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24 FEB-01 MAR 2012

Police resorted to chasing students and schoolchildren around the streets of Valencia on Monday, wielding batons in an effort to control demonstrators throwing bottles. p4

Employment opportunity in Germany The city of Alicante is supporting young people in their efforts to find their first job, even if that job is elsewhere in Europe. 36 candidates are to travel to Germany on a two month training contract. p6

by louise clarke

Improve your garden with trees If you need to improve your garden evaluate the stock of trees and decide which you want to keep and those that can be dispensed with. p34

RTN Special Offer Fancy a luxurious cruise this year? Why not book on RTN’s exclusive Royal Caribbean cruise. p38

Is Dan the man?

Danny Cipriani is on his way back from the Melbourne Rebels to play for Sale. p70

This year’s carnival promises to be bigger and better than last year

Carnival time on the coast

THIS SATURDAY, 25th February, sees the second Orihuela Costa Carnival. The parade, which will start at the top of Calle Nicolas de Bussi in Playa Flamenca, will involve more than 300 people of all ages, including children from the local primary schools. Read the full story on page 44.

IMAGINE BUYING your dream home in the sun and paying for it in full only to have it re-mortgaged by a rogue builder before being repossessed? This nightmare scenario is a reality for more than a dozen homeowners who bought properties on Bosque del Lomas III from Tecnologia Urbanistica. RTN met with Iwan and Jill Williams last week, who arrived for a half term break in the sun to be greeted with a two foot high pile of official documents on their doorstep; papers from the Orihuela Judicial Court stating their property was to be repossessed by the CAM bank as part of their lawsuit to reclaim €4,885,000 in debt from the owner of the now defunct property developers. According to the document, Iwan and Jill’s house had been remortgaged by the owner of the company for €77,000 - accumulated to €132,883 with interest that is increasing daily. 61 other properties in the community 15 of which were paid for in full were ‘remortgaged’ by the rogue developer. Iwan explained: “We bought the house in 2004 for €150,000 through the estate agents, Atlas. They recommended Aroca solicitors and we gave them power of attorney to deal with the purchase.” Continued on page 3

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

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24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

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Places limited Jill and Iwan Williams

continued from front page The couple then moved into the property and set about on a four year battle to get their deeds from the developer. Every time they came over on holiday, they would enquire with the solicitor as to where the deeds were and every time they were fobbed off. So they found new solicitors that unfortunately turned out to be best friends with the solicitors of the property developer - so nothing was done. JEOPARDY The deeds were used by Emilio, the owner of Tecnologia Urbanistica, to remortgage the properties to enable him to buy more land to develop. When the property boom went bust he couldn’t afford to repay these mortgages. He then conveniently disappeared to Brazil. As CAM, purchased by Banco Sabadell for €1, couldn’t recover their

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€4.8 million plus interest from Tecnologia, they filed a lawsuit to repossess the properties mortgaged; of which Iwan and Jill’s is one. Meanwhile, the couple’s new solicitor advised them to remove their belongings from the property; she suspects the house will have been taken by the time they return for their summer holidays. And as if that is not bad enough, Iwan said: “House prices here are rock bottom so even if they sell they will only get 60,000€ maximum - so what happens to the rest of the debt? They could still come after the remainder and our UK home would also be in jeopardy.” RTN has contacted all the other homeowners listed on the court documents and will be liaising with them to help find a solution to this scandalous situation.

Ivy honoured by RBL

THE TORREVIEJA branch of the Royal British Legion honoured their long term member Ivy Sharpe last week. A memorial service took place on at La Siesta Parish Evangelist Church to celebrate the life of Ivy who died on Sunday 5th February at the age of 91. The service was held by Pastor Keith Brown, and there were many tributes paid to Ivy by friends and carers. Ivy was a dedicated member of the British Legion and at the age of 90 was invited to the 90th Anniversary Celebrations of the British Legion where she was presented with a 1939/45 medal which replaced one she had lost earlier. The Torrevieja Branch Standards were displayed in honour of Ivy’s dedication and service to the Royal British Legion and she will be sadly missed by everyone.

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24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Police standoff with protesters in Valencia over education cuts by jan gamm

A TENSE and heavy-handed encounter between police and student marchers in Valencia this week sparked sympathetic protests across Spain with rallies organised over several days in a surge of protest against education cuts and corrupt politicians. Police resorted to chasing students and schoolchildren around the streets of Valencia on Monday, wielding batons in an effort to control demonstrators throwing bottles. At least a dozen police officers were amongst those injured in the affray as university students refused to give ground in their protest against the allegedly corrupt regional government measures put in place to balance the books “at the expense of the education budget.” ARRESTS Over the course of the week 43 schoolchildren and students were arrested, eight of whom are minors. Mariano Rajoy’s PP government immediately issued a statement declaring it would “not tolerate” the stand-off style of protests such as those organised by the Indignado Movement last year and Valencia’s Chief of Police Antonio Moreno labelled the protestors “The enemy” when defending the violent actions of his troops in their efforts to bring the protests under control. Ana Navarrete, mother of 17-year-old Alumdena who was among those arrested, angrily said: “They tore her from my arms, grabbed her by the hair, threw her to the ground and then took her away!” Alumdena was allegedly a bystander and nothing to do with the protest.

Several other onlookers claim to have been “attacked” by police while they watched passively from the side lines. “I was just sitting quietly and eating a sandwich,” said one 18-year-old girl, “and I was hit with a baton!” CRITICISM The police have come under criticism from several independent complainants including local journalists alleging that police pushed and shoved them while they tried to report on a number of separate incidents. And a parent associations in Valencia (FAPA) demanded the resignation of the government delegate in Valencia, Paula Sánchez de Leon, for neglecting to put an end to “police barbarism” throughout the protests. Sánchez appeared at a press conference during the week alongside Police Chief Antonio Moreno, who refused to comment upon the number of arrests made, which totalled more than those arrested during protests in the whole of 2011. Moreno remained implacable when questioned about the alleged aggression of police when dealing with minors: “This is uncivil behaviour on the part of 14- and 15-year-olds,” he said, “I hope that tomorrow [Tuesday] it will not be necessary to go on the defensive once more.” Interior minister Jorge Fernández said he would inform parliament about the incidents but added that demonstrators had “disobeyed police instructions.” Meanwhile students in Valencia continue to plan further protests.

A police officer wields his baton

Drop in mortgage loans the biggest in history THE TOTAL balance of mortgage loans from financial institutions in Spain was set at €1,009 billion at the end of 2011; a slump of 6% over the previous year and the biggest drop in recorded history. This information, from the Spanish Mortgage Association (AHE), marks the collapse of the real estate boom as the volume of new mortgage contracts is insufficient to cover the depreciation rate set against the rising costs of mortgages.

Rajoy lunches with Cameron in London SPANISH PRIME Minister Mariano Rajoy lunched with British Prime Minister David Cameron on Tuesday of this week, discussing a variety of subjects upon which the two leaders were in mutual agreement, such as the Greek crisis. They briefly touched upon the subject of Gibraltar and noted that the position of the United Kingdom remains “unchanged” before going on to meet up with Deputy Prime Minster Nick Clegg and talking at length on economic reforms in Spain. Clegg expressed the opinion that adjustments in Spain were moving ahead “speedily.” When faced with questions on police action against students in Valencia Rajoy was non-committal, saying, “We cannot give an image which is not that of our country.”

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New coastal high school will be built by 2013 by LOUISE CLARKE Department of Education awarded the works contract two weeks ago. The opposition party, PP, placed a motion in last night’s ‘pleno’ to officially request urgent action by the Valencian authorities in respect of the schools in Orihuela Costa, which was unanimously agreed by all parties within the Orihuela Government. Rosa Martinez told RTN that everyone voted in favour of the PP motion. She said: “It was amended slightly to ‘ask’ for rather than ‘demand’ a date from the regional educational authorities for a start date for the construction of the Playas de Orihuela Primary School, but other than that, the whole government team supported the PP motion. We unanimously agree that the schools in Orihuela Costa need to be a priority for the Valencia government.” QUALITY Rosa Martinez and Bob Houliston

THE CONSTRUCTION of the Playa Flamenca Institute will recommence within weeks according to Orihuela’s Councillor for Education, Rosa Martinez and the Councillor for the Coast, Bob Houliston. The pair held a joint press conference on Tuesday morning to announce that a company has been awarded the contract to finish off the building of the new secondary school, which stopped suddenly in 2010 when the construction company went bust. It is hoped that the school will be completed in 15 months and will be ready for the start of the autumn term in September 2013. Rosa, who has been conducting numerous meetings with the Valencia Department of Education which is responsible for all the schools in the region, confirmed that construction of the IES Playa Flamenca will begin very soon after the

Rosa continued: “The primary school, Playas de Orihuela, which is located in Los Dolses, is a priority because for ten years teachers and pupils have had to endure lessons in prefabricated classrooms like barracks.” The Councillor also announced that at least one of coast’s two nurseries will be opened within weeks. “We are just waiting for them to be furnished,” she told RTN. Meanwhile, the Councillor for the Coast, Bob Houliston, confirmed his support for the Education Councillor and praised her efforts in trying to resolve the issues surrounding the schools on the coast. He said: “We need quality education for the children of the coast. We are far from having that, but I am glad that things are moving now and that the prospects of getting decent educational facilities in Orihuela Costa are improving.” He also added that the new La Zenia Boulevard Commercial Centre, which will open later this year, is good for the economic outlook of the coast; possibly involving the arrival of young families that will need schools for their children. He said: “In this regard, the coast could become the economic engine of Orihuela.”

Artificial heart patient dies in Barcelona

EUFEMIO GARCIA, aged 57, the first patient to undergo an artificial heart transplant at the Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge in Barcelona, died on Tuesday only 24 hours after he was discharged. He had been fitted with a mechanical ventricular assistance artificial heart on 23rd November 2011 and made a press appearance shortly before his departure from the hospital on Monday, pictured with the medical team that performed his operation and saying he was “glad to be able to lead a normal life.” The patient had suffered advanced heart failure complicated by other diseases.

Town hall enforces default guarantee By Louise Clarke DEPUTY MAYOR of Orihuela, Antonia Moreno, has announced this week that the Town Hall has reached an agreement with the company responsible for building the urbanisation of Filipinas Oeste in sector T2 to execute its guarantee for the defaults within the residential community. According to Moreno, this is the first time that the Town Hall has enforced this guarantee despite the large number of violations within urbanisations; which residents have had to suffer and still suffer today, especially in urbanisations in Orihuela Costa. The development was found to be 3,000 square metres larger than its licence allowed and as a result the Town Hall decided to enforce the guarantee deposit made by the company which amounts to more than 310,000€. The Councillor said that the Town Hall could not agree to demolition proceedings because of the “bona fide third parties, the residents, who bought houses on the urbanisation without knowing that part of their home had been built on municipal land.”

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Employment opportunity overseas by jan gamm IN AN effort to kick-start youth employment, the city of Alicante is supporting young people in their efforts to find their first job, even if that job is elsewhere in Europe. 36 candidates are to travel to Germany on a two month training contract with the possibility of the contract being extended, on a guaranteed gross salary of 1,000€ per month. The project is entitled ‘Alischwa’ and is a collaborative venture between the Youth Council and Local Government, with the cooperation the national employment agency of the German city of Nagold and businesses Hoehe Oberlinhaus and Erlacher. The coordinator of the project in Alicante, Jose Luis Gonzalez, said that there will be vacancies for seven restaurant and hospitality professionals; nine cooks; two masons specialising in tiling and mosaics; an electrician; maintenance specialists in heating and air conditioning; nine health professionals and nurses; a software developer; two industrial mechanics for sharpening tools and two stabling professionals to care for horses. DEADLINE The Local Development Agency will be responsible for selecting candidates from those are invited to submit their CVs at Calle Jorge Juan 21, in Alicante, up

Measures are being taken to shorten the unemployment queue for Spanish youth

until the deadline of next Monday. Interviews will be conducted between 28th February and 1st March to select candidates who will then attend a language training course. In addition to training or work experience, candidates must be between 18 and 35, carry more than six months registration at the employment office and have a reasonable command of English and basic German. INDEFINITE The training period lasts for two months, but the Councillor for Development and Employment, Carlos Castillo, points out that on completion of that period, it is possible that “contracts could become indefinite.”

From the basic gross salary of 1,000€ per month, workers will have to cover accommodation costs. However, the mayor says that the contracting companies involved have committed to providing reasonably priced accommodation. The Councilman for Youth, Pablo Sandoval, said, “With 50% of youth unemployed, this initiative is a good opportunity to improve training and employability of young people.” The Local Development Agency has handled 971 jobs in recent months, 220 of which were abroad, specifically to work at Disneyland Paris. For more information on the Alischwa project, visit www.alischwa.eu or email alischwa@erlacher-hoehe.de

Thousands march for labour rights

UNIONS ORGANISED a march involving 40,000 attendees in Alicante this week against the labour amendments approved by the Government, reflecting a citizenship that is totally disenchanted. A human tide waving placards demanding workers’ rights and protesting social benefits cuts was supported by 57 other Spanish cities. The protestors rallied against several social and political issues including corruption and the incompetence of bankers and speeches were made by the leaders of UGT and CCOO.

Survival of children with cancer reaches 70% IN THE Valencian community each year there are around 100 new cancer cases among children aged 0 to 14 years. The survival rate of children suffering some form of cancer has improved in recent years with successful treatment now standing at 70%; presenting a 20% higher recovery than in adults. This was highlighted on Wednesday the Minister for Health, Luis Rosado, who has visited the residence for pediatric oncology patients managed by the ‘Spanish Association Against Cancer’ in Valencia. By age group the highest incidence of cancer is between one and four years. Apart from accidents, childhood cancer is the second leading cause of death in children. Advances in treatment have enabled the survival rate to improve thanks to the cooperation of paediatric oncologists and radiotherapists; surgeons; nurses and experts in long-term care.

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24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Italian tour operators encouraged to visit Orihuela

One of Orihuelas’ many museums

by Louise Clarke THE ORIHUELA Councillor for Tourism, Pedro Mancebo, met with more than 30 Italian tour operators in Benidorm last weekend to try to encourage them include the city of Orihuela within their tours of Spain. The Councillor told RTN: “The purpose of this meeting was to promote our city and encourage the influx of Italian tourists to Orihuela.” Mancebo told those attending the meeting that the city has much to offer as a tourist destination for Italian tourists who are not just seeking sun and sand but are also interested in the artistic, architectural and cultural heritage of a city like Orihuela as well as the diverse gastronomic delights that it offers. One of the issues that most interested the Italian experts

was Orihuela’s rich heritage, according to Mancebo. And the Italian tour operators stressed the need to provide a clean and well maintained city; something that the Tourism Councillor said is in the process of improvement. Mancebo highlighted the important work that is being completed by the Town Hall to keep the city clean and to give it a well cared for appearance for all its visitors. The Italian representatives seemed to be extremely satisfied with the meeting and with all the possibilities that are offered by Orihuela as a tourist destination. Italy is the sixth largest source market for tourists to the Valencia region. In 2011, 323,646 Italian tourists visited the Costa Blanca; 19% more than in 2010.

If you can’t sell it -rent it out

THE DEMAND for holiday rental properties and also long term rentals has grown dramatically over the last year. According to latest figures the demand for holiday home rentals has enjoyed a 3% overall increase in January. The British rental market has increased by 20% since January

2011. Madrid and Seville has seen a slight fall in rentals but in Barcelona, Valencia and tourist hot spots such as Benidorm, rentals are booming. And home owners of unsaleable properties are taking the opportunity to rent in an effort to cover mortgage obligations in a bid to ride out the economic crisis.

Green commerce is the future by Louise Clarke MORE THAN 50 shops in Torrevieja are taking part in a pioneering project which has been given official funding and support from the European Union. The ‘Green Commerce’ initiative aims to get shops and their customers more ecologically aware and the shops that are participating in the project will be audited regularly to ensure that they are adhering to the strict regulations which the initiative demands. The first shop in the city to be audited was Torregrosa Home, located on Avenida Cortes Valenciana. The store passed with flying colours after introducing a number of ecologically friendly schemes that are designed to promote the environment including the replacement of batteries in all their electrical devices in favour of ones that use less energy. LIGHT BULBS They also now only use recycled paper and all their cleaning products which they use to maintain the store are ecologically friendly. As well as the changes that Torregrosa Home has made in-house, the store has also installed a light bulb recycling point for their customers to use so now, you can take all your used light bulbs to the shop and replace them with energy efficient ones. The store owners have also introduced a bike rail outside the shop to encourage customers to use their bikes when visiting. Once the audits have been successfully completed, all participating ‘Green Commerce’ shops will receive a certificate, a supply of reusable shopping bags for their customers and will also be eligible for special ‘Green Commerce’ financial grants to help them spread the ‘Green’ message further.

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Pharmacists in crisis by jan gamm

PHARMACISTS IN the Valencian region are facing yet another crisis at the end of February as they struggle to survive a financial nightmare following the government’s failure to reimburse their costs. Tony Marin, a Marina Alta pharmacist popular with local British residents and the sole proprietor of the Marin Pharmacy on Avenida Augusta in Javea, shared his concerns with RTN this week when the Health Authority failed in yet another undertaking to ‘pay up’. The authority is contracted to meet pharmacists’ costs for drugs and other medical supplies on a 30 day arrangement but has consistently defaulted on its payments, leading to many pharmacists being owed four or five months arrears payments for incredibly expensive stock. “I am owed four months,” said Tony, “Five by the end of February, and I have been constantly lied to by the authorities and told the money will be sent. If this continues, I will not survive.“Many town businesses such as my own are finding the struggle hard enough, but smaller companies in tiny villages throughout the region will be unable

to ride out this crisis and I fear they will be out of business by the end of this month. And there are so many of them…” SERVICE And Tony Marin is just one of many pharmacists giving a first class service to the community, with a number of services and facilities provided free such as cholesterol checks and advice on over-the-counter preparations. In addition to not being paid, regional pharmacists are further offended by the Valencian government’s press statements that assure the community that their pharmacies have been reimbursed the millions owed to them for so long. “This is simply lies,” said Tony. “Most of the pharmacists in the region have received nothing and are still owed many months in arrears. And those companies with a heavy financial obligation to the bank will certainly go under within a few short weeks.” And should the worst happen the closure of so many businesses in small villages will put even more financial pressure on the companies that do survive.

Costly drug stocks keep pharmacists in the red

Cure for Hepatitis C in two years

A NEW combination of investigational drugs that successfully suppress the genotype 1 infection of Hepatitis C, the most difficult to treat, could become a reality within the next two years. In Spain, the virus affects around 800,000 people, causing cirrhosis and also cancer of the liver. Dr. Jacob George, Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatic Medicine at the University of Sydney in Australia, announced the findings at the Conference of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, held in Taipei (Taiwan), promising results from a phase II study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Patients in whom treatment was not effective exclusively with PEG-interferon alfa and ribavirin were given a combination of two antiviral agents (daclatasvir and asunaprevir), eradicating the virus from the blood in “all patients who participated in the trial.” The infection commonly occurs through needles; surgical practices; transfusions or transplants performed without correct hygiene measures. It may also be the result of unhygienic tattooing or piercing.

Horse squatters discovered in municipal stables By Louise Clarke THE ORIHUELA Town Hall has discovered 13 horses which have been housed for years in municipal stables without any documentation, written permission by the Town Hall or payment of rent by their owners. The Councillor for Environment and Agriculture, Manuel Culiañez, announced the discovery, which was made in January, at a press conference late last week, saying that it was a “unique discovery.” The announcement came the day after a deadline was given to the horse owners to leave the municipal stable block. The Councillor described how when he visited the municipal stables, which are used for horses belonging to the Spanish army, there were 13 horses and two ponies

in situ, all of unknown owners, without any documentation. Councillor Culiáñez indicated that there was no loan, rent or lease documentation at the Town Hall and that the government team didn’t even know when the horses were first introduced to the stables. The discovery of the horses was made after a Town Hall official witnessed horse owners going into and out of the stable yard freely and in possession of keys. The Councillor added that neither the health authorities nor the Valencia Department for Agriculture had any knowledge of these horses’ existence and that no authorisation had been issued despite the fact that this is mandatory. The animals were all in good condition and have already left the municipal stables, upon proof of ownership by their owners.

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24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

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

letter of the week

It’s about time!

ABOUT TIME the Guardia Civil had a good crack down on these illegal vehicles. There are too many nationalities driving around that have been in this country for years avoiding all the legal obligations that are required when bringing their vehicles into another country. If you’re ever involved in an accident with one of these vehicles you have no chance as they will not have insurance or any of the other legal requirements. I see these cars every day parked outside peoples’ homes with neither a valid tax disc nor an ITV sticker and have been here for years. If they do have a tax disc more than likely they are a black market one. How the police do not make a note of these vehicles when they are driving around the various urbanizations beats me. Also look at the various airports where these people are using their vehicles as an illegal taxi service. The police should do more spot checks at the airports and any foreign car that does not comply with the regulations should be dealt with in the proper manner and the owner made to get it registered. If not - scrap it. The government is losing money from these people. They want to use their vehicles on the roads but are not contributing to the upkeep of the roads! Name withheld

Vast majority are responsible owners WE WERE disappointed to read Mr D Brown’s comments on motorhomes. We find that the vast majority of motorhomers are responsible and aware of looking after their environment. Unfortunately there are a very small number of gypsy types who give motorhomers a bad name by leaving rubbish, but most are very careful. In fact at La Marina last year we saw a man from a motorhome with a rubbish sack clearing up the rubbish, leaving the car park in a much tidier state than it was before he arrived. Two hours later a young Spanish couple arrived and kicked their litter under their car – even though there was a litter bin a mere six metres away. Although motorhomers don’t pay local taxes, they do help the local businesses. Many shops, bars and restaurants as well as the local markets would suffer if the motorhomes were turned away and the baker in La Marina would certainly miss them. In some countries, notably France, there are a large number of ‘aire de service’ sites, essentially vehicle parks for motorhomes providing water and disposal facilities. These are often free in inland areas as local mayors try to attract visitors to their area to use the shops, bars and restaurants. Some motorhomers are happy to stop at camp sites which provide many facilities including electric hook-up and hot showers. Others find camp sites crowded with closely packed vehicles and try to find a place with a nice view. For these people an aire de service can offer the best choice. In recent years the numbers of aires has been growing in Spain but more are needed. We visited this area a few years ago in our motorhome and liked it so much we bought a holiday home here. Surely there is place for both residents and motorhomers. Dave and Linda Gregory, Guardamar

Not entirely true

RE Jack Ryan’s complaint about the cost of registering vehicles in Spain against the cheap cost of £55 in UK – this is not entirely true. I registered a Gibraltar-plated car in UK. I was somewhat lucky as the MOT station turned a blind eye to the conversion stickers I had on the headlights and the fact that the rear hazard light was on the wrong side. Had I replaced the lights as I should have, the cost would have been substantial. And, in addition to those charges I also had to pay import duty based on the value of the vehicle. Not so cheap. Remember, the whole world is not the same as UK. All countries have their own rules, which do not justify remarks like ‘It’s a rip off’ because the rules are different. Elaine Gonzales

Entertainment for free WELL DONE on designating the latest diatribe from Jack Johnson as your Letter of the Week. One of the principal reasons I always make sure that I get a copy of RTN is to read the letters page in general and the regular rants from Mr Johnson and other ‘regulars’ in particular. Normally I would have to visit a circus to be entertained by

clowns but via your Letters Page I get the entertainment for free! Seriously, the majority of the letters you publish are either interesting or informative, and often very useful. Everybody has a right to their own opinion but providing a platform for extremists of any sort is hardly the purpose of a Letters Page, and selecting the extremist view as

letter of the week hardly does justice to the other worthwhile contributions. Whatever you do though, please do not stop publishing Mr. Johnson’s contributions as they are always worth reading, though perhaps not in the way he intends. Separately, what has happened to the Reverend Harry Southgate? Is he still with us? I miss his regular interpretations of Spanish Legislation on Car Tax etc. Bill Hulse

Looking forward to Friday MY WIFE and I spend six months of every year in our villa in La Marina, and look forward to RTN every Friday. Whilst in England I read your online paper copy which is a pleasure to read as the set-up is very user friendly, especially the zoom button which enables the reader to read in comfort. At the moment we are in England but looking forward to returning in April. Yours sincerely, David Bartlett, La Marina and East Yorkshire

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New regulations for municipal markets

Campomar market will be better regulated

by LOUISE CLARKE THE ORIHUELA Town Hall has announced plans this week to regulate market traders who operate within the municipal markets. Councillor for Finance, Development and Trade, Juan Ignacio Lopez-Bas, announced that he will introduce an ordinance in this week’s ‘pleno’ meeting to regulate market and street trading in the Orihuela municipality. Lopez-Bas told members of the press that this new ordinance will replace one that has been in force since April 2008. He said: “It is necessary to modify it as it is clearly outdated and does not benefit the commerce of the municipality.” RATE REDUCTION The ordinance will be changed to benefit smaller markets such as the ones that are located in the villages of Orihuela, or the ‘pedanias’. If a market has more than 50 positions it will be considered as a full market and if the number of positions is less it will be considered as a ‘half market’

and therefore the rate for stall holders will be reduced. Similarly, the new proposal will also recognise the transfer of stalls between individuals; something which had been previously forbidden. The Councillor added: “This operation will be overseen by the City, which will take 15% of the price to be paid by the transfer.” PUBLIC LIABILITY In addition, the Town Hall wants to establish better conditions for workers who are employed by stall holders and market traders will also be required to meet other requirements such as having facturas for items that are for sale. They will also have to be aware of and pay the required Social Security payments and business tax. Another condition required by the new regulations will be to hold public liability insurance in order to ensure the safety of people who go to markets and the replacement of items damaged by the activities of the stalls.

Nadal ‘aced’ by the Hacienda THE TAX authorities in Spain have persuaded the companies owned by tennis star Rafa Nadal to abandon their Basque Country tax refuge of Gipuzkoa and pay several million Euros in back taxes to ‘regularise’ his tax situation. The tax refuge has been used for several years by Nadal despite his income being generated - and managed - ‘elsewhere’. An agreement was reached in December between Nadal and the Hacienda to fork out the tax on his estimated fortune of €56 million.

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Animal lovers appeal to halt cruelty at Villanueva 24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

by jan gamm RTN READERS have appealed for an appalling and cruel tradition to be stopped in the town of Villanueva de la Vera, where on Shrove Tuesday every year a donkey is driven through the cobbled streets of the town by a drunken, yelling mob during the Festival of Peropalo. The ordeal of the poor animal lasts for hours. If the donkey falls, it is promptly dragged to its feet and made to stumble along, prodded and screamed at by a baying hoard of revellers, accompanied by gunfire or fire crackers. TORMENT Bad enough that the animal is tormented and terrified for hours, the donkeys were once driven to death but this practice ceased in the eighties. Certain website supporters of this disgraceful tradition now assure protestors that in fact the same donkey is used every year and the event is “carefully supervised” but pictures clearly show two different distressed animals in 2010 and 2011. RTN reader Michael Bailey says: “What kind of ‘celebration’ is this?! I hope all the active participants feel guilty - I feel sick to the stomach about it…”

New website aimed at local youth

ary representative: “I am saddened to report that a dark brown, medium sized Spanish donkey was again forced through the village streets by surging crowds of hundreds of people firing shotguns, ringing cowbells and chanting. The donkey was visibly covered in sweat and clearly terrified. The rider this year was so intoxicated that he needed to be held up by the crowds that poured wine and beer poured over the donkey as it was forced along the procession route… “About 12 minutes in to the procession, the donkey fell, and it took around four minutes to get it to its feet again. At the end of the festival, which lasted around 40 minutes, the donkey was ushered straight off into a locked shed so it was not possible to see what state it was in. It was horrendous.” The Donkey Sanctuary, and the charity’s sanctuary in Spain, El Refugio del Burrito, has campaigned for more than 25 years to bring an end to this practice, which is outlawed by the region’s own animal welfare laws. RTN readers may find out more about the work of The Donkey Sanctuary by visiting www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

ANIMAL RIGHTS Animal rights groups such as The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, UK and also The Donkey Sanctuary in Malaga continue to campaign to have the grisly tradition prohibited, attending each year to do what they can to bring the ghastly ritual to a halt. And the laws of Spain clearly cater for appropriate punishment for those practising such cruelty. Yet Villanueva continues to get away with its annual donkey-baiting. THIS YEAR Despite the efforts of animal lovers this year’s event took place on Tuesday morning and was attended by a Donkey Sanctu-

Distressed donkeys during the festival in 2010

THE CENTRE for Information and Youth Animation (CIAJ) in Torrevieja has launched a new website this week that will benefit the young people of the municipality. The website was presented to the local media by the Torrevieja Councillor for Youth, Rosario Martinez Chazarra. She was accompanied by centre employees, Rosa Maria and Gustavo Garcia Lazaro and website designer and programmer, Victor Aldeguer. The Councillor told RTN that the new site is aimed at boosting the information supply to Torrevieja youngsters not just from the Town Hall, but from all areas of the city, as well as at regional and national level. There are various sections of the website which are themed using various useful hyperlinks and the CIAJ will be able to update it regularly and easily. Themes include employment, housing, cultural activities, travel, grants, scholarships and voluntary associations. The site will also be integrated with social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. In addition, the Councillor also unveiled a new Town Hall initiative to launch a network of youth information, for which the website provides all the details. Also the government team plans to strengthen the support for young people’s associations and volunteering groups which they say will give them many more advantages from which they can benefit both locally and regionally. The new website can be visited at www. ciaj.es and there is also a new email address that is linked directly to the Department of Youth at info@ciaj.es

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cup comes New TV series follows Kings to Torrevieja consular staff as they help Brits in distress 24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

by Louise Clarke HOW THE members of staff at British Consulates in Spain help citizens in distress is to be highlighted in a new TV documentary series to be broadcast next month on the UK’s Channel 4. The new TV series, filmed last summer, reveals how consular employees come to the rescue of Britons who find themselves in trouble. From helping victims of crime to advising Brits arrested by the police, the series also follows consular staff as they visit holidaymakers who end up in hospital and meet expat residents to hear their property concerns.

Alicante forest fire

Ear ear…!

PROFESSIONALISM In a three part series, ‘Our Man In…’ provides unprecedented access to the work of British consular staff. It will be shown on the UK’s Channel 4 on Thursdays 1st, 8th and 15th March at 22.00 GMT (23.00 CET). The first programme features Mallorca and Ibiza, the second follows the team in Alicante and the third covers Tenerife and Barcelona. “The series shows the hard work and professionalism of our staff in helping British expats and holidaymakers as well as highlighting the serious issues Brits can face abroad,” says Paul Rodwell, British Consul in Alicante. “Some of the less serious cases can be avoided and I would encourage people to read our travel advice and have a look at the information we have on our ukinspain website.” The series reveals the consequences of failing to prepare properly for a holiday. Even if you’re staying with friends and family, travelling without insurance could cost you many thousands of pounds if you’re injured abroad. PRO-ACTIVE “Losing your passport will cost you time and money,” says

THE COPA del Rey of Handball is coming to Torrevieja. The competition, which is a huge event for the sport in Spain and around the world, will take place at the Palacio de Deportes Infanta Christina between 7th and 11th March. This will be the 37th annual Copa del Rey for Handball and is being brought to Torrevieja thanks to the support of the Alicante Diputación and the Costa Blanca Tourist Board. There will be worldwide TV coverage of the event and teams such as FC Barcelona Intersport, Athetico Madrid and Cuatro Reyes Valladolid will be competing for the coveted trophy. For more information on this event and ticket enquiries, please visit the Town Hall’s website at www.torrevieja.es and click on the sports (Deportes) section.

Paul Rodwell. “And without an EHIC health card, you’ll find it harder to get medical care. By taking a few simple precautions, you can avoid a dream holiday turning into a nightmare.” The programme in Alicante, about life on the costas, shows the pro-active face of the consulate, with staff seeking out Brits caught up in a forest fire, organising outreach events to hear residents’ property concerns, and working with local police to manage an invasion of Scottish football fans for a big game against Spain. ‘Our Man In…’ was filmed mainly in August and September last year and is produced by Screenchannel Television, a London-based independent production company. The executive producers are Emma Barker, a former commissioning editor and controller at ITV, and Peter Lowe, a former executive producer and programme editor at BBC Television and controller at Carlton Television.

AN ELDA hospital has performed the first successful middle ear implant on a woman who has suffered hearing loss since childhood. She can now hear normally via a subcutaneous prosthesis. The Otolaryngology team at Hospital General de Elda Virgen de la Salud performed the operation fitting a battery-powered prosthesis. The patient will be able to swim but is advised to avoid magnetic fields. A remote control enables the device to be switched on and off and features a volume control. The battery, which can be recharged, has a working life of around 15 years.

Treasure comes home 24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Woman attempts to jump from first floor parapet in Orihuela Court PANIC REIGNED throughout the building in the Orihuela Court on Wednesday morning at about 9.30am when a woman tried to jump from the first floor parapet following an unfavourable decision from the court concerning the woman’s two sons. Bystanders quickly seized a carpet from the building to cushion the woman’s fall should she succeed in her attempt, while prompt action from a Guardia Civil agent saved her life; grabbing her as she stepped off the ledge and pulling her to safety. The woman later received treatment for shock. Odyssey

by jan gamm SPAIN IS unpopular this week with treasure hunters all over the world. On Tuesday the contentious treasure haul from the Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes was awarded to Spain following a further failed appeal by treasure hunting company Odyssey: Florida Judge Mark Pizzo also denied Odyssey’s request for costs reimbursement of US$400,000. The treasure has been at the heart of a tug of war between Odyssey, the company that discovered the wreck of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes in 2007, along with its glittering prizes, and the Spanish government. COMMERCIAL VENTURE Odyssey contends that the ship was not on a sovereign mission when it was sunk by the British in 1804 but involved in a commercial venture, making it legally ‘finders keepers’. Spain maintains that the galleon was a military vessel engaged in combat at the time of the sinking. The Odyssey trove represents a stag-

gering 17 tons of shipwrecked treasure comprising 594,000 coins and other artefacts recovered from the Atlantic Ocean near the Straits of Gilbraltar. Experts have estimated that the coins could be worth as much as €380 million to collectors, making it the richest shipwrecked treasure hoard in history. INFLUENCE Speaking to Efe, Odyssey lawyer Melinda MacConnel said “This is a very sad day for the Spanish cultural heritage and other countries. From now on, anyone who discovers something is not going to bother to report or declare it. It would almost be more profitable to melt it or sell it on eBay!” She added, “Clearly today’s result is a consequence of the political influence that Spain has on America. It has allied with Spain against Odyssey to achieve this resolution.” The treasure is presently under guard by US Marshals pending immediate transportation to Spain in Hercules transport aircraft.

SATISFYING The cultural attaché at the Spanish Embassy in Washington, Guillermo Corral, said: “It is a very satisfying outcome for Spain and good news for its cultural heritage.” He added: “The coins are classified as national heritage and as such must stay inside the country to be displayed in one or more Spanish museums.” His statement ruled out the theory aired by the American press that the treasure would be sold to ease Spain’s national debt… Meanwhile, the Ministry for Culture has received several applications from towns and cities within Spain to be allowed the safe keeping of Spain’s latest cultural acquisition, presumably for exhibition. However, as yet no decision has been made as to the treasure’s final destination or even whether it will be retained whole or split amongst several museums. Odyssey claims that it has spent US$2.6 million salvaging, transporting, storing and conserving the treasure.

A carpet was ready to be used to cushion the fall

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24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

English lessons to improve customer service

Police protection for battered women

by Louise Clarke THE SAN Javier Town Hall is backing the English for Business course at the La Ribera Open Centre as part of their initiative to improve customer service to the growing European tourist trade. San Javier’s Councillor for Commerce, Pedro Lopez, stressed the importance of learning English for the municipality’s commercial and hospitality industries during his recent meeting with students of the English Business course that is currently being taught in the La Ribera Open Centre in Santiago de la Ribera and has been organised by San Javier’s Association of Businessmen and Traders. Fifteen students are taking part in the 50 hour long course which is aimed at improving English in customer care in any of the main service industries within the locality and the organisers are hoping to introduce a second course, with a higher level, at a future date.

Pedro Lopez with the students of the English for Business course

PROFESSIONALISM Pedro Lopez told RTN: “The Town Hall is motivated by the growing European tourism in the area and the need to improve the quality of service through training.”

The initiative has been made possible thanks to the support and cooperation of the departments of Commerce and Tourism at the San Javier Town Hall. Lopez added: “We understand the importance

of tourism for the economic and commercial survival of our municipality as well as the importance of portraying essential professionalism at all levels; especially in direct customer service.”

THE MINISTRY of Health, Social Services and Equality is to request from the Ministry of Interior an allocation of police escorts that are not required for other duties in the Basque Country and other parts of Spain, to serve as protection officers for women victims of gender violence. The ministry’s spokesperson, Ana Mato, confirmed that the matter will be discussed in a meeting to establish police resources available to protect victims of domestic violence. This Tuesday before the Senate, Ana Mato also proposed hiring private security for women at risk who need protection. Officers selected for this duty would first undergo special training.

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

NHW meet the new Policia Local liaison officers by Louise Clarke MEMBERS of the local Neighbourhood Watch in Torrevieja met with their new Policia Local liaison officers last week and had the opportunity to discuss with them any concerns that they have about crime and public safety. The meeting took place at the Marina International Club and was chaired by Torrevieja’s International Residents Officer, Graham Knight with more than 60 coordinators in attendance. The officers, Manuel Vera and Jose Angel Ortuño, will be working closely with the association to improve communication and ensure that crime reports are dealt with quickly and efficiently and on the other hand, that the coordinators get to know of important crime issues that the police are dealing with.

The association said that they will do all they can to help the officers. “Between us and our contacts,” added Graham, “we could be 2,000 extra pairs of eyes for the local police and that is important.” SQUATTERS The officers told the meeting that due to the current economic crisis there is a big problem with squatters within the municipality and asked the coordinators to keep an eye out on any empty holiday homes that are in their area. Manuel said: “Unfortunately, the law states that only the owners can take steps to have the squatters removed, so it is important that you have contact details of the home owners in case of such eventuality.” It was suggested that a register be set up

Corruption arrest The National Police arrested the General Manager of Integration and Cooperation at the Valencia Department of Justice and Social Welfare in a dawn raid yesterday (Thursday). Josep Maria Felip is accused of the crimes of subsidy fraud, forgery and embezzlement of public funds. The public prosecutor opened the investigation after claims that a €2 million grant which was destined for water treatment in Nicaragua was actually used to purchase a property in Valencia.

for home owners to put their contact details on so that local police can reach them in case of an emergency. Manuel added: “We have no records of where these people live or how to get hold of them if they are not permanent residents and so that makes things very difficult for us.” Graham concluded: “We are so pleased that these enthusiastic officers are here and eager to work with NHW. This is a positive move for all Torrevieja residents.” Manuel Vera said that the new email address can be made public, so if you have any issues with crime or anti social behaviour in Torrevieja, you can email him at torrevieja.policialocal@gmail.com. Emails are checked at least five times a day. Please make sure that you leave your contact details on any communications.

Sports department launches new webpage

COMMUNICATION Graham told the officers that the aim of NHW is to be good neighbours and on that basis, it is important to liaise with the police on matters of security. The liaison officers announced a brand new email address which will be a direct link to them so that non urgent incidents can be reported. Graham said: “Continued communication between the association and the local police was somewhat lacking before and this new initiative limits the feeling of isolation that so many coordinators had as they didn’t know who they should go to. Now they have that direct contact.”

Manuel and Jose Angel with members of the Torrevieja NHW

THE PILAR de la Horadada Sports Department has launched a new webpage this week called ‘Pilar Moves’. Designed to be an up-to-date information ‘blog’ site for municipal sports facility users, the page is the idea of Councillor for Sports, Adrian Lopez. He stressed that the development of this support has been done with enthusiasm and with a single purpose; to enable all citizens to have direct contact with the municipal Sports Department for information and also to interact with other sports enthusiasts from the town. The Councillor for Sports added that this webpage has also been developed to include the demand for local sports news content. He told RTN: “We want to adapt to the needs of all Pilar de la Horadada residents so that they can enjoy a modern and efficient service from not only the Sports Department but the Town Hall as a whole.” The webpage can be found at http://elpilarsemueve. pilardelahoradada.org

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Bullfighting back on TV

Chris Marshall Expat blogger

THE ECONOMY dominated the news again this week in Spain with another recession becoming more likely by the day, a village in Cuenca accepting pesetas and tens of thousands protesting the labour law reforms in Madrid.

www.almerimarlife.com

The story that caught my attention the most though was that the Partido Popular supports the decision of TVE Spanish state television to show bullfighting on TV again. At the moment the broadcasting of bullfighting between 6am and 10pm, known as the hours of child protection, is prohibited, and as bullfights tend to be between these hours they aren’t shown on TV. Apparently something called a Broadcast Stylebook has been drawn up by the Administrative Council of the TVE, and they have decided to omit the above con-

Broadcast Stylebook has been drawn up by the Administrative Council of the TVE ditions thus allowing bullfights to be shown on TV. The PP are drawing up legislation for Congress to approve at least 10 bullfights to be broadcast on TVE each season although broadcasts are said to be unlikely as TVE are having to sell assets to make ends meet and there is no money to broadcast the fights as the TV rights for the main ferias are expensive. The economy though was the main story of the week again with data showing that output shrank to 0.3% in the final quarter of last year, causing stocks to tumble, and putting

yet more pressure on the banking sector, not helped at all by the on-going issues in Greece. Although the yield on sovereign debate declined and volumes were solid, the general consensus is that Spain is heading towards another recession at the end of the first quarter that is expected to last throughout 2012 and into 2013. Sometime ago I was asked what I thought would happen to Spain and the Euro, i.e. would Spain revert to Pesetas. Personally I don’t see that happening but at the time I said people should be allowed to use their old pesetas to stimulate some spending. As pesetas can still be exchanged at the Bank of Spain in Madrid my argument was that at least some money would start circulating again. Interesting then that businessmen in Villamayor de Santiago in Cuenca are now accepting pesetas once again. The town, which has a population of about 3,000, is governed by the Socialist Mayor, José Julián Fernández. Over the past month 29 shopkeepers in the locality have taken 1.25 million pesetas, (7,512€) and they say the initiative has ‘saved the month’. With tens of thousands taking to the streets recently to protest against the labour reforms, the government is finding itself between a rock and a hard placed seems, which I suspect is somewhat more comfortable than the government in Greece is feeling these days! Here in Spain the government is likely to be punished for delaying the budget announcement until April which just so happens to be after the March 25th regional elections. Blatant manipulation by the Spanish Government…no change there then!

Chris is a freelance writer who writes a monthly column for the Telegraph Expat as well as a weekly column for the RTN. He lives in Almerimar with his wife Sands, five cats, two Harley-Davidsons and more often than not a bottle of red wine. He runs the successful expat blog www.almerimarlife.com, and his wife runs the cat re-homing and transport project www.alstrays.com. Chris’s columns are sponsored by www.spain-holiday.com and www.campaya.co.uk on the Telegraph Expat site and by www.blitzcleaning.es here on RTN. You can hear Chris every Friday discussing his views, thought and experiences of life in Spain on www.italkfm.com.

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Spain’s wedding of the year

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

THE HEIRESS to the Inditex empire, 28-year-old Marta Ortega married 27-yearold champion equestrian Sergio Alvarez Moya in a romantic and low-key affair on Saturday surrounded by fewer than 200 guests comprising close family and friends at the chapel of the family home of the bride in Cambre Coruña.

Marta Ortega arriving at the chapel with her father

by jan gamm Low key it may have been but low cost it certainly was not; the result of weeks of preparations amid high security and in top secret to maintain the couple’s privacy. The Zara bride, wearing a modest, chiffon bias-cut gown she designed herself with a fine silk tulle veil, was given away by her father and entered the chapel under an arch of cherry blossom. During the ceremony, the choir sang traditional Galician songs.

Afterward, guests enjoyed a banquet prepared by Michelin star chefs Marcelo Tejedor and Nacho Manzano featuring Galician and Asturian delicacies. Media-shy billionaire father-of-the-bride Amancio Ortega, whose fortune is estimated at a staggering €30,000 million, heads the world’s largest textile group. The couple chose not to release images of their wedding, although a barrage of international press photographers managed to capture the bride’s arrival.

Franco Foundation offended by Franco art exhibit A REPRESENTATIVE of the Franco Foundation attended the ARCO modern art fair which opened in FITUR, Madrid, on Wednesday and was less than impressed by an image of the body of the late dictator squashed into a Coca Cola vending machine, a work entitled ‘Always Franco’. Photos were taken in the presence of a notary prior to the Foundation formally denouncing the artist, Eugenio Merino. A spokesman for the Foundation, Vice President Jaime Alonso, said they would be taking action against the artist and also “…those who allowed this rudeness, this lack of scruples against the dignity of the people, and of the people who are in addition dead and cannot defend themselves.”

Feel like a heel?

Extreme High Heels in action

AN ELCHE shoe company that specialises in extreme fashion footwear is beating the recession by catering for drag queens, chorus lines and fetish enthusiasts.

Extreme High Heels has been ‘going large’ for eleven years, providing over-sized shoes for anyone wanting a tall order in the shoe department. The small workshop churns out

heels of all heights and in just about any material or colour, and their motto is “If you cannot find it, we will make it for you.” The company is a big hit with carnival participants and burlesque stars and supplies heels up to an unbelievable one metre high and a size 48! Sandals, boots, wedding shoes and heels that are a drag queen’s dream leave the tiny Torrellano workroom of Paul and Esther Gonzalez Beneit destined for stage companies, festivals and parties all over Spain, made to order between two and eighteen weeks. And the shoes, costing around 120€ - 200€ per pair, rising to 2,000€ for special orders, are also exported all over the world.

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Alzheimer’s centre under threat

Free violin classes for retirees

by Louise Clarke THE ALZHEIMER’S Association (AFA) in Torrevieja provides essential care and support for Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers of all nationalities. It also provides help and respite for their carers and is an important institution for not only Torrevieja, but for surrounding municipalities. Last Friday, the Association held an open day for people to visit the centre and so they can explain to them how this essential care and support provider could be in jeopardy. The AFA committee held a press conference, which was also attended by the Torrevieja Councillor for Social Welfare and former AFA President, Tomas Ballester, to explain how dire their current situation is. FAMILY The charity provides physical therapy and mental stimulation through various classes and workshops at the centre as well as providing care for British sufferers at the annex, located behind the Age Concern Centre in La Siesta. They also provide a trans-

port service for patients, lunchtime facilities, a home care service and support for families of sufferers. There are two psychotherapists, seven nurses; a physiotherapist and a social worker; all of which are linked to the centre for the benefit of the patients and have to be paid for by the charity. Pam Ferris, Treasurer of the AFA, said: “This is not just a drop off centre. We help the patient continue to be part of their family and of the community as a whole.” The AFA is the only centre of its kind in the area and is used by residents from other municipalities, not just Torrevieja: last year it had a budget of 450,000€, which had to be cut back after various Town Halls failed to give them the promised financial support. SUPPORT The staff all took a substantial cut in their wages as they knew that the centre was in trouble and that saved the charity 100,000€. But this year, due to financial restraints put upon the Town Hall of Torrevieja, their

grant has been reduced by 60,000€ which means that if they don’t raise the additional cash, the centre could be forced to close, which would be disastrous for the 85 patients currently being cared for. Judy continued: “We raised 40,000€ from fundraising events organised in the majority by British expats. We need to raise 100,000€ this year to cover the shortfall and so we ask that if you see AFA events being advertised to please support them.” The charity is therefore issuing a plea to all clubs and societies to put AFA at the top of their list of charities to support this year. Judy concluded: “We appreciate that there are many worthy charities but we have such overheads to provide the service that we do. You don’t necessarily have to donate money; we need volunteers to donate their time and skills too.” For more information on the charity or to volunteer your time or skills please call Matilde Sanchez, AFA President on 647 119 991 or email afatorrevieja@hotmail.com

THE CHARITY foundation group, Mayores sin Barreras, is offering a free violin workshop for Torrevieja municipal ‘padron’ holders who are over the age of 60. The project, which is entitled ‘La Cancion mas bonita del mundo’ or the ‘Most beautiful song in the world’, starts on 16th March until 15th June and is absolutely free. The course is being taught by a professional violin teacher and at the end of the workshop, everyone will be invited to take part in a concert alongside an orchestra of professional musicians at the Palacio de Musica in Torrevieja. For more information and to enrol on the course, please contact Graham Knight at oari.torrevieja@gmail.com before 10th March.

Bric a Brac, headphones and cassette players needed

The AFA committee with the Councillor for Social Welfare, Tomas Ballester

TALKING BOOKS: The HELP service for supplying talking books to the public has been dormant for the last year but will be starting up again now that the library and administration have been updated. At present there is a list of 128 books and 6 cassette players. Initially the service will be available for patients in hospital and if popular, the service will be extended to the wider public. Headphones plus cassette players are needed to play help provide this service. Please dig out any headphones you may have that you are not using, such as the ones issued on commercial flights or guided tours. Don’t just leave them stored in cupboards, donate them to HELP MMM and we can make good use of them. We hope to be able to have a delivery service for people who cannot get out of the house or are sight-impaired and would like to listen to a book on tape. HELP also needs bric-a-brac to sell at its car boot stall at the Autocine (LOOP), held at the Autocine, Los Alcazares every Sunday morning, where clothes, furniture and bric a brac are sold. If anyone has any donations for the stall please contact Janice or Bernard on 650 737 383 or bring them along on a Sunday morning. Money raised at the stall enables HELP MMM to carry on with their good work loaning out wheelchairs and other disability aids, and offering help in many other ways in the local community.

Lady P and the missing ‘of’

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

IT SEEMS that last week’s look at ladies’ loos has struck a chord with a great many of you. My mailbox literally overfloweth. Take Joanne Warne from down there in Torry who writes, “You hit it on the spot with your article on the Lady P urinal, Paul. We girls are fed up with the time we spend queuing for the loo at concerts and other events.” Jo thinks I may have started “not so much a storm in a teacup but a storm in a toilet”. Oh gawd Jo, I hope not. Jo thinks that toilet space should be divided at least seventy-thirty in favour of the ladies. “It’s alright for you lads,” she adds, “You can all go in a line.” A different point of view was offered by Brenda Blowers. She does not like to read about such things while reading her RTN and eating lunch. “I feel the article was just going for cheap laughs,” she says. She was less than pleased when I suggested that chaps might go out to use the car park if their toilet space was encroached upon. Oh dear, sorry to offend Brenda. In mitigation I was just trying to advance an adult discussion on the subject; I certainly wasn’t taking the - you know what? Of all the comments received the preponderance

was to encourage adopting the Lady P urinals. I did get an email from one lady who went to great lengths (including diagrams and photos) showing how the use of what I can only describe as ‘add-ons’ can be of great benefit to ladies when only a men’s urinal is to be found. These plastic devices that resemble an odd assortment of plumbing accessories can, I’m reliably informed, be transported in most standard-sized handbags. Stop, please - enough already. I got a giddy rush of information overload with all of that. And like Brenda I was eating my lunch at the time… However, the biggest sense of outrage came in an email supposedly from Javea and signed with the sobriquet ‘you know who this is’. It seems that ‘youknow-who-this-is’ is less annoyed with the subject of ladies’ toilets but more concerned with my typos. He (or she but I think it’s he) wants to know where the RTN proof-reader is. This correspondent asks: “What sense does your sentence, ‘but now there’s been a

groundswell of fresh interest and it’s possible that a re-launch it in the UK is on the cards’, make? None, that’s what!” Hmmm, the whiff of annoyance over a missing word like ‘of’ can only come from the Brigadier. I haven’t heard from him in almost a yer or is that a year and was beginning to suspect the worse. Sorry about the gaff Brig, if it is you. And by the way I’m glad you’re still around and reading. One thing we didn’t get wrong in this column Brig was our prediction, way back last year, that after a suitable cooling off period the News of the World would be reborn as the Sunday edition of The Sun. Yup folks, this Sunday that prediction comes to pass and we’ll see the start of the new super, shiny, sexy, soraway Sun on Sunday. Just think as you read this ole Murdoch-mostfoul is busy powering up his presses. Here Brenda, I don’t suppose he’d be afraid to publish a piece on peeing in a Lady P..... Watts in Britain, so you don’t have to be…

Panasonic’s new water baby PANASONIC HAS introduced the Eluga smartphone, a device that is lighter by 103 grams than the average phone with a larger screen and all the usual discernments with one special extra – it can be immersed in up to one metre of water and is dust resistant. (Hmm, how deep is your bath water?) For the techno-addicts, the terminal has a 1GHz dual-core and a capacity of 8GB. It also has Gigerbread 2.3.5 Android operating system and incorporates an 8 megapixel camera.

PALS events STAY IN Benidorm – 19th March: 3 nights’ full board in Hotel Helios from 125€ per person from Camposol and other areas: Includes Market Day: Super value. Coach trip to Mojacar/Bedar: 18th April: Market day in Mojacar and then on to Bedar for Menu, (included). This is our third trip and we thoroughly recommend the day at 25€ per head, from Camposol and other areas. For more information visit www.pals.sm4. biz or call 626 460 465.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Day of the Tree

The Greek crisis

by LOUISE CLARKE

THE PARK at the entrance of the urbanisation Blue Lagoon was a hive of activity last Thursday morning. Children and teachers from the Playas de Orihuela Primary School in Los Dolses, Orihuela Costa got to work planting plants and small trees which had been donated by the Department for the Environment at Orihuela Town Hall, especially for the ‘Dia del Arbol’ (Day of the Tree). The Councillor for the Coast, Bob Houliston, the Councillor for the Environment, Manuel Culiañez and the Councillor for Transport and Communication, Martina Scheurer were also present assisting the children with the digging of holes and the planting of trees. Due to the warm sunny weather it was not long before the councillors and the children had to take off their jackets

The children from the Playas de Orihuela Primary School

and once the plants and trees have taken root and have become more established, the park will be a much more attractive place for the residents to enjoy.

THOUSANDS OF people across Europe this week protested against austerity cuts in Greece, shouting the message: “Today it is Greece: tomorrow it will be you.” The biggest marches were held in Paris with 2,000 participants and London with 400. There were also scenes of protest in Barcelona; Amsterdam; Dublin; Brussels and Berlin as well as a demonstration outside the Greek Consulate in Chicago. 72.7% of Greeks want to continue in the Eurozone but only half believe that Greece is capable of it, according to a survey. In London the 400 people that protested have promised to hold a similar demonstration this coming Saturday.

money

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Línea Directa: the best travel assistance for expats LÍNEA DIRECTA, market leader in the direct sale of car, motorbike and home insurance, is offering its customers Travel Assistance covering road incidents occuring in Spain, the rest of Europe and all countries included in the Green Card. Línea Directa’s Travel Insurance covers not only the vehicle, but more importantly the occupants, offering its Expat customers a fast, quality service. As for the vehicle service, these are just some of the benefits which Expat customers can now enjoy: • From the point of departure: the customer receives assistance wherever the vehicle breaks down. • If the vehicle breaks down and only requires a quick repair (taking no more than half an hour), Línea Directa will repair the vehicle on the spot, so that customers can continue their journey. • If the customer runs out of petrol, Línea Directa takes the vehicle to the nearest petrol station. • If the customer gets a puncture on route, Línea Directa will help to change the wheel. Travel assistance is a service offered by Línea Directa without timetable restrictions: 24 hours a day 365 days a year and it is one of the services for which Línea Directa receives most praise from its Expat customers due to the fact that it offers safety, trust and peace of mind when it is most required. There will be further information on this service in the future. However, if you wish to find out more, call 902 123 104 now.

EC wants further adjustments to labour reform in Spain THE EUROPEAN Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, Laszlo Andor, has said that Spanish labour reform is “going in the right direction” but requires “other measures” to solve the serious unemployment problem in the country. An assessment of Mariano Rajoy’s labour reforms was presented this week at the Council of Ministers for Employment and Social Policy by the Spanish Employment and Social Security State Secretary, Engracia Hidalgo. Andor recommended the encouragement of investment in human resources; improvements in education systems and vocational training; and extended training for older workers.

business

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Terrific success for business group launch THE INAUGURAL meeting of virtual business group B2B4U was held last Friday, hailed by the attendees as a terrific success. 30 of the Costa Blanca’s top businesses attended to hear presentations led by Mark Trowbridge of 2020Tel, and to network both before and after the meeting. Membership of B2B4U is free, and all Costa Blanca businesses have a wonderful opportunity to become an Associate of a strong and unique virtual networking group…

to build your contacts, enhance your business image and to be equipped to seek key help and information from fellow Associates. Founder member companies like Vives Pons Asociados, Europa Network, Moneycorp, Ibex Insurance, Spectrum FM, 2020Tel and RTN are all happy to share their expertise, as are all Associate members. Comments after the meeting ranged from “brilliant idea” (Kevin Wright from Moneycorp) and “extremely useful” (Mark Woodward from Ibex) to “excellent meeting

RTN’s Roddy gives the audience 5 Top Tips

– thoroughly enjoyed meeting new faces and catching up with some old ones” (Gaile Griffin-Peers from MABC). Thanks go to Amanda Hobbs of Ciudad Patricia for hosting the event in their excellent auditorium and to Vives Pons for their hands on event organisation. The next meeting is planned for May, although local groups are already planning their own smaller networking get-togethers. Register at www.B2B4U.biz to get involved…its free…so start enhancing and increasing your business now! These Associate Members were there last Friday…your business should be next time! - Argento Wealth Club (Carlo & Lorraine Ferrari) - Ze Black (Marina Carcelen and Amparo Diaz Lopez) - Vibe FM (Guy Renolds and Niel Wylie) - Stage kids (Joanne Lazarus) - Teatro del Sol (Rob Barendsma) - Female Focus (Alan Goswell) - Moneycorp (Kevin Wright) - Bay Radio (Danny Sanders and Graham Barber) - Rabbit FX (Glen Tullett) - RTN (Roddy Cunningham and Chris & Lorraine Dowell) - Celebrate in Spain (Alison Baker) - Handy call (Graham Mavin) - Spectrum FM (John Migan)

- RLAS business & accounting consultants (Raymond Lazarus) - Smartsun (Stefan Martens) - Ibex insurance (Mark Woodward) - Lloyds Bank (Shirley Adams) - 2020Tel (Mark Spencer, Mark and Scott Trowbridge) - Sol TV (Gina Marks) - Europa Network (Gemma Broad and Liam Carter) - PFI (Patricia Frost) - Leslie Finch Management Consultant (Leslie Finch) - deVere Group (Oliver Dax) - Easy Flatpax (Loria Rajah and Andrew Kings) - Euro weekly (Michelle & Steven Euesdon and Sharon Winstanley) - Marina Alta Business Club (Gaile Griffin Peers and Mai Griffin) - Vives Pons & Asociados (Ray Howard, and Franscisco & Miguel Vives)

money

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Christina Brady

Regional Manager of Blacktower Costa Blanca

Investors face increased tax bill after law change in Spain A TEMPORARY amendment to the personal income tax law in Spain will leave investors with savings in Spanish Banks, Cajas and non-tax-compliant offshore bonds facing a higher tax bill in 2012 and 2013. On 1st January, the Spanish personal income tax regime was temporarily modified resulting in a rise in income tax for 2012 and 2013 (see table below). While the changes will have ‘little or no impact’ on those who hold tax-compliant offshore bond policies until at least 2014, those saving with Spanish-based Banks, Cajas and non-compliant tax-compliant products will pay up to 6% more each year in tax.

In Spain, as in the UK, all interest earned on savings held in Banks and Building Societies (Cajas) is taxed at source, whether you withdraw it or leave it in your account, so at least 21% tax is payable on interest earned per annum.

theirclientsunderstandingwhattype of policy - tax-compliantor non taxcompliant - theyhold, in ordertosatisfytheSpanishtaxauthorities’ rules and accountforcorrecttaxliability. “In today’sworld, thechoicesavailabletoinvestors can be overwhelming. Itis crucial thattheyunderstandtheimplications of choosingtherightproduct in ordertoutilisetheavailabletaxadvantagestothe full. Forexample, tax-compliantbonds reduce theburden of reportingonindividualsclassed as tax-resident in Spain and can be affectedbychanges in taxregimesto a lesserdegreethan non taxcompliantalternatives. Therecentchangesintroducedon 1st January 2012 illustratetheseadvantagesperfectly,” saysRachael Griffin SkandiaInternational’s Head of ProductLaw and CommercialGain. If you would like to find out more on how to reduce your tax liability or to arrange a free financial consultation contact Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd on 96 505 8212 or email christina.brady@blacktowerfm.com The information contained in this article does not constitute financial advice and you should seek advice from a professional tax adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity.

IS THERE A WAY TO PAY LESS TAX IN SPAIN ON YOUR SAVINGS? Skandia International emphasisestheimportance of

Blacktower Financial Management (Int) Ltd is licenced in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) Licence No: 00805B

Interest earned on Savings

Tax Rate 2011

Tax Rate 2012 & 2013

0-6,000

19%

21%

6,000 – 24,000

21%

25%

Above 24,000

21%

27%

To find out more about efficient pensions or for any financial advice, please contact Christina on 0034 658 892 330 or 965 058 212 or simply email her at christina.brady@blacktowerfm.com The information contained in this article does not constitute financial advice and you should seek advice from a professional tax adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity

legal

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Obtaining an occupancy licence by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados English & Spanish Solicitors

IS IT possible to obtain a first or second occupancy licence for a property which proposed use is authorised but is built without a building permit and against the town hall’s urban plan? Over the recent years we have received numerous enquiries from people who have a property built some time ago without a license and even against the Town Hall’s urban plan (i.e. the construction is more square meters, or even has more floors, than permitted) and the Town Hall refuses to grant the first or second occupancy licence. Some readers may be in this situation themselves or have a friend or family member who is in this situation, and even entire zones in some Municipalities are finding themselves in these circumstances. However not all illegally built constructions have to end up with the demolition of the building or with no possibility of the property

being able to be used legally, simply because they failed to obtain a construction/building license or were/are not in line with the municipal planning rules. As pointed out by the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Autonomous Community (TSJ C Valenciana) in its Court Order number 2055 of 15 September 2011, the first occupancy license is intended to show that the construction complies with the building permit and that the property meets the living conditions required by the legislation. For those construction cases built without a building permit and where the Administration fails to act within the time frame allowed by Law (normally 4 years) to start a legalisation and penalty process, the property built illegally and against the local planning will become ‘fuera de ordenacion’ (as explained in our previous articles), so the Town Hall cannot request its demolition or claim any sanctions. The High Court of Justice of the Valencian Autonomous Community has stated that in these cases a Town Hall cannot simply prohibit the use of these buildings if they did not act within the time limit provided by law nor start legal or sanction procedures in time. Therefore the use of these builds shall be allowed taking into account the circumstances surrounding each case. This Court stated that “in principle it is

unreasonable to deny the first occupancy living licence for the mere fact of not having a building licence.” There are numerous Court Orders indicating that the Town Halls cannot simply deprive the owners of a property ‘fuera de ordenacion’ from using it by refusing to grant the first or second occupancy license, as this could deliver an excessive punishment for the owners of properties in this situation. And it must not be forgotten that these properties will have a shorter lifespan in any case as, according to the law, they are not allowed to be strengthened or restored, and in some occasions their use will be limited. Thus it is our opinion that, and we say this with respect, some Town Halls appear to be misusing the request for a first/second occupancy licence once the deadline for the Town Hall to review the legality of the building has already elapsed. A first or second occupancy licence is necessary to contract electricity and water, and to review the legality of the finished construction works. It should not be used as a bargaining tool to demand from the owners that they undertake some works, i.e. build a pavement or do some other work within an Urbanisation. It is our opinion that this can be classed as ‘abusive’ since this is not the purpose of the first/second occupancy licence.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court of Spain (Division of Administrative-Contentious, Section 5) in Court Order of 3 April 2000 pointed out that it is not at the granting of the first occupancy license but at the granting of the construction license, where the Administration should conduct the effective monitoring of the works to make sure it is adequate to urban legality. And the Supreme Court continued: ‘nor can (the first occupancy license) be denied even when despite having erected a building without a licence and against planning, the time allowed for the Administration to restore legality has expired and the property is located in an area where its intended use is authorised’. In summary, with the above in mind, and taking into consideration that this could affect thousands of homeowners unable to get their first or second occupancy licence, we consider and so does the Supreme Court; that a Town Hall cannot refuse granting such a license if the property meets the criteria for habitability and the intended use is permitted in the area where it is located. This is the case even if the property does not comply with the planning and/or it was built without a licence, as long as the Administration did not take any action during the 4 years period allowed by Law, even including those cases where the development of the area is not completely finished.

Carlos Baos (Lawyer) © White & Baos Abogados 2012 - All rights reserved. C/Diana 19, 2º-D, 03700 Dénia (located 1 minute away from the La Via underground car park). Tel: 966 426 185. Send your questions to spanishlawyer@roundtownnews.com or info@white-baos.com. This article is available in English and Spanish at www.white-baos.com. The information provided in this article is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues. Visit our blog at http://www.white-baos.com/blog/ and Facebook (White-Baos-Abogados-Solicitors)

money

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Have you signed up to fiscal residency? by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

ARE YOU one of the residents in Spain who tested the water first before taking the plunge? One of the many who began with a holiday home, fell in love with Spain and ‘drifted’ into residency? Or were you quite happy to sell up and move out all in one go? The danger of moving from non-resident to resident status is that the holiday just goes on and on and on... Switching from holiday mode to resident mode is an art form in itself that anyone considering moving out for good should plan. The temptations are great. Menus del dia every day and menus de la noche every night. See the waist line expand and the savings shrink. Living like this is not good for the health nor the bank balance but it is oh, so tempting to do. Keeping yourself busy with other activities is one way of putting the breaks on. Many people join groups or societies, volunteer for good causes or take up the sports they never had time to do before. Practical ways of making sure you live long enough to enjoy your resident life in Spain. MAKE YOUR DOCUMENTS WORK FOR YOU Whilst you are organising your social life, spare a thought for the documentation too. Most people are pretty good at getting their civil residency from the National Police and are keen to show that they are not just passing trade. However, not everyone is aware that there is more to residency than your sheet of green paper. Civil residency is, in fact, pretty useless when it comes to financial matters. For example, when capital gains or inheritance tax is due - if you can’t prove you are a fiscal resident then you can end up paying non-resident taxes and there are big

differences between the two. For example, if you are a married couple with a house valued at 94,000€ and have both names on the deed when one of you dies: if the remaining spouse can’t prove fiscal residency then they will be charged 2,375€ in inheritance tax. If they can prove fiscal residency then the tax is zero. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO PROVE FISCAL RESIDENCY? To be exempt from inheritance tax as a fiscal resident you have to have lived in Spain for more than 183 days during at least 3 of the 5 years prior to receiving the inheritance. To prove this, you will be asked first of all to produce your ‘historical padron’. This can be obtained in the same way as your padron certificate and acts as evidence that you have been in Spain when you say you have. However, this isn’t the end of the matter. Once the inheritance claim is going through, the Tax Authority investigates to make sure that you really have been a resident; a resident in their eyes being a fiscal one. They will ask for your fiscal residency certificate and tax declarations. It is difficult to obtain a fiscal residency certificate without having presented an annual tax declaration. Some people should present one anyway by law. If you have an income from more than one source or earn above a set threshold it is a legal obligation. However, even if you don’t fit this category, we still strongly recommend that residents make a tax declaration even when there’s no tax to pay. In a way it doesn’t matter too much whether you are still in holiday mode or not. If you’re retired here then you deserve it. However, make sure you’ve signed up to fiscal residency if you want your status to work for you.

Equal pay for women in Spain

Women working 14 months to earn 12 months wages

THE GOVERNMENT has committed to “end the unfair wage gap between men and women in Spain” rising to 22% of annual average employment in all sectors and levels, stated the Secretary of State for Social Services and Equality, Juan Manuel Moreno. Wednesday 22nd February marked the European Day for Equal Pay and the Secretary of State regretted that women must “work fourteen months to earn the same as a man who works twelve,” adding, “This gap is one of the greatest injustices that can occur in a society where women’s standards of training and qualifications are very high.” A draft plan for urgent implementation is to be submitted to identify and put an end to sexual discrimination in the workplace. Throughout the European Union women on average are paid 17.5% less than their male counterparts.

business

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Argento - the perfect mix of business and pleasure ARGENTO IS more than a Business Networking Club and more than just another Social Club – it has a mission to really help both its business and social members prosper through these difficult economic times and actually come out of the recession in a few years’ time much wealthier! You may think this impossible with the way things are: lower incomes; tougher business conditions and miserable savings interest rates. Not to mention the rising cost of living, falling property values and erratic stock market returns. So how can the Argento Club really help? The Club’s core members are a group of smart, informed and experienced business experts who have created the ideal support and networking environment to allow Club members to get the help, advice and expertise they need to grow their businesses and personal wealth, even in these difficult times. The Club’s holistic view solves the two main issues, namely to provide free business advertising and networking for its members and cost effective marketing and business development programs and to address the problems of reduced savings and investment

incomes and a rising cost of living. Just look at this list of Members benefits: - Free Online Networking Site - Free Promotion and Advertising - Organised Networking and Social Events for Members - Business Support Resources & first class facilities available In addition, within the Club you receive regular discounts up to a full 10% off members’ sales goods and services. Plus up to 10% discounts on regular club events such as business lunches, networking events, wine tastings, excursions etc. The Club also gives members the opportunity to promote their sales goods, services and private items for sale (over 250€ price) in the Club retail catalogue, such as furniture, cars, boats even houses, directly to both our local and our International members. The total ‘Argento’ concept also provides members with real expertise in acquiring precious metals, offshore accounts and other important ideas for wealth protection and enhancement. For more info contact: secretary@argento-club.biz or see www.argento-club.biz

A new and exciting concept from Argento

+ uk tv

Spain’s e-commerce growing steadily E-COMMERCE IN Spain reached a new record in the final quarter of 2011, with €2,421 million, representing an increase of 27.4% over the same period in the previous year, according to the latest report of the Telecommunications Market Commission (CMT). The report also reveals that for the first time, purchases by Spanish residents in Spain exceeded spending in foreign stores. In terms of sectors, tourism - specifically travel agents and air transport - continued to lead e-commerce. Direct marketing accounted for 6.5% of turnover, while electrical appliance purchases such as audio goods topped the list of transactions.

120mins european landline calls

line rental

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Lend me your eyes get regional backing By Louise Clarke THE PIONEERING ‘Lend Me Your Eyes’ project got regional backing this week after Canal Nou, the Valencia Government run TV channel, sent a crew to Torrevieja to film and publicise this highly beneficial and exciting project, which is the first of its kind in Spain, to the rest of the community. The project, which involves English speaking volunteer readers as well as Spanish, is sponsored by the Torrevieja Town Hall’s Department of Culture and Social Affairs and they organise the reading club, which is called ‘Ambigú’. BLIND In the courtyard of the Torrevieja Library, the volunteers of the English speaking part of the project, which are made up of representatives from Age Concern, were filmed by the TV channel reading English books to English speaking residents who have sight difficulties or who are completely blind and have not been able to enjoy a good book for many years. The ‘Lend Me Your Eyes’ initiative was started with Spanish residents early in 2011 and was later introduced to foreign residents following a recruitment campaign for volunteers that was featured in RTN. BENEFIT The reading volunteers from the English speaking group were accompanied throughout the filming process by Graham Knight, Director of the Office of International Residents (OARI) and Carmen Muñoz Vinal, the municipal librarian and project coordinator. The team from Channel 9 then travelled to the Carmelite Sisters Nursing Home in the city where they filmed scenes from several of the reading groups as well as taking statements from both readers and The recipients. English The project boasts more than 50 volunteers and there are more speaking than 100 people of several different nationalities who benefit from reader are this reading service on a daily basis in both their own homes and in filmed by municipal run and private care homes. Canal 9

New furniture store for MABS Cancer Support Group

THE MABS Cancer Support Group, which is based in San Javier, is to open a brand new store next door to the very successful Cancer Centre. Opened in November 2010, the Cancer Centre has built up a reputation for top quality new and nearly-new clothing and accessories, as well as providing much-needed information, therapy treatment and counselling for all those affected by cancer in the Murcia region. After 18 months trading, the Centre has more than proved itself and Sue plans to open for trading on 2nd March, with an official opening planned for 3rd April. The store will need to be stocked in readiness, so donations of furniture, household items and bric-abrac from the public would be gratefully received. MABS Murcia is able to collect large items or you can call into the MABS Centre in San Javier. Call Sue Thomason on 615 016 035 or email centre@mabsmurcia.com for further information.

Sailors enjoy a cultural trip

The sailors visited the S-61 Delfin submarine in Torrevieja

By Louise Clarke JUST A week after Admirals from the Spanish Armada visited Torrevieja, the crew of the S-73 Mistral submarine made a cultural visit to the city. The crew of 60 sailors, based in Cartagena, made the cultural visit to the city of Torrevieja late last week and enjoyed a tour of the S-61 Delfin submarine, which is permanently located in the city’s harbour as well as the two floating museums, also in the harbour.

The party of sailors was led by Commander Lieutenant Juan Tourico and was accompanied on the excursion by Torrevieja’s Councillor for Culture, Luis Maria Pizana and Councillor for Public Safety, Eduardo Gil Rebollo. All the men and women that make up the crew of the Mistral said that they thoroughly enjoyed their extensive cultural journey through the city of Torrevieja, which also included a trip to the Museum of the Sea and Salt, the Municipal Theatre and the Museum of Natural History.

One big art event

By Louise Clarke TAKE 100 artists and craft workers and add the stunning Cuevas del Rodeo in Rojales, stir in skill, experience and a big helping of enthusiasm and what do you get? One hell of a big art event, that’s what! On Sunday 4th March, around 100 arts and crafts people from all over the Costa Blanca and beyond will be holding the ‘Big Art Event’ at the Rojales Artists Caves or Cuevas del Rodeo, from 11am. At this FREE event, there will be something for everyone including art demonstrations and exhibitions of oil, acrylic, water colour, pastel, air brushing, mural and Chinese silk painting. Children can have their faces painted, whilst their parents can have their portraits painted and there will be demonstrations and exhibitions of sewing, cross stitch, patchwork, quilting, macramé, crochet and knitting. TECHNIQUES There will also be dancing when both children and adults will be able to participate and not only will it be an opportunity to see artists at work, but there will be lots of opportunities to have a go, to ask the artists about techniques and to enquire about classes. There is a bar, a tea room, picnic seating and toilets at the caves to make the day enjoyable for everyone to generally appreciate the colour and beauty that art brings into our lives and to buy some original art and craftwork direct from its creators too. So put the date in your diary NOW, tell your friends and bring them along to enjoy the ‘Big Art Event’! For more information, please visit the website: www.CostaArt.Net or by email at info@costaart.net

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Home Garden

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

Two tariffs or not two tariffs that is the question Saving money on electricity is something we would all like to do. There are several effective options and one of them is the dual tariff system. You may remember something similar called Economy 7. IT WORKS by running two meters, one for the day, the other for the night. Electricity used from midnight to midday (times vary) is offered at an extremely low rate but from midday to midnight, you pay much more than the normal rate. The secret is to use your washing machine, dishwasher and pool pump “off-peak” and restrict your day time consumption to a minimum. Many people have seen a reduction in their bills using this method – but on its own, it is not enough. The most important thing that we must all do is fix our rate. Protecting ourselves from price increases is how we will see the biggest saving in our bills. But we

must act soon, large increases are forecast for 2012 and if we are going to avoid them, we must start the process now. Iberswitch SL are Spain’s leading USC (Utility Switching Company), they negotiate electricity rates on behalf of thousands of consumers. By using their service you can fix your kilowatt rate and completely avoid price increases. With customer services in English, they act as a bridge between consumer and electricity provider. Give them a call on 966 265 089 or visit their website to see how they can save you money. www.iberswitch.com

Electric meter

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Improve your garden with trees by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

FEW REALLY enjoyable Spanish gardens are without trees. A mix of trees that jointly achieve the objectives of providing: - Shade during the hottest part of the day, especially during the summer months - Shelter from prevailing hot and cold winds, gales and storms - Screening/blocking out of adjacent properties and ugly mid distant views - Semi-shade for many semi-delicate plants that cannot withstand temperatures above 30oC including summer grown salad vegetables - Shelter for birds and insects and a source of grubs for their food - Security by blocking out the views of persons wishing to look in - Strong safe branches for supporting hammocks and sky chairs - When pruned twigs and logs for the winter fires and summer paella fires Whether you meet those needs will depend on three things: a. If you are lucky your builder or previous owners were wise to retain healthy and safe trees, perhaps even some wonderfully shaped ancient trees. b. Also hopefully the previous owners of your property planted some attractive well located trees and cared for them well. c. Your own choice and siting of trees whether in a new garden or when improving an existing garden.

So if you need to improve your garden, whether already resident or in the process of purchasing a property, evaluate the stock of trees and decide which you want to keep and those that can be dispensed with. If a house is about to be built negotiate with builder that he will minimise the percentage of the plot used for the storage of materials and machinery and the building itself to minimise the number of trees that are felled or damaged during construction. Unfortunately tree protection laws and regulations are not as widespread in Spain as in the UK. If you are lucky you will inherit a good number of spreading trees providing ample shade and semi-shade through the year. Whether they are natural oaks, pines, carobs or figs, cherries, olives, jacarandas, acacias, albizias etc., prune them to shape before the end of March. By the way, you may find that you have some small self-seeded trees that can be trimmed as informal bonsais by leaving them in situ, or by digging and potting them up to start a formal collection of local bonsais. If you do not inherit sufficient useful trees for to meet the above needs start to think now about where trees would be useful for dense or dapple shade and what trees should ordered for planting before may or after the autumn rains. Part Four of Your Garden in Spain includes a good selection of flowering, fruiting and evergreen trees to choose from. Make your choices on the basis of: • The quality of shade, • Leaf, flower and trunk colours, • The time and length of the flowering season, • The extent of perfume emitted, • The probability of being able to harvest edible fruit,

• The speed of growth and mature size – especially important in small gardens, and most importantly if you aim for a minimum maintenance garden, • The extent of dirty fall outs of leaves, fruit, pollen and in the case of pine trees their needles. In general deep summer shade is worth the inconvenience of having to sweep up leaves, • Their frost hardiness, and • Their speed of growth. Trees can obviously be planted as part of a boundary hedge, as isolated specimens, as copses or as formal/informal orchards in the case of fruit trees. Beware of the dangers of planting trees too near the pool or the walls of buildings and think about what would happen if a mature tree was to be blown down in a storm.

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

When you get round to planting your new trees prepare planting holes at least twice the size of the pot in which a tree comes in and work some well rotted compost and manure into the base of the hole before planting. Stake securely to avoid wind damage and water well until established. The amount of water required by mature trees can vary from nil to copious depending on your ambient temperatures, exposure to hot winds, water retaining power of your soil and the needs for producing good fruit. ‘Your garden in Spain – From planning to planting and maintenance’ can be purchased from high street and internet shops. If you order it from www.gardeninginspain.com you will receive a free copy of ‘Living well from our Mediterranean Garden’.

Home & Garden

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Holiday home luxuries by

Carlos Franco

can be had at down-to-earth prices

YES, SUMMER is almost here! You finally get to enjoy your lovely holiday home, or you might even be thinking CDF about buying your own if you’ve become tired of renting. Arquitectura For holiday home owners there is no better time than spring and summer to make improvements and give your property the kind of makeover that adds comfort and luxury, as well functionality and enjoyment. And it may surprise you to know that many valuable and lifestyle-enhancing home upgrades can be had at a reasonable cost. If you have thought about extending your living space maybe to build that sunroom you’ve been fantasizing about - the warm weather months are ideal as these projects do require opening up a section of the house. Have you contemplated upgrading your bathrooms and showers, building a master closet, adding an outdoor kitchen or a brick-paved driveway? Custom flooring and builtin shelves enhance any room in the house. Other worthwhile upgrades are ceiling fans, and more electrical outlets per room. If energy use is a concern, there are numerous ways to increase the energy efficiency of a home with solar water heaters and more efficient air-conditioners. Of course, the real measure of the value of any upgrade is how it enhances your lifestyle. But there is no denying that home improvements also can be great financial investments. An estate agent has estimated that if you take two comparable three-bedroom homes - of similar style and location - but only one has been kept up with modern bathrooms, kitchen, climate control and insulation - the better

A swimming pool and jacuzzi currently being built by CDF Arquitectura

maintained home could be worth at least €150,000 more. Choices are limitless and should be weighed carefully. Additions like home offices or a tennis court are nice luxuries that may or may not increase your resale value substantially. But adding swimming pools, bedrooms, bathrooms, or replacing outdated windows with energy-efficient alternatives are improvements that almost guarantee that you’ll get back the lion’s share of your investment. In these tough economic times, it is also worth considering that remodeling can cost less. Building materials are being discounted due to the slowdown in new construction.

Contractors are also lowering their prices compared with a few years ago. So as you get ready for the summer season and you ponder your options regarding your home, why not at least consider many of the ways in which you could turn these wonderful summers in Costa Blanca into even more memorable and enjoyable ones? If you have questions, thoughts or just want to chat about home improvement options, give us a call, send us an email or come by our office. We look forward to chatting with you.

A visit to their office of Ana and Carlos Franco is recommended where a no obligation discussion can take place to discuss your needs. CDF is located on the Calle Pedro Garcia Ortiz 25A, Plaza dels Mariners, Calpe 03710. Telephone 965 832 922 or 660 928 037: carlosfranco@cdf-arquitectura.com and www.cdf-arquitectura.com

Home & Garden

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

RTN Special Offer Come and join RTN on a Mediterranean Cruise and visit four of the best cities in Spain, France and Italy

Visit Cannes on this luxurious cruise

FANCY A luxurious cruise this year? Why not book on RTN’s exclusive Royal Caribbean cruise, which is being promoted by Gandia Tours and starts in Barcelona on 7th May? This fantastic offer is only available for that week and with prices from 497€ per person, can you afford not to take advantage of it? BARCELONA The trip starts at the hotel in Barcelona where you will stay for the first night and have the opportunity to visit Spain’s second largest city. Barcelona is the 16th-most-visited city in the world and the fourth most visited in Europe after Paris, London, and Rome, with several million tourists every year. It was founded as a Roman city and after merging with the Kingdom of Aragon, it became one of the most important cities of the Crown of Aragon. Besieged several times during its history, Barcelona has a rich cultural heritage and is today an important cultural centre and major tourist destination with the Sagrada Familia, the international symbol of Barcelona; the Nou Camp Stadium, home to Barcelona Football Club; and the Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau, both designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner and included in the UNESCO Heritage List in 1997 as significant places of interest. CANNES AND MONTECARLO The ship set sails on 8th May at 5pm and next morning you will arrive in Cannes, the first stop on your fabulous five night cruise. Cannes is one of the best-known cities on the French Riviera - a busy tourist destination famous for its luxury shops, restaurants, and hotels. There is an excursion to Montecarlo available from here and whilst in Cannes you can visit La Croisette, the palm tree-lined waterfront avenue best known for its picturesque beaches, restaurants, cafés and boutiques or La Suquet, the old town, which provides a good view of La Croisette, the fortified tower and the Chapel of St Anne as well as Île Sainte-Marguerite, where the legendary ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ was staged. LIVORNO AND FLORENCE Next on your trip is the Italian city of Livorno, which is located on the western coast of Tuscany. Excursions to the fabulous city of Florence are available from here and you will have the chance to visit this beautiful and traditional Italian city that retains much of its original town planning and architectural features such as the bridges and narrow lanes. Known as the ‘cradle of the Renaissance’ for its monuments, churches and buildings, Florence’s best-known attraction is the domed cathedral of the Santa Maria del Fiore, known as The Duomo. CIVITAVECCHIA AND ROME Staying in Italy, the final destination on your cruise is Civitavecchia. Translated as ‘ancient town’, Civitavecchia is primarily a sea port on the Tyrrhenian Sea located 80 kilometres from Rome, across the Mignone River. Excursions to the Italian capital are available from here where you will be able to visit such famous sites as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and Vatican City (not included in the price). You will then spend Saturday 12th May on the ship sailing back to Barcelona, where you will arrive early on Sunday morning. Prices are per person, based on a five night cruise in a double cabin and include transport and the hotel in Barcelona. So, what are you waiting for? Call 966 106 872 now to reserve!

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

Life

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

It’s fiesta time - Elvis style! Following the phenomenal success of last year’s event, the second annual Benidorm Elvis Fiesta returns to Town over the weekend of 30 March to 1 April. From the Organisers of Porthcawl, the largest Elvis Festival in the World, the Benidorm Fiesta promises another three days of the highest quality entertainment from Europe’s top Elvis Tribute Artists. Over 36 hours of live entertainment over the Weekend! Artists include: - Elvis World Cup Winner, from Scotland, Johnny Lee Memphis - European Elvis Masters Winner, from England, Pete Storm - European Elvis Champion 2008, from Germany, Oliver Steinhoff - Best Welsh Elvis, Dean Mack - All Ireland Elvis Champion, Tom Gilson - Plus Mike Nova; Paul Larcombe; Ben Portsmouth; Ben Thompson; Darren ‘Graceland’ Jones; Juan Lozano; El Voice; Norway’s Dag Rune Ellingson; Malta’s Gordon Elvis; Spain’s Mencis Elvis and Benidorm’s Finest – the ‘Rebel’ Simon Patrick. All backed by Red Alert, the World’s leading Elvis Showband. The action is centered on Benidorm’s fabulous Sol Melia Hotel. Starting with poolside shows each day, including Elvis at The Movies and The Gospel Show, the fun then moves on to privately themed Elvis Bars in the Rincon area. Then it’s back to the Melia for a spectacular Vegas Floorshow each night. And if that’s not enough for you there’s always the nightly Aftershow Parties starting at 1am. A three day feast of Elvis in the Mediterranean’s biggest party town! A Weekend Ticket, that will get you into everything, costs just 85.80€, available via the website www.elvisinbenidorm.com or from any of the Round Town Travel offices in Benidorm or Albir. Ticket and accommodation packages are also available with rooms starting from as little as 28.00€ per night per person. For more information and to book your places call 966 813 261.

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Life going out

Cricket in Torrevieja Rain stopped play? Hardly ever, so just imagine you are at the crease, shielding your eyes from the glorious sunshine; the ball is bowled from out of the sightscreen; ‘thwack!’ that lovely sound as leather meets willow. The fielder dives but misses, making a green stain on his whites and the ball scorches over the rope. The Mediterranean glints beyond the boundary and the soft mountains provide the perfect backdrop. Ah, heaven in heaven… Cricket is governed by Cricket Espana, affiliated to the ICC with quite a few teams throughout the country. We not only play in leagues but enjoy the support of touring sides from many countries. San Fulgencio CC, a well established club seeking better amenities have been granted by the Ayuntamiento in Torrevieja superb facilities including a ground and our own large training area in order to re-form Torrevieja CC. We have both a senior’s side and junior’s side with ages ranging from 8 to 68. The skill levels are ‘pretty good’ to ‘plenty to learn’, so there is room for everyone whether or not you have played before. And also needed are umpires, scorers and administrators there is a role for everyone who would like to become involved in cricket, our national summer pastime. Want to increase your business profile? Why not sponsor kit, banners, flyers, or adverts. The cricket Espana website is at: www.cricketspain.es Captain For more information, contact Graham Shelton Leigh Blann on 605 319 889 or Leigh Blann on 671 608 503.

Rascals appear in the Torrevieja carnival

THE INAUGURAL match at Torrevieja Sports stadium on Saturday 18th February saw the local side win a nail-biting game in the last over to a very strong side from La Manga. What? Cricket in Spain? Yes! After all our area is home to many expats, not just from the UK, but many other cricket loving nations.

FOR THE second year running, Rascals braved the cold and took part in the fabulous Torrevieja Carnival. This year they wore costumes from Russia, Spain and India and Eastern Europeans and local Spaniards were all intrigued with their colourful costumes. Rascals are at present rehearsing for their 2012 Variety Show: A Night at the Musicals, which will take place at the Los Montesinos School of Music and Culture on 3rd and 4th May and later at the Virgen del Carmen Theatre in Torrevieja on 14th and 15th June. To reserve tickets call Sue on 96 678 4874 and for further information on the group, please look at their website at www.therascals.info.

Last call for walkers to unite! IF YOU can walk just 5km come and would like to enjoy beautiful views of the lake as well as seeing all the almond trees in blossom, then please join Paul Cunningham Nurses’ Charity Challenge Walk this coming Sunday, 26th February. The 5km walk starts at the Casa la Pedrera -The Grand Designs House- in Torremendo, near San Miguel at 2pm and this year’s event marks the 4th annual walk. Sponsorship forms for the walk are available by emailing sueinthesun@hotmail. co.uk or by calling or texting to 639 318 526. Sue from PCN told RTN: “We would love everyone to get sponsors for their walk but if this is not possible you can just come along and pay a 5€ registration fee on the day. For cyclists, runners and serious walkers the more challenging distances are in the morning! Starting at 11.00am is the 10km and 15km walk followed at 11.30am by the 10km and 20km cycle ride. For more information and a map see www.thingstodoinspain. info. Paul Cunningham Nurses is a registered charity providing hospice care at home free of charge for those who pass an assessment and are in the latter stages of any terminal illness.

Piano and violin concert THE DUO Gonsalez Sanchez will be performing in concert next Friday evening, 2nd March, at the Palacio de Musica in Torrevieja from 9.30pm. As well as traditional piano and violin concertos from the likes of Brahms and Mozart, the pair will also be playing more modern classics such as Imagine by John Lennon. Tickets are priced at 5€ and are available from the municipal ticket office, which is located in front of the Municipal Theatre and is open from 11am until 1pm every weekday. Tickets can also be purchased two hours before the concert from the venue.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Life people Easy Horse Care get Valentines surprise NEW FOAL Valentine was born at the Rescue Centre recently. Despite an icy and freezing cold entrance to the world, the Centre is pleased to announce that mother and baby are keeping warm and well.

Valentine and Gin

Gin arrived at the Centre last summer along with Tonic and was already in foal. They were rescued after one of Easy Horse Care’s volunteers, Cassandra, bought them from the gypsy owners for 400€ guaranteeing their happy and healthy future. Months later the two are parents to a foal born in the early hours of 15th February. Born just a day after Valentine’s Day, he is named for the most romantic day of the year! “It was quite a surprise when we woke to find we had another little donkey,” said Sue Weeding. “The horses here are not used to these cold conditions,” said Sue, “Their water is frozen so our volunteers are starting the morning routine around an hour earlier with kettles to defrost the water buckets. And automatic drinkers are frozen so we have to manually change the water throughout the day, giving them extra feeds.” Horses drink around 25-40 litres of water a day so it a

Love is in the air for San Javier’s runners

Runners past the beaches of Santiago de la Ribera

PERFECT CONDITIONS greeted the runners for San Javier’s Saint Valentine’s Ten Mile Run on Sunday. The event, which is in its third year and was organised by the Runtritón Running Club and PDM San Javier, was a great success with dozens of runners taking part. The ten mile route took in the sights of San Javier as well as the beaches of Santiago de la Ribera. The winner was Abelilahn Jaadar, who made the 10 miles in 31:01 minutes and the top ranking female was María Jesús Mocholí Giménez in 40:09.

Choral Concert Classical Concert FOUR CHOIRS from the region will be taking part in a special choral concert on Sunday 11th March at the Municipal Theatre in Torrevieja. The concert starts at 6pm and includes choirs from Valencia, Alicante, Elche and Torrevieja. Tickets are priced at €5 and are available from the Municipal box office. Also that same evening, Tracey and the Sweet Rhythm Kings will be performing at the Palacio de Musica at 8pm. This talented group brings a new dimension to swing music and is a treat to watch. Tickets are priced at €10 and again are available from the Municipal ticket office.

THERE WILL be a classical concert held on Saturday 17th March at the Teatro Circo in Orihuela. The Carmina Burana Classical Concert is being performed by the Vivace Choir and a coach is being laid on by the Orihuela Costa Town Hall which will depart from Playa Flamenca that evening at approximately 7pm. Denise Wesserling of the Town Hall in Playa Flamenca is organising the evening and entrance tickets cost 5€ per person which will be donated to the charity Manos Unidas for the campaign against hunger. Transport from Playa Flamenca to Orihuela and return is also being organised at a cost 5€ per person. For more information on tickets and transport please call Denise on Denise on telephone: 96 676 0000 ext: 34 or via e-mail: dwesserling@orihuela.es.

long, arduous but necessary task to keep the water filled up. Extra forage is also being provided as eating helps them to generate heat. Currently, with the severe drop in temperature, Easy Horse Care is getting through 16 bails a day at a cost of 5€ each. Visitors can see Valentine at the Centre’s open days every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon from 1-4pm or at their Easter Eggstravaganza on Easeter Sunday from 1pm, with prizes for the best bonnet for both adults and children; an Easter egg hunt; music from TAABS; a display from the pony club; and the café and tea room will be open throughout the afternoon with hearty meals and home-made cakes. For more information on the Easy Horse Care Rescue Centre telephone Sue on 652 021 980 or email www.easyhorsecare.net

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Life spanish The Letter

‘V’

THE PRONUNCIATION of the letter V is identical to that of the letter B in modern standard Spanish. Once you have accepted this fact, it makes life a whole lot easier. People seem to worry excessively about the pronunciation of their Bs and Vs and I often find students staring at my mouth and pouncing on any slight variation they might detect!! Sometimes during speech the movement of ones mouth can vary slightly, but the fact of the matter remains that Bs and Vs are the same! They are both pronounced like a soft, lazy English B. Variation within that sound from lips being fully closed to being slightly parted are equally well understood, and you will find this variation amongst native Spanish speakers as well. Because of this similarly in pronunciation, this is one of the few areas where the Spanish themselves tend to make spelling mistakes. It is not at all uncommon to find signs with “nobiembre” instead of “noviembre” or children’s homework in which “libro” is spelt “livro”. There is an advertising campaign at the moment in the area where I live with bogus headlines from newspapers which are in fact called “La Verdad” and “La Voz”. In the adverts they are spelt “La Berdad” and “La Boz”. There are also one or two familiar cases where these letters can cause confusion. One is the word “baca” or “vaca”, both pronounced exactly the same. “Baca” means a “roof rack” on a car, or “luggage rack” on a train, whilst “vaca” means “cow”, the mistake giving rise to much hilarity about people driving round with a cow on their roof. As usual we have a good range of V words that mean something very similar in both languages. “Vagabundo” (vagabond, tramp), “vacaciones” (vacation, holiday), “valiente” (valiant, brave), “ventilación”

Basic Spanish for everyday needs by Jane Cronin

The truth Robbie Savage@RobbieSavage8: Dixon, Adams, bould, keown, winterburn must be having nightmares about this arsenal defence!! Shocking!!!

(ventilación), “verificar” (verify, confirm), “versátil” (versatile), “vértebra” (vertebra), “vertical” (vertical), “vibración” (vibration), “vicepresidente” (vice president), “victima” (victim), “victoria” (victory), “virtual” (virtual), “virus” (virus). There is a handful of odd words beginning with V which are most notable for the fact that they impossible to translate. These are: “venga”, “vaya”, “vamos”. “Venga” means “come” or “come on” but also means nothing at all when it’s thrown into conversations, particularly at the end. “Vaya” expresses a bit of surprise or perhaps irritation and can only really be translated with “Well then!” or just occasionally “Fancy that!” and “vamos” means “we go” and “let’s go” and also nothing at all at the ends of conversations. If that explanation was less than enlightening I can only apologise on behalf of the Spanish language! Probably the most common and well known V word of all is “vale” which we all know means “okay” and we hear it said constantly by everybody. However, what you may not realise is that “vale” comes from the verb “valer” meaning “to be worth” “to be valid” “to be of use”. Therefore, when we say “vale” we are actually saying “it’s valid”, “it’s of use”. I thought you might like to know that. And finally here are two sayings containing V words. The first is: “Las verdades duelen” “Truths hurt”, and the second one has a nice little rhyme: “Una vez al año no hace daño.” “Once a year doesn’t do any harm” which more or less relates to our expression “Once in a blue moon” but to me sounds more like a good excuse for doing something naughty!

Twitter rivals Piers Morgan@piersmorgan: Good grief, Shugs@Lord Sugar - our follower gap has veritably erupted to 283k. A new record.Up 40k in a month. Oops! #TwitterTaxiForAlan The rant Cheryl Cole@CherylCole: Be Careful who you kick on your way up ... They kick you twice as hard on your way back down... #unappreciationisugly The random tweet Tom fletcher@tommcfly: I’m really starting to enjoy egg sandwiches. Feel like I’ve missed out on 26 years of another sandwich filling option. The funny tweets Graeme Swann@Swannyg66: ‘Thanks for the flowers darling’ said the wife this morning. ‘My pleasure’ I said. Now I just have to work out who’s sending my wife flowers Keith Duffy@officialkeith: Got a tattoo of a digital watch on my wrist. I regretted it literally one minute later. Ryan Babel@RyanBabel: Why is there a show called “When animals attack”? It should be called “When stupid people go near dangerous animals” Just a thought...

Life books

Danny Collins - copy@dannyjpcollins.com

Roadside Crosses ROADSIDE CROSSES are appearing along the California highways – memorials to deaths that have not yet occurred and within 24 hours someone will be dead. A serial killer is at large and CBI investigator Kathryn Dance has the task of finding him. But Jeffery Deaver writes with a twist. The killer’s targets are all bloggers who’ve posted to a crusading website with rants against a young student who was allegedly driving a car in which two teenage girls died. The book is, in itself, a damning indictment of cyber-bullying and a dire warning to those who can’t resist telling the world the colour of their underwear. Eventually anyone who’s posted about anything on the site will become a target as Deaver takes the reader into the synthetic online world where people live and die in role-playing games and expose their souls in community postings. Personally, I wouldn’t touch community sites et al with a bargepole but I’ve seen at firsthand the damage they can do. Also, as an investigative journalist and author in another life, I’ve been demonised online and in print for what I’ve written – but I just accept there are some wackos out there. Someone once said we tell too much of ourselves when we post online – and someone is always watching us. Deaver writes with a frantic rhythm that has the reader galloping to keep up and just when you thought you’d found the villain… Have you posted on Facebook recently? If so,

Suduko Answer

watch out for those roadside crosses when you’re driving. One of them may be for you….. A brilliant book. Author: Jeffery Deaver Publisher: : Hodder & Stoughton (paperback) Price: 12.80€ ISBN: 978 0 340 99404 7

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Life going out

Carnival time By Louise Clarke THIS SATURDAY, 25th February, sees the second Orihuela Costa Carnival. Dubbed the Festival Multicolour, the event is being organised by the Councillor for Fiestas, Carolina Gracia and the Councillor for the Coast, Bob Houliston in collaboration with a number of coastal associations including the Parents Associations (AMPA) of the Los Dolces and Playas de Orihuela schools, the Association of Orihuela Costa Retailers (ECHO), the Platform for Orihuela Costa

Businesses and Residents and the Association of Young People in Orihuela Costa (AJOC). The parade, which will start at the top of Calle Nicolas de Bussi in Playa Flamenca, will involve more than 300 people of all ages, including children from the local primary schools. The procession of carnival floats and participants will make its way to the huge carnival marquee, which will be located in the Mercadona car park in Playa Flamenca and inside there will be lots of activities for the children

Has La Marina got talent? TRIQE FUND is at it again and bringing more fun and entertainment to its many supporters with ‘La Marina’s Got Talent’. On Friday 23rd March at the Sports Bar in the Consum Car Park, a show of local talent will go before a panel of Judges, including the Media. There won’t be any promises of world fame, nor record deals or even a coveted insult from Simon Cowell, but just good old fun, with a few laughs, applause and maybe a small prize. Any one wishing to be considered for the show should contact the bar before 29th February. Good Luck!

and for the adults, a welcome bar area serving cold beer and glasses of vino tinto! The carnival had its inaugural outing on the coast last March and this year, it is even bigger and better with lots of Orihuela Costa residents getting involved. For exact timings and more details please call Denise Wesserling at the International Residents Office in the Orihuela Costa Town Hall on 966 760 000 ext: 34 or via e-mail: dwesserling@orihuela.es.

Triple Charity Event in aid (DEBRA)

THE TREASURE Chest is supporting a triple charity entertainment event featuring the talents of seven youngsters aged 10 to 17. Thomas Lumley and James McAllister Drew on guitar and vocals; singers Ellie Clarkson, Elise McGregor, Rebecca Holt and Kara Lumley; and Flamenco dancer Jordan Dunn are to perform on three separate occasions: - 2nd March - The Rusty Nail, Pinar de Campoverde, 9pm start: free buffet - 3rd March - The Coopers Arms, Doña Pepe 8.30pm start: Tickets 5€ - 10th March - Cheers Bar, Eagles Nest, Villa Martin, 9pm start: free buffet This year’s carnival promises to be bigger and better than last year

In addition to outstanding musical entertainment there will be raffles, Tombolas and ‘Play Your Cards Right’ to help raise cash for this worthy cause. Many local business have already provided raffle prizes (thank you) but prize donations may be taken to any of the Treasure Chest shops at Quesada, Villa Martin or Playa Flamenca or bring them along on the night of the event. To read more about the charity go to www.debra.es.

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

Life food

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Food Consultant Edwin Cheeseman

Restaurants need to do more for less ALTHOUGH I like being invited to parties it does sometimes seem to be just a little like being at work, making sure everyone is having a good time sort of comes natural when you have had to make a living doing it. Weather extremes can sometimes help kick start a party with tales of how much snow you had to shovel just to make it, or the extreme heat you had to endure when the airconditioning packed up, but worst of all is when it’s dark, damp, misty and cold. There are few things worse than having to go out to a party where you just ought to show your face but in reality you really don’t want to go. Turns out although you made a Herculean effort you are still the first one to arrive. Slightly worse is going to a new or recommended restaurant in the same weather conditions to find no greeting, in fact no-one at all to start with, no menus prepared, the heating or the air conditioning not quite kicked in yet and the lights are still being turned on and candles being lit even though they were supposed to open an hour ago. (Note: Research has shown that pub customers will wait only 40 seconds past the posted opening time before heading off to find another pub that’s actually open). The chef is still lighting the stoves so anything you order will be warmed gently through instead of properly searing it and the echo of scraping chairs on a tiled floor makes you think you booked the village hall and when you do encounter your first member of staff they always seem so shocked and surprised to see you, what were they expecting? Can there be anything worse…well yes there

The most difficult time for any restaurant staff is when it’s quiet

can and its working in that restaurant. The most difficult time for any restaurant staff is when it’s quiet. It could be the bad weather or bad time of year, poor economy, bad reputation, bad area or even just plain bad planning. Never mind the struggle you had to go through and the effort you put in just to get there, the staff have to make the same effort as you, but every single day. You try putting on a smile when having sent half the staff home and about to close the restaurant a single couple want to eat and meantime take their time. It’s really hard. But it is the job. Surprisingly as it may seem at first, we closed our restaurants every New Years Eve so we had time to remove the Christmas decorations and deep clean just about everything. The staff then had the night off to celebrate before returning the next day fresh and ready to start the New Year with a bang. Surrounding businesses were informed that we were ready for business and there was not a trace of doom and gloom or leftovers, Christmas music or decorations in sight, no surprise then that January was our second busiest month.

If you have a question about food email cheeseman@roundtownnews.com

A recent steak meal in Florida in a very quiet restaurant was completely ruined by a lackadaisical waiter who not only forgot the wine, spilt the starter, served the wrong steak and was constantly harder to locate during the troubles than a Dodo. Then having incurred the wrath of said waiter by refusing to leave a tip he decided to, quite mistakenly, confront me for not leaving an extra 25%. Believe me, I fully understand just how hard it is running a food business especially in difficult times, but the rewards are still there for those who make the extra effort. A pleasant welcome only costs a little bit more effort. Make me, the customer; feel as if I really am welcome and that the extra effort you have made to be efficient, punctual, helpful and ready with a big smile when I arrive was just for me alone even though it is directed at everyone. Should you expect a bigger tip? I don’t think so during difficult times but when things finally do pick up you too could be rewarded with floods of smiling customers eager to return your greeting with a “Good to see you again too”

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Life health Stop smoking and change your life in 30 minutes Mark Phoenix Murphy Dhp MIAPH MNRAH

ITS ‘NATIONAL No Smoking Day’ on 14th March 2012, so why not decide that now is the time to kick the habit? Almost every day for the last 16 years, as a Hypnotherapist, when I have helped people to stop smoking I am never surprised when I ask a client “What do you believe is in a cigarette?” They often reply “Nicotine, Tobacco and Tar.” They are all surprised when I give them the answer. ARE YOU READY FOR THE TRUTH? The list of 599 additives approved by our Governments for use in the manufacture of cigarettes is something every smoker should see. Submitted by the 5 major American cigarette companies to the Dept. of Health and Human Services in 1994, this list of ingredients had long been kept a secret. While these ingredients are approved as additives for foods, they were not tested by burning, and it is the burning of many of these substances which creates over 4,000 chemical compounds, and 69 of those chemicals are known to cause cancer. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen cyanides and ammonia are all present in cigarette smoke. 43 known carcinogens are in cigarette smoke. It’s chilling to think about not only how smokers poison themselves, but what others are exposed to by breathing in the second-hand smoke. The next time you’re missing your old pal, the cigarette, take a good long look at this list and see them for what they are: a delivery system for toxic chemical and carcinogens.

And what about Nicotine replacements? Well I bet you were not aware that Nicotine is a natural insecticide which drop for drop is 3 times as poisonous as Arsenic (which by the way is also in your ciggie!) ….granted they may not have a lot of the other chemicals in them….but why have any at all? Despite the angry protestations of some smokers under pressure to quit, most smokers understand only too well that smoking is a killer: they do want to give up smoking but find the process itself too daunting. Some smokers have tried to give up before and found that supportive products on the market help slightly, but not enough to complete the process of quitting. Also the effects of smoking are unsociable to say the least: smelly clothes; smelly hair; bad breath; stained fingers and lips. Many smokers are unaware of the pervading smell until they are smoke free for several weeks. Hypnotherapy is available to help or even completely eradicate all manner of habitual behaviour. Some of these therapies require an extended period of cognitive help to conquer cravings but in the case of quitting smoking, the help that is so desperately needed can be given in a short and effective session that takes just 30 minutes. GIVING UP SMOKING IN JUST 30 MINUTES All potential clients requiring help to quit smoking, as with all other clients seeking help through Hypnotherapy, receive an

initial consultation and suitability assessment free of charge. The process of Hypnotherapy is comfortable, soothing even. You will not feel ‘out of it’ in any way or even feel you are in a hypnotic state. On the contrary, you will feel completely in control at all times and leave the clinic feeling refreshed and totally able to turn your back on smoking. WHAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD THE THERAPY? The Quit Smoking programme costs just 140€ – the cost of around four or five cartons of cigarettes. So you will find that the cost of your therapy will be recovered in saved expense on cigarettes in a very short time! CREDENTIALS As with any service that affects your health, it is imperative to seek the services of a qualified and fully registered and insured Hypnotherapist. Check me out by visiting www.iaph.org. Mark Phoenix Murphy’s clinics are at the following locations: International Clinic Moraira; Family Medical Clinic Albir near Benidorm; Dental Clinic, Sector B Camposol; Physical Therapy Clinic Villamartin. I look forward to helping you! www.hypnospain.com www.hypnotherapyGastricband.com Telephone 654 202 996

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Life health Hearing tactics

Michael Burke

RHAD MSHAA of Digital Hearing

If you don’t have hearing loss and are speaking to someone who does, make it easier for them to hear and understand what you are saying. If you have a hearing loss, it is important that you let people know how best to communicate with you; help them to help you – take responsibility for making the most of your hearing.

GOOD COMMUNICATION is the responsibility of both the listener and the speaker.

TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH A HEARING LOSS - Let people know you have a hearing loss. - Remind them if they forget. - If possible, put people where you can see them best, preferably with the light behind you, shining on their faces. - If they obscure their mouth with their hand or a book, ask them to move it. (Everyone lip reads whether they know it or not.) If you normally wear glasses, wear them. - Don’t bluff or pretend you know what is being said when you don’t. - Don’t be afraid to ask people to rephrase things. - Try moving closer to the speaker – maximum 6 ft away. - If you can possibly reduce background noise, do so: switch off the kettle, TV, radio, etc. - In restaurants/pubs, try and keep the noise behind you: keep your back to the bar/kitchen. - If your hearing is really bad, don’t try and hide it; SHOUT about it! Wear a badge! TIPS FOR THE SPEAKER - If you are talking to someone you know has a hearing loss: - Face the listener. Look at them and keep eye contact, and keep your face visible. - Get their full attention. Start with their name, so that they know it’s them you are addressing. - Don’t shout. This can distort speech. Try and project your voice. Pronounce your words properly and, if possible, add visual clues such as hand gestures. - Speak clearly, slowly and fully form all your words; don’t mumble. Don’t talk with your mouth full. Don’t chew or smoke. - Don’t talk with your hands in front of your mouth.

- Be aware of background noise - running water, kettle, TV, etc, and avoid it. - Don’t talk while looking away. - Don’t talk from behind. - Don’t talk whilst walking away, from another room, or with your head in a cupboard. - If asked to repeat something, don’t repeat it exactly – rephrase it: say the same thing in a slightly different way. - Never‘It doesn’t matter.’ What you are really saying is that ‘you don’t matter’ or ‘I can’t be bothered.’ If you think you know someone has a hearing loss but they won’t acknowledge it, be supportive. Don’t answer for them when they are asked questions; let them conduct conversations themselves. Encourage them to make their own phone calls if they can. The key to successfully coping with a hearing loss is to acknowledge it and take control. Help people to help you. Many people do not understand hearing loss and think that the best way to communicate is to talk louder when talking a little more slowly and clearly is often better. In the next Hearing Column we will look at the outer ear.

If you have any question’s about this week’s topic, email digitalhearing@hotmail.co.uk or contact Michael Burke at Digital Hearing, Quesada Business Centre, Calle Los Arcos 7, Quesada: Tel 698 418 642.

Pilar kids get free eye health checks

Pilar’s infants will all have their eyes checked

By Louise Clarke GOOD EYE care and blindness prevention are the goals of a campaign that was launched in Pilar de la Horadada this week. Thanks to an agreement between the Pilar Town Hall and the Jorge Alió Foundation, children between the ages of four and six at the town’s school will have their eyes checked by qualified opticians. Last week, infant children at the Colegio Mediterráneo were the first to be tested by opticians in this year’s initiative and the free visual health checks will be made available to every young child in the municipality over the coming weeks. Children who took the exam in previous years and showed abnormalities were also examined to determine the progress of their treatments.

Friendship Group’s Sunday Lunch COMING UP in March, Paul Cunningham Nurses have a full programme of fundraising events; starting with the charity’s Friendship Group’s Sunday Lunch at El Corazon Hotel for just €9.95 on Sunday 4th March for anyone wishing to join our newly formed friendship group or just come along anyway! Booking is essential by calling 639 318 526 or emailing sueinthesun@hotmail.co.uk

Prostate screening programme winds down IT HAS been announced this week that the Torrevieja branch of the AECC will be winding down its prostate screening programme. Following instructions by the Provincial office of the charity in Alicante, registrations for the screening programme will be limited to existing participants who are either within three months of their annual check up, or are in the process of ‘control’ check ups. After this period, no appointments will be available from the Torrevieja branch, but they will be available from other branches and of course through the AECC’s main office in Alicante. The Torrevieja office in Calle la Calera will be open every Wednesday as usual to discuss this and explain more details should anyone need to. There are more than 40 AECC branches in the area; details of which can be found on the charity’s website at www.aecc. es. You can also visit the Alicante office at Avenida Catedrático Soler, 4 bajo, 03007, Alicante or call them on 965 924 777 for all the information on their screening programmes which are free of charge; although a donation to the charity will always be gratefully received!

OSTEOARTHRITIS Benijofar Chiropractic SHOCKWAVE THERAPY TREATMENT Clinic Our patients are a testimony to its success. Dr Hans C. Madsen D.C. - Member of the Danish, Spanish & European Chiropractic Assoc Contrary to popular belief, osteoarthritis is not due to age-related ‘wear and tear’ on your joints.

It tends to be more common as you get older – affecting around 80% people over the age of 50 to some degree - but is not a normal part of ageing. Osteoarthritis develops in a joint when changes occur in the cartilage – the soft tissue that protects the surface of a bone and allows the joint to move freely. These changes affect how the joint works and may be due to damage that occurred to the joint many years before any symptoms appear. Bony outgrowths form at the outer edges of the joint, making it look knobbly, and thickening of the membrane and capsule enclosing the joint make it stiff, painful to move and sometimes inflamed which causes a lot of pain and changes the shape of the joint. Osteoarthritis may occur in more than one joint at any one time, with the hips, knees, hands, shoulders and lower part of the spine being most often affected. Treatment of osteoarthritis is largely aimed at controlling the inflammation, reducing the pain associated with the inflammation and if possible, slowing the progression of the disease. Shockwave therapy offers an exciting addition to the treatment options for osteoarthritis, with little to no risk of adverse side effects. Shockwave therapy can significantly reduce the inflammation of the joint (synovitis) associated with osteoarthritis with a reduction in the synovial fluid volume and the synovial fluid protein. The role of shockwave therapy is in slowing the progression of osteoarthritis and it can actually alter the process of cartilage degradation. The shockwaves stimulate certain components within the body, so the body is able to heal. Shockwave therapy is able to accomplish this even in chronic cases. In addition to stimulating the healing process, shockwave therapy seems to have a direct effect on nerves, diminishing pain. We find that many patients get an initial degree of improvement almost immediately following treatment. This is associated with an anesthesia effect from the hyperstimulation of the tissue from the Shockwave therapy.The shockwave therapy targets the calcification around the affected joint and breaks this up and disperses it with repeated treatments. Laser therapy is then applied, which helps to remove these calcified deposits out through the bloodstream and out of the system. It has been used successfully to treat people with necrosis of the femoral head, eliminating the need for a hip replacement in some cases. Our patients are a testimony to the success of the treatment of osteoarthritic conditions. As a result of the treatment they have vastly increased movement, reduced inflammation and little or no pain. They are able to resume normal lives free of the inhibitions that they previously experienced. Opening hours: Mon & Wed: 10.00 - 13.30 & 15.00 - 18.00 Tues & Thurs: 15.00 - 18.00 - Fri: 10.00 - 13.30

Tel: 966185242 / 693371616/617 - E-Mail: info@chiropractor-benijofar.es Calle Federico Garcia Lorca, No. 90 L8 03178, Benijofar (opposite the Citroen Garage)

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Life showbiz goss

Peter Taylor

Writer and Broadcaster

Maybe it’s because you ain’t a Londoner THE RATHER lovely Christina Hendricks from top TV show Mad Men could well have been given the role in an upcoming movie based mostly in the fact that she is a super honey. Let me explain the reason for that mildly sexist remark - the movie is called ´Bomb ‘and tells the story of two teenage girls who get caught up in the Ban The Bomb movement in London in the 60s. The problem for Christina is that she is an American and the role calls for her to sound like she comes from London. She is currently in the capital and has begun vocal training trying to perfect the accent and told the Daily Telegraph: “It will only be my voice that changes … okay Christina we´ve got that bit … then she said rather more appropriately: “You British always know when someone gets an accent wrong so I´m determined to get it right.” But you won’t Christina! Many have tried before you and they have all failed! … Oh yes … and we know when the accent is wrong cause we´re British you see … I now rest my case with regard to the sexist remark above which in turn covers the possible reason why they´ve not given the part to a girl from London … cor bleedin’ blimey guv … you could knock me down wiv a fevva!

Silly sea lion

Bringing Shakira to this page is a first for me but unfortunately it’s a bit silly as to why she´s here. She and her brother were on holiday in S Africa last week and went to a sea lion park to enjoy looking at the animals. However, the Colombian singer decided that rather than stay at a safe distance like everybody else, she would get a little closer, and so the story begins. Shakira wrote in her blog: “I was attacked by a Sea Lion! …This afternoon I happened to see some Sea Lions and I thought to myself how cute they were so I decided to get a bit closer than all the other tourists … suddenly one of them jumped out of the water so fast … and impetuously … that it got about one foot from me.” … and so on and so on … how do you jump out of the water impetuously by the way? The happy ending is that her brother stepped in and saved the day and could well be the next James Bond and Shakira has a few minor scratches … could it be that the Sea Lion recognised her and thought he might ask for her autograph but the impetuous jump blew the deal … silly Sea Lion.

Hero of the week!

The promotion team behind the X Factory are surely scraping the bottom of the barrel in an attempt to save what I believe is a sinking ship with a poorly disguised load of old nothing that popped up last week about the boy band JLS. The band´s management released a story that apparently the lads were out on the town in London cruising around in their top of the range Beemer when they were involved in a car crash. Again apparently, the driver of the other car then got out and was ‘a shoutin’ and a hollerin’, but despite all of this, and the police turning up as well, Ortise Williams, who was the driver at the time, ‘dealt with the whole matter on his own’… my word what a hero. The management team tagged on at the end of this shocking news what this whole load of toffee was all about when they said: “Let’s hope this incident hasn´t stopped Ortise´s chances of becoming the next X Factory judge … have a day off will ya! … What are we … Stupid!

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

Life TV

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

24th February - 1st March

Friday 24th February BBC1

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07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Wanted Down Under Revisited 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Doorstep Crime 999 12:30 Cowboy Trap 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 Escape to the Country 16:00 BBC News 16:05 School for Stars 16:35 Wingin’ It 16:55 Deadly Art 17:15 OOglies 17:30 Blue Peter 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Room 101 22:00 New Tricks 23:00 BBC News 23:35 Graham Norton Show 24:20 The National Lottery Friday Night Draws 24:30 Scary Movie 3

07:00 Childrens TV 10:35 Guess with Jess 10:45 Harry and Toto’s World of Opposites 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Animal Park 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 Britain’s Heritage Heroes 20:00 The Culture Show 21:00 Mastermind 21:30 Mastermind 22:00 Melvyn Bragg on Class & Culture 23:00 QI 23:30 Newsnight 24:00 The Review Show

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News and Weather 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 Safari Vet School 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News and Weather 23:35 Walking Tall

07:15 Channel 4 Presents 07:20 Sali Mali 07:25 The Treacle People 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:50 Undercover Boss 10:55 Relocation, Relocation 12:00 A Place in the Sun 13:00 Channel 4 News Summary 13:05 Kirstie’s Handmade Britain 14:05 Murphy’s War 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:30 4thought.tv 20:35 Come Dine with Me 21:30 New Girl 22:00 The Bank Job 23:00 The Mad Bad Ad Show 23:50 Rude Tube 24:55 10 O’Clock Live

07:00 Childrens TV 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana’s Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 Build a New Life in the Country 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Miami 16:15 Ladies of the House 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Royal Navy: Caribbean Patrol 21:00 World’s Toughest Trucker 22:00 The Mentalist 23:00 Castle 23:55 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 24:55 Inside Hollywood

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Emmerdale 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 09:35 Judge Judy 10:25 The Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Emmerdale 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 Love in the Wild 21:00 You’ve Been Framed! 21:30 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 22:00 American Idol 23:00 The Only Way Is Essex 23:45 The Only Way Is Essex 24:30 Jonathan Ross Show

07:00 Switched 07:20 Life Unexpected 08:00 Glee 08:55 Ugly Betty 09:45 Life Unexpected 10:40 Scrubs 11:10 Scrubs 11:40 90210 12:30 Desperate Housewives 13:25 Greek 14:20 Scrubs 14:50 Scrubs 15:15 Hollyoaks 15:50 90210 16:45 Glee 17:40 Rules of Engagement 18:05 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 Supernanny US 22:00 Epic Movie 23:50 World’s Greatest Body Shockers 24:50 Playing It Straight

14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 The Gift- Inspirational & Motivational poems with Simone Segal 18.05 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions – Electricity in Spain 18.30 Let’s Talk – Simon Baldock’s with veteran runner Keith Long 19.00 An Evening With... 2 of the best tribute artists – Ultimate Tributes 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music

Electricity in Spain 18.05

SATURDAY 25th February BBC1

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05:00 BBC News 05:30 On The Road with... 06:00 BBC News 06:30 Our World 07:00 Breakfast 11:00 Saturday Kitchen Live 12:35 Rachel Allen: Home Cooking 13:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 13:15 Football Focus 14:00 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 16:25 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 19:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 19:15 Pointless Celebrities 20:10 Let’s Dance for Sport Relief 21:30 The National Lottery: Who Dares Wins 22:20 Casualty 23:10 BBC News and Weather 23:30 Match of the Day 24:45 The Football League Show

07:00 Little Robots 07:10 Zigby 07:20 Garth and Bev 07:35 Octonauts 07:45 Everything’s Rosie 08:00 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 08:30 Dennis & Gnasher 08:40 Scooby-Doo Show 09:05 Pixelface 09:35 Prank Patrol Down Under 10:00 Ultimate Sports Day 10:30 Blue Peter 11:00 My Life 11:30 Trapped Ever After 12:00 Hacker Time 12:25 OOglies 12:40 MOTD Kickabout 13:00 Howl’s Moving Castle 15:00 Escape to the Country 15:45 Animal 24:7 16:30 Birds Britannia 17:30 Final Score 18:20 Coast 18:50 Flog It! 19:50 Dad’s Army 20:20 The Story of Light Entertainment 21:20 Story of Musicals 22:20 I’m in a Boy Band 23:20 TOTP2 24:20 Pan Am

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 ITV News 10:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 11:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show USA 12:20 This Morning: Saturday 13:20 Murder, She Wrote 14:20 ITV News and Weather 14:25 Casino Royale 16:50 Nanny McPhee 18:35 Granada News and Weather 18:45 ITV News and Weather 19:05 All Star Family Fortunes 20:05 You’ve Been Framed! 20:35 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 21:05 Take Me Out 22:20 The Jonathan Ross Show 23:20 ITV News and Weather 23:35 The Bodyguard

07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Road to London 2012: Paralympics Extra 08:55 The Morning Line 09:55 Everyone’s Talking About... Top 10! 10:25 Bourjois Boutique 10:55 Playing It Straight 11:55 New Girl 12:25 The Simpsons 12:55 Charlie’s Angels 13:55 The Big Bang Theory 14:25 The Big Bang Theory 14:55 Channel 4 Racing 16:55 Come Dine with Me 17:25 Come Dine with Me 17:55 Come Dine with Me 18:25 Come Dine with Me 19:00 Channel 4 News 19:15 4thought.tv 19:20 Night at the Museum 2 21:20 Big Fat Gypsy Weddings 22:20 The Bank Job 23:20 Shooter

07:00 Childrens TV 08:30 Make Way for Noddy 08:45 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 08:50 Milkshake! Monkey 09:00 Little Princess 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Angelina Ballerina 09:50 Rupert Bear 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:15 The Mr Men Show 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 11:00 World’s Toughest Trucker 12:00 Royal Navy: Caribbean Patrol 13:00 Braveheart: The True Story 14:00 The Duel at Silver Creek 15:30 Day of the Evil Gun 17:25 The Dirty Dozen 20:15 5 News Weekend 20:20 NCIS 21:15 NCIS 22:10 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 23:10 CSI: NY 24:10 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

07:00 Coronation Street 09:30 Emmerdale 12:20 Take Me Out 13:20 Take Me Out: The Gossip 14:00 Love in the Wild 15:00 American Idol 16:50 American Idol 17:50 The Brit Awards 2012 19:50 The Mummy 22:20 Take Me Out: The Gossip 23:05 Celebrity Juice 23:50 Payback

07:00 Switched 07:25 Switched 07:45 Switched 08:10 Switched Up! 09:00 Dirty Sexy Things 10:05 Supernanny US 11:00 Supernanny US 11:55 Gok’s Fashion Fix 13:00 Supernanny US 13:55 Supernanny US 14:55 Hollyoaks 17:30 Perfect Couples 17:55 Perfect Couples 18:20 Scrubs 18:50 Scrubs 19:15 The Big Bang Theory 19:40 The Big Bang Theory 20:05 Happy Endings 20:35 How I Met Your Mother 21:05 Rules of Engagement 21:35 The Big Bang Theory 22:00 I, Robot 24:15 The Big Bang Theory 24:40 The Big Bang Theory

Celebrity Juice 23.05

VIVA TV

Local Information and Non Stop Music 20:00

Sunday 26th February BBC1

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05:00 BBC News 05:30 Click 06:00 BBC News 06:30 The Record Europe 07:00 Breakfast 08:40 Match of the Day 10:00 The Andrew Marr Show 11:00 The Big Questions 12:00 Country Tracks 13:00 Sunday Politics 14:05 EastEnders 16:00 Match of the Day Live 19:30 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 20:00 Countryfile 21:00 Antiques Roadshow 22:00 Upstairs Downstairs 23:00 BBC News; Regional News and Weather 23:25 Room 101: Extra Storage 24:05 The League Cup Show 24:50 The Apprentice USA

07:00 Little Robots 07:10 Zigby 07:20 Garth and Bev 07:35 Octonauts 07:45 Everything’s Rosie 08:00 Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab 08:30 Dennis & Gnasher 08:40 The Scooby-Doo Show 09:05 Paradise Cafe 09:30 Wingin’ It 10:00 Friday Download 11:00 Something for the Weekend 12:35 The Red Beret 14:00 Cowboy 15:30 Live Six Nations Rugby Union 18:00 Songs of Praise 18:30 Coast 19:00 I’m in a Boy Band 20:00 World’s Most Dangerous Roads 21:00 Top Gear 22:00 Swimming with Crocodiles 23:00 Match of the Day 2 24:15 Three Men Go to Ireland

07:00 Mini CITV 08:25 CITV 10:25 ITV News 10:30 Ade in Britain 11:30 Dinner Date 12:30 Dickinson’s Real Deal 13:30 ITV News and Weather 13:45 Murder, She Wrote 14:45 Columbo 16:45 Midsomer Murders 18:50 Granada News and Weather 19:05 ITV News and Weather 19:20 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 19:50 Dancing on Ice 21:30 Wild at Heart 22:30 Dancing on Ice: The Skate Off 23:00 That Sunday Night Show 23:30 ITV News and Weather 23:45 Piers Morgan’s Life Stories 24:50 Premiership Rugby Union

07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Channel 4 Presents 08:05 That Paralympic Show 08:30 Sailing 08:55 Bourjois Boutique 09:25 One Tree Hill 10:20 Hollyoaks 12:55 The Big Bang Theory 13:25 The Big Bang Theory 13:55 The Big Bang Theory 14:25 The Simpsons 15:00 The Simpsons 15:35 Robots 17:20 Deal or No Deal 18:20 Time Team 19:25 Channel 4 News 19:55 4thought.tv 20:00 The Political Slot 20:05 Home of the Future 21:00 The Hotel 22:00 Homeland 23:00 Law Abiding Citizen

07:00 Childrens TV 08:35 Make Way for Noddy 08:45 Little Lodgers 08:50 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 08:55 Milkshake! Monkey 09:00 Little Princess 09:15 The Adventures of Bottle Top Bill and His Best Friend Corky 09:30 Angelina Ballerina 09:45 Rupert Bear 09:55 Milkshake! Show Songs 10:00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10:10 The Mr Men Show 10:30 Roary the Racing Car 10:40 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 11:00 Animal Rescue Squad 11:20 Grey’s Anatomy 12:15 Police Interceptors 13:20 Cassandra Crossing 15:50 My Girl 17:50 Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World 19:10 The House Bunny 21:00 Cowboy Builders 21:55 5 News Weekend 22:00 Outlaw Josey Wales 24:50 Maximum Risk

06:40 ITV2 Nightscreen 07:00 Gossip Girl 07:45 Emmerdale 10:35 Coronation Street 13:30 Winners & Losers 14:20 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 14:50 Wild Wild West 17:00 The Only Way Is Essex 17:45 The Only Way Is Essex 18:30 The Cube 19:30 The Mummy Returns 22:00 Benidorm 23:00 The Only Way Is Essex 23:45 I Am Legend

07:00 Switched 07:20 Switched 07:45 Switched 08:05 Supernanny US 09:00 Supernanny US 09:55 Gok’s Fashion Fix 11:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 12:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 13:00 Supernanny US 13:55 Supernanny US 14:50 Privileged 15:40 Make It or Break It 16:35 Make It or Break It

Harry Hill’s TV Burp 14:20

17:35 Samantha Who? 18:00 Being Erica 19:00 90210 19:55 She’s the Man 22:00 Desperate Housewives 23:00 Desperate Housewives 24:00 Skins

VIVA TV 14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 The Gift – Inspirational & Motivational poems with Simone Segal 18.05 Youth Tube – 3 more youngsters about their life in Spain 18.30 The Barcelona Boat Show – One of the most prestigious shows in Europe 19.00 Let’s Talk –Simon Baldock is joined by magician Graeme Mykal & actor Robbie Gallacher 19.30 The Wedding Show – The Day! 19.45 Handmade – Fishing for huge catfish on the Ebro 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music Fishing for huge catfish 19:45

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Life TV

24th February- 01st March

monday 27th February BBC1

BBC2

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CHANNEL 5

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VIVA TV

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Picture of Health 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Doorstep Crime 999 12:30 Cowboy Trap 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Indian Doctor 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Show Me What You’re Made Of 16:35 Wingin’ It 16:55 Deadly Art 17:15 OOglies 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 Inside Out 21:00 EastEnders 21:30 Panorama 22:00 Empire 23:00 BBC News 23:35 A Question of Sport 24:05 Late Kick Off 24:35 Graham Norton Show

07:00 Childrens TV 10:35 Guess with Jess 10:45 Harry and Toto’s World of Opposites 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Animal Park 14:45 On the Road with the Chief Beefeater 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 My Life in Books 20:00 The Culture Show 21:00 University Challenge 21:30 The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff 22:00 The Tube 23:00 Watson & Oliver 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Pan Am

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News and Weather 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Coronation Street 21:00 The Dales 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Whitechapel 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News and Weather 23:35 The Agenda 24:05 That Sunday Night Show 24:40 River Monsters

07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Undercover Boss 10:55 Three in a Bed 12:00 A Place in the Sun 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Quick Bakes with Eric Lanlard 13:10 The Fabulous Baker Brothers 13:40 Terms of Endearment 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 SuperScrimpers 22:00 Coppers 23:00 Proud and Prejudiced 24:05 Homeland

07:00 Childrens TV 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 08:55 Mio Mao 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana’s Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 The Removal Men: Pickfords 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:10 Killer Flood 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 World’s Toughest Trucker 21:00 Police Interceptors 22:00 Royal Marines: Mission Afghanistan 23:00 Starship Troopers 3: Marauder

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 09:35 Judge Judy 10:00 Judge Judy 10:25 The Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 The Cube 21:00 Gossip Girl 22:00 Ocean’s Twelve 24:25 Celebrity Juice

07:00 Switched 07:20 Life Unexpected 08:05 Glee 08:50 Ugly Betty 09:45 Life Unexpected 10:40 Scrubs 11:05 Scrubs 11:35 90210 12:30 Desperate Housewives 13:30 Greek 14:25 Scrubs 14:50 Scrubs 15:20 Hollyoaks 15:50 90210 16:45 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 My Name Is Earl 21:30 My Name Is Earl 22:00 Playing It Straight 23:00 Skins 24:05 Fresh Meat

14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 The Gift Inspirational & Motivational poems with Simone Segal 18.05 FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions – Home Security & Natural Health 18.30 Spanish Dive Adventures 19.00 Spanish Eye – The story of Beagles saved f rom extermination 19.15 Out & About in Torrevieja – The Casino 19.30 Let’s Talk Special – The Only Way is Up with Yazz 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music

Out & About in Torrevieja – The Casino 19.15

tuesday 28th February BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

VIVA TV

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Picture of Health 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Doorstep Crime 999 12:30 Cowboy Trap 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Indian Doctor 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Show Me What You’re Made Of 16:35 Wingin’ It 16:55 Deadly Art 17:15 OOglies 17:30 Pixelface 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 Prisoners’ Wives 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 The Richard Dimbleby Lecture 2012 24:20 Who Do You Think You Are? US

07:00 Childresn TV 10:35 Guess with Jess 10:45 Harry and Toto’s World of Opposites 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Animal Park 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 My Life in Books 20:00 Raymond Blanc: The Very Hungry Frenchman 21:00 Alex Polizzi: The Fixer 22:00 Horizon 23:00 Have I Got News for You 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Rubicon

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News and Weather 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 River Monsters 21:00 The Exit List 22:00 The Biggest Loser 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News and Weather 23:35 Benidorm 24:35 The Cube

07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Undercover Boss 10:55 Three in a Bed 12:00 A Place in the Sun 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Quick Bakes with Eric Lanlard 13:20 Battle Cry 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Supersize vs Superskinny 22:00 Big Fat Gypsy Weddings 23:00 Shameless 24:05 Random Acts 24:10 Desperate Housewives

07:00 Childresn TV 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 08:55 Mio Mao 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana’s Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 The Removal Men: Pickfords 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: NY 16:15 Staircase Murders 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Police Interceptors 21:00 Apollo 13: The True Story 22:00 Body of Proof 23:00 CSI: NY 23:55 CSI: Miami 24:55 CSI: NY

07:00 Coronation Street 07:25 Coronation Street 07:50 Emmerdale 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 09:35 Judge Judy 10:00 Judge Judy 10:25 The Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Coronation Street 13:30 Coronation Street 14:00 Emmerdale 14:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 Harry Hill’s TV Burp 20:30 You’ve Been Framed! 21:00 Super Tiny Animals 22:00 The Vampire Diaries 23:00 Winners & Losers 24:00 Payback

07:00 Switched 07:20 Life Unexpected 08:05 Glee 08:50 Ugly Betty 09:45 Life Unexpected 10:40 Scrubs 11:10 Scrubs 11:35 90210 12:25 Desperate Housewives 13:25 Greek 14:20 Scrubs 14:50 Scrubs 15:15 Hollyoaks 15:50 90210 16:40 Glee 17:35 Rules of Engagement 18:05 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 How I Met Your Mother 21:30 Rules of Engagement 22:00 90210 23:00 The Cleveland Show 23:30 Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy 24:00 Bob’s Burgers 24:30 Ricky Gervais Show

14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 The Gift - Inspirational & Motivational poems with Simone Segal 18.05 FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions – Home Security & Natural Health 18.30 Spanish Dive Adventures 19.00 Spanish Eye – The story of Beagles saved from extermination 19.15 Out & About in Torrevieja – The Casino 19.30 Let’s Talk Special – The Only Way is Up with Yazz 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music

VIVA TV

wednesday 29th February BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Picture of Health 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Doorstep Crime 999 12:30 Cowboy Trap 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Indian Doctor 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Show Me What You’re Made Of 16:35 Wingin’ It 16:55 Deadly Art 17:15 OOglies 17:30 My Life 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 19:55 Party Political Broadcast 20:00 The One Show 20:30 The Food Inspectors 21:00 Waterloo Road 22:00 MasterChef 23:00 BBC News 23:35 The National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23:45 Kevin Bridges What’s the Story?

07:00 Childrens TV 10:45 Harry and Toto’s World of Opposites 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 Daily Politics 14:00 See Hear 14:30 Coast 14:40 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:10 The Weakest Link 15:55 Helicopter Heroes 16:40 Flog It! 17:25 Perfection 18:10 Antiques Road Trip 18:55 Party Political Broadcast 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 My Life in Books 20:00 Escape to the Country 20:30 Watson & Oliver 21:00 The Fisherman’s Apprentice with Monty Halls 22:00 Wonderland 23:00 Roger & Val Have Just Got In 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 Storyville

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News and Weather 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Live International Football 23:10 ITV News and Weather 23:40 Granada News and Weather 23:45 International Football 24:50 Kidnap and Ransom

07:00 The Treacle People 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Undercover Boss USA 10:55 Three in a Bed 12:00 A Place in the Sun 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Channel 4 Presents 13:10 Quick Bakes with Eric Lanlard 13:30 Reach for the Sky 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Daddy Daycare 22:00 One Born Every Minute 23:00 10 O’Clock Live 23:55 Mad Bad Ad Show 24:45 Random Acts 24:50 Album Chart Show

07:00 Childrens TV 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:25 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:40 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana’s Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 The Removal Men: Pickfords 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:15 Mystery Woman 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Cowboy Builders 21:00 Big Body Squad 22:00 NCIS 23:00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 23:55 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 24:55 Poker: The Big Game

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 09:35 Judge Judy 10:00 Judge Judy 10:25 The Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 Take Me Out 21:15 Take Me Out: The Gossip 22:00 Love in the Wild 23:00 The Only Way Is Essex 23:45 You, Me and Dupree

07:00 Switched 07:25 One Tree Hill 08:05 Glee 08:50 Ugly Betty 09:45 One Tree Hill 10:40 Scrubs 11:10 Scrubs 11:35 90210 12:30 Desperate Housewives 13:25 Greek 14:20 Scrubs 14:50 Scrubs 15:15 Hollyoaks 15:45 90210 16:40 Glee 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 The Golden Child 22:50 Elektra 24:45 The Big Bang Theory

14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 The GiftInspirational & Motivational poems with Simone Segal 18.05 Dramatic Licence present – Murdered to Death 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music

Local Information and Non Stop Music 20:00

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

thursday 1 March

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

VIVA TV

07:00 Breakfast 10:15 Picture of Health 11:00 Homes Under the Hammer 11:58 BBC News 12:00 Doorstep Crime 999 12:30 Cowboy Trap 13:13 BBC News 13:15 Bargain Hunt 14:00 BBC News 14:30 Regional News 14:45 Doctors 15:15 The Indian Doctor 16:00 BBC News 16:05 Show Me What You’re Made Of 16:35 Wingin’ It 16:55 Deadly Art 17:15 OOglies 17:30 Leonardo 18:00 Newsround 18:15 Pointless 19:00 BBC News 19:30 Regional News 20:00 The One Show 20:30 EastEnders 21:00 The Great British Countryside 22:00 MasterChef 23:00 BBC News 23:25 Regional News 23:35 Question Time 24:35 This Week

07:00 Childrens TV 10:35 Guess with Jess 10:45 Harry and Toto’s World of Opposites 10:50 Louie 10:55 Same Smile 11:10 Chuggington: Badge Quest 11:15 64 Zoo Lane 11:30 Mama Mirabelle’s Home Movies 11:40 Waybuloo 12:00 In the Night Garden 12:30 BBC World News 13:00 Daily Politics 14:00 Animal Park 14:30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15:15 The Weakest Link 16:00 Helicopter Heroes 16:45 Flog It! 17:30 Perfection 18:15 Antiques Road Trip 19:00 Eggheads 19:30 My Life in Books 20:00 Top Gear 21:00 Raymond Blanc: The Very Hungry Frenchman 22:00 Japan - Children of the Tsunami 23:00 Mock the Week 23:30 Newsnight 24:20 On Hannibal’s Trail 24:50 On Hannibal’s Trail

07:00 Daybreak 09:30 Lorraine 10:25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11:30 This Morning 13:30 Loose Women 14:30 ITV News and Weather 14:55 Granada News and Weather 15:00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16:00 The Alan Titchmarsh Show 16:59 Granada Weather 17:00 Midsomer Murders 18:00 The Chase 19:00 Granada Reports 19:30 ITV News and Weather 20:00 Emmerdale 20:30 Tonight 21:00 Emmerdale 21:30 Coronation Street 22:00 Kidnap and Ransom 23:00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23:30 Granada News and Weather 23:35 My Dad Is a Woman 24:35 The Jonathan Ross Show

07:05 Sali Mali 07:10 The Hoobs 07:35 The Hoobs 08:00 Freshly Squeezed 08:30 According to Jim 08:55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09:25 Frasier 09:55 Undercover Boss USA 10:55 Three in a Bed 12:00 A Place in the Sun 13:00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13:05 Quick Bakes with Eric Lanlard 13:20 The Fabulous Baker Brothers 13:50 Hellfighters 16:10 Countdown 17:00 Deal or No Deal 18:00 Come Dine with Me 18:30 Coach Trip 19:00 The Simpsons 19:30 Hollyoaks 20:00 Channel 4 News 20:55 4thought.tv 21:00 Location, Location, Location 22:00 Make Bradford British 23:00 Our Man In 24:05 Coppers

07:00 Childrens TV 08:20 The Mr Men Show 08:35 Thomas & Friends 08:45 Noddy in Toyland 08:55 Mio Mao 09:00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09:15 Peppa Pig 09:20 Peppa Pig 09:30 Roary the Racing Car 09:45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10:00 Hana’s Helpline 10:15 The Wright Stuff 12:10 LIVE with Gabby 13:10 5 News Lunchtime 13:15 The Removal Men: Pickfords 14:15 Home and Away 14:45 Neighbours 15:15 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation 16:15 Accused at 17 18:00 5 News at 5 18:30 Neighbours 19:00 Home and Away 19:30 5 News at 6.30 20:00 Holiday Heaven on Earth 20:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 Revealed 22:00 The Transporter 23:55 Ultimate Police Interceptors 24:55 Inside Hollywood

07:00 Emmerdale 07:25 Nanny 911 08:15 Loose Women 09:10 Judge Judy 09:35 Judge Judy 10:00 Judge Judy 10:25 The Real Housewives of Orange County 11:30 Judge Judy 12:00 Judge Judy 12:30 Judge Judy 13:00 Emmerdale 13:30 Nanny 911 14:30 The Jeremy Kyle Show 15:35 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16:40 The Real Housewives of Orange County 17:40 Loose Women 18:40 Judge Judy 19:05 Judge Judy 19:30 Judge Judy 20:00 All Star Family Fortunes 21:00 American Idol 23:00 Celebrity Juice 23:45 The Nutty Professor

07:00 Switched 07:25 One Tree Hill 08:05 Glee 08:50 Ugly Betty 09:45 One Tree Hill 10:40 Scrubs 11:10 Scrubs 11:40 90210 12:30 Desperate Housewives 13:25 Greek 14:25 Scrubs 14:50 Scrubs 15:20 Hollyoaks 15:50 90210 16:40 Glee 17:30 Rules of Engagement 18:00 Desperate Housewives 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Big Bang Theory 20:00 Hollyoaks 20:30 How I Met Your Mother 21:00 The Big Bang Theory 21:30 Rules of Engagement 22:00 How I Met Your Mother 22:30 Happy Endings 23:00 Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy 23:30 PhoneShop 24:05 PhoneShop 24:40 Pete Versus Life

14.00 Non Stop Music 16.00 Shopping and Info 18.00 The Gift- Inspirational & Motivational poems with Simone Segal 18.05 Spanish Eye – The Horsewhisperer of Murcia 18.15 How to get your ITV 18.30 Dave & Andy’s Excellent Adventure – Quad Bikes 19.00 Benidorm Gay Pride Concert – More fabulous artists from the recent event 20.00 – 22.00 Local Information and Non Stop Music

Crossword Solutions for 644 Across: 1 Mastiffs; 5 Quid; 9 Fowl; 10 Carousal; 11 Rigid; 12 Evident; 13 Tender-hearted; 18 Note-book; 19 Norm; 20 Inverse; 21 Coach; 22 Gash; 23 Asserted. Down: 2 Aconite; 3 Tallied; 4 Flame-throwers; 6 Unspent; 7 Diluted; 8 Godiva; 13 Tanning; 14 Natives; 15 Embark; 16 Rancour; 17 Earache.

QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Splendid; 5 Adds; 9 Prop; 10 Assassin; 11 Funny; 12 Globule; 13 Objectionable; 18 Teutonic; 19 Sick; 20 Amnesia; 21 Cover; 22 Tell; 23 Strident. Down: 2 Perturb; 3 Expense; 4 Insignificant; 6 Disturb; 7 Sincere; 8 Baboon; 13 Outcast; 14 Journal; 15 Choose; 16 Abscond; 17 Lectern. Wordwheel: TEMPORARY

Dave & Andy’s Excellent Adventure – Quad Bikes 18:30

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Life music

CostaVibes Tony Poole

Vocal Booth Weekender - Take 4 DATES FOR this year’s Vocal Booth Weekender have been officially announced. Every September the Costa Blanca hosts a week of pool parties and late-night club sessions featuring world class DJ’s from the house music scene. The Vocal Booth was launched by DJ Andy Ward back in 1999 in Birmingham at the flagship bar owned by The Ministry of Sound whereAndy was joined weekly by some of the world’s biggest DJs on the deep house scene. Andy and his family relocated to Spain in 2004, the new home for the Vocal Booth was to be Thursday evenings on TKO FM, and The Vocal Booth Radio Show was born. As technology advanced the show began to stream globally on the internet and it built up a very strong and loyal fan base around the world with one of the busiest chat rooms of any radio show. Andy’s connections with some of the biggest names on the scene meant that listeners never knew who would be passing by, with the likes of famous record producers Dennis Ferrer, Louie Vega and Joey Negro, to name but a few, regularly joining the fun. The show continues to go from strength to strength on Pressure Radio every week with Andy on the mic, every Thursday from 9pm.

Andy explains: “What started off as a tongue-in-cheek remark on air one week, has turned into something incredible. My radio show and club nights have a very strong following of what I call ‘Family Members’. All of these people immediately jumped at the idea of me finding a venue here in Spain to hold the 10 Year Birthday celebrations.” That was in 2009, and those celebrations were to be the start of one amazing series of parties. Over 200 people travelled from across Europe to a small Spanish town on the shores of the Mar Menorand had the time of their lives. In 2010 the formula was already in place and the new home of Campoamor, was graced with almost 400 members of ‘The Vocal Booth Family’. More amazing times followed as people who had heard about the parties turned up and were welcomed into the fold and will never look back. This was repeated at the 2011 event with over 500 people attending. “The Vocal Booth Weekender is only about the music, the people and the vibe. There is no room for egos, musical snobbery or attitude.This gives us even more opportunity to present even more of the world’s finest DJs as well as our ever-faithful Family crew.” Says Andy The main event runs from Friday 15th September through to Sunday 17th September. The opening party in Club Xairo on Friday night is followed by pool parties on Saturday and Sunday at the Montepiedra Hotel. For those who want to make full week of it, the fun continues with pool parties Monday to Thursday, and a live farewell broadcast on Thursday, poolside at the Montepiedra. For booking information visitwww.vocalboothweekender.com

DJ Andy Ward

Jazz festivals, gigs and new releases at www.vibesfromthecostas.blogspot.com Email news and views to vibes@roundtownnews.com Keep the ViBES ALiVE!

Woody WOODY IS the ultimate entertainer, with Rock ‘n’ Roll flowing through his veins… always very busy which is the mark of an excellent act. But Rock n Roll is just part of the show. He has a show that gives that ‘something for everybody’ feel and he sets out to make sure his audience has a good time… Check out this week’s Out and About and if you get the chance, go and see the show: you won’t be disappointed. For further information telephone Phoenix Promotions on 677 222 352.

and

Out About

FRIDAY 24TH FEBRUARY - Connor, Coopers, , Quesada - Jimmy Mac, Buddies Bar, Toretta Three - Woody,Bar Monte, Los Montesinos - JJ Soulman, JP’s, Mil Palmeras SATURDAY 25TH FEBRUARY - Enigma, O Duills, Gran Alicant - Shirelle, Shandon Bell, Villamartin Plaza - Andy Jones, PJs at the rendezvous, Torrevieja SUNDAY 26TH FEBRUARY - Enigma, Bar Social, Pinosa

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

The Wizard of Oz coming soon

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Left to right: Carmen Lorente, Barry Cox, Mike Smith, Christine Smith, Rosa Belén Morán Parades and Loly Baroja

AFTER A successful production of Aladdin last December in Los Montesinos, members of the Rojales Pantomime group met with the councillor of culture, Rosa Belén Morán Paredes and Carmen Lorente, who runs the Acadamie de Baile in Los Montesinos. Readers may have heard of Carmen Lorente and the successful festival of Flamenco at Restaurante La Herradura in Los Montesinos. The councillor was so impressed by the group’s production of Aladdin (directed by Christine Smith) that she wanted to encourage more intetrgration between the English and Spanish communities in this charming town. The result is a collaboration to perform The Wizard of Oz,

Gala benefit concert for Doctors without Borders

A GALA benefit concert has been organised for Doctors without Borders. The charity event takes place at the Palacio de Musica in Torrevieja this coming Sunday, 26th February to help doctors fund treatments for diseases such as HIV/AIDS in children, tuberculosis and malaria. Torrevieja’s Councillor for Health and Charities, Carmen Mateo and the Councillor for Culture, Luis Maria Pizana, announced the ‘Solidarity Gala Concert’ earlier this week saying that all proceeds from the event will benefit Doctors without Borders. The concert, which will feature performances by Torrevieja singer songwriter Quique Montes and the Ars Aetheria Chamber Orchestra, starts at 7pm and tickets are priced at 6€.

written and directed in panto style by Barry Cox and featuring students from the acadamie de baile de Carmen Lorente. Performance dates are Thursday 31st May and Friday 1st June at 7.30pm, with a Saturday Matinee at 2.30pm in the Escuela de Musica in Los Montesinos. Tickets are 8€ for adults and 5€ for children. Adult tickets bought in advance are just 7€, with details of where tickets can be purchased available shortly. This promises to be a truly spectacular show for all the family, with early booking advised. Barry Cox said: “It’s Simply Wizard to be asked to be involved in something like this.”

Lennon and McCartney A FANTASTIC all new Lennon and McCartney show, with Jimmy Mac and Trace Graham. Full stage and lighting set up. Trace has been in the music industry for many years playing bass guitar and he has had success with a band in the 70s called the JETZ... he has been playing in various bands ever since. Jimmy Mac is always looking to add more and entertain as a solo act, but also has also played in various bands for years currently in a top class band called the saviours of soul, so when the chance came up to form as a duo the Lennon and McCartney show the guys decided to form the duo as they both have a great admiration for The Beatles. Jimmy and Trace are also members of the very popular band the Cadillacs. For details please contact Phoenix Promotions: 677 222 352.

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

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. Failing to notice what supervisors are doing (11) 9. This sheet keeps moving - and it’s very cold! (3-4) 10. Suffering from lack of money, but drunk (5) 11. Sample some of Rita’s tea-cakes (5) 12. It’s a ban that may be revised - don’t! (7) 13. Italian city is almost without sleep (6) 15. At which pot-shots are taken (6) 18. This acts as a destroyer when put to sea at great speed! (7) 20. Clubs - they are used for evening out (5) 22. Name one in love, maybe (5) 23. North African bird? (7) 24. Railwaymen who prepare the tables for a meal? (5-6)

DOWN 2. Wives will change opinions (5) 3. Take over the security arrangements and remove anxiety (7) 4. Knowing the score is essential to one who play in these (6) 5. As fliers, they may come to the end of the line (5) 6. The skinflint is trailing’ back (7) 7. The difference achieved by outstanding examination candidates (11) 8. They build a nest on moss, maybe! (5-6) 14. Incomplete description of one who shows bias (7) 16. This provides support after the partnership breaks up (7) 17. Punctilious pattern followed by nearly everybody (6) 19. Carry out a put up job (5) 21. Not the same parent losing her head (5)

Wordwheel

Quick Crossword ACROSS

DOWN

1. In addition (11)

2. Marriage (5)

9. Glided (7)

3. Burial mound (7)

10. Granted (5)

4. Charm (6)

11. Cancel (5) 12. The Merchant of Venice (7) 13. Generous (6) 15. Slumbering (6) 18. Excess (7)

5. Power (5) 6. Income (7) 7. Permanent (11) 8. Incapable (11) 14. Interpretation (7)

20. Characteristic (5)

16. Relapse (3-4)

22. Oust (5)

17. Climb (6)

23. Exhilaration (7)

19. Supple (5)

24. Enterprise (11)

21. Foreign (5)

Answers & Winners Last week’s Crossword and Suduko answers found on page 51/53. Winner for 644: Gregory Ainsworth, Campello

Euromillions Draw Friday 17th February 2012

4 11 28 38 47 10 11

No ticket won

Tuesday 21st February 2012

11 14 24 25 29

No ticket won

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Life horoscopes MERCURY enters with a flourish towards the end of the week, bringing a solution to a continuing problem since there are some who are not listening to what you are saying right now. Whatever you do, do not change tracks, and allow your persistent and persuasive nature to show those concerned that you mean business. Jupiter calls the shots and prepares to leave your side after a long and steady connection in which much has been achieved. Ensure that you make a last wish as you prepare to connect with an amorous Venus who has desires on your next moves, and who brings love and light into your life. Be prepared to be inspired, excited and for once throw all caution to the wind! Mercury’s influence over Aries brings some routine back into your life and prepares you for a very busy period of your life. Not before time wait for the alternatives as you plan your own way through, and take the necessary advantages as they are presented. Just when you thought you had some time on your hands you are deservedly directed into something rather wonderful. Saturn, deep in thought, and ready to share wisdom and power with you, directs you to make the many changes that you need to with the confidence that you are doing the right thing. Your energy, good luck and fortune and your adaptability have all worked together to bring on a new project which will greatly benefit from your expertise and continuity. Someone isn’t telling you the truth, and you are involuntarily involved in something that on hindsight was plagued with problems right from the onset. Though you may steer the ship safely through it will not happen without some unavoidable damage, and you should limit your liability whilst you still can. Blame any actions with Mercury and an indecisive Piscean energy. As scheming Mars has attached to your second house of infinity there may very well be some explaining to do this week as you struggle to keep things going, and nothing seems to be right. Yes you may very well have bitten off more than you can chew, but there is currently a negative energy around you that doesn’t help at all, and where is help when you really do need it? With a cavorting Venus, prevalent in Aries, there comes a need to open your heart and see the alternatives. Since you have made any access to your true emotions so very difficult, there comes a time to feel at home with someone who is trying so hard to love you every each way. You may think that you are testing and in charge, but you are in danger of losing the love you have. Things have to get worse before they can get better, and it is sure that concerted efforts must continue, to spite those who have secretly enjoyed your discomfort. When revenge is a dish best served cold, let that this week gives you a fighting chance to show them just how much you really do know and who your friends are, and that you are not for turning. Jupiter takes a back seat and tells things like they are to show you that your independence is about to be rewarded. It isn’t easy to take sides and you shouldn’t have been asked to do so. Now with the wisdom of Saturn in place and the wrath of an inspiring but naughty Aries let’s see what’s in store when you finally call the shots and play this current game to win! Powerful energies are pulsating through Earth signs at present. You may not really know what you want, or may feel that current thinking is working somewhat against you. True, you have been tested of late and congratulations that you kept your temper, but better things are around the corner, and you have to take control now that you can. Time is on your side and this would be the ideal time to plan a breakaway or trip. Routine is a natural but exhausting part of your life, but though there is no need to dangle a carrot in front of you to gain your attention; there is a need to take some time for yourself. You put in a lot in what you do, so now it is time to take out all that you deserve so enjoy every minute. Mercury whispers sweet nothings into your ear and you respond by significantly adding to the current energy fields of peace and contentment brought about by Cosmic actions in your sign. You have however the perfect chance to clear something and to wipe the slate clean, so go ahead and kill two birds with one stone whilst you can do it, and for once, don’t look back.

Kenny corris www.kennycorris.net

The Golden Age THE LAST time I wrote of 2012 it was out there on a distant horizon and much of what was said could be, and maybe was, wrapped up and labelled under the diverse category of ‘Conspiracy Theories’. Now as I write, the year of 2012 has come and much which was said has been written in stone and we await its happening sometime soon. There has been a wealth of information flying around that captures primarily our fears, turning our minds to the negative energies that are all set to be unleashed upon a World of change and consequence through the New World Order. I am delighted to inform you that things haven’t worked out well for those who have a brief to gain control by stealth. Naturally the powers that be had specific actions to be implemented to augment World events, and designed such actions to be well and truly smoke-screened by a set of ‘natural disasters’. We all saw a Tsunami come from nowhere even though 481 trained technicians were tracking at the time of impact. Strange that only the povertystricken and voodoo-believing sector of Haiti was detonated, leaving the cash rich and oil fuelled areas well alone. Freak storms hit Japan, just next to an ailing Nuclear Reactor. Off in the Mexican Gulf it was BP who were blamed for drilling deficiencies as a set of underwater experiments kicked off, and Volcanoes, well they were set off to cause maximum disruption and one in particular closed European air space for some time. Look and see what changes are all around us. Be happy that things haven’t worked out the way that they could, and you can thank the enlightened people who got wind of the occurrences, and who said to themselves that this can never happen. If there is any backtracking then it certainly isn’t of my volition. Now defensive actions and enlightened responses have echoed the World it is clear that there have been last minute changes, and some serious re thinking to enable what was aimed for, and what will now be. Spiritual and thinking people got very angry and learned to say no. We banded together to refuse to accept that which was on offer, and the difference is now a delay in strategy that has caused a reversal of ideas, a cessation of

Kenny’s diary 2012: THE Golden Age: Into the Fifth Dimension: Saturday March 3rd at The Forum Mare Nostrum in Alfaz: 10am to 5pm. Show with Kenny Corris and Torben Thoger, Mette and Laerke Lund. Advanced Booking at: www. kennycorris.net or 686 361 594. Tickets 25€: Bookable Lunch 10€. THURSDAY MARCH 15TH In aid of Paul Cunningham Nurses at the Hotel Corazon in Quesada: Bookable Morning and Afternoon Readings, and at 7.45pm. a Clairvoyant Show, ‘An Audience with Kenny Corris’: Tickets 10€: Information from Sue Reader on: 96 671 3503 or 639 318 526. The Golden Age 2012: Demo at Bistro Maya, Albir: Wednesday 29th February from 5pm: 2012 The Golden Age demo with admission tickets on sale. Call for details: 96 686 8213. Bistro Maya is next to the BBVA bank, close to the Beach. Free offstreet parking 200metres.

manoeuvres and which helps us all to see more clearly the strategy of future implementations and how they may affect us. The Solar Maximum has moved into a new window, but not before the sun has seen out all the intense energies caused by moving into a final and entirely natural phase of the Sun’s eleven year cycle. We were in the frame for the radiation and explosion of all types of technology as excessive heat and flares have been seen quite clearly on the Sun’s surface. These were set to play havoc with our satellite systems. We are very mechanistic in this modern age. Remove electricity and banking collapses, travel stops, hospitals close and surgery stops. You can trace anything back to electricity playing a part, and it would have been goodbye to the internet if flares had done the damage that was estimated. Imagine! The Solar Maximum closes to reveal the next cycle of the solar minimum in which the Planet will freeze. Get the picture? Whilst I got sunburnt in New York in November, and here in Spain we enjoyed even a mild and sunny December, people were saying that the weather was unreal for the time of the year. Much is in tune to affect the World as we are going to face some wonderful differences that inspirational changes will bring us and we will benefit from the knowledge and the wisdom of these actions. The Golden Age is a presentation in sound, light, music, speech, meditation and song. It is held in the Theatre of the Forum Mare Nostrum in Alfas Del Pi on Saturday March 3rd from 10.00. We will be showcasing what is really going on, telling the truth about World events and what lies behind them. Seats are bookable and priced at 25EUR, a three course lunch can also be booked (with vegetarian option) at 10€. All are welcome. Pre-booking is advisable on: www.kennycorris.net and credit cards are accepted. Tickets may be purchased from sources as advertised on the website, or on the advertising feature printed in this edition of the RTN. Never has there been more need to make connections as we care and share together, and learn to deal with what is coming, by eliminating fear and sharing this great opportunity in both Light and Love!

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Postbag Email your letters to me at: kennycorris@roundtownnews.com KENNY I know that you have a show about 2012 soon, but I know that I am going to hear things that I won’t like, so why should I scare myself? A part of me says that I should be there though! Lesley J. I understand perfectly your dilemma. Every time I hear of something new concerning the show I have had the same mixed reaction until a bit of anger comes in, and that compels me to tell others. What better than to have the chance to explain that the power of Spiritual energies have made significant progress and that we face better prospects because of the unity of those who are unafraid to speak out. There are wonderful times ahead, and if you eliminate your fear you will be rewarded for your energy, understanding and faith! Hope to see you there on March 3rd at the Forum in Alfas.

If it’s your birthday this week

Changing energies and heightened opportunities put you right back where you belong, and gear you up for major shifts and new directions, as they beckon you on. Use the time to make sure what you want is what you get.

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

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Life tech

with Aunty Virus

Email auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com

Popups from Malwarebytes Tony via email asks: HI AUNTY. I hope you can help me with the following. I have Malwarebytes installed on my laptop, along with Microsoft Security Essentials. For the last few weeks I have been getting popups at the bottom of my screen every few minutes, saying ‘Malwarebytes Anti Malware successfully blocked access to a potentially malicious website 94100 19132’ followed by ‘Type outgoing 49657 (different numbers each time). Process firefox.exe’ (My browser is Firefox). I appreciate that it is blocking these, but do I have a problem on my laptop?

Jennie, Nick, Les and a few others say: IN THE last edition of the RTN one of your readers is asking about proxy servers. I have used Go Trusted which cost $5 per month (just over £3) and I have never had any problems. When I have emailed them they respond by the next day and solved the problems I had. Nick and a few others use iplayerproxy4u.com which is run by a guy called Stephen Fowler who gave Nick a chance to use the service before any commitment plus his charges are very fair as he asks only for a regular donation. Les

and co. use expatshield.com which also seems to get some good reviews. Aunty Says: Well there’s a few to be going on with. I also have a very useful (but slightly technical) list of instructions from long time reader Geoff, on how to set up a similar VPN (Virtual Private Network) type connection which is generally safer and faster. It’s a little too long to put here but I will forward it to any of you interested in trying a different service out.

Marie via email asks: I INADVERTENTLY put my pointer on to the X on sticky notes and of course they disappeared. Is there any way in which I can restore these? Thanks for everything you tell us. Aunty Says: Hi Marie. I don’t think you can retrieve them, once deleted they are apparently gone forever. For any of you who are not sure what a ‘sticky note’ is, it is a really useful post-it note type application that comes with Windows7 for popping reminders and quick notes on your screen. They are meant to be temporary so any important information should be copied/pasted into Word or Notepad.

Lost internet explorer

Aunty Says: You may well have something unwanted hiding in your computer Tony and normally if Malwarebytes is detecting this kind of intrusion it will be able to get rid of it with a full scan. Make sure you have updated Malwarebytes before you scan and let me know how you get on.

Proxy servers

Sticky notes deleted

Marian via email asks: HELLO AUNTY, hoping you can help me. I’ve had Internet Explorer for a few years as my home page and the last few days it just disappeared. For some reason we can get everything else up but not that page. Can you help us either get it back or suggest another page as I’ve heard that IE is not the best one anyway. Aunty Says: Hi Marian. Do you mean Microsoft’s

MSN as your homepage? IE (Internet Explorer) is the browser program that comes with Windows that you use to access the internet, whereas your homepage is simply the page that automatically appears when you first connect to the Internet. I have always used google.co.uk as it is safe, fast and the largest search engine available. You can change your homepage in IE from the ‘tools’ ‘internet options’ menu and type in google.co.uk (or whatever you want) into the ‘homepage’ box.

Skype updates Anthony via email asks: I AM running XP SP3 and Skype 5.0 and every now and then Skype decides to update itself to version 5.6 . When this happens I can’t get into Skype because when I type in my username and password nothing happens and Skype locks up. Is XP compatible with SKYPE 5.6 or how can I prevent automatic updates or how can I fix it so 5.6 will run on XP? Aunty Says: I think version 5.8 was recently released by Skype Anthony, and included a few fixes to rectify lots of crashing problems in XP. Make sure you get if from the official Skype site to avoid any trick downloads.

Angry Birds

THIS WEEK we thought we would provide you with the most popular App to date – Angry Birds. When we say the most popular, the numbers are quite remarkable. Over 500 million times this app has been downloaded! So what is it that is getting everybody excited? In the game, players use a slingshot to launch birds at pigs stationed on or within various structures, with the intent of destroying all the pigs on the playfield and by using the unique powers of the Angry Birds the aim is to destroy the greedy pigs’ fortresses! The survival of the Angry Birds is at stake. Dish out revenge on the greedy pigs who stole their eggs. Use the unique powers of each bird to destroy the pigs’ fortresses. Angry Birds features challenging physics-based gameplay and hours of replay value. Each of the 300 levels requires logic, skill, and force to solve. Angry Birds has numerous special editions to play and this really is a global phenomenon. Have you got what it takes to ‘crack’ the greedy pigs? Available to download for free on the Android Market.

For more information or to order your unbeatable android mobile phone package call 2020tel on 966 260 777

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Gadget Inspector Investigates

Fitbit Ultra

THIS WEEK the Inspector gets the run around with the Fitbit Ultra. 2012 is already being hailed as the year that fitness is going to be more affordable, accessible and apparently, more fun. You may already be a member of a gym or have workouts stashed on your smartphone – so why not join the revolution and take a look at the Fitbit Ultra, your own personal fitness trainer. Why struggle to motivate yourself into using that old exercise bike languishing in the spare room when you can carry around a gadget the size of a packet of gum which incorporates a personal trainer, dietician and lifestyle coach? The Fitbit Ultra clips onto your belt or pocket and takes a record of all of your activity in the course of a day. Incorporating an accelerometer, the Fitbit Ultra can log the number of steps you´ve taken, stairs climbed and miles walked or run. It also calculates the calories burned while performing these activities. And it doesn´t stop there: wear the Fitbit overnight and it will record your sleep patterns. Not too sure what it´ll make of any other nocturnal activities – perhaps you´ll get a score next time you analyse the information. The Fitbit will even monitor how long you´ve been sitting still, and issue appropriate enticements to get you moving again, such as ´vamos´, ´start moving´, and ´come on´. It would seem more likely

that this feature would illicit the close attention of a hammer - which counts as an activity - though the Fitbit´s ability to record this will be somewhat reduced. But the real fun starts when you upload all of this information using the included dock and USB cable to your private account on the Fitbit website. Once saved, you can track your activities over the coming days, weeks and months. Once you´ve added your personal details you can calculate your BMI, set fitness goals and even control your diet. If you also enter your meal information you can access the calories needed per day to achieve your targets. And of course, there´s an app for fat – download the Fitbit app to your iPhone and you can access your details whilst on the move, or sitting down – as long as you don´t stay still for too long otherwise it´ll chastise you…

Free UK Numbers with Europa Network WE ALL have friends and family from the UK and they never call you in Spain because they are worried about the cost! With a UK Free 0843 number directed to your Spanish landline, callers from the UK only pay the price of a UK local call when calling you in Spain. This will help you reduce your call spend (people in the UK will be calling you more often) at no cost to you! The call will only cost the caller 4pence / min at any time. That is not all. Europa offers the same system for people to call your mobile in Spain. 0872 numbers connect UK callers to your mobile in Spain. They are classified as UK national call rate numbers so you pay nothing to receive the call, and the caller can contact you on your Spanish mobile for a fraction of the cost. There’s no need to stay in waiting for an important call from the UK, whether you are at the beach, the Bowls Club or out shopping, friends & family can call your Spanish mobile to share their news… and not pay a fortune – no more than 10pm from any UK landline! For your free UK number visit our website: www.europa-network.com or call the sales team on 96 579 6736. If you want a question answered please write to column@europa-network.com

The Inspectors Verdict: Costing a very reasonable 105€ the Fitbit Ultra is not likely to cause any health-afflicting palpitations. As long as you apply some dedication to the regime and the reminders the rewards are there for the taking. Better move now before I get told off again…

E L A S N IO S S E C E R T E Y T S E G IG B OUR SALE LOOK HARD NOW NEVER YES IT’S OUR 24TH BIG EAPER! WILL YOU SEE SPANISH CARS CH

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02 OPEL CORSA SMALL AUTO

Unmarked met. Silver, A/C & PAS. Sold by Global when 6 m old. Totally immaculate, 12 months guarantee. First to see will buy @ 3,999€

NOV 08 FORD FOCUS 2.0 TDCI 136BHP SPORT BREAK + TREND PACKS ESTATE in diamond white with tel, CD, A/C, PAS, FSH, few 2 litres around, great car, great offer @ only 10,999€ LATE 06 TATA SAFARI LWB DIESEL MANUAL GRAND MODEL black, great spec, forget the jokes these are mainly Ford (all colour coded) totally as new! ..............................9,999€ 08 CITROËN BERLINGO 1.6 HDI SX plus all colour coded in silver, A/C, CD, etc great family bus, cost over 20,000€................................................................................8,999€ 08 SEAT TOLEDO 2.0 TDI S in rich met ocean blue, climate, alloys, CD, 8 x airbags, bluetooth tel, xenons, rain & light auto sensors................................................8,999€ 06 VOLVO V70 2.4 KINETIC EST manual, met silver, half hide in grey, climate, alloys etc. most sought after family favourite, immaculate, gift @......................................8,999€ 08 FORD FOCUS 1.6 TDCi SPORTBREAK EST in ocean blue met.........................7,999€ 08 FORD KA 1.3 COLLECTION met zinc gret, A/C, PAS, CD, all colour coded ...........6,999€ 07 mod on 2011 PLATES FORD FIESTA 1.4 AUTOMATIC Titanium pack, met. Grey, hosts of extras, inc. A/C, alloys & CD, as new....................................................................... 6,999€

HARLEY DAVIDSON LOOK-ALIKE 1997 YAMAHA XV1100cc TOURING BIKE TWIN SEATER, SCREEN, PANNA SADDLE BAGS. YELLOW & BLACK, MIRRORS, SPOTS, REAR RACK, BIG CHUNKY BIKE, LOTS OF CHROME, THE JAPANESE ANSWER TO A HARLEY, GREAT LOOKER, RETRIEVE YOUR LONG LOST YOUTH 3,999€

08 FORD FOCUS TDCI EST TREND in ocean blue, climate, as new ........................ 7,999€ 08 FORD FIESTA 1.4 TDCI in met fern green, climate, CD, etc. Hurry @................. 7,999€ 07 FORD FOCUS EST 1.6 TDCI TREND, climate, CD, FSH, met aquamarine ......... 7,999€ 07 mod PEUGEOT 307 Hdi climate, CD, glacier white, face lift, gift at ................ 6,999€ 07 FORD FIESTA NEWPORT TDCI, met blue, bluetooth, CD, ipod, climate ........... 5,999€ 03 HYUNDAI TRADJET CDI, Diesel 7 seater, in metallic silver blue, alloys, CD, great holiday car, grandads family bus.................................................................... 5,999€ 06 DAEWOO TACUMA 20 16V in silver, climate, 64,000km, FSH, as new ............ 5,999€ 06 DACIA LOGAN 1.5 DCI in silver, low kms, A/C, PAS, one owner,only................. 5,999€ TOP SPEC DIESEL CABRIO - 04 RENAULT MEGANE CABRIO 1.9 DCI PRIVILEGE Met cava, cream hide, panoramic glass roof, elec sunroof, xenons, plus alloys, CD, FSH, 106,000km=65,000miles. Great car, great spec, great colour, great value @ 9,999€ 07 FORD FIESTA TDCI NEWPORTS 5 doors, climate, bluetooth phone, CD, in met. Grey, blue or silver. Give away crazy price of 5,999€ - Ring the police if you see cheaper! As for sure they will be stolen – hurry now! 07 MOD MERCEDES CLK 200 ELEGANCE AUTO COUPE ice blue met, blue/grey hide, xenons, parktronic, CD, ipod, climate, alloys, 39,000km, FSH, stunning 21,999€ 07 VOLKSWAGEN EOS 2.0 FSI CABRIO in glacier light metallic blue, cream interior, climate, alloys, CD, 52,000km, FSH as new ............................................................. 16,999€ 03/2007 PLATES MERCEDES E220CDI AUTOMATIC met silver, climate ,e/s/roof, CD, alloys, parktronic, full history, stunning example 5 litres per 100km only............... 14,999€ NOV 06 VW PASSAT 2.0 FSI SPORTLINE met ice silver blue, climate, 10xA/B, CDx6, alarm, cruise, alloys, bi-xenons, bluetooth, tel, nav, DVD, multif. Steering wheel, FSH87,000km=54,375miles, as new fab car, fab value, executive motoring for only ....11,999€

07 MODEL VOLKSWAGEN PHEATON 3.0 TDI AUTOMATIC Met black with full cream hide, nothing drives finer for sure cost 76,000€ gift @ 22,999€ once driven for ever smitten. 06 mod/2011 plates MERCEDES A200 CDI AUTO SPECIAL EDITION in ice gold, half hide, full sun roof, alloys, FSH, as new, CD, parktronic 15,999€ 05/09 PLATES MERCEDES E220 CDI AUTOMATIC ESTATE in met teal blue, half hide, alloys, 6xCD, xenons, climate, nav, tel, avantguard pack, as new ........................... 14,999€ 08 NISSAN PRIMASTAR 2.0 Cdi COMBI white, 6 seater, we can get another row to make 9 seater @ cost if required ........................................................................................ 8,999€ 08 PEUGEOT PARTNER 1.6 HDI TOTEM COMBI white with special totem trim, CD 8,999€ 08 FORD FOCUS TDCI 1.8 EST in rich royal blue met, FSH as new .......................... 7,999€ 03 AUDI A6 2.4 MULTITRONIC met ice blue , climate, alloys, CD ect FSH................ 8,999€

LATE 06 FORD FIESTA 1.4 TDCI 5 door, met ice blue, Newport model, climate, PAS, CD, etc, gift @ .....................................................................................................5,999€ 07 FORD FIESTA NEWPORT 1.4 TDCI, climate, cruise, CD, met great, low km, one owner, totally as new, compare price.......................................................................5,999€ 05 FORD FOCUS GHIA TDCI 4-door with boot, great size boot, climate, CD, alloys, in diamond white, a diamond of a car........................................................................... 5,999€ 01 ROVER 75 1.8 CLUB SE in racing green metallic with special two-tone interior black and cream top velour, this is an ex-Rover show car with fitted TV, SAT NAV, alloys, cruise, fog lamps, 50,000km WITH FULL HISTORY only .....................................................4,999€ 01/10 plates MAZDA 323, 5 door, in met blue, (focus size) A/C, PAS, gift @............3,999€ 05 DAEWOO MATIZ 5 door, A/C, silver, fab mpg, as new gift @ ...........................3,999€ 02 PEUGEOT 206 HDI XR 5 door, in white, fab MPG, fab car! ....................................3,999€ 07 FIAT PANDA 1.3 DIESEL, 5 DOOR VAN, A/C, PAS, in white, gift @ .....................3,999€ 98 SEAT ALHAMBRA 2.0, 7 SEATER A/C, gleaming white, great family bus only.... 3,999€ 02 FORD KA 1.3 A/C, PAS, in met silver, clean, as new, P/X gift @ ........................2,999€

01 CITRÖEN PICASSO 2.0 HDI in met ice blue, climate, pas immaculate throughout gift at ....................................................................................................................... 4,999€ 03 Ford Fussion 5 Door Trend In Metallic Sage Green ,68000km, FSH by one owner, A/C , CD, as new......................................................................................................... 4,999€ 03 PEUGEOT 206 1.4 HDI A/C, PAS, met crystal green, low km.............................. 4,499€ 97 YAMAHA 1100CC BIG TOURING BIKE ................................................................ 3,999€ 98/2001 plates PEUGEOT 306 1.6 CABRIO met blue, A/C. Gift @ ......................... 2,499€ 93 PEUGEOT 309 AUTOMATIC a few ding and dongs but as cheap as chips.............. 999€ 93 SUZUKI AUTOMATIC a few dings and dongs but as cheap as chips....................... 999€

GENTLEMANS CARRIAGE STUNNING 05 JAGUAR S TYPE 2.5 EXECUTIVE AUTOMATIC

in racing green with full cream hide. Extras include climate control, alloys, sunroof hide, gps nav,bluetooth phone, CD, 8 x air bags, FULL SERVICE HISTORY totally as new throughout. Gift @ 15,999€

03 MERCEDES CLK 320 AUTOMATIC IN UNMARKED SILVER WITH FULL BLACK HIDE, FSH, Avantguard pack, climate control, alloys, hide, bluetooth phone, CD, sound system as new in every way on 2007 plates gift @ 16,999€

08 FORD FIESTA TDCI 5 door, fern green, stunning colour, fab value at ................. 7,999€ 06/10PLATE MITSUBISHI COLT 1.5 DCI DIESEL AUTOMATIC , A/C, CDd, met blue, try find another @ only ...................................................................................................7,999€ 07 DACIA LOGAN 1.5DCI EST 4 side-doors and clubman twin rear doors, met claret, A/C, PAS, low km, great school run car @ less than half the price of new ....................... 6,999€ 08 FORD KA 1.3 COLLECTION A/C, CD, met zinc gey, as new ................................ 6,999€ 02 FORD FOCUS 1.6 AUTOMATIC 5 DOOR IN MET SILVER , A/C, PAS ect .............4,999€ 02 OPEL CORSA AUTOMATIC in met silver, A/C, PAS, small auto at only ............... 3,999€ 02 VW PASSAT 2.0 HIGHLINE in met dark emerald green, climate, CD, alloys, 4 new tyres, new 2 yr ITV test, luxury for ........................................................................3,499€ 02 FIAT SEICENTO fuel-miser, A/C, PAS, one owner, 32,000km,FSH,in white blue trim....... 2,999€ 96 PEUGEOT 306 AUTOMATIC, A/C, PAS, met cobalt blue ................................... 2,499€ PIAGGIO PORTER MINI PICK-UP in pale blue, a three wheel pick-up, a great promotions car, (Italian papers @ 1,999€).................................................................................. 1,799€ 00 RENAULT MEGANE 2.0 COUPE IN STUNNING YELLOW, A/C , PAS,alloys, exceptional only 2,999€ 99 CITROËN BERLINGO clean van, need s/h engine, take away ....................... @ 600€

2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4 titium (new shape ) Met zinc grey, A/C, C/D, alloys, 29,000miles only...... 10,750€ 04 VAUXHALL ZAFIRA 2.0 TDI ELEGANCE 7 seater or fold for good space, UK tax and MOT till August 2012, FSH, exceptional top MPG............................................................................................................ 4,999€ 2005 KIA MAGENTIS 2.0 LE AUTOMATIC SPORTS H-MATIC, one owner, 43,000miles, FSH, taxed and MOT until August 2012, cost 14,500pounds new, great ride home tremendous value for money @ only 4,999€ 2000 ROVER 825 AUTOMATIC FAST BACK in met blue, one owner, 71,000miles, full UK MOT, luxury @ 2,999€ 99 BMW 523i SE AUTO, blue, grey hide, alloys, v.clean,UK MOT to Oct’12......................................... 1,999€ 02 CITROËN BERLINGO 1.9 DIESEL VAN, immaculate, alloys......................................................... 1,999€

NOV 2008 FORD FOCUS EST 2.0 - TDCI 136BHP In diamond white, CD, A/C, PAS, FSH, direct from Ford Motor Co, with Sportbreak pack + Trend pack, drives like a train, looks a million dollars, great deal @10,999€ or 9,150 pounds. First to see will get their cheque book or credit card out, call now or ring Alan Finnie our general mgr

02 RENAULT KANGO 1.9 DIESEL VAN with side loading door + 2 rear doors + rear roof lifts up for ladders etc, very clean, few around, as new! ............................................2,999€ 04 RENAULT KANGOO 1.9 DIESEL COMBI, A/C, PAS, white, 2000, very clean .......2,999€ 02 HYUNDAI ACCENT 1.3 LS in red, A/C, PAS, immaculate throughout ..................2,999€ 00/04 ROVER 825 AUTO FAST BACK, met blue, luxury for only ...........................2,999€ 97 NISSAN ALMERA, A/C, PAS, emerald green, gift @ .......................................1,999€

www.roundtownnews.co.uk

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Life cars

Brian Deller Author of Motoring in Spain

Illegal A frames

New VW Golf to debut in October

I BOUGHT a motorhome last year and decided to have an Armitage A frame fitted to my Kia Picanto. I was given a copy in seven languages of an EU Directive explaining all about the A frame and the car being towed... At the beginning of this month I arrived in France with my car on the back of the Motorhome and made my way into Spain via San Sebastian Zaragoza and as I was travelling on the Teruel motorway, I was stopped by the Guardia Traffico who told me it was illegal and that I had to pay a 500€ fine. I tried to hand him the EU directive but he refused to read it and kept on saying in English: “It’s illegal and you must pay the fine.” I told him I didn’t have the money and he said I couldn’t leave without paying. He asked for my documents didn’t check them but took my driving licence and said I was to follow him to the ATM - I really had no choice. I paid 250€ (reduced fine), got a receipt and asked him who sets the fine - he told me: “The government.” I asked him why Spain did not conform to EU directives - he kept saying it was illegal. When I paid him I asked him what do I do now as I still had 280 miles to my destination - to my astonishment he said he would give me permission to

carry on with my journey, knowing I still had that distance to travel. As a retired police officer myself, I knew all this didn’t appear quite right but again - foreign country - what do you do? The next five hours was like swimming in the Ocean waiting for the next shark to attack: luckily I got to my destination without any further incident. Could you please tell me what the law is on towing my car on the A frame as I have to travel back to the UK at the end of the month, and were the officer’s actions lawful? Kind regards, Michael Bryan Brian says: A-Frames are not popular in Spain as we (all drivers,) are not allowed to tow anything that has not been purposely made for the trailer, so a piece of rope; universal attachable A-frames; or anything that cannot be CE type-approved is not allowed. Any towing device attached to the vehicle must be approved. Knowing this, the police when they saw

your set-up pounced on you and the rest is as I wrote - the approval needs to be included officially on your technical card that came with the vehicle. We cannot use any non-approved towing devices, even a piece of rope or chains, except if it is only for a few metres in an emergency to clear the road for safety’s sake. The reason for this as with most laws is that accidents have occurred where back-yard devices have been ‘bodged up’ that later failed on the roads, causing accidents. I also trust that the caravan was legally documented? The rules are covered in my book. I keep a copy of my book in our car as I know I cannot remember everything and read it last night again to check my revised thought about the ban as above. It is a shame that you have not read my book as it would have saved you hundreds of Euros, but that is life. I hope the notes above explain more why you were stopped and is a help to others who may be considering a similar action.

The new VW Golf MkVII will be lighter, safer and better to drive than ever and will have its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. The Golf MkVII will sit on the VW Group’s brand new modular MQB platform, which will underpin all medium-sized models in the future - including the new Audi A3, SEAT Leon and the 2013 Audi TT. By using thinner-section but stronger steel in its construction, the new Golf will be 45kg lighter, whilst the body gets longer and wider to conform to current safety regulations. All this gives the new model a larger, more aggressive look. Expect the overall design to be evolutionary, though, with sharper creases in the bodywork and slimmer headlights. The reduced weight will help to improve emissions and economy, as will a host of new three and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines - the highlight of which will be a 1.4 TFSI with cylinder deactivation technology.

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

NEW CARS available to view in our showroom in CALPE 2004 NEW MODEL MERCEDES CLK 240 AVANTGARDE CABRIOLET Black met. black leather, alloys, climate

14,995€

2006 CADILLAC XLR 4.6 V8 AUTOMATIC hard top convertible, black, cream leather, every conceivable extra, 1 owner, only 4K......29,995€ 2008 BMW X5 AUTOMATIC NEW MODEL in black metallic with tan leather, Nav, climate, PDC, cruise, very high spec, 1 owner.............29.950€ 2004 NEW MODEL MERCEDES CLK 24O AVANTGARDE CABRIO Black met, black leather, alloys, climate...14,995€ 2005 MERCEDES SPORT COUPE C220 AUTO CDi DIESEL Ruby met. quartz leather trim, alloys, climate....12,995€ 2009 PEUGEOT 207 CC CABRIOLET 1.6 SPORT in bright red, alloys, climate, only 12K..............12,995€ 2004 NEW MODEL CHRYSLER SEBRING CABRIO 2.7 auto Superb in silver with black electric hood, alloys, AC, CD, low Km

6,995€

2008 SEAT LEON 2.0 TDi DIESEL STYLANC MODEL dark silver metallic with grey sports trim, alloys, climate, CD, cruise, low kms……12,995€ 2008 RENAULT SCENIC 1.9 DCi DIESEL ADVENTURE SPECIAL EDITION Tango red met, very high spec, CD, climate, alloys, xenons, 1 owner..........12,995 10,995€ 2008 FORD FOCUS C.MAX 1.8 TDCI DIESEL ocean blue, grey trim, AC, CD, cruise, only 29K.....11,995 9.995€ 2007 FORD FOCUS 1.6 TREND 5 door, light blue met, AC, CD, low kms, immaculate..............7,995€ 2004 TOYOTA RAV 4 1.8 VVTi 5 door, silver with grey interior, AC, CD etc...........................7,995€ 2002 FIAT BARCHETTA CABRIO FERRARI EDITION speed yellow, black leather, alloys, only 36K........5,995€

2004 TOYOTA RAV 4 1.8 VVTi 5 door, silver with grey interior, AC, CD etc

7,995€

2002 MERCEDES BENZ A170 CDi brilliant silver, charcoal trim, AC, CD, alarm, remote locking...........................................5,995 4,995€ 2004 MODEL SMART FOURTWO DIESEL SEMI AUTOMATIC, white & black, AC, 1 owner...4,750 3,995€ 2004 FIAT STILO 1.9 JTD DIESEL black with grey check cloth trim, alloys, climate, CD…..3,995€ 2003 MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR 1.9 DIESEL 5 door, crystal jade metallic with grey trim, AC, CD, only 43K, 1 owner.....................4995 3,995€ 1996 VW GOLF CABRIO 1.6 dark blue met, with beige trim, new black hood, alloys, AC, CD, new ITV......3,495€ 2002 RENAULT SCENIC 1.6 FAIRWAYwhite with grey half leather trim, climate, alloys, P/X to clear......2,995€ 2007 RENAULT CLIO 1.2, 5 DOOR RIPCURL SPECIAL EDITION in met black with black & red trim, alloys, AC, CD, low kms

5,995€

2001 FORD FOCUS 1.6AUTOMATIC silver with charcoal trim, AC, low kms, service history, P/X to clear….2,995€ 2007 PIAGGIO MP3 3 WHEEL SCOOTER….2,995€

CASH FOR YOUR CAR Tel: 965 876 030

Torremendo

Tel.: 965 368 274

VENUS

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

Cars S.L. www.venuscars.com

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

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS

BMW 320 I SE 2001 4 DOOR

€5,995

Ford Fiesta 2005 1.4 Ltr Diesel

€3,495

CITROEN C2 VAN 2005 1.4 LTR TDCI DIESEL 3 DOOR

€25,995

RIMOR SUPERBRIG 728 - UK RHD 2002 AUTO/TIPTRONIC DIESEL - TAX & MOT

€2,495

OME MOTORH

G COMOINN SO

€6,495

€2,250

€1,495

SUZUKI BALENO ESTATE 1997 1.6 LTR PETROL

Aprilia SCOOTER SR50 2006 50 c.c

6 seater / Low Klm

HYMER B694 2002 AUTO DIESEL

RENAULT KANGOO COMBI 1998 1.9 LTR DIESEL

Kia Carens 2004 2 Ltr Diesel FSH

€1,995

€25,995

JOINT J148 2006 3 BERTH, ONE OWNER - 44000 KLM

automatic

€7,995

OPEL CORSA 2000 1 LTR PETROL

UK RIGHT HAND DRIVE CARS

€4,995

AUTOMATIC

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€13,995

ONE OWNER

FORD FOCUS CMAX 2010 1.6 TDCI DIESEL

wanted

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

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24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

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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

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

CONSTRUCTION AND ROOFING JR Construction for new builds, refurbishment,brickwork, blockwork, tiling, terraces, BBQ’S, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Roofing, Driveways, Swimming Pools, Disabled Facilities. No Job Too Small Tel 634 617 771 or 966 877 757 www.jrconstructioncostablanca.com

EXCEL AIR CONDITIONING. See main ad on page 11.Tel/Fax (Head Office) 966-897-772. Mobiles:680-154-432/676-265-675. Email excelairconditioning@hotmail.com. All credit/debit cards accepted. SERVICE AIR David Higton: (Tel) 966-865-883 (Mob) 629-308-505 (Email) cool@serviceair.biz

FOR SALE 2 TOY YORKSHIRE TERRIERS 9 WEEKS OLD PARENTS ARE PURE PEDIGREES 450€ EUROS 638207343

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. 5MINS TO BEACH, AIRPORT, HOSPITAL, GOLF COURSES. BY CAR. ALSO BUNGALOWS , HOMES & PLOTS FOR RENT. CAROL 96 819 24 25 MOB. 626 055 622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain.com FRONTLINE spot on for flea and tick treatment contact stigmichael on 962 132 691or email mickheigh@ gmail.com also scaliboir collers for large dogs 63cm PROTECTAPET Spains leading pet insurance provider. www. protectapet.eu tel: 965 756 371 PET TAXI transporting your pet door to door in our air conditioned vehicles, stopping in pet friendly hotels travelling twice monthly. Accompanied travel also available. Tel: 952 541 147 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, doorto-door journeys between the Costa Blanca and the UK.Our aim is to provide a professional, caring service for your pets.Boarding facilities for Cats and Dogs. This may be for an overnight stay or of longer durations.Tel:600-552030/965-960-658 www.trans-pet.co.uk

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

AUTOMATIC GATE SYSTEMS €449!! AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR MOTORS €249!! FULLY INSTALLED/GUARANTEED!! All brands repaired 627-191639/ www.elektro-nex.com

BOATING LICENSE NOW, A LEGAL REQUIREMENT In Spain. Serenity Sailing RYA Training Centre, Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, VHF & ICC. Own-boat on sail and power. If you have a yacht or powerboat get qaulified and certified. Contact Richard 0034 633 056 224. enquiries@serenitysailing. com . www.serenitysailin.com

A.D.LAWTON CONSTRUCCIONES Digger hire, Ground-works, Excavation and Demolition. www. adlawtonconstrucciones.com. Tel:648 052 911 or 965 770 798

NEW LAUNCH IN SPAIN Product is from the winner of a Nobel Prize for medicine. Distributors wanted now for this opportunity. Help the well being of others and increase your wealth. Full details 696655028, UK 07540932133, wellbeingnetwork@hotmail.co.uk. www.mysynergyessentials.com COLD DRINK / SNACK VENDING MACHINES EXCELLENT RECESSION PROOF BUSINESS WITH NO OVERHEADS AND ALL CASH. 5 COLDDRINK VENDING MACHINES €24,900. 25 PRINGLE MACHINES €14,900, ALL WITH GUARANTEED SITES. 619307318. SOLAR ENERGY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Long established company, own product range. First class training & support. Telephone 606586587

Hard working cold callers required Do you have sales experience? Do you enjoy speaking to people and are looking for work Monday to Friday? If so call sophie now on

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the relgions fastest growing Marketing Company Vista Costa Blanca SL offer fantastic marketing packs to all types of businesses giving value for money and results. If you have the experience and drive to SELL !! THEN WE ARE THE COMPANY FOR YOU...... Huge earning potential and long term prospects to be able to build your own customer base in the Costa Blanca. English and Spanish speaking is essential. Call Marco on 673 652 340 now for an immediate interview. **NEW JOB VACANCY** Here at Bay Radio we’re looking for hard-working, dynamic people to join our successful sales team in the Benidorm and Torrevieja area you’ll need to be English speaking with some good contacts and a pro-active and creative approach to generating new business. A proven track record in radio sales is not compulsory but will be looked at very favourably with a genuine high earning opportunity for the right candidate. Send a CV with any other relevant details of your previous experience to sales@ bayradio.fm LOOKING FOR HOUSE KEEPER! for general housekeeping and child minding. Applicant can live in or live out, must have basic english. Orcheta and sourrounding areas call: 966 855 312 or 648 097 752. LOOKING FOR WORK? Work is ready for anyone that needs a job from anywhere in Spain. please email christo77073@yahoo.com for more information. 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

ANTI-SLIP PRODUCT Free-Sol has an anti slip treatment that reduces the risk of slips and falls on many diffrent types of floor surfaces, which become dangerous to walk on when wet or damp. The application of this anti slip product is quick and easy - there are even DIY kits available if you´d ike to carry out the application yourself. To find out more please phone Martin Freeman on 659 232 507 or send an e-mail to martin.freeman@free-sol.com

CHIMNEY SWEEP Clean efficient service :660844623 NEED HELP AT HOME? Cleaning, shopping & outings etc.Sympathetic service.call Sandra on 651482106 PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE for your home or business at a fair price. References available. (Altea area) Tel: 965843781 or 622514980

BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home. Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606127-424 PC SOLUTIONS 4U For all your PC needs. Reliable & friendly service. Call Fred 634638664

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TREE SPECIALIST Cut and removal of palm / pine trees. Size not a problem. Also dangerous & difficult work. Garden cleaning and gravelling. Free estimates. please call adrian on 627 103 412 or www. costablancagardening.com OASIS GARDEN pool maintenance. Calpe to Javea. Telephone Martin 669 261 868

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AT MICHAEL’S Several dining sets to choose from in different styles, classic, modern, bamboo, pine, glass etc. Many with matching sideboards: www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. Photos (updates every 5-6 days): www.michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Free deliveries, usually the same day! Look at: www.michaels-javea.com to see more than 600 photos of quality pre owned furniture and new beds! AT MICHAEL’S In February you get several high quality pieces of furniture for an extra 20% reduction on the already low prices! See: www.michaels-javea.com MICHAEL’S 28 YEARS IN JAVEA ENSURES YOUR SATISFACTION! We sell high quality pre owned furniture, many from show apartments etc. Look at: www. michaels-javea.com Tlf:965-791-328.

HAS THE VALUE OF YOUR HOUSE DECREASED? Are you paying too much for house insurance since the property price crash? If so and you would like a free, no obligation quotation with excellent coverage, please call us. Grupo Catalana Occidente covers all insurance needs. Please call 965-855-600 and speak to Manuel Caneda or Lynn Keane in English, on 966-881-048/691-202-307. email: lynnschofieldkeane@gmail. com S.O.S. INSURANCE Car-HomeHealth-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787123/622-275-561/686-116-297

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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.

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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 9th January 2012 - Monday - 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 12th January 2012 - Thursday - New Beginners class 7.30pm - 8.30pm. Intermediate class 8.30pm 10.00pm. For more information contact Andrea 616 478 157.

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How do we deal with them? Noel’s world of golf By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Campo de Golf El Plantio 639 730 891

WE ALL know that very many times when we play in competitions organized by Real Federacion Española De Golf that some people turn up with very dubious handicaps. Just how do we deal with these people? Since late last year we at RTN and all at El Plantio have campaigned for people to join RFEG so that they have handicaps that are fully compliant with European requirements alongside other benefits. The more people that join RFEG that have correct

handicaps and who have experience in playing serious competitive golf the better. The only way to get the handicap cheats out of the game is to have people who know how the game should be played. In my experience the people who do not regularly play in a competitive golf environment are usually ignorant of the rules of the game or are just plain cheats. There is no place in the game for these people. Many expatriates feel most of these people are local Spaniards but the Spaniards are not the only nationality by a long way. Very often the people who have these fraudulent handicaps think they can place the ball in the rough, touch the sand in bunkers before they play the shots and ground their clubs in water hazards amongst many other forms of cheating. We have golden opportunities in RFEG competitions to pull these people up and get them disqualified if they refuse to accept the appropriate penalties. As a whole all golfers have a duty to get a fair playing surface for all golfers and by joining RFEG and competing fairly against the cheats we can eventually eliminate them from competitive golf. The only way these handicap cheats retain their handicaps is because they constantly get away with blatant cheating

so all who value the spirit of the game have a chance to make a long term difference if we take the correct action. Nobody is going to say sorting out this problem will be easy but we have to start somewhere. In my opinion we British and Irish expatriates are better equipped than anybody else to start to sort these people out and it is only by supporting one another that we can succeed. WIN A ROUND OF GOLF FOR 2 INCLUDING BUGGY AT THE BEAUTIFUL EL PLANTIO RESORT IN ALICANTE Answer the question below correctly to have a chance to win. The winner of this fantastic prize will be picked at random at the end of each month. Send your entries by email to golf@roundtownnews.com. The decision of the editor of RTN will be final in making the winning selection. QUESTION FOR 24TH FEBRUARY 2012: Which Kent golf course is currently on the rota to stage the open championship? A. Royal Cinque Ports B. Royal St. Georges C. Princes All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 28th February 2012 to be entered into February’s draw, which will be made on 28th February. The winner will be announced in RTN on 3rd March 2012.

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

THE PROFESSIONAL SCENE

India was the latest stop for The European Tour with a somewhat weaker field than we have become accustomed to competing for: The Avantha Masters in Delhi. This gave some of the up and coming crop of talent the opportunity to earn some big money and World Ranking points. On a golf course that was hard and fast running Jbe Kruger came out on top with some quality putting on Sunday to take his maiden title on The European Tour at his 38th attempt. The 25-year-old from South Africa looked to be coasting towards the title when, having shaken off the challenge of Spain’s José Manuel Lara, he stood on the 17th tee with a three shot lead. However, he overcooked his approach and failed to get up and down, the resulting bogey his first for 46 holes. As nerves began to give way, a wayward drive at the par five 18th struck a camera, and his second went left into trees, but faced with a daunting third over the water Kruger displayed nerves of steel to stick his approach to ten feet. Some shot given the pressure he put himself under and the luck he had just got. He

missed his birdie putt, but par was good enough for a round of There is sure to be a real treat on television this weekend with 69 and 14 under par total at DLF Golf & Country Club. so many quality players in the field. A European win would once This week we move on to the first big event of the year: the WGC again stamp Europe’s authority on the golfing world. Accenture Matchplay in Arizona. Matchplay golf is the format NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY AT EL PLANTIO. GOLFING that most of the British expatriate community is familiar with and TIP OF THE WEEK that many of us like to see the top professionals play. Sadly the Always play with clean grips on your clubs so that you don’t have television companies hate it as if the top players go out early to hold too tight for fear of the club slipping. then the ratings drop and advertising revenue with it. Quality coaching at reduced rates for RTN Golf Club members: World Number 1 Luke Donald will be trying to defend the title contact Noel on 639 730 891. he won in such style one year ago. Rory McIllroy gets his USPGA Tour season off to a start also hoping for the best and knowing that should he beat Donald he will become World Number 1 if other results go his way. Lee Westwood will be hard to beat and surely no one will fancy taking him on if he manages to sort out his putting. Sergio Garcia is back to form and he could well feature strongly when it comes to deciding the eventual winner. Ian Poulter thrives on the old fashioned head to head golf that matchplay golf is and a resurgent Tiger Woods may well fancy his chance as Jbe Kruger well.

Golf Club booking hotline For the best deals on the Costa Blanca and Murcia call 685 538 562 or email rtngolf@roundtownnews.com

GOLF Tips

Never play any shot until you are fully committed to it.

24 FEB - 01 MAR 2012

Andy Kay

The Final Whistle

Is Dan the man?

IN A week when Charlie Hodgson kept his place in England’s starting line up for the Six Nations game against Wales, it was heartening to hear that Danny Cipriani is on his way back from the Melbourne Rebels to play for Sale. Hodgson hasn’t put a foot wrong for England so far this season and in Toby Flood, there’s a more than able, some would say even better fly half waiting in the wings. But if you like your fly halves to play right on the edge, and I do, then Cipriani is your man. His England career stalled under Martin Johnson and a stint in Australia followed. His recent try against the Sharks showed that Cipriani was getting back to his best and if he can sort out his life off the pitch, and get some decent advisers around him, the former Wasps player could yet feature in the national set up. It’ll be a long road but an English number 10 in the style of Quade Cooper or Dan Cater is an exciting prospect.

John Terry, Craig Bellamy or Joey Barton: Jury’s (think about it!) Jermaine Pennant (when he was wearing his electronic tag): Days Inn

THE HILTON IT AINT! Believe or not, a group of hoteliers in Indonesia, who are also huge Liverpool fans, have named their latest property the Hotel Stevie G. The 22 room hotel in the city of Bandung also has a ‘This is Anfield’ room complete with LFC wallpaper. So, what other footballers might have a similar establishment named after them? These are my attempts: log on to the RTN website to send me any of your ideas. Ji Sung: Park Plaza George: Best Western

BOXING SHAME The Klitschko brothers are honourable and decent men, but boy are they boring in the ring and as a result, the heavyweight division has never been so dull. As a result, British fighters should be banging down the door to challenge them but unfortunately, the disgraceful actions of David Haye and Dereck Chisora last weekend will probably demote their fellow Brits way down the list of potential opponents. Not only have they damaged their own reputations, they’ve done a massive disservice to the UK fight game.

ON THE RIGHT TRACK Istanbul is the venue for next month’s World Indoor Athletics Championships and in Birmingham last week, Great Britain’s top athletes showed that they are bang in form and up for the challenge. Britain won 7 of the 16 events at the Aviva Grand Prix, including all the field events, and they set over 20 personal bests in the process. So when the competition starts on 9th March, make sure you keep an eye out for Jessica Ennis in the pentathlon, Shara Proctor in the long jump, Holly Bleasdale in the pole vault and Robbie Grabarz in the high jump. In Olympic year, the GB team, wonderfully coached by Charles van Commonee, could really put down a marker in Turkey’s largest city.

Town Hall sponsors fishing competition By Louise Clarke

MORE THAN 40 fishermen in 19 boats took part in last weekend’s second annual Chambel Fisheries competition in Torre de la Horadada. The boat, Zero Point, came is as the winner with a huge haul of fish, weighing in at 19.1kg. The competition, organised in association with Nautical Horadada, the Pilar de la Horadada Town Hall and various local fishing companies, started at 6am after breakfast in the harbour at Torre de la Horadada and lasted for eight hours. The weighin took place just after 2pm and after over a hundred kilos of fish were weighed, the winner was announced. Skipper of Zero Point, Eduardo Escorial, received a GPS sonar device and a trophy. The runners up gathered 18.1 kg of fish and received a fishing rod and reel as well as a set of blades and the third place went to Manuel Ferrandez whose boat, Los Canos, brought in a total catch weighing in at 9.6 kg. The largest fish weighed in at 3.1kg and was caught by Juan Garcia on the boat, Island Almudena. As a result of his

whopping catch, he won a pair of nautical binoculars and a set of knives.

Fishing Maggots End by

David Hoare 968 199 279

JUST AFTER the last few weeks, when you think it couldn´t get any worse, well it did. The venue had to be changed from the Eden canal stretch as they were cutting down all the bankside vegetation. This match was the 3rd team match in the Gary Smith Trophy. The revised venue was the Rio Segura at Benijofar: this again has had all it´s bankside vegetation cut back. As we had not fished it for several years it was a bit of an uncertainty as to how it would fish. The wind was blowing hard from the north and the river was pushing through, and with no cover on the far bank a day to pray hard for a fish. That was how it ended up, 12 anglers fished, 9 blanks! Can’t wait for next week… As can be seen from the results it was girl power to the fore again with The Sweetie Man having to do the cooking and washing up this week. TOP RODS ON THE DAY

1st Marlene (The Sweetie Lady) Hutchinson fishing the feeder using corn with 4.02 kilos 2nd Bill (The Master) Reade fishing the feeder using maggot with 3.86 kilos 3rd Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare fishing the pole feeder using bread with 2.06 kilos TEAM RESULT Abbey Anglers with 3.86 kilos Rods and Reels with 6.08 kilos POINTS AFTER 3RD ROUND Abbey Anglers 18 points Rods and Reels 20 points PLEASE NOTE The club has 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 We returned once again to fish the river

La Marina

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Sporting Alfas Kiera charity day

SATURDAY’S MATCH was a fantastic game between two evenly matched SACC teams but nobody could have guessed the result would be a tie. This day really belonged to Keira, SACC, along with a list of sponsors, raising money towards her treatment which would cost her family around 15k. The day was enjoyed by a good crowd, many of whom had never witnessed cricket before. And many joined in the fun side of the event in raffles, Tombolas, cake sales, book sales and donations, all helping raise money to help this family reach their goal. Youngsters played a quick cricket game in the tea break; Mums enjoyed a race; and all relished the entertainment. The season has begun and every weekend Cricket will be played at the Woodbridge Oval: come along and enjoy the game or better still get in touch and register your interest in playing, umpiring, scoring or coaching. All are welcome at the Costa Blanca’s busiest club. Next week we entertain the City Lions from Barcalona: Saturday and Sunday 1pm start.

For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk Segura at Murcia for the 7th round of the Abbey Angling Cup on the 14th February. With the result of the matches as they were last week it was decided to peg from the third bridge down hoping that the weights would improve or at least be on par. Wrong! Bill Reade drew peg 2 which last week produced 17kilos with Rods & Reels to catch only two fish this week to win the match. Out of the ten Anglers fishing, there were six dry nets. The weather is hopefully going to improve shortly as the days lengthen etc., the bait that seems to be producing the best is the bread punch on a feeder rod. 1st Bill (The Master) Reade with 5.540kg fishing the bread punch and feeder 2nd John (Silverback) Marsh with 2.640kg fishing pole and paste 3rd Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare with 2.400kg

fishing the bread punch and feeder All details are available on our website 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 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. For further details contact Alan Roscoe: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk Tight lines…Dave Hoare

FC Torrevieja news

TORRY PLAYED away at La Nucia last Sunday and were followed by a coach load of Torry Army fans plus a few other keen supporters who had made their own way. The game was a bit scrappy and neither side dominated or carved out many chances. La Nucia had a couple of players dismissed in the second half for dissent but Torry failed to seize the initiative and the game ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Torry are at home to 4th placed Novelda on Sunday - 5pm kick-off. It promises to be a keenly contested game. Be there to support the Premier team in the Torrevieja area.