities of increasing the Nordic country’s tourism market in two segments: sport and ‘health tourism’

New phone numbers starting with lucky ‘7’ PHONE NETWORKS launched ‘number seven’ this week with mobile phone numbers now starting with the number seven from last Saturday. The Market Commission for Communications (CMT) announced that although there is still a sufficient number of allocations beginning with a 6, the number 7 will begin to appear from now on. The Ministry of Industry enabled 80 million numbers starting with seven in October 2009, with networks since preparing their infrastructures to accommodate the new number – regulation is granted in blocks of 100,000. Numbers starting with 7 for Orange received a block that begins with 7477 and another with 7478; in January 2011 Vodafone requested the range 7171; in February Movistar received 7170.

Apple introduces the 4S

iPHONE ADDICTS will be pleased to know that Apple unveiled the newest version of the best-selling iPhone on Tuesday. The iPhone 4S, of the same design as its predecessors, features a faster processor, high-definition video recording, an improved camera and improved cellular performance, bracketing its performance levels with many phones branded as 4G devices. It also includes ‘Siri’, a ‘virtual personal assistant’ using voice control to perform a variety of common phone tasks. By speaking into the phone, users can send text messages, find nearby restaurants, check weather and stocks, and schedule meetings. The event was hosted by new CEO Tim Cook.

07 -- 26 13 may OCT 2011 20 2011

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Princess Letizia to christen the yacht Telefonica by Jan Gamm SPAIN’S CROWN Princess Letizia is to bring a royal touch to the Volvo Ocean Race qualifier on Friday by ‘christening’ the yacht Telefonica at the Alicante Race Village at 12pm. The Cleaning Princess will also present a Spanish flag to up in the skipper, Olympic gold medallist Iker Marreadiness for a Royal tínez, before joining Prince Felipe, himself an Olympic sailor, in an inspection of the rest of visit

100 year jail term FIVE PEOPLE are facing prison terms totalling more than one hundred years following a trial this week to answer charges of violent assault on a couple at their home in Relleu in the La Marina Baixa in January 2009. The elderly victims aged 69 and 71, were beaten, threatened and tied up, according to the provisional findings of the prosecutor. Four of the gang perpetrated violence inside the house while the fifth suspect waited in a car outside. The victims were hospitalised, dying months later, the woman in February 2009 and the man in September 2009. The robbers allegedly held a gun to the couple’s heads; sprayed them with a fire extinguisher; beat them with an iron bar and threatened to set them on fire if they did not hand over their valuables. The spoils of the crime amounted to 140€ in cash from an ATM machine using the couple’s stolen credit cards.

Coldplay to play Madrid Coldplay has confirmed that they will be playing Madrid on October 26 and that the gig will be ‘something big’. The concert is being arranged by Anton Corbijn, and the band say they are excited about forming a team with him. The band will play their new album, Mylo Xyloto, in the Plaza de las Ventas bullring. The album goes on sale the day before. The announcement was made on the band’s website, and the concert will be able to be followed live over the Internet on You Tube and VEVO, and several mobile phone apps in 22 countries, including Spain. Tickets are available now only for clients of American Express, one of the sponsors of the event, and then from Monday they will be opened up to the general public on www.Ticketmaster.es

the fleet prior to the 3pm start. Also attending will be Alicante Mayor Sonia Castedo and the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Alberto Fabra. Race Director Jack Lloyd said the purpose of the race, which will not see any points awarded, is to ensure safety systems are checked before the teams undergo the 39,000 nautical mile circumnavigation through the world’s most hostile oceans. The battle for the Volvo trophy begins in earnest 29th October.

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Huge discounts on household appliances at the Electrical Shop by Louise Clarke EVERY YEAR more than two million household electrical appliances are replaced in Spain, including fridges, freezers, washing machines and dishwashers. Starting this week and continuing until 30th November or whenever the €7.2 million pot of money runs out, the Regional Government is offering up to 25% discount off household electrical appliances when you exchange your old one for an energy efficient model. The ‘Plan Renove’ aims to encourage the removal of old appliances from homes and replace them with new ones offering better energy efficiency; they are also cheaper to run. The renewal plan is managed directly by each Autonomous Region with the timeframes, procedures and conditions established by each, so it is only open to people who live in the Valencian region. You also need to be able to provide an old appliance, your NIE number and have a Spanish landline or mobile telephone number. The plan has been ongoing for the last few years and thousands of people have already taken advantage of the discounts offered, equating to a maximum 25% discount or €105 per appliance. PAPERWORK As with all offers of this kind, terms and conditions apply and there is small print to read, but essentially the discount applies to

washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, freezers, fridge-freezers, ovens and induction hobs. The replacement appliances must be ‘A’ rated on the energy efficiency scale for ovens, dishwashers and washing machines and A+ or A++ on fridges and freezers. The Electrical Shop in Blue Lagoon offers all the appliances and the excellent service which will make this process extremely straightforward. They will also deal with all the necessary paperwork and will give you the applicable discount on the spot. They will then liaise with the ‘Plan Renove’ Department to recoup that discount. Once you have purchased your appliance, you will be given a certificate, which you must keep safe, as the government department will contact at least 20% of each shop’s customers to ensure that the proper discount has been awarded to the correct people, hence why it is important to have a Spanish telephone number. EXCELLENT REPUTATION If you are in any doubt whatsoever or need more information please contact Debbie, Garreth or Bill, who will be more than happy to help you. The Electrical Shop has been in Blue Lagoon for nearly two years and during that time, they have gained an excellent reputation for exceptional service. In fact, Debbie recently won the Company Women award for Customer Focus and Customer Service as well as being named Company Women’s Business Woman of the Year; so you know

Debbie and Garreth from The Electrical Shop

that you are in very good hands! As well as large household appliances, The Electrical Shop has a wide range of TVs, DVD players, and smaller electrical appliances. Debbie and the team will be happy to source any item if they don’t have it in stock and will order it for you to be in the store within a few days. The shop also offers deliveries and will take

away all old appliances and arrange for their disposal at legitimate Eco Parks. So, what are you waiting for? Get down to The Electrical Shop now! Or call Debbie on 96 618 8169 or 96 618 8170. You can also email them at electricalteam@hotmail.com, visit their website at www.electricalteam.eu or their Facebook site at The Electrical Shop. The store is open Monday –Saturday 10am until 6pm.

PARTY TIME at La Marina Fancy Dress

by Patricia Thompson Carolyn and David were the founders and previous owners of Pocket Pages The Local Business Telephone Directory, having sold the business in 2010; it then gave them the opportunity to concentrate on new ventures. They have been busy converting and dividing a house into a commercial unit which is now finished with a shop downstairs and flat above. The shop was already in place with a clothes licence ready to open, so when the opportunity arose to purchase Party Time Fancy Dress they jumped at the idea. Previously in the UK

Carolyn and David ran a catering business, so the opportunity to open a fancy dress shop fitted in so well with their long term plan, as next year they will expand PARTY TIME to include HOG ROASTS for all occasions with bouncy castle hire face painting and much more. So watch this SPACE!!!! START A LIFE OF PARTYING WITH PARTY TIME!! FOR OPENING HOURS, ADDRESS, MAP, PLEASE SEE ADVERT NEXT TO THIS EDITORIAL. See our permanent advert in the classified section.

07 - 13 OCT 07 OCT 2011 2011

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07 - 13 OCT 2011

The Duchess of Alba marries by Jan Gamm

SPAIN’S WEALTHIEST woman, the Duchess of Alba, 85-year-old Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, was married to 61-year-old Alfonso Diez Carabantes shortly before 1.30pm on Wednesday in a low key ceremony attended by forty guests, including four of her six sons, in the chapel of the Palacio de las Dueñas in Seville, with the personal blessing of King Juan Carlos. The bride wore a pale pink confection designed by Victorio and Lucchino Sevilla, with Pilar Burgos shoes; the groom wore a dark lounge suit. Guests attended a cold buffet following the ceremony. On the eve of the wedding a photograph of the topless duchess sunbathing in Ibiza 30 years ago was splashed over the pages of the local press, prompting threats of legal action. In an interview with Spanish news agency EFE this week, the duchess said, “I am anti-divorce, anti-abortion, anti all those atrocities. I am a Catholic and I practice it. That is why I am marrying for a third time,” before adding, “…unfortunately my previous two husbands died.”

First smokers’ club opens

The club has over 200 members

SMOKERS ARE free to light up behind the closed doors of a new ‘members only’ club in Alicante. The club – believed to be the first legally registered smokers’ club in the Valencia region –has attracted more than 200 members, all aged over 18. It is situated in Calle Diez Morceu, close to a Guardia Civil barracks and it is understood several officers have joined the ranks of registered members. The cost of setting up the club has been paid by members and any money made at the bar and membership fees will be reinvested. And the club’s committee claims it has already had a friendly reception from local residents as no-one was smoking outside on the street.

PEPA Rastro huge hit THE RASTRO held at La Visteta Restaurant, Barx on Wednesday 28th September in aid of PEPA narrowly escaped the storm the following day and attracted a large crowd to more than 30 stalls and resulted in over 600€ being added to the animal charity’s coffers. An enormous range of products were offered throughout the day, with entertainment by HeatGold FM. And S&R Printing designed and printed more than 500 top class flyers and posters free of charge to promote the Rastro. The charity’s Events Organiser Jaine Thorne said: “There are going to be some very happy animals because of this event, thanks to interest shown as a result of advertising the Rastro through S&R Printing and in RTN. On their behalf, thank you.” For more information on PEPA contact the charity on 647 368 322.

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Alicante launches the Volvo Ocean Race

THE VOLVO Ocean Race launches from Alicante 14th October, bringing an estimated one million visitors to the city in an event that it is hoped will help keep the wolf from the door for local hotels, bars, pubs and restaurants throughout the winter season.

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Auction in memory of HELP Founder Sylvia Anderson

by Jan Gamm Preparations in the port area have been underway for some time as six teams comprising some of the World’s finest sailors start the countdown to a 39,000 nautical mile race around the globe. 70 yachts are to take part in the 11th edition of one of the professional sailing fraternity’s toughest challenges. TEAMS The six teams hoping to lift the Volvo Ocean Race trophy with no less than eight Olympic medals between them are: Team Telefonica; Team Sanya; Groupama; Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand; Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and PUMA Ocean Racing powered by BERG Propulsion. A qualifying race will take place Friday 7th October, a 600-nautical mile challenge that will enable teams to identify any problems and ‘test the water!’ VILLAGE Race Village opens 14th October with a raft of attractions featuring a 3D simulator cinema that encapsulates the experience of sailing Volvo Open 70 at 25 knots; a winch grinding challenge and also a children’s entertainment zone. Many of the city’s traders are sceptical regarding the expected increase in business, pointing out that the advantages in terms of profit will fall mainly in the port area. However, new port president Jose Joaquin Ripoll noted the many advantages of hosting the Volvo Ocean Race in Alicante, saying: “It is important for everyone to do everything possible PUMA to get it right and present a good image of the city.” For more information on the Volvo Ocean Race visit Ocean Racing www.volvooceanrace.com

JALON VALLEY Help are holding an Auction at El Cid Restaurant in Benidoleig on Friday 28th October at 1pm. If you can donate anything, such as household items; china; garden equipment; small items of furniture etc., please take it to the Jalon Valley Help Charity Shops in Alcalali and Jalon or phone Shirley on 676 627 704. Items can also be taken to the Securistore Self Storage warehouse (next to the Ondara shopping centre). If you wish to take them there, please ring Sharni on 646 488 976 for opening hours.

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07 - 13 OCT 2011

Find a friend (or acquaintance) on Facebook

RTN READER Pete O’Brian is unhappy that we’ve not mentioned the latest antics of Facebook in these columns. Pete says, “A while back you devoted a couple of weeks to Facebook and I would argue it’s time to re-visit the subject.”

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

Pete, along with many thousands of others, is irked by the changes made to his Facebook account. In fact within hours of the latest update being implemented more than 7,000 users offered comments on Facebook’s official blog. Most of these “were furious rants in capital letters - with just a mere 1,800 of users having ‘liked’ the service.” The focus of most people’s anger seems to be the arbitrary way in which the site now ‘chooses’ the stories that might be ‘important’ to you; with general opinion holding that invariably it ‘chooses’ wrongly. So what were the changes? I guess the major change was the ‘news ticker’ feature. This new update ‘splits’ news into ‘top stories’ (mind you, Facebook have declined to explain how these are chosen for each individual) and a ‘news ticker’ box crawls up the right side of your screen adding updates as they come in. According to Facebook: “Alongside [the] ‘like’ [button], users will have the option of clicking ‘read’, ‘watched’ and ‘listened’. In the future a ‘want’ button may also be added. Other improvements will include a revamp of the iconic profile page and ‘tie-ins’ with a string of major media companies.” Aha, there we are, deals within deals - some conspiracy theorists might say “it’s all to do with narrowing our choices.” The Guardian recently reported on the Facebook up-

date: “The idea is that Facebook addicts (sorry, users) will be able to easily catch-up on what their friends have been doing over the past 24 hours without having to scroll through endless updates. And it ostensibly nudges Facebook away from the irresistible theory that it wants people to stay on the site for as long as possible.” Hmmm, does it? I tend to shy away from it myself knowing that a quick five minutes on Facebook will, in reality, become an hour and a half. Time tends to have an elastic quality when one becomes embroiled in Facebook. Dr. Aric Sigman claimed recently in the journal, The Biologist, “that spending too much time [on it] could lead to social isolation, loneliness and a negative outlook. And if people ‘de-friend’ you, maybe it could lead to a loss of self esteem and or general confidence.” Yeah, I know Aric, I’m still reeling from being ‘defriended’ and the loss of Tom and Winston - and that’s been nearly a year! And still Kirsty Tuxford hasn’t answered my friend’s request... But hey, am I worried? Na, not really, because my friends list has now risen to two-hundred and ten anyway... In fact, I should really have a cull and bring it down to the average of one hundred and fifty. Danny in the RTN office has a friends list of over four hundred and fifty, so how long must he spend on there? There are some that might

say, “I wonder if he finds time to get any work done?” Only joking, Danny Boy! It must be said though, that the new update does help in classifying your Facebook friends. You can now identify them as ‘family’, ‘friend’, ‘close friend’, ‘acquaintances’ or put them into school, college or work categories. I dare say you could even ‘flag’ them up as a, “I don’t really care for this so-and-so but it’s worth having him/her on here” friend. And as for that ‘find friend’ feature - well, it just goes on for days. Look, let’s say you’ve got ten friends and they all have ten friends too; obviously, pretty soon you’re getting suggestions for hundreds of ‘possible new friends’. So, when you get up to a Danny-sizefriend-list, it’s gonna go flippin’ exponential; you could spend the rest of your life trawling through that lot! Before I go, there is some good news for any Facebook Luddittes that hate the new changes: Just switch your settings to English (UK) and – for a few hours at least – you’ll have the old ‘news feed’. Let me know which you prefer: p.watts@roundtownnews.com Okay, I’ve got to get off this Internet and into Sutton Park for a quite walk with my dog before, as Aric said above, I lose my self esteem and general confidence. Oops, there it goes... Watts in Britain, enjoying the late burst of summer…

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07 - 13 OCT 2011

Best ‘brickies’ show off their skills in Elche by Jan Gamm

IN ELCHE this week at the IFA Exhibition Centre some of the finest brick layers in the region showed off their considerable skills in a contest to build the best gateway. The competition was organised by Firamaco and showcased materials from a variety of suppliers. Participants in four teams were given a maximum of two hours to complete their task, which was to build the gateway to the highest quality of workmanship and in the shortest possible time. The jury of judges consisted of three members of OHL-sponsored enterprises and Los Serranos, and a representative of the College of Public Works Engineers in Alicante. The winning team, from the company ‘Damarco’, were presented with a cash prize of 300€. Second were the ‘Proalacant’ crew, winning 200€.

Fashion show in aid of La Siesta Anglica Church A Fashion Show in aid of La Siesta Anglica Church will be presented by ‘Moda La Finca Outlet & Boutique’ from Algorfa on Friday 14th October commencing at 7.30pm at the El Rustika Restaurant ( formerly Los Arcos) located in Avenida Baleares, Torrevieja. Tickets for the show are €5 and can be obtained from either Pauline Woodend 965725742, Moda la Finca 966729544 or at the door on the night

Fancy a walk?

SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER Cova Tallada sea cave and Torre del Cerro watch tower is a moderately strenuous 8 kms walk of 41/2 hours’ duration with some rough terrain: 250m ascent with some scrambling: a challenging descent to a sea cave and a subterranean Tosca stone medieval quarry. Those wishing to view the cave should bring a torch and those wishing to swim bring cossies and protective swim footwear. No dogs. For further details telephone Bob: 626 366 690. Sierra de Sireret: Generally a strenuous but straightforward and pleasant 12kms walk of 4 hours duration: 550 m ascent: A little scratchy and awkward underfoot for a short stretch towards the end of the descent: Dogs on leads at rear. For further details telephone David: 693 480 190. WEDNESDAY 12TH OCTOBER A new route will cover the Casa Coco-Cometa Circular with a 10.30am start. Note later start time. Not difficult. Ease back into walking after summer with this 11Km, 31/2 hours walk with a 280m ascent: Dogs on leads at rear: For further details telephone Verity: 695 059 810. Montgo Denia Cross: A mostly moderate walk ‘moderately strenuous’ at the start: 12kms, 5 hours, 500m ascent: No dogs. For further details telephone Martin: 669 343 613. Castells Circuit East: Good tracks with stunning views: Strenuous 16km, 51/2 hour duration: 650m ascent: Dogs on leads at rear. For further details telephone Ralph: 699 784 253. Walks depart promptly at 10am unless otherwise noted. Boots and adequate drinking water are required. First aid kit is recommended, as well as protection against sun and wind. Walkers participate at their own risk. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the time stated for each walk will always depend on the fitness and ability of the walkers and also the weather and passage conditions on the day of the walk. The rules and guidelines for walking are given at www.cbmwalkers.org.

Footlights presents Fiddler

07 2011 - 13 OCT 2011 16 - 22 Sept

Guided Tours in Almoradi

Green route The hilarious ‘Dream Scene’ from Fiddler

by Jack Troughton REHEARSALS ARE in full swing for Footlights Theatre Group’s latest production, the famous Broadway musical ‘Fiddler on the Roof’. Dutch and German patrons will know the show as ‘Anatevka’, to be presented in Alfaz del Pi on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th November and in Calpe, on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd November. The following day the production heads south for a performance on Wednesday 23rd November in association with the Royal British Legion in Spain, District North, in the splendid new Teatro Municipal in Torrevieja.

This will be Footlights first show in Torrevieja and they are delighted to support RBL’s wonderful work raising funds for the 90th Anniversary Poppy Appeal. Footlights have also recently taken over the tenancy of New Med Studio in Calpe (behind Hotel Diamante; so ‘Fiddler’ now has a ‘Roof’ over his head!) Performances are at 8pm and tickets are now on sale: Adults 12€, Children (under14) 8€. Box office telephone number for Alfaz and Calpe: 652 404 798, Monday to Friday mornings 11am to 1pm, with a discount for group bookings of 10+. Tickets for the Torrevieja performance are on sale from 1st October, from the theatre or local RBL members, and online from www.servicam.com

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THE NEXT free guided tours in Almoradi will begin Saturday 8th October starting with a Cultural Route. On Saturday 15th October the Chapels Route offers an interesting and informative insight into the historic chapels in the area. Finally the Green Route takes in areas of natural beauty. All of the tours set out from the Tourist office at 10.30am. Those interested in taking part should send an email to almoradi@touristinfo.net or tourismo@almoradi.es or telephone 96 678 3442. Also visit www.almoradi.es

Improve your Español! THE CONVERSATION Group in San Miguel de Salinas in English and Spanish resumes in October on Wednesdays and Fridays, offering the opportunity to improve a basic level of Spanish and to enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of beer with the locals. The group will meet on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8.30pm until 11.30pm: Wednesdays at the La Almeja Borraxa (next to the Valer Ortega supermarket on the corner of Carmelo Perez and Calle 19 de April) and on Fridays at the Cafeteria Minerva, Calle Alberto Barbera – near the Post Office – both in San Miguel de Salinas. For more information call Brian and Penny on 96 672 3864 or email: bpsinger@hotmail.com. Tell your friends and confirm which days you can come by ‘phoning 661 097 330.

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Happy birthday HAH by Patricia Thompson OH WHAT a night! Over 200 friends and clients, old and new, came to the Novo Carthago Restaurant in Los Urrutias last Wednesday to celebrate with volunteers from HAH Help at Home on their 1st Anniversary, enjoying a superb buffet prepared by owner Allen and his staff. A superb buffet consisting of too many dishes to mention, including both English and Indian savouries, along with curries, chilli and jacket potatoes was prepared by the owner Allen and his chef and their staff. Entertainment provided by the popular ‘Mr Entertainment’, Tony Lincoln, was supported by HAH’s own Caring Service Manager Angela Coady, singing Amy Winehouse and other covers in a night for fun,

eating, having a drink with friends, and dancing. The ‘Take That’ tribute by some of the partygoers was hilarious, Tony certainly knows how to make the party go with a swing! Despite this not being planned as a fund-raising event, over 250€ was donated by guests on the night! HAH founder Lesley Eburne, overwhelmed by the response, said that many could not secure tickets for the event that quickly sold out and thanked everyone for their continued support and generosity. Can you offer a little time to help care for people in their own homes? Hours are to suit -following an assessment by our qualified nurse. Please telephone our Caring Service Manager Angela on 603 517 770. Perhaps you could help raise funds, or hold a fund raising event for this valuable free caring service - if so, please call Lesley on 96 813 4978.

Barking Barxeta needs help

Footwork Dance Group to perform for APAH AFTER LAST year’s sell-out event, the Footwork Dance Group have agreed to hold a second fund-raising Musical Evening to raise money for APAH Animal Rescue Charity in the Cultural Centre (Casa de la Cultura), San Miguel de Salinas, Sunday 23rd October, starting at 7pm. Anyone who has not yet attended a Footwork Dance Group event is missing a fabulous experience. After scooping up awards and accolades at this Summers Dance Competitions in Mazzaron, Murcia, they have agreed to perform for APAH, hopefully raising some money to help APAH carry on their work of rescuing abandoned, neglected and abused animals in and around the Costa Blanca. Along with the spectacular talents of the Footwork Group, there will be guest performers. Ticket information will be publicised in the local press shortly so watch out for it. Don’t miss a sensational evening!

Enjoying the night

Alice

MARGARET FINDS herself in a bit of a dilemma and is appealing for help to re-home four of her dogs. All who know her know that Margaret loves her dogs but sadly, due to the economic hardship that everyone is suffering at present, four loving homes are sought for: - Elsa - A lovely German Shepherd, beautiful natured and extremely loving - Doddle - White male Spanish poodle - Annie - Small Mexican Papillion lap dog (otherwise known as the Butterfly dog)

- Alice - Yorkshire Terrier & Shihtzu

All of these dogs love cuddles; dogs; cats and children and may be welcomed with confidence into any home. During Margaret’s time in Spain she has personally rescued and re-homed100 dogs in loving homes, never thinking that one day she would be appealing for homes for her own dogs. Please help her to find homes for Elsa, Doddle, Annie and Alice. Contact number: 685 615 348.

Spanish lessons by

Jane Cronin

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

The Letter ‘C’ One of the things I tend to say over and over again, until I’m thoroughly bored with listening to myself, is how easy Spanish pronunciation is because the spelling rules are totally regular. In fact, it’s almost correct to say that there is simply one sound per letter, but not quite. There are a few letters that have more that one sound depending on where they appear in a word, and the letter C is one of those. The rules surrounding its pronunciation though are completely regular. So here are the rules for pronouncing the letter C. When it appears before an “e” or an “i”, it is pronounced like the light English “th” sound in “thin” or “both”. So we have cena (supper, pronounced “thena”) or facil (easy, pronounced “fatheel”). This is true in standard European Spanish, although in some accents, and notably in South American Spanish, the “ce” and “ci” are pronounced like an “s”. When followed by other letters, the C is pronounced the same as our “k” sound, as in cama (bed) or con (with). There is one more rule which is that when the C appears alongside the “h” to form “ch”, it is pronounced exactly the same as the English “ch”, as in “church”, for example: coche (car), chaqueta (jacket). That might all sound a bit complicated, but like all the other letters in Spanish, once you’ve got these three sounds firmly in your mind and realised that they are governed by hard and fast rules, you will find they are actually quite easy! Most of us know how to say “café con leche, gracias” correctly. Well this small phrase contains the three ways of pronouncing the Spanish “C”. As usual, there are plenty of similar words between English and Spanish beginning with the letter C: cable (cable), calamidad (calamity), capacidad (capacity), calendario (calendar), cero (zero), civilización (civilization), colapso (collapse). Out of these only two start with the “th” sound – see if you can find them! By the way, the other day I heard a Spanish radio item all about my American namesake “Juana la Calamidad”. Apparently she earned her name because she was very good in calamities, not because she caused them, which was comforting to find out! Here’s a curious estranged cousin, or false friend. The word carpeta in Spanish does not mean “carpet”,

it means “folder”. My Spanish students always used to make this mistake and tell me they’d brought their “carpets” to class. And the word for carpet in Spanish? Well we usually say alfombra although to be strictly accurate this refers to a rug. A fitted carpet, as found in British homes is called moqueta in Spanish, although of course Spanish homes more often have alfombras. Now it’s time to look at our basic Spanish word beginning with C – and it is cada which means “each” or “every”. We can say cada día “every day”, cada persona “every person” or more idiomatically cada vez en cuando “every now and then”. There is another way of expressing the same idea in Spanish, which is with todos los… or todas las … (literally “all the …”). So, cada día means exactly the same as todos los días and todas las personas the same as cada persona. Strangely enough these “todos los …” expressions, and there are a lot of them, are rather more of a mouthful to say, and yet they are probably used slightly more than “cada”. However, both expressions are identical in meaning and very common. And now for a saying containing the letter C which I’m sometimes reminded of living on the Costa Blanca when I hear people giving your typical “man in the bar” advice about Spanish bureaucracy. It is: “En el país de los ciegos, el tuerto es el rey”, which means: “In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king.” I think it describes certain types of people perfectly! My main reason for choosing this saying though is that the key word “blind” is ciego which begins with the letter C. We also find this word in the name of the ONCE organization which runs one of the big lotteries. It stands for Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles. (The Organization for Spanish Blind People). You may notice that the people who sell the ONCE lottery tickets are often blind or partially sighted. This charity works by giving employment to the visually impaired in the form of selling lottery tickets to enable them to make a modest living. The charity was set up after the Spanish civil war and to this day about a quarter of its takings goes directly to help the blind via their centres all over Spain.

15 - 07 21 october 2010 - 13 OCT 2011

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07 - 13 OCT 2011

money

07 - 13 OCT 2011

All this talk about Greece is making a Trojan hoarse WITH STOCKMARKETS foundering and people asking the question: “How are the Greeks going to repay their debt?” it saves me having to check what Sky News and other broadcasters are saying. Generally the ‘news’ is about six months behind the truth.

My advice for those who do not need money right now, read a decent book

People in the know saw this situation much earlier in the year. But how can a daily news channel or newspaper keep people interested with events that might happen in six months’ time? Bearing in mind that some of us have the memory of a fish, it makes no media sense to talk about things more than a day away. I am certain that people are stocking up on tinned food and making sure that their bunker is adequately sealed. Markets are volatile because people panic. They hear ‘news’ which could be true, could be guesswork, or could be false. Either way people react. Generally speaking, the people who know more end up making more. Those who panic lose - almost always. It is strange but if we look at history, it is often at times of

catastrophe or disaster that money is made. I do not wish to sound that I have a desire for bad times but history cannot be ignored. My advice for those who do not need money from their savings and investments right now, change channel or read a decent book. Those who are dependent on their investments for income probably do not have a major issue as long as the investments are literally paying dividends. For those who are about to realise an annuity from a pension fund, here there are potential problems which is why there are facilities of which overseas residents may take advantage. Finally, for those who are yet to invest, now is likely to be one of the better times to get involved. We have facilities to allow people to ‘test the water’ without making them feel they are about to put their house on the 3.30 at Haydock. In the meantime ‘Beware of Greeks bearing gifts’, especially if they are government bonds: Troy some other way of making money. For more information on how to cope with volatile markets, contact John Hayward on 96 558 7633 or at john.hayward@spectrum-ifa.com

money

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Want a risk free and tax free income? SPORTING ARBITRAGE is achieving that for its clients all year round and it can improve your quality of life as well as give you tax free profits on your investment and at the same time guarantee you a consistent return of at least 2.75% per month. HOW DOES IT WORK? Arbitrage is the purchase of currencies, securities and commodities in one market for immediate resale in another in order to make a profit. The commodities are either horses or football teams and the market is the biggest business on the internet: betting. BUT they DO NOT GAMBLE with your money. Sporting Arbitrage uses Betfair, which makes a profit of £450,000,000 per week, and it goes for tiny margins with NO RISK. You can invest either a lump sum or pay a monthly contribution and the experienced Sporting Arbitrage traders engineer margins, no matter how miniscule, to ensure that their clients are benefitting from around 60% of all the horse races ran in the UK, with NO losses racked up on the remainder. And they grab margins on major football matches too. They deal in mathematical certainties and it is

the equivalent of buying rubber, cocoa beans or any other commodity but with a predetermined profit.

WHAT WILL YOU GET? As a client of Sporting Arbitrage you will be given an exclusive user name and password so that you can check the status and value of your involvement, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can invest a lump some for immediate income or simply make a month contribution and build capital that way. For example, £200 per month will be worth £7,000 after just two years and you couldn’t get that from your local bank! You have the ability to opt out on a daily basis and you can withdraw part or all of your investment with just 14 days notice. The minimum contribution that you can make to your account is £100 and you have the facility to draw off profits monthly or roll them over. SPORTING ARBITRAGE The brain behind Sporting Arbitrage is Steve Kelly, who since 2003 has made big profits for all his personal clients; one of whom is former Premier League footballer Steve Claridge. Sporting Arbitrage is the European agent for his company, Milton Express Ltd. Here on the Costa Blanca, Sporting Arbitrage is represented by John O’Brien, with more than 30 years experience as a stock broker and his colleague, Graham Bradbury, involved in sports trading for decades. For more information please visit their excellent website at www.sportingarbitrage.com or e-mail jeobrien@hotmail.co.uk. You can meet John and Graham at their office in Cabo Roig on the Orihuela Costa, or they can visit you at your home in order to explain their services and

John O’Brien

more importantly, the tax free profits that can benefit! John and Graham will also be at the forthcoming Lifestyle Expo Fiesta at the IFA Centre in Alicante on 4th, 5th and 6th November. You can visit them on stand 149/160 and entrance to the exhibition is free.

Alicante’s La Rambla hit hard by the crisis

HARD TIMES have taken a toll on an Alicante thoroughfare once the life force of the city, La Rambla. Nowadays La Rambla offers little more than a handful of shops still trading after a progression of closures of bars, restaurants and cafés, changing the face of one of the city’s most emblematic streets. The saddest casualty was tailoring outlet Benavent, closing its blinds after more than a century of trading. On the bright side, family store Borreguero endures after 65 years in the business, a classic ladies’ dress shop with a loyal clientele. Enterprising businesses such as the Navarro jewellery store have survived by reducing space, awaiting the arrival of more prosperous times.

legal

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Obligation to name a tax representative in Spain by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

I UNDERSTAND that owners or shared owners of a property in Spain that are non-resident have to name a fiscal-legal representative to act for them in front of the Spanish Tax authorities for the payment of their non resident tax. Is this true? Can you please clarify what the real situation on this matter is? Dear Reader: Firstly, we should immediately make it clear that ALL non tax residents in Spain who are owners of a property, or have a share in one, should pay Non Resident Income Tax, even if they do not have any other income. This is very important as there are a large number of non residents in Spain that are not submitting their non resident tax returns, and this could mean trouble for them. Secondly, we should point out that it is not always

mandatory for non residents to appoint a fiscallegal representative. This will be necessary only for those cases specified in the Income Tax Law for Non Residents (Royal Decree Law 5/2004). Article 10 of this Law states under the section entitled ‘Representatives’ that (non resident) taxpayers are obliged to name a legal fiscal person or company with residence in Spain to represent them in front of the Tax authorities in the following cases: 1) When they operate from a permanent establishment (such as a shop, office or warehouse) when providing services, technical assistance, installations or assembly works derived from engineering contracts etc in Spain. 2) When required by the Tax Office due to the amount and characteristics of their assets. 3) When the non resident, owner of assets or rights in the Spanish territory, has his habitual residence in a country or territory which has no tax information exchange agreement with Spain i.e. those countries that have not signed an agreement with a clause for tax information exchange with Spain to avoid double taxation; or any other agreement in respect of tax information exchange

that could suit the same purpose. The most evident examples of these countries or territories are the so called ‘tax havens’. Thus with the three above mentioned situations the non resident tax payer or his representative are obliged to inform the Spanish Tax Authorities of the name of the duly named representative. Breach of the obligation of naming a representative is considered a serious tax violation punishable with a fine of €2,000. If the non tax resident has his habitual residence in a country or territory with no tax information exchange agreement in place with Spain (as described above) this fine can rise to be €6,000. Should any reader find himself or herself in this situation or similar please do not hesitate to contact us and the appropriate advice will be provided. The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. We kindly invite you to visit and comment about this article in our blog at http://www.white-baos.com/blog/ and facebook (White-Baos-Abogados-Solicitors) your comments in this respect will be greatly appreciated.

Carlos Baos (Lawyer) © 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. This article is available in English and Spanish at www.white-baos.com

Italy downgraded by Moody’s NEW YORK risk measurement agency Moody’s downgraded Italy’s debt note from Aa2 to A2 with a negative outlook on Tuesday in a downward revision attributed to the country’s high debt levels. The agency stated that the downgrade is a result of financial shocks that can occur in the country with “high levels of debt in the euro zone.” Moody’s also noted that the reduction is motivated by the growing danger to the country’s economic growth due to “structural weaknesses” and a worse outlook for global growth. In addition, the agency attributed the reduction to the difficulties of the Italian government in “fulfilling their commitments to fiscal consolidation and reversing adverse political and economic uncertainties.” The agency explained that the downgrade reflects the “continuing economic and financial risks in both Italy and the rest of the euro zone.”

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30 sep - 13 OCT4 2011 Feb 2607 - March 2010

They’re watching us by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

WHAT DO they know about you? Increasingly it can feel like we’re all living in one Big Brother house. You can’t be sure who is watching you, keeping tabs on you or exchanging information about you behind the scenes. There must be thousands of references to us floating around in the virtual world that we are not aware of.

The bank, the health service, the tax man, the school, your employer – all hold information about us. How often do you enter in personal details about yourself to book a flight, to join a forum, to receive a newsletter? We send the information with a click into unknown data banks without a second thought. Sometimes we want to be ‘linked in’. Social networking sites like Facebook are reliant on our desire to share information about ourselves. We are happy to post up all manner of random comments for the world and his Mrs to see. Facebook might allow us to select our ‘friends’ but we don’t have privacy settings for all our records.

Especially not in Spain, as a new client of ours found out. Mr A is lucky enough to have two holiday homes, one in Tenerife and one in Torrevieja. When he bought his home in Tenerife, all the paper work was completed and arrangements were made for him to pay his non-resident income tax. This is the annual tax demanded by the Spanish government, nothing to do with local council tax. The trouble was, when he bought his second property he wasn’t as meticulous. There were loose ends and he omitted to tell his fiscal representative in Tenerife of his new purchase. So no tax was paid. Here’s the rub. The Tax Authority in Tenerife has access to the Land Registry records and being a bit short of money, decided to do some research. Their crosscheck highlighted Mr A as a non-resident with two homes and only one set of paid-up taxes. The consequence? What you’d expect in Spain: an official letter demanding tax for the year 2008 that languished for a little while in the post box until Mr A

was on holiday to collect it. Not something to put on your wish-you-were-here card. Now he has to pay not only the unpaid tax but, a late payment fine of 20%, late payment interest at 6% and a sanction payment of 50%. Suddenly his manageable tax bill of …has increased to a whopping … and there will be more of the same for 2009 and 2010 if he doesn’t catch up voluntarily! Even though it’s the depths of a recession with regional governments up to their eyes in debt, it hadn’t occurred to Mr A that the right hand might try to inform the left hand what it was doing: a big financial mistake for him and a ‘kerching!’ for the tax office. We know the world is getting smaller, that IT is getting smarter and that we’re all inter and intra connected. Don’t think you can just pull the shutters down in your Spanish home and that tax will go away. The information is out there – and they’re looking at it. Dead-line to pay non-resident income tax for 2010: December 31st 2011.

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

Property purchases are up? ACCORDING TO the Bank of Spain, foreign property investment in Spain has increased by 32.8% from 2010. The figures declare that the amount invested by foreign buyers amounted to more than €1 billion between April and June for the second consecutive

quarter. Meanwhile the Spanish Property Roadshow promoting Spain as a property investment opportunity continues in Sweden, to return to London in mid-October, with more than 50% of the available property for purchase in coastal areas.

CAM “a scandal”

THE GOVERNOR of the Bank of Spain, Miguel Angel Fernandez Ordonez said this week that the troubled CAM is “the worst of the worst,” describing the financial management of the ex-directors as “no less than scandalous,” although he did not cite any particular person or incident. He also said that it is now clear that the Cam is worthless and that it will be extremely difficult for the public fund to recover its investment. He would not rule out any options with regard to auction of the CAM, even that an auction might be unsuccessful. He added, however, that what matters now is that the CAM customers’ savings are safeguarded. No doubt his remarks will not be helpful in encouraging interest from bidders.

Movistar on a downward slide MOVISTAR’S RECENT price restructuring has failed to stem the tide of departing clients to its competitors in Spain, with the Telecommunications Market Commission publishing statistics showing Movistar has lost 26,000 broadband clients and 100,000 mobile phone clients in a month. In just one

year, Telefónica, publicly labelled as ‘one of the World’s worst companies’ in letters to the Spanish and English press, lost 361,000 lines to alternative suppliers, including RTN Network, as customers continue to explore options that preclude ‘having to deal with Telefónica’.

Tel: 96 558 7633 Mobile 618204731

•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

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Home Garden

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Kevin Jones and his team are proud to announce the opening of their new showroom in Benitachell on Saturday 8th October Construction

Bathrooms

Kitchens With over 30 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience we combine the best in thoughtful design with the excellent personal service that Kevin Jones clients have come to expect. Visit our showroom Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm, or Saturdays 10am to 2pm. Our friendly, experienced team will help and advise you through each important step, from choosing from our range of versatile design solutions, to professional fitting. For more information call 96 649 3051 or visit www.kevinjones.es

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Live well from your garden by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

OUR GARDEN in Spain has evolved over twenty five years from a holiday garden that was Dick’s ‘fitness camp’ in which to recover in early retirement from a hectic working life; an holistic, therapeutic garden that helped him recover emotionally and physically from cancer and then live well in a green oasis. A densely planted garden, insulated from a surrounding urbanisation that after ten years had taken over the original surrounding woodlands and agricultural lands. In time, the garden was supplemented by being guardians of an abandoned allotment and olive grove to increased production of ecological vegetables and fruit, producing ecological Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Olive Oil. Now with most of the agricultural lands of the village being abandoned, with the air and waterways full of weed seeds and increasing thefts, vegetable growing has been moved back into the garden in raised beds and a Ten-Tub veggie garden as explained on page 61 of ‘Growing Healthy Vegetables in Spain’. With respect to the sun, we have from the first year ensured that trees and hedges provide plenty of summer shade and also sheltered yet sunny winter ‘sitting out’ spots. Natural vitamin D production from the sun is very important to us in the winter. Naturally it is a chemical free garden with neem and propolis our most frequently used insecticides and fungicides respectively. A couple of years ago we gave a well-received presentation to a

U3A conference on Health for The Retired explaining how well we lived from our garden, especially avoiding the need for medications and vitamin supplements. At the same conference a Medical Doctor was extolling the benefits of taking 200 plus ‘anti-aging’ tablets a day. It appeared that doctor did not get much support for this idea, particularly the high cost involved, but friends suggested we expand our talk as a book. This Dick has now done: it was launched in Valencia last week and tomorrow in Cataluña. The title of this new book is ‘Living Well from Our Mediterranean Garden’. Wellness in terms of a healthy garden environment, eating well from a diverse range of ecologically grown produce rich in beneficial vitamins and minerals, eating gastronomically but not gluttonously; and improving ones financial position by producing most plants in the garden from cuttings, plantlets and seeds. Most weeks we now only need to purchase artisan cheeses, wine and Jamon Serrano to enjoy healthy Spanish style Mediterranean cuisine to the full. The book is written as a companion to our earlier books. The style is that of a case study and handbook for healthy living. It could be of interest to all with a property in a Mediterranean climate situation. One of the reasons Dick wrote it is that at almost 75 years of age he finds it difficult to remember what we have learnt about the vitamin and mineral contents of various fruits, vegetables etc... They are now listed in the book as a convenient reminder for ourselves and for you. Although only small the 40 page book is packed with interesting information and useful ideas and only costs 3.90€. Postage is always expensive in Spain so a ‘launch offer’ of 5€ includes postage and packaging. If you are interested, send an email to gardeninginspain@hotmail.com or a letter to Clodagh Brown,

Clodagh and Dick’s instructive books are available to help you achieve a great garden from scratch or improve an existing garden. You will find them in bookshops including Bookworld, Carrefor and Humpty Dumpty. For convenience many internet bookshops stock them including Santana Books, Amazon UK, Bookworld and The Royal Horticultural Society. © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardeninginspain.com

Home & Garden

Growing healthy vegetables

Correos 572, Javea 03730, Alicante, including your address and stamps or money order to the value of 5€ By the way, it should also be available from our website www.gardeninginspain.com by the end of the week.

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Cotswold Carriers - 13 OCT 2011

with 6 vehicles to choose from we can move from a chest of drawers to a manor house

EVEN IN times of economic hardship, Cotswold Carriers is still making regular trips to and from Spain with full or part-loads, either delivering customers to their new homes on the coast, or bringing items back to the UK. The company was set up in 1978 and since that time has undertaken most kinds of domestic and commercial removals, particularly specialising in transporting antiques and fine art. These days, they can move anything from garden statues, motorbikes, cars and office furniture to paintings and sculptures, as well as household goods. A full packing service is provided, (should customers require it) and quotations include Standard Liability cover for goods in transit. Cotswold Carriers can organise storage either in Spain or in the UK, if customers are ‘between houses’. This can be for anything from a week to many years. The family-run operation of medium size operates six vehicles of various sizes, enabling them to cope with moves of any capacity, from a chest of drawers to a manor house. In the Cotswolds particularly, the roads are narrow and inaccessible for large lorries so the company has smaller vans to accommodate this eventuality. Many of the staff have been with the company for more than 10 years, so have years of experience dealing with customers’ valued household items. And Cotswold Carriers has an impressive portfolio of testimonials from satisfied customers. Where possible, prospective customers are visited personally to review how accessible the property is and to see what items are involved; when a visit is not possible, a detailed written list is requested. The company was first set up by Bill Cooper and is now run by his son, Dean Cooper, who is regularly in Spain. The company also carries out removals throughout the UK and during the past couple of years delivered items to most parts of France; Poland; Italy; Germany; Portugal and Luxembourg. Said Dean Cooper: “We appreciate the fact that moving is a stressful experience for customers; we do our best to lessen the stress for you, because we have years of experience in removals, and take special care in every job we undertake.” For more information, contact Dean at: dean@cotswold-carriers.com visit www.cotswoldcarriers.com or call on 01608 730 500.

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Solar energy The facts about installing a solar energy hot water system and government grants: ONE OF the most popular applications for solar energy is the heating of water for domestic use. Here, Fidelma Matthews from Solar in Spain answers the main questions that people tend to ask about solar hot water: How does a solar hot water system work? It’s really is very simple. In a compact system, where the tank and the panel are one unit, the tank must be placed higher than the ‘collector’. The water circulates naturally between the tank and the solar collector because of differences in water temperature. The system has a closed circuit filled with water and an anticorrosive/anti-freeze solution. Would a solar energy system replace my existing hot water system? Yes it can. As the solar hot water storage tank comes fitted with an electric immersion heater

for periods of poor weather, your existing water heater can be removed. If you have a boiler that provides heating as well as hot water, solar energy can be incorporated to work with the boiler. What is the life expectancy of a solar hot water system? A well designed solar hot water system will last for 25-30 years. Does solar energy only work on sunny days? No. Diffused radiation means that a solar collector will still generate a lot of energy on cloudy days. Vacuum tube collectors are particularly efficient in these conditions. At least 85% of your household´s annual hot water will be heated by solar energy. Are solar energy systems expensive? Systems vary in design and size but to give you an idea; a system can be fully installed

Compact system

Selective panels on roof

for less than €59 per month. In addition, you will benefit from a generous government grant from the Valencia Energy Board of up to 45%. What is the financial payback on a system? Normally a system will pay for itself within 3-5 years. Are government grants available? There are grants available for solar energy hot water and electricity systems that are certificated by the Spanish Government and installed by accredited installers. Solar in Spain is one of the few accredited companies that have been working for many years with the government’s energy department to obtain generous grants for their clients. Solar in Spain will take care of all the grant paperwork on behalf of their clients.

Home & Garden

Where can I find out more information? To learn more about the advantages of solar energy, Solar in Spain is organising two seminars to which everyone is invited to attend. We will also be demonstrating our full range of solar energy systems. On 13th October we will be at the Inn on the Green bowling club in Javea and on 14th October at La Finca Golf Hotel in Algorfa. Please contact us on 902 636 570 or info@solarinspain.com to register.

Brought you by spanishhomefinder.com Brought to youtoby spanishhomefinder.com

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Blue screen of death

Computing with aunty virus

Attaching photos Hugh via email asks: DEAR AUNTY. I am using Windows XP and Hotmail for emails and recently I have had a problem attaching photos. When I used to click on attachments, a drop down list asked whether I wanted to attach photos or documents. This no longer happens and it goes to my documents. If I then select my photos it shows the photos but I cannot attach them. Aunty Says: Hello Hugh. I’m receiving a lot of emails regarding problems with Hotmail and attachments and there are so many different solutions that we’d be here until Christmas. The most effective fixes so far have been to try using a different browser such as Chrome, Firefox or IE8. Also try temporarily switching off your anti-virus software as that may be blocking attachments. Download and install the new Windows Live Mail that is meant to replace Hotmail as this has the photo loader/compressor built in. There is also a couple of security setting within Internet Explorer that may need to be tweaked, but we’ll cross that bridge if these fixes don’t work.

How do I get layout? Meri from Torrevieja asks: I DON’T like the layout for the letter template in Windows Office 7. The layout I had in XP didn’t give a margin at the top or bottom, even though when printed they were there on the paper. How do I get the layout of Office XP? Thank you. Aunty Says: Hi Meri. This may simply be the view option that you have currently set as default. If you click on the ‘view’ menu option at the top of Word you can toggle the displayed document between different layouts. Try the ‘draft’ view and see if that is familiar.

Keep losing connection Shirley via email asks: HI AUNTY. I was given your email address to contact you regarding a problem with my laptop. I have a Fujitsu Siemens Laptop and a wireless router in my house. I have been connected successfully to my router, however, every now and then I lose my connection and my laptop tells me it cannot communicate with the primary DNS server when I do a diagnose and repair. When it happened before it came back after a few days

Geoff via email asks: DEAR AUNTY. When I shut down my computer, instead of closing down completely I get the attached blue screen displayed and I have to manually power down. A few months ago the same screen appeared on starting up the computer and I could get no further. I took the PC to my local computer shop - they ended up reloading the XP operating system. All was fine until a few weeks ago and now the problem occurs every time I shut down or try to restart: any ideas? Aunty Says: Hi Geoff. That’s the infamous ‘blue screen of death’ I’m afraid Geoff. If you’ve recently had a full fresh reinstall of XP (and not just a repair) and the problem hasn’t gone away then this could well be a hardware problem. I would suggest looking at your hard disk and RAM/ memory first and then look at other components, such as your motherboard and processor. All PC components should be fairly easy to test and replace (depending on the age of the machine) but the biggest problem I often see is with hard disk failure. Hard disks can simply stop working and you may lose everything so make sure you have a recent backup of any valuables. Maybe phone around and get a few estimates.

but now it is driving me crazy and have been without my connection now for three days, can you help? Aunty Says: You first need to establish whether this is the wireless connection between your laptop and you router, or whether it is your ADSL line that is playing up. To eliminate any wireless problems and test your ADSL line you can plug your laptop directly into one of the ports on the router with the Ethernet cable you received with your router. If everything

works okay like this then try relocating your laptop and/or router and see if the signal strength/quality increases and subsequently your internet connection reliability improves. There are a few things that can affect your wireless signal, and the most common are cordless phones and microwaves. The DNS server error message you are receiving is pretty useless and is Windows basically saying it cannot get access to the internet and doesn’t usually help in diagnosing problems.

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

07 - 13 OCT 2011

GADGET INSPECTOR

Gadget Inspector investigates the case of: Golfing Gadgets THIS WEEK the Inspector scores a birdie, picks up a bogey, and hopes the golf scoring gadgets are not just par for the course and definitely up to scratch. Everyone who has ever played golf will have enjoyed the vagaries of the scoring process – archaic little stub pencils or a biro for marking the score card, with its own custom holder that clips onto the golf trolley handle and also holds spare golf balls and tees – top technology! Golfers will also have tried the shot counter, a simple little device that keeps your total number of shots played - every time you click the button the score total is incremented, great for the total for the round, but not much use for recording individual holes. So what can 21st Century gadge offer the golfer? Today we look at two handy golf scorers and see whether the game has moved on. First up is the €15 Touchscreen Digital Golf Score Card. This handy little gizmo has a touch screen and scores are entered using a stylus designed to look like a mini golf club. The buttons on its side that are used for other functions are even shaped to look like golf balls! The touch screen scorecard is extremely well made from stainless steel plate with a plastic housing. It is supplied with a detachable strap for attaching to your bag or belt and slots off when in use. It

can track the scores of up to 4 players on an 18-hole course, and even shows the current time and temperature. On completing a hole the player enters the stroke number and scores and the scorecard does the rest. The touch screen scorecard is waterproof, compact, light, portable and easy to use – it even has an auto power-off feature to boost battery life – avoiding the equivalent of a broken pencil. Second to tee off is the €20 PGA Tour Electronic Golf Scorecard. This tiny little device easily clips on your golf bag or belt, and can hold scores for up to 4 players, displaying the information on an LCD display. The PGA Scorecard has a handy sliding cover to protect it from knocks, splashes and flying divots. And should you want to know the time or temperature, look no further. It won´t make you play like a PGA golfer though. The Inspector´s Verdict: These golf scorers may bring the mundane golf scoring task into the 21st Century, but unfortunately they won´t improve the scores being recorded on them, or order a round at the 19th Probably just as well nobody has decided to add a voice function to offer advice on your scores – particularly surprising as these scorers are used in America – as they’d end up partnering your golf balls feeding the fish in the golf course lake.

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Tramps, Tarts and Politicians with PCN FOLLOWING THE success of The Red Ball in May and to welcome the cooler weather, Paul Cunningham Nurses have organised their first evening event in October with a Tarts and Tramps and Politicians Party Night, on Saturday 29th October at The Marjal (just off the N332 at Guardamar) Dan the Man, a celebrated all-round entertainer, will be the star singer and compere for the evening with tickets at just €15 for a three course meal with wine. For those who don’t fancy coming as Tarts or Tramps, dress as a politician – conservatively perhaps?! Please let PCN know as soon as you can if you would like to attend what is hoped to be yet another sell-out event! Email sueinthesun@hotmail. co.uk or call 639 318 526.

Cruise control

MY ASSOCIATION with boats in the past has been quite eventful. From being thrown off of the pleasure boats in Hastings as a child for tampering with the accelerator pedal to make it go faster, to getting stuck in a canoe in Rye harbour having got the tide time tables mixed up. Then there were the times I managed to get across the channel and back without any money or passports when we regularly entered the Beaujolais race. Then I once blagged my way onto a fishing boat to cross from Malta to the little Island of Gozo and came back with some fantastic lace which, although included a heavy bartering session, I did finally have to pay for. Despite this, friends of ours are forever trying to persuade us to go on a cruise as they say it’s very tranquil and relaxing and we would enjoy the peace and quiet as well as the food. Mmm… I’m beginning to suspect the only peace and quiet they are referring to is for those who are suggesting we go away, and as for the food…I keep trying to convince Trudy that we have

no need to cruise as we have actually been on a cruise already, albeit a mini one. If the Ferry from the UK to Northern Spain takes two days it’s called a Ferry but if they add an extra day it’s called a mini cruise. Okay it’s the same ship (boat), same route and same staff but still I’m assured it’s a cruise. Now I’ve got a bit of a Bee in my bonnet over Sea Bass. Personally I prefer Wild Sea Bass which when simply cooked on a furnace grill for just a couple of minutes each side, needs no accompaniment other than a knife and fork and a glass of decent wine. Yet the more popular and cheaper farmed variety benefits from stuffing with herbs, baking in salt or even drizzled with a sauce of garlic, soy sauce, and fresh ginger. Both varieties are delicious, but miles apart in taste and cost, as well as availability. Imagine my delight to see “Whole Roasted Sea Bass” on the ‘cruise’ ship’s menu. Whole it wasn’t, and roasted it wasn’t either. It looked as if a box of fish had accidentally been caught up in the ship’s propeller or had been hacked into two or three bits by some mad man. When I wrote a simple letter to say that if you advertise Whole Roasted Sea Bass then that’s surely what you should be serving, I got a curt reply stating that: “Whole fish were picked up fresh from whichever Port they stopped at and then cooked on board by our highly trained chefs.” Well, no they didn’t! After further investigation and equally curt communication from me, the menus were changed. So my first association with

‘boat food’ did not get off to a good start. Second night came the buffet. Like most buffets, well planned and well laid out but to the untrained eye there is a hidden agenda. Customers are encouraged to start with the cheap stuff like lettuce, potato salad, coleslaw and tinned sweet corn, hoping that you will fill your plates and have little room left at the end for the more expensive stuff like salmon and prawns. Looks good too as you leave the buffet with your plate piled high to new arrivals that only see the expensive topping. Then of course there’s the whole ham and rib of beef, both for you to carve yourself. As much or as little as you require, but it’s backwards and the knives are predictably blunt. So we watched for a while whilst numerous attempts were made to cut even the smallest slice by various passengers before I turned it round and quickly sharpened a knife and proceeded to slice a pile or two, as a queue began to form. I was asked by the staff to stop. Oh, I nearly forgot: I did do a sort of proper cruise on the Arcadia as an invited lecturer on a Catering forum; a symposium for the most senior hospitality professionals from around the world. But before my lecture, I was too nervous to eat (hard to believe) and afterwards I was then expected to host breakfast, lunch and dinner meetings where despite the apparent quality of food, I spent all my time talking and no time at all eating. Despite my undoubted talents I still can’t eat and talk at the same time.

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

07 - 13 OCT 2011 2010 8-14 JANUARY

Looking after your children’s eyes DURING THE first 12 years of our lives as much as 80% of learning is accomplished through our vision. Yet one out of every four children has an undetected vision problem that may inhibit their progress. Specsavers Opticas suggests that a child should have their first eye examination at around three years old, as the earlier things are detected the easier they are

to rectify without delaying the child’s development. Once children go to school, good eye-sight is crucial to keep up with their studies. Experts believe that many learning disabilities could be vision related as they may not be able to read the blackboard or text books. SPOTTING A POTENTIAL PROBLEM As a parent, it can be difficult to spot if your child has a vision problem, as children have no way of knowing if what they see is any different from others. However, there are a number of tell-tale signs you can look out for: Sitting too close to the TV Rubbing their eyes Complaining of headaches Becoming reluctant to read or look at small pictures or objects Clumsiness Squinting The eyes behaving oddly when tired e.g. turning inwards or crossing COMMON PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN Below are some common problems which children experience. By about the age of seven, any plasticity in the visual system is gone and problems which are untreated are likely to continue through the child’s life, so it’s important to catch them early. Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) - a loss of vision in an eye that is not corrected by glasses alone: crossed eyes, eyes that don’t line up, or one eye that focuses better than the other can cause amblyopia. Myopia (Nearsightedness) - the eyeball is too long for the normal focusing power of the eye, so images of distant objects appear blurred.

Hyperopia (Farsightedness) - the eyeball is too short for the normal focusing power of the eye. In children, the lens in the eye accommodates for this error and provides clear vision for distance and usually near viewing, but with considerable effort that often causes fatigue and sometimes crossed eyes. If you have any concerns about your child’s eyes, take them to the optician straight away and schedule check-ups on an annual basis to ensure any problems are identified and changes are caught early. This article is provided by José Ángel Moral-Tajadura, Specsavers Opticas’ Business Development Manager, Spain. Specsavers is a family-run global brand of opticians with more than 1,500 stores operating in ten countries. There are three Specsavers Opticas stores on the Costa Blanca in Calpe, Jávea, and Torrevieja: for more information visit www.specsavers.es.

07 - 13 OCT 2011

Cyclogical Gary at the

Marcha XXII GARY ROUTLEDGE, proprietor of ‘Cyclogical’ in Quesada, finished 45th out of a field of 200 entries in this year’s Marcha XX11 Cicloturista, a gruelling 150km road race which starts and finishes in Elche and takes in Alto de Xorret de Cati and Alto de Tibi, two massive hill climbs where many competitors had to get off their bikes and walk. The race went through Aspe, Novelda,Elda, over the mountains then downhill into Xixona through San Vincente and back to Elche. This is one of the toughest road races in the area and Gary was representing the club which he trains with ‘Amigos Del Ciclismo’, wearing his team colours. 65-year-old Paul Durrant who cycles for the Albacete Cycle Club finished 150th and won the prize for being the oldest competitor. The Amigos Del Ciclismo club meets every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at Studz bar in Benijofar, cycling approx 80-90 kms. They leave at 10am and are usually back by 2pm so if you fancy making new friends and keeping fit, go along and join them.

Last Night of the Proms IT WAS a total sell-out for HELP MMM at their ‘Last Night of the Proms’ in the Olympia restaurant on Thursday 29th Sept. The evening was started by the Fenix (‘Fenix’ is Spanish for ‘Phoenix’) Quartet of June, Jean, Liz and Mo singing a selection of Barber Shop songs. After the meal, a live video was played on a large screen of the actual event and MC, Bernard Ash encouraged the audience to join in the singing of familiar songs such as ‘Rule Britannia’, ‘Jerusalem’, ‘Land of Hope & Glory’ - and ‘God Save the Queen’ with the second verse, which is seldom heard! The stirring vocals and the flag waving were encouraged by the volunteer conductor Ben Jackson. Overall the charity, HELP Murcia Mar Menor raised €460 on the night.

Important announcements from HAH HAH HAS been asked by translator Audrey Haigh to advise people of the car parking situation at the new Los Arcos hospital del Mar Menor. As you turn into the hospital, there is a free car park on the right. A little closer, and at the back of the hospital are the long term car parks with an hourly charge of 94c (daily rate of 9.40€). The URGENCIAS Car park is free for the first 30 minutes but the charges are then astronomical – e.g. 1 hour = 1.15€, 3 hours 19.65€, 8 hours 52.40€, max daily charge of 65.50€. Please be aware of these charges before you park, as waiting times in the hospital can sometimes be quite long. HAH EVENT CANCELLATION We regret to inform you that the Curry Night at the Maharaja Palace Restaurant has to be cancelled, as it would appear that the owner and staff have disappeared. Several attempts have been made recently to contact various people involved with the restaurant, but to no avail. Money will of course be refunded, and we will endeavour to try and arrange another venue for the same price as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“G”

07 Oct - 13 oct 2011

Many clients contact me or ask me to read for them on the telephone. If I have ever met them before, then the results are very good, possibly better, but I always do my best with telephone readings with new clients too. It is very important for me to feel the vibrational energy of clients, and this can be possible by voice contact alone, very often. I am very grateful that my psychic skills include clairsentience, and this allows me to work with psychic energies brought about by feeling and sensing from the incoming personal energies felt in a telephone conversation. Last month I had a call from New York from a client of mine who works for Vogue. It is such a lonely World in that City if you are alone! If you have a job, and friends and some money in your purse then you maybe are happy, but there are many single people living very sad lives in what is a very vibrant and pacy, fast moving City. Seems odd, but Manhattan is a location where many have to live their dreams, and not necessarily experience them in the reality of day. The endless falsities of parties and working under pressure, paying exorbitant rent for a small apartment and surviving, take their toll. You may never know who your neighbour is or what they do, or be able to care. My caller is a single thirty something girl who is constantly looking for that very special partner. She is a hard working lady and has a wonderful energy and zest for life. She is intelligent and witty, very attractive and great fun, but very unlucky with the men she meets. Her call to me was prior to a big party, and she wanted me to do a little fortune telling to see what was just around the corner for her, romance wise. It would seem that she had been working very hard and her social life had been just falling apart. This party would be a chance for her, or maybe I would say for her not to go, she really wanted my advice and was depending on my foreseeing something rather wonderful. All I saw was a letter G! I was afraid of

Kenny’s diary Readings at Bistro Maya: Monday October 10th and Wednesday October 12th from 16.30 onwards. For information and advanced bookings for mini readings please contact Els and her team on: 966 868 213. Spiritual Fair on Sunday November 20th! Thursday October 27th: Demonstration of Clairvoyance at the Alfaz Spiritual Foundation, at the Forum Mare Nostrum in Alfaz del Pi: 18.30. All very welcome to attend this service! Readings in your area: Please make contact if you want to organise readings in your locality, or organise a psychic event for your favourite charity. Some dates available for September/ October/November.

telling her this because I failed to see what possible help it could be to her. Those who know me know that I like to be somewhat more specific than to just give letters, but then I have learned to always say what I see, because there is always going to be a reason for it. However I was stumped. Should I mention the G? Was it the name of someone rather special she was about to meet? To me it was a compromise, but I finally passed on the message of the letter G. My client laughed and questioned what it meant. I told her to lookout because it had to mean something, and I wondered whether she thought it was a waste of a transatlantic telephone call to hear such advice! Later that Manhattan night, and into the wee small hours of a Spanish dawn, my client rang me from the bathroom at the party location. She couldn’t wait to tell me what had happened. She had met a wonderful man at the party, and he was wearing a Gucci belt with a big gold letter G……hence the G! They have been together ever since that night, and I look forward to meeting with them both on my next US trip in the late Autumn. Funny when we hold back on things, only to wish that we had said what we should have? I wonder how many unsaid things have caused problems and changed fates and destinies, and how many said things have dared to make a difference and done just the same? One day, during a reading the deceased came through with a very loud and penetrating voice. Working clairaudiently I was bound to pass the messages on to my client, but I was put off by the shouting and reverberation I was experiencing in my eardrum. Sensing my difficulty my client asked me what was wrong. I shall never forget how she laughed and laughed when I told her. Her husband was an actor here on Earth, and always spoke to her as if she was in the back row of the stalls! She knew without a shadow of a doubt that it was her dear departed partner making contact, through me, albeit loudly! Messages can pass in many ways, and clearly I have to admit that sometimes I am just the delivery boy, doing my job. Hearing is believing too when the message comes from such a spiritual source and so I have to be able to be prepared for anything, then kiss and tell when I need to!

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

postbag Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com When I was younger we played around with the Ouija board. I was always very scared but it was good fun. My question is, what energies came through, because we were all spooked and frightened? Alice St.O. Alice I think that we all dabbled with the Ouija board, or tore up bits of papers with letters on them and pushed that glass around the table. You have to know that any alcohol affects the outcome of the communication, and that this type of contact is deemed to be black magic, and all that that entails. Though many messed around, and there was cheating, it was a method of communicating with the dead, and not necessarily those resting upstairs in the Spirit World, if you see what I mean. Dark spirits could be roused, and serious messages were received, I am sure, though mainly it was just for fun at the time. My contact with the Spirit World doesn’t permit contact by name. This is awakening the dead, not communicating with the pure Spirit of those who inhabit the Spirit World, and really want to communicate.

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!

horoscopes by Kenny Corris Uranus puts both power and priority into your highly capable hands this week. You may think that the timing is wrong for this, but strike while the iron is hot if you have a deal to do, or something needs working on with good intention. You will get the back up that you need and the opportunity won’t come around very often. Believe in what you can achieve and just go for it! Having been content with second best you have to spread your wings and fly to avoid conflict in a pressing situation. Whilst you could turn a blind eye to something why should you? Feeling good about yourself and your various talents and strengths is inspiring and helps you better connect with Jupiter’s plan for your future; which is loaded to help you succeed in every which way you deserve. Look within to see how you are coping better with all that surrounds you right now. The time is right to see things from other directions and to let others know that above all you are no pushover. An offer of work motivates you, but before you take something on that you will regret check that this is the right direction for you, and that there are no ulterior motives working against you. A quiet peaceful week ahead in which you have a chance to recharge flagging batteries. Since you put so much into what you do, then you have to give in to some rest and relaxation from time to time. This is self preservation, and not selfish, and you need time to wind down before you wind up again. Give into a bit of pampering and put yourself first for a change, whatever you do! Mars is stirring you into action. Instead of just sitting and waiting for things to happen, go out and be the life and soul of the party. Nobody takes centre stage as well as you do, and you deserve your share of the limelight. An affair of the heart seems to be further away than ever, but you know what you have to do. Don’t let your ego see you miss out on what could be something rather wonderful. Mercury is involved in actions with calming Neptune, mighty Uranus and a wily Pluto. Make sure that you realise that anything you say may find its way to the wrong ears, and that your intentions should be fully known and accepted for just what they are. Actions are what is needed right now, and here you don’t have to put your neck on the block either; others have their story to tell too. Take control of a situation which, as you rightly expected, is heading to be way out of control. This is not making a mountain out of a molehill, it is consolidating the significant steps you have taken to bring some kind of sense and reality to the matter. It is right to do what you have to; and then just walk away knowing that you have done what you could, now it’s up to someone else. Mercury enters at the end of a fairly eventful week, bringing clarity to plan your next move and to rely on all aspects of rather better communication to facilitate this. You have been remarkably patient, but at last somebody is on your side and will help you find your way. We are sometimes sorely tested, but enough is enough, and you have other fish to fry right now anyway. Someone desperately needs your help, but is too scared to ask you this week. Knowing that you can make such a difference doesn’t help, especially as you know very well that they have made things very difficult for themselves all around. You are balanced, unbiased and non judgmental, and you have your suspicions; in this case you may have to make the first move however! Pluto casts aspersions as to what you need to do next. Nobody could ever say that you didn’t give your best. In this case it’s not that your best wasn’t good enough, it is that there were significant changes, and that somebody moved the goal posts, and nothing more. Pluto is good at finding a loophole, and makes sure that you make the most of your alternatives. Look towards solving a family problem with a hands on approach. Somebody isn’t playing very fair, but appears to be getting away with it never the less. You are good at uniting, solving the problems and sorting things in the very delicate way, that this has to be handled, So as not to cause offence to everyone else concerned, play things by ear but say what needs to be said! There are sometimes dark days. Do not feel that you have failed in any way, but do realise that a lot is on hold, and that things will wait for you to take charge when the time is right. There have been some exceptional circumstances and you will be back in the swing of things when it is time, and when you have the energy to see things in full perspective for just what they are. Prioritise.

If it’s your birthday this week... With Venus at your side there is a stirring energy within that opens both your heart and soul to what emotional baggage needs to be dumped now. It is for the best that changes now have to be made before it’s too late, or before you change your mind.

oct 2011 09 - 07 15 Oct Sept- 13 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.

Sudoku

Cryptic Crossword ACROSS 1. Scheme that gives little professional status (11) 9. If most of it was eradicated there would be few complaints (7) 10. Boat propeller (5) 11. Multitudes in pubs (5) 12. The first mate takes the other for a tough climb (7) 13. No society for a person of no importance (6) 15. Unusually astute piece of work by an artist (6) 18. Does it lead to brave conflict? (3-4) 20. Best conceivable thought to fifty (5) 22. Goes in front, using a sled (5) 23. Pays a quick visit and watches TV (5,2) 24. They take steps in many ways for progress (11)

DOWN 2. Keeps turning over lists of names (5) 3. How the iron was put into service? (7) 4. My sets are methodically arranged (6) 5. Experience discrimination (5) 6. There’s no let-up for the rich (7) 7. Prayer for good health, and where to make it? (7,4) 8. Washing may depend on it (7,4) 14. A fire screen, perhaps! (7) 16. Journey with crude oil in N. Africa (7) 17. A few words about the French hut (6) 19. Passage in this cinema is lengthy (5) 21. German town seen in countless engravings. (5)

Wordwheel

Quick Crossword ACROSS 1. Waywardness (11) 9. Open-air (7) 10. Collide (5) 11. Nobleman (5) 12. Jersey (7) 13. Help (6) 15. Char (6) 18. Slander (7) 20. Fruit (5) 22. Unsullied (5) 23. Messenger (7) 24. Hatred (11)

DOWN 2. Change (5) 3. Reasons (7) 4. Flog (6) 5. Recess (5) 6. Strew (7) 7. Patience (11) 8. Understaffed (11) 14. Highest (7) 16. Console (7) 17. Leave (6) 19. Scope (5) 21. Game of chance (5)

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 53/54. Winner for 624 - Jim Stokes, Denia

Win a meal for 2! The Planet Bar in Parcent (North Costa Blanca) (Fish & Chip Supper for two)

by answering the Cryptic Crossword correctly.

Answers by email to: production@roundtownnews.com *This must be used no later than 3 weeks of notification

Euromillions Draw Friday 30th September

5 15 28 31 44

One Austrian and 2 Belgian tickets won €16,192,686

Tuesday 4th October

14 16 23 38 45

No ticket won jackpot prize

07 - 13 OCT 2011

music scene

Roberta Flack new Beatles Album Vibes From The Costas by

Tony Poole

from www.vibesfromthecostas. blogspot.com

THE LEGENDARY 4-time Grammy winner Roberta Flack is to release her first album in more than eight years. The R&B/Soul singer is best known for her Top 10 hits; ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’, ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’ and ‘Feel Like Makin’ Love’, as well as ‘Where Is The Love’ and ‘The Closer I Get To You’, two of her many duets with the late Donny Hathaway. ‘Vibes From The Costas’ reported on Roberta Flacks new Beatles project back in April last year. Cancelled concerts at La Mar de Musicas and Sala Narciso Yepes followed. She last performed in Murcia at the San Javier International Jazz Festival in 2005. Finally Ms Flack’s long awaited CD is to be released. The still as-yet untitled album, a collection of Beatles classics, is scheduled to drop in early February 2012. Flack collaborated with producer Sherrod Barnes and contributing producers Jerry Barnes and Barry Miles on the album. The project will be released through 429 Records/ Sony ATV Music Publishing and Flack’s RAS Records. 429 Records is a division of the Savoy Label Group. Sony/ATV is a joint venture between Sony and trusts formed by Michael Jackson. In a statement from Ms Flack, she said: “My passion for the project comes from the magical genius of the greatest songwriters of all time. Love, inspiration, friendship and my own life’s lessons come together when I sing the songs they created.”

The first single, ‘We Can Work It Out’, debuted on the iTunes Music Store on Tuesday 27th September. It’s a beautiful interpretation of the classic Lennon/McCartney song, performed with her instantly recognisable trademark sound yet with a delightful new angle. She was last seen performing ‘Where Is The Love’, a duet with Maxwell at the 2010 Grammy Awards, the million-selling gold single was originally recorded with Donny Hathaway and won a Grammy in 1972. She founded the Roberta Flack School of Music in Bronx, NY in 2006, and is also a spokesperson for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Her appearance in commercials for the ASPCA featured ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ which won the 1973 Grammy Record of the Year and ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’ won the same award at the Grammy Awards of 1974. She and U2 are the only artists to win the award in consecutive years. Clint Eastwood chose the song ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’, for the soundtrack to his directorial debut ‘Play Misty For Me’ - it became the biggest hit of the year for 1972, spending six consecutive weeks at #1 in America, earning Ms Flack a million-selling gold disc. Ms Flack is expected to embark on a worldwide tour to promote the new album. So hopefully we can expect a rescheduled concert date in the region next summer.

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

Next move for ‘Chess’ CHESS, THE well-known Queen tribute band, has a fan base spanning toddlers to oldies; a band with a truly international mix - Joshua Garcia’s surging guitar playing; Juanma Aznar’s thumping bass (both from Elche); Nick Nedelciuc from Moldovia sweeping keyboards; Belgian Christian Lehane’s rhythmic drumming and Argentina’s Charlie Joss leads with electric vocals. They have attracted an equally multinational following on the Costa Blanca and are increasingly in demand for private parties. From the iconic sound of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and occasionally the funkiness of ‘Billie Jean’ to the serenity of ‘Love Of My Life’ they evoke a rainbow of emotions, drawing the audience in to participate and also to dance. NEXT MOVE Chess has just finished writing and recording the band’s own original album aptly named Victoria (Victory in English). Currently they are working hard perfecting their on-stage performance of this first album, due to be released internationally in October. NEXT MONTH’S GIGS 8th October, Plaza, Benijofar 13th October, The Corner, San Pedro Del Pinatar, Murcia 26th October, The Lounge Bar, Torrevieja 8th December, The Corner, San Pedro Del Pinatar, Murcia http://www.soundparadise.net/chess/conciertos/ver-conciertos/1

Scary Party time as Halloween fun hits Los Balcones A FANTASTIC Halloween Party to help raise funds for HAH (Costa Blanca) is to take place in Los Balcones with a fabulous dressing up night featuring, fun, competitions and great music & dancing, on Monday 31st October at 8.30pm. Jukebox Promotions is to host the event: spokesperson Fiona says “It’s gonna be a spooky night with lots of fun, decorations and great music - we are hoping that people will dress up and get in the spirit! I was in the party industry in the UK and supplied thousands of fancy dress costumes for Halloween in the UK over the years. It would be fantastic if we could see everyone in costume and looking the part at one of the best venues in the Costa Blanca.” Music and entertainment will be provided by Jukebox Legends. Entry is by ticket only at 5€ - book and pay for 10 or more and get 2 free! THE FUN WILL BE AT: ‘AREA’ under the Filton Centre in Los Balcones, 8.30pm with tickets from The Cyber pub, 1st Floor, Filton Centre, Los Balcones: For more ticket information, call 608 908 720.

Stand-up comedy is still a hit! FIVE YEARS ago Lee Lard was booked at the Lounge Bar as a Peter Kaye tribute act and went down a storm. He was re-booked on the spot and has since gone on to become the UK’s Number One leading tribute comedy act. Lee has been back each year for the last five years and every year his show sells out. Lee’s laid-back humour and quick responses suit everybody - age is no barrier! Lee’s humour is ‘old school’, not the alternative comedy that no one understands! To see a stand-up comic who is continuing the comedy style of greats such as Frank Carson, yet combining the quick wit and humorous observations of the likes of Micheal Mcintyre, come and see Lee Lard - you won’t be disappointed! Tickets are on sale now from the bar at just 10€ and include a free first drink. Lee Lard - 19th October!

47 49

The Lounge Bar Karaoke CALLING ALL Karaoke fans! Do you enjoy singing in karaoke bars? Ever wondered what you would sound like on a professional stage, with a top sound engineer and a professional sound system at your disposal? Well, why not come on down to the Lounge Bar and see! Every Tuesday night from 9.30pm Paul, sound engineer, and Dee, professional singer will host Karaoke for those who love singing. Come on down and have a chat with Paul, discuss which key you want to sing in and pick your preferred track. Then Action! Lights! Music! And you are the star of the stage! Dee will be there to keep the night moving, singing a great choice of songs while you pick which songs you want to sing. Remember, having fun is just as important as being able to sing! So bring some friends along and make it a party!

An Old Queen and assorted fairies in Parliament NO, NOT a headline lifted from the News of the World - the next major production by the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, ‘Iolanthe’, due to be staged 28th, 29th and 30th March 2012. Rehearsals are underway again following summer recess with the sharpest of Gilbert’s satires, lampooning the political system: the ‘Hooray Henrys’ and ‘Chinless Wonders’ of the British House of Lords. An improvement in the standard of debate and quality of legislation is only achieved when the Queen of the Fairies, her half-human, half-fairy protégé plus her motley band of fairies take control of the Upper Chamber. In a happy ending the Peers of the Realm fall in love with the fairies and are whisked off to Fairyland; probably the best place for them even now! Mava Bingham, who has directed several innovative shows for the company, will again be in charge of the Stage Production and Cyril Willoughby is Musical Director. Cyril has waved his baton in the cause of the society for many years but has announced that he will step down from the rostrum after the show. Sue Brace Guest will be accompanying but again

Kaleidoscope in Pete Magical San Fulgencio Oliver

THE CARDINAL Belluga theatre group’s second showing of their popular show Magical Kaleidoscope will be on 21st October at the Cardinal Belluga Theatre in San Fulgencio. Do not miss this fabulous show with great entertainment for all the family featuring spectacular production numbers and dance routines, solo singers, and hilarious comedy. Doors open at 7.30pm with the show starting at 8pm. Tickets are available from The Tourist Office; Cards and More, Duncan the Barber and the K9 shop, La Marina. To reserve tickets for collection at the door ‘phone Maria on 96 671 5891, Eileen 96 679 7545 or Tom via 96 679 0547.

Cutloose PETE OLIVER, from Benidorm, has wowed audiences in Spain for a good many years. This man with the big, big voice provides a bundle of entertainment that any other entertainer can only look at in awe. A consummate performer, Pete knows what the general public enjoy, a variety of genre’s and songs. His act includes his tributes to PJ Proby, Neil Diamond, Ossie Osbourne, The Bee Gees and more.

- 13 OCT Feb 26 07 - March 4 2011 2010

CUTLOOSE, A four piece covers band, are one of the favourite and most professional bands here on the Costa Blanca. Everyone loves Cutloose for sheer entertainment value. These artistes give exceptional value for money and Phoenix Promotions are so pleased to have them within the agency. Fronting the band, a giant of a man in voice, the one and only Jon Summers, without doubt one of the finest entertainers on the Costa Blanca: Jon has a wealth of experience in the entertainment industry both in Spain and UK appearing with and supporting many notable artistes as Edwin Starr, Jimmy James, Patricia Penrose (Heartbeat) Jimmy Cricket, Frank Carson to name but a few. A line up of quality entertainers which makes Cutloose a band not to be missed: once heard, never forgotten.

will also be stepping down after the show. The society would be delighted to hear from anyone who has an interest in filling these positions. Please get in touch if you would like to be in this production in either a performing role or a backstage (skilled or otherwise) capacity. Rehearsals for the annual free Autumn Concert to be held on 30th November at Casa de Cultura, Guardamar, and for the society’s next full production, are held on Tuesdays and Fridays between 10.30am and 12.30pm at Restaurante Casa Ventura, San Luis, Torrevieja. Further information from: Dallas Myers on telephone: 96 671 4445 or email: jeffanddallas@hotmail.com or visit www.gilbertandsullivansociety.eu

50 40

tv Friday

07 - 13 23 OCT 2011 - 29 Sept 2011

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Dirty Tricks of the Tradesmen 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Natural Born Hunters 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 Dick & Dom Go Wild 17:30 Planet Dinosaur Files 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Celebrity MasterChef 22:00 Outnumbered 22:30 Would I Lie to You? 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Come Fly with Me 24:05 Mrs Brown’s Boys

07:00 Childrens TV 10:45 Nuzzle & Scratch 11:05 Get Squiggling! 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 13:55 Coast 14:00 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Wanted Down Under 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 20:00 The Culture Show 21:00 Gardeners’ World 21:30 Autumnwatch Live 22:30 Autumnwatch Unsprung 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 The Review Show 24:45 Weather 24:50 Later... with Jools Holland

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 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 There’s No Taste Like Home 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Love Your Garden 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 DCI Banks 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Alexander

07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 11:55 Help! My House Is Falling Down 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Three in a Bed USA 14:00 Channel 4 Presents 14:05 Cloak and Dagger 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Coach Trip 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 Comnigel slaters simple cookie Dine with Me 22:00 The Million Pound Drop Live 23:30 8 Out of 10 Cats 24:05 Random Acts 24:10 My Funniest Year

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:15 Ordinary Miracles 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 Ultimate Police Interceptors 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 The Bachelor 24:00 Big Brother 24:30 Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

06:00 Formula 1 08:30 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:30 Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking 13:00 BBC News; Regional News 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 Formula 1 15:15 A Question of Sport 15:45 Don’t Scare the Hare 16:20 Flubber 17:45 BBC News; Regional News 18:05 Celebrity MasterChef 19:05 Strictly Come Dancing 21:05 Merlin 21:50 The National Lottery: Secret Fortune 22:40 Casualty 23:30 BBC News 23:50 Outnumbered 24:20 Ask Rhod Gilbert 24:55 The Football League Show

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Live ‘n’ Deadly 11:00 Who Let the Dogs Out? 11:30 I Want My Own Room 12:00 Deadly Art 12:15 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 12:40 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 The Sky at Night 13:20 The Gay Divorce 15:00 The Importance of Being Earnest 16:35 The Great British Bake Off Masterclass 17:35 Escape to the Country 18:20 Flog It! 19:20 A History of Ancient Britain 20:20 A Tribute to David Croft 20:30 ‘Allo ‘Allo! 21:00 Are You Being Served? 21:30 Dad’s Army 22:00 QI XL 22:45 How the World Got Mixed Up 24:15 Skin

06:30 Live Rugby World Cup 09:00 Live Rugby World Cup 12:15 ITV News 12:25 Coronation Street 14:45 The X Factor 16:00 Britain Does the Funniest Things 17:00 Rugby World Cup Highlights 18:00 Granada News 18:15 ITV News 18:30 You’ve Been Framed! 19:00 All Star Family Fortunes 20:00 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 20:30 The X Factor 23:00 The Jonathan Ross Show 24:00 ITV News 24:15 Pale Rider

07:35 The Film Show 08:00 Superbike World Championship 2011 08:25 British GT Championship 2011 08:50 Channel 4 Presents 08:55 The Morning Line 09:50 The Crush 10:25 Smallville 11:20 Made in Chelsea 12:25 Rihanna:Live at V Festival 13:25 Big Bang Theory 12:55 Big Bang Theory 13:55 The Simpsons 14:25 Road to London 2012: That Paralympic Show 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 17:25 Come Dine with Me 18:25 Come Dine with Me 19:25 Come Dine with Me 19:55 Channel 4 News 20:25 4thought.tv 20:30 Star Trek 23:00 The Million Pound Drop Live 24:20 8 Out of 10 Cats Uncut

07:00 Childrens TV 08:40 Hana’s Helpline 08:55 Little Princess 09:05 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:15 Mr Men Show 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Animal Families 11:00 The Gadget Show 12:00 Highland Emergency 12:30 Big Brother 13:30 Big Brother 14:00 Battle of the Bulge 16:55 Gunfight in Black Horse Canyon 18:40 Clash of the Titans 20:55 5 News Weekend 21:00 NCIS 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Big Brother 24:00 Extraordinary People

07:00 Emmerdale 09:55 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 10:10 The X Factor USA 11:40 The X Factor USA 13:10 Minute to Win It 14:10 All Star Family Fortunes 14:55 Holiday Showdown 16:00 The Xtra Factor 17:15 The Only Way Is Essex 18:00 The Only Way Is Essex 18:45 A Cinderella Story 20:45 The Hot Desk 21:00 Homes from Hell 22:00 Home Is Where the Heart Is 23:00 The Xtra Factor 24:00 Celebrity Juice 24:45 Harry Hill’s TV Burp

06:00 BBC News 06:30 The Record Europe 07:00 Formula 1 10:10 Andrew Marr Show 11:10 Sunday Morning Live 12:10 Country Tracks 13:10 The Politics Show 14:10 Escape to the Country 15:10 Bargain Hunt 15:40 Formula 1 17:40 Planet Dinosaur 18:10 Points of View 18:25 Songs of Praise 19:00 BBC News; Regional News 19:25 Countryfile 20:25 Strictly Come Dancing 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Spooks 23:00 BBC News; Regional News 23:25 U2: From the Sky Down 24:55 Glastonbury 2011

07:00 Childrens TV 08:00 Roar 08:30 Arthur 08:55 Dennis & Gnasher 09:05 Junior MasterChef 09:35 Wingin’ It 10:00 Sam & Mark’s Big Friday Wind Up 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:30 The Great British Bake Off 13:30 EastEnders 15:25 The Man Who Would Be King 17:30 Rugby League 18:30 James May’s Things You Need to Know 19:00 Dragons’ Den: How to Win in the Den 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 City Beneath the Waves: Pavlopetri 22:00 Fry’s Planet Word 23:00 Milk

06:30 Live Rugby

07:10 Treacle People 07:20 The Hoobs 07:45 The Hoobs 08:10 Stockton River Rat Race 08:40 European Wheelchair Fencing Championships 2011 09:05 Channel 4 Presents 09:10 One Tree Hill 09:55 Hollyoaks 12:25 T4 Movie Special 13:00 Big Bang Theory 13:30 Romancing the Stone 15:30 The Simpsons 16:05 The Simpsons 16:35 Deal or No Deal 17:35 Grand Designs 18:35 Channel 4 News 19:05 4thought.tv 19:10 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 22:00 Fighting on the Frontline 23:00 Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street

07:00 Childrens TV 08:15 The Save-Ums! 08:30 Make Way for Noddy 08:45 Hana’s Helpline 08:55 Little Princess 09:10 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:25 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 10:00 Olivia 10:10 Mr Men Show 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:45 Animal Families 11:00 The Beat Goes On 12:00 Big Brother 13:00 Superior Interiors with Kelly Hoppen 14:00 Hotel Inspector 15:00 The Goonies 17:10 Monster House 18:55 Groundhog Day 21:00 5 News Weekend 21:05 Warship 22:00 Big Brother 23:00 Rush Hour

07:00 Coronation Street

tv Saturday

tv Sunday

World Cup 09:00 Live Rugby World Cup 12:10 ITV News 12:15 WarGames 14:20 The X Factor 16:50 Downton Abbey 18:05 Rugby World Cup Highlights 19:05 Granada News 19:15 ITV News 19:30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 20:00 Holding Out for a Hero 21:00 The X Factor 22:00 Downton Abbey 23:15 That Sunday Night Show 23:45 ITV News 24:00 Missing Millions

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Emmerdale 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 Digital Music Awards 2011 21:00 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 21:30 You’ve Been Framed! 22:00 The X Factor USA 23:30 The Only Way Is Essex 24:15 The Only Way Is Essex

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:50 Greek 08:40 90210 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:25 Privileged 12:20 90210 13:10 Greek 14:10 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:40 Gilmore Girls 16:35 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:05 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:25 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Jo Frost: Extreme Parental Guidance 22:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 23:00 Embarrassing Bodies 24:05 Wife Swap USA

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:30 Carry On Teacher 13:15 3 Minute Wonder 13:20 3 Minute Wonder 13:25 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:30 The Good Wife 15:30 Come Dine with Me Down Under 16:00 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:10 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 MASH 24:15 Shine a Light

Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking BBC1, 20.30

07:00 Switched Up! 07:50 How to Look Good Naked 08:45 How to Look Good Naked 09:40 Wife Swap USA 10:40 Supernanny USA 11:35 Supernanny USA 12:25 Wife Swap USA 13:20 Gok’s Fashion Fix 14:25 Hollyoaks 17:00 Made in Chelsea 18:05 One Tree Hill 19:00 Samantha Who? 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Big Bang Theory 20:30 Perfect Couples 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 Happy Endings 22:00 Wedding Crashers 24:15 Cleveland Show

10:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 11:00 Time Team 12:00 Time Team 13:05 Time Team 14:45 Time Team 15:50 Paths of Glory 17:35 Grand Designs 18:35 Grand Designs 19:40 Grand Designs 20:50 Grand Designs 21:55 Grand Designs 23:00 The Story of Film: An Odyssey 24:25 MASH

Wedding Crashers E4, 22.00

09:00 Emmerdale 12:20 Coronation Street 14:45 Holiday Showdown 15:45 71 Degrees North 16:50 The Xtra Factor 17:45 All Star Family Fortunes 18:30 The Hot Desk 18:40 Back to the Future 21:00 Sextuplets: The Little Lambs 22:00 The Xtra Factor 23:15 The Only Way Is Essex 24:00 Die Another Day

07:00 Switched 07:25 Natalie Cassidy: Becoming Mum 08:20 Supernanny USA 09:15 Supernanny USA 10:05 How to Look Good Naked 11:05 How to Look Good Naked 12:10 Supersize vs Superskinny 13:10 Supernanny USA 14:05 Supernanny USA 15:00 How to Look Good Naked 16:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 17:05 Charlotte’s Web 18:55 Smallville 19:50 School of Rock 22:00 Rude Tube 23:05 The Inbetweeners 23:40 The IT Crowd 24:10 Campus

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Channel 4, 19.10

10:00 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 11:00 Scrapheap Challenge 12:05 Scrapheap Challenge 13:10 Scrapheap Challenge 14:15 Scrapheap Challenge 15:20 Four in a Bed 15:55 Four in a Bed 16:30 Four in a Bed 17:00 Four in a Bed 17:35 Four in a Bed 18:05 Come Dine with Me 19:15 Come Dine with Me 20:25 Come Dine with Me 21:00 River Cottage 22:00 Jamie’s American Food Revolution 23:00 Bernard Madoff: 65 Billion Dollar Swindle 24:10 Curb Your Enthusiasm 24:50 Father Ted

07 - 13 OCT 2011 8 - 14 JulY 2011

53 51

tv Monday

52 61

07 - 13 14 20oct may2011 2010

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 12:00 Dirty Tricks of the Tradesmen 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Natural Born Hunters 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 Dick & Dom Go Wild 17:30 Blue Peter 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Fake Britain 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Motorway Cops 23:00 BBC News 23:35 A Question of Sport 24:05 Spooks

07:00 Childrens TV 11:05 Get Squiggling! 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 Diagnosis Murder 14:45 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Wanted Down Under 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 20:00 A History of Ancient Britain 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 Home Cooking Made Easy 22:00 Twincredibles 23:00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Fry’s Planet Word

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 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 There’s No Taste Like Home 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Little England 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Doc Martin 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Exposure 24:35 That Sunday Night Show

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:25 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Restoration Man 14:00 Planet of the Apes 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal Live 18:00 Celebrity Coach Trip 18:30 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Dispatches 22:00 Embarrassing Bodies 23:00 Rude Tube 24:05 Fresh Meat 24:55 Random Acts

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:15 Generation Gap 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 Celebrity Wish List 21:00 The Gadget Show 22:00 Hotel Inspector 23:00 Big Brother 24:00 Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Dirty Tricks of the Tradesmen 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Sofa Surfers 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 Hotel Trubble 17:30 Blue Peter 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Holby City 22:00 The Body Farm 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Me, My Sex & I 24:25 City by the Sea

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:35 Charlie and Lola 10:45 Nuzzle & Scratch 11:05 Get Squiggling! 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 World Gymnastics Championships 16:00 Wanted Down Under 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 20:00 Coast 20:30 Match of the Day Live 23:00 Later Live... with Jools Holland 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Twincredibles

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 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 There’s No Taste Like Home 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Mayday Mayday 21:00 High Stakes 22:00 71 Degrees North 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 DCI Banks 24:35 Billy Connolly’s Route 66

07:15 The Hoobs 07:40 The Hoobs 08:05 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:30 Frasier 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Restoration Man 14:05 Doctor at Large 16:05 Channel 4 Presents 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal Live 18:00 Celebrity Coach Trip 18:30 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Gok’s Clothes Roadshow: Get the Look for Less 22:00 Mary Queen of Frocks 23:00 Shameless 24:05 Random Acts 24:10 True Blood

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:15 Undercover Angel 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 Real Food Family Cook Off 21:00 Superior Interiors with Kelly Hoppen 22:00 CSI: Miami 23:00 Big Brother 24:00 One Missed Call

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:35 Loose Women 18:30 The Only Way Is Essex 19:15 The Only Way Is Essex 20:00 The X Factor 21:00 Minute to Win It 22:00 Vampire Diaries 23:00 Models, Misfits and Mayhem 24:00 Celebrity Juice 24:45 The Bourne Identity

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Dirty Tricks of the Tradesmen 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Sofa Surfers 16:35 Wingin’ It 17:00 Hotel Trubble 17:30 Serious Explorers 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 Waterloo Road 21:30 Planet Dinosaur 22:00 Who Do You Think You Are? 23:00 BBC News 23:35 National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Ask Rhod Gilbert 24:20 Roxanne

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:35 Charlie and Lola 10:40 Nuzzle & Scratch 11:00 Get Squiggling! 11:15 Zingzillas 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 See Hear 14:30 World Gymnastics Championships 16:00 Wanted Down Under 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 20:00 A History of Ancient Britain 21:00 All Roads Lead Home 22:00 Dragons’ Den: How to Win in the Den 23:00 Rab C Nesbitt 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 City Beneath the Waves: Pavlopetri

07:00 Daybreak

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Restoration Man 14:05 Channel 4 Presents 14:10 River Cottage Bites 14:25 Santa Fe Passage 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal Live 18:00 Celebrity Coach Trip 18:30 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Location, Location, Location 22:00 Grand Designs 23:00 Fresh Meat 23:50 Shameless 24:50 Random Acts 24:55 Channel 4 Presents

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:10 Chinese Food in Minutes 16:15 Stone Cold 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 Highland Emergency 21:00 Ultimate Emergency Bikers 22:00 Soho Blues 23:00 Big Brother 24:00 Celebrity Impossible?

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:30 Loose Women 18:35 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 18:55 You’ve Been Framed! 19:20 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 19:55 All Star Family Fortunes 20:55 Music and Lyrics 23:00 The Only Way Is Essex 23:45 The Bourne Supremacy

tv Tuesday

tv Wednesday 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 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 There’s No Taste Like Home 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 21:00 Midsomer Murders 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 Cops with Cameras 24:35 Ladette to Lady

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:30 The X Factor 22:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA 23:00 Die Another Day

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:50 Greek 08:40 90210 09:30 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Privileged 12:15 90210 13:10 Greek 14:10 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:40 Gilmore Girls 16:40 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:05 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:35 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Big Bang Theory 21:30 My Name Is Earl 22:00 One Tree Hill 23:00 Made in Chelsea 24:00 Misfits

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 How Clean Is Your House? 11:35 Death Drums along the River 13:15 3 Minute Wonder 13:20 3 Minute Wonder 13:30 Deal or No Deal 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Three in a Bed 23:00 Country House Rescue 24:05 Daily Show Global Edition 24:40 Unreported World

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

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Greek 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:25 Gilmore Girls 11:20 Privileged 12:15 90210 13:10 Greek 14:10 Scrubs 15:05 Hollyoaks 15:40 Gilmore Girls 16:40 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:05 Scrubs 18:35 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:30 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Made in Chelsea 22:00 Smallville 23:00 Cleveland Show 23:35 Cleveland Show 24:05 Shameless

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 The Enemy Below 12:55 3 Minute Wonder 13:00 Deal or No Deal Live 14:00 How Clean Is Your House? 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Come Dine with Me 23:00 True Stories

Emergency withDay Match of the Angela Live Griffin Sky1 BBC2,21.00 20.30

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Greek 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Privileged 12:10 90210 13:05 Greek 14:00 Scrubs 14:30 Scrubs 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:30 Gilmore Girls 16:30 Glee 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 18:30 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:25 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Stardust 23:25 Wedding Crashers

Soho Blues Emergency with Angela Griffin Channel 5, Sky1 22.00 21.00

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 Carry On Constable 12:45 3 Minute Wonder 12:50 3 Minute Wonder 12:55 3 Minute Wonder 13:00 Deal or No Deal Live 14:00 How Clean Is Your House? 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Time Team 23:00 Time Team 24:05 Camelot

tv Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Helicopter Heroes 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Dirty Tricks of the Tradesmen 12:45 Cash in the Attic 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Celebrity MasterChef 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Sofa Surfers 16:35 Prank Patrol Down Under 17:00 Copycats 17:30 Sorry, I’ve Got No Head 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 Watchdog 22:00 Hidden 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

07:00 Childrens TV 10:00 Tinga Tinga Tales 10:15 Driver Dan’s Story Train 10:30 Charlie and Lola 10:45 Nuzzle & Scratch 11:05 Get Squiggling! 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 World Gymnastics Championships 16:00 Wanted Down Under 16:45 Escape to the Country 17:30 Flog It! 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two 20:00 A History of Ancient Britain 21:00 The Great British Bake Off Masterclass 22:00 Mixed Britannia 23:00 Mock the Week 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Burnistoun 24:50 Anita & Me

07 - 13 oct 2011

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 and Weather 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 There’s No Taste Like Home 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Joanna Lumley’s Greek Odyssey 23:00 ITV News at Ten 23:30 Granada News 23:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 24:35 71 Degrees North

Crossword Solutions 624 CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Primrose; 5 Used; 9 Eggs; 10 Particle; 11 Utter; 12 Ladders; 13 Called to order; 18 Watch out; 19 Nips; 20 Lantern; 21 Cowed; 22 Pays; 23 Organist. Down: 2 Regatta; 3 Misdeal; 4 Scarlet runner; 6 Succeed; 7 Dresser; 8 Studio; 13 Cowslip; 14 Latency; 15 Echoes; 16 Rangoon; 17 Express.

07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:00 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 10:00 Supernanny USA 10:55 Supersize vs Superskinny 12:00 Phil Spencer: Secret Agent 13:00 Channel 4 News 13:05 Restoration Man 14:05 River Cottage Bites 14:20 Sink the Bismarck! 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal Live 18:00 Celebrity Coach Trip 18:30 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Country House Rescue 22:00 Educating Essex 23:00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA 24:05 Fighting on the Frontline

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:35 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:05 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Big Brother 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:10 Journey of the Heart 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 How Do They Do It? 21:00 Titanic: The True Story 22:00 Extraordinary People 23:00 Big Brother 24:00 Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Submerge; 5 Scum; 9 Scan; 10 Stubborn; 11 Avoid; 12 Uniting; 13 Bring together; 18 Devilish; 19 Near; 20 Earning; 21 Limit; 22 Slew; 23 Staining. Down: 2 Uncover; 3 Mention; 4 Get out of sight; 6 Coolish; 7 Manager; 8 Oblige; 13 Badness; 14 Inverse; 15 Gallic; 16 Tension; 17 Elation. Wordwheel: SHORELINE

07:00 Emmerdale 07:55 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 08:15 Gossip Girl 09:10 Judge Judy 10:25 Real Housewives of New York City 11:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 14:00 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 14:30 Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 Real Housewives of New York City 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 20:00 Minute to Win It 21:00 The X Factor USA 22:30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:45 Inside Man

07:00 One Tree Hill 07:45 Greek 08:35 90210 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Gilmore Girls 11:15 Privileged 12:10 90210 13:05 Greek 14:00 Scrubs 15:00 Hollyoaks 15:35 Gilmore Girls 16:30 Glee 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Scrubs 19:00 Big Bang Theory 19:25 Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:35 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Big Bang Theory 21:30 Perfect Couples 22:00 How I Met Your Mother 22:30 Happy Endings 23:00 The Inbetweeners 23:35 Show and Tell 24:25 Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night

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

10:00 Deal or No Deal 11:00 Carry On Teacher 12:45 3 Minute Wonder 12:50 3 Minute Wonder 12:55 3 Minute Wonder 13:00 Deal or No Deal Live 14:00 How Clean Is Your House? 14:35 The Good Wife 15:35 Come Dine with Me 16:05 Coach Trip 16:35 Location, Location, Location 17:40 A Place in the Sun: Home or Away 18:45 Relocation, Relocation 19:50 Come Dine with Me 20:55 Grand Designs 22:00 Southland 23:00 The Closer 24:00 The Killing

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07 - 13 2011 4 2010 Feb 26 OCT - March

The Trick in

The Tail

Showbiz Goss by KATE MOSS is 37 years old and still heavily in demand to

Peter Taylor

Writer and Broadcaster

promote something or other, and last week in a photo shoot set up in a street in West London she and male model Mario Testino went about the business of ‘strutting their stuff’ for the cameras. Rimmel Perfumes, for whom Kate has been the face for the last 10 years were footing the bill, making for a nice, easy, relaxed atmosphere - at least you would have thought so. The lovely Kate went off to change for the next planned shot and re-appeared in the shortest of skirts that was more or less see through as well. And so enters the trick in the tail. Don’t forget this is a street scene in West London and who should be close at hand but a builder and he was heard to holler “Kate! You’re hot! But your ass is hanging out!” and the foto with the story very much confirms this to be the case. At this point I need to call in you ladies to explain to me what ‘A Hissy Fit’ is, as apparently this is what Kate launched into when she heard the remark. Doesn’t sound like it was too pleasant to witness I have to say. It was not the smartest of choices for Kate to wear a skimpy seethrough skirt in an open street set up, but she made it, and true to type, boys will be boys. The question I want to ask is did our man turn round and give Kate a flash of the infamous ‘Builders Bum?’

A right Royal to do It’s time to update you on The Ginger Prince as the lad has been caught out on the town again, this time at a London Nightclub chatting to a girl and blagging her phone number as well, at 2.45am! What’s worrying about this latest faux pas is that the girl is Francesca Hull, a young female from reality show ´Made in Chelsea´. Yes indeed yet another one of these mind-numbing programmes. Prince Harry is clearly a young man in his 20s who behaves just like any other young man in his 20s as opposed to the person who is third in line to the throne. However the worry his grannie Queen Lizzie has is that should it come to pass that The Ginger Prince were to be crowned King of England it would be seriously bad news if some reality show ‘chica’ was to walk into Westminster Abbey on the big day with a mongrel sprog in her arms claiming all sorts of rights to half of the county of Essex.

Charlie’s finest hour I left Charlie Sheen up in the air last week in his attempts to sue Warner Bros for US$100 million, suggesting that because the press gave the new series of Two and a Half Men rather glowing reports, Chazza might struggle to get much in the way of a payout. Well here is the official statement issued by Reuters of Los Angeles … “Warner Bros TV, Chuck Lorre (Producer) and Charlie Sheen have resolved their dispute to the parties’ satisfaction…” then another

Book Review by

statement was issued that read: “All parties have agreed to maintain total confidentiality on the terms of settlement.” No! You can’t do that! That’s like someone telling you a good joke and stopping before the punch line! Two and a Half Men was a wonderfully funny series for the first four seasons and in my opinion was Charlie’s finest hour and I would love it if Chas got a result on the settlement as we could then all sit back and enjoy the boy behaving badly again.

The Long Glasgow Kiss

Danny Collins

A ‘GLASGOW kiss’ is not a chaste good night peck between two undergrads parting to go to their copy@dannyjpcollins.com segregated dorms as the ancient quadrangle clock chimes ten but more a crude smack in the face from the bony forehead of a Clydeside dock worker whom you’ve innocently insulted by suggesting that Celtic might have a slight goal advantage over Rangers – or vice versa; he’d nut you anyway. Russell’s choice of a title is apt for his hero, investigative agent Lennox, who walks among the rough and the tough when he takes on two assignments that he must solve amid the violence of 1950’s Glasgow’s back streets. One is to find the brother of a beautiful club singer, the other to solve the mystery of death threats directed against a rising boxing star. The latter assignment comes from the mouth of one of Glasgow’s Three Kings – the trio of criminal capo de capos who have carved up the rackets of the dark city between them. But Lennox is a big, tough private eye raised in Canada whose flat sap resides in his inside pocket until the going gets tough – and tough it gets with bodies falling by the wayside as the plot deepens. Linked to the violence is the phantom figure of John Largo,

Suduko Answer whose plan to flood the Glasgow market with heroin and use the port as a staging post for his drug runs into the USA have attracted the attention of a mysterious American to whom the usually bullish City of Glasgow CID seems unusually subservient. Russell’s Lennox is witty and sharp and his acid humour often had me laughing out loud, something I hesitate to do in front of my wife who already has me marked as seriously deranged. And oh yes, for all Celtic or Ranger fans - they still kiss you in Glasgow… Author: Craig Russell Publisher: Quercus (paperback) Price: 10.80€ ISBN: 978 1 84724 970 8

motoring

Brian Deller

Author of Motoring in Spain

Dear Mr Deller, I HAVE today read a disturbing article in the RTN regarding medicals for drivers in Spain. I acquired a copy of your Motoring in Spain Third Edition which I thought was a very interesting and comprehensive book. I have been resident here since 2005 and with my wife have tried to adhere to the rules in this Country. I had concerns regarding the Medical and both my wife and I had them done in Benissa prompted by my concerns and indeed your book. Now I learn the medical only lasts for three months. What annoys me is the fact that many of us are trying to do the right thing but only learn of mistakes through the Media. I note in the article that you seek information to enable you to take it further with your local Trafico Director officially. I am not entirely sure this is your responsibility but I feel that what needs to be clarified as soon as possible is the law on this subject. If this is not clarified there will be several hundred or more people running around Spain with invalid documents because of the Medical situation in the belief that they are covered. If the law for those with

European Licences dictate periods of time for those medicals then these Medical Centres should be taken to task. Thank you for listening and regards, Lynn Evans (Mr)

Dear Lynn, I assume that your advice note after the medical actually states that it is valid for three months. This is how it used to be as that was the time that Trafico used to take to send out the new (Spanish) licence cards, etc. But all with Spanish licences were and still are given temporary licences to stay legal until the new cards arrive in the mail from Trafico. Experience now shows that I am probably the best source of information in English or even from several sources in Spanish, especially as my books and web-site have been checked by Spanish lawyers who agree that my research is 100% correct. The problem is that several others such as insurance companies, gestorias and even the junior staff at Trafico do not know the laws as they affect us expats. The official information written on a Spanish document is found on my website at www.spainvia.com/ drivelicenceletter.htm. It is a copy

07 - 13 OCT 2011

of a fax sent out in March 2005 to all interested parties and I obtained my copy from the British Consulate in Malaga, although this did not stop other British Consulates from subsequently giving out the wrong information at their ‘road-show’ meetings for expats. But after my letter last year to the then British Madame Ambassador in Madrid, this was corrected at all consulates and also in their FCO web-site. So we can see that it is a bit of a specialist job to disseminate such information correctly. I am hoping to have news very soon after we have had a meeting with the local Director of Trafico where the problem will be explained by a fluent Spanish-speaking friend who is helping me so we can sort it out for good. I know that as you write, it is not my job, but at age 73, I need something interesting to get up for each day so this can be one. Perhaps those who appreciate my efforts will buy my book and the Fourth edition is nearly ready, in about two months. The Third has been sold out for some weeks now. As the clinics (or reconcimientoes) are administered by Trafico, we should see action quickly.

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

Subaru Trezia debuts in Spain

AFTER SOME delay, the Subaru Trezia, an interesting ‘urban minivan’, was finally road tested last week, making a good impression in interior space, quality of finish, road handling and fuel economy. Launched in Japan on Monday, the Trezia comes in 1.3L and 1.5L versions, both combined with automatic transmission. With a price tag of 15,600€ in Spain, Trezia buyers will enjoy an introductory discount of 1,500€.

07 - 13 OCT 2011

2011 CITROEN C1 1.1i Seducion Automatic in Charcoal metallic Aircon cd player

Was 11,300 NOW € 10,584

2011 CITROEN NEW C3 1.4hdi seduction With Zenith screen, Climate, Cruise, Alloys OKM

Was 17,800 NOW € 14,800

2011 CITROEN C4 GRAND PICASSO 110Hdi Seven seat, cruise , climate Only 5 kms

Was 27,548 NOW € 21,900

2010 CITROEN C4 PICASSO 1.6 Hdi CMP automatic, 9785 kms in Nocciola Like New

Was 27,248 NOW € 21,800

2011 CITROEN DS3 1.6 Hdi SPECIAL EDTION II ice white with black roof, climate, 17” alloys Premium HI-FI

€ 16,500

2009 CITROEN NC5 2.0 HDI Premier DSG automatic With Hydroactive suspension DSG only 23,000km

€18,500

2005 CITROEN BERLINGO 2.0 Hdi Multispace in silver 94,000kms recent tyres, services and timing belt

€6,800

2001 CITROEN SAXO 1.4i sx with air conditioning silver metallic good runabout

€2,300

2007 SEAT CORDOBA 1.4i Automatic 54,000Kms Stylance Biege metallic with alloy wheels Lovely condition

€7,500

2007 RENAULT SCENIC 1.5Dci eco Authentique, Keyless starting, alloys, climate control, Silver 64,000kms

€8,500

2007 SEAT LEON 1.9Tdi Reference in Dark blue metallic, Climate control, excellent condition, 58,000kms

€8,900

2007 SEAT LEON 1.9Tdi Reference in Bright rally red, Climate control, excellent condition, 58,000kms

€8,900

2005 KIA PICANTO 50,000kms in cherry red, aircon, Cd radio, very well maintained

€3,500

2004 SEAT CORDOBA 1.4i Automatic 48,000Kms Reference in Blue metallic, nice condition A/A

€4,300

1999 VW GOLF GTI 150hp turbo recaro interior in silver metallic with BBS alloy wheels (P)

€2,000

Classified Ads 07 - 13 oct 2011

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

Book your advert now 902 118 999 (ext 2)

EMAIL: classifieds@roundtownnews.com | WEBSITE: www.roundtownnews.co.uk | Fax: 96 585 60 54 | Or see our list of classified agents on page 2

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

07 - 13 oct 2011

EXCEL AIR CONDITIONING. See main ad on page 11.Tel/Fax (Head Office) 966-897-772. Mobiles:-680154-432/676-265-675. Email excelairconditioning@hotmail. com. All credit/debit cards accepted. SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966-865-883 (Mob) 629308-505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz

door-to-door journeys between the Costa Blanca and the UK.Our aim is to provide a professional, caring service for your pets.Boarding facilities for Cats and Dogs. This may be for an overnight stay or of longer durations.Tel:600-552030/965-960-658 www.transpet.co.uk

DO YOU SUFFER THROUGH ANOTHER PERSON DRINKING? Don’t suffer alone. We meet in Benidorm every Thursday at 5.00pm. AlAnon Established Worldwide for 60 years. Ring 634758539 for details. GATA CHARITY SHOP Description: House Clearances, furniture, bric a brac, beds, etc. High prices paid for quality items. We buy, Sell and Exchange just about anything at the GATA CHARITY SHOP in aid of SPAIN, the Society for the Protection of Animals in Need. Collection and Delivery service available. Tel 665653998 or 965756215. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - COSTA BLANCA Confidential Helplines South 625-912-078 North - 648-169045 www.aa-costablanca.org

NEXT OPEN DAY WEDS 5TH OCT ALL WELCOME Tlf Carol 968-192-425 mob 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com

ALTEA OLD TOWN ‘La Plaza’ shop with flat, to rent, Details 965847284 10 COLD DRINK/SNACK VENDING MACHINES with sites,€44,900.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.965-326442/ 659-696-455 SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own product range. First class training & suppor. Telephone 606586587

LONG TERM CAR HIRE FROM 300€ per MONTH. FOCUS/SCENIC 450€ per MONTH. 7 seat KIA 250€ per WEEK CHEAP & EASY 965732851/ 696016718

PET TRANSPORT we treat your pet as if they belong to us and that is our promise. van fully air conditioned we believe we have the best rates so give joe a call on 966074576 or 650341087 for a chat or e mail pawspettransport@ hotmail.com SMALL DOGS CARED FOR IN OUR OWN HOME So if you need to go away on holiday but don’t want your dog to go into kennels then we will look after them. References available. Tel: 965843781 Mob: 622514980 TRANS-PET We do regular,

LARSON 180 SEI BOWRIDER. Volvo 4.3 EFi 225 hp. Excellent condition, many extras. + wakeboard tower.SSR registered, Snipe roller coaster trailer. 15,000 euros ONO Tel 636244846

MERCURIO CONSTRUCTION . ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS FROM SMALL REPAIRS TO NEW HOUSES. COVERING ALL COASTAL AREAS OF THE COSTA BLANCA. www.conpro. com.es TEL: 669.669.339

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)

PC SOLUTIONS 4U For all your PC needs. Reliable & friendly service. Call Fred 634638664 BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home. Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424

SALES CONULTANT REQUIRED for the JCC office in Los Alcasarez. Proven sales record required, with the ability to reach targets. Car driver essential. CV please to debs@ jennifercinningham.net SPARE TIME, WANT EXTRA CASH? Start earning immediately

by becoming an AVON representative. Info: ring Rosh 966785520 COUPLE WANTED for soon to open new Bar and Tavern. Accomodation included. Cook plus front of house/Bar MUST be experienced. Languages required, spanish, english and one other EEC. Telephone: 609 477 476 CARERS WANTED To work in England 3 weeks on 3 weeks off email CV to 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com

24 HOUR HOMECARE SERVICES LTD Wanted companions, carers to work in England as live-in carers. 3 weeks on, 3 weeks off. If you are caring, a good listener and cook contact Karen Jones on (0044) 01929 472 810 or mobile (0044) 07500 836688 email: 24hourhomecareservices@ googlemail.com or download application form from www.24hourhom ecareservices.com

07 - 13 oct 2011

Ouick delivery from our big bed-warehouse. Call our New Bedshop: 96-579 2647 www. michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Large roll-top writing desk in natural pine. Antique desk and several more desks in different styles. See them all on: www. michaels-javea.com Tel 96579 1328 AT MICHAEL’S Dark cane 3-piece suite with a foot stool and matching coffee table. Also a matching dining set with a round glass table. See: 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.michaelsjavea.com Tlf:965-791-328.

Cook/Chef

person to the yoga. Specialist knowledge for breast cancer recuperation. Rachel 667.997.532

682 707 580

PET INSURANCE Protectapet: Looking for Pet Insurance? Spains Leading Pet Insurance Provider. www. protectapet.eu 965 756 724 S.O.S. INSURANCE CarHome-Health-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787-123/622-275-

Nemo’s in La Nucia needs a part time cook/chef Call

WEIGHT WATCHERS Call our Free English call centre now to find your nearest meeting. 900-818-794

FOR SALE beautiful L shaped diner unit with matching table (60 by 105cm) and 2 padded matching stools. Just needs to be seen, only 59€ ono. Peter 687264238

561/686-116-297 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

TEETH WHITENING Professional Cosmetic Treatments or DIY Whitening Kits from 29€. Javea, Denia, Benidorm, Calpe area. Tel. 966 473 166 - Mob. 680 501 404. www.nulookteeth.com BENIDORM: YOGA CLASSES IN ENGLISH Mon & Wed 11:15-12:15. Prana Centro de Yoga, C/Alameda nº32. Viniyoga style: the yoga adapts to the person, not the

GOLD WANTED English Jeweller wishes to buy broken or unwanted Gold jewellery & coins for cash. Call for an appointment. Peter (7 days) 664 890 990.

AT MICHAEL’S Compare our unbeatable quality and prices on beds. We can supply any size NEW bed you want.

BALLROOM/LATIN/ SEQUENCE DANCING WITH LA BAMBA’S. At La Rustika [Los Arcos] Restaurant, Avenida Balaeres 34, Torrevieja. Saturday Social Dance 7.30pm - 10pm Starting 5th September - Monday - New Beginners Class - 10am - 11.30am Monday - Intermediate Class - 11.30am - 1pm Tuesday - Popular Sequence class 7.30pm - 8.30pm followed by Social Dance 8.30pm - 10.30pm [not 2nd Tuesday of month]. At Casa Ventura, San Luis, Torrevieja Starting 8th September - Thursday - Beginners class 7.30pm 9.30pm. Got more information contact Andrea 616 478 157.

ELECTRIC SOLAR SYSTEM 4x290x600 solar panels,20volt200euros,4x420 x540 solar panels,20volt,240 euros.4x12volt,110AH batteries200 euros,charge controller,inverter,battery

condition indicator,110euros. or 700euros the lot GENERATOR/ROBIN 4.5 kba, runs on gas or petrol, electric start, cost new 1100€, sale 450€. TWO 12 VOLT SOLAR BATTERIES 360 amp power 120€ Pego area 675-878-601. MR FIXIT: FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL, plumbing, general also appliance repairs. 698 320 434 POOL, SNOOKER TABLES Also Table Tennis and Darts. Will beat any price!. Tlf:-666933-726. www.spainpool.com

HONDA SILVERWING 600CC 21,500 miles from new. One owner. Spain Reg 2008. ITV June 2012. Includes Givi monokey 46l backbox and cover. 2750 euros tel: 647477144

NISSAN MICRA CABRIOLET 1.4, 90 bhp, 2006, 2 owners, 84,000kms, solid panoramic power roof, alloys, aircon, bluetooth, finished in metallic burnt orange, stunning car. €7750. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com TATA 4X2, 2 LITRE TD.EX, 7 seater, 2002, 86,000kms, fully serviced, alloys, aircon, bull bar, side steps, CD etc. €3600. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com FIAT PUNTO 1.2 5 DOOR , 2004, 74,000kms fully serviced, silver, €3750. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com RENAULT KANGOO

COMBI 1.5 DCI, 2004, twin side sliding doors, Air Con, CD etc. White, lovely condition, FSH €4950. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com HYUNDAI TUCSON 4X4 AND 4X2 DIESEL AND PETROL 2006 low kms FSH from €9450. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com HYUNDAI ATOZ 1.0 2000 MODEL, 5 door, A/C, FSH, 73,000kms, €2250.Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com PEUGEOT 307 2.0 HDI, 5 door, metallic honey gold, €5750. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com RENAULT MEGANE CLASSIC 1998. 69,000kms, red, lovely condition, only €2750. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com SEAT IBIZA 1.9 TDI CUPRA SPORT. 160BHP, 3 door, Oct 2007, only 37,000kms, FSH, stunning car, metallic grey, €8450. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com BMW X5. LUXURY 4X4, SEPT 2004, Auto tiptronic, 1 owner, 118,000kms, Full BMW service history, metallic black, light grey interior, full sports pack, €16750. Tel Frank 600726221/965687976 www.fwreurocars.com CAR PARTS need a part for any car? For a FREE quote go to www.carpartsinspain.com or phone 692930326

07 - 13 oct 2011

WE CAN IMPORT all of your KIT CARS and also RHD Vans and Trucks. Call Marcelo; 609-600-993 HEADLIGHTS4U.COM Left hand drive headlights supplied and fitted. All makes. Also air conditioning rechargeTel:966-877-145 or 618-592-396 BUMPERS, WINGS AND MIRRORS All body panels for all cars supplied. Tel:-966877-145 or 618-592-396 WANTED Scrap cars, vans, lorries, plant and caravans. Turn your scrap into cash. From Valencia to Alicante. Free collection. Tel: 689-929-395 WANTED I buy any car, van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600781-873 ibuyanycar@ hotmail.com FORD FIESTA A.4 TDCI, 2005 75,000km. Four door, white, reliable, economical and nippy. Excellent condition and two year ITV, 4,799€. Phone 661-403-016. JAVEA AREA

STRICT LADY Stric, classy, lady offers professional service for gentlemen and ladies. Attentive male escort for ladies.Mazarron. tel 679 287 257 SPANISH LADY PLAYA FLAMENCA near new Carrefour before La Florida. 35 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking. Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, economical prices from 40€. Full discretion. Call Ana 680-735-412 FELLAS! Do you have a problem getting up in the morning, or at any other time? If so you need THE DIAMOND SHAPED BLUE PILL, Quesada and surrounding area. ring Derek 685-207-378 ARE YOU MALE, FEMALE OR A COUPLE? Need some Sexy FUN? Contact me soonest. 63 year old Dom/Sub switch. Available for fun with Males, Dom and Sub and Cross Dressers, Females Dominatrix and Submissive. Couples including Same Sex Couples. “Anything Goes” Can sometimes accomodate. Home Visits no extra Charge/ Low Fees. Call me now on 655-058-554 ENGLISH LADY 42 Provides various services.For mature gentlemen. Torrevieja. 681-362-442 ELEGANT SEXY SLIM Lady escort available. Home, Hotel, Villa. Region Calpe to Torrevieja. La Manga. Mazzaron. Tel 693 357 526 TORREVIEJA CHINESE SUPER SEXY Young and beautiful. Calle Orihuela Nº60, 2º1

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired. Professional, consciencious service to the highest standards. Refurbishments and upgrades undertaken. Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems, ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed. All work guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 15 years experience. 8 years served on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida. Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966774-199 or 678-080-500 www. pristineswimmingpools.com SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965-725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743048 www.pooltechspain.com

PARK HOME FOR SALE 38,000 STERLING. Sited with reasonable rent, 7m x 7.6m, fully furnished, sleeps 6, plenty of storage space, fully tiled bathroom with shower, 15 mins to airport, 30 mins to Benidorm, on the bus route to Alicante, close to all amenities, air con in 2 bedrooms, MUST BE SEEN. Tel: 620 487 528 MOBILE/PARK HOMES on Camping Pueblo in San Javier from 15.000€ Tlf Carol 968-192-425 mob 626-055-622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com

EASILY MAINTAINED DETACHED, 2 BED VILLA in La Alberca, Polop de la Marina. 240m2 flat plot with decorative paving for easy maintenance. Lots of extras, security system, AC/CH, American Kitchen, Purpose build BBQ, Private parking, Solarium, 360º views of mountains and Mediterranean, Community Pool and Gardens. Ideal holiday home or for retirees.145,000€. For more info, contact Lynn on 966-881-048/691-202307 or email foundation@ rtnnewsgroup.com for photos . SNR DE RODA GOLF LOS ALCAZARES Homley luxury modern furnished 2 bed apartment. TV A/C pool, TV. Internet available. 395€ + bills. Tel: 648-013-068 1 BED PART FURNISHED bungalows on Camping Pueblo in San Javier with lots of ameneties Tlf Carol 968192-425 mobile 626-055-622 ALTEA/ALTEA LA VELLA COUNTRY HOUSE Refurbished Apartment, First Floor. 2 bedrooms, bathroom, lounge, kitchen, diner, 40m2 terrace, private pool, parking and gardens. Sea and mountain views. F/F, Air Con/ CH.475€ pcm plus Water, gas and Electric. Available 01.10.11. Tlf:966-881-048 or 691-202-307

MICK WITH HIS VAN Removals Collections Deliveries. For a reliable effective service. Hourly rate or quote. Call Mick anytime 600-247-535 SPAIN2UK2SPAIN MAN AND VAN departing Costa Blanca for UK via France. Regular Trips. Full or part loads. Exc rates Tel Christine 965571837/638261341 email chriscurran490@gmail.com VAN LEAVING FOR THE UK/SPAIN EVERY 2 WEEKS great rates please contact joe on 966074576 or 650341087 or civic1235@msn.com MAN & LWB SPRINTER VAN going to UK- Spain twice a month. Tel: 610-846-260 or 0044-7519-186-355 email:van.man@hotmail.co.uk

QUALIFIED TRANSLATOR Bi-lingual Spanish-English and high level French and German. Confidential and reliable accompaniment service. Competitive rates. Torrevieja and surroundings. Virginia 629201192.

CAMPUS ACADEMY English Language school in Cartagena looking for people keen to teach english to children and adults. Experience & qualifications preferred but not essential. contact Chris Eden info@campusacademy.es or tel 687324379. BRITISH GRADUATE TEACHER offers Primary/ Secondary English Mathmatics. Telephone Margaret Johnson B.Ed. 965350-516 Mob: 616-660-687 COMPUTER TUTOR Software training, ebusiness education, website publishing, photography, videography and more DIY tips and tricks for all of your business and personal needs. Karla Darocas - certified instructor since 1990. Tel: 96 597 3234 info@KarlaDarocas.com Referrences www.KarlaDarocas.com

SKYSUPPLIES Sky+HD and Humax 320/500/1000GB Digiboxs. Whitecards,spare remotes, LNBs, Realignments. 1.9m Dish Wanted. Good prices, advice and backup, Phone 966194013 or 600899096. SKYSUPPLIES Sky+HD and Humax 320/500/1000GB Digiboxs. Whitecards,spare remotes, LNBs, Realignments. 1.9m Dish Wanted. Good prices, advice and backup, Phone 966194013 or 600899096.

CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV for all your digital and TV requirements. No Annual Fees on Sky Cards. Steve:660-186-505/Ros:-965-584097. www.ccsattv.com info@ ccsattv.com

STOP LIMESCALE Use an electronic water descaler. The answer to limescale and hard water problems. Reduces existing scale and prevents further build up. No chemicals, salt, alteration to plumbing needed. DIY installation. Price €249,- 6 months money back guarantee. Contact Stefan Martens 634360917 – www.smartsun.es

07 - 13 oct 2011

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07 - 13 oct 2011

Andy Kay With Andy Kay

The Final Whistle

RTN Golf Club update

RWC quarter final special Dennis Jordan NORTH REGION

Mike Probert COSTA BLANCA REGION

Ireland’s Ronan O’Gara kicks a penalty goal

WHAT A weekend in prospect. As the Rugby World Cup enters the quarter final stages, it’s been split in to a battle between the North and South. First off on Saturday morning, it’s Wales versus Ireland in Wellington. Much though it pains me to admit it being a fervent England fan, these two sides have been the class acts from the northern hemisphere, particularly Ireland who did their 6 Nations rivals a favour by beating Australia in the pool stages and so opening up the draw. As for their ‘last eight’ encounter, it should be a classic battle between forwards and backs. Ireland’s scrum has been a huge weapon for them and in Sean O’Brien they have in many peoples’ eyes the best back rower in the northern hemisphere. The big question will surely be, can Ireland handle the Welsh attack that put Fiji to the sword in their last match? Later on Saturday it’s boring old England versus France - or at least, a team that plays in French jerseys. France have been totally abject in this tournament but they always have one big performance in them – just ask New Zealand from four years ago. As for England, they are yet to really fire but they have shown a remarkable knack of getting through tight matches. Injury to Mike Tindall means a chance for Toby Flood in the centre which should at least add some creativity to the midfield and Flood could also take the pressure off Jonny Wilkinson who seems to have lost his kicking boots. Martin Johnson has also made a couple of big calls replacing James Haskell with Nick Easter and promoting Tom Palmer to the second row in place of Courtney Laws. On to Sunday and it could be a case of survival of the fittest when South Africa take on Australia. Both squads are feeling the pace after a tough season with the Wallabies losing players quicker than one of their own countrymen leaving the bar when realising that it’s his round. The Aussies confidence, so high after the Tri-nations, must have taken a battering with that defeat by Ireland while South Africa has come through a couple of stern tests provided by Wales and Samoa. It might be that the battle-hardened Boks might just have enough, provided of course, that coach Peter de Villiers doesn’t come up with too many wonky selections. As for the final match of the weekend, just how will New Zealand cope without fly-half Dan Carter in their clash with Argentina? Carter’s loss is a massive blow to the All Blacks as even their own fans don’t reckon that his replacements are up to much. There’s been much wailing and gnashing of teeth on the north and south islands since Carter limped out of the tournament with a groin injury and doubtless the newspaper ‘Choke-o-meters’ will have been ramped up in to the red. New Zealand should have too much firepower nonetheless for Argentina however; it’ll be the semi final against either South Africa or Australia where Carter’s loss will be most keenly felt. Another four years of hurt could just be on the cards for the world’s most fervent rugby nation.

Murcia Golf Hound Murcia Region

‘LOOK OUT for the Gota Fria’ the weather forecast said Golf Course RTN Price Comments last week but thank goodness nothing - golf on the Costa Blanca was buzzing at the courses here in the north. Alenda €45 Single Green fee Hopefully a few of the courses will get the lack of buggies Alicante Golf €53 Single Green fee inc Buggy situation sorted out, as players don’t want up to an hour’s Bonalba €42 Single Green fee wait for buggies! €44 Single Green fee If there are any societies that would like to try out the Don Cayo courses in the North and fancy a few days away, Benidorm El Plantio €46 Single Green fee has Fiesta week the second week in November, where fancy Font del Llop €40 Single Green fee dress seems to be dress code, with a great atmosphere. €38 Single Green fee inc Buggy Hotels and courses can be booked at fantastic prices: Villaitana Par 62 email us for details. Villa Aitana Par 72 €44 Single Green fee We have the Twilight offer on at El Plantio at 45€ per player which includes a buggy. For more information email Dennis at To book your discount green fees please email us or dennis@roundtownnews.com or direct to www.benidormgolf.com on 630 714 373. telephone us.

WELL IT looks like we have seen the last of the extreme summer temperatures and hollow tined greens but this brings with it high season prices and deals are few and far between. I do have some news for our members because Las Colinas are looking for players assistants (course marshals) and while being an unpaid post it does involve some free golf: if interested you should contact Martin Eastgate at the clubhouse. The best Autumn deals are still at Altorreal and Vistabella where you can still play for ‘silly’ money and taking a slightly longer drive to La Peraleja will see four people with buggies play for as little as €145 total.

Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

Vistabella

€65

2 PL and 1 Buggy (weekend pm)

Altorreal

€55

2 PL and 1 Buggy ((Mon& Fri)

Las Colinas

€90

2 PL and Buggy (from3pm)

La Peraleja

€85

2 PL and 1 Buggy

La Finca

€228

4 PL and 2 Buggy

La Tercia

€65

2 PL and 1 Buggy

Las Ramblas

€200

4 PL and 2 Buggy

Roda

€65

2 PL and 1 Buggy (weekend pm)

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.

FOLLOWING ON from the theme of last week, this week we look at The European Tour Qualifying School that will be visiting the region throughout the early part of December. With the first stage having being held throughout various European destinations, the tour has chosen to place 3 of their 4 second stage events on courses in Murcia – again a great advert for our region. Las Colinas, El Valle and La Manga Club South Course will all host events from the 2nd - 5th December 2011 and looking at the scores from first stage qualifying, will provide some exciting viewing for those of us lucky enough to go. If you are still yet to play one or all of these courses then make sure you do beforehand as it will only add to your enjoyment when you go to see the pros take on these fantastic courses in qualifying.

Golf Course

RTN Price

Comments

La Envia

€33

Single Green fee

Alborán

€48

Single Green fee

Cortijo Grande

€29

Single Green fee

Aguilon

€44

Single Green fee

Desert Springs

€70

Single Green fee

Valle del Este

€35

Single Green fee

La Manga Club

€80

Single Green fee

For more information contact the Hound on Facebook, twitter: murciagolf@roundtownnews.com or 96 817 5716

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

Have we let our standards slip?

Noel’s world of golf By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Campo de Golf El Plantio 639 730 891

I HAVE often wondered if we have allowed ourselves to let the very high standards of etiquette we had in the United Kingdom slip since we moved to Spain and wondered how many of RTN’s readers have felt the same way? Without wanting in any way to sound pompous or a ‘know it all’ or ‘holier than though’, we have always had high standards when playing golf in the United Kingdom compared to countries in mainland Europe - some would even accuse us of being ‘over the top’ with the etiquette and rules at times. It is difficult for me to come out of this article without souring my reputation with some of our golfers but the issue of declining standards is something that many expatriate golfers have mentioned to me in conversation and I feel I have a duty to mention in in RTN and see what reaction we get. I can give you a perfect example of what I mean in a very short description of an incident I witnessed first-hand last Wednesday. Waiting with a client to tee-off on a hole, I had to wait as a group from another hole shouted to the group in front asking if they had lost a pitch mark repairer on an earlier hole. Their conversation, if that what you could call it, went on without any thought for me or my client who stood disbelievingly as this shouting continued without any thought whatsoever for those on adjoining holes. This is just a very small example of behavior that I am sure would be frowned upon at nearly every golf club in the United Kingdom. I don’t want to be seen as snobbish here but surely we have a duty to other golfers in our vicinity? Knowing the golfers involved in this incident I am sure that if they had witnessed this incident while waiting to tee-off they would have said something and yet they continued without a thought for anyone else. I am as keen as anyone to

see golfers enjoy themselves and hate to see and hear the British expatriate community fail to set the highest standards for others to follow. I am sure we can all overreact at times but my client, a Dutch golfer, could not believe that British golfers would behave with such total disregard for others: a simple example of how our reputations can be damaged very easily. 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 7TH OCTOBER 2011 Who is the record points-scorer for Europe in Solheim cup matches? A. Laura Davies B. Annika Sorenstam C. Alison Nicholas All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 31st October 2011 to be entered into October’s draw, to be made on 31st October. The winner will be announced in RTN on 4th November 2011. WINNER OF SEPTEMBER’S DRAW NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY AT EL PLANTIO Top quality coaching at reduced rates for RTN Golf Club members: contact Noel on 639 730 891.

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

International Rugby 7’s in Elche

THE 7S warm-up tournament in preparation for the IRB7’s World Circuit takes place on Tuesday 1st November (a Spanish bank holiday) at the Martinez Valero football stadium in Elche. The men’s teams taking part will be Spain, England, Wales, Scotland, France and Portugal: the women’s teams are Spain, Portugal, France and Holland. The more successful we make this great day of international rugby the more chance we have of getting the World 7’s IRB tournaments to Elche for everyone to enjoy. So come along and support this great day out for international rugby, starting at 10.30am until 7pm: entrance will be 5€ for a ticket or 10€ for a ticket and commemorative t-shirt. Ticket outlets are as follows: the Butterfly Children in Sax; La Marina and Pueblo Bravo; Card Place in Benimar, Punta Prima and Los Balcones; So Bar in Benimar; Shenanigans; Bridge Bar and The Steak House in Rojales; The Leader in La Zenia; and FireFly and Mr Smith’s in Quesada. You can also get your tickets from Garry, (Dutch) by calling 692 767 242.

Senior Rugby 2011-12 AS XABIA Rugby Club continues to build it has been decided that the senior team will play friendly matches this season against clubs in the Valencia & Murcia regions. This releases the pressure of the seniors to perform in league rugby and enables the squad to play social rugby which will help players new to the game to develop their skills. JUNIOR RUGBY The junior section continues to go from strength to strength, with training held on our home ground from 6.30pm on Thursdays. MATCH REPORT Saturday saw Xabia travel to La Safor, Gandia to play a friendly match, joined by players from Denia and Tavernes rugby clubs. The day proved to be a great success with the game being played in 20 minute intervals, flowing hard fought rugby with good commitment from both sides. The game was used to give players with less experience a chance to improve their skills and play under game pressure; a very worthwhile exercise with the players excelling. La Safor again proved to be great hosts and 3rd time was

spent reminiscing about our season when we all played in the same team. RUGBY WORLD CUP While England is in the Rugby World Cup, we will be enjoying the matches in Tiffany’s Bar, on the Jesus Pobre Road, complemented with bacon sandwiches. For more information on Xabia Rugby Club please visit: www.javearugbyclub.com

07 - 13 oct 2011

Fishing Maggots End by

David Hoare

968 199 279

For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk THIS WEEK the club was back on the Rio Segura at Murcia. This match was the third in the winter championship. The water was still high and pushing through and although there had been a match at the venue the day before, it still fished quite well. The reeds that had been cut down several weeks ago to water level are now some three feet+ tall and growing like topsy. It won’t be long before we are back where we were 4 weeks ago. TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st Ian (Irish Wizard) Dalzell, fishing the pole using pellet with 15.28 kilos 2nd Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare, fishing the pole using pellet with 12.04 kilos 3rd Lenny (Ex Cultural Attache) Bolton, fishing the pole using maggot with 5.10 kilos POINTS TO DATE 1st Terry Screen with 15 points 2nd Lenny Bolton/ Dave Hutchinson with 17 points 3rd Dave Hoare with 19 points PLEASE NOTE The club does have some vacancies at present - if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 96 672 9293 or 667 407 026. ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied by Terry Screen This week’s 3rd round match of the Winter Series was fished on the River Segura at Murcia on 27th September. There is still a lot of water flowing down the river and this must be coming from the dams as we have not yet had a lot of rain: the weeds that had all been cut down on the banks are now growing up rapidly once again. I am not sure what is about to happen, but while we were fishing there was half a dozen men, some in working clothes, were on the far bank pointing and waving their arms at the area as if some development was being discussed - it has been rumoured that the fishing stretch was going

to be moved over to the far side: we will have to await any development in due course. 1st Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare with 20.100kg fishing the pole and pellet 2nd Lennie (Ex Cultural Attache) Bolton with 19.780kg fishing pole, pellet and paste 3rd Richard (The Lionheart) King with 17.600kg fishing pole and sweet corn All details are available via www.abbeyangling.com or from the match secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368 Anglers Together WE HAVE been having a lot of enquiries about licenses from anglers who are passing the ‘magic age of 65’ and therefore pensioners! Licenses are still required and are free providing you have a Spanish ‘Pensionista’ card otherwise you will have to pay the normal fees. Licenses are available from either town halls or the Caja Rural Bank if in the Valencia region. In Murcia you will also require insurance. Make sure you take photocopies of all relevant documents to obtain your license, i.e. passport photo-page, NIE and insurance. 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 each month. Anyone with an interest in fishing (sea or freshwater) is welcome to come along. THE NEXT MEETINGS ARE: Friday 7th October at 12pm at Mary’s Bar, Campoverde (near Pilar de la Horadada), and Saturday 8th October at 12pm, at The New Royal Bar and Restaurant at El Alamillo: opposite the sea-front between Isla Plana and Puerto de Mazarron.