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Issue 688/9

Charity: Made in Britain

21st Dec 2012 - 3rd Jan 2013

Members of the Rascals

by Jack Troughton & Keith Nicol BRITISH EXPATS are at the vanguard of the fight against the poverty in Spain as the chill of ‘La Crisis’ bites ever deeper across society.

Donations totalling hundreds of thousands of euros are being made to organisations like Caritas, the Red Cross, and town hall social services departments from expat charities, clubs and societies, and big-hearted individuals.

Wherever Brits migrate throughout the four corners of the globe, they start to help others less fortunate – and there is no better example than in RTN-land. Charity is part of the British DNA. And with the festive season in full swing, the “unsung heroes” stepped up a gear and are selflessly hard at work proving in the true spirit of Christmas, giving is infinitely better than receiving.

British Consul Paul Rodwell and his Alicante-based team launched the ConeXiones project, an initiative to get charities and associations working alongside social services and Spanish charities.

Continued on page 6

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our Readers & Advertisers!

AS ANOTHER successful year draws to a close RTN would like to wish all of its readers and advertisers on the Costa Blanca and the Costa Calida a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Inside this bumper edition you will find an 8 page Christmas and New Year TV Pullout! Our next edition will be out on Friday 4th January 2013.

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

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21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Agamed invest three million euros in Torrevieja

Mon-Sat 10am - 5pm - Sun 10am - 2pm www.coachtripsonline.com - sponsors of ´help at home´

new year special

Agamed project in La Siesta

by Keith Nicol EDUARDO DOLON, Torrevieja’s Mayor, along with Councillor Javier Montoro, and Agamed Manager, Pelayo Mellado, presented a plan on Wednesday worth nearly3,000,000€, to upgrade the City’s water system. Of the 2.996 million euros to be invested in 2013, Torrevieja’s drinking water network will benefit from an investment totaling of 987,973€; for sewage 723,682€ while the much needed improvements for the Storm-water Network receives a total of 1,284,513€.

Eduardo Dolon recalled that such investments are part of the Municipal Storm-water Plan, which has been underway since 2011.

This includes major improvements and features different projects that have been developed by each of the administrations involved in Torrevieja’s City Plan, the Department of Infrastructure and the Ministry of Development. The mayor stressed that within the Storm-water network investment, the most

important work is to alleviate water accumulation in certain problem areas of the city.

One project presently underway is the installation of a large pipe of 1,500mm to transport storm-water from Limonar II, parallel to the CV-905. This alone has a projected investment of 661,628€. Other problem areas include rainwater drainage from the centre of Torrevieja, from the Rambla Juan Mateo and Calle Azorin, to the port, as well as the Drainage Project Industrial area of Poligono Casa Grande.

Dolon also noted that Agamed will renew the Social Aid Fund of 100,000€, which is intended to offset costs for disadvantaged groups. Furthermore, Agamed has accepted a proposal to amend the aid from the Social Welfare Department of the City of Torrevieja, in order to expand the number of beneficiaries and to offer more flexible conditions of access to the fund for them. Thus, it was agreed to expand and improve the conditions for accessing the fund, so that it can reach a larger audience throughout the municipality.

Las Ramblas coast works begin

The Department of coastline and beaches, along with the Environment, has begun work to beautify Avenida Las Ramblas on the coast. The work consists of cleaning and pruning 300 palm trees, with an average height of seven meters on the sidewalks of Las Ramblas. The deputy mayor Pedro Mancebo stresses that beautifying of this municipally owned avenue is of special interest to tourism because it is the main access to the Las Ramblas golf course.

Municipal crews will also commission an ornamental fountain near the main entrance.

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21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Don’t drink and drive take a taxi instead NEVER DRINK and drive has been the message from the road safety fraternity for the last couple of decades.

by Keith Nicol The message is clear; if you are planning on having a tipple this Christmas ensure that you have a designated driver or a Taxi to take you home. Accidents caused by drivers who are over the limit do not seem to dropping, no matter what message is sent out by the DGT, Department of Transport.

The simple way to guarantee you make it home safe and sound this festive season is to order a Taxi. A real taxi, not a dodgy one that your mate has that makes the ‘occasional’ trip to the airport to leave their ‘friends’ off a couple of dozen times a year! In Torrevieja, which has the biggest fleet of Taxis in the area, there are three Taxi Associations amounting to 86 licensed Taxis, that serve the city and one of these, Torre Taxi, is also the only Torrevieja

based taxi service that will also pick up from Alicante or Murcia airports, and drop you off at your front door.

As the Festive season comes into force this weekend, the temptation to have just ‘one for the road’ could cause some drivers to accumulate points on their driving licence, face a heavy fine and even find their car impounded.

In Spain, as of December 2009, the legal limit of alcohol is 0.5g/l blood and 0.25mg/l for the breath test, for normal drivers. Drink driving is a major problem in Spain and the country’s record of road safety and mortal accidents is one of the worst in Europe.

Strangely, the same regulations apply to cyclists, although they don’t lose any points, even though they might not even hold a driving licence, but I assume that is Spanish logic for you!

For the festive season, the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) announced

tough new measures to combat drinkdriving because they note that alcohol is present in one third of fatal accidents. Over the 12-days of Christmas, there will be1,000 points established to check drivers with an expected 20,000 daily checks, especially in the afternoon and evening.One of Torrevieja’s few English speaking Taxi drivers is Roque Vicente, Taxi number 43, said, “we have a professional group of drivers in the city and offer a 24-7 service, including Christmas and the New Year.

We are usually only ever 10-15 minutes away when you call us and we also offer a pick-up service from the airport, can take you shopping, to play golf, or go wherever is needed.”

For more information on Taxis in Torrevieja please visit www.torretaxi.es or call Roque on 670445730. But please, drive carefully and don’t drink and drive.

Medical helicopter Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Jennifer & staff returns to base ALICANTE’S MEDICAL helicopter that was decommissioned last year is back in action after the Consell agreed to pay for the service in full. While the helicopter was out of service emergencies were attended by aircraft from Valencia.

On Tuesday of this week the Ministry of the Interior confirmed that the medical helicopter would return to base at Mutxamel for normal duties

All JCC offices will be closed on the 25/26 December and the 1st of January, the only office open on Christmas Eve/ New Year’s Eve will be Javea which will be open until 1.30. Happy Christmas and a Great New Year from myself and all the staff in Javea, Benijofar, Los Alcazares, La Marina,and Playa Flamenca. This picture was voted the most favorite advertisment on UK television this Christmas, not surprising I thought it was just lovely, it says it all. Thank you to all are clients on being so loyal, we look forward to welcoming new clients in 2013, we always go that extra mile.

CLR clean up

PEDRO MANCEBO has taken the preverbal ‘Bull by the Horns’ and started to hold his version of the American Town Hall surgery each month in Orihuela Costa. On eof main issues brought up at the last meeting concerns all residents on the Orihuela Cost and this is Household and Green Waste disposal.

by Keith Nicol Mancebo commented “We’ve inherited many problems from the previous government, one being the company of Angel Fenoll that was responsible for the rubbish and green waste collection.

As you would expect, the employees of that company are loyal to him and possibly find it difficult to adjust to a non Partido Popular Town Hall boss. The green waste service does not meet my expectations. I have the responsibility to run this service but ironically, out of 25 councillors in our town hall just Councillor Lopes Bas and I are the only two who believe that the waste collection service should be put out to tender and for a competent company be awarded the contract so as to give us a top class service. All the rest of the councillors want the town hall to run the service.

Angel Fenoll earned hundreds of millions from the waste contract over the past 20 years under PP governments. So I ask, what is the real reason that the contract is not being put out to tender?

Is someone waiting for the old government to return and everything to return to normal?”

Mancebo’s take on this very important issue is that two of the main rea-

Pedro plans open sessions every month

sons why the town hall should not be running the waste collection service is that they cannot take on extra staff during peak times to cope with additional waste whereas a private company can, and an external company can acquire extra Lorries, while the council only have one, for green waste, when necessary. Mancebo says “An external company running the service will be far more flexible than the Town Hall can ever be.”

He continued “We are exploring ways for residents to pay their fair share for the rubbish collection service. Orihuela Costa tax payers pay 400,000€ per year

to the Town Hall for the collection of green waste service, but the service costs 1,000,000€! One suggestion is for people to bring their own green waste to the Eco Parque or hire a skip and call the Town Hall to collected it when its full. Another suggestion is for each community to purchase green waste bins and control their use and collection by the town hall.”

Pedro plans to have his open session question and answer sessions every month or more regularly if required.

The next session is planned for the end of January.

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Gifts for the new age

Continued from front page However, he is constantly amazed at how the British community strives to help others regardless of their nationalities.

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS gifts are being abandoned this year for more practical alternatives. One company has offered an original but welcome gift idea – a cleaning package! Serlicoop Cleaning, based in Elda, offers home cleaning gift certificates valid for one year: 35€ for 3 hours’ cleaning and 63€ for six hours! The gift token is presented in a fancy envelope “…It is, after all, still a gift,” says Manager Berta Milan. The most popular practical gifts in recession struck Spain are clothes and also food items, mostly the ever popular Serrano ham, and wine packed into festive hampers. For those not too badly affected by the crisis the most popular presents for kids are still remote control cars, bikes, educational toys and TV games.

HEROES “Since I arrived on the Costa Blanca in August 2010, there has not been a day that I have not been struck by the amazing capacity of Brits to help others in need. On my visits up and down the coast, I regularly come into contact with unsung heroes who not only help British tourists and residents but anyone who is vulnerable and in need, regardless of nationality,” he told RTN. “I shudder to think of how we at the Consulate would cope if such a support network did not exist.”

And Mr Rodwell added: “Countless Spanish authorities have remarked to me how incredulous and impressed they are that Brits seem to have this innate ability to help others.

“What with the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee, we have lots of reasons to be proud but our volunteer sector and sense of social responsibility also takes some beating.

“Thanks from all the team here At the British consulate for all the help Brits give others – you are amazing ambassadors for our country! Merry Christmas to every one of you.”

Statistics reveal there has been a “dramatic rise” in poverty, hunger and inequality in Spain since the outbreak of the economic crisis in 2008 – while draconian austerity measures have sliced into social services, health care and education budgets.

SURVEY Unemployment is over 25% - 53% for people under the age of 25 – and a government survey shows 1.7 million homes

Paul Rodwell

have all household members out of work.

Further, of those registered at the Public Employment Office, only 67% receive any state aid. It is claimed one in five people are now living in poverty.

The effort of the British community to ease the plight of the less fortunate has not gone unnoticed at town halls throughout the region.

Sylvia Tatnell, Councillor for Social Services for Teulada-Moraira, told RTN she was “overwhelmed” by the expat community’s generosity and solidarity.

“Charities and associations are helping us out, very much so, and I am very grateful to them,” she said this week.

“It makes me very proud to be British, there are so many British people out there helping. In front of my Spanish colleagues I am always pointing out what the British community is doing.”

TRIBUTE And Carole Saunders, a councillor at Calpe, paid tribute to the ongoing work of the expat in helping others. “It

is the British community that realises it is not needed just for Christmas but help is needed all year round and therefore they are out there fund raising 12 months of the year. “It is almost part of our culture, something in our makeup that we need to help others. It dates back hundreds of years, the wealthy and more fortunate help the poor – it is inbred into the British psyche.”

In Torrevieja, the Director of the Foreign Residents Office Graham Knight was singing the praises of the expat. “It never ceases to amaze me, the generosity that the international community creates from various fund raising activities.”

He said entertainers had performed to raise cash while off stage, the efforts of a range of different groups to help was “both imaginative and innovative”.

Money, he said, was used to buy food for the needy while underprivileged children would receive presents thanks to expats “rather than go without this Christmas.”

A ton of generosity

THE LEÓN Felipe School in Elche has managed to collect more than a thousand kilos of food, clothing and toiletries for a grateful Caritas. The contributions were made over just five days this week and the students exercised a well organised management programme to ensure the items were inventoried quickly and efficiently. Virtually all the students and parents in the school put in an effort but mostly the 45 students from the Sixth Grade were the leaders of this impressive endeavour. The children are now busy distributing their haul to needy families. Well done kids!

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Orihuela get tough over Cala Mosca ORIHUELA TOWN Hall has six months to provide the Department of the Environment with all the documentation relating to environmental impact assessment on Cala Mosca.

by Keith Nicol Apparently this is a mandatory document that is now required before any building of the planned 1,500 homes by the Group Gomendio can take place. However, this week Orihuela’s Deputy Mayor, Antonia Moreno, said that because, as far as she is concerned, the time limit for the project has elapsed and many things are unclear, the government team are working to declassify the whole site of 600,000 m2 to allow the preservation of the last un-built area left on the coast of the municipality.

Antonia Moreno said “Our intention is to preserve the area and give it back to the citizens for their enjoyment; this is something that will add value to our coast and our town.” When asked about the economic damage to the builder, Group Gomendio, Moreno said that the builder did not have any standing in this matter! “In reference to money,” Moreno said “the goal for the City Council is that this operation will not cost one euro! This is something that went wrong, and shame on those who did the

wrong thing.” This a reference to the former PP governments that approved the building on Cala Mosca which had been scheduled in the General Urban Plan in 1990, however without an environmental impact study.

Antonia Moreno said that the report that the Land Department sent to the City Council on Monday states that the City should send all documentation submitted by the builder to Valencia to finally decide if the environmental impact of the proposed construction is positive or negative. In Cala Mosca there are two protected species present, the ‘caput-felis Helianthemun’, a plant known as cat’s head or jarilla and a snail called ‘Tudorella mauritanica’, both of them exist in the Spanish and Valencian catalogs of endangered species.

Moreno has asked for clarification about the administrative procedure required by the City Council, which will include the public exhibition of the draft again, before sending any information to the European Union in six months time. The Deputy Mayor had a meeting a few days ago with the managers of the construction company who

Local Shops Christmas Campaign TORREVIEJA’S DEPARTMENT of Trade, in collaboration with the Association of Small and Medium-Sized Business Merchants (APYMECO), has set up a series of activities directed to boost the commercial fabric of the city and ensure that Torrevieja’s citizens receive the best through reconciling leisure and shopping. Along with the opportunity to enter the ballot for 1,200€ in prizes for your purchases from certain shops and services, you can also benefit from Free Gift Items Wrapping: On the corner of the Plasa, in the town centre, there is a place where you can wrap your gifts with ribbon and custom stickers for the occasion; all completely free of charge. The Gift Point is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 2:30pm and 5:00 to 9:00pm.

Overhead view of Cala Mosca

will present documentation to try to overcome the existing shortcomings in the development project for the City before they send it off. Local observers and politicians from other municipalities were not quite so bullish as Moreno is about the ability of Orihuela’s ability to recover the land for recreational use, without the builder receiving any compensation for the land their lose of revenue. Watch out for more news in May or June 2013!

You are also invited to view the trees, vote for your favourite and be in with the chance to win more prizes. For the kids, there is the Three Kings (Wise Men) Mail Box for the letters from Torrevieja children. 10,000 letters have been printed and distributed among the city’s shops and schools for children to fill in, and could lead to a lucky winner receiving a gift from King Melchor. The Mail Box will remain there until the 5th of January.

And while you are in and around the Town Square, take a moment or two to discover the delights of Torrevieja’s Nativity scene, which depicts the birth of Christ, the journey of the Three Wise (Kings) Men all with a twist, with the addition of a few element of Torrevieja thrown in. No prizes for spotting the references of Torrevieja, but it’s all good fun. The Nativity scene is open 24-hours a day for your enjoyment.

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Fears for missing trekker FEARS ARE growing for a British hiker who failed to return from a Spanish holiday and was reported missing on 23rd November.

by Jack Troughton Robert Golden, 58, from Shoreham, Sussex, travelled alone to Seville on 5th November but failed to use his return flight on EasyJet on 19th November – and has not been in touch with his family or colleagues in London where he works in IT. Sussex Police said Robert had a passion for trekking and was seen by neighbours leaving home with a large backpack at the beginning of last month. He had told a friend he was planning to hike parts of Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz and Jerez.

And his brother Barry said: “I’m really worried.

I’m really missing him and want to see him back home. Robert loves walking and the outdoors.

“It is worrying that he can be away for that length of time and not use his bank cards. The last time was 10th November somewhere in Spain. I would appeal for him to get in touch.”

Detective Inspector Rob Walker said: “We are getting increasingly concerned for Robert. However, he failed to return to work as expected and he was reported missing on 23 November. We are in liaison with the British Embassy and are issuing the appeal to the media in Spain.

“I would ask Robert to get in touch to say he is safe and well. I would also urge anyone who may recognise him from his travels in Spain to contact Sussex Police on 0044 1273 475432, quoting serial 804 of 23/11.”

Car thieves arrested

THE GUARDIA Civil has detained four people suspected to be members of a large gang of car thieves operating in the Alicante province over the past three years. 104 vehicles have been recovered, 40 of which were taken in Alicante. Most of the vehicles were found in the possession of new owners who were unaware their vehicle was stolen. The investigation began in Javea and Calpe in 2011 when an excessive number of luxury cars were reported stolen.

The operation required the cooperation of police forces in Germany, Italy and Poland and also Europol. The latest detainees are Polish nationals aged between 23 and 48. Around €4 million has been frozen in private bank accounts in connection with the arrests.

Robert Golden

Prisons tightening belts for 2013

THE SPANISH prison service has decided to reduce the presence of medical staff in its 68 prisons from 1st January 2013. One doctor presently covers treatments for an average 66 prisoners. A doctor will be on duty at each prison from 8am until 3pm but will remain on standby at home. The move has been made as part of austerity measures to reduce expenditure. In the catering department prisons spend around €80 million per year feeding their inmates at a rate of 3.65€ - 4.15€ per day which provides three meals per day for each prisoner. For the time being this budget will continue but is likely to be reviewed early next year.

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

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mail

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

talk tous

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

letter of the week

Earth to second home owners…!

CAN YOU tell me why some people lose all sense of safety as soon as they set foot on the Costa Blanca?

Neighbours that own a holiday home on our urbanisation in Javea continue to leave their gates unlocked and sometimes completely open while they are in residence - an invitation to any passing burglar.

These people rent out their home in the summer and use it for themselves only during the winter months. Naturally their house is set up for renters and so contains few belongings of sentimental or monetary value apart from basic electrical equipment. However, their garden is separated from ours by only a wall – any enterprising house breaker can jump over the wall and

into our garden – and we have a house full of valuable possessions we would like to hang onto!

Despite constant reminders they continue to leave gates swinging on their hinges and windows wide open when there is no one at home.

No doubt these people are vigilant enough when they are in their permanent homes wherever that might be, anxious to safeguard their wedding china and their crystal, jewellery and silverware and the hundreds of other things of value one accumulates over a lifetime.

Most of these twits wouldn’t dream of leaving their house unlocked while

they nip to the supermarket – yet they do it here! It’s bizarre! Do they think there is no crime on the Costas?

Or is it simply because they are too lazy to close the gates? If so they should install an electric motor to ensure the gate stays shut.

Second homers might have the consideration to realise they expose their neighbours to opportunistic crime when they leave gates, windows and even doors open at any time of the year. And if a burglar finds their home has nothing worth pinching he will soon cast an eye over the fence!

Shut that gate!

Name and address supplied

Oh dear

OH DEAR, oh dear, oh dear! Just when you thought it safe to come back out from behind the cactus bush, confident that Spanish banks had seen sense and were back on the road to financial stability, (Yes, I know, I should get out more) the SabadellCAM is at it again! We now read that SabadellCAM’s real estate subsidiary, Solvia, is about to begin a multi-millioneuro building programme within months. “There is a growing demand,” says Sabadell’s CEO, Miquel Montes.

Oh yes? I would have thought the existing Spanish property market would more than meet the demands of prospective buyers in the foreseeable future. What planet is Miguel on? And another thing, is it really your money to splash about, being a bail-out? Take your blinkers off, Miquel, and gaze upon the thousands upon thousands of brand new and re-sale properties across Spain that remain unsold. Oh dear, oh dear I can see it all happening again. Will the last one to leave please switch the light off?

Robert W Barnes,Pilar de la Horadada

Such a tragic loss When I was informed of the passing of Louise Clark I was devastated. Lou had been a friend for many years and although we could not always meet up there was the phone to have a chat and bring her up to date with all the going ons!!! Louise was a fantastic lady and so full of life and she championed MABS when ever she could which was often. I as a person will miss her very much and from the group I would like to give our sincer condolenses to Lee and the family. Such a tragic loss to us all JACQUELYNE PHILLIPS MBE PRESIDENT MABS CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

The new driving test Is the new test easier or harder

by Jan Gamm SPAIN’S DRIVING test has undergone a few changes and now nervous learners wait with interest to see whether the new test proves more difficult to pass.

The new test includes candidates having to know how to check and maintain oil and water levels and tyre pressure; how to handle

dangerous situations and also navigational skills such as finding the shortest route to a given local landmark. The test will be of around 25 minutes duration for A1, A2, B and BTP vehicles (cars and motorcycles generally) and 45 minutes for commercial and public vehicles. Interestingly, the examiner is unlikely to tell an unsuccessful candidate why he failed the test.

Spanish snowbirds take to the slopes

SKIIERS HAVE been out on the slopes following the latest snowfall which prompted 85% occupancy for Spanish resorts over the Puente de la constitución, according to ATUDEM (The Mountain Skiing Tourism Association). The snow produced perfect skiing conditions and an opportunity to try out more than 640 kilometres of track for eager skiiers and snowboarders in an early boost to the season. This coming weekend will see numerous competitions and events held in most Spanish ski stations among which will be the benefit race to support the TV3 Marathon in Baqueria Beret.

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21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

WIB go Christmas shopping

A calendar with a difference

AN ASSOCIATION of photographers (Itxusi) and a group of fire fighters have launched a 2013 calendar to support the disadvantaged and the disabled. Both groups felt the need to do something for the community following a year of hardship, evictions and the loss of government funding for the disabled. The calendar, priced at only 5€, features stunning shots of firemen in action and includes some warming portraits of fire fighter posing with children. Not one single fireman refused to help with this project. The Itxusi association is hoping to boost sales over the Christmas period. For more information visit http://itxusi.com/index.php/es/calendario-solidario-anfas

More dogs adopted thanks to Facebook

by Jack Troughton SPREADING TRADITIONAL Christmas cheer, members of Women in Business – Spain have been shopping to help those less fortunate in the festive season.

They have spent 400€ on food and cleaning materials for a refuge for the women and children victims of domestic violence.

And the group – business women who enjoy networking and supporting

charity – also took gifts for Christmas and Three Kings to the refuge run by the charity EMAUS, and its orphanage and old people’s home.

Donations received at WIB’s recent White Ribbon Day, together with money raised by the Benitachell Charity Shop, the Ladies Luncheon Club of TeuladaMoraira, and the ‘Pamper Afternoon’ held at Monroes Carvery, Pedregeur.

RTN was told a further 50€ was donated by a “lovely lady” to buy dolls to

A DOG IS not just for Christmas, as the old adage says but throughout Spain, thousands of Dogs and cats are abandoned every year. But thanks to a little initiative and the use of social network Facebook, new owners are being discovered every week and are taking up more and more unwanted pets for adoption. This time last year, more than twenty dogs Pictured were adopted from Torrevieja’s Municipal Kennels in the (third from last quarter due to the efforts of volunteers who have posted right) is a details of various animals on Facebook to raise awareness of delighted the centre. They hope that even more will be adopted in 2012.

EMAUS President The Municipal Kennels, or in Spanish the Perrera Municipal Montserrat de Torrevieja, is located close to the Habaneras Shopping Fiter with Centre and Policia Local in the Toretta area of the city. The charity Facebook page contains photographs and stories of all the volunteers dogs in the centre, maps to its location and photos posted by and WIB some of the people who have adopted a new pet. The page members already has almost 6,000 friends, with numbers that are go with the knitted dolls clothes made rising on a daily basis. The page can be found on Facebook by by the Knit and Natter group in Teulada typing in ‘Perrera Municipal de Torrevieja’ in the search field.

The Department of Health has also launched an information – along with brightly coloured knitted campaign information to raise public awareness about the blankets, children’s clothes, and toys.

The club also supplied gifts for the importance of adopting dogs, youngsters and their mothers with la- especially during this holiday dy’s toiletries and new underwear, new season, including setting up shoes and a new outfit for each adult information desks in the Plaza of the Constitution and child. And at another centre, the during the weekends. Visit group made a new mum smile with a them on Facebook and maybe pram, car seat, clothes and accessories find the perfect dog (or Cat) for for her 10-day-old baby. your family this festive season.

Bookings now being take for January | Reserva ahora tomar para enero

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

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Christmas wishes granted GRANT A Wish sprinkled a little fairy dust over the lives of two youngsters and surprised them with some Christmas magic.

By Jack Troughton Teenager Chelsy Romeero has been bravely battling cancer for two years while 10-year-old Adelina Underdown was born with a rare genetic condition that has left her confined to a wheelchair.

Chelsy, 15, was nominated by a fellow member of the congregation of the El Faro Baptist church in Javea; while Adelina’s mum Jo, from Benitachell, put forward her daughter saying her short life had been “one long ordeal of doctors, hospital and physiotherapy.”

The Grant A Wish partners - Continental Wealth Management, foreign exchange specialists Moneycorp, and RTN – decided both girls needed something to smile about.

As a result, Chelsy received a WII U console and games and Adelina an X-Box, books and a decorated Christmas tree.

Jody Kirby, a CWM director who first launched the Grant A Wish concept, said Chel-

sy was “a brave courageous young girl”.

She added: “When I asked her what her wish was, she said she just wanted to help other children who were ill rather than something for herself – she wanted others to get better.

“It was only after a while that her mum said Chelsy would probably like a WII – Chelsy just kept asking why we were helping her – I said we just wanted to put a smile on her face at Christmas.”

And Jody said the judges thought Adelina was also deserving of her surprise after going through so much.

“I just really felt for her - and her mum and grandmother who have had to look after this beautiful little girl for 10 years,” she said.

“And I am sure Adelina will get a lot of joy and happiness out of the X-Box, which will help keep her entertained and improve her coordination.”

Chelsy opening her presents

Adelina with mum Jo

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21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Apply for the Freemasons’ giveaway GOOD CAUSES can apply for charitable support from the Masonic Home of Valencia Association - with application forms available at the Moraira Charity Shop.

by Jack Troughton A change in the association’s rules has allowed funds to be made available and in the 10 months since March a total of 18,774€ has been spent helping out in the community.

The giveaway began with a 5,000€ donation to the Freemasons’ Province of Valencia Ambulance Appeal and ended for 2012 this week with 1,500€ going to the Bay Radio Appeal for the orphanages of Gandia and Vera, and an identical sum going to Teulada-Moraira Social Services.

On Monday Teulada-Moraira Councillor Sylvia Tatnell was at the Moraira Charity Shop to collect 600€ to help feed hungry families at Christmas - 900€ has already purchased a bed hoist.

Money has already gone to help provide

respite care for two elderly people, a grant to help the cost of a cornea operation, food for Caritas, furniture for the Jalon Valley Help’s drop-in centre, and transport and equipment to help both ill and disabled people.

Funds are raised at the charity shop and applications for help are considered by a committee before the appeal gets a “yes or no”.

Sylvia told RTN: “I am very grateful to these people for all their help. I have met with Caritas and the Red Cross to co-ordinate how we can help families this Christmas.

“We have received aid from the food bank and also have food vouchers to distribute as well.”

Pictured (from left) are Freemasons John Griffith, Keith Hart and Bernard Wilson, with Councillor for Social Services Sylvia Tatnell and Fina Caselles, the head of Social Services.

Eddie surprised with award YEARS OF dedicated support of the Royal British Legion earned Eddie Coleman a District Award – recognition of his “service above and beyond the normal call of duty”.

Vice Chairman of the Orihuela Costa and District Branch, Eddie was said to have been taken by “complete surprise” at a recent meeting when he was asked to step forward and receive a framed certificate from Chris Wyatt, the District North Spain Chairman, at a recent meeting.

In recent years Eddie has helped the branch in a variety of ways, including organizing and building the Garden of Remembrance at Mil Palmeras Church, and constructing a saluting dais for visiting dignitaries.

Making the presentation, Chris said he was delighted to present the award, which marked Eddie’s work for the Legion and its motto “Service not Self”.

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

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Mrry Chrtms 1 n all Watts In Britain By

Paul Watts

FOLLOWING ON from last week’s waffle about the twentieth anniversary of texting I’m grateful to someone who signs themselves as CMoon (wasn’t that a Wings single?) who provided me with some fascinating facts.

Over to you CMoon: “In the early 1980s, a group of European telecommunications experts came together to create the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). GSM would become a standard for technology companies to follow; and also to allow multiple companies to create devices that would all work on the same network.” See what I mean folks, fascinating eh? CMoon says, “When the originators of GSM were discussing the services and features to include with the standard, the idea of text messaging was born.”

Hmmm, maybe this was why it took six years for texting to take off…

Apparently the original concept was for one-way messages that could alert phone users about incoming voice mail. CMoon, tells me that “the IDEG, or Implementation of Data and Telematics Services Experts Group (formed in 1987) and was in charge of creating SMS standards for the GSM network.” As we mentioned last week it was Neil Papworth who sent the first SMS, or text message, twenty years ago. Neil, who was then working for Airwide Solutions, sent ‘Merry Christmas’, to Vodaphone’s Richard Jarvis across the GSM network in December of 1992. Since then, texting has become the birthright of that 90s generation and, slightly more slowly, of everyone else too. Even the queen texts…

The BBC rightly notes: “The text has become ubiquitous in British life; even spawning a new lexicon of words.” It sure has m8. The Beeb website adds, “These trunk8ed words have infuriated those who fear for the ultima8 survival of proper [should that be correct] English.” Even hip-millionaire-Prime Ministers understand this new lexicon - or so they would have us believe. Although, as is often the case when politicians try to be cool they fall flat on their faces. Eg, Posh-

mate-Dave was under the illusion that ‘lol’ meant ‘lots of love’ rather than ‘laugh out loud’. I ‘lmao’ when I heard that! Those, like Dave, who are not fully initiated into the parallel grammatical universe of 8s, Rs, Us and acronyms can be left utterly confused, if not a bit :( and in need of the SMS DXNRE. Then along came the ‘emoticons’; those little signs that helped texters ‘anchor’ the meaning of their text (the problem being most texts can be ‘taken’ several ways and sometimes the intended message is lost).

So we had the likes of: Happy face for humor, laughter, friendliness, sarcasm :) Super happy/toothy smile, broad smile, etc. :D Sad face for sadness, anger, upset :( Wink ;) Wry face :/ Tongue out for just kidding :P A hug ((hug)) Alternative hug {{hug}} Really big hug {{{{hug}}}} Grin <g> Etc, etc, etc…

Honestly, I was so pleased when predictive text appeared and the need for signs and shorthand was somewhat removed (I had enough trouble in the ATC learning Morse code and the phonetic alphabet). In fact, and this is for you - lovers of proper English, a university in East Anglia recently announced that since the arrival of predictive text the general level of spelling amongst the youth has improved.

And so it came to pass that an everyday scene was hundreds of school kids walking up the road with their thumbs moving like lightning across the keypads of their mobile phones. I say ‘was’ because now there is voice recognition, a cunning device that alleviates any pain caused to the thumb muscle by endless texting.

And despite my advancing years I’m now well into my Gingerbread keyboard which features voice recognition. It’s simple, I press a button speak my words and they are magically transformed into a coherent text message. Well… I should point out though you cannot rush this piece of software. I recently sent a workmate the following message: “Transformed planets neat sand meat…” I can’t begin to think what I’d spoken into the device but it was probably due to my Brightonian accent. Anyroad, I-have-now-learnt-to-sayevery-word-separatelyand-clearly.

So, all that remains now is to text you folks in Spain a festive Flx Nvdd.

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

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Milton Express, the originators of the scheme actually market a sports advisory service that pays significantly higher returns – but with a degree of volatility. Winning Express exists to provide its members with tax free returns, along with an earnings opportunity, and a sense of enjoyment in simply belonging to a club that’s dedicated to mutual success.

As new sponsors of the club, The Winning Express name will adorn the back of the club shirts along with boards at the grounds heralding their sponsorship: they will offer their services to fans who would be interested in seeing higher returns on their money than is generally currently available to them, using the company’s specialised expertise.

Milton Express chairman John Murray was keen to create a sporting link in the area. “If you read the Winning Express mission statement,” he pointed out this week, “you’ll see the idea is to create a club atmosphere whereby members benefit not just from the services themselves but from the commissions they can derive from introducing others. I’m delighted to be associated with FC Torrevieja, and I’m certain this can be a mutually beneficial partnership.”

One high profile member of Winning Express is Steve Claridge, one of the very few footballers to rack up over 1,000 professional appearances and now a highly regarded TV and radio pundit. Media commitments permitting, Steve intends to attend a game early in the New Year.

FC Torrevieja welcomed this timely involvement as they

ENJOY AN ALL ROUND WINNING EXPERIENCE Members will not only benefit from the services themselves. Winning Express offers a home-based business opportunity with the potential of earning generous commissions, by recommending the services to others. Whether you are looking for a bigger return on your capital or access to their Sporting Arbitrage trading facility which can provide you with a tax free income, Winning Express is the ideal vehicle to get on board.

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Visit the website for full terms and conditions along with details of all our services and promotions.

20

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

ParaNorman in Torrevieja

by Keith Nicol IF YOU are looking for another diversion for your children this Christmas, maybe a day at the movies will provide the answer. Thanks to Cines IMF at the Ozone Centre in Torrevieja you can enjoy one of the surefire Christmas hits in English thanks to their innovative wireless headset system, which blocks out the Spanish dubbed version and allows you to experience the movie in the original version (V.O.).

ParaNorman or ‘El Alucinante Mundo de Norman is released today, December 21 in Spain. The film is adapted from the book, ‘ParaNorman. The amazing world of Norman’ is a stop-frame animation film, for kids of all ages. The film tells the tale of a terrible curse on Blithe Hollow, a quaint New England town. There, Norman Babcock, an eleven-year-old is obsessed with the horror genre and no wonder, because he has the chilling

ability to talk to the dead.

Not surprisingly, his strange hobby and gift means that he does not enjoy much popularity in the town.Until that is when the town is overrun by a creepy invasion of zombies. It then the turn of Norman to put his powers to good use as he flaunts his paranormal talents and shows his great courage.

You can enjoy all the action for yourself in English at Cines IMF. Price: every day €6.50 with a special deal on Monday, spectators’ day, of €4.50. Special discount for “Carnet Joven”, people over 65 years-old and “Carnet Universitario” from Tuesday to Friday except holidays of €4.50. Very important; you must show the discount card BEFORE buying the entrance ticket. Original version with earphones: a deposit of 20 euros is required which is returned once the film is over and the earphones given back. The first time you use this service you will have to fill in a form with your personal data. Showing daily at 5.00pm, 7,00pm,

Royal British Legion raise €28,688.47 THIS YEAR’S Poppy Appeal has ended with the fantastic amont of €28,688.47 raised by the Orihuela Costa and District Branch of The Royal British Legion.

Last week they contacted RTN to ask us to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year. on their behalf. The branch said “We would also like to thank you all for your support and kind donations over the past year in raising €28,688.47 which will go towards the District North RBL overall total.”

The Orihuela Costa and District Branch meet on the third Thursday of each Month at The Olympia Restaurant Mil Palmeras; 7.00 for 7.30pm Membership is open to everyone. If you have an interest in the objectives of the Legion and want to help and give support for those who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces and their families, they are sending out an invite to join them. You do not have to be ex-service to become a member.

For further information visit their web site www.orihuelacostarbl.com

ParaNorman is released today

9.00pm and 11.00pm over Christmas.

At RTN we have two free tickets to give away. All you have to do is send an email to: Keith@roundtownnews.com with the word

ParaNorman in the subject line, to be in with a chance of winning tickets to the show. The draw will take place on Christmas Eve at 7.00pm and the winner contacted by email.

Traditional Solidarity Line this Saturday

THE NUEVAS Generaciones del Partido Popular de Torrevieja or New Generation of the People’s Party of Torrevieja will hold their traditional food collection campaign tomorrow, Saturday, December 22, on Calle Concepcion, just in front of the Town Square and Church. The idea is to raise funding, food and awareness through a collection of food and coins that are placed along a single lone line of carpet, as a mark of solidarity.

This event starts at 09:30am. and ends at 1:30pm. All food and donations collected will go directly to the NGO Alimentos Solidarios Torrevieja. On this occasion, the most needed nonperishable foods are milk, tuna, oil and biscuits, canned food, juice, sugar, pasta plus any type of traditional Christmas food.

This activity is part of the values of solidarity and fraternity that are promoted from within the NN.GG. This traditional event is very important to help shine a little light of hope Food with the needs of so many families and children in the municipality. All donations will be gratefully received. line

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

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Home & Garden

Brought to you by spanishhomefinder.com

Home Garden

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

25

Brought to you by

www.spanishhomefinder.com

The fatal Palm Weevil - part 2 by

Clodagh & Dick Handscombe Practical gardeners and authors

WHAT INSECTICIDES CAN BE USED AND WHEN? The general message is that preventive spraying or injections is best done eight times a year especially in the spring and autumn. Once a palm is affected killing the larvae is important to stop adult weevils developing and spreading the disaster.

The latest communication from our town hall is that Chlorpiritos 48%, Imidacloprid 20% and Tiametoxan are approved for village parks and gardens and domestic gardens.

These are either sprayed over the crown and trunk or injected into the trunk.

Jeyes fluid and neem oil are apparently also being used but with what effect we don’t know.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE WITH DEAD PALMS?

An information sheet made available by our town hall asks for the following. a. When the tree is cut or falls down, cut into lengths.

Immediately drown visible grubs and then treat all cut ends and top and bottom of the tree with one of the previously mentioned products. b. Wrap up each length in plastic and bag up the fronds from the crown of the palm. c. Then phone the nominated local number, available from town halls, to arrange for the palms to be transported away for incineration. d. Note that dragging the fronds around or tying them in bunches and leaving at the gate to await a weekly garden rubbish collection could lead to the distribution of eggs and small grubs.

WHAT TYPES OF PALMS ARE AFFECTED? In the main it has been the Canary Island palm (phoenix canariensis) and the coco palm (phoenix dactylifera) but cases of Washingtonias and twenty other varieties have been reported.

THE WAY AHEAD We can only suggest readers become doubly alert to the risk to

‘Clodagh and Dick Handscombe’s gardening books make good Christmas presents. They can be obtained from high street and internet bookshops including Amazon UK and Spain. Thanks to readers the Kindle E-book Making waterless gardens a practical reality world wide is starting to sell well.’ © Clodagh and Dick Handscombe www.gardenspain.com

their palms; take precautionary preventive actions using qualified and licensed persons; move fast when problems are observed and plant no further palms in their gardens. As with the loss of geraniums through the geranium moth, the Spanish and other Mediterranean scenery will be less interesting but at least there are many alternative plants listed in our book ‘Your garden in Spain – From planning to planting and maintenance’, including tropical-looking cotyledons, to plant up.

Home & Garden

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21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Life TV

21st - December - 3rd January

FRIDAY 21st December BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07.00 Breakfast 10.15 Heir Hunters 11.00 Homes Under the Hammer 11.58 BBC News; Weather 12.00 You’ve Been Scammed 12.30 Cash in the Attic 13.13 BBC News; Weather 13.15 Bargain Hunt 14.00 BBC News; Weather 14.30 Regional News 14.45 Doctors 15.15 Escape to the Country 16.00 BBC News; Weather 16.05 CBBC 16.30 The Cow That Almost Missed Christmas 17.00 Blue Peter Christmas 18.15 Pointless Celebrities 19.00 BBC News; Weather 19.30 Regional News 20.00 The One Show 20.30 12 Tastes of Christmas 21.00 EastEnders 21.30 Outnumbered 22.00 Have I Got News for You Christmas Special 22.30 Live at the Apollo 23.00 BBC News 23.25 Regional News 23.35 The Graham Norton Show 24.20 The National Lottery Friday Night Draws 24.30 John Bishop’s Britain Christmas Special

07.00 Childrens TV 10.45 Something Special: Out and About 11.05 Show Me Show Me: Christmas Special 11.35 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 11.55 I Can Cook on the Go 12.10 Mister Maker Comes to Town 12.30 BBC World News 13.00 Daily Politics 14.00 Royal Upstairs Downstairs 14.30 To Buy or Not to Buy 15.15 Weakest Link 16.00 Real Rescues 16.45 Wanted Down Under Revisited 17.30 Flog It! 18.15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 19.00 Celebrity Eggheads 19.30 Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two 20.30 Christmas University Challenge 21.00 Mastermind 21.30 An Island Parish 22.00 Westminster Abbey 23.00 QI 23.30 Newsnight 24.00 Weather 24.05 Grumpy Guide to Christmas

06.30 ITV Morning News 07.00 Daybreak 09.30 Lorraine 10.25 The Jeremy Kyle Show 11.30 This Morning 13.30 Let’s Do Christmas with Gino & Mel 14.30 ITV News and Weather 15.00 Storage Hoarders 16.00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16.59 Local Weather 17.00 Britain’s Best Bakery 18.00 The Chase 19.00 Local News; Weather 19.30 ITV News and Weather 19.55 Text Santa Starts Here 20.00 Emmerdale 20.30 Coronation Street 21.00 Text Santa 24.00 ITV News and Weather 24.10 Local News and Weather 24.15 Celebrity Juice: Text Santa Christmas Special

07.00 Sali Mali 07.10 The Hoobs 08.00 Freshly Squeezed 08.30 According to Jim 09.00 Everybody Loves Raymond 10.00 Frasier 11.00 The Big Bang Theory 12.00 Jamie’s Christmas with Bells On 13.00 Channel 4 News Midday Summary 13.05 Kirstie’s Handmade Treasures 13.25 CutThroat Island 15.40 Countdown 16.30 1001 Things You Should Know 17.00 Deal or No Deal 18.00 Come Dine with Me Celebrity Christmas Special 18.30 The Simpsons 19.30 Hollyoaks 20.00 Channel 4 News 20.30 Unreported World 20.55 4thought.tv 21.00 King of Christmas Lights 22.00 The Hoarder Next Door Christmas Special 23.00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 24.05 Father Ted Christmas Special 01.15 Father Ted

07.00 Childrens TV 08.50 Noddy in Toyland 09.05 Fifi and the Flowertots 09.20 Peppa Pig 09.35 Roary the Racing Car 09.50 Bananas in Pyjamas 10.00 Tickety Toc 10.55 Mexican Food Made Simple 11.25 Emergency Bikers 12.25 Superior Interiors with Kelly Hoppen 13.20 5 News Lunchtime 13.25 Build a New Life in the Country 14.25 Meet the Santas 16.10 Mistletoe Over Manhattan 18.00 5 News 18.30 Emergency Bikers 19.30 5 News 20.00 Cowboy Builders 21.00 North Pole Ice Airport 22.00 The Mentalist 23.00 Castle 24.00 Law & Order: Criminal Intent 24.55 Inside Hollywood

07.00 Emmerdale 07.50 Coronation Street 08.15 Michael Buble: Home for Christmas 09.45 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 10.00 The Xtra Factor: Judges Best & Worst Ever 11.00 The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas 12.50 Emmerdale 13.50 Coronation Street 14.20 The Jeremy Kyle Show 16.30 All Star Family Fortunes Christmas Special 17.20 The Xtra Factor: Winner’s Story 18.25 Aladdin 20.00 You’ve Been Framed!

Animals Special 21.00 The X Factor USA 23.00 Hellboy II: The Golden Army

07.00 90210

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07.00 CITV: Special Agent Oso 07.25 The Hive 07.50 Canimals 08.05 Fleabag Monkeyface 08.30 Almost Naked Animals 08.50 Horrid Henry 09.30 Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge 10.25 ITV News 10.30 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 12.20 Murder, She Wrote 13.20 ITV News 13.35 Holiday Home Sweet Home 15.35 Steppin’ Out with Katherine Jenkins 16.50 Local News 17.05 ITV News and Weather 17.20 Back to the Future Part III 19.30 The Nation’s Favourite Christmas Song 21.00 Paddy’s 2012 Show and Telly 22.00 The Jonathan Ross Show Christmas Special 23.45 Terminator 2: Judgment Day

07.10 The Hoobs 08.00 The Enduroman Arch to Arc Triathlon 08.30 Everybody Loves Raymond 08.55 The Morning Line 09.55 T4: Frasier 10.55 T4: A Christmas Carol 12.50 T4: The Big Bang Theory 13.20 T4: The Simpsons 14.20 Channel 4 Racing 16.30 River Cottage: Three Go Mad at Christmas 17.35 Come Dine with Me: Celebrity Christmas Special 20.05 Channel 4 News 20.25 4thought.tv 20.30 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces at Christmas 21.30 Stephen Fry: Gadget Man 22.00 Four Christmases 23.40 Die Hard 2

SATURDAY 22nd December BBC1

07.00 Breakfast 11.00 Christmas Saturday Kitchen 12.30 Nigel Slater’s Christmas Suppers 13.00 BBC News; Regional News; Weather 13.15 Football Focus 14.00 Live Equestrian: Olympia 2012 17.30 Final Score 18.20 BBC News; Regional News; Weather 18.40 Pointless Celebrities 19.30 Strictly Come Dancing 20.55 Merlin 21.40 The National Lottery Saturday Night Draws 21.50 Strictly Come Dancing: The Results 23.05 BBC News; Weather 23.25 Match of the Day; National Lottery Update 24.55 The Football League Show

BBC2

07.00 Childrens TV 09.40 Deadly 60 10.05 Copycats 10.35 12 Again Strictly Special 11.05 Ministry of Curious Stuff 11.30 Diddy Movies 11.45 Sorry, I’ve Got No Head 12.15 Horrible Histories 12.45 MOTD Kickabout; OOglies.

13.20 Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over 14.35 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 16.00 Nigellissima An Italian Inspired Christmas 17.00 The Game Plan 18.45 The Toys That Made Christmas 20.15 Porridge 21.00 Top of the Pops 2: Christmas 2012 22.30 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 23.00 The Mystery of Edwin Drood

SUNDAY 23rd December BBC1

07.00 Breakfast 08.30 Match of the Day 10.00 David Suchet: In the Footsteps of St Paul 11.00 Fern Britton Meets Dionne Warwick 12.00 Only Fools and Horses 13.00 BBC News; Weather 13.10 ‘Allo ‘Allo!

13.55 Nigel Slater’s 12 Tastes of Christmas 14.30 The Borrowers 15.55 Cool Runnings 17.30 Songs of Praise 18.05 BBC News; Regional News; Weather 18.30 Countryfile 19.30 Mr Stink 20.30 Antiques Roadshow 21.30 Loving Miss Hatto 23.00 BBC News; Regional News; Weather 23.25 Match of the Day 2 24.25 Graham Norton Show

BBC2

07.00 Childrens TV 10.30 12 Again Christmas Special 11.00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12.30 The Great British Bake Off Christmas Masterclass 13.30 The Preacher’s Wife 15.30 Coast 15.40 Escape to the Country 16.25 Flog It! 17.25 First Knight 19.30 The Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show 20.35 Victoria Wood with All the Trimmings 21.30 Dragons’ Den Christmas Special 22.30 James May’s Toy Stories: Flight Club 23.30 Sarah Millican Television Programme Christmas Special 24.00 Victoria Wood: As Seen on TV

BBC1

BBC2

07.00 Childrens TV 09.10 MI High 09.40 Dani’s House Christmas Special 10.10 Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas 11.20 Who Framed Roger Rabbit 12.55 The Great British Bake Off Masterclass 13.55 Wartime Farm Christmas 14.55 Springwatch Guide to Otters 15.55 Equestrian 16.55 Nativity!

18.35 Dad’s Army 19.15 Carols from King’s 20.30 Morecambe & Wise: Song and Dance 21.30 Open All Hours 22.00 Porridge 22.40 Ronnie Barker: The Many Faces Of 23.40 The Two Ronnies: The Studio Recordings 24.10 Being Ronnie Corbett

07.00 Gossip Girl 07.45 Coronation Street 10.10 Emmerdale 13.05 Take Me Out Celebrity Christmas Special 14.20 Take Me Out: The Gossip Celebrity Christmas Special 15.05 The Xtra Factor: Winner’s Story 2012 16.10 The X Factor USA 18.00 You’ve Been Framed! at Christmas 19.05 You’ve Been Framed!

Christmas Special 19.40 The Mummy Returns 22.00 American Pie: The Wedding 24.00 Lemon La Vida Loca: Merry Keithmas! Part 1 24.45 Lemon La Vida Loca: Merry Keithmas! Part 2

08.25 Scrubs 09.15 Rules of Engagement 10.10 90210 11.05 Ugly Betty 12.05 Desperate Housewives 13.00 Scrubs 13.30 Hollyoaks 14.00 How I Met Your Mother 15.00 The Big Bang Theory 17.00 Rules of Engagement 18.00 How I Met Your Mother 19.00 The Big Bang Theory 20.00 Hollyoaks 20.30 How I Met Your Mother 21.00 Just My Luck 23.05 Hostage

E4

07.00 Heartland 07.45 Scrubs 10.30 Charlie’s Angels 11.25 Smallville 12.25 How I Met Your Mother 13.25 Scrubs 14.25 Made in Chelsea 15.30 The Big Bang Theory 20.00 How I Met Your Mother 21.00 Dreamgirls 23.45 Final Destination 3

Dreamgirls 21.00

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07.00 Childrens TV 08.30 Almost Naked Animals 09.00 Big Time Rush 09.30 Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge 10.25 Dinner Date 11.20 Columbo: Fade in to Murder 13.20 ITV News and Weather 13.30 Carry On Cowboy 15.15 All Star Family Fortunes 16.00 The McFly Show 17.05 Twins 19.05 You’ve Been Framed!

19.35 Local News 19.45 ITV News and Weather 20.00 Ade’s Christmas Crackers 21.00 The Cube 22.00 Joanna Lumley: The Search for Noah’s Ark 23.30 ITV News and Weather 23.45 Take Me Out Celebrity Christmas Special 24.45 Premiership Rugby Union

07.15 The Hoobs 08.05 Prep & Landing 08.25 Prep & Landing: Naughty v Nice 08.50 The Bear 09.20 The Art of The Snowman and the Snowdog 09.25 Frasier 10.30 Sunday Brunch 13.05 The Big Bang Theory 14.00 The Simpsons 15.00 Deal or No Deal 16.00 100 Greatest Toys with Jonathan Ross 19.05 Channel 4 News 19.15 4thought.tv 19.20 The Art of The Snowman and the Snowdog 19.25 The Snowman 19.55 Night at the Museum 22.00 Homeland 23.30 Peep Show 24.00 In Bruges

7.00 Childrens TV 09.40 Rupert Bear 10.00 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10.10 Toby’s Travelling Circus 10.25 Roary the Racing Car 10.40 Jelly Jamm 11.00 Chinese Food in Minutes 11.20 Dallas 12.15 Once Upon a Time 14.10 The Christmas Consultant 15.55 It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie 17.40 Christmas with the Kranks 19.40 The Family Man 21.55 5 News Weekend 22.00 Bad Santa 24.00 Superbad

07.00 Emmerdale

07.00 Being Erica

09.40 Coronation Street

07.45 Glee

MONDAY 24th Christmas Eve 07.00 Breakfast 10.00 David Suchet: In the Footsteps of St Paul 11.00 The Two Ronnies Christmas Special 1984 12.00 Only Fools and Horses 13.00 BBC News; Weather 13.15 Regional News 13.25 The Santa Clause 15.00 The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian 17.15 Merry Madagascar 17.35 The Gruffalo’s Child 18.05 Lady and the Tramp 19.20 BBC News; Weather 19.35 Regional News 19.45 A Christmas Carol 21.15 Merlin 22.00 EastEnders 22.35 Outnumbered 23.15 Mrs Brown’s Boys 23.45 The Vicar of Dibley 24.30 BBC News; Weather

07.00 Childrens TV 10.00 Toby’s Travelling Circus 10.15 Roary the Racing Car 10.30 Jelly Jamm 10.50 Chinese Food in Minutes 10.55 Dallas 11.50 Once Upon a Time 13.50 Crazy for Christmas 15.40 Dear Santa 17.30 Mrs Miracle 2: Miracle in Manhattan 19.20 I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus 21.00 A Christmas Carol 23.00 5 News Weekend 23.05 Tommy Cooper’s Christmas 24.10 The Plank

07.40 One Tree Hill

12.15 Peter Andre:

08.30 T4: Scrubs 09.30 T4: Hollyoaks

My Life

12.05 T4: T4: Listen

13.15 The X Factor USA

12.20 T4: Ugly Betty

15.10 Jack and the Beanstalk 16.45 Cinderella

13.20 T4: T4: Listen 13.35 T4: How I Met Your Mother

18.15 Aladdin

14.00 T4: The Big Bang Theory

19.55 The Mummy:

15.00 Made in Chelsea

Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

16.10 The Big Bang Theory 20.00 The Abyss

22.00 The Incredible Hulk

22.40 The Idiot Awards

24.15 Van Helsing

24.50 The Inbetweeners

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07.00 CITV: Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07.10 Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07.25 The Hive 07.50 Canimals 08.00 Fleabag Monkeyface 08.30 Horrid Henry 09.00 Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase 10.25 Dennis 12.05 Dinner Date 13.10 ITV News and Weather 13.30 The Chase 14.30 Doc Martin 16.30 Rod Stewart’s Christmas 17.45 The Grinch 19.40 ITV News and Weather 20.00 Emmerdale 20.30 Coronation Street 21.30 The Spice Girls’ Story: Viva Forever!

23.00 ITV News at Ten 23.15 Christmas Carols on ITV 24.15 The Jonathan Ross Show Christmas Special

07.10 The Rugrats Movie 08.25 Famous Fred 08.55 Ivor the Invisible 09.20 The Art of The Snowman and the Snowdog 09.30 Christmas Carol: The Movie 11.05 The Big Bang Theory 12.00 Muppet Christmas Carol 13.40 The Simpsons 14.45 Deal or No Deal’s Big Christmas Dinner 15.50 Home Alone 2:Lost in New York 18.05 The Simpsons 18.40 Hollyoaks 19.10 Channel 4 News 19.25 4thought.tv 19.30 Heston’s Fantastical Christmas 20.30 Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas 21.00 The Snowman and the Snowdog 21.30 Stephen Fry: Gadget Man Christmas Special 22.00 8 Out of 10 Cats Christmas Special 23.00 Peep Show 23.30 Friday Night Dinner 0.05 The Inbetweeners

07.00 Childrens TV 09.30 Roary the Racing Car 09.40 Bananas in Pyjamas 10.00 Tickety Toc 10.10 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10.20 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 10.40 The Family Recipe 10.50 Dallas 11.40 Once Upon a Time 13.35 Mistletoe Over Manhattan 15.25 Trading Christmas 17.10 Scrooge - A Christmas Carol 19.00 Rolf’s Animal Christmas 20.00 World’s Biggest Pets 21.00 A Right Royal Year 22.00 Eddie Stobart’s Christmas Cracker 23.00 The Thomas Crown Affair

07.00 Emmerdale 07.25 Coronation Street 07.55 Christmas Bonkers Guinness World Records 08.20 Aladdin 09.50 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! Top Trials 10.55 Britain’s Got More Talent: All Stars 12.00 Emmerdale 12.30 Coronation Street 13.00 Beethoven 14.50 Beethoven’s 2nd 16.45 Christmas Bonkers Guinness World Records 17.15 The Xtra Factor: Girls Best & Worst Ever 18.15 The Xtra Factor: Boys Best & Worst Ever 19.15 You’ve Been Framed at Christmas!

20.15 Mr Bean’s Holiday 22.00 Fast & Furious 24.15 A Celebrity Juicemas Carol - Chapter 1

07.40 One Tree Hill 08.25 Scrubs 09.15 Rules of Engagement 10.10 Hollyoaks 10.45 90210 11.40 Ugly Betty 12.35 Desperate Housewives 13.30 Scrubs 14.00 Mighty Joe Young 16.15 How I Met Your Mother 17.15 The Big Bang Theory 19.15 Hollyoaks 19.45 How I Met Your Mother 20.40 The Big Bang Theory 21.10 New Girl 21.35 Suburgatory 22.05 The Big Bang Theory 22.35 2 Broke Girls 23.00 Made in Chelsea 24.05 Rude Tube: Epic Christmas

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Spice Girls’ Story: Viva Forever

31

Christmas Eve, ITV1, 21.30

Cast your minds back to 1996, and five larger-than-life girls debuted their catchy sound with a single which would hit number one in more than 30 countries – and that’s no easy feat.

‘Wannabe’ catapulted the Spice Girls to success on a phenomenal scale, and now years down the line, Geri, Mel C, Victoria, Emma and Mel B are enjoying a reunion year that has given them the opportunity to close the London 2012 Olympics, and launch Viva Forever: The Musical, written by Jennifer Saunders none-the-less, and produced

by Judy Craymer.

Like them or not, there’s no denying the Spice Girls are one of the biggest, best-selling all-female groups of all time - and the leading lights at ITV think that’s something to celebrate.

Spice Girls’ Story: Viva Forever (ITV1, 8.30pm) takes a look at the music of the group and how the girls dealt with such extraordinary fame, as girl power is introduced to a new generation through the musical.

For many girls of a certain age, the programme will bring back well-buried memories of that union jack dress they begged their mum to buy them. For Geri, the dress – which she wore to the Brits – will always be significant.

She explains: “I remember the stylist at the time told me not to wear it. I literally got “don’t wear that”. And I was going, “but I like it. I like it”…For me that dress symbolises what the Spice Girls is about.”

While the girls enjoyed four years in the limelight – and of course, it was great while it lasted – the success of the band paved the way for their respective careers. But

Victoria remembers every exhausting minute of the hard work they put in. She recalls: “It was such a whirlwind, it was really quite overwhelming. And we were so tired. We were working really, really hard. I mean the record company would have us at the airport sometimes at five o’clock in the morning. We’d fly somewhere, we’d be working all day, we’d get in super, super late, we’d have a couple of hours sleep and then we’d go off again the next day.”

But singer-turned-fashion-designer does know how lucky she is.

“I’m really proud to be Posh. I’m so proud to have been in the Spice Girls and to have achieved everything I have.

I’m the luckiest girl in the world, I really am. No-one knows that more than me.”

Featuring interviews with the girls and those who know them best, this programme tells the story of five girls whose music, look and attitude had such a profound effect on the 1990s, and whose influence in British culture is still felt today; more than 15 years since they took the pop world by storm.

Oh and of course, the documentary wouldn’t be complete without a couple of Spice mums putting in their twopenn’orth, while Richard E Grant, Dawn French and Perez Hilton also comment on what the Spice Girls’ reign meant to them.

32

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Life TV

21st - December - 3rd January

tUESDAY 25th Christmas Day BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

07.00 Breakfast 10.00 The Gruffalo 10.25 Peter Rabbit’s Christmas Tale 10.50 First Flight 11.00 Christmas Day Eucharist 12.00 Only Fools and Horses 13.05 BBC News 13.13 Weather 13.15 Shrek the Halls 13.40 Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa 15.00 Top of the Pops Christmas 16.00 The Queen 16.10 Shrek Forever After 17.35 Room on the Broom 18.00 BBC News 18.15 Doctor Who 19.15 Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 20.30 Call the Midwife 21.45 EastEnders 22.45 The Royle Family Christmas Special 23.45 BBC News 23.55 Weather 24.00 The Vicar of Dibley 24.40 On Christmas Night 24.45 Have I Got a Bit More News for You Christmas Special

08.00Childrens TV 08.30 12 Again Christmas Special 09.00 Horrible Histories: Horrible Christmas 09.30 Story of Tracy Beaker 09.45 Attenborough’s Egg Hunt 10.45 Attenborough’s Ark: Natural World Special 11.45 Carols from King’s 13.00 On the Town 14.35 Singin’ in the Rain 16.15 Cenerentola 18.15 The Queen 18.25 Arena: Sister Wendy and the Art of the Gospel 19.25 50 Years of Bond Cars: A Top Gear Special 20.30 Dad’s Army 21.00 Blackadder’s Christmas Carol 21.45 The Choir: A Year with the Military Wives 22.45 QI XL 23.30 The Sarah Millican Television Programme Christmas Special 24.00 The Christmas No 1 Story

07.10 Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07.25 The Hive 07.50 Canimals 08.00 Fleabag Monkeyface 08.30 Almost Naked Animals 08.55 Scooby-Doo and the Alien Invaders 10.25 Aladdin 12.10 The Nation’s Favourite Christmas Song 13.40 Text Santa: One More Time 14.15 ITV News 14.25 Toy Story 16.00 The Queen 16.10 Tangled 18.00 New You’ve Been Framed! Christmas 18.30 Emmerdale 19.00 Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs at Christmas 20.00 Emmerdale 20.30 Coronation Street 21.30 ITV News 21.45 Downton Abbey 23.45 Couples Retreat

07.05 Little Wolf 07.30 Lost and Found 07.55 Father Christmas 08.25 The Art of The Snowman and the Snowdog 08.30 The Simpsons 09.20 Horton Hears a Who! 11.00 Gordon’s Christmas Cookalong Live 14.55 The Snowman and the Snowdog 15.25 Scrooged 17.20 The Alternative Christmas Message 17.25 Deal or No Deal’s Big Christmas Dinner 18.30 Channel 4 News 18.35 4thought.tv 18.40 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 22.00 Alan Carr: Chatty Man Christmas Special 23.00 Rude Tube 24.05 C4’s 30 Greatest Comedy Shows

07.00 Childrens TV 07.55 Little Princess 08.05 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 08.20 The Mr Men Show 08.35 Thomas & Friends 08.50 Noddy in Toyland 09.05 Fifi and the Flowertots 09.15 Peppa Pig 09.35 Roary the Racing Car 09.55 Inside Hollywood 10.00 Gone with the Wind 14.15 Ben-Hur 18.25 The Santa Incident 20.05 Eddie Stobart’s Christmas Cracker 21.00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks, Trailers and Tinsel 22.00 Eddie Stobart’s Christmas Delivery 23.00 Greatest Christmas TV Moments

07.00 Emmerdale 07.25 Coronation Street 08.20 Jack and the Beanstalk 10.00 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now: Golden Moments 11.00 Britain’s Got More Talent: Kids and Pets Unleashed 12.05 Nanny McPhee 14.00 Emmerdale 14.25 Coronation Street 15.25 You’ve Been Framed at Christmas!

16.30 The Xtra Factor: Groups Best & Worst Ever 17.30 The Xtra Factor: Overs Best & Worst Ever 18.30 The Xtra Factor: Judges Best and Worst Ever 19.35 Jurassic Park 22.00 The Bourne Identity 24.20 A Celebrity Juicemas Carol - Chapter 2 01.20 American Pie Presents: The Naked Mile

wednesday 26th December

itv2

E4

7.25 Prep & Landing: Naughty v Nice 7.45 Lost and Found 8.10 Scrubs 9.10 Ugly Betty 10.10 Scrubs 11.05 How I Met Your Mother 11.35 Gulliver’s Travels 15.35 Prep & Landing 16.00 Prep & Landing: Naughty v Nice 16.30 Lost and Found 17.00 The Snowman and the Snowdog 17.30 Alvin and the Chipmunks 19.30 How I Met Your Mother 21.00 The Big Bang Theory 22.00 2 Broke Girls 23.00 Final Destination 3 24.50 8 Out of 10 Cats Christmas Special 01.55 The Big Bang Theory 02.50 The Ricky Gervais Show

BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07.00 Breakfast 10.00 CBeebies Panto 2012: Jack and the Beanstalk 10.45 Room on the Broom 11.10 The Madagascar Penguins in a Christmas Caper 11.25 Cars 13.15 BBC News 13.30 Regional News; Weather 13.40 Mr Stink 14.40 Happy Feet 16.20 Enchanted 18.00 How to Train Your Dragon 19.30 BBC News; Weather 19.40 Regional News 19.50 Alice in Wonderland 21.30 EastEnders 22.00 Miranda 22.30 Mrs Brown’s Boys 23.00 BBC News; Weather 23.20 The National Lottery Wednesday Night Draws 23.25 Match of the Day 01.00 Blades of Glory

07.00 CBeebies: Justin’s House Christmas Special 07.30 Octonauts and the Great Christmas Rescue 08.00 CBBC: Naomi’s Nightmares of Nature 08.30 4 O’Clock Club 09.00 MI High 09.30 Hero Squad 10.00 The Bear Family and Me 11.00 Attenborough: 60 Years in the Wild 12.00 John Wilson on Broadway Uncut 14.10 Darcey Bussell Dances Hollywood 15.40 An American in Paris 17.30 Final Score 18.30 Miss Potter 20.00 Morecambe & Wise: Song and Dance 21.00 Blackpool: Big Night Out 22.00 The Girl 23.30 Rebecca

07.00 CITV: Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07.10 Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07.25 The Hive 07.50 Canimals 08.00 Fleabag Monkeyface 08.30 Almost Naked Animals 09.00 Horrid Henry 09.30 Fort Boyard 10.25 The Railway Children 12.30 Dinner Date 13.30 ITV News and Weather 13.45 Land of the Lost 15.25 The Spice Girls’ Story: Viva Forever!

16.55 This Is Lionel Richie 18.00 ITV News and Weather 18.15 Toy Story 2 20.00 Emmerdale 20.30 Coronation Street 21.00 That Dog Can Dance!

22.00 Doors Open 24.00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 24.15 Atonement

06.25 Firehouse Dog 08.10 Wilde Stories 08.35 The Art of The Snowman and the Snowdog 08.40 According to Jim 09.10 Everybody Loves Raymond 09.40 The Morning Line 10.40 Valiant 12.10 The Simpsons 13.15 Deal or No Deal’s Big Christmas Dinner 14.15 Channel 4 Racing 16.40 Turner & Hooch 18.40 The Simpsons 19.10 Hollyoaks 19.40 Channel 4 News 19.50 4thought.tv 19.55 The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers 23.30 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

07.00 Childrens TV 9.00 Fifi and the Flowertots 9.10 Peppa Pig 9.25 Roary the Racing Car 9.40 Bananas in Pyjamas 10.00 Tickety Toc 10.10 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10.25 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 10.40 The Family Recipe 10.50 Dallas 11.40 Cowboy Builders 12.40 Once Upon a Time 13.40 The Greatest Story Ever Told 17.30 Will You Merry Me? 19.15 Rolf’s Animal Christmas 20.10 TV’s 50 Greatest Magic Tricks 23.00 Most Shocking Celebrity Moments 2012

07.00 Planet’s Funniest Animals 07.25 Cinderella 08.40 Emmerdale 09.45 Coronation Street 10.50 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now: Hall of Fame 11.50 Britain’s Got More Talent: All Singing All Dancing 12.50 The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor 15.00 The Grinch 17.00 Emmerdale 18.05 Coronation Street 19.05 You’ve Been Framed!

Animals Special 20.10 Jurassic Park III 22.00 Terminator 2: Judgment Day 24.45 Celebrity Juice: Christmas Special 01.45 Lemon La Vida Loca

07.00 90210 07.40 One Tree Hill 008.20 Scrubs 09.15 Rules of Engagement 09.40 Hollyoaks 10.15 90210 11.10 Scrubs 11.35 Glee 12.35 The Snowman and the Snowdog 13.00 The Big Bang Theory 13.30 Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging 15.30 The Spiderwick Chronicles 17.20 Howard’s Best Episodes: The Big Bang Theory 19.45 Hollyoaks 20.20 Sheldon’s Best Episodes: The Big Bang Theory 22.45 The Inbetweeners Top 10 Moments 23.55 The Inbetweeners USA 24.50 World’s Greatest Body Shockers

thursday 27th December BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07.00 Breakfast 09.00 Match of the Day 10.30 The Thief Lord 12.00 101 Dalmatians 13.40 BBC News 13.55 Regional News; Weather 14.00 My Family 14.50 Donkey’s Carolling Christmas-tacular 15.00 Bolt 16.25 Monsters vs Aliens 17.50 Dragons: Gift of the Night Fury 18.15 Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out 18.40 Pointless Celebrities 19.30 BBC News; Weather 19.45 Regional News 20.00 Celebrity Mastermind 20.30 Have I Got News for You 21.00 EastEnders 22.00 Restless 23.30 BBC News 23.45 Regional News; Weather 23.55 Coldplay: MX World Tour 24.55 Point Break

07.00 Childrens TV 08.00 CBBC: Naomi’s Nightmares of Nature 08.30 4 O’Clock Club 09.00 MI High 09.30 Hero Squad 10.00 The Bear Family and Me 11.00 Attenborough: 60 Years in the Wild 12.00 Viva Knievel!

13.45 Racing from Chepstow 16.05 Secretariat 17.55 Nature’s Weirdest Events 18.55 The Cockleshell Heroes 20.30 Dad’s Army 21.00 Racing Legends: Stirling Moss 22.00 World’s Most Dangerous Roads 23.00 Mock the Week 24.00 Dragons’ Den Christmas Special 01.00 QI 01.30 Hebburn

07.00 CITV: Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07.10 Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07.25 The Hive 07.50 Canimals 08.00 Fleabag Monkeyface 08.30 Almost Naked Animals 09.00 Horrid Henry 09.30 Fort Boyard 10.25 Dickinson’s Real Deal 11.25 Columbo: Requiem for a Falling Star 12.55 Dinner Date 13.50 ITV News and Weather 14.05 Local News 14.10 Free Willy 3 15.50 Babe 17.30 Downton Abbey 19.30 Local News; Weather 19.45 ITV News and Weather 20.00 Emmerdale 20.30 All Star Family Fortunes 21.30 Emmerdale 22.00 Panto!

23.30 ITV News and 23.45 The Holiday

07.30 The Hoobs 08.20 Wilde Stories 08.45 According to Jim 09.15 Everybody Loves Raymond 09.45 Frasier 10.50 The Big Bang Theory 11.50 The Simpsons 12.50 Astro Boy 14.35 City of Ember 16.25 Deal or No Deal’s Big Christmas Dinner 17.25 Celebrity Come Dine with Me Christmas Special 18.30 The Simpsons 19.00 Hollyoaks 19.30 Channel 4 News 19.55 4thought.tv 20.00 Mary’s Bottom Line 21.00 The Hoarder Next Door Christmas Special 22.00 The Restoration Man 23.00 Dorian Gray 01.10 The Girl Who Played with Fire

07.00 Childrens TV 09.30 Roary the Racing Car 09.40 Bananas in Pyjamas 10.00 Tickety Toc 10.10 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10.25 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 10.45 The Family Recipe 10.55 Dallas 11.50 Eddie Stobart: Trucks, Trailers and Tinsel 12.50 Once Upon a Time 13.50 Fiddler on the Roof 17.25 It’s Christmas, Carol!

19.10 World’s Biggest Pets 20.05 Eddie Stobart’s Christmas Delivery 21.00 World’s Strongest Man 2012 22.00 Dirty Dancing 24.05 You Don’t Mess with the Zohan

07.00 Emmerdale 07.25 Coronation Street 07.50 The Cube 08.45 All Star Family Fortunes Christmas Special 09.35 Christmas Bonkers Guinness World Records 10.00 Cheryl: Access All Areas 11.00 The Xtra Factor: Winner’s Story 2012 12.00 Kangaroo Jack 13.50 Britain’s Got More Talent: Funniest Moments 14.50 Emmerdale 15.20 Coronation Street 15.50 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now! Top Trials 16.55 You’ve Been Framed! Kids 17.55 Beethoven 19.45 E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 22.00 Peter Andre: My Life 23.00 Celebrity Juice: Text Santa Christmas Special 23.45 Celebrity Juice: Corrie v EastEnders Special 24.30 Celebrity Juice: N-Dubz

7.00 90210 7.40 One Tree Hill 8.25 Scrubs 9.15 Rules of Engagement 10.10 Hollyoaks 10.40 90210 11.35 Ugly Betty 12.35 Desperate Housewives 13.30 Scrubs 14.00 How I Met Your Mother 15.00 The Big Bang Theory 16.00 Addams Family Values 18.00 How I Met Your Mother 18.30 The Big Bang Theory 19.30 Hollyoaks 20.30 How I Met Your Mother 21.30 The Big Bang Theory 22.00 2 Broke Girls 22.30 The Big Bang Theory: It All Started with a Big Bang 23.00 World’s Greatest Body Shockers 01.10 The Big Bang Theory 02.10 How I Met Your Mother

Where would we be without Doctor Who on Christmas Day?

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

The Girl

33

BOXING DAY, BBC 2, 22.00

BBC One, 18.15 There’d just be this big, Tardis-shaped hole in the middle of the evening’s schedules, begging to be filled by something epic, exciting and full of science fiction.

After all, after stuffing yourself full of turkey with all the trimmings, not to mention Christmas pudding with lashings of custard, you’re probably ready for a nap come 5.15pm – so having the Time Lord come along and wake you up with a barnstorming adventure is just what the doctor ordered.

The last time we saw the gallivanting Gallifreyan, he was being wrenched apart from trusty companions Amy and Rory.

He’s been dramatically parted from companions before - back in its classic years, the likes of Sara Kingdom, Adric and Catarina were killed while accompanying him in the Tardis, and in more modern times, he was devastated when Rose was ripped from his side.

But you get the sense that losing Amy and Rory has caused a wound that will take years to mend - if it ever does. So when we meet the Doctor here, he’s a shadow of his former self.

Even his love of Christmas can’t lighten his mood.

He seems too busy saying “bah, humbug” to everyone to take much interest in a chilling menace that is about to threaten his favourite

planet, Earth. But after the Tardis touches down on Christmas Eve 1892 and he’s contacted by unorthodox young governess Clara who needs his help, he slowly begins to come out of his miserable shell - will battling evil aliens warm his two cold hearts and give him back his taste for adventure?

The photos of the villains make them look very scary indeed – they’re sharp-toothed snowmen; you’ll certainly never see a Raymond Biggs’ cartoon version of the frosty fellows in quite the same way again...

Although Matt Smith heads the cast, most eyes will be on Jenna Louise-Coleman, who makes her debut as new companion Clara.

Lead writer and Executive Producer, Steven Moffat, says of the former Emmerdale star: “It always seems impossible when you start casting these parts, but when we saw Matt and Jenna together, we knew we had our girl. She’s funny and clever and exactly mad enough to step on board the Tardis.

“It’s not often the Doctor meets someone who can talk even faster than he does, but it’s about to happen. Jenna is going to lead him his merriest dance yet. And that’s all you’re getting for now.

“How the Doctor meets her, and even where he finds her, are all part of one of the biggest mysteries the Time Lord ever encounters. Even by the Doctor’s standards, this isn’t your usual boy meets girl.”

Jenna actually made her first appearance in Doctor Who as the tragic Oswin in the season seven opener, Asylum of the Daleks. Could the two characters be linked?

We’ll just have to wait and see...

Richard E Grant and Tom Ward are among the guest stars.

It should have been a momentous turning point in her life – an event that launched an amazing acting career...

So where did things go so wrong for Tippi Hedren?

She probably couldn’t believe her luck when, in 1961, she was spotted modelling in an advert by Alfred Hitchcock, who then plucked her from obscurity, put her under a seven-year contract and began moulding her into the kind of blonde, ice beauty he preferred.

He’d already worked with the likes of Grace Kelly and Kim Novak, but Hedren was different - largely inexperienced as an actress and desperate for success so she could support her young daughter, who would grow up to become actress Melanie Griffith.

Sadly, her dream of becoming a star soon turned into a nightmare. The great director eventually cast her in two of his films. The Birds was a massive success, but Marnie was a disappointment.

But it’s the making of these films and the difficult, manipulative relationship between Hitch and his muse that’s perhaps the most interesting aspect of them.

This drama aims to shed new light on the situation, and takes as its inspiration Donald Spoto’s book Spellbound by Beauty, which examines Hitch’s leading ladies.

Screenwriter Gwyneth Hughes also interviewed Hedren in an attempt to make the drama as authentic as possible.

“Back then women were supposed to put up with unwanted male attention, or risk getting the blame for it,” explains Hughes. “So Tippi felt powerless in the face of the great man’s desire, and had nobody she could talk to about it. She suffered in lonely silence, until she could stand it no more, and the dream of a film career ended in a bleak, ugly rupture with the man who discovered her.

friday 28th December BBC1

BBC2

07.00 Breakfast 10.00 The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement 11.45 102 Dalmatians 13.20 BBC News; Weather 13.35 Regional News; Weather 13.45 My Family 14.35 Race to Witch Mountain 16.10 Legend of the Boneknapper Dragon 16.30 The Sorcerer’s Apprentice 18.10 Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers 18.40 Pointless Celebrities 19.30 BBC News 19.45 Regional News 20.00 Celebrity Mastermind 20.30 The One Show on Ice - Best of 2012 21.00 Holby City 22.00 Restless 23.30 BBC News 23.45 Regional News; Weather 23.55 The National Lottery Friday Night Draws 24.00 Take That: Progress Live

07.00 CBeebies: Pingu 07.05 Timmy Time 07.15 Rastamouse 07.30 The Large Family 07.40 Andy’s Wild Adventures 08.00 CBBC: Naomi’s Nightmares of Nature 08.30 4 O’Clock Club 09.00 MI High 09.30 Hero Squad 09.55 Deadly 60 Bites 10.05 The Bear Family and Me 11.05 Attenborough: 60 Years in the Wild 12.05 The Lady Vanishes 13.40 The 39 Steps 15.05 Notorious 16.45 Flog It! 17.30 The Four Feathers 19.30 Nature’s Weirdest Events 20.30 Blackadder the Third 21.00 Racing Legends: Colin McRae 23.00 QI 23.30 Andy Parsons Gruntled Live 24.30 Never Mind the Buzzcocks

saturday 29th December BBC1

07.00 Breakfast 11.00 Saturday Kitchen 12.30 Nigel Slater’s New Year Suppers 13.15 Football Focus 14.00 Formula 1: 2012 - What a Year 15.00 Olympics 2012: A Golden Games 16.00 Olympics 2012: Through the Lens 16.30 Sport Relief 2012 - The Final Score 17.30 Final Score 18.25 BBC News 18.45 Celebrity Mastermind 19.15 A Question of Sport: Christmas Holiday Special 19.45 Superstars 2012 21.15 The National Lottery: Secret Fortune 22.10 BBC News; Weather 22.30 Mrs Brown’s Boys 23.30 Match of the Day 01.00 Football League Show

BBC2

7.00 Childerens TV 08.00 CBBC 11.10 The Ministry of Curious Stuff 11.40 Sorry, I’ve Got No Head 12.10 Diddy Movies 12.35 Horrible Histories 13.05 Shaun the Sheep 13.15 Flight of the Navigator 14.40 Flubber 16.05 Escape to the Country 17.05 Flog It! 18.05 John Le Mesurier: It’s All Been Rather Lovely 19.05 Clive Dunn: A Tribute 19.45 Dad’s Army 21.15 Climbed Every Mountain - The Story Behind The Sound of Music 22.15 The Duchess 24.00 QI XL 24.45 God Bless Ozzy Osbourne

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07.00 CITV: Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07.10 Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07.25 The Hive 07.50 Canimals 08.00 Fleabag Monkeyface 08.35 The Perfect Man 10.25 Tipping Point 11.25 May the Best House Win - Viva Espana 12.20 Dinner Date 13.25 ITV News and Weather 13.40 Local News and Weather 13.45 Doc Hollywood 15.45 Babe: Pig in the City 17.30 Peter Pan 19.35 Local News and Weather 19.45 ITV News and Weather 20.00 Emmerdale 20.30 Coronation Street 21.00 You’ve Been Framed!

21.30 The Corrie Years 22.00 All New It’ll Be Alright on the Night 23.00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23.15 Gremlins

07.30 The Treacle People 07.40 The Hoobs 08.05 Wilde Stories 08.35 Everybody Loves Raymond 09.00 Frasier 10.05 The Big Bang Theory 11.05 The Simpsons 12.05 Planet 51 13.45 Zulu 16.30 Deal or No Deal’s Big Christmas Dinner 17.30 The Simpsons 18.25 Hollyoaks 19.30 Channel 4 News 19.55 4thought.tv 20.00 My Big Fat Gypsy Christmas 21.00 Jamie & Jimmy’s Food Fight Club 22.00 The 50 Funniest Moments of 2012 24.05 Friday Night Dinner 24.40 2012: Mashed 01.45 The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest

07.00 Milkshake!

09.15 Peppa Pig 09.25 Roary the Racing Car 09.40 Bananas in Pyjamas 10.00 Tickety Toc 10.10 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10.25 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 10.40 Chinese Food in Minutes 10.55 Dallas 11.55 Eddie Stobart: Trucks, Trailers and Tinsel 12.55 World’s Biggest Pets 13.55 Once Upon a Time 14.50 Mrs Miracle 2: Miracle in Manhattan 16.40 A Carol Christmas 18.20 Santa Jr 20.05 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 21.00 World’s Strongest Man 2012 22.00 The Mentalist 23.00 Castle 24.55 Inside Hollywood

07.00 Emmerdale 07.55 The Cube 08.40 No Reservations 10.50 Small Soldiers 13.00 Emmerdale 14.00 Christmas Bonkers Guinness World Records 14.30 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now: Golden Moments 15.30 I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here Now: Hall of Fame 16.30 You’ve Been Framed!

17.30 You’ve Been Framed! at Christmas 18.00 The McFly Show 19.00 Mr Bean’s Holiday 20.50 The Incredible Hulk 23.00 Utterly Outrageous Reality TV Moments 2012 24.00 Knocked Up

E4 08.25 Scrubs 09.20 Rules of Engagement 10.10 Hollyoaks 10.40 90210 11.35 Ugly Betty 12.35 Desperate Housewives 13.30 Scrubs 14.00 How I Met Your Mother 15.00 The Big Bang Theory 16.00 Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging 18.00 How I Met Your Mother 19.00 The Big Bang Theory 20.00 Hollyoaks 21.00 Twilight 23.30 Dreamgirls

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07.00 CITV: Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07.10 Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07.25 The Hive 07.50 Canimals 08.05 Fleabag Monkeyface 08.25 Almost Naked Animals 08.50 Horrid Henry 09.30 Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge 10.25 ITV News 10.30 Dinner Date 11.30 Dickinson’s Real Deal 12.30 The Unforgettable Leonard Rossiter 13.00 ITV News 15.10 Carry On Screaming 17.00 Midsomer Murders 19.00 Local News 19.15 ITV News and Weather 19.30 30 Years of CITV 21.30 Dale’s Great Getaway 22.30 Love Actually 23.45 Love Actually 01.20 Parenthood

07.00 Sali Mali 07.05 The Treacle People 07.15 The Three Worlds of Gulliver 08.55 The Morning Line 09.45 T4: Space Chimps 11.35 T4: Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties 13.20 T4: The Simpsons 14.30 Channel 4 Racing 16.30 Deal or No Deal’s Big Christmas Dinner 17.25 Celebrity Come Dine with Me 19.35 Channel 4 News 19.45 4thought.tv 19.50 Stephen Fry: Gadget Man Christmas Special 20.20 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 24.10 Wuthering Heights

07.00 Childrens TV 09.45 Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom 10.00 Toby’s Travelling Circus 10.10 Roary the Racing Car 10.25 Jelly Jamm 10.40 Chinese Food in Minutes 11.00 Meerkat Manor 11.30 Dallas 12.25 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 13.25 Once Upon a Time 14.25 It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie 16.10 Grounded 17.55 Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish 19.30 Snow White 21.10 5 News Weekend 21.15 World’s Strongest Man 2012 22.15 Stephen King’s Bag of Bones

07.00 Planet’s Funniest Animals 07.25 Coronation Street 10.00 Emmerdale 13.30 The Xtra Factor: Winner’s Story 2012 14.35 Britain’s Got More Talent: All Stars 15.35 Britain’s Got More Talent: Kids and Pets Unleashed 16.35 Britain’s Got More Talent: All Singing All Dancing 17.35 Britain’s Got More Talent: Funniest Moments 18.30 Beethoven’s 2nd 20.20 Mamma Mia! 22.30 Van Helsing 01.05 Fast & Furious

07.00 Heartland 07.45 Scrubs 08.40 Gulliver’s Travels 12.40 Scrubs 13.35 Suburgatory 14.00 New Girl 14.30 Mighty Joe Young 16.45 Alvin and the Chipmunks 18.35 The Big Bang Theory 21.30 2 Broke Girls 23.00 Bruno 24.40 The Inbetweeners

34

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Life TV

21st - December - 3rd January

sunday 30th December BBC1

BBC2

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07.00 Breakfast 09.05 Match of the Day 10.40 Eight Below 12.30 Snow Babies 13.30 BBC News; Weather 13.40 Countryfile 14.40 Bedknobs and Broomsticks 16.30 Call the Midwife 17.50 Songs of Praise: Celebrating 2012 Big Sing 18.30 Wild Weather in 2012 19.00 BBC News; Regional News; Weather 19.30 Celebrity Mastermind 20.00 Countryfile 21.00 Antiques Roadshow 22.00 Ripper Street 23.00 BBC News; Regional News; Weather 23.25 Match of the Day 2 24.25 Sport Relief 2012 - The Final Score 01.25 Open Range

07.00 CBeebies: Pingu 07.05 Timmy Time 07.15 Rastamouse 07.30 The Large Family 07.40 Andy’s Wild Adventures 08.00 CBBC: Naomi’s Nightmares of Nature 08.30 4 O’Clock Club 09.00 MI High 09.30 Hero Squad 10.00 Copycats 10.30 12 Again 11.00 Saturday Kitchen Best Bites 12.30 The Great British Bake Off Masterclass 13.30 EastEnders 16.30 Space Dive 18.00 Force 10 from Navarone 20.00 James May’s Toy Stories: Flight Club 21.00 Dara O Briain’s Science Club 22.00 Neil Armstrong - First Man on the Moon 23.00 Moon 24.30 Blade Runner: The Final Cut

07.45 Monk 07.50 Canimals 08.05 Fleabag Monkeyface 08.30 Almost Naked Animals 09.00 Big Time Rush 09.30 Fort Boyard Ultimate Challenge 10.25 There’s No Taste Like Home 11.25 Dinner Date 12.25 Dickinson’s Real Deal 13.25 All Star Family Fortunes 14.10 ITV News and Weather 14.15 Carry On Girls 16.00 Tea with Mussolini 18.15 Joanna Lumley: The Search for Noah’s Ark 19.35 Local News 19.45 ITV News and Weather 20.00 Super Famous Animals 21.00 Wild at Heart 23.15 A Night with Beyonce 24.30 Premiership Rugby Union

07.20 Dr Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts 08.45 Dr Dolittle 3 10.30 Sunday Brunch 12.40 The Big Bang Theory 13.10 The Simpsons 13.40 Clash of the Titans 15.55 Edward Scissorhands 18.00 Channel 4 News 18.25 4thought.tv 18.30 The Art of The Snowman and the Snowdog 18.35 The Snowman and the Snowdog 19.05 How the Snowman Came Back to Life 20.00 Come Dine with Me 21.00 The Hotel 22.00 Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2012 24.05 The Last Leg of the Year 01.10 Alan Carr: Chatty Man Christmas Special

0.00 Milkshake!

09.55 Toby’s Travelling Circus 10.05 Roary the Racing Car 10.25 Jelly Jamm 10.40 Chinese Food in Minutes 10.50 Meerkat Manor 11.20 Dallas 12.15 Eddie Stobart’s Christmas Cracker 13.20 Once Upon a Time 14.15 Lost Holiday: The Jim and Suzanne Shemwell Story 16.05 Ivanhoe 18.05 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 20.05 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 20.55 5 News Weekend 21.00 World’s Strongest Man 2012 22.00 An Audience with Ken Dodd 24.00 The Man Who Sued God

07.00 Planet’s Funniest Animals 07.20 Emmerdale 10.40 Coronation Street 13.50 You’ve Been Framed! Kids 14.50 Kangaroo Jack 16.45 Mamma Mia! 19.00 Nanny McPhee 21.00 I Love You’ve Been Framed!

22.00 The Holiday 24.40 Gremlins

07.00 Being Erica

Nanny McPhee 19.00

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

07.00 CITV: Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07.10 Babar and the Adventures of Badou 07.25 The Hive 07.50 Fleabag Monkeyface 08.20 Almost Naked Animals 08.35 From Time to Time 10.25 Dinner Date 11.25 WarGames 13.30 ITV News and Weather 13.40 Midsomer Murders 15.35 The Unforgettable John Thaw 16.35 Just Henry 18.45 ITV News and Weather 19.00 Wild at Heart: Filming with Animals 20.00 Emmerdale 20.30 Coronation Street 21.00 You’ve Been Framed!

21.30 Coronation Street 22.00 2012: A Funny Old Year 23.00 Bridget Jones’s Diary

07.20 The Treacle People 07.35 Happily N’Ever After 08.55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09.55 Frasier 11.00 The Big Bang Theory 12.00 The Simpsons 13.00 Son of the Mask 14.45 Entrapment 17.00 Deal or No Deal 18.00 The Simpsons 18.25 Hollyoaks 19.30 Channel 4 News 19.55 4thought.tv 20.00 Come Dine with Me Top 30 22.00 Alan Carr’s New Year Specstacular 24.05 8 Out of 10 Cats 24.50 House Party: NYE

monday 31st New Years Eve BBC1

07.00 Breakfast 10.00 Muppet Treasure Island 11.30 G-Force 12.50 Kung Fu Panda Holiday 13.15 BBC News; Weather 13.40 All New Total Wipeout: The Awards 14.40 Bedtime Stories 16.10 The Sound of Music 19.00 BBC News; Weather 19.15 Regional News 19.30 Celebrity Mastermind 20.00 Top of the Pops New Year’s Eve 21.00 EastEnders 21.30 Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time 23.20 BBC News; Weather 23.35 Graham Norton Show 24.40 New Year Live 2012

BBC2

07.00 Childrens TV 08.00 CBBC: Naomi’s Nightmares of Nature 08.30 4 O’Clock Club 09.00 MI High 09.30 Hero Squad 10.00 Operation Iceberg 12.00 The Great British Bake Off 14.00 Escape to the Country 14.45 Flog It! 15.50 The Red Baron 17.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys 18.30 Christmas University Challenge 19.00 Climbed Every Mountain - The Story Behind The Sound of Music 20.00 Catch Me If You Can 22.15 Julie & Julia 24.10 Jools’ Annual Hootenanny 2012

07.00 Childrens TV 09.30 Roary the Racing Car 09.45 Bananas in Pyjamas 10.00 Tickety Toc 10.15 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 10.35 Dallas 11.30 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 12.35 Eddie Stobart’s Christmas Delivery 13.35 Once Upon a Time 14.30 The Man from the Alamo 16.10 Cheyenne Autumn 19.05 The All New Gadget Show 20.05 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 21.00 World’s Strongest Man 2012 22.00 Britain’s Funniest Comedy Characters 24.55 NCIS

07.45 Scrubs 10.10 Hollyoaks 12.45 Goodbye T4: The Best Bits 13.15 Charlotte’s Web 15.05 The Big Bang Theory 16.35 Howard’s Best Episodes: The Big Bang Theory 19.00 Sheldon’s Best Episodes: The Big Bang Theory 21.30 The Big Bang Theory 22.00 What Happens in Vegas

07.00 Emmerdale 07.25 Coronation Street 07.50 Free Willy 3: The Rescue 09.35 The Xtra Factor: Girls Best & Worst Ever 10.40 The Xtra Factor: Boys Best & Worst Ever 11.40 The Xtra Factor: Groups Best & Worst Ever 12.40 The Xtra Factor: Overs Best & Worst Ever 13.45 Emmerdale 14.20 Coronation Street 14.50 You’ve Been Framed! at Christmas 15.20 E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial 17.35 The Grinch 19.35 Jurassic Park 22.00 The Bourne Identity 24.20 Celebrity Juice: Irish Special

24.00 The Inbetweeners

E4

07.00 90210 07.40 One Tree Hill 08.25 Scrubs 09.15 Rules of Engagement 10.10 90210 11.05 Ugly Betty 12.05 Desperate Housewives 13.00 Scrubs 13.30 Hollyoaks 14.00 How I Met Your Mother 15.00 The Big Bang Theory 16.00 How I Met Your Mother 17.05 Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel 18.55 The Big Bang Theory 20.00 Hollyoaks 20.30 How I Met Your Mother 21.00 New Girl 22.00 The Big Bang Theory 22.30 2 Broke Girls 23.00 Made in Chelsea End of Season Party 24.00 Rude Tube 2012

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

tuesday 1st January New Years Day BBC1

07.00 Breakfast 10.00 Hotel for Dogs 11.35 Three Men and a Little Lady 13.15 The Archbishop of Canterbury’s New Year Message 13.20 BBC News 13.35 Regional News; 13.45 Frozen Planet 14.45 Mary Poppins 17.00 The Princess and the Frog 18.35 BBC News; Weather 18.50 Regional News 19.00 Celebrity Mastermind 19.30 Up 21.00 EastEnders 22.00 Miranda 22.30 Mrs Brown’s Boys 23.00 BBC News 23.15 Regional News; 23.25 Match of the Day 24.45 Graham Norton Show

BBC2

07.00 Childrens TV 08.00 CBBC: Naomi’s Nightmares of Nature.

08.30 4 O’Clock Club 09.00 MI High 09.30 Hero Squad 09.55 Deadly Art 10.15 The Great British Bake Off 12.15 New Year’s Day Concert 13.45 Dances with Wolves 16.35 Great Continental Railway Journeys 17.30 Final Score 18.25 The Archbishop of Canterbury’s New Year Message 18.30 Goodbye to Canterbury 19.30 Christmas University Challenge 20.00 Hairy Dieters: How to Love Food and Lose Weight 21.00 Nature’s Weirdest Events 22.00 Queen Victoria’s Children 23.00 Charlie Brooker’s 2012 Wipe 24.00 QI

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

07.00 CITV 07.25 The Hive 07.50 Canimals 08.00 Fleabag Monkeyface 08.30 Almost Naked Animals 09.00 Horrid Henry 09.30 Victorious 10.00 Share a Story: Behind the Scenes 10.25 Dragonheart 12.15 Dancing on Ice Goes Gold 14.10 ITV News and Weather 14.25 Pride and Prejudice 16.45 Elizabeth: Queen, Wife, Mother 17.50 The Making of Les Miserables 18.45 ITV News and Weather 19.00 River Monsters 19.30 Emmerdale 20.00 Royal Babies 21.00 Celebrity Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

22.00 Gary Barlow & Friends 23.15 ITV News and Weather 23.30 King Kong

07.00 The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter 08.20 Everybody Loves Raymond 09.25 Frasier 10.25 The Big Bang Theory 11.30 Oliver Twist 14.00 Channel 4 Racing 16.30 Deal or No Deal 17.30 The Wizard of Oz 19.25 Channel 4 News 19.30 Celebrity Deal or No Deal 20.30 Frankie Howerd: The Lost Tapes 22.00 Robin Hood 24.45 Rude Tube

07.00 Childrens TV 08.45 Noddy in Toyland 09.00 Fifi and the Flowertots 09.10 Peppa Pig 09.20 Roary the Racing Car 09.35 Bananas in Pyjamas 09.55 Tickety Toc 10.10 Thomas & Friends 11.30 Dallas 12.25 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 14.30 Ben-Hur 18.40 The Dam Busters 21.00 World’s Strongest Man 2012 22.00 50 Shocking Facts About Diet and Exercise 24.05 The Craft

07.00 Emmerdale 07.25 Coronation Street 08.15 The Corrie Years 08.45 Totally Bonkers Guinness World Records 09.15 Small Soldiers 11.30 The Xtra Factor: Judges Best and Worst Ever 12.30 You’ve Been Framed!

13.30 The Mighty Ducks 15.35 Peter Pan 17.45 Emmerdale 18.15 Coronation Street 19.15 I Love You’ve Been Framed!

20.15 Jurassic Park III 22.00 Terminator 2: Judgment Day 24.45 Celebrity Juice: Text Santa Christmas Special

07.00 90210

35

07.40 Ugly Betty 08.25 Scrubs 09.20 Rules of Engagement 10.15 90210 11.05 Ugly Betty 12.05 Desperate Housewives 13.00 Scrubs 13.30 Hollyoaks 14.00 The Big Bang Theory 16.00 Addams Family Values 18.00 The Spiderwick Chronicles 20.00 The Big Bang Theory 21.00 Twilight 23.30 Bruno

Gary Barlow & Friends New Years Day, ITV 1, 22.00 There have been many popular ITV characters over the years. Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow for example has spent 52 years entertaining the masses, but Micky Shannon failed to capture the nationÕs imagination in the same way. The latter would be a great answer on a Pointless ÔPop StarÕs Alter EgosÕ round, and proves how little impact Shannon made in 2000. It scarcely mattered because the man behind HeartbeatÕs piano playing hitch-hiker had done rather well before and since. These days Gary Barlow OBE is a one-man entertainment industry. When heÕs not penning number one records for old mate Robbie Williams, heÕs busy doing a lot of good work for charity; keeps thousands of fans happy with his gigs, and still finds time to front this one-off. Recorded in December at the Manchester Apollo, Gary performed some of his most popular hits, along with Take That colleague Mark Owen, boy band JLS and Pussycat Doll-turned-BarlowÕs fellow X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger. If that isnÕt

wednesday 2nd January BBC1

07.00 Breakfast 10.15 Wanted Down Under 11.00 Homes Under the Hammer 12.00 Saints and Scroungers 12.45 Cowboy Trap 13.15 Bargain Hunt 14.00 BBC News 14.45 Doctors 15.15 The Two Ronnies Sketchbook 15.45 Escape to the Country 16.45 Perfection 17.30 Flog It! 18.15 Pointless 19.00 BBC News; Weather 19.30 Regional News Programmes; Weather 20.00 Celebrity Mastermind 20.30 Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death 21.00 Holby City 22.00 Africa 23.35 A Question of Sport 24.05 Match of the Day

BBC2

07.00 Childrens TV 08.30 4 O’Clock Club 09.00 MI High 09.30 Hero Squad 10.00 Underdog 11.15 Coast 11.45 The Great British Bake Off 13.45 Great British Food Revival 14.15 Weakest Link 15.15 Inside Claridge’s 16.15 The Cheyenne Social Club 18.00 Great Continental Railway Journeys 19.00 Eggheads 19.30 Christmas University Challenge 20.00 Hairy Dieters: How to Love Food and Lose Weight 21.00 Nature’s Weirdest Events 22.00 Queen Victoria’s Children 23.00 Mock the Week 24.00 Never Mind the Buzzcocks 24.30 I’m in a Girl Group!

thursday 3rd January BBC1

07.00 Breakfast 10.15 Wanted Down Under 11.00 Homes Under the Hammer 12.00 Saints and Scroungers 12.45 Cowboy Trap 13.15 Bargain Hunt 14.00 BBC News; Weather 14.30 Regional News; 14.45 Doctors 15.15 The Two Ronnies Sketchbook 15.45 Escape to the Country 16.45 Perfection 17.30 Flog It! 18.15 Pointless 19.00 BBC News; Weather 19.30 Regional News Programmes; Weather 20.00 Celebrity Mastermind 20.30 EastEnders 21.00 Waterloo Road 22.00 DIY SOS: The Big Build 23.35 Summer in Blackpool 24.35 Have I Got a Bit More News for You 2012

BBC2

07.00 CBeebies 08.00 CBBC: Naomi’s Nightmares of Nature 08.30 4 O’Clock Club 09.00 MI High 09.30 Hero Squad 10.00 The Sword in the Stone 11.15 Coast 11.45 The Great British Bake Off 13.45 Great British Food Revival 14.15 Weakest Link 15.15 Inside Claridge’s 16.20 Confessions of a Shopaholic 18.00 Great Continental Railway Journeys 19.00 Eggheads 19.30 Christmas University Challenge 20.00 Hairy Dieters: How to Love Food and Lose Weight 21.00 Nature’s Weirdest Events 22.00 Queen Victoria’s Children 23.00 Mrs Brown 24.40 I’m a Pop Star!

enough to keep fans happy, then perhaps the opportunity to see behind-the-scenes footage from his hit nationwide tour will be. ItÕs hard to believe that it’s more than 20 years since that chunky young man burst onto the music scene with the boy band creation of Nigel Martin Smith. The manager knew a skilled singer-songwriter when he met one, but also knew five good-looking young men can shift more records and merchandise. He wasnÕt wrong because after a few years of hard toil, Take That started making waves with covers of TavaresÕ It Only Takes a Minute Girl, and Barry ManilowÕs Could It Be Magic. In 1992, debut album Take That and Party turned thousands of semi-rational music-lovers into screaming banshees. Before you could say ÔUrgent restraining orderÕ, scrapbooks were filled with savaged copies of Smash Hits, and Gary, Robbie Williams, Mark Owen, Howard Donald and Jason Owen were being stalked like young gazelles on a sun-kissed savannah by paparazzi and fans alike. One man

who witnessed their rise to fame was Peter Kay, who earned a crust as an usher at the MEN arena. Proving what a small world it is, it wasnÕt long before Barlow was penning songs for Kay, and the record-breaking funny man was helping pad out TTÕs TV specials. More recently, crowds have been going wild as Barlow and Kay belted out versions of the Home and Away and The Love Boat themes. Hilarious stuff, unlike the time judge Gary walked off The X Factor a few months ago. Barlow hated the fact that Louis Walsh couldn’t decide whether to keep Rylan Clark or Carolynne Poole, and was fuming when Rylan went through to the next round. However, that hissy fit did make for great drama on a show that was haemorrhaging viewers. It remains to be seen whether Gary returns for the 2013 series of TXF, but with six Ivor Novello awards under his belt and sales of 50 million records worldwide, we get the feeling he’s not too worried about where his next job is coming from just yet.

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

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 Local News 15.00 Dinner Date 16.00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16.59 Local Weather 17.00 Tipping Point 18.00 The Chase 19.00 Local News; Weather 19.30 ITV News and Weather 20.00 Emmerdale 20.30 Coronation Street 21.00 Midsomer Murders 23.00 ITV News at Ten and Weather 23.30 Local News and Weather 23.35 2012: A Funny Old Year 24.35 Safari Vet School

07.00 The Treacle People 07.10 The Hoobs 08.05 Will & Grace 08.30 According to Jim 08.55 Everybody Loves Raymond 09.55 Frasier 11.00 The Big Bang Theory 11.55 The Simpsons 12.25 The 7th Voyage of Sinbad 14.10 Doctor Dolittle 17.00 Deal or No Deal 18.00 Come Dine with Me 19.00 The Simpsons 19.30 Hollyoaks 20.00 Channel 4 News 20.55 4thought.tv 21.00 Gok’s Style Secrets 22.00 One Born Every Minute 23.00 Secrets of a Good Marriage with Sharon Horgan 24.05 The 50 Funniest Moments of 2012

07.00 Milkshake!

10.10 Bert and Ernie’s Great Adventures 10.15 Castle Farm 10.25 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 10.45 Chinese Food in Minutes 10.50 Meerkat Manor 11.20 Emergency Bikers 12.25 CSI: Miami 13.25 5 News Lunchtime 13.30 The Mentalist 14.25 Chinese Food in Minutes 14.35 Reversible Errors 18.00 5 News 18.30 Emergency Bikers 19.30 5 News 20.00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers 21.00 World’s Craziest Police Pursuits 22.00 Elektra 24.00 Wind Chill

07.00 Emmerdale 07.25 All Star Family Fortunes 08.05 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 08.55 You’ve Been Framed!

09.55 Aladdin 11.30 A Little Princess 13.30 Emmerdale 14.00 Holiday Airport: Sydney 15.00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17.10 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 18.05 The Real Housewives of Orange County 19.00 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20.00 You’ve Been Framed!

21.00 30 Years of CITV 22.00 Peter Andre: My Life 23.00 Knocked Up 01.40 Utterly Outrageous Reality TV Moments 2012

07.00 90210 07.40 Ugly Betty 08.25 Scrubs 09.20 Rules of Engagement 10.10 Charmed 11.05 Ugly Betty 12.00 Desperate Housewives 13.00 Scrubs 13.30 Hollyoaks 14.00 How I Met Your Mother 15.00 Scrubs 16.00 Charmed 17.00 Rules of Engagement 18.00 How I Met Your Mother 19.00 The Big Bang Theory 20.00 Hollyoaks 20.30 How I Met Your Mother 21.00 Avatar 24.15 50 Greatest Plastic Surgery Shockers

ITV1

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 5

itv2

E4

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 Local News and Weather 15.00 Dinner Date 16.00 Dickinson’s Real Deal 16.59 Local Weather 17.00 Tipping Point 18.00 The Chase 19.00 Local News; Weather 19.30 ITV News and Weather 20.00 Emmerdale 20.30 Is Britain Overcrowded?: Tonight 21.00 Emmerdale 21.30 Nursing the Nation 22.00 Trouble Abroad 23.00 ITV News at Ten 23.30 Local News 23.35 Gary Barlow & Friends 24.50 The Golden Rules of TV

07.00 The Hoobs 07.55 Will & Grace 08.20 According to Jim 08.45 Everybody Loves Raymond 09.50 Frasier 10.50 The Big Bang Theory 11.50 The Simpsons 12.50 The Last Mimzy 14.40 Von Ryan’s Express 17.00 Deal or No Deal 18.00 Come Dine with Me 19.00 The Simpsons 19.30 Hollyoaks 20.00 Channel 4 News 20.55 4thought.tv 21.00 Location, Location, Location 22.00 The Restoration Man 23.00 Millionaire Boy Racers 24.05 The 15-Stone Babies

07.00 Childrens TV 10.10 Castle Farm 10.20 Mist: Sheepdog Tales 10.40 Looney Tunes 10.50 Meerkat Manor 11.20 Emergency Bikers 12.25 CSI: Miami 13.25 5 News Lunchtime 13.30 The Mentalist 14.25 Meals in Moments 14.35 Jane Doe: Ties That Bind 16.15 Out of the Woods 18.00 5 News 18.30 Emergency Bikers 19.30 5 News 20.00 Eddie Stobart: Trucks and Trailers21.00 Great Northern Cookbook 22.00 Celebrity Big Brother: Live Launch 24.00 Celebrity Big Brother’s Bit on the Side

07.00 Emmerdale 07.25 Coronation Street 07.55 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 08.45 You’ve Been Framed!

09.45 Jack and the Beanstalk 11.25 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 12.25 The Real Housewives of Orange County 13.30 Emmerdale 14.00 Coronation Street 14.30 Life’s Funniest Moments 15.00 The Jeremy Kyle Show 17.10 The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 18.05 The Real Housewives of Orange County 19.00 Jeremy Kyle Show USA 20.00 You’ve Been Framed!

21.00 Evan Almighty 23.00 Fake Reaction 23.45 40 Days and 40 Nights

07.00 90210 07.45 Ugly Betty 08.25 Scrubs 09.20 Rules of Engagement 10.15 Charmed 11.05 Ugly Betty 12.00 Desperate Housewives 13.00 Scrubs 13.30 Hollyoaks 14.00 How I Met Your Mother 15.00 Scrubs 16.00 Charmed 17.00 Rules of Engagement 18.00 How I Met Your Mother 19.00 The Big Bang Theory 20.00 Hollyoaks 20.30 How I Met Your Mother 21.00 The Big Bang Theory 22.00 50 Greatest Plastic Surgery Shockers 24.10 Alan Carr’s New Year Specstacular

38

money

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Bringing out the best for 2013 by

Suzanne O’Connell Customer Care at Ábaco

IF YOU watched the BBC2 programme ‘The Great Spanish Crash’ you might have come away with a clearer understanding of what has happened to Spain over the last century. It was a very interesting and seemingly objective view of the highs and lows of this great country in recent times.

For me, it put some things in perspective. The crisis affects us all here. Increasing poverty; the Valencian government’s inability to pay the pharmacists; the anxiety over schools and health care – hit all of us living in Spain. However, in comparison to other TV documentaries on Spain in recent times, it does provide a good focus on how it must feel for a Spaniard.

The programme illustrates quite clearly that Spain has been as much a victim of a number of unfortunate circumstances as a guilty participant.

There have been ‘foolish’ decisions taken and money wasted, but it is only hindsight that can now truly reveal the depths of this and things could have been very different.

Moving into 2013, Spain does face a colossal task if it is to turn about its fortunes. However, it does have many factors in its favour. As a big country with a big economy, it is in everyone’s interests to keep Spain afloat. It continues to have those same features that made it so attractive for investment in the first place - its weather, coastline and relatively cheap workforce.

Spain is doing everything it can to reduce its deficit and the people are showing extraordinary resilience both in their ability to cope with austerity but also through their rightful indignation. Protests come not from the desire to smash and steal but to demonstrate

a desire for things to be better in the future.

This is a country with spirit, fortitude and compassion. We can find many examples of how the Spanish family is keeping its young going, from grandmothers to aunties and uncles – the ‘bail out’ is happening here all the time.

There are also an increasing range of national and local assistance groups starting up and expanding.

For example: in Torrevieja ‘Alimentos solidarios’ is a collaborative venture run by volunteers providing free food for the neediest families. They currently receive donations from a number of local supermarkets but are also reliant on individual contributions.

They recently invested in an industrial kitchen which can cook up to 300 meals a day and families identified by social services are able to come and collect their meals. There are now organisations and groups such as the University of the Third Age (U3A) who are collecting from their members and are donating to Alimentos solidarios.

The offices and kitchen are based in the old Guardia Civil barracks on the corner of Calle San Pascual and Calle Apolo and donations of food and/ or cash donations are very welcome. Money is always needed as well as food in order to buy in the meat and fresh products on a daily basis. If there is a sizeable donation then the Protección Civil will send out a van to collect it.

Everyone wishes that the need wasn’t there. But it is and it’s good to witness the generosity and compassion that exists. Events have not always been kind to Spain. This country and its people deserve a brighter 2013. Ábaco Asesores wishes all RTN readers a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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

legal

by

Carlos Baos

of White & Baos Abogados

English & Spanish Solicitors

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

39

White & Baos Abogados and Solicitors: Christmas wishes

School dinners off the menu

We hope to have met our clients’ expectations when dealing with their marriages and divorces in Spain and the UK and we would also take this opportunity to congratulate those clients, from different countries, who sold, purchased or exchanged their properties through our firm and kindly took our advice about the importance of owners of property here having a Spanish will drafted.

PROTESTORS GATHERED outside the gates of the Department of Education in Alicante on Monday to register their objection to the fact that many schools have not received a single euro for school dinners throughout a year now drawing to a close. The Consell owes more than 70% of the €30 million allocated for meal subsidies within schools.

The situation is now dire and many canteens cannot open on 7th January unless they receive at least a part payment. Education officials responded by saying they would “…do everything possible to rectify the debt as soon as possible.”

IT SEEMS like only yesterday that the deadline for submitting your non-resident tax returns was so far away and yet the Holiday Season has suddenly arrived.

Year 2012 has been a difficult year for all of us and we received an increased number of cases for debt recovery in a community of owners as the community had problems with owners who were not up to date on

their community fees. Indeed some of our commercial clients decided to sell commercial premises through our firm before things became harder; others decided to do a dacion en pago to Spanish banks.

Fortunately only a few of our clients were involved in a road traffic accidents and suffered personal injuries.

Naturally we dealt with these cases as expediently as possible and today these clients have fully recovered or are recovering, having received a fair compensation.

Sadly some clients and friends passed away during this year and our condolences go out to their surviving spouses and family; and again in these

cases we have assisted as rapidly as possible to help the heirs when dealing with inheritance in Spain and the UK. On a happier note we can tell you that we have litigated successfully in court in relation to many differing legal matters including tenancy disputes; claims against builders; contesting a will and claims against the tax office to name but a few.

Finally we would like to thank all our clients and friends, who one way or another, dealt with us during this year and wish them and their families a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year for 2013 that is full of happiness.

We look forward to assisting existing and new clients in the coming year.

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)

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money matters

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

41

The RTN Money Matters page has been created to help you our readers by giving you as much information about current financial matters and products as possible. If you would like us to cover any specific topics or products please email moneymatters@roundtownnews.com. Also if you have any questions that you would like answered by our panel of experts, email them to moneymatters@roundtownnews.com

Getting a real return on your savings

WITH INFLATION in the UK remaining stubbornly at 2.7% and over 3.5% in Spain savers are finding it impossible to get a real return on their savings with Banks. There are now nearly no accounts that offer interest rates that beat inflation.

In the UK Basic rate tax payers need an account to pay at least 3.39 per cent to make any money in real terms and for higher rate tax payers that rises to 4.51 per cent. Even fixed rate bonds cannot offer these returns.

Kevin Mountford at comparison website MoneySupermarket.com said: “It is important savers don’t give up or get put off, and prepare to switch if they are not currently on the most competitive deal.

“Savers should also consider looking at alternative products such as offsetting savings against mortgage borrowing or structured savings products.”

And the news is set to get worse for the UK’s savers.

With hikes by the other five energy providers set to come into force, analysts think CPI inflation will peak at 3.5 per cent by mid-2013. And in Spain inflation is forecast the top 4% in 2013.

With this in mind it is more important than ever to make your money work for you in 2013. RTN’s panel of experts can help you achieve this: for more information or to book a free financial health check please call RTN money matters on 96 507 0240 or email RTN money matters on moneymatters@roundtownnews.com

money

42

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

What will the New Year bring...

by

Christina Brady

Regional Manager of Blacktower Costa Blanca

FIRSTLY IT appears there will be no answer to the Eurozone crisis, after another year of muddling through the risk of disintegration looks likely to rumble on into 2014 and beyond.

To be sure, there has been some progress in the Eurozone periphery in the last few years: fiscal deficits have been reduced in some countries, and a few countries are now running primary budget surpluses (the fiscal balance excluding interest payments). Labour costs have been reduced and some structural reforms are ongoing.

But all the austerity, lower wages, tax increases and reforms are recessionary and have caused inflation in all countries and extreme hardship for some.

Meanwhile, the monetary union remains unstable: either the Eurozone moves towards fuller integration (capped by political union to provide democratic legitimacy to the loss of national sovereignty on banking, fiscal, and economic affairs), or it will undergo disunion, disintegration, fragmentation, and eventual breakup. And, while European Union leaders have issued proposals for a banking and fiscal union, now Germany is pushing back as German leaders fear the risk-sharing elements of deeper integration.

Inflation is on the rise in both the UK, Spain and across Europe which means hard pressed savers are going to

find it even harder to make the return on their savings keep pace with inflation.

Pensioners are feeling the squeeze as well with annuity rates at an all-time low, but there was some good news when the Chancellor said in his Autumn Statement: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have listened to concerns from pensioners about drawdown limits. I am today announcing that the Government will raise the capped drawdown limit from 100 per cent to 120 per cent, giving pensioners with these arrangements the option of increasing their incomes.â&#x20AC;?

But experts remain uncertain as to when pensioners will be able to enjoy the higher income levels announced by Osborne. It will be embraced within the 2013 Finance Act with Royal Assent expected in July, but when it comes into force we will have to wait and see.

The best advice I can give you all is to review your financial arrangements in the New Year and make sure you are getting the most from your assets.

If you need advice or if have any questions regarding the above you can contact me on 658 892 330 or email christina.brady@blacktowerfm.com

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

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

Life New Year in Benidorm ONE THING that Benidorm does well is entertainment. So what better place to bring in 2013, especially if you are welcomed by a four star hotel that offers nightly entertainment, an indoor pool and sauna and every room with a balcony.

Arriving by coach from in or around the Torrevieja area, you will be booked into your hotel in time for lunch on the 31st. During the afternoon you are free to take in the sights of Benidorm or to rest up for the coming night’s festivities. And what a night of festivity it is!

By mid evening you will be settling down to a stupendous 7course meal where the food and drink keeps coming until a few minutes before the bells. At midnight we follow the old Spanish tradition of hurriedly swallowing one grape for each strike of the clock as it gongs its way into the New Year. As soon as the bells stop the band strikes up, people shake hands and embrace each other in a generous welcome to the year 2013. Dancers fill the floor while others visit the free bar which will be running until 3am. The party swings on in to the small hours.

Gradually the party goers drift off to bed in the knowledge that tomorrow there are no dishes to wash, no beds to make and no tidying to do. Tomorrow can be spent lazing on the balcony, playing pool or cards in the bar or sun terrace, having a reviving dip in the pool, or a refreshing stroll along the seafront. A buffet breakfast, dinner and lunch are served in the ambiance of a pleasant tastefully laid out restaurant. That evening may be spent in the hotel bar or if you prefer you can do the town in Benidorm.

And by 2nd January we contentedly pour ourselves on to the coach seat for the short journey back to Torrevieja.

This three-day festive special is being offered by David’s Coachtrips for only 196€ per person. So if you are still looking for a really good New Year experience call (0034) 96 678 5910 to reserve your places before it’s too late.

Head over the rainbow

FOLLOW THE magic of the Yellow Brick Road with Careline Theatre when it presents ‘The Wizard of Oz the Panto’ in the New Year.

The theatre group tells Dorothy’s adventures at Alcalali Theatre from Wednesday 9th January to Sunday 13th January.

Opening night is a special ‘Party at the Pantomime’ with mince pies and cava and all proceeds being shared between the MABS Cancer Support Group and Jalon Valley HELP for its Casa de Animo community centre project.

Directed by Dorothy Fish, the show is performed every evening at 8pm with matinees on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 3pm.

Tickets are 10€ each and children under 10 at 6€. Reservations can be made by calling 652 294 750 or by email at carelineboxoffice@gmail.com

Win a pair of Tickets for Dick Whittington

LOOK BEHIND you will no doubt be heard in Rojales next month as on Friday 18th and Saturday the 19th January, 2013 the Rojales Panto Group present their annual seasonal pantomime at the Escuela de Musica in Los Montesinos. There will be two evening shows at 7.30pm plus a Saturday Matinee at 12.30pm. Tickets are priced at 7€ Adult and 5€ child. This year’s show is the traditional Dick Whittington and is directed by Christine Smith. With bigger scenery,colourful costumes and lots of sing a long tunes, the show promises to be a real crowd pleaser. Tickets are available from The Hire Centre San Luis. The Christmas Shop San Luis. Las Brujetas Los Montesinos, Kennedy’s British store Los Montesinos, Quesada Fish n Chips, The Halfway House Quesada, News4u La Marina and Cards&more La Marina. Tickets can also be pre reserved by telephoning Chris on 965077090 or Tina on 966797683. Alternatively e mail Barry at bazbov@ yahoo.co.uk Tickets will also be available, space permitting, half an hour before performance times on the door.

To celebrate the season, the Panto Group are offering you the chance to win a pair of tickets for the opening night performance, on Friday 18th january.

“Oh no they aren’t! - Oh yes they are!” To be in with a chance of winning just answer the following question.

What is the name of Dick Whittington’s Cat? A. Pussy B. Jerry or C Tommy. All correct answers will then go into a draw and the lucky winner will be randomly selected and informed when and where to pick up tickets. As an Extra Bonus you could also be in with another chance to win. Simply visit their website at www. rojalespantomime.com and enter the competition posted there.

Send your entry to win tickets to keith@roundtownnews.com with Dick Whittington in the subject line, along with your contact details. All entries must be submitted before January 7, 2013.

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21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Life tech

with Aunty Virus

Recording mucic cassettes to PC HELLO AUNTY: I have a Dell laptop. I have a collection of music cassettes which I would like to record onto my PC. I have not had a computer before (bought in March this year) so I am still learning. Kind regards, David: PS I’m 71.

Email auntyvirus@roundtownnews.com

Not responding messages DEAR AUNTY: I hope that you can help me again. My comp runs slow & I get ‘not responding’ messages. I then get a message about a longrunning script causing problems. I stop it and things get better, but then the problem returns. What are where are and how can I get rid of this script. Please help! Dave in La Pinilla Aunty says: Hi! First of all you need to determine what program is actually running the problematic script and giving you the ‘not responding’ messages. Usually the error message gives an error code that you can look up in the internet to see what may be causing the problems.

Making sure you have the latest Microsoft and Java updates will help. Go into the internet explorer options and see if there any ‘add-ons’ that you can disable: you may find one that is causing problems. See if the problem occurs when you use another internet browser - like Firefox or Chrome. Run an antivirus and antimalware scan to make sure there are no ‘rogue’ things on your PC. Look in the ‘install / uninstall’ section and see if there is anything that should not be there and that you can safely remove. If you have recently installed software or hardware and the problems started afterwards, then uninstall that hardware / software and see if that is causing the problem.

Aunty says: I deally you will need: A cassette player with audio RCA output (line-out) jacks, A PC with a sound card that has a line-in jack and connect using a pair of RCA-style channel connectors (one is usually red, the other white), Open the sound-recording software you want to use. You can use just about any sound recording software including Microsoft Sound Recorder, which is standard in Microsoft Windows, or a free sound recording like Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net).

Click the record button in your sound recording software and press ‘play’ on your cassette deck. The computer will record the audio coming from your cassette player. Click the ‘stop’ button (typically a black square) when you are finished and save the audio file by clicking ‘File’ followed by ‘Save’.

Response: Hi Aunty, thank you very much for your quick response to my question - regards, David

Installing Camera and Picture Wizard DEAR AUNTY: Heeeelp! I have a Samsung laptop with Windows 7, I’m trying to install Camera & Picture wizard, but despite trying several sites, one of which said, ‘Welcome to camera wizard’ click finish, when I looked in the control panel there was nothing there. Please help before I go mad. Reginald Aunty says: Windows 7 has a built in Camera Import and Picture Wizard. As soon as you plug in a camera, then the option box opens with all the actions you can perform, including and actions for Import Images and Videos.

Sometimes not all cameras will do this automatically and you DEAR AUNTY: may need specific software from the camera manufacturer to Is there a way I can change do the importing for you. my windows 7/computer Alternatively, you can use Copy and Paste in Windows explorer from Spanish to English to Copy from the camera, and Paste into the required Folder. as my Spanish is not that good, also it keeps it keeps downloading things which can take some time and I am not sure what as all info is in Spanish. Thanks for your help Hilary

Changing language

Aunty says: You can change Windows language if you have Windows 7 Ultimate. If you have the Premium version, then you cannot change Windows language.

There are some ‘non-official’ - not supported by Microsoft - programs that can change the Windows language but these can affect how Windows works and causes problems with Windows anti-Piracy software

Gadget Inspector Investigates:

Gadgets of Christmas Past THIS WEEK the Inspector is having a bit of Christmas fun by taking a light-hearted view of gadgets from Christmases past, way back from the 1960s to the modern day.

Let’s start with the 1960s. Remember the Etch a Sketch?

That clever little drawing device with the two wheels you twiddled to get the line to magically draw on the screen.

First introduced in 1960 it went on to sell over 100 million worldwide! There was even a colour version launched in 1993, but this didn´t prove as popular as the original.

And if you were into toy cars in 1967 Hot Wheels cars arrived on the scene. Designed to be the fastest they made Corgi and Dinky cars look like milk floats in comparison. Now collected fervently the average Hot Wheels collector has over 1,500 cars and the highest price ever paid for a single car was £47,000!

The 1970s saw the increase in popularity of traditional and electronic games. Connect Four involved dropping coloured disks into a 7x6 grid to try and get rows of your colour – a bit like noughts and crosses. Introduced in 1974 it even came in an outdoor version over 120cm in size.

Perhaps the best remembered electronic toy was Speak & Spell, introduced in 1978. Research took three months and cost £13,000 (a significant amount at the time…) and was the first production toy to use a speech synthesiser chip.

Moving on to the 1980s who can forget the Cabbage Patch Doll?

First introduced in 1982 over 3 million dolls were sold in 1983 alone. In 1984 sales of the brand

reached a staggering £1,144,885 – pretty amazing considering they looked like someone had stuck a compressed air pipe up their jacksie and they were about to explode…

And of course everybody has had a go at solving Rubik’s cube. This baffling puzzle has only one correct solution and 43 quintillion wrong ones: the current world record for ‘a single solve’ currently stands at 5.66 seconds and an eighth of the world’s population has played with one…

The 1990s saw the first Nintendo GameBoy handheld games console introduced. The Tetris game was the best seller with 30.26 million copies sold. Combined with the Game Boy Colour, this games machine racked up over 118 million units worldwide. And in 1998 came the first Furby, still available today. This speaking monstrosity sold over 40 million in the first three years and went on to have its speaking capabilities translated into 24 languages so children all over the world could be emotionally scarred by interacting with it.

The turn of the millennium saw the very first iPod launched in 2001 with 275 million being sold worldwide up to September 2010. The original models held up to 1,000 songs – pretty amazing at the time but not so impressive now!

Moving to 2009 saw Buzz Lightyear take the number 1 selling toy accolade in the UK. Complete with 65 phrases one toy even took a trip into space on the Space Shuttle in May 2008 – ‘To infinity… and beyond!’

The 2012 ‘must have’ Christmas gadgets are the iPad Mini tablet, WiiU games console and LeapPad2 child’s tablet. A Very Merry Christmas from the Gadget Inspector and keep your fingers crossed - if you’ve been good perhaps Santa will put one of these in your stocking for Christmas Day!

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

45

Candy Crush Saga

THIS GAME originated on Facebook and has plenty of fans trying to battle through each delicious and addictive level. Now this super hit game Candy Crush Saga is now available to download on all Android devices and iPhones and iPads and you can sync it up to your Facebook account and continue to play whenever, wherever you like... just so long as you have a 3G or WiFi connection.

You can play offline on your own but link it to your Facebook account and you can then battle against your Facebook friends and try to whoop their arses!

This game really should carry a health warning though - it is highly addictive!

46

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Life spanish A to Z of Christmas BEGINNING WITH the letter A, a Christmas tree Basic Spanish for everyday needs

by Jane Cronin

is arbol de Navidad and in fact the type of tree used also starts with an A, it is abeto (fir tree).

Very popular at Christmas time and beginning with B is the word belén. This is actually the Spanish for Bethlehem and is the name given to the Nativity scene which can be found in town squares and inside Spanish homes all over the country. Belén is also a woman’s name.

C stands for the most popular seasonal drink, namely cava which is a Spanish type of champagne. It is always present at celebrations, and most especially on New Year’s Eve. The twelve strokes just before midnight on 31st December are called the Doce campanadas (the twelve rings) which deals with our letter D. The Christmas star is estrella. This is especially important in the Spanish tradition as it was the estrella that guided the three kings whose arrival is celebrated on 5th and 6th January. The flor de pascua is seen all over Spain during this season. It means the Christmas flower and is in fact the red poinsettia that is seen in squares, on roundabouts and in shop windows. Guirnalda means garland and is also a popular form of Christmas decoration. Herodes is the Spanish name for Herod, who tried to kill Jesus as a baby. The Spanish have an interesting saying “Ir de Herodes a Pilatos” “To go from Herod to Pilate”, in other words, to go from bad to worse!

Iberian ham or jamón ibérico is by far the most popular food at Christmas time in Spanish homes. Juguetes are toys, which don’t need explaining, except to say that Spanish children traditionally receive these on the 6th January, not on Christmas day. Luces means lights and everyone can see the tremendous effort that is put into decorating towns with these, even twining them around palm trees on the sides of

roads. Sadly, the last three examples have been affected this year by the economic situation.

Muérdago is mistletoe and nacimiento, which means birth, is another name sometimes given to the traditional nativity scene. Passing to the next letter after ñ, oriente of course is where the kings travelled from in search of the baby Jesus, although apparently a recent book written by the pope suggests that they came from Andalucía!

Polvorones are a kind of cinnamon sweet that is very popular at this time of year. They are rather crumbly and wrapped in a small piece of grease-proof paper so you have to squeeze them in your hand before you open them. Quitanieves is the best I could do for the letter Q as it means snowplough! What better at Christmas time than lots of regalos or presents which in the Christmas story were received by the sagrada familia or sacred family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus.

Very nice and seasonal is that lovely sweet turrón, which is made in the Valencian region and is enjoyed all over Spain in many different forms. U is for the twelve uvas or grapes that are eaten for good luck on New Years Eve in time to the twelve strikes of the clock and V is for villancico which is the Spanish word for Christmas carol. I couldn’t manage X but Y stands for yema or egg yolk which some of the best turrón is made from and traditionally it was zapatos or shoes that Spanish children put out for the Kings to leave their presents in, so they would always have to be cleaned and polished on the night of January the fifth.

All that remains is for me to wish you all FELICES FIESTAS !!

Life books

The Tragedy Dave Vitty@davidvitty : My thoughts are with the families of the children caught up in this horrendous shooting in Connecticut. Feel sick just thinking about it.

Ronan Keating@ronanofficial : Praying for everyone affected by the Connecticut shooting, Truly horrible. @BarackObama the world is watching.”Yes you can” make a change The Thank You Ed Sheeran@edsheeran : 280 sell out shows this year, thank you all for coming down to all of them :) see you next year for more touring antics.

The Twit of the Week Marcus Collins@MarcuscollinsUK : Why am I getting the car washed in the rain? X History Making Piers Morgan@piersmorgan : Great win, England. Last time we won a Test series in India, Alastair Cook was 42 days old! PS And now it’s official: #EnglandBetterWithKP Wise Words Gary Lineker@GaryLineker : The violence around football has depressed me my entire sporting life. Love don’t loathe, humour don’t hate, spectate don’t spoil.

The Funny Tweet Frankie Boyle@frankieboyle : Lego is essentially just a broken toy. You might as well smash Buzz Lightyear with a hammer and pour him into a box.

Danny Collins - copy@dannyjpcollins.com

The Affair IF YOU survived 20/1/2012, you might be interested in a book for Christmas. No, I didn’t hear a bang either, so I’m assuming you’re all still out there.

This week, it’s a Lee Child book. Mr Child was made redundant by the UK media and went to the USA where he became a highly successful thriller writer through his Jack Reacher novels.

Reacher was a major in the military police and is built like a haystack, weighing in at 250 lbs and 6’8” tall. I’m sure it’s no surprise to any of us purists that Tom Cruise plans to play him in his next movie. Possibly his left knee I would have thought, but on with the plot. The book goes back to when Reacher was still in military service and is sent undercover to investigate the murder of a woman near a top secret army base. What the army doesn’t want is for the murderer to be one of its elite Rangers, but if it is can Reacher live with a cover up? The answers are all within and it’s a high-voltage read.

Enjoy it at your leisure.

Have a great Christmas.

Author: Lee Child Publisher: Bantam Press (paperback) Price: 22.40€ ISBN: 978 0 593 06571 6

Suduko Answer

48

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Life health

What is tooth bleaching?

DENTAL BLEACHING is a cosmetic procedure performed in dental clinics and also, more recently at home and in salons.

It is advisable to have an examination by a dentist prior to undergoing whitening treatment as bleaching is not recommended if teeth are decayed or gums are infected. The procedure is most effective for yellow discoloured teeth: it does not change the colour of previous procedures such as crowns, fillings and bridges although it may be beneficial for stain removal on dental restorations. The effects of treatment can vary from two to seven shades in difference.

Adult teeth darken due to changes in the mineral tooth structure and staining caused by foodstuffs, drinks, tobacco and certain antibiotics. The effects of bleaching can last for several months or even years although smoking, tea, coffee, and red wine can all decrease the effectiveness.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITENING AND BLEACHING? Whitening restores the natural tooth colour, whereas bleaching whitens beyond the natural colour.

A number of different methods may be used such as brushing with special toothpaste, placing strips on the teeth, pens, gels and light activated treatment (power bleaching).

Whitening toothpaste typically contains course non bleaching agents to grind off stains. Unlike bleaching this does not alter the intrinsic colour of the teeth. Bleaching solutions contain peroxide which physically changes the colour of the tooth enamel.

At-home whiteners use overnight trays containing peroxide gel and may take as long as 14 days for effects to be visible.

A better resulting and less time consuming method is inclinic light accelerated treatment which also uses peroxide, generally completed within 45 minutes.

GEL BLEACHING Gel bleaching may be performed with high concentration gel in dental clinics and salons or at home, or by using low concentration agents (far less effective).

For high concentration treatment a protective layer is applied to the gums to prevent irritation/burning then carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide gel is administered via thin plastic trays which remain in place for approximately 20 minutes. The low concentration whitening performed at home involves purchasing a thin mouth guard or strip holding a low concentration of bleaching agent. This stays on the teeth for several hours a day or overnight for around 14 days: a custom-fitted tray from a dentist or laboratory greatly improves the results.

POWER LIGHT-ACCELERATED BLEACHING Power or light-accelerated bleaching, sometimes incorrectly referred to as ‘laser bleaching’, uses light energy to accelerate the process of bleaching in a dental clinic, the most common type being halogen, LED or plasma arc.

Treatment typically involves the application of a professional dental-grade hydrogen peroxide whitening gel and exposure to a light source for 6–15 minutes. Treatment takes between 30 minutes and an hour.

OTHER POSSIBILITIES If a person has experienced internal dentin staining after a root canal treatment, antibiotics or an accident, internal bleaching can be used by drilling a small hole to access the

interior chamber of the tooth. After thorough cleaning a peroxide gel is applied inside the tooth on the dentin layer: the tooth is then sealed and the gel left in for a number of days (or replaced if necessary): the procedure is not recommended in children under the age of 16 or for pregnant or lactating women.

It is advisable to have a full dental consultation before deciding on the best treatment method.

German Dental Clinic, Avenida de la Libertad 317 30710 Los Alcazares Tel: 0034-968 57 46 86 0034-968 13 50 80

Smile White’s new Stop Smoking Campaign for January 2013: SMILE WHITE is launching a new Quit Kit campaign in January to drive motivation to quit smoking.

Smokers will be encouraged to pick up a Free Smile Quit Kit to help support their quit attempt. The Smile White Quit Kit is an electronic cigarette battery and charger (worth 12€) plus a diary sheet which has been developed with smokers, ex-smokers and experts. If you can stop tobacco smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to stay tobacco free!

So if your New Year’s resolution is to stop smoking collect your Quit Kit today.

Are you ready to stop tobacco smoking? Do you want to kick start a healthier life?

Do you want to save money and help save the environment? Call Karen on 610 027 154 for further information. Are you ready to take the Smile White Stop Smoking Challenge?

Price list to 31/12/2012 First Consultation

Free

First Check up

Free

Cleaning

30.00€

Cleaning & polishing with Airflow

50.00€

Bleaching

280.00€

Bleaching Zoom

350.00€

White Composite Filling

50.00€

Veneer

350.00€

Ceramic Crown

350.00€

Implant

650.00€

Implant Crown

650.00€

Mini Implant

480.00€

Crown/Bridge each Tooth

300.00€

Replacement of old Crown or Bridge (Each tooth)

30.00€

Temporary Denture

350.00€

Metal based Denture

600.00€

Upper or under Jaw Complete Denture

500.00€

Prosthesis incl. 4 mini implants 2200.00€ (All inclusive) Emergency service fee at night and on weekends + treatment cost

50.00€

50

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Life events

Campo Verde Theatre Group get into the Christmas Spirit

By Keith Nicol IF YOU have ever been to Butlin’s, Pontin’s or enjoyed the TV Series Hide-Hi, then the Campo Verde Theatre Group have something for you. They are now busy rehearsing for their spring show, called ‘Di de Di’. The show transports you back to the holiday camp era of the 1950’s where you can follow staff and campers going about their tasks and chores during a typical week of holiday mayhem. The show includes well loved music of the late 1950’s and revolves around the antics of mature holiday makers enjoying the ‘pensioner specials’ on offer. Overseeing the mayhem is a staff of well known characters who are somewhat more careworn and slightly older than you might remember from your youth! The show has something for everyone, fun, laughter and memorable songs.

Last week, the group took a well earned break from their rehearsals to get into the Christmas spirit. Everyone enjoyed minced pies, mulled wine and joined in enthusiastic singing of well loved Christmas carols accompanied by their musical director Huw Jones. The group meet Monday and Wednesday afternoons at the Community Centre, Blue Lagoon and also engage in a range

of other social activities. New members are always welcome and everyone can contribute, not just budding or experienced actors but also dancers,

singers, artistic, creative, technical and backstage crew. For further information contact Tony on 96 618 2415 or Colin on 96 677 4127.

Ballet, Concerts, Cars and Exhibitions

AFTER THE Turkey is stuffed and done with, the first show after Christmas is a performance of “Sleeping Beauty” by the Ballet de Moscu. It’s on for two nights, December 29 and December 30 in the Municipal Theatre with tickets priced at 25€. On January 3, 2012, there is a great show for kids with the Wizard of Oz themed show the ‘El Mago de Oz’ in the Municipal Theatre. The following day, January 4 features very special Concert for the New Year Municipal Auditorium’s Sala de Camara at 9.00pm with tickets just 3€ and another concert will take place there on January 6 at 7.00pm to celebrate the Three Kings. Also the Three Kings shall be arriving by boat and be parading through the streets of Torrevieja on the 5th January and also in Playa Flamenco.

On December 28 members of Club Torrevieja will be having a display of classic cars in the Car Park in front of FC Torrevieja’s Football Ground, the Vicente Garcia, where they will also be having some fun with a few ‘very slow’ driving tests, such as a egg and spoon obstacle run! early afternoon.

The next seasonal issue of Torrevieja’s Cultural Guide for January, February and March 2012 is due to be published and available early January, and copies can be picked up from all public offices and Tourist centres in the city. This will be complimented by the monthly English Language version, Torrevieja Today (www.TorreviejaToday.com) which is available at selected outlets around the city and the Orihuela Costa.

Ice Cream and Harley’s TORREVIEJA’S HOG, Harley Davidson Owners Group, the Chapter Santa Faz set up a display and sold yogurt ice cream to raise funds for Toys for Tots on Saturday. It was all in aid as part of the fundraising initiative ‘Toy Run Alicante 2012’ that takes place on December 23rd for the benefit of the ‘Fundación Amigo.’ The Yogurt was supplied

by Suminstros Hostaleros Torre-vieja and the Santa Faz Chapter of Harley Davidson collected charitable funds through the sale of yogurt ice cream which they sold, and themselves, for the knock down price of just 90-cents.

More than twenty Harley Davidson Bikes made the escorted run into town from in front of the

Policia Local and set up shop in front of the Inmaculada church. 100% of everything raised on the day was donated directly towards the charity and the fun run that takes place on Sunday. The group, accompanied by Torrevieja’s Director of Office of the Foreign Resident’s Office, Graham Knight, then took a spot of lunch with a touch of Mariachi Music, enjoyed their lunch prior to parading through the streets of Torrevieja on their way home.

Life showbiz goss Lights! Camera!

Pucker Up Boys!

WE OFTEN hear actors saying about how they struggle to get into character and how they end up resorting to unusual ways to get under the skin of the person they have been contracted to play, like if your character was an alcoholic, going on a bender or six gets you in the groove. This particular story, however, is not about drinking but about the problems of kissing, and relates to what Matt Damon said on the subject in his new movie ‘Behind The Candelabra’. In the film he has to pucker up with Michael Douglas who plays the part of the great Liberace, and Matt, relating to his role of the outrageously gay piano player’s long term partner Scott Thorson told Playboy magazine, “In order to get our love scenes right Michael and I drew up a plan like a football team.” What … like scoring and stuff … then very openly Matt added, “The movie is tastefully done… but it’s not

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

51

by

Peter Taylor

Writer and Broadcaster

going to be for everyone.” I’m kind of agreeing with you there Matt, but it’s a story that’s well worth telling as Liberace was hugely popular and was a true superstar of his time. I personally recall how much my grandmother loved him, something that possibly relates to how when Liberace was doing his show he continually referred to his mother and how much he loved her. Meanwhile back at the movie ‘Behind The Candelabra’, the recently labeled ‘veteran Hollywood hunk’ Matt Damon went for the shock jugular when he also told Playboy magazine, “Michael was a wonderful kisser, and my concerns ended up mattering little once we were filming,” a closing statement that suggests Matt knows exactly what a good or a bad kiss with a man is.

Jonathon to creek back into our living rooms

YOU ARE all in possession of our Xmas Bumper edition and I would like to take the opportunity to wish each and every one of you a super-duper holiday season and with that in mind I bring you news of a TV show that is due to make a welcome one-off return to our screens. I recall seeing Alan Davies doing some stand up many moons ago and although he was fun it was when he took on the part of Jonathan Creek his true vocation was found. Yes folks, there is a one-off show to look forward to next March with Sheridan Smith reprising her role as Creek’s sidekick Joey Ross.

Davies said “viewers can expect a show with more than the usual amount of twists and surprises, including a secret society, a corpse that disappears in front of witnesses, and a hint of the supernatural,” Pete Thornton, creative head at BBC in-house comedy, said “we’re looking forward to delivering a really special Easter treat for BBC 1 audiences” … fan-dabi-dosey!

Carole… Queen of pop!

IF YOU are a lover of music like me a lot of you will know about ‘Oh Carol’, a song that reached No.3 in the charts in 1959 and how it was written and sung by Neil Sedaka. What you might not know is that the young Neil wrote it to express how much he loved a young girl called Carole King whom he sometimes worked with writing songs for a New York publisher. Carole herself also wrote some great songs at the time including the wonderful ‘Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow’ and ‘You’ve Got a Friend’, perhaps written for Neil as that was all they stayed. But this piece is about the now, as it was announced last Thursday that she is to be the recipient of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song at a special tribute concert in Washington next spring. She will be only the fifth person to receive such an accolade in behind Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney and songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David. 70-year-old Carole said “I’m proud to be the fifth such honoree and the first woman among such distinguished company and I look forward to performing in the nation’s capital.” It’s been quite a time for Carole as she unveiled a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last month and afterwards was saluted by singers including Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Vince Gill and John Legend at the celebrity-packed Celebration of Carole King & Her Music show in Los Angeles. If I had a cap I would doff it to such talent.

52

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Life people

The Electrical Shop: A Successful business that stands out from its competitors, for all the right reasons THE ELECTRICAL Shop has a wide range of fridges, freezers, TVs, kettles, toasters, hobs and ovens. If the store does not have a particular item in stock Debbie is more than happy to source the item and order it to be availablewithin a few days and they will deliver it right to your front door.

Since opening in 2010, the shop (located in the commercial units, just by the roundabout) has gained an excellent reputation for exceptional service. Owner Debbie is a former winner of the Company Women award for Customer Focus and Customer Service as well as being named Company Women’s 2011 Business Woman of the Year - so you know that you are in very good hands!

And it is clear as soon as you walk in why those awards were well deserved: you certainly wouldn’t get service like theirs at any large domestic electrical appliance store!

PROBLEM SOLVING The Electrical Shop will take away all old appliances and even arrange for their disposal at legitimate Eco Parks. If in the event that you have problems with an appliance, regardless of whether your bought it from them or not, they can help you to solve them over the phone and if that doesn’t help, they will put you in touch with the relevant company to ensure that you get the appliance fixed and back in full working order. They will even do their best to find instructions in English if they are not included with their customer’s previous purchases. And Debbie has a team of qualified and trustworthy tradesmen whom she can recommend

for installing boilers, doing electrical work and computer assistance.

THANKS Nearly three years on and despite the credit crunch The Electrical Shop is still at the forefront of excellent customer service and value for money when buying electrical goods, so look no further… Plug into service and price at The Electrical Shop.

The store is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm: contact Debbie on 96 618 8169 or 96 618 8170.

Or email electricalteam@hotmail.com Also visit www.electricalteam.eu or their Facebook site at The Electrical Shop.

CHEERS , to you & yours from Debbie

What’s on Viva TV this week VIVA TV broadcasts on the Torresat Networks every day from 2.00pm until 10pm.

And you can watch all our programmes and find our full listings at www.vivatv.es Friday 21st 18.30 Let’s Talk – Writer & magazine editor Dave Bull and Paul Christie Saturday 22nd 18.00 Celebrity Archive - Simon Baldock talks to 60’s singing sensation Petula Clark.

Sunday 23rd 19.00

Let’s Talk – With ‘Old Pro’ singer Tony Kelly veteran runner Keith Long.

Monday 24th Dec - Tuesday 1st Jan Viva Party - A 24 hour Christmas celebration of local music & entertainment.

Wednesday 2nd Jan 18.05

An evening of fabulous entertainment and remembrance with the RBL’s 90th Anniversary in Alicante.

Thursday 3rd Jan 18.05 Real England – Wiltshire, famed for its wide valleys and the stone circles of Avebury and Stonehenge.

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21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Finals of the 2012 sponsored by Lloyds Bank International

THE FINAL game of the season for the RTN Golf Society on Tuesday 11th December took place at Alicante Golf. Conditions were perfect and players agreed the course was in a fantastic condition: everyone had a great day of golf.

There are two leagues – the Premier and the Sterling - and members of the society have played each month to compete not only to be the monthly winner but also for the overall league championship. The Club Championship of the Day was won by Natasha Woodhams, with Allan Davies coming a close second and Steve May in third position. In the Sterling League, Vic Smith was in first place with Bill Fantom in second and Steve May third. And in the Premier League Mick Vesey led the field followed by Natasha Woodhams in second place and Alan Gifford in third.

Mick Vesey was also awarded the trophy for the Overall League Champion of 2012 – a very worthy winner as well as a very popular member of the society! Congratulations to you all!

The RTN thanked Noel Eastwell, the golf professional who has organised all the season’s tournaments, for all his efforts and the hard

work he has put in behind the scenes to make the events such a success. Noel told RTN: “I have plans for some exciting changes starting in January which will make for an even better season next year. There is already a loyal following. However, I want to increase the membership and offer members more than just a game of golf.” If you aren’t already a member please see page 64 for details of how to join.

RTN also wants to thank Lloyds Bank International for their sponsorship this year and their continued support. They especially want to thank Business Development Manager Shirley Adams, who has attended pretty much all of the tournaments to support the society and the players, not only with her witty repartee but also with lots of golfing goodies! Shirley said, “It has been a pleasure for us to be part of this. I have met some great people and I would encourage any golfers who are not already members to join up!”

Christmas raffle success A CHRISTMAS raffle at the Alta Mira Bar and Restaurant just outside Calpe raised 586€ to be divided between the MABS Cancer Support Group and the Pluto-Tierschutz Animal Welfare Group.Local couple Judy and Carl Gullis (pictured) scooped the top prize, a hamper filled with festive goodies generously donated by people and businesses. A list of other winners is displayed in the bar.

Bar Manager Julie Graff and friend Pippa Jones organised the raffle and thanked everyone who supported the annual draw – especially Roy Thornton who single-handedly sold “an incredible” 400€ worth of tickets. Julie and Pippa raised 2,313€ for charity during the year and also wished to thank all the friends and customers of the Alta Mira for helping achieve the total.

CROSSWORD SOLUTION for 687 CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Second-class; 9 Aid; 10 Lower-case; 11 Picks; 13 Amiable; 14 Minute; 16 Uglier; 18 Deepest; 19 Might; 20 Underhand; 21 Pen; 22 Prime number.

Down: 2 End; 3 Ogles; 4 Dewlap; 5 Larking; 6 Shambling; 7 Happy medium; 8 Penetrating; 12 Contender; 15 Theorem; 17 Strain; 19 Madam; 21 Pie.

QUICK SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Acknowledge; 9 Pan; 10 Vigilance; 11 Recur; 13 Apparel; 14 Ponder; 16 Beaten; 18 Imagine; 19 Cadet; 20 Tangerine; 21 Gun; 22 Protagonist.

Down: 2 Con; 3 Never; 4 Wigwam; 5 Ellipse; 6 Generated; 7 Appropriate; 8 Wellingtons; 12 Container; 15 Eminent; 17 Sewing; 19 Clean; 21 Gas. Wordwheel: HILARIOUS

RTN Golf League

Gift to Torre hospital THE THISTLE Club donated 332€ to Torrevieja Hospital in recognition of the treatment and care members have received in the Oncology Department. The club’s Ruth and Dave Hobden made the donation after members raised the cash at monthly meetings during 2012. The Thistle Club is the fund-raising arm of the Caledonia Lodge of Freemasons. Primarily a dining club, it is open to both masons and non-masons and meets every month at Elvira’s Restaurant in San Luis.

For more information about the club, or about freemasonry in general, please contact Harry Palmer at palmers.quesada@yahoo.co.uk or call 96 671 2326.

Costa Blanca mountain walks

Saturday 29th December: a) Carrasca ridge de Vall d’Ebo. A strenuous walk, over mostly rough terrain, after an easyish start. 12 kms, 4 1/2 hours duration, 700m ascent. Dogs on leads at rear. For further details contact David 693 480 190 b) Montgo in reverse. A very strenuous walk, over some rough terrain & involving some scrambling. 15 kms, 6 hours duration, 650m ascent. Dogs on leads at rear. For further details contact Mike/Helen 620 287 970 Wednesday 2nd January: a) Famorca loop. A moderately strenuous walk, over some rough terrain. 12 1/2 kms, 5 hours duration, 666m ascent. No dogs. For further details contact Peter 669 873 159 b) Tossal Gran circuit. A strenuous walk, over some rough terrain. 15 kms, 5 1/2 hours duration, 650m ascent. Dogs on leads at rear. For further details contact Geoff 657 259 656 Walks depart promptly at 10.00am unless otherwise noted. Boots, packed lunch and adequate drinking water required. First aid kit recommended, as well as protection against sun, wind and rain. Walkers participate at their own risk.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the time stated for each walk will always depend on the fitness and ability of the walkers and also the weather and passage conditions on the day of the walk. The rules and guidelines for walking are given on our website, see http://www.cbmwalkers.org. Please also refer to this website for any last minute changes to the walks.

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

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21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Life horoscopes With the Sun in Capricorn the Winter Solstice puts paid to any remaining nagging doubts and clears the decks somewhat. This is a good time to air your thoughts and to promote your new energies as you take control of a situation that is close to going out of control; and which needs your calm and sensitive judgment to succeed.

Things may backfire as they are currently set up to bring the positive message but are counter indicated to merge into conflict and argument; now the truth has been told.

This may be a time for that whitest of lies if you are to maintain the slightest respect and save the emotional crisis that the inevitable could bring.

Jupiter brings you a lucky break and the chance to make amends for the recent downtrends in your stability and security. Taking a backward step may seem questionable, but it is Jupiter’s intention that you have the cover you need and the backing that you need to turn all this around so go for it!

Highly sensitive and hurting inside you are nevertheless taking care of someone who needs your tender love and care right now. With hindsight it may not have been prudent to take things on at a time when you are seen to be vulnerable, but there are now things you can face together as a twist of fate intervenes.

Venus in Cahoots with Sagittarius really allows you to lighten up somewhat since you have got things wrong and have a bee in your bonnet about something best forgotten. Yes someone has been economical with the truth but you have to learn from this and you have to move on to greener and safer pastures.

Stubborn and determined, you have to see things as they really are, rather than seeing things as if through rose coloured glasses. With the current Jupiter and Saturn platform forming, things do have to get a bit worse before they become so very much better, but someone will get their comeuppance sooner than later!

Influences of a highly romantic Venus in Sagittarius puts true love on the agenda. Sometimes we don’t know what we have until we no longer have it, but let it be known that you have it all ways.

If you replace your doubts with a clear destiny and embrace the love being shown to you, then things will be very different indeed.

Breathe a sigh of relief as Saturn, in infinite wisdom, sheds light on something that has been bugging you lately. You may be very surprised to find that things are not quite as they seem, nor are they as they should be. In for a penny in for a pound, and financial rewards do come for you, slowly but surely!

Venus makes light work of things, now that someone has no ulterior motive anymore. Nobody who treats you this way ever really has your interest at heart, and yet you have shown yourself to be a true friend in every way. Take some time out to reward yourself for a job well done and for your inspiring attitude.

Saturn sextiles Pluto as actions between Capricorn and Scorpio takes things to the limit and the gloves are off!

You have got by only by your determination and courage, and the rich rewards you deserve are closer than you think right now. Look forward to spending some quality time re charging and enlightening.

Mars brings a touch of conflict as an argument spirals and opens a whole new ball game. This could be the right time to put someone straight as to what has really happened, and to just walk away, because you have the absolute right to do this and hold your head up high. Remember that this truth cannot hurt you.

Neptune continues to support and inspire you, especially when you are so often blissfully unaware of the sheer talent you have within. Beware of spiralling costs in an ongoing domestic project, since finances should be very much in check right now, and there are some unexpected expenses on the horizon.

Kenny corris www.kennycorris.net

Noel

I CANNOT believe that Christmas is so close and that there are things I have not yet done. Such were times in the past when I would be organised down to the last present, and spending my evenings writing Christmas Cards, and checking off my list. I cannot say that complacency has set in, but the magic is just not here yet this year.

There’s nothing like a healthy whiff of nostalgia to relive the happy memories of the past and of Christmases past and savoured. Well do I remember my first Christmas in Spain some twenty six years ago. No spruce trees could be bought, and tea had to be smuggled into luggage because tea bags hadn’t yet been invented in Iberia. No decorative lights decorated villages and if you wanted mince pies you had to make them from scratch, whether you liked it or not, and no cheating with bottled mincemeat either. Having to make tree decorations was wonderful and involved combing the campo for fir cones. The Christmas tree was a stick sprayed white and silver, but with a couple of boxes of white fairy lights brought from London, it came alive. One day a turkey appeared in the local butcher, and an order was taken and duly delivered at the last breathless minute.

There was a thrill to discover what you could find, but sadly wrapping paper and gift tags took years to evolve here, along with quality sellotape and anything that resembled a Christmas card. At night I dreamt I was in Harrods Food Hall, but nobody would serve me, and all the counters turned black. But then there were the very best Satsuma oranges, and Turron came into play. Neighbour’s children dressed up and sang Spanish carols. A Bethlehem scene appeared in the local bakers, and the Church had a single illuminated star on the top of it.

Kennys diary Readings in your area: Please make contact if you want to organise readings in your locality, or organise a psychic event for you, or your favourite charity. Some dates available for January.

The blue sky became a daily fixture from the Winter equinox onwards and very occasional fluffy clouds floated by in a bitterly cold but sun drenched village. Invitations came to watch the Nativity play, followed by hot chocolate that you had to eat with a spoon. Fires were lit and the nightly pungent smell of burning wood circled the village. Every little shop gave a small present. Soap and cologne from the Chemist.

Polverones from the Baker, sweet Moscatel wine and raisins from the Bodega. An official letter from the Mayoress was personally hand delivered, wishing a prosperous New Year and joy for the celebration for the birth of Christ.

Then one day there was a weird wailing of voices on the radio, and everyone tuned into it. The singing appeared to be in quantities of pesetas and it brought a hushed silence as it echoed all over the village. It was for the annual El Gordo Lottery and started an unsurpassed annual tradition to buy a decimo participation in sincere hopes of winning a prize; well, I haven’t yet!

Spirit was there on my first Spanish Christmas. How blessed I was to experience the love and the joy of the moment, and how the past came back despite what I thought that I was missing out on. I have had twenty five further Spanish Christmases. Now as stores are emblazoned with decorations, trees are grown in the North of Spain and imported from Denmark. Every type of English Christmas delicacy lines the shelves and times have changed as the shopping Mall is open for business and Earl Grey is on sale in the local corner shop along with the Pannetones and Christmas Puddings, and full festive fare. Now I go back to the simplicity of that first ever Spanish experience and what it meant to me, as I walk along Memory Lane.

Have yourself a Very Merry Christmas whatever you do. One day, some day, this year’s festivities will be another memory to treasure; whatever they may bring, and come what may.

Love & Light... Kenny Corris

Postbag

Gift Vouchers: A reading makes a wonderful Christmas gift, and each year I offer a full reading of 75€ value for 45€. The gift voucher is valid for one year and an email certificate can be issued if preferred. PayPal and credit cards accepted.

Call for any further information: 686 361 594.

DNA: A Spring Workshop: A one day workshop that helps you to charge your own unique Spiritual DNA. An intensive workshop, open to all, that intensifies, accelerates and inspires Spiritual progress and indicates the clear way ahead. Dates in February, or can travel to your own group or organisation. For details please call Kenny directly on 686 361 594 or leave a message on: 96 587 8424.

If it’s your birthday this week

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

KENNY, CHRISTMAS isn’t the very best day for me. The memories of my Parents arguing and an unhappy marriage have brought me to hate the Christmas period and all it brings. I am very glad when it’s all over and things are back to normal. Evy.S. Evy I know that Christmas is a mixed bag, some you have hated and some you will choose to remember for various reasons, but not always for the good times. There can be a sadness about this time of the year and it is a time when many people make their transition to the Spirit World, which brings anniversaries of mixed emotions. To me it is a time of the year when we can care and share with those that we love. To catch up with someone you don’t see very often and to share in a meal together is a bonus. The giving of small gifts reward those that we wish to connect with, and these must be thoughtfully chosen but cannot be expensive in today’s economic climate. I personally love the tinsel and the candles and the fairy lights, and nodding off after lunch with the Queen’s Speech somewhere in the background!

Each to their own I guess? Make this year special and then you have a happy memory, or two, to recall next year.

Resolve and resolution brings dividends this astrological year; as you begin to realise the value of your considerable, but untapped natural resources in your finely tuned and elevated scheme of destiny and rewards.

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21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Sudoku

Wordwheel

Cryptic Crossword

Quick Crossword ACROSS 4. Divided in the way suggested below (7) 8. Attempt made by friend is insignificant (6) 9. Shout graduate near: he’s a weepy type (3-4) 10. Put money in underwear (6) 11. Language that should be easy to rub up (6) 12. Tribulation experienced in difficult vessel (8) 18. Stop being annoyed: it will make things perilous (8) 20. Directors on the ship (6) 21. Coeval niche (6) 22. Shield that will crumple easily? (7) 23. Half a smoke-stack would offer amusement (6) 24. It is selected by those who want to go back (7)

Word Ladders

DOWN 1. Prig in untidy hut is virtuous (7) 2. No state for free men (7) 3. Is twice after credit to reach a turning-point (6) 5. Had a fight on the rubbish-dump, maybe (8) 6. It won’t put the batsman out when he can’t dance,apparently (2-4) 7. Take me up to the manager to raise in relief (6) 13. Don’t take so much notice, being rash (8) 14. A reason for not being able to sail, perhaps (7) 15. In short, an insect gets on the cheese (7) 16. So tube is blunt (6) 17. One hundred and fifty intake will get gear (6) 19. Innings closed with all possible speed (3,3)

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.

ACROSS 4. Foretell (7) 8. Undid (6) 9. Idiotic (7) 10. Bright (6) 11. Acquire (6) 12. Judgment (8) 18. Cloudy (8) 20. Annul (6) 21. Run (6) 22. Attribute (7) 23. Is unable (6) 24. Lower (7)

DOWN 1. Admit (7) 2. Protection (7) 3. Alcove (6) 5. Reply (8) 6. Signify (6) 7. Frank (6) 13. Lonely (8) 14. Brave (7) 15. Ordinance (7) 16. Diminish (6) 17. Antenna (6) 19. Iterate (6)

Euromillions Draw Friday 14th Decemeber 2012

10 11 29 40 43

3

11

2

5

No ticket won the 76,452,078 Euros

Tuesday 18th December 2012

14 18 20 35 44

No ticket won the 86 million Euros

Race Report LAST SUNDAY saw the final race meeting of 2012 at the Circuito Ovalo in Cartagena.

It was a must-see evening with the drivers trying extra hard to gain a few extra points and not claim the wooden spoon for propping up the league tables.

First place was already decided with Belchi and his car Herman claiming the crown some races ago. However, second and third places were still up for grabs.

Last Sunday saw a special guest appearance from Germany’s top hot rod driver, Frank Nohring. Based at the Nurburgring, he is currently German champion, European champion and World Cup winner. Frank flew in specially to show the local lads how it is done.

The night saw a ten-race card which as usual was alternated between rookie racing and cars that had been prepared as ‘lightning rods’. The last two races of the night were the championship races which proved to be heavily contested. The spectators were treated to a fine display of racing by all drivers as they pushed their calls to the limits

and muscled their way around the track.

The final championship race saw a threecar pile-up on lap three resulting in all three cars being taken out of the race: a great night’s racing and really good entertainment.

For the latest videos of the races go to YouTube and search ‘velocity racing part 14’.

The new season starts 10th February 2013 and will be a night not to be missed. Come along, bring a picnic, and join in the fun. Or better still, get involved. Be a marshal or hire a car for the night and join the race.

The first annual Christmas dinner and prize-giving is on Tuesday 18th December.

Tickets are 20€ each, include a three-course evening meal and entertainment and are available now from Martin or Suzy. Call now to reserve your places as space is strictly limited.

Message from Martin: drivers are reminded that they need to pay their licence fees before the first race: if you want to get involved then please call him on 674 256 147.

Wanted: Cars dead or alive; drivers; marshals and sponsors.

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

Life cars

59

Tim Saunders Independent unbiased car reviewer

The Nissan 370Z and Audi TT are dead. Long live the Toyota GT86 PRODUCING AN unbiased road test on such a fabulous coupe is virtually impossible because its looks tug at the heartstrings while its interior and what’s under the bonnet make any motorist drool. It brings back memories of my Nissan 370Z road test a couple of years ago but the GT86 demands considerably more attention.

Any Celica fan is sure to enjoy the GT86, which uses a gutsy 197bhp Subaru boxer engine, the flat four cylinders laid on their sides, allowing it to be mounted lower in the body. This lowers the centre of gravity and improves handling.

Inside the driver slides into a well-appointed luxury interior that features a sculpted dashboard, heated front seats, sat nav, air conditioning and electric front windows. An excellent driver’s seat hugs in all the right places providing plenty of lumbar support. Occupants look out over a curvaceous bonnet while a glance in the wing mirrors highlights the aggressive rear haunches, although slightly tamer than a 370Z. This is a welcome return to proper seat of the pants driving for Toyota. Because the GT86 is so low to the ground drivers have to be reasonably athletic and toned to get in and out without causing embarrassment. I cope with that but I have been surprised at how middle aged my body has become; the Toyota’s hard suspension really highlighting any excess weight as I judder over the road surface.

The six-speed automatic box has been designed to look like a manual and paddle shifts on the steering wheel allow it to be driven like one, too. The

auto is also slightly more efficient than its manual counterpart, returning around 37mpg during the course of the test.

Parkers, the car experts, say: “The Toyota GT86 is a lightweight, fun-to-drive coupe that the Japanese firm hopes will tempt performance car buyers back to the brand. It is aimed squarely at enthusiasts. Co-developed with Subaru, the recipe looks good on paper. It has relatively thin tyres for a modern performance car too, which further serves to improve the driving experience and make it more exciting at lower speeds.” This roadster is the ideal tonic for recession; it revives low self-esteem. For me, cars have always been a passionate hobby and at a time when my full time role of

PR Manager becomes redundant, the GT86 takes my mind off it.

Anyone going through a similar situation is well advised to step inside the GT86 and floor it. You’ll feel so much better. Book a test drive today.

Toyota GT86 2.0 (Nav + Leather) 2d Auto Model tested: 35,516.36€ New price range: 30,775.92€ - 35,516.46€ Economy: 39mpg CO2 emissions: 164g/km 6 speed auto 0-60mph: 7.9secs Top speed: 130mph Power: 197bhp Fuel capacity: 50 litres Watch the video at www. testdrives.biz

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

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only 25,000 km

TOYOTA RAV 4, 2.2 DIESEL D-4D ECO, 2008, 4 WHEEL DRIVE, ONE OWNER.

DAEWOO KALOS 2003 1.4 LTR PETROL

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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

NEW CARS available to view in our showroom in CALPE 2003 Volvo XC90 AWD AUTOMATIC 7 seater, silver with black hide, alloys, climate, hifi, roof rails, electric sunroof.

Was 8,995€ now

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2007 (new model) Porsche cayenne S,auto,black met, with tan hide,very high spec,cost new 70k. €29,995 2010 alfa Romeo mito 1.6 diesel, black with red leather, very high spec, low kms 12,995€ 2003 BMW X5, 4.4 SE AUTO silver with black hide full spec

WAS 10,995€ NOW 8,995€ 2008 new model FORD FOCUS C.MAX 1.8 TDCI DIESEL. Denin blue metallic,climate,c/ d etc, low kms.

8,995€ 2006 VW TOURAN 1.9 TDI SE SPORT. ice blue met, with grey trim,alloys, climate, 8995€. sat- nav,roof rails 2003 Volvo XC90 AWD AUTOMATIC 7 seater, silver with black hide, alloys, climate, hifi, roof rails, electric sunroof WAS 8,995€ NOW 7,995€

2008 TOYOTA AYGO 1.0 VVTI 5 dr hatch, black metallic with grey trim. A/c c/ d only 14k as new

4,995€

2007 NEW MODEL SMART AUTOMATIC Ferrari edition met red & silver, with charcoal trim, A/C, alloys, CD, panoramic roof, low kms superb!

WAS 7,995€ NOW 6,995€ 2005 Opel ZAFIRA 1.8 automatic, elegance 7 seater silver with grey trim, a/c alloys, hi- fi ,high spec,

6995€ 2004 PEUGEOT 307 cc,coupe/ convertible, 2.0 AUTOMATIC.silver with black leather trim.1 owner. FSH WAS 7,995€ NOW 6,995€ 2012 RENAULT TWIZY Only 2 months old, fully electric car, pearl white met, gull wing doors 6,995€

2004 CITROEN PICASSO 2.0 HDI DIESEL, silver with grey trim,low km,s 1 owner, 5,995€ 2007RENAULT MEGANE 1.6 EMOTION 4 DOOR.ruby metallic with black trim,a/c,alloys c/d,one owner only 46k.

WAS 6,995€ NOW 5,995€ 1998 BMW Z3 CONVERTIBLE.1.9 AUTOMATIC.silver with black hood,& black leather interior, a/ c,alloys,only 45 k superb!

WAS 5,995€ NOW 4,995€ 2007 ford focus 1.6 trend 5 door, silver with grey trim, A/C, C/D WAS 6,995€ NOW 4,995€ 2005 MAZDA 6 ts2 2.0, 5 door hatch, blue met, with black trim, climate, alloys, cruise, BOSE hi-fi

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2004 PEUGEOT 307 cc,coupe/ convertible, 2.0 AUTOMATIC. silver with black leather trim. 1 owner. FSH

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2004 RENAULT SCENIC 1.9 DCI diesel dynamique, silver met, alloys, climate, C/D etc low kms 4,995€ 2008 TOYOTA AYGO 1.0 VVTI 5 dr hatch, black metallic with grey trim. A/c c/ d only 14k as new 4,995€ 1998 MERCEDES SLK 230k AUTOMATIC CONVERTIBLE. Electric blue met. With two -tone leather. electric roof, a/c alloys. 1 owner, FSH €3995.

2002 RENAULT scenic 1.9 dci,diesel,met, blue with half leather, alloys a/c, 3,495€

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* AUTO * SEAT IBIZA 1.9 SDI STELLA “2005” 4995 €

NISSAN TIIDA 1.6i ACCENTA + “2009” 8995 €

* AUTO *

CHEVROLET AVEO 1.4i LS “2009” 6995 € * AUTO *

SKODA FABIA 1.4 TDI COMBI “2008” 8995 €

FORD MONDEO EST 2.0TDCi TREND AUTO “2008” 10995 €

SKODA OCTAVIA COMBI 1.9 TDI AUTO “2007” 10995 €

OPEL ASTRA 1.9CDTi COSMO AUTO “2008” 9995 €

MAZDA “6” 2.0i ACTIVE - NEW SHAPE “2008” 11995 €

RENAULT NEW GRAND SCENIC 1.5 DCI “2009” 12995 €

OPEL CORSA 1.3CDTi ENJOY “2008” 7995 €

* EX DEMO * FORD FOCUS EST 1.6i GHIA “2002” 3995 €

PEUGEOT 308 1.6i 16v CONFORT “2010” 10995 €

* OFFER *

* 20,000kms

FORD FOCUS EST 1.6i 16v TREND+ “2009” 7995 €

HYUNDAI MATRIX 1.5CRDi GLS “2005” 5995 €

OPEL ASTRA 1.7CDTi ENJOY “2008 8995 €

LAND ROVER FREELANDER SPORT 2.0 TD4 “2006” 9995 €

*

OPEL CORSA 1.2i SILVERLINE “2004” 4500 €

CHEVROLET MATIZ 800 SE “2006” 3500 €

TOYOTA RAV 4, 2.2 D4D ECO ACTIVE “2009” 15995 €

HYUNDAI TUCSON 2.0 CRDi 1 OWNER “2007” 9995 € *45000kms

* AUTO *

* AUTO * NISSAN MICRA 1.2i VISIA “2010” RENAULT MEGANE EST 1.9 DTi “2001* 7995 € 2995 €

* SAT NAV *

* AUTO*

PEUGEOT 207 CC CABRIO 1.6i AUTO - LEATHER “2008” 10995 €

FORD FOCUS 1.6i 16v AUTO TREND+ “2010” 9995 €

* AUTO *

RENAULT LAGUNA EST 2.0 DCi AUTO PRIVILEGE “2008”..11995 €

RENAULT LAGUNA DCi TOM TOM - HI SPEC “2010” 12995 €

VW GOLF 1.6i AUTO “2000” 3995 €

OPEL ASTRA 1.7 CDTI ENJOY “2008” 8995 €

OPEL NEW ASTRA 1.7 CDTi ENJOY “2010” 11995 €

MAZDA 3 1.6i ACTIVE “2008” 8995 €

FORD FOCUS 1.6 TDCI TREND + “2008” 8995 €

FORD FIESTA 1.4TDCi TREND “2006” 5995 €

FORD FOCUS 1.6i 16v TREND+ “2010” 9500 €

KIA CERATO 1.6i GLX SEDAN “2005” 5995 €

NISSAN QASHQAI 2.00 DCi TEKNA “2009” 16995 €

PEUGEOT PARTNER 16 HDi TOTEM COMBI “2008” 7995 €

1.4TDCi TREND “2003” 3995 €

SEAT ALTEA 1.9 TDi STYLANCE “2005” 6995 €

AUDI TT ROADSTER 1.8T CABRIO 163BHP “2006” 13995 €

* AUTO *

TOYOTA YARIS 1.4 D4D LUNA “2006” 4995 €

* AUTO *

RENAULT MEGANE EST 1.6i AUTO NISSAN QASHQAI 2.0 DCi AUTO 4X4 “2009” 18995 € LUXE- GPS- ROOF “2007” 8995 €

* AUTO *

* 1 OWNER*

* HI SPEC * ALFA ROMEO 147 1.9JTD DISTINCTIVE “2008’ 8995 €

HYUNDAI I30 1.6 CRDi CONFORT “2011”...10995 €

FIAT BRAVO 1.6 JTD ACTIVE “2009” 8995 €

FORD FOCUS 1.6i 16v AUTO TREND + “2010” 9995 €

SKODA FABIA 1.2i YOUNG “2010” 7995 €

FORD FOCUS EST 2.0 TDCi TREND + “2009” 9995 €

62

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

andrew james is... The Man in the Middle Sponsored by “The Three Lions” (Carrer de Manuel de Falla, Albir)

The Best Footy Bar on the Costa Blanca; Showing Every Game, Every Week!

Mourinho on the Move?

Following their dismal draw with Espanyol last week, Real Madrid find themselves thirteen points adrift of Barcelona in the title race, and it’s now almost certain that they’ll part company with manager Jose Mourinho in summer.

Regardless of his recent struggles though, the Special One won’t be short of offers the second he becomes available.

There are some big teams willing to spend big money at the moment, and I’m certain the likes of Paris Saint Germain and Anzhi Makhachkala will be giving his agent a bell but, for me, Mourinho will end up back in England. He may be no angel, but he is a winner, and he guarantees trophies.

That’s what makes him such hot property.

The Manchester clubs have been heavily linked with the charismatic (yet at times abrasive) character and you can’t rule Chelsea out of the equation either (even though Roman Abramovich gave him the boot in 2007), but what about Arsenal for an outside bet?

Well, City manager, Roberto Mancini, may have brought the FA Cup and Premier League title to the Etihad in the last two years, and may win both again this term, but the Italian’s failings in the Champions League may force the owners to act in the summer.

Interestingly, Mourinho’s old nemesis Pep Guardiola will also be on the market but while Guardiola won the European Cup (twice) with one of the finest club teams in history, former Porto chief Mourinho has a history of turning underdogs into champions on the European

stage. On the other side of Manchester, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho have grown close over the years and Fergie would love to hand the baton over to the Special One. After all, it will take someone special to follow in Fergie’s footsteps. But when will Fergie retire? Mourinho isn’t going to wait for this job forever. He could easily build on the foundations laid down by Fergie and bring trophies to Old Trafford but Jose doesn’t have a reputation for blooding youngsters which may not sit well with United fans.

Over at Stamford Bridge, everyone assumes the chairman is doing all he can to lure the previously mentioned Guardiola but would the former Barca boss go there when he knows he could be sacked after just one poor result? The little Spaniard wants and needs stability in order to implement his philosophy.

So could Abramovich go back - cap in hand to Mourinho? Stranger things have happened in football. Just look at Roman’s decision to hire Rafa Benitez!

Up in North London, Arsenal may still be in the running for four trophies this year, but I wouldn’t say they’re likely to win any of them.

Wenger appears to be on borrowed time with the Emirates faithful and failure to qualify for next year’s Champions League will seal his fate. Mourinho could win trophies there

but Arsenal fans like their football played a certain way (ironically the way Wenger taught them!) and Jose’s more of a “win at any cost” kind of guy so I’m not sure that would work. Plus, Jose likes to spend a few quid which isn’t exactly the Arsenal way either!

If I were a betting man, my money would be on Man City. Arsenal couldn’t afford him (in wages or transfer kitty), I don’t think he’d go back to Chelsea and I can’t see Fergie retiring at the end of the season. One thing’s for sure though, wherever Mourinho ends up, trophies will surely follow and Madrid will live to regret their decision.

This Week in “The Lions”: Sat 22nd Dec: Wigan v Arsenal (1.45pm) Man City v Reading (4pm) Spurs v Stoke (4pm) Liverpool v Fulham (6.30pm) Sun 23rd Dec: Swansea v Man United (2.30pm) Chelsea v Aston Villa (5pm) Plus Every Game Over The Festive Period!

“Villamartin Satellites have given us an excellent TV system, the service and advice we received has been very good, a great team of people.”

We went for a system that could supply all 92 properties on our community; we started by having a EGM giving people options and finally we chose Villamartin Satellites for the package they offered. This was quite a long process trying to meet all people’s needs and I would suggest that people ask a lot of questions to make sure you get what you need.

Before getting an agreement from the community we needed to look at where the dish would be located, what civil works need to be done (i.e.) do we need to put cables across a road, also the type of cable and boosting equipment to give us the best signal in all areas. We wanted just one dish so went for a 3.2metre dish, this was done after agreement with our community at the EGM, it means that the skyline is not littered by dozens of small dishes.

Guarantees on equipment including boxes and after sales service need to be discussed. We are satisfied that Villamartin Satellite meets this arrangement. The TV boxes offered cover basic FREESAT to HD Sky packages; this covers the need for the rental and residents that are here permanently.

A good all round package that our community own at a reasonable price which included fibre optic cabling.

John Parker

Community Committee Member

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

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Andy Kay

Hearts are broken by UK Sport’s tough love ‘UK Sport, London 2012, Seb Coe legacy?

Gave everything and more because I believed your promises – false’.

The Final Whistle

THAT’S A tweet from Maria Bertelli who in London this summer was part of the first ever British volleyball team to play at an Olympic Games. Her anger follows the announcement from UK Sport that volleyball is to lose all of its national lottery and government funding ahead of Rio 2016 along with basketball, handball, table tennis and wrestling.

On one hand, it’s hard to argue with the payouts as directed by the UK Sport chair Sue Campbell. Tough love has worked. Sixteen years ago, Team GB sent more than 300 athletes to the Atlanta Games and came back with just 1 gold medal. This summer, only the USA and China bettered the Team GB medal total. The payouts are based on medal achievement and potential which brings us to the alternative argument which is this: How on earth is a GB team or sport ever going to become a medal candidate without any funding? UK Sport points out that it wants smaller sports to grow from the grass roots up and also, that in the past, hockey and gymnastics have both had their funding cut but have bounced back with the latter unearthing such stars as Beth Tweddle and Louis Smith. I can completely understand how UK Sport has reached its decisions. They need to produce medallists in 2016 and beyond otherwise questions will be asked of their stewardship of public funds. Counter that though with the views of the British public who

made basketball and handball two of the biggest hits of the London Games. So, is there a compromise that has been overlooked? Well, let me suggest one. Eighteen able bodied sports receive £3 million or more. A cut of just £200,000 each (which to rowing, for example, would be around 0.6%) would create a fund of approaching £4 million which would surely be enough to employ a few full time handball and volleyball coaches as well as provide some level of support to the players.

Most commentators and pundits agree with the current system and why not as we all enjoyed the Team GB medal rush in London.

However, the watch word from London 2012 was ‘legacy’ and right now, it’s difficult to see what kind of legacy the Games have delivered to the likes of GB handball captain Bobby White. Quoted recently, he said “Clearly they don’t want us – it feels like we’re the member of the family that everyone hates. We’ve got a small amount of grassroots funding but now, with the possibility of there being no national team and no real possibility of a team at Rio, what would kids getting into the sport aspire to? Why would they play handball?” He may not have a medal-winning team but it’s hard to argue that he hasn’t got a point.

Fishing Maggots End by

David Hoare 968 199 279

For further details ring Alan Roscoe 968 570 876 or email: anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk

THIS WEEK was the 7th match in the Winter Championship. The venue was, as the day before, the Embalse de Pedrera. After yesterday’s match the pegging was put on the opposite point in deeper water.

This certainly increased the catch rate as of the 14 anglers who fished there were only six blanks! The majority of anglers had some 8-10 feet of water, and some, like me, had 18 feet.

The morning saw only one fish caught but as the day warmed up so did the fishing (thank goodness).

Weather wise it was cold in the morning with temperatures just starting to get into double figures but as the day progressed and the wind dropped it was down to shirt sleeves...

TOP RODS ON THE DAY 1st Ian (Irish Wizard) Dalzell fishing the feeder and using pellet with 7.80 kilos 2nd Bill (The Master) Reade fishing the feeder using pellet with 5.38 kilos 3rd Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare fishing the feeder using maggot with 5.36 kilos

PLEASE NOTE The club has some vacancies at present: if you are interested in joining please contact Derek Swann on 96 672 9293 or 603 535 771.

Also the Murcia Federation dues are now required: money to be paid to Derek or Sue Swann urgently.

ABBEY ANGLING RESULTS supplied

by Terry Screen This week’s open match on 11th December was held at the Embalsa de Pedrera. It was a cold day with a sharp breeze and although they are now pumping water in once again the levels seem to be holding at present.

The fishing was very hard on the day with only four anglers catching and they had a total of five fish between them with the other ten anglers’ dry netting.

1st Terry (Swing ‘Em) Screen with two fish for 2.750kg fishing the method using maggot and pellet

FC Torry news

Another defeat for Torry last Sunday which makes it 3 losses on the trot and their slide down the table continues. Torry lost to CD Llosa who came for a point and went away with all three after a goal-keeping error

by Manolo presented then with a scoring opportunity which they gladly took. Torry had the bulk of possession and territorial advantage and a few near misses but they couldn’t find the net. On Sunday Torry travel to Valencia to play Ribarroja CF. Lets hope it marks a change in fortune for Torry before the christmas break. The Managers position must now be under threat and also the continuance on the books of some of the players. Things need to be freshened up in January if possible. The problem is the country is bust and Torry and most other football clubs have lttle or no money. Its a wait and see situation but the survival of the football club is the most important, win or lose.

2nd Bill (The Master) Reade with 2.340kg fishing the feeder and using pellet 3rd Dave (Yours Truly) Hoare with 2.080kg fishing the Feeder and using pellet All details are available on www.abbeyangling.com or from the match secretary Terry Screen on 96 532 8368.

Anglers Together THE OBJECTIVE of Anglers Together was to introduce anglers to each other, who otherwise had no one to fish with or didn’t know where to fish.

It was successful in bringing together many anglers who established friendships and which continue to this day.

No meetings are held now but information is still available through our email address; anglerstogether@hotmail.co.uk.

Triumph in 2nd League Event THE SECOND Infantil, Junior and Absolute Competition took place this weekend over two days in the Municipal Pool, Petrer.

Eight regional swimming clubs met with 190 swimmers competing. On Saturday four Torrevieja swimmers gained two 1st places and two 3rd places in their age categories.

Konstantin Badminov swam 50 freestyle in 29:12 seconds: a new PB coming 3rd in his age group. Piroska Rideg followed with 100m butterfly coming 1st in her age group with a new PB of 1:21:80. Ruth Brassington knocked a massive 8 seconds of her previous time coming 1st in her age group with a time of 3:20:73. Finally, for the day Yuriy Lymar came 3rd in 200m breaststroke with a new PB of 2:19:43.

Sunday Torrevieja swimmers returned to Petrer with 5 of the clubs’ members, Ruth Brassington swimming first with 100m freestyle, earning 5th place and a new best time of 1:11:67; Konstantin back with another 5th place in the 100m freestyle and a new PB 1:06:51; Louise Brassington lengthened the distance with a great 400m freestyle swim coming 1st in her age and a new PB of 6:05:81. Finally, Piroska Rideg swam two races throughout the morning winning two 1st places in 200m backstroke with 2:44:15 and 100m Medley with 1:17:78: once again both new personal bests for Piroska.

All the clubs’ swimmers put everything into the two days races and earned just rewards: well done to all.

For more information regarding Torrevieja Swimming Club please contact Rosa 665 454 126 or President Felipe on 609 418 776 or via email on info@clubnataciontorrevieja.com

Lloyds Bank International sponsor the La Manga Club Annual Owners Golf Tournament

THE OWNERS Golf Tournament at La Manga Club is one of the highlights of their golfing calendar and Lloyds Bank International in Los Alcázares sponsored it for the second year running.

The tournament was held over a week with some fantastic golf played and enjoyed despite some very mixed weather conditions!

Lloyds Bank was there to provide golfing goodies to all of the players and to offer support.

The finale of the event was a grand dinner and awards ceremony held at the Principe Felipe Hotel.

Lloyds Bank International’s Paul Lister, Regional Sales Director; Mariví Garcia, Manager; and Joanne Newman, Financial Services Advisor, both of the Los Alcázares office, were on hand to present the prizes to the winners.

The Overall Ladies’ Champion was Sue Letby, Overall Men’s Champion John Rodenhurst, and Andrew and Linda Fullerton-Batten were the Pairs’ Champions.

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21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

We can all learn from this Noel’s world of golf

By Noel Eastwell Teaching Professional Alicante Golf 639 730 891

AS IT is nearly Christmas rather than deal with local golf issues I thought I would relay a funny story told to me a couple of weeks ago.

The story centres around Royal Liverpool Golf Club also known as Hoylake in 1907 and was told to me by a former Captain of the club with whom I had the pleasure of playing golf a couple of weeks ago.

The Milligan St Andrew’s Golf Cross Competition is a medal competition played each November and is one that is keenly fought over by the members. In November 1906 all were looking forward to a great day’s golf only to awaken to a foggy morning. Nearly 100 members entered but only a few brave souls arrived at the club because of the weather which was forecast to last all day. The majority of those who made it to the course lived close by and therefore not hampered too much by the weather.

One member was Johnny Ball who won The British Amateur Championship eight times before his career was over, which would accompany his sixth place finish in The Open of 1890 which he accomplished at the age of 15. He was at the club that day and was

as disappointed as any at the weather. As would be expected there was plenty of banter in the clubhouse after the competition had been cancelled.

As in many a club people bragged they knew the course so well that they could play it blindfolded.

The banter continued to the point where Ball was challenged that he could not go round the course in the fog and break 90 in less than two and a quarter hours and not lose a ball. Ball rose to the challenge and went round using a black golf ball and with time to spare, he shot 81.

The competition proper was held one week later and the best score was a tie by three players with 82 in near perfect conditions. Incredible considering what happened one week earlier.

So the question is; do we look too much at the hazards when we see them instead of the target?

Worth thinking about I think do you?

Have a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

WIN A DOZEN SRIXON GOLF BALLS 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 21ST DECEMBER 2012 In which country did the 2013 European Tour season start?

All answers must be received no later than 5pm on 31st December 2012 to be entered into December’s draw, to be made on 2nd January 2013. The winner will be announced in RTN on 4th January 2013. To collect your prize you will have to come along to an RTN Golf Club day or meet with Noel Eastwell.

Any questions you have for Noel should be sent to golf@roundtownnews.com - Free golf lesson for all new RTN Golf members! Sign up now, limited offer

The RTN Club Scene

THE 2012 RTN Golf League was a stunning success as can be seen elsewhere in this week’s RTN. Our 2013 season starts at Alicante Golf on January 8th where we will play our new format for the first time.

In 2013 we will have The Premier League for those who are members of RFEG and The Championship League for those who are not members of RFEG but still want to play competitive golf.

The coming year will also see us play weekly golf at Alicante Golf where RTN Golf Club Members will get a special deal exclusive to members of Spain’s top golf club. Details will be announced in RTN in our next issue on 31st December. Our weekly meetings will include a 2’s competition where all who contribute to the 2’s pot and get a two on a par three will share the cash pot: when there is no winner the pot will roll over until we get a winner.

Different to the way we operated last year, all winners will receive their prizes at the end of the game once all scores have been verified. The prizes we give away will be all golf related so we won’t have any cheap bottle of brandy or similar to give to you to clutter up the house forever gathering dust. All handicap adjustments will be made by us or RFEG in accordance with European Golf Association rules.

Our Club Championship will continue to be the highlight of our season and will be that last game we play at the end of the season as in 2012.

During the year only one game per month will be considered for the RTN Golf Leagues of 2013 and these will be the games held on the second Tuesday of each month. These meetings will be held at various golf courses in and around the Alicante area where we can obtain good deals from golf clubs that provide value for money in their green fee prices.

We start the new season with a clean slate and urge RTN Golf Club members to enter their names now for the new league season and our first game at Alicante Golf.

Please send your entries to golf@roundtownnews.com and include your names and handicaps.

GOLFING TIP OF THE WEEK Even the best golfers have coaches: if you want to play your best lessons are important.

NOEL EASTWELL GOLF ACADEMY Quality coaching at reduced rates for RTN Golf Club members held at Alicante Golf: contact Noel on 639 730 891.

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Tel: 966 774 199 / 678 080 500 www.pristineswimmingpools.com Torrevieja and surrounding areas plus Costa Calida

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21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

See our editorial on Page 27 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - COSTA BLANCA Confidential Helpline, South 625 912 078, North 648 169 045. www.aacostablanca.org.

BOATING LICENSES NOW LEGAL REQUIREMENT IN SPAIN. Serenity Sailing RYA Training Centre, Competent Crew to Yachtmaster, VHF & ICC. Own-boat tuition on sail and power. If you have a yacht or powerboat get qualified and certified. Contact Richard 0034 638 056 224. enquiries@ serenitysailing.com www. serenitysailing.com

PROTECTAPET Spains leading pet insurance provider. www. protectapet.eu tel: 965 756 371 SMALL DOGS CARED FOR IN OUR OWN HOME So if you need to go away on holiday but don’t want your dog to go into kennels then we will look after them. References available. Tel: 965843781 Mob: 622514980 TRANS-PET We do regular, door-to-door journeys between the Costa Blanca and the UK.Our aim is to provide a professional, caring service for your pets.Boarding facilities for Cats and Dogs. This may be for an overnight stay or of longer durations.Tel:600-552-030/965960-658 www.trans-pet.co.uk

JR CONSTRUCTION General Builders and Roofers Tel: 634 617 771 www. jrconstructioncostablanca.com A.D.LAWTON CONSTRUCCIONES Digger hire, Ground-works, Excavation and Demolition. www. adlawtonconstrucciones.com.

Tel:648 052 911 or 965 770 798

EXCELLENT EX-PAT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY A well loved & respected local “Brit Bar” with loyal cliental, Genuine personal reasons forces a regrettable sale. A bargain for those with the necessary ability call 629 643 143 EXCELLENT RECESSION PROOF BUSINESS with no overheads! 20 Pringle Vending Machines € 19.900,--. Set up with guaranteed sites. All areas.

Great cash income! For more info call: 600608138

ADRIA 4 BIRTH CARAVAN Spanish plated, Electric mover.

Full a/c many extras 5900€ ono Tel 663 536 717

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21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

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

LAPTOP FOR SALE HP LAPTOP WINDOWS XP DVD DRIVE CLEAN HARD DRIVE CHARGER 100.00 EUR TORREVIEJA TEL 693 956 707 BYTEBACK MICROS computer repairs/upgrades in your home.

Qualified technician. Systems custom built. Whatever your problem call: 965-312-006 or 606-127-424

hours 10:00 - 15:00 Monday to Friday with 4 weeks paid leave + Local and National fiesta days.

Previous cold calling experience a distinct advantage. If you have experience of working in a target driven and team environment we would like to hear from you.

Immediate starts available.

Please call Lee on 602 526 748 for more information and to arrange an interview.

C/Marques de Campos 27, 1st Floor, 2nd left. To book an appointment call: 653 522 052

LA BAMBA’S - BALLROOM / LATIN / SEQUENCE Los Rosales Restaurant, Guardamar CV895 [near Lemon Tree Sunday Market] Monday - Social Dance 8.30pm - 10.00pm [Sequence class 7.30pm 8.30pm] Friday - Social Dance 7.30pm - 10.00pm Wednesday - New Beginners Class 2pm 3pm Improvers Class 3pm - 4pm Intermediate Class 4pm - 5pm For more information contact Andrea and Brian 616 478 157 FUNKY FREESTYLE DANCE with Louise, every Saturday morning at Villamar Campsite in Albir/Benidorm, come and learn all the moves and routines to your pop idols! Call Louise on 655-781-068 for more information!

MR FIXIT For all your electrical, Plumbing, General & Appliance & Boiler repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434 REPAIRS Washing machines, Dishwashers & Dryers. Also Boilers and any electrical problems. 24hours. Cheap prices Tel 626 805 709

OUTBOUND CALL CENTRE OPERATORS part time contracted position. Staff required for new outbound call centre based in Javea with well-established company. This is a salaried position working

BEAUTY BED Fold up beauty bed for sale. Benidorm area 40€ ono 691 88 19 56

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE for your home or business at a fair price. Try us out so we can prove how good we are, book 2 hours and only pay for 1 on your first booking. References available. (Altea area) Tel: 965843781 or 622514980

GP IN DENIA TRAINED IN UK Dr Pablo Parrondo General Practioner. Trained in the UK. Highly experienced in Diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases and pain relief. Consultation in Denia,

S.O.S. INSURANCE Car-HomeHealth-Comercial. Funeral Plans and Insurance. Tlf:-966-787123/622-275-561/686-116-297

BEAUTY BED Fold up beauty bed for sale. Benidorm area 40€ ono 691 88 19 56 LAPTOP FOR SALE HP LAPTOP WINDOWS XP DVD DRIVE CLEAN HARD DRIVE

CHARGER 100.00 EUR TORREVIEJA TEL 693 956 707 STAMPS FOR SALE GB. mint, singles, sets, presentation packs. Ireland. mint, singles, year issues, FDC, MS all at reasonable prices.(Benidorm and surrounding areas) Tel: 610 634 506 SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS We buy, sell and exchange just about anything at Spain’s BIGGEST CHARITY WAREHOUSE in Gata de Gorgos in aid of S.P.A.I.N. (Society for the Protection of Animals in Need). HOUSE CLEARANCES, furniture, beds, Rastro, Antiques & collectables, bankrupt stock etc. Collection & delivery service available. Tel 96 575 6215 or 665 653 998 for details.

AT MICHAEL’S part exchange on certain beds when you buy a New bed from our New Bed shop in the Arenal. Photos: www. michaels-javea.com AT MICHAEL’S Several bed settees in stock + bunk beds in wood or metal. See more than 600 photos on: www.michaelsjavea.com AT MICHAEL’S we specialize on very high quality pre-owned furniture for half price or less. www.michaels-javea.com Tel 96-579 1328 AT MICHAEL’S Now 23 different quality dining sets to choose from. Wall units sideboards etc.

See photos on: www.michaelsjavea.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.

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

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

ADVICE WITH THE SPANISH SYSTEM Whatever you need to integrate into the spanish system, we can help you. NIE, residencia, empadronamiento, car import transfer, driving license transfer, schools, doctors, social security.(Benidorm and surrounding areas) Tel: 619 269 408 email: pammcmurchie@ hotmail.com ADVISORY SERVICE Need advice on making a will, buying or selling property, tax, resident or non resident, starting a business in spain, we can talk you through and give you the best advice and help you settle in spain. (Benidorm and surrounding areas) Tel: 610 634 506

Excellent condition throughout.

One owner. 14995€ www. venuscars.com 965 368 274 VOLKSWAGEN POLO 2004, 1.9 Ltr TDI diesel, Highline, 3 door Hatch, pearlised black with full beige leather interior, Spanish LHD, one lady owner, full main dealer history, excellent condition throughout, lots of extras, 6995€ www.venuscars. com 965 368 274 MONCAYO LIBERTY 4 campervan,2005, 3 berth , Spanish LHD, fixed rear end bed, 2.8 Ltr diesel, one owner, FSH, 22495€ www.venuscars. com 965 368 274 PEUGEOT 307 CC 2004, UK, RHD, hard top convertible, Nov 2004 ,Gris Aluminium. 80000 miles with FSH. Outstanding condition .Tax until end March 2013 and Mot until July 2013. All round electric windows, climate control, alloys & CD player.

4995€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 TOYOTA RAV 4 2.2 D4-D, DCAT,2008 Premium Cross Sport, 4 wheel drive ,one owner, Spanish LHD only 25000 Klm. Silver with full black leather, cruise control, automatic duel zone climate control, all round electric windows, rear privacy glass, auto lights, rain sensors, heated electric drivers seat and keyless entry. 16995€ www. venuscars.com 965 368 274

good Fiat Linea saloon car 2 1/2 years 76K Kim’s 74k guarantee 2 1/2 years left. Diesel auto, great car to drive Call 966 763 954 Or 626 700 365 ONE WAY VEHICLE DELIVERY Spain - Uk - Spain Tel 671 797 151 Or 0044 2380 66 8000 onewayvehicledelivery@ hotmail.com

WANTED I BUY ANY CAR van,Caravan,4x4 Etc.British, Spanish. Immediate cash 600781-873 ibuyanycar@hotmail. com SEAT IBIZA 2002 1.4 petrol. ITV until aug 2013. Fair condition.

1100€ includes transfer. Tel 965 702 478 or 686 851 998 ADRIA 4 BIRTH CARAVAN Spanish plated. Electic mover. full a/c and many extras. 5900€ ono Tel 663 536 717 I AM GOING BACK TO THE U K and have a very good car to exchange for a UK Reg car. Very

CITROEN XSARA PICASSO EXCLUSIVE 1.6 HDi diesel in Iron Grey Metallic. Spanish LHD. One owner from new .Full main dealer history. It is in excellent condition throughout .Climate control, CD player, all round electric windows, parking sensors, alloy wheels, automatic lights and rain sensors. 10495€ www.venuscars.com 965 368 274 NISSAN JUKE 2012 1.5 DCi Diesel, SUV supermini crossover in White Pearl. Spanish LHD. Climate control, cruise control, cd player and electric windows.

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

MALE 49, ATTRACTIVE, INTELLIGENT Easy Going, Single by Choice and without Ulterior Motives seeks Females 35-50 for friendship and fun. If interested please contact me JP at jpmcg64@gmail.com or on 606268241 ALBIR/BENIDORM 2 new nice friends. 30 & 35 slim. Prostate massage and all fantasies.

European. opposite Deutsche Bank 602 442 932 CINDY IS BACK 36, wounderful body for all your´re fantasies.

La Zenia. Close to consum supermarket. 600 784 461 ASHLEY- 29 ENGLISH/MIXED RACE- Absolutley stunnning, near Torrevieja Hospital, 665 883 576 THE BLUE PILL NOW EVEN BETTER. From €2, other products available. Don’t miss out. Derek 685 207 378 BLUE PILLS, JELLIES AND WEEKENDERS to improve your love life. Pay on Delivery. Local and nationwide service. www. costablues.com or phone Colin 680878735 CABO ROIG Denise, 28 beautiful european friend.

Wounderful attention to all your fantasies. (opposite Bar Med) www.sensualspain.net 672 872 050

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21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

LOOKING FOR COMPANY? Do you want to explore your sexual fantasies with beautiful Brazilian and Oriental ladies? 24 hours, hotel or home visit Telephone 689526354 PLEASURE HOUSE TORREVIEJA Sexy girls from South America. Come and enjoy, low rates from 40€. Address: Calle Finlandia. 682-776-068 SPANISH LADY PLAYA

FLAMENCA near new Carrefour before La Florida. 35 years, attractive, classy lady, private house, parking. Offers all erotic services, massage, sexy lingerie, economical prices from 40€. Full discretion. Call Ana 680-735-412 CASA ANGELA TORREVIEJA Luxury Private Chalet, parking.

Drinks invitation. Feeling alone?

Just want some company?

Exotic girls from South America.

Call us, come and enjoy! Also Escort Service. Full discretion.

Street: Avenida Asociacion Vistimas del Terrorismo. 609573-468 or 639-832-118

ph regulators and accessories supplied and installed. All work guaranteed. British trained in the UK pool industry with over 18 years experience. 10 years served on the Costa Blanca.

Torrevieja and surrounding areas including Costa Calida.

Tlf:- Pristine Pools on 966774-199 or 678-080-500 www. pristineswimmingpools.com NO CALLOUT CHARGE SWIMMING POOL MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING SERVICE BY POOLTECHSPAIN. We are a fully legal, qualified and registered business who have been operating on the Costa Blanca for 6 years. We offer a professional, reliable, safe and efficient pool service, inc. re-grouting, pressure testing and leak repairs. Private and community swimming pools undertaken. Call now for more information on 965-725-565 or mobile 676-945-360/ 620-743048 www.pooltechspain.com

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

SHOWERMAN fits shower and bath screens of all shapes and sizes. Immediate delivery.

Unbeatable prices guaranteed.

Best service in Spain 639 292 081 or 965 792 285 see our main advert on page 5 MR FIXIT For all your electrical, Plumbing, General & appliance & Bolier repairs. No call out charge. 698 320 434

POOL LEAK REPAIR SPECIALIST’S Pipe leaks pressure tested, detected and repaired. Structural leaks investigated and repaired.

Professional, consciencious service to the highest standards.

Refurbishments and upgrades undertaken. Replacement pumps, filters, salt systems,

FOR SALE a 4 bed villa in Balcon al Mar, Javea for 259,000€ AVS 3092 Tel: 965 796 311 REDUCED FOR SALE a 3 bed, 2 bath villa in La Guardia, Javea for 298,000€ AVS 1978 Tel: 965 796 311 SUPERB RESTORED FINCA If you are seriously looking for a Finca, Set in a fabalous location. Within 10km of Benisa. Call 626 897 04. www.

fincawithlandforsale.moonfruit. com SELLING YOUR HOUSE? Sold your house? Moving funds back to the UK? Don’t let your Spanish Bank take up to 1% of your sale price, Talk to MoneyCorp now about how to save up to 4,500€* Moneycorp’s repatriation service can help you drastically reduce or even eliminate Spanish bank fees when sending your property sale proceeds back to the UK. Call Moneycorp +34 902 887 243 and quote RTN to get more out of your money. www.moneycorp. com/roundtownnews ALFAS FAMILY HOUSE 4 beds, 2 baths. Central heating.

Open fire, Fully furniished.

Double garage. 300 mtrs supermarket pharmacy and bus stops. 280.00€ Details www. villasanrafael.eu to view 966 814 520 QUAD BUNGALOW in excellent condition, air conditioning, alarmed, swimming pool in secure urbanization. Part furnished, very good price. Tel: 638 267 124 BUSOT, SPACIOUS DETACHED delightful lounge, kitchen, laundry, 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, hallway, 900m plot, pool 9x4.5metres, 250000€ Tel: 965 699 075 TOWNHOUSE IN ALBAIDA 3 floors, 4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms.2 Kitchen and living room completely reformed. Small patio at the rear. Also has a cellar. Reduced to 60.000€ Call 646 118 837 FOR SALE OR RENT Classic Spanish old townhouse. 3 double bedrooms (1 en suite) Family bathroom, downstairs cloakroom.

New kitchen. Large living room/ diner. Terrace with bbq, sun terrace with view of mountains.

Recently refurbished. Fully furnished Callosa d¨en Sarria 400€ p/m Or 100.000€ Tel 609 177 032 3 BED APARTMENT ALTEA LA VELLA 110m squared, 3 double bedrooms - 2 with patio doors and balconies and mountain views, 1 bathroom, 1 shower room, separate fully fitted kitchen, large living room with 2 patio doors onto large terrace with mountain views and open views onto orange groves, large trastero and private parking space. Central village location. 1 min walk to supermarket, bars, restaurants, pharmacy, bus stop.

2 mins to AP7 motorway. Private sale. 170,000€. Tel: 617 893 036 or email: girlinspain@gmail.com MOBILE/PARK HOMES ON CAMPING PUEBLO IN SAN JAVIER FROM 17,000E CAROL 96 819 24 25 MOB 626 055 622 www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com

AVAILABLE TO RENT a 2 bed apartment in Port area Javea for 450€ pcm, Javea AVR 2190 Tel: 965 796 311 AVAILABLE TO RENT a lovely 3 bed villa in Costa Nova Javea for 1350€ pcm AVR 3064 Tel: 965 796 311 AVAILABLE TO RENT a 4 bed apartment in Port area Javea for 750€ pcm, Javea AVR 2190 Tel: 965 796 311 LONG LETS - HOLIDAYS Best Price Rentals Paul 966785891 659647616 miramarproperties@ yahoo.co.uk www. miramarholidays.com 2 OR 3 BED / 2 BATH APARTMENTS in San Miguel.

Lift, communal rooftop pool & solarium, video entry system.

Available for short or long term rent from 300pcm. 96 672 3437 or 636615716 PARK HOMES 2 BEDROOMS BOTH EN SUITE FULLY FITTED ON CAMPING PUEBLO

21st DEC 2012 - 3rd JAN 2013

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. WITH LOTS OF AMENETIES. FULLY FITTED. ON CAMPING PUEBLO . WITH LOTS OF AMENETIES. GOLF COURSES, BEACH, AIRPORT,HOSPITAL,5 MINS BY CAR. WALKING DISTANCE TO SAN JAVIER CAROL TEL 96 819 24 25 MOB. 626 055 6622 EMAIL. haydn47@hotmail.com www. mobilehomesmarmenorspain. com

CASH BUYER Looking for villa in Denia area. Quick completion possible. Send details and price to houseinnorthcostablanca@ gmail.com Register your property for FREE at www.rapidpropertysales.com and when we sell your property we will charge you absolutely nothing! The average time it takes us to sell a property is 8 weeks. Register now at www.rapidpropertysales.com – you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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

UKTV FOR ONLY 15€ PER MONTH Introducing a brand new English Satellite TV Service in HD. 150 English TV & Radio Channels. NO INSTALLATION CHARGE. NO MINIMUM CONTRACT. Option to add more channels. Call Iberswitch TV now for more details: 966 265 089

JACUZZI, HOT TUBS & SPAS Quaility American spas at factory prices. Also spares, filters and repairs. Used and ex display spas available. We part ex and buy spas, best prices.

Established 9 years in Spain.

Eurospas 650 722 905 www. eurospas1.com

BRITISH GRADUATE TEACHER offers Primary/ Secondary English Mathmatics.

Telephone Margaret Johnson B.Ed. 965-350-516 Mob: 616660-687

SKY SUPPLIES New Humax Foxsat 500gb, 2yr Warrenty 259e. Refurbished Sky+HD 500gb 99e. Full Sky (Sports/ Movies/Doumentaries/HD) from 15e/month. 1.4m Dish upgrade from 199e. Spare remotes/Repairs/Advice.

966194013/600899096.

CRYSTAL CLEAR SATELLITE AND INTERNET TV Freesat High Definition from 299€ on 1m dish. 12 months Sky package 200€ Steve 660 186 505 Ros 965 584 097 www.ccsattv.com info@ccsattv.com

WANTED SINGER Singer wanted to join a general covers band, playing music from the 60’s to present day. Applicant must be enthusiastic , reliable and a team player. We have gig’s waiting. If this is you please contact 661350963

WANTED Jet Skis and Quad Bikes. Call 650 722 905 JACUZZI, SPA & HOT TUBS WANTED Working or not. Call 650 722 905 I BUY RECORDS LP’S SINGLES AND CD’s ANY STYLE, JAZZ, BLUES, POP, PUNK, ROCK, ETC... TOP CASH PAID. 622 750 117 TURN YOUR UNWANTED FURNITURE Electrical, Household Goods and Brica-brac into Cash. Anything!

Anywhere! 965-319-220/ 618-165-877